Patent ID: 6282344
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A multiple coupler combination Photonic Lightguide Circuit (PLC), comprising:a first coupler comprising a first planar slab waveguide operable for distributing the optical signals from an input region of the first planar slab waveguide to an output region of the first planar slab waveguide, said first coupler further comprising at least one input waveguide connected to the input region of the first planar slab waveguide for guiding optical signals input to the PLC to the first planar slab waveguide, and at least one output waveguide connected to the output region of the first planar slab waveguide for guiding optical signals out of the first coupler; anda second coupler intersecting the first coupler and further comprising a second planar slab waveguide at least a portion of which is in common with first planar slab waveguide operable for distributing optical signals from an input region of the second planar slab waveguide to an output region of the second planar slab waveguide, said second coupler further comprising at least one input waveguide connected to the input region of the second planar slab waveguide for guiding optical signals to the second planar slab waveguide, and at least one output waveguide connected to the output region of the second planar slab waveguide for guiding optical signals out of the second coupler to the optical communication system.