Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a method for laser soldering optical components is described. In that method, a first selected material is disposed on the components to facilitate the deposition of solder. Subsequently, solder is disposed on that material and the component is aligned. A laser beam is properly focused on the solder such that the solder melts and, when the laser beam is turned off, hardens, thereby fixing the component in the desired position.

Abstract: A wavelength monitoring system for continuously monitoring the wavelengths of different optical channels transmitted through a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) fiberoptic system. In one construction, an optical diffraction grating is used to disperse the light being monitored onto a rotating polygon having mirrors on the facets thereof, such that the rotating polygon reflects the light onto a detector located behind a slit. In a second construction, the light is projected onto a rotating, hollow transparent cylinder having a thin film filter deposited on a surface thereof, wherein the thin film filter comprises a Fabry-Perot structure which has a gap which varies as a function of its position on the rim of the cylinder, such that the varying gap allows for a varying transmission wavelength which varies as a function of angular position. A detector is positioned in the interior of the cylinder to detect light passing through the rotating thin film filter.

Abstract: A fully integrated optical system for monitoring the channels of an optical fiber in a WDM fiberoptic system.

Abstract: A wavelength reference device for tuning a tunable Fabry-Perot filter and/or a tunable VCSEL to a desired frequency, where the device uses a Fizeau interferometer and a position sensitive detector, with the position sensitive detector being used to measure the location of the maximum reflected power from the interferometer, whereby to determine the wavelength of laser radiation for tuning the device.

Abstract: Novel light switches and attenuators are disclosed. In one form of the invention, a novel 2×2 crossbar switch is formed by positioning a movable reflector intermediate four fiberoptic lines. In another form of the invention, a 1×N switch is formed by providing a plurality of cantilevers each having a reflective surface thereon. In still another form of the invention, a novel light attenuator is formed by positioning a movable arm intermediate two fiberoptic elements.

Abstract: An asymmetric Fabry-Perot modulator is disclosed having an adjustable resonant cavity length. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes an asymmetric Fabry-Perot modulator having a first reflector adjustably mounted to another portion of the modulator containing a second reflector. The length of the resonant cavity is adjusted by microelectomechanically changing the distance from the first reflector to the second reflector. In turn, this change of the resonant cavity length may tune the modulator to an optimal wavelength corresponding to the electro-absorptance material in the modulator.

Abstract: A tunable Fabry-Perot filter and a tunable vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) are disclosed, where both devices utilize an improved dome structure for creating an internal air gap.

Abstract: A tunable Fabry-Perot filter and a tunable vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) are disclosed, where both devices utilize an improved dome structure for creating an internal air gap.

Abstract: An optical fiber wavelenght reference device for tuning a tunable Fabry-Perot filter and/or a tunable VCSEL to a desired frequency, where the device uses a fiber etalon to generate a pattern of reference frequencies against which the device is tuned.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for amplifying optical signals in a fiber optic system where the optical signals have a wavelength of at least N nanometers. The apparatus comprises means for providing a pump wavelength of (N−X) nanometers, where the wavelength (N−X) is not so short as to excite higher energy levels in the fiber optic system. The method comprises providing a pump wavelength of (N−X) nanometers, where the wavelength (N−X) is not so short as to excite higher energy levels in the fiber optic system.

Abstract: A compact wavelength monitoring and control assembly for a narrow band source is provided comprising a narrow bandpass, wavelength selective transmission filter element, of Fabry-Perot structure, through which two collimated beams from a laser source are directed onto two photodetectors. The differential output of the two photodetectors is used in a feedback loop to stabilize the source to the desired wavelength. Through the dependence of the wavelength transmission of the Fabry-Perot etalon on angle and physical parameters, a wavelength variation of the source is converted into a transmission loss, which is different for the detectors, so that the wavelength change is detected by changes in the signals output from the detectors. Through the controlled variation of the source wavelength in the vicinity of the transmission maximum of the etalon, the absolute frequency of the Fabry-Perot locking point may be confirmed by the variation of the ratio of the detector signals.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating microelectromechanically tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with precise lateral and vertical dimensional control. Microelectromechanical tunable vertical cavity surface emitting laser structures are also provided which include a suspended membrane structure made of a dielectric/metal membrane or metal film that supports a cavity-tuning reflective dielectric film stack while being anchored at the perimeter by metal support post(s). Tuning is achieved by translational movement of the cavity-tuning reflective dielectric film stack in a controlled electrostatic field. The current invention deals with the intracavity electrical contacts for current injection for this type of MEM-tunable VCSEL's. The current invention also includes various mechanisms to control the current injection profile so as to ensure single mode operation throughout the tuning range of the MEM-tunable VCSEL's.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting a light source with individual or bundled, single- or multi-mode optical fibers so that the light source projects an efficient projection and/or an optimal projection toward at least one optical fiber.

Abstract: A wavelength monitoring system for continuously monitoring the wavelengths of different optical channels transmitted through a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) fiberoptic system. In one construction, an optical diffraction grating is used to disperse the light being monitored onto a rotating polygon having mirrors on the facets thereof, such that the rotating polygon reflects the light onto a detector located behind a slit. In a second construction, the light is projected onto a rotating, hollow transparent cylinder having a thin film filter deposited on a surface thereof, wherein the thin film filter comprises a Fabry-Perot structure which has a gap which varies as a function of its position on the rim of the cylinder, such that the varying gap allows for a varying transmission wavelength which varies as a function of angular position. A detector is positioned in the interior of the cylinder to detect light passing through the rotating thin film filter.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating microelectromechanically tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers and microelectromechanically tunable Fabry-Perot filters with precise lateral and vertical dimensional control. Strained reflective dielectric film(s) are applied to a multiple quantum well structure to electronically band-gap-engineer the quantum wells. Appropriate strain in the reflective dielectric film layers is also used to create appropriate curvature in one of the reflective dielectric film stacks so as to form a confocal cavity between a planar reflective dielectric film layer and the curved reflective dielectric film layer in the vertical cavity surface emitting laser or filter.

Abstract: A fiber connector that facilitates alignment of and electrical communication with electrooptical devices on an optical fiber or interposed between optical fibers. An embodiment of in-line optoelectronic device packaging constructed according to principles of the invention includes a ferrule configured to receive an optical fiber with an optoelectronic device mounted on one end of the ferrule, for alignment with the fiber. Electrically-conductive deposits along the side of the ferrule supply electrical energy to or conduct electrical signals from the optoelectronic device. The optoelectronic device-carrying ferrule is inserted in a ceramic sleeve. Another ferrule, maintaining another optical fiber, also is inserted in the ceramic sleeve. Another embodiment constructed according to principles of the invention includes a second optoelectronic device mounted on the second ferrule.

Abstract: A method and an automated apparatus for three-dimensional optical alignment of optical components for testing or assembly purposes comprise use of a visible light vision system to assist active alignment of optical components based on the measured optical output at a wavelength of light outside of the visible range.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for providing auxiliary cooling and thermal stability to a temperature sensitive opto-electronic component, the apparatus comprising a primary thermal control system having a first thermal connection with a primary structure supporting at least one component of an optical system and a second thermal connection being thermally connected with an external environment; and an auxiliary thermal control system having a first thermal connection being thermally connected with the temperature sensitive opto-electronic component, and the auxiliary thermal control system having a second thermal connection being thermally connected with the primary thermal control system whereby the auxiliary thermal control system provides cooling to the temperature sensitive opto-electronic component and the primary thermal control system provides additional cooling to the auxiliary thermal control system through temperature regulation of the primary structure.

Abstract: A compact wavelength monitoring and control assembly for a narrow band (i.e., laser) source is provided, comprising two narrow bandpass, wavelength selective transmission filter elements of Fabry-Perot structure through which two separate collimated beams from a laser source are directed onto two photodetectors. The spacing of the multiple transmission maxima for one etalon is chosen to match that of the desired set of frequencies to be used for locking purposes. The spacing of the transmission maxima for the second etalon is used, in combination with a dielectric filter, to generate a wavelength fiducial to denote an absolute frequency. The spacing of the second etalon is chosen to be much wider than the frequency grid etalon. A control circuit processes the simultaneously acquired signals from the two detectors as the laser wavelength is varied.

Abstract: A wavelength monitoring system for continuously monitoring the wavelengths of different optical channels transmitted through a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) fiberoptic system. In one construction, an optical diffraction grating is used to disperse the light being monitored onto a rotating polygon having mirrors on the facets thereof, such that the rotating polygon reflects the light onto a detector located behind a slit. In a second construction, the light is projected onto a rotating, hollow transparent cylinder having a thin film filter deposited on a surface thereof, wherein the thin film filter comprises a Fabry-Perot structure which has a gap which varies as a function of its position on the rim of the cylinder, such that the varying gap allows for a varying transmission wavelength which varies as a function of angular position. A detector is positioned in the interior of the cylinder to detect light passing through the rotating thin film filter.