Patents by Inventor Mark Wippich

Mark Wippich has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6625183
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods that provide a tunable laser output wavelength which varies linearly or with high predictability over time, and which can provide tuning speeds of greater than 100 nanometers per second. The apparatus includes a laser resonator cavity having first and second reflective elements, at least one of which is movable to provide a constant change in output wavelength with respect to time. A tuning assembly associated with the movable reflective element is structured, configured, and positioned to adjust the movable reflective elements such that constant changes in output wavelength and high tuning speeds are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: New Focus, Inc.
    Inventors: Carter F. Hand, Bruce Jenket, Jan-Willem Pieterse, Mark Wippich, Khiem Do
  • Patent number: 6608847
    Abstract: A laser apparatus and method with compact cavity design that provides suppression of source spontaneous emission (SSE) and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light with minimal loss. The laser comprises a gain medium emitting a light beam along an optical path, a tuning element positioned in the optical path and configured feed back light of a selected wavelength to the gain medium and configured to define a first output beam directed along a first output path, a partial reflector located in the optical path and positioned to create a second output beam directed along a second output path substantially parallel to the first output path; and having a spontaneous emission component that is spatially separated from the selected wavelength. The second output beam can be coupled into optical fiber and produce a coherent light source with high spectral purity and tunable wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: New Focus, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangzhi Z. Zhang, Andrew Davidson, David Robinson, Carter Hand, Mark Wippich, Murray Reed, Weizhi Wang
  • Patent number: 6597449
    Abstract: A system and method for real time process control, using a linearly swept tunable laser, which allows high speed in-situ monitoring and control of wavelength-specific properties of optical components. The invention comprises scanning an optical component with a high speed, high linearity tunable laser, and detecting optical output from the component during the scanning. Preferably, the invention also includes adjusting or controlling the optical properties of the component during scanning, according to detected optical output from the component. The invention is embodied in a process control system comprising a high speed, high linearity, tunable operatively coupled to an optical component which in turn is operatively coupled to an optical detector. A system control processor is operatively coupled to the tunable laser and detector. A processing control unit is associated with the optical component and is operatively coupled to the system control processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: New Focus, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Smolka, Mark Wippich, Carter F. Hand, Robert John Shine, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030063633
    Abstract: A laser apparatus and method with compact cavity design that provides suppression of source spontaneous emission (SSE) and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light with minimal loss. The laser comprises a gain medium emitting a light beam along an optical path, a tuning element positioned in the optical path and configured feed back light of a selected wavelength to the gain medium and configured to define a first output beam directed along a first output path, a partial reflector located in the optical path and positioned to create a second output beam directed along a second output path substantially parallel to the first output path; and having a spontaneous emission component that is spatially separated from the selected wavelength. The second output beam can be coupled into optical fiber and produce a coherent light source with high spectral purity and tunable wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Guangzhi Z. Zhang, Andrew Davidson, David Robinson, Carter Hand, Mark Wippich, Murray Reed, Weizhi Wang