Abstract: A system for providing document conversion services that uses XML (eXtensible Mark-up Language). A document type definition (DTD) defines tags and attributes for document conversion services, and includes a number of global variable definitions. Each “convertor” tag defines a document conversion filter, using a “filter” tag contained within it. Within each convertor tag, multiple input and output tags describe the capabilities of the convertor, and can be used to define the input document types and output document types for the associated filter. The filter tag can have a “class” attribute or the like, that may be used to provide a fully qualified class name for the filter. A “remote” tag defines whether the conversion for an associated filter is performed on an identified remote server computer system. The global variables are visible to all the convertor entities and may be used to activate logging of activities for various purposes.

Abstract: A coaxial optical component and method of packaging and manufacturing a coaxial optical component. A dual fiber collimator is formed from a dual fiber pigtail and a collimating lens. The dual fiber pigtail and the collimating lens are adequately aligned such that the optical loss is minimized. Spacers are placed around the dual fiber collimator and epoxy is placed between the spacers and around the dual fiber collimator. The dual fiber collimator and the spacers are inserted in one end of a metal housing and aligned before the epoxy is cured. The spacers thus position the dual fiber collimator within the housing while separating the dual fiber collimator from the housing. The metal housing includes an extended portion adapted to receive another optical element for use with the dual fiber pigtail. Alternatively, the dual fiber collimator is replaced with a different optical element and secured within the metal housing.

Abstract: An optical waveguide for use in amplifying light signals with an integrated gain equalization filter. The optical waveguide includes a gain section for amplifying light signals. The optical waveguide further includes an equalization filter to improve the uniformity of optical gain over a wavelength range for which the gain section is intended to provide amplification.

Abstract: A system for providing document conversion services that uses XML (eXtensible Mark-up Language). A document type definition (DTD) defines tags and attributes for document conversion services, and includes a number of global variable definitions. Each “convertor” tag defines a document conversion filter, using a “filter” tag contained within it. Within each convertor tag, multiple input and output tags describe the capabilities of the convertor, and can be used to define the input document types and output document types for the associated filter. The filter tag can have a “class” attribute or the like, that may be used to provide a fully qualified class name for the filter. A “remote” tag defines whether the conversion for an associated filter is performed on an identified remote server computer system. The global variables are visible to all the convertor entities and may be used to activate logging of activities for various purposes.

Abstract: A thin film interleaver device is disclosed. The thin film interleaver includes thin film optics. The thin film(s) are formed such that they reflect one group of wavelengths while allowing a second group of wavelengths to pass through the thin film(s). The thin film(s) exhibit a flat top frequency response across the channel bandwidths of the multiplexed signal for which the thin film filter is designed such that the thin film interleaver is less sensitive to wavelength drift and temperature variations.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator. A PIN structure is integrated with an optical detector such as a PIN diode or an APD diode. When the PIN structure is forward biased, the light signal is not affected and is detected by the optical detector. When the PIN structure is reverse biased, the light signal is attenuated and the dynamic range of the optical detector can be increased.

Abstract: A thin film interleaver device is disclosed. The thin film interleaver includes thin film optics. The thin film(s) are formed such that they reflect one group of wavelengths while allowing a second group of wavelengths to pass through the thin film(s). The thin film(s) exhibit a flat top frequency response across the channel bandwidths of the multiplexed signal for which the thin film filter is designed such that the thin film interleaver is less sensitive to wavelength drift and temperature variations.

Abstract: A system for concurrently processing data files in multipart format is disclosed. The disclosed system processes files transmitted from a client system to a server system in a multipart format. An object-oriented method for representing the multipart data is used on the server system, where the multipart data stream is parsed, and each file's content part is saved in a temporary file through a file system operating on the server system. A corresponding multipart container object is created that includes all relevant information regarding the multipart format the data files were received in. The container object stores a reference to each temporary file, such as a file name. The container object further provides methods that allow consumer programs to open up the temporary files in the file stream on-demand, and that delete the temporary files when the consumer program closes them.

Abstract: A redundant optical signal transmission and reception system enables information exchange via an optical communications network without data loss in the event of optical transmitter or receiver failure. In one embodiment, the redundant optical signal system includes a primary transmission link comprising a plurality of optical transmitters and a multiplexor for modulating and combining electrical signals into a primary multiplexed optical signal. In the event of failure of an optical transmitter, a backup transmission link is activated to compensate for the malfunctioning transmitter. The backup transmission link utilizes a backup optical transmitter to modulate the electric signal formerly received by the malfunctioning optical transmitter. The backup transmission link combines the backup optical signal with the primary multiplexed optical signal to form a complete optical signal for transmission over the optical network.

Abstract: A reflective optical switch for use in optical systems, such as fiber optic communications networks, is disclosed. The optical switch includes not only signal transmission characteristics, but also signal reflection capability. The optical switch includes a semiconductor substrate having first and second optical signal waveguides disposed thereon. The two waveguides intersect one another at a selected angle to form an intersection region. A thermal element is disposed atop the intersection region and can be activated to alter the index of refraction of a portion of the intersection region. An optical signal passing through the intersection region is diverted from one waveguide to another according to the heating of the intersection region by the thermal element. A reflective component disposed in a terminal end of one of the waveguides reflects selected optical signals back to the source from which they came.

