Abstract: A dual-layer coupling arrangement comprises a first coupling waveguide disposed within a photonic integrated circuit (at a position over an included optical signal waveguide) and a second coupling waveguide disposed above the first coupling waveguide. The first and second coupling waveguides are formed to exhibit splitter configurations that terminate as a pair arms separated by a distance suitable for creating beams that would coincide with a circular mode field of the core region of a coupling optical fiber. The vertical spacing between the first and second coupling waveguides is set so that the pairs of beams exiting from the terminating arms of the coupling waveguides coincide with a circular mode field.

Abstract: Passive alignment and connection between a fiber array and a plurality of optical waveguides terminating along an edge of a photonic IC is provided by a controlled mating between V-grooves formed in a fiber support substrate and alignment ridges formed to surround waveguide terminations along an edge of a photonic IC. The V-grooves of the fiber support substrate are spaced to define the same pitch as the waveguides on the photonic IC, with the height and width of the alignment ridges formed to engage with the V-grooves upon mating of the fiber support substrate with the photonic IC. The individual fibers are positioned within associated V-grooves such that their endfaces are retracted from a proximal end portion of the support structure. It is this proximal end portion that mates with the alignment ridges on the photonic IC.

Abstract: A configuration of both optical and electronic integrated circuits is formed upon a single substrate in a side-by-side arrangement, with minimal interposing elements required to direct the flow of electronic signals from one IC to another. The various sets of optical connections (typically, fiber arrays that are connected to components beyond the interconnect) are disposed around the outer periphery of the interconnect in a manner that allows for efficient access. Oriented with the substrate as top layer in stack, a heatsink may be coupled directly to exposed substrate surface and provide an efficient path for heat transfer away from the interconnection assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a learning platform is configured as a network element that may be accessed by a student, who interacts with various elements at the learning platform, including a knowledge base and an associated analytics module, to receive instruction across a wide range of subject matter areas. A 3D configuration system located at the learning platform interacts with the knowledge base and analytics module to create the various 3D projections as incorporated within each learning module to enhance a student's comprehension of a given topic.

Abstract: A 2D/3D conversion interface component is configured to override the video processing capabilities associated with a conventional 2D display, re-formatting an incoming 3D video stream into a version compatible with a 2D display while preserving the 3D-type of presentation. An incoming “side-by-side” (SBS) 3D video stream is re-formatted into a “frame sequential” (serialized) format that appears as a conventional video stream input to the 2D display. The interface component also generates as an output a timing signal (synchronized with the converted frames) that is transmitted to a 3D viewing device (e.g., glasses). Therefore, as along as the 3D viewing device remains synchronized with the sequence of frames shown on the 2D display, the user will actually be viewing an interactive 3D video.

Abstract: A laser source assembly is based upon an optical reference substrate that is utilized as a common optical reference plane upon which both a fiber array and a laser diode array are disposed and positioned to provide alignment between the components. Passive optical components used to provide alignment between the laser diode array and the fiber array are also located on the optical reference substrate. A top surface of the reference substrate is patterned to include alignment fiducials and bond locations for the fiber array receiving block, laser diode array submount and passive optical components. The receiving block is configured to present the optical fibers at a height that facilitates alignment with the output beams from the laser diodes positioned on the silicon submount.

Abstract: Passive alignment and connection between a fiber array and a plurality of optical waveguides terminating along an edge of a photonic IC is provided by a controlled mating between V-grooves formed in a fiber support substrate and alignment ridges formed to surround waveguide terminations along an edge of a photonic IC. The V-grooves of the fiber support substrate are spaced to define the same pitch as the waveguides on the photonic IC, with the height and width of the alignment ridges formed to engage with the V-grooves upon mating of the fiber support substrate with the photonic IC. The individual fibers are positioned within associated V-grooves such that their endfaces are retracted from a proximal end portion of the support structure. It is this proximal end portion that mates with the alignment ridges on the photonic IC.

Abstract: An illumination source comprised of individual light emitting diodes (LEDs) specifically formed to operate at wavelengths associated with the absorption spectrum of certain biomolecule(s) of interest present in the region of the body being examined. Advantageously, LEDs may be configured to generate a high intensity, narrowband beam that is well-suited for these medical imaging purposes where the ability to provide a proper diagnosis relies on the ability to create a high contrast image for review by the medical professionals. The inventive illumination source may also include a conventional white light source that is used as before for general observation purposes, with the one or more narrowband LEDs activated when there is a need to create a high contrast image of a particular ROI.

Abstract: A high density opto-electronic interconnection arrangement includes an interposer disposed over the substrate and used to provide a high density electrical connection to a group of electrical ICs flip-chip mounted on the substrate. A set of optical ICs are disposed over and attached to the electrical ICs, where the positioning of the optical IC on the top of the stack eliminates the need to form vias through the thickness of the optical substrate. Thus, a relatively thick optical IC component may be used, providing a stable optical axis and improving alignment and coupling of optical signal paths.

Abstract: A learning platform is configured as a network element that may be accessed by a student, who interacts with various elements at the learning platform, including a knowledge base and an associated analytics module, to receive instruction across a wide range of subject matter areas. A 3D imaging system located at the learning platform interacts with the knowledge base and analytics module to create the various 3D projections as incorporated within each learning module to enhance a student's comprehension of a given topic.

Abstract: A 2D/3D conversion interface component is configured to override the video processing capabilities associated with a conventional 2D display, re-formatting an incoming 3D video stream into a version compatible with a 2D display while preserving the 3D-type of presentation. An incoming “side-by-side” (SBS) 3D video stream is re-formatted into a “frame sequential” (serialized) format that appears as a conventional video stream input to the 2D display. The interface component also generates as an output a timing signal (synchronized with the converted frames) that is transmitted to a 3D viewing device (e.g., glasses). Therefore, as along as the 3D viewing device remains synchronized with the sequence of frames shown on the 2D display, the user will actually be viewing an interactive 3D video.

Abstract: A computer mouse for providing commands to create both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) movements and manipulations of objects as projected on a 3D display. The computer mouse comprises an input device including conventional button/wheel and trackball controllers and a mode switch for toggling between 2D operation and 3D operation. The computer mouse also includes an external processor responsive to the command signals and mode signal from the input device, and functions to translate the received signals into cursor actions on an associated 3D display.

Abstract: A high density interconnect arrangement takes the form of a backplane-pluggable card, with electrical connections formed along a single (pluggable) edge and all remaining connections provided via optical fibers. An exemplary interconnect arrangement also includes on-board optical sources and silicon photonic-based circuitry for providing optical transceiver functionality. Passively aligned fiber arrays are utilized to provide I/O connections to external elements, as well as between laser sources and on-board silicon photonics.

Abstract: An optical demultiplexer that includes at least one a hybrid phase shifter configured to receive a light signal over a fiber element, the light signal including polarized optical signals. Each phase shifter includes a thermo-optic phase shifter configured to phase shift the light signal, an electro-optic phase shifter configured to phase shift the light signal, and a coupler configured to maintain polarization of the polarized signal components. The optical demultiplexer also includes control circuitry configured to regulate the thermo-optic and electro-optic phase shifters.

Abstract: A high density interconnect arrangement takes the form of a backplane-pluggable card, with electrical connections formed along a single (pluggable) edge and all remaining connections provided via optical fibers. An exemplary interconnect arrangement also includes on-board optical sources and silicon photonic-based circuitry for providing optical transceiver functionality. Passively aligned fiber arrays are utilized to provide I/O connections to external elements, as well as between laser sources and on-board silicon photonics.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include an optical system, an optical component, and an associated method of passive alignment in which complementary magnetic patterns are used to provide passive alignment between optical elements. The magnetic coupling between the magnetic patterns operates to align optical elements in at least two dimensions. The magnetic coupling provides a temporary holding force on the optical elements until the optical elements are secured using epoxy or other adhesive.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include an optical system, an optical component, and an associated method of passive alignment in which complementary magnetic patterns are used to provide passive alignment between optical elements. The magnetic coupling between the magnetic patterns operates to align optical elements in at least two dimensions. The magnetic coupling provides a temporary holding force on the optical elements until the optical elements are secured using epoxy or other adhesive.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include an optical system, an optical component, and an associated method of passive alignment in which complementary magnetic patterns are used to provide passive alignment between optical elements. The magnetic coupling between the magnetic patterns operates to align optical elements in at least two dimensions. The magnetic coupling provides a temporary holding force on the optical elements until the optical elements are secured using epoxy or other adhesive.

Abstract: An optical demultiplexer that includes at least one a hybrid phase shifter configured to receive a light signal over a fiber element, the light signal including polarized optical signals. Each phase shifter includes a thermo-optic phase shifter configured to phase shift the light signal, an electro-optic phase shifter configured to phase shift the light signal, and a coupler configured to maintain polarization of the polarized signal components. The optical demultiplexer also includes control circuitry configured to regulate the thermo-optic and electro-optic phase shifters.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include an optical system, an optical component, and an associated method of passive alignment in which complementary magnetic patterns are used to provide passive alignment between optical elements. The magnetic coupling between the magnetic patterns operates to align optical elements in at least two dimensions. The magnetic coupling provides a temporary holding force on the optical elements until the optical elements are secured using epoxy or other adhesive.