Abstract: The invention includes a device for amplifying light having a pumping resonator and a Raman resonator that share an output mirror and are divided by an interior mirror. A pumping beam is directed though a gain medium in each resonator. A seed signal is directed into the Raman resonator, which is configured to contain cascaded Raman-shifted signals generated through the interaction of the pumping beam, seed signal, and gain medium, and to transmit a selected Raman-shifted signal as optical output. Also disclosed is a method of amplifying light using a Raman resonator that partially overlaps a pump resonator. A pumping beam is directed through a pump gain medium and a Raman gain medium and generates cascading Raman-shifted signals within the Raman resonator. A seed signal is used to shape the temporal profile, and improve the coherence, of the Raman-shifted signals.

Abstract: A tunable, modulated high-frequency light beam from a single source of coherent light. An ultra-short pulse of coherent light, having an optical spectrum, is derived from a single source. Spreading the optical spectrum of the ultra-short pulse of coherent light forms a spectrally spread optical pulse which is thereafter split into two or more spectrally spread optical pulses. At least one of the two or more spectrally spread optical pulses is delayed, such that, upon recombining the two or more spectrally spread optical pulses a tunable, modulated spectrally spread optical pulse is formed.

Abstract: A high brightness, wavelength-adjustable, deep-UV-C light source identifies, neutralizes, and validates the absence of one or more pathogens. An optical source using a Raman-based nonlinear optical amplification process converts low brightness continuous wave (CW) and Quasi-CW pump light into high brightness and high peak power optical UV-C radiation at a specific wavelength, pulse duration, repetition rate, and optical bandwidth for targeted pathogen identification, neutralization, and absence validation. A tunable Raman-based output operates at a wavelength between 400 nm and 460 nm, which is employed for Raman spectroscopic pathogen detection, and which is frequency doubled to the Deep-UV-C (DUV-C) spectral region of between 200 nm to 230 nm for fluorescence detection of potential pathogens.

Abstract: A resonating optical amplifier includes a laser pump cavity defined by a first mirror and a second mirror with a laser pump gain medium configured within a first portion of the laser pump cavity and a Raman amplifier within a second portion of the laser pump cavity. A circulating pump-laser light is introduced to the laser pump gain medium forming a pump signal that is configured to bi-directionally propagate along a beam path within the laser pump cavity. The Raman amplifier is positioned in line with the beam path of the pump signal and operable to impart gain on a seed pulse. The seed pulse and the pump signal are co-aligned and linearly polarized.

Abstract: A low wavelength infrared Super Continuum (SC) signal from a master oscillator introduces two or more seeds into an amplifier that supports the Raman effect. A counter-propagating, high-power, continuous wave, or quasi-continuous wave quantum cascade lasers pump (amplifies) a first optical seed creating a cascading amplification of subsequent optical seeds forming two or more tunable wavelength coherent optical pump sources.

Abstract: Low wavelength infrared Super Continuum (SC) signals from a master oscillator seeds an amplifier that supports the Raman effect. Counter-propagating, high-power, continuous wave, and quasi-continuous wave quantum cascade lasers pumps (amplify) the optical seeds forming multiple coherent wavelength optical pump sources.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present disclosure, in a broad aspect, provide methods for bonding or sealing pieces of glass of photovoltaic cell modules. These methods include providing the first piece of glass, providing a second piece of glass, providing a photovoltaic cell between the first piece of glass and second piece of glass, providing an amount of solder to at least one solder contact area disposed on at least one of the first or second pieces of glass, bringing the first and second pieces of glass into contact at the at least one solder contact area, and heating the solder to about the melting point or working point of the solder to provide the first and second pieces of glass with a bond or seal at the at least one solder contact area.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present disclosure, in a broad aspect, provide novel ways for bonding or sealing pieces of glass of photovoltaic cell modules. These include providing the first piece of glass having a planar surface, providing the second piece of glass having a second planar surface, providing a photovoltaic cell between the first piece of glass and second piece of glass, providing an amount of solder to at least one solder contact area disposed on at least one of the first or second pieces of glass, bringing the first and second pieces of glass into contact at the at least one solder contact area, and heating the solder to about the melting point or working point of the solder to provide the first and second pieces of glass with a bond or seal at the at least one solder contact area.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present disclosure in a broad aspect provide novel devices for producing electricity from light. These apparatus include at least one photon-absorbing semiconductor material, at least one cover layer located above the at least one photon-absorbing material, and a down-conversion material interposed between at least two opposing reflective coatings. The reflective coatings enhance down-conversion of photons to lower energy photons which pass through cover layers to be used by a photon-absorbing semiconductor layer to produce electricity.

Abstract: Enhanced energy transfers are achieved between optical beams by operating at wavelengths in the near-bandgap region of a photorefractive material, and employing an electrorefractive effect previously proposed only for single beams. An electric field is applied across a photorefractive medium of sufficient intensity to induce an electrorefractive coupling and consequent energy transfer between the beams. Gain enhancements are possible by orienting the photorefractive medium to obtain an electro-optic as well as an electrorefractive effect, and by a moving grating technique. The direction of energy transfer between the beams is controlled by the electric field direction, and can be reversed by reversing the field. Operation in the infrared region is made possible with semi-insulating materials. Applications include optical switches, amplifiers and phase conjugators.