Abstract:
A semiconductor tunable laser system includes a tunable Fabry-Perot cavity and a cavity length modulator, which controls an optical length of the cavity at least over a distance corresponding to the spacings between the longitudinal modes of the laser cavity. Thus, the tunable Fabry-Perot cavity allows the laser cavity to have gain at the desired wavelength of operation while the cavity length modulator tunes the cavity length such that a longitudinal cavity mode exists at the desired wavelength of operation. Also, in one embodiment, a wavelength locker system is further provides that has a differential wavelength filter, e.g., stepped etalon, and a multi-element detector, e.g., a quad-detector. The controller then modulators the Fabry-Perot cavity to control the wavelength in response to the signal received from the multi-element detector.
Abstract:
An optical component is adapted for pick-and-place-style installation on an optical submount (100) or bench and compatible with a chuck of a bonder (200) that picks-up the optical component, places it on the optical bench, and then typically solder bonds the optical component to the bench. In the current implementation, this optical component comprises an optical element (104), such as an optical fiber, lens, or MOEMS device, that is attached to a plastically deformable mounting structure. The optical component has a bench-attach surface (152) that is used to bond the optical component to an optical bench. Further, the optical component has a bonder chuck engagement surface (154) to which a bonder chuck attaches to manipulate the optical component, such as install it, on the optical bench.
Abstract:
An alignment structure (100) maintains an optical fiber in a bore(113). The structure is fixed on a bench and is passively or ac tively aligned with a light source. Then the structure may be welded or soldered to the optical bench whereby the alignment may suffer due to heat transfer. To correct this, the alignment structure can be plastically deformed to correct the alignment after thecomponents have been fixed. The alignment structure has a substantially constant cross section in a z-axis direction as well as flexible links in order to allow displacements orthogonal to the optical axis. This mouvements will be initiated by seizing the component with a micro-positioner at a handle (136) and displacing it over the elastic limit to achieve permanent deformation.
Abstract:
A sensor wire system with an integrated power source and wireless transmission is provided. A sensor wire includes a distal end that is inserted into a blood vessel of a patient's body. A sensor that is mounted at the distal end of the sensor wire and an electronics unit of the distal end of the sensor wire transmit information generated by the sensor to a receiver unit outside of the patient's body wirelessly. The system further includes a power source, which in one example is mounted to the distal end of the sensor wire, that supplies power to the electronics unit. Preferably the wire body functions as an antenna for the wireless broadcasting.
Abstract:
To address counterfeit problems, for example, we propose a secure, flexible, and cost-effective authentication solution that can be integrated into conventional distribution logistic systems. The proposed solution for product authentication and distribution channel validation comprises three major components: 1) machine-readable Raman-active chemical taggant; 2) a taggant reader; and 3) a taggant eraser. The proposed solution is to control and validate the distribution channel by authenticating the origin of products. Authentication is accomplished by verification of distinct taggants associated with the articles, such as on its label, along with other product distribution information in optical, spatial-encoding indicia, such as a barcode. The taggant information is used to identify, validate, and distinguish the origin of the source of the articles, such as goods or products. The taggant material is thereafter rendered unreadable by modifying the taggants to make obtaining the information unfeasible, thereby controlling the taggants' lifecycle.
Abstract:
A tunable Fabry-Perot filter includes an optical cavity bounded by a stationary reflector and a deformable or movable membrane reflector. A second electrostatic cavity outside of the optical cavity includes a pair of electrodes, one of which is mechanically coupled to the movable membrane reflector. A voltage applied to the electrodes across the electrostatic cavity causes deflection of the membrane, thereby changing the length of the optical cavity and tuning the filter. The filter with the movable membrane can be formed by micro device photolithographic and fabrication processes from a semiconductor material in an integrated device structure. The membrane can include an inner movable membrane portion connected within an outer body portion by a pattern of tethers. The tether pattern can be such that straight or radial tethers connect the inner membrane with the outer body. Alternatively, a tether pattern with tethers arranged in a substantially spiral pattern can be used.
Abstract:
An integrated optical monitoring system comprises a hermetic package and an optical bench sealed within the package. An optical fiber pigtail enters the package via a feed-through to connect to and terminate above the bench. A tunable filter is connected to the top of the bench and filters an optical signal transmitted by the fiber pigtail. A detector, also connected to the bench, detects the filtered signal from the tunable filter. Thus, the entire system is integrated together, on a single bench within a preferably small package. This configuration makes the system useful as a subsystem, for example, in a larger system offering higher levels of functionality and optical signal processing capability.