Configurable wavelength routing device
First Claim
1. A configurable wavelength routing device, comprising:
- a light input;
a light output;
a dispersive optical element supported to receive the light from the input and disperse the light into a dispersed spectrum;
a lens to form a telecentric image of the dispersed spectrum at an image plane;
an array of reflectors disposed at the image plane; and
a controller for positioning the reflectors to return particular wavelengths of the telecentric image to the light output.
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Abstract
A dispersive optical element and positionable micromirrors are deployed to implement a configurable wavelength routing device for add/drop and other applications. Input light is dispersed and imaged onto a focal plane where there is disposed an array of light redirection elements operative to decenter wavelengths on a selective basis. In the preferred embodiment, the dispersive optical element is a grating or grating/prism featuring a high degree of dispersion allowing the input and return paths to be parallel and counter-propagating, both for a compact size and to facilitate a lateral shifting in a localized area. The inputs and outputs may be implemented in conjunction with optical fibers, with a lens being used to collimate light prior to illumination of the grating. A focusing lens is preferably used to form a nominally telecentric image of the dispersed spectrum at the image plane. A control mechanism is provided to locate individual mirrors of the array in one of at least two positions, to effectuate the selective wavelength routing. In the preferred embodiment, the mirrors are 90 degree V-mirrors, translatable within the plane of the telecentric image, such that in one position, a common port is coupled to an express port and whereas, in another position, a common port is placed in communication with an add/drop port.
99 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A configurable wavelength routing device, comprising:
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a light input;
a light output;
a dispersive optical element supported to receive the light from the input and disperse the light into a dispersed spectrum;
a lens to form a telecentric image of the dispersed spectrum at an image plane;
an array of reflectors disposed at the image plane; and
a controller for positioning the reflectors to return particular wavelengths of the telecentric image to the light output. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An optical add/drop module, comprising:
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a common port;
an express port;
a drop/add port;
a dispersive optical element operative to receive light and output a dispersed spectrum;
a lens to form a telecentric image of the dispersed spectrum at an image plane;
an array of reflectors disposed at the image plane; and
apparatus for controlling the reflectors to;
a) divert wavelengths contained in the telecentric image of the light received through the common to the drop/add port while permitting remaining wavelengths to pass through the express port;
orb) insert wavelengths entering through the drop/add port into the telecentric image of light received through the express port and output the merged spectrum through the common port.
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Specification