Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for limiting the readability of optically-readable medium, wherein a combination of a liquid crystal material and a wavelength shifting material are incorporated into the optically-readable medium. The liquid crystal material is selected to substantially interfere with the reading beam of a reading device. The wavelength shifting material is selected to shift the wavelength at which the liquid crystal interferes with the reading beam so that the reading beam can read the optically-readable medium. A predetermined stimulus causes the liquid crystal material to shift back to a configuration that substantially interferes with the reading beam so that the reading beam can no longer read the content on the optically readable medium.

Abstract: Optical media having markings that are non-interfering, or substantially non-interfering with readout of data from the optical media are disclosed. The optical media make use of certain formulations of color forming coatings described herein. Protective coatings used to enhance the color forming coatings are also presented. Methods for incorporating the coatings into the optical media are included. In preferred embodiments, the marking is formed in a photosensitive coating that is applied to the optical media, and then cured with a first light. A second light, having a substantially separate band of wavelengths from the first light, is used to image a marking into the coating. The coating is robust to many external influences, such as ambient environmental conditions, and physical wear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for providing markings upon objects, including the read side of an optical information media, where the markings do not substantially interfere with object, including the use of the optical information media. This invention discloses use of a coating, marking schemes, printing of markings with UV light, as well as methods and apparatus for reading and deciphering said marking. Included is an authentication scheme, where the marking may be used as a lock to limit access to information contained in an optical information media.

Abstract: A monolithic, side pumped, passively Q-switched, solid-state laser (10) includes a laser resonator structure (16) that includes a laser gain medium (12) having an output face bonded to a passive Q-switch (14). The gain medium (12) has a side face (12A) for receiving pump light. The pump light is preferably generated by a laser diode array (20). In a further embodiment, a non-linear optical material (22), such as frequency doubling KTP, is optically coupled to an output face of the Q-switch for providing output wavelength conversion. A method is also disclosed for fabricating the monolithic, side pumped, passively Q-switched, solid-state laser. Techniques are included for providing compensation from thermal aberrations during operation of the laser.

Abstract: Optical media having markings that are non-interfering, or substantially non-interfering with readout of data from the optical media are disclosed. The optical media make use of certain formulations of color forming coatings described herein. Protective coatings used to enhance the color forming coatings are also presented. Methods for incorporating the coatings into the optical media are included. In preferred embodiments, the marking is formed in a photosensitive coating that is applied to the optical media, and then cured with a first light. A second light, having a substantially separate band of wavelengths from the first light, is used to image a marking into the coating. The coating is robust to many external influences, such as ambient environmental conditions, and physical wear.

Abstract: A monolithic, side pumped, passively Q-switched, solid-state laser (10) includes a laser resonator structure (16) that includes a laser gain medium (12) having an output face bonded to a passive Q-switch (14). The gain medium (12) has a side face (12A) for receiving pump light. The pump light is preferably generated by a laser diode array (20). In a further embodiment, a non-linear optical material (22), such as frequency doubling KTP, is optically coupled to an output face of the Q-switch for providing output wavelength conversion. A method is also disclosed for fabricating the monolithic, side pumped, passively Q-switched, solid-state laser. Techniques are included for providing compensation from thermal aberrations during operation of the laser.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for providing markings upon objects, including the read side of an optical information media, where the markings do not substantially interfere with object, including the use of the optical information media. This invention discloses use of a coating, marking schemes, printing of markings with UV light, as well as methods and apparatus for reading and deciphering said marking. Included is an authentication scheme, where the marking may be used as a lock to limit access to information contained in an optical information media.

Abstract: An efficient, fundamental transverse mode selected, diode pumped, solid state laser is disclosed. The laser consists of a slab of laser gain material such as Nd:YLF. Cavity forming optics are positioned around the slab of laser gain material. A laser diode bar, collimated by a micro-lens is used for side pumping a constrained gain region in the slab of laser gain material, with the dimensions transverse to the direction of beam propagation of the constrained gain region being smaller in at least one axis than the transverse dimensions of the fundamental transverse mode volume in the laser gain material. The cavity forming optics and the side pumping of the constrained gain region act in conjunction such that the fundamental transverse mode is automatically selected in the solid state laser.

Abstract: A color center laser is provided with a crystal disposed within a longitudinally pumped cavity. Optics are provided to transversely excite the crystal. Both a circular lens and a cylindrical lens focus an auxiliary beam into the crystal of the color center laser to produce (F.sub.2.sup.+).sub.A color centers for lasing. The cylindrical lens is used to focus the auxiliary beam to a narrow focal line. The circular lens is used to adjust the length of the focal line. By adjusting the length of the focal line, an entirety of the pump beam is used for excitation. The lenses thus collimate and focus the focal line to a length within an active volume in the crystal of the color center laser essentially equal to a length of the crystal.