Abstract: An optical microcavity device (10), an alignment structure for an optical device, and a method for aligning an optical device are disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed, comprising: a first optical reflector provided on a first support element; a second optical reflector provided on a second support element and arranged opposed to the first optical reflector along an optical axis, the opposed first and second optical reflectors being spaced from each other forming a sample space for containing a sample between the first and second optical reflectors; wherein the second optical reflector comprises a recess to provide an optical cavity with stable resonance in at least one mode and having an optical cavity length of at most 50 ?m and/or an optical mode volume of 100 ?m3 or less; at least one electromagnetic (EM) radiation source configured to illuminate the optical cavity with EM radiation; and a detector configured to detect EM radiation from the optical cavity; wherein the first support element and the second support element are bonded to each other and form a unitary structure.

Abstract: Characteristics of polarizable particles in a fluid are detected using an optical cavity comprising opposed optical reflectors containing the fluid. A particle is introduced through the fluid into the optical cavity. The particle may be transiently in the cavity or optically trapped. The optical cavity containing the particle is illuminated with light that excites resonance of an optical mode of the optical cavity that is affected by the particle. A measurement of a parameter of the excited resonance is derived, for example while tuning through the resonance. Repeated measurements may be used to derive a measure of a characteristic of the particle that is dependent on the motion of the particle in the optical cavity.

Abstract: Characteristics of polarizable particles in a fluid are detected using an optical cavity comprising opposed optical reflectors containing the fluid. A particle is introduced through the fluid into the optical cavity. The particle may be transiently in the cavity or optically trapped. The optical cavity containing the particle is illuminated with light that excites resonance of an optical mode of the optical cavity that is affected by the particle. A measurement of a parameter of the excited resonance is derived, for example while tuning through the resonance. Repeated measurements may be used to derive a measure of a characteristic of the particle that is dependent on the motion of the particle in the optical cavity.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a pair of mirrors (11, 12) opposed along an optical axis and shaped to provide an optical cavity with stable resonance in at least one mode and having a cavity length of at most 50 ?m. An actuator system is arranged to move the mirrors relative to each other along the length of the optical cavity for tuning the wavelength of the mode of said cavity. A chemical sample is introduced inside the optical cavity using a sample introduction system (21). An EM radiation source (20) illuminates the cavity and a detector (25) detects the EM radiation emitted from, transmitted through, or reflected from the optical cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing spectroscopy incorporates, between an EM source and a detector, an optical filter comprising a pair of mirrors opposed along the optical axis and shaped to provide an optical cavity with stable resonance and having a cavity length of at most 50 ?m and a mode at a wavelength within said band of wavelengths for bandpass filtering EM radiation passing therethrough. The actuator system is arranged to move the mirrors relative to each other along the length of the optical cavity for tuning the wavelength of said mode.

Abstract: A miniature tunable dye laser comprises a pair of mirrors opposed along an optical axis and shaped to provide an optical cavity with stable resonance in at least one mode and having a cavity length of at most 50 ?m. A laser dye is inside the optical cavity. A laser pump illuminates the dye with pump EM radiation having a band of wavelengths that is wider than the mode of said cavity An actuator system moves move the mirrors relative to each other along the length of the optical cavity for tuning the wavelength of the mode of said cavity.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a pair of mirrors (11, 12) opposed along an optical axis and shaped to provide an optical cavity with stable resonance in at least one mode and having a cavity length of at most 50 ?m. An actuator system is arranged to move the mirrors relative to each other along the length of the optical cavity for tuning the wavelength of the mode of said cavity. A chemical sample is introduced inside the optical cavity using a sample introduction system (21). An EM radiation source (20) illuminates the cavity and a detector (25) detects the EM radiation emitted from, transmitted through, or reflected from the optical cavity.