US4485475A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Optical source peak wavelength control using a wavelength feedback network
Assignee: Mitre Corp
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Filing: 1983-05-27
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Granted: 1984-11-27
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Expires: 2003-05-27
Abstract
Abstract A graded index of refraction (GRIN) lens/diffraction grating combination is used to monitor the output source peak wavelength of an optical source. As the output wavelength of a source varies, different detectors are activated. The output of these detectors is used to control a thermoelectric cooler which will raise or lower the temperature of the source so as to drive the output wavelength toward the desired peak output wavelength.
Inventors
- 👤 Scott F. Large
- 👤 Bruce D. Metcalf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:48
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04B; H04B10/00; H04B10/50; H04B10/501; H04B10/503; H01; H01S; H01S5/00; H01S5/06; H01S5/068; H01S5/0683; H01S5/0687; H04B10/572; H01S5/06837
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
Apparatus for maintaining a desired output wavelength from an optical source whose output wavelength depends on the temperature of the source comprising: a graded index of refraction lens/diffraction grating combination; a monitor optical fiber for introducing a portion of the output of said source into said lens at an input location; first, second and third output optical fibers located at first, second and third output locations on said lens, said first, second and third output optical fibers connected to first, second and third optical detectors, respectively; said second output optical fiber located between said first and third output optical fibers at a position to receive optical energy when said source generates said desired output wavelength and said first and third output optical fibers located to receive optical energy when said source generates an output wavelength which deviates from said desired wavelength; and means for heating or cooling said optical source in response to a signal from said first or said third optical detector whereby said desired output wavelength is maintained.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
Apparatus for maintaining a desired output wavelength from an optical source whose output wavelength depends on the temperature of the source comprising: a graded index of refraction lens/diffraction grating combination; a monitor optical fiber for introducing a portion of the output of said source into said lens at an input location; first, second and third output optical fibers located at first, second and third output locations on said lens, said first, second and third output optical fibers connected to first, second and third optical detectors, respectively; said second output optical fiber located between said first and third output optical fibers at a position to receive optical energy when said source generates said desired output wavelength and said first and third output optical fibers located to receive optical energy when said source generates an output wavelength which deviates from said desired wavelength; and means for heating or cooling said optical source in response to a signal from said first or said third optical detector whereby said desired output wavelength is maintained.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said heating or cooling means is a thermoelectric device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said optical source is a laser diode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said detectors are light sensitive diodes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further including comparative logic responsive to said first, second and third optical detectors and adapted for controlling said heating/cooling means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
184 words
Apparatus for maintaining a desired output wavelength from a semiconductor source whose output wavelength depends on the temperature of the source comprising: a graded index of refraction (GRIN) lens/diffraction grating combination; a monitor optical fiber for introducing a portion of the output of said semiconductor source into said lens at an input location; first, second and third output optical fibers located at first, second and third output locations on said lens, said first, second and third output optical fibers connected to first, second and third optical light detectors respectively; said second output optical fiber located between said first and third output optical fibers at a position to receive optical energy when said semiconductor source generates said desired output wavelength and said first and third output optical fibers located to receive optical energy when said source generates an output wavelength which deviates from said desired wavelength; and means for heating or cooling said semiconductor source in response to a signal from a comparative logic means in response to a signal from said first or said third optical detectors whereby said desired output wavelength is maintained.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
184 words
Apparatus for maintaining a desired output wavelength from a semiconductor source whose output wavelength depends on the temperature of the source comprising: a graded index of refraction (GRIN) lens/diffraction grating combination; a monitor optical fiber for introducing a portion of the output of said semiconductor source into said lens at an input location; first, second and third output optical fibers located at first, second and third output locations on said lens, said first, second and third output optical fibers connected to first, second and third optical light detectors respectively; said second output optical fiber located between said first and third output optical fibers at a position to receive optical energy when said semiconductor source generates said desired output wavelength and said first and third output optical fibers located to receive optical energy when said source generates an output wavelength which deviates from said desired wavelength; and means for heating or cooling said semiconductor source in response to a signal from a comparative logic means in response to a signal from said first or said third optical detectors whereby said desired output wavelength is maintained.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4319830A
Cited
US4410266A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-11-27 | 1988-05-28 | 1988-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-11-27 | 1992-05-28 | 1992-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-11-27 | 1996-05-28 | 1996-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |