Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional tapered waveguide coupler capable of interconnecting electro-optical devices with differing optical mode profiles. The ends of the waveguide are configured to match the optical mode profiles of the electro-optical devices that the waveguide interconnects. The waveguide adiabatically transmits the fundamental mode of the photo-optic signal from the electro-optical device at the waveguide's input end to a different electro-optical device at the waveguide's output end. A single coupler can be configured with one or more waveguides, each waveguide having different optical mode profiles at either end and different optical transmission characteristics.

Abstract: Thermally compensated wavelength division demultiplexers and multiplexers are disclosed. In one aspect, thermally compensated optical systems for use in an optical network are disclosed. The systems include a diffraction grating coupled to a grating mount having a temperature coefficient. The systems further include an optical fiber coupled to a fiber mount having a temperature coefficient and a lens assembly coupled to a lens mount. The lens mount is operable to position the lens assembly between the fiber mount and the grating mount and includes a substantially similar temperature coefficient to the fiber mount.

Abstract: An optical switch which uses internal reflection at a junction formed by two waveguides is discussed. The waveguides may be formed from various materials such as polymers and other combinations of monomers. Substantially total internal reflection may be produced at the junction between the two waveguides in response to heating from a thin film electrode.

Abstract: An N×N optical switching array device and system are disclosed. In one aspect, an optical switching device for communicating optical signals is provided. The device includes a plurality of optical inputs operable to communicate optical signals, a plurality of optical outputs optically coupled to the optical inputs and at least one thermo-optic array optically coupled to the plurality of optical inputs and the plurality of optical outputs. The device further includes an thermo-optical array operable to deflect an optical signal from one of the plurality of optical inputs to one of the plurality of optical outputs in response to a temperature differential.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for communicating optical signals between components attached to an optical backplane bus. Each component has a respective active coupler to receive and transmit optical signals through a waveguiding plate. Multiplexed polymeric holograms may be used to couple or direct optical signals between the components and the waveguiding plate. Optical signals received from any component may be rebroadcast to all other components by a distributor and its active coupler using a doubly multiplexed hologram. The distributor and its active coupler may be located proximate a midpoint of the waveguiding plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional tapered waveguide coupler capable of interconnecting electro-optical devices with differing optical mode profiles. The ends of the waveguide are configured to match the optical mode profiles of the electro-optical devices that the waveguide interconnects. The waveguide adiabatically transmits the fundamental mode of the photo-optic signal from the electro-optical device at the waveguide's input end to a different electro-optical device at the waveguide's output end. A single coupler can be configured with one or more waveguides, each waveguide having different optical mode profiles at either end and different optical transmission characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional tapered waveguide coupler capable of interconnecting electro-optical devices with differing optical mode profiles. The ends of the waveguide are configured to match the optical mode profiles of the electro-optical devices that the waveguide interconnects. The waveguide adiabatically transmits the fundamental mode of the photo-optic signal from the electro-optical device at the waveguide's input end to a different electro-optical device at the waveguide's output end. A single coupler can be configured with one or more waveguides, each waveguide having different optical mode profiles at either end and different optical transmission characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing are disclosed. The disclosed system may include a fiber optic element operable to transmit a multiplexed light signal. The system may also include a light focusing device, and the fiber optic element may be oriented to project light through the light focusing device. An additional element may be a diffraction grating having a diffraction order greater than one. The diffraction grating may be positioned in a Littrow configuration with respect to the light focusing device and may have a groove spacing equal to or larger than three times the wavelength of light used in the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the transmission of optical signals, and more particularly to wavelength division multiplexers and demultiplexers for optical signals. A wavelength division multiplexer device for use in an optical transmission system comprises a light input, one or more lenses, a substrate, one or more holographic optical elements, and two or more light outputs. The light input, the substrate, and the one or more lenses direct a light beam through the device. The one or more holographic optical elements act as transmission diffraction gratings and spatially separate the input light beam into dispersed light beams. Each light output receives one of the dispersed light beams. Multiple holographic optical elements may be stacked upon one another or separated by a substrate. Additionally, the substrate may comprise edges or parts that are beveled. Finally, the elements of the present invention may be rigidly coupled to each other, without intervening air space.