Abstract: Disclosed herein is a recirculating programmable photonic circuit including a programmable optical coupler including two first programmable waveguides and configured to adjust optical coupling efficiency of an optical signal based on a vertical movement of one of the two first programmable waveguides, a phase shifter including a second programmable waveguide and configured to change a phase of the optical signal based on a horizontal movement of the second programmable waveguide with respect to the first programmable waveguides, a plurality of core cells connected to each of the programmable optical coupler and the phase shifter to form a predetermined shape, the core cells being selectively driven by moving the optical signal from the predetermined shape according to the optical coupling efficiency and the phase, and an actuator electrically connected to one side of each of the plurality of core cells and configured to control the vertical movement and the horizontal movement.

Abstract: An opto-mechanical fuse is provided. The opto-mechanical fuse includes a chassis component, an extrusion disposed on a monitored component proximate to the chassis component and a sensor. The sensor includes an optical conductor mounted to the chassis component to assume one of an optically transmitting state and an optically non-transmitting state in both power-on and power-off conditions. An assumption of the optically non-transmitting state by the optical conductor occurs due to an interaction of the optical conductor and the extrusion resulting from a predefined magnitude of deflection of the monitored component.

Abstract: A polarization-independent optical switching system capable of rerouting light signals is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of switching cells, each including a pair of bus waveguides that are formed in different planes above a substrate. Each bus waveguide supports low-loss propagation of both the TE- and TM-polarization modes and are optically decoupled when the switch is in an unswitched state. In its switched state, a shunt waveguide that also supports low-loss propagation of both polarization modes is moved into proximity with both bus waveguides to form a pair of adiabatic directional couplers that enable the light signal to evanescently couple between each bus waveguide and the shunt waveguide. As a result, the path of a light signal through the switching cell is reconfigured.

Abstract: An illumination system and an operating method thereof are provided. The illumination system includes a light source defining a illumination range, an image capturing device for obtaining an image within the illumination range, an optical channel switch assembly including optical channel switches forming an array, a computing unit, and a driving unit. When a physiological characteristic is detected in the image, the computing unit obtains a controlling region of the array corresponding to a position of the physiological characteristic located in the image, and commands the driving unit to control a light passing amount of at least a portion of the optical channel switches located in the controlling region.

Abstract: A hybrid optical source includes a substrate with an optical amplifier (such as a III-V semiconductor optical amplifier). The substrate is coupled at an angle (such as an angle between 0 and 90°) to a silicon-on-insulator chip. In particular, the substrate may be optically coupled to the silicon-on-insulator chip by an optical coupler (such as a diffraction grating or a mirror) that efficiently couples (i.e., with low optical loss) an optical signal into a sub-micron silicon-on-insulator optical waveguide. Moreover, the silicon-on-insulator optical waveguide optically couples the light to a reflector to complete the hybrid optical source.

Abstract: Si waveguide devices on a bulk Si substrate with supporting anchors and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a waveguide device over an Si substrate, and forming one or more anchors from the Si substrate. The one or more anchors support the waveguide device.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to optical switching devices. In embodiments, the optical switching devices are implemented in a silicon substrate and comprise an absorbent element selectively movable into and out of the evanescent field of a light beam which passes through a lamella. The absorbent element attenuates the evanescent part of the light beam such that the beam can be switched on and off by movement of the absorbent element.

Abstract: A fiber-based, magneto-optic (MO) optical modulator or switch based on Sagnac interferometry is provided. The system uses a magneto-optic Faraday rotator (MOFR) to produce optical modulation with low magnetic fields. The Sagnac geometry allows for increased modulation at lower fields than traditional MO modulators. This switch uses the MOFR to create different states of polarization in counter-propagating waves, which results in interference at the output port. A magnetic field is used to control the amount of rotation in the state of polarization (SOP), and therefore, the ON-OFF extinction ratio.

Abstract: A fiber optic device outputs, at high conversion efficiency, an idler lightwave having a wavelength ?2 different from the wavelength of a signal lightwave by converting the signal lightwave having an optional wavelength ?1 in a wide wavelength band. The fiber optic device comprises a wavelength tunable pump light source for outputting a pump lightwave having a wavelength of 2×(?1?1+?2?1)?1; a optical coupler for coupling and outputting the pump lightwave and the signal lightwave; and an optical fiber having a length of 450 m or less, the zero-dispersion wavelength thereof being in the wide wavelength band, the dispersion slope thereof at the zero-dispersion wavelength being +0.01 ps/nm2/km or more and +0.045 ps/nm2/km or less, wherein the optical fiber allows propagation of the signal lightwave and the pump lightwave output from the optical coupler, and generates an idler lightwave by means of the nonlinear optical phenomenon that occurs during such propagation.

Abstract: A switching array is disclosed that has a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers having phase shifting mirrors. The switching array may be used for providing a device and system that has optical signal processing of sensing, a serialization and protocol interface, that has increased gray scale levels and sensitivities, pixel polarization detection, higher speed, lower power requirements and provides optical or electrical output for holographic optical storage to a bus or network.

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: The present invention provides a switch assembly for use with a single-port OPM to realize a multi-port OPM having improved reliability. In one embodiment, an N×1 optical switch assembly, wherein N is an integer greater than one, is provided. The optical switch assembly includes N optical input ports, N micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable optical attenuators (VOAs), where each MEMS VOA is optically coupled to a respective optical input port and is operable between an on position and an off position, and an N×1 optical combiner optically coupled to the N MEMS VOAs. Each MEMS VOA is configured to transmit an optical signal from a respective one of the optical input ports to the N×1 optical combiner in the on position and to not transmit the optical signal in the off position.

Abstract: A planar optical device useful as a low order wavelength router is realized by using a waveguide grating comprising two curved arrays of opposite curvatures. The diffraction order is determined by the angles of rotation of the two curved arrays, and any nonzero order less than about 30 can be realized. This arrangement is smaller, and performs better than a previous grating using a combination of three curved arrays.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide structures for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that can be sensed, activated, controlled or otherwise addressed or made to respond by the application of forcing functions. In particular, an optical shutter structure suitable for use in an optical switch arrangement is disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical shutter or switch can be scaled and/or arranged to form arbitrary switch, multiplexer and/or demultiplexer configurations. In another embodiment of the present invention, an optical switch can include: a shutter; and a flexure coupled to the shutter, whereupon a vibration transmitted to the flexure when in the presence of a resonant frequency causes the shutter to move across an opening for the passage of an optical signal.

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: A fiber optic switch based on the magneto-optic effect of magnetic materials is presented. Due to the optical fiber based construction of the switching device it is suitable for optical fiber networks The on-off function of the switch is useful for isolation and connection of node(s) from a fiber optical network without having to turn off a laser. 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 depending on the initial polarization of the beam. A beam coupler couples the orthogonal polarized paths at the output of the all-fiber magneto-optic switch. The MOFR is a bismuth substituted iron garnet.

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 waveguide device comprises a first multimode waveguide; a second multimode waveguide; a pair of intermediate single mode waveguides; an input-side single mode waveguides connected to the first multimode waveguide; a pair of output-side single mode waveguides connected to the second multimode waveguide; a pair of switching electrodes disposed to be superposed on the pair of intermediate single mode waveguides; and a ground electrode. The intermediate single mode waveguides are configured by a material whose refractive index is changed by voltages applied to the switching electrodes, the first multimode waveguide splits an optical signal into two signals whose intensities are equal, and the second multimode waveguide is formed, when voltages are not applied to the switching electrodes, to guide the optical signals out from the output-side single mode waveguides that are provided positions diagonal to the intermediate single mode waveguides through which the optical signals are propagated.

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: An electrically variable optical attenuator and associated methods are disclosed. In one aspect, the attenuator includes at least one sensor that provides a sensor output with respect to a variable that affects attenuation. Methods of characterizing the attenuator include obtaining a set of attenuation/sensed variable data, and generating a relationship (such as a look-up table or mathematical function) relating the sensed variable to the attenuation. Aspects of the invention also include characterizing the control input/attenuation output to be related by a selected mathematical function.

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: An optical switch for switching the connection of one or more movable optical fibers to one or more stationary optical fibers, comprising a movable soft magnetic block connected to an end portion of each movable optical fiber, a stationary soft magnetic block connected to each stationary optical fiber and fixed at a position opposing the movable block, an actuator for moving the movable block relative to the stationary block, and a means for positioning the movable block relative to the stationary block; the actuator comprising a yoke having a base portion and a pair of arms extending from both ends of the base portion such that they sandwich the movable block in its moving direction, a permanent magnet attached to the base portion of the yoke, and a coil mounted to at least one arm; and regardless of the position of the movable block, a magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet being more in a first gap between one arm and the movable block than in a second gap between the other arm and the movable blo

Abstract: A dispersion compensation apparatus providing both coarse and fine dispersion compensation employing a pair of slab waveguides, a grating interconnecting the two waveguides, a mirror disposed within the second slab waveguide and one or more thermooptic lense(s), positioned between the mirror and the grating.

Abstract: The specification describes an optical fiber device wherein a LOM is converted to an HOM prior to entering the gain section. The gain section is a few mode fiber that supports the HOM. The output from the gain section, i.e. the HOM, may be utilized as is, or converted back to the LOM. With suitable design of the few mode fiber in the gain section of the device, the effective area, Aeff, may be greater than 1600 ?m2. The large mode separation in the gain section reduces mode coupling, allowing greater design freedom and reducing the bend sensitivity of the optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus including a first portion defining an optical axis and configured to connect to an optical fiber, a second portion having a reference surface configured to connect with a terminal, and a third portion between the first and second portions. The third portion bends more easily than either the first or second portion to permit adjustable alignment of the optical axis relative to the reference surface.

Abstract: An optical switch easy to adjust optical parts without using a catoptric system and an optical add/drop multiplexer using the optical switch are provided. Between an input light outputting collimator device 20 and an output light inputting collimator device 21 provided to face each other at a predetermined spaced interval, a drop light inputting collimator device 22 and an add light outputting collimator device 23 fixed and held on a movable holding member 24a in common are moved forward and retreated, and thereby a switching is conducted.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator has a first and second waveguides that are optically coupled together. At least one of the waveguides has a movable cantilever portion that is movable relative to the other to control attenuation of an optical signal traveling between the two. Preferably, electrically driven actuators deflect the movable waveguides to a relative position at which a desired optical attenuation value is achieved. The electrically driven actuator receives a drive signal that controls the amount of deflection. The drive signal may be set to achieve a desired value for an electrical parameter that varies with the position of the movable waveguide and may be sensed by the electrically driven actuator. In some examples, the drive signal is set to achieve a desired capacitance or voltage difference between the movable waveguide and an electrode.

Abstract: Electrets are used in a variety of MEMS-based actuator devices. The electret is able to store electrical charge for a long time with negligible charge leakage. Therefore, when an electret is incorporated into a MEMS device that requires actuation, the device can be initially biased to any desired actuation state for a long period of time without the use of external bias voltages. Such a MEMS-based device may include a MEMS-based actuator having at least a first deflectable member and at least a second member. The first deflectable member and the second member are provided with a floating electrode and a second electrode. A charge on the first floating electrode is selected so as to position the first deflectable member at a desired separation distance from the second member. The device may be used to align an optical component or to change the electrical characteristics of an electrical element.

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: A multiplexing/demultiplexing system has a multiplexor that includes a first plurality of optical switches having a plurality of outputs and a first plurality of optical delay elements coupled to the optical switches. A source of optical light is coupled to the delay elements, and an optical combiner is coupled to the plurality of outputs and a source of framing pulses. A demultiplexor includes a first and second splitter, and a threshold detector coupled to the first splitter. The demultiplexor further includes a second plurality of optical delay elements coupled to the threshold detector, and a second plurality of optical switches coupled to the second splitter and the second plurality of delay elements.

