Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
The Examiner acknowledges amended claims 1 and 16.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 04/23/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Regarding the Applicant’s argument on page 9 “Decon does not disclose a grating structure configured to produce a defined reflection spectrum”. The Examiner disagree with the Applicant because equation 7 from Decon , equation 7 correlates the wavelength l with the effective refractive index nef; although Decon does not show a figure with the spectrum, an reflection spectrum is obtained with equation 7.
Regarding the Applicant’s argument on page 10 “Its structural variations (such as a segmented taper) are chosen to achieve efficient mode conversion, not to spectral filtering or wavelength-selective reflection”. In response to applicant's argument that the references fail to show certain features of the invention, it is noted that the features upon which applicant relies (i.e., to achieve spectral filtering or wavelength-selective reflection) are not recited in the rejected claim(s). Although the claims are interpreted in light of the specification, limitations from the specification are not read into the claims. See In re Van Geuns, 988 F.2d 1181, 26 USPQ2d 1057 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
Regarding the Applicant’s argument on page 10 “The specification makes clear that the refractive index profile is intentionally designed according to a mathematical function to produce a desired set of reflection peaks and a corresponding plurality of wavelength signals. This constitutes a fundamentally different structure and mode of operation than the segmented taper of Decon”. In response to applicant's argument that the references fail to show certain features of the invention, it is noted that the features upon which applicant relies (i.e., a desired set of reflection peaks) are not recited in the rejected claim(s). Although the claims are interpreted in light of the specification, limitations from the specification are not read into the claims. See In re Van Geuns, 988 F.2d 1181, 26 USPQ2d 1057 (Fed. Cir. 1993). In addition, Decon teaches Equation 7, column 10 lines 43-45 states “For a purely periodic grating, the Bragg wavelength .lambda.B for peak reflection in the retroreflecting configuration shown is given by…where .LAMBDA. is the grating period, n.sub.eff is the local effective index of refraction of the mode, and m is the order of reflection”.
Regarding Applicants argument “The Examiner's reasoning-that multiple refractive index values would inherently produce a plurality of reflections at different wavelengths-is based on an incorrect premise”. The Examiner disagree with the Applicant because the inherency was based on the Decon’s teaching in Fig. 3-4 where are plurality of refraction index would result in a plurality of reflections; as a consequence grating in Fig. 8 would have the same result since the refractive index varies according to “z” and “x” axis. For clear purpose, the Examiner is also pointing out to equation 7 from Decon since equation 7 would give the plurality of wavelengths based on those plurality of reflections.
Regarding Applicant’s argument “There is no teaching in Decon that its segmented waveguide is configured to produce resonance at multiple wavelengths, nor that it produces a defined reflection spectrum”. The Examiner disagree with the applicant because Fig. 8 segment 836 produces desired modes, see column 20 lines 55-57, and is coupled to the laser 140/141 in Fig. 1, see column 6 lines 53-55; hence segment 836 produce a resonant at plurality of wavelengths, see plurality of wavelengths cited in column 10 lines 53-56. The reflection spectrum can be obtained using Equation 7 from Decon.
Regarding Applicant’s argument “the Examiner's reliance on Decon's discussion of Bragg wavelengths is misplaced… and explicitly pertains to the grating structure illustrated in Figure 1 of Decon, not to the segmented tapered waveguide structure shown in Figure 8” on page 10. The Examiner disagree with the Applicant because grating in Fig. 1 includes grating in Fig. 8, see column 6 lines 53-56 states “Tapered waveguide segments 126 and 128 may be used to improve the coupling efficiency between the differently shaped waveguides 112 & 114 and 122 & 124. See FIGS. 3, 4, 7A, 7B, and 8.”.
