Abstract: There is disclosed a movable structure, which includes a movable body, at least a pair of elastic members extending from the movable body to both sides, and a support supporting the movable body through the elastic members, each elastic member having a mesh structure, and the support and the movable body being connected to each other through the elastic members.

Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising: a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; and an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which comprises: at least one solvent; an anodic material; a cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic, and wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is slow-diffusing; and an electron shuttle, wherein the electron shuttle serves to decrease switching time of the electrochromic device relative to the same without the electron shuttle.

Abstract: A matrix display (20) comprises pixels based on switching elements (30) which comprise a switchable layer which can be switched from one chemical state to another, the optical properties of said chemical states being different. Voltage-limiting devices (41, 42) preventing pixel degradation are arranged on the switching elements (30).

Abstract: The invention provides a first process for addressing an electro-optic material having first and second display states differing in at least one optical characteristic and being capable of being changed from its first to its second display state by application of an electric field to the material, the process comprising applying an electrically charged fluid to a portion of at least one surface of the material, thereby changing the display state of a portion of the material. The invention also provides a second process for addressing an electro-optic material, this process comprising contacting the electro-optic material with a non-conductive brush means wet with a conductive liquid while applying a potential difference between the brush means and the electro-optic material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrophoretic display comprising cells which are filled with charged particles dispersed in a solvent and are individually sealed with a polymeric sealing layer.

Abstract: A Signal generation and correction circuit with an LED diode (D1) and a photo-transistor (Q1) having corresponding inputs and outputs (d1e, d1a and q1e, q1a), as well as connecting lines (1, 2) leading to current terminals (A, B). The inputs and outputs (d1e, d1a) and/or (q1e, q1a) of the diode (D1) and the photo cell (Q1) arc connected so as to form a parallel circuit, wherein a resistor (R2) is arranged in the photo-transistor line (3) between the output (q1a) and the node (K) with the connecting line (2) and wherein a resistor (R1) is arranged in the line (2) between the node (K) and the current terminal (B). A transistor (Q2) is connected with its base (q2b) to the output (q1a) or the photo-transistor line (3), whereas the collector terminal (q2c) is connected via a resistor (R3) to the connecting line (1). The collector current has a value of 0 when a photo current flows in the photo transistor (Q1).

Abstract: A Raman amplifier includes a Raman gain fiber comprising a length of high-dispersion gain fiber and operable to receive at least one optical signal. The Raman amplifier also includes at least one pump source capable of generating at least one pump signal that co-propagates within the Raman gain fiber with at least a portion of the at least one optical signal received by the Raman gain fiber. The length of the high-dispersion gain fiber is at least ten (10) times a walk off length between the at least one pump signal and at least one wavelength of the at least one optical signal received by the Raman gain fiber. In addition, the length of high-dispersion gain fiber is at least two (2) times a walk off length between at least two optical signal wavelengths of the at least one optical signal received by the Raman gain fiber.

Abstract: A noise figure measuring system including a first optical amplifier whose noise figure is to be measured, a plurality of light sources for outputting a plurality of optical signals having different wavelengths, respectively, an optical multiplexer for wavelength division multiplexing the plurality of optical signals output from the light sources to obtain WDM signal light, and a second optical amplifier for amplifying the WDM signal light output from the optical multiplexer. The noise figure measuring system further includes an optical spectrum measuring unit for measuring output signals from the first and second amplifiers, a power deviation detecting unit for detecting a deviation in power between the optical signals of the WDM signal light to be input into the first optical amplifier, and a light source power control unit for controlling the light sources so that the powers of the optical signals of the WDM signal light to be input into the first optical amplifier becomes substantially equal to each other.

Abstract: A method and system for equalizing Q performance of a wideband, Raman-amplified optical communication system are disclosed. Wideband, Raman-amplifed systems suffer significant performance degradation from nonlinear effects in shorter wavelength channels. Absent compensation, the shorter wavelength channels limit system performance and restrict the amount of launch power that can be employed for the optical data signals in each wave division multiplexed channel. Careful design that employs increased channel spacing in the nonlinear region of the bandwidth can offset the increased nonlinear effects, thereby improving the worst channel's Q performance and permitting high launch power without unacceptable Q performance.

Abstract: An optical gain flattening filter for attenuating the wavelength power levels of an optical beam to a threshold value. The filter has a series of volume phase gratings which each have a loss spectrum. The sum of the loss spectra for the volume phase gratings is about equal to the opposite of the gain spectrum of the optical amplifier. As the optical beam passes through the volume phase gratings, the sum of the loss spectra is added to the gain spectrum of the optical amplifier such that the optical beam is attenuated to the threshold value.

Abstract: A dynamic controller for a multi-channel EDFA-type optical amplifier is provided that is capable of providing a substantially tilt-free output over a range of selectable gain set points. The dynamic controller includes a variable optical attenuator coupled between the two amplification coils of the EDFA amplifier, and a control circuit that instructs the attenuator of an amount that each channel should be attenuated to achieve a tilt-free output at a selected gain point. The controller further includes a gain controller and a tilt controller connected to the control circuit of the variable optical attenuator for providing signals indicative of an average amount of per channel attenuation and a relative amount of per channel attenuation necessary to achieve a selected gain set point while reducing or eliminating tilt, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical device and the like which can facilitate a fine adjustment for an optical waveguide type diffraction grating device. The optical device includes a flexible member in which the optical waveguide type diffraction grating device is secured to a predetermined position, and bending means for applying a stress to said optical waveguide type diffraction grating device by bending said flexible member. The optical device changes the optical characteristics of the optical waveguide type diffraction grating device by adjusting the stress applied thereto by the bending means, to thereby perform easily various functions such as optical multiplexing, optical demultiplexing, path changing, and adjustment of dispersion characteristics.

Abstract: This invention describes new developments in Sagnac Raman amplifiers and cascade lasers to improve their performance. The Raman amplifier bandwidth is broadened by using a broadband pump or by combining a cladding-pumped fiber laser with the Sagnac Raman cavity. The broader bandwidth is also obtained by eliminating the need for polarization controllers in the Sagnac cavity by using an all polarization maintaining configuration, or at least using loop mirrors that maintain polarization. The polarization maintaining cavities have the added benefit of being environmentally stable and appropriate for turn-key operation. The noise arising from sources such as double Rayleigh scattering is reduced by using the Sagnac cavity in combination with a polarization diversity pumping scheme, where the pump is split along two axes of the fiber. This also leads to gain for the signal that is independent of the signal polarization.

Abstract: A Raman amplifier according to the present invention comprises a plurality of pumping means using semiconductor lasers of Fabry-Perot, DFB, or DBR type or MOPAs, and pumping lights outputted from the pumping means have different central wavelengths, and interval between the adjacent central wavelength is greater than 6 nm and smaller than 35 nm. An optical repeater according to the present invention comprises the above-mentioned Raman amplifier and adapted to compensate loss in an optical fiber transmission line by the Raman amplifier. In a Raman amplification method according to the present invention, the shorter the central wavelength of the pumping light the higher light power of said pumping light.

Abstract: An amplifier arrangement includes an optical amplifier (10) with a source of injected power (11) for controlling amplifier gain. A feed forward gain control loop is provided with a weighting arrangement (50) capable of weighting the signal power at selected wavelengths input to the amplifier. In this way non-uniform spectral gain of the amplifier may be compensated for by selecting appropriate weighting factors. Thus the influence of wavelengths having a greater than average impact on the decay rate of the excited population within the amplifier is increased and vice versa. By tailoring the weighting arrangement to the specific class of amplifier utilised, and possibly to a specific amplifier within a class, amplifier gain can be precisely controlled and traffic signal power reliably held at a constant level regardless of link configuration changes.

Abstract: A low noise optical amplifier used in an optical communication system includes optical amplifying elements for amplifying optical signals of a specific wavelength(&lgr;) incident from their ends(F1,F2) and endowing phase difference between ASEs, optical diverging means to interfere the amplified optical signals and the ASEs output from both ends(F1,F2), first path of length(L1) to optically connect the one end(F1) to first gate(D1) of the optical diverging means, and second path of length(L2) to optically connect the other end(F2) to second gate(D2) of the optical diverging means. The first and second paths are designed with distance(L1-L2) so that the amplified optical signal causes reinforcing interference at the third gate(D3) and destructive interference at the fourth gate(D4), and the ASE causes destructive interference at the third gate(D3) and reinforcing interference at fourth gate(D4).

