Particular Coupling Function Patents (Class 385/27)
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Publication number: 20080266572Abstract: An optical device includes a primary nanowire having a predetermined characteristic that affects an optical property of the primary nanowire. At least one secondary nanowire abuts the primary nanowire at a non-zero angle. The secondary nanowire(s) have another predetermined characteristic that affects an optical property of the secondary nanowire(s). A junction is formed between the primary and secondary nanowires. The device is configured to cause a portion of a light beam of a predetermined wavelength or range of wavelengths traveling through one of the primary nanowire or the secondary nanowire(s) to enter another of the secondary nanowire(s) or the primary nanowire.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventor: Theodore I. Kamins
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Patent number: 7444045Abstract: Microresonators, such as a microsphere resonators and planar microresonators, are optically coupled to waveguides for input and output of light. It is important that the relative positions of the microresonator and the waveguide are maintained stable, while still maintaining high cavity Q and ease of launching and extracting the optical beams. Structures are provided on a substrate that are useful for maintaining the position of the microresonator relative to the waveguide. The structures provide for vertical or horizontal coupling between the waveguide and the microresonator.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Xudong Fan, John E. Potts, Terry L. Smith, Robert W. Wilson
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Patent number: 7440651Abstract: Whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators configured to support only a single whispering gallery mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Anatoliy Savchenkov, Dmitry V. Strekalov, Andrey B. Matsko, Vladimir Ilchenko, Lutfollah Maleki
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Patent number: 7437048Abstract: A cable management system is provided that is configured to be located between adjacent equipment racks, while being vertically oriented to extend upward along a narrow space between the adjacent equipment racks. The cable management system comprises a main panel extending along a vertical longitudinal axis, the main panel having a series of module cutouts provided therein and oriented to extend along the longitudinal axis. The system further includes inter-bay functional modules secured in at least two of the module cutouts. The inter-bay functional modules include at least two of a fiber spool module, a patch panel module and a dispersion compensation module. The main panel includes a front wall having the module cutouts formed therein. The front wall is integrally joined with side flanges extending rearward therefrom to form a channel cross-section.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Tellabs Operations, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Farrell, Jerome D. Pavlick, Philip T. Brinkerhoff
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Patent number: 7437083Abstract: A wavelength converter for binary optical signals includes an interferometer structure (110) for generating an output signal by modulating a received local signal (LS) according to the modulation of a fUrther received first input signal (IS 1). When such interferometer structures (110) are operated in a standard mode it is known in the art to control the power of the input signal such that the extinction ratio of the output signal is kept minimal. The invention also controls the power of the input signals to achieve the minimal extinction ratio when the wavelength converter and in particular the interferometer structure (110) is operated in a differential mode receiving two input signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: ALCATELInventors: Bruno Lavigne, Olivier Leclerc, Jean-Luc Moncelet, Alex Bombrun, Jean-Baptiste Pomet, Fabien Seyfert
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Patent number: 7433555Abstract: An optoelectronic device chip, and a method for making the chip, are disclosed. The chip comprises a device substrate, an optically transparent upper substrate, and a composite spacer layer which includes an adhesive material and a plurality of particles dispersed in said adhesive material. The distance between the device substrate and the upper substrate is controlled by the thickness of the composite spacer layer so that the variation is within the depth of focus of optical system.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Visera Technologies Company LtdInventors: Hsiao-Wen Lee, Peter Zung, Tzu-Han Lin, Tzy-Ying Lin, Chia-Yang Chang, Chien-Pang Lin
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Publication number: 20080240652Abstract: An optical waveguide includes a propagating light waveguide, a coupler including a photonic crystal, and a surface plasmon waveguide, the propagating light waveguide, the coupler, and the surface plasmon waveguide being disposed in one plane along a waveguiding direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Kenji TODORI, Reiko Yoshimura, Tsukasa Tada, Kou Yamada, Miho Maruyama
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Publication number: 20080240651Abstract: In the absence of using any chromatic dispersion compensation technique, it may be difficult to detect the transmitted data over long distances at the receiving end. Embodiments utilize the optical phase conjugation (OPC) property in silicon waveguides to compensate chromatic dispersion effect in optical fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Haisheng Rong, Simon Ayotte, Mario Paniccia
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Patent number: 7430355Abstract: A signage device comprising one or more light sources, a waveguide or arrangement of waveguides and photoluminescent features coupled thereto. In one embodiment, a waveguide is adapted to receive light of a first wavelength and the photoluminescent features are adapted to emit light of a second wavelength in response to receiving light of the first wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: University of CincinnatiInventors: Jason C. Heikenfeld, Andrew J. Steckl, John D. Rudolph
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Patent number: 7430347Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for producing time delays in optical signals are provided. The methods, systems, and apparatuses allow the time it takes for an individual light beam to travel an individual light path to be varied. In one example, the apparatuses have an array of actuator elements and first and second optical elements arranged such that the time it takes for an individual light beam to travel an individual light path between the array of actuator elements and the first and second optical elements is variable.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: The Ohio State UniversityInventors: Betty Lise Anderson, Stuart A. Collins, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080232739Abstract: The present invention relates to a tunable dispersion and dispersion slope compensator based on an optical fiber grating in an optical communication system. The compensator includes: a first disk having a ring shape, wherein the first disk is configured to rotate; a second disk installed at an inner space of the first disk, wherein the second disk is configured not to rotate; a metal plate configured to bend as the first disk rotates; and an optical fiber grating adhered to the metal plate, wherein the optical fiber grating has different strains according to positions when the metal plate rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2005Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Jun Kye Bae, Young Jun Lee, Sang Hyuck Kim, Sang Bae Lee
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Publication number: 20080226227Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for providing privacy features on an optical fiber link. By providing such features, the effects on the optical fiber link by certain outside influences, such as acoustical waves, may be prevented from being remotely monitored from a position outside the link.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: TENVERA, INC.Inventor: Wenxin Zheng
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Patent number: 7426324Abstract: An optical transmission system in a computer tomograph for transmitting modulated optical signals between a first unit and a second unit, the first unit being supported to be rotatable relative to the second unit, comprises: a light guide disposed along a circular or annular track on the first unit; at least one first light coupler connected with the light guide for coupling light into or out of the light guide; at least one second light coupler disposed on the second unit to be movable relative to the light guide for coupling light into or out of the light guide. In order to remove from the light guide surface any contaminating matter that would lead to a high signal attenuation or an interference with transmission, a cleaning unit is provided for removing dirt and dust particles. Furthermore, a sealing of the system is provided by applying, amongst other means, pressurized air or electrostatic filtering.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbHInventors: Harry Schilling, Thomas Tartler, Hans Thiele, Georg Lohr, Rainer Hutterer, Matthias Rank
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Patent number: 7424178Abstract: An optical reader system is described herein which has a single mode (SM) optical fiber launch/receive system that uses one or more SM optical fibers to interrogate a biosensor and does not use multimode (MM) optical fibers to interrogate the biosensor. The use of the SM optical fiber launch/receive system effectively reduces angular sensitivity, reduces unwanted system reflections, improves overall angular tolerance, and improves resonant peak reflectivity and resonant peak width. Two specific embodiments of the SM optical fiber launch/receive system are described herein which include: (1) a dual fiber collimator launch/receive system; and (2) a single fiber launch/receive system that interrogates the biosensor at a normal incidence.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Jacques Gollier, Garrett A. Piech
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Patent number: 7415175Abstract: An optical communication system includes a transmitter that receives an input optical signal from an optical source and performs filtering so that an output signal from the transmitter includes a specific set of fiber modes that are allowed to pass for further processing. A receiver receives the output signal and performs the necessary operations to retrieve a signal indicative of the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Shrenik Deliwala
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Patent number: 7412127Abstract: We introduce a mechanically tunable photonic crystal structure consisting of coupled photonic crystal slabs. Using both analytic theory, and first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations, we demonstrate that the transmission and reflection coefficients for light normally incident upon such structures can be highly sensitive to nano-scale variations in the spacing between the slabs. Moreover, by specifically configuring the photonic crystal structures, the high sensitivity can be preserved in spite of significant fabrication-related disorders. We expect such a structure to play important roles in micro-mechanically tunable optical sensors and filters.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Wonjoo Suh, Mehmet Fatih Yanik, Olav Solgaard, Shanhui Fan
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Patent number: 7412128Abstract: A higher order mode dispersion compensating fiber includes an optical fiber and a first loss layer which is provided within the fiber and which attenuates a lower order mode propagating through the optical fiber while not attenuating a higher order mode which is higher than the lower order mode. A dispersion compensating fiber mode converter for a higher order fiber includes a single mode fiber; a higher order mode dispersion compensating fiber; and a fused and extended portion which has been formed by fusing and extending the single mode fiber and the higher order mode fiber. The fused and extended portion converts between the LP01 mode of the single mode fiber and the LP02 mode of the higher order mode dispersion compensating fiber.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.Inventors: Ning Guan, Kazuhiko Aikawa, Masashi Ikeda, Kuniharu Himeno, Koichi Harada
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Patent number: 7412134Abstract: A single-mode optical waveguide with a core, surrounded by a cladding consisting of an inner soft layer and an outer harder layer is described. The outer layer has a grating structure on its inner surface, whose spatial frequency is the same as that of the guided mode. The thickness of the inner cladding is sufficient to keep the grating outside the mode field in undeformed regions of the waveguide, so that normally no out-coupling of the light results. Connections are made by crossing two such waveguides at an angle and pressing them together. This results in deformation of the two waveguides such that the gratings are brought into proximity with the cores. Light is coupled out of one waveguide and into the other in the deformed region, resulting in a self-aligning optical connection. The out-coupled light propagates normal to the waveguide axis, so errors in the crossing angle cause little change in efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Claudius Feger, Philip C. D. Hobbs, Maurice McGlashan-Powell
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Publication number: 20080187268Abstract: Distortion of the temperature control element and the package by thermal deformation or mechanical deformation is prevented from being transmitted to the optical element as stress, and at the same time, constant temperature control of the optical element is realized. An optical element unit including an optical element that requires temperature control and an optical component that does not require temperature control, and a temperature control element for performing temperature adjustment of the optical element are arranged. The temperature control element performs temperature adjustment control of the optical element through a region mounted with the optical component of the optical element unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: TARO KANEKO, Masaaki Nido, Isao Tomita
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Patent number: 7409123Abstract: An optical device includes an echelle grating and input waveguide arranged such that the echelle grating receives an input signal that exits from a port of the input waveguide. The echelle grating is configured to reflect the input signal such that when the input signal has a plurality of channels, the input signal separates into output signals that each includes a different one of the channels. The device also includes a plurality of output waveguides that each includes a port positioned to receive one of the output signals. The output waveguides include central waveguides. The central waveguides are the three centermost output waveguides when the total number of output waveguides is odd and the two centermost output waveguides when the total number of output waveguides is even. The central waveguides are positioned such that the grating axis passes through the port associated with one of the central waveguides or passes between the ports associated with the central waveguides.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Kotura, Inc.Inventors: Dazeng Feng, Mehdi Asghari, Bradley Jonathan Luff
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Patent number: 7409122Abstract: An end face structure of an optical fiber includes a coreless fiber fused to an emitting end face of the fiber optical fiber and a coating material disposed around at least the coreless fiber, a refractive index of the coating material being higher than a refractive index of the coreless fiber.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.Inventors: Tomoharu Kitabayashi, Tetsuya Sakai
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Patent number: 7409128Abstract: An improved tapered fiber bundle (TFB), or assembly including a TFB, mitigates undesirable reflections from optical discontinuities at the input ends of the multimode fibers of the TFB by suppressing the coupling of signal light into modes that can produce undesired reflections. Means are provided for managing the mode field of injected signal light so that it remains substantially confined to the core of the central TFB fiber until it is past the region where it can interact with the multimode fibers of the TFB.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Douglas P Holcomb, Andrew John Stentz, Stephan F Wielandy, Paul F Wysocki
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Patent number: 7406220Abstract: Systems and methods for steering at least one of two or more optical input beams and forming a combined optical output beam are disclosed. A system has a waveguide, one or more phase controlling devices and one or more beam steering devices. The waveguide is configured to combine the optical input beams. The one or more phase controlling devices are configured to control a phase of at least one of the optical input beams. The system can form a coherently combined optical output beam. The one or more beam steering devices are configured to laterally steer, angularly steer, or laterally and angularly steer at least one of the optical input beams. The waveguide, in conjunction with the one or more beam steering devices, is configured to form the combined optical output beam that is angularly steered, laterally steered, or angularly and laterally steered.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Scott E. Christensen, Iain T. McKinnie
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Patent number: 7406222Abstract: A composite evanescent waveguide can include a first structured dielectric layer and a second dielectric material oriented adjacent one another to form a wave propagation interface between the first structured dielectric layer and second dielectric material. Each of the first structured dielectric layer and second dielectric material are formed of materials such that the wave propagation interface can be capable of propagating an all-evanescent surface wave. The resulting propagating surface waves tend to have low losses and can be suitable for optical communications, surface analysis, sensors, and a variety of other applications.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Inventor: Pavel Kornilovich
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Patent number: 7403679Abstract: Thermally tunable optical dispersion compensation (ODC) devices are disclosed. In one aspect, an ODC device may include multiple Gires-Tournois (G-T) etalons. The etalons may be optically coupled together. The etalons may compensate for optical dispersion by collectively delaying light. At least one of the G-T etalons may have a temperature dependent partial reflector. The ODC device may also include at least one thermal device to change the temperature of the G-T etalon having the temperature dependent partial reflector. Methods of making and using the ODC devices are also disclosed, as well as various systems including the ODC devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Mark McDonald, Andrew Daiber
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Patent number: 7403717Abstract: Method and apparatus for compensating for first-order Polarization Mode Dispersion in an optical transmission system. An apparatus has a polarization controller for transforming polarization components of an optical signal carried by the optical fiber into orthogonal polarization states, a variable delay line for introducing a variable differential time delay between the polarization states and for producing an output optical signal that is compensated for PMD in the optical fiber, and a feedback unit for adjusting the polarization controller and the variable delay line to compensate for variations in the PMD of the optical fiber, the feedback unit including apparatus for generating a plurality of independent control signals to independently control actuators of the polarization controller and the variable delay line. The invention provides for a reduction in response time of the actuators and a reduction in complexity of an algorithm used to control the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)Inventors: Jean Pierre von der Weid, Luis Carlos Blanco Linares, Giancarlo Vilela de Faria
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Patent number: 7403681Abstract: In a wavelength selective optical device, a lens for transmitting multiplexed optical signals having a plurality of wavelengths is provided to face an end of a first optical fiber such that light output from the end of the first optical fiber is converted into parallel light, and an optical filter is provided at a location to which the parallel light output from the lens is input. A second optical fiber is provided at a location in which the light reflected from the optical filter is input to the lens again to be focused by the lens. The lens is configured by bonding the ends of two gradient index rod lenses having different refractive index distribution constants and the substantially same outer diameter to each other to align their optical axes to each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Hashizume, Kenichiro Takeuchi, Haiguang Lu
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Patent number: 7400798Abstract: Fast, all optical switching of light is provided on silicon, using highly light confining structures to enhance the sensitivity of light to small changes in refractive index. In one embodiment, the light confining structures are silicon micrometer-size planar ring resonators which operate with low pump light pulse energies.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Vilson Rosa de Almeida, Carlos Angulo Barrios, Roberto R. Panepucci, Michal Lipson
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Publication number: 20080166088Abstract: A dispersion compensating fiber module having a dispersion compensating function has a fiber arranging portion including a plurality of fiber housing portions (housing) which are concentrically disposed and accommodate a dispersion compensating fiber, and a fiber connecting portion connecting the dispersion compensating fibers accommodated in three fiber housing portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventor: Shinjiro Hagihara
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Patent number: 7397981Abstract: Both wavelength dispersion and a dispersion slope of a line fiber are simultaneously compensated for by combining two types of dispersion compensators having different characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Shinya Inagaki, Hisashi Takamatsu, Kazuo Yamane, Takashi Tsuda
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Patent number: 7397975Abstract: Reflection means such as a mirror are provided on the output end of an optical fiber, and the input signal light and control light are returned to the optical fiber. Although the zero-dispersion wavelength of the optical fiber fluctuates in the longitudinal direction, if the length is relatively short, it is possible to manufacture a high yield of optical fibers, which monotonically changes the zero-dispersion wavelength. Therefore, a relatively short optical fiber with a monotonic zero-dispersion change can be used. Since the zero-dispersion change is monotonic and the optical fiber is short, the amount of change in the zero-dispersion wavelength is small and the bandwidth becomes broader when the control light is set at the position of the average zero-dispersion wavelength. Additionally, although the length of the optical fiber is short, the operating length is twice as long and thus the generation efficiency does not degrade.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Ryou Okabe, Shigeki Watanabe, Fumio Futami, Shunsuke Ono
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Patent number: 7397982Abstract: The invention relates to a reflector arrangement comprising a reflector and a light guide. It is characterized in that the use of film hinges permits simpler and lower-cost assembly than has heretofore been possible with comparable reflector arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbHInventors: Michael Sailer, Mario Wanninger
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Patent number: 7394986Abstract: The invention relates to wavelength-selective optical filters for allowing light of a narrow optical spectral band, centered around a wavelength (?c) to pass through them, while reflecting the wavelengths lying outside this band. According to the invention, the transfer function (T1,2(?)) of the component is defined by multiplying two transfer functions of spectrally offset Fabry-Perot filters.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Atmel Grenoble S. A.Inventors: Romain Ramel, Sylvie Jarjayes, Stéphane Gluck
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Patent number: 7391941Abstract: An arrayed waveguide grating with improved edge channel aberration may be achieved by tuning the arrayed waveguide grating to have a stigmatic point for the input and output waveguides that is not at the center of the Rowland circle. In this way, crosstalk, ripples, and transmission spectrum uniformity may be improved in some embodiments of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Xianmin Yi
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Patent number: 7391936Abstract: Microfluidic optical sensor comprising: an optical waveguide capable of propagating light from an optical input port to an optical output port, the optical waveguide comprising an optical waveguide interaction region; a fluidic channel capable of conducting a fluid from a fluid input port to a fluid output port, the fluidic channel comprising a fluidic channel region; the fluidic channel region being separated from the optical waveguide interaction region by an interposed spacing material configured to transmit an evanescent field of the light through the spacing material between the optical waveguide interaction region and the fluidic channel region. Microfluidic optical sensor comprising an optical resonator. Methods for making microfluidic optical sensors.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Stanley Pau, Mark P. Earnshaw
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Publication number: 20080138011Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing optical pulses of a desired wavelength utilizes a section of higher-order-mode (HOM) fiber to receive input optical pulses at a first wavelength, and thereafter produce output optical pulses at the desired wavelength through soliton self-frequency shifting (SSFS) or Cherenkov radiation. The HOM fiber is configured to exhibit a large positive dispersion and effective area at wavelengths less than 1300 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Siddharth Ramachandran
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Patent number: 7386203Abstract: A system for diffusing light from an optical fiber wherein the optical fiber is coupled to a light source, comprising forming a polymer element adapted to be connected to the optical fiber and incorporating a scattering element with the polymer element wherein the scattering element diffuses the light from the polymer element. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a polymer element operatively connected to the optical fiber and a scattering element operatively connected with the shape polymer element that diffuses the light from the polymer element.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Duncan J. Maitland, Ward Small, IV, Thomas S. Wilson, William J. Benett
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Publication number: 20080131051Abstract: A multimode fiber optical fiber transmission system includes an improved configuration for launching a single mode long wavelength transmission signal into existing multimode optical fiber networks. More specifically, the invention utilizes new single mode long wavelength VCSEL devices to realize a novel transmitter/transceiver for multimode fiber links where offset launch with controlled mode conditioning is achieved without the use of a mode conditioning patchcord, and in some embodiments, without the use of any collecting or focusing elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: OCP-EUROPE, LTD.Inventors: David Jenkins, Christopher Park
