Abstract: In some embodiments, a photonic switch includes a first layer, a cantilever coupler, and a set of electrodes. The first layer includes a first waveguide that directs light in a first direction and a second waveguide that directs light in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The cantilever coupler is formed from a lithium niobate material and disposed over the first layer. The cantilever coupler includes a first end that is positioned over the first waveguide and a second end that is bonded to the second waveguide. The set of electrodes apply an electric potential across the first end, which deforms the first waveguide to couple to the second waveguide and propagates light between the first waveguide and the second waveguide.

Abstract: Described are various configurations of reduced crosstalk optical switches. Various embodiments can reduce or entirely eliminate crosstalk using a coupler that has a power-splitting ratio that compensates for amplitude imbalance caused by phase modulator attenuation. Some embodiments implement a plurality of phase modulators and couplers as part of a dilated switch network to increase overall bandwidth and further reduce potential for crosstalk.

Abstract: A communication network includes a coherent optics transmitter, a coherent optics receiver, an optical transport medium operably coupling the coherent optics transmitter to the coherent optics receiver, and a coherent optics interface. The coherent optics interface includes a lineside interface portion, a clientside interface portion, and a control interface portion.

Abstract: An optical connector member is provided, which includes an optical waveguide retaining portion provided on one of opposite sides of an optical coupling portion and having a cavity for retaining an end portion of an optical waveguide, and an optical fiber retaining portion provided on the other side and having a through-hole for retaining an end portion of an optical fiber. A distal end face of the end portion of the optical waveguide retained in the cavity of the optical waveguide retaining portion and a distal end face of the end portion of the optical fiber retained in the through-hole of the optical fiber retaining portion are positioned in opposed relation to each other in the optical coupling portion with an optical axis of the optical waveguide in alignment with an optical axis of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A plurality of zones is formed in a communication network on the vehicle, and a communication path in a loop form is formed in each zone by zone trunk lines and a backup line. The backup line is connected by a switch only at the time of disconnection so that the loop is not closed. At the time of disconnection detection, an instruction is automatically given to rewrite content of routing maps on zone ECUs and a central gateway. Since each node preferentially selects a communication path that bypasses a disconnection portion from the start of communication by rewriting the content of the routing maps, it is possible to avoid an increase in communication delay. An inter-zone backup line connecting a plurality of zones is provided to enable the use of a new path across the plurality of zones at the time of disconnection.

Abstract: An optical connector (20) includes a plurality of collimation elements (23a, 23b) which are associated with a plurality of optical fibres (21a, 21b), respectively, and which are carried by a support (24). The support is mounted for rotation in a bearing (27) about a rotation axis (z), the collimation elements (23a) are arranged in the support so as to be equidistant from this rotation axis, and the support has at least one member for angular positioning (28) about the axis. The invention also relates to an optical connection assembly (10) including a first such optical connector and a second optical connector (20?) which is configured to be nested coaxially with the first one. An electrical connector may be provided with such an optical connector, and a connection system may be provided with such an electrical connector.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polymer waveguide (PWG) is presented. The method includes preparing a polymer waveguide (PWG) sheet having a surface with partially exposed cores and partially exposed cladding, the cladding covering the cores and preparing a first dicing tape, the first dicing tape being an ultraviolet (UV) cut type dicing tape defining separation lines on a back side thereof. The method further includes placing the partially exposed cores of the PWG sheet on the first dicing tape to prevent the surface of the PWG sheet from atmospheric contaminations and placing a tape side of the first dicing tape attached to the PWG sheet on a second dicing tape.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polymer waveguide (PWG) is presented. The method includes preparing a polymer waveguide (PWG) sheet having a surface with partially exposed cores and partially exposed cladding, the cladding covering the cores and preparing a first dicing tape, the first dicing tape being an ultraviolet (UV) cut type dicing tape defining separation lines on a back side thereof. The method further includes placing the partially exposed cores of the PWG sheet on the first dicing tape to prevent the surface of the PWG sheet from atmospheric contaminations and placing a tape side of the first dicing tape attached to the PWG sheet on a second dicing tape.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polymer waveguide (PWG) is presented. The method includes preparing a polymer waveguide (PWG) sheet having a surface with partially exposed cores and partially exposed cladding, the cladding covering the cores and preparing a first dicing tape, the first dicing tape being an ultraviolet (UV) cut type dicing tape defining separation lines on a back side thereof. The method further includes placing the partially exposed cores of the PWG sheet on the first dicing tape to prevent the surface of the PWG sheet from atmospheric contaminations and placing a tape side of the first dicing tape attached to the PWG sheet on a second dicing tape.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polymer waveguide (PWG) is presented. The method includes preparing a polymer waveguide (PWG) sheet having a surface with partially exposed cores and partially exposed cladding, the cladding covering the cores and preparing a first dicing tape, the first dicing tape being an ultraviolet (UV) cut type dicing tape defining separation lines on a back side thereof. The method further includes placing the partially exposed cores of the PWG sheet on the first dicing tape to prevent the surface of the PWG sheet from atmospheric contaminations and placing a tape side of the first dicing tape attached to the PWG sheet on a second dicing tape.

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.

Abstract: An optical device comprising: a photonic crystal structure, comprising: a layer of a first material, the layer comprising a quantum emitter; and a plurality of regions of a second material in the layer of the first material, the regions arranged in a regular lattice having at least one region missing from the lattice so that a defect is formed, wherein the quantum emitter is located in the defect part of the photonic crystal structure; wherein the second material has a different refractive index to the first material; and an electrode which is electrically contacted to only the defect part of the photonic crystal structure.

Abstract: An optical sensor and an electronic device having an optical sensor. The optical sensor includes: an optical waveguide containing a photochromic material; a light emitter that emits visible light to be incident on the optical waveguide; and a light receiver that detects the visible light emitted from the light emitter and progressing through the optical waveguide. A transmittance of the optical waveguide in relation to the visible light may be changed by the photochromic material as the optical waveguide is exposed to UV light. The optical sensor and the electronic device having the same may be variously implemented according to exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: A system for measuring properties of a thin film coated glass having a light source, a spectrometer, at least one pair of probes, a first optical fiber switch and a second optical fiber switch. The pair of probes includes a first probe located on one side of a glass sheet and a second probe located on the opposite side of the glass sheet, directly across from the first probe. The first and second optical fiber switches are adapted to couple either probe to the light source and/or the spectrometer. Because the design of the system is optically symmetrical, calibration may be performed without the use of a reference material such as a tile or mirror. Each of the first and second probes has a first leg and a second leg that are separated from each other by a distance n so that angled reflections may be detected.

Abstract: A compact photonic time delay unit. The unit includes a plurality of compact optical delay elements, a plurality of delay bypass elements, with each delay bypass element being associated with a respective one of the compact optical delay elements, and a plurality of compact optical switches. Each of the compact optical switches is configured to controllably switch an optical signal through one of the compact optical delay elements or through the associated delay bypass element. In some aspects, the compact optical delay elements, delay bypass elements, and compact optical switches are disposed on a single electro-optical chip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-wavelength optical multiplexer which is compact, and which multiplexes light having different wavelength incident to three single-mode optical fibers, particularly light of red, green, and blue at transmittance above a certain reference.

Abstract: A system for measuring properties of a thin film coated glass having a light source, a spectrometer, at least one pair of probes, a first optical fiber switch and a second optical fiber switch. The pair of probes includes a first probe located on one side of a glass sheet and a second probe located on the opposite side of the glass sheet, directly across from the first probe. The first and second optical fiber switches are adapted to couple either probe to the light source and/or the spectrometer. Because the design of the system is optically symmetrical, calibration may be performed without the use of a reference material such as a tile or mirror.

Abstract: The object is to provide an optical switch capable of efficient operation and a manufacturing method thereof. The optical switch according to the present invention is a Mach-Zehnder interferometer type optical switch composed of a line defect waveguide of a photonic crystal. Further, the optical switch according to the present invention includes two directional couplers 20 and 23, and two paths of waveguides 30 and 32 therebetween. Furthermore, between the two paths, group velocity of guided light differs in the first path waveguide 20 and the second path waveguide 32.

Abstract: An optical fiber transmission switching device includes a first transmission port; a second transmission port; a terminal-end input port; a terminal-end output port; a first and a second optical module respectively including an electrical input port, an electrical output port, and a bi-directional optical port, wherein the two bi-directional optical ports are coupled to the first and the second transmission port respectively; a first and a second laser driver circuit respectively coupled to the first and the second optical module; a first and a second electrical amplifier respectively coupled to the first and the second optical module; a first switching module coupled to the terminal-end input port and the first and the second laser driver circuit; a second switching module coupled to the first and the second electrical amplifier and the terminal-end output port.

