Abstract: An optical network assembly includes a planar lightguide circuit (PLC) and a filtering device. A PLC can have at least two optical paths for propagating optical energy. The PLC can be designed to channel optical energy with its optical paths towards the filtering device in order to separate the optical energy into at least two beams, where a first beam can contain a first information channel and a second beam can contain a second information channel. The filtering device can be attached directly to the PLC or it can be attached directly to an optical waveguide that is also connected to the PLC. The optical waveguide can either feed optical energy to or propagate optical energy away from the PLC. Multiple optical waveguides can be attached to a PLC to feed optical energy into and away from the PLC. The PLC, filtering device, and optical waveguide can form the building blocks to more complex optical network architectures.

Abstract: A light stabilizing interface operatively linked to a collection wave guides for combining and stabilizing reflected light into a substantially even spatial distribution of light energy with a substantially uniform light intensity. The stabilization and substantially even spatial distribution of reflected light can be accomplished by mixing and transmitting device in the form of a single optical fiber and optical junction wave guides in the form of optical fibers having a smaller diameter relative to the mixing and transmitting device. The stabilization and substantially even spatial distribution of reflected light also can be accomplished by a single, integral device that includes a collection wave guide matching section and a transition region. The transition region terminates in a shaped end region that is designed to substantially match the geometry of the input interface of the light processing unit.

Abstract: A device and system for eliminating repeated testing of optical components while manufacturing an optical assembly can include a high-performance optical component having a machine-readable identifier disposed within the peripheral area of its end face. The machine-readable identifier can be etched into the end face and can provide information about the component, such as any one of the following optical characteristics: orientation, manufacturing information, and dimensions and compositions of the materials of the optical component. The optical component can also have a plurality of machine-readable identifiers disposed within the peripheral area of its end face, where each can provide different information. Optical components can then be automatically and precisely aligned before being mated to form an optical assembly. A determination of the optical characteristics, information, and alignment of the components can be possible even after the components are mated together.

Abstract: An optical add/drop multiplexing (OADM) device can increase the number of information channels carried by an optical waveguide by utilizing different wavelength regions of light. In other words, each information channel can be assigned a specific wavelength region of light The OADM device can add additional virtual optical waveguides equal to the number of wavelength regions of light that can be efficiently propagated along a single optical waveguide. The OADM device can utilize conventional diode laser technology for adding information channels at predefined wavelength regions into an optical network. The OADM device can stabilize the output wavelength region of a conventional laser diode to any specific wavelength region with minimal hardware or structural modifications. By utilizing off the shelf hardware, the OADM device can lower manufacturing costs while providing an ample supply of spare parts.

Abstract: An optical feedback assembly includes a filter and a partial reflector that can stabilize and center the optical output of a laser on a specific wavelength region. The partial reflector, such as a half mirror, can be placed adjacent to the laser while the filter can be disposed between the partial reflector and the laser. Because of its relative location to the lasing cavity of a laser, the optical feedback assembly may be characterized as form of “external cavity feedback” for the laser. The optical feedback assembly is well suited for optical networks in general and for dense wavelength division multiplexing applications.

Abstract: Improved techniques for manipulation and management of fiber optic light. An improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis improves response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduces sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied internal to the fiber so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significant increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber. A reflective metal coating or low refractive index coatings or encapsulants can be used to ensure total internal reflection.

Abstract: A system for reducing reflection of an optical system can reduce or eliminate reflection at facets of a semiconductor gain medium and can suppress natural longitudinal modes produced within the semiconductor gain medium. In combination with external feedback, the system can allow more precise wavelength control of the light output of a laser, thereby allowing the laser to be used in a dense wavelength division multiplexing system. The system employs a patterned relief surface disposed on a facet of a gain medium. The patterned relief surface may be a “motheye” pattern having a plurality of conical posts disposed on the surface of the facet. The system may be combined with conventional devices, such as a Bragg reflector or a microelectromechanical component, to further improve wavelength control of a resonant optical cavity, thereby improving the operation of optical communications systems.

Abstract: An optical network assembly includes a planar lightguide circuit (PLC) and a filtering device. A PLC can have at least two optical paths for propagating optical energy. The PLC can be designed to channel optical energy with its optical paths towards the filtering device in order to separate the optical energy into at least two beams, where a first beam can contain a first information channel and a second beam can contain a second information channel. The filtering device can be attached directly to the PLC or it can be attached directly to an optical waveguide that is also connected to the PLC. The optical waveguide can either feed optical energy to or propagate optical energy away from the PLC. Multiple optical waveguides can be attached to a PLC to feed optical energy into and away from the PLC. The PLC, filtering device, and optical waveguide can form the building blocks to more complex optical network architectures.

Abstract: Manufacturing couplers for optical fibers having thin precision dimensions for precision alignment and low-loss coupling of optical fiber segments. The couplers can be formed by depositing material on a precision mandrel, removing the mandrel, and then further machining the couplers if necessary. Design variations include simple sleeves and sleeves having ends that are flanged outward so that the ends taper to the correct diameter.

Abstract: An optical network assembly includes a planar lightguide circuit (PLC) and a filtering device. A PLC can have at least two optical paths for propagating optical energy. The PLC can be designed to channel optical energy with its optical paths towards the filtering device in order to separate the optical energy into at least two beams, where a first beam can contain a first information channel and a second beam can contain a second information channel. The filtering device can be attached directly to the PLC or it can be attached directly to an optical waveguide that is also connected to the PLC. The optical waveguide can either feed optical energy to or propagate optical energy away from the PLC. Multiple optical waveguides can be attached to a PLC to feed optical energy into and away from the PLC. The PLC, filtering device, and optical waveguide can form the building blocks to more complex optical network architectures.

Abstract: Optical assembly for controlling or limiting undesirable photon entrance, reflection, departure, or appearance. A material opaque to unwanted photons can be applied to an optical assembly that would otherwise allow penetration of the unwanted photons. For example, a filter can be applied to a waveguide member. A first face surface of the filter faces toward an end of the waveguide member and a second face surface of the filter faces away from that member end. A mask adheres to one of the filter surfaces. The mask is substantially opaque in at least some selected spectral region to impact the extent to which photons in that spectral region can pass through the filter and to the waveguide member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a test material by inducing and detecting light-matter interactions. Particles of matter are introduced into a volume bounded by reflective surfaces wherein light of discrete frequencies can set up a standing wave mode of low loss. Light transported over a waveguide is introduced to induce a state change in the particles of matter and to cause the release of quantitized energy from the matter. A portion of the quantitized energy is captured and transported over a waveguide to a detector. The detector records a portion of the quantitized energy. Characteristics of the particles of matter may then be determined based upon the recorded portion of the quantitized energy.

Abstract: Fiber optic probe assemblies for monitoring light-matter interactions in a medium of interest. The distal end of the probe assemblies can be immersed in the medium for in-situ light delivery and collection. The probe assemblies are particularly useful for indwelling biomedical applications. Design variations include paired fiber configurations and center/ring fiber configurations.

Abstract: Improved techniques for manipulation and management of fiber optic light. An improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis improves response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduces sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied internal to the fiber so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significant increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber. A reflective metal coating or low refractive index coatings or encapsulants can be used to ensure total internal reflection.

Abstract: Filtering of optical fibers and other related devices. High-energy methods for depositing thin films directly onto the ends of optical fibers can be used to produce high-quality, high-performance filters in quantity at a reasonable cost. These high-quality filters provide the high performance needed for many demanding applications and often eliminate the need for filters applied to wafers or expanded-beam filtering techniques. Having high-quality filters applied directly to optical fiber and faces permits production of high-performance, micro-sized devices that incorporate optical filters. Devices in which these filters may be used include spectroscopic applications including those using fiber optic probes, wavelength division multiplexing, telecommunications, general fiber optic sensor usage, photonic computing, photonic amplifiers, pump blocking and a variety of laser devices.

Abstract: A device for filtering light propagating within waveguides, including optical fibers. The device includes an optical filter, a first waveguide section and a second waveguide section positioned between the filter and the first waveguide section. The diameter of the second waveguide section is greater on the end proximate to the optical filter than on the end opposite the optical filter, typically tapering from one end of the second waveguide section to the other. Benefits include reduction of power density, collimation of light for filtering and/or facilitation of optical coupling, and robustness.

Abstract: Manufacturing couplers for optical fibers having thin precision dimensions for precision alignment and low-loss coupling of optical fiber segments are disclosed. The couplers can be formed by depositing material on a precision mandrel, removing the mandrel, and then further machining the couplers if necessary. Design variations include simple sleeves and sleeves having ends that are flanged outward so that the ends taper to the correct diameter.

Abstract: Manipulation and management of fiber optic light at the optical fiber level. Use of beam steering techniques on optical fibers that are part of fiber optic probes results in an improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis that exhibits improved response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduced sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied at the optical fiber level so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significantly increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber.