Abstract: This invention proposes the fabrication of a polarization-independent fiber optic (in-line) isolator based on a beam aperture method. A micro Grin lens and a small Grin lens are used. They function as the collimators for the forward-going and the backward-going beams from the input and output ends of the isolator, respectively. In addition, the small Grin lens also acts as a beam expander for the backward-going beam. Due to the different apertures of the collimated beams, the optical power of the forward-going beam is almost completely collected by the optical fiber at the output end, whereas only a very small percentage of the optical power of the backward-going beam is collected by the micro Grin lens and the attached input fiber. Because the beam is usually a Gaussian, placing the micro Grin lens at an off axis position will significantly enhance the isolation of the isolator.

Abstract: This invention proposes the fabrication of a polarization-independent air-path isolator based on a beam aperture method. The isolator includes a micro Grin lens (MGL) and three small Grin lenses (SGLs). These lenses focus and collimate the forward and backward beams from the input and output ends of the isolator. In addition, one of the small Grin lenses (SGLs) also acts as a beam expander for the backward beam. Due to the significant difference in widths between the forward and backward collimated beams, the optical power of the forward beam is almost completely collected by the output small Grin lens (SGL) at the output end, while only a very small percentage of the optical power of the backward beam is collected by the small Grin lens (SGL) at the input end. Since a laser beam, in general, has a Gaussian beam-intensity distribution, positioning the micro Grin lens (MGL) at an off axis position will significantly enhance the isolation characteristic of the isolator.

Abstract: An optical data storage medium transmissive to a laser beam and formed of a light transmissive substrate that provides mechanical support, and a light transmissive data substrate formed on the substrate. The data substrate is patterned to form block regions that block the laser beam from passing through, and pass regions that allow the laser beam to pass through, such that the blockage or passage of light through the optical storage medium reflects the type of data bits to be stored on the optical medium. In another embodiment a magneto-optical data storage medium which is also transmissive (or partly transmissive) to a laser beam includes a data magneto-optical data substrate formed on a substrate. The data substrate is recordable by patterning a magnetic domain with magnetic fields of opposite directions, such that each magnetic direction reflects the type of data bits to be stored on the optical medium.

Abstract: An optical data storage system utilize a fully or partially transmissive data storage medium or disk. The optical system includes a platform capable of moving either radially or pivotally relative to the disk. A head has a first and a second optical arms secured to the platform. One optical arm is positioned below the storage medium, and the other optical arm is positioned above the storage medium. One of the two optical arms includes a light source connected to the platform for generating a collimated light beam, and a first reflective mirror distally connected to the platform for reflecting the collimated light beam toward the storage medium. The other optical arm includes a photo-detector connected to the platform, and a second reflective mirror distally connected to the platform for reflecting the light beam impinging upon it to the photo-detector. In one embodiment the light source is disposed below the disk while in another embodiment the light source is disposed above the disk.

Abstract: An optical data storage system includes an optical data storage system for use with a data storage medium. The system includes a stationary optical head for steering an incident laser beam holographically and/or by means of an acousto-optical method across the data storage medium. The incident laser beam is selectively reflected by the data storage medium to indicate the type of data bits recorded on the storage medium. In a preferred embodiment the optical head includes a laser source for irradiating a collimated laser beam, a beam steering element for steering the laser beam; a beam splitter for deflecting the reflected laser beam; and a photo-detector for detecting the relative intensity of the deflected laser beam for determining the type of recorded data bits. The data storage system may be optically transmissive or partly transmissive.

Abstract: An optical data storage medium transmissive to a laser beam and formed of a light transmissive substrate that provides mechanical support, and a light transmissive data substrate formed on the substrate. The data substrate is patterned to form block regions that block the laser beam from passing through, and pass regions that allow the laser beam to pass through, such that the blockage or passage of light through the optical storage medium reflects the type of data bits to be stored on the optical medium. In another embodiment a magneto-optical data storage medium which is also transmissive (or partly transmissive) to a laser beam includes a data magneto-optical data substrate formed on a substrate. The data substrate is recordable by patterning a magnetic domain with magnetic fields of opposite directions, such that each magnetic direction reflects the type of data bits to be stored on the optical medium.

Abstract: An optical data storage system for use with a stationary data storage medium includes a stationary optical head for steering an incident laser beam holographically and/or by means of an acousto-optical method along the X and Y direction across the data storage medium. The incident laser beam is selectively reflected by the data storage medium to indicate the type of data bits recorded on the storage medium. In a preferred embodiment the optical head includes a laser source for emiting a collimated laser beam, a beam steering element for steering the laser beam; a beam splitter for deflecting the reflected laser beam; and a photo-detector for detecting the relative intensity of the reflected laser beam for determining the type of recorded data bits. In one embodiment the beam splitting element includes an elasto-optical crystal that causes the impinging laser beam to be deflected in the X and Y directions.