Abstract:
A method and apparatus particularly useful for telecommunications applications, such as switching (Add/Drop), multiplexing and demultiplexing, is disclosed. The method commences by directing a source of input optical signal(s) ( 10 ) onto a movable diffractive optical element or MDOE. Each of the optical signals is associated with a particular wavelength. Next, one or more output stations are supplied. Finally, the MDOE generates and distributes output optical signals among the output station(s). The corresponding system for treating the optical signals from a source thereof includes a source carrying two or more input optical signals, each of the signals being associated with a particular wavelength. Also included is a movable diffractive optical element positioned to intercept the source optical signals for producing and distributing one or more diffracted output optical signals. Finally, one or more output stations are positioned to receive the diffracted optical signal(s) from the MDOE.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is cross-referenced to commonly assigned application Ser. No. 09/663,850, filed on Sep. 18, 2000 (Attorney Docket No. LUC 2-027-3), the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Within a fiber optic network, information from a source, in the form of an electrical signal, is converted to an optical signal that can then be transmitted along a fiber optic cable to the intended destination where it is converted back to an electrical signal. In the modern world of Internet access, facsimiles, multiple telephone lines, modems, and teleconferencing, an incredible burden is placed on telecommunications networks to meet the ever-increasing demand for information transmission services. Unaware of the capacities that would be required of fiber optic cables, relatively narrow bandwidths were calculated using classical engineering formulas, such as Poisson and Reeling. The increased service needs imposed upon these cables have resulted in fiber exhaustion and a concomitant need for layered bandwidth management. For information on telecommunications networks, see generally: 
         [0004]    (1) www.webproforum.com/lucent3 
         [0005]    One option for meeting the increased demand for information transmission is to lay additional optical fiber cable. This option can be expensive, however, and is generally only practicable where the increased demand is relatively small. Another method for dealing with this problem is called time division multiplexing (TDM). This method increases the speed at which the data is transmitted, speed being measure in bits per second (bps). The bit rate is increased by slicing time into smaller increments such that a greater number of bits can be transmitted per unit time (e.g., per second). A drawback to this approach is that the detector temporal frequency response limits the number of bits that can be transmitted per unit time. 
         [0006]    Because of the limitations associated with TDM, another technique was devised for carrying increased data load over existing fibers called wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). WDM involves slicing up the laser diode transmitter output wavelengths into multiple increments, each increment being modulated separately to increase the number of bits that can be transmitted per second. When the number of slices increases past a certain point, the system is referred to as a DWDM (Dense Wave Division Multiplexing) system. 
         [0007]    DWDM increases capacity by assigning incoming optical signals to specific frequencies within a designated frequency band, multiplexing the resulting signals, and transmitting the resulting multiplexed signal via a single fiber. The signals are thus transmitted as a group over a single fiber. Spacing between the increments also is decreased using TDM with DWDM so that a greater number of bits are transmitted per second. The signals then are demultiplexed and routed by individual cables to their destination. The transmitted signals can travel within the fiber optic cable at different speeds and in different formats, and the amount of information that can be transmitted is limited only by the speed at which the signals travel and the number of frequencies, or channels, available within the fiber. 
         [0008]    A number of technological advances have made DWDM possible. Once such advance was the discovery that by using fused biconic tapered couplers, more than one signal can be sent on the same fiber. The result of this discovery was an increase in the bandwidth for one fiber. Another important advance was the use of optical amplifiers. By doping a small strand of fiber with a rare earth element, usually erbium, an optical signal can be amplified without converting it back to an electrical signal. Optical amplifiers now are available which provide more efficient and precise flat gain with significant total power output of about 20 dBm. 
         [0009]    Narrowband lasers have also contributed to the increased capacity of telecommunications networks. These lasers provide a narrow, stable, and coherent light source, each source providing an individual “channel.” Generally, 40 to 80 channels are available for a single fiber. Researchers are working on creating new methods for increasing the number of channels available for each fiber. Lucent Technology&#39;s Bell Laboratories has demonstrated a technique for multiplexing, or combining, 300 channels within an 80 nm segment of the spectrum using a femtosecond laser. See: 
         [0010]    (2) Brown, Chappell, “Optical Interconnects Getting Supercharged,” Electronic Engineering Times, May 25, 1998; pp. 39-40. 
         [0011]    Given the greater number of channels, and corresponding signals, which can be carried on a single optical fiber, multiplexing and demultiplexing has become increasingly important. Current methods for multiplexing and demultiplexing include the use of thin film substrates or fiber Bragg gratings. For the first method, a thin film substrate is coated with a layer of dielectric material. Only signals of a given wavelength will pass through the resulting substrate. All other signals will be reflected. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,573. With fiber Bragg gratings, the fiber optic cable is modified so that one wavelength is reflected back while all the others pass through. Bragg gratings are particularly used in add/drop multiplexers. With these types of systems, however, as the number of transmitted signals increases, so does the number of required films or gratings for multiplexing and demultiplexing. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,350 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,271. Therefore, more efficient, less expense methods for multiplexing and demultiplexing transmitted signals continue to be sought. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    A method and apparatus particularly useful for telecommunications applications, such as switching, multiplexing and demultiplexing, is disclosed. The method commences by directing a source of input optical signal(s) ( 10 ) onto a movable diffractive optical element or MDOE. A rotatable diffractive optical element (RDOE) provides the most efficient type of MDOE. Each of the optical signals is associated with a particular wavelength. Next, one or more output station(s) are supplied. Finally, the RDOE ( 12 ) generates output optical signal(s) and distributes them among the output station(s). The corresponding system for treating the optical signals from a source thereof includes a source carrying one or more input optical signals, each of the signals being associated with a particular wavelength. Also included is a movable diffractive optical element positioned to intercept the source optical signals for producing one or more diffracted output optical signals. Finally, one or more output stations are positioned to receive the one or more diffracted output optical signals from the MDOE. “Diffractive Optical Elements” for use in the present invention bear diffraction gratings for achieving their optical diffraction properties. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0013]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of an RDOE switching input optical signals emitted by a laser diode assembly onto lenses that are associated with optical fibers; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a schematic representation like that in  FIG. 1 , except that the output optical signals are being switched to different lens pairs; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of an RDOE multiplexing input optical signals from an optical fiber to four different output optical fibers (the number of output optical fibers being illustrative rather than limitative of the present invention); 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of an RDOE demultiplexing four input optical signals from four laser diode assemblies to two optical fibers (the number of input and output signals/optical fibers being illustrative rather than limitative of the present invention); 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of an RDOE switching three input optical signals to all possible combinations of three optical output fibers (the number of input/output optical fibers being illustrative rather than limitative of the present invention); 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a top view of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7A  is a top view illustrating the tilting magnetic embodiment of an RDOE; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the RDOE of  FIG. 7A  which shows the connection of a magnet and coil to a printed circuit board; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is simplified cross-sectional view of a plate bearing four posts whose ends carry diffractive gratings of different spacing for diffracting an input optical signal (the number of posts and diffractive gratings being illustrative rather than limitative of the present invention) and 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a simplified perspective view of a plate whose surface carries a diffraction grating for diffracting an input signal into a plurality of output wavelengths. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    The drawings will be described in detail below. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]    The present invention provides a simple and elegant method for distributing optical signals which may be utilized in a variety of uses, such as multiplexing, demultiplexing, switching, or any other application where it is desirable to separate, combine or direct optical signals. Use of a movable diffractive optical element (RDOE) eliminates the need for optical apparatus, such as mirrors, filters, and thin films, which optical apparatus add complexity and expense proportionally as the number of optical signals to be treated increases. 
         [0026]    Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  a schematic representation of an RDOE switching input optical signals emitted by a laser diode assembly onto lens that are associated with optical fibers. A source is provided, as represented by numeral  10 , which source is composed of one or more input optical signals, each of which is associated with a particular wavelength (λ) or energy. In accordance with the convention in the field, the term “wavelength” is used in this Application to mean one or more wavelengths or a band of wavelengths. Also throughout this application, an “s” in parenthesis following a given element is used to indicate the presence of at least one or more of that element. For example, the term “optical signal(s)” means one or more optical signals. Source  10  in  FIG. 1  is provided by a laser diode assembly, however, any other device or combination of devices capable of supplying modulated optical signal(s) may be used. Such a device or devices, for example, may include optical cable or fiber. Source  10  is directed toward the surface of rotatable diffractive optical element (RDOE)  12 . RDOE  12  diffracts the input optical signal(s) of source  10  at different angles according to the diffractive equation: 
         [0000]      (a) λ= d (sin ι+sin δ) 
         [0000]    where,
       λ=wavelength of diffractive light (microns)   d=grating spacing of one cycle (microns)   ι=angle of incidence from plate normal (degrees)   δ=angle of diffraction from plate normal (degrees).       
 
         [0031]    For a fixed d and a fixed λ, rotation of the RDOE in effect varies ι to allow different wavelengths to be diffracted at different angles, δ, thereby generating output optical signals. Specific characteristics and embodiments of the RDOE  12  will be discussed in greater detail later. 
         [0032]    Three output stations are provided, as at  14 ,  16  and  18 , for receiving the diffracted output optical signals, λ1 and λ2, as shown at  20  and  22 , respectively. With RDOE  12  at a first position as depicted in FIG.  1 ., output stations  14  and  16  receive output optical signals  20  and  22 .  FIG. 2  depicts RDOE  12  rotated to a second position, the rotation direction being in the plane parallel to RDOE  12 . In this second position, the angle at which the optical signals are diffracted has changed and output optical signals now are directed at output stations  16  and  18 . Thus, by rotating RDOE  12 , optical signal(s) may be switched among a number of output station(s). Output stations  14 ,  16 , and  18  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are optical fibers, but the output station(s) may be any mechanism capable of detecting or transmitting an optical signal. A system for switching a source among three output stations illustrates a simple use of the method of the invention. As will be illustrated later, the simplicity of the method facilitates distribution of source of optical signals among a multitude of output stations. A lens assembly for focusing the optical signal(s) is provided in conventional fashion, for example, as shown at  24 ,  26 , and  28  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Structure necessary to implement such a lens assembly is not described herein as it is well-known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  illustrates the method of the present invention in a multiplexing application, the input optical signal(s) of source  10  being supplied by optical fiber  30 . Input optical signals, 1, λ2, λ3, and λ4, being transmitted along fiber  30 , are directed toward RDOE  12 , which retains its earlier numeration. Output stations  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38  are positioned to receive the generated output optical signals, λ1, λ2, λ3, and λ4, respectively, which are shown at  40 ,  42 ,  44 , and  46 , respectively. RDOE  12  is shown being rotated among three positions:  58 ,  60 , and  62 . Output stations, or optical fibers,  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38 , are the same as those output station(s) described with respect to  FIG. 1 , but similarly could be connected to any mechanism capable of detecting or transmitting an optical signal. A lens assembly again is present in the form of lenses  50 ,  52 ,  54 , and  56  to focus the optical signals. Similarly, a lens assembly  48  focuses the optical signal(s) emanating from fiber  30  onto RDOE  12 . Structure necessary to implement such a lens assembly is not described herein as it is well-known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0034]    Table I, below, illustrates the distribution of input optical signals, λ1, λ2, λ3, and λ4, to the four output stations,  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38 , depending on the three different rotational positions of RDOE  12  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE I 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Position 1 
                 Position 2 
                 Position 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Output Station 1 
                 — 
                 W1 
                 W2 
               
               
                   
                 Output Station 2 
                 W1 
                 W2 
                 W3 
               
               
                   
                 Output Station 3 
                 W2 
                 W3 
                 W4 
               
               
                   
                 Output Station 4 
                 W3 
                 W4 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0035]    When RDOE  12  is in its first position,  58 , λ1 is directed toward output station  34 ; signal λ2 is directed toward output station  36 ; and signal λ3 is directed toward output station  38 . No output optical signal is received by output station  32 . With the RDOE  12  in its second position,  60 , in  FIG. 3 , optical signals λ1, λ2, λ3, and λ4 are directed to output stations  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38 , respectively. When RDOE  12  is in position  3 , as at  62 , output station  32  receives signal λ2, output station  34  receives signal λ3, and output station  36  receives signal λ4. No output optical signal is received by output station  38 . Rotating RDOE  12  to other positions permits other combinations of output optical signals to be distributed among the output stations. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the number of output optical signal(s) and number of output station(s) depicted in the drawings is merely illustrative as a greater or lesser number could be used in accordance with the precepts of the present invention. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  shows yet another implementation of the present invention in a traditional demultiplexing application. Source  10  is originates from the combined output of four laser diode assemblies,  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and  76 . A lens assembly, in the form of lenses  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 , and  86 , directs source  10 , provided by the laser diode outputs from laser diode assemblies  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and  76 , onto the surface of RDOE  12 . Output stations  88  and  90  are provided to receive diffracted output optical signals  92  and  94 . In previous  FIGS. 1-3 , the output stations each received a single output optical signal. As shown in  FIG. 4 , however, the output stations also may receive multiple output optical signals. A lens assembly, composed of lenses  96  and  98 , will determine what range of output optical signals will be directed to output stations  88  and  90 , respectively. Again, rotation of RDOE  12  directs diffracted output optical signals  92  and  94  between and onto lenses  96  and  98 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  shows a 3-dimensional view of the present invention in a switching application, where all possible combinations of three input optical signals are directed onto three output lines, each combination corresponding to a different position of RDOE  12 . Source  10  provides the three input optical signals, λ1, λ2, and λ3. These optical signals are directed onto RDOE  12  that is located below and parallel to source  10 . Again, the number of source signals was chosen to illustrate the present invention and not as a limitation of it. 
         [0038]    Optical connectors positioned to receive the diffracted output optical signals are spatially located along the surface of a hemisphere shown generally at  116 . Output stations  110 ,  112 , and  114  are located on lines of equal latitude on hemisphere  116 . Four optical connectors are located along each latitude of output stations  110 ,  112 , and  114 . One wavelength is diffracted to all optical connectors located along each line of latitude. For example, output station  110 , having optical connectors  130 ,  132 ,  134 , and  136  will receive diffracted output optical signal λ1. Output station  112 , having optical connectors  138 ,  140 ,  142 , and  144 , will receive output optical signal λ2. Output station  114 , having optical connectors  146 ,  148 ,  150 , and  152 , will receive output optical signal λ3. λ3 will have a longer wavelength than λ2 which will have a longer wavelength than 1. 
         [0039]    While the output stations have been described as being along equal lines of latitude for efficiency, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the output station(s) may be located along non-parallel latitudes so long as the optical connectors located thereon are non-intersecting. Further, the spatial positioning of the output station(s) have been described as being along the surface of a hemisphere, however, this shape is intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the present invention. Positioning of the output station(s) around the RDOE may be in any desired configuration. 
         [0040]    A conventional combiner (not shown) connects each output station&#39;s optical connectors to an output fiber or cable. If there are n output fibers, then there must be n combiners, i.e., one for each output station. For the example shown in  FIG. 5 , n=3. For example, a combiner will combine optical connectors  130 ,  132 ,  134 , and  136  along output station  110  to a first optical fiber. Another will combine  138 ,  140 ,  142 , and  144  to a second optical fiber. Finally,  146 ,  148 ,  150 , and  152  will be combined and connected to a third optical fiber. 