Regarding the Applicant’s argument “The discussion of Bragg wavelengths in that portion of Decon…It is not tied to, nor does it describe, the segmented taper structure that forms the basis of Decon's optical coupler” on page 11. Since the grating in Fig. 8 is part of Fig. 1, Decon’s teachings regarding equation 7 implies that Bragg wavelengths can be calculated in that way as a first approximation; Decon lists Bragg wavelengths of 1552 nm and 1310 nm right below equation 7, see column 10 lines 53-56.
Regarding Applicant’s argument “The segmentation is therefore directed to spatial mode evolution, not to spectral filtering.” on page 11. In response to applicant's argument that the references fail to show certain features of the invention, it is noted that the features upon which applicant relies (i.e., “spectral filtering”) are not recited in the rejected claim(s). Although the claims are interpreted in light of the specification, limitations from the specification are not read into the claims. See In re Van Geuns, 988 F.2d 1181, 26 USPQ2d 1057 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
Regarding Applicant’s argument “Accordingly, the Examiner's reliance on a Bragg relationship described with respect to a different embodiment (Figure 1) does not establish that the segmented tapered structure of Figure 8 operates as, or inherently forms, a grating configured to produce a plurality of wavelength- selective reflections as required by the claims”. The Examiner disagree with the Applicant because grating in Fig. 1 includes grating in Fig. 8, see column 6 lines 53-56, therefore Figure 1 is not a different embodiment but rather a full view of the invention. Hence, equation 7 applies for Fig. 8 as well.
Election/Restrictions
Applicant’s election without traverse of specie A6 (Fig. 12-A-C) and subspiece B3 (a photonic integrated circuit) which corresponds to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 16, 17, 19, 32, 33, and 35 in the reply filed on 07/30/2024 is acknowledged.
Claim Interpretation
Claims 1, 3, 4, 16, 17, 19, 32, 33, 35 recites the word “windowed sampled grating or WSG” which is defined in paragraphs [0047-0051] of the application as a specially modified Bragg grating with a desired non-uniform profile along the propagation direction to produce high reflection at specific set of wavelengths.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to because Fig. 12a-c does not indicate that all the elements numbered in Fig. 12a-c corresponds to the first waveguide. The Applicant’s argument on page 8 “the figures show “the first waveguide””. In responds to this argument, the Applicant has to show explicitly in Fig. 12a-c what the Applicant is considering as “the first waveguide” because the term is claimed. Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Claim Objections
Claims 1 and 16 objected to because of the following informalities:
Claims 1 and 16 states “the first WSG includes a grating structure having variations in effective refractive index along a first axis”. It should read “the first WSG includes a grating structure having variations in an effective refractive index along a first axis”.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claim 1-4,12,16-17,19,32-33 and 35 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claims 1, 16, 32 and 35 recites the limitation "the first axis" in page 2, 4, 6, and 7. However, it is not clear to what “first axis” the Applicant is referring to because claim 1 and 16 seem to define two different “first axis”: “includes a grating structure having variations in effective refractive index along a first axis and is characterized by a grating strength that varies along a first axis based on a first mathematical function”.
Claims 2-4, 12, 17, 19, and 33 are rejected due to their dependency with claims 1 and 16.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1-2, 4, 16, 19 and 33 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a1) as being anticipated by Decon (US Patent US-6293688-B1).
Regarding claim 1, Decon teaches a photonic element (Fig. 1 & 8) comprising:
a bottom cladding (Fig. 8 lower cladding 844);
a top cladding (Fig. 8 upper cladding 842);
a first waveguide (Fig. 8 waveguide core 840) that is located between the bottom and top claddings (Fig. 8 waveguide core 840 is between 844 and 842); and
a first windowed sampled grating WSG (Fig. 8 segmented waveguide 830) that is optically coupled with the first waveguide (Fig. 8 segmented waveguide 830 is optically coupled to waveguide core 840, see column 20 lines 34-40),
such that the first waveguide (Fig. 8 waveguide core 840) and first WSG (Fig. 8 segmented waveguide 830) collectively enable a reflection spectrum (equation 7 correlates the wavelength l with the effective refractive index nef; although Decon does not show a figure with the spectrum, an reflection spectrum is obtained with equation 7; column 10 lines 43-45 states “For a purely periodic grating, the Bragg wavelength .lambda.B for peak reflection in the retroreflecting configuration shown is given by…where .LAMBDA. is the grating period, n.sub.eff is the local effective index of refraction of the mode, and m is the order of reflection”) that includes a plurality of reflections (Fig. 4 shows a plurality of index diffractions for waveguides 330 & 340 in Fig. 3; similar plot can be plot for waveguides 830 & 840 in Fig. 8 since refraction index varies with the length of the segmentation, see equation 11; therefore it is inherent that the plurality of diffraction index would have a plurality of reflections) at different wavelengths (column 10 lines 42-56 states “For a purely periodic grating, the Bragg wavelength .lambda.B for peak reflection in the retroreflecting configuration shown is given by equation 7… where .LAMBDA. is the grating period, n.sub.eff is the local effective index of refraction of the mode, and m is the order of reflection… With an effective index of about 1,446, Bragg wavelengths of 1552 nm and 1310 mn are obtained with grating periods of 537 nm and 453 mn, respectively”; therefore 840& 830 would include a plurality of reflections at different wavelengths since 840& 830 have a plurality of index refraction correlated to a plurality of reflections where each refraction index/reflection would have a corresponding wavelength base on equation 7 from Decon. Hence obtaining a reflection spectrum. Note Fig. 1 includes Fig. 8, see column 6 lines 53-56, hence, equation 7 applies to Fig. 8),
wherein the first WSG (Fig. 8 segmented waveguide 830) includes a grating structure (Fig. 8 segments 836) having variations in effective refractive index along a first axis (Fig. 4 shows the effective refraction index numbered as 430 corresponding to waveguide 330 in Fig. 3 varyies along “Z” axis from high to low, see column 18 lines 34-36; therefore, similar effective refractive index variation can be plotted along “Z” and “X” for the waveguide in Fig. 8 since the segment 836 varies in both “Z” and “X” directions: x axis gets narrowed; z axis: there is a step in between) and
is characterized by a grating strength (effective refractive index neff) that varies along a first axis based on a first mathematical function (neff varies according to equation 7, neff is local effective refractive index; since segments 836 varies in X-Z direction, neff will vary long x-Z direction according to equation 7; column 20 lines 46-48 states “The effective index contrast with the cladding 842 is reduced by equation 11… by adjusting the parameters of the waveguide appropriately, the desired mode sizes can be obtained with a segmented guide” column 21 lines 10-20 “The segmented waveguide 830 now tapers laterally from a 2 micron width to a 1 micron width at the small end, the length of the segments 836 is kept constant at 1 micron, and the duty factor is varied from 50% to 25% by increasing the length of the adjacent regions 838 gradually from 1 micron to 4 microns at the small end. Many variations of the functional form of the taper of the segmentation are possible, and many others can be useful, including a linear taper of the duty factor, exponential, hyperbolic, sinusoidal, and all the other mathematical forms”),
the variations in the effective refractive index (Fig. 4 shows variation of effective refraction index 430; hence, similar plot can be used to find variation of effective refraction index for the segment 836) and the grating structure (Fig. 8 segment 836) being configured to produce a resonance (Fig. 8 segment 836 produces desired modes, see column 20 lines 55-57, and is coupled to the laser 140/141 in Fig. 1, see column 6 lines 53-55; hence segment 836 produce a resonant) at a plurality of wavelengths (column 10 lines 53-56 states “With an effective index of about 1,446, Bragg wavelengths of 1552 nm and 1310 mn are obtained with grating periods of 537 nm and 453 mn, respectively. The exact wavelength of operation depends on all of the optical parameters of the waveguide, including the grating periods, and the refractive indices and thicknesses of the films traversed by the optical energy of the optical mode.”) and
