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Abstract

An optical signal attenuation device and associated method for selectively attenuating the signal strengths of different wavelength signals contained within a multiplexed optical transmission. The attenuation device includes a diffracting element that diffracts the multiplexed optical system and directs the different wavelength signals onto separate optical paths. A modulator array is provided that contains a plurality of optical modulators spaced at a pitch so that each modulator receives one of the different wavelength signals. Each optical modulator causes a signal to be produced that correspond to the signal it receives, except that the signal strength of the emitted signal is altered to fall within a desired range. Each signal emitted by the optical modulators is again directed toward a diffraction element. The diffraction element combines the separate wavelength signals, thereby producing a multiplexed signal where each wavelength has a signal strength that falls within a common range.

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First Claim