Abstract: The invention is drawn to a photonic crystal fiber that can be used with nanoparticles to detect and quantify components in a test sample. The invention further relates to methods of using the photonic crystal fiber for detecting chemical and biological analytes, and in use in optical communications.

Abstract: A nanoscale structure fabricated on a planar end facet of an optic fiber is described, to enable detection of molecules by surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The nanoscale structure may comprise an array of nanopillars. The nanoscale structure may also comprise a non periodic, or random, surface-relief structure. The nanoscale structure may be coated in a metal, comprising, for example, silver, gold, aluminum, iridium, platinum, palladium, copper, or a combination of the same. The nanoscale structure may be fabricated on a planar end facet of an optical fiber by interference lithography.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a method of using nanoparticle aggregates to form sensors and optical filters. Properly sized (60 and 200 nm) nanoparticle aggregates with cores having a sulfur-oxygen molecular species and a shell with a surface in contact with the core are obtained. Those nanoparticle aggregates have a first resonance profile to wavelengths between 350 nm and 1075 nm. A modified resonance profile for those nanoparticle aggregates is determined. The nanoparticle aggregates are then selectively sized by irradiating them with electromagnetic energy at sufficient intensity and spectral content to modify the first resonance profile towards the modified resonance profile. The resulting nanoparticle aggregates can be used as sensors or optical filters at a selected wavelength.

Abstract: A nanoscale structure fabricated on a planar end facet of an optic fiber is described, to enable detection of molecules by surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The nanoscale structure may comprise an array of nanopillars. The nanoscale structure may also comprise a non periodic, or random, surface-relief structure. The nanoscale structure may be coated in a metal, comprising, for example, silver, gold, aluminum, iridium, platinum, palladium, copper, or a combination of the same. The nanoscale structure may be fabricated on a planar end facet of an optical fiber by interference lithography.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a photonic crystal fiber that can be used with nanoparticles to detect and quantify components in a test sample. The invention further relates to methods of using the photonic crystal fiber for detecting chemical and biological analytes, and in use in optical communications.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a method of using nanoparticle aggregates to form sensors and optical filters. Properly sized (60 and 200 nm) nanoparticle aggregates with cores having a sulfur-oxygen molecular species and a shell with a surface in contact with the core are obtained. Those nanoparticle aggregates have a first resonance profile to wavelengths between 350 nm and 1075 nm. A modified resonance profile for those nanoparticle aggregates is determined. The nanoparticle aggregates are then selectively sized by irradiating them with electromagnetic energy at sufficient intensity and spectral content to modify the first resonance profile towards the modified resonance profile. The resulting nanoparticle aggregates can be used as sensors or optical filters at a selected wavelength.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a photonic crystal fiber that can be used with nanoparticles to detect and quantify components in a test sample. The invention further relates to methods of using the photonic crystal fiber for detecting chemical and biological analytes, and in use in optical communications.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to novel gold nanoparticles that are used in a dual optical method for sensitive and selective detection of antigens. The gold nanoparticle aggregates are synthesized from gold hydrochloride and sulfur salts in an aqueous solution. The aggregates can be selectively sized using a spectral notch filter that results in an improved product with versatile uses. The gold nanoparticles can also be used in improved optical communications devices.

Abstract: A configurable wavelength multiplexing device having first, second, and third reflectors. The first reflector has a first state in which it transmits incoming light (having first and second wavelengths) along a first transmitted path and a second state in which it reflects the light along a first reflected path. The second reflector reflects the first wavelength and transmits the second wavelength. The third reflector reflects the first wavelength. The first, second, and third reflectors are oriented so that when the incoming light is transmitted along the first transmitted path, the first wavelength is reflected by the second and third reflectors to travel along second and third reflected paths, the third reflected path intersects the first reflector at an angle such that the first wavelength is transmitted by the first reflector and continues on the first reflected path, and the second wavelength is transmitted by the second reflector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal display apparatus and a method for viewing liquid crystal displays over a wide range of viewing angles with minimal loss in image contrast and gray level. Prior art liquid crystal displays (LCDs) exhibit low contrast and gray level inversion when viewed at large viewing angles. Prior art solutions to these problems include using a phase retardation plate or film interposed between the liquid crystal layer and a polarizer layer as an optical compensator. While such a solution improves image contrast and reduces some undesirable angular effects, the fabrication of such phase retardation compensator films requires precise thickness control and is expensive.