ANORDNUNG ZUR AUSSENDUNG UND VERTEILUNG VON LICHT UEBER OPTISCHE FASERN, INSBESONDERE BEI DER SPEKTROPHOTOMETRISCHEN DURCHLAUFENDEN UNTERSUCHUNG MITTELS EINES DOPPELBUENDEL-SPEKTROPHOTOMETERS.

Innere und äußere Kollimatorelemente für einen optischen Leitungsvermittler

Optischer Leitungsvermittler, der umfasst:eine Faserlochanordnung, die eine Anordnung von Aufnahmen umfasst, die so geformt sind, dass sie jeweilige Lichtleitfasern aufnehmen können;mehrere interne Lichtleitfasern, die in dem optischen Leitungsvermittler eingeschlossen sind, wobei ein Ende jeder Faser innerhalb einer jeweiligen Aufnahme der Faserlochanordnung angeordnet ist,eine Kollimationslinsenanordnung, die zu der Faserlochanordnung benachbart positioniert ist und mehrere Kollimatoren enthält, wobei jeder Kollimator Licht optisch in eine oder aus einer entsprechenden der internen Lichtleitfasern ein- bzw. auskoppelt;eine MEMS-Spiegelanordnung; undeine erste reflektierende Oberfläche, wobeidie Faserlochanordnung, der Kollimator, die MEMS-Spiegelanordnung und die erste reflektierende Oberfläche relativ zueinander so positioniert sind, dass aus jeder der internen Lichtleitfasern austretendes Licht den entsprechenden Kollimator dazu durchläuft und von einem ersten Spiegel innerhalb der ...

Mechanische faseroptische Positionsmesseinrichtung und faseroptischer Schalter

Beam steering arrangements and optical switches

To steer a beam in an optical switch, a collimator joined to an optical fibre along a Z-axis is mounted in a gimbal for rocking movement about X and Y axes. A piezoelectric actuator extends along the Z-axis and is symmetric about the fibre. An angular position sensor on the collimator provides feedback for use in steering the beam.

VARIABLE OPTICAL ABSORPTION MEMBER

RADIATION OF YOU ARRANGEMENTS AND OPTICAL SWITCHES

Biased rotatable comb drive sensor methods

VARIABLE ATTENUATION OF FREE-SPACE LIGHT BEAMS

One aspect is a method for controllably attenuating the beam of light (108) coupled between incoming and outgoing optical fibers (106) by misaligning mirror surfaces (116a, 116b) included of an optical switching module (100). Misalignment of the mirror surfaces (116a and 116b) causes only a portion of the beam of light (108) propagating along the incoming optical fiber (106), which is less than when the light beam deflectors' mirror surfaces (116) are precisely aligned, to propagate along the outgoing optical fiber (108). Thus, the optical switching module (100) controllably attenuates the beam of light (108) coupled between the incoming and the outgoing optical fibers (106). Another aspect is a variable-optical-attenuator ("VOA") (212) that includes an optically reflective membrane (222) upon which the beam of light (108) impinges. Application of an electrostatic field between an adjacent electrode (228) and the membrane (222) deforms the membrane (222) thereby attenuating an impinging ...

SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE OF OPTICAL SWITCHING FABRIC

An optical switching fabric enables an optical signal entering the device on any one of multiple input ports to be directed to any one of multiple output ports. The present optical switching fabrics include sensing and monitoring devices that permit precise initial calibration and continuous switch connection status monitoring and control. Light entering the switching fabric on an input port is reflected by one of a first set of individually controllable mirrors to one of a second set of individually controllable mirrors and then to a corresponding output port. The switching fabrics include control lasers and position sensing devices which provide output signals corresponding to the orientations of the mirrors. In addition, a subset of the input ports and output ports can be attached to monitor light sources and detectors for recalibration and control. Further, sensors for detecting the intensity of input signals, of signals that have been reflected by a mirror in the first set and by a ...

Beam steering arrangements and optical switches

MODULATE OPTICAL DEFLECTION

DISPOSITIF DE COMMUTATION OPTIQUE

LE DISPOSITIF DE COMMUTATION OPTIQUE ENTRE DES ELEMENTS DE DEUX MATRICES D'ENTREE ET DE SORTIE COMPREND DES MOYENS ORIENTABLES DE LIAISON OPTIQUE L, DES MOYENS D'ACTIONNEMENT A PREVUS POUR AGIR SUR LES MOYENS L EN VUE D'ETABLIR LA LIAISON SOUHAITEE, ET UN MOYEN DE CONNEXION C POUR CONNECTER OU DECONNECTER CHAQUE MOYEN ORIENTABLE DE LIAISON L ET LES MOYENS D'ACTIONNEMENT A. LES MOYENS ORIENTABLES DE LIAISON OPTIQUE L ADMETTENT UN MEME PLAN MOYEN PE, PS; CHAQUE MOYEN D'ACTIONNEMENT A COMPREND UN ORGANE D'ACTIONNEMENT 1E, 1S PROPRE A ETRE DEPLACE PARALLELEMENT AU SUSDIT PLAN MOYEN SUIVANT DEUX DIRECTIONS Y, Z, CONCOURANTES ET LE MOYEN DE CONNECTION C EST AGENCE DE MANIERE A TRANSMETTRE LES DEPLACEMENTS SUIVANT CES DEUX DIRECTIONS AUX MOYENS ORIENTABLES DE LIAISON OPTIQUE L.

SWITCH FOR CIRCUIT HAS GUIDE OF LIGHT

High reliability fiber coupled optical switch

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, an optical switch includes fused coupler having first and second ends and a coupling region therebetween. There are first and fourth optical ports at the first end of the coupler and second and third optical ports at the second end of the coupler. A clamping element rigidly clamps the first end of the coupler, the second end being free. A magnetic sleeve surrounds the coupler near the free end. A first stop block is located on one side of the sleeve. A second stop block is located on the opposite side of the sleeve from the first stop block. There is a circuit for generating a repelling magnetic field which causes the sleeve to move into contact with the first stop stock and for generating a second magnetic field which causes the sleeve to move into contact with the second stop block. In the first position (contact of the coupler with the first stop block), the first port is optically connected with the third port and the fourth ...

OPTICAL SWITCH WITH TIME MULTIPLEXING CONTROL SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

An optical system for switching a plurality of input communication beams, where each communication beam can be switched from a first output to a second output, and where switching is affected by the use of alignment beams (not the communications beams). This enables the paths to be held even if the associated communication beam is off. The switch includes: n communication beam inputs; n alignment beam inputs; apparatus for generatingn alignment beams; apparatus for aligning the communication beams with the alignment beams such that each input communication beam is aligned with a specific alignment beam; an array ofn input MEMS, each of which is aligned with a specific communication beam input; an array of n output MEMS; and n outputs, each of which is aligned with a specific output MEMS. The switch also incorporates an apparatus for time sequentially energizing the apparatus for generating the alignment beams. This time multiplexing permits the use of a plurality monolithic high bandwidth ...

MULTI-LAYER, SELF-ALIGNED VERTICAL COMB-DRIVE ELECTROSTATIC ACTUATORS AND FABRICATION METHODS

A multi-layer vertical comb-drive actuator includes a first comb structure having a plurality of first comb fingers and a second comb structure having a plurality of second comb fingers, wherein the first and second comb fingers are substantially interdigitated. The first and second comb fingers may include two or more stacked conductive layers electrically isolated from each other by an insulating layer or an air gap. Alternatively, either the first or second comb fingers may include only one conductive layer. An application of a voltage between the first and second comb fingers causes the second comb structure to move relative to the first comb structure. The present invention includes a 2D-gimble configuration to rotate a movable element along two axis.

OPTICAL CROSS-CONNECT SYSTEM

An optical cross-connect switch comprises a base (216), a flap (211) and one or more electrically conductive landing pads (222) connected to the flap (211). The flap (211) has a bottom portion that is movably coupled to the base (216) such that the flap (211) is movable with respect to a plane of the base (216) from a first orientation to a second orientation. The one or more landing pads (222) are electrically isolated from the flap (211) and electrically coupled to be equipotential with a landing surface.

Integrated LED/photodiode collimator array

The present invention relates to a collimator assembly for use in an optical switch. The collimator assembly includes an integrated LED/photodiode plane disposed in a dual microlens array. The integrated LED/photodiode plane results in a relatively simple way to manufacture high port count collimator arrays with integrated monitoring capabilities. The LED/photodiode plane can be readily produced using standard electronics manufacturing technology.

Switch for a light guide circuit

The key component of the switch is a transparent frusto conical block (2) having a small base (12) perpendicular to its axis and facing the end of a common light guide (14) and having an elliptical large base (22) inclined relative to the axis (4). The outer surface of the transparent cone is clad (18) with a transparent material of lower refractive index (18). The conical part serves to collimate light from the common guide into a substantially parallel beam of larger diameter than the light guide. The inclined large base (22) acts as a prism to deflect the collimated beam at an angle to the axis (4). The entire component is rotatable about the axis (4), thereby enabling the collimated beam (24) to be directed towards a selected "particular" component, e.g. one out of 24 light guides (26). Extra facets (32, 38) may be provided to divert a small portion of the light to a common control sensor (40) and to position sensors (36).

OPTICAL CROSS CONNECT SWITCH WITH AXIAL ALIGNMENT BEAM

Ein verbesserter optischer Querverbindungsschalter

Mechanischer faseroptischer Schalter

SPECTROPHOTOMETER

... 1506366 Spectrophotometers INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP 10 Aug 1976 [1 Oct 1975] 33281/76 Heading G1A A spectrophotometer comprises a broad-band light source 12 (of ultraviolet and visible wavelengths), a fibre-optic light pipe system defining sample and reference paths and a rotating disc 14 comprising four peripheral sectors consisting of the sequence: an opaque sector; an elongated arcuate aperture 20; an opaque sector; a wedge interference filter 21, arranged to pass light of continuously increasing wavelength as the disc rotates. The flattened and elongated pairs of ends of the light pipes are arranged so that the detector 16 receives light in the following sequence: firstly, light reflected from the sample as a result of illumination thereof via the filter i.e. varying monochromatic illumination; secondly, varying monchromatic light along the reference path; thirdly, light reflected from the sample after polychromatic illumination via aperture 20, but which is then spectrally ...

Communications exchange

A communications exchange comprising a plurality of wide beam optical transmitting units having overlapping transmission beams and at least one directable receiving unit, said receiving unit including apparatus for selectably orienting an end of an optical fiber. ...

ARCHITECTURE FOR OPTICAL CIRCUIT DEVICE

Variable transmission multi-channel optical switch

OPTICAL CHANNEL MONITOR

An optical channel monitor is provided that sequentially or selectively filters an optical channel(s) (11) of light from a (WDM) optical input signal (12) and senses predetermined parameters of the each filtered optical signal (e.g., channel power, channel presence, signal-noise-ratio). The OCM (200) is a free-space optical device that includes a collimator assembly (224), a diffraction grating (214) and a mirror (202). A launch pigtail (220) emits into free space the input signal through the collimator assembly (224) and onto the diffraction grating (214), which separates spatially each of the optical channels (11) of the collimated light, and reflects the sep arated channels of light onto the mirror (202). The mirror reflects the separated light back to the diffraction grating (214), which reflects the channels of light back through the collimating lens. The lens focuses each separated channel of light (.lambda.1 - .lambda.N) at a different focal point in space. One of the optical channels ...

MULTIPLE-AXIS CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN OPTICAL SWITCH

A free space optical switch that uses open and closed loop control mode. The open loop control mode is used to transition to a state where light is sensed at a destination port. A closed loop control mode is then used, whereby a series of controlled dither signals (75) are adjusted for system dynamics. Modifying the dither signals (75) allows moving actuators at a rate that is much closer to the natural frequency of the underlying system, and speeds up the system convergence process. Variable modulation amplitudes may be employed on the dither signals (75) to maximize convergence speed. In particular, changes in the dither signal can be made in accordance with the change in amplitude as a function of a gradient along a parabola that models the optical system response. The dither signals (75) may be compensated for a desired and selectable attenuation level of output optical power.

SPECTROPHOTOMETER FOR DUAL MODE FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS

SPECTROPHOTOMETER FOR DUAL MODE FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS A sprectrophotometer includes a wide band radiant energy source and a detector for providing an output signal proportional to the intensity of the radiant energy received thereby. A light pipe system is divided into a reference path and a sample path. Such system coacts with a rotary assembly having a variable monochromatic filter located diametrically opposite to an opening through which radiant energy can freely pass. The remaining portions of the rotary assembly are opaque so that as the assembly turns, the sample and reference paths are serially energized by monochromatic energy and then by polychoromatic energy. The sample path includes a sample illumination and collection system for illuminating a test sample and collecting the light reflected therefrom. The resultant output of the detector can be analyzed to determine the amount of fluorescence.

VARIABLE OPTICAL SOURCE

A variable optical source (801) to selectively provide a desired optical output signal in response to a control signal is provided. The optical source includes an optical filter that attenuates a broadband optical input signal or a multi-spectral input signal (802). The optical filter is controllable or programmable to selectively provide a desired filter function. The optical filter (10) includes a spatial light modulator (36), which may comprise an array of micromirrors (52) that effectively forms a two-dimensional diffraction grating mounted in a retro-reflecting configuration. The input optical signal is dispersed onto the array of micromirrors (52) along a spectral axis or direction (55) such that input light is spread over a plurality of micromirrors to effectively pixelate the light. The broadband light or signals of the multi-spectral input light is selectively attenuated by flipping or tilting a selected number of micromirrors to thereby deflect a portion of the incident radiation ...

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL CROSS-CONNECT SWITCHES

A control system is designed to control an optical cross-connect having a switch core defined by first and second independently movable beam deflectors capable of selectively defining an optical path between a pair of ports of the optical cross-connect. An optical element having optical power is arranged in a propagation path of light beams between the first and second beam deflectors. The control system includes a pilot light source, an optical sensor associated with each beam deflector, and a feedback path. The a pilot light source inserts a pilot light into the switch core colinearly with live traffic. The optical sensor detects a predetermined geometric property of the pilot light emerging from the switch core. This predetermined geometric property is unambiguously associated with an angular position of the associated beam deflector. The feedback path actively controls a position of the associated beam deflector based on the detected geometric property.

OPTICAL FIBERS IN A DOUBLE BEAM SPECTROMETER

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CANCELING DISTURBANCE IN MEMS DEVICES

A system and method for canceling disturbance in a MEMS device. The system 200 includes a MEMS device 203, which may include a substrate 205 and a plurality of individually movable MEMS elements 203-1 through 203-N, and a control assembly 207. The optical system 200 may be utilized in and/or form a portion of any optical apparatus employing an array of MEMS devices. The control assembly 207 uses feed-forward control signals to cancel disturbance in the MEMS device 203, and more particularly, to cancel disturbance in the non- switched or static mirrors of the MEMS device 203 caused by switched or moving mirrors.

OPTICAL SWITCH CAPABLE OF DETECTING SWITCHING OPERATION

To know an optical path switching error, a stepping motor is rotated at a predetermined angular step so as to couple an optical fiber collimator attached to its rotating shaft to an optical fiber collimator of optical fiber collimators that is designated by a designation signal. The direction of the optical axis of the optical fiber collimator is detected by a slit disk attached to the rotating shaft, and sensors for detecting slit arrays formed in the slit disk. Detection signals from the sensors are determined to correspond to the designation signal.

MEMS device with failure diagnosis function

SYSTEME DE COMMUTATION OPTIQU

LE DISPOSITIF COMPORTE DES MOYENS DE GROUPEMENT EN UN OU DEUX FAISCEAUX DES FIBRES A RELIER, LEURS EXTREMITES ETANT DANS UN PLAN DE SECTION DROITE DE CES FAISCEAUX, DES DISPOSITIFS EMETTEURS OU RECEPTEURS DE FLUX EMIS OU RECU PAR CHAQUE FIBRE DISPOSES SELON OU OU PLUSIEURS PANNEAUX PERPENDICULAIRES AUX FIBRES ET FAISANT FACE A LEURS EXTREMITES ET TELS QUE LES FLUX EMIS ET RECUS PAR CHAQUE FIBRE SE PROPAGENT A L'INTERIEUR DU DISPOSITIF DE COMMUTATION SELON DES FAISCEAUX SENSIBLEMENT CYLINDRIQUES ET PARALLELES, DES DISPOSITIFS DEVIATEURS OPTIQUES EN NOMBRE EGAL AU NOMBRE DE VOIES A COMMUTER ORIENTABLES ET DISPOSES SELON DES PANNEAUX, ET DES MOYENS DE DETECTION DU MESSAGE EN PROVENANCE DE L'UNE DES FIBRES ET DE COMMANDE DES DEVIATEURS POUR LE CHOIX DES FIBRES A RELIER. APPLICATION AUX TELECOMMUNICATIONS.

DISPOSITIF DE COMMUTATION OPTIQUE A ASSERVISSEMENT

DISPOSITIF DE COMMUTATION OPTIQUE A ASSERVISSEMENT. CE DISPOSITIF COMPREND N FIBRES OPTIQUES D'ENTREE 3A ET P FIBRES OPTIQUES DE SORTIE 3B DEPLACABLES. LA LUMIERE ISSUE D'UNE FIBRE OPTIQUE D'ENTREE PEUT ETRE INJECTEE DANS UNE FIBRE OPTIQUE DE SORTIE EN METTANT CES DEUX FIBRES EN REGARD L'UNE DE L'AUTRE. CE POSITIONNEMENT EST COMMANDE PAR UN ASSERVISSEMENT: A CHAQUE FIBRE EST ASSOCIE UN CAPTEUR 6A OU 6B DE POSITION ENGENDRANT UNE TENSION DE CORRECTION FONCTION DU DESALIGNEMENT DES FIBRES A METTRE EN COINCIDENCE. ETANT DONNE CETTE TENSION DE CORRECTION ET LA POSITION QUE LES FIBRES DOIVENT ATTEINDRE, DES MOYENS 7 DE TRAITEMENT ENGENDRENT UNE TENSION DE COMMANDE AGISSANT SUR DES MOYENS 5A OU 5B DE DEPLACEMENT DES FIBRES OPTIQUES. APPLICATION AUX TELECOMMUNICATIONS OPTIQUES.

FIBER COMMUTATOR OPTICS BASED ON MIRROR AND SYSTEM OF CONTROL

OPTICAL SWITCH WITH TIME MULTIPLEXING CONTROL SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

An optical system for switching a plurality of input communication beams, where each communication beam can be switched from a first output to a second output, and where switching is affected by the use of alignment beams (not the communications beams). This enables the paths to be held even if the associated communication beam is off. The switch includes: n communication beam inputs; n alignment beam inputs; apparatus for generatingn alignment beams; apparatus for aligning the communication beams with the alignment beams such that each input communication beam is aligned with a specific alignment beam; an array ofn input MEMS, each of which is aligned with a specific communication beam input; an array of n output MEMS; and n outputs, each of which is aligned with a specific output MEMS. The switch also incorporates apparatus for time sequentially energizing the apparatus for generating the alignment beams. This time multiplexing permits the use of a plurality monolithic high bandwidth, ...

MAINTAINING PATH INTEGRITY IN AN OPTICAL SWITCH

A method for ensuring path integrity in an optical switch is provided that essentially eliminates any occurrences of misconnected paths and enables new signal paths to be easily generated and existing paths to be switched. The method is suitable for use in optical switching devices that enable selective connection of optical signals received on a plurality of input fibers to respective output fibers, wherein the optical switching device includes a first array of mirrors disposed in a first mirror plane and a second array of mirrors disposed in a second mirror plane. In accord with the method, all mirrors are maintained in signal paths so that undesired light is prevented from reaching any of the output fibers. The mirror in the second mirror plane that is to be part of a new signal path is moved into its correct position for the new path, while the positions of the other mirrors are controlled such that no light is directed toward the second plane mirror or output fiber corresponding to ...

MULTI-LAYER, SELF-ALIGNED VERTICAL COMB-DRIVE ELECTROSTATIC ACTUATORS AND FABRICATION METHODS

A multi-layer vertical comb-drive actuator includes a first comb structure having a plurality of first comb fingers (14) and a second comb structure having a plurality of second comb fingers (24), wherein the first and second comb fingers are substantially interdigitated. The first and second comb fingers may include two or more stacked conductive layers electrically isolated from each other by an insulating layer or an air gap. Alternatively, either the first or second comb fingers may include only one conductive layer. An application of a voltage (15) between the first and second comb fingers causes the second comb structure to move relative to the first comb structure. The present invention includes a 2D-gimble configuration to rotate a movable element along two axes.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ORIENTING A SURFACE

The invention provides a method and apparatus for positioning a surface (30) in a desired orientation. There is provided a movable member (10) supported for movement by a fixed member (40) and the movable member has an optical element, e.g. a flat mirror (30) fixedly attached thereto. In one embodiment the mirror scans a radiation beam incident thereon along a single axis. In a second embodiment, the radiation beam is scanned in two mutually perpendicular axes. A magnetic element (50) having a north and a south magnetic pole is fixedly attached to the movable member (10). A magnetically permeable stator element (70), that is stationary with respect to the movable member (10) and the magnetic element (50), is placed in the field of the magnetic element (50) such that the stator element (70) and said magnetic element (50) mutually generate a magnetic traction force between them. A current coil (60) is wound around a portion of the stator element (70) and a current driver (400) is provided ...

Coordinated axis seeks with a micro-electro-mechanical mirror

A method of moving a MEM system mirror in a well defined trajectory that allows longer seeks to be used to reach a target position as compared with known methods that employ small step sizes due to lack of well defined seek trajectories. One method uses the same seek trajectory (scaled in amplitude for seek length) for both axes (x-axis and y-axis) associated with the MEM mirror. This forces both axes to take the same length of time and to use the same “shape” to perform the move, and results in a straight line path between two points. Multiple straight line moves can be employed to provide a more complex trajectory. Another method uses a different trajectory with the same length, but a different shape, for each axis to force the MEM mirror along substantially any desired path such as an arc and/or straight line, among others.

OPTICAL SWITCH SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALIGNING OPTICAL AXIS THEREIN

In an optical switch system for switching over plural input lights and plural output lights corresponding thereto through spatial optical connection therebetween, having: a first reflection mirror to be directed with an input light and being controllable in position thereof; a second reflection mirror disposed opposite to the first reflection mirror, for reflecting the light reflected on the first reflection mirror, so as to outputted it therefrom; means for controlling positions of the first and second reflection mirrors, respectively; and means for adjusting the position of the first and second mirrors, which are controller by the controlling means, wherein a reference light being substantially different from the input light in wavelength is generated; both the reference light and the input light reflect upon the first and second reflection mirrors; and (c) optical intensity of the reference light selectively diverged from the reflection light is detected, thereby controlling positions ...

Optically addressed MEMS

Optically controlled micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a MEMS device may include a rotatable mirror having an optical sensor that is in electrical communication with the rotatable mirror via an associated electrode. Electrical potential may be supplied to an appropriately configured optical sensor so that a variable range of voltages may be supplied to the rotatable mirror. In operation, an optical control beam may be directed onto the optical sensor where it may be sampled to determine its optical characteristics (e.g., optical wavelength, light intensity, position, polarization, duty cycle, etc.) The optical sensor may then supply voltage to the rotatable mirror based on the determined optical characteristics of the optical control beam, causing the rotatable mirror to rotate about one or more axes.

Optical switch

The optical switch is capable of supervising the performance of optical switching in standby channels, and includes: a collimator unit; an optical splitter; a light-gathering unit; and a rotatable mirror. The optical switch further includes: a mirror angle controlling unit which controls a reflection face angle of the rotatable mirror for each wavelength to switch ON/OFF of the light beam coupling to the optical output port for each wavelength reflected, and determines an optical output port position outputting light beams of the reflected wavelengths; and a monitor unit, installed on a return path of a light beam, which monitors a light beam whose optical coupling is made OFF.

Moving fiber optical fiber switch

A moving fiber optical fiber switch is formed by mounting one or more optical fibers on support surfaces of two spaced support members, one or both of which are laterally movable. After mounting of the fiber or fibers, a transverse fine cut across the fiber or fibers produces a conventional gap, but providing extremely accurate positioning. A pivot member moved by a coil mounted on a lever extension, in conjunction with magnets, moves one or both support members via rods or similar members extending between the pivot member and the support members, one on each side of the pivot axis of the pivot member. Adjustment means coactive with the free end of the lever provides easy and accurate control of the pivoting of the pivot member and of the support members and fibers. A large lever differential obtained by the lever provides for the ease and accuracy of control.

Piezoelectric film device, and driving method of the same

A piezoelectric film device has a piezoelectric film element and a power supply circuit. The piezoelectric film element is formed of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric film that is sandwiched between the first electrode and second electrode and has a polarization vector in the film thickness direction. The polarization vector is inverted by application of a predetermined voltage or higher through the first electrode and second electrode. The power supply circuit supplies voltage for inverting the polarization vector. The piezoelectric film has each different lattice constant depending on the direction of the polarization vector. The piezoelectric film device keeps a different displacement position corresponding to the direction of the polarization vector even when the voltage application is stopped.

Method of and architecture for optically switching light communication signals in fiber optic networks and the like

A novel optical path switching system, architecture and technique wherein light beam data traffic is to be switched by MEMS mirrors between source and destination nodes, and test ports are used to set up optical paths even before the real data traffic is propagated, with a combination of an electrical mirror-sensing feedback loop for controlling coarse mirror positioning, and an optical path power-sensing feedback loop for controlling fine adjustments in the mirror position.

Optical monitoring of the angular position of micro mirrors in an optical switch

The position of a micro-mirror, for example, in an optical switch, may be monitored using an optical position control signals that are detected by a detector arrangement. The position of the micro-mirror may be adjusted by detecting the position of the beam spot and comparing the detected position to a desired position.

Biased rotatable combdrive actuator methods

A method for rotating a combdriven device about an axis uses applied bias force along with applied voltage between first and second comb fingers to controllably rotate the device about one or two axis. One mode of the present invention includes measuring the position of a rotating element and providing feedback to control the angular position thereof by changing bias force and/or drive voltage. The present invention can be employed with prior-art staggered combdrives, single layer self-aligned combdriven devices, and in a broad range of applications in optical telecommunication switching, video, biomedical, inertial sensors, and in storage magnetic disk drives.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ORIENTING A SURFACE

Control apparatus and control method of optical signal exchanger

VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUR OBERFLÄCHENORIENTIERUNG

Optical surface scanning apparatus

The apparatus includes a laser light source from which a light beam is emitted to a movable optical fibre. The beam has an almost point-shaped cross-section and moves over the surface by a mechanical drive. A focussing optical system is spatially fixed in relation to the surface being scanned. The beam from the source is fed to a flexible light conductor, e.g. an optical fibre. One end of the fibre is fixed relative to the source. The other end is mechanically movable in an orthogonal plane relative to the optical axis of the focussing system. The fibre is arranged in a region between the single and double values of the optical system focal length. The distance of the fibre beam aperture from the system is selected depending on its distance to the surface being so small that through movement of the fibre the whole surface can be scanned with the light point.

Optical switches and actuators

Beam steering arrangements and optical switches

Interdigitating vertical dampers for MEMS-based actuators

A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) beam-steering mirror assembly comprising: a base substrate 515 exhibiting a plurality of first features 545; and a mirror substrate 510 defining a MEMS actuator to move the mirror platform, and a plurality of second features or protrusions 535 that extend into cavities 540 of the first features. A fluid may surround the first and second features to provide mechanical damping to reduce ringing. The plurality of first features may: extend further from the bottom of the cavity the closer to the central axis they are 545a, 545b; and extend to a height that is greater than the depth of the cavity (445, Fig. 4). The plurality of second features may form walls that define openings into which the first features can extend. In a first positional state a first subset of the first features may extend into spaces of a first subset of the second features. In the second positional state a second subset of the first features may extend into spaces of a second subset ...

Interdigitating vertical dampers for MEMS-based actuators

INTEGRATED OPTIC SWITCH

PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR THE OBERFLÄCHENORIENTIERUNG

DYNAMIC OPTICAL FILTER HAVING A SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR

An dynamic optical filter 10 is provided to selectively attenuate or filter a wavelength band(s) of light (i.e., optical channel(s)) or a group(s) of wavelength bands of an optical WDM input signal 12. The optical filter is controllable or programmable to selectively provide a desired filter function. The optical filter 10 includes a spatial light modulator 36, which comprises an array of micromirrors 52 effectively forms a two-dimensional diffraction grating mounted in a retro-reflecting configuration. Each optical channel 14 is dispersed separately or overlappingly onto the array of micro-mirrors 52 along a spectral axis or direction 55 such that each optical channel or group of optical channels are spread over a plurality of micro-mirrors to effectively pixelate each of the optical channels or input signal. Each channel 14 or group of channels may be selectively attenuated by flipping or tilting a selected number of micro-mirrors to thereby deflect a portion of the incident radiation ...

SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE OF OPTICAL SWITCHING FABRIC

An optical switching fabric enables an optical signal entering the device on any one of multiple input ports to be directed to any one of multiple output ports. The present optical switching fabrics include sensing and monitoring devices that permit precise initial calibration and continuous switch connection status monitoring and control. Light entering the switching fabric on an input port is reflected by one of a first set of individually controllable mirrors to one of a second set of individually controllable mirrors and then to a corresponding output port. The switching fabrics include control lasers and position sensing devices which provide output signals corresponding to the orientations of the mirrors. In addition, a subset of the input ports and output ports can be attached to monitor light sources and detectors for recalibration and control. Further, sensors for detecting the intensity of input signals, of signals that have been reflected by a mirror in the first set and by a ...

DYNAMIC OPTICAL FILTER HAVING A SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR

An dynamic optical filter 10 is provided to selectively attenuate or filter a wavelength band(s) of light (i.e., optical channel(s)) or a group(s) of wavelength bands of an optical WDM input signal 12. The optical filter is controllable or programmable to selectively provide a desired filter function. The optical filter 10 includes a spatial light modulator 36, which comprises an array of micromirrors 52 effectively forms a two-dimensional diffraction grating mounted in a retro-reflecting configuration. Each optical channel 14 is dispersed separately or overlappingly onto the array of micro-mirrors 52 along a spectral axis or direction 55 such that each optical channel or group of optical channels are spread over a plurality of micro-mirrors to effectively pixelate each of the optical channels or input signal. Each channel 14 or group of channels may be selectively attenuated by flipping or tilting a selected number of micro-mirrors to thereby deflect a portion of the incident radiation ...

LIGHT DEFLECTING DEVICE

A light deflecting device capable of suppressing the undesirable vibration of a light deflecting element such as a mirror and allowing a plurality of light deflecting elements to be easily disposed therein, characterized by comprising a movable part (21) having at least two light deflecting elements (1, 31) held so as to be opposed to each other, a support means having a first support member (32) pivotally connected to the movable part (21) between two light deflecting elements (1, 31) and supporting the movable part (21) on a fixed part (22) tiltably at least around a first axis, and first drive means (26, 27, 41, 43) for driving the movable part (21) around the first axis.

VARIABLE LIGHT ATTENUATOR

A lens array (38) is mounted on the front surface of an optical fiber array (32) holding optical fibers (35, 36) for input and emission. The lens array (38) includes: an input lens (40a) for converting a signal light (45) emitted from the optical fiber (35) into parallel light or converged light; and an output lens (40b) for converging the returned parallel light and connecting it to the optical fiber (36). A rectangular prism (34) having a form of a rectangular equilateral triangle is arranged in front of the optical fiber array (32) having the lens array (38). The signal light (45) emitted from the optical fiber (35) is totally reflected twice by the rectangular prism (34) and comes into the optical fiber (36). A transparent rectangular rotary block (33) is arranged between the lens array (38) and the rectangular prism (34). The outgoing signal light (45) and the returning signal light (45) have optical axis shifted by the rotary block (33) where the signal light passes. With this structure ...

Electronic damping of MEMS devices using a look-up table

In one embodiment, a MEMS apparatus having a MEMS array including a plurality of MEMS devices is provided. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of MEMS devices includes a movable structure and a second structure. In addition, in some embodiments, a plurality of signal sources are coupled to the plurality of MEMS devices so as to be capable of supplying actuation signals for actuating the movable structure to impact the second structure. Further, in some embodiments, at least one processor is coupled to the plurality of signal sources to control the actuation signals, and is configured such that each of the plurality of MEMS devices is provided with a corresponding custom actuation signal.

Method and apparatus for aligning opotical wireless links

Optical wireless links automatically align themselves using feedback information that is transmitted over the light beams being aligned. Each link performs an acquisition routine in which its light beam is swept through a pre-defined pattern while transmitting its beam alignment information. When a link receives beam alignment information from a remote link, it updates its transmission to include the alignment information received from the remote link. At some point during the acquisition routine, the remote link will receive its own alignment information “echoed back” from the first link and will re-align its beam accordingly. At some point, each links will have received its own alignment information echoed back from the other link and will have aligned itself to that position. Data communication can begin at that point, or a more refined alignment step can then be performed. The alignment information can be based upon position, sample number, or time transmitted.

Method and apparatus for beam deflection

The invention provides a method and apparatus for directing a radiation beam ( 504, 606 ) in a desired direction. There is provided a movable member ( 10 ) supported for movement by a fixed member ( 40 ) and the movable member has an optical element, e.g a flat mirror ( 30 ) fixedly attached thereto. In one embodiment the mirror scans a radiation beam incident thereon in one plane. In a second embodiment, the radiation beam is scanned in two mutually perpendicular planes. A magnetic element ( 50 ) having a north and a south magnetic pole is fixedly attached to the movable member ( 10 ). A magnetically permeable stator element ( 70 ) that is stationary with respect to the movable member ( 10 ) and the magnetic element ( 50 ) is placed in the field of the magnetic element such that the stator element and said magnetic element mutually generate a magnetic traction force between them. A current coil ( 60 ) is wound around a portion of the stator element ( 70 ) and a current driver ( 400 ) is ...

OPTICAL DEFLECTION ARRAY

SYSTEMARCHITEKTUR FÜR OPTISCHE SCHALTUNGSVORRICHTUNG

Optical switches and actuators

An optical switch comprises one or more input ports 95 for directing an optical beam into the switch; dispersive means 103 configured to receive said optical beam and which spatially separate the optical beam into individual wavelength components which are routed to an actuator 105 (See Fig 4); wherein the actuator is in the form of an array of elongate movable fingers for selectively interfering with individual wavelength components and means are provided to direct optical beams to selected one or more output ports. The actuator comprises reflective elements provided on the ends of the elongate movable fingers which are selectively movable into and out of the path of the optical beam. The actuator is preferably a piezoelectric actuator.

Optical switches and actuators

Inner and outer collimator elements for an optical circuit switch

Frustrated total internal reflection device

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPTICALLY CROSSCONNECTING OPTICAL SIGNALS USING TILTING MIRROR MEMS WITH DRIFT MONITORING FEATURE

A device and method for detecting rotational drift of mirror elements in a MEMS tilt mirror array used in an optical crossconnect. The optical crossconnect directs optical signals from an input fiber to an output fiber along an optical path by rotatably positioning mirror elements in desired positions. A monitoring device disposed outs ide of the optical path is used to obtain images of the MEMS array or to transmit and receive a test signal through the crossconnect for detecting the presence of mirror element drift.

Optical switch capable of detecting switching operation

Photonic crystal all-optical tunable filter

Optical deflection module for use in optical beam routing device, has two reflecting units in upstream of deflection unit that in main deflection position guides output beam in main direction, which is collinear with input beam direction

Il s'agit d'un module de déflexion optique devant fournir à partir d'un faisceau optique d'entrée (f1) ayant une direction de propagation (d1) donnée, un faisceau optique de sortie (f2) ayant une direction de propagation prise dans un ensemble de directions potentielles (d2, d3, d4), ou vice versa. Il comporte un unique élément de déflexion (1) du faisceau optique d'entrée apte à prendre plusieurs positions potentielles qui sont en relation avec les directions potentielles de l'ensemble et au moins un élément de renvoi fixe (2) disposé en amont ou en aval de l'élément de déflexion (1), une position potentielle principale de l'élément de déflexion (1) conduisant à une direction principale de l'ensemble, cette direction principale (d2) étant colinéaire ou parallèle avec la direction de propagation donnée (d1) du faisceau optique d'entrée (f1). Application notamment au routage de faisceaux optiques.

CAPACITIVE SENSING SCHEME FOR DIGITAL CONTROL STATE DETECTION IN OPTICAL SWITCHES

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for detecting whether rotatable MEMS elements are in the "on" or "off" position. Embodiments of the invention have application in devices switches that employ mirrors that move between an "on" or "off" position, wherein they reflect light from an input fiber into an output fiber in the "on" position, and allow the light to pass in the "off" position. Electrodes are positioned in the device such that the mirrors are close to, and therefor capacitively coupled to, a different electrode depending on whether they are in the "on" or "off" position. This invention is especially useful for switches that already employ electrodes for electrostatic clamping of mirrors in one or more positions, since those same electrodes can be used both to electrostatically clamp the mirrors and to sense their position. The method described in this invention comprises sensing of the capacitance between the mirrors and the one or more electrodes used to clamp the mirrors in its ...

INTEGRATED MIRROR ARRAY AND CIRCUIT DEVICE WITH IMPROVED ELECTRODE CONFIGURATION

An integrated circuit and mirror device(400)and method.The devicehas a first substrate (401)comprising a plurali ty of electrode groups, which comprise a plurality of electrodes(417),(406). The device also has a mirror array formed on a second substrate (419).Each of the mirrors on the array has a mirror surface bein g able to pivot about a point in space. Each of the mirrors has 10 a backside surface operably coupled to one of the electrode groups. The device has a capacitance spacer layer disposed between each of the electrode groups and its respective mirror. The mirror is one from the mirror array. A drive circuitry (805)is coupled to each electrode groups. The drive circuitry is configured to apply a drive voltage to any one of the electrodes in each of the electrode groups. The drive circuitry (805) is also disposed in the first substrate and is adapted to pivot each of the mirror faces about the point in space.

Variable optical attenuator

A method of controllably attenuating a beam of light coupled into a port includes directing the beam of light against a mirror, and controlling an orientation of the mirror such that a predetermined fraction of the beam of light is coupled into the port. The predetermined fraction is less than a maximum fraction corresponding to optimal coupling of the beam of light into the port. The method may be implemented with a variable optical attenuator including a first port, a second port, a mirror located to direct light output by the first port to the second port, and a controller coupled to the mirror to align it such that the predetermined fraction of light is coupled into the second port. The method may also be implemented with an optical switch.

Method and apparatus for stress pulsed release and actuation of micromechanical structures

Micromechanical parts are freed from a surface of a substrate to which the parts are stiction bonded by applying a pulse stress wave to the substrate that propagates through the substrate and is reflected at the surface to which the micropart is stiction bonded, breaking the bond between the micropart and the substrate surface by a spalling action at the surface. A piezoelectric transducer may be secured to the bottom surface of the substrate such that a voltage pulse supplied to the piezoelectric transducer deforms the piezoelectric element and the substrate to which it is secured to provide a pulse stress wave that propagates through the substrate to the top surface. For microparts that are in contact with but not stiction bonded to the substrate top surface, a pulse stress wave can be applied to the substrate to drive the microparts away from the surface by the rapid displacement of that surface as the pulse stress wave is reflected at the surface. Microparts that are attached to the ...

Optically addressed MEMS

Optically controlled micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a MEMS device may include a rotatable mirror having an optical sensor that is in electrical communication with the rotatable mirror via an associated electrode. Electrical potential may be supplied to an appropriately configured optical sensor so that a variable range of voltages may be supplied to the rotatable mirror. In operation, an optical control beam may be directed onto the optical sensor where it may be sampled to determine its optical characteristics (e.g., optical wavelength, light intensity, position, polarization, duty cycle, etc.) The optical sensor may then supply voltage to the rotatable mirror based on the determined optical characteristics of the optical control beam, causing the rotatable mirror to rotate about one or more axes.

Optical fiber switch with movable lens

A scalable optical switch especially useful for switching multimode beams carried by optical fibers. Light from an input fiber is focused by a lens which is moved in an x-y direction perpendicular to the beam direction in order to switch the beam from one output fiber to a different fiber. In preferred embodiments the beam can be directed to any one of as many as 90 output fibers. Techniques for scaling the switch to produce N×N switches with N being large are described. Embodiments of the present invention can also be utilized to create more elaborate fiber optical switches such as an N×N switch and a N2×N switch.

