Patent ID: 7440654

Claim:
A wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer, comprising: at least a stratified body having a first surface being a light-receiving surface for receiving an input optical signal and a second surface being a light-exiting surface for providing at least an output optical signal, said second surface positioned in a non-parallel relationship with the first surface, wherein the stratified body comprises at least a plurality of regions of optically permissive material disposed adjacent one another in a layered relationship and being continuous between the first surface and second surface of the stratified body, the material within each region being both uniform in index of refraction, absent any periodic variation in index of refraction within the region, and having a different index of refraction to the materials in adjacent regions, and wherein each of the regions has a different respective length between the first and second surfaces than any adjacent one of the regions and wherein the plurality of regions are disposed side-by-side in a lengthwise manner.