Abstract:
A waveguide to waveguide monitor includes an optics block between the two waveguides. The optics block couples light between the two waveguides and includes at least two parallel surfaces. The monitor also has an optical tap which creates a monitor beam. The optics block may be flush with the endfaces of the waveguides, even if the endfaces are angled. At least two optical elements needed to couple the light between the two optical waveguides and direct the monitor beam on a detector are on the at least two parallel surfaces of the optics block and any surfaces secured thereto.
Abstract:
A diffractive optical element (DOE) corrector for use with three different wavelengths includes a first diffractive element on a first surface of a first material, the first diffractive element diffracting a first wavelength of the three wavelengths, while directing a majority of light of second and third wavelengths of the three wavelengths into a zero-th order, and a second diffractive element on a second surface of a second material, the second material being different from the first material, the second surface being different from and in an optical path of the first surface, the second diffractive element diffracting the second wavelength, while directing a majority of light of the first and third wavelengths into a zero-th order.
Abstract:
Mass production of integrated subsystems may be realized by aligning first and second plurality of dies. The aligned dies are then treated to secure them together. The secured dies are then separated to form a secured pair of dies containing at least one lithographically formed element, thus forming an integrated subsystem. A bonding material may be provided over at least part of each first die, over an entire surface of the wafer or around the perimeter of each first die. Either one of the first or second dies may be provided on a wafer. Either die may contain active elements, e.g., a laser or a detector. The lithographic elements may be formed in the die or may be of a different material than that of the die.
Abstract:
Gray scale masks used to create optical elements are formed. Desired gray scale patterns may be created by varying a transmission across a mask, e.g., by varying the thickness of a light absorbing layer. Such variations in thickness may be created using multiple binary masks. Desired gray scale patterns may also be created on a computer using available software and then imaged onto film or a glass film plate. Direct contact or proximity printing is then used to transfer the true gray scale pattern onto a photoresist layer. The photoresist layer is then etched, thereby forming the desired pattern therein. All portions of the desired pattern are simultaneously formed in the photoresist layer. The etched photoresist layer is then used to photolithographically fabricate either the optical element itself or a master element to be used in injection molding or other replication techniques. The gray scale mask itself may be used repeatedly to generate photoresist layers.
Abstract:
An interface system includes separate optical and mechanical interfaces between opto-electronic devices and fibers. This allows each of these components to be optimized for there particular function. This also allows two surfaces to be provided for the optical interface, allowing the opto-electronic elements to be spaced further apart than the fibers. The interface system can be integrated together, used in conjunction with a conventional fiber housing, and can be surface mounted with an electrical interface.
Abstract:
An optical coupler reduces differential mode delay in a fiber by reducing an amount of light incident on the fiber in a region in which the refractive index is not well controlled. This region of the fiber is typically in the center of the fiber. The optical coupler directs light away from the this region and/or provides a high angle of incidence to any light on this region. A diffuser may be used to reduce sensitivity of the coupler to any fluctutations in the output of the light source. The optical coupler does not need to be offset from the center of the multi-mode coupler. A phase function of an azimuthal mode of the fiber may be imposed on the light beam so that a substantial null on axis is maintained even after propogation of the light beam beyond the depth of focus of the coupler. A diffractive element generating a beam which propogates in a spiral fashion along an axis allows the shape of the beam to be maintained for longer than a depth of focus of the diffractive element.
Abstract:
An integrated optical apparatus includes an optically transparent substrate with a light source and a detector mounted adjacent thereto. The substrate includes an optical element in a transmit path from the light source to a remote target. The optical element splits the light into more than one beam. A detector receives beams reflected by the target. All optical elements needed to create the more then one beam, direct the more than one beam onto the target and direct the more than one beam from the target to the detector are on the substrate and/or any structure bonded to the substrate. Preferably, the optical element provides sufficient separation between the more than one beam such that each beam is delivered to a unique respective light detecting element of the detector. The return path from the remote target to the detector may include an optical element for each beam or no optical elements. An additional substrate may be included and bonded to the substrate. The active elements may be bonded to a bottom surface of the substrate, either directly or via spacer blocks, or may be provided on a support substrate, which is then bonded, either directly or via spacer blocks, to the substrate.
Abstract:
A power monitor for a light emitter uses an absorptive material placed in the path of the application beam. The absorptive has a measurable characteristics thereof altered by an intensity of the light beam, the absorptive material being thin enough to allow a portion of the light beam sufficient for a desired application to be passed to the desired application. Preferably, an anti-reflective coating is placed between the absorptive material and the light emitting device. The absorptive material may be formed directly on the light emitting device or may be formed on or integrated with a spacer.
Abstract:
An interface system includes separate optical and mechanical interfaces between opto-electronic devices and fibers. This allows each of these components to be optimized for there particular function. This also allows two surfaces to be provided for the optical interface, allowing the opto-electronic elements to be spaced further apart than the fibers. The interface system can be integrated together, used in conjunction with a conventional fiber housing, and can be surface mounted with an electrical interface.
Abstract:
An integrated optical coupler includes multiple ports and a beam discriminating element. Optical elements are provided for directing light to and from the ports and the beam discriminating element. These optical elements may include two optical elements created on the same surface of a substrate. All of the optical elements needed for directing the light may be formed on a transparent substrate or on a structure in the optical path bonded to the substrate. The optical elements may output light of the different wavelengths at the same angle or may be dispersive. The beam discriminating element may discriminate on the basis of wavelength or polarization.