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: An optical switch for routing optical signals between optical fibers is shown. Signals are guided internally in an optically transparent substrate by buried waveguides that are directly coupled to the optical fibers. These waveguides form a 3-dimensional optical routing structure internal to the substrate. Signals are coupled between adjacent waveguides by total internal reflection at the surfaces of the substrate. A moveable diffraction grating is coupled to these optical signals at points of total internal reflection via evanescent coupling. This coupling causes a change in direction of the optical signal and routes the signal to the desired waveguide. Known techniques can be used to form the waveguides by writing them with a pulsed laser. Local heating causes a permanent increase in refractive index that forms a single mode waveguide structure. The resulting device has low losses and can be formed by low cost MEMs processes.

Abstract: A light intercepting device includes a movable portion allowed to swing about a support portion as a torsional axis, a shielding portion provided at an end portion of the movable portion in a direction perpendicular to the torsional axis, a driving wiring provided on the movable portion, and a magnetic field generator to apply a magnetic field to at least a part of the driving wiring in a direction perpendicular to the driving wiring. A position of the shielding portion is changed by power supply control for the driving wiring to control transmission and interception of space light.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for eliminating the noise of an optical switch, wherein the optical switch includes a cantilever, a flexible coupler and a joint. The joint is designed to connect the cantilever and the flexible coupler so as to perform a phase conversion by the cantilever. The method for eliminating the noise of the optical switch includes a step of damping generation so that the vibration of the cantilever can be eliminated during the phase conversion.

Abstract: An optical switch actuator moving an optical element into or out of an optical pathway. The optical element is coupled to a movable shuttle and driven by a motor between two rest positions. The motor includes two stationary coils and a magnet attached to the shuttle. The shuttle is magnetically latched in the rest positions. The optical element's position at the extended rest position is controlled with a stop that contacts the shuttle to provide accuracy and precision about multiple axes. The material used to construct the actuator's components aids in repeatedly positioning the optical element with precision.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a 1×N optical switch having a switching component, an input, and a plurality of outputs formed in a single substrate. The switching component includes a pair of mirrors which are operated such that by changing the position of at least one of the mirrors, the output of the switch changes.

Abstract: An optical switch actuator moving an optical element into or out of an optical pathway. The optical element is coupled to a movable shuttle and driven by a motor between two rest positions. The motor includes two stationary coils and a magnet. The shuttle is magnetically latched in the rest positions. The optical element's position at the extended rest position is controlled with a stop that contacts the shuttle to provide accuracy and precision about multiple axes. The material used to construct the actuator's components aids in repeatedly positioning the optical element with precision.

Abstract: A single-mode optical fiber has a core and a cladding, and is produced in such a way that, when the radii of layers having individual refractive indexes are varied, more than one optical properties of the core, for example, the effective core area Aeff and the dispersion slope exhibit respective limiting values within a specific range of a reference radius. Such optical fibers provide basically the same optical properties but enable to vary the chromatic dispersion within a specific range so that the single-mode optical fiber is ideally suited for use in high-speed and large capacity communication systems.

Abstract: A MEMS type optical switch includes a substrate, the substrate including at least one groove formed therein; first and second optical fibers disposed in the at least one groove, the at least one groove including a widened portion for movement of at least one of the first and second optical fibers; a thermal actuator disposed adjacent one of the first and second optical fibers, the thermal actuator comprising at least one v-beam, a pair of anchors connected to ends of the v-beam, and a yoke disposed in a central portion of the v-beam.

Abstract: An optical device includes: a first polarization beam splitter (PBS); a first set of optical rotators optically coupled to the first PBS; a second PBS optically coupled to the first set of optical rotators; a first reflection interferometer (RI) optically coupled to the second PBS; a second RI optically coupled to the first PBS; a second set of optical rotators optically coupled to the second PBS; a third PBS optically coupled to the second set of optical rotators; and a third RI optically coupled to the third PBS. Preferably, the optical device is an Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer and may further comprise an Input Port optically coupled to the first PBS, an Output Port optically coupled to the second PBS, and an Add Port optically coupled to the third PBS.

Abstract: A polarization scrambler unit includes a plurality of polarization scramblers, a switching unit for coupling one of the polarization scramblers to a transmission line fiber, a detection unit for detecting an output signal from the polarization scrambler coupled to the transmission line fiber, and a controlling unit for switching, via the switching unit, between the polarization scramblers and another polarization scrambler whenever a false output signal is detected by the detection unit. Thus, the polarization scrambler unit has a redundant structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical switch consisting of a support substrate, a movable raw optical fiber, a fixed raw optical fiber, a magnetic member for the movable raw optical fiber, and a leaf spring. The fibers are disposed in a V-shaped groove formed in the substrate. The magnetic member is actuated by an electromagnet disposed above the substrate. The leaf spring pushes the movable raw optical fiber into the V-shaped groove. The structure of the switch is relatively simple. Since the movable raw optical fiber is pushed using the leaf spring, the switch is less affected by the assembly accuracy than conventional. It is easy to make adjustments during assembly. Consequently, high-performance, low-cost, optical switch that can be mass-produced can be offered.

Abstract: A method and structure for an optical switch. According to the structure of the present invention, a liquid-filled chamber is housed within a solid material. A plurality of seal belts within the liquid-filled chamber are coupled to the solid material, while a plurality of piezoelectric elements are coupled to a plurality of membranes. The plurality of membranes are coupled to the liquid-filled chamber, and a plurality of optical waveguides are coupled to the liquid-filled chamber. The plurality of seal belts are coupled to a plurality of liquid metal globules. According to the method, one or more piezoelectric elements are actuated, causing one or more corresponding membrane elements to be deflected. The deflection of the membrane element changes a pressure of actuator liquid and the change in pressure of the actuator liquid breaks a liquid metal connection between a first contact and a second contact of the electrical switch.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting rotational drift of mirror elements in a MEMS tilt mirror array used in an optical crossconnect. The optical crossconnect directs optical signals from an input fiber to an output fiber along an optical path by rotatably positioning mirror elements in desired positions. A monitoring device disposed outside of the optical path is used to obtain images of the MEMS array or to transmit and receive a test signal through the crossconnect for detecting the presence of mirror element drift.

Abstract: A method for compensating for chromatic dispersion of an optical signal includes: receiving the optical signal from an input fiber; collimating the optical signal using a collimator; delivering the collimated optical signal to a Gires-Tournois interferometer; reflecting a chromatic-dispersion-compensated optical signal from the Gires-Tournois interferometer to the collimator; focusing the chromatic-dispersion compensated optical signal into an output fiber. The compensator in accordance with the present invention provides flexibility in producing periodically varying chromatic dispersion so as to compensate for unwanted periodic chromatic dispersion produced in an interferometric interleaved channel separator. Also, the compensator enables compensation of fiber optic chromatic dispersion.

Abstract: A first waveguide holding member has a first transverse surface region and a first optical waveguide having an end terminating at the first transverse surface region. A second waveguide holding member has a second transverse surface region which confronts the first transverse surface region of the first waveguide holding member and a second optical waveguide having an end terminating at the second transverse surface region. A guide member is operatively coupled to the first and second waveguide holding members and guides the first waveguide holding member in a transverse direction relative to the second waveguide holding member so as to selectively optically couple and decouple the ends of the first and second optical waveguides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a path-converted variable optical attenuator comprising: a transmitting fiber for launching an optical signal through a transmitting core; a receiving fiber for receiving the optical signal from the transmitting fiber through a receiving core; and a mirror having a reflector for obstructing the optical signal launched from the transmitting core of the transmitting fiber from proceeding into the receiving core of the receiving fiber, and being displaced in a direction allowing a portion of the optical signal of the transmitting fiber into the receiving fiber to attenuate the optical signal. An optical signal launched from the transmitting fiber to the receiving fiber is reflected to a separate path from paths of transmitting/receiving fibers so that attenuation may not vary according to wavelength.

Abstract: A mechanical optical switch provides an active switching mechanism and an active latching mechanism that are both actuated by piezoelectric elements. The switching mechanism includes a switching frame at which fiber ends are attached to be switched along an opposing array of fixed fiber ends. The active latching mechanism provides for a fast switching of the switching mechanism and a reliable holding of the switching positions. The elements of the switching mechanism and the latching mechanism are monolithically fabricated from a wafer. The piezoelectric elements are integrated by bonding. The switch is substantially free of gliding friction, which reduces switching forces and makes the switch highly reliable over an extended lifetime.