Abstract: A device for processing an optical signal includes a refractor with a reflecting surface for reflecting the optical signal by total internal reflection. The device also includes a switchplate and an actuator to place the switchplate into proximal contact with the refractor to frustrate the total internal reflection.

Abstract: An apparatus for switching an optical signal to one of a number of output locations includes a refractor and one or more switchplates. The switchplates operate to frustrate the internal reflection of the optical signal by the refractor when the switchplate is brought into proximal contact with the refractor so that the optical signal enters the first switchplate. Switchplates and refractors may be arranged in a variety of configurations to provide cascaded or multi-stage switching.

Abstract: A device for processing an optical signal includes a refractor with a reflecting surface for reflecting the optical signal by frustrated total internal reflection. In one embodiment, the device includes a bimorph transducer coupled on one end to the refractor and on the opposing end to a switchplate. In another embodiment, two ends of the bimorph transducer are coupled to the refractor and the switchplate is coupled between the two ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (74 & 200) for switching an optical signal from an input optical fiber (210) to one of a plurality of output optical fibers (214 & 216). The apparatus (74 & 200) includes a collimator (76) for collimating an input optical signal into a collimated beam (216) at an angle with respect to a reference and a decollimator (78) for focusing the collimated beam to an output optical signal (220). The present invention also includes a reflector (92, 208, 218, & 222) for reflecting the collimated beam. The reflector (92 & 208) has a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam (216) with respect to the reference so that the output optical signal (220) is focused on one of the plurality of output optical fibers (214 & 216).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (74 & 200) for switching an optical signal from an input optical fiber (210) to one of a plurality of output optical fibers (214 & 216). The apparatus (74 & 200) includes a collimator (76) for collimating an input optical signal into a collimated beam (216) at an angle with respect to a reference and a decollimator (78) for focusing the collimated beam to an output optical signal (220). The present invention also includes a reflector (92, 208, 218, & 222) for reflecting the collimated beam. The reflector (92 & 208) has a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam (216) with respect to the reference so that the output optical signal (220) is focused on one of the plurality of output optical fibers (214 & 216).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (74 & 200) for switching an optical signal from an input optical fiber (210) to one of a plurality of output optical fibers (214 & 216). The apparatus (74 & 200) includes a collimator (76) for collimating an input optical signal into a collimated beam (216) at an angle with respect to a reference and a decollimator (78) for focusing the collimated beam to an output optical signal (220). The present invention also includes a reflector (92, 208, 218, & 222) for reflecting the collimated beam. The reflector (92 & 208) has a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam (216) with respect to the reference so that the output optical signal (220) is focused on one of the plurality of output optical fibers (214 & 216).

Abstract: A device (10) for processing an optical signal (28) is provided. The device includes a refractor (12) having first (34) and second (36) ends and having a reflecting surface (16) for reflecting the optical signal (28) by total internal reflection. The device also includes a switchplate (20) having first (44) and second (46) ends, a contact surface (22) for contacting the refractor (12), and wherein one end (44 or 46) of the switchplate (20) is secured to the refractor (12). An actuator (40) provides a force that moves the switchplate (20) with respect to the refractor (12). The switchplate's contact surface (22) can frustrate the total internal reflection of the optical signal (28) by the refractor's reflecting surface (16) when the contact surface (22) of the switchplate (20) is in proximal contact with the refractor (12).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (74 & 200) for switching an optical signal from an input optical fiber (210) to one of a plurality of output optical fibers (214 & 216). The apparatus (74 & 200) includes a collimator (76) for collimating an input optical signal into a collimated beam (216) at an angle with respect to a reference and a decollimator (78) for focusing the collimated beam to an output optical signal (220). The present invention also includes a reflector (92, 208, 218, & 222) for reflecting the collimated beam. The reflector (92 & 208) has a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam (216) with respect to the reference so that the output optical signal (220) is focused on one of the plurality of output optical fibers (214 & 216).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (74 and 200) for switching an optical signal from an input optical fiber (210) to one of a plurality of output optical fibers (214 and 216). The apparatus (74 and 200) includes a collimator (76) for collimating an input optical signal into a collimated beam (216) at an angle with respect to a reference and a decollimator (78) for focusing the collimated beam to an output optical signal (220). The present invention also includes a reflector (92, 208, 218, and 222) for reflecting the collimated beam. The reflector (92 and 208) has a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam (216) with respect to the reference so that the output optical signal (220) is focused on one of the plurality of output optical fibers (214 and 216).

