Abstract: A laminated optical device is a laminate formed of a polarizing layer having a thickness of not larger than 5 &mgr;m, and at least one birefringent layer including either a solid film of oriented liquid crystal or a polymer layer containing oriented liquid crystal. A liquid-crystal display apparatus includes a liquid-crystal display panel, and at least one laminated optical device defined above and disposed on one of opposite surfaces of the liquid-crystal display panel.

Abstract: The structure and construction of a bistable twisted nematic liquid crystal display with very long lifetime are disclosed. The two stable twist states in this display when no voltage is applied have almost infinite lifetimes and do not decay. These two stable twist states differ by a twist angle of 180°. New design conditions of this bistable twist structure are disclosed such that the contrast and the brightness are both optimized. This display can be operated in transmittive mode with two polarizes or in the reflective mode with one polarizer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second substrate, plural reflective electrodes arranged on a surface of the first substrate on a liquid crystal layer side thereof, each of the reflective electrodes being adapted to be supplied with a video signal; and plural light-blocking conductive films disposed below the reflective electrodes with an insulating layer interposed between the light-blocking films and the reflective electrodes. Each of the light-blocking films is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the reflective electrodes, and is disposed to cover at least a portion of spacings between the corresponding one of the reflective electrodes and ones of the reflective electrodes adjacent thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reflective liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus including a glass substrate 53, a transparent electrode 55 arranged on the glass substrate, a glass substrate 40, a thin film transistor (TFT) 44 arranged on the glass substrate 40, an insulation film 45 arranged on the TFT 44 and having a convex/concave structure 45a on its surface, a reflection electrode 48 arranged along the convex/concave structure 45a and connected to the TFT 44, and a liquid crystal layer 56 sandwiched between the transparent electrode 55 and the reflection electrode 48. The insulation film 48 protects the TFT transistor 44 after being formed and has the convex/concave structure 45a formed irregular arrangement of regions having different film thickness values. Thus, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the switching element during the production as well as to reduce the number of production steps.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) that minimizes moiré phenomenon to prevent display performance degradation in the LCD is provided. The present invention also minimizes loss of the light supplied to a LCD panel and achieves high luminance with low power consumption. When a light transforming unit for uniformly forming light distribution of light supplied from a light source is overlapped with a reflective electrode of the reflective type LCD, the moiré is generated. The more and light leakage generated in the light transforming unit are prevented by changing in a structure of the light transforming unit. Therefore, a display operation of the reflective type LCD operates normally even in a dark place.

Abstract: Between a substrate comprising reflective display electrodes each including a flat portion, a slope portion, and a base portion, and TFTs, and an opposing substrate on which a color filter and an opposing electrode is accumulated, and on the side of viewer, a light diffuser layer having the haze value of 33%, a retardation film, and a polarization film are provided, liquid crystal is disposed. The angle of inclination (angle of elevation) of the slope portion with regard to the base portion is greater than 0° and 8° or less. With this structure, it is possible to provide a reflective LCD capable of achieving increased luminance in each display pixel and of providing bright display over a wide range of viewing angles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-crystal display device comprising a display cell and a plurality of retardation foils of polymerized or vitrified liquid-crystal material, whose liquid-crystal molecules have a tilt angle with respect to a plane parallel to the substrates, which retardation foils have substantially complementary indicatrices so that each one of the retardation foils brings about the compensation of approximately half the display cell in the driven state.

Abstract: Provided is a projection type liquid crystal display apparatus, which can improve black-level display and thus can display a higher-contrast image as compared to the related art. An optical compensator is located on the light exit side with respect to the liquid crystal display device so as to compensate for the optical phase difference caused by liquid crystal molecules in a light-entry-side region of the liquid crystal layer. As the optical compensator is located on the light exit side with respect to the liquid crystal display device, birefringence, caused by the liquid crystal molecules present in the light-entry-side region, is compensated for without being influenced by a microlenses provided in the liquid crystal plane. Consequently, the apparatus can improve the black-level display and thus can display a higher-contrast image as compared to the related art.

