Abstract: An apparatus for registering a series of video images of a spherical or quasi-spherical surface subject to movement relies on projecting at least four diffusely scattering spots of light on the surface in a preferred angular manner, and monitoring the movement of images of the light spots relative to a reference image of the light spots.

Abstract: A wavefront sensor for measuring ocular aberrations includes a calibration test component and comparative calibration measurement information stored in the device to insure that the device is properly calibrated for reliable aberration measurement. Wavefront calibration, focusing calibration, and retinal illumination level monitoring are contemplated calibration measurements. An optional interlock function prevents diagnostic/therapeutic operation of the aberrometer if it is out of calibration or unsafe for use. A method for calibrating an aberrometer is described.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for controlling an apparatus for removing tissue from the eye performs various types of corrections using a relatively large beam, but oscillating, or dithering, that being to prevent reinforcing ridges from being formed during the tissue removal process. Further, various types of correction, such as hyperopia and astigmatism correction, are performed using a large beam that is scanned over the area to be ablated using overlapping shots. Further, the epithelium in the area to be treated is removed using an infrared fluorescent dye to dye the epithelium, and then observing the fluorescent patterns from the epithelium area to be removed. Once a certain area is no longer fluorescent after laser shots, smaller shots are then applied, selectively removing the epithelium from the remaining regions. Again, the fluorescence patterns are observed, and the process is repeated until no epithelium remains.

Abstract: An eye model system for remotely predicting the in-vivo performance of a vision altering optic includes a representative cornea, a dispersion medium, and a retinal surface. The corneal surfaces provide anatomical shape, optical power, and higher order aberration content. The dispersion medium mimics chromatic dispersion in an actual eye. The retinal surface is moveable to provide selected defocus. A humidity and temperature enclosure may be provided. Model eye elements can be tilted or decentered to simulate actual conditions. An associated method for remotely measuring the performance of a vision altering optic to predict its performance in-vivo includes making topography, wavefront, interferometry, PSF, MTF, or other optical and/or physical measurements of the model eye system with and without the optic in combination.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for controlling an apparatus for removing tissue from the eye performs various types of corrections using a relatively large beam, but oscillating, or dithering, that being to prevent reinforcing ridges from being formed during the tissue removal process. Further, various types of correction, such as hyperopia and astigmatism correction, are performed using a large beam that is scanned over the area to be ablated using overlapping shots. Further, the epithelium in the area to be treated is removed using an infrared fluorescent dye to dye the epithelium, and then observing the fluorescent patterns from the epithelium area to be removed. Once a certain area is no longer fluorescent after laser shots, smaller shots are then applied, selectively removing the epithelium from the remaining regions. Again, the fluorescence patterns are observed, and the process is repeated until no epithelium remains.

Abstract: A method and business architecture for providing vision correction to a patient involves obtaining wavefront aberration measurement information and, optionally, patient history data, ordering data, dispensing data, billing data, and other information, from the patient; transmitting the various data to respective appropriate platforms, e.g., transmitting the wavefront aberration information to a custom lens supply platform; producing a custom lens for the patient; and delivering a custom lens to the patient in a personalized manner. The method further involves fitting and measurement processes including in-situ lens shaping and custom manufacture of contact lenses, IOLs, inlays or onlays by laser ablation, lathing, casting/molding and machining. Business architectures according to the invention include segregating vision correction method steps into contractual, revenue generating business transactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical amplifier system in which multiple laser cavities are utilized to control the gain of an erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA). More specifically, the present invention is directed to an optical amplifier comprising a gain medium such as an erbium doped optical fiber which provides gain for an optical signal propagating therein. The gain medium also provides gain for a plurality of laser cavities (e.g. first and second laser cavities) which simultaneously oscillate at individual (e.g. first and second) wavelengths. The inventive optical amplifier results in reduced variation in gain spectrum as a function of input signal power, as a function of wavelength, and as a function of time. By varying the optical attenuation in one or more of the individual laser cavities it is possible to vary the gain spectrum of the gain medium at the corresponding individual wavelength and this controls the shape of the gain spectrum of the gain medium.

Abstract: A polarization-interferometry based tunable periodic filter includes polarization defining components such as polarizing beam splitters or polarizing beam displacers located on the input and output sides of a phase retarder such as a birefringent crystal. A polarization independent input consisting of multiple optical channels having a periodic frequency spacing is converted to a branched output of optical channels in which each branch has a periodic frequency spacing that is different from that of the input, and which are interleaved with each other. The output period is tunable by adjusting the phase delay of orthogonal polarization components. A contrast ratio of ≧20 dB can be realized. The device allows the mux/demux of up to 200 WDM channels with a 50 GHz frequency spacing. Applications of the device include a band splitter, a wavelength selective cross-connect, and a wavelength monitor.

Abstract: Optical interference filters are designed with harmonic elements that can be related to Fourier series approximations of desired filter responses. The harmonic elements can be fashioned as individual waveguides of an array arranged in various formats including planar or concentric geometries. The expansion coefficients of the Fourier series correspond to normalized power distributions among the waveguides, and the harmonic components of the series correspond to incremental optical path length differences between the waveguides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass matrix which includes 4-70 wt. % SiO2, 0.5-20 wt. % Al2O3, 0-20 wt. % R2O, 0-30 wt. % R′O, 8-85 wt. % Ta2O5, 0-40 wt. % Nb2O5, and 0.01-1.0 wt. % R″2O3, where R2O+R″O is between about 2-35 wt. %, Ta2O5+Nb2O5 is between about 8-85 wt. %, R is selected from a group consisting of Li, Na, K, and combinations thereof, R′ is selected from a group consisting of Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg, Zn, Pb, and combinations thereof, and R″ is a rare earth element. The present invention also relates to use of the glass matrix in forming optic waveguides such as optic amplifiers. The present invention further relates to a transparent glass ceramic that contains pyrochlore, perovskite, or a combination thereof as its major crystal phase, and includes 4-40 wt. % SiO2, 1-15 wt. % Al2O3, 0-20 wt. % K2O, 0-12 wt. % Na2O, 0-5 wt. % Li2O, 8-85 wt. % Ta2O5, and 0-45 wt. % Nb2O5, wherein Ta2O5+Nb2O5 is at least about 20 wt.

