Abstract: The present invention connects two independent plastic optical fiber channels simultaneously, in which optic signals can be transmitted along two optic passes through a single mechanical rotational interface. The first channel of light path consists of a pair of plastic optic fibers with larger-core, co-axially fixed in 2 holders respectively. The light signal from one of the fiber can be directly coupled into another fiber. A number of smaller-core plastic optic fibers for second channel of light path are circumferentially arranged in the peripheral space of the first channel fibers. They are blind-spot free during rotation and are ideal for machine control applications such as SERCOS Interfaces. The rugged design permits underwater usage. Damaged fibers can be easily replaced without costly repairs of the device itself.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.

Abstract: Structures and method for making, using and implementing a drawn preform from a plurality of tubes are provided. The drawn preform includes a first end of the preform defining source side of the preform and a second end of the preform defining a delivery side of the preform. At least some tubes of the plurality of tubes of the second end of the preform are drawn to a dimension of at least less than one micron in size. The drawn preform is capable of including conductors integrated with the tubes, and the conductors enable manipulation of materials (e.g., fluids, chemicals, biological samples, solids, inks, etc.) as the go through the tubes from a source end to the delivery end, or when the material is already present on a target substrate or receiving cell or material.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-fiber assembly with irregular hexagonal array, which includes the steps of forming a plurality of primitives each made of a plurality of fibers, said fibers having cylindrical outer surfaces of same diameter and being arranged in an irregular hexagonal array, said irregular hexagonal array having six sides wherein three alternate sides of said primitive are each composed of n fibers and the other three alternate sides of said primitive 11 are each composed of n?1 fibers; and bringing together said primitives in such a way that sides with n fibers of said primitives are in contact with sides with n?1 fibers of other primitive thereby arranging said fibers at a central portion among said primitives in alignment with one another and therefore preventing said fibers at said central portion from squeezing one another.

Abstract: An array microscope scans a slide in rapid sequence at different wavelengths to record multiple spectral images of the sample. Full spatial resolution of the image sensor is realized at each color because pixels are not shared between spectral bands. The object and detector are placed at conjugate distances selected to produce substantially equal magnification with minimum chromatic aberration at all wavelengths to ensure registration of all images. Spectral analysis is carried out by combining the images captured at each wavelength. The greater-than-RGB spectral resolution provided by the combination of images enables the isolation and display of the effects produced by the contemporaneous use of more than two stains on a tissue for improved pathological analysis.

Abstract: An imaging module includes an optical fiber faceplate with an image-input face, a planar image-output face, and a plurality of adjacently fused, internally reflecting imaging conduits extending between the image-input and image-output faces. The constituent imaging conduits extend along conduit axes that mutually converge in a direction that such that an image inputted through the image-input face is reduced in size along at least one dimension for outputting through the image-output face. The imaging module further includes an imaging detector array including a plurality of photosensitive detector elements arranged in accordance with a predetermined array format. The faceplate is situated in front of the detector array such that light incident upon the image-input face is transmitted through the faceplate and optically communicated to the detector elements through the image-output face. Multiple imaging modules can be tiled in tight formations in order to form a larger format imaging array.

Abstract: An optical probe for non-invasively measuring an analyte property in a biological sample of a subject, comprises a plurality of illumination fibers that deliver source light from an optical probe input to a sample interface, a plurality of collection fibers that deliver light returned from the sample interface to an optical probe output, and wherein the illumination and collection fibers are oriented substantially perpendicular to the sample interface and the illumination and collection fibers are stacked in a plurality of linear rows to provide a stack of fibers arranged in a rectangular pattern. The optical probe is amenable to manufacturing on a scale consistent with a commercial product. Methods of making such probes are described.

