НАПРАВЛЕНИЕ ОПТИЧЕСКИХ СИГНАЛОВ С ПОМОЩЬЮ ПОДВИЖНОГО ДИФРАКЦИОННОГО ОПТИЧЕСКОГО ЭЛЕМЕНТА

Варианты способов и устройство предназначены для систем связи, например для коммутации, мультиплексирования и демультиплексирования. Источник (70, 72, 74, 76) входных оптических сигналов (10) направляют на подвижный дифракционный оптический элемент (12). Каждый оптический сигнал характеризуется своей длиной волны. Подвижный дифракционный оптический элемент формирует выходные оптические сигналы (92, 94) и распределяет их между выходными устройствами (88, 90). Технический результат – создание более эффективных и менее затратных способов мультиплексирования и демультиплексирования передаваемых сигналов. 3 н. и 36 з.п. ф-лы, 10 ил.

Диспергирующее устройство

ДИСПЕРГИРУЮЩЕЕ УСТРОЙСТВО, содержащее две последовательно расположенные плоские отражательные дифракционные решетки с взаимно параллельньми штрихами, каждая из которых установлена с возможностью поворота вокруг оси, совпадающей с центральным штрихом данной решетки, отличающееся тем, что, с целью обеспечения возможности управления шириной полосы пропускания спектра , вторая решетка установлена с возможностью перемещения вдоль прямой, соединяющей центральные штрихи решеток, и поворота вокруг оси, совпадающей с центральным штрихом первой решетки, по дуге окружности, радиус г которой определяется соотношением lH0-o rcsiin(-j 0J где а - ширина заштрихованной поверхности первой решетки; д - угол между входной ветвью tp оптической оси устройства (Л и нормалью к поверхности первой решетки; - граничная длина волны в ко ротковолновой области спектра диспергируемого излучения; ,постоянная деления первой решетки. 4 4 ...

Verfahren und Form zur Herstellung miniaturisierter Formenkörper

The present invention relates to a miniaturized optical component provided with a free jet device comprising one or more optical microstructures (21b, 22b) and one or more outer structures (23b) for light, and enabling components to be manufactured in one single step with no need for particular adjustment. For that purpose, the free jet device is located in a cavity (61) delimited by a single-piece element obtained by moulding, said element presenting on its inner surface (23b) turned to the cavity the optical microstructure (21b, 22b) and the connection structure (23b) for light. The component (60) can be a single-layer or multilayer component. According to the inventive method, a cast part is made which has, on its external face, layers complementary to the optical microstructure(s) and the connection structure for light of the optical component. The optical microstructures of the cast part can be metallized before moulding. A metal layer and/or a plastic layer is applied during the moulding ...

Optisches Filter und optischer Verstärker mit diesem Filter

VORRICHTUNG FUER OPTISCHEN WELLENLAENGENMULTIPLEXER.

WELLENLÄNGENSELEKTIVER SCHALTER

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Wellenlängen- Sollwertabstimmung und zur Spektrumsüberwachung

Die Erfindung offenbart ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zur Wellenlängen-Sollwertabstimmung und zur Spektrumsüberwachung. Ein Gitter wird dazu verwendet, einen Teil optischer Eingangssignale in mehrere Lichtstrahlen aufzuteilen, die ferner charakteristische Antwortkurven erzeugen, nachdem sie durch einen Etalon gelaufen sind. Die charakteristischen Antwortkurven werden durch Photodetektoren in elektrische Signale gewandelt, um ein Rückkopplungssignal zu erzeugen, das von einem Regelungssystem so berechnet wird, dass die zentrale Wellenlänge fest abgestimmt wird, und um die Strahlbreite bei halber Leistung (FWHM = Full With at Half Maximum) der optischen Eingangssignale zu überwachen.

Wellenlängenabstimmbare Filtervorrichtung

DEVICE FOR THE SEPARATE DECOUPLING OF OPTICAL SIGNALS HAVING DIFFERENT WAVELENGTHS

VORRICHTUNG ZUM POSITIONIEREN UND FIXIEREN VON GLASFASERN, SOG. GLASFASERARRAY

OPTICAL FILTERS

OPTICAL DEMULTIPLEX TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT

APPARATUS FOR OPTICAL WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXING

Apparatus for optical wavelength division multiplexing

PCT No. PCT/GB88/00191 Sec. 371 Date Nov. 9, 1988 Sec. 102(e) Date Nov. 9, 1988 PCT Filed Mar. 11, 1988 PCT Pub. No. WO88/07216 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 22, 1988.Apparatus of the type comprising an optical assembly and reflection grating-for collimating light emitted by a laser and for refocussing the same onto an output waveguide. The waveguide is modified to enhance reflection of the refocussed light, which in turn dominates the resonant response of the laser. Laser resonance thus depends on geometrical factors-the relative positions of laser and waveguide and the dispersion properties of the assembly. Wavelength selectivity is improved by confining reflection to the core of the waveguide e.g. by using an embedded reflector, or further still by using an etalon pair. The laser may be used in conjunction with other lasers and/or detectors, or with retroreflectors. A multi-laser input multiplexer and single channel drop-and-add devices are described.

OPTICAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS

Communication apparatus

TUNABLE DEMULTIPLEXER AND TUNABLE LASER WITH OPTICAL DEFLECTOR

OPTICAL COMPONENT FOR USE IN OPTICAL DATENUEBERTRAGUNGSSYSTEMEN.

OPTICAL COMPONENT FOR THE SPECTRAL ONE SEPARATION OF LIGHT OF DIFFERENT WAVELENGTHS

MULTI-LAYER GLASS FIBER WITH RADIATIONEXPAND REFRACTIVE INDEX CONE

Wavelength selector for optical performance monitor

Multiplexer, demultiplexer and add/drop multiplexer for single mode optical fiber communication links

Athermalization and pressure desensitization of diffraction grating based spectrometer devices

Equalizing optical wavelength routers

Packaging a reconfigurable optical add-drop module

A hermetically packaged, MEMS array-based ROADM module is disclosed. The enclosure sidewalls and a top lid are made of Kovar, and the base is made of alumina ceramic AuSn-soldered to the enclosure sidewalls. The MEMS array is attached to the ceramic base. The optics are passively pre-aligned using a removable template and epoxied to an optical bench. The optical bench is actively aligned as a whole and attached to the ceramic base. A plurality of electrical feedthrough contact pins extend from the bottom of the ceramic base for connecting the MEMS to a connector on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment of the invention, the ceramic base extends beyond the footprint of the sidewalls of the enclosure of the module, for mounting additional electronic components, for example MEMS driver circuitry chips, directly to the ceramic base of the enclosure. r~i *~I--0 r4 0 0 ( (N.

FIBER OPTICS SYSTEM

BEAM SPLITTING FOR OPTICAL FIBRE

Optical transmission systems including optical rods with three-dimensional patterns thereon and related structures

WAVELENGTH SELECTIVE OPTICAL SWITCH

Optical serial link

Direction of optical signals by a movable diffractive optical element

Dense wavelength division muliplexer (dwdm)

An information compressor for fiber-optic lines

FIBER OPTICS COMMMUNICATIONS MODULES

A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FILTERING OPTICAL WAVELENGTHS

The present invention relates to a device and to a method for the wavelength selective filtration of optical wavelength channels. The device includes at least one 3dB-coupler or at least one Q port circulator (40), where Q>=3, a 1XN WDM-(de)multiplexer (30), where N>=2, N number of waveguides (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38), at least N number of reflection sections (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68) and at least N number of variable optical attenuators (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 78). One of the ports on the circulator (40) or on the 3dB-coupler is connected to a first side of the WDM-(de)multiplexer (30). Each waveguide (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38) includes at least one variable optical attenuator (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 78) and at least one reflection section (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68), such that at least one variable optical attenuator (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 78) will be located between a reflection section (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68) ...

ATHERMALIZATION AND PRESSURE DESENSITIZATION OF DIFFRACTION GRATING BASED SPECTROMETER DEVICES

A device for monitoring wavelength division multiplexed optical signals for use in an optical network and in an optical performance monitor. A device has a structure for supporting components of the device. An optical component is supported at one end of the structure for transmitting the optical signals. A diffraction grating is supported at an opposing end of the structure for diffracting the optical signals from the optical component. An optical sensor is supported in relation to the diffraction grating by the structure for monitoring the optical signals. A telephoto lens assembly is supported by the structure and disposed between the optical sensor and the diffraction grating, the lens assembly having a focal length for focusing the optical signals in relation to the optical sensor. Thermal effects on the structure are balanced against thermal effects on the lens assembly. A prism is disposed between the lens assembly and diffraction grating. The prism is configured to anamorphically ...

OPTICAL MULTIPLEXER/DEMULTIPLEXER

OPTICAL MULTIPLEXER/DEMULTIPLEXER A diffraction grating wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer comprises a reflection-type diffraction grating (34), a lens (32), and a linear array of single mode optical fibre (31). An integrated optical, converging waveguide array (30) is inserted between the single mode fibres (31) and the lens (32). This achieves close packing of the channels and hence more efficient filling of the available bandwidth than is otherwise possible with single mode fibres owing to their small core-to-cladding ratio.

WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXER/DEMULTIPLEXER IN OPTICAL FIBER COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer using wavelength division multiplexing comprises a fibre optic port for connection to an optical transmission fibre, a dispersive diffraction element, and an array of alternate light sources and light detectors. One or more focussing and collimating elements direct predetermined spectral components diffracted by the diffraction element from the light sources to the fibre optic port and from the fibre optic port to the light detectors, thereby allowing simultaneous reception and transmission of optical signals in a single unit.

ALTERNATING SEQUENTIAL HALF DUPLEX COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

ALTERNATING SEQUENTIAL HALF DUPLEX COMMUNICATION SYSTEM A message communication system employing one or more centralized communication stations transferring messages through Earth orbit repeater satellites to or from mobile terminals with at least one central communication station having a first transceiver for transmitting a first communication signal to one or more mobile terminals and at least one mobile terminal having a second transceiver for receiving the first communication signal and demodulating it, and for transmitting at a predetermined duty cycle of the second transceiver, a second communication signal to at least one of the central communication stations. The preferred duty cycle over which the second communication signal is transmitted is about fifty percent of the second transceiver duty cycle. The communication system uses Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) communication signals using number of channels as designated address channels with the remainder being used for data transfer ...

LIGHT-RECEIVING ELEMENT ARRAY AND OPTICAL DEMULTIFLEXER USING THE SAME

... ▓▓▓An optical branching filter by which signals and noises of respective channels ▓of wavelength-multiplexed lights are clearly separated from each other. The ▓optical branching filter has a photodetector array comprising photodetectors ▓receiving branched lights which are separated from a wavelength-multiplexed ▓light in accordance with respective wavelengths and arranged linearly. The ▓photodetector array has a plurality of photodetectors for signal monitoring ▓and a plurality of photodetectors for noise monitoring. The signal monitoring ▓photodetectors and the noise monitoring photodetectors are alternately ▓arranged linearly in the direction of the arrangement of the branched lights.▓ ...

FREE-SPACE WAVELENGTH ROUTING SYSTEMS WITH INTERLEAVED CHANNELS

A novel wavelength routing apparatus that uses a diffraction grating (201) to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal from an input port (210)into multiple spectral channels; a channel-interleaving assembly (230) (e.g. an array of prisms) to interleave the spectral channels into two channel groups; and "augmented relay system" (240) to relay the interleaved channel groups onto two separate arrays (203A, 203B) of channel micromirrors, respectively. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into multiple output ports (210). The inventive wavelength routing apparatus can route the spectral channels on a channel-by- channel basis and couple any spectral channel into any one of the output ports (210). Further, the channel-interleaving scheme effectively effectively "enlarges" the channel spacing and thereby allows the channel micromirrors in each array to be made considerably larger and more reliable, thereby significantly improving ...

WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXING/DEMULTIPLEXING DEVICES USING HOMOGENEOUS REFRACTIVE INDEX LENSES

An improved wavelength division multiplexing device (10) is disclosed. The improved wavelength division multiplexing device (10) monochromatic optical beams into a multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam. The improvement in the improved wavelength division multiplexo index collimating/focusing lens (16) for collimating the plurality of monochromatic optical beams (24) traveling along a first direction (24') to the diffraction grating (18), and for focusing the multiplexed, polychromatic optical beam (26) traveling along a second direction (26') from the diffraction grating (18) wherein the second direction (26') being substantially opposite the first direction (24').

DENSE WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXER/DEMULTIPLEXER BASED ON ECHELLE GRATING

A dense wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer ("DWDM") (10) for us in optical communication systems includes a multiplex optical waveguide (14) propagating a plurality of optical channels (.lambda.iest;1-n) of a select channel spacing multiplexed as a single optical signal within a select near infrared wavelength range. a collimating/focusing optic (18) is optically coupled to the multiplexed optical waveguide at a select focal length. A reflective echelle grating (20) is optically coupled to the collimating/focusing optic (18). The echelle grating (20) has a groove spacing (d) and blaze angle (.theta.b) providing a channel spacing (d) of the multiplexed optical signal (.lambda.l-n) at the select focal length for a select order of diffraction. A linear array of single channel waveguides (16), each propagating a single channel within the near infrared wavelength range is optically coupled to the collimating/focusing optic. Each optical single channel waveguide (16) has a center and a propagating ...

LIGHT-SENSITIVE DETECTOR AND OPTICAL DEMULTIPLEXER

A light-sensitive detector (1) according to the present invention is constituted by an array (11) of photodetectors, a package (13) on which the array (11) of photodetectors is mounted, and a light-transmissible window (12) for making detection light incident on light-receiving surfaces of the photodetectors. The package (13) is provided with an aperture (14) which is formed in a position adjacent to the photodetectors so that light rays substantially parallel to the detection light can pass through the aperture (14). (Fig. 1) ...

OPTICAL MULTIPLEXER/DEMULTIPLEXER

WAVELENGTH-SELECTIVE OPTICAL ADD/DROP USING TILTING MICRO-MIRRORS

An optical switch particularly usable as a wavelength-division add/drop multiplexer (WADM) in a multi-wavelength communication system. Four multi- wavelength beams optically coupled to the input, output, add, and drop channels are arranged in parallel in a rectangular array and are incident upon a diffraction grating. The grating operating in one direction disperses the beams into their wavelength components and operating in the other direction recombines the wavelength components into a multi-wavelength beam. A lens focuses the components of the beams having a particular wavelength upon one of an array of tiltable micro-mirrors integrated on a silicon substrate. In one position, the mirror for a particular wavelength reflects that wavelength component from the input beam back to the output beam. In a second position, that mirror reflects that wavelength component from the input beam back to the drop beam and reflects that same wavelength component from the add beam back to the output beam ...

OPTICAL MODULE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

In a small-sized optical module, opposite side surfaces of a collimator lens (2) and opposite side surfaces of a polarization compensating filter (5) are fixed to opposite side surfaces of a rectangular frame (4). Two open surfaces are provided in the rectangular frame (4), so that optical components can be finely adjusted easily, and a large number of small-sized optical components can be aligned and assembled accurately. Reinforcing members (6) are provided in the open surfaces of the rectangular frame (4) so that the shape of the rectangular frame (4) can be retained against external force. After a diffraction grating (3) is fixed to the reinforcing members (6), the reinforcing members (6) with the diffraction grating (3) are adjusted, aligned and fixed to the rectangular frame (4).

OPTICAL DISPERSION COMPENSATOR

OPTICAL DISPERSION COMPENSATOR Pulse broadening in an optical transmission system due to wavelength dispersion is reduced by separating the different wavelength components and selectively delaying them. Upon recombination, the original phases of the wavelength components are restored, and the pulses narrowed.

FIBER OPTICS SYSTEM

... 2084077 9120113 PCTABS00009 Means (30) for continuous waveband tuning of a laser (2) are disclosed, along with means (34) for relating such tuning to a reference wavelength, by maintaining any desired offset (35) from that reference wavelength. Multichannel fiber optics communications networks employing the above means (30) are disclosed, said networks being self organizing in terms of the wavelengths of their channels.

OPTICAL COUPLER.

OPTICAL MULTIPLEXER/DEMULTIPLEXER.

OPTICAL COMPONENT HAS FUNCTION OF SPECTRAL SEPARATION

DEVICE MULTIPLEXING OR OPTICAL DEMULTIPLEX

OPTICAL DEVICE FOR WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXING

PERFECTIONNEMENTS AUX DISPOSITIFS OPTIQUES, NOTAMMENT DE DEMULTIPLEXAGE ET DE MULTIPLEXAGE, ET AUX FILTRES OPTIQUES UTILISES DANS DE TELS DISPOSITIFS

UN MANQUE DE VERSATILITE ET D'EFFICACITE DANS LE MULTIPLEXAGEDEMULTIPLEXAGE OPTIQUE EST CORRIGE EN FAISANT AVANCER UNE LUMIERE INCIDENTE LE LONG D'UN FILTRE REFLECHISSANT HOLOGRAPHIQUE A SELECTION DE LONGUEUR D'ONDE QUI REFLECHIT DIFFERENTES LONGUEURS D'ONDE EN DIFFERENTES POSITIONS LE LONG DU FILTRE. LA LUMIERE PROVENANT D'UN CABLE D'ENTREE A FIBRES OPTIQUES 12 EST DIRIGEE PAR DES MIROIRS 15, 17 POUR EFFECTUER DES PASSAGES SUCCESSIFS DANS LE FILTRE 13 EN DES POSITIONS RESPECTIVES DIFFERENTES LE LONG DE CELUI-CI, ET DES DETECTEURS 14, 16, 18 RECOIVENT LES LONGUEURS D'ONDE RESPECTIVEMENT REFLECHIES. LE FILTRE FAIT VARIER DE PREFERENCE LA LONGUEUR D'ONDE REFLECHIE DE FACON CONTINUE ET PROGRESSIVEMENT LORSQUE LA LUMIERE INCIDENTE AVANCE LE LONG DU FILTRE.

DEMULTIPLEXEUR OPTIQUE ACCORDABLE

L'INVENTION CONCERNE UN DEMULTIPLEXEUR OPTIQUE COMPORTANT UNE FIBRE D'ENTREE PHOTOCONDUCTRICE 31 SERVANT A GUIDER PLUSIEURS SIGNAUX LUMINEUX DE LONGUEURS D'ONDES DIFFERENTES, UN ELEMENT A SELECTIVITE DE LONGUEURS D'ONDES (RESEAU OPTIQUE 33), AU MOINS UN ELEMENT DE SORTIE 36 SERVANT A RECEVOIR UN SIGNAL LUMINEUX DANS UNE BANDE DE LONGUEURS D'ONDES (BANDE DE COULEURS) DETERMINEE ET UN SYSTEME DE LENTILLES 32, 34. LA BANDE DE COULEURS EST REGLABLE, DE SORTE QUE LE DEMULTIPLEXEUR PEUT TOUJOURS ETRE ADAPTE AUX NORMES FUTURES A POSER. LE REGLAGE S'EFFECTUE SOIT PAR BASCULEMENT DU RESEAU OPTIQUE 33 PAR RAPPORT AU FAISCEAU LUMINEUX INCIDENT SOIT PAR DEVIATION DE LA LUMIERE A L'AIDE D'UN CRISTAL LIQUIDE DISPOSE DANS LE FAISCEAU LUMINEUX.

OPTICAL DEVICE OF TRANSMISSION MULTIPLEXING

DEVICE OF LUMINOUS ENERGY DISTRIBUTION AND ITS USE WITH OPTICAL COMMUTATION

OPTICAL DEVICE OF MULTIPLEXING IN WAVELENGTH

... le domaine de l'invention est celui des dispositifs optiques de multiplexage en longueur d'onde permettant de générer à partir d'une pluralité de faisceaux optiques (410, 420, 430) émis par des sources différentes (110, 120, 130) à des longueurs d'onde différentes un faisceau de lumière unique polychromatique dans une direction commune. L'invention a pour objet un dispositif optique de multiplexage en longueur d'onde compact comprenant plusieurs sources de lumière (110, 120, 130) de type diodes laser comportant chacune un dispositif de sélection spectral de type transmissif (210, 220, 230) disposé au voisinage des sources et permettant de sélectionner les longueurs d'onde des faisceaux d'émission en fonction de leur direction d'incidence sur un réseau de dispersion (4) de façon que les directions des faisceaux diffractés soient toutes identiques, assurant ainsi le multiplexage des sources de lumière. Les diodes laser peuvent être montées en barrette. Des optiques supplémentaires (310, 320 ...

FILTER OPTICAL HAS RECTANGULAR ANSWER ALLOWING the CUTTING Of a LIMITING SPECTRAL INTERVAL

L'invention concerne un filtre optique à réponse rectangulaire permettant le découpage d'un intervalle spectral limité dans un flux lumineux de spectre large comprenant : - une fibre optique d'entrée de préférence monomode ayant une extrémité, - un ensemble réseau-réflecteur dans la configuration de Littman-Metcalf, - un système optique convergent de collimation au foyer duquel est placée l'extrémité de la fibre d'entrée, - un système optique convergent de focalisation placé entre le réseau et le réflecteur, - une ou plusieurs fibres de sortie de même type que la fibre d'entrée. Au moins un réflecteur est placé dans le plan focal du système optique de focalisation et a une dimension limitée dans le plan de dispersion, la position et la dimension limitée du réflecteur dans le plan de dispersion déterminant l'intervalle spectral découpé.

ATHERMALIZATION AND PRESSURE DESENSITIZATION OF DIFFRACTION GRATING BASED WDM DEVICES

A wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer (WDM) for use in an optical network and in an optical performance monitor that minimizes increases in insertion losses over temperature variations. The WDM has a structure for holding at least one optical component. A diffraction grating assembly having a substrate is held in relation to the at least one optical component by the structure. A lens assembly having a focal length is held in relation to the at least one optical component. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the lens assembly and structure are approximately equal. The lens assembly is constructed from a material chosen to minimize its variance in focal length over temperature. The grating assembly has an angular dispersion that changes with temperature and the product of the focal length and angular dispersion remains constant over temperature. The WDM further comprises a prism having a change in index of refraction with temperature that is approximately equal to a negative ...

OPTICAL SWITCHING DEVICE FOR WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEX (WDM) TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

An optical switching device (13) for use in a wavelength division multiplex (WDM) telecommunication network for optically switching wavelength carriers (i/p-1 @λl to i/p-4@λl) from a plurality of input DWDM radiation (i/p-1 to i/p-4) to a selected output (o/p-1 to o/p-4) is disclosed. The switching device (13) comprises: a plurality of optical input paths and a plurality of optical output paths; a first array (18) of individually selectably tiltable MEMS mirrors in which each mirror is for receiving optical radiation from a respective input path; and a second array (23) of individually selectably tiltable MEMS mirrors in which each mirror is for deflecting optical radiation incident thereon along a respective output path. The device is characterised in that the first and second arrays of mirrors (18, 23) are arranged on a common plane and are selectably tiltable about a single axis and a fixed reflector (24) is arranged above the two arrays of mirrors. In operation optical radiation received ...

BULK OPTICAL (DE)MULTIPLEXER APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PACKAGING

A bulk optic (de)multiplexer (10) consists of a fiber pigtail array (20), a focusing optic (18) and a wavelength dispersive element or grating (16) in optical alignment along an optical axis (22). The focusing optic is rigidly affixed to the frame and the fiber pigtail array (20) and wavelength dispersive element (16) are attached by adjustable connectors (112, 56, 340) to facilitate al ignment. The frame (12) has thermally expansive elements to compensate for shifts in light beams processed by the (de)multiplexer as a function of temperature. Vibration dampers (150, 152, 154, 160, 200) isolate the frame and optical elements form vibrations applied to the (de)multiplexer.

PHOTOREFRACTIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A new type of holographic recording in photorefractive crystals is disclosed, termed orthogonal data storage, in which counterpropagating, reflection mode holograms are wavelength multiplexed to form gratings lying along a common axis. It is shown that this configuration provides substantial improvements in data storage capacity in comparison to prior art systems and that higher coupling coefficients are achieved. In consequence, not only storage of data but a wide range of other devices including wavelength selective filters, lenses and optical correlation systems are disclosed. Further, methods of writing and processing metastable images are disclosed which substantially improve the strength of the gratings that are permanently developed in the medium. These methods include advantageous use of electrical potentials and photovoltaic properties, together with different interrelationships during processing.

ATHERMALIZATION AND PRESSURE DESENSITIZATION OF DIFFRACTION GRATING BASED WDM DEVICES

A wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer (WDM) for use in an optical network and in an optical performance monitor that minimizes increases in insertion losses over temperature variations. The WDM has a structure for holding at least one optical component. A diffraction grating assembly having a substrate is held in relation to the at least one optical component by the structure. A lens assembly having a focal length is held in relation to the at least one optical component. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the lens assembly and structure are approximately equal. The lens assembly is constructed from a material chosen to minimize its variance in focal length over temperature. The grating assembly has an angular dispersion that changes with temperature and the product of the focal length and angular dispersion remains constant over temperature. The WDM further comprises a prism having a change in index of refraction with temperature that is approximately equal to a negative ...

MEMS-BASED WAVELENGTH EQUALIZER

A wavelength specific optical equalizer for selectively attenuating discrete wavelength signals contained within a wavelength division multiplexed signal without affecting the adjacent signals. The wavelength equalizer includes a demultiplexer adapted to separate a wavelength division multiplexed signal into a plurality of discrete wavelength signals and to direct each of the discrete wavelength signals along a plurality of first optical paths. A micro-mechanical device comprising at least one micro-mirror is optically coupled with each of the first optical paths. A plurality of second optical paths is positioned to receive the discrete wavelength signals reflected from the respective micro-mirrors. At least one actuator is mechanically coupled with each of the micro-mirrors. The actuators are adapted to selectively displace one or more to divert at least a portion of the discrete wavelength away from the corresponding second optical paths. The orientation of the micro-mirror determines ...

CYCLIC WAVELENGTH ROUTER

The invention concerns a wavelength or optical frequency cyclic wavelength router. The invention is useful for producing passive or active routers, cross-connect arrays, or wavelength-selective add-drop components. The invention is characterized in that a cyclic router with N input ports and N output ports can be produced from a non-cyclic router with diffraction or waveguide grating. Said cyclic router is single, and is associated with N output ports and 2N input ports with particular coupling of the input ports in pairs, or it is dual and associated with N output ports and N input ports split into 2N images in the output plane. The grating can operate in any single order with wide free spectral range and with high efficiency.

FIBER OPTIC DEVICES HAVING VOLUME BRAGG GRATING ELEMENTS

Fiber optic devices including volume Bragg grating (VBG) elements are disclosed. A fiber optic device may include one or more optical inputs, one or more VBG elements, and one or more optical receivers. Methods for manufacturing VBG elements and for controlling filter response are also disclosed. A VBG chip, and fiber optic devices using such a chip, are also provided. A VBG chip includes a monolithic glass structure onto which a plurality of VBGs have been recorded.

DYNAMIC GAIN EQUALIZER

A dynamic gain equalizer (1) comprising a spectroscope (4) for spectrally separating light incident at an incident end, a liquid crystal optical switch (5) for receiving spectral components separated by the spectroscope (4), and a lens system (3) disposed between the incident end and the spectroscope (4) and/or between the spectroscope (4) and the liquid crystal optical switch (5), wherein the liquid crystal optical switch (5) changes the light intensities of incident spectral components for each wavelength before being output. A specific wavelength is selectively controlled to equalize a light intensity for each wavelength without using a mechanism provided with mechanical moving units such as MEMS.

PHOTODETECTOR ARRAY AND OPTICAL BRANCHING FILTER USING THE ARRAY

Un filtre de séparation optique permet de séparer distinctement les signaux et les bruits de canaux respectifs de lumières multiplexées en longueur d'onde. Le filtre de séparation optique comprend un réseau de photodétecteurs formé de photodétecteurs qui reçoivent des lumières dérivées elles-mêmes séparées d'une lumière multiplexée en longueur d'onde conformément à des longueurs d'onde respectives et disposées en ligne. Le réseau de photodétecteurs comprend une pluralité de photodétecteurs assurant la surveillance du signal et une pluralité de photodétecteurs assurant la surveillance du bruit. Les photodétecteurs surveillant le signal et les photodétecteurs surveillant le bruit sont disposés de manière alternée et linéaire dans le sens de la disposition des lumières séparées.

WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXER/DEMULTIPLEXER USING HOMOGENEOUS REFRACTIVE INDEX LENSES AND TRANSMISSION GRATING

Cette invention concerne un dispositif de multiplexage en longueur d'onde (10) qui comporte une lentille de collimatage à indice de réfraction homogène (16) permettant de collimater une pluralité de faisceaux optiques monochromatiques (28), un miroir (18a), une grille de diffraction (20) combinant cette pluralité de faisceaux optiques monochromatiques collimatés en un faisceau optique polychromatique multiplexé (30), et une lentille à indice de réfraction homogène L (22) permettant de focaliser le faisceau optique polychromatique multiplexé Le dispositif de multiplexage en longueur d'onde est connecté via des dispositifs de raccordement (14, 24) à des dispositifs à fibres optiques (12, 16) ou à des dispositifs actifs tels que des photodiodes ou des lasers. Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, les lentilles sont faites d'un matériau à indice de réfraction élevé permettant de minimiser les aberrations optiques. Le dispositif (10) peut également comporter des lentilles enveloppes supplémentaires ...

DENSE WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXER/DEMULTIPLEXER BASED ON ECHELLE GRATING

L'invention concerne un multiplexeur/démultiplexeur en longueur d'onde dense ("DWDM") (10) utilisé dans des systèmes de communications optiques. Ce multiplexeur/démultiplexeur comprend un guide d'onde optique (14) de multiplexage qui propage une pluralité de canaux optiques ('lambda'(l-n) contenus dans un espacement entre le s canaux choisi et multiplexé comme un simple signal optique dans une plage de longueurs d'onde proche de l'infrarouge. Un optique de focalisation/collimation (18) est relié par couplage optique au guide (14) d'onde optique de multiplexage à une distance focale choisie. Une grille d'échelle (20) réfléchissante est reliée par couplage optique audit optique (18). Cette grille d'échelle (20) est pourvue d'un espace (d) entre les rainures et d'un angle de blaze (¿b) constituant un espacement (D) entre les canaux du signal optique ('lambda'¿1-n) multiplexé à la distance focale choisie en vue d'un ordre de sélection de diffraction. Un réseau linéaire de guides d'ondes (16 ...

ANISOTROPIC ETCHING OF OPTICAL COMPONENTS

An anisotropically etched prism assembly including a device portion (5904), a light coupling portion (5110) and an alignment portion (5106). The anisotropically etched prism assembly having a plurality of optical devices arranged in a first fixed pattern. Each pair of said plurality of optical devices spaced a first prescribed distance apart. The light coupling portion (5110) including a plurality of anisotropically etched prisms arranged in a second fixed pattern so as to correspond with a respective one of the plurality of optical devices. Each one of the pairs of said plurality of anisotropically etched prisms are spaced a second prescribed distance apart, the second prescribed distance substantially equals the first prescribed distance. The alignment portion (5106) aligns the light coupling portion and the device portion.

Optical switch

There is provided an optical switch for reducing an apparatus size without making a structure for switching an output path complicated, wherein the first reflecting member and the micromirror array, which are optically coupled with the diffraction grating via the second reflecting member, are arranged at the same side relative to the diffraction grating.

Optical wavelength division multiplexed multiplexer/demultiplexer for an optical printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same

The invention provides an optical mux/demux for an optical printed circuit board. The mux/demux comprises: a first waveguide formed on a support layer for carrying a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal; a separator/combiner for separating the wavelength division multiplexed signal into component signals of corresponding wavelengths or for combining component signals into the said wavelength division multiplexed signal; and plural second waveguides, each for receiving or providing one or more of the said component signals, wherein the separator/combiner is at a predetermined location relative to the waveguides.

Tunable dispersion compensator

A tunable dispersion compensator includes a collimating unit that collimates an incident light to output a parallel light, a parallel shifting unit that spatially shifts the parallel light from the collimating unit within a predetermined range, and an optical-path-length providing unit that provides optical path length of light corresponding to a position at which light output from the parallel shifting unit is input.

Tunable demultiplexer and tunable laser with optical deflector

Provided are a tunable demultiplexer and a tunable laser, having an optical deflector in which a refractive index of a core layer of a deflection pattern region having a predetermined shape varies in response to an external electrical signal so that the optical deflector deflects incident light in the radial direction.

Spectral plane method and apparatus for wavelength-selective optical switching

We describe a variable bandwidth tunable optical spectral filtering device and associated method for selectively directing a portion of a wavelength multiplexed input signal, entering through one or more optical fibers, into one or more output signals provided to one or more optical fibers and/or electronic outputs. The optical filtering is accomplished using free-space diffractive wavelength de-multiplexing optics combined with a fixed (permanent) patterned structure located in the spectrally dispersed image plane. The structure can direct a selected spectral portion of the optical signal to one or more separate outputs, such as an optical fiber or power detector. A single active element in the optical path is used to spatially shift, or steer, the entire input spectrum at the dispersed spectral image plane, to control the portion of the input spectrum illuminating specific features on the permanent patterned structure. In one preferred embodiment, a device with a fixed selective area ...

Method and system for optical multichannel transmission using coherence division multiplexing with optical filtering

A method and system of Coherence Division Multiplexing (CDM) for transmitting of a plurality of optical signals over the same optical fiber utilizing path-matched interferometry and phase modulation of partially coherent light, based on optical selecting and filtering of each CDM optical signal and reducing noise affiliated with other non-selected CDM optical signals.

Multiplexer and demultiplexer for single mode optical fiber communication links

An optical multiplexer and demultiplexer for dense wavelength division multiplexed (“DWDM”) fiber optic communication systems is disclosed. As a multiplexer, the device functions to spatially combine the optical signals from several laser sources (each of which is a different wavelength) and launch the spatially combined laser beams into a single optical fiber. As a demultiplexer, the device functions to spatially separate the different wavelengths of a wavelength division multiplexed optical link and launch each of the different wavelengths into a different optical fiber. In either embodiment, the device includes both bulk optic and integrated optic components. The spatial separation or spatial combination of laser beams of different wavelength is achieved with the use of bulk diffraction gratings. Also, bulk optical components are used to collimate and shape the free space propagating laser beams to enable efficient coupling of light into single mode optical fibers, or integrated optic ...

Methods and apparatus for diffractive optical processing using an actuatable structure

A method of redirecting light using an actuatable two-layer diffraction grating structure, the method having applications in wavelength-division multiplexed systems. An optical add/drop modulator (OADM) including an actuatable diffraction grating, for use with a wavelength-division multiplexed signal. An OADM having an optical source located off the main pathway to direct a optical carrier to be added onto the actuatable diffraction grating such that the carrier is diffracted into the main pathway. A detector to measure signal strength for use with an optical processor, the optical processor having an actuatable structure having gaps between the actuated portion of the structure. The detector detecting the portions of light diffracted by the gaps.

Monochrometer and wavelength division multiplexer comprising said monochrometer

A small-sized and low-cost wavelength division multiplexer having little insertion loss, little polarization dependence and a broad wavelength bandwidth, the wavelength division multiplexer adopting a grating configuration in which an incident light is retroreflected, exit lights from respective grooves are enhanced by interference effect in the incident direction of the light, wave surfaces of evanescent waves in the grooves are parallel to the normal direction of the grating and phases of the evanescent waves in the respective grooves agree with each other. The wavelength division multiplexer has high diffraction efficiency in each of TM and TE polarized lights at a several-order diffraction order and accordingly has a broad wavelength bandwidth and remarkably low polarization dependence.

Optical fiber wavelength multiplexer-demultiplexer

The present invention relates to an optical fiber wavelength multiplexer-demultiplexer or router comprising a dispersing system (6) and a reflecting system (9) having a focus, whereas the extremities of the input (2) and output (3) fibers are located in the vicinity of the said focus,It comprises an optical doublet (10-12) correcting the geometrical and chromatic aberrations of the assembly.

Delay equalization for single mode optical fibers

The source wavelength dependent delay produced in a single mode fiber is equalized by causing the emergent light beam therefrom to be incident on a dispersion element which is such as to transmit the beam of light at an angle or position dependent on the source wavelength. The transmitted beam of light is launched into a length of multimode fiber such that the beam emergent therefrom is equivalent to the single mode fiber emergent beam but with the delay thereof equalized. If the multimode fiber is step index fiber the transmitted light at which the delay is the least is launched thereinto at the maximum angle, whereas the transmitted light at which the delay is the most is launched thereinto along the axis thereof. Alternatively, a graded index fiber can be employed for the multimode fiber.

Multiplexer/demultiplexer for WDM optical signals

In a wavelength-division multiplexer/demultiplexer of the free-space kind, which uses a diffraction grating or other angularly-dispersive element, spatially-shaping the light beam(s) to modify the passband response in the dispersion plane results in a substantially flat spectral response. Spatial shaping may be obtained using lenses disposed adjacent ports through which pass a corresponding plurality of angularly-dispersed light beams having different centre frequencies/wavelengths. Each lens may be a cylindrical lens with its cylindrical axis normal to the dispersion plane so as to shape the light beam in only one direction, i.e. that of the dispersion plane. The lenses may each be a single lens, conveniently a microlens, each adjacent a port through which WDM light beams pass. Alternatively, a plurality of microlenses may be provided adjacent the plurality of ports and a single microlens adjacent the single WDM port. The plurality of microlenses and the single microlens cooperate to provide ...

Optical wavelength demultiplexer

An optical wavelength demultiplexer including an optical conversion device which converts a difference in wavelengths of a plurality of input signals into a difference in spatial power distribution of the input light signals, and a pattern recognition element for recognizing patterns of the spatial power distribution and taking out output signals. At the output portion of the optical conversion device, spatial power distributions are formed which are different for different wavelengths. After converting the spatial power distributions by the pattern recognition element into electrical signals, pattern recognition of the signals is performed to regenerate the original input signals with their respective wavelengths. The optical conversion device uses a diffractive grating or a combination of an optical multimode circuit, an optical multimode fiber, and a plurality of optical wavelengths. The pattern recognition element is constructed by a combination of a photo-detector array and a neural ...

SPECTRAL BEAM COMBINATION USING BROAD BANDWIDTH LASERS

The present invention provides systems and methods for spectral beam combination by applying a spatial chirp to each of a plurality of input beamlets using a respective plurality of dispersive elements and combining the spatially-chirped beamlets into a single collimated output beam using a dispersive element configured to remove the spatial chirp. In an embodiment, each dispersive element is a grating combined with a lens that is confocal to the grating and also confocal to a Fourier plane upon which a transverse distribution of beam spectral components is produced. A final lens-grating pair includes a lens and a grating, where the lens is confocal to the grating and also confocal to the Fourier plane.

Pulse stretcher and compressor including a multi-pass Bragg grating

A chirped pulse amplification (CPA) system and method is described wherein the pulse is stretched using multiple passes through a Bragg grating or compressed using multiple passes through a Bragg grating. A switch may be used to control the number of passes through the Bragg grating, thus, tuning the compressed or the stretched pulse width. The pulse may be directed through an amplifier between the multiple passes through the Bragg grating to apply amplification to the stretched pulse multiple times. The Bragg grating may include a fiber Bragg grating, a volume Bragg grating, or a Bragg waveguide.

Article comprising a reflection-type spectral equalizer/optical switch

An array of movable reflective elements provides wavelength independent performance in spectral equalizers and other optical devices. Each movable reflective element comprises a reflective plate that is suspended by rod-like supports that have a width of less than 2 microns and as small as about 0.25 to 0.35 microns. Semiconductor processing techniques are used to form the rod-like supports. An improved spectral equalizer incorporates the array of movable reflective elements, a controller, collimating/focusing optics and a diffraction element that optically communicate in a free-space optics arrangement.

Methods and apparatus for diffractive optical processing using an actuatable structure

A method of redirecting light using an actuatable two-layer diffraction grating structure, the method having applications in wavelength-division multiplexed systems. An optical add/drop modulator (OADM) including an actuatable diffraction grating, for use with a wavelength-division multiplexed signal. An OADM having an optical source located off the main pathway to direct a optical carrier to be added onto the actuatable diffraction grating such that the carrier is diffracted into the main pathway. A detector to measure signal strength for use with an optical processor, the optical processor having an actuatable structure having gaps between the actuated portion of the structure. The detector detecting the portions of light diffracted by the gaps.

Аmplitudе аnd phаsе соntrоl in distributеd оptiсаl struсturеs

А distributеd оptiсаl struсturе соmprisеs а sеt оf diffrасtivе еlеmеnts. Individuаl diffrасtivе еlеmеnt trаnsfеr funсtiоns соllесtivеlу уiеld аn оvеrаll trаnsfеr funсtiоn bеtwееn еntrаnсе аnd ехit pоrts. Diffrасtivе еlеmеnts аrе dеfinеd rеlаtivе tо virtuаl соntоurs аnd inсludе diffrасting rеgiоn(s) аltеrеd tо diffrасt, rеflесt, аnd/оr sсаttеr inсidеnt оptiсаl fiеlds (аltеrеd indех, surfасе, еtс). Еlеmеnt аnd/оr оvеrаll sеt trаnsfеr funсtiоns (аmplitudе аnd/оr phаsе) аrе dеtеrminеd bу: lоngitudinаl аnd/оr аngulаr displасеmеnt оf diffrасting rеgiоn(s) rеlаtivе tо а virtuаl соntоur (fасеt-displасеmеnt grауsсаlе); lоngitudinаl displасеmеnt оf diffrасtivе еlеmеnts rеlаtivе tо а virtuаl соntоur (еlеmеnt-displасеmеnt grауsсаlе); аnd/оr virtuаl соntоur(s) lасking а diffrасtivе еlеmеnt (prоpоrtiоnаl-linе-dеnsitу grау sсаlе). Оptiсаl еlеmеnts mау bе соnfigurеd: аs plаnаr оr сhаnnеl wаvеguidеs, with сurvilinеаr diffrасting sеgmеnts; tо suppоrt thrее-dimеnsiоnаl prоpаgаtiоn with surfасе аrеаl diffrасting ...

Аmplitudе аnd phаsе соntrоl in distributеd оptiсаl struсturеs

А distributеd оptiсаl struсturе соmprisеs а sеt оf diffrасtivе еlеmеnts. Individuаl diffrасtivе еlеmеnt trаnsfеr funсtiоns соllесtivеlу уiеld аn оvеrаll trаnsfеr funсtiоn bеtwееn еntrаnсе аnd ехit pоrts. Diffrасtivе еlеmеnts аrе dеfinеd rеlаtivе tо virtuаl соntоurs аnd inсludе diffrасting rеgiоn(s) аltеrеd tо diffrасt, rеflесt, аnd/оr sсаttеr inсidеnt оptiсаl fiеlds (аltеrеd indех, surfасе, еtс). Еlеmеnt аnd/оr оvеrаll sеt trаnsfеr funсtiоns (аmplitudе аnd/оr phаsе) аrе dеtеrminеd bу: lоngitudinаl аnd/оr аngulаr displасеmеnt оf diffrасting rеgiоn(s) rеlаtivе tо а virtuаl соntоur (fасеt-displасеmеnt grауsсаlе); lоngitudinаl displасеmеnt оf diffrасtivе еlеmеnts rеlаtivе tо а virtuаl соntоur (еlеmеnt-displасеmеnt grауsсаlе); аnd/оr virtuаl соntоur(s) lасking а diffrасtivе еlеmеnt (prоpоrtiоnаl-linе-dеnsitу grау sсаlе). Оptiсаl еlеmеnts mау bе соnfigurеd: аs plаnаr оr сhаnnеl wаvеguidеs, with сurvilinеаr diffrасting sеgmеnts; tо suppоrt thrее-dimеnsiоnаl prоpаgаtiоn with surfасе аrеаl diffrасting ...

Оptiсаl wаvеlеngth divisiоn multiplехеd multiplехеr/dеmultiplехеr fоr аn оptiсаl printеd сirсuit bоаrd аnd а mеthоd оf mаnufасturing thе sаmе

Тhе invеntiоn prоvidеs аn оptiсаl muх/dеmuх fоr аn оptiсаl printеd сirсuit bоаrd. Тhе muх/dеmuх соmprisеs: а first wаvеguidе fоrmеd оn а suppоrt lауеr fоr саrrуing а wаvеlеngth divisiоn multiplехеd оptiсаl signаl; а sеpаrаtоr/соmbinеr fоr sеpаrаting thе wаvеlеngth divisiоn multiplехеd signаl intо соmpоnеnt signаls оf соrrеspоnding wаvеlеngths оr fоr соmbining соmpоnеnt signаls intо thе sаid wаvеlеngth divisiоn multiplехеd signаl; аnd plurаl sесоnd wаvеguidеs, еасh fоr rесеiving оr prоviding оnе оr mоrе оf thе sаid соmpоnеnt signаls, whеrеin thе sеpаrаtоr/соmbinеr is аt а prеdеtеrminеd lосаtiоn rеlаtivе tо thе wаvеguidеs.

Packaging a reconfigurable optical add-drop module

A hermetically packaged, MEMS array-based ROADM module is disclosed. The enclosure sidewalls (204) and a top lid are made of Kovar, and the base is made of alumina ceramic AuSn-soldered to the enclosure sidewalls. The MEMS array (210) is attached to the ceramic base (202A). The optics are passivly pre-aligned using a removable template and epoxied to an optical bench. The optical bench is actively aligned as a whole and attached to the ceramic base. A puraIity of electrical feedthrough contact pins extend from the bottom of the ceramic base for connecting the MEMS to a connector on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment of the invention, the ceramic base (202B) extends beyond the footprint of the sidewalls (204) of the enclosure of the module, for mounting additional electronic components (216), for example MEMS driver circuitry chips, directly to the ceramic base of the enclosure.

Tunable dispersion compensator

A tunable dispersion compensator includes a collimating unit that collimates an incident light to output a parallel light, a demultiplexing unit, a parallel shifting unit that spatially shifts the parallel light from the collimating unit within a predetermined range, and an optical-path-length providing unit that provides optical path length of light corresponding to a position at which light output from the parallel shifting unit is input. The latter unit comprises a VIPA plate and a movable free surface mirror.

FIBER OPTIC DEVICES HAVING VOLUME BRAGG GRATING ELEMENTS

Fiber optic devices for wavelength filtering of an optical input signal comprising an optical input (614), a volume holographic element (610), and an optical output (603).

An optical component for use in fiber optic communication systems

Apparatus for optically coupling a plurality of optical fibers, each of which can carry information signals on one or more modulated electromagnetic waves having preassigned wavelengths, such that predetermined portions of any output from any fiber is selectively directed by the apparatus into the ends of various combinations of other optical fibers in accordance with predesignated wavelengths associated with each combination. The apparatus comprises, in prefered form, an optical element and a holographic layer having interferometrically formed therein index of refraction variations to facilitate the selective direction of the output signals from the optical fibers.

Parametric pulsed laser

METHOD FOR MAKING A CAST PART, AND MOULD NEEDED FOR IMPLEMENTING SAME

Optical communication system

Holographic mirror for optical interconnect signal routing

A holographic mirror 10 for re-directing an optical signal that includes a base 14 having an outer surface 16, and a plurality of discrete nano-structures 12 formed into the outer surface of the base. Each nano-structure has an out-of-plane dimension 20 that is within an order of magnitude of one or both in-plane dimensions 22. The plurality of nano-structures are configured in a repeating pattern with a predetermined spacing 18 between nano-structures for re-directing an optical signal.

Wavelength tunable optical filter and reflecting element for an optical device

The invention relates to an optical filter comprising an optical source ( 2 ), emitting a light beam comprising a plurality of wavelengths, an optical receiver ( 3 ), and, optically aligned between the source ( 2 ) and receiver ( 3 ), at least one collimating and converging optical element ( 10 ), one dispersive optical element ( 20 ) capable of angularly separating the wavelengths, and a reflecting element ( 30 ) mobile about an axis (AA) capable, depending on its orientation about the axis (AA), of reflecting a specific wavelength toward the optical receiver ( 3 ). The optical elements ( 10, 20, 30 ) are arranged so that the light beam passes at least once through the dispersive element ( 20 ) before reaching the optical receiver ( 3 ). According to the invention the reflecting element ( 30 ) includes at least two faces ( 31, 32 ) defining a first and a second plane intersecting on a line parallel to the axis (AA) of rotation of the reflecting element ( 30 ).

Method and apparatus for measuring fiber twist by polarization tracking

A method of measuring fiber twist in a multi-core optical fiber bearing an FBG with polarization dependent reflectivity. The state of polarization of the launched light is adjusted until the reflected FBG wavelength is maximal, indicating that light reaching the FBG is linearly polarized, and the polarization axis of the light reaching the FBG is aligned with the slow birefringent axis of the FBG; the SOP of launched light is now measured. Bending experienced by the fiber is measured conventionally, and birefringence produced by bending of the multi-core optical fiber is calculated. A candidate amount of twist between the launch location and the FBG is proposed, and the corresponding twist-induced birefringence is calculated. When calculations show that light with the launched SOP becomes linearly polarized and aligned with the FBG after traversing a fiber section with the calculated birefringences and proposed rotation, the amount of twist has been properly identified.

Echelle grating with cyclic free-spectral range

An optical de-multiplexer (de-MUX) that includes an optical device that images and diffracts an optical signal using a reflective geometry is described, where a free spectral range (FSR) of the optical device associated with a given diffraction order abuts FSRs associated with adjacent diffraction orders. Moreover, the channel spacings within diffraction orders and between adjacent diffraction orders are equal to the predefined channel spacing associated with the optical signal. As a consequence, the optical device has a comb-filter output spectrum, which reduces a tuning energy of the optical device by eliminating spectral gaps between diffraction orders of the optical device.

Optical wavelength dispersion device and method of manufacturing the same

An optical wavelength dispersion device includes a first substrate, an input unit formed on the first substrate having a slit for receiving an optical signal, a grating formed on the first substrate for producing a first light beam form the optical signal for outputting, and a second substrate covered on the top of the input unit and the grating, wherein the input unit and the grating are formed from a photo-resist layer by high energy light source exposure.

RECONFIGURABLE OPTICAL NETWORKS

A system, e.g. a reconfigurable optical channel router, includes an input waveguide optically connected to a wavelength demultiplexer. A first input microcavity resonator set including a plurality of microcavity resonators is located adjacent the input waveguide. The microcavity resonators are configured to controllably couple to a corresponding one of a plurality of frequency channels of an optical signal propagating within said input waveguide. 1. A system comprising:a first plurality of separate sets of optical ring resonators;a second plurality of separate sets of optical ring resonators; andan optical multiplexer/demultiplexer having a set of optical inputs and a set of optical outputs; and wherein:each set of the first plurality of separate sets is optically connected to a corresponding one of the optical inputs of the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer; andeach set of the second plurality of separate sets is optically connected to a corresponding one of the optical outputs of the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of first devices claim 1 , each first device being connected to modulate digital data streams onto optical carriers via the ring resonators of a corresponding one of the sets of the first plurality.3. The system of claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of first apparatuses claim 2 , each first apparatus being connected to demodulate digital data streams from optical carriers via the ring resonators of a corresponding one of the sets of the second plurality.4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of first apparatuses claim 1 , each first apparatus being connected to demodulate digital data streams from optical carriers via the ring resonators of a corresponding one of the sets of the second plurality.5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an electronic controller capable of separately adjusting resonant frequencies of some of the ring resonators of the sets of the ...

Wavelength selective optical switch

A wavelength selective optical switch includes an incidence/emergence unit that includes an input port at which signal light made up of light of numerous wavelengths is incident and an output port at which light signals of selected wavelengths are emergent, a wavelength dispersion element that spatially disperses signal light according to a wavelength of the signal light, and synthesizes reflected light, a condenser element that condenses light dispersed by the wavelength dispersion element on a two-dimensional plane, a space phase modulator arranged so as to receive incident light deployed on an xy plane made up of an x-axis direction deployed according to wavelength and a y-axis direction orthogonal to the x-axis direction, and having numerous pixels arranged in a lattice on the xy plane, and a space phase modulator drive unit.

Optical unit and wavelength selective switch

In a wavelength selective switch, a holding member is used to rotate one end of optical fibers and a collimator array around a rotation axis to thereby change an incident angle of collimated light with respect to incident surfaces of a beam expander optical system. When the incident angle of the collimated light on the beam expander optical system is changed, an amount of variation in an emission angle of light from the beam expander optical system is not proportional (inversely proportional) to the magnification of the beam expander optical system. Thus, this wavelength selective switch can easily fine-tune the incident position (beam position) of light with respect to each reflecting surface of a MEMS mirror by rotating the holding member.

OPTICAL FILTER AND OPTICAL TRANSMISSION DEVICE

An optical filter includes a spectroscopic element configured to disperse input light, and emit the dispersed input light as spectrum light; and an optical fiber including an end face having a recess, a core having a first face in contact with a bottom of the recess and a second face sandwiched between the first face and a circumference end of the recess, and a clad surrounding the core, wherein in the optical fiber, the recess is irradiated with the spectrum light, the second face is inclined such that a second portion incident from the second face to the core out of the irradiated spectrum light is emitted to the clad, and a first portion incident from the first face to the core out of the irradiated spectrum light is outputted. 1. An optical filter comprising:a spectroscopic element configured to disperse input light, and emit the dispersed input light as spectrum light; andan optical fiber including:an end face having a recess;a core having a first face in contact with a bottom of the recess and a second face sandwiched between the first face and a circumference end of the recess; anda clad surrounding the core,wherein in the optical fiber,the recess is irradiated with the spectrum light,the second face is inclined such that a second portion incident from the second face to the core out of the irradiated spectrum light is emitted to the clad, anda first portion incident from the first face to the core out of the irradiated spectrum light is outputted.2. The optical filter according to claim 1 , wherein a part of the second portion is refracted on an interface between the core and the clad and emitted to the clad claim 1 , and other part of the second portion is reflected on the interface.3. The optical filter according to claim 1 , wherein the circumference end overlaps a boundary between the clad and the core on the end face claim 1 , or surrounds the boundary.4. The optical filter according to claim 1 , wherein the recess is hemispherical.5. The optical filter ...

MULTIPLEXER/DEMULTIPLEXER BASED ON DIFFRACTION AND REFLECTION

Transmissive diffraction grating(s), reflector(s), and multiple optical sources/receivers are arranged such that each one of multiple optical signals at corresponding different wavelengths co-propagating along a multiplexed beam path would: (i) be transmissively, dispersively diffracted at a multiplexed transmission region of a grating; (ii) propagate between the multiplexed transmission region and multiple demultiplexed transmission regions of a grating undergoing reflection(s) from the reflector(s); (iii) be transmissively, dispersively diffracted at the demultiplexed transmission regions; and (iv) propagate between the demultiplexed transmission regions and the sources/receivers along multiple demultiplexed beam paths. 1. A method for either demultiplexing or multiplexing a set of multiple optical signals , the method comprising either:(A) directing a multiplexed optical signal to propagate along a multiplexed beam path to a multiplexed transmission region of one or more diffractive optical elements of an optical apparatus, wherein the multiplexed optical signal comprises a corresponding optical signal at each one of multiple different corresponding wavelengths in an operational wavelength range, and receiving each corresponding optical signal at a corresponding one of multiple optical receivers of the optical apparatus, wherein each corresponding optical signal propagates from a corresponding demultiplexed transmission region of a corresponding one of the one or more diffractive optical elements along a corresponding demultiplexed beam path to the corresponding optical receiver;or(B) emitting a corresponding optical signal from each one of multiple optical sources at each one of the multiple different corresponding wavelengths to propagate along the corresponding demultiplexed beam path to the corresponding demultiplexed transmission region, wherein the corresponding optical signals propagate from the multiplexed transmission region along or substantially ...

ATHERMALIZED MULTI-PATH INTERFERENCE FILTER

A multi-path interference filter. The multi-path interference filter includes a first port waveguide, a second port waveguide, and an optical structure connecting the first port waveguide and the second port waveguide. The optical structure has a first optical path from the first port waveguide to the second port waveguide, and a second optical path, different from the first optical path, from the first port waveguide to the second port waveguide. The first optical path has a portion, having a first length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The second optical path has a portion, having a second length, within crystalline silicon, and the second optical path has either no portion within hydrogenated amorphous silicon, or a portion, having a third length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon, the third length being less than the first length. 1. An arrayed waveguide grating , comprising:a first star coupler;a second star coupler;an array of waveguides connecting the first star coupler and the second star coupler;one or more first port waveguides connected to the first star coupler; andone or more second port waveguides connected to the second star coupler, a first optical path, from a first waveguide of the first port waveguides, through a first waveguide of the array of waveguides, to a first waveguide of the second port waveguides, includes a portion, having a first length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon,', 'the remainder of the first optical path is within crystalline silicon,', 'a second optical path, from the first waveguide of the first port waveguides, through a second waveguide of the array of waveguides, to the first waveguide of the second port waveguides, includes a portion, having a second length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon,', 'the remainder of the second optical path is within crystalline silicon, and', 'the second length is different from the first length., 'wherein2. The arrayed waveguide grating of claim 1 , wherein a rate of ...

EXTERAL CAVITY LASER INCORPORATING A RESETABLE PHASE SHIFTER

An apparatus including an external cavity laser with an optical cavity, the optical cavity bounded by optical reflectors. The optical cavity can include an optical gain module capable of amplifying light, a tunable endless optical phase shifter and a wavelength-tunable optical filter. The apparatus can also include an electronic control module connected to enable adjustment of a phase shift accumulated by the light propagating through the tunable endless optical phase shifter and connected to enable adjustment of a passband wavelength of the wavelength tunable optical filter. Another apparatus as described above with no wavelength-tunable optical filter present. 1. An apparatus comprising: an optical gain module capable of amplifying light,', 'a tunable endless optical phase shifter, and', 'a wavelength-tunable optical filter; and, 'an external cavity laser with an optical cavity, the optical cavity bounded by optical reflectors, wherein the optical cavity includesan electronic control module connected to enable adjustment of a phase shift accumulated by the light propagating through the tunable endless optical phase shifter and connected to enable adjustment of a passband wavelength of the wavelength tunable optical filter.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electronic control module is capable of adjusting the accumulated phase shift and the passband wavelength in parallel.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electronic control module is able to cause a phase shift accumulated by the light propagating through the tunable endless optical phase shifter to vary with an amount of a multiple of 2π radians without causing a substantial change in lasing optical power.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tunable endless optical phase shifter includes:a first optical switch;a second optical switch; andfirst and second optical waveguide paths, each optical waveguide path optically connecting a corresponding optical output of the first optical switch to a ...

Wavelength-selecting optical switch device

A wavelength-selecting optical switch device includes: an optical input/output port including a plurality of ports; an optical operation element having polarization dependence characteristics and configured to output light input from any port of the optical input/output port to any port of the optical input/output port; a condenser lens system configured to optically couple the optical input/output port with the optical operation element; an optical dispersion element configured to disperse input light in a light dispersion direction; a polarization operation element configured to output two lights having a polarization state orthogonal to each other in a direction forming an angle to each other on a plane parallel to the optical switch direction; and a polarization rotation element configured to cause polarization directions of two lights output from the polarization operation element and having a polarization state orthogonal to each other to be identical to each other.

LIGHT SOURCE DEVICE AND PROJECTOR

A light source device includes a light source emitting first light in a first wavelength band, a light guide section guiding partial light of the first light, a wavelength conversion section including a phosphor, which other partial light of the first light, and which converts the other partial light into second light in a second wavelength band. A light guide section first side surface and a wavelength conversion section second side surface are opposed. The first side surface has a diffraction grating. The partial light enters the light guide section from the first side surface via the diffraction grating. The other partial light enters the wavelength conversion section from the second side surface. The partial and second lights are emitted in one of a normal direction of the first end surface of the light guide section and a normal direction of the third end surface of the wavelength conversion section. 1. A light source device comprising:a light source configured to emit first light in a first wavelength band;a light guide section which partial light of the first light emitted from the light source enters, and which guides the partial light; anda wavelength conversion section which includes a phosphor, which other partial light of the first light emitted from the light source enters, and which converts the other partial light into second light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, whereinthe light guide section has a first end surface and a second end surface opposed to each other, and a first side surface crossing the first end surface and the second end surface,the wavelength conversion section has a third end surface and a fourth end surface opposed to each other, and a second side surface crossing the third end surface and the fourth end surface,the first side surface of the light guide section and the second side surface of the wavelength conversion section are disposed so as to be opposed to each other,the first side surface ...

WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXING OF UNCOOLED LASERS WITH WAVELENGTH-COMMON DISPERSIVE ELEMENT

An example demultiplexer may include at least one dispersive element that is common to multiple wavelength channels. The demultiplexer may additionally include multiple field lenses positioned optically downstream from the at least one dispersive element, where a number of the field lenses is equal to a number of the wavelength channels. An example multiplexer may include a single piece power monitor assembly that includes a collimator lens array, a focusing lens array, and a slot integrally formed therein. The collimator lens array may be positioned to receive multiple wavelength channels from a laser array. The focusing lens array may be positioned to focus multiple portions of the wavelength channels onto an array of photodetectors. The slot may be configured to tap the portions from the wavelength channels collimated into the single piece power monitor assembly by the collimator lens array and to direct the portions toward the focusing lens array. 1. An optical wavelength division demultiplexer , comprising:at least one dispersive element, wherein each of the at least one dispersive element is common to a plurality of wavelength channels; anda plurality of field lenses positioned optically downstream from the at least one dispersive element, a number of the plurality of field lenses being equal to a number of the plurality of wavelength channels.2. The optical wavelength division demultiplexer of claim 1 , wherein at least one component of the optical wavelength division demultiplexer comprises a molded thermoplastic component.3. The optical wavelength division demultiplexer of claim 2 , wherein the molded thermoplastic component comprises amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide resin.4. The optical wavelength division demultiplexer of claim 1 , wherein the at least one dispersive element comprises a single dispersive element by which all of the plurality of wavelength channels are angularly separated through diffraction.5. The optical wavelength division ...