Abstract: A surgical microscope system utilizes a surgical microscope system 1 so that surgical procedures can be performed by a surgeon X and a surgical assistant Y while viewing a three-dimensional image displayed on each of CRT displays 30A, 30B. Comparing with the conventional system utilizing eyepieces, the surgical microscope system of the present invention hardly causes eye fatigue or physical fatigue, so that a burden on the body can be relieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-grip with a grip part (10) which can be detachably fastened on a microscope housing (12), the mounting and dismounting being possible with a single-handed movement with the gripping hand. The hand-grip is fashioned and positioned such that it permits operation of the microscope in all directions with only one hand.

Abstract: A compact reflector telescope has a spherical primary reflector and a secondary reflector with a negative lens interposed there between in axial alignment therewith. Light reflected from the primary reflector is passed through the negative lens and is diverted by the secondary reflector to a positive lens at the side of the telescope tube. The positive lens focuses the light rays onto an eye piece or ocular or onto a photographic emulsion or electronic detector. The telescope reduces or substantially eliminates spherical aberration and can be configured to have a focal ratio significantly greater than the focal ratio of the primary reflector. The telescope produces a flat field of view and an image which is substantially diffraction limited.

Abstract: A telescope (1) with inclined viewing relative to the axis of sight (2) has a sighting device (4) with a mounting (8) that is adapted to be inserted in or removed from a recess (9) on the telescope housing (6) at an inclined portion (5) such that the sighting device (4) is disposed on the side adjacent the eyepiece (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical system of a small-sized portable display apparatus in which the exit pupil position is relatively spaced apart from the optical system and the exit pupil's diameter is large. A display apparatus comprises a display element 3 for displaying an image, and an ocular optical system 32 for enlarging an image displayed on said display element or an intermediated image thereof as a virtual image, and is characterized in that the ocular optical system 32 has rotationally asymmetric Fresnel surfaces 21, 22.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beaded rear projection screen that has performance properties such as gain and viewing angle that can be tuned by using a mixture of two or more types of microbeads having different refractive indices and varying the mixture. The present invention further provides methods of selecting microbeads and the construction of the screen so that transmission through the screen can remain sufficiently high throughout the range of tunability.

Abstract: Optical isolator comprises a ferrule having a through-hole in which an optical fiber is inserted and a groove formed in the ferrule with the optical fiber inserted in the through-hole; and a composite assembly consisting of an optical isolator element composed of a Faraday rotator and a pair of polarizers fixed on opposite surfaces of the Faraday rotator in such manner that the angle between the directions of polarization of the polarizers is at about 45° and a structure reinforcing member having a thickness of filling the groove and surrounding the optical element, said composite assembly being inserted in the groove as a unit. The reinforcing member may be made of the same material as the outer support or formed by a magnet for applying a magnetic field to the Faraday rotator.

Abstract: A double-stage (multi-stage) optical isolator is composed of two pairs of birefringent wedges (polarizers) with a Faraday rotator sandwiched by a pair of the wedges. The wedge-shaped polarizers, each defining a wedge angle, are disposed such that the wedges of the third and fourth polarizer (second stage) are arranged generally opposite relative to the wedges of the first and second polarizer (first stage) respectively, the wedge angles and the angles of incidence in the forward direction selected such as to minimize offset between the line of propagation of an optical beam passing through the isolator in the forward direction. The isolator has a PMD compensation element disposed between the first and the second stage to minimize polarization mode dispersion of light beams propagating through the isolator. The isolator has a very low PDL, virtually no PMD, high isolation and virtually no displacement (offset) between the input beam and out beam line of propagation.

Abstract: An imaging lens, is formed of, in order from the object side, a zoom section for focusing and zooming, and a master section for imaging and vibration control. The master section is formed of, in order from the object side, a front lens group, and a rear lens group. The front lens group is afocal so that collimated light enters the rear lens group. The rear lens group includes, in order from the object side, a lens subgroup which is movable normal to the optical axis of the imaging lens for vibration control, and a lens subgroup for macro-imaging adjustment and tracking adjustment, which is movable along the optical axis. Preferably, a fixed lens subgroup is positioned between the lens subgroup for vibration control and the lens subgroup for macro-imaging adjustment and tracking adjustment.

Abstract: An optical device includes a light-emitting element for irradiating light onto an information recording medium, a diffraction grating for splitting light emitted from said light-emitting element into a plurality of beams, a focussing member for focussing the plurality of beams onto the information recording medium, a deflection member for deflecting the plurality of beams after they have been reflected from the information recording medium; and a photodetector for receiving the plurality of beams after they have been deflected by the deflection member. The diffraction grating has a first grating region and a second grating region, which have different diffraction efficiencies. The zero-order diffraction light in the first grating region is used as the main beam for reproducing the information signal, and the +1-order or −1-order diffraction light in the second grating regions is used as sub-beams for reproduction of the tracking error signal.

