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    • Thomas V. Higgins

    Contributing Editor

    Thomas V. Higgins was a contributing editor for Laser Focus World, covering science and technology.

    Optics

    Wave nature of light shapes its many properties

    Thomas V. Higgins
    Dec. 1, 2000
    The transverse wave theory of light explains the characteristics of polarization, interference, and diffraction.
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    Optics

    All rays lead to geometrical optics

    Thomas V. Higgins
    Dec. 1, 2000
    Based on Fermat's principle, geometrical optics offers a simplified understanding of optical systems.
    FIGURE 1. A 1 x 1 optical switch can be created from a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (left), while a directional coupler (right) defines a 2 x 2 optical switch. Both switches are electro-optically controlled and optoelectronically integrated. Note the two possible states of each switch.
    Optics

    Computing with photons at the speed of light

    Thomas V. Higgins
    Dec. 1, 1995
    The future growth rate of computing power will rely increasingly on unconventional technologies now under development, such as optical computing.