Abstract: An integrated device (10) for scanning a laser beam, including a substrate (12). An electro-optic waveguide (14), a Bragg grating electrode array (31) in operative contact with the waveguide, and a array of electro-optic prisms (33). The electrode array (31) includes a plurality of upper grating electrodes (26) and a lower first electrode (32). A voltage potential can be placed across individual upper grating electrodes (26) and the lower electrode (32) to establish up a Bragg grating in a small localized region. This localized Bragg grating diffracts a laser beam carried by the waveguide and creates a spatially-variable diffracted beam (40) which can be continuously scanned by deflecting the diffracted beam (40) with the electro-optic prism array (33).

Abstract: A processor for use in a digital data processing system includes a bus interface circuit for transferring data to and from other units in the system and for controlling the transfer of information within the processor over an internal bus. The bus interface circuit includes two state machines, one for controlling the internal transfers of information, and the other for controlling the external transfers of information. The state machines communicate through flags which indicate when external operations are pending. A plurality of latches are provided to receive write data, a write address and a read address from other portions of the processor, and an input latch receives signals from other units in the system, thereby allowing both a wire operation and a read operation to be initiated at the same time. The processor continues operating unless another operation is required.

Abstract: A nonlinear optical medium wherein the optical index of refraction is a function of the intensity of light irradiating the medium, is employed in various devices to affect at least a portion of an incoming light beam by refracting or reflecting that portion of the light and thereby reduce the amount of light falling on an object. The nonlinear optical medium is employed in a resonator optical bistable device, in a self-bending approach and in a self-defocusing approach to provide the protective function. The spatial profile of light intensity of the incoming light can be shaped prior to the incoming light irradiating the nonlinear medium or the nonlinear medium itself can be shaped to provide the path altering function. A laser hardened device with ultra fast switching time, a large dynamic range and passive operation is a preferred application of the present invention.

Abstract: A single-mode electro-optic switch (10 or 10') including a graded index layer (14b or 14b'). Two electro-optic embodiments are disclosed. The first embodiment includes a substrate (12) and a planar waveguide (14) atop the substrate (12) including a graded index layer (14b) sandwiched between a pair of lower refractive index layers (14a and b 14c). The substrate (12) preferably forms anisotropically etched V-grooves (38) suitable for receiving fibers (50) and (52) and for registering the cores of the fibers with the middle layer (14b). The first embodiment of the switch includes a single input port and a pair of output ports, wherein when the switch is energized, light is reflected away from the first output port and toward the second output port.

Abstract: A tunable Fabry-Perot filter device including at least three low index substrates having a refractive index less than 2.4 and mounted in parallel relationship so as to present two pairs of facing sides to each other in an optical path and a high index, non-metallic or non-absorbing coating having a refractive index of at least 4.0, the high index coating being placed on the facing sides of each of said low index substrates with the thickness of the coating on at least one of the pairs of facing sides being less than the thickness of the coating on the other of the pairs of facing sides, and spacer means for mounting said low index substrates and adjusting the distance between said facing sides. Preferred substrates are potassium halides, cesium halides, and zinc selenide. High index, non-metallic or non-absorbing coatings are preferably from the group of lead telluride, bismuth telluride, germanium telluride and germanium.

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot filter is disclosed having spaced, curved, non-concentric plates arranged with the concave surface of one plate facing the convex surface of the other plate and having means to change the spacing between the plates so as to vary the wavelength transmitted.

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot filter device comprising a pair of low index substrates having a refractive index of less than 2.4 and mounted in parallel relationship so as to present facing sides to each other in an optical path. A coating is placed on the facing sides of each of said low index substrates, the coating having an increasing index of refraction away from the sides from about that of the substrate to above 4.0 such that the index increases in increments of from at least 2 steps to continuously. The total coating thickness is on the order of the light wavelength or more. Means are also provided to adjust the distance between the two faces, at least from a distance of from substantially less than a desired wavelength to at least one-half of the desired wavelength.

Abstract: Optical devices and especially electrochromic devices comprising a sealed cell containing an aqueous medium and having a pair of opposed walls, at least one of which is transparent. Breakage due to freezing is minimized by providing a cell in which one of the walls is dished, having a main portion which is parallel to the other wall and a sloping peripheral portion surrounding the main portion and intersecting the other wall at an angle not greater than 30.degree..