Abstract: Coarse alignment between either of the sections and the optical device is effected by using a vision subsystem comprising of two video cameras or a single movable camera and a sideview mirror. Coarse alignment is achieved by aligning corresponding corners of a section and the optical device. Then, given that the dimensions and positioning of the ports and the fibers are known, the optical device is translated along two axes to coarsely align its port with the fibers on the section to be attached. Fine alignment is effected by passing an optical signal through the optical device and adjusting the position/orientation of the optical device to maximize the intensity of light output from the output ports. The optical device is placed on a six axis robot and is adjusted to optimize its alignment with either of the input or the output sections.

Abstract: Broadband light is fed into the input optical fiber and the fiber is placed adjacent an input port of a waveguide device. An aperture plate with a suitably sized aperture is placed between the relevant output ports of the waveguide device and a light intensity detector. The light intensity detector is coupled to an optical power meter that measures the intensity of the light received by the detector. The aperture plate filters out extraneous light emanating from the areas of the waveguide device surrounding the relevant output ports. The detector then receives the incoming light and the power meter measures its intensity. The position of the input optical fiber is then adjusted as required to maximize the intensity of the light received by the detector.

Abstract: The reflectivity of a substrate can be improved by combining a reflective diffuse layer with a specular layer. The light output of individual light sources can be improved by embedding them in a composite diffuse and specular substrate resulting in a superior illumination source. A tapered coupling waveguide having a large input surface can be used to couple the illumination source to a thin waveguide having a relatively small input surface area.

Abstract: In a frequency-shifted, low gain pulsed tunable laser, spatial and temporal build-up of regions of high intensity in the fundamental frequency is minimized by generating a frequency-narrowed fundamental wavelength, preferentially frequency shifting high energy portions of the fundamental wavelength, and separating the frequency-shifted portion. The remaining fundamental frequency can safely be coupled into a a fiber optic delivery means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for laser lithotripsy by subjecting calcified matter in the mammalian body, especially the human body, to two spatially and temporally overlapping pulsed laser light beams in the 300-450 and 600-900 nanometer wavelength range.

Abstract: A conductively cooled, optically diode-pumped slab laser comprises a slab laser host 1 having transparent, thermally conductive heat sink means 2 bonded to its pump faces. Semiconductor lasers or light emitting diodes 3 are mounted on the heat sink means for generating pumplight which is transmitted through the heat sink means 2 into laser host 1 to cause lasing. Heat flow within the laser host 1 is substantially bi-directional, thereby minimizing optically harmful thermal distortion of the host. The apparatus can function as laser amplifier, laser oscillator or combined oscillator/amplifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser light beam delivery system for delivering a laser light beam from a source remote from the laser originating the light. The delivery system consists of an optical fiber having a double taper, i.e., a taper portion at each end with the fiber tapering at the input end and at the output end to a diameter substantially greater than the actual diameter of the fiber. This permits high power transmission capabilities in as much as the greater diameter portions distribute the average energy such that no damage to the fiber is presented.

Abstract: A conductively cooled, optically face-pumped slab laser comprises a slab laser host 1 having transparent, thermally conductive pump lamp housings 2 bonded to its pump faces. Flashlamps 3 are embedded in pump lamp housings 2 for generating pumplight which is transmitted through the housings 2 into laser host 1 to cause lasing. Heat flow within the laser host 1 is substantially bi-directional, thereby minimizing optically harmful thermal distortion of the host. The apparatus can function as laser amplifier, laser oscillator or combined oscillator/amplifier.

Abstract: Improvement in a laser having a solid transparent housing with two cavities for respectively holding a laser rod and a pump lamp. The rod is embedded along its total length within the housing; the pump lamp is embedded along its total arc and over a substantial length of each of its electrode regions within the housing. clearance between lamp envelope and housing is held to close tolerances. Optional beam tubes provided at the end of the rod at the housing shield the laser beam from thermal distortion. Flashlamps having a cerium-doped quartz envelope are particularly desirable for pumping this laser.

Abstract: A simple, compact, and rugged laser comprises a solid transparent housing with two cavities. A laser medium is embedded in one cavity and a pump lamp in the other. By choosing for the housing and lamp envelope materials having thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of the laser medium, high power operation is feasible. An optional reflecting coating on the exterior of the housing enhances efficiency. A filter coating on the lamp envelope eliminates unwanted components of lamp radiation.

Abstract: A simple, compact, and rugged laser comprises a solid transparent housing with two cavities. A laser medium is embedded in one cavity and a pump lamp in the other. By choosing for the housing and lamp envelope materials having thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of the laser medium, high power operation is feasible. An optional reflecting coating on the exterior of the housing enhances efficiency. An optional filter coating on the lamp envelope eliminates unwanted components of lamp radiation.