Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for transmitting differential optical signals can include an optical modulation device, a multi-core optical waveguide, and a balanced optical receiver. The optical modulation device can include at least one optical input port and multiple optical output ports. The optical modulation device can transform the optical input signal into multiple complimentary modulated optical signals that are transmitted from the multiple optical output ports. The multi-core optical waveguide can include multiple cores disposed within a cladding material. The multiple cores, the cladding material, or both can be configured to mitigate transmission of optical energy between the multiple cores. The balanced optical receiver can include multiple photodetectors. The balanced optical receiver can be communicatively coupled to the multiple cores of the multi-core optical waveguide.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for transmitting differential optical signals can include an optical modulation device, a multi-core optical waveguide, and a balanced optical receiver. The optical modulation device can include at least one optical input port and multiple optical output ports. The optical modulation device can transform the optical input signal into multiple complimentary modulated optical signals that are transmitted from the multiple optical output ports. The multi-core optical waveguide can include multiple cores disposed within a cladding material. The multiple cores, the cladding material, or both can be configured to mitigate transmission of optical energy between the multiple cores. The balanced optical receiver can include multiple photodetectors. The balanced optical receiver can be communicatively coupled to the multiple cores of the multi-core optical waveguide.

Abstract: A channeled substrate for forming integrated optical devices that employ optical fibers and at least one active optical component is disclosed. The channeled substrate includes a substrate member having an upper surface one or more grooves formed therein, and a transparent sheet. The transparent sheet, which is preferably made of thin glass, is fixed to the substrate member upper surface to define, in combination with the one or more grooves, one or more channels. The channels are each sized to accommodate an optical fiber to allow for optical communication through the transparent sheet between the active optical component and the optical fibers. Channeled substrates formed by molding and by drawing are also presented. Integrated optical devices that employ the channeled substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing arbitration latency employs speculative transmission (STX) without prior arbitration in combination with routing fabric scheduled arbitration. Packets are sent from source locations to a routing fabric through scheduled arbitration, and also through speculative arbitration, to non-contentiously allocate outputs that were not previously reserved in the routing fabric to the speculatively transmitted packets.

Abstract: A fiber assembly having at least one photonic band-gap fiber and opto-electronic devices coupled to the at least one fiber at either end. The opto-electronic devices serve as electrical-to-optical (EO) and optical-to-electrical (OE) converters and provide industry-standard electrical interfaces to respective electronic devices. The photonic band-gap fiber has a hollow core so that light travels through air rather than glass, thereby providing a number of advantages over glass-based optical fiber assemblies used to connect electronic devices. A bent optical fiber coupler for use in the fiber assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular active board subassembly for coupling a waveguide array to an electrical component on a printed wiring board may include a substrate board with a sidewall extending around at least a portion of an attachment surface of the substrate board and forming a component cavity on the attachment surface. A transceiver may be disposed in the component cavity proximate an inboard edge of the substrate board. The transceiver may be electrically coupled to conductors on the attachment surface and electrically coupled to electrical contacts on an upper surface of the sidewall. A waveguide may be positioned in the component cavity and extend from the outboard edge of the substrate to the transceiver. The waveguide may be coupled to the transceiver.

Abstract: A channeled substrate for forming integrated optical devices that employ optical fibers and at least one active optical component is disclosed. The channeled substrate includes a substrate member having an upper surface one or more grooves formed therein, and a transparent sheet. The transparent sheet, which is preferably made of thin glass, is fixed to the substrate member upper surface to define, in combination with the one or more grooves, one or more channels. The channels are each sized to accommodate an optical fiber to allow for optical communication through the transparent sheet between the active optical component and the optical fibers. Channeled substrates formed by molding and by drawing are also presented. Integrated optical devices that employ the channeled substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bent optical fiber coupler (100) that employs at least one optical fiber (10) is disclosed. The coupler includes a curved optical fiber guide channel (200) having a strong curve. The optical fiber(s) held within the optical fiber guide channel have a bend corresponding to the guide channel curve. The fiber end portions are optionally disposed within a straight fiber guide (160) at a coupler input/output end, which is preferably configured to have a standard connector geometry. Use of nanostructured fibers for the at least one optical fiber allows for strong bends having tight radii of curvature without imparting significant attenuation. Coupler assemblies that include the coupler optically coupled to at least one opto-electronic device (310) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bent optical fiber coupler (100) that employs at least one optical fiber (10) is disclosed. The coupler includes a curved optical fiber guide channel (200) having a strong curve. The optical fiber(s) held within the optical fiber guide channel have a bend corresponding to the guide channel curve. The fiber end portions are optionally disposed within a straight fiber guide (160) at a coupler input/output end, which is preferably configured to have a standard connector geometry. Use of nanostructured fibers for the at least one optical fiber allows for strong bends having tight radii of curvature without imparting significant attenuation. Coupler assemblies that include the coupler optically coupled to at least one opto-electronic device (310) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Glass-based micropositioning systems and methods are disclosed. The micropositioning systems and methods utilize microbumps (40) formed in a glass substrate (12 or 100). The microbumps are formed by subjecting a portion of the glass substrate to localized heating, which results in local rapid expansion of glass where the heat was applied. The height and shape of the microbumps depend on the type of glass substrate and the amount and form of heat delivered to the substrate. The microbumps allow for active or passive micropositioning of optical elements, including planar waveguides and optical fibers. Optical assemblies formed using microbump micropositioners are also disclosed.