Patents by Inventor Robert K. Wade
Robert K. Wade 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).
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Patent number: 6829096Abstract: A bi-directional wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing device is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the bi-directional wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing device comprises a diffraction grating for combining a plurality of monochromatic optical input beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical output beam, and for separating a multiplexed, polychromatic optical input beam into a plurality of monochromatic optical output beams; and a transmissive/reflective optical element for transmitting the plurality of monochromatic optical input beams on an optical path toward the diffraction grating, and for reflecting the plurality of monochromatic optical output beams received on an optical path from the diffraction grating.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Confluent Photonics CorporationInventor: Robert K. Wade
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Patent number: 6591040Abstract: A family of ultra-dense wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices are disclosed. In the case of an ultra-dense wavelength division multiplexing device, a wavelength division multiplexing device is used for combining at least one plurality of monochromatic optical beams into a corresponding at least one single, multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam, wherein the wavelength division multiplexing device has an input element and an output element. A plurality of optical input devices is disposed proximate the input element, wherein each of the plurality of optical input devices communicates a plurality of monochromatic optical beams to the wavelength division multiplexing device for combining the plurality of monochromatic optical beams into a single, multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Confluent Photonics CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Dempewolf, Robert K. Wade, Ian Turner
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Patent number: 6580856Abstract: An improved wavelength division multiplexing device is disclosed. The improved wavelength division multiplexing device has a diffraction grating for combining a plurality of monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam. The improvement in the improved wavelength division multiplexing device is the use of a homogeneous refractive index collimating/focusing lens for collimating the plurality of monochromatic optical beams traveling along a first direction to the diffraction grating, and for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam traveling along a second direction from the diffraction grating, wherein the second direction being substantially opposite the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Confluent Photonics CorporationInventor: Robert K. Wade
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Patent number: 6480648Abstract: A technique for detecting the status of wavelength division multiplexed optical signals is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the technique is realized by first splitting an original, multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam into at least two representative, multiplexed, polychromatic optical beams. Next, a first of the at least two representative, multiplexed, polychromatic optical beams is separated according to wavelength into a plurality of optical signal channels, wherein each of the plurality of optical signal channels are for communicating a respective, representative optical signal via a respective, representative, discrete, monochromatic optical beam. Finally, the presence or absence of a representative optical signal is detected on each of the plurality of optical signal channels.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: LightChip, Inc.Inventors: Robert K. Wade, Ian Turner, Alan Willner, Joseph R. Dempewolf, William W. Peck
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Patent number: 6449068Abstract: A technique for processing dense wavelength division multiplexed optical signals in a network node is disclosed. In one embodiment, the technique is realized as an optical power managed network node comprising a dense wavelength division multiplexing device for combining a plurality of narrowband optical signals into a multiplexed polychromatic optical signal. The optical power managed network node also comprises a wavelength-selective optical power detector for detecting the power of each of the plurality of narrowband optical signals combined into the multiplexed polychromatic optical signal. The optical power managed network node further comprises a plurality of attenuators for attenuating the power of at least one of the plurality of narrowband optical signals based upon the detected power of each of the plurality of narrowband optical signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: LightChip, Inc.Inventors: Ian Turner, William L. Emkey, Robert K. Wade
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Patent number: 6449097Abstract: An improved diffraction grating for wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices is disclosed. The improved diffraction grating has a glass substrate, a polymer grating layer located adjacent to the glass substrate, and a metal coating layer located adjacent to the polymer grating layer. The improvement comprises a polymer coating layer located adjacent to the metal coating layer, and a glass cover located adjacent to the polymer coating layer, wherein the polymer coating layer and the glass cover compensate for thermal characteristics associated with the polymer grating layer and the glass substrate, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Lightchip, Inc.Inventors: Ninghui Zhu, Ian Turner, Yuri A. Yudin, Mikhail N. Sokolskiy, Robert K. Wade
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Patent number: 6434299Abstract: A variety of wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an improved wavelength division multiplexing for receiving a plurality of diverging monochromatic optical beams, for combining the plurality of diverging monochromatic optical beams into a converging multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam, and for transmitting the converging, multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam. The concave diffraction grating can be formed in a variety of ways such as, for example, in a polymer material with a reflective surface. Alternatively, the concave diffraction grating may be etched into a rigid material with a reflective surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: LightChip, Inc.Inventors: Yuri A. Yudin, Mikhail N. Sokolskiy, Robert K. Wade
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Patent number: 6404945Abstract: An improved wavelength division multiplexing device is disclosed. The improved wavelength division multiplexing device has a diffraction grating for combining a plurality of monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam. The improvement in the improved wavelength division multiplexing device is the use of a homogeneous refractive index collimating/focusing lens for collimating the plurality of monochromatic optical beams traveling along a first direction to the diffraction grating, and for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam traveling along a second direction from the diffraction grating, wherein the second direction being substantially opposite the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: LightChip, Inc.Inventor: Robert K. Wade
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Publication number: 20020021463Abstract: A technique for processing dense wavelength division multiplexed optical signals in a network node is disclosed. In one embodiment, the technique is realized as an optical power managed network node comprising a dense wavelength division multiplexing device for combining a plurality of narrowband optical signals into a multiplexed polychromatic optical signal. The optical power managed network node also comprises a wavelength-selective optical power detector for detecting the power of each of the plurality of narrowband optical signals combined into the multiplexed polychromatic optical signal. The optical power managed network node further comprises a plurality of attenuators for attenuating the power of at least one of the plurality of narrowband optical signals based upon the detected power of each of the plurality of narrowband optical signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: Ian Turner, William L. Emkey, Robert K. Wade