Abstract: Optical guided mode fast 1×2 and 2×2 spatial switches are provided that can be used in multimedia communication networks. These switches require a relative refractive index change of only 0.0001˜0.0002 and can be realized using Lithium Niobate, Polymers, semiconductors, etc. Extinction ratios of these switches are made to be better than 45 dB, by introductions of a rear edge adjusted broken electrode and a blocker electrode into their architecture. Optical losses are less than 3 dB, and excellent switching characteristics are achieved by suppressing cross talk to ˜50 dB. The two output ports of the 1×2 (2×2) switch are made to be spatially perpendicular (in opposition) by introduction of air grooves, allowing for two-dimensional integration of unit switches into matrices. System applications of the switch are made flexible due to a discrete drive requirement for each optical input to the 2×2 switch.

Abstract: An optical fiber reel storing a plurality of optical fibers having an annular frame; a first reel portion provided around an radially outer peripheral surface of the annular frame and receiving at least one of the plurality of optical fibers wound up around the radially outer peripheral surface; and, a second reel portion provided radially inside the annular frame and housing at least one of the plurality of optical fiber therein.

Abstract: The object is to provide an optical switch capable of efficient operation and a manufacturing method thereof. The optical switch according to the present invention is a Mach-Zehnder interferometer type optical switch composed of a line defect waveguide of a photonic crystal. Further, the optical switch according to the present invention includes two directional couplers 20 and 23, and two paths of waveguides 30 and 32 therebetween. Furthermore, between the two paths, group velocity of guided light differs in the first path waveguide 20 and the second path waveguide 32.

Abstract: A system and method of asymmetrical fiber or waveguide spacing comprising, in general, an asymmetrical fiber concentrator array (FCA), wherein an offset in the front face spacing of the output waveguides relative to the input waveguides functions to reduce or eliminate the introduction of static back reflection, and static in-to-in crosstalk into a fiber by an optical switch, but does not impose the cost, complexity, and insertion loss penalties brought about by additional components.

Abstract: An optical coupling device including: at least a first input port for delivering an optical input signal beam that includes a plurality of wavelength channels; at least a first optical output port for receiving an optical output signal beam; a wavelength dispersion element for spatially separating the plurality of wavelength channels in the optical input signal beam to form a plurality of spatially separated wavelength channel beams; an optical coupling device for independently modifying the phase of each of the spatially separated wavelength channel beams such that, for at least one wavelength channel beam, a selected fraction of the light is coupled to the first output port and a fraction of the light is coupled away from the first output port.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, and an optically functional portion formed by using at least a portion of the semiconductor layer. The optically functional portion performs light emission or light reception. The semiconductor device further includes a first driving electrode that is electrically connected to a semiconductor layer on a surface of the optically functional portion, and the first driving electrode drives the optically functional portion. The semiconductor device further includes an encapsulating electrode that is formed on the semiconductor layer to surround periphery of the optically functional portion, and electrically connected to the first driving electrode.

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

Abstract: An optical module is configured with a combination of a single-mode oscillating light source and an optical filter. In this optical module, the single-mode oscillating light source outputs a single-mode, frequency-modulated signal. Further, the optical filter converts the frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation. And, the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter are packaged without active alignment on the same substrate. Accordingly, it is possible to realize an optical module in a simple and low-cost configuration by packaging the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter by passive alignment, without active alignment, on the same substrate, and by using a simple optical filter such as a waveguide ring resonator, which converts a frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation.

Abstract: Optical dispersion compensation (ODC) devices are disclosed. In one aspect, an ODC device may include first and second groups of optical resonator devices coupled together to compensate for optical dispersion by collectively delaying light. The first group of optical resonator devices may have a first group delay curve with a convex shape between peaks in frequency. The second group of optical resonator devices may have a second group delay curve with a concave shape at a peak in frequency. The ODC device may also include one or more thermal devices to change the temperature of the first group of optical resonator devices as a group, and one or more additional thermal devices to change the temperature of the second group of optical resonator devices as a group. Methods of making and using the ODC devices are also disclosed, as well as various systems including the ODC devices.

Abstract: A photonic crystal may be configured to support a surface state for logic.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-beam light source including a light guide array by which the yield can be improved. An array pitch P2 of entrance surfaces of light guide pattern is 1/N as wide as an array pitch P1 of exit surfaces of optical fiber arrays. The number of the light guide patterns is N or more times as large as the number of optical fibers. The exit surfaces of a plurality of the optical fibers are coupled with the entrance surfaces of a plurality of the light guide patterns opposed thereto.

Abstract: A photonic crystal may be configured to support a surface state for logic.

Abstract: A photonic crystal may be configured to support a surface state for logic.

Abstract: A optical switch and switching system is provided for effecting a switchover from a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber includes a first, large scale switching component and a second, small scale switching component. The first, large scale switching component is configured to establish a cross connect between the second optical fiber and the second, small scale switching component. The second, small scale switching component may then be configured to select the cross connect following establishment of the cross connect, thereby ensuring rapid switchover from the first fiber to the second fiber, regardless of the speed of the first large scale switching component.

Abstract: An optical switch changes over transmission paths of an optical signal by a refractive index change. The optical switch has an optical waveguide layer having an optical waveguide whose output path of an optical signal branches into two, and reflection diffusing ditches which are provided in a portion outside the optical waveguide in the optical waveguide layer, wherein the portion is closed to a branch portion of the optical waveguides. The reflection diffusing ditches extend in a direction crossing a traveling direction of the optical signal.

Abstract: An optical device enabling reducing device scale is constituted by M circulators (11a, 11b), (M being a natural number), a waveguide-type diffraction grating (12) including M first input/output waveguides (121a, 121b) formed at its one end and M×N second input/output waveguides (125a-1 to 125a-N and 125b-1 to 125b-N) formed at the other end, (N being a natural number), and paths from the M circulators being connected to the M first input/output waveguides; and N reflection-type optical switches (13-1 to 13-N) each for reflecting the optical paths for M adjacent waveguides out of the M×N second input/output waveguides (125a-1 to 125a-N and 125b-1 to 125b-N) and for switching over the returning-destination waveguide respectively, wherein the M circulators, the waveguide-type diffraction grating and N reflection-type optical switches are arranged in cascade. Consequently, the optical device can function preferably also as a wavelength selective optical switch available in a WDM transmission system.

Abstract: A collimator 111 for an input light, a collimator 112 for an output light, a collimator 113 for a branched light, a collimator 114 for an inserted light and a wavelength selecting filter 115 are provided on a common substrate 130, and mirrors 121 to 124 for correcting an optical path or prisms XXXX to XXXX capable of producing the same advantages are provided on the optical paths between the collimators 111 to 114 and the wavelength selecting filter 115 respectively. By adjusting the mirrors or prisms, the shift of the optical axis between the collimators is corrected.

Abstract: An optical fiber wound onto an exterior surface of a composite structure in a two-dimensional pattern and adhered thereto to detect damage to the structure caused by impacts to or handling of the composite structure.

Abstract: An optical switch has an input port, output ports, optical waveguides whose output path of an optical signal branch into two. A first stage optical switch section is provided in a branching portion of the optical waveguide, which switches a propagating path of an optical signal to a path leading to the desired output port. A subsequent stage optical switch section is provided in a branching portion of the optical waveguide subsequent to the first stage optical switch section, which switches a propagating path of a leakage light, which is leaked from the first stage optical switch section, to a path which does not propagates the leakage light to any of the output ports. The first stage optical switch section and the subsequent stage optical switch section switch a path of an optical signal according to a refractive index change caused by a carrier injection.

Abstract: As a wavelength selection filter, a filter in which dielectric multilayered films are formed on a substrate, an optical fiber grating in which diffraction grating is formed in an optical fiber, and so on, can be used. As another optical demultiplexer 33, as described in Japanese Patent No. 2599876, an arrayed optical waveguide diffraction grating which forms plural optical waveguides having different length of optical paths on the substrate to demultiplex the multiple wavelength light to the respective wavelengths can be used.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a film consisting of a polymer, a keep plate having a switching through hole and a driver. The film has a core linearly extending therein and a notch extending across a switching portion located halfway in the core. The keep plate holds the film to expose the switching portion at the through hole. The driver is employed for narrowing and separating a gap of the notch, thereby selecting a route of light. The notch is formed by precedently forming a starting groove on the surface of the film and pressing the switching portion with a pressing member from the backside of the starting groove while holding the film with the keep plate thereby causing cleavage.

Abstract: Described are various optical, opto-electrical and electrical components and subsystems. Some embodiments include input and output waveguides supporting opposing facets separated by a gap. The degree to which the opposing facets are aligned with respect to one another controls the light intensity in the output waveguide. An active closed-loop control mechanism dynamically controls the extent of waveguide alignment to maintain a desired output intensity. In other embodiments, the path between opposing facets can be selectively blocked by a micro blade. Still other embodiments combine switching with optical power equalization for ease of integration.

