Patents by Inventor Michel Poulin
Michel Poulin 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: 10663663Abstract: A spot-size converter includes a first part of a waveguiding structure to couple to a first waveguide to receive light from or transmit light to the first waveguide in a first propagation mode, wherein the first part of the waveguiding structure has a lower waveguiding structure with a varying effective refractive index that decreases away from the first waveguide; and a second part of the waveguiding structure to couple to a second waveguide to transmit light to or receive light from the second waveguide in a second propagation mode, the second part of the waveguiding structure includes an upper waveguiding structure with a plurality of high-index elements arranged therein, an overlap region is between the first part and the second part, the first propagation mode progressively transforms into the second propagation mode in the overlap region.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Ciena CorporationInventors: Yves Painchaud, Marie-Josee Picard, Ian Betty, Christine Latrasse, Michel Poulin
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Publication number: 20200064707Abstract: An optical modulator device and method, including and utilizing: a first optical waveguide arm including one or more optical phase shifters, e.g., pn junctions, and configured to receive a first bias voltage Vbias1; and a second optical waveguide arm including one or more optical phase shifters, e.g., pn junctions, and configured to receive a second bias voltage Vbias2; wherein the first bias voltage Vbias1 and the second bias voltage Vbias2 are dissimilar, such that the first optical waveguide arm and the second optical waveguide arm exhibit a same phase modulation. Vbias1 and Vbias2 are selected such that the corresponding slopes V? of the associated phase shift versus applied bias voltage curves are equal. The optical modulator device further includes a driver coupled to the first optical waveguide arm and the second optical waveguide arm and including a current offset control circuit operable for providing Vbias1 and Vbias2.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2018Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: Michael VITIC, Alexandre DELISLE-SIMARD, Michel POULIN
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Publication number: 20200057320Abstract: An optical modulator includes a first arm and a second arm, each arm includes an arrangement with an equal amount of p-doped material and an equal amount of n-doped material, such that mask misalignment causes a same effect in both arms; and each arm includes a plurality of segments where electrodes connect for push-pull operation of the first arm and the second arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2018Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Christine Latrasse, Yves Painchaud, Michel Poulin
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Publication number: 20190391006Abstract: A photodetector circuit is disclosed. The photodetector circuit includes an optical input configured to receive a source optical signal for detection by the photodetector circuit, an optical waveguide for coupling the optical input and at least one side of a plurality of sides of a photodiode, wherein the optical waveguide is configured to generate a first optical signal and a second optical signal from the source optical signal, and the photodiode coupled to the first optical waveguide, where the photodiode is illuminated on the at least one side by the first and second optical signals at different locations on the photodiode, where the photodiode generates a photocurrent based on the first and second optical signals reducing photocurrent saturation. Providing a delay between the first and second optical signals reduces an out-of-band frequency response of the photodiode circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2018Publication date: December 26, 2019Inventors: Francois Pelletier, Michel Poulin, Yves Painchaud, Michael Vitic, Christine Latrasse, Alexandre Delisle-Simard
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Publication number: 20190384003Abstract: A spot-size converter includes a first part of a waveguiding structure to couple to a first waveguide to receive light from or transmit light to the first waveguide in a first propagation mode, wherein the first part of the waveguiding structure has a lower waveguiding structure with a varying effective refractive index that decreases away from the first waveguide; and a second part of the waveguiding structure to couple to a second waveguide to transmit light to or receive light from the second waveguide in a second propagation mode, the second part of the waveguiding structure includes an upper waveguiding structure with a plurality of high-index elements arranged therein, an overlap region is between the first part and the second part, the first propagation mode progressively transforms into the second propagation mode in the overlap region.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Inventors: Yves Painchaud, Marie-Josee Picard, Ian Betty, Christine Latrasse, Michel Poulin
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Patent number: 10371895Abstract: A spot-size converter having a waveguiding structure. The first part of the waveguiding structure receives light from or transmits light to a first waveguide in a first propagation mode. The first part of the waveguiding structure has a longitudinally varying effective refractive index that decreases away from the first waveguide. The second part of the waveguiding structure transmits light to or receives light from a second waveguide in a second propagation mode. The second part of the waveguiding structure has a number of high-index elements arranged in a single plane, extending along a longitudinal waveguiding axis and at least partially overlapping the first part of the waveguiding structure. The first propagation mode of the first waveguide progressively transforms into the second propagation mode of the second waveguide along the longitudinal waveguiding axis through an overlap region between the first part and the second part of the waveguiding structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Ciena CorporationInventors: Yves Painchaud, Marie-Josée Picard, Ian Betty, Christine Latrasse, Michel Poulin
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Patent number: 10330961Abstract: An optoelectronic integrated circuit includes (i) a first back-to-back-junction component (BBJC) and a second BBJC that conform to a first fabrication pattern, where the first BBJC includes a first A-type p-n junction (APNJ) in series with a first B-type p-n junction (BPNJ), where the second BBJC includes a second APNJ in series with a second BPNJ, and (ii) an optical component conforming to a second fabrication pattern that superimposes the first fabrication pattern. The APNJs and BPNJs may be identified based overlapping with separate arms of the optical component. The optical component overlaps the APNJs and BPNJs to provide modulation to optical signals using the modulation voltage from the electrodes. The first APNJ, the first BPNJ, the second APNJ, and the second BPNJ are disposed along respective directions, where metal bridges may be used, to reduce an imbalance in the modulation of the optical signals resulting from a fabrication misalignment.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Ciena CorporationInventors: Christine Latrasse, Yves Painchaud, Michel Poulin
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Patent number: 10197734Abstract: A spot-size converter for coupling light between a first waveguide and a second waveguide extends along a longitudinal waveguiding axis and includes a transition region. The transition region includes a first part of waveguiding structure, which is coupled to the first waveguide, and a second part of waveguiding structure, which is coupled to the second waveguide. The second part of waveguiding structure includes high-index elements arranged in multiple vertically spaced rows and horizontally spaced columns, and extends along the longitudinal waveguiding axis at least partially over the first part of waveguiding structure so as to define a low-index region where the mode of the first waveguide progressively transforms into the mode of the second waveguide, thereby enabling light propagation via a mode of the combined system of the first and second parts of waveguiding structures.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Ciena CorporationInventors: Yves Painchaud, Marie-Josée Picard, Ian Betty, Christine Latrasse, Michel Poulin
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Patent number: 10197821Abstract: An optical modulator circuit includes first and second electrodes, first and second p-n junction segments (PNJSs), and first and second optical waveguides. The first PNJS includes a first modulating p-n junction (MPNJ) in series with a first non-modulating device (NMD) that are connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively, where the first NMD includes a first substantially larger capacitance than the first MPNJ. The second PNJS includes a second NMD in series with a second MPNJ that are connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively, where the second NMD includes a second substantially larger capacitance than the second MPNJ. The first and second optical waveguides superimpose the first and second MPNJs, respectively, where the first and second MPNJs are configured to modulate a refractive index of the first and second optical waveguides, respectively, based on the substantially larger capacitance of the first NMD and the second NMD.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Ciena CorporationInventors: Michel Poulin, Yves Painchaud, Alexandre Delisle-Simard
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Publication number: 20180314083Abstract: An optoelectronic integrated circuit includes (i) a first back-to-back-junction component (BBJC) and a second BBJC that conform to a first fabrication pattern, where the first BBJC includes a first A-type p-n junction (APNJ) in series with a first B-type p-n junction (BPNJ), where the second BBJC includes a second APNJ in series with a second BPNJ, and (ii) an optical component conforming to a second fabrication pattern that superimposes the first fabrication pattern. The APNJs and BPNJs may be identified based overlapping with separate arms of the optical component. The optical component overlaps the APNJs and BPNJs to provide modulation to optical signals using the modulation voltage from the electrodes. The first APNJ, the first BPNJ, the second APNJ, and the second BPNJ are disposed along respective directions, where metal bridges may be used, to reduce an imbalance in the modulation of the optical signals resulting from a fabrication misalignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventors: Christine Latrasse, Yves Painchaud, Michel Poulin
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Publication number: 20180307062Abstract: An optical modulator circuit includes first and second electrodes, first and second p-n junction segments (PNJSs), and first and second optical waveguides. The first PNJS includes a first modulating p-n junction (MPNJ) in series with a first non-modulating device (NMD) that are connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively, where the first NMD includes a first substantially larger capacitance than the first MPNJ. The second PNJS includes a second NMD in series with a second MPNJ that are connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively, where the second NMD includes a second substantially larger capacitance than the second MPNJ. The first and second optical waveguides superimpose the first and second MPNJs, respectively, where the first and second MPNJs are configured to modulate a refractive index of the first and second optical waveguides, respectively, based on the substantially larger capacitance of the first NMD and the second NMD.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2017Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Michel Poulin, Yves Painchaud, Alexandre Delisle-Simard
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Publication number: 20180224605Abstract: A spot-size converter having a waveguiding structure. The first part of the waveguiding structure receives light from or transmits light to a first waveguide in a first propagation mode. The first part of the waveguiding structure has a longitudinally varying effective refractive index that decreases away from the first waveguide. The second part of the waveguiding structure transmits light to or receives light from a second waveguide in a second propagation mode. The second part of the waveguiding structure has a number of high-index elements arranged in a single plane, extending along a longitudinal waveguiding axis and at least partially overlapping the first part of the waveguiding structure. The first propagation mode of the first waveguide progressively transforms into the second propagation mode of the second waveguide along the longitudinal waveguiding axis through an overlap region between the first part and the second part of the waveguiding structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Applicant: Ciena CorporationInventors: Yves Painchaud, Marie-Josée Picard, Ian Betty, Christine Latrasse, Michel Poulin
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Patent number: 9941973Abstract: A phase modulator with reduced Residual Amplitude Modulation includes a main path; a correction path; a first coupler configured to split, at a first ratio, an input to the main path and the correction path; and a second coupler configured to combine outputs from the main path and the correction path and to split the combined outputs, at a second ratio, with a first output comprising an output of the phase modulator with the reduced Residual Amplitude Modulation. The correction path can include a correction signal with a proper amplitude and phase that, when combined with an output signal from the main path by the second coupler, cancels the Residual Amplitude Modulation from the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Ciena CorporationInventors: Alexandre D. Simard, Yves Painchaud, Michel Poulin
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Publication number: 20180062755Abstract: A phase modulator with reduced Residual Amplitude Modulation includes a main path; a correction path; a first coupler configured to split, at a first ratio, an input to the main path and the correction path; and a second coupler configured to combine outputs from the main path and the correction path and to split the combined outputs, at a second ratio, with a first output comprising an output of the phase modulator with the reduced Residual Amplitude Modulation. The correction path can include a correction signal with a proper amplitude and phase that, when combined with an output signal from the main path by the second coupler, cancels the Residual Amplitude Modulation from the output signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Alexandre D. SIMARD, Yves PAINCHAUD, Michel POULIN
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Patent number: 9851521Abstract: A connectorized optical chip assembly connectable to an external optical fiber having a fiber connector is provided. The connectorized optical chip assembly includes a substrate, an optical chip having an on-chip optical waveguide and a connectorized interface. The connectorized interface includes an optical coupling element mounted in optical alignment with the on-chip optical waveguide. The connectorized interface includes a chip connector engaging the optical coupling element and configured for mating with the fiber connector of the external optical fiber, so as to provide an optical coupling of light between the optical coupling element and the external optical fiber. The connectorized optical chip assembly also includes a mechanical support structure supporting the connectorized interface onto the substrate. Preferably, the components of the connectorized optical assembly are made of materials heat resistant to temperatures used to melt solder in surface mount processes.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Ciena CorporationInventors: Francois Pelletier, Christine Latrasse, Marie-Josée Picard, Michel Poulin, Yves Painchaud
