Abstract: A divided pulse nonlinear optical source may be generated by combining nonlinear wave generation techniques with pulse division that can divide a parent pulse into N divided pulses, each divided pulse separate temporally. The N divided pulses can be passed into a nonlinear optical medium to generate an output. The output can include at least one output pulse for each divided pulse. The center wavelengths of each output pulse can be tuned so that each may have a center wavelength that is the same as, or differs from, each other output pulse. In some embodiments, the output pulses may be combined to generate the output. The output can be power scalable and wavelength tunable.

Abstract: A divided pulse nonlinear optical source may be generated by combining nonlinear wave generation techniques with pulse division that can divide a parent pulse into N divided pulses, each divided pulse separate temporally. The N divided pulses can be passed into a nonlinear optical medium to generate an output. The output can include at least one output pulse for each divided pulse. The center wavelengths of each output pulse can be tuned so that each may have a center wavelength that is the same as, or differs from, each other output pulse. In some embodiments, the output pulses may be combined to generate the output. The output can be power scalable and wavelength tunable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide Raman spectroscopy methods and devices that exploit high quality factor (Q) resonators to enhance Raman signal by several orders of magnitude over the signal typically expected for Raman methods. Embodiments typically include one or more resonators, typically microtoroid microresonators. Embodiments also take advantage of Rayleigh scattering using these microresonators. Embodiments may be particularly useful for non-labeled nanoparticle sensing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide Raman spectroscopy methods and devices that exploit high quality factor (Q) resonators to enhance Raman signal by several orders of magnitude over the signal typically expected for Raman methods. Embodiments typically include one or more resonators, typically microtoroid microresonators. Embodiments also take advantage of Rayleigh scattering using these microresonators. Embodiments may be particularly useful for non-labeled nanoparticle sensing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a device called a “G-Fresnel” device that performs the functions of both a linear grating and a Fresnel lens. We have fabricated the G-Fresnel device by using PDMS based soft lithography. Three-dimensional surface profilometry has been performed to examine the device quality. We have also conducted optical characterizations to confirm its dual focusing and dispersing properties. The G-Fresnel device can be useful for the development of miniature optical spectrometers as well as emerging optofluidic applications. Embodiments of compact spectrometers using diffractive optical elements are also provided. Theoretical simulation shows that a spectral resolution of approximately 1 nm can be potentially achieved with a millimeter-sized G-Fresnel. A proof-of-concept G-Fresnel-based spectrometer with subnanometer spectral resolution is experimentally demonstrated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a device called a “G-Fresnel” device that performs the functions of both a linear grating and a Fresnel lens. We have fabricated the G-Fresnel device by using PDMS based soft lithography. Three-dimensional surface profilometry has been performed to examine the device quality. We have also conducted optical characterizations to confirm its dual focusing and dispersing properties. The G-Fresnel device can be useful for the development of miniature optical spectrometers as well as emerging optofluidic applications. Embodiments of compact spectrometers using diffractive optical elements are also provided. Theoretical simulation shows that a spectral resolution of approximately 1 nm can be potentially achieved with a millimeter-sized G-Fresnel. A proof-of-concept G-Fresnel-based spectrometer with subnanometer spectral resolution is experimentally demonstrated.