Abstract:
In one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for communicating radiation pressure provided by a light wave. The method entails positioning a reflective prism (606, 607) having a near total reflective surface, including an initial transparent surface (614A, 614B) and a pair of reflective surfaces (612) each positioned at an angle relative to the initial transparent surface. Then, a light wave is directed toward the reflective prism, such that the light wave is generally normal to the transparent surface and passes therethrough. The light wave further reflects from the first and then the second reflective surface and exits the prism through the transparent surface. In this way, radiation pressure communicated by the relecting light wave acts on the prism.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for sensing electric and electromagnetic fields incorporating a fiber-optic transducer which mounts directly on a conventional optical fiber waveguide. The transducer employs a conductive Fabry-Perot microcavity bounded by a conductive, thin and corrugated diaphragm. When the conductive microcavity is placed in an electric field, the electric field is excluded from within the equipotential microcavity and a net electrostatic force acts on the diaphragm. Likewise, when the conductive microcavity is exposed to an electromagnetic wave, the wave exerts a radiation pressure on the diaphragm. In both cases, the diaphragm deflects linearly and uniformly under the influence of the extremely low electrostatic pressures which are induced. The diaphragm deflection modulates the reflectance within the optical fiber by varying the gap of the cavity. The change in reflected light is measured and correlated to the field strength using an improved dual-wavelength referencing technique which compensates for bending and transmission losses in the optical fiber.
Abstract:
A predetermined characteristic of a laser beam is detected by disposing a reflector (11) in the path of the beam and coupling an electromechanical transducer (12) to the reflector to detect a mechanical response of the reflector to the incident beam.
Abstract:
Light absorbing ultra-thin films mounted under a fixed strain exhibit the behavior of an optomechanicalor photomechanical transducer. The transducer responds to light in a quick and reversible manner converting a time-variable light source into a time-variable mechanical stress easily monitored by a device such as a strain gage.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and apparatus for utilizing the energy present in an electromagnetic light wave.SOLUTION: The present invention provides, in particular, a technique for the utilization of radiation pressure in a light wave. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for communicating or otherwise manipulating the light wave and/or communicating radiation pressure provided by the light wave. In one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for communicating radiation pressure provided by the light wave. The method entails positioning a reflective prism having a near total reflective surface, including an initial transparent surface and a pair of reflective surfaces each positioned at a certain angle relative to the initial transparent surface. Then, the light wave is directed toward the reflective prism, such that the light wave is generally normal to the transparent surface and passes therethrough. The light wave further reflects from the first and then the second reflective surfaces and emits the prism through the transparent surface. In this way, radiation pressure communicated by the reflecting light wave acts on the prism.
Abstract:
A photon momentum sensor includes: a reflector plate that includes: a central disk including a mirror; an annular member; a plurality of spring legs interposed between the central disk and the annular member, such that: the spring legs are interleaved; neighboring spring legs are spaced apart; and the spring legs individually are arranged in an Archimedean spiral that provides orthogonal motion of the central disk relative to the plane of the annular member; and a bias plate disposed opposing the reflector plate such that: the central disk of the reflector plate moves orthogonally to a plane of the bias plate in response to reflection of laser light, and the central disk and the bias plate are arranged spaced apart as a capacitive structure.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for sensing electric and electromagnetic fields incorporating a transducer (30) which mounts directly on an optical fiber (20). The transducer (30) employs a conductive Fabry-Perot microcavity bounded by a conductive, thin and corrugated diaphragm (134). When the conductive microcavity is placed in an electric field, the electric field is excluded from within the equipotential microactivity and a net electrostatic force acts on the diaphragm. Likewise, when the conductive microcavity is exposed to an electromagnetic wave, the wave exerts a radiation pressure on the diaphragm. In both cases, the diaphragm (134) deflects linearly and uniformly under the influence of the extremely low electrostatic pressures which are induced. The diaphragm (134) deflection modulates the reflectance within the optical fiber (20) by varying the gap (f) of the cavity. The change in reflected light is measured and correlated to the field strength using an improved dual-wavelength referencing technique.
Abstract:
In one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for communicating radiation pressure provided by a light wave. The method entails positioning a reflective prism having a near total reflective surface, including an initial transparent surface and a pair of reflective surfaces each positioned at an angle relative to the initial transparent surface. Then, a light wave is directed toward the reflective prism, such that the light wave is generally normal to the transparent surface and passes therethrough. The light wave further reflects from the first and then the second reflective surface and exits the prism through the transparent surface. In this way, radiation pressure communicated by the reflecting light wave acts on the prism.