Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing ultrashort optical pulses are described. A high-power, solid-state, passively mode-locked laser can be manufactured in a compact module that can be incorporated into a portable instrument. The mode-locked laser can produce sub-50-ps optical pulses at a repetition rates between 200 MHz and 50 MHz, rates suitable for massively parallel data-acquisition. The optical pulses can be used to generate a reference clock signal for synchronizing data-acquisition and signal-processing electronics of the portable instrument.

Abstract: A supporting bracket for an electromagnetic clutch and a hydraulic pump driven through the clutch from a drive shaft, belt pulley or other power input by which the various forces exerted on the pump shaft by the clutch and power input are supported by the bracket thereby eliminating excessive wear on the supporting bearing structure for the pump shaft thereby prolonging the useful life of the hydraulic pump and maintaining the clutch components in properly oriented relation for proper and long lasting operation thereof.