The Dragone router is a key enabling component of WDM, allowing the combining (multiplexing) of several channels carried by different wavelengths onto a single fiber, and the subsequent de-multiplexing at the receiving end. Dr. Dragone’s powerful invention also allows for the integration of several functions, including multiplexing, on a single chip supporting a photonic integrated circuit. The integration leads to important reduction of the packaging cost of optical transmission technology, form today's long haul applications to the shorter-range metropolitan and access telecom networks.

With Lucent Technologies/Bell Labs since 1961, Dr. Dragone's main areas of research were in the fields of microwave techniques, integrated optics and light-wave communications. He has published numerous articles on these subjects and holds over 60 patents with several pending. His Lucent Technologies Wavelength Router won the 1996 Photonics Circle of Excellence Award. He is the co-recipient of the IEE/LEOS Engineering Achievement Award for the conception, design and reduction to the practice of novel wave-guide array devices and their applications to WDM networks. He is a recipient of the Bell Labs Distinguished Technical Staff Award, and was elected an IEEE Fellow for his contributions to the theory, design and application of microwave antennas.