Abstract: A film recorder including a linear diffractive spatial light modulator (LDSLM) and methods of using the same to record a digital image on a strip of photographic film are provided. In one embodiment, the recorder includes: an illuminator including at least one monochromatic light source generating a light beam; a spatial light modulator assembly including at least one linear diffractive spatial light modulator (LDSLM) to receive the light beam from the illuminator and modulate the light beam from the illuminator; a film transport for transporting a photographic film on an imaging plane; and imaging optics disposed in a light path between the LDSLM and the imaging plane to image the light beam simultaneously on a substantially linear portion of the photographic film to record an image on the photographic film. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An optical navigation system and method are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes: (i) a coherent light source to emit light to illuminate a portion of a finger; and (ii) a detector to receive light reflected from the portion of the finger, the detector including a speckle-based sensor configured to sense movement of the finger relative to the detector based on changes in a complex interference pattern created by the light reflected from the portion of the finger. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An optical navigation system is provided to sense relative movement between the system and a surface. Generally, the system includes: (i) an illuminator having a light source to illuminate a portion of the surface; (ii) a detector to receive light reflected from the portion of the surface; and (iii) an enclosure enclosing the illuminator and the detector, the enclosure having a window covering the detector and through which light reflected from the portion of the surface is transmitted to the detector, the window being substantially transparent to at least one wavelength of light emitted by the light source. In certain embodiments, the window is a filter-window that is substantially non-transparent to light from other sources, such as ambient light, having shorter or longer wavelengths. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A film recorder including a linear diffractive spatial light modulator (LDSLM) and methods of using the same to record a digital image on a strip of photographic film are provided. In one embodiment, the recorder includes: an illuminator including at least one monochromatic light source generating a light beam; a spatial light modulator assembly including at least one linear diffractive spatial light modulator (LDSLM) to receive the light beam from the illuminator and modulate the light beam from the illuminator; a film transport for transporting a photographic film on an imaging plane; and imaging optics disposed in a light path between the LDSLM and the imaging plane to image the light beam simultaneously on a substantially linear portion of the photographic film to record an image on the photographic film. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An optical navigation system and method are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes: (i) a coherent light source to emit light to illuminate a portion of a finger; and (ii) a detector to receive light reflected from the portion of the finger, the detector including a speckle-based sensor configured to sense movement of the finger relative to the detector based on changes in a complex interference pattern created by the light reflected from the portion of the finger. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: One embodiment described pertains to a thermal printer is provided having a spatial light modulator (SLM) to modulate light from a laser source to record information on a thermal-sensitive surface of a recording medium, and a heater adjacent to the medium to preheat the thermal-sensitive surface prior to recording of information thereon. The printer may further include illumination optics for focusing the light beam onto the SLM, and imaging optics to image the light on the thermal-sensitive surface. The heater may comprise a resistive, a convective or a radiant heater. The printer may further include a feed mechanism with a roller having an outer surface in contact with the recording medium for feeding it past the imaging optics, and the heater may be disposed inside of the roller to heat the recording medium in contact with the roller. The heater may be arranged to heat the entire outer surface of the roller, or only a portion thereof. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An optical navigation system is provided to sense relative movement between the system and a surface. Generally, the system includes: (i) an illuminator having a light source to illuminate a portion of the surface; (ii) a detector to receive light reflected from the portion of the surface; and (iii) an enclosure enclosing the illuminator and the detector, the enclosure having a window covering the detector and through which light reflected from the portion of the surface is transmitted to the detector, the window being substantially transparent to at least one wavelength of light emitted by the light source. In certain embodiments, the window is a filter-window that is substantially non-transparent to light from other sources, such as ambient light, having shorter or longer wavelengths. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: One embodiment described pertains to a thermal printer is provided having a spatial light modulator (SLM) to modulate light from a laser source to record information on a thermal-sensitive surface of a recording medium, and a heater adjacent to the medium to preheat the thermal-sensitive surface prior to recording of information thereon. The printer may further include illumination optics for focusing the light beam onto the SLM, and imaging optics to image the light on the thermal-sensitive surface. The heater may comprise a resistive, a convective or a radiant heater. The printer may further include a feed mechanism with a roller having an outer surface in contact with the recording medium for feeding it past the imaging optics, and the heater may be disposed inside of the roller to heat the recording medium in contact with the roller. The heater may be arranged to heat the entire outer surface of the roller, or only a portion thereof. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A fiber optic RF signal distribution system has a plurality of antenna stations, each station including an RF antenna. A central RF signal distribution hub receives and transmits signals external to the system. A pair of optical fibers connects each antenna station directly to the distribution hub with the connections being in a star configuration. A connectorized laser module permits direct coupling of a distributed feedback semiconductor laser to the end of each optical fiber without an intervening connector. The module accepts an APC connector with the angled end of its optical fiber in an aperture plane in a connector housing. A distributed feedback laser is mounted in the connector housing with a lens for illuminating the aperture plane and hence, the end of the fiber at an acute angle to the axis of the fiber. Furthermore, the illumination is defocused at the aperture plane for loose optical coupling to the fiber and minimized reflection to the DFB laser.

Abstract: A fiber optic RF signal distribution system has a plurality of antenna stations, each station including an RF antenna. A central RF signal distribution hub receives and transmits signals external to the system. A pair of optical fibers connects each antenna station directly to the distribution hub with the connections being in a star configuration. A connectorized laser module permits direct coupling of a distributed feedback semiconductor laser to the end of each optical fiber without an intervening connector. The module accepts an APC connector with the angled end of its optical fiber in an aperture plane in a connector housing. A distributed feedback laser is mounted in the connector housing with a lens for illuminating the aperture plane and hence, the end of the fiber at an acute angle to the axis of the fiber. Furthermore, the illumination is defocused at the aperture plane for loose optical coupling to the fiber and minimized reflection to the DFB laser.