Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the path of an optical beam and in particular, a method and apparatus for improving the coupling efficiency (power input) of free-space radiation into an optical waveguide using, as part of an optical train, a weak lens positioned along the path of the optical beam (the Z axis) and adapted to adjust the path of the beam. The weak lens is translatable along the Z axis and also along at least one axis perpendicular to the Z axis (the X or Y axes). In a preferred embodiment, the weak lens possesses all three positional degrees of freedom (i.e., it is adjustable along all of the X, Y, and Z axes). In certain preferred embodiments, the weak lens is also capable of one or even two orientational degrees of freedom (i.e., pitch and/or yaw).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the path of an optical beam and in particular, a method and apparatus for improving the coupling efficiency (power input) of free-space radiation into an optical waveguide using, as part of an optical train, a weak lens positioned along the path of the optical beam (the Z axis) and adapted to adjust the path of the beam. The weak lens is translatable along the Z axis and also along at least one axis perpendicular to the Z axis (the X or Y axes). In a preferred embodiment, the weak lens possesses all three positional degrees of freedom (i.e., it is adjustable along all of the X, Y, and Z axes). In certain preferred embodiments, the weak lens is also capable of one or even two orientational degrees of freedom (i.e., pitch and/or yaw).

Abstract: An optical fiber transmitter for emitting an information-carrying laser beam comprises an optically or electrically pumped single mode MQW (multi-quantum well) semiconductor amplifying mirror as a gain medium and a separate external reflector to form a cavity. The external cavity length defines a comb of optical modes, all or a subset of which correspond to channel wavelengths of an optical telecommunications system having plural optical channels. The semiconductor gain element has a homogeneously broadened gain region; a tuning arrangement tunes the laser from mode to mode across the gain region, thereby selecting each one of the plural optical channels. When the maximum gain bandwidth is less than mode-to-mode spacing defined by the cavity, the tuning arrangement includes a means of altering the temperature of the amplifying mirror, thereby translating the frequency of the gain peak from one mode to another.

Abstract: An optical fiber transmitter for emitting an information-carrying laser beam comprises an optically or electrically pumped single mode MQW (multi-quantum well) semiconductor amplifying mirror as a gain medium and a separate external reflector to form a cavity. The external cavity length defines a comb of optical modes, all or a subset of which correspond to channel wavelengths of an optical telecommunications system having plural optical channels. The semiconductor gain element has a homogeneously broadened gain region; a tuning arrangement tunes the laser from mode to mode across the gain region, thereby selecting each one of the plural optical channels. When the maximum gain bandwidth is less than mode-to-mode spacing defined by the cavity, the tuning arrangement includes a means of altering the temperature of the amplifying mirror, thereby translating the frequency of the gain peak from one mode to another.

Abstract: An optical fiber transmitter for emitting an information-carrying laser beam comprises an optically or electrically pumped single mode MQW (multi quantum well) semiconductor amplifying mirror as a gain medium and a separate external reflector to form a cavity. The external cavity length defines a comb of optical modes, all or a subset of which corresponding to channel wavelengths of an optical telecommunications system having plural optical channels. The semiconductor gain element has a homogeneously broadened gain region; a tuning arrangement tunes the laser from mode to mode across the gain region thereby selecting each one of the plural optical channels. When the maximum gain bandwidth is less than mode-to-mode spacing defined by the cavity, that tuning arrangement comprises a means of altering the temperature of the amplifying mirror, thereby translating the frequency of the gain peak from one mode to another.