Abstract: Light emitters are made of one or more cladded flat optical fibers having opposite flat sides and disruptions along at least a portion of the length of the fibers to cause light entering at least one end to be emitted from at least one side. The ends of the flat optical fibers may have substantially the same thickness as a light source and a width substantially equal to or substantially greater than the width of the light source for ease of optically coupling one or more such light sources to the flat optical fiber ends.

Abstract: A dispersion compensation apparatus employing an arrayed-waveguide-grating (AWG) which exhibits a dispersion slope.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical apparatus (10, 110, 410, 610) for accommodating optical fiber, such as one or more loops of optical fiber. The optical apparatus (10, 110, 410, 610) can include a body (12, 112, 412, 612) comprising an inwardly facing surface (16, 116, 416, 616) adapted for receiving a plurality of loops of a length of optical fiber. The body (16, 116, 416, 616) can include at least a portion (75) wherein the inwardly facing surface is continuous between two adjacent loops (79). Methods and apparatus are disclosed for disposing the optical fiber with an optical apparatus (10, 110, 410, 610) for accommodating the optical fiber.

Abstract: An arrayed waveguide grating type optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit in which wavelength dispersion is reduced. An input wave guide (1), a first slab waveguide (2), an arrayed waveguide (3), a second slab waveguide (4) and an output waveguide (5) are connected sequentially. Furthermore, a parabola waveguide (6) is provided between the input waveguide (1) and the first slab waveguide (2), and a taper waveguide (7) is provided between the second slab waveguide (4) and the output waveguide (5). A parabola waveguide length Z0 exists in a range Za,0=Z0=Zp,0 determined by a parabola waveguide length Za,0 where the ratio of absolute amplitude between the main peak and the first side peak in the field distribution of far-field of the parabola waveguide (6) has an upper limit of 0.217, and a parabola waveguide length Zp,0 where the relative phase of the main peak and the first side peak in the field distribution of far-field has a lower limit of 3.14 radian.

Abstract: System, devices and methods are described that provide an integrated optical decombiner or optical combiner having both unamplified paths and amplified paths on which power monitoring and control may be located. A preferred multiplexing/demultiplexing optical path through the combiner/decombiner and a corresponding waveguide output/input is identified and optically coupled to a piece of fiber. Temperature control may be provided to tune an arrayed waveguide grating within the combiner/decombiner and minimize wavelength drift therein. Integrated power monitoring may be employed on one or more of the amplified waveguide paths to ensure that a preferred power level or range is maintained on an optical signal.

Abstract: A method of managing and playing a title of a medium, the medium playing a deleted video title set (VTS) even after finalization of recording of a medium. The medium includes a first area recording video title sets and a second area recording search information used to play a deleted video title set among video title sets that have been recorded to the first area before recording of the medium is finalized.

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.

Abstract: An optical planar wavelength selective filter is formed on a printed circuit substrate. Low optical loss polymers are used to make a layered structure that contains waveguides and free travel zones. A diffraction grating is strategically placed on the printed circuit substrate so that light from one waveguide is diffracted by the grating to exit the free travel zone and pass through the other waveguides. The low optical loss polymer is a reaction product of the hydrolysis and polycondensation reaction of organically functionalized alkoxysilanes. With a proper grating, the apparatus can be used as an optical triplexer at frequencies of 1310, 1490, and 1550 nanometers.

Abstract: A core layer has a light entrance region and a light exit region, said light entrance region having a width greater than said light exit region. The light entrance region has at least a side surface shaped as a reflecting surface. The light entrance region has an end having a parabolic shape. An LED is disposed in contact with a lower surface of the light entrance region. Signal light is introduced from the LED into the light entrance region with increased light entrance efficiency, and is highly efficiently reflected by the side surface of the light entrance region for higher light collecting efficiency.

Abstract: A 1×2 splitter design having low loss is described. The splitter has a non-adiabatic tapered waveguide (22) connected between a substantially single-mode input waveguide (20) and two output waveguides (24, 26). The non-adiabatic tapered waveguide widens in width towards the output waveguide, and merges substantially continuously with the input waveguide in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the input waveguide. This keeps radiation mode generation to a minimum which, in turn, keeps insertion loss low. In the described embodiment, the non-adiabatic taper shape is based on a perturbed cosine function. The 1×2 splitter can be cascaded with other such splitters in order to build a 1×2N splitter design.

Abstract: An improved waveguide structure employing blocks of waveguide core material positioned sufficiently close to a waveguide core thereby eliminating strain effects and its resulting undesirable polarization crosstalk. The improved structures are applicable to a variety of optical components including bent waveguides, directional and star couplers.

Abstract: A dispersion compensation apparatus providing both coarse and fine dispersion compensation employing a pair of slab waveguides, a grating interconnecting the two waveguides, a mirror disposed within the second slab waveguide and one or more thermooptic lense(s), positioned between the mirror and the grating.

Abstract: An optical add/drop patch cord. The optical add/drop patch cord has an optical add/drop component enclosed by a casing. An input fiber is optically coupled to the optical add/drop component and permanently or detachably connected to the casing. A drop fiber is optically coupled to the optical add/drop component and permanently or detachably connected to the casing. An add fiber is optically coupled to the optical add/drop component and permanently connected to the casing. An output fiber is optically coupled to the optical add/drop component and permanently connected to the casing.

Abstract: A flexible, hollow, waveguide is featured, that functions in the visible region. The waveguide comprises a hollow, flexible, silica-glass tube having a smooth bore, that is coated with a reflective substance on the inner bore surface. A composite of two sulfide materials are then layered over the reflective substance. The sulfide materials form a high contrasting refractive index of approximately 2:1, thus creating a photonic, bandgap tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a color optical link using a transparently jacketed plastic optical fiber that optically transmits data and uses light, scattered and emitted to the outside, for the purpose of illumination, and a method for achieving the color optical link. The color optical link includes a first driver that receives digital or analog signals and a coloring signal in parallel and converts these signals into optical signals through a plurality of light sources. These light sources emit light of different wavelengths. A first POF coupler, connected at one end of the optical fiber, inputs the received optical signals into the optical fiber. A second POF coupler at the other end separates the transmitted optical signals into a plurality of optical signals and inputs these optical signals into a plurality of optical detectors having filters for separating the received signals into plural signals according to wavelength. A second driver converts the received optical signals into electrical signals.

Abstract: An optical switching element comprising: a multimode waveguide having an electro-optical effect; one or a plurality of first single mode waveguides; a plurality of second single mode waveguides; a first electrode arranged in the vicinity of one edge on one side of the multimode waveguide; a second electrode arranged in the vicinity of the other edge on the same side of the multimode waveguide; and a third electrode arranged on the other side of the multimode waveguide, over the first electrode and the second electrode being arranged so as to be positioned on luminescent spots in an optical mode field generated by the light propagating through the multimode waveguide, and an optical path being switched between the first single mode waveguide and the second single mode waveguide by applying voltage between the first electrode and the third electrode and between the second electrode and the third electrode, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a set-reset flip-flop operating in an all-optical manner. In this invention, a set pulse is inputted from the setting port. In doing so, only oscillation in set mode is generated at the multi-mode interference portion in a waveguide. As a result, a non-inverting output Q is obtained from the non-inverting output port. This state is then continued even if the set pulse input goes off. Next, a reset pulse is inputted to the resetting port. In doing so, at the multi-mode interference portion, oscillation of light in the set mode is halted, and oscillation in the reset mode occurs. As a result, it is possible to obtain an inverting output Q-bar from the inverting output port. This state is then continued even if the reset pulse goes off.

Abstract: A fully integrated microelectromechanical (MEMS) lxK wavelength selective switch (WSS) includes an array of N solid-immersion micromirrors (SIMs) and a K+1 dispersion waveguide arrays that are integrally fabricated together. In one embodiment, the WSS is fabricated in Silicon. In another embodiment, the N actuators of the SIMs are etched in the Silicon layer of a Silicon-on Insulator (SOI) wafer. Thereafter, a Silica layer is deposited on the Silicon layer and the K+1 waveguide arrays and the mirrors for the N SIMs are etched in that Silica layer.

Abstract: An optical multiplexer that adjusts the wavelength response and compensates for temperature effects by using rotatable mirror. The wavelength response of the device is adjusted by aligning the mirror at a correct angle with respect to the surface terminating the optical waveguide grating. The temperature dependence of the index of refraction of the material comprising the waveguides is compensated for by rotating a reflecting surface of the mirror, the rotation based on differential thermal expansion. Some exemplary embodiments may comprise a slab waveguide on a substrate (the slab waveguide having a first and second arcuate end surfaces) attached to a submount, a mirror assembly rigidly attached to the submount (the mirror assembly comprising a first and second materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion), and an optical waveguide grating (upon the substrate attached to the submount) optically coupled between the second arcuate surface and the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit including a slab waveguide, with a plurality of different diffraction filtering elements optically coupling a plurality of input and output ports, provides various optical functionalities including multiplexing, demultiplexing, diplexer and triplexer. In the basic configuration one or more output ports are optically coupled to an input port via grating filters etching in the cladding of the slab waveguide, and an additional port is optically coupled to the input port via a diffraction grating etched in an endwall of the slab waveguide. A triplexer platform can be provided by optically coupling photo-detectors to two output ports, which receive wavelength channels demultiplexed from an input signal by two cladding etched filters, and by optically coupling a laser to another input port, which launches an outgoing laser signal at the endwall etched grating filter for coupling into the same fiber that launched the original input signal.

Abstract: An optical performance monitor for measuring the performance of optical networks has an echelle grating for demultiplexing an input beam into a plurality of wavelengths that are focused onto an array of divided output waveguides. Each divided output waveguide is positioned to receive a corresponding demultiplexed wavelength from the echelle grating or other waveguide multiplexer device. The divided output waveguides laterally separate the corresponding demultiplexed wavelength into a first and second portions. A detector array is positioned to receive the respective portions of the demultiplexed wavelengths and by comparing their relative intensity it is possible to detect any drift in the nominal wavelengths of the channels.

Abstract: Wavelength-selective switches (WSSs) having embedded multiplexer or demultiplexer functionality include a stack of planar waveguide circuits (PLCs) in which all but one of the PLCs have identical features consisting of a single waveguide connected to a free space region, further connected to a waveguide array that terminates at the PLC edge facet, which are placed at the front focal plane of a lens, generating a spectrally resolved optical signal at the back focal plane of the lens. Due to the use of a single lens, the spectrally resolved optical signal of all the PLCs are superimposed, differing only by propagation direction. A tilting micro-mirror array at the back focal plane reflects the spectral components, implementing a wavelength-selective switch. The reflected light can couple to any of the remaining PLCs, for multiplexing, or to the different PLC in the stack, which implements the multiplexer/demultiplexer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface interaction type multimode optical fiber coupler. A representative embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of optical fibers with at least one having an expanded core section. Sections of the optical fibers including at least a portion of the expanded core sections are fused together forming a fused section. At least one of the optical fibers is suitable for multimode operations. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of fabrication an optical fiber coupler comprises: providing a plurality of optical fibers with at least one having an expanded core section; and maintaining sections of the optical fibers including at least a portion of the expanded core sections in contact and simultaneously heating at least a portion of the sections that are in contact to form a fused section until a predetermined end condition is reached.

Abstract: An optical waveguide circuit includes a first loss component for causing a diffraction loss of light propagating through an optical waveguide, and a second loss component provided at least one of before and after the first loss component, for causing a diffraction loss less than the diffraction loss in the first loss component to the light propagating through the optical waveguide. This enables the beam spot size of the lightwave launched into the first loss component to be magnified seemingly, and to reduce the radiation angle of the lightwave at the first loss component, thereby making it possible to reduce the excess loss involved in the propagation of the light through the optical waveguide.

Abstract: An athermal arrayed-waveguide grating is disclosed and includes an input waveguide for inputting two or more optical signals from one exterior side, a grating array for separating the optical signals into different wavelengths of light, a first slab, formed with two layers and having different refractive indices from each other, for connecting the input waveguide with the grating array, a second slab for causing the different light wavelengths separated at the grating array to be imaged on an egress surface thereof, and an output waveguide array for outputting each light wavelength imaged on the egress surface of the second slab to the other exterior side in the form of a separated channel.

Abstract: Spot-size conversion for interfacing a first optical element having a higher refractive index to a second optical element having a lower refractive index is achieved through the use of two optical star couplers coupled to each other through a plurality of optical paths embedded in a planar waveguide. The beam from the high refractive index element is introduced into a high numerical aperture (NA) star coupler, which directs the beam through a plurality of optical paths to a second star coupler with a lower numerical aperture than the first star coupler so that its output spot-size is larger. The output port of the second star coupler is interfaced to the lower refractive index element. Wavelength selection can be provided by making non-zero path-length differences between adjacent optical paths between the two star couplers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface interaction type multimode optical fiber coupler. A representative embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of optical fibers with each having an expanded core section. The expanded core sections of the optical fibers are fused together forming a fused section. Each of the optical fibers is optically coupled with at least one other optical fiber primarily through surface interaction in the fused section. The optical fibers are suitable for multimode operations. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of fabrication an optical fiber coupler comprises: providing a plurality of optical fibers with each having an expanded core section; and maintaining at least a portion of the expanded core sections in contact and simultaneously heating at least a portion of the expanded core sections that are in contact to form a fused section until a predetermined end condition is reached.

Abstract: A single free-beam region for coupling electromagnetic radiation in and out is provided in order in the case of an AWG coupler for spectrally separating electromagnetic radiation to achieve a more stable thermal characteristic and a space-saving layout.

Abstract: An arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) device comprising a substrate having a first array of waveguides optically coupled between first and second slab couplers and a second array of input-output waveguides optically coupled at first ends thereof to an input/output side of the second slab-coupler. The input/output waveguide are tapered at first end portions thereof so as to increase in width towards the second slap coupler, and the width (W) of the first ends of the input/output waveguides varies across the second array in a manner so as to increase uniformity of at least on performance parameter, for example adjacent crosstalk (AXT). In the described embodiment, the width (W) of the tapered waveguide ends increases from one side to the array of input/output waveguides to the other, so as to keep the separation(s) between the input/output waveguides.

Abstract: A right angle light diverter includes a hexagonal tube that is bent at a right angle that is coated with a highly reflective coating on the inside surface. An incoming light beam may be homogenized upon entering an input port of the hexagonal tube and may be evenly diverted at a right angle at a reflection section while the homogenized profile may be maintained. A right angle optical splitter may include at least one additional output section. An incoming light beam may be homogenized and may be split into at least two outgoing beams that may be diverted at right angles at reflection sections. The right angle light diverter and the right angle optical splitter may be suitable for, but not limited to, applications in aircraft industry, both military and commercial. They may be used, for example, in connection with airborne laser programs, in commercial airplanes, and in military jets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-grating subtractive-dispersion optical channel multiplexer/demultiplexer for combining or separating optical channels and providing the output channels with a flat-top response. The FSR of the first grating is substantially equal to the channel spacing of the optical channels, such that the emission from the first grating achieves a cyclic offset of incidence angle into the second grating of the system.

Abstract: A right angle light diverter includes a hexagonal tube that is bent at a right angle that is coated with a highly reflective coating on the inside surface. An incoming light beam may be homogenized upon entering an input port of the hexagonal tube and may be evenly diverted at a right angle at a reflection section while the homogenized profile may be maintained. A right angle optical splitter may include at least one additional output section. An incoming light beam may be homogenized and may be split into at least two outgoing beams that may be diverted at right angles at reflection sections. The right angle light diverter and the right angle optical splitter may be suitable for, but not limited to, applications in aircraft industry, both military and commercial. They may be used, for example, in connection with airborne laser programs, in commercial airplanes, and in military jets.

