Optical add/drop wavelength switch

    公开(公告)号:US6166838A

    公开(公告)日:2000-12-26

    申请号:US36202

    申请日:1998-03-06

    Abstract: An optical add/drop wavelength switch is controllably changed from a bridge state, in which output is identical to input, e.g. a Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) input, and an add/drop state, In which a signal input to an add port is substituted for a particular wavelength subrange of the WDM input, other wavelengths of the WDM input being unchanged. In one embodiment, the wavelength subrange of the WDM signal is given a polarization different from other wavelengths of the WDM, such as by using a stacked waveplate or other optical filter or polarization discriminator. The differently-polarized wavelengths can the be spatially separated, e.g. by a birefringent element or a polarization beam splitter, preferably In a bit-controlled fashion, such as by using a liquid crystal or other polarization controller. Polarization controllers and discriminators can be used similarly to selectably align or combine the add signal with the portion of the WDM signal outside the subrange. The add/drop wavelength switch can be used, e.g. In an optical token ring network and/or to make-up an optical crossbar for exchanging any arbitrarily designatable channels, e.g. among a plurality of multi-channel optical fibers.

    Optical wavelength router
    2.
    发明授权
    Optical wavelength router 失效
    光波长路由器

    公开(公告)号:US06137606A

    公开(公告)日:2000-10-24

    申请号:US411935

    申请日:1999-10-04

    Abstract: A programmable wavelength router having a plurality of cascaded stages where each stage receives one or more optical signals comprising a plurality of wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) channels. Each stage divides the received optical signals into divided optical signals comprising a subset of the channels and spatially positions the divided optical signals in response to a control signal applied to each stage. Preferably each stage divides a received WDM signal into two subsets that are either single channel or WDM signals. A final stage outputs optical signals at desired locations. In this manner, 2.sup.N optical signals in a WDM signal can be spatially separated and permuted using N control signals.

    Abstract translation: 一种具有多个级联级的可编程波长路由器,其中每个级接收包括多个波分复用(WDM)信道的一个或多个光信号。 每个级将接收到的光信号划分成包括信道子集的分割光信号,并且响应于施加到每个级的控制信号对分割的光信号进行空间位置。 每个级别优选地将接收的WDM信号划分为单个信道或WDM信号的两个子集。 最终阶段在期望的位置输出光信号。 以这种方式,WDM信号中的2N个光信号可以使用N个控制信号在空间上分离和置换。

    Optical attenuator using polarization modulation and a feedback
controller
    3.
    发明授权
    Optical attenuator using polarization modulation and a feedback controller 失效
    使用偏振调制的光衰减器和反馈控制器

    公开(公告)号:US5963291A

    公开(公告)日:1999-10-05

    申请号:US897353

    申请日:1997-07-21

    Abstract: An optical power regulator employs a variable optical attenuator having a first birefringent element that spatially separates the input optical beam into two orthogonally-polarized beams. Both beams pass through a polarization modulator (e.g., a liquid crystal material) that rotates their polarizations to an extent determined by the control voltage applied across the polarization modulator. A final birefringent element spatially separates both beams exiting the polarization modulator into two pairs of orthogonally-polarized beams (i.e., two horizontally-polarized and two vertically-polarized components). The thicknesses and optical properties of the birefringent elements are selected so that two of the four beams are combined by the final birefringent element to exit at the output port of the regulator, while the remaining two beams are blocked. As a result, the degree of attenuation is determined by the degree of polarization rotation by the polarization modulator, which in turn is a function of the control voltage applied to the polarization modulator. Preferably, the liquid crystal material used in the polarization modulator has a high optical birefringence and a low dielectric anisotropy, which results in a relatively shallow attenuation curve as a function of applied voltage. The intensity of the optical signal is measured by a photodetector and used by a controller to output the control voltage applied to the liquid crystal material to maintain a desired optical power level at the output port of the regulator.

    Abstract translation: 光功率调节器采用具有第一双折射元件的可变光衰减器,其将输入光束空间分离成两个正交偏振光束。 两个光束通过偏振调制器(例如,液晶材料),其将它们的极化旋转到由施加在偏振调制器上的控制电压确定的程度。 最终的双折射元件将离开偏振调制器的两个光束空间分离成两对正交偏振光束(即两个水平极化和两个垂直极化分量)。 选择双折射元件的厚度和光学性质,使得四个光束中的两个由最终双折射元件组合以在调节器的输出端口处离开,而剩余的两个光束被阻挡。 结果,衰减程度由偏振调制器的偏振旋转程度确定,偏振调制器又是施加到偏振调制器的控制电压的函数。 优选地,在偏振调制器中使用的液晶材料具有高的光学双折射和低介电各向异性,这导致作为施加电压的函数的相对浅的衰减曲线。 光信号的强度由光电检测器测量,并被控制器用来输出施加到液晶材料的控制电压,以便在调节器的输出端口处保持期望的光功率电平。

    Wide transmission optical comb filter with wide pass band and wide stop band
    4.
    发明授权
    Wide transmission optical comb filter with wide pass band and wide stop band 失效
    宽传输光梳滤波器,宽通带宽宽阻带

    公开(公告)号:US06426816B1

    公开(公告)日:2002-07-30

    申请号:US09614782

    申请日:2000-07-12

    CPC classification number: H04J14/02

    Abstract: The inventive filter forms a four filtering stage device from two filtering stages and a reflective stage. This greatly reduces the noise level in a WDM signal, wherein the signal is one of the odd channels and the even channels, while the noise is present on the other of the odd channels and the even channels. The first stage separates the WDM signal and noise into their polarization components, rotates the components of one of the signal and the noise, and recombines the components of the signal, while blocking a portion of the noise. This output is passed to the second stage which repeats the operation of the first stage. The output of the second stage is then reflected by the reflecting stage back to the second stage, and subsequently the first stage, for processing in reverse order. The inventive filter, via the mirror in the reflecting stage, reduce dispersion of the light during processing.

    Abstract translation: 本发明的滤波器从两个滤波级和反射级形成四个滤波级装置。 这大大降低了WDM信号中的噪声电平,其中信号是奇数通道和偶数通道之一,而噪声存在于奇数通道和偶数通道中的另一个上。 第一级将WDM信号和噪声分离成它们的偏振分量,旋转信号和噪声之一的分量,并重新组合信号的分量,同时阻挡噪声的一部分。 该输出被传递到重复第一阶段的操作的第二阶段。 然后第二级的输出被反射级反射回到第二级,随后被反射到第一级,以相反的顺序进行处理。 本发明的滤光器通过反射级中的反射镜减少了处理过程中光的分散。

    NxN switch array with polarization displacer
    5.
    发明授权
    NxN switch array with polarization displacer 有权
    带偏振置换器的NxN开关阵列

    公开(公告)号:US06337934B1

    公开(公告)日:2002-01-08

    申请号:US09627952

    申请日:2000-07-28

    Abstract: Switch arrays are provided with controllable polarization modifiers and polarization-dependent diverters, such as one or more polarization beam splitters, for configuring switch arrays which can reduce or eliminate the need for optical fibers in the switch arrays. In one embodiment, input positions configured in a first preferably planar (e.g., horizontal) configuration are routed to one or more of a corresponding plurality of output positions which are configured in a different arrangement such as in an orthogonal (e.g., vertical) planar arrangement. Preferably some or all of the polarization-related optical components, including components such as birefringent devices, liquid crystal polarization rotator arrays and/or polarization beam splitters are integrated so that one such device can be used in connection with a plurality of input and/or output beams.

    Abstract translation: 开关阵列设置有可控的偏振调节器和偏振相关的分流器,例如一个或多个偏振分束器,用于配置开关阵列,其可以减少或消除对开关阵列中的光纤的需要。 在一个实施例中,以第一优选平面(例如,水平)配置配置的输入位置被路由到以不同布置配置的相应多个输出位置中的一个或多个,例如在正交(例如,垂直)平面布置 。 优选地,包括诸如双折射器件,液晶偏振旋转器阵列和/或偏振分束器的组件的偏振相关光学部件中的一些或全部是集成的,使得一个这样的器件可以结合多个输入和/或 输出光束。

    Polarization-insensitive fabry-perot tunable filter
    6.
    发明授权
    Polarization-insensitive fabry-perot tunable filter 失效
    极化不敏感的fabry-perot可调滤波器

    公开(公告)号:US5781268A

    公开(公告)日:1998-07-14

    申请号:US629976

    申请日:1996-04-09

    CPC classification number: G02F1/216 G02F2001/133638 G02F2203/06

    Abstract: This invention provides polarization-independent optical filters that are Fabry-Perot filters. The inventive filters incorporate a phase modulator within the FP cavity and two quarter-wave plates, one on either side of the phase modulator, in the cavity. The quarter-wave plates are perpendicular to each other and oriented at .+-.45.degree. with respect to the optic axis of the phase modulator. A variety of phase modulators including those that incorporate nematic and smectic liquid crystal optical modulators can be employed in these FP filters. The filters of this invention are particularly useful in fiber optic systems and in telecommunications applications at 1550 nm.

    Abstract translation: 本发明提供了法布里 - 珀罗滤波器的偏振非依赖光滤波器。 本发明的滤光器在FP空腔内并入相位调制器,在空腔中包括两个1/4波片,一个位于相位调制器的两侧。 四分之一波片彼此垂直并相对于相位调制器的光轴定向在+/- 45°。 包括向列型和近晶型液晶光调制器的各种相位调制器可用于这些FP滤波器。 本发明的滤波器在1550nm的光纤系统和电信应用中特别有用。

    Test device and method
    8.
    发明授权
    Test device and method 有权
    测试装置和方法

    公开(公告)号:US06489783B1

    公开(公告)日:2002-12-03

    申请号:US09715227

    申请日:2000-11-17

    CPC classification number: G01R31/129

    Abstract: A time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) test device is used for testing a dielectric layer to obtain a time to failure (TTF) data, wherein the TDDB test device is electrically connected between a power source and a current detector and the dielectric layer includes at least a first capacitor and a second capacitor formed about selected first and second locations of the dielectric layer. The device includes a first current-limiting apparatus electrically connected to the first capacitor in series, a second current-limiting apparatus electrically connected to the second capacitor in series and the first current-limiting apparatus in parallel, and a voltage-regulating apparatus electrically connected to the second current-limiting apparatus in series. It also provides a method for implementing such device.

    Abstract translation: 使用时间依赖介质击穿(TDDB)测试装置来测试电介质层以获得故障时间(TTF)数据,其中TDDB测试装置电连接在电源和电流检测器之间,并且电介质层包括在 形成在介电层的所选择的第一和第二位置周围的至少一个第一电容器和第二电容器。 该装置包括串联电连接到第一电容器的第一限流装置,与第二电容器串联电连接的第二限流装置和并联的第一限流装置,以及电连接的电压调节装置 连接到第二限流装置。 它还提供了一种实现这种设备的方法。

    N×M digitally programmable optical routing switch
    9.
    发明授权
    N×M digitally programmable optical routing switch 失效
    NxM数字可编程光路由交换机

    公开(公告)号:US06452702B1

    公开(公告)日:2002-09-17

    申请号:US09546645

    申请日:2000-04-10

    Abstract: An optical routing switch provides polarization-independent and low-crosstalk switching between any of a plurality of input ports and any of a plurality of output ports over a wide operating range of temperatures and wavelengths. Optical signals appearing at each input port are spatially decomposed into two orthogonally-polarized beams by a first polarization-dependent routing element (e.g., a birefringent element or polarized beamsplitter). Beyond this point, a network of optical switches are placed along the optical paths of the pair of light beams. Each optical switch includes: (1) a polarization rotator that switchably controls the polarization of the input light beams so that both of the emergent beams are either vertically or horizontally polarized, according to the control state of the device; and (2) a polarization-dependent routing element that spatially routes the light beam pair to provide physical displacement based on their state of polarization. The final stage for each output port in the network consists of an array of polarization rotators that changes the polarization of at least one of the light beams, so that the two beams become orthogonally polarized. Finally, a polarization-dependent routing element (e.g., a birefringent element) intercepts the two orthogonally-polarized beams and recombines them to exit at the selected output port.

    Abstract translation: 光路由开关在多个输入端口中的任何一个和多个输出端口中的任何一个在宽的温度和波长的工作范围内提供偏振无关和低串扰切换。 出现在每个输入端口的光信号由第一偏振相关路由元件(例如,双折射元件或偏振分束器)在空间上分解为两个正交偏振光束。 除此之外,光开关网沿着该对光束的光路放置。 每个光开关包括:(1)根据装置的控制状态,可转换地控制输入光束的偏振,使两个出射光束垂直或水平偏振的偏振旋转器; 和(2)偏振相关的路由元件,其在空间上路由光束对以基于其极化状态提供物理位移。 网络中每个输出端口的最后一个阶段包括改变至少一个光束的偏振的偏振旋转器的阵列,使得两个光束成为正交极化。 最后,偏振相关的路由元件(例如,双折射元件)拦截两个正交偏振光束,并将其复合到所选择的输出端口处。

    Acute twist nematic (ATN) liquid crystal device for optical communication applications
    10.
    发明授权
    Acute twist nematic (ATN) liquid crystal device for optical communication applications 失效
    用于光通信应用的急转向向(ATN)液晶装置

    公开(公告)号:US06353467B1

    公开(公告)日:2002-03-05

    申请号:US09417600

    申请日:1999-10-14

    CPC classification number: G02F1/31 G02F1/1396 G02F2001/1398

    Abstract: A twisted nematic liquid crystal-based electro-optic modulator with a twist angle between 0° and 90°, and preferably between 50° and 80° is provided. The modulator provides a relatively rapid switching time such as less than about 50 milliseconds, and provides relatively large extinction ratios, such as greater than −25 dB. Preferably the liquid crystal entrance director differs from the polarization direction by a beta angle of about 15°.

    Abstract translation: 提供了扭转角在0°和90°之间,优选在50°和80°之间的扭曲向列型液晶型电光调制器。 调制器提供相对较快的切换时间,例如小于约50毫秒,并提供相对较大的消光比,例如大于-25dB。 优选地,液晶入射指示器与偏振方向不同约为15°的β角

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