Temporal Optical Modulation Within An Optical Waveguide Patents (Class 385/1)
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Patent number: 8090226Abstract: An optical waveguide device includes: a substrate having an electro-optical effect; an optical waveguide section formed on the substrate; and a plurality of modulating electrodes for modulating optical waves propagating in the optical waveguide section. The optical waveguide section branches into two parts in the propagating direction of the optical waves, thus forming the two main optical waveguides, and each of the main optical waveguides branches into two parts in the propagating direction of the optical waves, thus forming the two sub optical waveguides. The two main optical waveguides constitute a main Mach-Zehnder type optical waveguide, and the two sub optical waveguides are incorporated into the main Mach-Zehnder type optical waveguide to constitute a sub Mach-Zehnder type optical waveguide. A heat conduction suppressing zone is defined on a portion of the substrate disposed between two opposite sub Mach-Zehnder type optical waveguides.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shingo Mori, Tsutomu Saitou, Toru Sugamata
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Patent number: 8086078Abstract: An electronic device in which a signal electrode has a bent portion. Earth electrodes are formed with the signal electrode between. A width of a gap at the bent portion between the signal electrode and each earth electrode is narrower than a width of a gap at both ends of the bent portion between the signal electrode and each earth electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Masaki Sugiyama
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Patent number: 8081851Abstract: A high-index contrast waveguide component is presented, which is based on the fast changing of the transmission properties of an optical waveguide by applying electric voltages, or by embossing electric currents. The waveguide consists of a high-refractive waveguide core surrounded by a low-refractive surrounding material, which at least area by area has electro-optical properties. By applying a voltage to completely or partially optically transparent electrodes, an electric field is generated having a strong overlap with the optical mode, being in interaction with it, and therefore changing the transmission properties of the waveguide. The transparent electrodes or supply line areas are laminar, connected at low resistance with conductor paths of high conductivity by means of structures continually repeated along the propagation direction. Thus, it is possible for example to very fast load the capacity being effective between the electrodes, and to thus achieve a high electric band width.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Karlsruher Institut fur TechnologieInventors: Christian Koos, Jurg Leuthold, Wolfgang Freude, Jan Michael Brosi
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Patent number: 8078014Abstract: A method of amplitude electro-optic modulation. The method includes transmitting a narrowband laser light into an electro-optically active waveguide in a first direction. The electro-optically active waveguide has a grating for reflecting the narrowband laser light. The method also includes applying an electric signal to the electro-optically active waveguide and modifying the reflection of the grating in a wavelength region of the narrowband laser light by application of the electric signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventor: Oleg M. Efimov
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Patent number: 8078013Abstract: Embodiments of an optical device, an array of optical devices, and a technique for fabricating the optical device or the array are described. This optical device is implemented using two semiconductor layers (such as silicon), one of which includes a heater and the other includes a thermally tunable optical waveguide. Spatially separating these two functions in the optical device results in more efficient heat transfer between the heater and the optical waveguide, reduced heat transfer to the surroundings, and reduced optical losses in the optical waveguide relative to existing silicon-based optical devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.Inventors: Guoliang Li, John E. Cunningham, Ashok V. Krishnamoorthy, Ivan Shubin, Xuezhe Zheng
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Patent number: 8078016Abstract: Techniques are generally disclosed for optical devices that may be used to implement a variety of logic devices or other circuits by optical means. Example optical devices use a photodiode to alter the charge carrier concentration in a waveguide, thereby altering the index of refraction of the waveguide. The photodiode may be driven by an optical signal, which may be coupled to the photodiode through an optical waveguide. The optical signal may be configured to control the phase of coherent light coupled through the waveguide. A variety of logic devices and other circuits may be implemented by allowing the light coupled through the waveguide to constructively or destructively interfere with other coherent light.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventor: Ezekiel Kruglick
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Publication number: 20110293215Abstract: The invention provides micro-optical and fiber based solutions to the problem of reflective telescopes with secondary or tertiary obscurations, and further, it ameliorates secondary or tertiary obscurations in compact reflective fiber-coupled telescopes configured as optical transmitters. One solution uses a custom hollow optical fiber and lens system to generate an annular beam that would not be obscured by the telescope secondary obscuration. Another solution uses a fiber coupled micro-axicon lens assembly to achieve the same result.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Anthony Ruggiero, Richard Young, Jeffrey Cooke, Jeffrey Kallman
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Publication number: 20110292398Abstract: Integrated optical waveguide interferometer for evanescent sensing of chemical and/or physical quantities, comprising a substrate carrying a waveguide layer structure provided with: a first waveguide core layer sandwiched between two first cladding layers formed by a first lower and a first upper (6) cladding layer, of a lower refractive index than the first waveguide core layer, a second waveguide core layer sandwiched between two second claddings layers formed by a second lower and a second upper (6) cladding layer, of a lower refractive index than the second waveguide core layer, a splitter (2) and a combiner (5) for optically coupling said first and second waveguide core layers at first and second junctions, respectively, characterized by a modulation section of a polymer cladding material (9) included in one of the first upper cladding layers (6) and/or included in one of the second upper cladding layers (6), the polymer cladding material covering an identifiable area of said first waveguide core layer aType: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: OPTISENSE B.V.Inventors: Hermanus Marcellinus Maria Klein Koerkamp, Tonnis Meindert Koster, Martinus Bernardus Johannes Diemeer
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Publication number: 20110280263Abstract: A saturable absorber (SA) is constructed using a fiber taper embedded in a carbon nanotube/polymer composite. A fiber taper is made by heating and pulling a small part of standard optical fiber. At the taper's waist light is guided by the glass-air interface, with an evanescent field protruding out of the taper. Carbon nanotubes mixed with an appropriate polymer host material are then wrapped around the fiber taper to interact with the evanescent field. Saturable absorption is possible due to the unique optical properties of the carbon nanotubes. The device can be used in mode-locked lasers where it initiates and stabilizes the pulses circulating around the laser cavity. The SA can be used in various laser cavities, and can enable different pulse evolutions such as solitons, self-similar pulses and dissipative solitons. Other applications include but are not limited to optical switching, pulse cleanup and pulse compression.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Khanh Kieu, Frank W. Wise
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Patent number: 8059965Abstract: Methods and systems for PMD compensation in an optical communication system are implemented by transmitting multiple optical signals through a common optical conduit to an optical compensator that adjustably rotates the polarization states of the multiple optical signals and transmits the rotated optical signals to an optical receiver. The receiver, upon sensing an excessive error condition, commands the optical compensator to change the polarization state of rotation, which changes the PMD profile of the received optical signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Michael Herbert Eiselt, Jonathan A. Nagel
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Patent number: 8050524Abstract: An optical device includes an electrooptic crystal substrate, a polarization-inverted region formed in a part of the electrooptic crystal substrate, an optical waveguide formed in the electrooptic crystal substrate, and a groove for relaxing stress disposed between a domain wall of the polarization-inverted region and the optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Takashi Shiraishi
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Patent number: 8045830Abstract: A wave-guiding system and method for mode-selective transmission of a spatially coherent light beam is disclosed. The system comprises a wave-guide with an inlet and an outlet for transmitting one or more modes; a first mode-shaping optical element for shaping the spatially coherent light beam before it enters through the inlet of the wave-guide to a desired mode of the wave-guide; and a second mode-shaping optical element for shaping light beam after it exits from the outlet of the wave-guide for obtaining a desired vectorial field.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd.Inventor: Erez Hasman
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Publication number: 20110249932Abstract: The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for adjusting intensity, wavelength and higher and lower frequency components of an optical signal. Photonic apparatus receives a first and a second optical signal. A waveguide provides an anomalous group velocity dispersion the first optical signal or the second optical signal and adjusts intensity or wavelength of the first optical signal or the second optical signal, in response to the anomalous group velocity dispersion. In some embodiments photonic apparatus receives an optical signal comprising a lower frequency component received an amount of time prior to a higher frequency component of the optical signal. A waveguide provides an anomalous group velocity dispersion for the optical signal and adjusts the amount of time between the higher frequency component and the lower frequency component in response to the anomalous group velocity dispersion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventors: Mark Foster, Alexander Gaeta, Michal Lipson, Jay Sharping, Amy Turner
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Publication number: 20110243492Abstract: A silicon based optical modulator apparatus can include a lateral slab on an optical waveguide, the lateral slab protruding beyond side walls of the optical waveguide so that a portion of the optical waveguide protrudes from the lateral slab towards a substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Kyoung-won NA, Sung-dong Suh, Kyoung-ho Ha, Seong-gu Kim, Jin-kwon Bok, Dong-jae Shin, Ho-chul Ji, Pil-kyu Kang, In-sung Joe
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Publication number: 20110243490Abstract: An optical coupler for coupling a multimode waveguide and two or more other waveguides. In one embodiment, the optical coupler has an optical phase mask disposed between the multimode waveguide and two or more other waveguides. The optical phase mask imposes on the light passing therethrough a spatial phase pattern that causes selective mode-to-waveguide coupling between the multimode waveguide and the other waveguides. The optical coupler can be used, e.g., in transmitters and receivers of optical transverse-mode-multiplexed signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: ALCATEL-LUCENT USA INC.Inventor: Roland Ryf
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Patent number: 8031983Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide a light modulation device capable of not only restricting the faint light propagating in the adhesive layer from being re-incident on the thin substrate but also increasing an adhesive strength of the thin substrate and the supplementing plate. The invention is characterized in a light modulation device having a thin substrate 1 made of material with an electro-optical effect and with a thickness of below 20 ?m; an optical waveguide 2 formed on a surface of the thin substrate or the other surface thereof; and a modulation electrode 3 formed on the surface of the thin substrate and for modulating light passing through the optical waveguide, comprising: a supplementing plate 5 adapted to be bonded to the thin substrate via an adhesive layer 4, wherein a bonding surface of the supplementing plate is formed as a rough surface 10 relative to a bonding surface of the thin substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Sugamata, Satoshi Oikawa
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Patent number: 8031984Abstract: The present invention can provide an npin-type optical modulator that has a high withstand voltage and is easily fabricated. A semiconductor optical amplifier (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is an npin-type semiconductor optical modulator in which layers are sequentially stacked, with a cathode layer (12-1) arranged on the substrate side, including at least a first n-type cladding layer (13-1), a p-type cladding layer (14), a core layer (17) and a second n-type cladding layer (13-2). In this semiconductor optical modulator, the p-type cladding layer (14) is electrically connected to an electrode (18-1) of the cathode layer. Accordingly, the accumulation of holes in the p-type cladding layer associated with light absorption in the npin-type optical modulator can be absorbed in the electrode on the negative side.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignees: NTT Electronics Corporation, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Tadao Ishibashi, Nobuhiro Kikuchi, Ken Tsuzuki
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Patent number: 8027554Abstract: The thermo-optic phase shifter (200) according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes: a substrate (201); a sacrificial layer (202) formed above the substrate (201); a first cladding layer (203) formed above the sacrificial layer (202) and having a film density higher than that of the sacrificial layer (202); an optical waveguide core (204) formed above the first cladding layer (203); a second cladding layer (205) provided over the first cladding layer (203) to cover the optical waveguide core (204); a heat-generating heater (206) provided to a region of the second cladding layer (205) directly above the optical waveguide core (204); and a groove (207) formed in a side face region of the optical waveguide core (204) and extending from the surface of the second cladding layer (205) to the surface of the substrate (201).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Morio Takahashi
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Patent number: 8023775Abstract: An optical frequency COM generator generating an optical frequency COM having flat spectrum characteristics using a single modulator. The optical frequency COM generator has a drive signal system (11) and a bias signal system (14) which drive a first drive signal (9), a second drive signal (10) and bias signals (12, 13) to satisfy the following expression (I). ?A+??=?/2 (I). (where, ?A and ?? are defined as ?A?(A1?A2)/2 and ???(?1??2)/2, respectively, A1 and A2 represent the amplitudes of the first and second drive signals when they are inputted to the electrodes of the first and second drive signals, respectively, and ?1 and ?2 represent the phases of bias voltages applied to first and second waveguides, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: National Institute of Information and Communications TechnologyInventors: Takahide Sakamoto, Tetsuya Kawanishi, Masahiro Tsuchiya, Masayuki Izutsu
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Patent number: 8023774Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for minimally intrusive fiber identification includes imparting a time-varying modulation onto an optical signal propagating in an optical fiber and subsequently detecting the presence of the time-varying modulation in the optical signal transmitting through the fiber to identify the fiber. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a time-varying curvature is imposed on the fiber to be identified and the presence of the resultant time variation in the transmitted power of a propagating optical signal is subsequently detected for identification of the manipulated fiber.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Nicholas J. Frigo, Patrick Iannone, Kenneth C. Reichmann
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Publication number: 20110222812Abstract: A high speed silicon-based optical modulator with control of the dopant profiles in the body and gate regions of the device reduces the series resistance of the structure without incurring substantial optical power loss. That is, the use of increased dopant values in areas beyond the active region will allow for the series resistance to be reduced (and thus increase the modulating speed of the device) without incurring too large a penalty in signal loss. The dopant profiles within the gate and body regions are tailored to exhibit an intermediate value between the high dopant concentration in the contact areas and the low dopant concentration in the carrier integration window area.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: LIGHTWIRE, INC.Inventors: Mark Webster, Vipulkumar Patel, Prakash Gothoskar, David Piede
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Patent number: 8019185Abstract: This invention provides a versatile unit cell as well as programmable and reconfigurable optical signal processors (such as optical-domain RF filters) that are constructed from arrays of those unit cells interconnected by optical waveguides. Each unit cell comprises an optical microdisk, an optical phase shifter, and at least one input/output optical waveguide, wherein the microdisk and the phase shifter are both optically connected to a common waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventor: Daniel Yap
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Patent number: 8019189Abstract: A laser light source device which can inexpensively achieve a visually recognizable level of speckle reduction is disclosed. The laser light source device includes: a laser module including a light source and a first optical waveguide, wherein light emitted from the light source is outputted from an output end of the first optical waveguide; a second optical waveguide connected to the first optical waveguide, wherein the light outputted from the output end of the first optical waveguide is inputted to an input end of the second optical waveguide and guided through the second optical waveguide; and an intensity modulation unit disposed in the vicinity of the second optical waveguide, the intensity modulation unit applying intensity modulation to the second optical waveguide, wherein a core diameter at the input end of the second optical waveguide is larger than a core diameter at the output end of the first optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Shinichi Shimotsu
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Patent number: 8009937Abstract: An optical resonator configured to be tuned using a charge-based memory cell includes an optical cavity configured to transmit light and receive injected charge carriers; a charge-based memory cell in proximity to or within the optical cavity, the memory cell containing a number of trapped charges which influence the resonant optical frequency of the optical resonator. A method of tuning an optical resonator includes applying a voltage or current to a charge-based memory cell to generate a non-volatile charge within the memory cell, the nonvolatile charge changing a resonant frequency of the optical resonator.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Sagi Mathai, Alexandre Bratkovski, Duncan Stewart
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Patent number: 8009940Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for enhanced monitoring of optical signal characteristics of an optical signal propagating in a signal channel of a photonic integrated circuit. The optical signal characteristics can be obtained with minimal signal loss in the optical signal path and reduced RF crosstalk, while the electrostatic discharge threshold for the photonic integrated circuit is increased, due to the inclusion of a second electro-optic element electrically coupled to a first electro-optic element as part of the signal channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Infinera CorporationInventors: Radhakrishnan L. Nagarajan, Masaki Kato
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Patent number: 7995871Abstract: Titania is a semiconductor and photocatalyst that is also chemically inert. With its bandgap of 3.0, to activate the photocatalytic property of titania requires light of about 390 nm wavelength, which is in the ultra-violet, where sunlight is very low in intensity. A method and devices are disclosed wherein stress is induced and managed in a thin film of titania in order to shift and lower the bandgap energy into the longer wavelengths that are more abundant in sunlight. Applications of this stress-induced bandgap-shifted titania photocatalytic surface include photoelectrolysis for production of hydrogen gas from water, photovoltaics for production of electricity, and photocatalysis for detoxification and disinfection.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Nanoptek CorporationInventor: John M. Guerra
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Patent number: 7983573Abstract: An optical receiver apparatus and methods for mitigating intersymbol interference (ISI) in a differentially-encoded modulation transmission system by controlling constructive and destructive transfer functions. The receiver includes a bandwidth control element for controlling transfer function bandwidth, a transfer phase controller for controlling transfer function phase and/or an imbalancer for imbalancing the transfer functions for compensating for intersymbol interference and optimizing the quality of the received optical signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Opnext Subsystems, Inc.Inventors: Christian Malouin, Theodore J. Schmidt, Brian L. Heffner
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Patent number: 7974540Abstract: A communication system capable of employing polarization-dependent phase modulators with a reversing configuration that preserves security against disturbance of a polarization state at a transmission path but without using Faraday mirrors and a communication method using the same are provided. A quantum cryptography system of the present invention includes a first station 1, a transmission path 2, and a second station 3. The first station 1 has means for emitting time-divided optical pulses into the transmission path 2 and measuring a phase difference between the optical pulses returning from the transmission path 2. The transmission path 2 is a medium of light.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignees: Japan Science and Technology Agency, NEC CorporationInventors: Akihisa Tomita, Kazuo Nakamura, Akio Tajima, Akihiro Tanaka, Yoshihiro Nanbu, Shuuji Suzuki, Takeshi Takeuchi, Wakako Maeda, Seigo Takahashi
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Patent number: 7970241Abstract: A modulator includes an electro-optical substrate and a first and second waveguide formed of a doped semiconductor material positioned on a surface of an electro-optical substrate forming a slot therebetween. A doping level of the semiconductor material being chosen to make the first and second waveguide conductive. A dielectric material is positioned in the slot which increases confinement of both an optical field and an electrical field inside the slot. A refractive index of the semiconductor material and a refractive index of the dielectric material positioned in the slot being chosen to reduce the V?·L product of the modulator.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Photonic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jianxiao Chen, Charles Cox
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Patent number: 7961988Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a rapidly tunable wavelength selective ring resonator. An embodiment of a voltage-tunable wavelength selective ring resonator includes a ring-shaped waveguide formed on a semiconductor substrate, an electro-optic cladding layer formed over the ring-shaped waveguide, and voltage applying means for applying a voltage across the electro-optic cladding layer. The ring-shaped waveguide is configured to propagate optical signals having predetermined resonant wavelengths, the electro-optic cladding layer has a voltage-controlled variable refractive index, and the means for applying is configured to apply a wavelength-specific control voltage to the electro-optic cladding layer. The wavelength-specific control voltage will shift or tune the predetermined resonant wavelengths for the ring-shaped waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: William P. Krug, Jocelyn Y. Takayesu, Michael Hochberg, Thomas W. Baehr-Jones, Eric Y. Chan, Larry Dalton, Axel Scherer
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Patent number: 7957619Abstract: An all-fiber optical pulse compression arrangement comprises a concatenated arrangement of a section of input fiber (e.g., a single mode fiber), a graded-index (GRIN) fiber lens and a section of pulse-compressing fiber (e.g., LMA fiber). The GRIN fiber lens is used to provide mode matching between the input fiber (supporting the propagation of chirped optical pulses) and the pulse-compressing fiber, with efficient pulse compression occurring along the length of the LMA fiber. The dispersion and length of the LMA fiber section are selected to provide the desired degree of pulse compression; for example, capable of reconstituting a femtosecond pulse as is used in supercontinuum generation systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLCInventors: Jeffrey W. Nicholson, Andrew D. Yablon
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Patent number: 7953305Abstract: An optical waveguide device includes; a substrate having an electro-optic effect, and a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide formed substantially in parallel on a top face of the substrate. A groove is formed for cutting only the first optical waveguide, of the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide. The groove penetrates from the top face to a bottom face of the substrate. Such a groove can be formed for example by fixing a side face of the substrate on the second optical waveguide side to a supporting base of a dicing machine so that the first optical waveguide is positioned on an upper side and the second optical waveguide is positioned on a lower side, and advancing the dicing saw from the bottom face side to the top face side of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Masaki Sugiyama
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Patent number: 7949260Abstract: An evaluation method of an optical receiver of an optical communication system, including a DPSK (Differential Phase Shift Keying) signal modulated by a specific data series, a delay interferometer for performing delay detection on the DPSK signal, an optical receiver for receiving each of two optical outputs of the delay interferometer and outputting a difference signal, and a spectrum analyzer for measuring a spectrum of an output electrical signal of the optical receiver, comprising monitoring a specific frequency component of the spectrum analyzer and detecting a delay difference and a deviation in optical reception level between the two outputs of the delay interferometer and the optical receiver.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Kiyoshi Fukuchi
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Patent number: 7949210Abstract: This invention provides fundamental science and novel device architectures for surface plasmon (SP)-based, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible, optical elements such as modulators, couplers, and switches. The primary focus of the work is on waveguides based on an ultra-long-range surface plasmon (ULRSP) waveguide mode recently discovered by our team. This mode exists at the metal-dielectric interfaces in a silicon-oxide-metal-silicon layer structure. While initial work focuses on noble metals to support the ULRSP, our analysis shows Si processing-compatible metals such as Cu and Al can also be used. Our modeling has also shown that variation in the thickness of the oxide layer can be used to give unprecedented propagation lengths in such structures. Electrically-induced free carrier modulation of the dielectric constant in the Si adjacent to the oxide can modulate the waveguide properties allowing novel Si-compatible electro-optic devices to be created.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Colorado School of MinesInventors: Charles G. Durfee, Reuben T. Collins, Thomas E. Furtak
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Patent number: 7945130Abstract: Apparatus and methods for scrambling optical modes in multimode fibers to achieve uniform light distribution in guided multi-mode light for various applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: General Photonics CorporationInventors: Lianshan Yan, Lynn Lin, Xiaojun Chen, Xiaotian Steve Yao
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Patent number: 7941011Abstract: In a multilevel light intensity modulator of the invention, input light is branched into n (n is an integer of 2 or more), and respectively sent to n branching waveguides. On the branching waveguides are respectively provided MZI light modulating sections. The MZI light modulating sections branch the input light into two at a branching ratio different from 0.5:0.5, and respectively output a binary optical signal with a quenching ratio being deteriorated, by on/off driving with a binary electric signal. Then by coupling the light output from the MZI light modulating sections, an optical signal with the light intensity modulated to a 2n value not including the zero level is output. As a result quaternary or higher level light intensity modulation which does not include the zero level, can be realized by a practical configuration using a binary electric signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Masaharu Doi
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Publication number: 20110103733Abstract: The present invention relates to 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. The waveguide can also comprise a gap such that two cantilever bridges are formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Hongxing Tang, Mo Li, Wolfram Pernice, Chi Xiong
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Patent number: 7933475Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing lighting in a display are provided. In one embodiment, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) is provided that includes a transparent substrate and a plurality of interferometric modulators. The interferometric modulators include an optical stack coupled to the transparent substrate, a reflective layer over the optical stack, and one or more posts to support the reflective layer and to provide a path for light from a backlight for lighting the display.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chun-Ming Wang, Ming-Hau Tung, Surya Prakash Ganti
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Patent number: 7929812Abstract: Single fiber optical telemetry systems and methods are disclosed. The methods and systems facilitate input and output via a single fiber optic interface. The optical telemetry systems and methods also facilitate faster data transmission rates between surface and downhole equipment in oilfield applications.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Tsutomu Yamate, Bruno Gayral, Soon Seong Chee, Colin Wilson
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Patent number: 7925122Abstract: A slot waveguide utilized as a color-selecting element. The slot waveguide includes a first layer of plasmon supporting material, the first layer being optically opaque and having an input slit extending through the first layer; a second layer of plasmon supporting material facing the first layer and separated from the first layer by a first distance in a first direction, the second layer being optically opaque and having an output slit extending through the second layer and separated from the input slit by a second distance extending along a second direction differing from first direction; a dielectric layer interposed between the first layer and the second layer, the dielectric layer having a real or complex refractive index; and a power source electrically coupled to the first layer and the second layer to apply an electrical signal for modulation of the real or complex refractive index of the dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Kenneth A. Diest, Jennifer A. Dionne, Harry A. Atwater, Henri Lezec
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Patent number: 7925123Abstract: A light control element is provided with a thin board having electro-optical effects; an optical waveguide formed on the thin board; and a control electrode for controlling light that passes through the optical waveguide. The light control element performs speed matching between a microwave signal applied to the control electrode and the light, impedance matching of the microwaves, reduction of a driving voltage and high speed operation. In the control electrode of the light control element, a signal electrode and a grounding electrode are arranged on an upper side of the thin board, and on a lower side of the thin board, a second electrode including the grounding electrode is arranged, through a low refractive index layer entirely formed in the length direction of the signal electrode, with a width wider than that of the signal electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Oikawa, Junichiro Ichikawa, Yuhki Kinpara
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Publication number: 20110075961Abstract: The invention relates to a device, system, and method for optimizing and altering electromagnetic frequency using Doppler shifts of electromagnetic radiation, and, in particular, optimizing frequency for application to photovoltaic devices and the like. The device comprises a crystal positioned in a channel undergoing a vibration, wherein an interaction between an incoming electromagnetic radiation and the vibration of the crystal optimizes a frequency of electromagnetic radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventor: Richard J. Herrmann, JR.
