Patent ID: 6424440
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: H01S,H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
An optical add-drop multiplexer comprising at least a single set of:a first optical transmission line for transmitting a first optical signal; an optical coupler provided on said first optical transmission line for dividing said first optical signal into first and second divided optical signals onto second and third optical transmission lines; the third optical transmission line connected with said optical coupler for transmitting said first divided optical signal; an optical receiver connected through said third optical transmission line to said optical coupler for receiving said first divided optical signal; an optical reflectivity, non-waveband selective variable mirror capable of varying a reflectivity in a range of 0% to 100%, said optical reflectivity variable mirror being connected with said first optical transmission line for reflecting all wavebands of said second divided optical signal; the second optical transmission line connected through said optical reflectivity variable mirror to said first optical transmission line; an optical transmitter connected through said second optical transmission line to said optical reflectivity variable mirror for transmitting a second optical signal; wherein if said optical reflectivity variable mirror sets said reflectivity at less than 100%, then said first optical signal is reflected by said optical reflectivity variable mirror so that said first optical signal is outputted from said first optical transmission line, wherein if said optical reflectivity variable mirror sets said reflectivity at 100%, then said first optical signal is transmitted through said optical reflectivity variable mirror, whilst said second optical signal transmitted from said optical transmitter is also transmitted through said optical reflectivity variable mirror to be outputted from said first optical transmission line.