Patents by Inventor Robert I. MacDonald

Robert I. MacDonald has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7014326
    Abstract: A wavelength blocker including an input port for launching an input beam of light, first dispersing means for dispersing the input beam of light according to wavelength, an array of independently addressable elements for selectively blocking a portion of the dispersed beam of light, second dispersing means for receiving the passed dispersed beam of light and for producing a single multiplexed beam of light therefrom, and an output port for transmitting a modified output beam of light. The array of independently addressable elements are designed such that the wavelength blocker is capable of blocking a variable number of non-consecutive channels without significantly affecting the unblocked channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignees: JDS Uniphase Corporation, JDS Uniphase Inc.
    Inventors: David John Danagher, Thomas Ducellier, Robert I. MacDonald, Jasvinder Obhi, Barrie Keyworth, Paul H. Beckwith, W. John Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 6763154
    Abstract: The invention provides polarization state changer and a phase shifter for shifting a phase of an optical signal including a waveguide having a waveguiding region for guiding the optical signal therethrough, a substrate for supporting said waveguide, and means for inducing stress on the waveguiding region for shifting the phase of the optical signal. The stress is induced by MEMS means. The MEMS means are monolithically formed on the substrate and can be actuated by electrostatical force, mechanical force, or tiltable flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert I. MacDonald, Barrie Keyworth, Alan J. P. Hnatiw
  • Publication number: 20040005154
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a monitoring signal on an optical information signal for maintaining the correct bias condition of an interferometric modulator. A dither signal is introduced into the optical signal that is output from the modulator. This composite signal is detected by tapping off a portion of the modulated light, and monitored in the output of an optical receiver that receives the tapped light. By suitable processing of the detected portion of the signal output from the modulator the information required to determine whether the bias is correct, and how to alter the bias voltage if it is not, is obtained and used to control the bias voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Robert I. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20030108284
    Abstract: A wavelength blocker including an input port for launching an input beam of light, first dispersing means for dispersing the input beam of light according to wavelength, an array of independently addressable elements for selectively blocking a portion of the dispersed beam of light, second dispersing means for receiving the passed dispersed beam of light and for producing a single multiplexed beam of light therefrom, and an output port for transmitting a modified output beam of light. The array of independently addressable elements are designed such that the wavelength blocker is capable of blocking a variable number of non-consecutive channels without significantly affecting the unblocked channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicants: JDS UNIPHASE INC., JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
    Inventors: David John Danagher, Thomas Ducellier, Robert I. MacDonald, Jasvinder Obhi, Barrie Keyworth, Paul H. Beckwith, W. John Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 6567576
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage non-blocking optical switch matrix having failure protection. The optical switch includes failure protection in the form of a capacity to provide an alternative route for any connection, including rearrangeable protection to provide alternative routes for multiple connections, as required, and to permit replacement of any failed submatrix module without service interruption. The present invention provides both internal and external protection from system failure in a multi-stage optical switch matrix by providing interconnected modules in a first external stage. The modules are interconnected by rerouting ports for redirecting signals from an input/output port on one external switch module to another external switch module. Protection is further provided through a center stage having a number of center stage switch modules, fully connected to the external modules, equal to twice the number of input/output ports and rerouting ports on an external module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.
    Inventor: Robert I. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6487334
    Abstract: The invention provides an optical switch having an input port for launching a beam of light into the optical switch, at least two output ports, each output port for selectively receiving a beam of light, an ATO element having optical power for providing an angle to offset transformation, and beam directing means for selectively directing a beam of light from the input port to a selected one of the at least two output ports along an optical path via the ATO element. The ATO element is a lens or a mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ducellier, Rajiv Iyer, Andrew Tsiboulia, Paul Colbourne, Robert I. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20020172447
    Abstract: The invention provides polarization state changer and a phase shifter for shifting a phase of an optical signal including a waveguide having a waveguiding region for guiding the optical signal therethrough, a substrate for supporting said waveguide, and means for inducing stress on the waveguiding region for shifting the phase of the optical signal. The stress is induced by MEMS means. The MEMS means are monolithically formed on the substrate and can be actuated by electrostatical force, mechanical force, or tiltable flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Robert I. MacDonald, Barrie Keyworth, Alan J.P. Hnatiw
  • Patent number: 6480644
    Abstract: An optical switching device for controlling an optical signal is disclosed. The optical switching device is in the form of an optical loop, the loop having two ports for launching or receiving light. A switching element is interposed within the loop for selectively launching light to one of the two ports. The switching element has a polarization rotating element for rotating the polarization of light incident thereon and a wavelength dependent filter disposed to bypass the polarization rotating element or direct a signal propagating within the loop through the polarization rotating element in dependence upon wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.
    Inventor: Robert I. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20020159681
    Abstract: An optical protected crossconnect for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of locations in a non-blocking manner has at least three stages (a first external stage, at least one center stage and a second external stage), the first external stage optically coupled to the second external stage through the at least one center stage, with at least one connection between each module in the first and second external stages and center stage modules, the first external stage having a number of modules. Each module has a plurality of external input/output ports, at least one protection port, a plurality of redundancy means, each redundancy means optically coupled to one of the input/output ports, and a plurality of second ports for coupling input signals from the external module to a center stage or from coupling output signals from the center stage to the external module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Robert I. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6462858
    Abstract: The invention provides a fast variable optical attenuator including a reflective membrane that serves as a varifocal mirror. Electrostatic deflection of the mirror defocuses the optical system and attenuates an optical signal launched to the mirror from an input port to an output port. Since the mirror is generally limited to deflections less than 1 micron, fast attenuation within a small (<5 dB) dynamic range is achieved. The dynamic range is improved by combining the fast attenuator with a slower attenuator. In the preferred embodiment, the slow and fast attenuator are not coupled via optical waveguides, but rather are optically coupled via free space or are integrated in the same device. Advantageously, this compact arrangement reduces the excess loss associated with optical fiber coupling and lowers packaging costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert I. MacDonald, Lianxiang Yang, Phillipe Lonjoux, Paul Colbourne, Mohiuddin Mala
  • Publication number: 20020136484
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage non-blocking optical switch matrix having failure protection. The optical switch includes failure protection in the form of a capacity to provide an alternative route for any connection, including rearrangeable protection to provide alternative routes for multiple connections, as required, and to permit replacement of any failed submatrix module without service interruption. The present invention provides both internal and external protection from system failure in a multi-stage optical switch matrix by providing interconnected modules in a first external stage. The modules are interconnected by rerouting ports for redirecting signals from an input/output port on one external switch module to another external switch module. Protection is further provided through a center stage having a number of center stage switch modules, fully connected to the external modules, equal to twice the number of input/output ports and rerouting ports on an external module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Robert I. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20020109904
    Abstract: The invention provides a fast variable optical attenuator including a reflective membrane that serves as a varifocal mirror. Electrostatic deflection of the mirror defocuses the optical system and attenuates an optical signal launched to the mirror from an input port to an output port. Since the mirror is generally limited to deflections less than 1 micron, fast attenuation within a small (<5 dB) dynamic range is achieved. The dynamic range is improved by combining the fast attenuator with a slower attenuator. In the preferred embodiment, the slow and fast attenuator are not coupled via optical waveguides, but rather are optically coupled via free space or are integrated in the same device. Advantageously, this compact arrangement reduces the excess loss associated with optical fiber coupling and lowers packaging costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Robert I. MacDonald, Lianxiang Yang, Phillipe Lonjoux, Paul Colbourne, Mohiuddin Mala
  • Publication number: 20020090169
    Abstract: The invention provides an optical switch having an input port for launching a beam of light into the optical switch, at least two output ports, each output port for selectively receiving a beam of light, an ATO element having optical power for providing an angle to offset transformation, and beam directing means for selectively directing a beam of light from the input port to a selected one of the at least two output ports along an optical path via the ATO element. The ATO element is a lens or a mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Ducellier, Rajive Iyer, Andrew Tsiboulia, Paul Colbourne, Robert I. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6356678
    Abstract: The invention discloses an optical deflection switch which uses the output focal plane of a lens more effectively. This is achieved by combining a tapered block of a light-transmissive material having a reflective surface and a second face, wherein the second face includes an input/output port and the reflective surface provides reflection of a beam of light passing through the input/output port into the tapered block with a first block of a light-transmissive material having a first face and a second face, wherein the first face includes an input port thereon for receiving a collimated beam of light and the second face is for providing total internal reflection of the beam of light in a first switching state and for acting as an output/input port for optical communication with the input/output port of the switching block when the total internal reflection is frustrated in a second switching state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Teitelbaum, Robert I. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20020017834
