Abstract: In a light (optical) beam steering/sampling system, a matrix inversion control technique is used to decouple the operation of the actuators which drive the steering mirrors. The control technique uses two virtual variables, each having an associated independent feedback loop operating in a non-cross-coupled manner, each variable being associated with one of the two steering mirrors.

Abstract: In a light (optical) beam steering/sampling system, a matrix inversion control technique is used to decouple the operation of the actuators which drive the steering mirrors. The control technique uses two virtual variables, each having an associated independent feedback loop operating in a non-cross-coupled manner, each variable being associated with one of the two steering mirrors.

Abstract: An external cavity laser apparatus and method wherein wavelength or channel selection is carried independently from adjustment of external cavity optical path length. The apparatus comprises a wavelength or channel selector tuner and an external cavity tuner, wherein the wavelength tuner is uncoupled from the external cavity tuner. The tuning mechanisms for wavelength selection and cavity optical path length are configured to operate independently or orthogonally with respect to each other. The wavelength tuner may operate according to a first, channel selection signal, while the external cavity tuner operates according to a second, external cavity adjustment signal. The wavelength tuner and external cavity tuner may operate under the control of the same, or of separate controllers.

Abstract: An external cavity laser apparatus and method wherein wavelength or channel selection is carried independently from adjustment of external cavity optical path length. The apparatus comprises a wavelength or channel selector tuner and an external cavity tuner, wherein the wavelength tuner is uncoupled from the external cavity tuner. The tuning mechanisms for wavelength selection and cavity optical path length are configured to operate independently or orthogonally with respect to each other. The wavelength tuner may operate according to a first, channel selection signal, while the external cavity tuner operates according to a second, external cavity adjustment signal. The wavelength tuner and external cavity tuner may operate under the control of the same, or of separate controllers.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and method that provide for suppression of source spontaneous emission (SSE) and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light in laser output with minimal intracavity loss. The apparatus comprises a gain medium emitting a light beam, a wavelength element positioned in the light beam, and a non-reciprocal pickoff positioned in the light beam between the gain medium and wavelength element. The non-reciprocal pickoff may comprise a polarization-dependent beam splitter and a non-reciprocal polarization rotator positioned in the light beam before the wavelength selection element. The non-reciprocal pickoff may further comprise a reciprocal polarization rotator positioned in the light beam after the polarization-dependent beam splitter.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and method that provide for suppression of source spontaneous emission (SSE) and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light in laser output with minimal intracavity loss. The apparatus comprises a gain medium emitting a light beam, a wavelength element positioned in the light beam, and a non-reciprocal pickoff positioned in the light beam between the gain medium and wavelength element. The non-reciprocal pickoff may comprise a polarization-dependent beam splitter and a non-reciprocal polarization rotator positioned in the light beam before the wavelength selection element. The non-reciprocal pickoff may further comprise a reciprocal polarization rotator positioned in the light beam after the polarization-dependent beam splitter.

Abstract: An external cavity laser apparatus and method wherein wavelength or channel selection is carried independently from adjustment of external cavity optical path length. The apparatus comprises a wavelength or channel selector tuner and an external cavity tuner, wherein the wavelength tuner is uncoupled from the external cavity tuner. The tuning mechanisms for wavelength selection and cavity optical path length are configured to operate independently or orthogonally with respect to each other. The wavelength tuner may operate according to a first, channel selection signal, while the external cavity tuner operates according to a second, external cavity adjustment signal. The wavelength tuner and external cavity tuner may operate under the control of the same, or of separate controllers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for passively stabilizing the optical pathlength in tunable lasers. Lasers stabilized using the passive stabilization apparatus exhibit reduced mode hop and increased wavelength stability during temperature variations of the laser or surrounding environment. The stabilization makes the laser suitable for a broad range of applications including: optical signal generators and optical multimeters.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical multimeter for use in calibrating and testing optical components. The optical multimeter includes an optical analog/digital signal generator for delivering an output beam over a wide range of frequencies, duty cycles and amplitudes. The optical signal generator includes a tunable laser. The tunable laser exhibits a small form factor, due in part to a novel wavelength control process which utilizes an open loop system to maintain precise output wavelength control, without the requirement of either a wavelength or position feedback device.