Abstract: A demultiplexer/multiplexer is disclosed wherein an arrayed waveguide grating having a reflector at an end includes selectable signal path blockers. The arrayed waveguide device has a common input/output port for launching radiation in the form of an input signal having n wavelengths therein and for receiving back via the reflector at the input/output port a selected channel of the input signal. In operation a multiplexed signal have n channels is launched therein and a selected channel is output for analysis or further processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a network comprising a plurality of network nodes. At least part of the network nodes are directly intercoupled via at least one star node. The star node contains a plurality of star interfaces which are assigned to at least one network node. A star interface is provided for transferring a message from the assigned network node to the other star interfaces or from another star interface to at least one of the assigned network nodes always in dependence on a pilot signal.

Abstract: An optical interconnection apparatus including waveguide arrays such as waveguide lenses, waveguide gratings and star couplers, has improved efficiency realized using a periodic array combined with an arrangement of matching sections. The array is connected to a slab region containing the array focal point and the purpose of the matching sections is to minimize unwanted radiation by the array outside the central zone of the array. This unwanted radiation is primarily caused by two particular unwanted modes excited at the array junction with the slab, and the resulting loss is minimized by properly choosing the average phase shift applied by each section to said unwanted modes.

Abstract: A flat-top arrayed waveguide grating with wideband transmission spectrum may be produced by integrating a series of directional couplers to the output slab waveguide coupler of a dual channel-spacing arrayed waveguide grating having Gaussian spectral profile. The primary channel spacing of the Gaussian arrayed waveguide grating determines the spectral width of the resultant wideband device, whereas the secondary channel spacing determines the wavelength separation between the adjacent output channels. In such a structure, a wideband or flat transmission spectral profile may be achieved without excessive losses.

Abstract: An arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) device is described in which there are a plurality of output waveguides (10) coupled at one end to the output side of an second optical interaction region (4) of the AWG, and wherein the output waveguides are substantially identically curved in at least a portion of the fan-out region of the AWG. This improves the channel (frequency) spacing accuracy of the AWG. In one embodiment input waveguides (2) of the AWG are also substantially identically curved in at least a portion of the fan-in region of the AWG, these being inversely curved to the substantially identically curved portions of the output waveguides, with respect to the direction of travel of light along the waveguides. This has been found to reduce asymmetry in the channel output response.

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

Abstract: In a device of the present invention for allowing signal light to enter a light guide body using an optical fiber, a light guide body, which is constituted by dispersing particles for scattering the signal light in an optical medium, is selected as a light guide path which requires an area where a light diffusing function is performed just after incidence of the signal light. An optical connecting material intervenes between one end of the optical fiber from which the signal light is output and opposed one end surface of a particle dispersing light guide body and a desired diffusing function is obtained.

Abstract: An optical system provides a higher resolution image, especially for use with a projection system, using a combiner formed of fiber optics each having an input end and an output end, with the fiber optics grouped together so that the combiner has one or more image input ends each configured to receive an image from an associated image source. The input images are combined to yield an output image at the other end of the combiner that is smaller in area than the sum of the input image areas, increasing resolution. According to an embodiment, the output image is also counter-distorted to compensate for the distortion of the image caused by the relay optics used in projection.

Abstract: An arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) device (1) comprising a substrate having a first array of waveguides (8) optically coupled between first and second slab couplers (3, 4) and a second array of input-output waveguides (10) optically coupled at first ends thereof to an input/output side (5) of the second slab-coupler (4). The input/output waveguide are tapered at first end portions (13) thereof so as to increase in width towards the second slap coupler, and the width (W) of the first ends of the input/output waveguides varies across the second array (10) in a manner so as to increase uniformity of at least on performance parameter, for example adjacent crosstalk (AXT). In the described embodiment, the width (W) of the tapered waveguide ends increases from one side to the array of input/output waveguides (10) to the other, so as to keep the separation (s) between the input/output waveguides.

