17945862. Interference Devices for Wavelength Locking simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)
Contents
Interference Devices for Wavelength Locking
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Jason S. Pelc of Sunnyvale CA (US)
Mark Alan Arbore of Los Altos CA (US)
Yi-Kuei Wu of San Jose CA (US)
Interference Devices for Wavelength Locking - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17945862 titled 'Interference Devices for Wavelength Locking
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes configurations for a modal interference device used for wavelength locking. The device includes an input waveguide, an interference waveguide, and an output waveguide.
- The device launches a fundamental mode of light into the input waveguide.
- The interference waveguide receives the fundamental mode and generates a higher order mode of light.
- The two modes of light are superimposed while propagating through the interference waveguide.
- The output waveguide collapses the two modes into a single mode and generates an output signal corresponding to the interference between the two modes of light.
- The output signal is used to wavelength lock a measured wavelength to a target wavelength.
- Multiple output waveguides produce output signals with dead zones that do not align with one another for any wavelength in the wavelength range of interest.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Wavelength locking in optical communication systems
- Wavelength monitoring in spectroscopy and sensing applications
- Wavelength stabilization in laser systems
Problems solved by this technology:
- Accurate and precise wavelength locking
- Elimination of dead zones in the output signals
- Improved performance and reliability of wavelength locking systems
Benefits of this technology:
- Enhanced wavelength stability and accuracy
- Increased efficiency and reliability of optical systems
- Improved performance in spectroscopy and sensing applications
Original Abstract Submitted
Configurations for a modal interference device used for wavelength locking are disclosed. The modal interference device may be an interference device that includes an input waveguide, an interference waveguide, and an output waveguide. A fundamental mode of light may be launched into the input waveguide and the interference waveguide may receive the fundamental mode and generate a higher order mode of light, where the two modes of light may be superimposed while propagating through the interference waveguide. The two modes of light may be received at an output waveguide that collapses the two modes into a single mode and generates an output signal corresponding to the interference between the two modes of light. The output signal may be used to wavelength lock a measured wavelength to a target wavelength. The multiple output waveguides may produce output signals that have dead zones that do not align with one another for any wavelength in the wavelength range of interest.
