Abstract: An optical module includes a light source. The light source can be a swept wavelength light source, and optical module includes a wavemeter. The wavemeter includes a wavemeter tap capable of directing a wavemeter portion of light produced by the light source away from a main beam, a wavelength selective filter arranged to receive the wavemeter portion, a first wavemeter detector arranged to measure a transmitted radiation intensity of radiation transmitted through the filter, and a second wavemeter detector arranged to measure a non-transmitted radiation intensity of radiation not transmitted through but reflected by the filter. In addition, an optical coherence tomography apparatus includes the optical module.

Abstract: An optical module includes a light source. The light source can be a swept wavelength light source, and optical module includes a wavemeter. The wavemeter includes a wavemeter tap capable of directing a wavemeter portion of light produced by the light source away from a main beam, a wavelength selective filter arranged to receive the wavemeter portion, a first wavemeter detector arranged to measure a transmitted radiation intensity of radiation transmitted through the filter, and a second wavemeter detector arranged to measure a non-transmitted radiation intensity of radiation not transmitted through but reflected by the filter. In addition, an optical coherence tomography apparatus includes the optical module.

Abstract: A tunable external cavity laser for use as a pump laser in an optical amplifier such as a Raman amplifier or erbium doped fibre amplifier comprising a semiconductor gain device (12) operable to provide light amplification, a diffraction grating (18) for selecting the wavelength of operation of the laser and a MEMs actuator for changing the selected wavelength. A plurality of gain devices can be coupled together to improve the bandwidth or gain of the optical amplifier.

Abstract: A swept wavelength light source is provided, the light source includes a semiconductor gain device operable to provide amplification, an optical retarding device, the retarding device having a block of material, a beam path with a well-defined beam path length being defined for light within the block of material produced by the gain device, a wavelength selector, and the gain device, the retarding device and wavelength selector being mutually arranged on the base so that a resonator is established for light portions emitted by the gain device and selected by wavelength selector; this does not exclude the presence of further elements contributing to the resonator, such as additional mirrors (including resonator end mirrors), lenses, polarization selective elements, other passive optical components, etc.; wherein the beam path in the retarding device is a part of a beam path of the resonator.

Abstract: A swept wavelength light source is provided, the light source includes a semiconductor gain device operable to provide amplification, an optical retarding device, the retarding device having a block of material, a beam path with a well-defined beam path length being defined for light within the block of material produced by the gain device, a wavelength selector, and the gain device, the retarding device and wavelength selector being mutually arranged on the base so that a resonator is established for light portions emitted by the gain device and selected by wavelength selector; this does not exclude the presence of further elements contributing to the resonator, such as additional mirrors (including resonator end mirrors), lenses, polarization selective elements, other passive optical components, etc.; wherein the beam path in the retarding device is a part of a beam path of the resonator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining ear fluid viscosity. A transducer is operable to transceive a signal to interact with a fluid-containing portion of the ear. The viscosity of the fluid is determined using the transceived signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining ear fluid viscosity. A transducer is operable to transceive a signal to interact with a fluid-containing portion of the ear. The viscosity of the fluid is determined using the transcieved signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an ear disorder. The apparatus includes structure for transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals to interact with an ear, and includes structure for directing the plurality of signals along different directions. In one example, the apparatus includes a plurality of transducers, each for interacting with a different ear portion. The transducers may be in a curved array. A determination as to which of the transducers is operable to provide an accurate indication of the detected ear disorder can be made. The transducers can be operated sequentially. In general, the method includes transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals to interact with an ear for ear disorder detection, and directing the plurality of signals along different directions. In one example the method includes providing a probe that has a plurality of transducers for use in detecting the ear disorder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining ear fluid viscosity. A transducer is operable to transceive a signal to interact with a fluid-containing portion of the ear. The viscosity of the fluid is determined using the transcieved signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an ear disorder. The apparatus includes structure for transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals to interact with an ear, and includes structure for directing the plurality of signals along different directions. In one example, the apparatus includes a plurality of transducers, each for interacting with a different ear portion. The transducers may be in a curved array. A determination as to which of the transducers is operable to provide an accurate indication of the detected ear disorder can be made. The transducers can be operated sequentially. In general, the method includes transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals to interact with an ear for ear disorder detection, and directing the plurality of signals along different directions. In one example the method includes providing a probe that has a plurality of transducers for use in detecting the ear disorder.

Abstract: A glucose sensing apparatus and method includes an electrocatalytic sensor having a reference electrode and a sensing electrode. A periodic signal is comprised of a ramp voltage which is intermingled a series of square wave measurement pulses. This signal is applied to the sensor. Current levels are sampled twice during each measurement pulse, and a signal indicative of glucose level is derived therefrom. After completion of a measurement, a reactivation, signal is applied to the electrode to regenerate deteriorated surfaces thereof.