Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting optical aberrations in an optical device using a deformable mirror. An actuator is provided which applies a deforming force to the deformable mirror. By selecting particular thickness profiles of the deformable mirror and force configurations of the actuator, the optical device can be configured to correct for different optical aberrations. The actuator may be configured to apply the deforming force peripherally, centrally, non-centrally or homogenously across the surface of the deformable mirror. The deformable mirror may be a flat disk mirror, a convex mirror, or a concave mirror, and may include a membrane having a variable flexibility. The optical device may be a wide-field microscope, an optical read/write device, laser tweezers, or any other optical device in which correction of optical aberrations is desirable.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting optical aberrations in optical devices, such as wide-field microscopes, optical tweezers and optical media devices, such as DVD drives. The system uses adaptive optics to correct optical aberrations, such as spherical and space-variant aberrations. Spherical aberrations can be corrected using one adaptive optical elements and space-variant aberrations can be corrected using numerous adaptive optical elements in tandem. The adaptive optical elements may be of several types, such as a liquid lenses, deformable membrane mirrors or various liquid crystal phase and amplitude modulators. Adaptive optics can also be used to simultaneously shift the focus of the optical device and correct optical aberrations.

Abstract: A vertical cavity laser apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an electrically responsive substrate; a support block positioned on the electrically responsive substrate; a bridge arm structure coupled to the support block, the structure having a base; a laser active area on the bridge arm structure, a tuning pad on the bridge arm structure, a laser bond pad on the bridge arm structure with traces connecting the laser bond pad to the laser active area and base. The traces are positioned and shaped to be symmetric to avoid problems due to the asymmetry of the injection current. Additionally, in this embodiment, the laser bond pad is kept at a height of the base in order to minimize device capacitance and the traces are also kept at the height of the base. Methods are also provided whereby impedance matching and high speed performance can be accomplished irregardless of the mechanical configuration of the bridge arm structure.

Abstract: A vertical cavity laser apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an electrically responsive substrate; a support block positioned on the electrically responsive substrate; a bridge arm structure coupled to the support block, the structure having a base; a laser active area on the bridge arm structure, a tuning pad on the bridge arm structure, a laser bond pad on the bridge arm structure with traces connecting the laser bond pad to the laser active area and base. The traces are positioned and shaped to be symmetric to avoid problems due to the asymmetry of the injection current. Additionally, in this embodiment, the laser bond pad is kept at a height of the base in order to minimize device capacitance and the traces are also kept at the height of the base. Methods are also provided whereby impedance matching and high speed performance can be accomplished irregardless of the mechanical configuration of the bridge arm structure.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting optical aberrations in optical devices, such as wide-field microscopes, optical tweezers and optical media devices, such as DVD drives. The system uses adaptive optics to correct optical aberrations, such as spherical and space-variant aberrations. Spherical aberrations can be corrected using one adaptive optical elements and space-variant aberrations can be corrected using numerous adaptive optical elements in tandem. The adaptive optical elements may be of several types, such as a liquid lenses, deformable membrane mirrors or various liquid crystal phase and amplitude modulators. Adaptive optics can also be used to simultaneously shift the focus of the optical device and correct optical aberrations.

Abstract: A tunable semiconductor laser system includes a laser with a semiconductor active region positioned between upper and lower confining regions of opposite type semiconductor material. First and second reflective members are positioned at opposing edges of the active and confining regions. A wavelength tuning member and a temperature sensor are coupled to the laser. A control loop is coupled to the temperature sensor and the tuning member. In response to a detected change in temperature the control loop sends an adjustment signal to the tuning member and the tuning member adjusts a voltage or current supplied to the laser to provide a controlled output beam of selected wavelength.

Abstract: A tunable semiconductor laser assembly includes a laser with a seal surface, a semiconductor active region positioned between upper and lower confining regions of opposite type semiconductor material and first and second reflective members positioned at opposing edges of the active and confining regions. A seal cap includes a seal ring. The seal cap seal ring is coupled to the seal surface and forms a hermetic seal. A wavelength tuning member and a temperature sensor is coupled to the laser. A temperature sensor coupled to the laser. A control loop is coupled to the temperature sensor and the tuning member. In response to a detected change in temperature the control loop sends an adjustment signal to the tuning member, and the tuning member adjusts a voltage or current supplied to the laser to provide a controlled frequency and power of an output beam.

Abstract: A multiplexer for a wavelength division multiplexed optical communication system includes an optical circulator with at least first, second, third and fourth circulator ports. An optical fiber with a first optical transmission path is coupled to the first circulator port and carries a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal that includes signals 1−n. A second optical transmission path is in optical communication with the second circulator port. A first laser is coupled to the second optical transmission path. The first laser reflects the 1−n signals and adds a signal n+1. A control loop is coupled to the first laser. In response to a detected change in temperature the control loop sends a signal to adjust a voltage or current supplied to the first laser and provide a controlled frequency and power of an output beam.

Abstract: A tunable semiconductor laser system includes a laser with a semiconductor active region positioned between upper and lower confining regions of opposite type semiconductor material. First and second reflective members are positioned at opposing edges of the active and confining regions. A wavelength tuning member and a temperature sensor are coupled to the laser. A control loop is coupled to the temperature sensor and the tuning member. In response to a detected change in temperature the control loop sends an adjustment signal to the tuning member and the tuning member adjusts a voltage or current supplied to the laser to provide a controlled output beam of selected wavelength.

Abstract: A monitoring and control assembly for an optical system includes a tunable laser. The laser generates a divergent output beam along an optical axis. A first photodetector is provided. A wavelength selective filter is tilted at an angle relative to the optical axis that provides an angular dependence of a wavelength reflection of the wavelength selective filter and directs the reflected output beam towards the first photodetector.

Abstract: A tunable semiconductor laser system includes a laser with a semiconductor active region positioned between upper and lower confining regions of opposite type semiconductor material. First and second reflective members are positioned at opposing edges of the active and confining regions. A wavelength tuning member and a temperature sensor are coupled to the laser. A control loop is coupled to the temperature sensor and the tuning member. In response to a detected change in temperature the control loop sends an adjustment signal to the tuning member and the tuning member adjusts a voltage or current supplied to the laser to provide a controlled output beam of selected wavelength.