Fiber optic transceiver
First Claim
1. A fiber optic transceiver capable of bi-directional communication comprising:
- a. an incoming optical signal;
b. a detector comprising a detecting surface configured to detect a detected portion of the incoming optical signal that strikes the detecting surface;
c. a light modulator for modulating a reflected signal; and
d. a focusing member; and
e. an optical channel, wherein the reflected signal comprises a reflected portion of the incoming signal, wherein the light modulator comprises a controllable reflection member for modulating the reflected signal, wherein the controllable reflection member is mounted on a tilting plate operatively coupled with a stable surface, wherein an angle of the tilting plate relative to the incoming optical signal is controlled, wherein the tilting plate is controllably positionable at a first angle and a second angle, wherein the tilting plate, the focusing member and the optical channel are configured such that a positioning of the tilting plate at the first angle directs the reflected signal through the focusing member in a manner calculated to impart a first intensity of the reflected signal into the optical channel, and a positioning of the tilting plate at the second angle directs the reflected signal through the focusing member in a manner calculated to impart a second intensity of the reflected signal into the optical channel, and wherein the first and second intensity levels are distinct.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fiber optic transceiver capable of bi-directional communication comprises an incoming optical (downlink) signal, a detector comprising a detecting surface configured to detect a detected portion of the incoming optical signal that strikes the detecting surface, and a light modulator for modulating a reflected (uplink) signal. The reflected signal comprises a reflected portion of the incoming signal. The light modulator comprises a controllable reflection member for modulating the reflected signal, and a controller configured to control the controllable reflection member. The controllable reflection member implements micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology wherein micro-reflective surfaces are physically positioned or oriented by the control signal, thereby affecting reflection and diffraction in such a way as to modulate the intensity of light entering an uplink channel.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A fiber optic transceiver capable of bi-directional communication comprising:
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a. an incoming optical signal;
b. a detector comprising a detecting surface configured to detect a detected portion of the incoming optical signal that strikes the detecting surface;
c. a light modulator for modulating a reflected signal; and
d. a focusing member; and
e. an optical channel, wherein the reflected signal comprises a reflected portion of the incoming signal, wherein the light modulator comprises a controllable reflection member for modulating the reflected signal, wherein the controllable reflection member is mounted on a tilting plate operatively coupled with a stable surface, wherein an angle of the tilting plate relative to the incoming optical signal is controlled, wherein the tilting plate is controllably positionable at a first angle and a second angle, wherein the tilting plate, the focusing member and the optical channel are configured such that a positioning of the tilting plate at the first angle directs the reflected signal through the focusing member in a manner calculated to impart a first intensity of the reflected signal into the optical channel, and a positioning of the tilting plate at the second angle directs the reflected signal through the focusing member in a manner calculated to impart a second intensity of the reflected signal into the optical channel, and wherein the first and second intensity levels are distinct. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A fiber optic transceiver capable of bi-directional communication comprising:
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a. an incoming optical signal;
b. a detector comprising a detecting surface configured to detect a detected portion of the incoming optical signal that strikes the detecting surface;
c. a light modulator for modulating a reflected signal, wherein the reflected signal comprises a reflected portion of the incoming signal, wherein the light modulator comprises a controllable reflection member for modulating the reflected signal, wherein the detecting surface comprises an integrated photodiode, and wherein the reflection member comprises a diffraction grating comprising a plurality of elongated elements, including a first elongated element with a first reflective surface defining a first plane and a second elongated element defining a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, and wherein a separation distance between the first plane and the second plane is controllable to a first separation distance and a second separation distance, the first separation distance calculated to create a first pattern of light distribution within the reflected signal, and the second separation distance calculated to create a second pattern of light distribution within the reflected signal. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for transmitting an optical signal comprising the steps:
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a. receiving an incoming optical signal;
b. reflecting a portion of the incoming signal off of a reflective member, thereby forming a reflected signal; and
c. controlling the reflecting member to modulate the signal containing information, wherein the reflecting member comprises a first elongated member with a first planar surface defining a first plane and a second elongated member with a second planar surface defining a second plane, the first and second planar surfaces being substantially parallel, and wherein the step of controlling the reflecting member further comprises the steps;
a. controlling a separation distance between the first plane and the second plane; and
b. directing the reflected signal through a lens, wherein the step of controlling the separation distance between the first plane and the second plane is calculated to control a diffraction pattern in such a way as to control an intensity of reflected light entering an optical channel. - View Dependent Claims (23)
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Specification