         [0041]    Looking to  FIG. 6 , a top view of the optical connectors illustrated in  FIG. 5  is shown. The components of  FIG. 6  retain the numeration of  FIG. 5 . RDOE  12  is rotatable to eight positions, shown at  154 ,  156 ,  158 ,  160 ,  162 ,  164 ,  166 , and  168 . In each position, wavelengths will be diffracted to optical connectors located along equal lines of longitude. (sphere  116 ,  FIG. 5 ). Note that the RDOE  12  axis of rotation is perpendicular to the grating plane. When RDOE  12  is positioned at position  154 , no output optical signals are conveyed to any optical connectors. At position  156 , output optical signal λ 3  will be received at output station  114 . Output stations  110  and  112  will not receive signals. With RDOE  12  in a third position, as shown at  158 , output optical signal λ1 will be received at output station  110  by optical connector  134 . No output optical signal will be received at output stations  112  and  114 . This grating will continue for all  8  positions. 
         [0042]    Table II shows the optical signal combinations for each of the eight positions to which RDOE  12  is rotatable. 
         [0000]                                TABLE II               Position No.   Output Station 1   Output Station 2   Output Station 3                   1   0   0   0       2   0   0   1       3   0   1   0       4   1   0   0       5   1   0   1       6   0   1   1       7   1   1   0       8   1   1   1                    
When directing n input optical signals from source  10  to n output stations, there must be n·2 n  optical connectors, to permit all combinations of the n signals. Each of the n combiners will combine 2 n−1  optical connections. The resolution of RDOE  12 , i.e., the number of positions to which it may be rotated, must be 360°/2 n .
 
         [0043]    If the system depicted in  FIG. 5  were being used in a multiplexing application, combiners would be used to combine the output of the optical connectors in each of the eight positions. For example, one combiner would combine optical connectors  132 ,  144 , and  150 . The output to the optical fiber would, thus, be optical signals of λ1, λ2, and λ3. Another combiner would be positioned to combine optical connectors  130  and  138 . This output, optical signals λ1 and λ2, would be transmitted to a different optical fiber, and so on. In a multiplexing application, the number of combiners required would be 2 n . 
         [0044]    The present invention, then, includes directing of output optical signal(s) to one or more output stations by varying the effective spacing of a diffractive optical element through rotation. One embodiment for RDOE  12  involves the use of a diffraction grating on a thin film that is connected to an energy source, energizable for movement of the film. Such movement changes the effective spacing of the diffraction grating on the film. A diffractive grating or hologram may be embossed on the thin film to form the diffractive grating. The film may be PVDF or any other piezoelectric film that deforms by a small amount when subjected to an electric field. The diffractive grating or hologram embossed on the thin film is rotated about a pivot point located at any position along the thin film. This pivot point may be, for example, at either end or at the center of gravity. The energy source, energizable to move the thin film, may be provided in any number of electromagnetic configurations. One such configuration includes the combination of an energizable coil, or multiple coils, with the thin film, the combination being pivoted at the center. Magnets are located either below or to the sides of the film such that when the coils are energized, a magnetic flux is created and the film with its diffractive grating rotates about the pivot axis. Such structures are described in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,022, entitled “Diffractive Display and Method Utilizing Reflective or Transmissive Light Yielding Single Pixel Full Color Capability,” issued Mar. 18, 1997, which hereby is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0045]    Looking now to  FIG. 7A , a top view of one embodiment of an RDOE, shown generally at  12 , is revealed to include the improved moving magnet embodiment. A holographic diffraction grating is provided at  182 . Diffractive grating  182  is attached to a magnetic component that is a permanent magnet (shown at  184  in  FIG. 7B ). Diffractive grating  182  may be physically attached to magnet  184  or, alternatively, diffractive grating  182  and magnet  184  each may be affixed to an additional element to form the attachment. Magnet  184  rests upon pivot  186  which is made of ferromagnetic material and, therefore, attracts magnet  184  and holds it in place while still allowing the tilting motion to take place about pivot  186 . Connecting to, part of, or adjacent to, pivot  186  is current carrying conductor  188  that is connected to FET (field effect transistor)  190 . As such, magnet  184  and coil  188  are magnetically coupled. 
