Abstract: There is provided an optical waveguide device including: a substrate; an optical waveguide formed on the substrate; and a working electrode that controls a light wave propagating through the optical waveguide, in which the working electrode includes a first base layer made of a first material, a first conductive layer on the first base layer, a second base layer made of a second material different from the first material, which is on the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer on the second base layer, and an edge of the second base layer is covered with the second conductive layer, in a cross-section perpendicular to an extending direction of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A phase shifter includes a substrate layer, a cladding layer, and a waveguide. The phase shifter includes a waveguide and a heating element. The phase shifter includes a thermally conductive structure disposed on the cladding layer to disperse heat from the waveguide. The thermally conductive structure may include a metal strip disposed longitudinally along the beam, may include thermally conductive pads, and/or may include thermally conductive vias coupled between the cladding layer and the substrate layer. The phase shifter may be incorporated into light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices, telecommunications devices, and/or computing devices.

Abstract: A quantum transducer device that comprises a microwave resonator component and optical resonator component that receives and transduce a set of optical photons and at least one of: a voltage pulse or modulated laser pulse, and generate a single microwave photon output.

Abstract: Technologies for dividing work across one or more accelerator devices include a compute device. The compute device is to determine a configuration of each of multiple accelerator devices of the compute device, receive a job to be accelerated from a requester device remote from the compute device, and divide the job into multiple tasks for a parallelization of the multiple tasks among the one or more accelerator devices, as a function of a job analysis of the job and the configuration of each accelerator device. The compute engine is further to schedule the tasks to the one or more accelerator devices based on the job analysis and execute the tasks on the one or more accelerator devices for the parallelization of the multiple tasks to obtain an output of the job.

Abstract: There is provided a MOMS sensor comprising a fiber interface comprising a fiber passthrough for one or more optical fibers, a cavity comprising an element hermetically encapsulated within the cavity, wherein the element is movably anchored by SiN arms, which are movable with respect to walls of the cavity, wherein the SiN arms comprise anchor portions at first ends of the SiN arms, which are connected to the element, and at second ends of the SiN arms, which are connected to the walls of the cavity, and the fiber interface is configured to receive the fibers through the fiber passthrough into positions for communications of light between the element and the fibers. In this way a robust structure that supports sensitivity of the sensor is provided.

Abstract: A modulator and method of fabrication thereof are provided. In various embodiments, the modulator is a Franz-Keldysh (FK) effect electro-absorption modulator. In an example embodiment, the modulator comprises a waveguide column formed from waveguide material deposited onto a substrate; a first contact layer doped with a P-type dopant and deposited on a first side of the waveguide column; a second contact layer doped with an N-type dopant and deposited on a second side of the waveguide column; and first and second contacts. The first contact is in electrical communication with the first contact layer and the second contact is in electrical communication with the second contact layer.

Abstract: A waveguide structure and a method for splitting light is described. The method may include optically coupling a first waveguide and a second waveguide, where the optical coupling may be wavelength insensitive. The widths of the first and second waveguides may be non-adiabatically varying and the optical coupling may be asymmetric between the first and second waveguides. A gap between the first and second waveguides may also be varied non-adiabatically and the gap may depend on the widths of the first and second waveguides. The optical coupling between the first and second waveguides may also occur in the approximate wavelength range of 800 nanometers to 1700 nanometers.

Abstract: In some examples, a mechanical transfer ferrule based optical switch may include an optical fiber tube unit connectable to an end of an optical fiber. The optical fiber tube unit may include a lens to transmit light through the optical fiber. An optical fiber tube unit positioning assembly may include an optical fiber tube unit support detachably connectable to the optical fiber tube unit, and an optical fiber tube unit guide to operatively position the optical fiber tube unit support relative to a multi-fiber connector. The optical fiber tube unit guide may align the optical fiber tube unit and the lens to a specified lens of the multi-fiber connector, and connect the optical fiber to a specified optical fiber channel.

Abstract: Aspects described herein include a method of fabricating an optical apparatus. The method comprises etching a plurality of trenches partly through a first optical waveguide formed in a first semiconductor layer, wherein a first ridge is formed in the first optical waveguide between adjacent trenches of the plurality of trenches. The method further comprises conformally depositing a spacer layer above the first optical waveguide, wherein spacers are formed on sidewalls of each trench of the plurality of trenches. The method further comprises etching through the spacer layer to expose a respective bottom of each trench, wherein, for each respective bottom, a width of the respective bottom is defined by the spacers formed on the sidewalls of the trench corresponding to the respective bottom. The method further comprises depositing a first dielectric layer above the first optical waveguide, wherein dielectric material extends to the respective bottom of each trench.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system with a large field-of-view (FOV) and low operating power includes an intensity modulator, a controller, and one or more camera sensors. The intensity modulator includes a modulating cell that is configured to receive an optical signal and change a polarization state of the optical signal, in response to an electrical signal received from the controller. The modulating cell includes a material that (i) has at least one of a first order electro-optic effect and a second order electro-optic effect and (ii) has an amount of birefringence that is less than or equal to a predefined amount of birefringence. The camera sensor(s) are configured to measure an intensity of the optical signal and determine range information of an object based on the measured intensity.

Abstract: Disclosed are coherent photonic circuit architectures that optically implement linear algebraic computations. In neuromorphic applications of such photonic circuit architectures, individual neural network layers can be implemented by coherent optical linear neurons in a crossbar configuration, integrated with electronic circuitry at the interfaces between neural network layers to determine the neuron inputs to one layer based on the neuron outputs of the preceding layer. Wavelength division multiplexing can be used to efficiently implement certain specific network models, optionally in conjunction with electro-optic switches to render a generic hardware configuration programmable.

Abstract: An apparatus that is a voltage-controlled splitting and/or switching apparatus comprising a waveguide for a radio frequency signal comprising at least one input and at least two outputs, wherein the waveguide is a cavity waveguide or a polymer microwave fiber waveguide, and the waveguide comprises at least a first branch and a second branch, at least one element comprising voltage reactive material in between electrodes and extending, at least partly, across at least one of the first branch and the second branch, and a voltage control caused to apply voltage to the at least one element.

Abstract: Photonics structures including an optical component and methods of fabricating a photonics structure including an optical component. The photonics structure includes an optical component, a substrate having a cavity and a dielectric material in the cavity, and a dielectric layer positioned in a vertical direction between the optical component and the cavity. The optical component is positioned in a lateral direction to overlap with the cavity in the substrate.

Abstract: An optical switch has latched switch states and includes optical fibers that are laterally joined together to define an optical switching portion. At least one phase change material (PCM) layer is on the optical switching portion so that a phase of the PCM layer determines a latched switch state from among the latched switch states.

Abstract: A serpentine delay-line waveguide feeding an array of grating couplers can be fabricated in a silicon photonic chip, or tile, with the grating couplers emitting light at an angle that varies with wavelength and delay between the couplers imparted by the waveguide. The beam-steering tile can be used to transmit or receive light from a scene. The tile can be arrayed with one or more other tiles for bistatic radar-lidar operation. A tile in the array may transmit probe and frequency-shifted reference beams, while another tile may receive a return at a heterodyne frequency giving a range to the scene. The pitch of the serpentine delay line may be different for transmitting and receiving tiles to suppress returns from unwanted directions. Pairs of phase-cohered tiles may illuminate a spot in the scene with fringe patterns, producing oscillating returns that can be processed to form a high-resolution sub-image by Fourier synthesis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for mode conversion. An apparatus that includes a substrate, a first waveguide, a second waveguide, a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) perturber, and a controller is provided. The first waveguide is formed on the substrate includes: (i) an input section, (ii) a bend section, and (iii) an output section. The second waveguide is also formed on the substrate and is disposed adjacent to a portion of the input section of the first waveguide. A portion of the second waveguide is separated from the input section of the first waveguide by a coupling gap. The perturber is disposed above the first waveguide and configured to move between a first position that is distal from a surface of the input section of the first waveguide and a second position that is closer to the surface of the input section of the first waveguide than the second position. The controller is configured to control a movement of the perturber between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A packaged semiconductor device includes a substrate with first and second opposing major surfaces. A stacked semiconductor device structure is connected to the first major surface and includes a plurality of semiconductor die having terminals. Conductive interconnect structures electrically connect the terminals of the semiconductor dies together. The semiconductor dies are stacked together so that the terminals are exposed, and the stacked semiconductor device structure comprises a stepped profile. The conductive interconnect structures comprise a conformal layer that substantially follows the stepped profile.

Abstract: Low power and/or low footprint optical communication technologies that support short to medium range exoatmospheric communications and provide bidirectional communication with nearly spherical coverage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a micromachined mirror assembly for controlling optical directions in an optical sensing system. The micromachined mirror assembly includes a micro mirror and at least one piezoelectric actuator. The micro mirror is suspended over a substrate by at least one beam mechanically coupled to the micro mirror, and the at least one piezoelectric actuator is mechanically coupled to the at least one beam and is configured to drive the micro mirror via the at least one beam. The at least one piezoelectric actuator is configured to drive the micro mirror to tilt along a first axis based on a first electrical signal received by the at least one piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A light projection apparatus is provided comprising: a source of light; a switchable grating on a first substrate; and a diffractive optical element. Light is diffracted at least once by the switchable grating and is diffracted at least once by the DOE.

Abstract: A method for etching a curved substrate is provided, including: forming a conductive thin film layer with an etched pattern on the curved substrate; supplying power to the conductive thin film layer such that the conductive thin film layer has an equal potential at each position of the conductive thin film layer; etching each position of the curved substrate to an etching depth corresponding to the potential at each position of the conductive thin film layer based on the etched pattern of the conductive thin film layer, so as to obtain the curved substrate having a consistent etching depth at each position of the curved substrate. With the etching method, it is possible to etch an arbitrary curved surface to obtain a microstructure with a uniform processing depth.

Abstract: Light from an array of laser light sources are spread to cover the modulating face of a DMD or other modulator. The spread may be performed, for example, by a varying curvature array of lenslets, each laser light directed at one of the lenslets. Light from neighboring and/or nearby light sources overlap at a modulator. The lasers are energized at different energy/brightness levels causing the light illuminating the modulator to itself be modulated (locally dimmed). The modulator then further modulates the locally dimmed lights to produce a desired image. A projector according to the invention may utilize, for example, a single modulator sequentially illuminated or separate primary color modulators simultaneously illuminated.

Abstract: A photonic system includes a passive optical cavity and an optical waveguide. The passive optical cavity has a preferred radial mode for light propagation within the passive optical cavity. The preferred radial mode has a unique light propagation constant within the passive optical cavity. The optical waveguide is configured to extend past the passive optical cavity such that at least some light propagating through the optical waveguide will evanescently couple into the passive optical cavity. The passive optical cavity and the optical waveguide are collectively configured such that a light propagation constant of the optical waveguide substantially matches the unique light propagation constant of the preferred radial mode within the passive optical cavity.

Abstract: The photoelectric signal conversion and transmission device includes a photoelectric signal module and a fiber joint, matched and coupled together. A circuit board of the photoelectric signal module includes one or more connection bases. Light emission elements, light reception elements, and amplifiers are configured on a first coupling face of the connection based, and electrically connected by first and second wires. The fiber joint includes a number of fibers axially aligned with the light emission and reception elements. By having the light emission and reception elements and amplifiers configured on a same coupling face, their physical connection distance is reduced, thereby decreasing signal attenuation, enhancing signal transmission performance, and facilitating structural miniaturization.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a cladding layer and a first optical waveguide. The first optical waveguide is formed on the first cladding layer. An end surface of the first optical waveguide is inclined relative to a vertical line perpendicular to an upper surface of the cladding layer.

Abstract: An optical device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of separation walls, one or more optical waveguides, and one or more spacers. The first substrate has a surface which extends in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second substrate faces the first substrate. The plurality of separation walls are positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate and extend in the first direction. The one or more optical waveguides are positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate and include one or more dielectric members which are positioned between the plurality of separation walls and which extend in the first direction. The one or more spacers are directly or indirectly sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and positioned around the one or more optical waveguides.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to displays. In one arrangement a plurality of pixels is provided in which each pixel comprises a phase change material thermally switchable between a plurality of stable states. Each pixel comprises a switching device configured to heat the phase change material, and thereby thermally switch the phase change material, in response to a control signal. The switching device comprises a single electronic component capable of being switched between different states by the control signal and configured such that heat received by the phase change material of the pixel during the thermal switching of the phase change material of the pixel consists predominantly of heat generated within the single electronic component.

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) system, preferably including a substrate, one or more photonic connections, and a plurality of circuit blocks. The circuit blocks preferably include one or more waveguides that are optically coupled to the photonic connections, such as by transition features. A method of PIC fabrication, preferably including defining a PIC structure and defining circuit blocks. The circuit blocks are preferably defined onto one or more template regions defined by the PIC structure. Photonic connections are preferably defined as part of the PIC structure. Transition features, such as transitions between the photonic connections and the circuit blocks, are preferably defined concurrently with defining the circuit blocks.

Abstract: A plurality of electromagnetic radiation capture units are positioned under a focusing unit such as a dome, such that incoming electromagnetic radiation incident on the dome is deflected by it, to reach each of the capture units with a different timing and intensity. The profile for the timings and intensities can be determined for a given transmitter using a calibration signal, and the profile is then used to extra data from data signals transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: An optical product can reproduce a first 3D image of at least part of a first 3D object and a second 3D image of at least part of a second 3D object. The optical product comprises a surface configured, when illuminated, to reproduce by reflected or transmitted light, the first 3D image without reproducing the second 3D image at a first angle of view, and the second 3D image without reproducing the first 3D image at a second angle of view. Each portion of first portions can correspond to a point on a surface of the first 3D object, and comprise first non-holographic features configured to produce at least part of the first 3D image. Each portion of second portions can correspond to a point on a surface of the second 3D object, and comprise second non-holographic features configured to produce at least part of the second 3D image.

Abstract: Examples include a device including a nanovoided polymer element having a first surface and a second surface, a first plurality of electrodes disposed on the first surface, a second plurality of electrodes disposed on the second surface, and a control circuit configured to apply an electrical potential between one or more of the first plurality of electrodes and one or more of the second plurality of electrodes to induce a physical deformation of the nanovoided polymer element.

Abstract: A photon detecting component is provided. The photon detecting component includes a first waveguide and a detecting section. The detecting section includes a second waveguide; a detector, optically coupled with the second waveguide, configured to detect one or more photons in the second waveguide; an optical switch configured to provide an optical coupling between the first waveguide and the second waveguide when the detector is operational; and an electrical switch electrically coupled to the detector, wherein the electrical switch is configured to change state in response to the detector detecting one or more photons. The photon detecting component further includes readout circuitry configured to determine a state of the electrical switch of the detecting section.

Abstract: Apparatus can comprise a cavity at least partially defined by a first major surface of a reference block and configured to receive a sample. The apparatus can comprise a first polarization-switching light source configured to emit a first polarization-switched light beam toward the cavity and a first detector configured to detect a corresponding signal. The apparatus can comprise a second polarization-switching light source configured to emit a second polarization-switched light beam toward the cavity and a second detector configured to detect a corresponding signal. The first reference block can be positioned between the second detector and the second reference block. Methods of determining an estimated stress profile can comprise determining a central tension from a measured retardation profile of the sample. Methods can comprise determining an initial stress profile from a refractive index profile of the sample. Methods can comprise scaling and adjusting stress profiles.

Abstract: This invention provides devices for use in various analytical applications including single-molecule analytical reactions. Methods for detecting analytes optically by propagating optical energy by waveguides within a substrate are provided. Analytical devices are provided which have both shallow and deep waveguides in which illumination light is transported through the deep waveguides and coupled into the shallow waveguides. The shallow waveguides provide evanescent field illumination to analytes, such as single-molecule analytes, within nanometer scale wells. Integrated devices including integrated detectors such as CMOS detectors are included.

Abstract: Optical switch trees are commonly used to route light from one input channel to multiple possible output channels one at a time. As the number of output channels increases, the number of wire-bonding pads increases and the drive electronics becomes more complicated. The optical switch tree comprises an array of optical switches arranged in a plurality of rows of optical switches, each connected by a row bus, which are connected to a first multiplexer and a common power source; and a plurality of columns of optical switches, each connected by a column bus, which are connected to a second multiplexer and a common ground. A control processor selects one of the plurality of columns of optical switches to connect to the common ground, and selects one of the plurality of rows of optical switches to connect to the common power source, thereby selecting a single optical switch in the array of optical switches to activate.

Abstract: A controller may apply an electrical signal to each of two arms of a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) and may dither the electrical signals applied to one, or both, of the arms between a nominal state, a high state and a low state such that there is a constant phase difference between the arms in the high and low states compared to the nominal state, wherein each electrical signal comprises a static component (IL, IR, IL?, IR?) and a dither component. The controller may change the static component of the respective electrical signal applied to one, or both, of the arms in accordance with changes to an operating point during variation of the dither component and may vary a dither magnitude in accordance with changes in the electrical signal applied to one, or both, of the arms so as to maintain the constant phase difference.

Abstract: An optical device includes: wavelength selection elements; an optical switch that switches a propagation path of input light that is from an input port such that the input light propagates to one designated wavelength selection element among the wavelength selection elements; and a separation element disposed in the propagation path of the input light between the input port and the wavelength selection elements and that separates the input light into wavelength components.

Abstract: A robust conjugate symmetric optical apparatus is disclosed. The robust conjugate symmetric optical apparatus comprises a first optical cell set and a second optical cell set. The first optical cell set includes a first plurality of cells, each of which includes a first left half cell and a first right half cell, and the respective first right half cell and the corresponding first left half cells form a first symmetric structure therebetween.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a local free space optical (FSO) terminal that transmits and receives optical beams. The FSO terminal includes a fore optic and a dispersive optical component. A receive (Rx) optical beam from a remote FSO terminal is received and focused by the fore optic to a Rx spot at a focal plane of the fore optic. A transmit (Tx) optical beam with a different wavelength forms a Tx spot at the focal plane and is collimated and projected by the fore optic to the remote FSO terminal. The dispersive optical component is positioned along optical paths of both the Rx beam and the Tx beam. Among other advantages, a wavelength dependence of the dispersive optical component laterally separates the Rx spot and the Tx spot at the focal plane.

Abstract: A reconfigurable integrated optical microswitch device (1) comprises a base layer (100), an adhesive layer (102) made of non-conducting material, a first layer of driving electrodes (104) arranged above the non-conducting adhesive layer (102), a layer of electro-optical material (106) arranged on the first layer of driving electrodes (104), a plurality of waveguides (50) afforded in the layer of electro-optical material (106), and a second layer of driving electrodes (110), arranged above the layer of electro-optical material (106) and connected to the plurality of waveguides (50). The device further comprises a layer of dielectric insulating material (108) arranged between the layer of electro-optical material (106) and the second layer of driving electrodes (110).

Abstract: An integrated optical device fabricated in the back end of line process located within the vertical span of the metal stack and having one or more advantages over a corresponding integrated optical device fabricated in the silicon on insulator layer.

Abstract: Vector and matrix multiplications can be accomplished in photonic circuitry by coherently combining light that has been optically modulated, in amplitude and/or phase, in accordance with the vector and matrix components. Disclosed are various beneficial photonic circuit layouts characterized by loss- and delay-balanced optical paths. In various embodiments, loss balancing across paths is achieved with suitable optical coupling ratios and balanced numbers of waveguide crossings (using dummy crossings where needed) across the paths. Delays are balanced in some embodiments with geometrically delay-matched optical paths.

Abstract: A barcoded end facet printed photonic chip includes: an optically transparent direct laser writing substrate including a transverse waveguide writing surface to receive a direct write laser light for off-axis direct write laser printing and a facet surface to receive the direct write laser light for on-axis direct write laser printing of a barcode-guided direct laser written optical coupling on the facet surface; a waveguide disposed in the optically transparent direct laser writing substrate and in optical communication with the facet surface; and an optically visible bulk impregnated barcode disposed in the optically transparent direct laser writing substrate arranged proximate to the waveguide and in optical communication with the facet surface.

Abstract: One illustrative backscattering generator disclosed herein includes a low-reflection waveguide structure, a slot waveguide structure comprising a first waveguide, a second waveguide and a slot located between the first waveguide and the second waveguide, and a variable direction coupler operatively coupled to the low-reflection waveguide structure and the slot waveguide structure.

Abstract: A device including at least one sensing bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator including a sensing surface; a fluid channel, wherein the sensing surface of the at least one sensing BAW resonator is disposed adjacent to or within the fluid channel; at least one resistive heater; and at least one temperature detector, wherein the at least one temperature detector is configured to monitor the temperature adjacent to the at least one BAW resonator and affect a current to be passed through the at least one resistive heater.

Abstract: Thermal isolation elements are provided in wafer-bonded silicon photonics that include a photonic platform, including a heating element and an optical waveguide that are disposed between a first surface and a second surface (opposite to the first surface) of the photonic platform; a substrate, including a third surface and a fourth surface (opposite to the third surface); wherein the first surface of the photonic platform is bonded to the third surface of the substrate; and wherein a cavity is defined by a trench in one or more of: the first surface and extending towards, but not reaching, the second surface, and the third surface and extending towards, but not reaching, the fourth surface; wherein the cavity is filled with a gas of a known composition at a predefined pressure; and wherein the cavity is aligned with the optical waveguide and the heating element.

Abstract: An integrated-optics MEMS-actuated beam-steering system is disclosed, wherein the beam-steering system includes a lens and a programmable vertical coupler array having a switching network and an array of vertical couplers, where the switching network can energize of the vertical couplers such that it efficiently emits the light into free-space. The lens collimates the light received from the energized vertical coupler and directs the output beam along a propagation direction determined by the position of the energized vertical coupler within the vertical-coupler array. In some embodiments, the vertical coupler is configured to correct an aberration of the lens. In some embodiments, more than one vertical coupler can be energized to enable steering of multiple output beams. In some embodiments, the switching network is non-blocking.

Abstract: A system includes an optical fiber integrated into a conveyance subsystem that is positionable downhole in a wellbore. The system also includes a backscattering sensor system positionable to monitor temperature and optical fiber strain along the optical fiber using backscattered light signals received from the optical fiber. Further, the system includes a fiber optic rotary joint positionable to optically couple the optical fiber with the backscattering sensor system to provide an optical path for the backscattered light signals to reach the backscattering sensor system.

Abstract: An optical switching unit comprising: a plurality of arrays of multiple optical waveguides; and a switching structure controllable to direct light received from any of the optical waveguides in a first array of the plurality of arrays to one or more optical waveguides of each other array in the plurality of arrays.

Abstract: It is necessary to reduce the power consumption of a plurality of optical amplifiers when there is a difference in the required pumping power between the plurality of optical amplifiers; therefore, an optical amplifying apparatus according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes a plurality of optical amplifying means for amplifying a plurality of optical signals, each of the plurality of optical amplifying means including a gain medium; a plurality of laser light generating means for generating a plurality of laser beams; at least one optical coupling means for coupling the plurality of laser beams variably in accordance with a coupling factor and outputting a plurality of excitation light beams, each of the plurality of excitation light beams exciting the gain medium; and controlling means for controlling the coupling factor and an output power of each of the plurality of laser light generating means.