Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic devices. The fiber optic devices disclosed include integrated fiber optic coupler-isolator combinations. These combinations are especially applicable to fiber optic tapping and pumping arrangements. By integrating such devices into a housed subassembly, enhanced size and design characteristics are achieved.

Abstract: An optical fiber interleaver and method for aligning the output channels to a set of nominal values in frequency space. The interleaver is formed of two optical fibers joined together at fused input and output couplers to define an input section, an interferometer section and an output section. Within the interferometer section, an element is arranged to vary the optical path length of at least one of the fibers in response to a feedback signal. The feedback signal is generated by examination of the intensity of a monitor signal at the output section that was applied at the input section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method implements a first plurality of single-mode optical fibers into which to inject wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical signals. A tapered fiber bundle (TFB) is coupled to the first plurality of single-mode optical fibers, with the TFB including a second plurality of fused single-mode optical fibers correspondingly coupled to the first plurality of single-mode optical fibers at a first end of the TFB. The second plurality of fused single-mode optical fibers are capable to receive the WDM optical signals from the first plurality of single-mode optical fibers at the first end and to provide the WDM optical signals to a free space optical communication path at a second end.

Abstract: An optical fiber tap for transferring optical energy out of an optical fiber having an optical fiber with a short tapered section for coupling optical energy into cladding modes, and a surrounding glass body fused to the optical fiber with the glass body having a polished surface positioned at an angle so as to reflect, by total internal reflection, cladding mode energy away from the optical fiber. An additional glass encapsulating tube is fused to and hermetically seals the glass body and tapered fiber section. For use in an optical power monitor, the optical fiber tap is integrated into a standard electronic package containing a photodiode to convert the tapped-out optical energy into an electrical signal representing the optical energy carried by the optical fiber.

Abstract: An illuminating device includes a light guiding pipe confining a passage, a reflector mounted at a light input end of the passage, and a quarter-wavelength plate and a reflective polarizer which are disposed in sequence relative to the passage. The reflector reflects light that travels from the light output end to the light input end back to the light output end. The polarizer allows light of a first polarization state to pass therethrough while reflecting light of a second polarization state back into the passage via the light output end, whereupon the light of the second polarization state is converted by the quarter-wavelength plate into the light of the first polarization state for passage through the polarizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tap coupler which comprises a ferrule comprising first and second optical fibers symmetrically positioned with respect to an optical axis for transmitting optical signals; and a graded index (GRIN) lens converting a part of the optical signals provided by one of the optical fibers of the ferrule into parallel beams and outputting the same, and reflecting the remaining part of the optical signals and outputting the same to another optical fiber of the ferrule, and having an uncoated beam outputting surface. The tap coupler can easily extract a part of the transmitted optical signals with low production cost and a smaller size.

Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing optical signals to an optical fiber has a layered interface element with a first electrically conductive layer defining a first surface, a photoactive material layer in intimate contact with the first layer on a second surface opposite the first surface, a second electrically conductive layer in intimate contact with the photoactive material layer, confining the photoactive material layer between the first and second electrically conductive layers, and a third surface angularly disposed to the first surface and intersecting the photoactive material layer; and a pressure element having a contact surface translatable toward the first surface of the interface element, to urge an optical fiber positioned across the interface element into the first surface, and by local deformation of the optical fiber also into the third surface, creating thereby an intimate contact region between an edge of the photoactive layer intersecting the third surface and the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for manufacturing an optical coupler/splitter. A Y-shaped waveguide core is formed by focusing a laser beam into a cladding layer that is formed from a glass material. At least one portion of this Y-shaped waveguide core other than the input port and the output ports is treated as a refractive index adjustment area. After the portions of the Y-shaped waveguide core other than the refractive index adjustment area have been formed by focusing a laser beam, signal light is inputted into the input port of the Y-shaped waveguide core and the signal light outputted from the output ports of the Y-shaped waveguide core are monitored. The refractive index of the refractive index adjustment area is determined based on the result of the monitoring and is adjusted by focusing a laser beam repeatedly.

Abstract: An optical power monitor comprises a fiber and ferrule assembly telescopically embedded in a first glass tube enclosure and a collimating lens telescopically embedded in a second glass tube enclosure. The two glass tube enclosures are bonded together at their respective facing axial ends. The collimating lens is at a first end substantially adjacent the fiber and ferrule assembly. A second end of the lens is coated with a partially transmissive mirror surface for passing a portion of incident light o a photon detector which is bonded to the second glass tube enclosure.

Abstract: The invention provides a planar waveguide diffractive 1×N beam splitter/coupler. It utilizes an integrated circuit fabrication process to fabricate an integrated optic. A Fourier transform diffractive optical element (DOE) is formed on one end of a planar waveguide (planar lightwave circuit; PLC). Thus, an incident beam coming from one end of the planar waveguide can be diffracted into a plurality of output beams. On the other hand, a plurality of incident beams coming from one end of the planar waveguide can be coupled into one output beam. The beam splitter/coupler is easy to fabricate, small in size and more flexible for applications.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for and method of monitoring wavelength multiplexed signal light, which can obtain monitored data for multi-channel optical signals contained in the wavelength multiplexed signal light, which can avoid a large size and complicated structure and high cost of monitoring apparatus, and which can easily monitor the wavelength multiplexed signal light. The invention also provides an optical transmission system employing the monitoring apparatus and method. An optical filter being able to control a loss pattern is disposed on a monitoring waveguide for the wavelength multiplexed signal light, which is branched for monitoring from an input waveguide and an output waveguide constituting a main optical transmission path in a wavelength multiplexed signal light monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: Integrated optical devices in which one or more optical fibers are vertically integrated with other optical components in a multilayer arrangement. Optical components include lenses, etalons that may be passive or actuable, WDM filters and beamsplitters, for example. One vertically integrated optical device comprises a fiber socket layer comprising a plurality of sockets including a first socket and second socket arranged proximate to each other, and a lens that has a central axis offset from the cores of the first and second fibers. Optical devices include filters, variable optical attenuators, and switches, for example. A component layer may comprise a spacer layer that provides a predetermined opening that is hermetically sealed to protect sensitive components, such as MEMS devices. Also, a method of forming a socket layer using a two-sided etching process is disclosed. Furthermore, an integrated laser device is disclosed that includes a laser layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of launching a light beam from a semiconductor laser into a multimode optical fiber, as well as apparatus for launching the light beam. The light beam is directed at nominally the center of the input face of the multimode fiber such that the (unguided) light beam makes an angle &thgr;b (typically in the range 1-20 degrees) with the direction perpendicular to the input face of the multimode fiber. The angle &thgr;b is selected such that at least one lower order mode of the guided radiation in the multimode fiber is substantially not excited in the fiber, with at least some higher order modes being substantially excited. Several specific embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for communications networks. A method, includes deploying a communication link, at least a portion of which is protected against active equipment failure, that includes a splitter-combiner communicatively coupled between a data drop/add device and a headend. The systems and methods provide advantages because a communication network can be protected, at least in-part, against active equipment (e.g., data drop/add device) failure, passive equipment (e.g., optical fiber) failure, and/or equipped for non-intrusive expansion of the network.

Abstract: An optical splitter/combiner has a split end, i.e., input/output end that has at least a first input/output segment, a second input/output segment, a third input/output segment, and a fourth input/output segment. The optical splitter/combiner has an upper first stage junction that joins the first input/output segment and the second input/output segment, which define an upper first stage bisector. A lower first stage junction joins the third input/output segment and the fourth input/output segment, which define a lower first stage bisector. An upper intermediate segment communicates with the upper first stage junction. A lower intermediate segment communicates with the lower first stage junction. A second stage junction joins the upper intermediate segment and the lower intermediate segment to form a single input output segment. The upper intermediate segment and the lower intermediate segment define a second stage bisector.

Abstract: A MEMS-based adjustable mirror module allows faster, lower cost, and easier alignment of optical fibers in substrates. Movable mirrors formed on the substrate allow adjustment of the light path after the optical fiber is attached, after which the mirrors are affixed in place to prevent misalignment.

Abstract: According to this invention, there are provided a wavelength correction method and apparatus which can easily correct the wavelength characteristics of an optical element such as an arrayed waveguide diffraction grating in a slab waveguide or another waveguide, and a wavelength check method and apparatus which check the quality of a waveguide. A center wavelength &lgr;0 of light having a predetermined wavelength &lgr;, emitted from a light source, is obtained at the initial position of an input-side slab waveguide which is cut into a first input-side waveguide component and a second input-side waveguide component. When a light component having a first wavelength &lgr;s on the short wavelength side and a light component having a second wavelength &lgr;1 on the long wavelength side, centered on a desired wavelength &lgr;g, are sequentially output from the light source, the amount of each light component is measured while the relative position of the input-side slab waveguide is changed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for an optiplex. A method includes: conveying a first narrowcast signal to a first optical combiner; conveying a second narrowcast signal to a second optical combiner; tapping into said first narrowcast signal; monitoring a first characteristic of said first narrowcast signal; tapping into said second narrowcast signal; monitoring a second characteristic of said second narrowcast signal; combining a broadcast signal with the first narrowcast signal using the first optical combiner; and combining said broadcast signal with the second narrowcast signal using the second optical combiner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical switching element causing less loss of light and permitting high response, thinning of an optical system for illumination, and the realization of an image display device exhibiting precise grayscale properties. In the optical switching element, an extraction surface of a light extraction unit mounted to a thin film is brought into contact with the total reflection surface of a light guide serving as a light guide unit comprising a glass plate or the like for transmitting light by total reflection, or near at a distance from the total reflection, surface for allowing extraction of evanescent waves, to extract the incident light transmitted through the light guide and emit the extracted light to the outside through an emission member.

Abstract: A monitor for a light beam creates a monitor beam by deflecting a portion of the application beam and further manipulating the monitor beam and/or the application beam to allow more efficient use thereof. For example, the monitor beam may be collimated to allow an increase in spacing between the device outputting the light beam and a detector for sensing the monitor beam. Alternatively or additionally, the monitor beam may be focused to allow use of a smaller detector and of a smaller percentage of the application beam. The diffractive element deflecting the beam may be either transmissive or reflective. The additionally manipulation of the monitor beam and/or the application beam may be provided by the same diffractive element which deflects the beam, which is particularly useful when the diffractive element is reflective, and/or by additional optical elements.

Abstract: A signal analyzer is being developed that is based on a periodically tapped optical fiber. The spatial distribution of taps produces a waveform that is weighted by a spatial light modulator (SLM), optically Fourier transformed, and then detected with a video camera to continually display the power spectrum of the signal propagating in the fiber. Alternatively, a digital holographic technique can be implemented that avoids using a SLM. The analyzer resolution and bandwidth is dependent on the distribution and number of taps. Taps have been formed in the core of fibers using UV light. Both single step beamsplitter and localized phase grating taps have been generated. Bragg grating taps tilted at 45 degrees with respect to the fiber axis were generated in order to diffract light directly out of the side of the fiber.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a polarization-maintaining optical fiber coupler by heating lengthwise portions of two polarization-maintaining optical fibers extending side by side, and elongating the heated portions to thereby form a fused-elongated section, elongation is terminated when the cyclic changes in a coupling ratio of two polarized waves according to an elongation length at a wavelength in use are both within first two cycles, so that the coupling ratio of one of the polarized waves is equal to or less than 10% and the coupling ratio of the other one of the polarized waves is equal to or greater than 90%. This method can provide a polarization-maintaining optical fiber coupler whose coupling ratio has a large dependency on polarization with a short elongation length.

Abstract: An optical device with at least one junction formed by an intersection of at least two waveguides may be used to tap, and/or attenuate an optical signal. The waveguides may be formed from various materials such as polymers and other combinations of monomers. Internal reflection produced at each junction between the waveguides in response to heating from a thin film electrode will direct a portion of an optical signal from one of the waveguides to another waveguide. Internal reflection at each junction may be used to selectively tap and/or attenuate power level of an optical signal.

Abstract: A dense wavelength division multiplexer includes a manner for inputting an optical signal where the optical signal comprises a plurality of optical channels; a manner for separating one or more of the plurality of optical channels by introducing a phase difference between at least two of the plurality of optical channels, where the manner of separation includes a polarization beam splitter; and a manner for outputting the separated plurality of optical channels along a plurality of optical paths. The dense wavelength division multiplexer provides an ease in alignment and a higher tolerance to drifts due to the increase in the width of the pass band. It may also be easily modified to perform the add/drop function as it separates channels. The material required to manufacture and implement the dense wavelength division multiplexer is readily available and do not require special or expensive materials or processes. It is thus cost effective.

Abstract: A power monitor for a light emitter uses an absorptive material placed in the path of the application beam. The absorptive has a measurable characteristics thereof altered by an intensity of the light beam, the absorptive material being thin enough to allow a portion of the light beam sufficient for a desired application to be passed to the desired application. Preferably, an anti-reflective coating is placed between the absorptive material and the light emitting device. The absorptive material may be formed directly on the light emitting device or may be formed on or integrated with a spacer.

Abstract: An optical monitor for an optical communication system is provided. The optical monitor includes a substrate having a waveguide formed thereon for carrying an optical signal. An optical tap is connected to the waveguide for tapping a portion of the optical signal. A demultiplexing device is connected to the optical tap for receiving the optical signal and separating the optical signal into a plurality of demultiplexed signals. A photodiode array receives the plurality of demultiplexed signals and generates an electrical signal relating to characteristics associated with the optical signal.

Abstract: The most common method of testing the various aspects of light traveling in a waveguide includes tapping a portion of the light and directing the tapped portion at an appropriate sensor. Conventionally, the simplest method for tapping light utilized a fused fiber coupler; however, even this method requires additional fiber splicing and management steps that increase manufacturing costs. The present invention uses a beam splitter, positioned inside a centerpiece sleeve in the path of the light, to direct a portion of the beam through the wall of the centerpiece sleeve to a monitoring sensor, preferably a photodiode. The centerpiece sleeve includes a window, which is at least partially transparent to the light, enabling the tapped portion of the light to reach the monitoring sensor. Preferably, the centerpiece sleeve is manufactured entirely out of glass.

Abstract: The invention involves providing a microstructured fiber having a core region, a cladding region, and one or more axially oriented elements (e.g., capillary air holes) in the cladding region. A portion of the microstructured fiber is then treated, e.g., by heating and stretching the fiber, such that at least one feature of the fiber microstructure is modified along the propagation direction, e.g., the outer diameter of the fiber gets smaller, the axially oriented elements get smaller, or the axially oriented elements collapse. The treatment is selected to provide a resultant fiber length that exhibits particular properties, e.g., mode contraction leading to soliton generation, or mode expansion. Advantageously, the overall fiber length is designed to readily couple to a standard transmission fiber, i.e., the core sizes at the ends of the length are similar to a standard fiber, which allows efficient coupling of light into the microstructured fiber length.

Abstract: Optical couplers functioning, for example, as fiber optic combiners or fiber optic splitters for multimode fibers are disclosed for coupling, for example, the light output of a plurality of multimode laser sources into a multimode output fiber or fibers. Coupling combinations include multimode fibers to multimode fiber or fibers (MMFs/MMF(s)) or multimode fibers/single mode fiber to double clad fiber (MMFs/SMF/DCF). Improvements are disclosed in coupling efficiency and the power distribution uniformity of optical power into an output fiber, such as double clad fiber inner cladding or multimode fiber core, from multiple multimode input fibers.

Abstract: An optical communication system which conserves electrical power is disclosed. Electrical power is conserved in the optical communication system by coupling a splitter to an optical amplifier. The optical amplifier is configured to receive optical signals as well as pump light. The splitter provides a portion of the pump light used in the optical amplifier to other devices (e.g., optical amplifiers, filters, modulators) of the optical communication system. Providing a portion of the pump light used in the optical amplifier to other devices in the optical communication systems conserves electric power by reducing the total electrical power needed to operate the optical communication system.

Abstract: In order to be able to supply information signals to a number of internal system devices via light waveguides in contemporary communication systems, optical power dividers are employed. These are designed such that an optical fiber brought in at the input side is divided onto a plurality of optical fibers. In order to achieve an ordering given the plurality of light waveguides, the divided optical fibers are combined to form groups such that each group comprises a same structure as the fibers arranged at the input side.

Abstract: A device for reflecting light waves to used when building optical systems for various applications and special devices, is built on a substrate and has a planar structure. It comprises a light power coupler of the MMI-type, configured as a rectangular plate at or in the surface of the substrate. The coupler splits light incoming on an input terminal into two equal portions, each portion delivered on an output terminal. Also the coupler combines light incoming on two output terminals into combined light delivered on the input terminal. A loop is connected to the two output terminals for conducting light delivered on each one of these output terminals back into the other one of these output terminals. The loop is a planar waveguide built on the substrate, connected to an edge surface of the coupler. The loop has an outer contour comprising a multitude of linear segments and it can also have an inner contour having a polygon shape.

Abstract: Techniques for optically sampling the output of a Mach-Zehnder electro-optic modulator without interfering with the output optical signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized optical wavelength multiplexed transmission module with suppressed noise, without increasing the size of the chip, wherein an optical filter (20) which interrupts light of a specified wavelength area other than the wavelength used for wavelength multiplexed transmissions is connected to an optical input waveguide side (11) of an arrayed waveguide type optical wavelength synthesizing and dividing device (10). Since the optical filter (20) can interrupt noise wavelength components, light passed through and divided by the arrayed waveguide optical wavelength synthesizing and dividing device (10) can become signal light of the use wavelength free from noise.

Abstract: In an optical transmission system a transmitter (2) generates a sequence of time domain division multiplexed pulses and transmits them via an optical transmission medium (4) to a receiver (6). In the receiver (6) the received optical multiplex signal is applied to an optical demultiplexer (30) and to a clock recovery element (48). The clock recovery element (48) generates optical clock pulses which are used to control optically controlled optical switches (32 . . . 38) which demultiplex the optical signal. The optical clock recovery circuit is based on a laser which is mode locked by the received optical signal. The mode locked laser comprises an optical amplifier (50) having its output coupled to its input by a feedback loop comprising a polarization controller (52), a saturable absorber (61), a coupling element (56) and a adjustable delay (51). The received optical signal is coupled into the feedback loop by means of the coupling element (56).

Abstract: A power monitor for a light emitter emitting from a single face creates a monitor beam by deflecting a portion of the application beam and further manipulating the monitor beam to allow more efficient use of the monitor beam. For example, the monitor beam may be collimated to allow an increase in spacing between the light emitter and a detector for sensing the monitor beam. Alternatively or additionally, the monitor beam may be focused to allow use of a smaller detector and of a smaller percentage of the application beam. The diffractive element deflecting the beam may be either transmissive or reflective. The additionally manipulation of the monitor beam may be provided by the same diffractive element which deflects the beam, which is particularly useful when the diffractive element is reflective, and/or by additional optical elements.

Abstract: An optical power divider using a beam separator and a beam expander, and a fabrication method therefor. The optical power divider includes an input optical waveguide having an input port for receiving incident light, for guiding the light incident via the input port, a plurality of output optical waveguides having at least two output ports, for outputting the light incident via the input optical waveguide to the output ports, wherein the number of output optical waveguides is equal to that of the output ports, and a beam separator located at a branch area in which the light incident on the input optical waveguide diverges toward the output optical waveguides, the beam separator being made of a material having a refractive index lower than the core of the input and output optical waveguides, for separating the light to the output optical waveguides with a predetermined ratio. Therefore, the length of the optical power divider becomes short and insertion loss can be lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus having multiple fiber terminated optical ports uses optical components such as isolators, reflectors, mirrors, and prisms to steer a beam of light to an optical port. The steered beam of light is approximately parallel to the main axis and has a small lateral offset. The optical components may be part of an integrated component or discrete. The apparatus may have multiple input fiber terminated optical ports and multiple output fiber terminated optical ports. The apparatus is especially amenable to planar packaging of optical components.

Abstract: Unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZI) are useful for a number of applications including wavelength filters, gain flattening or gain equalization elements, and band splitters or combiners. A MZI is comprised of two couplers surrounding a phase shifting region, which consists of two arms with differential propagation constants. We disclose a means of using light exposure to unbalance a symmetric MZI consisting of substantially the same lengths of substantially the same fiber. In particular, the index of refraction of a fiber can be increased by exposure to ultraviolet light, and the magnitude of the change can be increased by using higher germanium doping or by hydrogen loading the fiber. The magnitude of the phase shift can be controlled accurately by varying the fiber length exposed, the light exposure intensity, the light exposure time, and the hydrogen loading or fiber composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splitting or otherwise separating and routing optical fibers are provided in which a splitter housing having first and second separable halves is mounted upon a plurality of optical fibers without having to cut all of the optical fibers. The splitter housing generally includes an inline portion and a branch portion. The inline portion defines an input port at one end for receiving a plurality of optical fibers and a primary output port at the opposed end through which at least one optical fiber exits. The branch portion extends outwardly from the inline portion at one end and defines a secondary output port at the opposed end. The branch portion is in communication with the inline portion such that at least one optical fiber that enters through the input port can be separated from the remainder of the optical fibers and routed through the branch portion.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a pumped waveguide device comprising a pump waveguide and an active waveguide is provided with a pump power monitor by disposing between the pump source and the active waveguide, an indicator waveguide having a core doped with a material sensitive to the pump light. For example the material can fluoresce in response to pump light or absorb pump light and generate heat. Pump power is then accurately measured by the fluorescence or heat from the indicator waveguide. Since the fluorescence or heat is generated in the doped core, the measurement is sensitive to the pump power that will enter the active waveguide and is relatively insensitive to changes in mode distribution. Exemplary embodiments include monitored cladding pumped fiber lasers, amplifiers and light sources.

Abstract: An optical component is described. The component includes a base having a pocket and a light transmitting medium having a ridge. The ridge defines a portion of a light signal carrying region in the light transmitting medium. The light transmitting medium is positioned adjacent to the base such that the ridge extends into the pocket. In some instances, the light transmitting medium includes a second ridge extending away from the pocket.

Abstract: In an optical connection board, a first clad layer is formed on a flat surface of a substrate and a core layer is formed on the first clad layer and is extended in a propagation direction of an optical signal. The core layer is covered with a second clad layer. A termination mirror having a reflection face is so buried in the clad layer as to reflect the optical signal guided in the core layer, to the outside of the optical connection board.

