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.

Abstract: There is provided an optical-connector-equipped optical fiber cable introducing method, according to which an introducing operation through an existing electrical wiring conduit or the like can be implemented, without damaging an optical fiber cable to be introduced, and with a small towing force. When inserting into a conduit 39 an optical-connector-equipped optical fiber cable 31 in which a grip 19 having a function of engaging with and disengaging from an adaptor is fitted onto a plug frame 9 that covers a ferrule, an introducing operation of the optical-connector-equipped optical fiber cable is implemented by towing and inserting the optical-connector-equipped optical fiber cable 31, from which at least the grip 19 is detached, through the conduit 39 and, thereafter, the grip 19 is attached to the plug frame 9.

Abstract: An optical hybrid circuit includes a multimode interference coupler; a first 2:2 optical coupler; a second 2:2 optical coupler; a third 2:2 optical coupler; and a phase controlling region. The first 2:2 optical coupler, the second 2:2 optical coupler, and the third 2:2 optical coupler are coupled to one of the pair of first output channels, the pair of second output channels, the pair of third output channels, and the pair of fourth output channels of the multimode interference coupler. The phase controlling region is provided in one or both of each pair of at least two pairs of output channels from among three pairs of output channels to which the first 2:2 optical coupler, the second 2:2 optical coupler, and the third 2:2 optical coupler are coupled, respectively.

Abstract: An optical bus is described for optical signal broadcasting. The optical bus can include a substrate and input optical waveguides formed on the substrate. First and second sets of output optical waveguides can also be formed on the substrate. Optical power splitters on the substrate can have an input and multiple outputs. The optical power splitters can be optically coupled to an input optical waveguide and can split an input optical beam into multiple output optical beams. The optical bus can include a waveguide shuffle network formed on the substrate. The waveguide shuffle network can include intersecting optical waveguides and can optically couple outputs from each of the optical power splitters to the first set of output optical waveguides and optically couple different outputs from each of the optical power splitters to the second set of output optical waveguides.

Abstract: A system and method directed to an integrated fiber optic splitter assembly having at least two fused splitters disposed in a common substrate. An integrated optical splitter assembly includes a plurality of input fibers, a plurality of output fibers, and a plurality of splitters disposed on a single substrate to either split or couple optical signals between the input and output optical fibers.

Abstract: In some variations, the present invention provides a method for forming a chip-scale photonic frequency channelizer or spectrum analyzer. A low-loss waveguide forms a long delay-line in a first level, from which a large number of filter-taps form narrow channel passbands. Multi-dimensional laser-written waveguides feed a slab waveguide coupler located at a stacked, second level. A chip-scale RF-photonic spectrum analyzer provided by this invention has extremely high resolution, such as a passband width of about 30 MHz over a free spectral range of 12 GHz, while occupying a device footprint of only about 10 cm2 area.

Abstract: Optical fiber lasers and components for optical fiber laser. An optical fiber laser can comprise a fiber laser cavity having a wavelength of operation at which the cavity provides output light, the cavity including optical fiber that guides light having the wavelength of operation, the fiber having first and second lengths, the first length having a core having a V-number at the wavelength of operation and a numerical aperture, the second length having a core that is multimode at the wavelength of operation and that has a V-number that is greater than the V-number of the core of the first length optical fiber at the wavelength of operation and a numerical aperture that is less than the numerical aperture of the core of the first length of optical fiber. At least one of the lengths comprises an active material that can provide light having the wavelength of operation via stimulated emission responsive to the optical fiber receiving pump light.

Abstract: Optical splitter assemblies are provided. An assembly may include a housing, one or more fanout elements, an optical splitter element, an input fiber and a plurality of output fibers. The input fiber extends from an input opening of the housing to the optical splitter element. The input fiber carries an input signal to the optical splitter element and the optical splitter element splits the input signal into a plurality of output signals to be carried by the plurality of output fibers. Each of the output fibers extends from the optical splitter element to beyond a plurality of output openings of the housing. Each of the fanout elements defines one or more channels for supporting the input or output fibers. The assembly may further include tubular members for further support to the fibers. The fibers extend from the openings of the housing to the optical splitter element free of any loops.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for coupling light into an optical wave guide, a laser system with such an apparatus, and a preform to manufacture the apparatus for coupling light into an optical wave guide with the aid of a pumping fiber to guide the light, whereby the optical wave guide comprises a core with a cladding and an initial length segment with a second length segment immediately connected to it, whose cross section increases in tapered form with respect to the first length segment.

Abstract: An optical splitter, a combiner and a device. The optical splitter comprises a first longitudinal waveguide for receiving an incoming light wave; at least first and second pairs of output waveguides, the output waveguides of each pair being disposed on opposite sides of the first waveguide; wherein each of the output waveguides of each pair comprises a longitudinal portion disposed parallel to the first waveguide and such that optical power is coupled from the first waveguide into the respective longitudinal portions and the longitudinal portions of output waveguides of the first and second pairs are displaced along a length of the first waveguide; wherein each of the output waveguides of each pair further comprises a substantially S-shaped portion continuing from the respective longitudinal portions and such that optical power coupling between the respective S-shaped portions of output waveguides of the first and second pairs is substantially inhibited.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the optical axis of an optical waveguide element which can improve a manufacturing yield of the optical waveguide element, an alignment yield between the optical waveguide element and an input waveguide means, etc. and can equalize the branch ratio in a Y-branch waveguide; and an optical waveguide element which can be made compact and also inhibited from complication in structure by using this method. The optical waveguide element (5) formed on a substrate comprises at least a linear waveguide (6) and a Y-branch waveguide (7) branched from the linear waveguide.

Abstract: An optical channel tap assembly comprises a first N by M waveguide array including a first set of optical channels to convey optical signals along a first set of conveyance paths. The optical channel tap assembly also comprises a second N by M waveguide array including a second set of optical channels to convey the optical signals along a second set of conveyance paths, the optical signals received from the first set of conveyance paths. Additionally, the optical channel tap assembly comprises a beam splitter, disposed between the first N by M waveguide array and the second N by M waveguide array, to divert a first portion of power from the optical signals away from the second N by M waveguide array while allowing a second portion of power from the optical signals to propagate into the second N by M waveguide array.

Abstract: An optical system comprising two or more optical switches co-packaged together comprising discrete sets of input fiber ports (N per set) and an output fiber port (1 per set), and wherein ?n from said set of multiple input fiber ports (N) is focused on ?n mirror via the use of shared free space optics, wherein at least a first array of MEMS mirrors is utilized to select and switch selected wavelengths from the first set of input fiber ports (N) to an output fiber port of the same set, and wherein at least a second array of MEMS mirrors using and sharing the same free space optics is utilized to select individual wavelengths or spectral components from its input fiber ports to send to its output fiber port for optical power or other monitoring purposes, thus, enabling an N×1, or alternatively a 1×N switch capable of internal feedback monitoring.

Abstract: A network for delivering optical power over an optical conduit includes at least one optical power source delivering optical power to multiple outlet power subsystems the subsystem managing demands for power from the multiple outlet sinks.

Abstract: Optical fiber lasers and components for optical fiber laser. An optical fiber laser can comprise a fiber laser cavity having a wavelength of operation at which the cavity provides output light, the cavity including optical fiber that guides light having the wavelength of operation, the fiber having first and second lengths, the first length having a core having a V-number at the wavelength of operation and a numerical aperture, the second length having a core that is multimode at the wavelength of operation and that has a V-number that is greater than the V-number of the core of the first length optical fiber at the wavelength of operation and a numerical aperture that is less than the numerical aperture of the core of the first length of optical fiber. At least one of the lengths comprises an active material that can provide light having the wavelength of operation via stimulated emission responsive to the optical fiber receiving pump light.

Abstract: An optical transmission apparatus includes a light receiving element and an optical waveguide. The light receiving element receives light. The optical waveguide includes a core, a clad and a concave portion. The clad is adjacent to the core. The concave portion is formed in a portion of the core or a portion of the clad and diffuses the light. The portion of the core or the portion of the clad emits the light toward the light receiving element.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises: a waveguide substrate; three planar optical waveguides formed on the substrate, each comprising a transmission core and cladding; a laser positioned to launch its optical output to propagate along the first waveguide; a photodetector positioned to receive an optical signal propagating along the second waveguide; and a lateral splitter core formed on the substrate for (i) transferring a first fraction of laser optical output propagating along the first waveguide to the second waveguide, and (ii) transferring a second fraction of the laser optical output propagating along the first waveguide to the third waveguide.

