Particular Coupling Structure Patents (Class 385/39)
  • Patent number: 9097859
    Abstract: An optical coupler includes a male port and a female port. The male port includes a first main body, a first optical fiber, and a male port lens unit. The male port lens unit includes a first base body, a first male port lens coupling with the first optical fiber, and a second male port lens. The first base body includes a male port reflecting sidewall. The female port includes a second main body, a second optical fiber, and a female port lens unit. The female port lens unit includes a second base body, a first female port lens coupling with the second optical fiber, and a second female port lens coupling with the second male port lens. The second base body includes a female port reflecting surface parallel with the male port reflecting sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kai-Wen Wu
  • Patent number: 9069116
    Abstract: A fan-in/fan-out device includes a plurality of single-core fibers which are connected to a plurality of first cores of a multicore fiber and which include an elongated portion extending in a longitudinal direction so as to reduce a diameter and being connected to a first end portion of the multicore fiber at a second end portion in an extending direction of the elongated portion, where a refractive index distribution of each of the single-core fibers has a single peak, a relative refractive index difference of a second core with respect to a second cladding in each of the single-core fibers is 0.8% or more; and a second mode field diameter of the second end portion of the elongated portion is greater than a first mode field diameter of the first end portion of the multicore fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignees: FUJIKURA LTD., National University Corporation Hokkaido University
    Inventors: Hitoshi Uemura, Koji Omichi, Katsuhiro Takenaga, Kunimasa Saitoh
  • Patent number: 9052092
    Abstract: Discrete flexible pixel assemblies can be hermetically sealed from the environment and can comprise unitary, self-contained replaceable modules which enable efficient, economical production of large scale, free-form electronic displays, signs and lighting effects for outdoor use. The method and means for producing hermetically sealed discrete flexible pixel assemblies can include encapsulation means, exterior encasement means, and cable connector means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett David Wendler, Eric Steven Bravek, Erich J. Grebel
  • Patent number: 9052423
    Abstract: The invention provides a lighting device comprising (a) a transparent waveguide plate (200), with first surface (201), opposite second surface (202), and edge surface between the first surface and the second surface, (b) a light source (300) for providing light source light towards a light incoupling surface of the transparent waveguide plate, configured to provide at least part of the light source light in a direction perpendicular to one or more of the first surface and the second surface. The transparent waveguide plate further comprises a luminescent material, (400) configured to convert at least part of the light source light into luminescent material emission, and light outcoupling means (220) for coupling luminescent material emission and optionally light source light out of the transparent waveguide plate as lighting device light in a direction away from one or more of the first surface and the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Rifat Ata Mustafa Hikmet, Roy Gerardus Franciscus Antonius Verbeek, Ties Van Bommel
  • Patent number: 9046649
    Abstract: Some embodiments include communication methods, methods of forming an interconnect, signal interconnects, integrated circuit structures, circuits, and data apparatuses. In one embodiment, a communication method includes accessing an optical signal comprising photons to communicate information, accessing an electrical signal comprising electrical data carriers to communicate information, and using a single interconnect, communicating the optical and electrical signals between a first spatial location and a second spatial location spaced from the first spatial location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chandra Mouli
  • Patent number: 9042697
    Abstract: A resonator for thermo optic devices is formed in the same process steps as a waveguide and is formed in a depression of a lower cladding while the waveguide is formed on a surface of the lower cladding. Since upper surfaces of the resonator and waveguide are substantially coplanar, the aspect ratio, as between the waveguide and resonator in an area where the waveguide and resonator front one another, decreases thereby increasing the bandwidth of the resonator. The depression is formed by photomasking and etching the lower cladding before forming the resonator and waveguide. Pluralities of resonators are also taught that are formed in a plurality of depressions of the lower cladding. To decrease resonator bandwidth, waveguide(s) are formed in the depression(s) of the lower cladding while the resonator is formed on the surface. Thermo optic devices formed with these resonators are also taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gurtej Singh Sandhu, Guy T. Blalock, Howard E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 9035409
    Abstract: A novel germanium (Ge) photodetector is disclosed, containing a stripe layer including Ge, a substrate supporting the stripe layer, and P and N regions, which are located inside the substrate and near opposite sides of the stripe. The stripe layer containing Ge for light absorption is operated in a slow-light mode by adding combinations of a gradual taper indent structure and a periodic indent structure to reduce light scatterings and to control light group velocity inside the stripe. Due to the slower light traveling velocity inside the stripe, the absorption coefficient of the stripe containing Ge is upgraded to be 1 to 2 orders of magnitude larger than that of a traditional bulk Ge at L band, and so the absorption coefficient reaches more than 1 dB/?m at the wavelength of 1600 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Forelux Inc.
    Inventor: Yun-Chung Na
  • Patent number: 9025916
    Abstract: An optical communication apparatus includes a PCB, a photoelectric element, a driver chip, and a light waveguide. The PCB defines a groove in a surface thereof. The groove includes a bottom surface and a side surface connected to the bottom surface. The PCB includes a reflecting layer coated on the side surface. The photoelectric element includes an optical portion for emitting/receiving light carrying optical signals. An optical signal emitting/receiving direction of the photoelectric element is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the PCB. The side surface passes through a projection area of the optical portion along a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the PCB. An end of the light waveguide is positioned on the bottom surface of the groove and is out of the projection area of the optical portion. The reflecting layer couples optical signals between the photoelectric element and the light waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Fong Tseng
  • Patent number: 9020310
    Abstract: An optical waveguide provided with a slab waveguide, which has a plurality of phase gratings arranged at a distance from each other in a direction substantially parallel to a light propagation direction and diffracting propagated light and a plurality of interference regions arranged alternately to the plurality of phase gratings in the direction substantially parallel to the light propagation direction and interfering the light diffracted by the plurality of phase gratings, and an arrayed waveguide whose end is connected to an end of the slab waveguide at a position of a constructive interference portion of a self-image formed by the plurality of phase gratings as an integrated phase grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: NTT Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Morita, Kazumi Shimizu, Kenya Suzuki, Koji Kawashima
  • Patent number: 9014520
    Abstract: A photoelectric mixed substrate includes a wiring substrate including a first ground wire, a signal wire arranged above the first ground wire and electrically connected to the photoelectric component and the electronic component, and a waveguide unit stacked on the wiring substrate to cover the signal wire. The waveguide unit includes a first clad layer formed on the wiring substrate, a second ground wire formed above the first clad layer, a core formed on the first clad layer and optically coupled to the photoelectric component, and a second clad layer formed on the first clad layer to cover the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 9008476
    Abstract: A polarization conversion device includes: a directional coupler that includes an input side optical waveguide and an output side optical waveguide which are disposed in parallel to each other and each of which has a core. Assuming that a direction in which the input side optical waveguide and the output side optical waveguide face each other is a width direction and a direction perpendicular to the width direction is a height direction in a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of each of the input side optical waveguide and the output side optical waveguide, and the directional coupler is configured to couple first light guided through the input side optical waveguide to second light guided through the output side optical waveguide, the polarization direction of the second light is perpendicular to that of the first light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Oka, Kazuhiro Goi, Kensuke Ogawa, Hiroyuki Kusaka
  • Patent number: 9008477
    Abstract: Alignment of a single-mode polymer waveguide (PWG) array fabricated on a polymer with a silicon waveguide (SiWG) array fabricated on a silicon (Si) chip and thereby realizing an adiabatic coupling. A stub and a groove are fabricated with high precision and made to function as the absolute positioning reference to provide a self-alignment according to the groove and the stub. In a PWG patterning by photolithography, plural masks are used, but the fabrication is made along the alignment base line for mask and thus a high precision is achieved with respect to error ?x. In a PWG patterning by nano imprint, a high precision in the fabrication is also achieved with respect to error ?x and ?y.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Numata
  • Patent number: 9002163
    Abstract: An optical converter and a method of manufacturing the optical converter are provided. The optical converter may include a signal receiving portion configured to receive an optical signal from an optical fiber which can be coupled to the optical converter, a signal output portion configured to output the optical signal received by the signal receiving portion, and a signal coupling portion being disposed between the signal receiving portion and the signal output portion and being configured to couple the optical signal received by the signal receiving portion into the signal output portion. The signal output portion may include a waveguide element having at least one tapered end section, and being partially or wholly surrounded by the signal coupling portion. The at least one tapered end section may be configured to couple the optical signal from the signal coupling portion into the waveguide element and the waveguide element may be configured to output the optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Qing Fang, Tsung-Yang Liow, Mingbin Yu, Guo Qiang Patrick Lo
  • Patent number: 9002143
    Abstract: A tunable Radio Frequency (RF) filter device includes a tunable optical source configured to generate an optical carrier signal, and a modulator coupled to the tunable optical source and configured to modulate the optical carrier signal with an RF input signal. The tunable RF filter device may also include first and second optical waveguides coupled to the modulator and having first and second dispersion slopes of opposite sign, and an optical-to-electrical converter coupled to the first and second optical waveguides and configured to generate an RF output signal with a frequency notch therein based upon the tunable optical source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Desalvo, Charles Franklin Middleton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150093075
    Abstract: According to the present invention, as a result of using a depressed or trench-assisted light-receiving waveguide in which the core is surrounded by a layer having a refractive index lower than that of a cladding as light-receiving means for receiving light outputted from a multi-core optical fiber, the layer of a low refractive index can inhibit the propagation of noise, etc. from the cladding to the core. Consequently, even in cases where the inter-core crosstalk is small, it is possible to accurately measure the inter-core crosstalk since components different from crosstalk-derived components in optical power are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Tetsuya HAYASHI, Osamu SHIMAKAWA
  • Patent number: 8995796
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for generating a (high-frequency) beat signal. The system has a first light source (3) with a multimode spectrum, a second light source (4) and a coupler and filter arrangement (5) with a first port (6) for coupling in light from the first light source (3), and a second port (7) for coupling in light from the second light source (4). Furthermore, a detector (11) is provided to which light of both light sources (3, 4) can be supplied. The coupler and filter arrangement (5) has a spectral filter (20, 28) for filtering out one or several modes from the spectrum of the first light source (3), and a first fiber-optical coupler (17, 23, 26) for coupling the light of the second light source (4) and the not yet filtered or the already filtered light of the first light source (3). The coupler and filter arrangement (5) is configured to be merely fiber-optical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Menlo Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Ronald Holzwarth, Marc Fischer, Michael Mei
  • Patent number: 8995844
    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: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Teradvance Communications LLC
    Inventors: Marcel F. C. Schemmann, Zoran Maricevic, Antonije R. Djordjevic, Darby Racey
  • Patent number: 8995804
    Abstract: A monolithic integrated structure comprising a buried heterostructure semiconductor optical amplifier and a deep ridge optical receiver comprising such structure are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Mohand Achouche, Christophe Caillaud, Genevieve Glastre Lemaitre, François Lelarge, Romain Brenot
  • Patent number: 8989539
    Abstract: A method of forming a fiber optic device includes securing one or more optical fibers to a support. The support is coupled to a base that includes one or more optoelectronic devices. After one or more of the fibers are secured to the support, and the support is secured to the base, one or more of the fibers are cleaved. This method, and fiber optic devices made using this method are more easily aligned and may be produced at lower costs than existing manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Raman K. Selli, Brian M. Cole, Donald G. Doss
  • Patent number: 8989535
    Abstract: In embodiments of a multiple waveguide imaging structure, an imaging structure includes a first waveguide for see-through viewing of an environment at a first field of view, and includes a second waveguide for see-through viewing of the environment at a second field of view. The first and second waveguides each include a polarizing beam splitter to reflect light that enters at a first polarization orientation angle in the respective first and second waveguides, and the polarizing beam splitters pass through the light that enters at a second polarization orientation angle. The imaging structure also includes a polarization switch to rotate the polarization of the light through the first and second polarization orientation angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Steven John Robbins
  • Publication number: 20150078708
    Abstract: Provided are an optical coupler and an arrayed-waveguide grating structure including the same. The coupler includes a lower clad layer, a core comprising a slab waveguide region disposed on one side of the lower clad layer and a ridge waveguide region disposed on the other side of the lower clad layer, and an upper clad disposed on the core, wherein the ridge waveguide region comprises a self-focusing region configured to focus an optical signal provided form the slab waveguide region and thus to prevent scattering of the optical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jaegyu PARK, Hyundai PARK, Jiho JOO, Myung joon KWACK, Gyungock KIM
  • Patent number: 8983244
    Abstract: An optical interferometer for demodulating a differential phase shift keying optical signal includes a planar lightwave circuit and at least one free space delay line optically coupled to the planar lightwave circuit. The planar lightwave circuit has a waveguide splitter, a waveguide coupler, and a phase adjuster. In operation, the splitter splits the optical signal into equal portions, the phase adjuster adjusts the relative phase of the optical signal portions, and the free space delay line provides one-bit delay between the portions of the optical signal. The delayed signals are mixed in the waveguide coupler. The free space delay line can be made variable for adjustment of the bit delay for operation at different bit rates, and/or for optimization of the interferometer performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Jinxi Shen, Hiroaki Yamada, David J. Chapman, Shanrui Ren
  • Patent number: 8977082
    Abstract: A filter and fabrication process for a thin film filter that is based on frustrated total internal reflection and multiple waveguide layers, in which the waveguide modes are resonantly coupled. The physics of the design is related to prism coupling of light into planar waveguides, and waveguide coupling between planar waveguides in close proximity. Embodiments include a filter that acts as a bandpass filter and polarizer, a filter that acts as a bandpass filter, polarizer and angle filter (spatial filter), a filter that is widely tunable, and a filter that is widely tunable in both peak transmission wavelength and width. Methods of fabrication are disclosed, and methods to correct for manufacturing errors in thin film deposition are described. The filter embodiments can also be used in reflection as notch filters in wavelength and angle, for a particular polarization component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Stream Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Kirat Singh, Elmar Prenner, Alan D. Streater
  • Patent number: 8971680
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the collimation of light from a backlight top surface. A backlight device includes a first waveguide and a transparent top film overlying the first waveguide top surface. A plurality of bubble structures is formed in the top film bottom surface, having a refractive index less than a first waveguide medium. A plurality of lenses overlies the top film top surface, where each lens is aligned overlying a corresponding gap (W) between bubble structures. The method forms a maximum angle (?) of light propagation through the first waveguide medium. In response to the values W and H (bubble structure height), light, having the maximum angle (?) of light propagation, is reflected off the bubble structure sides, through total internal reflection, into the top film. The method collimates in a vertical direction, orthogonal to the horizontal direction, light exiting the top film through the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jiandong Huang
  • Patent number: 8971671
    Abstract: A tunable Radio Frequency (RF) filter device includes a tunable optical source generating an optical carrier signal, and a modulator coupled to the tunable optical source and modulating the optical carrier signal with an RF input signal. The tunable RF filter device may include first and second optical waveguide paths coupled to the modulator and having first and second dispersion slopes of opposite sign from each other, one or more of the first and second optical waveguide paths comprising an optical splitter and combiner pair therein, and an optical-to-electrical converter coupled to the first and second optical waveguide paths and generating an RF output signal with a frequency notch therein based upon the tunable optical source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Richard DeSalvo, Charles Middleton
  • Patent number: 8968987
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for implementing an enhanced optical mirror coupling and alignment mechanism utilizing two-photon resist. An initial placement is provided for one or more vias on a printed circuit board. A via is filled with a resist. A series of tightly focused light beams suitably exposes the resist at varying depths in the via, the varying depths defining a sloped polymer in the via after removing resist that had not been at the focus of the light beam. The sloped polymer is coated with reflective material to reflect light into or out of the via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel Atta, Darcy Berger, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Jesse Hefner, Thomas W. Liang
  • Patent number: 8965150
    Abstract: An optical switch assembly includes a first member, a second member movably secured to the first member, and first and second optical cable connectors attached to the first member. The second member is movable between first and second positions relative to the first member. The optical switch assembly also includes an optical cable having opposite first and second ends. The optical cable first end is in optical communication with the first optical cable connector and the optical cable second end is attached to the second member. Movement of the second member to the second position causes the optical cable second end to be in optical communication with the second optical cable connector such that an optical path is established between the first and second optical cable connectors. The establishment of an optical path allows the optical cable to pass an optical signal back to a monitoring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: W. Larkin Crutcher, Anil K. Trehan
  • Patent number: 8958669
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing end microlenses of individual optical fibers which are part of a bundle or a multi-core fiber, including depositing a drop of a photopolymerizable solution on a first end of the bundle; adapting the size of the drop; applying light centered on a predetermined wavelength onto a second end of the bundle in order to selectively polymerize the drop; rinsing the first end using a methanol solution in order to obtain a network of individual optical fibers, each one of which is provided with a microlens at the first end of the multi-core fiber, the microlenses being physically separated from one another. The disclosure additionally relates to a bundle of microlensed fibers obtained by the method, as well as to the use of such a bundle, for example in medical or multiplexed imaging and/or in the coupling of optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Universite de Technologie de Troyes
    Inventors: Jérôme Plain, Renaud Bachelot, Pascal Royer, Xinhua Zeng, Safi Jradi
  • Patent number: 8958670
    Abstract: The device for coupling an electromagnetic wave includes a waveguide and a slit metal guide. The slit metal guide is formed by two metal elements which are coplanar and spaced out from one another so as to form the slit. The slit metal guide is arranged in a plane offset from the plane of the waveguide and partially covers said waveguide, said waveguide and the slit guide being maintained at a distance from one another by a dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Cecile Delacour, Badhise Ben Bakir, Jean-Marc Fedeli, Alexei Tchelnokov
  • Patent number: 8958667
    Abstract: An optical bus (130) of an integrated circuit (100) comprises: a polymer waveguide (112), a micromirror (114, 116), and an optical coupler (120). The polymer waveguide (112) is disposed in a via (110) formed through at least one die layer (102, 104, 106) of the integrated circuit (100) comprising an active circuit (210). The micromirror (114) is disposed adjacent to the via (110) and optically coupled to the polymer waveguide (112). The optical coupler (120) is connected to the polymer waveguide (112) to couple the active circuit (210) to the optical bus (130). A stacked integrated circuit (100) is described comprising such an optical bus (130). A method (800) of fabricating a rear 45° micromirror on a silicon substrate that can be used in the optical bus (130) is also described. Furthermore, alignment/lock mechanisms for use in a stacked integrated circuit comprising first and second silicon substrates are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventors: Chee Yee Kwok, Aron Michael, Yiwei Xu
  • Patent number: 8948561
    Abstract: A waveguide is provided on which an electromagnetic wave impinges, the electromagnetic wave having a wavelength ? included in a given interval ?? of interest centered on a ?centr. The waveguide comprises a film defining a surface on a plane on which the electromagnetic waves are apt to impinge, having a thickness in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface, the film being realized in a material having a first refractive index; a plurality of scatterers being randomly distributed in two directions in at least a portion of the surface of the film, the scatterers having a substantially constant cross section along said substantially perpendicular direction. The scatterers are realized in a material having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index, wherein the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic waves is comprised between 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: CNR—Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
    Inventors: Diederik Sybolt Wiersma, Francesco Riboli, Kevin Vynck, Matteo Burresi
  • Patent number: 8928883
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for detecting an agent includes a resonator device configured to receive an agent. The resonator device is also configured to transmit light received from a light source, the transmitted light having an altered peak wavelength due to the presence of the received agent. The system further includes a filter device configured to filter the transmitted light having the altered peak wavelength such that the transmitted light having the altered peak wavelength does not reach one or more detectors of a detector array configured to receive transmitted light not filtered by the filter device. The system further includes a processing system operable to determine that the one or more detectors of the detector array are not generating a signal, the absence of the signal being generated by the one or more detectors of the detector array indicating the presence of the agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Frank B. Jaworski, Justin Gordon Adams Wehner, Adam M. Kennedy, Darin S. Williams, Anuradha Murthy Agarwal, Juejun Hu
  • Patent number: 8909009
    Abstract: Lightguides, devices incorporating lightguides, processes for making lightguides, and tools used to make lightguides are described. A lightguide includes light extractors arranged in a plurality of regions on a surface of the lightguide. The orientation of light extractors in each region is arranged to enhance uniformity and brightness across a surface of the lightguide and to provide enhanced defect hiding. The efficiency of the light extractors is controlled by the angle of a given light extractor face with respect to a light source illuminating the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Tzu-Chen Lee, David A. Ender, Guoping Mao, Jun-Ying Zhang, Jaime B. Willoughby
  • Patent number: 8897607
    Abstract: A tunable Radio Frequency (RF) filter device includes a tunable optical source configured to generate an optical carrier signal, and a modulator coupled to the tunable optical source and configured to modulate the optical carrier signal with an RF input signal. The tunable RF filter device may also include first and second optical waveguides coupled to the modulator and having first and second dispersion slopes of opposite sign, and an optical-to-electrical converter coupled to the first and second optical waveguides and configured to generate an RF output signal with a frequency notch therein based upon the tunable optical source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Richard DeSalvo, Charles Middleton
  • Patent number: 8891920
    Abstract: An optical assembly comprising (10) an optical coupler (12) defining a coupler first end section (18), a substantially opposed coupler second end section (20) and a coupler intermediate section (22) therebetween; a coupler passageway (24) extending in the coupler intermediate section (22) and also through at least a portion of the coupler second end section (20) and defining a passageway second end aperture (30) leading into the coupler passageway (24); a coupler peripheral surface (26) extending peripherally to the coupler passageway (24) in the coupler intermediate section (22); and a coupler lateral aperture (28) extending between the coupler passageway (24) and the coupler peripheral surface (26) in the coupler intermediate section (22). A first end optical fiber (14) is optically coupled to the optical coupler (12) in the coupler first end section (18) for allowing propagation of light between the optical coupler (12) and the first end optical fiber (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Genia Photononics Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Gonthier
  • Patent number: 8891913
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits (PIC) wherein a first silicon region is separated from the heterogeneous semiconductor material by a first distance, and a second silicon region is separated from the heterogeneous semiconductor material by a second distance greater than the first distance. Thus embodiments of the invention may be described as, in heterogeneous regions of a heterogeneous PIC, silicon waveguides using multiple heights of the silicon waveguide, or other structures with multiple offset heights between silicon and heterogeneous materials (as described herein).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Aurrion, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Roth, Jae Shin, Gregory A. Fish
  • Patent number: 8882320
    Abstract: A connector adapted for use in an illumination system comprising at least one optical element, such as an optical fiber. is disclosed. The connector comprises a housing dimensioned so that internally it retains at least one end portion of at least one optical element, and externally substantially follows the shape of the end portion(s) of the optical element(s). This forms a join between the ends of the optical element(s). A light source is also contained within the housing and positioned so as to illuminate the end portions of at least one optical element. Electrical connection means adapted to connect the light source to an external power supply are provided. The electrical connection means being moveable relative to the housing. The electrical connection means may be carried by a flexible substrate, or may be formed by slideable contacts within a light guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joerg Roberto Purfuerst, Norbert Schumann, Thomas Keller, Werner Schwarz, David M. Rudek, Eric Schmuck
  • Patent number: 8870858
    Abstract: An apparatus may include an optical fiber having an angled grating aligned along a plane non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The angled grating may be configured to redirect a first laser energy propagated within the optical fiber and incident on the angled grating to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a metallic cap coupled to the optical fiber. The metallic cap may have an inner surface configured to redirect a second laser energy incident on the inner surface along the direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The second laser energy being different than the first laser energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Zerfas
  • Patent number: 8867874
    Abstract: Method for modifying the splitting or combining ratio of a first multimode interference (MMI) coupler (100), which first coupler is arranged to convey light from one or several input waveguides to one or several output waveguides, wherein a film (103a) of a material is arranged over the first coupler, wherein the film is strained so that a force is applied by the film to the surface of the first coupler, and so that the refractive index profile in the material of the first coupler changes as a consequence of the force, and wherein the splitting or combining ratio is modified as a consequence of the changed refractive index profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Finisar Sweden AB
    Inventors: Dave Adams, Jan-Olof Wesstrom
  • Patent number: 8861908
    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 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Vascular Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Kenneth N. Bates, William W. Morey
  • Patent number: 8861899
    Abstract: An optical fiber current transformer includes a broadband light source, a depolarizer, a beam splitter, a temperature acquisition unit, a current acquisition unit, a modulation waveform generating unit, a data processing unit and a calculating compensation unit. The broadband light source is connected with the beam splitter by the depolarizer. A first output of the beam splitter is connected with the calculating compensation unit by the temperature acquisition unit. A second output of the beam splitter is connected with the data processing unit by the current acquisition unit. The data processing unit is connected with the calculating compensation unit. The calculating compensation unit is connected with the current acquisition unit by the modulation waveform generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Beijing Qi-Red Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shudong Wu, Wenbo Wang
  • Patent number: 8861907
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an optical fiber that may have a surface non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical fiber and incident on the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a doped silica cap that may be fused to the optical fiber such that the surface of the optical fiber may be disposed within a cavity defined by the doped silica cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Zerfas, Richard P. Tumminelli
  • Patent number: 8861906
    Abstract: A method and system for coupling optical signals into silicon optoelectronic chips are disclosed and may include coupling one or more optical signals into a back surface of a CMOS photonic chip in a photonic transceiver, wherein photonic, electronic, or optoelectronic devices may be integrated in a front surface of the CMOS photonic chip. Optical couplers, such as grating couplers, may receive the optical signals in the front surface of the chip. The optical signals may be coupled into the back surface of the chips via optical fibers and/or optical source assemblies. The optical signals may be coupled to the optical couplers via a light path etched in the chips, which may be refilled with silicon dioxide. The chips may be flip-chip bonded to a packaging substrate. Optical signals may be reflected back to the optical couplers via metal reflectors, which may be integrated in dielectric layers on the chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Luxtera, Inc.
    Inventors: Thierry Pinguet, Attila Mekis, Steffen Gloeckner
  • Patent number: 8855450
    Abstract: A system for measuring properties of a thin film coated glass having a light source, a spectrometer, at least one pair of probes, a first optical fiber switch and a second optical fiber switch. The pair of probes includes a first probe located on one side of a glass sheet and a second probe located on the opposite side of the glass sheet, directly across from the first probe. The first and second optical fiber switches are adapted to couple either probe to the light source and/or the spectrometer. Because the design of the system is optically symmetrical, calibration may be performed without the use of a reference material such as a tile or mirror. Each of the first and second probes has a first leg and a second leg that are separated from each other by a distance n so that angled reflections may be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cardinal CG Company
    Inventors: Jordan B. Lagerman, Keith J. Burrows, Kyle R. Thering
  • Patent number: 8842949
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a single photon emission system having a proximal end, a distal end, and a single photon emitter located between the proximal end and the distal end; wherein the single photon emission system is adapted to guide optical pump radiation, which is inputted at the proximal end to optically excite the single photon emitter, along a predefined direction that runs from the proximal end to the distal end; and wherein single photons emitted by said single photon emitter, are guided along said predefined direction to the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignees: Technische Universitat Darmstadt, Humbolt-Universitat zu Berlin
    Inventors: Tim Schröder, Oliver Benson, Andreas Schell, Philip Engel, Moritz Julian Banholzer, Friedemann Gädeke, Gerhard Birkl
  • Patent number: 8842943
    Abstract: An electro-optic modulator includes a substrate comprising a surface, a pair of transmission lines formed in the surface and extending substantially in parallel with each other, a pair of first strip electrodes formed on the surface and covering the respective transmission lines, and a pair of second strip electrodes positioned at two sides of the first strip electrodes and parallel with the first strip electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Shun Huang
  • Patent number: 8842950
    Abstract: A component for an optical probe, the component comprising: a tubular body defining an internal channel and an opening; a mounting ring which is mounted within the internal channel and configured to define an aperture aligned with the opening; and a window disposed across the aperture and bonded to the mounting ring around the aperture, wherein the window is diamond, wherein the mounting ring comprises a material having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion a of 14×10?6 K?1 or less at 20° C. and a thermal conductivity of 60 Wm?1K?1 or more at 20° C., and wherein the tubular body is made of a chemically inert material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Element Six N.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Gerardus Maria DeWit, Gerrit Jan Pels, Berdinus Christianus Maria Vrolijk
  • Patent number: 8837884
    Abstract: The optical semiconductor device includes a spot-size converter formed on a semiconductor substrate. The spot-size converter has a multilayer structure including a light transition region. The multilayer structure includes a lower core layer, and an upper core layer having a refractive index higher than that of the lower core layer. The width of the upper core layer is gradually decreased and the width of the lower core layer is gradually increased in the light transition region. Both sides and an upper side of the multilayer structure are buried by a semi-insulating semiconductor layer in the light transition region. Light incident from one end section of the spot-size converter is propagated to the upper core layer. The light transits from the upper core layer to the lower core layer in the light transition region, is propagated to the lower core layer, and exits from the other end section thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Oclaro Japan, Inc.
    Inventors: Takanori Suzuki, Takafumi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8837885
    Abstract: The inventive concept provides optic couplers, optical fiber laser devices, and active optical modules using the same. The optic coupler may include a first optical fiber having a first core and a first cladding surrounding the first core, a second optical fiber having a second core transmitting a signal light to the first optical fiber and a third cladding surrounding the second core, third optical fibers transmitting pump-light to the first optical fiber in a direction parallel to the second optical fiber; and a connector connected between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, the connector extending the third optical fibers disposed around the second optical fiber toward the first optical fiber, the connector comprising a third core connected between the first core and the second core and a fifth cladding surrounding the third core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Hong Seok Seo, Bong Je Park, Joon Tae Ahn, Jung-Ho Song
  • Patent number: 8837881
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a jumper, optical fibers and an optical-electric coupling element. The jumper includes a lower surface and an upper surface. The jumper defines a first receiving hole and a second receiving hole. A flange perpendicularly extends upward from a periphery of the upper surface. The flange defines a locating opening. The optical-electric coupling element includes a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface forms at least two first coupling lenses. The bottom surface defines a cutout spatially corresponds with the flange of the jumper. The cutout includes a bottom portion. A locating projector extends upward from the bottom portion. The locating projector is inserted into the locating opening to attach the jumper into the optical-electric coupling element, with each of the first coupling lens being received in the first receiving hole or the second receiving hole. The flange being received in the cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi Hung