Patent ID: 7043120

Claim:
An array waveguide grating comprising: an input MMI that receives an input optical signal and splits said optical signal into a plurality of signals, each having a defined wavelength; a plurality of input arrayed waveguide structures receiving said plurality of signals such that each of said waveguide structures receives one of the plurality of signal and each are spaced approximately between 1 nm and 10 nm apart; and an output MMI that receives said plurality of signals from said plurality input of arrayed structures so that the plurality of signals are maintained in accordance with each of said wavelengths as defined for said plurality of signals by said input MMI, wherein said input MMI, said plurality of arrayed waveguide structures, and said output waveguide are configured using HIC or HTC optics and said array waveguide grating comprises a footprint of at most 100×100 μm 2 .