Abstract: A structure includes a first waveguide and a second waveguide. The first waveguide includes a first strip portion and a first tapered tip portion connected to the first strip portion. The second waveguide includes a second strip portion and a second tapered tip portion connected to the second strip portion, wherein the first tapered tip portion of the first waveguide is optically coupled to the second tapered tip portion of the second waveguide, and the first waveguide and the second waveguide are configured to guide a light. In a region where the light is coupled between the first tapered tip portion and the second tapered tip portion, an effective refractive index of the first waveguide with respect to the light is substantially equal to an effective refractive index of the second waveguide with respect to the light.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a photonic integrated circuit having an optical phased array. The optical phased array includes multiple unit cells, and each unit cell includes (i) an antenna element configured to transmit or receive optical signals and (ii) a modulator configured to modify phases of the optical signals. The method also includes identifying center wavelengths of the modulators in the optical phased array. The method further includes directing ultraviolet illumination onto at least a subset of the unit cells simultaneously in order to change the center wavelengths of at least a subset of the modulators in the optical phased array. In addition, the method includes monitoring changes to the center wavelengths of at least the subset of the modulators in the optical phased array.

Abstract: A light guide or beam guiding system with safety component and a method for its breakage monitoring. The present invention provides a fiber optic cable comprising a power fiber as well as first and second channels for break and plug monitoring of the power fiber, wherein the first and second channels may be separate.

Abstract: An optical module includes: a stem including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a thermoelectric cooler including a heat-releasing substrate fixed to the first surface; a semiconductor laser element attached to the thermoelectric cooler; a cap fixed to the first surface and covering the thermoelectric cooler and the semiconductor laser element; a lens fixed to the cap; and a restriction body fixed to the second surface. The linear thermal expansion coefficients of the heat-releasing substrate and the restriction body are smaller than the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the stem.

Abstract: An undersea fiber optic cable routing architecture including a branching unit coupled to three trunk cables capable of switching individual fibers in each fiber pair within a cable to either of the other two cables. The branching unit comprises a plurality of optical switches and a controller for receiving remote command signals and configuring the optical switches in accordance with the remote command signals.

Abstract: Consistent with an aspect of the present disclosure, electrical signals or digital subcarriers are generated in a DSP based on independent input data streams. Drive signals are generated based on the digital subcarriers, and such drive signals are applied to an optical modulator, including, for example, a Mach-Zehnder modulator. The optical modulator modulates light output from a laser based on the drive signals to supply optical subcarriers corresponding to the digital subcarriers. These optical subcarriers may be received by optical receivers provided at different locations in an optical communications network, where the optical subcarrier may be processed, and the input data stream associated with such optical subcarrier is output. Accordingly, instead of providing multiple lasers and modulators, for example, data is carried by individual subcarriers output from an optical source including one laser and modulator. Thus, a cost associated with the network may be reduced.

Abstract: Optical analytical devices and their methods of use are provided. The devices are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The devices include optical waveguides for illumination of the optical reactions. The devices further provide for the efficient coupling of optical excitation energy from the waveguides to the optical reactions. Optical signals emitted from the reactions can thus be measured with high sensitivity and discrimination using features such as spectra, amplitude, and time resolution, or combinations thereof. The devices of the invention are well suited for miniaturization and high throughput.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a leakage in a conduit in which a fluid flows. Said method allows to identify a leakage in said conduit based on the mechanical deformation of a cable comprising inside at least one optical fiber, at a plurality of predetermined points of said cable, when said cable is arranged tensioned inside said conduit. The present invention also relates to a system for identifying a leakage in a conduit.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a power and fiber splice enclosure that includes a housing including electrical components is provided. The thermal management system includes a solar shield disposed external to the housing and covering at least a major portion of the housing. The thermal management system includes a vent disposed in the housing for venting hot air from the enclosure. The thermal management system includes a condenser thermally coupled to a heat conducting component of the enclosure for cooling at least the heat conducting component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single photon detector device for detecting an optical signal comprising an optical fiber and at least one nanowire, wherein the optical fiber comprises a core area and a cladding area and is designed to conduct the optical signal along an optical axis, wherein, with respect to the optical axis, a first area of the optical fiber is an entrance area for the optical signal and a second area of the optical fiber is a detector area, and wherein the nanowire becomes superconducting at a predetermined temperature and is designed in the superconducting state to generate an output signal as a function of the optical signal. It is provided that in the detector area of the optical fiber the nanowire extends essentially along the optical axis of the optical fiber. A single photon detector device is thus provided which has a simple structure, a high efficiency, a high detection rate and a high spectral bandwidth.

