Athermalization of a wavelength routing element
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A wavelength router, comprising:
- a base;
a fiber optic input and output component;
a routing array having a plurality of reflectors;
a routing array/input and output mount that mounts the routing array and the input and output component to the base;
a grating;
a grating mount that mounts the grating to the base at a location spaced apart from the input and output component and the routing array; and
at least one lens positioned between the grating and the routing array and between the grating and the input and output component through which signals are transmitted;
wherein the base, the routing array/input and output mount and the grating mount are configured to maintain a generally constant distance between the lens and the routing array/input and output mount and to orient the grating relative to the routing array such that signals reflected from the grating are pointed toward the routing array when the temperature of the wavelength router changes.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An athermalized wavelength router comprises a base, a fiber optic input and output component, a routing array having a plurality of reflectors and a routing array/input and output mount that mounts the routing array and the input and output component to the base. The router further includes a grating and a grating mount that mounts the grating to the base. A lens is positioned between the input and output component and the grating. The base, the routing array/input and output mount and the grating mount are configured to maintain a generally constant focal length and a pointing angle onto the routing array as the temperature of the router changes.
-
Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A wavelength router, comprising:
-
a base;
a fiber optic input and output component;
a routing array having a plurality of reflectors;
a routing array/input and output mount that mounts the routing array and the input and output component to the base;
a grating;
a grating mount that mounts the grating to the base at a location spaced apart from the input and output component and the routing array; and
at least one lens positioned between the grating and the routing array and between the grating and the input and output component through which signals are transmitted;
wherein the base, the routing array/input and output mount and the grating mount are configured to maintain a generally constant distance between the lens and the routing array/input and output mount and to orient the grating relative to the routing array such that signals reflected from the grating are pointed toward the routing array when the temperature of the wavelength router changes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
O=LM·
(CTEBP−
CTEM)+FL·
CTEBP.
-
6. A router as in claim 1, wherein the grating mount comprises a face to which the grating is mounted, and a pair of legs extending from the face, wherein one of the legs has a length L1, wherein the other leg has a length L2, and wherein L1 is greater than L2.
-
-
7. A wavelength router comprising:
-
a base;
a fiber optic input and output component;
a routing array having a plurality of reflectors;
a routing array/input and output mount that mounts the routing array and the input and output component to the base;
a grating operably coupled to the base at a location spaced apart from the input and output component and the routing array;
at least one lens positioned between the grating and the routing array and between the grating and the input and output component through which signals are transmitted;
wherein the base and the routing array/input and output mount are configured to maintain a generally constant distance between the lens and the routing array/input and output mount when the temperature of the wavelength router changes. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A wavelength router, comprising:
-
a base;
a fiber optic input and output component;
a routing array having a plurality of reflectors, wherein the fiber optic input and output component and the routing array are operably coupled to the base;
a grating;
a grating mount that mounts the grating to the base at a location spaced apart from the input and output component and the routing array; and
at least one lens positioned between the grating and the routing array and between the grating and the input and output component through which signals are transmitted;
wherein the base and the grating mount are configured to orient the grating relative to the routing array such that signals reflected from the grating are pointed toward the routing array when the temperature of the wavelength router changes. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
-
-
14. A method for routing signals, the method comprising:
-
providing a wavelength router comprising a base, a fiber optic input and output component, a routing array having a plurality of reflectors, a routing array/input and output mount that mounts the routing array and the input and output component to the base, a grating, a grating mount that mounts the grating to the base at a location spaced apart from the input and output component and the routing array, and at least one lens positioned between the grating and the routing array and between the grating and the input and output component through which signals are transmitted, wherein router has a certain focal length and a certain pointing angle between the routing array and the grating;
passing a first signal from an input of the fiber optic input and output component, through the lens and onto the grating where the first signal is reflected back through the lens and onto the routing array while the router is at a first temperature;
passing a second signal through the router while the router is at a second temperature, wherein at the second temperature the base, the routing array/input and output mount, and the grating mount have a different length than at the first temperature, and further comprising maintaining the focal length and the routing angle generally constant while at the first temperature and the second temperature. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
-
Specification