Abstract: A package for dissipating heat power and/or optical power from an optical fiber component of a device is provided. The package includes a heat sink packaging receptacle for accommodating the optical fiber component having a cavity for receiving a temperature sensitive portion of the optical fiber component. According to one aspect, the package may include a power-dissipative material for dissipating heat power or optical power, the power-dissipative material extending within the cavity and surrounding the temperature-sensitive portion of the optical fiber component. According to another aspect, the package may include at least one channel extending between the cavity and an end of the heat sink packaging receptacle, the channel being in intimate contact with the cladding of the optical fiber component for dissipating heat power and/or optical power from the optical fiber component.

Abstract: A planar optical waveguide including a clad layer, an optical waveguide having a core embedded in the clad layer; and a groove formed in the clad layer and having a reflection interface for totally reflecting a leaked light leaked from the optical waveguide to the clad layer. Since the reflection interface for totally reflecting the leaked light is formed in the clad layer, the leaked light is prevented from entering into the tap coupler, and the variation of the branching ratio can be reduced.

Abstract: Optical splitter assemblies are provided. An assembly may include a housing, one or more fanout elements, an optical splitter element, an input fiber and a plurality of output fibers. The input fiber extends from an input opening of the housing to the optical splitter element. The input fiber carries an input signal to the optical splitter element and the optical splitter element splits the input signal into a plurality of output signals to be carried by the plurality of output fibers. Each of the output fibers extends from the optical splitter element to beyond a plurality of output openings of the housing. Each of the fanout elements defines one or more channels for supporting the input or output fibers. The assembly may further include tubular members for further support to the fibers. The fibers extend from the openings of the housing to the optical splitter element free of any loops.

Abstract: Passive optical components may be used to tap the optical power, e.g., from fibers of a wavelength switch system. The passive optical components are realized by a standard photonics light-wave circuit (PLC) integrated to the fiber collimator array of the wavelength switch system. The PLC includes multiple waveguide paths that optically couple optical signals from one or more fiber ports to one or more corresponding free space optical component ports. Optical signals traveling through these waveguide paths are tapped by one or more optical taps and coupled to one or more corresponding tap ports. Each optical tap is located such that an optical signal is tapped after it is coupled into one of the waveguide paths.

Abstract: Optical delay line system that includes a retro-reflection mirror which is displaced along a circular path while being maintained in angular alignment with launch and return sources of light subject the components of the system to minimum levels of unbalanced linear acceleration. A retroreflector is pivotally mounted on a rotating element such that the optical axis of the retroreflector's motion is mobile such that its angle or position changes relative to a fixed observer. There is no linear stopping and starting of the retroreflector and all acceleration of the retroreflector is rotational acceleration with small angles so the required forces in the optical delay line are greatly reduced. Both large displacement and high repetition rates are achieved. The system can be configured so that optical fibers serve as launch and return optics. Alternatively, free space beam paths deliver light to the optical delay and return the reflected light from the retroreflector.

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.

Abstract: An optical fiber and methods of processing and manufacturing an optical fiber comprising a core, a cladding and a coating covering a segment of the cladding proximate to an end of the optical fiber are presented where patterned apertures are provided in the coating such that a portion of light propagating in the cladding escapes through the patterned apertures of the coating. The patterned apertures allow non-confined light to escape from the cladding in the coating region to provide reduced absorption of the non-confined light by the coating.

Abstract: A bidirectional optical module according to the present invention emits light to an optical fiber and allows returning light from the optical fiber to enter and includes a plurality of light emitting elements that emit light to enter the optical fiber, a light receiving element that receives light having exited the optical fiber, and a non-reciprocal unit for making an optical path in a forward direction from the light emitting element to the optical fiber and an optical path in a backward direction from the optical fiber to the light emitting element different. Then, polarization planes of light incident on the optical fiber after being emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements are mutually orthogonal, and the non-reciprocal unit emits returning light of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements from the optical fiber toward the light receiving element to one light receiving element.

Abstract: A method comprises: forming an optical device on a device substrate; forming a first optical waveguide on the device or device substrate; forming a second, structurally discrete optical waveguide on a structurally discrete waveguide substrate; and assembling the optical device, first waveguide, or device substrate with the second waveguide or waveguide substrate. The device and first waveguide are arranged for transferring an optical signal between the device and the first waveguide. Upon assembly the first and second waveguides are positioned between the device and waveguide substrates and are relatively positioned for transferring the optical signal therebetween via optical transverse coupling. The first or second optical waveguide is arranged for transferring the optical signal therebetween via substantially adiabatic optical transverse coupling with the first and second waveguides so positioned.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method by which polarization components may be processed separately, for example, to enable a polarization beam splitter (PBS) or a switch. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: first and second Mach-Zehnder interferometers, each Mach-Zehnder interferometer having input and output optical couplers and two internal optical arms, each optical arm connecting one output of the input optical coupler to a corresponding input of the output optical coupler, the output optical coupler of the first Mach-Zehnder interferometer being the input optical coupler of the second Mach-Zehnder interferometer, wherein the input optical coupler of the first Mach-Zehnder interferometer is configured to transmit one polarization component of the light to two of the outputs thereof and to transmit a different polarization of the light to substantially only one of the outputs thereof in response to receiving said light at an input thereof.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises: a waveguide substrate; three planar optical waveguides formed on the substrate, each comprising a transmission core and cladding; a laser positioned to launch its optical output to propagate along the first waveguide; a photodetector positioned to receive an optical signal propagating along the second waveguide; and a branched splitter core formed on the substrate for (i) transferring a first fraction of laser optical output propagating along the first waveguide to the second waveguide, and (ii) transferring a second fraction of the laser optical output propagating along the first waveguide to the third waveguide.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for remotely monitoring undersea cable systems. Upon receiving a fault alert message, an optical cross-connect is set up between the subject cable station and a testing platform. Testing is conducted and a determination is made whether the fault is in the undersea portion of the network, or in the terrestrial backhaul. By making that determination early, unnecessary technician travel is reduced.

Abstract: A system is provided for the high-speed and high-fidelity collection of network traffic. The system can collect traffic at gigabit-per-second (Gbps) speeds, scale to terabit-per-second (Tbps) speeds, and support additional functions such as real-time network intrusion detection. The present system uses a dedicated operating system for traffic collection to maximize efficiency, scalability, and performance. A scalable infrastructure and apparatus for the present system is provided by splitting the work performed on one host onto multiple hosts. The present system simultaneously addresses the issues of scalability, performance, cost, and adaptability with respect to network monitoring, collection, and other network tasks. In addition to high-speed and high-fidelity network collection, the present system provides a flexible infrastructure to perform virtually any function at high speeds such as real-time network intrusion detection and wide-area network emulation for research purposes.

Abstract: A device for processing data being optically transmitted via a LRM connection includes an optical splitter for splitting an input signal into a first output signal and a second output signal, the optical splitter having an operating wavelength with a value that is between 1260 nm and 1355 nm, wherein the optical splitter has an input end for receiving the input signal, a first output end for outputting the first output signal, and a second output end for outputting the second output signal.

Abstract: Bi-directional tap assemblies for two-way fiber topologies are disclosed. The assembly includes a fiber-optic cable having a cable optical fiber adapted to carry bi-directional optical signals and that is preterminated at a mid-span location to form at least one first cable fiber end and at least one second cable fiber end. First and second tether fibers are respectively spliced to the first and second cable fiber ends. In one version of the assembly, the tether fibers are contained in respective first and second tether covers to form first and second tethers that extend in opposite directions from the tap point. In another version of the assembly, the tether fibers are bend-insensitive fibers and are contained in a single tether cover to form a single tether. The tether fibers bend back on themselves within the tether cover and terminate at a common end of the tether, thereby allowing both downstream and upstream optical signals to be accessed at the tether end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring spectral tilt uses an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) to separate a multiplexed optical signal having a plurality of wavelength channels into a plurality of sub-bands, where each sub-band spans a different wavelength range and includes more than one wavelength channel. A photodetector array is provided to measure the optical power in each of the sub-bands, while control electronics calculate spectral tilt of the multiplexed optical signal using the measured optical power in each of the sub-bands. The spectral tilt monitor in accordance with the instant invention provides spectral resolution, increased monitoring speeds, and decreased manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A high port count instantiated wavelength selective switch comprising two or more discrete sets, or instances, of m fiber ports totaling N fiber ports co-packaged together, one or more shared optical elements and dispersive elements, and one or more steering elements in each instance. The steering elements steer ?(k) from each instance of m input fiber ports to a ?(k) mirror dedicated to that fiber port instance, and wherein ?(k) mirror of the instance of m fiber ports is utilized to select and switch one ?(k) from the instance of m fiber ports to a fixed mirror which in turn reflects ?(k) to the ?(k) output mirror. The ?(k) output mirror selects and switches one ?(k) from one of the one or more instances of m fiber ports of the N×1 optical switch to the 1 output fiber port for each wavelength, and vice-versa for the 1×N optical switch.

Abstract: Bi-directional tap assemblies for two-way fiber topologies are disclosed. The assembly includes a fiber-optic cable having a cable optical fiber adapted to carry bi-directional optical signals and that is preterminated at a mid-span location to form at least one first cable fiber end and at least one second cable fiber end. First and second tether fibers are respectively spliced to the first and second cable fiber ends. In one version of the assembly, the tether fibers are contained in respective first and second tether covers to form first and second tethers that extend in opposite directions from the tap point. In another version of the assembly, the tether fibers are bend-insensitive fibers and are contained in a single tether cover to form a single tether. The tether fibers bend back on themselves within the tether cover and terminate at a common end of the tether, thereby allowing both downstream and upstream optical signals to be accessed at the tether end.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device includes: a waveguide core that guides light; a mirror surface that deflects light coming from the waveguide core by 90°; a main waveguide core that guides light deflected at the mirror surface; a waveguide core for monitoring that branches the light deflected at the mirror surface off from the main waveguide core, and guides the light in a different direction, the mirror surface being disposed at a branching portion of the waveguide core for monitoring; and a clad portion that surrounds the waveguide core, the main waveguide core and the waveguide core for monitoring.

Abstract: A compact optical splitter module is disclosed. One type of compact optical splitter module is a planar attenuated splitter module that includes a branching waveguide network having j?1 50:50 splitters that form up to n?2j output waveguides having associated n output ports, wherein only m<n output ports are suitable for transmitting light to the at least one external output device. This provides a 1×m splitter module wherein each output port has the attenuation of a 1×n splitter module, thereby obviating the need for external attenuation. Another type of compact optical splitter module is a direct-connect splitter module that eliminates the need for an optical fiber array when coupling to external optical fibers. Another type of compact optical splitter module is a microsplitter module that serves as device and module at the same time and that eliminates the differentiation between device and module. The integration of device and module also makes manufacturing the microsplitter module cost-effect.

Abstract: The multiplexer/demultiplexer has a planar reflector, a planar first filter element and a planar second filter element offset from the first filter element in a first direction to receive light reflected and transmitted from a first location on the first filter element. The first and second filter elements have orthogonal surface normals. The reflector is parallel to the second filter element and is offset therefrom in a second direction, orthogonal to first direction, to receive light reflected and transmitted from a second location, offset from the first location in the second direction, on the first filter element. The first and second filter elements each transmit and reflect light in non-overlapping wavelength ranges, and one of them has a band-pass or band-stop transmission characteristic.

Abstract: An optical time delay module has a plurality of time delay elements connected in a series and a plurality an optical output couplers wherein each of said optical output couplers is operationally connected between one or more time delay elements in said series, the optical output couplers providing a plurality of optical outputs from said module with different optical delays controlled by an analog voltage.

Abstract: A device for coupling an optical fiber includes: a first surface and a second surface, including respective active surface portions; at least one optical fiber positioning element adapted to position at least one point of an optical fiber on a longitudinally median plane of the second surface. The first and second surfaces are movable relative to one another between a first and a second relative position, and, when in the second relative position, cooperate to accommodate a section of the optical fiber therebetween. In this position, the first and second active surface portions cooperate to keep the optical fiber in a predetermined bent condition, particularly adapted to extract light from, or inject light into, the optical fiber. In at least a part of the relative movement from the first to the second relative positions, the first surface rotates with respect to the second surface around a rotational axis oriented transversally with respect to the median plane.

Abstract: An optical time delay module has a plurality of time delay elements connected in a series and a plurality an optical output couplers wherein each of said optical output couplers is operationally connected between one or more time delay elements in said series, the optical output couplers providing a plurality of optical outputs from said module with different optical delays controlled by a digital control word.

Abstract: A fiber optic switch utilizing a segmented prism element, comprising a fiber optic switch used in multi-channel optical communications networks and having one or more arrays of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors, wherein at least a first array of MEMS mirrors is utilized to select & switch wavelengths from a number of input fiber ports (N) to an output fiber port, wherein at least a second array of MEMS mirrors using and sharing the same free space optics as the first MEMS array is utilized to produce yet another fiber optic switch, wherein the second switch is utilized to select individual wavelengths or spectral components from its input fiber ports to send to its output fiber port for optical power or other monitoring purposes, thus, enabling a cost effective, high level of integration N×1 or alternatively a 1×N switch capable of internal feedback monitoring.

