Abstract: Distortion in an optical transmission system is significantly reduced by the use of two modulatable optical sources with non-ideal transfer functions of electric signal to light. The output of the first modulator is sampled and then delayed using an optical delay line. The sampled signal is compared with the input signal to generate an electrical error signal. This error signal is then used to modulate the second optical source. The output of this second modulatable optical source is then combined with the delayed output from the first optical source in an optical coupler in such a way that the departures from linearity (which form the error signal) are removed, giving a linear transfer function of electric signal to light through the entire system. The first optical source is chosen to have high power and low noise. The second source is chosen to be low power, moderate noise.

Abstract: An optical connector for assembly with a fiber optic cable includes a spring biased holder for an optical fiber having a rear body to prevent leaking of adhesive from the holder. A collar is provided having a multi-faceted periphery to allow insertion into a cavity of a connector body. The collar has a complementary faceted geometry in a multiplicity of orientations with respect to a mating axis to provide for high resolution tuning of the holder.

Abstract: For the axial springing of the connector pin (1), the connector pin is held firmly in a receiving socket (3) which is connected via a spring element (6) with the actual connector body (2). The receiving socket, the spring element and at least a part of the connector body are integrally formed. Through suitable choice of material and shape, the spring element (4) obtains the required spring characteristics. By means of this design, the connector has only a few individual components and is easily assembled.

Abstract: An optical switch having a fixed-position concave reflector, a fixed array of optical waveguides facing the concave reflector, said array including n number of input waveguides for transmitting the optical signal into the switch, and m number of output waveguides adapted to receive the optical signal, and a refractive element located between the reflector and the array of optical waveguides having multiple angular positions for selectively coupling one of the n number of input waveguides with one of the m number of output waveguides, the switch further including an actuator connected to the refractive element for moving the refractive element between angular positions.

Abstract: Optical fiber devices for medical purposes and a method of making optical fiber devices. In one embodiment particularly suitable for laser surgery an optical fiber device is provided which includes an capsule which secures a lens element adjacent to an end of an optical fiber. The capsule includes fluid passageways which extend along the length thereof through which a temperature controlled fluid may be caused to flow. In another embodiment particularly suitable for providing a wide area of illumination an optical fiber device is provided which includes a main optical fiber element and a plurality of auxiliary optical fiber elements which are optically coupled thereto. The auxiliary optical fiber elements have terminal ends which project light that is transmitted through the main optical fiber.

Abstract: A rotation and alignment device for assembling of an optical fiber connector with a lower connection loss. This device image-processes the distribution of optical intensity of light emitted from an end surface of an optical fiber of a ferrule and derives an optical peak intensity point of the end surface of the optical fiber such that the point is placed in a predetermined region of a rectangular coordinate system. This device comprises a rotation and marking part for controlling a rotational position of a marker with respect to the ferrule and marking the optical peak intensity point on an outer surface of the ferrule. A ferrule fixture part is coupled to the rotation and marking part and fixes the ferrule such that the outer surface of the ferrule is marked with the optical peak intensity point by the marker. A vertical supporting part supports the rotation and marking part and the ferrule fixture pat.

Abstract: A flexible, self-supporting fiber optic cable. The inventive cable includes a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of strands of metallic wire coextensive with the optical fiber along the longitudinal axes thereof. The cable is particularly well-suited for aesthetic sculptural illuminated applications including fiber optic trees. The fiber optic trees include a self-supporting fiber optic cable including multiple strands of optic fiber which is twisted along the length thereof. The twist is effective to: 1) cause light to escape from the fiber along the length thereof and 2) create the appearance of a branch or other supporting member of a plant or tree. The optical fibers are supported by strands of wire coextensive therewith. When light is input to the fibers, an aesthetically pleasing illuminated optical sculpture in the shape of a tree is created.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for making a low cost and highly efficient hollow waveguide for transmitting electromagnetic radiation. The waveguide is made from a solid substrate monolithic hollow tube with a reflectivity enhancing dielectric film formed directly over the inner surface. The film can be formed by native chemical reactions, with the material of the monolithic, hollow tube. The present application also discloses a method of polishing and cleaning the inner surface of the hollow tube.One of the problems identified with the hollow metallic waveguide has been the poor surface finish on the inner wall of the hollow tube which results from the processes used to fabricate the metallic tube into final form. The coated reflectivity enhancing dielectric films more or less duplicate the surface roughness in the as formed tube thus seriously affecting the performance of the waveguide especially at the shorter wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical fiber arrangement providing uniform illumination of a region in a plane beyond the end of an optical fiber and normal to the fiber axis. An array (12) of four prisms (A,B,C,D) is disposed adjacent to, but spaced from, an end (11) of an optical fiber (5). By appropriate choice of the prism angle (.theta.) and its spacing (d) from the fiber (5), the prism array (12) modifies the angular distribution of light from the fiber (5) in two ways. The shape of the illuminated region is changed from circular to square and the illumination becomes substantially constant over the square region. In an assembly of fibers, each modified in this way, the amount of overlap needed between the outputs of neighbouring fibers can thus be reduced and a more uniform light output can be achieved. Other non-circular regions of illumination, for example of pentagonal and hexagonal shape, can be produced using different optical components and the same benefits obtained.

Abstract: An electrophoretic light switch is provided for controlling light in a light pipe having a transparent inner conductor, an outer conductor and a solution containing charged particles. Light is absorbed by the solution when the particles are attracted to the inner conductor causing the light intensity in the light pipe to be reduced.

Abstract: A modular photonic waveguide distribution system is disclosed which enables multi-directional and simultaneous communication within a multitude of coherent data processing units. The basic structure of an optical distributor element or module 1 is described and it is shown how the extension to complex data distribution structures can be achieved by respective combinations of the modules. Modes of operation and data selection are demonstrated.

Abstract: An hermetically sealed joint cover for fibre optic cables which does not require the use of mastic and/or miscellaneous sealants, the hermetic seal being achieved by a seal gasket which is provided with at least one through hole partly open outwards and embracing each cable or series of cables entering and/or leaving the joint cover, and which is insertable into seats formed in apertures for the entry and exit of the cables into and from the joint cover.

Abstract: An optical integrated circuit comprises an optical substrate and an optical waveguide supported by the substrate. A transducer is incorporated into the optical integrated circuit and coupled to the optical substrate. The transducer comprises a region of piezo-electric material and a set of electrodes for applying a voltage to the piezo-electric material for selectively causing the deformation of the piezo-electric material so as to alter the optical path length of the waveguide.

Abstract: An electro-optic modulator in which the input electromagnetic signal is launched as a substrate mode in the electro-optic material. Broadband endfire antennas on the top surface of the substrate couple the signal to electrodes positioned above the optical waveguide in the substrate to concentrate the input signal and achieve high electric field strength in the vicinity of the optical waveguide. The endfire antennas are oriented with respect to the optical waveguides so as to compensate for the phase velocity mismatch between the electromagnetic signal and the light beam in the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A device for splicing multiple optical fibers includes a novel splice element having two plates formed from a sheet of aluminum material, there being a fold line in the sheet forming a hinge, the two plates being folded toward one another to define opposing surfaces. One of the opposing surfaces has several fiber receiving grooves therein, parallel with the fold line. The aluminum is anodized prior to embossing the fiber receiving grooves. The element is inserted into the slot of a splice body formed of an injection moldable material. The splice body may be reinforced by insert molding a steel tube therein, surrounding the slot.

Abstract: An optical apparatus including a first optical coupling having a first and a second pair of optical communication ports in which substantially equal portions of an optical signal received at a port of one pair of ports are coupled to each port of the other pair of ports; an optical waveguide optically coupling the second pair of ports such that an optical signal leaving either one of the second pair of ports in a first polarization state; a second optical coupling for coupling an optical signal at a second wavelength to the optical waveguide so as to propagate along at least a portion of it in one direction only; and first and second polarizing beam splitters optically coupled to a respective one of the first pair of ports.

Abstract: A permanent optical fiber connector which makes it possible to connect and fix optical fibers (A) in some seconds. This connector comprises a base part (B) including a base body (4) made of a material of low expansion coefficient having a pair of opposed locking elements (7) and one or more capillary tubes (5) bonded to the base body and having an inner diameter slightly greater than the cladding of an optical fiber, and an optical fiber pressing part (C) including a pressing body (21) made of a material of low expansion coefficient and adapted to fit between the locking elements (7) of the base body to be embraced thereby and elastic bodies (22) attached to the lower surface of the pressing body, said pressing body (21) being embraced between the locking elements (7) of the base body, whereby the optical fiber pressing part (C) presses the covers (3) and optical fiber bodies (2) of the optical fibers (A) against the base part (B) to fix them to the latter.

Abstract: A fiberoptic connector assembly which includes an optical fiber that is engaged within a fiberoptic connector. The fiberoptic connector includes a metal core having a malleable external tip. The tip is deformed by physical contact during the manufacturing process, whereby the optical fiber is held within the fiberoptic connector by mechanical, frictional engagement with the deformed portion of the tip. The manufacturing device includes a holder for holding the fiberoptic connector with the optical fiber disposed therewithin. A mechanical spring-loaded punch is utilized to make physical contact with the malleable tip of the fiberoptic connector to deform the tip upon physical contact with the punch. Also disclosed is the method that is utilized for manufacturing the fiberoptic connector assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for underwater coupling of a fiber-optic cable to a light source without exposing the light source to the surrounding water. The apparatus employs an optically clear coupling element having one or more blind holes on one surface sized to snugly hold a fiber optic cable. The coupling element closes a watertight enclosure containing a light source such that the blind holes are on the exterior of the enclosure. Light emitted by the light source can pass through the optically clear coupling element to be received by fiber-optic cables fitted into the exterior blind holes. The fiber optic cables can be removed and replaced without opening the enclosure and exposing the light source to contact by the surrounding water.

Abstract: A high-power acceptable optical fiber comprises a core and cladding provided on the outer peripheral surface of the core. The dopant concentrations in the core and cladding each change in the axial direction of the optical fiber. The core has a same relative refractive index profile in any cross section thereof taken in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction thereof. The relative refractive index profile is normalized by a maximum refractive index of the core.