Abstract: A de-multiplexing system for optical signals including an optical fiber attached to an optical fiber taper is provided. Optical signals are transmitted through the optical fiber to the optical fiber taper. An etched diffraction grating located at the end of the optical fiber taper de-multiplexes optical signals. Bi-directional de-multiplexing can be accomplished by providing optical fiber tapers with etched diffraction gratings at both ends of the optical transmission fiber. A GRIN lens can be provided for focusing the de-multiplexed signals onto specific optical detectors.

Abstract: A method of testing optical fibers includes: providing at least two optical fibers; transmitting a light at a first end of the at least two optical fibers; measuring a light transmission time for each of the at least two optical fibers; determining a difference in the light transmission times for the at least two optical fibers; and determining whether the difference in light transmission times is above a predetermined value.

Abstract: A three-dimensional prism image guide system for multiple optical signal transmission including a first prism formed from a fiber image guide having first and second ends, with the second end having first and second angled faces. A second prism formed from a fiber image guide is also provided with first and second ends. The first end has first and second angled faces. The first angled face of the first end of the second prism is in facing relationship to the second angled face of the second end of the first prism to form a first optical connection. A third prism is provided having first and second ends. The first end has at least a first angled face that is in facing relationship to the first angled face of the second end of the first prism to form a second optical connection.

Abstract: A de-multiplexing system for optical signals including an optical fiber attached to an optical fiber taper is provided. Optical signals are transmitted through the optical fiber to the optical fiber taper. An etched diffraction grating located at the end of the optical fiber taper de-multiplexes optical signals. Bi-directional de-multiplexing can be accomplished by providing optical fiber tapers with etched diffraction gratings at both ends of the optical transmission fiber. A GRIN lens can be provided for focusing the de-multiplexed signals onto specific optical detectors.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly having a carrier preferably formed at least partially of silicon and having a plurality of V-grooves formed thereon, a lid preferably formed at least partially of silicon, and a 1×N array (N being a positive integer) of optical fibers. Each of the optical fibers is located between a lid and a respective V-groove, contacts the lid along a respective first contact line and is in contact with a respective one of the V-grooves along respective second and third contact lines. An adhesive, preferably a sol-gel, is provided along the first, second and third contact lines of each of the optical fibers of the array. Spaces between the lid and carrier not occupied by the array of optical fibers or the sol-gel define a void area, which is preferably filled with a cross-linked filler, such as an epoxy.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly comprising a plurality of optical fibers bonded together with an inorganic adhesive having a glass transition temperature of at least about 150° C. The inorganic adhesive preferably comprises a sol-gel, such a colloidal suspension of sodium silicate, that creates bondlines between adjacent optical fibers that are less than about 200 nm in thickness.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly including an alignment plate having an M×N array of alignment holes formed thereon and an equal number of optical fibers, each bonded to a respective one of the alignment holes. A bondline, preferably an inorganic adhesive having a glass transition temperature of at least about 150° C., is located between each optical fiber and its respective alignment hole. The bondline is preferably less than about 200 nm in thickness. The inorganic adhesive is preferably formed from a colloidal suspension of sodium silicate.

Abstract: A system for positioning at least one optical fiber. The system includes a plate having a major surface defining a hole adapted to receive an optical fiber. A spring is located on the plate and is located at least partially within the hole to position the optical fiber therein and/or additional plates are used to position the optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical interconnection member for interconnecting at least one optical fiber with a data processing unit. The interconnection member comprises an optical, electrical conversion device, an optical transformation array and an adapter. The conversion device is mounted in operable alignment with the data processing unit and the adapter is adapted to receive the connector. The optical transformation array defines an optical transmission medium between non-parallel input and output surfaces whereby the connector and the data processing unit can be interconnected in a non-perpendicular manner.