Patent ID: 7014326
Filing Date: 2006-03-21
Classification: G02B,H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
1. A wavelength blocker comprising: an input port for launching an input beam of light having a plurality of wavelength channels with distinct center wavelengths; first dispersing means disposed for spatially dispersing the input beam of light in accordance with wavelength into the plurality of wavelength channels; an array of discrete, independently addressable elements, each independently addressable element operable between a first state resulting in a blocked channel, and a second state resulting in an unblocked channel; second dispersing means for receiving unblocked channels and for producing a single multiplexed beam of light therefrom; and an output port for outputting the multiplexed beam of light, wherein the array of independently addressable elements includes a polarization rotating device for rotating the polarization of the blocked channels to be orthogonal to the unblocked channels; and a continuous reflecting surface for reflecting the unblocked channels to the second dispersing means, whereby all unblocked channels of light are passed to the output port, including light between adjacent unblocked wavelength channels.