US4742577A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Device and method for signal transmission and optical communications
Assignee: Nokia Bell Labs
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Filing: 1986-06-09
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Granted: 1988-05-03
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Expires: 2006-06-09
Abstract
Abstract An optical pulse having time-dependent spectral variation is modulated by a time-dependent signal so that, upon determination of the spectral content of the modulated pulse, a representation of the signal can be obtained. Frequency in the optical pulse preferably varies essentially unidirectionally, i.e., aside from noise, each frequency is encountered just once as, e.g., in a linear relationship. Such an optical pulse can be produced by passing a short laser pulse through a dispersive medium such as, e.g., an optical fiber whose zero-dispersion wavelength is away from wavelengths to be dispersed. Modulation of the optical pulse may be by electrooptic interaction. The technique can be used for the characterization of device and material responses; envisaged also are communications applications.
Inventors
- 👤 Janis A. Valdmanis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:42
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04F; G04F13/00; G04F13/02; G01; G01R; G01R23/00; G01R23/16; G01R23/17; G01R31/00; G01R31/26; G01R31/265; G01R31/2656
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of transmitting a time-dependent signal, said method comprising (i) generating a sub-nanosecond optical pulse having time-dependent spectral variation, (ii) electro-optically, magneto-optically, or opto-optically modulating the amplitude of said pulse in time-dependent fashion in correspondence with said time-dependent signal, thereby altering the spectral content of said pulse, and (iii) determining the spectral content of said pulse as so altered.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of transmitting a time-dependent signal, said method comprising (i) generating a sub-nanosecond optical pulse having time-dependent spectral variation, (ii) electro-optically, magneto-optically, or opto-optically modulating the amplitude of said pulse in time-dependent fashion in correspondence with said time-dependent signal, thereby altering the spectral content of said pulse, and (iii) determining the spectral content of said pulse as so altered.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 in which said spectral variation is essentially unidirectional as a function of time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 in which said spectral variation is essentially linear as a function of.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 in which a representation of said signal is obtained from the determined spectral content.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method claim 1 in which said signal is generated by a device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 in which said signal is generated by a material.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
66 words
A device for transmitting a time-dependent signal, said device comprising (i) means for generating a sub-nanosecond optical pulse having time-dependent spectral variation, (ii) means for electro-optically, magneto-optically, or optooptically modulating the amplitude of said pulse in timedependent fashion in correspondence with said time-dependent signal, thereby altering the spectral content of said pulse, and (iii) means for determining the spectral content of said pulse as so altered.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
66 words
A device for transmitting a time-dependent signal, said device comprising (i) means for generating a sub-nanosecond optical pulse having time-dependent spectral variation, (ii) means for electro-optically, magneto-optically, or optooptically modulating the amplitude of said pulse in timedependent fashion in correspondence with said time-dependent signal, thereby altering the spectral content of said pulse, and (iii) means for determining the spectral content of said pulse as so altered.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 7, said means for generating an optical pulse comprising a laser.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 7, said means for generating an optical pulse comprising an optical fiber.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 7, said means for modulating the amplitude comprising an electrooptic medium.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 7, said device comprising means for causing said signal to reach said modulating means in synchronicity with said optical pulse.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
68 words
A method of communication, said method comprising transmitting at least one time-dependent signal, transmission of said signal comprising (i) generating a sub-nanosecond optical pulse having time-dependent spectral variation, (ii) electro-optically, magneto-optically, or opto-optically modulating the amplitude of said pulse in time-dependent fashion in correspondence with said time-dependent signal, thereby altering the spectral content of said pulse, and (iii) determining the spectral content of said pulse as so altered.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
68 words
A method of communication, said method comprising transmitting at least one time-dependent signal, transmission of said signal comprising (i) generating a sub-nanosecond optical pulse having time-dependent spectral variation, (ii) electro-optically, magneto-optically, or opto-optically modulating the amplitude of said pulse in time-dependent fashion in correspondence with said time-dependent signal, thereby altering the spectral content of said pulse, and (iii) determining the spectral content of said pulse as so altered.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
70 words
A transmitter for optical communications, said transmitter comprising (i) means for generating a sub-nanosecond optical pulse having time-dependent spectral variation, (ii) means for electro-optically, magneto-optically, or opto-optically modulating the amplitude of said pulse in time-dependent fashion is correspondence with said time-dependent signal, thereby altering the spectral content of said pulse, and (iii) means for transmitting the amplitude-modulated pulse for determination of the spectral content of said pulse as so altered.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
70 words
A transmitter for optical communications, said transmitter comprising (i) means for generating a sub-nanosecond optical pulse having time-dependent spectral variation, (ii) means for electro-optically, magneto-optically, or opto-optically modulating the amplitude of said pulse in time-dependent fashion is correspondence with said time-dependent signal, thereby altering the spectral content of said pulse, and (iii) means for transmitting the amplitude-modulated pulse for determination of the spectral content of said pulse as so altered.
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) | 1991-05-03 | 1991-11-02 | 1992-05-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-05-03 | 1995-11-02 | 1996-05-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-05-03 | 1999-11-02 | 2000-05-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |