Abstract: An optical transmitter that includes a laser that operates in the range of 1260-1360 nm, wherein the laser is in a transmitter package case that covers less than 0.30 square inches of surface area on a board to which the package case is mounted, wherein the optical transmitter continues to function in compliance with the transmission requirements of international telecommunciations union (ITU) standard 693 without thermoelectric cooling when an external temperature of the transmitter package case is at or within 1° C. of a temperature of the laser.

Abstract: An optical bench includes a substrate having a fiber receiving area, a lens mounting area, and a reflective area. The fiber receiving area, the lens mounting area and the reflective area are positioned linearly. The fiber receiving area includes a V-groove etched or micromachined in the substrate, wherein a length of optical fiber cable is inserted in the V-groove to facilitate alignment of optical fiber cable towards the lens mounting area. The lens mounting area includes first support members for supporting a lens positioned to facilitate directing of light from the optical fiber cable towards the reflective area. The reflective area includes a planar mirror and second support members, wherein the second support members support a diode positioned above the planar mirror, wherein the planar mirror is positioned in a slanted angle to facilitate directing of light from the lens to the diode.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a multimode optical fiber communication system is provided with offset illumination by disposing an optical pinhole adjacent an end of the multimode fiber core and offset from the center of the core. The pinhole permits direct offset illumination without the difficulty and expense of a conventional patch-cord assembly.

Abstract: The invention is an optoelectronic device including a semiconductor photodetector enclosed within a plastic housing. The housing includes a wall with an aperture therein for receiving optical signals. The photodetector is mounted to a flexible film which is, in turn, mounted to the housing so that the photodetector is aligned with the aperture. The device may further include a receptacle mounted to the wall for receiving an optical fiber aligned with the aperture and the photodetector.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an optical fiber system comprising a laser source an optical fiber including a reflective input end for receiving light from the source is provided with a polarization quarter-wave plate between the laser and the reflective end for minimizing power fluctuations from back reflection. The quarter-wave plate does not prevent back reflection but rather rotates the polarization of the back reflected light so that it does not interfere with the polarized light within the cavity. In an advantageous embodiment the quarter-wave plate is disposed within a receptacle laser package.

Abstract: Systems and methods are used for automatic handling of optical fibers and transporting the same, as well as automatic assembly of the optical fibers into optical devices and transportation of the same. A spool facilitates handling, storing, and transporting of the optical fiber. A cassette receives an electronic module and the optical fiber, with or without a corresponding spool, and presents the fiber in a manner that facilitates automatic assembly of optical assemblies. The cassette also facilitates handling, storing, and transporting of the optical assemblies.

Abstract: The invention is an optoelectronic device including an optical subassembly enclosed within a plastic housing. The housing includes a wall with an aperture and a lens mounted therein. A plastic receptacle is mounted to the wall. The receptacle includes an opening which is aligned with the lens and which is capable of receiving an optical fiber so that the fiber is aligned with light emitted from the optical assembly. The receptacle is preferably mounted to the wall by means of epoxy.