Abstract:
An optical pressure sensor is disclosed having a pressure sensing optical cavity. A temperature sensing optical cavity at the sensor head is used by an interrogator to correct a pressure signal for effects of temperature. The optical cavities may be, for example, Fabry Perot cavities in the sensor head.
Abstract:
A data distribution system (10) including an information card (12) and a reader (14). The information card (12) includes visible indicia (20) on its front and stripe zones (34) and a ring zone (36) on its back. The zones (34, 36) are suitable for magnetically recording data, and optional data identifiers. The reader (14) may be a linear reader (14a) or a rotary reader (14b), and optionally may act automatically in response to reading a data identifier. If the reader (14) is a rotary reader (14b) the information card (12) may be loaded into a cartridge (16) which is loaded into the rotary reader (14b).
Abstract:
Scanning based wavelength measurement systems which are suitable for both localised and distributed WDM, High Density WDM, and coherent systems are based around the use of a fixed cavity Fabry-Perot Etalon which when the output of a tuneable laser is passed through it produces a number of reference equispaced transmission maxima. These maxima are used in a Scanning Heterodyne or Scanning Filter based Spectrometer for detection of the wavelength position of the transmitter.
Abstract:
A stabilisation system for stabilising an output of a controllable light or laser source comprises a randomizer for randomizing light from the controllable light or laser source to generate a speckle pattern; a detector for detecting the speckle pattern to determine one or more properties of the light and/or changes in one or more properties of the light; and a controller for controlling the controllable light or laser source based on the determined one or more properties of the light and/or changes in one or more properties of the light.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for producing with a gas discharge laser an output laser beam comprising output laser light pulses, for delivery as a light source to a utilizing tool is disclosed which may comprise a beam path ( 80 ) and a beam homogenizer ( 60 ) in the beam path.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an approach to locking the output wavelength of a laser (102) that uses an etalon (112) having non-parallel surfaces (122, 124). Under this approach, the non-parallel etalon (112) is formed from a readily available, low cost optical component, and may include an etalon with a wedged shape or with at least one curved surface. This approach offers significant advantages over the use of a planar etalon. It provides two degrees of freedom in alignment of the device, and so both the absolute wavelength and the spacing between the interference fringes can be independently adjusted. It also reduces the cost and difficulty of assembly, since it utilizes standard optical parts with wide tolerances. The invention may be used within a standard laser package. The invention also permits the laser to be tuned to a precise operating wavelength by setting various tuning signals according to values stored in memory.
Abstract:
A compact wavelength monitoring and control assembly (110) for a narrow band (i.e., laser) source is provided, comprising two narrow bandpass, wavelength selective transmission filter elements (130, 160) of Fabry-Perot structure through which two separate collimated beams from a laser source are directed onto two photodetectors (145, 175). A control circuit processes the simultaneously acquired signals from the two detectors (145, 175) as the laser wavelength is varied. The device functions as an optical wavelength discriminator in which the detectors (145, 175) convert optical energy to current (or voltage) for a feedback loop for controlling the laser source. Any one of a large number of discrete, predetermined wavelengths may be chosen for locking using the same device.
Abstract:
A stabilisation system for stabilising an output of a controllable light or laser source comprises a randomizer for randomizing light from the controllable light or laser source to generate a speckle pattern; a detector for detecting the speckle pattern to determine one or more properties of the light and/or changes in one or more properties of the light; and a controller for controlling the controllable light or laser source based on the determined one or more properties of the light and/or changes in one or more properties of the light.
Abstract:
A wavelength filter includes a solid material that transmits a light; a pair of flat planes formed on the sold material substantially in parallel with each other; and a supporting member that supports the solid material on a plane of the solid material other than the pair of flat planes with an adhesive agent, the supporting member having a rigidity stronger than that of the solid material. The light is resonated between the pair of flat planes, the wavelength filter selects a wavelength that is determined by an optical length between the pair of flat planes, and the solid material is a birefringent material of which an optical axis makes a predetermined angle with respect to a normal to the pair of flat planes. With this mechanism, even in a state in which the solid material is supported by the supporting member, a stable wavelength-discriminating characteristic can be obtained.