Abstract: A multi-mode to single mode optical interface device includes an optically pumped edge emitting semiconductor laser device and a lens. The optically pumped edge emitting semiconductor laser device includes (1) a gain area, and (2) an edge located single mode output. The lens focuses a multi-mode optical fiber output beam into a substantially line shaped output beam focused onto the gain area of the optically pumped edge emitting semiconductor laser device. A method for converting a multi-mode optical signal into a single mode optical signal includes (1) focusing the multi-mode optical signal onto a gain area of an optically pumped edge emitting semiconductor laser using at least a line focusing lens, and (2) converting the multi-mode optical signal into the single mode optical signal using the semiconductor laser.

Abstract: A multi-mode to single mode optical interface device includes an optically pumped edge emitting semiconductor laser device and a lens. The optically pumped edge emitting semiconductor laser device includes (1) a gain area, and (2) an edge located single mode output. The lens focuses a multi-mode optical fiber output beam into a substantially line shaped output beam focused onto the gain area of the optically pumped edge emitting semiconductor laser device. A method for converting a multi-mode optical signal into a single mode optical signal includes (1) focusing the multi-mode optical signal onto a gain area of an optically pumped edge emitting semiconductor laser using at least a line focusing lens, and (2) converting the multi-mode optical signal into the single mode optical signal using the semiconductor laser.

Abstract: Systems, methods and sensors detect changes in incident optical radiation. Voltage is applied across one or more active areas of a detector while the incident optical radiation illuminates the active areas. Current is sensed across one or more of the active areas, a change in the current being indicative of the changes in incident optical radiation.

Abstract: Systems, methods and sensors detect changes in incident optical radiation. Voltage is applied across one or more active areas of a detector while the incident optical radiation illuminates the active areas. Current is sensed across one or more of the active areas, a change in the current being indicative of the changes in incident optical radiation.

Abstract: Systems, methods and sensors detect changes in incident optical radiation. Current is driven through one or more active areas of a detector while the incident optical radiation illuminates the active areas. Voltage is sensed across one or more of the active areas, a change in the voltage being indicative of the changes in incident optical radiation.

Abstract: Systems, methods and sensors detect changes in incident optical radiation. Current is driven through one or more active areas of a detector while the incident optical radiation illuminates the active areas. Voltage is sensed across one or more of the active areas, a change in the voltage being indicative of the changes in incident optical radiation.

Abstract: Systems and methods detect changes in incident optical radiation at high frequencies. A detector having one or more asymmetrically conductive areas, formed of relaxation semiconductor material, is configured with at least two electrical contacts, positioned on opposite sides of an active area. Asymmetrical conductivity, for example provided by use of one doped contact and one un-doped contact, creates a transient voltage across the active area, which is measured by electronics connected with the electrical contacts. The transient voltage indicates changes in incident optical radiation, which may be distributed spatially uniformly over the system.

Abstract: Systems, methods and sensors detect changes in incident optical radiation. Current is driven through one or more active areas of a detector while the incident optical radiation illuminates the active areas. Voltage is sensed across one or more of the active areas, a change in the voltage being indicative of the changes in incident optical radiation.

Abstract: A laser system for the removal of graffiti from a retro-reflective highway sign or other surface includes a mobile crane adapted to support a laser scanner and an ablating laser under the control of a computer. An optical sensor and target indicator cooperate to function as a target acquisition device for identifying portions of a highway sign covered with graffiti. Responsive to the target acquisition device, the computer controls the laser scanner and laser to automatically ablate the graffiti covered portions of the highway sign to remove the graffiti. If needed, any remaining graffiti is manually brushed away and the highway sign is polished to restore the retro-reflective properties.

Abstract: A flexible hollow rectangular wave guide for transmission of radiation in the infrared portion of the spectrum, including infrared laser radiation. A wave guide which may be bent and twisted while providing low loss transmission of infrared radiation. An all metal wave guide with the width to heighth ratio at least 4 to 1. A wave guide with metal surfaces on the long dimension and dielectric surfaces on the short dimension and having a width to height ratio at least 2 to 1.