Abstract: A refractometer assembly comprises a waveguide plate, a diagnostic light source, a photodetector, and a light absorption plate. The diagnostic light source and the photodetector are optically coupled to the waveguide plate such that at least a portion of light emitted from the diagnostic light source is subject to internal reflection at a diagnostic surface of the waveguide plate prior to reaching the photodetector when an analyte film of unknown refractive index n0 forms an optical interface with the diagnostic surface of the waveguide plate. The light absorption plate is configured to absorb light reaching the light absorption plate without undergoing internal reflection at the diagnostic surface when the analyte film forms an optical interface with the diagnostic surface of the waveguide plate. The refractometer assembly defines an optical system where variations in the unknown refractive index n0 are related to variations in a detection signal generated by the photodetector.

Abstract: A refractometer assembly comprises a waveguide plate, a diagnostic light source, a photodetector, and a light absorption plate. The diagnostic light source and the photodetector are optically coupled to the waveguide plate such that at least a portion of light emitted from the diagnostic light source is subject to internal reflection at a diagnostic surface of the waveguide plate prior to reaching the photodetector when an analyte film of unknown refractive index n0 forms an optical interface with the diagnostic surface of the waveguide plate. The light absorption plate is configured to absorb light reaching the light absorption plate without undergoing internal reflection at the diagnostic surface when the analyte film forms an optical interface with the diagnostic surface of the waveguide plate. The refractometer assembly defines an optical system where variations in the unknown refractive index n0 are related to variations in a detection signal generated by the photodetector.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer optics system is provided. The spectrophotometer optics system includes an optical sensing array and an optical waveguide including an input side and an output side. The input side of the optical waveguide receives input light and the optical sensing array is located at the output side of optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is configured to carry light to be analyzed by total internal reflection to the output side of the optical waveguide and to direct the light to be analyzed toward the optical sensing array. The spectrophotometer optics system includes an optical dispersive element configured to separate the light to be analyzed into separate wavelength components, and the optical dispersive element is supported by the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A fiber optic sub-assembly includes a printed circuit and a TIR sub-assembly supported by the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes opposed first and second surfaces and has a printed circuit board height defined by the distance between the first and second surfaces. The TIR sub-assembly has a nominal height between lowermost and uppermost portions thereof. The TIR sub-assembly is at least partially integrated into the printed circuit board so that an overall stack height of the printed circuit board and TIR sub-assembly is less than the sum of the printed circuit board height and nominal height of the TIR sub-assembly.

Abstract: A glass panel is provided having a glass structure with an exterior surface and an interior surface, the glass structure having at least one glass sheet with a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm and a backing frame positioned adjacent the glass structure and situated along the perimeter of the interior surface of the glass structure. The glass panel further includes a polymer layer positioned on the interior surface and intermediate the glass structure and backing frame to adhere the glass structure together with the backing frame an array of acoustic exciters positioned on the glass structure, the array of acoustic exciters providing excitation energy to or receiving excitation energy from the glass structure where frequency response of the panel can be a function of the geometry of the glass structure and the position of the acoustic exciters.

Abstract: A total internal reflection sub-assembly includes a body defining at least a portion of an optical path, a lens supported by the body and positioned in the optical path, and an optical turning member supported by the body and configured to change the direction of the optical path. The total internal reflection sub-assembly also includes a carrier having a first surface coupled to the body and a second surface opposite the first surface. An active device is supported on the first surface of the carrier, which is coupled to the body on opposite sides of the active device. The body and carrier are shaped so that a space is maintained between the active device and an underside surface of the body. The lens is positioned on the underside surface and aligned with the active device.

Abstract: A total internal reflection sub-assembly includes a body defining at least a portion of an optical path, a lens supported by the body and positioned in the optical path, and an optical turning member supported by the body and configured to change the direction of the optical path. The total internal reflection sub-assembly also includes a carrier having a first surface coupled to the body and a second surface opposite the first surface. An active device is supported on the first surface of the carrier, which is coupled to the body on opposite sides of the active device. The body and carrier are shaped so that a space is maintained between the active device and an underside surface of the body. The lens is positioned on the underside surface and aligned with the active device.

Abstract: A fiber optic sub-assembly includes a printed circuit and a TIR sub-assembly supported by the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes opposed first and second surfaces and has a printed circuit board height defined by the distance between the first and second surfaces. The TIR sub-assembly has a nominal height between lowermost and uppermost portions thereof The TIR sub-assembly is at least partially integrated into the printed circuit board so that an overall stack height of the printed circuit board and TIR sub-assembly is less than the sum of the printed circuit board height and nominal height of the TIR sub-assembly.

Abstract: A telecommunications device includes a portable telephone unit having both wireless communication capability and image capture capability, with a refocusing arrangement that is mechanically driven by operations of telephone components primarily included to enable telephone functions that are independent from camera functions. In one embodiment, the incoming call alerting device, such as the vibrator motor, is used to provide refocusing actuation. In another embodiment, the telephone unit is a “flip phone” and the hinging operations store actuation force for refocusing operations. A ratchet cam may be used in the refocusing arrangement of the image capture capability.

Abstract: Optical systems are provided. One such optical system includes an optical source that propagates a source beam of light. A diffracting component is optically coupled to the optical source and is operative to receive the source beam and produce a diffracted beam. A target is located to receive the diffracted beam. Additionally, a compensating system repositions at least one of the optical source, the diffracting component, and the target in response to a detected change in refractive index of a medium through which the diffracted beam propagates so that the diffracted beam continues to be received by the target. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: Optical systems are provided. One such optical system includes an optical source that propagates a source beam of light. A diffracting component is optically coupled to the optical source and is operative to receive the source beam and produce a diffracted beam. A target is located to receive the diffracted beam. Additionally, a compensating system repositions at least one of the optical source, the diffracting component, and the target in response to a detected change in refractive index of a medium through which the diffracted beam propagates so that the diffracted beam continues to be received by the target. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A color ink-jet pen for printing different colors of ink while simultaneously minimizing or eliminating color bleed. The pen includes a printhead having a nozzle plate for ejecting ink from the printhead onto the print medium. The nozzle plate includes a plurality of groups of nozzles, with each nozzle group dispensing a different color of ink and with adjacent nozzles in each group being separated by an index length. Adjacent groups of nozzles are always separated from each other by a group spacing distance greater than the index length. The group spacing distance is equal to an integer multiple of the index length, yet less than the swath width for each group. The pen is used in an ink-jet printer wherein the swath advance distance by which the paper is advanced between each swath is equal to the number of nozzles within a color group times the index distance.