Phillip B Baker

US Patent:

54521246, Sep 19, 1995

Filed:

Mar 4, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/206423

Inventors:

Phillip E. Baker - Tulsa OK

Assignee:

Williams Telecommunications Group, Inc. - Tulsa OK

International Classification:

H04B 900

US Classification:

359341

Abstract:

A device in accordance with the invention uses a novel four-port wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) filter and a single erbium-doped optical amplifier (EDFA) to implement a dual wavelength bi-directional (single fiber) optical amplifier module. A system using an amplifier module in accordance with the invention, advantageously allows communication network managers to simultaneously reduce the cost of signal amplification hardware across a fiber optic network, increase fiber utilization, simplify field installation and maintenance operations, and maintain adherence to conventional protection philosophies such as "one system per fiber. ".

US Patent:

53194837, Jun 7, 1994

Filed:

Dec 4, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/985288

Inventors:

Jerzy S. Krasinski - Sillwater OK
Gary W. Pearson - Sillwater OK
Phillip E. Baker - Tulsa OK

Assignee:

Williams Telecommunications Group, Inc. - Tulsa OK
Bd. of Regents, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater OK

International Classification:

H04B 1024
G02B 530

US Classification:

359113

Abstract:

There is provided an optical circulator (16) for bidirectional communication on a fiber optic communication transmission system. A reflection rhomb (17) includes a polarizing thin film (26) and an inclined, internally reflecting end surface (22). A first birefringent crystal (28) is disposed against the reflection rhomb (17). A quartz rotator (34) is disposed against the opposite side of the first birefringent crystal (28). A Faraday rotator (40) is disposed against the opposite side of the quartz rotator (34). A second birefringent crystal (46) is disposed against the opposite side of the Faraday rotator (40). The components of optical circulator (16) cooperate such that light transmitted into port 1 exits from port 2, and light transmitted into port 2 exits from port 3.

US Patent:

57742456, Jun 30, 1998

Filed:

Jul 8, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/675225

Inventors:

Phillip E. Baker - Tulsa OK

Assignee:

WorldCom Network Services, Inc. - Tulsa OK

International Classification:

H04J 1402

US Classification:

359128

Abstract:

An all optical cross-connect module is described that, in addition to routing optical signals, provides signal monitoring and signal path identification capabilities. In one embodiment, each bidirectional cross-connect module comprises two four-port wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) filters. One filter has a transmit-signal input (Tx-In) port, a transmit-signal (Tx-Out) output port, a transmit-monitor output (Tx-Mon-Out) port, and a path identification output (Path-ID-Out) port. The second filter has a receive-signal input (Rx-In) port, a receive-signal output (Rx-Out) port, a dual function path identification input/receive-signal monitor output (Path-ID-In/Rx-Mon-Out) port, and one port that is optically terminated to prevent signal reflections. Each of the two filters are designed to couple selected frequencies to the appropriate port. In alternative embodiments, a combination of standard couplers and three-port WDM filters are combined to provide substantially the same functionality.