Abstract: The present invention is a module for use in an optical fiber administration system, or a dedicated system. The module contains both an optical transmitter and an optical monitor, wherein the module transmits a test signal over a fiber optic network and receives back that same signal through a different fiber in the fiber optic network. By both sending and receiving the test signal, the integrity of different paths in the optical fiber network can be determined in a space efficient manner. The module contains a microprocessor. The microprocessor reads data regarding the test signal as it is transmitted and that same test signal as it is received. This data may be read to an external shelf controller. The shelf controller utilizes the data from the microprocessor in the analysis of fiber optic loop conditions as well as the laser itself.

Abstract: An optical assembly has a miniature fiber optic bend fixedly attached to a substrate to form an integral assembly with an optical component also fixedly attached to the substrate. The assembly includes at least one optical fiber having an entering fiber portion and a return fiber portion. A miniature bend is formed in an intermediate portion that comprises an optical fiber portion between the entering fiber portion and the return fiber portion to provide a reversal of direction between the entering fiber portion and the return fiber portion. The entering fiber portion and the return fiber portion are preferably fixed in overlying relationship within a channel formed in the substrate. The resulting device is smaller, more environmentally stable, and more robust, because there is no relative motion between components. The resulting device also has fewer parts and processing steps to manufacture.

Abstract: In the production process of an optical send/receive module, parts in each section for two-way communication are constructed on a chip of an optical waveguide substrate, A V groove for installing an optical fiber is formed on the optical waveguide substrate by anisotropic etching. A filter for the transmission and reflection of an optical signal is provided diagonally relative to the V groove. A first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide as a straight waveguide for send/receive of an optical signal are disposed at respective angles such that an optical signal introduced from the first optical waveguide is reflected from the filter and transmitted to the second optical waveguide and one end of each of the first and second optical waveguides is disposed at a position close to the optical signal reflection point in the filter. The V groove is disposed straightly relative to and in the same direction as the second optical waveguide.

Abstract: Optical devices and methods for attenuating, shuttering, or switching optical signals as found in telecommunications. A platform carrying a portion of a waveguide and residing in a plane of a substrate is tipped, tilted, twisted, or otherwise moved out of the plane of the substrate to divert the path of an optical signal or to change coupling between adjacent waveguides. The platform can be formed by etching a substrate while leaving one or more connection points between the platform and the substrate to hold the platform to the substrate.

Abstract: An optical routing element (ORE) that can be incorporated into a variety of configurations, to provide the basis for such devices as crossbar switches, wavelength division multiplexers, and add/drop multiplexers. The ORE includes first, second, and third waveguide segments. The first and second waveguide segments extend along a common axis, and are separated by a routing region. The third waveguide segment extends from the routing region at a non-zero angle with respect to the common axis. The routing region is occupied by a selectively reflecting element that selectively reflects light based on a state of the element or a property of the light. The selectively reflecting element may be a thermal expansion element (TEE) or a wavelength-selective filter. A TEE has a body of material having contracted and expanded states at respective first and second temperatures.

Abstract: A beam-splitting/coupling apparatus comprises first and second frame members which each have a contact surface and a beam guide path. An optical filter is provided between the contact surfaces with the front and rear surfaces of the optical filter held by the first and second frame members respectively. The first and second frame members are held in a case by external flexible forces. A beam propagates from the beam guide path of the first frame member to the beam guide path of the second frame member by way of the optical filter.

Abstract: A multi-fiber optical delay line incorporates a plurality of optical fibers nestedly positioned and affixed to a planar substrate. The fibers include input portions that are linearly and proximately positioned on the substrate, and of equivalent length. The fibers also include output portions that are linearly and proximately positioned on the substrate, and of equivalent length. The input and output portions of each fiber are interconnected by a u-shaped connecting portion, and each connecting portion is positioned to have a unique and predetermined length. The predetermined lengths are selected such that differences in length between a shortest fiber and another fiber in the plurality of fibers are equivalent to a fiber length that would be traversed by the input signal during a time period required for the transmission of a predetermined number of bits in the digital signal.