Abstract: A method of using a beam of ultra-short laser pulses, having pulse durations below 10 picoseconds, to adjust an optical characteristic within an optical medium is provided. The beams would have an intensity above a threshold for altering the index of refraction of a portion of the optical medium. The beams could be selectively applied to the optical medium and any structures formed or existing therein. Thus, the beam could be moved within a waveguide in the optical medium to alter the index of refraction of the waveguide forming any number of different longitudinal index of refraction profiles. The beam could also be moved within the optical medium near the waveguide to alter an effective index of refraction of a signal traveling within the waveguide. The techniques described can be used to improve, alter or correct performance of waveguide-based optical devices, such as arrayed waveguide gratings and cascaded planar waveguide interferometers.

Abstract: Ultrafast pulse beams of light are used to direct-write three-dimensional index profiles in materials using the unique material changing capabilities of ultra-short (i.e. <10 picosecond) laser pulses. An existing waveguide or waveguide circuit fabricated by some technique (for example but not limited to photolithography, flame hydrolysis deposition, modified chemical vapor deposition, or ultra-fast laser pulse direct writing) is modified by altering the index of refraction (index trimming) in a localized region or different local regions of the waveguide structure. Index trimming is accomplished through the action of a focused laser beam (or multiple focused beams) consisting of one or more ultra-short laser pulses and is generally performed at a wavelength in which the material is transparent or weakly absorbing, to the fundamental wavelength of the beam of light. The trimmed index pattern is generated by, but not limited to, moving the focal position of the beam or by moving the sample (i.e.

Abstract: A method of using a beam of ultra-short laser pulses, having pulse durations below 10 picoseconds, to adjust an optical characteristic within an optical medium is provided. The beams would have an intensity above a threshold for altering the index of refraction of a portion of the optical medium. The beams could be selectively applied to the optical medium and any structures formed or existing therein. Thus, the beam could be moved within a waveguide in the optical medium to alter the index of refraction of the waveguide forming any number of different longitudinal index of refraction profiles. The beam could also be moved within the optical medium near the waveguide to alter an effective index of refraction of a signal traveling within the waveguide. The techniques described can be used to improve, alter or correct performance of waveguide-based optical devices, such as arrayed waveguide gratings and cascaded planar waveguide interferometers.

Abstract: Ultrafast pulse beams of light are used to direct-write three-dimensional index profiles in materials using the unique material changing capabilities of ultra-short (i.e. <10 picosecond) laser pulses. An existing waveguide or waveguide circuit fabricated by some technique (for example but not limited to photolithography, flame hydrolysis deposition, modified chemical vapor deposition, or ultra-fast laser pulse direct writing) is modified by altering the index of refraction (index trimming) in a localized region or different local regions of the waveguide structure. Index trimming is accomplished through the action of a focused laser beam (or multiple focused beams) consisting of one or more ultra-short laser pulses and is generally performed at a wavelength in which the material is transparent or weakly absorbing, to the fundamental wavelength of the beam of light. The trimmed index pattern is generated by, but not limited to, moving the focal position of the beam or by moving the sample (i.e.

Abstract: This invention is a hydrophone (element) sited beamformer which is coupled to an array cable of a horizontal line array. A hydrophone-sited beamformer is coupled to each hydrophone in the array. The element-sited beamformer directly forms beams from the data detected by the hydrophones by delaying and selecting some of the hydrophone detected data and summing this data with the proper shading value.

Abstract: An improved label is provided for use in a system for the identification of objects wherein the label is affixed to an object to be identified. The label comprises an array of modules of colored elements arranged in a code to define data unique to the object and means on the label for altering the color of at least a portion of one of the modules in response to a condition to which the object is subjected.