Patents by Inventor Michael Reffle
Michael Reffle 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).
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Patent number: 11929826Abstract: Consistent with the present disclosure, a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is provided that has 2 N channels (N being an integer). The PIC is optically coupled to N optical fibers, such that each of N polarization multiplexed optical signals are transmitted over a respective one of the N optical fibers. In another example, each of the N optical fibers supply a respective one of N polarization multiplexed optical signals to the PIC for coherent detection and processing. A multiplexer and demultiplexer may be omitted from the PIC, such that the optical signals are not combined on the PIC. As a result, the transmitted and received optical signals incur less loss and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise. In addition, optical taps may be more readily employed on the PIC to measure outputs of the lasers, such as widely tunable lasers (WTLs), without crossing waveguides.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Infinera CorporationInventors: Jeffrey T. Rahn, Fred A. Kish, Jr., Michael Reffle, Peter W. Evans, Vikrant Lal
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Patent number: 10707965Abstract: A device may include a substrate. The device may include a carrier mounted to the substrate. The device may include a transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC) mounted on the carrier. The transmitter PIC may include a plurality of lasers that generate an optical signal when a voltage or current is applied to one of the plurality of lasers. The device may include a first microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) mounted to the substrate. The first MEMS may include a first set of lenses. The device may include a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) mounted to the substrate. The PLC may be optically coupled to the plurality of lasers by the first set of lenses of the first MEMS. The device may include a second MEMS, mounted to the substrate, that may include a second set of lenses, which may be configured to optically couple the PLC to an optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Infinera CorporationInventors: Timothy Butrie, Michael Reffle, Xiaofeng Han, Mehrdad Ziari, Vikrant Lal, Peter W. Evans, Fred A. Klsh, Jr., Donald J. Pavinski, Jie Tang, David Coult
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Publication number: 20190280798Abstract: Consistent with the present disclosure, a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is provided that has 2 N channels (N being an integer). The PIC is optically coupled to N optical fibers, such that each of N polarization multiplexed optical signals are transmitted over a respective one of the N optical fibers. In another example, each of the N optical fibers supply a respective one of N polarization multiplexed optical signals to the PIC for coherent detection and processing. A multiplexer and demultiplexer may be omitted from the PIC, such that the optical signals are not combined on the PIC. As a result, the transmitted and received optical signals incur less loss and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2018Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Jeffrey T. Rahn, Fred A. Kish, Michael Reffle, Peter W. Evans, Vikrant Lal
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Publication number: 20190158183Abstract: A device may include a substrate. The device may include a carrier mounted to the substrate. The device may include a transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC) mounted on the carrier. The transmitter PIC may include a plurality of lasers that generate an optical signal when a voltage or current is applied to one of the plurality of lasers. The device may include a first microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) mounted to the substrate. The first MEMS may include a first set of lenses. The device may include a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) mounted to the substrate. The PLC may be optically coupled to the plurality of lasers by the first set of lenses of the first MEMS. The device may include a second MEMS, mounted to the substrate, that may include a second set of lenses, which may be configured to optically couple the PLC to an optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: Timothy Butrie, Michael Reffle, Xiaofeng Han, Mehrdad Ziari, Vikrant Lal, Peter W. Evans, Fred A. Klsh, Donald J. Pavinski, Jie Tang, David Coult
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Publication number: 20190103937Abstract: Consistent with the present disclosure, a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is provided that has 2 N channels (N being an integer). The PIC is optically coupled to N optical fibers, such that each of N polarization multiplexed optical signals are transmitted over a respective one of the N optical fibers. In another example, each of the N optical fibers supply a respective one of N polarization multiplexed optical signals to the PIC for coherent detection and processing. A multiplexer and demultiplexer may be omitted from the PIC, such that the optical signals are not combined on the PIC. As a result, the transmitted and received optical signals incur less loss and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise. In addition, optical taps may be more readily employed on the PIC to measure outputs of the lasers, such as widely tunable lasers (WTLs), without crossing waveguides.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Jeffrey T. Rahn, Fred A. Kish, JR., Michael Reffle, Peter W. Evans, Vikrant Lal
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Publication number: 20190089475Abstract: Consistent with the present disclosure, a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is provided that has 2 N channels (N being an integer). The PIC is optically coupled to N optical fibers, such that each of N polarization multiplexed optical signals are transmitted over a respective one of the N optical fibers. In another example, each of the N optical fibers supply a respective one of N polarization multiplexed optical signals to the PIC for coherent detection and processing. A multiplexer and demultiplexer may be omitted from the PIC, such that the optical signals are not combined on the PIC. As a result, the transmitted and received optical signals incur less loss and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise. In addition, optical taps may be more readily employed on the PIC to measure outputs of the lasers, such as widely tunable lasers (WTLs), without crossing waveguides.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Fred A. Kish, JR., Michael Reffle, Jeffrey T. Rahn, John Osenbach, Timothy Butrie, Xiaofeng Han, Mark Missey, Mehrdad Ziari, Peter W. Evans
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Publication number: 20190089476Abstract: Consistent with the present disclosure, a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is provided that has 2 N channels (N being an integer). The PIC is optically coupled to N optical fibers, such that each of N polarization multiplexed optical signals are transmitted over a respective one of the N optical fibers. In another example, each of the N optical fibers supply a respective one of N polarization multiplexed optical signals to the PIC for coherent detection and processing. A multiplexer and demultiplexer may be omitted from the PIC, such that the optical signals are not combined on the PIC. As a result, the transmitted and received optical signals incur less loss and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise. In addition, optical taps may be more readily employed on the PIC to measure outputs of the lasers, such as widely tunable lasers (WTLs), without crossing waveguides.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Fred A. Kish, JR., Michael Reffle, Jeffrey T. Rahn, John Osenbach, Timothy Butrie, Xiaofeng Han, Mark Missey, Mehrdad Ziari, Peter w. Evans
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Publication number: 20190081724Abstract: Consistent with the present disclosure, a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is provided that has 2 N channels (N being an integer). The PIC is optically coupled to N optical fibers, such that each of N polarization multiplexed optical signals are transmitted over a respective one of the N optical fibers. In another example, each of the N optical fibers supply a respective one of N polarization multiplexed optical signals to the PIC for coherent detection and processing. A multiplexer and demultiplexer may be omitted from the PIC, such that the optical signals are not combined on the PIC. As a result, the transmitted and received optical signals incur less loss and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Inventors: Jeffrey T. Rahn, Fred A. Kish, Michael Reffle, Peter W. Evans, Vikrant Lal
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Patent number: 10211925Abstract: A device may include a substrate. The device may include a carrier mounted to the substrate. The device may include a transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC) mounted on the carrier. The transmitter PIC may include a plurality of lasers that generate an optical signal when a voltage or current is applied to one of the plurality of lasers. The device may include a first microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) mounted to the substrate. The first MEMS may include a first set of lenses. The device may include a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) mounted to the substrate. The PLC may be optically coupled to the plurality of lasers by the first set of lenses of the first MEMS. The device may include a second MEMS, mounted to the substrate, that may include a second set of lenses, which may be configured to optically couple the PLC to an optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Infinera CorporationInventors: Timothy Butrie, Michael Reffle, Xiaofeng Han, Mehrdad Ziari, Vikrant Lal, Peter W. Evans, Fred A. Kish, Jr., Donald J. Pavinski, Jie Tang, David Coult
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Publication number: 20180351684Abstract: Consistent with the present disclosure, a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is provided that has 2 N channels (N being an integer). The PIC is optically coupled to N optical fibers, such that each of N polarization multiplexed optical signals are transmitted over a respective one of the N optical fibers. In another example, each of the N optical fibers supply a respective one of N polarization multiplexed optical signals to the PIC for coherent detection and processing. A multiplexer and demultiplexer may be omitted from the PIC, such that the optical signals are not combined on the PIC. As a result, the transmitted and received optical signals incur less loss and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise. In addition, optical taps may be more readily employed on the PIC to measure outputs of the lasers, such as widely tunable lasers (WTLs), without crossing waveguides. In addition, wavelength locker (WLL) circuitry may be provided on the PIC.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2017Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: John Osenbach, Jiaming Zhang, Jie Tang, Timothy Butrie, Michael Reffle, Fred A. Kish, JR., Perter W. Evans
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Publication number: 20180138981Abstract: A device may include a substrate. The device may include a carrier mounted to the substrate. The device may include a transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC) mounted on the carrier. The transmitter PIC may include a plurality of lasers that generate an optical signal when a voltage or current is applied to one of the plurality of lasers. The device may include a first microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) mounted to the substrate. The first MEMS may include a first set of lenses. The device may include a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) mounted to the substrate. The PLC may be optically coupled to the plurality of lasers by the first set of lenses of the first MEMS. The device may include a second MEMS, mounted to the substrate, that may include a second set of lenses, which may be configured to optically couple the PLC to an optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Timothy Butrie, Michael Reffle, Xiaofeng Han, Mehrdad Ziari, Vikrant Lal, Peter W. Evans, Fred A. Kish, Donald J. Pavinski, Jie Tang, David Coult
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Patent number: 9876575Abstract: A device may include a substrate. The device may include a carrier mounted to the substrate. The device may include a transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC) mounted on the carrier. The transmitter PIC may include a plurality of lasers that generate an optical signal when a voltage or current is applied to one of the plurality of lasers. The device may include a first microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) mounted to the substrate. The first MEMS may include a first set of lenses. The device may include a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) mounted to the substrate. The PLC may be optically coupled to the plurality of lasers by the first set of lenses of the first MEMS. The device may include a second MEMS, mounted to the substrate, that may include a second set of lenses, which may be configured to optically couple the PLC to an optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Infinera CorporationInventors: Timothy Butrie, Michael Reffle, Xiaofeng Han, Mehrdad Ziari, Vikrant Lal, Peter W. Evans, Fred A. Kish, Jr., Donald J. Pavinski, Jie Tang, David Coult
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Patent number: 9784933Abstract: A device may include a first substrate. The device may include an optical source. The optical source may generate light when a voltage or current is applied to the optical source. The optical source may be being provided on a first region of the first substrate. The device may include a second substrate. A second region of the second substrate may form a cavity with the first region of the first substrate. The optical source may extend into the cavity. The device may include an optical interconnect. The optical interconnect may be provided on or in the second substrate and outside the cavity. The optical interconnect may be configured to receive the light from the optical source.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Infinera CorporationInventors: John W. Osenbach, Timothy Butrie, Fred A. Kish, Jr., Michael Reffle
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Publication number: 20160178861Abstract: A device may include a first substrate. The device may include an optical source. The optical source may generate light when a voltage or current is applied to the optical source. The optical source may be being provided on a first region of the first substrate. The device may include a second substrate. A second region of the second substrate may form a cavity with the first region of the first substrate. The optical source may extend into the cavity. The device may include an optical interconnect. The optical interconnect may be provided on or in the second substrate and outside the cavity. The optical interconnect may be configured to receive the light from the optical source.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2015Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: John W. OSENBACH, Timothy Butrie, Fred A. Kish, JR., Michael Reffle
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Publication number: 20150318952Abstract: A device may include a substrate. The device may include a carrier mounted to the substrate. The device may include a transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC) mounted on the carrier. The transmitter PIC may include a plurality of lasers that generate an optical signal when a voltage or current is applied to one of the plurality of lasers. The device may include a first microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) mounted to the substrate. The first MEMS may include a first set of lenses. The device may include a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) mounted to the substrate. The PLC may be optically coupled to the plurality of lasers by the first set of lenses of the first MEMS. The device may include a second MEMS, mounted to the substrate, that may include a second set of lenses, which may be configured to optically couple the PLC to an optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2015Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Timothy Butrie, Michael Reffle, Xiaofeng Han, Mehrdad Ziari, Vikrant Lal, Peter W. Evans, Fred A. Kish, JR., Donald J. Pavinski, Jie Tang, David Coult
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Patent number: 8213802Abstract: An optical receiver includes a first substrate including a demultiplexer and a first optical waveguide array. An input of the demultiplexer is configured to receive a wavelength division multiplexed optical input signal having a plurality of channels. Each of the plurality of channels corresponds to one of a plurality of wavelengths. Each of the plurality of outputs is configured to supply a corresponding one of the plurality of channels. The first optical waveguide array has a plurality of inputs. Each of the inputs of the first optical waveguide array is configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of channels. A second substrate is in signal communication with the first substrate and includes an optical detector array. The optical detector array has a plurality of inputs, each of which is configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of channels and generate an electrical signal in response thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Infinera CorporationInventors: Brent E. Little, Wei Chen, John V. Hryniewicz, Sai T. Chu, Jeff Rahn, Mehrdad Ziari, Timothy Butrie, Michael Reffle, Fred A. Kish, Jr., Charles H. Joyner
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Publication number: 20090245801Abstract: An optical receiver includes a first substrate including a demultiplexer and a first optical waveguide array. An input of the demultiplexer is configured to receive a wavelength division multiplexed optical input signal having a plurality of channels. Each of the plurality of channels corresponds to one of a plurality of wavelengths. Each of the plurality of outputs is configured to supply a corresponding one of the plurality of channels. The first optical waveguide array has a plurality of inputs. Each of the inputs of the first optical waveguide array is configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of channels. A second substrate is in signal communication with the first substrate and includes an optical detector array. The optical detector array has a plurality of inputs, each of which is configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of channels and generate an electrical signal in response thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Brent E. Little, Wei Chen, John V. Hryniewicz, Sai T. Chu, Jeff Rahn, Mehrdad Ziari, Timothy Butrie, Michael Reffle, Fred A. Kish, JR., Charles H. Joyner