Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that superimposes an image of an optoelectric component on a substrate with the use of a single camera. Specifically, the camera looks through a transparent alignment tool that is holding the component, to the substrate below it, thus allowing both the component and the substrate to be seen together by the camera. The alignment tool and substrate are adjusted to precisely align the two and then are brought together while being seen by the camera. On laser chips, the chip is energized while on the glass alignment tool to produce a laser spot that is superimposed on the visible light image via a series of lenses and mirrors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to energize an optoelectric component, such as a semiconductor laser chip, exciting a lasing gap to emit light from the front facet of the chip. The laser is positioned on a transparent tool element having a conductive portion thereon. The conductive portion is preferably a metallized ITO surface transparent to visible light. This allows the laser to be energized while simultaneously looking through the tool element to image a feature on the laser. The lasing gap is then located with a high degree of precision with respect to this feature. This precise location information is used to position and bond the laser chip with respect to an optical transmission line with precise alignment.

Abstract: A resource-sharing system enables multiple work areas to share an energy resource on a real-time, asynchronous basis in order to perform manufacturing processes. A specific embodiment involves a communication and control structure for a distributed laser processing system wherein the work areas, in communication with a cell controller via a cell-level LAN, share high-power lasers through beam multiplexers and optical fibers. The cell controller, typically in communication with a factory information system computer over a factory-level network, receives information relating to processes to be performed in the workareas, and makes this information available to the workareas as a node in the cell-level LAN. With such an arrangement, tools requiring the laser energy within the work areas may be controlled in real time by their associated station controllers, as cell controller need only be responsible for coordinating more global activities.

Abstract: A node switch useful for resource sharing within a network environment incorporating computer control uses opto-electronic isolators and switching devices to route bidirectional communications between a common port and at least two I/O ports on an asynchronous basis. Separate power supplies are used for the ports and the internal circuitry, thus providing signal matching between disparate pieces of equipment. Multiple node switches may be cascaded or "daisy-chained" to provide for flexible switching, depending upon the application.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an illumination source (10) for illuminating an object (11) with light (16) of substantially constant intensity. The illumination source includes an electric light bulb (12) which is supplied with voltage from an adjustable- voltage power supply (14). The voltage supplied by the power supply (14) varies in accordance with the intensity of the light (16) radiated from the bulb (12), as sensed by a photodiode (24). The photodiode (24) is separated from the bulb by a length of lightguide fiber (26) into which light from the bulb is coupled by a glass rod (28). The fiber (26) and the rod (28) allow the photodiode (24) to be supplied with light from the bulb (12), yet to be thermally insulated therefrom, so as to avoid thermal run-away of the diode.