Abstract: A sensor may include one or more photonic lanterns, each including a waveguide structure with a single input waveguide at an input end and two or more output waveguides at an output end, where the two or more output waveguides of each of the one or more photonic lanterns are optically decoupled. A distribution of intensities of light exiting two or more output waveguides of each of the one or more photonic lanterns may correspond to a modal decomposition of input light coupled into the input waveguide of the corresponding one of the one or more photonic lanterns. The sensor may further include one or more spectrometers coupled to the two or more output waveguides of the one or more photonic lanterns to provide a wavelength-resolved modal decomposition of the input light.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mitigating transverse mode instabilities (TMI) in high power fiber amplifiers that does not depend on active feedback loops. The apparatus and method involve the modulation of the amplitude and/or phase of selected spatial mode components of an input signal beam to increase the TMI threshold of the amplifier. Once the desired modal adjustments are made, the beam is input to a mode multiplexer whereupon an optimized output beam can be input to the active fiber of the amplifier system. By increasing the TMI threshold of the amplifier, the amplifier can be operated at higher power before TMI sets in. A control stage of the fiber amplifier system includes (a) a (seed) beam splitting section; (b) an amplitude and phase control component; and (c) a mode multiplexer that maps multiple individual signal beams to different fiber modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous mixing/extrusion method, assisted by ultrasound waves with a variable amplitude and frequency, for the preparation of nanocompounds based on polymers, preferably thermoplastics and nanoparticles, at a concentration of up to 60 wt.-% of the total weight of the polymer/nanoparticle mixture. According to the invention, the polymer/nanoparticle mixture is subjected in the molten state to a discrete and continuous sweep with a variable amplitude and frequency, of between 15 kHz and 50 kHz.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanical solution applicating device and method for cleaning and/or lubricating a raw stock material as it is being fed to a production machine or station. The applicating device is in the form of a holding tank having a reservoir portion for containing a supply of treating solution. Disposed within the reservoir portion and separated from the treating solution is a bathing tank through which the raw stock material is fed and treated. The feed of the raw stock material is utilized to effect rotation of a scoop wheel which scoops the treating solution out of the reservoir portion and into the bathing tank where the raw stock material is bathed or coated with the treating solution as it is fed therethrough. The rotation of the scoop wheel is effected by a driving wheel journaled thereto disposed in driving relationship with the raw stock material being fed through the bathing tank.