Abstract: An embodiment of a system is described that comprises a light source configured to produce a light beam; a collimating lens disposed on a movable mount, wherein the collimating lens is configured to capture the light beam and produce a substantially collimated beam; and an aspheric diffuse ring optic configured to receive the collimated beam and produce a spot on a surface that comprises a non-uniform radial intensity distribution.

Abstract: An infrared light source includes a single-crystal ceramic element having at least two electrical contacts disposed thereon, such that the single-crystal ceramic element is stimulated to emit infrared light upon application of an electrical current through the at least two electrical contacts. The infrared light source further includes an evacuated housing enclosing the single-crystal ceramic element, the evacuated housing including an infrared transparent window.

Abstract: A suspension system for a train vehicle includes at least one inerter to minimize track wear. Track wear may be measured by direct measures such as wear work, or indirect measures such as yaw stiffness. “Minimizing” track wear means that such measures are reduced below values which are achievable with conventional technology while maintaining acceptable values of other performance metrics, such as ride comfort or least damping ratio. The suspension system may comprise at least one damper connected in series with the at least one inerter. The suspension system may be the primary or the secondary suspension system of a train vehicle.

Abstract: A Raman spectrometer including a laser excitation source, edge filters, and detection optics that direct light into a spectrograph. A spectrograph containing a dispersive element and optics that directs various wavelengths of light onto a segmented diffractive MEMS light modulator array. The MEMS array, depending on actuation state, directs light either to or away from a single detector. Control electronics drive the MEMS light modulator for either sequential wavelength measurement or multiplexed wavelength measurement (Hadamard for example).

Abstract: A device for use in the control of mechanical forces. The device comprises first and second terminals for connection, in use, to components in a system for controlling mechanical forces and independently moveable. Hydraulic means are connected between the terminals and contain a liquid, the hydraulic means configured, in 4 use, to produce upon relative movement of the terminals, a liquid flow along at least two flow paths. The liquid flow along a first flow path generates a damping force proportional to the velocity of the liquid flow along the first flow path, and the liquid flow along a second flow path generates an inertial force due to the mass of the liquid, the force being substantially proportional to the acceleration of the liquid flow along the second flow path, such that the damping force is equal to the inertial force and controls the mechanical forces at the terminals.

Abstract: A Raman spectrometer including a laser excitation source, edge filters, and detection optics that direct light into a spectrograph. A spectrograph containing a dispersive element and optics that directs various wavelengths of light onto a segmented diffractive MEMS light modulator array. The MEMS array, depending on actuation state, directs light either to or away from a single detector. Control electronics drive the MEMS light modulator for either sequential wavelength measurement or multiplexed wavelength measurement (Hadamard for example).

Abstract: A sample cell for a spectrometer, and a spectrometer using such a sample cell. The sample cell may include a housing having a reflective inner surface which is at least a section of a spheroid bounding a cavity. A lens system receives electromagnetic radiation from a source and directs a converging beam through a port in the cavity to a focal point inside the cavity, such that the beam undergoes multiple reflections on the inner surface before exiting the cavity. Arrangements for adjusting beam cross-sectional area and angle are optionally provided. Methods which can be performed on such an apparatus and computer program products for performing such methods are further provided.

Abstract: A side-looking optical probe for a Raman spectroscopy system is provided. The probe includes: a base for mounting the probe to an optical assembly of the system; and a prism mounted to the base, the prism configured for receiving signal light from a sample and providing the signal light to the system. A method of fabrication and a spectrometer are provided.

Abstract: A Raman spectrometer including a laser excitation source, edge filters, and detection optics that direct light into a spectrograph. A spectrograph containing a dispersive element and optics that directs various wavelengths of light onto a segmented diffractive MEMS light modulator array. The MEMS array, depending on actuation state, directs light either to or away from a single detector. Control electronics drive the MEMS light modulator for either sequential wavelength measurement or multiplexed wavelength measurement (Hadamard for example).

Abstract: A spectrometer includes: a collimating element configured for collimating a beam of light into a first one of a cross-dispersing element and an echelle grating, the grating in optical communication with the cross-dispersing element; a focusing element for receiving the light from a second one of the cross-dispersing element and the echelle grating and focusing wavelengths of the light onto a spatial light modulator; the spatial light modulator configured for selectively directing the wavelengths onto a detector for detection. A method of use and the method of fabrication are provided.

Abstract: A device for use in the control of mechanical forces is provided. The device includes first and second terminals for connection to components in a system for controlling mechanical forces and independently moveable. The device further comprises a hydraulic device connected between the terminals and containing a liquid. The hydraulic device is configured to produce upon relative movement of the terminals, a liquid flow to generate an inertial force due to the mass of the liquid to control the mechanical forces at the terminals such that they are substantially proportional to the relative acceleration between the terminals.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes: a collimating element configured for collimating a beam of light into a first one of a cross-dispersing element and an echelle grating, the grating in optical communication with the cross-dispersing element; a focusing element for receiving the light from a second one of the cross-dispersing element and the echelle grating and focusing wavelengths of the light onto a spatial light modulator; the spatial light modulator configured for selectively directing the wavelengths onto a detector for detection. A method of use and the method of fabrication are provided.

Abstract: A suspension system for a train vehicle includes at least one inerter to minimize track wear. Track wear may be measured by direct measures such as wear work, or indirect measures such as yaw stiffness. “Minimizing” track wear means that such measures are reduced below values which are achievable with conventional technology while maintaining acceptable values of other performance metrics, such as ride comfort or least damping ratio. The suspension system may comprise at least one damper connected in series with the at least one inerter. The suspension system may be the primary or the secondary suspension system of a train vehicle.

Abstract: A sample cell for a spectrometer, and a spectrometer using such a sample cell. The sample cell may include a housing having a reflective inner surface which is at least a section of a spheroid bounding a cavity. A lens system receives electromagnetic radiation from a source and directs a converging beam through a port in the cavity to a focal point inside the cavity, such that the beam undergoes multiple reflections on the inner surface before exiting the cavity. Arrangements for adjusting beam cross-sectional area and angle are optionally provided. Methods which can be performed on such an apparatus and computer program products for performing such methods are further provided.

Abstract: A Raman spectrometer including a laser excitation source, edge filters, and detection optics that direct light into a spectrograph. A spectrograph containing a dispersive element and optics that directs various wavelengths of light onto a segmented diffractive MEMS light modulator array. The MEMS array, depending on actuation state, directs light either to or away from a single detector. Control electronics drive the MEMS light modulator for either sequential wavelength measurement or multiplexed wavelength measurement (Hadamard for example).

Abstract: A device for use in the control of mechanical forces. The device comprises first and second terminals for connection, in use, to components in a system for controlling mechanical forces and independently moveable (2, 3). Hydraulic means are connected between the terminals and contain a liquid, the hydraulic means configured, in 4 use, to produce upon relative movement of the terminals, a liquid (4) flow along at least two flow paths (5, 15, 90). The liquid flow along a first flow path generates a damping force proportional to the velocity of the liquid flow along the first flow path, and the liquid flow along a second flow path generates an inertial force due to the mass of the liquid, the force being substantially proportional to the acceleration of the liquid flow along the second flow path, such that the damping force is equal to the inertial force and controls the mechanical forces at the terminals.

Abstract: A device for use in the control of mechanical forces is provided. The device includes first and second terminals for connection to components in a system for controlling mechanical forces and independently moveable. The device further comprises a hydraulic device connected between the terminals and containing a liquid. The hydraulic device is configured to produce upon relative movement of the terminals, a liquid flow to generate an inertial force due to the mass of the liquid to control the mechanical forces at the terminals such that they are substantially proportional to the relative acceleration between the terminals.

Abstract: An adjustable two-dimensional lamellar grating system including a lamellar grating and a movable mirror disposed substantially parallel to one another, and an interferometer using the adjustable lamellar grating system. In one example, the lamellar grating includes a dielectric wafer having a dielectric wafer having a plurality of periodically spaced recesses formed therein, wherein the dielectric wafer has higher reflectivity at its surface facing the movable mirror than at a second opposing surface. In one example, the system also includes a mechanism for moving the mirror relative to the dielectric wafer.

Abstract: An adjustable two-dimensional lamellar grating system including a lamellar grating and a movable mirror disposed substantially parallel to one another, and an interferometer using the adjustable lamellar grating system. In one example, the lamellar grating includes a dielectric wafer having a dielectric wafer having a plurality of periodically spaced recesses formed therein, wherein the dielectric wafer has higher reflectivity at its surface facing the movable mirror than at a second opposing surface. In one example, the system also includes a mechanism for moving the mirror relative to the dielectric wafer.

Abstract: A waveguide-based sensor is disclosed that uses one or more grating patterns of a bioreceptor on a surface of the waveguide to provide a wavelength-specific sensor response without the requirement of labeling the target molecule or the bioreceptor. Furthermore, there is provided a biosensor that, at least to a first order, is insensitive to non-specific binding.