Abstract: Target devices for characterizing terahertz imaging systems are provided. The target devices include a terahertz resolution pattern having spatially distributed resolution features and one or more prism assemblies configured to provide a variable contrast level within the resolution features when used with terahertz radiation. Each prism assembly includes first and second prisms arranged in a Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) configuration.

Abstract: A heat-loss pressure microsensor for measuring a gas pressure is disclosed that includes a plurality of pressure gauges arranged proximate to one another on a substrate. The gauges may include a pair of gauges, each gauge including a thermistor having an electrical resistance that varies with its temperature, the thermistor's temperature being responsive to the gas pressure, a platform to receive the thermistor, and a support structure to hold the platform above the substrate. Each gauge may be configured to produce a gauge output signal related to the electrical resistance of its thermistor. The two gauges are configured with their platforms having equal nominal perimeters and different nominal surface areas, and their support structures having the same nominal geometry. A differential signal may be obtained from the two gauge output signals. The differential signal conveys information about the gas pressure and exhibits reduced sensitivity to fabrication-related dimensional variations.

Abstract: A heat-loss pressure microsensor for measuring a gas pressure is disclosed that includes a plurality of pressure gauges arranged proximate to one another on a substrate. The gauges may include a pair of gauges, each gauge including a thermistor having an electrical resistance that varies with its temperature, the thermistor's temperature being responsive to the gas pressure, a platform to receive the thermistor, and a support structure to hold the platform above the substrate. Each gauge may be configured to produce a gauge output signal related to the electrical resistance of its thermistor. The two gauges are configured with their platforms having equal nominal perimeters and different nominal surface areas, and their support structures having the same nominal geometry. A differential signal may be obtained from the two gauge output signals. The differential signal conveys information about the gas pressure and exhibits reduced sensitivity to fabrication-related dimensional variations.

Abstract: Target devices for characterizing terahertz imaging systems are provided. The target devices include a terahertz resolution pattern having spatially distributed resolution features and one or more prism assemblies configured to provide a variable contrast level within the resolution features when used with terahertz radiation. Each prism assembly includes first and second prisms arranged in a Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) configuration.

Abstract: Optical coupling techniques between an optical fiber and another optical device, such as a planar optical waveguide, or a probed region are disclosed. An optical fiber for lateral optical coupling includes a cladding, a core disposed in the cladding, a reflecting structure inclined relative to the fiber axis, and a light-converging structure embedded in the cladding. The reflecting structure is configured to reflect light between the core and a lateral coupling path extending and providing lateral optical coupling between the core and an exterior of the fiber. The cladding-embedded light-converging structure is configured to intercept and converge light traveling along the lateral coupling path. In some implementations, the optical fiber is a fiber-optic transition coupled between a main optical fiber and another optical device or a probed region. A coupled optical system including an optical fiber coupled to another optical device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Optical coupling techniques between an optical fiber and another optical device, such as a planar optical waveguide, or a probed region are disclosed. An optical fiber for lateral optical coupling includes a cladding, a core disposed in the cladding, a reflecting structure inclined relative to the fiber axis, and a light-converging structure embedded in the cladding. The reflecting structure is configured to reflect light between the core and a lateral coupling path extending and providing lateral optical coupling between the core and an exterior of the fiber. The cladding-embedded light-converging structure is configured to intercept and converge light traveling along the lateral coupling path. In some implementations, the optical fiber is a fiber-optic transition coupled between a main optical fiber and another optical device or a probed region. A coupled optical system including an optical fiber coupled to another optical device is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is described a method of manufacturing a reflector unit on a photonic chip. The method generally has a step of providing a substrate having a top surface with a region of interest, the region of interest being covered with a bulge of a removable material; monolithically integrating a layer of metallic material over a portion of the top surface adjacent to the bulge and over a portion of the bulge, the layer of metallic material forming a base monolithically integrated to the top surface and a pocket monolithically integrated over the bulge in a manner leaving a portion of the bulge uncovered; and removing the bulge of the removable material to form a reflector unit for reflecting light incoming from the region of interest or towards the region of interest.

Abstract: An optical assembly generally having a substrate; a photonic-integrated circuit (PIC) mounted on the substrate, the PIC having a plurality of optical ports; a first structure having a bottom surface connected to the substrate, and a first planar surface extending perpendicularly to the substrate; a second structure having a second planar surface being connected to the first planar surface of the first structure via an adhesive, and a support surface; and a waveguide array having a support surface being connected to the support surface of the second structure, the waveguide array having a plurality of waveguides each defining an optical path, with the optical paths lying in a waveguide plane, the waveguide plane being perpendicular to the first and second planar surfaces, the optical paths being maintained in optical alignment with corresponding ones of the optical ports via the adhered first and second planar surfaces.

Abstract: The coaxial cable assembly generally has a coaxial cable; and a connector assembled to an end of the coaxial cable, the connector having a dielectric body having a connecting surface, a longitudinal groove recessed in the connecting surface and having a groove end spaced from an edge of the connecting surface, and a coplanar waveguide along the connecting surface, the coplanar waveguide having a signal conductor extending from the groove end to the edge and between ground conductors each extending from a respective lateral side of the longitudinal groove to the edge; the end of the coaxial cable being received in the longitudinal groove and having an inner conductor electrically connected to the signal conductor and an outer conductor electrically connected to the ground conductors in a manner allowing connection of the coaxial cable with another coplanar waveguide of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: There is described a method of manufacturing a reflector unit on a photonic chip. The method generally has a step of providing a substrate having a top surface with a region of interest, the region of interest being covered with a bulge of a removable material; monolithically integrating a layer of metallic material over a portion of the top surface adjacent to the bulge and over a portion of the bulge, the layer of metallic material forming a base monolithically integrated to the top surface and a pocket monolithically integrated over the bulge in a manner leaving a portion of the bulge uncovered; and removing the bulge of the removable material to form a reflector unit for reflecting light incoming from the region of interest or towards the region of interest.

Abstract: The coaxial cable assembly generally has a coaxial cable; and a connector assembled to an end of the coaxial cable, the connector having a dielectric body having a connecting surface, a longitudinal groove recessed in the connecting surface and having a groove end spaced from an edge of the connecting surface, and a coplanar waveguide along the connecting surface, the coplanar waveguide having a signal conductor extending from the groove end to the edge and between ground conductors each extending from a respective lateral side of the longitudinal groove to the edge; the end of the coaxial cable being received in the longitudinal groove and having an inner conductor electrically connected to the signal conductor and an outer conductor electrically connected to the ground conductors in a manner allowing connection of the coaxial cable with another coplanar waveguide of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: An optical assembly generally having a substrate; a photonic-integrated circuit (PIC) mounted on the substrate, the PIC having a plurality of optical ports; a first structure having a bottom surface connected to the substrate, and a first planar surface extending perpendicularly to the substrate; a second structure having a second planar surface being connected to the first planar surface of the first structure via an adhesive, and a support surface; and a waveguide array having a support surface being connected to the support surface of the second structure, the waveguide array having a plurality of waveguides each defining an optical path, with the optical paths lying in a waveguide plane, the waveguide plane being perpendicular to the first and second planar surfaces, the optical paths being maintained in optical alignment with corresponding ones of the optical ports via the adhered first and second planar surfaces.

Abstract: An optical module for use in a motion responsive system includes a support and a proof mass mechanically coupled and displaceable relative to the support along at least one sensing axis in response to a motion experienced by the support. The module also includes an optical monitoring assembly for monitoring the proof mass with an optical beam impinging on the proof mass, the beam including a plurality of dedicated spectral components. The module further includes an optical spectral filter including a plurality of filtering regions, each being associated with a corresponding dedicated spectral component and having a spectral profile including a distinct dedicated filtering band encompassing the spectral component, such that a displacement of the proof mass along the at least one sensing axis produces, after filtering of the beam, a change in optical power of the spectral components indicative of the motion experienced by the support.

Abstract: The active optical coupling system generally has: a photonic die having a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) waveguide element disposed thereon, the PIC waveguide element having an intermediate coupling element disposed on the PIC waveguide element; a liquid crystal refractive element (LCRE) being optically coupled to the PIC waveguide element of the photonic die via the intermediate coupling element, the LCRE having a first face for receiving light, a second face opposite the first face for outputting the received light, a liquid crystal layer between the first and second faces, and an electrode system arranged to act on the liquid crystal layer; and a controller being electrically connected to the electrode system of the LCRE and being operable to actively control the propagation of the outputted light upon action of the electrode system, said active control allowing coupling of the outputted light into the PIC waveguide element.

Abstract: optical module for use in a motion responsive system includes a support and a proof mass mechanically coupled and displaceable relative to the support along at least one sensing axis in response to a motion experienced by the support. The module also includes an optical monitoring assembly for monitoring the proof mass with an optical beam impinging on the proof mass, the beam including a plurality of dedicated spectral components. The module further includes an optical spectral filter including a plurality of filtering regions, each being associated with a corresponding dedicated spectral component and having a spectral profile including a distinct dedicated filtering band encompassing the spectral component, such that a displacement of the proof mass along the at least one sensing axis produces, after filtering of the beam, a change in optical power of the spectral components indicative of the motion experienced by the support.

Abstract: The active optical coupling system generally has: a photonic die having a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) waveguide element disposed thereon, the PIC waveguide element having an intermediate coupling element disposed on the PIC waveguide element; a liquid crystal refractive element (LCRE) being optically coupled to the PIC waveguide element of the photonic die via the intermediate coupling element, the LCRE having a first face for receiving light, a second face opposite the first face for outputting the received light, a liquid crystal layer between the first and second faces, and an electrode system arranged to act on the liquid crystal layer; and a controller being electrically connected to the electrode system of the LCRE and being operable to actively control the propagation of the outputted light upon action of the electrode system, said active control allowing coupling of the outputted light into the PIC waveguide element.

Abstract: The detection method can include: exciting at least one fluorescent microsphere floating in said solution under test by exposing it to excitation light; measuring a fluorescence spectrum of said at least one fluorescent microsphere, said fluorescence spectrum comprising multiple whispering gallery modes; obtaining a set of predetermined fluorescence spectra corresponding to those of microspheres having varying external refractive index and varying radius, identifying a matching fluorescence spectrum of the set which more closely matches the measured fluorescence spectrum; comparing the matching fluorescence spectrum of the set to the measured fluorescence spectrum.

Abstract: The detection method can include: exciting at least one fluorescent microsphere floating in said solution under test by exposing it to excitation light; measuring a fluorescence spectrum of said at least one fluorescent microsphere, said fluorescence spectrum comprising multiple whispering gallery modes; obtaining a set of predetermined fluorescence spectra corresponding to those of microspheres having varying external refractive index and varying radius, identifying a matching fluorescence spectrum of the set which more closely matches the measured fluorescence spectrum; comparing the matching fluorescence spectrum of the set to the measured fluorescence spectrum.