Abstract:
A tunable Fabry-Perot filter and a tunable vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) are disclosed where both devices (Figs. 1 and 2 respectively) utilize an improved dome structure (25) for creating an internal air gap (45) and improved bias electrode construction (20, 30) for increasing the tuning range of the device.
Abstract:
A wavelength reference device for tuning a tunable Fabry-Perot filter and/or a tunable VCSEL to a desired frequency, where the device uses a Michelson interferometer (110), comprising a beam splitter (120) and detector (140), to generate a series of reference frequencies.
Abstract:
A wavelength reference device (110) for tuning a tunable Fabry-Perot filter and/or a tunable VCSEL (105) to a desired frequency, where the device uses a Fizeau interferometer (125) and a position sensitive detector (130), with the position sensitive detector (130) being used to measure the location of the maximum reflected power from the interferometer (125), whereby to determine the wavelength of laser radiation for tuning the device (110).
Abstract:
A method of fabricating microelectromechanically tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (4) and microelectromechanically tunable Fabry-Perot filter (2) with precise lateral and vertical dimensional control is disclosed. Strained reflective dielectric film stack (6) are applied to multiple quantum-well structure to electronically band-gap-engineer the quantum wells. Strain in the reflective dielectric layers is used to create a curvature in one of the reflective dielectric film stacks to form a confocal-cavity (8) between a planar reflective dielectric film stack (10) and a curved reflective film stack (12) in the laser or filter, which are also provided with suspended membrane structure (37) that supports a cavity-tuning dielectric film stack, while being anchored at the perimeter by a meatal support posts (38). Precise air-cavity length and lateral dimensions are achieved by micro-die-casting using a sacrificial material of polyamide or aluminum. Furtheing reflective dielectric film stack in a controlled electrostatic field.
Abstract:
An optical system used in a WDM optical network system to monitor the different channels in an optical fiber. Optical system (200) comprises a tunable filter (105), LED (110), etalon (115), a pair of beam splitter (120A and 120B), a pair of detectors (125A and 125B), lenses (205, 210), a GRIN lens (220), and an isolator (225).
Abstract:
Apparatus (5) is disclosed for aligning optical components (10). The apparatus (5) comprises a light source (15) providing an emission, an optical element (20) for receiving the emission from the light source (15), and at least one of the light source (15) and the optical element (20) being mounted to a gimbal mount (25). Adjustment of the light source (15) and/or the optical element (20) mounted to the gimbal mount (25) adjusts the angle of incidence of the emission from the light source (15) on the optical element (20). This adjustment in turn aligns the optical components (10). A method is disclosed for aligning optical components (10). The method comprises generating an emission from a light source (15), adjusting a gimbal mount (25) on at least one of the light source (15) and an optical element (20), wherein the angle of incidence of the emission from the light source (15) is adjusted on the optical element (20), and fixing in place the position of the gimbal mount (25) on the light source (15) and/or the optical element (20).
Abstract:
An optical fiber wavelength reference device (110) for tuning a tunable Fabry-Perot filter (105) and/or a tunable VCSEL (105) to a desired frequency, where the device uses a fiber etalon (120) to generate a pattern of reference frequencies against which the device is tuned. In addition, the device uses a detector (125) to monitor the output of the Fiber Etalon (120). The ouput of the detector (125) is inputed to a controller (115) used to control the VCSEL (105) or tunable Fabrey-Perot filter (105).
Abstract:
A method for modulating the output of an optically pumped, tunab le VCSEL (5). Two approaches are disclosed. In a first approach, the output of the VCSEL (5) is modulated by modulating the pump laser (100). In a second approach, the output of the VCSEL (5) is modulated by modulating a voltage applied across the active region.
Abstract:
A compact wavelength monitoring and control assembly (110) for a narrow band (i.e., laser) source is provided, comprising two narrow bandpass, wavelength selective transmission filter elements (130, 160) of Fabry-Perot structure through which two separate collimated beams from a laser source are directed onto two photodetectors (145, 175). A control circuit processes the simultaneously acquired signals from the two detectors (145, 175) as the laser wavelength is varied. The device functions as an optical wavelength discriminator in which the detectors (145, 175) convert optical energy to current (or voltage) for a feedback loop for controlling the laser source. Any one of a large number of discrete, predetermined wavelengths may be chosen for locking using the same device.
Abstract:
A fiber connector that facilitates alignment of and electrical communication with electrooptical devices on an optical fiber or interposed between optical fibers. An embodiment of in-line optoelectronic device packaging (10) constructed according to principles of the invention includes a ferrule (20) configured to receive an optical fiber with an optoelectronic device (D) mounted on one end of the ferrule, for alignment with the fiber. Electrically-conductive deposits (30) along the side of the ferrule supply electical energy to or conduct electrical signals from the optoelectronic device (D). The optoelectronic device-carrying ferrule is inserted in a ceramic sleeve (40). Another ferrule (120), maintaining another optical fiber (115), also is inserted in the ceramic sleeve (40). Another embodiment constructed according to principles of the invention includes a second optoelectronic device mounted on the second ferrule (120). The electrically-conductive deposits permit ready serial deployment of optoelectronic devices, such as a variable attenuator or VCSEL laser emitter, between the optical fibers maintained by the ferrules in the sleeve.