Robert E Maynard

US Patent:

6628877, Sep 30, 2003

Filed:

Jan 2, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/753102

Inventors:

Mark A. Dugan - Ann Arbor MI
Robert L. Maynard - Gregory MI
Ali A. Said - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Clark-MXR, Inc. - Dexter MI

International Classification:

G02B 610

US Classification:

385129, 2191216

Abstract:

Ultrafast pulse beams of light are used to direct-write three-dimensional index profiles in materials using the unique material changing capabilities of ultra-short (i. e. 10 picosecond) laser pulses. An existing waveguide or waveguide circuit fabricated by some technique (for example but not limited to photolithography, flame hydrolysis deposition, modified chemical vapor deposition, or ultra-fast laser pulse direct writing) is modified by altering the index of refraction (index trimming) in a localized region or different local regions of the waveguide structure. Index trimming is accomplished through the action of a focused laser beam (or multiple focused beams) consisting of one or more ultra-short laser pulses and is generally performed at a wavelength in which the material is transparent or weakly absorbing, to the fundamental wavelength of the beam of light. The trimmed index pattern is generated by, but not limited to, moving the focal position of the beam or by moving the sample (i. e. waveguide device) relative to a fixed beam focused.

US Patent:

6768850, Jul 27, 2004

Filed:

Aug 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/930929

Inventors:

Mark Dugan - Ann Arbor MI
William Clark - Pittsford NY
Ali A. Said - Ann Arbor MI
Robert L. Maynard - Gregory MI
Philippe Bado - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Translume, Inc. - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G02B 602

US Classification:

385124

Abstract:

A method of using a beam of ultra-short laser pulses, having pulse durations below 10 picoseconds, to adjust an optical characteristic within an optical medium is provided. The beams would have an intensity above a threshold for altering the index of refraction of a portion of the optical medium. The beams could be selectively applied to the optical medium and any structures formed or existing therein. Thus, the beam could be moved within a waveguide in the optical medium to alter the index of refraction of the waveguide forming any number of different longitudinal index of refraction profiles. The beam could also be moved within the optical medium near the waveguide to alter an effective index of refraction of a signal traveling within the waveguide. The techniques described can be used to improve, alter or correct performance of waveguide-based optical devices, such as arrayed waveguide gratings and cascaded planar waveguide interferometers.

US Patent:

20020044338, Apr 18, 2002

Filed:

Apr 23, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/840346

Inventors:

David Walker - Ann Arbor MI, US
Yang Pang - Ann Arbor MI, US
Edward Gabl - Saline MI, US
Robert Maynard - Gregory MI, US
Charles Bogusch - Ann Arbor MI, US

International Classification:

H01S003/04

US Classification:

359/337000

Abstract:

An apparatus for maintaining the temperature stability of an amplifier system comprises a device for heating, cooling or heating an cooling one or more sub-assemblies of the amplifier system, a temperature sensor for detecting variations in temperature of a sub-assembly, and a controller operably connecting the two. The signal from the sensor is used by the controller to adjust the amount of heating, cooling, or heating and cooling of a sub-assembly in order to maintain its temperature within a range sufficiently small to ensure stable performance.