Systems and Processes Engineering Corporation

Finisar Corporation

Leif Fredin

Ray T Chen

William H Hallidy

Robert C Chin

Terry Markwardt

Ram Sivaraman

Brendan Krenek

A method and system for measuring optical scattering characteristics includes coupling a continuous wave laser excitation signal to an optical fiber. Radiation backscattered by the optical fiber in response to the coupled excitation signal is detected to produce a backscattered radiation signal. The backscattered radiation signal is mixed with the excitation signal to produce a mixed signal. The mixed signal is filtered to reduce the magnitude of frequencies other than conjugate mixing frequencies relative to the conjugate mixing frequencies. The filtered signal is digitized and the magnitude of backscattered radiation from a specific portion of the fiber is calculated based on the digitized signal. The temperature of a specific portion of the fiber can be determined from the magnitude of the backscattered radiation.

Method and system for measuring optical scattering characteristics

Optical systems are disclosed which include one or more components such as an optical multiplexer, an optical demultiplexer, and, an optical amplifier. An optical device is included in the optical system and is configured to communicate with the optical component(s). The optical device includes a substrate proximate to which is disposed a first waveguide array. A second waveguide array is also provided that is disposed proximate the substrate so that a portion of the second waveguide array intersects a portion of the first waveguide array at a predetermined angle, so that a junction is formed. An index of refraction associated with the junction can be varied so that desirable effects can be implemented concerning optical signals transmitted through the waveguides.

Systems and devices for dynamic processing of optical signals

An optical device with at least one junction formed by an intersection of at least two waveguides may be used to tap, and/or attenuate an optical signal. The waveguides may be formed from various materials such as polymers and other combinations of monomers. Internal reflection produced at each junction between the waveguides in response to heating from a thin film electrode will direct a portion of an optical signal from one of the waveguides to another waveguide. Internal reflection at each junction may be used to selectively tap and/or attenuate power level of an optical signal.

Dynamic variable optical attenuator and variable optical tap

A system for sensing optical fiber temperature includes a laser that produces a first electromagnetic spectrum. A first optical filter receives the laser output and reflects it. The first optical filter transmits electromagnetic radiation having greater and lesser wavelengths than the laser output. The transmitted light reaches a second optical filter which reflects the light of lesser wavelength, but transmits the light of greater wavelength. A first detector is placed to received the reflected, lower-wavelength light and a second detector is place to receive the transmitted, higher-wavelength light.

Growing community of inventors

Austin, TX, United States of America

Leif Fredin