Abstract: The presently preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a single ended bit-line from each pixel, small swing bit-line detection, a regenerative sense amplifier, and reference generation using precision analog references.

Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating sensor system for sensing a parameter, including temperature or strain comprises a structured sensor fiber Bragg grating in combination with a broadband light source, coupler, readout grating mixing and spectral analysis system. The structured sensor fiber Bragg grating combination responds to an optical signal, and further responds to a sensed parameter, for providing a structured sensor fiber Bragg grating signal containing information about the sensed parameter. The broadband light source, coupler, readout grating mixing and spectral analysis system provides the optical signal, and responds to the structured sensor fiber Bragg grating signal, mixes the structured sensor fiber Bragg grating with a reference grating spectrum, for providing a broadband source, coupler, readout grating mixing and spectral analysis system signal containing information about a mixed and spectrally analyzed structured sensor fiber Bragg grating signal that is used to determine the sensed parameter.

Abstract: A method and a device used in an optical microscope apparatus and for automatic focusing, and using an image contrast detection method which is not affected by noise. In order to remove a noise component, a contour component of an image picked up by the microscope is detected as a contour signal obtained by a difference between an original image and a delayed signal of the original image. A difference in level in maximum and minimum values of this contour signal is adopted as an image contrast signal. Such image contrast signals are produced at various microscope focusing direction positions. A position where a maximum image contrast signal is obtained is made to be an in-focus position.

Abstract: A system to align optical components is described. The system utilizes a highly transmissive sensor positioned in the optical path of an optical signal to determine the precise position of the optical signal. A feedback loop uses output from the highly transmissive sensor to readjust elements that maintains the optical signal in a desired position. The current system is particularly suitable for use in an optical cross switch.

Abstract: A contactless precision, optical distance and angle measurement method and system optically measuring the position of a moveable object, the bending of the object, the torque applied to the object and the object's rotational velocity. The present invention includes a plurality of optical sensors placed around and adjacent to the moveable object which transmit optical signals to a surface of the object and receives the optic signals when predefined marker means are sensed. The received optic signals are then processed by non-linear estimation techniques known to those of skill in the art to obtain the desired information.

Abstract: An alignment method is provided for a color scannerless range imaging system whereby the separate optical paths of colored texture and monochromatic range images may be precisely aligned. The range imaging system includes an illumination system for illuminating a scene with modulated infrared illumination, image forming optics for forming an image of the scene, optical means for forming first and second optical paths between the image forming optics and an image sensor, a transponder subject to modulation located in the first optical path for amplifying and converting infrared light to visible light to form a range image on the image sensor.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system provides for out-of-band calibration. As a result, calibration can be performed simultaneously with monitoring. This can be used to accomplish faster and/or more accurate scanning. In addition, the need for complex switching and/or multiplexing capabilities can be avoided. The system comprises a signal source of an optical signal having spectrally separated channels, which are distributed within a spectral band, such as a WDM signal. A reference source generates a reference signal outside of the spectral band. A tunable filter filters the optical signal and the reference signal. A reference signal detector then detects the filtered reference signal, while an optical signal detector detects the filtered optical signal.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope apparatus includes a laser light source, an objective lens for condensing a laser beam emitted from the laser light source on a specimen, a scanning device for relatively scanning the specimen with a condensed laser spot, an imaging optical system for imaging light emanating from the specimen, a confocal stop placed at the focal point of the imaging optical system, and a plurality of photodetectors for detecting the light from the specimen, passing through the confocal stop. In this case, the scanning optical microscope apparatus includes a spectrum decomposing device for spatially decomposing a light beam passing through the confocal stop into a wavelength spectrum, and an array of light-deflecting microelements arranged, at least, in a direction of spectral decomposition and receiving and deflecting a part of the light beam decomposed into the spectrum toward any of the plurality of photodetectors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light receiver unit having a packaging cover and a light receiving element positioned in an inner space of the packaging cover wherein a resin is injected into the inner space to be solidified. The light receiver unit includes: a window hole formed on the packaging cover, a filter fixed to the packaging cover to cover the window hole, and a transparent plane-parallel plate fixed to the packaging cover to cover the filter from the inside of the packaging cover, the transparent plane-parallel plate being harder that the filter; whereby the filter is protected from any pressure caused by the injected resin.

Abstract: An optical gauge for measuring the level of a liquid in a container comprises an elongate, tubular member with a central bore. A light source is positioned for projecting radiant energy into the bore along a length of the tubular member. An elongate light collector is spaced from the light source and extends along the length of the tubular member for receiving radiant energy from the light source. The light collector has opposite ends and is formed such that radiant energy incident on a length of the light collector is transmitted to the light collector ends. A light blocking member is located within the bore and extends between the light source and at least a portion of the elongate light collector for blocking at least a portion of the radiant energy from the light collector.