Abstract: A rotary light coupler comprises a first light emitter and a first light receiver mounted on a fixed body, and a second light emitter and a second light receiver mounted on a rotary body. The first and the second light emitters are arranged to transmit light beams containing signals to the second and the first light receivers respectively, through a rotary mechanism. The first and the second light receivers are placed opposing each other along the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotary body. The first and the second light emitters are placed respectively at the radially outside of the first and the second light receivers. Light axes of the first and the second light emitters are set in such a manner that they direct toward the central portions of the second and the first light receivers respectively and that reflected lights from the second and the first light receivers do not come into the first and the second light receivers respectively.

Abstract: An optical system is provided with an optical assembly and a wavelength division multiplexer surface for transmitting a light beam. The optimal alignment of these light beams is accomplished by adjusting a steering device, which includes an optical wedge or a universal coupling, until the light path of the transmitted light beam through the optical assembly aligns with the light path of the transmitted light beam through the wavelength division multiplexing surface.

Abstract: A sequence of MEMS processing steps are used to construct a 2D optical switch on a single substrate. In a typical optical switch configuration, an array of hinged micromirrors are supported by an array of posts at a 45° angle to the input and output optical paths and positioned parallel to the substrate either above, below or, perhaps, in the optical paths. The application of a voltage between the mirror and its control electrodes switches the mirror to a vertical position where it intercepts and deflects light travelling down the optical paths. The posts are suitably oriented at a 90° angle with respect to the mirror hinges so that they do not interfere with the optical paths and, may be configured to function as baffles to reduce crosstalk between adjacent optical paths.

Abstract: A connector for a cable repeater includes a repeater including a joint having two mutually perpendicular and intersecting axes of rotation at one end thereof. A coupling includes a joint having two mutually perpendicular and intersecting axes of rotation. A first connecting link is pivotally connected at a first end thereof to the repeater joint and secured at a second end thereof to the coupling. A second connecting link is pivotally connected at a first end thereof to the coupling joint and secured at a second end thereof to a length of optical fiber cable. In preferred embodiments, a bend limiting device is provided at the end of the length of cable, with the second connecting link being secured at its second end to the bend limiting device.

Abstract: To provide an optical switch which is compact and having high productivity. An optical switch including an input section for inputting a light beam, optical parts having an optical path changing characteristic movable to positions of blocking the light beam, output sections provided respectively in correspondence with a case in which an optical path is changed by the optical part and a case in which the optical path is not changed by the optical part, driving means for separately driving the optical parts and driving control means for controlling to arrange the optical parts via the driving means and selecting the output sections constituting output destinations of the light beam.

Abstract: An optical waveguide and a shutter are used to guide light from multiple illuminated pixels on a document being scanned onto a single photosensor element. Various methods are disclosed for selecting one pixel at a time for projection onto a single sensor element. Multiple scans are required to capture all the image pixels. The data from multiple scans are then combined to form a single scanned image that has a higher optical sampling rate than the native optical sampling rate of the sensor array. Superresolution image analysis techniques developed for reconstruction of one image from a set of lower resolution images may be applied to provide a diffraction-limited high-resolution image. The waveguide as described also provides an ability to reduce scanning time for lower resolution images. In a first example embodiment, a rotating rod lens with a pattern of black and white areas is used to block/unblock optical waveguide array elements.

Abstract: Optical switches and other similar optical configurations can comprise high-speed, high precision motors such as voice coil motors to carry out optical switching for applications such as optical signal based communication systems. These switches and configurations are expected to have switch time delays per channel that are significantly shorter than conventional optical switches. Some embodiments may have switch time delays that may be about a factor of 10 (or more) shorter than that for the conventional optical switch technology. Some embodiments may optimize optical coupling efficiency to increase the optical signal intensity transmission through optical switches and potential extend the useful life of the optical switches.

Abstract: To provide an image forming apparatus which not only transmits optical signals of image information and optical signal for synchronizing from the video controller to the print engine using a single optical fiber and without using a special synchronization optical fiber, but also transmits a synchronizing optical signal reflected by the SOS mirror on the print engine side simultaneously in the reverse path to the video controller, such that the number of lines are reduced in the layout, external noise and emitted noise are reduced, and the interior of the image forming apparatus is consolidated making handling and assembly easier. In an image forming apparatus provided with a transmitting means for transmitting optical signals over an optical fiber, and an optical scanning means for scanning a photosensitive drum via a beam emitted from the optical fiber and detecting the beam at a detection position disposed outside the image region, and synchronizing the main scan direction based on the detected beam.

Abstract: Small, rugged scanners micro-fabricated from commercial optical fibers to form waveguides or other structures. The scanning waveguide has a distal portion on which is formed a non-linear taper with a diameter that decreases toward a distal end. Optionally, a hinge portion having a reduced diameter can be formed in the distal portion, improving the scanning properties of the waveguide. A micro-lens can be integrally formed at the distal tip of the waveguide with either a droplet of an optical adhesive, or by using an energy beam to melt the material of the waveguide to form a droplet. The droplet is shaped with an externally applied force. When mechanically driven in vibratory resonance, the tip of the optical waveguides moves in linear or two-dimensional scan patterns of relatively high amplitude and frequency, and large field of view. The scanner can be used either for image acquisition or image display.

Abstract: A device (300) for coupling a first and a second fiber optic cable (120, 140) is provided. The device (300) includes a first member (310) having an opening to receive the first fiber optic cable (120). The device (300) also includes a mechanism (314) to secure the first fiber optic cable (120) to the first member (310) and to constrain rotation of the first fiber optic cable (120) relative to the first member (310). The device (300) also includes a second member (320) having an opening to receive the second fiber optic cable (140). The first and second members (310, 320) are coupled together to align the first and second fiber optic cables (120, 140) and to allow the first member (310) to rotate with respect to the second member (320).

Abstract: A rotating handpiece is disclosed, having a parabolic mirror coupling to optical fibers which are disposed perpendicularly to an input optical fiber and an output optical fiber. The output optical fiber of the two is adapted to rotate relative to a longitudinal axis of the input optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fiber optic rotary joint comprised of multiple segmented waveguides. Each of the multiple segmented waveguides is located on the stator. The segmented waveguides are circumferentially spaced from each other. Spaces between the segmented waveguides are non-reflective. Each of the segmented waveguides has an optical pickup. There are a plurality of optical transmitters located on the rotor. In the preferred embodiment there are sixteen transmitters with eight transmitters transmitting at one time and eight transmitters turned off at that time.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator is described. A special profile blocker is rotated across a large angel (e.g., 180° to 360°) to provide a variable amount of attenuation. In one embodiment, the special profile blocker is an eccentrically driven wheel. The special profile blocker is driven by a stepper motor via a gear assembly. In one embodiment, the variable optical attenuator includes a beam splitter for the input and/or the output signal for monitoring of signal strength and/or feedback control of the attenuator.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical structure, usable in an optical switch for directing a light beam towards one of two light guide elements, including: a mirror element, rotatably movable; an actuator, which can translate; and a motion conversion assembly, arranged between the mirror element and the actuator. The motion conversion assembly includes a projection integral with the mirror element and elastic engagement elements integral with the actuator and elastically loaded towards the projection. The elastic engagement elements are formed by metal plates fixed to the actuator at one of their ends and engaging the projection with an abutting edge countershaped with respect to the projection.

Abstract: An X-cube integrated solid-optics component which can perform beam-splitting and filtering functions among four input beams. The X-cube component can also be used for various wavelength-division multiplexing communication and interconnection applications, such as star-coupling, wavelength routing, and add/drop multiplexing. The X-cube component comprises an assembly of four right-angle roof-top prisms positioned with the apex of each roof-top prism at the center of the assembly, such that assembly defines two mutually orthogonal and intersecting internal planes which intersect at the center of assembly to form four sections of the intersecting internal planes. The four plane sections form up to four or more primary optical channel paths having up to four or more potential inputs IAI, IBI, ICI, IDI and four or more potential outputs IAO, IBO, ICO, and IDO, and the outputs depend upon functionalities provided by the four sections of the intersecting internal planes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for attenuating power in an optical signal. The method includes providing the optical signal to a reflective surface; tilting the reflective surface at a desired angle; and reflecting the optical signal into an optical fiber, wherein the reflected optical signal enters the optical fiber with a misalignment based upon the angle. The method and system utilizes a variable optical attenuator comprising a micro-machined movable support with a mirror coating. An optical signal is transferred onto the mirror coating, which is then reflected back. The movable support may be tilted at a desired angle such that the optical signal is reflected back into an output optical fiber with a controlled variable misalignment. The variable optical attenuator of the present invention is capable of precise and reproducible operation. It is capable of attenuating the optical signal in real time and in attenuating all of the channels in an optical signal simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention discloses an optical deflection switch which uses the output focal plane of a lens more effectively. This is achieved by combining a tapered block of a light-transmissive material having a reflective surface and a second face, wherein the second face includes an input/output port and the reflective surface provides reflection of a beam of light passing through the input/output port into the tapered block with a first block of a light-transmissive material having a first face and a second face, wherein the first face includes an input port thereon for receiving a collimated beam of light and the second face is for providing total internal reflection of the beam of light in a first switching state and for acting as an output/input port for optical communication with the input/output port of the switching block when the total internal reflection is frustrated in a second switching state.

Abstract: A variable optical delay line using MEMS devices. A reflector on a micro machine linear rack is positioned and spaced from an input source and/or an output to receive and reflect input light waves toward the output. The distance between the reflector and the input and output is variable and thereby enables selective path delay compensation of the input light wave signals. Other disclosed embodiments utilize pivoting MEMS mirrors and selective adjustment of the mirror pivot angles to provide the selective path delay compensation required in a light wave system.

Abstract: An optical communication device for communication between a stator-side circuit and a rotor-side circuit is provided as one aspect of the invention. A pair of optical couplers are interposed between a stator and a rotor, for permitting bi-directional communication between the circuits. One optical coupler has a rotor-side light-receiving element arranged on the rotor with the axis of rotation extending therethrough, and a stator-side light-emitting element arranged on the stator at a location away from the axis of rotation. The other optical coupler has a stator-side light-receiving element arranged on the stator with the axis of rotation extending therethrough, and a rotor-side light-emitting element arranged on the rotor at a location away from the axis of rotation. A slip ring unit for an electronic component-mounting apparatus is provided as another aspect of the invention. The slip ring unit electrically connects between a rotor-side circuit and a stator-side circuit.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method and apparatus for aligning optical components including lenses, filters, lasers, fiber optics, etc. It may be used with particular advantage for the alignment of a fiber optic with active or passive optical components. It is inexpensive to fabricate. It does away with the need for expensive setup equipment. It allows optical components to be aligned with a high degree of accuracy and permanence. It has a small form factor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical switching element for altering the propagation direction of at least one light beam, comprising a transparent base body (21), said base body being provided with a recess (20) for forming at least one boundary surface (19) between an optically denser medium and an optically more translucent medium. The incident light strikes this boundary surface (19). The recess (20) is filled partly with a liquid (26) and contains a moveable body (16). The liquid (26) and the moveable body (16) have approximately the same refractive index as the transparent base body. To switch the switching element (15) to a transmitting switching state, the moveable body is positioned in the recess in such a way that the gap between the boundary surface and the surface of the moveable body is filled completely with the liquid. If the moveable body is positioned in the recess in such a way that the boundary surface is free of the liquid, the incident light is reflected on said boundary surface.

Abstract: A rotary switch type optical fiber switch according to the present invention includes a plurality of lined-up sleeves disposed on at least one concentric circle about a reference axis and a fixed side ferrule with optical fiber mounting plate assembly for supporting fixed side ferrules with optical fibers. A movable side ferrule with optical fiber assembly supports a movable side ferrule with an optical fiber in parallel with the reference axis at a position apart from the reference axis a distance corresponding to the radius of the concentric circle and rotates about the reference axis as well as is movable in parallel with the reference axis.

Abstract: An optical switch is provided, in which input light from a fiber is directed across a free-space region to a corresponding one of a first set of beam steering elements, such as moveable mirrors, which then re-directs the light beam back through the free-space region to a desired one of a second set of beam steering elements. This beam steering element sends the light back again through the free-space region to a corresponding output fiber. The interfaces to both the input and output fibers include a collimating element, such as a lens. In other embodiments, an optical switch has fibers and moveable mirrors only on one substrate of the switch. The other substrate has at least a stationary mirror. The moveable mirrors and the stationary mirror direct light to the fibers such that the fibers can be used as either inputs or outputs of the switch, thereby allowing switch re-configurability.

Abstract: A single channel M×N optic switch is provided in accordance with the present invention to steer light radiating from any one fiber in an input bundle into any selected fiber in an output bundle. Precision beam-steering optics is implemented using a Risley prism pair controlled by a small computer. In order to efficiently couple light between two single-mode optical fibers a low-aberration lens approximately collimates the light from the source fiber before it is passed through the Risley prisms in order to minimize the aberrations introduced by the prisms as they collectively deflect the beam through some precise angle. A second low-aberration objective lens is used to refocus the light at the core of a selected output fiber. The focusing lens transforms the angular deflection of the beam into a change in the position of the focused spot in the focal plane of the lens.

Abstract: A self-aligned 1×N fiber optic switch uses silicon optical bench technology to provide the alignment between the single fiber and the “selected” one-out-of-N fibers. A first substrate stack is used to support the single fiber, using a via etched through the thickness of the stack, and includes alignment fiducials formed on the top surface thereof. A second substrate stack is used to similarly support an array of N fibers, the array disposed in a circular arrangement with respect to the top surface of the second substrate stack. A set of alignment fiducials is also formed on the top surface of the second substrate stack. One alignment feature includes a “centering” fiducial to allow for the two stacks to be properly aligned. Another alignment fiducial includes a circular channel, having a diameter greater than that of a fiber array, and allowing for alignment sphere to “rest” in the channel when the substrate stacks are mated.

Abstract: An optical fiber switch of the present invention is composed of a fixed side ferrule assembly and a movable side ferrule assembly. The fixed side ferrule assembly is composed of a multiplicity of lined-up sleeves 12, a fixed side ferrule support plate 10 for two-dimensionally disposing the sleeves 12 on an X-Y plane and supporting them and a multiplicity of fixed side optical fiber ferrules 13 which are inserted into the lined-up sleeves and supported thereby. The movable side ferrule assembly includes X, Y-axis drive mechanism for supporting the movable side optical fiber ferrule 29 and relatively two-dimensionally moving it on an X-Y plane with respect to the fixed side ferrule assembly and a Z-axis drive mechanism A for relatively moving it in a direction (Z-direction) orthogonal to the plane. The movable side optical fiber ferrule 29 is detachably moved to an arbitrary sleeve 12 of the fixed side ferrule assembly.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator with a first optical fiber has a mirror reflecting a light beam emitted from the end face of the first fiber; a second optical fiber arranged parallel to the first fiber, on which second fiber the emitted light beam reflected by the mirror is incident; and a position adjustment unit for adjusting the distance between the mirror and the end face of the first fiber. The structure includes a beam-converging lens between the end face and the mirror for converging the light beam emitted from the end face onto the mirror. The position adjustment unit includes a cylinder housing the mirror and having screws on the outer diameter portion thereof; and a box-shaped member housing the first fiber and the second fiber and having screws with which the cylinder is fitted onto the inner diameter portion. The distance between the mirror and the first fiber is adjustable by rotating the cylinder.

Abstract: A multi-channel fiber-optic rotary joint having an elongate housing with a passageway extending therethrough. Fiber optic containing bundles are oriented in hollow shafts at the opposite ends of the passageway, which hollow shafts are rotatively supported in the housing. An alignment mechanism is provided inside the housing for effecting an optimizing of signal strength of signals transmitted between the respective fiber optic bundles.

