Prior art

US Patent 10788690, titled "Optical isolator array for use in an optical subassembly module," was granted on September 29, 2020, from an application filed on January 25, 2019. It is currently active and is expected to expire on May 10, 2039.

The patent describes an optical isolator array featuring a magnetic base for mounting and aligning multiple optical isolators within an optical subassembly module. The magnetic base provides a mounting surface for N optical isolators, where N corresponds to the optical channel count (e.g., 4-channels, 8-channels). These optical isolators can be arranged along the same axis and at a uniform distance from each other. An adhesive, such as UV-curing optical adhesive, is used to secure the optical isolators in place and enhance structural integrity. In an alternative embodiment, the array can include first and second magnetic bases with the optical isolators sandwiched between them. This configuration can offer greater isolation performance due to the presence of two magnetic fields. The modular design allows for easy modification of the number of optical isolators and the pitch between them to suit different housing requirements and channel counts without significant redesign.

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Here is an analysis of the most relevant prior art cited in US Patent 10788690:

Patent Citations:

1. US20100002988A1:

   • Full Citation: US20100002988A1, "Optical Isolator"
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published: January 7, 2010; Priority Date: July 1, 2008.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes an optical isolator. Although the full details of this specific reference aren't provided in the given text, typically optical isolators prevent unwanted reflections in optical systems.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference would likely be relevant to claims generally describing an optical isolator and its function, such as aspects of claims 1, 4, and 11, particularly regarding the concept of an optical isolator itself and its role in an optical system. Without more specific details on the optical isolator described in US20100002988A1, it's difficult to pinpoint exact claim elements it anticipates beyond the broad concept of an optical isolator.

2. US20140146389A1:

   • Full Citation: US20140146389A1, "Optical Isolator Capable of Creating a Large Buffer Area for Optical Beams and Methods of Manufacturing and Using the Same"
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published: May 29, 2014; Priority Date: November 28, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes an optical isolator designed to create a large buffer area for optical beams, along with its manufacturing methods.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference might anticipate claims related to the design and manufacturing of optical isolators, especially if the large buffer area or manufacturing methods described therein touch upon the mounting or positioning aspects of the optical isolators. This could be relevant to aspects of claims 1 and 11, particularly concerning the structure and arrangement of optical isolators within an assembly.

Without further details on the specific content of each cited patent and a more in-depth comparison of their disclosures to each element of the claims in US10788690, a definitive determination of anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102 cannot be made. The analysis above is based on the limited descriptions available in the provided text.