Abstract: For a line branching device for branching a conductor string it is proposed that an approximately T-shaped housing be provided and the conductor string be guided uninterruptedly through the upper crosspiece of the T-shaped. At the base of the T there is provided a plug terminal whose contacts are permanently connected to the conductors of the conductor string and via which a consumer can be connected.

Abstract: A fiber optical "T" coupler for sending and receiving signals on the same fiber optic element to facilitate ease of building and operating fiber optic communications networks. The fiber optical "T" coupler has three GRIN lenses, a receiving GRIN lens, a transmitting GRIN lens and a focusing GRIN lens, each having a focusing end and a collimating end. The transmitting GRIN lens' and the focusing GRIN lens' collimating ends are attached to and optically connected to the collimating end of the receiving GRIN lens. Fiber optic elements can be connected to the GRIN lenses focused ends for receiving signals to be collimated or for sending focused signals from the collimated end of the GRINs. Thus a light emitting transducer sends light to the transmitting GRIN lens and through the receiving GRIN lens to a fiber optic element. The same fiber optic element brings light to the receiving GRIN lens which is optically connected to the focusing GRIN lens which focuses the light on a light detecting transducer.

Abstract: A fiber optic coupler having a first lens element for inputting a point source of light from an optical cable and outputting a collimated light, optically coupled to one or more lens elements for receiving an input of collimated light from the first lens element and outputting a focused point of light into a fiber optic cable. The lens elements can be gradient index lens. The lens elements can be of varying sizes such that the first lens element can optically connect to one or more smaller lens elements to couple or split optical signals for two way communication on the optical cables.

Abstract: This invention relates to modulating light transmitted in an optic fiber. A passive light modulating device such as a polarizing material, a filter, or an attenuator is placed between two facing collimated ends of GRIN lenses attached to two optic fibers. The passive light modulating device modulates the light in the desired manner as it is transmitted between the two optic fibers. An active light modulating device such as a switch or an amplifier may also be used between the two GRIN lenses to actively modify the transmitted light.

Abstract: Optical signals that would otherwise transit a first fiber (12), but for a break therein, may be cut-over to a second fiber (16) by clamping the first fiber at first and second spaced locations thereon upstream and downstream, respectively, of the break. Clamping the first fiber creates a microbend at each of the first and second locations at which optical signals exit from, and may be injected into, respectively, the first fiber. The second fiber is likewise clamped at first and second spaced locations thereon to create a pair of microbends at which optical signals may be injected into, and extracted from the second fiber, respectively. Once the first and second fibers are clamped in this fashion, the optical signals extracted from the first fiber at the first location are coupled into the second fiber and then extracted therefrom for injection into the first fiber at the second location thereon.

Abstract: This invention relates to fiber optic networks for the two way communication of light signals. One optic fiber may carry bidirectional signals to many nodes connected to the optic fiber by bidirectional passive optic couplers. Passive unidirectional to bidirectional passive optic couplers can bridge between bidirectional optic fiber networks and unidirectional fiber optic networks. Thus optical signals can be transported to and from each node to all other nodes such that each node is in contact with all the other nodes on the network.

Abstract: Digital data in the form of a light signal is to be transmitted through an optical network of optical waveguides joined together at passive node points. The node points split or branch off the light signal from a primary waveguide into secondary or branch waveguides. The passive node points include special coupling surfaces respectively a coupling body including a flat surface and a prismatic structure arranged at the junction or head end of the secondary waveguide. The respective coupling surface or coupling body achieves an exactly defined maximum reflection of the light in the primary waveguide, i.e. constrains a major proportion of the light within the primary waveguide. Thus, maximum light power is maintained and transmitted along the primary waveguide, and at each node point a defined minimum light power is coupled into the respective secondary waveguides.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for efficient laser illumination of the interiors of multiple capillaries simultaneously, and collection of light emitted from them. Capillaries in a parallel array can form an optical waveguide wherein refraction at the cylindrical surfaces confines side-on illuminating light to the core of each successive capillary in the array. Methods are provided for determining conditions where capillaries will form a waveguide and for assessing and minimizing losses due to reflection. Light can be delivered to the arrayed capillaries through an integrated fiber optic transmitter or through a pair of such transmitters aligned coaxially at opposite sides of the array. Light emitted from materials within the capillaries can be carried to a detection system through optical fibers, each of which collects light from a single capillary, with little cross talk between the capillaries.

Abstract: An arrangement for switching a high-voltage switch by optical energy is proposed. The high-voltage switch comprises a number of controllable semiconductor elements, which switch through when illuminated with light. The light energy is transmitted via a light guide or optical fiber rod, and the angle between the light guide or optical fiber rod and the high-voltage switch is from 5.degree. to 20.degree., and the light guide or optical fiber rod is cut obliquely on its end toward the high-voltage switch, producing an elliptical cross section.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an optical wavelength division multiplexer device which has low through loss and low reflection loss, and also has high isolation. A filter member is made up from a filter base board upon which is formed a wavelength division filter 5, and is disposed so as to intersect an input and output optical waveguide 3 of rectilinear form part-way along it at an intersection angle .alpha.. When light which includes light of two different wavelengths .lambda..sub.1 and .lambda..sub.2 is incident through an incident light side of the input and output optical waveguide 3, the light of wavelength .lambda..sub.2 passes through the wavelength division filter 5 and is emitted through an emitted light side, while the light of wavelength .lambda..sub.1 is reflected by the wavelength division filter 5 in a direction separated from the input and output optical waveguide 3.

Abstract: An optical coupler for use in fiber optics for splitting light signals into two or more portions wherein the intensity of the light on the outgoing optical fibers can be accurately controlled. The optical coupler consists of a sending GRIN lens and two or more adjacent receiving GRIN lenses wherein a portion of each receiving GRIN lens has been removed and the receiving GRIN lenses are attached along a common border formed by the removed portion of the GRIN lenses.

Abstract: The optical coupler includes first, second and third port assemblies and a deflecting element. The first port assembly receives a first optical signal, the first port assembly including a first lensing element. The second port assembly emits a predetermined, transmitted portion of the first optical signal. The second port assembly includes a second lensing element. The deflecting element is positioned between the first and second port assemblies. The third port assembly includes a third lensing element. The deflecting element and the third port assembly are so positioned and arranged such that a deflected portion of the first optical signal is deflected from the deflecting element and directed through the third port assembly. The predetermined, transmitted portion of the first optical signal is directed through the second port assembly without being deflected by the deflecting element.

Abstract: An amplification circuit for amplifying wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) optical signals in a fiber-optic network is presented. The amplification circuit amplifies WDM signals propagating simultaneously in both directions through a fiber-optic link with a single unidirectional optical amplifier.

Abstract: A hybrid, bi-directional, three-color, wave-division multiplexer (HB3-WDM), fiber optic communication system employs a combination of wide band and narrow band WDMs to multiplex three pairs of optic signals over two fiber optic cables. The three pairs of signals include two pairs in a range centered about 1550 nm and one pair in a range centered about 1330 nm. In one embodiment, modularized HB3-WDMs are used to modify a pre-existing, multi-cable, bi-directional, two-color WDM system. The modified system communicates thirty percent more data while maintaining pre-existing signal attenuation levels and pre-existing back-up capabilities.

Abstract: A variable splitting optical coupler includes a first port assembly, a second port assembly, a movable deflecting element assembly and a third port assembly. The first port assembly includes a first lensing element and receives a first optical signal. The second port assembly includes a second lensing element and emits a variable transmitted portion of the first optical signal. The movable deflecting element assembly includes a movable deflecting element positioned between the first and second port assemblies. The third port assembly includes a third leasing element. The movable deflecting element is so positionable and the third port assembly is so positioned and arranged so that a deflected portion of the first optical signal is deflected from the deflecting element and directed through the third port assembly. The variable transmitted portion of the first optical signal is directed through the second port assembly without being deflected by the deflecting element.

Abstract: A branch device for use in an optical multiplex system allows three stations to be interconnected by a relatively small number of optical fibers. The branch device has WDM couplers each having a port A connected to a port C through a through path and to a port D through a cross path, and a port B connected to the port C through a cross path and to the port D through a through path. A signal light having a wavelength .lambda..sub.AB in a through-path wavelength band, inputted from a cable end A, is transmitted through a through path in one of the WDM couplers to a cable end B. A signal light having a wavelength .lambda..sub.AC in a cross-path wavelength band, inputted from the cable end A, is transmitted through a cross path in the WDM coupler to the B port thereof, and then transmitted through a cross path in another WDM coupler to a cable end C. Similarly, signal lights inputted from the other cable ends B, C are divided and transmitted through paths depending on their wavelengths.

Abstract: A first terminal is connected to a second terminal by means of a first waveguide having a first radius of curvature. The first terminal (or second terminal) is connected to a third terminal by means of a second waveguide (or a third waveguide) having a second radius of curvature which is grater than the first radius of curvature. Incident light supplied from the first terminal is branched between the first waveguide and the second waveguide, and the light entering the first waveguide undergoes the greater attenuation since this waveguide has the smaller radius of curvature. Hence, the light component passing through the first waveguide has a difference in output from the component passing through the second waveguide that is sufficiently great to provide a large branching ratio.

Abstract: A laser-optical fiber tuning and control system which optimizes coupling of a laser output into an optical fiber by minimizing the amount of light scattered into the fiber cladding, which provides a realtime indication of whether the radiation reaches the output end of the fiber to an emergency shut-down switch, and which provides a communications system for control of the laser from the output end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a waveguide substrate and an optical waveguide disposed on the substrate, the optical waveguide having an optical waveguide region as a light transmission path, an insertion region for inserting an optical functional component having a mode field width of light propagating therein larger than that of light propagating in the optical waveguide region, and an optical connection region provided between the optical waveguide region and the insertion region to change a mode field width of light propagating therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct drive guide unit that, while being able to be manufactured easily as a result of having a small number of parts, achieves a low level of noise, does not require lubrication, is resistant to rust and chemicals, is not susceptible to magnetism, and demonstrates favorable response characteristics.The above-mentioned effects are obtained by forming a slider by coupling divided pieces, for example, formed into two pieces, and making said slider from plastic.

Abstract: A tunable waveguide grating includes a plurality of N waveguides which define N optically transmissive pathways. A plurality of (N-1) electrodes are arranged in the pathways such that the kth pathway contains (k-1) electrodes, where 0<k<N. As a result of this arrangement, an optical signal propagating through the kth pathway will experience a phase shift provided by each of the (k-1) electrodes arranged in that pathway. Consequently, in contrast to prior tunable optical gratings, each electrode may contribute a phase shift to the portions of the signal propagating through several waveguides and hence as the number of waveguides increases no individual electrode is required to produce relatively large phase shifts.

Abstract: A mulitchannel optical waveguide page scanner has a diode laser and a primary optical channel waveguide. Light is coupled from the diode into the primary channel waveguide. Multiple secondary side channels each have a thin-film electro-optic waveguide modulator. A series of T-branch connectors distribute light from the primary channel to the secondary side channels. Each of the electro-optic waveguide modulators is addressable individually.

Abstract: The optical element provides for the displacement of two end sections having slanted end faces. The slanted end faces have such an angle to the optical axis of the fiber, that the limit angle for total reflection is exceeded. The displacement remains substantially below the diameter of the fiber.

