Fiber optic dense wavelength division multiplexer with a phase differential method of wavelength separation utilizing a polarization beam splitter and a nonlinear interferometer

摘要

A dense wavelength division multiplexer for separating an optical signal into optical channels is provided. The dense wavelength division multiplexer of the present invention includes a manner for inputting an optical signal where the optical signal comprises a plurality of optical channels; a manner for separating one or more of the plurality of optical channels by introducing a phase difference between at least two of the plurality of optical channels, where the manner of separation includes a polarization beam splitter; and a manner for outputting the separated plurality of optical channels along a plurality of optical paths. The dense wavelength division multiplexer of the present invention provides an ease in alignment and a higher tolerance to drifts due to the increase in the width of the pass band. Its separators may also be placed in a multi-stage parallel cascade configuration to provide for a lower insertion loss. It may also be easily modified to perform the add/drop function as it separates channels. The material required to manufacture and implement the dense wavelength division multiplexer is readily available and do not require special or expensive materials or processes. It is thus cost effective.