Abstract: A method (400) for optimizing bandwidth utilization in a communications network (100). The communications network can include a data source (105) and a data client (110). Responsive to a measurement of at least one communication parameter (120) of a commutated bitstream (115) which is transmitted to the client, the data source can change a commutation format of the commutated bitstream. The communication parameters can include a data receive time (TRx), a data latency and/or an effective receive data rate (DEff) of the commutated bitstream. The communication parameters can be transmitted to the data source as telemetry. The change of commutation format can occur in an open systems interconnection (OSI) layer such as a session layer and/or a transport layer.

Abstract: A system and method for propagating data commutates data from different data sources into a data stream based on a commutation format. The data is received and decommutated to replicate the data. The commutation format can be changed for prioritizing different data from the data sources.

Abstract: A lasing method including the steps of providing a laser resonator; utilizing birefringence compensation in said resonator whereby said resonator is induced to operate in a Laguerre-Gaussian higher order mode; and utilizing polarized outcoupling of lasing energy at said higher order mode from said resonator. In the illustrative application, the laser resonator is a high-power, solid-state laser resonator. In the specific embodiment, the inventive method further includes the step of changing an outcoupling preference for a non-degenerate high-order Laguerre-Gaussian mode. In one embodiment, the step of changing outcoupling preference includes the step of changing an outcoupling polarization. In another embodiment, the step of changing outcoupling preference includes the step of changing an orientation of a roof edge of a prism in the laser resonator.

Abstract: A lasing method including the steps of providing a laser resonator; utilizing birefringence compensation in said resonator whereby said resonator is induced to operate in a Laguerre-Gaussian higher order mode; and utilizing polarized outcoupling of lasing energy at said higher order mode from said resonator. In the illustrative application, the laser resonator is a high-power, solid-state laser resonator. In the specific embodiment, the inventive method further includes the step of changing an outcoupling preference for a non-degenerate high-order Laguerre-Gaussian mode. In one embodiment, the step of changing outcoupling preference includes the step of changing an outcoupling polarization. In another embodiment, the step of changing outcoupling preference includes the step of changing an orientation of a roof edge of a prism in the laser resonator.

Abstract: A method and a system for optimizing bandwidth utilization in a communications network (100) in which a commutated bitstream (115) is transmitted. The present invention can include a commutation format definition generator (405) which processes at least one triage value (425) to automatically generate commutation format definitions (155). The triage values can represent priority levels of data elements (420) in particular system states (430) and can be used to determine data transmission rates applicable to the data elements. The system can include a data source (105) which can process the commutation format definitions to generate the commutated bitstream. The data source can select a new commutation format definition to change the format of the commutated bitstream when the system state of the data source changes and optimize the commutated bitstream for the current system state and the current available network bandwidth.

Abstract: A method (400) for optimizing bandwidth utilization in a communications network (100). The communications network can include a data source (105) and a data client (110). Responsive to a measurement of at least one communication parameter (120) of a commutated bitstream (115) which is transmitted to the client, the data source can change a commutation format of the commutated bitstream. The communication parameters can include a data receive time (TRx), a data latency and/or an effective receive data rate (DEff) of the commutated bitstream. The communication parameters can be transmitted to the data source as telemetry. The change of commutation format can occur in an open systems interconnection (OSI) layer such as a session layer and/or a transport layer.

Abstract: A system and a method for dynamically synchronizing a client (110) to a data source (105). The method can include the step of dynamically selecting a first length of format data to correspond to an amount of bandwidth of a commutated bitstream (115) allocated for synchronization. At least a first portion of a first format definition can be transmitted in the commutated bitstream (115). A size of the first portion can correspond to the first length of format data. The method also can include transmitting a current sentinel (205) in the commutated bitstream (115), the current sentinel (205) identifying a current commutation format of the commutated bitstream (115). An indication (120) can be received from the client that indicates that the client requires the first format definition. The step of transmitting the first portion of the first format definition can be responsive to the client indication.

Abstract: A system and method for propagating data commutates data from different data sources into a data stream based on a commutation format. The data is received and decommutated to replicate the data. The commutation format can be changed for prioritizing different data from the data sources.

Abstract: A multifunctional laser (10) which, in a first operational mode, outputs a mode-locked beam for vibration sensing applications and, in a second operational mode, outputs a Q switched illumination beam for imaging applications. The inventive laser (10) includes a resonant cavity (110, 120, 190); a gain medium (100) disposed with the cavity; a first arrangement (150) in communication with the medium for causing a Q-switched signal to be transmitted from the cavity; a second arrangement (180) in communication with the medium for causing a mode-locked signal to be transmitted from the cavity; and a mechanism (130, 140) for switching between the first arrangement and the second arrangement.

Abstract: A multifunctional laser (10) which, in a first operational mode, outputs a mode-locked beam for vibration sensing applications and, in a second operational mode, outputs a Q switched illumination beam for imaging applications. The inventive laser (10) includes a resonant cavity (110, 120, 190); a gain medium (100) disposed with the cavity; a first arrangement (150) in communication with the medium for causing a Q-switched signal to be transmitted from the cavity; a second arrangement (180) in communication with the medium for causing a mode-locked signal to be transmitted from the cavity; and a mechanism (130, 140) for switching between the first arrangement and the second arrangement.

