Abstract: In an undulator magnet array, an upper magnet array is formed by coupling an upper shift magnet array and an upper reference magnet array, and a lower magnet array is formed by coupling a lower reference magnet array and lower shift magnet array arranged so as to face the magnet arrays. With reference to a state where the amplitudes of periodic magnetic fields that can be formed by the upper magnet array and the lower magnet array are maximized, the upper shift magnet array is shifted ¼ of a period to the left as seen from the lower reference magnet array and the lower shift magnet array is shifted ¼ of a period to the left as seen from the upper reference magnet array.

Abstract: To reduce impurity contents of carbon and oxygen not contributing to light emission, then suppress deterioration of emission intensity of a phosphor, and improve emission efficiency of this phosphor. Therefore, there is provided a firing method of nitride or oxynitride phosphors, wherein a crucible 11 made of nitride is used as a firing container, and firing is performed, with this crucible covered with a lid (container 10), to manufacture the phosphor. The phosphor is expressed by a general composition formula MABOoN3-2/3O:Z in which element M is one or more kinds of elements having bivalent valency, element A is one or more kinds of elements having tervalent valency, element B is one or more kinds of elements having tetravalent valency, O is oxygen, N is nitrogen, and element Z is an activating agent, satisfying o?0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of and apparatus for forming a magnetic structure on a substrate and a magnetic structure formed by such a process and apparatus. The magnetic structure comprises a matrix in which magnetic particles are embedded. The apparatus for forming the magnetic structure on the substrate comprises a source of matrix deposits the matrix material onto the substrate to form the matrix, and comprises a source of magnetic particles which deposit the magnetic particles onto the matrix as the matrix forms to embed the magnetic particles in the matrix. Each magnetic particle comprises a core covered with a layer of metal, at least one of the matrix material and the core is of ferromagnetic material and the core and the layer of metal are of different materials.

Abstract: A magnetic field may be applied to a plasmon path to affect plasmon propagation.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer. The reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer includes a first optical equalizer to precompensate a received optical signal for optical filtering effects to produce a first compensated optical signal. A first interleaver, coupled to the first optical equalizer, separates the first compensated optical signal into an odd optical signal and an even optical signal. A plurality of wavelength selective switches processes the odd optical signal and the even optical signal. A second interleaver, combines the odd optical signal and the even optical signal to produce a combined optical signal. A second optical equalizer, coupled to the second interleaver, postcompensates the combined optical signal for optical filtering effects to produce an output optical signal.

Abstract: A magnetic field may be applied to a plasmon path to affect plasmon propagation.

Abstract: The device includes two supports and a primary conductive strip. The primary conductive strip includes a neutral surface, a first side, and a second side. The primary conductive strip is connected one of directly and indirectly on the first side to the two supports such that the primary conductive strip is constrained in two dimensions and movable in one dimension. The device also includes a primary distributed feedback fiber laser. The primary distributed feedback fiber laser includes a fiber axis. The primary distributed feedback fiber laser is connected to the primary conductive strip along one of the first side and the second side such that there is a positive distance between the neutral surface of the primary conductive strip and the fiber axis of the primary distributed feedback fiber laser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid material comprising an immobilized mixture of two or more proteorhodopsins, two or more bacteriorhodopsins, or one or more bacteriorhodopsin and one or more proteorhodopsins. The proteorhodopsins are selected from the group consisting of all-trans-retinal-containing proteorhodopsins and retinal analog-containing proteorhodopsins; all of which have absorption spectra that do not overlap. The bacteriorhodopsins are selected from the group consisting of all-trans-retinal-containing bacteriorhodopsins and retinal analog-containing bacteriorhodopsins; all of which have absorption spectra that do not overlap. The present invention also provides an optical information carrier, such as an optical data storage material and a fraud-proof optical data carrier, comprising the above-described solid material and a substrate selected from the group consisting of glass, paper, metal, fabric material, and plastic material, wherein said solid material is deposited on said substrate.

Abstract: An optical fiber electric current sensor includes a polarization-splitter (13) that splits light outputted from a sensor fiber (11) into two polarization planes of which polarization directions are perpendicular to each other, a depolarizer (17) that depolarizes each of the polarization components from the polarization-splitter (13), light receiving element that converts the two lights that were depolarized by the depolarizer (17) to a first signal (S1) and a second signal (S2) respectively, and a signal processing unit (15) that, based on the first signal (S1) and the second signal (S2), determines the magnitude of a Faraday rotation applied to the linearly-polarized light, and thereby calculates a value of the current to be measured.

Abstract: An active optical filter transmits or blocks light according to whether or not a magnetic field is applied, and functions as an optical filter transmitting light having a predetermined wavelength when light is transmitted according to a magnetic field. The active optical filter includes: an optical filter layer for transmitting or blocking light according to whether or not a magnetic field is applied; and a magnetic field applying unit surrounding the optical filter layer for applying a magnetic field to the optical filter layer. The optical filter layer has a multi-layer thin layer structure which is formed of two kinds of thin layers having different respective refractive indices and sequentially and periodically stacked on a substrate.

Abstract: An illuminator includes a light source that outputs light, a polarization separation device that separates the light outputted from the light source into polarization components of the first and second oscillation directions, the polarization components having mutually orthogonal polarizations, and a polarization conversion device that converts the polarization component of the second oscillation direction divided by the polarization separation device to the polarization component of the first oscillation direction. The polarization component of the first oscillation direction divided by the polarization separation device and the polarization component of the first oscillation direction converted by the polarization conversion device are incident on an incident surface of an illumination target from different directions from each other.

Abstract: A magnetic field may be applied to a plasmon path to affect plasmon propagation.

Abstract: A polarization controlling apparatus includes a permanent magnet itself or a permanent magnet to which a part capable of being magnetized is applied, an electromagnet capable of changing the magnitude of a magnetic field to be generated thereby, and a Faraday rotation effect element. The Faraday rotation effect element is disposed at a position at which an interaction magnetic field acts on the Faraday rotation effect element. The interaction magnetic field is produced by an interaction between a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet and a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet. The Faraday rotation effect element thereby produces a Faraday rotation effect on inputted light. The magnitude of the interaction magnetic field in the Faraday rotation effect element is varied by a magnetic field component generated by the electromagnet to vary the amount of the Faraday rotation effect to be had on the inputted light.

Abstract: A reflective magnetic display includes a magnetic material layer region formed between front and rear substrates, wherein the magnetic material layer region has magnetic particles that reflect or absorb incident light when magnetic moments are randomly oriented and reflect or transmit the incident light in, accordance with polarization of the incident light, when the magnetic moments are aligned in a direction and an electrode that is designed to apply a magnetic field inducing a magnetic moment alignment on the magnetic material layer region in accordance with electrical operation.

Abstract: A polarization controller includes a phase retarder having a rotation about an {1,0,0} axis that receives an optical signal from a waveguide structure. At least one nanoelectromechanical dielectric perturber produces ±45° birefringent axes by placing the at least one nanoelectromechanical dielectric perturber at selective positions around the phase retarder to produce dynamic change in the effective index in one of the modes existent in an extraordinary axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magneto-optical component, such as a variable light attenuator, light modulator or optical switch, having small size, low power consumption and high speed. The magneto-optical component comprises at least one Faraday rotator comprising a magnetic domain A with magnetization in a direction perpendicular to a light incident/exit surface, a magnetic domain B with magnetization in a direction opposite to the magnetization direction of the magnetic domain A, a planar magnetic domain wall as a boundary between the magnetic domain A and the magnetic domain B, and two light transmission regions through which a plurality of light beams comprising identical traveling directions are transmitted respectively and whose distances from the magnetic domain wall are almost equal to each other, and a magnetic field application system for applying a variable magnetic field to the Faraday rotator to make a position of the magnetic domain wall variable.

