Optical wavelength router using reflective surfaces to direct output signals
US6594082B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/003
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical wavelength router utilizes a dispersive medium (e.g., a diffraction grating) and reflective surfaces. The dispersive medium separates an input optical signal (light beam) into a plurality of components, for example by wavelengths. The reflective surfaces convert the components into separate output beams traveling in the desired directions. The number and the direction of the output beams can be controlled by manipulating the angle of incidence at which the components strike the reflective surfaces. A micro-mirror array modulator serves as the reflective surfaces. Each mirror in the micro-mirror array modulator is positioned to direct individual components into a number of output signals. Alternatively, a polarization steering device which includes a polarization modulator and at least one birefringent element in addition to reflective surfaces is utilized. A Wollaston prism with a reflective surface may also be used.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.