Abstract: The broad range measurement exploiting the usual propagated light and the high resolution measurement mode exploiting near-field light are to be accomplished with a sole as-assembled optical probe. To this end, light radiated through an optical probe 13 having a light shielding coating layer 33 formed for defining a light radiating aperture D or light radiated at a core 31 of the optical probe 13 is propagated, as the optical probe 13 is moved in a direction towards and away from a surface for measurement 2a. The core of the optical probe is coated with a light shielding coating layer 33. In this manner, a spot of propagated light propagated through the core 31 or a spot of near-field light seeping from the light radiating aperture D is formed on the surface for measurement 2a, and light derived from the spot of light is detected.

Abstract: A LoC (Lab on a Chip) is described to analyze surface properties of fluid drops. Substrates with cavities near the edge are filled with fluids that have a contact angle greater than 90°. The surfaces of two different drops can be brought in contact with one another by using Coulomb forces. Several experiments can be carried out while the drops are in contact: the concentration of the fluid in each drop can be altered, tangential and normal forces can be applied to the contact surface, voltage differences across and current flow through the contact surface can be monitored. MEMS pumps can be used to mix reagents or buffers with the fluid to determine the protein concentration or to extract DNA from whole cells, respectively. Substrates holding optical components can be used to align fibers with either lasers or receivers. The alignment is automatic and controlled by a control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an optical signal to a surface and collecting the light leaving the surface in response to the application of the optical signal. The optical signal and the collected light traverse an optical fiber having an end proximate to the surface which delivers light to the surface with the aid of a lens that couples the optical signal to the surface, collects the light emitted by the surface, and couples collected light into the optical fiber. A detector measures the intensity of light delivered into the optical fiber and generates a detection signal indicative of the measured intensity as a function of time. A set of actuators dither the position of the lens relative to the proximate end of the fiber. Each actuator operates at a different dither frequency and moves the lens relative to fiber along a different axis.