Electrodes On Or Near The Coupling Region Patents (Class 385/40)
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Patent number: 7423254Abstract: An optical device for sensing an incident optical wave within a wavelength range includes a first array and a second array of electrodes superposed on a substrate, and a sensor connected to the contacts. The arrays are interdigitated. Each array includes its own parameters: contact width, contact thickness, groove width, and a groove dielectric constant. A structure associated with the arrays resonantly couples the incident wave and a local electromagnetic resonance or hybrid mode including at least a surface plasmon cavity mode (CM). For coupling the CM, an aspect ratio of contact thickness to spacing between electrodes is at least 1. A preferred structure for coupling a hybrid mode for high bandwidth and responsivity includes a higher dielectric constant in alternating grooves. The substrate may include silicon, including silicon-on-insulator (SOI). An SOI device having a alternating grooves with a higher dielectric, e.g., silicon oxide, provides 0.25 A/W and 30 GHz bandwidth.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Research Foundation of the City University of New YorkInventors: Mark Arend, David Crouse
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Patent number: 7424188Abstract: The optical module includes a first optical waveguide part including a first waveguide core, a second optical waveguide part including a second waveguide core and provided such that the second waveguide core and the first waveguide core are positioned partially close to each other so that a light propagating in one of the first and second waveguide cores can be coupled to the other of the first and second waveguide cores, an electro-optic material layer provided between the first and second waveguide cores and formed from an electro-optic material, and an electrode for applying an electric field to the electro-optic material layer so that the refractive index of the electro-optic material layer varies and the optical coupling coefficient between the first and second waveguide cores varies.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Shigenori Aoki
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Patent number: 7418173Abstract: A waveguide type optical control element which has an optical waveguide made of an insulating material having an electro-optic effect or a thermo-optic effect, and a control electrode provided in contact with or proximity to the optical waveguide; the optical waveguide having a propagation loss which is 1 dB/cm or less at wavelengths of from 1.3 ?m to 1.6 ?m. The control electrode is constituted of a conductive oxide film having a carrier electron concentration of 5.5×1020/cm3 or less and a resistivity of 9.5×10?4 ?cm or less, and the conductive oxide film has a coefficient of extinction of light waves, of 0.240 or less at a wavelength of 1.55 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Abe, Hiroshi Mori, Akira Terashima
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Patent number: 7406226Abstract: An optical structure includes a substrate, a circular grating resonator (CGR) formed on the substrate, the CGR including a center disc and a plurality of concentric rings spaced from one another; an input planar waveguide and an output planar waveguide each formed on the substrate, the input planar waveguide and the output planar waveguide optically coupled to the CGR; and an electrode pair, formed on the substrate, coplanar with the input and output planar waveguides, the electrode pair comprising an electrically conductive material in contact with opposing ends of the center disc of the CGR so as to render the CGR capable of electro-optical control.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Folkert Horst, Nikolaj Moll
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Patent number: 7403678Abstract: An optical switching element comprising: a multimode waveguide having an electro-optical effect; one or a plurality of first single mode waveguides; a plurality of second single mode waveguides; a first electrode arranged in the vicinity of one edge on one side of the multimode waveguide; a second electrode arranged in the vicinity of the other edge on the same side of the multimode waveguide; and a third electrode arranged on the other side of the multimode waveguide, over the first electrode and the second electrode being arranged so as to be positioned on bright spots formed by multimode interference in an optical mode field generated by the light propagating through the multimode waveguide, and an optical path being switched between the first single mode waveguide and the second single mode waveguide by applying voltage between the first electrode and the third electrode and between the second electrode and the third electrode, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Roshan Thapliya, Shigetoshi Nakamura, Takashi Kikuchi
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Publication number: 20080169195Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus, methods, and applications involving the actuation of a semi-insulative working fluid by electromechanical forces based on electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) and liquid dielectrophoresis (liquid DEP) mechanisms that are controlled by the frequency, but not the magnitude, of an AC voltage (i.e., ‘frequency-addressable). In the various apparatus embodiments of the invention, a single, frequency-addressable electrode pair includes at least one electrode that has a spatially-varying dielectric coating thickness and thus a spatially-varying electrode gap wherein at least a portion of which a volume of a working fluid can stably reside under no influence of an applied voltage. In an exemplary aspect, a frequency-addressable, bistable apparatus includes at least one wider gap and one narrower gap associated, respectively, with a thicker and a thinner dielectric coating thickness of the electrode(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2008Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTERInventors: Thomas B. Jones, Weiqiang Wang, Adrian G. Bailey
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Patent number: 7400788Abstract: Invention discloses an apparatus that provides linear optical modulation of light carrier signals by an electrical modulation signal. Linearized modulation is achieved through the selection of a spacing profile between two optical transmission waveguides. The spacing profile relates to a transfer function, the parameters of which are chosen to yield linear modulation within a particular dynamic range. A preferred embodiment discloses the invention being fabricated within a monolithic structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Air ForceInventors: Kevin M. Magde, George A. Brost
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Patent number: 7397989Abstract: Optical switches are described herein. In one embodiment, an exemplary optical switch includes, but is not limited to, a first waveguide, a second waveguide across with the first waveguide in an angle to form an intersection, and a pair of electrodes placed within a proximity of the intersection to switch a light traveling from the first waveguide to the second waveguide, where at least one of the electrodes includes a non-uniform edge to deflect a light remained after switching from the first waveguide to the second waveguide to a direction other than a direction associated with the first waveguide. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2005Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Dynamic Method Enterprises LimitedInventor: Jeffery J. Maki
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Patent number: 7394949Abstract: An optical device includes a phase modulator positioned along a branch waveguide of a mach-zehnder interferometer. The phase modulator includes an n-type region having a proximity to a p-type region that causes a depletion region to form when a bias is not applied to the modulator. The depletion region is at least partially positioned in a light signal carrying region of the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Kotura, Inc.Inventors: Dazeng Feng, Dawei Zheng, Anthony Kewitsch, George Rakuljic
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Patent number: 7394948Abstract: An optical device includes a phase modulator having a waveguide on a substrate. The phase modulator also includes an n-type region having a proximity to a p-type region that causes formation of a depletion region when a bias is not applied to the modulator. The depletion region is at least partially positioned in the light signal carrying region of the waveguide. The phase modulator is tuned by applying a reverse bias to the phase modulator. The reverse bias changes the size of the depletion region.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Kotura, Inc.Inventors: Dawei Zheng, Dazeng Feng, Anthony Kewitsch, George Rakuljic
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Patent number: 7394950Abstract: An optical modulator of the Mach-Zehnder type including electrodes disposed above a substrate having a pair of linear portions of an optical waveguide includes a signal electrode to which modulating signals are applied; first and second earth electrodes; and a bias electrode to which a bias signal for controlling an operating point of the modulating signals is applied. The earth electrodes are disposed at either side of the signal electrode disposed above one of the linear portion, and the first earth electrode is disposed above the other linear portion. The bias electrode is disposed adjacent to the first earth electrode on a side opposite to the signal electrode. The bias electrode is disposed on a surface of the substrate, and a buffer layer is formed on the bias electrode. The first earth electrode has a ladder shape having the bias electrode interposed between the two long portions of the ladder.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Masaki Sugiyama
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Publication number: 20080144996Abstract: A system is provided including a first waveguide having an optical input and a first optical output. A second waveguide includes a second optical output. A coupling region is between the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The coupling region controllably couples the first waveguide and the second waveguide when a field is applied to the coupling region. The strength of the field is variable to control the coupling. Further, the first waveguide, the second waveguide, and the coupling region may be made of electro-optical material. In another example, a component is provided including a substrate and an electro-optical material formed on the substrate. A first and second waveguide are formed of said electro-optical material. An electrode structure is formed proximal to the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The electrode structure selectively provides an electric field in the electro-optical material when a voltage is applied to the electrode structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: Verizon Services Organization Inc.Inventors: E. Evert Basch, Steven Anthony Gringeri
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Patent number: 7389025Abstract: An optical microresonator device is described including an optical waveguide and an optical microresonator positioned so as to optically couple to the waveguide. The waveguide includes a core and a metal cladding layer on at least part of one boundary of the core.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Terry L. Smith, Barry J. Koch, Michael A. Haase, Jun-Ying Zhang, Robert W. Wilson, Xudong Fan
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Patent number: 7389019Abstract: A system is provided including a first waveguide having an optical input and a first optical output. A second waveguide includes a second optical output. A coupling region is between the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The coupling region controllably couples the first waveguide and the second waveguide when a field is applied to the coupling region. The strength of the field is variable to control the coupling. Further, the first waveguide, the second waveguide, and the coupling region may be made of electro-optical material. In another example, a component is provided including a substrate and an electro-optical material formed on the substrate. A first and second waveguide are formed of said electro-optical material. An electrode structure is formed proximal to the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The electrode structure selectively provides an electric field in the electro-optical material when a voltage is applied to the electrode structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Verizon Services Organization Inc.Inventors: E. Evert Basch, Steven Anthony Gringeri
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Patent number: 7386207Abstract: An integrated optical waveguide (1) having an in-line light sensor (2) integrally formed therewith for tapping off a small proportion of the signal transmitted along the waveguide (1). A first part (1A) of the waveguide leads to a photodiode portion (2) and a second part (1B) of the waveguide leads away from the photodiode portion (2), the photodiode portion (2) comprising one or more regions (14) of light absorbing material within the waveguide (1) arranged to absorb a minor proportion of light transmitted along the waveguide (1) and thereby to generate free charge carriers within the waveguide (1). Deep band gap levels (21) are introduced into photodiode portion by ion implantation to enable it to absorb selected wavelengths. The free charge carriers are detected by a p-i-n diode formed across the waveguide (1). Wavelength selective reflectors (11, 12) may be provided either side of the photodiode portion (2) so light passes repeatedly through the photodiode portion (2).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Kotura, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Peter Knights, Adrian Petru Vonsovici, Dominic Joseph Brady, Andrew Alan House, George Frederick Hopper
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Patent number: 7384202Abstract: An optical module includes: an optical plug that supports one end of an optical fiber; a receptacle unit having an optical element and a mounting surface to be abutted against the optical plug for optically coupling the optical plug and the optical element; and a holder having a leaf spring that forces the optical plug to the mounting surface of the receptacle unit, a window section for passing the optical fiber, and a fiber support section disposed at a position near the window section for affixing the optical fiber thereto, wherein the holder is engaged with the receptacle unit to connect the receptacle unit and the optical plug in one piece.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2007Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Kimio Nagasaka
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Patent number: 7382943Abstract: A four arm linearized Mach Zehnder modulator comprising first and second primary electro-optic waveguides; first and second secondary electro-optic waveguides, each secondary electro-optic waveguide being arranged adjacent to a primary electro-optic waveguide; an RF electrode having a stub extending therefrom, the stub having a first foot portion extending partially along the first primary electro-optic waveguide and a second foot portion extending at least partially along the first secondary electro-optic waveguide; an RF ground electrode having a stub extending therefrom, the stub having a first foot portion extending partially along the second primary electro-optic waveguide and a second foot portion extending at least partially along the second secondary electro-optic waveguide; an optical source for providing an optical signal to the waveguides; the RF electrodes being arranged such that when a voltage is applied between the RF electrode and RF ground electrode the magnitudes of the phase shifts experieType: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Filtronic, PLCInventor: John Heaton
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Patent number: 7379640Abstract: A tunable dispersion compensator in which a heater portion can be easily constructed to reduce cost. A tunable dispersion compensator includes: an optical fiber having a grating portion; a heating unit for heating the grating portion to apply a temperature distribution to the grating portion; and a control unit for controlling the temperature distribution applied by the heating unit to control the group delay time characteristic of the grating portion. The heating unit includes: a heater including a single conductor having electrical resistors and which extends in a longitudinal direction of the grating portion over at least the entire length of the grating portion; and wirings electrically connected with the heater in respective positions along the longitudinal direction. The control unit supplies a voltage to each of the wirings.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sadayuki Matsumoto, Yasuhisa Shimakura, Kiichi Yoshiara, Masakazu Takabayashi
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Patent number: 7376310Abstract: An optical waveguide element having a cladding layer formed on a substrate and at least one waveguide core formed in the cladding layer for transmitting an optical signal. Two heater sections are provided for shifting a phase of optical signals. The two heater sections show different design. This helps controlling heater induced birefringence.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Dorothea Wiesmann, Bert Offrein
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Patent number: 7373047Abstract: Waveguide devices and schemes for fabricating waveguide devices useful in applications requiring modulation, attenuation, polarization control, and switching of optical signals are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of fabricating an integrated optical device is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Optimer Photonics, Inc.Inventors: David W. Nippa, Steven M. Risser, Richard W. Ridgway, Tim L. Shortridge, Vincent McGinniss, Kevin Spahr
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Patent number: 7373024Abstract: Application of a communication signal, RF (radio frequency) or microwave signal to a modified optical fiber for modulating or switching-off the optical signal propagating within the optical fiber. The passive cladding material of an ordinary optical fiber is removed from a small region and the fiber is coated with one or more layers of coated materials including a layer of electrooptic material surrounding the fiber core. A microwave cavity is positioned around the modified fiber where the optical fiber is passing through the cavity in the direction of the cavity main axis to provide a modulating microwave electromagnetic field applied to the electrooptic material. A communication signal applied to the microwave cavity will result in optical modulation so that the modulated intensity and phase of the optical signal at the receiving end of the fiber can be detected, and demodulation of the signal can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Photonics On-Fiber Devices, Inc.Inventor: Mahmoud A. El-Sherif
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Patent number: 7373038Abstract: A reflective optical switch for use in optical systems, such as fiber optic communications networks, is disclosed. The optical switch includes not only signal transmission characteristics, but also signal reflection capability. The optical switch includes a semiconductor substrate having first and second optical signal waveguides disposed thereon. The two waveguides intersect one another at a selected angle to form an intersection region. A thermal element is disposed atop the intersection region and can be activated to alter the index of refraction of a portion of the intersection region. An optical signal passing through the intersection region is diverted from one waveguide to another according to the heating of the intersection region by the thermal element. A reflective component disposed in a terminal end of one of the waveguides reflects selected optical signals back to the source from which they came.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Finisar CorporationInventor: Steve Wang
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Patent number: 7373046Abstract: A spectrally selective optical coupler is disclosed, comprising a first and a second waveguide; an external resonator defined by at least a first and a second mirror; and a respective deflecting portion in each of said waveguides for coupling light between the waveguide and the external resonator. The waveguides are arranged between the mirrors adjacent to each other in a plane that is generally parallel to said mirrors; and the external resonator is designed such that a resonant mode within the external resonator overlaps the deflecting portion in the first and the second waveguide. The inventive coupler solves some limiting geometrical problems encountered in the prior art. A lateral extension of a mode in the external resonator overlapping both waveguides is obtained using a curved resonator mirror or refractive elements or portions within the resonator.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Proximion Fiber Systems A.B.Inventors: Bengt Sahlgren, Johan Pejnefors, Sten Helmfrid
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Publication number: 20080095498Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical device comprising a container having an inner wall, said container enclosing a first liquid (A) and an electrically susceptible second liquid (B), said liquids (A; B) being immiscible and being in contact with each other via an interface (14), said interface (14) having a contact angle with the inner wall; and an electrode arrangement (2; 12) for controlling the shape of the interface (14) by means of a voltage; the optical device having an operational range in between a first value of the contact angle and a second value of the contact angle, the first value being in a range of 50-110° and the second value being in a range of 70°-130°, the second value being larger than the first value. It has been discovered that the response speed of the interface (14) to a change in position is a function of the contact angle (?), with a response speed reaching a maximum value around (?)=90° and at least 75% of this maximum value in the given interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2005Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.Inventors: Stein Kuiper, Bernardus H.W. Hendriks
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Patent number: 7356227Abstract: An optical switch, an optical modulator, and a wavelength variable filter each have a simple configuration, which requires only a low driving voltage, which is independent of polarization, and which can operate at high speed. An optical switch includes a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, and two optical waveguides connecting the input-side 3-dB coupler and the output-side 3-dB coupler together. The optical switch also includes a phase modulating section that applies electric fields to one or both of the two optical waveguides. At least two optical waveguides are a crystal material including KTaxNb1-xO3 (0<x<1) and KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3 (0<x<1, 0<y<1), or KTaxNb1-xO3 or KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Seiji Toyoda, Kazuo Fujiura, Masahiro Sasaura, Koji Enbutsu, Makoto Shimokozono, Tadayuki Imai, Akiyuki Tate, Touru Matsuura, Takashi Kurihara, Hiroshi Fushimi
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Patent number: 7356206Abstract: A method for separating the orthogonal polarization components of an incident optical signal into two spatially separated output ports is described. The method comprises a Mach-Zehnder interferometer where one of the two branches has a section of waveguide that exhibits form-birefringence. This integrated optic Polarization Beam Splitter (PBS) is broadband, has high extinction ratio, and has characteristics that are tunable.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Infinera CorporationInventor: Brent Everett Little
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Patent number: 7351448Abstract: An apparatus and process for coating surfaces of metal or metallic components including providing at least one metal having a patterned outer surface exhibiting an optical reflection greater than about 40%, providing at least one anti-reflective coating material, the anti-reflective coating material(s) including effective amount of electrically conductive light scattering and/or wavelength absorbent properties, and depositing the anti-reflective coating material(s) onto the patterned outer surface(s) of each metal, wherein the anti-reflective coating material(s) conforms to the desired patterned outer surface(s) of each metal. In another embodiment, a coated metal component includes at least one metal having a patterned outer surface(s); and, a coating of at least one antireflective material deposited on the metal patterned outer surface by deposition, wherein the antireflective coating material(s) including effective amount of electrically conductive light scattering and/or wavelength absorbent properties.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: David J. Irvin, Andrew Guenthner, Nicholas Prokopuk
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Patent number: 7349136Abstract: A display panel includes an array of interferometric modulators arranged over a transparent substrate and a transparent electrical device arranged between the array of interferometric modulators and the transparent substrate. The transparent electrical device may be electrically connected to the array of interferometric modulators or to other parts of the display panel. Examples of suitable transparent electrical devices include capacitors, resistors, inductors and filters. The use of such transparent electrical devices may provide various advantages, such as increased design flexibility, by allowing the electrical devices to be included in various parts of the array, including the viewing regions.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: IDC, LLCInventor: Clarence Chui
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Patent number: 7345812Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of III-nitride wide bandgap semiconductor materials for optical communications. In one embodiment, an optical device includes an optical waveguide device fabricated using a III-nitride semiconductor material. The III-nitride semiconductor material provides for an electrically controllable refractive index. The optical waveguide device provides for high speed optical communications in an infrared wavelength region. In one embodiment, an optical amplifier is provided using optical coatings at the facet ends of a waveguide formed of erbium-doped III-nitride semiconductor materials.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: University of KansasInventors: Rongqing Hui, Hong-Xing Jiang, Jing-Yu Lin
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Patent number: 7343061Abstract: An asymmetric twin waveguide (ATG) structure with an integrated amplifier and detector fabricated in a single active waveguide layer is disclosed. The structure comprises an active waveguide layer formed on a passive waveguide layer. The active and passive waveguides have different effective indices of refraction such that a first mode of light is confined primarily to the active waveguide and a second mode of light is confined primarily to the passive waveguide in the area where the waveguides overlap.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton UniversityInventors: Stephen R. Forrest, Kuen-Ting Shiu, Shashank S. Agashe
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Publication number: 20080056638Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a passive element including one or more first waveguides and one or more second waveguides. The apparatus also includes an active element integrated into the passive element. The active element includes one or more third waveguides that actively guide light from the first waveguides to the second waveguides. The third waveguides include polarization-independent electro-optical (EO) thin film.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Alexei L. Glebov, Takeo Hamada
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Patent number: 7340116Abstract: An optical switch, an optical modulator, and a wavelength variable filter each have a simple configuration, which requires only a low driving voltage, which is independent of polarization, and which can operate at high speed. An optical switch includes a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, and two optical waveguides connecting the input-side 3-dB coupler and the output-side 3-dB coupler together. The optical switch also includes a phase modulating section that applies electric fields to one or both of the two optical waveguides. At least two optical waveguides are a crystal material including KTaxNb1-xO3 (0<x<1) and KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3 (0<x<1, 0<y<1), or KTaxNb1-xO3 or KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Seiji Toyoda, Kazuo Fujiura, Masahiro Sasaura, Koji Enbutsu, Makoto Shimokozono, Tadayuki Imai, Akiyuki Tate, Touru Matsuura, Takashi Kurihara, Hiroshi Fushimi
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Patent number: 7336854Abstract: An optical switch, an optical modulator, and a wavelength variable filter each have a simple configuration, which requires only a low driving voltage, which is independent of polarization, and which can operate at high speed. An optical switch includes a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, and two optical waveguides connecting the input-side 3-dB coupler and the output-side 3-dB coupler together. The optical switch also includes a phase modulating section that applies electric fields to one or both of the two optical waveguides. At least two optical waveguides are a crystal material including KTaxNb1-xO3 (0<x<1) and KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3 (0<x<1, 0<y<1), or KTaxNb1-xO3 or KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Seiji Toyoda, Kazuo Fujiura, Masahiro Sasaura, Koji Enbutsu, Makoto Shimokozono, Tadayuki Imai, Akiyuki Tate, Touru Matsuura, Takashi Kurihara, Hiroshi Fushimi
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Publication number: 20080031564Abstract: An optical modulator includes a signal electrode for application of modulation signals whereby light propagated over an optical waveguide is modulated, and bias electrodes for application of a bias voltage for controlling an operating point for the modulation signals. A buffer layer is provided between a substrate exhibiting electro-optical effect and the bias electrodes, but at regions where no optical waveguide is formed beneath the bias electrodes, no buffer layer is provided, and the bias electrodes are provided directly upon the substrate. This configuration enables bias voltage to be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Masaki Sugiyama
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Patent number: 7317848Abstract: An optical switch in which the adverse effect of heating can be restrained is realized.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventors: Shinji Iio, Masayuki Suehiro, Shin-ichi Nakajima, Yoshiyuki Asano, Chie Sato, Akira Miura, Tsuyoshi Yakihara, Shinji Kobayashi, Sadaharu Oka
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Patent number: 7317860Abstract: A photonic crystal structural body has a structure that a second mediums whose refractive index changes with an external field is periodically distributed in a first medium whose refractive index changes with the external field. An external field generator applies the external field to the photonic crystal structural body. It is possible to increase a change amount of a photonic band gap.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Tsuyoshi Aoki, Masao Kondo, Kazuaki Kurihara
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Patent number: 7315665Abstract: A polarization controller includes a plurality of liquid crystal cells positioned as cladding on a waveguide that propagates a beam of light so that the evanescent field extends into the liquid crystal cells, and a ½-wave birefringent retarder for rotating the eigenstates of polarization between the liquid crystal cells. For fast response, the evanescent field preferably extends only into the surface effect region of the liquid crystal cells, where directors in the liquid crystal respond faster to changes in voltages applied across the liquid crystal cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Meadowlark Optics, Inc.Inventor: Michael H. Anderson
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Patent number: 7315662Abstract: Electronic and optical (or photonic) devices with variable or switchable properties and methods used to form these devices, are disclosed. More specifically, the present invention involves forming layers of conductive material and dielectric material or materials with varying conductivity and indexes of refraction to form various electronic and optical devices. One such layer of adjustable material is formed by depositing epitaxial or reduced grain boundary barium strontium titanate on the C-plane of sapphire.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: n Gimat Co.Inventors: Andrew T. Hunt, Robert E. Schwerzel, Yongdong Jiang, Zhiyong Zhao, Todd Polley
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Patent number: 7308171Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optical isolation in high peak power fiber-optic systems prevent damage to a facet within a fiber-optic isolator caused by back-reflected light from, for example, an optical amplifier. Preventing damage to the facet may include expanding a mode area of the back-reflected light and/or reducing a change in refractive index.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Raydiance, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Booth, Ismail T. Yilmaz, James F. Brennan, III
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Patent number: 7308182Abstract: An optical amplifier comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) having at least one support layer of electrically non-conducting material and at least one conductive layer of electrically conducting material, and a foil heater in the form of a conductive track 20 on the PCB. A specified length of erbium optical fibre is wound around an aluminium spool mounted on the PCB and clamped by a clamp with the interposition of a thermal gasket, so that the optical fibre can be heated by the heater. Cutouts are provided in the PCB surrounding the heater to minimise loss of heat from the heater. The form of the heater enables it to be produced during fabrication of the optical fibre without utilising additional costly fabrication steps.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Bookham Technology plcInventor: Peter Wilson McCaig
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Publication number: 20070274637Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Takashi Shiraishi
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Patent number: 7302140Abstract: The invention provides an optical switch including a substrate which has conductivity or semiconductivity, an optical waveguide layer which is formed on the substrate, and a control electrode which is formed on the optical waveguide layer. The optical waveguide layer includes an incident-side channel waveguide to which a light signal is incident and plural outgoing-side channel waveguides branched from the incident-side channel waveguide. The control electrode forms a reflection plane reflecting the incident light signal near a crossover portion of the plural outgoing-side channel waveguides by applying voltage to the optical waveguide layer with the substrate to control a refractive index of the optical waveguide layer, and switches propagation paths of the light signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Keio UniversityInventor: Keiichi Nashimoto
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Patent number: 7302141Abstract: The present invention is concerned with 1×2 thermo-optic digital optical switches known in the art as “Y-branch digital optical switches” and variable optical attenuators.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemors and CompanyInventor: Louay Eldada
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Patent number: 7302119Abstract: An optical phase modulator comprising a plurality of non-polarizing waveguides having a layered stack including a core between at least one layer of cladding material, wherein the core is constructed of electro-optic material(s), wherein the layers of cladding materials having lower indices of refraction than the core for guided mode, wherein the layer of cladding material having higher indices of refraction than the core for non-guided mode, a substrate dimensioned and configured to integrate a plurality of optical components, wherein the optical components include a plurality of non-polarizing waveguide(s), a waveguide having a non-polarizing non-modulating region and a non-polarizing modulating region, coupler/splitter(s), electrode(s), a waveguide configuration including a first non-polarizing waveguide, a second polarizing waveguide and a third waveguide, and at least two optical fiber pigtails where one is coupled to a second and third waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Michael D Bramson, Paul R. Ashley, Geoffrey A. Lindsay
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Publication number: 20070263953Abstract: An optical switching element comprising: a multimode waveguide having an electro-optical effect; one or a plurality of first single mode waveguides; a plurality of second single mode waveguides; a first electrode arranged in the vicinity of one edge on one side of the multimode waveguide; a second electrode arranged in the vicinity of the other edge on the same side of the multimode waveguide; and a third electrode arranged on the other side of the multimode waveguide, over the first electrode and the second electrode being arranged so as to be positioned on luminescent spots in an optical mode field generated by the light propagating through the multimode waveguide, and an optical path being switched between the first single mode waveguide and the second single mode waveguide by applying voltage between the first electrode and the third electrode and between the second electrode and the third electrode, is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2006Publication date: November 15, 2007Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Roshan Thapliya, Shigetoshi Nakamura, Takashi Kikuchi
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Patent number: 7295725Abstract: An electro-optical circuit board is provided, which includes an electrical wiring board and an optical wiring board. The optical wiring board includes a first metal substrate, an optical guiding layer formed on the first metal substrate, and a metal supporting structure formed around the optical guiding layer, wherein the optical guiding layer includes an optical waveguide and a clad wrapping the optical waveguide. When the electrical wiring board is joined with the optical wiring board through a laminating process, the metal supporting structure absorbs the pressure applied to the electro-optical circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Cherng-Shiun Wu, Hsien-Huan Chiu, Shin-Ge Lee, Ying-Chih Chen
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Patent number: 7292739Abstract: An optical modulator in which stabilized driving is realized over a long time by relaxing stress generated in a recess formed in the surface of a substrate in the optical modulator and controlling deterioration of optical modulation control caused by stress-strain in the substrate including an optical waveguide. The optical modulator comprises a substrate of a material exhibiting electrooptic effect, an optical waveguide (4) provided on the substrate, and control electrodes (20-25) for controlling the phase of light being guided through the optical waveguide characterized in that a recess (12) is provided in the surface of the substrate for forming the control electrodes, and the control electrode (24) being formed on the recess is provided with a stress relaxing means.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Shinriki, Toshihiro Sakamoto, Masanao Kurihara, Toru Sugamata, Norikazu Miyazaki
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Patent number: 7292746Abstract: The present invention provides a set-reset flip-flop operating in an all-optical manner. In this invention, a set pulse is inputted from the setting port. In doing so, only oscillation in set mode is generated at the multi-mode interference portion in a waveguide. As a result, a non-inverting output Q is obtained from the non-inverting output port. This state is then continued even if the set pulse input goes off. Next, a reset pulse is inputted to the resetting port. In doing so, at the multi-mode interference portion, oscillation of light in the set mode is halted, and oscillation in the reset mode occurs. As a result, it is possible to obtain an inverting output Q-bar from the inverting output port. This state is then continued even if the reset pulse goes off.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Japan Science and Technology AgencyInventors: Yoshiaki Nakano, Mitsuru Takenaka
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Patent number: 7286728Abstract: In an optical element aimed at readily and accurately controlling a refractive index of an electrooptic effect film, and at making the device adaptive to further downsizing, a voltage control unit controls the refractive index of light in an optical waveguide between two values of a first voltage and a second voltage bounded at a predetermined voltage which corresponds to an anti-ferroelectric phase transition point, based on a fact that the refractive index of a core layer of the optical waveguide largely varies in a digital manner at the predetermined voltage, but is kept almost constant thereunder and thereabove.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Keisuke Sato, Masao Kondo, Masatoshi Ishii
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Patent number: 7283689Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an optical waveguide includes a high dielectric constant core material relative to the cladding material. The cladding material has an index of refraction that is adjustable in response to an electrical stimulus.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Bruce A. Block, Paul Davids