Integrated optical wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer has an optical cladding surrounding at least one portion of each core so as to define interaction zones comprising diffraction gratings

摘要

Multiplexer/Demultiplexer comprises a substrate (18), at least n (n = a whole number of at least 2) cores (23, 25) of guides, and at least one optical cladding (20) surrounding at least one portion of each of the n cores so as to define interaction zones (I1, I2) comprising diffraction gratings (R1, R2). The multiplexer/demultiplexer has at least n inputs/outputs (P1, P2, P3). Preferred Device: Each core (23, 25) has two ends, and the n inputs/outputs are formed by at least one end of each core (23, 25). The cladding (20) has a refractive index that is greater than that of the substrate (18) at least in the interaction zones (I1, I2). The diffraction grating (R1, R2) of an interaction zone (I1, I2) can be formed in the core corresponding to the zone (I1, I2) and/or in the cladding (20). The diffraction gratings can be periodic or pseudo-periodic and/or comprise a succession of diffraction gratings. The interaction zones (I1, I2) in the same cladding can be in series or in parallel. The multiplexer/demultiplexer can comprise an optical cladding and n cores of an optical guide, where the optical cladding surrounds each core in a distinct interaction zone, so as to form n interaction zones in series. The multiplexer/demultiplexer can comprise m optical claddings, where each optical cladding (i) surrounds ni cores, (i = a whole number 1-m) in distinct interaction zones, so as to form ni interaction zones in series per cladding (i), and each optical cladding has at least one interaction zone whose core is common with the interaction zone of another cladding. The multiplexer/demultiplexer can comprise an optical cladding and n cores, where the optical cladding surrounds each core in a distinct interaction zone, so as to form n interaction zones in parallel. The multiplexer/demultiplexer can comprise an optical cladding and n cores, where the optical cladding surrounds each core so as to form with each core one or more interaction zones in series, and with the different cores of the interaction zones in parallel. An Independent claim is given for a method for production of the invented multiplexer/demultiplexer..