Abstract: In order to manufacture an integrated optical circuit, a first mask is formed on a first region of a substrate and defines the shape of at least one optical device (such as a waveguide). A second mask is formed on a second region of the substrate and corresponds to an optical structure (such as a periodic array structure or photonic crystal) to be formed in a second region of the substrate distinct from the first region. The first mask and the second mask are each made of a material which substantially resists a predetermined etching gas. The second mask may formed, patterned, and etched without adversely affecting the characteristics of the first mask.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength Raman laser comprising a Raman fiber forming part of an optical ring, preferably most parts of which are formed by optical fiber. The ring includes a periodic filter selectively transmitting optical power at a number of equally spaced wavelengths corresponding to the wavelengths of the laser output. Radiation at the signal wavelengths propagating in one direction on the ring is tapped onto an output fiber. An optical isolator is formed either in the ring or fiber tapped into the ring to suppress radiation propagating in the reverse direction on the ring. A frequency shifter may be inserted into the loop to prevent power from concentrating in a single mode, thereby allowing wide band lasing. A band pass filter may be inserted into the loop to restrict the lasing band.

Abstract: An active photonic crystal device for controlling an optical signal is disclosed. The device includes a planar photonic crystal with a defect waveguide bounded on the top and bottom by an upper cladding region and a lower cladding region. An optical signal propagating in the defect waveguide is confined in the plane of the photonic crystal by the photonic bandgap, and in the direction normal to the photonic crystal by the upper clad region and the lower clad region. The propagation of the optical signal in the defect waveguide is controlled by varying the optical properties at least one of the upper clad region or the lower clad region. The variation of the optical properties of the controllable regions may be achieved using a thermo-optic effect, an electro-optic effect, a stress-optic effect, or a mechano-optic effect, or by moving a material into or out of the controllable region.

Abstract: Active photonic crystal devices for controlling an optical signal is disclosed. The devices include a planar photonic crystal with a defect waveguide. In one embodiment of the invention, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by changing a dimension of the planar photonic crystal structure. In another embodiment, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by inserting rods into the columnar holes of the planar photonic crystal structure. In a third embodiment of the invention, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by filling the holes of the planar photonic crystal structure with fluid.

Abstract: In order to manufacture an integrated optical circuit, a first mask is formed on a first region of a substrate and defines the shape of at least one optical device (such as a waveguide). A second mask is formed on a second region of the substrate and corresponds to an optical structure (such as a periodic array structure or photonic crystal) to be formed in a second region of the substrate distinct from the first region. The first mask and the second mask are each made of a material which substantially resists a predetermined etching gas. The second mask may formed, patterned, and etched without adversely affecting the characteristics of the first mask.

Abstract: Active photonic crystal devices for controlling an optical signal is disclosed. The devices include a planar photonic crystal with a defect waveguide. In one embodiment of the invention, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by changing a dimension of the planar photonic crystal structure. In another embodiment, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by inserting rods into the columnar holes of the planar photonic crystal structure. In a third embodiment of the invention, the propagation of the optical signal is controlled by filling the holes of the planar photonic crystal structure with fluid.