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Publication number: 20080129564Abstract: An optically sampling device optically samples an optical analog signal using a sampled signal having a predetermined sampling frequency, and outputs control light having a pulse train of an optically sampled optical analog signal. A signal generating device generates a pulse train of signal light which is synchronized with the sampled signal. An optical encoding device optically encodes the pulse train of the signal light according to the control light, by using optical encoders each including nonlinear optical loop mirrors, and outputs pulse trains of optically encoded signal light from said optical encoders, respectively. An optically quantizing device performs optical threshold processing on the pulse trains of optically-encoded signal light to optically quantize them, by using at least one of optical threshold processors each of which is connected to each of said optical encoders and includes a nonlinear optical device, and outputs optically quantized pulse trains as optical digital signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2004Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Ken-ichi Kitayama, Kensuke Ikeda, Mohammad Abdul Jalil, Shu Namiki, Takashi Inoue
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Patent number: 7382950Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to an optical fiber. A number of systems and methods are disclosed to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to the optical fiber. These include dithering the tunable optical element at different frequencies along differing axes and using a lock-in technique to derive an error signal for each degree of motion, using a beamsplitter to form a secondary image of the focused beam on a position-sensitive detector, the use of a chiseled fiber to generate reflections from the angled facets, using an additional laser for a secondary image, or obtaining a secondary image from an angled fiber or a parasitic reflection.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Santur CorporationInventors: Bardia Pezeshki, Jay Kubicky, Ed Val
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Patent number: 7382949Abstract: A device, system and method for transmitting electro-magnetic radiation between at least two separate fibers (as well as for imaging a sample) are provided. For example, a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber may be provided, such that the first and/or second fibers is/are rotatable. At least one first optical arrangement may also be included which communicates with at least one end of the first optical fiber and/or the second optical fiber. Further, at least one second arrangement may be included which is configured to control a position of the optical arrangement to align longitudinal axes of the first and the second optical fibers at least at the ends thereof. In addition, at least one third arrangement can be provided which is adapted to rotate the first and/or second optical fibers at a rate that is greater than 40 revolutions per second.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov
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Patent number: 7379672Abstract: The present photonic RF generation and distribution system provides a system and method for distributing an RF output signal. The photonic RF distribution system includes two optical sources for generating optical signals. A first optical source (42) is operable to generate a first optical signal having an operating frequency. A second optical source (44) is operable to generate a second optical signal having an operating frequency. A modulator (46) is operable to impress an RF modulation signal on a tapped portion of the first optical signal such that a modulated signal is generated. A first coupler (52) combines the modulated signal with a tapped portion of the second optical signal, thereby forming a combined signal having a difference frequency component. A control photodetector (50) is responsive to the combined signal to generate a tone signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Wenshen Wang, David C. Scott, Thomas Jin-Ming Jung, Joseph Morais
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Patent number: 7379637Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optical fiber transmission which can increase a transmission distance. A first optical fiber having dispersion is first provided. An optical signal is next supplied to the first optical fiber so that the optical signal is compressed on the time axis as propagating in the first optical fiber. In the case that the dispersion is normal dispersion, for example, prechirping is performed so that the optical signal has down-chirp. A compressed optical signal output from the first optical fiber is supplied to an optical device having a saturated gain. According to this method, the transmission distance can be increased by the effective combination of compression of the optical signal and waveform shaping by the optical device.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Shigeki Watanabe
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Patent number: 7376296Abstract: The invention provides an optical multiplexing device comprising: a plurality of optical sources with integrated collimators (31-37) whose output beams are combined by mirrors (41-47) or other beam deflecting elements, which combine the beams into a single composite beam diverging from a common origin point (30). This is done by arranging the mirrors (41-47) staggered at different distances from the origin point, and at different angles to each other taking accourt of the dependence of the beam divergence in far field on the distance from the origin point.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Fianium LimitedInventors: Sergey E. Goncharov, Igor D. Zalevsky
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Patent number: 7376308Abstract: The multichannel waveguide device includes an array of waveguides located in a plane. Each waveguide channel has a redirecting element for redirecting a guided wave out of said plane, or vice versa. The redirecting elements are staggered in the direction of the waveguides so as to transform a one-dimensional array of in-plane waves into a two-dimensional array of out-of-plane waves, or vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Pavel Cheben, Siegfried Janz, Boris Lamontagne, Dan-Xia Xu
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Patent number: 7376300Abstract: The present invention provides a variable optical dispersion compensating module comprised of (a) an optical dispersion compensating unit having an input optical switch, an optical dispersion compensating fiber, connected to the optical switch, having a predetermined optical dispersion amount, a bypass path for bypassing the optical dispersion compensating fiber, and an output optical switch connected to the optical dispersion compensating fiber and the bypass path, (b) an optical dispersion compensating circuit with at least one of the unit connected in series, and (c) an optical attenuator provided, in the direction of an optical path, after the input optical switch or before the output optical switch of the optical dispersion compensating circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobutaka Fuke, Shiro Nakamura, Jun Ishiguro, Hiroshi Raijo, Atsushi Umeda
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Patent number: 7373028Abstract: A polarization maintaining coupler is provided that allows a user to change the coupling ratio of two or more output fibers. The coupler can include an assembly containing a PM fiber in a ferrule. The ferrule is attached to a housing, which includes a lens for collimating light from the PM fiber onto an optical component that splits the incoming polarized light into two orthogonally polarized components. Each of these orthogonal components is then output into a separate PM or single mode fiber. By rotating the input PM fiber with respect to the optical component, the coupling ratio of the output fibers can be changed. This change in the coupling ratio can be accomplished either by rotating the input PM fiber, or by rotating the optical component together with the output fibers.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Finisar CorporationInventors: Jian He, Ping Xie
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Patent number: 7373048Abstract: A polarization insensitive semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is provided. The SOA includes an active waveguide, a passive waveguide, and a taper coupler for coupling optical energy from the passive waveguide into the active waveguide, wherein the taper coupler has width W varying relative to position along a main axis z of propagation of the SOA in proportion to the minimum value of 1/CTE 01(z) 1/CTM 01(z), where CTE 01(z) represents the coefficient of energy coupling between a fundamental mode and a first order mode for the transverse electric polarization as a function of the position z, and CTM 01(z) represents the coefficient of energy coupling between a fundamental mode and a first order mode for the transverse magnetic polarization as a function of the position z.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Trustees of Princeton UniversityInventors: Fengnian Xia, Stephen Forrest
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Patent number: 7369769Abstract: An Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) ring for providing protection against fiber failures. The optical network unit (ONU) is coupled to the ring fiber by a three-port passive optical splitting module that has three two-way optical passages. By the three two-way optical passages, the OUN receives/transmits data from/to the two ends of the optical line termination (OLT) to provide protection while the fiber failure. Moreover, it provides better authorization of users and simpler collision detection by the two-way transmission of the three-port passive optical splitting module to prevent hackers from invading and to reduce collisions.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Tzu-Jian Yang, Kuan-Ming Lin, Yen-Pin Tseng, Ja-Nan Wang, Jeffrey Liu
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Patent number: 7369779Abstract: A regenerator for restoring the originally encoded optical phase of a differential-phase-shift-keyed signal. In an embodiment, the regenerator simultaneously provides limiting amplification and reduces amplitude noise based on a phase-sensitive optical amplifier that combines a weak signal field of a degraded input data with a strong pump field supplied by a local oscillator in a nonlinear interferometer. The two fields interact through degenerate four-wave mixing, and optical energy is transferred from the pump to the signal and vice versa. The phase sensitive nature of the optical gain leads to amplification of a specific phase component of the signal, determined by the input pump-signal phase difference and the incident signal phase is restored to two distinct states, separated by 180° according to the original encoding. Simultaneously, gain saturation of the pump wave by the signal wave results in limiting amplification of the signal wave for removing signal amplitude noise.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Research Foundation of the University of Central FloridaInventors: Kevin A. Croussore, Guifang Li, Cheolhwan Kim