Abstract: An unproved optical bench for use in an optical system, such as a miniaturized laser transmitter, or the like. The optical bench has a housing with a plurality of V-shaped grooves formed therein. Optical elements of the optical system in which the optical bench is used are secured, such as by bonding, in the plurality of V-shaped grooves. The optical bench thus rigidly mounts the optical elements of the optical system to produce a compact and lightweight structure that is relatively insensitive to environmental extremes.

Abstract: A multi-pass, integrating diode pump cavity for an Er,Yb:glass laser is provided. The diode pump cavity comprises two end members of undoped glass sandwiching a center section of glass of the same composition as that of the two end members but doped with erbium and ytterbium ions. The two end members are each provided with a curved outer surface, which is coated with a reflective coating. At least one of the curved surfaces includes a slit through the reflective coating for transmission of pump laser light from a pump diode laser bar into the cavity. The diode pump cavity is small, compact, efficient, and eye-safe.

Abstract: An eyesafe laser (10) transmitter having a single resonator cavity (16) for both the pump laser and the optical parametric oscillator (22). A Nd:YAG rod (24) provides gain for light at a first wavelength. A combined Q-switch/Brewster plate (26) Q-switches the light to increase its intensity and polarizes the light so that its polarization plane is perpendicular to the Z-axis of a KTP crystal functioning as the optical parametric oscillator, thereby providing type II phase matching conditions. The optical parametric oscillator transforms the light at the first wavelength to light at a second wavelength which is output thorough a partially reflective outcoupler at a wavelength which will not harm the eyes.

Abstract: An eyesafe laser (10) transmitter having a single resonator cavity (16) for both the pump laser and the optical parametric oscillator (22). A Nd:YAG rod (24) provides gain for light at a first wavelength. A combined Q-switch/Brewster plate (26) Q-switches the light to increase its intensity and polarizes the light so that its polarization plane is perpendicular to the Z-axis of a KTP crystal functioning as the optical parametric oscillator, thereby providing type II phase matching conditions. The optical parametric oscillator transforms the light at the first wavelength to light at a second wavelength which is output thorough a partially reflective outcoupler at a wavelength which will not harm the eyes.

Abstract: An eyesafe laser system includes a Q-switch crystal formed of a semiconductor host material having noncentrosymmetric tetrahedral substitutional sites doped with transition metal ions in concentrations from about 0.001 to about 0.10 atomic percent, which functions as to be a saturable absorber of light at eyesafe wavelengths with a relatively long relaxation lifetime. Co.sup.2+ :ZnSe has been demonstrated to have advantageously high absorption cross section and advantageously high relaxation lifetime at both 1.54 .mu.m (Er:glass laser) and 1.6 .mu.m (Er:YAG laser). Other candidate host materials include other zinc chalcogenides, cadmium chalcogenides and zinc oxide.

Abstract: An optical device comprising a glass prism that functions as a 180.degree. fold prism and a quarter-wave retarder. The optical device comprises a 180.degree. folding glass prism having first and second total internal reflecting surfaces that provides a 90.degree. phase shift of laser energy at a plurality of wavelengths propagating therethrough. The composition of the glass prism is selected so that its refractive index provides a 45.degree. shift at each of first and second total internal reflecting surfaces. Dispersion in the glass is chosen to be small enough so that the phase shift of the energy propagating therethrough is relatively insensitive to wavelength. Consequently, the prism also functions as a quarter-wave retarder at the plurality of wavelengths.

Abstract: A laser system includes a laser resonator cavity having a resonant path and an Er,Yb:glass lasing element with an output of from about 1.5 to about 1.6 micrometers within the laser resonator cavity. A diode array optically pumps the lasing element to emit light. A Q-switch lies along the resonant path within the laser resonator cavity. The Q-switch is formed of a host material having a concentration of uranium ions therein, so as to be a saturable absorber of the light emitted by the lasing element. The Q-switch is preferably a uranium-doped fluoride such as U:CaF.sub.2, U:SrF.sub.2, or U:BaF.sub.2.

Abstract: An eyesafe laser (10) transmitter having a the optical parametric oscillator (28). A Nd:YAG rod (22) provides gain for light at a first wavelength. The light is Q-switched (24) to increase the intensity. The optical parametric oscillator (28) then transforms the light at the first wavelength to light at a second wavelength, where light at the second wavelength will not harm the eyes.

Abstract: A laser resonant cavity employs a dye sheet Q-switch disposed to receive the output of a laser and a Cr.sup.4+ :YAG Q-switch disposed adjacent the dye sheet Q-switch. Disadvantageous aspects of either Q-switch when used alone are eliminated, resulting in higher output energy and overall efficiency. A new Q-switch employing a dye sheet sandwiched between a pair of Cr.sup.4+ :YAG plates is also disclosed.

Abstract: A laser system includes a laser resonator cavity having a resonant axis and a lasing element within the laser resonator cavity. The lasing element emits, under stimulation, light at a wavelength of from about 0.95 to about 1.65 micrometers. There is a flash lamp which optically pumps the lasing element to emit light. A Q-switch crystal lies along the resonant axis within the laser resonator cavity. The Q-switch crystal is formed of a host material having a concentration of Co.sup.2+ ions therein, so as to be a saturable absorber of light of a wavelength of from about 0.95 to about 1.65 micrometers. The Q-switch crystal is preferably Co.sup.2+ -doped yttrium-scandium-gallium garnet or Co.sup.2+ -doped yttrium-aluminum garnet.