Switch (i.e., Switching From One Terminal To Another, Not Modulation) Patents (Class 385/16)
  • Patent number: 9575258
    Abstract: Provided herein are switching methods and systems for switching a patch cord fiber in a fiber management system having non-tensioned patch cord fibers, from a first adapter to a second adapter. Switching comprises disconnecting the patch cord fiber connector from the first adapter; distinguishing the disconnected patch cord fiber, at a region removed from the connector, from other patch cord fibers according to a position of the patch cord fiber in the fiber management system; pulling the distinguished patch cord fiber at the handling region to receive and clasp the disconnected connector, wherein the pulling is carried out to disentangle the pulled patch cord fiber from the other patch cord fibers; and connecting the clasped connector to the second adapter. The patch cord fibers are thus manages at edges thereof only, with no slack control required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Wave2Wave Solution Inc.
    Inventors: Hai Pedut, Yossi Halfon, Amnon Segal, Ariel Yemini, Yonatan Silberman
  • Patent number: 9577747
    Abstract: The light reception unit is disposed behind each of a plurality of light sources that emits signal lights having mutually different wavelengths in a forward direction and receives a backlight emitted backward from each of the light sources. The synchronizing signal generation unit generates a synchronizing signal serving as an electric signal synchronized in phase with a drive signal for driving each of the light sources. The multiplication unit multiplies the synchronizing signal and a light reception signal serving as an electric signal obtained by receiving the backlight by the light reception unit. The light power detection unit detects power of the signal light by multiplying an integrated value of a multiplication signal obtained by multiplying the synchronizing signal and the light reception signal by the multiplication unit and a power ratio of the signal light to the backlight stored in a predetermined storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Naoki Yamamoto, Noriaki Mizuguchi
  • Patent number: 9563065
    Abstract: An optical module includes: a pedestal; a glass optical multiplexer/demultiplexer fixed onto the pedestal via a UV adhesive; and a metal block which is smaller than the glass optical multiplexer/demultiplexer and is fixed to a top surface of the glass optical multiplexer/demultiplexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Yasui, Koichi Nakamura, Tatsuo Hatta, Tetsuhiro Fukao
  • Patent number: 9551833
    Abstract: An apparatus for multiplexing and demultiplexing comprises: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, where the second surface is opposite to the first surface; a first fiber array unit disposed on the first surface of the substrate and a second fiber array unit disposed on the second surface of the substrate, where a plurality of fibers in a fiber array unit are arranged in an array on a chip; a first microlens array disposed on the first surface of the substrate and a second microlens array disposed on the second surface of the substrate; a plurality of thin film filters disposed on the first and second surface of the substrate, where each thin film filter transmits light having a different wavelength band; a fiber collimator disposed on the first surface of the substrate; a turning prism disposed at an edge of the substrate for turning light from the first surface to the second surface of the substrate or also turning light from the second surface to the first surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Alliance Fiber Optic Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Yao Li, Fenfei Liu, Xiaotao Peng, Andy Fenglei Zhou
  • Patent number: 9548018
    Abstract: An optical switch, e.g. a display cell based on layer displacement or layer break up having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids e.g. oil in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate and in the second state the other fluid at least partly adjoins the first support plate. Part of an otherwise homogeneous electrode is removed to realize oil motion control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bokke Johannes Feenstra, Robert Andrew Hayes
  • Patent number: 9547214
    Abstract: A device for transmitting and/or modulating in-phase and quadrature optical signals generated by an optical source. This device includes modulators each arranged for modulating intensity of optical signals depending on commands, and at least three main multi-mode interferometers set in series and arranged for transforming in combination a received optical signal with an initial phase state into a final optical signal with a final phase state differing from this initial phase state by an accumulated phase shift chosen from a group including 0, ?/2, ? and 3?/2 and depending from the intensity modulations carried out by the modulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventors: Christophe Kazmierski, Alexandre Garreau
  • Patent number: 9544061
    Abstract: An apparatus, e.g. an optical oscilloscope, includes an optical receiver front end, including an optical device, and an optical delay. The receiver front end is configured to receive at least one input optical signal and produce by the optical device at least first and second output optical signals. The receiver front end is further configured to gate said at least one input optical signal or said at least first and second output optical signals. An optical combiner is configured to combine said at least first and second output optical signals, and the optical delay is located in an optical path of said first optical output signal between said optical receiver front end and the optical combiner. An optical detector is configured to receive a combined optical signal from said optical combiner and to produce therefrom an analog-electrical signal representative of the combined optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Raybon, Peter J. Winzer, Roland Ryf, Nicolas Fontaine, Joon Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 9541775
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a low-voltage integrated silicon high-speed modulator may include an optical modulator comprising first and second optical waveguides and two optical phase shifters, where each of the two optical phase shifters may comprise a p-n junction with a horizontal section and a vertical section and an optical signal is communicated to the first optical waveguide. A portion of the optical signal may then be coupled to the second optical waveguide. A phase of at least one optical signal in the waveguides may be modulated utilizing the optical phase shifters. A portion of the phase modulated optical signals may be coupled between the two waveguides, thereby generating two output signals from the modulator. A modulating signal may be applied to the phase shifters which may include a reverse bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Luxtera, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Ayazi, Kam-Yan Hon, Gianlorenzo Masini
  • Patent number: 9537597
    Abstract: The telecommunications network node linking a metropolitan area network, including at least one optical link connecting the nodes, with at least one access network, includes an electronic card that enables the aggregation of traffic from multiple access networks, a transmitter capable of receiving an electrical signal from the electronic card and of transmitting an optical packet to the metropolitan area network, a circulator capable of extracting a stream of multiplexed optical packets from the optical link and of inserting a stream of multiplexed optical packets into the optical link, and a reflective switching matrix receiving a stream of multiplexed optical packets from among which it selects and detects those intended for the access network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Romain Brenot, Guilhem De Valicourt
  • Patent number: 9529157
    Abstract: A 3D-MEMS optical switch, comprising: a collimator array, a PD array, a window glass which covers the PD array and is coated with a partial reflection film, a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) micro-mirror, and a core optical switch controller connected to the PD array and the MEMS micro-mirror. The PD array is integrated inside the core optical switch, so that the architecture and the volume of the optical switch are simplified. The window glass which covers the PD array and is coated with a partial reflection film is used to fold an optical path, and some optical signals are transmitted onto the PD array, so that the core optical switch controller adjusts the MEMS micro-mirror according to the optical power of the optical signals detected by the PD array, so as to enable the insertion loss of the 3D-MEMS optical switch to meet a preset attenuation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chunhui Zhang, Chendi Jiang
  • Patent number: 9478193
    Abstract: Light from an array of laser light sources are spread to cover the modulating face of a DMD or other modulator. The spread may be performed, for example, by a varying curvature array of lenslets, each laser light directed at one of the lenslets. Light from neighboring and/or nearby light sources overlap at a modulator. The lasers are energized at different energy/brightness levels causing the light illuminating the modulator to itself be modulated (locally dimmed). The modulator then further modulates the locally dimmed lights to produce a desired image. A projector according to the invention may utilize, for example, a single modulator sequentially illuminated or separate primary color modulators simultaneously illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Martin J. Richards
  • Patent number: 9453965
    Abstract: A waveguide polarization rotator includes a substrate having a surface and a waveguide coupled to the surface of the substrate and operable to support a light beam along a direction of beam propagation. The waveguide includes a slab having a support surface and a second surface opposing the support surface and a rib protruding from the second surface of the slab in a direction substantially normal to the surface of the substrate and extending along the direction of beam propagation. The rib includes a first portion extending to a first height above the second surface of the slab and a second portion adjacent to the first portion and extending to a second height above the second surface of the slab. The second height is less than the first height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Skorpios Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Dallesasse, Stephen B. Krasulick
  • Patent number: 9450671
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a light communication system comprises a transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus. The transmitting apparatus generates one or more patterns of light to decide at least one reference area, and transmits signals by emitting light in the at least one reference area decided by the one or more patterns. The receiving apparatus takes measurements fewer than a total amount of pixels over a sensed image to detect the one or more patterns of light, and decides at least one ROI according to one or more detected one or more patterns; then takes all signals of light in the at least one ROI for processing of the light communication, and takes measurements fewer than a total amount of pixels over at least one tracking area for tracking the one or more patterns of light emitted by the transmitting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chia-Pin Chen, Chang-Lung Hsiao, Ren-Jr Chen
  • Patent number: 9449954
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of packaging light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A carrier having a first side and a second opposite the first side is provided. The carrier includes a plurality of conductive interconnect elements. An integrated circuit (IC) die is bonded to the first side of the carrier. A packaging material having light-reflective properties is molded over the first and second sides of the carrier such that the IC die is sealed by the packaging material. A portion of the packaging material is molded into a reflective cap structure. A light-emitting diode (LED) is bonded to the second side of the carrier. Sidewalls of the reflective cap structure circumferentially surround the LED. The LED and the IC die are electrically coupled together through the conductive interconnect elements in the carrier. A lens is then formed over the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: EPISTAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chih-Chia Lin, Hsing-Kuo Hsia, Ching-Hui Chen, Jacob C. Tarn
  • Patent number: 9423397
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for generating optical pulses in one or more waveguides using a spatially scanning light source. A detection system, methods of use thereof and kits for detecting a biologically active analyte molecule are also provided. The system includes a scanning light source, a substrate comprising a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with one or more waveguide of the substrate, a detector that is coupled to and in optical communication with the substrate, and means for spatially translating a light beam emitted from said scanning light source such that the light beam is coupled to and in optical communication with the waveguides of the substrate at some point along its scanning path. The use of a scanning light source allows the coupling of light into the waveguides of the substrate in a simple and cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: iNDx Lifecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Reuven Duer
  • Patent number: 9411107
    Abstract: An N×M monolithic switch and a method of operating the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Richard H. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 9397465
    Abstract: In a case where the period from the input of the output suspension instruction to the next output instruction is shorter than the fixed period of time, the seed laser light source and the pumping light source are in a pre-pumped state during the period from the end of the output state to the start of the next output state. In a case where the period from the input of the output suspension instruction to the next output instruction is longer than the fixed period of time, the seed laser light source and the pumping light source are in the pre-pumped state only for the fixed period of time from the input of the output instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Oba, Michihiro Nakai
  • Patent number: 9385811
    Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for optical communications. In one embodiment, a communication system includes a plurality of communication nodes and a communication hub. A bundle of optical fibers optically links the nodes to the communication hub. The communication hub includes a laser operable to propagate unmodulated laser light to a first node along a first of the optical fibers in the bundle. The first node is operable to modulate the laser light with a first modulating signal source, and to propagate the modulated laser light to a second node. The second node is communicatively coupled to a second modulating signal source and to the first node. The second node is operable to optically combine upstream communications from the second modulating signal source with the modulated laser light from the first node, and to propagate the modulated laser light with the upstream communications to the communication hub at a same carrier wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Cable Television Laboratories, Inc
    Inventor: Luis Alberto Campos
  • Patent number: 9372311
    Abstract: A wavelength selective switch includes a wavelength dispersive element that divides a beam input from an input port, a beam director that deflects a wavelength component, and a free space optical system that optically couple a input/output unit, the wavelength dispersive element, and the beam director. The free space optical system converts a shape of the beam such that a size extending in a second plane is relatively smaller than a size extending in a first plane, and to have a long axis and a short axis in a third plane. The long axis is inclined with respect to the first direction. The beam director includes a beam directing region in which a plurality of beam directing elements are arranged. The beam directing region deflects the respective wavelength components toward the predetermined output port. The beam directing region is provided to correspond to the shape of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehisa Tazawa, Kenichiro Takahashi, Manabu Shiozaki, Takafumi Ohtsuka, Masaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9366858
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for using different wavelengths and/or using different frequencies of light to encode each of information data and control data in a beam of light and to use the encoded control data to route the encoded information data through a network. Routing may be effected using optical switches configured with transmissive and reflective properties, which may allow transmission of certain encoded control data and may allow reflection of certain information data, depending upon the routing for the travel of the light through the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin William Millar, George Charles Peppou, Benjamin Watson Barnes
