Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in an optical system. An in-line optical wavelength reference and control module (WRCM) is inserted in series with an optical fiber signal path between an input fiber and an output fiber. The WRCM includes an input lens, a multi-element grating and an output lens. The input lens couples an input optical signal from the input fiber into the multi-element grating. The multi-element grating includes low-efficiency gratings which reflect portions of the input optical signal having different predetermined characteristics to different detectors of a detector array, while transmitting the remaining portions of the input optical signal to the output lens. The output lens couples the transmitted portions of the optical signal back onto the optical signal path. The WRCM may thus be placed directly in series with an optical signal path.

Abstract: A multiplexer/demultiplexer for optical fibers is disclosed that features a reflection diffraction grating and a graded refractive index rod in a rugged, compact assembly having low insertion loss and low crosstalk.

Abstract: Apparatus for piecewise generation of grating-like patterns in photoresponsive material with a coherent the class which splits the coherent beam into two component beams. The two component beams intersect forming a parallel plane interference pattern on a section of the photoresponsive material. An arrangement which translates the beam parallel to itself forms the interference pattern in registration with the previously generated pattern on a different section of the photoresponsive material.

Abstract: A photopolymerization process is adapted for the production of various optical devices by means of a modified process which serves to increase the index change obtainable in a variable pattern of index of refraction. The process comprises the steps of flowing into place in a supporting structure a mixture of two components of differing reactivity and polarizability, partially polymerizing the mixture, writing a pattern of varying index of refraction in the partially polymerized mixture by further polymerizing it by suitable optical radiation in a corresponding pattern, and fixing the mixture against subsequent changes in polymerization. Typical components used in the process include a mixture of the monomers cyclohexyl methacrylate and N-vinylcarbazole together with benzoin methyl ether as a photosensitive initiator of polymerization, which proceeds by free radical reactions. In the limit of our technique, one of the components can have zero reactivity.

Abstract: A technique for the fabrication of integrated optical circuits is described wherein a transparent polymer film, which is doped with a polynuclear aromatic thiol having higher index of refraction than the polymer, is deposited from a liquid solution on a smooth substrate. Upon selective exposure to radiation there is a substantial reduction or elimination of the mobility and volatility of the dopant in the polymer matrix, a phenomenon known as "photolocking". The described class of dopant permits the attainment of higher resolution than previously reported, as well as the preparation of optical direction couplers having higher coupling strengths than those of the prior art.