Abstract:
The present invention is based on the use of a plurality of gratings recorded in an optical waveguide, the gratings having different Bragg wavelengths selected to store individual bits of data. The invention has particular application to optical fiber communications networks.
Abstract:
An optical waveguide in which the rate of change with wavelength of the reciprocal of the difference between the effective refractive indices of a fundamental wavelength mode and a second harmonic wavelength mode is zero at a first wavelength, and there is an internal periodic grating providing phase matching in the wavelength region of the first wavelength.
Abstract:
There is provided an optical frequency converter comprising: an optical guiding structure having an input and an output, and comprising: a first grating portion adjacent to the input; a second grating portion adjacent to output, and a third grating between the first and second grating portion to form an apodized step-chirped grating extending between the input and the output. Each grating portion comprises a plurality of sections each comprising a plurality of segments. Each segment has a segment width and comprises a poled region having a poled width at least equal to one micron and a reversely poled region. The segment width for all of the grating portions and a duty ratio of the poled width to the segment width are constant within each section. The duty ratio increases within the first grating portion, decreases within the second grating portion, and is constant within the third grating portion.
Abstract:
An optical fibre in a core and a cladding that includes an inner cladding region with a refractive index that is photosensitive to UV light, surrounded by a non-photosensitive outer cladding region. Refractive index gratings can be written into the cladding region. Also, the refractive index of the inner region can be altered by exposure to UV light to achieve mode matching at a splice between fibres with different core diameters. An optical fibre laser is disclosed with integral refractive index gratings in the cladding of a fibre with an optically active core.
Abstract:
An optical fibre is fixed against a first face of a prism. A coherent beam of optical radiation is directed at the prism such that a portion B propagates directly to the first face while a second portion propagates via total internal reflection at a second face. The interference of the two portions creates a refractive index grating in the fibre at a wavelength longer than that of the radiation. The method provides a stable and simple method of sidewriting of waveguide gratings.
Abstract:
A method of structurally modifying a silica monomode optical fiber (4) by launching optical power into the fiber (4) from an Nd:YAG laser operating at 1.064 .mu.m and raising the temperature of a portion of the fiber (4) by bringing a metal film (12) into contact with a polished half-coupler block (6) to absorb energy from the laser (2). A structural modification of the fiber is initiated which propagates towards the laser (2) sustained by the optical power. It provides a means of decommissioning an optical fiber. The modified optical fiber (4) has regular periodic damage sites which can be used to form a diffraction grating. The method may also be used as an optical power limiter to protect optical networks from too high optical power inputs.
Abstract:
An optical fibre Michelson interferometer has mirrors of highly reflective coatings deposited on the ends of the fibres forming the free arms of the interferometer. The interferometer preferably comprises single mode fibres, and is operated by a frequency swept laser.The interferometer has applications in the optical fibre interferometer sensing field.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the modifying or stripping of primary or secondary coatings on optical fibres by the application of heat such that the coating is entirely or partially removed from the surface over a given length of an optical fibre while a tension is applied in the fibre. Also a clamp to hold the optical fibre when tension is applied.
Abstract:
A device for recording a refractive index pattern in a photosensitive optical fiber includes a rotary disc formed with a phase mask in a circular pattern, which is rotated by an axis. The phase mask is illuminated with laser light in a region so that a moving interference pattern is formed. The optical fiber is moved along a path in synchronism with the moving interference pattern so that the pattern becomes recorded in the fiber. The pattern can be formed continuously over long fiber lengths, e.g., of the order of one meter.
Abstract:
It has been demonstrated that B containing glasses are sensitive to radiation in the band 225-275 nm and, therefore, B2O3 glasses are particularly adapted to receive refractive index modulation, e.g., to make reflection gratings. Glasses containing SiO2 and B2O3 are particularly suitable when the grating is to be localized in the cladding of a fiber. Glasses containing SiO2, GeO2, and B2O3 are suitable when the grating is in the path region of a waveguide, e.g., in the core of a fiber.
Abstract translation:已经证明含B玻璃对225-275nm波段的辐射敏感,因此B 2 O 3玻璃特别适于接收折射率调制,例如制造反射光栅。 当光栅定位在纤维的包层中时,含有SiO 2和B 2 O 3的玻璃特别适合。 当光栅位于波导的路径区域中时,例如在纤维的芯中,含有SiO 2,GeO 2和B 2 O 3的玻璃是合适的。