Multiple band optical multiplexer and demultiplexer

摘要

A grating based optical wavelength demultiplexer that can be used for multiple wavelength bands over a wide wavelength range is presented. The spectral response of the device is cyclic. The free spectral range of the grating is designed to be large enough to contain all the wavelength channels to be demultiplexed within a band but small compared to the overall wavelength window of the network application so that a multiplexed signal within any one of the wavelength bands within the application window can be demultiplexed by the same device. This device, being bi-directional will also operate as a multiplexer. By using such a cyclic design, an organization will not need to stock different parts for each band and thus significantly reduce the inventory cost. When the device is used in conjunction with a bandpass filter, it functions as a demultiplexer for each wavelength band. <IMAGE>