Compact multiwavelength transmitter module for multimode fiber optic ribbon cable

US6419404B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Robert J. Deri · Pleasanton, US
• Michael D. Pocha · Livermore, US
• Michael C. Larson · Colorado Springs, US
• Henry E. Garrett · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 30, 2000
• Grant date: Jul 16, 2002
• Expiry date: Nov 20, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/3845
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A compact multiwavelength transmitter module for multimode fiber optic ribbon cable, which couples light from an M×N array of emitters onto N fibers, where the M wavelength may be distributed across two or more vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) chips, and combining emitters and multiplexer into a compact package that is compatible with placement on a printed circuit board. A key feature is bringing together two emitter arrays fabricated on different substrates—each array designed for a different wavelength—into close physical proximity. Another key feature is to compactly and efficiently combine the light from two or more clusters of optical emitters, each in a different wavelength band, into a fiber ribbon.