Abstract: Seeker optics and a related method comprising: an objective for collecting and transmitting light from a target; at least one scattering surface; and a photo detector; wherein: the light transmitted from the objective at small off-boresight target angles propagates to and impinges upon the photo detector without impinging upon the scattering surface; the light transmitted from the objective at large off-boresight target angles propagates to, impinges upon and scatters upon the scattering surface; and the light scattered by the scattering surface propagates to and impinges upon the photo detector; whereby: the target may be detected and tracked at both small and large off-boresight angles, in a wide field of regard.

Abstract: Seeker optics and a related method comprising: an objective for collecting and transmitting light from a target; at least one scattering surface; and a photo detector; wherein: the light transmitted from the objective at small off-boresight target angles propagates to and impinges upon the photo detector without impinging upon the scattering surface; the light transmitted from the objective at large off-boresight target angles propagates to, impinges upon and scatters upon the scattering surface; and the light scattered by the scattering surface propagates to and impinges upon the photo detector; whereby: the target may be detected and tracked at both small and large off-boresight angles, in a wide field of regard.

Abstract: An interferometry method and associated system and computerized media for testing samples under test including those with high aberrations, comprising: situating a sample under test between a tilt mirror and a reference mirror, the tilt mirror tiltable with at least one degree of freedom about at least one tilt mirror axis, and further translatable along an axial line defined by a direction of propagation of a test wavefront from a source thereof; propagating the test wavefront toward the tilt mirror; after the test wavefront has been reflected by the tilt mirror, further propagating the test wavefront toward a reference mirror; and deriving a substantially complete first-tilt-alignment wavefront metrology of the sample under test from a plurality of first-tilt-alignment interferograms taken with the tilt mirror held fixed at a first predetermined tilt mirror angle while discreetly varying a displacement between the sample under test and the reference mirror.

Abstract: A system and related method for coded aperture sensing, comprising: passing at least one scene wavefront from a target scene through at least one original coded aperture mask onto a focal plane array, producing a diffracted projection of the target scene; and processing the diffracted projection into a representation of the target scene by correlating a function of the diffracted projection with a function of a known array pattern of the at least one original coded aperture mask and by using at least one reconstructing wavefront for holographic reconstructing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an interferometry device and associated method and computerized media for testing optical components including those with high aberrations, comprising: situating an optical component under test between a source of a spherical test wavefront and a reference mirror; propagating a spherical test wavefront, whereby an axial line is defined by a direction of propagation of said wavefront; deriving a substantially complete first-tilt-alignment wavefront metrology of the optical component under test from a plurality of first-tilt-alignment interferograms obtained with the optical component under test held fixed at a first predetermined tilt angle relative to a direction of propagation of said wavefront; and varying an axial displacement between the optical component under test and the spherical reference mirror to obtain each first-tilt-alignment interferogram. By varying the tilt angle, one can also derive a substantially complete surface metrology of the optical component under test.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an interferometry device and associated method and computerized media for testing optical components including those with high aberrations, comprising: situating an optical component under test between a source of a spherical test wavefront and a spherical reference mirror; propagating a spherical test wavefront, whereby an axial line is defined by a direction of propagation of said wavefront; deriving a substantially complete first-tilt-alignment wavefront metrology of the optical component under test from a plurality of first-tilt-alignment interferograms obtained with the optical component under test held fixed at a first predetermined tilt angle relative to a direction of propagation of said wavefront; and varying an axial displacement between the optical component under test and the spherical reference mirror to obtain each first-tilt-alignment interferogram. By varying the tilt angle, one can also derive a substantially complete surface metrology of the optical component under test.

Abstract: Optical coherence tomography with 3D coherence scanning is disclosed, using at least three fibers (201, 202, 203) for object illumination and collection of backscattered light. Fiber tips (1, 2, 3) are located in a fiber tip plane (71) normal to the optical axis (72). Light beams emerging from the fibers overlap at an object (122) plane, a subset of intersections of the beams with the plane defining field of view (266) of the optical coherence tomography apparatus. Interference of light emitted and collected by the fibers creates a 3D fringe pattern. The 3D fringe pattern is scanned dynamically over the object by phase shift delays (102, 104) controlled remotely, near ends of the fibers opposite the tips of the fibers, and combined with light modulation. The dynamic fringe pattern is backscattered by the object, transmitted to a light processing system (108) such as a photo detector, and produces an AC signal on the output of the light processing system (108).

Abstract: An improvement in a wavelength division multiplexer and/or a dense wavelength division multiplexer (WDM/DWDM) is achieved by incorporating an electronically reconfigurable diffraction grating (108). The introduction of the electronically reconfigurable diffraction grating (108), which is typically fabricated using MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology, improves the compact design, durability, and dynamic functionality of the WDM/DWDM system.

Abstract: Optical coherence tomography with 3D coherence scanning is disclosed, using at least three fibers (201, 202, 203) for object illumination and collection of backscattered light. Fiber tips (1, 2, 3) are located in a fiber tip plane (71) normal to the optical axis (72). Light beams emerging from the fibers overlap at an object (122) plane, a subset of intersections of the beams with the plane defining field of view (266) of the optical coherence tomography apparatus. Interference of light emitted and collected by the fibers creates a 3D fringe pattern. The 3D fringe pattern is scanned dynamically over the object by phase shift delays (102, 104) controlled remotely, near ends of the fibers opposite the tips of the fibers, and combined with light modulation. The dynamic fringe pattern is backscattered by the object, transmitted to a light processing system (108) such as a photo detector, and produces an AC signal on the output of the light processing system (108).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved optical pickup device based on the developing electronically reconfigurable diffraction grating MEMS technology. The improved optical pickup device has applications that include but are not limited to CD and DVD for audio, video and computer technology. The present invention can provide improvements to this current and future technology with higher data storage density and faster retrieval.

Abstract: A fiberoptic wavelength combiner comprises: a collimating lens having a first surface and a second surface, opposite the first surface; two input optical fibers secured to the first surface, each input optical fiber conducting light at a wavelength that is different from other input optical fibers; a wedged mirror spaced from the second surface, the wedged mirror having a front surface facing the collimating lens and a rear surface, the front surface provided with a first reflective coating and the rear surface provided with a second reflective coating; and an output optical fiber secured to the first surface, whereby light from the input optical fibers is collimated by the lens and made incident on the wedged mirror and its first and second reflective coatings to thereby direct the light back through the collimating lens onto the output optical fiber. Further, a method of aligning the fiberoptic wavelength combiner is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in a wavelength division multiplexer and/or a dense wavelength division multiplexer (WDM/DWDM) by incorporating an electronically reconfigurable diffraction grating (108). The introduction of the electronically reconfigurable diffraction grating (108), which is typically fabricated using MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology, improves the compact design, durability, and dynamic functionality of the WDM/DWDM system.

Abstract: A tunable laser system where incoming light is separated into wavelength separated light; the separated light is focused into a plurality of single wavelength focal spots. The laser system includes a locally controllable reflectivity array having a plurality of individually controllable localized reflective elements corresponding to and reflecting one of the plurality of focal spots. A wavelength filter substantially allows wavelengths of the incoming light separated by a specified frequency to emerge as filtered light, while substantially barring other wavelengths. The separated light includes this filtered light. An elongation element for elongates the wavelength separated light into a plurality of elongated single wavelength focal spots. The locally controllable reflectivity array includes a plurality of sets of a plurality of individually controllable localized reflective elements, each set corresponding to and reflecting one of the elongated single wavelength focal spots.

Abstract: Monolithic structures for coupling either a vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) or a half-cavity vertical cavity surface emitting laser into a single-mode optical fiber are provided. The monolithic structures include a coupler, which comprises a pellet comprising a piece of solid silica glass and a length of graded-index multimode fiber serving as a gradient index lens. Various coupler configurations are provided for handling the cases in which the diameter from the VCSEL is larger or smaller than the diameter of the single-mode fiber. In the case of the half-cavity VCSEL, the single-mode optical fiber including therein an embedded Bragg grating, the Bragg grating reflecting the seed light from the VCSEL, thus providing feedback for laser action. The fiber-coupled laser evidences increased mode field diameter and single-mode operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in a wavelength division multiplexer and/or a dense wavelength division multiplexer (WDM/DWDM) by incorporating an electronically reconfigurable diffraction grating. The introduction of the electronically reconfigurable diffraction grating, which is typically fabricated using MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology, improves the compact design, durability, and dynamic functionality of the WDM/DWDM system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in all embodiments of the invention, is a tunable laser system comprising wavelength separation means for separating incoming light into wavelength-separated light; optical focusing means for focusing the wavelength-separated light into a plurality of single-wavelength focal spots; and locally-controllable reflectivity array means comprising a plurality of individually-controllable localized reflective elements each corresponding to and reflecting one of the plurality of single-wavelength focal spots. A frequency matching embodiment further comprises wavelength filtering means for substantially allowing wavelengths the incoming light which are separated from one another by a specified optical frequency difference to emerge as filtered light, while substantially barring all other wavelengths. The light separated the wavelength separation means comprises this filtered light.

Abstract: An improved optical pressure sensor determines the pressure of the fluid to be monitored by the deflection of a diaphragm in the pressure chamber of the sensor which has an inlet from the measured vessel. The deflection of the diaphragm is determined by monitoring the interference of diode light reflected from the diaphragm and a silicon grating structure superimposed over the diaphragm, at critical positions. Intensity detectors are placed at critical positions such as the specific orders of the diffraction grating to measure the interference intensity of the reflected light. The interferometric accuracy with which the pressure measurement is made with the present invention far exceeds that obtained with optical pressure sensors described in the prior art.

Abstract: An improved tunable diode laser is capable of fast digital line selection over a broad wavelength spectrum, and uses no moving parts. A focusing element, such as a mirror or a lens, used in combination with a micromirror array serves as the retroreflector in a typical Littman-Metcalf laser cavity. This configuration provides arbitrary, simultaneous, and/or sequential line selection capability over a very broad wavelength range. The use of an individually-controllable micromirror array eliminates the high precision mechanical motion of a grating element and improves the overall durability and ruggedness of the device. The present invention can be integrated into any diode laser and has significant application in spectroscopy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method disclosed herein can be utilized in all DMA-based optical systems, such as imaging and projection devices, in order to improve light efficiency and brightness by a significant factor and maintain good contrast. This feature is especially important in night vision systems and other low light applications. A means is provided of masking a designated area of light collected by the system objective lens in order to eliminate light collected from “flat” or “off” state micromirrors that would degrade the image quality produced. The masked objective lens, with a larger aperture, enhances the light collection from micromirrors in the “on” state only.

Abstract: An improved intensity control system for an intensified imaging system allows continuous viewing through an intensified imaging system while protecting saturated areas from the negative effects of overexposure. A micromirror array (MMA) is used in conjunction with associated optics to control the intensity incident on the image intensifier. Control circuitry determines if pixel intensity is above or below the preset threshold level. If above, the corresponding elements of the MMA array will deflect the incident light in that specific area thereby eliminating saturation of the pixels. The rest of the image is maintained for continuous viewing. A continuous feedback loop monitors the intensity levels of pixels and actively controls the incident light using the MMA.