Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for a universal laser system including a laser operable to produce an infrared laser beam for a range of wavelengths, an optics assembly operable to focus and direct the laser beam, and electronics communicatively coupled with the laser and the optics assembly, the electronics being configured to control the laser and the optics assembly, where the laser is configured to produce the infrared laser beam at wavelengths in the range of wavelengths that overlap with absorption peaks due to higher-order, non-linear oscillations of molecular bonds of each polymeric material of at least ten different polymeric materials, thereby generating heat from absorption of photon energy from the infrared laser beam.

Abstract: An improved photonics module includes a Silicon motherboard having a plurality of v-grooves that collimate and optically align a laser diode emission is held within an enclosure that includes two or more positioning portions that locate and guide the Silicon motherboard in the desired position within the enclosure. The enclosure acts as a heat sink that provides stability and aids in wicking Silicon motherboard mounting material such damage to the Silicon motherboard by the mounting material is avoided. Methods of making the improved photonics module are also disclosed.

Abstract: High power, low degree of polarization superluminescent diodes (SLDS) are described. A semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) which amplifies light in substantially one polarizaton state can be used to create a SLD by combining the output from both sides of this polarization sensitive SOA in a manner which results in a depolarized output.

Abstract: An optical amplification device includes a depolarizer for reducing the polarization sensitivity requirements on an SOA by changing the input to the SOA from having an arbitrary (unknown) polarization state to a known (depolarized) state. The depolarizer receives an input optical signal and outputs a depolarized, optical signal, and a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) receives the depolarized optical signal and outputs an amplified optical signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for projecting a highlighting spot on a projected image. When an operator uses an actuator for controlling the position of the highlighting spot, position control signals are applied to a servomechanism to position the highlighting spot in two axes. Simultaneously, the apparatus converts the control signals into a second form suitable for recording on a tape or other media in a control track simultaneously with an oral program on an audio track. The recorded control signals are converted back into a form corresponding to signals from the actuator thereby to control slide changes and the highlighting spot position.

Abstract: An automatic pointer for audio-visual systems superimposes a bright highlighting spot on a sequence of visual images. The spot is continuously movable over each image in coordination with the audio program. Movement of the spot is programmed initially through a transducer that translates the position of a thumb into electrical signals. One pointer movement mechanism for a front screen projector employs a pair of mutually perpendicular frames that support an apertured mask which defines the pointer image. Stepping motors acting through a gear train move the frames to position the pointer spot. A preferred pointer movement mechanism for a rear screen viewer employs a twisting mirror.In a preferred form for front screen slide projection, the pointer mechanism mounts a standard slide projector with the slide projection lens vertically spaced from the pointer projection lens.

Abstract: A method of communication, and apparatus for communication, in which a user is provided with a set of recordings, apparatus for reproducing the recordings, and a map comprising indicia correlating the recordings so that the recordings from the set may be reproduced in a sequence determined by the user.

Abstract: A method of communication, and apparatus for communication, in which a user is provided with a set of recordings, a device for reproducing the recordings, and a map comprising indicia correlating the recordings so that the recordings from the set may be reproduced in a sequence determined by the user.