Abstract: A mulitchannel optical waveguide page scanner has a diode laser and a primary optical channel waveguide. Light is coupled from the diode into the primary channel waveguide. Multiple secondary side channels each have a thin-film electro-optic waveguide modulator. A series of T-branch connectors distribute light from the primary channel to the secondary side channels. Each of the electro-optic waveguide modulators is addressable individually.

Abstract: A bidirectional light transmission system comprises a transmitting station having a light source for intensity-modulating a transmission signal, a first light branching portion for branching intensity-modulated light of the light source in a predetermined ratio and a first light receiving portion, and a receiving station having a second light branching portion, a light phase-modulating portion, a light reflecting portion and a second light receiving portion.

Abstract: An optical connection device includes at least one first rigid element fitted with an end which is preferably pointed; and at least one second element comprising a part made of elastic material such as silicon. Fasteners hold the end of the said first element against the elastic material of the said second element.

Abstract: Transmission system for the polarization-insensitive transmission of signals over a signal route (ST) between a first system connection point (S1) for a transmitter (T) and a second system connection point (S3) for a receiver (R), and between two further system connection points (S2 and S4) for an additional transmitter and a receiver. On one side the high-order retarder (HR) is disposed between the system connection points and the signal route (ST). The system comprises a first and a second hybrid circuit (H1, H2) each provided with two unidirectional connection points and a bidirectional connection point. The unidirectional connection points form the system connection points (S1 to S4 inclusive). The bidirectional connection point of one of the hybrid circuit (H1) is connected via the high-order retarder (HR), and the bidirectional connection point of the other hybrid circuit (H2) is connected directly, to the signal route (ST).

Abstract: A semiconductor active waveguide optical crossbar switch to allow optical signals to be routed to any number of ports with no net attenuation of signal strength. The optical crossbar switch is comprised of a network of optical waveguides wherein both lateral and transverse carrier confinement is provided. Redirection of the optical waveguide is accomplished by means of total internal reflectance turning mirrors. Furthermore, the optical waveguides are formed such that electrical current may be applied to the semiconductor structure to amplify the optical signal travelling therein. Electro-absorption switches formed from distinct metallic contacts overlying portions of the optical waveguides amplify the optical signal travelling through the waveguide underneath the switch if sufficient electrical stimulation is applied to the switch.

Abstract: A device for the purpose of monitoring light transmissions in optical fibers comprises a fiber optic tap that optically diverts a fraction of a transmitted optical signal without disrupting the integrity of the signal. The diverted signal is carried, preferably by the fiber optic tap, to a lens or lens system that disperses the light over a solid angle that facilitates viewing. The dispersed light indicates whether or not the monitored optical fiber or system of optical fibers is currently transmitting optical information.

Abstract: GRID rod lenses extend between the faces of beam-splitting prisms that are in the transmitting and receiving light beam paths of an optical backpanel bus. The GRIN rod lenses are secured in segments to the inner opposing faces of pairs of beam-splitting prisms along the light beam paths with optical grade epoxy in order to reduce undesirable reflections when vibrations occur. These GRIN rod lenses are contained in a Kovar channel which has a pair or elongated V-shaped grooves. Kovar is the preferred material because it has approximately the same index of expansion as the GRIN rod lenses. The GRIN rod lenses of the transmitting path are secured in one V-shaped groove while the GRIN rod lenses of the receiving path are secured in another V-shaped groove.

Abstract: A process for the production of optical couplers from polymers in which the coupler structure is produced by injection molding and the polymers employed are preferably amorphous polymers, in particular PMMA, polystyrenes, polycarbonates, polyolefins, polyesters, polysulfones, polyether sulfones, polyether imides, polyarylates, polyamides or polyester carbonates. The coupler element is solid and may be coated with a polymer which has a lower refractive index than the coupler, so that the light propagation takes place in the coupler itself.

