Abstract: An imaging probe for a biological sample includes an OCT probe and an ultrasound probe combined with the OCT probe in an integral probe package capable of providing by a single scanning operation images from the OCT probe and ultrasound probe to simultaneously provide integrated optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound imaging of the same biological sample. A method to provide high resolution imaging of biomedical tissue includes the steps of finding an area of interest using the guidance of ultrasound imaging, and obtaining an OCT image and once the area of interest is identified where the combination of the two imaging modalities yields high resolution OCT and deep penetration depth ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: An ultrasonic positioning device for real time measuring the distance between the epidural needle and the epidural space is provided. The ultrasonic positioning device at least includes an epidural needle having a hollow interior; an ultrasound needle transducer disposed in the hollow interior of the epidural needle and connected to an ultrasonic driving device; and a loss-of-resistance checking syringe connected to the epidural needle so as to confirm whether the epidural needle is inserted into the epidural space.

Abstract: An imaging probe for a biological sample includes an OCT probe and an ultrasound probe combined with the OCT probe in an integral probe package capable of providing by a single scanning operation images from the OCT probe and ultrasound probe to simultaneously provide integrated optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound imaging of the same biological sample. A method to provide high resolution imaging of biomedical tissue includes the steps of finding an area of interest using the guidance of ultrasound imaging, and obtaining an OCT image and once the area of interest is identified where the combination of the two imaging modalities yields high resolution OCT and deep penetration depth ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: A fiber optical sensor includes a light source, a detector and an optical resonator having a multimode optical fiber and two reflective layers respectively provided adjacent to or on ends of the optical fiber. Excitation light from the light source is coupled into the optical resonator through a transparent hole formed in one of the reflective layers. An evanescent wave extends outside the optical fiber in the active region of the optical fiber. The fluorescent light generated by a fluorescent material excited by the evanescent wave in response to the presence or concentration of the analyte in a sample to be assayed is detected by the detector. The light beam is reflected back and forth between the first and second reflective layers many times within the optical resonator whereby the strength of the fluorescent light is significantly increased thereby resulting in a significantly signal amplification.

Abstract: A fiber optical sensor includes a light source, a detector and an optical resonator having a multimode optical fiber and two reflective layers respectively provided adjacent to or on ends of the optical fiber. Excitation light from the light source is coupled into the optical resonator through a transparent hole formed in one of the reflective layers. An evanescent wave extends outside the optical fiber in the active region of the optical fiber. The fluorescent light generated by a fluorescent material excited by the evanescent wave in response to the presence or concentration of the analyte in a sample to be assayed is detected by the detector. The light beam is reflected back and forth between the first and second reflective layers many times within the optical resonator whereby the strength of the fluorescent light is significantly increased thereby resulting in a significantly signal amplification.

Abstract: A non-contact button system for controlling an electronic device comprising a substantially rigid front plate having a front surface and an inner housing located inner or outward from the front surface having an open spacing suitable for a finger or finger-sized object to insert into without physical contact with said inner housing. Within said inner housing, there are a light emitting element and a light receiving element. Said light receives element receiving light from said light emitting element as first status. Operator inserts a finger or finger-sized object into said open spacing to define second status and different statuses generating different electronic signals to control the electronic device.