Abstract: A system and method for dispersion-force-based actuation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a light beam is used to change the dispersion force between two spaced apart surfaces. The change in the dispersion force causes a change in the gap between the surfaces. The actuation system can be used in conjunction with a deformable mirror to provide an improved adaptive optics system.

Abstract: The optical tomographic imaging system includes a main body for acquiring an optical tomographic image, an optical probe having a rotary optical fiber for guiding the measuring and returning light, a measuring unit, and a sheath rotatably holding the rotary optical fiber and the measuring unit, a rotary drive unit for rotatably coupling the rotary optical fiber to a stationary optical fiber connected with the main body, an extra length handling mechanism for winding the optical probe into a loop having at least a minimum diameter and an attaching unit removably attaching the optical probe. The extra length handling mechanism winds an extra length of the optical probe by a length depending upon a length up to the location to be examined. The system eliminates the need to change the optical probe depending upon the location to be examined and the need to adjust the optical path length of reference light.

Abstract: A system and method for dispersion-force-based actuation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a light beam is used to change the dispersion force between two spaced apart surfaces. The change in the dispersion force causes a change in the gap between the surfaces. The actuation system can be used in conjunction with a deformable mirror to provide an improved adaptive optics system.

Abstract: A method utilizes an optical resonator that includes a reflective element and a spatial mode filter positioned relative to the reflective element such that light emitted from the spatial mode filter is reflected by the reflective element. The optical resonator has an optical resonance with a resonance lineshape that is asymmetric as a function of wavelength.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a charged particle beam apparatus that can easily evaluate the stability of a position that is irradiated with a charged particle beam. To achieve the above object, this invention includes a detector that scans a charged particle beam and detects secondary particles that originate from a substrate, and an image processer that displays an image of the substrate on a display based on the secondary particles that are detected by the detector. The image processer is configured to display on the display any two or more members of the group consisting of a scanning image produced by the charged particle beam of the substrate, a wave in time domain showing fluctuations of the irradiation position of the charged particle beam on the substrate, and a power spectrum of the wave in time domain.

Abstract: In certain aspects, interferometry methods are disclosed that include providing one or more interferometry signals for a test object, wherein the interferometry signals correspond to a sequence of optical path difference (OPD) values which are not all equally spaced from one another because of noise, providing information about the unequal spacing of the sequence of OPD values, decomposing each of the interferometry signals into a contribution from a plurality of basis functions each corresponding to a different frequency and sampled at the unequally spaced OPD values, and using information about the contribution from each of the multiple basis functions to each of the interferometry signals to determine information about the test object.

Abstract: An image data set acquired by an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system is corrected for effects due to motion of the sample. A first set of A-scans is acquired within a time short enough to avoid any significant motion of the sample. A second more extensive set of A-scans is acquired over an overlapping region on the sample. Significant sample motion may occur during acquisition of the second set. A-scans from the first set are matched with A-scans from the second set, based on similarity between the longitudinal optical scattering profiles they contain. Such matched pairs of A-scans are likely to correspond to the same region in the sample. Comparison of the OCT scanner coordinates that produced each A-scan in a matching pair, in conjunction with any shift in the longitudinal scattering profiles between the pair of A-scans, reveals the displacement of the sample between acquisition of the first and second A-scans in the pair.

Abstract: A system and method for failure analysis of devices on a semiconductor wafer is disclosed. The present invention comprises the use of an inline focused ion beam milling tool to perform milling and image capturing of cross sections of a desired inspection point. The inspection points are located by identifying at least one fiducial that corresponds to an X-Y offset from the desired inspection point. The fiducials are recognized by a computer vision system. By automating the inspection process, the time required to perform the inspections is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A method and a device for non-contact vibration measurement of an object. Method steps include: Moving at least one laser interferometer, which emits at least one measuring beam to at least one measuring point on the object, detecting the measuring beam reflected by the object, determining the vibration data from the emitted and reflected measuring beam, allocating the vibration data to the measuring point, as well as evaluating the vibration data and displaying the vibration data of the measuring point, with at least one comparison of a position of the laser interferometer being performed using at least one position of a known freely predetermined point on the object and a transformation rule being prepared to determine the position of the laser interferometer in reference to the object for arbitrary measuring positions based on the comparison. The device for measuring vibrations is also disclosed.

Abstract: Substantially symmetric RFOG configurations for rotation rate sensing using two input/output coupling components. Configurations are disclosed where optical coupling components handles both input and output lightwaves. Reducing the number of input/output coupling components while maintaining a substantially symmetric configuration for the CW and CCW beam reduces losses, prevents realization of bias errors due to asymmetric light paths in the resonator, and produces better signal to noise performance. In addition, the invention discloses systems integrating multiple functions into compact micro-optic devices that are easier to fabricate and package, leading to compact RFOGs with reduced cost and improved manufacturability.

Abstract: A resonator gyroscope comprises a reference laser generator to produce a reference light; a first slave light source to produce a first slave light locked to the reference light; a second slave light source to produce a second slave light locked to the reference light; a first optical filter cavity coupled to at least one of the first and second slave light sources to filter out high-frequency fluctuations in the respective first and second slave lights; a resonator coupled to said first and second light sources, the resonator having first and second counter-propagating directions and resonance tracking electronics coupled to the resonator to generate a first beat frequency, a second beat frequency, and a third beat frequency; wherein the rotational rate of the resonator gyroscope is a function of the first, second and third beat frequencies.

Abstract: Provided is an optical image measuring apparatus capable of obtaining a high-accuracy image without being influenced by a movement of an object to be measured. Flash light is emitted from a xenon lamp (2) and converted into broad band light by an optical filter (2A). A polarization characteristic of the flash light is converted into linear polarization by a polarizing plate (3). Then, the flash light is divided into signal light (S) and reference light (R) by a half mirror (6). A polarization characteristic of the reference light (R) is converted into circular polarization by a wavelength plate (7). The signal light (S) and the reference light (R) are superimposed on each other by the half mirror (6) to produce interference light (L). A CCD (23) detects interference light having the same characteristic as that of the produced interference light (L).

Abstract: An optical device under test (DUT) is interferometrically measured. The DUT can include one or more of an optical fiber, an optical component, or an optical system. First interference pattern data for the DUT is obtained for a first path to the DUT, and second interference pattern data for the DUT is obtained for a second somewhat longer path to the DUT. Because of that longer length, the second interference pattern data is delayed in time from the first interference pattern data. A time varying component of the DUT interference pattern data is then identified from the first and second interference pattern data. The identified time varying component is used to modify the first or the second interference pattern data to compensate for the time-varying phase caused by vibrations, etc. One or more optical characteristics of the DUT may then be determined based on the modified interference pattern data.

Abstract: A combined system and method synchronizes optical coherence tomography and acoustic radiation force for simultaneously imaging and mechanically displacing tissue in a patient as a detection and analytic tool. An endoscope is provided which has a piezoelectric element and an OCT scanner. The piezoelectric element generates the acoustic force to displace the tissue. The OCT scanner images the tissue and the system determines the mechanical displacement of the tissue. Cancer and arterial plaques can be recognized from the mechanical displacement of the tissue.

Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus and methods are provided according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In particular, at least one first electro-magnetic radiation may be received and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation within a solid angle may be forwarded to a sample. The second electro-magnetic radiation may be associated with the first electro-magnetic radiation. A plurality of third electro-magnetic radiations can be received from the sample which is associated with the second electro-magnetic radiation, and at least one portion of the third electro-magnetic radiation is provided outside a periphery of the solid angle. Signals associated with each of the third electro-magnetic radiations can be simultaneously detected, with the signals being associated with information for the sample at a plurality of depths thereof. The depths can be determined using at least one of the third electro-magnetic radiations without a need to utilize another one of the third electro-magnetic radiations.

Abstract: A control system and apparatus for use with an ultra-fast laser is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a laser, pulse shaper, detection device and control system. A multiphoton intrapulse interference method is used to characterize the spectral phase of laser pulses and to compensate any distortions in an additional aspect of the present invention. In another aspect of the present invention, a system employs multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan. Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention locates a pulse shaper and/or MIIPS unit between a laser oscillator and an output of a laser amplifier.

Abstract: Mechanically robust minimal form factor OCT probes suitable for medical applications such as needle biopsy, intraluminal and intravascular imaging are achieved in part by employing compound lenses with some or all of the optical elements, including an optical fiber, to be thermally fused in tandem. To achieve a desired working distance without increasing a diameter of the optics assembly, a spacer can be disposed between the optical fiber and focusing optics. The compound lens configuration can achieve higher transverse resolution compared to a single lens at a desired working distance without increasing the probe diameter. In exemplary needle biopsy embodiments, the optical assembly is encapsulated in a glass housing or metal-like housing with a glass window, which is then selectively passed through a hollow needle. Esophageal imaging embodiments are combined with a balloon catheter. Circumferential and three-dimensional spiral scanning can be achieved in each embodiment.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for sample analysis, such as tissue analysis, that integrate high wavenumber (HW) Raman spectroscopy for chemical composition analysis and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to provide depth and morphological information. The invention also provides side-viewing optical probes that are based on a single double clad optical fiber for performing the combined HW Raman spectroscopy and OCT. Intravascular catheter embodiments and related vascular diagnostic methods are also provided.

Abstract: Broadband light is directed along sample and reference paths such that light reflected by a sample surface and light reflected by a reference surface interfere. A mover effects relative movement between the sample and reference surfaces along a scan path. A detector senses a series of light intensity values representing interference fringes produced by a sample surface region during the movement. A data processor processes the intensity values as they are received to produce coherence peak position data and, after completion of a measurement operation, uses this coherence peak position data to obtain data indicative of the height of the surface region. The data processor includes a correlator for correlating intensity values with correlation function data to provide correlation data to enable identification of a position of a coherence peak. A surface topography determiner determines a height of a sample surface region from coherence peak position data.

Abstract: An optical device under test (DUT) is interferometrically measured. The DUT can include one or more of an optical fiber, an optical component, or an optical system. First interference pattern data for the DUT is obtained for a first path to the DUT, and second interference pattern data for the DUT is obtained for a second somewhat longer path to the DUT. Because of that longer length, the second interference pattern data is delayed in time from the first interference pattern data. A time varying component of the DUT interference pattern data is then identified from the first and second interference pattern data. The identified time varying component is used to modify the first or the second interference pattern data to compensate for the time-varying phase caused by vibrations, etc. One or more optical characteristics of the DUT may then be determined based on the modified interference pattern data.