Abstract: An optical touch screen that utilizes a planar transparent sheet and that is configured to determine the position of a touch event on the transparent sheet is disclosed. Light-source elements and light-sensing elements are operably disposed at a perimeter of the transparent sheet. Light is detected over lines-of-sight between the light-source elements and the light-sensing elements. Attenuated lines-of-sight due to the touch event are determined. Central lines are established based on the attenuated lines-of-sight. The locations of central-line intersections are then established. The average of the locations of the central-line intersections is then used to establish the location of the touch event.

Abstract: A suspenders system having at least one magnetic clasp comprising a strong permanent magnet attached to a suspenders arrangement that allows most of the suspenders to be worn underneath a wearer's clothing. With the suspenders arrangement in place, the only exterior elements of the suspenders system are either ferrous metal belt attachments or matching permanent magnet buttons. The magnetic clasp underlays at lease one layer of clothing allowing the suspenders system to be worn in a concealed fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the spread of a laser beam. The apparatus comprises a laser source operable to generate a laser beam having a flux that exceeds a predetermined value and an optical train operable to modify the beam such that the flux of the beam through a predetermined aperture does not exceed the predetermined value. The optical train may include a focusing lens, a diffractive focusing vortex lens, a beam splitting device, or a two-dimensional diffraction grating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the spread of a laser beam. The apparatus comprises a laser source operable to generate a laser beam having a flux that exceeds a predetermined value and an optical train operable to modify the beam such that the flux of the beam through a predetermined aperture does not exceed the predetermined value. The optical train may include a focusing lens, a diffractive focusing vortex lens, a beam splitting device, or a diffraction grating.

Abstract: Devices and methods for processing multi-wavelength light beams and the single-wavelength components of such light beams are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, a spectral filter includes collimating and focusing optical elements, an apodizing filter, a diffraction grating, and a spatial filter. The collimating optical element collimates an input light beam while the apodizing filter spatially filters this beam. In general, the apodizing filter includes a range of transmissivity that varies according to a distance from a predetermined location on the apodizing filter. The diffraction grating diffracts the input beam which is focused by the focusing optical element onto the spatial filter to generate a filtered output beam. Embodiments of the invention may be employed as spectral filters, optical spectrum analyzers, optical mutiplexers, optical de-multiplexers, and the like.

Abstract: A spectrum analyzer includes an array of frequency-selective bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators each tuned to a predetermined different resonant frequency. The spectrum analyzer further includes a broadband BAW resonator that generates acoustic energy when connected to a signal source. An acoustic coupling transmits the acoustic energy generated by the broadband BAW resonator to the frequency-selective BAW resonators so that one of the frequency-selective BAW resonators will generate an electrical output signal if the acoustic energy transmitted from the broadband BAW resonator contains spectral components at its predetermined resonant frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically shifting the frequency of an input signal beam includes a first Raman medium that receives an input signal beam, a first pump beam, and a first reference beam to responsively generate an intermediate signal beam comprising a Raman sideband of the first Raman medium. A second Raman medium is optically coupled in series with the first Raman medium. The second Raman medium receives the intermediate signal beam, a second pump beam, and a second reference beam to responsively generate an output signal beam comprising a Raman sideband of the second Raman medium. The generated output signal represents the input signal that is shifted in frequency by a frequency shift that corresponds to the frequency difference between the first and second reference beams.

Abstract: Optical systems are provided. One such optical system includes an optical source that propagates a source beam of light. A diffracting component is optically coupled to the optical source and is operative to receive the source beam and produce a diffracted beam. A target is located to receive the diffracted beam. Additionally, a compensating system repositions at least one of the optical source, the diffracting component, and the target in response to a detected change in refractive index of a medium through which the diffracted beam propagates so that the diffracted beam continues to be received by the target. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the spread of a laser beam. The apparatus comprises a laser source operable to generate a laser beam having a flux that exceeds a predetermined value and an optical train operable to modify the beam such that the flux of the beam through a predetermined aperture does not exceed the predetermined value. The optical train may include a focusing lens, a diffractive focusing vortex lens, a beam splitting device, or a two-dimensional diffraction grating.

Abstract: Systems for tuning external-cavity lasers are provided. A representative system includes a motor and first and second opposing surfaces that are displaceable by the motor. The opposing surfaces operatively engage a support at a drive segment and rotate the drive segment about a pivot point on the support. Between the drive segment and the pivot point of the support, a reflective element is attached. An optical gain medium optically communicates with the reflective element. Other systems are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for tuning external-cavity lasers are provided. A representative system includes a motor and first and second opposing surfaces that are displaceable by the motor. The opposing surfaces operatively engage a support at a drive segment and rotate the drive segment about a pivot point on the support. Between the drive segment and the pivot point of the support, a reflective element is attached. An optical gain medium optically communicates with the reflective element. Other systems are also provided.

Abstract: Optical systems are provided. One such optical system includes an optical source that propagates a source beam of light. A diffracting component is optically coupled to the optical source and is operative to receive the source beam and produce a diffracted beam. A target is located to receive the diffracted beam. Additionally, a compensating system repositions at least one of the optical source, the diffracting component, and the target in response to a detected change in refractive index of a medium through which the diffracted beam propagates so that the diffracted beam continues to be received by the target. Methods and other systems also are provided.