Abstract: This invention provides a novel method and apparatus which use a wavelength-dispersing means such as a diffraction grating to spatially separate a multi-wavelength optical signal along with a reference signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels and a reference spectral component in a spectral array with a predetermined relative alignment. By aligning the reference spectral component at a predetermined location, the spectral channels simultaneously impinge onto designated locations, e.g., on an array of beam-receiving elements positioned in accordance with the spectral array. The reference spectral component may be further maintained at the predetermined location by way of servo-control, thereby ensuring that the spectral channels stay aligned at the designated locations. The present invention can be used to construct a new line of servo-based optical systems, including spectral power monitors and optical multiplexers/demultiplexers, for WDM optical networking applications.

Abstract: This invention provides a spectral power monitoring apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal along with a reference signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels and a reference spectral component having a predetermined relative alignment, impinging onto an array of optical power sensors. The optical power sensor array may be configured such that the power levels of the spectral channels impinging onto the optical power sensor array can be related to the electrical signals thus produced by a predetermined conversion matrix. The spectral power monitoring apparatus of the present invention further includes an alignment compensation unit, which monitors the real-time impinging position of the reference spectral component and ensures that the corresponding conversion matrix is used for converting the measured electrical signals to the optical power levels of interest.

Abstract: An optical system and method for selective transmission of light between a source of light and a set of storage disks along an optical path includes at least one polarization maintaining optical fiber optical fiber. Various noise reduction techniques are provided by substantially decreasing or eliminating spurious reflections (or the effects thereof) at end faces and of an optical fiber. In particular, various techniques, such as index matching, a cover slip method, or laser modulation, may be used to eliminate spurious reflections (or the effects thereof) at the front end face of the optical fiber. Various techniques, such index matching or multi-mode fiber splicing, may be used to eliminate spurious reflections (or the effects thereof) at the back end face of the optical fiber.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels, which are focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into selected output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports. The WSR apparatus of the invention may further employ a polarization diversity scheme, whereby polarization-sensitive effects become inconsequential and insertion loss is minimized. The WSR apparatus of the invention may additionally be equipped with servo-control and channel equalization capabilities.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels, which are then focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into selected output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports. The WSR apparatus of the present invention may be further equipped with servo-control and spectral power-management capabilities, thereby maintaining the coupling efficiencies of the spectral channels into the output ports at desired values.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels, which are then focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into selected output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports, thereby constituting a dynamic optical drop module (RODM). By operating an RODM in reverse, a dynamic optical add module (ROAM) is also provided. The RODM (or ROAM) of the present invention may be further equipped with servo-control and power-management capabilities.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels, which are then focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into selected output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports. The WSR apparatus of the present invention may be further equipped with servo-control and spectral power-management capabilities, thereby maintaining the coupling efficiencies of the spectral channels into the output ports at desired values.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels, which are then focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into multiple output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports. The WSR apparatus of the present invention may be further equipped with servo-control and spectral power-management capabilities, thereby maintaining the coupling efficiencies of the spectral channels into the output ports at desired values.

Abstract: A magneto-optical flying head utilizes a steerable mirror in combination with a light source and a lens to write and read data onto a magneto-optical storage disk. A beam of laser light transmitted from the light source to the optical head is reflected onto a steerable micro-machined folding mirror. The reflected light from the folding mirror is directed through an embedded micro-objective GRIN lens. Fine tracking and short seeks to adjacent tracks are performed by rotating the mirror about an axis of rotation. In this way a focus spot is scanned back and forth in a direction which is approximately parallel to the radial direction of the storage disk.

Abstract: An optical microswitch for use with a laser beam comprising a support body and first and second output fibers carried by the body. An electrostatic microactuator is carried by the body and extends in a plane. A micromirror is disposed out of the plane. The microactuator has a mirror holder coupled to the micromirror and at least one comb drive assembly coupled to the mirror holder for driving the micromirror about an axis of rotation extending perpendicular to the plane between a first position for reflecting the laser beam to the first output fiber and a second position for reflecting the laser beam to the second output fiber.

Abstract: An optical data storage system 100 utilizes optical fibers 102 for transfer of information to and from storage media 107. The storage media 107 comprises magneto-optical storage disks. The optical fibers 102 are low-birefringence optical fibers. As compared to the prior art, a polarization state conveyed by the optical fiber 102 is accurately reproduced with reduced noise.

Abstract: An optical data storage system 100 utilizes optical fibers 102 for transfer of information to and from storage media 107. The storage media 107 comprises magneto-optical storage disks. The optical fibers 102 are low-birefringence optical fibers. As compared to the prior art, a polarization state conveyed by the optical fiber 102 is accurately reproduced with reduced noise.

Abstract: An actuator assembly directs a first beam of light towards an optical assembly. A particular angular displacement of the beam of light relative to the optical assembly by the actuator assembly directs the beam of light to exit the optical assembly at a particular output port.

Abstract: A system for maximum magneto-optical data storage system is provided. The system utilizes double-sided first surface magnetically-induced super resolution storage media to provide the ability to access a data mark from a plurality of data marks within an optical spot size of an impinging optical beam of light.

Abstract: A slider is used in an optical or magneto-optical head having an optical assembly mounted on the slider body, for directing a read-write laser beam onto and from a data storage disk. The optical assembly includes an optical fiber a mirror a quarter wavelength plate, and a lens. The optical fiber guides the laser beam along an optical path defined by the optical assembly and the slider body. The laser beam emanating from the optical fiber impinges upon the mirror and is reflected thereby onto and through the quarter wavelength plate. The laser beam continues its travel along the optical path through the lens and a magnetic coil assembly onto the disk. The slider includes a channel pattern formed on its upper surface for positioning the optical components on the slider body. The channel pattern includes a plurality of channels that define an optical path, and a plurality of cavities formed along these channels for receiving various components such as optical, magnetic and electrical components.

Abstract: A magneto-optical (MO) data storage system has a flying optical head supported over a MO storage medium, the flying head having channels or grooves formed therein and optical elements disposed within the grooves for directing an incident light beam to the storage medium and for receiving a reflected light beam from the storage medium. The flying head may comprise a two-piece assembly comprising a slider body which flies over the surface of the storage medium, and a separate optics mounting block formed to receive the optical elements and to be supported on the flying head. Preferably, the slider body is L-shaped and provides an angled surface for receiving a micro-machined mirror aligned with optical elements on the optics mounting block and controllable for deflecting the light beam to and from the storage medium.

Abstract: A composite slider, for use in an optical or magneto-optical head that includes an optical assembly, comprises a mounting block that supports optical components, and a body that provides an air bearing surface and that further supports optical components. The slider body and mounting block include channel patterns that define an optical path. The slider mounting block includes an adhesive release channel disposed transversely relative to the optical path. The slider body includes a vertical channel and a lateral channel within which the optical components are disposed.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system includes a micro machined mirror assembly (.mu.MM) having a plate layer defining a surface micro machined mirror supported at a central axis by two opposed torsional frame members connected to inner edges of a surrounding frame.

Abstract: An optical head for transmission of light between a source of light and a storage location along an optical path that includes at least one offset optical element.

Abstract: A magneto-optical flying head utilizes a steerable mirror in combination with a light source and a lens to write and read data onto a magneto-optical storage disk. A beam of laser light transmitted from the light source to the optical head is reflected onto a steerable micro-machined folding mirror. The reflected light from the folding mirror is directed through an embedded micro-objective GRIN lens. Fine tracking and short seeks to adjacent tracks are performed by rotating the mirror about an axis of rotation. In this way a focus spot is scanned back and forth in a direction which is approximately parallel to the radial direction of the storage disk.