Abstract: A sensor includes control circuitry and a pixel. The pixel includes a photo site, a first storage node and a second storage node. The control circuitry causes the pixel to transfer a first collected signal from the photo site to the first storage node during a first period, to transfer a second collected signal from the photo site to the second storage node during a second period that follows the first period, and to transfer the first and second collected signals out of the pixel during a third period that follows the second period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coupling high power optical sources into small diameter optical fibers. In a first embodiment, an optical source is provided to the side of a fiber. The fiber is a single mode fiber, which has a cladding and a core, with a Bragg grating written into the core at a low angle. Light emitted from the optical source is index-match coupled into the cladding by using an index-matched element, and subsequently coupled into the fiber core along its length. Alternatively, the light is launched into an end of a larger diameter fiber with a mode reducing means, e.g. long period grating, therein for directing the light into the small diameter fiber.

Abstract: An optical device for irradiating a target with light is disclosed wherein an optical waveguide has a first span or portion with a first end for being coupled with a light source. The first span has a diameter suitable to guide and support light having an electromagnetic mode coupled therein without substantial optical loss. The first span has a region which tapers to a second span or portion of the optical waveguide. The second span is formed in a coil which guides light poorly wherein optical loss is substantial. The second span having a diameter less than the first span. In operation, light radiates outward from the second span along its length. Preferably, the coil has an inner diameter of less than 1 cm.