Abstract: A stereo-imaging device that operates by translating a single lens in front of an exposed imaging sensor, or translating one of the objective lens group for higher image quality. The device and method is used as a surgical instrument guide. An objective lens with a translating lens part can directly attached in front of a camera with an exposed sensor or an endoscopic circuit with an exposed imaging fiber bundle surface to capture/record the image shift generated by the lens translation. The stereo-imaging device can realize a camera which can swing back and forth from regular 2D image capturing mode to the stereo mode to capture images for 3D viewing, or a switchable stereo endoscope without size increases of multiple imaging systems to be used for periodical 3D inspections.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, embodiments including a system, probe and method are disclosed for accurately measuring the strain or extension of a fastener that occurs as the nut on the fastener is tightened and the fastener is put under load. The measurement technique is based on measurement of the time for an ultrasonic wave generated on one end of the fastener to travel a round trip through the fastener. As the fastener is tightened, the applied stress causes an associated increase in length. This length can be determined from a measurement of the increase in transit time. In various embodiments, the disclosed device and method uses laser ultrasonic testing (LUT), in which a pulsed laser generates the ultrasonic wave and a type of laser vibrometer detects the wave when it returns to the position of generation following a combination of longitudinal and shear wave reflections.

Abstract: A distributed chemical sensor using an optical fiber having a cladding containing an indicator dye complexed with a heavy metal salt whereby the dye is rendered inactive and the heavy metal salt is preferentially functional to complex with a fluoride ion by cleaving from the dye.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, embodiments including a system, device and methods are disclosed for accurately measuring the strain or extension of a fastener that occurs as the nut on the fastener is tightened and the fastener is put under load. The measurement technique is based on measurement of the time for an ultrasonic wave generated on one end of the fastener to travel a round trip through the fastener. As the fastener is tightened, the applied stress causes an associated increase in length. This length can be determined from a measurement of the increase in transit time. In various embodiments, the disclosed device and method uses laser ultrasonic testing (LUT), in which a pulsed laser generates the ultrasonic wave and a type of laser vibrometer detects the wave when it returns to the position of generation following a combination of longitudinal wave reflections and a mode conversion to a shear wave.

Abstract: A stereo-imaging device that operates by translating a single lens in front of an exposed imaging sensor, or translating one of the objective lens group for higher image quality. The device and method is used as a surgical instrument guide. An objective lens with a translating lens part can directly attached in front of a camera with an exposed sensor or an endoscopic circuit with an exposed imaging fiber bundle surface to capture/record the image shift generated by the lens translation. The stereo-imaging device can realize a camera which can swing back and forth from regular 2D image capturing mode to the stereo mode to capture images for 3D viewing, or a switchable stereo endoscope without size increases of multiple imaging systems to be used for periodical 3D inspections.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a light source having spatially separated light emitting areas emitting light at different wavelengths to incapacitate a subject by a pattern of temporal flashing and/or color flashing of the light source. Reflectors adapted for use with spatially separated light substrates provide for light concentration from lower powered optical sources.

Abstract: Light is directed between the arms of a forceps to illuminate an area under debridement of foreign material with a color selected to enhance contrast of foreign material that needs to be removed. The light comes from a multicolor source such as an LED chip having RGBW dies and is transmitted by a light transmitting element such as an elongated waveguide or a light pipe to illuminate the area under examination. The color is selectable so as to obtain a color that has good contrast for the foreign material. The apparatus has a docking station to install the forceps so that it is properly located with respect to the illumination. A camera can be part of the apparatus to transmit imagery to a display.

Abstract: A time correlated single photon counting system having a time to digital converter triggered by a laser fire event detector and the reception of a single photon. The system may be used for chemical agent detection based on Rayleigh scattering using optical time domain reflectometry techniques. The system may also be used for Raman detection using frequency to time transformations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing composite structures in which ultrasonic waves are used to detect disbonds in the structures are described. The apparatus comprises a flexible structure carrying acousto-optical transducers such as fiber Bragg gratings. During use, the apparatus is mechanically and conformally coupled to the structure under test.

Abstract: A time correlated single photon counting system having a programmable delay generator triggered by a laser fire event detector. The system may be used for chemical agent detection based on Rayleigh scattering using optical time domain reflectometry techniques. The system may also be used for Raman detection using frequency to time transformations.