Abstract: An apparatus for making connections between a first plurality of optical channels and a second plurality of optical channels includes at least one fiber channel rotator, that includes a rotatable member, having a peripheral edge, disposed along a rotational plane and is rotatable about an axis. A first optical connector is optically coupled to a first optical channel and is in sliding engagement to the rotatable member adjacent to the peripheral edge. A rotational driver is coupled to the rotatable member so as to selectively cause the rotatable member to rotate about the axis and thereby direct the first optical connector to a selected angular position. The apparatus also includes at least one tower that includes a track, disposed adjacent to the rotatable member and transverse to the rotational plane of the rotatable member.

Abstract: What is described here is a device for optical signal transmission between two dynamically decoupled systems, preferably two systems moving relative to each other, comprising at least one emitter means including a first source of light, which is mounted on said first system, as well as a receiver means including at least one fiber optical wave guide, which is mounted on said second system and along which said light source is moved and into which the light of said light source can be injected.

Abstract: Method of determining the axis of polarization of polarization-maintaining fibers, comprising: a) sending a polarized optical signal along a polarization fiber; b) emitting the polarized optical signal from one end of the fiber; c) inserting a polarizer between the fiber and an optical power; d) rotating the polarizer, and e) rotating the optical fiber.

Abstract: Coupling devices for coupling a lens to a single mode optical fiber are disclosed. In one aspect, a lens alignment assembly is the coupling device and includes a single mode optical fiber, a lens, and a locating tube. The locating tube includes a hollow bore having an internal diameter such that the lens and single mode optical fiber are held in a tight, sliding fit within the locating tube. In another aspect, the device includes a single mode optical fiber located adjacent to a cylindrically shaped lens. The lens includes an angled facet having a reflective surface for directing light normal, or near normal, to the optical axis. The lens further includes a flat surface opposite the angle facet. The lens and single mode optical fiber are rotatable to scan a region of a biological surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matrix switch for optical fibers, exhibiting slides (S1(n)) arranged in lines, to each of which an input optical fiber (LWL1(n)) is fixed, and slides (S2(m)) arranged in columns to each of which an output optical fiber (LWL2(m)) is fixed. The slides with the optical fibers are arranged on two planes in such a way that the input optical fibers can be optically coupled to the output optical fibers by displacing the output and input slides. A device (1) with stops (2) arranged in lines and columns is provided to position the slides (S1(n)), (S21(m)) to which the input or output optical fibers (LWL1(n)), (LWL1(n)) are fixed. The positioning device (1) enables the advancement of the output slides (S2(m)) to be limited in such a way that the output slides are secured in an exact position in which the input optical fibers can be coupled to the output optical fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring binding between a plurality of molecules of a first type and a plurality of molecules of a second type is presented. Apparatus utilizes a sensor possessing a waveguide to which have been attached in close proximity to its surface, features resembling molecules of said first type. Light is injected into said waveguide so as to produce an evanescent field at its surface. Molecules of said second type are tagged with a tag belonging to that class of chemicals which alters a characteristic of light, when said light passes through said chemical tag. Apparatus utilizes a rapid means of monitoring the change in optical signal coming from said waveguide as binding proceeds between tagged molecules of type 2 and the feature resembling molecules of type 1 on said waveguide. This allows direct measurement of binding and dissociation rates between the two types of molecules.

Abstract: An optical slip ring system provides for the transfer of information between a rotating frame and a stationary frame. The optical slip ring system includes a modulated light source, an optical fiber ring for receiving modulated light from the modulated light source and a signal conditioner. The modulated light source is attached to either the rotating frame or the stationary frame. The optical fiber ring is attached to the opposite frame. The optical fiber ring includes a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber. The first and second optical fibers each include a first and second end. The first end of the first optical fiber is coupled to a first terminator and the second end of the first optical fiber is coupled to a detector. The first end of the second optical fiber is coupled to a second terminator and the second end of the second optical fiber is coupled to the detector. The signal conditioner is coupled to the detector and restores data edges of the transferred information using an external clock.

Abstract: An optical splitter for distributing a beam of light along a plurality of output paths. The amount of light output from each output path is user adjustable according to one embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment the amount of light output from each output path is determined by the arrangement of the optical splitter. The present invention allows a single high-power high-intensity light generation source to simultaneously provide light to a plurality of lighting devices, instruments or tools.

