Abstract: A communication includes an analog input configured to receive an analog signal. An analog to digital converter configured to provides a digital signal output based upon the analog input. A modulator is configured to modulate a laser based upon the digital signal thereby generating a modulated optical signal. An optical fiber carries the modulated optical signal and an optical detector arranged to receive the modulated optical signal from the optical fiber and provide a received output. A digital to analog converter digitizes the received output and provides an analog output based respective of the analog signal provided to the analog input.

Abstract: A method of making a photonic crystal includes obtaining single spheres for use in making a self assembled opal structure. Spherical particles are placed centrifuge and separated from doublets using a relative difference in sedimentation velocity in response to centrifugal force. A method includes drawing a substrate through a meniscus at a declination to uniformly deposit spheres on the substrate. Three-dimensional photonic crystals including buried waveguides are also provided.

Abstract: An optical coupler includes a substrate and first and second elongate optical waveguides on the substrate. A structure extends along the waveguides and is configured to provide variable coupling between the waveguides. The coupler can be formed in Lithium Niobate.

Abstract: A method of making a photonic crystal includes obtaining single spheres for use in making a self assembled opal structure. Spherical particles are placed centrifuge and separated from doublets using a relative difference in sedimentation velocity in response to centrifugal force. A method includes drawing a substrate through a meniscus at a declination to uniformly deposit spheres on the substrate. Three-dimensional photonic crystals including buried waveguides are also provided.

Abstract: A optical coupler is formed on a substrate and includes a first and elongate optical waveguides. Variable coupling is provided between the first and second elongate optical waveguides. In an optical modulator, a plurality of phase shifts are provided along the waveguides to increase linearity of a response of the modulator.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser, includes a first mirror, a second mirror and an active region positioned between the first and second mirrors and optically coupled to the mirrors. An increased index of refraction region in the first mirror extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the active region. The increased index of refraction region having a refractive index which is greater than a remaining portion of the first mirror and configured to produce substantially a single optical mode in the laser.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser, includes a substrate, a lower mirror stacked adjacent the substrate, an active region operably coupled to the lower mirror stack, and an upper mirror operably coupled to the active region, opposite the lower mirror. The lower mirror, active region, and upper mirror are arranged in a vertical stack to form a laser. A plurality of spaced apart regions of increased refractive index which extend in a vertical direction at least partially through the vertical stack to promote single mode confinement in the stack.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser, includes a substrate, a lower mirror stack adjacent the substrate, an active region operably coupled to the lower mirror stack, and an upper mirror operably coupled to the active region, opposite the lower mirror. The lower mirror active region and upper mirror arranged in a vertical stack to form a laser. A plurality of spaced apart regions of increased refractive index which extend in a vertical direction at least partially through the vertical stack to promote single mode confinement in the stack.

Abstract: A waveguide optical amplifier include a substrate and a guiding or active layer. The substrate has a substrate surface and a substrate index of refraction. The guiding layer is of Zirconium dioxide (ZrO.sub.2) and/or Alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) and is carried on a cladding layer over the substrate surface. The guiding layer has a guiding layer index of refraction which is higher than the cladding index of refraction. The Zirconium dioxide guiding layer is doped with rare earth materials.

Abstract: The present invention includes an optical fiber amplifier having a core and cladding layer. The core includes Zirconium dioxide (ZrO.sub.2) and a rare earth material. The core may be co-deposited with SiO.sub.2. A co-dopant of Ytterbium (Yb) may also be used. The optical fiber amplifier is well suited for use in the 1300 nm band when pumped with an optical source of appropriate power and frequency.