Multi-port optical circulator utilizing imaging lens and correction optical element
US6014244A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/093
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A nonreciprocal optical device, preferably an optical circulator, and a method of transferring optical signals utilize a compensating lens coupled optically to a focusing lens. The compensating lens operates to correct misalignments caused by the focusing lens. The focusing lens and the compensating lens provide efficient coupling of optical fibers. Preferably, the compensating lens has a forward face with a number of flat surfaces that can refract light in a desired manner. In a first embodiment, two compensating lenses in optical series between two focusing lenses are utilized. In a second embodiment, only one compensating lens is utilized, but a mirror assembly is introduced so that polarization components of a light beam propagate through the compensating lens twice. In the first embodiment, the circulatory functions are accomplished by two optical assemblies and a shift plate. On the other hand, the circulatory functions in the second embodiment are performed by only one optical assembly and a shift plate. The single optical assembly is utilized twice in single transmission of a light signal, providing a compact optical device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.