Patents by Inventor Alexander W. Fang

Alexander W. Fang has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11909516
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe apparatuses, optical systems, and methods for utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable optical transmitter. A laser array outputs a plurality of laser signals (which may further be modulated based on electrical signals), each of the plurality of laser signals having a wavelength, wherein the wavelength of each of the plurality of laser signals is tunable based on other electrical signals. An optical router receives the plurality of (modulated) laser signals at input ports and outputs the plurality of received (modulated) laser signals to one or more output ports based on the tuned wavelength of each of the plurality of received laser signals. This reconfigurable transmitter enables dynamic bandwidth allocation for multiple destinations via the tuning of the laser wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Robert Koch, Daniel Sparacin, Alexander W. Fang
  • Publication number: 20220263595
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe apparatuses, optical systems, and methods for utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable optical transmitter. A laser array outputs a plurality of laser signals (which may further be modulated based on electrical signals), each of the plurality of laser signals having a wavelength, wherein the wavelength of each of the plurality of laser signals is tunable based on other electrical signals. An optical router receives the plurality of (modulated) laser signals at input ports and outputs the plurality of received (modulated) laser signals to one or more output ports based on the tuned wavelength of each of the plurality of received laser signals. This reconfigurable transmitter enables dynamic bandwidth allocation for multiple destinations via the tuning of the laser wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Robert Koch, Daniel Sparacin, Alexander W. Fang
  • Patent number: 11356191
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe apparatuses, optical systems, and methods for utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable optical transmitter. A laser array outputs a plurality of laser signals (which may further be modulated based on electrical signals), each of the plurality of laser signals having a wavelength, wherein the wavelength of each of the plurality of laser signals is tunable based on other electrical signals. An optical router receives the plurality of (modulated) laser signals at input ports and outputs the plurality of received (modulated) laser signals to one or more output ports based on the tuned wavelength of each of the plurality of received laser signals. This reconfigurable transmitter enables dynamic bandwidth allocation for multiple destinations via the tuning of the laser wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Robert Koch, Daniel Sparacin, Alexander W. Fang
  • Publication number: 20210021367
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe apparatuses, optical systems, and methods for utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable optical transmitter. A laser array outputs a plurality of laser signals (which may further be modulated based on electrical signals), each of the plurality of laser signals having a wavelength, therein the wavelength of each of the plurality of laser signals is tunable based on other electrical signals. An optical router receives the plurality of (modulated) laser signals at input ports and outputs the plurality of received (modulated) laser signals to one or more output ports based on the tuned wavelength of each of the plurality of received laser signals. This reconfigurable transmitter enables dynamic bandwidth allocation for multiple destinations via the tuning of the laser wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Robert Koch, Daniel Sparacin, Alexander W. Fang
  • Patent number: 10826643
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe apparatuses, optical systems, and methods for utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable optical transmitter. A laser array outputs a plurality of laser signals (which may further be modulated based on electrical signals), each of the plurality of laser signals having a wavelength, wherein the wavelength of each of the plurality of laser signals is tunable based on other electrical signals. An optical router receives the plurality of (modulated) laser signals at input ports and outputs the plurality of received (modulated) laser signals to one or more output ports based on the tuned wavelength of each of the plurality of received laser signals. This reconfigurable transmitter enables dynamic bandwidth allocation for multiple destinations via the tuning of the laser wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Robert Koch, Daniel Sparacin, Alexander W. Fang
  • Publication number: 20190260492
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe apparatuses, optical systems, and methods for utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable optical transmitter. A laser array outputs a plurality of laser signals (which may further be modulated based on electrical signals), each of the plurality of laser signals having a wavelength, wherein the wavelength of each of the plurality of laser signals is tunable based on other electrical signals. An optical router receives the plurality of (modulated) laser signals at input ports and outputs the plurality of received (modulated) laser signals to one or more output ports based on the tuned wavelength of each of the plurality of received laser signals. This reconfigurable transmitter enables dynamic bandwidth allocation for multiple destinations via the tuning of the laser wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Robert Koch, Daniel Sparacin, Alexander W. Fang
  • Patent number: 10320515
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe apparatuses, optical systems, and methods for utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable optical transmitter. A laser array outputs a plurality of laser signals (which may further be modulated based on electrical signals), each of the plurality of laser signals having a wavelength, wherein the wavelength of each of the plurality of laser signals is tunable based on other electrical signals. An optical router receives the plurality of (modulated) laser signals at input ports and outputs the plurality of received (modulated) laser signals to one or more output ports based on the tuned wavelength of each of the plurality of received laser signals. This reconfigurable transmitter enables dynamic bandwidth allocation for multiple destinations via the tuning of the laser wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Koch, Daniel Sparacin, Alexander W. Fang
  • Patent number: 10224695
    Abstract: In the prior art, tunable lasers utilizing silicon-based tunable ring filters and III-V semiconductor-based gain regions required the heterogeneous integration of independently formed silicon and III-V semiconductor based optical elements, resulting in large optical devices requiring a complex manufacturing process (e.g., airtight packaging to couple the devices formed on different substrates, precise alignment for the elements, etc.). Embodiments of the invention eliminate the need for bulk optical elements and hermetic packaging, via the use of hybridized III-V/silicon gain regions and silicon optical components, such as silicon wavelength filters and stabilized wavelength references, thereby reducing the size and manufacturing complexity of tunable lasing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Aurrion, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander W. Fang, Gregory Alan Fish, John Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 9692207
    Abstract: In the prior art, tunable lasers utilizing silicon-based tunable ring filters and III-V semiconductor-based gain regions required the heterogeneous integration of independently formed silicon and III-V semiconductor based optical elements, resulting in large optical devices requiring a complex manufacturing process (e.g., airtight packaging to couple the devices formed on different substrates, precise alignment for the elements, etc.). Embodiments of the invention eliminate the need for bulk optical elements and hermetic packaging, via the use of hybridized III-V/silicon gain regions and silicon optical components, such as silicon wavelength filters and silicon wavelength references, thereby reducing the size and manufacturing complexity of tunable lasing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Aurrion, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander W. Fang, Gregory Alan Fish, John Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20170141536
    Abstract: In the prior art, tunable lasers utilizing silicon-based tunable ring filters and III-V semiconductor-based gain regions required the heterogeneous integration of independently formed silicon and III-V semiconductor based optical elements, resulting in large optical devices requiring a complex manufacturing process (e.g., airtight packaging to couple the devices formed on different substrates, precise alignment for the elements, etc.). Embodiments of the invention eliminate the need for bulk optical elements and hermetic packaging, via the use of hybridized III-V/silicon gain regions and silicon optical components, such as silicon wavelength filters and stabilized wavelength references, thereby reducing the size and manufacturing complexity of tunable lasing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander W. Fang, Gregory Alan Fish, John Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 9583913
    Abstract: In the prior art, tunable lasers utilizing silicon-based tunable ring filters and III-V semiconductor-based gain regions required the heterogeneous integration of independently formed silicon and III-V semiconductor based optical elements, resulting in large optical devices requiring a complex manufacturing process (e.g., airtight packaging to couple the devices formed on different substrates, precise alignment for the elements, etc.). Embodiments of the invention eliminate the need for bulk optical elements and hermetic packaging, via the use of hybridized III-V/silicon gain regions and silicon optical components, such as silicon wavelength filters and stabilized wavelength references, thereby reducing the size and manufacturing complexity of tunable lasing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Aurrion, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander W. Fang, Gregory Alan Fish, John Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 9322996
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe photonic integrated circuits (PICs) formed using simultaneous fabrication operations performed on photonic device layers. Each device of a PIC may be made from different optimized materials by growing the materials separately, cutting pieces of the different materials and bonding these pieces to a shared wafer. Embodiments of the invention bond photonic device layers so that shared (i.e., common) processing operations may be utilized to make more than one device simultaneously. Embodiments of the invention allow for simpler, more cost effective fabrication of PICs and improve photonic device performance and reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Aurrion, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Koch, Erik Norberg, Alexander W. Fang, Jae Shin, Gregory Alan Fish
  • Patent number: 9020002
    Abstract: Photonic integrated circuits on silicon are disclosed. By bonding a wafer of compound semiconductor material as an active region to silicon and removing the substrate, the lasers, amplifiers, modulators, and other devices can be processed using standard photolithographic techniques on the silicon substrate. A silicon laser intermixed integrated device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a silicon-on-insulator substrate, comprising at least one waveguide in a top surface, and a compound semiconductor substrate comprising a gain layer, the compound semiconductor substrate being subjected to a quantum well intermixing process, wherein the upper surface of the compound semiconductor substrate is bonded to the top surface of the silicon-on-insulator substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Matthew N. Sysak, John E. Bowers, Alexander W. Fang, Hyundai Park
  • Publication number: 20140254978
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe photonic integrated circuits (PICs) formed using simultaneous fabrication operations performed on photonic device layers. Each device of a PIC may be made from different optimized materials by growing the materials separately, cutting pieces of the different materials and bonding these pieces to a shared wafer. Embodiments of the invention bond photonic device layers so that shared (i.e., common) processing operations may be utilized to make more than one device simultaneously. Embodiments of the invention allow for simpler, more cost effective fabrication of PICs and improve photonic device performance and reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Koch, Erik Norberg, Alexander W. Fang, Jae Shin, Gregory Alan Fish
  • Patent number: 8781283
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an electro-optic device comprising a first region of silicon semiconductor material and a second region of III-V semiconductor material. A waveguide of the optical device is formed in part by a ridge in the second region. An optical mode of the waveguide is laterally confined by the ridge of the second region and vertically confined by a vertical boundary included in the first region. The ridge structure further serves as a current confinement structure over the active region of the electro-optic device, eliminating the need for implantation or other structures that are known to present reliability problems during manufacturing. The lack of “voids” and implants in electro-optic devices according to embodiments of the invention leads to better device reliability, process repeatability and improved mechanical strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Aurrion, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander W. Fang, Gregory A. Fish, Steven C. Nicholes
  • Patent number: 8774582
    Abstract: “Hybrid photonic devices” describe devices wherein the optical portion—i.e., the optical mode, comprises both the silicon and III-V semiconductor regions, and thus the refractive index of the semiconductor materials and the refractive index of the bonding layer region directly effects the optical function of the device. Prior art devices utilize an optically compliant layer that is the same material as the III-V substrate; however, during the final sub-process of the bonding process, the substrates must be removed by acids. These acids can etch into the bonding layer, causing imperfections to propagate at the interface of the bonded material, adversely affecting the optical mode shape and propagation loss of the device. Embodiments of the invention utilize a semiconductor etch-selective bonding layer that is not affected by the final stages of the bonding process (e.g., substrate removal), and thus protects the bonding interface layer from being affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Aurrion, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Jacob-Mitos, Gregory Alan Fish, Alexander W. Fang
  • Patent number: 8767792
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method comprising guiding an optical mode with an optical waveguide disposed in silicon, overlapping both the optical waveguide and an active semiconductor material evanescently coupled to the optical waveguide with the optical mode guided through the optical waveguide, electrically pumping the active semiconductor material to inject current directed through the active semiconductor material and through the optical mode, and generating light in the active semiconductor material in response to the injected current. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Bowers, Oded Cohen, Alexander W. Fang, Richard Jones, Mario J. Paniccia, Hyundai Park
  • Publication number: 20140010253
    Abstract: Photonic integrated circuits on silicon are disclosed. By bonding a wafer of compound semiconductor material as an active region to silicon and removing the substrate, the lasers, amplifiers, modulators, and other devices can be processed using standard photolithographic techniques on the silicon substrate. A silicon laser intermixed integrated device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a silicon-on-insulator substrate, comprising at least one waveguide in a top surface, and a compound semiconductor substrate comprising a gain layer, the compound semiconductor substrate being subjected to a quantum well intermixing process, wherein the upper surface of the compound semiconductor substrate is bonded to the top surface of the silicon-on-insulator substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Matthew N. Sysak, John E. Bowers, Alexander W. Fang, Hyundai Park
  • Patent number: 8559478
    Abstract: Photonic integrated circuits on silicon are disclosed. By bonding a wafer of compound semiconductor material as an active region to silicon and removing the substrate, the lasers, amplifiers, modulators, and other devices can be processed using standard photolithographic techniques on the silicon substrate. A silicon laser intermixed integrated device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a silicon-on-insulator substrate, comprising at least one waveguide in a top surface, and a compound semiconductor substrate comprising a gain layer, the compound semiconductor substrate being subjected to a quantum well intermixing process, wherein the upper surface of the compound semiconductor substrate is bonded to the top surface of the silicon-on-insulator substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Matthew N. Sysak, John E. Bowers, Alexander W. Fang, Hyundai Park
  • Patent number: 8538206
    Abstract: An electro-optic modulator comprising a first region of silicon material and a second region of non-silicon material. The second region may at least partially overlap the first region to create a lateral overlap region. An optical waveguide of the modulator may be included in the lateral overlap region and comprise of both the silicon and the non-silicon material. The refractive index of at least one of the silicon material and the non-silicon material within the optical waveguide may change based on an electrical difference applied between electrical contacts of the modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Aurrion, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Fish, Alexander W. Fang