Planar lightwave wavelength blocker devices using micromachines

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for selectively passing or blocking an optical signal using an opaque or reflective shutter that is selectively positioned in or out of the light path. The disclosed wavelength blocker can be employed to filter input wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) signal comprised of N wavelength channels, where a mechanical shutter array selectively passes each of the N wavelength channels. Each mechanical shutter may be controlled, for example, by a micromachine control element that physically lifts the shutter into or out of the lightpath. The disclosed wavelength blockers may be utilized in wavelength-selective cross connects, as well as other optical devices. In an exemplary wavelength-selective cross connect, an array of mirrors are employed in a planar waveguide having two sets of waveguide gratings intersecting at an angle. The mirrors and waveguide gratings are positioned such that if the mirror for a given channel is up (removed from the light path), then that channel passes across the device and exits the corresponding output port (bar state), otherwise the light is reflected by the mirror and exits the opposite output port (bar state).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.