US4746186A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Integrated optical multiplexer/demultiplexer utilizing a plurality of blazed gratings
Assignee: US Philips Corp
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Filing: 1987-08-31
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Granted: 1988-05-24
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Expires: 2007-08-31
Abstract
Abstract A planar reflecting grating is described which is suitable for use in an optical multiplexer or demultiplexer. This grating comprises a periodic structure of elongated areas which are formed at constant distances from each other in a thin light-conducting layer deposited on a substrate. In their longitudinal directions, the areas have periodic ridges, corresponding ridges extending parallel to each other.
Inventors
- 👤 Antonius J. A. Nicia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 20:38
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/10; G02B6/12; G02B6/12007; G02B6/12004; G02B6/122; G02B6/124; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/293; G02B6/29304; G02B6/29316; G02B6/29325; G02B6/29328
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A reflection grating comprising: a substrate; a light-conducting layer on the substrate; and a plurality of elongated perturbations extending in a direction of elongation in the light-conducting layer, said perturbations being spaced apart from each other a substantially constant distance in a longitudinal direction transverse to the direction of elongation, each perturbation having the shape of a blazed grating, portions of different blazed grating perturbations which correspond to each other in the longitudinal direction extending parallel to each other, said plurality of perturbations reflecting light in the light-conducting layer which is incident on the perturbations at a first angle of incidence, said first angle of incidence being transverse to the direction of elongation, said plurality of perturbations diffracting different wavelengths of light incident at the first angle of incidence, said different wavelengths being diffracted in different directions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A reflection grating comprising: a substrate; a light-conducting layer on the substrate; and a plurality of elongated perturbations extending in a direction of elongation in the light-conducting layer, said perturbations being spaced apart from each other a substantially constant distance in a longitudinal direction transverse to the direction of elongation, each perturbation having the shape of a blazed grating, portions of different blazed grating perturbations which correspond to each other in the longitudinal direction extending parallel to each other, said plurality of perturbations reflecting light in the light-conducting layer which is incident on the perturbations at a first angle of incidence, said first angle of incidence being transverse to the direction of elongation, said plurality of perturbations diffracting different wavelengths of light incident at the first angle of incidence, said different wavelengths being diffracted in different directions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the perturbations are curved in the direction of elongation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the perturbations are changes in the thickness of the light-conducting layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the perturbations are ridges in the light-conducting layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the perturbations are grooves in the light-conducting layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the perturbations are metallic strips on the light-conducting layer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the perturbations are changes in the refractive index of the light-conducting layer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the grating further comprises a protective layer over the light-conducting layer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that perturbations have a curvature chosen to focus light incident thereon.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
157 words
An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer comprising: a substrate; a light-conducting layer on the substrate; a planar lens in the light-conducting layer; and a plurality of elongated perturbations extending in a direction of elongation in the light-conducting layer, said perturbations being spaced apart from the planar lens in a longitudinal direction transverse to the direction of elongation, said perturbations being spaced apart from each other a substantially constant distance in the longitudinal direction, each perturbation having the shape of a blazed grating, portions of different blazed grating perturbations which correspond to each other in the longitudinal direction extending parallel to each other, said plurality of perturbations reflecting light in the light-conducting layer which is incident on the perturbations at a first angle of incidence, said first angle of incidence being transverse to the direction of elongation, said plurality of perturbations diffracting different wavelengths of light incident at the first angle of incidence, said different wavelengths being diffracted in different directions.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
157 words
An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer comprising: a substrate; a light-conducting layer on the substrate; a planar lens in the light-conducting layer; and a plurality of elongated perturbations extending in a direction of elongation in the light-conducting layer, said perturbations being spaced apart from the planar lens in a longitudinal direction transverse to the direction of elongation, said perturbations being spaced apart from each other a substantially constant distance in the longitudinal direction, each perturbation having the shape of a blazed grating, portions of different blazed grating perturbations which correspond to each other in the longitudinal direction extending parallel to each other, said plurality of perturbations reflecting light in the light-conducting layer which is incident on the perturbations at a first angle of incidence, said first angle of incidence being transverse to the direction of elongation, said plurality of perturbations diffracting different wavelengths of light incident at the first angle of incidence, said different wavelengths being diffracted in different directions.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
146 words
An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer comprising: a substrate; a light-conducting layer on the substrate; and a plurality of elongated perturbations extending in a direction of elongation in the light-conducting layer, said perturbations being spaced apart from each other a substantially constant distance in a longitudinal direction transverse to the direction of elongation, each perturbation having the shape of a blazed grating, portions of different blazed grating perturbations which correspond to each other in the longitudinal direction extending parallel to each other, said perturbations being curved in the direction of elongation, said plurality of perturbations reflecting light in the light-conducting layer which is incident on the perturbations at a first angle of incidence, said first angle of incidence being transverse to the direction of elongation, said plurality of perturbations diffracting different wavelengths of light incident at the first angle of incidence, said different wavelengths being diffracted in different directions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
146 words
An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer comprising: a substrate; a light-conducting layer on the substrate; and a plurality of elongated perturbations extending in a direction of elongation in the light-conducting layer, said perturbations being spaced apart from each other a substantially constant distance in a longitudinal direction transverse to the direction of elongation, each perturbation having the shape of a blazed grating, portions of different blazed grating perturbations which correspond to each other in the longitudinal direction extending parallel to each other, said perturbations being curved in the direction of elongation, said plurality of perturbations reflecting light in the light-conducting layer which is incident on the perturbations at a first angle of incidence, said first angle of incidence being transverse to the direction of elongation, said plurality of perturbations diffracting different wavelengths of light incident at the first angle of incidence, said different wavelengths being diffracted in different directions.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the perturbations have a curvature chosen to focus light incident thereon.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
132 words
A reflection grating comprising: a substrate; a light-conducting layer on the substrate; and a plurality of elongated perturbations extending in a direction of elongation in the light-conducting layer, said perturbations being spaced apart from each other a substantially constant distance in a longitudinal direction transverse to the direction of elongation, each perturbation having a wavy shape, portions of different perturbations which correspond to each other in the longitudinal direction extending parallel to each other, said plurality of perturbations reflecting light in the light-conducting layer which is incident on the perturbations at a first angle of incidence, said first angle of incidence being transverse to the direction of elongation, said plurality of perturbations diffracting different wavelengths of light incident at the first angle of incidence, said different wavelengths being diffracted in different directions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
132 words
A reflection grating comprising: a substrate; a light-conducting layer on the substrate; and a plurality of elongated perturbations extending in a direction of elongation in the light-conducting layer, said perturbations being spaced apart from each other a substantially constant distance in a longitudinal direction transverse to the direction of elongation, each perturbation having a wavy shape, portions of different perturbations which correspond to each other in the longitudinal direction extending parallel to each other, said plurality of perturbations reflecting light in the light-conducting layer which is incident on the perturbations at a first angle of incidence, said first angle of incidence being transverse to the direction of elongation, said plurality of perturbations diffracting different wavelengths of light incident at the first angle of incidence, said different wavelengths being diffracted in different directions.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the perturbations are curved in the direction of elongation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the perturbations are changes in the thickness of the light-conducting layer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the perturbations are ridges in the light-conducting layer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the perturbations are grooves in the light-conducting layer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the perturbations are metallic strips on the light-conducting layer.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the perturbations are changes in the refractive index of the light-conducting layer.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
A reflection grating as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the perturbations have a curvature chosen to focus light incident thereon.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-05-24 | 1991-11-23 | 1992-05-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-05-24 | 1995-11-23 | 1996-05-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-05-24 | 1999-11-23 | 2000-05-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |