Tunable optical filter

US7035484B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Xtellus, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Yaron Silberberg · Plainsboro, US
• SeongWoo Suh · Mount Olive, US
• Gil Cohen · Jerusalem, IL

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 12, 2002
• Grant date: Apr 25, 2006
• Expiry date: Feb 20, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02F2203/12
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A tunable optical filter is provided that includes an array of independently tunable filter elements. Each of the elements is located along a different optical path that extends between an input and an output port. Optical assemblies for receiving an incident optical signal for providing a filtered optical signal are also provided. In one embodiment, polarization independent spectral filtering can be achieved. Wavelength selectable add/drop multiplexers and demultiplexers, dynamic gain equalizers and attenuators, optical channel blockers and branch filters, switches, and modulators are also provided. Furthermore, methods for constructing and operating filters consistent with this invention are also provided.