Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the wavelength of a laser capable of lasing at multiple wavelengths by using a single acousto-optical modulator and a pair of optical reflectors inside a laser cavity. By adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the radio-frequency source to the acousto-optical modulator, undesired wavelengths are suppressed in the laser cavity, leaving appreciable gain only at the desired wavelength.

Abstract: A novel technique using an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) as part of a heterodyne interferometer which measures optical path differences between a test signal and a reference signal is disclosed. An array of distinct frequencies are used to drive the AOM, yielding a spatially dispersed array of frequency-shifted subaperture beams of the test signal which are interfered with the wavefront to be measured and then combined with the dispersed reference signal. The frequency shifting of the AOM allows a single detector to collect the beams for signal processing to determine a measurement of the wavefront.

Abstract: A novel technique using an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) as part of a heterodyne interferometer which measures optical path differences between a test signal and a reference signal is disclosed. An array of distinct frequencies are used to drive the AOM, yielding a spatially dispersed array of frequency-shifted subaperture beams of the test signal which are interfered with the wavefront to be measured and then combined with the dispersed reference signal. The frequency shifting of the AOM allows a single detector to collect the beams for signal processing to determine a measurement of the wavefront.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the wavelength of a laser capable of lasing at multiple wavelengths by using a single acousto-optical modulator and a pair of optical reflectors inside a laser cavity. By adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the radio-frequency source to the acousto-optical modulator, undesired wavelengths are suppressed in the laser cavity, leaving appreciable gain only at the desired wavelength.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing position measurement information. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a multiple-pitch grating is disclosed which is adapted to receive one or more laser beams and provide an output laser beam encoded with position information of the grating.

Abstract: A plurality of optical sensing elements in an array where each element has a unique element address identifying the element location. Each element senses light and produces an element address signal in proportion to the intensity of the light sensed by the element. The element address signal corresponding to the highest intensity sensed by the array is asserted as an array output signal.

Abstract: The laser range finding apparatus includes an optical relaxation oscillator assembly, outcoupling optics, a photodetector and a controller. The optical relaxation oscillator assembly produces relaxation oscillations. The relaxation oscillations are a series of optical pulses having a controllable repetition rate. The outcoupling optics receives the series of optical pulses and redirects a minor portion of the energy of the series of optical pulses. A major portion of the energy of the series of optical pulses is adjusted in accordance with first desired beam propagation parameters. A photodetector receives the minor portion and converts the minor portion to an electrical signal representative of the series of optical pulses. A controller receives the electrical signal and determines the repetition period between the optical pulses.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide position information, such as for example via a mirror actuator position sensor. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a mirror actuator is disclosed which utilizes its own capacitance to directly sense and provide mirror position information. The mirror position information may be utilized as a position feedback signal to assist in controlling a position of the mirror.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing position measurement information. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a multiple-pitch grating is employed to receive one or more laser beams and provide an output laser beam encoded with position information of the grating.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing the frequency of the optical output signal of a laser wherein the laser output signal is interfered with at least one time delayed version of said signal to produce an optical interference signal having a frequency shift proportional to the rate of optical frequency change of the laser. The interference signal is processed to produce a frequency correction signal representing the frequency drift of the laser output signal. The laser output signal is combined with the frequency correction signal to stabilize the frequency of the laser output signal.

Abstract: A heterodyne lateral grating interferometer having a laser signal received by an AOM which generates several defracted order beams including a zero order beam and higher order beams. A lens system reimages the defracted order beams onto a stationary phase grating. An RF drive signal is received by the AOM such that the spatial frequency of the traveling phase grating of the AOM is responsive to the frequency of the RF drive signal, and the optical phase modulation depth of the traveling phase grating is responsive to the power of the RF drive signal. A phase detector determines the phase of the zero order beam from the stationary phase grating with respect to the phase of the RF drive signal.

Abstract: A portable alarm clock is provided. The alarm clock comprises a base receptacle sized and shaped for portability. A striking plate is secured and receivable within the base receptacle with a striking mechanism secured to the striking plate. A chime plate is secured to the striking plate with an chime bar secured to the chime plate. A clock mechanism programs chime functions and displays time and is hingedly secured to the chime plate. A cover is secured to the clock mechanism for closing the base receptacle wherein the striking plate, the striking mechanism, the chime plate, the acoustic chime bar, and the clock means are receivable within the base receptacle and the cover closing the base receptacle.