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Patent number: 9841618Abstract: An optical modulator circuit includes first and second electrodes, first and second p-n junction segments (PNJSs), and first and second optical waveguides. The first PNJS includes a first modulating p-n junction (MPNJ) in series with a first non-modulating device (NMD) that are connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively, where the first NMD includes a first substantially larger capacitance than the first MPNJ. The second PNJS includes a second NMD in series with a second MPNJ that are connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively, where the second NMD includes a second substantially larger capacitance than the second MPNJ. The first and second optical waveguides superimpose the first and second MPNJs, respectively, where the first and second MPNJs are configured to modulate a refractive index of the first and second optical waveguides, respectively, based on the substantially larger capacitance of the first NMD and the second NMD.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2017Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Ciena CorporationInventors: Michel Poulin, Yves Painchaud, Alexandre Delisle-Simard
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Patent number: 9823419Abstract: An optical system may include a substrate that includes an etched region and a laser-induced breakage region. The optical system may further include an optical waveguide disposed on the substrate. The optical system may further include an optical device coupled to the optical waveguide within the etched region. The laser-induced breakage region may produce a predetermined coupling gap between the optical waveguide and the optical device.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Ciena CorporationInventors: Francois Pelletier, Michel Poulin, Marie-Josée Picard, Christine Latrasse
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Patent number: 9703047Abstract: A spot-size converter for coupling light between first and second waveguides respectively supporting first and second propagation modes having substantially different dimensions is provided. The spot-size converter includes a lower and an upper waveguiding structure each characterized by an effective refractive index. The lower waveguiding structure is coupled to the first waveguide to receive light therefrom or transmit light thereto in the first propagation mode. The upper waveguiding structure is coupled to the second waveguide to transmit light thereto or receive light therefrom in the second propagation mode. The upper waveguiding structure includes a plurality of longitudinally extending high-index elements arranged in multiple vertically spaced rows.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Ciena CorporationInventors: Yves Painchaud, Marie-Josée Picard, Christine Latrasse, Michel Poulin
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Publication number: 20160004021Abstract: A connectorized optical chip assembly connectable to an external optical fiber having a fiber connector is provided. The connectorized optical chip assembly includes a substrate, an optical chip having an on-chip optical waveguide and a connectorized interface. The connectorized interface includes an optical coupling element mounted in optical alignment with the on-chip optical waveguide. The connectorized interface includes a chip connector engaging the optical coupling element and configured for mating with the fiber connector of the external optical fiber, so as to provide an optical coupling of light between the optical coupling element and the external optical fiber. The connectorized optical chip assembly also includes a mechanical support structure supporting the connectorized interface onto the substrate. Preferably, the components of the connectorized optical assembly are made of materials heat resistant to temperatures used to melt solder in surface mount processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Inventors: François PELLETIER, Christine LATRASSE, Marie-Josée PICARD, Michel POULIN, Yves PAINCHAUD
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Publication number: 20150247974Abstract: A spot-size converter for coupling light between first and second waveguides respectively supporting first and second propagation modes having substantially different dimensions is provided. The spot-size converter includes a lower and an upper waveguiding structure each characterized by an effective refractive index. The lower waveguiding structure is coupled to the first waveguide to receive light therefrom or transmit light thereto in the first propagation mode. The upper waveguiding structure is coupled to the second waveguide to transmit light thereto or receive light therefrom in the second propagation mode. The upper waveguiding structure includes a plurality of longitudinally extending high-index elements arranged in multiple vertically spaced rows.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: Yves PAINCHAUD, Marie-Josée PICARD, Christine LATRASSE, Michel POULIN