Abstract: A thin film passive integrated optical waveguide is formed in a lithium tantalate substrate by proton exchange in a benzoic acid bath. Annealing the substrate provides increased waveguide depth and stabilizes the refractive index. Optical components are formed by proton exchange of the masked substrate after formation of a planar waveguide.

Abstract: An optical 1.times.N switch uses a polarizing beam splitter cube and a reflector to separate an arbitrarily polarized incident light beam into polarized components which propagate along parallel paths. A polarization rotator is positioned in the path of the reflected component to rotate the plane of polarization of the light beam component propagating therealong to be coplanar with that of the undeviated light beam in the parallel path. The two beams are simultaneously or individually deflected by selectively activating the electrodes of a liquid crystal nematic reflector/transmitter array confined between prismatic bodies to emerge at one or more of a plurality of desired outputs. In a second embodiment, a second polarization rotator and polarizing beam combiner assembly re-establishes the initial polarization and the beams are thereby combined to emerge from one or more selected output terminals as an arbitrarily polarized light beam.

Abstract: The 2.times.2 bypass switch utilizes a single polarizing beam splitter and a 90.degree. polarization twist layer of liquid crystal held between two right angle prisms. The outer surfaces of the prisms provide a series of total internal reflections to direct light about the switch so that a single polarizing beam splitter may be employed to divide an incident beam into two counter-rotating orthogonally polarized beams and to recombine the beam at the switch selective output port. A compound switch is realized by double folding the optical path in two parallel planes in one embodiment and along parallel paths in the incident plane in another embodiment.

Abstract: An optical temperature sensor and method of manufacture therefor in which the intensity of light reflected from a first dielectric interface or from first and second dielectric interfaces, wherein one of the dielectrics has a temperature dependent index of refraction is measured. The intensity of light refleted from such dielectric interfaces will vary depending on the index of refraction which in turn is temperature dependent, thus providing a temperature dependent light signal.

Abstract: The invention pertains to improved electrooptical devices for switching pluralities of unpolarized or polarized optical signals between input and output multimode single strand fiber optical guides and more particularly relates to novel electrooptical switch elements employing electric field-effect liquid crystal compositions adaptable for the construction of large scale, integrated multiple switch arrays.

Abstract: Magnetooptical switches for application in optical communication and data processing systems for switching, multiplexing, and demultiplexing take improved compact forms for switching unpolarized optical signals from one multimode fiber guide to selected ones of a plurality of such fiber guides. Reflection and transmission switches are provided, as well as devices for simultaneous switching of both upstream and downstream light waves.

Abstract: The improved electrooptical devices provide means for switching pluralities of polarized or unpolarized optical signals between input and output multimode single strand light guides. The electrooptical switching elements employ electric field-effect liquid crystal compositions and are adapted to use in the construction of large scale, integrated multiple switching arrays.

Abstract: Directionally coupling internal channel wave guide electrooptical switches are provided that employ electric field-effect liquid crystal compositions and that lend themselves to use in large scale planar integrated switching arrays. Light propagation through the liquid crystal medium is restricted to the very small part of that medium actively associated with the electric switching field, thus minimizing light losses.

Abstract: The active data terminal device employs an array of multiple mode optical fiber guides as input-output devices, each abutted against a flat input-output focal face of an electro-optically active plate provided with opposed deflection modulation electrodes. Opposite the input-output focal face is a cylindrical mirror surface for refocusing the multiple-mode light from any predetermined input fiber guide into a second one of the array of fiber guides as selected by the voltage applied to the electrode pair.

Abstract: A flat screen, electrically controlled, reflective display device is provided that utilizes a very thin layer of a positive dielectric anisotropy liquid crystalline material of the nematic type. The selected liquid crystal material is one whose optical phase shift transmission is a sensitive function of the electric field within it, allowing controlled optical transmission in conjunction with an optical circular polarizer. The nematic material is placed in a very thin layer in a flat-sided cell between transparent planar cell wall elements that accurately define the thickness of the nematic layer. Birefringence of the nematic liquid crystal is controlled by voltages applied to interleave arrays of alternate parallel electrodes coated on the inner surface of only one of the transparent cell elements. The invention includes novel means for holding constant and uniform the thickness of the thin nematic layer and for reducing undesired parallax and multiple image effects.

Abstract: A low crosstalk optical switching matrix of individual optical switches wherein anyone of n input ports may be addressed to any one of n output ports. Ports of the individual optical switches which are employed for inter-row and inter-column coupling at the interior of the matrix are not used in the last row and column and are terminated with optical signal absorbers thereat, thus providing a means for absorbing non-addressed signals and spurious reflections. The crosstalk properties of the matrix are further improved by utilizing a multiplicity of four port switching elements in tandem for each individual optical switch.