Abstract: Raised features are formed on a transparent substrate having absorption of less than about 20% within a processing wavelength range. A portion of the substrate is irradiated with a light beam to increase the absorption of the irradiated portion of the substrate. Continued irradiation causes local heating and expansion of the substrate so as to form a raised feature on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A bent optical fiber coupler (100) that employs at least one optical fiber (10) is disclosed. The coupler includes a curved optical fiber guide channel (200) having a strong curve. The optical fiber(s) held within the optical fiber guide channel have a bend corresponding to the guide channel curve. The fiber end portions are optionally disposed within a straight fiber guide (160) at a coupler input/output end, which is preferably configured to have a standard connector geometry. Use of nanostructured fibers for the at least one optical fiber allows for strong bends having tight radii of curvature without imparting significant attenuation. Coupler assemblies that include the coupler optically coupled to at least one opto-electronic device (310) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bent optical fiber coupler (100) that employs at least one optical fiber (10) is disclosed. The coupler includes a curved optical fiber guide channel (200) having a strong curve. The optical fiber(s) held within the optical fiber guide channel have a bend corresponding to the guide channel curve. The fiber end portions are optionally disposed within a straight fiber guide (160) at a coupler input/output end, which is preferably configured to have a standard connector geometry. Use of nanostructured fibers for the at least one optical fiber allows for strong bends having tight radii of curvature without imparting significant attenuation. Coupler assemblies that include the coupler optically coupled to at least one opto-electronic device (310) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microlenses are formed on a substrate having a first absorption within an operational wavelength range, and a second absorption outside the operational wavelength range, wherein the second absorption is greater than the first absorption. One or more waveguides are coupled with a processing light beam having a wavelength outside the operational wavelength range, and the processing light beam is directed through the waveguides to the substrate to locally heat and expand the substrate so as to form microlenses on the substrate surface. The processing light beam is terminated to stop heating of the substrate and fix the microlenses.