Abstract: This disclosure concerns systems, methods and devices for temperature-based control of laser performance. One example of a method is performed in connection with a laser of an optoelectronic transceiver. In particular, the laser is operated over a range of temperatures and the optical output of the laser is monitored. During operation of the laser, the bias current and current swing supplied to the laser are adjusted to the extent necessary to maintain a substantially constant optical output from the laser over the range of temperatures.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device uses microcode to perform an end of life calculation for the optoelectronic device. In particular, the optoelectronic device senses environmental and operational parameters under changing conditions during device operation. The optoelectronic device then calculates the end of life for itself based on one or more of the sensed environmental and/or operational parameters. The calculation can be done in real time and using digital logic. The calculation can provide a result in a format which is useful to a host system with which the device is connected. The optoelectronic device may automatically shut itself down upon reaching its calculated end of life.

Abstract: Systems and methods for validating a data link between two communication modules, such as optical transceiver modules configured for bidirectional optical communication, are disclosed. In one embodiment a method according to the invention includes a first optical transceiver module transmitting a first validation optical signal to a second optical transceiver module via an optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber, that physically interconnects both transceivers. The first validation optical signal is received by the second optical transceiver module, which lights an indicator light on its housing and returns a second validation optical signal to the first optical transceiver module. Upon receipt of the signal, the first transceiver lights its indicator light and enables data transfer to occur between both transceivers.

Abstract: An integrated reflecting and focusing structure for use in optical transmitters and receivers to redirect optical signals when an optoelectronic device of the transmitter or receiver is positioned in an off-center relationship with respect to an intended light path is disclosed. The integrated reflecting and focusing structure simplifies construction while reducing complexity of the device. In one embodiment, an optical subassembly is disclosed and includes a housing and an optical fiber that is coupled to the housing. An optoelectronic component, such as a laser diode, is positioned in the housing and is configured to produce a light beam. The subassembly further includes an integrated focusing and reflecting prism that serves as a means for simultaneously redirecting and focusing the light beam while in transit between the laser diode and the optical fiber. The focusing feature combined with redirection of the light beam obviates the need for a separate lens assembly.

Abstract: The present invention extends to a dust cap for protecting optical components from end face contamination due to external debris and that reduces the potential of the dust cap itself causing end face contamination. In one embodiment, a dust cap includes an elongate housing with a peripheral shell, an open proximal end, and a closed distal end having a predetermined size and shape for covering an optical component end face. The dust cap also includes a protective portion defining a protective cavity of a predetermined depth and position configured so as to protect the optical component end face without contacting the optical component end face. The dust cap also includes an attachment portion for attaching the dust cap to the optical component configured to reduce the potential of contaminating the optical component when the dust cap is attached to and/or removed from the optical component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring wavelength in wavelength division multiplexed systems. A thin film filter is used with a pair of photodiodes to monitor the emitted wavelength of a laser. The thin film filter is configured to both reflect and transmit light equally at a particular wavelength of interest. The ratio between the optical power of the transmitted light and optical power of the reflected light can be used to detect wavelength drift. When the laser is drifting or is no longer emitting at the target wavelength, the wavelength locker can automatically adjust a temperature of the laser. Adjusting the temperature of the laser can change the emitted wavelength of the laser such that the emitted wavelength matches a target wavelength.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing closed-loop diagnostics in optical transceiver. The TOSA of an optical receiver includes a primary transmit module and a secondary receiver module. The transmit module transmits a data signal to a ROSA of another optical transceiver. The ROSA has a secondary transmit module that can transmit a diagnostic data signal back to the secondary receiver module of the TOSA. The TOSA can use the diagnostic data received from the ROSA to automatically adjust itself and perform closed-loop feedback functions. The closed loop diagnostics can be implemented in a network where one transceiver may be connected with more than one other transceiver in a multi-node configuration.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods for calibrating optical emitters. For example, one calibration method is employed in connection with an optical transceiver that includes a laser. A range of temperatures is defined that includes low end and high end temperatures. At a first temperature, within the range, a first bias current to the laser is adjusted until the laser generates an optical signal at a first predefined power level. At a second temperature outside the range, a second bias current to the laser is adjusted until the laser generates an optical signal at a second predefined power level. If the second temperature is greater than the high end temperature, the second predefined power level is defined as less than the first predefined power level, and if the second temperature is less than the low end temperature, the second predefined power level is defined as greater than the first predefined power level.

Abstract: The present invention extends to a dust cap for protecting optical components from end face contamination due to external debris and that reduces the potential of the dust cap itself causing end face contamination. In one embodiment, a dust cap includes an elongate housing with a peripheral shell, an open proximal end, and a closed distal end having a predetermined size and shape for covering an optical component end face. The dust cap also includes a protective portion defining a protective cavity of a predetermined depth and position configured so as to protect the optical component end face without contacting the optical component end face. The dust cap also includes an attachment portion for attaching the dust cap to the optical component configured to reduce the potential of contaminating the optical component when the dust cap is attached to and/or removed from the optical component.

Abstract: A method of maintaining desirable optical performance of an optoelectronic apparatus at extreme temperatures is disclosed. At a first temperature, a first bias current at which the laser generates optical signals at a first level is determined. At a second temperature outside of a predefined range of the first temperature, a second bias current at which the laser generates optical signals at a second level is determined. If the second temperature is greater than the higher end-point temperature of the predefined range, the second predefined level is defined to be less than the first predefined level. If the second temperature is less than the lower end-point temperature of the predefined range, the second predefined range is defined to be greater than the first predefined level.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods for calibrating optical emitters. For example, one calibration method is employed in connection with an optical transceiver that includes a laser. A range of temperatures is defined that includes low end and high end temperatures. At a first temperature, within the range, a first bias current to the laser is adjusted until the laser generates an optical signal at a first predefined power level. At a second temperature outside the range, a second bias current to the laser is adjusted until the laser generates an optical signal at a second predefined power level. If the second temperature is greater than the high end temperature, the second predefined power level is defined as less than the first predefined power level, and if the second temperature is less than the low end temperature, the second predefined power level is defined as greater than the first predefined power level.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns systems, methods and devices for temperature-based control of laser performance. One example of a method is performed in connection with a laser of an optoelectronic transceiver. In particular, the laser is operated over a range of temperatures and the optical output of the laser is monitored. During operation of the laser, the bias current and current swing supplied to the laser are adjusted to the extent necessary to maintain a substantially constant optical output from the laser over the range of temperatures.

Abstract: A method of biasing a laser that includes determining a threshold current of a laser and setting a bias current for the laser as a factor of the threshold current.

Abstract: A method of maintaining desirable optical performance of optical emitters over temperature variations is disclosed. The optical performance of an optical emitter in terms of power, extinction ratio, jitter, mask margin and general fiber optic transmitter eye quality can be maintained by the present invention over a wide range of temperatures. Advantageously, the present invention enables the use of inexpensive optical emitters in optoelectronic transceivers and optoelectronic transmitters.

Abstract: A method for forming a magnetic disk comprises the following steps. First, an inner and outer cut is provided in a work piece. The waste piece thus comprises an outer waste piece, an inner waste piece, and a region between the inner and outer waste pieces that is to be used as a substrate for manufacturing a magnetic disk. The outer waste piece is separated from the substrate by applying a hot plate against the outer waste piece, thereby causing it to thermally expand and separate from the substrate. The substrate is then placed over (but not in contact with) a hot plate, while a cooling element is placed on the inner waste piece. This causes the substrate to thermally expand while the inner waste piece thermally contracts. Thus, a gap forms between the substrate and inner waste piece, thereby permitting the separation of the inner waste piece from the substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a substrate for a magnetic disk comprises the acts of mounting a workpiece on a spindle; rotating the workpiece and scribing the workpiece to form first and second scribe lines on the top surface of the workpiece and first and second scribe lines on the bottom surface of the workpiece; and breaking the workpiece along the first and second scribe lines. The first scribe line on the top and bottom surface of the work piece defines the outer diameter of the substrate. The second scribe line on the top and bottom surface of the workpiece define the inner diameter of the substrate. Because scribe lines are formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the workpiece, the edge of the substrate is less jagged than substrates that are merely scribed on one side of the workpiece and then broken. Because the scribe lines are formed by mounting the workpiece on a spindle and rotating the substrate, the scribing can be done more precisely and quickly than scribe lines formed using an x-y platform.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic disk comprises the step of applying a continuous laser beam to both sides of a glass workpiece and etching both sides of the workpiece with an aqueous acidic fluoride-containing etching solution. The portion of the workpiece receiving the laser beam etches at a much faster rate than the portions of the workpiece that were not exposed to the laser beam. The workpiece is then broken along a line or curve formed by the above-mentioned steps. The resulting structure is a substrate used to form a magnetic disk. The disk is completed by depositing an underlayer, a magnetic layer and a protective overcoat on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of biasing a laser that includes determining a threshold current of a laser and setting a bias current for the laser as a factor of the threshold current.

Abstract: A method of maintaining desirable optical performance of optical emitters over temperature variations is disclosed. The optical performance of an optical emitter in terms of power, extinction ratio, jitter, mask margin and general fiber optic transmitter eye quality can be maintained by the present invention over a wide range of temperatures. Advantageously, the present invention enables the use of inexpensive optical emitters in optoelectronic transceivers and optoelectronic transmitters.

Abstract: A method of maintaining desirable optical performance of an optoelectronic apparatus at extreme temperatures is disclosed. At a first temperature, a first bias current at which the laser generates optical signals at a first level is determined. At a second temperature outside of a predefined range of the first temperature, a second bias current at which the laser generates optical signals at a second level is determined. If the second temperature is greater than the higher end-point temperature of the predefined range, the second predefined level is defined to be less than the first predefined level. If the second temperature is less than the lower end-point temperature of the predefined range, the second predefined range is defined to be greater than the first predefined level.