Segmented photodetectors for detection and compensation of modal dispersion in optical waveguides
AssigneeGeorgia Tech Research Corporation
InventorsStephen E. Ralph, Ketan Patel
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems for detection and compensation of modal dispersion in an optical fiber system including a multisegment photodetector coupled to an end of an optical fiber for detecting optical signals exiting the optical fiber and for converting the optical signals to an electrical output are provided. A representative multisegment photodetector includes a plurality of photodetector regions configured such that each of the plurality of photodetectors detects a portion of the plurality of optical signals exiting the end of the optical fiber and modifies the signal to reduce the affects of modal dispersion. Other systems are also provided
Claims26
A photodetector, comprising:
- a plurality of detection zones for detecting a plurality of modes of light incident on the plurality of detection zones, the plurality of detection zones positioned adjacent to one another on a substrate and arranged in a coplanar, annular configuration;
- and
- a plurality of segments located within the detection zones, each of the segments being adapted to detect the plurality of modes.
A system for correcting modal dispersion in an optical fiber system, comprising:
- a multisegment photodetector coupled to an end of an optical fiber for detecting optical signals exiting the optical fiber and for converting the optical signals to an electrical output, the multisegment photodetector including a plurality of photodetector regions configured such that one of the plurality of photodetectors regions intercepts a mode in a manner distinct from another of the plurality of photodetectors.
A photodetector system for use in an optical fiber system, comprising:
- means for individually detecting a plurality of modes exiting an optical fiber;
- and
- means for correcting for timing differences in the plurality of modes.
A photodetection system, comprising:
- a plurality of photodetectors positioned on a substrate, the plurality of photodetectors each having a plurality of segmented generally coplanar conductive layers including an active layer where an optical signal incident thereupon is converted to an electrical output;
- and
- a protective layer between each active layer to electrically isolate the plurality of segmented generally coplanar conductive layers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.