Abstract: Described herein are representative embodiments of amplifiers having selectable power output while maintaining low power consumption. In certain exemplary embodiments, the amplifiers are operated as linear power amplifiers, such as may be used in wireless communication systems. According to one exemplary embodiment, a circuit is described comprising a control system configured to operate the circuit in at least a first mode and a second mode. The circuit of this embodiment further includes a first amplifier section configured to amplify at least a portion of an input signal and produce a first amplified signal on a first signal path in the first mode of operation, a second amplifier section configured to amplify at least a portion of an input signal and produce a second amplified signal on a second signal path in the second mode of operation, and an impedance inverter having an input coupled to the first and second signal paths.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the precision treatment of a material using a semiconductor diode for generating a plurality of laser light beams, optical fibers coupled to the diode for transmitting and combining the light beams, and a scanner for scanning the combined light beams onto the material to be treated. Also, channels micromachined onto a fixture are provided for supporting the fibers in optimum alignment with the diode. Also provided are a camera and a thermal image capturing system for generating optical and thermal images of the material. An image processing unit is provided for receiving and processing the image to generate and transmit control signals to a diode controller to control intensity and timing of the light beams, and to a controller of the scanner to control positioning of the scanner to deflect the laser beam over the material as desired.

Abstract: Apparatus for laser treatment of a material includes a source that generates a laser beam which a lens focuses into a focused beam having a predetermined cross-sectional diameter defining a spot. A dichroic mirror directs the focused beam along an optical axis such that the spot is produced on the material for treatment. A video camera monitors the treatment of the material and has an optical path extending at least partially along the optical axis of the focused beam. A ring illuminator is disposed around the optical axis to directly illuminate the material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for soldering a first material to a second material uses a laser and involves applying solder paste over the first material, placing the second material on the solder paste in alignment with the first material to form a sample, and focusing a laser beam onto a predetermined location on the sample to segment the solder paste and form a solder joint between the first material and the second material. During the soldering, optical images of at least one region-of-interest in the solder paste adjacent the solder joint are captured. Formation of the solder joint is monitored by repeatedly calculating pixel value sums in the region-of-interest from the optical images to determine whether the solder paste in the region-of-interest has segmented. Control signals may be generated based on the pixel value sums and used to adjust at least one of the intensity and duration of the laser beam.