Abstract: A passively aligned optical isolator includes laminated layers of material including two polarizing glass layers sandwiching a Faraday rotator layer. Each polarizing glass layer comprises a glass matrix containing elongated metal particles exhibiting a change in polarization axis of less than about 0.0375°/m over a distance of at least 8 mm, as measured across a major surface of the layer. The optical isolator has a contrast ratio greater than 40 dB.

Abstract: Polarizing glass articles, optical isolators including polarizing glass articles, and methods of manufacturing polarizing glass articles and optical isolators are disclosed. The methods manufacture can be used to manufacture isolators exhibiting improved contrast ratio.

Abstract: Polarizing glass articles and methods of manufacturing polarizing glass articles are disclosed. The method involves forming a polarizing layer on the surface of the glass article by ion-exchanging silver or copper into the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a melt-formed, high-silver, alkali-free, borosilicate glass that can be used for fabricating optical devices. For gradient index lenses, the glass can be subjected to an ion exchange process in order to introduce a less polarizable ion onto the glass surface having a higher refractive index on the surface relative to the center of the glass. The glass is unique in that the silver ions are not introduced by ion exchange. Rather, the high silver content of the glass is achieved during melting. As melted, the transparent alkali-free, borosilicate glass produced by the inventive method contains a high concentration of silver, exhibits a high refractive index and negligible attenuation at wavelengths longer than about 400 nm, making it particularly suitable for high performance fiber optic components such as gradient index or so-called GRIN lenses.

Abstract: A device for removing heat from a fiber-optic package having at least one optical element includes a terminated fiber for diverting excess optical power away from the optical element and an energy dissipating element having a capability to absorb the optical power from the terminated fiber and a high thermal conductivity sufficient to distribute heat generated from absorption of the optical power.

Abstract: Polarizing glass articles, optical isolators including polarizing glass articles, and methods of manufacturing polarizing glass articles and optical isolators are disclosed. The methods manufacture can be used to manufacture isolators exhibiting improved contrast ratio.

Abstract: Graded index lenses, methods, and devices are disclosed. In certain embodiments, he lenses are made from generally cylindrical glass members having a radially varying refractive index and have a pitch less than about 0.23. Other embodiments relate to graded index lenses having a pitch between about 0.23 and 0.25 and an index gradient less than or equal to 0.3.

Abstract: Polarizing glass articles and methods of manufacturing polarizing glass articles are disclosed. Optical isolators using the polarizing glass articles have reduced coupling and surface losses when compared with conventional optical isolators.

Abstract: Graded index lenses, methods, and devices are disclosed. In certain embodiments, he lenses are made from generally cylindrical glass members having a radially varying refractive index and have a pitch less than about 0.23. Other embodiments relate to graded index lenses having a pitch between about 0.23 and 0.25 and an index gradient less than or equal to 0.3.

Abstract: Graded index lenses, methods, and devices are disclosed. In certain embodiments, he lenses are made from generally cylindrical glass members having a radially varying refractive index and have a pitch less than about 0.23. Other embodiments relate to graded index lenses having a pitch between about 0.23 and 0.25 and an index gradient less than or equal to 0.3.

Abstract: A device for removing heat from a fiber-optic package having at least one optical element includes a terminated fiber for diverting excess optical power away from the optical element and an energy dissipating element having a capability to absorb the optical power from the terminated fiber and a high thermal conductivity sufficient to distribute heat generated from absorption of the optical power.

Abstract: Polarizing glass articles and methods of manufacturing polarizing glass articles are disclosed. Optical isolators using the polarizing glass articles have reduced coupling and surface losses when compared with conventional optical isolators.

Abstract: A method for aligning optical fibers with an optical component includes making a lens on an end of each optical fiber to form a microlensed fiber and arranging the microlensed fibers such that an optical axis of each of the optical fibers is oriented along a common direction. The method further includes positioning each lens a selected distance from the optical component so as to couple light into and out of the optical component.

Abstract: Polarizing glass articles and methods of manufacturing polarizing glass articles are disclosed. The method involves forming a polarizing layer on the surface of the glass article by ion-exchanging silver or copper into the surface.

Abstract: A method for patterning an optical property on a optical element that includes selectively applying an energy source to an optical element to pattern an optical property thereon. A method is disclosed where the optical element includes metal halide particles dispersed in the optical element. A method is also disclosed where localized heating includes pre-heating the optical element and heating a small region of the optical element with sufficient energy for metal halide particles to relax in shape. An additional method is disclosed for patterning an optical property on an optical element that includes fusing pieces of optical element containing the optical property with pieces of optical element without the optical property by heat treatment.

Abstract: Polarized glass articles and method of manufacturing polarizing glass articles are disclosed. Optical isolators using the polarizing glass articles have reduced coupling and surface losses when compared with conventional optical isolators.

Abstract: Methods of bonding glass articles that are subsequently drawn into sheets, rods, fibers, etc. are disclosed. Bonding is achieved without use of adhesives or high temperature fusion. The invention is particularly useful for bonding optical fiber preforms prior to drawing of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method for aligning optical fibers with an optical component includes making a lens on an end of each optical fiber to form a microlensed fiber and arranging the microlensed fibers such that an optical axis of each of the optical fibers is oriented along a common direction. The method further includes positioning each lens a selected distance from the optical component so as to couple light into and out of the optical component.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator includes a pair of lensed fibers normally having their optical axes aligned and an actuator operable to displace at least one of the pair of lensed fibers such that the optical axes are misaligned and an intensity of an optical signal passing between the lensed fibers is altered.

Abstract: A device for dissipating optical power from an optical component having a functional element includes a terminated fiber adapted to be coupled to the functional element so as to receive a light beam from the functional element and a dissipating element which absorbs the light beam from the terminated fiber, converts the absorbed light beam into thermal energy, and dissipates the thermal energy.