Abstract: An optical switch and router configuration employing at least one material having radiation induced color centers to produce a change in the reflective index of the material. The material will reflect an input optical signal when the material is illuminated by a control optical signal source and the color centers are induced. An erase beam can be used to remove the color centers, therefore returning the material to a transmittive state such that an input optical signal can be transmitted through it, or the color centers can be allowed to dissipate after their naturally short lifetime.

Abstract: A hand held laser device is disclosed including a handpiece coupled to a source of laser energy by an optical fiber cable. A bias tensile stress is exerted on the fiber when the fiber and outer sheathing or tube are straight in-line. The bias tensile stress reduces compressional stress on the fiber when the fiber cable is bent. Moreover, the fiber is coupled to a disposable fiber in the handpiece to output light from the laser to a target area. The two fibers are precisely spaced close to one another to permit substantial lossless transmission of light without lenses or other focusing optics. Further, precision bearing devices are provided at opposite ends of the fiber cable in order to reduce torque on the fiber.

Abstract: A highly-efficient solid-state blue laser that exploits a strong emission line provided by a solid-state laser medium of neodymium-doped scandium oxide (Nd:Sc.sub.2 O.sub.3) to produce a beam of coherent blue light at a wavelength matching the absorption line of cesium at 455.6 nm (0.4556 microns). The solid-state blue laser includes the laser medium of neodymium-doped scandium oxide, a semiconductor diode laser array for optically pumping the laser medium to produce a beam of coherent infrared radiation at a wavelength of approximately 1367 nm (1.367 microns), and optical means for tripling the frequency of the beam of coherent infrared radiation to produce a beam of coherent blue light at the wavelength of approximately 455.6 nm. The solid-state blue laser is simple, highly efficient and provides relatively high power outputs.

Abstract: A diamond (10) containing H3 and N3 color centers is employed as a laser active material in a color center laser. When excited by a suitable optical pumping source (22), the H3 color centers exhibit laser action and provide a beam (26, 28) which is tunable over the range of 500 to 600 nanometers.