Non-moving parts add/drop device
US7031060B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0035
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The instant invention provides an add/drop device including a wavelength filter, a quarter waveplate disposed on either side of the wavelength filter, and a polarizing beamsplitter disposed on either side of the quarter waveplates. Each polarizing beamsplitter has an input port and an output port for launching and receiving a beam of light having a known polarization. A polarization switch is optically coupled to each input/output port for selectably rotating the polarization of the input/output beams of light. Advantageously, the polarization switches, which work in cooperation with each other and the polarizing beam splitters, provide means for a non-moving parts add/drop device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.