Patent ID: 6141152
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer comprising:a common pathway that conveys a plurality of different wavelength signals;individual pathways that separately convey the different wavelength signals;a central pathway that couples the different wavelength signals between said common pathway and said individual pathways;a dispersing mechanism within said central pathway that angularly disperses the different wavelength signals conveyed by said common pathway; anda focusing mechanism within said central pathway that converts the angular dispersion of the different wavelength signals into a spatial dispersion along a focal line, characterized by:said focusing mechanism having adjacent focal points for producing multiple image points of each different wavelength signal in relatively displaced positions along the focal line; andsaid individual pathways being located along the focal line so that each of said individual pathways coincides with the multiple image points of one of the different wavelength signals.