Optical multiplexer/demultiplexer module and associated methods

A method for operating an optical module, comprising:

• receiving a plurality of downlink data communication optical signals through a downlink optical port;
• separating the plurality of downlink data communication optical signals into a plurality of separate optical channels;
• receiving a plurality of different wavelengths of continuous wave laser light through the downlink optical port, the plurality of different wavelengths of continuous wave laser light being different than wavelengths respectively corresponding to the plurality of downlink data communication optical signals;
• separating the plurality of different wavelengths of continuous wave laser light into the plurality of separate optical channels;
• splitting each of the plurality of downlink data communication optical signals and each of the plurality of different wavelengths of continuous wave laser light in the plurality of separate optical channels into two separate polarizations of light;
• for each of the plurality of downlink data communication optical signals in the plurality of separate optical channels, rotating one of the two separate polarizations of light to another of the two separate polarizations of light such that each of the plurality of downlink data communication optical signals in the plurality of separate optical channels is defined by one polarization of light;
• for each of the plurality of different wavelengths of continuous wave laser light in the plurality of separate optical channels, rotating one of the two separate polarizations of light to another of the two separate polarizations of light such that each of the plurality of different wavelengths of continuous wave laser light in the plurality of separate optical channels is defined by one polarization of light;
• conveying each of the plurality of downlink data communication optical signals and each of the plurality of different wavelengths of continuous wave laser light into a same optical waveguide, such that both a non-rotated one of the two separate polarizations of light and the rotated one of the two separate polarizations of light for each of the plurality of downlink data communication optical signals and each of the plurality of different wavelengths of continuous wave laser light are conveyed into the same optical waveguide;
• optically coupling each of the plurality of downlink data communication optical signals in the plurality of separate optical channels as defined by one polarization of light out of the same optical waveguide and into a respective one of a plurality of ring resonators that are positioned along the same optical waveguide;
• and
• optically coupling each of the plurality of different wavelengths of continuous wave laser light in the plurality of separate optical channels as defined by one polarization of light out of the same optical waveguide and into a respective one of the plurality of ring resonators that are positioned along the same optical waveguide, such that each of the plurality of ring resonators has an optical incoupling of both a unique one of the plurality of downlink data communication optical signals and a unique one of the plurality of different wavelengths of continuous wave laser light.