US5533154A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical memory
Assignee: IPG Photonics Corp
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Filing: 1992-10-14
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Granted: 1996-07-02
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Expires: 2012-10-14
Abstract
Abstract An optical memory for storing optical signals of a first wavelength comprises a first non-linear loop mirror switch having first and second optical ports, an optical delay line having one end coupled to one port of the first switch and its other end coupled to a reflector. The delay line includes an optical amplifier for providing gain at the first wavelength.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 05:45
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/35; G02F1/3515; G02F1/3517; G02F1/3519; G11; G11C; G11C21/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
An optical memory for storing optical signals of a first wavelength, the optical memory comprising a first, non-linear loop mirror switch having first and second optical ports, and an optical delay line having one end coupled to one port of the first non-linear loop mirror switch and its other end coupled to a reflector reflective at the first wavelength and operable to reflect signals of the first wavelength received via the delay line back into the delay line.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
78 words
An optical memory for storing optical signals of a first wavelength, the optical memory comprising a first, non-linear loop mirror switch having first and second optical ports, and an optical delay line having one end coupled to one port of the first non-linear loop mirror switch and its other end coupled to a reflector reflective at the first wavelength and operable to reflect signals of the first wavelength received via the delay line back into the delay line.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A memory as claimed in claim 1, in which the reflector is a second, non-linear loop mirror switch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A memory as claimed in claim 1, in which the delay line includes an optical amplifier for providing gain at the first wavelength.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A memory as claimed in claim 3, in which the amplifier comprises an optical fibre amplifier.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A memory as claimed in claim 1, in which the first loop mirror switch, the reflector and the delay line are all formed from optical fibre waveguides.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
A memory as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a respective source of optical control pulses associated with the or each non-linear loop mirror switch, the or each optical source being effective to introduce control pulses at a second wavelength to the associated non-linear loop mirror switch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A memory as claimed in claim 6, wherein the or each optical source is connected to the associated loop mirror switch via a respective wavelength-dependent coupler.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A memory as claimed in claim 6, wherein a respective polarisation controller is associated with the or each non-linear loop mirror switch.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of storing optical signals in an optical delay line, the method comprising inputting optical signals of a first wavelength into one end of the optical delay line via a non-linear loop mirror switch, and coupling the other end of the optical delay line to a reflector reflective at the first wavelength, which reflector reflects signals of the first wavelength received from said delay line back into the delay line.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of storing optical signals in an optical delay line, the method comprising inputting optical signals of a first wavelength into one end of the optical delay line via a non-linear loop mirror switch, and coupling the other end of the optical delay line to a reflector reflective at the first wavelength, which reflector reflects signals of the first wavelength received from said delay line back into the delay line.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising the step of introducing pulsed control signals of a second wavelength into the non-linear loop mirror switch, whereby optical signals at the first wavelength are transmitted into the delay line only when coincident with a control signal pulse.
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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) | 1999-07-02 | 2000-01-01 | 2000-07-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-07-02 | 2004-01-01 | 2004-07-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-07-02 | 2008-01-01 | 2008-07-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |