Abstract: Described here is an all-optical switch having two states, one that absorbs ncident coherent optical radiation and another that amplifies incident coherent optical radiation. The state of switch is changed in response to the passage of an ultra-short coherent optical pulse when the peak field strength of the pulse is in a wide region about the effective dipole moment per unit volume, a characteristic material parameter proportional to the density and the dipole transition moment of the selected active two-level systems which are uniformly distributed with sufficient density so that there is more than one two-level system per cubic transition wavelength causing dipole-dipole interactions to be non-negligible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flooding system for uprighting and setting marine structures into and above bodies of water. The structures include a surface platform and at least one hollow support leg. Each leg includes at least one port that when closed will seal the leg. The system includes a valve attached to each port. The valve serves as a closure that regulates the flow of water from the body of water through the port to flood the structure. An operator is coupled to each valve by a low friction remote control cable. The operator is located above the surface of the body of water and usually attached to the platform. The cable translates the relative motion of the operator to open and close the valve. The cable comprises a flexible member encased in a flexible casing. The flexible member is isolated from the casing by a bearing means that allows the member to move axially within the casing to translate the motion of the operation to control the valve.