Patent ID: RE40271

Claim:
A dense wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer for use in optical communications systems using optical signals in a select near infrared wavelength range and a select channel spacing, the multiplexer/demultiplexer comprising: at least two multiplex optical waveguides each propagating a distinct multiplexed optical signal comprising a plurality of channels, the multiplex optical waveguides being arranged in a linear array; a two dimensional array of single channel waveguides, the two dimensional array being arranged in linear rows perpendicular to the multiplex linear array with each linear row corresponding to a multiplex optical waveguide; and a reflective echelle grating optically coupled to the multiplex optical waveguides and the single channel optical waveguides, the echelle grating having a groove spacing of between about 50-300 grooves per millimeter and a blaze angle of between about 51-53 degrees.