Abstract: Data center interconnections, which encompass WSCs as well as traditional data centers, have become both a bottleneck and a cost/power issue for cloud computing providers, cloud service providers and the users of the cloud generally. Fiber optic technologies already play critical roles in data center operations and will increasingly in the future. The goal is to move data as fast as possible with the lowest latency with the lowest cost and the smallest space consumption on the server blade and throughout the network. Accordingly, it would be beneficial for new fiber optic interconnection architectures to address the traditional hierarchal time-division multiplexed (TDM) routing and interconnection and provide reduced latency, increased flexibility, lower cost, lower power consumption, and provide interconnections exploiting N×M×D Gbps photonic interconnects wherein N channels are provided each carrying M wavelength division signals at D Gbps.

Abstract: An optical wavelength-division multiplexing (“WDM”) device utilizing a mechanism of folded optical-path includes multiple collimators, optical filters, prism, and glass plate. The collimators are capable of collimating optical lights for facilitating free-space optical communication. The optical filters optically coupled with the collimators provide filtering functions to separate optical wavelengths in accordance with the configurations or characteristics of optical filters. The prism having an interface surface and two side surfaces is configured to direct or redirect optical beams based on the angle of incidence (“AOI”) of each optical beam received. The glass plate, in one embodiment, physically configured to be situated in parallel with the collimators is capable of providing free-space optical paths for facilitating separation of wavelengths.

Abstract: An expanded beam ferrule includes a first ferrule halve having first reflective surfaces and a second ferrule halve having second reflective surfaces, which together retain optical fibers. The pair of reflective surfaces output collimated light parallel to the mid-plane of the ferrule. An external sleeve aligns the external surface of two similar ferrules, with corresponding second reflective surfaces of the ferrules facing each other. Output light from an optical fiber held in one ferrule is bent twice by the pair of reflective surfaces, with beam divergence after the first bent, and collimation after the second bent. The collimated light is transmitted to the facing second reflective surface in a facing second ferrule aligned by the sleeve, which is subject to optical reshaping in reverse to that undertaken in the first ferrule, so as to converge and focus light to input to the optical fiber held in the other ferrule.

Abstract: An optical transceiver module having unibody structure is disclosed. The unibody structure comprises a single-piece substrate, an optical interface, and an optical engine. The components of the optical interface and the components of the optical engine are directly attached to the single-piece substrate.

Abstract: A wide angle scanning system includes a plurality of rotationally symmetrical transmissive optical elements each having a non-refracting surface and a refracting surface; and a mechanical beam steering system including micro-mechanical steering elements, each being coupled to a respective one of the plurality of rotationally symmetrical transmissive optical elements for rotating a respective rotationally symmetrical transmissive optical element about a center of rotation that coincides with a center of the non-refracting surface.

Abstract: A tunable narrow linewidth laser is provided, wherein an adjustable etalon structure is employed to simultaneously tune the wavelength of the laser transmission and the length of the laser cavity. The etalon structure is an effective, relatively thick shear plate comprised of transparent matched wedge-shaped substrates and a pair of parallel, partially transmissive mirrors with a space therebetween. Rotation of the etalon structure relative to the laser input changes the angle of incidence to the first substrate and the etalon angle, thereby changing the wavelength of the laser light and also changing the length of the external laser cavity. Thus, reliable frequency tuning is achieved, without mode hopping.

Abstract: Workover and completion systems, devices and methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems and devices for the laser workover and completion of a borehole in the earth. These systems and devices can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform laser workover and completion operations in such boreholes deep within the earth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser light source unit capable of emitting pulse laser light with desired emission intensity even at different wavelengths. When emitting pulse laser light having a wavelength of 750 nm, excitation energy of a flash lamp decreases compared to when emitting pulse laser light having a wavelength of 800 nm. Specifically, the charging time of a capacitor of a pulse generation circuit decreases compared to when emitting pulse laser light having a wavelength of 800 nm.

Abstract: A laser source unit obtains Q switch pulse oscillation with a simple structure while continuously switching a plurality of wavelengths. A laser source unit emits pulsed laser beams with a plurality of different wavelengths. A flash lamp radiates excitation light to a laser rod. A pair of mirrors face each other with the laser rod interposed therebetween. The pair of mirrors form an optical resonator. Wavelength selection unit controls the wavelength of light which resonates in the optical resonator to any one of a plurality of wavelengths to be emitted by the laser source unit. Driving unit drives the wavelength selection unit such that the optical resonator performs the Q switch pulse oscillation.

Abstract: A digitally-controllable laser apparatus includes a resonator, which includes a two-dimensional micromirror array, and an output facet configured to output a laser beam. The array has a controllable two-dimensional reflectivity to provide control of a two-dimensional wave front of the laser beam. A digitally-controlled Q-switching of the laser apparatus, and shaping of the laser beam wave front to thereby steer the laser beam can be realized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system arranged to provide an output which, in operation, comprises at least one figure of merit, Q. The system comprises an optical component having multiple working areas, said component being mounted on a support member. The system further comprises an optical beam path arranged to bring light into interaction with at least one working area of the optical component wherein the position of said working area(s) may be selected by relative movement between said path and said component while keeping Q substantially unaffected by said movement.

Abstract: The invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure for the detection of submillimeter electromagnetic waves and systems and methods incorporating spatially-selective reflective structures. One aspect of the invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure including a partially-conducting slab and a modulating reflector disk adjacent to the partially-conducting slab. The modulating reflector disk includes a plurality of modulations. Another aspect of the invention provides a submillimeter imaging device including submillimeter wave optics, a spatially-selective reflective structure located in the focal plane of the submillimeter wave optics, a submillimeter wave receiver positioned to capture waves reflected from the spatially-selective reflective structure, and a motor configured to rotate the spatially-selective reflective structure.

Abstract: To make it possible to use a type I nonlinear optical crystal or a quasi phase matching element as a third harmonic generation crystal there is provided a semiconductor laser, a solid state laser medium that outputs a fundamental wave, a second harmonic generation crystal that outputs a second harmonic wave from the fundamental wave, and a third harmonic generation crystal that outputs a third harmonic wave from the fundamental wave and the second harmonic wave. A quasi phase matching elements is utilized as the second harmonic generation crystal. It is possible to use a type I nonlinear optical crystal or a quasi phase matching element as the third harmonic generation crystal.

Abstract: An apparatus processes a surface of an inhabitable structure. The apparatus includes a laser base unit adapted to provide laser light to an interaction region, the laser light removing material from the structure. The laser base unit includes a laser generator and a laser head coupled to the laser generator. The laser head is adapted to remove the material from the interaction region, thereby providing reduced disruption to activities within the structure. The apparatus further includes an anchoring mechanism adapted to be releasably coupled to the structure and releasably coupled to the laser head. The apparatus further includes a controller electrically coupled to the laser base unit. The controller is adapted to transmit control signals to the laser base unit in response to user input.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser device that outputs light while periodically varying the temperature of a semiconductor laser, an optical waveguide, or a diffraction grating, outputs light while causing the optical waveguide or the diffraction grating to mechanically and periodically vary, or causes return light, which varies periodically or non-periodically, to be incident on the semiconductor laser. Since the periodical fluctuation is applied to the temperature of the semiconductor laser, the optical waveguide, or diffraction grating, the periodical mechanical variation is applied to the optical waveguide or the diffraction grating, or the return light is caused to be incident on the semiconductor laser, the semiconductor laser carries out a multimode oscillation from a low output to a high output without shifting between a single mode oscillation and a multimode oscillation.

Abstract: A pulsed light generator of the invention includes: an excitation light source; a fiber grating into which excitation light from the excitation light source enters; a rare-earth doped optical fiber optically coupled with the fiber grating, in which a rare-earth element is doped into a core, serving as an optical transmitting section; an optical switch including a deflection element for causing a Q-switching operation; a first optical fiber that causes light from the rare-earth doped optical fiber to enter into the optical switch; and a second optical fiber for waveguiding pulsed light output from the optical switch. One surface side of the optical switch, into which light enters, is subjected to anti-reflection treatment with a reflectance with respect to a wavelength of the pulsed light output from the optical switch being 0.1% or less.

Abstract: A pulsed laser for machining, has a mode switch, e.g. Q-switch device (15, 30, 40), in a resonant optical cavity (20) capable of supporting a given lasing mode, e.g. a transverse mode of oscillation when lasing action is started, arranged to induce, e.g. temporarily, a localized change, e.g. loss, in the cavity. The latter alters the given lasing mode, e.g. causes the oscillation to hop to a higher transverse mode temporarily, which on its hand may be extinguished by an aperture limiting diaphragm (5) or equivalent and subsequently reduce the induced loss temporarily, to return the oscillation to the given transverse mode and output the laser pulse. A modulator can be used for inducing the temporary loss for a first transverse lasing mode and extinguishing the higher transverse mode with a diaphragm. The induced loss can be over a localized area much smaller than the dimensions of a beam of the laser, so that a miniaturized modulator can be used. In this way pulsed operation may be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser device. The laser device includes a pulse generator which irradiates a laser beam between a high reflector mirror and an output coupler mirror to amplify and resonate the laser beam, a pulse output section which receives a laser beam pulse amplified and resonated through the output coupler mirror to output the laser beam pulse, and a Q switch which moves backward or forward in a direction perpendicular to a path of the laser beam formed between the pulse generator and the high reflector mirror. The output coupler mirror includes first and second mirrors provided on a base plate. Positions of the first and second mirrors are selectively changed as the Q switch moves backward or forward.

Abstract: A light source emits a laser beam to the object through an output end. An optical system is placed between the output end and the object. The optical system adjusts the energy of the laser beam emitted, through the output end, onto a unit area for a unit time. The energy of the beam spot on the object enables cutting or bending of the object. The optical system serves to adjust the energy of the laser beam irradiated to the object. The energy of the laser beam instantly changes as compared with the case where the energy of the laser beam is adjusted based on a driving voltage applied to a laser oscillator. The object is thus processed by using the laser beam with high accuracy.

Abstract: A laser apparatus includes: a laser light source; an output member for receiving and transmitting a laser light flux generated by the laser light flux, and outputting a laser light flux; an optical aligning member for positioning the laser light flux generated by the laser light source to the output member; a drive for driving the optical aligning member; a drive controller; an output detector for outputting a detected output representing an intensity of a laser light flux outputted from the output member; and an output controller. The drive controller controls the drive to drive the optical aligning member and the output controller changes a power of the laser light flux generated by the light source, based on the detected output.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system arranged to provide an output which, in operation, comprises at least one figure of merit, Q. The system comprises an optical component having multiple working areas, said component being mounted on a support member. The system further comprises an optical beam path arranged to bring light into interaction with at least one working area of the optical component wherein the position of said working area(s) may be selected by relative movement between said path and said component while keeping Q substantially unaffected by said movement.

Abstract: A laser apparatus includes: a laser light source; an output member for receiving and transmitting a laser light flux generated by the laser light flux, and outputting a laser light flux; an optical aligning member for positioning the laser light flux generated by the laser light source to the output member; a drive for driving the optical aligning member; a drive controller; an output detector for outputting a detected output representing an intensity of a laser light flux outputted from the output member; and an output controller. The drive controller controls the drive to drive the optical aligning member and the output controller changes a power of the laser light flux generated by the light source, based on the detected output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser light source having a structure that has high durability to support high power output. The laser light source is an optical device that pulse-oscillates laser light and has a resonator, a rare earth element doped fiber, pumping means, Q switch means, and a condensing lens. The resonator forms a resonance optical path. A fiber is inserted on the resonance optical path and outputs radiation light by supply of pumping energy. The pumping means continuously supplies pumping energy to the fiber. The Q switch means modulates resonator loss of the resonator. The condensing lens condenses the radiation light whose spot size has been expanded and which propagates from the fiber to the Q switch means.

Abstract: Multiple laser resonators share a common acousto-optic Q-switch. The Q-switch is driven by a radio-frequency (RF) transducer that causes an acoustic wave to propagate in the Q-switch. Turning off the RF transducer discontinues propagation of the acoustic wave and causes each of the laser resonators to deliver an optical pulse. The finite velocity of the acoustic wave causes the pulses to be delivered temporally spaced apart.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of controlling lasing in a semiconductor laser fabricated in a photonic crystal laser having a plurality of holes into which a birefringent material with low refractive losses and low optical loses with controllable spatial refractive index orientation has been infiltrated comprises the step of rotating the molecular orientation or changing the physical orientation of the birefringent material infiltrated into the holes of the photonic crystal laser to switch cavity modes. The liquid crystal is aligned by use of an alignable photo addressable polymer layer adjacent to the liquid crystal. The cavity modes are optically switched within the laser without any requirement of external energy to maintain the lasing state of the laser, which allows its use as a memory element.

Abstract: A Q-switched all-fiber laser utilizes a long period fibre grating (LPFG) modulator. The LPFG modulator is characterized by optical spectral characteristics that are controlled by application of stress via an actuator. In particular, the actuator applies stress to selected sections of the LPFG in order to modulate a light signal at a specified wavelength. Further, a controller is utilized to control the application of stress in the time domain, and thereby switch the Q-factor of the fiber laser cavity. In addition to the LPFG, the laser cavity comprises a pair of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and a fiber gain medium.

Abstract: A laser device having a cavity which has a first laser-active region and at least one second laser-active region having a passive Q-switch as well as mirrors bound the cavity, the first laser-active region emitting light of a first wavelength, as a result of having pumping light applied to it, for which the cavity is developed as a resonator. The second laser-active region, having the passive Q-switch, in turn emits the light of a second wavelength, as a result of the application of the light of the first wavelength. The cavity is also developed as a resonator for the light of the second wavelength.

Abstract: An apparatus processes a surface of an inhabitable structure. The apparatus includes a laser base unit adapted to provide laser light to an interaction region, the laser light removing material from the structure. The laser base unit includes a laser generator and a laser head coupled to the laser generator. The laser head is adapted to remove the material from the interaction region, thereby providing reduced disruption to activities within the structure. The apparatus further includes an anchoring mechanism adapted to be releasably coupled to the structure and releasably coupled to the laser head. The apparatus further includes a controller electrically coupled to the laser base unit. The controller is adapted to transmit control signals to the laser base unit in response to user input.

Abstract: A hand-held laser pointer is disclosed wherein the laser beam is isolated from unwanted hand tremor motions of the laser pointer housing. A laser beam is directed toward a pair of passively inertially stabilized mirrors disposed within the housing that are biased to a neutral position by a spring and damper. Both the laser beam that exits the housing and the laser dot appearing at a target are minimally affected by laser jitter associated with hand tremor.

Abstract: An optical switch, wherein the first and second output ports (optical fibers) are disposed on the opposite sides of the input port (optical fiber) so as to form acute angles with respect to the input port, the input port and the first output port are optically coupled to each other through a first mirror surface, and the input port and the second output port are optically coupled to each other through a second mirror surface. The incident angles of an incident light beam with respect to the mirror surfaces are equalized, and optical path lengths between the input port and the first and second output ports are equalized. The actuator inserts and withdraws the second mirror surface on a position at the front of the first mirror surface.

Abstract: A Q-switched all-fiber laser utilizes a long period fibre grating (LPFG) modulator. The LPFG modulator is characterized by optical spectral characteristics that are controlled by application of stress via an actuator. In particular, the actuator applies stress to selected sections of the LPFG in order to modulate a light signal at a specified wavelength. Further, a controller is utilized to control the application of stress in the time domain, and thereby switch the Q-factor of the fiber laser cavity. In addition to the LPFG, the laser cavity comprises a pair of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and a fiber gain medium.

Abstract: A laser apparatus (100) for performing the laser machining operation by condensing the laser light output from a laser oscillator (3) is disclosed. A laser output value calculation unit calculates a laser output value (L1) based on a command value (L0) issued to a laser oscillator (2). A temperature change estimating unit (31) estimates the temperature change or the temperature (Te) of specified component element(s) (7a, 7b) of the laser apparatus based on the elapsed time (t) and the laser output value calculated by the laser output value calculation unit. An adjusting unit (32) adjusts the conditions for controlling the laser or the conditions for laser machining based on the temperature change or the temperature of the specified component element estimated by the temperature change estimating unit. A stable laser machining operation is performed without a temperature sensor. The laser output value (L1) may be measured by a laser power sensor (5).

Abstract: Tunable external cavity lasers are used in applications such as interferometry, FM spectroscopy, and optical communications equipment testing. Mode hop free high bandwidth frequency modulation operation is desired in a tunable external cavity laser. This application describes new and novel techniques for controlling the output wavelength of a tunable external cavity laser while suppressing mode hop.

Abstract: An all-fiber Q-switched laser includes a gain fiber spliced between narrowband and broadband fiber gratings that define a polarization-dependent resonant cavity. The narrowband grating is, for example, formed in a PM fiber to create a polarization-dependent reflection band. A modulator applies stress to the fiber chain to induce birefringence and switch the cavity Q-factor to alternately store energy in the gain fiber and then release the energy in a laser pulse.

Abstract: In a laser beam source for projecting laser pulses, having a laser-active medium (10), a controllable pump device (11) for exciting the medium (10), a resonator (13) for inducing oscillation of the medium (10), which resonator has an end mirror (14) and an output mirror (15) with an orientation axially parallel to the medium (10), for the sake of projecting laser pulses of constant pulse energy immediately upon release of the laser beam source, one of the resonator mirrors (14) is pivotably supported and is pivoted out of its resonator position and back into its resonator position by an actuator (19) at selectable times (FIG. 1).

Abstract: When a piezoelectric element 3 applies an external force to a plastic photonic crystal, the photonic crystal deforms, and accordingly, the photonic band gap easily changes. When the photonic band gap changes, transmission of light with a specific wavelength is limited. Therefore, light with a desired wavelength is outputted from the photonic crystal 2 upon sufficient tuning, and extracted to the outside through an output window 6. In the present invention, a plastic photonic crystal 2 which can achieve sufficient wavelength tuning although it is small is used, and elements are unitized, so that the entire wavelength tunable light source unit is downsized.

Abstract: A an apparatus for locking a bending mechanism that bends a reflex type wavelength selection element for a bending mechanism that bends a reflex type wavelength selection element comprises a locking assembly. The locking assembly locks the bending mechanism. This allows maintaining the configuration of the reflex type wavelength selection element with the element being bent by the bending mechanism according to curvature of wavefront of an incident laser beam. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the performance of wavelength selection in the reflex type wavelength selection element, even though the laser device receives vibration and shock.

Abstract: A wavelength selectable light source is comprised of a two-dimensional (2-D) array of variable wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), wherein light beams emitted from the VCSELs are coupled into an output optical fiber. The light beams emitted from the VCSELs are collimated via a 2-D array of micro-lenses, the collimated light beams impinge upon a first fixed-position mirror that points each of the collimated light beams toward a second movable mirror located at a common focal point in a common area, and the second movable mirror redirects the collimated light beams into a lens coupled to the output optical fiber. By moving the second movable mirror, different ones of the collimated light beams can be directed into the output optical fiber, so that the second movable mirror performs a wavelength selection function.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method and apparatus to generate a laser probe beam free of speckles. The present invention employs a holographic phase plate inserted in a laser beam path to modulate the relative phase across the beam. The holographic phase plate is designed to optimize the phase modulation across the beam while to minimize the degradation of the beam quality. The modulated laser beam has only a small and confined divergent angle and can then be refocused or collimated into a narrow and near collimated probe beam. The present invention further rotates the holographic phase plate to randomize the speckles in a time sequence. As a result, the probe beam preserves substantially the beam quality of a laser and produces substantially no speckles on image of its, intersection with a surface or material.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser capable of emitting in any one of standard communication wavelengths is of great practical value. To this end, a single semiconductor chip is fabricated on which many different distributed feedback (DFB) lasers are integrated. The device parameters of the different DFB lasers are varied such that each laser emits at a different wavelength. In addition a micro-mechanical optical element is packaged with the laser array, such that the position of the optical element controls which laser stripe is coupled to the output fiber. The micro-mechanical element or switch in various embodiments is a sliding waveguide, a movable lens, or a mirror that tilts. By selecting the particular DFB laser, controlling the temperature to fine tune the wavelength, and adjusting the position of the micro-mechanical optical element, the output wavelength is set to one of many communication wavelengths.

Abstract: A laser unit which is reliable and has a simple structure. The laser unit includes a shutter having a reflective member for reflecting a laser beam, a motor for moving the shutter between a position in an optical path of the laser beam and a position out of the optical path, a shutter position control for commanding the motor, and an encoder for detecting a rotational position of the motor. By monitoring a condition of the shutter based on a rotational position of the motor for driving the shutter, it is unnecessary to provide a separate sensor for detecting the position of the shutter or a detecting device for detecting a laser beam, which may be malfunction, and the number of necessary sensors may be decreased.

Abstract: A laser machining head for machining a workpiece by a laser beam. The head has a head housing through which the laser beam passes along a central axis. A carrier member for a lens optics system for focusing the laser beam is mounted on the head housing and is displaceable relative to the latter in the direction of the central axis. A first setting device includes a cable connected to the carrier member and a cable drum connected to the head housing for winding up the cable in order to move the carrier member towards the head housing. A second setting device causes the carrier member to be displaced in the direction away from the head housing, with the second setting device being separate from the first setting device.

Abstract: An optical bench for processing laser light in a laser system, including an optical bench housing, a beam dump mounted to the optical bench housing so as to be in optical communication therewith, steering optics mounted within the optical bench housing for directing the laser light in a path from a laser light input to an output, and a mechanism for causing the laser light to deviate from the path and be directed into the beam dump upon recognition of a specified condition in the laser system, wherein the laser light is thermally isolated from the steering optics. The mechanism can either cause at least one optically reflective element to be inserted into the path, cause at least one optical element of the steering optics to have a change in position with respect to the path, and/or causes at least one optical element of the steering optics to be removed from the path.

Abstract: A tunable optical cavity constructed from a fixed mirror and a movable mirror. The fixed mirror is attached to a substrate having a first electrically conducting surface. A support member having the moveable mirror supported thereon and having a second electrically conducting surface, is suspended above the substrate. A circuit applies an electrical potential between the first and second electrically conducting surfaces thereby adjusting the distance between the fixed and movable mirrors. The fixed mirror and the moveable mirror are positioned such that the mirrors form the opposite ends of the optical cavity. The distance between the fixed mirror and the moveable mirror is a function of the applied electrical potential. The support member has physical dimensions that are chosen such that the amplitude of thermally induced vibrations in the support member are less than 0.01 percent of the wavelength of the resonating light.

Abstract: A MEMS-based selectable laser output optical device (10) includes a laser source (12) having a laser output 14. A MEMS switch (16) is optically coupled to the laser source (12) for selectively coupling the laser output (14) from the laser source (12) in one of two directions (141) or (142). The MEMS switch (16) has a mirror (160) that is slidable or otherwise movable from a first position (161), where the mirror (160) is laying flat or in another non-obstructing position to provide a non-obstructing linear exit optical path (141). A second position (162) where the mirror (160) is in its upright vertically aligned direction, obstructs the linear optical path to re-direct the optical path in a non-linear direction.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system assembly is designed to integrate a laser. More particularly, laser is a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser. The MEMS assembly includes a micro-electromechanical substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface defined as having a first area and a second area. A first substrate bonding pad is positioned on the upper surface at a location within the first area, and a second substrate bonding pad is positioned on the upper surface at a location within the second area. Deposited upon the first and second substrate bonding areas are respective first and second solder material. A laser to be integrated in the MEMS assembly has a first laser bonding pad located on a first side, and a second laser bonding pad located on a second side. The laser is placed between the first substrate bonding pad and second substrate bonding pad such that they align with the respective first and second laser bonding pads.

Abstract: A beam shutter apparatus designed to handle high powered UV radiation is disclosed. The shutter includes a high reflectivity mirror mounted on a plate which can be rotated between a first position where the beam is reflected and redirected to a tool such as a beam dump and a second position where the beam is free to pass out of the laser, where the beam is free to pass out of the laser The shutter includes a support base with an angled upper surface upon which the mirror plate rests when in the second position. The support base has a beam path channel designed so that a beam can pass through the support base and out of the shutter when the mirrored plate is in the first position. The mirrored plate is rotated by a linkage, which is driven by an electrically powered actuator on a rotational magnet. The support base is machined out of a monolithic piece of metal allowing very high precision without the need for cumbersome alignment procedures.

Abstract: A connector to an optical fiber comprises a prism, a ferrule and an aspheric lens. The prism includes a triangular wedge element having a first surface, a second surface and a base. The ferrule guides the optical fiber so as to contact the optical fiber with the first surface of the prism. The aspheric lens is integrated on the second surface, the integrated aspheric lens being positioned so that the prism serves to redirect a light beam at an angle relative to an axis of the optical source input through total internal reflection by utilizing the base of the triangle wedge element. The aspheric lens serves to collimate the redirected light beam or focus the light beam before being redirected. This arrangement may, for example, be used within a WDM system to multiplex and de-multiplex several wavelengths of light, using a “zig-zag” optical path configuration and thin film filters to separate the wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical semiconductor device to increase optical communication speed has a silicon substrate with an etched V-shaped first groove portion, a light emitting element which has an optical axis in the direction of the first groove portion and is mounted to the upper surface of the silicon substrate, and a high NA aspheric lens is mounted in the first groove portion. The first groove portion is composed of first and second opposing inclined surfaces and a third inclined surface perpendicular to the first and second inclined surfaces. A slit is cut in the silicon substrate extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the first groove portion and includes the first, second, and third inclined surfaces. The aspheric lens is mounted to the first and second inclined surfaces and has a part thereof protruding in the slit.

Abstract: A laser apparatus which is capable of terminating a irradiating operation using a laser beam without fail by opening switches even if a component of an irradiation switch unit have trouble during the irradiating operation in a continuous irradiation mode. A first switch (11) and a second switch (12) are connected electrically in series by signal lines (18) and are disposed in a side-by-side arrangement. An operating member (13) is a pedal for a foot switch or the like and is capable of substantially simultaneously closing and opening the first switch (11) and the second switch (12) in substantially the same degree. The irradiation switch unit may further be provided with a cover (16) for covering the operating member (13).