US4533207A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wavelength tunable TE to TM mode converter
Assignee: Nokia Bell Labs
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Filing: 1983-06-21
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Granted: 1985-08-06
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Expires: 2003-06-21
Abstract
Abstract An improved wavelength tunable TE to TM optical mode converter is provided by confining the electric fields for mode conversion and wavelength tuning to non-overlapping regions of a bi-refringent waveguide. Several electrode configurations for providing this spatial separation are disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Rodney C. Alferness
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:50
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/03; G02F1/035; G02F1/0353; G02F1/0136; G02F1/0142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A wavelength tunable TE to TM optical mode converter comprising a birefringent waveguide capable of guiding TE and TM optical signal modes; means for converting from one of said signal modes to the other at a preselected wavelength by providing a first electric field in first spatially separated regions of said waveguide; and means for shifting said preselected wavelength by providing a second electric field which is substantially confined to second regions of said waveguide which do not overlap said first regions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
A wavelength tunable TE to TM optical mode converter comprising a birefringent waveguide capable of guiding TE and TM optical signal modes; means for converting from one of said signal modes to the other at a preselected wavelength by providing a first electric field in first spatially separated regions of said waveguide; and means for shifting said preselected wavelength by providing a second electric field which is substantially confined to second regions of said waveguide which do not overlap said first regions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mode converter of claim 1 wherein said birefringent waveguide comprises titanium diffused lithium tantalate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mode converter of claim 1 wherein said birefringent waveguide comprises titanium diffused lithium niobate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mode converter of claim 1 wherein said mode converting means comprises an electrode structure having a predetermined period.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The mode converter of claim 4 wherein said wavelength shifting means comprises a second electrode structure which is interleaved with said first electrode structure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mode converter of claim 1 wherein said first and second regions are disposed in a predetermined sequence.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mode converter of claim 1 wherein said first and second regions alternate along said waveguide.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of providing wavelength tunable TE to TM optical mode conversion comprising the steps of establishing a first electric field in first spatially separated regions of a birefringent waveguide capable of guiding TE and TM optical signal modes, and establishing a second electric field in second regions of said waveguide which do not overlap said first regions.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of providing wavelength tunable TE to TM optical mode conversion comprising the steps of establishing a first electric field in first spatially separated regions of a birefringent waveguide capable of guiding TE and TM optical signal modes, and establishing a second electric field in second regions of said waveguide which do not overlap said first regions.
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) | 1988-08-05 | 1989-02-04 | 1989-08-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-08-05 | 1993-02-04 | 1993-08-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-08-05 | 1997-02-04 | 1997-08-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |