Abstract: This invention provides a continuous process of making continuous nanofibers of all kinds, such as SiC, BN, AlN, and C. Laser heating a vapor of feed-material made of all atomic elements needed to grow chosen nanofibers results in growth of nanofibers onto seed-nanostructures attached to a filament, which is then pulled up continuously at a rate controlled by a rate of growth of the nanofibers. More feed-material is supplied at a rate sufficient to enable the nanofibers to grow longer continuously without limit. Laser light focused into a doughnut shape provides a photon density gradient, which constrains the nanofibers to grow parallel to each other and in the form of cylinders, so that industrially useful structures like cables and cylinders can be made in one low cost operation and in large quantities.

Abstract: Composite lasers made of contiguous layers of pure and doped polycrystalline ceramics are introduced. The close thermal contact between such layers of the same ceramic allows an efficient and low cost way to take full advantage of the higher allowed dopant concentrations and, therefore, of the higher maximum output laser power afforded by polycrystalline ceramic lasers. Many novel, unique examples are provided, which demonstrate the versatility and commercial merit of polycrystalline ceramic composite lasers.

Abstract: A controlled process for thoroughly curing light-activated surgical and dental composites is presented using a hand-held, self-contained, cordless, rechargeable laser instrument. At least one micro laser generates focused single wavelength blue laser light of at most 480 nm, and enhances efficiency and control of curing. The process of use includes switching from stand-by mode to curing mode of operation of the instrument to save time during surgical and dental procedures.

Abstract: A controlled process for thoroughly curing light-activated surgical and dental composites is presented using a hand-held, self-contained, cordless, rechargeable laser instrument. At least one diode laser generates focused laser light, and enhances efficiency and control of curing. The process of use includes switching from stand-by mode to curing mode of operation of the instrument to save time during surgical and dental procedures.

Abstract: Fabrication techniques to from a multi-structured monolithic cavity that generates a single axial mode of laser operation are described. These simple techniques improve laser performance and reliability while minimizing the number of process steps. Mass production of high performance lasers will become possible by using these techniques.

Abstract: A laser amplification system includes a pumping diode laser, a gain laser crystal, a moveable wedged shaped etalon for wavelength selection, a non-linear crystal for wavelength conversion, such that each optical component has independent temperature control means. A single mode operation is achieved of up to 100 Watts output power with a minimum noise by stabilizing the optimum temperature of the optical media and the optical pathlength of the etalon. All components are disposed on a single metal substrate having a high thermal conductivity and a low thermal expansion coefficient. The system operates to amplify a laser from another source with high efficiency and low noise when the etalon and nonlinear crystal are absent.

Abstract: A controlled process for thoroughly curing light-activated surgical and dental composites and a process for tissue sterilization is presented using a hand-held, self-contained, cordless, rechargeable laser instrument. At least one solid state microchip laser is pumped by at least one diode laser to generate blue laser light of at most 480 nm. Q-switched, pulsed laser light output enhances efficiency and control of the curing. Another microchip laser within the instrument generates 210-360 nm wavelength of UV laser light for the sterilization process which differentially kills micro-biological life forms contaminating a repair site without killing healthy tissue. The process of use includes switching from sterilization mode to curing mode of operation of the instrument to save time during surgical and dental procedures.

Abstract: A compact, hand-held, rechargeable, tunable, self-contained laser instrument is presented for use in dentistry, oral surgery, orthopedic surgery, and other medical procedures such as sterilization and curing of photo-polymerizable materials. The inventive instrument includes microchip lasers that consume at most 10 Watts and generate a peak output laser beam power of at least 20 mWatts that is adjustable to the light absorbing characteristics of the target material. Laser microchips, pumping laser, thermo-electric heat exchanger, rechargeable batteries, and laser optics are all contained within the same housing which is cordless, lightweight, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Second Harmonic microchip laser producing coherent blue wavelengths tunable from 430 nm to 480 nm is disclosed. The microchip laser is formed by an optical contact of two crystal surfaces with a small gap, which provides a stable laser performance. The same technology is also applied to generate other blue, UV, and infrared lasers.

Abstract: An electrically powered portable cigarette lighter includes a laser for generating a beam of energy and means directing the beam to a point in the region of the end of a cigarette inserted into the lighter. Means are provided for preventing the beam of energy from escaping through the opening in which the cigarette is inserted.

Abstract: An electrically powered portable cigarette lighter includes a laser for generating a beam of energy, a focusing system for forming the beam of energy into a substantially hollow doughnut shaped beam which is focused to a point in the region of the end of a cigarette inserted into the lighter. Means are provided for preventing the beam of energy from escaping through the opening in which the cigarette is inserted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bias circuit of an amplifier for a microwave circuit, which amplifier is comprised of a pair of amplifier modules and at least one directional quadrature coupler having four ports including an isolation port, wherein the bias circuit is connected to the isolation port of the directional quadrature coupler.