Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for detection and control of multiple-axis active alignment for a free-space-coupled single-mode fiber-optic transmission system that automatically optimizes the coupling through the system. In a specific embodiment, a measurement of coupled power is made and error signals are used to control actuation via four axes of beam steering elements to null four generally orthogonal alignment errors (combinations of two lateral errors and two angular errors) of the beam between the input and output fibers. The four alignment errors are detected using a synchronous-detection approach. A feedback control system nulls the four errors.
Abstract:
A circular mirror (12) is connected to the gimble (44) at opposing, but offset from center axis locations (36) and (37) and by compound longitudinal hinges (40) and (42).
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for detection and control of multiple-axis active alignment for a free-space-coupled single-mode fiber-optic transmission system that automatically optimizes the coupling through the system. In a specific embodiment, a measurement of coupled power is made and error signals are used to control actuation via four axes of beam steering element to null four generally orthogonal alignment errors of the beam between the input (12) and output fibers (14). The four alignment errors are detected using a synchronous-detection approach. A feedback control system (100) nulls the four errors.
Abstract:
A circular mirror (12) is connected to the gimble (44) at opposing, but offset from center axis locations (36) and (37) and by compound longitudinal hinges (40) and (42).
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for detection and control of multiple-axis active alignment for a free-space-coupled single-mode fiber-optic transmission system that automatically optimizes the coupling through the system. In a specific embodiment, a measurement of coupled power is made and error signals are used to control actuation via four axes of beam steering elements to null four generally orthogonal alignment errors (combinations of two lateral errors and two angular errors) of the beam between the input and output fibers. The four alignment errors are detected using a synchronous-detection approach. A feedback control system nulls the four errors.
Abstract:
A system for controlling a purely photonic network comprising: at least one digital computing device configured for: storing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the instructions to control a photonic network, the photonic network comprising purely photonic elements that require no electrical-to-optical or optical-to-electrical conversion between a network input port and a network output port, wherein the digital computing device stores: 1) relationship information that describes the relationships between a plurality of network elements in the photonic network; and 2) configuration information that describes the current state of each of the plurality of network elements; receiving a path generation request that includes a first port identifier and a second port identifier, wherein the first port identifier represents an input port and the second port identifier represents a first output port; based at least in part on the relationship information and the configuration information, generating candidate paths that begin at the input port and end at at least the first output port.
Abstract:
A MEMS-based mirror is provided with trenches between adjacent electrodes in order to be able to withstand relatively high applied voltages, and thus has a substantially reduced exposure to uncontrolled surface potentials. The MEMS-based mirror, thus avoids voltage drifts and has an improved mirror position stability. The trench dimensions are selected such that the voltage applied between each adjacent pair of electrodes stays within predefined limits. An insulating layer, such as silicon dioxide, electrically isolates each pair of adjacent electrodes. Each insulting layer extends partially above an associated trench and is characterized by the same height and width dimensions.