Abstract: Algae-derived synthetic coal and filtrates. The invention described herein provides an algae-derived synthetic coal product and filtrates and process for preparing the same using an improved hydrothermal carbonization process. The synthetic coal product is similar to natural bituminous coal in terms of percent carbon content and energy equivalency while at the same time containing relatively low levels of sulfur and contaminant heavy metals. Unlike natural coal and other fossil fuels, because the carbon of the biomass is formed through photosynthesis, carbon dioxide formed during combustion is a “carbon neutral” event with little or no “new” carbon dioxide being added to the earth's atmosphere. The algae-derived filtrates contain useful constituents.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement using an optical fiber and methodologies for performing an analysis of a subterranean formation, such as a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon based fluid. The sensor arrangement may be used to measure one or more physical parameters, such as temperature and/or pressure, at a multiplicity of locations in the subterranean reservoir. The sensor arrangement may comprise a sensor array comprising an elongated outer casing for insertion in the subterranean formation and into a fluid in the subterranean formation. The sensor array may comprise an optical fiber defining an optical path that links one or more temperature sensors and one or more pressure sensors and transports measurement data generated by the temperature and pressure sensors. A data processing system may be connected to the sensor array to receive measurements from the sensor array and to compute one or more values of a property of an extraction installation operating on the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Algae-derived synthetic coal and filtrates. The invention described herein provides an algae-derived synthetic coal product and filtrates and process for preparing the same using an improved hydrothermal carbonization process. The synthetic coal product is similar to natural bituminous coal in terms of percent carbon content and energy equivalency while at the same time containing relatively low levels of sulfur and contaminant heavy metals. Unlike natural coal and other fossil fuels, because the carbon of the biomass is formed through photosynthesis, carbon dioxide formed during combustion is a “carbon neutral” event with little or no “new” carbon dioxide being added to the earth's atmosphere. The algae-derived filtrates contain useful constituents.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus which has an input for receiving a signal conveying a response from first and second optical components to an optical excitation. The first and second optical components are in an optical sensor which is intended to be placed in a sensing zone. The sensing zone contains hydrogen susceptible to migrate into the optical sensor. The signal processing apparatus has a processing entity for processing the response from the first and second optical components to derive information on hydrogen concentration in the optical sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing of the index of refraction of a substrate sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus is capable of generating a first beam of electromagnetic radiation and a second beam of electromagnetic radiation that is different from the first beam. The first and the second beams converge toward a treatment area on the substrate, which is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation. The first beam and the second beam interact to create an interference pattern over a limited portion of the treatment area.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing a modification of the index of refraction of a substrate sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus is capable of generating a first beam of electromagnetic radiation and a second beam of electromagnetic radiation that is different from the first beam. The first and the second beams converge toward a treatment area on the substrate, which is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation. The first beam and the second beam interact to create an interference pattern over a limited portion of the treatment area.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing of the index of refraction of a substrate sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus is capable of generating a first beam of electromagnetic radiation and a second beam of electromagnetic radiation that is different from the first beam. The first and the second beams converge toward a treatment area on the substrate, which is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation. The first beam and the second beam interact to create an interference pattern over a limited portion of the treatment area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line for processing an optical fiber having first and second ends, the line comprising a support for receiving a reel with the fiber wounded thereon; a de-winder for unwinding the fiber without substantial rotation of the reel; and a processing station for receiving the optical fiber from said de-winder to perform a processing on a portion of the optical fiber. The invention also relates to a method for writing a grating on a fiber having first and second ends, the fiber being wounded on a first reel and being capable of being wounded on a second reel, the method comprising connecting the first end of the fiber to a circulator; connecting said circulator to a source of light and to a first measurement means; de-winding the fiber from the first reel without rotation of the reel; writing a grating on the fiber with a source of radiation; and measuring reflection spectra of the grating with said first measurement means.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an interference pattern from an input optical beam, including a first optical element for separating the input optical beam into a plurality of divergent optical sub-beams and a second optical element including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is optically coupled to the first optical element to receive at least two of the plurality of sub-beams. In addition, the second optical element is capable of redirecting via total internal reflection at least one of the sub-beams received at the first surface such that at least two sub-beams emerge from the second surface along respective paths intersecting one another outside the second optical element at a distance from the second surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an interference pattern from an input optical beam, including a first optical element for separating the input optical beam into a plurality of divergent optical sub-beams and a second optical element including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is optically coupled to the first optical element to receive at least two of the plurality of sub-beams. In addition, the second optical element is capable of redirecting via total internal reflection at least one of the sub-beams received at the first surface such that at least two sub-beams emerge from the second surface along respective paths intersecting one another outside the second optical element at a distance from the second surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an interference pattern from an input optical beam, including a first optical element for separating the input optical beam into a plurality of divergent optical sub-beams and a second optical element including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is optically coupled to the first optical element to receive at least two of the plurality of sub-beams. In addition, the second optical element is capable of redirecting via total internal reflection at least one of the sub-beams received at the first surface such that at least two sub-beams emerge from the second surface along respective paths intersecting one another outside the second optical element at a distance from the second surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line for processing an optical fiber having first and second ends, the line comprising a support for receiving a reel with the fiber wounded thereon; a de-winder for unwinding the fiber without substantial rotation of the reel; and a processing station for receiving the optical fiber from said de-winder to perform a processing on a portion of the optical fiber. The invention also relates to a method for writing a grating on a fiber having first and second ends, the fiber being wounded on a first reel and being capable of being wounded on a second reel, the method comprising connecting the first end of the fiber to a circulator; connecting said circulator to a source of light and to a first measurement means; de-winding the fiber from the first reel without rotation of the reel; writing a grating on the fiber with a source of radiation; and measuring reflection spectra of the grating with said first measurement means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line for processing an optical fiber having first and second ends, the line comprising a support for receiving a reel with the fiber wounded thereon; a de-winder for unwinding the fiber without substantial rotation of the reel; and a processing station for receiving the optical fiber from said de-winder to perform a processing on a portion of the optical fiber. The invention also relates to a method for writing a grating on a fiber having first and second ends, the fiber being wounded on a first reel and being capable of being wounded on a second reel, the method comprising connecting the first end of the fiber to a circulator; connecting said circulator to a source of light and to a first measurement means; de-winding the fiber from the first reel without rotation of the reel; writing a grating on the fiber with a source of radiation; and measuring reflection spectra of the grating with said first measurement means.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing a modification of the index of refraction of a substrate sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus is capable of generating a first beam of electromagnetic radiation and a second beam of electromagnetic radiation that is different from the first beam. The first and the second beams converge toward a treatment area on the substrate, which is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation. The first beam and the second beam interact to create an interference pattern over a limited portion of the -treatment area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an optical waveguide with a radiation source are provided. The waveguide has a longitudinal axis that defines a main optical propagation path. The optical waveguide is illuminated by the radiation source such that the waveguide generates light via photoluminescence, at least a portion of the light generated via photoluminescence being emitted from the waveguide along a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. An output signal is generated at least in part on the basis of light emitted from the waveguide along a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The alignment of the radiation source and the waveguide is varied at least partly in dependence of the output signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line for processing an optical fiber having first and second ends, the line comprising a support for receiving a reel with the fiber wounded thereon; a de-winder for unwinding the fiber without substantial rotation of the reel; and a processing station for receiving the optical fiber from said de-winder to perform a processing on a portion of the optical fiber. The invention also relates to a method for writing a grating on a fiber having first and second ends, the fiber being wounded on a first reel and being capable of being wounded on a second reel, the method comprising connecting the first end of the fiber to a circulator; connecting said circulator to a source of light and to a first measurement means; de-winding the fiber from the first reel without rotation of the reel; writing a grating on the fiber with a source of radiation; and measuring reflection spectra of the grating with said first measurement means.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an interference pattern from an input optical beam, including a first optical element for separating the input optical beam into a plurality of divergent optical sub-beams and a second optical element including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is optically coupled to the first optical element to receive at least two of the plurality of sub-beams. In addition, the second optical element is capable of redirecting via total internal reflection at least one of the sub-beams received at the first surface such that at least two sub-beams emerge from the second surface along respective paths intersecting one another outside the second optical element at a distance from the second surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an optical waveguide with a radiation source are provided. The waveguide has a longitudinal axis that defines a main optical propagation path. The optical waveguide is illuminated by the radiation source such that the waveguide generates light via photoluminescence, at least a portion of the light generated via photoluminescence being emitted from the waveguide along a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. An output signal is generated at least in part on the basis of light emitted from the waveguide along a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The alignment of the radiation source and the waveguide is varied at least partly in dependence of the output signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for leveling or adjusting a power-boat's average angle of bank or list about its roll axis RA regardless of side wind or off-center loading to improve passenger comfort, increase fuel efficiency, and smooth hull passage through waves with reduced pounding. Improved operating characteristics are accomplished by adjusting steering force angle-of-attack of a small fin-rudder mounted under a forward portion of the boat's keel. The boat's heading is maintained by applying an opposite steering force by altering thrust direction of the driving and steering mechanism. Altering thrust direction occurs either by a pilot steering the helm or automatically by adjusting thrust direction independently of pilot steering. In an optional automatic mode, an electronic gravity inclinometer adjusts a fin-rudder servo. An electronic filter processes the inclinometer signal to control the boat's average attitude around its roll axis RA.