Vertically coupled optical resonator devices over a cross-grid waveguide architecture
Patent 6411752 Issued on June 25, 2002. Estimated Expiration Date: 
February 22, 2020. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
February 22, 2020. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3589794 Distributed Bragg reflectors and devices incorporating same Waveguide-type optical matrix switch Optical waveguide cross-point switch Photonic-well Microcavity light emitting devices Microcavity semiconductor laser Thermal optical switches for light Photonic wire microcavity light emitting devices Patent #: 5878070 InventorsApplicationNo. 510432 filed on 02/22/2000US Classes:385/17, Matrix switch (i.e., M X N, where M and N are 3 or more)385/24Plural (e.g., data bus)ExaminersPrimary: Lee, John D.Assistant: Connelly-Cushwa, Michelle R. Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesG02B 006/35G02B 006/28 AbstractOptical resonators are vertically coupled on top of bus waveguides, and are separated from the waveguides by a buffer layer of arbitrary thickness. The vertical arrangement eliminates the need for etching fine gaps to separate the rings and guides, and reduces the alignment sensitivity between the desired position of the resonator and bus waveguides by a significant degree. The resonator and bus waveguides lie in different vertical layers, and each can therefore be optimized independently. A ring resonator can be optimized for higher index contrast in the plane, small size, and low bending loss, while the bus waveguides can be designed to have lower index contrast in the plane, low propagation losses, and dimensions that make them suitable for matching to optical fibers. The waveguides can also have any lateral placement underneath the ring resonators and are not restricted by the placement of the rings. Furthermore, with the resonators lying on the top layer of the structure, they are easily accessed for tuning and trimming.Other References
Field of SearchMatrix switch (i.e., M X N, where M and N are 3 or more)Switch (i.e., switching from one terminal to another, not modulation) WITH OPTICAL COUPLER Double pole multiple throw Single pole single throw Plural (e.g., data bus) Reflective-type switch Multiple pole multiple throw Stationary waveguides with movable opaque element Single pole multiple throw (relay switch) Input/output coupler Coupling light through a waveguide bend or loop Particular coupling structure Electrodes on or near the coupling region Directional coupler Directional coupler | |
