Abstract: An optical component mount with beam deviation monitoring and beam guiding system using such optical component mounts. The optical component mount has a location for mounting an optical element thereon for operating on the beam and at least one sensor attached to the optical mount at a predetermined position to at least one mode of the optical component mount. The predetermined position is selected depending on the state of the optical component mount. The state can be, e.g., a vibrational state or a thermal expansion state. The predetermined position is chosen near or at an anti-node of at least one mode contributing to the state. The state of the optical mount is determined based on the signals obtained from the at least one sensor, which can be an accelerometer in the case of monitoring a vibrational state or a temperature sensor in the case of monitoring a thermal expansion state.

Abstract: The invention pertains to wavelength-agile optical filters suitable for wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) optical communications networks. More particularly, the invention pertains to optical filters with a wavelength reference that can be remotely switched to arbitrarily selectable channels on a standard grid, and to re-configurable optical communications networks employing same. The present invention provides a communication apparatus with a tunable filter which may be used in a wide range of applications including tuning an external cavity laser (ECL), selecting a wavelength for an add/drop multiplexer and providing channel selection and feedback for a wavelength locker. The filter may be utilized as a discrete component or in combination with circulators, wavelength lockers and gain medium. The filter may be implemented in whole or in part as part of a gain medium.

Abstract: The invention pertains to wavelength-agile optical filters suitable for wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) optical communications networks. More particularly, the invention pertains to optical filters with a wavelength reference that can be remotely switched to arbitrarily selectable channels on a standard grid, and to re-configurable optical communications networks employing same. The present invention provides a communication apparatus with a tunable filter which may be used in a wide range of applications including tuning an external cavity laser (ECL), selecting a wavelength for an add/drop multiplexer and providing channel selection and feedback for a wavelength locker. The filter may be utilized as a discrete component or in combination with circulators, wavelength lockers and gain medium. The filter may be implemented in whole or in part as part of a gain medium.

Abstract: An optical component mount with beam deviation monitoring and beam guiding system using such optical component mounts. The optical component mount has a location for mounting an optical element thereon for operating on the beam and at least one sensor attached to the optical mount at a predetermined position. The predetermined position is selected depending on the state of the optical component mount. The state can be, e.g., a vibrational state or a thermal expansion state. The predetermined position is chosen near or at an anti-node of at least one mode contributing to the state but not at a node of any mode expected to contribute to the state of the optical mount. The state of the optical mount is determined based on the signals obtained from the at least one sensor, which can be an accelerometer in the case of monitoring a vibrational state or a temperature sensor in the case of monitoring a thermal expansion state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuously tunable external cavity laser (ECL) with a compact form factor and precise tuning to a selected center wavelength of a selected wavelength grid. The ECL may thus be utilized in telecom applications to generate the center wavelengths for any channel on the ITU or other optical grid. The ECL does not require a closed loop feedback. A novel tuning mechanism is disclosed which provides for electrical or mechanical tuning to a known position or electrical parameter, e.g., voltage, current or capacitance, with the required precision in the selected center wavelength arising as a result of a novel arrangement of a grid generator and a channel selector. The grid generator exhibits first pass bands which correspond to the spacing between individual channels of the selected wavelength grid and a finesse which suppresses side band modes of the laser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuously tunable external cavity laser (ECL) with a compact form factor and precise tuning to a selected center wavelength of a selected wavelength grid. The ECL may thus be utilized in telecom applications to generate the center wavelengths for any channel on the ITU or other optical grid. The ECL does not require a closed loop feedback. A novel tuning mechanism is disclosed which provides for electrical or mechanical tuning to a known position or electrical parameter, e.g., voltage, current or capacitance, with the required precision in the selected center wavelength arising as a result of a novel arrangement of a grid generator and a channel selector. The grid generator exhibits first pass bands which correspond to the spacing between individual channels of the selected wavelength grid and a finesse which suppresses side band modes of the laser. The channel selector exhibits second pass bands that are wider than the first pass bands.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated method for aligning optical components including lenses, filters, lasers, fiber optics, etc. The apparatus aligns a first optic element and a second optic element and includes a frame and a sleeve. The frame defines a frame bore along a longitudinal axis thereof. The sleeve defines an eccentric bore configured to contain the first optic element or the second optic element. The sleeve is rotatably coupled in the frame bore to align the first optic element with the second optic element in a plane intersected by the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention pertains to wavelength-agile optical filters suitable for wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) optical communications networks. More particularly, the invention pertains to optical filters with a wavelength reference that can be remotely switched to arbitrarily selectable channels on a standard grid, and to re-configurable optical communications networks employing same. The present invention provides a communication apparatus with a tunable filter which may be used in a wide range of applications including tuning an external cavity laser (ECL), selecting a wavelength for an add/drop multiplexer and providing channel selection and feedback for a wavelength locker. The filter may be utilized as a discrete component or in combination with circulators, wavelength lockers and gain medium. The filter may be implemented in whole or in part as part of a gain medium.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method and apparatus for aligning optical components including lenses, filters, lasers, fiber optics, etc. It may be used with particular advantage for the alignment of a fiber optic with active or passive optical components. It is inexpensive to fabricate. It does away with the need for expensive setup equipment. It allows optical components to be aligned with a high degree of accuracy and permanence. It has a small form factor.

Abstract: An interferometer and related methods for wavelength monitoring are disclosed. The interferometer may be used for the wavelength monitoring or as part of a wavelength feedback and control circuit for an optical signal source. The device operates by creating an output beam on which constructive and destructive optical interference may be detected. The optical interference is generated by a monochromatic beam split into a first beam traversing a stationary path and a second beam traversing a path of variable length. The first and second beams are then recombined to create constructive/destructive interference which may be measured by a detector and correlated with a processor to determine the output wavelength of the optical source. The maximum and minimum of the variable path length are precisely controlled due to use of a micro-positionable semiconductor retroreflector or mirror.

Abstract: A thin-film semiconductor pinhole component with monolithically integrated position-sensing photodetectors is herein referred to as a Position Sensitive Pinhole (PSP). Another embodiment is also discussed where a PSP is integrated onto a platform with controllable motion and is herein referred to as a Movable Position Sensitive Pinhole (MPSP). A third embodiment describes the MPSP with capacitive, electrostatic actuation incorporated into the device to achieve controlled motion, herein referred to as a Capacitively Actuated Movable Position Sensitive Pinhole (CAMPSP). Each of those embodiments of the present invention are discussed, as are their method of manufacture and use in a laser environment as a spatial filter.

Abstract: A thin-film semiconductor pinhole component with monolithically integrated position-sensing photodetectors is herein referred to as a Position Sensitive Pinhole (PSP). Another embodiment is also discussed where a PSP is integrated onto a platform with controllable motion and is herein referred to as a Movable Position Sensitive Pinhole (MPSP). A third embodiment describes the MPSP with capacitive, electrostatic actuation incorporated into the device to achieve controlled motion, herein referred to as a Capacitively Actuated Movable Position Sensitive Pinhole (CAMPSP). Each of those embodiments of the present invention are discussed, as are their method of manufacture and use in a laser environment as a spatial filter.