Control apparatus and control method of optical signal exchanger

The present invention aims at providing a control apparatus and a control method of an optical signal exchanger, capable of controlling an optical output level to be constant even when performing the switching of channels with different optical input levels. To this end, according to the control apparatus of the optical signal exchanger, in a three-dimensional type optical signal exchanger using a set of MEMS mirror arrays each having a plurality of tilt mirrors arranged on a plane, each tilt mirror having a reflecting surface an angle of which is controllable, power of an optical signal sequentially reflected by the respective MEMS mirror arrays and output from a specific position is detected by an optical power detection section, and the angle of the reflecting surface of the tilt mirror that has reflected the optical signal is feedback controlled, so that an absolute value of a difference between a previously set target value and the output light power becomes minimum.

Calibration of micro-mirror arrays

Described herein is a built-in self-calibration system and method for a micro-mirror array device, for example, operating as a variable focal length lens. The calibration method comprises determining a capacitance value for each micro-mirror element in the array device at a number of predetermined reference angles (530) to provide a capacitance-reference angle relationship (540). From the capacitance values, an interpolation step (550) is carried to determine intermediate tilt angles for each micro-mirror element in the array. A voltage sweep is applied to the micro-mirror array and capacitance values, for each micro-mirror element in the array, are measured (560). For a capacitance value that matches one of the values in the capacitance-reference angle relationship, the corresponding voltage is linked to the associated tilt angle to provide a voltage-tilt angle characteristic which then stored in a memory for subsequent use (570).

OPTICAL SWITCHES & ACTUATORS

Mechanical fiber optic switch

OPTICAL CROSS CONNECTION MONITOR DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device which detect rotation drift of a mirror element in a MENS inclined mirror array used in an optical cross connection device. SOLUTION: In the optical cross connection device, by arranging the mirror element in a desired position while rotating it, an optical signal from an input fiber is directed toward an output fiber along an optical path. A monitor device arranged on the outside of the optical path is used to obtain a picture of a MENS array or transmit and receive a test signal through the cross connection device in order to detect the existence of mirror element drift. COPYRIGHT: (C)2001,JPO ...

OPTICAL SWITCH ARRANGEMENT

... 1494150 Switchable light guide STANDARD TELEPHONES & CABLES Ltd 9 Dec 1975 50390/75 Heading G23 The guide 11 has a parallel-sided chamber 14 formed therein and fillable with a substance either in liquid or vapour form. The refractive index of the liquid is similar to that of the guide and allows light to pass. The vapour has an r.i. approximating to unity and prevents passage of the light. By suitable dimensioning of the chamber it can form an etalon filter. Side guides can be arranged adjacent the (or each) chamber to receive light deflected therefrom in the vapour-filled state. The liquid can be vapourized/condensed by heat or mechanically moved in and out of the chamber.

Apparatus and method for sensing switching positions of mems optical switch

Optical switch pathway configuration using control signals

Apparatus and methods relating to fluorescent optical switches

COMMUTATEUR POUR CIRCUIT A GUIDE DE LUMIERE

Commutateur pour circuit à guide de lumière qui comporte essentiellement un bloc transparent tronconique à grande base inclinée sur l'axe de sa surface latérale conique, qui est revêtue d'une gaine d'indice optique plus faible pour constituer un guide de lumière assurant des fonctions de collimation ou focalisation. Une deuxième gaine d'indice accru évite des réflexions parasites. Un faisceau lumineux émergeant de ce bloc par cette grande base peut être dirigé vers divers éléments optiques, celui qui reçoit ce faisceau étant choisi par un positionnement angulaire convenable de ce bloc autour de son axe. Des facettes de ce bloc permettent d'asservir ou de commander optiquement cette position angulaire.

PORT ARRAY TOPOLOGY FOR HIGH PORT COUNT WAVELENGTH SELECTIVE SWITCH

An optical apparatus can include an optical port array having an MxN array of fiber collimator ports. The array of ports is configured such that there is a gap within each column of ports located between two rows of ports. The gap is wide enough to permit a hitless beam switching trajectory to pass between the two rows of ports from one side of the array of ports to an opposite side.

FEEDBACK CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A MEMS BASED OPTICAL SWITCHING FABRIC

A control system for controlling individual mirrors in a MEMS-based optical switching fabric is presented. The control system includes a position sensitive detector positioned to receive a control beam reflected from individual mirrors of a first mirror array. In some embodiments, the control beam can be time-multiplexed with a calibration beam. The position of the control beam corrected in response to the position of the calibration beam can be compared with a position calculated on the port assignment of the individual mirrors in order to provide feedback to a feed-back based control system for the individual mirrors.

OPTICAL FIBER LIGHT TRANSMISSION SWITCH

OPTICAL DEVICE OF COMMUTATION HAS CONTROL

Low-cost fast variable optical attenuator for optical wavelength tracking

Variable optical attenuator (VOA) formed by disposing upon a substrate a waveguide, a p-type region and an n-type region about the waveguide, and an epi-silicon region disposed upon the waveguide, the VOA responsive to a bias current to controllably inject carriers into the waveguide to attenuate thereby optical signal propagating through the waveguide.

Systems And Methods For Reducing Off-Axis Optical Aberrations In Wavelength Dispersed Devices

Through its higher refractive index, a silicon grism can be used to reduce the Described herein are systems and methods for reducing optical aberrations in an optical system to decrease polarization dependent loss. Embodiments are provided particularly to define beam trajectories through an optical switching system which reduce off-axis aberrations. In one embodiment, a silicon grism is provided for reducing the curvature of the focal plane at an LCOS device in a wavelength selective switch (WSS) such that the separated polarization states converge at the LCOS at substantially the same point along the optical axis for all wavelengths. In this embodiment, an axial offset at the LCOS device will not produce large PDL at the coupling fibers. In another embodiment, a coupling lens having an arcuate focusing region is provided to address an offset in the optical beams, such that the separated polarization states couple symmetrically to respective output fibers. 1. An optical system including:(a) at least one input port for projecting an input optical beam;(b) a beam splitting element for spatially separating said optical beam into a plurality of optical sub beams disposed in a first dimension;(c) a plurality of output ports disposed in a second dimension for receiving optical beams;(d) an optical power element for manipulating the beam profiles of said optical sub beams;(e) a switching element for selectively switching said optical sub beams along trajectories relative to a central optical axis to predetermined ones of said output ports; and(f) a passive beam correcting element for selectively defining trajectories which reduce optical aberrations in said system arising from beam propagation off the central optical axis.2. An optical system according to wherein said optical aberrations include curvature of the focusing of said optical power element for sub beams propagating along trajectories relative to said optical axis in said first dimension.3. An optical system ...

Coupling-in apparatus for coupling light from a light-emitting diode into a fiber entry end and light-source arrangement fitted therewith

A coupling-in apparatus is provided for coupling light from a light-emitting diode ( 1 ) into a fiber entry end ( 5 ) of at least one optical fiber ( 3 ). The coupling-in apparatus has a changing device ( 7 ) and a first light-guide element ( 13 - 19 ) arranged on the changing device ( 7 ). The first light-guide element ( 13 - 19 ) has specific transmission properties, an entry end ( 27 ) and an exit end ( 29 ). The changing device ( 7, 107 ) can be arranged and moved into a position with respect to the light-emitting diode ( 1 ) and the fiber entry end ( 5 ) such that the entry end ( 27 ) of the light-guide element ( 13 - 19 ) lies opposite the light-emitting diode ( 1 ) and the exit end ( 29 ) of the light-guide element ( 13 - 19 ) lies opposite the fiber entry end ( 5 ).

Liquid-crystal display with coherent illumination and reduced speckling

Disclosed is a liquid-crystal display with coherent illumination. The display has a multilayered matrix structure comprising a matrix of micromirrors, lightguide panel with a matrix of holographic elements, a liquid-crystal matrix containing a plurality of liquid-crystal cells and a polarization analyzer. The micromirrors perform reciprocating linear or tilting movements. Therefore, in each current moment, the speckle pattern of the image shifts relative to the preceding pattern so that in each current moment the viewer sees an image in different micropositions, which are perceptible by the human eye as a quasistationary pattern. As a result, the speckle pattern seen by the viewer is smoothened.

WAVEGUIDE TYPE OPTICAL SWITCH

A waveguide type optical switch that can reduce the number of intersections in a matrix optical switch having the configuration of connecting unit optical switches and optical combining devices or optical branching devices to have a connecting function from “multiple inputs to one output” to “one input to multiple outputs”. To reduce the number of intersections in an entire matrix optical switch, an optical combining device of M inputs and one output is divided into (M−1) pieces of unit optical combining elements each having two inputs and one output, which are arranged immediately after (N−1) pieces of respective output ports excluding one piece of the output port closer to the input in the matrix optical switch out of N pieces of the output ports in the optical switch of one input and N outputs. 1. A waveguide type optical switch having a form of a matrix optical switch of M inputs and N outputs (each of M and N is an integral number of three or more) formed on a single substrate , the matrix optical switch comprising:M pieces of optical switches each having one input and N outputs; andN pieces of optical combining devices each having M inputs and one output, whereinthe a-th input (a is an integral number of 1 to M) in the matrix optical switch comprises the input of the a-th optical switch of one input and N outputs,the b-th output (b is an integral number of 1 to N) in the matrix optical switch comprises the output of the b-th optical combining device of M inputs and one output,each of the optical switches comprises (N−1) pieces of unit optical switch elements each having one input and two outputs, andeach of the optical combining devices comprises (M−1) pieces of unit optical combining elements each having two inputs and one output, whereinin the optical switch,the input of the first unit optical switch element forms the input of the optical switch,one of the outputs in the i-th (i is an integral number of 1 to (N−2)) unit optical switch element is connected to ...

Nanomechanical photonic devices

Devices which operate on gradient optical forces, in particular, nanoscale mechanical devices which are actuable by gradient optical forces. Such a device comprises a waveguide and a dielectric body, with at least a portion of the waveguide separated from the dielectric body at a distance which permits evanescent coupling of an optical mode within the waveguide to the dielectric body. This results in an optical force which acts on the waveguide and which can be exploited in a variety of devices on a nano scale, including all-optical switches, photonic transistors, tuneable couplers, optical attenuators and tuneable phase shifters.

Large Scale Steerable Coherent Optical Switched Arrays

Aspects of the present disclosure describe large scale steerable optical switched arrays that may be fabricated on a common substrate including many thousands or more emitters that may be arranged in a curved pattern at the focal plane of a lens thereby allowing the directional control of emitted light and selective reception of reflected light suitable for use in imaging, ranging, and sensing applications including accident avoidance.

Adiabatic Coupler

A system for selectively adiabatically coupling electromagnetic waves from one waveguide to another waveguide is described. It comprises a first waveguide portion and a second waveguide portion having substantially different surface normal cross-sections. Portions thereof are positioned with respect to each other in a coupling region so that under first predetermined environmental conditions coupling of electromagnetic waves between the first waveguide portion and the second waveguide portion can occur and under second predetermined environmental conditions substantially no coupling of electromagnetic waves between the first waveguide portion and the second waveguide portion can occur. The system also comprises a fluid positioning means for selectively positioning at least a first fluid simultaneously overlaying both said first waveguide portion and said second waveguide portion in the coupling region thus selectively inducing first predetermined environmental conditions or second predetermined environmental conditions.

HIGH RELIABILITY ROBOTIC CROSS-CONNECT SYSTEMS

An apparatus includes a plurality of connector track elements, each extending substantially perpendicularly from a coupling plane, wherein a particular connector track element of the plurality of connector track elements includes a distribution of at least two magnets adjacent unattached end thereof, a polarity of the magnets on the particular connector track element being selected to provide magnetic repulsion as to at least one adjacent connector track element. 1. (canceled)2. An apparatus comprising:a plurality of connector track elements, each extending from a coupling plane,wherein a particular connector track element of said plurality of connector track elements includes a distribution of at least two magnets adjacent an end thereof, a polarity of the magnets on said particular connector track element being selected to provide magnetic repulsion as to at least one adjacent connector track element of said plurality of connector track elements.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of connector track elements each extend substantially perpendicularly from the coupling plane.4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the polarity of the magnets on said particular connector track element is selected to provide magnetic repulsion as to at least one vertically adjacent connector track element.5. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the connector track elements have a length to width ratio of greater than 10:1.6. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the coupling plane comprises a number of optical couplers disposed in parallel rows claim 2 , and wherein said connector track elements are each attached adjacent a different optical coupler.7. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the connector track elements are spaced apart by a first predetermined gap in a first direction claim 2 , and wherein the first predetermined gap is sufficient to allow non-contact passage of a telescoping drive.8. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the distribution of at least two magnets is ...

Photonic Integrated Circuit Outcoupling Array for Imaging-Based Beam Steering

A coupler array device may include an array of couplers arranged in a coupler plane, where each of the couplers couples light between the coupler plane and one or more directions outside of the coupler plane. A coupler array device may further include a pixel switch network to selectively couple light into or out of a selected subset of the plurality of couplers, where the pixel switch network may include one or more pixel-network waveguides and pixel-network switches to couple light between couplers and pixel-network waveguides. The coupler array device may further include one or more feed networks including a feed-line waveguide and one or more feed-network switches to couple light between the feed-line waveguide and at least some of the pixel-network waveguides. Light may be routable between selected couplers and selected feed-line waveguides along selected paths by controlling the pixel-network switches and the feed-network switches along the selected paths. 1. A coupler array device comprising:a plurality of couplers arranged in a coupler plane, wherein each of the plurality of couplers is configured to couple light between the coupler plane and one or more directions outside of the coupler plane; one or more pixel-network waveguides; and', 'a plurality of pixel-network switches, wherein each of the plurality of pixel-network switches is configured to selectively couple light between one of the plurality of couplers and one of the one or more pixel-network waveguides; and, 'a pixel switch network to selectively couple light into or out of a selected subset of the plurality of couplers, wherein the pixel switch network comprises a feed-line waveguide; and', 'one or more feed-network switches to selectively couple light between the feed-line waveguide and at least some of the plurality of pixel-network waveguides, wherein light is routable between selected couplers of the plurality of couplers and selected feed-line waveguides of the one or more feed networks ...

OPTICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR MANAGING DIVERSITY AND ISOLATION BETWEEN PORTS IN A WAVELENGTH SELECTIVE SWITCH

An optical device includes an optical port array, an optical arrangement, a dispersion element, a focusing element and a programmable optical phase modulator. The optical port array has at least one optical input port for receiving an optical beam and a plurality of optical output ports. The optical arrangement allows optical coupling between the input port and each of the output ports and prevents optical coupling between any one of the plurality of optical output ports and any other of the plurality of optical output ports. The dispersion element receives the optical beam from the input port after traversing the optical arrangement and spatially separates the optical beam into a plurality of wavelength components. The focusing element focuses the plurality of wavelength components. The programmable optical phase modulator receives the focused plurality of wavelength components and steers them to a selected one of the optical outputs. 1. An optical device , comprising:an optical port array having at least one optical input port for receiving an optical beam and a plurality of optical output ports;an optical arrangement for allowing optical coupling between the at least one optical input port and each of the optical output ports and preventing optical coupling between any one of the plurality of optical output ports and any other of the plurality of optical output ports;a dispersion element receiving the optical beam from the at least one optical input after traversing the optical arrangement and spatially separating the optical beam into a plurality of wavelength components;a focusing element for focusing the plurality of wavelength components; anda programmable optical phase modulator for receiving the focused plurality of wavelength components, the modulator being configured to steer the wavelength components to a selected one of the optical outputs.2. The optical device of claim 1 , wherein the optical arrangement is configured to selectively allow and prevent ...

OPTICAL SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS USING PLANAR LIGHTWAVE CIRCUIT WITH WAVEGUIDE-ARRAY STRUCTURE

An optical signal processing apparatus using a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) with a waveguide-array structure includes a PLC board including a waveguide-array structure, a cylinder lens for collimating optical signals emitted and output from the PLC board into parallel beams, a condenser lens for condensing, for each channel, optical signals output by passing through the cylinder lens, and a light receiving element for receiving optical signals condensed on at least one channel from the condenser lens and converting the optical signals into electrical signals, wherein the PLC board divides an optical signal input thereto into a plurality of different optical signals and outputs the optical signals at different propagation angles. 1. An optical signal processing apparatus , comprising:a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) board configured to include a waveguide-array structure;a cylinder lens configured to collimate optical signals emitted and output from the PLC board into parallel beams;a condenser lens configured to condense, for each channel, optical signals output by passing through the cylinder lens; anda light receiving element configured to receive optical signals condensed on at least one channel from the condenser lens and convert the optical signals into electrical signals, wherein the PLC board divides an optical signal input thereto into a plurality of different optical signals and outputs the optical signals at different propagation angles.2. The optical signal processing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the PCL board includes:an input waveguide connected to an external optical fiber;a slab waveguide configured to spatially uniformly distributed the intensity of an optical signal; andan array waveguide configured to include a plurality of divided channel-type waveguides, and allow optical signals to be output with a predetermined difference in propagation angle between adjacent waveguides.3. The optical signal processing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the PLC ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TUNING AND SWITCHING BETWEEN OPTICAL COMPONENTS

Apparatuses and methods for tuning and switching between optical components are provided. The apparatuses and methods may be used in the context of optical communication. An example apparatus may include a first optical path having a first tunable component and a second optical path having a second tunable component. The apparatus may also include a first switch component for selectively connecting the first optical path to an output, and a second switch component for selectively connecting the second optical path to the output. The first and second switch components may be semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). The apparatus may have a controller that controls the first switch component and the second switch component to select which optical path is connected to the output and controls tuning of the tunable component in the optical path that is not connected to the output. 1. An apparatus comprising:a first optical path having a first tunable component and a second optical path having a second tunable component;a first switch component for selectively connecting the first optical path to an output;a second switch component for selectively connecting the second optical path to the output;a controller that controls the first switch component and the second switch component to select which optical path is connected to the output and controls tuning of the tunable component in the optical path that is not connected to the output.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an optical coupler that couples the first switch component and the second switch component to the output.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the optical coupler is a 3 dB directional coupler.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each switch component is a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA).5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein each SOA is selectively configurable by the controller for reverse biasing.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each switch component has a switching time of less ...

On-chip optical polarization controller

An example optical polarization controller can include a substantially planar substrate and a waveguide unit cell formed on the substantially planar substrate. The waveguide unit cell can include a first out-of-plane waveguide portion and a second out-of-plane waveguide portion coupled to the first out-of-plane waveguide portion. Each of the first and second out-of-plane waveguide portions can respectively include a core material layer arranged between a first optical cladding layer having a first stress-response property and a second optical cladding layer having a second stress-response property. The first and second stress-response properties can be different such that each of the first and second out-of-plane waveguide portions is deflected by a deflection angle.

NON-PLANAR WAVEGUIDE STRUCTURES

The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to non-planar waveguide structures and methods of manufacture. The structure includes: a first waveguide structure; and a non-planar waveguide structure spatially shifted from the first waveguide structure and separated from the first waveguide structure by an insulator material. 1. A structure comprising:a first non-planar waveguide structure comprising semiconductor material; anda second non-planar waveguide structure comprising the semiconductor material and spatially shifted in a vertical orientation from the first non-planar waveguide structure such that lower horizontal sections of the first non-planar waveguide and the second non-planar waveguide are in a different plane and separated from one another in both the vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation by an insulator material.2. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the first non-planar waveguide structure crosses the second non-planar waveguide structure.3. The structure of claim 2 , wherein the crossing occurs at a non-planar portion of the second non-planar waveguide structure.4. (canceled)5. (canceled)6. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the first non-planar waveguide structure is vertically shifted and crosses over the second non-planar waveguide structure.7. The structure of claim 6 , wherein the first non-planar waveguide structure is vertically shifted by 180 degrees from the non-planar waveguide structure.820.-. (canceled)21. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the second non-planar waveguide structure includes rounded corners transitioning between vertical sections and the horizontal sections.22. The structure of claim 21 , wherein the first non-planar waveguide structure and the second non-planar waveguide structure cross between vertical sections of the second non-planar waveguide structure and the lower horizontal sections of the second non-planar waveguide are on a same plane as upper horizontal sections ...

