Abstract: An optical fiber unit having a sheath and a plurality of optical fiber elements loosely housed in the sheath. The sheath is coated with particles of an adherence reducing substance and has a radial thickness that is not substantially greater than 0.3 mm. The coating of adherence reducing particles is applied as a liquid coating. The liquid coating is a dispersion of the particles and heat is applied to evaporate the liquid content of the liquid coating to produce a dry coating of particles on the sheath.

Abstract: The invention describes an integrated-photonics arrangement, implementable in a multi-guide vertical integration structure composed from III-V semiconductors and grown in one epitaxial growth run, that allows for vertical and lateral splitting of optical signals co- or bi-directionally propagating in the common passive waveguide into plurality of the vertically integrated passive or active wavelength-designated waveguides, therefore, enabling the wavelength-designated waveguides operating in different wavelengths to be monolithically integrated onto the same substrate and connected to the shared passive waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber for an optical amplifier and a method for manufacturing the same, which can be applied to an optical transmission system in the S-band area (4130 nm-1530 nm). According to the present invention, silica is used as a base material and the optical fiber for an optical amplifier contains Tm3+ ions and metal ions in a first core layer formed on an inner surface of a second core layer using the MCVD (Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition) method and a solution doping method whereby the practicability and productivity of the optical fiber are remarkably improved.

Abstract: Materials transparent to terahertz waves are very limited, and it is difficult to obtain the required performance by selecting the material. Further, it is also difficult to search for a novel material. Therefore, by letting a known material transparent to terahertz waves have a photonic crystal structure and controlling the structure, an optical waveguide having the required properties is provided. An optical waveguide for propagation of far-infrared radiation in the terahertz region, which optical waveguide is made of a fluorinated amorphous polymer. Particularly preferred is a polymer having a fluorinated aliphatic ring structure in its main chain, obtained by cyclopolymerization of a fluorinated monomer having at least two polymerizable double bonds.

Abstract: Photosensitive optical materials are used for establishing more versatile approaches for optical device formation. In some embodiments, unpatterned light is used to shift the index-of-refraction of planar optical structures to shift the index-of-refraction of the photosensitive material to a desired value. This approach can be effective to produce cladding material with a selected index-of-refraction. In additional embodiments gradients in index-of-refraction are formed using photosensitive materials. In further embodiments, the photosensitive materials are patterned within the planar optical structure. Irradiation of the photosensitive material can selectively shift the index-of-refraction of the patterned photosensitive material. By patterning the light used to irradiate the patterned photosensitive material, different optical devices can be selectively activated within the optical structure.

Abstract: This invention pertains to optical fiber transmission networks, and is particularly relevant to transmission of high volume of data and voice traffic among different locations. In particular, the improvement teaches improvements to an optical transport system to allow for efficient and flexible network evolution.

Abstract: A plastic optical fiber (11) has a core (12) and a clad (13). The clad (13) is composed of an outer clad (14) and an inner clad (15). The refractive index in the core (12) gradually increases as the distance from the center thereof decreases. The refractive index in the inner clad (15) is equal to the minimum value of the refractive index in the core (12), and the refractive index in the outer clad (14) is smaller than that in the inner clad (15). For the purpose of decreasing the transmission loss between the plastic optical fiber (11) and a light emission device or the light receiving device, the diameter d1 of the core (12) and the outer diameter d2 of the inner clad (15) satisfy the following conditions; 100(?m)?d1?700(?m) 200(?m)?d1?1000(?m) d1<d2.

Abstract: An optical waveguide environmental sensor is provided that is capable of detecting a target gas or liquid in the ambient environment in an advantageously short period of time. The waveguide is preferably in the form of an optical fiber having a cladding that contains a photonic band gap structure which in turn envelopes a light conducting, hollow core portion. The cladding further includes at least one elongated side opening that preferably extends the entire length of the fiber and exposes said hollow core portion to the ambient environment, which provides broad and nearly immediate access of the core portion to gases and liquids in the ambient environment, thereby minimizing sensor response time. The ambient gases or liquids filling the hollow core portion and elongated opening function as a ridge and slab, respectively, of an optical ridge waveguide that effectively supports at least one bound optical mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manipulating light with high index contrast waveguides clad with substances having that exhibit large nonlinear electro-optic constants ?2 and ?3. Waveguides fabricated on SOI wafers and clad with electro-optic polymers are described. Embodiments of waveguides having slots, electrical contacts, and input waveguide couplers are discussed. Waveguides having closed loop structures (such as rings and ovals) as well as linear or serpentine waveguides, are described. Optical signal processing methods, such as optical rectification and optical modulation, are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides novel cadmium tungstate scintillator materials that show improved radiation hardness. In particular, it was discovered that doping of cadmium tungstate (CdWO4) with trivalent metal ions or monovalent metal ions is particularly effective in improving radiation hardness of the scintillator material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of materials and structures that have a negative refractive index. For example, one exemplary embodiment is a waveguide structure comprising a first waveguide border element having a first substantially planar surface, and a second waveguide border element spaced apart from the first waveguide border element and having a second substantially planar surface. This exemplary embodiment further comprises a core material positioned between the first substantially planar surface and the second substantially planar surface. The core material has a positive in-plane dielectric constant and a negative perpendicular-to-plane dielectric constant. Furthermore, the first waveguide border element, the second waveguide border element, and the core material form a waveguide exhibiting a negative index of refraction for electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range.

Abstract: A waveguide configuration comprising a core, a first cladding, a second cladding, and a buffer. The core includes an index of refraction and an acoustic shear velocity. The first cladding extends about the core and has an acoustic shear velocity which is less than that of the core and an index of refraction which is less than the core. The second cladding extends about the first cladding. The second cladding has an acoustic shear velocity which is greater than that of the first cladding and less than the acoustic shear velocity of the core. The second cladding has an index of refraction which is less than that of an optical mode. The buffer extends about the second cladding.

Abstract: An optical fiber comprising: (i) a silica based passive core having a first index of refraction n1; (ii) a silica based cladding surrounding the core and having a second index of refraction n2, such that n1>n2, said cladding having at least one stress rod and at least one air hole extending longitudinally through the length of said optical fiber; and (iii) wherein said optical fiber supports a single polarization mode or poses polarization maintaining properties within the operating wavelength range.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultra-thin high-precision glass optic and method of manufacturing the same. The optic has an axial thickness that is less than 1,000 microns. A pattern and/or coating is disposed on a surface of the optic to provide attenuation of light in an optical system. In an embodiment, the optic is manufactured by disposing a pattern on a surface of a reticle. The pattern is covered with a first protective coating to protect the pattern. Individual optics are cut from the reticle so that each optic includes a portion of the pattern. The optic is thinned by removing material until it has an axial thickness of less than 1,000 microns. The optic is cleaned after thinning and covered with an anti-reflective coating.

Abstract: A pressure sensor including: a deflectable diaphragm including a substantially central boss and channel; and, an optical waveguide having first and second arms, wherein the first arm is substantially aligned with an edge of the boss and the second arm is substantially aligned with an edge of the channel.

Abstract: A fiber optic conduit for use in a hostile environment includes an axial tube. The axial tube comprises a corrosion resistant material and is operable to receive one or more optical fibers. The fiber optic conduit further includes a hydrogen barrier shell that is disposed in contact with the axial tube. The hydrogen barrier shell comprises a material that is capable of reducing hydrogen permeation through the fiber optic conduit and has a thickness of at least approximately one-thousandth of an inch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described that use an index-of-refraction profile having a significant central dip in refractive index (or another tailored index profile) within the core of a gain fiber or a gain waveguide on a substrate. The benefits of this central dip (more power with a given mode structure) are apparent when an input beam is akin to that of a Gaussian mode. In some embodiments, the invention provides a fiber or a substrate waveguide having an index profile with a central dip, but wherein the device has no doping. Some embodiments use a central dip surrounded by a higher-index ring in the index of refraction of the core of the fiber, while other embodiments use a trench between an intermediate-index central core portion and the ring, or use a plurality of rings and/or trenches. Some embodiments use an absorber in at least one core ring.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive resin composition for forming optical waveguides, which comprises (A) a novolac type epoxy resin and (B) a photo-acid generator. The composition is used as materials for a core portion 5 of an optical waveguide 1, and the like. In the composition, component (A) is represented by the following general formula (1). (In the formula, R1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group; and n is an integer from 0 to 10.) The composition is excellent in patterning properties and the like in curing process, and is also excellent in heat resistance, transmission characteristics, and long-term reliability after the optical waveguide has been formed.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is constructed so as to comprise a non-solid core surrounded by a solid-state material. The non-solid core has an index of refraction which is lower than the index of refraction of the surrounding solid state material, and light can be transmitted with a low loss through the non-solid core. The non-solid core can extend through at least one of multiple layers of the solid state material, wherein the non-solid core is elevated on a substrate material above at least one topmost layer of the multiple solid state layers lateral to the non-solid core. In an exemplary application, the non-solid core comprises a sample material whose light transmission, absorption, and/or interference characteristics are to be measured.

Abstract: A method of writing a waveguide using an ultrashort laser beam is disclosed. The laser beam is directed to a substrate in transverse relation to a waveguide propagation axis to generate an ultrashort laser pulse focus in the substrate. A refractive index is modified in an affected region in the substrate along the waveguide propagation axis via the ultrashort laser pulse focus, and the ultrashort laser pulse focus is moved in a direction other than the waveguide propagation axis to generate a widened affected region along the waveguide propagation axis. The widened affected region has a cross-sectional profile capable of supporting a fundamental mode of a signal having a telecommunications infrared (TIR) wavelength, while the affected region has a cross-sectional profile incapable of supporting the fundamental mode of the signal having the TIR wavelength.

Abstract: Poling electro-optic polymers on an organically modified sol-gel cladding layer can enhance Pockel's coefficient by up to a factor of 2.5.

Abstract: There is provided a photosensitive resin composition for forming an optical waveguide which has high shape precision and excellent transmission characteristics under high temperature and high humidity. A composition of the present invention contains (A) a polymer having structures represented by the following general formulae (1) and (2) (in the formulae, each of R1 and R2 is independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R3 is an organic group containing a radical-polymerizable reactive group; X is a single bond or a bivalent organic group; and Y is a non-polymerizable organic group), (B) a compound having at least one ethylenic unsaturated group in the molecule thereof, having a molecular weight below 1,000 and having a boiling point of at least 130° C. at 0.1 MPa, and (C) a photoradical polymerization initiator.

Abstract: A system for diffusing light from an optical fiber wherein the optical fiber is coupled to a light source, comprising forming a polymer element adapted to be connected to the optical fiber and incorporating a scattering element with the polymer element wherein the scattering element diffuses the light from the polymer element. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a polymer element operatively connected to the optical fiber and a scattering element operatively connected with the shape polymer element that diffuses the light from the polymer element.

Abstract: An optical fiber comprises a photosensitive core that includes a concentration of a first material that increases the refractive index of the core and a concentration of a second material that is other than boron and that reduces the refractive index of the core. A cladding is disposed about the core for tending to confine light to the core. The fiber also includes at least one longitudinally extending region having a thermal coefficient of expansion that is different from the thermal coefficient of expansion of the cladding. In another embodiment, the core includes a concentration of germanium and a concentration of boron. Also disclosed is a polarization-maintaining double-clad (PM DC) fiber comprising one or both of at least one circular axially extending stress inducing region(s) and an inner cladding comprising a circular outer perimeter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber enabling signal transmission in a wider band, which is applicable to optical transmission not only in the 1.3 ?m wavelength band but also in the 1.55 ?m wavelength band, as a transmission medium of a WDM optical communication system capable of transmitting signal light of multiple channels. The optical fiber is comprised of silica glass and has a core region along a predetermined axis and a cladding region provided on the outer periphery of the core region. The optical fiber comprising such a structure has, as the following typical optical characteristics, a cable cutoff wavelength of 1260 nm or less, a transmission loss of 0.32 dB/km or less at the wavelength of 1310 nm, and an OH-related loss increase of 0.3 dB/km or less at the wavelength of 1380 nm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications cable having a layer constructed to resist post-extrusion shrinkage. The layer includes a plurality of discrete shrinkage-reduction members embedded within a base material. The shrinkage-reduction members can be made of a liquid crystal polymer. The disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing telecommunications cables having layers adapted to resist post-extrusion shrinkage.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is produced by using a polymer obtained by using a silsesquioxane derivative represented by the formula (1-0).

Abstract: The present invention provides a straightforward and robust synthetic process for producing a chromatographic column with eluent-sensitive light diffracting properties based on an inherent photonic band structure and a chromatographic device using the chromatographic column. The present invention provides chromatographic devices employing a chromatographic column which in one embodiment is a photonic colloidal crystal which includes an assembly of colloidal microspheres assembled into a highly ordered array within a housing such as a tube with the highly ordered array being a photonic crystal along the length of the crystal, and a second embodiment which is an inverse construct of the first embodiment, where solid microspheres making up the photonic colloidal crystal chromatographic column are replaced with spherical voids or void spaces subsequent to infiltration of a material of selected refractive index.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical fiber for long period grating (LPG), LPG components, and manufacturing method of LPG used as a mode coupler, an optical filter, etc. The optical fiber for LPG comprises a core layer, a first cladding layer that surrounds said core layer and transmits the cladding modes, and a second cladding layer that surrounds said first cladding layer and confines the optical signal of the cladding mode within said first cladding layer. The LPG component comprises an optical fiber for LPG, a coating reinforcement to cover and reinforce said optical fiber for LPG. The manufacturing method of LPG comprises a step of preparation of an optical fiber, a step of constructing the LPG on a predetermined region in said core of said optical fiber by irradiating laser light on said region over a predetermined period corresponding to the LPG, on the predetermined part of said optical fiber, and a step which covers and reinforces said grating region.

Abstract: Photonic crystal apparatus and a method for fabricating a photonic crystal apparatus. The photonic crystal apparatus includes a photonic crystal having a dielectric body formed of a first dielectric material having relatively high index of refraction, and a periodic lattice in the dielectric body formed of a second dielectric material having a relatively low index of refraction. The second dielectric material comprises a solid-state dielectric material having a dielectric coefficient of about 2.7 or lower for providing a relatively large contrast between the index of refraction of the dielectric body and the index of refraction of the periodic lattice.

Abstract: An optical planar wavelength selective filter is formed on a printed circuit substrate. Low optical loss polymers are used to make a layered structure that contains waveguides and free travel zones. A diffraction grating is strategically placed on the printed circuit substrate so that light from one waveguide is diffracted by the grating to exit the free travel zone and pass through the other waveguides. The low optical loss polymer is a reaction product of the hydrolysis and polycondensation reaction of organically functionalized alkoxysilanes. With a proper grating, the apparatus can be used as an optical triplexer at frequencies of 1310, 1490, and 1550 nanometers.

Abstract: An optical switch, an optical modulator, and a wavelength variable filter each have a simple configuration, which requires only a low driving voltage, which is independent of polarization, and which can operate at high speed. An optical switch includes a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, and two optical waveguides connecting the input-side 3-dB coupler and the output-side 3-dB coupler together. The optical switch also includes a phase modulating section that applies electric fields to one or both of the two optical waveguides. At least two optical waveguides are a crystal material including KTaxNb1-xO3 (0<x<1) and KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3 (0<x<1, 0<y<1), or KTaxNb1-xO3 or KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus is disclosed for medical applications including photo-dynamic-therapy (PDT), photobiostimulation (photobiomodulation), photo-sterilization, and photo-curing. The light emitting apparatus comprises a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, preferably light emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce a high intensity light beam, and a liquid light guide for delivering the light beam from the light source to the treatment site.

Abstract: A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers are formed of at least first and second polymer materials. At least one of the polymer matrix and the first and second polymer materials is birefringent, and provides a birefringent interface with the adjacent material. Light is reflected and/or scattered at the birefringent interfaces with sensitivity to the polarization of the light. In some embodiments, the polymer fibers are formed as composite fibers, having a plurality of scattering polymer fibers disposed within a filler to form the composite fiber. In other embodiments, the polymer fiber is a multilayered polymer fiber. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.

Abstract: An optical fiber including: (i) a silica based, Yb doped core having a first index of refraction n1, said core comprising more than 1 wt % of Yb, said core having less than 5 dB/km loss at a wavelength situated between 1150 nm and 1350 nm and less than 20 dB/km loss at the wavelength of 1380 nm and slope efficiency of over 0.8; and (ii) at least one silica based cladding surrounding the core and having a second index of refraction n2, such that n1>n2.

Abstract: A sensor includes an optical fiber and coating material surrounding at least a portion of the optical fiber. At least one parameter of the coating material is optimal to minimize normal and shear stresses on the sensor. One material combination includes a sapphire optical fiber and a spinel coating material.

Abstract: A device includes a transparent conductor formed on a substrate. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) (such as may be received from an on-chip, ultra-small resonant structure or from an off-chip light source) is directed into the transparent conductive layer. One or more circuits are formed on the transparent conductive layer and are operatively connected thereto to receive at least a portion of the EMR traveling in the transparent conductor. The EMR may be light and may encode a data signal such as a clock signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication cable buffer tube having a flexural modulus ranging from about 180 kpsi to about 280 kpsi.

Abstract: A polymeric cladding material, cladded waveguides, devices that include cladded waveguides, and methods for using the cladding material. The polymeric cladding material is a thermally reversibly crosslinkable polymer having high conductivity above its glass transition temperature.

Abstract: An optical fiber includes a glass fiber having a glass core and a cladding that contains voids that are spaced apart from the core, in contact with the core, or form a substantial portion of the core. The voids act as trapping sites for ingressing molecules from the surrounding environment, thereby reducing the effect of such molecules on the fiber's light-transmission properties.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical waveguide material whose refractive index can be tailored without changing the ratio of Ta and Nb. An optical waveguide of this invention comprising an under-clad layer 1 and a core 2 that is formed on the under-clad layer 1 and has a higher refractive index than that of the under-clad layer 1 is shown. For example, KTN (KTa1-xNbxO3) is used as the core 2, and a material that is obtained by substituting at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Hf, and Sn for a portion of one element of the constituent elements of KTN and has the same perovskite type crystal structure as KTN is used as the clad. The refractive index of KTN can be reduced considerably, and this controllability widens the degree of freedom in the design of optical waveguide devices.

Abstract: A Metal Nanoparticle Photonic Bandgap Device in SOI (NC#97882). The device includes a substrate having a semiconductor layer over an insulator layer; a photonic bandgap structure having at least one period operatively coupled to the substrate, adapted to receive and output amplified light along a predetermined path; a metal nanoparticle structure, operatively coupled to the photonic bandgap structure and the substrate, adapted to receive and amplify light rays and output amplified light.

Abstract: A photonic crystal is configured with wavelength converting material to act as a concentrator for electromagnetic energy. The concentrator may also be configured with energy conversion devices to convert the electromagnetic energy into another form of energy.

Abstract: A tape-shaped optical fiber cable has: a tape member formed of a fiber material and a cured resin formed around the fiber material; and an optical fiber embedded in the tape member. The optical fiber is covered by a covering material, the fiber material comprises a bidirectional fiber material. The optical fiber is embedded in the tape member such that one fiber array direction of the bidirectional fiber material is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber and the other fiber array direction of the bidirectional fiber material is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Fiberoptic luminaire with scattering and specular side-light extractor patterns comprises a fiberoptic light pipe with elongated side-fight emitting portion. Such portion illuminates a target area with a scattering, and a specular, light extractor pattern. The extractor patterns are arranged to extract light from the side-light emitting portion over a radial angle, orthogonal to said main axis, of less than 180°. The scattering extractor pattern atone may provide greater than 50% of light on the target area, and light extracted by the specular extractor pattern alone may produce an illuminance on a selected portion of the target area that is greater than 5% of the maximum illuminance produced on the target area by the scattering extractor pattern. Furthermore, the scattering extractor pattern may comprise a Lambertian type of extractor pattern. Each specular extractor pattern may comprise a notch having main faces parallel to within 10° of each other.

Abstract: A hollow core photonic bandgap chalcogenide glass fiber includes a hollow core for passing light therethrough, a Raman active gas disposed in said core, a microstructured region disposed around said core, and a solid region disposed around said microstructured region for providing structural integrity to said microstructured region. A coupler can introduce at least one light signal into the hollow core of the chalcogenide photonic bandgap fiber. The method includes the steps of introducing a light beam into a hollow core chalcogenide photonic bandgap glass fiber filled with a Raman active gas disposed in the core, conveying the beam through the core while it interacts with the gas to form a Stokes beam of a typically higher wavelength, and removing the Stokes beam from the core of the fiber.

Abstract: The invention discloses a plastic waveguide for guiding terahertz (THz) wave with a wavelength ranging from 30 to 3000 ?m. The plastic waveguide includes a core and a cladding layer. At least part of the core is made of a first plastic medium having a first refractive index, and the maximum length of a cross-section of the core is smaller than the wavelength of the guided terahertz wave. The cladding layer surrounds the core and has a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index. In the invention, only one wave mode is propagated in the plastic waveguide, and a first attenuation constant of the core for the guided terahertz wave is higher than a second attenuation constant of the cladding layer for the guided terahertz wave.

Abstract: The invention relates to an asymmetric optical fiber that includes a core and a functional cladding that surrounds substantially half of the core along at least a portion of the fiber. The asymmetric optical fiber may include substantially parallel electrodes disposed on a face of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Optical waveguides are fabricated in glass-ceramic materials utilizing an ion-exchange process to pattern the waveguide at a temperature below the ceramming temperature of the glass-ceramic material. The optical waveguides may include optically-active dopants dispersed preferably within the crystallite phase of the glass-ceramic material.

Abstract: A flexible, hollow, waveguide is featured, that functions in the visible region. The waveguide comprises a hollow, flexible, silica-glass tube having a smooth bore, that is coated with a reflective substance on the inner bore surface. A composite of two sulfide materials are then layered over the reflective substance. The sulfide materials form a high contrasting refractive index of approximately 2:1, thus creating a photonic, bandgap tube.