Abstract: An optical amplifier with integrated optical waveguide, pump source and other, optional components for amplifying an input optical signal. The amplifier includes a circulator and an optical signal reflective surface disposed at an end opposite an optical signal input receiving end of the waveguide which enables an optical signal to pass through the waveguide a second time exposing the optical signal to further amplification. The disclosed amplifier offers cost advantages and a higher gain without sacrificing other performance characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for direct-to-digital holography are described. An apparatus includes a laser; a beamsplitter optically coupled to the laser; a reference beam mirror optically coupled to the beamsplitter; an object optically coupled to the beamsplitter, a focusing lens optically coupled to both the reference beam mirror and the object; and a digital recorder optically coupled to the focusing lens. A reference beam is incident upon the reference beam mirror at a non-normal angle, and the reference beam and an object beam are focused by the focusing lens at a focal plane of the digital recorder to form an image. The systems and methods provide advantages in that computer assisted holographic measurements can be made.