Abstract: A data input apparatus having at least one transmit element coupled to a source of light of a predetermined wavelength, at least one light receive element and a detection device to detect interruption of beams of the light of said predetermined wavelength extending from said transmit element to said receive element wherein at least one of said transmit element and said receive element comprises at least one waveguide having a light transmitting core and a non-core portion and one or more discontinuance means adapted to reduce transmission of stray light within the non-core portion. The discontinuance is adapted to scatter, absorb, divert or block stray light and can be applied to one or more of the upper cladding, lower cladding, substrate or common base.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for coupling light between an optical waveguide and an optical element in a manner that is substantially independent of temperature, using reflective optics. Certain embodiments of the invention concern improved designs for the transmit and receive optics of a waveguide-based optical touch screen sensor, incorporating reflective optics. The improved designs have substantially temperature independent operation and reduced optical losses. In one preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates a parabolic or quasi-parabolic reflector. In another preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates an elliptical or quasi-elliptical reflector. The transmit and receive elements and associated waveguides preferably comprise photo-patternable polymers.

Abstract: A data input apparatus having at least one transmit element coupled to a source of light of a predetermined wavelength, at least one light receive element and a detection device to detect interruption of beams of the light of said predetermined wavelength extending from said transmit element to said receive element wherein at least one of said transmit element and said receive element comprises at least one waveguide having a light transmitting core and a non-core portion and one or mote discontinuance means adapted to reduce transmission of stray light within the non-core portion. The discontinuance is adapted to scatter, absorb, divert or block stray light and can be applied to one or mote of the upper cladding, lower cladding, substrate or common base.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for coupling light between an optical waveguide and an optical element in a manner that is substantially independent of temperature, using reflective optics. Certain embodiments of the invention concern improved designs for the transmit and receive optics of a waveguide-based optical touch screen sensor, incorporating reflective optics. The improved designs have substantially temperature independent operation and reduced optical losses. In one preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates a parabolic or quasi-parabolic reflector. In another preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates an elliptical or quasi-elliptical reflector. The transmit and receive elements and associated waveguides preferably comprise photo-patternable polymers.

Abstract: A laser beam with an annular or ring shaped intensity distribution, such as a TEM01* beam, is scanned across the surface of a photosensitive thin film to directly produce changes of refractive index in selected regions of the film. This method is suitable for producing channel waveguides for planar lightwave circuits, where the refractive index profile (solid curve) of such a waveguide is more uniform than the prior art refractive index profile (dashed curve) produced by a TEM00 laser beam, and has a reduced bend loss.