Abstract: The invention pertains to a (cascaded) optical switch at least comprising one input path, a number of output paths, one or more switch or splitter stages each comprising one or more optical switches or splitters, and at least one gate for optically disconnecting the output paths from the input path, wherein that gate is located at or near the input path. The cascaded switches according to the present invention are compact exhibit a reduced complexity and an improved insertion loss.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a thermo-optical device comprising a waveguiding structure (1) which comprises at least one input light path (2) and at least two output light paths (3,3′) forming a first y-splitter (4), at least one output light path (3,3′) being provided with primary heating elements (5,5′), characterised in that the output light paths (3,3′) are provided with an additional branch (6) forming a second y-splitter (7), wherein at least one of the branches (6,6′) is provided with a secondary heating element (8,8′). The additional branches (6) may be positioned in the opposite direction, such that in each of the second y-splitters (7) one branch (6′) coincides with one of the output light paths (3,3′) of the first y-splitter (4).

Abstract: A plurality of pumping light sources (1) which generate pumping light having wavelengths different from each other are connected to respective input ports of an optical multiplexer via optical reflectors (3). The respective pumping light is stabilized by optical reflectors with respect to the oscillating wavelengths, and is multiplexed by an optical multiplexer (4). The multiplexed pumping light is multiplexed to signal light passing through an optical fiber (6) for amplification.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an optical waveguide device comprising a gratings, primarily in the form of fiber Bragg gratings, which are sampled, interleaved and chirped to achieve different functions. By interleaving sampled fiber Bragg gratings, each with a grating period which differs from the others by an amount corresponding to a multiple of a channel spacing, a predetermined and useful optical spectrum can be produced for the optical waveguide device. By making the sample periods for the fiber Bragg gratings different from each other, the resulting reflection spectrum has missing reflection peaks. A bandpass filter can be effectively created. Furthermore, by discretely varying the grating periods of sampled fiber Bragg gratings at intervals along the optical fiber containing the gratings, a more uniform optical spectrum is produced for the optical waveguide device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically isolating multiple core optical fibers while at the same time substantially reducing polarization mode dispersion, is disclosed. A multiple core fiber is optically coupled to optical birefringent elements, reciprocal and non-reciprocal rotators, and through a lens assembly to a multiple core optical fiber output.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical connector in which a length of an optical fiber 5 projects from a connection end surface (16) of a ferrule (1) is accurately set, a method of and a fixture for setting the projection length of the optical fiber. A recess surface (33) is formed in a ferrule receiving surface (32). A depth of the recess surface (33) is equal to a length an optical fiber (5) projects from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1). The ferrule (1) is held by ferrule holding members (35a) and (35b), so that the ferrule (1) is abutted against the ferrule receiving surface (32) by the urging force of compression springs (36). Through the ferrule (1), an optical fiber cored line (3) is projected from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1) and abutted against the recess surface (33).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for polishing optical connector end faces and a small-sized, light and easily transportable machine for doing the same, which are able to polish optical fiber end faces to desired shapes. A tape support member (18) is disposed at the connection end face (3) side of a multiple-core optical connector (4) attached on a machine, The tape support member(18) is linked to a supporting rod (21) which is able to freely advance and retreat along side plates (23a) and (23b), a tape travelling plane (9) shaped so as to correspond to a desired end face shape of bare optical fibers of a multiple-core optical connector (4) is formed at the tip end of the tape support member (18). The leading end of a polishing tape (32) wound on the pay-out roller (30) is advanced along the tape travelling plane (9) and is taken up on the winding roller (31).

Abstract: For shaping small radii in edge and corner regions of preformed workpieces or blanks, the invention provides for a postforming of exclusively said edge and corner regions by high liquid pressure. For performing the method an apparatus has a die part (forming insert) with expansion spaces constructed in its edge and corner regions.

Abstract: A charge pump circuit for use with a phase locked loop is described. The circuit has an input port for receiving a signal indicative of a misalignment between two clock signals. It also has an output port at which a drive signal is provided. The drive signal is provided when the comparison result is indicative of misalignment of the signals. When the signals are aligned, a high impedance is provided at the output port and the charge pump circuit or a portion thereof enter a sleep mode to reduce power consumption of the charge pump when providing a high impedance at the output port.

Abstract: Interleaver/deinterleavers for combining/separating optical channels. An interleaver/deinterleaver is “folded” when an optical signal follows an optical path that passes through a birefringent element multiple times. Double-pass refers to optical signals following a (folded) path through the birefringent element twice. Multi-pass refers to optical signals following a (folded) path through the birefringent element multiple times. When operating as a deinterleaver, the interleaver/deinterleaver separates an optical signal (e.g., WDM signal) into subsets of optical signals (e.g., even and odd ITU channels). When operating as an interleaver, the interleaver/deinterleaver mixes subsets of optical signals into a multiplexed optical signal. The interleaver/deinterleaver can be used to increase the bandwidth of an optical network. For example, the interleaver/deinterleaver can be used to interface components designed for a first channel spacing (e.g.

Abstract: Improved optical devices, systems, and methods for selectively directing optical signals generally based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Through accurate control of the phase relationship, the Mach-Zehnder interferometer allows optical signals to either be cumulatively combined so as to enhance the transmitted signal strength, or destructively combined so as to effectively prevent transmission from an optical signal port. This phase relationship can be controlled using a nonreciprocal device having a pair of retarder plates disposed along one of the two legs of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer so as to provide an optical isolator or circulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable optical filter that can be used to filter an incoming signal, attenuate an incoming signal or in one configuration switch an incoming signal from one path to another. The present invention has found that an accurate and economical variable optical filter can be created by using an elastomeric material having a high coefficient of expansion in cooperation with a means for locally varying the temperature of the elastomeric material as an actuator for moving a reflective surface within the optical filter. The actuator can be operated in a controlled manner for example, to effect a tilt of the reflective surface for switching or attenuating an optical signal, or to vary the resonant wavelengths of a resonant cavity between partially reflective surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for polishing the end faces of optical components so that the end faces of an optical wave guide protrude a desired amount of protrusion from the connection end faces (of the ferrule) of the optical component. The polishing apparatus is composed of a connector holding section (16), a ferrule disposing section (15), and an ultrasonic wave generator (14). With an optical connector (1) held at the connector holding section (16), the end faces (6) are opposed to the connection end faces (of the ferrule) (5) side via a polishing member (20) and a ferrule (3) is disposed on the ferrule disposing section (15). A stepped guide pin (11) is inserted into the respective pin fitting holes (9) and (10) of the optical connector (1) and the ferrule (3), thereby correctly positioning the optical connector (1) and ferrule (3), wherein the ultrasonic wave generator (14) is driven in a state where the ferrule (3) is pressed to the optical connector (1) side.

Abstract: An optical isolator coupled to a thermally expanded multiple core fiber. The thermally expanded multiple core fiber having at least one input core and one output core. The optical isolator to propagate light from an input core to an output core, while inhibiting the propagation of light from an output core to an input core of the thermally expanded multiple core fiber. The fiber cores having expanded mode field diameters that may facilitate coupling to the optical isolator and reduce component size in the optical isolator.

Abstract: Interleavers and deinterleavers for filtering optical signals are described. The interleaver separates subsets of channels. The deinterleavers mix subsets of channels. Interleavers and deinterleavers can be used to increase the bandwidth of an optical network. The interleavers and deinterleavers can be used to interface components designed for a first channel spacing to components designed for a second channel spacing.

Abstract: An interleaver and a deinterleaver for filtering optical signals are described. The interleaver separates subsets of channels. The deinterleavers mix subsets of channels. Interleavers and deinterleavers can be used to increase the bandwidth of an optical network. The interleavers and deinterleavers can be used to interface components designed for a first channel spacing to components designed for a second channel spacing.

Abstract: A nozzle for processing of plastics by way of an injection molding machine comprising a basic body (1), a nozzle head (2) and a thermally conducting torpedo (3) which are heated directly or indirectly respectively by a heating device (8). The thermally conducting torpedo (3) is clamped between the basic body (1) and the nozzle head (2). The thermally conducting torpedo (3) is fixed to an adapter (20). The thermally conducting torpedo (3) is arranged such that plastic molding compound is guided to outlets (21.1, 21.2) which are at a distance to a nozzle axis (15). The plastic molding compound is ejected out of the nozzle in e.g. radial outward direction into forming cavities (23.1, 23.2) of an injection mold (17). The nozzle prevents losses of material due to sprue and bore, is simply producible and at the same time guarantees a good heat transmission into the thermally conducting torpedo (3).