Abstract: An arrangement for generating an array (one- or two-dimensional) of optical beams, or spots, is disclosed. The array is particularly useful in conjunction with an array of optically sensitive devices utilized in applications such as optical computing or photonic switching. The array generator includes an optical gain medium and a partially reflecting mirror disposed to form an externally modulated laser arrangement. A diffraction grating, such as a Dammann grating, is disposed in the signal path to form the required array of optical beams. A wavelength control element, including transparent and non-reflecting regions, may be disposed beyond the output of the diffraction grating to provide optical feedback for wavelength stabilization of the gain medium.

Abstract: A hybrid pumping scheme for rare-earth doped fiber amplifiers is disclosed. In particular, the arrangement utilizes at least two pump sources, operating at different wavelengths, coupled to a section of doped optical fiber, such as erbium-doped optical fiber. Optical multiplexers, such as fused fiber couplers, may be used to couple the message signal desired to be amplified, as well as the pump sources, to the doped fiber section. For certain embodiments, the doped fiber may be segmented into separate components, with the length of each component determined with respect to the wavelength of the associated pump signal.

Abstract: An optical assembly is disclosed which utilizes a pair of separate members to support an optical device and an associated optical fiber. Fiducial features, in conjunction with an optical device conductive attachment means, are utilized to provide self-alignment between the device and the fiber. Aligned fiducials are formed on each member such that when the members are physically joined, alignment between the optical device and fiber is achieved. In particular, the members are mated such that a direct optical signal path between the device and fiber is formed.

Abstract: An optical package particularly suited for use with a pair of optical devices is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the package may house an optical transmitting device and an optical receiving device such that the package forms a transceiver. The package advantageously utilizes a number of molded plastic piece parts to reduce the package cost and simplify construction. By utilizing molded components, optical alignment within the package is automatically achieved.

Abstract: An activation mechanism for an optical switch is disclosed. The mechanism is particularly suited for use with switches requiring the movement of a reflecting element into and out of an optical signal path to provide switching. The mechanism consists of a reflecting element (e.g., mirror) and a means (e.g., magnetic, electrostatic, vacuum) for moving the reflecting element into and out of the optical signal path. In the absence of any applied signal, the reflecting element is positioned to intercept an optical signal and redirect it into the chosen output signal path. Upon the application of an external signal, the moving means will create a force of a strength sufficient to move the mirror and allow the optical signal to pass through the switch unobstructed by the reflecting element.

Abstract: A hybrid laser arrangement is disclosed which is capable of providing an essentially uniform FM response and a relatively narrow linewidth signal, suitable for FM applications. The uniform FM response is obtained by inducing inhomogeneous linewidth enhancement through control of the bias currents applied to separate gain sections of a two-electrode Fabry-Perot device. Coupling of the two-electrode device to a narrowband resonant optical reflector provides for an extremely narrow signal linewidth.

Abstract: High resistivity In-based compound Group III-V epitaxial layers are used to prevent substantial current flow through a region of a semiconductor device, such as a CSBH, DCPBH, EMBH or CMBH laser, a LED, a photodiode, a HBT, or a FET. Also disclosed is a hydride VPE process for making the high resistivity material doped with Fe. The Fe is supplied by a volatile halogenated Fe compound, and the extend of pyrolysis of the hydride is limited to allow transport of sufficient dopant to the growth area.

Abstract: A dielectrically-isolated structure and method of fabricating the same is disclosed wherein the structure includes a layer of silicide which is selectively doped, preferably using an ion implantation process. The doped silicide is then used as the diffusion source for the subsequent formation (through a heat treatment) of various active portions (collector, emitter, drain, source, for example) of a variety of high-voltage, high-speed active devices. The non-doped silicide is advantageously utilized as a low-resistance contact between the buried diffusion region and the surface electrode.

Abstract: An optical package arrangement is disclosed which is capable of reducing internal reflections while maintaining a common axis between the input device (for example, a laser diode) the output device (for example, an optical fiber) and various elements interposed therebetween. The output device is designed to include a bevel angle (.beta.) for redirecting reflections away from the common axis. In accordance with the teachings of the invention, an optical element (for example, an isolator, filter, window or any combination thereof) is inserted between the input and output devices and oriented at a tilt angle (.theta.) so that reflected signals from the element are also redirected away from the common axis. Focusing means disposed between the optical element and the output device is appropriately sized (in terms of focal length) so as to ensure maximum coupling of the signal into the output device along a beam entrance angle (.alpha.).

Abstract: An area saving dielectrically isolated semiconductor structure is disclosed which allows for the merger of a plurality of active devices, which share a common terminal, in a single dielectrically isolated (DI) island, or tub. In particular, an isolation groove is formed in the bottom of the DI tub and extends upwards toward the top surface of the semiconductor structure. The common diffusion region associated with the common terminal is located in the DI tub directly over the isolation groove. The isolation groove and common diffusion region thus separate the single DI tub into isolated sections, where a separate active device can be formed in each section. Isolation is achieved through the interaction of the groove with the common diffusion region to "pinch off" the conductive channel between devices in the DI tub. In a preferred embodiment, an inverted V-shaped isolation groove is utilized so as not to complicate the fabrication process.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic package for optical devices is disclosed for use in both high and low bit rate applications. A side portion of the multilayer package is formed to provide a multilayer microwave input connection for a high bit rate signal. In an exemplary arrangement, an intermediate ceramic layer of the multilayer structure is defined with an appropriate thickness and metallized on areas of the top and bottom surfaces. This combination thus forms a multilayer microwave connection defined as a microstrip. Other multilayer configurations, for example, a stripline, may also be used. By utilizing a multilayer microwave connection in place of a conventional electrical connection, the impedance of the high frequency input source can be better matched to the optical device.

Abstract: A digital clock recovery scheme is disclosed. A reference clock, is used to provide a plurality of N signals with different clock phases. The incoming data stream is sampled and clocked with the reference clock to generate a plurality of M samples for each data bit. The logic values of the M samples are then analyzed to determine the relationship between the current clock phase and the data bit transition. In particular, if all samples agree, the clock phase is correctly aligned with the data. If the clock phase is either leading or lagging the data, various samples will disagree. In the latter situation, the clock phase is adjusted until all samples agree, the particular clock which provides this state thus being defined as the recovered clock signal.

Abstract: Periodically modulating the temperature of a semiconductor laser while maintaining constant optical power permits very precise measurements of the operating parameters of the laser.