Abstract: Improved techniques for manipulation and management of fiber optic light. An improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis improves response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduces sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied internal to the fiber so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significant increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber. A reflective metal coating or low refractive index coatings or encapsulants can be used to ensure total internal reflection.

Abstract: Manufacturing couplers for optical fibers having thin precision dimensions for precision alignment and low-loss coupling of optical fiber segments. The couplers can be formed by depositing material on a precision mandrel, removing the mandrel, and then further machining the couplers if necessary. Design variations include simple sleeves and sleeves having ends that are flanged outward so that the ends taper to the correct diameter.

Abstract: Fiber optic probe assemblies for monitoring light-matter interactions in a medium of interest. The distal end of the probe assemblies can be immersed in the medium for in-situ light delivery and collection. The probe assemblies are particularly useful for indwelling biomedical applications. Design variations include paired fiber configurations and center/ring fiber configurations.

Abstract: Improved techniques for manipulation and management of fiber optic light. An improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis improves response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduces sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied internal to the fiber so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significant increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber. A reflective metal coating or low refractive index coatings or encapsulants can be used to ensure total internal reflection.

Abstract: Filtering of optical fibers and other related devices. High-energy methods for depositing thin films directly onto the ends of optical fibers can be used to produce high-quality, high-performance filters in quantity at a reasonable cost. These high-quality filters provide the high performance needed for many demanding applications and often eliminate the need for filters applied to wafers or expanded-beam filtering techniques. Having high-quality filters applied directly to optical fiber and faces permits production of high-performance, micro-sized devices that incorporate optical filters. Devices in which these filters may be used include spectroscopic applications including those using fiber optic probes, wavelength division multiplexing, telecommunications, general fiber optic sensor usage, photonic computing, photonic amplifiers, pump blocking and a variety of laser devices.

Abstract: Manufacturing couplers for optical fibers having thin precision dimensions for precision alignment and low-loss coupling of optical fiber segments are disclosed. The couplers can be formed by depositing material on a precision mandrel, removing the mandrel, and then further machining the couplers if necessary. Design variations include simple sleeves and sleeves having ends that are flanged outward so that the ends taper to the correct diameter.

Abstract: Manipulation and management of fiber optic light at the optical fiber level. Use of beam steering techniques on optical fibers that are part of fiber optic probes results in an improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis that exhibits improved response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduced sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied at the optical fiber level so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significantly increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber.

Abstract: Improved techniques for manipulation and management of fiber optic light. An improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis improves response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduces sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied internal to the fiber so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significant increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber. A reflective metal coating or low refractive index coatings or encapsulants can be used to ensure total internal reflection.

Abstract: A fiber optic interface for laser spectroscopic Raman probes incorporating a housing with a window enclosure. The fiber optic interface minimizes stray light interference from window back reflections and provides high photonic efficiency through refractive manipulation of emission and reception fields. The illumination fiber is surrounded by collection fibers. The fiber bundle formed by the illumination fiber and the collection fibers is formed into a conical shape, which creates a refractive surface on the illumination fiber and each of the collection fibers. The refraction at the end faces steers the illumination and collection patterns toward the axis of the illumination fiber. This results in the reflected portion of the illumination light being reflected toward the illumination fiber, and in the collection pattern being coincident with the illumination pattern.

Abstract: An optical fiber, including a cylindrical core of light conducting material having a first refractive index, surrounded by a cladding having a second refractive index that is lower than the first refractive index. The optical fiber includes at least one endface formed with a cone tip for controlling the characteristics of light entering or exiting the fiber. The polish angle of the cone tip can be selected according to the desired emergence/acceptance properties of the fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber, including a cylindrical core of light conducting material having a first refractive index, surrounded by a cladding having a second refractive index that is lower than the first refractive index. The optical fiber includes at least one endface formed with a cone tip for controlling the characteristics of light entering or exiting the fiber. The polish angle of the cone tip can be selected according to the desired emergence/acceptance properties of the fiber.