Abstract: An optical system and methods have been developed for real-time synchronous detection of vibration and/or rotation modes in biotic (e.g., fat, glyceride, vitamins, bilirubin, etc.) and abiotic systems (e.g., alcohol contents). The system and methods include a modulated light source (e.g., a CW laser of 1064 nm wavelength modulated at square wave signal at 5600 Hz by a square wave signal), laser beam shaping and light collecting optics, optical detectors, appropriately selected optical filters, mechanical or electronic laser beam modulator, electrical signal amplifiers (e.g., transimpedance, current and voltage amplifiers), synchronous detector (e.g. lock-in amplifier), data acquisition and hardware and software control systems. One or multiple lock-in amplifiers are used to extract weak signals from noisy background. The system has three configurations/embodiments for in-situ and ex-situ end uses—(i) tabletop probe, (ii) handheld probe and (iii) miniature handheld probe.

Abstract: A device (10) for sensing an acoustic signal is described. The device includes a flexible portion (14) including a laser active region (13) whose emitted wavelength varies according to a mechanical force acting on the flexible portion (14) and a flexible support member (24) operable to flex or bend according to the acoustic signal. The flexible portion (14) is coupled with the support member (24) so as to cause the flexible portion to flex or bend in accordance with the support member (24) thereby changing the emitted wavelength of the laser active region (13) of the flexible portion (14).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the out of band reflection of a laser element is described. The laser element includes an active medium excited by optical pumping means to produce stimulation emission of light. The laser element further includes a Bragg grating structure for providing optical feedback for the active medium, with the Bragg grating structure including a phase transition region providing a change in phase. The change in phase of the phase transition region is adjusted to modify out of band reflection of said laser element.

Abstract: A device (10) for sensing an acoustic signal is described. The device includes a flexible portion (14) including a laser active region (13) whose emitted wavelength varies according to a mechanical force acting on the flexible portion (14) and a flexible support member (24) operable to flex or bend according to the acoustic signal. The flexible portion (14) is coupled with the support member (24) so as to cause the flexible portion to flex or bend in accordance with the support member (24) thereby changing the emitted wavelength of the laser active region (13) of the flexible portion (14).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the out of band reflection of a laser element is described. The laser element includes an active medium excited by optical pumping means to produce stimulation emission of light. The laser element further includes a Bragg grating structure for providing optical feedback for the active medium, with the Bragg grating structure including a phase transition region providing a change in phase. The change in phase of the phase transition region is adjusted to modify out of band reflection of said laser element.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser system (1) for performing procedures such as Retinal Photocoagulation and Laser Trabeculoplasty comprises a delivery module (2) and a console module (3). The console module includes a treatment laser and optical elements for directing output from the treatment laser to an optical fiber (16), which is substantially enclosed within the delivery module. The delivery module includes a slit lamp tower (6), viewing microscope (4) and alignment optics for directing and focusing output from the optical fiber to a patient treatment zone.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser system (1) for performing procedures such as Retinal Photocoagulation and Laser Trabeculoplasty comprises a delivery module (2) and a console module (3). The console module includes a treatment laser and optical elements for directing output from the treatment laser to an optical fiber (16), which is substantially enclosed within the delivery module. The delivery module includes a slit lamp tower (6), viewing microscope (4) and alignment optics fur directing and focusing output from the optical fiber to a patient treatment zone.