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CLASS 385,	OPTICAL WAVEGUIDES
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE CLASS SUBJECT MATTER

A. Subject matter appropriate to this class falls into one of the following categories: (1) An optical waveguiding element, per se, or a grouping thereof which conveys light from one point to another through an optically transparent elongated structure by modal transmission, total internal reflection, or total reflectorization. (2) A combination of an optical waveguiding element with an additional broadly recited optical element which couples light thereto or therefrom or a combination including a broadly recited optical element which couples light between plural optical waveguiding elements. (3) A combination of an optical waveguiding element with structure which mechanically joins this waveguiding element with another or with a diverse optical element. (4) An optical modulator where the modulation of a light wave characteristic is performed exclusively within an optical waveguiding element. (5) Other miscellaneous devices formed of an optical waveguide (e.g., a waveguide sensing device) and supplemental devices which are limited to use with an optical waveguide (e.g., an external clamp or retainer) not otherwise classifiable.

B. Nominally claimed structure, external to this class in combination with apparatus under the class definition, is classified in this class unless provided for in the appropriate external class.

C. Significantly claimed structure, external to this class claimed in combination with structure under the class definition, is classified in the class appropriate to the external device unless specifically excluded therefrom.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SECTION III - GLOSSARY

CONNECTING

The physical or mechanical joining of optical waveguiding structures to provide a stable region of light transfer therebetween. The waveguiding structures which are joined together are characterized by terminal ends which are mechanically prepared. This includes ferrule type housings for demountable as well as permanent connections, mechanical sleeves which partially or wholly surround and secure the ends of the structures or the light transfer regions, and "assistance-type" structures which serve to align and guide the ends of waveguiding structures into an effective light transfer relationship. The waveguiding structures which can be connected (as defined herein) include optical fibers, optical fiber bundles, nonfiber-like optical waveguides, and electro-optical transmitting or receiving devices (e.g., semiconductor laser diodes).

COUPLING

The interchange of light radiation among or between waveguiding structures,wherein the mechanical interconnection between the structures is of little or no importance. The radiation interchange may be accomplished through any of a number of physical phenomena, including the evanescent wave coupling phenomenon, various modal coupling phenomena, refraction, reflection, as well as through induced changes in structure parameters which govern light transmission (for example, electro-optically or electromagnetically induced refractive index changes in an "interaction" or coupling region). However, devices for input/output of a light wave to/from an optical confinement area, or devices for manipulating an optical wave within or adjacent to an optical confinement area, which employ holography, are classified in the holography area of the Class 359 schedule.

INPUT-OUTPUT COUPLING

The introduction of electromagnetic light radiation into an optical waveguiding structure from a source which is external to the structure, or the extraction of electromagnetic light radiation from an optical waveguiding structure to a detecting device at its exterior. This term ("input-output coupling") is specifically defined to include only the coupling of light from a source (e.g., a laser) into an optical waveguide or the coupling of light from an optical waveguide to a detector (e.g., a photodiode), and thus excludes the coupling of light between optical waveguides.

LIGHT TRANSMITTING ROD

Any optically transparent elongated structure used to transmit light from one end to the other end by other than modal transmission (e.g., in a random fashion).

OPTICAL FIBER

A light transmitting (optical) waveguide formed in a generally cylindrical form, often of extremely small diameter and of great length, which confines the transmitted radiation therewithin by means of the principle of total internal reflection. Optical fibers are usually comprised of a central light transmitting core of relatively high refractive index, surrounded by a concentric cladding of relatively low refractive index.

OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE

An optical waveguide is a waveguide which guides radiation in the visible and near-visible portions of the spectrum by means of total internal reflection.

TOTAL INTERNAL REFLECTION

A principle based upon Snell"s Law, which defines the relationship between incident and refracted light rays at a boundary between two media of different refractive indices: n₁ sin Q₁ = n₂ sin Q₂ where n₁ = refractive index of first medium; n₂ = refractive index of second medium; Q₁ = angle of incident ray at boundary; Q₂ = angle of refracted ray at boundary; For Q₂ = 90 degrees, the critical angle of incidence is given by Q_c= sin-¹(n₂/n₁). At angles of incidence greater than Q_c, the light is reflected from the boundary.

