Optically controlled selector
US4863230A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1988 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/5045
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optically controlled selector comprises an optical coupler having a first input for an optical input signal, a second input for an optical control signal and an output for a combined signal, and a resonant cavity downstream of the output of the coupler and arranged to receive the combined signal. The resonant cavity contains an optically non-linear material so that changes in the power of the optical control signal result in changes in the resonant frequency of the cavity. In use, the power of the optical control signal controls transmission or suppression of the optical input signal through the optical cavity. Such a selector acts as a simple switch or to select one from a number of optical signals of different wavelength. Preferably the optical material is active and the optical cavity formed by semiconductor laser amplifier.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.