公开(公告)号：US08922782B2

公开(公告)日：2014-12-30

申请号：US13837425

申请日：2013-03-15

Applicant: Axsun Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Dale C. Flanders

IPC: G01B9/02

CPC classification number: G01B9/02 ,  G01B9/02004 ,  G01B9/02044 ,  G01B9/02091

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography system uses an optical source that comprises a series of gain waveguides that generate light at the frequencies at which the interference signal is to be sampled. In this way, the optical source generates a discretely tuned optical signal. This has the advantage that the tuning can be directly controlled by a controller that is also used to synchronize the sampling of the interference signal. This avoids the need for separate frequency clock synchronization. In embodiments, the gain waveguides are fabricated from one or more semiconductor edge emitting bars. In some implementations, the gain waveguides comprise periodic structures that define the frequency of operation of the waveguide. However in other implementations, the combiner comprises a dispersive element, such as a diffractive grating, that provides frequency specific feedback to each waveguide.

Abstract translation: 光学相干断层摄影系统使用包括一系列增益波导的光源，该增益波导在干扰信号被采样的频率处产生光。 以这种方式，光源产生离散调谐的光信号。 这具有的优点是调谐可以由也用于同步干扰信号的采样的控制器直接控制。 这避免了单独的频率时钟同步的需要。 在实施例中，增益波导由一个或多个半导体边缘发射棒制成。 在一些实施方案中，增益波导包括限定波导的操作频率的周期性结构。 然而，在其他实现中，组合器包括向每个波导提供频率特定反馈的色散元件，例如衍射光栅。

公开(公告)号：US20140125987A1

公开(公告)日：2014-05-08

申请号：US13852769

申请日：2013-03-28

Applicant: Axsun Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Dale C. Flanders

IPC: G01B9/02

CPC classification number: G01B9/02091 ,  G01B9/02004 ,  G01B9/02051 ,  G01B9/02059 ,  G01B9/02069 ,  G01B2290/45 ,  G01B2290/70

Abstract: An optical detector system comprises a hermetic optoelectronic package, an optical bench installed within the optoelectronic package, a balanced detector system installed on the optical bench. The balanced detector system includes at least two optical detectors that receive interference signals. An electronic amplifier system installed within the optoelectronic package amplifies an output of at least two optical detectors. Also disclosed is an integrated optical coherence tomography system. Embodiments are provided in which the amplifiers, typically transimpedance amplifiers, are closely integrated with the optical detectors that detect the interference signals from the interferometer. Further embodiments are provided in which the interferometer but also preferably its detectors are integrated together on a common optical bench. Systems that have little or no optical fiber can thus be implemented.

Abstract translation: 光学检测器系统包括密封光电子封装，安装在光电封装内的光学平台，安装在光学平台上的平衡检测器系统。 平衡检测器系统包括至少两个接收干扰信号的光学检测器。 安装在光电封装内的电子放大器系统放大至少两个光学检测器的输出。 还公开了一种集成的光学相干断层摄影系统。 提供了实施例，其中放大器，通常是跨阻放大器，与检测来自干涉仪的干扰信号的光学检测器紧密集成。 提供了其它实施例，其中干涉仪还优选地其检测器在公共光学台上集成在一起。 因此可以实现具有很少或不具有光纤的系统。

公开(公告)号：US20030025982A1

公开(公告)日：2003-02-06

申请号：US09919119

申请日：2001-07-31

Applicant: AXSUN Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Xiaomei Wang ,  Dale C. Flanders

IPC: G02B026/00 ,  G02F001/29 ,  G02B026/08

CPC classification number: G02B26/0841

Abstract: A movable MEMS mirror system with a mirror position detection system, such as a capacitive sensor, is calibrated using a physical stop with a range of movement of the mirror structure. Thus, drift in the position detection system can be compensated without the need for a separate reference signal source as used in conventional systems.

Abstract translation: 具有反射镜位置检测系统（诸如电容传感器）的可移动的MEMS镜系统使用具有镜面结构的移动范围的物理停止来校准。 因此，可以补偿位置检测系统中的漂移，而不需要在常规系统中使用的单独的参考信号源。

公开(公告)号：US20030016709A1

公开(公告)日：2003-01-23

申请号：US09909330

申请日：2001-07-19

Applicant: AXSUN Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Dale C. Flanders

IPC: H01S003/10 ,  H01S005/00 ,  H01S003/082 ,  H01S003/08

CPC classification number: H01S5/141 ,  H01S3/105 ,  H01S3/1062 ,  H01S5/02248 ,  H01S5/02284 ,  H01S5/0687

Abstract: A fixed wavelength, external cavity semiconductor laser comprises a semiconductor laser gain medium and an intra-cavity filter having a filter function specifying a frequency of operation of the laser. This distinguishes it from distributed feedback Bragg reflector systems in which the wavelength of operation is dictated by the semiconductor Bragg grating, drive current, and temperature. A cavity length modulation system is further provided that modulates an optical length of the cavity to change the spectral locations of longitudinal modes of the cavity relative to the filter function. One important advantage of the present invention is that it can be deployed without a thermoelectric (TE) cooler. Specifically, the intra-cavity filter material in combination with the cavity length controller, allow a mode of cavity to be located at the filter function. Thus, the temperature of the module can fluctuate with ambient temperature or other operating parameters, but the wavelength is held stable with single longitudinal mode operation of the module being guaranteed.

Abstract translation: 固定波长的外腔半导体激光器包括半导体激光增益介质和具有指定激光器的操作频率的滤波器功能的腔内滤波器。 这与其中工作波长由半导体布拉格光栅，驱动电流和温度决定的分布式反馈布拉格反射器系统区分开来。 还提供了一种腔长调制系统，其调制空腔的光学长度以改变空腔相对于滤光器功能的纵向模式的光谱位置。 本发明的一个重要优点是可以在没有热电（TE）冷却器的情况下部署。 具体地说，腔体内的过滤材料与空腔长度控制器相结合，允许空腔的模式位于过滤器功能。 因此，模块的温度可以随着环境温度或其他操作参数而波动，但是波长保持稳定，模块的单纵模操作得到保证。

公开(公告)号：US20030011864A1

公开(公告)日：2003-01-16

申请号：US09906495

申请日：2001-07-16

Applicant: AXSUN Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Dale C. Flanders

IPC: G02B026/02

CPC classification number: G02B6/29358 ,  B81B3/0035 ,  G01J3/26 ,  G02B6/29395 ,  G02B26/001

Abstract: A tilt mirror Fabry-Perot tunable filter comprises a frame and a first mirror structure. A tether system connects the first mirror structure to this frame. The tether system is designed to enable the tilting of the first mirror structure relative to an optical axis, in addition to translation of the first mirror structure along the optical axis. A second mirror structure is further provided to define an optical cavity in combination with the first mirror structure. At least two drive electrodes are provided for electrostatically tilting and translating the first mirror structure. The resulting MEMS Fabry-Perot tunable filter is capable for hitless tuning. It can be tuned to between bands directly, i.e., without dropping intervening bands.

公开(公告)号：US20020186477A1

公开(公告)日：2002-12-12

申请号：US09878800

申请日：2001-06-11

Applicant: AXSUN Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Xiaomei Wang ,  Peter S. Whitney ,  Steven F. Nagle ,  Dale C. Flanders

IPC: G02B007/02

CPC classification number: G02B6/423

Abstract: An optical system assembly technique utilizes a templating system for locating optical components 200 on optical benches 150. Specifically, the template system comprises a template substrate 102 that is placed over the optical bench. The substrate 102 has at least one alignment slot 104 that is formed through the substrate. This alignment slot 104 has an alignment feature 120, against which an optical component 200 is registered. In order to improve the accuracy of the alignment of the optical component on the optical bench, the slot 104 has a reentrant, such as a smooth or step, sidewall 106 extending from the alignment feature 120 into the template substrate 102. This way, there is a single point or near single point of contact between the optical component 200 and the template 102, to thereby improve the placement precision for the optical component on the optical bench 150.

Abstract translation: 光学系统组装技术利用模板系统来定位光学台架150上的光学组件200.具体地，模板系统包括放置在光学台上的模板衬底102。 衬底102具有通过衬底形成的至少一个对准槽104。 该对准狭槽104具有对准特征120，光学部件200对准该对准特征120。 为了提高光学部件在光学工作台上的对准精度，狭槽104具有从对准特征120延伸到模板衬底102中的凹槽，例如平滑或台阶侧壁106。这样，那里 是光学部件200和模板102之间的单点或近点接触点，从而提高光学部件150上的光学部件的放置精度。

公开(公告)号：US20020043551A1

公开(公告)日：2002-04-18

申请号：US09885226

申请日：2001-06-20

Applicant: AXSUN Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Robert L. Payer ,  Livia M. Racz

IPC: B23K001/06 ,  B23K005/20 ,  B23K020/10 ,  B23K035/12

CPC classification number: G02B7/003 ,  G02B6/3636 ,  G02B6/3656 ,  G02B6/3692 ,  G02B6/4226 ,  G02B6/4237 ,  G02B6/4238 ,  G02B6/4239 ,  G02B27/62

Abstract: A micro-optical component comprises an optical element for interacting with an optical beam and a mounting structure for attaching the optical element to an optical bench. This optical element is solid phase welded to the mounting structure. Solid phase welding has advantages in that it can be performed at lower temperatures than most soldering, even some eutectic soldering. Solid-phase welding, however, is much more robust during subsequent temperature cycling. This is especially important when the optical components undergo subsequent high temperature cycling.

Abstract translation: 微光学部件包括用于与光束相互作用的光学元件和用于将光学元件附接到光学平台的安装结构。 该光学元件与固定结构固相焊接。 固相焊接的优点在于它可以在比大多数焊接更低的温度下进行，甚至是一些共晶焊接。 然而，在随后的温度循环中，固相焊接更加坚固。 当光学部件经历随后的高温循环时，这尤其重要。

公开(公告)号：US10359551B2

公开(公告)日：2019-07-23

申请号：US13964169

申请日：2013-08-12

Applicant: Axsun Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Mark E. Kuznetsov ,  Ranko Galeb

IPC: G02B26/02 ,  G02B5/28 ,  G02B26/00 ,  G01J3/26 ,  H01S5/14 ,  H01S3/08 ,  H01S3/105 ,  H01S5/022

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of hybrid metal-dielectric optical coatings as the end reflectors of laser cavities and/or in the mirror structures used in other optical resonators, such as Fabry-Perot tunable filters, along with the use of such Fabry-Perot tunable filters in wavelength swept sources such as lasers. Hybrid metal-dielectric optical coatings have reflectivity spectra that can be broader than pure dielectric coatings, offer optical reflectivities higher than metal, as high as pure dielectric coatings, eliminate mirror transmission that can cause parasitic light reflections, and use fewer layers and thus have lower mass and higher mechanical resonant frequency for movable mirror applications An important characteristic of these coatings concerns the non-reflected light. Pure dielectric coatings offer high reflectivity, while the non-reflected portion of the light is transmitted by the coating to the substrate, for example. When metal is added to the optical coating, the non-reflected portion of the light is absorbed by the metal and is not transmitted to the substrate or outside the cavity. Hybrid metal-dielectric coatings have broader and more uniform spectral reflection. Tunable lasers with performance enhanced by the hybrid metal-dielectric coatings can be used in optical coherence tomography and spectroscopic analysis applications.

公开(公告)号：US10161738B2

公开(公告)日：2018-12-25

申请号：US14144636

申请日：2013-12-31

Applicant: Axsun Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Bartley C. Johnson ,  Dale C. Flanders

IPC: H01S3/08 ,  G01B9/02 ,  H01S5/14 ,  H01S3/083 ,  H01S3/105 ,  H01S3/106 ,  H01S5/022

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography system utilizes an optical swept laser that has cavity length compensator that changes an optical length of the laser cavity for different optical frequencies to increase the length of the laser cavity for lower optical frequencies. Specifically, a spectral separation between longitudinal cavity modes of the laser cavity is shortened or alternatively lengthened as a passband of a cavity tuning element sweeps through a scanband of the swept optical signal. In some examples, the compensator is implemented as two gratings. In others, it is implemented as a chirped grating device.

公开(公告)号：US09800019B2

公开(公告)日：2017-10-24

申请号：US14630752

申请日：2015-02-25

Applicant: Axsun Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Walid A. Atia ,  Randal A. Murdza ,  Peter S. Whitney

IPC: G01B9/02 ,  H01S5/065 ,  H01S5/14 ,  H01S5/10 ,  H01S5/30 ,  H01S3/105

CPC classification number: H01S5/0657 ,  G01B9/02004 ,  G01B9/02067 ,  G01B9/02069 ,  G01B9/02091 ,  H01S3/105 ,  H01S5/1039 ,  H01S5/141 ,  H01S5/146 ,  H01S5/3013

Abstract: An optical coherence analysis system uses a laser swept source that is constrained to operate in a stable mode locked condition by modulating a drive current to the semiconductor optical amplifier as function of wavelength or synchronously with the drive voltage of the laser's tunable element based on stability map for the laser.