Abstract: A device that compensates for focal point drift of transmitted optical beams caused by ambient temperature changes by using a position adjuster to adjust the alignment of channels of a target planar lightwave circuit (“PLC”). The channels of the target PLC may taper open. In one implementation, the device may also use a birefringence plate to compensate for polarization dependent focal point drift.

Abstract: A first waveguide and a second waveguide are aligned by applying an alignment dot on end surfaces of the cores of first and second waveguides. The alignment dots are positioned in close proximity to one another, and are melted together. Surface tension pulls the first and second waveguides into alignment.

Abstract: An arrayed waveguide grating including a waveguide array extending between two free propagation regions is disclosed. One free propagation region is coupled to an input waveguide, and the other free propagation region is coupled to output waveguides. In an example, the input-side free propagation region has two sections that are moveable relative to one another. Movement is achieved by using, for example, a thermally responsive actuator that moves the input waveguide a desired distance to compensate for a temperature change. An arm formed of a low thermal expansion coefficient metal may be used as a thermally responsive actuator moving a substrate. In another example, both the input side and the output side free propagation regions have sections moveable relative to one another and, therefore, less movement is required to correct for thermal variations. An N×N arrayed waveguide grating may also be formed.

Abstract: A first waveguide and a second waveguide are aligned by applying an alignment dot on end surfaces of the cores of first and second waveguides. The alignment dots are positioned in close proximity to one another, and are melted together. Surface tension pulls the first and second waveguides into alignment.

Abstract: Optical structures useful in splitters, couplers, combiners, and switches are provided. An example optical structure has a Y-branch configuration that includes a linear taper segment and two branching waveguides. A straight section extends between the linear taper segment and the two branching waveguides to reduce losses during splitting/combining operation. The straight section may be used in Y-branch configurations having a blunt section, as well as configurations without a blunt section. Straight sections formed of a single segment and of multiple segments are shown, and the straight sections may be formed of substantially parallel outer walls or fanning-out outer walls. Further, in some embodiments, the branching waveguides form acute angles at the boundaries with the straight segment.

Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit comprises a waveguide that is thermally compensating. The waveguide comprises a cladding and a core that comprises two regions running lengthwise through the core. One region has a negative thermo-optic coefficient; the other region has a positive thermo-optic coefficient.

Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit comprises a waveguide that is thermally-compensating. The waveguide comprises a cladding and a core that comprises two regions running lengthwise through the core. One region has a negative thermo-optic coefficient; the other region has a positive thermo-optic coefficient.

Abstract: A semiconductor waveguide is disclosed which includes a substrate coated with a cladding. A core is embedded in the cladding. The core includes a plurality of discreet stacked layers of core material surrounded by cladding material. The cladding and core layers each include silica and silicon nitride with the core layers having a higher nitrogen content than the cladding material. The core is fabricated by carefully manipulating the process parameters of a PECVD process.

Abstract: A device that compensates for focal point drift of transmitted optical beams caused by ambient temperature changes by using a position adjuster to adjust the alignment of channels of a target planar lightwave circuit (“PLC”). The channels of the target PLC may taper open. In one implementation, the device may also use a birefringence plate to compensate for polarization dependent focal point drift.

Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit comprises several parallel adjacent waveguides with recessed area by reducing the thickness of an upper cladding layer such that a core of the waveguide is exposed at the recessed area. Optically active device arrays are coupled to the core of the waveguides through the recessed area without using the perimeter of the planar lightwave circuit. A refractive index of the optically active devices is higher than that of the waveguides such that the optically active device absorbs a light from the waveguides to monitor the channels of the waveguides. The optically active devices have several stripes running along the length of the waveguides, which are connected to the recessed area.

Abstract: A semiconductor waveguide is disclosed which includes a substrate coated with a cladding. A core is embedded in the cladding. The core includes a plurality of discreet stacked layers of core material surrounded by cladding material. The cladding and core layers each include silica and silicon nitride with the core layers having a higher nitrogen content than the cladding material. The core is fabricated by carefully manipulating the process parameters of a PECVD process.

Abstract: A semiconductor waveguide is disclosed which includes a substrate coated with a cladding. A core is embedded in the cladding. The core includes a plurality of discreet stacked layers of core material surrounded by cladding material. The cladding and core layers each include silica and silicon nitride with the core layers having a higher nitrogen content than the cladding material. The core is fabricated by carefully manipulating the process parameters of a PECVD process.

Abstract: A first optical probe is used to test a planar lightwave circuit. In one embodiment, a second probe is used in combination with the first probe to test the planar lightwave circuit by sending and receiving a light beam through the planar lightwave circuit.

Abstract: A first waveguide and a second waveguide are aligned by applying an alignment dot on end surfaces of the cores of first and second waveguides. The alignment dots are positioned in close proximity to one another, and are melted together.