Patent ID: 6130971
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A dense wavelength division multiplexer for separating an optical signal into optical channels comprising:means for inputting an optical signal, the optical signal comprising a plurality of optical channels;means for separating one or more of the plurality of optical channels by introducing a phase difference between at least two of the plurality of optical channels,wherein the separating means is at least partially based on the polarity of the plurality of optical channels,wherein the separating means comprises a polarization beam splitter optically coupled to the lenses, and at least two nonlinear interferometers optically coupled to the polarization beam splitter,wherein the nonlinear interferometers (b) each comprise a first glass plate optically coupled to a second glass plate, forming a cavity; a first reflective coating residing inside the cavity and on the second glass plate; a second reflective coating residing inside the cavity and on the first glass plate; and a waveplate residing inside the cavity between the first and second glass plates; andmeans for outputting the separated plurality of optical channels along a plurality of optical paths.