Abstract: The invention relates to a device for examination of a pressure (p) in an intervertebral disc, a body of vertebra or any other part of a disc in a human or animal. The device (1) comprises a hollow cannula (6) with an end portion (7) arranged to be inserted into the intervertebral disc, the body of vertebra or any other part of the disc. The device further comprises an optical fiber (8) arranged in the cannula (6) and a sensor device (10) arranged on the optical fiber (8), which in use is positioned in connection to the intervertebral disc, the body of vertebra or any other part of the disc. The device also has an injection device (11) for injection of liquid into the intervertebral disc, the body of vertebra or any other part of the disc through the cannula (6) while the sensor device (10) measures the physical magnitude (p) in the anatomical organ (2).

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot optical sensor for sensing a parameter such as pressure or the like is provided. The sensor includes a lead optical fiber from the end of which projects a spacer having an end surface curving inwardly. A diaphragm extends across the forward end of the spacer. The diaphragm is flexible in response to the parameter to be measured and defines a forward reflector of the Fabry-Perot cavity within the optical sensor. A method for manufacturing such a sensor is also provided.

Abstract: A method and sensor for detecting a chemical substance in an analyte. An anisotropic material is subjected to the analyte. Light is passed through the anisotropic material and collected. A change of an optical anisotropy of the collected light is detected, the change being indicative of the chemical substance in the analyte.

Abstract: An optical sensor and a method of manufacturing such as sensor are provided. The sensor includes a lead optical fiber with a single piece optical element joined permanently joined to its forward end. The optical element defines a spacer with a cavity therein at one end, and a diaphragm at the opposite end. The diaphragm is flexible in response to a parameter and the sensor defines a sensing Fabry-Perot resonator.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of measuring an optical path difference in a sensing interferometer. Light from a source is directed in the sensing interferometer. The light reflected from the sensing interferometer is splitted into first and second beams respectively directed into two reference interferometers having optical path differences greater than the coherence length of the source and such that the optical signals are in quadrature. The intensities of the light transmitted by the reference interferometers and recombined light reflected from the reference interferometers are detected for measuring the optical path difference in the sensing interferometer. Additional light sources allow for correction of internal perturbations and absolute measurement of the optical path difference in the sensing interferometer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of measuring an optical path difference in a sensing interferometer. Light from a source is directed in the sensing interferometer. The light reflected from the sensing interferometer is splitted into first and second beams respectively directed into two reference interferometers having optical path differences greater than the coherence length of the source and such that the optical signals are in quadrature. The intensities of the light transmitted by the reference interferometers and recombined light reflected from the reference interferometers are detected for measuring the optical path difference in the sensing interferometer. Additional light sources allow for correction of internal perturbations and absolute measurement of the optical path difference in the sensing interferometer.