Wavelength selective switch having integrated channel monitor

摘要

The optical element comprises an optical port array having first and second optical inputs for receiving optical beams and a first plurality of optical outputs associated with a switching function and a second plurality of optical outputs associated with a channel monitoring function. . The dispersive element receives the optical beam from an input and spatially separates the optical beam into a plurality of wavelength elements. A focus element focuses the plurality of wavelength elements. An optical path conversion system receives the plurality of wavelength components and selectively directs each of the wavelength components to a predetermined one of the optical ports. The light sensing units are respectively associated with one of the optical outputs in the second plurality of optical outputs and receive a wavelength component therefrom. The control causes the optical path conversion system to simultaneously direct each of the plurality of wavelength components to another of the optical outputs of the second plurality of optical outputs.