Abstract: A method for deconvolving far-field optical images beyond the diffraction limit includes the use of near-field optical and other scanned probe imaging data to provide powerful and new constraints for the deconvolution of far-field data sets. Near-field data, such as that which can be obtained from atomic force microscopy on a region of the far-field data set in an integrated and inter-digitate way, is used to produce resolutions beyond the diffraction limit of the lens that is being used. In the case of non-linear optical imaging or other microscopies, resolutions beyond that which is achievable with these microscopies can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing plastic optical transmission medium. The subject method and apparatus can produce a variety of optical transmission medium, including for example, graded refractive index polymer optical fiber, graded refractive index rod lens, and step index polymer optical fiber. The subject optical transmission medium have improved characteristics and efficiency, due, at least in part, to better control of the profile of the refractive index distribution and stable high temperature operation of the medium. High efficiency of manufacturing can be achieved by the subject method and apparatus which can permit continuous extrusion at high speed.

Abstract: A method for deconvolving far-field optical images beyond the diffraction limit includes the use of near-field optical and other scanned probe imaging data to provide powerful and new constraints for the deconvolution of far-field data sets. Near-field data, such as that which can be obtained from atomic force microscopy on a region of the far-field data set in an integrated and inter-digitate way, is used to produce resolutions beyond the diffraction limit of the lens that is being used. In the case of non-linear optical imaging or other microscopies, resolutions beyond that which is achievable with these microscopies can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for deconvolving far-field optical images beyond the diffraction limit includes the use of near-field optical and other scanned probe imaging data to provide powerful and new constraints for the deconvolution of far-field data sets. Near-field data, such as that which can be obtained from atomic force microscopy on a region of the far-field data set in an integrated and inter-digitate way, is used to produce resolutions beyond the diffraction limit of the lens that is being used. In the case of non-linear optical imaging or other microscopies, resolutions beyond that which is achievable with these microscopies can be obtained.

Abstract: A nanoscale force sensing device includes a probe having a tip with multiple isolated channels which can receive different materials. The device may be either straight or cantilevered and may be mounted to permit detection of surface forces while performing other functions at the same time.

Abstract: A method and device for electrical emulation of pulsed laser is disclosed. The device utilizes high voltage electrical discharges of sub-microsecond duration in a liquid medium to produce cavitation bubbles of sub-millimeter size for use in high speed precision cutting. Such bubbles are produced by a micro-electrode (1.6) having a central wire having a diameter of 1 microns to 100 microns embedded in an insulator. A coaxial electrode (1.9) surrounds the insulator, and may be spaced from the outer surface of insulator to provide a path for removing tissue.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method of sighting and a sighting apparatus which can operate during the day and/or night. The subject device can be used on projectile type weapons such as guns and archery products. The subject method and device can be utilized with these various weapons such that a user can use the weapon during the day and/or night and sight under essentially all lighting conditions.

Abstract: A device comprising a tapered glass structure produced from glass capillary tube by pulling technologies to generate an optimized geometry for high transmission efficiency of electromagnetic radiation. The device being bent near the tip to produce a cantilevered structure suitable for normal force sensing in a variety of attractive, repulsive and non-contact imaging modes.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method of sighting and a sighting apparatus which can operate during the day and/or night. The subject device can be used on projectile type weapons such as guns and archery products. The subject method and device can be utilized with these various weapons such that a user can use the weapon during the day and/or night and sight under essentially all lighting conditions.

Abstract: A method and device for electrical emulation of pulsed laser is disclosed. The device utilizes high voltage electrical discharges of sub-microsecond duration in a liquid medium to produce cavitation bubbles of sub-millimeter size for use in high speed precision cutting. Such bubbles are produced by a micro-electrode (1.6) having a central wire having a diameter of 1 microns to 100 microns embedded in an insulator. A coaxial electrode (1.9) surrounds the insulator, and may be spaced from the outer surface of the insulator to provide a path for removing tissue.

Abstract: A hollow, scanned probe tip is used to write and erase information in a material in manometric dimensionalities, as well as to provide ultrasensitive sensing of the stored information. The material is excited to alter it for writing and erasing, while sensing, or reading, of the stored information is accomplished by highly sensitive force sensing.

Abstract: The invention includes the use of a beam homogenizer (scattering surface) at the input aperture of a tapered optical fiber to avoid hot spots (2) in the tapered section which would otherwise destroy the fiber (10).

Abstract: A tapered, nonconductive structure (10) having a hollow core (18) and a conical tip (14) includes a metal wire (16) within the core (18). The wire (16) is sealed within, and is exposed at the end (22) of, the tip (14). An electrically conductive or semiconductive layer (24) on the exterior of the tip (14) form a point thermocouple contact with the wire. The tip (14) may be fabricated, for example, by placing a metal wire (16) within a tube (12), and heating and pulling the tube (12) to produce two tapered micropipettes. Thereafter, a thin metal or semiconductor film (24) is evaporated onto the outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an image guide which has applications in such areas as endoscopy and industrial imaging. This invention utilizes gradient-index optical fiber in order to produce an image guide with improved performance characteristics. These improved performance characteristics include increased brightness, enhanced resolution, greater flexibility, and smaller diameter. The smaller diameter of the image guide permits access through smaller apertures in order to image inaccessible locations.

Abstract: This invention pertains to novel methods of radiography and novel screen-film cassettes with wide exposure latitude and/or high film contrast for use in radiography. The materials and methods of the subject invention can be used in mammography. In a specific example, this invention concerns the design of novel screen-film cassettes which can use at least one phosphor screen and multiple x-ray films in a single cassette. When used in mammography, this novel design enables additional breast images to be obtained on the faster, or slower, speed film from the same x-ray exposure used to produce a normal breast image on the normal speed film. These additional breast images provide high contrast information on the dense regions of the breast and in the edge areas of the compressed breast. These dense regions currently cause many missed diagnoses in breast cancer screening.