BROADBAND HIGH-SPEED WAVELENGTH-DIVISION MULTIPLEXED RECEIVER USING MULTIPLE PHOTODETECTORS PER CHANNEL

An optical receiver, used in wavelength-division multiplexing, has multiple photodetectors per channel. The optical receiver comprises a demultiplexer to separate incoming light into different output waveguides, one output waveguide for each channel. A splitter is used in each output waveguide to split each output waveguide into two or more branches. A separate photodetector is coupled with each branch so that two or more photodetectors are used to measure each channel. 1. An optical receiver for wavelength-division multiplexing , the optical receiver comprising:a demultiplexer;an input waveguide optically coupled with the demultiplexer;a plurality of output waveguides optically coupled with the demultiplexer, wherein each output waveguide of the plurality of output waveguides is configured to receive light corresponding to one communication channel of a wavelength-division multiplexed signal;a splitter that divides a first output waveguide of the plurality of output waveguides into a first branch and a second branch,a first photodetector optically coupled with the first branch; anda second photodetector optically coupled with the second branch.2. The optical receiver of claim 1 , wherein the first photodetector and the second photodetector are lateral PIN diode detectors.3. The optical receiver of claim 1 , wherein:the demultiplexer comprises an echelle grating; andthe echelle grating is formed in crystalline silicon.4. The optical receiver of further comprising eight photodetectors for receiving four optical communication channels.5. The optical receiver of claim 1 , wherein the first output waveguide has an initial width between 14 and 20 μm.6. The optical receiver of claim 1 , wherein the input waveguide claim 1 , the demultiplexer claim 1 , the first output waveguide claim 1 , the splitter claim 1 , the first photodetector claim 1 , and the second photodetector are integrated on a common substrate.7. The optical receiver of claim 1 , wherein the first ...

ATHERMALIZED MULTI-PATH INTERFERENCE FILTER

A multi-path interference filter. The multi-path interference filter includes a first port waveguide, a second port waveguide, and an optical structure connecting the first port waveguide and the second port waveguide. The optical structure has a first optical path from the first port waveguide to the second port waveguide, and a second optical path, different from the first optical path, from the first port waveguide to the second port waveguide. The first optical path has a portion, having a first length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The second optical path has a portion, having a second length, within crystalline silicon, and the second optical path has either no portion within hydrogenated amorphous silicon, or a portion, having a third length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon, the third length being less than the first length. 1. An arrayed waveguide grating , comprising:a first star coupler;a second star coupler;an array of waveguides connecting the first star coupler and the second star coupler;one or more first port waveguides connected to the first star coupler; andone or more second port waveguides connected to the second star coupler, a first optical path, from a first waveguide of the first port waveguides, through a first waveguide of the array of waveguides, to a first waveguide of the second port waveguides, includes a portion, having a first length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon,', 'the remainder of the first optical path is within crystalline silicon,', 'a second optical path, from the first waveguide of the first port waveguides, through a second waveguide of the array of waveguides, to the first waveguide of the second port waveguides, includes a portion, having a second length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon,', 'the remainder of the second optical path is within crystalline silicon, and', 'the second length is different from the first length., 'wherein2. The arrayed waveguide grating of claim 1 , wherein a rate of ...

Spectral Power Combining With Volume Bragg Grating Elements

Fiber optic devices including volume Bragg grating (VBG) elements are disclosed. A fiber optic device may include one or more optical inputs, one or more VBG elements, and one or more optical receivers. Methods for manufacturing VBG elements and for controlling filter response are also disclosed. A VBG chip, and fiber optic devices using such a chip, are also provided. A VBG chip includes a monolithic glass structure onto which a plurality of VBGs have been recorded. 123-. (canceled)24. A dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) multi-source combiner , the multi-source combiner comprising:a plurality of optical inputs, each optical input carrying light of a different wavelength;a first volume Bragg grating (VBG) element;a second VBG element; andan optical receiver,wherein light from a first of the plurality of optical inputs is transmitted such that it enters the first VBG element and is deflected from the first VBG element along an optical axis of the combiner,wherein light from a second of the plurality of optical inputs is transmitted such that it enters the first VBG element and is deflected from the first VBG element along the optical axis of the combiner,wherein light from a third of the plurality of optical inputs is transmitted such that it enters the second VBG element and is deflected from the second VBG element along the optical axis of the combiner,wherein light from a fourth of the plurality of optical inputs is transmitted such that it enters the second VBG element and is deflected from the second VBG element along the optical axis of the combiner,wherein the light reflected along the optical axis of the combiner is combined into a single optical beam that is transmitted through a lens to the optical receiver.25. The multi-source combiner of claim 24 , wherein the light from the first optical input has a first wavelength claim 24 , the light from the second optical input has a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength claim 24 ...

OPTICAL CROSS-COUPLING MITIGATION SYSTEMS FOR WAVELENGTH BEAM COMBINING LASER SYSTEMS

In various embodiments, wavelength beam combining laser systems incorporate optical cross-coupling mitigation systems and/or engineered partially reflective output couplers in order to reduce or substantially eliminate unwanted back-reflection of stray light. 130.-. (canceled)31. A laser system comprising:an array of beam emitters each emitting a beam having a different wavelength;focusing optics for focusing the beams toward a dispersive element;a dispersive element for receiving and dispersing the focused beams, thereby forming a multi-wavelength beam; andan output coupler comprising (i) a beam-receiving portion for receiving the multi-wavelength beam, reflecting a first portion thereof back to the array of beam emitters via the dispersive element, and transmitting a second portion thereof as an output beam composed of multiple wavelengths, and (ii) a non-reflective portion.32. The laser system of claim 31 , wherein the beam-receiving portion of the output coupler is at least as large as a diameter of the multi-wavelength beam.33. The laser system of claim 31 , wherein the beam-receiving portion of the output coupler protrudes above the non-reflective portion.34. The laser system of claim 31 , wherein the non-reflective portion at least partially surrounds the beam-receiving portion.35. The laser system of claim 31 , wherein a reflectivity to the multi-wavelength beam of the non-reflective portion is less than 1%.36. The laser system of claim 31 , wherein a reflectivity to the multi-wavelength beam of the beam-receiving portion is less than approximately 15%.37. The laser system of claim 31 , wherein a reflectivity to the multi-wavelength beam of the beam-receiving portion ranges from approximately 2% to approximately 10%.38. The laser system of claim 31 , further comprising a non-reflective coating disposed over the non-reflective portion of the output coupler.39. The laser system of claim 31 , further comprising an end cap over the beam-receiving portion of the ...

Bidirectional wavelength cross connect architectures using wavelength routing elements

Bidirectional wavelength cross connects include a plurality of ports, each configured to receive an input optical signals, each input optical signal having a plurality of spectral bands. At least one of the plurality of ports is disposed to simultaneously transmit an output optical signal having at least one of the spectral bands. A plurality of wavelength routing elements are configured to selectively route input optical signal spectral bands to output optical signals.

SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD, PROGRAM, AND MOVING BODY

The present disclosure relates to a signal processing apparatus and a signal processing method, a program, and a moving body that allow improvement of estimation accuracy for a self-position. 1. A signal processing apparatus comprising:a light projecting section projecting light with a plurality of wavelengths, andan object detecting section receiving reflected light of the light projected from the light projecting section, from an object having a reflectance higher than a predetermined reflectance, to detect the object.2. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:a light projection adjusting section selecting one of the plurality of wavelengths of the light, causing the light projecting section to project the light with the selected wavelength, and causing the object detecting section to receive reflected light of the light with the selected wavelength to detect the object, the reflected light being obtained from the object.3. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 2 , Wherein a light source emitting light, and', 'a light projecting filter wheel including a plurality of filters arranged in a wheel shape to transmit light with respective predetermined wavelengths included in the light emitted by the light source, and, 'the light projecting section includes'}the light projection adjusting section adjusts the light projecting filter wheel to transmit light with the selected wavelength included in the light emitted by the light source.4. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein 'LEDs emitting light with a plurality of wavelengths, and', 'the light projecting section includes'}the light projection adjusting section adjusts the LEDs such that at least one of the LEDs that emits the light with the selected wavelength emits the light.5. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein a light receiving filter wheel including a plurality of filters arranged in a wheel shape to transmit light ...

Beam steering method and device

A beam steering method and device are provided. The beam steering method includes outputting, from a hologram recording medium on which a plurality of signal light beams having different steering information are recorded, signal light beam having specific steering information, by making reference light having a specific characteristic incident on the hologram recording medium. The method further includes o obtaining information about an object existing in the external environment based on the output signal light.

METHOD OF MAKING A DISTRIBUTED OPTICAL FIBER SENSOR HAVING ENHANCED RAYLEIGH SCATTERING AND ENHANCED TEMPERATURE STABILITY, AND MONITORING SYSTEMS EMPLOYING SAME

A method of making an optical fiber sensor device for distributed sensing includes generating a laser beam comprising a plurality of ultrafast pulses, and focusing the laser beam into a core of an optical fiber to form a nanograting structure within the core, wherein the nanograting structure includes a plurality of spaced nanograting elements each extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of optical fiber. Also, an optical fiber sensor device for distributed sensing includes an optical fiber having a longitudinal axis, a core, and a nanograting structure within the core, wherein the nanograting structure includes a plurality of spaced nanograting elements each extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. Also, a distributed sensing method and system and an energy production system that employs such an optical fiber sensor device. 1. A method of making an optical fiber sensor device structured for distributed sensing , comprising:generating a laser beam comprising a plurality of ultrafast pulses; andfocusing the laser beam into a core of an optical fiber to form a nanograting structure within the core, wherein the nanograting structure includes a plurality of spaced nanograting elements each extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of optical fiber.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of ultrafast pulses comprises a plurality of femtosecond ultrafast pulses.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein each of the femtosecond ultrafast pulses is a sub-μJ laser pulse.4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising causing the laser beam and the optical fiber to be moved relative to one another during focusing such that the nanograting structure is formed within a longitudinally extending portion of the core.5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein a position of the laser beam in a longitudinal direction is stationary and wherein the optical fiber is caused to move ...

OPTICAL SLAB

An apparatus () can comprise an optical slab () comprising a rigid substrate of substantially transmissive material. The apparatus () can also comprise a WDM multiplexer () to receive and combine a plurality of optical signals ( and ) at different wavelengths to form a combined optical signal () in the optical slab () having an aggregate power. The apparatus can further comprise a broadcaster () to distribute the combined optical signal () from the optical slab () to each of a plurality of different optical receivers ( and ) with a fraction of the aggregate power of the combined optical signal (). 115.-. (canceled)16. An apparatus comprising:an optical slab comprising a rigid substrate of optically transmissive material and having at least a portion of the optical slab coated with a reflective coating; a first WDM multiplexer to receive and combine a first plurality of optical signals of different wavelengths to form a first combined optical signal in the optical slab having a first aggregate power, and', 'a first broadcaster to distribute the first combined optical signal from the optical slab to a first plurality of optical receivers, each of the first plurality of optical receivers to receive a fraction of the first aggregate power of the first combined optical signal; and, 'a first wave division multiplexing (WDM) multiplexing group that includes a second WDM multiplexer to receive and combine a second plurality of optical signals of different wavelengths to form a second combined optical signal in the optical slab having a second aggregate power, and', 'a second broadcaster to distribute the second combined optical signal from the optical slab to a second plurality of optical receivers, each of the second plurality of optical receivers to receive a fraction of the second aggregate power of the second combined optical signal,, 'a second WDM group that includeswherein the reflective coating of the optical slab maintains each of the first combined optical signal ...

OPTICAL FIBER MOUNTED PHOTONIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE

The invention relates to an optical fiber mounted photonic integrated circuit device, wherein the tolerance for positioning in terms of the coupling between the single mode optical fibers and the optical waveguides provided on the photonic integrated circuit device is increased. An optical waveguide core group is provided in such a manner where a plurality of optical waveguide cores having a portion that is tapered in the direction of the width within a plane are aligned parallel to each other at intervals that allow for mutual directional coupling and that are narrower than the width of the core of the single mode optical fiber, and the inclined connection end surface of the single mode optical fiber and the upper surface of an end portion of the optical waveguide cores face each other for coupling. 1. An optical fiber mounted photonic integrated circuit device , comprising:an optical integrated circuit device configured to be provided with an optical waveguide core group where a plurality of optical waveguide cores having portions that are tapered in the direction of the width within a plane are aligned on a substrate; anda single mode optical fiber having an inclined connection end surface inclined relative to the propagation of light configured to be optically coupled with the optical waveguide core group, whereinthe optical waveguide cores are aligned parallel to each other at intervals that can allow for mutual directional coupling and that are narrower than the width of the core of the single mode optical fiber, andthe inclined connection end surface of the single mode optical fiber and the upper surface of the end portions of the optical waveguide cores face each other for coupling.2. The optical fiber mounted photonic integrated circuit device according to claim 1 , wherein the optical waveguide cores include one optical waveguide core at the center claim 1 , relative to which the other optical waveguide cores are aligned in a line symmetric manner.3. The ...

OPTICAL SYSTEM WITH DISPERSION COMPENSATION

Systems and methods of dispersion compensation in an optical device are disclosed. A holographic optical element may include a set of different holograms in a grating medium (). Each hologram in the set may have a corresponding grating vector () with a grating frequency and direction. The directions of the grating vectors may vary as a function of the grating frequency. Different holograms in the set may diffract light in a particular direction so that the light emerges from a boundary of the grating medium in a single given direction regardless of wavelength. A prism () is used to couple light into the grating medium. The prism is formed using materials having dispersion properties that are similar to the dispersion properties of the grating material but not indentical. The prism may have an input face that receives perpendicular input light. The prism may include multiple portions having different refractive indices. 1. An optical device comprising:a waveguide having first and second waveguide substrates;a grating medium between the first and second waveguide substrates;a prism mounted to the first waveguide substrate, wherein the prism is configured to couple light into the grating medium, the grating medium has a first Abbe number, and the prism has a second Abbe number that is different from the first Abbe number; anda set of overlapping holograms in the grating medium, wherein the set of overlapping holograms is configured to direct a first wavelength of the light coupled into the grating medium in a given direction through a given one of the first and second waveguide substrates and is configured to direct a second wavelength of the light coupled into the grating medium in the given direction through the given one of the first and second waveguide substrates.2. The optical device defined in claim 1 , wherein the given direction is perpendicular to a lateral surface of the first waveguide substrate.3. The optical device defined in claim 2 , wherein the first ...

PROJECTOR-COMBINER DISPLAY WITH BEAM REPLICATION

A near-eye display (NED) includes an image replicator and an image combiner. The image replicator is configured for receiving a beam of image light from a source such as an image projector, and splitting the beam into a plurality of second beams of image light. The combiner is configured to relay the plurality of second beams to an eyebox of the NED such that the second beams at the eyebox are laterally offset from one another. The etendue of the NED may be increased by replicating and relaying the image beams. 1. A near-eye display (NED) comprising:an image replicator for receiving a first beam of image light and splitting the first beam into a plurality of second beams of image light propagating parallel to each other; anda combiner for receiving the plurality of second beams and relaying the plurality of second beams to an eyebox of the NED, wherein the combiner is configured to selectively redirect rays of the second beams depending on angle of incidence of the rays of the second beams on the combiner, such that rays of the second beams split from a corresponding ray of the first beam and redirected by the combiner are parallel to each other and laterally offset in a first direction at the eyebox.2. The NED of claim 1 , wherein the first beam is diverging and comprises an image in angular domain claim 1 , the second beams split by the image replicator are diverging claim 1 , and the second beams relayed by the combiner to the eyebox are converging claim 1 , parallel to each other claim 1 , and comprise the image in angular domain; andwherein the combiner is angular- and wavelength-selective for relaying the plurality of second beams to the eyebox while transmitting external light to the eyebox substantially without modification.3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. The NED of claim 1 , wherein the image replicator comprises a first waveguide comprising first and second surfaces claim 1 , wherein the first surface is partially reflective at a wavelength of the image light ...

A SPACE-DIVISION MULTIPLEXED RECONFIGURABLE, WAVELENGTH SELSCTIVE SWITCH

We describe a space-division multiplexed (SDM) fibre, reconfigurable, wavelength-selective switch (WSS). The switch comprises a space-division multiplexed (SDM) optical input port to receive a space-division multiplexed (SDM) optical input signal comprising a plurality of space division modes each of said space division modes carrying a respective data signal, wherein each of said space division modes is also wavelength division multiplexed (WDM); an optical space division demultiplexer, coupled to said input port, to split said space-division multiplexed (SDM) optical input signal into a plurality of space division demultiplexed optical signals on separate demultiplexer outputs of said demultiplexer, each said demultiplexer output of said demultiplexer comprising a wavelength division multiplexed one of said plurality of space division modes; a set of reconfigurable wavelength-selective optical switches, each reconfigurable wavelength-selective optical switch having a switch input and a set of N switch outputs, and each including a dispersive element and a controllable beam steering element such that each said reconfigurable wavelength-selective optical switch is reconfigurable to selectively direct different respective wavelengths of a WDM optical signal at said switch input to different selected outputs of said set of N switch outputs, and wherein each said demultiplexer output is coupled to said switch input of a respective one of said set of reconfigurable wavelength-selective optical switches; and a set of optical space division multiplexers, one for each of said N switch outputs, each said optical space division multiplexer having a set of multiplexer inputs and a multiplexer output, to re-multiplex optical signals at said multiplexer inputs into a space-division multiplexed optical output signal at said multiplexer output, and wherein, for each of said set of optical space division multiplexers, each multiplexer input of said set of multiplexer inputs is ...

Edge construction on optical devices

A method of forming an optical device includes forming a waveguide mask on a device precursor. The device precursor includes a waveguide positioned on a base. The method also includes forming a facet mask on the device precursor such that at least a portion of the waveguide mask is between the facet mask and the base. The method also includes removing a portion of the base while the facet mask protects a facet of the waveguide. The portion of the base that is removed can be removed such that a recess is defined in the base and/or a shelf is defined on the device precursor. A light source such as an optical fiber or laser can be received in the recess and/or positioned over the shelf such that the light source is optically aligned with the facet of the waveguide.

DIGITAL DISPERSION COMPENSATION MODULE

Embodiments of present invention provide a digital dispersion compensation module. The digital dispersion compensation module includes a multi-port optical circulator; and a plurality of dispersion compensation units connected to the multi-port optical circulator, wherein at least one of the plurality of dispersion compensation units includes a fiber-bragg grating (FBG) having a first port and a second port; and an optical switch being capable of selectively connecting to one of the first port and the second port of the FBG, wherein the at least one of the plurality of dispersion compensation units is adapted to provide a positive dispersion to an optical signal, from the multi-port optical circulator, when the optical switch connects to the first port of the FBG and is adapted to provide a negative dispersion to the optical signal when the optical switch connects to the second port of the FBG. 1. A digital dispersion compensation module (DDCM) comprising:a multi-port optical circulator; anda plurality of dispersion compensation units connected to said multi-port optical circulator,wherein at least one of said plurality of dispersion compensation units comprises:a fiber-bragg grating (FBG) having a first port and a second port; andan optical switch being capable of selectively connecting to one of said first port and said second port of said FBG,wherein said at least one of said plurality of dispersion compensation units is adapted to provide a positive dispersion to an optical signal, from said multi-port optical circulator, when said optical switch connects to said first port of said FBG and is adapted to provide a negative dispersion to said optical signal when said optical switch connects to said second port of said FBG.2. The DDCM of claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of dispersion compensation units is configurable to selectively provide a positive dispersion or a negative dispersion to said optical signal claim 1 , with value of said negative dispersion ...

METASURFACES FOR REDIRECTING LIGHT AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING

A display system comprises a waveguide having light incoupling or light outcoupling optical elements formed of a metasurface. The metasurface is a multilevel (e.g., bi-level) structure having a first level defined by spaced apart protrusions formed of a first optically transmissive material and a second optically transmissive material between the protrusions. The metasurface also includes a second level formed by the second optically transmissive material. The protrusions on the first level may be patterned by nanoimprinting the first optically transmissive material, and the second optically transmissive material may be deposited over and between the patterned protrusions. The widths of the protrusions and the spacing between the protrusions may be selected to diffract light, and a pitch of the protrusions may be 10-600 nm. 120-. (Cancelled)21. A near-eye display system comprising:a waveguide for outputting image information; a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions having a pitch and formed of a first optically transmissive material; and', 'an optically transmissive resist between the spaced-apart protrusions., 'a multilevel metasurface comprising, 'an optical element disposed on a surface of the waveguide, the optical element configured to in-couple or out-couple light for providing the image information, the optical element comprising22. The near-eye display system of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of spaced-apart protrusions are formed of resist having a different refractive index than the optically transmissive resist between the spaced-apart protrusions.23. The near-eye display system of claim 22 , wherein the optically transmissive resist between the spaced-apart protrusions has a higher refractive index than material forming the plurality of spaced-apart protrusions.24. The near-eye display system of claim 23 , wherein the optically transmissive resist between the spaced-apart protrusions has a higher refractive index than material forming the waveguide.25. ...

System and Method for Diffractive Steering of Electromagnetic Radiation

A light steeling system and method for diffractive steering of electromagnetic radiation such as visible light is disclosed. Embodiments of the light steering system include leaky-mode SAW modulators as light modulator devices. The SAW modulators preferably include reflective diffractive gratings. The gratings are mounted to/patterned upon an exit face that opposes an exit surface of the SAW modulator, in one example. Steering of light signals emitted from the SAW modulators in these systems can be accomplished by varying wavelength of light signals introduced to the SAW modulators, and/or by varying frequency of RF drive signals applied to the SAW modulators. In addition, light field generators that incorporate SAW modulators of the proposed light steering system within displays of the light field generators are also disclosed.

OPTICAL PROCESSING

A modular routing node includes a single input port and a plurality of output ports. The modular routing node is arranged to produce a plurality of different deflections and uses small adjustments to compensate for wavelength differences and alignment tolerances in an optical system. An optical device is arranged to receive a multiplex of many optical signals at different wavelengths, to separate the optical signals into at least two groups, and to process at least one of the groups adaptively. 1. (canceled)2. An optical processor for selectively routing optical signals on multiple wavelength channels , the optical processor comprising:a spatial light modulator (“SLM”) having a two-dimensional array of controllable elements, wherein the SLM is configured for selection of the controllable elements whereby two-dimensional groups of controllable elements are formed at chosen locations of the SLM to independently and controllably deflect light incident on the different groups;a dispersion device positioned to receive and disperse light comprising the optical signals;an optical device disposed between the SLM and the dispersion device to receive the dispersed light from the dispersion device and spatially distribute this dispersed light by wavelength across the SLM and within each of the two-dimensional groups; anda controller coupled to the SLM for assigning which controllable elements correspond to which group and configurable to select the groups so that each wavelength channel corresponds to one of the groups and further configurable to select a first subset of one or more of the optical signals for routing to a first output port,wherein the controller is configurable to adjust a transmission spectrum between optical signals on adjacent wavelength channels.3. The optical processor of claim 2 , wherein the optical device comprises a focusing device.4. The optical processor of claim 2 , wherein the controller is further configurable to select a second set of one or ...

BEAM STEERING METHOD AND DEVICE

A beam steering method and device are provided. The beam steering method includes outputting, from a hologram recording medium on which a plurality of signal light beams having different steering information are recorded, signal light beam having specific steering information, by making reference light having a specific characteristic incident on the hologram recording medium. The method further includes o obtaining information about an object existing in the external environment based on the output signal light. 1. A beam steering method comprising:making first reference light, having a first characteristic, incident on a hologram recording medium on which signal light is holographically recorded, wherein the signal light comprises first signal light having first steering information and recorded using the first reference light and second signal light having second steering information, different from the first steering information and recorded using a second reference light, wherein the making the first reference light incident on the hologram recording medium causes outputting the first signal light to an external environment at a divergence angle corresponding to the first characteristic of the first reference light; andobtaining information about an object existing in the external environment using the output first signal light.2. The beam steering method of claim 1 , wherein an output direction of the first signal light varies according to the first characteristic of the first reference light.3. The beam steering method of claim 1 , further comprising:making the second reference light, having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, incident on the hologram recording medium, thereby outputting the second signal lightwherein the information about the object is obtained using the output first signal light and the output second signal light.4. The beam steering method of claim 3 , wherein the first characteristic and the second ...

OPTICAL CONNECTOR

An optical connector includes: a base substrate; an optical fiber on the base substrate; a plurality of optical devices having different wavelength bands and arranged in a curved shape concave toward the optical fiber to surround an end surface of the optical fiber; and an optical path changing device between the optical fiber and the plurality of optical devices and configured to diffract or refract incident light at different angles according to wavelength bands of the incident light. According to the optical connector, the arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting or light-receiving devices may be simplified and the number of communication channels may be easily increased in a multiplexing or demultiplexing structure in which a plurality of communication channels are provided using a single optical fiber. 1. An optical connector comprising:a base substrate;an optical fiber on the base substrate;a plurality of optical devices having different wavelength bands and arranged in a curved shape concave toward the optical fiber to surround an end surface of the optical fiber; andan optical path changing device between the optical fiber and the plurality of optical devices and configured to diffract or refract incident light at different angles according to wavelength bands of the incident light.2. The optical connector of claim 1 , whereinthe plurality of optical devices are configured to output light in reverse radial directions converging on a region of the optical path changing device or configured to receive light diverging from the region of the optical path changing device in radial directions.3. The optical connector of claim 1 , whereinthe optical path changing device comprises a diffraction grating or a prism.4. The optical connector of claim 3 , whereinthe diffraction grating comprises a transmissive diffraction grating, andthe plurality of optical devices and the optical fiber are arranged at opposite sides of the diffraction grating.5. The optical ...

Silicon-On-Insulator Platform for Integration of Tunable Laser Arrays

An apparatus comprising a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform comprising an optical component network. An apparatus comprising an optical component network monolithically grown on a SOI platform, and an optical device coupled to the optical component network. A method comprising generating an optical signal using a silicon-based optical component, applying an electrical signal to the optical component, and tuning a wavelength of the optical signal based on the electrical signal.

Wavelength division multiplexer

A wavelength division multiplexer is disclosed. The wavelength division multiplexer may include an input waveguide, in which a plurality of Bragg gratings for separating multiplexed optical signals into respective optical signals are provided, and a plurality of output waveguides connected to the input waveguide and configured to receive the optical signals separated by the plurality of Bragg gratings. The plurality of Bragg gratings may include a first Bragg grating including first protrusions each having a first width, and a second Bragg grating including second protrusions each having a second width larger than the first width. Each of the first and second protrusions may include a curved side surface, to which a corresponding one of the optical signals is incident.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING LIGHT BETWEEN AT LEAST ONE OPTOELECTRONIC COMPONENT AND AT LEAST ONE OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE

A device may be provided comprising at least one optoelectronic component and at least one optical waveguide, which are configured to transfer light between the optoelectronic component and the optical waveguide, wherein the optical waveguide contains at least one first longitudinal portion in which at least one Bragg grating is introduced, which has a grating constant which is variable along the longitudinal extent of said Bragg grating, and the optoelectronic component is arranged at a lateral distance from the optical waveguide. Alternatively or in addition, a method may be provided for transferring light between at least one optoelectronic component and at least one optical waveguide. 113-. (canceled)14. A device comprising at least one optoelectronic component and at least one optical waveguide , said optoelectronic component and said optical waveguide being adapted to transfer light between each other , andwherein the optical waveguide comprises at least one first longitudinal section comprising at least one Bragg grating having a variable grating constant along its longitudinal extent; andcomprising further scattering centers at least in said first longitudinal section, whereinthe optoelectronic component is arranged at the side of said optical waveguide and at a lateral distance therefrom.15. The device according to claim 14 , wherein the scattering centers are formed by any of local modifications of the material of the optical waveguide by laser radiation or by dispersed nanoparticles.16. The device according to claim 14 , wherein the scattering centers have a diameter of about 10 nm to about 100 nm17. The device according to claim 14 , wherein the scattering centers have a concentration of about 0.1% to about 5% by volume.18. The device according to claim 14 , wherein said Bragg grating with variable grating constant along the longitudinal extent is adapted to focus light of a wavelength λon a plane being arranged parallel to the optical waveguide at a ...

OPTICAL CROSS-COUPLING MITIGATION SYSTEMS FOR WAVELENGTH BEAM COMBINING LASER SYSTEMS

In various embodiments, wavelength beam combining laser systems incorporate optical cross-coupling mitigation systems and/or engineered partially reflective output couplers in order to reduce or substantially eliminate unwanted back-reflection of stray light. 130.-. (canceled)31. A wavelength beam combining laser system comprising:a plurality of beam emitters each emitting one or more beams;a dispersive element for receiving and dispersing the beams;a non-slit-based cross-coupling mitigation system for receiving and transmitting the dispersed beams while reducing cross-coupling thereof; anda partially reflecting output coupler positioned to receive the dispersed beams, transmit a first portion thereof as a multi-wavelength output beam, and reflect a second portion thereof back to the plurality of beam emitters.32. The system of claim 31 , wherein at least a portion of the cross-coupling mitigation system is disposed within a Rayleigh range of the dispersed beams from the dispersive element.33. The system of claim 31 , wherein the partially reflecting output coupler is disposed within a Rayleigh range of beams transmitted by the cross-coupling mitigation system.34. The system of claim 31 , wherein the cross-coupling mitigation system comprises an afocal telescope.35. The system of claim 31 , wherein the cross-coupling mitigation system comprises a first optical element and a second optical element claim 31 , the first optical element being disposed optically upstream of the second optical element.36. The system of claim 35 , wherein the first optical element is disposed within a Rayleigh range of the dispersed beams from the dispersive element.37. The system of claim 35 , wherein the partially reflecting output coupler is disposed within a Rayleigh range of beams transmitted by the second optical element.38. The system of claim 35 , wherein a focal length of the first optical element is at least two times greater than a focal length of the second optical element.39. ...

Wavelength selection switch and control method for phase modulation element

A wavelength selective switch 1 A includes a first port 11 and second ports 12 a to 12 d ; a wavelength dispersive element 15 ; and a phase modulation element 17 . Wavelength components L 21 to L 23 deflected by the phase modulation element 17 are respectively incident to the desired second ports 12 b to 12 d . A first control voltage pattern is supplied to the phase modulation element 17 in such a way that when the optical path of a wavelength component is switched from one to another of the second ports, the amount of phase modulation of a pre-switching phase modulation pattern is reduced while the period of a diffraction grating is maintained, and thereafter, a second control voltage pattern is supplied to the phase modulation element 17 so as to present a post-switching phase modulation pattern.

Multi-Bandwidth Spectrally Encoded Endoscope

An apparatus comprising at least: a first waveguide; a second waveguide; and a diffractive element. The first waveguide guides a first band of onto the diffractive element such that the first band is diffracted at an mnon-zero order over a first range of angles. The second waveguide guides a second band onto the diffractive element such that the second band is diffracted at the mnon-zero over the first range of angles. The second waveguide guides a third band onto the diffractive element such that the third band is diffracted at the nnon-zero order over the first range of angles. Wavelengths of the first band, the second band, and the third band do not overlap with each other. The morder and the norder are different from each other. 1. An apparatus comprising:a first waveguide;a second waveguide; anda diffractive element;{'sup': 'th', 'wherein the first waveguide guides a first wavelength band of light onto the diffractive element such that the first wavelength band is diffracted at an mnon-zero order over a first range of angles;'}{'sup': 'th', 'wherein the second waveguide guides a second wavelength band of light onto the diffractive element such that the second wavelength band of light is diffracted at the mnon-zero over the first range of angles;'}{'sup': 'th', 'wherein the second waveguide guides a third wavelength band of light onto the diffractive element such that the third wavelength band of light is diffracted at the nnon-zero order over the first range of angles;'}wherein wavelengths of the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, and the third wavelength band do not overlap with each other;{'sup': th', 'th, 'wherein the morder and the norder are different from each other.'}2. The apparatus according to wherein the first wavelength band is between the second wavelength band and the third wavelength band.3. The apparatus according to wherein:the first wavelength band of light is incident on the diffractive element at a first angle;the second ...

Narrow bandwidth reflectors for reducing stimulated brillouin scattering in optical cavities

An optical-fiber filter system to narrow a linewidth and to reduce noise fluctuations of an optical beam is provided. The optical-fiber filter system includes an optical fiber having a first end-face and an opposing second end-face, the first end-face and the second end-face setting a fiber length; a fiber Bragg grating having a first reflectivity positioned at the first end-face; and a reflector having a second reflectivity positioned at the second end-face. When the optical beam at a first frequency is coupled from a laser into one of the first end-face or the second end-face, a resonant cavity is established at the first frequency between the fiber Bragg grating and the reflector while Brillouin scattered light shifted from the first frequency within the optical fiber is transmitted through the fiber Bragg grating.

Communication apparatus

A communication apparatus includes an optical fiber along which radiation can be transmitted; an optical fiber grating formed within the optical fiber, the optical fiber grating having a structure, and configured to reflect radiation at a particular wavelength; and an instrument coupled to the grating and configured to controllably modify the structure of the grating, thereby changing the wavelength at which the grating reflects radiation. A communication system including the communication apparatus is also described, along with a method of communicating a signal.

Broadband optical coupling using dispersive elements

Embodiments include a fiber to photonic chip coupling system including a collimating lens which collimate a light transmitted from a light source and an optical grating including a plurality of grating sections. The system also includes an optical dispersion element which separates the collimated light from the collimating lens into a plurality of light beams and direct each of the plurality of light beams to a respective section of the plurality of grating sections. Each light beam in the plurality of light beams is diffracted from the optical dispersion element at a different wavelength a light beam of the plurality of light beams is directed to a respective section of the plurality of grating sections at a respective incidence angle based on the wavelength of the light beam of the plurality of light beams to provide optimum grating coupling.

Optical device for coupling light

An optical device for coupling light propagating between a waveguide and an optical transmission component is provided. The optical device includes a taper portion and a grating portion. The taper portion is disposed between the grating portion and the waveguide. The grating portion includes rows of grating patterns. A first size of a first grating pattern in a first row of grating patterns is larger than a second size of a second grating pattern in a second row of grating patterns. A first distance between the first row of grating patterns and the waveguide is less than a second distance between the second row of grating patterns and the waveguide.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING MULTI-WAVELENGTH SINGLE-PULSE RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

The invention provides methods and apparatus comprising a multi-wavelength laser source that uses a single unfocused pulse of a low intensity but high power laser over a large sample area to collect Raman scattered collimated light, which is then Rayleigh filtered and focused using a singlet lens into a stacked fiber bundle connected to a customized spectrograph, which separates the individual spectra from the scattered wavelengths using a hybrid diffraction grating for collection onto spectra-specific sections of an array photodetector to measure spectral intensity and thereby identify one or more compounds in the sample. 1a Nd YAG laser configured to simultaneously output a single pulse of an unfocused beam of photons in one or more excitation wavelengths selected from 213 nm, 266 nm, 532 nm and 1064 nm onto an sample, said laser output ranging from 1-100 mJ per pulse at 10 Hz;a dichroic Rayleigh filter stack in optical communication with scattered light from the single pulse of unfocused beam of photons incident on the sample;a singlet lens in optical communication with the dichroic Rayleigh filter stack to focus the scattered light from the sample and couple the scattered light into a proximal end of a stacked fiberoptic bundle;a spectrograph equipped with a hybrid diffraction grating attached to a distal end of the stacked fiberoptic bundle, said hybrid diffraction grating comprised of a stack of at least two diffraction surfaces, each diffraction surface configured for wavelength for one of the one or more excitation wavelengths, each diffraction surface individually angle-tuned and target-adjusted to disperse the scattered light, wherein the spectrograph is configured to illuminate all of the at least two diffraction surfaces simultaneously;an array detector system in optical communication with the spectrograph and configured to receive the dispersed scattered light from each diffraction surface onto a specific target section of an array detector, and output ...

METHOD AND CONTROLLER FOR OPERATING A VARIABLE OPTICAL RETARDER AND AN ARRAY

A method and a controller for operating an array of variable optical retarders are disclosed. Neighboring pixels of the array of variable optical retarders are driven with disordered temporal bit sequences. An optical beam illuminating the pixels tends to integrate time-domain modulation caused by individual pixels driven in a non-coordinated or disordered fashion, which reduces the overall time-domain modulation amplitude of the optical beam. 1. A method of operating an array of variable optical retarders including first and second adjacent retarders , the method comprising:(a) selecting first and second temporal bit sequences of equal total duration for application to the first and second retarders, respectively, for obtaining first and second values of optical retardation therein, respectively; and(b) simultaneously applying the first and second bit sequences to the first and second retarders, respectively, to generate a spatial profile of an optical retardation in an optical beam illuminating both the first and the second retarders, in response to net amplitudes of the first and second bit sequences, respectively;wherein in step (b), one-bits in the first and second temporal bit sequences are substantially evenly distributed in time and are generally uncorrelated with each other, for lessening a time-domain modulation of the optical beam.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one-bits in the first and second temporal bit sequences are non-periodic.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein in step (a) claim 1 , a plurality of alternative bit sequences is provided for at least one of the first and second optical retardation values claim 1 , and one of the plurality of the alternative bit sequences is randomly or pseudo-randomly selected for the at least one of the first and second optical retardation values.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein in step (a) claim 3 , the first retardation value is substantially equal to the second retardation value.5. The method of claim 1 , ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TILTABLE GRATING OUT-COUPLERS

A grating out-coupler assembly is provided. The grating out-coupler assembly includes a substrate, a tiltable surface suspended above the substrate, an actuator configured to selectively control a pitch of the tiltable surface, and a grating out-coupler supported by the tiltable surface. 1. A grating out-coupler assembly comprising:a substrate;a tiltable surface suspended above said substrate;an actuator configured to selectively control a pitch of said tiltable surface;a grating out-coupler supported by said tiltable surface; anda waveguide extending across a portion of said actuator and optically coupled to said grating out-coupler, said waveguide configured to couple said grating out-coupler to one of a transmitter and a receiver of a photonic circuit.2. (canceled)3. A grating out-coupler assembly in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a second grating out-coupler.4. A grating out-coupler assembly in accordance with claim 3 , wherein said grating out-coupler is configured to function as a transmission element claim 3 , and wherein said second grating out-coupler is configured to function as a reception element.5. A grating out-coupler assembly in accordance with claim 3 , wherein said tiltable surface supports both said grating out-coupler and said second grating out-coupler.6. A grating out-coupler assembly in accordance with claim 3 , further comprising:a second tiltable surface supporting said second grating out-coupler; anda second actuator configured to selectively control a pitch of said second tiltable surface.7. A grating out-coupler assembly in accordance with claim 6 , wherein a pitch of said tiltable surface is adjustable independent of the pitch of said second tiltable surface.8. A grating out-coupler assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said actuator comprises a torsion bar that suspends said tiltable surface above a cavity formed in said substrate.9. A LIDAR system comprising:a photonic circuit; and a substrate;', 'a tiltable ...

OPTICAL DEVICE USING WAVEGUIDE SEGMENTS TAPERED ACCORDING TO A NON-LINEAR FUNCTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward techniques and configurations for an optical device having a multiplexer and/or demultiplexer with an input and/or output optical waveguide including one or more waveguide segments tapered according to a non-linear function such as a curve. In embodiments, the one or more waveguide segments is tapered according to, e.g., a quadratic function, a parabolic function, or an exponential function. In accordance with some embodiments, the tapered segment assists in spatially dispersing the propagating light along a substantially uniform phase wavefront at a mirror that includes an echelle grating surface that is shaped to receive/reflect the light at the substantially uniform phase wavefront. In embodiments, the one or more waveguide segments is tapered according to a curve to receive a portion of light from the substantially uniform phase wavefront at the echelle grating surface. Additional embodiments may be described and claimed. 1. An optical apparatus comprising:a mirror having an echelle grating reflective surface to reflect and refocus light propagating from a light source;an input optical waveguide to spatially disperse the propagating light onto the mirror; andan output optical waveguide disposed to receive at least a portion of light reflected by the mirror, wherein at least one of the input optical waveguide or the output optical waveguide includes one or more waveguide segments tapered according to a curve to respectively, spatially disperse the propagating light along a substantially uniform phase wavefront at the echelle grating reflective surface or to receive a portion of light from a substantially uniform phase wavefront reflected from the echelle grating reflective surface.2. The optical apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the mirror claim 1 , the input optical waveguide claim 1 , and the output optical waveguide are disposed in a semiconductor layer and the one or more waveguide segments tapered ...

An optical device, an optical transceiver and a network node

An optical device comprising, an optical input and output device comprising a first input port, a second input port, a first output port and a second output port, and an optical filtering device comprising an input port coupled to the first output port and an output port coupled to the second input port, and an optical amplifying device comprising an input port coupled to the second output port. The optical input and output device is adapted to couple the output port comprised in the optical filtering device to the input port comprised in the optical amplifying device. The optical filtering device comprises a multiple of cascaded phase shifted Bragg gratings, each being adapted to filter an associated respective optical carrier within to produce a respective output signal to the optical amplifying device.

Bragg grating, and spectroscopy device including the bragg grating

Provided are a Bragg grating and a spectroscopy device including the same. The Bragg grating is disposed at each of opposite ends of a resonator for reflecting light of a certain wavelength band and includes a core member extending from a waveguide of the resonator in a lengthwise direction of the waveguide; a plurality of first refractive members protruding from the core member and spaced apart from each other along the lengthwise direction; and a second refractive member filling spaces between the first refractive members and having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the first refractive members.

WAVELENGTH SELECTIVE SWITCH AND OPTICAL SIGNAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

In the wavelength selective switch provided in the present invention, at least one optical element is successively arranged in the wavelength selective switch according to a sequence of processing optical signals. The at least one optical element receives a service optical signal from a service laser, receives a monitoring optical signal from a monitoring laser, and performs same optical signal processing on the service optical signal and the monitoring optical signal according to a processing function of the at least one optical element, where a wavelength of the service optical signal and a wavelength of the monitoring optical signal are different. A service optical signal processed by the at least one optical element and a monitoring optical signal processed by at least one optical element are output, where the monitoring optical signal processed by the at least one optical element is used for monitoring performance of the wavelength selective switch. 1. A wavelength selective switch , wherein at least one optical element is disposed in the wavelength selective switch , and the at least one optical element is successively arranged in the wavelength selective switch according to a sequence of processing optical signals;a service optical signal transmitted by a service laser and a monitoring optical signal transmitted by a monitoring laser are separately input to the at least one optical element, and a wavelength of the service optical signal and a wavelength of the monitoring optical signal are different;the at least one optical element is configured to: receive the service optical signal from the service laser, receive the monitoring optical signal from the monitoring laser, and perform same optical signal processing on the service optical signal and the monitoring optical signal according to a processing function of the at least one optical element, to obtain the service optical signal processed by the at least one optical element and the monitoring optical ...

OPTICAL CROSS-COUPLING MITIGATION SYSTEMS FOR WAVELENGTH BEAM COMBINING LASER SYSTEMS

In various embodiments, wavelength beam combining laser systems incorporate optical cross-coupling mitigation systems and/or engineered partially reflective output couplers in order to reduce or substantially eliminate unwanted back-reflection of stray light. 1. A laser system comprising:an array of beam emitters each emitting a beam;focusing optics for focusing the beams toward a dispersive element;a dispersive element for receiving and dispersing the focused beams, thereby forming a multi-wavelength beam; andan optical fiber for receiving the multi-wavelength beam, the optical fiber comprising (i) a core for receiving the multi-wavelength beam, reflecting a first portion thereof back toward the dispersive element, and transmitting a second portion thereof as an output beam composed of multiple wavelengths, the core having a partially reflective surface, and (ii) surrounding the core, a cladding having a reflectivity to the multi-wavelength beam of less than 1%.2. The laser system of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the core protrudes from the cladding.3. The laser system of claim 1 , wherein the optical fiber is positioned such that claim 1 , at the partially reflective surface of the core claim 1 , a diameter of the core is not less than a diameter of the multi-wavelength beam.4. The laser system of claim 1 , further comprising an end cap attached to the optical fiber and disposed optically upstream of the partially reflective surface of the core.5. The laser system of claim 1 , further comprising an anti-reflective coating disposed over the cladding of the optical fiber.6. The laser system of claim 1 , further comprising a mode stripper disposed around at least a portion of the core of the optical fiber.7. The laser system of claim 1 , further comprising a cross-coupling mitigation system for receiving and transmitting the multi-wavelength beam while reducing cross-coupling thereof.8. The laser system of claim 7 , wherein the partially reflecting surface of the ...

MULTI-FIBER OPTIC SENSING SYSTEM

A fiber optic sensing system includes a plurality of optical probes, a light source, and a light splitting unit connecting the light source to the plurality of optical probes. The light splitting unit splits a light emitted from the light source into a plurality of divided lights, the divided lights being transmitted to the plurality of optical probes. 1. A fiber optic sensing system comprising:a plurality of optical probes;a light source; anda light splitting unit connecting the light source to the plurality of optical probes,wherein the light splitting unit splits a light emitted from the light source into a plurality of divided lights, the divided lights being transmitted to the plurality of optical probes.2. The fiber optic sensing system according to claim 1 , wherein the light splitting unit includes at least two groups of light splitters.3. The fiber optic sensing system according to claim 2 , wherein the light splitting unit includes a first group of splitter connected to the light source claim 2 , and a second group of splitters disposed between the first group of splitter and the optical probes.4. The fiber optic sensing system according to claim 2 , wherein the first group of splitter includes a primary splitter for splitting a light emitted from the light source into a first divided light and a second divided light.5. The fiber optic sensing system according to claim 4 , wherein the second group of splitters include two secondary light splitters for splitting the first and second divided lights into two third divided lights and two fourth divided lights claim 4 , respectively.6. The fiber optic sensing system according to claim 1 , wherein the light splitting unit includes n groups of light splitters for splitting the light from the light source into 2divided lights for used with 2optical probes claim 1 , wherein n is a natural number.7. The fiber optic sensing system according to claim 6 , wherein the first group of light splitter is directly connected ...

OPTICAL FIBER CAPABLE OF CONVERTING WAVELENGTH AND BACKLIGHT UNIT USING THE SAME

The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber capable of converting a wavelength of a light emitted from a light source and a backlight unit using the same. 1. An optical fiber , comprising:a core portion; anda cladding portion that covers an outer peripheral surface of the core portion;wherein the cladding portion has a plurality of openings extending from an inside toward an outside along an extending direction of the core portion,wherein the plurality of openings has a first crevice with which a color conversion material is filled and a second crevice with which a color conversion material is not filled,wherein the first crevice and the second crevice are adjacent to each other.2. The optical fiber of claim 1 , wherein the color conversion material absorbs a blue light and emits a red light or a green light.3. The optical fiber of claim 1 , wherein the first crevice is filled with a material that absorbs a blue light and emits a red light claim 1 , and a material that absorbs a blue light and emits a green light.4. The optical fiber of claim 1 ,wherein the opening further comprises a third crevice,wherein the first crevice is filled with a material that absorbs a blue light and emits a red light, andwherein the third crevice is filled with a material that absorbs a blue light and emits a green light.5. The optical fiber of claim 1 , wherein the first crevice and the second crevice are disposed in one opening and arranged along the extending direction of the core portion.6. The optical fiber of claim 1 , wherein the first crevice and the second crevice are disposed in one opening and arranged along a direction intersecting the extending direction of the core portion.7. An optical fiber claim 1 , comprising:a core portion comprising a first core with which a color conversion material is filled and a second core with which a color conversion is not filled; anda cladding portion that covers an outer peripheral surface of the core portion;wherein a plurality of ...

OPTICAL COUPLER AND WAVEGUIDE SYSTEM

System and methods for optical power distribution to a large numbers of sample wells within an integrated device that can analyze single molecules and perform nucleic acid sequencing are described. The integrated device may include a grating coupler configured to receive an optical beam from an optical source and optical splitters configured to divide optical power of the grating coupler to waveguides of the integrated device positioned to couple with the sample wells. Outputs of the grating coupler may vary in one or more dimensions to account for an optical intensity profile of the optical source. 1. An integrated device comprising:a plurality of waveguides;a grating coupler having a grating region;a plurality of output waveguides having varying widths and configured to optically couple with the grating coupler; anda plurality of optical splitters, wherein at least one of optical splitters is positioned between one of the plurality of output waveguides and at least two of the plurality of waveguides.2. The integrated device of claim 1 , wherein the grating region comprises a plurality of gratings oriented substantially in a direction planar to a surface of the integrated device.3. The integrated device of claim 1 , wherein individual output waveguides of the plurality of output waveguides are arranged on a side of the grating region.4. The integrated device of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of output waveguides includes a first output waveguide and a second output waveguide claim 3 , and wherein the first output waveguide is more proximate to a center of the side of the grating region than the second output waveguide and has a smaller width than the second output waveguide.5. The integrated device of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of output waveguides includes a first output waveguide and a second output waveguide claim 3 , and wherein the first output waveguide is more proximate to an edge of the side of the grating region than the second output waveguide and ...

Lighting Technology in the Automotive Area

An optical system includes optical fibers, a decoupling surface, an intersecting surface and a connecting portion. The optical fibers are arranged in at least one row. Each of the optical fibers includes a coupling surface onto which light from a light source is received. Light is directed through the optical fibers along an optical main axis. Light emitted from the optical fibers is directed onto a decoupling surface. The connecting portion is planar and is disposed between the decoupling surface and the optical fibers. The intersecting surface bounds the decoupling surface and is parallel to the optical main axis. Each of the optical fibers has an intersecting face oriented parallel to the optical main axis and parallel to the intersecting surface. The intersecting surface and the intersecting faces of the optical fibers generate a sharp outer edge of a light pattern formed by light emitted from the optical system. 115-. (canceled)16. An optical system , comprising:a plurality of optical fibers, wherein the optical fibers are arranged in at least one row, wherein each of the optical fibers includes a coupling surface onto which light from a light source is received, and wherein light is directed through the optical fibers along an optical main axis of the optical system;a decoupling surface onto which light emitted from the plurality of optical fibers is directed; andan intersecting surface that bounds the decoupling surface, wherein the intersecting surface is parallel to the optical main axis, wherein each of the optical fibers has an intersecting face oriented parallel to the optical main axis, wherein each intersecting face is parallel to the intersecting surface, and wherein the intersecting surface and each intersecting face generate a defined outer edge of a light pattern formed by light emitted from the optical system.17. The optical system of claim 16 , wherein the coupling surfaces of the optical fibers all lie in a single plane.18. The optical system of ...

ATHERMALIZED MULTI-PATH INTERFERENCE FILTER

A multi-path interference filter. The multi-path interference filter includes a first port waveguide, a second port waveguide, and an optical structure connecting the first port waveguide and the second port waveguide. The optical structure has a first optical path from the first port waveguide to the second port waveguide, and a second optical path, different from the first optical path, from the first port waveguide to the second port waveguide. The first optical path has a portion, having a first length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The second optical path has a portion, having a second length, within crystalline silicon, and the second optical path has either no portion within hydrogenated amorphous silicon, or a portion, having a third length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon, the third length being less than the first length. 1. An arrayed waveguide grating , comprising:a first star coupler;a second star coupler;an array of waveguides connecting the first star coupler and the second star coupler;one or more first port waveguides connected to the first star coupler; andone or more second port waveguides connected to the second star coupler, a first optical path, from a first waveguide of the first port waveguides, through a first waveguide of the array of waveguides, to a first waveguide of the second port waveguides, includes a portion, having a first length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon,', 'the remainder of the first optical path is within crystalline silicon,', 'a second optical path, from the first waveguide of the first port waveguides, through a second waveguide of the array of waveguides, to the first waveguide of the second port waveguides, includes a portion, having a second length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon,', 'the remainder of the second optical path is within crystalline silicon, and', 'the second length is different from the first length., 'wherein2. The arrayed waveguide grating of claim 1 , wherein a rate of ...

Microelectromechanically actuated deformable optical beam steering for wavelength tunable optical sources, filters, and detectors

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to fully exploit the transmission capacity of optical fibers. State of the art systems in long-haul networks now have aggregated capacities of terabits per second. Moreover, by providing multiple independent multi-gigabit channels, WDM technologies offer service providers with a straight forward way to build networks and expand networks to support multiple clients with different requirements. In order to reduce costs, enhance network flexibility, reduce spares, and provide re-configurability many service providers have migrated away from fixed wavelength transmitters, receivers, and transceivers, to wavelength tunable transmitters, receivers, and transceivers as well as wavelength dependent add-drop multiplexer, space switches etc. However, to meet the competing demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost it is desirable to exploit/adopt monolithic optical circuit technologies, hybrid optoelectronic integration, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

SPECTRUM SHAPING DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR OPTICAL CHARACTERIZATION APPLICATIONS

Implementations disclosed describe a system comprising a first optical device to receive an input beam of light, the input beam having a plurality of spectral components of light, and cause the input beam to disperse into a plurality of spectral beams, wherein each of the plurality of spectral beams corresponds to one of the plurality of spectral components and propagates along a spatial path that is different from spatial paths of other spectral beams, and a second optical device to collect a portion of each of the spectral beams, wherein the collected portion depends on the spatial path of the respective spectral beam, and form an output beam of light from the collected portion of each of the spectral beams, wherein a spectral profile of the output beam is different from a spectral profile of the input beam of light. 1. A system comprising: receive an input beam of light, the input beam comprising a plurality of spectral components of light; and', 'cause the input beam to disperse into a plurality of spectral beams, wherein each of the plurality of spectral beams comprises one of the plurality of spectral components of light, and wherein each of the plurality of spectral beams propagates along a spatial path that is different from spatial paths of each of other spectral beams of the plurality of spectral beams; and, 'a first optical device to collect a portion of each of the plurality of spectral beams, wherein the collected portion depends on the spatial path of the respective spectral beam; and', 'form an output beam of light from the collected portion of each of the plurality of spectral beams, wherein a spectral profile of the output beam is different from a spectral profile of the input beam of light., 'a second optical device to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first optical device comprises a prism to cause the input beam to disperse into the plurality of spectral beams.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first optical device comprises a grating to ...

STABLE, NARROW SPECTRAL LINEWIDTH, FIBER-DELIVERED LASER SOURCE FOR SPIN EXCHANGE OPTICAL PUMPING

Disclosed herein are example embodiments for providing high power, narrow linewidth, high-stability laser sources. Particular embodiments are adapted for use in spin exchange optical pumping (SEOP). One example system comprises an array of laser diodes; a beam twister positioned to receive individual beamlets from the array of laser diodes, the beam twister being configured to rotate the individual beamlets from the array of laser diodes and produce rotated beamlets; one or more collimating lenses positioned to receive the rotated beamlets produced by the beam twister and produce substantially collimated beamlets having a divergence angle; a spectral-line-width-reducing element positioned to receive the substantially collimated beamlets from the one or more collimating lenses and produce spectral-line-width-reduced beamlets; an optical fiber; and one or more focusing lenses positioned between the optical fiber and the spectral-line-width-reducing element and configured to receive the spectral-line-width-reduced beamlets and focus them into the optical fiber. 1. A laser system for spin exchange optical pumping , comprising:a laser source comprising an array of laser diodes;a beam twister positioned to receive individual beamlets from the array of laser diodes, the beam twister being configured to rotate the individual beamlets from the array of laser diodes and produce rotated beamlets;one or more collimating lenses positioned to receive the rotated beamlets produced by the beam twister and produce substantially collimated beamlets having a divergence angle;a spectral-line-width-reducing element positioned to receive the substantially collimated beamlets from the one or more collimating lens and produce spectral-line-width-reduced beamlets;an optical fiber; andone or more focusing lenses positioned between the optical fiber and the spectral-line-width-reducing element and configured to receive the spectral-line-width-reduced beamlets and focus the spectral-line-width ...

Optical Phased Arrays and Methods for Calibrating and Focusing of Optical Phased Arrays

Optical systems and processes for calibrating and focusing optical systems are described. One embodiment of the invention includes an optical phase array (OPA) and an OPA controller that generates control signals to control phase shifters in the OPA. The OPA controller can calibrate the OPA by performing a plurality of phase sweeps using each of a plurality of different basis masks. Each phase sweep can involve performing a phase sweep across a phase sweep range at a plurality of phase step increments with respect to a first group of phase shifters identified in a basis mask. During the phase sweep, a calibration signal can be measured at each of the plurality of phase step increments and the measurements used to generate calibration phase state information. The calibration phase state information can be utilized to perform functions including (but not limited to) beamforming, focusing, and/or other waveform manipulation and control functions. 1. An optical system , comprising:an optical phase array (OPA) comprising a plurality of branches that are each connected to optical elements and each include a phase shifter, where each phase shifter is controllable via control circuitry;an OPA controller configured to generate control signals to control the phase of the phase shifters in the OPA via the control circuitry; [ performing a phase sweep across a phase sweep range at a plurality of phase step increments with respect to a first group of phase shifters identified in a basis mask, where the first group of phase shifters comprises a plurality of phase shifters; and', 'measuring a calibration signal at each of the plurality of phase step increments during the phase sweep; and, 'sending control signals to the OPA control circuitry to perform a plurality of phase sweeps using each of a plurality of different basis masks, where each phase sweep comprises, 'generating calibration phase state information based upon the measured calibration signals., 'wherein the OPA ...

Systems and methods using multi-wavelength single-pulse raman spectroscopy

The invention provides methods and apparatus comprising a multi-wavelength laser source that uses a single unfocused pulse of a low intensity but high power laser over a large sample area to collect Raman scattered collimated light, which is then Rayleigh filtered and focused using a singlet lens into a stacked fiber bundle connected to a customized spectrograph, which separates the individual spectra from the scattered wavelengths using a hybrid diffraction grating for collection onto spectra-specific sections of an array photodetector to measure spectral intensity and thereby identify one or more compounds in the sample.

METHOD OF MAKING A DISTRIBUTED OPTICAL FIBER SENSOR HAVING ENHANCED RAYLEIGH SCATTERING AND ENHANCED TEMPERATURE STABILITY, AND MONITORING SYSTEMS EMPLOYING SAME

A method of making an optical fiber sensor device for distributed sensing includes generating a laser beam comprising a plurality of ultrafast pulses, and focusing the laser beam into a core of an optical fiber to form a nanograting structure within the core, wherein the nanograting structure includes a plurality of spaced nanograting elements each extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of optical fiber. Also, an optical fiber sensor device for distributed sensing includes an optical fiber having a longitudinal axis, a core, and a nanograting structure within the core, wherein the nanograting structure includes a plurality of spaced nanograting elements each extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. Also, a distributed sensing method and system and an energy production system that employs such an optical fiber sensor device. 1. A method of making an optical fiber sensor device structured for distributed sensing , comprising:generating a laser beam comprising a plurality of ultrafast pulses; andfocusing the laser beam into a core of an optical fiber to form a nanograting structure within the core, wherein the nanograting structure includes a plurality of spaced nanograting elements each extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of optical fiber.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of ultrafast pulses comprises a plurality of femtosecond ultrafast pulses.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein each of the femtosecond ultrafast pulses is a sub-μJ laser pulse.4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising causing the laser beam and the optical fiber to be moved relative to one another during focusing such that the nanograting structure is formed within a longitudinally extending portion of the core.5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein a position of the laser beam in a longitudinal direction is stationary and wherein the optical fiber is caused to move ...

Mode Division Multiplexing Using Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers

A VCSEL transmitter includes aa first VCSEL terminal disposed on a substrate and a second VCSEL terminal adjacent thereto. The transmitter also includes a first diffraction element within a first optical path of the first VCSEL terminal which receives and changes a first direction of a first light transmission having a low-order Laguerre Gaussian mode emitted from the first VCSEL terminal. The transmitter further includes a second diffraction element within a second optical path of the second VCSEL terminal which receives the second light transmission and converts the received light into a high-order Laguerre Gaussian mode. The transmitter also includes a mode combiner to direct the first light transmission into a lens which directs the light into a multi-mode optical fiber.

Variable resolution spectrometer

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are provided for recovering a digitized spectrum and may comprise: an optical system configured to transform rays, the optical system including a diffraction grating, a steering mirror, a stage, and an actuator configured to move one of the stage, diffraction grating, or steering mirror according to a movement regime to vary an incidence of the rays on the stage; a sensor array disposed on the stage configured to receive the rays incident from the optical system at a plurality of measurement locations to obtain a plurality of ray spectra; and a processor electrically connected to the sensor array configured to receive the ray spectra, interleave the ray spectra to yield an interleaved spectrum, and deconvolve a point spread function corresponding to the optical system from the interleaved spectrum to yield a recovered digitized spectrum.

ATHERMALIZED MULTI-PATH INTERFERENCE FILTER

A multi-path interference filter. The multi-path interference filter includes a first port waveguide, a second port waveguide, and an optical structure connecting the first port waveguide and the second port waveguide. The optical structure has a first optical path from the first port waveguide to the second port waveguide, and a second optical path, different from the first optical path, from the first port waveguide to the second port waveguide. The first optical path has a portion, having a first length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The second optical path has a portion, having a second length, within crystalline silicon, and the second optical path has either no portion within hydrogenated amorphous silicon, or a portion, having a third length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon, the third length being less than the first length. 1. An arrayed waveguide grating , comprising:a first star coupler;a second star coupler;an array of waveguides connecting the first star coupler and the second star coupler;one or more first port waveguides connected to the first star coupler; andone or more second port waveguides connected to the second star coupler, a first optical path, from a first waveguide of the first port waveguides, through a first waveguide of the array of waveguides, to a first waveguide of the second port waveguides, includes a portion, having a first length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon,', 'the remainder of the first optical path is within crystalline silicon,', 'a second optical path, from the first waveguide of the first port waveguides, through a second waveguide of the array of waveguides, to the first waveguide of the second port waveguides, includes a portion, having a second length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon,', 'the remainder of the second optical path is within crystalline silicon, and', 'the second length is different from the first length., 'wherein2. The arrayed waveguide grating of claim 1 , wherein a rate of ...

Dispersion-compensative optical assembly

An optical assembly includes a first grating device configured to: receive a light beam that includes an optical signal with a particular wavelength from a fiber; and change a propagation direction of the optical signal according to the particular wavelength of the optical signal. The optical assembly also includes a second grating device configured to: receive the optical signal outputted from the first grating device; change the propagation direction of the optical signal according to the particular wavelength of the optical signal; and direct the optical signal onto a grating coupler. The first grating device and the second grating device are configured to satisfy a plurality of configuration constraints.

Optical Processing

A modular routing node includes a single input port and a plurality of output ports. The modular routing node is arranged to produce a plurality of different deflections and uses small adjustments to compensate for wavelength differences and alignment tolerances in an optical system. An optical device is arranged to receive a multiplex of many optical signals at different wavelengths, to separate the optical signals into at least two groups, and to process at least one of the groups adaptively.

SYSTEMS, APPARATUSES, AND METHODS FOR MONOCHROMATIC DISPLAY WAVEGUIDES

The disclosed apparatus may include a waveguide configuration that may include (1) a coupling area having at least one coupling element configured to receive a plurality of monochromatic images, where each of the monochromatic images is of a predetermined wavelength of light, (2) a propagation area in which light, received via the at least one coupling element, moves within a length of the waveguide configuration, and (3) a decoupling area that extends along the propagation area and includes decoupling elements that project a polychromatic image toward an eyebox, where the polychromatic image includes the monochromatic images of the predetermined wavelengths of light. Associated systems and devices are also provided herein. 1. An apparatus comprising: a coupling area having at least one coupling element configured to receive a plurality of monochromatic images, wherein each of the monochromatic images is of a predetermined wavelength of light;', 'a propagation area in which light, received via the at least one coupling element, moves within a length of the waveguide configuration; and', 'a decoupling area that extends along the propagation area and comprises decoupling elements that project a polychromatic image toward an eyebox, the polychromatic image comprising the monochromatic images of the predetermined wavelengths of light., 'a waveguide configuration including2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide configuration comprises: a first top surface; and', 'a first bottom surface disposed opposite the first top surface; and, 'a first waveguide comprising a second top surface; and', 'a second bottom surface disposed opposite the second top surface; and, 'a second waveguide comprising 'the propagation area comprises a first propagation area portion between the first top surface and first bottom surface and a second propagation area portion between the second top surface and the second bottom surface.', 'wherein3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the at ...

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for image shifting in monochromatic display devices

The disclosed apparatus may include (1) a plurality of monochromatic emitter arrays, where each of the plurality of monochromatic emitter arrays has a plurality of emitters disposed in a two-dimensional configuration and emits a monochromatic image of a corresponding color, (2) a waveguide configuration that includes (a) a top surface, (b) a bottom surface disposed opposite the top surface, (c) a coupling area that receives the monochromatic images, and (d) a decoupling area that projects a plurality of instances of a polychromatic image including a combination of the monochromatic images toward an eyebox through the bottom surface, and (3) an actuator system that produces lateral shifting of the plurality of instances of the polychromatic image between at least two positions relative to the waveguide configuration. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed.

RECONFIGURABLE OPTICAL ADD/DROP MULTIPLEXER

Embodiments of the present invention provide a reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer, including: an input component, an output component, a beamsplitter, a first switch array, a wavelength dispersion system, a redirection system, and a second switch array. The input component includes M+P input ports, the output component includes N output ports, the beamsplitter is configured to: receive M input beams from M input ports, and split each of the M input beams into at least N parts, to obtain at least M×N beams; the first switch array includes at least P switch units; and the second switch array includes N rows of switch units. The first switch array, the beamsplitter, the wavelength dispersion system, the redirection system, and the second switch array are arranged so that P optical add beams and sub-beams of M×N beams in the at least M×N beams can be routed to the N output ports. 1. A reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer , comprising:an input component comprising M+P input ports, wherein M input ports are used for dimensional input, P input ports are used for wavelength adding, and M and P are integers greater than or equal to 1;an output component comprising N output ports, wherein the N output ports are used for dimensional output, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1;a first switch array comprising at least P switch units, wherein each of the P input ports corresponds to at least one of the at least P switch units, and the at least P switch units are configured to: receive P input beams from the P input ports, and route the P input beams;a beamsplitter, configured to: receive M input beams from the M input ports, and split each of the M input beams into at least N parts, to obtain at least M×N beams;a wavelength dispersion system, configured to: receive the P input beams from the first switch array, and disperse the P input beams, to obtain sub-beams of the P input beams, and further configured to: receive the at least M×N beams from the ...

Optical Processing

A modular routing node includes a single input port and a plurality of output ports. The modular routing node is arranged to produce a plurality of different deflections and uses small adjustments to compensate for wavelength differences and alignment tolerances in an optical system. An optical device is arranged to receive a multiplex of many optical signals at different wavelengths, to separate the optical signals into at least two groups, and to process at least one of the groups adaptively. 1. An optical routing module having at least two inputs and at least one output and operable to select between the inputs , the module comprising:a reflective Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) having a two-dimensional array of controllable elements, a dispersion device, an optical device, and circuitry constructed and arranged to control the controllable elements of the SLM to determine what is output, wherein:the dispersion device is disposed to receive light from said at least two inputs and is constructed and arranged to angularly disperse light beams of different centre wavelengths;the optical device is disposed to receive the angularly dispersed light beams from the dispersion device, to direct the light beams to respective different two-dimensional groups of controllable elements of the SLM and to spatially distribute the light beams from the dispersion device by wavelength as input light beams both across the SLM and within each of the two-dimensional groups, thereby to form light beams having spatially separated centre wavelengths at the SLM;the SLM is disposed to receive one or more input light beams having spatially separated centre wavelengths from the optical device and to form one or more emergent reflected output light beams, and is operable to steer the one or more emergent reflected output light beams away from the input light beams; andthe optical device and dispersion element are further disposed such that all wavelengths selected for routing to an output are ...

TUNABLE OPTICAL FILTER WITH BANDWIDTH TUNING CAPABILITY

Wavelength-tuning optical filters are presented that also allows for the tuning or real-time adjustment of its bandwidth, or passband width. The bandwidth-adjustable tunable optical filters use one or more diffraction gratings that are fixed in place to provide angular dispersion of different wavelengths. A first rotatable or tilting mirror is used to adjust the angle of incidence of an input optical beam to the diffraction grating or diffraction grating system, while a second rotatable or tilting mirror is used to aim the diffracted optical beam back through the diffraction grating or diffraction grating system, so that a subset of the incoming wavelengths are optically aligned to the end face of an output fiber. The first rotatable or tilting mirror provides tuning or adjustment of the bandwidth or passband width of the tunable optical filter, while the second rotatable or tilting mirror tunes or adjusts the center wavelength of the passband.

Beam splitting apparatus

A beam-splitting apparatus arranged to receive an input radiation beam and split the input radiation beam into a plurality of output radiation beams. The beam-splitting apparatus comprising a plurality of reflective diffraction gratings arranged to receive a radiation beam and configured to form a diffraction pattern comprising a plurality of diffraction orders, at least some of the reflective diffraction gratings being arranged to receive a 0diffraction order formed at another of the reflective diffraction gratings. The reflective diffraction gratings are arranged such that the optical path of each output radiation beam includes no more than one instance of a diffraction order which is not a 0diffraction order. 162.-. (canceled)63. A beam-splitting apparatus arranged to receive an input radiation beam and split the input radiation beam into a plurality of output radiation beams , the beam-splitting apparatus comprising:{'sup': 'th', 'a plurality of reflective diffraction gratings arranged to receive the input radiation beam and configured to form a diffraction pattern comprising a plurality of diffraction orders, at least some of the reflective diffraction gratings being arranged to receive a 0diffraction order formed at another of the reflective diffraction gratings;'}{'sup': 'th', 'wherein the plurality of reflective diffraction gratings are further arranged such that the optical path of each output radiation beam includes no more than one instance of a diffraction order that is not a 0diffraction order.'}64. The beam-splitting apparatus of claim 63 , wherein the output radiation beams are coupled to a plurality of lithographic apparatus.65. The beam-splitting apparatus of claim 63 , wherein the diffraction gratings are configured such that the output radiation beams each have substantially the same power.66. The beam-splitting apparatus of claim 63 , wherein the beam-splitting apparatus further comprises:a first reflective diffraction grating arranged to receive ...

DISPERSION-COMPENSATIVE OPTICAL ASSEMBLY

An optical assembly includes a first grating device configured to: receive a light beam that includes an optical signal with a particular wavelength from a fiber; and change a propagation direction of the optical signal according to the particular wavelength of the optical signal. The optical assembly also includes a second grating device configured to: receive the optical signal outputted from the first grating device; change the propagation direction of the optical signal according to the particular wavelength of the optical signal; and direct the optical signal onto a grating coupler. The first grating device and the second grating device are configured to satisfy a plurality of configuration constraints. 1. An optical assembly comprising:a first grating device and a second grating device, each configured to provide dispersion; anda device to provide focusing;wherein the first and second grating devices and the device to provide focusing are positioned in an optical path between an optical fiber and a grating coupler of a planar waveguide device.2. The optical assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second grating devices are parallel and have the same dispersive properties.3. The optical assembly of claim 2 , wherein the first and second grating devices have parallel straight lines with equal areal density.4. The optical assembly of claim 1 , wherein:the first grating device is configured to receive a light beam from a fiber, the light beam including a plurality of optical signals with different spectral components;the first grating device and the second grating device are configured such that after propagating through both the first grating device and the second grating device, the optical signals converge and are incident on the grating coupler with different input angles that respectively match optimal incidence angles configured for the different spectral components on the grating coupler.5. An optical assembly comprising: receive a light beam that ...

TUNABLE FILTER

A variable wavelength filter includes: an input optical fiber; a diffraction grating that disperses input light from the input optical fiber; a variable mirror that has a reflective surface, wherein an angle of the reflective surface is adjustable, the variable mirror reflects the input light dispersed by the diffraction grating, the input light reflected by the variable mirror passes through a normal optical path, the input light that passes through the normal optical path has a wavelength band defined based on the angle of the reflective surface, and the defined wavelength band has a center wavelength corresponding to the angle of the reflective surface; an output optical fiber that outputs a portion of the input light that has passed through the normal optical path; and an optical detector disposed on a propagation path of the input light from the input optical fiber to the output optical fiber. 16.-. (canceled)7. A variable wavelength filter , comprising:an input optical fiber;a diffraction grating that disperses input light from the input optical fiber; an angle of the reflective surface is adjustable,', 'the variable mirror reflects the input light dispersed by the diffraction grating,', 'the input light reflected by the variable mirror passes through a normal optical path,', 'the input light that passes through the normal optical path has a wavelength band defined based on the angle of the reflective surface, and', 'the defined wavelength band has a center wavelength corresponding to the angle of the reflective surface;, 'a variable mirror that has a reflective surface, wherein'}an output optical fiber that outputs a portion of the input light that has passed through the normal optical path; and 'wherein the optical detector detects a light intensity of a portion of the input light.', 'an optical detector disposed on a propagation path of the input light from the input optical fiber to the output optical fiber,'}8. The variable wavelength filter according to ...

IMAGING TECHNIQUES USING AN IMAGING GUIDEWIRE

Techniques for imaging are disclosed. In one example, the disclosure is directed to a sensor positioned on an elongate optical fiber. The sensor comprises a plurality of blazed Bragg gratings configured to generate acoustic energy for imaging a region in response to a first optical signal, an interferometer configured to sense acoustic energy from the region and to provide a responsive second optical signal, the interferometer including a first fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and a second FBG, wherein the plurality of blazed Bragg gratings are positioned between the first and second FBGs. 1. (canceled)2. A method comprising:tuning a transmit laser to a first wavelength and transmitting first optical signals toward first blazed Bragg gratings configured to generate acoustic energies for imaging first regions in response to the first optical signals;tracking a position of a point on a slope of a transmission notch generated within a reflection band by a pair of fiber Bragg gratings, wherein the first blazed Bragg gratings are positioned between the pair of fiber Bragg gratings; andadjusting an operating characteristic of the transmit laser using a change in the position of the point to compensate for a change in temperature.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:sensing acoustic energies from the first regions and generating responsive optical signals;acquiring information from the responsive optical signals.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the responsive optical signals are first responsive optical signals claim 3 , the method further comprising:tuning the transmit laser to a second wavelength and transmitting second optical signals toward second blazed Bragg gratings configured to generate acoustic energies for imaging second regions in response to the second optical signals;sensing acoustic energies from the second regions and generating second responsive optical signals;acquiring information from the second responsive optical signals; andgenerating an image of ...

Optical grating coupling structure

The invention relates to a grating coupler comprising: —an optical substrate arranged to transfer a light beam, and—a diffraction grating arranged on, or imbedded in, the surface of said optical substrate, said diffraction grating comprising diffraction grating elements comprising each a coating arranged asymmetrically on said diffraction grating elements. The grating coupler is further arranged to satisfy the condition: (n1×sin(IαI)+η2)/λ×P>1, wherein n1 is the refractive index of the optical medium to the incident light side of the diffraction grating elements, n2 is the refractive index of the optical medium to the diffracted light side of the diffraction grating elements, lal the absolute value of the incident angle of the light beam incident on the grating coupler λ is the vacuum wavelength of the diffracted light, and P is the period of the diffraction grating elements.

RECONFIGURABLE OPTICAL ADD/DROP MULTIPLEXER

Embodiments of the present invention provide a reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer, including: an input component, an output component, a beamsplitter, a first switch array, a wavelength dispersion system, a redirection system, and a second switch array. The input component includes M+P input ports, the output component includes N output ports, the beamsplitter is configured to: receive M input beams from M input ports, and split each of the M input beams into at least N parts, to obtain at least M×N beams; the first switch array includes at least P switch units; and the second switch array includes N rows of switch units. The first switch array, the beamsplitter, the wavelength dispersion system, the redirection system, and the second switch array are arranged so that P optical add beams and sub-beams of M×N beams in the at least M×N beams can be routed to the N output ports. 1. A reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer , comprising:an input component comprising M+P input ports, wherein M input ports are used for dimensional input, P input ports are used for wavelength adding, and M and P are integers greater than or equal to 1;an output component comprising N output ports, wherein the N output ports are used for dimensional output, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1;a first switch array comprising at least P switch units, wherein each of the P input ports is corresponding to at least one of the at least P switch units, and the at least P switch units are configured to: receive P input beams from the P input ports, and route the P input beams;a beamsplitter, configured to: receive M input beams from the M input ports, and split each of the M input beams into at least N parts, to obtain at least M×N beams;a wavelength dispersion system, configured to: receive the P input beams from the first switch array, and disperse the P input beams, to obtain sub-beams of the P input beams, and further configured to: receive the at least M×N beams from ...

OPTICAL DEMULTIPLEXING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MULTI-CARRIER DISTRIBUTION

An optical demultiplexing apparatus and method for multi-carrier distribution are provided. The optical demultiplexing apparatus may include a demultiplexer and a carrier distributor. The optical demultiplexing apparatus and method allow efficient demultiplexing of a multi-carrier light source by using a single demultiplexer even when a carrier spacing of the light source varies. 1. An optical demultiplexing apparatus comprising:a demultiplexer configured to demultiplex a received multi-carrier light source according to a predesignated period; and{'b': 1', '2', '1', '1', '2', '1', '2, 'a carrier distributor configured to, in a case where a wavelength spacing of the demultiplexed multi-carrier light source is set to be space S or space S, which is greater than space S, and the wavelength spacing can be switched between space S and space S, determine an output wavelength spacing and bandwidth of output ports based on information about space S and space S, and distribute carriers of the demultiplexed multi-carrier light source based on the calculated output wavelength spacing and bandwidth, such that the output ports are disposed to have the calculated wavelength spacing and a wavelength of a respective carrier is located within the calculated bandwidth of a respective output port.'}2121122. The optical demultiplexing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein in a case where two carriers are included in the multi-carrier light source and two output ports are provided claim 1 , the carrier distributor determines the output wavelength spacing ΔF between the two output ports and the bandwidth BW of the output ports claim 1 , both of which satisfy (ΔF−BW)≦S≦(ΔF+BW) and (3×ΔF−BW)≦S≦(3×ΔF+BW) claim 1 , where ΔF represents the output wavelength spacing of the output ports claim 1 , BW denotes the bandwidth of the output port claim 1 , S represents space S and S represents space S.321121122. The optical demultiplexing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein in a case where two carriers are ...

High-Throughput Hyperspectral Imaging With Superior Resolution And Optical Sectioning

An imaging system includes a light source configured to illuminate a target and a camera configured to image light responsively emitted from the target and reflected from a spatial light modulator (SLM). The imaging system is configured to generate high-resolution, hyperspectral images of the target. The SLM includes a refractive layer that is chromatically dispersive and that has a refractive index that is controllable. The refractive index of the refractive layer can be controlled to vary according to a gradient such that light reflected from the SLM is chromatically dispersed and spectrographic information about the target can be captured using the camera. Such a system could be operated confocally, e.g., by incorporating a micromirror device configured to control a spatial pattern of illumination of the target and to modulate the transmission of light from the target to the camera via the SLM according to a corresponding spatial pattern.

Tunable Three-Port Wavelength Splitter, For Optical Communication and the Multiplexing and De-Multiplexing of Optical Signals

A tunable optical device uses a diffraction grating to angularly disperse a collimated beam carrying multiple wavelengths into multiple individually collimated wavelength beams, and then refocuses each of the individual collimated beams to its own focusing point on a moving plate that is located in the region of the focus plane. One or more reflective dots on the moving plate then selectively reflect particular wavelength(s) back to a first output port. The unselected wavelengths are transmitted through the moving plate, where they are then recombined and sent to a second output port. In a typical optical network architecture, the selected wavelength(s) could be viewed as the dropped traffic at a node of the optical network, while the unselected wavelengths could be viewed as the express traffic that is being passed to another node of the network. The device can also be used as a wavelength or beam combiner as well as a splitter. 1. A tunable wavelength optical device , comprising:a first diffraction section configured such that light of different wavelengths of a beam of light coupled thereto from a first port are diffracted into different wavelength components, focusing the light of the different wavelength components within a focal region; the plate having one or more first reflective sections that reflect light of one or more of the wavelength components coupled thereto from the first diffraction section towards the first diffraction section so that light is diffracted a first time and a second time by the first diffraction section in an optical path between the first port and a second port, and', 'where the plate directs light of wavelength components other than those coupled to the first reflective sections in an optical path between the first port and a third port, along which the light of wavelength components other than those coupled to the first reflective sections is diffracted a first time by the first diffraction section; and, 'a plate at least ...

WAFER-LEVEL TESTING OF LASERS ATTACHED TO PHOTONICS CHIPS

Structures for a photonics chip, testing methods for a photonics chip, and methods of forming a structure for a photonics chip. A photonics chip includes a first waveguide, a second waveguide, an optical tap coupling the first waveguide to the second waveguide, and a photodetector coupled to the second waveguide. A laser is attached to the photonics chip. The laser is configured to generate laser light directed by the first waveguide to the optical tap. 1. A structure comprising:a first photonics chip including a first waveguide, a second waveguide, a first optical tap coupling the first waveguide to the second waveguide, and a first photodetector coupled to the second waveguide; anda first laser attached to the first photonics chip, the first laser configured to generate laser light directed by the first waveguide to the first optical tap.2. The structure of wherein the first photonics chip includes a third waveguide claim 1 , a grating coupler coupled to the third waveguide claim 1 , and a second optical tap coupling the third waveguide to the second waveguide.3. The structure of wherein the first photonics chip includes a third waveguide claim 1 , a grating coupler coupled to the third waveguide claim 1 , and a second optical tap coupling the third waveguide to the first waveguide.4. The structure of wherein the first photonics chip includes a third waveguide claim 1 , a second photodetector coupled to the third waveguide claim 1 , and a second optical tap coupling the third waveguide to the second waveguide.5. The structure of wherein the first photonics chip includes a fourth waveguide claim 4 , a grating coupler coupled to the third waveguide claim 4 , and a third optical tap coupling the fourth waveguide to the first waveguide.6. The structure of wherein the first photonics chip includes an absorber claim 1 , and the first waveguide is configured to couple the first laser to the absorber.7. The structure of wherein the first photonics chip includes an edge ...

QUANTUM WAVE-CONVERTER

A plug-and-play fiber-coupled nonlinear optical quantum wave-converter, optimized for quantum communications, comprises a commercial periodically-poled, waveguide-based, nonlinear optical chip, coupled with a pair of substrate-guided holographic (SGH) wavelength division multiplexers (WDM) and a pair of SGH filters; it offers bidirectional difference frequency conversion (DFG) and sum frequency conversion (SFG) simultaneously in a single packaged device. 1. A method for providing secure quantum communications , comprising two optical sources having different wavelengths into a single nonlinear optical device , implementing SFG and/or DFG on these sources to produce radiation at a different wavelength , and filtering the output so only radiation from the produced wavelength results.2. The method of wherein at least one optical source is a laser.3. The method of wherein the nonlinear optical device is a crystal.4. The method of wherein the nonlinear optical crystal is poled.5. The method of wherein the nonlinear optical device implements a waveguide.6. The method of including using SGH optics to combine wavelength.7. The method of wherein the SGH optics include optical power.8. The method of wherein filtering the output includes the use of SGH optics.9. The method of when the SGH optics include optical power.10. The method of inlcuding the use of optical fibers as inputs and outputs.11. The method of including implementing SFG and DFG simultaneously in a single unit.12. A device for providing secure quantum communications between systems at different locations claim 1 , comprising:A multiplexer for combining a signal and a pump at separated wavelengths into a single focused collinear beam;A nonlinear optical crystal for converting the collinear beam to a target wavelength by a sum frequency generator and/or difference frequency generator; andA spectral filter with a passband that includes the target wavelength.13. The device of wherein the sum frequency generator and ...

THERMAL INSULATOR FOR FIBER OPTIC COMPONENTS

An embodiment of the indention includes a passive, fiber optic, thermal insulator. The thermal insulator includes an inner sleeve defining a central access port. The thermal insulator includes an outer sleeve concentric to the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are joined sufficient to define an annular void. The thermal insulator includes a first insulator located in the annular void. Optionally, the apparatus includes at least one optical fiber secured in the central access port. 1. An apparatus comprising:a passive, fiber optic, thermal insulator comprising:an inner sleeve defining a central access port;an outer sleeve concentric to said inner sleeve, said inner sleeve and said outer sleeve being joined sufficient to define an annular void;a first insulator located in the annular void.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said inner sleeve comprises a circular inner sleeve cross-section claim 1 , said outer sleeve comprising a circular outer sleeve cross-section.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said outer sleeve comprises outer sleeve ends claim 1 , said inner sleeve said outer sleeve ends tapering toward said inner sleeve.4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said inner sleeve comprises an inner sleeve material claim 1 , said outer sleeve comprising an outer sleeve material.wherein said inner sleeve material and said outer sleeve material comprise one of a same material and a different material.5. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein said outer sleeve material comprises an outer sleeve material melting temperature claim 4 , said inner sleeve material comprising an inner sleeve material melting temperature greater than said outer sleeve material melting temperature.6. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein said outer sleeve material comprises a doped silica glass claim 5 , said inner sleeve material comprising a pure silica glass.7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said first insulator ...

INTEGRATED OPTICAL COMPONENTS WITH WAVELENGTH TUNING AND POWER ISOLATION FUNCTIONS

A tunable optical filter integrates the functions of wavelength tuning and power isolation of back reflection. The optical signal enters a Faraday rotator twice, and isolation is provided by two birefringent crystals, having their optical axes oriented at 45 degrees with respect to each other. The two birefringent crystals are on the same side of the Faraday rotator. The integration of an optical tunable filter and an isolator function into a single packaged component helps to reduce the size and complexity of optical amplifier systems, such as EDFAs and PDFAs, operating in the 1550 nm and 1310 nm transmission bands, respectively. 1. A tunable optical filter device , comprising:a diffraction element oriented to differentially diffract light of different wavelengths of a beam of light incident thereupon from an input port;a reflector configured to reflect a portion of the beam of light incident thereupon by the diffraction element to be diffracted a second time by the diffraction element in an optical path between the input port and an output port;a first birefringent element having a first optical axis in the optical path between the input port and the diffraction element;a second birefringent element having a second optical axis in the optical path between the diffraction element and the output port, wherein the second optical axis is oriented substantially at a 45 degree angle with respect to the first optical axis along the optical path;one or more Faraday rotators located in the optical path between the first and second birefringent elements such that the optical path passes through each of the Faraday rotators one or more times, where the one or more Faraday rotators are configured to provide a combined rotation of polarization to a beam of light traversing the optical path between the first and second birefringent elements substantially equal to the difference in orientation between the optical axes of the first and second birefringent elements; andan actuator ...

METHOD AND DEVICE HAVING A SATURABLE ABSORBER FOR FILTERING

A self-fit optical filter includes a dual fiber collimator, a diffraction grating for spatially dispersing the input light beam into a plurality of sub-beams, a cylindrical lens for focusing each of the sub-beams at a saturable absorber which becomes saturated dependent on intensity of light, and a reflector for reflecting the sub-beams back along their optical paths. A method of filtering includes: demultiplexing an input beam into a plurality of sub-beams having distinct center wavelengths, at least partially absorbing one or more of the sub-beams by using a saturable absorber while allowing other sub-beams to pass through, substantially unattenuated, and multiplexing the sub-beams into an output optical signal. 1. A method of filtering optical signals in a WDM system , comprising:(a) demultiplexing an input beam into a plurality of sub-beams having distinct center wavelengths;(b) at least partially absorbing one or more of the plurality of sub-beams by using a saturable absorber, and allowing a plurality of other sub-beams to pass, substantially unattenuated; wherein the saturable absorber becomes saturated dependent on intensity of light, at least for light having wavelength within a particular range, so that a coefficient of absorption for any sub-beam with intensity within a first interval of intensities is at least four times less than a coefficient of absorption for any sub-beam with intensity within a second interval of intensities, and wherein the first interval of intensities is above a saturation threshold and the second interval of intensities is below the saturation threshold; and,(c) multiplexing the substantially unattenuated plurality of sub-beams into an output optical signal.2. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein step (b) comprises focusing each of the plurality of sub-beams substantially at the saturable absorber so as to increase intensities of the sub-beams on a surface of the saturable absorber.3. The method defined in claim 2 , wherein ...

Multiport Tunable Optical Filters

A tunable multiport optical filter includes various types of arrays of optical ports. The tunable filter also includes a light dispersion element (e.g., a grating) and a reflective beam steering element (e.g., a tilting mirror). An optical signal exits an optical (input) port, is dispersed by the light dispersion element, reflects off the reflective beam steering element back to the light dispersion element, and on to another optical (output) port. The reflective beam steering element can be steered such that a wavelength portion of the dispersed optical signal can be coupled to the optical output port. For example, the input optical signal may be a wavelength division multiplexed signal carrying multiple channels on different wavelengths, and the tunable multiport optical filter directs one of the channels to the output optical port. Additionally, the tunable filter may be incorporated into a device acting as a wavelength reference. 1. A tunable multiport optical filter comprising:a two-dimensional array of optical ports, including both optical input ports and corresponding optical output ports, the two-dimensional array extending along both an x-direction and a y-direction that is not parallel to the x-direction;a light dispersion element positioned to receive optical signals from the optical input ports and to disperse the optical signals along the y-direction, each received optical signal dispersed into a plurality of separate wavelength components; anda reflective beam steering element positioned to receive the multiple pluralities of separate wavelengths components dispersed by the light dispersion element and to reflect the dispersed optical signal back to the light dispersion element, the reflective beam steering element controllable such that selected wavelength components of the dispersed optical signals can be redirected through the light dispersion element to couple to the corresponding optical output ports without significant coupling to other optical ...

FIBER BRAGG GRATING INTERROGATION AND SENSING SYSTEM AND METHODS

Fiber Bragg grating interrogation and sensing used for strain and temperature measurements. A simple, broadband light source is used to interrogate one or more fiber Bragg grating (FBG). Specifically, a packaged LED is coupled to fiber, the light therefrom is reflected off a uniform FBG. The reflected light is subsequently analyzed using a filter and a plurality of Si photodetectors. In particular, the filter is a chirped FBG or an optically coated filter, in accordance with some embodiments. Measurement analysis is performed by ratio of intensities at the plurality of detectors, at least in part. 1. A method for interrogating a fiber Bragg grating comprising:powering a light source with a current;illuminating a fiber Bragg grating with a light pulse;{'sub': '1', 'reflecting a portion of the light pulse centered a first wavelength λ;'}{'sub': '1', 'separating the portion of the light pulse centered at a first wavelength λinto a first and second intensity;'}{'sub': '2', 'filtering the first intensity with a filter centered at a second wavelength λ;'}measuring the filtered first intensity;measuring the second intensity; andcalculating a change in the fiber Bragg grating using the measurement of the first and second intensity.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a first light emitting diode have a spectral intensity centered about a third wavelength claim 1 , λ.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the light source further comprises a second light emitting diode have a spectral intensity centered about a fourth wavelength claim 2 , λ.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the filtering the first intensity with a filter centered at a second wavelength λis performed with an optically coated filter.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the filtering the first intensity with a filter centered at a second wavelength λis performed with a chirped fiber Bragg grating.6. The method of further comprising calculating a ratio of the first and second intensity.7. The ...

Wavelength Selective Switch

A wavelength selective switch (WSS) includes a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panel and a fiber array with multiple ports. The two outermost ports of the multiple ports are a first port and a second port. An included angle between an intersecting line of the LCOS panel and a first plane in which the incident light entering the LCOS panel and emergent light exiting the LCOS panel are located, and incident light entering the LCOS panel is (90−θ) degrees, where a wavelength of the incident light is same as a wavelength of the emergent light, θ is less than 15 degrees, the first port and the included angle of (90−θ) degrees are located on a same side of the incident light, and the second port and the included angle of (90−θ) degrees are separately located on two sides of the incident light. 2. The WSS according to claim 1 , wherein a grating period Λ of a blazed-grating-like structure on the LCOS panel meets a condition of Λ=λ/(sin θ+sin B) wherein Bis a diffraction angle of a +1-order diffractive light in the emergent light and λ is the wavelength of the incident light and the emergent light claim 1 , wherein Bis equal to θ+arctan(l/f) when a destination output port of the +1-order diffractive light and the included angle of (90−θ) degrees are located on a same side of the incident light claim 1 , and wherein lis a distance between the destination output port and the input port.3. The WSS according to claim 1 , wherein θ is less than 5 degrees.4. The WSS according to claim 1 , wherein a blazed-grating-like structure on the LCOS panel is configured to adjust a diffraction angle of diffractive light at various orders in the emergent light claim 1 , and wherein the first plane is parallel to a straight line in which the multiple ports that are arranged in a column are located.5. The WSS according to claim 1 , further comprising:a deflection processing component;a reflection component;a demultiplexing component; anda multiplexing component.6. A wavelength selective ...

ATHERMALIZED MULTI-PATH INTERFERENCE FILTER

A multi-path interference filter. The multi-path interference filter includes a first port waveguide, a second port waveguide, and an optical structure connecting the first port waveguide and the second port waveguide. The optical structure has a first optical path from the first port waveguide to the second port waveguide, and a second optical path, different from the first optical path, from the first port waveguide to the second port waveguide. The first optical path has a portion, having a first length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The second optical path has a portion, having a second length, within crystalline silicon, and the second optical path has either no portion within hydrogenated amorphous silicon, or a portion, having a third length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon, the third length being less than the first length. 1. An arrayed waveguide grating , comprising:a first star coupler;a second star coupler;an array of waveguides connecting the first star coupler and the second star coupler;one or more first port waveguides connected to the first star coupler; andone or more second port waveguides connected to the second star coupler, a first optical path, from a first waveguide of the first port waveguides, through a first waveguide of the array of waveguides, to a first waveguide of the second port waveguides, includes a portion, having a first length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon,', 'the remainder of the first optical path is within crystalline silicon,', 'a second optical path, from the first waveguide of the first port waveguides, through a second waveguide of the array of waveguides, to the first waveguide of the second port waveguides, includes a portion, having a second length, within hydrogenated amorphous silicon,', 'the remainder of the second optical path is within crystalline silicon, and', 'the second length is different from the first length., 'wherein2. The arrayed waveguide grating of claim 1 , wherein a rate of ...

Transmission grating and laser device using the same, and method of producing transmission grating

A transmission grating includes: first light-transmissive regions having a refractive index of n1, and second light-transmissive regions having a refractive index of n2 that is smaller than n1 Light-reflecting interfaces on which light transmitted through the first light-transmissive regions is incident are in parallel with one another and are inclined such that a line normal to each of light-reflecting interfaces is at an inclination angle θ with respect to the flat light-incident surface and to the flat light-emitting surface, wherein 0°<θ<90°. When a thickness of the first light-transmissive regions in a direction perpendicular to the light-reflecting surfaces is t1 and a thickness of the second light-transmissive regions in a direction perpendicular to the light-reflecting surfaces is t2, the thickness t2 is in a range of 0.1/π(n12−n22)1/2 to t1.

POLARIZATION INDEPENDENT MULTIPLEXER / DEMULTIPLEXER

An integrated optical component includes at least one input waveguide, at least one output waveguide; a first slab waveguide having a first refractive index, n. The first slab waveguide may be disposed between at least one of the input waveguides and at least one of the output waveguides. The integrated optical component may further include a second slab waveguide having a second refractive index, n. The integrated optical component may also include a third cladding slab having a third refractive index, n. The third cladding slab may be disposed between the first slab and the second slab. The thickness of the second slab waveguide and the thickness of the third slab waveguide are adjustable to reduce a birefringence of the integrated optical component. 1. An integrated optical component comprising:at least one input waveguide;at least one output waveguide;a first slab waveguide disposed between the at least one input waveguide and the at least one output waveguide, wherein the first slab waveguide includes SiN;a second slab waveguide comprising a sub-wavelength grating structure; anda third cladding slab disposed between the first slab and the second slab, wherein a thickness of the second slab waveguide and the thickness of the third cladding slab reduce a birefringence of the integrated optical component.2. A waveguide-based optical device , comprising:an input waveguide configured to receive an input signal;a signal splitter configured to divide the input signal into a plurality of beams;a set of output waveguides configured to receive the plurality of beams from the signal splitter; and a silicon nitride (SiN) layer; and', 'a retarder layer disposed apart from the SiN layer, the retarder layer having an effective refractive index based on at least a first refractive index and a second refractive index provided by layers formed in the retarder layer., 'a free-space slab propagation region disposed between a signal splitter and a plurality of output waveguides, ...

Wavelength Division Multiplexing/Demultiplexing Optical Transceiving Assembly Based on Diffraction Grating

The present invention provides a wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing optical transceiving assembly based on a diffraction grating, which is an uplink optical emitting unit and a downlink optical receiving unit that comprise a laser chip array, a light receiving detector array, a first fast axis collimating lens, a second fast axis collimating lens, a first slow axis collimating lens, a diffraction grating, a slow axis focusing lens, a second slow axis collimating lens, an optical isolator, a coupling output lens, a coupling input lens, a coupling outputting optical fiber and a coupling inputting optical fiber. The wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing optical transceiving assembly solves the technical problem of sharing a diffraction grating to realize a wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing function, achieves the beneficial effects of better diffraction grating filtering property, smaller light path coupling loss and insertion loss correlative with wavelength, larger independent optical element sizes, and simpler assembly process, and is more suitable for manufacturing a multi-channel wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing optical transceiving assembly. 1. A wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing optical transceiving assembly based on a diffraction grating , which is an uplink optical emitting unit and a downlink optical receiving unit that comprise a laser chip array , a light receiving detector array , a first fast axis collimating lens , a second fast axis collimating lens , a first slow axis collimating lens , a diffraction grating , a slow axis focusing lens , a second slow axis collimating lens , an optical isolator , a coupling output lens , a coupling input lens , a coupling outputting optical fiber and a coupling inputting optical fiber , wherein: the first fast axis collimating lens and the laser chip array are arranged correspondingly to each other , the second fast axis collimating lens and the light ...

BIDIRECTIONAL OPTICAL MULTIPLEXING EMPLOYING A HIGH CONTRAST GRATING

Bidirectional optical multiplexing employs a high contrast grating as one or both of a beam-forming lens and a relay mirror. A bidirectional optical multiplexer includes the beam-forming lens to focus light. The light is one or both of a light beam internal to and another light beam external to the bidirectional optical multiplexer. The bidirectional optical multiplexer further includes an optical filter and the relay mirror. The optical filter is to selectively pass a portion of the internal light beam at a first wavelength and to reflect portions of the internal light beam at other wavelengths. The relay mirror is to reflect the internal light beam along a zigzag propagation path between the optical filter and the relay mirror. 1. A bidirectional optical multiplexer comprising:a beam-forming lens to focus a beam of light, the light beam being one or both a light beam internal to and another light beam external to the bidirectional optical multiplexer;an optical filter to selectively pass a portion of the internal light beam at a first wavelength and to reflect portions of the internal light beam at other wavelengths; anda relay mirror to reflect the internal light beam, the reflected internal light beam to follow a zigzag propagation path between the optical filter and the relay mirror,wherein one or both of the beam-forming lens comprises a high contrast grating (HCG) lens and the relay mirror comprises an HCG mirror.2. The bidirectional optical multiplexer of claim 1 , further comprising:another optical filter to selectively pass another portion of the internal light beam at a second wavelength different from the first wavelength and to reflect portions of the internal light beam at wavelengths other than the first and second wavelengths; andanother relay mirror to further reflect the internal light beam along the zigzag propagation path within the bidirectional optical multiplexer.3. The bidirectional optical multiplexer of claim 1 , wherein the optical filter ...

WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXING OF UNCOOLED LASERS WITH WAVELENGTH-COMMON DISPERSIVE ELEMENT

An example demultiplexer may include at least one dispersive element that is common to multiple wavelength channels. The demultiplexer may additionally include multiple field lenses positioned optically downstream from the at least one dispersive element, where a number of the field lenses is equal to a number of the wavelength channels. An example multiplexer may include a single piece power monitor assembly that includes a collimator lens array, a focusing lens array, and a slot integrally formed therein. The collimator lens array may be positioned to receive multiple wavelength channels from a laser array. The focusing lens array may be positioned to focus multiple portions of the wavelength channels onto an array of photodetectors. The slot may be configured to tap the portions from the wavelength channels collimated into the single piece power monitor assembly by the collimator lens array and to direct the portions toward the focusing lens array. 1. An optical wavelength division multiplexer , comprising: a collimator lens array positioned to receive a plurality of wavelength channels from a laser array;', 'a focusing lens array positioned to focus a plurality of portions of the plurality of wavelength channels onto an array of photodetectors; and', 'a slot configured to tap the plurality of portions from the plurality of wavelength channels collimated into the single piece power monitor assembly by the collimator lens array and to direct the plurality of portions toward the focusing lens array., 'a single piece power monitor assembly that includes integrally formed therein2. The optical wavelength division multiplexer of claim 1 , further comprising at least one dispersive element positioned to combine the plurality of wavelength channels from the power monitor assembly through either refraction or diffraction claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one dispersive element is common to at least two of the plurality of wavelength channels.3. The optical ...

Method and Arrangement as Well as an Optical Sensor for Optically Sensing a Parameter of the Group of Temperature, Humidity, or Mechanical Stress

The invention relates to a method for optically sensing a parameter of the group of temperature, humidity or mechanical stress using at least one optical sensor which includes a chirped Bragg grating and an optical reference reflector. The method includes the steps of; creating at least one optical probing signal having a predetermined center wavelength and a bandwidth that lies, for the whole range of the parameter to be sensed, within the reflection bandwidth of the chirped Bragg grating; feeding the at least one optical probing signal to the at least one optical sensor; receiving at least one optical reflection signal created by the at least one optical sensor, wherein the at least one optical reflection signal includes, for each of the at least one optical sensor, a first partial reflection signal created by the optical reference reflector and a second partial reflection signal created by the chirped Brag grating of the respective at least one optical sensor; measuring the group delay between the first and second partial reflection signal created by each of the at least one optical sensor; and determining, for each of the at least one optical sensors, an absolute or relative value of the at least one parameter using the group delay measured and a reference information. The invention further relates to a sensor arrangement for implementing the method as well as to an optical sensor that is suitable for being used in such a sensor arrangement.

WAVELENGTH DISPERSING DEVICE

A compact wavelength dispersing device and a wavelength selective optical switch based on the wavelength dispersing device is described. The wavelength dispersing device has a folding mirror that folds the optical path at least three times. A focal length of a focusing coupler of the device is reduced and the NA is increased, while the increased optical aberrations are mitigated by using an optional coma-compensating wedge. A double-pass arrangement for a transmission diffraction grating allows further focal length and overall size reduction due to increased angular dispersion. 123-. (canceled)24. A wavelength dispersing device comprising:an input for inputting a light beam;an aberration correction element for receiving the light beam and performing pre-correction for aberration;a mirror for receiving the pre-corrected light beam and reflecting the pre-corrected light beam at a first point in time; and the narrowband sub-beams being reflected by the mirror at a second point in time, and', 'the aberration correction element receiving the reflected narrowband sub-beams, performing aberration correction on the reflected narrowband sub-beams, and transmitting the aberration-corrected, reflected narrowband sub-beams to a line of dispersion., 'a reflector for receiving the reflected light beam and producing narrowband sub-beams;'}25. The wavelength dispersing device of claim 24 , further comprising: 'the reflector and diffraction grating producing an angular dispersion of the narrowband sub-beams.', 'a diffraction grating,'}26. The wavelength dispersing device of claim 24 , whereeach narrowband sub-beam, of the narrowband sub-beams, is associated with a focal spot, andeach focal spot is located on the line of dispersion.27. The wavelength dispersing device of claim 24 , where the mirror is a concave mirror.28. The wavelength dispersing device of claim 24 , where the aberration correction element is a wedge.29. The wavelength dispersing device of claim 28 , where the wedge ...

Digital dispersion compensation module

Embodiments of present invention provide a digital dispersion compensation module. The digital dispersion compensation module includes a multi-port optical circulator and a plurality of dispersion compensation units connected to the multi-port optical circulator, wherein at least one of the plurality of dispersion compensation units includes a first and a second reflectively terminated element and an optical switch being capable of selectively connecting to one of the first and second reflectively terminated elements, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of dispersion compensation units is adapted to provide a substantially zero dispersion to an optical signal, coming from the multi-port optical circulator, when the optical switch connects to the first reflectively terminated element and is adapted to provide a non-zero dispersion to the optical signal when the optical switch connects to the second reflectively terminated element.