Frequency Patents (Class 372/28)
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Publication number: 20110155916Abstract: The present invention provides a laser apparatus capable of improving a scan speed and achieving a scan rate equal to or more than 1 MHz, and an optical tomographic imaging apparatus using the laser apparatus as a light source. The laser apparatus includes a ring resonator, the ring resonator having a structure in which a first modulator, a normal dispersion region, a second modulator and an anomalous dispersion region are arranged in this order, and in this arrangement, a gain medium is included, and being configured so that modulation with respect to the second modulator can be caused to be phase modulation by periodically superimposing phase modulation on modulation with respect to the first modulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kentaro Furusawa, Natsuhiko Mizutani, Kazuhide Miyata
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Patent number: 7953131Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical frequency synthesizer and an optical frequency synthesizing method using femtosecond laser optical injection locking, which inject a femtosecond laser optical frequency comb into a diode laser, thus obtaining single-mode laser light, phase-locked to only a single mode in the optical frequency comb, and which change the optical frequency and interval, that is, the repetition rate, of a femtosecond laser, together with the frequency of a semiconductor laser, thus scanning optical frequencies while realizing a single desired optical frequency. The optical frequency synthesizer using femtosecond laser optical injection locking, includes a mode-locked femtosecond laser (110), which is a master laser, and a diode laser (120), which is a slave laser and into which laser light emitted from the femtosecond laser is injected.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and ScienceInventors: Sang Eon Park, Han Seb Moon, Eok Bong Kim, Chang Young Park, Taeg Yong Kwon
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Publication number: 20110122903Abstract: In a laser apparatus including an excitation light source and a resonator in which a laser medium is disposed between optical paths of a first mirror reflecting light in a desired wavelength band and a second mirror and a first wavelength selecting means is disposed between optical paths of the laser medium and the second mirror, there is provided a wavelength-variable laser apparatus capable of continuously varying the laser oscillation wavelength by using at least a Pr3+-doped fluoride glass in the laser medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: CENTRAL GLASS COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Hideyuki Okamoto, Yoshinori Kubota, Ken Kasuga, Ikunari Hara
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Patent number: 7949019Abstract: An apparatus and source arrangement for filtering an electromagnetic radiation can be provided which may include at least one spectral separating arrangement configured to physically separate one or more components of the electromagnetic radiation based on a frequency of the electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus and source arrangement may also have at least one continuously rotating optical arrangement, e.g., polygonal scanning mirror and spinning reflector disk scanner, which is configured to receive at least one signal that is associated with the one or more components. Further, the apparatus and source arrangement can include at least one beam selecting arrangement configured to receive the signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: The General HospitalInventors: Brett E. Bouma, Seok-Yun Yun, Wang-Yuhl Oh, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Guillermo J. Tearney
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Patent number: 7922336Abstract: A light source device for a display device for projecting an image on a screen is provided, the light source device for display device including a light source unit operable to output light; an image outputting unit operable to output an image by giving an image signal to the light; and a control circuit operable to switch the image output from the image outputting unit between a normal image and a mirror reversed image formed by reversing the normal image right and left by controlling the image signal, such that outputting type is switched between a front projection in which the image is projected onto the screen from a front on the same side as the viewing side, and a rear projection in which the image is projected onto the screen from a rear plane on the opposite side to the viewing side.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Toshifumi Yokoyama, Ken'ichi Kasazumi
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Patent number: 7891818Abstract: A projection system that includes a singe light modulation device and a plurality of light sources of different wavelengths. Each wavelength of light is incident on the light modulation device at a spatially distinct location and a temporally distinct time. The use of a scanning mirror allows the projection system to sequentially form, in full-color, each of the columns or rows of an image. The projection system is characterized by the reduction of color separation or the rainbow effect due to the rendering of each column or row in full color.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer CorporationInventors: Robert R. Christensen, Bret D. Winkler, Dennis Elkins, Allen H. Tanner
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Patent number: 7881566Abstract: An improved laser source for use in a distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system (and DTS systems employing the same) includes a laser device and drive circuitry that cooperate to emit an optical pulse train at a characteristic wavelength between 1050 nm and 1090 nm. An optical amplifier, which is operably coupled to the laser device, is adapted to amplify the optical pulse train for output over the optical fiber sensor of the DTS system. In the preferred embodiment, the laser device operates at 1064 nm and outputs the optical pulse train via an optical fiber pigtail that is integral to its housing. The optical power of the optical pulse train generated by the laser source is greater than 100 mW, and preferably greater than 1 W, at a preferred pulse repetition frequency range between 1 and 50 kHz, and at a preferred pulse width range between 2 and 100 ns.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Gareth P. Lees, Arthur H. Hartog, Peter C. Wait
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Patent number: 7869472Abstract: Techniques and devices for providing optical locking of optical resonators and lasers.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: OEwaves, Inc.Inventors: Lute Maleki, Andrey B. Matsko, Anatoliy Savchenkov, Vladimir Ilchenko, Wei Liang, David Seidel, Jerry Byrd
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Patent number: 7869473Abstract: A DBR laser, such as a semiconductor DBR laser is disclosed having improved frequency modulation performance. The laser includes a split gain electrode and a tuning electrode. A modulating current encoding a data signal is injected into a first section of the gain electrode whereas a substantially DC bias voltage is imposed on a second section of the gain electrode positioned between the first gain electrode and the tuning electrode. The first and second gain electrodes are electrically isolated from each other and the tuning electrode by a large isolation resistance. In some embodiments, the isolation resistance is generated by forming the electrodes on a P+ layer and removing portions of the P+ layer between adjacent electrodes. Capacitors may couple to one or both of the second gain electrode and the tuning electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Finisar CorporationInventors: Xiong Ye, Hongmin Chen, Yasuhiro Matsui, Daniel Mahgerefteh
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Patent number: 7864822Abstract: An apparatus and source arrangement for filtering an electromagnetic radiation can be provided which may include at least one spectral separating arrangement configured to physically separate one or more components of the electromagnetic radiation based on a frequency of the electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus and source arrangement may also have at least one continuously rotating optical arrangement which is configured to receive at least one signal that is associated with the one or more components. Further, the apparatus and source arrangement can include at least one beam selecting arrangement configured to receive the signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Brett Eugene Bouma, Seok-Hyun (Andy) Yun, Wang-Yuhl (William) Oh, Johannes F. De Boer, Guillermo J. Tearney
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Patent number: 7853155Abstract: A method for operating an optical transmitter for transmission of an optical signal over a dispersive fiber optic media to a remote receiver. The method includes the steps of providing a respective bias level of a first RF signal and a second RF signal input to an optical modulator that modulates the optical signal; determining an output level of the optical modulator in response to the provided bias levels and adjusting a bias level of at least one of the first and second RF input signals based upon the determined output level and an expected output level at a configuration set point for the provided respective bias levels.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Emcore CorporationInventor: Eric Krieg
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Patent number: 7835411Abstract: A laser frequency stabilizing device comprises a laser light producer operative to produce and emit a laser light containing a first and a second longitudinal mode light having different wavelengths; a spectrometer operative to spectrally decompose the laser light into the first longitudinal mode light and the second longitudinal mode light; a first detector operative to detect the light output signal from a absorption cell; a second and third detector operative to detect the signal intensity of the first and second longitudinal mode light; an actuator operative to change the resonant cavity length; a first drive controller operative to detect the saturated absorption signal from the light output signal detected at the first detector and control driving the actuator based on the saturated absorption signal; a second drive controller operative to control driving the actuator such that the signal intensity of the first longitudinal mode light detected at the second detector and the signal intensity of the seconType: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: Hiroki Masuda, Kaoru Miyata, Hisayoshi Sakai
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Patent number: 7804863Abstract: The invention concerns a laser system with a frequency comb generator for generating a comb of optical frequencies having an offset frequency and a plurality of equidistant modes. The laser system further preferably includes at least one stabilizer for stabilizing the frequency comb onto a certain offset frequency and/or onto a certain mode spacing. The laser system further includes an optical amplifier for amplifying the frequency comb coupled out of the frequency comb generator, the amplification factor of this amplifier being variable; and the amplifier is followed by a Raman medium for generating a Raman shift of the frequency comb.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Menlo Systems GmbHInventors: Peter Adel, Marc Fischer, Michael Mei, Ronald Holzwarth
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Patent number: 7778548Abstract: A communication system has lighting equipment that has transmitter comprising multiple light-emitting elements that each emit light of different wavelengths and terminal equipment that has light-receiver comprising multiple light-receiving elements that receive optical signals for each of the different wavelengths.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Kenji Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7778293Abstract: A technique for determining the modulation index of a frequency-modulated laser source from the absorption spectrum that is produced when light from the laser passes through an alkali metal vapor cell. The absorption spectrum contains a primary minimum and a number of satellite minima and the modulation index is determined using ratios of the minima. The technique is used to calibrate the laser source of a CPT frequency standard so that it operates at a desired modulation index. Ways are disclosed of using the technique to calibrate the CPT frequency standard either manually or automatically. The calibration may be done when the CPT frequency standard is built, when the frequency standard is initialized, or during normal operation of the CPT frequency standard.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Kernco Inc.Inventor: Jacques Vanier
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Patent number: 7729044Abstract: Methods and devices for generating stable, tunable and intense output light pulses are provided. A primary beam of light pulses is used to form a filament in an interaction zone. A secondary bean of light pulses is superposed with the filament and interacts therewith to generate the output light pulses. The parameters of the primary and secondary beams in the interaction zone can be controlled to obtain targeted optical characteristics of the output pulses. Multiple secondary beams may also be used.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Universite LavalInventors: Francis Theberge, See Leang Chin
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Patent number: 7724786Abstract: An apparatus and source arrangement for filtering an electromagnetic radiation can be provided which may include at least one spectral separating arrangement configured to physically separate one or more components of the electromagnetic radiation based on a frequency of the electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus and source arrangement may also have at least one continuously rotating optical arrangement which is configured to receive at least one signal that is associated with the one or more components. Further, the apparatus and source arrangement can include at least one beam selecting arrangement configured to receive the signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Brett Eugene Bouma, Seok-Hyun (Andy) Yun, Wang-Yuhl (William) Oh, Johannes F. De Boer, Guillermo J. Tearney
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Patent number: 7720115Abstract: An rf pulse compressor has a single high Q cavity resonator fed by a four port hybrid coupler which is connected to the resonator at coupling ports located at the intersection of two of the resonator's orthogonal axes with the resonator cavity walls. The hybrid coupler divides pulse power from an rf pulse power source and excites two space and phase orthogonal modes in the single cavity, the stored energy of which aids in producing compressed pulses at the output of the hybrid. On-axis perturbations in the cavity walls can be used to lock the orthogonal orientation of the modes excited in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Inventor: Ray M. Johnson
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Patent number: 7715453Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention relate generally to semiconductor lasers and laser scanning systems and, more particularly, to schemes for controlling semiconductor lasers. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a laser is configured for optical emission of encoded data. At least one parameter of the optical emission is a function of a drive current IGAIN injected into the gain section of the semiconductor laser and one or more additional drive currents I/VPHASE, I/VDBR. Mode selection in the semiconductor laser is altered by applying a phase shifting signal I/V? to the phase section that is synched with a wavelength recovery portions in drive current IGAIN such that a plurality of cavity modes are shifted by one half of the free spectral range at each wavelength recovery portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Jacques Gollier
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Patent number: 7711019Abstract: A gain element and a variable wavelength reflector form a resonator. A wavelength selective element selects a resonance wavelength in the resonator. A beam splitter is provided for monitoring an incident light from the gain element and a reflected light from the variable wavelength reflector. A phase adjustment element is arranged in the resonator. A wavelength-lock control unit locks the resonance wavelength to a desired resonance wavelength by adjusting the phase of the resonance wavelength based on the monitored incident light and by adjusting the variable wavelength reflector based on a ratio between the incident light and the reflected light.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: FiBest LimitedInventor: Haruhisa Soda
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Patent number: 7697578Abstract: The present invention provides a directly modulatable wavelength variable laser that enables long distance and large volume communication with a simple and compact configuration. The wavelength variable laser includes a semiconductor optical amplifier, an optical filter, and a frequency-amplitude converter. The semiconductor optical amplifier produces optical gain of the light signal. The optical filter configured by multi-stage connected waveguide ring resonators performs frequency modulation on the light signal. The frequency-amplitude converter performs amplitude modulation on the light signal frequency modulated in the optical filter.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Yamazaki
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Publication number: 20100046003Abstract: In a method for generating a synthetic wavelength, particularly for an interferometric distance measuring setup, with a primary laser source defining a primary frequency U0 and at least a first sideband frequency U1 of the primary frequency U1, laser radiation with the first sideband frequency O1 and a corresponding first wavelength is provided wherein the first sideband frequency U1 is continuously shifted, particularly by modulating the primary laser source. The synthetic wavelength is generated by combining the first wavelength and a second wavelength which is defined by the primary laser source, particularly by superposition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AGInventors: Sébastien Le Floch, Yves Salvade, Thomas Jensen, Marcel Rohner
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Patent number: 7649915Abstract: Various embodiments include modelocked fiber laser resonators that may be coupled with optical amplifiers. An isolator may separate the laser resonator from the amplifier, although certain embodiments exclude such an isolator. A reflective optical element on one end of the resonator having a relatively low reflectivity may be employed to couple light from the laser resonator to the amplifier. Enhanced pulse-width control may be provided with concatenated sections of both polarization-maintaining and non-polarization-maintaining fibers. Apodized fiber Bragg gratings and integrated fiber polarizers may be also be included in the laser cavity to assist in linearly polarizing the output of the cavity. Very short pulses with a large optical bandwidth may be obtained by matching the dispersion value of the fiber Bragg grating to the inverse of the dispersion of the intra-cavity fiber. Frequency comb sources may be constructed from such modelocked fiber oscillators.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: IMRA America, Inc.Inventors: Martin E. Fermann, Ingmar Hartl, Gennady Imeshev
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Patent number: 7639910Abstract: An optical module is configured with a combination of a single-mode oscillating light source and an optical filter. In this optical module, the single-mode oscillating light source outputs a single-mode, frequency-modulated signal. Further, the optical filter converts the frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation. And, the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter are packaged without active alignment on the same substrate. Accordingly, it is possible to realize an optical module in a simple and low-cost configuration by packaging the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter by passive alignment, without active alignment, on the same substrate, and by using a simple optical filter such as a waveguide ring resonator, which converts a frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Yamazaki, Takaaki Hatanaka
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Publication number: 20090316738Abstract: Device for adaptation of a programmable generator of ultra short wide spectral band light pulses, to long narrow spectral band light pulses comprising a laser source (1) of ultra-short wide spectral band pulses, a device (2) for dispersion of ultra-short pulses output from said laser source (1), a first non-linear optical mixer (4) to mix long modulated pulses output from said dispersion device (2) with long quasi-monochromatic signals output from a pure frequency pump laser (3), a generator (5) of wide spectral band light pulses placed on a first channel (V1), a second non-linear optical mixer (6) to mix the channel output from said generator (5) and a second channel (V2) emerging from said first non-linear optical mixer (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2007Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: FastliteInventors: Pierre Tournois, Nicolas Forget
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Patent number: 7633977Abstract: A laser provides a cavity with complementary wavelength-dependent delay elements to provide the same optical length but time-staggered light paths for different colors. This provides the ability to individually control multiple narrow bands of colors each in a separate time division window.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Scott Thomas Sanders, Thilo Kraetschmer
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Patent number: 7626758Abstract: An electronic circuit for controlling a laser system consisting of a pulse source and high power fiber amplifier is disclosed. The circuit is used to control the gain of the high power fiber amplifier system so that the amplified output pulses have predetermined pulse energy as the pulse width and repetition rate of the oscillator are varied. This includes keeping the pulse energy constant when the pulse train is turned on. The circuitry is also used to control the temperature of the high power fiber amplifier pump diode such that the wavelength of the pump diode is held at the optimum absorption wavelength of the fiber amplifier as the diode current is varied. The circuitry also provides a means of protecting the high power fiber amplifier from damage due to a loss of signal from the pulse source or from a pulse-source signal of insufficient injection energy.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: IMRA America, Inc.Inventors: Salvatore F. Nati, Otho E. Ulrich, Jr., Gyu Choen Cho, Wayne A. Gillis, Donald J. Harter, Mark Bendett, Ingmar Hartl
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Patent number: 7623556Abstract: An optical cavity is combined with non-linear optical crystals and a laser source to generate light radiation at a frequency about 1.5 times the frequency of the initial laser source while having a wavelength 2/3 that of the initial laser source. The optical cavity comprises mirrors of relatively high reflectivity for optical radiation at a frequency of F/2, superior transmission for radiation at a frequency of 3/2*F to extract the final radiation and mirrors with relatively immediate or high reflectivity, or generally high transmission for radiation at a frequency F. The effective optical length of the cavity is precisely tunable by operating at least one of the mirrors that form the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Inventor: Gabriele Ferrari
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Publication number: 20090268765Abstract: Use of depletion edge translation as an in cavity phase modulation mechanism in lasers. Aspects of the invention are especially relevant (without limitation) in transmitters for extended reach comprising an intra cavity phase and amplitude modulated laser for generation of a frequency modulated signal and a passive optical spectrum reshaper element, sometimes referred to as a chirp modulated laser. Such techniques may be carried out as disclose herein by adopting predetermined doping profiles and applying predetermined voltage to the laser cavity, and more preferably to a phase section in or adjoining the laser cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventors: Daniel Mahgerefteh, Hongmin Chen, Yasuhiro Matsui
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Publication number: 20090238224Abstract: A DBR laser, such as a semiconductor DBR laser is disclosed having improved frequency modulation performance. The laser includes a split gain electrode and a tuning electrode. A modulating current encoding a data signal is injected into a first section of the gain electrode whereas a substantially DC bias voltage is imposed on a second section of the gain electrode positioned between the first gain electrode and the tuning electrode. The first and second gain electrodes are electrically isolated from each other and the tuning electrode by a large isolation resistance. In some embodiments, the isolation resistance is generated by forming the electrodes on a P+ layer and removing portions of the P+ layer between adjacent electrodes. Capacitors may couple to one or both of the second gain electrode and the tuning electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: FINISAR CORPORATIONInventors: Xiong Ye, Hongmin Chen, Yasuhiro Matsui, Daniel Mahgerefteh
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Publication number: 20090225799Abstract: The objects of the present invention are to shorten a cavity length of an optoelectronic oscillator and to integrate on a semiconductor or SiO2-substrate. An optoelectronic oscillator 10 have an optoelectronic loop comprising a semiconductor laser 11, an optical waveguide 12 guiding laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser, a photodetector 13 detecting laser light guided by the optical waveguide and outputting an electrical signal, an amplifier 14 amplifying the electrical signal outputted from the photodetector, generating an amplified signal and formed on a semiconductor substrate 15. Laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 11 is controlled by generated amplified signal and it oscillates with a fundamental oscillation frequency determined by a delay time of carrier in the optoelectronic loop circuit or one of the high harmonic components of integral multiples of a fundamental oscillation frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: THE FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTDInventor: Hideaki Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7586960Abstract: Methods of controlling semiconductor lasers are provided where, the time-averaged optical spectrum of the semiconductor laser is broadened by modulating the drive current at a relatively high frequency. Generally, the frequency of the drive current modulation is high enough to induce wavelength chirping within the data periods encoded in the gain current signal. Laser controllers and projections systems operating according to the disclosed methodology are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Martin Hai Hu
