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: A dynamic gain flattening filter is provided that offers a smooth spectral response. The filter includes an input/output port for launching a beam of light, a dispersive element for dispersing the beam of light into a plurality of monochromatic sub-beams of light, and discrete array of controllable elements for receiving the plurality of sub-beams of light. The filter is designed such that each sub-beam of light is incident on more than one element of the discrete array for selective attenuation before being recombined by the dispersive element and redirected back to the input/output port. In another embodiment, a beam-folding mirror is provided to direct the attenuated beam to a separate output port.

Abstract: A movable microelectromechanical mirror structure for a microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) has an actuator (electrodes) for the moving mirror. The electrodes are situated at a predetermined angle to the horizontal thus improving the relationship between force applied on the mirror and the gap between the mirror and the electrodes. The angular electrode placement is achieved by the provision of a deformable electrode support member mounted on the substrate, with at least one of the electrodes mounted on the electrode support member, and a deforming element mounted against the deformable electrode support member such as to permanently maintain the deformable electrode support member in a deformed state.

Abstract: A Lyot depolarizer for depolarizing a laser with multiple longitudinal modes comprises two segments of PM fiber optimized for length as a function of the longitudinal mode spacing of the laser source, and not as taught in the prior art as a function of the laser coherence length. The present invention has found secondary coherence peaks in the coherence function of a multiple longitudinal mode source, which can significantly worsen the DoP if the PM fiber lengths are significantly extended beyond optimum, contrary to the teaching in the prior art. The present invention makes use of the periodic structure of the source spectrum by converting half the longitudinal modes to an orthogonal polarization state. As a result a significantly shorter fiber depolarizer is needed than for a single longitudinal mode source. Greater temperature stability is achieved by properly adjusting the lengths of both segments of PM fiber.

Abstract: An improved electrical contact structure can be manufactured by plating a component of a first material such as molybdenum with a second material such as copper or silver. The first and second materials are selected to provide a desired effective coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and electrical conductivity. The contact structure can be made very thin for implementations in which multiple lasers are to be stacked closely together. The manufacturing processing can be carried out very inexpensively by first etching the outline of multiple components in a sheet of the first material and then plating the etched sheet with the second material.

Abstract: A fused optical coupler has a PM and a non-PM fiber with equal clad diameters. The fibers are plaited together without applying torsional force on either fiber, fused and stretched to a degree resulting in a tap ratio not more than 10% and PER higher than about 20 dB.

Abstract: An electrode structure wherein galvanic corrosion at adhesion layers formed between electrodes and electronic or electro-optic substrates is eliminated. The electrode structure includes an electro-optic crystalline substrate, an amorphous layer disposed on the crystalline substrate, the amorphous layer having a composition substantially similar to a composition of the crystalline substrate, and a gold layer disposed directly on the amorphous layer. The amorphous layer is created using ion sputtering etching techniques that clean and activate the surface of the crystalline substrate such that the gold layer is able to adhere to it.

Abstract: An optical performance monitor having a tunable fiber grating sandwiched between the first and second reflective surfaces of a fiber etalon provides high sensitivity, while simultaneously monitoring an optical data signal. Individual channels within the optical data signal are monitored by tuning the fiber grating over the wavelength range of the optical data signal to measure an intensity of each channel. As the tunable grating scans the wavelength range of interest, it simultaneously changes the resonant cavity length of the etalon, thus allowing the etalon to effectively monitor the tunable grating with a wavelength outside the wavelength range of the optical data signal.

Abstract: Laser beam or pulsed output is provided for enhancing the bonding strength between surfaces that are secured together, such as by lamination process or an adhesive, by texturing with a plurality of indentations formed in at least one of the surfaces to be bonded. As an example of this texturing, a fiber gain medium texturing system having a modulated pump or seed semiconductor laser source may be employed for forming a plurality of indentations in the surface of a die attachment pad of a semiconductor die or IC chip carrier. The indentations may be in the form of dimples or grooves. The indentations enhance the bonding strength formed between the chip and the die attachment pad using a die attaching adhesive. Also, the indentations in the die attachment pad provide a way for containment of rapidly expanding gases that formed in the chip carrier package when the package is subjected to high temperatures such as during a solder reflow operation.

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: A storage information system is disclosed for keeping archival information on the individual active optoelectronic components that are used in telecommunication equipment. The system involves enclosing a nonvolatile memory chip inside the hermetic package of the active optoelectronic component. A memory chip is used to keep the relevant information about the active optoelectronic component such as serial number, part number and specifications. Sensors can also be included inside the hermetic package to monitor the operating conditions of the optoelectronic component. The information system is capable of storing information that is relevant to the component reliability such as: hours of operation, maximum current or voltage, and maximum temperature. The information storage system has the advantage that the archived information is intimately associated with the optoelectronic component thereby lessening the likelihood that information is lost or tampered with.

Abstract: A push-to-release latching mechanism for retaining a transceiver module in a communication port of a computer or server is provided with a beam spring structure for positional restoration of the latch member, and the latch is supported and moveable relative to the host transceiver module. The latch member may be formed to include camming surfaces that facilitate the insertion of the transceiver module into a communication port and mate with a guide rail and connector resident in a communication port. The latch member may be adapted to latch with a rigid latch bar or a cantilevered spring. Additionally, the latch may be formed with a camming surface which insures that the latch is displaced to a latching position whenever network cables are connected to the transceiver module by camming the latch into the secure, latched position and subsequently preventing the latch from moving to an insecure or unlatched position.

Abstract: A groove assembly for holding at least one fiber optic. The assembly includes a base, a cover and a small carrier disposed between the base and the cover. The carrier has at least one groove. At least one fiber optic is disposed in this groove and terminates at an edge surface of the carrier. The base and cover have respective edge surfaces serving as attachment surfaces for attachment of the assembly to a planar lightwave circuit (PLC). The PLC has at least one waveguide terminating at an edge, to which the fiber requires alignment. The base and/or cover are preferably formed from a material enabling attachment to the PLC, e.g., transparent to energy used for curing an adhesive. The carrier is formed from material enabling a substantially more precise formation of the grooves, e.g., silicon.

Abstract: A package for optical components includes an inner package enclosing the optical component, and an outer package enclosing the inner package. A heater may be disposed in the inner package proximate the optical component to control its temperature, and to maintain this temperature control, the outer package creates an isolated air pocket around the inner package, which thermally insulates the inner package from the outside environment. The outer package is formed of a material having low thermal conductivity, to promote this insulating function. This package is especially useful if the optical component comprises a planar light-wave circuit (PLC), e.g. an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), which requires tight temperature control and structural integrity to maintain the integrity of the optical paths.

Abstract: A tunable PM fiber combiner is configured to be accurately alignable with and operative to combine into a single composite beam a pair of non-collimated, orthogonally polarized light beams transported over polarization maintaining (PM) optical fibers, whose mutual spatial separation may vary. The combiner includes birefringent elements, that are linearly or rotationally displaced to realize the composite beam. The resulting composite light beam may then be readily coupled (e.g. via a single mode fiber) to a downstream beam processing device, such as a Raman amplifier.

Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating is used to stabilize the intensity and frequency fluctuations of a diode laser. The diode laser is connected with an opto-mechanical apparatus to the fiber which contains the grating. The grating is formed in the guided-mode region of the optical fiber. The wavelength of maximum grating reflectivity is selected to lie near the maximum of the diode laser gain bandwidth. The magnitude and bandwidth of the grating reflectivity stabilizes the diode laser output without appreciably reducing the optical output power from the end of the fiber. The bandwidth of the optical spectrum of the diode laser is selected depending on the distance of the grating from the diode laser.

Abstract: A beam splitting device for laser field is useful to spatially separate a laser beam created in the process of frequency doubling or three-wave mixing, into sub-beams according to wavelength and polarization state. The device has an optical retarder for wavelength-selective polarization rotation of the laser light, followed by a Wollaston prism and optionally a dual wedge prism to create parallel spatially separated sub-beams. Alternatively, two Wollaston prisms can be arranged to create two parallel spatially separated beams after the polarization rotation.

Abstract: An optical coupling assembly having an optical receiver that exhibits extended dynamic range, and, more particularly, an optical receiver that is integrated with a Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) to extend the dynamic range of the receiver.

Abstract: Method for bonding a chip to a chip carrier including arranging the chip in alignment with the chip carrier to form a chip stack. First bond area situated on the chip at an interface between the chip and the chip carrier in contact with second bond area situated on the chip carrier at the interface. Projecting a laser beam through the chip and/or the chip carrier, the laser beam impinging on the first bond area and/or the second bond area melting the first bond area and/or the second bond area to form a bond electrically coupling the chip and the chip carrier. A device including a chip having a first bond area situated on a chip carrier side of the chip and a chip carrier having a second bond area situated on a chip side of the chip carrier. The first bond area is bonded to the second bond to form a contact area. The contact area less than about 40 &mgr;m2. A system for bonding a chip to a chip carrier including a laser and an aperture for holding a chip stack in alignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bi-directional circulators based on interleaver technology, e.g. birefringent crystal interleaver technology, that enables signals containing even number ITU channels to travel in one direction through the device, while signals containing odd number ITU channels travel in the opposite direction. Open and closed three and four port devices are disclosed, as well as several useful implementations of the three port device in combination with other optical components, which result in hybrid uni-directional and bi-directional devices.