Abstract: A multifunctional photonic integrated circuit (PIC) suitable for the manufacture of fiber optic gyroscopes (FOG) is described. The PIC is constructed and arranged to exhibit a scale factor of substantially high stability and accuracy. The PIC may comprise, for example, a high optical birefringence and low propagation loss waveguide, a low wavelength-dependent split-ratio Y-junction, a high extinction ratio linear polarizer, and high efficiency fiber-to-waveguide mode-size converters. Considerations for ensuring high-level FOG performance are addressed by, for example, optimization of waveguide structure, functional requirements for individual components, and combined effects of the circuit layout. A high-end, tactical grade FOG may be built using the disclosed PIC, after connecting to polarization maintaining optical fiber coil, a light source, and a photodetector.

Abstract: An integrated optical polarizer for generating linear polarizing light may be formed in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) for applications that require stable output state of polarization. The integrated polarizer may be built by using the same materials already present in the PIC without use of other additional layers and claddings, and without other additional structural modification to the waveguide profile. The integrated polarizer comprises a plurality of bending waveguides of a pre-determined radius that are connected to each other in sequence. The bending waveguide has a high birefringence and a loose confinement to conduct one polarization mode and attenuate the other polarization mode. The polarization discrimination is controlled with the degree of the mode confinement, the bending radius, and the number of the bending waveguides that are connected in series.

Abstract: An integrated optical polarizer for generating linear polarizing light may be formed in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) for applications that require stable output state of polarization. The integrated polarizer may be built by using the same materials already present in the PIC without use of other additional layers and claddings, and without other additional structural modification to the waveguide profile. The integrated polarizer comprises a plurality of bending waveguides of a pre-determined radius that are connected to each other in sequence. The bending waveguide has a high birefringence and a loose confinement to conduct one polarization mode and attenuate the other polarization mode. The polarization discrimination is controlled with the degree of the mode confinement, the bending radius, and the number of the bending waveguides that are connected in series.

Abstract: A multifunctional photonic integrated circuit (PIC) suitable for the manufacture of fiber optic gyroscopes (FOG) is described. The PIC is constructed and arranged to exhibit a scale factor of substantially high stability and accuracy. The PIC may comprise, for example, a high optical birefringence and low propagation loss waveguide, a low wavelength-dependent split-ratio Y-junction, a high extinction ratio linear polarizer, and high efficiency fiber-to-waveguide mode-size converters. Considerations for ensuring high-level FOG performance are addressed by, for example, optimization of waveguide structure, functional requirements for individual components, and combined effects of the circuit layout. A high-end, tactical grade FOG may be built using the disclosed PIC, after connecting to polarization maintaining optical fiber coil, a light source, and a photodetector.

Abstract: A compact, agile polarization diversity, multiband antenna with integrated electronics for satellite communications antenna systems is disclosed. The antenna includes a feed assembly having integrated microwave electronics that are mechanically and electromagnetically coupled thereto in a distributed arrangement so that diverse polarization senses having a low axial ratio and electronic switching control is provided. The microwave electronics include a distributed transmitter that can include high-band and low-band transceivers. The high-band and low-band transceivers can include high-band and low-band transmitter and receiver pairs, respectively. The antenna presented enables the mechanical rotation of the orientation of the high-band transceiver for skew alignment while the low-band transceiver remains stationary relative to the antenna assembly.

Abstract: A waveguide device comprises a first circular waveguide segment (CWS) that imparts a 3?/8 relative phase shift to two orthogonal linearly polarized signals, and a second CWS that imparts a ?/8 relative phase shift to two orthogonal linearly polarized signals. A waveguide assembly (WGA) comprises the first CWS disposed coaxially adjacent to the second CWS. A source may provide dual linear polarized energy into the WGA. In a first mode, the first CWS is axially orientated relative to the second CWS, such that the first CWS polarization is offset by 90° degrees with respect to the second CWS polarization. The radiation source polarization may be offset by 45° relative to the first CWS polarization and the second CWS polarization. In a second mode, the first CWS may be orientated with respect to the second CWS, such that the first CWS polarization and the second CWS polarization are substantially the same.

Abstract: A compact, agile polarization diversity, multiple frequency band antenna with integrated electronics for terrestrial terminal use in satellite communications systems includes an antenna feed having highly integrated microwave electronics that are mechanically and electromagnetically coupled thereto in a distributed arrangement so that diverse polarization senses having a low axial ratio and electronic switching control of the polarization senses is provided. The arrangement of the integrated distributed transceiver configuration enables the mechanical rotation of the orientation of a first transceiver for skew alignment while a second transceiver remains stationary relative to the antenna feed assembly. The first transceiver can be a high-band transmitter and receiver pair that supports linear polarization senses, and the second transceiver can be a low-band transmitter and receiver pair that supports circular polarization senses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved antenna system on moving platform that is in communication with multiple satellites for simultaneous reception of RF energy at multiple frequencies. The antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-band antenna having a main reflector with multiple feed horns and a sub-reflector to reflect Ku and Ka frequency band signals directed by a focal region of the main reflector.

Abstract: The present invention is an orthomode transducer (OMT) device that allows for dual polarized dual frequency band antenna feed systems. The OMT device includes a waveguide structure having a first end and a second end such that the first end defines a port for receiving signals. The waveguide structure includes an outer wall defining a waveguide chamber therein and the outer wall includes a first cylindrical section proximate the first end. The waveguide structure also includes a second cylindrical section proximate the second end and a region therebetween. At least one longitudinal groove is introduced proximate the second end and extends towards the first end of the waveguide structure. The OMT device further includes at least one waveguide coupled to the outer wall of the waveguide chamber which is in signal communication with the waveguide chamber through an opening in the region of the outer wall.

Abstract: A compact, agile polarization diversity, multiband antenna with integrated electronics for satellite communications antenna systems is disclosed. The antenna includes a feed assembly having integrated microwave electronics that are mechanically and electromagnetically coupled thereto in a distributed arrangement so that diverse polarization senses having a low axial ratio and electronic switching control is provided. The microwave electronics include a distributed transmitter that can include high-band and low-band transceivers. The high-band and low-band transceivers can include high-band and low-band transmitter and receiver pairs, respectively. The antenna presented enables the mechanical rotation of the orientation of the high-band transceiver for skew alignment while the low-band transceiver remains stationary relative to the antenna assembly.

Abstract: A compact, agile polarization diversity, multiple frequency band antenna with integrated electronics for terrestrial terminal use in satellite communications systems is disclosed. The antenna includes an antenna feed having highly integrated microwave electronics that are mechanically and electromagnetically coupled thereto in a distributed arrangement so that diverse polarization senses having a low axial ratio and electronic switching control of the polarization senses is provided. The arrangement of the integrated distributed transceiver configuration enables the mechanical rotation of the orientation of a first transceiver for skew alignment while a second transceiver remains stationary relative to the antenna feed assembly. The first transceiver can be a high-band transmitter and receiver pair that supports linear polarization senses and the second transceiver can be a low-band transmitter and receiver pair that supports circular polarization senses.

Abstract: The present invention is an orthomode transducer (OMT) device that allows for dual polarized dual frequency band antenna feed systems. The OMT device includes a waveguide structure having a first end and a second end such that the first end defines a port for receiving signals. The waveguide structure includes an outer wall defining a waveguide chamber therein and the outer wall includes a first cylindrical section proximate the first end. The waveguide structure also includes a second cylindrical section proximate the second end and a region therebetween. At least one longitudinal groove is introduced proximate the second end and extends towards the first end of the waveguide structure. The OMT device further includes at least one waveguide coupled to the outer wall of the waveguide chamber which is in signal communication with the waveguide chamber through an opening in the region of the outer wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved antenna system on moving platform that is in communication with multiple satellites for simultaneous reception and transmission of RF energy at multiple frequencies. The antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-band antenna having a main reflector with multiple feed horns and a sub-reflector having a reflective surface defining an image focus for a Ka band frequency signal and a prime focus for a Ku band frequency signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved single antenna system that allows reception of RF energy at multiple frequencies. In one embodiment, the antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflector fitted with a dual mode feed tube and a switchable LNB that supports both Ka band and Ku band reception. In another embodiment, the antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflector fitted with a feed horn and a LNB that is capable of providing movement such that the feed horn with the LNB is at a focal point with the primary reflector for both Ka and Ku band reception. In another embodiment, the antennae is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflected fitted with a feed horn assembly and a switchable LNB that supports both Ka band and Ku band reception.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved single antenna system that allows reception of RF energy at multiple frequencies. In one embodiment, the antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflector fitted with a dual mode feed tube and a switchable LNB that supports both Ka band and Ku band reception. In another embodiment, the antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflector fitted with a feed horn and a LNB that is capable of providing movement such that the feed horn with the LNB is at a focal point with the primary reflector for both Ka and Ku band reception. In another embodiment, the antennae is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflected fitted with a feed horn assembly and a switchable LNB that supports both Ka band and Ku band reception.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved antenna system on moving platform that is in communication with multiple satellites for simultaneous reception of RF energy at multiple frequencies. The antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-band antenna having a main reflector with multiple feed horns and a sub-reflector to reflect Ku and Ka frequency band signals directed by a focal region of the main reflector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved single antenna system that allows reception of RF energy at multiple frequencies. In one embodiment, the antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflector fitted with a dual mode feed tube and a switchable LNB that supports both Ka band and Ku band reception. In another embodiment, the antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflector fitted with a feed horn and a LNB that is capable of providing movement such that the feed horn with the LNB is at a focal point with the primary reflector for both Ka and Ku band reception. In another embodiment, the antennae is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflected fitted with a feed horn assembly and a switchable LNB that supports both Ka band and Ku band reception.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved antenna system on moving platform that is in communication with multiple satellites for simultaneous reception and transmission of RF energy at multiple frequencies. The antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-band antenna having a main reflector with multiple feed horns and a sub-reflector having a reflective surface defining an image focus for a Ka band frequency signal and a prime focus for a Ku band frequency signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical fiber composite comprising an asymmetric optical fiber comprising a first end with a substantially non-circular cross-section, and a substantially circular clad optical fiber comprising a tapered end section which has a substantially non-circular cross section and where the asymmetric optical fiber and the substantially circular clad optical fiber are spliced together at the first and second ends. The invention also relates to methods of making such optical fiber composites and devices that include such optical fiber composites.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical fiber composite comprising an asymmetric optical fiber comprising a first end with a substantially non-circular cross-section, and a substantially circular clad optical fiber comprising a tapered end section which has a substantially non-circular cross section and where the asymmetric optical fiber and the substantially circular clad optical fiber are spliced together at the first and second ends. The invention also relates to methods of making such optical fiber composites and devices that include such optical fiber composites.