Patent · US Expired

Compact optical multiplexer/demultiplexer

US6941072B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
7References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 16, 2001
Grant dateSep 6, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 24, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04J14/0219
  • WIPO fieldTelecommunications
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and demultiplexing of optical signals using optical filters in free space. To minimize dispersion, the present invention uses relatively small angles of incidence. To avoid the need for a large package, the present invention utilizes reflective prisms to steer the reflected beams to provide a lateral shift in the beam path that ensures that the necessary space is provided between the input/output ports. Devices including a single adjustable filter are disclosed, along with devices having a plurality of filters.

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