Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Particular coupling structure
Patent
1998-08-29
2000-08-29
Spyrou, Cassandra
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Particular coupling structure
385 15, 385 24, 385 37, 385 46, 359115, 359124, 359127, 359130, G02B 626
Patent
active
061120006
ABSTRACT:
An optical multiplexer is formed that overcomes the polarization dependence of conventional DWDM routers and is also significantly smaller than prior art routers. A reflective router is formed that utilizes one-half of a star coupler, with a reflective surface formed along the planar face of the coupler so as to form a "folded" arrangement. First and second waveguide arrays are coupled to opposing quadrants of the folded coupler, with the reflective surface providing the coupling therebetween. A quarter wave plate (or Faraday rotator) and reflective surface are disposed at the output of the second waveguide array and are used to provide a TE/TM mode conversion to the optical signals exiting the second array (thereby canceling out any polarization-dependent effects). The reflective surface beyond the quarter wave plate re-directs the optical signal back through the second waveguide array. The signal will then again reflect through the folded coupler and exit the multiplexer through the first waveguide array. The pair of reflective surfaces function to "fold" the router along two axes, thereby reducing the overall size of the router by 75% when compared with prior art arrangements.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4904042 (1990-02-01), Dragone
patent: 5341444 (1994-08-01), Henry
patent: 5546483 (1996-08-01), Inoue
patent: 5745616 (1998-04-01), Zirngibl
Takahashi et al., "Polarization- insensitive arrayed-waveguide . . ." Optics Letters, vol. 17, No. 7, Apr. 1992, pp. 499 et. seq.
Bergmann Ernest Eisenhardt
Derkits Gustav Edward
Jameson Ralph Stephen
Boutsikaris Leo
Koba Wendy W.
Lucent Technologies - Inc.
Spyrou Cassandra
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