Multiplexer

Abstract

To provide a multiplexer that makes it possible to achieve a reduction in size and that minimizes the influence of the expansion of laser light on a multiplexing unit. A multiplexer is provided with a plurality of waveguides, multiplexing units that are provided at an intermediate location within the waveguides, and laser light sources, wherein: the first multiplexing unit is arranged at a position that is closest to the laser light sources; and the laser light sources that have an optical axis at a position that is separated from the transmission axis of the visible light that is introduced into the first multiplexing unit are arranged so that the optical axis is inclined with respect to the transmission axis and the outer periphery of laser light that expands at a predetermined expansion angle passes in front of the first multiplexing unit.

1 . A multiplexer, comprising:
 a multiplexing unit, including a first end face, a second end face facing the first end face, a first side face connected to the first end face and the second end face, and a second side face facing the first side face and connected to the first end face and the second end face;   a first laser light source arranged on the first end face of the multiplexing unit that outputs a first visible light beam;   a second laser light source arranged on the first side face that outputs a second visible light beam; and   a third laser light source arranged on the second side face that outputs a third visible light beam, wherein   the multiplexer outputs the first visible light beam, the second visible light beam and the third visible light beam from the second end face.