INTEGRATED OPTICAL CHANNEL

摘要

An apparatus and method that provides for improved optical communication between at least one source and at least one destination, with reduced loss of power and superior retention of the quality of a signal when compared with the prior art. The apparatus (10) has a body (22) having at least one integrated optical channel (12) along which a light signal is transmitted via an N-fold plurality of lenses (12). A light signal transmitted along the integrated optical channel (12) is repeatedly refocused along the optical axis and is then highly focused at the second end (26). Optionally, the light signal can be switched, attenuated, filtered, tapped or monitored by positioning appropriate optical devices between the lenses.