Optical reflection modulator
US5701193A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B26/001
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The reflection modulator (11), serving the purpose of modulating a light beam emerging from an optical fiber (42) and re-entering the same, is essentially based on a microstructural Fabry and Perot interferometer. The interferometer is formed by two parallel reflecting layers (18, 20) which are electrically conductive, electrically insulated from each other, and connected to electric terminals (28, 30), and an air gap (19) which is comprised between them. A mechanical excursion of one (20) of the two reflecting layers can thus be produced by an electric wanted signal (NS). The reflecting layers (18, 20) are disposed on a base block (14) of monocrystalline silicon having two parallel main surfaces (15, 16) each of which is covered by two passivating coatings (25, 35, 26, 36). The base block (14) is provided with a recess on one (16) of the main surfaces. An optical fiber (42) is fastened in said recess by means of an adhesive (44) in such a manner that the fiber end is completely enclosed by said adhesive. Thereby and by the structure of the associated coatings (26, 36), a minimal reflection is obtained. On the other main surface (15), the combination of the corresponding coatings (…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.