Diffractive optics assembly in an optical signal multiplexer/demultiplexer
First Claim
1. A diffractive optics system, comprising:
- a directing element that directs an inputted optical signal;
means for repeatedly transmitting and diffracting the directed optical signal into multiple channels of distinct wavelengths; and
a reflector that receives the multiple channels from the means for repeatedly transmitting and diffracting and reflects the multiple channels back toward the means for repeatedly transmitting and diffracting.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A diffractive optics system for wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing optical signals. The present system can be employed in multiplexers, demultiplexers, spectrum analyzers, and the like. In one embodiment, the diffractive optics system includes a waveguide array, a lens assembly, first and second diffractive optical elements (“DOEs”), and a reflector. In a demultiplexing operation, a multiplexed optical signal is input into the system via an input waveguide in the waveguide array. The signal is focused by the lens assembly, then transmitted through the first and second DOEs, where diffraction of the signal and separation of its constituent wavelength-distinct channels occurs. The channels are then reflected by the reflector back through the first and second DOEs, after which each channel is directed by the lens assembly to one of a plurality of output waveguides located in the waveguide array. A conversely similar process is followed for producing a multiplexed optical signal.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A diffractive optics system, comprising:
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a directing element that directs an inputted optical signal;
means for repeatedly transmitting and diffracting the directed optical signal into multiple channels of distinct wavelengths; and
a reflector that receives the multiple channels from the means for repeatedly transmitting and diffracting and reflects the multiple channels back toward the means for repeatedly transmitting and diffracting. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. In an optical device, a diffractive optics system, comprising:
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a waveguide array including an input fiber that directs an optical signal into the diffractive optics system;
a directing element that directs the optical signal;
a first diffractive optical element (“
DOE”
) positioned to perform a first diffraction of the optical signal;
a second DOE positioned in an angled configuration with respect to the first DOE to perform a second diffraction of the optical signal; and
a reflector positioned to reflect the twice-diffracted optical signal back toward the second DOE. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of demultiplexing an optical signal, comprising:
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directing a multiplexed optical signal along a predetermined path;
performing a first diffraction of the multiplexed optical signal to separate the multiplexed optical signal into a plurality of channels having distinct wavelengths;
performing a second diffraction to further disperse the plurality of channels;
reflecting the plurality of channels after the second diffraction; and
outputting the plurality of channels to a plurality of waveguides - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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25. A diffractive optics system capable of multiplexing and demultiplexing optical signals, comprising:
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a waveguide array including a plurality of fiber optic waveguides capable of carrying optical signals;
a lens assembly for directing optical signals;
a first transmissive diffraction grating positioned in series with the lens assembly;
a second transmissive diffraction grating positioned in series with the first transmissive diffraction grating; and
a reflector positioned in series with the second transmissive diffraction grating, the reflector enabling optical signals that have passed through the first and second transmissive diffraction gratings to be re-transmitted through the first and second transmissive diffraction gratings. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification