Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit includes at least one optical waveguide core, and at least one feature proximate the core having a stress-engineered property to balance stress and therefore minimize birefringence affecting the core. A protective passivation layer is formed over the core and the feature to be substantially non-interfering with the balanced stress provided by the feature. The stress balancing feature may be an overcladding layer formed over the core, doped to have a coefficient of thermal expansion approximately matched to that of an underlying substrate, to symmetrically distribute stress in an undercladding between the overcladding and the substrate, away from the core. The protective passivation layer is formed to have a coefficient of thermal expansion approximately matched to that of the overcladding. In one exemplary embodiment, the passivation layer is formed from silicon nitride. Related concepts of stress release grooves, and core overetching, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high-speed optical data link includes a system circuit board, a first ASIC coupled to convey electrical information to and from up level data management circuits, and a second ASIC electrically coupled to the first ASIC. A fiber optic module mounted on the system circuit board including a receiver, a transmitter and the second ASIC. The receiver includes a photo-diode positioned to receive optical signals, a trans-impedance amplifier electrically coupled to the photo diode, and a post-amplifier electrically coupled to the trans-impedance amplifier and to the second ASIC. The transmitter includes a laser positioned to convey optical signals to a remote optical receiver and a laser driver electrically coupled to the laser and to the second ASIC.

Abstract: An athermal interferometric wavelocker is disclosed having a beam splitter combiner and a first arm of a first material having a first refractive index, a first length, and a first coefficient of expansion; and, a second arm of a second material having a second refractive index, a second length, and a second coefficient of expansion. The refractive indices, lengths and coefficients of expansion of the first arm and the second arm are selected to provide a substantially athermal structure operating at ambient temperatures. The first arm and second arm have inner end faces that meet adjacent faces of the beam splitter and combiner. The first and second arms are of a different optical path length such that light launched into the beam splitter and combiner, interferes upon recombining, and is output from a combiner output port to provide a wavelocker signal having a detectable characteristic which varies with wavelength.

Abstract: Rotate-and-pull mechanisms for fiber optic modules. The rotate-and-pull mechanisms have a lever-actuator to unlatch and withdraw a fiber optic module from a cage assembly or a module receptacle. The lever-actuator pivotally couples to the fiber optic module so that when lever-actuator is rotated about its pivot point, the lever-actuator causes the second actuator to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly. The lever-actuator includes an actuating-tab to cause the second actuator to move when the lever-actuator is rotated. By pulling the lever-actuator away from the cage assembly, the fiber optic module is withdrawn from the cage assembly. A belly-to-belly mounting configuration is introduced for the rotate-and-pull release fiber optic modules.

Abstract: A fiber optic module having a pull-lever actuator to unplug it from a cage or a module receptacle. In one embodiment, the pull-lever actuator includes a pull grip, a de-latching arm, and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield with grounding tabs to couple to the cage or module receptacle to connect to ground. The pull-lever actuator makes it easy to de-latch and unplug a fiber optic module from the cage or module receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reducing polarization dependence in planar optical waveguides using index and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched material between the optical waveguide core and the cladding layer. For coupled mode devices such as the directional coupler or mode conversion horn polarization sensitivity has been linked to birefringence in the cladding, since their operation is dependent on co-propagation of fundamental and higher order mode(s), which are not as strongly confined to the waveguide core. Polarization sensitivity can be reduced by reducing the CTE mismatch between the core and cladding, or by moving the birefringence away from the core/cladding boundary, or both. To accomplish this, silica material, or similar material for refractive index (RI) and CTE matching is applied between the core and cladding to waveguide features where significant transmission occurs in the cladding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-pass three-dimensional amplifier structure in which a beam of light traverses an amplifier medium multiple times via distinct multiple paths. The distribution of the multiple paths being such that the volume occupied by the multiple paths inside the amplifier medium substantially overlaps with the volume of the amplifier medium being optically pumped by an optical pump beam. The distribution of the optical paths is such that no more than two of the multiple paths lie in a same plane. The astigmatism induced by anisotropic amplifying crystals is self-compensated by aligning the crystallographic axes of the amplifying crystal at a 45° angle to the longitudinal axis of the redirecting means.

Abstract: Monolithic integrated vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser devices are disclosed including an edge-emitting semiconductor pump laser (PL), an optically-pumped vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), and a means for deflecting and shaping the output beam of the pump laser to optically excite the VCSEL. The optically-pumped VCSEL structure may be adapted to include a resonant cavity with multiple fixed wavelengths, or a resonance cavity whose wavelength is continuously tunable. Wafer level manufacturing techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and demultiplexing of optical signals using optical filters in free space. To minimize dispersion, the present invention uses relatively small angles of incidence. To avoid the need for a large package, the present invention utilizes reflective prisms to steer the reflected beams to provide a lateral shift in the beam path that ensures that the necessary space is provided between the input/output ports. Devices including a single adjustable filter are disclosed, along with devices having a plurality of filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a latch device for a pluggable opto-electronic module, such as an optical transceiver, for locking the module in a rail or cage system of a host machine. The latest generation of optical transceivers include all metal housings, instead of all plastic or partial plastic, to ensure adequate heat dissipation. The relatively heavier housings necessitate the use of more robust latch devices. The latch device according to the present invention includes a sliding element with arms extending therefrom for pivoting a latching hook out of engagement with the rail or cage system. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of latching hooks are provided, one on each side of the module. The latching hooks are mounted on the ends of spring arms, which extend from the same sheet of spring metal positioned across the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical sub-assembly, i.e. a receiver optical subassembly or a transmitter optical sub-assembly, for use in an optical transceiver device. The optical sub-assembly according to the present invention includes a hermetic ceramic package with a multi-layer ceramic structure providing a unique RF signal and ground structure providing a controlled signal impedance to achieve high signal transmission quality.

Abstract: Interference pigment flakes and foils are provided which have color shifting properties. The pigment flakes can have a symmetrical coating structure on opposing sides of a reflector layer, can have an asymmetrical coating structure with all of the layers on one side of the reflector layer, or can be formed with encapsulating coatings around a core reflector layer. The coating structure of the flakes and foils includes a reflector layer, a dielectric layer on the reflector layer, and a titanium-containing absorber layer on the dielectric layer. The pigment flakes and foils exhibit a discrete color shift so as to have a first color at a first angle of incident light or viewing and a second color different from the first color at a second angle of incident light or viewing. The pigment flakes can be interspersed into liquid media such as paints or inks to produce colorant compositions for subsequent application to objects or papers.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical modules for use in larger electro-optic components, such as erbium doped fiber amplifiers. One aspect of the invention relates to the optical module including input and/or output fiber tube ferrules surrounded by glass mounting sleeves secured to a metal housing using a suitable adhesive. Preferably, the optical module includes one or more optical elements, such as isolators, WDM filters and beam splitters, for effecting light traveling therethrough before entering or exiting a main housing of the electro-optic component. Another aspect of the invention relates to the electro-optic component including the main housing with gaps in the outer wall thereof for receiving the optical modules. Preferably, the optical component includes an electro-optical system including lasers, erbium doped fiber, an integrated circuit board and controller hardware.

Abstract: A method of applying a polymer coating uses a nebulized aerosol of solubilized polymer solution having high-viscosity droplets and low-viscosity droplets to form a textured antireflective surface. Air or other gas is used to direct the nebulized aerosol toward the surface of an object. In some embodiments, heated or dried air, such as from an air curtain, is used to promote the formation of high-viscosity droplets. In a particular embodiment, multiple ultrasonic nebulizers are used in combination with synchronized air jets to apply a uniform polymer coating onto a glass panel used in a large-format display system. Dye is optionally added to the solubilized polymer solution to provide a notch filter at 585 nm and/or infrared filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical sub-assembly package for use in receiver optical sub-assemblies or transmitter optical sub-assemblies in which the electrical connections between the transducer chip, e.g. photo-detector or light source, and the device printed circuit board is made by a single flexible circuit conductor extending through the wall of the package. The package is comprised of a housing and a stiffening plate, which encloses and end of the housing and forms a mechanical support for an end of the flexible circuit conductor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat sinking tab for dissipating heat directly from an optical sub-assembly (OSA) to a transceiver housing, within which the optical sub-assembly is located. The heat sinking tab includes a mounting plate for mounting on the rear end of a transistor outline (TO) can, and a finger for extending into contact or close proximity to the transceiver housing. The mounting plate also provides a stiffening plate for flexible conductors used to connect the OSA leads to a transceiver printed circuit board (PCB).

Abstract: A detector is provided for short wave fiber optic communication having compensation to reduce detector jitter. The detector includes a photodetector providing a modulated current. A transimpedance amplifier is coupled to the photodetector receiving the modulated current and providing an output voltage signal. An output buffer is coupled to the transimpedance amplifier receiving the output voltage signal. The output buffer includes a differential transistor pair; a pair of source degeneration resistors connected to the differential transistor pair; and a capacitor coupled between connections of the differential transistor pair and the source degeneration resistors. The value of the capacitor coupled between connections of the differential transistor pair and the source degeneration resistors is selected to reduce jitter. The capacitor passes high slew rate transimpedance amplifier output voltage signals more readily than low slew rate transimpedance amplifier output voltage signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical transceiver unlatching device for disengaging the optical transceiver from a mounting cage found in a host computer device. The unlatching device converts rotational motion from a bail handle into reciprocating motion for a sliding latch member, which disengages spring fingers extending from the mounting cage from abutment surfaces formed in the sides of the optical transceiver. A return spring, extending between the sliding latch member and the optical transceiver housing, is provided to bias the unlatching device into the latched position.

Abstract: An optical transmitter architecture has a return-to-zero (RZ) laser modulator coupled in cascade with a non-return-to-zero (NRZ) laser modulator. Modulator bias and electronic phase delay bias are controlled using dither-based feedback, so as to align the phase of the RZ clock signal with that of the NRZ data. A first method uses an RZ quadrature AM dither or an RZ “hillclimber” bias dither, to apply a relatively low frequency dither signal to a variable RF delay for the RZ clock signal applied to the RZ modulator or NRZ data signal applied to the NRZ modulator. A second method is an RZ quadrature AM dither or “hillclimber” bias dither scheme that applies equal amplitude and opposite phase dither signals to perform complementary modulation of both the RZ and NRZ MZ modulators simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to modular heat-dissipating housing covers for opto-electronic modules, e.g. transceivers. The housing covers according to the present invention are constructed out of various different parts, which provide different levels of heat dissipation depending on the desired implementation, while maintaining a seal against EMI leakage. Extra heat sinking portions are provided to dissipate heat generated from specific heat generating sources. The extra heat sinking portions are configured into a shape and/or out of a material that provides more thermal dissipation than the standard cover provided. Independent control over the different heat sinking portions enables a better fit and appropriate dissipation.