Abstract: An optical device wherein an optical waveguide is formed on a dielectric substrate, the optical device includes an input part and an output part where the optical waveguide and corresponding optical fibers are connected. A stress layer is provided for at least one of the input part and the output part. The stress layer applies a stress to the optical waveguide so that an index of refraction of the optical waveguide is reduced.

Abstract: In an optical interferometer, polarization dependence attributable to the optical path difference has conventionally been eliminated by inserting a half-wave plate at the center of the interferometer. However, light induced by polarization coupling produced in directional couplers used in the optical interferometer causes interference having different interference conditions from those of the normal light. Polarization rotators that effect any one of 90° rotation and ?90° rotation of all states of polarization of incoming light are inserted in the optical interferometer, and thereby the interference conditions of light induced by polarization coupling are made the same as those of the normal light. Each of the polarization rotators is implemented by using two half-wave plates and by varying an angle of combination of these half-wave plates. Alternatively, each of the polarization rotators is implemented through a combination of one half-wave plate and a waveguide having birefringence properties.

Abstract: Embodiments of an optical device, an array of optical devices, and a technique for fabricating the optical device or the array are described. This optical device is implemented on a substrate (such as silicon), and includes a thermally tunable optical waveguide with a high thermal resistance to the surrounding external environment and a low thermal resistance to a localized heater. In particular, the thermal resistances associated with thermal dissipation paths from a heater in the optical device to an external environment via electrodes and via the substrate are increased, while the thermal resistance between the optical waveguide and the heater is decreased.

Abstract: Optical guided mode fast 1×2 and 2×2 spatial switches are provided that can be used in multimedia communication networks. These switches require a relative refractive index change of only 0.0001˜0.0002 and can be realized using Lithium Niobate, Polymers, semiconductors, etc. Extinction ratios of these switches are made to be better than 45 dB, by introductions of a rear edge adjusted broken electrode and a blocker electrode into their architecture. Optical losses are less than 3 dB, and excellent switching characteristics are achieved by suppressing cross talk to ˜50 dB. The two output ports of the 1×2 (2×2) switch are made to be spatially perpendicular (in opposition) by introduction of air grooves, allowing for two-dimensional integration of unit switches into matrices. System applications of the switch are made flexible due to a discrete drive requirement for each optical input to the 2×2 switch.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a planar optical structure that includes an input coupler, first and second planar waveguides and an output coupler, all on a planar substrate. The input coupler is configured to divide an incoming light into two input light beams. Each of the first and second waveguides is configured to receive one of the two input light beams. The first waveguide has a first core with a width that is greater than a width of a second core of the second waveguide. At least one of the first or second planar waveguides is birefringent. The output coupler is configured to receive the light beams after passage through the first and second waveguides. A first output light beam from the output coupler is substantially TE polarized light and a second output light beam from the output coupler is substantially TM polarized light.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a waveguide element comprising steps of forming a lower cladding layer having a refractive index n1 on a substrate having a lower electrode; forming an active core layer having a refractive index n2 and exhibiting an electro-optical effect on a surface of the lower cladding layer; forming a protective layer having a reflective index n4 on a surface of the active core layer; forming a passive core layer having a reflective index n3 on a surface of the protective layer; exposing the passive core layer with a predetermined pattern to form an optical circuit; forming an upper cladding layer on a surface of the passive core layer; forming an upper electrode on a surface of the upper cladding layer; and performing a polarization orientation treatment in which the active core layer is softened or liquidized and cured while the electric field is applied.

Abstract: A novel electroabsorption modulator based on tuning the Fermi level relative to mid-gap states in a semiconductor. The modulator includes a semiconductor waveguide that has an input port and an output port. Between the input port and the output port is a section of the waveguide that functions as an electroabsorptive region. Adjacent to the electroabsorptive region are electrical contacts. In operation by adjusting voltages on the electrical contacts, the quasi-Fermi level in the electroabsorptive region of the semiconductor waveguide is brought above or below mid band-gap electronic states. As these states transition between occupancy and vacancy, the absorption coefficient for optical radiation in the electroabsorptive region of the semiconductor changes.

Abstract: A high-index contrast waveguide component is presented, which is based on the fast changing of the transmission properties of an optical waveguide by applying electric voltages, or by embossing electric currents. The waveguide consists of a high-refractive waveguide core surrounded by a low-refractive surrounding material, which at least area by area has electro-optical properties. By applying a voltage to completely or partially optically transparent electrodes, an electric field is generated having a strong overlap with the optical mode, being in interaction with it, and therefore changing the transmission properties of the waveguide. The transparent electrodes or supply line areas are laminar, connected at low resistance with conductor paths of high conductivity by means of structures continually repeated along the propagation direction. Thus, it is possible for example to very fast load the capacity being effective between the electrodes, and to thus achieve a high electric band width.

Abstract: An optical device includes an electrooptic crystal substrate, a polarization-inverted region formed in a part of the electrooptic crystal substrate, an optical waveguide formed in the electrooptic crystal substrate, and a groove for relaxing stress disposed between a domain wall of the polarization-inverted region and the optical waveguide.

Abstract: This invention provides a versatile unit cell as well as programmable and reconfigurable optical signal processors (such as optical-domain RF filters) that are constructed from arrays of those unit cells interconnected by optical waveguides. Each unit cell comprises an optical microdisk, an optical phase shifter, and at least one input/output optical waveguide, wherein the microdisk and the phase shifter are both optically connected to a common waveguide.

Abstract: A package comprises a substrate (101, 401) with a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction perpendicular thereto. The substrate (101, 401) has a recess (103, 403) formed in a first surface (102, 402) and the recess (103, 403) extends in the longitudinal direction of the substrate (101, 401), said recess (103, 403) having an inner surface. The inner surface of the recess (103, 403) comprises at least a first set of conductive areas. The first set comprises at least a first area (106, 406) and a second area (107, 407) being provided with a conductive layer, said first area (106, 406) and said second area (107, 407) being mutually spaced in the lateral direction. The package additionally comprises a cap (151, 251, 351, 451.) with a first surface (152, 252, 352, 452) for mounting on top of said first surface (102, 402) of said substrate (101, 401), the cap (151, 251, 351, 451) and the recess (103, 403) of the substrate (101, 401) defining an elongated channel in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for manufacturing an optical ring resonator device is disclosed. The method forms a ring resonator waveguide on a semiconductor substrate, forms an unoriented electro-optic polymer cladding over the ring resonator waveguide, and forms electrodes on the semiconductor substrate. The unoriented electro-optic polymer cladding is configured to change orientation under an applied electric field, and the electrodes are coupled to the optical ring resonator for manipulation of the electric field applied to the oriented electro-optic polymer cladding for rapid voltage tuning of its index.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a rapidly tunable wavelength selective ring resonator. An embodiment of a voltage-tunable wavelength selective ring resonator includes a ring-shaped waveguide formed on a semiconductor substrate, an electro-optic cladding layer formed over the ring-shaped waveguide, and voltage applying means for applying a voltage across the electro-optic cladding layer. The ring-shaped waveguide is configured to propagate optical signals having predetermined resonant wavelengths, the electro-optic cladding layer has a voltage-controlled variable refractive index, and the means for applying is configured to apply a wavelength-specific control voltage to the electro-optic cladding layer. The wavelength-specific control voltage will shift or tune the predetermined resonant wavelengths for the ring-shaped waveguide.

Abstract: An optical circuit comprises a bistable optical waveguide having first and second transmission states, and is more transmissive to light of a given wavelength in the second state than in the first state. First and second light sources emit light of first and second wavelengths, respectively, and are coupled to the waveguide at one end. Selectively transmitting a sufficient amount of light of the first wavelength through the waveguide switches the waveguide into the second state. Selectively transmitting a sufficient amount of light of the second wavelength through the waveguide switches it back to the first state. A sensing light source at the other end of the waveguide transmits a sensing light signal through the waveguide in the opposite propagation direction to that of light of the first and second wavelengths. A sensor detects the amount of the sensing light signal transmitted through the waveguide.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes an optical resonator ring having at least one active region. The active region is configured to generate optical energy under an electrical stimulus. The optical apparatus also includes a corrugated plasmonic body disposed around at least a portion of the resonator ring and radiatively coupled to the active region.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.

Abstract: To provide a light control device which is possible to realize a velocity matching between a microwave and an optical wave or an impedance matching of microwaves even through a signal oath having a high impedance of 70? or more, and is possible to reduce a driving voltage.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a multimode interference waveguide type optical switch that has a wide tolerance and that digitally performs switching with respect to a change in an applied voltage or injected current. The multimode interference waveguide type optical switch of the present invention includes an input single-mode waveguide (102) into which input light is entered, a multimode rectangular slab waveguide (103) into which light emitted from the input single-mode waveguide is entered, two electrodes (105a, 105b) that are arranged in parallel in a waveguide direction on the slab waveguide and that decrease the refractive index of the slab waveguide (103) disposed thereunder by injecting current or applying voltage, and a plurality of output single-mode waveguides (104a, 104b) into which light emitted from the slab waveguide (103) is entered and from which output light is emitted.

Abstract: A method comprises: forming an optical device on a device substrate; forming a first optical waveguide on the device or device substrate; forming a second, structurally discrete optical waveguide on a structurally discrete waveguide substrate; and assembling the optical device, first waveguide, or device substrate with the second waveguide or waveguide substrate. The device and first waveguide are arranged for transferring an optical signal between the device and the first waveguide. Upon assembly the first and second waveguides are positioned between the device and waveguide substrates and are relatively positioned for transferring the optical signal therebetween via optical transverse coupling. The first or second optical waveguide is arranged for transferring the optical signal therebetween via substantially adiabatic optical transverse coupling with the first and second waveguides so positioned.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for optical switching and data control, without the interaction of electronic switching speeds. In one example embodiment, a common cavity optical latch is provided that that can hold an optical state for an extended period of time, and the operation of which is controlled optically. Optical phase control allows optical modal switching to be employed between two common optical cavities, using incident optical signals and the way in which the cavities manipulate the phase within them to lock in one or the other configuration, thereby forming an optical latch. The optical latch is implemented in an integrated fashion, such as in a CMOS environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optic modulator structure containing an additional set of bias electrodes buried within the device for applying bias to set the operating point. Thus the RF electrodes used to modulate incoming optical signals can be operated with zero DC bias, reducing electrode corrosion by galvanic and other effects that can be present in non-hermetic packages. The bias electrodes are at least partially separated from the substrate with a buffer layer, which in one embodiment has a small amount of conductivity. This conductive buffer layer reduces optical loss from the bias electrodes and also reduces DC drift.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexing system has a wavelength division multiplexer and a wavelength division demultiplexer. The wavelength division demultiplexer is in series with the wavelength division multiplexer to process at least one optical signal to generate at least one processed optical signal. The wavelength division multiplexer and the wavelength division demultiplexer cooperate to introduce substantially zero total chromatic dispersion in the processed optical signal. In one version, the wavelength division multiplexer and the wavelength division demultiplexer introduce opposing functions of chromatic dispersion into the at least one processed optical signal.

Abstract: An optical device comprising a waveguide on a planar substrate. The waveguide includes a semi-conductive cladding layer that contacts electrical leads which are coupleable an electrical power source for controlling a refractive index of the cladding layer by passing electrical power through the cladding layer.

Abstract: The sensor includes an optical waveguide defined in a light-transmitting medium. The waveguide includes a sensing portion and an non-sensing portion. The light-transmitting medium included in the sensing portion has defects that provide the light-transmitting medium with a deep band gap level between a valence band of the light-transmitting medium and a conduction band of the light-transmitting medium. The deep band gap level is configured such that the waveguide guiding light signals through the light-transmitting medium in the sensing portion causes free carriers to be generated in the light-transmitting medium. A detector is configured to detect the free carriers in the sensing region of the waveguide.

Abstract: An optical component including an acceptance fiber, e.g. a photonic crystal fiber, for propagation of pump and signal light, a number of pump delivery fibers and a reflector element that reflects pump light from the pump delivery fibers into the acceptance fiber. An optical component includes a) a first fiber having a pump core with an NA1, and a first fiber end; b) a number of second fibers surrounding the pump core of the first fiber, at least one of the second fibers has a pump core with an NA2 that is smaller than NA1, the number of second fibers each having a second fiber end; and c) a reflector element having an end-facet with a predetermined profile for reflecting light from at least one of the second fiber ends into the pump core of the first fiber.

Abstract: An optical device wherein an optical waveguide is formed on a dielectric substrate, the optical device includes an input part and an output part where the optical waveguide and corresponding optical fibers are connected. A stress layer is provided for at least one of the input part and the output part. The stress layer applies a stress to the optical waveguide so that an index of refraction of the optical waveguide is reduced.

Abstract: A TE-TM mode converter is provided which is capable of performing a TE-TM conversion in a wide bandwidth. In a TE-TM mode converter using an electrooptic effect, a waveguide is formed on a substrate using lithium tantalate having a birefringence of about 0.0005 or less. The direction of an optical axis of lithium tantalate forming the waveguide is approximately parallel to a primary surface of the substrate. In addition, a first electrode and a second electrode are provided on the primary surface of the substrate so as to face each other with the waveguide placed therebetween.

Abstract: An optical device includes optical layer and an electrode configured to reduce eddy currents. The electrode includes an electrically conductive base portion and a plurality of nanofilaments in connection with the electrically conductive base portion. The nanofilaments are configured to conduct an electric current between the optical layer and the base portion of the electrode.

Abstract: An optical modulator having an optical modulation part and a connection part for an optical fiber propagating light. The optical modulation part has a modulation substrate of an electro-optic material, a modulation optical waveguide formed on the modulation substrate, a high frequency interaction part for applying a voltage to the modulation optical waveguide to modulate the propagation of light, a first supporting substrate and a first adhesion layer for adhering the modulation substrate to the first supporting substrate. The connection part has a connection substrate of an electro-optic material, a connection optical waveguide formed on the connection substrate, a second supporting substrate, and a second adhesion layer for adhering the connection substrate to the second supporting substrate. The modulation substrate is adhered to the connection substrate. The first supporting substrate is adhered to the second supporting substrate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are related to photonic systems and methods that can be used to encode data in carrier electromagnetic waves. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for encoding data in carrier electromagnetic waves is provided. The method comprises: transmitting a number of carrier electromagnetic waves in a first waveguide; coupling one or more of the carrier electromagnetic waves into a resonant cavity of a photonic crystal coupled to the first waveguide; modulating the one or more carrier electromagnetic waves within the resonant cavity in order to generate data encoded electromagnetic waves; and coupling the data encoded electromagnetic waves into a second waveguide.

Abstract: An optical functional waveguide having a small size, used with stored energy, controlling the phase of light at high speed, and adjusting the optical path length. The optical functional waveguide includes a substrate (11), a quartz waveguide clad (12), a quartz waveguide core (13), groove structures (14), a filling material (15), and heater electrode (16). The filling material (15) placed in the groove structures (14) is, e.g., a resin transparent to the wavelength region of the guided light, and the refractive index temperature coefficient is about 10 to 100 times that of quartz. The heater electrode (16) is interposed between the groove structures (14) provided along the optical path. Therefore, the temperature of the filling material (15) can be varied sharply and quickly with little energy expended.

Abstract: An amplifying optical electromagnetic wave concentrator includes an amplification focusing device and a receiver. The amplification focusing device focuses an incident optical electromagnetic wave on the receiver. The amplification focusing device is doped with active components and is subjected to an excitation wave that causes the active components to pass to an energy level such that interaction between the incident electromagnetic wave and the active components causes the active components to pass to a lower energy level and causes emission, towards the receiver, of at least one photon having the same wavelength as the incident electromagnetic wave. The focused photon or photons form an amplified wave of the incident electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: A flexible optoelectric interconnect including an optoelectric film, a driving IC, an optical semiconductor device, a heat dissipation plate and a thermally conductive material. The optoelectric film has an electrical interconnect layer made of a single layer and an optical interconnect layer including an optical waveguide core and an optical waveguide clad. The optoelectric film has a through hole extending from a major surface thereof to a rear surface opposite to the major surface. The driving IC is provided on the major surface of the optoelectric film and electrically connected to the electrical interconnect layer, and provided above the through hole in the optoelectric film. The optical semiconductor device is provided on the major surface of the optoelectric film and driven by the driving IC.

Abstract: An optical time delay module has a plurality of time delay elements connected in a series and a plurality an optical output couplers wherein each of said optical output couplers is operationally connected between one or more time delay elements in said series, the optical output couplers providing a plurality of optical outputs from said module with different optical delays controlled by a digital control word.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for optical switching and data control, without the interaction of electronic switching speeds. In one example embodiment, a common cavity optical latch is provided that that can hold an optical state for an extended period of time, and the operation of which is controlled optically. Optical phase control allows optical modal switching to be employed between two common optical cavities, using incident optical signals and the way in which the cavities manipulate the phase within them to lock in one or the other configuration, thereby forming an optical latch. The optical latch is implemented in an integrated fashion, such as in a CMOS environment.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, and an optically functional portion formed by using at least a portion of the semiconductor layer. The optically functional portion performs light emission or light reception. The semiconductor device further includes a first driving electrode that is electrically connected to a semiconductor layer on a surface of the optically functional portion, and the first driving electrode drives the optically functional portion. The semiconductor device further includes an encapsulating electrode that is formed on the semiconductor layer to surround periphery of the optically functional portion, and electrically connected to the first driving electrode.

Abstract: A silicon-based optical modulator structure includes one or more separate localized heating elements for changing the refractive index of an associated portion of the structure and thereby providing corrective adjustments to address unwanted variations in device performance. Heating is provided by thermo-optic devices such as, for example, silicon-based resistors, silicide resistors, forward-biased PN junctions, and the like, where any of these structures may easily be incorporated with a silicon-based optical modulator. The application of a DC voltage to any of these structures will generate heat, which hen transfers into the waveguiding area. The increase in local temperature of the waveguiding area will, in turn, increase the refractive index of the waveguiding in the area. Control of the applied DC voltage results in controlling the refractive index.

Abstract: An optical device including (a) a substrate having an electro-optic effect; (b) a modulating optical waveguide formed on a surface layer portion of said substrate and forming an interference optical modulator for modulating input light; (c) an output optical waveguide formed on said surface layer portion of said substrate and connected to a downstream side portion of said modulating optical waveguide; and (d) a branching monitoring section for monitoring branched light of light propagated along said output optical waveguide and emitted from an outgoing end face of said substrate. The output waveguide has a reduced width region in which the waveguide width is reduced.

Abstract: A high frequency electrical signal control device comprises a transmitter for generating a high frequency electrical signal, a receiver, a transmission line for propagating the electrical signal, and a structure for radiating the electrical signal propagated through the transmission line to the space or receiving a signal from the space. The degree of coupling of the electrical signal between the space and the transmission line provided by the structure can be variably controlled.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for tuning an optical delay line. In one embodiment, an optical delay line includes at least one ring resonator in which light is guided or is confined and at least one heater positioned laterally from the ring resonator. The heater produces heat in a localized area, allowing for the tuning of individual delay elements with minimal crosstalk.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical waveguide modulator. In one embodiment, the optical waveguide modulator includes a semiconductor planar optical waveguide core and doped semiconductor connecting paths located adjacent opposite sides of the core and capable of applying a voltage across the core. The optical waveguide core and connecting paths form a structure having back-to-back PN semiconductor junctions. In another embodiment, the optical waveguide modulator includes a semiconductor optical waveguide core including a ridge portion wherein the ridge portion has at least one PN semiconductor junction located therein. The optical waveguide modulator also includes one or more doped semiconductor connecting paths located laterally adjacent the ridge portion and capable of applying a voltage to the ridge portion.

Abstract: A guide convex portion is formed on a base plate in parallel to an illumination optical axis. Further, a fixed-side supporting member is provided in the base plate. A first opening is formed in an upright portion of the fixed-side supporting member. A slide supporting member can be provided on the base plate. A second opening is formed in the upright portion of the slide supporting member. By inserting a tapered rod into the second opening at its light incidence side and by moving the slide supporting member along the aforementioned guide convex portion, the slide supporting member is stopped at a predetermined position and, at this position, the slide supporting member is fixed.

Abstract: Provided are an optoelectric printed circuit board (PCB) including an optoelectric transmission metal track and a dielectric layer, an optoelectric transmission method using the optoelectric PCB, and a method of manufacturing the optoelectric PCB. The optoelectric transmission method includes injecting light and electricity to the optoelectric PCB including at least one optoelectric transmission metal track and a dielectric layer contacting the optoelectric transmission metal track. The injected light and electricity are transmitted through the optoelectric PCB. The transmitted light and electricity are emitted from the optoelectric PCB.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed of temporarily changing refractive index of an optical fiber containing a longitudinal electrode arranged in the cladding of said fiber along and parallel to the core of the fiber, wherein the change in refractive index is performed by applying a high voltage pulse to said longitudinal electrode, the high voltage pulse including a magnitude of at least 100 volts and a duration sufficiently short to prevent melting of the electrode, such that the electrode thermally expands through ohmic heating without melting and exerts a pressure on the fiber core to induce said temporary change of the refractive index. The method is suitably used for Q-switching a fiber laser.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus connectable to a receptacle of an external electric device. The electronic apparatus includes: a substrate; an electronic component mounted on the substrate; an electric connector which is provided on one longitudinal end of the substrate, electrically connected with the electronic component, and is insertable into the receptacle of the external electric device; first and second spacers respectively provided on the opposite surfaces of the substrate; a metal case for covering the substrate, the electronic component, the electric connector, and the first and second spacers; and a resin protective cover for covering the metal case. The metal case is provided in such a manner that an electrical connection portion thereof required for electrical connection with the receptacle is left exposed. The metal case is in contact with and supported by the first and second spacers.

Abstract: An optical waveguide element includes: an optical waveguide including an organic non-linear optical material; a first electrode arranged on one surface side of the optical waveguide; a second electrode arranged on another surface side of the optical waveguide; a protective member disposed on the second electrode, the protective member including (i) a third electrode which is provided on a first surface of the protective member, the first surface facing the second electrode, the third electrode being electrically connected to the second electrode, (ii) a fourth electrode which is provided on a second surface of the protective member, the second surface opposing the first surface, and (iii) a conductive portion which penetrates through the protective member from the first surface to the second surface, and electrically connects the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

Abstract: An optical module is configured with a combination of a single-mode oscillating light source and an optical filter. In this optical module, the single-mode oscillating light source outputs a single-mode, frequency-modulated signal. Further, the optical filter converts the frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation. And, the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter are packaged without active alignment on the same substrate. Accordingly, it is possible to realize an optical module in a simple and low-cost configuration by packaging the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter by passive alignment, without active alignment, on the same substrate, and by using a simple optical filter such as a waveguide ring resonator, which converts a frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electro-optically active waveguide segments, and more particularly to the use of a selective voltage input to control the phase, frequency and/or amplitude of a propagating wave in the waveguide. Particular device structures and methods of manufacturing are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electro-optically active waveguide segments, and more particularly to the use of a selective voltage input to control the phase, frequency and/or amplitude of a propagating wave in the waveguide. Particular device structures and methods of manufacturing are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electro-optically active waveguide segments, and more particularly to the use of a selective voltage input to control the phase, frequency and/or amplitude of a propagating wave in the waveguide. Particular device structures and methods of manufacturing are described herein.