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Publication number: 20090219957Abstract: In a surface emitting semiconductor laser comprising a semiconductor chip (1), a first resonator mirror (4) and at least one further resonator mirror (8) which is arranged outside the semiconductor chip (1) and forms with the first resonator mirror (4) a laser resonator having a resonator length L and a pump laser (10) which, for optically pumping the semiconductor laser (1), radiates pump radiation (14) having a pump power into the semiconductor chip (1), the pump power is modulated with a modulation frequency fp and the resonator length L is adapted to the modulation frequency fp.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Ulrich Steegmüller, Thomas Schwarz, Michael Kühnelt, Josip Maric
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Patent number: 7580183Abstract: In an optical amplifier according to the present invention, a change signal from a change signal source is fed into a light source or a drive circuit. The wavelength of light outputted from the light source is changed based on the change signal. The wavelength-changed output light from the light source is outputted as pumping light from a pumping light generator to be supplied backwardly via an optical multiplexer/demultiplexer into an optical fiber. Signal light is Raman-amplified in the optical fiber with the supply of the pumping light.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Motoki Kakui, Toshiaki Okuno, Masayuki Nishimura
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Publication number: 20090161706Abstract: The optical level control device independently controls the intensities of two beams having different wavelengths that are emitted from a laser oscillator, and the optical level control device comprises a wavelength-dependent wavelength plate and a polarization beam splitter. The wavelength-dependent wavelength plate functions as a half-wave plate with respect to the first light wave and as a full-wave plate with respect to the second light wave. Only the rotation angle of the polarization beam splitter about the optical axis is adjusted to set the intensity of the second light wave transmitted rectilinearly through the polarization beam splitter. The polarization beam splitter is then fixed at the adjusted angle, and the rotation angle of the wavelength plate about the optical axis is adjusted to set the intensity of the first light wave.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: Laserfront Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tsuyoshi NAGANO, Yoshinori Ohta
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Patent number: 7551655Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a laser irradiation apparatus being able to enlarge the beam spot to a large degree compared with that of the CW laser, to suppress the thermal damage to the glass substrate, and to form an aggregation of crystal grains including a single crystal extending long in a scanning direction by growing the crystal continuously in the scanning direction. The laser irradiation of the present invention comprises a pulsed laser oscillator, a non-linear optical element for converting the wavelength of the laser light emitted from the pulsed laser oscillator, and an optical system for condensing the laser light whose wavelength is converted on a semiconductor film, wherein the pulsed laser oscillator has a repetition rate in the range of 10 MHz to 100 GHz.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichiro Tanaka, Yoshiaki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7545838Abstract: A method of combining beams from a plurality of laser resonators includes frequency modulating the output of each of the lasers with one or more of the lasers frequency modulated out-of-phase with the others. The frequency modulated beams are directed along parallel spaced-apart paths and overlap in a plane along the paths to form a combined beam having a flat-topped intensity distribution.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Joel Fontanella, David E. Brown, Eric R. Mueller, Raymond Michaud
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Patent number: 7542490Abstract: A device for generating a frequency converted laser beam includes a nonlinear crystal having a first end face and a second end face opposed to the first end face. The nonlinear crystal is configured to receive at least one input laser beam at the first end face and output a frequency converted beam at the second face. A beam waist of the at least one input laser beam is positioned between the first end face and the second end face during a frequency conversion process. The device also includes a second crystal having a first end face bonded to the second end face of the nonlinear crystal and a second end face opposed to the first end face. A beam diameter of the frequency converted beam at the first end face of the second crystal is less than a beam diameter of the frequency converted beam at the second end face of the second crystal.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventors: R. J. Dwayne Miller, Shujie Lin, Kresimir Franjic
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Patent number: 7529280Abstract: A tunable laser has a first optical element spaced apart from a second optical element to form a laser cavity of fixed length there between. An optical gain medium is in at least part of the laser cavity A third optical element is selectively spaced apart from and facing the first optical element or is selectively spaced apart from and facing the second optical element.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Conor Kelly, Charles E. Otis, Alexander Govyadinov
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Publication number: 20090086776Abstract: In a semiconductor laser manufacturing method, a GaN single-crystal substrate is formed by slicing a GaN bulk crystal, grown on a c-plane, parallel to an a-plane which is perpendicular to the c-plane. In this substrate, crystal defects extending parallel to the c-axis direction do not readily exert an influence, and degradation of element characteristics due to crystal defects can be suppressed. Further, because the a-plane is a nonpolar plane, improved light emission efficiency and longer wavelengths can be achieved compared with the c-plane, which is a polar plane. Hence a semiconductor laser manufacturing method of this invention enables further improvement of the element characteristics of the semiconductor laser to be fabricated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.Inventor: Tomoyuki Funada
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Publication number: 20090080054Abstract: Provided are a speckle removing light source capable of removing speckle by using laser light whose wavelength is temporally changed and a lighting apparatus for producing an image from which the speckle is removed. Provided is a speckle removing light source, including: a light source for outputting laser light; and a light frequency modulator for changing a wavelength of the laser light, in which: the wavelength of the laser light outputted from the light source is temporally changed by the light frequency modulator; and the light frequency modulator has a predetermined period set for changing the wavelength of the laser light. Also, provided is a lighting apparatus, including: a spatial light modulator illuminated with the laser light outputted from the speckle removing light source to produce an image, in which the spatial light modulator has a period set for producing the image, and the period is longer than the period for changing the wavelength of the laser light by the light frequency modulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2005Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Yasuharu Koyata, Yoshihito Hirano, Kiyohide Sakai, Masao Imaki, Shinsuke Shikama, Jiro Suzuki, Takao Endou, Kouhei Teramoto, Shigenori Shibue
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Patent number: 7508849Abstract: A semiconductor optical amplifier, an acousto-optic tunable filter, a phase shifter, a lens, and an internal etalon are arranged in a resonator. Outside the resonator, two lenses, two beam splitters, two photo-detectors, and an external etalon are arranged. The internal etalon is a quartz etalon and the external etalon is a crystal etalon. Therefore, the rate of change in transmission peak wavelength of the internal etalon to a temperature change is greater than that of the external etalon.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Shinsuke Tanaka, Ken Morito
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Patent number: 7486706Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a laser irradiation apparatus being able to enlarge the beam spot to a large degree compared with that of the CW laser, to suppress the thermal damage to the glass substrate, and to form an aggregation of crystal grains including a single crystal extending long in a scanning direction by growing the crystal continuously in the scanning direction. The laser irradiation of the present invention comprises a pulsed laser oscillator, a non-linear optical element for converting the wavelength of the laser light emitted from the pulsed laser oscillator, and an optical system for condensing the laser light whose wavelength is converted on a semiconductor film, wherein the pulsed laser oscillator has a repetition rate in the range of 10 MHz to 100 GHz.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichiro Tanaka, Yoshiaki Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20090027754Abstract: A rotating optical resonator, a waveguide and a method of use of waveguide are disclosed. The rotating optical resonator may include at least two modes of different resonant frequencies shiftable towards each other by reducing a magnitude of rotation rate, said modes being joinable into a substantially degenerate mode by setting substantially zero rotation rate, said resonator being of an optical size smaller than five wavelengths of the substantially degenerate mode. The waveguide may include a plurality of coupled evenly degenerate split mode resonators, the split of the modes forming a stop band in a resonant band of the waveguide, the stop band of the waveguide thereby being changeable by changing an angular velocity of the waveguide while the vector of the angular velocity is non-parallel with respect to the waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: RAMOT AT TEL-AVIV UNIVERSITY LTD.Inventors: Ben-Zion STEINBERG, Amir BOAG, Jacob SCHEUER
