MEMS see-saw array for dynamic gain equalization of DWDM systems

A MEMS see-saw array, comprising:

• a mirror;
• a plurality of electrodes;
• and
• a plurality of levers, each lever corresponding to one of the plurality of electrodes, wherein each lever comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein each lever is capable of rotating about a fulcrum, wherein each lever rotates the first end toward its corresponding electrode when the corresponding electrode is charged such that the second end blocks a portion of a channel from reaching the mirror, wherein an unblocked portion of the channel is reflected by the mirror.

A dynamic gain equalizer (DGE), comprising:

• a fiber;
• a lens optically coupled to the fiber;
• a diffraction grating optically coupled to the lens at a side opposite to the fiber;
• and
• at least one MEMS see-saw array optically coupled to the lens at a side opposite to the diffraction grating, comprising:
• a mirror,
• an electrode, and
• a lever with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the lever is capable of rotating about a fulcrum, wherein the lever rotates the first end toward the electrode when the electrode is charged such that the second end blocks a portion of a channel from reaching the mirror, wherein an unblocked portion of the channel is reflected by the mirror.

A method for dynamic gain equalization, comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a composite optical signal, the composite optical signal comprising a plurality of channels;
• (b) demultiplexing the composite optical signal into the plurality of channels;
• (c) directing each of the plurality of channels toward a mirror;
• (d) blocking a portion of the plurality of channels from reaching the mirror by a lever having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the lever is capable of rotating about a fulcrum, wherein the lever rotates the first end toward an electrode when the electrode is charged such that the second end blocks the portion.