Brian D Peterson

US Patent:

6377593, Apr 23, 2002

Filed:

Jun 21, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/337432

Inventors:

Brian Lee Peterson - Charlotte NC
Daniel Peter Talenti - Charlotte NC
Emil John Bero - Matthews NC

Assignee:

Northrop Grumman Corporation - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H01S 313

US Classification:

372 11, 372 70

Abstract:

A Q-switched microlaser is provided that is capable of supporting a zig-zag resonation pattern in response to side pumping of the active gain medium so as to effectively lengthen the microresonator cavity without having to physically lengthen the microresonator cavity. As such, the microlaser can generate pulses having greater pulse widths and correspondingly greater pulse energies and average power levels than the pulses provided by conventional microlasers of a similar size. A corresponding fabrication method is also provided according to one embodiment of the present invention that permits a plurality of side pumped Q-switched microlasers to be fabricated in an efficient and repeatable manner.

US Patent:

6472242, Oct 29, 2002

Filed:

Jan 24, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/056162

Inventors:

Brian Lee Peterson - Charlotte NC
Daniel Peter Talenti - Charlotte NC
Emil John Bero - Matthews NC

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H01L 2120

US Classification:

438 27, 438 33, 438460

Abstract:

A Q-switched microlaser is provided that is capable of supporting a zig-zag resonation pattern in response to side pumping of the active gain medium so as to effectively lengthen the microresonator cavity without having to physically lengthen the microresonator cavity. As such, the microlaser can generate pulses having greater pulse widths and correspondingly greater pulse energies and average power levels than the pulses provided by conventional microlasers of a similar size. A corresponding fabrication method is also provided according to one embodiment of the present invention that permits a plurality of side pumped Q-switched microlasers to be fabricated in an efficient and repeatable manner.

US Patent:

6501772, Dec 31, 2002

Filed:

Aug 11, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/637469

Inventors:

Brian Lee Peterson - Charlotte NC

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H01S 311

US Classification:

372 10, 372 66

Abstract:

A microlaser assembly is provided that includes a microresonator, such as a side pumped microresonator having an active gain medium and a passive Q-switch, a pump source for inducing resonation of the microresonator and the generation of laser signals, one or more electro-optic components, such as one or more non-linear crystals, amplifiers, oscillators or active gain mediums, for modifying the laser signals emitted by the microlaser and a beam steering element for aligning the laser signals emitted by the microresonator with the electro-optic components. The beam steering element is preferably controllably adjustable so as to precisely align the laser signals emitted by the microresonator with an electro-optic component. In order to provide more general alignment, the microlaser assembly can also include a mechanical alignment member. For example, the microlaser assembly can include a first mechanical alignment member for aligning the microresonator and the beam steering element and a second mechanical alignment member for aligning the beam steering element and the electro-optic component.

US Patent:

6566152, May 20, 2003

Filed:

Aug 19, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/223416

Inventors:

Brian Lee Peterson - Charlotte NC
Daniel Peter Talenti - Charlotte NC
Emil John Bero - Matthews NC

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H01L 2100

US Classification:

438 27

Abstract:

A Q-switched microlaser is provided that is capable of supporting a zig-zag resonation pattern in response to side pumping of the active gain medium so as to effectively lengthen the microresonator cavity without having to physically lengthen the microresonator cavity. As such, the microlaser can generate pulses having greater pulse widths and correspondingly greater pulse energies and average power levels than the pulses provided by conventional microlasers of a similar size. corresponding fabrication method is also provided according to one embodiment of the present invention that permits a plurality of side pumped Q-switched microlasers to be fabricated in an efficient and repeatable manner.

US Patent:

6668004, Dec 23, 2003

Filed:

Aug 10, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/927205

Inventors:

Brian Lee Peterson - Charlotte NC

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H01S 311

US Classification:

372 92, 372 94

Abstract:

A wedge-shaped microresonator is provided that can be mounted proximate one or more wedge-shaped electro-optic components in order to construct a densely packed microlaser assembly. The wedge-shaped microresonator has first, second and third side surfaces. The wedge-shaped microresonator includes a passive Q-switch proximate the second side surface and an active gain medium proximate portions of the first and third side surfaces. The wedge-shaped microresonator also includes a reflective surface proximate each of the first, second and third side surfaces. At least one of the reflective surfaces is partially reflective, however, to then permit emission of laser signals. In addition to the wedge-shaped microresonator, a microlaser assembly is provided that also includes at least one wedge-shaped electro-optic component for receiving and modifying the laser pulses emitted by the wedge-shaped microresonator. As a result of the wedge-shape of the microresonator and the electro-optic components, the microlaser assembly can be packed relatively densely.

US Patent:

6813285, Nov 2, 2004

Filed:

Sep 4, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/234275

Inventors:

Brian Lee Peterson - Charlotte NC

Assignee:

LItton Systems, Inc. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H01S 311

US Classification:

372 10, 372 11, 372 33, 372 35, 372 70

Abstract:

A Q-switched microlaser is provided that is capable of supporting a zig-zag resonation pattern in response to pumping of the active gain medium so as to effectively lengthen the microresonator cavity without having to physically lengthen the microresonator cavity. As such, the microlaser can generate pulses having greater pulse widths and correspondingly greater pulse energies and average power levels than the pulses provided by conventional microlasers of a similar size. A corresponding fabrication method is also provided that permits a plurality of Q-switched microlasers to be fabricated in an efficient and repeatable manner.

US Patent:

6891879, May 10, 2005

Filed:

Sep 23, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/252600

Inventors:

Brian Lee Peterson - Charlotte NC, US
Clark Emory Tooly - Fort Mill SC, US

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H01S003/115
H01S003/10
H01S003/08

US Classification:

372107, 372 12, 372 21, 372 22, 372 92, 372 98

Abstract:

A cavity assembly includes a mounting member, an active gain medium, at least one electro-optic component and at least one alignment assembly. The mounting member defines an aperture within which the active gain medium is disposed, and is comprised of a thermally conductive material. The alignment assemblies are disposed relative to the active gain medium, and are configured to receive the electro-optic components such that electro-optic components at least partially align with the active gain medium. The alignment assemblies are rotatably disposed relative to the active gain medium such that relative rotation of the alignment assemblies and the active gain medium alters the alignment of the respective electro-optic components with respect to the active gain medium. The cavity assembly may be mounted within a thermally conductive housing to transfer heat away from the active gain medium.

US Patent:

20040199417, Oct 7, 2004

Filed:

Jul 2, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/612540

Inventors:

Randy Baxter - Mesa AZ, US
William Bliss - Wellesley MA, US
Stephen Biondi - Brookfield CT, US
Robert Bojanek - Ridgefield CT, US
James Carey - Rochester MN, US
Thomas Christopherson - Rochester MN, US
Charles Davis - Sleepy Hollow NY, US
Kathleen Diedrich - Rochester MN, US
Charles Gauthier - Stewartville MN, US
Uwe Hansmann - Durham NC, US
Katherine Imming - Rochester MN, US
Pamela Kaplan - Washington DC, US
Roger Kerr - Stamford CT, US
Brian Peterson - Ridgefield CT, US
Thomas Pitzen - Rochester MN, US
Christopher Wicher - Raleigh NC, US

Assignee:

International Business Machines Corporation - Armonk NY

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705/010000

Abstract:

Techniques are disclosed for assessing information technology products by comparing a product (including a product still under development) to a set of criteria. Each of the criteria may have one or more attributes, and may be different in priority from one another. The comparison is preferably directed toward ensuring, and/or improving, the product's acceptance by its target marketplace or market segment. In preferred embodiments, a product assessment score is created as a result of the comparison. When necessary, a set of recommendations for product changes is also created. The criteria/attributes may be prioritized in view of their importance to the target marketplace or market segment, and the assessment results are preferably provided to product teams to influence the importance of product planning and/or development efforts. Optionally, the assessment process may be used to determine whether the assessed product qualifies for a special designation that signifies support for the assessment criteria/attributes.