  • Patent number: 9369783
    Abstract: A wavelength-selective cross-connect (WSXC) device configured to route any set of carrier wavelengths from a corresponding input port to any selected output port. The WSXC device comprises a diffraction grating and a beam-steering device optically coupled to one another and to the input/output ports using astigmatic optics. The astigmatic optics includes one or more cylindrical lenses configured to image one beam-steering surface onto another beam-steering surface to enable a continuous spectral response. The astigmatic optics may further include (i) a cylindrical Fourier lens that enables the WSXC device to convert a change in the angular beam steering performed by the beam-steering device into a corresponding image-spot displacement at the output ports and/or (ii) one or more cylindrical lenses configured to image the active surface of the beam-steering device onto the diffraction grating. Various unfolded configurations of the various embodiments of the WSXC device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: David T. Neilson, Roland Ryf, Nicolas K. Fontaine
  • Patent number: 9362608
    Abstract: An ohmic RF MEMS relay includes a substrate with a capacitive coupling, Csub; two actuating elements electrically coupled in series, so as to define a channel, wherein the actuating elements are configured to be independently actuated or simultaneously operated. The actuating elements have their own capacitive coupling, Cgap; a midpoint on the channel is in electrical communication with the actuating elements; and an anchor mechanically coupled to the substrate and supporting at least one of the actuating elements. Also, an ohmic RF MEMS relay that includes an input port; a plurality of first MEMS switches that make up a first switching group in electrical communication with the input port, thereby defining a plurality of channels each leading from each of the MEMS switches; and at least one outlet port along each of the channels distal from the first switching group and in electrical communication with the input port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yongjae Lee, Marco Francesco Aimi, Glenn Scott Claydon, Christopher Fred Keimel
  • Patent number: 9363583
    Abstract: System, apparatus, and method embodiments are provided for suppressing the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) crosstalk in multiple wavelength channel signals propagating in fiber links, such as in WDM/DWDM or other optical communications systems. The SRS is reduced or suppressed by separating the channels into two sets of different channels, such as even and odd channels, and then performing subtraction of signal amplitudes between the two sets of channels. The channels are separated by an interleaver into the two sets. Alternatively, a wavelength selective switch (WSS) is used to separate the channels into the two sets on which the subtraction of signal amplitudes is then performed. In an embodiment, the signals are low frequency modulation signals used for channel monitoring for optical communications systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiping Jiang, Jian Zhong
  • Patent number: 9350447
    Abstract: A communication system comprises a passive optical network (PON) having an optical line terminal (OLT) coupled to a plurality of optical network terminals (ONTs) through a power splitter. Each ONT is coupled to the power splitter via a subscriber line. A switch is coupled to each subscriber line, and all of the switches are coupled to a control element. A power element is configured to receive optical signals communicated by the PON and to convert the optical signals into electrical power for use by the control element. The OLT is configured to detect a rogue ONT and to communicate with the control element for opening the switch that is coupled to the subscriber line of the rogue ONT, thereby optically isolating the rogue ONT from the rest of the PON.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: ADTRAN, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Detwiler, Leif J. Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 9344779
    Abstract: A space division multiplexed (SDM) transmission system that includes at least two segments of transmission media in which a spatial assignment of the two segments is different is provided. For example, the SDM transmission may include a first segment of transmission media having a first spatial assignment and a second segment of transmission media having a second spatial assignment, wherein the first spatial assignment differs from the second spatial assignment. An example method obtains an optical signal on a first segment of transmission media having a first spatial assignment and forwards the optical signal on a second segment of transmission media with a different spatial assignment. The transmission media may be a multi-core fiber (MCF), a multi-mode fiber (MMF), a few-mode fiber (FMF), or a ribbon cable comprising nominally uncoupled single-mode fiber (SMF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Chandrasekhar Sethumadhavan, Xiang Liu, Peter J. Winzer, Alan H. Gnauck
  • Patent number: 9341779
    Abstract: Devices which operate on gradient optical forces, in particular, nanoscale mechanical devices which are actuable by gradient optical forces. Such a device comprises a waveguide and a dielectric body, with at least a portion of the waveguide separated from the dielectric body at a distance which permits evanescent coupling of an optical mode within the waveguide to the dielectric body. This results in an optical force which acts on the waveguide and which can be exploited in a variety of devices on a nano scale, including all-optical switches, photonic transistors, tuneable couplers, optical attenuators and tuneable phase shifters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Hongxing Tang, Mo Li, Wolfram Pernice, Chi Xiong
  • Patent number: 9335477
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of input optical couplers and a plurality of output optical couplers. The input optical couplers are placed in a pattern to receive light from multiple locations of an end face of an input multimode optical fiber (MMOF). The output optical couplers are placed in a pattern to provide light to multiple locations of an end face of an output MMOF. The apparatus further includes a plurality of single-mode optical paths. Each of the paths is connected to a corresponding one of the input optical couplers and a corresponding one of the output optical couplers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Nicolas K Fontaine, David T Neilson, Roland R Ryf
  • Patent number: 9335159
    Abstract: An exemplary method involves, in a system comprising a tool that performs a task on a workpiece, a method for determining displacement of the workpiece relative to the tool. Respective displacements of loci of at least a region of the workpiece are mapped using a Goos-Hänchen-insensitive (GH-insensitive) displacement sensor to produce a first set of physical displacement data for the region. Also mapped are respective displacements, from the tool, of the loci using a GH sensitive sensor to produce a second set of optical displacement data for the region. Goodness of fit (GOF) is determined of the second set of data with the first set. According to the GOF, respective GH-correction (GHC) coefficients are determined for at least one locus of the region. When measuring displacement of the at least one locus in the region relative to the tool, the respective GHC coefficient is applied to the measured displacement to reduce an error that otherwise would be present in the measured displacement due to a GH effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Sogard, Daniel G. Smith, David M. Williamson
  • Patent number: 9338528
    Abstract: Reflecting optical devices are optimally positioned by an all optical switch in an optically-connected system by transmitting optical power readings taken from an optimal monitoring module that are transmitted to the all optical switch for optimal positioning of a reflecting optical device in order to produce maximum optical output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: John M. Borkenhagen, Eugen Schenfeld, Mark Z. Solomon
  • Patent number: 9335484
    Abstract: A passive optical fiber switch includes: a housing defining a plurality of ports configured to receive fiber optic connectors; a substrate positioned within the housing, the substrate defining a plurality of waveguide paths; and an arm positioned relative to one of the plurality of ports such that the arm moves as a fiber optic connector is positioned in the one port, movement of the arm causing the waveguide paths to shift to break a normal through configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Paul John Pepe, Joseph C. Coffey
  • Patent number: 9300399
    Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for optical communications with a remotely located laser. In one embodiment, a communication system includes an optical link and a communication hub comprising at least two lasers optically coupled to a first end of the optical link, the communication hub further comprising an optical multiplexer operable to multiplex light from the lasers and to propagate the multiplexed light along the optical link. The communication system also includes a communication node comprising an optical modulator optically coupled to a second end of the optical link, wherein the optical modulator is operable to modulate the multiplexed light from the communication hub with one or more modulating signals, and to propagate the modulated light to the communication hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CABLE TELEVISION LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Luis Alberto Campos
  • Patent number: 9291776
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for an apparatus and method for differential thermal optical switch control. The optical switch is operated based on the interferometric principle by modifying the optical phase between waves propagating in waveguides via refractive index change in the waveguides using the thermo-optic effect. A heat pump designed as part of the optical switch is used to generate a temperature difference across the waveguides based on the thermo-electric effect. The thermo-electric effect is obtained using thermo-electric material or elements, also referred to as Peltier elements. An embodiment apparatus includes a dielectric base, a pair of waveguides extended in parallel on the dielectric base, and on the dielectric base a thermo-electric material in contact with the pair of waveguides. Additionally, a pair of electrodes extended, on the thermo-electric material, next to and along the length of the waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mikelis Svilans
  • Patent number: 9281897
    Abstract: An electro-optical single-sideband modulator comprising: an electro-optical substrate; a bimodal optical waveguide structure formed in the substrate to support different optical modes having associated optical frequencies and optical propagation constants and comprising an optical input to receive an input optical carrier signal having an optical frequency, and a pair of optical outputs to output corresponding SSB modulated optical signals, each having an optical frequency spectrum with a single side lobe; and an electrode structure formed on the substrate to receive an input electrical modulating signal having an associated electrical frequency and electrical propagation constant, and to responsively apply an electrical field to the bimodal optical waveguide structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Selex Sistemi Integrati S.p.A.
    Inventors: Massimiliano Dispenza, Alberto Secchi, Massimo Ricci, Stefano Casagrande, Andrea Evangelisti, Fabio Della Rovere
  • Patent number: 9264788
    Abstract: A method and system for inter-channel spectral shaping in optical ring networks may involve selectively applying an attenuating notch filter at a spectral boundary between adjacent wavelength slots passed by a wavelength selective switch (WSS). In this manner, instability from net loop gain values exceeding unity may be prevented in the optical ring network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: John Michael Dugan
  • Patent number: 9263522
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a substrate. The apparatus also comprises a diffusion barrier formed on a surface of a first region of the substrate. The diffusion barrier is formed using a first material having a first band gap energy. The apparatus further comprises a channel region formed on a surface of the diffusion barrier. The channel region is formed using a second material having a second band gap energy that is lower than the first band gap energy. The apparatus further comprises a back gate contact coupled to the first region of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Bin Yang, Xia Li, PR Chidambaram
  • Patent number: 9256086
    Abstract: Electro-optic (EO) modulator and related device structures which can be used in conjunction with high EO materials to lower switching voltage and improve related performance parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Seng-Tiong Ho, Fei Yi, Tobin J. Marks
  • Patent number: 9234854
    Abstract: A method of determining a parameter of a wafer is disclosed. Light is propagated through a waveguide disposed in the wafer. A first measurement of optical power is obtained at a first optical tap coupled to the waveguide and a second measurement of optical power is obtained at a second optical tap coupled to the waveguide using a photodetector placed at a selected location with respect to the wafer. A difference in optical power is determined between the first optical tap and the second optical tap from the first measurement and the second measurement. The parameter of the wafer is determined from the determined difference in optical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Solomon Assefa, Douglas M. Gill, Jessie C. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 9229243
    Abstract: A new 2D/3D switchable display apparatus matches a polarization direction of light output from a 2D image display panel with a rubbing direction of a lower alignment layer of a liquid crystal lens, and tilts a rubbing direction of an upper alignment layer of the liquid crystal lens and a direction of a polarization axis of a polarizer at a predetermined angle, thereby reducing a loss of light passing through the liquid crystal lens, making it possible to improve luminance of images, improve the quality of 3D images in the horizontal direction, prevent or reduce color separation and moire phenomena, and reduce the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hae-Young Yun, Il-Joo Kim, Hyun-Seung Seo, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jin-Hwan Kim, Seung-Jun Jeong
  • Patent number: 9231584
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) photonic switch includes a first plurality of collimators and a first mirror array optically coupled to the first plurality of collimators. The first mirror array includes a first plurality of first MEMS mirrors integrated on a first substrate and a first plurality of first photodiodes integrated on the first substrate, where the photodiodes are disposed in interstitial spaces between the MEMS mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Alan Frank Graves, Dominic Goodwill
  • Patent number: 9213214
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an optical path-changing device having one or more curved waveguides, which not only can change an optical path at a large angle close to a perpendicular direction after light or an optical signal has been incident and reflected, but also can change the optical path in various directions, such as for straight pass, left turn, and right turn. An optical path-changing device having one or more curved waveguides according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first waveguide (11) formed in a straight line. A second waveguide (12) is configured to branch from the first waveguide in a first direction and formed in a shape of curved line. A first reflector (21) is arranged in a region in which the second waveguide branches from the first waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hyo-Hoon Park, Jong Hun Kim, Young-Tak Han
  • Patent number: 9206526
    Abstract: A strip of sacrificial semiconductor material is formed on top of a non-sacrificial semiconductor material substrate layer. A conformal layer of the non-sacrificial semiconductor material is epitaxially grown to cover the substrate layer and the strip of sacrificial semiconductor material. An etch is performed to selectively remove the strip of sacrificial semiconductor material and leave a hollow channel surrounded by the conformal layer and the substrate layer. Using an anneal, the conformal layer and the substrate layer are reflowed to produce an optical waveguide structure including the hollow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Qing Liu
  • Patent number: 9197877
    Abstract: A smart pseudoscopic to orthoscopic conversion (SPOC) protocol, and method for using the SPOC protocol for three-dimensional imaging, are disclosed. The method allows full control over the optical display parameters in Integral Imaging (InI) monitors. From a given collection of elemental images, a new set of synthetic elemental images (SEIs) ready to be displayed in an InI monitor can be calculated, in which the pitch, microlenses focal length, number of pixels per elemental cell, depth position of the reference plane, and grid geometry of the microlens array (MLA) can be selected to fit the conditions of the display architecture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignees: UNIVERSITAT DE VALÉNCIA, UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
    Inventors: Bahram Javidi, Manuel Martinez-Corral, Raul Martinez-Cuenca, Genaro Saavedra-Tortosa, Hector Navarro Fructuoso
  • Patent number: 9190576
    Abstract: A light emitting device comprising a photonic crystal structure having a crystal structure in which nanospheres are densely arranged in a 3D manner, wherein the nanospheres have phosphors excited by an excitation source to emit light of a wavelength longer than a pump photon of the excitation source, wherein the photonic crystal structure has at least a photonic bandgap (PBG) along a specific crystal orientation, and wherein the wavelength of the pump photon overlaps a photonic bandedge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Heon Su Jeon, Kook Heon Char, Yoon Kyung Choi, Ho Sub Kim, Kyungtaek Min
  • Patent number: 9185475
    Abstract: Implementations of an apparatus including an optical circuit switch (OCS) having a plurality of OCS input/output ports, at least one optical circulator having a port optically coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of OCS input/output ports and a reflection mitigation positioned in the optical path between each optical circulator port and its corresponding OCS input/output port and/or in the optical path inside the OCS. A corresponding optical transceiver is optically coupled to each of the at least one optical circulators. Each optical transceiver includes a transmitter optically coupled to one port of the optical circulator and a receiver optically coupled to another port of the optical circulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Liu, Ryohei Urata, Christopher L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9176923
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer system has a plurality of chassis interconnected by cables. Each cable initially connects a unique port pair consisting of a port of one chassis and a port of another chassis. The disconnection of cables is monitored, including electronically recording a disconnection sequence in which the port pairs are disconnected by removing each cable from at least one port of the respective port pair. Visual guidance is provided for re-cabling the computer system by sequentially identifying the port pairs in a reversal of the disconnection sequence, wherein identifying each port pair includes illuminating visual indicators associated with the ports of each port pair with a matching illumination pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Fred A. Bower, III, Michael H. Nolterieke, William G. Pagan
  • Patent number: 9170377
    Abstract: An optical interconnect (200) includes: a reflective body (230) having a first reflective surface (235) and a second reflective surface (240) opposite the first reflective surface (235); a first optical waveguide (205) that directs a first optical signal received from a first communicating device (105) to the first reflective surface (235); a second optical waveguide (210) that directs the first optical signal from the first reflective surface (235) of the reflective body (230) to a second communicating device (110); a third optical waveguide (215) that directs a second optical signal received from the second communicating device (110) to the second reflective surface (240) of the reflective body (230); and a fourth optical waveguide (220) that directs the second optical signal from the second reflective surface (240) of the reflective body (230) to the first communicating device (105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Schlansker, Michael Renne Ty Tan, Shih-Yuan Wang, Wayne V. Sorin, Jose Renato G. Santos
  • Patent number: 9164237
    Abstract: A coherent mixer includes a substrate including a principal surface, the principal surface having a first area and a second area; a multi-mode interference device provided on the first area of the substrate; a light-receiving device provided on the second area of the substrate, the light-receiving device including a plurality of waveguide-type photodiodes; a first input waveguide optically coupled to the multi-mode interference device; a second input waveguide optically coupled to the multi-mode interference device; a plurality of optical waveguides optically coupling the multi-mode interference device to the plurality of waveguide-type photodiodes; and a protective layer covering the first and second areas of the substrate, the protective layer covering the plurality of waveguide-type photodiodes. The protective layer has an opening in the first area of the substrate. In addition, the multi-mode interference device has a surface that is at least partially exposed at the opening of the protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yutaka Onishi
  • Patent number: 9097908
    Abstract: Disclosed in one example embodiment is a method for fabricating a reinforced multi-body optical device. One method involves applying a coating to sides of an interior plate and bonding two plates to either side of the interior plate. The bonded plates are diced at an angle that is not orthogonal to the bonded plates. The top and bottom portions of a diced section are removed to form a multi-body polarization beam splitter (PBS) having a generally rectangular perimeter. A supporting plate is bonded to the multi-body PBS to form a reinforced multi-body PBS, wherein the supporting plate has a CTE that is within about 0.5 parts per million of the CTE of the multi-body PBS. The multi-body PBS is grinded to reduce the thickness of the multi-body PBS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: FINISAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fan Chen, Maofeng Gu, Fahua Lan, Huiping Li
  • Patent number: 9099339
    Abstract: A package-on-package stack may include an upper package, an optical interface, and a lower package. The upper package may send an optical signal from a first component in the upper package. The optical interface may receive the optical signal from the upper package, and may transmit the optical signal. The lower package may receive the optical signal from the optical interface, and may relay the optical signal to a second component in the lower package or at the motherboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Nils Magnus Lundberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9086523
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting signals. An apparatus comprises a tube comprising a number of layers of carbon forming a wall of the tube. The number of layers of carbon has a number of optical properties configured to propagate an optical signal and a number of electrical properties configured to conduct an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Wayne R. Howe, Jeffrey H. Hunt, Angela Wai-an Li