Smart value-added fiber-optic modules using spatially multiplexed processing

Intelligent fiber-optic value-added modules (VAMs) are proposed using what we believe to be a novel spatially multiplexed processing technique implemented with both reconfigurable and nonreconfigurable predesigned pixels per impinging beam that enables desired optical power split states needed for realizing a two state reconfigurable VAM. The preferred design uses broadband micromirrors such as ones fabricated via optical microelectromechanical systems technology. The basic VAM design uses two broadband micromirror pixels, where each pixel has its specific location and area and only one of these pixels is electrically driven to adjust its small tilt angle. The areas of the pixels are chosen to obtain the desired tap power. A proof-of-concept VAM with 100% digital repeatability is demonstrated using a Texas Instruments Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) where several micromirrors per beam are used to produce the dual-pixel effect. Example tap ratios experimentally implemented at 1550 nm include 10:90, 20:80, 66.66:33.33, 50:50, 30:70, and 25:75. DMD multipixel diffraction limits output port optical losses to 3.2 and 3.6 dB. The proposed VAM can have an impact in both digital electronic and analog RF optically implemented systems.