Patent ID: 6108471
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical multiplexing and demultiplexing device comprising:a plurality of optical fibers each terminating in a fiber end for radiating and receiving associated light beams;a fiber mounting assembly configured to support said optical fibers so that said fiber ends terminate in substantially the same plane, said mounting assembly also being configured to position said fiber ends in at least one array including a plurality of rows of said fiber ends, each fiber end of an associated one of said rows for radiating and receiving beams within an associated predetermined wavelength band;reflecting means for reflecting beams radiating from said fiber ends;lens means for collimating and focusing beams propagating between said fiber ends and said reflecting means, said lens means having a focal length associated therewith; andtransmissive diffraction means for diffracting beams propagating between said lens means and said reflecting means;said reflecting means including a plurality of reflective surfaces each being associated with one of said rows of fiber ends, and being reflective to the predetermined wavelength band associated with said associated row, and being oriented to reflect beams to and from fiber ends of said associated row via said diffraction means and said lens means.