Patent US5999546A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5999546A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Magnetically tunable laser with wavelength latchability and optical communication system comprising such laser
Assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte Ltd
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Filing: 1998-09-22
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Granted: 1999-12-07
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Expires: 2018-09-22
Abstract
Abstract In accordance with the invention, a tunable laser uses magnets to apply mechanical strain on fiber Bragg grating reflectors or laser cavities in order to induce a change in lasing wavelength. The strain can be tensile or compressive. The tunable laser comprises a laser cavity including a laser material for emitting light in response to stimulating light and two end reflectors one or more of which can be a Bragg grating. In preferred embodiments, latchable programmable magnets vary the grating periodicity and/or cavity length in a controlled, accurate manner so as to achieve desired tuning of the laser over a broad range of wavelengths. The latchable magnets hold the wavelength in the shifted position without the need for sustained power.
Inventors
- 👤 Rolando Patricio Espindola
- 👤 Sungho Jin
- 👤 Hareesh Mavoori
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 16:17
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/10; H01S3/105; H01S3/1055; G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/02; G02B6/02057; G02B6/02076; G02B6/02195; G02B6/022; H01S3/05; H01S3/06; H01S3/063; H01S3/067; H01S3/0675; H01S5/00; H01S5/06; H01S5/0607; H01S5/10; H01S5/14; H01S5/146
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
A tunable waveguide laser source comprising: a laser optical waveguide cavity including a laser gain medium and a pair of end reflectors; an optical pump for stimulating the gain medium; and a plurality of magnets for applying strain to the cavity or at least one end reflector, whereby the laser is tuned by altering either the length of the cavity or the characteristic reflection wavelength of the end reflector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
A tunable waveguide laser source comprising: a laser optical waveguide cavity including a laser gain medium and a pair of end reflectors; an optical pump for stimulating the gain medium; and a plurality of magnets for applying strain to the cavity or at least one end reflector, whereby the laser is tuned by altering either the length of the cavity or the characteristic reflection wavelength of the end reflector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the magnets is programmable and at least one of the magnets is bonded to the laser waveguide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 2 wherein the programmable magnet is latchable whereby the magnetically induced elastic strains in the grating laser cavity are latchable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 3 wherein the latchable strain is at least 85%, of the strain when the field is on.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
A device of claim 1 wherein the applied strain is tensile.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
A device of claim 1 wherein the applied strain is compressive.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device of claim 1 wherein said laser waveguide cavity is an optical fiber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 6 or 7 where the said laser waveguide cavity is doped with a rare earth element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device of claim 1 wherein said laser waveguide cavity is a planar waveguide.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device of claim 1 wherein said laser waveguide cavity is a semiconductor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the end reflectors is a Bragg grating.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 11 wherein the Bragg grating is an optical fiber Bragg grating.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 11 wherein the Bragg grating is a planar waveguide Bragg grating.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device of claim 11 wherein at least one grating is chirped.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the end reflectors is a broadband reflector.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
11 words
A device of claim 1 wherein the laser is continuously tunable.
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) | 2002-12-06 | 2003-06-07 | 2003-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-06 | 2007-06-07 | 2007-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-06 | 2011-06-07 | 2011-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |