Abstract: An acoustic wave device wherein each electrode element of an interdigital transducer is buried or embedded between a pair of layers of piezoelectric material. The use of a multi-layer stack of layers of piezoelectric material enables each electrode element of the transducer to be sandwiched between a distinct pair of layers and thus to be insulated from the other electrode element or elements. Because of the insulation thus provided, the spacing between the fingers of each electrode element may be selected without fear of causing short circuits between electrode elements.

Abstract: An optical system including a radio frequency signal input; a chirp signal input; a source for emitting a beam of radiation; a first acousto-optical modulator disposed in the path of the beam and functioning to modulate the beam with the radio frequency signal to produce a first modulated beam; a second acousto-optical modulator disposed in the path of the first modulated beam to modulate the beam with the chirp signal to produce a third modulated beam; and a single detector disposed in the path of the third modulated beam.

Abstract: A CCD driven integrated optical modulator array including an array of chirp grating optical lenses implemented on the surface of an electro-optical crystal such as LiNbO.sub.3 or LiTaO.sub.3, a plurality of channel waveguides and a thin metal film pattern on the surface of the waveguides for modulating the optical waveform in each channel. The thin metal film form planar capacitors, each of the capacitors being electrically connected to the output circuit of a corresponding semiconductor device, such as a CCD array. The CCD array is implemented on a semiconductor wafer bonded to the electro-optical crystal. Signals in each optical channel in the electro-optical crystal are thereby modulated by corresponding circuit elements associated with corresponding CCD channels implemented on the major surface of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A Sagnac interferometer gyroscope includes a semiconductor chip on which is formed an optical waveguide. Means are provided on the optical waveguide to inject a laser light beam into the waveguide and onto a divider to produce first and second divided beams. Second and third dividers are provided in the waveguide to generate a reference signal onto a pair of photodectors disposed to receive the divided light waves. The light waves are modulated with first and second frequencies prior to their second division by a pair of Bragg frequency shifter interdigital transducers. The divided and modulated light beams are then directed through an optical path encompassing an axis of sensitivity of the gyro. In one embodiment the path is formed by an optical fiber with connections to the chip. In another embodiment the optical path is defined within the chip itself by reflectors or deflectors at selected locations about the peripheral of the chip.

Abstract: A high-throughput diffraction-limited Bragg diffraction grating having a variable periodicity functions as a lens for optical guided waves. The lens may be fabricated with planar photolithograhic techniques. It has predictable focusing properties which are insensitive to process variations making it particularly useful for mass production of integrated optical systems.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog optical recorder incorporating both CCD and integrated optics technologies which is fabricated as a single integral unit including an electro-optical layer portion and a semiconductor layer portion. Sampling circuits and digital-to-analog converters are implemented on the semiconductor layer portion using CCD technology, and a plurality of optical channel waveguides and electro-optical modulators are implemented on the electro-optical layer portion. Each digital signal is converted into two complementary light spots at the output of the recorder.

Abstract: An interferometer gyro employing a coiled optical fiber includes a pair of acousto-optic modulators to modulate first and second frequencies onto two components divided from the light of a light source. The light source need not exhibit the high degree of source coherence heretofore required, and can be an incandescent bulb in many applications. The first and second modulated light components are injected in opposite or counter-rotating directions into the optical fiber wherein they experience phase changes due to the apparent change in optical length of the optical fiber upon rotation of the fiber about an axis of sensitivity. The light components are then, after being removed from the fiber, combined and compared with the signals applied at the input. The phase difference therebetween is then established to measure the rate of rotation of the optical fiber about the axis of sensitivity.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a stepped-array acousto-optic beam deflector comprising the steps of providing a substrate having upper and lower surfaces lying in mutually oblique planes, forming an electro-acoustic transducer on the upper substrate surface, cutting through the substrate and the upper and lower surfaces to form a plurality of disjoined transducer elements positioned side by side, and mounting the disjoined transducer elements in tandem to an acousto-optic element.