Abstract: An optical two-way transmission-received communications system utilizing a coaxial coupler in place of a standard coupler, the optical system being capable of operation either in a single or multiple wavelength mode by designing the coupling region to have the proper length (i.e., either in 3dB or WDM operation), and further comprising a transmitter and a detector adjacent a coaxial coupler. The detector of the system is provided with a hole in its center in order to allow the transmitter access to the core waveguide of the coaxial coupler. The coaxial coupler may be formed from a rod in tube structure with a core waveguide extension adjacent the Tx/Rx and an integral pigtail on the opposite side of the coupler.

Abstract: Switches (multiplexers, demultiplexers, data switches) are provided for optical signal transmission, by which two or more data streams are combined or separated or by which combined data streams are switched. Instead of buffering as in time-division multiplexing, wavelength conversions are performed. By space-division and wavelength-division multiplexing, storage problems can be largely avoided.

Abstract: A method is provided for partially collecting light from a polymer waveguide (11, 56). A polymer waveguide (11, 56) is provided, through which a light signal (17) is traveling. A faceted groove (28) is placed in the polymer waveguide (11, 56), thereby reflecting a controllable portion of the light (22) that is traveling through the polymer waveguide (11, 56) from the facet (21) at an oblique angle. Typically, the reflected light is directed into a photodetector (24, 41), which is included into an integrated circuit (52, 53) on a substrate (51).

Abstract: A light-waveguide device has a light waveguide having a circumference provided with a groove, and a coupling element having a carrier and at least one of a light-sensitive transmitting component and a light-sensitive receiving component for coupling an optical radiation in and out of the light waveguide. The carrier is T-shaped and has a base surface and a central support. The at least one light-sensitive component is arranged on the T-shaped carrier and forms with the base surface of the T-shaped carrier an angle .alpha..

Abstract: An M.times.N optical star coupler is disclosed which utilizes fiber amplifier technology to provide amplification of message signals. The input signals to the star comprise at least one message signal and at least one pump signal. The message signals and pump signals combine in an amplifier coupling region to form as an output the amplified message signals. The amplified message signals are then coupled into the plurality of N output waveguides. In one embodiment, a plurality of fiber amplifiers are coupled in a one-to-one relationship to the plurality of output waveguides. Since the amplifier is reciprocal in nature, the star may be utilized as a bidirectional device. The couplers may also be connected together to form a cascaded arrangement capable of providing re-amplification of the message signals.

Abstract: An optical waveguide star coupler includes a light propagating core provided on a substrate. An exciting light and a signal light are supplied to the light propagating core. The light propagating core includes a plurality of Y-branching waveguides connected one after another to provide a multi-stage waveguide structure. A signal light inputted in the core is combined during the propagation through the core with the exciting light so that the signal light is amplified.

Abstract: An optical shunt device in which a pair of connecting ends (22, 23) for being connected to optical communication fiber sections (11) are divided into three systems. The first of the three systems is a passing-through light conduction path (19) through which light signals in two opposite directions are allowed to pass through between the connecting ends. The second of the three systems is a receiving light conduction path (20) having a first light-receiving end (20a) and a second light-receiving end (20b) each receiving a light signal from the connecting ends (22, 23). The third light path (21) has a first light-transmitting end (21a) and a second light-transmitting end (21b) each transmitting a light signal to the connecting ends.

Abstract: When two hollow tubular light conduits are interconnected at a miter joint, beamed light can be redirected from one of the conduits to the other by a thin transparent prismatic element that is mounted to extend along the plane of the miter joint. When the interconnected conduits are acting as a luminaire, the miter joint can be fully illuminated by the transported light. A luminaire of unlimited length can be obtained by mounting a plurality of lamps and parabolic reflectors along a transparent hollow tubular light conduit and redirecting light from each lamp to be transported along the axis of the conduit in both directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneous transmission of optic signals having different wavelengths over a single optic fiber. Multiple light signals are transmitted through optic fibers that are formed into a circumference surrounding a central core fiber. The multiple light signals are directed by a lens into a single receiving fiber where the light combines and is then focused into the central core fiber which transmits the light to a wavelength discriminating receiver assembly.