摘要 |
An optical splitter/combiner has a split end, i.e., input/output end that has at least a first input/output segment, a second input/output segment, a third input/output segment, and a fourth input/output segment. The optical splitter/combiner has an upper first stage junction that joins the first input/output segment and the second input/output segment, which define an upper first stage bisector. A lower first stage junction joins the third input/output segment and the fourth input/output segment, which define a lower first stage bisector. An upper intermediate segment communicates with the upper first stage junction. A lower intermediate segment communicates with the lower first stage junction. A second stage junction joins the upper intermediate segment and the lower intermediate segment to form a single input output segment. The upper intermediate segment and the lower intermediate segment define a second stage bisector. The upper first stage bisector and the lower first stage bisector are angularly offset from the second stage bisector. The use of angularly offset bisectors results in a reduced length of the optical splitter/combiner.
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