Patents by Inventor MARK A. STEPHEN

MARK A. STEPHEN has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11664640
    Abstract: A non-etched gap is introduced along the length of an integrated Bragg grating with etched grooves such that the coupling coefficient, K, of the grating is reduced by the non-etched gap. In this way, multiple grating K values may be defined within a photonic integrated circuit using a single lithography and etch step. Additionally, the non-etched gap width may be varied along the length of a single grating to implement a chirped grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Mark A. Stephen, Bowen Song, Jonathan Klamkin, Victoria Rosborough, Joseph Fridlander
  • Patent number: 10530114
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a polarization-maintaining very large mode area (PM VLMA) Erbium-doped fiber and a polarization maintaining, Er-doped VLMA amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Mark A. Stephen, Anthony W. Yu, Jeffrey W. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 10516246
    Abstract: The present invention is related to laser technology which enables efficient, passive, coherent beam combination from distributed gain sources. The present invention includes a novel architecture which coherently combines the power from multiple sources, and which adds considerable flexibility to laser gain materials for many applications. The novel architecture of the present invention combines two techniques: 1) beam splitting and combination; and 2) phase-locking (i.e., maintaining a common phase relationship between multiple beams), using reflective gratings. Thus, the present invention addresses important limitations in laser technology: efficiency, power scaling and wavelength selectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventor: Mark A. Stephen
  • Publication number: 20190067894
    Abstract: The present invention is related to laser technology which enables efficient, passive, coherent beam combination from distributed gain sources. The present invention includes a novel architecture which coherently combines the power from multiple sources, and which adds considerable flexibility to laser gain materials for many applications. The novel architecture of the present invention combines two techniques: 1) beam splitting and combination; and 2) phase-locking (i.e., maintaining a common phase relationship between multiple beams), using reflective gratings. Thus, the present invention addresses important limitations in laser technology: efficiency, power scaling and wavelength selectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventor: MARK A. STEPHEN
  • Publication number: 20190067895
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a polarization-maintaining very large mode area (PM VLMA) Erbium-doped fiber and a polarization maintaining, Er-doped VLMA amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: MARK A. STEPHEN, ANTHONY W. YU, JEFFREY W. NICHOLSON
  • Patent number: 9933687
    Abstract: An optimized wavelength-tuned nonlinear frequency conversion process using a liquid crystal clad waveguide. The process includes implanting ions on a top surface of a lithium niobate crystal to form an ion implanted lithium niobate layer. The process also includes utilizing a tunable refractive index of a liquid crystal to rapidly change an effective index of the lithium niobate crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Mark A. Stephen
  • Patent number: 9846079
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices may provide an optical scheme that achieves simultaneous wavelength channels and maintains the resolution and luminosity of an etalon. Various embodiments may provide a method to optically recirculate the light reflected from the etalon back through the same etalon at new angles. Various embodiments create an etalon spectrometer based on angular dispersion without moving parts and without losing the light that is not initially transmitted. Various embodiments may provide a spectrally-resolved receiver and/or transmitter. Various embodiments may provide a system including a retro-reflector, a detector or transmitter array, and an etalon disposed between the retro-reflector and the detector or transmitter array, wherein the retro-reflector is configured to redirect light reflected by the etalon back to the etalon at a different angle of incidence than an original angle of incidence on the etalon of the light reflected by the etalon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Mark A. Stephen, Molly E. Fahey, Michael A. Krainak
  • Publication number: 20170082491
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices may provide an optical scheme that achieves simultaneous wavelength channels and maintains the resolution and luminosity of an etalon. Various embodiments may provide a method to optically recirculate the light reflected from the etalon back through the same etalon at new angles. Various embodiments create an etalon spectrometer based on angular dispersion without moving parts and without losing the light that is not initially transmitted. Various embodiments may provide a spectrally-resolved receiver and/or transmitter. Various embodiments may provide a system including a retro-reflector, a detector or transmitter array, and an etalon disposed between the retro-reflector and the detector or transmitter array, wherein the retro-reflector is configured to redirect light reflected by the etalon back to the etalon at a different angle of incidence than an original angle of incidence on the etalon of the light reflected by the etalon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: MARK A. STEPHEN, MOLLY E. FAHEY, MICHAEL A. KRAINAK