Optical time-division multiplexing

U.S. Patent Number: 5331451

Abstract: Optical time-division multiplexing of two or more digital optical input signals applied to an optical multiplex element to produce a single optical output signal is performed. In the multiplex element, the input signals are optically switched through in alternation, a through-switching time interval being shorter than the duration of a pulse of the input signal. An optical time-division multiplexer has at least one multiplex element to which at least two optical signal are input, the signals having carriers of different wavelengths. The signals are connected to an optical signal output via a junction. The signals can be switched through to the signal output in alternation by a switchable filter.

Inventors: Mozer; Albrecht (Burghausen, DE)

Assignee: Alcatel N.V. (Amsterdam, NL)

Application Number: 07/907,922

Issued: 1994-07-19

Expired: 2006-07-19

Classes: 398/98 ; 398/101

Field of search: 370/8,10,109 359/123,139,128

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