20240014631. MANAGING LASER SYSTEM OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS simplified abstract (Analog Photonics LLC)
Contents
MANAGING LASER SYSTEM OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Christopher Vincent Poulton of Somerville MA (US)
Matthew Byrd of Arlington MA (US)
Peter Nicholas Russo of Arlington MA (US)
Diedrik Vermeulen of Boston MA (US)
MANAGING LASER SYSTEM OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240014631 titled 'MANAGING LASER SYSTEM OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes an apparatus that includes an optical cavity formed on a substrate, which defines a round-trip optical path. The apparatus also includes an interface that positions at least a portion of a gain medium to provide an active portion of the round-trip optical path. This active portion allows the optical wave to propagate around the optical path in a single mode. An output coupler is included to couple a portion of the optical wave out of the optical cavity from a passive portion of the round-trip optical path into a waveguide segment formed on the substrate. Additionally, one or more tap couplers are present, each diverting less than 50% of the optical power from the waveguide segment. Furthermore, one or more on-chip modules receive the diverted optical power from the tap couplers and provide information associated with a laser that comprises the optical cavity and the gain medium.
- The apparatus includes an optical cavity and a gain medium that allows an optical wave to propagate in a single mode.
- An interface positions the gain medium to provide an active portion of the optical path.
- An output coupler couples a portion of the optical wave out of the optical cavity into a waveguide segment.
- Tap couplers divert less than 50% of the optical power from the waveguide segment.
- On-chip modules receive the diverted optical power and provide information associated with the laser.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Laser systems and devices
- Optical communication systems
- Optical sensing and measurement systems
Problems solved by this technology:
- Enables single-mode propagation of optical waves
- Provides efficient coupling of optical waves out of the optical cavity
- Allows for monitoring and control of the laser system
Benefits of this technology:
- Improved laser performance and stability
- Enhanced efficiency in optical communication systems
- Enables precise measurement and sensing capabilities
Original Abstract Submitted
an apparatus comprises an optical cavity formed on a substrate and defining a round-trip optical path, an interface positioning at least a portion of a gain medium to provide an active portion of the round-trip optical path over which the gain medium provides sufficient gain for the optical wave to propagate around the round-trip optical path in a single mode, an output coupler coupling a portion of the optical wave out of the optical cavity from a passive portion of the round-trip optical path into a waveguide segment formed on the substrate, one or more tap couplers each diverting less than 50% of optical power from the waveguide segment, and one or more on-chip modules each receiving diverted optical power from at least one of the tap couplers and providing information associated with a laser that comprises the optical cavity and the gain medium.
