Abstract: A closed flow-through microplate is described herein that can be used to perform high-throughput kinetic flow-through assays to detect biomolecular interactions like material bindings, adsorptions etc. . . that is helpful for example with testing new drugs. A method for manufacturing the closed flow-through microplate is also described herein.

Abstract: A fluid handling system for transferring fluids is disclosed. The fluid handling system incorporates a plurality of transfer units for dispensing and/or collecting fluids as part of a closed analytical system. The plurality of transfer units are capable of functioning independently and/or collectively when assembled in a unitary array format. Methods of making and using the fluid handling system are also disclosed. The fluid handling system allows a sub-array of transfer units to shift in a vertical direction independent from a position of another sub-array of transfer units that are assembled within the same fluid head. Therefore, the fluid handling system facilitates multi-port fluid delivery and collection in an array format. Further, the fluid handling system aligned with a sensing surface enables label-free detection assays to be performed in an analytical system.

Abstract: A closed flow-through microplate is described herein that can be used to perform high-throughput kinetic flow-through assays to detect biomolecular interactions like material bindings, adsorptions etc. . . . that is helpful for example with testing new drugs. A method for manufacturing the closed flow-through microplate is also described herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first and second optical fibers including a fiber feed mechanism adapted to feed the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and a nozzle adapted to provide a displacing force on the second optical fiber, where the second optical fiber is displaced away from the first optical fiber to thereby separate the second optical fiber from the first optical fiber. In one embodiment, the displacing force is provided by a gas stream directed away from the nozzle while in another embodiment, the displacing force is directed towards the nozzle. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a separation mechanism with a first guide, a second guide, a guide separator, and a deflector plate. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a clamp mechanism with a first clamping pad having an offset extension that extends beyond an edge of a second clamp pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first and second optical fibers including a fiber feed mechanism adapted to feed the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and a nozzle adapted to provide a displacing force on the second optical fiber, where the second optical fiber is displaced away from the first optical fiber to thereby separate the second optical fiber from the first optical fiber. In one embodiment, the displacing force is provided by a gas stream directed away from the nozzle while in another embodiment, the displacing force is directed towards the nozzle. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a separation mechanism with a first guide, a second guide, a guide separator, and a deflector plate. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a clamp mechanism with a first clamping pad having an offset extension that extends beyond an edge of a second clamp pad.

Abstract: An epoxy application system and method for applying an epoxy having particulate constituents to an optical component including an epoxy reservoir, an applicator, and an actuator mechanically connected to the epoxy reservoir, the actuator operable to periodically invert the epoxy reservoir. A timing circuit is provided in one embodiment to periodically invert the epoxy reservoir. A vacuum device of one embodiment vacuums excess epoxy. Another embodiment of the epoxy application system includes an energy source for providing UV energy through a light guide. One embodiment further includes a UV light energy detector to measure UV light energy emitted through the light guide and a controller to determine a cure time based on the measured UV light energy. In another embodiment, a monitoring system such as a camera is provided to ensure provision of the UV light energy for the determined cure time.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexure mount. The tunable filter further includes an actuator coupled to the flexure mount, wherein the actuator elastically perturbs the flexure mount. The tunable filter also includes a Mach-Zehnder device coupled to the flexure mount. The Mach-Zehnder device includes a first tapered coupling region; a second tapered coupling region spaced apart from the first tapered coupling region; and a phase shift region disposed between the first and second tapered coupling regions.

Abstract: An optical fiber deployment tube including an outer tube having a through opening, and an inner fiber guide positioned therein, the inner fiber guide having a plurality of guide members with inner surfaces that form an inner opening for feeding the optical fiber therethrough, the inner surfaces being adapted to guide the optical fiber. In one embodiment, the adjacent guide members define a debris gap. The plurality of guide members are preferably metallic and the inner surfaces of the plurality of guide members are rounded. In another embodiment, a method for deploying an optical fiber is provided including the steps of providing an optical fiber deployment tube having a discontinuous inner surface, inserting the optical fiber, and feeding the optical fiber through the optical fiber deployment tube, where the inner surface of the optical fiber deployment tube guides the optical fiber.

Abstract: A fiber coating stripping apparatus and method for removing an outer coating of an optical fiber including a fiber stripper with a nozzle adapted to spray a stripping medium toward an outer surface of the optical fiber to remove the outer coating, a stripper exhaust including a liquid injection mechanism that provides a liquid to an interior of the stripper exhaust, and a vacuum generator fluidically connected to the stripper exhaust that creates an airflow through the exhaust opening to vacuum the removed outer coating of the optical fiber and to vacuum the liquid provided by the liquid injection mechanism. The liquid is a coolant that cools the removed outer coating and rinses the interior of the stripper exhaust. In one embodiment, the liquid is provided by the liquid injection mechanism with a distribution ring having a plurality of spray openings.

Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder interferometer for performing an optical function on a plurality of optical fibers is provided. The interferometer includes a first cane segment surrounding the optical fibers. The first cane segment forms a first optical coupling region. The interferometer also includes a second cane segment surrounding the optical fibers. The second cane segment forms a second optical coupling region. A phase shift region is formed by a discontinuity between the first and second cane segments for exposing the optical fibers. The optical fibers are suspended between the first and second cane segments within the phase shift region. A substrate is provided for supporting the optical fibers within the phase shift region.

Abstract: A method for mechanically stripping the protective coating from a silica or glass optical fiber using a polymeric or soft metal blade having a hardness less than that of the glass optical fiber but greater than the protective coating. The blade is preferably selected from a group of polymeric materials, or alternately a soft metal, which is selected or treated so as to not detrimentally oxidize in conventional operating environments. For a silica-containing optical fiber, the blade has a hardness of less than approximately 125 on the Knoop hardness scale, and preferably less than approximately 60 on the Knoop hardness scale. A method of inhibiting damage to the exposed region of the silica-containing optical fiber comprises applying a substance that forms a protective layer to provide a barrier to particulates and moisture, and which does not inhibit subsequent processing of the optical fiber, selected from a group of silane-containing compounds.

Abstract: A light source module for generating collimated laser light wherein a solid-state laser light source is mounted within the bore of an optical mounting tube at a preselected distance from the light output end of the tube, and a convergent glass lens within a metal lens mounting is permanently attached to the output end of the tube, lens attachment being at a location insuring permanent and accurate alignment of the collimated light output from the laser with the bore axis of the mounting tube, and a method for making it, are described.

Abstract: Sealed precision optical assemblies are provided by a mold-in-place (MIP) process wherein a glass preform for a lens or other optical element is molded and sealed directly into a one-piece metal support for the element in a single precision molding step. The product is a sealed glass/metal assembly incorporating a non-interlocking mechanical seal, the seal being hermetic yet free of supplemental sealing materials, and the optical axis of the glass element being at a precise predetermined location and in a predetermined alignment relative to one or more reference surfaces on the metal support.

Abstract: A transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) for transmitting an optical signal into the end of an optical fiber connected thereto comprises a mounting tube containing a convergent lens adapted to focus light from a solid state light source at one end of the tube to an optical fiber terminating at a fiber endface in a fiber receiver at the other end of the tube, the lens being formed of a glass having thermal characteristics compatible with those of the mounting tube and other metal components of the subassembly and the fiber receiver being mounted on the tube at attachment points substantially coplanar with the plane of the fiber endface.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a glass mold for subsequent molding of glass optical elements or lenses is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a master having a snout and a master ring disposed around the snout. The master and master ring may be of unitary construction and are disposed within constraining means or sleeve in an operative association with a means for exerting a force to effect molding. The apparatus also comprises a means for heating the assembly.

Abstract: A method of molding precision glass optical elements or lenses is disclosed. Precision molded glass molds are first provided which define a glass mold cavity having a predetermined desired size, shape and volume corresponding to the glass optical element. To facilitate formation of the glass optical elements, shaped and polished preforms are formed.

Abstract: A method of forming precision glass molds suitable for molding glass optical elements or lenses is disclosed. The glass molds define first and second opposed optical molding surfaces. Each master is formed by defining a master cavity adapted to form a first glass mold. A quantity of glass mold material is disposed within such cavity and molded in conformation with said master. The molding surface of each such glass mold defines an optical surface to be subsequently formed on an optical element.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding glass optical elements by means of at least one molded glass mold is disclosed. The optical element, which may be a lens and which may be formed of glass, is molded within an apparatus that comprises a pair of molds of which at least one is a molded glass mold, a constraining means and a ring disposed intermediate the molds. The interior diameter of the ring and the molding surfaces of the molds comprise the optical element molding cavity.