         [0046]    With current flowing through wire  188 , a magnetic field is created which exerts a force on magnet  184 . Because magnet  184  is not in a permanently fixed position, the force created by the current in wire  188  will cause magnet  184 , and associated diffractive grating  182 , to rotate about pivot  186 . The direction of rotation of magnet  184 , and associated diffractive grating, about pivot  186  depends on the direction of the magnetic field associated with magnet  184  and the direction of current flowing through wire  188 . Reversing the polarity of the current in wire  188  changes the direction of the force created, causing the magnet to rotate in the opposite direction. Electromagnetic shielding  192  is provided to prevent the interaction of fields generated by external sources. This shielding may be composed, for example, of SAE 1010 steel. As will be obvious to one skilled in the art, alternative configurations can be envisioned to electromagnetically couple magnet  184  and coil  188  for movement of the magnet. Several illustrative configurations are described in greater detail later. 
         [0047]    Stops  194  and  196  prevent the rotation of magnet  184  beyond desired bounds. A portion of magnet  184  has been cut away to reveal the presence of stop  194 . Stop  194  may include a capacitance probe or sensor which senses the presence of a capacitor (not shown), for example, composed of aluminized Mylar®, which is located below magnet  184  and indicates the position of magnet  184 . Once the magnet has been driven to a desired position, it is held in place by the magnetic fields surrounding ferromagnetic pins  198  and  200 . Because of the presence of these pins, magnet  184  may be held in position with little or no current flowing in wire  188 . 
         [0048]    Turning now to  FIG. 7B , a side view of the RDOE of  FIG. 7A  is shown revealing the connection of the above-described elements to a printed circuit board. Numeration from  FIG. 1  is retained. Printed circuit board (PCB)  202  is seen to have ground plane  204  and +voltage bus  206 . FET  190  is connected in series with conductor  188 , ground connector  208  and +voltage connector  210  ( FIG. 1 ) being connected to ground plane  204  and +voltage bus  206 , respectively. Similarly, the capacitance sensor located on stop  194  is connected to ground plane  204  at  211  and +voltage bus  206  at  212 . The connection of elements to PCB  280  is intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the present invention, as it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other arrangements may be provided. 
         [0049]    In addition to RDOEs involving manipulated films or pivoted magnets or coils, the present invention may be implemented using one of a number of planar rotational embodiments of RDOE  12 . For each of these embodiments, an array of facets may be achieved on the RDOE by providing a single diffraction grating of constant spacing or an array of diffraction gratings, each of which may have a different spacing wherein each diffraction grating element of the array may be disposed in juxtaposition or may be spaced apart, or by using a holographic diffraction grating array wherein the array of facets are superimposed. With a single diffraction grating, a facet is associated with each rotational position of the FRE, thus creating an array of facets to an observer. Where each facet of the array is a separate diffraction grating, the facets may be non-uniformly or uniformly placed along or across RDOE  12 , however, the location of each facet within the array is known, for example, each location can be stored in the memory of a microprocessor. With the location of each facet in the array know, the RDOE may be rotated such that input signal(s) illuminate select facet(s). Thus, desired output signal(s) are generated and directed to appropriate output station(s). 
         [0050]      FIG. 8  depicts a first planar rotational embodiment of RDOE  12 . Posts  222   a - 222   d  extend from the outer periphery of selectively movable plate  220 . To facilitate movement, plate  220  may be formed being substantially flat and circular. A facet, in the form of a diffractive grating having a particular or constant grating spacing, such as formed from a photoresist (holographic diffractive grating), is carried on the outer end of each post  222   a - 222   d.  Each facet diffracts wavelengths at different angles. When optical source  228  is projected onto plate  220  it strikes post  222   d  according to the position of plate  220  in  FIG. 8  for diffracting energy from source  228  according to the grating spacing carried on the end of post  222   d.  By suitable rotation of plate  220 , post  222   c,    222   b,  or  222   a  could be positioned to intercept source  228  for diffracting different levels of energy, again according to their diffraction grating spacing. It will be appreciated that rotating plate  220  can take the place of RDOE  12  in  FIG. 7 , for example. 