Abstract: One or more single mode few-moded or multimode fibers are incorporated into a bundle to carry input to a fiber amplifier or output from a fiber amplifier or a fiber laser. The input is at the signal wavelength, which is the wavelength where amplification or lasing occurs. Each of the fibers in the bundle is cleaved individually or as a group and fiber ends are aligned in the same plane. The fiber amplifier or fiber laser may include a double clad fiber and the other fibers of the bundle couple light for cladding pumping. The device may also include a mode filter for controlling the output mode.

Abstract: An optical device is provided which includes a slab waveguide and at least one input waveguide coupled to a first side of the slab waveguide. The device also includes a plurality of output waveguides coupled to a second side of the slab waveguide. The slab waveguide has a segmented transition region that includes a plurality of waveguiding regions spaced apart from one other by at least one discrete sector.

Abstract: An all-optical switch includes a field combiner to produce a first intermediate signal by combining electric fields of an optical information signal and an optical control signal; a fist power combiner to produce a second intermediate signal by combining powers of the optical information signal and the optical control signal; and a second power combiner to produce an optical output signal based on a power difference between the first and second intermediate signals.

Abstract: In an optical switch device: output waveguides are arranged with such a pitch as to realize a split wavelength gap equal to or smaller than half of a gap between operating wavelengths of optical signals; at least two input waveguides are arranged with the same pitch; at least one slab waveguide spreads light from the input waveguides to be outputted to a grating element, condenses first light from the grating element to be outputted into the input waveguides, condenses second light from the grating element for each wavelength to be outputted into the output waveguides, and spreads light from the output waveguides to be outputted to the grating element; and the optical switch unit selects signals at an identical wavelength in adjacent output waveguides, and performs 2×2 switching of the signals so as to output the signals from the input waveguides.

Abstract: An efficient tapered optical fiber bundle along with the method of manufacturing is presented. The tapered fiber bundle is fully fused to an induced shape with no interstitial space between fibers. To minimize fiber deformation and hence the tapered bundle's loss, the individual fibers are minimally deformed by positioning them in a fixture with predetermined geometry prior to fusion. The bundle could be optionally reshaped after fusion. The tapered bundle could then be used in its original form as a star coupler, or it could be cleaved and coupled to a multimode fiber, a multi-clad fiber, a cladding-pumped fiber, or an optical system to form an optical device. The resulting optical device has improved efficiency and lower loss compared with prior art devices.

Abstract: An achromatic power splitter is formed from multiple optical fibers. The achromatic power splitter operates single mode, which permits the power splitter to operate substantially insensitive to changes in wavelength of the input light, to changes in the polarization of the input light, to changes in the temperature of the device, and to exposure to ionizing radiation.

Abstract: An arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) with improved transmission efficiency includes an input P×M star coupler, an output M×Q star coupler, and M waveguides of unequal length connecting the input and output star couplers. A novel method used to determine the optimum position of the ports ensures that the maximum frequency deviation between the signal frequency and the center of the corresponding transmission passband is minimal for all possible connections among input and output ports.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical source generator for wavelength division multiplexing optical communication systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical power splitter that maximizes uniformity of the power split ratio, while minimizing the output differences between channels. The optical power splitter includes a semiconductor substrate; a core layered on the semiconductor substrate, functioning as a transmission medium for optical signals composed of multi-channels according to a wavelength, wherein the core comprises an input waveguide for receiving the optical signals and a plurality of output waveguides for outputting respective portions of the optical signals whose powers are split; a clad for encompassing the core; and a rectilinear assistant waveguide coupled between the input waveguide and a plurality of output waveguides, having a designated width and length to uniformize mode profiles of the multi-channels that are manifested on the output side edge of the rectilinear assistant waveguide.