Abstract: Apparatus for mode discrimination in laser applications. A laser operating at a wavelength .lambda.c may have an undesired mode operating at .lambda.e. Mirrors are constructed such that the loss induced in the undesired mode by the wavelength centering of at least one of the mirrors exceeds the available gain of the laser.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is created using the process of ion beam deposition resulting in a waveguide with low propagation loss, mode discrimination, and gain characteristics. The waveguide is made up of a multilayer stack which is deposited upon a thermally stable substrate, wherein the multilayer stack comprises alternating layers of a first material and a second material. The layers of second material are doped with a rare earth material. By pumping the waveguide with a pump light source, interaction between the pump light and the rare earth material within the waveguide causes amplification or gain of a first optical signal. Ion beam deposition is used to fabricate the waveguide, therefore production of a high quality rare earth doped waveguide is possible. Furthermore, the waveguide is made using batch processing thus reducing costs.

Abstract: A path length control transducer assembly is created by utilizing an electrostatic drive to move a transducer. By placing a first electrically conductive plate to a driver, and placing a second electrically conductive plate on the movable element of a transducer, and then applying an electrical signal between these two electrically conductive plates, a force sufficient to move the movable element of the transducer is created. Placing an optical element or a mirror on the transducer movable element allows this transducer assembly to be used in a ring laser gyro for path length control.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for creating an ultrastable ring resonator for use in the field of rotation sensing. The thermal characteristics of the ring resonator are controlled by properly choosing a substrate with thermal characteristics which cancel out the optical characteristics of the resonator.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is created using the process of ion beam deposition resulting in a waveguide with low propagation loss, mode discrimination, and gain characteristics. The waveguide is made up of a multilayer stack which is deposited upon a thermally stable substrate, wherein the multilayer stack comprises alternating layers of a first material and a second material. The layers of second material are doped with a rare earth material. By pumping the waveguide with a pump light source, interaction between the pump light and the rare earth material within the waveguide causes amplification or gain of a first optical signal. Ion beam deposition is used to fabricate the waveguide, therefore production of a high quality rare earth doped waveguide is possible. Furthermore, the waveguide is made using batch processing thus reducing costs.

Abstract: The anodes in a ring laser gyroscope are appropriately positioned for the easy starting of a gas discharge and maintaining the discharge at a lower electrical potential. Two operating anodes are placed symmetrical with and in close proximity to a cathode while a third trigger anode is placed in direct line of sight with the cathode. This configuration allows ease in starting without using a very large starting voltage.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is formed by depositing multiple layers of thin films using the process of ion beam sputter deposition. The waveguide is made up of alternating layers of a first material and a second material wherein the two materials have differing indices of refraction and low optical loss. These materials are deposited upon a thermally stable substrate creating a multilayer stack which functions as a waveguide. The multilayer waveguide has ultra low propagation losses and good mode discrimination, thus being very efficient for use in single mode applications. The waveguide is easily adaptable to batch processing which reduces costs and increases the performance of the waveguide.

Abstract: Two articles are provided with mounting surfaces which are to be joined together. A ring shaped preform is selected which consists substantially of indium. The preform is placed on a plate like support means having a plurality of flow through apertures such that the apertures are located to be in alignment with and under at least portions of the preform to permit the passage of cleaning agents through the apertures and around at least selected portions of the preform. A motion limiting means is coupled to the support means so as to serve to limit motion of the preform, bounded by the support means and the motion limiting means. With the motion limiting means in place, the combination of the motion limiting means and the support means can be handled without any contact with the preform.

Abstract: A path length control driver apparatus includes a base plate having a first central member having first and second opposite ends, a first outer rim membr and a first flexible annular diaphragm area having first and second opposite sides. The first flexible annular diaphragm area is between and integral with the first central member and the first outer rim member. A central axis passes centrally through the first and second opposite ends of the first central member. A first piezoelectric ceramic material has first and second opposing sides and the first side of the first piezoelectric ceramic material is rigidly affixed to the first flexible annular diaphragm area's first side. A second piezoelectric ceramic material has first and second opposing sides and the first side of the second piezolectric ceramic material is rigidly affixed to the first flexible annular diaphragm area's second side.

Abstract: The life expectancy of a ring laser gyroscope has been greatly extended by the addition of a gas capsule (24) which holds a large quantity of lasing gas at high pressure in a very small volume. The gas is selectively admitted to the triangular tunnel (12) through a membrane (32). In a preferred embodiment, permeability of the membrane (32) varies with temperature and a platinum heating element (36) is deposited on the membrane (32) for the purpose of regulating the diffusion of the lasing gas through the membrane. A pressure sensor (44) is connected to the triangular tunnel (12) for sensing a decrease in lasing gas pressure therein. A servo control (46) utilizes information supplied by the pressure sensor (44) to regulate the energization of the heating element (36). In one arrangement, a silicon substrate (50) is common to both the pressure sensor (46) and the gas capsule (24).

Abstract: Disclosed is a long life cathode for laser generators consisting of a cathode body having an electron emitting surface in which lasing gas molecules are embedded therein.

Abstract: A mirror chip and mirror assembly are disclosed for use with a laser, and specifically a ring laser angular rate sensor. The mirror chip includes a mirror material deposited upon a silicon wafer. The mirror assembly includes the silicon wafer bonded to a secondary supporting substrate. The mirror chip and supporting substrate are highly polished so that they may be bonded together by an optical contact bond.

Abstract: In the present invention, a getter assembly is formed by a housing containing a cavity in which the passageway into the cavity is covered by an end cover which is permeable to selected gases. Internal to the cavity formed by the housing is an activated getter material for eliminating selected gas contaminants within the cavity.

Abstract: A symmetrical prismatic readout apparatus includes a pair of substantially identical prism elements positioned in back-to-back relationship with respect to each other to provide a symmetrical structure. The prism elements are bonded together through optical bonding, without the use of adhesives. The two prism elements are similarly bonded to a substrate element, again by optical bonding, without the use of adhesives. Suitable beam splitter arrangements are provided to effect the desired readouts.

Abstract: An optical readout arrangement features a unitary optical element which serves both as a substrate for the corner mirror of the ring laser gyro and as a prismatic beam folding and combining arrangement for the readout elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cathode for a ring laser comprising a housing composed of substantially a nickel-iron composition having an inner cavity with a coating of a low sputtering electrically conductive material thereon.

Abstract: A gas discharge device is provided with a getter film by sputtering an electrode used normally for device operation.

Abstract: A stress-free optic element or window for use in equipment such as lasers. In this window a plurality of circular or curved grooves are formed in the window surface to prevent stresses from reaching the central region of the window used for light beam transmission. The plurality of grooves effectively form a resilient or spring like zone between the periphery of the window and the central region so that stresses generated in the peripheral mounting area are isolated from reaching the central stress-free area.

Abstract: Apparatus to minimize laser angular rate sensor lock in by optimal positioning of the beam path within the laser cavity.