MxO multiplex demultiplex component

A single mode wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing device comprising:

• a first fused optical waveguide fiber coupler having at least one input waveguide fiber, at least three output waveguide fibers, and a tapered coupling region wherein said at least one input waveguide fiber and said at least three output waveguide fibers are fused together so that a substantially equal amount of power from said input waveguide fiber is coupled to each said output waveguide fiber;
• a second fused optical waveguide fiber coupler having a number of input and output optical waveguide fibers, the number of input waveguide fibers of said second fused optical waveguide fiber coupler at least equal to the number of output waveguide fibers of said first fused optical waveguide fiber coupler, and, a tapered coupling region wherein the input and output waveguide fibers of said second coupler are fused together so that signal power of particular wavelengths in each said input waveguide fiber are coupled respectively to a pre-selected one of said output waveguide fibers;
• and,
• a number of dissimilar connecting fibers equal to said number of output fibers of said first fused waveguide fiber coupler, joined between said output of said first fused waveguide fiber coupler and said input of said second waveguide fiber coupler;
• wherein each said dissimilar connecting fiber produces a phase shift in a propagating light signal which is different from the phase shift produced by every other said dissimilar connecting fiber.