Abstract: There is provided a non-linear optical device for enhancing the bandwidth accessible in the nonlinear generation of an optical signal. The device comprises a planar optical waveguide, the planar optical waveguide being operative to generate an optical output from an optical input having an input bandwidth by means of a non-linear optical process, the optical output having a wavelength within an accessible bandwidth, wherein the planar optical waveguide is operative to enhance the accessible bandwidth such that the ratio of the accessible bandwidth to the input bandwidth is at least 4. The device is particularly applicable to broad optical continuum generation, but may also be used in a parametric oscillator or amplifier arrangement with broad tuning range.

Abstract: A method is provided of restricted substance management and recycling in a manufacturing environment. The method includes the steps of inputting restricted substances and recycle content data of parts supplied by a supplier for a vehicle into a computer system of a vehicle manufacturer. The method also includes the steps of reviewing the inputted data and determining parts with banned or recycled content or substances over predetermined thresholds. The method further includes the steps of reporting the determined parts to the supplier and vehicle manufacture.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing electrostatic charge from a generally non-conductive object that is inserted into a port or receptacle of a housing are disclosed, such as a smart card having an electrostatic charge thereon inserted into a slot of a housing of a smart card reader. Certain ones of the apparatus and methods use a housing including a slot for receiving a generally non-conductive object having an electrostatic charge thereon, and an electrically ungrounded array of protrusions disposed proximate the slot. Selected ones of the protrusions have a sharp tip. The electrostatic charge on the object and the sharp tips generate an electric field that is used to neutralize the electrostatic charge on the object so as to prevent damaging electric shock.

Abstract: A smart card reader having several advantageous grounding techniques and several techniques to insure proper electrical isolation of the electrical components of the card reader. The smart card reader has a base and a cover. In certain techniques, a non-conductive base is grounded to a conductive, grounded cover. In another technique, a grounded base formed of a statically dissipative composite material is utilized.

Abstract: A smart card reader having several advantageous grounding techniques and several techniques to insure proper electrical isolation of the electrical components of the card reader is disclosed. The smart card reader has a base and a cover. In certain techniques, a non-conductive base is grounded to a conductive, grounded cover. In another technique, a grounded base formed of a statically dissipative composite material is utilized.

Abstract: A magneto-optic device employing-optic rotation element having a large magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and consisting of a bismuth-substituted garnet of the composition:R.sub.3-x Bi.sub.x Fe.sub.5-y A.sub.y O.sub.12where R is .upsilon., Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd; 0.2 < x < 2.0; A is Ga or Al and O < y < 1.5; or, A is In or Sc and O < y < 0.8.