Abstract: Optical isolator, circulator, switch or the like, including a Faraday rotator to which a magnetic field is applied which is oriented along the direction of propagation of light and which is arranged between a preceding polarization filter and a succeeding polarization filter whose planes of polarization enclose an angle with respect to each other such that light can only traverse in one direction, the Faraday rotator having different propagation constants .beta..sub.TE and .beta..sub.TM in a TE plane and a TM plane, respectively. The elaborate technique for adapting the propagation constants of the TE wave and the TM wave is mitigated in that the TE plane of the Faraday rotator is aligned in such a way that it extends between the planes of polarization of the polarization filters.

Abstract: A miniaturized SQUID module (10), notably for multi-channel magnetometers, for measurement of varying magnetic fields in a field strength range below 10.sup.-10 T, includes superconducting and shielded connections between a SQUID chip (19) and a gradiometer (12). The module can be mounted in the lower part of a cryostat and enables a large number of measurement points per unit of surface area. The SQUID chip (19) is arranged on a fully shielded supporting plate (18) which has a width of only a few millimeters and which is provided with electronic circuitry (23), the SQUID chip (19) being connected in a superconducting manner, at least by soldering, to the wires (11) of the gradiometer (12) via a superconducting, solderable and bondable intermediate support (27).

Abstract: A groove is formed in a substrate layer by ion etching. The substrate layer comprises a top layer having an etch rate S1 and a bottom layer having a different etch rate S2, in which first, grooves are formed having an initial depth which differs from the desired depth, after which the etching process is carried out without using a mask until the desired depth of the groove is attained.

Abstract: A device for working a workpiece by means of laser light includes a laser, a beamsplitter for splitting the laserbeam into at least two sub-laserbeams of substantially identical intensities, and a control unit which controls the light intensity of the laser and the movement of a workpiece support and the laserbeam relative to each other. The beamsplitter includes at least one digital-phase grating which divides the laserbeam into a plurality of sub-laserbeams to produce a pattern of laser spots onto the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical polarization regulator having a wave-guide structure for converting the polarization state of an optical beam passing through and comprising devices for adjusting the coupling constants K of the TE and TM modes of the optical beam and for adjusting the difference .DELTA..beta. of the propagation constants .beta..sub.TE and .beta..sub.TM of these modes. The wave-guide structure is a magnetooptical element (8, 9, 13). The coupling constant K is adjusted by a magnetic field acting upon the wave-guide structure (8, 9, 13) and the difference .DELTA..beta. is adjusted by a mechanical deformation force exerted on the wave-guide structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical wavelength multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device. The device comprises a digital phase grating having at least four steps. The grating diffracts light of at least three different wavelengths in different central diffraction orders. Since the grating period may be high in comparison with the wavelengths light-emitting diodes may be used as light sources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetooptical waveguide device for the conversion of modes of propagation of the device. The device comprises layers (1, 4, 5, 6, 7) which are epitaxially applied to a substrate layer (8) and of which at least the waveguide layer (1) in which the modes propagate consists of a transparent magnetooptical material for which mode conversion can be induced by a magnetic field. For more accurate matching of the phase velocity of the TE and TM modes this structure is disposed in an apparatus (14, 15) by which an adjustable mechanical deformation force (24, 25) is exerted on the wave guide structure.

Abstract: The record carrier according to the invention comprises a substrate on which an electrode is provided which, on the side remote from the substrate, has a low-ohmic photoconductive layer which is covered with a second transparent electrode which is provided wihh a thermoplastic layer. For storing information the electrodes are connected to a voltage source and the thermoplastic layer is charged electrostatically and exposed in known manner. Upon exposure of an area of the thermoplastic layer, the light will fall through the transparent electrode on the low-ohmic photoconductive layer. As a result of the current passage, Joulean heat is produced which heats the thermoplastic layer in the place of the exposed area and softens it thereby deforming the layer by electrostatic forces in accordance with the charge.The thermoplastic layer may, in known manner, also have photoconductive properties or be provided with a further photoconductive layer.