Abstract: This two input two output type optical switch includes four one input two output type optical switches which are arranged to oppose one another, each of these one input two output type optical switches including a Y branch portion in which one optical waveguide is branched into two optical waveguides. And two refractive index adjustment means are provided in the vicinity of each Y branch portion. Switching over of the optical path is performed by half of the refractive index adjustment means functioning alternately. Moreover, a light output intensity variable attenuation function which attenuates by any desired amount the intensity of the light which is being outputted is implemented, at some input port and/or output port, by operating at least one of the refractive index adjustment means which is not currently being used for switching over of the optical path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to device for space selective switching of an optical signal from an input access waveguide to a first selected output access waveguide. Said device comprising a multi-mode interference (MMI) waveguide having at a first side a number, N, of accesses for connection of access waveguides. Said MMI waveguide having a length, in light propagating direction, so that an image at the i:th, i?N access waveguide propagating into said MMI waveguide will produce N self-images at a second side opposite to said first side, where N is an integer than 1. Said device further comprises reflective means located in said MMI waveguide close to said second side, arranged to reflect said N self-images towards said first side of said MMI waveguide, and means, arranged at said second side, for adjusting the phase of each of said self-images to create a single self-image at said selected output access waveguide.

Abstract: A plug in communications module for achieving bi-directional communication along a single fiber-optic cable in a fiber-optic network. The plug in module is made such that it plugs directly into fiber-optic communication equipment of standard form factors. Bi-directional communication is achieved by using a low-cost circulator. The plug in module also has a receptacle that is used for attaching a patch cable between the fiber-optic network in the plug in module.

Abstract: A high power multi-frequency laser includes a laser cavity defined by reflective elements, a frequency routing device in the cavity comprising a plurality of frequency selective pathways, a first set of optical amplifiers optically coupled to a first end of the frequency routing device, and a second set of optical amplifiers optically coupling a second end of the frequency routing device and a first one of the reflective elements. The high power multi-frequency laser further includes a power combiner. The power combiner is optically coupled to the first set of optical amplifiers and a second one of the reflective elements and combines the outputs of the first set of optical amplifiers such that a common output for the multi-frequency laser is provided. The common output of the present invention provides a single output from the multi-frequency laser having a high output coupling efficiency.

Abstract: A 2×2 optical switching apparatus using photonic crystal structures has a compact, simple structure and includes an optical-guide module having first, second, third and fourth waveguides, the first and second waveguides guiding a first optical signal of a first input port to a first and a second output port, respectively, the third and fourth waveguides guiding a second optical signal of a second input port to the second and the first output ports, respectively, and formed with photonic crystals having a complete photonic bandgap for a wavelength range of the first and second optical signals, and a switching control section controlling the first and second optical signals to be respectively guided through either a first/third waveguide route or a second/fourth waveguide route according to a route-selecting-control signal inputted from outside. The 2×2 optical switching apparatus has no mechanical motion, little polarization dependence and may be efficiently used in optical networks.

Abstract: A waveguide/MEMS switch adapted to redirect optical signals between output ports based on a phase shift change generated by motion of one or more movable MEMS mirrors incorporated therein. Advantageously, such a switch has a relatively high switching speed and low power consumption. A switch according to one embodiment of the invention includes a planar waveguide device and a planar MEMS device. The MEMS device implements in-plane (i.e., parallel to the plane of that device) translation of the mirrors. As a result, in certain embodiments of the switch, the waveguide and MEMS devices are connected into a compact planar assembly.

Abstract: A moving fiber optical switch of the type having two opposed supports carrying optical fibers with a gap between the fiber ends, with at least one of the supports being flexibly mounted for pivotal movement relative to the other support, and in which: (1) an actuator means, which provides pivotal movement of one or both supports between two orientations corresponding to first and second relative positions of the fiber supports, is connected to a connecting member or housing by means of a flexure; (2) the switch has means for adjusting the length of the gap between the fiber ends; and (3) the switch has means for adjusting the alignment of the optical fiber ends in a direction perpendicular to the movement provided by the pivotal movement of the flexibly mounted support or supports.

Abstract: A directional coupler type optical modulator with traveling-wave electrodes includes a first directional coupler region, a waveguide wave coupling region, a second directional coupler region, and a set of noncrossing traveling-wave electrodes disposed along the outside of the waveguides. The electrodes of each directional coupler are connected to the traveling-wave electrodes via air-bridges. The waveguide structures are of the P-I-N type having a common N-type conducting layer which provides delta-beta operation of the directional coupler, and both cross and bar states are controlled by a single input signal.

Abstract: An optical micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the optical MEMS switch is used as an M×N optical signal switching system. The optical MEMS switch comprises a plurality of optical waveguides formed on a shuttle for switching optical states wherein the state of the optical switch is changed by a system of drive and latch actuators. The optical MEMS switch utilizes a latching mechanism in association with a thermal drive actuator for aligning the waveguide shuttle. In use the optical MEMS switch may be integrated with other optical components to form planar light circuits (PLCs). When switches and PLCs are integrated together on a silicon chip, compact higher functionality devices, such as Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs), may be fabricated.