A method for calibrating a transmitter includes operating the transmitter using a first transmitter setting; obtaining, via an external reference measuring device, a transmit power reference value indicative of a first transmit power of the transmitter corresponding to the first transmitter setting, and obtaining, using an internal measuring device of the transmitter or of a receiver associated with the transmitter, a first uncalibrated transmit power measurement value corresponding to the first transmit power. The method further includes calibrating the internal measuring device using the transmit power reference value and the first uncalibrated transmit power measurement value to provide a calibrated internal measuring device, operating the transmitter using a second transmitter setting, and obtaining, using the calibrated internal measuring device, a second transmit power measurement value indicative of a second transmit power corresponding to the second transmitter setting. Lastly, the method includes obtaining self-calibration data based on the second transmitter setting and the second transmit power measurement value, and storing the self-calibration data in a calibration data structure.

Calibration of a transmitter with internal power measurement

The present invention provides an apparatus (74 and 200) for switching an optical signal from an input optical fiber (210) to one of a plurality of output optical fibers (214 and 216). The apparatus (74 and 200) includes a collimator (76) for collimating an input optical signal into a collimated beam (216) at an angle with respect to a reference and a decollimator (78) for focusing the collimated beam to an output optical signal (220). The present invention also includes a reflector (92, 208, 218 and 222) for reflecting the collimated beam. The reflector (92 and 208) has a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam (216) with respect to the reference so that the output optical signal (220) is focused on one of the plurality of output optical fibers (214 and 216).

Apparatus for switching optical signals and method of operation

Charged particles (21) suspended in a medium (20) such as FluorinertTM Electronic Liquid are used to electrophoretically control total internal reflection (TIR) at a retro-reflective surface formed on a high refractive index material. Prismatic structures (35, 32, 81) redirect ambient light from an overhead light source toward a display image and then from the image to the region in front of the image, yielding a high contrast reflective display. A transparent planar waveguide (36) front lights the display with sequential flashes of red, blue and green light to generate a full colour display. TIR can also be controlled at retro-reflective surfaces by means of a vapour-liquid phase transition, or by changing the absorption coefficient of a material using electrical, chemical and/or electrochemical methods.

Electrophoretic, high index, or phase transition control of total internal reflection in high efficiency variable reflectivity image displays

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for controlling optical signal wavelength spacing by providing for simultaneous upconversion of a plurality of electrical signal on subcarrier frequencies of an optical carrier frequency with or without modulation of an electrical data signal onto the optical carrier frequency. The optical carrier lightwave is split into a plurality of split lightwaves upon which one or more electrical frequencies carrying information can be upconverted onto optical subcarriers of the lightwave carrier frequency. The relative spacings of the optical subcarrier lightwaves will thus be unaffected by variation in the carrier frequency. The optical subcarrier lightwaves can then be recombined to form the optical data signal carrying the plurality of information carried by the electrical frequencies.

Optical Transmission apparatuses, methods, and systems

An apparatus and method are provided for communicating optical signals between components attached to an optical backplane bus. Each component has a respective active coupler to receive and transmit optical signals through a waveguiding plate. Multiplexed polymeric holograms may be used to couple or direct optical signals between the components and the waveguiding plate. Optical signals received from any component may be rebroadcast to all other components by a distributor and its active coupler using a doubly multiplexed hologram. The distributor and its active coupler may be located proximate a midpoint of the waveguiding plate.

Apparatus and method for rebroadcasting signals in an optical backplane bus system

A device for processing an optical signal includes a refractor with a reflecting surface for reflecting the optical signal by frustrated total internal reflection. In one embodiment, the device includes a bimorph transducer coupled on one end to the refractor and on the opposing end to a switchplate. In another embodiment, two ends of the bimorph transducer are coupled to the refractor and the switchplate is coupled between the two ends.

Frustrated total internal reflection device

An optical apparatus includes an optical fiber and a lens having a first face coupled to the optical fiber and a second face angled with respect to the first face to direct reflections generated at the second face away from the optical fiber. In one embodiment, the lens comprises a segment of a gradient index lens. In another embodiment, a connector couples the lens to a second lens that comprises a second segment of the gradient index lens. In this embodiment, a second optical fiber couples to the second lens to facilitate duplex transmission of optical signals with the first optical fiber.

Method and apparatus for connecting optical fibers

An optical bus for processing an optical signal includes an optical waveguide and a switchplate. The switchplate has a first position spaced apart from the optical waveguide and a second position in proximal contact with a reflecting surface of the optical waveguide to frustrate the total internal reflection of the optical signal such that the optical signal exits the optical waveguide at an output location.

Frustrated total internal reflection bus and method of operation

A device for processing an optical signal includes a refractor with a reflecting surface for reflecting the optical signal by total internal reflection. The device also includes a switchplate and an actuator to place the switchplate into proximal contact with the refractor to frustrate the total internal reflection.

Richard H. Laughlin

Papers

Frustrated total internal reflection device

Method and apparatus for connecting optical fibers

Frustrated total internal reflection bus and method of operation

Frustrated total internal reflection device having a first spacer and a second spacer

Frustrated total internal reflection device having a spacer and an endplate