Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, article of manufacture, and computer-readable storage medium provide the ability to merge multiple point cloud scans. A first raw scan file and a second raw scan file (each including multiple points) are imported. The scan files are segmented by extracting segments. Features are extracted from the segments. A set of candidate matching feature pairs are acquired by registering/matching/pairing features from one scan to features from another scan. The candidate pairs are refined based on an evaluation of all of the matching pairs. The candidate pairs are further refined by extracting sample points from the segments (within the matched pairs) and refining the pairs based on the points. The feature pairs are scored and then merged based on the scores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive medical instrument (100) having a proximal end (100b) and a distal end (100a) and comprising a sensor arrangement (10) arranged at the distal end (100b) of the medical instrument (100). The sensor arrangement (10) comprises a sensor (20) configured to generate sensor data in the form of an electrical sensor signal, and a data conversion device (40) configured to convert the electrical sensor signal into an optical signal and comprising an electrical input (41) for receiving the electrical sensor signal and an optical output (42) for transmitting the optical signal. The sensor arrangement (10) further comprises an optical fiber (50) configured to transmit the optical signal from the distal end (100a) to the proximal end (100b), the optical fiber (50) coupled to the output of the data conversion device (40) for receiving the optical signal, the optical fiber (50) extending from the distal end (100a) to the proximal end (100b) of the instrument (100).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described which provide a range of second-order chromatic dispersion correction between a reference arm and a sample arm of an optical coherence tomographic system, while minimizing optical path length differences.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample with a light probe with a spatial resolution smaller than the wavelength of the light probe comprising the steps of: —illuminating the sample by a first light pulse saturating a vibrational and/or electronic transition, said light pulse presenting an intensity spatial distribution on the sample presenting at least one minimum wherein saturation does not occur, —measuring the local absorbance properties and/or the local second order non-linear susceptibility of the sample by using a second light pulse forming the light probe at a wavelength corresponding to said electronic and/or vibrational transition, wherein the second light pulse overlap said first light pulse intensity minimum.

Abstract: An OCT probe includes a cannula and includes a selectively displaceable light-carrying optical fiber disposed within the cannula. The optical fiber may be arranged to emit light from a distal end thereof. A flexor may be bent to divide the flexor into a first segment and a second segment extending along a lumen of the cannula. The first segment may be coupled to the optical fiber. A driver may be configured to push or pull the second segment in the axial direction to elastically bow the second segment and laterally displace the optical fiber to perform an OCT scan.

Abstract: An optical measuring device measures a wavelength of a response from a sensing device. The optical measuring device contains a light path coupled to an interface for coupling the light path to the sensing device. A periodic optical filter has an input coupled to the light path, to sample light that is supplied to or received from the sensing device. A continuous output optical filter has an input coupled the light path to sample light that is supplied to or received from the sensing device. A computation circuit is coupled to detectors at the periodic optical filter and the continuous output optical filter. The computation circuit is programmed to process output signals from the detectors obtained during a wavelength scan. The processing involves quantization of data derived from the continuous filter wavelengths associated with respective time points at which the wavelength scan reaches corresponding positions in respective periods of the periodic optical filter.

Abstract: A beam combining device comprising at least one beam splitter and phase adjustment circuitry. The at least one beam splitter comprises a semi-reflective surface, first and second inputs, and first and second outputs operatively connected to receive first and second light beams. The semi-reflective surface has first and second sides positioned such that light entering from one input is partially reflected through one output and partially transmitted through another output. The phase adjustment circuitry adjusts the relative phases of the first and second light beams so that light transmitted through the semi reflective surface from one input may be adjusted to have a phase which can cancels or constructively adds to light reflected from another input. Light having a combined power of the light beams, or a fraction thereof, may be selectively emitted through a selective output depending upon the adjustment of phases. Also, a method of operation is claimed.

Abstract: A signal generation method for generating an information signal F(b) by performing a Fourier transform on a signal f(a) includes the following steps: detecting the maximum peak intensity of the information signal F(b); calculating an amplitude, a phase, and a frequency of the signal f(a) corresponding to the maximum peak intensity; generating a signal by causing the signal f(a) corresponding to the maximum peak intensity to extend along an ‘a’ axis on the basis of information about the amplitude, the phase, and the frequency of the signal f(a); generating an extrapolation signal by extracting a signal in a region smaller than a1 and a signal in a region larger than a2 from the signal, where a1<a2; generating a composite signal by combining the extrapolation signal with the signal f(a) in a range from a1 to a2; and performing a Fourier transform on the composite signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reflective telescopic system, to control the generation of filamentation of ultrashort and intense laser pulses that includes: a flat mirror, an adaptive reflective mirror, a dichroic convex mirror, an off-axis parabolic mirror, and a first laser source. The convex mirror and the adaptive reflective mirror are mounted on an independent breadboard and set on a translation stage. The propagation axis of the laser beam reflected by the mirror should correspond to the off-axis of the parabolic mirror. The parabolic mirror reflects the beam at a specific angle. Finally, the propagation axis between the dichroic convex mirror and the off-axis parabolic mirror, the propagation axis between the flat mirror and the adaptive reflective mirror, and the axis of the translation stage should be substantially parallel to each other. The present invention also contemplates the boresighting of a weak laser beam from a second laser source.

Abstract: An analysis device for performing analysis about a substance by using an analysis chip having therein a reaction area that reacts with the substance is provided. The analysis device includes: a control section in contact with the analysis chip; a first sensor for measuring an ambient temperature of the analysis chip; a second sensor for measuring the temperature at a contact area of the control section in contact with the analysis chip, and a control circuit for performing feedback control of the control section by finding a temperature of the contact area for achieving a desired temperature of the reaction area based on the ambient temperature measured by the first sensor and a temperature gradient between a position at which the ambient temperature is measured and the reaction area, setting the found temperature as a target value and setting the temperature detected by the second sensor as an output value.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a laser source configured to output laser light at a target frequency, and a measurement unit configured to measure a deviation between an actual frequency outputted by the laser source at a current period of time and the target frequency of the laser source. The apparatus includes a feedback control unit configured to, based on the measured deviation between the actual and target frequencies, control the laser source to maintain a constant frequency of laser output from the laser source so that the frequency of laser light transmitted from the laser source is adjusted to the target frequency. The feedback control unit can control the laser source to maintain a linear rate of change in the frequency of its laser light output, and compensate for characteristics of the measurement unit utilized for frequency measurement. A method is provided for performing the feedback control of the laser source.

Abstract: A method of comb-based spectroscopy for measuring a CW source at time-bandwidth limited resolution by using frequency combs with a high degree of mutual coherence (<1 radian phase noise).

Abstract: A collimator system comprises a micro lens array and a fiber array. The fiber array has a substrate with a plurality of holes for holding a plurality of optical fibers. The fibers are glued into the holes. Before gluing, each of the fibers is positioned against the same side of a corresponding hole resulting in all fibers being located substantially equally with respect to the holes. The lens array is mounted with an offset to the fiber array resulting in alignment of the fibers and the lenses.

Abstract: The described system and method uses data from interaction between a known wave and an unknown wave to analyze or characterize the unknown wave using cross correlation frequency resolved optical gating (X-FROG). The system may obtain X-FROG trace data from the interaction between the two waves. The system analyzes the X-FROG trace data using a modified principal component generalized projection method strategy to invert the X-FROG trace data, analyzing or characterizing the unknown wave. Results of the analysis can be provided in real time and displayed.

Abstract: A method for directing a laser pulsed beam towards a selected area/surface of an object, comprising transmitting from a laser assembly that includes an optical transmitter module a pulsed laser beam having a first pulse duration and illuminating therewith an area/surface of the object, thereby obtaining a reflected pulsed laser beam, the reflected pulsed laser beam including a leading portion reflected from a first reflecting area/surface of the object which is the area of the object that defines the shortest optical path between the optical transmitter module, the object and an optical receiver module; receiving, in a second laser assembly that includes the optical receiver module, the reflected pulsed laser beam and converting it into an amplified phase conjugated pulsed beam of a second pulse duration, and transmitting from the second laser assembly the amplified phase conjugated pulsed beam and illuminating therewith on selected area/surface of the object.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a slit plate including a plurality of rectangular slits with different widths. The control apparatus also includes an acquisition unit which acquires an incident spectrum from the rectangular slit. The apparatus also includes a slit selecting unit which acquires a half value wavelength of the incident spectrum on the basis of the incident spectrum, and performs a selection of one of the plurality of rectangular slits on the basis of the half value wavelength.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward techniques and configurations for an optical device having a semiconductor layer to propagate light and a mirror disposed inside the semiconductor layer and having echelle grating reflective surface to substantially totally internally reflect the propagating light inputted by one or more input waveguides, to be received by one or more output waveguides. The waveguides may be disposed in the semiconductor layer under a determined angle relative to the mirror reflective surface. The determined angle may be equal to or greater than a total internal reflection angle corresponding to the interface, to provide substantially total internal reflection of light by the mirror. The mirror may be formed by an interface of the semiconductor layer comprising the mirror reflective surface and another medium filling the mirror, such as a dielectric. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A laser alignment device with at least one movable mirror, a laser-target alignment sensor with movable mirrors and a laser alignment method are disclosed. The laser alignment device with the movable mirror comprises an image acquisition means for collecting incident lasers, a moveable mirror for reflecting the lasers to the image acquisition means and is operable to move linearly with respect to the image acquisition means, and a lens for forming an image of a target in the image acquisition means. The present disclosure achieves linear motion of the movable mirror with high accuracy in a small range, which in turn achieves fast and accurate alignment of the laser. It solves the problem of laser spots overlapping, reduces alignment time and improves shooting accuracy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for irradiating a scattering medium with increased resolution. The method includes transmitting EM radiation from an Electromagnetic (EM) radiation source to a target inside a scattering medium, wherein the target encodes the EM radiation with a variance structure to form encoded EM radiation; measuring, in a detector, transmitted EM radiation comprising at least a portion of the encoded EM radiation transmitted through and exiting the scattering medium; decoding the transmitted EM radiation, comprising EM fields, in a computer, comprising selecting one or more of the EM fields having the variance structure; and irradiating the scattering medium with time reversed EM radiation from a spatial light modulator (SLM), the time reversed EM radiation generated from time reversing the EM fields having the variance structure, thereby forming a focus of the time reversed EM radiation in the scattering medium with the increased resolution.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and method for the removal of diseased cells during surgery.

Abstract: A method for irradiating a medium with a wave which is designed to focus on a particular portion in the medium, the method includes: irradiating the medium with an electromagnetic wave which is scattered in the medium, and is not designed to focus on the particular portion in the medium; detecting a first signal caused by irradiating the medium with the electromagnetic waver; irradiating the medium with a reconstructed wave which is designed to focus on the particular portion in the medium; detecting a second signal caused by irradiating the medium with the reconstructed wave; and monitoring, based on the first and second signals, that the particular portion is irradiated by the reconstructed wave.

Abstract: An interferometer for controlling the coalescence of a pair of photons, including: an optical source, which generates a first and a second pump pulse coherent with each other and shifted in time by a delay; and a first interferometric stage, which receives the first pump pulse and generates an antisymmetric state with two coalescent photons (1/?{square root over (2)}(|21,02?|01,22)). The interferometer also includes a second interferometric stage, which receives the second pump pulse and generates a symmetric state with two coalescent photons (1/?{square root over (2)}·(|21,02+|01,22)), the first and the second interferometric stages being connected in a manner such that the interferometer outputs a final state equal to a weighted sum of the antisymmetric state and of the symmetric state (1/?{square root over (2)}·(|21,02+|01,22)+ei?·1/?{square root over (2)}·(|21,02?|01,22)), the weights of the sum being a function of the delay.

Abstract: Nanowire array structures based on periodic or aperiodic nanowires are provided in various configurations for sensing and interacting with light and substances to provide various functions such as sensors for detecting DNAs and others and solar cells for converting light into electricity.

Abstract: Systems, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for imaging an object. The system includes a scanner. The scanner positions a spot of light from a light source on the object along a scanning path. The scanning path includes a plurality of scan lines. The spot moves along the scanning path at a scanning velocity. The scanning velocity is not constant. The intensity of the spot of light is modulated as a function of the scanning velocity. The system includes a detector that is arranged to output data associated with positions along the scanning path. The system includes one or more processors that perform calculations. Pixels are calculated based on the output data. The image is constructed of the object based on the pixels.

Abstract: A high power ultrashort chirped pulse amplifier laser system, with a chirped pulse amplifier laser module including an optical pulse stretcher, at least one optical power amplifier, and an optical pulse compressor, and a beam interferometer module in the optical path. The beam interferometer receives splits the pulse into at least two pulses, adds a time delay to at least one of the pulses and recombines the pulses to produce a temporally modulated pulse. The resulting modulated output pulse from the CPA laser module can have enhanced laser contrast due to greatly reduced subpicosecond pedestal in the immediate region of the peak pulse, or can have other desirable characteristics.

Abstract: Described herein is an optical channel monitor (100), including a plurality of input ports in the form of optical fibers (102) disposed in a vertical “port displacement” dimension. Each fiber (102) inputs a respective optical beam (103) having a plurality of individual wavelength channels. A lens (104) collimates each beam and converges the beams in the port displacement dimension to a focal plane (105). The collimated and converged beams are incident onto a rotatable micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) mirror (106), which selectively directs each optical beam onto a wavelength dispersion element in the form of a grism (108) at a predetermined angle (denoted by ?) in a horizontal “dispersion” plane. The grism (108) spatially separates, in the dispersion plane, the wavelength channels contained within each optical beam (103) by diffraction. The angle at which each channel is diffracted is controlled by the angle ?.

Abstract: A system, process and software arrangement are provided to determine at least one position of at least one portion of a sample. In particular, information associated with the portion of the sample is obtained. Such portion may be associated with an interference signal that includes a first electro-magnetic radiation received from the sample and a second electro-magnetic radiation received from a reference. In addition, depth information and/or lateral information of the portion of the sample, may be obtained. At least one weight function can be applied to the depth information and/or the lateral information so as to generate resulting information. Further, a surface position, a lateral position and/or a depth position of the portion of the sample may be ascertained based on the resulting information.

Abstract: A cytometer cartridge insert includes a micro-molded component and a plastic laminate component. The micro-molded component is embedded in the plastic laminate component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating an array camera are disclosed. Systems and methods for calibrating an array camera in accordance with embodiments of this invention include the detecting of defects in the imaging components of the array camera and determining whether the detected defects may be tolerated by image processing algorithms. The calibration process also determines translation information between imaging components in the array camera for use in merging the image data from the various imaging components during image processing. Furthermore, the calibration process may include a process to improve photometric uniformity in the imaging components.

Abstract: Based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of a portion of an eye, a mask of an anatomical feature is derived. Using the mask as a reference, a scan path is determined that is at least partially fitted to and/or partially enclosing the mask. OCT scan data corresponding to the scan path is acquired and analyzed to detect optic neuropathies.

Abstract: An OCT apparatus includes, in addition to a first light source that changes a wavelength of light that is emitted, a second light source that emits light having a particular wavelength. The OCT apparatus is formed so that, when light having the particular wavelength is emitted from the first light source, the light emitted from the second light source is detected by a second optical detector.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a computational station, photodetection data, originating at a source, encompassing a set of frequency channels and collected at a number of light gathering telescopes. The method also includes determining correlation between the received photodetection data in each frequency channel, and determining a time average of the correlation between the received photodetection data in the each frequency channel. Further, the method includes determining an average over the set of frequency channels to arrive at a mutual coherence magnitude for each pair of the number of light gathering telescopes, and computing imaging data of the source based on the determined mutual coherence magnitude and the correlation between the received photodetection data.

Abstract: An optical tomographic image photographing apparatus includes: an OCT optical system for capturing tomographic images of an object to be examined, the OCT optical system including a light source, a splitter for splitting a light from the light source into a measurement optical path and a reference optical path, an optical scanner, and a detector for detecting a spectrum of light obtained by combining the light of the measurement optical path reflected from the object and the light from the reference optical path; a drive unit to move at least a part of optical components of the OCT optical system in an optical axial direction; a monitor to output at least the tomographic image; and a display controller for displaying the tomographic image and identifying information used to determine whether the tomographic image output to the monitor is a normal image or a reverse image.

Abstract: A method for investigating one or a plurality of phase objects is described, in which a grid made up of elements is used, which is illuminated with light of a light source, the coherence length of which is larger than the average spacing of adjacent elements of the grid. A diffraction image of the illuminating light scattered on the grid is generated, whereby the one or the plurality of phase objects are placed in the light path between the light source and the grid and/or in the light path of the illuminating light scattered on the grid. At least a part of the diffraction image is detected by an optical sensor directly or after interaction with further optical components and converted into a signal. The signal is analysed further in order to ascertain information relating to the one or plurality of phase objects therefrom. A corresponding device is likewise described.

Abstract: A device comprising measurement (7) and reference (3) interferometers is disclosed. Each interferometer is configured to receive light from the same light source (1) and to emit light to respective detectors (6) and has a respective operating point. The measurement interferometer (7) is configured to respond to variations in a physical parameter by varying the intensity of light emitted, whereas the reference interferometer (3) is configured to be unresponsive to variations in the physical parameter. The device further comprises a signal processor for generating a differential output signal depending on respective output signals generated by the detectors (6).

Abstract: In a quantum entangled photon pair generator selectively generating polarization entangled photon pairs and time-bin entangled photon pairs, an excitation optical pulse shaper receives a linearly polarized optical pulse, and selectively outputs either one of a polarization excitation optical pulse pair to be a seedlight pulse for a polarization entangled photon pair and a consecutive excitation optical pulse pair to be a seedlight pulse for a time-bin entangled photon pair. An optical interferometer receives the polarization excitation optical pulse pair or the consecutive excitation optical pulse pair, and outputs a correlated photon pair forming signal and idler photons through a parametric fluorescence process. A quantum entangled photon pair extractor spatially extracting wavelength components corresponding to photons of the quantum entangled photon pair to output the components as the polarization entangled photon pair or the time-bin entangled photon pair.

Abstract: There is provided a frequency tunable laser system comprising a laser, frequency varying means arranged for varying an optical frequency output of the laser, an intensity sensor arranged for receiving light from the laser, and a processor arranged for controlling the frequency varying means for varying the optical frequency output of the laser and receiving an intensity signal from the intensity sensor for monitoring the intensity output of the laser. The frequency tunable laser system further comprises an external reflective surface, in use, fixedly arranged in a light path of the laser beam outside the laser cavity at a predefined distance from the second reflective surface along the light path of the laser beam to reflect part of the emitted laser beam back into the laser cavity.

Abstract: A system for controlling a phase measurement in an atom interferometer comprising one or more lasers, a processor, and a memory. The one or more lasers are for providing interrogating beams. A first group of atoms and a second group of atoms traverse an interrogating region of the atom interferometer in substantially opposite directions. The interrogating beams interact substantially simultaneously with both atoms in the first group and atoms in the second group. The first group of atoms and the second group of atoms interact with each of the interrogating beams in a different order. The processor is configured to determine a phase adjustment offset of at least one interrogating beam based at least in part on one or more past interactions of one or more interrogating beams with either the first group of atoms or the second group of atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed is an imaging apparatus for generating data of a phase image based on an interference pattern acquired by a shearing interferometer, including: a differential phase data calculating unit that calculates first differential phase data expressing a change of a phase in a first direction and second differential phase data expressing a change of a phase in a second direction, based on interference pattern data generated by an electromagnetic wave transmitted through a subject; a second-order differential phase data calculating unit that calculates first second-order differential phase data by differentiating the first differential phase data in the first direction, and calculates second second-order differential phase data by differentiating the second differential phase data in the second direction; and a phase data calculating unit that calculates the phase image by solving a second-order differential equation including the first and second second-order differential phase data as functions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an optical remote airflow measurement apparatus with which even colored noise corresponding to an external environment of the apparatus can be reduced, thereby reducing measurement reliability deterioration and enabling long-distance measurement in a wide flying speed range. A colored noise reduction method according to the present invention includes: considering a signal strength of scattered light to be substantially non-existent in a remotest region and beyond; calculating a noise distribution by performing processing to average the signal strength in respective Doppler frequency components divided at intervals of a certain frequency in the remotest measurement region and beyond, and performing subtraction processing in each of the Doppler frequency components on all signal strength distributions of the measurement region, which are obtained by dividing the noise distribution at intervals of a certain distance.

Abstract: The temperature control system includes: a susceptor which allows an object to be processed to be held on a top surface thereof and includes a flow path, through which a temperature adjusting medium flows, formed therein; a temperature measuring unit which measures a temperature of the object to be processed held on the top surface of the susceptor; a first temperature adjusting unit which adjusts a temperature of the temperature adjusting medium flowing through the flow path; and a second temperature adjusting unit which is disposed between the susceptor and the first temperature adjusting unit, and adjusts a temperature of the temperature adjusting medium based on a result of the measurement of the temperature measuring unit.

Abstract: An optical detecting apparatus and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The optical detecting apparatus includes a light path module, an actuating module, and a data processing module. The light path module is used to emit a light source to a substance and receive an optical signal generated by the substance reflecting the light source. The actuating module is used to actuate the substance to generate a vibration. The data processing module is used to record and analyze a detected result related to the material properties of the substance and adjust detecting parameters of the light path module and the actuating module respectively.

Abstract: A new technique for capturing both the amplitude and phase of an optical waveform is presented. This technique can capture signals with many THz of bandwidths in a single shot (e.g., temporal resolution of about 44 fs), or be operated repetitively at a high rate. That is, each temporal window (or frame) is captured single shot, in real time, but the process may be run repeatedly or single-shot. By also including a variety of possible demultiplexing techniques, this process is scalable to recoding continuous signals.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope includes a light source; a first beam splitter that splits light into irradiation light and reference light; a first objective lens that converges the irradiation light on a sample and receives signal light; a second beam splitter that splits the signal light off from an optical path; a pin hole positioned on an optical path of the split signal light at a position optically conjugate with an image-forming point of the first objective lens; a condenser lens that converges the split signal light on the pin hole; a phase plate that outputs first light including at least four firstly-split beams having different phases; a third beam splitter that multiplexes the first light and second light to generate interfering light including at least four secondly-split beams having different phases; and a light detecting element that receives the interfering light and outputs at least four electric signals.

Abstract: A true time delay system and method for an optical carrier signal modulated with a microwave signal. The system includes a beam deflector, with the optical signal being imaged onto the beam deflector, a stationary reflective diffractive grating arranged in a Littrow configuration, a focusing element arranged between the beam deflector and the stationary reflective diffractive grating. In operation, the beam deflector steers the optical beam across the clear aperture of the focusing element and the focusing element transmits the steered beam to the reflective diffractive grating. A change in optical path length experienced by the optical beam as the beam is scanned across the grating surface results in a relative phase delay in the optical beam. The beam deflector can be a rotating mirror, an acousto-optic beam deflector, or an electro-optic beam deflector. The focusing element can be a lens or a curved mirror.

Abstract: A tension/speed measuring device comprises a laser driver for driving the oscillation of a semiconductor laser, and a counter for counting interference waveforms included in the output of a photodiode for converting the output of the semiconductor laser into an electrical signal. The counter measures the periods of interference waveforms during a measuring interval, where a frequency distribution for the periods of the interference waveforms during the measuring interval is generated from the measuring results, where a class value wherein the product of the class value and the frequency is a maximum is used as a representative value D0 at the periods of the interference waveform, to calculate a total Ns of the frequencies of the classes that are less than 0.5 times the representative value T0 and to calculate a total Nwn of the frequencies of the classes that are equal to or greater than (n+0.5) times the representative value T0 and less than (n+1.

Abstract: An interferometer includes a first assembly having a base, a beam splitter assembly to split light into first and second portions, and a fixed mirror for reflecting the first portion of light; and a second assembly movable with respect to the first assembly, and having first and second scan carriages, and a movable mirror connected to the second scan carriage for reflecting the second portion of light. The beam splitter assembly combines the reflected first and second portions of light into a recombined radiation beam. Inner bearing flexures enable movement of the first scan carriage relative to the base, and outer bearing flexures enable movement of the second scan carriage relative to the first scan carriage, such that a plane containing the movable mirror is maintained parallel to multiple planes containing the movable mirror at respective distances between the second and first assemblies during scan movement of the movable mirror.

Abstract: A system and method for the monitoring of contaminants in water. The water monitoring system includes a contaminant sensor that is configured to detect trace amounts of contaminant in the water that is pumped through it in real time. The real time contaminant sensor includes an interferometer configured to track the amount of contaminants that is pumped into the real time contaminant sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided. In particular, at least one first electro-magnetic radiation may be provided to a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation can be provided to a non-reflective reference. A frequency of the first and/or second radiations varies over time. An interference is detected between at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation. Alternatively, the first electro-magnetic radiation and/or second electro-magnetic radiation have a spectrum which changes over time. The spectrum may contain multiple frequencies at a particular time. In addition, it is possible to detect the interference signal between the third radiation and the fourth radiation in a first polarization state. Further, it may be preferable to detect a further interference signal between the third and fourth radiations in a second polarization state which is different from the first polarization state.

Abstract: Disclosed is an autocorrelator for generating an autocorrelation signal for an ultrashort pulse to measure the ultrashort pulse. The autocorrelator comprises: a light source unit for generating an optical pulse; a double wedge interferometer in which a first wedge and a second wedge serving as a wedge-shaped optical medium are arranged such that facing surfaces of the first and second wedges are parallel to each other, so as to separate the optical pulse provided by the light source unit to generate two optical pulses; a harmonic light medium for receiving the generated two optical pulses to generate second harmonic light; and a measurement unit for detecting the second harmonic light to generate an autocorrelation signal. Thus, the time width of an ultrashort pulse can be measured by an interferometer using only two wedge-shaped optical components.