Abstract: Delay domain multiplexing, differing from coherence multiplexing of digital data signals, may use orthogonal encoding to reduce cross-channel interference compared to traditional techniques. A plurality of photonic encoders may receive laser pulses from a laser pulse source, converting the pulses into n sets of orthogonal codes, such as Walsh codes, depending on the number of channels to be multiplexed. A passive apparatus may use orthogonal codes, creating them fast enough to function in an optical or photonic environment. The orthogonal codes may subsequently be modulated with n digital data signals before being multiplexed and demultiplexed in a delay domain or coherence multiplexing apparatus. At a receiver, the encoded signals are decoded and the original digital data signals are extracted therefrom.

Abstract: A particular signal from a legacy photonic source may have a distribution of wavelengths in a particular signal that is excessively broad for modern, narrowband equipment. In order to provide a drop-in apparatus for integrating modem narrowband signal carrying and handling devices with legacy equipment as either sender or receiver, various implementations of a data stabilizer are provided. Data stabilizers may rely on information transfer mechanisms, signal directors, wavelength shifters, cross-gain modulation, cross-phase modulation, and four-wave mixers. Moreover, data stabilizers may be implemented directly as multiplexers, or integrated into systems using conventional multiplexers.

Abstract: An apparatus for photonic wavelength shifting and stabilization is described. The apparatus receives a photonic signal, comprised of one or more channels, and provides a wavelength shifted, stabilized, and channelized photonic signal. Data encoding is also supported. A modulation synthesizer provides a modulation waveform embedded with the shifting, stabilization and data encoding mechanisms. A variety of modulation devices are supported. The modulation waveform is optimized for the particular modulation device. A wavelength error detector provides feedback to the modulation synthesizer. The error signal is used to stabilize the photonic signal and correct channel wavelength errors. Fixed wavelength channels and spread spectrum channels are supported.

Abstract: A method for photonic transceiving spectrally replicates a photonic input signal to provide a replicated photonic signal. The replicated photonic signal contains multiple copies of the photonic input signal shifted to various wavelengths. The replicated photonic signal is then filtered to provide a photonic output signal within a desired passband. The photonic input signal may be spectrally replicated through a variety of mechanisms including four-wave mixing, modulation with a harmonically rich modulation waveform, recursive wavelength-shifting and complementary recursive wavelength-shifting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photonic channel allocation is described. A photonic signal, comprised of one or more channels, is received, characterized, and assigned to one or more channels. Once assigned the photonic signal is stabilized and wavelength shifted to occupy one or more channels on the photonic output signal. A modulation synthesizer provides a modulation waveform embedded with the shifting, stabilization and data encoding mechanisms. A variety of modulation devices and techniques are supported. The modulation waveform is optimized for the particular modulation device or technique. A wavelength error detector provides feedback to the modulation synthesizer. The error signal is used to stabilize the photonic signal and correct channel wavelength errors. Fixed wavelength channels and spread spectrum channels are supported.

Abstract: An apparatus for wavelength-shift multiplexing narrowband filters a composite photonic signal to provide a narrowband signal. The narrowband filtering operates as a channel selector by isolating the narrowband signal from the composite photonic signal. The narrowband signal may be a full-duplex signal with transmit and receive components. The narrowband signal may be wavelength shifted to provide a channelized photonic signal. The present invention is useful as a building block for photonic transmission, switching and multiplexing. Multiple channelized photonic signals may be combined or separated by the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for photonic transceiving spectrally replicates a photonic input signal to provide a replicated photonic signal. The replicated photonic signal contains multiple copies of the photonic input signal shifted to various wavelengths. The replicated photonic signal is then filtered to provide a photonic output signal within a desired passband. The photonic input signal may be spectrally replicated through a variety of mechanisms including four-wave mixing, modulation via a harmonically rich modulation waveform, recursive wavelength shifting and complementary recursive wavelength shifting.

Abstract: An apparatus for photonic wavelength shifting and stabilization is described. The apparatus receives a photonic signal, comprised of one or more channels, and provides a wavelength shifted, stabilized, and channelized photonic signal. Data encoding is also supported. A modulation synthesizer provides a modulation waveform embedded with the shifting, stabilization and data encoding mechanisms. A variety of modulation devices are supported. The modulation waveform is optimized for the particular modulation device. A wavelength error detector provides feedback to the modulation synthesizer. The error signal is used to stabilize the photonic signal and correct channel wavelength errors. Fixed wavelength channels and spread spectrum channels are supported.

Abstract: A method for photonic wavelength shifting and stabilization is described. The method receives a photonic signal, comprised of one or more channels, and provides a wavelength shifted, stabilized, and channelized photonic signal. Data encoding is also supported. A modulation synthesizer provides a modulation waveform embedded with the shifting, stabilization and data encoding mechanisms. A variety of modulation techniques are supported. The modulation waveform is optimized for the particular modulation technique. A wavelength error detector provides feedback to the modulation synthesizer. The error signal is used to stabilize the photonic signal and correct channel wavelength errors. Fixed wavelength channels and spread spectrum channels are supported.

Abstract: A method for photonic wavelength shifting and stabilization is described. The method receives a photonic signal, comprised of one or more channels, and provides a wavelength shifted, stabilized, and channelized photonic signal. Data encoding is also supported. A modulation synthesizer provides a modulation waveform embedded with the shifting, stabilization and data encoding mechanisms. A variety of modulation techniques are supported. The modulation waveform is optimized for the particular modulation technique. A wavelength error detector provides feedback to the modulation synthesizer. The error signal is used to stabilize the photonic signal and correct channel wavelength errors. Fixed wavelength channels and spread spectrum channels are supported.

Abstract: A device, and a method for using the device, to generate discrete information about an environmental event includes an array of sensors. All sensors in the array have a determinable detection capability and, preferably, some of these detection capabilities are redundant while others are overlapping. The individual sensors are positioned in the particular environment to detect characteristics of the event from different perspectives. The outputs which are generated by the various sensors in the array are selectively segmented and joined to create a convolved pattern of data which explicitly and implicitly includes information about the characteristics of the event. The convolved pattern is then presented to a pattern recognition unit, such as a neural network, where the characteristics are interpreted from the convolved pattern to generate the desired discrete information about the environmental event.

Abstract: The apparatus for machining and material processing includes an excimer laser and a Fresnel zone plate array (FZP) positioned parallel to the workpiece, with the distance between the FZP and the workpiece being the focal length of the FZP. For each hole to be formed on the workpiece a corresponding Fresnel zone is patterned onto the FZP. Each Fresnel zone may be patterned directly centered over the desired hole location or in high density patterns it may be located off-center from the hole with deflection being accomplished by the formation of finer circular arcs on the side of the Fresnel zone opposite the desired direction of deflection. A beam scanner is included to provide a more uniform illumination of the FZP by the laser beam. The scanning eliminates non-uniformity of intensity. The alignment mechanism uses a helium-neon laser, the beam from the which is projected onto a surface relief grating on the workpiece.

Abstract: Optical machining of a workpiece with coherent light scanning a plate with a plurality of subaperture subapertures is disclosed. Each of the subapertures creates a working image which when scanned with a coherent wave front of the design frequency forms in three dimensional space the working image. The working image when registered to a workpiece effect processing of the workpiece, usually ablating an aperture such as a blind via of small dimension. Improved techniques of dimensioning and fabricating the subaperture, creating amplitude modulation with the phase plate, and finally controlling amplitude with optical features close to the limit of producible optical elements is disclosed. The apparatus for the process, the process and the plate for utilization in the process are set forth.

Abstract: The apparatus for machining and material processing includes an excimer laser and a Fresnel zone plate array (FZP) positioned parallel to the workpiece, with the distance between the FZP and the workpiece being the focal length of the FZP. For each hole to be formed on the workpiece a corresponding Fresnel zone is patterned onto the FZP. Each Fresnel zone may be patterned directly centered over the desired hole location or in high density patterns it may be located off-center from the hole with deflection being accomplished by the formation of finer circular arcs on the side of the Fresnel zone opposite the desired direction of deflection. A beam scanner is included to provide a more uniform illumination of the FZP by the laser beam. The scanning eliminates non-uniformity of intensity. The alignment mechanism uses a helium-neon laser, the beam from which is projected onto a surface relief grating on the workpiece.

Abstract: A dual wavelength fiber optic monitoring system utilizes the principle of conservation of throughput to permit the use of a plurality of transducers illuminated by a single source unit. Redundancy is provided by using a plurality of sources and detector units and by the use of optical couplers to transmit the light beams between these elements.

Abstract: A dual wavelength fiber optic monitoring system utilizes the principle of conservation of throughput to permit the use of a plurality of transducers illuminated by a single source unit. Redundancy is provided by using a plurality of sources and detector units and by the use of optical couplers to transmit the light beams between these elements.

Abstract: A security screen assembly comprises a screen of mesh material with an optical path formed from at least one optical fiber integrally interwoven with the screen material in a generally serpentine path. A light source or transmitter is coupled to the first end of the optical path while a suitable light detector is coupled to detect light emitted from the second end of the optical path. An interface unit connects the screen to a remote alarm control unit for activating an alarm if the detected light signal falls below a predetermined intensity.

Abstract: A numerical optical processor which utilizes a holographic content-addressable memory is disclosed. The holographic memory stores relationships between various inputs and system outputs in the form of a plurality of truth tables in a digital format. One or more digital input words are processed by the numerical optical processor to produce digital outputs wherein the input words are modified by the contents of the holographic memory.Two configurations of the numerical optical processor are disclosed. The first system is based on an EXCLUSIVE OR operation performed holographically on binary arrays. The second system performs an operation which is equivalent to two levels of logic: a NAND and OR followed by another OR operation. Various specific embodiments of the two configurations are disclosed.