Abstract: In a system for modulating an RF carrier, the RF carrier is fed through a lowpass filter and phase shifted approximately ?90 degrees. The RF carrier is also fed through a high pass filter and phase shifted approximately +90 degrees. A switch connected to the output of the lowpass filter and connected to the output of the highpass filter, selects and outputs either the ?90 degree phase shifted carrier output from the lowpass filter or the +90 degree phase shifted carrier output from the highpass filter depending on a switching state determined by data bit information received at a data port to produce a BPSK modulated RF carrier. Two such BPSK modulators may be combined using lowpass and highpass filters to form a QPSK modulator. Two such QPSK modulators may be combined with an attenuator to form a QAM modulator.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an optical transponder and/or optical transceiver includes a decision circuit, which scales a decision threshold voltage based on power in a received optical signal. In one embodiment, the decision set point may be established based on an expected amplitude or power of an incoming optical signal and the transponder and/or transceiver uses the actual power of the incoming optical signal to adjust the decision threshold voltage.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of creating a dilution series is provided. The method may include providing a first vessel including a sample, and aspirating at least a portion of the sample from the first vessel into a first conduit primed with solvent such that the sample disperses in the solvent. At least a portion of the dispersed sample is dispensed into a second vessel while, substantially simultaneously, a solvent is dispensed into the second vessel from a second conduit. Alternatively, the second vessel may already contain the solvent and the first conduit may dispense the dispersed sample into the second vessel containing the solvent. According to one aspect of the invention, a system for creating a dilution series is provided. The system may include a first conduit configured to aspirate and dispense a sample to be diluted and a second conduit configured to dispense a solvent.

Abstract: Described herein is a hermetic fiber optic package that may have a wide bandwidth radio frequency (e.g., between 9 kHz and 300 GHz) interface and a multilayer substrate provides a platform to integrated various components such as, for example, integrated circuits having electronic components, optoelectronic components, or optics. In one embodiment, the substrate has a wide bandwidth surface mountable interface that may be a single ended or a differential that allows for an electrical signal to pass from the exterior of the package to the interior. The interior of the package contains a “riser” that is used to bring an electrical signal from the plane of the substrate to the plane close to the optical axis. This riser includes a transmission line to achieve the change in height. The transmission line can be single ended or differential. Also within the package is a “submount” upon which electrical/optical/electro-optic components can be integrated.

Abstract: A direct-drive modulator driver and an optical transponder including the driver are disclosed. The driver includes a transistor having a first terminal, a second terminal and an input terminal, where said first terminal is grounded. The driver further comprises of a laser diode having a p-terminal and an n-terminal, where said p-terminal is coupled to a power supply, and said n-terminal is coupled to the second terminal of the transistor. The driver further comprises of an input load coupled to the input terminal of the transistor.

Abstract: In a system for modulating an RF carrier, the RF carrier is fed through a lowpass filter and phase shifted approximately −90 degrees. The RF carrier is also fed through a high pass filter and phase shifted approximately +90 degrees. A switch connected to the output of the lowpass filter and connected to the output of the highpass filter, selects and outputs either the −90 degree phase shifted carrier output from the lowpass filter or the +90 degree phase shifted carrier output from the highpass filter depending on a switching state determined by data bit information received at a data port to produce a BPSK modulated RF carrier. Two such BPSK modulators may be combined using lowpass and highpass filters to form a QPSK modulator. Two such QPSK modulators may be combined with an attenuator to form a QAM modulator.