Abstract: A distortion measurement and inspection system is presented. In one embodiment, a vision system is implemented. The vision system performs dual focal plane imaging where simultaneous imaging of two focal planes is simultaneously performed on a sample substrate and a reference substrate to determine distortion. In addition, a highly reflective background is implemented to provide for more resolution during distortion measurement.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a transparent substrate provides an index-matching fluid between an index-matched optical coupler and a surface of the transparent substrate. The method repeats, at two or more positions along the surface of the transparent substrate, steps of illuminating an inspection volume within the transparent substrate by directing a ribbon of light through the optical coupler and into the transparent substrate and detecting scattered light from the inspection volume at a detector that is optically conjugate with the inspection volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of generating short wavelength radiation, methods of transporting short wavelength radiation, and apparati used in these methods. One embodiment of the invention provides a method of transporting short wavelength radiation using a photonic band gap fiber. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of transporting short wavelength radiation using a bundle of photonic band gap fibers. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of generating ultraviolet radiation using high harmonic generation by pumping a noble gas-filled photonic band gap fiber with a pulsed laser source.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a transparent substrate provides an index-matching fluid between an index-matched optical coupler and a surface of the transparent substrate. The method repeats, at two or more positions along the surface of the transparent substrate, steps of illuminating an inspection volume within the transparent substrate by directing a ribbon of light through the optical coupler and into the transparent substrate and detecting scattered light from the inspection volume at a detector that is optically conjugate with the inspection volume.

Abstract: A distortion measurement and inspection system is presented. In one embodiment, a vision system is implemented. The vision system performs dual focal plane imaging where simultaneous imaging of two focal planes is simultaneously performed on a sample substrate and a reference substrate to determine distortion. In addition, a highly reflective background is implemented to provide for more resolution during distortion measurement.

Abstract: Increased yield of optical elements from cubic crystal rods, such as made of calcium fluoride, is made possible by orienting the optical elements for supporting the propagation of light along one of the <1 1 2>, <1 2 1>, or < 2 1 1> alternative crystal axis, which extend perpendicular to a main <1 1 1> crystal axis. A cleave is taken through the crystal rod along a primary crystal plane {1 1 1} normal to the <1 1 1> main axis. One of the <1 1 2>, <1 2 1>, or < 2 1 1> alternative crystal axes is located by optical inspection and indicated on the crystal rod with an orientation label. Additional cuts are taken parallel to the {1 1 1} primary crystal plane to divide the crystal rod into disks each containing a portion of the orientation label.

Abstract: A polarizing effect is achieved for light having wavelengths less than 250 nm by orienting an antireflector at an incidence angle between 65° and 75°. Despite limited choices for materials, the antireflector is constructed of layers that alternate in refractive index to exploit the mechanism of interference for limiting the reflectivity of one linear polarization component of the light. The same combination of layers supports the reflectivity of an orthogonal linear polarization component. The light reflected from the antireflector is highly polarized.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of generating short wavelength radiation, methods of transporting short wavelength radiation, and apparati used in these methods. One embodiment of the invention provides a method of transporting short wavelength radiation using a photonic band gap fiber. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of transporting short wavelength radiation using a bundle of photonic band gap fibers. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of generating ultraviolet radiation using high harmonic generation by pumping a noble gas-filled photonic band gap fiber with a pulsed laser source.

Abstract: A compact, low-cost finger imager, to be used for enrolling and recognizing individuals based upon their finger ridge patterns. The optical system employs viewing beyond the critical angle and darkfield illumination for maximum image contrast. The optical system is afocal and telecentric, achieving corrected distortion with oblique viewing.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed suitable for overlapping a plurality of radiation beams at the input end of an optical waveguide device, such as an optical fiber or fiber laser. The optical apparatus includes a plurality of deflecting facets, where each deflecting facet is oriented so as to deflect incident beams of radiation so that the deflected beams emanate from a virtual multi-beam radiation point source. An output relay optical system captures the deflected beams and causes them to overlap at the input end of the optical waveguide device. Input relay optical systems, which may be tiltable plane parallel plates, may be disposed between sources of the radiation beams and be used to redirect the radiation beams so that they emanate from a virtual multi-beam radiation point source. Methods for adjusting components of the optical apparatus to fine-tune the positions and directions of the radiation beams for more precise overlapping are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed suitable for overlapping a plurality of radiation beams at the input end of an optical waveguide device, such as an optical fiber or fiber laser. The optical apparatus includes a plurality of deflecting facets, where each deflecting facet is oriented so as to deflect incident beams of radiation so that the deflected beams emanate from a virtual multi-beam radiation point source. An output relay optical system captures the deflected beams and causes them to overlap at the input end of the optical waveguide device. Input relay optical systems, which may be tiltable plane parallel plates, may be disposed between sources of the radiation beams and be used to redirect the radiation beams so that they emanate from a virtual multi-beam radiation point source. Methods for adjusting components of the optical apparatus to fine-tune the positions and directions of the radiation beams for more precise overlapping are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed suitable for coupling discrete sources of radiation beams onto the input end of an optical fiber or a fiber laser, the optical apparatus comprising a unitary beam deflector having a plurality of deflecting facets where each deflecting facet is oriented so as to deflect an incident beam of radiation into the fiber, an input afocal relay optical system to image a beam of radiation onto a corresponding deflecting facet, and an output afocal relay optical system to image the facet beam images onto the optical fiber or laser fiber end.

Abstract: An optical component mounting device and method is disclosed where the optical components are disposed within a thin-walled tube and the tube is configured to produce an interference fit within the cylindrical opening of a mounting sleeve. The optical components are secured to the tube such that their optical axes coincide with the tube longitudinal axis. Mating of the optical mounting assembly to external reference surfaces precisely locates and aligns the optical axes with respect to an external reference axis. The optical mounting assembly provides at least two degrees of freedom to the optical components for facilitating alignment.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed suitable for coupling discrete sources of radiation beams onto the input end of an optical fiber or a fiber laser, the optical apparatus comprising a unitary beam deflector having a plurality of deflecting facets where each deflecting facet is oriented so as to deflect an incident beam of radiation into the fiber, an input afocal relay optical system to image a beam of radiation onto a corresponding deflecting facet, and an output afocal relay optical system to image the facet beam images onto the optical fiber or laser fiber end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-level current driver suitable for driving a semiconductor laser for printing applications, the laser driver including a primary power source for producing a first current pulse of amplitude I.sub.1 and of duration T.sub.2, a secondary power source for producing a second current pulse of amplitude I.sub.2 and of duration T.sub.1, means for combining the outputs of the power sources, and sensing means for detecting the current pulse output from the primary power source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser print head, suitable for use with a recording medium, comprising a print head base comprising a plurality of mounting surfaces, one or more optical radiation source removably affixed to a first base mounting surface, at least one collimating lens, at least one focusing lens affixed to a second base mounting surface, a pre-objective lens affixed to a third base mounting surface; an objective lens, and one or more optional mirror facets.

Abstract: A device for redirecting beams of light emitted from different sources includes: a monolithic stationary substrate having alignment surfaces for aligning the device for mounting into a system; multiple facets resident on the substrate including at least two facets having surfaces for redirecting the beams of light emitted from different sources; and facet edges on the substrate demarcating each of the multiple facets from one another, the edges providing outside corners greater than .pi. radians between surfaces of adjacent multiple facets. The surfaces of the multiple facets are preferably surfaces of revolution created by cutting the facet surfaces while the device is rotated about a common axis, for instance, by machining via single diamond point turning.

Abstract: A laser assembly is disclosed comprising a heatsink, a laser device attached to a mounting surface of the heatsink, and a beam-shaping lens attached to an oblique surface of the heatsink, the oblique surface intersecting with the mounting surface to form an obtuse dihedral angle. The beam-shaping lens comprises a canted attachment surface which, when placed against the oblique surface, serves to optimally position the lens in relation to the laser device.

Abstract: Apparatus for masking a displayed image by merging it with a second featureless image made of a narrow band of wavelengths that is introduced into a transparent screen disposed between the display and the viewer. An absorption filter matched to the wavelength of the masking light separates or blocks the masking image to permit the primary image to be viewed only by the person having the filter.

Abstract: Apparatus for masking a displayed image by merging it with a second featureless image made of short pulses of light that are introduced into a transparent screen disposed between the display and the viewer. An electronic shutter timed to match the sequence of the masking light pulses separates or blocks the masking image to permit the primary image to be viewed only by the person having the electronic shutter.