Abstract: Adhesive layers are formed on the two opposing surfaces of a transparent support. At least one of the adhesive layers is made of a material of which the cured state changes by application of external force, such as a photocurable resin. A separator on the adhesive layer is peeled off, and the adhesive layer is irradiated with light. A lens sheet is then pressed against the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is cured to a degree of hardness with which the adhesion state between lens sheet and the adhesive layer no more changes. In this way, a laminate film of the lens sheet fixed to the transparent support via the adhesive layer is obtained. The laminate film is bonded to a polarizing plate on the viewer's side of a liquid crystal display element via the other adhesive layer.

Abstract: A multi-domain liquid crystal display and method of fabricating the same is disclosed in the present invention. More specifically, a liquid crystal display includes first and second substrates, a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, wherein the liquid crystal layer has a twist angle in a range of 1 to 89 degrees, and an optical plate between the liquid crystal layer and the second substrate, wherein the optical plate has an optical axis horizontal to the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device which can enhance the numerical aperture of pixel regions. On one substrate, pixel regions which are surrounded by a plurality of gate signal lines and a plurality of drain signal lines are provided. Each pixel region has a switching element which is connected to the gate signal line, a pixel electrode to which a video signal is supplied from the drain signal line through the switching element, and a counter electrode. The counter electrodes are formed below a plurality of insulation layers. Counter voltage signal lines are formed over the plurality of insulation layers, form a matrix pattern such that the counter voltage signal lines cover the gate signal lines and the drain signal lines, and have portions thereof electrically connected to the counter electrodes via at least one through holes formed in the plurality of insulation layers.

Abstract: In the typical IPS-LCD device with a wide viewing angle, since the metallic black matrix of the upper substrate affect the voltage between the common and pixel electrodes, the black matrix is made of resin and cannot be formed with a bent portion because of the limits of the processing technology. Therefore, the typical IPS-LCD device has a limit for effective realization and a low aperture ratio. In the disclosed IPS-LCD device, since one of the common electrodes is formed to cover the data line and operate as the black matrix, the black matrix of the upper substrate can be made of resin and the driving voltage can be reduced. Therefore, actually, the multi-domain IPS-LCD device can be fabricated without the increase of driving voltage and decrease of aperture ratio. Furthermore, since the common and pixel electrodes are formed on the same layer, the aperture ratio can be improved and the problems such as residual images or flicker can be solved.

Abstract: The invention provides a reflection type liquid crystal device, and a projection type display and electronic equipment in which display defects caused by disclination are reduced, minimized or prevented from being produced for a highly fine liquid crystal display with a space between pixels made to be narrow to make it possible to provide a high-contrast and bright display. A liquid crystal device includes a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate, and a first electrode and a second electrode formed on a face of the above-described second substrate on a side of the above-described liquid crystal layer. The above-described first electrode and the above-described second electrode are formed so that an electric field substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate with respect to the above-described liquid crystal layer can be applied thereto.

Abstract: A structure for an IPS LCD device, includes a plurality of common electrodes disposed over a pixel region of a substrate, a common line coupled with the plurality of common electrodes, a plurality of pixel electrodes on the pixel region, the plurality of pixel electrodes and common electrodes being arranged in an alternating manner with a predetermined interval between adjacent common and pixel electrodes, and a first pixel connecting line coupled with the plurality of pixel electrodes and overlapping the common line, wherein a first corner portion where one of the pixel electrodes meets the first pixel connecting line is slanted with respect to that pixel electrode.

Abstract: A bistable nematic liquid crystal device is addressed by application of a row waveform to successive row electrodes of an x, y matrix of pixels whilst one of two data waveforms are applied to each column electrode. The row waveform has a period of two or more time slots (ts), with two dc pulses of opposite amplitude for causing a switching to a dark state, and two dc pulses of opposite amplitude for causing a switching to a light state. The data waveforms have the same period as the strobe with dc pulses of opposite amplitude and combine with the strobe pulses to switch the device. The device can be addressed in two field periods, one field switching to a dark state, the other field switching to a light state. Alternatively, the device can be blanked to the dark state then selectively switched to the light state. When blanking is used, the row waveform has blanking de pulses placed a short time before selective switching to reduce overall addressing time.

Abstract: Liquid crystal material is introduced into a liquid crystal panel having upper and lower substrates and a seal pattern having an injection port at a peripheral portion thereof including, preparing an open portion that elongates from the injection port to a side of the lower substrate. The liquid crystal material is in a tray having a protruded portion corresponding in shape to the open portion. The protruded portion of the tray is inserted into the injection port, so that the liquid crystal material in the tray can be injected into the panel through the protruded portion and the injection port. After the injection process, there is no need to clean the panel, because liquid crystal material does not contaminate the outside of the panel.

