Patent · US Expired

Compact wavelength multiplexer-demultiplexer providing low polarization sensitivity

US6563977B1 · kind B1 · utility

20Cited by
53References
18Claims
0Family size

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Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 27, 2000
Grant dateMay 13, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 1, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/29397
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An optical multiplexing and demultiplexing device includes: a fiber mounting means for securing a plurality of optical fibers each terminating in a fiber end, at least one of the fiber ends radiating a corresponding input beam having a polarization state defined by a polarization plane that may vary as a function of time, and at least one of the fiber ends for receiving an output beam; collimating and focusing means having a focal length, and providing collimation of the input beams, and focusing of the output beams; diffraction means including at least one diffractive element providing for dispersion of optical beams passing therethrough, each diffractive element having an associated diffraction efficiency that varies as a function of the polarization state of light beams passing therethrough; and a polarization rotating means for rotating the plane of polarization of a beam passing therethrough by a specified number of degrees. The device provides for a particular input beam having a first polarization state to be diffracted by the diffractive elements in accordance with a first diffraction efficiency based on the first polarization state. The beam is then passed through the pola…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.