Abstract: Gradient index (GRIN) lens holders employing groove alignment feature(s) and a recessed cover, as well as optical connectors and methods employing such GRIN lens holders, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the GRIN lens holder contains one or more internal groove alignment features configured to secure one or more GRIN lenses in the GRIN lens holder. The groove alignment features are also configured to accurately align the end faces of the GRIN lenses. The GRIN lens holder also contains a recessed cover having a front face that is negatively offset with respect to a mating surface of the GRIN lens holder. The GRIN lens holders disclosed herein can be provided as part of an optical fiber ferrule and/or a fiber optic component or connector for making optical connections.

Abstract: A waveguide lens includes a substrate, a planar waveguide, a media grating, and a pair of electrode. The planar waveguide is formed on the substrate and configured to couple with a laser light source that emits a laser beam into the planar waveguide along an optical axis. The media grating is formed on the planar waveguide and arranged symmetrically about a widthwise central axis that is collinear with the optical axis. The electrodes are formed on the substrate, positioned at two opposite sides of the waveguide lens, and arranged symmetrically about the optical axis.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a combination of laser sources emitting radiation, focused by a combination of lenses into optical waveguides. The optical waveguide and the laser source are permanently attached to a common carrier, while at least one of the lenses is attached to a holder that is an integral part of the carrier, but is free to move initially. Micromechanical techniques are used to adjust the position of the lens and holder, and then fix the holder it into place permanently using integrated heaters with solder.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a combination of laser sources emitting radiation, focused by a combination of lenses into optical waveguides. The optical waveguide and the laser source are permanently attached to a common carrier, while at least one of the lenses is attached to a holder that is an integral part of the carrier, but is free to move initially. Micromechanical techniques are used to adjust the position of the lens and holder, and then fix the holder it into place permanently using integrated heaters with solder.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect assembly and method are provided that are suitable for use in both small-scale and large-scale applications. The optical cross-connect assembly comprises first and second stacks of multi-optical fiber connector modules that are configured to orthogonally mechanically couple with one another such that the optical ports of each of the connector modules of the first stack are optically aligned with respective optical ports of all of the connector modules of the second stack, and such that the optical ports of each of the connector modules of the second stack are optically aligned with respective optical ports of all of the connector modules of the first stack.

Abstract: An optical coupling module includes a reflection member, first and second assembled members, first and second converging lenses. The reflection member includes a first surface, a second surface perpendicular connected to the first surface, and a reflection surface obliquely interconnected between the first and second surfaces. The first assembled member includes a first optical surface and is detachably mounted on the first surface. The second assembled member includes a second optical surface and is detachably mounted on the second surface. The first converging lenses are arranged on the first optical surface. The second converging lenses are arranged on the second optical surface and correspond to the second converging lenses. The reflection surface reflects parallel light beams from the first converging lenses toward the corresponding second converging lenses and reflects parallel light beams from the second converging lenses toward the corresponding first converging lenses.

Abstract: An optical coupling lens includes a body portion, two locating posts, and two converging portions. The body portion includes a first surface, a second surface perpendicular to the first surface, and a reflecting surface obliquely interconnected between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface defines two light-passing recesses. The locating posts perpendicularly extend from the first surface. The converging portions are formed on the second surface and correspond to the light-passing recesses. The reflecting surface is configured for reflecting parallel light beams from one light-passing recess toward a corresponding converging portion, and for reflecting parallel light beams from one converging portion toward a corresponding light-passing recess.

Abstract: An optical coupling structure includes an optical amplifier array configured to include a plurality of optical amplifiers arranged in an array direction, an optical fiber array configured to include a plurality of optical fibers arranged in the array direction, and an optical coupling system that optically couples the optical amplifier array and the optical fiber array, wherein, in a non-array direction orthogonal to the array direction, the optical coupling system optically couples beams of light signals to an end face of the optical amplifier array in parallel with a waveguide direction of the optical amplifiers, and optically couples the beams to an end face of the optical fiber array obliquely to the end face of the optical fiber array in the non-array direction.

Abstract: A lens element includes a first surface, a second surface, at least one first communicating lens portion on the first surface, at least one second communicating lens portion on the second surface, and a first deflecting surface for deflecting optical signals between the at least one first communicating lens portion and the at least one second communicating lens portion. The lens element further includes a first testing lens portion, a second testing lens portion, a second deflecting surface, and a third deflecting surface. The second deflecting surface and the third deflecting surface deflect a detecting light converged by the first testing lens portion at a predetermined angle so that the detecting light passes out of the lens element through the second testing lens portion.

Abstract: Techniques for coupling light from a waveguide array to a single mode fiber array are described. In an embodiment, lateral misalignment of an array of focusing lenses and an array of optical fiber ferrules held into alignment by a lens holder sub-assembly is compensated by tilting the lens holder sub-assembly with respect to the propagation axis of the light being coupled by the lens holder-subassembly. Since the amount of tilt can be adjusted according to the degree of lateral misalignment, lens holder sub-assemblies manufactured with varying degrees of misalignment may be utilized to couple light into single mode fiber-optic cable. In addition, the same technique can also be used to compensate for other defects as well, such as angular errors in manufacturing or placement of a turning mirror or prism used to direct light into the lens holder sub-assembly.

Abstract: An optical-electric converting element includes a lower surface and a side surface. The lower surface defines a cavity. A bottom portion of the cavity forms at least one first light-gathering coupling lens and at least one first light-emitting coupling lens. A diameter of the at least one first light-receiving coupling lens is equal to d1, and a diameter of the at least one first light-emitting coupling lenses is equal to d2. The side surface perpendicularly connects to the lower surface. The side surface forms at least one second light-receiving coupling lens and at least one second light-emitting coupling lens. A diameter of the at least one second light-emitting coupling lens is equal to d3, a diameter of the at least one second light-receiving coupling lens is equal to d4; wherein d1>d3 and d4>d2.

Abstract: Described are tunable multiport optical filters that filter systems with many optical channels in a convenient and cost-effective manner. The tunable multiport optical filters of the invention are simple in design and have few optical components. The basic elements are a dispersion element and a rotating reflector. With properly arranged arrays of input and output optical fibers, individual wavelength components from a selected input beam are spatially separated and steered by the rotating reflector to selected output locations. The optical properties from the selected components may be measured by one or more photodetectors. The filters are also useful for selecting and routing optical signals.

Abstract: A frequency-chirped nano-antenna provides efficient sub-wavelength vertical emission from a dielectric waveguide. In one example, this nano-antenna includes a set of plasmonic dipoles on the opposite side of a SiYV4 waveguide from a ground plane. The resulting structure, which is less than half a wavelength long, emits a broadband beam (e.g., >300 nm) that can be coupled into an optical fiber. In some embodiments, a diffractive optical element with unevenly shaped regions of high- and low-index dielectric material collimates the broadband beam for higher coupling efficiency. In some cases, a negative lens element between the nano-antenna and the diffractive optical element accelerates the emitted beam's divergence (and improves coupling efficiency), allowing for more compact packaging.

Abstract: A light detector measures optical power of light incident thereon. Using a beam steering device that is rotatable about two orthogonal axes, wavelength components of different channels are scanned onto the light detector in accordance with programmable parameters. The programmable parameters specify the light detector to which the wavelength components are directed, the order the wavelength components are monitored by the light detector, and the time duration over which each of the wavelength components is monitored by the light detector.

Abstract: To provide an optical module and optical transmission method that reduce tracking errors caused by position shifting of the focal point of light related to the optical axis direction, using a simpler method. A lens 1 causes light emitted from an emission point to be focused at a focal point. A lens cap 2 is provided on a stem 6 and supports the lens 1. A semiconductor laser 3 is provided on the stem 6 and emits light from a position corresponding to the emission point. A control member 7 controls position shifting of the focal point generated by thermal expansion of the lens cap 2, through thermal expansion in the direction of the optical axis of the lens 1.

Abstract: An optical measurement method that can suppress variation in detection sensitivity even if an optical probe is bent, and an optical probe suitably used for the method are provided. An optical probe 10 includes an optical fiber 11 that transmits light between a proximal end 11a and a distal end 11b, an optical connector 12 connected with the optical fiber 11 at a side of the proximal end 11a, a focusing optical system 13 and a deflecting optical system 14 optically connected with the optical fiber 11 at a side of the distal end 11b, and a support tube 15 and a jacket tube 16 surrounding the optical fiber 11 and extending along the optical fiber 11. The optical fiber 11 is twisted by a number of turns in a range from one turn/m to 50 turns per meter around an axis of the optical fiber as the center and fixed relative to the support tube 15.

Abstract: An exemplary arrangement can be provided which can include a lens arrangement which can have at least two reflecting surfaces on opposing sides thereof, each of the reflecting surfaces can have a reflectivity that can be greater than 10%. The lens arrangement can include a gradient index lens, and can have a refractive optical element, a diffractive optical element, a planar convex lens, an aspheric lens, a ball lens or a cylindrical lens.

Abstract: An optical adapter includes a loading plate and a coupling lens. The coupling lens includes a main body, a first optical reflector, and a second optical reflector. The first optical reflector is positioned on the loading plate. The main body includes a top plate made of transparent material and spaced a predetermined distance from the loading plate. The second optical reflector is positioned on the first top plate. The first loading plate loads a portion of a planar optical waveguide of an optical printed circuit board. An optical signal from the planar optical waveguide is reflected by the first optical reflector to the second optical reflector, then is reflected by the second optical reflector to the outside of the optical adapter.

Abstract: Provided is an optical module, including: an optical system having an optical path in a space thereof; an electro-optical device optically connected to a first input/output port as one of an input port and an output port of the optical system; an optical waveguide having flexibility; and a housing including an optical interface. The optical waveguide includes: a first connection portion optically connected to the optical interface in the housing; and a second connection portion optically connected to a second input/output port as another one of the input port and the output port of the optical system. The optical waveguide is arranged so as to be bent in the housing. A first optical axis passing between the optical interface and the first connection portion is displaced from a second optical axis passing between the second input/output port and the second connection portion.

Abstract: A photoelectric coupling module includes a photoelectric board, a photoelectric lens module, and a jumper. The photoelectric board is configured for converting light rays into electrical signals or converting the electrical signals into the light rays. The photoelectric lens module is positioned on the photoelectric board and configured for reflecting the light rays. The jumper includes a fiber connector and two fasteners extending from one side of the fiber connector. The photoelectric lens module is locked between the fasteners and the fiber connector. The photoelectric lens module reflects the light rays emitting from the photoelectric board to the fiber connector or reflects the light rays emitting from the fiber connector to the photoelectric board.

Abstract: An optical coupling element includes a lower surface, an upper surface, and a side surface. The lower surface defines a first cavity. The first cavity includes a bottom portion. The bottom portion forms at least two first light coupling lenses. A diameter of each first light coupling lens is equal to d1. The upper surface faces away from the lower surface, and defines a second cavity. The second cavity includes a reflecting surface. The side surface perpendicularly connects to the lower surface. The side surface forms at least two second light coupling lenses. A diameter of each second light coupling lens is equal to d2, and d1>d2.

Abstract: The present invention provides an array-type photo module including a filter, which, in each channel, transmits therethrough a portion of emitted light from an incident optical fiber on the opposite side of a gradient-index lens array and reflects another portion of the emitted light from the incident optical fiber toward the gradient-index lens array, and a light-shielding member which is arranged on the opposite side of the filter from the gradient-index lens array, so as to be spaced from the filter and, in each channel, has an opening passing therethrough transmitted light from the filter on the opposite side of the filter. The array-type photo module is easily and inexpensively manufactured, and may be used in a high-density array, with low crosstalk.

Abstract: Gradient index (GRIN) lens chips and associated small form factor optical arrays for optical connections, and related fiber optic connectors are disclosed. By aligning GRIN lenses within a GRIN lens chip, a more precise and reliable alignment may be achieved with respect to optical fibers than if a single conventional ferrule is utilized to align and secure both GRIN lenses and optical fibers. The GRIN lens chip may include a GRIN lens received and thereby aligned within a groove disposed between a fiber end and a terminal end of a GRIN lens holder body. The optical fibers may also be received and thereby aligned within a groove of a ferrule body. In this manner, when the GRIN lens chip containing the GRIN lenses is aligned with a ferrule body containing the optical fibers, then the GRIN lenses may be precisely located relative to the optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-static variable optical attenuator suitable for use in a small form factor pluggable module. A short cladding suppressing fiber, such as a double clad optical fiber, dissipates attenuated light coupled to the cladding to reduce modal interference in the output light, while also reducing PDL and WDL introduced by the off set attenuation mechanism.

Abstract: An optical coupling lens includes a refraction surface, a first total reflection surface, a second total reflection surface, a first aligning member and a second aligning member. The refraction surface, the first total reflection surface and the second total reflection surface are orderly connected end to end. The first aligning member and the second aligning member are formed on the refraction surface.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an optical coupler of a fiber optic system can include a light-source input cavity packaged in an outer casing. The cavity can receive an optical signal from a light source. An optical collimator packaged in the outer casing such that a receiving end of the optical collimator can receive the light source from the light-source input cavity. The optical collimator can include at least one beam forming stage. The optical collimator can generate a collimated beam output from the optical signal. An optical cavity can receive the collimated beam output of the optical collimator. The optical cavity can be coaxially included in a receiving optical fiber coupled with the outer casing coupled with optical cavity. The optical cavity can receive the collimated beam output of the optical collimator and input the collimated beam into the receiving optical fiber.

Abstract: A compact monostatic optical transmitter/receiver device simultaneously transmits an optical beam and collects returning light using a single lens or optical aperture. The system provides automatic alignment of the transmit and receive aperture and is compatible with fiber-coupled laser sources. Transmit light is emitted from a double-cladding fiber core while received light is coupled into the inner cladding of the same fiber. The transmit light propagating in the core and the received light propagating in the inner cladding are separated by the means of a diplexer comprised of a fused fiber coupler or a fiber-coupled micro-optic device.

Abstract: Optical multifiber connectors with multiple termination ferrules and multilens arrays are disclosed. In one aspect, an optical fiber connector includes a multilens array and at least one alignment post. The lenses protrude from a first surface of a transparent plate, and the least one alignment post protrudes from a second surface of the transparent plate opposites the first surface. The connector includes a first standoff frame disposed on the first surface and a second standoff frame disposed on the second surface.

Abstract: An optical receptacle is disposed between a photoelectric conversion device and an optical fiber, in which photoelectric conversion device a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that receives monitor light for monitoring light emitted from the light-emitting element are mounted on substrate. Light of the light-emitting element that has been incident on a first surface is reflected by a first reflective surface, and then is separated by a light separating section into monitor light and light to be coupled with a fiber end. The monitor light is emitted from the first surface towards the light-receiving element side. The light to be coupled with the fiber end is emitted from a second surface towards the fiber end side. A traveling direction of the light reaching the second surface from the first reflective surface is maintained at a reflection direction of the first reflective surface.

Abstract: An optical receptacle includes a cylindrical optical fiber attaching section for attaching an end portion of an optical fiber, a cylindrical photoelectric conversion device attaching section for attaching a photoelectric conversion device having a light-receiving element, and a lens for optically coupling the end portion of the optical fiber and the light-receiving element. A face of the lens that faces the end portion of the optical fiber is formed into a planar face having a slope angle of 14 degrees to 16 degrees in relation to a virtual plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens.

Abstract: A component for coupling light bi-directionally between optical waveguides and optoelectronic devices is described. This component can be inexpensively manufactured and fits within the existing form-factor of fiber optic transceivers or transmitters, and has features for efficiently coupling laser light to a waveguide and light from the same waveguide to a detector. The described components can be formed as an array to operate within system that operation over parallel optical fibers. Applicability for these components is for optical time domain reflectometry, bi-directional optical communications, remote fiber sensing, and optical range finders.

Abstract: An APC receptacle stub and an APC TOSA having the same are provided. The APC receptacle stub includes a first APC stub and a second APC stub. The first APC stub has an optical fiber inserted thereto and is provided with one end section polished in an APC shape. The second APC stub has an optical fiber inserted thereto and is provided with one end section polished in an APC shape and an opposite end section which is coupled to an opposite end section of the first APC stub through rotation adjustment in the same axial direction as an axial direction of the opposite end section of the first APC stub. The APC receptacle stub enables easy optical alignment and is applicable to a light source that is sensitive to reflection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical transceiver module, comprising: a circuit substrate; a z-axis positioning base connected to the circuit substrate that, wherein the z-axis positioning base comprises two first sides respectively provided on two lateral sides of the optical transceiver sub-module, a second side provided between and connecting the two first sides, an opening corresponding in position to a side of the optical transceiver sub-module that faces away from the second side, and a step difference provided on each of the two first sides and the second side; a fiber-optic lens element provided on the z-axis positioning base and comprises a cover and a fiber-optic lens sub-module, wherein the cover comprises a recess and step differences surrounding the recess and respectively corresponding in position to the step differences provided on the z-axis positioning base, so as for the cover to be fitted on the z-axis positioning base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for terminating optical fiber bundles, wherein the fiber bundle is inserted into a sleeve which is filled with adhesive.

Abstract: An optical signal transmitting device includes a substrate, light emitting modules, an optical coupling element, an optical fiber module, and a pressing pole. The substrate has a first loading surface and a second loading surface. The optical coupling element is positioned on the first loading surface and includes a first cladding portion and coupling lenses. Each coupling lens has a first sloped surface and a second sloped surface. The light emitting modules are positioned on the second loading surface and spatially correspond to the respective first sloped surfaces. The optical fiber module is positioned on the first loading surface and includes a second cladding portion and fiber cores. Each fiber core has a bare end. The pressing pole presses each bare end to the corresponding second sloped surface. The refractive indexes of the substrate, the coupling lenses, the fiber cores and the air are n1, n2, n3, n0, wherein n3>n2>>n1>n0.

Abstract: An acousto-optical filter element (114) is provided which has an acousto-optical crystal (118) having an acoustic signal transmitter (120) for generating acoustic signals in the acousto-optical crystal (118). The acousto-optical crystal (118) is designed to selectively spatially deflect light of a target wavelength from an input light beam (116) entering into the acousto-optical crystal (118), as a function of a high frequency applied to the acoustic signal transmitter (120), and to thereby produce a target light beam (126) having the target wavelength. In addition, the acousto-optical filter element (114) includes a spatial filter element (132) which is located in the target light beam (126) and is designed to selectively suppress the intensity of the target light beam (126) in a plane perpendicular to the propagation direction of the target light beam (126).

Abstract: A probe including a fisheye lens is disclosed to measure the velocity distribution of a moving surface along many lines of sight. Laser light, directed to the surface and then reflected back from the surface, is Doppler shifted by the moving surface, collected into fisheye lens, and then directed to detection equipment through optic fibers. The received light is mixed with reference laser light and using photonic Doppler velocimetry, a continuous time record of the surface movement is obtained. An array of single-mode optical fibers provides an optic signal to an index-matching lens and eventually to a fisheye lens. The fiber array flat polished and coupled to the index-matching lens using index-matching gel. Numerous fibers in a fiber array project numerous rays through the fisheye lens which in turn project many measurement points at numerous different locations to establish surface coverage over a hemispherical shape with very little crosstalk.

Abstract: An electro-optical device may include a substrate having opposing first and second surfaces and an opening extending therebetween. The optical device may also include an optical waveguide extending laterally along the first surface and having an end aligned with the opening, and an electro-optical component carried by the second surface and aligned with the opening. The electro-optical device may further include an elastomeric body within the opening and having a first end face adjacent the optical waveguide and having a second end face adjacent the electro-optical component. The elastomeric body and the optical waveguide may have respective gradient refraction indices within ±5% of each other.

Abstract: A photo module which measures a signal strength in a transmission path, and this technique collects a signal light, guided to a photo module, on a light receiving element without increasing the number of manufacturing processes and the cost and, at the same time, prevents reflected light returned from the photo module from entering inside the transmission path again.

Abstract: The invention provides improved multi-fiber, fiber optic probe assemblies in which the component parts are adapted for rapid assembly with precise alignment. Some embodiments are adapted to illuminate and collect light from a sample at a particular depth while minimizing interference arising from within the probe assembly itself. Also provided are methods for manufacturing the probe assemblies and optical apparatuses including the probe assemblies.

Abstract: A planar laser gain medium and laser system. The novel laser gain medium includes an active core having a high aspect ratio cross-section with a fast-axis dimension and a slow-axis dimension, signal claddings adapted to form reflective boundaries at fast-axis boundaries of the core, and a material adapted to minimize reflections at slow-axis boundaries of the core. In an illustrative embodiment, the laser gain medium is an optical fiber. The core and claddings for a waveguide adapted to control modes propagating in the fast-axis direction. When the laser gain medium is employed as a laser oscillator, a high reflectivity mirror and an outcoupler are positioned at opposite ends of the core to form a laser resonator adapted to control modes in the slow-axis direction.

Abstract: A dust cap assembly for sealing an end face of a fiber optic ferrule includes a sleeve and a sealant. The sleeve is configured to be placed onto the fiber optic ferrule and frictionally engage a medial portion of the fiber optic ferrule. The sealant, which is at least partially disposed on the sleeve, comprises a curable liquid configured to create a removable seal that directly contacts the end face on the fiber optic ferrule when the sleeve is placed onto the fiber optic ferrule. The sealant is also configured adhere to contaminants present on the end face such that upon removal of the sleeve and sealant from the fiber optic ferule remedial cleaning of the end face occurs.

Abstract: A lens-integrated optical waveguide includes an optical conduit, a lens, and a non-wetting coating underlying the lens. A method for making an lens-integrated optical waveguide includes: forming an optical conduit having an end defining a planar end surface through which lights are transmitted out and received in; injecting a curable glue into a mold to form a pool of curable glues, the mold including a cavity having a concave shape to define a lens outer face; dipping the planar end of the optical conduit into the pool of curable glues; and curing the pool of curable glues onto the planar end surface of the optical conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is a solar energy device that uses an improved light collector to collect sunlight. The improved light collector is a translucent, and preferably transparent, solid sphere. The light collector transmits sunlight that is incident thereon and emits the light to a focal point on the other side of the sphere. An energy-receiving medium is located at or near the focal point of the emitted light and absorbs energy from the emitted light. The energy-receiving medium uses the energy from the emitted light in accordance with the desired function of the present invention.

Abstract: A single-fiber bi-directional optical transceiver includes a bi-directional optical subassembly (BOSA) body and a fiber connecting sleeve connected to the BOSA body. The BOSA body contains a laser diode, a photodiode in a photodiode housing, and a splitter. The fiber connecting sleeve contains a connecting ferrule. A band pass filter is between the splitter and the photodiode, and the photodiode, band pass filter and reflection path of the splitter are coaxial and/or in series. Also, a coupling lens is between the splitter and the connecting ferrule, and the laser diode, splitter, coupling lens and connecting ferrule are coaxial and/or in series. In the single-fiber bi-directional optical transceiver, no fiber stub is present, thereby reducing the cost and/or size of the transceiver. By providing a coupling lens between the splitter and the connecting ferrule, the size of the BOSA body can be further reduced, thereby realizing a smaller package size.

Abstract: Fiber trays and fiber optic modules and assemblies using the same are disclosed, wherein optical fibers are secured to a fiber tray that is then secured to a body of the fiber module. The body defines a plurality of lenses that reflect light using a total-internal-reflection surface to direct light to active optical components. The fiber tray is secured to the body such that the plurality of optical fibers may be secured within fiber support features of the body that align ends of the optical fibers to the lenses defined by the body. Optical-electrical connectors employing such two-piece fiber optic modules are also disclosed, as well as methods of processing a plurality of optical fibers using a fiber tray.

Abstract: An optical coupling lens includes a light incident surface, a light output surface perpendicular to the light incident surface, a reflection surface interconnected between the light incident surface and the light output surface, a first converging lens and a second converging lens formed on the light incident surface, and third converging lens formed on the light output surface and has a semi-cylindrical shape. Optical axes of the first converging lens and the second converging lens are perpendicular to the light incident surface and located on a common imaginary plane. A central axial plane of the third converging lens is perpendicular to the light output surface. An intersecting line between the central axial plane and the common imaginary plane is located on the reflection surface. A width of the third converging lens is equal to a diameter of each of the first converging lens and the second converging lens.

Abstract: A device structure and system for connecting optical waveguides to optical transmit and receive components is described. The structure is made of two parts. The lower part contains active optoelectronic components, such as lasers and photodetectors, and optical lenses. The lower part can be assembled by steps of aligning and bonding planar components. The upper part contains optical waveguides and lenses for coupling light into and out of the waveguides. The top part is mechanically connected to the lower part to form a mechanically sound connection. The lens system provides some tolerance to mis-alignment between the top and bottom parts. The system has features that enable fiber optic components to operate and survive in harsh environments, particularly large temperature extremes.

Abstract: An illumination system employing an elongated waveguide having a non-round transversal cross-section and having at least a portion of its surface shaped in the form of a linear collimating element. The waveguide further employs at least one array of light extracting features distributed along a longitudinal axis of the waveguide and disposed in the focal area of the respective linear collimating element. Each light extracting feature has an active aperture which is substantially less than the light receiving aperture of the linear collimating element and is configured to redirect light propagating in the waveguide generally towards a normal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Light rays redirected by the light extracting features are further collimated by the linear collimating element and exit from the waveguide in the form of a directional beam.

Abstract: An optical transmission system includes a lens wafer to couple light into an optical transmission medium. The lens wafer includes a set of collimating lenses on a first side of the lens wafer, the collimating lenses to collimate beams of light from a plurality of light sources. The lens wafer also includes a focusing element on a second side of the wafer opposing the first side. The focusing element is to focus the collimated beams of light into an optical transmission medium.