Optical frequency translator
US5524014A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/50
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical frequency translator includes a frequency routing device formed on a semiconductive wafer between two reflective facets forming a laser cavity. Waveguides associated with the device each contain an integrated optical amplifier selectively acting as a gate preventing the flow of optical energy through a respective waveguide or as a gain-providing element which amplifies optical energy flowing through a respective waveguide. When a selective one of the optical amplifiers is activated with bias current the optical energy produced by this current operates in conjunction with the optical energy of the input signal so that lasing action occurs between the reflective facets. The lasing action occurs along a predetermined path determined by the optical amplifier or amplifiers that are activated. The lasing action in this particular path is supported at a particular selected frequency. This particular frequency is the frequency to which the input signal is to be translated. An input waveguide is provided for injecting the input signal into the laser cavity. A separate output waveguide maybe provided. Alternatively, the input and output signals may be transmitted on the same waveg…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.