Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first power rail and a second power rail extending in a first direction, and a first power grid stub connected to the first power rail through a first via-connector. The integrated circuit also includes a first vertical conducting line extending in a second direction in a circuit cell between a first vertical cell boundary and a second vertical cell boundary. The first vertical conducting line and the first power grid stub are in a same metal layer and aligned with each other along the second direction.

Abstract: A WDM add/drop module. The drop portion of the add/drop module is accomplished by using thin film filters or thin film interleavers. The add portion of the add/drop module uses fused fiber interleavers for the less critical stages of the multiplexing process. In a final stage, fused fiber interleavers can be placed in series. A thin film intervleaver having a flattop frequency response may also be used for the critical stage where the multiplexed channels are more closely spaced. The frequency response of the thin film interleaver is relatively constant across a bandwith of a channel while having a drop off at the channel edge to reduce cross talk.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the addition of DWDM modules to CWDM systems in order to increase bandwidth over existing lines. This allows for the expansion of communications capacity without the need to replace existing CWDM systems. The DWDM modules can be transparently inserted into the CWDM systems by, in the CWDM system, reserving a channels for use by the DWDM. The DWDM system then occupies that channel with a scalable number of DWDM wavelength channels, for example four, eight, or sixteen. The DWDM systems can be used in both single and dual fiber systems as well as ring systems. Use of single fiber systems is obtained by implementing coupling devices, such as interleavers, passband filters, and circulators, that can used in pairs to couple bidirectional signals over a single fiber.

Abstract: Methods and structures for reducing and/or eliminating moisture penetration in an optical package. The optical package may include (1) a layer of inorganic material placed over the points of the optical package susceptible moisture penetration of the optical package; (2) a portion of hygroscopic material placed over the points of the optical package susceptible to moisture penetration; (3) a layer of hygroscopic material placed on the interior surface of the optical package; and/or (4) a layer of hydrophobic material coated on the optical surfaces of the optical package.

Abstract: Systems and methods use single-fiber optical add/drop multiplexers (OADMs) to enable bi-directional data transmission in WDM systems over a single fiber. By reducing the required capacity for an optical network from dual fibers to a single fiber, significant cost and bandwidth efficiencies are achieved. The systems and methods also provide redundancy protection in single-fiber bidirectional line ring systems. In the event of a downstream fiber or device failure, the OADM module receives a signal on a first wavelength from a first direction, shifts the signal from the first wavelength to a second wavelength, and sends the signal back down the fiber it originated from on the second wavelength, thus maintaining the propagation of the signal in the ring system.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with optical add/drop modules. In one example, he drop portion of the add/drop module is accomplished by using thin film filters or thin film interleavers. The add portion of the add/drop module uses fused fiber interleavers for the less critical stages of the multiplexing process. In a final stage, fused fiber interleavers can be placed in series. A thin film interleaver having a flattop frequency response may also be used for the critical stage where the multiplexed channels are more closely spaced. The frequency response of the thin film interleaver is relatively constant across a bandwidth of a channel while having a drop off at the channel edge to reduce cross talk.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide for methods to launch data signals from single mode fiber optic cable into legacy multimode fiber optic cable. In one exemplary embodiment, a single mode fiber is offset slightly from the axis of a multimode fiber, thus only exciting the outer mode of the multimode fiber. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, a core portion of the single mode fiber is exposed, heated, and fused with a cladding portion of the multimode fiber. In yet another alternate exemplary embodiment, various lenses can be used to collimate and focus light signals from single mode fibers into multimode fibers, and vice versa. In these exemplary embodiments, the transmitted light signals can be in the range of from 1470 to about 1610 nm with, for example, a 20 nm channel separation. Other wavelengths and channel separations are also possible.

Abstract: An optical add/drop patch cord. The optical add/drop patch cord has an optical add/drop component enclosed by a casing. An input fiber is optically coupled to the optical add/drop component and permanently or detachably connected to the casing. A drop fiber is optically coupled to the optical add/drop component and permanently or detachably connected to the casing. An add fiber is optically coupled to the optical add/drop component and permanently connected to the casing. An output fiber is optically coupled to the optical add/drop component and permanently connected to the casing.

Abstract: A coaxial optical component and method of packaging and manufacturing a coaxial optical component. A dual fiber collimator is formed from a dual fiber pigtail and a collimating lens. The dual fiber pigtail and the collimating lens are adequately aligned such that the optical loss is minimized. Spacers are placed around the dual fiber collimator and epoxy is placed between the spacers and around the dual fiber collimator. The dual fiber collimator and the spacers are inserted in one end of a metal housing and aligned before the epoxy is cured. The spacers thus position the dual fiber collimator within the housing while separating the dual fiber collimator from the housing. The metal housing includes an extended portion adapted to receive another optical element for use with the dual fiber pigtail. Alternatively, the dual fiber collimator is replaced with a different optical element and secured within the metal housing.

Abstract: A thin film interleaver device is disclosed. The thin film interleaver includes thin film optics. The thin film(s) are formed such that they reflect one group of wavelengths while allowing a second group of wavelengths to pass through the thin film(s). The thin film(s) exhibit a flat top frequency response across the channel bandwidths of the multiplexed signal for which the thin film filter is designed such that the thin film interleaver is less sensitive to wavelength drift and temperature variations.

Abstract: A thin film interleaver device is disclosed. The thin film interleaver includes thin film optics. The thin film(s) are formed such that they reflect one group of wavelengths while allowing a second group of wavelengths to pass through the thin film(s). The thin film(s) exhibit a flat top frequency response across the channel bandwidths of the multiplexed signal for which the thin film filter is designed such that the thin film interleaver is less sensitive to wavelength drift and temperature variations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fused coupler having at least two fiber optic cables that have a positive coefficient of thermal expansion. A section of each of the fiber optic cables is placed together and heated until they form a single fused section that acts as a coupler. A jacket having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion, the absolute value of which is approximately equal to the absolute value of the positive coefficient of thermal expansion of the fiber optic cables, is placed around the fused section of the fiber optic cables. The jacket can be manufactured from a ceramic material that is specifically manufactured with a negative coefficient of thermal expansion. A filler material, such as an epoxy resin, is inserted in a gap between the jacket and the fused sections of the fiber optic cables such that the gap is filled in.

Abstract: An interleaver device and associated methods of manufacturing and calibration that use a laser bending technique to adjust the relative position of interferometers of the interleaver. The interleaver device includes a laterally divided housing with two lateral portions separated by supports. The supports are web like structures, the length of which can be adjusted in a predictable or measurable manner in response to a laser beam. The laser bending calibration and manufacturing technique uses a laser and a feedback and control system to adjust the spacing and angular relation between the lateral portions by partially melting one or more of the supports. The feedback and control system includes an optical detector, a computer, and a positioning system. This combination of components allows the interleaver device to be calibrated to precisely adjust the separation between channels within a WDM optical signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fused coupler having at least two fiber optic cables that have a positive coefficient of thermal expansion. A section of each of the fiber optic cables is placed together and heated until they form a single fused section that acts as a coupler. A jacket having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion, the absolute value of which is approximately equal to the absolute value of the positive coefficient of thermal expansion of the fiber optic cables, is placed around the fused section of the fiber optic cables. The jacket can be manufactured from a ceramic material that is specifically manufactured with a negative coefficient of thermal expansion. A filler material, such as an epoxy resin, is inserted in a gap between the jacket and the fused sections of the fiber optic cables such that the gap is filled in.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with optical add/drop modules. In one example, he drop portion of the add/drop module is accomplished by using thin film filters or thin film interleavers. The add portion of the add/drop module uses fused fiber interleavers for the less critical stages of the multiplexing process. In a final stage, fused fiber interleavers can be placed in series. A thin film interleaver having a flattop frequency response may also be used for the critical stage where the multiplexed channels are more closely spaced. The frequency response of the thin film interleaver is relatively constant across a bandwidth of a channel while having a drop off at the channel edge to reduce cross talk.

Abstract: Methods and structures for reducing and/or eliminating moisture penetration in an optical package. The optical package may include (1) a layer of inorganic material placed over the points of the optical package susceptible moisture penetration of the optical package; (2) a portion of hygroscopic material placed over the points of the optical package susceptible to moisture penetration; (3) a layer of hygroscopic material placed on the interior surface of the optical package; and/or (4) a layer of hydrophobic material coated on the optical surfaces of the optical package.

Abstract: Optical systems route signals bi-directionally on a single fiber. The bidirectional data transmission over a single fiber can be used for WDM systems, including for example both CWDM and DWDM systems. The systems can include devices, such as interleavers, bandpass filter, and circulators, which are used in pairs at opposite ends of an optical fiber to couple signals into a bidirectional signal over the optical fiber. The use of a circulator enables signals traveling in opposite directions on the single fiber to occupy the same wavelength channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods use single-fiber optical add/drop multiplexers (OADMs) to enable bi-directional data transmission in WDM systems over a single fiber. By reducing the required capacity for an optical network from dual fibers to a single fiber, significant cost and bandwidth efficiencies are achieved. The systems and methods also provide redundancy protection in single-fiber bidirectional line ring systems. In the event of a downstream fiber or device failure, the OADM module receives a signal on a first wavelength from a first direction, shifts the signal from the first wavelength to a second wavelength, and sends the signal back down the fiber it originated from on the second wavelength, thus maintaining the propagation of the signal in the ring system.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the addition of DWDM modules to CWDM systems in order to increase bandwidth over existing lines. This allows for the expansion of communications capacity without the need to replace existing CWDM systems. The DWDM modules can be transparently inserted into the CWDM systems by, in the CWDM system, reserving a channels for use by the DWDM. The DWDM system then occupies that channel with a scalable number of DWDM wavelength channels, for example four, eight, or sixteen. The DWDM systems can be used in both single and dual fiber systems as well as ring systems. Use of single fiber systems is obtained by implementing coupling devices, such as interleavers, passband filters, and circulators, that can used in pairs to couple bidirectional signals over a single fiber.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide for methods to launch data signals from single mode fiber optic cable into legacy multimode fiber optic cable. In one exemplary embodiment, a single mode fiber is offset slightly from the axis of a multimode fiber, thus only exciting the outer mode of the multimode fiber. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, a core portion of the single mode fiber is exposed, heated, and fused with a cladding portion of the multimode fiber. In yet another alternate exemplary embodiment, various lenses can be used to collimate and focus light signals from single mode fibers into multimode fibers, and vice versa. In these exemplary embodiments, the transmitted light signals can be in the range of from 1470 to about 1610 nm with, for example, a 20 nm channel separation. Other wavelengths and channel separations are also possible.