Abstract: A heterodyne lateral grating interferometer having a laser signal received by an AOM which generates several defracted order beams including a zero order beam and higher order beams. A lens system reimages the defracted order beams onto a stationary phase grating. An RF drive signal is received by the AOM such that the spatial frequency of the traveling phase grating of the AOM is responsive to the frequency of the RF drive signal, and the optical phase modulation depth of the traveling phase grating is responsive to the power of the RF drive signal. A phase detector determines the phase of the zero order beam from the stationary phase grating with respect to the phase of the RF drive signal.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing the frequency of the optical output signal of a laser wherein the laser output signal is interfered with at least one time delayed version of said signal to produce an optical interference signal having a frequency shift proportional to the rate of optical frequency change of the laser. The interference signal is processed to produce a frequency correction signal representing the frequency drift of the laser output signal. The laser output signal is combined with the frequency correction signal to stabilize the frequency of the laser output signal.

Abstract: The laser range finding apparatus includes an optical relaxation oscillator assembly, outcoupling optics, a photodetector and a controller. The optical relaxation oscillator assembly produces relaxation oscillations. The relaxation oscillations are a series of optical pulses having a controllable repetition rate. The outcoupling optics receives the series of optical pulses and redirects a minor portion of the energy of the series of optical pulses. A major portion of the energy of the series of optical pulses is adjusted in accordance with first desired beam propagation parameters. A photodetector receives the minor portion and converts the minor portion to an electrical signal representative of the series of optical pulses. A controller receives the electrical signal and determines the repetition period between the optical pulses.

Abstract: FIG 1 of the drawings has been amended to include arrows 12a and 12b. The word “laser”, the arrow symbol underneath the word “laser” and the partial sinusoidal symbol adjacent the word “laser”have all been deleted. In addition, the word “photodetector” deleted and a dashed line circumscribing the photodetector componants has been added along with reference numeral 25. Reference numeral 24 has been added to denote the photodiode. Finally, the photodiode symbol associated with oscillator apparatus 12 has been changed to simply indicate a “Gain Cavity” box. The attached “Replacement Sheet(s)”of drawings include changes to FIG. 1. The attached “Replacement Sheet(s),”which include(s) FIG(S.) 1 and 2, replace the original sheet(s) including FIG(S.) 1 and 2.

Abstract: The laser range finding apparatus includes an optical relaxation oscillator assembly, an outcoupling optics, a photodetector and a controller. The optical relaxation oscillator assembly produces relaxation oscillations. The relaxation oscillations are a series of optical pulses having a controllable repetition rate. The outcoupling optics receives the series of optical pulses and redirects a minor portion of the energy of the series of optical pulses. A major portion of the energy of the series of optical pulses is adjusted in accordance with first desired beam propagation parameters. A photodetector receives the minor portion and converts the minor portion to an electrical signal representative of the series of optical pulses. A controller receives the electrical signal and determines the repetition period between the optical pulses.

Abstract: A portable alarm clock is provided. The alarm clock comprises a base receptacle sized and shaped for portability. A striking plate is secured and receivable within the base receptacle with a striking mechanism secured to the striking plate. A chime plate is secured to the striking plate with an chime bar secured to the chime plate. A clock mechanism programs chime functions and displays time and is hingedly secured to the chime plate. A cover is secured to the clock mechanism for closing the base receptacle wherein the striking plate, the striking mechanism, the chime plate, the acoustic chime bar, and the clock means are receivable within the base receptacle and the cover closing the base receptacle.

Abstract: A rebound wall for a ball sport game permitting a player to hit a ball to the rebound wall and upon the ball rebounding to again hit the ball. The wall is to include sensors and transducers which can calculate and display scoring values based on where the ball strikes the rebound wall. A player can utilize the wall by himself or herself or with other players or with other players exteriorly of its location by connection electronically of the wall to a central location which is also connected to other walls.