Abstract: An optical system includes a diffractive optical element having a diffraction grating provided, on a lens surface having curvature, in a concentric-circles shape rotationally-symmetrical with respect to an optical axis. A sign of the curvature of the lens surface having the diffraction grating provided thereon is the same as a sign of a focal length, in a design wavelength, of a system composed of, in the optical system, a surface disposed nearest to an object side to a surface disposed immediately before the lens surface having the diffraction grating provided thereon, and is different from a sign of a distance from the optical axis to a position where a center ray of an off-axial light flux enters the lens surface having the diffraction grating provided thereon. Further, an apex of an imaginary cone formed by extending-a non-effective surface of the diffraction grating is located adjacent to the center of curvature of the lens surface having the diffraction grating provided thereon.

Abstract: A resonator system is disclosed for use in illuminating an input to a diffractive element. The system includes a source of an electromagnetic field having a wavelength of &lgr;, and first and second optical elements, each of which is at least partially reflecting.

Abstract: Multi-stage, all-pass optical filters used to make low-loss, multi-channel dispersion compensation modules are disclosed. The all-pass optical filters can be ring resonators in waveguides, Gires-Tournois Interferometers (GTIs) in free space form, and the like. The coupling constants and circulating path lengths may also be distinctively varied in each of the series of GTIs, tuning the net dispersion spectrum of the GTI set, such that the sum of the dispersions from the series of GTI's can provide a system with greater bandwidth than the same number of identical GTIs. The local dispersion slope can also be tuned in this manner. Multi-cavity GTIs can also be formed with similar performance enhancing properties.

Abstract: Optical bodies, comprising: a plurality of first optical layers comprising a first polymer composition that comprises (i) a polyester portion having terephthalate comonomer units and ethylene glycol comonomer units, and (ii) a second portion corresponding to a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least about 130° C.; and a plurality of second optical layers disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers. Also disclosed are optical bodies comprising: (a) a plurality of first optical layers, each first optical layer being oriented; and (b) a plurality of second optical layers, disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers, comprising a blend of polymethylmethacrylate and polyvinylidene fluoride. Methods of making the above-described optical bodies, and articles employing such optical bodies are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicular electrochromic rearview mirror system includes an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly and at least one exterior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly. Each mirror assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element that assumes a partial reflectance level in response to a signal applied thereto. A drive circuit applies a drive signal to each of the electrochromic reflective elements. The drive circuit may include a digital controller, a master drive circuit responsive to the digital controller to apply a first drive signal to one of the electrochromic reflective elements and a slave drive circuit responsive to the digital controller to apply a second drive signal to a second of the electrochromic reflective elements. The second drive signal may be derived from the first drive signal. The drive circuit may include a digital controller and a switching power supply controlled by the digital controller to produce a drive signal.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a first light integrator including a first optical element that has a section vertical to an optical axis and defined by a plurality of first sides, the first light integrator uniformly illuminating an illuminated plane, and a second light integrator for uniformly illuminating the first light integrator so that an outline of an illumination range in which light incident upon the first light integrator illuminates the light incidence plane of the first light integrator includes a plurality of second sides each of which is not parallel with any one of the first sides.

Abstract: An microscope objective lens system comprises a first lens unit including a plurality of cemented lens components and converging light coming from an object, a second lens unit including a negative lens component having a strong concave surface on the image side, and a third lens unit including a cemented doublet composed of a negative lens element having a concave surface on the object side and a positive lens element, wherein the objective lens system satisfies the following conditions:

Abstract: A lens system including a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group positioned forward the first lens group and having negative refractive power and including a zoom lens, and a third lens group having positive refractive power and positioned forward the first and second lens groups is disclosed. The zoom lens is movable relative to the other lenses of the lens system. The configuration and relative positioning of the lenses, along with the relative movement of the zoom lens, allows a laser transmitted through the lens system to be focused with a minimal spot size over a significant scanning field size and over a range of depths.

