Abstract: A sensing system for characterizing analytes of interest in a sample comprises a photonic integrated circuit with an integrated interferometer. The integrated interferometer is configured for spectroscopic operation. The integrated interferometer comprises at least a sensing arm and a reference arm, both the sensing arm and the reference arm having an exposable segment available for interaction with the sample, whereby the exposable segment of the reference arm has an optical path length which is smaller than twice the optical path length of the exposable segment of the sensing arm. The exposable section of the sensing arm is selective to the analyte of interest, whereas the exposable section of the reference arm is not selective to the analyte of interest.

Abstract: An optical refraction barometer measures pressure based on refractivity changes and includes: an optical light source; an optical frequency controller; a first optical phase controller; a first polarization controller; an electronic reference arm in optical communication with the first polarization controller; a second optical phase controller in optical communication with the optical frequency controller; a second polarization controller in optical communication with the second optical phase controller; an electronic sample arm in optical communication with the second polarization controller and in electrical communication with the second optical phase controller; a second sideband frequency generator; a mixer in electrical communication with the detector and the second sideband frequency generator; and a first sideband frequency generator in electrical communication with the mixer; and a dual fixed length optical cavity refractometer.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a fluid carrying conduit by introducing an acoustic pulse into the conduit, and interrogating an optic fibre positioned along the path of said conduit to provide distributed acoustic sensing. By measuring the response at each of a plurality of locations, a conduit condition profile can be derived. A condition profile can be obtained quickly and easily with minimum disruption to the pipeline infrastructure and contained flow. Existing optic fibres running along the path of a pipe can be employed for sensing purposes, allowing relatively long spans of pipeline to be monitored with only limited access to the pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber including a plasmonic optical filter with a closed curved shape provided at, at least portion thereof. A method of manufacturing the plasmonic optical filter includes a step of exposing a core, a step of forming a thin metal film on the core through physical vapor deposition while rotating the core in a circumferential direction after changing a rotation axis of the core, and a step of patterning nanopatterns on the cylinder-shaped thin metal film using focused ion beam technique assisted with endpoint detection method. Due to such constitutions, an active area to generate an optical signal for optical sensor can be increased.

Abstract: Intravascular intervention catheters and catheters for performing an intravascular procedure that use a computer to control an operation at the end of the catheters are provided. The computer can process image data to determine where the important features are within a patient's vessels. The catheter can include imaging devices, steering devices, ablation mechanisms, or a combination thereof. By referencing the precisely-calculated location of the important features, the computer can provide signals that can be used by a control device (such as a set of servomotors for navigation) to operate the mechanisms at the catheter tip. Thus the catheter can be steered or an ablation mechanism can be operated or be prevented from operating depending on a detected location of the catheter.

Abstract: Optical signal receivers and methods are provided that include an optical resonator that allows optical signal energy to enter and accumulate inside the optical resonator. A portion of optical signal energy is emitted from the optical resonator at an output, such that the emitted optical signal energy is disturbed when a transition occurs in the received optical signal energy. A detector aligned with the output detects the emitted optical signal energy and is configured to detect the disturbance to the emitted optical signal energy and determine a characteristic of the transition in the received optical signal energy based upon the disturbance.

Abstract: An optical chemical analyzer comprises a source of a first amount of radiation (46), an optics module configured to direct the first amount of radiation such that it is incident on or passes though a target (14) at a target location, the optics module further being configured to receive a second amount of Raman scattered radiation from the target and direct the second amount of radiation (206) to a Spatial Interference Fourier Transform (SIFT) module, the SIFT module including a first dispersive element (216) and a second dispersive element (218), the SIFT module being configured such that a portion of the second amount of radiation is received by the first dispersive element and interferes with a portion of the second amount of radiation received by the second dispersive element to form an interference pattern; the SIFT module further comprising a detector (48) configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the interference pattern and produce a detector signal (226) based on the captured image; and

Abstract: Particle detectors and methods for detecting particulate matter accumulated on a surface are provided. According to one aspect, the particle detector may comprise a substrate, an optical light source configured to emit light along a light path, a waveguide associated with the substrate, having a surface exposed to a gaseous environment and configured to accumulate on the surface particulate matter from the gaseous environment, a detector configured to receive the emitted light from the waveguide, and a controller configured to determine the intensity of the detected light and output an indication of an opacity of the surface of the waveguide with the accumulated particulate matter.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods and apparatus for interferometric spectroscopic measurements of particles with higher signal to noise ratio utilizing an infrared light beam that is split into two beams. At least one beam may be directed through a measurement volume containing a sample including a medium. The two beams may then be recombined and measured by a detector. The phase differential between the two beams may be selected to provide destructive interference when no particle is present in the measurement volume. A sample including medium with a particle is introduced to the measurement volume and the detected change resulting from at least one of resonant mid-infrared absorption, non-resonant mid-infrared absorption, and scattering by the particle may be used to determine a property of the particle. A wide range of properties of particles may be determined, wherein the particles may include living cells.

Abstract: Embodiments encompass a single-molecule detection system and methods of using the detection system to detect an object. Further, embodiments encompass a detection system comprising a movable light coupler, a waveguide, and a light detector. Embodiments further encompass methods of single-molecule detection, including methods of single-molecule nucleic acid sequencing.

Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus, systems and systems are provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. The arrangement, system or apparatus can be (insertable via at least one of a mouth or a nose of a patient. For example, a first optical arrangement can be configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic (e.g., visible) radiation to and from the portion. A second arrangement may be provided at least partially enclosing the first arrangement. Further, a third arrangement can be configured to be actuated so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample. The first arrangement may be configured to compensate for at least one aberration (e.g., astigmatism) caused by the second arrangement and/or the third arrangement. The second arrangement can include at least one portion which enables a guiding arrangement to be inserted there through.

Abstract: There is described a deformable interferometric sensor in which polymer swelling, upon analyte absorption, is used to deform an on-chip silicon Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI). The magnitude of the deformation, recorded through the resonance wavelength shift, is proportional to the analyte concentration.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods and apparatus for interferometric spectroscopic measurements of particles with higher signal to noise ratio utilizing an infrared light beam that is split into two beams. At least one beam may be directed through a measurement volume containing a sample including a medium. The two beams may then be recombined and measured by a detector. The phase differential between the two beams may be selected to provide destructive interference when no particle is present in the measurement volume. A sample including medium with a particle is introduced to the measurement volume and the detected change resulting from at least one of resonant mid-infrared absorption, non-resonant mid-infrared absorption, and scattering by the particle may be used to determine a property of the particle. A wide range of properties of particles may be determined, wherein the particles may include living cells.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring and analyzing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and/or surface plasmon coupled emission on an electro-optic grating-coupled sensor surface is described herein. The sensor chip achieves SPR through a grating-coupled approach, with variations in the local dielectric constant at regions of interest (ROI) at the sensor surface detected as a function of the intensity of light reflecting from these ROI. Unlike other grating-based approaches, the metal surface is sufficiently thin that resonant conditions are sensitive to dielectric constant changes both above and below the metal surface (like the Kretschmann configuration). Dielectric constant shifts that occur as mass accumulates on the surface can be returned to reference intensities by applying voltage across the underlying electro-optic polymer.

Abstract: A chip-scale optical approach to performing multi-target detection is based on molecular biosensing using fiber-optic based fluorescence or light scattering detection in liquid-core waveguides. Multiplexing methods are capable of registering individual nucleic acids and other optically responsive particles, and are ideal for amplification-free detection in combination with the single molecule sensitivity of optofluidic chips. This approach overcomes a critical barrier to introducing a new integrated technology for amplification-free molecular diagnostic detection. Specific examples of liquid-core optical waveguides and multi-mode interferometers are described; however, they can be implemented in a number of different ways as long as a series of excitation spots is created whose spacing varies with the excitation wavelength.

Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor for detecting moisture may include a sensor housing, FBG cable, water-swellable bead(s), and retaining mechanism. The housing secures the FBG cable and water-swellable bead. The retaining mechanism, such as one or more wire(s), placed adjacent to the FBG cable may be utilized to minimize lateral displacement of the water-swellable bead(s). The water-swellable bead(s) may swell as they absorb water, thereby causing the FBG to be strained to allow the detection of liquid moisture.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for analyzing light by mode interference are provided. An example of an apparatus for analyzing light by mode interference includes a number of waveguides to support in a multimode region two modes of the light of a particular polarization and a plurality of scattering objects offset from a center of at least one of the number of waveguides.

Abstract: Integrated optical waveguide interferometer for evanescent sensing of chemical and/or physical quantities, comprising a substrate carrying a waveguide layer structure provided with: —a first waveguide core layer sandwiched between two first cladding layers formed by a first lower and a first upper (6) cladding layer, of a lower refractive index than the first waveguide core layer, —a second waveguide core layer sandwiched between two second claddings layers formed by a second lower and a second upper (6) cladding layer, of a lower refractive index than the second waveguide core layer, —a splitter (2) and a combiner (5) for optically coupling said first and second waveguide core layers at first and second junctions, respectively, characterized by —a modulation section of a polymer cladding material (9) included in one of the first upper cladding layers (6) and/or included in one of the second upper cladding layers (6), the polymer cladding material covering an identifiable area of said first waveguide core lay

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for characterizing optical materials, using steps and equipment for generating a coherent laser light, filtering the light to remove high order spatial components, collecting the filtered light and forming a parallel light beam, splitting the parallel beam into a first direction and a second direction wherein the parallel beam travelling in the second direction travels toward the material sample so that the parallel beam passes through the sample, applying various physical quantities to the sample, reflecting the beam travelling in the first direction to produce a first reflected beam, reflecting the beam that passes through the sample to produce a second reflected beam that travels back through the sample, combining the second reflected beam after it travels back though the sample with the first reflected beam, sensing the light beam produced by combining the first and second reflected beams, and processing the sensed beam to determine sample characteristics and properties.

Abstract: A method for determining information about a test object includes combining two or more scanning interference signals to form a synthetic interference signal; analyzing the synthetic interference signal to determine information about the test object; and outputting the information about the test object. Each of the two or more scanning interference signals correspond to interference between test light and reference light as an optical path length difference between the test and reference light is scanned, wherein the test and reference light are derived from a common source. The test light scatters from the test object over a range of angles and each of the two or more scanning interferometry signals corresponds to a different scattering angle or polarization state of the test light.

Abstract: Systems and methods and apparatuses for characterizing near field transducer performance at wafer level using asymmetric interference waveguides are provided. One such system includes a light source, an input grating configured to receive light from the light source, a first waveguide arm and a second waveguide arm, each configured to receive the light, a surface plasmon receptor optically coupled to the first waveguide arm and the second waveguide arm and configured to receive light from the first waveguide arm in a first direction and the second waveguide arm in a second direction opposite of the first direction, where the first and the second waveguide arms are configured to induce a preselected phase difference in light arriving at the surface plasmon receptor, and an output grating optically coupled to the surface plasmon receptor, and a light detector coupled to, and configured to detect light from, the first output grating.

Abstract: A system for analysis of a fluid, comprises a light source for radiating a beam of light an optical path for guiding at least part of the beam of light, a fluidic channel for guiding the fluid along the optical path, and a detector for detecting an optical characteristic of the light having propagated along the optical path. The optical path comprises a multimode interference structure, the multimode interference structure being arranged for providing a propagation of the beam of light in at least two propagation modes, the detector being positioned so as to receive light from each of the at least two propagation modes.

Abstract: An optical device includes first and second optical branches. The first optical branch is formed at an interface between a first substrate and a second substrate, and the second optical branch is formed at an interface between the second substrate and an ambient medium. The second substrate defines first and second spaced apart slits that are each coupled to the first and second optical branches. The first slit is configured to receive at least partially coherent light from a light source and in response excite at least one surface plasmon polariton mode in each of the first and second optical branches. The second slit is configured to combine the surface plasmon polariton modes received from the first and second optical branches and emit scattered light into at least one of the first substrate and the ambient medium.

Abstract: Refractive index tools and method. A refractive index tool includes a wave source configured to generate a wave; a transparent rod configured to receive the wave from the wave source; and a wave detector configured to receive the wave from the transparent rod. The wave source is provided at a first end of the transparent rod and the wave detector is provided at the first end or a second end of the transparent rod so that the wave emitted by the wave source travels through the transparent rod and experiences total internal refraction prior to arriving at the wave detector.

Abstract: A production device and a production method for a grating-type optical component enabling formation of a variety types of FBGs using a single phase mask and an optical component made by the production method or production device for a grating-type optical component are provided. The method involves diffusing at least one of hydrogen or deuterium into an optical fiber and altering the refractive index of the optical fiber by irradiating the fiber with non-interfering UV lamp light.

Abstract: A single fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer comprises an optical fiber having a core region and a cladding surrounding the core region, and a micro-cavity having part of the cladding and the core region removed, wherein the micro-cavity is adapted to receive a light beam and separate the light beam into a first light beam that propagates through the micro-cavity in an unguided mode, and a second light beam that propagates through the core region in a guided mode.

Abstract: A method of analyzing tissue includes inserting a radiation source into tissue, impinging radiation upon the tissue, obtaining a sample signal of the radiation that impinges upon the tissue, and determining a refractive index of the tissue from the sample signal. The method may also include determining at least one other optical property of the tissue. The method may provide for identifying tissue as part of a biopsy method. A device for analyzing tissue may include a low-coherence interferometer and a probe optically coupled to the interferometer, where the probe includes a radiation source.

Abstract: Stresses and strains on a solid surface subject to a fluid flow are dynamically measured based on a shift of optical resonances of a micro-resonator. The elastic deformation and refractive index change of a micro-resonator due to mechanical stress is exploited. With this approach, mechanical deformations in the order of a nanometer can be detected and related to shear stress.

Abstract: A micro resonator sensor includes a main waveguide, a resonance waveguide and optical path changing means. Optical path changing means are installed at apex regions contacting with adjacent optical waveguides forming the resonance waveguide and reflect at least a part of the split optical signal inputted into the resonance waveguide to circulate the split optical signal inside the resonance waveguide. The micro resonator sensor can be manufactured without an excessive radiation loss and can be manufactured as an on-chip.

Abstract: A dome-shaped chemical sensing probe comprises an optical fiber or may be mounted on an optical fiber. The probe has a chemically sensitive measuring material which exhibits a change in volume and/or a change in refractive index in the presence of a given chemical. The change in volume and/or refractive index gives a change in an optical path length through the probe which can be measured interferometrically.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography system includes a catheter in which is arranged a plurality of light conducting fibers. It further includes a plurality of optical units. Light from the proximal end to the distal end and signals from the distal end to the proximal end can be transmitted simultaneously in different fibers. Time is saved through the simultaneous signal processing of signals from different fibers. That is advantageous particularly in the imaging, by means of coherence tomography, of blood vessels that have to be occluded for said imaging.

Abstract: An exemplary refractive-index sensor includes a photonic crystal microcavity structure, a light source, and a detector. The photonic crystal microcavity structure includes a photonic crystal layer having first holes and a second hole. The first holes are arranged in a pattern of staggered parallel rows. The second hole is located at an approximate center point of the middle row of the pattern rather than a first hole. A diameter of the second hole is less than that of each of the first holes. Some of the first holes disposed at each of opposite ends of a diagonal row having the second hole are omitted to define an input waveguide and an output waveguide. The light source is adjacent to the input waveguide. The detector is adjacent to the output waveguide.

Abstract: A micro resonator sensor includes a main waveguide, a resonance waveguide and optical path changing means. Optical path changing means are installed at apex regions contacting with adjacent optical waveguides forming the resonance waveguide and reflect at least a part of the split optical signal inputted into the resonance waveguide to circulate the split optical signal inside the resonance waveguide. The micro resonator sensor can be manufactured without an excessive radiation loss and can be manufactured as an on-chip.

Abstract: A interferometer-based fouling detection system and method are described. The system may include a fiber optic cable, a light source in communication with the fiber optic cable, at least one photo detector in communication with the fiber optic cable, and at least one interferometric spectrometer. The fiber optic cable may include a long period grating and a fiber Bragg grating or it may include a facet edge. The system may instead include a fiber optic cable, a light source in communication with the fiber optic cable, at least one photo detector in communication with the fiber optic cable, a fiber coupler, a reference probe including a mirror, a sample probe, and an interferometer.

Abstract: An optical waveguide having a core region with a substantially rectangular cross-section with a selected aspect ratio of width to height. Embodiments include devices incorporating the optical waveguide and methods for using the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A interferometer-based fouling detection system and method are described. The system may include a fiber optic cable, a light source in communication with the fiber optic cable, at least one photo detector in communication with the fiber optic cable, and at least one interferometric spectrometer. The fiber optic cable may include a long period grating and a fiber Bragg grating or it may include a facet edge. The system may instead include a fiber optic cable, a light source in communication with the fiber optic cable, at least one photo detector in communication with the fiber optic cable, a fiber coupler, a reference probe including a mirror, a sample probe, and an interferometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a qualitative characteristic of an interferometric component (eg a planar waveguide structure) or a process for determining a qualitative characteristic of a stimulus of interest to which the interferometric component (eg the planar waveguide structure) has been exposed by measuring a non-positional characteristic of the interference fringes.

Abstract: An optical property of a device under test is determined from a detected DUT response signal, or a signal derived therefrom, whereby the DUT response signal represents a signal response of the DUT in response to a composite signal or a signal derived from said composite signal. The composite signal comprises superimposed signals delayed with respect to each other.

Abstract: A chemical substance detection sensor for improving detection stability, resistance to vibration, compactness, and sensitivity, wherein said sensor is comprised of optical waveguides for dividing and propagating light from a wavelength-tunable light source, a chamber for allowing a sample to flow through regions of two optical waveguides including ligands provided on one of the two optical waveguides, an optical combiner/splitter for combining and redividing the outputs from the two optical waveguides, and a detector for detecting a chemical substance contained in the sample under test by capturing the interference light output from the optical combiner/splitter. The operating point of this chemical substance detection sensor is adjusted by controlling the wavelength of the light source so as to equalize the outputs of two detectors separated by the optical combiner/splitter when the reference sample not containing the substance for detection flows into the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor device and method for measuring a property associated with the introduction of or changes in a chemical, biological or physical stimulus in a localized environment, in particular to a sensor device and method for measuring the partition coefficient of a chemical stimulus such as a pharmaceutical compound.

Abstract: A method of determining the diffusion rate of a given analyte into a polymer film using an optical waveguide interferometer is disclosed. A method of forming a filter media by selecting a polymer for the sorbent system of the filter media based on the diffusion rate of a given analyte into a given polymer as measured by an optical waveguide interferometer is further disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical substance detection sensor for improving detection stability, resistance to vibration, compactness, and sensitivity, wherein said sensor is comprised of optical waveguides for dividing and propagating light from a wavelength-tunable light source, a chamber for allowing a sample to flow through regions of two optical waveguides including ligands provided on one of the two optical waveguides, an optical combiner/splitter for combining and redividing the outputs from the two optical waveguides, and a detector for detecting a chemical substance contained in the sample under test by capturing the interference light output from the optical combiner/splitter. The operating point of this chemical substance detection sensor is adjusted by controlling the wavelength of the light source so as to equalize the outputs of two detectors separated by the optical combiner/splitter when the reference sample not containing the substance for detection flows into the chamber.

Abstract: At each measurement time, reflected light from a semiconductor wafer W or the like by measurement light from a measurement light source 11 is coupled to reference light from a reference light generating section 14, and interference light is detected by a photodetector 15. A raw thickness value calculating section 16b selects two light intensity peaks corresponding to the upper and lower surfaces of the wafer W from a light intensity distribution between an interference light intensity and a reference optical path length and calculates a raw thickness value. A statistical thickness value calculating section 16c executes statistical processing including data sorting, determination whether the raw thickness value falls within an allowable numerical value range, and determination of a thickness change line, thereby obtaining a statistical thickness value.

Abstract: A miniaturized chemical sensor features an optical microcavity coated with a surface layer, and a waveguide that evanescently couples light into the microcavity. The surface layer is adapted to chemically interact with one or more molecule species in a chemical vapor surrounding the microcavity, so as to alter the evanescent light coupling between the optical microcavity and the waveguide. The chemical interaction causes a change in the index of refraction of the microcavity, resulting in a measurable phase difference readout. The refractive index sensitivity is substantially increased, because of the high Q-value of the optical microcavity.

Abstract: In at least part of the layers of the integrated optical channel waveguide system, such as cladding layers, a passive light guiding layer and an active light guiding layer, an adiabatic layer thickness transition positioned next to a working zone is used to adapt the waveguide structure in the working zones to individually optimized functionality. In this way, the relative layer thickness values as located in the working area, for example a sensor window, a modulation region and a fiber-chip region, can be individually optimized, for example, for maximal evanescent field sensitivity, for minimal modulation voltage and for efficient coupling of light power without the necessity of the optical layer-thickness values elsewhere in the system having to be adjusted. Incorporated in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer this results in an exceptionally sensitive and reliable sensor. Preferably the channel waveguide system is incorporated in an electronic circuitry in which e.g.

Abstract: A chemical sensing probe comprises an optical fiber or may be mounted on an optical fiber. The probe has a chemically sensitive measuring material which exhibits a change in volume and/or a change in refractive index in the presence of a given chemical. The change in volume and/or refractive index gives a change in an optical path length through the probe which can be measured interferometrically.

Abstract: An interferometer for detecting a property of an environment includes a source of a beam of light and a first planar waveguide. The first planar waveguide has a first end, an opposite second end and a first interior surface. A first coupler is disposed adjacent the first end so as to be capable of coupling a first portion of the beam into the first planar waveguide. A second coupler is disposed adjacent the second end so as to be capable of de-coupling a second portion of the beam from the first portion of the beam and onto a first predetermined exit path. A first region is disposed along the first interior surface between the first coupler and the second coupler. The first region allows light to propagate therethrough as a first function of exposure to the environment disposed adjacent thereto. The interferometer also includes a second planar waveguide having a third end, an opposite fourth end and a second interior surface.

Abstract: A guided laser ablation device. The device includes a mulitmode laser ablation fiber that is surrounded by one or more single mode optical fibers that are used to image in the vicinity of the laser ablation area to prevent tissue damage. The laser ablation device is combined with an optical coherence domain reflectometry (OCDR) unit and with a control unit which initializes the OCDR unit and a high power laser of the ablation device. Data from the OCDR unit is analyzed by the control unit and used to control the high power laser. The OCDR images up to about 3 mm ahead of the ablation surface to enable a user to see sensitive tissue such as a nerve or artery before damaging it by the laser.

Abstract: A method of controlling an optical signal having a first wavelength, includes passing the optical signal through a device, the device substantially transparent to the first wavelength; and selectively illuminating the device with an optical signal at a second wavelength, illumination of the device by the second wavelength causing alteration of optical properties of the device relative to the first wavelength. An optically controlled optical filter, includes a semiconductor film whose transmission of a first optical wavelength varies with illumination at a second optical wavelength.

Abstract: A high speed, highly sensitive optical sensing platform and a method for detecting and/or measuring characteristics of a substance in a measurement sample are disclosed. The platform includes at least one pair of optical paths formed in a waveguide, a light source for injecting optical beams along the optical paths, a light modulator for enabling the excitement of a transverse electric and a transverse magnetic guide modes, and a phase detector for detecting phase differences between the beams propagating along the optical paths. One of the optical paths has a target analyte of unknown concentration with a measurement sample bound to its upper surface, while the second optical path has a reference sample containing a known concentration of the target analyte bound to its upper surface. A guided mode modulator causes an optical beam to propagate through the waveguide sequentially as two polarized modes.