Abstract: The probe comprises at least one optic fiber and an electronic circuit comprising a securing device for securing the optic fiber in optic connection with signal conversion means. The electronic circuit comprises a removable electrical connector connected to the signal conversion means such as a light-emitting diode and/or photo-detector to supply or receive electronic signals used by a processing circuit. A measuring device comprises at least one optic fiber probe connected by means of the removable connector to a processing circuit. Application in particular to temperature measurement probes and devices which comprise optic fibers and to installations comprising electrical conductors.

Abstract: A compact “T” switch for use in a waveguide communication system switch includes a housing, a rotor, and a motor. The housing includes a pair of ends and an interconnecting sidewall enclosing a cylindrical cavity. One of the housing ends including an entry port, and the sidewall includes a plurality circumferentially spaced exit ports. The rotor is rotatably disposed within the housing cylindrical cavity, and includes an input end having an input port aligned with the housing entry port and an outer surface having a plurality of output ports for alignment with the housing exit ports. The rotor includes a primary or first passage connecting the input port to one of the output ports and further includes at least one secondary passages connecting a pair of the output ports.

Abstract: A current sensor having an optmized optical fiber coil for sensing the magnetic field of a current of wire passing by or through the coil. The coil is optimally spun such that a particular ratio of the spin rate to the intrinsic polarization beat length is such for best maintenance of the circular polarization state of the light in the coil. The coil fiber may also be Terbium doped for greater sensitivity. The phase or birefringence modulation of the light may be piezoelectric or electro-optic. A Faraday rotator may be used in place of those modulators. The system may be open loop or closed loop. The feedback scheme may be via the modulator or the phase nulling current affecting the sensing coil.

Abstract: An optical attenuator for attenuating a collimated beam of light propagating along an optical path while preserving the composition of polarization of the collimated beam of light is disclosed. The optical attenuator comprises a beam attenuator for attenuating a portion of the collimated beam of light when a portion of the beam attenuator is disposed within the optical path. The beam attenuator has a cross section along a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the collimated beam of light of the portion of the attenuator in the shape of a wedge. The attenuation is varied using a controller for moving the beam attenuator in order to vary a size of the portion of the wedge within the optical path.

Abstract: A variable attenuator comprises a motor which actuates a lead screw to move rotatably, and a nut associated with the lead screw to move linearly. A neutral density filter moves along with the linearly moving nut wherein the filter is positioned between two spaced collimators for providing linear attenuation changes of light transmitted therebetween.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator includes a lens, first and second optical waveguides, and a semiconductor micro-electro-mechanical device positioned on a side of the lens opposite the first and second optical waveguides. The semiconductor micro-electro-mechanical device may be, for example, a digital micromirror device or a silicon micro-electro-mechanical system. The device has a reflecting surface. The reflecting surface has a normal position in which light from the first waveguide reflects off of the reflecting surface and passes through the lens into the second waveguide. The reflecting surface has a plurality of respectively different attenuating positions in which light from the first waveguide reflects off of the reflecting surface and passes through the lens, but an amount of light entering the second optical waveguide is attenuated by respectively different amounts corresponding to the respectively different positions. By pivoting the reflecting surface about 0.

Abstract: A coherent illuminator system and method wherein an incident energy beam is directed at an end of image conduit rotating around its axis. The incident energy beam may be generated by a laser, maser, or similar radiation source. A substantially cylindrically uniform radiation spot is obtained from the other end of the image conduit, which may be guided by waveguide means to an application element such as, for example, an emission microscope or a medical instrument.

Abstract: A method and device for optical multiplexing or demultiplexing of optical signals. The device has a grating for dispersing an input beam into a plurality of sub-beams which are focused by a simple lens and a GRIN lens on a glass block having a plurality of waveguides embedded therein with a predetermined spacing therebetween. In order to correct for an offset in alignment, e.g. due to ambient temperature changes, between the sub-beams and the waveguides of the block, the latter is mounted to a thermally activated actuator for an controlled angular displacement which is selected to compensate for the offset.

