Abstract: Described herein is a wavelength selective switch (100), comprising an input array (102) of optical fibers. The array (102) comprises two or more columns of fibers that are spatially offset in one or both of a switching dimension or a dispersive dimension of the wavelength selective switch (100). Each column (102A, 102B) of fibers is adapted to project respective optical beams. A switching engine (112) is positioned to receive the optical beams and apply an angular switching to the beams to direct the beams to respective output fibers. The optical beams are encoded at respective angles or polarization states such that each column of optical beams is incident onto a different region of the switching engine (112).

Abstract: Described herein is a wavelength dispersive optical system (10). The system (10) comprises at least one optical input (12, 14, 16) for projecting an input optical beam comprising a plurality of individual wavelength components and at least one optical output (18) for receiving one or more output optical beams. The system (10) also includes a diffractive optical element (DOE) (1) including a substrate (2) and an array of physical diffraction elements (3).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for determining a wear or operational characteristic regarding an apparatus. The method includes: determining a position data of at least a portion of the apparatus, by analysing two-dimensional image data from each of a plurality of image sensors located to capture image data of the apparatus, or part thereof, and calculating a physical or operational characteristic using the position data.

Abstract: A member for assembly with other members in an assembled condition to form an excavation bucket, the member forming at least part of one of the walls of the bucket when in its assembled condition, the member comprising a body having a forward edge; a rearward edge; opposite inner and outer surfaces that extend between the edges; a first portion of the member being thicker between its inner and outer surfaces than a second portion of the member, the first portion being disposed forward of the second portion.

Abstract: A member for assembly with other members in an assembled condition to form an excavation bucket, the member forming at least part of one of the walls of the bucket when in its assembled condition, the member comprising a body having a forward edge; a rearward edge; opposite inner and outer surfaces that extend between the edges; a first portion of the member being thicker between its inner and outer surfaces than a second portion of the member, the first portion being disposed forward of the second portion.

Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a programmable interface coupled to the CPU, wherein the programmable interface includes a core designated by a user. The programmable interface core allows devices, both on and off-chip, to communicate with the CPU. In one embodiment, the programmable interface core includes a crosspoint switch for coupling a plurality of devices and the CPU. Re-programmability of the PLD provides significant flexibility in providing features that can be parameterized based on the user's needs and/or associated design. Specifically, these parameterized features can be implemented in programmable resources on the PLD, thereby allowing these features to be modified at any time. Moreover, only those resources actually needed for the programmable interface core need be implemented, thereby allowing the user to optimize use of the remainder of the PLD.

Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a programmable interface coupled to the CPU, wherein the programmable interface includes a core designated by a user. The programmable interface core allows devices, both on and off-chip, to communicate with the CPU. In one embodiment, the programmable interface core includes a crosspoint switch for coupling a plurality of devices and the CPU. Re-programmability of the PLD provides significant flexibility in providing features that can be parameterized based on the user's needs and/or associated design. Specifically, these parameterized features can be implemented in programmable resources on the PLD, thereby allowing these features to be modified at any time. Moreover, only those resources actually needed for the programmable interface core need be implemented, thereby allowing the user to optimize use of the remainder of the PLD.

Abstract: In an optical system including an optical input port for projecting an input optical signal onto an optical phased matrix array, an optical phased matrix array including a plurality of individually addressable pixels thereon, each said pixel being drivable within a prescribed range of levels, and an optical output port for collecting a predetermined fraction of said optical signal received from said optical phased matrix array; a method of compensating for phase distortions including the steps of: (a) determining a plurality of transfer functions relating said level of each said pixel to the phase variation each said pixel introduces to light from said input optical signal which is incident thereon; and (b) controlling the level of selected ones of said pixels in accordance with a corresponding transfer function such that said fractional signal received at said output port is modified in phase to substantially compensate for optical phase distortions arising from said optical phased matrix array.

Abstract: An optical coupling device including: at least a first input port for delivering an optical input signal beam that includes a plurality of wavelength channels; at least a first optical output port for receiving an optical output signal beam; a wavelength dispersion element for spatially separating the plurality of wavelength channels in the optical input signal beam to form a plurality of spatially separated wavelength channel beams; an optical coupling device for independently modifying the phase of each of the spatially separated wavelength channel beams such that, for at least one wavelength channel beam, a selected fraction of the light is coupled to the first output port and a fraction of the light is coupled away from the first output port.