A multimode optical waveguide network comprises a parent waveguide and a plurality of child waveguides. Each waveguide is a multimode optical waveguide having a first surface region, multiple second surface regions, and at least one guiding element attached to a surface of the waveguide or embedded within the waveguide, each second surface region of the parent waveguide optically coupled to the first surface region of a corresponding child waveguide. The guiding element(s) of the parent waveguide is arranged to guide a beam, from or to its first surface region, to or from any selected second surface region of its multiple second surface regions. The guiding element(s) of each of the waveguides is configurable for selecting the second surface region of that waveguide and/or responsive to at least one beam characteristic for selecting the second surface region of that waveguide via modulation of the at least one beam characteristic.

In example implementations, an optical gate is provided. The optical gate receives at least one optical signal via a waveguide of an optical memory gate. The optical gate compares a wavelength of the at least one optical signal to a resonant wavelength associated with a resonator. When the wavelength of the at least one optical signal matches the resonant wavelength, a value that is stored in the resonator is read out via the at least one optical signal. Then, the at least one optical signal with the value that is read out is transmitted out of the optical gate.

A system includes a plurality of optical identifiers and a reader for the optical identifiers. Each optical identifier has an optical substrate and a volume hologram (e.g., with unique data, such as a code page) in the optical substrate. The reader for the optical identifiers includes an illumination source (e.g., a laser), and a camera. The illumination source is configured to direct light into a selected one of the optical identifiers that has been placed into the reader to produce an image of the associated volume holograms at the camera. The camera is configured to capture the image. The captured image may be stored in a digital format by the system.

An apparatus comprising a cavity having interior surfaces or reflecting elements, one or more transmitters configured to receive an electrical signal, transform the electrical signal into an electromagnetic wave signal, and introduce the electromagnetic wave signal into an inside of the cavity, and one or more receivers configured to retrieve the electromagnetic wave signal, transform the electromagnetic wave signal to a corresponding electrical signal, and transmit the corresponding electrical signal to the outside of the cavity is disclosed. The electromagnetic wave signal is contained within the inside of the cavity until retrieved by undergoing a series of reflections or traversals between the interior surfaces of the cavity or the reflecting elements within the cavity. The apparatus may further comprise one or more regenerators configured to re-amplify, re-shape, and/or re-time the electromagnetic wave signal traveling within the inside of the cavity.

A system includes a plurality of optical identifiers and a reader for the optical identifiers. Each optical identifier has an optical substrate and a volume hologram (e.g., with unique data, such as a code page) in the optical substrate. The reader for the optical identifiers includes an illumination source (e.g., a laser), and a camera. The illumination source is configured to direct light into a selected one of the optical identifiers that has been placed into the reader to produce an image of the associated volume holograms at the camera. The camera is configured to capture the image. The captured image may be stored in a digital format by the system.

A system installed on an aircraft. The system includes a memory storing static information in one or more optical fibre gratings; and an interrogator. The interrogator includes a light source configured to transmit interrogation light to the memory, a receiver configured to receive return light from the memory, and an analyser configured to analyse the return light to obtain the static information.

An optical storage device for storing data includes at least one optical waveguide for receiving an optical interrogation signal and providing a response to the optical interrogation signal and a plurality of optical elements arranged relative to the at least one optical waveguide. The plurality of optical elements are responsive to the optical interrogation signal provided through the at least one waveguide to return a prescribed data value through the at least one optical waveguide. The plurality of optical elements represent encoded data concerning a function of an optical sensor.

An apparatus comprising a cavity having interior surfaces or reflecting elements, one or more transmitters configured to receive an electrical signal, transform the electrical signal into an electromagnetic wave signal, and introduce the electromagnetic wave signal into an inside of the cavity, and one or more receivers configured to retrieve the electromagnetic wave signal, transform the electromagnetic wave signal to a corresponding electrical signal, and transmit the corresponding electrical signal to the outside of the cavity is disclosed. The electromagnetic wave signal is contained within the inside of the cavity until retrieved by undergoing a series of reflections or traversals between the interior surfaces of the cavity or the reflecting elements within the cavity. The apparatus may further comprise one or more regenerators configured to re-amplify, re-shape, and/or re-time the electromagnetic wave signal traveling within the inside of the cavity.

A system installed on an aircraft. The system includes a memory storing static information in one or more optical fibre gratings; and an interrogator. The interrogator includes a light source configured to transmit interrogation light to the memory, a receiver configured to receive return light from the memory, and an analyser configured to analyse the return light to obtain the static information.

A system includes a plurality of optical identifiers and a reader for the optical identifiers. Each optical identifier has an optical substrate and a volume hologram (e.g., with unique data, such as a code page) in the optical substrate. The reader for the optical identifiers includes an illumination source (e.g., a laser), and a camera. The illumination source is configured to direct light into a selected one of the optical identifiers that has been placed into the reader to produce an image of the associated volume holograms at the camera. The camera is configured to capture the image. The captured image may be stored in a digital format by the system.