Abstract: A semiconductor laser comprising a single mode laser cavity having a stack of semiconducting layers defining a transversal p-n junction is provided. A plurality of electrodes are coupled to corresponding sections of the laser cavity along the longitudinal light propagation direction, each corresponding section defining one of an amplification section or a modulation section. One or more DC sources are coupled to the electrodes associated with the amplification sections to forward-bias the p-n junction above transparency, so as to provide gain in the associated amplification sections. One or more modulation signal sources are coupled to the electrodes associated with the modulation sections, and apply a modulation signal across the p-n junction below transparency, the modulation signal providing a modulation of an output optical frequency of the semiconductor laser. Each modulation section is operated in photovoltaic mode.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser comprising a single mode laser cavity having a stack of semiconducting layers defining a transversal p-n junction is provided. A plurality of electrodes are coupled to corresponding sections of the laser cavity along the longitudinal light propagation direction, each corresponding section defining one of an amplification section or a modulation section. One or more DC sources are coupled to the electrodes associated with the amplification sections to forward-bias the p-n junction above transparency, so as to provide gain in the associated amplification sections. One or more modulation signal sources are coupled to the electrodes associated with the modulation sections, and apply a modulation signal across the p-n junction below transparency, the modulation signal providing a modulation of an output optical frequency of the semiconductor laser. Each modulation section is operated in photovoltaic mode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a Volume Bragg Grating (VBG) is provided, comprising providing a cylindrical bulk medium made of a transparent glass material and having a central axis along a longitudinal direction, and inscribing an interference pattern in the cylindrical bulk medium. The interference pattern has a plurality of grating fringe elements distributed along a line parallel to the central axis. The method further includes rotating the cylindrical bulk medium about the central axis during said inscribing, thereby azimuthally extending the grating fringes elements. There is further provided a VBG manufactured according to such a method, the use of such a VBG in a CPA system of cladding-pumped fiber laser.

Abstract: A bulk compressor for use in a chirped pulse amplification system (CPA) comprising a tunable pulse stretcher and an amplifier is provided. The bulk compressor includes a mounting block formed as a monolithic structure and made of solid material. The mounting block may define a plurality of mounting surfaces each forming a collar surrounding a light passage. Optical components are mounted on the mounting block in a fixed mutual spatial relationship, each optical component having a front face having a peripheral portion mounted in direct contact with the collar formed by a respective one of the mounting surfaces. The bulk compressor may be provided as a stand-alone component, a part of a stretcher-compressor pair or a full CPA system, and may be used in a method for amplifying input optical pulses.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser comprising a single mode laser cavity having a stack of semiconducting layers defining a transversal p-n junction is provided. A plurality of electrodes are coupled to corresponding sections of the laser cavity along the longitudinal light propagation direction, each corresponding section defining one of an amplification section or a modulation section. One or more DC sources are coupled to the electrodes associated with the amplification sections to forward-bias the p-n junction above transparency, so as to provide gain in the associated amplification sections. One or more modulation signal sources are coupled to the electrodes associated with the modulation sections, and apply a modulation signal across the p-n junction below transparency, the modulation signal providing a modulation of an output optical frequency of the semiconductor laser. Each modulation section is operated in photovoltaic mode.

Abstract: A bulk compressor for use in a chirped pulse amplification system (CPA) comprising a tunable pulse stretcher and an amplifier is provided. The bulk compressor includes a mounting block formed as a monolithic structure and made of solid material. The mounting block may define a plurality of mounting surfaces each forming a collar surrounding a light passage. Optical components are mounted on the mounting block in a fixed mutual spatial relationship, each optical component having a front face having a peripheral portion mounted in direct contact with the collar formed by a respective one of the mounting surfaces. The bulk compressor may be provided as a stand-alone component, a part of a stretcher-compressor pair or a full CPA system, and may be used in a method for amplifying input optical pulses.

Abstract: A lawn mower having an engine shaft for rotatably driving a set of cutting blades, and also adapted to selectively drive a built-in. The edging unit being selectively engaged to said engine shaft by a clutch type mechanism. A means for adjusting the relative height between a front caster-type wheel and the lawn mower frame. A handle extending from the lawn mower frame that is pivotally attached to allow pivotal rotation relative to the frame about two substantially perpendicular rotational axis and a selective locking means for releasably locking the handle in a predetermined position.