Abstract: In an optical circuit including multi-dimensional photonic crystals, in which the optical circuit has a structure (33), such as a light emitting member or a light receiving member, having a natural resonance frequency, another structure (34) having a natural resonance frequency slightly differing from the natural resonance frequency of the structure (33) is arranged in the vicinity of the structure (33) to control the directivity of localization and propagation of an electromagnetic field, light emission and light reception in a spatial region including the above structures in the multi-dimensional photonic crystals, in order to permit functional operations to be realized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optical-power control in an optical network employing wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) optical-fiber links are devised to circumvent the effect of crosstalk caused by optical-power scattering. Each carrier signal is amplitude-modulated by an identifying tone, with the power of an identifying tone having a predetermined ratio to the power of its carrier signal. A fiber span within an optical-fiber link is tapped at a preferred monitoring point, and the power spectrum of the envelope of the tapped optical signal is measured. To estimate an individual carrier power, a temporary gain is applied and the power of a corresponding tone is measured. To control optical power of each wavelength carrier in several spans in the network, a network controller selects an order of processing the spans of interest, and selects the order of processing of each channel within each span.

Abstract: An optical device including (a) a substrate having an electro-optic effect; (b) a modulating optical waveguide formed on a surface layer portion of said substrate and forming an interference optical modulator for modulating input light; (c) an output optical waveguide formed on said surface layer portion of said substrate and connected to a downstream side portion of said modulating optical waveguide; and (d) a branching monitoring section for monitoring branched light of light propagated along said output optical waveguide and emitted from an outgoing end face of said substrate. The output waveguide has a reduced width region in which the waveguide width is reduced.

Abstract: A resonator sensing device having an optics coupler device for communicating light between light source(s) and sensor(s) and a hollow core fiber resonator. Light from one resonator fiber tip is coupled to a second resonator fiber tip via a graded index (GRIN) lens having the appropriate pitch such that the maximum coupling efficiency is achieved and having two angled surfaces. The angled surfaces are coated with an appropriate coating having a reflectance R in order to achieve the desired degree of coupling. Light reflected by the second angled surface is captured with another lens (such as a microlens) and coupled to a third fiber segment (coupled port). The optical parameters for the GRIN lens and the microlens are tailored to have the least loss.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device which can increase the spread of a beam diameter in the depthwise direction by a simple configuration in comparison with that by prior art devices. The optical device includes a substrate, an optical path formed on the substrate, and a diffraction propagation region, provided between the optical path and an end face of the substrate, for propagating light emitted from the optical path with diffraction. The diffraction propagation region includes a first groove, formed therein, adapted to block part of components of the propagated light in a depthwise direction of the substrate.

Abstract: An optical intermediary component is suitable for guiding a light from an output optical path into an input optical path. The optical intermediary component includes a light guiding portion extending along a light axis. The light guiding portion has a light incident surface and a light emitting surface at two opposite ends thereof respectively. The light from the output optical path passes through the light incident surface and the light emitting surface of the light guiding portion in sequence, and is guided into the input optical path. The area of the light incident surface is greater than that of the light emitting surface. Therefore, a high assembly tolerance may reduce the manufacturing and assembly cost.

Abstract: An adjustable optical tap for adjusting input power, output power and drop power in a communications network includes an enclosure having a plurality of connector assemblies being configured for interconnecting input and output cables; a cover attachable to the enclosure, the cover including a plurality of drop cable ports; and a tunable splitter disposed in the enclosure in communication with the input cable and the drop cable ports, the tunable splitter being configured for adjustment to affect attenuation in a broad wavelength band.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanometer-sized diameter silica fibers that exhibit high diameter uniformity and surface smoothness. The silica fibers can have diameters in a range of a about 20 nm to about 1000 nm. An exemplary method according to one embodiment of the invention for generating such fibers utilizes a two-step process in which in an initial step a micrometer sized diameter silica preform fiber is generated, and in a second step, the silica preform is drawn while coupled to a support element to form a nanometer sized diameter silica fiber. The portion of the support element to which the preform is coupled is maintained at a temperature suitable for drawing the nansized fiber, and is preferably controlled to exhibit a temporally stable temperature profile.