Abstract: A modulating device based on the principal of frustrated total internal reflection that functions over a wide range of angles and wave lengths. The modulator is comprised of two refractive elements that initially are in contact. The edges of the elements are forced apart by a piezo electric transducer and the elasticity of the second refracting element lifts the center of that element away from the first refracting element. The amount of reflection at the interface of the two refractive elements is a function of their spacing. This reflection is reduced to zero by the addition of a thin plastic layer on the surface of one of the refracting elements which allows total contact across the entire surface of the two refractive elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving radiant energy is provided having a linear sensitivity to the angle of arrival of the radiant energy with that linearity relatively unaffected by wavelength and polarization variations in the radiant energy. An optical fiber is provided having a receiving end disposed to receive radiant energy and also having a transmitting end. A diffusing surface for receiving radiant energy is disposed on the receiving end of the optical fiber. A detector receives radiant energy from the transmitting end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving radiant energy to approximate a uniform and homogeneous radiant energy beam from a non-homogeneous beam by a sampling from the beam by an array of receiving ends of optical fibers. A first plurality of optical fibers have receiving ends disposed parallel to a first common plane and transmitting ends directed to a first detector. A second plurality of optical fibers have receiving ends disposed parallel to a second common plane and transmitting ends directed to a second detector. The first and second common planes are oriented with respect to each other at an predetermined angle for receiving radiant energy.

Abstract: A system (10) for optimizing the gain of an avalanche photodiode (12) and an associated avalanche photodiode preamplifier (14) includes a variable voltage power supply (58) interconnected to the avalanche photodiode (12) for providing a bias voltage source for the avalanche photodiode (12). Circuitry (26, 28) is provided for measuring the output noise level of the avalanche photodiode (12) and preamplifier (14). Additional circuitry (46, 48) is responsive to the circuitry (26, 28) for measuring the output noise level of the avalance photodiode preamplifier (14) for generating a control signal.

Abstract: An imaging system for detection of a target is provided which compensates for range dependency of a reflected interrogating signal. The imaging system includes an electromagnetic radiation source for generating a series of interrogating pulse signals directed towards the target. A receiver is provided and operable to be triggered for receiving during preselected time intervals the reflected interrogating pulse signals from the target and for generating a resultant output signal. The system further includes circuitry connected for triggering the receiver to receive reflected interrogating pulse signals according to a predetermined time function. The number of reflected interrogating pulse signals thus received by the receiver is dependent on the distance between the receiver and the target. The receiver thus generates a resultant output signal to provide a signal of constant amplitude independent of the distance between the receiver and target.

Abstract: The specification discloses a wireless optical communications link which includes a transmitter housing having circuitry for receiving electrical audio and video signals. A light emitting diode is mounted in the transmitter housing for generating a directional beam of light. Circuitry modulates the beam of light in accordance with the audio and video signals. A receiver housing is adapted to be located remote from the transmitter housing and includes an aspheric Fresnel lens for receiving and focusing the beam of light. A photodiode is mounted in the receiver housing for generating electrical output signals in response to the received beam of light. Circuitry is responsive to the electrical output signals for reconstructing the audio and video signals at the remote location.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to an angle of arrival source discriminator for determining both the spectral content of incident radiant energy and for simultaneously determining the angle of arrival of said incident radiant energy. The discriminator system includes first and second planar detector means positioned adjacent one another and arranged to have their planar surfaces transversely positioned to one another. Connected to the planar detector means are signal receiving and indicating devices, such as ammeters, or the like, for producing output signals in response to the angle of incidence of radiant energy impinging upon the planar surfaces thereof. A diffraction grating is positioned adjacent the planar detector means and oriented substantially at 45.degree.