Abstract: A superstructure fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) by laser-assisted direct writing of on-fiber metallic films. A laser direct write method is used to fabricate periodic films of silver nanoparticles on the non-planar surface of as-fabricated FBGs. Silver films with a thickness of about 9 ?m are fabricated around a Bragg grating optical fiber. The performance of the superstructure FBG is studied by applying temperature and tensile stress on the fiber. An opto-mechanical model is also developed to predict the optical response of the synthesized superstructure FBG under thermal and structural loadings. The reflectivity of sidebands in the reflection spectrum can be tuned up to 20% and 37% under thermal and structural loadings, respectively. In addition, the developed superstructure FBG is used for simultaneous measurement of multiple criteria such as force and temperature to eliminate the inherent limitation of regular FBGs in multi-parameter sensing.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a planar optical waveguide having an optical core and optical cladding next to the optical core. The optical core or cladding includes a plurality of particles therein. Each particle has a nucleus and polymeric molecules permanently bonded to the nucleus to form a shell. A plurality of nuclei are dispersed in said core or cladding.

Abstract: A laminate of the present invention includes a first transparent resin layer, a first polymer liquid crystal layer, a second transparent resin layer, and a second polymer liquid crystal layer. A process for producing the laminate involves curing a resin to form the first transparent resin layer with certain liquid crystal alignment properties. The process then involves forming the first liquid crystal layer from a curable liquid crystalline monomer or a crosslinkable polymer liquid crystal on the first transparent resin layer. The first liquid crystal layer has the liquid crystal alignment properties of the first transparent resin layer. Next, the process involves forming a second transparent resin layer with different liquid crystal alignment properties on the first polymer liquid crystal layer, then forming a second polymer liquid crystal layer on the second transparent resin layer in the same manner.

Abstract: A method for producing a colored or fluorescent substrate with a view to formation of a colored or fluorescent image including the formation. The method defines on a substrate of a colored or fluorescent matrix, pixels of at least two different colors, wherein each pixel forms a filter for a given color. At least one filter is an interferential filter or a filter obtained with colored or fluorescent particles.

Abstract: Provided are methods of forming an optical coupler. The method includes forming a first waveguide and an in-plane tapered layer on a silicon layer, forming a mask with first and second openings. The first opening is formed between the in-plane tapered layer and the second opening, and the second opening extends from the first opening with a gradually narrowing width. Thereafter, a planar waveguide and a three-dimensional tapered layer are simultaneously formed in the first and second openings, respectively. The planar waveguide has a substantially uniform thickness, and the three-dimensional tapered layer has a thickness gradually increasing with a decrease of the width thereof.

Abstract: An optical device includes a substrate and a plurality of three or more planar waveguides formed over the substrate. Each planar waveguide includes a corresponding grating coupler formed therein. The grating couplers are arranged in a non-collinear pattern over said substrate. The plurality of grating couplers is configured to optically couple to a corresponding plurality of fiber cores in a multi-core optical cable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention use crystallographic etching of SOI wafers with a (110)-oriented epi layer to form both the vertical input facet and the re-entrant mirror. Proposed layout design combined with proposed orientation of the epi enables both vertical facets and re-entrant (upward-reflecting) mirror facets to be made in a single wafer-level wet etch process.

Abstract: An optical device includes an array of optical grating couplers and a plurality of single-core fiber couplers located over a planar substrate. The optical grating couplers of the array are located to optically couple in a one-to-one manner to optical cores of a multi-core fiber or optical cable having an end located adjacent to the surface. Each single-core fiber coupler includes a planar optical waveguide connecting a corresponding one of the optical couplers of the array to an edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A polymer waveguide including a polymer matrix and particles, wherein the particles are embedded in the polymer matrix and have lower optical bulk losses than the polymer matrix.

Abstract: A light guide body includes a first solidified colloid layer, a second solidified colloid layer and a third solidified colloid layer. The first solidified colloid layer has a number of light-scattering microstructures at an upper portion thereof. The second solidified colloid layer is formed on and coming into contact with the upper portion of the first colloid layer, and the second colloid layer covers the microstructures. The third solidified colloid layer is formed on the second colloid layer, and the third colloid layer has a plurality of light condensing prisms at an opposite side thereof to the second colloid layer. The light guide body has an integral structure with a number of optical functions. A method for making the light guide body is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waveguide coupling device with properties of forward coupling and backward coupling as well as a manufacturing method thereof, the waveguide coupling device comprises: a substrate, at least one inverted taper coupling structure, an intermediate layer, and at least one three-dimensional taper coupling structure. Wherein one end of the three-dimensional taper coupling structure is adopted for connecting to an external optical fiber, so as to couple the optical wave propagating in the optical fiber; Moreover, by way of the specific coupling sequence of (three-dimensional taper coupling structure)-(intermediate layer)-(inverted taper coupling structure), the optical wave may be efficiently coupled into, be confined in, and ultimately propagates in the inverted taper coupling structure connecting to waveguide devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an optical fiber preform, including injecting a plasma gas source into the first end of a tubular member; generating a ring plasma flame with the plasma gas source flowing through a plasma gas feeder nozzle, the plasma gas feeder nozzle including: an inner tube, an outer tube, wherein the plasma gas source is injected between the inner tube and the outer tube to produce the ring plasma flame, such that at least a portion of the ring plasma flame is directed radially toward the inner surface of the tubular member; traversing the tubular member along the longitudinal axis relative to the plasma flame; depositing at least one soot layer on the interior surface of the tubular member by introducing reagent chemicals into the plasma flame; and fusing all of the soot layers into a glass material on the interior surface of the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and related method for manufacturing an optical preform. The present invention embraces a novel insert tube that is strategically positioned within a quartz substrate tube during the internal vapor deposition process.

Abstract: An optical waveguide production method is provided which reduces a transmission loss, improves alignment mark visual detectability, and ensures excellent productivity. In the optical waveguide production method, an under-cladding layer, a core and an alignment mark are formed on a surface of a metal substrate. On the other hand, a molding die is prepared which includes a cavity and an alignment mark to be associated with the alignment mark. In turn, light emitted from the side of the molding die is utilized for positioning the metal substrate and the molding die with reference to the pair of associated alignment marks. Then, an over-cladding layer is formed over the core. The alignment mark is formed from a photo-curable composition comprising the following components (A) and (B): (A) a polymerizable composition having a (meth)acrylate group; and (B) a photoradical polymerization initiator.

Abstract: A fiber-optic cable for applications subject to extreme temperatures and high crushing and bending forces incorporating a loose fluoropolymer buffer material, a aramid/fiberglass strength member, and a fluoropolymer outer jacket compromising low smoke, low toxicity, and low flammability when exposed to flame.

Abstract: Multi-core optical fiber probe includes a multi-core optical fiber (and method of manufacturing the probe) including a plurality of cores adjacent a cladding material, and a plurality of angled reflectors disposed at a distal end of the cores. An angled reflector of the plurality of angled reflectors deflects light propagating in the core at a deflection angle that is different from an axis of light propagation in the core. Light propagating toward a distal end of the core of the multi-core probe is emitted, after reflection by the corresponding reflector, out of the multi-core optical fiber probe.

Abstract: A method for controlling the hydrophobicity of a surface of an article by alternately depositing solutions comprising net positively charged polymers and net negatively charged polymers onto the surface to form a polyelectrolyte film of an interpenetrating network of net positively charged polymers and net negatively charged polymers on the surface of the article.

Abstract: A system configured to generate an optical beam from a fiber laser is presented. The system includes a fiber gain medium having a core and a cladding, the core being configured to convert radiation from a pump beam into an output beam, the cladding having a mode propagating section and a mode stripping section bounded on a near end and a distal end by the mode propagating section, the mode stripping section of the cladding being configured to scatter excess pump radiation received from the mode propagating section in a substantially outwardly radial direction. The system also includes a rigid support member into which the fiber gain medium is placed, the rigid support member completely encompassing the mode stripping section of the cladding and joined to the fiber at the mode propagating section of the cladding.

Abstract: Among other things, a communication line is attached along a target surface of a building by laying out the line from a tool. An outer surface of the line is in a temporarily tacky condition as the line is laid out along the surface. The line is in the temporarily tacky condition based at least in part on an adhesive component having been pre-applied to the outer surface of the line. The line becomes non-tacky after it has been attached.

Abstract: A multimode graded-index plastic optical fiber comprises a cladding and a core. The core has a refractive index which continuously becomes higher as closer to a center of a circular cross-section of the core. The core propagates light of a first mode group, which should be propagated, of incoming light from one end face of the core and emits the light from the other end face of the core. The cladding is provided on a periphery of the core and has a cylindrical cross-section. The cladding has a refractive index which is lower than that of the core. The cladding deflects light of the first mode group at an interface with the core. The core has a first core section, a second core section and a third core section. The first core section contacts an inner circumference of the cladding. The second core section is inside the first core section, and is inside the core. The second core section is a light scattering section which scatters light of a second mode group of the incoming light outside.

Abstract: An optical fiber capable of suppressing an increase of a transmission loss after exposure of the optical fiber to hydrogen or deuterium is provided. The optical fiber has a core region, an inner cladding region surrounding the core region, a trench region surrounding the inner cladding region, an outer cladding region surrounding the trench region, and a refractive index varying region arranged between the inner cladding region and the trench region, the refractive index varying region having a refractive index gradually increasing from the trench region to the inner cladding region.

Abstract: An armored cable having a polymer covering where the bond between the armor and the covering is controlled by introducing particulate matter at the interface of the armor and covering. A filler material is applied to the exterior surfaces of the cable strength elements in order to inhibit the formation of voids in the polymer covering that would otherwise promote water migration along the cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical sheet having a plurality of light guide plate patterns, each light guide plate pattern having a micro-patterned output surface for emitting light, and a micro-patterned bottom surface opposing to the output surface. The optical sheet is made in steps comprising extruding a first resin into the nip between a pressure roller and a patterned roller to form an extruded layer at a patterned roller surface temperature T1 and a nip pressure P1, the layer having an unpatterned surface and a patterned surface, the patterned surface having a pattern transferred from the patterned roller; and printing a discrete pattern on the unpatterned surface of the extruded layer to form the optical sheet comprising the plurality of light guide plate patterns.

Abstract: A method for recoating a double clad optical fiber having a core, a first cladding layer that surrounds the core, and a coating layer that covers the first cladding layer, in which the coating layer includes a second cladding layer that surrounds the first cladding layer, the method including: a step of removing the coating layer and exposing the first cladding layer; and a step of applying a curable resin on top of the exposed first cladding layer under reduced pressure, followed by curing of the curable resin under normal pressure, thereby forming a recoat layer.

Abstract: An optical waveguide module for a touch panel is provided which achieves the reduction in thickness, and a method of manufacturing the same. The optical waveguide module includes an optical waveguide unit for placement along the periphery of a display screen of a display of a touch panel, and a substrate unit coupled to an outer edge portion of the optical waveguide unit so as to be in orthogonal relation to the optical waveguide unit. The substrate unit includes a substrate bent toward the optical waveguide unit, and the bend of the substrate in that state has a distal end serving as a connecting portion to an electrical interconnect line. An over cladding layer includes a slot provided in a surface thereof and extending along the periphery of the display screen of the display. The electrical interconnect line is put in the slot.

Abstract: A processing method for suppressing photodarkening in an Yb-doped optical fiber, comprising: a first step of preparing the Yb-doped optical fiber by doping a core with Yb, and irradiating at least one of a gamma ray, a X-ray, or an electron beam onto the Yb-doped optical fiber with an energy greater than a light to be transmitted through the optical fiber when a laser is being oscillated; a second step of measuring a loss spectrum of an infrared region of the optical fiber after the first step, and selecting an optical fiber with the loss in a specific wavelength falling within a predetermined range; and a third step of treating the optical fiber selected in the second step in an atmosphere containing hydrogen to obtain an Yb-doped optical fiber with suppressed photodarkening.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photonic crystal device provided with a plasmonic waveguide includes: preparing a membrane; applying, in a programmed manner, a focused ion beam on the membrane, in a manner such as to obtain a photonic crystal made up by a regular planar arrangement of through holes positioned according to a preset lattice and also comprising a resonant cavity. The method also provides a conic plasmonic waveguide at the resonant cavity, through chemical vapour deposition induced by a focused electron beam. The focused electron beam that induces la deposition is controlled in such a manner to gradually reduce the transverse section of the electron beam starting from the base up to the tip of the projecting structure, maintaining the position of the electron beam constant.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical waveguide includes setting, on a lower cladding of an optical waveguide, a light-reflecting feature and at least one waveguide core distinct from the reflecting feature. An upper cladding is applied that embeds both the light-reflecting feature and the waveguide core.

Abstract: The invention provides an extrusion material supply device suitable for use in melt extrusion molding, and a method for manufacturing an optical transmission body, in which a deterioration of an optical signal transmission loss is extremely small, and productivity intrinsic to an extrusion molding method is provided in combination. An extrusion material supply device 1 includes: a vertical hopper 2, which has a cooling unit 3 and a heat melting unit 4 continuous with a lower portion thereof, and houses a material rod R; cooling means 5 for cooling the cooling unit 3; an electric heater 6 that heats the heat melting unit 4; and gas pressurizing means 7 for sequentially supplying molten plastics M to a metal die by a gas pressure. The heat melting unit 4 is formed into a cylinder shape in which an inner diameter is larger than an inner diameter of the cooling unit 3 arranged above, and enables the molten plastics M to spread in the heat melting unit 4.

Abstract: Adverse hydrogen aging limitations in multiply-doped optical fibers are overcome by passivating these optical fibers using a deuterium passivation process. This treatment essentially pre-reacts the glass with deuterium so that the most active glass sites are no longer available to react with hydrogen in service. Optical fibers of main interest are doped with mixtures of germanium and phosphorus. Optimum passivating process conditions are described.

Abstract: A sheet switch module of the present invention includes: a light source; a light guide that guides light from the light source; a sheet switch disposed on the back side of the light guide in a thickness direction of the light guide; and a groove formed in the thickness direction of the light guide in at least one of a surface and the back of the light guide.

Abstract: A method and structure for coupling to a plurality of multicore optical fiber strands. A first plurality of optoelectronic devices is provided on a surface of a substrate, the first optoelectronic devices being arranged in a 2D array pattern that corresponds to a 2D array pattern corresponding to different light cores of a first multicore optical fiber. A second plurality of optoelectronic devices is provided on the surface of the substrate, the second optoelectronic devices being arranged in a 2D array pattern that corresponds to a 2D array pattern corresponding to different light cores of a second multicore optical fiber. Each optoelectronic device on the substrate surface provides one of a receive function and a transmit function for interacting with a corresponding core of a multicore optical fiber strand.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical waveguide sensor chip includes an optical waveguide layer; a pair of optical elements disposed at both ends of the optical waveguide layer so that light enters the optical waveguide layer and the light exits from the optical waveguide layer; a functional film formed on a predetermined region of the optical waveguide layer; a covering layer formed in a planar region on the light entrance surface of the optical waveguide layer, in which at least the optical elements are disposed; a first through hole configured to allow the light entering the entrance-side optical element to pass therethrough; and a second through hole configured to allow the light exiting from the exit-side optical element to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A mold for the formation of an over cladding layer in an optical waveguide is integrally produced from a light-transmissive resin and a light-transmissive support plate by molding using a mold member identical in shape with the over cladding layer. In the production of the mold, a hollow resulting from the removal of the mold member serves as a cavity for the formation of the over cladding layer. For the formation of the over cladding layer, the cavity of the mold is filled with a photosensitive resin for the formation of the over cladding layer, and the photosensitive resin is cured by being exposed to light through the mold while cores formed in a pattern on a surface of an under cladding layer are immersed in the photosensitive resin.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications cable having a layer constructed to resist post-extrusion shrinkage. The layer includes a plurality of discrete shrinkage-reduction members embedded within a base material. The shrinkage-reduction members can be made of a liquid crystal polymer. The disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing telecommunications cables having layers adapted to resist post-extrusion shrinkage.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device includes a lower clad layer formed on a substrate, an optical waveguide core formed on the lower clad layer, at least one pair of banks arranged in rows along the optical waveguide core which is arranged between each pair of the banks, and an upper clad layer covering the optical waveguide core and the banks.

Abstract: An integrated optical waveguide includes a substrate, a waveguide under-cladding layer disposed on the substrate, and a waveguide core, having top and sidewall surfaces, disposed on the under-cladding layer. A glassy surface smoothing layer disposed on the waveguide core top surface and sidewall surfaces and has a refractive index, relative to a refractive index of the waveguide core, that enables guided optical transmission through the waveguide core and the glassy surface smoothing layer. In fabrication of the optical waveguide, a waveguide under-cladding layer is formed on a substrate and a waveguide core having sidewall surfaces and a top surface is formed on the under-cladding layer. A liquid suspension comprising particles of a glassy material is applied on the top and sidewall surfaces of the waveguide core. The applied liquid glassy particle suspension is heated to form a glassy surface smoothing layer on the waveguide core top surface and sidewall surfaces.

Abstract: A near-field light generator includes: a waveguide; a clad layer having a penetrating opening and disposed on the waveguide; a plasmon generator accommodated in the opening; and a dielectric film interposed between the plasmon generator and each of the waveguide and the clad layer. In a method of manufacturing the near-field light generator, an initial clad layer is initially formed on the waveguide, and then the initial clad layer is taper-etched by RIE to form a recess that does not reach the top surface of the waveguide. Subsequently, the recess is etched by wet etching until the top surface of the waveguide is exposed in part. Next, the dielectric film is formed in the opening, and the plasmon generator is formed on the dielectric film.

Abstract: Disclosed is detecting changes in pressure in a medium, with an optical fiber having a core diameter at an immersion surface contact of the fiber of less than 10 ?m; a layer of material deposited on said end of the fiber, the material being of a thickness of from about 2 nm to about 10 nm. Also disclosed is detecting pressure waves in a medium comprising: contacting the medium with a fiber optic, the fiber integrated with a light source and a detector, the fiber optic having a diameter of less than 10 ?m at an immersion surface contact of the fiber; providing a thin layer of material on the immersion surface contact, wherein said thin layer of material is of a thickness in a range of from about 2 nm to about 10 nm; and detecting Fresnel back reflections from the immersion end of the fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement in a coating line, in which a fibre (2) is uncoiled from a fibre start (1) by means of a pulling device (5) to an extrusion head (3) that comprises a die part (7) and a torpedo part, by means of which on the surface of a primary coated fibre there is arranged a buffer layer which is in tight contact with the primary coated fibre, and in which method the tightly coated fibre is cooled downstream of the extrusion head (3) in a predetermined manner. First there is determined a target value for line tension by means of the correlation between a line tension and a force required for stripping a buffer layer and the line tension between the extrusion head (3) and the pulling device (5) is measured.

Abstract: Optical faceplates and methods for manufacturing same are disclosed. An optical faceplate (10) includes a substrate (12) having a major surface, and an array (15) of optical fibers embossed on the substrate. The optical fibers have a length determined in accordance with a layer of material deposited on the substrate from which the optical fibers are formed, a depth of the features in a mold or stamp and a number of processing/stamping steps. A method includes forming (202) a layer on a substrate having a major surface, and processing (204) the layer to form an array of optical fibers transversely disposed to the major surface.

Abstract: An optical connection structure which permits easy and automatic alignment between the optical axes of optical fibers and the optical axes of cores of an optical waveguide, and a production method which ensures that an optical waveguide for the optical connection structure can be efficiently produced with higher dimensional accuracy are provided. An over-cladding layer of the optical waveguide includes an extension portion provided in a longitudinal end portion thereof, and optical fiber fixing grooves are provided in the extension portion as extending along extension lines of cores coaxially with the cores and each having opposite ends, one of which is open in an end face of the extension portion and the other of which is closed. Optical fibers are fitted and fixed in the respective optical fiber fixing grooves. The over-cladding layer further includes a boundary portion (6) provided between the other closed ends of the optical fiber fixing grooves and the cores.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide device, includes obtaining an optical waveguide by forming sequentially a first cladding layer, a core layer, and a second cladding layer on a substrate, forming a groove portion including a light path conversion inclined surface and a sidewall surface which intersects with it, and the groove portion dividing the second cladding layer and the core layer, on both end sides of the optical waveguide respectively, forming selectively a metal layer on the light path conversion inclined surface and the sidewall surface of the groove portion, forming a protection insulating layer sealing the metal layer on the optical waveguide, and obtaining a light path conversion mirror that the metal layer is formed on the light path conversion inclined surface, by forming a concave portion which penetrates the core layer from the protection insulating layer to remove the metal layer formed on the sidewall surface of the groove portion.

Abstract: The bond between an armor and a cable covering jacket is controlled by introducing intervening material at the interface of the layers along selected bond regions. The intervening material can comprise particulate matter or a strip of material introduced at selected locations of the armor perimeter to allow ease of access at the selected regions.

Abstract: The bond between abutting layers is controlled by introducing particulate matter at the interface of the layers.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing tight-buffered optical fiber having improved fiber access. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for making a tight buffer upcoated optical fiber having a predetermined buffer stripping force is provided. The method includes controlling residual acrylate unsaturation (RAU) and oxygen in at least an outer surface of un-buffered optical fiber to achieve a predetermined buffer stripping characteristic, applying a tight buffer composition comprising acrylate to the un-buffered optical fiber, and curing the tight buffer composition.

Abstract: An optical waveguide sensor includes a substrate and an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide includes a core and a lateral clad. The core extends in a spiral shape above a surface of the substrate. The lateral clad is disposed in a same layer as the core above the surface of the substrate and is in contact with either side surfaces of the core. At least a part of a surface of the core located opposite from the substrate is a transmission surface from which light leaks and is absorbed by a detected object.

Abstract: Provided are a cholesteric liquid crystal composition which contains a compound having a high ?n value and shows an orientation in a thick layer, and a circular polarization separator sheet having a wide reflection bandwidth and capable of being produced simply and easily. A cholesteric liquid crystal composition containing a compound represented by a formula (1): R1-A1-B-A2-R2 (R1 and R2 represent alkyl, alkylene oxide, H, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, (meth)acryl, epoxy, mercapto, isocyanate, amino or cyano; A1 and A2 represent 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexenyl, 4,4?-biphenylene, 4,4?-bicyclohexylene or 2,6-naphthylene; and B represents a single bond, —COO— or the like) and a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound having ?n of 0.18 or more and at least two or more reactive groups per one molecule.

Abstract: Cables have dielectric armors with armor profiles that provide additional crush and impact resistance for the optical fibers and/or fiber optic assembly therein, while retaining flexibility to aid during installation. The armored cables recover substantially from deformation caused by crush loads.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials suitable for use as secondary coatings of optical fibers. According to one embodiment of the invention, a curable composition includes an oligomer and at least one monomer, which when cured forms a cured polymeric material having a Young's modulus of at least about 1200 MPa, and a fracture toughness of at least about 0.7 MPa·m1/2. According to another embodiment of the invention, a coated optical fiber includes an optical fiber; a primary coating encapsulating the optical fiber; and a secondary coating encapsulating the primary coating, the secondary coating having a Young's modulus of at least about 1200 MPa, and a fracture toughness of at least about 0.7 MPa·m1/2.