Abstract: A waveguide device is provided comprising an optical waveguide core and a cladding optically coupled to the optical waveguide core. The cladding comprises an optically functional region defining a refractive index that is configured to vary in response to a control signal applied to the optically functional region. The refractive index of the optically functional region is lower than the refractive index of the optical waveguide core. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the optically functional region may be characterized as a Kerr Effect medium. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: An intelligent microsensor module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) is provided that can fuse data streams from a variety of sources and then locally determine the current state of the environment in which the intelligent microsensor is placed. The resultant state rather than raw data is communicated to the outside world when the microsensor is queried. The intelligent microsensor module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) of the present invention can locally determine and execute an action to be taken based on the determined state of the environment. The module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) can be readily reconfigured for multiple applications.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in immunoassay of a fluid, light is directed to an optical sensor wherein the light is transmitted to a replaceable optical device that is responsive to index of refraction in a sensing region thereof that is exposed to the fluid. One portion of the light is transmitted via a compensation path that includes the sensing region to a first detector. Another portion of the light is transmitted via a sensing path that includes the sensing region to another detector. In one embodiment a ratioing device receives an output from each detector and provides a signal responsive to the ratio of the outputs. The replaceable optical device typically comprises a pair of channel waveguides in directional coupling arrangement, or a pair of channel waveguides in an interferometer arrangement, or a ridge waveguide having a curved or serpentine path configured so that nonspecific sensing effects are compensated.

Abstract: In apparatus useful in immunoassay of a fluid, light is directed to an optical sensor wherein the light is transmitted to a replaceable optical device that is responsive to index of refraction in a sensing region thereof that is exposed to the fluid. One portion of the light is transmitted via a reference path to a first detector. Another portion of the light is transmitted via a sensing path that includes the sensing region to another detector. A ratioing device receives an output from each detector and provides a signal responsive to the ratio of the outputs. The replaceable optical device typically comprises a pair of channel waveguides in directional coupling arrangement, or a pair of channel waveguides in an interferometer arrangement, or a ridge waveguide having a serpentine path.

Abstract: A wire guidance system for a materials handling vehicle, such as a turret stockpicker, detects an alternating signal carried by a buried wire. Two sets of four sensors each are carried at either end of the vehicle. These sensors define regions, and a procedure is provided to determine in which region the wire is located. The distance and angle of the vehicle is determined by reference to the distance measurements of each sensor set, as calculated by a microcomputer. A self testing circuit is provided to insure proper operation of the sensors and associated circuitry.

Abstract: Apparatus for modulation of optical signals at millimeter-wave frequencies comprises a thin elongate dielectric slab (1) of lithium niobate to partially confine and guide therein a polarized electrical signal (8) at millimeter-wave frequencies; a thinner optical waveguide (3) of lithium niobate with titanium diffused therein to substantially confine and guide therein an optical signal (9), having at least one elongate surface adjacent to an elongate surface of the dielectric slab (1); an optical grating (5) of arsenic trisulfide for directing a polarized optical signal (9) into the waveguide (3) to propagate in a lengthwise direction therein; an optical grating (7) of arsenic trisulfide for directing the optical signal (9) out of the waveguide (3) after it has traversed a predetermined distance therein; and a metallic waveguide (2) for directing an electrical signal (8) into the dielectric slab (1) in the same direction as that of the optical signal (9) in the waveguide (3), and at a center frequency such tha

Abstract: High speed integrated optic devices for sampling transient RF and microwave signals. A series of electrooptic couplers are spaced apart along an integrated-optic waveguide beneath a coplanar RF stripline. A traveling wave electrical signal propagetes on the RF stripline, generating an electric field across each coupler, and thus changing its coupling characteristics. A short optical pulse propagates in a direction opposite to the electrical signal, passing sequentially through the electro-optic couplers, and thus causing a small amount of light to couple into each one of a series of output waveguides and propagate on to an optical detector. The amount of coupled light is dependent on the local electric field induced by the electric signal. Each detector integrates the energy of the coupled optical pulse in its respective output waveguide, to determine the associated instantaneous amplitude of the electrical signal.