.9“?
`
`.
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`' u.s. PTO
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`‘\\*§\{’\\\\\\\\\\ii\\\\\\\\11\\\\\\
`
`
`UTILITY _
`Facile Production of Optical Communication
`
`Title ofInvention
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`Assemblies and Components
`
`
`
`::,;:z;’::.:
`
`
`
`
`Express Mail Label No.
`
`06948.105029 CON2
`EQ 015426571 US
`
`TRANSMITTAL
`
`
`
`(Onlyfor new nonprovisional
`a lications under 37 CFR 1.53 :
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`
`‘
`ADDRESS T0:
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`Fee Transmittal Fortn
`
`(Submit an original, and a duplicateforfee processing)
`Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27.
`Specification, Claims,
`Total Pages 18
`and Abstract
`Total Sheets 7
`Drawings
`K4
`Total Pages 2
`Oath or Declaration
`a. E] Newly executed (original or copy) _
`b. IX Copy from prior application (37 CFR ].63(d))
`(for continuation/divisional with Box 17 completed)
`(0 El DELETION or INVENTOR s
`Signed statement attached deleting
`inventor(s) named in the prior
`application, see 37 CFR l.63(d)(2)
`and 1.33(b).
`Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76.
`CD-ROM or CD-R in duplicate, large table or
`Computer Program (Appendix)
`
`E]
`CI
`
`1()_
`
`.
`.
`
`Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence
`Submission (ifapplicable, all necessary)
`a. D Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`b. Specification Sequence Listing on:
`i. E] CD-ROM or CD-R (2 copies); or
`ii. El paper
`c. E] Statement veri
`
`in '
`
`of above coies
`
`Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`37 CFR 3_73(b) statement
`(when there is an assignee)
`I3
`Power of Attorney by assignee
`English Translation Document (ifapplicable)
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS)
`E PTO-1449
`E]
`Copies of IDS Citations
`Preliminary Amendment
`Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`Assignee:
`
`Other:
`
`19a.
`
`5
`
`19b. Reguest for Non-Publication
`
`19c. Notice of Acceptance of Power of
`
`Power of Attorney in Application
`No. 10/429,166 for which the present
`application is a continuation thereof
`
`.
`
`If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropriate box and supply the requisite information:
`IZ Continuation E] Divisional I:I Continuation-in-part (CIP)
`of prior Application No. 10/429,166
`(which is a continuation of App. No. 10/010,854)
`Group/Art Unit:
`2874
`Examiner: Leung, Quyen Phan
`Prior application information:
`For CONTINUATION OR DIVISIONAL APPS only: The entire disclosure of the prior application, from which a copy of
`~ oath or declaration is supplied under Box Sb, is
`considered as being part of the disclosure of the accompanying continuation or divisional application and is hereby incorpora ‘ i by ref= ence. The incorporation can only be relied
`u - 11 when :1 onion has been inadvertent] omitted from the submitted a lication
`.
`/’
`
`18.
`
`CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS:
`
`Michael L. Wach
`
`4425 Mariners Ridge
`Alpharetta, GA 30005
`
`a W/é4/Z4'..///
`
`Printed Name: Michael L. Wach
`Date: October 30 2007
`
`Telephone: 678-366-1882
`
`Reg. No. 54,517
`
`Page 1
`
`ILLUMINA, INC. EXHIBIT 1010
`
`Page 1
`
`

`
`+s3sru:s. pm ~
`
`FEE TRANSMITTAL
`
`I
`103007
`V
`This sheet accompanies a patent application transmittal for the following application:
`
`'D(f7l_\(,/XTE
`Docket No.
`06948.l05029 CON2
`Express Mail Label No. EQ 015426571 US
`
`Inventor(s): Wach, Michael L. et al.
`
`Filing Date:
`Title:
`
`Oct. 30, 2007
`FACILE PRODUCTION OF OPTICAL COMMUNICATION ASSEMBLIES AND COMPONENTS
`
`The filing fee is calculated as shown below:
`
`1.
`
`FILING FEE:
`
`SMALL ENTITY
`
`LARGE ENTITY
`
`FEE PAID
`
`
`
`FEE PAID
`
`
`
`E TILITY FILING FEB
`
`33
`UTILITY EXAMINATION FEE E
`E] PROVISIONAL FILING FEE m— $210
`D APPLICATION SIZE FEE (If the specification and drawings
`
`exceed 100 sheets of paper, the application size fee due is $260 ($130
`
`for small entity) for each additional 50 sheets or fiaction thereof. See
`35 U.S.C. 41 a 1 G and 37 CFR 1.16 s.
`
`
`
`
`
`2. CLAIMS:
`
`
`
`
`mxm
` j
`
`Eitfiflj
`
`SUBTOTAL (2)
`
`TOTAL CLAIMS
`INDEF CLAIMS
`
`N0. FILED
`25 - 20 =
`
`TOTAL F'%IN
`A check is,{enc
`
`ES: $0
`for the total amount:
`
`$_8__§_Q
`
`A duplicate of this document is enclosed.
`
`Michael L. Wach
`
`4425 Mariners Ridge
`Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
`
`Telephone: 678.366.1882 Date: October 30 2007
`
`Michael W. Wach
`Reg. No. 54,517
`
`Page 2
`
`Page 2
`
`

`
`PATENTS
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`)
`
`) )
`
`In re Application of:
`WACH, Michael L. et al.
`
`Serial No.: Unassigned
`‘
`Filing'Date: October 30, 2007
`
`Title: Facile Production of Optical
`Communication Assemblies
`and Components
`
`‘
`
`) Art Unit of Parent Application: 2874
`)
`) Examiner of Parent Application: Leung, Quyen Phan
`)
`)
`) Docket No.: 06948.l05029 CON2
`
`PRELIMINARY AMENDMENT
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`Sir:
`
`Prior to examination of the above-styled patent application, which is a continuation of the
`
`U.S. patent application filed on May 2, 2003 and assigned U.S. Patent Application Number
`
`10/429,166, on behalf of inventors Michael L. Wach and Dwight Holter, please amend the
`
`application as shown below and consider the appended remarks.
`
`Amendments to the Claims start on page 2 of this Preliminary Amendment.
`
`Amendment to the Specification starts on page 9 of this Preliminary Amendment.
`
`Remarks begin on page 10 of this Preliminary Amendment.
`
`
`
`this correspondence is being deposited with, the United States Postal Service as
`I hereby certify that
`Express Mail No. EQ 015426571 US in a package having sufficient
`stage ddressed to: Commissioner for
`Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 on Octobe
`
`
`
`
`
` Michael L. Wach, eg. No. 54, 517
`
`Page 3
`
`Page 3
`
`

`
`Preliminary Amendment submitted October 30, 2007 concurrent with patent application filing
`Facile Production ofOptical Assemblies and Components; Wach et al.
`
`AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS
`
`Please cancel Claims 1-21 and add new claims 22-46. This listing of claims will replace
`
`all prior versions and listings of claim in the application.
`
`1.- 21. (canceled)
`
`22.
`
`(new) An optical system comprising:
`
`a member comprising a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a recess on the
`
`first side;
`
`an optical filter disposed in the recess; and
`
`an optical waveguide optically coupled to the optical filter and providing an optical path
`from the second side to the recess.
`
`23.
`
`(new) The optical system of Claim 22, wherein the optical filter is disposed
`
`essentially parallel to the first side and comprises a thin film optical filter.
`
`24.
`
`(new) The optical system of Claim 22, wherein the member comprises a
`
`seamless body of plastic material.
`
`25.
`
`(new) The optical system of Claim 22, wherein the optical filter adheres to an
`
`end face of the optical waveguide.
`
`(new) The optical system of Claim 22, wherein the optical filter is disposed
`26.
`between the optical waveguide and another optical waveguide, and wherein the optical path
`intersects the first side and the second side.
`
`27.
`
`(new) The optical system of Claim 22, wherein a section of the optical
`
`waveguide is embedded in the member.
`
`Page 4
`
`2 of 10
`
`Page 4
`
`

`
`Preliminary Amendment submitted October 30, 2007 concurrent with patent application filing
`Facile Production ofOptical Assemblies and Components; Wach et al.
`
`28.
`
`(new) The optical system of Claim 22, further comprising a second optical
`
`waveguide having an end face disposed in the recess, wherein the optical filter is disposed
`
`between the end face and the optical waveguide.
`
`[This area has been left blank intentionally]
`
`Page 5
`
`3 of 10
`
`Page 5
`
`

`
`Preliminary Amendment submitted October 30, 2007 concurrent with patent application filing
`Facile Production ofOptical Assemblies and Components; Wach et al.
`
`— 29.
`
`(new) A waveguide mating system comprising:
`
`a planar waveguide unit comprising a plurality of optical waveguide segments; and
`
`a connector operable to releasably connect the plurality of optical waveguide segments to
`
`a plurality of other optical waveguide segments.
`
`(new) The waveguide mating system of Claim 29, wherein each of the plurality
`30.
`of other optical waveguide segments comprises an end for connecting to a respective optical
`
`fiber, and wherein at least one of the other optical waveguide segments comprises a change in a
`
`cross sectional dimension to provide an optical transition between the optical fiber and one of the
`
`optical waveguide segments.
`
`31.
`
`(new) The waveguide mating system of Claim 29, wherein one of the plurality of
`
`other optical waveguide segments comprises:
`
`a first end having a first cross sectional dimension for coupling to one of the plurality of
`
`optical waveguide segments; and
`
`a second end having a second cross sectional dimension for coupling to an optical fiber,
`
`wherein the first cross sectional dimension is functionally different than the second cross
`
`sectional dimension.
`
`32.
`
`(new) The waveguide mating system of Claim 29, wherein one of the plurality of
`
`other optical waveguide segments is shaped to transition between a generally circular cross
`
`section and a rectangular cross section.
`
`33.
`
`(new) The waveguide mating system of Claim 29, wherein one of the plurality of
`
`optical waveguide segments comprises a taper.
`
`Page 6
`
`4 of10
`
`Page 6
`
`

`
`Preliminary Amendment submitted October 30, 2007 concurrent with patent application filing
`Facile Production ofOptical Assemblies and Components; Wach et al.
`
`34.
`
`(new) The waveguide mating system of Claim 29, wherein the planar waveguide
`
`unit further comprises a flat surface,
`
`wherein the optical waveguide segments extend essentially parallel to the flat surface,
`
`and
`
`wherein respective ones of the plurality of optical waveguide segments substantially
`
`adjoin respective ones of the other optical waveguide segments at the connector.
`
`35.
`
`(new) The waveguide mating system of Claim 29, wherein the planar waveguide
`
`unit is operable to drop add or drop an optical channel,
`
`wherein the plurality of other optical waveguide segments are attached to a rigid body,
`
`wherein one of the planar waveguide unit and the rigid body comprises a protrusion, and
`
`wherein the other of the planar waveguide unit and the rigid body comprises a receptacle
`
`that mates with the protrusion.
`
`[This area has been left blank intentionally]
`
`Page 7
`
`5 ofl0
`
`Page 7
`
`

`
`Preliminary Amendment submitted October 30, 2007 concurrent with patent application filing
`Facile Production ofOptical Assemblies and Components; Wach et al.
`
`36.
`
`(new) A waveguide connection system comprising
`
`an optical waveguide having an end face disposed at a face of a member, wherein the
`
`face of the member comprises a groove surrounding the waveguide that facilitates mating the
`
`optical waveguide to another optical waveguide.
`
`37.
`
`(new) The waveguide connection system of Claim 36, wherein the groove is
`
`operable to suppress unintended transfer of photons.
`
`38.
`
`(new) The waveguide connection system of Claim 36, wherein the groove
`
`circumscribes the end face.
`
`39.
`
`(new) The waveguide connection system of Claim 36, wherein the member
`
`comprises a planar waveguide unit that comprises:
`
`a second face adjoining the face; and
`
`a second optical waveguide having a second end face at the face,
`
`wherein the groove comprises a grooved surface that surrounds the end face and the
`
`second end face, and
`
`wherein the optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide extend along the second
`
`face.
`
`40.
`
`(new) The waveguide connection system of Claim 36, wherein the member
`
`comprises a planar waveguide unit, wherein the groove is operable to mate with a mating
`
`projection surrounding a port on a fiber interlink.
`
`41.
`
`(new) The waveguide connection system of Claim 36, wherein the another
`
`optical waveguide is attached to a rigid block of material, comprising a projection that mates
`
`with the groove.
`
`Page 8
`
`6 of 10
`
`Page 8
`
`

`
`Preliminary Amendment submitted October 30, 2007 concurrent with patent application filing
`Facile Production ofOptical Assemblies and Components; Wach et al.
`
`42.
`
`(new) An optical device comprising:
`
`a plastic member;
`
`a first optical waveguide having a first end disposed in the plastic member;
`
`a second optical waveguide having a second end disposed in the plastic member, wherein
`
`the second end essentially faces the first end; and
`
`an optical filter disposed in the plastic member between the first end and the second end.
`
`43.
`
`(new) The optical device of Claim 42, wherein the optical filter is a thin film
`
`optical filter attached to the first end.
`
`44.
`
`(new) The optical device of Claim 42, wherein the plastic member is essentially
`
`opaque, and
`
`wherein the optical filter is operable to filter optical communication signals multiplexed
`
`according to wavelength.
`
`[This area has been left blank intentionally]
`
`Page 9
`
`7 of1O
`
`Page 9
`
`

`
`Preliminary Amendment submitted October 30, 2007 concurrent with patent application filing
`Facile Production ofOptical Assemblies and Components; Wach et al.
`
`45.
`
`(new) An optical apparatus comprising:
`
`an optical filter embedded in a body of plastic material; and
`
`a optical waveguide extending into the body of plastic material and operably coupled to
`
`the optical filter.
`
`46.
`
`(new) The optical apparatus of Claim 45, wherein the optical filter comprises a
`
`thin film optical filter for filtering optical communication signals multiplexed according to
`
`wavelength.
`
`[This area has been left blank intentionally]
`
`Page 10
`
`8of10
`
`Page 10
`
`

`
`Preliminary Amendment submitted October 30, 2007 concurrent with patent application filing
`Facile Production of Optical Assemblies and Components; Wach et al.
`
`AMENDMENT TO THE SPECIFICATION
`
`On page 1 of the specification, please amend the first paragraph that starts on line 6,
`
`directly under the heading “RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY CLAIM”, as follows:
`
`The present application is a continuation of and claims priorig to U.S. Non-Provisional
`
`Patent Application Number 10/429,166, entitled “Facile Production of Optical Communication
`
`Assemblies and Components” and filed on May 2, 2003 in the name of Wach et al., now U.S.
`
`Patent Number
`
`, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional
`
`Patent Application Number 10/010,854, entitled “Facile Production of Optical Communication
`
`Assemblies and Components” and filed on December 4, 2001 in the name of Wach et al., which
`
`claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to the filing date of December 4, 2000 accorded to U.S.
`
`Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/251,270.
`
`The entire contents of U.S.
`
`Non-Provisional Patent Application Number 10/429,166 and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent
`
`Application Number 10/010,854 are hereby incogporated herein by reference.
`
`Page 11
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`9 of10
`
`Page 11
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`

`
`Preliminary Amendment submitted October 30, 2007 concurrent with patent application filing
`Facile Production ofOptical Assemblies and Components; Wach et al.
`
`REMARKS
`
`After entry of the foregoing Preliminary Amendment, Claims 22-46 are pending, with
`
`Claims 22, 29, 36, 42, and 45 being the independent claims. The Applicants have canceled
`
`Claims 1-21 without prejudice to or disclaimer of the subject matter thereof. Claims 22-46 have
`
`been added to provide a scope of protection commensurate with the original disclosure. No new
`
`matter has been added.
`
`The examiner of U.S. Patent Application Number 10/429,166, to which the present
`application claims priority as a continuation thereof, objected to the originally filed drawings.
`
`The Applicants submitted formal drawings in response to the examiner’s drawing objections.
`
`The seven drawing sheets that are attached to the present patent application, which accompanies
`
`this Preliminary Amendment, are copies of those formal drawings submitted in U.S. Patent
`
`Application Number 10/429,166. The formal drawings do not add any new matter.
`
`CONCLUSION
`
`The Applicants respectfully submit
`
`that
`
`the Preliminary Amendment places the
`
`application in condition for examination on the merits and respectfully requests such action. If
`
`any issues can be addressed with a telephone conference, the undersigned welcomes a phone call
`
`at the number shown below in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`
`
`Michael L. Wach
`
`Reg. No. 54, 517
`
`Michael L. Wach
`
`4425 Mariners Ridge
`Alpharetta, GA 30005
`678-366-1882
`
`Docket No.: 06948. 105029 CON2
`
`Page 12
`
`.10ofl0
`
`Page 12
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`

`
`1
`
`FACILE PRODUCTION OF OPTICAL COMMUNICATION
`ASSEMBLIES AND COMPONENTS
`
`RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY CLAIM
`
`The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to the
`
`filing date of December 4,‘ 2000 accorded to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
`
`Serial Number 60/251,270.
`
`10
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1
`
`Fiber to fiber and fiber to waveguide. linking devices that have been ,
`
`described in the art tend to focus on a substantial length of fiber placed for linkage to
`another fiber or to a planar waveguide. Prior art connectors and splicing devices
`
`typically do not meet the increased demand for minimizing on-line manufacturing -
`time or part replacement/repair time to meet the overall cost requirements for optical
`communications equipment, particularly in high volume production operations. With
`the tremendous need for increasing bandwidth, a need exists in the art for increased
`
`precision in such_1inkages and for ‘modifying, or eliminating rate-lirniting steps in
`component manufacturing. The increase in overall demand for high quality. optical
`components at modest cost has intensified the importance of achieving high quality
`
`consistently and efficiently.
`_
`‘ Fiber modification techniques disclosed in U.S. Patent'No. 5,953,477,
`entitled “Method and Apparatus for Improved Fiber Optic Light Management,” filed
`
`15
`
`_i_2o
`
`the increased capability of
`March 13, 1997, address these challenges. However,
`separating wavelengths made possible by these advances has further increased the
`"need for precision in other aspects of manufacturing optical assemblies. Cirrex U.S.
`Patent Application Serial No. 09/318,451, entitled, “Optical Assembly with High
`Perfonnance Filter,” filed May 25, 1999, (incorporated herein by reference
`its
`entirety) describes various modifications to fibers. Cirrex US. Patent Application
`Serial No. 60/213,983 entitled, “Micro Identifier System and Components for Optical
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Assemblies,” filed June 24, 2000 (also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety)
`
`describes
`
`a system having an identifying mechanism for high perfonnance
`
`Page 13
`
`Page 13
`
`

`
`waveguides that is machine-readable (especially, by optical means, for example, using
`a laser interference pattern) for quick and accurate recall of information included in
`the identifying mechanism. Many of the individual components of such optical
`assemblies - are extremely small and technically complex. Differences between
`component assembly pieces or even differences within individual pieces are difficult
`to discern. The '983 patent application describes how etching or engraving, for
`example, of a cladding surface can provide precise and detailed product information,
`including: the manufacturer, the core and cladding dimensions, compositions, indices
`of refraction, and other imprinting. Internal identifiers of that type can also beutilized
`
`10
`
`for system integrity/uniforrnity checks for quality assurance.
`Additional’ details may be important for other types of optical fibers.
`
`-be mated.
`
`(See Qirrex U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/578,777, entitled,
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`provides sufficient information for the mating to be precise.
`One advantage of using the peripheral surface of-a fiber end face for
`the identifier is relative space availability. The entire periphery of the end face could
`i be utilized if information space and image clarity are required. Similarly, the
`probability of that area causing fiber function limitations is low and could be reduced
`further, for example, by covering disrupted (etched/engraved) surface areas with _
`material that would restore transparency to wavelengths negatively affected without
`idetrimentally affecting the readability of the image.
`Such factors play a role in
`determining which identifier process, marking and location to utilize.
`It also may be
`critical to high volume production for the information to be read significantly in
`advance of the mating operation and in some cases evenby a different manufacturer.
`Each. improvement in one area exposes additional challenges for the manufacturing
`
`«t
`
`Page 14
`
`Page 14
`
`

`
`processes in other areas, for example, in assuring appropriate, precise fiber to fiber, or
`
`fiber to waveguide mating.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In accordance with the present invention, a modified fiber interlink,
`‘typically an optical assembly multi-channel subcomponent, can be created
`the
`optical link between multiplechannel waveguides to be mated. For example, modified
`fiber interlinks form optical paths between multiple fibers and a multi-charmel planar
`
`waveguide. Modified optical fibers are those that have been shaped or coated to an .
`extent beyond the demands of normal communications optical fibers. In one example, -
`modified fibers are no longer than about two feet in length and can have either a non-
`cylindrical end face, a non flat end face, an end face the plane of which is not
`perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide, an end face coated with high
`density filter, or a.n identifier on or near. an end face.
`In another example, the
`modified fiber caniiintcludeuat ’1'"¢ast"¢n‘e‘ highiderisiityfilfer iiithe ‘interlink within an
`
`interlink channel.
`
`Modified fiber interlinks can be manufactured in a separate operation
`
`and thus taken off-line from the main optical assembly manufacturing _line. These
`integral interlinks, in which fibers have been shaped. so preciselyand/or coated with
`special filters, can be included in optical assemblies to ultimately provide their
`beneficial functions without slowing the entire assembly operation. This off-line
`production can -result in a subcomponent that minimizes linkage time in the full
`‘component assembly operation. The subcomponent also can decrease the potential for
`defective linkages or less than optimal performance in both the ‘subcomponent
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`H manufacturing operation and the assembly operation.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`1 depicts in exaggerated perspective an interlink having four
`FIG.
`differently configured waveguides in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
`
`30
`
`-the present invention.
`
`Page 15
`
`Page 15
`
`

`
`4
`
`FIG. 2 shows the exemplary interlink of FIG. l'in cutaway along the
`
`AA plane.
`
`FIG.
`
`3 depicts
`
`in exaggerated perspective a planar waveguide
`
`configured for mating with the exemplary interlink of FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3a illustrates in exaggerated perspective a planar waveguide face
`
`for mating with a mating projection
`having a groove surrounding each port
`surrounding each mating port on a modified fiber interlink in accordance with an
`
`exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 3b illustrates a mating projection and a groove for a planar
`waveguide interlink interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
`
`present invention.
`FIG. 4 depicts in cutaway an interlink with cylindrical fibers with high
`density filters on fiber ends in accordance with an exemplary embodiment‘ of the
`present invention.
`-« -- ~ -«FIG-. 5 -illustratesea .fiber_of..FIG. 4_,__having an identifier embedded
`thereon in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`_.FIG. 6 illustrates in schematic two interlinks used in an add§drop
`multiplexer application in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present-
`
`invention.
`
`_
`_ FIG. 7 Illustrates in cutaway additional configurations of waveguides
`in interlink applications in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
`
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
`As shown by the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, interlink 4 links by
`providing optical charmels, waveguides 5, -6’(an optical fiber formed by fusing fiber
`segment 6a to fiber segment 6b forming junction 12a), 8, and 9, between a planar
`waveguide (see planar waveguide unit 30 in FIG. 3) and at least one optical fiber
`system 10 of which optical fiber 19f is a part. Optical fiber 19f can be mated to
`waveguide 9, preferably an optical fiber, at interface 17, by inserting fiber 19f in
`channelor recess 4c of block 4a (See FIG. 2 for additional detail). For example, by
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`using an appropriate epoxy, fiber 19f can be fused to fiber 9 with a filter disposed at
`the interface 17 therebetween. Optical fiber 18f can be mated to waveguide 8 at
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`interface 18 by inserting fiber 18f into a locking mechanism 22 such as an optical seal
`housing. The locking mechanism 22 is coupled to face 2 of the interlink 4 by flanges
`2l'that engage the locking mechanism 22. Disposed at interface 181 can be a filter.
`Overall, waveguides 5, 6, 8, and 9 of interlink 4 demonstrate various types of optical
`connections that can exist within interlink 4.
`It will be understood that the present
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`invention is not limited to the number and types of waveguides shown within interlink
`4. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of the type of
`waveguide configuration that can be disposed within an interlink 4.
`Block 4a is rigid, constructed of material opaque to the wavelengths of
`light expected to be transmitted through the embedded waveguides and light to which
`the unit is exposed. The material is preferably a plastic that is resistant to thermal
`expansion and is thermally stable. Fibers 15f, 16f, 18f of the optical fiber system can
`—mate_with.waveguid_e_ends,,__l 5_,___1 6, and 18 respectively of interlink 4. Mu1ti—channel
`planar optical waveguide unit 30 (see FIG. 3) has a docking surface 39 and ports '31,
`32, 33’ and 34 optically open to waveguide channels of planar optical waveguide unit
`30 which ultimately communicate with waveguides 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d. Face
`surface region 1 of interlink 4 (FIG. 1) and its positioning pins 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and 7e
`mate with docking surface 39 (FIG. 3) and its pin receptacles 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d and
`37e, respectively. Ports 11, 12, 13 and 14 of interlink 4 (FIG.l) mate precisely with
`ports 31, 32, 33 and 34 respectively (FIG. 3) of planar optical waveguide unit 30..
`Secure matingifor each of the respective waveguide ends can be accomplished by
`using an appropriate epoxy or other material (e.g.
`index matching gel) to assure
`transparent connection. For less than pennanent connection, the mating could also be
`secured by using_an index matching gel and a connection system that securely but
`releasably connects (e.g. using latches) interlink 4 face surface 1 with the docking.
`surface 39 ofplanar waveguide unit 30. Another alternative thatcould be used in lieu
`of or with placement pins and receptacles is ‘a male/female grooving system, as shown
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`in exaggerated perspective in FIG, 3b.
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`FIG. 3a shows a multi-charmel planar waveguide face (docking
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`surface) 36 having groove 36g spaced and completely but separately surrounding each
`of the ports, 31a, 32a, 33a and 34a.‘ A mating modified fiber interlink would include a
`precisely dimensioned face surface having shaped, continuous projections 26p that
`would mate with groove 36g, as illustrated in FIG. 3b. The interlink would also
`
`include ports that would mate precisely with ports 31a, 32a, 33a and 34a. As best
`shown in FIG. 3b, mating pr_ojection»26p mates exactly with groove 36g, but the
`
`projection could be modified to guide itself to the full depth of groove 36g. The
`advantage of a grooving system is that it helps" to assure that no unintendedphoton
`transfer between non mated ports.
`
`In FIG. 1, modified fiber interlink 4 includes optical waveguides of
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`four different configurations for purposes of illustrating the versatility of app1icant’s
`invention. Waveguide 5 is a single mode optical fiber which between face 1 and face '
`
`2 of unit 4 is embedded in solid opaque block 4a. A significant portion of optical
`----fiber‘-5~prot1=udes——from—face 2 for linking, desirably by fusion at end 15 to a matching
`optical fiber 15f of optical fiber system 10. The embedded part of optical fiber 5 has
`an axial cross section that has been modified to transition from a circular cross section
`
`at distal end 15 and extending beyond face 2 into block 4a _to _a rectangular cross
`section at the proximal end of fiber 5 at port 11. Each. of the transitional optical
`
`-waveguides 5, 6, 9 and 8 has a proximal end at least near face surface region 1. In an
`exemplary embodiment of this invention waveguides 5, 6, 8, of interlink 4 are each.
`a separate optical fiber, with at least one having on its proximal end an integral high
`density filter. In another exemplary embodiment, each separate fiber 5, 6, 8 and 9 has
`a distal end and at least one has a high density filter on its distal end. Such filters are
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`described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,953,477 mentioned above. Optical fibers 5
`and 6 of interlink 4 protrude from face surface region 2 and each has a distal end, 15
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`and 16, respectively, exterior to block 4a. The longitudinal axis of optical. fiber 6 is
`positioned. obliquely to face surface region 1. However, high density filter 12b on the
`proximal end of fiber 6 (shown more clearly in FIG. 2) is preferrably parallel to an
`optical fiber face surface 1 because of the end shaping on both ends of fiber segment
`6a and on the juncture end 12a of 6b. It is this sort of precision and flexibility in
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`fusing that highlights the advantages of the interlinks of the exemplary embodiments
`of the present
`invention. In another exemplary embodiment,
`the waveguides of
`interlink 4 are optical fibers with the proximal end of theyfibers 5 (at port 11), 6 (at
`port 12), 9 (at port 13) and 8 (at port 14) each being slightly recessed from face
`surface 1. This allows for an appropriate amount of epoxy or other optically
`transparent material for fusing the fiber ends, for example, to selected waveguide
`channels in planar waveguide unit" 30. 5
`FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an interlink comprising
`
`cylindrical fibers with high density filters on fiber ends in accordance with an
`exemplary embodiment of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 4, an interlink 41
`comprises a block 44 and cylindrical_fibers 45f, 46f, 47f, and 48f.» The block 44 is
`preferably constructed of a rigid material» opaque to the wavelengths of light expected
`to be transmitted through an embedded portion of the optical fibers 45f, 46f, 47f, and
`48f and light to which the unit is exposed. The optical fibers 45f, 46f, 47f, and 48f
`provide optical charmels or waveguides for carrying optical signals. Along face
`surface 41 of the block 44, the optical fibers 45f, 46f, 47f, and 48f comprise ports 45,
`46, 47, and 48,‘ respectively. Filters 45b, 46b, 47b, and 48b, typically high density
`filters, are positioned along each proximal end face of the optical fibers 45f, 46f, 47f,
`and 48f, respectively, at the ports 45, 46, 47, and 48 along the face 41. Distal ends
`45a, 46a, 47a, and 48a of the optical fibers 45f, 46_f, 47f, and 48f, respectively,
`protrude from a face surface 42 of the interlink 44. One or more of the distal ends
`45a, ‘46a, 47a, and 48a can include an optical filter, such _as a high density filter 48a
`positioned at the distal end 48b. At the face surface 42, a significant portion of each
`optical ‘fiber 45, 46, 47, and 48 protrudes from the block 44 for linking, preferably by
`
`fusion to another optical fiber.
`FIG. 5 illustrates a fiber of FIG. 4 having an identifier embedded
`adjacent to one end of the fiber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
`present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the optical fiber for 45 can comprise an
`outside surface 43 including an identifier 43a. The identifier 43a is conveniently
`located proximate to an end of the optical fiber 45 where it can remain visible during‘
`operation of the interlink 44. The identifier 43a typically provides identification
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`information to facilitate mating of the optical fiber 45 with another optical fiber or
`waveguide structure. The identifier 43a preferably includes sufficient space for the
`incorporation of a micro bar code, magnetic identifier or other
`identification
`infonnation. To assist in appropriate alignment in matingof optical assemblies the
`identifier 43a can identify the dimensions and characteristics of the optical fiber 45.
`In addition,
`the core and polarization axes can be identified with respect to the
`location of the identifier 43a.
`In the altemative, testing and alignment information
`can be provided by the identifier 43a to support alignment and testing operat