Abstract: An active energy ray (e.g. UV rays)-curable organopolysiloxane resin composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane resin containing epoxy groups and aromatic hydrocarbon groups, (B) 0.05 to 20 parts by weight of a photo acid generator, (C) 0.01 to 20 parts by weight of a photosensitizer or photo-radical generator, and (D) 0 to 5,000 parts by weight of an organic solvent. An optical transmission component made of the above-mentioned composition cured by irradiation with active energy rays (for example, UV rays). A method for manufacturing an optical transmission component by irradiating the above-mentioned composition with active energy rays (for example, UV rays).

Abstract: An optical component including an acceptance fiber, e.g. a photonic crystal fiber, for propagation of pump and signal light, a number of pump delivery fibers and a reflector element that reflects pump light from the pump delivery fibers into the acceptance fiber. An optical component includes a) a first fiber having a pump core with an NA1, and a first fiber end; b) a number of second fibers surrounding the pump core of the first fiber, at least one of the second fibers has a pump core with an NA2 that is smaller than NA1, the number of second fibers each having a second fiber end; and c) a reflector element having an end-facet with a predetermined profile for reflecting light from at least one of the second fiber ends into the pump core of the first fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber bundle unit is provided for transmitting ultraviolet light in which the increase of the transmission loss caused by radicals generated in the optical fiber by irradiation or transmission of ultraviolet light is suppressed and a stable energy state is maintained even after the irradiation or transmission of ultraviolet light. The optical fiber bundle unit for transmitting ultraviolet light includes an optical fiber bundle and a sealed container in which the optical fiber bundle is held. A diffusion of hydrogen gas is suppressed by putting the optical fiber bundle pretreated in a hydrogen atmosphere into the sealed container, followed by filling the sealed container with a mixed gas including a hydrogen gas and a gas which is not combustible, will not support combustion, and will not explode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bundle of optical fibers and a process for its preparation, wherein at least two of the optical fibers are at least partly attached to each other lengthwise by means of a removable longitudinal bridging element. Typically, the bridging element is an open one-hole capillary.

Abstract: An image free from interfering structures may be generated by means of a fiber bundle of several optical fibers, when for the system of fiber bundle and sensor imaging parameters are provided, which describe the geometrical characteristics of the intensity course generated by each individual optical fiber on the sensor. In image reconstruction, for each individual optical fiber an amplitude value and/or luminosity information may be generated by fitting a function of the amplitude value and the imaging parameters of the respective optical fiber to an intensity picture of the sensor, so that an optimum amplitude and/or luminosity value may be generated considering the geometrical imaging characteristics for each individual optical fiber.

Abstract: A light-pipe array system is provided. The system comprises a light projector that projects light, and a light-pipe array. The light-pipe array comprises a plurality of light-pipes. Each light-pipe comprises a dielectric transparent to the light, and an electrically conductive light barrier layer surrounding the dielectric. The barrier layer guides the light from an entrance of the dielectric surrounded by the barrier layer to an exit of the dielectric surrounded by the barrier layer. Each light pipe also comprises a light-receiving element that increases throughput of the guided light transmitted within the barrier layer via the dielectric. In one embodiment, the light-receiving element comprises an electrical conductor positioned along a central longitudinal axis of the dielectric. In another embodiment, the light-receiving element alternatively comprises a focusing element.

Abstract: A backlight assembly for feeding illuminating light to a passive display panel is disclosed. The backlight assembly comprises a plurality of waveguides being formed and/or embedded in at least one substrate and arranged to feed illuminating light to each sub-pixel position of the passive display panel in a manner such that each pixel region is illuminated by at least two waveguides, wherein each waveguide of the at least two waveguides is disposed to illuminate one sub-pixel position of the pixel region by a respective color channel.

Abstract: For an enhanced coupling efficiency between a light source and an optical fiber bundle: the optical fiber bundle is made up by a dense bundle of optical fibers, with an integrated portion composed of fusion-integrated distal ends of the bundled optical fibers, and the integrated portion has, in a longitudinal sectional plane along a center axis of the optical fiber bundle, a lateral side thereof formed, in a shape of arc radially outwardly convex with respect to a straight line interconnecting an end point at a front end face side of the integrated portion and an end point at a rear end side thereof, to locate at a radially inner side with respect to an extension toward the integrated portion of a line constituting an outline of a portion else than the integrated portion of the optical fiber bundle.

Abstract: A microfabricated light collimating screen is provided. A microfabricated screen, in one form, is made from a photopolymer such as SU-8 material. It is able to collimate light in two dimensions and for improved degrees of collimation. It may also be directly patterned onto image sensors or light sources in order to achieve direct collimation. The fabrication method is large-area compatible and inexpensive. The proposed screens may be useful for position detection of objects, such as in the paper mover, in printers and copy machines.

Abstract: An amplifying optical electromagnetic wave concentrator includes an amplification focusing device and a receiver. The amplification focusing device focuses an incident optical electromagnetic wave on the receiver. The amplification focusing device is doped with active components and is subjected to an excitation wave that causes the active components to pass to an energy level such that interaction between the incident electromagnetic wave and the active components causes the active components to pass to a lower energy level and causes emission, towards the receiver, of at least one photon having the same wavelength as the incident electromagnetic wave. The focused photon or photons form an amplified wave of the incident electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: An optical fiber connection structure includes a single-core plug holding a single-core ferrule, a multi-core plug holding a multi-core ferrule, and an adaptor having a tubular sleeve. The single-core ferrule made of zirconia (ZrO2) has a cylindrical shape and is held in a holder made of stainless steel (SUS). The single-core ferrule has a convex end surface whose curvature radius R1 is at least 50 mm. The multi-core ferrule made of zirconia (ZrO2) has a cylindrical shape and is held in a holder made of stainless steel (SUS). The multi-core ferrule has a convex end surface whose curvature radius R2 is at least 18.3 mm and at most 38.7 mm. When the first and second plugs are attached to the adaptor, the singe-core ferrule and the multi-core ferrule are respectively inserted from the opposite ends into the sleeve, and both of the end surfaces of the ferrules are pressed against each other.

Abstract: One or more single mode few-moded or multimode fibers are incorporated into a bundle to carry input to a fiber amplifier or output from a fiber amplifier or a fiber laser. The input is at the signal wavelength, which is the wavelength where amplification or lasing occurs. Each of the fibers in the bundle is cleaved individually or as a group and fiber ends are aligned in the same plane. The fiber amplifier or fiber laser may include a double clad fiber and the other fibers of the bundle couple light for cladding pumping. The device may also include a mode filter for controlling the output mode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an assembly having a first board, a second board, a fiber bundle, and at least one movable stage is provided. The fiber bundle has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the fiber bundle is attached to the first board first face. The movable stage has a second optical array provided thereon or therein. The movable stage is disposed on the second board such that the at least one motor steers the movable stage. The movable stage is steered such that the second optical array is aligned with the second end of the fiber bundle in a desired manner.

Abstract: An optical fiber, an optical fiber device, and an optical fiber bundle, which are applied to an organic tubular tissue, for the medical application for removing a thrombus part deposited on an internal wall of tubular tissue are provided. The optical fiber (20) which can be inserted in a tubular tissue (15) in an organism comprises a glass core layer (11), a covering core layer (12) which covers the glass core layer (11), and a cladding layer (13) which covers the covering core layer (12) and includes a plurality of apertural areas (23) in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber (20). The width of the apertural area (23) in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber (20) is narrowly formed in an entrance part of the optical fiber (20), and is widely formed as to be distanced in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber (20) from the entrance part. The optical fiber device applies such the optical fiber. The optical fiber bundle bundles a plurality of such the optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical coupler is provided for a passive coherent combination of fiber lasers/amplifiers. A plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a close-packed hexagonal array having 1+3n(n+1) fibers with (3/2)(n2?n)+3 interferometrically dark fibers and (3/2)(n2+3n)?2 light fibers, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Each optical fiber has a first end and a second end. The plurality of optical fibers are fused together along a section of each optical fiber proximate the first end of each optical fiber to form a fused section having a fiber axis. The fused section of the plurality of optical fibers is tapered to form a tapered region. A facet is at an end of the fused section. The facet is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the fiber axis. The coherent pattern is highly stable against perturbation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical probe which uses optical fibers arranged in parallel which can be easily bent by application of a heat source to improve the performance of the optical probe. The bend may be created by application of heat by a heat source and then forcing a change in the shape of the optical probe. Alternatively, an optical probe may be bent in room temperature and then by applying heat from a heat source, a bend can be created in the optical probe.

Abstract: A multi-core fiber for an optical pumping device is provided. The multi-core fiber includes a plurality of optical fibers that are inserted into holes of an alignment member. The optical fibers and the alignment member are integrated by heating. The alignment member includes a material that has a lower softening temperature than a softening temperature of the optical fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are radiation systems and methods, including a system that includes a waveguide to direct radiation from a first radiation source, a covering to cover at least part of the waveguide and one or more optical fibers embedded in the covering to direct radiation from a second radiation source. Also disclosed is system that includes a hollow waveguide assembly including a proximal portion and a distal portion that can be coupled to the proximal portion at a coupling area, the hollow waveguide assembly being configured to direct radiation from a first radiation source to an output port at a distal end of the distal portion of the hollow waveguide assembly, and a coupling unit to couple into the distal portion of the hollow waveguide assembly radiation from a second radiation source and the radiation from the first source delivered through the proximal portion.

Abstract: An optical component has a plurality of parallel noncontiguous optical conduits of at least one protrusive phase material embedded in a recessive phase material that acts as a support structure. The optical conduits extend from a proximal surface to a distal surface of the optical component. The distal surface has a plurality of spaced apart surface features of the protrusive phase material. Each independent optical conduits act as waveguides for a wavelength or range of wavelengths. The optical component can be formed such that the protruding surface features at the distal end of the component form an ordered array. An optical instrument can include the optical component in conjunction with a light source for illuminating a sample and a detector in optical communication optical component via the optical conduits.

Abstract: An optical component includes a support structure having a first composition including a recessive phase material and a second composition including protrusive phase material, the protrusive phase material defining a plurality of spaced apart surface features, each of the surface features comprising a distal end opposite the support structure, integrated with the support structure, and protruding distally from a surface of the support structure, each of the surface features reducing in cross sectional area distally from the support structure to provide a lowest cross sectional area at the distal end, the recessive phase material supporting and separating the surface features and defining a contiguous recessed surface area between the surface features, at least two of the protrusive features being characterized as optical waveguides.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an assembly having a first board, a second board, a fiber bundle, and at least one movable stage is provided. The fiber bundle has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the fiber bundle is attached to the first board first face. The movable stage has a second optical array provided thereon or therein. The movable stage is disposed on the second board such that the at least one motor steers the movable stage. The movable stage is steered such that the second optical array is aligned with the second end of the fiber bundle in a desired manner.

Abstract: A system of digitally controlling light output by producing separate control signals for different colors of light. The light is contained in an optical waveguide, either prior to shaping or after shaping. Each of the control signals is coupled to a digitally controlled device which controls the shape of the light output. The digital controlling device can be digital mirror devices, for example.

Abstract: A method of constructing a fiber-optic gyroscope includes optically coupling first and second optical fibers to an optical path of an interferometer having an outer surface, coupling at least a portion of the first and second fibers to the outer surface, and optically coupling the first and second fibers to an optical path of an integrated optics chip (IOC).

Abstract: The inkjet recording apparatus has a color ink recording head to jet color ink toward a recording medium; an invisible ink recording head to jet invisible ink toward the recording medium; and a light irradiating device to irradiate light toward the recording medium to cure the ink. A control section causes the color ink to be jetted then the light irradiating device irradiates the color ink, thereafter the invisible ink is jetted, and finally the light irradiating device irradiates the invisible ink after a lapse of a certain time from the invisible ink jetting.

Abstract: Techniques for ultra-high density connection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultra-high density connector includes a bundle of substantially parallel elongate cylindrical elements, where each cylindrical element is substantially in contact with at least one adjacent cylindrical element. Ends of the elongate cylindrical elements are disposed differentially with respect to each other to define a three-dimensional interdigitating mating surface. At least one of the elongate cylindrical elements has an electrically conductive contact positioned to tangentially engage a corresponding electrical contact of a mating connector.

Abstract: An optical fiber lighting apparatus includes an exciting light source, a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, a wavelength conversion unit, and a reflecting member. The first optical fiber guides the exciting light emitted from the exciting light source. The wavelength conversion unit receives the exciting light exiting from the first optical fiber to generate a wavelength-converted light having a wavelength different from that of the exciting light. The second optical fiber guides at least part of the wavelength-converted light generated by the wavelength conversion unit. The reflecting member reflects, of the reflected scattered light and/or the wavelength-converted light generated by the wavelength conversion unit, at least part of light that has not directly struck the incident region of the second optical fiber, toward the incident region of the second optical fiber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optical interconnection.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention relates to using spectroscopy, for example, Raman spectroscopic methods for diagnosis of tissue conditions such as vascular disease or cancer. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system for measuring tissue includes a fiber optic probe having a proximal end, a distal end, and a diameter of 2 mm or less. This small diameter allows the system to be used for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease or other small lumens or soft tissue with minimal trauma. A delivery optical fiber is included in the probe coupled at the proximal end to a light source. A filter for the delivery fibers is included at the distal end. The system includes a collection optical fiber (or fibers) in the probe that collects Raman scattered radiation from tissue, the collection optical fiber is coupled at the proximal end to a detector. A second filter is disposed at the distal end of the collection fibers.

Abstract: Display systems that utilize digital micro-mirror device (DMD) technology are finding wide application in the areas of projection systems for color display. The common name for such systems is digital light processing projection systems or DLP projection systems. The systems and methods described herein utilize the non-imaging light to monitor and calibrate the projected image since the high levels of illumination and extreme temperatures of the imaging light require careful attention to the manner of light collection. Light collection is accomplished in a waste gate area by a light collector, e.g., an optical fiber mat, and the collected light is communicated to an associated sensor. The technique is non-invasive and may be applied to existing designs with minimal modification.

Abstract: A multi-fiber cable assembly includes a plurality of optical fibers and at least two fiber grouping members disposed in a reverse double helical configuration about the plurality of optical fibers. An outer jacket surrounds the fiber grouping members and the plurality of optical fibers.

Abstract: The present invention connects two independent plastic optical fiber channels simultaneously, in which optic signals can be transmitted along two optic passes through a single mechanical rotational interface. The first channel of light path consists of a pair of plastic optic fibers with larger-core, co-axially fixed in 2 holders respectively. The light signal from one of the fiber can be directly coupled into another fiber. A number of smaller-core plastic optic fibers for second channel of light path are circumferentially arranged in the peripheral space of the first channel fibers. They are blind-spot free during rotation and are ideal for machine control applications such as SERCOS Interfaces. The rugged design permits underwater usage. Damaged fibers can be easily replaced without costly repairs of the device itself.

Abstract: A method for fabricating composite materials/devices comprising stacking together fibers or rods of at least two different materials, and drawing the fibers or rods. Using this process, devices having nanoscale features can be readily fabricated.

Abstract: The invention provides miniature side-viewing fiber optic probes that achieve high collection efficiency by maximizing the overlap of a laser delivery fiber's illumination and a collection fiber's collection cone. The probes can be made with as few as one optical piece, in addition to the optical fibers. In one embodiment of the invention, the probes are configured for performing Raman spectroscopy. Spectroscopy systems utilizing the probes of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A polarization filter utilizing Brewster's angle. The polarization filter includes a stimulus receiving body having more than one facet. At least two of the more than one facet being arranged at Brewster's angle (relative to the plane of polarization of the incident stimulus) and positioned in different radial orientations (relative to the incident stimulus) which are adapted to provide differential transmission or reflection of polarized electro-magnetic radiation coming from a common source.

Abstract: An all-fiber optical pulse compression arrangement comprises a concatenated arrangement of a section of input fiber (e.g., a single mode fiber), a graded-index (GRIN) fiber lens and a section of pulse-compressing fiber (e.g., LMA fiber). The GRIN fiber lens is used to provide mode matching between the input fiber (supporting the propagation of chirped optical pulses) and the pulse-compressing fiber, with efficient pulse compression occurring along the length of the LMA fiber. The dispersion and length of the LMA fiber section are selected to provide the desired degree of pulse compression; for example, capable of reconstituting a femtosecond pulse as is used in supercontinuum generation systems.

Abstract: A remote control motion transmitting cable assembly comprising a fist cable sub-assembly including a first core element having a free end, a first guide length including a first guide conduit positioned in surrounding relation to the first core element and a first end fitting positioned in surrounding relation to the free end of the first core element, and a second cable sub-assembly including a second core element having a free end, a second guide length including a second guide conduit positioned in surrounding relation to the second core element and a second end fining positioned in surrounding relation to the free end of the second core element. The cable sub-assemblies include connector structure operative in response to relative axial movement of the cable sub-assemblies to couple the end fittings together, lock the free ends of the core elements together, and adjust the overall length of the locked core elements.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for connecting a plurality of optical fibers comprising a plurality of fiber optic assemblies, each assembly including at least one optical fiber coupled to a ferrule, the ferrule being coupled to a spring. A connector housing is configured to support the plurality of optical fibers. The connector housing includes first and second mating connector portions. A plurality of channels support each of the plurality of fiber optic assemblies, respectfully, disposed between the first and second mating connector portions. A plurality of apertures are formed in at least one of end the housing. The plurality of fiber optic assemblies are supported between the first mating connector portion and the second mating connector portion by the channels such that the springs are disposed between the first and second mating connector portions and the ferrules of the plurality of fiber optic assemblies extend through the apertures at the one end of the connector housing in a spring loaded fashion.

Abstract: A polarizing film is made of multilayer polarizing fibers embedded within a matrix. The fibers are formed with layers of at least a first and a second polymer material. Layers of the first polymer material are disposed between layers of the second polymer material. At least one of the first and second polymer materials is birefringent. Where the fibers are non-circular in cross-section, the cross-section can be oriented within the polarizer.

Abstract: An optical device and method for varying an optical characteristic of an optical beam can include a plurality of optical fibers each having an input end, an output end, and a core, wherein each of the optical fibers has an effective area and a numerical aperture, and a beam-deviating component for moving at least one of the optical fiber input ends and the optical beam relative to each other such that the optical beam selectively enters the input ends one at a time and is transmitted out the output ends one at a time, wherein at least one of the effective areas and the numerical apertures varies among the plurality of optical fibers such that the optical beam transmitted out of the output ends has a varying optical characteristic.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a method and apparatus for obtaining process information in a substrate manufacturing process using plasma. In one embodiment, a chamber is provided having one or more optical metrology modules that are positioned such that optical energy from the plasma process is detected at substantially orthogonal angles. Metrics derived from detected optical energy may be used for endpoint determination, substrate temperature, and monitoring of critical dimensions on the substrate.

Abstract: A diffuser incorporates diffuser elements (10) that each include a waveguide (12) coupled between a concentrator (14) and an inverse concentrator (16). The diffuser (44) may be disposed between a backlight (102) and a modulator (114) in a display (100). Luminance ratios of light rays emitted by a low resolution image-forming backlight (102) toward a high resolution light modulator (114) may be preserved such that, for viewing directions within the display's preferred angular viewing range, an observer perceives no significant change in the luminance of displayed images, irrespective of changes in the observer's viewing direction.

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: A probe for use in Raman spectroscopy that can be inserted into a chemical vessel through a small diameter fitting while maximizing the amount of Raman shifted radiation collected and minimizing spurious effects.