Abstract:
An electro-optical oscillator includes, in part, a modulator, a signal splitter, N photodiodes with N being an integer greater than one, a signal combiner, and a filter. The modulator modulates an optical signal in accordance with a feedback signal. The splitter splits the modulated optical signal into N optical signals each delivered to a different one of N photo-diodes. Each of the N photo-diodes converts the optical signal it receives to a current signal. The signal combiner combines the N current signals received from the N photo-diodes to generate a combined current signal. The filter filters the combined current signal and generates the feedback signal. The electro-optical oscillator optionally includes, in part, N variable optical gain/attenuation components each amplifying/attenuating a different one of the N optical signals generated by the splitter.
Abstract:
An optical phased array (OPA) receiver selectively detects, measures and differentiates between the amplitudes and directions of signals received from different directions. Because the OPA changes the direction that it looks toward electronically and without the use of any mechanical movements, the OPA is fast, has an enhanced sensitivity, and can be used in a wide variety applications, such as lens-free imaging systems. The OPA is adapted to dynamically control the array of optical elements and focus on the area of interest. The OPA achieves a higher numerical aperture compared to imaging systems that use conventional lens, thereby effectively maintaining a relatively large field of view and collection area concurrently. The OPA may be readily scaled by increasing its array size. Furthermore, because the OPA is relatively flat, it is ideally suited for small form factor applications such as cell phones and tablets.
Abstract:
A rectifying circuit includes, in part, first and second NMOS transistors, an impedance matching network, and an RF block circuit. The source and gate terminals of the first NMOS transistor respectively receive the ground potential and a biasing voltage. The second NMOS transistor has a gate terminal coupled to the drain terminal of the first NMOS transistor, a drain terminal coupled to the gate terminal of the first NMOS transistor, and a source terminal receiving the ground potential. The impedance matching network is disposed between the antenna and the drain terminals of the first and second NMOS transistors. The RF block circuit is coupled between the drain terminals of the first and second NMOS transistors and the output terminal of the rectifying circuit. The RF block circuit is adapted to prevent the RF signal from flowing into the output terminal of the rectifying circuit.
Abstract:
A differential optical modulator includes, in part, a splitter splitting an incoming optical signal into first and second input signals, a first variable coupler generating a first differential output signal in response to the first input signal, and a second variable coupler generating a second differential output signal in response to the second input signal. The first variable coupler includes, in part, first and second couplers and a phase shifter disposed therebetween. The first coupler generates a pair of internal signals in response to the first input signal. The second coupler generates the first differential output signal. The second variable coupler includes, in part, third and fourth couplers and a phase shifter disposed therebetween. The third coupler generates a pair of internal signals in response to the second input signal. The fourth coupler generates the second differential output signal.
Abstract:
A sensor includes, in part, a multitude of splitters/couplers and optical couplers. One of the splitter/couplers splits an incoming optical signal into first and second optical signals. A first optical coupler includes, in part, a through path receiving the first signal, a coupled path, and an exposure window receiving a sample undergoing sensing by the sensor. The second optical coupler includes, in part, a through path receiving the second signal, and a coupled path. A first output port of the sensor supplies the optical signal travelling in the through path of the first optical coupler. A second splitter/coupler combines the optical signals travelling in the coupled paths of the first and second optical couplers to generate a second output signal delivered to a second output port. An optional third output port supplies the optical signal travelling in the through path of the second optical coupler.
Abstract:
A multi-port radiator radiates electromagnetic signal in response to a beat frequency of a pair of optical signals. The radiator includes a multitude of optical paths each carrying an optical signal having first and second wavelengths. A multitude of frequency conversion elements convert the optical signals to electrical signals and deliver them to the radiator's multiple ports. The frequency of the electrical signals, and hence the frequency of the electromagnetic wave, is defined by the difference between the first and second wavelengths. The phases of the optical signals received by the frequency conversion elements are shifted with respect to one another. Optionally, the difference between the phases of the optical signals travelling through each pair of adjacent paths is 90°. The first and second wavelengths are generated by a pair of optical sources and are optionally modulated before being combined and delivered to the optical paths.