Abstract: A device detects underfill voids and solder ball defects via laser generation and laser detection of an ultrasonic wave at the top surface of flip chips. High resolution is provided by using small laser spot sizes and closely-spaced laser beams of wavelengths that are absorbed near the surface of the semiconductor. Improved spatial resolution and rejection of unwanted scattered waves can be attained by limiting the time frame of the ultrasonic waveform to the time required for the first longitudinal wave reflection from the bottom of the flip chip. The laser beam spacing can be reduced by using probe and detection beams of different wavelengths. Resolution of less than 100 ?m features was demonstrated for silicon flip chips.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing composite structures in which ultrasonic waves are used to detect disbonds in the structures are described. The apparatus comprises a flexible structure carrying acousto-optical transducers such as fiber Bragg gratings. During use, the apparatus is mechanically and conformally coupled to the structure under test.

Abstract: Faults, dimensions and other characteristics of a material or structure are sensed by a coherent beam's reflection from the material when probed with ultrasonic waves or when vibrating at high frequencies. The reflected beam acquires a dynamic phase change substantially different from its original phase and from the phase of a reference beam split from the common source beam. The reflected beam and the reference beam are superimposed by diffraction in an adaptive holographic beam-splitter, and the superimposed beams are detected by a photodetector capable of detecting small phase changes from ultrasonic surface displacements or perturbations. An apparatus and method are disclosed defining an improved crystal homodyne interferometer with an energy source coupled to the crystal and operative to maintain the crystal in a condition for emptying unwanted traps in the crystal.

Abstract: A time correlated single photon counting system having a programmable delay generator triggered by a laser fire event detector. The system may be used for chemical agent detection based on Rayleigh scattering using optical time domain reflectometry techniques. The system may also be used for Raman detection using frequency to time transformations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a light source to incapacitate a subject by a pattern of temporal flashing and/or color flashing of the light source. The light source is preferably an array of light emitting diodes. A rangefinder may be used to control the light output from the light source to avoid exposing a subject to light energy beyond a maximum permissible exposure threshold.

Abstract: A gas sensor system and its method of fabrication is disclosed. The sensor system comprises an optrode, light source, and a light detector. In a sensor for hydrogen gas, the optrode is comprised of a porous substrate into which an intimate mixture of reagent and catalyst is incorporated. The mixture reacts with the hydrogen to produce a color/intensity change in relation to the concentration of gas. The optrode further includes a reversing agent, boron, to restore the benchmark conditions of the sensor system in real-time. The method of fabricating the optrode includes the steps of cleaning; etching to achieve the proper porosity; incorporating the reagent, catalyst, and reversing agent using capillary action; and removing excess reagent and catalyst.

Abstract: Bacteria accumulations on the interior walls of a fluid conduit are detected by placing a bacterial target substrate in the conduit. The substrate is structured to allow bacteria to colonize it at at least the rate of accumulation expected on the conduit walls or at an accelerated rate in order to preempt normal bacteria accumulation on the walls. A bacteria getter may be used to accelerate bacterial colonization of the substrate. An excitation signal interrogating the substrate causes autofluorescence in the presence of bacteria, specifically from NADH and/or NADPH present. The autofluorescent emission is transmitted to a detector and processor. In one system when the presence of bacteria at a preset level is detected there is initiated a diversion of the fluid into an auxiliary subsystem during which the primary subsystem is remediated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing the resolution of a linear array of fiber Bragg gratings by applying a plastic coating having a high CTE over the optical fiber. Apparatus and method for determining the temperature of each of a succession of points along a tissue portion during hyperthermia treatment includes an optical fiber with a succession of closely spaced fiber Bragg gratings. Each grating is responsive to a different wavelength and is sensitive to ambient temperature to change that wavelength as a function of temperature. A tunable laser operative continuously over a range of wavelengths including those to which the gratings respond is used to interrogate the gratings. Sensitivity-enhancing coatings are used on the fibers and the lasers are tuned over very short time cycles.

Abstract: Distributed fiber optic chemical and physical sensors can provide a relatively highly uniform response over the length of the fiber by, for example, varying such properties as the core/cladding index of refraction ratio to compensate for the non-linearity in sensitivity. The phenomenon of spatial transient over a length of a fiber introduces such a nonlinearity that can be compensated for by varying at least one parameter of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor for sensing the presence of an analyte has a plurality of optical fibers each of which has an analyte sensing segment and the fibers are deployed so that the analyte sensing segments are arranged in sequential offset relationship over a distance such that each segment is available for detecting the analyte over a part of the distance. This has the advantage that detection of an analyte can be spatially resolved to the location of the one or more segments that have responded to the presence of the analyte. It also has the advantage that the high attenuation of sensing segments is reduced due to the smaller distance traversed by each sensing segment. Also multiple sets of such fibers may be deployed in order to detect multiple analytes, each set being constructed for a particular analyte. Also a fiber carrying structure is shown that allows the sensing segments to be available for detection of analytes and to conduct lead portions of the fibers to and from the sensing segments.