    Abstract: The invention provides a MEMS acoustic actuator having a substrate, an acoustic wave generator for generating an acoustic wave, the acoustic wave generator is disposed on the substrate, and a moveable element for receiving the acoustic wave, said moveable element is operatively connected to the acoustic wave generator such that the acoustic wave generator is capable of exerting sufficient acoustic radiation pressure for moving the moveable clement. The moveable element has a planar surface for receiving and deflecting the acoustic wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Robert I. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6154586
    Abstract: An optical switch mechanism for reflecting an input light beam from an input port to a reflection output port in a first state and for transmitting an input light beam to a transmission output port in a second state is disclosed. The switch mechanism comprises a block made of a light transmissive substrate. The block contains a cavity, which is divided by a light transmissive diaphragm into a reflective portion and a transmissive portion. At the input port a light beam is coupled into the block such that the light beam encounters a reflective surface at an angle greater than a critical angle determined by the refractive indices of the substrate and a reflective fluid retained in the reflective portion of the cavity. When the reflective fluid is in contact with the reflective surface the light beam is totally reflected to a reflection output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: JDS Fitel Inc.
    Inventors: Robert I. MacDonald, Mohiuddin Mala, Karen Stauss
  • Patent number: 6134357
    Abstract: An optical switching system particularly useful in optical networks where waveguides are required from one node to several others, to provide multiple paths in the event of an outage on a particular waveguide is provided. The switching system is a one sided switch having p ports and allows any of the p ports to be connected with any other of the p-1 ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: JDS Fitel Inc.
    Inventor: Robert I. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6044185
    Abstract: A system of interconnected functionally identical modules for switching P optical signals to P locations in a non-blocking manner is disclosed. Each of the functionally identical modules provides a same function, which may or may not be provided in an identical manner. Each module has several of first ports and several second ports optically coupled to second ports of other modules. Switching means are provided for switching means for switching between the first ports and the second ports. Each module has at least a second port is directly coupled to another second port. Providing a system wherein modules are identical provides numerous advantages. The architecture further provides the advantage of ease of repair within no disturbance to communications being handled by other modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Robert I. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6043887
    Abstract: The state of polarization of an input light beam is tested by determining four components of a Stokes vector of the light. These correspond to components of the light in three polarization states, S.sub.1 : linear horizontal, S.sub.2 : linear at 45 degrees, S.sub.3 : right circularly polarized, and S.sub.0 the total power. It is not necessary to filter out these components directly and measure their powers. In accordance with this invention it is more convenient to measure the powers in three arbitrary polarization states that have known relationships to each other, and, also measure the total power. The actual Stokes vector components is calculated from this information. Conveniently, a device having three polarization beam splitting surfaces and a prism provides a novel way in which to obtain the necessary information from an input beam so that a set of equations can be solved to determine the state of polarization the input beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventors: Louis B. Allard, Robert I. MacDonald, Carey M. Garrett
  • Patent number: 6011623
    Abstract: A fault detection circuit and method of detecting catastrophic faults for example from a total line outage due to a transmission waveguide being inadvertently cut, includes tapping a sample of the amplified transmission multichannel signal light for analysis. The tapped light is then fed to a periodic filter such as a Mach Zehnder interferometer or a Fabry Perot etalon having a free spectral range and phase at one output that coincides with the channel central wavelengths of the transmission system. Another output of the periodic filter provides an output response that is phase shifted by 180 degrees. Two output signals from the two output two output signals are then compared, in one embodiment by using a photodiode bridge. When one output of the periodic filter has a substantially different signal energy than the other, it is assumed that no faults occur. Conversely when the two outputs are substantially similar, it is assumed that a catastrophic fault has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventors: Robert I. MacDonald, Brian S. Kawasaki