Abstract: Systems and methods for optical communication that may be employed to couple together fiber optic arrays of two or more optical communication modules using parallel fiber optic connectors and physically distinct and signal-independent optical communication paths. The disclosed systems and methods may be employed to provide separate signal-independent communication paths having signal transport characteristics that meet standards required for single fiber single point-to-single point applications.

Abstract: Selectively oxidized vertical cavity lasers emitting at about 1290 nm using InGaAsN quantum wells that operate continuous wave below, at and above room temperature are reported. The lasers employ a semi-insulating GaAs substrate for reduced capacitance, high quality, low resistivity AlGaAs DBR mirror structures, and a strained active region based on InGaAsN. In addition, the design of the VCSEL reduces free carrier absorption of 1.3 ?m light in the p-type materials by placing relatively higher p-type dopant concentrations near standing wave nulls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving lasers. An example laser driving system includes a laser current controller for providing a modulation signal and a bias signal. The modulation signal and bias signal is used by a plurality of high-speed current drivers that accept the modulation signal and the bias signal and produce a plurality of laser drive signals. The example system also has a disable input that disconnects power from a high-speed current driver when the high-speed current driver is not in use. The exemplary system develops the modulation and bias signals by feeding back a signal developed from detection of laser light from one of the lasers driven by the system. The laser may be a data laser or a control laser that is modulated by a signal having a lower frequency than the data lasers. If a control laser is used then the photodetector circuit used for feedback can have a lower frequency response because of the lower frequency of the control laser signal.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for a transmitter driver system that operates in burst or continuous mode includes a transmitter that generates an output signal in accordance with an input current. Modulation circuitry electrically connected to the transmitter, modulates the input current in accordance with the data signal input into the transmitter driver system. Power control circuitry electrically connected to the modulation circuitry and the transmitter generates a bias current to bias the input current and keep the average output signal of the transmitter substantially constant. An artificial modulation signal is generated with reference to the bias current and switched into the power control circuitry to emulate a continuous transmission mode.

Abstract: An optical communication system that includes a multi-channel post amplifier assembly with flexible output configurations for amplifying optical-to-electrical converted signals on selectable groups of amplifier channels is provided. The post amplifier assembly, when implemented on a single IC chip, is capable of operating with either the 2.5V or 3.3V of power supply. In addition, the IC chip containing the post amplifier assembly provides capability to selectively turn off one or more post amplifier channels during operation. Further, the post amplifiers provide integral auto zero function without requiring a use of external capacitors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving lasers. An example laser driving system includes a laser current controller for providing a modulation signal and a bias signal. The modulation signal and bias signal is used by a plurality of high-speed current drivers that accept the modulation signal and the bias signal and produce a plurality of laser drive signals. The example system also has a disable input that disconnects power from a high-speed current driver when the high-speed current driver is not in use. The exemplary system develops the modulation and bias signals by feeding back a signal developed from detection of laser light from one of the lasers driven by the system. The laser may be a data laser or a control laser that is modulated by a signal having a lower frequency than the data lasers. If a control laser is used then the photodetector circuit used for feedback can have a lower frequency response because of the lower frequency of the control laser signal.

Abstract: A method for making a transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) is provided. In the method, an alignment in the Z-direction between a fiber stub array (FSA) and a VCSEL array is performed first. Then, an alignment in the X-Y direction is performed. A rough prealignment in the X-Y direction may also be performed prior to the alignment in Z-direction. A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array may be hermetically sealed using a lens assembly or by using a separate lid assembly. The hermetic sealing and attaching of different components may be achieved by laser welding and/or soldering or any other suitable method.

Abstract: A VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) is formed on the top surface of the substrate having an opposed bottom surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the opposed bottom surface is polished and coated with an anti-reflective coating. A photodetector is disposed beneath the bottom surface and is capable of detecting light emitted by the VCSEL. In another embodiment, an angle selective filter is disposed between the photodetector and the unpolished and uncoated bottom surface. The apparatus urges light emitted by the VCSEL to be detected by the photodetector and limits light from other sources from reaching the photodetector. A method for monitoring the optical output of a VCSEL includes providing one of the exemplary apparatuses, causing the VCSEL to emit light that is detected by the photodetector, and adjusting the optical output of the VCSEL based on the amount of light detected by the photodetector.

Abstract: An opto-electronic device configured as a photodetector has a capacitor and/or resistor monolithically formed on a surface of the photodetector. The capacitor capacitively couples the AC ground of the photodetector to the bias terminal of the photodetector. The on chip capacitor design eliminates the inductance of external circuit traces between the power supply and an external capacitor. The resistor forces the AC return current of the photodetector through the AC ground in preference to the typical (DC bias terminal) path. Combinations of capacitors and resistors are particularly effective in reducing crosstalk among adjacent detectors in arrays.

Abstract: A method of forming a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (100, 600, 900) includes process steps for self-aligning the p-type ohmic contact (118, 518, 932), an oxide current aperture (122, 926a), and a central puck of re-phase material (560a, 936) around the optical axis of the laser.

Abstract: A vertical cavity laser (VCL) including a first mirror formed adjacent a substrate, an optical cavity formed adjacent the first mirror, a second mirror formed adjacent the optical cavity, a first current and/or optical aperture formed within the cavity, within the mirror or at the surface of the mirror, and an antiguide for reducing, balancing, or reversing the index step created by the first current and/or optical aperture. The VCL may further include a second optical aperture for confining the optical mode to provide single mode operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the optical output of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELS) utilizes a portion of light emitted by the VCSEL and scatters and/or reflects this portion of emitted light so that it is directed towards a detecting surface of a photodetector. In one embodiment, scattering elements may be incorporated within the epoxy or other coupling medium used to couple the VCSEL to the optical fiber. In another embodiment, the VCSEL may be coupled to an optical fiber secured within a ferrule which has an end surface capable of reflecting or scattering light and directing the light towards the photodetector. In another embodiment, a reflective integrating member may be alternatively or additionally used to reflect a portion of the emitted light to the photodetector. The photodetector, in conjunction with electrical circuitry to which it is coupled, develops an electrical signal which may be provided to laser control means to control and adjust the optical output of the VCSELs.

Abstract: Selectively oxidized vertical cavity lasers emitting at about 1290 nm using InGaAsN quantum wells that operate continuous wave below, at and above room temperature are reported. The lasers employ a semi-insulating GaAs substrate for reduced capacitance, high quality, low resistivity AlGaAs DBR mirror structures, and a strained active region based on InGaAsN. In addition, the design of the VCSEL reduces free carrier absorption of 1.3 ?m light in the p-type materials by placing relatively higher p-type dopant concentrations near standing wave nulls.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention integrates an absorbing layer into the emitting mirror of a VCSEL to reduce the reflectivity of the emitting mirror as seen by the feedback optical wave. The absorbing layer may be made of a suitable semiconductor material, such as a GaAs layer in a laser emitting near 850 nm or highly doped p-layer, and may disposed epitaxially in a semiconductor or metamorphic mirror. Alternatively, a metal layer may be disposed in the dielectric portion of a hybrid mirror or all-dielectric mirror.

Abstract: An optically transparent, hermetic coating is locally formed on die and other components already assembled in an existing nonhermetic structure. The local hermetic sealing of an OSA includes providing an OSA having at least one exposed optoelectronic component, and providing a paralene source. The method provides for positioning a mask between the paralene source and the OSA, the mask including an opening aligned with a first region of the OSA. The first region includes at least one of the exposed optoelectronic components. The paralene source is then caused to generate paralene such that a permanent paralene coating is deposited through the opening and on the first region of the OSA. The permanent paralene coating essentially hermetically seals the first region. The permanent paralene coating is chosen to be transparent to the wavelength of light emitted and/or used in the optical sub-assembly.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic carrier for an optical element includes a terraced cavity for retaining a vertically receiving or vertically emitting optical element. The multilayer ceramic carrier includes conductive traces interposed between the ceramic layers and which extend into the terraced cavity along the trenches formed in the cavity. A vertical cavity surface emitting laser or vertically receiving optical element is wire bonded to the conductive traces which extend into the cavity. In one embodiment, the terraced cavity of the multilayer ceramic carrier includes a VCSEL and photodetector therein, the photodetector capable of monitoring the output optical power of the VCSEL. The method for forming the multilayer ceramic carrier includes forming a plurality of layers of ceramic tape, joining the layers, then co-firing the stacked layers. The multilayer ceramic carrier is joined to a plastic optical housing which includes an aperture for securing an optical fiber.

Abstract: A pluggable optical transceiver having a having a slidable actuator assembly for quickly and easily removing the transceiver from a receptacle cage assembly is provided. The actuator assembly includes a curved actuator handle and slide member that can slide in a forward and rearward direction. As force is exerted on slide member, the actuator and slide member slide rearwardly causing the transceiver to become disengaged from the receptacle. In this manner, the transceiver is released and can be removed easily from the receptacle.

Abstract: A sealing feature for a multiple-piece housing for optoelectronic devices. The housing provides EMI shielding and axial stain suppression for optical fibers coupled to optoelectronic devices retained within the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the scaling feature includes a corrugated channel having a cross-sectional area that varies along the longitudinal direction of said channel and the channel retains a gasket having a substantially constant cross-sectional area. The corrugated channel, which receives the gasket, includes varying wide and narrow sections. The sealing feature provides for sufficient compression throughout the gasket and a tight, EMI-shielding seal formed between the pieces of the housing.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention integrates an absorbing layer into the emitting mirror of a VCSEL to reduce the reflectivity of the emitting mirror as seen by the feedback optical wave. The absorbing layer may be made of a suitable semiconductor material, such as a GaAs layer in a laser emitting near 850 nm or highly doped p-layer, and may disposed epitaxially in a semiconductor or metamorphic mirror. Alternatively, a metal layer may be disposed in the dielectric portion of a hybrid mirror or all-dielectric mirror.

Abstract: An optically transparent, hermetic coating is locally formed on die and other components already assembled in an existing nonhermetic structure. The local hermetic sealing of an OSA includes providing an OSA having at least one exposed optoelectronic component, and providing a paralene source. The method provides for positioning a mask between the paralene source and the OSA, the mask including an opening aligned with a first region of the OSA. The first region includes at least one of the exposed optoelectronic components. The paralene source is then caused to generate paralene such that a permanent paralene coating is deposited through the opening and on the first region of the OSA. The permanent paralene coating essentially hermetically seals the first region. The permanent paralene coating is chosen to be transparent to the wavelength of light emitted and/or used in the optical sub-assembly.