Abstract: A method and system for performing swept-wavelength measurements within an optical system provides improved operation in resonator-enhanced optical measurement and data storage and retrieval systems. The system includes an illumination subsystem having a swept-wavelength mode, a detection subsystem, an interferometer or an optical resonator interposed in an optical path between the illumination subsystem and the detection subsystem and a time domain analysis subsystem. Multiple resonance points of the optical resonator are detected by the time-domain subsystem when the illumination subsystem is in the swept-wavelength mode in order to determine resonator or interferometer characteristic changes. The resulting information can be used directly as a measurement output, or cavity length information may also be used to adjust the operating wavelength of a constant wavelength mode of the illumination subsystem.

Abstract: A highly abrasion resistant and durable, low density ablator composition is provided that comprises a base silicone resin, silica microballoons as a filler, a catalyst, and a thinning fluid to control the viscosity of the base silicone resin. The density of the resulting composition is approximately 0.32 g/cc yet the composition has excellent abrasion resistance. Furthermore, the ratio of filler to base silicone resin, by weight, is approximately 0.91. The ablator composition is also RF (radio frequency) transparent, moisture resistant, and low cost. Methods of mixing the ablator composition and forming ablative structures are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling resonance within a resonator-enhanced optical system provides improved tracking performance in resonator-enhanced optical measurement and data storage and retrieval systems. The system includes an illumination subsystem and a detection subsystem with an optical resonator interposed in an optical path between the illumination subsystem and the detection subsystem. The resonance of the optical resonator is tuned, either by changing the wavelength of the illumination subsystem or the geometric path length within the resonator. Closed-loop feedback control signals can thereby maintain resonance at a desired operating point. The feedback control signal components can be further used to provide measurement data if the resonance of the optical resonator is a function of a measured surface, such as when a reflective surface of the resonator is a surface under measurement.

Abstract: A highly abrasion resistant and durable, low density ablator composition is provided that comprises a base silicone resin, silica microballoons as a filler, a catalyst, and a thinning fluid to control the viscosity of the base silicone resin. The density of the resulting composition is approximately 0.32 g/cc yet the composition has excellent abrasion resistance. Furthermore, the ratio of filler to base silicone resin, by weight, is approximately 0.91. The ablator composition is also RF (radio frequency) transparent, moisture resistant, and low cost. Methods of mixing the ablator composition and forming ablative structures are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for erasing data from optical media in dual beam systems. The erase spot is focused to have a diameter equal to three times the track pitch of the medium. The larger erase spot eases spot alignment requirements since even beam misalignments of half a track width still supply enough energy to the medium to erase the data bump. The larger erase spot heats a larger area more gradually than a single track width erase beam and thereby also enables a more complete erasure of the medium.