Abstract: An optical architecture is provided comprising at least one broadband light source, a mod/mux unit, and a plurality of premises stations in communication with the mod/mux unit via an optical distribution hub. The mod/mux unit is configured to permit selective modulation of demultiplexed components of a target wavelength band of an optical signal, multiplex the selectively modulated optical signal, and direct the target wavelength band and a bypass wavelength band of the multiplexed optical signal to the optical distribution hub. The optical distribution hub comprises an arrayed waveguide grating configured to demultiplex the multiplexed optical signal and distribute respective distinct wavelength portions of the target wavelength band and respective distinct wavelength portions of the bypass wavelength band to respective ones of the premises stations.

Abstract: The index of refraction of waveguide structures can be varied by altering carrier concentration. The waveguides preferably comprise semiconductors like silicon that are substantially optically transmissive at certain wavelengths. Variation of the carrier density in these semiconductors may be effectuated by inducing an electric field within the semiconductor for example by apply a voltage to electrodes associated with the semiconductor. Variable control of the index of refraction may be used to implement a variety of functionalites including, but not limited to, tunable waveguide gratings and resonant cavities, switchable couplers, modulators, and optical switches.

Abstract: A set of three gratings may be operated in a vernier loop fashion to select a particular wavelength from a wavelength division multiplexed system. As a result, an optical add/drop multiplexer may be provided that can be tuned to select a desired wavelength. In one embodiment, the tuning may be done thermo-optically.

Abstract: A coplanar waveguide biosensor and methods of use include a coplanar waveguide transmission line and a sample containment structure. The coplanar waveguide transmission line is operable to support the propagation of an electromagnetic signal and includes a signal line and one or more spaced apart ground elements. The signal line is configured to conduct a time-varying voltage, and the one or more ground elements are configured to maintain a time-invariant voltage, a detection region being formed between a portion of the signal line and a portion of at least one of the one or more ground elements. Detection methods are improved through the enhancement of the electric field in the detection region via impedance discontinuities in the signal line and ground elements. The sample containment structure intersects the detection region of the coplanar waveguide transmission line and includes a cavity configured to hold 1 ml or less of sample solution within the detection region.

Abstract: An optical switch of the present invention is for deflecting a light given to an input channel waveguide by first and second optical deflecting sections arranged respectively on the former and latter stages of a slab type optical waveguide section, so that a deflection angle by the first optical deflecting section is symmetrical to that by the second optical deflecting section, to guide the light to a desired output channel waveguide. The first and second optical deflecting sections each includes a half-wave plate between input side upper electrode portions and output side upper electrode portions each of which is formed with prism type electrodes, and the slab type optical waveguide also includes a half-wave plate on the center thereof.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is formed on a substrate and includes a curved ridge structure, a curved optical path, and a buffer layer. The curved ridge structure is formed on the substrate so as to have a curvature in a longitudinal direction of the curved ridge structure. The curved optical path is formed along the curved ridge structure. The buffer layer covers a side of the ridge structure and has a lower refractive index than a refractive index of the substrate.

Abstract: The device includes an oscillator (1) to generate an electrical signal of a predetermined frequency and a signal divider (2) to split the electrical signal into first and second signals. The frequency of the second signal is tripled by tripler (3) and the tripled second signal is recombined with the first signal at signal adder (9) to produce a combined electrical signal. This combined electrical signal drives a Mach-Zehnder modulator (10).

Abstract: An integrated optical device having at least two optical devices integrated therein and a method of fabricating the integrated optical device are provided. To fabricate an integrated optical device having optically connected and electrically isolated first and second optical devices on a substrate of a first conductive type, an active layer and a clad layer of a second conductive type are first formed in a mesa structure on the substrate, an SI clad layer is then formed on the substrate surrounding the clad layer of the second conductive type and the active layer, and finally first and second conductive layers are formed into trenches by diffusing a dopant of the second conductive type into the SI clad layer in areas corresponding to the first and second optical devices.

Abstract: An optical switching method and apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosed apparatus includes first and optical waveguides disposed in a semiconductor substrate layer. An insulating layer disposed between the first and second waveguides in a coupling region in the semiconductor substrate layer to isolate the first optical waveguide from the second optical waveguide. Modulated charge layers proximate to the insulating layer in the coupling region are employed to control an optical coupling strength between the first and second optical waveguides.

Abstract: An optical fiber (1?) having at least one Bragg grating (11), the fiber comprising a core (2) surrounded successively by cladding (3) and by a coating (4), the grating being obtained by being written directly in the core and/or the cladding of the fiber through the coating which is made of a material that is substantially transparent to ultraviolet type radiation used for writing the grating, and wherein the material of the coating contains a first polymer network interpenetrated by a second polymer.

Abstract: A polarization beam splitter and combiner and a polarization insensitive modulating and switching method and apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosed apparatus a first optical waveguide disposed in a semiconductor material layer. A second optical waveguide is also disposed in the semiconductor material layer. An insulating region is disposed between the first and second optical waveguides to provide a coupling region in the semiconductor material layer between the first and second optical waveguides. The coupling region has a first coupling length for a first polarization mode of an optical beam directed through one of the first and second optical waveguides into the coupling region. The coupling region has a second coupling length for a second polarization mode of the optical beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical transmission module comprising two substrates, each of which has an electronic part mounted on the substrate and a terminal area for inputting/outputting an electric signal into/from the electronic part, wherein an electrical connection is made between the terminal areas of said two substrates by use of a flexible substrate having a structure constituted of at least three layers, and thereby a high frequency signal is transmitted between the electronic part mounted on one substrate and the electronic part mounted on the other substrate through the flexible substrate while confining an electromagnetic field. In addition, the present invention provides an optical transmission module characterized in that a slit formed in a ground plane on a connection section of a three-layer flexible substrate reduces a disturbance in electromagnetic field, making it possible to improve the transmission characteristic of a high frequency signal.

Abstract: A method of in-wafer testing is provided for a monolithic photonic integrated circuit (PIC) formed in a semiconductor wafer where each such in-wafer circuit comprises two or more integrated electro-optic components, one of each in tandem forming a signal channel in the circuit. The method includes the provision of a first integrated photodetector at a rear end of each signal channel and a second integrated photodetector at forward end of each signal channel. Then, the testing is accomplished, first, by sequentially operating a first of a selected channel electro-optic component in a selected circuit to monitor light output from a channel via its first corresponding channel photodetector and adjusting its operating characteristics by detecting that channel electro-optic component output via its second corresponding channel photodetector to provide first calibration data.

Abstract: Optical modulators with reduced temperature dependence on bias control are described. A set of bias electrodes is arranged relative to a set of RF electrodes in a manner which results in the opening point of the device remaining relatively constant as a function of temperature. The arrangement of the bias electrodes relative to the RF electrodes includes a physical offset of one set of electrodes relative to the other, with or without a reversal of polarity of one set of electrodes relative to the other. Arrangements according to the present invention create a symmetrical electrode arrangement from a temperature-induced stress point of view so that the operating point of the device remains relatively constant as a function of temperature.

Abstract: An electrooptical deflector is presented. The electrooptical deflector includes a material that has a different refractive index for different polarization states and changes its refractive index in response to voltage (e.g., lithium niobate or lithium tantalite). Inside the material is a poled region that includes triangularly-shaped prisms, each of which affects the direction in which an incident light beam propagates. When a light beam of a known polarization state propagates through the material, its direction of propagation (i.e., the amount of deflection) is controlled by a voltage applied to the poled region and the size and number of the prisms in the material.

Abstract: An optical device has at least one waveguide with at least one adjacent resonator, where the distance between the resonator and the waveguide can be controllably adjusted to change the optical coupling between the resonator and the waveguide. When implemented as part of an interferometer, the ability to adjust the waveguide/resonator distance—and thereby the optical coupling between them—provides a mechanically tunable interferometer.

Abstract: A directional optical coupler is shown and described, which includes an optical cell that is made of a first transparent conductor, a second transparent conductor and an electro-optical member interposed between the two transparent conductors, the electro-optical member having an index of refraction which can be varied only along one crystal axis by application of an electric field.

Abstract: Three dimensional optical structures are described that can have various integrations between optical devices within and between layers of the optical structure. Optical turning elements can provide optical pathways between layers of optical devices. Methods are described that provide for great versatility on contouring optical materials throughout the optical structure. Various new optical devices are enabled by the improved optical processing approaches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a liquid metal switch in a state of readiness for switching. The liquid metal switch has a liquid metal volume contained in a cavity of a switch body. A signal path though the cavity is made or broken by energizing an actuator to move the liquid metal volume within the cavity in response to a switching signal. To maintain readiness, a signal generator supplies a vibratory signal to the actuator. The resulting vibrations in the liquid metal volume allow the liquid metal volume to be subsequently moved with reduced power.

Abstract: A method and structure for an optical switch. A channel is housed within a solid material. Contacts coupled to the channel are further coupled to the solid material, while a plurality of piezoelectric elements are coupled to chamber and further coupled to a slug. Optical waveguides are coupled to the channel. The contacts are coupled to a plurality of liquid metal globules, wherein one or more of the plurality of liquid metal globules are coupled to a slug. One or more piezoelectric elements are actuated, causing the slug to be moved within the channel. The motion of the slug is operable to block or unblock one or more of the plurality of optical waveguides.

Abstract: An optical sensor and method for detecting a projectile velocity vector includes optically detecting the arrival of a projectile. The sensor includes a sandwich of a transparent layer within two reflective layers, which in turn are within two opaque layers. An optical sensor structure includes a set of sensors positioned in respective planes, wherein at least two non-parallel optical sensors are used for each trajectory dimension of interest that differs from the primary direction of motion of the projectile and one additional optical sensor may be used for independent measurement of velocity attenuation. An optical sensor structure includes a set of sensors positioned in respective planes, wherein at least two of the optical sensors are oriented in respective planes that are parallel and potentially offset from each other. A tiling of the optical sensors or optical structures is also possible.

Abstract: A piezoelectric optical relay array having one or more array elements. Each array element contains a transparent mirror housing, located at the intersection of two optical paths. A liquid metal slug is moved within a channel passing through the transparent mirror housing by the action of piezoelectric elements. The liquid metal slug is moved in or out of the transparent mirror housing to select between the optical paths. When the liquid metal slug is within the transparent mirror housing, an incoming optical signal is reflected from a reflective surface of the slug. The liquid metal of the slug adheres to wettable metal surfaces within the channel to provide a latching mechanism.

Abstract: A power balanced photonic RF phase shifter includes: a microwave drive; a phase controller operably connected to the microwave drive; and a linearizing arm connected in parallel with the microwave drive, the linearizing arm operating under a bias voltage, Vlin, that is controlled such that power variations of the photonic RF phase shifter are mitigated. In a preferred embodiment, the bias voltage, Vlin, is controlled to keep an optical phase of the photonic RF phase shifter at a constant value. In a preferred embodiment, the microwave drive, the phase controller and the linearizing arm comprise (three) Mach-Zehnder modulators.

Abstract: A piezoelectric relay is disclosed in which a liquid metal droplet is moved within a switching channel formed in relay housing. A signal path passing through the switching channel is blocked or unblocked by motion of the liquid metal droplet that coalesces with one of two additional liquid metal droplets. Motion of the liquid metal droplets is controlled by piezoelectric pumps that control the flow of actuation fluid between a fluid reservoir and the switching channel. The liquid metal droplets are held in place by surface tension acting on wettable contact pads within the switching channel. The surface tension of the liquid provides a latching mechanism for the relay.

Abstract: A current tuned optical attenuator includes a Mach-Zehnder interferometer that relies on the creation of free carriers to create a phase difference in an optical signals along two waveguide arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modulating an optical beam. In one embodiment, a method according to embodiments of the present invention includes splitting first and second optical beams having first wavelength and second wavelengths, respectively, into split first and second optical beams that co-propagate through first and second waveguides disposed in semiconductor material. The first optical beam having a signal encoded thereon. Free charge carriers are generated in response to the signal encoded on the first optical beam in first and second multiple quantum well (MQW) p-i-n structures disposed in the first and second waveguides, respectively. The split second optical beams are phase shifted in response to the generated free charge carriers in the first and second MQW p-i-n structures. The phase shifted split second optical beams are combined to modulate the second optical beam.

Abstract: A piezoelectric optical relay is disclosed in which a solid slug moves within a switching channel formed in relay housing. An optical path passing through the switching channel is blocked or unblocked by motion of the solid slug. Motion of the solid slug is controlled by at least two piezoelectric actuators within the switching channel. Motion of the solid slug is resisted by a liquid, such as a liquid metal, that wets between the solid slug and at least one fixed contact pad in the switching channel. The surface tension of the liquid provides a latching mechanism for the relay.

Abstract: Optical systems are provided. One such system includes an optical transmission path that is defined, at least partially, by a variable optical delay system. The variable optical delay system incorporates a variable refractive index component that is arranged to receive an optical signal. The variable optical delay system provides a control input to adjust a refractive index of the variable refractive index component so that latency of the optical signal can be altered. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: Implementations of a polarization control method and apparatus are provided. In one implementation, a device uses super-polished squeezing surfaces to apply pressure against a polyimide coated fiber thereby minimizing micro-bending effects that cause losses in the fiber. Special control circuitry may be used to maintain a driving source of piezo-electrics that control the squeezing surfaces at a resonant frequency, thereby minimizing the voltages needed to drive the piezo-electrics.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for switching at least part of a light signal out of a first waveguide by a Bragg grating formed from an electro-optic effect in the first waveguide. The Bragg grating is created by turning on a series of electrodes on each side of the first waveguide. The electrodes create electric fields in the core of the first waveguide which raise the refractive index in certain regions of the core. When the electric fields are tilted and evenly spaced apart, at least part of a light signal propagating through the waveguide, at a predetermined wavelength, is reflected out of the first waveguide. The reflected light signal can be switched back into a second waveguide by use of another Bragg grating. When the electric fields are off in the first waveguide the light signal, including the part of the light signal having the predetermined wavelength, continues straight on through the Bragg grating area.

Abstract: An all-fiber depolarizer having a linear design includes a directional coupler associated with a polarization combiner. Linear light is pumped into the coupler where its intensity is split in two. Between the coupler and the combiner there is included an optical delay and the polarization of one intensity is made orthogonal to the other, as they enter the polarization combiner. The combiner combines the orthogonal polarizations and the light exits by an output in a depolarized state.

Abstract: Opto-electrical systems having electrical and optical interconnections formed in thin layers are disclosed. In one set of preferred embodiments, optical signals are conveyed between layers by respective vertical optical couplers disposed on the layers. In other preferred embodiments, optical signals are conveyed by stack optical waveguide coupling means. Yet other preferred embodiments have electrical via means formed in one or more layers to covey electrical signals between two or more layers.

Abstract: A directional optical coupler is shown and described, which includes an optical cell that is made of a first transparent conductor, a second transparent conductor and an electro-optical member interposed between the two transparent conductors, the electro-optical member having an index of refraction which can be varied only along one crystal axis by application of an electric field.

Abstract: Optical modulators with reduced temperature dependence on bias control are described. A set of bias electrodes is arranged relative to a set of RF electrodes in a manner which results in the operating point of the device remaining relatively constant as a function of temperature. The arrangement of the bias electrodes relative to the RF electrodes includes a physical offset of one set of electrodes relative to the other, with or without a reversal of polarity of one set of electrodes relative to the other. Arrangements according to the present invention create a symmetrical electrode arrangement from a temperature-induced stress point of view so that the operating point of the device remains relatively constant as a function of temperature.

Abstract: A wavelength characteristic control device capable of variably controlling a wavelength characteristic in a satisfactory manner. A polarized light wavelength characteristic changing element has a wavelength characteristic such that the transmittances or reflectances of P- and S-polarized rays vary differently with respect to wavelength. Polarization variable control means subjects the plane of polarization of the polarized light incident on the polarized light wavelength characteristic changing element to rotatory control to change the ratio of the P-polarized ray to the S-polarized ray, thereby variably controlling the wavelength characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus for integrating optical devices between a module and a circuit board comprising a carrier having optical waveguides, a module having optical ports on a surface of the module, the surface of the module connected to the carrier such that the optical waveguides are in communication with the optical ports; and a circuit board having optical ports on a surface of the circuit board, the surface of the circuit board connected to the carrier such that the optical waveguides are in communication with the optical ports. The apparatus may also integrate electrical ports on the surface of the module, the surface of the circuit board, and electrical connections on the carrier. The apparatus may also integrate circuit chips having optical ports for communication with the optical waveguides.

Abstract: According to this invention, electrodes are formed on both sides of a part of an optical waveguide formed on a substrate and a voltage is applied between the electrodes to change the refractive index at the part of the optical waveguide where the electrode is formed. Therefore, the traveling direction of light can be changed. Moreover, an optical waveguide formed on a substrate, plural electrodes formed on both sides of the optical waveguide, plural incidence units formed at one end of the substrate, and plural emission units formed at the other end are provided. A voltage applied to an arbitrary electrode of the plural electrodes is controlled to change the refractive index at the part of the optical waveguide where the voltage is applied. Light emitted from an arbitrary incidence unit and incident on a core of the substrate thus becomes incident on an arbitrary emission unit.

Abstract: A piezoelectric optical relay array having one or more array elements. Each array element contains a transparent mirror housing, located at the intersection of two optical paths. A solid slug is moved within a channel passing through the transparent mirror housing by the action of piezoelectric elements. A surface of the solid slug is wetted by a liquid metal to form a reflective surface. The solid slug is moved in or out of the transparent mirror housing to select between the optical paths. When the solid slug is within the transparent mirror housing, an incoming optical signal is reflected from the reflective surface of the liquid metal. The liquid metal adheres to wettable metal surfaces within the channel to provide a latching mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical modulator which suppresses the loss of a microwave which advances through an electrode and of light which propagates in a waveguide and makes the losses in individual arm waveguides substantially equal to each other to suppress the deterioration of the extinction coefficient to improve the transmission quality. The optical modulator includes a substrate having an electro-optical effect and having a ridge, first and second grooves and first and second banks formed thereon, a Mach-Zehnder optical waveguide, an electrode, and first and second recesses formed at symmetrical positions with respect to the ridge on the first and second banks, respectively. The optical modulator is applied, for example, to a transmission side apparatus for a long distance optical transmission system.

Abstract: A programmable chirp optical modulator is provided having programs modes of chirp. The modulator includes an optical modulation chip substrate having an electrooptic property; a waveguide that runs across the optical modulation chip, wherein the waveguide includes a first main channel branching into separate parallel first and second waveguide arms that combine into a second main channel; a first coplanar-strip electrode overlying and running along the first waveguide arm; a second electrode overlying and running along the second waveguide arm; and at least one programmable electrode overlying the substrate and adjacent to the second electrode on a side of the second coplanar-strip electrode opposite a side of the second coplanar-strip electrode where the first coplanar-strip electrode is located. The at least one programmable electrode runs in parallel with the second electrode as the second electrode runs along the second waveguide arm.

Abstract: An optical transmit module. In one aspect of the present invention, an optical beam is generated with a gain medium disposed in a semiconductor substrate. A tunable Bragg grating also disposed in the semiconductor substrate may be optically coupled to the gain medium to tune an output wavelength of the optical beam. The semiconductor substrate further includes an optical modulator optically coupled to receive the optical beam. The optical modulator is coupled to modulate the optical beam in response to a modulation signal.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) switching includes one or more optical add/drop multiplexers (OADMs) to drop or add optical signals on one or more optical channels. The OADM may be a 1-channel OADM which includes first and second conductors arranged periodically so as to have a pair of different polarities, an optical waveguide type coupler dropping or adding an optical signal of a specific channel by an electric field generated from the first and second conductors, a power supply unit supplying the second conductor with a power, and a switch placed between the second conductor and power supply unit to control a power supply of the second conductor, so as to control generation and termination of the electric field in accordance with an operation control signal.

Abstract: A technique for electrically mounting a surface-normal optical device or material on a waveguide-type optical device while the characteristics of the mounted device are effectively used is disclosed. The waveguide-type optical device comprises a substrate on which optical waveguides or fibers are provided and a trench is formed; a pair of electrodes which is assigned to each optical waveguide or fiber and is formed from the surface of the substrate to wall surfaces of the trench; and a material or device which is filled or inserted into the trench, and which has an electro-optic effect, thermo-optic effect, light emitting function, light receiving function, or light modulating function. Another type of device comprises a thin and surface-normal active optical device driven by an applied voltage, which is substantially vertically inserted into the trench and is fixed in the trench; and a support member attached to the inserted device.

Abstract: In a grating-assisted coupler, the mode of the first waveguide of the coupler may include some electric field in the second waveguide, with the effect that when light lasses from an input waveguide to the first waveguide, some light is launched, or injected, directly into the mode of the second waveguide. This injected light may or may not be in phase with the light subsequently coupled into the side of the second waveguide from the first waveguide via grating assistance. The grating structure is formed to ensure a desired phase relationship between the injected light and the grating coupled light: under certain conditions of relative phase, the transmission through the coupler may be increased and the bandwidth may be reduced.

Abstract: A coplanar integrated optical waveguide electro-optical modulator comprises a substrate (1) of an electro-optic material, at least two optical waveguides (41, 42) integrated in the substrate in correspondence of a surface (71) thereof, and an electrode system (80, 90, 100; 80, 90, 900; 12-15; 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) arranged on the surface for applying a modulating electric field to the waveguides suitable for causing a modulation of a refractive index of the two waveguides in a device modulation region (50). The waveguides are formed, for at least a section thereof (411, 421) in the device modulation region, in respective substrate regions (61, 62) which have electro-optic coefficients of opposite sign along an axis transversal to the waveguide sections, so that a modulating electric field of same direction and orientation in the waveguide sections causes refractive index modulations of opposite sign in the waveguide sections.

Abstract: A planar waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZ) has improved performance as a variable optical attenuator as well as a thermo-optic switch (TOS) with reduced polarization dependent loss (PDL) in high attenuation states. The PDL was reduced by correcting for the increased birefringence that occurs on heating one waveguide arm by making the two waveguides inherently asymmetric, such that when one of the waveguides is heated, the differential birefringence of the two arms becomes zero. This asymmetry can be realized simply by changing the width of one of the waveguides. The modified device allows for very small PDL in the high attenuation state of a VOA and for theoretically perfect contrast in a TOS in the off state, with only a small penalty in PDL of the on state.

Abstract: Implementations of a polarization control method and apparatus are provided. In one implementation, a device uses super-polished squeezing surfaces to apply pressure against a polyimide coated fiber thereby minimizing micro-bending effects that cause losses in the fiber. Special control circuitry may be used to maintain a driving source of piezo-electrics that control the squeezing surfaces at a resonant frequency, thereby minimizing the voltages needed to drive the piezo-electrics.

Abstract: The optical switch operates in two stages. In the first stage, the bubble is “blown” into the trench. In the second stage, the sidewalls are heated to achieve a dry wall condition by improving the thermal transfer path from the heat source to the reflecting wall. Seperate side heaters are placed in thermal contact to the sidewalls. This results in a switch that is more stable, energy efficient, and has a longer mean time to failure.

Abstract: Two right and left optical waveguides are provided so as to pass through a first directional coupler, a phase shifter, and a second directional coupler and so that directional couplers are provided in the first directional coupler portion and the second directional coupler portion. A third electrode is provided between these optical waveguides. A first electrode is provided on the left side of the left optical waveguide, and a second electrode is provided on the right side of the right optical waveguide. These electrodes are extended into the first directional coupler. Upon the application of a bias voltage, the voltage is simultaneously applied to all the first to third electrodes. By virtue of this construction, a waveguide-type optical control device can be realized which, in a directional coupler-type Mach-Zehnder (MZ) construction, can improve the extinction ratio without the complication of the construction.

Abstract: In a digital optical switch, an input waveguide and two output waveguides form a Y-shaped splitter or switch. Electrodes are positioned on each output waveguide at the junction with the input waveguide. The electrodes extend as narrow strips across the waveguides. The inner edges of the electrodes are curved to form a smooth continuation profile to the signal paths to reduce losses.