Blue Sky Research

Coherent, Inc.

Fizeau Electro-optic Systems, LLC

Soquel Technology, Inc.

Stephen L Kwiatkowski

James J Snyder

Mathew Noel Rekow

Benny L Chan

Ross Johnston

A method and apparatus for measuring the wavelength of an input light beam whereby the input light beam is split into two light beams which are directed through two paths of different optical length. The light beams are interfered with each other in order to form a fringe pattern at an observation plane, which fringe pattern is detected and analyzed to thereby determine the wavelength of the input light beam.

Method and apparatus for determining the wavelength of an input light beam

A single channel M&times;N optic switch is provided in accordance with the present invention to steer light radiating from any one fiber in an input bundle into any selected fiber in an output bundle. Precision beam-steering optics is implemented using a Risley prism pair controlled by a small computer. In order to efficiently couple light between two single-mode optical fibers a low-aberration lens approximately collimates the light from the source fiber before it is passed through the Risley prisms in order to minimize the aberrations introduced by the prisms as they collectively deflect the beam through some precise angle. A second low-aberration objective lens is used to refocus the light at the core of a selected output fiber. The focusing lens transforms the angular deflection of the beam into a change in the position of the focused spot in the focal plane of the lens. In order to switch the light beam from one fiber in the output bundle to another, the Risley prisms are individually rotated about the optical axis to predetemined orientations so as to deflect the collimated light at the exact angle necessary to direct the focused spot to the core of a selected output fiber.

Single channel M x N optical fiber switch

An illumination system for projecting a line of light includes a linear array of diode lasers having a fast and a slow axis and an optical system aligned with the linear array and having different optical power in the fast and slow axes. The optical system is arranged to focus fast-axis diverging rays from the array in a fast axis focal plane of the optical system, and arranged to form slow axis diverging rays of the array into a plurality of bundles of parallel rays, one for each diode-laser, in the array. The bundles of parallel rays intersect in the fast-axis focal plane, such that light from the diode-lasers is formed into a line of light in the fast-axis focal plane. The line of light has a width in the fast axis and a length in the slow axis. The illuminator is useful as an illuminator for a linear spatial light modulator array.

Diode-laser light projector for illuminating a linear array of light modulators

A read/write arm for use in an optical memory system. The read/write arm of the present invention has reflective surfaces for directing an optical beam from the arm rotation axis on to an optical disk. The arm features a lightweight lens mounted at one end of the arm for focusing a light beam onto an optical disk. The focal distance of the light beam may be adjusted using piezoelectric actuators mounted on the read/write arm for precisely deflecting the arm. The light beam may be further adjusted through use of a relay lens interposed between a collimating lens and the object lens. This arrangement is advantageously optimized through the use of feedback loops.

Optical data storage technology

A method and apparatus for passively aligning microlenses and other optical elements and devices is disclosed herein. The method taught herein is particularly well suited to effect the passive alignment of cylindrical microlenses with other elements or devices, such as laser diodes. Cylindrical microlens structures formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention use a base substrate having one or more alignment sites. The alignment sites being formed using wafer scale fabrication techniques are formed with a high degree of precision, such that cylindrical microlenses fitted into the alignment sites are aligned with respect to each other and are positioned a proper optical distance from each other. These microlens structures can be constructed individually or constructed en masse enabling mass production of the microlens structures. Moreover, the microlens structures can be passively aligned with other optical elements. This can be effectuated by urging the optical element into intimate mechanical contact with an alignment member mounted on a microlens, thereby passively aligning the optical element with the microlens structure. This enables the fabrication of micro-optical devices using a minimum of skilled labor and achieving a superior degree of optical perfection.

Microlens passive alignment apparatus and method of use

Method for passively aligning micro-optical lenses with other elements, and devices resulting therefrom. The method taught herein is particularly well suited to effect the passive alignment of cylindrical microlenses with other elements or devices, such as laser diodes. Cylindrical microlenses formed according to the principles of the present invention include at least one alignment member including at least one alignment surface. Urging the cylindrical microlens into intimate mechanical contact with the element to which it is to be attached, and its attachment thereto results in micro-optical devices formed with a minimum of skilled labor, which devices reflect a superior degree of optical perfection.

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Stephen L Kwiatkowski