Abstract: A method of making modular micro-optical systems of great flexibility and adaptability. A substrate is formed with a relief pattern, optical components such as optical fibers are added, another relief pattern is formed, partially through the optical components, and additional components are added, some coupling with the first components. A third relief pattern is formed, further modifying the substrate surface and the optical components already mounted, and further optical components are added, whereby optical signals can be coupled, modulated, transmitted, detected and switched, among others. The method can be employed to form tactile sensors which may be used with robotic manipulators.

Abstract: A variable interval electromagnetic pulse train generator having a semiconductor substrate on which is mounted on one surface thereof a plurality of spaced apart electrodes and on another surface thereof an electrode base plate. A voltage source is connected to each of the plurality of spaced apart electrodes while the space between electrodes have optical pulses directed thereon. By controlling the voltage applied to the electrodes and the optical pulses directed between electrodes the pulse train generator is capable of emitting a series of variable, spaced apart electromagnetic pulses.

Abstract: This invention concerns devices for optical measurement of torsion of a rotating shaft. The measurement system can readily be installed to monitor existing equipment because it requires only that a band consisting of alternating high and low reflectivity regions be placed on the shaft at the locations to be measured. The band may be applied as an adhesive tape, among other possibilities. One sensor head is located to correspond to each band. Each sensor head projects light onto the corresponding band, then collects the light reflected by the high reflectivity region(s) of the band. The phase displacement between the intensities of the reflected light at two or more sensor heads may be used to determine torsion on the rotating shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting optical and electro-optical components and the like to a substrate to obtain physical mounting and electrical connections, along with heat dissipation. A relief pattern of precisely dimensioned grooves is formed on a substrate surface and the components are mounted in those grooves. The grooves may be partially lined with electrode material to facilitate electrical interconnection between the components and the substrate. The invention also relates to the method of mounting and interconnection.

Abstract: A fiber-optic system for measuring a desired environmental parameter, such as temperature, is disclosed. The system includes a fiber-optic sensing head that alters light of a prescribed frequency as a function of the environmental parameter to be measured. Light not of the prescribed frequency is not so altered. In a preferred embodiment of the fiber-optic sensing head, a semiconductor material is positioned between two substantially parallel optical fibers at a distal end of the fibers. One fiber serves as in input channel and the other fiber serves as an output channel. Both fibers approach the semiconductor material from the same direction. Light channeled to the semiconductor material is reflected at the distal end of the input fiber so as to pass through the semiconductor material, and then is reflected again at the distal end of the output fiber so as to pass back out the output fiber. The semiconductor material absorbs the light of the prescribed frequency as a function of temperature.