Abstract: A surface-emitting laser (“SEL”) having predictable filamentation initiation. The SEL includes a light generation layer and first and second mirror layers. The first and second mirror layers reflect light generated in the light generation region back toward the light generation region. Each of the mirrors reflects light such that it adds coherently to the light generated in the light generation region or to the light reflected from the other mirror. One of the mirrors includes a localized imperfection which causes light interacting therewith to be attenuated or shifted in phase relative to light that does not interact with the imperfection region. As a result, lasing filaments are preferentially initiated in the regions adjacent to the localized imperfection.

Abstract: A parallel optical data link using multimode optical components. The invention includes an array of photonic optical sources and an array of multimode waveguides optically coupled adjacent to the array of sources. Similarly, the invention further includes an array of photonic optical detectors and an array of multimode waveguides optically coupled adjacent to the array of detectors. The invention further includes a multimode optical fiber ribbon having a longitudinal dimension and first and second opposing extremities for transmission of light there through. The source coupled waveguide array is in optical communication with the first extremity of the fiber ribbon, while the detector coupled waveguide array is in optical communication with the second extremity of the fiber ribbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low noise multimode VCSEL that can be used to transmit data reliably on multimode optical media at data rates up to and exceeding 1 gigabit per second with bit error rates less than 1.times.10.sup.-9 errors/bit. In contrast to conventional multimode lasers where optimal mirror reflectivity is designed for maximum power output, in the present invention mirror reflectivity is increased to a point where the output power is less than half the maximum output power. Preferably, the reflectivity of the first and second mirror regions of the multimode laser is high, typically greater than 99.5%.

Abstract: An electro-optical device for controlling an optical signal in response to an electrical signal includes a substrate having an optical path in which at least two waveguide arms diverge from an input portion. Typically, the waveguide arms include parallel regions and include convergence to an output portion. An electrical transmission line having a desired electrical impedance is positioned relative to the substrate for selectively changing the indices of refraction of the waveguide arms. The transmission line is a multi-branch design, with the branches in a one-to-one correspondence with the waveguide arms, so that each signal branch is aligned relative to a corresponding waveguide arm to couple an index-affecting electrical field to the corresponding waveguide arm. Preferably, the waveguide arms have opposite poling polarities, with each poling polarity being perpendicular to the direction of light propagation through the waveguide arms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic passive alignment of optical waveguides with photonic devices to provide for high volume production of optical components at low cost. The invention includes an optical waveguide having an extremity for transmission of light there through. A first wetable pad is mechanically coupled with the waveguide and is arranged at a selected lateral distance from the extremity of the waveguide. The invention further includes a photonic device having a central region on a surface of the photonic device. A second wetable pad is mechanically coupled with the photonic device and is arranged at a selected lateral distance from the central region of the photonic device. A suitable material, for example solder, is chosen and used in a bond for holding the first pad in alignment with the second pad, so as to substantially provide a desired optical alignment of the extremity of the waveguide with the central region of the photonic device.

Abstract: An optical communication system using a relatively large-area vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser. The laser has an opening larger than about eight micrometers and is coupled to a multimode optical fiber. The laser is driven into multiple transverse mode operation, which includes multiple filamentation as well as operation in a single cavity.