US4428644A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Alignment of optical components
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1981-09-21
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Granted: 1984-01-31
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Expires: 2001-09-21
Abstract
Abstract A means for aligning components of an optical system without the use of conventional optical equipment is disclosed. This means includes the use of a pair of electrodes in proximity with the light guiding portion of a pyroelectric system element. The absorption of light in the waveguide produces a current in the pyroelectric material tht is monitored at the electrodes. Alignment of the system components is achieved by adjusting their relative position to increase the monitored signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Alastair M. Glass
- 👤 Ivan P. Kaminow
- 👤 Donald H. Olson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:46
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/26; G01B11/27; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
An apparatus comprising: (1) a pyroelectric material having a wavepath which guides electromagnetic radiation, (2) electrodes in intimate contact with said pyroelectric material and in proximity to said wavepath, each of said electrodes having a sheet resistance less than 10 3 ohm/□, a thickness ranging from about 200 Angstroms to about 2000 Angstroms, and a width ranging from about 10 μm to about 1000 μm, and (3) a means for increasing the absorption of said electromagnetic radiation incident on said wavepath relative to the electromagnetic radiation absorbed in the absence of said means for increasing absorption, whereby a portion of any modulated electromagnetic radiation incident on said wavepath is absorbed by said pyroelectric material, the absorption of said portion inducing an electrical current in said electrodes.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
126 words
An apparatus comprising: (1) a pyroelectric material having a wavepath which guides electromagnetic radiation, (2) electrodes in intimate contact with said pyroelectric material and in proximity to said wavepath, each of said electrodes having a sheet resistance less than 10 3 ohm/□, a thickness ranging from about 200 Angstroms to about 2000 Angstroms, and a width ranging from about 10 μm to about 1000 μm, and (3) a means for increasing the absorption of said electromagnetic radiation incident on said wavepath relative to the electromagnetic radiation absorbed in the absence of said means for increasing absorption, whereby a portion of any modulated electromagnetic radiation incident on said wavepath is absorbed by said pyroelectric material, the absorption of said portion inducing an electrical current in said electrodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for increasing absorption is the placement of said electrodes in contact with said wavepath.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for increasing absorption comprises the presence of a dopant in said wavepath which absorbs said electromagnetic radiation in addition to a waveguide producing dopant in said wavepath.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 3 including a means for monitoring a current produced at said electrodes.
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) | 1987-01-30 | 1987-08-01 | 1988-01-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-30 | 1991-08-01 | 1992-01-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-30 | 1995-08-01 | 1996-01-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |