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`PAEENT APPLECATE@N
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`Facile Gptical Assemblies and Coingmnents
`
`TRJDNSRIEETTAL
`
`Named lave:/;zor(s'
`
`Michael L. Wash and Dwight Halter
`
`A (36948. lO5028.C(_>N3
`Iiamz No.
`_V,Om.y‘/W WW HWprmsimmi
`37 cm: 1.5%»—
`
`AFPLlCA'i‘l(}N ELEMENTS
`
`ADDRESS TO: PO. Box 1450
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`
`13--1450
`Ale><andi'ia, VA
`ACCOl\/El"ANYlNG A?PLlCATlOl‘~l
`
`Fee T:'ansn1‘ittal Form
`
`Applicant claims small entity status.
`Specification, Claims,
`
`37 CFR 1.27.
`
`.
`
`'
`7
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`.
`
`gnn1entPapei“s (cover sheet & docunieiit(s))
`37' CPR 3.7'3(b} Statement
`
`when1'/WeiS<HWSSigW<*)
`Total Pages 39
`and Abstract
`El
`P0‘W91' 0liAl5l01'“‘3Yb§v’ 35*3lg“‘33
`Totztl Sheets 23
`Drawings
`glisli 'l"i‘aiislation Document (zfappZicab1'e)
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`lnforniation Disclosure Statement (lDf*$)
`311 C3 Newgy execuvgmi (origiilal 01’ ‘30PI>".l
`PTO" 1449
`b.
`Copy fmin prior application (37 CFR, ,l.63((l))
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`(for C‘(‘l’1fiftllafi0!'l/iii‘/‘i.S'ir)Vial witle Batc 1'7 carnplezraa)
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`amjficationj S38 37 CPR 1,63(d)(»3~/,
`Assignee:
`Cirrex Svsteins LLC
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`and 1.33(b)_
`Application Data Sheet. See 37 CPR 1.76. lhat“-lav G501” ‘l3
`CD--ROM 03' Cl")--R, in duplicate. large lalole or
`Computer Prograni ‘/.41')1')€Vl.:2'i:*C_)
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`ii. E} paper
`0. El Statement Verifving iclentitv ofabove copies
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`Continuation [:5 Divisional El Continuaticz-n-in-part (Cl?)
`of prior application No:
`ll/980,337
`Pl‘,‘i(‘)1‘Ztp]’)liCI3.lIi()}’1i}’1fi)flT1a[lOfi2
`Exzaminer: F‘e1.,l<o\/sek, Daniel
`(3r0up/Art Unit:
`2874
`UNA}. APPS only: The »:uti1'e :1"
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`nal application and is he1'eT'3y incorporated by teference. The incorpc-ration can onlv be
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`l 8.
`
`CORRESPC}NDENCE ADDRESS:
`
`i‘v’lichael L. Wadi
`
`4425 lVl§l1’iElt3‘fS Ridge
`Alpharetta, GA 30005
`
`/Li_‘v__i_i_s;azts:l_l;.__It5zZ§:§;iyl______________________________.
`By:
`Pi'inl.e(l Name: Michael L. Wa.c'n
`
`Date: Febmarv 5 2012
`Telegilione: 770~789~8256
`
`P3991
`
`ILLUMINA, INC. EXHIBIT 1017
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`Page 1
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`

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`FACILE OPTICAL ASSEMBLIES AND COMPONENTS
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`CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Non—Provisiona|
`
`Patent Application Number 11/980,337, entitled "Facile Optical Assemblies and Components”
`
`and filed October 30, 2007 in the name of Wach et al., now U.S. Patent Number
`
`, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Non—Provisiona| 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 7,298,936, 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 Dec. 4, 2000
`
`accorded to the US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/251,270. The entire contents of
`
`U.S. Non—Provisiona| Patent Application Number 11/980,337; U.S. Non—Provisiona| Patent
`
`Application Number 10/429,166; and U.S. Non—Provisiona| Patent Application Number
`
`10/010,854 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`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—|ine 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 linkages and for modifying or eliminating
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`rate—|imiting steps in component manufacturing. The increase in overall demand for high
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`quality optical components at modest cost has intensified the importance of achieving high
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`quality consistently and efficiently.
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`Fiber modification techniques disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,477, entitled "Method
`
`and Apparatus for Improved Fiber Optic Light Management,” filed Mar. 13, 1997, address
`
`these challenges. However, the increased capability of 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 Performance Filter,” filed May 25, 1999, (incorporated
`
`herein by reference in its entirety), which has now issued as U.S. Patent Number 6,404,953,
`
`describes various modifications to fibers. Content of U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
`
`09/318,451 has been inserted below under the heading "From US Patent Application No.
`
`09/318,451 Entitled "Optical Assembly with High Performance Filter’’’’ with F|Gs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
`
`7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, and 11b respectively renumbered as F|Gs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,
`
`18a, and 18b and the letter "x” appended to the figure reference numbers to avoid confusion
`
`with other disclosed figures and figure reference numbers. Cirrex U.S. Patent Application
`
`Serial No. 60/213,983 entitled, "Micro Identifier System and Components for Optical
`
`Assemblies,” filed Jun. 24, 2000 (also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety)
`
`describes a system having an identifying mechanism for high performance waveguides that is
`
`machine—readab|e (especially, by optical means, for example, using a laser interference
`
`pattern) for quick and accurate recall of information included in the identifying mechanism.
`
`Content of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/213,983 has been inserted below under the
`
`heading "From US Patent Application Number 60/213,983 Entitled "Micro Identifier System
`
`and Components for Optical Assemblies” with F|Gs. 1, 2, 2a, 3, 4, and 5 respectively
`
`renumbered as F|Gs. 19, 20, 20a, 21, 22, and 23 and the letter "y” appended to the figure
`
`reference numbers to avoid confusion with other disclosed figures and figure reference
`
`numbers. Many ofthe 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
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`and detailed product information, including: the manufacturer, the core and cladding
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`dimensions, compositions, indices of refraction, and other imprinting. Internal identifiers of
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`that type can also be utilized for system integrity/uniformity checks for quality assurance.
`
`Additional details may be important for other types of optical fibers. For example, the
`
`end face of one fiber may be intentionally angled so that its face is not uniformly
`
`perpendicular to its axis and the axis of a waveguide with which it is to be mated. (See Cirrex
`
`U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/578,777, entitled, "Method and System for Increasing a
`
`Number of Information Channels Carried by Optical Waveguides,” which is incorporated
`
`herein in its entirety by reference and which has now issued as U.S. Patent Number
`
`6,542,660.) For a very slight angle, it may be critical to have the end face precisely oriented as
`
`it mates with the waveguide. The extent to which the fiber core is off—center or elliptical may
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`also be included in the identifier. The identifier on the fiber and the waveguide provides
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`sufficient information for the mating to be precise.
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`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 be utilized if information
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`space and image clarity are required. Similarly, the probability of that area causing fiber
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`function limitations is low and could be reduced further, for example, by covering disrupted
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`(etched/engraved) surface areas with material that would restore transparency to
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`wavelengths negatively affected without detrimentally affecting the readability of the image.
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`Such factors play a role in determining which identifier process, marking and location to
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`utilize. It also may be critical to high volume production for the information to be read
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`significantly in advance of the mating operation and in some cases even by a different
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`manufacturer. Each improvement in one area exposes additional challenges for the
`
`manufacturing processes in other areas, for example, in assuring appropriate, precise fiber to
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`fiber, or fiber to waveguide mating.
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`SUMMARY
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`In accordance with the present invention, a modified fiber interlink, typically an optical
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`assembly mu|ti—channe| subcomponent, can be created to form the optical link between
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`multiple channel waveguides to be mated. For example, modified fiber interlinks form optical
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`paths between multiple fibers and a multi—channel planar waveguide. Modified optical fibers
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`are those that have been shaped or coated to an extent beyond the demands of normal
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`communications optical fibers. In one example, modified fibers are no longer than about two
`
`feet in length and can have either a non—cy|indrica| end face, a non—f|at end face, an end face
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`the plane ofwhich is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide, an end face
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`coated with high density filter, or an identifier on or near an end face. In another example, the
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`modified fiber can include at least one high density filter in the interlink within an interlink
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`channeL
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`Modified fiber interlinks can be manufactured in a separate operation and thus taken
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`off—|ine from the main optical assembly manufacturing line. These integral interlinks, in which
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`fibers have been shaped so precisely and/or coated with special filters, can be included in
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`optical assemblies to ultimately provide their beneficial functions without slowing the entire
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`assembly operation. This off—|ine production can result in a subcomponent that minimizes
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`linkage time in the full component assembly operation. The subcomponent also can decrease
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`the potential for defective linkages or less than optimal performance in both the
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`subcomponent manufacturing operation and the assembly operation.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION or THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 depicts in exaggerated perspective an interlink having four differently
`
`configured waveguides in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present
`
`invention.
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`FIG. 2 shows the exemplary interlink of FIG. 1 in cutaway along the AA plane.
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`FIG. 3 depicts in exaggerated perspective a planar waveguide configured for mating
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`with the exemplary interlink of FIG. 1.
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`FIG. 3a illustrates in exaggerated perspective a planar waveguide face having a groove
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`surrounding each port for mating with a mating projection surrounding each mating port on a
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`modified fiber interlink in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
`
`invention.
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`FIG. 3b illustrates a mating projection and a groove for a planar waveguide interlink
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`interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
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`FIG. 4 depicts in cutaway an interlink with cylindrical fibers with high density filters on
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`fiber ends in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
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`FIG. 5 illustrates a fiber of FIG. 4 having an identifier embedded thereon in accordance
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`with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
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`FIG. 6 illustrates in schematic two interlinks used in an add—drop multiplexer
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`application in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
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`FIG. 7 illustrates in cutaway additional configurations of waveguides in interlink
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`applications in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
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`FIG. 8 is a perspective of an optical assembly end portion illustrating a masked, filtered
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`fiber end, from US Patent Application No. 09/318,451.
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`FIG. 9 is a cross sectional magnified view of an optical assembly in accordance with
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`FIG. 8 with exaggerated fiber core, filter, and mask thickness dimensions, from US Patent
`
`Application No. 09/318,451.
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`FIG. 10 is an end view of an optical assembly illustrating a mask having a hexagonal
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`exterior profile and a circular aperture, from US Patent Application No. 09/318,451.
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`FIG. 11 is a distorted perspective of an uncompleted optical assembly end portion
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`illustrating a mask precursor having a hexagonal profile, from US Patent Application No.
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`09/318,451.
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`FIG. 12 is an end view of a cluster of uncompleted optical assemblies end portions,
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`from US Patent Application No. 09/318,451.
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`FIG. 13 is a perspective of two optical assemblies with masks placed in mask end near
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`mask end configuration illustrating mating orientation, from US Patent Application No.
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`09/318,451.
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`FIG. 14 is a perspective of two optical assemblies in mask end to mask end, mating
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`connection, from US Patent Application No. 09/318,451.
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`FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view illustrating two optical assemblies each having beveled
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`end faces with mask end near mask end configuration illustrating mating orientation, with
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`exaggerated fiber core, filter, and mask thickness dimensions, from US Patent Application No.
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`09/318,451.
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`FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view illustrating two optical assemblies oriented for end to
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`end splice using a connection device mated to the masked assembly ends, from US Patent
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`Application No. 09/318,451.
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`FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view illustrating two optical assemblies oriented for end to
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`end splice using a connection device having a fluid entry/evacuation port, from US Patent
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`Application No. 09/318,451.
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`FIG. 18 includes 18a, which is an end view of a splice connection device as in FIG. 17
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`and including a channel for aligning the fiber end faces, and 18b, which is a b|ow—up ofthe
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`channel and its surrounds, from US Patent Application No. 09/318,451.
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`FIG. 19, from US Patent Application No. 60/213,983, illustrates several embodiments
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`of an identifier means.
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`FIG. 20, from US Patent Application No. 60/213,983, shows in perspective view a
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`system that includes a reading means for sufficient identification to initiate appropriate
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`reaction.
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`FIG. 20a, from US Patent Application No. 60/213,983, illustrates in end view cutaway a
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`drive having rollers supporting a fiber segment.
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`FIG. 21, from US Patent Application No. 60/213,983, illustrates in perspective view
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`several options for placement or configuration of identifier spaces.
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`FIG. 22, from US Patent Application No. 60/213,983, illustrates a fiber having a core
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`and a cladding.
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`FIG 23, from US Patent Application No. 60/213,983, illustrates purposefully created
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`index of refraction disruptions in cladding of a fiber.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
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`As shown by the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, interlink 4 links by providing optical
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`channels, waveguides 5, 6 (an optical fiber formed by fusing fiber segment 6a to fiber segment
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`6b forming junction 12a) 8, and 9, between a planar waveguide (see planar waveguide unit 30
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`in FIG. 3) and at least one optical fiber system 10 of which optical fiber 19f is a part. Optical
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`fiber 19f can be mated to waveguide 9, preferably an optical fiber, at interface 17, by
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`inserting fiber 19f in channel or recess 4c of block 4a (See FIG. 2 for additional detail). For
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`example, by using an appropriate epoxy, fiber 19f can be fused to fiber 9 with a filter disposed
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`at the interface 17 therebetween. Optical fiber 18f can be mated to waveguide 8 at interface
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`18 by inserting fiber 18f into a locking mechanism 22 such as an optical seal housing. The
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`locking mechanism 22 is coupled to face 2 of the interlink 4 by flanges 21 that engage the
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`locking mechanism 22. Disposed at interface 18 can be a filter. Overall, waveguides 5, 6, 8,
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`and 9 of interlink 4 demonstrate various types of optical connections that can exist within
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`interlink 4. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the number and
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`types of waveguides shown within interlink 4. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates yet another
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`exemplary embodiment of the type of waveguide, configuration that can be disposed within
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`an interlink 4.
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`Block 4a is rigid, constructed of material opaque to the wavelengths of light expected
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`to be transmitted through the embedded waveguides and light to which the unit is exposed.
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`The material is preferably a plastic that is resistant to thermal expansion and is thermally
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`stable. Fibers 15f, 16f, 18f of the optical fiber system can mate with waveguide ends 15, 16,
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`and 18 respectively of interlink 4. Mu|ti—channe| planar optical waveguide unit 30 (see FIG. 3)
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`has a docking surface 39 and ports 31, 32, 33’ and 34 optically open to waveguide channels of
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`planar optical waveguide unit 30 which ultimately communicate with waveguides 35a, 35b,
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`35c and 35d. Face surface region 1 of interlink 4 (F|G.1) and its positioning pins 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d
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`and 7e mate with docking surface 39 (FIG. 3) and its pin receptacles 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and
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`37e, respectively. Ports 11, 12, 13 and 14 of interlink 4 (FIG. 1) mate precisely with ports 31,
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`32, 33 and 34 respectively (FIG. 3) of planar optical waveguide unit 30. Secure mating for each
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`of the respective waveguide ends can be accomplished by using an appropriate epoxy or other
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`material (e.g. index matching gel) to assure transparent connection. For less than permanent
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`connection, the mating could also be secured by using an index matching gel and a connection
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`system that securely but releasably connects (e.g. using latches) interlink 4 face surface 1 with
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`the docking surface 39 of planar waveguide unit 30. Another alternative that could be used in
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`lieu of or with placement pins and receptacles is a male/female grooving system, as shown in
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`exaggerated perspective in FIG. 3b.
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`FIG. 3a shows a multi—channel planar waveguide face (docking surface) 36 having
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`groove 36g spaced and completely but separately surrounding each of the ports, 31a, 32a, 33a
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`and 34a. A mating modified fiber interlink would include a precisely dimensioned face surface
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`having shaped, continuous projections 26p that would mate with groove 36g, as illustrated in
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`FIG. 3b. The interlink would also include ports that would mate precisely with ports 31a, 32a,
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`33a and 34a. As best shown in FIG. 3b, mating projection 26p mates exactly with groove 36g,
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`but the projection could be modified to guide itself to the full depth ofgroove 36g. The
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`advantage of a grooving system is that it helps to assure no unintended photon transfer
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`between non mated ports.
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`In FIG. 1, modified fiber interlink 4 includes optical waveguides of four different
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`configurations for purposes of illustrating the versatility of applicant's invention. Waveguide 5
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`is a single mode optical fiber which between face 1 and face 2 of unit 4 is embedded in solid
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`opaque block 4a. A significant portion of optical fiber 5 protrudes from face 2 for linking,
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`desirably by fusion at end 15 to a matching optical fiber 15f of optical fiber system 10. The
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`embedded part of optical fiber 5 has an axial cross section that has been modified to
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`transition from a circular cross section at distal end 15 and extending beyond face 2 into block
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`4a to a rectangular cross section at the proximal end of fiber 5 at port 11. Each of the
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`transitional optical waveguides 5, 6, 9 and 8 has a proximal end at least near face surface
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`region 1. In an exemplary embodiment of this invention, waveguides 5, 6, 8, 9 of interlink 4
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`are each a separate optical fiber, with at least one having on its proximal end an integral high
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`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 described in
`
`detail in U.S. Pat. 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 and 16, respectively,
`
`exterior to block 4a. The longitudinal axis of optical fiber 6 is positioned obliquely to face
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`surface region 1. However, high density filter 12b on the proximal end of fiber 6 (shown more
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`clearly in FIG. 2) is preferably parallel to an optical fiber face surface 1 because of the end
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`shaping on both ends of fiber segment 6a and on the juncture end 12a of 6b. It is this sort of
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`precision and flexibility in 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 the fibers 5 (at port 11), 6
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`(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.
`
`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 ofthe
`
`invention. Referring now to FIG. 4, an interlink 41 comprises a block 44 and cylindrical fibers
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`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 channels 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
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`48a of the optical fibers 45f, 46f, 47f, and 48f, respectively, protrude from a face surface 42 of
`
`the interlink 44. One or more ofthe distal ends 45a, 46a, 47a, and 48a can include an optical
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`filter, such as a high density filter 48a positioned at the distal end 48b. At the face surface 42,
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`a significant portion of each optical fiber 45, 46, 47, and 48 protrudes from the block 44 for
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`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 45 can comprise an outside surface 43 including an identifier 43a. The
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`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
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`identification information to facilitate mating of the optical fiber 45 with another optical fiber
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`or waveguide structure. The identifier 43a preferably includes sufficient space for the
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`incorporation of a micro bar code, magnetic identifier or other identification information. To
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`assist in appropriate alignment in mating of optical assemblies, the identifier 43a can identify
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`the dimensions and characteristics ofthe optical fiber 45. In addition, the core and
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`polarization axes can be identified with respect to the location of the identifier 43a. In the
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`alternative, testing and alignment information can be provided by the identifier 43a to
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`support alignment and testing operations. It will be appreciated that the identifier 43a can be
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`positioned at other locations along the optical fiber 45 so long as the identifier is visible to a
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`user during operations of the interlink 44.
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`In FIG. 6, a fiber interlink 60 has tapered (oblique) proximal end faces on each of fibers
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`61, 62, 63, 64 and 65, which mate respectively with mating, tapered ports 61m, 62m, 63m,
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`64m and 65m of a planar waveguide 69. Similarly, a fiber interlink 66 comprises proximal end
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`faces on optical fibers that mate with opposing ports of the planar waveguide 69. The
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`interlinks 60 and 66 operate in connection with the planar waveguide 69 to support an add-
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`drop multiplexer application for adding and dropping optical signals of various wavelengths.
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`The interlink 60 supports the drop function, whereas the interlink 66 supports the add
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`function.
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`For example, an optical signal input at an input port of the interlink 66 is passed by an
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`optical fiber to the planar waveguide 69. A filter at the port 62m passes wavelength 1 ofthe
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`optical signal to the interlink 60 and the remaining wavelengths of the optical signal are
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`reflected at the port 62m. In turn, the fiber 61 carries the optical signal having the wavelength
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`1 through the interlink 60 to the drop application. Similarly, the filter at the port 61m passes
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`wavelength 2 to the optical fiber 62 of the interlink 60 and reflects the remaining wavelengths
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`of the optical signal. In view of the cascading nature ofthe planar waveguide 69, similar drop
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`functions are completed at the ports 63m, 64m, and 65m to complete the processing of the
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`optical signal the by the add—drop multiplexer.
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`FIG. 7 illustrates a cross—sectional view of waveguides in an interlink in accordance with
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`an exemplary embodiment of a present invention. An interlink 72 comprises waveguides 75f,
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`76f, and 77f constructed from optical fibers of different configurations to provide channels for
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`carrying optical signals. A portion of the optical fibers or waveguides 75f, 76f, and 77f are
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`embedded within an opaque block 74 comprising material opaque to the wavelengths of light
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`expected to be transmitted through the embedded waveguides and light to which the
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`interlink is exposed. Ports 75, 76, and 77 of the optical fibers 75f, 76f, and 77f are positioned
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`along a face surface 71 of the block 74. As discussed in connection with prior embodiments,
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`the ports 75, 76, and 77 typically represent the proximal ends ofthe optical fibers 75f, 76f,
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`and 77f. Optical filters can be attached to the proximal ends ofthe optical fibers 75f, 76f, and
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`77f and adjacent to the ports 75, 76, and 77. The un—embedded portion of the optical fibers
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`75f, 76f, and 77f extend from a face surface 73 of the block 74. The distal end of each
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`unembedded portion of the optical fibers 75f, 76f, and 77f can include an optical filter such as
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`optical filters 75a, 76a, 77a, and 77b.
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`In summary, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a modified
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`fiber interlink for linking to and providing optical channels between at least one optical fiber
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`system and at least one mu|ti—channe| planar optical waveguide. The waveguide includes a
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`docking surface and ports optically opening on the docking surface to at least some of the
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`optical channels. The interlink has a first face surface for matching the docking surface and
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`selected ports of the planar optical waveguide. This first face surface is configured for mating
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`with the planar optical waveguide and the separate ports thereof and is positioned for optical
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`matching with the selected waveguide ports. The interlink can further include a second face
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`surface positioned in a plane at least approximately parallel to the first face surface. In the
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`alternative, the second face surface can be positioned in a plane oblique to the first face
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`surface.
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`The interlink can further include at least two modified optical fibers, each having a first
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`fiber end that terminates near the first face surface and is positioned at a different port ofthe
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`waveguide docking surface. An interlink fiber can be positioned so that it is set at an oblique
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`angle to the first face surface region. An interlink fiber can be shaped to transition the
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`interlink optical channel between a longitudinal length having a larger cross—sectiona|
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`dimension and a longitudinal length having a smaller cross—sectiona| dimension. In the
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`alternative, an interlink fiber can be shaped to transition the interlink optical channel between
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`a generally circular cross—section and a rectangular cross—section. One or more ofthe interlink
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`fibers can be implemented by a shaped optical fiber or by an integral high density filter. This
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`integral high density filter can be positioned at one end of the interlink fiber, typically near the
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`first face surface region.
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`An interlink fiber can be entirely embedded in fixed position in a rigid opaque material
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`with only its ends exposed, as ports, one of which is for optically mating with an optical fiber
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`from an optical fiber system. In the alternative, an interlink fiber can be partially embedded at
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`one end near the first face surface region in an opaque material with the embedded end
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`exposed as a port for mating with a port in the planar optical waveguide. At least one of the
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`waveguides can include an integral high density filter positioned at one end of the waveguide.
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`For an alternative embodiment, a modified fiber interlink can link to and provide
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`optical channels between at least one optical fiber system and at least one mu|ti—channe|
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`planar optical waveguide having at least one docking surface and ports optically opening on
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`the docking surface to at least some ofthe optical channels. The interlink comprises a first
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`face surface for matching the docking surface and selected ports of the planar optical
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`waveguide and at least two transitional optical waveguides. Each of the transitional optical
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`waveguides can comprise at least a first transitional optical waveguide end that terminates
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`near the first face surface and is positioned at a separate port in the first face surface.
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`For yet another exemplary embodiment, an optical subassembly comprises a multi-
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`channel optical planar waveguide having at least a first docking surface and a second docking
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`surface. Each surface comprises ports optically opening to waveguide channels. The optical
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`subassembly further comprises two modified fiber interlinks. A modified interlink typically
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`comprises a first surface with ports mating with the first docking surface and ports therein and
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`a second surface with ports mating with the second docking surface. The modified fiber
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`interlinks can be placed in fixed relationship to the mu|ti—channe| planar optical waveguide.
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`In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that an embodiment of the present
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`invention can provide an optical sub—assemb|y including at least one mu|ti—channe| planar
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`waveguide and at least one modified fiber interlink. An exemplary optical sub—assemb|y can
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`include (1) a multi—channel planar waveguide having two or more ports to at least two
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`channels, and (2) at least two modified fiber interlinks, each having at least a pair of optical
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`fibers with ports for mating with channels in the planar waveguide. Selected channels ofthe
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`mu|ti—channe| planar waveguide can form communication channels between two modified
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`fiber interlinks.
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`An exemplary embodiment of the present invention can address the need for precise
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`manufacturing processes. In addition, an exemplary embodiment also can open the door for
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`incorporating improvements and features in conjunction with waveguide—to—waveguide
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`junctures. An exemplary modified fiber interlink system can capture the advantages of fiber
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`shape modifi