Abstract: A multicore optical fiber with an integral diffractive element. The multicore optical fiber includes: a first optical fiber core formed of a non-photosensitive material having an initial index of refraction; and a second optical fiber core including a second longitudinal core axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first optical fiber core includes: a first longitudinal core axis; and a number of index-altered portions having an altered index of refraction which is different from the initial index of refraction. The index-altered portions are arranged within the non-photosensitive material of the first optical fiber core to form a diffractive structure of the integral diffractive element.

Abstract: A multimode long period fiber Bragg grating (LPFBG) for a predetermined wavelength band. The LPFBG formed of a non-photosensitive material having an initial index of refraction. The multimode optical fiber core includes a substantially cylindrical surface, a longitudinal core axis, a core radius, and a number of index-altered portions having an altered index of refraction different from the initial cladding index of refraction. Each of the index-altered multimode optical fiber core has a first transmission surface and second transmission surface that is substantially parallel to the first transmission surface. Also, these index-altered portions are arranged within the non-photosensitive material of the multimode optical fiber core such that the first transmission surface of one portion of the plurality of index-altered portions is substantially parallel to the second transmission surface of a neighboring portion to form a long period Bragg grating structure.

Abstract: An ultrafast laser machining system and method to form diffractive structures in optical fibers. The fiber is mounted with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the beam path of the laser pulses. A region of the fiber is illuminated and then imaged with two cameras. These cameras are aligned substantially orthogonally. A position of the beam spot is determined. The beam spot is aligned to a starting position within the region. This position is within a portion of the fiber to be machined for which the beam path passes through the greatest length of material. The beam spot is scanned along a path designed to pass the beam spot through all of the portion to be machined such that the beam path does not pass through previously machined material. The laser pulses, which have a duration of less than about ins, are generated as the beam spot is scanned.

Abstract: A friction drive including a drive shaft that is in rotational motion and in frictional contact with a follower at a contact area. The drive shaft transfers a thrust at the contact area. The follower receives the thrust and provides motion in response to the thrust. A flexure hinge couples the drive shaft to the follower with a constant force while restraining movement of the contact area in the direction of the thrust.

Abstract: An improved method of and apparatus for real-time continual nanometer scale position measurement by beam probing as by laser beams and the like, both fixed and oscillating or scanning, over an atomic and other undulating surface such as gratings or the like, relatively moving with respect to the probing beams; and providing, where desired, increased detection speeds, improved positioning sensing response, freedom from or relaxed requirements of strict control on probing oscillation amplitude, and multi-dimensional position measurement with focused beam probes and the like.

Abstract: An elastically deformable transmission member for use in a friction drive system. The elastically deformable transmission member imparts a thrust to a moveable member at an area of contact between the elastically deformable transmission member and the moveable member. Elastic deformation of the elastically deformable transmission member, such as by application of a pre-load force perpendicular to the direction of motion of the moveable member, causes an increase in contact area between the elastically deformable transmission member and the moveable member. The increased contact area reduces stress in the elastically deformable transmission member and the moveable member, reducing wear.

Abstract: A friction drive including a drive shaft that is in rotational motion and in frictional contact with a follower at a contact area. The drive shaft transfers a thrust at the contact area. The follower receives the thrust and provides motion in response to the thrust. A flexure hinge couples the drive shaft to the follower with a constant force while restraining movement of the contact area in the direction of the thrust.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing improved real-time continual nanometer scale positioning data of the location of sensing probe used with one of a scanning tunneling microscope, an atomic force microscope, or a capacitive or magnetic field-sensing system, for measuring the probe distance and the position relative to an atomic surface or other periodically undulating surface such as a grating or the like moving relatively with respect to the probe, and between which and the surface there exists a sensing field, through rapid oscillating of the probe under the control of sinusoidal voltages, and comparison of the phase and/or amplitude of the output sinusoidal voltages produced by current in the sensing field to provide positional signals indicative of the direction and distance off the apex of the nearest atom or undulation of the surface; and, where desired, feeding back such positional signals to control the relative movement of the probe and surface; and wherein improved operation is achieved through

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing real-time continual nanometer scale positioning data of the location of sensing probe used with one of a scanning tunneling microscope, an atomic force microscope, or a capacitive or magnetic field-sensing system, for measuring the probe distance and the position relative to an atomic surface or other periodically undulating surface such as a grating or the like moving relatively with respect to the probe, and between which and the surface there exists a sensing field, through rapid oscillating of the probe under the control of sinusoidal voltages, and comparison of the phase and amplitude of the output sinusoidal voltages produced by current in the sensing field to provide positional signals indicative of the direction and distance off the apex of the nearest atom or undulation of the surface; and, where desired, feeding back such positional signals to control the relative movement of the probe and surface.

Abstract: A rotational speed switcher which employs a synchronous motor which is low-cost, long-lasting and quiet, and when applied to a printer or document scanning apparatus or the like enables documents to be transported at either of two speeds selected by switching the motor between forward and reverse operating modes without changing the direction of rotation of the drive shafts.

Abstract: Optical shutters having a magneto-optical material confined in a holding plate which allows a light to pass through the magneto-optical material. When the intensity of a magnetic field applied to the magneto-optical material is changed, an amount of a polarized light passing through the magneto-optical material is adjusted. A magnetic head with a coil has open ends which are disposed to face the outer surface of a shutter member. A plurality of such optical shutters are arranged to form an optical shutter array.