High connectivity multiple dimension optical network in glass
US9124959B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0041
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical communications system includes a first plurality of optical components having optical ports, a second plurality of optical components having optical ports and an optical cross-connect. The optical cross-connect includes a block of a single continuous construction and material having a first side adjacent the first optical components and a second side adjacent the second optical components, and a plurality of non-intersecting, continuous waveguides formed within the block and extending from the first side of the block to the second side of the block. The refractive index of each waveguide is different than the surrounding material of the block, and each waveguide changes direction at least once within the block. The waveguides are optically aligned with the optical ports of the first optical components at the first side of the block and with the optical ports of the second optical components at the second side of the block.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.