Abstract: Low loss, reliable variable optical attenuators and 1×2 switches and polarization insensitive low loss, reliable variable optical attenuators and 1×2 optical switches are described. In one embodiment, a system of the present invention includes a polarization separating sub-system a polarization recombining sub-system and one or more switchable volume diffraction gratings to provide polarization insensitive low loss, reliable variable optical attenuators and 1×2 optical switches.

Abstract: A system for detecting a predetermined wavelength of light emitted from an area on the surface of a chemical array is provided. Aspects of the system include: a beam splitter for splitting emitted light into two or more light beams and a detector for detecting photons in each of the two produced light beams. Methods of detecting light using the subject system, programming for performing the subject methods and an array reader containing the subject system are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for producing a collimated light path. Theses devices, systems and methods may be used to determine an optical property of a small volume sample.

Abstract: Low loss, reliable variable optical attenuators and 1×2 switches and polarization insensitive low loss, reliable variable optical attenuators and 1×2 optical switches are described. In one embodiment, a system of the present invention includes a polarization separating sub-system a polarization recombining sub-system and one or more switchable volume diffraction gratings to provide polarization insensitive low loss, reliable variable optical attenuators and 1×2 optical switches.

Abstract: A system for measuring properties of small volume samples includes a source of electromagnetic radiation; a first optical system; an optical delivery system; a sample holding assembly; a second optical system; a detecting system; an optical transmission system; a data collector interface component operatively connected to the detecting system; at least one processor; and at least one computer readable medium being capable of causing the at least one processor to: receive data from the detecting system corresponding to a measurement, calculate characteristics from the received data, organize the calculated characteristics in a predetermined ordering and output the organized predetermined ordering to the at least one computer readable medium.

Abstract: A system for measuring properties of small volume liquid samples, where the system includes wavelength selective filters.

Abstract: Polarization converter assemblies are utilized to provide switching and routing systems with effective coupling between a first and second router assemblies, and to provide polarization insensitive switching and routing systems. An improved optical switching/routing system of this invention includes a first router assembly, a second router assembly and a polarization converter assembly, each assembly optically aligned with one another, the polarization converter assembly being optically interposed between the first router assembly and the second router assembly. Embodiments of the polarization converter include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal spatial light modulators or half-wave retarders. A polarization insensitive switching and routing system of this invention includes a polarization separating sub-system, a selectable switching/routing sub-system, and a polarization combining sub-system.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical device by providing a nematic liquid crystal; providing a photo-curable pre-polymer mixture; mixing the nematic liquid crystal with the photo-curable pre-polymer mixture to form a homogeneous nematic/pre-polymer mixture, with the nematic liquid crystal representing greater than 40% (by weight) of the combined homogeneous mixture. Providing a cell including a pair of transparent substrates that are each coated with a transparent conductive layer when creating an electrooptic device and omitting the conductive layers when creating a static device. Separating the substrates by approximately 5–20 ?m or greater; filling the cell with the homogeneous nematic/pre-polymer mixture; and photo-curing the nematic/pre-polymer mixture using a spatially inhomogeneous illumination source thereby forming a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film exhibiting low scattering loss and high index modulation.

Abstract: Switchable optical components such as switchable mirrors and variable retarders are fabricated using a unique class of materials. These materials are thin film composites comprising of porous inorganic films imbibed with liquid crystal materials.

Abstract: A PDLC transmissive phase grating utilizing nematic liquid crystal materials confined in a polymer matrix. The PDLC grating operates in the Bragg regime and switches between diffracting and non-diffracting states via an applied electric field. The grating is made up of a PDLC grating film contained within a cell. The PDLC film has a spatially periodic distribution of grating planes which includes polymer-rich regions and liquid crystal-rich regions, wherein the major constituent of the polymer-rich regions is a polymer, and wherein the liquid crystal constituent concentration within the liquid crystal-rich regions is greater than the liquid crystal constituent concentration within said polymer-rich regions. The PDLC transmission phase grating is rendered substantially transparent when subjected to an electric field during the application of light that is p-polarized and incident on the grating at Bragg angle.

Abstract: Switchable optical components such as switchable mirrors and variable retarders are fabricated using a unique class of materials. These materials are thin film composites comprising of porous inorganic films imbibed with liquid crystal materials.

Abstract: A PDLC transmissive phase grating utilizing nematic liquid crystal materials confined in a polymer matrix. The PDLC grating operates in the Bragg regime and switches between diffracting and non-diffracting states via an applied electric field. The grating is made up of a PDLC grating film contained within a cell. The PDLC film has a spatially periodic distribution of grating planes which includes polymer-rich regions and liquid crystal-rich regions, wherein the major constituent of the polymer-rich regions is a polymer, and wherein the liquid crystal constituent concentration within the liquid crystal-rich regions is greater than the liquid crystal constituent concentration within said polymer-rich regions. The PDLC transmission phase grating is rendered substantially transparent when subjected to an electric field during the application of light that is p-polarized and incident on the grating at Bragg angle.