Abstract: A lens assembly is provided to adjust the path of an optical beam. The lens assembly includes a lens positioned along the path of the optical beam. The lens is also positioned for movement in directions parallel to a plane traversing the path of the optical beam. The lens is configured to adjust the path of the optical beam upon movement of the lens in a direction parallel to the plane.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an optical switching device comprises a light-reflecting mirror containing a magnetic component coupled to a substrate. One or more programmable magnets are provided for moving the mirror by interacting with the magnetic component. The programmable magnets move the mirrors between or among selected positions and then maintain the mirror position without continuous power. Exemplary cross connects and 2×2 switches are described.

Abstract: A three port filter device is formed from a thin film filter element and a pair of lensing devices. A focusing lensing device is used, with a dual-fiber termination disposed at the object plane of the focusing lensing device. A collimating lensing device is disposed between the focusing lens image plane and the thin film filter element. The third optical port is coupled to the collimated signal passing through the filter element. The focusing lens may be moved along the optical axis to modify the spacing of the dual-fiber termination image appearing at the image plane. The change in spacing results in changing the angle of incidence of the optical signal propagating toward the thin film optical element. Since the pass wavelength of the thin film element is a function of the angle of incidence, the movement of the focusing lens may be used to "tune" the pass wavelength of the thin film optical device.

Abstract: An optical circulator is disclosed that utilizes a polarization rotator comprising a polarization changer (e.g., a properly-oriented half-wave plate) in combination with a pair of latched garnet Faraday rotators. The latched garnet rotators are positioned next to each other and oriented so that one latched garnet rotator provides clockwise rotation and the other provides counterclockwise rotation. The use of latched garnet with a single half wave plate results in an arrangement that is reduced in overall size and does not require epoxy to interconnection the various piece parts.

Abstract: A structure allowing multiple optical paths through an optical isolator or the like with substantially no interaction. A lens collimates light from a first multiple fiber optic path termination. The collimated light is processed by an optical isolator unit or another optical processing unit such as a coupler. The processed light is reimaged onto a second multiple fiber optic path termination. Preferably, the optical paths in the first termination are in one-to-one correspondence with the optical paths in the second termination.