Patents Examined by Peter Macchiraolo
  • Patent number: 6859578
    Abstract: Multi-wavelength fiber-optic processors based on a fault-tolerant scheme using a macro-pixel to control an optical beam are described. The macro-pixel system uses multiple device pixels per beam to provide a robust digital technique for amplitude control and routing, enabling a module with high optical beam alignment tolerance and resistance to catastropic failure. In one embodiment, the macropixel is implemented via small tilt micromirrors fabricated via optical microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The system includes fault tolerant fiber-optic processors that can implement add-drop wavelength routing, optical power level conditioning per wavelength, 2×2 optical crossconnects, and 1×N and M×N type broadcast-gain controlled switches. The system can simultaneously and independently implement optical power conditioning and wavelength routing for any wavelength channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Nuonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Nabeel Agha Riza