Abstract: A soft-focus lens system includes a master lens group and a soft-focus lens group. The soft-focus lens group includes a positive sub lens group and a negative sub lens group. The positive sub lens group and the negative sub lens group are moved to set the normal photographing mode or the soft-focus photographing mode. Each of the sub lens groups is arranged to move with respect to the master lens group and the other of the sub lens groups so that the focal point and the focal length are not substantially varied before and after the switching of the soft-focus photographing mode to the normal photographing mode or vice versa.

Abstract: An optical beam transformation system includes a first and a second optical element, each of which has a non-reentrant surface. The system transforms a substantially non-uniform optical input beam (such as a Gaussian) to a substantially uniform output beam. The first and second optical elements are arranged in either a Keplerian or Galilean configuration. The aspheric surface of the second optical element is related to the aspheric surface of the first optical element by a ray-tracing function that maps substantially all of an input light beam that is incident on the first optical element to a collimated output light beam that is output from the second optical element. Preferably, the output light beam has a Fermi-Dirac intensity distribution, and the ray-tracing function maps the input light beam to the output beam out to the (1/e)6 intensity radius of the input light beam.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a first lens positioned along a first axis and configured to focus light from a light source along the first axis, and a second lens positioned along the first axis and configured to focus light from the first lens onto an optical target. A third lens is positioned along a second axis and configured to approximately collimate light from a second light source along the second axis, and a reflector positioned along the second axis is configured to reflect light from the third lens onto a fourth lens. The fourth lens is positioned on a third axis angled from the second axis and configured to focus light from the reflector onto an optical detector. Furthermore, the optical assembly is preferably a single molded optic. The optical assembly may be used in an optoelectronic transceiver having an optical subassembly, including a light source and an optical detector. The optical assembly is used to couple a pair of closely spaced optical fibers to the light source and optical detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is an objective lens of an optical pick-up that converges light beams of two different wavelengths onto recording layers of optical discs of two different standards, respectively. The objective lens includes a refractive lens having a positive power and a diffractive lens structure formed on one surface of the refractive lens. The diffractive lens structure has a plurality of concentric ring areas with minute steps at the boundaries therebetween. The diffractive lens structure maximizes the diffraction efficiency of the third order diffracted light at the shorter wavelength and maximizes the diffraction efficiency of the second order diffracted light at the longer wavelength. This enables the diffractive lens structure to correct the chromatic aberration at the respective wavelengths with keeping high diffraction efficiency.

Abstract: A micro-optical beam steering angle magnifier, including an input light source (such as a laser), a double-convex input lens, and a double-convex output lens. The input light source emits an input light beam at a specified input angle with respect to the optical axis, toward the input lens. The input lens directs the input light beam to the output lens. The output lens outputs the light beam at an output angle of magnitude 5 times (but sign opposite) that of the input angle. Other types of lenses may be used with varying degrees of quality and maximum output angle. The invention may be used with beams that are collimated or aberrated.

Abstract: An afocal lens system consists of a first convex/concave lens bonded to a second convex/concave lens, forming a doublet. An incident collimated beam of light will be reduced by a magnification factor upon exiting the afocal lens system as a collimated beam of light. Applications for the present invention include, but are not limited to, serving as an interface between a ferrule array with 1.015-mm center-to-center spacing and a MEMS device with 0.9-mm center-to-center spacing assuming a magnification factor of 1.128 of the afocal lens system.

Abstract: A device for displaying indicia is constructed to fit onto a mirror housing of an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle. The device, upon installation, displays a desired indicia facing the front of the vehicle without obstructing the view of the mirrored surface facing the rear of the vehicle. Variations in structure are provided, including connectors to the mirror housing that slidably engage with respect to a base that supports the indicia. Embodiments provide for removal of the device without harm to the mirror housing, and also provide for ready change-out of indicia. Slidably engaging connectors in various embodiments provides for easy adaptation to a range of sizes and shapes of mirror housings. The invention also relates to kits and methods employing embodiments of the device.

