Abstract: An electromagnetic resonance device includes an input reflector, an output reflector, and a periodic dielectric medium (PDM) disposed between the input reflector and the output reflector. The input reflector and output reflector are configured to be reflective to radiation having a wavelength of interest. The PDM includes a periodic structure having a dielectric periodicity between a first surface and a second surface. The dielectric periodicity is configured with a negative refraction for the wavelength of interest. A first radiation is reflected by the input reflector toward the first surface of the PDM, passes through the PDM, and is focused on the output reflector as a second radiation. The second radiation is reflected by the output reflector toward the second surface of the PDM, passes through the PDM, and is focused on the input reflector as the first radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the creation of optical waveguiding devices from standard optical fibers by the creation of zones of permanently altered refractive index characteristics therein. A high intensity femtosecond laser beam is focused at a predetermined target region in the fiber so as to soften the glass material at the target region. After aligning the focal region with the target region in the fiber there will be relative movement between the focal region and the fiber, which has the effect of sweeping the focal region across the fiber in a predetermined path, so as to create a secondary waveguide path. A portion of the light traveling along the core is removed from the core along the secondary waveguide path such that the device can be utilized as an attenuator, an optical tap, or a polarimeter.

Abstract: An electronic device in which a signal electrode has a bent portion. Earth electrodes are formed with the signal electrode between. A width of a gap at the bent portion between the signal electrode and each earth electrode is narrower than a width of a gap at both ends of the bent portion between the signal electrode and each earth electrode.

Abstract: A high-index contrast waveguide component is presented, which is based on the fast changing of the transmission properties of an optical waveguide by applying electric voltages, or by embossing electric currents. The waveguide consists of a high-refractive waveguide core surrounded by a low-refractive surrounding material, which at least area by area has electro-optical properties. By applying a voltage to completely or partially optically transparent electrodes, an electric field is generated having a strong overlap with the optical mode, being in interaction with it, and therefore changing the transmission properties of the waveguide. The transparent electrodes or supply line areas are laminar, connected at low resistance with conductor paths of high conductivity by means of structures continually repeated along the propagation direction. Thus, it is possible for example to very fast load the capacity being effective between the electrodes, and to thus achieve a high electric band width.

Abstract: This invention provides a versatile unit cell as well as programmable and reconfigurable optical signal processors (such as optical-domain RF filters) that are constructed from arrays of those unit cells interconnected by optical waveguides. Each unit cell comprises an optical microdisk, an optical phase shifter, and at least one input/output optical waveguide, wherein the microdisk and the phase shifter are both optically connected to a common waveguide.

Abstract: An optical resonator configured to be tuned using a charge-based memory cell includes an optical cavity configured to transmit light and receive injected charge carriers; a charge-based memory cell in proximity to or within the optical cavity, the memory cell containing a number of trapped charges which influence the resonant optical frequency of the optical resonator. A method of tuning an optical resonator includes applying a voltage or current to a charge-based memory cell to generate a non-volatile charge within the memory cell, the nonvolatile charge changing a resonant frequency of the optical resonator.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a photonic band-gap assembly comprising at least one input wave guide and at least one output wave guides, and at least one routing element responsive to signals to selectively route a signal from the input wave guide to one or more of the output wave guides.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can obtain a multiplied harmonic signal fast and with ease, and the method using the apparatus. The object is attained by the method for obtaining a multiple harmonic signal comprises, suppressing a different parity optical signal having parity different from fundamental optical signals; suppressing residual optical signals using an optical filter after suppressing the different parity optical signal; and obtaining the frequency difference component using the fundamental optical signals, and the device realizing the method.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a photonic band-gap assembly comprising at least one input wave guide and at least one output wave guides, and at least one routing element responsive to signals to selectively route a signal from the input wave guide to one or more of the output wave guides.

Abstract: This invention provides fundamental science and novel device architectures for surface plasmon (SP)-based, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible, optical elements such as modulators, couplers, and switches. The primary focus of the work is on waveguides based on an ultra-long-range surface plasmon (ULRSP) waveguide mode recently discovered by our team. This mode exists at the metal-dielectric interfaces in a silicon-oxide-metal-silicon layer structure. While initial work focuses on noble metals to support the ULRSP, our analysis shows Si processing-compatible metals such as Cu and Al can also be used. Our modeling has also shown that variation in the thickness of the oxide layer can be used to give unprecedented propagation lengths in such structures. Electrically-induced free carrier modulation of the dielectric constant in the Si adjacent to the oxide can modulate the waveguide properties allowing novel Si-compatible electro-optic devices to be created.

Abstract: An electro-optical memory cell having a non-volatile programmable refractive index and a method of making. The memory cell includes: a waveguiding structure having a transition metal oxide with oxygen vacancies; a plurality of electrodes for applying an electrical field; and an optical detector for detecting a state of the memory cell. The method includes: fabricating a waveguiding structure having a transition metal oxide with oxygen vacancies; positioning a plurality of electrodes for application of an electric field; arranging the transition metal oxide and the electrodes such that when an electric field is applied, the oxygen vacancies migrate in a direction that has a component which is radial relative to a center of the beam path; applying the electric field thereby programming the refractive index to set a state of the memory cell; and detecting the state of the memory cell using an optical detector.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to photonic-based interconnects for transmitting data encoded in electromagnetic signals between electronic mosaics. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photonic-based interconnect comprises a first photonic node coupled to a second photonic node via a waveguide. The first photonic node is coupled to a first electronic mosaic and is configured to transmit electromagnetic signals encoding data generated by the first electronic mosaic to a second electronic mosaic and receive electromagnetic signals encoding data generated by the second electronic mosaic. The second photonic node is coupled to the second electronic mosaic and is configured to transmit electromagnetic signals encoding data generated by the second electronic mosaic to the first electronic mosaic and receive electromagnetic signals encoding data generated by the first electronic mosaic.

Abstract: A transceiver capable of processing signals having wavelengths of less than 1 millimeter and/or more than 1 millimeter comprising a mixer/filter circuit coupled to an IF filter where said mixer/filter circuit is positioned within a mixer block to receive incoming signals guided into one or more feed horn openings of the mixer block by an optical arrangement. The IF filter is also disposed within the mixer block, but is positioned substantially orthogonal with respect to the mixer/filter circuit for efficient use of space.

Abstract: Provided is an optical device that includes a ring-shaped optical waveguide and an input/output optical waveguide, and that changes a resonant wavelength of the ring-shaped optical waveguide, in which the ring-shaped optical waveguide includes in part a refractive index control section for controlling a refractive index at a guided wavelength, and the refractive index control section is formed of an optical material having a thermo-optic effect with its sign different from that of an optical material that forms a section of the ring-shaped optical waveguide other than the refractive index control section.

Abstract: An optical modulator structure includes at least two waveguide structures for inputting and outputting an optical signal. At least one ring resonator structure provides coupling between the at least two waveguide structures. The at least one ring resonator structure includes Ge or SiGe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventions described herein comprise a device and method for manipulating an optical beam. The method comprises propagating an optical beam through a waveguide in proximity to a resonant cavity and pumping the resonant cavity with sufficient optical power to induce non-linearities in the refractive index of the resonant cavity. The method further comprises tuning the resonant frequency band of the resonant cavity with a modulation signal such that the optical beam is manipulated in a useful way.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device including a dielectric substrate and a folded waveguide formed on the substrate, including a first waveguide and a second waveguide, one part of the first waveguide being connected to one end of the second waveguide at a first coupling portion, the other end of the second waveguide connected to another part of the first waveguide at a second coupling portion, the first waveguide being straight or curved with a radius of curvature larger than or equal to a first curvature radius, and the second waveguide being straight or curved with a radius of curvature smaller than the first curvature radius. An outer groove is formed on the substrate along an outer peripheral of the folded waveguide, an input-side inner groove is formed on the substrate near a first coupling portion, and an output-side inner groove is formed on the substrate near a second coupling portion.

Abstract: A signal interface includes a dual-drive device having a first and a second input port that receive an outgoing signal. One of the first and the second input ports also receive an incoming signal. The dual-drive device passes the incoming signal to an output port while isolating the outgoing signal from the incoming signal.

Abstract: A variety of structures, methods, systems, and configuration scan support plasmons for routing.

Abstract: An electro-optical device having a non-volatile programmable refractive index. The device includes: a waveguiding structure with waveguiding material, the waveguiding structure defining an optical beam path, where the waveguiding structure includes a transition metal oxide with oxygen vacancies that migrate when exposed to an electric field; and a plurality of electrodes for applying an electric field to a region including the transition metal oxide with oxygen vacancies; where the transition metal oxide and the electrodes are arranged such that under the applied electric field the oxygen vacancies migrate in a direction that has a component which is radial relative to a center of the beam path. Further, there is provided a method for making the electro-optical device, including: fabricating the waveguiding structure; positioning a plurality of electrodes for application of an electric field; and arranging the transition metal oxide and the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the length of collocated waveguides in a high erosion environment, such as a solid rocket motor or a braking system. The system provides for mating optical waveguides having different attenuation coefficients within the combusting, eroding, or otherwise regressing material. Optical energy generated by the environment (e.g., from burning fuel), or which is introduced and scattered into the environment, travels through the waveguides to detector means coupled thereto. The intensities of the arriving optical energy are compared and the length of the collocated waveguides calculated therefrom. By calculating the length of the waveguides over time, a regression rate is determined.

Abstract: A multi-beam LADAR apparatus and a method for use in a multi-beam LADAR system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of mission specific optics; a gimbal in which the mission specific optics are mounted; an off-gimbal laser; and a multi-fiber relay optically linking the laser output to the mission specific optics. The method includes gimbaling a plurality of mission specific optics; generating a laser signal off the gimbal; and optically relaying the laser signal to the mission specific optics through a plurality of discreet channels.

Abstract: A silicon-based optical modulator structure includes one or more separate localized heating elements for changing the refractive index of an associated portion of the structure and thereby providing corrective adjustments to address unwanted variations in device performance. Heating is provided by thermo-optic devices such as, for example, silicon-based resistors, silicide resistors, forward-biased PN junctions, and the like, where any of these structures may easily be incorporated with a silicon-based optical modulator. The application of a DC voltage to any of these structures will generate heat, which hen transfers into the waveguiding area. The increase in local temperature of the waveguiding area will, in turn, increase the refractive index of the waveguiding in the area. Control of the applied DC voltage results in controlling the refractive index.

Abstract: Consistent with the present disclosure an optical filter is provided that preferably includes a plurality of looped or ring-shaped waveguides provided on a substrate which are coupled to one another by tunable couplers. Portions of each waveguide constitute part of each tunable coupler, which may include, for example, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. A heater may be thermally coupled to one or both arms of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, to thereby adjust an amount of optical coupling between adjacent looped waveguides. The filter bandwidth (i.e., the spectral width of the passband), which, as noted above, is related to such coupling, can thus also be tuned or varied. Additional heaters may be provided to tune the center wavelength of the passband so that a filter having both a variable passband spectral width and center wavelength can be obtained.

Abstract: An optical interconnect system includes an integrated circuit, at least one optical modulator, and a slab waveguide. The optical modulator is coupled to the integrated circuit and receives an input light beam from a light source and data from a source device and generates a modulated output light beam. The slab waveguide is coupled to the optical modulator and includes at least one input waveguide microlens, a plurality of output waveguide microlenses, and at least one deflector prism. The input waveguide microlens focuses the modulated output light beam from the modulator into a collimated light beam. The deflector prism is coupled to the integrated circuit, receives the collimated light beam from the input waveguide microlens, and deflects the collimated light beam toward one of the output waveguide microlenses according to an input voltage.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed that utilize electrical signals from detectors of an imaging focal plane array or antenna elements of an antenna array to modulate optical signals. Antenna or focal plane array elements are coupled to optical waveguides by way of whispering gallery mode resonators made of electro-optic material. The resonators modulate optical signals in the waveguides based on the electrical signals from the detectors/antenna elements. The signals received by the array are converted into the optical domain, allowing subsequent optical processing and/or distribution. Each detector/antenna element involved can be identified by the specific wavelength and waveguide through which its signal is coupled, enabling subsequent optical processing of the signals such as by wavelength division multiplexing systems. Additionally disclosed are imaging sensor photonic systems that include WDM components and other optical components such one or more optical narrow-band amplifiers and/or filters.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for integrated circuitry optical modulation. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises an optical waveguide enabling multi-level modulation. The embodiment comprises an optical waveguide with integrated circuit modulators. An optical waveguide is split into at least two branches so that modulation can be imposed in each branch. In one embodiment, the branches are combined to produce an optical signal path in which additional modulation is imposed. In an embodiment of an integrated circuit optical demodulator, a received modulated optical signal is divided into branches and demodulated. Embodiments provide a single integrated circuit for multi-level modulation, thereby avoiding the disadvantages of modulation using separate discrete components. Also, a single integrated circuit for multi-level demodulation is provided.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a photonic band-gap assembly comprising at least one input wave guide and at least one output wave guides, and at least one routing element responsive to signals to selectively route a signal from the input wave guide to one or more of the output wave guides.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for use thereof. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes first and second 1×N couplers integrated on a substrate and configured to receive an optical symbol having an intended time slot, N being at least three. The apparatus, in this embodiment, further includes N waveguide arms integrated on the substrate, having modulators and coupled between the first and second 1×N couplers. The apparatus, in this embodiment, additionally, includes a modulator controller configured to drive the modulators such that, following transmission over a distance, components of the optical symbol outside of the intended time slot are attenuated relative to components within the intended time slot.

Abstract: An optical waveform shaping device includes a first waveguide portion, formed on a substrate, for transmitting the optical signal and simultaneously absorbing a portion of the optical signal, which has a signal level equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, so as to shape the optical signal; and a second waveguide portion, formed on the substrate, for transmitting the optical signal, which was transmitted through the first waveguide portion, and simultaneously amplifying the optical signal. The first waveguide portion may be formed using a saturable absorber. A first electrode for supplying electric current to the first waveguide portion so that the first waveguide portion is provided with a function of absorbing the optical signal; and a second electrode for supplying electric current to the second waveguide portion so that the second waveguide portion is provided with a function of amplifying the optical signal may also be provided.

Abstract: Arranged for at least one of a pair of branch optical waveguides in a Mach-Zehnder type interference optical system is a ring resonance type phase shifter for modulating a light wave signal propagating through the branch optical waveguide. The ring resonance type phase shifter includes a ring-type optical waveguide arranged so as to be mode-coupled with the corresponding branch optical waveguide, and is configured so that amplitude branching ratio K between the corresponding branch optical waveguide and the ring-type optical waveguide can be varied with a change in refractive index or the like, accompanied by voltage application to a pn junction, for example. As amplitude branching ratio K is varied, the phase difference between the light wave signals propagating through the paired optical waveguides varies, to thereby control the intensity of the light wave signal output from the interference optical system.

Abstract: Optical guided mode fast 1×2 and 2×2 spatial switches are provided that can be used in multimedia communication networks. These switches require a relative refractive index change of only 0.0001˜0.0002 and can be realized using Lithium Niobate, Polymers, semiconductors, etc. Extinction ratios of these switches are made to be better than 45 dB, by introductions of a rear edge adjusted broken electrode and a blocker electrode into their architecture. Optical losses are less than 3 dB, and excellent switching characteristics are achieved by suppressing cross talk to ˜50 dB. The two output ports of the 1×2 (2×2) switch are made to be spatially perpendicular (in opposition) by introduction of air grooves, allowing for two-dimensional integration of unit switches into matrices. System applications of the switch are made flexible due to a discrete drive requirement for each optical input to the 2×2 switch.

Abstract: A variety of structures, methods, systems, and configurations can support plasmons for logic.

Abstract: A full 3R (re-timing, re-shaping, re-amplifying) recovery system is provided. In the full 3R recovery system, a self-pulsating laser diode (SP-LD) and an electroabsorption modulator (EAM) are integrated and disposed on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An optical modulation element includes a waveguide defined based on a defect in a photonic crystal, a carrier conducting region for conducting a carrier to the waveguide, an electrode for injecting a carrier into the carrier conducting region, and a current control unit for controlling the quantity of carrier to be conducted to the waveguide, wherein the photonic crystal and the electrode are made of a material containing TiO2 as a main composition, and wherein the current control unit functions to change the refractive index of a medium constituting the waveguide in accordance with the quantity of carrier conducted to the waveguide, thereby to modulate the light propagated through the waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention describes a microresonator that can be used as a 1:f variable coupler in a unit cell. It is described how a cascade of unit cells can be used to form a tunable, higher-order RF-filter with reconfigurable passbands. The disclosed filter structure can be utilized for the narrowband channelization of RF signals that have been modulated onto optical carriers. It is also disclosed how to utilize add/drop capabilities of the contemplated microdisks to confer connectivity and cascading in two dimensions. The present invention can conveniently provide a wavelength division multiplexing router, where an array of unit cells as provided herein can form a programmable optical switching matrix, through electronic programming of filter parameters.

Abstract: In an integrated circuit device comprising a vertical arrangement of integrated circuit layers, coupling of an optical signal between a first integrated circuit layer thereof and a second integrated circuit layer thereof is described. The optical signal is evanescently coupled between a photonic crystal defect waveguide and a photonic crystal defect cavity in the first integrated circuit layer and projectably coupled between the photonic crystal defect cavity and an optical aperture on the second integrated circuit layer.

Abstract: An electro-optical device having a non-volatile programmable refractive index. The device includes: a waveguiding structure with waveguiding material, the waveguiding structure defining an optical beam path, where the waveguiding structure includes a transition metal oxide with oxygen vacancies that migrate when exposed to an electric field; and a plurality of electrodes for applying an electric field to a region including the transition metal oxide with oxygen vacancies; where the transition metal oxide and the electrodes are arranged such that under the applied electric field the oxygen vacancies migrate in a direction that has a component which is radial relative to a center of the beam path. Further, there is provided a method for making the electro-optical device, including: fabricating the waveguiding structure; positioning a plurality of electrodes for application of an electric field; and arranging the transition metal oxide and the electrodes.

Abstract: An optical path switching device is provided. The optical path switching device utilizes the electro-optic effect to apply an electric field on different reflective elements without moving an input/output end of optical signal or reflective elements. Thus, the reflective elements reflect optical beams to control travel paths of the optical beams, so as to switch the optical paths in the absence of mechanical motion.

Abstract: An optical ring resonator modulator comprises a circular waveguide, or ring, evanescently coupled to a first straight waveguide and a second straight waveguide. The ring may be surrounded by an outer ring or member of doped silicon and the region inside the ring may comprise an oppositely doped member, making the ring itself the intrinsic region of a positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) diode. When a voltage is applied between the outer and inner members the refractive index of the waveguide is changed. A photodiode at a throughput end of the first waveguide is connected to a feedback loop that controls the voltage to the members.

Abstract: A variety of structures, methods, systems, and configurations can support plasmons for logic.

Abstract: A variety of structures, methods, systems, and configurations can support plasmons for logic.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to photonic interconnects that can be used for on-chip as well as off-chip communications between computer system components. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photonic interconnect comprises a plurality of on-chip waveguides. Additionally, the photonic interconnect may include a plurality of off-chip waveguides, and at least one optoelectronic converter. The at least one optoelectronic converter can be photonically coupled to a portion of the plurality of on-chip waveguides, can be photonically coupled to a portion of the plurality of off-chip waveguides, and is in electronic communication with at least one computer system component.

Abstract: A core layer of an optical waveguide is grown as a film comprised of an electro-optic material with a rhombohedral structure and grown above a substrate with (100) crystal orientation on a major face.

Abstract: A wavelength independent multi-section optical coupler having at least three optical couplers, and at least two differential phase cells. Each optical coupler has two waveguides forming a coupling region having a net coupling value. The coupling value for each coupling region of the at least three optical couplers is different than the coupling values of the other two coupling regions. Each differential phase cell connects adjacent ones of said optical couplers. Each differential phase cell causes a differential phase shift in light signals traversing between the optical couplers, wherein the differential phase shifts of the differential phase cells, and the coupling value for each coupling region are chosen so as to minimize wavelength, and fabrication sensitivity of said wavelength independent multi-section optical coupler for a designed power splitting ratio.

Abstract: Single fiber optical telemetry systems and methods are disclosed. The methods and systems facilitate input and output via a single fiber optic interface. The optical telemetry systems and methods also facilitate faster data transmission rates between surface and downhole equipment in oilfield applications.

Abstract: A variety of structures, methods, systems, and configurations can support plasmons for routing.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a rapidly tunable wavelength selective ring resonator. An embodiment of a voltage-tunable wavelength selective ring resonator includes a ring-shaped waveguide formed on a semiconductor substrate, an electro-optic cladding layer formed over the ring-shaped waveguide, and voltage applying means for applying a voltage across the electro-optic cladding layer. The ring-shaped waveguide is configured to propagate optical signals having predetermined resonant wavelengths, the electro-optic cladding layer has a voltage-controlled variable refractive index, and the means for applying is configured to apply a wavelength-specific control voltage to the electro-optic cladding layer. The wavelength-specific control voltage will shift or tune the predetermined resonant wavelengths for the ring-shaped waveguide.

Abstract: A process for fabricating an optically coupled resonant pressure sensor includes the steps of forming a sensor die including at least one optically coupled resonator from a first semiconductor substrate and forming a cap die including a fiber hole from a second semiconductor substrate. The sensor die and the cap die are aligned and bonded to form a resonant pressure sensor capsule. The fiber hole in the cap die is aligned with at least one resonator on the sensor die. Also disclosed is an optically coupled resonant pressure sensor formed from steps thereof.

Abstract: A microchip includes optical layers with integrated waveguides and modulators. A continuous wave light beam coupled to incoming waveguide(s) is modulated and transmitted off-chip by outgoing waveguides coupled to optical interconnects.