Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for combining, transmitting and receiving two or more high definition video control signals, namely, DDC and HDCP over a single bi-directional optical fiber or a duplex optical fiber, wherein a source and a sink are in communication with each other through the apparatus, and wherein the sink includes EDID and HDCP registers. A single transmitter module and receiver module pair are provided wherein the transmitter module includes replications of the sink EDID and HDCP registers, whereby any write request from the source to the sink is stored within the replicated EDID and HDCP registers so that any read request from the source to the sink can be answered immediately. Optional high definition video control signals may also be included in the system including Hot Plug, CEC, 5V and infrared.

Abstract: A bi-directional (BiDi) electrical to optical converter (transceiver) module is described that contains means for communicating in a full duplex fashion over one fiber. Furthermore, an automatic fail-over capability is included which allows redundancy to be build in to the transceiver. In one configuration, a BiDi transceiver module contains two lasers at different wavelengths and a means for establishing which wavelength to communicate with. An example of an application for the described invention is a storage area network application which requires redundant links and are currently bound by the number of fibers connecting to the front panels of switches.

Abstract: An optical device for combining optical signals of different wavelengths is described wherein an array of laser output beams are collimated, directed to propagate along a similar path, and coupled into an optical fiber through a single molded part. The single-part optical coupling module can be constructed in various ways to achieve the desired configuration. One example is a single plastic-injection molded part, containing mechanical alignment features, an array of collimating lenses, and a focusing lens housed within a fiber optic connector ferrule. The laser output beams are separately passed through separate radial sectors of the focusing lens.

Abstract: A bi-directional (BiDi) electrical to optical converter (transceiver) module is described that contains means for communicating in a full duplex fashion over one fiber. Furthermore, an automatic fail-over capability is included which allows redundancy to be build in to the transceiver. In one configuration, a BiDi transceiver module contains two lasers at different wavelengths and a means for establishing which wavelength to communicate with. An example of an application for the described invention is a storage area network application which requires redundant links and are currently bound by the number of fibers connecting to the front panels of switches.

Abstract: A low profile optical wavelength division multiplexer and/or demultiplexer is provided which is carried in a pluggable module and adapted for detachable connection to a host device. The device includes a three strata optical subassembly including a substrate, a molded plastic coupling module and an optical block either connected to or integrally formed with the molded coupling module. The device can be used with either horizontally or vertically pluggable modules. The device has one embodiment capable of mounting in a GBIC compliant module.

Abstract: A low profile, optical WDM is provided having a single mode tolerance. To accomplish the low profile aspect, laser-to-fiber connections are utilized, eliminating most of the fiber-to-fiber connections required by the prior art. Reduction of fiber-to-fiber connections facilitates the downsizing of the device without the risk of breaking fibers. The single mode tolerance is achieved by the use of canned lasers together with a precision optical block. A 4 channel embodiment can be packaged in a module less than 5 mm thick, less than 20 mm wide and less than 25 mm in length.

Abstract: An opto-electronic device is provided wherein an optical assembly having a first coefficient of thermal expansion is connected to a substrate having a second, different coefficient of thermal expansion. A plurality of stakes are either separately inserted or integrally formed-in the optical assembly and extend through and are adhesively bonded to passageways formed in the substrate. The stakes reduce or prevent differential thermal expansion that would otherwise occur as the device heats up during operation. The substrate may be thermally connected to a metallic housing for the device to increase transfer of unwanted heat into the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A cost-effective wavelength division multiplexer and demultiplexer for use in optical communication consists of three modules, including a fiber array, a lens array and a filter array/reflector. Each array is made in wafer level with very precise position control and is bonded to an adjacent wafer by conventional wafer bonding techniques. In addition to eliminating the need for active alignment in the manufacturing process of a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) transceiver, the invention reduces the footprint of such a device to the order of a few millimeters and the process is suitable for low-cost, large quantity manufacturing. The fiber array is connected to the light sources, which optimally are fiber pig-tailed semiconductor lasers to enable repeatable and accurate placement in reference to the lens array.

Abstract: Optical to electrical and electrical to optical conversion assemblies provide precise and stable alignment, low loss, unperturbed electrical transmission and high thermal conductivity. Mechanically isolating the ceramic substrate of the conversion assembly relative to the surrounding structures enables good long-term optical alignment. Electrical transmission line connections to and from the optical conversion circuits on the ceramic substrates are made via flexible circuit board designs. The alignment of the components on the substrate relative to the plastic optics is thus preserved. The flexible circuit board includes a cross hatched ground layer, which relieves portions of the metallization below the signal layer and yet is able to maintain the desired transmission line properties. Electrical to optical conversion circuits are provided where the transmission of the electrical signals to the converter circuits is accomplished with minimal loss and with good signal integrity.

Abstract: A patterned opaque layer is applied between adjacent filters mounted on a common optical block surface in a wavelength division multiplexer and demultiplexer. The patterned opaque layer covers the optically transparent regions between adjacent filters mounted on the common surface of the optical block. The patterned opaque layer is also applied around the perimeter of the footprint of the array of filters mounted on the common surface of the optical block. The patterned opaque layer reduces cross-talk between the filters and reduces optical noise.

Abstract: A low profile optical wavelength division multiplexer and/or demultiplexer is provided which is carried in a pluggable module and adapted for detachable connection to a host device. The device includes a three strata optical subassembly including a substrate, a molded plastic coupling module and an optical block either connected to or integrally formed with the molded coupling module. The device can be used with either horizontally or vertically pluggable modules. The device has one embodiment capable of mounting in a GBIC compliant module.

Abstract: An opto-electronic device is provided wherein an optical assembly having a first coefficient of thermal expansion is connected to a substrate having a second, different coefficient of thermal expansion. A plurality of stakes are either separately inserted or integrally formed in the optical assembly and extend through and are adhesively bonded to passageways formed in the substrate. The stakes reduce or prevent differential thermal expansion that would otherwise occur as the device heats up during operation. The substrate may be thermally connected to a metallic housing for the device to increase transfer of unwanted heat into the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplex/demultiplexer (WDM) has a plurality of narrow-band zeroth order resonant grating filters (10a-10e) to multiplex or demultiplex multiple wavelengths that have very close channel spacing. In one embodiment, a plurality of these filters (10a14 10e) are assembled in a block (20) in parallel and at an angle to a propagation axis to reflect signals for a plurality of discrete frequency channels. The block spacing material (21) can be liquid or solid. In another embodiment, the angular orientation of the resonant grating filters (10f-10g) is varied slightly to provide reflected signals for the plurality of discrete frequency channels. Crosstalk between channels can be reduced by reflecting each signal three times. Individual filters can be of binary structure or a sinusoidal grating (16) and can be made using thin film techniques.

Abstract: An optical wavelength division multiplexer and de-multiplexer for single mode or multi-mode fiber optic communication systems is provided. The device includes in its preferred embodiment a prefabricated optical block having a reflective coating on its flat upper surface and a plurality of n filters carried on its flat lower surface. A molded plastic coupling module has a flat upper surface to which the optical block and filters are adhesively mounted and the coupling module also includes a lower surface having a plurality of n aspheric lenses. In the preferred embodiment, a fiber optic cable receptacle is molded to the coupling module along with a collimating lens and a beam reflector so that, when the components are assembled, the optical pathway is passively aligned and no postfabrication alignment adjusting or tuning is required.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus is provided for measuring the thickness of a moving sheet material (18). The apparatus has a pair of optical measurement systems (21, 31) attached to opposing surfaces (14, 16) of a rigid support structure (10). A pair of high-power laser diodes (20,30) and a pair of photodetector arrays (22,32) are attached to the opposing surfaces. Light emitted from the laser diodes is reflected off of the sheet material surfaces (17, 19) and received by the respective photodetector arrays. An associated method for implementing the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A resonant grating structure in a waveguide and methods of tuning the performance of the grating structure are described. An apparatus includes a waveguide; and a subwavelength resonant grating structure embedded in the waveguide. The systems and methods provide advantages including narrowband filtering capabilities, minimal sideband reflections, spatial control, high packing density, and tunability.