Abstract:
A (de)multiplexer for use in optical communications systems for multiplexing and demultiplexing an optical signal consisting of optical channel(s) of different wavelength(s) includes a multiplex optical waveguide propagating a plurality of optical channels and a plurality of single channel optical waveguides, each propagating a single channel. Each of the waveguides has a receiving/transmitting end. A diffraction grating is optically coupled between the multiplex optical waveguide and the single channel optical waveguides for diffracting an optical signal between the receiving/transmitting end of the multiplex optical waveguide and the receiving/transmitting end of the single channel optical waveguide. The grooves of the diffraction have spacing which varies according to an algorithm such that a portion of the optical signal diffracted by each groove is offset in a direction of dispersion relative to the portions of the optical signal diffracted by the other surfaces to broaden the transmission band at the receiving/transmitting ends of the single channel and multiplex optical waveguides. Optionally, a patterned optical component is optically coupled between the wave guides to impart a phase modulation on the optical signal and enhance system performance.
Abstract:
A diffraction grating (10') for use in multiplexing and demultiplexing optical signals in optical communication systems having reduced polarization sensitivity has a plurality of reflective step surfaces (16') separated by a plurality of riser surfaces (18') defining grooves of the grating. The step surfaces (16') have a reflective coating (22') and the riser surfaces (18') do not have a conductive coating. A method of making a reflective diffraction grating includes forming a plurality of grooves in a substrate, the grooves having a reflective surface for reflecting an incident beam and non-reflective surface and providing a reflective coating on the reflective surface and not on the non-reflective surface.
Abstract:
A reconfigurable add/drop multiplexer (100, 150) for use in an optical communications network includes an input optical waveguide (118, 162) propagating a multi-channel optical signal and a receiver optical waveguide (120, 170) optically aligned with the input waveguide. A transmission filter (106, 164) is in optical communication between the input optical waveguide and the receiver optical waveguide (120, 170) with the transmission filter being tunable to drop a select channel to the receiver optical waveguide (120, 170) and to reflect the remaining channels of the multi-channel optical signal. A retransmission waveguide (118, 162) is in optical communication with the transmission filter to receive the reflected remaining channels. A second receiver waveguide (130, 174) is in optical communication with the receiver waveguide (120, 170). A selectively reflective apparatus (108, 168) is in optical communication between the receiver optical waveguide and the second receiver optical waveguide for selectively reflecting the dropped channel or transmitting the dropped channel to the second receiver waveguide. A second retransmission waveguide (130, 182) in optical communication with the selectively reflective means receives a reflected optical signal. A method of dropping a select channel of a multi-channel optical signal propagated along a main optical waveguide without loss of data includes directing the multi-channel optical signal from the main optical waveguide to an input waveguide. The receiver waveguide is optically aligned with the input waveguide. A tunable transmission filter is provided in optical communication between the input and receiver waveguides. The transmission filter is tuned to drop a select channel to the receiver optical waveguide and to reflect the remaining channels of the multi-channel optical signal to a retransmission optical waveguide in optical communication with the main optical fiber. All dropped channels are reflected for repropagation along the main optical waveguide while the tunable transmission filter is tuned between first and second select channels. The transmission filter (106, 164) may be a wedged-etalon having a cavity that varies uniformly in width between a widest operative end and a narrowest operative end along a filtering axis in optical communication between the input and receiver waveguides. An actuator (107) moves the wedged-etalon out to select positions between the widest and narrowest operative ends to drop a select channel.
Abstract:
A method of calibrating an absorption spectroscopy measurement wherein the calibration method includes projecting laser light throu a sample of a first quantity of a gas of interest and a second irrelevant quantity of a spectroscopically identical or similar gas (10). The first and second spectroscopic absorptions of the laser light are measured over specific first and second absorption lines. A functional relationship is determined between the first and second measured spectroscopic absorptions and two unknown variables. The function relationships may then be simultaneously solved to determine one or both unknown variables and thereby obtain a measurement relati to the first quantity of the gas of interest, calibrated for the second irrelevant quantity of gas.
Abstract:
An optical mode noise averaging device (300) including a multimode optical fiber (302) and means (308) for averaging a modal noise induced signal level variation of light propagating within the multimode optical fiber (302). The device may average modal noise induced signal level variations by cyclically varying an index of refraction of the multimode optical fiber (302) over a select period of time, scrambling a light distribution within the multimode optical fiber (302), or both. The index of refraction of the multimode optical fiber may be cyclically varied by cyclically varying the temperature of the multimode optical fiber (302). Alternatively, the index for refraction may be varied or the light distribution within the multimode optical fiber may be scrambled by cyclically manipulating the multimode optical fiber (302).
Abstract:
A method of absorption spectroscopy including obtaining absorption data at multiple wavelengths along more than one line-of-sight path through a quantity of gas of interest. The method further includes identifying more than one temperature and gas species concentration bin along the multiple line-of-sight paths and creating a map of temperature and gas species concentration. The map thus created will have at least two-dimensional information derived from select temperature and gas species concentration bins identified along more than one line-of-sight path. Apparatus for implementing the above method is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method for measuring combustion parameters within a combustion zone of a gas turbine engine, the combustion zone being defined between an inner and outer casing. The method comprises transmitting a beam from a transmit optic optically coupled to a bore in the outer casing off a portion of the inner casing and receiving a portion of the beam reflected off the inner casing with a receiving optic optically coupled to a bore in the outer casing. An apparatus for practicing the method comprises a laser generating a beam and a transmitting/receiving optics pair, the transmitting/receiving optics pair being configured for operative association with a port in an outer casing of a gas turbine engine, whereby the transmitting/receiving optics are in optical communication by reflecting the beam off a portion of an inner casing.