Abstract: Wavelength stability of an optical oscillator has been enhanced by feedback from an external position-sensing detector to control the position or tilt of an intracavity optical element, such as a mirror. The wavelength stability results from stabilization of the intracavity beam position relative to an aperture in the oscillator. The wavelength selectivity of the aperture results from incorporation of a dispersive element in the oscillator cavity that produces a mapping of wavelength to beam position at the aperture.

Abstract: Plate springs as coupling members can absorb deformation of an oscillator case due to heat and do not transmit the deformation to two optical bases constituting an optical resonator, and it is thereby possible to maintain an appropriate positional relation between the optical cases. A harmful deformation force is produced due to imperfect alignment deformation of bellows each of which is connected between the oscillator case and each optical base. The plate springs can also suppress the force acting on the two optical bases, and it is thereby possible to keep a laser optical axis of a laser beam to be a fixed position.

Abstract: A method of fixing an optical component includes the steps of scoring a surface of a support, bringing an optical component into close contact with the scored surface of the support, and flowing a fluid adhesive along kerfs produced by the scoring. An optical component support has a surface provided with scoring kerts for fixing the optical component. The method and support enable fixing of an optical component by a thin, uniform adhesive layer, without fine polishing of the optical component and the surface of the support.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illuminating optical unit in an image display unit for displaying an image by irradiating a GLV (spatial modulation device) with a laser beam and modulating the laser beam based on an image signal inputted to the GLV, which includes a polarized light rotation means for equally dividing a polarized light component of the laser beam into a P polarized light component and an S polarized light component, a polarized light beam splitter for separating from each other the P polarized light component and the S polarized light component equally divided by the polarized light rotation means, and an optical path difference generation means for generating an optical path difference not less than the coherence length of the laser beam between the laser beam of the P polarized light component and the laser beam of the S polarized light component.

Abstract: A cavity assembly includes a mounting member, an active gain medium, at least one electro-optic component and at least one alignment assembly. The mounting member defines an aperture within which the active gain medium is disposed, and is comprised of a thermally conductive material. The alignment assemblies are disposed relative to the active gain medium, and are configured to receive the electro-optic components such that electro-optic components at least partially align with the active gain medium. The alignment assemblies are rotatably disposed relative to the active gain medium such that relative rotation of the alignment assemblies and the active gain medium alters the alignment of the respective electro-optic components with respect to the active gain medium. The cavity assembly may be mounted within a thermally conductive housing to transfer heat away from the active gain medium.

Abstract: In a method of producing a semiconductor laser apparatus, a conductive die-bonding paste is applied to a bonding surface in a predetermined position thereof and then preheated at a temperature equal to or higher than a temperature at which a diluent of the conductive die-bonding paste starts to transpire, but lower than a temperature at which the conductive die-bonding paste starts a thermosetting reaction. Then, with a semiconductor laser chip placed on the preheated conductive die-bonding paste, the latter is heated to be hardened. In the thus produced semiconductor laser apparatus, a highest position at which the conductive die-bonding paste adheres to end surfaces of the semiconductor laser chip is at a height of more than 0.01 mm from the bonding surface, but is below light-emitting points of the semiconductor laser chip.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser chip has an active layer, an allover electrode forming a lower face of the laser chip and a light emitting end surface of the laser chip. A Si thin film is formed on the light emitting end surface of the laser chip. An upper Si thin film is formed on an upper portion of the light emitting end surface and a lower Si thin film is formed on a lower portion thereof. The lower Si thin film is smaller in thickness than the upper Si thin film. Smaller thickness of the lower Si thin film prevents a component of the allover electrode from diffusing into the upper Si thin film that covers the active layer. Thus, decrease of a maximum optical output value is prevented, and reliability of the laser chips is increased.

Abstract: Method of generating laser pulses using a semiconductor laser diode as a lasing amplification medium of an extended laser cavity are presented. Passive self-modulated mode-locked operation of the semiconductor laser diode is achieved by providing an above lasing threshold direct current input current to the semiconductor laser diode while the semiconductor laser diode is operational in a slightly misaligned extended laser cavity favoring the amplification of wavelengths shorter than a center wavelength of a continuous wave operational mode of the semiconductor laser diode at threshold.

Abstract: An optical transmitter is equipped with a laser diode and a light detector provided on a packaging base, in which the light detector has a semiconductor substrate side arranged on a packaging base side, a semiconductor junction plane, a side surface which is roughly orthogonal to the semiconductor junction plane, and a facing surface which faces the side surface, wherein the facing surface is partially or completely inclined to reflect the output light from the laser diode incident from the side surface to the semiconductor junction plane of the light detector.

Abstract: CO2 slab laser having a gas-filled tubular housing, sealed off at both ends by end pieces, which accommodates two overlapping electrodes extending into the tubular housing and mirrors arranged in the region of the electrodes, where each of the two end pieces holds an electrode, the mirrors are arranged stationary relative to the electrodes and the electrodes, jointly with the mirrors, are adjustable relative to one another.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube such as a ring laser gyroscope includes a block. A cathode has an inwardly extending foot that engages the block. Additionally, or alternatively, an insulator is arranged to inhibit shorting between plasma in the block and a flange of the cathode.

Abstract: A laser array and method of making same has precision fiducial marks that aid in the alignment of the laser array. The invention requires forming additional optical features adjacent to the laser array that is used to write fiducial marks on an opposite surface in the medium containing the laser array. Fiducial marks are formed when high intensity collimated beams of light are directed through the optical features onto a treated portion of the transparent medium. Fiducial accuracies of 1 micron are possible by using this approach.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling laser power, using at least two Brewster windows which are aligned along an axis which is parallel to the direction of the laser beam and which are rotatable around said axis, wherein the first Brewster window is rotated in one direction and the second Brewster window is rotated in the opposite direction. Preferably, both Brewster windows only have to rotate each through +/−45° to control transmission of the laser beam from maximum to minimum.

Abstract: A tuneable active microcavity and a process for manufacturing a tuneable active microcavity. The microcavity includes a first mirror, a second mirror, and a layer of an active material. A piezoelectric actuator placed outside the space located between the first and second mirrors modifies the relative distance separating the first and second mirrors under action of a control signal. The piezoelectric actuator includes a first face rigidly connected to the first mirror and a second face rigidly connected to the second mirror such that each of the first and second mirrors is free to move under action of the control signal applied to the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: An alignment system for co-aligning multiple laser beams to a single spatial reference point in real time. The alignment system includes a beam sampler for sampling the multiple pulsed laser beams. The sampled laser beams are directed onto a quadrant photo detector or quad cell. The output signals from the quad cell are directed to a detector signal integration circuit which develops error signals for driving tip-tilt mirrors in the beam path of the multiple lasers. The system includes a gate, reset and pulse ID generator for generating pulse trigger signals for each of the multiple lasers and signals for correlating the detector signals with the laser that produced the signal. Accordingly, a system is provided for a time multiplexed, multiple laser system which automatically co-aligns the output beams from each of the lasers to a single spatial reference point in real time.

Abstract: An assembly for improved alignment of a laser for generating laser light with an optical fiber having an end section terminating in a light-receiving end. A laser housing has a base and substantially cylindrical housing walls mounted at a bottom portion to the base. The laser can be mounted on the base. The substantially cylindrical internal surface of the cylindrical housing walls have internal threads at a top portion. The internal threads have a minor diameter and a major diameter. An annular ferrule housing has a substantially cylindrical through-hole with an inner diameter sufficient to receive a fiber ferrule which has the end section of the fiber disposed therein. The ferrule housing further has an axially tapered external surface having external threads which are threadably compatible with the internal threads.

Abstract: An optical micro-electromechanical device includes a substrate and a mirror assembly suspended above the substrate. The mirror assembly includes a torsional beam and a cantilever. The cantilever includes a cantilever first end and a cantilever second end. The cantilever first end is attached to the torsional beam. The cantilever second end supports a mirror head. A connector is attached to the torsional beam. A counterweight is attached to the connector.

Abstract: A wavelength control device for a laser device capable of controlling a center wavelength of a laser light to be a predetermined target wavelength is provided. For this purpose, the wavelength control device for the laser device includes a movable holder (36) for making an optical component (34) movable with respect to a laser optical axis (20), and a laser controller (13) for moving the optical component with respect to the laser optical axis and changing an incident angle (&phgr;) of a laser light (21) on a band narrowing optical component (33) to thereby control a center wavelength of the laser light to be a predetermined target wavelength, and the movable holder comprises a piezoelectric element unit (41) moving by a very short distance and a pulse motor unit (40) moving by a longer distance than the piezoelectric element unit.

Abstract: A laser module includes an alignment plate having a template plate having a laser diode aperture and a photodiode aperture. A weld plate and a reflector are coupled to the template plate. The structure further includes a heat sink coupled to the alignment plate. A photodiode subassembly is mounted within the photodiode aperture and to the heat sink. Further, a laser diode subassembly is mounted within the laser diode aperture and to the heat sink. In the above manner, the photodiode subassembly, laser diode subassembly and reflected are precisely aligned.

Abstract: A housing adapted to position, support, and facilitate aligning various components, including an optical path assembly, of a laser. In a preferred embodiment, the housing is constructed from a single piece of material and broadly comprises one or more through-holes; one or more cavities; and one or more integral mounts, wherein the through-holes and the cavities cooperate to define the integral mounts. Securement holes machined into the integral mounts facilitate securing components within the integral mounts using set screws, adhesive, or a combination thereof. In a preferred method of making the housing, the through-holes and cavities are first machined into the single piece of material, with at least some of the remaining material forming the integral mounts.

Abstract: An optical element holding and extraction device is provided. The device includes an optical element, an optical element holder having a tubular gripping portion and a tubular extraction portion connected at one end to the tubular gripping portion, and a retainer that is slideably carried on the tubular extraction portion. The diameter of the tubular extraction portion is less than the tubular gripping portion. In addition, the tubular gripping portion grips the peripheral edge of the optical clement. The device may be used in a variety of gas lasers, including excimer lasers.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a multi-beam source unit includes a mounting bracket, a base member rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket and a multi-beam laser diode provided with light emitting points positioned substantially in a straight line with respect to each other. The multi-beam laser diode is mounted on the base member and radiates a laser beam from the light emitting points. The base member rotates such that the laser beam is radiated onto a predetermined position of an image recording plane of a scanning optical system.

Abstract: The laser beam optics for a robot link, wherein a first beam path of a first working laser beam is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the robot link, the first beam path is deflected at an end facing a workpiece into an axis-parallel second beam path, and a third beam path of a second working laser beam is axis-parallel to the first beam path in the robot link, have two optical elements arranged successively in one of the first and second beam paths of the first working laser beam. The two optical elements are transmissive for the first working laser beam in a transmission direction toward a workpiece and are adjusted relative to one another so as to compensate laser beam displacement of the first working laser beam. The second optical element arranged downstream receives the second working laser beam and reflects it toward the workpiece.

Abstract: A focussing arrangement, in particular for laser devices (1), comprising a focussing mirror (M1) arranged on a carrier which is displaceable in one plane, and having a spherical reflecting surface (43), wherein the displaceable carrier is formed by a rocking member (10) which is at least approximately Z-shaped when seen in top view, the rocking member having a rocking longitudinal arm (27) which is articulately connected on both ends to transverse arms (25, 26), the longitudinal arm carrying the focussing mirror (M1), wherein the transverse arms (25, 26) are arranged so as to be pivotable about pivot axes perpendicular to the plane of displacement, and wherein the center of curvature (M) of the spherical reflecting surface (43) of the focussing mirror (M1) lies at least substantially on an axis extending through the geometric center of the longitudinal arm (27), perpendicular to the plane of displacement.

Abstract: A cooled mirror device for laser systems or the like, comprising a main mirror body and a mirror cover rigidly connected to the main mirror body, wherein the main mirror body and/or the mirror cover have a cooling device, wherein the mirror cover is made from an aluminum material, and coated with copper or another reflection-enhancing material to form a reflection-enhancing mirror surface.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and method that provide for suppression of source spontaneous emission (SSE) and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light in laser output with minimal intracavity loss. The apparatus comprises a gain medium emitting a light beam, a wavelength element positioned in the light beam, and a non-reciprocal pickoff positioned in the light beam between the gain medium and wavelength element. The non-reciprocal pickoff may comprise a polarization-dependent beam splitter and a non-reciprocal polarization rotator positioned in the light beam before the wavelength selection element. The non-reciprocal pickoff may further comprise a reciprocal polarization rotator positioned in the light beam after the polarization-dependent beam splitter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system in the ray path of a confocal fluorescence microscope, comprising at least one laser light source (1, 2), a device positioned in the illuminating/detecting beam (3, 4, 5) for separating the exciting light (8) from the fluorescent light (9), an objective (10) arranged between the device and the object (7), and a detector (11) positioned downstream of the device situated in the detecting beam (5). The aim of the invention is to increase the fluorescence yield of the system while retaining its compact structure.

Abstract: A mirror housing and a method of housing a mirror for a laser measurement system. The laser mirror housing is T-shaped, with both portions of the T being cylindrical. A mirror is mounted within the mirror housing at a 45 degree angle. A first transparent cover is disposed over a first opening over the mirror. A second transparent cover may be disposed over a second opening opposite the first opening, and the second transparent cover may be used for a spare, in the event that the first transparent cover is damaged.

Abstract: A helium purge for a grating based line narrowing device for minimizing thermal distortions in line narrowed lasers producing high energy laser beams at high repetition rates. Applicants have shown substantial improvement in performance with the uses of helium purge as compared to prior art nitrogen purges. In preferred embodiments a stream of helium gas is directed across the face of the grating. In other embodiments the purge gas pressure is reduced to reduce the optical effects of the hot gas layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for conditioning the output signals of an array of surface-emitting lasers with an array of edge-receiving optical devices. Both the array of surface-emitting lasers and the array of edge-receiving optical devices are mounted on an optical bench substrate. The array of edge-receiving optical devices may also be monolithically fabricated on the optical bench substrate. The array of surface-emitting lasers and the array of edge-receiving optical devices are aligned by alignment features and slots, which are fabricated on the optical bench substrate so as to optically couple the array of surface-emitting lasers to the array of edge-receiving optical devices.

Abstract: A universally oriented liquid mirror. A liquid and a penetrable unit are operatively connected to provide a mirror that can be universally oriented.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods providing adjustable mounting with multiple degrees of freedom, such as three degrees of freedom allowing controlled adjustment of pitch, roll, and/or yaw. In providing such degrees of freedom, a ball member of a ball and socket mounting apparatus may preferably be disposed upon a surface and a mount, having a socket portion sized and shaped to correspond to a mating surface of the ball member, may be placed in communication therewith. The mount may have a component to be mounted placed thereon after the mount is placed in communication with the ball member. Preferably as part of the system manufacturing process, an adjustment mechanism is placed in communication with the mount and provides manipulating forces thereto, preferably causing the socket portion of the mount to slidably engage the mating surface of the ball member, in order to precisely position a component mounted thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for precision positioning and alignment of a lens in an optical system. The apparatus includes a support, a lever having a pivot point, and a first actuator and a second actuator coupled to the lever and to the support. The first actuator and the second actuator are used to position the lever and thereby position the lens. The first actuator is used to make finer position adjustments of the lever than are made by the second actuator. In one embodiment, the first actuator and the second actuator are pneumatic bellows. In another embodiment, the first actuator and the second actuator are electromechanical devices. A spring can be used to apply a biasing force to the lever.

Abstract: A position and adjustment device for a laser module has a cylindrical body having a bore therein, the body having a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings that are spaced apart around the body. A laser module is positioned inside the bore. The position and adjustment device also has a plurality of bolts, with each bolt extending through a corresponding one of the first openings into the bore, each bolt having an inner end and a rotating ball provided at the inner end and providing a rolling contact with the external surface of the laser module. The position and adjustment device also has a plurality of biased pins, with each pin extending through a corresponding one of the second plurality of openings into the bore, each pin having a curved inner end that provides a point contact with the external surface of the laser module.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating microelectromechanically tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with precise lateral and vertical dimensional control. Microelectromechanical tunable vertical cavity surface emitting laser structures are also provided which include a suspended membrane structure made of a dielectric/metal membrane or metal film that supports a cavity-tuning reflective dielectric film stack while being anchored at the perimeter by metal support post(s). Tuning is achieved by translational movement of the cavity-tuning reflective dielectric film stack in a controlled electrostatic field. The current invention deals with the intracavity electrical contacts for current injection for this type of MEM-tunable VCSEL's. The current invention also includes various mechanisms to control the current injection profile so as to ensure single mode operation throughout the tuning range of the MEM-tunable VCSEL's.

Abstract: A suspension system for suspending a laser discharge unit (LDU) is provided herein. The suspension system includes steel W-springs instead of rubber blocks. The new design increases long time position stability and position accuracy after remounting of the LDU. Further isolation of vibrations caused by the fan of the LDU to the optics frame is increased, too. With the new steel W-spring suspension the maximum amplitudes of the vibrations are a factor 2.5 till 6 lower than with the rubber block suspension.

Abstract: A housing adapted to position, support, and facilitate aligning various components, including an optical path assembly, of a laser. In a preferred embodiment, the housing is constructed from a single piece of material and broadly comprises one or more through-holes; one or more cavities; and one or more integral mounts, wherein the through-holes and the cavities cooperate to define the integral mounts. Securement holes machined into the integral mounts facilitate securing components within the integral mounts using set screws, adhesive, or a combination thereof. In a preferred method of making the housing, the through-holes and cavities are first machined into the single piece of material, with at least some of the remaining material forming the integral mounts.

Abstract: Systems for tuning external-cavity lasers are provided. A representative system includes a motor and first and second opposing surfaces that are displaceable by the motor. The opposing surfaces operatively engage a support at a drive segment and rotate the drive segment about a pivot point on the support. Between the drive segment and the pivot point of the support, a reflective element is attached. An optical gain medium optically communicates with the reflective element. Other systems are also provided.

Abstract: A method of attaching at least one component to a ring laser gyro block. The method may include positioning the component so that a mounting surface of the at least one component is substantially parallel to a mounting surface of the ring laser gyro block and applying a fluid adhesive to the exposed interface of the mounting surface of the at least one component and the mounting surface of the ring laser gyro block. The method also includes allowing the fluid adhesive to harden.

Abstract: A tunable external cavity laser apparatus and method of laser operation. The apparatus includes a gain medium having first and second facets defining a facet laser cavity in which a first portion of light is internally reflected to produce a first lasing condition having a first reflection phase. A reflective element is positioned opposite the second facet of the gain medium, forming an external laser cavity defined by the first facet and reflective element. A second portion of light is internally reflected within the external cavity to produce a second lasing condition having a second reflection phase. A phase adjustment means is employed to adjust the first reflection phase relative to the second reflection phase so as to control a characteristic of the output beam emitted from the apparatus, such as the power output level of the beam. In one aspect, the relative phase is adjusted by controlling the temperature of the gain medium.

Abstract: A wavelength monitor capable of obtaining an optical detection signal of high quality is proposed. In the wavelength monitor, a light incident surface of an optical filter is disposed with an inclination relative to the light incident direction. With this arrangement, it is possible to make the route of a reflection light that has been reflected from the light incident surface of the optical filter deviate large from the route of an incident light that has been incident to the optical filter. Consequently, the reflected light is prevented from being incident to a semiconductor laser device or optical detectors.

Abstract: Laser light emitted from an LD apparatus is concentrated and applied onto a laser light path region A of a slab-shaped YAG crystal 21 and the neighborhood thereof with the use of a concave lens and a pair of reflecting mirrors, a duct lens, or a plurality of cylindrical lenses, whereby a concentrated applied light intensity distribution in the side surface width direction (y-axis direction) of the slab-shaped YAG crystal is formed as a double-peak distribution having maximum values P1 and P2 at opposite end portions A1 and A2 of the laser light path region of the slab-shaped YAG crystal or in the neighborhoods thereof.

Abstract: A cavity assembly includes a mounting member, an active gain medium, at least one electro-optic component and at least one alignment assembly. The mounting member defines an aperture within which the active gain medium is disposed, and is comprised of a thermally conductive material. The alignment assemblies are disposed relative to the active gain medium, and are configured to receive the electro-optic components such that electro-optic components at least partially align with the active gain medium. The alignment assemblies are rotatably disposed relative to the active gain medium such that relative rotation of the alignment assemblies and the active gain medium alters the alignment of the respective electro-optic components with respect to the active gain medium. The cavity assembly may be mounted within a thermally conductive housing to transfer heat away from the active gain medium.

Abstract: A miniaturized multi-functional laser resonator (10). The novel invention includes a mobile optical bench (100), a predetermined number of laser sources (34, 50, 54, 58) mounted to the optical bench (100), and a plurality of optical elements (80) for combining laser beams output from the laser sources such that the beams converge on a small area, such as a telescope (20). The invention further includes a mechanism (102) for aligning the laser beams. In the illustrative embodiment, the mechanism for aligning the beams includes v-grooved mounting surfaces (102) formed in the optical bench (100). The optical elements (80) are mounted in the v-grooved surfaces (102) of the optical bench (100) such that the laser beams are aligned. In the illustrative embodiment, the invention includes four laser diodes generating 1053 nM, 905 nM, 850 nM, and 650 nM laser beams.

Abstract: A photo-optical transmitter assembly is produced in the following manner: a glass wafer is fixed onto a transparent submount and a V-shaped recess is subsequently created between optical prism elements using targeted sawcuts. A rod-shaped element with a reflective coating is inserted into the V-shaped recess. A laser beam from a semiconductor laser is thus deflected by 90° on the rod-shaped element with the reflective coating and traverses the submount.

Abstract: A wavelength tuning system adjusts an external cavity of a laser about two orthogonal axes for aligning features of a diffractive optic with a third orthogonal axis about which the diffractive optic is pivoted for providing selected wavelength feedback to the laser. A laser mount supports the laser, and a mounting arm supports both the diffractive optic and a reflective optic in a fixed orientation with respect to each other. A flexural member forms at least part of a connection between the mounting arm and the laser mount in a relative orientation for optically coupling the diffractive optic to the laser within the external cavity. The mounting arm is pivoted with respect to the laser mount about the pivot axis by an actuator for varying a wavelength of a diffracted portion of the output beam returned to the laser without significantly varying an angular orientation of the output beam with respect to the laser mount as reflected from the reflective optic.

Abstract: A multi-beam source unit is disclosed wherein an arranged direction of light emitting points of a multi-beam laser diode relative to a horizontal scanning direction of a scanning optical system can be aligned with a predetermined standard design line.

Abstract: A laser oscillation apparatus, comprising a laser beam emitting unit for emitting an excitation light, an optical resonance unit at least having a laser crystal and an output mirror, a plurality of optical fibers for guiding the laser beam from the laser beam emitting unit to the optical resonance unit, and a driving means for driving the laser beam emitting unit, wherein the laser beam emitting unit has a plurality of light emitting sources on a straight line, the plurality of optical fibers are arranged and held in such manner that end surfaces of the optical fibers face the plurality of light emitting sources respectively and the plurality of optical fibers makes up a fiber array unit, wherein the fiber array unit is adjustably held between a pair of wedge-shaped holders each having a cross-section in triangular form.

Abstract: A laser array and method of making same has precision fiducial marks that aid in the alignment of the laser array. The invention requires forming additional optical features adjacent to the laser array that is used to write fiducial marks on an opposite surface in the medium containing the laser array. Fiducial marks are formed when high intensity collimated beams of light are directed through the optical features onto a treated portion of the transparent medium. Fiducial accuracies of 1 micron are possible by using this approach.

Abstract: A diode pumped optical parametric oscillator is disclosed. The apparatus includes a MOPA laser positioned to pump a photorefractive BaTiO3 crystal placed within a ring resonator formed by four mirrors. The interaction of the MOPA laser light incident on the BaTiO3 crystal and with the light reflected within the cavity efficiently converts the MOPA pump beam to a single frequency beam of high beam quality. Once the pump beam exceeds a threshold power level, it interacts with a nonlinear periodically poled lithium niobate crystal received within the ring cavity. The lithium niobate crystal efficiently converts the pump beam to signal and idler beams of different wavelengths, providing an efficient, tunable laser.