Abstract: An improved optical rotary joint is achieved by transmitting information in the form of an optical signal from a part of the de-spun portion outside the rotational axis to the spun portion, or vice versa, thereby creating a continuous communication path 360.degree. about the rotational axis. The optical rotary joint includes either a plurality of transmitters on one portion and a detector on the other portion, or a transmitter on one portion and a plurality of detectors on the other portion. In the former, the transmitters are controlled such that only the transmitters transmitting optical signals that will be detected by the detector at a given point in the rotation are activated and the remaining transmitters are deactivated. In the latter, the detectors are controlled such that only the detectors detecting the optical signal transmitter by the transmitter at a given point in the rotation are activated and the remaining detectors are deactivated.

Abstract: Unidirectional and bi-directional fiber optic rotary joints are disclosed for coupling at least one optical signal across a rotary interface. The unidirectional joint includes a stator having a waveguide. A rotor is rotatable through a full 360.degree. revolution and is concentric to the stator. Light transmitters are positioned on a first circumference and connected to one of the stator and the rotor. Each of the transmitters emits an optical signal. Light receivers are positioned on a second circumference and connected to the other one of the stator and the rotor. Each of the transmitted optical signals is emitted tangentially into the waveguide and is reflected in short chordal lengths along the waveguide. Each optical signal is received by at least one of the second plurality of light receivers through the full 360.degree. revolution of the rotor. The number of light receivers is greater than the number of light transmitters. Certain receivers do not receive an optical signal during a portion of the 360.

Abstract: A light guide support mechanism to minimize light transmission loss to the extent possible that houses a light guide in hollow cones such that each of the two end surfaces of the light guide protrudes from the windows of cover members fixed to either external end of the pair of hollow cones that are linked along their axis and that suspend the light guide in the empty spaces in the cones in a suspended state by means of relative rotation of the hollow cones such that the ridges of the light guide are in contact with the edges of the windows in the covers in a point-to-surface or edge-to-surface fashion.

Abstract: A scalable, non-blocking fiber optic matrix switch has two arrays of light beam collimators arranged to face one another in free space, and a number of optical fibers coupled to each of the arrays. Each collimator has a tubular body with a fiber receiving part at one end, and a lens mounting part at an opposite end of the body. A lens fixed in the mounting part produces a collimated light beam from light emitted from an end of an optical fiber inserted in the fiber receiving part. First and second motor assemblies with corresponding positioning elements displace the collimator body so that its light beam is steered to a desired position along "X" and "Y" axes in response to operation of the motor assemblies. A signal carried on a fiber entering a first collimator in one array can be switched into a fiber of a second collimator in the opposite array, by displacing the collimators so as to direct the beam of the first collimator to align with a lens axis of the second. For an N.times.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a front light extraction tape for coupling light out of a light guiding device. The tape has a flexible, light transmissive outer portion and a light coupling element secured to a lower surface of the outer portion without using adhesive. An input surface of the light coupling element is contactable with an output surface of the light guiding device for receiving light therefrom. A reflecting surface of the light coupling element is aligned so as to reflect light received into the light coupling element through the light transmissive outer portion. The light coupling element may be formed integrally with the outer portion so as to avoid a material interface between the light coupling element and the outer portion.

Abstract: Unidirectional and bidirectional fiber optic rotary joints are disclosed for coupling at least one optical signal across a rotary interface. The unidirectional joint includes a stator having a waveguide. A rotor is rotatable through a full 360.degree. revolution and is concentric to the stator. Light transmitters are positioned on a first circumference and connected to one of the stator and the rotor. Each of the transmitters emits an optical signal. Light receivers are positioned on a second circumference and connected to the other one of the stator and the rotor. Each of the transmitted optical signals is emitted tangentially into the waveguide and is reflected in short chordal lengths along the waveguide. Each optical signal is received by at least one of the second plurality of light receivers through the full 360.degree. revolution of the rotor. The number of light receivers is greater than the number of light transmitters. Certain receivers do not receive an optical signal during a portion of the 360.