A wavelength specific optical equalizer for selectively attenuating discrete wavelength signals contained within a wavelength division multiplexed signal without affecting the adjacent signals. The wavelength equalizer includes a demultiplexer adapted to separate a wavelength division multiplexed signal into a plurality of discrete wavelength signals and to direct each of the discrete wavelength signals along a plurality of first optical paths. A micro- mechanical device comprising at least one micro-mirror is optically coupled with each of the first optical paths. A plurality of second optical paths is positioned to receive the discrete wavelength signals reflected from the respective micro-mirrors. At least one actuator is mechanically coupled with each of the micro-mirrors. The actuators are adapted to selectively displace one or more to divert at least a portion of the discrete wavelength away from the corresponding second optical paths. The orientation of the micro-mirror determines a signal strength of the discrete wavelength signal reflected to the corresponding second optical path. A multiplexer is provided to combine the discrete wavelength signals in the plurality of second optical paths into a reconstituted wavelength division multiplexed signal.
申请公布号
CA2427234(A1)
申请公布日期
2002.05.10
申请号
CA20012427234
申请日期
2001.10.05
申请人
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
发明人
GOETZ, DOUGLAS P.;THEISS, SILVA K.;WEAVER, BILLY L.;HAMERLY, MICHAEL E.;SMITH, ROBERT G.;HAGEN, KATHY L.