Abstract: A microlens is affixed in the far field of an optical fiber to spatially transform a beam either entering or exiting the fiber. In a first embodiment, a droplet of photo polymer is placed on the end of an optical fiber and the fiber is spun to create an artificial gravity. The droplet is cured by UV radiation during the spinning. In a second embodiment, nanoparticles are mixed into the droplet to increase the refractive index of the photo polymer. A third embodiment employs artificial gravity to attach a microsphere to the end of the optical fiber. A fourth embodiment chemically treats the surface of the microsphere so that the requirement of artificial gravity is either reduced or eliminated. In a fifth embodiment the droplet is cured under equlibrium or nonequilibrium conditions to obtain different final shapes for the lenslet. A sixth embodiment discloses fabrication of microlens arrays.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexing optical coupler comprising an input optical fiber for a plurality of wavelengths; a lens for converting the light from the input optical fiber into a parallel light; a first optical filter group comprising optical filters aligned along the flux of parallel light so as to be fixed by angles different from each other such that fluxes of light in predetermined wavelength ranges are reflected in respective directions; and output optical fibers, to which the fluxes of light are coupled; wherein a second optical filter group for transmitting the predetermined wavelength ranges are arranged between the first face of the lens and the respective end faces of the set of the output optical fibers for coupling the fluxes of light reflected by the respective optical filters of the first optical filter group.

Abstract: A lens assembly and method for manufacture. The lens assembly includes at least one lens element, with multiple sawn planar faces formed parallel to an optical axis and spaced equidistantly from the optical axis so the lens element has a polygonal cross section. Each lens element has a centered, rotationally symmetric characteristic so the overall assembly has a corresponding characteristic. The manufacture includes the step of utilizing oversized conventional cylindrical lens elements and other optical elements formed into lens systems. The faces are sawn to reduce the overall size. A circumscribing sheath provides a segmental lumen along each face.

Abstract: A WDM coupler includes an optical collimating module disposed in an outer tube unit. The optical collimating module includes adhesive bonds made from UV-curing epoxy for bonding together an optical filter component and a first collimating lens, the optical filter component and a second collimating lens, the first collimating lens and a first fiber pigtail, and the second collimating lens and a second fiber pigtail. A method for making the WDM coupler is also disclosed.

Abstract: A resonant optical modulator comprises a transmission fiber-optic waveguide, a circumferential-mode optical resonator transverse-coupled thereto, a modulator optical component transverse-coupled to the circumferential-mode resonator, and a modulator control component. A control signal applied to the modulator optical component through the modulator control component alters the round-trip optical loss of the circumferential-mode resonator, thereby altering the transmission of a resonant optical signal through the transmission fiber-optic waveguide. The modulator optical element may comprise an open waveguide or a closed waveguide (i.e., resonator). The resonator round-trip optical loss may be altered by altering the optical absorption/scattering of the modulator optical component, by altering the amount of optical power transfer between the resonator and the modulator optical component, or by altering an optical resonance frequency of a resonant modulator optical component.

Abstract: Techniques for designing optical couplers are disclosed. According to one aspect of the optical couplers, different from the prior art couplers, a holding tube (a sub-assembly) for holding an optical lens (e.g., a GRIN lens) and an optical filter (e.g., a thin film filter) is formed by concatenating two single tubes, one for accommodating the optical lens and the other for accommodating the optical filter. The two tubes are not required to have an identical dimension. As a result, inherent flexibilities are provided in the holding tube, especially the optical filter often comes in different sizes. Further, when the sub-assembly is inserted in a sleeve, only either one of the two tubes is secured to the sleeve so as to reduce a risk that, during a thermal condition change, any metal and glass material expansion will not cause the sub-assembly to be under stress that would otherwise be present when both of the tubes are secured to the sleeve.

Abstract: A fiber lens includes a graded-index lens, a single-mode fiber disposed at a first end of the graded-index lens, and a refractive lens having a hyperbolic or near-hyperbolic shape disposed at a second end of the graded-index lens to focus a beam from the single-mode fiber to a diffraction-limited spot.

Abstract: An infrared transceiver module for enabling a multiple direction infrared communication includes a transfer element for enlarging the working angles of infrared emission and reception of a transmitter and receiver portion. The transfer element has a surface area larger than the surface area of the transmitter and receiver portion. Infrared signal beam transmitting from the transmitter and receiver portion is repeatedly refracted by said transfer element and transmitted in multiple directions from the transfer element. Exterior signal beams coming to any portion of the transfer element are also repeatedly refracted by said transfer element and received by said transmitter and receiver portion. Therefore, a multiple direction infrared transmission and reception is obtained.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser (41) is fixed onto a base part (22) with a submount (32) and a reference optical axis (5) is determined by the semiconductor laser (41). A groove (222) having a U-shaped section is formed on a bonding part (221), and solder (31) is applied in the groove (222) and melted and a collimator lens (42) supported by a supporting arm (61) is moved to the groove (222). A light beam emitted from the semiconductor laser (41) is guided through the collimator lens (42) to an image pickup part (7), where an image representing the state of the light beam is acquired. The collimator lens (42) is positioned with respect to the reference optical axis (5) on the basis of the image and fixed onto the base part (22) out of contact therewith, with the solder interposed therebetween. This simplifies a structure of an optical element module (11) in which the collimator lens (42) is positioned with respect to the reference optical axis (5) with high accuracy.

Abstract: A fusion-bonded optical component is created using a laser oscillator for irradiating at least one beam of laser light upon optical components, for example an end of a rod lens and an end of an optical fiber. The optical components are fusion-bonded at respective ends. A CCD camera is used for observing a shape change caused by the laser beam irradiation of the ends during the fusion bonding, and a controlling section controls the laser oscillator to form a curved edge in the end portion, the controller controlling the irradiation of the rod lens and optical fiber based at least in part on the observation performed by the CCD camera.

Abstract: The thin-film optical filters and transmitted-light collimators of a multistage optical multiplexer/demultiplexer apparatus are assembled by locating the thin-film optical filters so that an incident light beam is incident upon and reflected sequentially from each thin-film optical filter to the next thin-film optical filter, and orienting each thin-film optical filter to produce a respective angle-of-incidence of the incident light beam on the thin-film optical filter so that a desired transmitted light beam is transmitted therethrough with a maximum intensity. The transmitted-light collimators are positioned to receive the respective transmitted light beams with minimal insertion loss. The respective steps of positioning are performed independently of, but after, the respective steps of orienting for each multiplexer/demultiplexer stage.

Abstract: A fiber optic apparatus comprising a biconvex optical lens having two equivalent aspheric optical surfaces; an optical fiber approximately located at one of a front focal plane and a back focal plane of the optical lens; and a structure positioned relative to the optical lens and the optical fiber, wherein the structure maintains the position of the optical lens relative to the optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention concerns monomode or multimode optical fibers provided with a lens with an end taper, obtained by selective photopolymerization of a formulation, and with improved performances through the use of novel parameters and technical processes enabling production of polymer tapers with optimized characteristic required for a wide range of applications. The monomode or multimode optical fibers can, for certain specific applications, be equipped with a metallized polymer taper except for a nanometric opening for sensing or emitting light or a polymer taper whereof the formulation contains fluorescent particles. The novel fibers are essential components in various fields such as telecommunications (high performance connectors) or instrumentation (optical radiation comparator probes for scanning optical microscopy and near-field optical microscopy).

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator for optical communications comprises: a substrate on which a plurality of alignment grooves are patterned; an input optical fiber aligned in one of the alignment grooves and receiving an optical signal; a reflector formed on the substrate so as to move to change a path of an optical signal which has passed through the input optical fiber; an output optical fiber aligned in one of the alignment grooves and outputting an optical signal whose path has been changed; a first lens aligned in one of the alignment grooves between the input/output optical fibers and the reflector so as to collimate an optical signal in a direction perpendicular to the substrate; and a second lens patterned on the substrate between the input/output optical fibers and the reflector so as to collimate an optical signal in a direction horizontal to the substrate, thereby facilitating an assembly process, reducing an alignment error, and miniaturizing its entire size.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interleaver for an optical communication system. A dual collimator is combined with a first optical fiber acting as a light input port and one end of a second optical fiber spaced from the first optical fiber, and switches light advancing along the first and second optical fibers into parallel light. A beam splitter is arranged so that one surface is opposite to the dual collimator, and transmits one half of an input light and reflects the other half of the input light. A single collimator is arranged opposite to the other surface of the beam splitter, and combined with the other end of the second optical fiber so as to switch light advancing toward the other end of the second optical fiber into parallel light. An output optical fiber is arranged opposite to the other surface of the beam splitter and acts as a light output port.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for a fiber optic housing and aligning device. A fiber optic housing and aligning device in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing, a directionally adjustable tubular casing that is mechanically coupled to a wall of the housing, and a collimator disposed within the directionally adjustable tubular casing, wherein the adjustable tubular casing comprises a convex spherical cap surface that mates with a concave seating surface of an opening within the wall and wherein the spherical cap surface may be attached to the housing by laser welding or by epoxy.

Abstract: An optical module has first and second optical parts. Each of the optical parts has an optical path extending in a longitudinal direction and an end face intersecting the optical path. The end face of the first optical part faces the end face of the second optical part. Light enters the end face of the second optical part from the end face of the first optical part. An adhesive forms a joint for connecting the end faces of the parts to each other in peripheral portions about the optical paths of the parts.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring system comprises at least one sensor station (2) and an interferometric interrogation system (9); wherein the at least one sensor station (2) comprises at least one optical fiber sensor (5) deployed in a highway (1); and wherein the interferometric interrogation system (9) is adapted to respond to an optical phase shift produced in the at least one optical fiber sensor (5) due to a force applied by a vehicle passing the at least one sensor station (2).

Abstract: An optical fiber collimator array includes an optical fiber array block and a microlens array substrate. The optical fiber array block includes an angled surface and is configured to receive and retain a plurality of individual optical fibers, which carry optical signals. The microlens array substrate includes a plurality of microlenses integrated along a microlens surface and a sloped surface opposite the microlens surface. The microlens surface is coupled to the angled surface such that the optical signals from the individual optical fibers are each collimated by a different one of the integrated microlenses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical transmission module comprising: a laser diode; a lens for condensing a laser beam from the laser diode; a fiber ferrule which is placed so that the laser beam condensed by the lens can enter a fiber core; and a lens aperture or a lens aperture portion which is provided at one of the lens itself, a position before the lens and a position after the lens. In addition, the present invention provides an optical transmission module in which instead of the lens aperture, an effective diameter of the lens on the fiber ferrule side is set at a value ranging from 0.1 times to less than 0.2 times of a distance between an emittance plane of the lens and an incidence plane of the fiber ferrule.

Abstract: A light guiding member (40) for reflecting therein light entering through a light entering surface (40a) several times to cause light having a uniform illumination distribution to outgo from a light outgoing surface (40b) is inserted into an optical path between a lamp source (10) and a reflection type display device (80). The light outgoing surface (40b) of the light guiding member (40) is formed in a dissimilar shape with an image display region of the reflection type display device (80), and a region irradiated with light in the image display region of the reflection type display device (80) is formed smaller than the image display region. This prevents a whitening phenomenon in a projected image undisplay region and improves video effects given to viewers as well as effectively utilizing light emitted from a light source for images to be projected to display projected images brightly.

Abstract: An optical module includes at least one optical fiber, a gradient index rod lens, and an optical element. The rod lens is placed at a position separated from an end surface of the optical fiber by a space. The optical element is separated from the rod lens. Outgoing light from the single optical fiber is inputted to the optical element via the rod lens, and light reflected by the optical element is coupled to the optical fiber via the rod lens. When a distance between the rod lens and the optical element is longer than a predetermined value, and a lens length optimized for the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined pitch, the rod lens has end surfaces perpendicular to an optical axis.

Abstract: A method of coupling a high-power optical signal between an optical fiber and a mating optical component, the optical signal ranging in wavelength from x to y, and having a first diameter while propagating in a mode field within the fiber, the method comprising: (a) converting the high-power optical signal between the first diameter in the fiber and a second diameter significantly greater than the first diameter using a GRIN lens fused to an end of the fiber, the GRIN lens having a diameter substantially the same as that of the optical fiber and a length l complying with the following equation: ¼x+½nx?l?¼y+½ny, wherein n=0, 1, 2, 3 . . . 100; (b) establishing physical contact between the GRIN lens and a coupling surface of the mating optical component; and (c) while the high-power optical signal is at the second diameter, optically coupling it between the lens and the mating optical component.

Abstract: A micro-optic fiber device is provided with independent counter-bore tubes and coupling tubes serving as couplers for coupling the optical processing elements, micro lenses and the fiber pigtails. The micro-optic fiber device can be built using direct coupling manner, wherein the optical processing element is firstly inserted and fixed in the step groove of the counter-bore tube by applying bonding agent between the outer periphery of the optical processing element and the inner surface of the step groove, and then the counter-bore tube is coupled with the coupling tubes, thus eliminating the need of using bonding agent between the optical processing element and the micro lenses and preventing the bonding agent from diffusing and spreading over the optical path.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optic based wavelength division multiplexer device made by a micro lithography and etching process, utilizing the special crystal lattice structure of a silicon wafer. The device comprises a silicon substrate with grooves, an input fiber optic of incoming port with its front lens, a fiber optic of pass port with its front lens, a fiber optic of reflect port with its front lens, and a thin-film filter. The fiber optics, lenses, and the thin-film filter are inserted into grooves to complete the fiber-to-fiber alignment and coupling. The present invention provides both functions of wavelength multiplexing and wavelength demultiplexing. The present invention also has the characteristics of automatic alignment and passive alignment.

Abstract: A collimator includes a capillary for holding optical fibers, a gradient index rod lens, and a cylindrical lens holder which holds the gradient index rod lens and has an annular end face connected to an end face of the capillary by an adhesive. By using the holder, the resistant of light power is improved and the degree of freedom of selection of the adhesive is increased.

Abstract: A collimator for use at multiple wavelengths includes an optical fiber and a gradient index lens positioned at a constant distance with respect to an end of the optical fiber. The gradient index lens has a chromatic aberration at a selected pitch less than 0.01 over a selected range of the infrared spectral region.

Abstract: In one embodiment, fiber optic arrays or bundles are used as a light guide to transmit ultraviolet light to the substrate surface for photo-directed polymer synthesis. Digital Micromirror Array (DMA) is used as a switching device to reflect light onto the entry side of the fiber optic array.

Abstract: The present invention relates a fiber optical module. A first filter 5 transmits a light with a first predetermined wavelength (?A ), and reflects lights with a second predetermined wavelength (?B) and a third predetermined wavelength (?C). A second filter 6 transmits the light with wavelength ?B and reflects the light with wavelength ?C. A first light-receiving device 2 receives the light with wavelength ?A, and a second light-receiving device 3 receives the light with wavelength ?B, A light-emitting device 4 emits the light with wavelength ?C. A first optical fiber 1a leads the lights with wavelengths ?A and ?B to the first filter 5. A second optical fiber 1b leads the light with wavelength ?B reflected by the first filter 1a. A third optical fiber 1c leads the light with wavelength ?C emitted by the light-emitting device 4 to the second filter 6.

Abstract: An optical fiber collimator including a microlens array and single mode optical fibers. Microlens elements are formed in two surfaces of the transparent substrate. Two opposing microlens elements each function as a collimator lens. The single mode optical fiber is optically coupled to the collimator lens.

Abstract: A polarization beam combiner/splitter (“PBCS”) for combining and splitting multiple channels of light beams simultaneously is disclosed. The PBCS includes a first fiber array, a second fiber array, and an optical core composed of a birefringent or other suitable material. The first fiber array includes a plurality of optical fiber pairs, while the second fiber array includes a corresponding plurality of optical fibers. The optical core is sized to modify light beams from any of the optical fibers of the first or second array. In a beam combining operation, multiple channels of polarized beams are emitted by the optical fiber pairs of the first fiber array and passed through the optical core, which combines the beams into dual-polarized combined light beams. The combined beams exit the optical core and are received by the second array of optical fibers. A similar beam splitting operation can be performed on multiple combined beams.

Abstract: The optical receiver includes: an optical input port for receiving WDM signals; a transmittable-wavelength-variable filtering unit which transmits, of the received WDM signals, a light signal in a predetermined transmittable wavelength bandwidth with a desired central wavelength of ?i (i=1 to n: n is an integer number greater than 2); an optical output port which outputs the remaining light signals at wavelengths (?i) (k=1 to n; k?i) untransmittable through the transmittable-wavelength-variable filtering unit; and a control unit which controls the central wavelength so that the level of the light signal passing through the transmittable-wavelength-variable filtering unit is the maximum. It is whereby possible to flexibly accommodate changes in number of channels combined in a WDM system, and to adaptively minimize ASE light leaking into the photoreceptor of the optical receiver even in a CWDM system with wide channel spacing.

Abstract: A rod lens with one or more optically active surfaces and one or more inactive surfaces, in which one part of the optically inactive surface or surfaces, especially a lens facet and/or radial peripheral surface of a lens, is smooth, and a method for smoothing one part of one or more optically inactive surfaces of a lens, especially of a lens facet and/or radial peripheral surface of a lens. As a result, the occurrence of fissures in the lens is prevented or reduced.

Abstract: An optical package comprises an optical element (e.g., a filter), a reflective surface, an input optical fiber and an output optical fiber. A light signal travels through the input fiber and through the element where it is shaped or modified a first time. The shaped light signal is reflected by the reflective surface and is again transmitted through the element where it is shaped or modified a second time. The twice-shaped light signal then travels out through the output fiber. The package thereby utilizes the element two times. The package is useful in wavelength division multiplex (WDM) telecommunication systems and other light processing systems.

Abstract: A substrate for mounting an optical component such that a cylindrical lens can be passively aligned in an exact position, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The substrate includes a groove, which is recessed into the substrate to have a slanted sidewall; and a stopper, which is formed on the groove using a photolithographic process such that the stopper is in contact with the optical component mounted in the groove and defines a position of the optical component. The method includes forming a groove having a slanted sidewall by etching a substrate and forming a stopper, which is in contact with an optical component mounted in the groove and defines a position of the optical component, by performing a photolithographic process on the substrate having the groove.

Abstract: There is provided an optical module capable of improving assembling efficiency and reducing the number of parts to reduce production costs, and an optical connector having the same. The optical module has a holder 3, a lens 12 and a diffraction grating 13 for damping the quantity of light. The holder 3, the lens 12 and the diffraction grating 13 are formed of a resin material so as to be integrated with each other. The diffracting grating 13 is designed to prevent high-order diffracted light beams from being coupled with an optical fiber 8.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique of providing illumination light having an even intensity, in order to make intensity of three illumination light with a simple structure. A second optical waveguide having a second incidence plane for second color light and a third optical waveguide having a third incidence plane for third color light are joined to a first optical waveguide having a first incidence plane for first optical light and an emergence plane opposed to the first incidence plane. A first dichroic filter that reflects the first color light and the third color light and transmits the second color light is formed on a joint surface between the first optical waveguide and the second waveguide. A second dichroic filter that reflects the first color light and the second color light and transmits the third color light is formed on a joint surface between the first optical waveguide and the third waveguide.

Abstract: There is provided a gradient index rod lens unit having a desired chromatic aberration. The gradient index rod lens unit is comprised of two gradient index rod lenses 11 and 12 with different chromatic aberrations and the entire lengths thereof adjusted, which are disposed in series with the optical axes thereof in alignment. The chromatic aberration of the gradient index rod lens unit can be set to a value falling within chromatic aberration ranges inherently possessed by the respective gradient index rod lenses 11 and 12.

Abstract: Optical devices for adding/dropping an optical signal with a particular wavelength are disclosed. According to embodiment, a reflection channel module including a grin lens and a bandpass filter is employed to transmit the optical with a particular wavelength and reflect all other channel signals. The transmitted signal is regulated by an optical regulator (e.g. variable optical attenuator) before it is output from the device via a grin lens. As a result, a regulated channel can be dropped or added depending on an application.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a fiber optic pigtail, a sleeve in which the pigtail is housed, a collimating lens, a rod upon which is mounted an optical device and a lens sleeve in which the lens and rod are housed. Bonding lines bond the rod and lens to the lens sleeve, the pigtail to the pigtail sleeve, and the pigtail sleeve to the lens sleeve. The optical assembly and method of fabrication thereof support multiple optical device geometries, longitudinal adjustment of the position of the optical device within the optical assembly, an extended bonding line between the optical device and the environment outside the optical assembly, full x-y-z positioning of the pigtail relative to the lens and reduced reliance on bonding line thickness irregularities.

Abstract: A fiber optic collimator comprises an optical fiber with an angled end face, a ferrule and a plano-convex lens. An end portion of the optical fiber is inserted in the ferrule. The plano-convex lens collimates a beam of light from the optical fiber.

