Abstract: A fluid sample is analysed in-line by OCT techniques. The density, size, velocity and other attributes of particles present in a fluid, oil, for example, that is flowing through a conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to rotatable optical couplings, and more particularly to a manually separable and re-connectable optical-electrical rotary joint. The invention provides a manually separable optical-electrical rotary joint in which an optical signal and electrical signal are transmitted while a downstream component rotates relative to an upstream component, for example, as driven by a motor at the upstream component. Further, the downstream component can be easily manually unplugged from the upstream component.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to rotatable optical couplings, and more particularly to a manually separable and re-connectable optical-electrical rotary joint. The invention provides a manually separable optical-electrical rotary joint in which an optical signal and electrical signal are transmitted while a downstream component rotates relative to an up-stream component, for example, as driven by a motor at the upstream component. Further, the downstream component can be easily manually unplugged from the upstream component.

Abstract: A tunable laser spectroscopic carpet identification system comprises a tunable laser spectroscopy system for generating a tunable signal that is transmitted to a carpet sample. The system detects the tunable signal after interaction with the carpet sample so that an analyzer is able to relate a spectral response of the carpet sample to a chemical composition of the carpet sample. In one example, the spectroscopy system comprises a laser cavity in which the tunable signal is generated, a semiconductor gain medium in the laser cavity, and a tunable element for controlling a wavelength of tunable signal generated in the laser cavity. To deal with variations in water content, the analyzer estimates a water content of the carpet sample using the spectral response of the carpet sample and then determines the chemical composition of the carpet sample in part based on the estimate of the water content.

Abstract: An optical component manipulation system has two opposed jaws, which can each be independently positioned relative to each other in a coordinate plane to thereby effect the desired positioning of optical components within the larger system. Z-axis rigidity is provided by air-bearings. Laser heating of the jaws is used for solder, or similar heat driven bonding, processes.

Abstract: A process for aligning an optical component by plastic deformation comprises finding a desired position of an optical axis of the optical component relative to a rest position of the optical axis of the optical component. Then, a deformation force is exerted, which is greater than a yield force of the optical component to thereby plastically deform the optical component in a direction of the desired position. The alignment process addresses mechanical compliance in the alignment system and/or optical system during the plastic deformation of optical components of the optical system. This mechanical compliance arises from the fact that there is typically flexing in the alignment system between the encoders and the part of the alignment system that actually engages the optical component.

Abstract: An optical component manipulation system has two opposed jaws, which can each be independently positioned relative to each other in a coordinate plane to thereby effect the desired positioning of optical components within the larger system. Z-axis rigidity is provided by air-bearings. Laser heating of the jaws is used for solder, or similar heat driven bonding, processes.

Abstract: A mechanical interface between a manipulation system and an optical component in which manipulation system jaws are adapted to engage an optical component at a handle and then deform the component. In some applications, an optical component is translationally or rotationally deformed. In one example, the jaws are moved towards each other in an opposed fashion such that teeth engage the optical component at the handle. Then, the jaws are collectively actuated so that they are moved in substantially the same direction. This results, typically, in the deformation of the optical component so that the optical element held by the optical mounting structure is moved into an improved alignment position. In another example, a V-shaped slot in one of the jaws is used to grasp the optical element, e.g., fiber, to move the element.

Abstract: A process for aligning an optical component by plastic deformation comprises finding a desired position of an optical axis of the optical component relative to a rest position of the optical axis of the optical component. Then, a deformation force is exerted, which is greater than a yield force of the optical component to thereby plastically deform the optical component in a direction of the desired position. The alignment process addresses mechanical compliance in the alignment system and/or optical system during the plastic deformation of optical components of the optical system. This mechanical compliance arises from the fact that there is typically flexing in the alignment system between the encoders and the part of the alignment system that actually engages the optical component. Moreover, it is typically desirable to perform the alignment on a partially completed optical system that has been installed into a hermetic package, typically prior to lid sealing.