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Patent number: 7916982Abstract: An integrated fiber optic switch based on the magneto-optic effect of magnetic materials suitable for optical fiber networks is presented. The switch is based on the Faraday Effect exhibited by magneto-optic materials. The all-fiber magneto-optic switch has a beam splitter at the input that splits an incoming signal into orthogonal polarized paths. Each path has at least one magneto-optic Faraday rotator (MOFR) controlled by a field. When the field is present, the polarization of the optical beam changes, thereby turning the switch on or off. A beam coupler couples the orthogonal polarized paths at the output of the all-fiber magneto-optic switch. The switch is constructed in the Mach-Zehnder configuration, utilizing two 3 dB couplers, isolators and MOFRs fabricated on silicon-on-insulator.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Iowa State University Research FoundationInventors: Rashmi Bahuguna, Mani Mina, Robert J. Weber
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Patent number: 7916980Abstract: An interferometric modulator array is formed with connectors and/or an encapsulation layer with electrical connections. The encapsulation layer hermetically seals the array. Circuitry may also be formed over the array.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jon Bradley Lasiter
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Patent number: 7916981Abstract: An optical modulator, including: a substrate; an optical waveguide embedded in the substrate; a traveling wave electrode mounted on the substrate and having a traveling wave applied thereon so that a light wave is modulated by the traveling wave with an electro-optic effect. The traveling wave electrode includes a center electrode and ground electrodes; in which the optical waveguide has a plurality of interaction optical waveguides that form a Mach-Zehnder optical waveguide that modulates the light wave in a phase modulation manner when the traveling wave is applied to the traveling wave electrode, the interaction optical waveguides form a region where respective widths of the interaction optical waveguides are different from each other, and the center electrode and the ground electrodes are positioned such that interaction efficiencies between the high frequency electric signal and the light wave guided in the respective interaction optical waveguides are substantially equal to each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Anritsu CorporationInventors: Kenji Kawano, Masaya Nanami, Yuji Sato, Seiji Uchida, Nobuhiro Igarashi, Toru Nakahira, Hiroaki Senda
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Patent number: 7912325Abstract: There is provided an optical control element in which non-guided light is prevented from entering into an optical waveguide and which is excellent in optical properties, such as optical modulation properties. A media processor, such as a CD publisher, having a function as a media library. An optical control element includes: a substrate formed of a material having an electro-optical effect; and an optical waveguide formed on a top or bottom surface of the substrate. The optical waveguide has a modulation region b (s) and non-modulation regions a and c along the propagating direction of a light wave propagating through the optical waveguide. In the case when the modulation region is configured to include a single optical waveguide, propagation constants ?0 to ?3 of optical waveguides in the modulation region and the non-modulation region adjacent to each other are set to different values in the modulation region and the non-modulation region.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tohru Sugamata, Satoshi Oikawa
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Patent number: 7905666Abstract: An optical module includes a first silicon substrate having a first groove at its surface, a second silicon substrate having a second groove at its surface, a Laser device formed on the first silicon substrate, an optical modulator formed on the second silicon substrate, a substrate on which the first and the second silicon substrates are mounted wherein an optical axis of the Laser device is matched up with an optical axis of the optical modulator, a first lens transforming an divergent light emitted from the first optical device into a parallel light, disposed in the first groove, and a second lens converging the parallel light to the second optical device, disposed in the first groove.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Oki Semiconductor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tokihiro Terashima, Hiroshi Wada
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Publication number: 20110057091Abstract: An all-optical integrated photonic clock, systems employing the same, and methods of making and using the same. Illustrative examples are provided based on silicon semiconductor technology that employs rectangular waveguides fabricated on SOI wafers. In some embodiments, the clock can provide an optical timing signal. In some embodiments, the clock can provide a jitter-free electrical signal derived from the clock by use of a high speed photodetector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: University of WashingtonInventors: Michael J. Hochberg, Tom Baehr-Jones
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Patent number: 7899277Abstract: An optical modulator for fiberoptic telecommunications is disclosed in which the optical signal velocity in the modulator waveguide and the electrical signal velocity in the traveling wave signal electrode are purposely mismatched by a factor of up to about 4. On-chip integrated inductors and capacitors are implemented to achieve the velocity mismatch. Improved electro-optic characteristics, such as return loss and sharper cut-off bandwidth are obtained.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: JDS Uniphase CorporationInventor: Ping-Chiek Koh
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Patent number: 7894696Abstract: Systems and methods for manipulating light with high index contrast waveguides clad with crystalline substances having that exhibit large nonlinear electro-optic constants ?2 and ?3. Waveguides fabricated on SOI wafers and clad with crystalline materials such as barium titanate 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Tom Baehr-Jones, Michael J. Hochberg, Axel Scherer