Abstract: The supporting structure for a rod integrator 300 includes, for example, holding members 350a, 350b for holding the rod integrator 300, and supporting units 360a, 360b for supporting the holding members. Each holding member 350a contacts by its planar portions (walls) respectively with two side surfaces of the rod integrator 300 adjacent to one another. The holding member 350a has a clearance such that the holding member does not contact with the edge shared by the two side surfaces of the rod integrator 300. The supporting unit 360a includes, for example, a supporting member 361a and screw 362a. The supporting unit 360a supports the rod integrator 300 by pressing of the screw 362a along the direction of the diagonal of the rod integrator 300 via the supporting member 361a. By doing so, chipping and scratching proximate to the edge can be reduced, and soiling of the reflecting plane can be prevented.

Abstract: An optical device comprises a first refractive index distribution (RID) type lens, having one end face ground diagonally, first and second ports connected to the diagonally ground end face, an optical functional element connected to another end face of the first RID type lens, a second RID type lens, having one end face ground diagonally, and another end face placed so as to face the end face of the first RID type lens through the optical functional element, and a third port connected to the diagonally ground end face. An optical path from the first port reflected by the optical functional element to the second port, wherein the optical path length of the reflected light through the first RID type lens is equal to an optical path length of transmitted light from the first port through the optical functional element through the second RID type lens to the third port.

Abstract: An optical isolator comprising a combination of an optical isolator main body and a holder holding the optical isolator main body, the optical isolator main body including a Faraday rotator element, a polarizer and an analyzer disposed at the front and back of the Faraday rotator element, and permanent magnets disposed on the outside of the Faraday rotator element, the polarizer and the analyzer.

Abstract: An optical fiber collimator using a gradient index rod lens for securing a required long opposing distance and easy handling. The collimator includes a single mode fiber and a gradient index rod lens for receiving an incident light from the single mode fiber and converting the incident light into a collimated light, or condensing an incident light and coupling the condensed incident light to the single mode fiber. A meandering period (pitch) of a ray determined by a refractive index distribution of the rod lens is decided. The gradient index rod lens has a lens length larger by 0.5 meandering periods than a minimum lens length required to obtain a predetermined opposing distance between a pair of the rod lenses.

Abstract: A new low-cost, highly reliable and compact optical power monitor is manufactured with simplified structure and improved configurations that require only lateral position adjustment for input/output beam alignment. A compact size is achieved by employing prefabricated housing containing a highly effective focus lens placed at fixed position relative to an optical sensor, e.g., a photodiode. The prefabricated housing further function as a seal housing for direct plugging into a holding tube fitting seamlessly to a GRIN lens to focus the tapped collimated beam to the photo sensor thus greatly simplify the manufacturing processes without alignment requirements. Thermal stability and reliable performance is achieved by applying multiple-layered optical reflection-transmission coating directly onto the end surface of a GRIN lens for tapping a small portion of the collimated beam onto the focus lens and the photo sensor.

Abstract: A beam refraction apparatus includes an input fiber carrying an input beam. A wavelength dispersive element is coupled to the input fiber. The wavelength dispersive element spreads the input beam in at least one dimension as a function of wavelength and generates a dispersed beam. A controllable grating reflects the dispersed beam to the wavelength dispersive element and generates a recombined beam. The controllable grating provides a controllable reflectivity as a function of wavelength. An output fiber receives the recombined beam. A collimating optical member is coupled to the input and output fibers. The collimating optical member passes the input beam and the recombined beams in parallel and opposite directions.

Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit comprises a first portion of a waveguide, a second portion of a waveguide, and a segment of crystal core fiber coupling the first portion to the second portion of the waveguide. The crystal core fiber helps to reduce the polarization sensitivity of the waveguide. In one embodiment, multiple crystal core fibers are used in a planar lightwave circuit having multiple waveguides, such as an array waveguide grating.

Abstract: The inventive coupling device enables a high interconnection density of single mode optical fiber in active and passive devises used in a fiber optic telecommunication system. The coupling device comprise a micro-lens formed by terminating a single mode optical fibers with an optimized gradient index fiber, thus avoiding a significant increase in fiber diameter. The gradient index is optimized to provide a long working distance to the minimum spot size so that efficient coupling can be achieved in a free space interconnection between either multiple single mode fibers or a single mode fiber to a transmitting or receiving device.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels, which are then focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into selected output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports. The WSR apparatus of the present invention may be further equipped with servo-control and spectral power-management capabilities, thereby maintaining the coupling efficiencies of the spectral channels into the output ports at desired values.