Abstract: This application provides an optical proximity sensor component that includes an optical proximity sensor and a light guide body. The light guide body includes a first end face. The light guide body is disposed on the optical proximity sensor, and the light guide body is configured to transfer, to the optical proximity sensor, light that enters from the first end face, and send out, through the first end face, light that is emitted by the optical proximity sensor. No additional connector or supporting component is required in the optical proximity sensor, which has a simple structure and is easy to assemble.

Abstract: A robotic network includes multiple work cells that communicate with a cloud server using a network bus (e.g., the Internet). Each work cell includes an interface computer and a robotic system including a robot mechanism and a control circuit. Each robot mechanism includes an end effector/gripper having integral multimodal sensor arrays that measure physical parameter values (sensor data) during interactions between the end effector/gripper and target objects. The cloud server collects and correlates sensor data from all of the work cells to facilitate efficient diagnosis of problematic robotic operations (e.g., accidents/failures), and then automatically updates each work cell with improved operating system versions or AI models (e.g., including indicator parameter value sets and associated secondary robot control signals that may be used by each robot system to detect potential imminent robot accidents/failures during subsequent robot operations.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (“LCD”) panel and an LCD device according to an exemplary embodiment may provide a first base substrate, a first polarizing layer disposed between the first base substrate and a liquid crystal layer, a first low refraction layer disposed between the first base substrate and the first polarizing layer and having a refractive index less than that of the first base substrate, and a color converting member disposed between the first low refraction layer and the first polarizing layer and including a quantum dot in an integrated manner, to realize excellent optical characteristics and have a small thickness.

Abstract: Optical analytical devices and their methods of use are provided. The devices are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The devices include optical waveguides for illumination of the optical reactions. The devices further provide for the efficient coupling of optical excitation energy from the waveguides to the optical reactions. Optical signals emitted from the reactions can thus be measured with high sensitivity and discrimination using features such as spectra, amplitude, and time resolution, or combinations thereof. The devices of the invention are well suited for miniaturization and high throughput.

Abstract: Various embodiments of sensors are described that exhibit several spectral features that together offer coverage of a wavelength range corresponding to the desired strain dynamic range (or temperature range) of a system. The spectral features arise from a Fabry-Perot interferometer formed by two overlapping chirped FBGs, the free-spectral range (FSR) of which varies with wavelength. The spectral features may be differentiated due to a combination of spacing and slope of the overlapped, chirped gratings.

Abstract: Structures for a waveguide coupler and methods of fabricating a structure for a waveguide coupler. A first waveguide core has a first width, a second waveguide core has a second width less than the first width, and a waveguide coupler includes first and second tapers that are positioned between the first waveguide core and the second waveguide core. The second taper is directly connected with the first taper, and the first and second tapers connect the first and second waveguide cores.

Abstract: In some examples, parallel optics based optical time domain reflectometer acquisition may include a laser array operatively collimated to an optical fiber array to transmit, in parallel, a plurality of laser beams to optical fibers of the optical fiber array. A photodiode array may receive, in parallel, backscattered and reflected light from the optical fiber array. The photodiode array may determine, based on the backscattered and reflected light, properties of the optical fibers of the optical fiber array.

Abstract: A monolithic waveguide-integrated photodiode having a first electroconductive contact layer, a depleted waveguide core layer, an absorption layer, and a second electroconductive contact layer, the refractive index of the first electroconductive contact layer being less than the depleted waveguide core layer, the refractive index of the waveguide core layer being less than the absorption layer, and the refractive index of the second electroconductive contact layer being less than the absorption layer. The waveguide core layer is arranged between the first electroconductive contact layer and the absorption layer and also acts as a depleted carrier drift layer. This arrangement results in greater quantum efficiency and shorter photodiode lengths for a given bandwidth.

Abstract: An automated calibration system that includes a probe guide and a target assembly. The probe guide receives an optical probe, and the target assembly includes one or more calibration targets. The target assembly is slideable relative to the probe guide so that a first calibration target is aligned under the optical probe in a first position of the target assembly and a second calibration target is aligned under the optical probe in a second position of the target assembly.

Abstract: A method for material lifetime evaluation includes: causing a stress to be applied to a material surface of a component based at least on a cycle of load properties over time; causing an image of the material surface to be captured as a captured image of a complete in-situ field; determining an area of a hysteresis of a stable surface strain region in a stress-strain curve of the material surface to determine a loss energy (first damage parameter) for low cycle fatigue modeling; determining a deformation energy (second damage parameter) for high cycle fatigue monitoring; determining a failure parameter based on at least one of the first damage parameter and the second damage parameter; comparing the failure parameter to a record in a database; and determining a remaining life of the component based on comparison of the failure parameter to the record in the database.

Abstract: A device including an optical tap and waveguide in the core and cladding of an optical fiber together with a glass ferrule that is angle polished to provide a reflection surface (with or without total internal reflection) that produces a reflection of the light tapped from the optical fiber to reach the bottom of the glass ferrule and propagate in a direction that is perpendicular to (or at least different than the direction of propagation close to) the axis of the optical fiber. The fiber waveguide may be created using an ultrafast fabrication method and the glass ferrule can itself be modified by the same ultrafast laser technique to further manipulate the light traveling inside.

Abstract: To provide a laser device for adjusting a laser output by detecting the quantity of a reflected beam propagating within an optical fiber more accurately before an optical part is damaged due to an increase in quantity of the reflected beam. A laser device comprises: at least one first photodetector that detects the quantity of a reflected beam being part of a reflected beam returning to an optical fiber of the laser device after being reflected off of a work and propagating mainly through a cladding of the optical fiber; at least one second photodetector that detects the quantity of a reflected beam being part of the reflected beam returning to the optical fiber and propagating mainly through a core of the optical fiber; a power supply unit that supplies a driving current to a laser diode; and a control unit that controls the power supply unit.

Abstract: Fiber optic connectors, connector housings, connectorized cable assemblies, and methods for the connectorization of cable assemblies are provided with particular cable adapter features, adapter extensions, multi-diametrical sealing flexures, subcutaneous sealing elements, and combinations thereof, for improved connector and cable performance, integrity, and durability.

Abstract: Optical analytical devices and their methods of use are provided. The devices are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The devices include optical waveguides for illumination of the optical reactions. In some embodiments, the devices comprise an optical waveguide comprising a plurality of optical cores and a cladding, a plurality of nanometer-scale apertures disposed on a surface of the device above the optical waveguide, such that optical energy passing through the plurality of optical cores of the optical waveguide illuminates the plurality of nanometer-scale apertures by an evanescent field that emanates from the waveguide, and a plurality of detectors optically coupled to the plurality of nanometer-scale apertures. The devices further provide for the efficient coupling of optical excitation energy from the waveguides to the optical reactions.

Abstract: Devices and methods useful for sequencing and characterizing single nucleic acid molecules involve large arrays of nanopore zero-mode waveguides (NZMWs). The methods and devices are made possible by fabrication of nanoporous membranes of appropriate porosity for use in nucleotide sequencing. The fabrication methods eliminate the need for serial nanopore formation and make possible the mass production of highly efficient DNA and RNA single molecule sequencing devices.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a light guide having a core and a longitudinal axis, wherein the mounting structure includes a holder into which the light guide is insertable obliquely or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the mounting structure is configured to provide an optical coupling to the core of the light guide.

Abstract: An optically-downconverting channelizer is disclosed for W-band detection. The channelizer includes an input waveguide configured to carry an inputted signal having a plurality of wavelengths including a desired wavelength and a plurality of ring resonators arranged in parallel and coupled at spaced apart locations along the input waveguide for receiving the inputted signal, wherein each of the plurality of ring resonators is configured to pass a selected wavelength signal to an output end. The channelizer further includes a control waveguide that carries a second signal having a wavelength that differs from the desired wavelength by a predetermined amount, and a plurality of detectors coupled to respective output ends of the ring resonators, the plurality of detectors configured to produce channelized RF output signals representative of desired RF bands.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting a power of an input light is provided with a light-receiving module that outputs an electrical signal according to a power of an input light received at a light-receiving surface and an optical system that collimates and guides to the light-receiving surface the input light from the outside. Moreover, this detection device is provided with a structure that decreases an incidence angle of the input light at an interface between the optical system and the light-receiving surface.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting a power of an input light is provided with a light-receiving module that outputs an electrical signal according to a power of an input light received at a light-receiving surface and an optical system that collimates and guides to the light-receiving surface the input light from the outside. Moreover, this detection device is provided with a structure that decreases an incidence angle of the input light at an interface between the optical system and the light-receiving surface.

Abstract: A transmitter optical module that provides an LD, a first lens with a focal point aligned with an optical output point of the LD, a second lens that generates an optical output of the first lens as a concentrated optical signal, and a third lens that provides an optical output of the second lens in an optical fiber. The second lens is set at a position offset toward the third lens from a position at which the second lens outputs a collimated optical signal. The third lens concentrates an optical output thereof within the optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical connection apparatus for a fiber optic connector is provided. The fiber optic connector has at least one optical fiber extending therethrough and terminating at a fiber end. The apparatus includes a photodetector, the photodetector including a photosensitive area having a first width along a first axis. The apparatus further includes an optical converging lens spaced from the photosensitive area along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the lens including an aperture having a second width along the first axis. A first distance is defined along the second axis between the photosensitive area and the lens. The apparatus further includes a body defining a slot for insertion of the fiber optic connector. A second distance is defined from the lens, the second distance opposite the first distance relative to the lens.

Abstract: Improved passive optical coupling to photonic integrated circuit (PIC) chips is provided. An interposer unit (108) having one or more flexible optical waveguide members (112, 114, 116) is employed. The flexible optical waveguide members are coupled to the PIC chip (118) via their tips. The PIC chip includes alignment features to facilitate lateral, vertical and longitudinal passive alignment of the flexible optical waveguide members to on-chip optical waveguides of the PIC.

Abstract: A data communication cable that is capable of informing a user via light signals regarding any operational status of the cable and/or devices to which the cable is connected. The data communication cable includes a first connector configured to connect to a first device; a second connector configured to connect to a second device; one or more communication mediums configured to route a data signal and/or a power signal between the first and second devices; and one or more illumination fibers configured to emit light. The cable may further include a light driver circuit configured to generate a drive signal for the one or more illumination fibers based on detecting one or more events. Such events may include the cable receiving power, data signal activity or loss of signal activity in the one or more communications mediums, authentication or other operations performed between the first and second devices.

Abstract: A method for terminating a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a two-dimensional arrangement comprises inserting the plurality of optical fibers into and through a fiber ferrule, where the fiber ferrule has a plurality of parallel channels extending from an entry surface through to a polish surface; polishing the polish surface including an end of each of the plurality of optical fibers to form a coplanar surface at a polish angle relative to a reference plane perpendicular to the parallel channels; and affixing a glass plate to the polish surface.

Abstract: A coupling device (9) for an optical waveguide (8), in particular for an endoscope (2) or a light source (3), having an optical waveguide receptacle (11) aligned with a light-coupling optical unit (10), and having a centering device (12) for aligning an optical waveguide (8) with respect to the optical axis (26). The centering device (12) has at least two transmission elements (25) acted upon by a spring (30), and has centering elements (19), and wherein the spring force is distributed by a transmission element (25) uniformly to all the centering elements (19).

Abstract: A fault tolerant optical apparatus resilient to ballistic impact damages, capable of enabling distributed processing and networking and using the spectrophotometric transmission properties of polymer film.

Abstract: An integrated optical device includes a photo-detector (such as germanium) optically coupled to an optical waveguide. This photo-detector is deposited on the optical waveguide, and an optical signal propagating in the optical waveguide may be evanescently coupled to the photo-detector. In order to increase the absorption length of the photo-detector, a mirror (such as a distributed Bragg reflection grating) is included in the optical waveguide near the end of the photo-detector. This mirror reflects the optical signal back toward the photo-detector, thereby increasing the absorption of the optical signal by the photo-detector. In addition, absorption may be reduced by using electrical contacts that are electrically coupled to the photo-detector at locations where the optical mode of the optical signal is largely in the underlying optical waveguide, and by using a fingered metal layer to couple to the electrical contacts.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optoelectronic assembly may include at least one transmitter or at least one receiver, a sleeve, a housing, a fiber stub, and a receptacle. The sleeve may define a sleeve opening sized and shaped to receive an optically transmissive portion of an optical fiber. The housing may define a housing cavity at least partially enclosing the transmitter or the receiver. The housing may include a lens port defining a lens port opening. The fiber stub may be positioned at least partially in the sleeve opening and the lens port opening. The receptacle may define a receptacle opening. The lens port, the sleeve and the fiber stub may be positioned at least partially in the receptacle opening.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing real-time monitoring of a metal surface are provided herein. The system includes a fiber-optic cable disposed alongside a length of a wall that includes the metal surface. A laser source is attached to the fiber-optic cable to transmit light through the fiber-optic cable. An acoustic source is configured to generate acoustic signals in the metal surface, wherein the acoustic signals interact with the fiber-optic cable and influence characteristics of the light. A receiver is attached to the fiber-optic cable to detect the light. The system also includes a signal processing unit configured to determine a location of a change in the metal surface based on changes in the characteristics of the light.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber structure, an optical communication apparatus and a manufacturing process for manufacturing the same. The optical fiber structure includes a core portion and a cladding portion. The cladding portion encloses the core portion, and includes a light reflection surface and a light incident surface. The light reflection surface is inclined at an angle of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees with respect to the core portion, and the light incident surface is substantially flat and is substantially parallel with the core portion.

