Input/output Coupler Patents (Class 385/31)
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Patent number: 7565043Abstract: An optical module outputting transmitted optical signals from a light-emitting element to an optical fiber and guiding received optical signals arriving from the same optical fiber to a light-receiving element prevents transmitted optical signals originating from the light-emitting element of a local station from coupling to the light-receiving element, devolving into noise and impeding communication. Light-emitting element and light-receiving element are arranged in a positional relationship, whereby the optical axis of light-emitting element and the normal to light-receiving surface of light-receiving element are located in a spatially divergent relationship.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Takara Sugimoto
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Patent number: 7565047Abstract: Disclosed is an optical waveguide structure capable of keeping intervals between the structure and optical elements within a certain range. When arranging a surface light emitting element and a surface light receiving element on a positioning plate provided on a substrate, elastic layers are provided between the elements and the plate. When fitting and fixing first projections of the structure in holes of the plate, second projections formed in a predetermined dimension on the structure are brought into contact with the light emitting element and the light receiving element. Therefore, intervals between lenses, and the light emitting element as well as the light receiving element are controlled within a certain range according to the dimension of the second projections. Further, stress occurring due to contact is dispersed by the elastic layers so that breakage of the light emitting element and the light receiving element can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2005Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Motoyuki Nishizawa, Akio Sugama, Shigenori Aoki
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Patent number: 7565042Abstract: A luminometer is provided comprising a flow through waveguide and one or more detectors. The flow through waveguide has at least two openings and the sample is free to enter from one opening and exit from the other. The flow through waveguide can be made of material that guides emission light to a bottom end of the flow through waveguide. One or more detectors may be provided which detect the emission light coming out of the bottom of the flow through waveguide. A fluorometer/photometer is also provided that comprises a flow through waveguide, one or more excitation light sources, and one or more optical detectors. The flow through waveguide has a hollow region to hold the sample. The excitation light is introduced at an angle or perpendicular to one surface of the flow through waveguide. The flow through waveguide is made of material that can guide absorption and/or emission light to the bottom end of the flow through waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Creatv MicroTech, Inc.Inventors: Cha-Mei Tang, Platte T Amstulz, III
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Publication number: 20090180732Abstract: The present invention provides a junction structure between an optical element and a substrate. The junction structure is formed by supplying an under-fill resin not containing a filler to a portion functioning as a light path for light emitted from or incoming into the optical element on the substrate, then jointing a conductive bump of the optical element to electric wiring on the substrate, and then thermally hardening the under-fill resin not containing a filler to bond the resin not containing a filler to the optical element and to the substrate so that the under-fill resin containing a filler will not enter a space between the optical element and the substrate when the under-fill resin containing a filler is filled in portions other than the light path between the optical element and the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventors: Toshiaki TAKAI, Akiko Mizushima, Naoki Matsushima
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Publication number: 20090180511Abstract: A waveguide retroreflector consists of an end cap with curved output surface attached to a waveguide such as optical fiber. The radius of curvature of the output surface of the end cap matches the length of the end cap so as to retro-reflect a substantial portion of radiation exiting the waveguide, back into the waveguide. A method of fabricating the waveguide retroreflector includes steps of splicing an end cap to a waveguide, heating the free flat surface of the end cap, so that surface tension changes the shape of the end cap to a convex shape due to surface tension, monitoring amount of light reflected off the surface being heated, and stopping applying the heat when the amount of the reflected light approaches a maximum value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: JDS Uniphase CorporationInventor: Martin H. Muendel
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Publication number: 20090180734Abstract: A method for connecting a photonic crystal fiber having a plurality of cores connected to an optical device. An end of the photonic crystal fiber may be placed on a surface of an optical device having a plurality of coupling pads. A first core of the end of the photonic crystal fiber may be positioned over a first coupling pad on the optical device to enable a threshold amount of a coherent beam of light to propagate through the first core and first coupling pad. A second core of the end of the photonic crystal fiber is aligned to a second coupling pad on the optical device to enable a threshold amount of another coherent beam of light to propagate through the second core and second coupling pad. The end of the photonic crystal fiber may be adhered to the surface of the optical device while the position of the first and the second cores relative to the first and the second coupling pads, respectively, is maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventors: Marco Fiorentino, Raymond Beausolei, Duncan Stewart
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Publication number: 20090180735Abstract: An optical system and method including an integrated light source and optical waveguide that relies on internal reflection for coupling the light emitted from the source to the waveguide. The light source may include electroded or electrodeless plasma lamps, LEDs, and filament lamps. The optical waveguide may be shaped to form a compound parabolic waveguide. A system may also include an integrated light source, microwave waveguide, and optical coupler.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventor: Ju Gao
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Patent number: 7561766Abstract: A thin film interleaver device is disclosed. The thin film interleaver includes thin film optics. The thin film(s) are formed such that they reflect one group of wavelengths while allowing a second group of wavelengths to pass through the thin film(s). The thin film(s) exhibit a flat top frequency response across the channel bandwidths of the multiplexed signal for which the thin film filter is designed such that the thin film interleaver is less sensitive to wavelength drift and temperature variations.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Finisar CorporationInventors: Johhny Zhong, Yin Zhang, Steve Wang, Ping Xie, Kevin Zhang
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Patent number: 7561806Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for making timing alignment for a data transmission system, the method comprising providing a reference clock signal with a first frequency to a multiplexer through a phase shifter, generating a multiplexed signal with a second frequency by the multiplexer, wherein the second frequency follows the first frequency and is higher than the first frequency by a predetermined proportion, sending the multiplexed signal to a modulator, and phase shifting the reference clock signal by the phase shifter before the reference clock signal is provided to the multiplexer, wherein a timing of the multiplexed signal at the second frequency level can be adjusted by adjusting a timing of the reference clock signal at the lower first frequency level.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: FutureWei Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Yu Sheng Bai
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Patent number: 7561762Abstract: A semiconductor device has printed wiring board (11) where electric wiring (18) connected to LSI chip (17) and to planar optical element (21) is formed, and where optical waveguide (25) which transfers light inputted into planar optical element (21) and/or light outputted from planar optical element (21) is fixed. Planar optical element (21) is mounted in one end of small substrate (13), and another end of small substrate (13) is connected to printed wiring board (11) by solder bump (26). One end of small substrate (13) where planar optical element (21) is mounted is fixed to printed wiring board (11) by a fixing mechanism. Small substrate (13) has flexible section (15), which is easily deformable compared with other portions of printed wiring board (11) and small substrate (13), in at least a partial region between one end where planar optical element (21) is mounted and another end electrically connected to printed wiring board (11).Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Kazunori Miyoshi, Kazuhiko Kurata, Takanori Shimizu, Ichiro Hatakeyama, Junichi Sasaki
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Patent number: 7561770Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are related to microresonator systems that can be used as a laser, a modulator, and a photodetector and to methods for fabricating the microresonator systems. In one embodiment, a microresonator system comprises a substrate having a top surface layer, at least one waveguide embedded within the substrate, and a microdisk having a top layer, an intermediate layer, a bottom layer, current isolation region, and a peripheral annular region. The bottom layer of the microdisk is in electrical communication with the top surface layer of the substrate and is positioned so that at least a portion of the peripheral annular region is located above the at least one waveguide. The current isolation region is configured to occupy at least a portion of a central region of the microdisk and has a relatively lower refractive index and relatively larger bandgap than the peripheral annular region.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Michael Renne Ty Tan, Shih-Yuan Wang, Duncan Stewart, David A. Fattal
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Patent number: 7559706Abstract: A light-amplifying fiber arrangement including a pump fiber including glass and a bridge element. At least a portion of a side of the bridge element has been fused to at least a portion of a side of the pump fiber. An active fiber includes a light-amplifying core and a first cladding. The first cladding includes glass. At least a portion of a side of the active element has been fused to at least a portion of a side of the bridge element. A second cladding surrounds the pump and active fibers in order to confine pump light to the fibers. The second cladding includes glass. The arrangement allows coupling of high power levels into the pump fiber, wherein splicing of pigtails to the arrangement is easier than e.g. in case of conventional doubly clad fibers.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Liekki OyInventors: Simo Tammela, Per Stenius
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Publication number: 20090175577Abstract: A system of digitally controlling light output by producing separate control signals for different colors of light. The light is contained in an optical waveguide, either prior to shaping or after shaping. Each of the control signals is coupled to a digitally controlled device which controls the shape of the light output. The digital controlling device can be digital mirror devices, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP L.L.CInventor: Jeremiah J. Harris
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Publication number: 20090175576Abstract: An optical fiber tip comprises a core and a recess formed in said core at a distal end of the optical fiber tip, said recess having a vertex within said core.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: CORNOVA, INC.Inventor: Jing Tang
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Patent number: 7558453Abstract: An arrangement of a microoptical component on a substrate, containing an adjustment connection which is provided between the component and the substrate and containing a first and a second connection element, which, matching one another, have first and second surfaces which are in contact and allow adjustment in different relative positions. This arrangement allows particularly simple adjustment of a microoptical component, for example, in the beam path of an optical component.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbHInventors: Ulrich Steegmüller, Michael Kühnelt, Thomas Schwarz
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Patent number: 7558449Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for filtering an optical signal. The method includes receiving at least one input optical signal, forming first and second optical signals using the at least one input optical signal, and modifying at least one portion of the first optical signal using a plurality of non-waveguiding electro-optic phase adjusters. The method also includes forming an output optical signal by combining the first optical signal, including the at least one modified portion of the first optical signal, with the second optical signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation, Inc.Inventor: Terry Victor Clapp
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Publication number: 20090169155Abstract: An optical intermediary component is suitable for guiding a light from an output optical path into an input optical path. The optical intermediary component includes a light guiding portion extending along a light axis. The light guiding portion has a light incident surface and a light emitting surface at two opposite ends thereof respectively. The light from the output optical path passes through the light incident surface and the light emitting surface of the light guiding portion in sequence, and is guided into the input optical path. The area of the light incident surface is greater than that of the light emitting surface. Therefore, a high assembly tolerance may reduce the manufacturing and assembly cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Shin-Way Lin, Ben-Hwa Jang
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Patent number: 7555220Abstract: An optical equalizer/dispersion compensator (E/CDC) comprises an input/output for receiving a multiplexed channel signal comprising a plurality of channel signals of different wavelengths. An optical amplifier may be coupled to receive, as an input/output, the multiplexed channel signals which amplifier may be a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) or a gain clamped-semiconductor optical amplifier (GC-SOA). A variable optical attenuator (VOA) is coupled to the optical amplifier and a chromatic dispersion compensator (CDC) is coupled to the variable optical attenuator. A mirror or Faraday rotator mirror (FRM) is coupled to the chromatic dispersion compensator to reflect the multiplexed channel signal back through these optical components The E/CDC components may be integrated in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) chip.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Infinera CorporationInventors: Stephen G. Grubb, Charles H. Joyner, Frank H. Peters, Fred A. Kish, Jr., Drew D. Perkins
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Publication number: 20090162010Abstract: An optical device includes optical layer and an electrode configured to reduce eddy currents. The electrode includes an electrically conductive base portion and a plurality of nanofilaments in connection with the electrically conductive base portion. The nanofilaments are configured to conduct an electric current between the optical layer and the base portion of the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Wei Wu, Zhaoning Yu, Shih-Yuan (SY) Wang
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Publication number: 20090162011Abstract: A composition useful for altering the wavelength of visible or invisible light is disclosed. The composition comprising a solid host material and quantum confined semiconductor nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are included in the composition in amount in the range from about 0.001 to about 15 weight percent based on the weight of the host material. The composition can further include scatterers. An optical component including a waveguide component and quantum confined semiconductor nanoparticles is also disclosed. A device including an optical component is disclosed. A system including an optical component including a waveguide component and quantum confined semiconductor nanoparticles and a light source optically coupled to the waveguide component is also disclosed. A decal, kit, ink composition, and method are also disclosed. A TFEL including quantum confined semiconductor nanoparticles on a surface thereof is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Seth Coe-Sullivan, John R. Linton, Craig Breen, Jonathan S. Steckel, Mark Comerford, Rohit Modi
