Patent ID: 6163393
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: G02B,G02F,H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
A method of demultiplexing an input optical signal having a plurality of wavelengths, said method comprising the steps of:filtering the input optical signal using a polarization filter to produce a first subset of wavelengths at a first polarization and a second subset of wavelengths at a second polarization, wherein said polarization filter has a substantially flat transmission function in a wavelength region immediately surrounding each of a first plurality of transmission peaks and provides high isolation between first plurality of transmission peaks;spatially separating said first and second subsets of wavelengths based on their polarizations; anddemultiplexing said first subset of wavelengths to produce at least a third subset and a fourth subset of wavelengths using a wavelength demultiplexing device having a transmission function having a second plurality of transmission peaks, wherein said first plurality of transmission peaks have substantially flatter transmissions and higher isolation than said second plurality of transmission peaks.