Abstract: A method for generating an optical single sideband signal comprising the steps of splitting an optical field into two parts and introducing a relative phase delay of +/??/4 radians in each direction of transmission to one of the parts, intensity reflection-modulating each part with electrical signals having a relative phase delay of +/??/2 radians and then recombining the reflection-modulated signals.

Abstract: Shear Wave Dispersion Vibrometry (SDUV) is performed such that, after a single instance of their push pulse (218), a plurality of tracking pulses (222) are issued to sample, more than once, each of a plurality of locations (120, 148) on an associated monochromatic shear wave (116) in sampling that at least one of scans the plural locations in separate passes and, with a pulse of the plural tracking pulses, samples multiple ones of the plural locations concurrently. In a supplementary aspect, phase difference, for a given moment, is determined by taking into account intersample delay (156), if the determination relies on samples that are taken at different times.

Abstract: A hybrid integrated tuneable optical laser device, suitable for tuning to different wavelengths via a piezo micromotor (6) controlled optical filter (4) in an external cavity. Once the laser is fixed at a selected wavelength, no power is required to be applied to the wavelength tuning element to maintain the wavelength stability.

Abstract: A method for generating an optical single sideband signal comprising the steps of splitting an optical field into two parts and introducing a relative phase delay of +/??/4 radians in each direction of transmission to one of the parts, intensity reflection-modulating each part with electrical signals having a relative phase delay of +/??/2 radians and then recombining the reflection-modulated signals.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a photonic device comprises the steps of providing a core pattern of waveguide core material (1) on a base layer (3) and applying a cladding layer (2) over the core material 1 and the base layer (3). The height of the surface of the cladding layer (2) over the base layer (3) varies in dependence on the pattern of core material (1). The core pattern is designed with at least two reference regions, each having a width w that is selected to provide a peak of the cladding layer (2) with a predetermined height h1 over each reference region. The core pattern is further designed such that a line between the peaks of the reference regions is higher than any intervening peaks of the cladding layer, whereby the peaks of the reference regions provide a vertical alignment reference.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device has at least a first facet (S), a first waveguide (2) and a second waveguide (3). The waveguides are substantially coincident at the first facet (6), such that light travelling along the first waveguide (2) is reflected into the second waveguide (3) by the first facet (6). The first facet (6) is formed by precision cleaving. Preferably an etch feature is incorporated in the same mask level as that to define the waveguide core.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) for measuring electrical conductivity in a material has a pair of electrically conducting elements (6), a first electrical conductor (9) coupled to the electrically conducting elements and coupling a first transformer core (10) and a second transformer core (12) to form a first current loop (8), and a second electrical conductor (17) of known resistance coupling the second transformer core (12) and a third transformer core (14) to form a second current loop (16).

Abstract: An optoelectronic device has at least a first facet (S), a first waveguide (2) and a second waveguide (3). The waveguides are substantially coincident at the first facet (6), such that light travelling along the first waveguide (2) is reflected into the second waveguide (3) by the first facet (6). The first facet (6) is formed by precision cleaving. Preferably an etch feature is incorporated in the same mask level as that to define the waveguide core.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a photonic device comprises the steps of providing a core pattern of waveguide core material (1) on a base layer (3) and applying a cladding layer (2) over the core material 1 and the base layer (3). The height of the surface of the cladding layer (2) over the base layer (3) varies in dependence on the pattern of core material (1). The core pattern is designed with at least two reference regions, each having a width w that is selected to provide a peak of the cladding layer (2) with a predetermined height hl over each reference region. The core pattern is further designed such that a line between the peaks of the reference regions is higher than any intervening peaks of the cladding layer, whereby the peaks of the reference regions provide a vertical alignment reference.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) for measuring electrical conductivity in a material comprises a pair of electrically conducting elements (6), a first electrical conductor (9) coupled to the electrically conducting elements, the first electrical conductor coupling a first transformer core (10) and a second transformer core (12) to form a first current loop (8) and a second electrical conductor (17) of known resistance coupling the second transformer core and a third transformer core (14) to form a second current loop (16).

Abstract: An ultrasound probe is provided for imaging and diagnosing areas of interest that are in immediate contact with the probe. The probe provides an integrated standoff comprised of a rubber material having optimal acoustic characteristics. The lens is directly applied to the transducer and the standoff is applied to the lens such that the focal zone is placed at the area immediately below the patient contact surface of the probe. The lens material also encapsulates the transducer and provides reliable protection against electrical shock. The standoff is also separated from the surface being examined by a cap comprised of a biocompatible elastomer having high chemical and abrasive resistance that enables the probe to be easily sterilized and disinfected and provides further protection against electrical shock. The use of a standoff with optimal acoustic properties in, combination with the arrangement of the lens, standoff and cap provides a probe with a focal zone placed at the area immediately below the probe.

Abstract: Planar waveguides are produced by using radiation to write path regions into a photosensitive layer. Originally, the photosensitive layer had the same refractive index as the confining regions, e.g., it consists of silica doped with oxides of Ge and B. Composite path regions are produced by depositing a glass soot onto a partial region. On sintering the soot melts to fill up the empty spaces and thereby create a composite layer.