Patents by Inventor Timothy K. Zahnley
Timothy K. Zahnley 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: 11843219Abstract: A fiber-based master optical power amplifier (MOPA) is configured to utilize a pump source that operates in pulse mode with the arrival time of the pump pulses coordinated with the arrival time of the input pulses. The width of the pump pulses is also controlled, thus providing a mechanism for controlling both the amount of pump energy injected into the fiber amplifier, as well as the overlap in time between the pump pulse and the seed pulse. As the pulse repetition interval (PRI) of the input seed pulse changes, the timing of the pump pulses and their width are also changed so that a “constant gain” environment is created within the amplifying medium, providing an essentially constant energy output pulse, regardless of differences in ASE generated during different PRIs.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2020Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Inventors: Martin R. Williams, Timothy K. Zahnley, Thomas W. McNamara, Aravanan Gurusami, Scott Dahl, Siegfried Fleischer
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Patent number: 11777597Abstract: Modules for optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) are connected via at least one fiber link of a fiber optic communication network. The modules can perform OTDR operations on the at least one fiber link. In addition, the modules can establish an inter-node communication channel between each other on the at least one fiber link. The channel allows the OTDR modules to synchronize their OTDR operations and to exchange information, such as OTDR traces, between each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: II-VI DELAWARE, INC.Inventors: Michael J. L. Cahill, Aravanan Gurusami, Timothy K. Zahnley
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Publication number: 20230187895Abstract: A system for communicating supervisory information between amplifier nodes in an optical communication network utilizes modulation of an included pump source to superimpose the supervisory information on data signals (typically customer data signals) propagating between the amplifier nodes transmitted customer signals. The modulated pump appears as a modulated envelope on the amplified data signal exiting the amplifier node, and may be recovered by suitable demodulation components located at the second node (i.e., the destined receiver of the supervisory information). The supervisory information may include monitoring messages, provisioning data, protocol updates, etc., and is utilized as an input to an included modulator, which then forms a drive signal for the pump controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2023Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: II-VI Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Deepak Devicharan, Timothy K. Zahnley, Martin R. Williams
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Patent number: 11588295Abstract: A system and method for communicating supervisory information between amplifier nodes in an optical communication network utilizes modulation of an included pump source to superimpose the supervisory information on through-transmitted customer signals (or ASE associated with the amplifier if no customer traffic is present). The supervisory information (which may include monitoring messages, provisioning data, protocol updates, and the like) is utilized as an input to an included modulator, which then forms a drive signal for the pump controller. In a preferred embodiment, binary FSK modulation is used.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: II-VI Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Deepak Devicharan, Timothy K. Zahnley, Martin R. Williams
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Publication number: 20220321212Abstract: Modules for optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) are connected via at least one fiber link of a fiber optic communication network. The modules can perform OTDR operations on the at least one fiber link. In addition, the modules can establish an inter-node communication channel between each other on the at least one fiber link. The channel allows the OTDR modules to synchronize their OTDR operations and to exchange information, such as OTDR traces, between each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Michael J. L. Cahill, Aravanan Gurusami, Timothy K. Zahnley
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Patent number: 11405102Abstract: Modules for optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) are connected via at least one fiber link of a fiber optic communication network. The modules can perform OTDR operations on the at least one fiber link. In addition, the modules can establish an inter-node communication channel between each other on the at least one fiber link. The channel allows the OTDR modules to synchronize their OTDR operations and to exchange information, such as OTDR traces, between each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2021Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: II-VI DELAWARE, INC.Inventors: Michael J. L. Cahill, Aravanan Gurusami, Timothy K. Zahnley
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Publication number: 20210135425Abstract: A system and method for communicating supervisory information between amplifier nodes in an optical communication network utilizes modulation of an included pump source to superimpose the supervisory information on through-transmitted customer signals (or ASE associated with the amplifier if no customer traffic is present). The supervisory information (which may include monitoring messages, provisioning data, protocol updates, and the like) is utilized as an input to an included modulator, which then forms a drive signal for the pump controller. In a preferred embodiment, binary FSK modulation is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: II-VI Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Deepak Devicharan, Timothy K. Zahnley, Martin R. Williams
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Publication number: 20200358246Abstract: A fiber-based master optical power amplifier (MOPA) is configured to utilize a pump source that operates in pulse mode with the arrival time of the pump pulses coordinated with the arrival time of the input pulses. The width of the pump pulses is also controlled, thus providing a mechanism for controlling both the amount of pump energy injected into the fiber amplifier, as well as the overlap in time between the pump pulse and the seed pulse. As the pulse repetition interval (PRI) of the input seed pulse changes, the timing of the pump pulses and their width are also changed so that a “constant gain” environment is created within the amplifying medium, providing an essentially constant energy output pulse, regardless of differences in ASE generated during different PRIs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Applicant: II-VI Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Martin R. Williams, Timothy K. Zahnley, Thomas W. McNamara, Aravanan Gurusami, Scott Dahl, Siegfried Fleischer
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Publication number: 20200251877Abstract: A fiber-based master optical power amplifier (MOPA) is configured to utilize a pump source that operates in pulse mode with the arrival time of the pump pulses coordinated with the arrival time of the input pulses. The width of the pump pulses is also controlled, thus providing a mechanism for controlling both the amount of pump energy injected into the fiber amplifier, as well as the overlap in time between the pump pulse and the seed pulse. As the pulse repetition interval (PRI) of the input seed pulse changes, the timing of the pump pulses and their width are also changed so that a “constant gain” environment is created within the amplifying medium, providing an essentially constant energy output pulse, regardless of differences in ASE generated during different PRIs.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2019Publication date: August 6, 2020Applicant: II-VI Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Martin R. Williams, Timothy K. Zahnley, Thomas W. McNamara, Aravanan Gurusami, Scott Dahl, Siegfried Fleischer
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Patent number: 10727643Abstract: A fiber-based master optical power amplifier (MOPA) is configured to utilize a pump source that operates in pulse mode with the arrival time of the pump pulses coordinated with the arrival time of the input pulses. The width of the pump pulses is also controlled, thus providing a mechanism for controlling both the amount of pump energy injected into the fiber amplifier, as well as the overlap in time between the pump pulse and the seed pulse. As the pulse repetition interval (PRI) of the input seed pulse changes, the timing of the pump pulses and their width are also changed so that a “constant gain” environment is created within the amplifying medium, providing an essentially constant energy output pulse, regardless of differences in ASE generated during different PRIs.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: II-VI Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Martin R. Williams, Timothy K. Zahnley, Thomas W. McNamara, Aravanan Gurusami, Scott Dahl, Siegfried Fleischer
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Patent number: 9494484Abstract: An arrangement for providing real-time, in-service OTDR measurements in an optical communication system utilizing distributed Raman amplification. One or more of the laser diodes used to provide the pump light necessary to create optical gain is modified to also generate short duration pulses that ride above or below the conventional pump light. These short duration pulses (which co-exist with the pump light within the optical fiber) are used in performing OTDR measurements, with a conventional processing system used to evaluate reflected pulses and create the actual OTDR measurements.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: II-VI INCORPORATEDInventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Timothy K. Zahnley, Scott Dahl, Martin R. Williams, Ian P. McClean
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Publication number: 20150253217Abstract: An arrangement for providing real-time, in-service OTDR measurements in an optical communication system utilizing distributed Raman amplification. One or more of the laser diodes used to provide the pump light necessary to create optical gain is modified to also generate short duration pulses that ride above or below the conventional pump light. These short duration pulses (which co-exist with the pump light within the optical fiber) are used in performing OTDR measurements, with a conventional processing system used to evaluate reflected pulses and create the actual OTDR measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: II-VI INCORPORATEDInventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Timothy K. Zahnley, Scott Dahl, Martin R. Williams, Ian P. McClean
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Patent number: 8175127Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the operation of optical network equipment such as optical amplifiers. In one aspect, a method of operating an optical amplifier is provided such that output of the optical amplifier avoids the effects of operating an optical gain medium in a non-linear (kink) region of an L-I curve. The method generally includes operating an optical gain medium in a fully off state or fully on state above the kink region with a PWM signal. In another aspect, the effects of the kink region may be compensated for by utilizing a lookup table. A sample of the optical power of an amplified optical signal may be used to select an entry in the lookup table that compensates for non-linearities in the kink region. In yet a further aspect, a lookup table may be used to control a pulse modulator to compensate for non-linearites in the kink region of the L-I curve.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Oclaro (North America), Inc.Inventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Douglas Llewellyn Butler, Timothy K. Zahnley, Scott R. Dahl, Peter G. Wigley
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Publication number: 20110090558Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the operation of optical network equipment such as optical amplifiers. In one aspect, a method of operating an optical amplifier is provided such that output of the optical amplifier avoids the effects of operating an optical gain medium in a non-linear (kink) region of an L-I curve. The method generally includes operating an optical gain medium in a fully off state or fully on state above the kink region with a PWM signal. In another aspect, the effects of the kink region may be compensated for by utilizing a lookup table. A sample of the optical power of an amplified optical signal may be used to select an entry in the lookup table that compensates for non-linearities in the kink region. In yet a further aspect, a lookup table may be used to control a pulse modulator to compensate for non-linearites in the kink region of the L-I curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Douglas Llewellyn Butler, Timothy K. Zahnley, Scott R. Dahl, Peter G. Wigley
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Patent number: 7856037Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the operation of optical network equipment such as optical amplifiers. In one aspect, a method of operating an optical amplifier is provided such that output of the optical amplifier avoids the effects of operating an optical gain medium in a non-linear (kink) region of an L-I curve. The method generally includes operating an optical gain medium in a fully off state or fully on state above the kink region with a PWM signal. In another aspect, the effects of the kink region may be compensated for by utilizing a lookup table. A sample of the optical power of an amplified optical signal may be used to select an entry in the lookup table that compensates for non-linearities in the kink region. In yet a further aspect, a lookup table may be used to control a pulse modulator to compensate for non-linearites in the kink region of the L-I curve.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Oclaro (North America), Inc.Inventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Douglas Llewellyn Butler, Timothy K. Zahnley, Scott R. Dahl, Peter G. Wigley
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Patent number: 7512162Abstract: The present invention generally relates to dynamic thermal management of a device. In one aspect, a method for thermally controlling a device is provided. The method includes setting a value of a set point in a thermoelectric cooler, wherein the set point corresponds to a first operating state. The method also includes monitoring a condition of the device to determine if the device is in the first operating state or a second operating state. Additionally, the method includes dynamically altering the value of the set point according to an algorithm upon determination that the device is in the second operating state. In another aspect, a method for dynamically controlling a device having a thermoelectric cooler is provided. In yet a further aspect, a system for dynamic thermal management of a device is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Avanex CorporationInventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Timothy K. Zahnley, Scott R. Dahl, Gregory Chilson
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Publication number: 20080279237Abstract: The present invention generally relates to dynamic thermal management of a device. In one aspect, a method for thermally controlling a device is provided. The method includes setting a value of a set point in a thermoelectric cooler, wherein the set point corresponds to a first operating state. The method also includes monitoring a condition of the device to determine if the device is in the first operating state or a second operating state. Additionally, the method includes dynamically altering the value of the set point according to an algorithm upon determination that the device is in the second operating state. In another aspect, a method for dynamically controlling a device having a thermoelectric cooler is provided. In yet a further aspect, a system for dynamic thermal management of a device is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Timothy K. Zahnley, Scott R. Dahl, Gregory Chilson
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Publication number: 20080225914Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the operation of optical network equipment such as optical amplifiers. In one aspect, a method of operating an optical amplifier is provided such that output of the optical amplifier avoids the effects of operating an optical gain medium in a non-linear (kink) region of an L-I curve. The method generally includes operating an optical gain medium in a fully off state or fully on state above the kink region with a PWM signal. In another aspect, the effects of the kink region may be compensated for by utilizing a lookup table. A sample of the optical power of an amplified optical signal may be used to select an entry in the lookup table that compensates for non-linearities in the kink region. In yet a further aspect, a lookup table may be used to control a pulse modulator to compensate for non-linearites in the kink region of the L-I curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Douglas Llewellyn Butler, Timothy K. Zahnley, Scott R. Dahl, Peter G. Wigley