The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 17, 2003
Filed:
Sep. 20, 2000
Method and device for switching wavelength division multiplexed optical signals using emitter arrays
Richard B. Holmes, Cameron Park, CA (US);
General Nutronics, Inc., Cameron Park, CA (US);
Abstract
A switch device and method is disclosed that is capable of switching wavelength division multiplexed optical signals. The device comprises a switch element, which may include a detector, an emitter array, and a switch controller. The detector is adapted to detect optical signals and is positioned to receive light from a source. The emitter array is positioned to transmit light to a plurality of targets. The emitter comprises a plurality of emitters, each emitter being adapted to generate light signals. The light signals generated by each emitter are transmitted to at least one predetermined target. The switch controller is in communication with the detector and the emitter array. The switch controller is adapted to cause the emitter array to generate the detected signal. The switch elements are grouped in an array and dichroic beam splitters may be used to reflect predetermined ranges of wavelengths to the individual switch elements.