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Patent number: 6343169Abstract: A family of ultra-dense wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing devices are disclosed. In the case of an ultra-dense wavelength division multiplexing device, a wavelength division multiplexing device is used for combining at least one plurality of monochromatic optical beams into a corresponding at least one single, multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam, wherein the wavelength division multiplexing device has an input element and an output element. A plurality of optical input devices is disposed proximate the input element, wherein each of the plurality of optical input devices communicates a plurality of monochromatic optical beams to the wavelength division multiplexing device for combining the plurality of monochromatic optical beams into a single, multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: LightChip, Inc.Inventors: Joseph R. Dempewolf, Robert K. Wade, Ian Turner
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Patent number: 6298182Abstract: An improved wavelength division multiplexing device is disclosed. The improved wavelength division multiplexing device has a diffraction grating for combining a plurality of monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam. The improvement in the improved wavelength division multiplexing device is the use of a polymer collimating/focusing lens for collimating the plurality of monochromatic optical beams traveling along a first direction to the diffraction grating, and for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam traveling along a second direction from the diffraction grating, wherein the second direction being substantially opposite the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Light Chip, Inc.Inventor: Robert K. Wade
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Patent number: 6271970Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexing device is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the wavelength division multiplexing device comprises a homogeneous refractive index collimating lens for collimating a plurality of monochromatic optical beams, a diffraction grating for combining the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam, and a homogeneous refractive index focusing lens for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Lightchip, Inc.Inventor: Robert K. Wade
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Patent number: 6243513Abstract: An improved wavelength division multiplexing device is disclosed. The improved wavelength division multiplexing device has a diffraction grating for combining a plurality of monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam. The improvement in the improved wavelength division multiplexing device is the use of a diffractive optic collimating/focusing lens for collimating the plurality of monochromatic optical beams traveling along a first direction to the diffraction grating, and for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam traveling along a second direction from the diffraction grating, wherein the second direction being substantially opposite the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: LightChip, Inc.Inventor: Robert K. Wade
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Patent number: 6236780Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexing device is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the wavelength division multiplexing device comprises a diffractive optic collimating lens for collimating a plurality of monochromatic optical beams, a diffraction grating for combining the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam, and a diffractive optic focusing lens for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Light Chip, Inc.Inventor: Robert K. Wade
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Patent number: 6181853Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexing device is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the wavelength division multiplexing device comprises a polymer collimating lens for collimating a plurality of monochromatic optical beams, a diffraction grating for combining the plurality of collimated, monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam, and a polymer focusing lens for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: LightChip, Inc.Inventor: Robert K. Wade
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Patent number: 6137933Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer is provided that integrates axial gradient refractive index elements with a diffraction grating to provide efficient coupling from a plurality of input optical sources (each delivering a single wavelength to the device) which are multiplexed to a single polychromatic beam for output to a single output optical source.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: LightChip, Inc.Inventors: Boyd V. Hunter, Robert K. Wade, Joseph R. Dempewolf, Ray T. Chen
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Patent number: 6011885Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexer integrating a dispersive element having a gradient refractive index with optical lenses to provide efficient coupling from a plurality of input optical fibers (each delivering a plurality of discrete wavelengths to the device) which are multiplexed to a single polychromatic beam for output to a single output optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: LightChip, Inc.Inventors: Joseph R. Dempewolf, Robert K. Wade, Robert H. Dueck, Boyd V. Hunter, Alan E. Willner
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Patent number: 6011884Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexer is provided that integrates an axial gradient refractive index element with a diffraction grating to provide efficient coupling from a plurality of input optical sources (each delivering a single wavelength to the device) which are multiplexed to a single polychromatic beam for output to a single output optical receiver.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: LightChip, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Dueck, Robert K. Wade, Boyd V. Hunter, Joseph R. Dempewolf
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Patent number: 5999672Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer is provided that integrates axial gradient refractive index elements with a diffraction grating to provide efficient coupling from a plurality of input optical sources (each delivering a single wavelength to the device) which are multiplexed to a single polychromatic beam for output to a single output optical source.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Light Chip, Inc.Inventors: Boyd V. Hunter, Robert K. Wade, Joseph R. Dempewolf, Ray T. Chen
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Patent number: 5815318Abstract: An optical coupler is provided that comprises one lens component, comprising at least one axially-graded index of refraction element. When the optical coupler component includes one axially-graded index of refraction element, a homogeneous "boot" element is cemented on entrance surface to provide plano-plano coupling. When the optical coupler includes two or more axially-graded index of refraction elements, both entrance and exit surfaces are planar. The optical coupler component may be sized to provide focusing at its exit surface. The axially graded index-based couplers of the present invention comprise a single component, thereby reducing the number of components and the concomitant complexity of the optical system. Further, many of these couplers can be fabricated with plano-plano entrance-exit surfaces, thereby obviating the need for forming curved focusing surfaces and thus avoiding the introduction of air spaces.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: LightPath Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph R. Dempewolf, Robert K. Wade