Particular Coupling Structure Patents (Class 385/39)
  • Patent number: 7639918
    Abstract: A light guide includes a body having an elongate shape and a plurality of light-reflecting faces and light-emitting faces extending along the body. The light-reflecting faces extend in a stepped fashion along the body in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the light guide and are configured to reflect light rays by the principle of total internal reflection. Each light-emitting face is disposed along the body opposite a corresponding light-reflecting face. Each light-emitting face is configured to emit light reflected by the corresponding light-reflecting face. The light-emitting faces are also disposed on the body in a stepped fashion. Steps of the light-emitting faces correspond to steps of the light-reflecting faces. In another aspect, the light-reflecting faces are separated by stepped-down faces. The stepped-down faces are oriented at a stepped-down angle in the range of about 1 and 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Mitchell Sayers, Christopher L. Eichelberger
  • Patent number: 7639912
    Abstract: Systems and methods for subterranean distribution of optical signals on integrated circuits are disclosed. A semiconductor device comprising a multi-layer substrate includes a surface layer and a subterranean layer. Electrical devices are formed in the surface layer. Optoelectronic devices may be formed in the subterranean layer or the surface layer and configured for converting electrical signals to optical signals or converting optical signals to electrical signals. At least one optical waveguide is formed in the subterranean layer and configured for transmitting optical signals through the subterranean layer. Electrical vias may be included for coupling electrical signals between the subterranean layer and the surface layer. In addition, optical vias may be for coupling optical signals between the subterranean layer and the surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Shih-Yuan Wang, Raymond G. Beausoleil, Wei Wu, Sean M. Spillane
  • Patent number: 7639910
    Abstract: An optical module is configured with a combination of a single-mode oscillating light source and an optical filter. In this optical module, the single-mode oscillating light source outputs a single-mode, frequency-modulated signal. Further, the optical filter converts the frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation. And, the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter are packaged without active alignment on the same substrate. Accordingly, it is possible to realize an optical module in a simple and low-cost configuration by packaging the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter by passive alignment, without active alignment, on the same substrate, and by using a simple optical filter such as a waveguide ring resonator, which converts a frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamazaki, Takaaki Hatanaka
  • Publication number: 20090304332
    Abstract: An optical splitter (100) has an optical conductor track arrangement (LB), which extends from a first side (S1) to a second side (S2) of an optical chip of the optical splitter. The conductor track arrangement (LB) has a plurality of branching nodes (K1) at which in each case a conductor track section (LB1) branches into a plurality of conductor track sections (LB2, LB3). At a branching node (K1), the light power fed in via a first conductor track section (LB1) is distributed non-uniformly between the conductor track sections (LB2, LB3), which are connected downstream and which branch from the branching node (K1). Receiving units (R1) that are at a greater distance from a transmitting unit (T) than other receiving units (R2) are connected to those conductor track sections (LB2) of the optical splitter which have a lower insertion loss on account of the non-uniform ratio of the splitting of the light power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schweiker
  • Patent number: 7630603
    Abstract: An optical resonator, a photonic system and a method of optical resonance employ optical waveguide segments connected together with total internal reflection (TIR) mirrors to form a closed loop. The optical resonator includes the optical waveguide segments, the TIR mirrors and a photo-tunneling input/output (I/O) port. The photo-tunneling I/O port includes one of the TIR mirrors. The method includes propagating and reflecting an optical signal, or a portion thereof, in the optical resonator, and transmitting a portion of the optical signal through the photo-tunneling I/O port. The photonic system includes the optical resonator and a source of an optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Wei Wu, Shih-Yuan Wang, Michael Renne Ty Tan, David A. Fattal
  • Patent number: 7630601
    Abstract: The invention provides an optical connection between a component on a printed circuit board (“PCB”) and an optical fiber embedded in the PCB. By optically connecting the component with the optical fiber, the component may use the optical fiber for high speed optical data communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jayne L. Mershon, William O. Alger, Gary A. Brist, Gary B. Long
  • Patent number: 7630602
    Abstract: An optical filter module for wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The optical filter module for wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing includes: at least one or more input waveguides; an input-stage star coupler in the form of a slab waveguide connected to the input waveguides; array waveguide which is connected to the input-stage star coupler and in which a plurality of individual waveguides, each of which has an optical path having a predetermined length different to those of the other waveguides and has a heterogeneous waveguide interval formed of a material having a different refraction index from that of a core of the waveguides, are sequentially arranged; an output-stage star coupler in the form of a slab waveguide connected to the array waveguides; and at least one or more output waveguides connected to the output-stage star coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Duk Jun Kim, Jong Moo Lee, Junghyung Pyo, Gyungock Kim
  • Patent number: 7625132
    Abstract: A segment of optical fiber is engaged with a fiber groove on a device substrate, which positions the fiber segment for optical coupling with an optical component on the substrate. A fiber retainer maintains the fiber segment in engagement with the groove. The fiber retainer may be secured to the substrate with adhesive means. The adhesive means forms at least one retaining member that at least partially fills at least one recessed region formed on the device substrate or on the fiber retainer. That recessed region is spatially separate from the fiber groove and from an area of the fiber retainer engaged with the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: HOYA Corporation USA
    Inventors: Albert M. Benzoni, Joel S. Paslaski, Peter C. Sercel
  • Patent number: 7627215
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Shin-Way Lin, Ben-Hwa Jang
  • Patent number: 7625129
    Abstract: A multi channel connector includes a first connector housing and a mating second connector housing. The first connector housing includes a plurality of first termini, each first terminus resting upon a respective bench or within a respective channel. The second connector housing loosely holds a plurality of second termini. In a first embodiment, a biasing member is disposed in the first connector housing and when the first and second housings are mated, the biasing member engages the plurality of second termini to press the second termini onto engagement with respective benches within the first housing to thereby ensure accurate end-to-end alignments between the plurality of first termini and the plurality of second termini. In a second embodiment, chamfers are formed at openings to the respective channels and beveled outer edges are formed at tip ends of the second termini to guide the second termini into respective channels, when the first and second connector housings are mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Commscope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Nielson, Matthew Cruz
  • Patent number: 7627206
    Abstract: A variety of structures, methods, systems, and configurations can support plasmons for multiplexing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, John Brian Pendry, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7627212
    Abstract: An optical integrated device includes an optical waveguide structure formed on a semiconductor substrate and including a plurality of first channel optical waveguide portions, an optical coupler portion and a second channel optical waveguide portion, a burying layer formed from a semi-insulating semiconductor material and burying the optical waveguide structure therein such that an upper portion thereof forms a flat face and a side portion thereof forms an inclined face having a predetermined angle with respect to the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of dummy structure bodies provided over a desired region in the proximity of at least an output side of the optical coupler portion so that radiation light from the optical coupler portion is spatially separated from signal light propagating along the second channel optical waveguide portion. The plural dummy structure bodies are provided discretely so as to be buried flat by the burying layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shinsuke Tanaka, Kazumasa Takabayashi, Ayahito Uetake
  • Patent number: 7625138
    Abstract: An optical transceiver using an optical waveguide holding member is disclosed. The optical transceiver includes a printed circuit board and the optical waveguide holding member. Photoelectric conversion elements are formed in the printed circuit board. An optical waveguide including core members is formed in the optical waveguide holding member. The optical waveguide optically connects the photoelectric conversion elements to external optical fibers. An element side lens is formed at one end of the core member so as to face a light receiving and emitting section of the photoelectric conversion element. Flanges are formed on the corresponding side walls of the optical waveguide holding member. The fixed centers of the flanges and optical centers of the element side lenses are arrayed on the same straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Masahiro Hamazaki, Osamu Daikuhara, Yuko Ohse
  • Patent number: 7627214
    Abstract: An adjustable optical tap for adjusting input power, output power and drop power in a communications network includes an enclosure having a plurality of connector assemblies being configured for interconnecting input and output cables; a cover attachable to the enclosure, the cover including a plurality of drop cable ports; and a tunable splitter disposed in the enclosure in communication with the input cable and the drop cable ports, the tunable splitter being configured for adjustment to affect attenuation in a broad wavelength band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Conner, David R. Kozischek, Frances D. Carter, Daniel A. Nolan, William J. Miller, William T. Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20090290835
    Abstract: A resonator structure includes an input waveguide and an output waveguide. In one embodiment, the resonator structure also includes at least one resonator that couples the input waveguide to the output waveguide and a directional coupler that optically couples the input waveguide to the output waveguide. In another embodiment, the resonator structure includes a plurality of ring resonators that couple the input waveguide to the output waveguide. The plurality of ring resonators include a sequence of ring resonators that form a coupling loop. Each ring resonator in the sequence is coupled to at least two other ring resonators in the sequence and the first ring resonator in the sequence is coupled to the last ring resonator in the sequence so as to form the coupling loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Milos Popovic
  • Patent number: 7623744
    Abstract: A method for cross connecting optical signals includes using a common beam steerer to direct a set of optical signals from a set of input ports to a set of output ports. The method further includes adjusting a curvature of the common beam steerer so that paths of the optical signals have substantially the same effective path length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Tellabs Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry C. Chen
  • Publication number: 20090285519
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for use thereof. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes first and second 1×N couplers integrated on a substrate and configured to receive an optical symbol having an intended time slot, N being at least three. The apparatus, in this embodiment, further includes N waveguide arms integrated on the substrate, having modulators and coupled between the first and second 1×N couplers. The apparatus, in this embodiment, additionally, includes a modulator controller configured to drive the modulators such that, following transmission over a distance, components of the optical symbol outside of the intended time slot are attenuated relative to components within the intended time slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Richard Doerr
  • Publication number: 20090285530
    Abstract: An exemplary sleeve used for an optical fiber connector includes a tubular main body. The main body is made of ceramic material. A cylindrical wall of the main body defines a cutout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WU-KUANG CHEN, XIAO-SHE BIAN, ZHI-AN GAN, HONG-ZE JIA
  • Patent number: 7620291
    Abstract: A circuit for calibrating optoelectronic devices automatically trims a light sensor based upon a known light condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Cecil Aswell
  • Patent number: 7613373
    Abstract: An optical relay system (200) includes a scanned light source (206) and a substrate guided relay (204). The substrate guided relay (204) includes an input coupler (201), an output coupler (203), and an optical substrate (202) disposed therebetween. A light homogenizing relay device (208) is disposed between the scanned light source (206) and the substrate guided relay (204). The light homogenizing relay device (208) is configured to receive a light beam (207) from the scanned light source (206). The light homogenizing relay device (208) makes at least one copy (209) of the light beam (207), and delivers the light beam (207) and the at least one copy (209) to a light receiving surface (210) of the input coupler (201), thereby effectively creating a larger input beam while retaining the angular spread of the initial light beam (207).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Dean DeJong
  • Publication number: 20090269010
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical interconnection structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention provides an optical interconnection structure comprising: a substrate on which a hole penetrating through a predetermined region is formed; and an optical guide member fixed to the inside of the hole of the substrate, wherein the optical guide member and the substrate are fixed by metal oxide. The present invention provides the optical interconnection structure that can facilitate the optical interconnection between the active optoelectronic devices that transmit/receive the optical signals and the optical waveguide, making it possible to enhance heat dissipation efficiency and improve operation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yongtak Lee, Youngmin Song, Eunkyeong Min
  • Publication number: 20090269009
    Abstract: Structured is an optical device (1) including a first lens (12) and a second lens (13) each having a spherical surface portion (12b), (13b) on one end surface, a bandpass filter (14), and an accommodation sleeve (15) for accommodating the bandpass filter (14), in which, there is incorporated a lens assembly (4) in which the first lens (12) is fixed to one end side of the accommodation sleeve (15) in a state where the spherical surface portion (12b) of the first lens (12) is abutted on a one end-side opening edge portion of the accommodation sleeve (15), and the second lens (13) is fixed to another end side of the accommodation sleeve (15) in a state where the spherical surface portion (13b) of the second lens (13) is abutted on an another end-side opening edge portion of the accommodation sleeve (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: NIPPON ELECTRIC GLASS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7609919
    Abstract: The invention describes the method and apparatus for enhancement of coupling efficiency in effective-ridge laterally-coupled surface-etched grating waveguide structures, where a slab waveguide has a sequence of the periodic parallel segmented trenches etched from its top surface, such that the segments of intact material having higher refractive index than that in the surrounding segments of periodic trenches form the effective ridges which confine the optical field in and around these ridges, on one hand, and provide bidirectional coupling for the confined modes experiencing Bragg reflection from the segments of the periodic trenches, on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Onechip Photonics
    Inventors: Valery Tolstikhin, Kirill Pimenov
  • Patent number: 7609920
    Abstract: An optical coupler including: a substrate; a cladding layer formed on the substrate; and a slab waveguide formed on the cladding layer, wherein the slab waveguide comprises a first waveguide area on which a laser beam is incident and a second waveguide area having an incident surface capable of converging and outputting the laser beam passing through the first waveguide in a width direction. The optical coupler may optically couple one of an optical fiber and a laser diode with the slab waveguide, and more particularly, and a photonic crystal waveguide, with high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Jun Kim, Chang Hwan Choi, Won Ha Moon, Dong Ik Shin
  • Patent number: 7609915
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for a one-way waveguide and/or a circular polarizer that includes a waveguide having a height, a width, a length and a wave propagation direction. A first wall of the waveguide has a first slanted groove. A second wall opposite the first wall of the waveguide has a second slanted groove. The first and second grooves are rotated clockwise around the wave propagation direction to approximate a helical groove. The present invention may also include a third slanted groove in a third wall adjacent to the first wall and second wall, a fourth slanted groove in a fourth wall opposite the third wall, and the first, second, third and fourth grooves are rotated clockwise around the wave propagation direction to approximate the helical groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Gennady Shvets
  • Publication number: 20090263085
    Abstract: A device for injecting light into an optical wave guide is provided, via which a focused light beam is oriented by a manipulator. A simple and precise adjustment of maximum injection efficiency during the injection of light into optical wave guides is facilitated, by a manipulator, and the permanent fixing of the adjusted positions obtained during the adjustment of the injection. The device can include: a manipulator having an adjusting plate comprising an outer part, an inner part, and two spring arrangements which are positioned between the outer part and the inner part and can be adjusted independently of each other along two co-ordinate axes, each spring arrangement having a parallel spring arrangement guiding parallel to a certain direction, and a preliminary spring mounted in series; a fixing screw that can be introduced into the fixed housing part by an axial threaded borehole; and an axially elastic fixing disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Volker BORNMANN, Christoph Schaeffel, Ludwig Bergann, Ralf Malz
  • Publication number: 20090263090
    Abstract: An optical fiber includes a cladding, a first core, and a second core. At least one of the first core and the second core is hollow and is substantially surrounded by the cladding. At least a portion of the first core is generally parallel to and spaced from at least a portion of the second core. The optical fiber includes a defect substantially surrounded by the cladding, the defect increasing a coupling coefficient between the first core and the second core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Vinayak Dangui, Michel J.F. Digonnet, Gordon S. Kino
  • Publication number: 20090263082
    Abstract: Provided are an optical receptacle capable of manufacturing an optical module thereby, while suppressing a manufacturing cost, preventing a quality degradation, and suppressing a quantity of returning light by reflection. In the optical receptacle, a recess for receiving a lens and a lens support and a through-hole penetrating from a bottom of the recess toward an exterior are formed, and the recess is formed so that an inner peripheral surface of the recess is fixed to a desired position with respect to an outer peripheral surface of the lens support, in a case where the lens and the lens support are received in the recess such that an optical axis of the lens and an optical axis of the optical fiber to be inserted into the through hole are deviated from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Michihide Sasada, Yukitoshi Okamura, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7604417
    Abstract: A terminus for a fiber optic cable includes a ferrule. An optic fiber of the cable passes through a central bore of the ferrule and is attached to a lens seated in a conical or cylindrical seat formed in an end surface of the ferrule by an epoxy. Preferably, the seat permits the lens to be recessed below the end surface of the ferrule. An inspection slot may be formed through the seat to allow a technician to inspect the state of the epoxy attachment. The ferrule may also include retaining features, such as an o-ring encircling a groove in the outer circumference of the ferrule or a metal sleeve crimped or otherwise attached to the ferrule to permit the ferrule to be easily attached to a cable retention sleeve, connector body or similar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Commscope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Nielson, Timothy W. Anderson, Matthew Cruz
  • Publication number: 20090257708
    Abstract: The invention provides a fiber collimator array including a fiber array in which a plurality of optical fibers is arrayed and a microlens array in which microlenses are arrayed on positions corresponding to the plurality of optical fibers on a transparent substrate. Each microlens and the transparent substrate are oppositely arranged so that a plurality of projections formed on a bottom face of each microlens intersects with a plurality of projections formed on a surface of the transparent substrate, and each microlens and the transparent substrate are adhered to each other by the adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Shinichi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7603005
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical circuit board enabling the easy alignment of the positions of a core of an optical pin with the positions of a core of an optical waveguide layer with a simple structure. The optical circuit board comprises an optical wiring layer (31) having optical waveguides (35) and the optical pin (32) is inserted into a hole (34) formed in the optical wiring layer and cutting a part of the optical waveguide. The optical pin comprises a core (2) and a clad, and first recesses (5) are formed in one of its outer surfaces. Projections (33) used as guides for positioning the optical pin together with the recesses are formed on one of the wall surfaces of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Shioda
  • Patent number: 7603017
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-color curved multi-light generating apparatus comprises a first input component adapted to receive a first input light beam, a second input component adapted to receive a second input light beam, a third input component adapted to receive a third input light beam, and an output component adapted to provide an output light beam. The input components and the output component are joined together to combine the input light beams and form the output light beam. In various implementations, each of the input components and the output component comprise a hollow tube with a polygonal cross-section, such as a hexagonal cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Frank T Cianciotto, George H Butler, III
  • Patent number: 7599588
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Vascular Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Kenneth N. Bates, William W. Morey
  • Patent number: 7599627
    Abstract: An optical homodyne communication system and method in which a side carrier is transmitted along with data bands in an optical data signal, and upon reception, the side carrier is boosted, shifted to the center of the data bands, and its polarization state is matched to the polarization state of the respective data bands to compensate for polarization mode dispersion during transmission. By shifting a boosted side carrier to the center of the data bands, and by simultaneously compensating for the effects of polarization mode dispersion, the provided system and method simulate the advantages of homodyne reception using a local oscillator. The deleterious effects of chromatic dispersion on the data signals within the data bands are also compensated for by applying a corrective function to the data signals which precisely counteracts the effects of chromatic dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Teradvance Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Marcel F. C. Schemmann, Zoran Maricevic, Antonije R. Djordjevic, Darby Racey
  • Patent number: 7596289
    Abstract: In an optical/electrical hybrid substrate 10 including a wiring board 11 having a wiring and a via, and an optical waveguide 12 including an optical waveguide body 80 having a first clad layer 81, a second clad layer 83 and a core portion 82 disposed between the first clad layer 81 and the second clad layer 83 and provided on the wiring board 11, and a pair of mirrors 88 and 89 for reflecting a light signal, a first wiring pattern 96 for electrically connecting a terminal 117 of a light emitting device 13 for irradiating the light signal to the wiring and via, and a second wiring pattern 97 for electrically connecting a terminal 119 of a light receiving device 14 for receiving the light signal to the wiring and via, the first and second wiring patterns 96 and 97 are disposed in the optical waveguide body 80.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Yamamoto, Kenji Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 7593610
    Abstract: In an MMI device with which a plurality of narrow width single-mode waveguides are provided at both ends of a multimode waveguide M, and light introduced into one single-mode waveguide on the input side is interfered in the multimode waveguide to be emitted from two single-mode waveguides on the output side, a wall face perpendicular to the optical axis direction that is not provided with a single-mode waveguide is formed with an inclination being given in the thickness direction, at both ends of the multimode waveguide. Thereby, the light which is incident on the wall face is reflected toward the substrate side. In this case, because the angle of incidence into the substrate is small, almost all of the light is radiated into the inside of the substrate without being returned to the single-mode waveguide on the incident side. Therefore, an MMI device which is capable of completely eliminating the return of the reflected light with a simple structure, and a manufacturing method for the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Oki Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Wada
  • Patent number: 7593615
    Abstract: Optical devices for guiding illumination are provided each having a body of optical material with staircase or acutely angled ramp structures on its top surface for distributing light inputted from one end of the device from the front exit faces of such structures along certain angular orientations, while at least a substantial portion of the light is totally internally reflected within the body until distributed from such front exit faces. Optical devices are also provided each have a body of optical material having a bottom surface with acutely angled ramp structures and falling structures which alternate with each other, such that light is totally internally reflected within the device until reflected by such ramp structures along the bottom surface to exit the top surface of the device or transmitted through the ramp structures to an adjacent falling structure back into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: RPC Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen H. Chakmakjian, Donald J. Schertler, Tasso Sales, G. Michael Morris
  • Patent number: 7589901
    Abstract: Substrate-guided relays that employ light guiding substrates to relay images from sources to viewers in optical display systems. The substrate-guided relays are comprised of an input coupler, an intermediate substrate, and an output coupler. In some embodiments, the output coupler is formed in a separate substrate that is coupled to the intermediate substrate. The output coupler may be placed in front of or behind the intermediate substrate, and may employ two or more partially reflective surfaces to couple light from the coupler. In some embodiments, the input coupler is coupled to the intermediate substrate in a manner that the optical axis of the input coupler intersects the optical axis of the intermediate substrate at a non-perpendicular angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Dean DeJong, Karlton D. Powell, Mark O. Freeman, Joshua O. Miller
  • Patent number: 7587110
    Abstract: A multicore optical fiber with an integral diffractive element. The multicore optical fiber includes: a first optical fiber core formed of a non-photosensitive material having an initial index of refraction; and a second optical fiber core including a second longitudinal core axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first optical fiber core includes: a first longitudinal core axis; and a number of index-altered portions having an altered index of refraction which is different from the initial index of refraction. The index-altered portions are arranged within the non-photosensitive material of the first optical fiber core to form a diffractive structure of the integral diffractive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Rajminder Singh, Satoshi Yamauchi, Ming Li, Jimmy Yi-Jie Jia, Tetsuo Ohara, Xinbing Liu
  • Patent number: 7587109
    Abstract: A hybrid, wide angle imaging system combines high sensitivity superposition arrays with a high resolution apposition array to generate distortion free images with an infinite depth of field. A conformal, superposition array of Keplerian telescope objectives focuses multiple apertures of light through the tubes of a louver baffle. The baffle tubes are terminated by field stops that separate the focused light into inverted, intermediate sub-images. A superposition array of field lenses, positioned immediately after the field stops, reverses the angles of the light beams. An apposition array of erector lenses, linked optically to the superposition arrays and field stops, refocuses and adjoins the beams into a single, upright image. The upright image is formed on the convex surface of a fiber optic imaging taper, which transfers the image to the flat bottom of the taper where it can be viewed through an eyepiece or digitized by a detector array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Spectral Imaging Laboratory
    Inventor: Francis Mark Reininger
  • Patent number: 7586084
    Abstract: An optical detection device image is disclosed that allows fast measurements using near-field light at high resolution and high efficiency but without necessity of position alignment of an optical fiber probe. The optical detection device includes an optical fiber probe having a core for propagating light with an optical probe being formed at a front end of the core; a movement control unit to move the optical fiber probe to approach or depart from a sample; and a detection unit to detect light from the sample surface, wherein on the front end surface of the core of the optical probe, there are a first exit section on a peripheral side for emitting propagating light and a second exit section for seeping out the near-field light, the first exit section and the second exit section are formed in a concentric manner, and the tilt angle of the first exit section is different from the tilt angle of the second exit section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignees: Ricoh Company, Ltd., Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Izumi Itoh, Masato Takada, Taroh Terashi, Motoichi Ohtsu, Takashi Yatsui, Motonobu Kourogi
  • Patent number: 7583882
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to surface plasmon-polariton waveguides, which can guide ultra-long range surface plasmon-polariton waves. The attenuation of an ultra-long range surface plasmon-polariton waves is much lower than the attenuation of the conventional long range surface plasmon-polariton waves guided with the same kind of metal film or metal strip at the same plasmon-polariton frequency. An exemplary ultra-long range surface plasmon-polariton waveguide disclosed in this disclosure comprises a metal layer, such as a metal film or finite width metal strip, intermediate dielectric layers adjacent to the metal layer, and outer cladding dielectric material. The intermediate dielectric layers redistribute the electromagnetic energy distribution of the surface plasmon-polariton waves so that less of the energy propagates in the metal layer. Therefore, the attenuation of the surface plasmon-polariton wave is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: University of Alabama in Huntsville
    Inventor: Junpeng Guo
  • Patent number: 7580597
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical functional circuit where a holographic wave propagation medium is applied and a circuit property is excellent such as small transmission loss and crosstalk. The optical functional circuit where a plurality of circuit elements are formed on a substrate includes the wave propagation medium for converting an optical path of a leakage light so that the leakage light that is not emitted from a predetermined output port of the circuit element is not coupled to a different circuit element. This wave propagation medium is constituted by an optical waveguide that is provided with a clad layer formed on the substrate and a core embedded in the clad layer, and a part of the optical waveguide is formed in accordance with a refractive index distribution which is multiple scattered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kitoh, Yohei Sakamaki, Toshikazu Hashimoto, Takashi Saida, Hiroshi Takahashi, Masahiro Yanagisawa, Ikuo Ogawa, Tomohiro Shibata, Senichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7580596
    Abstract: A non-volatile programmable electro-optical element alters absorption characteristics of an optical medium that comprises a transition metal oxide material by electrostatically moving oxygen vacancies into or out of the regions containing a wavefunction of an optical beam. A specific oxygen vacancy profile in the transition metal oxide material may be programmed into the optical medium. The oxygen vacancy profile alters an absorption profile within the optical medium. Once the absorption profile is set by an electrical signal, the optical element maintains its state even when the electrical signal is turned off. Thus, the programming node may be disconnected from a power supply network, thereby enabling a low power operation of the electro-optical element. Amorphous transition-metal oxides enable integration into back-end-of-line (BEOL) interconnect structures and do not have birefringence. The inventive electro-optical element may be employed for both the visible and the infrared wavelength spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerhard I. Meijer, Thilo H. C. Stöferle
  • Patent number: 7577321
    Abstract: A hybrid electro-optical circuit board including a plate, a light guiding hole and a light-guide device. The light guiding hole is formed in the plate to be connected to an upper surface and a lower surface of the plate. The light-guide device is formed on the lower surface and covers and contacts the light guiding hole. An optical signal is transmitted between the light-guide device and the upper surface of the plate via the light guiding hole. A metal layer is further formed on an inner wall of the light guiding hole, to reduce the roughness of the inner wall and reflects the optical signal by the reflection characteristics of metal. Further, the light guiding hole is filled with a transparent substance to transmit the optical signal and to stop foreign material from entering the light guiding hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chien-Chun Lu, Shin-Ge Lee, Chun-Hsing Lee, Shun-Tien Lee, Ying-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 7577327
    Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises an optical device formed on a device substrate, a first optical waveguide formed on the substrate or on the optical device, and a second, mechanically discrete optical waveguide assembled with the device substrate, optical device, or first optical waveguide. The first optical waveguide is arranged for transferring an optical signal between the optical device and the first optical waveguide. The first and second optical waveguides are arranged, when the second optical waveguide is assembled with the device substrate, optical device, or first optical waveguide, for transferring the optical signal therebetween via optical transverse coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation USA
    Inventors: Henry A. Blauvelt, Kerry J. Vahala, David W. Vernooy, Joel S. Paslaski
  • Patent number: 7574084
    Abstract: An improved electro-optical system has a planar waveguide coupled to a photodetector through a transparent substrate. The planar waveguide is within a planar optical structure that can be part of optical communication network. The photodetector is positioned to receive light that passes from the waveguide through the transparent substrate. The photodetector can be electrically coupled to electrical circuitry along the transparent substrate for connection to a electrical apparatus. Corresponding methods for forming the electro-optical structure are described. These improved electro-optical systems can be used for terminating an optical transmission system at an end user or a local network associated with a group of end users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: NeoPhotonics Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Yan, Ping Peter Xie, Anthony J. Ticknor
  • Patent number: 7572066
    Abstract: A translucent dust cap for a fiber optic adapter allows the viewing of visible light emanating from a fiber optic connector coupled to the adapter, without removing the dust cap. A translucent dust cap for a fiber optic adapter that serves to diffuse a visible light source of sufficient power, such as that from a VFL, and lights up to aid in connector identification. A translucent dust cap for a fiber optic adapter that serves to attenuate infrared optical transmission power to prevent eye damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael de Jong, Gerry J. Harvey
  • Publication number: 20090196552
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light coupler and a manufacturing method thereof. The light coupler of the invention includes a plurality of light input terminals, a plurality of light output terminals, a plurality of half mirrors, and an optical wave guide connecting the plurality of the light input terminals, the plurality of the light output terminals and the plurality of the half mirrors. The optical wave guide has kinked line shape and each of the plurality of half mirrors is placed at a respective corner of the kinked line shape. Especially, the kinked line shape includes a polygon network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Terada, Kenji Haga, Yukitoshi Inui, Akiko Okita, Masaaki Tsuchimori, Akari Nakao
  • Patent number: 7570846
    Abstract: An optical coupling apparatus for coupling a waveguide to a light source, when the light source emits light at a divergence angle that is larger than the critical angle of the waveguide. The optical coupler comprises a plurality of light-guides, preferably cut from the edge of the waveguide. The light-guides are arranged to connect the waveguide to the light source via a plurality of orientations so that the entire divergence angle is covered within the critical angle of the light-guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Oree, Advanced Illumination Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Noam Meir, Eran Fine