Abstract: The invention relates to a compact transmitter optical sub-assembly (OSA), which can be used in small form factor optical transceivers. To limit back reflections from entering the laser cavity, the laser is disposed on a silicon optical bench (SiOB) at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the OSA. A portion of the light from the laser cavity passes through the back end of the laser cavity for measuring by a monitor photodiode. A rear beam steering lens redirects the portion of light into a v-groove in the SiOB and off of a reflective surface formed in the end thereof to the monitor photodiode, which is positioned face down over the v-groove.

Abstract: An optical transmitter includes a header, a hybrid subassembly, a laser mounted on the header, a laser driver mounted on the hybrid subassembly, and an air trench formed between the header and the hybrid subassembly.

Abstract: A method of positioning a heat generating component on a header to enhance heat sinking characteristics includes positioning the header on a first pedestal, wherein the first pedestal and the header are bounded by an air trench having a vertical surface, and positioning the heat generating component only in areas on the header having an associated heat dissipation conical region extending from the heat generating component downward through the first pedestal at an angle that satisfies Fourier's Law of Heat Conduction, wherein the conical region does not intersect the vertical surface of the air trench.

Abstract: A Faraday cage enclosing an optical device extends between a metalized plate and an upper enclosure. The upper enclosure is vertically spaced from the metalized plate. The Faraday cage includes one or more ceramic wall portions that extend from the metalized plate to the upper enclosure and limit the passage of EMI through the ceramic wall portions. The ceramic wall portions include a plurality of laminated ceramic layers, each one of the laminated ceramic layers extending substantially parallel to the metalized plate, and a plurality of vias extending substantially perpendicular to the metalized plate through the laminated ceramic layers, each one of the plurality of vias extending substantially from the metalized plate to the upper enclosure. The plurality of vias are configured to form a pattern that limits the passage of EMI through the vias, wherein the metalized plate, the upper enclosure, and the ceramic wall portions define a Faraday cage that surrounds the optical device.

Abstract: A reconfigurable laser header assembly, wherein either an n-doped laser substrate structure or a p-doped laser substrate structure can be properly biased, includes a header coupled to a modulated electric (AC) current source, a DC positive bias electric current source, and a DC negative electric current source. A laser is mounted relative to the header, the laser includes a base electric contact and a laser electric contact. An electrical conductor on the header includes first and second metalized regions in electrical connection with the base electric contact, wherein different ones of the modulated electric current source, the bias electric current source, and the DC negative electric current source can be electrically connected to the first metalized region, the second metalized region, and the laser electric contact to properly bias the laser regardless of whether the laser is an n-doped laser substrate structure or a p-doped laser substrate structure.

Abstract: An optical isolator includes a first magnetic polar source having a first magnet axis, a second magnetic polar source having a second magnet axis parallel to the first magnet axis, and an optical element between the first and second magnetic polar sources, and having a length along the first magnet axis that is less than a length of the first magnetic polar source along the first magnet axis. The optical element has a central axis that is tilted with respect to the second magnet axis.

Abstract: An optical transmitter includes a header, a hybrid subassembly, a laser mounted on the header, a laser driver mounted on the hybrid subassembly, and an air trench formed between the header and the hybrid subassembly.

Abstract: A header assembly for use in an optical transmitter. The header assembly includes a header, a laser mounted on the header, and at least one passive electronic component mounted on the header, wherein the passive electronic component is one from the group of: an inductor, a capacitor, and a resistor.

Abstract: A Faraday cage enclosing an optical device extends between a metalized plate and an upper enclosure. The upper enclosure is vertically spaced from the metalized plate. The Faraday cage includes one or more ceramic wall portions that extend from the metalized plate to the upper enclosure and limit the passage of EMI through the ceramic wall portions. The ceramic wall portions include a plurality of laminated ceramic layers, each one of the laminated ceramic layers extending substantially parallel to the metalized plate, and a plurality of vias extending substantially perpendicular to the metalized plate through the laminated ceramic layers, each one of the plurality of vias extending substantially from the metalized plate to the upper enclosure. The plurality of vias are configured to form a pattern that limits the passage of EMI through the vias, wherein the metalized plate, the upper enclosure, and the ceramic wall portions define a Faraday cage that surrounds the optical device.

Abstract: An optical transmitter includes a planarized header, a laser mounted on a plane of the planarized header, wherein an axis of light emitted from the laser is parallel to the plane, and a temperature sensor is located on the planarized header. A temperature of the laser is obtained from an output of the temperature sensor without application of an offset to the output of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An optical transmitter that includes a laser that operates in the range of 1260-1360 nm, wherein the laser is in a transmitter package case that covers less than 0.30 square inches of surface area on a board to which the package case is mounted, wherein the optical transmitter continues to function in compliance with the transmission requirements of international telecommunciations union (ITU) standard 693 without thermoelectric cooling when an external temperature of the transmitter package case is at or within 1° C. of a temperature of the laser.

Abstract: A reconfigurable laser header assembly, wherein either an n-doped laser substrate structure or a p-doped laser substrate structure can be properly biased, includes a header coupled to a modulated electric (AC) current source, a DC positive bias electric current source, and a DC negative electric current source. A laser is mounted relative to the header, the laser includes a base electric contact and a laser electric contact. An electrical conductor on the header includes first and second metalized regions in electrical connection with the base electric contact, wherein different ones of the modulated electric current source, the bias electric current source, and the DC negative electric current source can be electrically connected to the first metalized region, the second metalized region, and the laser electric contact to properly bias the laser regardless of whether the laser is an n-doped laser substrate structure or a p-doped laser substrate structure.

Abstract: An optical isolator includes a first magnetic polar source having a first magnet axis, a second magnetic polar source having a second magnet axis parallel to the first magnet axis, and an optical element between the first and second magnetic polar sources, and having a length along the first magnet axis that is less than a length of the first magnetic polar source along the first magnet axis. The optical element has a central axis that is tilted with respect to the second magnet axis.

Abstract: An optical bench includes a substrate having a fiber receiving area, a lens mounting area, and a reflective area. The fiber receiving area, the lens mounting area and the reflective area are positioned linearly. The fiber receiving area includes a V-groove etched or micromachined in the substrate, wherein a length of optical fiber cable is inserted in the V-groove to facilitate alignment of optical fiber cable towards the lens mounting area. The lens mounting area includes first support members for supporting a lens positioned to facilitate directing of light from the optical fiber cable towards the reflective area. The reflective area includes a planar mirror and second support members, wherein the second support members support a diode positioned above the planar mirror, wherein the planar mirror is positioned in a slanted angle to facilitate directing of light from the lens to the diode.

Abstract: A method of positioning a heat generating component on a header to enhance heat sinking characteristics includes positioning the header on a first pedestal, wherein the first pedestal and the header are bounded by an air trench having a vertical surface, and positioning the heat generating component only in areas on the header having an associated heat dissipation conical region extending from the heat generating component downward through the first pedestal at an angle that satisfies Fourier's Law of Heat Conduction, wherein the conical region does not intersect the vertical surface of the air trench.

Abstract: A coplanar waveguide includes a header, a laser mounted on the header, a hybrid subassembly, wherein an air trench is formed between the hybrid subassembly and the header, a laser driver mounted on the hybrid subassembly, and a waveguide, wherein electrical energy applied from the laser driver is directed through the waveguide at the laser driver, the waveguide forms a ninety degree turn within a substantially horizontal plane, and the distance that the electrical energy travels through the coplanar waveguide is minimized.

Abstract: Systems and methods are used for automatic handling of optical fibers and transporting the same, as well as automatic assembly of the optical fibers into optical devices and transportation of the same. A spool facilitates handling, storing, and transporting of the optical fiber. A cassette receives an electronic module and the optical fiber, with or without a corresponding spool, and presents the fiber in a manner that facilitates automatic assembly of optical assemblies. The cassette also facilitates handling, storing, and transporting of the optical assemblies.