Abstract: A monolithically integrated, mode-locked vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) for emitting ultrafast high power pulses. The resonator of the VCSEL has an active medium for emitting a radiation, a spacer for extending the resonator to a length L at which a significant number N of axial modes of the radiation are supported in the resonator and a saturable absorber for mode-locking. The VCSEL has an arrangement for stabilizing the resonator such that one transverse mode of the radiation is supported within the resonator. The VCSEL also has an arrangement for compensating dispersion of the radiation occurring in the resonator.

Abstract: A spectrometer for determining a spectrum of a light by using a mirror to reflect the light so that the light forms an intensity standing wave pattern through superposition of an incident portion of the light and a reflected portion of the light. The spectrometer is equipped with an intensity detector whose thickness is less than a shortest wavelength of the light being examined and which is semitransparent over the spectrum. The spectrometer has a mechanism to provide relative movement between the mirror and the intensity detector such that the intensity detector registers a variation of the intensity standing wave pattern. An analyzer, such as a Fourier transform analyzer, is employed to determine the spectrum of the light from that variation of the intensity standing wave pattern.

Abstract: A novel method and device for separating light of differing wavelengths (wavelength demultiplexing) uses a very simple and compact multilayer dielectric structure having high angular dispersion at certain wavelengths and angles of incidence. The structure is composed of alternating layers of dielectric materials of different refractive indices, and is designed to operate just outside the main reflection region rather than within the main reflection region. In this region just outside the main reflection region there is strong group velocity dispersion, causing different wavelengths of light to travel at different angles through the dielectric stack. As a consequence, different wavelength components of a polychromatic beam are separated as they pass through the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a semiconductor device for switching or modulating optical signals, cross-connects and switches built of such devices as well as a method of switching or modulating optical signals. The semiconductor device has a photodetector having a low electrical capacitance Cd, a detector absorbing layer for absorbing an optical signal beam, a modulator having a low capacitance Cm and a modulator absorbing layer exhibiting an electric field-dependent absorption coefficient. The modulator absorbing layer is used for absorbing an optical power beam, which is to be modulated or switched. The device has a low resistivity region between the photodetector and the modulator such that the electric field-dependent absorption coefficient is altered uniformly and rapidly throughout the modulator absorbing layer during absorption of the optical signal beam in the detector absorbing layer.

Abstract: A transform spectrometer determines the spectrum of light based on the Talbot effect. Light to be analyzed is passed through a spatially periodic object, thereby generating a series of Talbot images. The intensities of these Talbot images at different optical distances from the spatially periodic object are then detected, and Fourier transformed to determine the spectrum of the light. Preferably, the detector comprises a spatial masking pattern such that the intensities detected are maximized at Talbot planes or at the midpoints between Talbot planes. In one embodiment, the optical distance between the spatially periodic object and the detector is changed in order to detect image intensities at different Talbot planes. In another embodiment, the detector and the spatially periodic object are positioned along a common optical axis at relative angle &thgr; such that different detector rows detect intensities at different Talbot planes.

Abstract: A method for adaptive spectral sensing developed for a two-dimensional image made up of picture elements. The method calls for illuminating at least one of the picture elements with an input light and deriving a time-varying spectral signal from the input light for that picture element. The time-varying spectral signal is processed with a time-varying reference signal by using a mathematical function such as convolution, multiplication, averaging, integrating, forming an inner product, matched filtering, addition, subtraction or division to obtain a processed output value for the picture element and this output value is then used in determining a spectral characteristic of the input light. The time-varying spectral signal is conveniently derived by optical filtering of the input light yielding an optical time-varying spectral signal. This method can be used by itself or in combination with at least one other adaptive technique such as adaptive spatial sensing and/or adaptive temporal sensing.

Abstract: A method for adaptive spectral sensing developed for a two-dimensional image made up of picture elements. The method calls for illuminating at least one of the picture elements with an input light and deriving a time-varying spectral signal from the input light for that picture element. The time-varying spectral signal is processed with a time-varying reference signal by using a mathematical function such as convolution, multiplication, averaging, integrating, forming an inner product, matched filtering, addition, subtraction or division to obtain a processed output value for the picture element and this output value is then used in determining a spectral characteristic of the input light. The time-varying spectral signal is conveniently derived by optical filtering of the input light yielding an optical time-varying spectral signal. This method can be used by itself or in combination with at least one other adaptive technique such as adaptive spatial sensing and/or adaptive temporal sensing.

Abstract: A transform spectrometer determines the spectrum of light based on the Talbot effect. Light to be analyzed is passed through a spatially periodic object, thereby generating a series of Talbot images. The intensities of these Talbot images at different optical distances from the spatially periodic object are then detected, and Fourier transformed to determine the spectrum of the light. Preferably, the detector comprises a spatial masking pattern such that the intensities detected are maximized at Talbot planes or at the midpoints between Talbot planes. In one embodiment, the optical distance between the spatially periodic object and the detector is changed in order to detect image intensities at different Talbot planes. In another embodiment, the detector and the spatially periodic object are positioned along a common optical axis at relative angle &thgr; such that different detector rows detect intensities at different Talbot planes.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for modulating an optical power light beam with an optical signal light beam contains a detector diode for absorbing the signal beam and a quantum well modulator diode for absorbing the power beam. Both diodes are reverse biased, allowing for absorption of the power beam at photon energies below the band gap energy of the quantum well layer. Absorption of the signal beam creates carriers that screen the field in the detector diode, lowering the bias voltage. Because top and bottom layers of the entire structure are made to be highly conductive, overall voltage is fixed, leading to a simultaneous change of voltage in the modulator diode, altering absorption by electroabsorption mechanisms. In a first embodiment, the diodes are oriented such that decreased voltage in the detector diode leads to decreased voltage in the modulator diode; the device is used as an optically controlled optical switch.

