Multi-layer optical circuit and method for making
First Claim
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1. An optical circuit comprising:
- a first optical circuit layer disposed on a first substrate portion;
a second optical circuit layer disposed on a second substrate portion;
wherein the first and second substrate portions are physically separate from each otheran optical fiber of the first and second optical circuit layers extending continuously between the first and second optical circuit layers; and
a third optical circuit disposed on a third substrate portion, wherein an optical fiber of the third optical circuit layer extends continuously between the third optical circuit layer and at least one of the first and second optical circuit layers.
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Abstract
A multi-layer optical circuit has a plurality of optical circuit layers. Each optical circuit layer is positioned on a corresponding one of a plurality of substrates. An optical fiber extends between at least two of the optical circuit layers and forms a portion of the at least two of the plurality of optical circuit layers.
97 Citations
23 Claims
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1. An optical circuit comprising:
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a first optical circuit layer disposed on a first substrate portion; a second optical circuit layer disposed on a second substrate portion; wherein the first and second substrate portions are physically separate from each other an optical fiber of the first and second optical circuit layers extending continuously between the first and second optical circuit layers; and a third optical circuit disposed on a third substrate portion, wherein an optical fiber of the third optical circuit layer extends continuously between the third optical circuit layer and at least one of the first and second optical circuit layers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of forming a multi-layer optical circuit comprising:
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patterning optical fibers to create a first layer of the optical circuit on a first substrate; patterning optical fibers to create a second layer of the optical circuit on a second substrate, wherein the first and second substrates are separated from each other, and wherein at least one optical fiber is integral with and extends between the first layer and the second layer; patterning optical fibers to create a third layer of the optical circuit on a third substrate, and wherein at least one optical fiber extends from at least one of the first layer of the optical circuit on the first substrate and the second layer of the optical circuit on the second substrate; and positioning the first, second and third substrates in a layered arrangement. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of forming a multi-layer optical circuit comprising:
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patterning optical fibers to create a first layer of the optical circuit on a first substrate; patterning optical fibers to create a second layer of the optical circuit on a second substrate, wherein the first and second substrates are separated from each other, and wherein at least one optical fiber is integral with and extends between the first layer and the second layer; positioning the first and second substrates in a coplanar orientation prior to patterning optical fibers to create a first layer of the optical circuit on the first substrate and patterning optical fibers to create a second layer of the optical circuit on the second substrate, wherein positioning the first and second substrates in a layered arrangement comprises positioning the first and second substrates in a bi-planar orientation subsequent to patterning optical fibers to create a first layer of the optical circuit on the first substrate and patterning optical fibers to create a second layer of the optical circuit on the second substrate.
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14. A method of forming a multi-layer optical circuit comprising:
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patterning first and second optical circuits on first and second substrates, wherein said first and second circuits include a common optical fiber; positioning said first and second substrates in a stacked arrangement, wherein said positioning comprises a substrate manipulation selected from the group consisting of bending, folding, twisting and rotating at least one of the first and second substrates relative to the other; and patterning a third optical circuit on a third substrate, wherein said third circuit includes a common optical fiber with one of said first and second optical circuits. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification