This disclosed subject matter relates generally to devices used in fiber-optic communication and, in some non-limiting embodiments, to a design for an optical waveguide interferometer that has controllable length imbalance and minimum bends.
Optical communication (e.g., optical telecommunication) may refer to a method of communication between two locations at a distance apart using light to carry information. An optical communication system may use a transmitter, which encodes a message into an optical signal, a channel, which carries the optical signal to its destination, and a receiver, which reproduces the message from the optical signal that is received by the receiver.
Fiber-optic communication may refer to a form of optical communication that involves transmitting information from one place to another by sending pulses of light (e.g., infrared light) through an optical fiber. The light may be used as a form of carrier wave that is modulated to carry the information. Optical fiber may be preferred over electrical cabling in specific situations, such as when high bandwidth, long distance, and/or immunity to electromagnetic interference is required. Fiber-optic communication can transmit voice, video, and telemetry through local area networks or across long distances.
An interferometer may refer to a device in which the interference of two beams of light is used to provide information (e.g., in the form of measurements, signals, etc.). In optical communication, an interferometer may be used as an electro-optic modulator for phase and/or amplitude modulation of light. In some instances, a delay line interferometer (DLI), which may include a Mach-Zehnder interferometer or a Michelson interferometer, may involve the use of a beam of light that is time-delayed as compared to another beam of light by a desired interval of time. A DLI may be referred to as an optical differential phase shift keying (DPSK) demodulator, such that the DLI may convert a phase-keyed signal into an amplitude-keyed signal. In such an instance, an incoming DPSK optical signal may be split into two equal-intensity beams at an input of the two arms of the DLI. In this way, one beam is delayed by a difference in the optical paths of the two arms, which may correspond to 1-bit time delay. Following recombination of the two equal-intensity beams at an output of the two arms of the DLI, the beams may interfere with each other constructively or destructively. The resultant interference intensity may be used as a signal that carried information, such as an intensity-keyed signal.
Accordingly, it is an object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide an optical waveguide interferometer that overcomes some or all of the deficiencies of the prior art.
According to non-limiting embodiments, provided is an optical waveguide interferometer, comprising: an input section; a middle section; an output section; a first arm portion having a first length that spans the input section, the middle section, and the output section; and a second arm portion having a second length that spans the input section, the middle section, and the output section; wherein the first length of the first arm portion is less than the second length of the second arm portion; and wherein the second arm portion has a curved shape.
According to non-limiting embodiments, provided is an optical waveguide interferometer, comprising: a first stage comprising: a first input section; a first middle section; and a first output section; wherein the first stage further comprises: a first short arm portion that spans the first input section, the first middle section, and the first output section; and a first long arm portion that spans the first input section, the first middle section, and the first output section; wherein a span of the first short arm portion in the first middle section is shorter than a span of the first long arm portion in the first middle section; and wherein the first long arm portion has a first curved shape; a second stage comprising: a second input section; a second middle section; and a second output section; wherein the second stage further comprises: a second short arm portion that spans the second input section, the second middle section, and the second output section; and a second long arm portion that spans the second input section, the second middle section, and the second output section; wherein a span of the second short arm portion in the second middle section is shorter than a span of the second long arm portion in the second middle section; wherein the second long arm portion has a second curved shape; and wherein the first output section of the first stage is coupled to the second input section of the second stage.
According to non-limiting embodiments, provided is an optical waveguide interferometer, comprising: a first stage comprising: a first input section; a first middle section; and a first output section; wherein the first stage further comprises: a first short arm portion that spans the first input section, the first middle section, and the first output section; and a first long arm portion that spans the first input section, the first middle section, and the first output section; wherein a span of the first short arm portion in the first middle section is shorter than a span of the first long arm portion in the first middle section; and wherein the first long arm portion has a first curved shape; a second stage comprising: a second input section; a second middle section; and a second output section; wherein the second stage further comprises: a second short arm portion that spans the second input section, the second middle section, and the second output section; and a second long arm portion that spans the second input section, the second middle section, and the second output section; wherein a span of the second short arm portion in the second middle section is shorter than a span of the second long arm portion in the second middle section; wherein the second long arm portion has a second curved shape; wherein the first output section of the first stage is coupled to the second input section of the second stage; and wherein the first output section of the first stage is not parallel to the second input section of the second stage.
Further embodiments are set forth in the following numbered clauses:
Clause 1: An optical waveguide interferometer, comprising: an input section; a middle section; an output section; a first arm portion having a first length that spans the input section, the middle section, and the output section; and a second arm portion having a second length that spans the input section, the middle section, and the output section; wherein the first length of the first arm portion is less than the second length of the second arm portion; and wherein the second arm portion has a curved shape.
Clause 2: The optical waveguide interferometer of clause 1, wherein the first arm portion has a first bend at a transition of the first arm portion between the input section and the middle section; and wherein the second arm portion has a second bend at a transition of the second arm portion between the input section and the middle section.
Clause 3: The optical waveguide interferometer of clause 1 or 2, wherein the first arm portion has a third bend at a transition of the first arm portion between the middle section and the output section; and wherein the second arm portion has a fourth bend at a transition of the second arm portion between the middle section and the output section.
Clause 4: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 1-3, wherein a first angle is defined by the first arm portion after the first bend at the transition of the first arm portion between the input section and the middle section and the second arm portion at the transition of the second arm portion between the input section and the middle section after the second bend; and wherein a second angle is defined by the first arm portion before the third bend at the transition of the first arm portion between the middle section and the output section and the second arm portion before the fourth bend at the transition of the second arm portion between the middle section and the output section; and wherein the first angle and the second angle are equal.
Clause 5: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the first arm portion has a first bend at a transition of the first arm portion between the input section and the middle section; and wherein the first arm portion extends in a straight line to a third bend at a transition between the middle section and the output section.
Clause 6: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the first arm portion at the input section is parallel to the second arm portion at the input section.
Clause 7: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the first arm portion at the output section is parallel to the second arm portion at the output section.
Clause 8: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the first arm portion has a first bend at a transition of the first arm portion between the input section and the middle section; wherein the second arm portion has a second bend at a transition of the second arm portion between the input section and the middle section; and wherein the first arm portion before the first bend at the input section is parallel to the second arm portion before the second bend at the input section.
Clause 9: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the first arm portion has a third bend at a transition of the first arm portion between the middle section and the output section; wherein the second arm portion has a fourth bend at a transition of the second arm portion between the middle section and the output section; and wherein the first arm portion after the third bend at the output section is parallel to the second arm portion after the fourth bend at the output section.
Clause 10: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 1-9, wherein a span of the first arm portion in the middle section has a width that is different than a width of a span of the second arm portion in the middle section.
Clause 11: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 1-10, wherein a first span of the first arm portion in the middle section has a width that is different than a width of a second span of the first arm portion in the middle section.
Clause 12: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 1-11, wherein a first span of the second arm portion in the middle section has a width that is different than a width of a second span of the second arm portion in the middle section.
Clause 13: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the input section is a first input section of a first stage, wherein the middle section is a first middle section of the first stage, and wherein the output section is a first output section of the first stage, and the optical waveguide interferometer further comprises: a second stage, wherein the second stage comprises: a second input section; a second middle section; a second output section; and wherein the first output section of the first stage is coupled to the second input section of the second stage.
Clause 14: An optical waveguide interferometer, comprising: a first stage comprising: a first input section; a first middle section; and a first output section; wherein the first stage further comprises: a first short arm portion that spans the first input section, the first middle section, and the first output section; and a first long arm portion that spans the first input section, the first middle section, and the first output section; wherein a span of the first short arm portion in the first middle section is shorter than a span of the first long arm portion in the first middle section; and wherein the first long arm portion has a first curved shape; a second stage comprising: a second input section; a second middle section; and a second output section; wherein the second stage further comprises: a second short arm portion that spans the second input section, the second middle section, and the second output section; and a second long arm portion that spans the second input section, the second middle section, and the second output section; wherein a span of the second short arm portion in the second middle section is shorter than a span of the second long arm portion in the second middle section; wherein the second long arm portion has a second curved shape; and wherein the first output section of the first stage is coupled to the second input section of the second stage.
Clause 15: The optical waveguide interferometer of clause 14, wherein the first short arm portion has a first bend at a transition of the first short arm portion between the first input section and the first middle section; wherein the first long arm portion has a second bend at a transition of the first long arm portion between the first input section and the first middle section; wherein the first short arm portion has a third bend at a transition of the first short arm portion between the first middle section and the first output section; wherein the first long arm portion has a fourth bend at a transition of the first long arm portion between the first middle section and the first output section; wherein a first angle is defined by the first short arm portion after the first bend and the first long arm portion after the second bend; wherein a second angle is defined by the first short arm portion before the third bend and the first long arm portion before the fourth bend; wherein the first angle and the second angle are equal; wherein the second short arm portion has a fifth bend at a transition of the second short arm portion between the second input section and the second middle section; wherein the second long arm portion has a sixth bend at a transition of the second long arm portion between the second input section and the second middle section; wherein the second short arm portion has a seventh bend at a transition of the second short arm portion between the second middle section and the second output section; wherein the second long arm portion has an eighth bend at a transition of the second long arm portion between the second middle section and the second output section; wherein a third angle is defined by the second short arm portion after the fifth bend and the second long arm portion after the sixth bend; wherein a fourth angle is defined by the second short arm portion before the seventh bend and the second long arm portion before the eighth bend; and wherein the third angle and the fourth angle are equal.
Clause 16: The optical waveguide interferometer of clauses 14 or 15, wherein the first short arm portion has a first bend at a transition of the first short arm portion between the first input section and the first middle section; wherein the first short arm portion extends in a straight line to a third bend at a transition between the first middle section and the first output section; wherein the second short arm portion has a fifth bend at a transition of the second short arm portion between the second input section and the second middle section; and wherein the second short arm portion extends in a straight line to a seventh bend at a transition between the second middle section and the second output section.
Clause 17: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 14-16, wherein a span of the first short arm portion in the first middle section has a width that is different than a width of a span of the first long arm portion in the first middle section; and wherein a span of the second short arm portion in the second middle section has a width that is different than a width of a span of the second long arm portion in the second middle section.
Clause 18: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 14-17, wherein a first span of the first short arm portion in the first middle section has a width that is different than a width of a second span of the first short arm portion in the first middle section; and wherein a third span of the second short arm portion in the second middle section has a width that is different than a width of a fourth span of the second short arm portion in the second middle section.
Clause 19: The optical waveguide interferometer of any of clauses 14-18, wherein a first span of the first long arm portion in the first middle section has a width that is different than a width of a second span of the first long arm portion in the first middle section; and wherein a third span of the second long arm portion in the second middle section has a width that is different than a width of a fourth span of the second long arm portion in the second middle section.
Clause 20: An optical waveguide interferometer, comprising: a first stage comprising: a first input section; a first middle section; and a first output section; wherein the first stage further comprises: a first short arm portion that spans the first input section, the first middle section, and the first output section; and a first long arm portion that spans the first input section, the first middle section, and the first output section; wherein a span of the first short arm portion in the first middle section is shorter than a span of the first long arm portion in the first middle section; and wherein the first long arm portion has a first curved shape; a second stage comprising: a second input section; a second middle section; and a second output section; wherein the second stage further comprises: a second short arm portion that spans the second input section, the second middle section, and the second output section; and a second long arm portion that spans the second input section, the second middle section, and the second output section; wherein a span of the second short arm portion in the second middle section is shorter than a span of the second long arm portion in the second middle section; wherein the second long arm portion has a second curved shape; wherein the first output section of the first stage is coupled to the second input section of the second stage; and wherein the first output section of the first stage is not parallel to the second input section of the second stage.
These and other features and characteristics of the presently disclosed subject matter, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosed subject matter. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Additional advantages and details of the disclosed subject matter are explained in greater detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying figures, in which:
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosed subject matter as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting unless otherwise indicated.
No aspect, component, element, structure, act, step, function, instruction, and/or the like used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” and “at least one.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, and/or the like) and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” or “at least one.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based at least partially on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.
In some non-limiting embodiments, a sequence of 90 degree bends of optical fibers (e.g., which act as waveguides) may be used to define the arms of a delay line interferometer (DLI), to keep a number of bends the same in both arms of the DLI and to have a specific length imbalance as desired. However, depending on a particular application, such as a DLI on a planar photonic integrated circuit, it may be important to have a DLI with an overall compact size, which may be determined based on specific arm lengths, and minimum excess bending (e.g., a minimum number of turns, turns without sharp bends, etc.) to allow for proper routing of optical signals. Any extra waveguides introduced in the arms of the DLI may increase a risk of getting a response that is detuned because of design and/or manufacturing variations.
According to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, an optical waveguide interferometer may include an input section, a middle section, and an output section, wherein the optical waveguide interferometer further includes a first arm portion having a first length that spans the input section, the middle section, and the output section, and a second arm portion having a second length that spans the input section, the middle section, and the output section, where the first length of the first arm portion is less than the second length of the second arm portion, and wherein the second arm portion has a curved shape (e.g., a curved shape that has a degree of bending that is less than 90 degrees).
In some non-limiting embodiments, the first arm portion may have a first bend at a transition of the first arm portion between the input section and the middle section, and the second arm portion may have a second bend at a transition of the second arm portion between the input section and the middle section. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first arm portion has a third bend at a transition of the first arm portion between the middle section and the output section, and the second arm portion has a fourth bend at a transition of the second arm portion between the middle section and the output section. In some non-limiting embodiments, a first angle is defined by the first arm portion after the first bend at the transition of the first arm portion between the input section and the middle section and the second arm portion at the transition of the second arm portion between the input section and the middle section after the second bend, and a second angle is defined by the first arm portion before the third bend at the transition of the first arm portion between the middle section and the output section and the second arm portion before the fourth bend at the transition of the second arm portion between the middle section and the output section. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first angle and the second angle are equal.
In some non-limiting embodiments, the first arm portion has a first bend at a transition of the first arm portion between the input section and the middle section and the first arm portion extends in a straight line to a third bend at a transition between the middle section and the output section. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first arm portion at the input section is parallel to the second arm portion at the input section. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first arm portion at the output section is parallel to the second arm portion at the output section. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first arm portion has a first bend at a transition of the first arm portion between the input section and the middle section, the second arm portion has a second bend at a transition of the second arm portion between the input section and the middle section, and the first arm portion before the first bend at the input section is parallel to the second arm portion before the second bend at the input section. In some non-limiting embodiments, the first arm portion has a third bend at a transition of the first arm portion between the middle section and the output section, the second arm portion has a fourth bend at a transition of the second arm portion between the middle section and the output section, and the first arm portion after the third bend at the output section is parallel to the second arm portion after the fourth bend at the output section.
In some non-limiting embodiments, a span of the first arm portion in the middle section has a width that is different than a width of a span of the second arm portion in the middle section. In some non-limiting embodiments, a first span of the first arm portion in the middle section has a width that is different than a width of a second span of the first arm portion in the middle section. In some non-limiting embodiments, a first span of the second arm portion in the middle section has a width that is different than a width of a second span of the second arm portion in the middle section. In some non-limiting embodiments, the input section is a first input section of a first stage, wherein the middle section is a first middle section of the first stage, and wherein the output section is a first output section of the first stage. In some non-limiting embodiments, the optical waveguide interferometer may further include a second stage that may include a second input section, a second middle section, a second output section, and the first output section of the first stage is coupled to the second input section of the second stage.
In this way, the optical waveguide interferometer may allow for a design to have a compact size that is appropriate for a particular application, such as a planar photonic integrated circuit. In addition, the optical waveguide interferometer may allow for minimum excess bending (e.g., a minimum number of turns, turns without sharp bends, etc.) to allow for proper routing of optical signals through the optical waveguide interferometer that reduces attenuation, undesired interference, and minimizes signal loss. In addition, a shape of arm portions may have a size and configuration that allows for a compact design for a particular application, such as a finite impulse response (FIR) lattice filter.
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In some non-limiting embodiments, a part of second arm portion 110 (e.g., a part of second arm portion 110 that spans middle section 104 of optical waveguide interferometer 100) may have a curved shape that is planar to (e.g., in the same plane as) a part of first arm portion 108 (e.g., a part of first arm portion 108 that spans middle section 104 of optical waveguide interferometer 100). For example, a part of second arm portion 110 may extend in two dimensions in the same way in which a part of first arm portion 108 may extend.
In some non-limiting embodiments, a part of second arm portion 110 may have a shape (e.g., a curved shape) that is not in the same plane as a part of first arm portion 108. For example, a part of second arm portion 110 that spans middle section 104 may be positioned in a plane that is orthogonal to a plane in which a part of first arm portion 108 that spans middle section 104 is positioned. In some non-limiting embodiments, a part of second arm portion 110 and/or a part of first arm portion 108 may have a three-dimensional configuration.
In some non-limiting embodiments, first arm portion 108 may have first bend 112 between input section 102 and middle section 104. For example, first arm portion 108 may have first bend 112 at a transition of first arm portion 108 between input section 102 and middle section 104. In some non-limiting embodiments, second arm portion 110 may have second bend 114 between input section 102 and middle section 104.
In some non-limiting embodiments, first arm portion 108 may have third bend 116 between middle section 104 and output section 106. For example, first arm portion 108 may have third bend 116 at a transition of first arm portion 108 between middle section 104 and output section 106. In some non-limiting embodiments, second arm portion 110 may have fourth bend 118 between middle section 104 and output section 106. For example, second arm portion may have fourth bend 118 at a transition of second arm portion 110 between middle section 104 and output section 106.
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In some non-limiting embodiments, first angle 120 may be defined based on an angle between two lines, such as lines 124a and 124b. In some non-limiting embodiments, line 124a may be a line that is parallel to and along first arm portion 108 (e.g., concentric with first arm portion 108, along an inside edge of first arm portion 108, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments, line 124b may be a line that is tangential to an inflection point in second arm portion 110. For example, line 124b may be a line that is tangential to a point where a shape of second arm portion transition from positive curvature to negative curvature or vice versa. In another example, line 124b may be a line that is tangential to a point where a shape of second arm portion transition from positive curvature or negative curvature to no curvature (e.g., zero curvature).
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In some non-limiting embodiments, first angle 122 may be defined based on an angle between two lines, such as lines 126a and 126b. In some non-limiting embodiments, line 126a may be a line that is parallel to and along first arm portion 108 (e.g., concentric with first arm portion 108, along an inside edge of first arm portion 108, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments, line 126b may be a line that is tangential to an inflection point in second arm portion 110. For example, line 126b may be a line that is tangential to a point where a shape of second arm portion transition from positive curvature to negative curvature or vice versa. In another example, line 126b may be a line that is tangential to a point where a shape of second arm portion transition from positive curvature or negative curvature to no curvature (e.g., zero curvature).
In some non-limiting embodiments, first angle 120 and second angle 122 may be equal. In some non-limiting embodiments, first angle 120 and/or second angle 122 may be sized and configured to achieve a specific length imbalance between first arm portion 108 and second arm portion 110.
In some non-limiting embodiments, first arm portion 108 extends in a straight line along middle section 104. For example, first arm portion 108 extends in a straight line from first bend 112 at a transition of first arm portion 108 between input section 102 and middle section 104 to third bend 116 at a transition between middle section 104 and output section 106. In some non-limiting embodiments, a part of first arm portion 108 may be parallel to (e.g., may extend in a direction parallel to) a part of second arm portion 110. For example, first arm portion 108 may be parallel to second arm portion 110 at input section 102. In another example, first arm portion 108 may be parallel to second arm portion 110 at output section 106.
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In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 524a of first arm portion 508 may have a width that is different than a width of second span 524b of first arm portion 508. In one example, first span 524a of first arm portion 508 may have a width that is larger than a width of second span 524b of first arm portion 508. In another example, first span 524a of first arm portion 508 may have a width that is smaller than a width of second span 524b of first arm portion 508. In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 524a of first arm portion 508 may have a length that is different than a length of second span 524b of first arm portion 508. In one example, first span 524a of first arm portion 508 may have a length that is larger than a length of second span 524b of first arm portion 508. In another example, first span 524a of first arm portion 508 may have a length that is smaller than a length of second span 524b of first arm portion 508. In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 524a of first arm portion 508 may have a length that is equal to a length of second span 524b of first arm portion 508.
In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 524a and second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may be positioned in the same section of first arm portion 508. For example, first span 524a and second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may be positioned in middle section 504 of optical waveguide interferometer 500. In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 524a and second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may be positioned in different sections of first arm portion 508. For example, first span 524a of first arm portion 508 may be positioned in input section 502 of optical waveguide interferometer 500, and second span 524b may be positioned in middle section 504 of optical waveguide interferometer 500.
In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 526a of second arm portion 510 may have a width that is different than a width of second span 526b of second arm portion 510. In one example, first span 526a of second arm portion 510 may have a width that is larger than a width of second span 526b of second arm portion 510. In another example, first span 526a of second arm portion 510 may have a width that is smaller than a width of second span 526b of second arm portion 510. In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 526a of second arm portion 510 may have a length that is different than a length of second span 526b of second arm portion 510. In one example, first span 526a of second arm portion 510 may have a length that is larger than a length of second span 526b of second arm portion 510. In another example, first span 526a of second arm portion 510 may have a length that is smaller than a length of second span 526b of second arm portion 510. In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 526a of second arm portion 510 may have a length that is equal to a length of second span 526b of second arm portion 510.
In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 526a and second span 526b of first arm portion 508 may be positioned in the same section of first arm portion 508. For example, first span 526a and second span 526b of second arm portion 510 may be positioned in middle section 504 of optical waveguide interferometer 500. In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 526a and second span 526b of second arm portion 510 may be positioned in different sections of first arm portion 508. For example, first span 526a of second arm portion 510 may be positioned in input section 502 of optical waveguide interferometer 500, and second span 526b may be positioned in middle section 504 of optical waveguide interferometer 500.
In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 524a and/or second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may have a width that is different than a width of first span 526a and/or second span 526b of second arm portion 510. In one example, first span 524a and/or second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may have a width that is larger than a width of first span 526a and/or second span 526b of second arm portion 510. In another example, first span 524a and/or second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may have a width that is smaller than a width of first span 526a and/or second span 526b of second arm portion 510.
In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 524a and/or second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may have a length that is different than a length of first span 526a and/or second span 526b of second arm portion 510. In one example, first span 524a and/or second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may have a length that is larger than a length of first span 526a and/or second span 526b of second arm portion 510. In another example, first span 524a and/or second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may have a length that is smaller than a length of first span 526a and/or second span 526b of second arm portion 510. In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 524a and/or second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may have a length that is equal to a length of first span 526a and/or second span 526b of second arm portion 510.
In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 524a and/or second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may be positioned in the same section of optical waveguide interferometer 500 as first span 526a and/or second span 526b of second arm portion 510. For example, first span 524a and/or second span 524b of first arm portion 508 and first span 526a and/or second span 526b of second arm portion 510 may be positioned in middle section 504 of optical waveguide interferometer 500. In some non-limiting embodiments, first span 524a and/or second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may be positioned in different sections of optical waveguide interferometer 500 as compared to first span 526a and/or second span 526b of second arm portion 510. For example, first span 524a and/or second span 524b of first arm portion 508 may be positioned in input section 502 of optical waveguide interferometer 500, and first span 526a and/or second span 526b of second arm portion 510 may be positioned in middle section 504 of optical waveguide interferometer 500.
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In some non-limiting embodiments, one or more stages of optical waveguide interferometer 600 maybe configured to be linearly aligned. For example, as further shown in
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