TOTALLY REFLECTORIZED

The state of an optical element having all of its inward facing lateral surfaces made reflectors, as for example by the coating thereof with a reflective metal.

WAVEGUIDE

A waveguide is defined as any structure capable of guiding electromagnetic radiation in a direction parallel to its axis, while substantially confining the radiation to a region within and adjacent to its surfaces.

SUBCLASSES

1	TEMPORAL OPTICAL MODULATION WITHIN AN OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein a device varies a property of light as a function of time only as it traverses the waveguide where such variation is in accordance with a varying signal which can be of any energy form. (1) Note. Such properties of the traversing light include amplitude, frequency, phase, or polarization. (2) Note. The variation can be imparted through elasto-optic, magneto-optic, acousto-optic, etc., interactions with the waveguide. (3) Note. Elasto-optic modulation involves varying a property of a light wave propagating in an optical waveguide by a mechanical stressing applied thereto. (4) Note. Magneto-optic modulation involves varying a property of a light wave propagating in an optical waveguide by a magnetic field applied thereto. (5) Note. Acousto-optic modulation involves varying a property of a light wave propagating in an optical waveguide by a modulating sonic (acoustic) wave applied thereto. (6) Note. The modulation must take place exclusively within the waveguide. Optical modulation occurring outside of a waveguide is classified in Class 359. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 4+, for directional modulation within fiber optics. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclasses 238+ for light wave temporal modulation outside of a waveguide.

2	Electro-optic:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein the optical properties of an optical waveguiding element which determine the temporal modula-tion are varied by an applied modulating electrical field. (1) Note. Includes electro-optic modulation within an optical waveguide using a particular optical coupling (for example, between juxtaposed (adjacent) waveguides). Also, included is electro-optic modulation performed by a combination of components integrated on a common substrate or chip. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 8, for directional electro-optic modulation within an optical waveguide. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclasses 245+ for electro-optic temporal modulation outside of an optical waveguide.

3	Phase modulation type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Subject matter wherein the normal zero phase of a constant amplitude optical wave (i.e., carrier wave) is shifted by an angle proportional to the amplitude of an impressed signal (i.e., modulating signal). (1) Note. A sinusoidal signal of zero phase will have a zero amplitude at the intersection of the x-y axis. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclasses 238+ for temporal phase modulation outside of a waveguide.

4	DIRECTIONAL OPTICAL MODULATION WITHIN AN OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein the path of a light wave exiting a waveguide is varied in accordance with a varying signal applied to the waveguide which can be of any energy form. (1) Note. The directional modulation must take place exclusively within the waveguide. Optical directional modulation occurring outside of a waveguide is classified in Class 359. (2) Note. This includes elasto-optic directional modulation, wherein deflection of a light wave output from an optical waveguide is varied in synchronization with the amplitude of an impressed mechanical stressing thereof. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 1+, for light wave temporal modulation within an optical waveguide wherein the light beam is modulated relative to time in accordance with the modulating input signal. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclasses 298+ for optical directional modulation out-side of an optical waveguide.

5	Light intensity dependent (e.g., nonlinear ef-fects):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Subject matter wherein the directional modulation is a function of the amplitude of the incident light wave itself. (1) Note. Includes thermo-optic directional modulation, wherein deflection of a light wave output from an optical waveguide is varied in response to the intensity of applied thermal radiation.

6	Magneto-optic:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Subject matter wherein properties of an optical waveguiding element which determine the directional modulation are con-trolled by a modulating magnetic field applied to the element. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclasses 298+ for magneto-optic directional modulation outside of a waveguide.

7	Acousto-optic:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Subject matter wherein proper-ties of an optical waveguiding element which determine the directional modulation are con-trolled by a modulating sonic wave applied to the element. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 181,  Acoustics,   appropriate subclasses for acoustic devices, in general. 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclasses 305+ for acousto-optic directional modulation outside of a waveguide. 367,  Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave System and Devices,   subclasses 140+ for acoustic transducers.

8	Electro-optic:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Subject matter wherein the optical properties of an optical waveguiding element which determine the directional modution are changed by a modulating electrical field applied to the element. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclasses 315+ for electro-optical directional modulation outside of a waveguide.

9	Coupling between waveguides:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 8.  Subject matter wherein coupling between juxtaposed optical transmission elements achieves electro-optic directional modulation. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 15+, for optical waveguide coupling, per se.

10	Diffraction grating (e.g., Bragg):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 8.  Subject matter wherein electro-optic directional modulation within a waveguide utilizes an element having a series of very close, equidistant, parallel lines, (i.e., grating) or wherein the waveguide has a grating impressed upon it by an externally applied field. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclasses 566+ for a diffraction grating, per se.

11	POLARIZATION WITHOUT MODULATION:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein the polarization of an incoming light wave is modified as a result of passing through an optical waveguiding element. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 1+, for time dependent polarization modulation of light within a waveguide. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclasses 483+ for light polarization without modulation outside of a waveguide.

12	OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE SENSOR:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter where-in an optical waveguide, per se, is responsive to an environmental change. (1) Note. This is a residual subclass for generic optical waveguide sensing elements which are not elsewhere classifiable. See the SEARCH CLASS notes below. (2) Note. Combinations of an optical waveguide with an external sensing element or sensing elements, per se, that are not optical waveguides, are classified else-where. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 94, for optical fiber/nonfiber device connectors which are sealed to exclude the effects of environmental conditions. 128, for coated optical fiber waveguides which may also act as a sensor under certain conditions. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 73,  Measuring and Testing,   subclass 293 for optical liquid level sensing; subclasses 488+ for optical speed or acceleration testing; subclass 577 for optical depth sensing; subclass 653 for optical vibration sensing; subclass 705 for optical fluid pressure sensing; subclass 800 for optical stress or strain sensors; and subclass 861.08 for optical sensing of volume and rate of flow. 235,  Registers,   subclass 473 for optical fiber coded record sensors. 250,  Radiant Energy,   subclasses 227.11+ for optical sensing systems employing light conductors and photocells. 324,  Electricity: Measuring and Testing,   subclass 96 for electrical testing using optical means and subclasses 244.1 for a magnetometer that uses optical means. 340,  Communications: Electrical,   subclass 555 for light beam intrusion detection and subclasses 853.1+ for wellbore testing. 346,  Recorders,   subclass 33 for wellbore recording. 356,  Optics: Measuring and Testing,   subclass 73.1 for optical measuring and testing for optical fiber/waveguide inspection. 367,  Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave System and Devices,   subclass 25 for wellbore telemetering and subclasses 140+ for acoustic transducers. 374,  Thermal Measuring and Testing,   subclass 131 for thermal sensing using optical fibers.

13	Including physical deformation or movement of waveguide:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 12.  Subject matter wherein the environmental change to be detected produces an alteration in the shape or position of the waveguide. (1) Note. Physical deformations include, for example, cutting or breaking of the waveguide, compressing or elongating the waveguide (or of the surrounding coating/substrate), or microbending the waveguide.

14	INTEGRATED OPTICAL CIRCUIT:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein a combination of transparent, elongated structures or components are formed on a common substrate or chip of monolithic or hybrid construction. (1) Note. Components in addition to the optical waveguide might include active optical elements (e.g., LED) or passive elements (e.g., lens). (2) Note. An integrated optical circuit including a combination of an optical waveguide and a device of the Class 357 type is classified here provided the combination does not meet the requirement of a still larger system class. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 129, for a planar optical waveguide structure which can be (but is not necessarily) the starting point for many integrated optical circuits. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 257,  Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors, Solid-State Diodes),   subclasses 13 , 79-103 and 918 for incoherent light emitting injection luminescent devices, subclasses 80-85 for semiconductor light emitting sources combined with semiconductor light responsive devices, subclasses 10, 11, 21, 53-56, 72, 113-118, 184-189, 225-234, 257, 258, 290-294, 414, and 431-466 for light responsive active semiconductor devices, and subclasses 446 and 499+ for integrated circuit devices with electrically isolated components, in general, and other appropriate subclasses for specific type devices in integrated circuits. 356,  Optics: Measuring and Testing,   subclass 350 for optical ring laser gyros which are often integrated. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 748 through 796+ for connection of electrical integrated circuits (not optical). 372,  Coherent Light Generators,   appropriate subclasses for details to a laser. 438,  Semiconductor Device Manufacturing: Process,   subclasses 24+ for methods of making a semiconductor integrated circuit having both light emissive and light responsive devices.

15	WITH OPTICAL COUPLER:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein an optical waveguide is combined with an interface element which enables efficient transfer of light between the waveguide and a point external to the interface element. (1) Note. For the purpose of this schedule, coupling is not the same as connecting. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 53+, for mechanical connecting means which are disconnectable without destroying the optical element (e.g., ferrule type connections). SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 250,  Radiant Energy,   subclasses 227.11+ for coupling of optical conductor (waveguide) system to photocell. 333,  Wave Transmission Lines and Networks,   subclass 24 for coupling networks for wave (e.g., microwave, millimeter wave, quasi-optical wave) transmission lines; subclasses 141, 150 and 157 for delay lines of wave transmission networks; and subclass 209 for waveguide tunable filters for wave transmission networks. 356,  Optics: Measuring and Testing,   subclass 352 for optical Fabry-Perot cavities.

16	Switch (i.e., switching from one terminal to another, not modulation):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 15.  Subject matter wherein the output of an optical waveguide is selectively coupled to the input of a different optical waveguide. (1) Note. These couplings are not necessarily physically connected. (2) Note. This subclass is for switching without any specifically mentioned computation or modulation. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 41, and 42, for directional couplers which could be employed as switches and subclasses 4+ for directional optical modulation in waveguides (e.g., for scanning). SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   appropriate subclasses for electrical switches. 310,  Electrical Generator or Motor Structure,   subclasses 310+ for piezoelectric elements and devices. 348,  Television,   subclass 197 for optical scanning with fiber optics. 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclass 107 and 108 for switching utilized in optical computation; and subclass 618 for light dividing and combining arrangements utilizing single channel to /from plural channels. 398,  Optical Communications,   subclasses 43 through 103for an optical multiplex communication system which may include an optical waveguide and switch.

17	Matrix switch (i.e., M X N, where M and N are 3 or more):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Subject matter wherein a plurality of switches can selectively couple light on any of M input waveguides to any of N output waveguides where the M input waveguides and the N output waveguides form a rectilinear array.

18	Reflective-type switch:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Subject matter wherein selective coupling of light between waveguides is achieved by mirror or mirrorlike elements. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclasses 838+ for mirrors, in general.

19	Stationary waveguides with movable opaque element:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Subject matter wherein an optically nontransmissive device moving into or out of the optical path between stationary waveguides provides the switching effect. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 73, for optical fiber connectors having an optical element between facing optical fiber end faces. 140, for optical waveguide attenuators. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 359,  Optical: Systems and Elements,   subclasses 227+ for light control by moving an opaque element or medium in or through a light path.

20	Multiple pole multiple throw:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Subject matter wherein the optical switch operates to selectively couple light between a plurality of input waveguides and any one of their respective plurality of output waveguides. (1) Note. Switching of all input waveguides takes place simultaneously. (2) Note. The number of output waveguides associated with each input waveguide is the same.

21	Double pole multiple throw:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.  Subject matter wherein the optical switch operates to selectively couple light between a pair of input waveguides and any one of their respective plurality of output waveguides. (1) Note. Switching of both input waveguides takes place simultaneously. (2) Note. The number of output waveguides associated with each input waveguide is the same.

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