Coarse wavelength division multiplexer–demultiplexer with left-handed material

Abstract

We propose a coarse multiplexer–demultiplexer (MUX–DEMUX) for two ITU-T recommended channels based on a directional coupler (DC) with left-handed material (LHM), whose size can be controlled to a thickness less than 1mm. Our MUX–DEMUX can mix and separate two wavelength channels by use of LHM sandwiched between two RHM straight waveguides of a DC. Its operation is by setting the coupling length of one wavelength to be half of that of the other wavelength, which can be easily realized with quite short devices’ length due to the enhancement of the coupling efficiency caused by LHM. At last, the loss effect of LHM is considered.