wherein the first WSG (Fig. 8 segmented waveguide 830) comprises:
a plurality of grating elements (Fig. 8 segments 836) that is arranged along the first axis (Fig. 8 segments 836 arrange along X and Y axis), and
a plurality of gaps (Fig. 8 segments 838), each gap being located between a pair of adjacent grating elements of the plurality thereof (Fig. 8 each segment 838 is located between a pair of 836), the gaps and the grating elements (Fig. 8 segments 836 and 838) having effective refractive indices (neff from equation 7 for each segment 836/838) that give rise to more than two effective refractive index values along the first axis (Fig. 8 segments 836 and 838 have a structure that varies in x axis and z axis since it has similar configuration as the applicant such as in Fig. 6A from the Specification; hence, it is inherent that the effective index would be different in each segment 836 and 838; therefore the difference in between effective index between each segment 836 and each 838 would result in more than two effective refractive) such that the grating strength (neff from equation 7), corresponding to a difference in the effective refractive index between the gaps and adjacent ones of the grating elements (Fig. 8 the effective refractive index is changed by the local length of segment, see equation 11 column 20 lines 46-50 ; hence, it is inherent that a grating strength is present and a difference in the effective refractive index between segment 836/842 can be calculated), varies in a non-uniform manner (Fig. 8 segments 836 and 838 vary in a non-uniform through x--z axis; it is inherent that the grating strength varies in a non-uniform manner because the effective refractive for each segment, nieff , will be different since geometry of 836 is different in each segment), wherein the plurality of grating elements and/or the plurality of gaps (Fig. 8 segments 836 & 838) is characterized by a physical parameter (nieff equation 7 ) that varies according to the first mathematical function along the first axis (neff varies according to equation 7 since neff is local effective refractive index; since segments 836 varies in x direction, neff will vary long x-z direction; column 20 lines 46-48 states “The effective index contrast with the cladding 842 is reduced by equation 11… by adjusting the parameters of the waveguide appropriately, the desired mode sizes can be obtained with a segmented guide” column 21 lines 10-20 “The segmented waveguide 830 now tapers laterally from a 2 micron width to a 1 micron width at the small end, the length of the segments 836 is kept constant at 1 micron, and the duty factor is varied from 50% to 25% by increasing the length of the adjacent regions 838 gradually from 1 micron to 4 microns at the small end. Many variations of the functional form of the taper of the segmentation are possible, and many others can be useful, including a linear taper of the duty factor, exponential, hyperbolic, sinusoidal, and all the other mathematical forms” ), and wherein the physical parameter (nieff) is a dimension along a direction that is orthogonal to the first axis ( since nieff varies along the length in “z axis” of the 830 in Fig. 8 which is orthogonal to the x axis; hence nieff is a dimension along the length of 830 that is orthogonal to x axis);
wherein the first waveguide (Fig. 8 waveguide core 840) and first WSG (Fig. 8 segmented waveguide 830) collectively enable an output signal (Fig. 8 optical propagation 834) that includes a plurality of wavelength signals (Fig. 1 waveguides 112 and 114 provides optical amplification , over an operating band of optical frequencies including a desired wavelength such as 1550 nm or 1310, 980, 860, 780, 630, or 500 nm; column 20 lines 29-31 states “The device 800 may be a portion of the devices 300 or 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 1, respectively, or other devices”).
Regarding claim 2, Decon teaches the photonic element of claim 1 wherein the plurality of wavelength signals includes more than three wavelength signals (Fig. 1 waveguides 112 and 114 provides optical amplification , over an operating band of optical frequencies including a desired wavelength such as 1550 nm or 1310, 980, 860, 780, 630, or 500 nm; column 20 lines 29-31 states “The device 800 may be a portion of the devices 300 or 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 1, respectively, or other devices”).
Regarding claim 4, Decon teaches the photonic element of claim 1, further comprising a gain- element layer (Fig. 1 laser 110, it is inherent that the laser 110 has a gain a element) that is optically coupled with the first waveguide (Fig. 1 waveguides 112 and 114 provides optical amplification, column 20 lines 29-31 states “The device 800 may be a portion of the devices 300 or 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 1, respectively, or other devices”; hence laser 110 is coupled with core waveguide 840 from Fig. 8), wherein the gain-element layer is coupled with includes the first WSG (laser 110 is coupled with core waveguide 840 from Fig. 8 and segmented waveguide 830 is optical coupled to core waveguide 840).
Regarding claim 16, Decon teaches a method for providing a first output signal (Fig. 8 optical propagation axis 834) that includes a plurality of wavelength signals (column 10 lines 53-55 states “With an effective index of about 1,446, Bragg wavelengths of 1552 nm and 1310 mn are obtained with grating periods of 537 nm and 453 mn, respectively”), the method including:
enabling propagation of a first light signal in a first waveguide (Fig. 8 waveguide core 840) that is located between a lower cladding and an upper cladding (waveguide core 840 located between lower cladding 844 and upper cladding 842); and
optically coupling the first light signal and a first window sampled grating WSG (Fig. 8 optical propagation axis 834 is coupled to segmented waveguide 830),
the first WSG (Fig. 8 segmented waveguide 830) including a grating structure (Fig. 8 segments 836) having variations in effective refractive index along a first axis (Fig. 4 shows the effective refraction index 430 corresponding to waveguide 330 in Fig. 3 varying along “Z” axis from high to low, see column 18 lines 34-36; therefore, similar effective refractive index variation can be plotted along “Z” and “X” for the waveguide in Fig. 8 since the segment 836 varies in both “Z” and “X” directions: x axis gets narrowed; z axis: there is a step in between)
wherein the first waveguide (Fig. 8 waveguide core 840) and first WSG (Fig. 8 segmented waveguide 830) collectively enable a reflection spectrum (equation 7 correlates the wavelength l with the effective refractive index nef; although Decon does not show a figure with the spectrum, an reflection spectrum is obtained with equation 7) that includes a plurality of reflections (Fig. 4 shows a plurality of index diffractions for waveguides 330 & 340 in Fig. 3; similar plot can be plot for waveguides 830 & 840 in Fig. 8 since refraction index varies with the length of the segmentation, see equation 11; therefore it is inherent that the plurality of diffraction index would have a plurality of reflections) at different wavelengths (column 10 lines 42-56 states “For a purely periodic grating, the Bragg wavelength .lambda.B for peak reflection in the retroreflecting configuration shown is given by equation 7… where .LAMBDA. is the grating period, n.sub.eff is the local effective index of refraction of the mode, and m is the order of reflection… With an effective index of about 1,446, Bragg wavelengths of 1552 nm and 1310 mn are obtained with grating periods of 537 nm and 453 mn, respectively”; therefore 840& 830 would include a plurality of reflections at different wavelengths since 840& 830 have a plurality of index refraction correlated to a plurality of reflections where each refraction index/reflection would have a corresponding wavelength base on equation 7 from Decon. Hence obtaining a reflection spectrum. Note Fig. 1 includes Fig. 8, see column 6 lines 53-56, hence, equation 7 applies to Fig. 8) at different wavelengths (column 10 lines 42-56 states “For a purely periodic grating, the Bragg wavelength .lambda.B for peak reflection in the retroreflecting configuration shown is given by equation 7… where .LAMBDA. is the grating period, n.sub.eff is the local effective index of refraction of the mode, and m is the order of reflection… With an effective index of about 1,446, Bragg wavelengths of 1552 nm and 1310 mn are obtained with grating periods of 537 nm and 453 mn, respectively”; therefore 840& 830 would include a plurality of reflections at different wavelengths since 840& 830 have a plurality of index refraction correlated to a plurality of reflections where each refraction index/reflection would have a corresponding wavelength base on equation 7 from Decon. Hence obtaining a reflection spectrum),
wherein the first WSG (Fig. 8 segmented waveguide 830) is characterized by a grating strength (effective refractive index neff in equations 2, 3 and 7) that varies along a first axis based on a first mathematical function (neff varies according to equation 7 since neff is local effective refractive index; since segments 836 varies in x direction, neff will vary long x-z direction; column 20 lines 46-48 states “The effective index contrast with the cladding 842 is reduced by equation 11… by adjusting the parameters of the waveguide appropriately, the desired mode sizes can be obtained with a segmented guide” column 21 lines 10-20 “The segmented waveguide 830 now tapers laterally from a 2 micron width to a 1 micron width at the small end, the length of the segments 836 is kept constant at 1 micron, and the duty factor is varied from 50% to 25% by increasing the length of the adjacent regions 838 gradually from 1 micron to 4 microns at the small end. Many variations of the functional form of the taper of the segmentation are possible, and many others can be useful, including a linear taper of the duty factor, exponential, hyperbolic, sinusoidal, and all the other mathematical forms”),
the variations in the effective refractive index (Fig. 4 shows variation of effective refraction index 430; hence, similar plot can be used to find variation of effective refraction index for the segment 836) and the grating structure (Fig. 8 segment 836) being configured to produce a resonance (Fig. 8 segment 836 produces desired modes, see column 20 lines 55-57, and is coupled to the laser 140/141 in Fig. 1, see column 6 lines 53-55; hence segment 836 produce a resonant) at a plurality of wavelengths (column 10 lines 53-56 states “With an effective index of about 1,446, Bragg wavelengths of 1552 nm and 1310 mn are obtained with grating periods of 537 nm and 453 mn, respectively. The exact wavelength of operation depends on all of the optical parameters of the waveguide, including the grating periods, and the refractive indices and thicknesses of the films traversed by the optical energy of the optical mode.”)
wherein the plurality of wavelength signals ( column 10 lines 53-55 states “with an effective index of about 1,446, Bragg wavelengths of 1552 nm and 1310 mn are obtained with grating periods of 537 nm and 453 mn, respectively”) is based on the first mathematical function (wavelengths described in column 10 lines 53-55 are based on equation 7), and wherein the first WSG (Fig. 8 segmentation 830) comprises:
a plurality of grating elements (Fig. 8 segments 836) that is arranged along the first axis (Fig. 8 segments 836 arrange along x axis and z axis), and
a plurality of gaps (Fig. 8 segments 838), each gap being located between a pair of adjacent grating elements of the plurality thereof (Fig. 8 each segment 838 is located between a pair of 836), the gaps and the grating elements (Fig. 8 segments 836 and 838) having effective refractive indices (neff from equation 2) that give rise to more than two effective refractive index values along the first axis (Fig. 8 segments 836 and 838 have a structure that varies in x axis but also varies in the z axis since it has similar configuration as the applicant such as in Fig. 6A from the Specification; hence, it is inherent that the effective index would be different in each segment 836 and 838; therefore the difference in between effective index between each segment 836 and each 838 would result in more than two effective refractive) such that the grating strength, corresponding to a difference in the effective refractive index between the gaps and adjacent ones of the grating elements, varies in a non-uniform manner (Fig. 8 segments 836 and 838 vary in a non-uniform through x-z axis; it is inherent that the grating strength varies in a non-uniform manner because the effective refractive for each segment, nieff , will be different since geometry of 836 is different in each segment), wherein the plurality of grating elements and/or the plurality of gaps (Fig. 8 segments 836 & 838) is characterized by a physical parameter (equation 2 which is the effective refractive index in the ith segment) that varies according to the first mathematical function along the first axis (neff varies according to equation 7, neff is the sum of nieff which is the effective index of the refraction of the mode in the ith segment traverse by the light in the cavity; since segments 836 varies in x direction, neff will vary long x direction; column 20 lines 46-48 states “The effective index contrast with the cladding 842 is reduced by equation 11… by adjusting the parameters of the waveguide appropriately, the desired mode sizes can be obtained with a segmented guide” column 21 lines 10-20 “The segmented waveguide 830 now tapers laterally from a 2 micron width to a 1 micron width at the small end, the length of the segments 836 is kept constant at 1 micron, and the duty factor is varied from 50% to 25% by increasing the length of the adjacent regions 838 gradually from 1 micron to 4 microns at the small end. Many variations of the functional form of the taper of the segmentation are possible, and many others can be useful, including a linear taper of the duty factor, exponential, hyperbolic, sinusoidal, and all the other mathematical forms”), and wherein the physical parameter (nieff) is a dimension along a direction that is orthogonal to the first axis (since nieff varies along the length of the 830 in Fig. 8 which is orthogonal to the x axis; hence nieff is a dimension along the length 0f 830 that is orthogonal to x axis).
Regarding claim 19, Decon teaches the method of claim 16, further including: providing a grating-element layer (Fig. 8 segment 836) that is optically coupled with the first waveguide (Fig. 8 segment 836 is optically coupled with core waveguide 840); and forming the first WSG in the grating-element layer (Fig. 8 segmentation 830 formed with segment 836).
Regarding claim 33, Decon teaches the method of claim 16, wherein the physical parameter (nieff) is selected (nieff which is the effective index of the refraction of the mode in the ith segment traverse by the light in the cavity which depends on the geometry of each segment; therefore nieff is selected based on the dimension of segmentation 830) from the group consisting of grating-element width (column 21 lines states 10-15 “The segmented waveguide 830 now tapers laterally from a 2 micron width to a 1 micron width at the small end, the length of the segments 836 is kept constant at 1 micron,”), grating-element height (column 20 lines 60-62 states “the thickness of the tantala film used to fabricate the segments 836 is increased by a factor of 1.414 compared to the previous description to 0.11 microns), and grating- element depth (Fig. 8 segment depth 836 defined by the size of 836 in “z” direction).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 3, 12, and 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Decon (US Patent US-6293688-B1), as per claims 1 and 16, in the view Kiyota (US Patent US-10923880-B2) hereinafter Kiyota.
Regarding claim 3, Decon teaches the photonic element of claim 1.
Dacon fails to teach wherein the first WSG is further characterized by a window function that restricts the plurality of wavelength signals to a first wavelength range.
However, Kiyota teaches the first WSG is further characterized by a window function (column 12 lines 14-15states “ The Fourier transform of a rectangular window function is a sinc function”) that restricts the plurality of wavelength signals to a first wavelength range ( Fig. 2 shows a reflection comb spectra using sinc [xπ/xwin], see column16 lines 44-55).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to prior to the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify Decon’s device to have a sinc function that characterizes the window sampled grating as taught by Kiyota because having a sinc function would allow to have a reflection comb spectra (from Kiyota column 16 lines 58-59).
Regarding claim 12, Decon teaches the photonic element of claim 1 wherein the first mathematical function (effective index refraction neff which is the sum of the effective index of the refraction of the mode in the ith segment traverse by the light in the cavity, see also equation 2 and column 3 lines 23-25) includes a mathematical function selected from a group consisting of a sinusoid function (column 21 lines 16-20 states “ Many variations of the functional form of the taper of the segmentation are possible, and many others can be useful, including a linear taper of the duty factor, exponential, hyperbolic, sinusoidal, and all the other mathematical forms”).
Decon fails to teach a sinc function.
However, Kiyota teaches a first WSG (Fig. 1 diffraction grating layer #113/123) characterized by a sinc function (sinc [xπ/xwin] is a sinc function, see column16 lines 44-45).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to prior to the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify Decon’s device to have a sinc function that characterizes the window sampled grating as taught by Kiyota because having a sinc function would allow to have a reflection comb spectra (from Kiyota column 16 lines 58-59).
Regarding claim 17, Decon teaches the photonic element of claim 16.
Dacon fails to teach wherein the first WSG is further characterized by a window function that restricts the plurality of wavelength signals to a first wavelength range.
However, Kiyota teaches the first WSG is further characterized by a window function (column 12 lines 14-15states “ The Fourier transform of a rectangular window function is a sinc function”) that restricts the plurality of wavelength signals to a first wavelength range ( Fig. 2 shows a reflection comb spectra using sinc [xπ/xwin], see column16 lines 44-55).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to prior to the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify Decon’s device to have a sinc function that characterizes the window sampled grating as taught by Kiyota because having a sinc function would allow to have a reflection comb spectra (from Kiyota column 16 lines 58-59).
Claim(s) 32 and 35 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Decon (US Patent US-6293688-B1), as per claim 1 and 16, in further view Zheng (US Patent US-10020636-B2) of hereinafter Zeng.
Regarding claim 32, Decon teaches the photonic element of claim 1 wherein the first WSG (Fig. 8 segmentate waveguide 830) has a first grating function (equation 11 in column 20) that is periodic and includes a plurality of periods (equation 11 in column 20 depends of the segmentation period which is the sum of the widths of a segment and an adjacent region along the direction of optical propagation) along the first axis (first axis is considered as the width in x direction in Fig. 8),
Decon fails to teach wherein the first WSG is characterized by a phase shift that is distributed across the plurality of periods.
However, Zeng teaches the first WSG is characterized by a phase shift that is distributed across the plurality of periods (for example Fig. 10B one blank space #1018a in comparison to Fig. 10A extended grating structure #1016a where the blank space #1018a is a result of proving a l/4 phase shift on laser tunable 1000’; column 14 lines 61-67state “ the multiple section tunable laser 1000′ may provide the λ/4 phase shift by extending at least one blank space 1018a between grating structures 1016 in a sampled grating section 1014 of a laser section 1010 by half the sampling period.” ). It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Decon’s device with a phase shift as taught by Zeng that can be distributed across the plurality of periods because a phases shift would allow to adjust the phase of light in the optical resonator.
Regarding claim 35, Decon teaches the photonic element of claim 16 wherein the first WSG (Fig. 8 segmentate waveguide 830) has a first grating function (equation 11 in column 20) that is periodic and includes a plurality of periods (equation 11 in column 20 depends of the segmentation period which is the sum of the widths of a segment and an adjacent region along the direction of optical propagation) along the first axis (first axis is considered as the width in x direction in Fig. 8),
Decon fails to teach wherein the first WSG is characterized by a phase shift that is distributed across the plurality of periods.
However, Zeng teaches the first WSG is characterized by a phase shift that is distributed across the plurality of periods (for example Fig. 10B one blank space #1018a in comparison to Fig. 10A extended grating structure #1016a where the blank space #1018a is a result of proving a l/4 phase shift on laser tunable 1000’; column 14 lines 61-67state “ the multiple section tunable laser 1000′ may provide the λ/4 phase shift by extending at least one blank space 1018a between grating structures 1016 in a sampled grating section 1014 of a laser section 1010 by half the sampling period.” ). It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Decon’s device with a phase shift as taught by Zeng that can be distributed across the plurality of periods because a phases shift would allow to adjust the phase of light in the optical resonator.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Ryo (US-20020181532-A1) teaches a grating with variation in the effective refractive index in one direction.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to FERNANDA ADRIANA CAMACHO ALANIS whose telephone number is (703)756-1545. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm Friday off.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, MinSun Harvey can be reached on (571) 272-1835. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/FERNANDA ADRIANA CAMACHO ALANIS/Examiner, Art Unit 2828
/MINSUN O HARVEY/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2828
Prosecution Insights