Patent ID: 8849077
Filing Date: 2014-09-30
Classification: G02B,H04J

Abstract:
1. A wavelength selective switch comprising: a light input output portion having m groups of ports, wherein m is an integer greater than one, wherein each group of ports includes at least an input port and an output port for wavelength-selective switching wavelength-multiplexed light therebetween, wherein the ports of each group are arranged in an array-form extending in a first direction, and wherein the m groups are offset with respect to each other in the first direction; a light dispersive unit which separates the wavelength-multiplexed light which has been input from the input port, into respective signal wavelengths spread out in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a condenser element which condenses light which has been separated into the signal wavelengths; and a light deflective element array which deflects the signal light in the first direction such that, respective signal wavelength light which has been condensed by the condenser element is switched to a desired output port, wherein the light deflective element array is arranged in m rows of light deflective elements extending in the second direction, wherein the m rows are offset with respect to each other in the first direction and correspond respectively to the m groups of ports of the light input output portion, and wherein the light dispersive unit is in common for the m groups of ports of the light input output portion.