Patent ID: 6148124
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: G02B,H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
For use in a wavelength division multiplexed optical network, a reconfigurable channel drop module comprising:an optical demultiplexer to which an input is to be applied;an optical multiplexer from which an output is to be obtained;a plurality of optical waveguides interconnecting output ports of the demultiplexer to input ports of the multiplexer, at least some of the waveguides including a gap along its wave path; anda micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMs) device associated with at least some of said waveguides that include a gap along its wave path, each such MEMs device including a shutter element that can be controllably inserted in the gap of its associated waveguide for reflecting controllably incident light backwards to an output port of the demultiplexer for exit at the input port of the multiplexer.