Multiplexed laser light source

A combined-wave laser light source comprises a two-dimensional laser light source 1 in which laser light sources are arranged two-dimensionally along a common plane, and a two-dimensional deflection optic element that is arranged corresponding to the two-dimensional laser light source 1 and which has an x-direction steering optic element 3 that deflects each laser optic axis of the two-dimensional laser light source in an x-direction and a y-direction steering optic element 4 that deflects each laser optic axis of the two-dimensional laser light source in a y-direction; and a combining lens 5 that converges the laser lights from the two-dimensional deflection optic elements, 3, 4 to combine said laser lights to an optical fiber.

MIRROR BASED MICROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Unlike most MEMS device configurations which simply switch between two positions in many optical devices the state of a MEMS mirror is important in all transition positions. It may determine the characteristics of an optical delay line system and by that an optical coherence tomography system in one application and in another the number of wavelength channels and the dynamic wavelength switching capabilities in the other. The role of the MEMS is essential and it is responsible for altering the paths of the different wavelengths in either device. It would be beneficial to improve the performance of such MEMS and thereby the performance of the optical components and optical systems they form part of. The inventors have established improvements to the design and implementation of such MEMS mirrors as well as optical waveguide technologies to in-plane optical processing as well as the mid infrared for optical spectroscopy. 1. A device comprising:a rotatable microelectromechanical system (R-MEMS), the R-MEMS having at least a front surface and a back surface;a planar waveguide supported by the R-MEMS and having a first surface disposed proximate the front surface of the R-MEMS and a second surface disposed proximate the rear surface of the R-MEMS; andan optical circuit disposed adjacent to the R-MEMS and planar waveguide having a coupling surface having a profile matching the first surface, whereinthe R-MEMS does not form a predetermined portion of the planar waveguide.2. The device according to claim 1 , whereinan optical signal propagating within the optical circuit propagates from the optical circuit into the planar waveguide via the coupling surface and first surface, reflects from the second surface of the planar waveguide, and is coupled back into the optical circuit via the front surface and the coupling surface.3. The device according to claim 1 , whereinthe optical circuit comprises a planar waveguide, the first surface, the second surface and coupling surface ...

THIN CERAMIC IMAGING SCREEN FOR CAMERA SYSTEMS

An apparatus and a camera system are provided. The apparatus includes an imaging screen configured to diffuse incoming light, and a lens system coupled to the imaging screen and configured to focus light from the imaging screen onto a CMOS image sensor. The imaging screen includes a ceramic diffuser layer fused into a surface of a glass substrate, and a thickness of the ceramic diffuser layer is within a range of about 7-10 μm. 1. A method of manufacturing an imaging screen , the method comprising:preparing a glass substrate;printing a ceramic diffuser having a thickness within a range of about 7-10 μm directly on the substrate;drying the printed ceramic diffuser; andkiln firing the dried printed ceramic diffuser to form a hard ceramic diffuser layer fused into the glass substrate such that no gap exists between the ceramic diffuser and the glass substrate.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ceramic diffuser layer comprises a bismuth-based glass frit and at least one inorganic pigment claim 1 , including one of silicon dioxide (SiO2) claim 1 , zinc oxide (ZnO) claim 1 , diboron trioxide (B2O3) claim 1 , sodium oxide (Na2O) claim 1 , and bismuth oxide (BiO2).3. The method of claim 1 , wherein a thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of the ceramic diffuser layer has a value within about 8% of a CTE value of the glass substrate.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:coupling a stainless steel housing to the imaging screen using a glass layer including a soda lime float glass material such that the stainless steel housing surrounds the imaging screen.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein a thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of the ceramic diffuser layer has a value within about 10-20% of a CTE value of the stainless steel housing claim 4 , and wherein a CTE value of the glass substrate is within about 6-7% of the CTE value of the stainless steel.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the glass substrate comprises a soda lime float glass substrate.7. The method of ...

DIFFRACTIVE WAVEPLATE LENSES AND APPLICATIONS

Methods, systems and devices for diffractive waveplate lens and mirror systems allowing electronically focusing light at different focal planes. The system can be incorporated into a variety of optical schemes for providing electrical control of transmission. In another embodiment, the system comprises diffractive waveplates of different functionality to provide a system for controlling not only focusing but other propagation properties of light including direction, phase profile, and intensity distribution. 1. An optical system comprising:a light source;a flat mirror having a quarter wave plate deposited on the flat mirror;one or more diffractive waveplates with switchable optical power for receiving the light from the light source, said one or more diffractive wave plates are selected from a group consisting of cylindrical diffractive waveplate lenses, cycloidal diffractive waveplates, axial diffractive waveplates, axicon diffractive waveplates, beam shaping diffractive waveplates, and arrays of diffractive waveplates; anda switching device for selectively switching the optical power of said diffractive waveplates to provide an electrically controlled diffraction property in reflected light;a flat mirror to provide an electrically controlled diffraction property in reflected light; andat least one quarter waveplate deposited on the flat mirror.2. The optical system as in wherein said light source is fiber coupled.3. The optical system as in claim 1 , wherein said diffractive waveplates have an optical axis orientation that is modulated in one or both transverse directions parallel to a substrate.4. The optical system as in wherein said switching devices for selectively switching the optical power of said diffractive waveplate system include variable phase retardation plates.5. The optical system as in wherein said one or more diffractive waveplates are deposited on a surface of at least one of the variable phase retardation plates.6. (canceled)7. The optical ...

WAVEGUIDE-BASED DETECTION SYSTEM WITH SCANNING LIGHT SOURCE

The invention provides methods and devices for generating optical pulses in one or more waveguides using a spatially scanning light source. A detection system, methods of use thereof and kits for detecting a biologically active analyte molecule are also provided. The system includes a scanning light source, a substrate comprising a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with one or more waveguide of the substrate, a detector that is coupled to and in optical communication with the substrate, and means for spatially translating a light beam emitted from said scanning light source such that the light beam is coupled to and in optical communication with the waveguides of the substrate at some point along its scanning path. The use of a scanning light source allows the coupling of light into the waveguides of the substrate in a simple and cost-effective manner. 1. A detection system for detecting a biologically active analyte molecule comprising:a substrate comprising one or more excitation waveguides, a plurality of collection waveguides, the one or more excitation waveguides and the plurality of collection waveguides crossing to form an array of intersection regions where an excitation waveguide and a collection waveguide cross and provide optical communication with the intersection region at each crossing, and a plurality of optical sensing sites each in optical communication with an intersection region;a scanning light source, wherein the scanning light source is at some point along its scanning path in optical communication with at least one of the one or more excitation waveguides;a detector that is in optical communication with one or more of the collection waveguides; andan actuator for spatially translating a light beam emitted from the scanning light source relative to the substrate such that the light beam is coupled to and in optical communication with at least one of the one or more excitation waveguides of ...

Fast optical switch and its applications in optical communication

A fast optical switch can be fabricated/constructed, when vanadium dioxide (VO) ultra thin-film or a cluster of vanadium dioxide particles (less than 0.5 microns in diameter) embedded in an ultra thin-film of a polymeric material or in a mesh of metal nanowires is activated by either an electrical pulse (a voltage pulse or a current pulse) or a light pulse just to induce rapid insulator-to-metal phase transition (IMT) in vanadium dioxide ultra thin-film or vanadium dioxide particles embedded in an ultra thin-film of a polymeric material or in a mesh of metal nanowires. The applications of such a fast optical switch for an on-Demand optical add-drop subsystem, integrating with or without a wavelength converter are also described. 1. An optical switch comprising:two optically coupled waveguides,wherein a minimum distance between the two optically coupled waveguides is less than 5 microns, a vanadium dioxide ultra thin-film of thickness less than 0.3 microns or a cluster of vanadium dioxide particles of particle diameter less than 0.5 microns,', 'wherein the cluster of vanadium dioxide particles is embedded in a ultra thin-film of a polymeric material or in a mesh of metal nanowires,', 'wherein the section of each waveguide is receiving a voltage pulse or a current pulse via two electrodes on the vanadium dioxide ultra thin-film or on the cluster of vanadium dioxide particles, just to induce insulator-to-metal phase transition (IMT) in the vanadium dioxide ultra thin-film or in the cluster of vanadium dioxide particles,', 'wherein the two electrodes are electrically connected or electrically coupled with the vanadium dioxide ultra thin-film or with the cluster of vanadium dioxide particles., 'wherein a section of the each waveguide comprises2. The optical switch according to claim 1 , further comprising a directionally coupled optical waveguide configuration.3. The optical switch according to claim 1 , further comprising coupling with a wavelength multiplexer or a ...

ON-CHIP OPTICAL POLARIZATION CONTROLLER

An example optical polarization controller can include a substantially planar substrate and a waveguide unit cell formed on the substantially planar substrate. The waveguide unit cell can include a first out-of-plane waveguide portion and a second out-of-plane waveguide portion coupled to the first out-of-plane waveguide portion. Each of the first and second out-of-plane waveguide portions can respectively include a core material layer arranged between a first optical cladding layer having a first stress-response property and a second optical cladding layer having a second stress-response property. The first and second stress-response properties can be different such that each of the first and second out-of-plane waveguide portions is deflected by a deflection angle. 1. An optical polarization controller , comprising:a substantially planar substrate; anda waveguide unit cell formed on the substantially planar substrate, the waveguide unit cell comprising:a first out-of-plane waveguide portion, anda second out-of-plane waveguide portion coupled to the first out-of-plane waveguide portion, wherein each of the first and second out-of-plane waveguide portions respectively includes a core material layer arranged between a first optical cladding layer having a first stress-response property and a second optical cladding layer having a second stress-response property that is different than the first stress-response property such that each of the first and second out-of-plane waveguide portions is deflected by a deflection angle, and wherein the first out-of-plane waveguide portion or the second out-of-plane waveguide portion forms a bend in a direction that is different than a direction of deflection.2. The optical polarization controller of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first out-of-plane waveguide portion or the second out-of-plane waveguide portion is deflected toward or away from the substantially planar substrate.3. The optical polarization controller of claim ...

MIRROR DRIFT COMPENSATION IN AN OPTICAL CIRCUIT SWITCH

Methods of operating an optical circuit switch and optical circuit switches are disclosed. To make a connection between a first port and a second port, baseline voltages may be determined, baseline voltages being voltages that, if respectively applied to one or more electrode coupled to a first mirror element uniquely associated with the first port and one or more electrode coupled to a second mirror element uniquely associated with the second port, cause the first and second mirror elements to rotate to make the connection in the absence of accumulated mirror element drift. Accumulated drift data associated with one or both of the first mirror element and the second mirror element may be retrieved from a memory. One or more of the baseline voltages may be modified based on the accumulated drift data to provide corrected voltages, and the corrected voltages may be applied to the electrodes. 120-. (canceled)21. A method for making a connection from a first port to a second port through an optical circuit switch , comprising:determining baseline voltages that, if respectively applied to one or more electrode coupled to a first mirror element uniquely associated with the first port and one or more electrode coupled to a second mirror element uniquely associated with the second port, cause the first and second mirror elements to rotate to make the connection in the absence of accumulated mirror element drift;retrieving, from a memory, accumulated drift data associated with one or both of the first mirror element and the second mirror element;modifying one or more of the baseline voltages based on the accumulated drift data to provide corrected voltages; andapplying the corrected voltages to the electrodes.22. The method of claim 21 , further comprising:periodically adjusting the voltages applied to the electrodes to minimize an insertion loss of the connection; andperiodically updating the accumulated drift data associated with one or both of the first and second mirror ...

TDLAS ARCHITECTURE FOR WIDELY SPACED WAVELENGTHS

Systems for measuring a concentration of a target species include a first and second tunable diode laser generating laser light at a respective first and second wavelength each corresponding to respective absorption lines of the target species. A first optical fiber is optically coupled to the first tunable diode laser, and does not support a fundamental mode at the second wavelength. A second optical fiber is coupled to the second tunable diode laser and does not support a fundamental mode at the first wavelength. A fiber bundle includes respective distal ends of the first and second optical fibers, which are stripped of their respective coatings and arranged with their claddings adjacent to each other. A pitch head is configured to project respective optical beams from the fiber bundle through a measurement zone. A catch head located across the measurement zone receives the projected beams and directs them to a sensor. 1. A system for measuring a concentration of at least one target species comprising:a first and second tunable diode laser, the first tunable diode laser generating laser light at a first wavelength, the second tunable diode laser generating laser light at a second wavelength, wherein the first wavelength and the second wavelength correspond to respective absorption lines of the at least one target species;a first optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the first optical fiber optically coupled to the first tunable diode laser at the proximal end, the first optical fiber not supporting a fundamental mode at the second wavelength;a second optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the second optical fiber optically coupled to the second tunable diode laser at the proximal end, the second optical fiber_not supporting a fundamental mode at the first wavelength;a fiber bundle assembly including a first distal end of the first optical fiber and a second distal end of the second optical fiber;a pitch head (i) including a ...

BICHROMATIC CHIP TO FREE-SPACE GRATING COUPLER

A bichromatic grating coupler comprises a two-dimensional diffraction grating structure, including a first sub-grating having a first periodic structure and a second sub-grating having a second periodic structure. The first and second sub-gratings are superimposed with respect to each other in the diffraction grating structure. A first optical port is coupled to the diffraction grating structure along a first direction, and a second optical port is coupled to the diffraction grating structure along a second direction. The first optical port is configured to direct a first light beam having a first wavelength to the diffraction grating structure, such that the first light beam is diffracted in a first direction by the first sub-grating. The second optical port is configured to direct a second light beam having a second wavelength to the diffraction grating structure, such that the second light beam is diffracted in a second direction by the second sub-grating. 1. A bichromatic grating coupler , comprising:a waveguide core layer; a first sub-grating having a first periodic structure in the diffraction grating structure; and', 'a second sub-grating having a second periodic structure in the diffraction grating structure;', 'wherein the first sub-grating and the second subgrating are superimposed with respect to each other in the diffraction grating structure;, 'a diffraction grating structure on a surface of the waveguide core layer, the diffraction grating structure comprisinga first optical port coupled to the diffraction grating structure along a first direction; anda second optical port coupled to the diffraction grating structure along a second direction that is different than the first direction;wherein the first optical port is configured to direct a first light beam having a first wavelength to the diffraction grating structure, such that the first light beam is diffracted at a first emission angle by the first sub-grating;wherein the second optical port is ...

TDLAS Architecture for Widely Spaced Wavelengths

A system for widely spaced wavelength tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy includes at least a first and second tunable diode laser generating laser light at a first and second wavelength, wherein laser light of the first and second wavelengths cannot co-propagate efficiently on the same single-mode fiber. A first fiber may be configured to carry light in the first wavelength, and a second fiber configured to carry light in the second wavelength. A fiber bundle may be formed from the distal ends of the first and second fibers stripped of their respective coatings, and arranged with their claddings adjacent to each other. One or more pitch heads are configured to project respective beams of laser light from the fiber bundle through a measurement zone. One or more catch heads located across the measurement zone receive the respective beams and direct the respective beams onto at least one sensor.

Diffractive Waveplate Lenses and Applications

Methods, systems and devices for diffractive waveplate lens and mirror systems allowing electronically focusing light at different focal planes. The system can be incorporated into a variety of optical schemes for providing electrical control of transmission. In another embodiment, the system comprises diffractive waveplate of different functionality to provide a system for controlling not only focusing but other propagation properties of light including direction, phase profile, and intensity distribution. 1. An optical system comprising:a light source;one or more diffractive waveplate lenses with switchable optical power; anda switching device for selectively switching the optical power of said diffractive waveplate lenses.2. The optical system as in wherein each successive diffractive waveplate lens in said optical system has a focusing power double of the focusing power of the previous lens to focus the beam of said light source to any of 2focal planes claim 1 , adjacent accessible focal planes being equally separated.3. The optical system as in wherein said light source is fiber coupled.4. The optical system as in wherein said one or more diffractive waveplate lenses are positioned such that a coupling between two optical fibers can be turned on and off by switching one or more of the diffractive lenses on and off.5. A fiber optic device comprisinga light source;a polarization maintaining optical fiber;a switchable diffractive waveplate lens at an output facet of the optical fiber; anda controller device for controlling a state of polarization in the optical fiber.6. The fiber optic device as in wherein the controller device switches between one or more of an illuminator and focusing states.7. The fiber optics device as in wherein the light source provides power for surgical application.8. An optical system comprising:a light source;one or more diffractive waveplate lenses;one or more variable phase retardation plates;a switching device for selectively ...

OPTICAL EMITTER PACKAGES

An optical emitter package is disclosed. The optical emitter package can include a carrier, a switching die, and an optical emitter die mounted to the carrier. The optical emitter die can be directly electrically and mechanically connected to the carrier with a conductive adhesive. An energy storage device can be mounted to the carrier. The energy storage device can be directly electrically and mechanically connected to the carrier with a second conductive adhesive. The carrier can provide electrical communication between the switching die, the optical emitter die, and the energy storage device. 1. An optical emitter package comprising:a carrier;a switching die;an optical emitter die mounted to the carrier, the optical emitter die electrically and mechanically connected to the carrier with a conductive adhesive; andan energy storage device mounted to the carrier, the energy storage device electrically and mechanically connected to the carrier with a second conductive adhesive,wherein the carrier provides electrical communication among the switching die, the optical emitter die, and the energy storage device.2. The package of claim 1 , further comprising an interconnect structure comprising a conductive trace claim 1 , the interconnect structure electrically connecting to the optical emitter die by a third conductive adhesive and to the switching die by a fourth conductive adhesive.3. The package of claim 1 , wherein the carrier comprises an interposer disposed between the switching die and the optical emitter die.4. The package of claim 3 , further comprising a current pathway between the energy storage device and the interposer claim 3 , between the interposer and the optical emitter die claim 3 , between the optical emitter die and the switching die claim 3 , and between the switching die and the energy storage device.5. The package of claim 1 , wherein the carrier comprises a package substrate claim 1 , and wherein each of the switching die claim 1 , the optical ...

INTEGRATED OPTICAL SWITCHING AND SPLITTING FOR OPTICAL NETWORKS

Integrated optical devices include various configurations of active optical switches and other passive components such as splitters that are useful for controlling signals in optical data transmission networks. An optical switch may be used to switch light between waveguides on different substrates. The active optical switch may include one or more microfluidic droplets that are controllably movable relative to the coupling region to change the amount of light couplable between the first and second switch waveguides. Different configurations of the droplets can be controlled for operating the switch in different switching states. An optical switch can be included in an end use transceiver device for remotely controlling an optical time domain measurement. A microfluidic switch can be used to control wavelength-selective reflection in a waveguide reflector. 1. An optical device , comprising:a waveguide splitter cascade comprising at least first and second tiers of waveguide splitter nodes, each waveguide splitter node comprising a respective input waveguide coupled to two respective output waveguides;wherein at least one output waveguide of the first tier of waveguide splitters comprises an input waveguide of a waveguide splitter of the second tier of waveguide splitters; andan active optical switch having two or more inputs and an output connected as an input to one of the waveguide splitter nodes.2. The device recited in claim 1 , wherein one of the two or more inputs to the active optical switch comprises an output from an upstream waveguide splitter.3. The device as recited in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the splitter nodes is a symmetric splitter node.4. The device as recited in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the splitter nodes is an asymmetric splitter node.5. The device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the active optical switch comprises a microfluidic optical switch.6. The device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the active optical switch is activatable ...

METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR WAVELENGTH TUNABLE OPTICAL COMPONENTS AND SUB-SYSTEMS

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber.-To meet demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost monolithic optical circuit technologies and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have become increasingly important. However, further integration via microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) of monolithically integrated optical waveguides upon a MEMS provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Such MOEMS may include MOEMS mirrors and optical waveguides capable of deflection under electronic control. In contrast to MEMS devices where the MEMS is simply used to switch between two positions the state of MOEMS becomes important in all transition positions. Improvements to the design and implementation of such MOEMS mirrors, deformable MOEMS waveguides, and optical waveguide technologies supporting MOEMS devices are presented where monolithically integrated optical waveguides are directly supported, moved and/or deformed by a MEMS. 1. A device comprising:an optical waveguide structure comprising a first predetermined portion formed from a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) optical waveguides for routing an optical signal upon a substrate and a second predetermined portion comprising an input 3D optical waveguide for routing the optical signals from a first subset of the plurality of 3D optical waveguides to or from the input 3D optical waveguide; anda rotational microoptoelectromechanical (MOEMS) element comprising a pivot and an actuator supporting the input 3D optical waveguide; whereina predetermined rotation of the MOEMS element under the motion of the actuator results in an alignment of the input 3D optical waveguide with a predetermined 3D optical waveguide of the first subset of the plurality of 3D optical ...

METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR MICROELECTROMECHANICAL PACKAGING

Hybrid optical integration places very strict manufacturing tolerances and performance requirements upon the multiple elements to exploit passive alignment techniques as well as having additional processing requirements. Alternatively, active alignment and soldering/fixing where feasible is also complex and time consuming with 3, 4, or 6-axis control of each element. However, microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems can sense, control, and activate mechanical processes on the micro scale. Beneficially, therefore the inventors combine silicon MEMS based micro-actuators with silicon CMOS control and drive circuits in order to provide alignment of elements within a silicon optical circuit either with respect to each other or with other optical elements hybridly integrated such as compound semiconductor elements. Such inventive MEMS based circuits may be either maintained as active during deployment or powered off once the alignment has been “locked” through an attachment/retention/latching process. 1. A device comprising:a substrate; and a platform;', 'a pair of first microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) actuators, a first first MEMS actuator of the pair of first MEMS actuators disposed on a first side of the platform and a second first MEMS actuator of the pair of first MEMS actuators disposed on a second side of the platform opposite the first side of the platform;', 'a pair of second microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) actuators, a first second MEMS actuator of the pair of second MEMS actuators disposed on a third side of the platform and a second second MEMS actuator of the pair of second MEMS actuators disposed on a fourth side of the platform opposite the third side of the platform; wherein, 'a first microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) micro-positioner comprisinga first part of each first MEMS actuator of the pair of first MEMS actuators is attached to the platform and a second part of each first MEMS actuator of the pair of first MEMS actuators is coupled to ...

METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR WAVELENGTH TUNABLE OPTICAL COMPONENTS AND SUB-SYSTEMS

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber.-To meet demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost monolithic optical circuit technologies and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have become increasingly important. However, further integration via microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) of monolithically integrated optical waveguides upon a MEMS provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Such MOEMS may include MOEMS mirrors and optical waveguides capable of deflection under electronic control. In contrast to MEMS devices where the MEMS is simply used to switch between two positions the state of MOEMS becomes important in all transition positions. Improvements to the design and implementation of such MOEMS mirrors, deformable MOEMS waveguides, and optical waveguide technologies supporting MOEMS devices are presented where monolithically integrated optical waveguides are directly supported, moved and/or deformed by a MEMS. 1. An optical device comprising:a substrate; a rotatable microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) element; and', 'a first optical waveguide formed upon the rotatable MEMS element rotating under action of the rotatable MEMS element; and', 'a grating formed upon the rotatable MEMS element optically coupled to a facet of the first optical waveguide;, 'a rotational microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) element integrated upon the substrate in a first predetermined position comprisinga second optical waveguide integrated upon the substrate having a first end disposed at a first predetermined position with respect to the rotational MOEMS element; whereinrotation of the grating under action of the rotatable MEMS element reflects a predetermined portion of optical signals coupled to it from the ...

METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR WAVELENGTH TUNABLE OPTICAL COMPONENTS AND SUB-SYSTEMS

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has enabled telecommunication service providers to provide multiple independent multi-gigabit channels on one optical fiber. To meet demands for improved performance, increased integration, reduced footprint, reduced power consumption, increased flexibility, re-configurability, and lower cost monolithic optical circuit technologies and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have become increasingly important. However, further integration via microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) of monolithically integrated optical waveguides upon a MEMS provide further integration opportunities and functionality options. Such MOEMS may include MOEMS mirrors and optical waveguides capable of deflection under electronic control. In contrast to MEMS devices where the MEMS is simply used to switch between two positions the state of MOEMS becomes important in all transition positions. Improvements to the design and implementation of such MOEMS mirrors, deformable MOEMS waveguides, and optical waveguide technologies supporting MOEMS devices are presented where monolithically integrated optical waveguides are directly supported, moved and/or deformed by a MEMS. 1. An optical source comprising:a substrate;an optical cavity comprising a first high reflectivity facet, a second high reflectivity facet, and a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) disposed between the first high reflectivity facet and the second high reflectivity facet; whereinthe first high reflectivity facet comprises at least a tunable optical wavelength filter employing a rotational microoptoelectromechanical (MOEMS) element integrated upon the substrate;the first high reflectivity facet has a high reflectivity over a predetermined bandwidth determined by the tunable optical wavelength filter; anda center wavelength of the optical source can be set to one of a plurality of predetermined wavelengths within a predetermined wavelength range based upon setting the tunable optical ...

Optical frequency domain reflectometry, optical frequency domain reflectometer, and device for measuring position or shape using the same

To eliminate a need for polarization adjustment, to simplify a configuration, and to make a configuration at low cost. Wavelength swept light is provided to a measurement-target optical fiber having an FBG with a chirped grating interval. A polarization multiplexing unit generates polarization multiplexed reference light by multiplexing first reference light and second reference light, which are swept in a wavelength in the same manner as wavelength swept light and have polarizations orthogonal to each other. Polarization multiplexed reference light is input to combine means along with reflected light from measurement-target optical fiber and is made to interfere with reflected light. A signal processing unit performs Fourier transform processing on the digital signal by dividing a time domain into a plurality of periods, and synthesizes the Fourier transform results on a distance axis to obtain a measurement result of orthogonal polarization components of reflected light.

Optical circuit, and optical switch using same

In an optical circuit using a Mach-Zehnder-type element, it is difficult to obtain an optical circuit which has a less wavelength dependence and is suitable for achieving high integration. Accordingly, an optical circuit according to the present invention includes: a first Mach-Zehnder-type element including a first branch waveguide, a first branching/combining unit connected to one end of the first branch waveguide, and a second branching/combining unit connected to another end of the first branch waveguide and having a branch configuration different from that of the first branching/combining unit; and a second Mach-Zehnder-type element including a second branch waveguide, a third branching/combining unit connected to one end of the second branch waveguide, and a fourth branching/combining unit connected to another end of the second branch waveguide and having a branch configuration different from that of the third branching/combining unit. The first branch waveguide and the second branch waveguide each include a phase difference adjustment means. In the second branching/combining unit and the third branching/combining unit, light coupling between two basic modes with a phase inverted and a higher-order mode, is smaller than that in the first branching/combining unit and the fourth branching/combining unit. The first Mach-Zehnder-type element and the second Mach-Zehnder-type element are connected with each other through the second branching/combining unit and the third branching/combining unit.

RECONFIGURABLE DIFFRACTIVE OPTICAL SWITCH

Optical switch based on a micro-minor device such as a DMD configured to simultaneously switch light from N inputs to M outputs with switching times of about 10 microseconds, where N and M are generally greater than one. The minors of the device are oriented according to a pattern calculated based on a Fourier Transform of spatial distribution of M outputs such as to form, in diffraction of light incident on the device, and diffraction light pattern that in the output plane is substantially congruent with the spatial distribution of M outputs. The device can be configured as a modulator of amplitude and/or a modulator of phase of incident light wavefront. 1. A reconfigurable diffractive N×M optical switch system includinga first two-dimensional (2D) array of micro-reflector elements positioned, in optical communication with and between N spatially discrete light inputs and an output surface containing M spatially discrete light outputs, according to a first pattern that represent a Fourier transform of a second pattern formed by said M light outputs in the output surface,wherein said array includes multiple spatially separate from one another array areas each containing multiple micro-reflector elements,wherein each of N and M is greater than one, andwherein each of said N discrete light inputs is configured to illuminate only one array area from said multiple array areas.2. A reconfigurable diffractive N×M optical switch system according to claim 1 , wherein an operation of each micro-reflector element is defined by at least two spatial positions claim 1 , the at least two spatial positions including claim 1 , respectively claim 1 , first and second spatial orientations claim 1 ,the first spatial orientation defined by a first angle formed by a micro-reflector element with respect to a reference plane and a first longitudinal position of the micro-reflector along a line inclined with respect to said reference plane;the second spatial orientation defined by a second ...

Systems And Methods For Lighting Spring Loaded Mechanical Key Switches

Systems and methods are disclosed that may be implemented to provide keycap lighting to a spring loaded mechanical key switch assembly using a light conductive structure, such as a light pipe, and without requiring a chassis housing of the mechanical key switch assembly to include a dedicated power-consuming light source mounted to or otherwise positioned at the location of the individual key switch assembly chassis housing. Additionally, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to use one or more common power-consuming light source/s to simultaneously provide key cap lighting to multiple such spring loaded mechanical key switch assemblies, for example, by feeding light to each key cap though a common light spreader and through an individual non-power consuming light pipe provided for each key switch assembly.

Endoscope system

An endoscope system has observation modes making observations with lights having optical characteristics different from each other. The system includes an endoscope including an insertion section provided with an illumination window, a light guide arranged in the insertion section, and including an entrance end on which the lights enter and a plurality of light guide areas that guide the lights entered on the entrance end, and an entrance area switching unit that switches between the light guide areas through which the entered lights are guided by switching between areas on which the lights enter at the entrance end in accordance with an observation mode.

MICROMECHANICALLY ALIGNED OPTICAL ASSEMBLY

An optical assembly includes a combination of laser sources emitting radiation, focused by a combination of lenses into optical waveguides. The optical waveguide and the laser source are permanently attached to a common carrier, while at least one of the lenses is attached to a holder that is an integral part of the carrier, but is free to move initially. Micromechanical techniques are used to adjust the position of the lens and holder, and then fix the holder it into place permanently using integrated heaters with solder. 126.-. (canceled)27. A method of making an aligned optical assembly , comprising:moving a lever holding a lens to position the lens to focus light from a first waveguide into a second waveguide, the first waveguide and the second waveguide being physically coupled to a substrate, with the lever having a point fixed with respect to the substrate and the lever having a length substantially parallel to an optical axis of the light from the first waveguide to the lens; andfixing position of the lever with the lens focusing light from the first waveguide into the second waveguide.2851.-. (canceled) This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/148,551, filed Jan. 30, 2009, entitled “Micromechanically Aligned Optical Assembly” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.The invention relates generally to the fiber optic communications, and more particularly to optical packaging techniques used to align laser sources to optical fibers and other types of waveguides.Optical fiber communications has generally replaced electrical links over long distances in the past few decades. In more recent past, optical links are being used at shorter distances to connect servers to switches and for datacenters. In the future it is expected as data rates increase and costs of optics decreases that optics will diffuse into computers and the connections within a machine or between processors will be optical. (see ...

KIT AND SYSTEM FOR LASER-INDUCED MATERIAL DISPENSING

The method for printing a three-dimensional shaped object made of one or more materials includes providing an irradiation head configured to emit a laser beam, providing a foil, and providing a coater having a plurality of material dispensers. Further, a respective coating material may be dispensed from each of the plurality of material dispensers to provide a plurality of dispensed coatings. Further, each of the plurality of dispensed coatings may be dispensed onto the foil so as to coat the foil in parallel or series with each other. 1. A method for printing a three-dimensional shaped object made of one or more materials , the method comprising:providing an irradiation head configured to emit a laser beam;providing a foil;providing a coater having a plurality of material dispensers, dispensing a respective coating material from each of the plurality of material dispensers, thereby providing a plurality of dispensed coatings; andwherein each of the plurality of dispensed coatings are dispensed onto the foil so as to coat the foil in parallel with each other.2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:providing a substrate onto which the plurality of dispensed coatings are configured to be deposited; andirradiating, with the laser beam, at least a portion of the plurality of dispensed coatings that are dispensed onto the foil so as to eject droplets of the coating material onto the substrate to form the three-dimensional shaped object.3. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising:establishing a relative lateral and vertical motion between the substrate and the irradiation head to form the three-dimensional shaped object on the substrate.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the coating material comprises an organic material.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the coating material comprises an inorganic material.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the coating material comprises a metal.7. The method according to claim 1 ...

MICROMECHANICALLY ALIGNED OPTICAL ASSEMBLY

An optical assembly includes a combination of laser sources emitting radiation, focused by a combination of lenses into optical waveguides. The optical waveguide and the laser source are permanently attached to a common carrier, while at least one of the lenses is attached to a holder that is an integral part of the carrier, but is free to move initially. Micromechanical techniques are used to adjust the position of the lens and holder, and then fix the holder it into place permanently using integrated heaters with solder. 1. A micromechanically aligned optical assembly , comprising:a first waveguide on a substrate;a second waveguide on the substrate;a lens for focusing light of the first waveguide into the second waveguide; anda lever holding the lens, the lever having at least one point fixed with respect to the substrate, the lever holding the lens at a position such that movement of the lever will result in demagnified movement of the lens in at least directions other than an optical axis of light of the first waveguide, the lever moveable so as to position the lens to focus light of the first waveguide into the second waveguide.251-. (canceled) This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/148,551, filed Jan. 30, 2009, entitled “Micromechanically Aligned Optical Assembly” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.The invention relates generally to the fiber optic communications, and more particularly to optical packaging techniques used to align laser sources to optical fibers and other types of waveguides.Optical fiber communications has generally replaced electrical links over long distances in the past few decades. In more recent past, optical links are being used at shorter distances to connect servers to switches and for datacenters. In the future it is expected as data rates increase and costs of optics decreases that optics will diffuse into computers and the connections within a machine or ...

Reconfigurable optical networks

Switching technology may be incorporated into various systems, components, and/or architectures in a fiber optic network to promote network reconfigurability and design flexibility. A signal access unit comprises an input, an output, an access port, a switch arrangement including a switch, and a controller. The switch optically couples the input to the output and not to the access port when in a first configuration, and optically couples the access port to at least one of the input and the output without optically coupling the input and the output together when in a second configuration. The controller is configured to receive an indication of a selected wavelength and to operate the switch arrangement to change the switch between the first and second configurations based on the indication of the selected wavelength.

OPTICAL BRIDGE

An optical bridge for switching between a plurality of electrical chips, the optical bridge comprising: a passive optical router; and a plurality of Bridge Interface Chips optically connected to the passive optical router; each Bridge Interface Chip being connectable to one of the plurality of electrical chips to form a connection between that electrical chip and the passive optical router at which electrical signals from the electrical chip are converted into wavelength tunable modulated optical signals for transmission to the passive optical router and at which an optical signals from the passive optical router are converted into electrical signals to be received by the electrical chip; wherein each Bridge Interface Chip includes a wavelength tunable laser input and a modulator for modulating the wavelength tunable laser input to provide the wavelength tunable modulated optical signals. 1. An optical bridge for switching between a plurality of electrical chips , the optical bridge comprising:a passive optical router, an optical path through which is wavelength dependent; anda plurality of Bridge Interface Chips optically connected to the passive optical router; each Bridge Interface Chip being connectable to one of the plurality of electrical chips to form a connection between that electrical chip and the passive optical router;each Bridge Interface Chip including a wavelength tunable laser input and a modulator configured to convert electrical signals from the electrical chip into wavelength tunable modulated optical signals for transmission to the passive optical router; andeach Bridge Interface Chip including a photodiode configured to convert optical signals from the passive optical router into electrical signals to be received by the electrical chip.2. The optical bridge of claim 1 , wherein an output port of the passive optical router is directly optically connected to an input port of a Bridge Interface Chip of the plurality of Bridge Interface Chips.3. The ...

OPTOELECTRONIC SWITCH

An optoelectronic switch comprising: N switch modules, where N is an integer; and an optical full-mesh interconnect; each switch module comprising: M client facing input ports, and M output facing ports, M being an integer which is either equal to or not equal to N; a pre-mesh AWG, the pre-mesh AWG having M inputs and N outputs, each of the N outputs connected to a respective input on the optical full-mesh interconnect; a post-mesh AWG, the post-mesh AWG having N inputs and M outputs, each of the N inputs connected to a respective output of the optical full-mesh interconnect and each of the M outputs for communicating a signal to one or more of the M outputs of the switch module; and a first array of Detector Remodulators (DRMs) located before the pre-mesh AWG, each DRM of the first array configured to receive a signal from an input of the switch module and to regenerate and/or change the wavelength of the received signal to produce a DRM output, the DRM output forming an input at a respective port of the pre-mesh AWG. 2. The optoelectronic switch of claim 1 , further comprising a second array of Detector Remodulators (DRMs) located after the post-mesh AWG claim 1 , each DRM of the second array configured to regenerate and/or convert the wavelength of a signal from a respective output port of the post-mesh AWG for communication to an output port of the switch module.3. The optoelectronic switch of claim 2 , further comprising a rearrangement AWG located after the second array of DRMs claim 2 , the rearrangement AWG having M input ports and M output ports claim 2 , each of the M input ports connected to an output of a respective DRM of the second array of DRMs; and each output port of the rearrangement AWG connected to an output of the switch module.4. The optoelectronic switch of claim 3 , further comprising a final array of DRMs after the rearrangement AWG such that the connection between each of the output ports of the rearrangement AWG and an output port of the ...

POWER-EFFICIENT OPTICAL BUFFERING USING OPTICAL SWITCH

The present invention generally relates to optical circuits for mitigating power loss in medical imaging systems and methods for using such circuits. Circuits of the invention can involve a first optical path, a second optical path, and a means for recombining an optical signal transmitted through the first and second optical paths by sequentially gating the first and second optical paths to a single output. 1. An optical circuit , the optical circuit comprising:a first optical path;a second optical path; anda means for recombining an optical signal transmitted through the first optical path with an optical signal transmitted through the second optical path by sequentially gating the first optical path and the second optical path to a single output.2. The optical circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first optical path is longer than the second optical path.3. The optical circuit of claim 1 , wherein the optical signal transmitted through the first optical path is delayed relative to the optical signal transmitted through the second optical path.4. The optical circuit of claim 1 , wherein the means for recombining said optical signals comprise an optical switch.5. The optical circuit of claim 1 , wherein the optical switch comprises a 2×1 optical switch.6. The optical circuit of claim 1 , further comprising an optical splitter configured to split an optical signal from a light source between the first optical path and the second optical path.7. The optical circuit of claim 6 , wherein the optical splitter comprises a 1×2 optical splitter.8. The optical circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first and second optical paths comprise single mode optical fibers.9. The optical circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first and second optical paths comprise polarization maintaining optical fibers.10. The optical circuit of claim 9 , wherein the means for recombining said optical signals comprise a polarization maintaining optical switch.11. The optical circuit of claim 1 , coupled to an ...

Multi Directional Multiplexer

Described herein is an optical transmission cross-connect for routing wavelength signals to a bank of directionless transceivers. One embodiment ( 1 ) includes an array of four common-port fibers ( 3 ) for transmitting and receiving a multiplexed optical signal and an array of sixteen add/drop fibers ( 5 ) for receiving and transmitting demultiplexed signals including individual wavelength channels. A dispersive grism ( 7 ) simultaneously spatially separates the wavelength channels from the optical signals in a dispersion dimension. A lens ( 45 ) focuses each said spatially separated wavelength channel in the dispersion dimension. A Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) device ( 11 ) separately manipulates each of the focused spatially separated wavelength channels to selectively steer the wavelength channels in a switching dimension. A micro-electromechanical mirror (MEMS) array ( 13 ) independently selectively directs the wavelength channels in the switching dimension such that the wavelength channels are coupled to predetermined ones of the add/drop fibers ( 5 ).

Photonic interconnection switches and network integrated in an optoelectronic chip

A photonic interconnection elementary switch is integrated in an optoelectronic chip/The switch includes first and second linear optical waveguides which intersect to form a first intersection. Two first photonic redirect ring resonators are respectively coupled to the first and second optical waveguides. Two second photonic redirect ring resonators are respectively coupled to the first and second optical waveguides. A third linear optical waveguide is coupled to one of the first ring resonators and one of the second ring resonators. A fourth linear optical waveguide is coupled to another of the first resonators and to another of the second ring resonators. A base switch, complex switch, and photonic interconnection network integrated in an optoelectronic chip, include at least two of the photonic interconnection elementary switches.

OPTICAL MULTICAST SWITCH WITH BROADCAST CAPABILITY

An apparatus includes a first input port, a first switch, and a second switch. The first switch and the second input port are in optical communication with the first input port. The apparatus also includes a second input port, a third switch, and a fourth switch. The third switch and the fourth switch are in optical communication with the second input port. Each switch is switchable between a first state to pass optical signals and a second state to block optical signals. The apparatus also includes a first combiner in optical communication with the first input port via the first switch and the second input port via the third switch. The apparatus also includes a second combiner in optical communication with the first input port via the second switch and the second input port via the fourth switch. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a first input port;a first switch, in optical communication with the first input port and switchable between a first state to pass optical signals and a second state to block optical signals;a second switch, in optical communication with the first input port and switchable between the first state and the second state, at least one of the first switch and the second switch includes a variable optical attenuator (VOA) configured to balance power between the optical signals passed from the first switch and optical signals passed from the second switch;a second input port;a third switch, in optical communication with the second input port and switchable between the first state and the second state;a fourth switch, in optical communication with the second input port and switchable between the first state and the second state;a first combiner in optical communication with the first input port via the first switch and the second input port via the third switch; anda second combiner in optical communication with the first input port via the second switch and the second input port via the fourth switch.2. (canceled)3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein ...

BEAM DISTRIBUTOR

The beam distributor includes a housing, at least one beam entrance, two or more beam exits, a motor, and a beam turning part fixed to a rotary axis member of the motor and changing a direction of a beam input to the inside of the housing through the beam entrance so as to guide the input beam to the beam exit. A rotary axis of the motor is arranged parallel to an optical axis of the beam so as to input the beam to the beam turning part at a constant angle independently of a rotational angle about the rotary axis of the motor. The beam exit is arranged in a direction to which the direction of the beam is changed by the beam turning part in response to rotation of the rotary axis member. A storage stores an angular information recorded in advance about the rotary axis. 1. A beam distributor comprising:a housing for passage of a beam;at least one beam entrance;two or more beam exits;a motor;a position detection device that detects a rotational position about a rotary axis member of the motor;a controller that controls the rotational position about the rotary axis member of the motor;a storage that stores the rotational position about the rotary axis member of the motor; anda beam turning part fixed to the rotary axis member of the motor and changing a direction of a beam input to an inside of the housing through the beam entrance so as to guide the beam being input to one of the beam exits, whereina rotary axis of the motor is arranged parallel to an optical axis of the beam input through the beam entrance so as to input the beam to the beam turning part at a constant angle independently of a rotational angle about the rotary axis of the motor,each of the beam exits is arranged in a direction to which the direction of the beam is changed by the beam turning part in response to rotation of the rotary axis member of the motor, andthe storage stores an angular information recorded in advance about the rotary axis of the motor corresponding to a position of each of the ...

Large Scale Optical Switch using Asymmetric 1x2 Elements

An optical switching arrangement includes a plurality of input and output waveguides. Each of the input waveguides has a first plurality of 1×2 optical switches associated therewith and extending therealong. Each of the output waveguides has a second plurality of 1×2 optical switches associated therewith and extending therealong. Each of the first and second plurality of optical switches is selectively switchable between a through-state and a cross-state. The input and output waveguides are arranged such that optical losses arising for any wavelength of light only depend on a length of segments of the input and output waveguides located between adjacent ones of the 1×2 optical switches. Each of the first plurality of optical switches associated with each of the input waveguides is optically coupled to one of the second plurality of optical switches in a different one of the output waveguides when both optical switches are in the cross-state. 1. An optical switching arrangement , comprising:a plurality of input waveguides, each of the input waveguides having a first plurality of 1×2 optical switches associated therewith and extending therealong;a plurality of output waveguides, each of the output waveguides having a second plurality of 1×2 optical switches associated therewith and extending therealong;each of the optical switches in the first and second plurality of optical switches being selectively switchable between first and second states such that in a first state each optical switch allows light propagating in the input or output waveguide with which it is associated to continue propagating therethrough undisturbed without encountering any intervening mode perturbing structures between adjacent ones of the 1×2 switches and in a second state each optical switch couples light into or out of the input or output waveguide with which it is associated; andwherein each of the first plurality of optical switches associated with each of the input waveguides is optically ...

Optical path control device

In an optical path control device, a light input section 1 forms optical apertures 61 a, 61 b to output dispersed beams L 2 a , L 2 b , respectively, so that propagation angles of the dispersed beams L 2 a , L 2 b in an YZ plane are different from each other, at a focal position on the dispersive element 5 side of an optical power element 6 . The dispersed beams L 2 a , L 2 b propagating at their respective angles different from each other in the YZ plane are individually coupled to optical deflectors 7 a, 7 b , respectively.

Diffractive Waveplate Lenses and Applications

Optical lenses, systems, devices and methods for fabricating and manufacturing diffractive waveplate lenses that allow setting the focal length sign of an optical system by positioning the lens with its front or back surface with respect to an incoming circular polarized light beam. Applications for the lenses include optical systems comprising fibers, diode lasers, waveplates, polarizers, and variable lenses, particularly, in the form of a set of polymer films with re-attachable adhesive layers. And providing a flat mirror with concave or convex function due to diffractive waveplate lens coating.

Mems-based variable optical attenuator array

The present disclosure provides a MEMS-based variable optical attenuator (VOA) array, sequentially including an optical fiber array, a micro-lens array, and a MEMS-based micro-reflector array to form a VOA array having several optical attenuation units. The MEMS-based micro-reflectors can change the propagation direction of a beam, causing a misalignment coupling loss to the beam and thereby achieving optical attenuation, with a broad range of dynamic attenuation, low polarization dependent loss and wavelength dependent loss, good repeatability, short response time (at the millisecond level), etc. Arrayed device elements are used as assembly units of the present disclosure, and the assembly of arrayed elements facilitates tuning in batches. Accordingly, automation levels are improved, and the production costs are reduced.

MEMS ELEMENT AND OPTICAL APPARATUS USING THE SAME

A MEMS element includes a substrate , a fixing portion provided at the substrate , first and second actuators provided at the fixing portion, a drive target member coupled to the first and second actuators , a third actuator provided at the fixing portion , and a restriction member coupled to the third actuator. The first and second actuators drive the drive target member in a direction parallel to or crossing an upper surface of the substrate . The third actuator drives the restriction member in a direction crossing a movement direction of the drive target member to position the restriction member within a movement plane of the drive target member such that the restriction member restricts displacement of the drive target member 1. A MEMS element comprising:a substrate;a fixing portion provided at the substrate;a first actuator provided at the fixing portion;a drive target member coupled to the first actuator;a third actuator provided at the fixing portion; anda restriction member coupled to the third actuator,wherein the first actuator drives the drive target member in a direction parallel to or crossing an upper surface of the substrate, andthe third actuator drives the restriction member in a direction crossing a movement direction of the drive target member to position the restriction member within a movement plane of the drive target member such that the restriction member restricts displacement of the drive target member.2. The MEMS element according to claim 1 , whereinthe first actuator includes including a first drive beam coupled to the fixing portion, and is driven by heating of the first drive beam.the third actuator is coupled to the fixing portion, includes a third drive beam having different structures between a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface, and is driven by heating of the third drive beam,the first actuator drives the drive target member in a direction parallel to an upper surface of the substrate, andthe third ...

Wavelength Selective Switch, Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer, and Wavelength Selection Method

A wavelength selective switch (WSS), including an input optical fiber collimation array, a first optical switching engine, a dispersion device, an optical path converter, a second optical switching engine, a third optical switching engine, and an output optical fiber collimation array. A first beam is input from a first port of the input optical fiber collimation array. The first optical switching engine performs angle deflection on the first beam on a first plane. The dispersion device demultiplexes, on a second plane, the angle-deflected first beam into multiple sub-wavelength beams. The second optical switching engine performs angle deflection on the multiple sub-wavelength beams that are obtained by demultiplexing. The dispersion device multiplexes, on the second plane, the angle-deflected multiple sub-wavelength beams. The third optical switching engine performs angle deflection on the multiplexed multiple sub-wavelength beams on the first plane. 1. A wavelength selective switch (WSS) , comprising:an input optical fiber collimation array,a first optical switching engine disposed proximate to the input optical fiber collimation array;a dispersion device disposed proximate to the first optical switching engine;an optical path converter disposed proximate to the dispersion device;a second optical switching engine disposed proximate to the optical path converter;a third optical switching engine disposed between the input optical fiber collimation array and the dispersion device; andan output optical fiber collimation array disposed proximate to the third optical switching engine, input a first beam from a first port of the input optical fiber collimation array; and', 'form the first beam incident to the first optical switching engine,, 'wherein the input optical fiber collimation array is configured towherein the first optical switching engine is configured to perform angle deflection on the first beam on a first plane according to a first preset angle such that ...

COMPOSITE MATERIAL OPTICAL FIBER ARRAY FOR AUTOMATICALLY IDENTIFYING STRUCTURAL DAMAGE ONLINE

Two photoelectric circuit sets each have a light source, two light switches, optical fibers, photoelectric sensor and computer. The light source emits visible light to the first switch, which is continuously deflected and reflected by a torsional micro-mirror. The light respectively irradiates each of the optical fibers in a composite material optical fiber prepreg layer. If the material is normal, the optical fiber is not damaged, the visible light passes through the optical fiber and irradiates the second switch, and is continuously deflected and reflected by a second torsional micro-mirror, the light irradiates the photoelectric sensor. The sensor outputs an electric signal to the computer. If the material is damaged, the optical fiber here is damaged, another corresponding optical fiber path at an intersection point is also damaged without electric signal output. The computer gives breaking position coordinates at the intersection point of two paths of optical fiber arrays. 1. A composite material optical fiber array for automatically identifying structural material damage online , comprising:an optical fiber network composed of an optical fiber array, wherein a plurality of optical fibers are distributed in a grid shape and are divided into X and Y directions perpendicular or oblique to each other, all of the optical fibers in the X direction are parallel, and all of the optical fibers in the Y direction are perpendicular or oblique to all of the optical fibers in the X direction;the X direction and the Y direction of the optical fiber network are respectively provided with a set of photoelectric circuit; each set of the photoelectric circuit comprises a light source, a light switch A, a light switch B and a photoelectric sensor;the light source emits visible light and converts electric energy into light energy;the light switch A is positioned on one side of the optical fiber network, has an input end and a plurality of output ends, has a function of switching ...

Mems fiber optical switch

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for optical switching. One of the optical switches includes a plurality of optical fibers positioned in an array, the plurality of fibers including one or more input fibers and a plurality of output fibers; a microelectromechanical (MEMS) mirror configured to controllably reflect light from an input fiber to a particular target output fiber of the plurality of output fibers, wherein a position of the MEMS mirror is controllable to switch from a first target output fiber to a second target output fiber of the plurality of output fibers, and wherein the position of the MEMS mirror is controlled using a vertically staggered comb drive.

Beam steering device and system employing same

A beam steering device and a system employing the same are provided. The beam steering device includes: waveguides provided on a substrate to form channels through which light is transmitted; a modulators provided on the waveguides and configured to change, according to electrical signals, a phase of the light by changing a refractive index of the light which passes through the waveguides; and a driving circuit configured to provide the electrical signals to the modulators to drive the modulators.

HYBRID OPTICAL TRANSMITTER AND/OR RECEIVER STRUCTURE

A device may include a substrate. The device may include a carrier mounted to the substrate. The device may include a transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC) mounted on the carrier. The transmitter PIC may include a plurality of lasers that generate an optical signal when a voltage or current is applied to one of the plurality of lasers. The device may include a first microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) mounted to the substrate. The first MEMS may include a first set of lenses. The device may include a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) mounted to the substrate. The PLC may be optically coupled to the plurality of lasers by the first set of lenses of the first MEMS. The device may include a second MEMS, mounted to the substrate, that may include a second set of lenses, which may be configured to optically couple the PLC to an optical fiber. 1. A device , comprising:a substrate;a carrier mounted to the substrate; 'the transmitter PIC including a plurality of lasers that generate an optical signal when a voltage or current is applied to one of the plurality of lasers;', 'a transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC) mounted on the carrier,'} 'the first MEMS including a first set of lenses;', 'a first microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) mounted to the substrate,'} 'the PLC being optically coupled to the plurality of lasers by the first set of lenses of the first MEMS; and', 'a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) mounted to the substrate,'} the second MEMS including a second set of lenses,', 'the second set of lenses being configured to optically couple the PLC to an optical fiber., 'a second MEMS mounted to the substrate,'}2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising: 'the receiver PIC including a plurality of photodetectors optically coupled to the PLC by the first MEMS.', 'a receiver PIC mounted on the carrier,'}3. The device of claim 1 , where the substrate is a nickel-cobalt ferrous alloy based substrate.4. The device of claim 1 , where the PLC includes at ...

WAVEGUIDE SWITCH

A microwave waveguide switch that can route electromagnetic radiation by switching one or more first waveguides into one or more second waveguides. The device utilizes a stacked moveable routing component comprising multiple different routing configurations in a single stack. An external actuator moves the stack in such a way as to align different ports with different signal waveguides thereby achieving different routing states. 2. The waveguide switching apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each routing component of the plurality of routing components is isolated from the other routing component by a barrier plate.3. The waveguide switching apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the barrier plate is metal.4. The waveguide switching apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each routing component is shaped as a disc.5. The waveguide switching apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each routing component is non-circular shaped.6. The waveguide switching apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an actuator for moving the stacked moveable routing component.7. A method of operating a waveguide switching apparatus claim 1 , the apparatus comprising a stacked moveable routing component claim 1 , the stacked moveable routing component comprising a plurality of routing components and a manifold comprising a plurality of signal waveguides claim 1 , the method comprising:moving, using an actuator external to the waveguide switching apparatus, the stacked moveable routing component in a direction perpendicular to a first set of the plurality of signal waveguides, thereby exposing at least a first set of the plurality of routing waveguides; andmoving, using the actuator, the stacked moveable routing component in the direction perpendicular to a second set of the plurality of signal waveguides, thereby exposing at least a second set of the plurality of routing waveguides;wherein, when the first set of the plurality of routing waveguides is aligned with the first set of the plurality of signal waveguides, the ...

SCALABLE OPTICAL SWITCHES AND SWITCHING MODULES

Telecommunications switches are presented, including expandable optical switches that allow for a switch of N inputs×M outputs to be expanded arbitrarily to a new number of N inputs and/or a new number of M outputs. Switches having internal switch blocks controlling signal bypass lines are also provided, with these switches being useful for the expandable switches. 1. An optical switching device with expansion connections comprising a photonic integrated circuit , the photonic integrated circuit comprising:N input optical ports where N≧2, M output optical ports where M≧2, and mM expansion-in ports;a N×M multicast switch comprising N MCS input ports connected to a unique one of the N input ports and M MCS output ports;M (m+1)×1 optical elements, either an optical splitter or an optical switch, each optical element comprising m input ports and 1 output port, wherein each optical element has an input port connected to one of the M MCS output ports and an output port connected to a unique one of the M output optical ports;wherein each of the remaining mM input ports of the optical elements are connected to a unique expansion-in port.2. The optical switching device of wherein the optical elements are optical switches.3. The optical switching device of wherein the optical elements are optical splitters.4. The optical switch of wherein the N×M multicast switch comprises a tree structure of optical splitters and associated plurality of optical light-paths.5. The optical switch of wherein each input is connected to K branches with K≧M claim 4 , where if K>M claim 4 , K−M optical pathways are dormant.6. The optical switch of wherein each input is connected to K branches with K Подробнее

DIFFRACTIVE WAVEPLATE LENSES AND APPLICATIONS

Methods, systems and devices for diffractive waveplate lens and mirror systems allowing electronically pointing and focusing light at different focal planes. The system can be incorporated into a variety of optical schemes for providing electrical control of transmission. In another embodiment, the system comprises diffractive waveplates of different functionality to provide a system for controlling not only focusing but other propagation properties of light including direction, phase profile, and intensity distribution. The diffractive waveplate lens and mirror systems are applicable to optical communication systems. 1. An optical communication system comprising:a light source;a flat mirror;a quarter wave plate deposited on the flat mirror;a system of one or more diffractive waveplates with switchable optical power for receiving the light from the light source, said one or more diffractive wave plates are selected from a group consisting of diffractive waveplate lenses, cycloidal diffractive waveplates, axial diffractive waveplates, axicon diffractive waveplates, beam shaping diffractive waveplates, and arrays of diffractive waveplates; andone or more switching devices for selectively switching the propagation direction, phase profile, and optical power of said system of one or more diffractive waveplates to provide an electrically controlled diffraction property in reflected light; wherein the flat mirror and the one or more diffractive waveplates and the one or more switching devices form the basis of an optical communication system.2. The optical communication system as in wherein said light source is fiber coupled.3. The optical communication system as in claim 1 , wherein said one or more diffractive waveplates have an optical axis orientation that is modulated in one or both transverse directions parallel to a substrate.4. The optical communication system as in wherein said one or more switching devices for selectively switching the optical power of said ...

HIGH-EFFICIENCY WIDE-ANGLE BEAM STEERING SYSTEM

Optical beam steering and focusing systems, devices, and methods that utilize diffractive waveplates are improved to produce high efficiency at large beam deflection angles, particularly around normal incidence, by diffractive waveplate architectures comprising a special combination of liquid crystal polymer diffractive waveplate both layers with internal twisted structure and at a layer with uniform structure. 1. A beam steering system comprising:an optical assembly that includes at least one cycloidal diffractive waveplate, each cycloidal diffractive waveplate having three functional layers, in all of which an optical anisotropy axis is parallel to a surface of the cycloidal diffractive waveplate;in outer two layers of at least one cycloidal diffractive waveplate, the optical anisotropy axis has an orientation varying linearly with position in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the cycloidal diffractive waveplate;in an inner layer of at least one cycloidal diffractive waveplate, the optical anisotropy axis orientation having no variation with position in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the cycloidal diffractive waveplate;a twist angle of the optical anisotropy axis orientation in one of the two outer layers of at least one cycloidal diffractive waveplate being equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the twist angle of the optical anisotropy axis orientation of the other outer layer of the cycloidal diffractive waveplate; anda controller assembly configured and arranged such that propagation direction of a beam of optical radiation traversing the optical assembly is changed by a selected angle.2. The beam steering system of claim 1 , further comprising:a product of thickness and birefringence of the outer two layers of at least one of the cycloidal diffractive waveplates being about 30% of an intended operating wavelength of the beam steering system;a product of the thickness and birefringence of the inner layer of the at least one ...

NON-PLANAR WAVEGUIDE STRUCTURES

The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to non-planar waveguide structures and methods of manufacture. The structure includes: a first waveguide structure; and a non-planar waveguide structure spatially shifted from the first waveguide structure and separated from the first waveguide structure by an insulator material. 1. A structure comprising:a first waveguide structure; anda non-planar waveguide structure adjacent to the first waveguide structure, the non-planar waveguide structure composed of vertical and horizontal sections, where at least one of the vertical and horizontal sections is spatially shifted from the first waveguide structure.2. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the first waveguide structure is a planar waveguide structure and the non-planar waveguide structure crosses the planar waveguide structure between vertical sections of a non-planar portion of the non-planar waveguide structure.3. The structure of claim 2 , wherein the non-planar portion is separated from the planar waveguide structure by an insulator mesa.4. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the first waveguide structure is a planar waveguide structure and the non-planar waveguide structure is parallel to the planar waveguide structure claim 1 , and the non-planar portion is vertically shifted from the planar waveguide structure.5. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the first waveguide structure is a planar waveguide structure and the non-planar waveguide structure is parallel to the planar waveguide structure claim 1 , and the non-planar portion is longitudinally shifted from the planar waveguide structure.6. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the first waveguide structure is a planar waveguide structure and the non-planar waveguide structure is parallel to the planar waveguide structure claim 1 , and the non-planar portion is vertically and longitudinally shifted from the planar waveguide structure.7. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the ...

HIGH-DENSITY SUBMARINE ROADM UNIT WITH REMOTE WSS REDUNDANCY

Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems, methods and structures including high-density submarine/undersea reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADM) having remote wavelength selective switch (WSS) redundancy. 1. An improved submarine/undersea communications system configuration for communicating in a submarine/undersea transmission network comprising:a submarine/undersea branching unit (BU);a submarine/undersea reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) configured as a high-density ROADM (HDRU), said HDRU including a plurality of ROADM sub-units (RSUs), each individual one of said plurality of RSU having a plurality of wavelength selective switches (WSS) in optical communication with said BU;the improved submarine/undersea communication system configuration CHARACTERIZED BY:remote redundancy of the plurality of RSU WSS.2. The improved system configuration of FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY:the remote redundancy of the plurality of RSU WSS is achieved by configuring a redundant WSS for each individual one of the plurality of WSS included in in the submarine/undersea RSU, each redundant WSS being located in a non-submarine/undersea location.3. The improved system configuration of FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY:each configured redundant WSS is configured to provide dummy signaling to its paired WSS contained in the submarine/undersea RSU during normal operation.4. The improved system configuration of FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY:each configured redundant WSS is configured to disable providing dummy signaling to its paired WSS contained in the submarine/undersea RSU during a failure of the paired WSS.5. The improved system configuration of FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY:each configured redundant WSS is configured to add/drop channels instead of its paired WSS contained in the submarine/undersea RSU during a failure of the paired WSS. This application claims the benefit of Untied States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/767,174 filed 14 Nov. 2018 the ...

Thin ceramic imaging screen for camera systems

An apparatus and a camera system are provided. The apparatus includes an imaging screen configured to diffuse incoming light, and a lens system coupled to the imaging screen and configured to focus light from the imaging screen onto a CMOS image sensor. The imaging screen includes a ceramic diffuser layer fused into a surface of a glass substrate, and a thickness of the ceramic diffuser layer is within a range of about 7-10 μm.

Integrated optical switches using deuterated liquids for increased bandwidth

An electro-wetting optical device includes an optical switch that uses a coupling region proximate a waveguide in a substrate. The device uses two optical liquids, providing first and second refractive indices respectively. At least one of the optical liquids is deuterated. Under a first switching configuration the first optical liquid is positioned at the coupling region so as to provide a first effective refractive index for light propagating along the first waveguide and under a second switching configuration the second optical liquid is positioned at the coupling region so as to provide a second effective refractive index for light propagating along the first waveguide.

2x2 WAVELENGTH SELECTIVE SWITCH ARRAY

Methods, systems, and apparatus for optical wavelength selective switching. One 2×2 wavelength selective switch array includes a plurality of optical input ports configured to receive one or more optical input beams, and a plurality of optical output ports configured to receive one or more one or more optical output beams wherein the plurality of optical input ports and optical output ports form an array of 2×2 optical port pairs; one or more optical conditioning and wavelength dispersion elements; a polarization modulator array having a plurality of polarizing modulation cells, each cell configured to independently change a polarization orientation of an optical beam passing through the cell and associated with a particular wavelength channel; and a polarization-selective beam-routing optical element configured to route each particular input beam to either a first output port or a second output port according to polarization orientation. 1. A system comprising:a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to a microlens array;a collimating optical element;a polarization conditioning assembly optically coupled between the microlens array and the collimating optical element;a beam parallelism correction Wollaston prism optically coupled between the collimating optical element and a free space circulator assembly;a grating optically coupled between the free space circulator assembly and a focusing optic element; anda first Wollaston prism and a second Wollaston prism optically coupled between the focusing optic element and a polarization modulator array.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the polarization conditioning assembly includes a polarization beam separation Wollaston prism and half wave plate.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the free space circulator assembly includes a polarization beam splitter claim 1 , a garnet material claim 1 , and a wave plate.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of optical fibers includes a plurality of optical input ...

Multi-Pupil Display System for Head-Mounted Display Device

Disclosed are an apparatus and method for increasing the FOV of displayed images in a head-mounted display (HMD) device. A display apparatus comprises a display module and a waveguide optically coupled to the display module. The display module may generate individually multiple different portions of an image, to be conveyed to an optical receptor of a user of the HMD device, and may include multiple optical output ports, each to output a different portion of the image. The waveguide may include multiple optical input ports, each optically coupled to a different one of the optical output ports of the display module, where the waveguide is configured to output, to the optical receptor of the user, light corresponding to the image in its entirety. 1. A display apparatus comprising:a display module to generate individually a plurality of different portions of an image to be conveyed to an optical receptor of a user of a display device, the display module including a plurality of optical output ports, each to output a different one of the plurality of portions of the image; anda waveguide optically coupled to the display module and including a plurality of optical input ports, each of the optical input ports optically coupled to a different one of the plurality of optical output ports of the display module, the waveguide being configured to output, to the optical receptor of the user, light corresponding to the image in its entirety.2. The display apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the portions of the image is a different spatial region of the image.3. The display apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of portions of the image are spatially contiguous.4. The display apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of portions of the image spatially overlap.5. The display apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide is configured to combine light representing the plurality of different portions of an image into a single integrated image and to output the single ...

Device for routing light among a set of optical waveguides

Light streams are routed. A transparent plate can be provided in which at least 2 waveguides converge on an active region, wherein the active region comprises a switching element, which can be utilized to extract a portion of the light stream or combine two or more wavelength portions for form a subsequent light stream. Cladding material constrains a light stream to a waveguide. Ion bombardment can be utilized to form micropores in the cladding material, and subsequent etching can enlarge the micropores to form larger diameter pores (of nanometer scale) in the switching element. The pores can be filled with liquid crystal, which can be in a passive state with a first refractive (RI) index, and a second active state (electrical voltage applied) with a second RI. By adjusting the RI. the light stream can be diverted by operations of refraction, diffraction, reflection, etc.

Method and Apparatus for Wavelength Selective Switch

Apparatus and method embodiments are provided for implementing a wavelength selective switch (WSS). The embodiments use combinations of switchable polarization grating (SPG) and LC cells and combinations of polymer polarization grating (PPG) and LC cells to achieve 1×N WSS systems. An embodiment optical switch includes a liquid crystal cell and a polymer polarization grating (PPG) cell adjacent to the liquid crystal cell. The PPG includes a glass substrate, a photo-alignment layer overlying the glass substrate and comprising photosensitive polymer that has been physically altered by exposure using two interfering light beams with opposite handedness of circular polarization, and a polymerized liquid crystal layer overlying the photo-alignment layer on an opposite side of the glass substrate, the polymerized liquid crystal layer has been physically altered by illumination using a uniform light beam. 1. An optical switch comprising:a liquid crystal cell; and a glass substrate;', 'a photo-alignment layer overlying the glass substrate; and', 'a polymerized liquid crystal layer overlying the photo-alignment layer on an opposite side of the glass substrate., 'a polymer polarization grating (PPG) cell adjacent to the liquid crystal cell, the PPG comprising2. The optical switch of claim 1 , wherein the photo-alignment layer comprises photosensitive polymer that has been physically altered by exposure using two interfering light beams with opposite handedness of circular polarization.3. The optical switch of claim 1 , wherein the polymerized liquid crystal layer has been physically altered by illumination using a uniform light beam.4. The optical switch of claim 1 , further comprising:a variable optical attenuator (VOA) comprising a second liquid crystal cell and a polarizer;a prism or mirror positioned next to the PPG cell on an opposite side of the liquid crystal cell; andone or more pairs of an additional liquid crystal cell and an additional corresponding PPG cell ...

Method and circuit for endless phase and polarization control

A path-switchable dual polarization controller includes an input polarization beam splitter (PBS) switchably connected to either one of two optical controllers configured to tunably remix polarization components received from the PBS to obtain two target polarization components of input light. When one of the optical controllers requires a reset, PBS outputs are switched to the other optical controller, and the first optical controller is reset offline. The circuit may be used for polarization demultiplexing.

OPTICAL SWITCH, OPTICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS

An optical switch comprises: a first optical absorbing layer sensitive to a first light, first optical absorbing layer including a first superlattice structure and having a first bandgap; a second optical absorbing layer sensitive to a second light, the second optical absorbing layer having a second bandgap smaller than that of the first bandgap; and a barrier layer including a second superlattice structure, the first optical absorbing layer, the second optical absorbing layer, and the barrier layer being arranged in a direction of a first axis to form an arrangement, the arrangement forming a first band-offset in a conduction band of the first optical absorbing layer, a second band-offset in a conduction band of the first optical absorbing layer, and a well in a conduction band of the second optical absorbing layer. 1. An optical switch comprising:a first optical absorbing layer sensitive to a first light, the first optical absorbing layer including a first superlattice structure and having a first bandgap;a second optical absorbing layer sensitive to a second light, the second optical absorbing layer having a second bandgap smaller than that of the first bandgap; anda barrier layer including a second superlattice structure,the first optical absorbing layer, the second optical absorbing layer, and the barrier layer being arranged in a direction of a first axis to form an arrangement, the arrangement forming a first band-offset in a conduction band of the first optical absorbing layer, a second band-offset in a conduction band of the barrier layer, and a well in a conduction band of the second optical absorbing layer.2. The optical switch according to claim 1 , wherein the first superlattice structure includes an InSb/InAs/GaSb structure.3. The optical switch according to claim 1 , wherein the first optical absorbing layer having a third superlattice structure claim 1 ,the third superlattice structure at least one of an InSb/InAs/GaSb/AlSb/GaSb structure or an InSb/ ...

PHOTONIC WAVEGUIDE

The system provides a photonic waveguide formed on a substrate and a plurality of steering mirrors within the photonic waveguide. The steering mirrors can be configured to direct a light beam between two or more computing components. A plurality of steering mirror supports are located within the waveguide having preset locations. The steering mirror supports are configured to enable the steering mirrors to be selectively repositioned at the preset steering mirror supports within the photonic waveguide to create varying configurations. The steering mirrors in the varying configurations direct one or more optical beams to form multiple connectivity channels between computing components within the photonic waveguide. 1. (canceled)2. (canceled)3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. (canceled)6. An optical module , comprising:a photonic waveguide formed on a substrate;a plurality of steering mirrors within the photonic waveguide, configured to direct an optical beam between two or more computing components;a plurality of steering mirror supports wherein the steering mirrors are removably positioned on the steering mirror supports and wherein the steering mirrors in varying communication configurations direct the optical beam to form at least one communication channel between computing components within the photonic waveguide.7. An optical module in accordance with claim 6 , wherein the steering mirrors are manually relocatable at the steering mirror supports.8. An optical module in accordance with claim 6 , wherein one or more steering mirrors may be removed or added to the photonic waveguide to change communication connectivity of the optical beam between computing components.9. An optical module in accordance with claim 6 , wherein the photonic waveguide is removably attachable to a computing component.10. An optical module in accordance with claim 9 , wherein the photonic waveguide further comprises a first photonic waveguide that is replaceable with a removably attachable ...

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).

MEMS-BASED VARIABLE OPTICAL ATTENUATOR ARRAY

The present disclosure provides a MEMS-based variable optical attenuator (VOA) array, sequentially including an optical fiber array, a micro-lens array, and a MEMS-based micro-reflector array to form a VOA array having several optical attenuation units. The MEMS-based micro-reflectors can change the propagation direction of a beam, causing a misalignment coupling loss to the beam and thereby achieving optical attenuation, with a broad range of dynamic attenuation, low polarization dependent loss and wavelength dependent loss, good repeatability, short response time (at the millisecond level), etc. Arrayed device elements are used as assembly units of the present disclosure, and the assembly of arrayed elements facilitates tuning in batches. Accordingly, automation levels are improved, and the production costs are reduced. 1. A variable optical attenuator (VOA) device to attenuate optical signals , the device comprising:an optical fiber array having a plurality of optical pairs, each of the optical pairs having an input and an output and being configured to communicate the optical signals;a lens array disposed in optical communication with the optical fiber array; anda reflector array disposed in optical communication with the lens array, the reflector array including, for each of the optical pairs, a reflector that includes a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) chip, the MEMS chip configured to position the reflector, wherein each reflector based on the configured position is configured to attenuate the optical signal from the input to the output of the respective optical pair.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein each of the optical pairs of the optical fiber array comprises an incoming optical fiber for the input and an outgoing optical fiber for the output.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the lens array comprises a plurality of lenses claim 2 , one for each of the optical pairs; and wherein the lenses are separated by a same distance from one another as the ...

HIGH RELIABILITY ROBOTIC CROSS-CONNECT SYSTEMS

Mechanisms and designs of large scale, modular, robotic software-defined patch-panels incorporate numerous features that ensure reliable operation. A telescopic arm assembly () with actuated gripper mechanism () is used to transport internally latching connectors () within a stacked array of translatable rows (). A unique two-state magnetic latching feature provides reliable, low loss optical connections. Flexible, magnetically levitated internal structures are provided to assist the robot in automatically aligning to, engaging, and disengaging any internal connection in a fast reliable process within the stacked array. 1. A system for switching the position of any selected one of a multiplicity of optical fibers comprising:a number of two-sided optical couplers disposed in parallel rows in a coupling plane and spaced apart in the rows by a predetermined gap in a first direction, the rows being stacked orthogonally to the first direction to form columnar gaps, and a first side of the couplers each being individually coupled to a different fixed optical fiber line;a plurality of narrow elongated flexure elements, each attached adjacent and below a different coupler and extending perpendicularly for a selected distance from the coupling plane on the side opposite the fixed lines;a plurality of changeable optical fiber elements, each coupled at one remote end to a separate output circuit and including a narrow terminus configured to engage into the second side of any selected optical coupler and also including a flexure extension therefrom that is substantially coextensive when installed with the terminal length of the flexure element fixed thereat;a signal controlled fiber engagement device fitting within the pre-determined gap and responsive to command signals to control fiber engagement and lateral reciprocal shifting of an engaged fiber into and out of a selected coupler;a positioning system responsive to directional command signals and having an elongated ...

Diffractive Waveplate Lenses and Applications

Optical lenses, systems, devices and methods for fabricating and manufacturing diffractive waveplate lenses that allow setting the focal length sign of an optical system by positioning the lens with its front or back surface with respect to an incoming circular polarized light beam. Applications for the lenses include optical systems comprising fibers, diode lasers, waveplates, polarizers, and variable lenses, particularly, in the form of a set of polymer films with re-attachable adhesive layers. And providing a flat mirror with concave or convex function due to diffractive waveplate lens coating.

INTEGRATED PHOTONIC DEVICE FOR MODULATING THE PHASE OF A LIGHT SIGNAL

An integrated photonic device comprises: an input waveguide configured to extend in an input plane, and an output waveguide configured to extend in an output plane, wherein the output plane is parallel to or contained within the input plane; an input coupler optically coupled to the input waveguide, wherein the input coupler is configured to redirect a light signal out of the input waveguide and the input plane; a light property modifier configured to receive the light signal from the input coupler and reflect the light signal towards the output plane, wherein the light property modifier is configured to selectively adjust an optical path length of the light signal; and an output coupler optically coupled to the output waveguide, wherein the output coupler is configured to receive the reflected light signal from the light property modifier and redirect the light signal into the output waveguide and the output plane. 1. An integrated photonic device comprising:an input waveguide arrangement comprising an input waveguide configured to extend in an input plane, and an output waveguide arrangement comprising an output waveguide configured to extend in an output plane, wherein the output plane is parallel to or contained within the input plane;an input coupler optically coupled to the input waveguide, wherein the input coupler is configured to redirect a light signal out of the input waveguide and the input plane;a light property modifier configured to receive the light signal from the input coupler and reflect the light signal towards the output plane, wherein the light property modifier is configured to selectively adjust an optical path length of the light signal; andan output coupler optically coupled to the output waveguide, wherein the output coupler is configured to receive the reflected light signal from the light property modifier and redirect the light signal into the output waveguide and the output plane.2. The integrated photonic device according to claim 1 , ...

LARGE SCALE OPTICAL SWITCH USING ASYMMETRIC 1X2 ELEMENTS

An optical switching arrangement includes a plurality of input and output waveguides. Each of the input waveguides has a first plurality of 1×2 optical switches associated therewith and extending therealong. Each of the output waveguides has a second plurality of 1×2 optical switches associated therewith and extending therealong. Each of the first and second plurality of optical switches is selectively switchable between a through-state and a cross-state. The input and output waveguides are arranged such that optical losses arising for any wavelength of light only depend on a length of segments of the input and output waveguides located between adjacent ones of the 1×2 optical switches. Each of the first plurality of optical switches associated with each of the input waveguides is optically coupled to one of the second plurality of optical switches in a different one of the output waveguides when both optical switches are in the cross-state. 1. An optical switching arrangement , comprising:a plurality of input waveguides, each of the input waveguides having a first plurality of 1×2 optical switches associated therewith and extending therealong;a plurality of output waveguides, each of the output waveguides having a second plurality of 1×2 optical switches associated therewith and extending therealong, each of the first and second plurality of optical switches being selectively switchable between a through-state and a cross-state, the input and output waveguides being arranged such that optical losses arising for any wavelength of light only depend on a length of segments of the input and output waveguides located between adjacent ones of the 1×2 optical switches;wherein each of the first plurality of optical switches associated with each of the input waveguides is optically coupled to one of the second plurality of optical switches in a different one of the output waveguides when both optical switches are in the cross-state.2. An optical switching arrangement , ...

RECONFIGURABLE OPTICAL NETWORKS

Switching technology may be incorporated into various systems, components, and/or architectures in a fiber optic network to promote network reconfigurability and design flexibility. A signal access unit comprises an input, an output, an access port, a switch arrangement including a switch, and a controller. The switch optically couples the input to the output and not to the access port when in a first configuration, and optically couples the access port to at least one of the input and the output without optically coupling the input and the output together when in a second configuration. The controller is configured to receive an indication of a selected wavelength and to operate the switch arrangement to change the switch between the first and second configurations based on the indication of the selected wavelength. 1. A signal access unit comprising:an input;an output;an access port;a switch arrangement including a switch that is optically coupled to the input, the output, and the access port, the switch being configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration, the switch optically coupling the input to the output and not to the access port when in the first configuration, and the switch optically coupling the access port to at least one of the input and the output without optically coupling the input and the output together when in the second configuration; anda controller configured to receive an indication of a selected wavelength and to operate the switch arrangement to change the switch between the first and second configurations based on the indication of the selected wavelength.2. The signal access unit of claim 1 , further comprising:a demultiplexer coupled to the input, the demultiplexer being configured to separate optical signals received at the input onto a plurality of demultiplexer outputs based on wavelength; anda multiplexer coupled to the output, the multiplexer being configured to combine optical signals received at ...

WAVELENGTH SELECTOR SWITCH

A wavelength selective switch A includes a light input/output unit a dispersive element and a light deflection element disposed side by side on a predetermined axis C. The light input/output unit has a first portion in which light enters and exits a light input/output port by an optical axis inclined with respect to the predetermined axis C, and a second portion in which light enters and exits a light input/output port by an optical axis inclined with respect to the predetermined axis C. A light entry/exit angle of the light input/output port with the predetermined axis C as a reference and a light entry/exit angle of the light input/output port with the predetermined axis C as a reference differ from each other. 1. A wavelength selective switch having a light input/output unit , a dispersive element , and a light deflection element disposed side by side on a predetermined axis ,wherein the light input/output unit includes:a first portion having three or more first light input/output ports including a first light input port and a first light output port and in which light enters and exits the first light input/output port by an optical axis inclined in a first direction intersecting the predetermined axis with respect to the predetermined axis; anda second portion having three or more second light input/output ports including a second light input port and a second light output port and in which light enters and exits the second light input/output port by the optical axis inclined in the first direction with respect to the predetermined axis,wherein a light entry/exit angle of the first light input/output port with the predetermined axis as a reference and a light entry/exit angle of the second light input/output port with the predetermined axis as a reference differ from each other,wherein the dispersive element is provided in common for the first and second light input/output ports, and changes an optical axis of light entering and exiting the first and second ...

OPTICAL CIRCUITS AND OPTICAL SWITCHES

According to one example, the present application discloses an optical circuit comprising a grating to receive input light of mixed polarizations and output light of a same polarization to a first waveguide and a second waveguide. The first waveguide and second waveguide are optically coupled to a plurality of resonators that are coupled to a plurality of gratings that are to output light of mixed polarizations. 115.-. (canceled)16. An optical switch comprising:a first polarization diversity switch element (PDSE) to receive a first mixed polarization light signal and output the first mixed polarization light signal to a selected one of at least a first output of the first PDSE and a second output of the first PDSE;a second polarization diversity switch element (PDSE) to receive a second mixed polarization light signal and output the second mixed polarization light signal to a selected one of at least a first output of the second PDSE and a second output of the second PDSE;a third polarization diversity switch element (PDSE) that is to output mixed polarization light signals received at a first input that is optically coupled to the first output of the first PDSE or received at a second input that is optically coupled to the first output of the second PDSE;a fourth polarization diversity switch element (PDSE) that is to output mixed polarization light signals received at a first input that is optically coupled to the second output of the first PDSE or received at a second input that is optically coupled to the second output of the second PDSE; and an upstream optical device to split the received mixed polarization light signal between a first wave guide and a second waveguide; and', 'optical circuitry to couple light from the first waveguide and second waveguide to a selected one of a plurality of downstream optical devices that are to recombine light from the first waveguide and second waveguide and output the recombined light as a mixed polarization light signal., ...

Liquid crystal on silicon element for dual-functionality beam steering in wavelength selective switches

An optical device may include a monolithic beam steering engine. The device may include a twin M×N wavelength selective switch (WSS) including a first M×N WSS and a second M×N WSS. The first M×N WSS may include a first panel section of the monolithic beam steering engine to perform first beam steering of first beams, wherein the first beam steering is add/drop port beam steering; and a second panel section of the monolithic beam steering engine to perform second beam steering of second beams, wherein the second beam steering is common port beam steering. The first M×N WSS may include a first optical element aligned to the monolithic beam steering engine to direct one of the first beams or the second beams relative to the other of the first beams or the second beams, such that the first beams are directed in a different direction from the second beams.

OPTICAL DEVICE AND METHODS

Methods and devices for manipulating optical signals. In one example, a LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) device includes a surface bearing an anti-reflection structure. The anti-reflection structure includes i) a physical surface having a topography with features having lateral dimensions of less than 2000 nm and having an average refraction index which decreases with distance away from the surface; and ii) a configuration of the topography, averaged over lateral dimensions of greater than 2000 nm, varies with lateral position on the surface. 144-. (canceled)45. An LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) device comprising a surface bearing an anti-reflection structure , wherein:i) the anti-reflection structure comprises a physical surface having a topography with features having lateral dimensions of less than 2000 nm and having an average refraction index which decreases with distance away from said surface; andii) a configuration of said topography, averaged over lateral dimensions of greater than 2000 nm, varies with lateral position on said surface.46. The LCOS device as claimed in wherein said surface is a front surface of said device.47. The LCOS device as claimed in claim 45 , combined with a controller to display a hologram on said LCOS device to deflect first light into a first diffractive order of said hologram claim 45 , wherein said hologram is further configured to deflect second light into a second diffraction order of said hologram claim 45 , wherein said LCOS device has an interface generating unwanted reflected light claim 45 , and wherein said second light is in antiphase with said unwanted reflected light.48. The LCOS device as claimed in wherein said second light has substantially the same power as said unwanted reflected light.49. The LCOS device of in an optical system comprising a light source having at least two different wavelengths claim 45 , λand λ claim 45 , wherein a first lateral region of said surface is adapted by said topography for anti- ...

Loss compensated optical switching

Loss compensated optical switching includes an optical crossbar switch and a wafer bonded semiconductor amplifier (SOA). The optical crossbar switch has a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports and is on a substrate of a first semiconductor material. The wafer bonded SOA includes a layer of second semiconductor material that is wafer bonded to a surface of the substrate such that a portion of the wafer bonded SOA semiconductor material layer overlies a portion of a port of the plurality of input ports. The second semiconductor material of the wafer bonded SOA is different from the first semiconductor material of the substrate.

MICRO-ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEM OPTICAL SWITCH AND SWITCHING NODE

A MEMS optical switch and a switching node are disclosed. The MEMS optical switch includes Ninput ports, Ninput MEMS mirrors, Moutput ports, and Moutput MEMS mirrors, where a first input port is configured to transmit a first optical signal to a first input MEMS mirror. The first input MEMS mirror is configured to reflect the first optical signal to a first destination output MEMS mirror, where along a straight line in which a first deflection axis is located, the first input MEMS mirror is located on an edge of the Ninput MEMS mirrors, and when reflecting the received first optical signal to a first output MEMS mirror and a second output MEMS mirror, the first input MEMS mirror deflects towards an opposite direction relative to a second deflection axis. 1. A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) optical switch , comprising:{'sub': 1', '1', '1, 'Ninput ports, Ninput MEMS mirrors, Moutput ports, and'}{'sub': 1', '1', '1', '1', '1', '1', '1, 'Moutput MEMS mirrors, wherein the Ninput MEMS mirrors correspond to the Ninput ports on a one-to-one basis, the Moutput MEMS mirrors correspond to the Moutput ports on a one-to-one basis, and Mand Nare integers greater than 1;'}{'sub': 1', '1, 'wherein a first input port of the Ninput ports is configured to transmit a first optical signal from another node to a first input MEMS mirror of the Ninput MEMS mirrors corresponding to the first input port, wherein the another node is a node to which the MEMS optical switch does not belong;'}{'sub': '1', 'wherein the first input MEMS mirror is configured to deflect around at least one of a first deflection axis or a second deflection axis, to reflect the first optical signal to a first destination output MEMS mirror of the Moutput MEMS mirrors, wherein a destination output port of the first optical signal is a first destination output port corresponding to the first destination output MEMS mirror;'}wherein the first destination output MEMS mirror is configured to reflect, to the first ...

KIT AND SYSTEM FOR LASER-INDUCED MATERIAL DISPENSING

The laser-induced dispensing system incudes a cartridge assembly having a supply reel for supplying a foil having a light transmissive layer wound around the supply reel, and a take-up reel for taking up the foil. There is provided a coating device for coating the foil by a donor material during a motion of the foil. The laser-induced dispensing system also includes a irradiation head having optics configured for focusing a laser beam. Additionally, a controller, for controlling the cartridge assembly to establish motion of the foil, and the optics to focus the laser beam onto the foil at a location downstream the outlet of the coating device so as to release droplets of the donor material from the foil is provided. 1. A laser-induced dispensing system , comprising:a cartridge assembly having a supply reel for supplying a foil having a light transmissive layer wound around the supply reel, and a take-up reel for taking up the foil;a coating device for coating the foil by a donor material during a motion of the foil;an irradiation head having optics configured for focusing a laser beam; anda controller, for controlling the cartridge assembly to establish motion of the foil, and the optics to focus the laser beam onto the foil at a location downstream the outlet of the coating device so as to release droplets of the donor material from the foil.2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the laser-induced dispensing system comprises a laser induced forward transfer system.3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the coating device has an inlet for continuously receiving a foil from the supply reel claim 1 , an outlet for continuously releasing the foil to be taken up by the take-up reel claim 1 , and a coating section between the inlet and the outlet claim 1 , where the coating of the foil by the donor material is in the coating section.4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the coating device is configured to coat the foil by the donor material from below. ...

Flexible Waveguides for Optical Coherence Tomography

A system and method for depth-resolved imaging of a sample are presented. The system for depth-resolved imaging of a sample includes a substrate of substantially flexible material, a plurality of waveguides disposed on the substrate, an optical element disposed at a distal end of the plurality of waveguides, and one or more interferometers. Light is collected from the sample through the optical element and plurality of waveguides on the flexible substrate on its path to the one or more interferometers. The interferometers are configured to combine a reference light with the light received by at least a portion of the plurality of waveguides to resolve contributions from one or more depths of the sample. The system further includes a light guiding element coupled between the plurality of waveguides and the one or more interferometers.

Low Loss Optical Crossing and Method of Making Same

A low loss optical crossing and a method of making an optical crossing in a photonic integrated circuit. An optical crossing embodiment includes a crossing region having a crossing length, wherein a light path through the crossing region is laterally unbound; an input waveguide having an input crossing end and an input distal end, and coupled to the crossing region at the input crossing end, thereby partially forming the light path; and an output waveguide having an output crossing end and an output distal end, and coupled to the crossing region at the output crossing end, thereby partially forming the light path, wherein a crossing width of the output waveguide at the output crossing end is larger than a crossing width of the input waveguide at the input crossing end according to the crossing length. 1. A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) having an optical crossing , comprising:a crossing region having a crossing length, wherein a light path through the crossing region is laterally unbound;an input waveguide having an input crossing end and an input distal end, and coupled to the crossing region at the input crossing end, thereby partially forming the light path; andan output waveguide having an output crossing end and an output distal end, and coupled to the crossing region at the output crossing end, thereby partially forming the light path,wherein the crossing region is laterally planar with the input crossing end of the input waveguide, and laterally planar with the output crossing end of the output waveguide, andwherein a crossing width of the output waveguide at the output crossing end is larger than a crossing width of the input waveguide at the input crossing end according to the crossing length.2. The PIC of claim 1 , wherein the output waveguide is tapered from the crossing width at the output crossing end to the crossing width of the input waveguide at the output distal end.3. The PIC of claim 1 , further comprising a crossing waveguide arranged ...

Method and Apparatus for Beam Control with Optical MEMS Beam Waveguide

A high density, low power, high performance information system, method and apparatus are described in which perpendicularly oriented processor and memory die stacks () include integrated deflectable MEMS optical beam waveguides (e.g., ) at each die edge (e.g., ) to provide optical communications () in and between die stacks by using a beam control method and circuit to maintain and adjust alignment over time by calibrating and updating X and Y counter values stored in deflection registers (-) to control DAC circuitry () which generates and supplies deflection voltages to charging capacitors () connected to deflection electrodes (-) positioned on and around each MEMS optical beam waveguide (-) to provide two-dimensional alignment and controlled feedback to adjust beam alignment and establish optical communication links between die stacks. 1. An apparatus comprising:beam control circuitry for controlling deflection of a first cantilevered MEMS optical beam waveguide, comprising:a plurality of separate deflection electrodes positioned to control deflection of the first cantilevered MEMS optical beam waveguide; anda bias circuit connected to provide separately controllable bias voltages to the plurality of separate deflection electrodes, thereby generating controlled, two-dimensional deflection of the first cantilevered MEMS optical beam waveguide.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , where the plurality of separate deflection electrodes comprises a plurality of vertical deflection electrodes positioned to control vertical deflection of the first cantilevered MEMS optical beam waveguide.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , where the bias circuit generates a first bias voltage for electrical connection to a first deflection electrode located near an anchored base of the first cantilevered MEMS optical beam waveguide claim 1 , and generates a second bias voltage having a greater magnitude for electrical connection to a second deflection electrode located near a distal end of the first ...

Distributed Optical Fiber Vibration Measurement Device and Distributed Optical Fiber Vibration Measurement Method

A distributed optical fiber vibration measurement device includes a phase constant difference computation unit causing the first backscattered light generated at the points of a plurality of optical fibers under test that are integrated to interfere with another light to obtain two AC components and determining a phase constant difference from the two AC components, a phase distribution data creation unit comparing amplitudes between the two AC components obtained by causing the first backscattered light generated at the points of the optical fibers under test to interfere with the other light and selecting, for each of the points, phase data regarding one of the two AC components having a larger amplitude to create phase distribution data with the phase data, and a vibration measurement unit identifying an optical path length difference between any two points of the optical fiber under test to measure vibration of the optical fiber under test. 1. A distributed optical fiber vibration measurement device for causing a first test light pulse to enter a plurality of optical fibers under test that are integrated to generate first backscattered light at points of the plurality of optical fibers under test and heterodyne-detecting the first backscattered light to measure vibration applied to positions of an optical fiber under test of the plurality of optical fibers under test , the distributed optical fiber vibration measurement device comprising:a phase constant difference computation unit configured to cause the first backscattered light generated at the points of the plurality of optical fibers under test to interfere with another light having an optical frequency different from an optical frequency of the first test light pulse to obtain two AC components and determine a phase constant difference from the two AC components;a phase distribution data creation unit configured to compare amplitudes between the two AC components obtained by causing the first backscattered ...

OPTICAL SWITCHING DEVICE

An optical switching device including an optical switching engine may be packaged by omitting an optical bench and disposing optical elements directly on a base of a housing of the optical switching device. The optical switching engine may be disposed on a ceramic portion of the base, and thermally matched to the ceramic base. The base may be reinforced by the housing walls and optional internal rigidity ribs. The optical elements may be thermally matched to the base, and the lid may be strain relieved by thinning lid edges. The housing may be mounted to an external chassis using soft grummets. 1. An optical switching device comprising:at least one input port for inputting an optical signal comprising a plurality of wavelength channels;at least one output port for outputting at least one of the wavelength channels;optics for dispersing and redirecting the wavelength channels between the input and output ports;a switching engine optically coupled with the optics for redirecting at least one of the wavelength channels towards a selected output port; anda housing comprising:a base comprising a first portion comprised of ceramic CTE matched to the switching engine to within 4 ppm/° C., wherein the switching engine is mounted directly to the ceramic first portion; anda cover enclosing the optics and the switching engine, wherein the cover is mounted directly to the base for stiffening the base;wherein the optics are CTE matched to the base to within 4 ppm/° C. and mounted directly to the base.2. The optical switching device of claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises a second portion extending from the first portion and comprised of metal CTE matched to the ceramic within 4 ppm/° C. for supporting at least some of the optics.3. The optical switching device of claim 1 , wherein the ceramic comprises an HTCC assembly.4. The optical switching device of claim 3 , wherein the first portion includes an extension extending beyond the cover claim 3 , and wherein the ...

OPTICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR MANAGING DIVERSITY AND ISOLATION BETWEEN PORTS IN A WAVELENGTH SELECTIVE SWITCH

An optical device includes an optical port array, an optical arrangement, a dispersion element, a focusing element and a programmable optical phase modulator. The optical port array has at least one optical input port for receiving an optical beam and a plurality of optical output ports. The optical arrangement allows optical coupling between the input port and each of the output ports and prevents optical coupling between any one of the plurality of optical output ports and any other of the plurality of optical output ports. The dispersion element receives the optical beam from the input port after traversing the optical arrangement and spatially separates the optical beam into a plurality of wavelength components. The focusing element focuses the plurality of wavelength components. The programmable optical phase modulator receives the focused plurality of wavelength components and steers them to a selected one of the optical outputs. 1. An optical device , comprising:an optical port array having at least one optical input port for receiving an optical beam and a plurality of optical output ports;an optical arrangement for allowing optical coupling between the at least one optical input port and each of the optical output ports and preventing optical coupling between any one of the plurality of optical output ports and any other of the plurality of optical output ports;a dispersion element receiving the optical beam from the at least one optical input after traversing the optical arrangement and spatially separating the optical beam into a plurality of wavelength components;a focusing element for focusing the plurality of wavelength components; anda programmable optical phase modulator for receiving the focused plurality of wavelength components, the modulator being configured to steer the wavelength components to a selected one of the optical outputs.2. The optical device of claim 1 , wherein the optical arrangement is configured to selectively allow and prevent ...

THREE-DIMENSIONAL OPTICAL SWITCH

A 3D optical switch for transferring an optical signal between a plurality of layers of an optical integrated circuit, which comprises: a first optical coupler for distributing the optical signal input to a first optical waveguide deployed in a first layer among the plurality of layers to a second optical waveguide deployed in a second layer different from the first layer; a phase shifter for changing a phase of a first optical signal in the first optical waveguide passing through the first optical coupler and a phase of a second optical signal in the second optical waveguide distributed by the first optical coupler; and a second optical coupler for combining the first optical signal of which the phase is changed and the second optical signal of which the phase is changed is provided. 1. A three-dimensional (3D) optical switch for transferring an optical signal between a plurality of layers in an optical integrated circuit , the 3D optical switch comprising:a first optical coupler for distributing the optical signal input to a first optical waveguide deployed in a first layer among the plurality of layers to a second optical waveguide deployed in a second layer different from the first layer;a phase shifter for changing a phase of a first optical signal in the first optical waveguide passing through the first optical coupler and a phase of a second optical signal in the second optical waveguide distributed by the first optical coupler; anda second optical coupler for combining the first optical signal of which the phase is changed and the second optical signal of which the phase is changed.2. The 3D optical switch of claim 1 , whereinthe first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide are arranged side by side in a first direction in each of the first optical coupler and the second optical coupler and the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the first layer and the second layer.3. The 3D optical switch of claim 2 , whereinthe first optical ...

Pair routing between three undersea fiber optic cables

An undersea fiber optic cable routing architecture including a branching unit coupled to three trunk cables capable of switching individual fibers in each fiber pair within a cable to either of the other two cables. The branching unit comprises a plurality of optical switches and a controller for receiving remote command signals and configuring the optical switches in accordance with the remote command signals.

Thin waveguide imager

A device for providing a 1D line of an image is disclosed. The device is based on a thin slab waveguide coupled to a beam redirecting device such as a tiltable mirror MEMS scanner, a waveguide-based phased array, or a waveguide-based optical switch switching image light between waveguides of a waveguide array coupled to a collimating element formed in the low-mode slab waveguide. The image may be formed by scanning a collimated beam propagating in the slab waveguide, or by forming the 1D singular distribution of brightness at a same time. The device may be used in a near-eye display for forming a 2D image in angular domain.

Passive optical circuit breaker

A passive optical circuit breaker includes a substrate and an optical waveguide assembly arranged relative to the substrate. The optical waveguide assembly includes a first optical waveguide portion having a first low-loss portion and a first high-loss portion, and a second optical waveguide portion having a second low-loss portion. The first low-loss portion and the second low-loss portion define a first optical path through the optical waveguide assembly, and optical energy directed through the first high-loss portion exceeding a prescribed threshold causes the first optical waveguide portion to physically deflect relative to the second optical waveguide portion and interrupt the first optical path through the optical waveguide assembly.

OPTICAL MODULE FOR TERABIT SWITCH

A switch module includes a switch integrated circuit (IC), a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), and a planar lightwave circuit (PLC). The PIC may include a plurality of light sources, an optical splitter, and a plurality of modulators. A dual MEMS may be used to align lens arrays, which may be used to couple light from the PIC to the PLC. 1. A switch module , comprising:a switch integrated circuit (IC) chip including a switch for routing switch inputs to switch outputs of the switch IC chip; a plurality of light sources for providing light;', 'an optical splitter having a plurality of splitter inputs and splitter outputs for use in splitting light provided by each of the plurality of light sources to the plurality of splitter outputs; and', 'a plurality of modulators for modulating light received from the plurality of splitter outputs of the optical splitter and for providing modulated optical signals;, 'a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) comprisinga planar lightwave circuit (PLC) optically coupled to the PIC and positioned to receive the modulated optical signals, the PLC configured to combine the modulated signals into a plurality of optical outputs;wherein outputs of the switch IC chip are coupled to the plurality of modulators.2. The switch module of claim 1 , wherein the PIC further comprises semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) claim 1 , each of the SOAs coupled to one of the plurality of modulators and positioned along a path of the one of the plurality of modulators.3. The switch module of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light sources are oriented perpendicular to the plurality of modulators.4. The switch module of claim 1 , wherein the PLC includes arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) and waveguides.5. The switch module of claim 4 , wherein the waveguides include bends claim 4 , the bends comprising silicon nitride material.6. The switch module of claim 1 , wherein only one of the plurality of light sources is activated at any given time.7. The switch ...

OPTICAL POWER ATTENUATOR

An optical power attenuator includes: a MEMS package storing a MEMS element that can control a reflection angle of light by a mirror; a capillary member provided to one end of a two-core optical fiber that transmits the light and that has an end surface on a side that inputs/outputs the light to the two-core optical fiber tilted at a predetermined angle relative to an optical axis of the two-core optical fiber; and a lens that causes a light emitted from one of the optical fibers of the two-core optical fiber to become incident on the MEMS element via the capillary member and guides the reflected light reflected by the mirror of the MEMS element to the other optical fiber of the two-core optical fiber. 1. An optical power attenuator , comprising:a MEMS package storing a MEMS element that can control a reflection angle of a light by a mirror;a capillary member that is provided to one end of a two-core optical fiber that transmits the light and has an end surface on a side that inputs/outputs the light to the two-core optical fiber tilted at a predetermined angle relative to an optical axis of the two-core optical fiber; anda lens that causes a light emitted from one of the optical fibers of the two-core optical fiber to become incident on the MEMS element via the capillary member and guides the reflected light reflected by the mirror of the MEMS element to the other optical fiber of the two-core optical fiber; whereinthe capillary member and the MEMS package interpose the lens and are disposed so centers are aligned with a center axis of the lens, andin the MEMS package, the MEMS element is disposed in a position where a center position of the mirror is off from the center axis of the lens and where the incident light from the lens can be reflected toward the lens.2. The optical power attenuator according to claim 1 , wherein the MEMS package is configured so no wiring component that inputs a control signal to the MEMS element is included in a mounting space of the ...