Abstract: An optical device, such as an interference mirror of the type which can be incorporated into ring laser gyros. One embodiment is an interference mirror having at least one layer formed from a matrix of material consisting of ZrO2 and about 2-15 weight percent of Al2O3.

Abstract: A laser mirror for a ring laser gyroscope (RLG) includes an intermediate optical coating, positioned within approximately a mid portion of the laser mirror for improving the performance of the RLG, and specifically for improving the reflectance of at least one wavelength emission. The properties of the intermediate optical coating and its placement within the laser mirror results in a good reflection of a first predetermined wavelength emission wavelength, for example a 633 nanometer wavelength emission, and a poor reflection of a second predetermined wavelength emission, for example a 650 nanometer wavelength emission. In one embodiment, the intermediate optical coating includes a half-wave or a multiple half-wave thickness and is made from Zirconium Oxide.

Abstract: An optical device, such as an interference mirror of the type which can be incorporated into ring laser gyros. One embodiment is an interference mirror having at least one layer formed from a matrix of material consisting of ZrO2 and about 2-15 weight percent of Al2O3.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for depositing a magnetic film using one or more long throw magnetrons, and in some embodiments, an ion assist source and/or ion beam source. The long throw magnetrons are used to deposit particles at low energy and low pressure, which can be useful when, for example, depositing interfacial layers or the like. An ion assist source can be added to increase the energy of the particles provided by the long throw magnetrons, and/or modify or clean the layers on the surface of the substrate. An ion beam source can also be added to deposit layers at a higher energies and lower pressures to, for example, provide layers with increased crystallinity. By using a long throw magnetron, an ion assist source and/or an ion beam source, magnetic films can be advantageously provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for depositing a magnetic film using one or more long throw magnetrons, and in some embodiments, an ion assist source and/or ion beam source. The long throw magnetrons are used to deposit particles at low energy and low pressure, which can be useful when, for example, depositing interfacial layers or the like. An ion assist source can be added to increase the energy of the particles provided by the long throw magnetrons, and/or modify or clean the layers on the surface of the substrate. An ion beam source can also be added to deposit layers at a higher energies and lower pressures to, for example, provide layers with increased crystallinity. By using a long throw magnetron, an ion assist source and/or an ion beam source, magnetic films can be advantageously provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for depositing a magnetic film using one or more long throw magnetrons, and in some embodiments, an ion assist source and/or ion beam source. The long throw magnetrons are used to deposit particles at low energy and low pressure, which can be useful when, for example, depositing interfacial layers or the like. An ion assist source can be added to increase the energy of the particles provided by the long throw magnetrons, and/or modify or clean the layers on the surface of the substrate. An ion beam source can also be added to deposit layers at a higher energies and lower pressures to, for example, provide layers with increased crystallinity. By using a long throw magnetron, an ion assist source and/or an ion beam source, magnetic films can be advantageously provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a magneto-optic modulator, such as for use with a solid state ring resonator gyroscope. The method includes inducing a magnetic field at a substrate holder as a layer of magnetic material is being deposited on a substrate. The magnetic field helps to optimally orient the deposited magnetic material layer to improve the characteristics of the magneto-optic modulator. In addition to inducing a magnetic field, a low energy ion beam may be applied to optimize orientation. The method can be used to fabricate a magneto-optic modulator on a substrate containing a partially fabricated ring resonator without destroying previously fabricated components.

Abstract: An electroluminescent substance suitably comprising a conducting material such as a conducting oxide and at least one light-emitting dopant is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the electroluminescent substance include rare earth dopants present within the conducting oxide such that the dopant materials generate light when electrically stimulated. Common dopant materials include erbium, ytterbium, praseodymium and other rare earth elements. The electroluminescent material is suitable for use, for example, in an electronic display or as a light source for many applications including Sagnac rotation sensors such as fiber optic gyroscopes.

Abstract: A waveguide optical amplifier include a substrate and a guiding or active layer. The substrate has a substrate surface and a substrate index of refraction. The guiding layer is of Zirconium dioxide (ZrO.sub.2) and/or Alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) and is carried on a cladding layer over the substrate surface. The guiding layer has a guiding layer index of refraction which is higher than the cladding index of refraction. The Zirconium dioxide guiding layer is doped with rare earth materials.

Abstract: A mirror for a ring laser gyro includes alternating optical quarterwave regions of SiO.sub.2 and ZrO.sub.2, and of admixtures of these. The alternating regions have thicknesses suitable for reflecting a laser beam in a ring laser gyro. A final coating of ZrO.sub.2 and SiO.sub.2, and of admixtures of these, is constructed so as to be made substantially of ZrO.sub.2 at a bottom portion and so as to have gradually increasing SiO.sub.2 content so that the top surface comprises substantially pure SiO.sub.2 material.

Abstract: Deposition sources deposit material onto mirrors used in ring laser gyros. The mirrors are placed in a rotating apparatus called a planet which rotates above the deposition sources which emit the material upwards. This operation will result alternating, multiple layers of the differing materials deposited onto the mirror. A barrier placed between the deposition sources prevents material from being deposited at high angles which increases the efficiency and ideal operability of the mirrors in the ring laser gyro.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is formed by depositing multiple layers of thin films using the process of ion beam sputter deposition. The waveguide is made up of alternating layers of a first material and a second material wherein the two materials have differing indices of refraction and low optical loss. These materials are deposited upon a thermally stable substrate creating a multilayer stack which functions as a waveguide. The multilayer waveguide has ultra low propagation losses and good mode discrimination, thus being very efficient for use in single mode applications. The waveguide is easily adaptable to batch processing which reduces costs and increases the performance of the waveguide.