Abstract: An optical sensing apparatus is provided comprising: an input interface for receiving input light into the optical sensing apparatus; an input waveguide and a reference waveguide, both arranged to receive input light from the input interface; a closed loop resonator, wherein the input waveguide is optically coupled to the closed loop resonator at an input point for introducing input light to the closed loop resonator; a sample region, adjacent the closed loop resonator, for receiving a sample such that evanescent coupling can occur between light in the closed loop resonator and the sample; a drop-port waveguide, optically coupled to the closed loop resonator at a drop point for receiving dropped light from the closed loop resonator; an output waveguide; and an output interface. The reference waveguide and the drop-port waveguide are arranged to direct interfering light through the output waveguide to produce an output signal at the output interface.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a sensor probe comprises: placing the end of an optical fiber 10 in a polymerization space 2; applying a drop of hydrogel pre-gel solution 30 to the end of the fiber; exposing said pre-gel solution to an ultra-violet light source 24 to cause polymerization therein; and monitoring a light signal that has passed down said optical fiber 10 in order to monitor said polymerization.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a sensor probe comprises: placing the end of an optical fiber 10 in a polymerization space 2; applying a drop of hydrogel pre-gel solution 30 to the end of the fiber; exposing said pre-gel solution to an ultra-violet light source 24 to cause polymerization therein; and monitoring a light signal that has passed down said optical fiber 10 in order to monitor said polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosing prostate cancer in a subject, which method comprises determining the concentration of a relevant biochemical marker in the periprostatic tissue or lymph nodes of said subject, also to methods which categorise a prostate tumour and/or identify a prostate tumour which has extended beyond the prostatic capsule; as well as to apparatus which is suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a part of a human or animal body 2 during a cryosurgical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a radiative energy transmitter 26 for radiating energy to a zone of the body 2 to be protected from excessive cooling. There is also provided a means 12 for controlling the energy radiated by said radiative energy transmitter 26. Preferably the radiative energy transmitter comprises an infra-red laser diode coupled to a diffuser 34 by an optical fibre 40.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor system comprises at least one measuring sensor 1 providing an optical output dependent upon one or more parameters to be measured, e.g. temperature, and at least one reference sensor 2 providing a reference output for comparison with the measuring sensor output. The reference sensor is provided in a birefringent fiber. The system includes a detecting means 13,14 whereby a reference beat signal f2 is derived by measuring the optical frequency splitting between frequency components in different polarization planes of the reference sensor output. A further beat signal f3 is generated between the measuring and reference sensor outputs, such beat signals being used to derive a measurement of one or more parameters.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor system comprises at least one measuring sensor 1 providing an optical output dependent upon one or more parameters to be measured, e.g. temperature, and at least one reference sensor 2 providing a reference output for comparison with the measuring sensor output. The reference sensor is provided in a birefringent fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a part of a human or animal body 2 during a cryosurgical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a radiative energy transmitter 26 for radiating energy to a zone of the body 2 to be protected from excessive cooling. There is also provided a means 12 for controlling the energy radiated by said radiative energy transmitter 26. Preferably the radiative energy transmitter comprises an infra-red laser diode coupled to a diffuser 34 by an optical fibre 40.

Abstract: A body compatible fiber optic sensor probe is provided. The probe includes at least one optical fiber and the fiber or fibers include at least one sensing region adapted and arranged such that the probe has simultaneously measurable respective optical properties that are responsive to respective different parameters within the body, such properties being dependent upon mechanical strain established in the fiber or fibers in response to said parameters. Such a probe is suitable for invasive medical use.