Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating an ordered deposition geometry on a surface of a compound optical fibre, which comprises: (a) arranging a plurality of optical fibres and/or compound optical fibres in common orientation and close packed configuration to form a bundle; (b) drawing the bundle under suitable conditions to produce a compound optical fibre of desired diameter; (c) processing the compound optical fibre to produce a substantially planar surface; (d) subjecting said surface to an etching agent to produce surface relief (e) subjecting said surface with relief to metal coating. The invention also covers a compound optical fibre having an ordered deposition geometry on a substantially planar surface that is substantially transverse to compound optical fibre longitudinal axis, wherein the compound optical fibre comprises individual optical elements of less than about 1000 nm in diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and devices including these materials which have three-dimensional optical data storage capabilities, as well as to related methods and apparatus for storage, reading and erasing optical data. In particular, the invention relates to a three-dimensional optical data storage device comprising a data storage material which comprises a polymer matrix and nematic liquid crystal droplets wherein the nematic liquid crystal droplets are dispersed through the polymer matrix.

Abstract: A non-linear fluorescence microscope or endoscope includes: (a) a source of coherent light suitable to initiate non-linear fluorescence in a sample of interest located at a sample region; (b) a first light conductor positioned to receive at its terminal light from the light source and direct the light to a coupler; (c) a second light conductor located to receive light introduced to the coupler from the first conductor and direct the light to the sample via a sample end of the second conductor, the sample end also located to receive fluoresced light from the sample such that the second conductor may direct the fluoresced light to the coupler; and (d) a third light conductor located to direct fluoresced light from the coupler to a light detection device via a terminal of the third light conductor.

Abstract: Micro/nano-structures fabricated by laser ablation and suitable for use in micro-arrays and micro-assays are described. In particular, micro-structures having combinatorial surfaces that allow molecules to attach to a localised area of the surface according to the characteristics of the localised area. Methods of fabricating such micro/nano-structures and their use in micro-arrays and micro-assays is also described.

Abstract: A non-linear fluorescence microscope or endoscope includes: (a) a source of coherent light suitable to initiate non-linear fluorescence in a sample of interest located at a sample region; (b) a first light conductor positioned to receive at its terminal light from the light source and direct the light to a coupler; (c) a second light conductor located to receive light introduced to the coupler from the first conductor and direct the light to the sample via a sample end of the second conductor, the sample end also located to receive fluoresced light from the sample such that the second conductor may direct the fluoresced light to the coupler; and (d) a third light conductor located to direct fluoresced light from the coupler to a light detection device via a terminal of the third light conductor.

Abstract: A separator for separating material from a fluid which includes an inlet, a separating chamber in fluid communication with the inlet, a holding chamber, a deflector for deflecting material entrained in or moving with fluid entering the separating chamber from the inlet towards the holding chamber, and an outlet for permitting flow of fluid from which the material has been removed from the separating chamber.