US4227769A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Planar optical waveguide comprising thin metal oxide film incorporating a relief phase grating
Assignee: RCA Corp
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Filing: 1978-07-24
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Granted: 1980-10-14
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Expires: 1998-07-24
Abstract
Abstract Enhanced optical coupling by phase evanescent fields is achieved by covering the planar layer of a waveguide with a thin metal oxide film incorporating a relief phase grating. The grating is originally formed in a metallic film covering the planar layer, which metallic film is converted to a metal oxide film by heating in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.
Inventors
- 👤 William Phillips
- 👤 Clyde C. Neil
- 👤 Jacob M. Hammer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 23:03
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A planar optical waveguide comprising: a substrate composed of a first dielectric material exhibiting a first index of refraction, a planar layer composed of a second dielectric material exhibiting a second index of refraction greater than said first index of refraction said substrate supporting said planar layer, a metal oxide film coating said planar layer, said metal oxide film exhibiting a third index of refraction greater than said second index of refraction, and an optical-coupling relief phase grating incorporated on the exposed surface of said metal oxide film.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
A planar optical waveguide comprising: a substrate composed of a first dielectric material exhibiting a first index of refraction, a planar layer composed of a second dielectric material exhibiting a second index of refraction greater than said first index of refraction said substrate supporting said planar layer, a metal oxide film coating said planar layer, said metal oxide film exhibiting a third index of refraction greater than said second index of refraction, and an optical-coupling relief phase grating incorporated on the exposed surface of said metal oxide film.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The waveguide defined in claim 1, wherein said first dielectric material is LiTaO 3 , said second dielectric material is (LiNbO 3 )×(LiTaO 3 ) 1-x , and said metal oxide is niobium oxide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The waveguide defined in claim 2, wherein said film has a thickness in the range of 60-500 nanometers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The waveguide defined in claim 3, wherein said film has a thickness in the range of 120-250 nanometers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The waveguide defined in claim 1, wherein said relief phase grating extends into said planar layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The waveguide defined in claim 1, wherein said relief phase grating is a blazed grating.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-14 | 1984-04-14 | 1984-10-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-14 | 1988-04-14 | 1988-10-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-14 | 1992-04-14 | 1992-10-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |