Abstract: A first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, and a prism are used to turn light through 180° in a small space. The prism can be a discrete microprism or a custom prism specially made using precision molding techniques or by specially machining a section of coreless optical fiber using precision machining techniques. A precision holder or substrate can be used to facilitate molding of a prism and/or assembly of the overall apparatus.

Abstract: A device for injecting light from one of a first group of optical fibers into a corresponding one of a second group of optical fibers includes a holder for locating each of the fibers in the first and second groups, a clamp for securing fibers in the second group to the holder, and a depressor for laterally displacing each of the fibers in the second group, thus forming a bend in each of the fibers in the second group. The maximum curvature in the bend occurs where the fibers in the second group exit the clamp. Light is injected from fibers in the first group into corresponding fibers in the second group at the point of maximum curvature. An optical gel may be used to used to promote optical coupling between fibers in the first group and fibers in the second group. The optical fibers in the second group may include a lens for focusing the light to be injected. The device can function in reverse to extract light from fibers in the second group into fibers in the first group.

Abstract: An optical fiber is bent to form a discontinuous curve through which light can be injected into the fiber or extracted from the fiber. The bend can be formed by securing a portion of the optical fiber in a fixture and laterally displacing a portion of the fiber outside the fixture using a depressor. The depressor can be an integral part of the securing fixture or a separate device. The securing fixture can be adjustable so that the degree and location of the bend can be varied. Injected light can be sourced from a second optical fiber, and extracted light can be supplied to a second optical fiber which can have a lens at its free end.

Abstract: A micromachined silicon pressure transducer employs a vibrating bridge that is formed from the same silicon slab as the pressure responsive diaphragm. The resonant frequency of the bridge is a temperature insensitive representation of the pressure.

Abstract: An arrangement for smoothing a coherent laser beam of a limited yet substantial coherence length due to the presence of several discrete optical frequencies therein is operative for subdividing the coherent laser beam into a plurality of partial beams of substantially the same intensity. Each of the partial beams is then conducted in a different path, the length of at least one of which differs from that of another path by a distance amounting to a fraction of the coherence length. At least some of the partial beams are subsequently combined into a coherent output beam in which the partial beam issued from the one path is shifted by the distance relative to that issued from the other path.

Abstract: The movement of a predetermined zone of a surface of a vibrating object is measured by separating a laser beam having a predetermined coherence length into a probe beam and a reference beam. The reference beam is then delayed relative to the probe beam by a predetermined time interval sufficient for the probe beam to travel through a predetermined distance at least corresponding to the coherence length, before being combined with the probe beam to form a combination beam. The combination beam is then subdivided into a plurality of substantially equal component beams each of which is conducted along a separate path to a location spaced from the predetermined zone substantially by one-half of the distance traveled by light in the predetermined time interval between the above location and the predetermined zone.

Abstract: A common optical path interferometric gauge comprises an optical beam that is split into two beams. Both beams are modulated and recombined after introducing an optical path length difference greater than the coherence length of the optical source. The combined beam is guided along a common optical path and is subsequently split into reference and measurement beams. The measurement beam is guided along a measurement optical path that includes a moving workpiece surface. Both beams are recombined after interposing an optical path length difference therebetween so as to reestablish coherence between portions thereof, producing optical interference indicative of the surface movement.

Abstract: A focused optical input signal is applied to an optically absorbent wall portion of a supply nozzle 40 in a fluidic device to cause boundary layer separation of flow therein. The boundary layer separation turns the flow to achieve a desired output from the device.

Abstract: A linear magnetostrictive actuator with feedback compensation including a force train that has at least one magnetostrictive element, an excitation component disposed on or within the actuator, a feedback apparatus whose output signal is proportional to the magnetic induction within the magnetostrictive element, and actuator control circuitry for providing the difference signal resultant between the feedback output signal and the external signal, such that positional displacement error is compensated by closed loop operation of the actuator.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optically scanning the circumference of a generally circular section of a test object, and especially for monitoring the surface character of cables and the like. An optical system has its apparent axis substantially concentric with the centerline of the path along which the cable moves relative to the scanning optics. A beam of radiation is caused to rotate or orbit about that axis and is then directed into near-normal incidence with the surface of the test object such that it is specularly reflected by the surface. The optical system redirects the reflected beam toward one or more detectors, the intensity of outputs of which provide an indication of the surface character of the object.In a preferred embodiment, a radiation source beam offset from the actual cable path is rotated by a pair of oscillating mirrors such that it describes a divergent conical shape. Certain optics direct a 180.degree. portion of that rotating beam along one path to intersect with a corresponding 180.

Abstract: A laser beam is focused to a spot on the surface of an object whose contour is to be measured. The spot is projected from the surface onto a detector by a reciprocating mirror which scans the spot across the detector. The detector produces two output signals consisting of sequential pulses at the frequency scan. The relative duration of these pulses or duty cycle reflects the change in contour dimension with respect to the scan centerline or mid point that corresponds to the base or zero dimension of the contour surface. The duty cycle is utilized to compute the change in contour dimension and to move the optics in such a way as to allow the spot to be continually scanned across the detector. The movement of the optics is made whenever there is a certain contour dimension change and by correlating the movement in the position of the optics and the instantaneous computed contour change reflected in the scan, the actual contour dimension is obtained.

Abstract: An optical position detector is provided for optically locating a seam between two abutting parts having reflective surfaces and features means for producing a continuous laser beam having a predetermined focus spot for scanning the workpiece and a photodetector. The photodetector is positioned to receive radiation reflected from the workpiece upon relative movement of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for focusing a beam of collimated radiation at various locations over a wide area is disclosed. The apparatus includes a focus head having an offaxis parabolic section in combination with a flat turning mirror. The head is capable of rotating the beam about two orthogonal axes and is mounted in a gantry which permits three dimensional movement of the entire head.

Abstract: A system for measuring the surface contour of an object by tracking the image of a spot of radiation focused on the surface is disclosed. The radiation spot is imaged on a plurality of suitable detectors which are remote to the surface and connected electrically in parallel. Continuous data on the contour of the surface is provided even though irregularities on the surface interfere with the scattered radiation propagating along the line of sight to one of the detectors. This highly accurate system is servocontrolled and can be automated for recording, storing or displaying data.