| 摘要 |
<p>A reduced size multiplexer/demultiplexer component is achieved by tapering of waveguide ends (16, 18) in any of the input, output array, or phase shifting array of waveguides. Cross talk is limited in the tapered region by requiring that each waveguide in a tapered array have a distinct propagation constant. The tapered end portions of the phase shifter waveguides are labeled (20), (22), (24), (26), and (30). As noted previously, the taper in the waveguides serves to reduce the size of the WDMD relative to a WDMD having no tapered waveguide ends. The number of phase shifting waveguides is equal to or greater than the number of wavelengths to be multiplexed. Through use of precision drawing techniques known in the art, the tapers in any of the waveguide end portions in the WDMD can be formed by heating and stretching or by any of several alternative techniques including direct deposit on a substrate, ion exchange, or etching.</p> |
