Patents Examined by James P. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7205554
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to realize a method and an apparatus for processing and observing a minute sample which can observe a section of a wafer in horizontal to vertical directions with high resolution, high accuracy and high throughput without splitting any wafer which is a sample. In an apparatus of the invention, there are included a focused ion beam optical system and an electron optical system in one vacuum container, and a minute sample containing a desired area of the sample is separated by forming processing with a charged particle beam, and there are included a manipulator for extracting the separated minute sample, and a manipulator controller for driving the manipulator independently of a wafer sample stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Tokuda, Muneyuki Fukuda, Yasuhiro Mitsui, Hidemi Koike, Satoshi Tomimatsu, Hiroyasu Shichi, Hideo Kashima, Kaoru Umemura
  • Patent number: 7204645
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector for coupling focused radiant energy from a laser to a fiber optic conductor includes a secondary transmission path and one or more reflectors and/or heat sinks for deflecting errant radiant energy to a location where it be safely dissipated. In addition, coupling of the radiant energy to the cladding of the fiber is minimized by stripping or at least partially removing the cladding to reduce the amount of cladding in the area that extends to the focal plane of the radiant energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Joe D. Brown
  • Patent number: 7206479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in a fiber optic system that may be a communication system, a sensing system or other system using guided-wave optical components. Reducing the number of lenses required to couple the waveguides and the free-space paths in the device offers the dual advantages of a reduced component count and simplified alignment. In an exemplary device having a first and second waveguides, a birefringent optical system defines bi-directional, polarization-dependent free-space paths. One of the bi-directional, polarization-dependent, free-space paths couples at least the first waveguide to the second waveguide. The birefringent optical system includes at least one prism for bending one of the polarization-dependent paths in a clockwise direction and one of the polarization-dependent paths in a counterclockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Pingfan P. Wu, Liang-Ju Lu, Zhicheng Yang, Boying Barry Zhang
  • Patent number: 7200291
    Abstract: Disclosed is a variable lightwave functional circuit comprising: an applying unit for applying lateral pressure; a polarization maintaining optical fiber having a polarization axis, for inducing a polarization mode coupling by applying the lateral pressure to a predetermined position by said applying unit; and a branching/coupling device having a first port to a fourth port, for branching laser light inputted from the first port to both said second port and said third port, and also for projecting laser light inputted from said second port to the fourth port; wherein one end of said polarization maintaining optical fiber is connected to one of said second port and said third port in such a manner that the polarization axis is inclined at a predetermined angle to an axial direction parallel to a branching plane of said branching/coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7200296
    Abstract: An optical transmitter comprises a monolithic transmitter photonic integrated circuit (TxPIC) chip that includes an array of modulated sources formed on the PIC chip and having different operating wavelengths approximating a standardized wavelength grid and providing signal outputs of different wavelengths. A wavelength selective combiner is formed on the PIC chip having a wavelength grid passband response approximating the wavelength grid of the standardized wavelength grid. The signal outputs of the modulated sources optically coupled to inputs of the wavelength selective combiner to produce a combined signal output from the combiner. A first wavelength tuning element coupled to each of the modulated sources and a second wavelength tuning element coupled to the wavelength selective combiner. A wavelength monitoring unit is coupled to the wavelength selective combiner to sample the combined signal output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Infinera Corporation
    Inventors: Fred A. Kish, Jr., Charles H. Joyner, David F. Welch, Robert B. Taylor, Alan C. Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7197196
    Abstract: The present invention is in related to a miniature surface plasmon resonance waveguide device with sinusoidal curvature compensation and at least comprises: a substract, a waveguide structure, a sensing film layer and a cover layer, wherein the waveguide structure is configured with the function of sinusoidal curvature compensation and installed above the substract, further that, the waveguide structure includes a light input port and a light output port; the sensing film layer is on a special region of the waveguide structure, the special region is a sensing region; the cover layer is upper than the substract and has an opening. By means of the optimal curve figure of the sinusoidal curvature compensation, attenuation of light energy can be minimized while in propagation, and allows the input and output of the light on the same side of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Chii-Wann Lin, Cheng-Lung Lee, Way-Seen Wang, Chih Kung Lee
  • Patent number: 7194177
    Abstract: In order to make a photonic device incorporating a waveguide, a waveguide is formed with a predetermined geometry. Birefringence is then controlled by determining the amount of stress induced within the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Dan-Xia Xu, Pavel Cheben, Dan Dalacu, Siegfried Janz
  • Patent number: 7189971
    Abstract: An x-ray and gamma-ray radiation energy imaging device has its semiconductor detector substrate and semiconductor readout/processing substrate both mounted on opposite sides of, and electrically communicating through, an intermediate substrate. The substrates are all substantially planar with the top plan perimeter of the semiconductor readout/processing substrate falling within the top plan shadow perimeter of the corresponding semiconductor detector substrate with which it electrically communicates. Additionally, all of the readout/processing circuitry contacts of the semiconductor readout/processing substrate are disposed on the surface of the semiconductor readout/processing substrate that electrically communicates with the intermediate substrate. Substantially all electrical communication to and from the semiconductor readout/processing substrate is routed through the intermediate substrate. The intermediate substrate is a printed circuit board or similar construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Oy AJAT Ltd
    Inventors: Konstantinos Spartiotis, Kimmo Petteri Puhakka
  • Patent number: 7181108
    Abstract: A method and optical system for coupling light from an incoming light wave (WI) into a waveguiding substrate (S) arranges the light wave (WI) to interact with a diffractive in-coupling grating element or elements (IG) arranged on or embedded within the substrate (S) and arranged to couple the energy from the light wave (WI) into a waveguided light wave (WG). The polarization state of the light wave (WI) is converted after its first interaction (D1) with the in-coupling grating element/elements (IG) and before a second interaction (D2) with the grating element/elements (IG) takes place. The method minimizes any “reverse” diffractions, which would direct light back towards the front-end optics and therefore to increase the width W of the in-coupling grating/gratings (IG). Preferred embodiments include diffractive beam expanders for virtual displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Tapani Levola
  • Patent number: 7177510
    Abstract: A microbend-induced fiber grating is formed from a section of optical fiber configured to exhibit “splitting” between the resonant wavelengths supported by the TE and TM components of the LP1m mode and the resonant wavelength supported by the odd/even HE2m components of the LP1m mode. Since only the TE and TM components are polarization dependent, by splitting and shifting the resonant wavelengths for these modes away from a system-desired wavelength(s) supported by the odd/even HE modes, a polarization insensitive microbend-induced fiber grating can be formed. A fiber core configuration including a central core region, trench and ring is formed to exhibit a large radial gradient in core refractive index profile, with a significantly steep transition between the ring index and the trench index, to provide the desired splitting between the (undesired, polarization sensitive) TE/TM modes and the HE mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fitel USA Corp.
    Inventor: Siddharth Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 7168860
    Abstract: An assembly for an optical home network includes a socket having input and output optical fibers, for transmitting optical signals, installed at corresponding positions of both sides of a connection hole. The assembly further includes a plug connected to a device and including input and output optical transmission lines respectively connected to the input and output optical fibers when the plug is inserted into the connection hole of the socket so as to be connected to the socket. The optical signals transmitted through the input and output optical fibers pass through the socket when the plug is not connected to the passive socket, and are transmitted to the device through the plug when the plug is connected to the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lae-Kyoung Kim, Do-In Choi, Yun-Je Oh, Hee-Won Cheung, Jong-Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 7165896
    Abstract: An optical module, such as a package for a vertical cavity surface emitting laser diode (VCSEL) or other light emitting device, includes monitoring of the emitted optical power by tapping the transmitted beam. The module includes a substrate, which carries the light emitting device and an optical monitor. In addition, the module includes a transparent plate with at least two reflective regions that together redirect part of the light from the light emitting device to the optical monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hymite A/S
    Inventors: Ralf Hauffe, Arnd Kilian
  • Patent number: 7164842
    Abstract: A backlighting device includes a light guide plate having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and a point light source to generate light incident on the first side of the light guide plate. The light guide plate has a plurality of longitudinal diffraction microstructures which are arranged and oriented according to the location of the point light source. The microstructures are varied gradually at least in size, position, density, or shape relative to the location of the point light source. When light is incident on the light guide plate from the point light source, the microstructures, which are varied gradually at least in size, position, density, or shape, function to regulate and adjust the illuminance of bright and dark areas in the light guide plate so as to provide uniform brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Nano Electro-Optical Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 7160036
    Abstract: An optical package that includes a component for supporting a printed circuit board. The optical package comprises a housing containing a printed circuit board having a connecting edge for connecting to external components; an optical component supported by the printed circuit board; an optical connector for coupling the optical component to an optical fiber; and a support supporting the connecting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel John Keeble, Goncalo Agra Amorim, David John Kenneth Meadowcroft
  • Patent number: 7160034
    Abstract: An optical transmission and receiver module suitable for a single-fiber bi-directional communication includes a light emitting device, a photodiode, an optical path routing element which allows light emitted from the light emitting device and light directed to the photodiode to pass through the element and which changes their optical paths, as required, and a lens transparent to both light emitted from light emitting device and light directed to the photodiode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Nishie, Hiromi Nakanishi, Yoshiki Kuhara
  • Patent number: 7162115
    Abstract: An multiport, multi-wavelength optical switch having and array of angular beam-directing devices employs an anamorphic optical system that transforms a beam corresponding to a given wavelength of a given multi-wavelength input channel into a beam, at a plane of the angular beam-directing device array, having an elliptical Gaussian-beam waist in the angular-directing direction of the beam-directing device and in the orthogonal direction, with the waist in the angular-direction being larger than the waist in the orthogonal direction. Planar and non-planar emitter/receivers for use with the switch are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P Brophy, Dale Buralli, Steve Chakmakjian, Eliseo R Ranalli
  • Patent number: 7155097
    Abstract: A preform for a microstructured fibre or a part for a preform for a microstructured fibre. The preform or part has a length in the longitudinal direction and a cross section perpendicular thereto, and includes a rod arranged at the centre of the preform or part, with one or more tubes being concentric to the rod. The rod is sleeved inside a first of the concentric tubes, and the rod and/or at least one of the concentric tubes has grooves and/or slits extending in the longitudinal direction, with the number of innermost longitudinally extending grooves and/or slits with respect to a centre of the preform or part being at least six.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Crystal Fibre A/S
    Inventors: Christian Jakobsen, Jes Broeng, Guillaume Vienne, Peter M. Skovgaard
  • Patent number: 7155084
    Abstract: Bidirectional wavelength cross connects include a plurality of ports, each configured to receive an input optical signals, each input optical signal having a plurality of spectral bands. At least one of the plurality of ports is disposed to simultaneously transmit an output optical signal having at least one of the spectral bands. A plurality of wavelength routing elements are configured to selectively route input optical signal spectral bands to output optical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Bortolini, Dirk Barthel, Robert T. Weverka, Samuel Paul Weaver, Paulo E. X. Silveira
  • Patent number: 7149372
    Abstract: The optical device comprises a first substrate 10 having a control circuit formed on; optical waveguide layer 40 formed above the first substrate and having a refractive index changed by electro-optic effect; and second substrates 14a, 14b having prism electrodes 18 for applying voltages to the optical waveguide layer. The control circuit and the prism electrodes are electrically connected to each other via columnar conductors 20. Even in a case where thermal expansion coefficients of the control substrate and of the light deflection substrates are very different from each other, the pins are flexed corresponding to eternal forces, whereby junction is protected from being damaged in the joining processing. Thus, the optical switch can be highly reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Aoki, Yasuo Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 7147383
    Abstract: A module and harness are described that allow for connectors in each to be mated with other connectors in a key up to key down orientation. The module and harness may also be a part of a larger optical assembly. The optical fibers in the module and harness connect a multi-fiber ferrule on one end with a plurality of connectors on the other end, at least some of adjacent optical fibers extending from the multi-fiber ferrule are not connected with adjacent connectors at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: Keith D. Sullivan