Patent ID: 7006725
Filing Date: 2006-02-28
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An optical interferometer, comprising: a first optical fiber having a first end for receiving a signal input and providing a first output and a first reflective end opposite the first end; a second optical fiber having a second output end and a second reflective end; and an optical coupler for coupling the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber between the first end and first reflective end of the first optical fiber and the second output end and second reflective end of the second optical fiber; wherein the first optical fiber provides a first optical path from the optical coupler to the first reflective end and back to the optical coupler and the second optical fiber provides a second optical path from the optical coupler to the second reflective end and back to the optical coupler; and wherein the second path is greater than the first path by a delay length and the first path and and the second path are each less than approximately 20 cm, and the delay length corresponds to approximately one bit of the modulated signal.