Variable-attenuation tunable optical router

A device for distributing an optical signal, comprising:

• an optical waveguide having at least a grating disposed therein, said grating having a predetermined reflectivity response within a specific wavelength range;
• an optical coupling means having a port coupled to the optical waveguide for removing light of a specific wavelength range;
• and,
• control means for controlling said at least a grating to effect a change of the wavelength range of said reflectivity response of the grating, said change being one of an expansion of said range and a compression of said range of the at least a grating.

A method of distributing optical signals in an optical system comprising the steps of:

• a) providing an optical waveguide having a plurality of gratings disposed in series in said waveguide, said gratings having a predetermined reflectivity response within a specific wavelength range;
• launching an optical signal comprising wavelengths corresponding to a plurality of spaced optical channels into the waveguide.
• providing a means of coupling reflected light from the waveguide;
• tuning the gratings by individually controlling said at least some of said gratings to effect a change of the wavelength range of said reflectivity response of the gratings, said change being one of an expansion of said range and a compression of said range.