Abstract: A method of forming an electro-optical modulator including forming a lithium-niobate (LN) wafer including an optical waveguide situated within and proximate a first side of the LN wafer; bonding the LN wafer to a substrate such that the first side of the LN wafer faces the substrate; thinning the LN wafer; and forming coplanar transmission lines over and/or on a second side of the LN wafer, wherein the coplanar transmission lines extend parallel with and are laterally on either side of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: Various implementations of an apparatus for sensing one or more parameters are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a sweeping wavelength laser configured to generate a sweeping wavelength optical signal; an optical fiber including a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) structure configured to sense a parameter, wherein the optical fiber is configured to receive the sweeping wavelength optical signal, wherein the FBG structure is configured to produce a reflected optical signal with a particular wavelength in response to the sweeping wavelength optical signal, and wherein the particular wavelength varies as a function of the parameter; a photo detector configured to generate an electrical signal based on the reflected optical signal; a comparator configured to generate a pulse based on a comparison of the electrical signal to a threshold; and a processor configured to generate an indication of the parameter based on the pulse. The comparator may be configured as a Schmitt trigger.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optically interfacing optical fibers with photo devices. In one implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to produce internal reflection of an incident optical signal propagating within the fiber from a distal end, and a photo device configured to receive the reflected optical signal. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to produce internal reflection of an incident optical signal generated by a photo device for propagation within the fiber towards a distal end. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to refract an incident optical signal propagating within the fiber from a distal end, and a photo device configured to receive the refracted optical signal. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to refract an incident optical signal generated by a photo device for propagation within the fiber towards a distal end.

Abstract: An optical signal distribution system is provided herein useful for multiple service operators (MSOs) in providing content data to subscribers, and receiving control and other data from subscribers. The system facilitates the transmission of content data to the subscribers and the control and other data from subscribers substantially in the optical domain. The system includes a head-end configured to transmit the content data via a forward channel optical signal and receive the control data via a composite reverse channel optical signal. The system also includes a signal distribution hub configured to receive and replicate the forward channel optical signal for transmission to optical taps, receive reverse channel optical signals from the optical taps, generate a composite reverse channel optical signal, and transmit the composite reverse channel optical signal. Each optical tap sends and receives the forward and reverse channel optical signals to and from a plurality of subscribers units.

Abstract: Various implementations of an apparatus for sensing one or more parameters are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a sweeping wavelength laser configured to generate a sweeping wavelength optical signal; an optical fiber including a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) structure configured to sense a parameter, wherein the optical fiber is configured to receive the sweeping wavelength optical signal, wherein the FBG structure is configured to produce a reflected optical signal with a particular wavelength in response to the sweeping wavelength optical signal, and wherein the particular wavelength varies as a function of the parameter; a photo detector configured to generate an electrical signal based on the reflected optical signal; a comparator configured to generate a pulse based on a comparison of the electrical signal to a threshold; and a processor configured to generate an indication of the parameter based on the pulse. The comparator may be configured as a Schmitt trigger.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optically interfacing optical fibers with photo devices. In one implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to produce internal reflection of an incident optical signal propagating within the fiber from a distal end, and a photo device configured to receive the reflected optical signal. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to produce internal reflection of an incident optical signal generated by a photo device for propagation within the fiber towards a distal end. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to refract an incident optical signal propagating within the fiber from a distal end, and a photo device configured to receive the refracted optical signal. In another implementation, the optical fiber comprises an end surface configured to refract an incident optical signal generated by a photo device for propagation within the fiber towards a distal end.

Abstract: An optical signal distribution system is provided herein useful for multiple service operators (MSOs) in providing content data to subscribers, and receiving control and other data from subscribers. The system facilitates the transmission of content data to the subscribers and the control and other data from subscribers substantially in the optical domain. The system includes a head-end configured to transmit the content data via a forward channel optical signal and receive the control data via a composite reverse channel optical signal. The system also includes a signal distribution hub configured to receive and replicate the forward channel optical signal for transmission to optical taps, receive reverse channel optical signals from the optical taps, generate a composite reverse channel optical signal, and transmit the composite reverse channel optical signal. Each optical tap sends and receives the forward and reverse channel optical signals to and from a plurality of subscribers units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing an optical fiber in the wall of a modulator housing utilizes a metal crimp to compress sealingly a elastomer sleeve against the optical fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suppressing false resonances in fiber optic modulators forms cavities in the modulator housing and fills the cavities with a flowable composition that includes iron.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for testing an optical circuit simultaneously contacts and allows testing of a plurality of optical circuits in a substrate before the optical circuits are cut from the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing an optical fiber in a housing includes welding the optical fiber to fused silica or to a glass frit material such that the physical properties of the optical fiber are substantially unchanged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing simultaneously a plurality of optical circuits automatically cycles through and controls a plurality of selected test for each of the optical circuits. The test parameters for one optical circuit can be altered independently of the remaining optical circuits. A test report is prepared for each optical circuit and shipped with the circuit. A thermoelectric cooler is used to vary the temperature of each optical circuit.

Abstract: An Integrated Optics Chip (IOC) package for an IOC, including a base having an upper support surface having a first raised surface and a dielectric gel disposed on the first raised surface of the base and adapted to couple to the IOC. The dielectric gel is sufficiently compliant to minimize stresses from structural changes in the base, accommodate a thermal mismatch between the IOC and the base, and reduce vibration. A first adhesive may be applied to a platform integral to the base that is sufficiently rigid to prevent the IOC from separating from the dielectric gel during vibration. A second adhesive may be applied on a second raised surface of the base to provide strain relief to the leads of the IOC. Advantages include the elimination of several components and manufacturing steps, improved strain relief and vibration dampening, as well as manufacturing time and cost savings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a plurality of optical circuits provides a single broadband light source and means for splitting the light produced by the broadband light source in order to produce a plurality of light beams each of which is directed to a selected one of the plurality of optical circuits.

Abstract: A process for greatly improving the DC drift problem associated with LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 substrates. The process immerses the substrates in a heat bath comprised of a strong acid and then subjects the substrates to cyclical annealing.

Abstract: A proton exchange polarizer with a spatial filter positioned to reduce cross coupling of unguided radiation. A photoconductor substrate is fabricated from LiNbO.sub.3 or LiTaO.sub.3. The substrate has a spatial filter located at a primary reflection point on a bottom of the substrate so as to block unguided TM mode light from reaching the output of the substrate. The spatial filter is fabricated by physical or chemical methods such as saw cutting, diamond machining, etching, micro-machining, laser-machining and/or damaging the surface of the substrate. The unguided TM mode light is attenuated by blockage or interruption of the transmissive region.