Abstract: A semiconductor laser adapted for telecommunications applications. The opitical mode delivered by the laser has a high power output beam and a narrow far field, thus, enabling efficient coupling of the laser into small numerical aperture optical fibers. The laser is made up of a semiconductor heterostructure and one or more optical trap layers.

Abstract: The invention features an edge-emitting semiconductor signal laser having an active region to produce laser light. There is provided a semiconductor pump laser monolithically integrated with the edge-emitting signal laser. The pump laser includes a photon emissive active region to provide photopumping of the active region of the edge-emitting signal laser, thereby providing optical excitation of the active region of the signal laser.

Abstract: A self-aligned laser structure with an integral active and guiding layer is disclosed. It is comprised of a continuous active region and a current blocking region forming a lateral waveguide. The blocking region has an index of refraction n1 and a continuous guiding layer has an index of refraction n2, wherein n2 is greater than n1. The guiding layer and the blocking region is made of the same material. The blocking region has a real refractive index step to form a transverse optical mode, wherein the transverse laser mode is controlled by a change in doping level of the blocking region.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser adapted for telecommunications applications. The optical mode delivered by the laser has a high power output beam and a narrow far field, thus, enabling efficient coupling of the laser into small numerical aperture optical fibers. The laser is made up of a semiconductor heterostructure and one or more optical trap layers.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for non-contact and non-invasive characterization of a moving thin sheet and in particular of a paper web on a production line. The method uses a laser for the generation of sonic and ultrasonic waves in the thin sheet and a speckle insensitive interferometric device for the detection of these waves. The generation is performed in conditions to avoid damage impeding further use of the sheet. When the generation and detection spots overlap, the method provides a measurement of the compression modulus. When the generation and detection spots are separated by a known distance and plate waves (Lamb waves) are generated and detected, the method provides a measurement of the in-plane modulus and of the tension applied to the sheet. By detecting waves propagating in various directions, either by rotating the detection sensor head or multiplexing the signals provided by several detection or generation locations, the anisotropy of the in-plane modulus is determined.

Abstract: The invention features an edge-emitting semiconductor signal laser having an active region to produce laser light. There is provided a semiconductor pump laser monolithically integrated with the edge-emitting signal laser. The pump laser includes a photon emissive active region to provide photopumping of the active region of the edge-emitting signal laser, thereby providing optical excitation of the active region of the signal laser.