Abstract: A micro-mechanical, anti-reflective, switched optical modular array that utilizes a continuous, uninterrupted modular membrane across an array of individual modulators. The individual modulators are positioned within an optical window of the device, the optical window being defined by a region of the membrane situated between an array of electrode pairs, where an individual pair of electrodes is used to control an individual one of the modulators. Alternative electrode shapes and fabrication methods are described.

Abstract: In an optical transmitter, an input optical fiber delivers an optical signal to a fiber coupling modulator whose reflective surface is transformable in response to the data to be transmitted. In a first state of the modulator corresponding to a first data value, the reflective surface is flat and smooth. The optical signal, which may be a continuous-wave light, is reflected from the surface and efficiently coupled to an output fiber. In a second state of the modulator corresponding to a second data value, the reflective surface is controllably deformed to cause an aberration in reflecting the optical signal. As a result, a much reduced amount of light energy is coupled to the output fiber.

Abstract: An optical signal attenuation device and associated method for selectively attenuating the signal strengths of different wavelength signals contained within a multiplexed optical transmission. The attenuation device includes a diffracting element that diffracts the multiplexed optical system and directs the different wavelength signals onto separate optical paths. A modulator array is provided that contains a plurality of optical modulators spaced at a pitch so that each modulator receives one of the different wavelength signals. Each optical modulator causes a signal to be produced that correspond to the signal it receives, except that the signal strength of the emitted signal is altered to fall within a desired range. Each signal emitted by the optical modulators is again directed toward a diffraction element. The diffraction element combines the separate wavelength signals, thereby producing a multiplexed signal where each wavelength has a signal strength that falls within a common range.

Abstract: In a two-wheel vehicle, a compensating mechanism allowing the mounting of a driving sprocket and a cantilevered driven sprocket as to each other such that the driven sprocket is held at a desired degree of constant tensioned relationship with respect to the driving sprocket during normal operation and/or moments of subnormal operation wherein the suspension is momentarily directed vertically upwardly or downwardly due to uneven terrain or other circumstance.