Abstract: In a ridge waveguide serial interferometer mode conversion is induced by a first mode conversion section, a phase difference between modes is introduced by propagation over a length of waveguide and optical interference is produced following further mode conversion induced in a second mode conversion section. The first mode conversion section has a first radius of curvature, which is equal to a second radius of curvature of the second mode conversion section. The ridge waveguide interferometer advantageously provides an equal phase dependency as a function of temperature.

Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) incorporates a tunable multimode interference (MMI) coupler comprising a tunable MMI coupler with a tuning electrode on a surface of a tunable MMI region and an electrically insulating region provided within the tunable MMI region. The MMI region is tunable in response to detection of a photocurrent by a photodetector section. Such a tunable MZI is particularly advantageous in enabling a split ratio of an optical splitter, the split ratio and the splitter to be controlled in a particularly efficient manner.

Abstract: In a ridge waveguide serial interferometer mode conversion is induced by a first mode conversion section, a phase difference between modes is introduced by propagation over a length of waveguide and optical interference is produced following further mode conversion induced in a second mode conversion section. The first mode conversion section has a first radius of curvature, which is equal to a second radius of curvature of the second mode conversion section. The ridge waveguide interferometer advantageously provides an equal phase dependency as a function of temperature.

Abstract: An Mach-Zehnder interferometer (500) incorporates a tunable multimode interference coupler comprising a tunable MMI coupler (504) with a tuning electrode (524) on a surface of a tunable MMI region (516) and an electrically-insulating region provided within the tunable MMI region. The MMI region is tuned in response to detection of a photocurrent measured by integrated photodetector section (510, 512). Such a tunable MZO is particularly advantageous in enabling a controlled split tio of an optical splitter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe insulation systems comprising foam and nanoporous aerogel materials. Generally speaking, the insulation systems of the present invention may be employed for thermal management of essentially any surface, or volume whether enclosed fully or partially. The aerogel material(s) may reside between a foam material(s) and the region(s) to be insulated, encased partially or fully in the foam material(s) or otherwise combined therewith.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe an aerogel composite and method for preparing the same. The aerogel composite comprises an aerogel material; a fibrous structure interpenetrating with said aerogel material; and a coating comprising a polymeric material disposed about at least one surface of said aerogel material.

Abstract: A system for insulating and providing structural support to pipelines is presented. The system is lightweight and can be constructed to withstand large compressive forces and is applicable to transport of hydrocarbons such as crude oil, gas and LNG including sub-sea applications.