Abstract: A micro identification system supports facile optical assemblies and components. A segment of optical fiber can comprise an identifier formed via actinic radiation. The identifier can generate a laser interference pattern that can be read through a cylindrical surface of the optical fiber to determine a code. Modified optical fibers are those fibers that have been shaped or coated to an extent beyond the demands of normal communications optical fibers. In one example, modified fibers are no longer than about two feet in length. For another example, the modified fibers can have either a non-cylindrical end face, a non-flat end face, an end face the plane of which is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide, an end face coated with high density filter, or an identifier on or near an end face.

Abstract: Two or more lasers or other temperature sensitive optical devices can be disposed in an operating environment, for example in a common enclosure exposed to the environment. The environment can have a temperature that fluctuates, for example in connection with random events, weather, seasons, etc. Each laser's temperature can track the temperature of the environment in steps, with each laser following a distinct temperature track. The lasers can alternate outputting light into a wavelength division multiplexing channel. For example, during one timeframe, one laser can provide an optical communication signal having a wavelength complying with a wavelength division multiplexing criterion. During another timeframe, the other laser can provide an optical signal having substantially the same wavelength. Operating a laser at an elevated temperature can shorten laser lifetime.

Abstract: An optical communication device, such as a transceiver, can send outgoing information over an optical link and receive incoming information via the link. The link, for example an optical fiber, can simultaneously transmit outgoing light carrying outgoing information and incoming light carrying incoming information. The communication device can comprise a detector outputting electrical signals in response to receiving optical signals, effectively converting signals from the optical domain to the electrical domain. The detector can receive a mixture of the incoming and the outgoing light, thereby producing an electrical signal containing imprints of both the incoming data and the outgoing data. The communication device can process the electrical signal to differentiate between the incoming data and the outgoing data.

Abstract: An interface between two different optical materials can comprise a stack of thin film layers that manage light incident on that interface. One of the optical materials can have a first composition and a first refractive index, while the other optical material can have a second composition and a second refractive index. The stack can comprise thin film layers of the first optical material interleaved between thin film layers of the second optical material. The layers of the stack can be configured to provide the stack with an aggregate composition of at least one of the optical materials that progressively varies from one end of the stack to the other end. To provide the progressive variation in composition, the layers of one of the optical materials can have a progressively increased thickness across the stack, or can progressively increase in number, for example.

Abstract: Two or more lasers or other temperature sensitive optical devices can be disposed in an operating environment, for example in a common enclosure exposed to the environment. The environment can have a temperature that fluctuates, for example in connection with random events, weather, seasons, etc. Each laser's temperature can track the temperature of the environment in steps, with each laser following a distinct temperature track. The lasers can alternate outputting light into a wavelength division multiplexing channel. For example, during one timeframe, one laser can provide an optical communication signal having a wavelength complying with a wavelength division multiplexing criterion. During another timeframe, the other laser can provide an optical signal having substantially the same wavelength. Operating a laser at an elevated temperature can shorten laser lifetime.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering therapeutic agents use a movable sheath member to deliver a therapeutic agent with little or no shear stress. The delivery device may include an outer body being configured to move away from a distal end of the delivery device. The movable sheath member may have a first section and a second section opposing the first section, the second section being configured to hold the therapeutic agent. The movable sheath may be configured to deliver the therapeutic agent by increasing the first section by moving the outer body away from the distal end.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods are configured to increase the retention of the therapeutic agent, and thereby increase the dose of the agent delivered. The delivery device may include a delivery body and a retractable member configured to move with respect to the delivery body. The retractable member may include a puncture member configured to create a delivery channel at the treatment site. The body may include an opening through which an agent may be delivered after the retractable member has been retracted within the device.

Abstract: A lasing cavity can provide a substantial portion of a path over which data, messages, communication signals, or other information travels from a sender to a recipient. The lasing cavity can support light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. The sender can be coupled to an input port of the lasing cavity, while the recipient can be coupled to an output port of the lasing cavity. The sender can input information at the input port via applying energy to the lasing cavity, removing energy from the lasing cavity, perturbing the lasing cavity, lengthening the lasing cavity, shortening the lasing cavity, or otherwise inducing a cavity change or a dynamic response. The recipient can receive the information via monitoring the lasing cavity at the output port for changes or responses caused by the sender at the input port.

Abstract: An optical waveguide can transmit multiple optical signals imprinted or encoded with different information, thereby increasing the waveguide's information carrying capability or bandwidth. Each optical signal can comprise multiple longitudinal modes that are energized and that are modulated substantially in unison. Thus, the photonic energy of each optical signal can be spread across a wavelength region in a substantially discrete or substantially discontinuous pattern. The respective wavelength regions of the optical signals can overlap or substantially overlay one another. Modes of one of the optical signals can be substantially interleaved, interspersed, or intermingled with modes of other optical signals. Systems at ends of the optical waveguide can feed the optical signals onto and off of the optical waveguide and discriminate the optical signals from one another. The systems can comprise ring resonators. The waveguide can support an on-chip network, such as for a multicore processor of a computer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering therapeutic agents use an inverted member to deliver a therapeutic agent with little or no shear stress. The inverted member may have a movable continuous surface, the movable continuous surface having a first section and a second section opposing the first section, the second section surrounding an inner cavity that is configured to hold the therapeutic agent, the inverting member being configured to deliver the therapeutic agent by inverting at least a portion of the second section.

Abstract: A medical practitioner can specify certain parameters for a procedure that involves delivering a therapeutic agent, while leaving other parameters open. The therapeutic agent can be sensitive to biomechanical forces (or other influences) associated with delivery. The procedure can involve regenerative medicine, for example delivering progenitor or stem cells to a diseased heart using a catheter, whereby unbridled transport in the catheter may compromise efficacy. The open parameters can influence efficacy of the agent and thus therapeutic outcome. A computer-based system can apply stored information, such as from databases, to narrow the possible values of the open parameters. From the narrowed possibilities, an optimization routine can determine suitable or optimized values for the open parameters. The determined values can manage biomechanical forces incurred by the therapeutic agent, thereby promoting efficacy and healing. The optimized parameters can guide the practitioner in the procedure.

Abstract: A stream of wavelength division multiplexed optical signals can be converted into the electrical domain and processed electrically to discriminate the information on each optical signal. An optical medium can transmit multiple optical communication signals, each having a different wavelength and each imprinted with different information. Detectors can receive the optical communication signals, with each detector receiving some of each communication signal. Thus, any one of the detectors can output an electrical signal according to a composite of multiple optical communication signals. Accordingly, each output electrical signal can include features or energy of each of the optical communication signals. An electrical circuit can process the electrical signals output by the detectors.

Abstract: A robustly stabilized communication laser can output a multimode optical signal remaining aligned to a coordinate of a dense wavelength division multiplexing (“DWDM”) grid while responding to a fluctuating condition or random event, such as, without limitation, exposure to a temperature fluctuation, stray light, or contamination. Responsive to the fluctuating condition, energy can transfer among individual modes in a plurality of aligned longitudinal modes. Modes shifting towards a state of misalignment with the DWDM coordinate can attenuate, while modes shifting towards a state of alignment can gain energy. Fabrication processes and systems and light management, such as beam steering, epoxy scaffolds, spectral adjustments, mode matching, thermal expansion control, alignment technology, etc. can facilitate nano-scale control of device parameters and can support low-cost fabrication.

Abstract: A fiber optic link connection system facilitates connection between two arrays of optical fibers. Two female-type connector plugs, each attached to a respective end of two fiber optic arrays, are inserted into the open ends of a connector guide sleeve. Two guide pins are captured by intrusions within the guide sleeve in order to mate with and align the two plugs. Guide capture pins and associated springs are disposed within the guide pin intrusions to capture the guide pins. Such an arrangement not only protects the guide pins from damage, but also promotes connector compatibility.

Abstract: Optical waveguides can extend alongside one another in sufficient proximity such that light couples between or among them as crosstalk. The electromagnetic field associated with light flowing in one optical waveguide can extend to an adjacent optical waveguide and induce unwanted light flow. The optical waveguide receiving the crosstalk can comprise a phase shifting capability, such as a longitudinal variation in refractive index, situated between two waveguide lengths. Crosstalk coupled onto the first waveguide length can flow through the refractive index variation, be phase shifted, and then flow onto the second waveguide length. The phase shifted crosstalk flowing on the second waveguide can meet other crosstalk that has coupled directly onto the second waveguide segment. The phase difference between the two crosstalks can suppress crosstalk via destructive interference.

Abstract: An interface between two different optical materials can comprise a stack of thin film layers that manage light incident on that interface. One of the optical materials can have a first composition and a first refractive index, while the other optical material can have a second composition and a second refractive index. The stack can comprise thin film layers of the first optical material interleaved between thin film layers of the second optical material. The layers of the stack can be configured to provide the stack with an aggregate composition of at least one of the optical materials that progressively varies from one end of the stack to the other end. To provide the progressive variation in composition, the layers of one of the optical materials can have a progressively increased thickness across the stack, or can progressively increase in number, for example.

Abstract: A micro identification system supports facile optical assemblies and components. A segment of optical fiber can comprise an identifier formed via actinic radiation. The identifier can generate a laser interference pattern that can be read through a cylindrical surface of the optical fiber to determine a code. Modified optical fibers are those fibers that have been shaped or coated to an extent beyond the demands of normal communications optical fibers. In one example, modified fibers are no longer than about two feet in length. For another example, the modified fibers can have either a non-cylindrical end face, a non flat end face, an end face the plane of which is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide, an end face coated with high density filter, or an identifier on or near an end face.

Abstract: Optical waveguides can extend alongside one another in sufficient proximity such that light couples between or among them as crosstalk. The electromagnetic field associated with light flowing in one optical waveguide can extend to an adjacent optical waveguide and induce unwanted light flow. The optical waveguide receiving the crosstalk can comprise a phase shifting capability, such as a longitudinal variation in refractive index, situated between two waveguide lengths. Crosstalk coupled onto the first waveguide length can flow through the refractive index variation, be phase shifted, and then flow onto the second waveguide length. The phase shifted crosstalk flowing on the second waveguide can meet other crosstalk that has coupled directly onto the second waveguide segment. The phase difference between the two crosstalks can suppress crosstalk via destructive interference.

Abstract: A medical practitioner can specify certain parameters for a procedure that involves delivering a therapeutic agent, while leaving other parameters open. The therapeutic agent can be sensitive to biomechanical forces (or other influences) associated with delivery. The procedure can involve regenerative medicine, for example delivering progenitor or stem cells to a diseased heart using a catheter, whereby unbridled transport in the catheter may compromise efficacy. The open parameters can influence efficacy of the agent and thus therapeutic outcome. A computer-based system can apply stored information, such as from databases, to narrow the possible values of the open parameters. From the narrowed possibilities, an optimization routine can determine suitable or optimized values for the open parameters. The determined values can manage biomechanical forces incurred by the therapeutic agent, thereby promoting efficacy and healing. The optimized parameters can guide the practitioner in the procedure.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a human or animal subject can include a substantially flexible and biocompatible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. An eductor can be located at the distal end of the catheter body, and a first lumen within the catheter body for housing the therapeutic agent can be in fluid communication with the eductor. A second lumen, also in fluid communication with the first lumen, can extend from the proximal end of the catheter body towards the eductor and can have an output port at the distal end of the catheter body. The eductor can be operable to induce the therapeutic agent to flow from the first lumen out of the output port in response to fluid flowing through the second lumen.