         [0051]    Movement of plate  220  can come from at least two different sources. Plate  220  could be attached at its center  218  to the spindle of a stepper motor (not shown) that may conveniently be manufactured to have a 0.1° resolution, for rotation of plate  220  about axis  218  to bring each of the posts,  222   a - 222   d,  into position to intercept source  228 . A linear actuator also may be pivotally attached to plate  220  to cause its rotation about axis  218 . Alternatively, plate  220  could bear magnets that interact with energizable coils  224   a - 224   d,  again for rotating plate  220  about center  218 . Alternately, plate  220  could bear the coils and one or more permanent magnets could replace the coils as depicted in  FIG. 8 . Alternately, electro-statics could be used to drive the rotation of plate  220 . Of course, combinations of these motive methods, as well as other motive methods, could be employed to rotate plate  220 , as those skilled in the art will appreciate. 
         [0052]    Looking to  FIG. 9  another rotational embodiment of RDOE  12  is shown. A plate similar to that shown in  FIG. 8  is revealed generally at  230 . Plate  230  has an outer periphery  232  and a top surface  234 . For this embodiment, an array of facets is provided along top surface  234  rather than along periphery  232  as previously shown. Instead of providing posts each of which bears a diffraction grating with a unique spacing, the array of facets may be provided across the surface of plate  230 . In its simplest form, plate  230  may bear a single diffraction grating,  236 , which has a constant grating spacing. As plate  230  is rotated, a different signal will be diffracted to eye station  242 , each rotational position of RDOE  12  representing a facet. The number of facets in the array, thus, will be determined by the number (or plurality) of positions to which RDOE  12  may be rotated. Alternatively, it may be advantageous to provide a plurality of diffraction gratings (having the same or different spacing) on the surface of plate  230  to create an array facets of RDOE  12 , wherein each diffraction grating element of the array may be disposed in juxtaposition or may be spaced apart. Thus, as plate  230  is rotated about its axis, for example as shown at  238 , light from optical source  240  will be diffracted at different angles to eye station  242  depending on the position of the plate and the particular facet or grating spacing being illuminated. Variation of the effective spacing of diffraction grating  236  is most readily achieved by use of a holographic diffraction grating as described above. By rotating plate  230  with grating  236 , a single input signal may be diffracted into a plurality of output wavelengths, the number of output wavelengths being commensurate with the number of variations in grating spacing along the plate. The shape of plate  230  is shown in  FIG. 9  as being circular, however, other shapes may be preferred. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape of the plate may be designed to maximize the number of areas of varying grating spacing and resulting output signals. Rotation of plate  230  may be accomplished utilizing electrostatics, a linear actuator, or a stepper motor as described previously in connection with  FIG. 8 . 
         [0053]    Preferably, an array of facets may be provided across the surface of plate  230  by using a holographic diffraction grating array wherein the array of facets are superimposed, each facet being angularly oriented or offset with respect to each other. Thus, the holographic film is developed such that at a given position of plate  230  with respect to the source, a particular output signal is generated and directed to a select output station. For example, if plate  230  is rotated 2°, i.e. from an initial position of 0°, incident light of wavelength λ 1 , is diffracted and the generated output signal directed to a first output station. By rotating plate  230  to another position, for example 9° from the initial position, input signal λ 1  is diffracted and the generated output signal directed to a second output station. For each position of the RDOE, multiple facets may be illuminated simultaneously by multiple input signals to direct multiple output signals to multiple output stations. Rotation of plate  230  may be effected as previously described. Utilizing any of these rotational approaches, the number of output signals that may be generated by RDOE  12  is limited by the number of positions to which the RDOE may be rotated. 
         [0054]    While the foregoing description has been addressed to the use of an RDOE, a movable diffractive optical element (MDOE) could be used for movement of a diffraction grating in x-y-z coordinates. It will be appreciated, however, that for efficiency purposes an RDOE represents a preferred embodiment. 
         [0055]    In this application all citations are expressly incorporated herein by reference.