Abstract: A new architecture for implementing a time-resolved Raman spectrometer is 2-3 orders of magnitude faster than current systems. The system additionally is compact, environmentally rugged, low cost and can detect multiple components of a sample simultaneously. In one embodiment, the invention employs a rotating optical switch to time multiplex an input signal through multiple bandpass filters and into a single optical detector which is electrically activated only when the filtered input light pulse is about to impact it. The combination of time-multiplexing the input signal through multiple optical filters and time-sequencing the optical detector enables the device to detect and analyze 2-3 orders of magnitude faster than current designs, processing spectra within milliseconds instead of seconds.

Abstract: An adhesive system for securing optical elements to a housing or substrate in an aligned position that is maintained over widely varying environmental conditions. A fiber optic device is constructed such that applied adhesive is not disposed between a fiber optic element and the housing of the fiber optic device, but is disposed on longitudinal seams defined by the portion of the element proximal a side of the housing or substrate. In one embodiment, the adhesive has a filler, such as amorphous silica. A method of making includes aligning, applying adhesive, and curing adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an optical element of an optical actuator. The optical actuator moves a guide between a retracted and an extended position relative to an actuator body. The actuator body has a channel, or through-opening, in which the mirror guide moves. In one embodiment, the channel has a two flat surfaces that form a portion of a v-groove in the channel. In the extended position, the guide contacts a stop pin, or stopper, and the two flat surfaces in the through-opening, thereby holding the guide in a position defined by the line of contact between the stop pin and an angled surface of the guide and a pair of parallel contact lines where the guide contacts the two flat surfaces in the through-opening.

Abstract: An adhesive system for securing optical elements to a housing or substrate in an aligned position that is maintained over widely varying environmental conditions. A fiber optic device is constructed such that applied adhesive is not disposed between a fiber optic element and the housing of the fiber optic device, but is disposed on longitudinal seams defined by the portion of the element proximal a side of the housing or substrate. In one embodiment, the adhesive has a filler, such as amorphous silica. A method of making includes aligning, applying adhesive, and curing adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing a light path sequentially between multiple positions. A rotary switch rotates a light beam from a prism relative to a plurality of optical elements arranged radially on a switch body. In one embodiment, a prism rotates in the switch body, causing the light beam to sweep through the optical elements. In another embodiment, the switch body rotates about a prism transmitting the light beam. In various embodiments, the optical elements include a photodetector, a filter and a photodetector pair, a reflector, and a filter and a reflector.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system for determining the constituents of a sample or specimen. An absorption spectrum is obtained from a sample and is passed through one or more filters having a specified absorption spectrum defined by a single atom or a compound. If the filter's absorption spectrum is included in the sample's absorption spectrum, then the sample contains that atom or compound. The apparatus includes a switching assembly that sequentially places one or more filters into the light path to determine if the subject atom or compound is contained in the sample.

Abstract: An optical connector cleaner. The optical connector cleaner includes a nonlinear path along which an optical connector is moved. By following the nonlinear path, the optical connector is subjected to planetary motion without requiring the operator to twist the connector by hand. The use of planetary motion improves the efficiency and quality of the cleaning operation. In addition, the optical connector cleaner of the present invention provides improved resistance to damage from the ferrule edge during cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus for routing a plurality of optical input signals to a plurality of optical output connections. In one embodiment, a plurality of optical switches are combined to route a number of optical signals that exceed the number of optical inputs for a single switch. The switch array includes a plurality of input switches optically connected to a plurality of intermediate switches, which are optically connected to a plurality of output switches. In the embodiments in which the number of input switches exceed the number of optical outputs of a single input switch, the input switches, intermediate switches, and output switches are arranged in groups or sets.

Abstract: An apparatus for switching optical signals. An optical bench includes a plurality of through-openings for receiving a plurality of collimators and a plurality of actuators. The actuators include a mirror for redirecting an optical signal from one collimator to another. The collimators and actuators are secured to the optical bench by an adhesive system that includes opposing longitudinal slots containing adhesive securing the collimators and actuators to the optical bench.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an optical element of an optical actuator. The optical actuator moves a guide between a retracted and an extended position relative to an actuator body. The actuator body has a channel, or through-opening, in which the mirror guide moves. In one embodiment, the channel has a two flat surfaces that form a portion of a v-groove in the channel. In the extended position, the guide contacts a stop pin, or stopper, and the two flat surfaces in the through-opening, thereby holding the guide in a position defined by the line of contact between the stop pin and an angled surface of the guide and a pair of parallel contact lines where the guide contacts the two flat surfaces in the through-opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for a termination oven for attaching optical connectors to fiber optic cables in the field. The termination oven includes an oven with a heater and a temperature sensor. A controller manages power applied to the heater. The termination oven includes a portable power supply and has provision for both an external ac power supply and an external dc power supply. A fiber optic cable has its fiber epoxied to a connector ferrule and the epoxy is cured in a curing oven.

Abstract: An apparatus for routing a plurality of optical input signals to a plurality of optical output connections. In one embodiment, a switch includes an optical bench receiving and securing a plurality of input collimators and output collimators. The optical bench also receives and secures a plurality of actuators arranged in an array for reflecting and redirecting the optical signal from the input collimators to the output collimators.

Abstract: An apparatus for routing a plurality of optical input signals to a plurality of optical output connections. In one embodiment, a plurality of optical switches are combined to route a number of optical signals that exceed the number of optical inputs for a single switch. The switch array includes a plurality of input switches optically connected to a plurality of intermediate switches, which are optically connected to a plurality of output switches. In the embodiments in which the number of input switches exceed the number of optical outputs of a single input switch, the input switches, intermediate switches, and output switches are arranged in groups or sets.

Abstract: An optical switch with at least one optical actuator having an actuator body and a preformed mirror guide sleeve molded into an integral unit, operating with a mirror guide made of the same material as the actuator body and the mirror guide sleeve. The mirror guide sleeve is formed from a fused silica tube with an inside surface have a fine finish and an inside diameter within closely controlled tolerances. The actuator body is formed around the mirror guide sleeve by injection molding fused silica powder and then firing the mirror guide sleeve and the powder to form an integrated assembly of the actuator body and the mirror guide sleeve. The optical elements forming the optical switch are aligned in six axes.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system for determining the constituents of a sample or specimen. An absorption spectrum is obtained from a sample and is passed through one or more filters having a specified absorption spectrum defined by a single atom or a compound. If the filter's absorption spectrum is included in the sample's absorption spectrum, then the sample contains that atom or compound. The apparatus includes a switching assembly that sequentially places one or more filters into the light path to determine if the subject atom or compound is contained in the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing a light path sequentially between multiple positions. A rotary switch rotates a light beam from a prism relative to a plurality of optical elements arranged radially on a switch body. In one embodiment, a prism rotates in the switch body, causing the light beam to sweep through the optical elements. In another embodiment, the switch body rotates about a prism transmitting the light beam. In various embodiments, the optical elements include a photodetector, a filter and a photodetector pair, a reflector, and a filter and a reflector.

Abstract: An optical connector cleaner. The optical connector cleaner includes a nonlinear path along which an optical connector is moved. By following the nonlinear path, the optical connector is subjected to planetary motion without requiring the operator to twist the connector by hand. The use of planetary motion improves the efficiency and quality of the cleaning operation. In addition, the optical connector cleaner of the present invention provides improved resistance to damage from the ferrule edge during cleaning.

Abstract: An optical switching system for use with catheter-based analysis and treatment. The use of an optical switching system allows one or more interferometric systems to use the same fiber, control of the duty cycle to protect the sensitive optical devices from harmful back-reflections generated by a treatment laser, and switching through several interferometric light sources in order to determine geometry and composition in the path of the catheter.

Abstract: A network healing smart fiber optic switch for fast, automatic switching between multiple paths of an optical transmission line with minimal disruption. The network healing smart fiber optic switch feeds each of multiple fiber optic inputs to a splitter. One of the outputs of the splitters go to an optical switch, which selects the optical signal to send to the output based on a control signal from a controller or analog selection circuit. The other outputs of the splitters go to the analog selection circuit, which outputs a control signal to the optical switch. The analog selection circuit compares the primary optical signal to a selected setpoint to determine the signal's validity. The analog selection circuit routes an alternate, or secondary, optical signal upon failure of the primary optical signal. After the primary signal is restored and valid for a specified period, the analog selection circuit deselects the secondary optical signal and routes the primary optical signal.

Abstract: An optical switch actuator moving an optical element into or out of an optical pathway. The optical element is coupled to a movable shuttle and driven by a motor between two rest positions. The motor includes two stationary coils and a magnet attached to the shuttle. The shuttle is magnetically latched in the rest positions. The optical element's position at the extended rest position is controlled with a stop that contacts the shuttle to provide accuracy and precision about multiple axes. The material used to construct the actuator's components aids in repeatedly positioning the optical element with precision.