Abstract: An optical switch operating with an optical pumping source. The switch includes a microcavity structure that is resonant with both the pumping source and the input optical signal. The microcavity structure includes a cavity in between two reflectors. The input optical signal is switched from one to zero, by varying the pump source intensity. The microcavity provides amplification of the pumping energy allowing for a nonlocal optical power source. In addition it also provides a way for fast optical modulation of the input optical signal using continuous wave pumping source.

Abstract: An aspect of an electromagnetic energy wave is altered by disposing in its propagation path a material that changes optical properties in response to an acceleration force.

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: An optical transmission bypass device attaching a network device to a fiber optic network allows fiber optic transmissions to bypass the network device when not powered, thereby maintaining continuity of the fiber network. A first and second actuating optical reflector has a reflective face that, in an un-powered state, is disposed to place the reflective face of the actuating optical reflector in a first position with respect to an optical path of an optical port, and, in a powered state, is disposed to place the reflective face of the actuating optical reflector in a second position with respect to the optical path of the optical port.

Abstract: An optical switch utilizing an actuator to move an optical element into or out of an optical pathway is described. The optical element may be coupled to a movable shuttle and driven by a motor between two rest positions. The shuttle may be latched in the rest positions. The optical element's position may be 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 may aid in repeatedly positioning the optical element with precision. The actuator may incorporate features that allow the optical element to be passively aligned in a bank of actuators to make a M×N switch.

Abstract: A direct driving type optical switch is proposed. A row of V-grooves is formed on a base and a plurality of output optical fibers is arranged on one side of the base and respectively placed in the V-grooves. A movable input optical fiber is placed on another side of the base and atop a selected V-groove. The movable input optical fiber is pressed by a positioning block 446 and clamped tightly into the selected V-groove, whereby the input optical fiber is aligned with the output optical fiber in the selected V-groove for signal transmission.

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 switching device (10) for an optical transmission network is provided with a first switch (17) to which a plurality of fibers (11, 12, 13, 14) are attached, each of which fibers (11, 12, 13, 14) is provided with a plurality of channels (16) with different wavelengths. The first switch (17) is suitable for connecting each channel (16) of each of the fibers (11, 12, 13, 14) to any other channel (16) of the fibers (11, 12, 13, 14). At least one channel (16′) of the fibers (11, 12, 13, 14) is not attached to the first switch (17), but is instead attached to a second switch (19). The second switch (19) is in this case suitable only for connecting each channel (16′) of a first of the fibers (11, 12, 13, 14) to each channel (16′) of a second of the fibers (11, 12, 13, 14).

Abstract: An optical switch includes a saturable absorber. Coupled to the saturable absorber is an input waveguide, an output waveguide, and a control beam waveguide. In the absence of light input to the control beam waveguide, the saturable absorber prevents an input signal on the input waveguide from passing through and being output on the output waveguide, thus placing the switch in an “off” state. In the presence of light input to the control beam waveguide and incident of the saturable absorber, the saturable absorber allows the input signal to pass through and be output on the output waveguide, thus placing the switch in an “on” state.

Abstract: An aspect of an electromagnetic energy wave is altered by disposing in its propagation path a material that changes optical properties in response to an acceleration force.

Abstract: This invention provides a transparent, paramagnetic polymer composition in which a polymer is complexed with sufficient rare earth ions, particularly ions selected from ions in the group of elements 64-69, to provide a polymer with a magnetic mass susceptibility greater than 20×10−6 emu/g measured at 298° K.

Abstract: An integrated optical cross-connect device and associated methods are described, the cross-connect device comprising a plurality M of input waveguides formed in a first material layer of an integrated circuit, a plurality N of output waveguides formed in a second material layer of the integrated circuit, and a plurality MN of micromechanically actuated bridge elements formed in at least one intermediate layer lying between the first and second material layers. Responsive to an electrical control signal, each bridge element establishes an index-guided, nonreflecting optical path between its associated input waveguide and its associated output waveguide. Preferably, the bridge element comprises an arcuate waveguide structure substantially surrounded by air or other nonsolid material, the arcuate waveguide structure being twistably connected to a remainder of the intermediate layer by a narrow neck portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved chromatic dispersion compensator. The compensator includes an input optical fiber; an output optical fiber; a collimator optically coupled to the input and output optical fibers; and an interferometer optically coupled to the collimator at a side opposite to the input and output optical fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the interferometer is a Gires-Tournois interferometer. A plurality of sequentially optically coupled chromatic dispersion compensators may also be used. 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: An optical switch operating with an optical pumping source. The switch includes a microcavity structure that is resonant with both the pumping source and the input optical signal. The microcavity structure includes a cavity in between two reflectors. The input optical signal is switched from one to zero, by varying the pump source intensity. The microcavity provides amplification of the pumping energy allowing for a nonlocal optical power source. In addition it also provides a way for fast optical modulation of the input optical signal using continuous wave pumping source.

Abstract: A bistable switchable waveguide having first and second states. The waveguide guides light along a predetermined path in the first state while providing no guiding of the light in the second state. The waveguide includes a guide layer constructed from a layer of a material having a first index of refraction when the molecules of the material are aligned in a first direction and a second index of refraction when the molecules are aligned in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The guide layer is sandwiched between the first and second surfaces that are in contact with the guide layer. The first surface causes the molecules of the guide layer adjacent to the first surface to be aligned in the first direction. The second surface has first and second regions in which the second surface causes the molecules of the guide layer adjacent to the second surface to be aligned in the first direction.

Abstract: A microlens switching assembly and a method for optical switching uses a microlens switching assembly. The microlens switching assembly uses a microelectromechanical system-based comb drive, or other drive mechanism, to move a microlens or microlens array in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to switch a signal between a signal source and a signal receiver. The microlens is carried by a support member that is suspended from a substrate by a pair of folded springs. This allows the microlens to be moved rapidly to provide fast switching. The signal source and the signal receiver may be optical fibers or a laser source and one or more photodetectors. In the case of optical fibers, the switching provided by the microlens switching assembly and method may be an attenuation of the signal that is received by an output optical fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic switching apparatus comprises a fiber alignment head with a groove formed therein to mount with a first optical fiber, a switching member adjacent to the fiber alignment head and pivotable between a first position and a second position, and a second optical fiber adjacent to the switching member. The ends of the first and second optical fibers are in alignment when the switching member is in its first position and out of alignment when the switching member is in its second position. The improvement is that the fiber optic switching apparatus further comprises a supporter that is detached from the switching member to connect with the second optical fiber so that the end of the second optical fiber will not fluctuate in connection with the switching member when the first and second optical fibers are placed in alignment within the groove.

Abstract: An optical switch for switching a light beam in an optical fiber communication line. The switch includes a hollow body, an optical system supported by a first part of the body for movement to act upon a light beam, and an actuator supported by a second part of the body for moving the optical system between first and second positions, in at least one of which positions the optical system acts upon a light beam. An elastic element is included, which has a first part connected to the actuator and a second part connected to the optical system for movement of the optical system by the actuator.

Abstract: A direct driving type optical switch is proposed. A row of V-grooves is formed on a base and a plurality of output optical fibers is arranged on one side of the base and respectively placed in the V-grooves. A movable input optical fiber is placed on another side of the base and atop a selected V-groove. The movable input optical fiber is pressed by a positioning block 446 and clamped tightly into the selected V-groove, whereby the input optical fiber is aligned with the output optical fiber in the selected V-groove for signal transmission.

Abstract: A variable attenuation type optical power attenuator permits easier adjustment of the amount of optical attenuation and it is able to securely maintained an adjusted or set amount of attenuation. The variable attenuation type optical power attenuator employs a fixed ferrule and a rotating ferrule that have their end surfaces polished, together with the central optical fibers thereof, to be formed into inclined end surfaces. An alignment sleeve supports the fixed and rotating ferrules with optical fibers so that the distal ends thereof are opposed and that the ferrules may be relatively rotated, thus making up an assembly composed of a pair of ferrules. The assembly of the paired ferrules is supported in a rotating housing by a fixed housing. The variable attenuation type optical power attenuator adjusts the distance between the optical fiber end of the fixed ferrule and that of the rotating ferrule by rotating the rotating housing to change the relative rotational angle in relation to the fixed housing.

Abstract: A redundant optical connection system is manufactured in specially prepared form to allow optical connections to be made at a later step. In response to information specifying which of the optical sources are functional, further structure may be activated or introduced into the connection system which guides optical energy to optical outputs from only those of the sources that are functional. In one aspect of the invention, the preliminary form includes primary guiding structures coupling each of a plurality of primary optical sources to a respective application structure, and a secondary guiding structure coupled to a secondary optical source and terminating without yet coupling to any application structure. If the information indicates that one of the primary optical sources is non-functional, then structure can be added or activated which transfers optical energy from the secondary guiding structure into the primary guiding structure corresponding to the non-functional source.

Abstract: A positioning system for an optical microstructure (64) in a devise (6) operating under the action of a control means includes a flexible element (63) supporting the optical microstructure and connected to the device. The orientation of the flexible element with respect to the device can be varied under the action of control means in order to put the optical microstructure (64) into at least one determined position. The flexible element is immobilized with respect to the device in order to hold the optical microstructure (64) in the determined position when the control means no longer act.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-optic switch used for transmitting optical signals between optical fibers. More particularly, the invention pertains to a micro-optic switch using polymer structures to position a microactuator and optical fibers on a substrate so that the microactuator can move an optical fiber cantilever between two fixed fibers to transmit optical signals between either one of the fixed fibers and the cantilever fiber. Using polymers instead of micromachined structures to position components of the switch reduces cost and simplifies assembly. The invention further provides processes for producing a micro-optic switch and for switching the path of an optical signal.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are provided by an ambient load waveguide switch mounted between a feed horn and a low noise amplifier in a ground based antenna. The ambient load waveguide switch includes a housing assembly having a through path. A shuttle assembly is positioned within the housing assembly and moves linearly within the housing assembly on a guide assembly between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the shuttle assembly has a waveguide alignable with the through path of the housing assembly. In a second position, the shuttle assembly has an ambient load element alignable with the through path of the housing assembly. A motor assembly moves the shuttle assembly in a first direction and compresses a first spring to bias the shuttle assembly into the first position. The motor assembly moves the shuttle assembly in a second direction and compresses a second spring to bias the shuttle assembly into the second position.

Abstract: A redundant optical connection system is manufactured in specially prepared form to allow optical connections to be made at a later step. In response to information specifying which of the optical sources are functional, further structure may be activated or introduced into the connection system which guides optical energy to optical outputs from only those of the sources that are functional. In one aspect of the invention, the preliminary form includes primary guiding structures coupling each of a plurality of primary optical sources to a respective application structure, and a secondary guiding structure coupled to a secondary optical source and terminating without yet coupling to any application structure. If the information indicates that one of the primary optical sources is non-functional, then structure can be added or activated which transfers optical energy from the secondary guiding structure into the primary guiding structure corresponding to the non-functional source.

Abstract: A fiber optic switching apparatus includes a first fiber alignment head having a V-groove formed therein. A first optical fiber is mounted in the V-groove with an end of the first optical fiber being arranged to be spaced apart from an end of the V-groove. A second fiber alignment head is arranged to be adjacent the first fiber alignment head. The second fiber alignment head includes a switching member arranged to be pivotable between a first position and a second position. A second optical fiber is connected to the switching member with the second optical fiber being arranged to have an end extending into the V-groove such that the ends of the first and second optical fibers are in longitudinal alignment when the switching member is in its first position and being out of alignment when the switching member is in its second position.

Abstract: An optical switch includes an optical transmission path having an optical transmission medium, an input-side end and an output-side end. A radiation source is associated with the input-side end for emitting a primary optoelectronic signal being coupled into the transmission path. A reflection device is associated with the output-side end for receiving the primary optoelectronic signal and converting the primary optoelectronic signal into a secondary, modulated optoelectronic signal being reflected and coupled back into the transmission path. A receiver is associated with the input-side end of the transmission path for responding to the secondary, modulated optoelectronic signal to perform an electronic switching operation.

Abstract: The invention is an optical switching device having a switching element which, in one aspect is a solid switching body to reduce beam spread, in a second aspect is trapezoidal in cross-section so that the optical channels selectively connected by the switching body are conveniently located on one side of the device, and in a third aspect is a retroreflective switching element that eliminates the need to achieve and maintain precise angular alignment between the switching body and the optical axes of the optical channels connected by the switching device.

Abstract: A bypass-exchange switch for switching the path of at least one optical signal includes a telecentric imaging device for high efficiency coupling of the optical signal into either of two outputs. The switch also includes an optical director for changing the operating mode of the switch from an exchange state to a bypass state wherein the different outputs are selected. The optical director is implemented as a variable reflectivity mirror, or a mechanically-actuated mirror. The switch may include a wavelength selective filter for permanently bypassing or exchanging preselected wavelengths of the optical signals.

Abstract: Optical switches utilizing electrostatically-driven actuators formed from micro machined plates are disclosed. Under an applied voltage, a movable plate moves toward a fixed plate or a conductive region of an underlying support. The switches further include a mechanical linkage from the actuator to an optical device. The displacement of the movable plate generated at the actuator is transferred, via the mechanical linkage, to the optical device. The optical device, which is positioned in close proximity to optically-aligned spaced optical fibers, is movable into and out of an optical path defined by the optical cores of the optical fibers by the action of the actuator. An "in-plane" optical switch includes an actuator having two vertically-oriented electrodes, which generates a substantially horizontally-directed displacement of the movable plate and the linked optical device.

Abstract: An adjustable optical power limiter wherein an output optical fiber having a one-quarter pitch of Grade Index Refractive (GRIN) lens is rotated about its axis to produce incremental and varying insertion losses. An input optical fiber having a GRIN lens is optically aligned with the output fiber so that a minimum amount of insertion loss is produced in the output fiber when the output fiber is in a nominal or zero rotational position. A controller in conjunction with a step motor can incrementally rotate the output fiber from the nominal position to optically misalign the input fiber from the output fiber. In this manner, the adjustable optical power limiter can incrementally produce insertion losses in the output fiber, thereby limiting the optical output power.

Abstract: A moving fiber optical switch has a deformable pivotable element having a flexible portion and two ends at which opposite optical fiber ends are mounted to align each other in a controlled manner. The number of parts subject to wear resulting in an impairment of the accuracy of the switch has been reduced compared to earlier designs. The deformable element forms an open ring or a frame the ends of which are laterally displaceable relative to each other. The ends are restrained or partly immobilized such that during a pivotal movement of the ring or frame, the alignment of the ends, and particularly the associated end portions of opposite optical fibers, is controllably changed.

Abstract: A high-speed optical switch having a first light port, a second light port, a focussing system, a mirror, and a motor. The focussing system focuses light from the first light port at a focal point via a first optical path, and focuses light from the second light port at a point at or near the focal point via a second optical path. The first optical path is angularly separated from the second optical path. The mirror is located at or near the focal point. The motor is coupled to the mirror and sequentially rotates the mirror back-and-forth between a first rotational position, at which the mirror reflects light from first light port into the second light port via the first optical path and the second optical path, and a second rotational position, at which the mirror reflects the light from the first light port to a location outside the second light port.

Abstract: A parallel optical transmission device is disclosed, which comprises a transmitter section having one or a plurality of transmitter modules converting one or a plurality of input electric signals into optical signals; a section consisting of bundles of optical waveguides 20i, j transmitting the optical signals; and a receiver section having one or a plurality of receiver modules reproducing the electric signals from the optical signals thus transmitted to output them; wherein all propagation delay times from the input electric signals to the output electric signals are set in predetermined regions.

Abstract: A novel non-mechanical optical fiber switch contains a magneto-optic element and a tubular magnet. The magneto-optic element is disposed within the field of the magnet but outside of the magnet bore. The beam of radiation from the switch input to the switch output passes through the axial bore of the magnet. The magnet contains magnetically anisotropic material, preferably a deformation-aged alloy having Fe, Cr and Co as major constituents. The switch is advantageously used in optical fiber communication systems.

Abstract: A mechanical optical switch having opposing first and second optical transmission paths, such as optical fibers, forming an optical interface and rotating about respective independent and offset first and second rotational axes for positioning the fibers on respective first and second offset and intersecting closed curves operates to rotate the input or first optical fiber on its closed curve to one of the two intersecting points on its closed curve in response to the angular coordinate representative of the position of fiber at the intersecting point matching the intersecting point of the second optical fiber. The output or second optical fiber is rotated on its closed curve to the intersecting point corresponding to the intersecting point of the first fiber in response to the angular coordinate representative of the position of the second fiber at the intersecting point. These rotational movements may be performed sequentially, but in the preferred embodiment they are performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A near-field photon tunneling device consisting of a plurality of optical waveguides, such as optical fibers, arranged in juxtaposition with a variable tunnel gap through which photons from at least one of said optical fibers can be caused to tunnel, and wherein the tunnel gap is filled with a metal that is liquid at room temperature or at moderately elevated temperature. The width of the tunnel gap and the corresponding thickness of the liquid metal layer is remotely controllable. The control mechanisms for the width of the gap include optical means, piezo-electric elements and temperature sensitive means. The devices include optical couplers of the head-on and side-on types, optical modulators and switches, as well as display units.

Abstract: A parallel optical transmission device is disclosed, which comprises a transmitter section having one or a plurality of transmitter modules converting one or a plurality of input electric signals into optical signals; a section consisting of bundles of optical waveguides 20i, j transmitting the optical signals; and a receiver section having one or a plurality of receiver modules reproducing the electric signals from the optical signals thus transmitted to output them; wherein all propagation delay times from the input electric signals to the output electric signals are set in predetermined regions.

Abstract: An improved M.times.N mechanical optical switch has opposing input and output optical fiber bundles disposed within offset ferrules forming an optical interface with the ferrules having sleeve members secured to one of the end faces thereof. The sleeve members have a hardness greater than the ferules and the optical fibers for forming respective recessed polished end face regions on the ferrules at the optical interface. Each ferrule is mounted in three-point kinematically correct V-groove holder allowing the optical fibers in each optical fiber bundle to traverse on a closed curve path during the rotation of the respective ferrules. Each V-groove holder has a spring clamp with first and second clamp members and wear resistant inserts secured to the clamp members and the sidewalls of the V-groove holder. The closed curve paths of each optical fiber in one of the optical fiber bundles intersect at least one of the closed curve paths of the optical fiber in the opposing optical fiber bundles.

Abstract: A lighting source arrangement comprising a light conducting cable formed of an optical fibre consisting of a plurality of elementary fibres, a device for holding and fastening the optical fibre onto a supporting structure and means for steering the light beam issuing from the fibre, wherein said fastening device is a device for holding the optical fibre in a stationary position and the device for steering the light beam emitted by the fibre comprises at least one member for deviating the beam which is mounted rotatably about the axis of the optical fibre onto a stationary holder.

Abstract: An optical filter having a transmission wavelength to be tuned dependent on light incident angle is rotatively provided in a collimated light path. The optical filter is rotated by the displacement of a piezoelectric actuator by a structure in which the displacement is converted to the rotation of the optical filter. The converting structure comprises a displacement magnifying mechanism for magnifying the displacement to provide the magnified displacement and a motion converting mechanism for converting the magnified displacement to the rotation of the optical filter.

Abstract: An optical waveguide modulator for modulating an optical beam is described. The modulator includes a substrate and a waveguide formed in or on the substrate. A plurality of conductive membranes which define an array each being effective in a first position to be spaced from the waveguide and located along the waveguide, and in a second position to be closer to or to engage the waveguide so that when in the second position, the optical absorption properties of the waveguide changes.

Abstract: A parallel optical transmission device is disclosed, which comprises a transmitter section having one or a plurality of transmitter modules converting one or a plurality of input electric signals into optical signals; a section consisting of bundles of optical waveguides 20i, j transmitting the optical signals; and a receiver section having one or a plurality of receiver modules reproducing the electric signals from the optical signals thus transmitted to output them; wherein all propagation delay times from the input electric signals to the output electric signals are set in predetermined regions.

Abstract: A micromachined device for selectively switching an optical fiber between a first and a second position includes a working leg that undergoes a greater degree of thermal expansion than a second leg with the conduction of an electrical current through the two legs. In a preferred embodiment, the working leg has a cross-sectional area that is less than that of the second leg, thereby presenting a greater electrical resistance to the current flow. The legs are each fixed to a substrate at first ends and are interconnected at second ends that are free to move relative to the substrate. The difference in electrical resistance provides a differential in thermal expansion, as the working leg lengthens to a greater degree than the second leg. The working leg deforms the second leg and the optical fiber is pressed into a second position until current flow is terminated.

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot etalon 10 is located in the light path 30 between a light sourcesinks 40 and 44. The etalon is polarization insensitive, and its optical path length and transmission wavelength(s) is controlled by a bias source 60. When light at the desired wavelength is propagating from source 40, the bias is set to establish transmission through the etalon at that wavelength, whereupon the light propagates to the sink 44, and the switch is transmissive. By contrast, if the switch is to be nontransmissive, the bias sets the transmission wavelengths of the etalon on either side of the wavelength produced by source 40, whereupon the light from source 40 is reflected by the etalon, and does not reach sink 44. In a second embodiment, a third sourcesink 48 is coupled in a second light path 330a, for being coupled to the first sourcesink 40 when the etalon is set for reflection, to thereby form a single-pole, double-throw switch.

Abstract: An optical switching apparatus includes a housing having a base and sidewalls with an optical device disposed within the housing for directing optical energy between a first optical waveguides disposed within a first optical passageway formed in the sidewalls and second and third optical waveguides disposed within a second optical passageway formed in the sidewalls. Focusing means, such as collimating lenses, are mounted on the sidewall for focusing the optical energy into the optical waveguides. The optical waveguides are positioned at the focal plane of the respective lenses with the first and second optical waveguides being disposed on the optical axes of their respective collimating lenses. The optical device may be an acousto-optic switch for selectively directing optical energy into the optical passageways. The optical switching apparatus may be used in an optical time domain reflectometer for selectively blocking high amplitude Fresnel reflections from passing through the optical device.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical photonic switch includes first and second waveguides. Insulative cladding containing a gap and having a lower refractive index than the refractive indices of the first and second waveguides is situated between the first and second waveguides. One electrode comprising an at least partially transparent material is situated on the same side of the gap as the second waveguide. An additional electrode is provided either on the same side of the gap as the first waveguide or over a piezoelectric strip above a cladding layer on the second waveguide. At least one of the electrodes is capable of being advanced towards the other of the electrodes so as to cause one of the first and second waveguides to advance towards the other of the first and second waveguides.

Abstract: A method for assembling a light wave guide switch calls for a switch having two groups of front ends of light wave guides. Each group of front ends faces the other group of front ends and each group is disposed on opposite sides of a coupling plane running perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the light wave guides. The switch also has centering devices that extend parallel to each other, without offset, from a first end of a base plate to a second end of the base plate. The centering devices secure a plurality of light wave guides each extending through the coupling plane when each of the wave guides forms a single component. The method includes the steps of coupling the first end of the base plate to a stationary part of the switch and coupling a second end of the base plate to a drivable part of the switch while the switch is in the given switching position.

Abstract: An optical pulse generator comprises a signal source, an excitation light source, a first optical fibre, a first lens, a diffraction grating, a second lens, a second optical fibre and an optical switch. Herein, signal beams produced form the signal source are transmitted through the first optical fibre, first lens, diffraction grating and second lens in turn, so that a signal beam having a desired wavelength is selectively outputted. This signal beam is converged onto and is incident to a terminal portion of the second optical fibre which is excited by an excitation beam produced from the excitation light source. Under an operation of the optical switch, the terminal portion of the second optical fibre is vibrated, resulting that an optical path to be formed between the first optical fibre and the second optical fibre is periodically opened or closed. Thus, an optical pulse of which amplitude is controlled and of which pulse width is also desirably controlled is outputted form the second optical fibre.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system includes one or more central light sources, a plurality of optical loads including headlight lenses, an optical fiber network that extends from the light sources to illuminate the headlight lenses and other optical loads, and optical switches and oscillators that include respective input fibers illuminated from the light source and output fibers to respective optical loads, and operate by enabling and disabling optical connections between their input and output fibers. The headlight assemblies switch between high and low beams by moving their fibers vertically, and control beam diffusion by moving the fibers parallel to the lens axes, including an automatic diffusion adjustment for a headlight reflection from a vehicle in front.