Abstract: A liquid crystal optical attenuator is provided that is used to control the intensity of a light signal. The optical attenuator includes at least one polarizing element having an optical polarization axis, wherein the polarizing element transmits a portion of a light signal proportional to the angular difference between the optical polarization axis of the light signal and that of the polarizing element. The optical attenuator also comprises a variable liquid crystal rotator that includes a semi-transparent liquid crystal device, and a plurality of electrodes configured to conduct electricity to the liquid crystal device. The polarization axis of the light signal transmitted through the liquid crystal device will be rotated by an amount proportional to the magnitude of the electricity applied to the plurality of electrodes. In one embodiment, the optical attenuator is employed as part of a laser package that includes a laser, a pair of polarizing elements, and a faraday rotator.

Abstract: A magneto-optic variable optical attenuator is provided that is used to control the intensity of a light signal. The optical attenuator includes at least one polarizing element having an optical polarization axis, wherein the polarizing element transmits a portion of an incident light signal proportional to the angular difference between an optical polarization axis of the incident light signal and that of the polarizing element. The optical attenuator also comprises a variable faraday rotator that includes a semi-transparent material, a magnetic material for applying a magnetic force to a light signal that is passed through the semi-transparent material, and a conductive wire configured to induce a magnetic field on the magnetic material. In various embodiments, the optical attenuator is employed as part of a laser package that includes a laser light source and a plurality of polarizing elements, which are in optical communication with a faraday rotator and/or a variable faraday rotator.

Abstract: A reflective optical switch for use in optical systems, such as fiber optic communications networks, is disclosed. The optical switch includes not only signal transmission characteristics, but also signal reflection capability. The optical switch includes a semiconductor substrate having first and second optical signal waveguides disposed thereon. The two waveguides intersect one another at a selected angle to form an intersection region. A thermal element is disposed atop the intersection region and can be activated to alter the index of refraction of a portion of the intersection region. An optical signal passing through the intersection region is diverted from one waveguide to another according to the heating of the intersection region by the thermal element. A reflective component disposed in a terminal end of one of the waveguides reflects selected optical signals back to the source from which they came.

Abstract: A charged particle guide adapted to be coupled with a charged particle detector, such as a secondary electron detector. The charged particle guide, in one example, comprising two wires extending from the charged particle detector toward a source of charged particles, such as secondary electrons emitted from an IC upon application of a focused ion beam. Upon application of a bias voltage, the charged particle guide introduces a collecting electric field that attracts charged particles and directs the charged particles to the charged particles detector.

Abstract: A kennel includes a plurality of side panels that are connected or coupled together with a gate panel to form an enclosure. The gate panel has a pair of ends that are configured for connecting to the side panels and allow access into and out of the enclosure via a doorway positioned between the ends. A door configured for opening and closing the doorway is positioned therein, and has a frame member directly and rotatably attached to a doorway frame member to form a compact door and doorway combination in the gate panel.

Abstract: An optical signal production and modulation system that enables a multiplexed optical signal to be created for transmission without the use of more traditional laser-based optical transceivers. The system includes a light source library and a plurality of modulating optical transceivers. The light source library receives a composite wavelength un-modulated light signal, amplifies it, and separates it into discrete signal channels. Each of these channels is sent to a modulating optical transceiver, which employs a combination of lenses, reflective components, and a pin diode to modulate the channel with the desired data to be carried. The modulated channel can then be forwarded for multiplexing and transmission via a communications network.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fused coupler having at least two fiber optic cables that have a positive coefficient of thermal expansion. A section of each of the fiber optic cables is placed together and heated until they form a single fused section that acts as a coupler. A jacket having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion, the absolute value of which is approximately equal to the absolute value of the positive coefficient of thermal expansion of the fiber optic cables, is placed around the fused section of the fiber optic cables. The jacket can be manufactured from a ceramic material that is specifically manufactured with a negative coefficient of thermal expansion. A filler material, such as an epoxy resin, is inserted in a gap between the jacket and the fused sections of the fiber optic cables such that the gap is filled in.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and program product for implementing a JSP container as a JSF component. Specifically, under the present invention, a bridging JSP is introduced between a JSP container and a JSF runtime. The JSF runtime “renderer” will pass parameters needed for implementing/rendering the JSP container as a JSF component to the bridging JSP. Upon receipt, the JSP bridging will implement/render the JSP container as a JSF component using the parameters.

Abstract: An interleaver device and associated methods of manufacturing and calibration that use a laser bending technique to adjust the relative position of interferometers of the interleaver. The interleaver device includes a laterally divided housing with two lateral portions separated by supports. The supports are web like structures, the length of which can be adjusted in a predictable or measurable manner in response to a laser beam. The laser bending calibration and manufacturing technique uses a laser and a feedback and control system to adjust the spacing and angular relation between the lateral portions by partially melting one or more of the supports. The feedback and control system includes an optical detector, a computer, and a positioning system. This combination of components allows the interleaver device to be calibrated to precisely adjust the separation between channels within a WDM optical signal.

Abstract: A variable electrochromic optical attenuator is provided that is used to control the intensity of a light signal. The electrochromic optical attenuator comprises a semi-transparent electrochromic device, and a plurality of electrodes configured to conduct electricity to the electrochromic device such that the transparency of the electrochromic device will be affected by an amount proportional to the magnitude of the electricity applied to the plurality of electrodes. The intensity of the light signal transmitted through the electrochromic device is affected by an amount proportional to the magnitude of the electricity applied to the plurality of electrodes. The electrochromic optical attenuator also includes at least one polarizing element having an optical polarization axis, wherein the polarizing element transmits a portion of the light signal proportional to the angular difference between the optical polarization axis of the light signal and that of the polarizing element.