Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for selective blocking WDM channels comprises a light modulator, a diffraction grating, and a transform lens. The light modulator comprises an array of pixels. Each pixel of the light modulator is selectively operable to direct light into a first mode and a second mode. The first mode directs the light to an output. The second mode directs the light away from the output. The diffraction grating is operable to receive the WDM channels from an input and to disperse the WDM channels into a range of angles. The transform lens couples the diffraction grating to the light modulator. The diffraction grating is operable to transform the range of angles of the WDM channels into a range of spatially distinct positions along the array of pixels of the light modulator without overlap of two of the WDM channels on an individual pixel. In operation, the light modulator directs at least one of the WDM channels into the second mode while directing a remainder of the WDM channels into the first mode. The light modulator is capable of operating with a large dynamic range, thereby enabling equalization of select, transmitted WDM channels as well as blocking any arbitrary channels over the spectral range of operation.

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First Claim