Patent ID: 6421481
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
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 at least two surfaces each having a plurality of grooves formed therein, each of the surfaces being angularly displaced relative to one another a select amount such that a portion of the optical signal diffracted by each surface is offset in a direction of dispersion relative to portions of the optical signal diffracted by the other surfaces.