End Fire Patents (Class 385/38)
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Patent number: 7043111Abstract: A first optical waveguide having at least a core layer with a refractive index ncj and a second optical waveguide having at least a core layer with a refractive index nck are arranged to oppose their end surfaces, and at least any one end surface of the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide is formed by the etching, and the end surface formed by the etching is covered with a coating medium with a refractive index nij or nik that is equal to a refractive index ncj or nck of the core layer that is exposed from the end surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Yukiko Ikarashi, Masayuki Kato, Koji Tsukamoto
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Patent number: 7039324Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for regenerating an optical signal suitable for WDM (wavelength division multiplexing). In this method, an optical signal is supplied to an optical waveguide structure (e.g., optical fiber) for providing a nonlinear effect. As a result, the optical signal undergoes chirp induced by the nonlinear effect. Then, an output optical signal output from the optical waveguide structure is supplied to an optical filter to thereby remove a small-chirp component from the output optical signal. By removing the small-chirp component from the output optical signal in the form of pulse, intensity fluctuations or accumulated noise especially at a top portion and/or a low-power portion of the pulse can be removed. Accordingly, the optical signal can be regenerated independently of the bit rate, pulse shape, etc. of the optical signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2001Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Shigeki Watanabe
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Patent number: 7021835Abstract: Optical alignment apparatus is disclosed that includes a heatsink positioned on a supporting substrate and a laser positioned on the heat sink. The laser defines a light emitting axis substantially parallel to the surface of the supporting substrate. A conductive layer is formed on the surface of the supporting substrate adjacent the heat sink and a dielectric layer is formed on the conductive layer. The conductive layer and the dielectric layer define a selected bondline thickness. An optical block is fixedly mounted on the dielectric layer so as to receive light along an optical axis substantially parallel with the surface of the supporting substrate. The bondline thickness is selected to align the optical axis of the optical block with the optical axis of the light generating component.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Joseph John Vandenberg
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Patent number: 7020366Abstract: A light emitting device has a fiber stub component, a grating chip, a semiconductor optical amplifier, a photodiode, and a mount member. The fiber stub component is comprised of a ferrule and an optical fiber. The fiber stub component, grating chip, and semiconductor optical amplifier are mounted on the mount member and are optically coupled to each other. An optical cavity is comprised of a light reflecting surface of the semiconductor optical amplifier and a diffraction grating of the grating chip. In this configuration, the light emitting device can provide laser light of a desired wavelength, without use of a pigtail fiber. The light emitting device can be constructed in smaller size than those using the pigtail fiber.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiromi Nakanishi, Yoshiki Kuhara
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Patent number: 6999661Abstract: A configuration for coupling optical signals of at least one optical data channel into and/or out of an optical waveguide carrying optical signals of at least two optical data channels includes at least two optical waveguide sections forming the optical waveguide, the sections positioned axially one behind the other, at least core regions of two optical waveguide sections being positioned one behind the other separated from one another by a free-radiating region, an end face of at least one waveguide section running obliquely with respect to an optical axis (7) of the waveguide and being coated with a wavelength-selective filter, and, for a specific optical data channel, light being coupled into or out of the optical waveguide by reflecting light of the optical data channel, before or after traversing the free-radiating region, at the end face of the optical waveguide section running obliquely with respect to the optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Volker Plickert, Lutz Melchior, Thomas Murphy, Herwig Stange
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Patent number: 6996311Abstract: An optical communication device includes a light source that emits a light beam and an optical fiber having a core and a cladding. The optical fiber has a light entrance face having a core region and a cladding region. The light beam emitted by the light source is converged by a converging lens on the core region and is transmitted through the optical fiber. The entrance face is configured to generate a light intensity distribution in light reflected by the light entrance face depending on a position where the light beam is incident on the entrance face, a converging lens arranged between the light source and the optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: PENTAX CorporationInventors: Masahiro Fushimi, Eiichi Ito, Tomohiro Fujita, Tadashi Minakuchi, Akira Arimoto, Mitsunori Iima, Yoshimi Obara, Shinji Tsukamoto, Ryoichi Nakanishi
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Patent number: 6980718Abstract: A first optical waveguide having at least a core layer with a refractive index ncj and a second optical waveguide having at least a core layer with a refractive index nck are arranged to oppose their end surfaces, and at least any one end surface of the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide is formed by the etching, and the end surface formed by the etching is covered with a coating medium with a refractive index nij or nik that is equal to a refractive index ncj or nck of the core layer that is exposed from the end surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Yukiko Ikarashi, Masayuki Kato, Koji Tsukamoto
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Patent number: 6915063Abstract: A rod integrator includes a quadrangular prismatic light-guiding member with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The light-guiding member guides a light beam from a first end surface to a second end surface, opposing the first end surface, while the beam is reflected by the side surfaces so that the beam is output from the second end surface. The rod integrator includes a tube-shape body having the first open end portion tightly surrounding the end portion of the light-guiding member on the side of the second end surface, and having the second open end portion from which the beam is output while causing the beam from the first end portion to be reflected by inner mirror surfaces of the tube-shape body. The tube-shape body is arrangedy in a pinwheel shape. First, second, third, and fourth members, each of which has a plate shape and a mirror surface on one side, are arranged on the light-guiding member, such that the tube-shape body has the mirror surfaces facing inside.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Fujinon CorporationInventors: Satoru Kawaai, Koji Ohgaki
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Patent number: 6907166Abstract: A setup for providing an optical contact adapted for guiding an optical signal comprises an optical waveguide being adapted for guiding the optical signal and comprising a tip on an end of the waveguide, wherein the tip comprises a transparent elastic material covering the end. A detector is provided for detecting a substantial alignment between the waveguide and an optical path within a device under test, and a first moving unit is used to move the waveguide laterally relative to a longitudinal direction of the waveguide and the device under test until the detector substantially detects the alignment. A second moving unit is adapted to reduce the distance between the tip and the device under test until the tip comes in physical contact with the device under test when the detector has detected alignment.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter Thoma, Emmerich Mueller
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Patent number: 6904206Abstract: Improved fiber Fabry-Perot (FFP) filter configurations are provided in which at least one of the mirror-ended fiber ends forming the FFP has a concave fiber core end. The mirror at that fiber core end is thus concave. The invention provides waferless FFP configurations in which the FFP cavity is an air-gap cavity formed by two highly reflective dielectric mirrors deposited directly on optical fiber ends. The air gap cavity can be tuned using various methods to tune the filter. Use of a concave mirror at the fiber core enables filters with improved performance characteristics: including very wide FSR (>12000 GHz), very high finesse (>5,000), and high glitch-free dynamic range (GFDR) (>40 dB). The invention also provides improved wafer-based FFP fixed and tunable filters that incorporate a concave mirror at a fiber core forming the FFP cavity and a fiber (SMF) waveguide within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Micron Optics, Inc.Inventors: Yufei Bao, Stephen K. Ferguson, Donald Q. Snyder
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Patent number: 6856732Abstract: A semiconductor-based tunable add/drop method and apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, a method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes splitting a first optical beam having multiple wavelengths into second and third optical beams with a first 3 dB optical coupler disposed in a semiconductor substrate. Portions of the second and third optical beams having a tunable wavelength are reflected back to the first 3 dB optical coupler with first and second pluralities of silicon and polysilicon interfaces, respectively, disposed along the semiconductor substrate. In another embodiment, the portions of the second and third optical beams having a tunable wavelength are reflected back to the first 3 dB optical coupler with first and second pluralities of modulated charged regions. Portions of the second and third optical beams not reflected are directed to a second 3 dB optical coupler disposed in the semiconductor substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Ansheng Liu, Mario J. Paniccia, Remus Nicolaescu, Andrew C. Alduino, Ling Liao
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Patent number: 6853487Abstract: An optical device includes: a first polarization beam splitter (PBS); a first set of optical rotators optically coupled to the first PBS; a second PBS optically coupled to the first set of optical rotators; a first reflection interferometer (RI) optically coupled to the second PBS; a second RI optically coupled to the first PBS; a second set of optical rotators optically coupled to the second PBS; a third PBS optically coupled to the second set of optical rotators; and a third RI optically coupled to the third PBS. Preferably, the optical device is an Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer and may further comprise an Input Port optically coupled to the first PBS, an Output Port optically coupled to the second PBS, and an Add Port optically coupled to the third PBS.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Avanex CorporationInventors: Shudong Wu, Simon Xiaofan Cao
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Patent number: 6839473Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making optical fiber having low polarization dependence and an acousto-optical filter with low PDL. A section of the fiber is heated and then allowed to cool. At least the heating is controlled to reduce stresses in a cladding layer surrounding a core of the interaction length after the interaction length is allowed to cool to reduce polarization dependence of the cladding layer. Preferably, at least time and temperature of heating is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Novera Optics, Inc.Inventors: Hyo-Sang Kim, David Vigdor Salamon, Seok-Hyun Yun
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Publication number: 20040264860Abstract: 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).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Pascal Royer, Renaud Bachelot, Carole Ecoffet, Daniel-Joseph Lougnot
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Publication number: 20040264861Abstract: An attachment structure, and an associated method and system for forming the attachment structure. An end of an optical fiber is melted while the end is above, but not touching, an exposed surface of a substrate such that said end becomes molten. The optical fiber is substantially optically transparent to laser radiation of a given wavelength. The molten end is moved toward the exposed surface of the substrate until the end makes physical contact with the exposed surface of the substrate. The moving is performed sufficiently fast so that the end is still molten when the end initially makes the physical contact with the exposed surface of the substrate. The physical contact is maintained for a sufficient length of time to enable the end to bond to the exposed surface of the substrate with no intervening matter between the end and the exposed surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael S. Lemmon, Mark V. Pierson
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Patent number: 6836595Abstract: An optical coupling device for injecting light between two optical waveguide end faces, it being possible to vary the geometrical position of one optical waveguide end face with respect to the other optical waveguide end face with the aid of a variable-length element. The element bears one of the two optical waveguides, and is fixed to the other optical waveguide via holding blocks. The variable-length element or the holding device is held by a spring element, which is supported directly or indirectly on at least one of the holding blocks and permits movement of the variable-length element or the holding element in the longitudinal direction of the variable-length element in which the variable-length element extends or shortens, and suppresses movement of the variable-length element perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the variable-length element, the fiber being held on the other optical waveguide by the spring element close to the fixing of the holding blocks.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Avanex CorporationInventors: Wolfgang Schweiker, Rainer Kossat
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Publication number: 20040258365Abstract: A quick connect fiber optic connector assembly for testing and communication that uses a modified ferrule having a reservoir formed into its tip for holding optic transmitting gel or oil. A cleaved optical fiber may be held concentrically within the ferrule for alignment with a receiver or optical device. The gel or oil in the reservoir alleviates the need for a perfect cleave of the fiber and allows for transmission of the optic signal. If necessary, the pressure foot of the connector assembly may be rotated to minimize transmission losses. When the transmission signal is optimized, the fiber may be tested or used for communications. In another embodiment of the invention, a connector assembly includes a removable cartridge housing optical coupling compound. As a bare fiber is passed into the connector it picks up a small quantity of coupling compound and is then interconnected to an optical patch cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventor: Paul S. Chudoba
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Publication number: 20040218864Abstract: A solid light pipe arrangement with reduced Fresnel-reflection losses includes a light pipe with a solid core comprising a polymer. An optically clear substrate has first and second sides with an anti-reflective coating on at least one side. The substrate is adhered to an end-face of the core of the light pipe by adhesive material so as to create an optically clear interface between the substrate and the end-face that passes more than about 96 percent of transmitted light. A preferred method of applying an anti-reflective coating to an end-face of a core of a solid, polymeric light pipe comprises diverting uncrosslinked polymer used for forming a light pipe core, and using the diverted polymer as adhesive material between a substrate with at least one antireflective coating and the end-face of a light pipe having the same polymeric components, in the same proportions, as the diverted polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Gregory P. Frankiewicz, Roger F. Buelow, Chris H. Jenson, John M. Davenport, Dave Bina
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Patent number: 6813406Abstract: A photonic switch for an optical communication network includes a matrix of actuator-mirror assemblies and a corresponding matrix of optical ports. A first one of the actuator-mirror assemblies directs a beam of light received from an input optical port to a reference mirror, where it is reflected to a second actuator-mirror assembly that redirects the beam to an output optical port. Each of the actuator-mirror assemblies includes a mirror-coil assembly mounted to a gimbal, with stationary magnets being positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the coils such that when current flows through the coils a force is generated that causes the mirror-coil assembly to tilt. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Lightbay Networks CorporationInventors: Shahab Hatam-Tabrizi, Mansur Bashardoust Kiadeh, Wei-Hung Yeh
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Patent number: 6798953Abstract: A structure that includes a substrate, typically a semiconductor chip such as a VCSEL or photodetector chip, and a guide for aligning a signal conveying device, typically an optical fiber, to a transducer such as an optoelectronic device on the semiconductor chip. The guide is formed, in a preferred embodiment, by lithographically exposing and developing a thick layer of photoresist. The structure is assembled by placing and securing the signal conveying device into a cavity-like region of the guide.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mitchell S. Cohen, Michael J. Cordes, Steven A. Cordes, William K. Hogan, Glen W. Johnson, Daniel M. Kuchta, Dianne L. Lacey, James L. Speidell, Jeannine M. Trewhella, Joseph P. Zinter
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Patent number: 6792193Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device comprising an emitting source and a partly-reflective element which is adapted for receiving an emitted light beam. This element is tilted in a small angle with respect to the emitted light beam. A portion of the emitted light beam is reflected by the partly-reflective element towards a transmittive element which is arranged in close proximity to the emitting source and adapted to receive and transmit the reflect portion. The transmittive element is arranged for at least partly fixing or positioning an optical fiber, which is emitting the input light beam, and provided for transmitting the laterally offset reflected portion of the input light beam away from the input fiber.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ruediger Maestle, Martin Guenther, Bernd Maisenbacher
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Patent number: 6785445Abstract: A near field light probe is capable of emanating a near field light having a sufficient intensity while allowing reduction of aperture size to improve resolution. The near field light probe can be incorporated in a near-field optical microscope, a near field light lithography apparatus, and a near field light storage apparatus. A near field light probe has a configuration in which a light-blocking film is formed with an aperture having slits surrounding the major opening. Light emitted from a light source is coupled into the probe from one side of the light-blocking film, the light being polarized in a predetermined direction with respect to the slits so that a near field light emanates from the major opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryo Kuroda, Takako Yamaguchi, Yasuhisa Inao, Tomohiro Yamada
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Patent number: 6785476Abstract: A transmission configuration includes a plurality of individual lasers which are included in a two-dimensional laser array and emit radiation elements with coupled phases upon stimulation. The radiation elements enter a light-conducting core of a multimode optical conductor together.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Jörg-Reinhart Kropp
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Patent number: 6771856Abstract: Methods for detecting and compensating for multiple optical signals produced in a multi-mode fiber system are provided. A representative method includes detecting a plurality of optical signals radiating from an end of the multi-mode fiber by a multisegment photodetector having different detector regions that detect different portions of the plurality of optical signals, and modifying detected signal by the multisegment photodetector to reduce the affects of modal dispersion among the plurality of optical signals. Other methods also are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Stephen E. Ralph, Ketan Patel
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Publication number: 20040146245Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a back-reflection reduction device that is disposed between a support structure containing a plurality of optical waveguides and a bulk media. The support structure containing the optical waveguides has a substantially flat end face at which the optical waveguides terminate. Where the optical waveguides intersect the end face, they are substantially perpendicular to it. The back-reflection reduction device comprises a window disposed between the bulk media and the support structure. The window has a refractive index that is substantially identical to that of the optical waveguides. The window has an inner side that is affixed to the support structure and an opposing outer side. A gap exists between the window outer side and the bulk media. The gap provides an index of refraction substantially equal to unity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventor: Alex Harwit
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Publication number: 20040120646Abstract: An optical fiber includes an entrance face that is optically coupleable with a device for transmitting a light beam through the optical fiber. The entrance face includes a core region and a cladding region surrounding the core region. The cladding region is at least partially covered with a coating, which is made of metal, for example. That is, the coating is formed over a whole area of the cladding region or the coating is formed on an area of the cladding region defined in a vicinity of the core region. The coating has a mirror surface to increase the reflectivity thereof and enhances the reflectivity of the entrance face.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: PENTAX CorporationInventors: Masahiro Fushimi, Eiichi Ito, Tomohiro Fujita, Tadashi Minakuchi, Akira Arimoto, Mitsunori Iima, Yoshimi Obara, Shinji Tsukamoto, Ryoichi Nakanishi
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Patent number: 6748137Abstract: A microlens on the end of an optical fiber has reduced back reflections to a light source, such as a pump laser diode. In a particular embodiment, the microlens is lapped on two radii, at least one of which is offset from the center axis of the fiber, to form a point on the end of the fiber, thus reducing a surface for reflecting light back to the light source. In another embodiment, the microlens is formed with two different side surface angles to accommodate misalignment of the light source to the fiber mount. In another embodiment a Fresnel lens structure on the end of the fiber operates optically as an angled chisel lens.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: JDS Uniphase CorporationInventors: Edmund L. Wolak, Lei Xu, Robert Lang, Tae J. Kim
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Patent number: 6748178Abstract: An optical fiber (12a) with a large effective core area and a large chromatic dispersion value is disposed on an input side of signal light, and an optical fiber (12b) with a small effective core area and a small chromatic dispersion value or a chromatic dispersion value of negative polarity is disposed on an output side of the signal light. A pumping light source (14) generates pumping light of 1450 nm to cause Raman amplification of 1550 nm in the optical fiber (12b). The output light from the pumping light source (14) enters the optical fiber (12b) from the back through a WDM optical coupler (16). Provided that y=(Pin−&agr;)/(Pp·10 Log L) where input power of the optical fiber (12a) (i.e.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignees: DDI Corporation, KDD Submarine Cable Systems, Inc.Inventors: Takayuki Miyakawa, Masatoshi Suzuki, Noboru Edagawa
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Patent number: 6744941Abstract: The wavelength tunable optical filter (1) comprises a resonant cavity (4) delimited by two opposite reflective elements (8, 8′) which are not wavelength selective, and a reflector (7) external to the cavity (4). The external reflector (7) exhibits transmission peaks for an integer number N of optical frequencies and the Fabry-Perot cavity (4) delimiting a phase tuning section (11) is sized so that the distance between the optical frequencies of any two resonant modes of the cavity (4) is never equal to the difference between the optical frequencies of any two transmission peaks of the external reflector (7).Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Avanex CorporationInventors: Sabry Khalfallah, Joel Jacquet
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Publication number: 20040081401Abstract: A setup for providing an optical contact adapted for guiding an optical signal comprises an optical waveguide being adapted for guiding the optical signal and comprising a tip on an end of the waveguide, wherein the tip comprises a transparent elastic material covering the end. A detector is provided for detecting a substantial alignment between the waveguide and an optical path within a device under test, and a first moving unit is used to move the waveguide laterally relative to a longitudinal direction of the waveguide and the device under test until the detector substantially detects the alignment. A second moving unit is adapted to reduce the distance between the tip and the device under test until the tip comes in physical contact with the device under test when the detector has detected alignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter Thoma, Emmerich Mueller
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Patent number: 6728439Abstract: A photonic crystal waveguide having multiple guided modes, the waveguide comprising: a dielectric confinement region surrounding a waveguide axis, the confinement region comprising a photonic crystal having at least one photonic band gap, during operation the confinement region guides EM radiation in a first range of frequencies to propagate along the waveguide axis; a dielectric core region extending along the waveguide axis and surrounded by the confinement region about the waveguide axis; and a mode coupling segment comprising at least one bend in the waveguide axis, wherein during operation the mode coupling segment converts EM energy in a first guided mode to a second guided mode with a conversion efficiency greater than 10% for a frequency in the first range of frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: OmniGuide CommunicationsInventors: Ori Weisberg, Steven G. Johnson, John D. Joannopoulos, Michael Shapiro, Yoel Fink, Mihai Ibanescu
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Publication number: 20040076375Abstract: A plastic optical fiber with a lens portion includes a plastic optical fiber with a concave portion formed on its end face, and a lens portion having a function of controlling light rays. The lens portion is formed of a refractive index adjusting material filled in the concave portion and having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the plastic optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Aya Imada, Hajima Sakata
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Publication number: 20040071405Abstract: An optical device for use with an optical signal propagating therein comprising a first waveguide having a core which is terminated at an endface, in which either (a) the endface of the waveguide is uncontrolled (for instance not being smooth, not being optically flat, and/or not being at an angle optimised to avoid deleterious back-reflection) or (b) the first waveguide a polymer waveguide or (c) both. A second waveguide is terminated at an endface within about 50 &mgr;m of the endface of the first waveguide so that the waveguides are optically coupled. A pigtailing material is situated in the gap between the first waveguide and the second waveguide and has a refractive index within about 0.03 of the refractive index of the core of the first waveguide. When the first waveguide is a polymer waveguide, its core preferably has an effective refractive index either less than about 1.4 or greater than about 1.57 (at 1550 nm).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Bruno Paul Marc Baney, Marc Moroni
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Patent number: 6681073Abstract: Control systems and methods are provided for controlling optical energy transmitted through a fiber optic. The systems and methods employ a digital controller circuit coupled to at least one sensor for receiving a sensed level stimulus output therefrom, and coupled to a fiber optic power control device for providing a digitized feedback signal thereto. The digital controller circuit, which can operate in one of a plurality of modes and automatically switch between modes, can include one or more of a digital filter, memory for storing control programs and data, an analog-to-digital converter for converting received sensed level stimulus to a digital signal, a digital communication interface, and a processor for software processing of the digital signal. Automatically powering up or resetting the digital power control system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Molecular OptoElectronics CorporationInventors: Kwok Pong Chan, Robert Filkins, David Gilles Gascoyne, Richard Alan Hogle, Kevin J. Shaughnessy, Robert Christian Tatar
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Publication number: 20030235366Abstract: A method for fabricating an array of optical fibers having respective angled end faces is provided which permits the entire array of optical fibers to be polished at the same time without requiring that the entire array be scrapped if one or more of the optical fibers has a defect. A plurality of optical fibers are temporarily secured, such as by means of wax, to a holding fixture such that the end faces of the optical fibers are exposed. The end faces of the optical fibers are then polished such that the resulting polished end faces are disposed at an angle. The optical fibers may then be removed from the holding fixture. If the optical fibers are temporarily secured to the holding fixture with wax, the wax is at least partially melted prior to removing the optical fibers therefrom. The optical fibers may then be assembled in an array.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2002Publication date: December 25, 2003Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Eric Y. Chan, Dennis G. Koshinz
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Publication number: 20030223691Abstract: The end face of an optical fibre 11 is polished at an angle to alter the cross-sectional dimensions of a light beam exiting the fibre through that end face to alter the cross-sectional circularity of the light beam after it has exited the fibre as compared to its cross-sectional circularity when it is in the fibre. For example, to increase the circularity of an exiting light beam, the angled fibre end face can be aligned such that the major axis of the sloping fibre end face is aligned with the major cross-sectional axis of the light beam in the fibre (i.e. perpendicular to the minor cross-sectional axis of the light beam in the fibre). This has the effect of reducing the length of the major cross-sectional axis of the light beam once it has exited the fibre.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Ian Peter Alcock, David James Pointer
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Publication number: 20030223692Abstract: A first optical waveguide having at least a core layer with a refractive index ncj and a second optical waveguide having at least a core layer with a refractive index nck are arranged to oppose their end surfaces, and at least any one end surface of the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide is formed by the etching, and the end surface formed by the etching is covered with a coating medium with a refractive index nij or nik that is equal to a refractive index ncj or nck of the core layer that is exposed from the end surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Yukiko Ikarashi, Masayuki Kato, Koji Tsukamoto
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Publication number: 20030219213Abstract: The present invention relates to the alignment and coupling of an optical waveguide fiber to an optical component. The method includes the steps of providing an optical component and forming an optical fiber alignment pin on a surface of the optical component. The method further includes the steps of providing an optical waveguide fiber, aligning an end of the optical waveguide fiber with the optical fiber alignment pin, and fusing the end of the optical waveguide fiber to the optical fiber alignment pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Laurent Blarasin, Marc Georges Brun, Francois Doussoux, Patrick Herve
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Patent number: 6647183Abstract: To ensure laser safety, also in the case of a largest possible coupled optical power, during the direct optical coupling of a light-emitted component to an optical waveguide, an optical system includes coupling the light through a fiber end configured as a multimode step index optical waveguide having a numeric aperture larger than the half-width value of the angular distribution of the radiation emitted from the radiation source. To distribute the radiation fed into the actual optical waveguide over the largest possible angular range with regard to the luminous power, the coupling of the light beam into the fiber end is effected such that the coupled light beams are inclined in relation to the geometric axis of the optical core of the fiber end at a defined angle.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Jürgen Blank, Georg Jeiter, Detlef Kuhl, Volker Plickert, Karsten Drögemüller, Jörg-Reinhardt Kropp, Lars Leininger, Herwig Stange
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Patent number: 6636652Abstract: Optical fiber sensors and fiberless optical sensors for measuring analytes, and in particular nitric oxide, are described utilizing metals, and more particularly, metal colloids. Proteins (or fragments thereof) with selective binding are immobilized on metal particles. The proteins may be dye-labeled for increased sensitivity. Additionally, metals functionally linked to reporter dyes are described in addition to the incorporation of reference compounds for ratiometric measurements.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Raoul Kopelman, Heather Clark, Susan Barker
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Patent number: 6618523Abstract: A system for measuring changes in an environmental parameter, such as velocity or pressure, includes an optical signal source for providing a coherent light signal, and an interferometer having a first and second optical legs of unequal optical path lengths. The signal is split into first and second beams that are respectively directed into the first and second optical legs of the interferometer. A fixed mirror reflects the first beam received at the end of the first optical leg. An optical pick-off includes a movable mirror, positioned to reflect the second beam received from the end of the second optical leg. The movable mirror is movable in response to changes in the-value of the parameter to be measured. An optical coupler combines the first and second beams after they have been reflected back into their respective optical legs, producing an interference signal, which is detected by an optical detector.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: David B. Hall, Samuel N. Fersht
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Patent number: 6611643Abstract: The invention discloses an illuminating device (1) having a laser (3) that emits a light beam (7), which is directed onto a microstructured optical element (13) that spectrally broadens the light from the laser. The laser (3) and the microstructured optical element (13) are arranged within the casing.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbHInventors: Holger Birk, Rafael Storz
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Patent number: 6600855Abstract: Reflections from an air-to-solid interface in a multiple reflector optical device are suppressed by giving the output surface of the device a slightly curved refractive surface so as to deflect the reflections away from the optical axis of the device. The device is shown in use as a transducer input/output device, and as a fiber-optic cable terminus and coupler.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: SCI Systems, Inc.Inventors: Arthur H. Werkheiser, David R. Porter, Ralph Barry Johnson
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Publication number: 20030138201Abstract: Methods, including chemical mechanical polishing methods, for creating a focusing surface on the exposed end of one or more single mode fiber cores which focusing surface is self-aligned to the fiber core axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: Cabot Microelectronics Corp.Inventor: David G. Mikolas
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Publication number: 20030138210Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber with a collimated output. The device has exceptionally low back-reflection. The device has an optical fiber with an angled endface. A homogeneous transparent block is disposed on the optical fiber endface. An exit face of the block is perpendicular to the optical axis. Light reflected by the exit face diverges before it reaches the optical fiber, thereby providing low backreflection. A lens can be disposed in the optical axis in front of the block. The present invention can be used with free space optical switches, optical isolators and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2001Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Dan A. Steinberg, Hui Luo, Jasean Rasnake
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Publication number: 20030138198Abstract: A configuration for coupling optical signals of at least one optical data channel into and/or out of an optical waveguide carrying optical signals of at least two optical data channels includes at least two optical waveguide sections forming the optical waveguide, the sections positioned axially one behind the other, at least core regions of two optical waveguide sections being positioned one behind the other separated from one another by a free-radiating region, an end face of at least one waveguide section running obliquely with respect to an optical axis (7) of the waveguide and being coated with a wavelength-selective filter, and, for a specific optical data channel, light being coupled into or out of the optical waveguide by reflecting light of the optical data channel, before or after traversing the free-radiating region, at the end face of the optical waveguide section running obliquely with respect to the optical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Volker Plickert, Lutz Melchior, Thomas Murphy, Herwig Stange
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Publication number: 20030138211Abstract: A transparent elastomer (e.g. silicon rubber) is used as an immersion agent (10) for durable and low-attenuation connection of an optical waveguide (2) to the conductive structures of an optical component (6). The matrix of said elastomer contains a non-cross-linked proportion of a liquid phase (e.g. silicon softeners). The same kind of immersion agent (10) is used in the coupling system. The distance between the end face of the optical waveguide (2) and the coupling surface of the component (6) ranges from approximately 2 &mgr;m to 20 &mgr;m. The volume of the immersion agent (10) present at the point of coupling (8) is less than 5 &mgr;l.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Wolfgang Schweiker, Angela Rief, Gunter Zeidler, Bernhard Deutsch
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Publication number: 20030128921Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to Apparatus for wavelength switching a laser source comprising an external cavity (2) having a Bragg grating (5) in an optical fiber (4). The method consists in performing space division switching in the external cavity between a plurality of optical fibers (4) each having a different Bragg grating (5). The apparatus comprises a space division switch (3) in the external cavity for switching between a plurality of optical fibers (4) each carrying a different Bragg grating (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Philippe Chanclou, Monique Thual, Michel Gadonna, Arnaud Laurent
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Patent number: 6549704Abstract: A method of making a microlensed fiber by splicing a doped silica rod to an optical fiber and shaping the end of the doped silica rod into a plano-convex refracting lens. The doped silica rod has a lower melting point and annealing point than undoped silica, and therefor less power is required to manufacture the microlensed fiber. This decreases wear to the heating elements of the manufacturing equipment and therefor increases the number of microlensed fibers that can be manufactured between cycles. A further aspect of the present invention is a microlensed fiber made by the above process.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Ljerka Ukrainczyk
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Patent number: 6542669Abstract: A coupling arrangement includes a vertical cavity surface emitting laser. A carrier has the vertical cavity surface emitting laser affixed thereto. An optical coupler is coupled to the vertical cavity surface emitting laser, and has a plurality of optical fibers which receive light emitted from the vertical cavity surface emitting laser. The vertical cavity surface emitting laser is separated from the optical coupler by a gap and is free of direct contact with the optical coupler. The gap is less than about 50 microns, and is greater than zero microns. A curable adhesive is disposed in the gap for coupling the vertical cavity surface emitting laser to the optical coupler. The adhesive has a viscosity that defines a size of the gap.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael Francis Hanley, Glen Walden Johnson, Gerald Daniel Malagrino, Jr.