Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program are disclosed for managing the distribution of optical power to a plurality of optical data devices. The devices can be data storage drives, data replicators, fast optical search devices, or other components that use optical or laser power for their operation. A power management system provides the increased flexibility of monitoring and redirecting optical power (e.g., to provide higher or lower power on demand), which increases the fault-tolerance and performance (e.g., through higher data transfer rates) of a data management system.

Abstract: A system and method capable of providing high data rate data copying and recording in holographic data storage while maintaining the copied data's signal-to-noise ratio. This is achieved by using optically-based parallel signal processing. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention uses a plurality of optical resonating cavities to provide thresholding and gain functions via positive feedback.

Abstract: Bidirectional wavelength cross connects include a plurality of ports, each configured to receive an input optical signals, each input optical signal having a plurality of spectral bands. At least one of the plurality of ports is disposed to simultaneously transmit an output optical signal having at least one of the spectral bands. A plurality of wavelength routing elements are configured to selectively route input optical signal spectral bands to output optical signals.

Abstract: Bidirectional wavelength cross connects include a plurality of ports, each configured to receive an input optical signals, each input optical signal having a plurality of spectral bands. At least one of the plurality of ports is disposed to simultaneously transmit an output optical signal having at least one of the spectral bands. A plurality of wavelength routing elements are configured to selectively route input optical signal spectral bands to output optical signals.

Abstract: Optical systems for routing light that reduce or eliminate polarization-dependent loss are provided. Such optical systems generally accommodate an optical element that has an intrinsic polarization-dependent loss and which is disposed to be encountered twice by the light being routed. In some instances, the optical element may be a dispersive element such as a diffraction grating or prism, but the invention has more general applicability. The optical system additionally includes both a reflective element and a wave plate assembly disposed to be encountered by the light between encounters with the dispersive element.