Abstract: Photonic rotators integrated on a substrate are disclosed for manipulating light polarization.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to photonic integrated circuits with an on-chip optical isolator. A photonic transmitter chip may include a laser and an on-chip isolator optically coupled with the laser that includes an optical waveguide having a section coupled with a magneto-optic liquid phase epitaxy grown garnet film. In some embodiments, a cladding may be coupled with the garnet film, the on-chip isolator may be arranged in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration, the waveguide may include one or more polarization rotators, and/or the garnet film may be formed of a material from a rare-earth garnet family. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of fiber scanning systems and methods of scanning optical fibers. The disclosed systems and methods advantageously provide an improvement to the scanning range, the oscillation amplitude, and/or the maximum pointing angle for an optical fiber in a fiber scanning system by inducing a buckling of a portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A tunable Radio Frequency (RF) filter device includes a tunable optical source configured to generate an optical carrier signal, and a modulator coupled to the tunable optical source and configured to modulate the optical carrier signal with an RF input signal. The tunable RF filter device may also include first and second optical waveguides coupled to the modulator and having first and second dispersion slopes of opposite sign, and an optical-to-electrical converter coupled to the first and second optical waveguides and configured to generate an RF output signal with a frequency notch therein based upon the tunable optical source.

Abstract: A tunable Radio Frequency (RF) filter device includes a tunable optical source generating an optical carrier signal, and a modulator coupled to the tunable optical source and modulating the optical carrier signal with an RF input signal. The tunable RF filter device may include first and second optical waveguide paths coupled to the modulator and having first and second dispersion slopes of opposite sign from each other, one or more of the first and second optical waveguide paths comprising an optical splitter and combiner pair therein, and an optical-to-electrical converter coupled to the first and second optical waveguide paths and generating an RF output signal with a frequency notch therein based upon the tunable optical source.

Abstract: A tunable Radio Frequency (RF) filter device includes a tunable optical source configured to generate an optical carrier signal, and a modulator coupled to the tunable optical source and configured to modulate the optical carrier signal with an RF input signal. The tunable RF filter device may also include first and second optical waveguides coupled to the modulator and having first and second dispersion slopes of opposite sign, and an optical-to-electrical converter coupled to the first and second optical waveguides and configured to generate an RF output signal with a frequency notch therein based upon the tunable optical source.

Abstract: Various optical isolator embodiments are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a waveguide section utilizing materials that induce a propagation constant shift that is propagation-direction-dependent. Embodiments are characterized by a cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves that is different than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves. A particular embodiment is constructed as a single-mode waveguide on a substrate. The cross-section of the waveguide is inhomogeneous in terms of materials. This inhomogeneity induces a propagation constant shift, which is propagation-direction-dependent. This device works as an optical isolator from the cut-off frequency of the lowest forward wave (lower frequency) to one for the lowest reverse wave (higher frequency). Various configurations consistent with the principles of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: An optical device for integrated photonic applications includes a substrate, a dielectric waveguide and a surface plasmon waveguide. The dielectric waveguide includes a dielectric waveguide core disposed relative to a dielectric waveguide cladding and a common cladding. The surface plasmon waveguide includes a surface plasmon waveguide core disposed relative to the common cladding and a surface plasmon waveguide cladding. The common cladding couples the dielectric waveguide and the surface plasmon waveguide.

Abstract: A structure for measuring energy absorption by a surface plasmon receptor or NFT on a waveguide comprises a first waveguide, a first input grating for coupling light comprising a first wavelength into the first waveguide, a first output grating for coupling light out of the first waveguide, a first plurality of surface plasmon receptors in cooperation with the first waveguide to receive light energy and located between the first input grating and the first output grating. The structure may further comprise a second waveguide, a second input grating for coupling light into the second waveguide, a second output grating for coupling light out of the second waveguide, a second plurality of surface plasmon receptors between the second input grating and the second output grating and in cooperation with the second waveguide to receive light energy, wherein the second plurality may be less than or greater than the first plurality.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated photonic crystal sensor is disclosed. An optical fiber comprises at least one photonic crystal means coupled to a first end thereof, and a magnetic material coupled to the at least one photonic crystal means.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated photonic crystal sensor is disclosed. An optical fiber comprises at least one photonic crystal means coupled to a first end thereof, and a magnetic material coupled to the at least one photonic crystal means.

Abstract: A fiber-based, magneto-optic (MO) optical modulator or switch based on Sagnac interferometry is provided. The system uses a magneto-optic Faraday rotator (MOFR) to produce optical modulation with low magnetic fields. The Sagnac geometry allows for increased modulation at lower fields than traditional MO modulators. This switch uses the MOFR to create different states of polarization in counter-propagating waves, which results in interference at the output port. A magnetic field is used to control the amount of rotation in the state of polarization (SOP), and therefore, the ON-OFF extinction ratio.

Abstract: A waveguide that includes a first cladding layer, the first cladding layer having an index of refraction, n3; a gradient index layer positioned adjacent the first cladding layer; an assist layer positioned adjacent the gradient index layer, the assist layer having an index of refraction, n2; a core layer positioned adjacent the assist layer, the core layer having an index of refraction, n1; and a second cladding layer, the second cladding layer having an index of refraction, n4, wherein n1 is greater than n2, n3, and n4; and n2 is greater than n3 and n4.

Abstract: An electromagnetically responsive element includes sets of arrangements of self-resonant bodies, such as atoms or quantum dots that form an effective dielectric constant, typically at or near a resonance.

Abstract: An electromagnetically responsive element includes sets of arrangements of self-resonant bodies, such as atoms or quantum dots that form an effective dielectric constant, typically at or near a resonance.

Abstract: A silicon-on-insulator device has a waveguide having a carrier wafer layer, a buffer layer, a guiding layer, and a cladding layer. The silicon-on-insulator is additionally provided with a polarizing arrangement deposited on a predetermined portion of the waveguide, the polarizing arrangement being provided with a bottom metal layer, a dielectric gap, and a top metal layer, the bottom metal layer being deposited on the cladding layer. A protection layer formed of SiO2 overlies the top metal layer. The polarizing arrangement attenuates preferentially the electromagnetic energy that is propagated in the waveguide in the TM transmission mode. There is formed a gap plasmon-polariton (GPP) confined to the dielectric gap, the dielectric gap having a high optical loss characteristic. In accordance with a method aspect, there are provided the steps of forming a silicon-on-insulator waveguide arrangement and depositing a polarizer structure that absorbs the electromagnetic energy in the TM transmission mode.

Abstract: A method of processing an electromagnetic signal, comprising includes configuring a waveguide that includes a multiferroic medium to propagate the electromagnetic signal. A mechanical strain or a control electrical or magnetic field is applied to the waveguide such that the applying changes a permittivity or a permeability of the medium. The electromagnetic signal is propagated through said waveguide while performing the applying.

Abstract: The waveguide-type polarizer includes: a Z-cut lithium niobate substrate; an optical waveguide having a ridge structure and formed on the substrate; a low refractive index film formed with a thickness satisfying 0?n·t/??0.3742 (where n is a refractive index, t (?m) is the thickness of the film, and ? (?m) is the wavelength of a light wave) on the side of the ridge structure; and a high refractive index film formed with a thickness satisfying 0.089?n·/? on the low refractive index film. The width of the ridge structure is a ridge width where the distribution of ordinary light of the light waves propagated through the optical waveguide changes and the distribution of extraordinary light of the light waves does not change, the angle of the ridge structure is less than 90°, and the waveguide-type polarizer has a function of transmitting extraordinary light.

Abstract: A novel technique is provided, which can manufacture an optical nonreciprocal element constituted of an Si waveguide layer and a magneto-optical material layer without using wafer bonding. A magneto-optical material layer is deposited on a substrate, an Si layer is deposited on the aforesaid magneto-optical material layer, a waveguide is formed on the aforesaid Si layer, and the aforesaid magneto-optical material layer is magnetized so as to be able to cause a light propagating in the aforesaid waveguide to generate a nonreciprocal phase change.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes an optical fiber and at least one twin-grating structure formed on the optical fiber. Each twin-grating structure includes a first optical grating structure, a second optical grating structure adjacent the first optical grating structure, and a sensing cavity disposed between the first and second optical grating structures. Each twin-grating structure is selectively responsive to a unique wavelength of light to generate an optical interference fringe signal. For each twin-grating structure, an optical property of the twin-grating structure and a phase of the optical interference fringe signal generated by the twin-grating structure are determined by a temperature of the twin-grating structure.

Abstract: Optical devices for guiding illumination are provided each having a body of optical material with staircase or acutely angled ramp structures on its top surface for distributing light inputted from one end of the device from the front exit faces of such structures along certain angular orientations, while at least a substantial portion of the light is totally internally reflected within the body until distributed from such front exit faces. Optical devices are also provided each have a body of optical material having a bottom surface with acutely angled ramp structures and falling structures which alternate with each other, such that light is totally internally reflected within the device until reflected by such ramp structures along the bottom surface to exit the top surface of the device or transmitted through the ramp structures to an adjacent falling structure back into the device.

Abstract: A magnetic flux sensor is disclosed. The sensor comprises an optical fiber and at least one twin-grating structure formed on the optical fiber. Each twin-grating structure comprises a first optical grating structure, a second optical grating structure adjacent the first optical grating structure, and a sensing cavity disposed between the first and second optical grating structures. Each twin-grating structure is selectively responsive to a unique wavelength of light to generate an optical interference fringe signal. The sensor also includes a magnetostrictive coating disposed over each twin-grating structure to change an optical property of the twin-grating structure and a phase of the optical interference fringe signal when the magnetostrictive coating is exposed to changing magnetic flux.

Abstract: Various optical isolator embodiments are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a waveguide section utilizing materials that induce a propagation constant shift that is propagation-direction-dependent. Embodiments are characterized by a cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves that is different than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves; the dimensions and direction of magnetization of the waveguide can be tailored so that, in a particular embodiment, the cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves is lower than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves. A particular embodiment is constructed as a single-mode waveguide on a substrate. The cross-section of the waveguide is inhomogeneous in terms of materials. At least one part of the cross-section is a non-reciprocal magneto-optic medium, which has nonzero off-diagonal permittivity tensor components. This inhomogeneity induces a propagation constant shift, which is propagation-direction-dependent.

Abstract: A magneto-optical structure is provided. The magneto-optical structure includes a substrate. A waveguide layer is formed on the substrate for guiding electromagnetic radiation received by the magneto-optical structure. The waveguide layer includes magnetic oxide material that comprises ABO3 perovskite doped with transition metal ions on the B site, or transition metal ions doped SnO2, or transition metal ions doped CeO2.

Abstract: A novel technique is provided, which can manufacture an optical nonreciprocal element constituted of an Si waveguide layer and a magneto-optical material layer without using wafer bonding. A magneto-optical material layer is deposited on a substrate, an Si layer is deposited on the aforesaid magneto-optical material layer, a waveguide is formed on the aforesaid Si layer, and the aforesaid magneto-optical material layer is magnetized so as to be able to cause a light propagating in the aforesaid waveguide to generate a nonreciprocal phase change.

Abstract: A fiber-based, magneto-optic (MO) optical modulator or switch based on Sagnac interferometry is provided. The system uses a magneto-optic Faraday rotator (MOFR) to produce optical modulation with low magnetic fields. The Sagnac geometry allows for increased modulation at lower fields than traditional MO modulators. This switch uses the MOFR to create different states of polarization in counter-propagating waves, which results in interference at the output port. A magnetic field is used to control the amount of rotation in the state of polarization (SOP), and therefore, the ON-OFF extinction ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, and computer-program product for magneto-optic (MO) switching produces magneto-optic materials in blue and green light wavelengths. An MO switching apparatus includes a first waveguide supporting a propagation of a radiation signal from a first port to a second port; a second waveguide including a second port; and a ring-oscillator having a closed propagation pathway including magneto-optic materials, said ring-oscillator operationally coupled to said waveguides and responsive to a controlling influence to switch between a first mode and a second mode, with said first mode substantially non-interfering with said propagation of said radiation signal in said first waveguide and with said second mode routing said propagation of said radiation signal from said first port to said second port.

Abstract: An optical device for integrated photonic applications includes a substrate, a dielectric waveguide and a surface plasmon waveguide. The dielectric waveguide includes a dielectric waveguide core disposed relative to a dielectric waveguide cladding and a common cladding. The surface plasmon waveguide includes a surface plasmon waveguide core disposed relative to the common cladding and a surface plasmon waveguide cladding. The common cladding couples the dielectric waveguide and the surface plasmon waveguide.

Abstract: An active optical filter transmits or blocks light according to whether or not a magnetic field is applied, and functions as an optical filter transmitting light having a predetermined wavelength when light is transmitted according to a magnetic field. The active optical filter includes: an optical filter layer for transmitting or blocking light according to whether or not a magnetic field is applied; and a magnetic field applying unit surrounding the optical filter layer for applying a magnetic field to the optical filter layer. The optical filter layer has a multi-layer thin layer structure which is formed of two kinds of thin layers having different respective refractive indices and sequentially and periodically stacked on a substrate.

Abstract: An optical switch including a first reversible optical circulator and a second reversible optical circulator is provided. Each of the first reversible optical circulator and the second reversible optical circulator respectively has four I/O ports, wherein the four I/O ports are respectively a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, the four terminals sequentially transmit an optical signal in a forward circulation or a backward circulation according to a control signal, and an open end is formed between the first terminal and the adjacent fourth terminal. The open ends of the first reversible optical circulator and the second reversible optical circulator are coupled with each other.

Abstract: A waveguide type optical isolator comprises a substrate, a waveguiding layer provided with waveguides, a magnetic garnet, magnetic field applying means, and a package substrate, wherein a first magnet and a second magnet is provided as the magnetic field applying means, and the first magnet and the second magnet are housed and fixed within a magnet holder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventions described herein comprise a device and method for manipulating an optical beam. The method comprises propagating an optical beam through a waveguide in proximity to a resonant cavity and pumping the resonant cavity with sufficient optical power to induce non-linearities in the refractive index of the resonant cavity. The method further comprises tuning the resonant frequency band of the resonant cavity with a modulation signal such that the optical beam is manipulated in a useful way.

Abstract: At least part of an optical device comprises an optical waveguide of a magneto-optical material. The magneto-optical material comprises a polycrystalline material having no lattice matching with an underlayer material. The optical waveguide exhibits no magnetic anisotropy due to an inverse magnetostriction effect caused by thermal strain. The magnetization direction of the optical waveguide is aligned with a traveling direction of light passing through the waveguide by shape magnetic anisotropy.

Abstract: A catheter with many fiber optic pressure sensors. The sensor diaphragm is formed from a wafer with a thin silicon layer and a silicon substrate layer separated by a silicon dioxide layer. A method includes masking and etching channels through the silicon substrate layer in a pattern of concentric circles to form a concentric circular etched channels and cylindrical unetched portions of the silicon substrate layer between the channels, exposing the silicon dioxide in the etched regions, and dissolving the exposed silicon dioxide to expose the crystalline silicon layer in the etched regions. The unetched cylindrical portion of the silicon substrate forms the diaphragm support element and the thin silicon layer forms the diaphragm. After applying a reflective coating to the exposed thin silicon layer, the support element face is adhered to the end face of a tubular housing, and a fiber optic probe is inserted in the tubular housing.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for performing all-optical modulation. A semiconductor layer having a defined thickness has an insulator adjacent one surface of the semiconductor. Conductive layers are provided adjacent the semiconductor layer and the insulator. A photodetector is provided to generate an electric field across the conductive layers in response to an input optical gate signal. An input optical signal is modulated by interaction with a plasmon wave generated at the semiconductor/conductive layer interface. By defining the thickness of the semiconductor layer, a desired wavelength of light supports the plasmon waves. Operation of the all-optical modulator requires the provision of an input optical signal of a desired wavelength and the provision of a gate optical signal. An output optical signal is recovered and can be used to store, display or transmit information, for example over a fiber optic communication system, such as a telecommunication system.

Abstract: A waveguide structure is provided. The waveguide structure includes a photonic crystal structure comprising gyromagnetic materials arranged in a two-dimensional lattice formation that exhibits a plurality of one-way modes produced as a result of magneto-optic effects. One or more confining barriers are positioned around the photonic crystal structure so as to allow the one-way modes to propagate through the photonic crystal structure. One or more radiation sources are positioned in or around the photonic crystal structure so as to couple electromagnetic energy into and out of the waveguide. One or more static external magnetic field sources induce the magneto-optic effects such that the one-way modes are allowed to propagate in one direction in the photonic crystal structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and controlling a microwave Bessel beam which may be utilized for examining microstructure including very early stage tumors.

Abstract: Whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) optical resonators made of crystal materials to achieve high quality factors at or above 1010.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for steering optical frequency beams using nanowire. A method includes providing one or more nanowire waveguide arrays, generating an optical frequency beam, wherein the optical frequency beam is incident on the one or more nanowire waveguide arrays, controlling the one or more nanowire waveguide arrays to produce a phase delay in the optical frequency beam as it traverses the nanowire waveguide array, wherein the phase delay causes the optical frequency beam to deflect upon exiting the one or more nanowire waveguide arrays, and steering the optical frequency beam exiting the one or more nanowire waveguide arrays by increasing or decreasing the phase delay, wherein the angle of deflection of the exiting optical frequency beam is determined by the amount of phase delay.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a more robust flat panel display by using the Faraday effect to control light emission from a solid state material so as to form two-dimensional or three-dimensional images. Flux tubes can be configured to define a two dimensional array. Each flux tube is somewhat analogous to a single bubble of a magnetic bubble memory and can define a pixel. At least some aspect of light transmitted through a flux tube can be varied thereby, so as to facilitate the formation of an image.

Abstract: A latching magnetic structure in the resonant cavity of magneto-photonic crystal films with in-plane magnetization. Also disclosed is a method for the fabrication and observation of a latching magnetic structure.

Abstract: A polarization controller includes a phase retarder having a rotation about an {1,0,0} axis that receives an optical signal from a waveguide structure. At least one nanoelectromechanical dielectric perturber produces ±45° birefringent axes by placing the at least one nanoelectromechanical dielectric perturber at selective positions around the phase retarder to produce dynamic change in the effective index in one of the modes existent in an extraordinary axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magneto-optical component, such as a variable light attenuator, light modulator or optical switch, having small size, low power consumption and high speed. The magneto-optical component comprises at least one Faraday rotator comprising a magnetic domain A with magnetization in a direction perpendicular to a light incident/exit surface, a magnetic domain B with magnetization in a direction opposite to the magnetization direction of the magnetic domain A, a planar magnetic domain wall as a boundary between the magnetic domain A and the magnetic domain B, and two light transmission regions through which a plurality of light beams comprising identical traveling directions are transmitted respectively and whose distances from the magnetic domain wall are almost equal to each other, and a magnetic field application system for applying a variable magnetic field to the Faraday rotator to make a position of the magnetic domain wall variable.

Abstract: An element for interacting with electromagnetic radiation is disclosed, including a first self-resonant body, a second self-resonant body, and a directional device interposed between the first self-resonant body and the second self-resonant body. The directional device is adapted to inhibit propagation of electromagnetic radiation from the second self-resonant body to the first self-resonant body.

Abstract: An optical fibre switch (10) includes an optical fibre conduit (12). A transducer (16) is carried on the conduit (12), the transducer (16) converting input energy of one form into mechanical energy so that the application of an external stimulus causes a change in condition of the transducer (16) which imparts that change in condition to the conduit (12). An input energy applying arrangement (20) is arranged on the transducer (16) for applying the external stimulus.

Abstract: An optical fiber (100A-100D) is provided with a cylindrical core (102) and a first optical cladding layer (104). The core (102) is formed of a core material (105) that is optically transmissive. The core material (105) has a core index of refraction that is continuously variable over a predetermined range of values responsive to a first energetic stimulus, such as thermal energy, photonic energy, magnetic field, and an electrical potential. The core (102) includes a bore (103) axially disposed within the first optical cladding layer (104). The bore (103) is filled with the core material (105). The first optical cladding layer (104) is disposed on the core (102). The first optical cladding layer (104) is formed of a photosensitive material. The photosensitive material has a first cladding layer index of refraction that is permanently selectively configurable responsive to an exposure to a second energetic stimulus. The first optical cladding layer (104) has gratings (114-1, 114-2) inscribed therein.

Abstract: A method of filtering optical signals (300) utilizing an optical fiber (100A-100D). The method of filtering optical signals (300) includes the steps (304) selecting an optical fiber (100A-100D) coupled to a source of optical signals, (308) disposing a core (102) in the bore (103) of the optical fiber (100A-100D) formed of a core material (105), (308) selecting a core material (105) to provide a waveguide within the optical fiber (100A-100D), (310) disposing an optical grating (114-1) in a first optical cladding layer (104) disposed about the core (102), (312) propagating an optical signal within the optical fiber (100A-100D) guided substantially within the core (102), (314) modifying a propagation path of selected wavelengths comprising said optical signal with the optical grating (114-1), and (316) determining selected wavelengths for which the propagation path is modified by selectively varying an energetic stimulus to the core (102) thereby tuning the waveguide.

Abstract: A waveguide magneto-optic sensor provides a signal indicative of the value and/or direction of a detected magnetic field by a spectral shift of the characteristic resonant spectral feature of the sensor is disclosed. The sensor does not suffer from vibrations, fiber bending or other light intensity noise and provides an absolute self-referencing signal. The sensor elements can easily be coupled to optical fibers and read with scanning spectrometers or scanning lasers calibrated against NIST-traceable gas absorption standards.

Abstract: A tunable optical fiber has a grating which is attached to an expander responsive to an external control including a temperature or a magnetic field. The expander changes length, and this is coupled to the optical fiber, which changes pitch, thereby accomplishing a tuning change. The expander may be coupled to the grating directly, or through an expansion reducer, which produces a greater range of tuning. Terfenol-D™ may be used for the expander material, and tubes which include a bonding point adjacent to the extents of the grating may form the extent reducers.

Abstract: Excitation of a triad artificial photosynthetic reaction center consisting of a porphyrin (P) convalently linked to a fullerene electron acceptor (C60) and a carotenoid secondary donor (C) leads to the formation of a long-lived C+-P-C60? charge-separated state via photoinduced electron transfer. This reaction occurs in a frozen organic glass down to at least 8 K. At 77 K, charge recombination of C*+-P-C60? occurs on the ?s time scale, and yields solely the carotenoid triplet state. In the presence of a small (20 mT) static magnetic field, the lifetime of the charge-separated state is increased by 50%. This is ascribed to the effect of the magnetic field on interconversion of the singlet and triplet biradicals. At zero field, the initially formed singlet biradical state is in equilibrium with the three triplet biradical sublevels, and all four states have comparable populations. Decay to the carotenoid triplet only occurs from the three triplet sublevels.