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Patent number: 7551818Abstract: A chirped grating is made in a thin film layer or a glass layer for producing a holographic optical element within the layer well suited for use as an optical coupler for coupling side fired laser light into optical fibers for laser light pumping of optical fibers with the grating made in the layer by generating interference fringes burned into the layer with interference fringes created from interfering a reference laser beam with a plurality of convergent laser beams from respective lenses of an array of lenses.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventor: Albert O. Okorogu
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Patent number: 7551813Abstract: Simplified and insensitive to ambient condition mechanical bi-directional fiber-optic switch that can work in fire and explosion hazardous environment. The switch houses a sensitive element—a length of single-mode optic fiber and a bending device, which being activated provides specific bending of the optic fiber that introduces high attenuation of an optic signal so completely terminating light signal transmission. The switch can be configured as single on/off switch or multi-channel one.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventor: Gennadii Ivtsenkov
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Patent number: 7551817Abstract: An optical fiber is disposed in the direction of axis of the outer envelope inside a tubular outer envelope. Light emitted from the front end of the optical fiber is collected and projected on a body-to-be-scanned disposed externally of the outer envelope, and converged on the body-to-be-scanned. The outer envelope is filled with liquid so that the optical fiber is in the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Yuichi Teramura
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Patent number: 7551811Abstract: An optical device includes an optical waveguide, an optical element, and a resin layer disposed between the optical waveguide and the optical element. The resin layer is formed of a photocurable material alone or in combination with a thermosetting material and includes an optical interconnect for optically connecting the optical waveguide and the optical element. The optical interconnect has a higher refractive index than a region of the resin layer around the optical interconnect. A method for producing the optical device includes providing the photocurable material between the optical waveguide and the optical element, partially irradiating the photocurable material with light to form the optical interconnect, and secondarily irradiating the overall photocurable material with light to cure the overall resin layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Masami Aoki, Takahiro Matsuse, Hideki Kitano
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Publication number: 20090153852Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber for connecting a probe head and a base station of a spectroscopic analysis system for analyzing the molecular composition of a volume of interest. The optical fiber comprises a core for transmission of excitation radiation from the base station to the probe head and a first cladding for transmission of multi-mode return radiation from the probe head to a spectroscopic analysis unit of the base station. Preferably, the first cladding is surrounded by a second cladding and therefore provides a multi-mode wave guide by itself. Appropriately designing the dimensions of the core, the first cladding and the second cladding provides an optimal collection and coupling efficiency of the optical fiber. Coating of the distal end facet of the optical fiber with multi-layer optical filters allows an effective separation of elastically and inelastically scattered radiation which is of advantage for the spectroscopic analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2005Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventor: Wouter Harry Jacinth Rensen
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Publication number: 20090148098Abstract: A device for coupling multimode pump light and a laser signal into or out of a cladding-pumped fibre laser is disclosed, comprising an output optical fibre, a substantially un-tapered feed-through optical fibre, an annular waveguide having a tapered section, and a plurality of multimode pump fibres such that: the signal feed-through fibre is located within the annular waveguide; the signal feed-through fibre is fused into the annular waveguide in the tapered section so that the annular waveguide becomes an additional cladding layer of the feed-through fibre; the end of the feed-through fibre that is fused into the annular waveguide is optically coupled to the output optical fibre; the multimode pump fibres are optically coupled to the annular waveguide in the un-tapered section. Methods of forming the device are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: GSI GROUP LIMITEDInventors: Steffan Lewis, Glyn Edwards
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Patent number: 7546009Abstract: Planar lenses for integrated optics applications, in particular for use in optical touch screen sensors are disclosed. The disclosed planar lenses include a slab waveguide and an optical waveguide, preferably formed in unitary fashion, wherein the slab waveguide has a curved end face to focus light into or out of the optical waveguide, and wherein at least one additional lens is included within the slab waveguide. In one aspect of this disclosure, the additional lens is a diverging lens. In a second aspect the additional lens is a converging lens. The additional lens may match the acceptance angle of the optical waveguide to the curved end face of the slab waveguide. Alternatively, it may improve the tolerance of the planar lens to design or assembly errors and/or temperature variations. Preferably, the planar lenses are composed of a photo-patternable polymer, and the additional lenses are composed of air.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Dax Kukulj, Benjamin Cornish, Robert Bruce Charters, Graham Roy Atkins, Barry Luther-Davies
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Patent number: 7546008Abstract: A variable optical attenuator for adjusting a power of light which is output from an output end of a first optical fiber and is to be led to an input end of a second optical fiber, includes a reflection member which reflects the light output from the output end of the first optical fiber, a density filter which transmits the light reflected from the reflection member and controls the power of the light which is transmitted by the density filter depending on a light-transmitting position on the density filter, and an optical member which reflects the light transmitted by the density filter to lead the light to the reflection member. The reflection member is disposed tiltably, the power of the light transmitted by the density filter attenuates along a direction in which the light-transmitting position is changed, and the light-transmitting position of the light is changed by tilting the reflection member.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCONInventors: Makoto Fujino, Hiroyuki Kawashima
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Patent number: 7546012Abstract: An optical waveguide system includes an optical element, a three-dimensional diffracting structure positioned around the optical element, and a waveguide. The optical element and the diffracting structure are at least partially enclosed by the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Alexandre M. Bratkovski, Michael Renne Ty Tan, Shih-Yuan (S Y) Wang
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Patent number: 7546013Abstract: A nanoparticle is able to emit single photons. A waveguide is coupled to the nanoparticle and able to receive the single photons. A backreflector is optically coupled to the waveguide and configured to reflect the single photons toward the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development CompanyInventors: Charles Santori, Sean Spillane, Raymond G. Beausoleil, Marco Fiorentino
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Patent number: 7546003Abstract: A suspension board with circuit includes a metal supporting board, an insulating base layer formed on the metal supporting board, a conductive pattern formed on the insulating base layer, an insulating cover layer formed on the insulating base layer so as to cover the conductive pattern, and an optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Noriyuki Juni, Kazunori Mune, Sazzadur Rahman Khan, Toshiki Naito, Yutaka Aoki
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Patent number: 7546017Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to modulators that can be operated electronically and used to modulate electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the present invention, a modulator comprises a slot waveguide having a top semiconductor layer, a bottom semiconductor layer, and a transmission layer sandwiched between the top semiconductor layer and the bottom semiconductor layer. The slot waveguide also includes a plurality of holes forming a Bragg grating along the length of the slot waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Mihail Siga, Shih-Yuan Wang
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Patent number: 7543999Abstract: An optical module comprising an opto-electronic component, a lens and a mirror that is hermetically sealed by a micro housing containing a lid and a base is disclosed. The optical module may be assembled onto a moveable holder for aligning an optical beam into an optical assembly having an optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Hymite A/SInventors: Marcus Winter, Ralf Hauffe, Arnd Kilian
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Publication number: 20090142020Abstract: The application of optical micro structures improve the quality of light available to the viewer of an optical display system, or any display which works on the concept of moving one surface into direct contact or close proximity of a light guide to extract light through frustrated total internal reflection. Certain ones of the microstructures can act to assist in overcoming suction between the surface and the light guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: Uni-Pixel Displays, Inc.Inventors: Dan Van Ostrand, Carey King, Garth Gobeli
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Publication number: 20090141273Abstract: An optical apparatus includes an optical fibre having a radiation inlet, a radiation outlet and a termination by which optical radiation is transmitted from the fibre, a retroreflector spaced from the termination and aligned with the path of radiation from the termination such that the radiation is reflected back along the same path onto the termination and the reflected radiation passes back along the same fibre to the radiation inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Graham POULTER, Mark GUNNING
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Publication number: 20090142018Abstract: Disclosed in a method and a device in which a wave number of light in the waveguide mode of a photonic crystal optical waveguide is matched with that of the incident light, or a intensity ratio of electric field to magnetic field of the light in the waveguide mode of the photonic crystal optical waveguide is matched with that of the incident light, and furthermore, in addition to the method above, the distribution of light intensity on the incident end surface in the waveguide mode of the photonic crystal optical waveguide is matched with that of the incident light. A photonic crystal optical waveguide and channel optical waveguide are joined together, and the structure of the channel optical waveguide is wedge shaped in the joint section.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Akiko Gomyo, Jun Ushida
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Patent number: 7542633Abstract: A variety of structures, methods, systems, and configurations can support plasmons for logic.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, John Brian Pendry, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 7542637Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling optical system, an optical element, and an optical pickup apparatus. A coupling optical system is provided for use in an optical pickup apparatus and is arranged between a light source and an objective lens of the optical pickup apparatus. The coupling optical system includes: a first optical element with a power; and a second optical element with a positive power. The first optical element includes an optical surface, an out-effective-aperture section surrounding the optical surface, and a light-reduction structure arranged on the out-effective-aperture section. When a non-parallel light flux emitted from the light source enters into the out-effective-aperture section, the light-reduction structure reduces a light flux to be emitted from the second optical element in a direction getting closer to an optical axis of the second optical element.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.Inventor: Tohru Kimura
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Patent number: 7540646Abstract: The present invention provides a light guide element, a light guide unit, a backlight apparatus and a light source apparatus. The light guide element is provided for guiding a light flux from a light source into a light guide plate, and the light guide element includes: an incident surface; an emitting surface; a top surface and a base surface, in which one of the top surface and the base surface inclines to the other. The light guide element further includes a structure in a light leakage reducing shape arranged on at least one of the top surface and the base surface, which reduces an amount of light to be emitted from the surfaces of the light guide element excluding the emitting surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.Inventor: Yuki Naoi
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Patent number: 7542142Abstract: Several optical probes useful in downhole applications are provided. A first probe has a tip in the form of a cubical corner with the diagonal of the cubical corner aligned with the axis of the probe. A second probe has a tip formed in a 45° cone. In these designs, light will bounce respectively three times or twice, but still retain the same orientation. To facilitate drainage, the very tip of the probe may be rounded. Both designs also provide a probe with a large numerical aperture and both are useful for detecting reflectance and the holdup of a multiphase fluid. A third probe uses (hemi)spherical or paraboloid probe tip. The third probe tip has a small numerical aperture and is useful for detecting fluorescence and oil velocity. In all three embodiments, the base behind the probe tip may be tapered to facilitate fluid drainage.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Xu Wu, Elizabeth B. Dussan V, Oliver C. Mullins
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Patent number: 7542653Abstract: A mesh optical network node has switch cards which carry active components, such as wavelength routers to switch the paths of optical signals through the node and a fiber organizer handles the numerous optical fiber interconnections among the switch cards. The fiber organizer has no active components and can include optical paths to verify not only that a switch card connection to the fiber organizer has been made but that the connection is properly made.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Johnson, Stefano Piciaccia, Ornan Gerstel, Mauro Rudi Casanova
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Patent number: 7542636Abstract: An optical apparatus is made by mounting segments of a GRIN optical medium on a substrate in at least one groove thereon. The GRIN segments are longitudinally spaced apart from one another on the substrate, and are arranged so that a free-space optical beam received through the distal end face of the first GRIN segment is transmitted through the proximal end face of the first GRIN segment, propagates to the proximal end face of the second GRIN segment, is received through the proximal end face of the second GRIN segment, and is transmitted as a free-space optical beam through the distal end face of the second GRIN segment. The GRIN segments can be formed by division of a single GRIN optical medium mounted on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: HOYA Corporation USAInventors: Henry A. Blauvelt, David W. Vernooy, Joel S. Paslaski
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Patent number: 7542643Abstract: An optical assembly includes a waveguide assembly and an optical coupling element. The waveguide assembly includes a core, a cladding portion, and, preferably, at least two waveguide core fiducials, the at least two waveguide core fiducials and the core being lithographically formed substantially simultaneously in a substantially coplanar layer. The core and the at least two waveguide core fiducials are formed in a predetermined relationship with the cladding portion. The optical coupling element (for example, a lens array or mechanical transfer (MT) ferrule), includes an optical element and, preferably, at least two alignment features associated with the optical element, the at least two alignment features being mated with the at least two waveguide core fiducials to accurately position the optical element with respect to the core in an X-Y plane A method of alignment is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Russell A. Budd, Punit Chiniwalla, Philip C. D. Hobbs, Frank R. Libsch
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Patent number: 7542635Abstract: An enhanced electroluminescent sign containing a volumetric, anisotropic scattering element to control the angular spread of light from the sign and the spatial luminance uniformity of the sign. The anisotropic scattering element contains one or more regions of asymmetrically-shaped light scattering particles. The angular spread of light leaving a sign from a light emitting source can be efficiently controlled by using a thin, low cost, volumetric, anisotropic scattering elements to angularly and spatially distribute light, permitting the reduction in number of light sources, a reduction in power requirements, or a more tailored viewing angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Fusion Optix Inc.Inventor: Zane Coleman
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Publication number: 20090136177Abstract: A microstructure optical adapter or tip according to the present disclosure may incorporate precision micro structure optical components engaging the input or output end of light energy delivery devices for customized light delivery of the light energy. The incorporation of precision micro structure optical components in injection molded plastic or glass parts will allow for inexpensive modification of the output light while also serving to protect the end of the illumination device. The micro structure optical components may also be incorporated in an adapter to tailor the light energy to the subsequent device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2009Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Alex Vayser, Kenneth C. Trauner
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Patent number: 7539376Abstract: An optically connectable circuit board and optical components mounted thereon. At least one component includes optical transceivers and provides an optical connection to the board. Electronic components may be directly connected to the board electrically or optically. Also, some electronic components may be indirectly connected optically to the board through intermediate optical components.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ferenc M. Bozso, Phillip G. Emma
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Publication number: 20090129727Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical module according to an aspect of the present invention includes: preparing a stem including a first lead and a second lead to transmit an electrical signal from a photonic device, the second lead being shorter than the first lead; preparing a member having a first hole and a second hole which are formed therein so as to correspond to the first lead and the second lead, respectively; inserting the first lead into the first hole; and inserting the second lead into the second hole after inserting the first lead into the first hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: NEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Junichi Shimizu, Kazuhiro Mitamura
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Patent number: 7536070Abstract: Ring or disc optical resonators are provided with random or coherent corrugation on a top surface to cause optical power to be radiated in a desired direction by light scattering. The resonators may be positioned proximate a waveguide, either in-plane or inter-plane with the waveguide. The resonators are used in a polymeric photonic display. Light at each fundamental color is generated by light emitting diodes, such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The light is coupled into waveguides that cross an array of diffractive elements, such as the resonators, each combined with an optical modulator, such as a polymer electro-optic (EO) modulator. The modulator allows light from the waveguides to reach the diffractive elements. Control lines run across the waveguides, and provide control signals to the modulators, allowing one row of diffractive elements at a time to receive light from the waveguides. The rows are scanned and synchronized with light generated by the OLEDs.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Vilson Rosa de Almeida, Carlos Angulo Barrios, Roberto R. Panepucci, Michal Lipson
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Patent number: 7532792Abstract: An optical coupler for coupling light from at least two input fibers into one output fiber and a method of fabricating and use of an optical coupler. The coupler comprises a) an input section comprising an output end face at one end of the bundling-length of input fibers; and b) an output section comprising an output fiber comprising a confining region for confining light propagated in the input fibers and a surrounding cladding region and having an input end face; wherein the output end face of said input section is optically coupled to the input end face of the output section and at least the confining region of the output fiber is tapered down from a first cross sectional area at the input end face to a second, smaller cross sectional area over a tapering-length of the output fiber.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Crystal Fibre A/SInventors: Peter M. W. Skovgaard, Martin Dybendal Nielsen
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Patent number: 7532782Abstract: A flexible optical circuit comprising passive or active components is provided. The flexible optical circuit includes a first optical fiber having both first and second ends, a second optical fiber having both first and second ends, a flexible substrate attached to both the first and second optical fibers where the first and second pins of the first and second optical fibers extend to at least the edge of the flexible substrate and a component coupled to the first optical fiber between the first and second ends. The component can be used passive or active. A passive component requires no electrical trace lines to activate the component and the passive component will react upon the reception of a light-wave signal. The active component will require power from the back plane before the active component can modify or affect the light-wave signal. The first and second ends of the optical fibers extend at least to the edge of the flexible optical circuit or can extend beyond the edge of the flexible substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Pivotal Decisions LLCInventors: William David Bragg, Peter Earl Stokes, John W. Ayres, III