Abstract: A fiber optic sensor including a fiber having a modified surface integral with the fiber wherein the modified surface includes an open pore network with optical agents dispersed within the open pores of the open pore network. Methods for preparing the fiber optic sensor are also provided. The fiber optic sensors can withstand high temperatures and harsh environments.

Abstract: Circuits perform row-by-row matrix generation for encoding and decoding of data blocks. They perform fast algebraic generation of high performance low density parity check (LDPC) matrices suitable for use in a wide range of error correction coding and decoding (ECC) applications. Circuit operation is based on a mathematical Cyclic Ring method that enables matrices of any size to be generated from a simple set of initial parameters, based on user-defined performance requirements. The main steps for generating a parity check matrix (H) are selection of an RG matrix structure, selection of Group Ring elements, generating the sub matrices for the RG matrix by a row filling scheme, generating the RG matrix by a cyclic arrangement of the sub matrices, and generating the parity-check matrix by deleting suitably chosen columns from the RG matrix to achieve the desired performance and then transposing the matrix.

Abstract: A sensor includes an optical fiber and coating material surrounding at least a portion of the optical fiber. At least one parameter of the coating material is optimal to minimize normal and shear stresses on the sensor. One material combination includes a sapphire optical fiber and a spinel coating material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a detector array for an imaging system, the method comprising providing a pixelated scintillator having a plurality of lost molded pixels comprising a scintillator material adapted to detect radiation.

Abstract: A laser diode (1) having an optical path (15) defined in an active layer (2) which is sandwiched between a substrate layer (3) and a top layer (4) and defined by a ridge (14) formed in the top layer (4) outputs laser light of a single predetermined wavelength. Refractive index altering grooves (21) extending transversely in the top layer (4) are provided at spaced apart locations for altering the refractive index of the active layer (2) along the optical path at partial reflecting locations (20) for causing partial longitudinal reflections of the laser light generated in the optical path (15) so that standing waves or harmonics thereof of the single predetermined wavelength are set up between the respective partial reflecting locations (20) and a first mirror facet (8) in the optical path (15).

Abstract: The invention provides a drop-on-demand printer having a row of ink ejection locations for ejecting plural ink droplets, each ejection location having an associated ejection electrode for causing electrostatic ejection of the droplets from the respective ejection location. An intermediate electrode system has one or more rows of intermediate electrodes 3 spaced from the ejection locations between the ejection locations and a substrate on to which the droplets are printed during use. Plural conductive tracks 5 are provided, each corresponding to a respective intermediate or ejection electrode 3 and supplying a voltage to an electrode in use. Tracks 5 have a resistive element 14 either disposed immediately adjacent the corresponding electrode or actually forming the electrode 3.

Abstract: A semiconductor self-pulsating laser diode (1) comprises a wave guiding layer (2) sandwiched between lower and upper cladding layers (4, 5). A current blocking layer (8) defining a slot (10) through which pumping current is directed through the laser diode between upper and lower contact plates (5, 6) defines an active wave guiding region (15). The current blocking layer (8) is shaped by the formation of longitudinally extending recesses (12) for defining the active wave guiding region (15) such that a central pulse light generating region (17) is formed surrounded by an outer light propagating region (18). As the laser diode is continuously pumped, an effective step change in refractive index between the wave guiding layer (2) and the outer light propagating region (18) is formed, and the carrier density and refractive index profiles across the active wave guiding region (15) vary as each light pulse cycle progresses.

Abstract: The invention provides a drop-on-demand printer having a row of ink ejection locations for ejecting plural ink droplets, each ejection location having an associated ejection electrode for causing electrostatic ejection of the droplets from the respective ejection location. An intermediate electrode system has one or more rows of intermediate electrodes 3 spaced from the ejection locations between the ejection locations and a substrate on to which the droplets are printed during use. Plural conductive tracks 5 are provided, each corresponding to a respective intermediate or ejection electrode 3 and supplying a voltage to an electrode in use. Tracks 5 have a resistive element 14 either disposed immediately adjacent the corresponding electrode or actually forming the electrode 3.

Abstract: A semiconductor self-pulsating laser diode (1) comprises a wave guiding layer (2) sandwiched between lower and upper cladding layers (4, 5). A current blocking layer (8) defining a slot (10) through which pumping current is directed through the laser diode between upper and lower contact plates (5, 6) defines an active wave guiding region (15). The current blocking layer (8) is shaped by the formation of longitudinally extending recesses (12) for defining the active wave guiding region (15) such that a central pulse light generating region (17) is formed surrounded by an outer light propagating region (18). As the laser diode is continuously pumped, an effective step change in refractive index between the wave guiding layer (2) and the outer light propagating region (18) is formed, and the carrier density and refractive index profiles across the active wave guiding region (15) vary as each light pulse cycle progresses.

Abstract: A bicycle safety light is mounted on the spoke of a bicycle wheel for rotation with the wheel. The light includes a light transmitting, refractive housing with an internal light and light operating circuit. The light is driven by a flasher circuit to produce a flickering effect. The flasher circuit itself is initiated by a motion sensor that senses any motion of the bicycle wheel. A time delay sustains operation of the flickering light for a predetermined period between activations of the motion sensor.