US5115444A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multichannel cavity laser
Assignee: Nortel Networks UK Ltd
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Filing: 1990-12-11
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Granted: 1992-05-19
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Expires: 2010-12-11
Abstract
Abstract A switchable multichannel external cavity injection laser incorporates a diffraction grating between a linear array of n reflectors and a common reflector to define a set of n optical cavities having different frequency bands. Each of the (n+1) reflectors is provided by the optically distal end of an associated semiconductor laser amplifier whose optically proximal end is arranged to be substantially non-reflective.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul A. Kirkby
- 👤 Ian H. White
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 06:43
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/10; H01S3/105; H01S3/05; H01S3/08; H01S3/081; H01S3/082; H01S3/0823; H01S3/0826; H01S5/00; H01S5/02; H01S5/026; H01S5/10; H01S5/14; H01S5/141; H01S5/40; H01S5/4025; H01S5/4031; H01S5/4062; H01S5/4087
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A switchable multichannel cavity laser having a plurality of n optical resonant cavities defined between a set of n reflectors and a common reflector, wherein a dispersive element is located between the set of n reflectors and the common reflector so as to provide the n optical cavities with different frequency bands, wherein each of the n optical cavities includes one of a set of n individually addressable semiconductor laser amplifiers, each having a single reflecting facet that constitutes one of said set of n reflectors, and wherein all of the optical cavities include a further semiconductor laser amplifier that is common to all n optical cavities and that has a single reflecting facet that consitutes said common reflector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A switchable multichannel cavity laser having a plurality of n optical resonant cavities defined between a set of n reflectors and a common reflector, wherein a dispersive element is located between the set of n reflectors and the common reflector so as to provide the n optical cavities with different frequency bands, wherein each of the n optical cavities includes one of a set of n individually addressable semiconductor laser amplifiers, each having a single reflecting facet that constitutes one of said set of n reflectors, and wherein all of the optical cavities include a further semiconductor laser amplifier that is common to all n optical cavities and that has a single reflecting facet that consitutes said common reflector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A switchable multichannel cavity laser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispersive element is a diffraction grating.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A switchable multichannel cavity laser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of n semiconductor laser amplifiers and the further semiconductor laser amplifier form at least part of a monolithic structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A switchable multichannel cavity laser as claimed in claim 3, wherein the dispersive element is a diffraction grating.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A switchable multichannel cavity laser as described in claim 4, wherein the diffraction grating also forms part of the monolithic structure.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-05-19 | 1995-11-18 | 1996-05-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-05-19 | 1999-11-18 | 2000-05-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-05-19 | 2003-11-18 | 2004-05-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |