Abstract: An optical waveguide provided on a substrate, which comprises a core for transmitting light and a clad formed around the core, wherein the clad is made of a fluorinated alicyclic structure-containing polymer having functional groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved diffusion tips for optical fibers and methods of making the same. Nanoporous silica clad optical fibers are used to make fibers having integrally formed diffusion tips and diffusion tips that can be fused to other fibers. The disclosed diffusers can be fabricated to be cylindrical with light diffusing along its length, spherical with light radiating outwardly in a spherical pattern, or custom shaped to illuminate irregular surfaces or volumes. Gradient and step index properties can also be achieved. Several fabrication methods to achieve the desired effects are described. The problems in the prior art methods associated with epoxy, such as curing, bond strength, embrittlement, power handling limitations, and refractive index matching are avoided.

Abstract: A planar optical waveguide is provided. The planar optical waveguide includes a polymer substrate having a coefficient of thermal expansion, a first cladding disposed on the substrate, and a core disposed on at least a portion of the first cladding. The core is a halogenated polymer having an absorptive optical loss of less than approximately 2.5×1031 ∝dB/cm in the range from about 1250 to 1700 nm. The core has a thermo-optic coefficient and a refractive index, a product of the thermo-optic coefficient and the reciprocal of the refractive index being approximately equal to the negative of the coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A new and improved hybrid of Ga:La:S (GLS) glass is provided, namely a glass comprising gallium sulfide, lanthanum oxide, and at least 2 mol % lanthanum fluoride. The Ga:La:S:O:F (GLSOF) glass retains the important properties of the Ga:La:S system, while introducing improved thermal stability and spectroscopic properties. In addition, GLSOF glasses are non-toxic. The glass formation region for GLSOF has been carefully evaluated with compositional variations. It has been identified that an area of glass formation as indicated by circles, is a new and previously undiscovered glass formation region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for coating optical fibers that includes a UV curable coating composition. The composition includes at least one component having at least one heterocyclic moiety capable of undergoing ring opening polymerization. The composition may also include at least one acrylate functional end group. The acrylate functional group may be on the same component as the heterocyclic moiety or on a second component. The cured composition has a Young's Modulus of at least about 100 MPa.

Abstract: An optical waveguide structure comprising an annealed phosphorous doped silicon dioxide core surrounded by silicon dioxide cladding layers on a silicon substrate. The refractive index of the core exceeds the refractive index of the cladding to enable waveguiding of optical signals in the core. The upper cladding layer, and in one embodiment also the lower cladding, comprises high boron and phosphorous doped silicon dioxide, suitably doped with greater than about 9% of boron and with about 2.5% to 3.5% phosphorous to obtain a thermal coefficient of expansion approximating that of the silicon substrate. In an alternative embodiment, the lower cladding layer comprises thermally grown silicon dioxide, preferably including an upstanding pedestal on which the waveguide core extends.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes an amplifier fiber and methods of making the amplifier fiber. One embodiment of the inventive fiber includes a glass core and a glass cladding layer surrounding the glass core. The cladding glass layer has a refractive index which is less than a refractive index of the glass core. The fiber also includes a glass overclad layer surrounding the cladding layer. The overclad layer has a refractive index which is greater than the refractive index of the cladding layer. In another embodiment of the inventive fiber, the overclad layer is doped with an absorber. The absorber strips a mode of light propagating in the cladding from the cladding layer.

Abstract: A method of depositing a dual layer top clad for an optical waveguide of a planar lightwave circuit (PLC). The method includes a first step of providing a high flow rate of a Boron dopant gas for a first top cladding layer deposition process. Then, a low flow rate of a Boron dopant gas is provided for a second top cladding layer deposition process. The second top cladding layer deposition process is performed directly on the first top cladding layer deposition. The first and second top cladding layer deposition processes are combined to form a dual layer top clad of the PLC having a high Boron portion covering a plurality of optical cores and a low Boron portion covering the first portion. The first top cladding layer deposition process can comprises three deposition and anneal cycles using the high flow rate for the Boron dopant gas. The three deposition and anneal cycles are used to fill gaps between the plurality of optical cores of the PLC.

Abstract: Waveguide structures can be used to efficiently optically couple a microstructure-doped waveguide with another type of waveguide despite variations in the optical modes supported by the two waveguides. Reduced backscatter and backward reflections can be achieved by tapering or progressively increasing or decreasing the confinement and/or the effective index of one or both of the waveguides over a transition region in the waveguide structure.

Abstract: A porous glass intermediate body constructed by a core original layer formed as a core portion of an optical fiber, and a first clad original layer formed as a first clad portion of the optical fiber is formed. Thereafter, a transparent glass intermediate body is made by consolidating the porous glass intermediate body within an atmospheric gas with a chlorine-based gas with no fluorine compound. Thereafter, a porous optical fiber base material is made by forming a second clad original layer as a second clad portion of the optical fiber on the circumferential surface of the transparent glass intermediate body. When a porous state is then maintained, the porous optical fiber base material is dehydrated within the atmospheric gas with a chlorine concentration higher than that during the consolidation of the porous glass intermediate body. Thereafter, an optical fiber base material is manufactured by consolidating the porous optical fiber base material within a similar atmospheric gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermally tuning an optical amplifier comprises an optical waveguide doped with a fluorescent material, a thermal device for either heating or cooling the optical waveguide, and a pump light for exciting the fluorescent material. The apparatus shapes, shifts, and/or flattens the gain curves of the doped optical amplifier. Thulium doped fiber is cooled to shift the gain curve into the C-band. Erbium doped fiber is heated to flatten the gain curve in the C-band and is cooled to shift the gain curve above the L-band. The apparatus similarly shapes the gain curves of other fluorescent materials. The thermal device comprises three types of optical cooling devices. The apparatus is a component in communications systems, lasers, medical lasers and the like. The method comprises either heating or cooling optical waveguides doped with fluorescent materials to achieve the desired shaping, shifting, and flattening of the gain curves.

Abstract: A method of depositing a dual layer top clad for an optical waveguide of a planar lightwave circuit (PLC). The method includes a first step of providing a high flow rate of a Boron dopant gas for a first top cladding layer deposition process. Then, a low flow rate of a Boron dopant gas is provided for a second top cladding layer deposition process. The second top cladding layer deposition process is performed directly on the first top cladding layer deposition. The first and second top cladding layer deposition processes are combined to form a dual layer top clad of the PLC having a high Boron portion covering a plurality of optical cores and a low Boron portion covering the first portion. The first top cladding layer deposition process can comprises three deposition and anneal cycles using the high flow rate for the Boron dopant gas. The three deposition and anneal cycles are used to fill gaps between the plurality of optical cores of the PLC.

Abstract: High index-contrast fiber waveguides, materials for forming high index-contrast fiber waveguides, and applications of high index-contrast fiber waveguides are disclosed.

Abstract: High index-contrast fiber waveguides, materials for forming high index-contrast fiber waveguides, and applications of high index-contrast fiber waveguides are disclosed.

Abstract: An optical component and a method of making the same are provided. In one embodiment, the optical component is a low-OH optical fiber that includes a core and a cladding. The optical component is treated by immersion in a hydrogen gas atmosphere at a predetermined pressure, at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time period such that intrinsic and impurity defects of the optical component are destroyed. The method of making the optical component includes providing a preform having a content of OH-groups in the amount of about 0.1 to about 10.0 ppm and a content of chlorine in the amount of 0 to about 1000 ppm and drawing the preform to elongate it to form an optical component from the preform. The optical component is immersed in a hydrogen gas atmosphere at a predetermined pressure, at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time period that is sufficient to destroy intrinsic and impurity defects of the optical component.

Abstract: An optical fiber is composed of silica glass and comprises a center core region doped with F element, a ring core region doped with GeO2, and an inner cladding region doped with F element; wherein a buffer layer composed of undoped SiO2 or SiO2 doped with one or both of P and Cl or a concentration gradient region in which GeO2 concentration radially decreases toward the boundary is provided between the center core region and the ring core region.

Abstract: A photocatalyst apparatus includes a plurality of photocatalytic optical fibers, each having a photocatalytic clad on a solid or core and a solid or hollow substrate having a surface for attaching the fibers thereto/thereon, preferably by an adhesive, wherein the fibers project from the surface, preferably in perpendicular direction and/or substantially parallel to one another. The substrate may have light-redirecting means preferably with a gradation pattern or may have opening/openings to pass therethrough. The photocatalytic optical fibers may receive light at fixed ends and/or at free ends thereof. The fibers may have light collectors on free ends thereof. A manufacture of the photocatalyst apparatus may be preferably accomplished by an electrostatic process. A photocatalyst reactor may include a light source to communicate with the photocatalytic optical fibers and/or may include an housing to enclose the photocatalyst apparatus/apparatuses.

Abstract: An optical fiber includes a core, and a cladding layer that has a plurality of nano-particles around the core.

Abstract: A method of depositing a top clad layer for an optical waveguide of a planar lightwave circuit. A GeBPSG top clad layer for an optical waveguide structure of a planar lightwave circuit is fabricated such that the top clad layer comprises doped silica glass, wherein the dopant includes Ge (Germanium), P (Phosphorus), and B (Boron). In depositing a top clad layer for the optical waveguide, three separate doping gasses (e.g., GeH4, PH3, and B2H6) are added during the PECVD (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition) process to make Ge, P and B doped silica glass (GeBPSG). The ratio of the Ge, P, and B dopants is configured to reduce the formation of crystallization areas within the top clad layer and maintain a constant refractive index within the top clad layer across an anneal temperature range. A thermal anneal process for the top clad layer can be a temperature within a range of 950C to 1050C.

Abstract: A variable optic attenuator (VOA) comprises a waveguide where the core and cladding layers are comprised of the same class of material. This waveguide also has a curved region, where an electrode is disposed, such that when the electrode receives a signal, the vertical optical confinement of the curved region of the waveguide is altered. A method of variable optical attenuation includes providing a waveguide wherein the core and cladding regions are comprised of the same class of material. This waveguide also includes a curved region, where an electrode is disposed. The vertical confinement of an optical mode of an optical signal is altered by sending a signal to the electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid light guides, consisting of a tubular sheath, an inner coating of the sheath and a light-conducting liquid inside the sheath. Novel perfluorinated homo- or copolymers are used for the inner coating. The perfluorinated homo- or copolymers contain a perfluorinated fluorodioxole cyclic monomer.

Abstract: In a covering outside its light-guiding portion, an optical fiber includes at least one crystalline intermetallic compound made up of at least two metals, the compound having a plateau pressure during hydride formation that is less than equal to 5×10−2 atm (where 1 atm=1.013×105 Pa) as measured at 30° C.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is provided. Specifically, a low loss isotopic optical waveguide that comprises a core region having a first refractive index profile by virtue of comprising a first mixture of isotopes of at least one element, and a cladding region having a second refractive index by virtue of comprising a second mixture of isotopes of said at least one element, is provided. Preferably said at least one element comprises silicon and/or oxygen. The optical waveguide may further include germania dopant in the core. A method of preparing the optical waveguide of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is an optical amplifier fiber comprising a core manufactured from a phosphate glass doped with a rare earth element and a cladding manufactured from a phosphate glass surrounding the core. The core has a radiative lifetime in the range of 7 to 9 milliseconds at 1535 nm, a fluorescence lifetime of greater than 7.5 milliseconds at 1535 nm. The optical amplifier fiber has a diameter ratio in the range of 0.036 to 0.044, a transformation point difference of the core and the cladding, measured in (°C.), less than 5%. Further, the optical amplifier fiber has a coefficient of thermal expansion, measured in (/°C.), difference between the core and the cladding is less than 2% and an absorption cross section in the range of 0.60×10−24m2 to 0.72×10−24 m2, in the range of 1530 nm to 1540 nm.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a coated optical waveguide. The invention includes an optical waveguide and a first coating encompassing the optical waveguide. The first coating has at least one functional group that is a selected from the group consisting of an acidic group or a basic group. The invention also includes a second coating having at least one functional group. The second coating is bonded to the first coating. The functional group of the second coating is a basic group when the first coating functional group is an acidic group. The second coating functional group is an acidic group when the first coating functional group is a basic group. The disclosed invention also includes the method of making the coated optical fiber. The disclosed invention further includes a method of controlling optical waveguide inter coating adhesion. The acid/base character between a plurality of adjacent coating layers is alternated.

Abstract: A dispersion control fiber and a method of manufacturing a large size preform. The dispersion control fiber comprises a core composed of SiO2, GeO2, and P2O5, and a cladding composed of SiO2, GeO2, P2O5, and Freon. The P2O5 content is selected not to exceed 10% of the total weight of a compound composing the core. The method of manufacturing a large size preform for a dispersion control fiber by an MCVD process comprising depositing SiO2, GeO2, P2O5, and Freon in an inner periphery of a deposition tube to form a cladding layer, and depositing SiO2, GeO2, and P2O5 on an inner periphery of the cladding layer to form a core layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical polyimide compound defined by the following formula in an optical high polymer material: wherein X is Cl, Br, oxo-halide, or fully halogenated alkyl; A is a divalent aromatic or halogenated aromatic moiety; and Z is a tetravalent moiety which may be a partly or fully fluorinated aromatic ring, a partly or fully chlorinated aromatic ring, a partly or fully fluorinated cycloaliphatic group, a partly or fully chlorinated aliphatic group, or combinations thereof connected via hetero atoms.

Abstract: A hollow optical fiber 10 has an intermediate dielectric layer 12 interposed between an inner periphery side dielectric layer 11 facing a hollow core portion 10a and a metal layer 13. The inner periphery side dielectric layer 11 is formed of calcium fluoride. The intermediate dielectric layer 12 is formed of yttrium fluoride. Metal of the metal layer 13 can be prevented from dispersing into the dielectric layers 12, 11 by the intermediate dielectric layer 12 formed of yttrium fluoride. The hollow optical fiber 10 is manufactured by vapor depositing calcium fluoride on an outer peripheral surface of an acid-soluble glass tube 20 (base material), then vapor depositing yttrium fluoride on its outer peripheral surface, then vapor depositing a metal layer formed of silver, gold or the like on its outer peripheral surface, and thereafter, dissolving the glass tube 20 with acid.

Abstract: An optical fiber for an optical amplifier, which contains dysprosium ion (Dy3+) with an improved light amplification efficiency at the 1.31 &mgr;m band. The optical fiber includes a germanium-gallium-sulfide (Ge—Ga—S) glass, an alkali metal halide, and Dy as a rare earth element. In the optical fiber, the interaction of electrons of Dy3+ and phonons in the glass lattice can be minimized, so that the multiphonon relaxation of Dy3+0 from 4F11/2 and 6H9/2 to 6H11/2 is slowed down, and thus the fluorescence lifetime at 1.31 &mgr;m is elongated, further improving the fluorescence efficiency of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A light illuminating rod has a light transmitting core and a cladding surrounding the core. In some locations there is a light diffusing material between the core and cladding. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention, the light transmitting core has light diffusing materials within it.

Abstract: Germanium-silicon oxide, germanium-silicon oxynitride and silica-germania-titania materials and oxynitride materials suitable for fabricating optical waveguides for liquid crystal based cross-connect optical switching devices have a refractive index of from about 1.48 to about 1.52 at 1550 nm, and a coefficient of thermal expansion at room temperature of from about 3×10−6° C.−1 to about 4.4×10−6° C,−1. The compositions are adjusted so that the refractive index of the germanium-silicon oxide, germanium-silicon oxynitride or silica-germania-titania material is closely matched to the refractive index of a typical liquid crystal material whereby improved optical performance of a liquid crystal based cross-connect optical switching device is achieved.

Abstract: A waveguide for optical transmission having a mechanically active core material comprised of a silicon-rich silicon nitride in a mechanically active region. In the mechanically active region, the silicon-rich silicon nitride core can have no cladding (ie. an air cladding) or a cladding comprised of a silicon nitride over at least a portion thereof. The silicon-rich silicon nitride core is comprised of a silicon nitride compound having a ratio of silicon to nitrogen atoms greater than that of stoichiometric silicon nitride, Si3N4.

Abstract: A light amplification optical fiber capable of suppressing a decrease in an amplification efficiency thereof ascribed to the concentration quenching of erbium ions, and the nonlinearity thereof is provided. At least one rare earth element, for example, Yb, which is other than the erbium ions, and which has an ion radius not smaller than 70% and not larger than 130% of that of erbium ions is doped to a core portion of an erbium ion-doped light amplification optical fiber.

Abstract: A fiber amplifier comprises an amplifying double-clad fiber (DCF). The fiber has a core having a first refractive index, an inner cladding surrounding the core and having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index and an outer cladding surrounding the inner cladding. The core is doped with Erbium (Er) and co-doped with Ytterbium (Yb), and further co-doped with Cerium (Ce). The Ytterbium (Yb) enables pump energy transfer from Ytterbium (Yb) ions being in the excited state to Erbium (Er) ions being in the ground state (4I15/2). The Cerium enables a resonant energy transfer between the Erbium (Er) excited state (4I11/2) and Cerium (Ce) ground state (4F7/2). This leads to a lower population of the Erbium 4I11/2 state and thereby increases energy transfer from Ytterbium to Erbium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid light guide for transmitting UVC radiation formed of concentrically arranged Teflon® light guide tube having an internal totally reflecting coat of a fluorplpolymer layer within a sheath having water or another aqueous solution disposed between the sheath and the light guide tube. The light guide tube contain an aqueous solution of NaH2PO4. Also disclosed is a method of making the device.

Abstract: An optical device having at least two optically transparent optical parts which are bonded together with an optically transparent adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is formed from a matrix containing silicon, titanium, zirconium, aluminum or germianium, and oxygen atoms. At least part of the atoms is bonded to other atom(s) through a polyvalent hydrocarbon group and directly bonded a monovalent hydrocarbon group. The refractive index value of the adhesive layer approximates to the refractive index values of the at least two optically transparent optical parts. An adhesive composition for bonding optical parts and a method of bonding optical parts are also proposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical waveguide device having a bottom cladding layer, a core and a top cladding layer, wherein a first submerge-preventing silica-based layer is further provided over the bottom cladding layer and under the core, and the first submerge-preventing silica-based layer is doped with at least one dopant and the first submerge-preventing silica-based layer is higher in softening temperature than the top cladding layer.

Abstract: An optical waveguide subsystem, and process, having at least one cladding in contact with at least one core. The cladding has a refractive index less than the refractive index of the core. Either the cladding or core contains a crosslinked polyimide that is substantially meta-linked. The polyimide has an absolute birefringence of from about 0.01 to about zero.

Abstract: Negative thermal expansion materials, methods of preparation and uses therefor are disclosed. The materials are useful for negative thermal expansion substrates, such as those used for optical fiber gratings.

Abstract: The production of optical waveguides on waveguide bases which, for example, are formed from a correspondingly structured buffer layer, reduces the birefringence which occurs owing to thermally induced stresses during the glass production process. Therefore, the concentration of dopants (for example boron atoms) in the cladding layer can be reduced to achieve a birefringence-free optical component as complete adaptation of the thermal coefficient of expansion of the glass to that of the silicon substrate is no longer necessary. This has the enormous advantage that optical components, which comprise optical waveguides of this type, remain stable relative to external influences for a long time.

Abstract: A glass component in an optical system, which may be a lazing or an optical amplifying medium, comprising a silicate base glass doped with at least two Group III B elements, the glass, and a method of preventing clustering of a rare earth metal ion in the glass.

Abstract: An optical waveguiding fiber has a photosensitive core and a cladding that includes a photosensitive inner cladding region adjacent the core and an outer cladding region. The inner cladding region and the outer cladding region have substantially equal indices of refraction. The photosensitivity of the inner cladding region is sufficient to cause a modulation of the index of refraction of the inner cladding when exposed to ultraviolet light. In another aspect of the invention, the optical fiber includes a grating in the core, which extends radially into the inner cladding region. The core and the inner cladding region of the optical fiber are doped with concentrations of Ge and B sufficient to impart photosensitivity to the inner cladding region, and to result in an index of refraction in the inner cladding region substantially equal to the index of refraction of the outer cladding region.

Abstract: An active photonic crystal device for controlling an optical signal is disclosed. The device includes a planar photonic crystal with a defect waveguide bounded on the top and bottom by an upper cladding region and a lower cladding region. An optical signal propagating in the defect waveguide is confined in the plane of the photonic crystal by the photonic bandgap, and in the direction normal to the photonic crystal by the upper clad region and the lower clad region. The propagation of the optical signal in the defect waveguide is controlled by varying the optical properties at least one of the upper clad region or the lower clad region. The variation of the optical properties of the controllable regions may be achieved using a thermo-optic effect, an electro-optic effect, a stress-optic effect, or a mechano-optic effect, or by moving a material into or out of the controllable region.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical waveguide having a specific dopant distribution capable of reducing a deformation thereof and existence of residual stresses therein, thereby involving no birefrigence. A method for fabricating the optical waveguide is also disclosed. The optical waveguide includes a substrate, a lower clad layer doped with a dopant in a content varying continuously in a thickness direction of the lower clad layer, so that the lower clad layer exhibits a refractive index distribution varying in the thickness direction thereof, and a core layer formed over the lower clad layer.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes an amplifier fiber and methods of making the amplifier fiber. One embodiment of the inventive fiber includes a glass core and a glass cladding layer surrounding the glass core. The cladding glass layer has a refractive index which is less than a refractive index of the glass core. The fiber also includes a glass overclad layer surrounding the cladding layer. The overclad layer has a refractive index which is greater than the refractive index of the cladding layer. In another embodiment of the inventive fiber, the overclad layer is doped with an absorber. The absorber strips a mode of light propagating in the cladding from the cladding layer.

Abstract: A liquid lightguide comprising a tube made out of a fluoropolymer, covered on the inside by a thin amorphous coating layer and closed at both ends by transparent plugs to contain within an optically transparent liquid. This liquid can be an aqueous solution of inorganic salts. The coating layer comprises a solid fluoropolymer, like TEFLON® AF, preferably a mixture of a solid fluoropolymer and a liquid fluoropolymer like a perfluoropolyether. This mixture is more economical and promotes a better adhesion of the layer to the tube, and allows for increased flexibility of the tube and smaller tube diameters. The hydrophobic properties of the mixture in contact with the aqueous solution preserves the coating layer composition and thus its optical properties, thus increasing the lifetime of the lightguide.

Abstract: A liquid curable resin composition for optical fibers comprising a polymer (a) having a number average molecular weight of 5,000 or more and containing at least two types of recurring ethylenic units, of which one type has a substituent group containing an ethylenically unsaturated group and the second type is substituted by a group —COOR3 (wherein R3 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1-30 carbon atoms), an aryl group, a cyano group, an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms or by one or more halogen atoms.

Abstract: A high refractive index composition comprising a core resin mixture comprising a mixture of ethoxylated bisphenol A di(meth)acrylates and/or their derivatives having variable degrees of ethoxylation to provide enhanced impact resistance and refractive index.

Abstract: Neodymium-doped fluoroaluminate optical glass has a composition: 35 to 45 mol % AlF3; 5 to 30 mol % RF2, where R is selected from the group consisting of Ca, Mg, Sr and Ba; 5 to 25 mol % MF, where M is selected from the group consisting of Na, Li, K and Rb; and 0.001 to 10 mol % dopant.

Abstract: A wavelength selective optical fiber coupler having various applications in the field of optical communications is disclosed. The coupler is composed of dissimilar waveguides in close proximity. A light induced, permanent index of refraction grating is recorded in the coupler waist The grating filters and transfers energy within a particular range of wavelengths from a first waveguide to a second waveguide. Transversely asymmetric gratings provide an efficient means of energy transfer. The coupler can be used to combine or multiplex a plurality of lasers operating at slightly different wavelengths into a single fiber. Other embodiments such as a dispersion compensator and gain flattening filter are disclosed.