Abstract: This invention discloses a method for detecting a leak from a sealed optical device. The method includes steps of: A) injecting a target gas with no performance interference to the sealed optical device for leak detection followed by sealing the sealed optical device. B) placing the sealed device in a leak testing chamber and measuring a background level of the target gas in the leak testing chamber. C) heating the sealed device to a gas-expelling temperature for expelling the target gas from the leak in the sealed optical device. And, D) detecting the target gas in a one-part-per million (PPM) range in the leak-detecting chamber for an comparing with the background level of the target gas for determining the leak in the sealed optical device.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for detecting a leak from a sealed optical device. The method includes steps of: A) injecting a target gas with no performance interference to the sealed optical device for leak detection followed by sealing the sealed optical device. B) placing the sealed device in a leak testing chamber and measuring a background level of the target gas in the leak testing chamber. C) heating the sealed device to a gas-expelling temperature for expelling the target gas from the leak in the sealed optical device. And, D) detecting the target gas in a one-part-per million (PPM) range in the leak-detecting chamber for an comparing with the background level of the target gas for determining the leak in the sealed optical device.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel class of fiber-optic couplers that enable fiber-optic elements in an angled-axis alignment to be coupled in a secure and reliable manner. The fiber-optic couplers of the present invention further permit a variable gap between two successive optical elements that are coupled. This has an important practical application, for it allows GRIN lenses with a pitch less than a quarter-pitch to be employed. By cascading and/or telescoping a plurality of these fiber-optic couplers, the present invention further provides an assembly of fiber-optic systems that can be utilized as wavelength division multiplexers and de-multiplexers. An important advantage of the fiber-optic couplers of the present invention is that they allow fiber-optic elements to be arranged in various ways, yet still attaining secure and reliable coupling.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a wavelength division multiplexer is disclosed. In one aspect, the system and method include providing a housing for the wavelength division multiplexer. The housing includes a first port having a first aperture therein, a second port having a second aperture and a first plurality of apertures therein, and a third port having a third aperture and a second plurality of apertures therein. The second and third apertures are coupled to the first aperture. The first plurality of apertures are disposed symmetrically around the second aperture. The second plurality of apertures are disposed symmetrically around the third aperture. In another aspect, the method and system include providing a wavelength division multiplexer. The wavelength division multiplexer includes a first port including a first collimator, a second port coupled to the first port, and a third port coupled to the first port.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a wavelength division multiplexer is disclosed. In one aspect, the system and method include providing a housing for the wavelength division multiplexer. The housing includes a first port having a first aperture therein, a second port having a second aperture and a first plurality of apertures therein, and a third port having a third aperture and a second plurality of apertures therein. The second and third apertures are coupled to the first aperture. The first plurality of apertures are disposed symmetrically around the second aperture. The second plurality of apertures are disposed symmetrically around the third aperture. In another aspect, the method and system include providing a wavelength division multiplexer. The wavelength division multiplexer includes a first port including a first collimator, a second port coupled to the first port, and a third port coupled to the first port.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an optical collimator is disclosed. The collimator includes a lens, a pigtail, and a holder. The method and system include aligning the lens and the pigtail, affixing a position of the lens with respect to a position of the pigtail, and placing the lens and the pigtail in the holder. The alignment is carried out in three dimensions.