Abstract: Methods for optical isolation in high peak power fiber-optic systems prevent damage to a facet within a fiber-optic isolator caused by back-reflected light from, for example, an optical amplifier. Preventing damage to the facet may include expanding a mode area of the back-reflected light and/or reducing a change in refractive index.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator comprising a separation/combination birefringent element, fixed polarization rotation means, a convex lens, variable polarization rotation means, and a mirror which are arranged in that order. The fixed polarization rotation means has a compensation film Faraday element placed in a cylindrical permanent magnet, and the variable polarization rotation means has a base film Faraday element that is placed outside the cylindrical permanent magnet, and an electromagnet applying a variable magnetic field thereto. Thereby, both the Faraday elements are magnetized in directions different from each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optical isolation in high peak power fiber-optic systems prevent damage to a facet within a fiber-optic isolator caused by back-reflected light from, for example, an optical amplifier. Preventing damage to the facet may include expanding a mode area of the back-reflected light and/or reducing a change in refractive index.

Abstract: A polarization controlling apparatus is disclosed, which enhances the degree of freedom in apparatus design. The polarization controlling apparatus includes a permanent magnet itself or a permanent magnet to which a part capable of being magnetized is applied, an electromagnet capable of changing the magnitude of a magnetic field to be generated thereby, and a Faraday rotation effect element, disposed at a position at which an interaction magnetic field produced by an interaction between a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet and a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet acts, for producing a Faraday rotation effect on inputted light by means of the interaction magnetic field. The magnitude of the interaction magnetic field in the Faraday rotation effect element is varied by a magnetic field component generated by the electromagnet to vary the amount of the Faraday rotation effect to be had on the inputted light.

Abstract: It is possible to reduce the size of a magneto-optical device, increase the speed of optical control, simplify power supply structure and its control, and maintain a Faraday rotation angle in an arbitrary state even after shut-off of the excitation current. The magneto-optical device includes a magnetic yoke (10) made of a high-permeability magnetic material, the magnetic yoke including a tabular portion (16) and four pillar portions (18) protruding from one side of the tabular portion (16), a coil (12) wound on each of the pillar portions, and a magneto-optical element (14) arranged in an open-magnetic-circuit region surrounded by the end portions of the four pillar portions. A magnetic field obtained by a coil is applied to the magneto-optical element.

Abstract: A Faraday rotator for a Faraday isolator with an input polarizer, with an output polarizer, with a roller-shaped optical crystal that is arranged therebetween and that is arranged symmetrical to its axis of symmetry, with a right hollow cylinder that surrounds this and has a hollow space made of a permanent magnetic material, which cylinder is axially magnetized and the magnetic field of which extends in the hollow space approximately parallel to the axis of symmetry that runs in only one direction from the north pole to the south pole, and with terminal magnets attached to each of the two end faces in the plane perpendicular to the y- and z-directions of the axis of symmetry, each of which is embodied as a hollow right cylinder and has a through-aperture in the extension of the axis of symmetry, is characterized in that each terminal magnet is largely radially magnetized with regard to the axis of symmetry at least by region, in that the one of the two terminal magnets is magnetized radially from interior to

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method and apparatus for polarizing electromagnetic radiation is provided. The electromagnetic radiation may be divided into first and second portions, substantially all of the first portion may be linearly polarized in a first direction and substantially all of the second portion may be linearly polarized in a second direction, the first direction being substantially orthogonal to the second direction. The linear polarization of at least one of the first and second portions may be changed such that substantially all of both of the first and second portions are linearly polarized in a third direction. At least one of the first and second portions may be redirected such that substantially all of both the first and second portions are propagating in a fourth direction.

Abstract: In a variable optical delay circuit to be used for compensation for polarization mode dispersion of an optical signal and for other purposes, there are provided a first birefringent member, a second birefringent member and a variable optical rotator interposed between the first birefringent member and the second birefringent member for varying a polarization state of light outputted from the first birefringent member. The birefringent members and the variable optical rotator are disposed on the same optical axis, and the optical axis of each of the birefringent members is set to perpendicularly intersect a traveling direction of inputted light. Therefore, by varying the optical rotation angle of the variable optical rotator, an arbitrary delay quantity corresponding thereto is obtainable in a continuous (analog-like) fashion without undergoing spatial separation between polarization components of the inputted light and varying the intensity (loss) of each of the polarization components.

Abstract: A variable optical filter comprises a first polarizer, a first phase difference element operable to generate a phase difference, a variable Faraday rotator operable to impart a variable Faraday rotation, a second phase difference element operable to generate a phase difference, and a second polarizer, wherein said polarizers, said variable Faraday rotator, and said phase difference elements are arranged in the mentioned order along the optical axis, and wherein when the angles formed by the optic axes of said first and second phase difference elements and the transmitted polarization azimuth of the first polarizer are assumed respectively to be ?1 and ?2, these ?1 and ?2 are set to different angles.

Abstract: A reflection-type variable optical attenuator comprises: a main attenuator unit including a first birefringent crystal plate, a Faraday rotational angle varying unit, and a second birefringent crystal plate arranged in this order; an input port and an output port that are arranged on a side of one end of the main attenuator unit; and a two-point reflection-type optical path varying reflector that is arranged on a side of the other end of the main attenuator unit. Light that comes in from the input port makes a round trip in the main attenuator unit and goes out through the output port.

Abstract: Optical devices including a Faraday rotation devices improved in wavelength and temperature characteristics and an optical attenuator reduced in wavelength dependence and temperature-dependent loss. The Faraday rotation device has permanent magnets magnetized in an axial direction of through-holes, and Faraday elements having a same Faraday rotation direction with respect to a same magnetization direction. The permanent magnets are directed in the same magnetization direction along an optical path, where part of the Faraday elements are accommodated in the through-hole of the permanent magnet, and the remaining Faraday elements are arranged between the magnets, whereby the Faraday elements are to be applied by magnetic fields in opposite directions. For a device variable in Faraday rotation angle, an electromagnet is provided. An input fiber collimator and polarizer are provided on an input side of with the Faraday elements while an analyzer and output fiber collimator are on an output side.

Abstract: The invention provides small-sized, power-saving and easily-producible magneto-optical devices. The magneto-optical device comprises a Faraday rotator having nearly parallel surfaces and a Z-direction magnetic easy axis; a total reflection film formed partly on one surface of the Faraday rotator; another total reflection film formed partly on the other surface thereof; a light input region through which light enters the Faraday rotator; a light output region through which the light having alternately reflected on the total reflection films goes out of the Faraday rotator; a permanent magnet that forms a predetermined magnetic domain structure in the Faraday rotator and applies a magnetic field component in the Z-direction to the Faraday rotator so that the magnetization direction could be the same both in the light input region and the light output region; and an electromagnet that varies the position at which the magnetic field component applied to the Faraday rotator is 0 (zero).

Abstract: A device and method for optical isolation for use in optical systems is disclosed. The device provides for a waveguide optical isolator fabricated using two arms, made of optical waveguides comprising magneto-optical material, in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration. The device of the present invention operates using the TM mode of a light wave and, thus, does not require phase-matching of TM and TE modes. Further, the present invention does not use polarizers to extinguish the optical feed-back.

Abstract: The integrated magneto-optical modulator with optical isolator of the present invention comprises an optical isolator unit, a magneto-optical modulator unit, an impedance adjuster. The optical isolator unit rotates a polarization of an incident light from a light source to transmit the light with rotated polarization, and eliminates a reflected feedback light toward the light source. The magneto-optical modulator unit modulates an intensity of the light from the optical isolator unit and transmitting the modulated light outside. The impedance adjuster adjusts electrical impedance at the magneto-optical modulator unit in order to effectively introduce the high-frequency signal for light modulation to the magneto-optical modulator unit. Further, the optical isolator unit and the magneto-optical modulator unit are contained a single package.

Abstract: The magneto-optic modulator rotates a polarization of a light incident to a magneto-optic device which causes Faraday effect under such a magnetic field arrangement that the RF magnetic field has a component perpendicular to a light propagation direction and the RF magnetic field is directed to more than ±30° from the bias magnetic field direction. The bias magnetic field generator may be a permanent magnet, while the RF magnetic field generator may be a strip line running along a waveguide for the incident light. The strip line is fed by an RF electric current signal. The light beam is modulated at a frequency as high as about 10 GHz. The modulation depth can be further improved by using an impedance transformer and magnetic core.

Abstract: An optical isolator comprising a combination of an optical isolator main body and a holder holding the optical isolator main body, the optical isolator main body including a Faraday rotator element, a polarizer and an analyzer disposed at the front and back of the Faraday rotator element, and permanent magnets disposed on the outside of the Faraday rotator element, the polarizer and the analyzer.

Abstract: Optical devices including a Faraday rotation devices improved in wavelength and temperature characteristics and an optical attenuator reduced in wavelength dependence and temperature-dependent loss. The Faraday rotation device has permanent magnets magnetized in an axial direction of through-holes, and Faraday elements having a same Faraday rotation direction with respect to a same magnetization direction. The permanent magnets are directed in the same magnetization direction along an optical path, where part of the Faraday elements are accommodated in the through-hole of the permanent magnet, and the remaining Faraday elements are arranged between the magnets, whereby the Faraday elements are to be applied by magnetic fields in opposite directions. For a device variable in Faraday rotation angle, an electromagnet is provided. An input fiber collimator and polarizer are provided on an input side of with the Faraday elements while an analyzer and output fiber collimator are on an output side.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes: a magnetic layer that is made of a magneto-optic material and includes a plurality of pixels in each of which a magnetization direction is independently set and each of which has a function of causing a rotation of a polarization direction of incident light depending on the magnetization direction by a magneto-optic effect; a plurality of first conductor layers and a plurality of second conductor layers arranged to intersect with each other at positions corresponding to the individual pixels, through which currents for generating magnetic fields to set the magnetization directions in the individual pixels are passed; and a plurality of dielectric layers for enhancing the function of the pixels. A polarization direction of light incident on the spatial light modulator is rotated depending on the magnetization direction of each pixel.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator is disclosed which comprises a plane-parallel birefringent element for separation/synthesis which separates light beams having orthogonal polarization directions on the same optical path, the birefringent element synthesizing light beams on different optical paths; a light converging lens disposed adjacent to the birefringent element for separation/synthesis; a reflecting mirror disposed at a focal point of the lens opposite to the birefringent element for separation/synthesis with respect to the lens; a variable polarization rotating device; and an input port and an output port which are disposed at the end of the birefringent element for separation/synthesis; the variable polarization rotating device being disposed at any position between the birefringent element for separation/synthesis and the reflecting mirror, the variable polarization rotating device controlling the rotational angle of the polarization direction of incident light beams from the input port, to thereby contr

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical module of an isolator structure including a semiconductor laser, a polarizer, and a Faraday rotator. The laser outputs a first linearly-polarized beam of a predetermined polarization mode. The polarizer is positioned to face an end of the laser, and its polarization axis is tilted at a 45° angle with respect to the polarization direction of the first beam. The Faraday rotator is disposed between the laser and the polarizer, and rotate the polarization direction of the first beam by 45° to substantially coincide with the polarization axis of the polarizer, and then output it to the polarizer, and to rotate a second beam from the polarizer by 45°, wherein the second beam has a polarization mode polarized perpendicular to the first beam, and then output it to the semiconductor laser.

Abstract: To provide a magneto-optic optical device, such as a variable optical attenuator, an optical modulator or an optical switch, that is small, has a low power consumption and has high speed. The above object is achieved by a magneto-optic optical device characterized by comprising at least one magneto-optical crystal, a magnetic field application mechanism for applying to the magneto-optical crystal a magnetic field component in a direction vertical to a light entrance/exit plane, and at least one electromagnet for changing a position where the magnetic field component applied to the magneto-optical crystal becomes zero.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes a device portion and a bias field applying coil disposed around the device portion. The device portion includes a magnetic layer and two types of conductor layers. The magnetic layer is made of a magneto-optic material and includes a plurality of pixels whose directions of magnetization are set independently of one another. Each of the pixels causes rotation of a direction of polarization of incident light depending on its direction of magnetization due to a magneto-optic effect. The conductor layers generate a magnetic field for setting the direction of magnetization of each of the pixels of the magnetic layer. Each of the pixels includes two regions which can take different states of magnetization. Information is produced by changing the states of magnetization in those regions.

Abstract: A Faraday rotator and an optical attenuator using the Faraday rotator in which both a fixed magnetic field parallel to and a valuable magnetic field perpendicular to the optical axis are applied to Faraday elements, said optical axis being in the <111> direction of single crystal of garnet, characterized in that three single crystals of garnet of substantially the same thickness having the Faraday effect are used to form Faraday elements and the Faraday elements are arranged in such a manner that a variable magnetic field is applied to one of the Faraday elements, over a range extending 5 deg. each to the left and right of the line connecting the (111) plane in the center of the stereographic projection chart with the (−1−12) plane on the outermost circumference or a plane equivalent thereto in the chart, whereas a variable magnetic field is applied to the remaining two elements, over a range extending 5 deg.

Abstract: An apparatus which attenuates a light signal polarized in a first direction. The apparatus includes a polarization rotation unit and an output unit. The polarization rotation unit rotates the polarization of the light signal to produce a polarization rotated light signal having a polarization component in the first direction and a polarization component in a second direction which is substantially 90 degrees with respect to the first direction. The output unit passes, as an output signal, the polarization component in the second direction of the polarization rotated light signal and blocks the polarization component in the first direction. The polarization rotation unit includes an electromagnet and a permanent magnet which apply magnetic fields in specific directions with respect to the light path. Various yoke constructions are provided for the electromagnet and the permanent magnet.

Abstract: There is provided a magneto-optic optical device, such as a variable optical attenuator, an optical modulator or an optical switch, which is small, has a low power consumption, and has a high speed. A magnetic field in the same direction as the traveling direction of a light beam is applied vertically to a light entrance/exit plane of a Faraday rotator by a permanent magnet, and a light transmission region is completely contained in, for example, a region of a magnetic domain A, and emits a light beam without attenuation. When power is applied to an electromagnet to cause a region of the magnetic domain A and a region of a magnetic domain B to substantially equally exist in the light transmission region, a Faraday rotation angle &thgr;f becomes 0°. When a further large current is made to flow to the electromagnet, the light transmission region is completely contained in the region of the magnetic domain B.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing is used to manufacture a magnet-free Faraday rotator having a square hysteresis loop, the Faraday rotator being formed of a bismuth-substituted rare earth iron garnet single crystal that has a compensation temperature in the range of 10 to 40° C. and is grown on a non-magnetic garnet substrate by a liquid phase epitaxy. The method comprising the steps of placing the bismuth-substituted rare earth iron garnet single crystal film in an environment of a temperature at least 20° C. away from the compensation temperature; and applying an external magnetic field higher than 1000 Oe to the bismuth-substituted rare earth iron garnet single crystal film so that the bismuth-substituted rare earth iron garnet single crystal film is magnetized to have a square hysteresis loop.

Abstract: A magneto-optic modulator modulates signals from a superconducting circuit such as a single-flux-quantum (SFQ) logic system onto a carrier wave light beam. The modulator is formed by depositing a magneto-optic material such as EuSe onto a superconducting ground plane such as that of the circuit. A microwave microstrip line is formed on the magneto-optic material and carries a signal from the circuit. The signal induces an H field in the magneto-optic material which causes the magneto-optic material to modulate the light.

Abstract: An apparatus which attenuates a light signal polarized in a first direction. The apparatus includes a polarization rotation unit and an output unit. The polarization rotation unit rotates the polarization of the light signal to produce a polarization rotated light signal having a polarization component in the first direction and a polarization component in a second direction which is substantially 90 degrees with respect to the first direction. The output unit passes, as an output signal, the polarization component in the second direction of the polarization rotated light signal and blocks the polarization component in the first direction. The polarization rotation unit includes an electromagnet and a permanent magnet which apply magnetic fields in specific directions with respect to the light path. Various yoke constructions are provided for the electromagnet and the permanent magnet.

Abstract: An optical isolator includes a first magnetic polar source having a first magnet axis, a second magnetic polar source having a second magnet axis parallel to the first magnet axis, and an optical element between the first and second magnetic polar sources, and having a length along the first magnet axis that is less than a length of the first magnetic polar source along the first magnet axis. The optical element has a central axis that is tilted with respect to the second magnet axis.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator device is provided for modulating an optical signal. The attenuator device includes a variable attenuation assembly with an electrochromic structure interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode. The electrochromic structure is configured to reversibly change its optical characteristics from a bleached off state to a colored active state under the influence of an electrical potential applied to the first and second electrodes to thereby modulate the optical signal. The optical attenuator device includes at least one lens attached to the variable attenuation assembly. The lens cooperates with the variable attenuation assembly to direct the optical signal towards the electrochromic structure. Waveguides such as optical fibers define ports at the outer endface of the lens for the optical signal.

Abstract: In a magneto-optical switching element with a Faraday rotator, in order to increase the switching speed and to reduce the required switching energy respectively, the rotator consists of a magnetically uniaxial crystal, which features magnetic domains of both signs in each of its stable states, by means of which problems are avoided with the creation of domains of opposite signs at the beginning of the switching process.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for amplitude modulation of unpolarized light by at least one Bragg modulator on the basis of domain-invertible material, the unpolarized light is modulated by a first Bragg modulator both for defining a polarization plane in the unpolarized light and for modulating a light part to be allocated to the polarization plane. A second Bragg modulator is provided which modulates the light part of the unpolarized light allocated to the polarization plane orthogonal to the polarization plane of the first Bragg modulator. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for recording a product to be printed, such as for manufacturing printing forms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of magnetic materials in combination with magneto-optic materials to improve performance of Faraday rotator devices by enhancing the latching capability and reducing the driving current. Semi-hard magnetic materials are advantageously used in connection with some embodiments of the present invention. Placing such semi-hard magnetic materials in proximity with the magneto-optic material enhances latching and reduces the drive current required to cause switching. Encompassing both the magneto-optic material and the semi-hard magnetic material further reduces drive current requirements and enhances latching by reducing leakage of the magnetic field from its generation within the coil to the magneto-optic material. Some embodiments further include soft or semi-hard material encompassing the coil.

Abstract: An apparatus which attenuates a light signal polarized in a first direction. The apparatus includes a polarization rotation unit and an output unit. The polarization rotation unit rotates the polarization of the light signal to produce a polarization rotated light signal having a polarization component in the first direction and a polarization component in a second direction which is substantially 90 degrees with respect to the first direction. The output unit passes, as an output signal, the polarization component in the second direction of the polarization rotated light signal and blocks the polarization component in the first direction. The polarization rotation unit includes an electromagnet and a permanent magnet which apply magnetic fields in specific directions with respect to the light path. Various yoke constructions are provided for the electromagnet and the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A biological implantable pressure sensor element comprises a fixed volume pouch formed by a sealed, flexible, impermeable membrane comprising therewithin a gel mass contained in a gel volume, said gel being hydrated with an aqueous solution comprising an agent having at least a first and a second NMR-detectable form, the proportion of the first to the second form of the agent in the gel volume being determined by their electrolytic interaction with the gel, whereby when an external pressure is applied to the sensor element a d (chemical shift)/d(.sigma./K) greater than 0.0001 ppm is attained, wherein .sigma. is the external pressure and K is the modulus of the gel. A kit contains sterile, individually wrapped sensor elements.