Patents by Inventor Walid A. Atia
Walid A. Atia has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20140168658Abstract: An optical coherence analysis system comprising: a first swept source that generates a first optical signal that is tuned over a first spectral scan band, a second swept source that generates a second optical signal that is tuned over a second spectral scan band, a combiner for combining the first optical signal and the second optical signal to form a combined optical signal, an interferometer for dividing the combined optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample, and a detector system for detecting an interference signal generated from the combined optical signal from the reference arm and from the sample arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bartley C. Johnson, Walid A. Atia, Mark E. Kuznetsov, Dale C. Flanders
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Publication number: 20140152997Abstract: An optical coherence analysis system comprising: a first swept source that generates a first optical signal that is tuned over a first spectral scan band, a second swept source that generates a second optical signal that is tuned over a second spectral scan band, a combiner for combining the first optical signal and the second optical signal for form a combined optical signal, an interferometer for dividing the combined optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample, and a detector system for detecting an interference signal generated from the combined optical signal from the reference arm and from the sample arm. In embodiments, the swept sources are tunable lasers that have shared laser cavities.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian Goldberg, Dale C. Flanders, Walid A. Atia, Bartley C. Johnson, Mark E. Kuznetsov
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Patent number: 8687666Abstract: An optical coherence analysis system comprising: a first swept source that generates a first optical signal that is tuned over a first spectral scan band, a second swept source that generates a second optical signal that is tuned over a second spectral scan band, a combiner for combining the first optical signal and the second optical signal for form a combined optical signal, an interferometer for dividing the combined optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample, and a detector system for detecting an interference signal generated from the combined optical signal from the reference arm and from the sample arm. In embodiments, the swept sources are tunable lasers that have shared laser cavities.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian Goldberg, Dale C. Flanders, Walid A. Atia, Bartley C. Johnson, Mark E. Kuznetsov
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Patent number: 8670129Abstract: An integrated swept wavelength optical source uses a filtered ASE signal with an optical amplifier and tracking filter. This source comprises a micro optical bench, a source for generating broadband light, a first tunable Fabry Perot filter, installed on the bench, for spectrally filtering the broadband light from the broadband source to generate a narrowband tunable signal, an amplifier, installed on the bench, for amplifying the tunable signal, and a second tunable Fabry Perot filter, installed on the bench, for spectrally filtering the amplified tunable signal from the amplifier. A self-tracking arrangement is also possible where a single tunable filter both generates the narrowband signal and spectrally filters the amplified signal. In some examples, two-stage amplification is provided. The use of a single bench implementation yields a low cost high performance system. For example, polarization control between components is no longer necessary.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, Walid A. Atia, Mark E. Kuznetsov
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Patent number: 8665450Abstract: An optical coherence analysis system comprising: a first swept source that generates a first optical signal that is tuned over a first spectral scan band, a second swept source that generates a second optical signal that is tuned over a second spectral scan band, a combiner for combining the first optical signal and the second optical signal to form a combined optical signal, an interferometer for dividing the combined optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample, and a detector system for detecting an interference signal generated from the combined optical signal from the reference arm and from the sample arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bartley C. Johnson, Walid A. Atia, Mark E. Kuznetsov, Dale C. Flanders
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Publication number: 20140016135Abstract: A frequency swept laser source for TEFD-OCT imaging includes an integrated clock subsystem on the optical bench with the laser source. The clock subsystem generates frequency clock signals as the optical signal is tuned over the scan band. Preferably the laser source further includes a cavity extender in its optical cavity between a tunable filter and gain medium to increase an optical distance between the tunable filter and the gain medium in order to control the location of laser intensity pattern noise. The laser also includes a fiber stub that allows for control over the cavity length while also controlling birefringence in the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, Walid A. Atia, Bartley C. Johnson, Mark E. Kuznetsov, Carlos R. Melendez
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Publication number: 20130321820Abstract: An integrated swept wavelength tunable optical source uses a narrowband filtered broadband signal with an optical amplifier and self-tracking filter. This source comprises a micro optical bench, a source for generating broadband light, a tunable Fabry Perot filter, installed on the bench, for spectrally filtering the broadband light from the broadband source to generate a narrowband tunable signal, an amplifier, installed on the bench, for amplifying the tunable signal. The self-tracking arrangement is used where a single tunable filter both generates the narrowband signal and spectrally filters the amplified signal. In some examples, two-stage amplification is provided. The use of a single bench implementation yields a low cost high performance system. For example, polarization control between components is no longer necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, Walid A. Atia, Mark E. Kuznetsov
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Publication number: 20130305513Abstract: An optical probe for emitting and/or receiving light within a body comprises an optical fiber that transmits and/or receives an optical signal, a silicon optical bench including a fiber groove running longitudinally that holds an optical fiber termination of the optical fiber and a reflecting surface that optically couples an endface of the optical fiber termination to a lateral side of the optical bench. The fiber groove is fabricated using silicon anisotropic etching techniques. Some examples use a housing around the optical bench that is fabricated using LIGA or other electroforming technology. A method for forming lens structure is also described that comprises forming a refractive lens in a first layer of a composite wafer material, such as SOI (silicon on insulator) wafers and forming an optical port through a backside of the composite wafer material along an optical axis of the refractive lens. The refractive lens is preferably formed using grey-scale lithography and dry etching the first layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, James W. Getz, Walid A. Atia, Peter S. Whitney, Mark E. Kuznetsov
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Patent number: 8564783Abstract: A frequency swept laser source for TEFD-OCT imaging includes an integrated clock subsystem on the optical bench with the laser source. The clock subsystem generates frequency clock signals as the optical signal is tuned over the scan band. Preferably the laser source further includes a cavity extender in its optical cavity between a tunable filter and gain medium to increase an optical distance between the tunable filter and the gain medium in order to control the location of laser intensity pattern noise. The laser also includes a fiber stub that allows for control over the cavity length while also controlling birefringence in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, Walid A. Atia, Bartley C. Johnson, Mark E. Kuznetsov, Carlos R. Melendez
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Patent number: 8526472Abstract: An integrated swept wavelength tunable optical source uses a narrowband filtered broadband signal with an optical amplifier and self-tracking filter. This source comprises a micro optical bench, a source for generating broadband light, a tunable Fabry Perot filter, installed on the bench, for spectrally filtering the broadband light from the broadband source to generate a narrowband tunable signal, an amplifier, installed on the bench, for amplifying the tunable signal. The self-tracking arrangement is used where a single tunable filter both generates the narrowband signal and spectrally filters the amplified signal. In some examples, two-stage amplification is provided. The use of a single bench implementation yields a low cost high performance system. For example, polarization control between components is no longer necessary.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, Walid A. Atia, Mark E. Kuznetsov
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Patent number: 8515221Abstract: An optical probe for emitting and/or receiving light within a body comprises an optical fiber that transmits and/or receives an optical signal, a silicon optical bench including a fiber groove running longitudinally that holds an optical fiber termination of the optical fiber and a reflecting surface that optically couples an endface of the optical fiber termination to a lateral side of the optical bench. The fiber groove is fabricated using silicon anisotropic etching techniques. Some examples use a housing around the optical bench that is fabricated using LIGA or other electroforming technology. A method for forming lens structure is also described that comprises forming a refractive lens in a first layer of a composite wafer material, such as SOI (silicon on insulator) wafers and forming an optical port through a backside of the composite wafer material along an optical axis of the refractive lens. the refractive lens is preferably formed using grey-scale lithography and dry etching the first layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, James W. Getz, Walid A. Atia, Peter S. Whitney, Mark E. Kuznetsov
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Publication number: 20120162659Abstract: An optical coherence analysis system comprising: a first swept source that generates a first optical signal that is tuned over a first spectral scan band, a second swept source that generates a second optical signal that is tuned over a second spectral scan band, a combiner for combining the first optical signal and the second optical signal for form a combined optical signal, an interferometer for dividing the combined optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample, and a detector system for detecting an interference signal generated from the combined optical signal from the reference arm and from the sample arm. In embodiments, the swept sources are tunable lasers that have shared laser cavities.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: AXSUN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Brian Goldberg, Dale C. Flanders, Walid A. Atia, Bartley C. Johnson, Mark E. Kuznetsov
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Publication number: 20120026505Abstract: A frequency swept laser source that generates an optical signal that is tuned over a spectral scan band at single discrete wavelengths associated with longitudinal modes of the swept laser source. Laser hopping over discrete single cavity modes allows long laser coherence length even under dynamic very high speed tuning conditions. A ramp drive to the laser is used to linearize laser frequency tuning. A beam splitter is used to divide the optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample. A detector system detects the optical signal from the reference arm and the sample arm for generating depth profiles and images of the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: AXSUN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Walid A. Atia, Mark E. Kuznetsov, Dale C. Flanders
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Patent number: 8059277Abstract: A frequency swept laser source that generates an optical signal that is tuned over a spectral scan band at single discrete wavelengths associated with longitudinal modes of the swept laser source. Laser hopping over discrete single cavity modes allows long laser coherence length even under dynamic very high speed tuning conditions. A ramp drive to the laser is used to linearize laser frequency tuning. A beam splitter is used to divide the optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample. A detector system detects the optical signal from the reference arm and the sample arm for generating depth profiles and images of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Walid A. Atia, Mark E. Kuznetsov, Dale C. Flanders
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Patent number: 8054466Abstract: A spectroscopy wavelength and amplitude referencing system comprises an optical bench receiving a tunable optical signal from a tunable signal source, a wavelength reference detector on the bench for determining a wavelength of the tunable optical signal, an amplitude reference detector on the bench for determining an amplitude of the tunable optical signal and an output optical signal fiber for transmitting the tunable optical signal to a sample. Also, spectroscopy system controller determines a spectral response of the sample to the tunable optical signal by determining an instantaneous wavelength of the tunable optical signal by reference to the wavelength reference detector.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, Yu Nathan Li, Mark E. Kuznetsov, Walid A. Atia
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Publication number: 20110182550Abstract: An optical probe for emitting and/or receiving light within a body comprises an optical fiber that transmits and/or receives an optical signal, a silicon optical bench including a fiber groove running longitudinally that holds an optical fiber termination of the optical fiber and a reflecting surface that optically couples an endface of the optical fiber termination to a lateral side of the optical bench. The fiber groove is fabricated using silicon anisotropic etching techniques. Some examples use a housing around the optical bench that is fabricated using LIGA or other electroforming technology. A method for forming lens structure is also described that comprises forming a refractive lens in a first layer of a composite wafer material, such as SOI (silicon on insulator) wafers and forming an optical port through a backside of the composite wafer material along an optical axis of the refractive lens. the refractive lens is preferably formed using grey-scale lithography and dry etching the first layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: AXSUN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, James W. Getz, Walid A. Atia, Peter S. Whitney, Mark E. Kuznetsov
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Patent number: 7929140Abstract: A process monitoring system determines a spectral response of a process material. This system has a tunable laser for generating an optical signal that is wavelength tuned over a scan band and an optical probe for conveying the optical signal to the process material and detecting the spectral response of the process material. The optical probe expands a beam of the optical signal to a diameter of greater than 10 millimeters. This avoids one of the difficulties with monitoring these process applications by ensuring that the spectroscopy measurements are accurate and repeatable. It is desirable to sample a relatively large area of the processed material since it can be heterogeneous. Additionally the large area mitigates spectral noise such as from speckle.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James Zambuto, Walid A. Atia, Christopher C. Cook
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Publication number: 20110080591Abstract: An optical coherence analysis system comprising: a first swept source that generates a first optical signal that is tuned over a first spectral scan band, a second swept source that generates a second optical signal that is tuned over a second spectral scan band, a combiner for combining the first optical signal and the second optical signal for form a combined optical signal, an interferometer for dividing the combined optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample, and a detector system for detecting an interference signal generated from the combined optical signal from the reference arm and from the sample arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: AXSUN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Bartley C. Johnson, Walid A. Atia, Mark E. Kuznetsov, Dale C. Flanders
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Publication number: 20110051143Abstract: An integrated swept wavelength tunable optical source uses a narrowband filtered broadband signal with an optical amplifier and self-tracking filter. This source comprises a micro optical bench, a source for generating broadband light, a tunable Fabry Perot filter, installed on the bench, for spectrally filtering the broadband light from the broadband source to generate a narrowband tunable signal, an amplifier, installed on the bench, for amplifying the tunable signal. The self-tracking arrangement is used where a single tunable filter both generates the narrowband signal and spectrally filters the amplified signal. In some examples, two-stage amplification is provided. The use of a single bench implementation yields a low cost high performance system. For example, polarization control between components is no longer necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: AXSUN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, Walid A. Atia, Mark E. Kuznetsov
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Patent number: RE44605Abstract: Integrated spectroscopy systems are disclosed. In some examples, integrated tunable detectors, using one or multiple Fabry-Perot tunable filters, are provided. Other examples use integrated tunable sources. The tunable source combines one or multiple diodes, such as superluminescent light emitting diodes (SLED), and a Fabry Perot tunable filter or etalon. The advantages associated with the use of the tunable etalon are that it can be small, relatively low power consumption device. For example, newer microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) implementations of these devices make them the size of a chip. This increases their robustness and also their performance. In some examples, an isolator, amplifier, and/or reference system is further provided integrated.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Walid A. Atia, Dale C. Flanders, Petros Kotidis, Mark E. Kuznetsov