Abstract: A structure that is compatible with passive alignment, and is capable of integration onto a micro-optical bench system, provides for the secure attachment of optical components to the bench. The structure comprises a base and a clip structure for an optical component that is formed in the base. The clip structure can be etched into bulk material of the base. In one implementation, the clip structure is created using reactive ion etching in silicon or silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer material. In the preferred embodiment, the clip comprises an alignment wall and a resilient arm. The resilient arm engages a first side of the optical component to urge a second side of the optical component into engagement with the alignment wall. This cooperation between the arm and the alignment wall allows for precise registration of the optical component against the alignment wall to scales attainable with semiconductor lithography.

Abstract: A semiconductor tunable laser system includes a tunable Fabry-Perot cavity and a cavity length modulator, which controls an optical length of the cavity at least over a distance corresponding to the spacings between the longitudinal modes of the laser cavity. Thus, the tunable Fabry-Perot cavity allows the laser cavity to have gain at the desired wavelength of operation while the cavity length modulator tunes the cavity length such that a longitudinal cavity mode exists at the desired wavelength of operation. Also, in one embodiment, a wavelength locker system is further provides that has a differential wavelength filter, e.g., stepped etalon, and a multi-element detector, e.g., a quad-detector. The controller then modulators the Fabry-Perot cavity to control the wavelength in response to the signal received from the multi-element detector.

Abstract: A multi-stripe laser diode chip is integrated with a beam combiner on a single optical bench, and is thus, applicable to placement in a single pigtailed module. Specifically, multiple beams emitted from the chip stripes are spatially merged using a birefringent material and then coupled into an optical fiber. The use of the birefringent material provides an efficient solution for generating the merged beam, which can be coupled into a single optical fiber.

Abstract: A process for fabricating an optical membrane device comprises providing a handle wafer and then oxidizing a surface of the handle wafer to form an insulating layer. A device wafer is then bonded to the handle wafer. An optical membrane structure is formed in this device wafer. The insulating layer is selectively removed to release the membrane structure. This device wafer can be manufactured from silicon wafer material. Such material typically has a low number of dislocations yielding a stable mechanical membrane structure. The insulating layer defines the electrical cavity across which electrical fields are established that are used to electrostatically deflect the membrane structure. The insulating layer is between 3 and 6 micrometers (&mgr;m) in thickness.

Abstract: A semiconductor tunable laser system includes a tunable Fabry-Perot cavity and a cavity length modulator, which controls an optical length of the cavity at least over a distance corresponding to the spacings between the longitudinal modes of the laser cavity. Thus, the tunable Fabry-Perot cavity allows the laser cavity to have gain at the desired wavelength of operation while the cavity length modulator tunes the cavity length such that a longitudinal cavity mode exists at the desired wavelength of operation. Also, in one embodiment, a wavelength locker system is further provides that has a differential wavelength filter, e.g., stepped etalon, and a multi-element detector, e.g., a quad-detector. The controller then modulators the Fabry-Perot cavity to control the wavelength in response to the signal received from the multi-element detector.

Abstract: A tunable Fabry-Perot filter includes an optical cavity bounded by a stationary reflector and a deformable or movable membrane reflector. A second electrostatic cavity outside of the optical cavity includes a pair of electrodes, one of which is mechanically coupled to the movable membrane reflector. A voltage applied to the electrodes across the electrostatic cavity causes deflection of the membrane, thereby changing the length of the optical cavity and tuning the filter. The filter with the movable membrane can be formed by micro device photolithographic and fabrication processes from a semiconductor material in an integrated device structure. The membrane can include an inner movable membrane portion connected within an outer body portion by a pattern of tethers. The tether pattern can be such that straight or radial tethers connect the inner membrane with the outer body. Alternatively, a tether pattern with tethers arranged in a substantially spiral pattern can be used.

Abstract: A semiconductor tunable laser system includes a tunable Fabry-Perot cavity and a cavity length modulator, which controls an optical length of the cavity at least over a distance corresponding to the spacings between the longitudinal modes of the laser cavity. Thus, the tunable Fabry-Perot cavity allows the laser cavity to have gain at the desired wavelength of operation while the cavity length modulator tunes the cavity length such that a longitudinal cavity mode exists at the desired wavelength of operation. Also, in one embodiment, a wavelength locker system is further provides that has a differential wavelength filter, e.g., stepped etalon, and a multi-element detector, e.g., a quad-detector. The controller then modulators the Fabry-Perot cavity to control the wavelength in response to the signal received from the multi-element detector.

Abstract: An optical switch device includes a rolling shutter or membrane attached at one of its edges to a substrate near an optical port in the substrate. The rolling shutter can assume one of two states. In a first closed state, the membrane is uncoiled onto the substrate over the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the shutter. In a second open state, the membrane is rolled up away from the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the port. In one embodiment, a mirror is formed on the membrane such that when the membrane is in the closed state over the substrate, light directed at the port is reflected by the mirror. In one configuration, the optical port includes a hole or aperture such light passed through the port without interference. The device can include a latch electrode the far end of the membrane such that when it is rolled out, it can be held in position by a latching voltage applied across the latch electrode and the substrate.

Abstract: An optical component is adapted for pick-and-place-style installation on an optical submount or bench and compatible with a chuck of a bonder that picks-up the optical component, places it on the optical bench, and then typically solder bonds the optical component to the bench. In the current implementation, this optical component comprises an optical element, such as an optical fiber, lens, or MOEMS device, that is attached to a plastically deformable mounting structure. The optical component has a bench-attach surface that is used to bond the optical component to an optical bench. Further, the optical component has a bonder chuck engagement surface to which a bonder chuck attaches to manipulate the optical component, such as install it, on the optical bench.

Abstract: An optical switch device includes a rolling shutter or membrane attached at one of its edges to a substrate near an optical port in the substrate. The rolling shutter can assume one of two states. In a first closed state, the membrane is uncoiled onto the substrate over the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the shutter. In a second open state, the membrane is rolled up away from the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the port. In one embodiment, a mirror is formed on the membrane such that when the membrane is in the closed state over the substrate, light directed at the port is reflected by the mirror. In one configuration, the optical port includes a hole or aperture such light passed through the port without interference. The device can include a latch electrode the far end of the membrane such that when it is rolled out, it can be held in position by a latching voltage applied across the latch electrode and the substrate.

Abstract: An optical switch device includes a rolling shutter or membrane attached at one of its edges to a substrate near an optical port in the substrate. The rolling shutter can assume one of two states. In a first closed state, the membrane is uncoiled onto the substrate over the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the shutter. In a second open state, the membrane is rolled up away from the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the port. In one embodiment, a mirror is formed on the membrane such that when the membrane is in the closed state over the substrate, light directed at the port is reflected by the mirror. In one configuration, the optical port includes a hole or aperture such light passed through the port without interference. The device can include a latch electrode the far end of the membrane such that when it is rolled out, it can be held in position by a latching voltage applied across the latch electrode and the substrate.

Abstract: A tunable Fabry-Perot filter includes an optical cavity bounded by a stationary reflector and a deformable or movable membrane reflector. A second electrostatic cavity outside of the optical cavity includes a pair of electrodes, one of which is mechanically coupled to the movable membrane reflector. A voltage applied to the electrodes across the electrostatic cavity causes deflection of the membrane, thereby changing the length of the optical cavity and tuning the filter. The filter with the movable membrane can be formed by micro device photolithographic and fabrication processes from a semiconductor material in an integrated device structure. The membrane can include an inner movable membrane portion connected within an outer body portion by a pattern of tethers. The tether pattern can be such that straight or radial tethers connect the inner membrane with the outer body. Alternatively, a tether pattern with tethers arranged in a substantially spiral pattern can be used.

Abstract: A process for fabricating an optical membrane from polycrystalline silicon comprises first forming a sacrificial layer on a handle wafer. Concavities are etched into the sacrificial layer. Polycrystalline silicon membrane layer is then formed on the sacrificial layer. The polycrystalline membrane layer is subsequently polished to achieve the predetermined membrane thickness and surface smoothness, annealed, and then patterned. Finally, the sacrificial layer is removed to release the membrane. The concavities in the sacrificial layer yield convexities in the polysilicon layer to prevent stiction adhesion to the handle wafer. During processing, a mask used to pattern the membrane layer functions to protect an highly reflecting (HR) coating for the membrane.

Abstract: Improvements to graphoepitaxy include use of irradiation by electrons, ions or electromagnetic or acoustic radiation to induce or enhance the influence of artificial defects on crystallographic orientation; use of single defects; and use of a relief structure that includes facets at 70.5 and/or 109.5 degrees.

Abstract: A distributed feedback (DFB) type laser and a method and apparatus for forming same wherein a quaternary semiconductor active lasing strip of material is buried between a substrate of binary compound of one type conductivity material and a mesa binary compound body of opposite type conductivity and a periodic grating structure is etched into the plateau of the mesa. In one embodiment, ohmic contacts are provided on either side of the grating structure and the mesa is undercut adjacent the active strip to partly isolate the ohmic contacts from the homojunction formed when the active strip is buried, preferably using a mass-transport process. In another embodiment, the ohmic contacts are formed on the top of a deeply etched grating structure. A buried layer double heterostructure (DH) laser is also described with DFB grating formed on the side walls of the layer. Additionally, a surface emitting diode laser with DFB is described.

Abstract: A distributed feedback (DFB) type laser and a method and apparatus for forming same wherein a quaternary semiconductor active lasing strip of material is buried between a substrate of binary compound of one type conductivity material and a mesa binary compound body of opposite type conductivity and a periodic grating structure is etched into the plateau of the mesa. In one embodiment, ohmic contacts are provided on either side of the grating structure and the mesa is undercut adjacent the active strip to partly isolate the ohmic contacts from the homojunction formed when the active strip is buried, preferably using a mass-transport process. In another embodiment, the ohmic contacts are formed on the top of a deeply etched grating structure. A buried layer double heterostructure (DH) laser is also described with DFB grating formed on the side wallsGOVERNMENT SUPPORTThe Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. F19628-85C-0002, awarded by the Department of the Air Force.

Abstract: A lens or fiberoptic cable focuses energy from a collimated helium neon laser beam upon a point on a mask. Some of the focused energy is reflected from the mask upon a photodetector array in an image plane, and some of this energy is reflected from a substrate closely adjacent to the mask after passing through the mask upon the photodetector array to produce an interference pattern that is sensed and characterized by a spatial frequency representative of the distance between the mask and substrate.

Abstract: Improvements on the graphoepitaxial process for obtaining epitaxial or preferred orientation films are described wherein a cap of material is formed over the film to be oriented, artificial surface-relief structure may be present in the substrate, the cap, or both, and the film may be heated by irradiation with electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Ordered liquids, or mesophases, are aligned by forming a structure on a substrate surface using a planar process of formation, the surface structure having a predetermined pattern, and applying a mesophase to the surface to substantially orient the molecules of the mesophase in accordance with the predetermined pattern. A liquid crystal display device can be made in which, in a preferred embodiment, the liquid crystal is confined between two substrates having oppositely disposed surfaces on which selected patterns of surface structures have been formed. The surface structures can be grating structures made of a conductive material, such as metal, which structures act to align the liquid crystal in accordance with the selected patterns, to polarize light passing through the surface structures, and to provide electrical contacts so that an electric signal applied thereto can produce an electric field in the region between the substrate surface structures.

Abstract: Soft carbon-K X-rays (38) expose a PMMA photoresist (31) on an oxide layer (32) of a silicon substrate (33) through a parent mask (30) separated a distance S from the resist by a spacer (34) with the parent mask slits (12, 17) defining a spatial period p to establish an intensity pattern of period p/n at the photomask with S=p.sup.2 /n.lambda., where .lambda. is the wavelength of the incident radiation and .lambda.<p.