Patent ID: 6342960
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: G02B,Y10S

Abstract:
A wavelength division multiplex transmitter for modulating light from a broadband light source and coupling the modulated light into an optical waveguide for digital optical communication, comprising:(a) a broadband light source; (b) a first diffraction grating co-located with said broadband light source for receiving and diffracting light from said broadband light source; (c) a first substantially planar reflecting element for receiving diffracted light from said diffraction grating; (d) a spectrally programmable spatial light modulator (SLM) for receiving reflected diffracted light from said reflecting element and for selectively modulating a selected set of wavelengths of said reflected light, said wavelengths of said selected set being simultaneously modulated; (e) a lens for receiving said selected set of wavelengths and directing them into an optical waveguide for digital optical communications, wherein enhanced utilization of each wavelength within the broadband light source may be provided.