Patents Assigned to Coherent Technologies
  • Publication number: 20090122816
    Abstract: A laser source producing rapidly tunable emission in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum is disclosed. The source incorporates a Cr2+ laser and an electrically operated tuning element to enable rapid switching of emission wavelength. The use of the source in conjunction with frequency converters, in particular optical parametric oscillators, permits covering a wider spectral range. In such cases the frequency converter output wavelength can be rapidly tuned by electrically tuning the laser. The laser source has uses in many applications of practical interest and is particularly well suited as the transmitter in remote sensing system or as a source in directed energy systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Wagner, Timothy J. Carrig, Wayne S. Pelouch
  • Patent number: 7532311
    Abstract: A system for observing a field of view including a light transmitter and a light detector. A path is defined between the transmitter and the detector. The light transmitter generates substantially coherent light onto a transmit portion of a light path and the light detector is positioned in a receive portion of the light path defined by reflected light from some of the target locations. The system includes a component for configuring at least a portion of the light path such that a subset of the plurality of potential target points are included in the light path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sammy W. Henderson, Paul J. M. Suni
  • Patent number: 7406220
    Abstract: Systems and methods for steering at least one of two or more optical input beams and forming a combined optical output beam are disclosed. A system has a waveguide, one or more phase controlling devices and one or more beam steering devices. The waveguide is configured to combine the optical input beams. The one or more phase controlling devices are configured to control a phase of at least one of the optical input beams. The system can form a coherently combined optical output beam. The one or more beam steering devices are configured to laterally steer, angularly steer, or laterally and angularly steer at least one of the optical input beams. The waveguide, in conjunction with the one or more beam steering devices, is configured to form the combined optical output beam that is angularly steered, laterally steered, or angularly and laterally steered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Christensen, Iain T. McKinnie
  • Patent number: 7339670
    Abstract: A remote sensing optical system and method is disclosed that permits detection and discrimination of aerosols. The system outputs a plurality of wavelengths and is equipped with a polarization sensitive receiver capable of measuring the scattered energy in two orthogonal polarization states. By normalizing the depolarization to the total energy received and calculating the ratio of normalized depolarization at different wavelengths it is possible to use this ratio to discriminate materials having wavelength dependent depolarization properties. One use is the discrimination of bioaerosols such as anthrax from other airborne particular matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Carrig, Christian Grund, John Marquardt
  • Patent number: 7327471
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed that enable lasers to be stabilized in frequency to a high precision while simultaneously enabling rapid re-acquisition of stabilization control loops in the event of frequency locking loss. The principle of operation is to incorporate two etalons, one having a high finesse for frequency high stability, and one having a low finesse for wide error signal locking range, and electronics that pass control between two control systems in such a manner that any loss of frequency locking is rapidly re-acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Tiemann
  • Patent number: 7319708
    Abstract: A passive Q-switch element is disclosed that permits operating a laser with a variable pulse repetition frequency (PRF). The Q-switch comprises two wedges of material, one made from saturable absorber material, the other from transparent material, with the two wedges mounted together to form a constant optical thickness block. By translating the block transversely to a laser beam the amount of saturable absorber material seen by the laser beam is altered and as a result the PRF of the laser is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Koroshetz, Josef R. Unternahrer
  • Patent number: 7313299
    Abstract: A system for transmitting the spatial profile of laser beams with particular applicability to coherently combine laser beams into one beam. The system includes a tapered waveguide with an inlet and outlet at ends of two waveguide elements each having a reflective surface facing into the waveguide. The reflective surfaces are non-parallel such that the inlet height is different than the outlet height, e.g., inlet height greater than outlet height. The system includes a beam input assembly controlling phases of laser beams input at the waveguide inlet, and the phases of the beams are locked to a substantially single phase. The waveguide length is selected to produce at the waveguide outlet a coherently combined laser beam from the input beams. The beam input assembly includes a laser beam source, a beam splitter generating lower power beams from source beams, and phase adjusters for controlling the phase of each input beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Christensen, Iain T. McKinnie, Josef Robert Unternahrer
  • Patent number: 7239777
    Abstract: An apparatus for combining laser beams into a single high power output beam. The apparatus includes a self-imaging waveguide (SIWG) with parallel reflective elements that have a length that is an integer multiple of the self-imaging or Talbot length of the waveguide or an integer fraction of this self-imaging length. The apparatus also includes a system for controlling the phase of each of laser beams provided to an inlet of the waveguide. The phases are controlled, e.g., with phase shifters using active feedback or control signals from the inlet to the waveguide, such that a coherently combined beam is produced at the outlet of the waveguide; and this beam is typically a high power beam of 1 kW or higher. The phase shifters are often controlled to phase-lock the input beams and may be operated to steer or aim the output beam from the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Christensen, Iain T. McKinnie, Jose Robert Unternahrer
  • Patent number: 7193771
    Abstract: Power scalable, rectangular, multi-mode, self-imaging, waveguide technologies are used with various combination of large aperture configurations, 20, 50, 80, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, Gaussian 360 and super-Gaussian 350 beam profiles, thermal management configurations 100, flared 240 and tapered 161 waveguide shapes, axial or zig-zag light propagation paths, diffractive wall couplers 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 and phase controller 200, flexibility 210, phased arrays 450, 490, beam combiners 530, 530?, and separators 344, 430, and other features to generate, transport, and deliver high power laser beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane D. Smith, Wayne S. Pelouch, Iain T. McKinnie, Josef R. Unternährer
  • Patent number: 7193720
    Abstract: A remote sensor capable of imaging vibrations at many simultaneous points using high-speed imaging cameras is disclosed. The preferred embodiment operates in heterodyne detection mode using a single camera to capture signals to recover multi-pixel vibrations. One alternative embodiment employs two cameras and homodyne optical I/Q detection. A second alternative embodiment uses a single camera and temporally phase shifted local oscillator to also carry out homodyne optical I/Q detection. The disclosed sensors are capable of scalability to large numbers of pixels and can capture vibration frequencies over a wide range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Gatt
  • Patent number: 7042631
    Abstract: Power scalable, rectangular, multi-mode, self-imaging, waveguide technologies are used with various combination of large aperture configurations, 20, 50, 80, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, Gaussian 360 and super-Gaussian 350 beam profiles, thermal management configurations 100, flared 240 and tapered 161 waveguide shapes, axial or zig-zag light propagation paths, diffractive wall couplers 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 and phase controller 200, flexibility 210, phased arrays 450, 490, beam combiners 530, 530?, and separators 344, 430, and other features to generate, transport, and deliver high power laser beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane D. Smith, Wayne S. Pelouch, Narasimha S. Prasad, Josef Unternährer, John Koroshetz, Iain McKinnie
  • Patent number: 6894828
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to guided wave systems, beam transport and waveguide techniques. The invention may comprise passive or active, hollow and dielectric core self-imaging mode wave guide systems, beam amplifiers (10, 40), laser resonators (70), beam transports, and waveguides. Embodiments may include rectangular cross-section waveguides, and preferably maintaining spatial profile of an input beam, such as a Gaussian beam, through the self-imaging period of the waveguide while unique new capabilities to mitigate non-linear distortions that corrupt spatial, spectral and temporal coherence and polarization. Additional aspects may include, for example, transport, amplification, phase/frequency control or modulation, deflection, conversion, synthetic aperture, distributed aperture, beam forming, beam steering, beam combining, power sampling, power combining and power splitting, among other features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne S. Pelouch, Duane D. Smith, Narasimha S. Prasad
  • Patent number: 6813302
    Abstract: A laser device for producing laser radiation at an eyesafe wavelength from a diode-pumped solid-state laser. The device consists of three stages. The first stage is a laser diode whose output pumps the second stage. The second stage is a guided-wave laser or guided-wave Raman-shifted laser whose output pumps into the upper laser level of the Erbium laser dopant of the third stage. The third stage is an Erbium-doped solid-state crystalline-host laser whose output wavelength is in the eyesafe region. One embodiment of the device is: a cw laser diode with a wavelength in the range 0.9 to 1.0 microns, which pumps a guided-wave laser doped with Ytterbium and Erbium that produces laser output with a wavelength near 1.5 microns, which further pumps an Erbium-doped crystal laser that produces laser output with a wavelength in the eyesafe region near 1.6 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Stoneman, Sammy W. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20040008405
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to guided wave systems, beam transport and waveguide techniques. The invention may comprise passive or active, hollow and dielectric core self-imaging mode wave guide systems, beam amplifiers (10, 40), laser resonators (70), beam transports, and waveguides. Embodiments may include rectangular cross-section waveguides, and preferably maintaining spatial profile of an input beam, such as a Gaussian beam, through the self-imaging period of the waveguide while unique new capabilities to mitigate non-linear distortions that corrupt spatial, spectral and temporal coherence and polarization. Additional aspects may include, for example, transport, amplification, phase/frequency control or modulation, deflection, conversion, synthetic aperture, distributed aperture, beam forming, beam steering, beam combining, power sampling, power combining and power splitting, among other features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne S. Pelouch, Duane D. Smith, Narasimha S. Prasad
  • Patent number: 6556339
    Abstract: A noncollinear pumped solid state Raman laser or amplifier has a pump laser that transversely or noncollinearly pumps a solid state Raman gain material, with an intensity sufficient to produce a stimulated Raman laser output beam. The pump beam and the Raman beam are noncollinear when the Raman beam travels completely across the pump beam within the Raman gain material, or where the Raman beam completely separates physically, at some location in the pumped Raman gain material, from a virtual beam, which is collinear to the pump beam axis, and which has the same entrance spot size and beam divergence as the Raman beam. The device enhances the pump laser beam spatial homogenization to improve the wavefront smoothness and propagation performance from the pump beam to the Raman beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Donald Smith, Glenn Taylor Bennett, AnnMarie Louise Oien, Timothy William Monarski
  • Patent number: 6246154
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer having a unique design that can withstand changes in temperature and pressure and will operate in corrosive environments. The transducer is used to detect the distance to an object being measured. The device includes a diaphragm from which is emitted a focused ultrasonic wave. The diaphragm and a capsule housing are machined from a single piece of metal and does not use adhesives or welded joints. The capsule housing is also filled with silicone oil and provided with a flexible annular ridge, both of which enhance its operation and improve signal transfer. A crystal centering seal extends 75%-90% the thickness of the crystal. A method for creating a negative internal pressure provides for improved ultrasonic wave propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Coherent Technologies
    Inventors: Jozef J. Gluszyk, Donald W. Teale
  • Patent number: 6240097
    Abstract: The invention discloses the process of modulating data streams to create discrete channels of information in network environments. After data channelization, networks, workgroups, workstations or other end-user devices are provided or denied access to specific data streams or channels. Devices normally involved in network interfaces or network distribution backbones are configured to provide only channels of data that have been authorized. The network status controller retains and stores status changes related to network access in general, and specifically to discrete channel access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Coherence Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Wesolek, Kevin F. Fotorny
  • Patent number: 6055482
    Abstract: A method of seismic analysis is disclosed for identifying subterranean features that in one embodiment uses a coherence analysis for improved seismic data interpretation such as improved accuracy of variables for use in velocity models. The method may be used while analyzing seismic data to produce an earth model wherein the analysis is preferably applied at each level for the model. In another embodiment of the present invention, the coherence analysis is applied as a function of the seismic processing sequence to improve the variables associated therewith. With respect to a subterranean location of interest, azimuth ordered gathers may be used to identify subterranean features such as fault/fracture patterns. In another embodiment, offset ordered coherence analysis is used to form an optimum stack at the subterranean location of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Coherence Technology Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Vasudhaven Sudhakar, Robert S. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5962952
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer having a unique design that can withstand changes in temperature and pressure and will operate in corrosive environments. The transducer is used to detect the distance to an object being measured. The device includes a diaphragm capsule from which is emitted a focused ultrasonic wave. The diaphragm capsule is machined from a single piece of metal and does not use adhesives or welded joints. The capsule is also filled with silicone oil and provided with a flexible annular ridge, both of which enhance its operation and improve signal transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jozef J. Gluszyk, Donald W. Teale
  • Patent number: 5867268
    Abstract: The invention is related to technical physics, in particular to devices for investigating the internal structure of objects and can be used in medicine for diagnostics of human organs and systems, in particular for optical coherence tomography and in technical diagnostics, for example technological process control. The invention relates to the creation of an optical-fiber interferometer, which, being used in a device for optical coherence tomography, allows one to investigate media with short time of changing of optical characteristics or its position relative to the optical probe, for example biotissues in vivo. The invention also relates to the creation of a piezoelectric modulator, suitable for use in the interferometer and for providing the necessary scanning depth in the mentioned media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Optical Coherence Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Valentin M. Gelikonov, Grigory V. Gelikonov, Natalia D. Gladkova, Vladimir I. Leonov, Felix I. Feldchtein, Alexander M. Sergeev, Yakov I. Khanin