Abstract: A flow cytometry system includes an inertial particle focusing device including a plurality of substantially parallel microchannels formed in a substrate, each microchannel having a width to height ratio in the range of 2:3 to 1:4, an analyzer disposed adjacent the inertial particle focusing device such that the analyzer is configured to detect a characteristic of particles in the inertial particle focusing device, and a controller connected to the analyzer and configured to direct the detection of the characteristic of the particles.

Abstract: A time-stretched enhanced recording scope (TiSER) is described using time stretch analog-to-digital conversion in a real-time burst mode. A chirped optical signal is modulated in response to receiving segments of an input signal. The optical signal with its modulated input signal, is stretched through an optical medium and digitized to represent the waveform segment. TiSER provides ultra-fast real-time sampling within short segment bursts of the original input signal while providing an ability to detect non-repetitive events. Methods and apparatus are also described for providing real-time information about inter-symbol information (ISI), rapidly determining bit-error rates (BER), performing time-domain reflectometry (TDR), generating eye diagrams for serial data, facilitating digital correction of data, clock recovery, optical carrier phase recovery, and otherwise increasing the speed and/or accuracy of a diverse range of high-speed signal measurement and processing activities.

Abstract: A time-stretched enhanced recording scope (TiSER) is described using time stretch analog-to-digital conversion in a real-time burst mode. A chirped optical signal is modulated in response to receiving segments of an input signal. The optical signal with its modulated input signal, is stretched through an optical medium and digitized to represent the waveform segment. TiSER provides ultra-fast real-time sampling within short segment bursts of the original input signal while providing an ability to detect non-repetitive events. Methods and apparatus are also described for providing real-time information about inter-symbol information (ISI), rapidly determining bit-error rates (BER), performing time-domain reflectometry (TDR), generating eye diagrams for serial data, facilitating digital correction of data, clock recovery, optical carrier phase recovery, and otherwise increasing the speed and/or accuracy of a diverse range of high-speed signal measurement and processing activities.

Abstract: We describe methods and apparatus for high-speed high-contrast imaging one-, two- and three-dimensional imaging enabled by differential interference contrast time encoded amplified microscopy of transparent media without the need for chemical staining, that are suitable for a broad range of applications from semiconductor process monitoring to blood screening. Our methods and apparatus build on a unique combination of serial time-encoded amplified microscopy (STEAM) and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. These methods and apparatus are ideally suited for identification of rare diseased cells in a large population of healthy cells and have the potential to revolutionize blood analysis and pathology including identification of cancer cells, such as Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) in early stage disease.

Abstract: Spectroscopic measurements are described based on light-molecule interaction in response to a resonant rate optical pulse train so that a Raman spectrum is reflected containing at least two types of vibrational mode information (e.g., vibrational frequency, and vibrational phase relaxation) on the molecules comprising the object. A pump optical pulse train generation means is configured for generating an optical pulse train having an arbitrary repetition rate which is directed through irradiation means to the sample object. Light from the sample object is collected and vibrational coherence is detected for the sample object. The sample is tested across a plurality of different repetition frequencies. The detected information can be compared with data from other known samples from within a database when analyzing the information collected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrafast real-time optical imaging that can be used for imaging dynamic events such as microfluidics or laser surgery is provided. The apparatus and methods encode spatial information from a sample into a back reflection of a two-dimensional spectral brush that is generated with a two-dimensional disperser and a light source that is mapped in to the time domain with a temporal disperser. The temporal waveform is preferably captured by an optical detector, converted to an electrical signal that is digitized and processed to provide two dimensional and three dimensional images. The produced signals can be optically or electronically amplified. Detection may be improved with correlation matching against a database in the time domain or the spatial domain. Embodiments for endoscopy, microscopy and simultaneous imaging and laser ablation with a single fiber are illustrated.

Abstract: A time-stretched enhanced recording scope (TiSER) is described using time stretch analog-to-digital conversion in a real-time burst mode. A chirped optical signal is modulated in response to receiving segments of an input signal. The optical signal with its modulated input signal, is stretched through an optical medium and digitized to represent the waveform segment. TiSER provides ultra-fast real-time sampling within short segment bursts of the original input signal while providing an ability to detect non-repetitive events. Methods and apparatus are also described for providing real-time information about inter-symbol information (ISI), rapidly determining bit-error rates (BER), performing time-domain reflectometry (TDR), generating eye diagrams for serial data, facilitating digital correction of data, clock recovery, optical carrier phase recovery, and otherwise increasing the speed and/or accuracy of a diverse range of high-speed signal measurement and processing activities.

Abstract: A barcode reading apparatus and method in which the spectrum of a probe light is first Fourier-transformed into space, directed upon a barcode, and then Fourier-transformed converting the spectrally encoded barcode pattern to a time domain waveform. In one implementation, the Fourier transformation from the spectrum domain into a spatial domain is performed by a dispersive element, while the Fourier transformation from the spectrally encoded barcode pattern to a time domain waveform is performed by group-velocity dispersion (GVD). The temporally encoded barcode pattern is detected by a photodetector, digitized by a digitizer, and analyzed by a digital signal processor. The invention is applicable to a number of fields which involve the reading of one- and two-dimensional barcodes, displacement sensing, surface measurements, measurement of width and gap, flow cytometry, reading of optical media, presence or absence detection, and other related fields.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generation and detection of rogue waves, including hydrodynamic rogue waves and optical rogue waves. A method for generating an optical rogue wave comprises the steps of generating an input pulse into a nonlinear optical medium, and perturbing the input pulse by directing a narrow-band seed radiation into the input pulse. The seed radiation has a frequency and timing to generate broadband radiation within the nonlinear optical medium.

Abstract: A flow cytometry system includes an inertial particle focusing device including a plurality of substantially parallel microchannels formed in a substrate, each microchannel having a width to height ratio in the range of 2:3 to 1:4, an analyzer disposed adjacent the inertial particle focusing device such that the analyzer is configured to detect a characteristic of particles in the inertial particle focusing device, and a controller connected to the analyzer and configured to direct the detection of the characteristic of the particles.

Abstract: A barcode reading apparatus and method in which the spectrum of a probe light is first Fourier-transformed into space, directed upon a barcode, and then Fourier-transformed converting the spectrally encoded barcode pattern to a time domain waveform. In one implementation, the Fourier transformation from the spectrum domain into a spatial domain is performed by a dispersive element, while the Fourier transformation from the spectrally encoded barcode pattern to a time domain waveform is performed by group-velocity dispersion (GVD). The temporally encoded barcode pattern is detected by a photodetector, digitized by a digitizer, and analyzed by a digital signal processor. The invention is applicable to a number of fields which involve the reading of one- and two-dimensional barcodes, displacement sensing, surface measurements, measurement of width and gap, flow cytometry, reading of optical media, presense or absence detection, and other related fields.

Abstract: Spectroscopic measurements are described based on light-molecule interaction in response to a resonant rate optical pulse train so that a Raman spectrum is reflected containing at least two types of vibrational mode information (e.g., vibrational frequency, and vibrational phase relaxation) on the molecules comprising the object. A pump optical pulse train generation means is configured for generating an optical pulse train having an arbitrary repetition rate which is directed through irradiation means to the sample object. Light from the sample object is collected and vibrational coherence is detected for the sample object. The sample is tested across a plurality of different repetition frequencies. The detected information can be compared with data from other known samples from within a database when analyzing the information collected.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generation and detection of rogue waves, including hydrodynamic rogue waves and optical rogue waves. A method for generating an optical rogue wave comprises the steps of generating an input pulse into a nonlinear optical medium, and perturbing the input pulse by directing a narrow-band seed radiation into the input pulse. The seed radiation has a frequency and timing to generate broadband radiation within the nonlinear optical medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring Raman-type spectra using optical dispersion to convert an optical spectrum into a waveform which can be detected directly in the time domain without the use of a conventional spectrometer. In the example of stimulated Raman spectroscopy, the apparatus and method exposes a sample to a chirped, pulsed probe beam and a Raman pump beam and the resulting Raman spectra is detected by an optical detector in the time domain, and analyzed. Alternatively, the Raman spectra from the probe and pump beams is chirped with a dispersive element prior to detection and analysis. Each probe pulse provides a snapshot of the Raman spectrum that is sampled in time so that neither repetitive waveforms nor static samples are required. Therefore, high speed acquisitions and high throughput assays can be conducted. To facilitate detection, these spectral signals can also be amplified using distributed Raman amplification directly in the dispersive element.

Abstract: A time-stretched enhanced recording scope (TiSER) is described using time stretch analog-to-digital conversion in a real-time burst mode. A chirped optical signal is modulated in response to receiving segments of an input signal. The optical signal with its modulated input signal, is stretched through an optical medium and digitized to represent the waveform segment. TiSER provides ultra-fast real-time sampling within short segment bursts of the original input signal while providing an ability to detect non-repetitive events. Methods and apparatus are also described for providing real-time information about inter-symbol information (ISI), rapidly determining bit-error rates (BER), performing time-domain reflectometry (TDR), generating eye diagrams for serial data, facilitating digital correction of data, clock recovery, optical carrier phase recovery, and otherwise increasing the speed and/or accuracy of a diverse range of high-speed signal measurement and processing activities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrafast real-time optical imaging that can be used for imaging dynamic events such as microfluidics or laser surgery is provided. The apparatus and methods encode spatial information from a sample into a back reflection of a two-dimensional spectral brush that is generated with a two-dimensional disperser and a light source that is mapped in to the time domain with a temporal disperser. The temporal waveform is preferably captured by an optical detector, converted to an electrical signal that is digitized and processed to provide two dimensional and three dimensional images. The produced signals can be optically or electronically amplified. Detection may be improved with correlation matching against a database in the time domain or the spatial domain. Embodiments for endoscopy, microscopy and simultaneous imaging and laser ablation with a single fiber are illustrated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring Raman-type spectra using optical dispersion to convert an optical spectrum into a waveform which can be detected directly in the time domain without the use of a conventional spectrometer. In the example of stimulated Raman spectroscopy, the apparatus and method exposes a sample to a chirped, pulsed probe beam and a Raman pump beam and the resulting Raman spectra is detected by an optical detector in the time domain, and analyzed. Alternatively, the Raman spectra from the probe and pump beams is chirped with a dispersive element prior to detection and analysis. Each probe pulse provides a snapshot of the Raman spectrum that is sampled in time so that neither repetitive waveforms nor static samples are required. Therefore, high speed acquisitions and high throughput assays can be conducted. To facilitate detection, these spectral signals can also be amplified using distributed Raman amplification directly in the dispersive element.

Abstract: A system and method to chromomodally generate dispersion in light waves. The system and method may be used to control dispersive effects of an optical element such as a single-mode fiber. A light beam from the optical element is first collimated and then directed on to a spatially diffractive element where it is spatially dispersed into various chromatic frequency components. This frequency-separated light is then imparted onto a dispersion slope equalizer, and then passed into a highly multimode waveguide, where it is further dispersed. The light is then collected and focused back into an outgoing fiber-optic or other optical device.

Abstract: A non-electronic all-dielectric (NEAD) or non-electronic RF (NERF) front-end that exploits isolation features of photonics to eliminate metal electrodes, interconnects and the antenna. An electro-optic (EO) modulator is integrated with a dielectric resonance antenna to exploit unique isolation features of photonics. A doubly (RF and optical) resonant device design maximizes the receiver sensitivity. High-Q optical disk resonators and dielectric resonant antennas are integrated to create an efficient mixing of light and RF fields. The resulting non-electronic RF technology produces an all-dielectric RF front-end which provides complete isolation between the air interface and the ensuing electronic circuitry, enabling the creation of an RF receiver that is immune to high-power electro-magnetic pulses (EMP) and High Power Microwave (HPM) pulses. The device can also be configured as a non-intrusive field probe that co-exists with a conventional receiver and detects a EMP or HPM attack.

Abstract: A non-electronic all-dielectric (NEAD) or non-electronic RF (NERF) front-end that exploits isolation features of photonics to eliminate metal electrodes, interconnects and the antenna. An electro-optic (EO) modulator is integrated with a dielectric resonance antenna to exploit unique isolation features of photonics. A doubly (RF and optical) resonant device design maximizes the receiver sensitivity. High-Q optical disk resonators and dielectric resonant antennas are integrated to create an efficient mixing of light and RF fields. The resulting non-electronic RF technology produces an all-dielectric RF front-end which provides complete isolation between the air interface and the ensuing electronic circuitry, enabling the creation of an RF receiver that is immune to high-power electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and High Power Microwave (HPM) pulses. The device can also be configured as a non-intrusive field probe that co-exists with a conventional receiver and detects a EMP or HPM attack.