Abstract: A flexible thin film is supported by a frame member through two end portions opposing each other. A reflection surface is provided on the flexible thin film to reflect light. A first electrode is provided integrally with the flexible thin film. A second electrode is substantially fixed to the frame member so as to oppose the first electrode on an opposite side of the reflection surface. A third electrode is substantially fixed to the frame member so as to oppose the first electrode on the same side as the reflection surface. An optical opening for introducing light into the reflection surface is provided on the side of the reflection surface. At least one of the second and third electrodes is divided in the direction connecting the two end portions. The configuration of the reflection surface is controlled to a desired configuration by applying a desired voltage selectively to between the first electrode and the divided second or third electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fingerprint acquisition apparatus capable of reducing an image distortion and a size of an optical system by deforming the shape of a prism. The prism according to the invention includes a fingerprint contacting surface to be touched by a fingerprint of a person, a totally reflecting surface facing the fingerprint contacting surface with an angle &thgr; for totally and inwardly reflecting the light scattered from the fingerprint in contact with the fingerprint contacting surface, a primarily projecting/re-incident surface linking the fingerprint contacting surface to the totally reflecting surface with an angle &phgr; for primarily projecting the light totally reflected from the totally reflecting surface so as to be re-incident from outside, and an ultimately projecting surface facing the primarily projecting/re-incident surface for ultimately projecting the light re-incident to the primarily projecting/re-incident surface toward outside.

Abstract: A circular optical reflection apparatus to be used in an optical image capturing device for receiving light ray from a light source and reflecting the light ray at least twice inside the apparatus then projecting the light ray to a lens set for forming an image on an image forming device. The apparatus includes a cylindrical optical member which has its outside surface coating with a reflective material and has an axial cutaway section to serve as a light inlet and a light outlet. Light ray enters through the light inlet into the cylindrical optical member and reflects inside at least twice then emits out through the light outlet. It may obtain an optical path needed for image forming with less number of reflection mirrors. It is smaller size and may be produced and assembled with less time and cost. It can also eliminate accumulated reflection angle tolerance that might otherwise happen to the conventional ones that use reflection mirrors.

Abstract: The method of designing a reflective surface of a reflector in a vehicle lamp according to the present invention comprise (1) a segment creating step of sectioning a free curved surface and creating a plurality of segments having a plurality of vertexes, and (2) a curved surface generating step of deciding the light reflecting direction at each one of the plurality of vertexes, and generating curved surfaces to be assigned to the segments based on the reflecting direction for each one of the plurality of segments. The present invention provides a method of designing a reflective surface of a reflector in a vehicle lamp whereby the controllability of the luminous intensity distribution pattern is improved.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical tilt mirror includes a mirror lying in a first plane and a plurality of torsion bars. First and second chevrons are connected to the mirror by the torsion bars. The first and second chevrons are thermal actuators that tilt the mirror in a first direction relative to the first plane. The mirror, the torsion bars and the first and second chevrons are defined in a semiconductor layer. The mirror has a reflective layer formed on one side thereof. The first chevron includes first and second in-plane actuators located at opposite ends of a first out-of-plane actuator. The microelectromechanical mirror includes an orthogonal surface defined in the semiconductor layer. First and second orthogonal torsion bars connect the orthogonal surface to a third edge of the mirror. The microelectromechanical mirror allows tilting in one axis or more than one axis.

Abstract: Actuator-controlled mirrors with a Z-stop mechanism to reduce an undesired translational motion of the mirrors.

Abstract: In an optical switching apparatus having a mirror structure bonded to a substrate, the gap between the mirror structure and the substrate is controlled by mechanical standoffs placed between the mirror structure and the substrate. The mirror structure is bonded to the substrate using solder. The mechanical standoffs are formed from a material having a higher melting point than that of the solder. The mirror structure is bonded to the substrate under pressure at a temperature between the melting point of the solder and the melting point of the mechanical standoffs.

Abstract: The invention is a modulation system that encodes symbols in accordance with a modulation code which, for a given communications channel, produces a signal that at the decoder includes maximized sample timing information in each encoded symbol. For systems that use PLLs to control a sample timing clock, the sample timing information is the average or squared slope. The modulation code used for a given system is selected based on the target response h(x) of the associated communications channel, such that h (x)*rk exceeds a predetermined threshold value, where “*” represents convolution and rk is a modulation code symbol. To reduce the bit overhead, or code rate, the inventive modulation system provides more modulation code symbols at the start of a data block, or sector, when system jitter is expected to be relatively high in response, for example, to the movement of a read head.

Abstract: An object is to automatically detect the positions of spike noise, create a distribution diagram, and perform pass/fail decisions. The cross-correlation function of the signal waveform from a magnetic head 1 and a reference waveform simulating spike noise is used in extraction of spike noise. The number of peaks in the cross-correlation function exceeding a threshold value is counted, and quantitative evaluation of spike noise is performed.