Optical: systems and elements – Optical computing without diffraction
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-17
2001-12-04
Pascal, Leslie (Department: 2733)
Optical: systems and elements
Optical computing without diffraction
C359S199200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06327059
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of optical networking, in particular to devices for processing optical signals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the use of optical signals to convey information in telecommunications networks, there are several optical signal processing functions that are typically performed at various points in a network, such as signal amplification, multiplexing/demultiplexing, filtering and switching.
In known optical communications systems, functions such as the aforementioned, are typically performed by specialized hardware arrangements comprised of often large numbers of discrete optical components. In complex systems, large collections of such arrangements can become physically quite large. Furthermore, such systems are subject to substantial signal losses due to long runs of fiber to interconnect the discrete components and due to losses at each of a large number of component interconnections. Other problems include fragility, greater susceptibility to environmental conditions, a greater effort and cost to assemble and difficulty in testing.
Moreover, due to the specialized nature of each circuit comprised of discrete components, modification of such circuits and the replacement of failed individual components is often difficult.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides optical modules for use in optical signal systems which overcome the shortcomings of known optical systems. The present invention also provides an optical signal processing system comprising a plurality of optical modules.
In a first exemplary embodiment of an optical module in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of optical channels are each tapped and split into two signals. One signal is used internally in the module for monitoring purposes, and the second signal is provided externally.
In a second exemplary embodiment of an optical module in accordance with the present invention, optical pump power is added to each of a plurality of optical channels using wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) couplers and then amplified.
In a third exemplary embodiment of an optical module in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of optical channels are passed through a bandpass filter to remove noise and/or other unwanted signals. Each filtered signal is tapped and the plurality of tapped signals are combined and provided externally, as are the filtered signals.
The modules of the present invention can be used in a wide variety of arrangements and applications. For example, the same type of module can be used in a downstream circuit as well as an upstream circuit. By thus providing functions which can be used in a wide variety of applications, the modules of the present invention readily lend themselves as building blocks for more complex systems. As such, a small number of module types can be used to build highly complex systems.
In an exemplary embodiment of an optical telecommunications arrangement in accordance with the present invention, the aforementioned optical modules are arranged in an optical circuit between client interface (CI) inputs and the backplane of an optical switching system. The exemplary optical circuit provides multiplexing, monitoring, amplification and filtering functions.
In a further exemplary embodiment of an optical telecommunications arrangement in accordance with the present invention, the aforementioned optical modules are arranged in an optical circuit between an optical switching system and CI outputs. As with the first embodiment, this circuit performs demultiplexing, monitoring, amplification and filtering functions.
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Bhalla Kulbir S.
Gottlieb Albert M.
Baker & McKenzie
Leung Christina Y
Lucent Technologies - Inc.
Pascal Leslie
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