Abstract: An irrigation hose (50) is preassembled at a factory with a plurality of clips (10, 30), thereby providing for reduced labor and installation time at the irrigation site.

Abstract: A spectrometer for determining a spectrum of a light by using a mirror to reflect the light so that the light forms an intensity standing wave pattern through superposition of an incident portion of the light and a reflected portion of the light. The spectrometer is equipped with an intensity detector whose thickness is less than a shortest wavelength of the light being examined and which is semitransparent over the spectrum. The spectrometer has a mechanism to provide relative movement between the mirror and the intensity detector such that the intensity detector registers a variation of the intensity standing wave pattern. An analyzer, such as a Fourier transform analyzer, is employed to determine the spectrum of the light from that variation of the intensity standing wave pattern.

Abstract: A novel method and device for separating light of differing wavelengths (wavelength demultiplexing) uses a very simple and compact multilayer dielectric structure having high angular dispersion at certain wavelengths and angles of incidence. The structure is composed of alternating layers of dielectric materials of different refractive indices, and is designed to operate just outside the main reflection region rather than within the main reflection region. In this region just outside the main reflection region there is strong group velocity dispersion, causing different wavelengths of light to travel at different angles through the dielectric stack. As a consequence, different wavelength components of a polychromatic beam are separated as they pass through the device.

Abstract: A disk copying and dispensing apparatus including a disk processing module installable in a host device such as a disk vending machine, the module having a frame containing a displaceable carriage mechanism with a disk pick-up head, at least one disk recorder with an extendible tray for receiving or discharging a disk, a disk label printer and at least one disk parking tray with one embodiment having an actuatable disk dispensing chute, the disk carriage being movable from one device to another under control of a controller, in accordance with a programmed sequence of a processor.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer having a print head and a media support platform that is displaced relative to the print head, the media support platform having a rigid support surface for a media item having a non-rectangular configuration such as a compact disk, the support platform having a mask with a cutout substantially in the shape of the non-rectangular disk, the mask and media item combining to form a contact surface for the print head to uniformly distribute a constant force of the print head in a uniform pressure across the mask and media item during printing, the mask providing, in addition, a holding apparatus for the media item which is contacted by a displaceable retainer pin urging the media item against the edge of the mask with the print head avoiding contact with the retainer pins on the printing area, the printer having a mechanism to displace the retainer pin and sense whether a media item is properly placed in the cutout and retained by the retaining apparatus.

Abstract: An autoload disk copier system and disk printer transport system for recordable disks, the copier system having a copier unit with a housing containing a disk drive with an extendable disk tray, a disk carrier for supporting a stack of disks over the tray, a disk separator mechanism for selectively separating a disk from the stack displacing it to a tray, a disk retrieve mechanism for retrieving a disk from the tray and depositing it in a collector for good and bad disks, and, an electronic control means for controlling the sequence of operations of loading, disk read/write, unloading and depositing disks during the automatic process of recording data on recordable disks.

Abstract: This concerns a molded case circuit breaker having separable main contacts and an operating mechanism structured to cause the separable main contacts to open and close. A trip unit is provided to actuate the operating mechanism in desirable circumstances. The circuit breaker housing has an auxiliary device compartment therein into which may be inserted a key lock arrangement. The trip unit has a plunger member which protrudes into the auxiliary device compartment and which, when actuated, causes the trip unit to actuate the operating mechanism to open the main contacts. When the key lock is actuated, a slideable member interacts with the plunger member in the trip unit and maintains the trip unit in a configuration that prevents the main contacts from engaging. Thus, as long as the lock member is maintained in the locked state, the circuit breaker may not be reset.

Abstract: A network for multi-bit word parallel communication between optoelectronic chips on a two dimensional array of optical input and output channels carried on a single dimension of optical fibers. Each bit of a word is carried on a different wavelength and the multiple wavelengths carrying a word are wavelength multiplexed onto a single optical fiber. Multiple fibers can be joined into a one dimensional array of fibers. A transceiver for transmitting and receiving along the optical data channels comprises an array of modulators powered by individual wavelength light beams, either from individual monochromatic light sources and a light beam from a single broadband light source made to pass through a diffraction grating. The modulators are positioned so that each modulator reflects a different wavelength light beam, thereby providing multiple optical channels. Alternatively, multiple wavelengths are generated from CMOS integrated light sources.

Abstract: A separator tank for removing oil from a gas/oil mixture includes a lower chamber for collecting the oil removed from the gas/oil mixture, an intermediate chamber overlying the lower chamber and an upper chamber overlying the intermediate chamber. The separator tank has an inlet in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber for introducing the gas/oil mixture into the separator tank at a velocity. The intermediate chamber includes a baffle adapted for changing the velocity of the gas/oil mixture as the mixture travels between the inlet and the upper chamber for causing at least some of the oil to separate from the gas/oil mixture. The upper chamber has a diffusing element for reducing the velocity of the gas/oil mixture and an oil coalescing element for separating at least some of the oil from the gas/oil mixture.

Abstract: A network for multi-bit word parallel communication between optoelectronic chips on a two dimensional array of optical input and output channels carried on a single dimension of optical fibers. Each bit of a word is carried on a different wavelength and the multiple wavelengths carrying a word are wavelength multiplexed onto a single optical fiber. Multiple fibers can be joined into a one dimensional array of fibers. A transceiver for transmitting and receiving along the optical data channels comprises an array of modulators powered by individual wavelength light beams, either from individual monochromatic light sources and a light beam from a single broadband light source made to pass through a diffraction grating. The modulators are positioned so that each modulator reflects a different wavelength light beam, thereby providing multiple optical channels. Alternatively, multiple wavelengths are generated from CMOS integrated light sources.