Optical: systems and elements – Optical modulator – Light wave temporal modulation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-28
2001-08-14
Epps, Georgia (Department: 2873)
Optical: systems and elements
Optical modulator
Light wave temporal modulation
C359S237000, C359S618000, C385S002000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06275322
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to optical signal communications. More particularly, the invention relates to an interleaver/deinterleavers for use with multiple optical channels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As telecommunications usage increases as a result of, for example, increased Internet usage, increased types of communications, population growth, telecommunications providers are required to provide greater voice- and data-carrying capacity. In order to reduce cost and the amount of time required to provide the increased capacity wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) have been developed, which provide increased capacity without requiring new fiber optic cables.
WDM and DWDM technologies combine multiple optical signals into a single fiber by transporting each signal on a different optical wavelength or channel. Multiplexing and demultiplexing of optical channels is typically accomplished with thin film optical filters. However, multiple layers of film are required to multiplex and demultiplex multiple channels, which increases the cost and complexity of a component. Another disadvantage of multiple layers of thin film for filtering is that the thin films break down over time, especially when operating under high power conditions.
What is needed is an improved optical device for use with WDM and/or DWDM optical signals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Michelson phase shifter interleaver/deinterleavers are described. The interleaver/deinterleavers include a beam splitter to split an input optical signal into a first sub-beam and a second sub-beam, an etalon coupled to receive the first sub-beam and a non-linear phase shifter coupled to receive the second sub-beam. In one embodiment, the etalon has a reflective surface and an air gap with a tuning plate disposed within the gap. The reflective surface reflects signals passed through the air gap. The phase shifter modifies the phase of the second sub-beam. The modified phase of the second sub-beam causes constructive and destructive optical interference between the reflected first sub-beam and the reflected second sub-beam to cause a first subset of signals from the input optical beam to be directed to a first port and the second subset of signals from the input optical beam to be directed to a second port.
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Epps Georgia
Greene Kevin E.
JDS Uniphase Corporation
Lacasse Randy W.
Lacasse & Associates
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