Abstract: Method for fabricating an LCD having the liquid crystal dropping method applied thereto, including providing a first substrate and a second substrate having seals formed thereon, loading the first and second substrates into a bonding chamber, bonding the first and second substrates, setting the bonded first and second substrates, venting the bonding chamber for applying a pressure to the first and second substrates, and unloading the first and second substrates having the pressure applied thereto.

Abstract: A digital projector that projects moving images from a data stream also generates black intervals selected to induce a stroboscopic effect in a viewer's eye. The black signals are interspaced with the images in a manner so as to simulate the operation of a standard movie projector thereby insuring that the effects of temporal and spatial artefacts normally associated with digital projectors are reduced.

Abstract: An air conditioner arranged in a machine chamber supplies gas for air conditioning into an exposure chamber via a supply path, and performs air conditioning of the exposure chamber. Then, the gas for air conditioning that has performed air conditioning returns to the machine chamber via an exhaust path. A chemical filter is provided in part of the exhaust path returning to the machine chamber from the exposure chamber. This filter securely removes contaminants that are introduced by outgassing and the like in an exposure apparatus main body and that are contained in the gas for air conditioning returning to the machine chamber from the exposure chamber. Accordingly, the inside of the exposure chamber can be kept chemically clean. Therefore, highly accurate exposure quantity control and thus highly accurate exposure can be performed for a long period of time, and high throughput can be maintained for a long period of time.

Abstract: A quality assurance system for retail photofinishing includes a communication network; a retail photofinishing site including photofinishing equipment, a client computer connected to the communication network, and a process monitoring device connected to the computer; and a server located at a service center and connected to the communication network.

Abstract: An exposure method and an exposure apparatus in which one or more plural sample shot processes are made to a substrate and an exposure process is made to the substrate after completion of the sample shot process or processes. The procedure includes a first determining step for determining the processing order in a first sample shot process, of the plural sample shot processes, and a second determining step for determining the processing order in a second sample shot process to be made after the first sample shot process. In at least one of the first and second determining steps, the determination is made under a condition that an interval between a shot to be processed last in the first sample shot process and a shot to be processed first in the second sample shot process is shortened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposing a radiation-sensitive material of a microlithographic substrate to a selected radiation. The method can include directing the radiation along a radiation path in a first direction toward a reticle, passing the radiation from the reticle and to the microlithographic substrate along the radiation path in a second direction, and moving the reticle relative to the radiation path along a reticle path generally normal to the first direction. The microlithographic substrate can move relative to the radiation path along a substrate path having a first component generally parallel to the second direction, and a second component generally perpendicular to the second direction. The microlithographic substrate can move generally parallel to and generally perpendicular to the second direction in a periodic manner while the reticle moves along the reticle path to change a relative position of a focal plane of the radiation.

Abstract: A system and method for improving line width control in a lithography device are presented. Electromagnetic energy is emitted from an illumination source and passed through illumination optics. The illumination optics include a partial coherence adjuster having a first and second optical element. The first optical element is used for changing the partial coherence of incident electromagnetic energy in a predetermined manner to compensate for horizontal and vertical line biases of the lithography device. The second optical element is used for changing the angular distribution of electromagnetic energy incident upon the first optical element. Together, the two optical elements are used to vary the partial coherence of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the illumination source, as a function of illumination field position, and improve line width control. Adjustment of the second optical element allows for correction of time-dependant line width variances.

Abstract: A projection exposure system, in particular for microlithography, serves for the generation of an image in an image plane of an object arranged in an object plane. The system comprises a light source that emits a projection light bundle. The system also comprises a projection optics arranged in the optical path between the object plane and the image plane as well as at least one optical correction component arranged in the projection light optical path in front of the image plane. In order to change the optical image properties this component is coupled to at least one correction manipulator so that an optical surface of the optical correction component illuminated by the projection light bundle is moved at least regionally. In this connection the correction manipulator operates together with a correction sensor device. The correction sensor device comprises a light source that emits at least one measuring light bundle.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for management of reaction loads in a lithography system is described. An isolated structure is supported by a non-isolated structure. The isolated structure supports a moveable stage. A linear motor includes a first linear motor element and a second linear motor element. The first linear motor element is coupled to the moveable stage. A plurality of parallel flexure plates mount the second linear motor element on the isolated structure. A flexure rod is coupled between the non-isolated structure and the second linear motor element.

Abstract: Full-contact exposure device that allows high adherence of a photo mask with a board. Upon completion of prescribed processing, a controller controls a moving mechanism to move a platen upward, thereby moving the photo mask and a board closer, and to stop at a position where a sealed space is formed between the two. At the same time a controller starts vacuuming by controlling a vacuum pump. By this vacuum pressure in the space between the photo mask and the board becomes negative, and the photo mask bends downward with its center area sagging and contacting the board. The controller controls a cam drive mechanism to rotate cams while vacuuming, allowing the photo mask to gradually make contact with the board from the center area to its periphery while pushing out the air gradually from the center to the periphery, thereby completing full contact with the board.

Abstract: A thermal development apparatus for developing a thermal development film, having a heating section, which has at least a partially cylindrical surface for transporting and heating the film and plural parallel pressing rollers to press the film onto the cylindrical surface. When “P” denotes the pitch with which the pressing rollers are provided, and “l” denotes the shortest distance between the leading or trailing edge of the effective image area and the leading or the trailing edge of the film, the relationship of l>P is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention is a flow cytometry-based hematology system useful in the analysis of biological samples, particularly whole blood or blood-derived samples. The system is capable of determining at least a complete blood count (CBC), a five-part white blood cell differential, and a reticulocyte count from a whole blood sample. The system preferably uses a laser diode that emits a thin beam to illuminate cells in a flow cell and a lensless optical detection system to measure one or more of axial light loss, low-angle forward scattered light, high-angle forward scattered light, right angle scattered light, and time-of-flight measurements produced by the cells. The lensless optical detection system contains no optical components, other than photoreactive elements, and does not include any moving parts. Finally, the system uses a unique system of consumable reagent tubes that act as reaction chambers, mixing chambers, and waste chambers for the blood sample analyses.

Abstract: A device for detecting the pattern of polynucleic acid hybridization to a surface, the device includes (a) a positioning device for receiving a nucleic acid chip and keeping the chip in a sampling position, the nucleic acid chip being an object with a flat sample surface and an opposed surface that is joined to the sample surface by a thickness, with the sample surface having sequences of nucleic acids immobilized thereto, with each sequence being immobilized to a particular chip address. And, (b) an electronic light detector array, the detector array comprising detector pixels, the detector pixels being sensors located at particular detector pixel addresses, wherein the sampling position places the sample surface of the chip at a well-defined position relative to the electronic light detector array so that light leaving a chip address is substantially directed onto at least one detector pixel with an address that is correlated to the chip address.

Abstract: System for monitoring high-tension cables in air stretches as well as a use of the same. The system comprises at least one optic fiber fastened to the high tension cable, the optic fiber including at least one Bragg grating with known reflection characteristics, a light source for emitting light within a known range of wavelengths into the optic fiber, and measuring devices for detection of light reflected from the Bragg grating in the fiber and for recognizing light reflected from each Bragg grating based on their known reflection characteristics.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus has been developed for testing optical circuit modules. More particularly, with the present invention, a given test pack is adapted to “simultaneously” test a plurality of DUT's, by simultaneously apply a given optical signal to each of the plurality of DUT's and allowing each of the DUT's to simultaneously undergo its own testing; the test pack then serially queries each of the DUT's to obtain test results and, if desired, can provide feedback to one or more of the DUT's, whereby the DUT's can be calibrated with the assistance of the test pack. In one preferred form of the invention, all of the plurality of DUT's simultaneously undergoing testing on a given test pack are housed in a single environmental enclosure, permitting all of the DUT's to be simultaneously brought “up to temperature” so as to increase testing throughput.

Abstract: A three-dimensional laser beam detection device. The three-dimensional laser beam detection device has a portion fixed to a laser source such as an optical head, an adjusting device provided on the fixed portion, and a laser beam detection portion coupled to the adjusting device. The adjusting device has a first table movably coupled to the fixed portion in a first direction, and a first adjusting portion coupled to the first table for moving the first table relatively to the fixed portion in the first direction. The first adjusting portion is formed within the adjusting device. The laser beam detection portion has a detector to detect the laser beam radiating from the laser source. The fixed portion has a fixed relative position to the laser source, and the detector is adjustable in relation to the laser source by performing adjustment with the adjusting device.

Abstract: A device for aligning two machine shafts which are coupled to one another has: at least one laser light source for emitting laser light; at least one reflector for reflecting the laser light; at least one receiving device for receiving the laser light; a first arithmetic computing device for determining parallel and angular offset of the machine shafts; and an evaluation and arithmetic computing device for determining the distance of the machine mounting elements relative to the plane of symmetry which lies between the machine shafts. The plane of symmetry intersects the axes of the machine shafts essentially perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the shafts, i.e. with an angular error of less than 6°.

Abstract: A range selection circuit (13), including a logarithmic amplifier (23) and output circuitry (25) associated therewith, is configured to directly drive linear ranging circuitry for measurement circuitry (12) in an optical power meter (10) to measure signals that vary over a wide range of, for example, from about −7 dB to about −45 dB. This allows the optical power meter to change ranges as fast as one (1) times the hardware settling time. The range selection circuitry is in parallel with the measurement circuitry, which allows ranging to happen in real time.

Abstract: An analyzing probe for insertion into numerous different environments to determine at least one characteristic of particulate matter suspended in a fluid stream of a test sample. Preferably, the analyzing probe includes a minimal amount of optical elements such as lenses that are subjected to the conditions of the environment of the fluid stream to be tested. Further, the analyzing probe is preferably designed so that it can be readily manufactured, operated and installed by relatively unskilled laborers.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for real-time determination of a solid sample composition as a function of the depth within the sample. The process comprises: forming a glow discharge (16) of atoms sputtered from an exposed area (17) of the sample (13) and analysing the glow discharge by optical emission spectroscopy; measuring the distance between said exposed area (17) and a fixed reference surface (12a) and determining from the measured distance the depth of the exposed area within the sample; and correlating the determined depth of the exposed area with the glow discharge analysis. Application to material analysis.

Abstract: A particle detection system exhibits an increased ability to detect the presence of submicron diameter particles and to distinguish between noise and pulse output signals generated by small diameter particles on which a light beam is incident. This increased ability results from the incorporation of a light reflector, a pair of detector elements that detect correlated portions of the light beam that have been scattered in multiple directions, and a coincidence circuit that determines whether each detector element in the pair concurrently generates a pulse output signal exceeding a predetermined threshold. Sample particles are counted only when both detector elements concurrently detect scattered light components.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a system and method for mitigating errors in SE data in order to determine changes in a polarization state of a source beam after interaction with a specimen. The system includes a light source for directing a source beam to a focusing optical element, a polarization system comprising a diffractive optical element or a wire grid polarizer, located between the focusing optical element and the specimen such that the source beam is polarized after being reflected from the focusing optical element. The polarized source beam is transmitted to the specimen. Changes in polarization state of the beam created by interaction with the sample are monitored to characterize the sample.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a polarization measuring device comprises a light source, a reticle positioned below the light source, an opaque frame having a single aperture, the opaque frame positioned below the reticle, a lens positioned below the opaque frame, and a wafer having photoresist on its surface. The aperture of the frame allows no more than a first light ray to pass from the light source through the reticle and the lens onto a first surface point on the photoresist. The aperture of the frame also allows no more than a second light ray to pass from the light source through the reticle and the lens onto a second surface point on the photoresist. The degree of polarization of the light source can be determined from the first amount of light absorbed at the first surface point and the second amount of light absorbed at the second surface point.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for evaluating nitrogen levels in thin gate dielectric layers formed on semiconductor samples. In one embodiment, a tool is disclosed which includes both a narrow band ellipsometer and a broadband spectrometer for measuring the sample. The narrowband ellipsometer provides very accurate information about the thickness of the thin film layer while the broadband spectrometer contains information about the nitrogen levels. In another aspect of the subject invention, a thermal and/or plasma wave detection system is used to provide information about the nitrogen levels and nitration processes.

Abstract: A method of determining an adjusted color to be used for computing colorants for printing on a specified substrate, comprising: specifying an apparent color; estimating diffuse reflection from an outside surface of colorants when printed on the specified substrate; and adjusting the specified color for the effects of the estimated diffuse reflection to determine a color to be used for computing the colorants.

Abstract: A colorimeter for measuring a color of light includes a color sensing device, a hanging means, and a means for reducing color distortion. The hanging means hangs the color sensing device in an operative relationship relative to a color producing device. The means for reducing color distortion reduces color distortion on the color producing device while the color sensing device is in the operative relationship relative to the color producing device.

Abstract: An optical detection device for use in a color sorting apparatus for granular objects includes a CCD linear sensor. The CCD linear sensor comprises a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in one row each of which is capable of detecting red, green and blue wavelengths. The CCD linear sensor receives light from a granular object and a background which are irradiated by a red light source, a green light source and a blue light source. The red, green and blue light sources are switched over while the granular object is passing within an optical detection area. The CCD linear sensor receives light from the granular object in synchronization with the above switching operation of the light sources.

Abstract: A device detects properties of a textile in appliances for treating textiles is provided. The device is fitted into the appliance. Examples of appliances with which the device can be used include washing machines, laundry dryers, spin dryers, machines for dry cleaning, and machines for dying textiles. The device includes sending element and a receiving element respectively for sending and receiving electromagnetic radiation. The receiving element is connected to an evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit evaluates the radiation reflected and/or transmitted by the textile to render properties and composition of the textile and filling level of the appliance.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet-material foreign-matter detecting method and apparatus capable of securely detecting foreign matter attached to a sheet material. That is, the foreign matter attached to the sheet material is detected by applying light emitted from a light source to a sheet material, by picking up a light-source image reflected to the surface of the sheet material by image pickup means, and by judging a difference between brightnesses of a reflected image due to a difference between reflectances of the sheet material and the foreign matter.

Abstract: A device and method of detecting surface plasmon resonance for sensing molecules or conformational changes in molecules with high resolution and fast response time is disclosed. Light from a light source (14) is focused through a prism onto a metal thin film (15) on which sample molecules to be detected are adsorbed. The total internal reflection of the laser/incident light is collected with a differential position or intensity sensitive photo-detecting device instead of a single cell or an array of photo-detectors (12) that are widely used in previous works. The ratio of the differential signal to the sum signal of the differential position or intensity sensitive photo-detecting device (12) provides an accurate measurement of the shift in the surface plasmon resonance angle caused by the adsorption of molecules onto the metal films (15) or by conformational changes in the adsorbed molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical interferometer based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer that can be used as an optical channel interleaver in wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) and dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) optical networks. Optical channel interleavers/de-interleavers combine sets of WDM and DWDM channels for transmission over a network and/or separate WDM and DWDM signals into sets of channels with more convenient channel spacing for further de-multiplexing. The interferometer according to the present invention utilizes a ring resonator in each arm thereof as a phase shifter to provide a flat-top wavelength response with wide pass-bands and stop-bands.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting wavelength change of a first light signal comprises an amplitude splitting interferometer and a detector. The amplitude splitting interferometer comprises first and second optical paths. The first optical path has a first index of refraction that varies with wavelength over a first wavelength band. The second optical path has a second index of refraction that is relatively constant over the first wavelength band. In operation the first light signal enters and exits the amplitude splitting interferometer forming interference light. The interference light couples to the detector which detects the wavelength change of the first light signal from the interference light. An interferometer comprises a first beam splitter, third and fourth optical paths, and a second beam splitter. The third optical path is optically coupled to the first beam splitter and has a third index of refraction that varies with wavelength over a second wavelength band.

Abstract: An optical spectrometer uses a tapered Fabry-Perot type variable optical filter in conjunction with an optical detector array. The filter can be a long-pass, short-pass, or narrow bandpass filter. The stability of the variable optical filter allows high resolution, depending on the number and spacing of the detectors used. In a further embodiment, signal-processing techniques are used to enhance the resolution of the spectrometer beyond the measured response.

Abstract: A semiconductor ring laser gyro comprising two or more ring lasers, the ring lasers being optically independent of each other, is characterized in that a change in beat frequency with respect to a change in angular velocity of a first ring laser is opposite to that of a second ring laser, and angular velocity of rotation of the gyro is detected by a signal representing a difference between a first beat frequency generated by the first ring laser and a second beat frequency generated by the second ring laser.