Optical add/drop filter for wavelength division multiplexed systems

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2002

OSTI ID:874937

Deri, Robert J ^[1]; Strand, Oliver T ^[2]; Garrett, Henry E ^[3]

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1. Pleasanton, CA
2. Castro Valley, CA
3. Livermore, CA

An optical add/drop filter for wavelength division multiplexed systems and construction methods are disclosed. The add/drop filter includes a first ferrule having a first pre-formed opening for receiving a first optical fiber; an interference filter oriented to pass a first set of wavelengths along the first optical fiber and reflect a second set of wavelengths; and, a second ferrule having a second pre-formed opening for receiving the second optical fiber, and the reflected second set of wavelengths. A method for constructing the optical add/drop filter consists of the steps of forming a first set of openings in a first ferrule; inserting a first set of optical fibers into the first set of openings; forming a first set of guide pin openings in the first ferrule; dividing the first ferrule into a first ferrule portion and a second ferrule portion; forming an interference filter on the first ferrule portion; inserting guide pins through the first set of guide pin openings in the first ferrule portion and second ferrule portion to passively align the first set of optical fibers; removing material such that light reflected from the interference filter from the first set of optical fibers is accessible; forming a second set of openings in a second ferrule; inserting a second set of optical fibers into the second set of openings; and positioning the second ferrule with respect to the first ferrule such that the second set of optical fibers receive the light reflected from the interference filter.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: The Regents of the University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 6493484
• OSTI ID: 874937
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

optical
adddrop
filter
wavelength
division
multiplexed
systems
construction
methods
disclosed
ferrule
pre-formed
receiving
fiber
interference
oriented
pass
set
wavelengths
reflect
reflected
method
constructing
consists
steps
forming
openings
inserting
fibers
guide
dividing
portion
pins
passively
align
removing
material
light
accessible
positioning
receive
optical fiber
interference filter
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