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Patent number: 7477667Abstract: A fiber Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA) laser system includes a fiber mode-locking oscillator for generating a laser and stretching into a few hundreds ps-10 ns pulse by a fiber stretcher for projecting into an acoustic-optic (AO) functioning as a pulse picker for generated a modulated laser with a reduced repetition rate for projecting to a multiple stage amplifier. The multiple stage amplifier further includes a first high-energy amplifier implemented with a large mode area (LMA) fiber for amplifying the modulated laser up to a uJ level laser and a second amplifier implemented with a PCF based Yb doped fiber to further amplify the uJ level laser to a mJ level laser.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Polar Onyx, Inc.Inventor: Jian Liu
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Patent number: 7473880Abstract: A current output of a drive signal, modulated between two current settings, is applied to a laser diode, e.g. VCSEL. The settings are selected such that laser diode's power output meets the average power and peak power limits of the eye safety standards. The drive signal having a duty cycle toggling between the two settings. The duty cycle is selected such that the average and peak power limits are met for the given upper current setting. The drive circuit may include an analog modulator or digital analog converter (DAC) for maintaining the lower and upper current settings. When the drive circuit is implemented as an integrated circuit, the DAC may be incorporated into the IC. The sensitivity of the DAC is selected to maintain the desired lower and upper current settings.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Michael John Brosnan
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Publication number: 20090003842Abstract: Apparatus and methods for driving a transmitter to generate DNPSK signals is disclosed including generating N data streams comprising data symbols and for each of a plurality of sets of N simultaneous data symbols of the N data streams, imposing signals are on L of a plurality of signal lines, with the value of L corresponding to values of the N simultaneous data symbols. Signals on the plurality of signal lines are ANDed with a clock signal synchronized with the N data streams to produce RZ signals. The RZ signals are summed and the summed signal is input to a laser that produces an output having frequency modulation corresponding to the magnitude of the summed signal. The output of the laser is passed through an optical discriminator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: FINISAR CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel Mahgerefteh, Kevin J. McCallion, The'Linh Nguyen, David Allouche
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Publication number: 20080317075Abstract: A technique for determining the modulation index of a frequency-modulated laser source from the absorption spectrum that is produced when light from the laser passes through an alkali metal vapor cell. The absorption spectrum contains a primary minimum and a number of satellite minima and the modulation index is determined using ratios of the minima. The technique is used to calibrate the laser source of a CPT frequency standard so that it operates at a desired modulation index. Ways are disclosed of using the technique to calibrate the CPT frequency standard either manually or automatically. The calibration may be done when the CPT frequency standard is built, when the frequency standard is initialized, or during normal operation of the CPT frequency standard.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2004Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Jacques Vanier
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Publication number: 20080317076Abstract: A light source module including: an LD element outputting a laser light; a lens receiving the laser light and outputting a focused light; an optical filter having transmission wavelength characteristics, inputting the focused light, and outputting a transmitted light and a reflected light based on the transmission wavelength characteristics, a light-receiving element detecting the reflected light which passes thorough the lens and generating a detection signal; and a control unit configured to control an output wavelength of the LD element based on the detection signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Manabu Komiyama
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Publication number: 20080310464Abstract: A device and method involving a plurality of lasers for generating and modulating a tunable, high-frequency signal for a wireless communication system, including an optical waveguide, may be produced using standard components of optical communication technology. A signal source may be provided which generates an optical signal and is disposed on one side of the optical waveguide. At least one means is provided for generating harmonic waves of this signal, which propagate as frequency mix in the optical waveguide. Two pump lasers are provided for the injection of pump waves on an opposite side of the optical waveguide, which are adapted so that together they amplify two harmonic waves of the frequency mix by stimulated Brillouin scattering. The rest of the harmonic waves are attenuated by damping in the optical waveguide. The two amplified harmonic waves are superposed in a photo element in heterodyne fashion and generate the RF signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2005Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: Thomas Schneider