Patent ID: 6754412
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An apparatus for use in optical communications systems to multiplex or demultiplex an optical signal comprising optical channel(s) of distinct wavelength(s), the apparatus comprising:a multiplex optical waveguide propagating a plurality of optical channels, the multiplex optical waveguide having a receiving/transmitting end; a plurality of single channel optical waveguides each propagating a single channel, each single channel optical waveguide having a receiving/transmitting end; and a diffraction grating optically coupled between the multiplex optical waveguide and the single channel optical waveguides for diffracting an optical signal between the receiving/transmitting end of the multiplex optical waveguide and the receiving/transmitting ends of the single channel optical waveguides, the diffraction grating comprising a plurality of parallel grooves formed in a surface thereof, the grooves having variable spacing therebetween whereby said grating has a substantially flat-top spectral response.