Patent ID: 7813601

Claim:
An optical multiplexer for multiplexing channels of optical signals comprising: a) a dispersion element for imparting spatial separation between multiple channels of at least a first and a second optical signal; b) a spatial light modulator comprising a plurality of actively switchable reflective elements, wherein the spatial light modulator is configured to selectively reflect each of the multiple channels of the first and second optical signals using a separate plurality of actively switchable reflective elements, wherein each of the actively switchable reflective elements may be actively switchable independently of each other; c) a lens element for focusing the individual channels of the first optical signal onto a first area of the spatial light modulator, whereby the spatial light modulator is operable to reflect the individual channels of the first optical signal over a first path or a second path, the lens element further for focusing the individual channels of the second optical signal onto a second area of the spatial light modulator, whereby the spatial light modulator is operable to reflect the individual channels of the second optical signal over a third path; d) a first reflective element positioned in the second path and operable to reflect the individual channels of the first optical signal onto a third area of the spatial light modulator; e) a second reflective element positioned in the third path and operable to reflect the individual channels of the second optical signal onto the third area of the spatial light modulator, whereby the spatial light modulator is operable to direct the individual channels of both the first optical signal and the second optical signal along a fourth path; and f) a converging element for converging the individual channels of the first optical signal and the second optical signal traveling on the fourth path to form a multiplexed signal comprising both the individual channels of the first optical signal and the second optical signal.