Compact double-pass wavelength multiplexer-demultiplexer having an increased number of channels

Abstract

An optical multiplexing and demultiplexing device includes: a plurality of optical fibers each terminating in a fiber end for radiating and receiving corresponding light beams; a fiber mounting assembly configured to support the optical fibers so that the fiber ends terminate in substantially the same plane, the mounting assembly also being configured to position the fibers in a regular array of N rows and M columns; reflecting means for reflecting beams radiating from the fiber ends; lens means for collimating and focusing beams propagating between the fiber ends and the reflecting means, the lens means having a focal length associated therewith; and diffraction means for diffracting beams propagating between the lens means and the reflecting means. The reflecting means includes a plurality of N reflective elements, each of the N reflective elements being associated with a corresponding one of the N rows. The array is substantially defined by a row axis that is substantially parallel to each of the rows and a column axis that is substantially parallel to each of the columns. Each of the reflective surfaces forms a corresponding first angle of rotation about a first line parallel to the row axis, and a corresponding second angle of rotation about a second line parallel to the column axis. The first angle of rotation of a corresponding one of the reflective surfaces is proportional to a distance measured between the center fiber and the row associated with corresponding reflective surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.