Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Input/output coupler
Reexamination Certificate
2001-06-01
2004-05-11
Chowdhury, Tarifur R. (Department: 2871)
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Input/output coupler
49, 49
Reexamination Certificate
active
06735361
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to optical connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular connector for an optical network including wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) capability.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Due to the increasing electronic traffic on optical networks, maximizing bandwidth per each optical fiber utilized in transmitting optical signals is becoming a necessity. Optical fibers are capable of transmitting multiple wavelengths at various frequencies in order to maximize the amount of information that can be carried on a single optical fiber in a communication network. Of course, eventually particular wavelengths being carried on an optical fiber will need to be separated. The process of combining, transmitting, and separating signals of different wavelengths is referred to as wavelength division multiplexing (WDM).
Conventional WDM systems utilize numerous, bulky, discrete components that are connected using a myriad of optical fibers. If the number of wavelengths to be separated or added to an optical system is large, the amount of required discrete components dictates the use of a large enclosure to contain all the elements. WDM systems therefore require planning and close matching of laser characteristics with wavelength combiners (multiplexers) and separators (demultiplexers).
Accordingly, there is a need for a modular, inexpensive, and easy-to-use wavelength multiplexer (mux) and demultiplexer (demux) that is capable of being used selectively to reduce parallel fiber connections down to a single fiber link.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a modular wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) connector capable of being retrofitted to existing parallel fiber connections.
A second objective of the present invention is to eliminate racks currently required for conventional WDMs in favor of a self-supportive connector or adapter.
A third object of the present invention is to reduce to the cost of WDM systems by integrating numerous discrete components into a single module.
A fourth object of the present invention is to reduce failures and defects associated with systems utilizing multiple discrete components.
A fifth object of the present invention is to provide the flexibility of a modular design to WDM systems based on individual laser transmitters.
In that regard, the present invention provides a modular connector having multiple ports, comprising a housing having a first end and a second end, a first optical port on the first end, a second optical port on the first end, a third optical port on the second end, a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) within the housing optically connected to the first port, said FBG configured to reflect a set wavelength back and away from the first port, a fiber coupler within the housing optically connected to the FBG, the second port, and the third port; and wherein each of said optical ports, once connected, is capable of supporting the housing without additional support.
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SFF Committee proposed Specifications for GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter) Rev. 5.5, Sep. 27, 2001, pp. 1-10.
Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) Revision 5.5 SFF document No.: SFF-8053, dated Sep. 27, 2000.
Erickson Scott C.
Gilliland Patrick B.
Ha Berlin
Rooke Sterling S.
Washburn Theodore E.
Chowdhury Tarifur R.
Kim Richard H
Kovach Karl D.
Stratos Lightwave, Inc.
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