Abstract: Optical systems are provided. One such system includes an optical transmission path that is defined, at least partially, by a variable optical delay system. The variable optical delay system incorporates a variable refractive index component that is arranged to receive an optical signal. The variable optical delay system provides a control input to adjust a refractive index of the variable refractive index component so that latency of the optical signal can be altered. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A multi-sector back-off logic algorithm for obtaining optimal slice-sensitive computed tomography (“CT”) profiles. The systems and methods of the present invention improving the temporal resolution of a CT system by checking for Z location errors between sectors and automatically backing-off to an alternative multi-sector algorithm when necessary (i.e., selecting an optimized maximum number of sectors to reconstruct), providing less Z location error. Based upon this Z location error, the systems and methods of the present invention also calculating the maximum number of sectors that should be used for reconstruction “on-the-fly” (i.e., on a per image basis across an entire series of images). These systems and methods utilizing the Recommended Protocol for Cardiac Reconstruction Algorithms.

Abstract: A laser tracking interferometric length measuring instrument has a laser source and a tracking articulating optical lever provided on an optical path of an interferometric optical system. To track a retroreflector, the optical lever reflects a laser beam at the retroreflector, which reflects the beam back to the optical lever. This beam is reflected onto a quadrant photodiode. An attitude control means is used to control the attitude of the optical lever so that the laser beam reflected by the optical lever falls on the neutral point of the photodiode.

Abstract: The present invention cascaded optical switching system includes architectures that provide three dimensional optical signal beam steering utilizing two dimension optical signal beam steering devices. A plurality of cascaded optical switches form a cascaded multi-dimensional optical switch fabric and direct an optical signal beam from one of the plurality of optical switches to another of the plurality of optical switches in a different dimension. In one embodiment, an incidence corrective device is included in a cascaded optical switch fabric and directs an optical signal beam in a shallow angle so that it strikes the next optical switch at a corrected incidence angle. A corrected incidence angle permits an optical signal beam to be forwarded at a relatively shallow angle to an optical switch located in a relatively close proximity on the optical switch fabric. The present invention also provides for refocusing of spreading optical signal beams and mitigation of signal loss.

Abstract: Optical fiber cable with a central strength member structure and with four or five buffer tubes each loosely receiving optical fiber ribbons in a stack and is disposed around and contacting the strength member. The optical fiber count is in excess of 1000 and the fill factor is not greater than 85% in a two inch duct. Each buffer tube contacts adjacent buffer tubes, and the buffer tubes are encircled by a jacket. Optionally, spaces bounded by pairs of buffer tubes and the jacket have optical fibers therein and can also include flexible longitudinal strength members and/or water blocking filaments. Preferably, the strength member structure and/or the buffer tubes are encircled by a water blocking tape. The optical fiber ribbons in the stacks can include different numbers of fibers, and hence, can have different width.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for switching at least part of a light signal out of a first waveguide by a Bragg grating formed from an electro-optic effect in the first waveguide. The Bragg grating is created by turning on a series of electrodes on each side of the first waveguide. The electrodes create electric fields in the core of the first waveguide which raise the refractive index in certain regions of the core. When the electric fields are tilted and evenly spaced apart, at least part of a light signal propagating through the waveguide, at a predetermined wavelength, is reflected out of the first waveguide. The reflected light signal can be switched back into a second waveguide by use of another Bragg grating. When the electric fields are off in the first waveguide the light signal, including the part of the light signal having the predetermined wavelength, continues straight on through the Bragg grating area.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus including an input device which inputs a desired visual field size, and a method for setting a detection field size of an image intensifier I.I. and a magnification ratio of collected image data in a processor in accordance with the inputted visual field size to reduce an operator's burden for setting a condition.

Abstract: Optical alignment between a communication optical fiber and an optical device is achieved by using a substrate including a fiber-holding channel formed in the top surface of the substrate. The channel is particularly formed to include a central fulcrum region, against which the fiber is pressed into as the fiber-to-device alignment is performed. In particular, the fulcrum functions as a pivot point to allow for the free endface of the fiber nearest the optical device to be adjusted (performing a “fine” adjustment) by manipulating the opposing end of the fiber (using a “gross” movement) until alignment with the optical device is achieved. A reduction of, for example, 14:1 between the gross movement and the fine adjustment can be achieved by using the inventive fulcrum structure.

Abstract: An optical filter is disclosed. The filter includes a light distribution component having an output side. A plurality of array waveguides are configured to deliver a light signal into the light distribution component such that the light signal is incident on the output side of the light distribution component. The array waveguides are configured to adjust the location where the light signal is incident on the output side.

Abstract: A buffer coating for optical fibers is disclosed which includes a halogenated epoxy resin for flame-retardancy, and elastomer modified epoxy resin for tensile strength and flexibility, a low viscosity bisphenol resin for structural integrity, a viscosity modifier for improved process or extrusion properties, a polyol to increase the cure rate and cross-linking during curing, a slip agent or surfactant to reduce the adhesion of the buffer layer to the cladding and to further improve the flow characteristics during extrusion, and a photo-initiator. The buffer layer is flame-retardant and has a fast UV cure rate.

Abstract: In order to remove a scattered line component resulting from an object from projection data to obtain a satisfactory rearrangement image, an amount of scattered line is calculated from a region in which a first-order X-ray is shielded by an X-ray shield and a component corresponding to the scattered line is removed. Then, an image in the region in which the first-order X-ray is shielded is complemented based on an image taken from a 180-degree opposite direction.

Abstract: An opto-electronic package is provided for mounting on a module base. The package comprises a generally rectangular package. An optical connector extends from a first side of the package body along an optical axis, generally parallel to the module base. A radio frequency connector extends from a second side of the package body along a RF axis, generally parallel to the module base. A plurality of electronic leads and mounting tabs each extend from at least one of the second side and a third side of the package body. A fourth side of the package body is adjacent the first side and free of connectors, leads, and mounting tabs for mounting the package in a corner of the module formed by first and second module walls. The fourth wall of the package body is positioned adjacent the first module wall and the optical connector extends through the second module wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating short (e.g., picosecond) pulses using a 2 section 1553 nm DBR laser without gain switching nor external modulation. The center wavelength of the DBR section is modulated at 0.5 GHz to generate a constant amplitude frequency modulated optical wave Large group velocity dispersion is then applied with a chirped fiber Bragg grating to convert the FM signal to a pulse stream.

Abstract: An airgap type etalon has a higher degree of design freedom of a wavelength-temperature characteristic so that such a wavelength-temperature characteristic can be freely adjusted. The airgap type etalon includes a fixing block having one flat surface, and a transparent parallel flat plate having parallel flat surfaces formed with an antireflection coating and a reflection augmenting coating thereon, respectively. The flat surface at the antireflection coating side is joined to the flat surface of the fixing block. A parallel flat spacer has a thickness greater than that of the transparent parallel flat plate and an expansion coefficient different from that of the transparent parallel flat plate. One of the flat surfaces of the parallel flat spacer is joined to the flat surface of the fixing block. A transparent flat plate has opposite flat surfaces formed with an antireflection coating and a reflection augmenting coating thereon, respectively.

Abstract: An optical switch comprises a sheet-type main member including a plurality of optical waveguides linearly extending to intersect with each other on a plurality of intersections and an optical fiber member, while the main member and the optical fiber member are connected with each other through a connection member. The main member has notches provided to traverse the optical waveguides. The connection member includes a plurality of optical waveguides linearly extending for transferring optical signals between the optical waveguides and the optical fiber member therein. The main member and the connection member are divided from a continuous member on the same substrate, while the optical waveguides are obtained by dividing continuous optical waveguides on the same substrate.

Abstract: A grating interference device with adjustable resolution has high stability and precision adjustment functions. The invention has two reflectors and a beam splitter. One of the reflector is installed on a rotating axis along with an optic fiber or a platform of planar waveguide. Through the rotating axis, this reflector and the platform are maintained at a fixed relative angle and rotate with respect to the other reflector and the beam splitter. The period of the interference grating is controlled by the angle change, producing a grating with a micrometer-order period on the optic fiber or the planar waveguide.

Abstract: An interface system includes separate optical and mechanical interfaces between opto-electronic devices and fibers. This allows each of these components to be optimized for their particular function. The mechanical interface includes an aperture through which light is transmitted between the fibers and optical element on the optical interface. Protruding features on the optical interface mate with the aperture in the mechanical interface to align the optics block with the mechanical interface.

Abstract: In a fusion splicing method and device for optical fibers, bare fibers (f) of ribbon optical fibers “F” to be spliced together are arranged, in opposite direction to each other, on a fiber setup stage (30). An interval of a pair of the discharge electrode rods (10,20) is optionally changed according to the fiber number of the bare fibers “f” of the ribbon optical fiber “F” so that all of the bare fibers “f” are set into a uniform temperature area in a discharge area, and an optimum fusion splicing process is performed according to the fiber number of the bare fibers “f”.

Abstract: An apparatus for self-aligning an optical fiber to an optical waveguide. The apparatus includes an optical waveguide chip including: one or more optical waveguides formed on a first substrate, each optical waveguide having a protruding portion; and one or more alignment rails formed on the first substrate, each alignment rail spaced apart from each optical waveguide by a predetermined distance; and an alignment jig including: one or more grooves formed in a second substrate, each groove adapted to receive one protruding portion and each groove supporting one optical fiber in alignment with one optical waveguide; and one or more alignment grooves formed on the second substrate, each alignment groove spaced apart from the grooves by the predetermined distance and adapted to mate with the alignment rails.

Abstract: An optical transmission module includes a beam spot size expanding waveguide and a beam spot size reducing waveguide adjoining in the light propagating direction, or includes a beam spot size expanding waveguide, a beam spot size retaining waveguide and a beam spot size reducing waveguide aligning in the light propagating direction. Each waveguide has laminated core layers which are formed of materials of different refractive indexes.