Abstract: A GRIN-lensed, tuned wedge waveguide termination, a method of reducing back reflection to a waveguide caused by the GRIN-lensed, tuned wedge waveguide termination and a terminated optical fiber. In one embodiment, the GRIN-lensed, tuned wedge waveguide termination includes: (1) a GRIN lens subassembly including a GRIN lens having a pitch greater than a quarter pitch such that a primary beam propagating through the GRIN lens subassembly forms a waist and (2) a tuned wedge subassembly bonded to the GRIN lens subassembly and having a length selected such that the tuned wedge subassembly ends at least proximate the waist, the tuned wedge subassembly further having a bevel angle selected to reduce a back reflection into the waveguide.

Abstract: An N×M monolithic switch and a method of operating the switch.

Abstract: Various embodiments of free-space fiber waveguide connectors, feed-throughs and GRIN lens assemblies and methods of bonding GRIN lenses in, and aligning waveguide fibers to, such connectors, feed-throughs and assemblies. In one embodiment, a free-space fiber waveguide connector includes: (1) an insert having a waveguide fiber bonded in a fiber mount attached proximate one end of the insert and an angle-faced GRIN lens attached proximate an opposing end of the insert and (2) a lens collar attached to the GRIN lens, the one end defining a reference plane and a virtual axis of the GRIN lens perpendicular to the reference plane, the fiber mount adjustable to a reflection from a reflective surface bonded parallel to the reference plane.

Abstract: A GRIN-lensed, tuned wedge waveguide termination, a method of reducing back reflection to a waveguide caused by the GRIN-lensed, tuned wedge waveguide termination and a terminated optical fiber. In one embodiment, the GRIN-lensed, tuned wedge waveguide termination includes: (1) a GRIN lens subassembly including a GRIN lens having a pitch greater than a quarter pitch such that a primary beam propagating through the GRIN lens subassembly forms a waist and (2) a tuned wedge subassembly bonded to the GRIN lens subassembly and having a length selected such that the tuned wedge subassembly ends at least proximate the waist, the tuned wedge subassembly further having a bevel angle selected to reduce a back reflection into the waveguide.

Abstract: An N×M monolithic switch and a method of operating the switch.

Abstract: Various embodiments of free-space fiber waveguide connectors, feed-throughs and GRIN lens assemblies and methods of bonding GRIN lenses in, and aligning waveguide fibers to, such connectors, feed-throughs and assemblies. In one embodiment, a free-space fiber waveguide connector includes: (1) an insert having a waveguide fiber bonded in a fiber mount attached proximate one end of the insert and an angle-faced GRIN lens attached proximate an opposing end of the insert and (2) a lens collar attached to the GRIN lens, the one end defining a reference plane and a virtual axis of the GRIN lens perpendicular to the reference plane, the fiber mount adjustable to a reflection from a reflective surface bonded parallel to the reference plane.

Abstract: A single-aperture passive rangefinder and a method of determining a range. In one embodiment, the single-aperture passive rangefinder includes: (1) an imaging system configured to form a first image that includes a point of interest at a first position and a second image at a second position that includes the point of interest and (2) a processor associated with the imaging system and configured to acquire and store the first image and the second image and determine a range to the point of interest based on a separation between the first position and the second position and a position of the point of interest relative to virtual axes of the imaging system at the first position and at the second position.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a plurality of images. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) an event detector configured to detect at least one true target in the plurality of images using a threshold based on average and peak pixel values, (2) an image processor configured to define at least one corresponding region-of-interest for the at least one true target, (3) at least one display configured to display the plurality of images on at least one display and (4) a region-of-interest display separate from the at least one display and configured to display the at least one region-of-interest.

Abstract: A single-aperture passive rangefinder and a method of determining a range. In one embodiment, the single-aperture passive rangefinder includes: (1) an imaging system configured to form a first image that includes a point of interest at a first position and a second image at a second position that includes the point of interest and (2) a processor associated with the imaging system and configured to acquire and store the first image and the second image and determine a range to the point of interest based on a separation between the first position and the second position and a position of the point of interest relative to virtual axes of the imaging system at the first position and at the second position.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a plurality of images. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) an event detector configured to detect at least one true target in the plurality of images using a threshold based on average and peak pixel values, (2) an image processor configured to define at least one corresponding region-of-interest for the at least one true target, (3) at least one display configured to display the plurality of images on at least one display and (4) a region-of-interest display separate from the at least one display and configured to display the at least one region-of-interest.

Abstract: Novel architectures of integrated optical add/drop wavelength division multiplexers and FTIR switches are disclosed. In one embodiment, an add/drop includes: (1) a primary refracting body having a total internal reflecting surface and capable of transmitting optical energy therethrough, (2) a frustrating refracting body having a frustrating surface located proximate the total internal reflecting surface, (3) an actuator, coupled to the primary refracting body and the frustrating refracting body, that drives the frustrating refracting body thereby to frustrate a reflection of the total internal reflecting surface and (4) an optical filter, optically aligned with the primary refracting body, that configurably passes selected wavelengths of light through the primary refracting body and reflects remaining wavelengths.

Abstract: Novel architectures of integrated optical add/drop wavelength division multiplexers and FTIR switches are disclosed. In one embodiment, an add/drop includes: (1) a primary refracting body having a total internal reflecting surface and capable of transmitting optical energy therethrough, (2) a frustrating refracting body having a frustrating surface located proximate the total internal reflecting surface, (3) an actuator, coupled to the primary refracting body and the frustrating refracting body, that drives the frustrating refracting body thereby to frustrate a reflection of the total internal reflecting surface and (4) an optical filter, optically aligned with the primary refracting body, that configurably passes selected wavelengths of light through the primary refracting body and reflects remaining wavelengths.

Abstract: Novel architectures of optical switches and N×N cross bar optical switches are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical switch includes: (1) a primary refracting body having a total internal reflecting surface and capable of transmitting optical energy therethrough, (2) a frustrating refracting body having a frustrating surface located proximate the total internal reflecting surface and (3) an actuator, coupled to the primary refracting body and the frustrating refracting body, that drives at least a center portion of the frustrating refracting body thereby to frustrate a reflection of the total internal reflecting surface.

Abstract: Novel architectures of integrated optical add/drop wavelength division multiplexers and FTIR switches are disclosed. In one embodiment, an add/drop includes: (1) a primary refracting body having a total internal reflecting surface and capable of transmitting optical energy therethrough, (2) a frustrating refracting body having a frustrating surface located proximate the total internal reflecting surface, (3) an actuator, coupled to the primary refracting body and the frustrating refracting body, that drives the frustrating refracting body thereby to frustrate a reflection of the total internal reflecting surface and (4) an optical filter, optically aligned with the primary refracting body, that configurably passes selected wavelengths of light through the primary refracting body and reflects remaining wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes an optical fiber and a lens having a first face coupled to the optical fiber and a second face angled with respect to the first face to direct reflections generated at the second face away from the optical fiber. In one embodiment, the lens comprises a segment of a gradient index lens. In another embodiment, a connector couples the lens to a second lens that comprises a second segment of the gradient index lens. In this embodiment, a second optical fiber couples to the second lens to facilitate duplex transmission of optical signals with the first optical fiber.

Abstract: A system for determining the condition of an optical signal includes a first refractive material having an interface with a second refractive material. The first refractive material receives an optical signal. A portion of the optical signal reflects off the interface between the first refractive material and the second refractive material as a reflection signal. A signal monitoring circuit determines the condition of the optical signal using the reflection of the optical signal at the interface between the first refractive material and the second refractive material.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an optical fiber includes an alignment spacer having a tapered alignment hole to receive an optical fiber. In one embodiment, the optical fiber is positioned in the tapered alignment hole such that the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the alignment hole. The alignment spacer may also align a number of optical fibers arranged in two dimensions.

Abstract: An optical bus for processing an optical signal includes an optical waveguide and a switchplate. The switchplate has a first position spaced apart from the optical waveguide and a second position in proximal contact with a reflecting surface of the optical waveguide to frustrate the total internal reflection of the optical signal such that the optical signal exits the optical waveguide at an output location.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for aligning an optical fiber includes a lens having a first face and a second face. In one embodiment, the first face of the lens receives an optical signal at an input displacement and an input angle. In this embodiment, an optical fiber is coupled to the second face of the lens at an output angle in response to the input displacement of the optical signal and at an output displacement in response to the input angle of the optical signal. In another embodiment, an optical fiber is coupled to the first face of the lens at an input displacement and an input angle. In this embodiment, the optical fiber transmits an optical signal that exits the second face of the lens at an output angle in response to the input displacement and at an output displacement in response to the input angle.

Abstract: A device for processing an optical signal includes a refractor with a reflecting surface for reflecting the optical signal by total internal reflection. The device also includes a switchplate and an actuator to place the switchplate into proximal contact with the refractor to frustrate the total internal reflection.