Abstract: A LIDAR system or the like uses a star coupler to distribute an input light beam over a steerable array. The input light beam is injected through an input signal waveguide on the input side of the star coupler. The light returning after reflecting from external objects is directed back through the star coupler to one or more waveguides on the input side. Return light is detected in one or more waveguides on the input side that are displaced from the input signal waveguide. In embodiments, the beam direction of the steerable array changes during the round-trip transit time of the returning light. This causes the returning light to arrive off-axis, which in turn causes it to couple into one or more of the displaced input-side waveguides instead of coupling back into the input signal waveguide.

Abstract: Configurations for an optical coupler that includes waveguides that provide asymmetric mode confinement. The optical coupler may include first and second rib waveguides, and the width of the shoulder of at least one rib waveguide may taper to provide the asymmetric mode confinement. In some instances the shoulders of one or both rib waveguides may have different heights in a central region of the optical coupler.

Abstract: A device and method are provided. The device includes a bus waveguide having a longitudinal axis, a lower waveguide disposed on a first side of the bus waveguide, and an upper waveguide disposed on a second side of the bus waveguide opposite to the first side of the bus waveguide, wherein the upper waveguide substantially matches a path of the lower waveguide. The method includes receiving a TE1 mode optical signal on a bus waveguide, receiving a TE0 mode optical signal on a lower waveguide disposed below the bus waveguide, mode multiplexing the TE1 mode optical signal and the TE0 mode optical signal without converting the TE0 mode optical signal or the TE1 mode optical signal to another mode, and outputting the TE0 mode optical signal and the TE1 mode optical signal on the bus waveguide.

Abstract: An optical modulator with which electrical connection between a signal electrode and signal wiring of a wiring substrate can be reliably made even in a case where a width of the signal electrode in an action portion of an optical control substrate is narrow is provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems that can be used for aligning and positioning of an optical fiber are provided herein. For example, an optical fiber alignment and positioning system including a vacuum stage may be provided. The vacuum stage may include a vacuum inlet operable to be in fluid communication with a vacuum source and one or more passages extending through the vacuum stage. The vacuum stage may include an optical fiber channel. A plurality of vacuum ports may pass through the optical fiber channel. The optical fiber channel may include a directional friction surface. The directional friction surface may include a first friction factor in a first direction and a second friction factor in a second direction. The directional friction surface may contact a portion of the optical fiber and may allow movement in the second direction but resist movement of the optical fiber in the first direction.