Abstract: A method for modifying the curvature of a live cornea via use of a laser. The live cornea is first separated into first and and second opposed internal surfaces. Next, a laser beam is directed onto at least one of the first and second internal surfaces, or both. The laser beam is used to either ablate a three-dimensional portion of the cornea for making the cornea less curved, or coagulate a portion of the cornea for making the cornea more curved. In one embodiment, the central portion of the cornea is ablated to make the cornea less curved. In another embodiment, a plurality of internal tunnels are formed and ablated in the cornea to make the cornea less curved. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of internal points in the cornea forming the periphery of a circle are coagulated to make the cornea more curved. In place of the laser, a mechanical device can be used, such as a drill tip.

Abstract: A coupling for an optical device that disperses wavelengths along a focal line includes reflective surfaces that fold light out of a plane propagation and into alignment with an array of inputs or outputs. Some of the reflective surfaces are offset from the focal line so that the inputs or outputs can be spaced closer together in a dimension along the focal line.

Abstract: A double crucible fiber fabrication system employing a rod to control flow of the core material to produce a core of desired diameter. The rod fits closely within the inner crucible and moves at a speed necessary to produce a core material flow rate which will produce a desired core diameter. Control of the rod speed produces good control of core diameter for a wide variety of different core materials. It is also possible to control the rod speed in order to compensate for capillary effects and leakage of core material. Furthermore, control of the rod speed allows fabrication of a fiber having a core diameter which varies as desired throughout a single fiber.

Abstract: An amplification stage of a multistage, rare earth doped optical amplifier, having a gain spectrum including a shorter wavelength band and a longer wavelength band, provided with excitation light produces an amount of ASE traveling in a reverse direction to the initial excitation light. The reverse traveling ASE light is directed to another amplification stage of the amplifier and substantially provides excitation light for pumping the longer wavelength band. The proposed amplifier structure and associated method of optical signal amplification efficiently utilizes unavoidable ASE light for optical signal amplification. The invention provides signal amplification in a wavelength band not heretofore efficiently utilized in conventional rare earth doped optical amplifiers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multistage optical amplifier having a gain stage between a GFF and an optical attenuator. More specifically, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an optical amplifier system comprises multiple gain stages arranged serially for providing gain to an optical signal propagating therein. The system also includes a gain flattening filter for reducing a variation in gain of the optical amplifier system in a particular wavelength band and an optical attenuation element. One of the gain stages is located between the gain flattening filter and the optical attenuation element to reduce an overall noise factor of the optical amplifier system. Illustratively, each gain stage is a pumped segment of erbium doped optical fiber. The optical attenuation element may precede the gain flattening filter in a direction of propagation of an optical signal in the amplifier system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluorinated rare earth doped glass composition and method for making a glass-ceramic optical article therefrom, e.g. optical fiber waveguides, fiber lasers and active fiber amplifiers, having application in the 1300 nm and 1550 nm telecommunications windows. The inventive compositions include Pr3+ and/or Dy3+ in a concentration range of between 300-2,000 ppmw and Ag+ in a concentration range of between 500-2,000 ppmw; or Er3+ in a concentration range of between 500-5,000 ppmw and Ag+ in a concentration range of between 0-2,000 ppmw. The monovalent silver ion provides an ionic charge balanced glass-ceramic crystal. These compositions exhibit reduced or absent rare earth ion clustering and fluorescence quenching effects in the presence of high concentrations of rare earth ion dopants.

Abstract: A fiber coupled variable optical attenuator includes an optical fiber coupler mounted through a low modulus material bushing into a protective enclosure with one end clamped and another end free. The free end of the coupler is deflected by a motorized mechanism. The mechanism includes an electric step motor, a shaft providing eccentric motion, and a support/deflection component connected with the coupler in a kinematic chain providing lateral deflection of the coupler's free end. The structural and material parameters of the kinematic chain members are established to satisfy conditions of thermal compensation for the enclosure enveloping this chain. The free end of the coupler is equipped with a sleeve having a spherical polished surface positioned in contact with the deflection component. The enclosure is equipped with a thermal-compensating device positioned in series between the enclosure and optical fibers.

Abstract: The variables and parameters previously understood to affect the gain spectrum of an optical amplifier 13 were: (1) the wavelengths to be amplified; (2) the input power levels at those wavelengths; (3) the characteristics of the amplifying medium 20; (4) the insertion loss spectra of the amplifier's components, including any filter(s) used for gain flattening; (5) the pump band chosen to pump the amplifying medium 20; and (6) the total amount of pump power supplied in the chosen pump band. An additional fundamental variable has been identified which can be used to control the gain spectrum of an optical amplifier 13, namely, the center wavelength of the spectrum of the pump's output power within the chosen pump band. Methods and apparatus for using this variable for this purpose are disclosed.For example a, transmission system is disclosed having a transmitter 11 and a receiver 10 connected by an optical fiber 12.

Abstract: A multichannel fiber optic communication network incorporates multichannel fiber optical amplifiers having different functions but designed to use substantially identical gain flattening filters. This is achieved by designing the amplifiers to have total insertion losses such that their respective internal gains (internal gain=net gain+total insertion loss) are substantially the same, most preferably within 1 dB.