Patent ID: 8121482
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: G02B,H04J

Abstract:
1. A reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer, comprising: a main input port configured to receive at least one main input optical channel from an optical network; a main output port configured to provide at least one main output optical channel to said optical network; an add input port configured to receive at least one add input optical channel; a drop output port configured to provide at least one drop output optical channel; dispersive optics coupled to said main input port, said main output port, said add input port and said drop output port and configured spatially to spread and recombine optical spectra containing at least one of said optical channels; and a spatial light modulator associated with said dispersive optics, having an integral, lateral-gradient volume Bragg grating and configured to assume a bar state in which said at least one of said optical channels is passed from said main input port to said main output port and at least another of said optical channels is passed from said add input port to said drop output port and a cross state in which said integral, lateral-gradient volume Bragg grating is transmissive with respect to said channels.