Abstract: A lighting device configured to accommodate an optical fiber is provided. The lighting device includes a breaking structure which accommodates a portion of the optical fiber in a state in which the portion includes two or more bends. The breaking structure is configured to break and sever the portion of the optical fiber when the optical fiber is subjected to a load of a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photonic circuit device for optical gain measurement, including: a substrate with a photonic circuit; an active gain section; at least two light couplers arranged such that at least a part of the active gain section is between the light couplers; and a partial reflector arranged to reflect light propagating along the same direction back to a center of the gain section, and wherein the device does not include any other reflector opposite to the partial reflector with respect to the active gain section and configured to reflect light back to the center of the gain section. The present invention is further directed to related gain measurement methods.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion module includes a substrate, a photoelectric conversion component mounted on the substrate, a wiring pattern formed on the substrate and electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion component, the wiring pattern having a power source line for supplying power to the photoelectric conversion component, a shield cover for covering the photoelectric conversion component, and a first filter inserted into the power source line in series.

Abstract: An optical device includes a substrate; a trench in a portion of the substrate; a clad layer arranged in the trench; a first structure arranged on the clad layer to have a first depth; and a second structure arranged on the clad layer to have a second depth different from the first depth.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing light from a planar waveguide through a collimating array. Light received within a waveguide is propagated transmissively and retained by total internal reflection, except in response to impinging upon deflector elements which sufficiently redirect the light to escape the waveguide into a collimator array that further aligns and distributes the light.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable-equipped connector that is electrically connectable to a mating electrical connector; the optical fiber cable-equipped connector comprises a conversion element, to which a cable-side optical fiber core exposed from the end of an optical fiber cable is connected and which converts optical signals and electrical signals, and a circuit board that is electrically connected to the conversion element; the conversion element comprises a conversion element-side optical fiber core, to which the cable-side optical fiber core is connected; the opto-electrical conversion connector comprises the conversion element-side optical fiber core disposed on the mounting face of the circuit board, and an optical fiber connection support that supports the connected portion with the conversion element-side optical fiber core and the cable-side optical fiber core; and the optical fiber connection support comprises the alignment support that supports and aligns the conversion element-side optical fiber core and

Abstract: Described herein is a sensor for sensing reflective material. The sensor includes a housing with a transparent window and a sensor mount located in the housing and angled away from a housing wall. A radiation emitter is mounted in the sensor mount and emits radiation along an axis through the transparent window which has an amount of the reflective material located thereon. A radiation detector is mounted in the sensor mount and located adjacent the radiation emitter. The radiation detector is located to receive reflected radiation from the reflective material along another axis. The first axis is angled towards the second axis.

Abstract: A cable connector, including a housing having a base and a lip, which surrounds the base and defines an aperture configured to receive a mating plug. The cable connector also includes a plurality of electrical contacts enclosed by the housing and configured to convey electrical signals, the electrical contacts having respective first proximal and first distal ends, the first proximal ends being implanted in the base so that the first distal ends are recessed within the aperture at a first distance from the base. The cable connector additionally includes one or more optical fiber terminals containing end portions of respective optical fibers configured to convey optical signals and having respective second proximal and second distal ends, the second proximal ends being implanted in the base so that the second distal ends are recessed within the aperture at a second distance from the base, which is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A device may include a first substrate. The device may include an optical source. The optical source may generate light when a voltage or current is applied to the optical source. The optical source may be being provided on a first region of the first substrate. The device may include a second substrate. A second region of the second substrate may form a cavity with the first region of the first substrate. The optical source may extend into the cavity. The device may include an optical interconnect. The optical interconnect may be provided on or in the second substrate and outside the cavity. The optical interconnect may be configured to receive the light from the optical source.

Abstract: An optical sensing module is configured to detect a characteristic of a sample. The optical sensing module includes a light source, a light guide plate, a first cladding layer, a light converging layer, a filter layer, and a plurality of sensors. The light source is configured to provide an exciting beam. Positions of the sensors correspond to positions of the holes. After the exciting beam enters the light guide plate, at least one portion of the exciting beam is transmitted to the sample through a portion of the surface of the light guide plate exposed by the holes, the sample is excited by the exciting beam to emit a signal beam, and the signal beam passes through the light converging layer and the filter layer in an order and travels to the sensors. Another optical sensing module is also provided.