US4953935A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Integrated optic star coupler
Assignee: Uniphase Telecommunications Products Inc
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Filing: 1989-03-27
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Granted: 1990-09-04
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Expires: 2009-03-27
Abstract
Abstract An optical power star coupler includes a LiNbO 3 or LiTaO 3 substrate having a major surface for receiving a circuit array of one or more surface for splitters disposed thereon by a two step proton exchange (TSPE) process, in a geometric pattern to provide an N×M star coupler having high polarization extinction, uniform splitting ratio, and low loss.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul G. Suchoski, Jr.
- 👤 Talal K. Findakly
- 👤 Frederick J. Leonberger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 18:17
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/2804
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A single polarization integrated optic (IO) star coupler, comprising: substrate means, comprising a refractive material having a major surface; and star coupler array means, including one or more 1×2 optical power splitter means disposed in cascade on said major surface to provide an array having N number of signal inputs and M number of signal outputs arranged in an N×M star coupler architecture; as characterized by: said star coupler array means being formed in said major surface by a two step proton exchange (TSPE) process comprising the steps of: immersing said substrate, for a period of from two to sixty minutes, in a benzoic acid bath at a temperature of from 150° C. to 250° C. removing said substrate from said bath following said step of immersing; and appealing said substrate for period of from one to five hours at temperature of from 300° C. to 400°.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A single polarization integrated optic (IO) star coupler, comprising: substrate means, comprising a refractive material having a major surface; and star coupler array means, including one or more 1×2 optical power splitter means disposed in cascade on said major surface to provide an array having N number of signal inputs and M number of signal outputs arranged in an N×M star coupler architecture; as characterized by: said star coupler array means being formed in said major surface by a two step proton exchange (TSPE) process comprising the steps of: immersing said substrate, for a period of from two to sixty minutes, in a benzoic acid bath at a temperature of from 150° C. to 250° C. removing said substrate from said bath following said step of immersing; and appealing said substrate for period of from one to five hours at temperature of from 300° C. to 400°.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The star coupler of claim 1, wherein said IOC substrate material comprises LiNbO 3 .
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The star coupler of claim 1, wherein said IOC substrate material comprises LiTaO 3 .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The star coupler of claim 2, wherein said substrate material further comprises X-cut crystal material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The star coupler of claim 3, wherein said substrate material further comprises X-cut crystal material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The star coupler of claim 2, wherein said substrate material further comprises Z-cut crystal material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The star coupler of claim 3, wherein said substrate material further comprises Z-cut crystal material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The star coupler of claim 2 , wherein said substrate material further comprises Y-cut crystal material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The star coupler of claim 3, wherein said substrate material further comprises Y-cut crystal material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
The star coupler of claim 1, wherein said star coupler array means comprises a plurality of said 1×2 optical power splitter means disposed in cascade to provide an array having one signal input and M number of signal outputs arranged in a 1×M star coupler tree architecture.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The star coupler of claim 1, wherein each said 1×2 optical power splitter means comprises a symmetrical Y-junction node.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The star coupler of claim 10, wherein each said 1×2 optical power splitter means comprises a symmetrical Y-junction node.
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) | 1993-09-03 | 1994-03-05 | 1994-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-09-03 | 1998-03-05 | 1998-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-09-03 | 2002-03-05 | 2002-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |