US6061493A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical subassembly with attenuating plug
Assignee: Stratos International Inc
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Filing: 1998-09-01
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Granted: 2000-05-09
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Expires: 2018-09-01
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides in improved Transmitting Optical Subassembly (TOSA) for coupling an optical output signal from an optical transmitter to an optical fiber sheathed within a fiber optic connector ferrule. The TOSA includes a housing formed of precision molded plastic or machined metal. A first end of the housing includes an optics cavity configured to receive an optical element for emitting an optical signal. A second end of the housing is configured as a long bore configured to receive an optical fiber connector ferrule. The housing further defines a lens cavity for retaining a focusing element between the optics cavity and the ferrule receiving bore. Finally, the housing also includes an attenuator receiving aperture between the optics cavity and the ferrule receiving bore. The plug receiving aperture is configured to removably receive an attenuation plug whereby the optical output of the optical element passes through the attenuator plug and is attenuated. The present invention further provides a method of normalizing the output signal of optical transmitters by measuring the output signals of the transmitters, comparing the measured signals to a normal reference signal, and attenuating the measured signal in order to more nearly match the reference signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Patrick B. Gilliland
- 👤 Roger E. Weiss
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 16:18
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4204; G02B6/4292; G02B6/26; G02B6/264; G02B6/266
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A Transmitting Optical Subassembly (TOSA) for coupling an optical signal from an optical transmitter to an optical fiber, the TOSA comprising: a housing having a first end defining an optics cavity configured to receive an optical element for emitting said optical output signal, the optical element being driven by said optical transmitter, and a second end defining a receiving bore configured to receive said optical fiber; the housing further defining a lens cavity disposed between the optics cavity and the receiving bore; a focusing element disposed within the lens cavity; the housing further defining an attenuator-receiving aperture between the optics cavity and the receiving bore; an optically lossy attenuator plug removably insertable into the attenuator-receiving aperture whereby said optical output signal passes through the plug and is attenuated wherein said attenuator-receiving aperture includes a retention feature for retaining the attenuator plug therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
A Transmitting Optical Subassembly (TOSA) for coupling an optical signal from an optical transmitter to an optical fiber, the TOSA comprising: a housing having a first end defining an optics cavity configured to receive an optical element for emitting said optical output signal, the optical element being driven by said optical transmitter, and a second end defining a receiving bore configured to receive said optical fiber; the housing further defining a lens cavity disposed between the optics cavity and the receiving bore; a focusing element disposed within the lens cavity; the housing further defining an attenuator-receiving aperture between the optics cavity and the receiving bore; an optically lossy attenuator plug removably insertable into the attenuator-receiving aperture whereby said optical output signal passes through the plug and is attenuated wherein said attenuator-receiving aperture includes a retention feature for retaining the attenuator plug therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The TOSA of claim 1 wherein the attenuator comprises a generally cylindrical plug having first and second transverse surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical output signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The TOSA of claim 2 wherein said first and second transverse surfaces are substantially flat.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The TOSA of claim 3 wherein the attenuation plug further comprises partially tapered sidewalls between the first and second transverse surfaces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The TOSA of claim 4 wherein the plug receiving aperture defines an attenuator cavity having a complementary shape with respect to the attenuation plug, and further comprising means for retaining the plug within the attenuator cavity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The TOSA of claim 1 wherein the attenuator comprises a bar insertable into said housing, said bar including first and second transverse surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical output signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The TOSA of claim 6 wherein said first and second surfaces define an attenuator width, said width defining the amount of attenuation provided by said attenuator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The TOSA of claim 1 wherein the optically lossy attenuator has optical loss characteristics selected to attenuate the optical output signal in the range between 0 db to -10 db.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The TOSA of claim 1 wherein the attenuator attenuates the optical output signal -1 db.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The TOSA of claim 1 wherein the attenuator attenuates the optical output signal approximately -3 db.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The TOSA of claim 1 wherein the attenuator attenuates the optical output signal approximately -6 db.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The TOSA of claim 1 wherein the retention feature includes the attenuator receiving aperture having partially tapered sidewalls complimentary in shape to the attenuator.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
90 words
A TOSA (Transmitting Optical Subassembly) comprising: a housing having a first end defining an optical fiber receiving bore, and a second end defining an optics cavity, and an axial passage allowing light to pass between the receiving bore and the optics cavity; a focusing element disposed within the housing; and an optically lossy attenuator disposed between the receiving bore and the optics cavity for partially blocking light passing between the receiving bore and the optics cavity and the attenuator including a retention feature for retaining the attenuator within the housing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
90 words
A TOSA (Transmitting Optical Subassembly) comprising: a housing having a first end defining an optical fiber receiving bore, and a second end defining an optics cavity, and an axial passage allowing light to pass between the receiving bore and the optics cavity; a focusing element disposed within the housing; and an optically lossy attenuator disposed between the receiving bore and the optics cavity for partially blocking light passing between the receiving bore and the optics cavity and the attenuator including a retention feature for retaining the attenuator within the housing.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The TOSA of claim 13 wherein the means for blocking light comprises a partially reflective coating applied to a surface of the focusing element.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The TOSA of claim 14 wherein the reflective coating comprises a neutral density metal applied to the surface of the focusing element by vapor deposition.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The TOSA of claim 15 wherein the neutral density metal coating comprises Inconel.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The TOSA of claim 13 wherein the optically lossy means for blocking light comprises an attenuator removably insertable into the housing.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The TOSA of claim 17 wherein the attenuator further comprises a molded plastic plug.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The TOSA of claim 13 wherein the retention feature includes the attenuator having partially tapered sidewalls complimentary in shape to an attenuator receiving cavity.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for adjusting the optical output power and slope efficiency of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser transmitter comprising the steps of: applying a known DC bias current to the laser to generate an optical output signal; measuring the power of the optical signal generated in response to the applied DC bias current; comparing the measured optical output power to a reference output power level; determining an attenuation level required to reduce the measured optical output power to match the reference output power level; and removably placing an optically lossy attenuator in the path of the optical output signal, the attenuator having a mechanical retention feature and sufficient optical loss to attenuate the optical output signal to match the reference output power level.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for adjusting the optical output power and slope efficiency of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser transmitter comprising the steps of: applying a known DC bias current to the laser to generate an optical output signal; measuring the power of the optical signal generated in response to the applied DC bias current; comparing the measured optical output power to a reference output power level; determining an attenuation level required to reduce the measured optical output power to match the reference output power level; and removably placing an optically lossy attenuator in the path of the optical output signal, the attenuator having a mechanical retention feature and sufficient optical loss to attenuate the optical output signal to match the reference output power level.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 20 further including the step of providing a focusing element and coating a surface of the focusing element with a reflective coating.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the step of coating a surface of the attenuator comprises applying a neutral density metal to the surface via vapor deposition.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the step of coating the surface of the attenuator comprises applying an Inconel coating.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of placing an optically lossy attenuator in the path of the output signal comprises placing a molded plastic plug in the path of the optical output signal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the mechanical retention feature includes the attenuator having partially tapered sidewalls complimentary in shape to an attenuator receiving cavity and the method further comprising frictionally inserting the attenuator within the attenuator receiving cavity so that the partially tapered sidewalls abut a complimentary sidewall of the attenuator receiving cavity.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
137 words
A Transmitting Optical Subassembly (TOSA) for coupling an optical signal from an optical transmitter to an optical fiber, the TOSA comprising: a housing having a first end defining an optics cavity configured to receive an optical element for emitting said optical output signal, the optical element being driven by said optical transmitter, and a second end defining a receiving bore configured to receive said optical fiber; the housing further defining an attenuator-receiving aperture between the optics cavity and the receiving bore; an optically lossy attenuator plug removably insertable into the attenuator receiving aperture whereby said optical output signal passes through the plug and is attenuated wherein the attenuator comprises a generally cylindrical plug having partially tapered sidewalls complimentary in shape to the attenuator receiving aperture and second transverse surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical output signal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
137 words
A Transmitting Optical Subassembly (TOSA) for coupling an optical signal from an optical transmitter to an optical fiber, the TOSA comprising: a housing having a first end defining an optics cavity configured to receive an optical element for emitting said optical output signal, the optical element being driven by said optical transmitter, and a second end defining a receiving bore configured to receive said optical fiber; the housing further defining an attenuator-receiving aperture between the optics cavity and the receiving bore; an optically lossy attenuator plug removably insertable into the attenuator receiving aperture whereby said optical output signal passes through the plug and is attenuated wherein the attenuator comprises a generally cylindrical plug having partially tapered sidewalls complimentary in shape to the attenuator receiving aperture and second transverse surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical output signal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The TOSA of claim 26 wherein the attenuator comprises a generally cylindrical plug having first and second transverse surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical output signal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
The TOSA of claim 27 wherein said first and second transverse surfaces are substantially flat.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The TOSA of claim 28 wherein the attenuation plug further comprises partially tapered sidewalls between the first and second transverse surfaces.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
36 words
The TOSA of claim 29 wherein the plug receiving aperture defines an attenuator cavity having a complementary shape with respect to the attenuation plug, and further comprising means for retaining the plug within the attenuator cavity.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
The TOSA of claim 26 wherein the attenuator comprises a bar insertable into said housing, said bar including first and second transverse surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical output signal.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
The TOSA of claim 31 wherein said first and second surfaces define an attenuator width, said width defining the amount of attenuation provided by said attenuator.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
30 words
The TOSA of claim 26 wherein the optically lossy attenuator has optical loss characteristics to selected attenuate the optical output signal in the range between 0 db to -10 db.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The TOSA of claim 26 wherein the attenuator attenuates the optical output signal -1 db.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The TOSA of claim 26 wherein the attenuator attenuates the optical output signal approximately -3 db.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The TOSA of claim 26 wherein the attenuator attenuates the optical output signal approximately -6 db.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
The TOSA of claim 26 wherein the retention feature provides for frictional engagement with the attenuator receiving aperture.
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) | 2003-05-09 | 2003-11-08 | 2004-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-09 | 2007-11-08 | 2008-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-09 | 2011-11-08 | 2012-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |