FLEXIBLE OPTICAL MULTIPLEXER

摘要

A multiplexer has an optical circulator including at least first, second and third circulator ports. An optical fiber with a first optical transmission path is coupled to the first circulator port of the optical circulator. The optical fiber caries a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal, including signals lambda 1- lambda n, and at least one signal lambda 1 to be dropped by the multiplexer. A second optical transmission path is in optical communication with the second circulator port. A first filter is coupled to the second optical transmission path. The first filter passes a portion of the lambda 1 signal, and reflects a first residual lambda 1 signal and signals lambda 2- lambda n to the optical circulator. A third optical transmission path is in optical communication with the third circulator port and transmits the signals lambda 2- lambda n received from the optical circulator.