Abstract: An interconnect as a switch module (“ICAS” module) comprising n port groups, each port group comprising n-1 interfaces, and an interconnecting network implementing a full mesh topology where each port group comprising a plurality of interfaces each connects an interface of one of the other port groups, respectively. The ICAS module may be optically or electrically implemented. According to the embodiments, the ICAS module may be used to construct a stackable switching device and a multi-unit switching device, to replace a data center fabric switch, and to build a new, high-efficient, and cost-effective data center.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein provides a system for distributed fiber sensing. The system can include a plurality of network elements (NEs) in an optical transport network (OTN) and a control-and-management module coupled to the NEs. A respective network element (NE) can include a first wavelength coupler configured to separate an optical supervisory channel (OSC) signal from a data-carrying signal received from a fiber span, a polarization-measurement unit configured to perform a polarization measurement on the OSC signal, and a transmitter configured to transmit an outcome of the polarization measurement to the control-and-management module, thereby facilitating distributed fiber sensing based on the outcome of the polarization measurement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for strategizing the insertion and/or removal of a node into and/or out of a network are provided. A system, according to one implementation, includes a processing device and a memory device configured to store a computer program. The computer program includes instructions that, when executed, enable the processing device to configure a Network Element (NE) in a pass-through mode whereby channels are neither added nor dropped to thereby prepare the NE for insertion into or removal from a photonic network. Upon the insertion of the NE into the photonic network or the removal of the NE from the photonic network, the instructions may further enable the processing device to perform a zero configuration procedure for automatically establishing communication along one or more Optical Service Channels (OSCs) and for automatically controlling gain and loss characteristics along one or more fiber links altered by the insertion or removal.

Abstract: An RF imaging receiver using photonic spatial beam processing is provided with an optical beam steerer that directs the modulated optical signals to steer the composite optical signal and move the location of the spot on the optical detector array. The optical beam steerer may be implemented with one or more phase-dependent steering units in which each unit includes a waveplate and polarization grating to steer the modulated optical signals. The optical beam steerer may be configured to act on the individual modulated optical signals to induce individual phase delays that produce a phase delay with a linear term, and possibly spherical or aspherical terms, to steer the composite optical signal in which case the optical beam steerer may be implemented, for example, with an optical phase modulator and optical antenna in each optical channel which together form an OPA, a Risley prism or a liquid crystal or MEMs spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A method to determine the types of optical fibers forming a link of an optical communication network. By scanning a signal's bit error rate at a receiver end, as a function of a pre-dispersion applied to a signal at a transmitter end, local minimums in the curve indicate the presence of amplifiers, and therefore fiber span extremities. By determining the accumulated dispersion at each fiber extremity, a ratio of dispersion per span length can be obtained and the span's coefficient of chromatic dispersion be inferred, thereby identifying the type of fiber. Alternatively, a signal's signal-to-noise ratio can be scanned, instead of its bit error rate. In a typical network, the required instrumentation is pre-existing.

Abstract: In some examples, an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR)-based high reflective event measurement system may include an OTDR, and an N by M optical switch optically connected to the OTDR or disposed within the OTDR. The optical switch may include a variable attenuator mode and at least one optical fiber connected to at least one output port of the optical switch. At least one fiber optic reflector may be disposed at an end of the at least one optical fiber. A variable optical attenuator may reduce, for the at least one optical fiber including the at least one fiber optic reflector, an amplitude of reflective peaks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dispersion compensation to optical systems. In some embodiments, the disclosed dispersion compensation system may be capable of adjusting the amount of dispersion compensation. The disclosed dispersion compensation system may include a cascade of varactor circuit elements, each with separate bias control, and optionally may include one or more switches to enable or disable selective ones of the cascaded varactor circuit elements.

Abstract: A performance estimation apparatus and method for a nonlinear communication system and an electronic device. The nonlinear communication system is equated with by an equivalent model including an equivalent linear model and an equivalent additive noise model, and the equivalent additive noise outputted by the equivalent additive noise model is mathematically uncorrelated to the signal inputted into the equivalent model. Performances of the nonlinear communication system of different modulation formats at different baud rates may be accurately estimated.

Abstract: Systems for low power distribution in a power distribution network (PDN) contemplate using multiple low-power conductors to convey power from a power source to a remote sub-unit. The multiple conductors are isolated from one another to help prevent overcurrent conditions in a fault condition. In a first exemplary aspect, the isolation is provided by galvanic isolation. In a second exemplary aspect, the isolation is provided by diodes at the remote sub-units. Further, current sensors may be used at the power source to detect if any of the multiple low-power conductors are carrying current above a defined threshold current. By providing one or more of these safety features, a multiplexer may not be needed at the remote sub-unit, thus providing cost savings while preserving the desired safety features.

Abstract: An optically-monitored and/or optically-controlled electronic device is described. The device includes at least one of a semiconductor transistor or a semiconductor diode. An optical detector is configured to detect light emitted by the at least one of the semiconductor transistor or the semiconductor diode during operation. A signal processor is configured to communicate with the optical detector to receive information regarding the light detected. The signal processor is further configured to provide information concerning at least one of an electrical current flowing in, a temperature of, or a condition of the at least one of the semiconductor transistor or the semiconductor diode during operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and system for beam forming and beam steering within ultra-wideband, wireless optical communication devices and systems. According to one embodiment, a free space optical (FSO) communication apparatus is disclosed. The FSO communication apparatus includes a semiconductor optical device configured to have a transient response time of less than 500 picoseconds (ps), a lens, and a first band select filter.

Abstract: A communication device is provided that estimates one or more disturbance values associated with one or more components of the communication device, and adjusts the communication device to change a received power of the output signal. The communication device includes a transmitter having a seed laser configured to provide an amount of bandwidth for an output signal, an Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) configured to increase an amplitude of the output signal, and a single mode variable optical attenuator (SMVOA) configured to decrease the amplitude of the output signal.

Abstract: An optical wireless communication device comprises: at least one of a transmitter and a receiver configured to transmit and/or receive light comprising an optical wireless communication signal representing data; at least one adjustable shutter element associated with the at least one of a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the at least one adjustable shutter element and the associated at least one of the transmitter and the receiver are adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration such that in the first configuration the at least one adjustable shutter element is configured to at least partially block or partially redirect light having a first selected property and at least partially allow light having a second selected property to pass through unaffected such that transmission and/or reception of the optical wireless communication signal by the at least one of the transmitter and the receiver is substantially altered.

Abstract: A monitoring system. The monitoring system may include an optical receiver configured to receive an optical signal, the receiver comprising a plurality of equalizers to partition the optical signal over a plurality of optical channels corresponding to a plurality of optical wavelengths. The monitoring system may also include an analysis component, coupled to the receiver, comprising logic, where the logic is configured to construct a plurality of sensor matrices, corresponding to the plurality of optical channels, based upon the optical signal, after reception at the receiver; determine, using the plurality of sensor matrices, a correlation between at least one pair of sensor matrices corresponding to at least one pair of optical channels of the plurality of optical channels; and determine a location of a perturbation, external to the transmission system, based upon the correlation.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for utilizing aircraft cockpit and cabin lighting to provide both power and data transmission to occupants. Data and power may be transmitted on non-visible and/or visible spectrums. The visible light may be used independently for aircraft illumination. Data for the cockpit allows for quick upload and download of flight planning and maintenance data to an electronic flight bag. The electronic flight bag may also be able to receive power from cockpit and cabin lighting during flight.

Abstract: A method includes generating, using a transmitter, an optical signal for each fiber incoherently combined in a fiber bundle. The method also includes transmitting the optical signal from each fiber as pulses at a target. The method further includes receiving, using a receiver array, the pulses of the optical signals and identifying one or more parameters of the target based on the pulses of the optical signals.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for encoding information using optical components are described. Information associated with a first optical signal (e.g., an optical pump) is encoded onto the phase of a second optical signal (e.g., an optical probe) using cross phase modulation (XPM) in a non-linear optical medium. The optical signals are multiplexed together into the nonlinear optical medium. The probe experiences a modified index of refraction as it propagates through the medium and thus accumulates a phase change proportional to the intensity of the pump. The disclosed devices can be incorporated into larger components and systems for various applications such as scientific diagnostics, radar, remote sensing, wireless communications, and quantum computing that can benefit from encoding and generation of low noise, high resolution signals.

Abstract: An optical module configured to electrically connect to a host. A linear equalizer performs equalization on a host equalized signal to create a module equalized signal, and a driver configured to present the module equalized signal from the linear equalizer to an optical conversion device at a magnitude suitable for the optical conversion device. An optical conversion device receives the module equalized signal from the driver, converts the module equalized signal to an optical signal, and transmit the optical signal over an optical channel. Also part of the optical module is an interface which communicates supplemental equalizer settings to the host. A memory stores the supplemental equalizer settings which reflect the optical modules effect on a signal passing through the optical module. A controller oversees communication of the supplemental equalizer settings to the host such that the host uses the supplemental equalizer settings to modify host equalizer settings.

Abstract: An interconnect transceiver for transmitting and receiving optical signals, comprising an electronics module with a transceiver engine, and a photonics module with a laser source, a modulator, a photodetector to monitor the laser, one to receive an external optical signal, and a controller to operate the laser source and the laser source modulator, an electronic switch having two states is proposed. The first state is to allow monitoring of the modulated laser source by the transceiver engine, so as to acquire a reference set of operating parameters, and the second state is where a signal from the modulated laser source is directed to the controller, such as to allow real-time control of the source of the transmitting laser and modulator by the controller.

Abstract: In order to predict properties of a first device, data is obtained relating to properties of second devices having characteristics in common with the first device. The data comprises values of a first parameter at specific values of a second parameter. The data is organized in a first matrix with each row or column representing one value of the second parameter, and each column or row contains for one of the second devices the value of the first parameter at each of the values of the second parameter for which data is available. The first matrix is factorized into a second matrix and a third matrix. The second matrix represents a relationship between the second parameter and hidden features. The third matrix represents a relationship between the second devices and hidden features. The second matrix and/or the third matrix is used to predict at least one value of the first parameter and at least one respective specific value of the second parameter outside a predetermined range.