Abstract: An analog beam-steering free-space optical switch for connecting and switching a plurality of optical signals includes a plurality of optical devices and electrostatic actuators for driving the optical devices. Each optical device is pivotally borne so as to allow rotation around a prescribed center of rotation, and each electrostatic actuator includes the substrate that holds the optical devices and a plurality of driving electrodes that are secured to the substrate. The application of electrostatic voltage between an optical device and the driving electrodes generates electrostatic driving torque for causing the optical device to tilt with respect to the substrate around the center of rotation, whereby the direction of reflection of an optical signal is changed. The plurality of driving electrodes are arranged in a radial pattern relative to the electrode center.

Abstract: An optical switch which uses internal reflection at a junction formed by two waveguides is discussed. The waveguides may be formed from various materials such as polymers and other combinations of monomers. Substantially total internal reflection may be produced at the junction between the two waveguides in response to heating from a thin film electrode.

Abstract: A diffraction-optical component for providing a radiation-diffracting grating structure is proposed, comprising a surface wave device including a substrate 43, a surface wave source 47 excitable with an adjustable frequency for producing surface waves on a surface 45 of the substrate 43 and an interaction region 17 of the substrate surface 45 which is provided for the radiation to interact with a grating structure provided by the surface waves produced.

Abstract: An external resonant optical modulator is provided by forming a waveguide electrode structure coupled to a coplanar strip or coplanar waveguide pattern including a ring resonator electrode and a ground electrode substantially surrounding the ring resonator electrode. These electrode patterns are disposed on an electrooptic substrate that includes an optical waveguide pattern. The waveguide electrode structure includes an RF feed line electrode coupled to the ring electrode. The RF feed line signal excites an inherent resonant mode of the ring to thereby cause an electric field to resonate between the ring electrode and ground electrode and pass into sections of the optical waveguide pattern. By appropriately positioning the ring and ground electrodes to overlay portions of the optical waveguide structure in the electrooptic substrate, a light beam launched into the waveguide pattern can be modulated to produce a pulse with zero chirp.

Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder electro-optic modulator is formed that exhibits significantly reduced chirp by utilizing an RF electrode that covers a first waveguide arm in a first region of the modulator and covers the second, remaining waveguide arm in a third region of the modulator (with a second, intermediate region used as a transition area for the electrode). Moving the electrode from one waveguide to the other allows for the chirp created in the third region to essentially “null out” the chirp that accumulated along the first region. Modulation of the optical signal is maintained in the presence of the “electrode switching” by inverting the domain of the optical substrate material in the third region of the modulator.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing endless transformation of the polarization of light. A polarization splitter splits light having an input polarization into beams having substantially orthogonal polarizations. The beams are provided as substantially copolarized to a pair of optical waveguides which are selectively optically coupled. Electrodes apply selected electric fields to the optical waveguides for providing transformation of the input polarization to a selected output polarization. The outputs of the optical waveguides are provided as substantially orthogonally polarized to a combiner for providing a beam of output light having the selected output polarization.

Abstract: An integrated photonic apparatus that includes a glass substrate having a major surface, wherein the glass substrate includes a plurality of regions, each region having a different index of refraction, including a first region having a first index of refraction and a second region having a second index of refraction lower than the first index of refraction, and a first waveguide formed along the major surface of the substrate, wherein the first waveguide has a higher index of refraction than an intrinsic index of refraction of adjacent portions of the substrate, and wherein the first waveguide passes through the first region and through the second region of the glass substrate.

Abstract: This invention discloses a selectably directable optical beam deflecting device including at least at least one substrate having formed thereon a multiplicity of waveguides, each waveguide receiving light and emitting light, the totality of light emitted by said multiplicity of waveguides producing at least one selectably directable output beam, and at least one multiplexer applying electrical inputs to the at least one substrate for individually controlling the light emitted by each of the multiplicity of waveguides, thereby governing the orientation of the selectably directable output beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved MEMS devices and methods for use with fiber-optic communications systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus for steering light has a beam layer (160) with a reflective surface. The device uses a multi-layer electrode stack underlying the beam layer to rotate the beam layer into a desired position.

Abstract: An optical switching core is disclosed that includes a plurality of beam directing devices coupled to a substrate for redirecting a plurality of incoming optical beams to at least one of a plurality of output ports. The substrate includes a plurality of electrical conductors electrically coupled to the plurality of beam directing devices.

Abstract: An electro-optic device comprising an electro-optic crystal substrate, an optical waveguide path in the crystal adjacent the substrate surface and an electrode spaced from the surface by a buffer layer is provided with enhanced operating stability by forming the buffer layer of a transparent electronically conductive material. Preferred buffer materials are electronically conductive gallium-indium-oxide and electronically conductive zinc-indium-tin-oxide.

Abstract: This invention discloses a monolithic optical light modulator including a substrate having formed monolithically thereon a modulator and a light detector providing a modulating output to said modulator.

Abstract: This invention discloses a waveguide filter device including a necked waveguide having a relatively broad input end which receives light and allows propagation of multi-mode light waves therethrough, a narrowed neck portion at which higher modes radiate outside the waveguide and only the modes which can propagate therethrough pass therethrough and a relatively broad output end.

Abstract: This invention discloses a selectably directable optical beam deflecting device including at least at least one substrate having formed thereon a multiplicity of waveguides, each waveguide receiving light and emitting light, the totality of light emitted by said multiplicity of waveguides producing at least one selectably directable output beam, and at least one multiplexer applying electrical inputs to the at least one substrate for individually controlling the light emitted by each of the multiplicity of waveguides, thereby governing the orientation of the selectably directable output beam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical switch including: a dielectric substrate having a pair of main surfaces opposed to each other; and a pair of electrodes formed on the main surfaces of the dielectric substrate; wherein a direction of emergence of a light beam propagating in the dielectric substrate is controlled according to an electric field applied from the electrodes to the dielectric substrate; the dielectric substrate being formed with a periodic structure of polarization inverted domains each having a given shape; the light beam being incident on domain walls of the polarization inverted domains; the electrode formed on at least one of the main surfaces being separated into at least first and second electrodes in a direction of propagation of the light beam.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of aligning a multiplicity of waveguides with respect to external optics.

Abstract: A thermal optical switching cell for controlling the transmission of light through optical channels that includes a switching conduit containing a working fluid that is index of refraction matched to the optical channels and an amount of light diverting material that is substantially immiscible in the working fluid and is not index of refraction matched to the optical channels. Micro heaters generate pressure pulses in the working fluid for moving the light diverting material between switch states.

Abstract: A circular polarization modulator operable to output light alternating in time between left-hand and right-hand circular is provided. The circular polarization modulator preferably comprises three elements: a TE-TM mode-excitation balancer, a TE-TM phase-difference modulator and a TE-TM mode-shape matcher. The TE-TM mode-excitation balancer, which may include a DC voltage source and is preferably based upon a tilt-poled polymer, preferably produces light having as near equally excited TE and TM modes as a forty-five degree (45°) linear input polarization may provide. The TE-TM phase-difference modulator preferably includes an AC voltage source and provides wave retardation capable of producing a phase difference between the TE and TM waves.

Abstract: This invention discloses a selectably directable optical beam deflecting device including at least at least one substrate having formed thereon a multiplicity of waveguides, each waveguide receiving light and emitting light, the totality of light emitted by said multiplicity of waveguides producing at least one selectably directable output beam, and at least one multiplexer applying electrical inputs to the at least one substrate for individually controlling the light emitted by each of the multiplicity of waveguides, thereby governing the orientation of the selectably directable output beam.

Abstract: This invention discloses a selectably directable optical beam deflecting device including at least at least one substrate having formed thereon a multiplicity of waveguides, each waveguide receiving light and emitting light, the totality of light emitted by said multiplicity of waveguides producing at least one selectably directable output beam and at least one multiplexer applying electrical inputs to the at least one substrate for individually controlling the light emitted by each of the multiplicity of waveguides, thereby governing the orientation of the selectably directable output beam.

Abstract: This invention discloses a selectably directable optical beam deflecting device including at least at least one substrate having formed thereon a multiplicity of waveguides, each waveguide receiving light and emitting light, the totality of light emitted by said multiplicity of waveguides producing at least one selectably directable output beam, and at least one multiplexer applying electrical inputs to the at least one substrate for individually controlling the light emitted by each of the multiplicity of waveguides, thereby governing the orientation of the selectably directable output beam.

Abstract: An optical switch in which a conductive silicon substrate is coated all over the surface area with a silicon film to form in parallel to the substrate surface a movable contact and elastic support portions for coupling the movable electrode and for elastically supporting its movable electrode in a manner to be displaced vertically. The surface region of the conductive silicon substrate facing the movable electrode and the elastic support portions is etched away to form therein a low-floor portion as a fixed electrode surface opposite the movable electrode in parallel thereto. A micro mirror having a vertical reflecting surface is mounted on the movable electrode portion.

Abstract: An optical switch is disclosed. The optical switch includes an optical signal transmitting electro-optic crystal having at least one first portion and at least one second portion. At least one of these portions is formed from a material which exhibits a change in index refraction upon the application of an electric field and the first and second portions define a switching interface therebetween. A signal source is provided for emitting a signal along an unguided beam path through the crystal, the unguided beam path intersecting the switching interface at an incident angle. An electric field generator is provided for generating an electrical field in at least one of the first and second portions of the crystal with the electrical field causing a change in an index of refraction for at least one of the first and second portions sufficient to create a critical angle at the interface smaller than the incident angle to reflect the signal off the interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid waveguide structure, wherein a core or cladding has a hybrid section or “button” of a different optical property such as refractive index from the major portion of the core or cladding, respectively. The hybrid section can be made of a passive material or an electro-optic material. Methods of making a hybrid waveguide structure are also disclosed. These methods include rib-based methods and trench-based methods, and in either of these methods, a temporary filler is used in many instances to incorporate the hybrid section into the hybrid waveguide structure.

Abstract: An optical switch is disclosed which operates as binary or digital switch. Two glass waveguides are arranged in an X-like pattern such that they approach each other at a waist region without crossing over one another. A polymer region contacts both waveguides at this waist region and has a refractive index that can be changed more than that of the adjacent glass by applying heat. The refractive index of the polymer can be varied from an index which is same as the glass waveguides; to be less than that of the glass in which case the polymer acts as a cladding. When the index of the polymer is lower than that of the glass through the application of heat, light launched into one of the waveguides continues along the waveguide via total internal reflection and no light crosses the glass polymer boundary.

Abstract: An optical wavelength tunable filter includes an optical waveguide having a first branched optical waveguide and a second branched optical waveguide merging into one piece of the optical waveguide through which optical wavelength multiplexed signals, each having a different wavelength component being incident from an end face of the first branched optical waveguide, are propagated. A comb-type electrode (or a plurality of comb-type electrodes each corresponding to each of the different wavelength-components) is mounted vertically to apropagating direction of the optical wavelength multiplexed signals leaving a specified space apart from the optical waveguide formed by a merger of the branched first branched optical waveguide with the second branched optical waveguide. A voltage applying device applies a predetermined voltage to each of the comb-type electrodes.

Abstract: A co-planar waveguide interferometric electro-optic modulator that reduces the bias point sensitivity of the modulator to ambient temperature and to applied RF is described. The modulator includes a first and second waveguide that are formed in an electro-optic substrate. A RF electrode is positioned on the electro-optic substrate between the first and the second waveguide. A ground electrode that may include a slot is positioned proximate to the second waveguide. A guard ground electrode is positioned proximate to the first waveguide to sink heat from the RF electrode and may also balance the thermal stress in the two waveguides. A dielectric material may also be positioned proximate to the first waveguide to balance the thermal stress in the two waveguides.

Abstract: An electrooptical deflector that overcomes conventional geometry limitations and can deflect an optical beam at high speed with high deflection angle and high resolution. It comprises an array of waveguide optical channels having an electrooptical layer sandwiched between a bottom and a top electrodes. Either the top electrode further comprises two sets of prism-shaped electrodes; or, the electrooptical layer further comprises two sets of prism-shaped spontaneous polarization domain regions. Linear phase differences are induced among a group of sub-light beams travelling in the individual optical channels. After leaving the individual optical channels, the sub-light beams are merged and the merged light beam is deflected along a direction depending on a voltage or a pair of voltages applied between the top and bottom electrodes. The optical defector requires one or a pair of low driving voltage(s) with a simple driving scheme.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for modulating an optical power light beam with an optical signal light beam contains a detector diode for absorbing the signal beam and a quantum well modulator diode for absorbing the power beam. Both diodes are reverse biased, allowing for absorption of the power beam at photon energies below the band gap energy of the quantum well layer. Absorption of the signal beam creates carriers that screen the field in the detector diode, lowering the bias voltage. Because top and bottom layers of the entire structure are made to be highly conductive, overall voltage is fixed, leading to a simultaneous change of voltage in the modulator diode, altering absorption by electroabsorption mechanisms. In a first embodiment, the diodes are oriented such that decreased voltage in the detector diode leads to decreased voltage in the modulator diode; the device is used as an optically controlled optical switch.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a wavelength stable optical source comprises at least one adjustable wavelength optical source, a multipath Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MMZI) for receiving a signal from the adjustable source and providing a primary output and one or more secondary outputs, and a feedback arrangement responsive to the outputs for adjusting the wavelength source. Photodetectors coupled to the primary output and one or more of the secondary outputs provide feedback information for maintaining wavelength stability.

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: An adaptive optical waveguide router in which routing paths may be dynamically created by the use of a scanning system. The optical router interconnects at least one optical input to a at least optical output. The optical waveguide layer employed is substantially comprised of a photosensitive material which has a change in index of refraction at one optical wavelength when exposed to a different optical wavelength and which, in some way, may be restored to it's original state. One such material is Bacteriorhodopsin which shows a photocycle in the visible region of the optical spectrum. The scanning system, in response to routing information, traces a routing path(s) between an input(s) and a selected output(s) which alters the index of refraction in the path(s) traced in the photorefractive material. An optical input signal then propagates along the traced path between the selected input(s) and the selected output(s).

Abstract: Reflections at an air-to-solid interface in a multiple reflector optical device are suppressed by giving the output surface of the device a slightly curved refractive surface so as to deflect the reflections away from the optical axis of the device. The device is shown in used as a transducer input/output device, and as a fiber-optic cable terminus and coupler.

Abstract: An external resonant optical modulator is provided by forming a waveguide electrode structure coupled to a coplanar strip or coplanar waveguide pattern including a ring resonator electrode and a ground electrode substantially surrounding the ring resonator electrode. These electrode patterns are disposed on an electrooptic substrate that includes an optical waveguide pattern. The waveguide electrode structure includes an RF feed line electrode coupled to the ring electrode. The RF feed line signal excites an inherent resonant mode of the ring to thereby cause an electric field to resonate between the ring electrode and ground electrode and pass into sections of the optical waveguide pattern. By appropriately positioning the ring and ground electrodes to overlay portions of the optical waveguide structure in the electrooptic substrate, a light beam launched into the waveguide pattern can be modulated to produce a pulse with zero chirp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid waveguide structure, wherein a core or cladding has a hybrid section or “button” of a different optical property such as refractive index from the major portion of the core or cladding, respectively. The hybrid section can be made of a passive material or an electro-optic material. Methods of making a hybrid waveguide structure are also disclosed. These methods include rib-based methods and trench-based methods, and in either of these methods, a temporary filler is used in many instances to incorporate the hybrid section into the hybrid waveguide structure.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing frequency shifts in an oscillating frequency of an opto-electronic oscillator by having at least two separate optical delay elements in an optical portion of an opto-electronic feedback loop.

Abstract: An optical device includes a grounded base and an optical modulator chip having a top surface, a back surface and side surfaces. The optical modulator chip is positioned on the grounded base with the back surface facing the grounded base. The optical modulator chip includes a first ground electrode, a signal electrode and a second ground electrode located over the top surface of the optical modulator chip. The first and second ground electrodes of the optical modulator chip are interconnected on a surface of the optical modulator chip.

Abstract: A device for switching an optical beam in an optical switch. In one embodiment, the disclosed optical switch includes an optical switching device disposed in a semiconductor substrate. The optical switch also includes a first optical path through the semiconductor substrate such that the first optical path includes the optical switching device. A second optical path through the semiconductor substrate is included such that the second optical path not including the optical switching device. A first optical confinement layer is disposed between the first and second optical paths.

Abstract: A method and an electro-optical device are presented for affecting the propagation of input light impinging on the device. The electro-optical device is composed of at least one domain-patterned ferroelectric crystal structure with inverted domains, and an electrodes' arrangement on the surface of the at least one structure connected to a voltage source.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical switch including: a dielectric substrate having a pair of main surfaces opposed to each other; and a pair of electrodes formed on the main surfaces of the dielectric substrate; wherein a direction of emergence of a light beam propagating in the dielectric substrate is controlled according to an electric field applied from the electrodes to the dielectric substrate; the dielectric substrate being formed with a periodic structure of polarization inverted domains each having a given shape; the light beam being incident on domain walls of the polarization inverted domains; the electrode formed on at least one of the main surfaces being separated into at least first and second electrodes in a direction of propagation of the light beam.

Abstract: In the band edge region, transmission and reflection of an optical wave can be made very sensitive to the change in radiation wavelength, a change in the modulator material refractive index, and/or a change in the material absorption. Controlling these parameters with the increased level of sensitivity is provided by modulation using the band edge region. A preferred embodiment method of the invention uses a periodic optical structure (i.e., a grating) on top of an optical waveguide structure. The combination of the periodic structure and the optical waveguide is designed so that the reflection and/or transmission of the guided wave have broad pass bands with narrow transition bands. The optical structure is exposed to an incident laser radiation with wavelength in one of the transition bands. Modulation of the incident laser radiation is controlled by the change in refractive index or absorption in the optical guided wave structure produced by the modulation voltage.

Abstract: This invention discloses a selectably directable optical beam deflecting device including at least at least one substrate having formed thereon a multiplicity of waveguides, each waveguide receiving light and emitting light, the totality of light emitted by said multiplicity of waveguides producing at least one selectably directable output beam, and at least one multiplexer applying electrical inputs to the at least one substrate for individually controlling the light emitted by each of the multiplicity of waveguides, thereby governing the orientation of the selectably directable output beam.

Abstract: First and second AC electric sources modulate a coherent wave constant amplitude optical beam. An optical waveguide arrangement responsive to the optical wave, includes first and second pairs of electrodes respectively connected to be responsive to the first and second AC sources. The electrode pairs are capacitively coupled to first and second portions of the optical waveguide arrangement for amplitude modulating the optical wave propagating in the first and second portions in accordance with the first and second AC sources, respectively. The first and second portions of the optical waveguide arrangement are coupled together so that the waves modulated in the first and second portions are combined to derive a third coherent modulated optical wave.

Abstract: An optical waveguide phase adjuster with enhanced sensitivity for instance for use in a Mach Zehnder has a monolithic integrated optics waveguide across which one or more thin, e.g. 10 &mgr;m, slots are made. The slots are filled with material whose refractive index varies strongly with temperature or applied field. The insertion loss of such a slot is small for thicknesses of less than about 25 &mgr;m, but begins to rise ever more rapidly thereafter.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator device is provided for modulating an optical signal. The attenuator device includes a variable attenuation assembly with an electrochromic structure interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode. The electrochromic structure is configured to reversibly change its optical characteristics from a bleached off state to a colored active state under the influence of an electrical potential applied to the first and second electrodes to thereby modulate the optical signal. The optical attenuator device includes at least one lens attached to the variable attenuation assembly. The lens cooperates with the variable attenuation assembly to direct the optical signal towards the electrochromic structure. Waveguides such as optical fibers define ports at the outer endface of the lens for the optical signal.

Abstract: An optical waveguide network is formed in a substrate of an electrooptically active material. The optical waveguide has input and output facets where optical signals may be input to and output from the integrated optics chip. At least one lateral trench is formed in the substrate. The lateral trench is arranged to prevent light rays incident thereon from inside the substrate from propagating to the output facet. The lateral trench may be formed as a slot that extends toward the surface of the substrate where the optical waveguide network is formed, or the trench may be parallel to the plane of the optical waveguides.

Abstract: A waveguide type optical device with a traveling wave electrode structure, which has: a crystal substrate with electro-optic effect; an optical waveguide that is formed on the crystal substrate and waveguides light wave; a buffer layer that is formed on at least the optical waveguide and is of a dielectric material; and a signal electrode and an earth electrode that are formed on the buffer layer and control the optical output intensity of light wave waveguided through the optical waveguide. The traveling wave electrode structure has one signal electrode and two earth electrodes that are disposed sandwiching the signal electrode or one earth electrode that is disposed pairing with the signal electrode, at least the signal electrode of the traveling wave electrode structure is of a material that has a specific resistivity of 2.1×10−6 &OHgr;cm or lower at an environmental temperature that the waveguide type optical device is used.

Abstract: This invention discloses a selectably directable optical beam defecting device including at least at least one substrate having formed thereon a multiplicity of waveguides, each waveguide receiving light and emitting light, the totality of light emitted by said multiplicity of waveguides producing at least one selectably directable output beam, and at least one multiplexer applying electrical inputs to the at least one substrate for individually controlling the light emitted by each of the multiplicity of waveguides, thereby governing the orientation of the selectably directable output beam.

Abstract: A polarization transformer includes at least one plate of transparent polycrystalline material which has an optical axis oriented perpendicular to a propagation direction of incident radiation having a first polarization state. The plate includes electrodes for applying an electric field across a plane of the plate perpendicular to the propagation direction so as to provide controlled phase change such that the polarization of radiation transmitted through the polarization transformer is transformed from the first polarization state to a second polarization state. The plate in a preferred embodiment comprises a ferroelectric complex oxide such as lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) material. Such a material provides devices that have very fast response (on the order of microseconds) and low insertion loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides an active semiconductor optical switch for a 1×N interconnect switch having an input light channel, a plurality of output light channels, and a steering section coupled between the input and output channels. The steering section selectively directs an input light signal from the input light channel to an M number of the plurality of output light channels, where M ranges from one to the total number of output light channels of the plurality. The steering section includes transversely-spaced first and second elongate electrical contacts and an elongate slab waveguide extending therebetween. The slab waveguide is formed from a material having an optical refractive index responsive to a first electrical current applied to the first electrical contact and a second electrical current applied to the second electrical contact.