Abstract: Translations of an object in a plurality of different spatial directions are measured using a plurality of interferometers to detect interference with light that has been reflected from a diffusively reflective surface, preferably using diffuse reflection from the same planar surface to measure in each of the different spatial directions. At least the interferometers that measure translation in directions that are not perpendicular to the surface each comprises a single mode fiber and a collimator configured to transmit the outgoing light to the object successively through the single mode fiber and the collimator, and to collect reflection into the single mode fiber with the collimator both along a same beam direction. It has been found that, when reflection of a beam with a beam direction at an oblique angle to a diffusively reflective surface is used, the interference resulting from translation of the object is due substantially only to translation in the beam direction.

Abstract: The present document relates to a scanning probe microscopy system and method for mapping nanostructures on the surface of a sample. The system comprises a sample support structure, a scan head including a probe comprising a cantilever and a probe tip, and an actuator for scanning the probe tip relative to the sample surface. The system also includes an optical source, and a sensor unit for obtaining a sensor signal indicative of a position of the probe tip. The sensor unit includes a partially reflecting element for reflecting a reference fraction and for transmitting a sensing fraction of the optical signal. It further includes directional optics for directing the sensing fraction as an optical beam towards the probe tip, and for receiving a reflected fraction thereof to provide a sensed signal. Moreover the sensor includes an interferometer for providing one or more output signals, and signal conveyance optics for conveying the sensed signal and the reference signal to the interferometer.

Abstract: Translations of an object in a plurality of different spatial directions are measured using a plurality of interferometers to detect interference with light that has been reflected from a diffusively reflective surface, preferably using diffuse reflection from the same planar surface to measure in each of the different spatial directions. At least the interferometers that measure translation in directions that are not perpendicular to the surface each comprises a single mode fiber and a collimator configured to transmit the outgoing light to the object successively through the single mode fiber and the collimator, and to collect reflection into the single mode fiber with the collimator both along a same beam direction. It has been found that, when reflection of a beam with a beam direction at an oblique angle to a diffusively reflective surface is used, the interference resulting from translation of the object is due substantially only to translation in the beam direction.

Abstract: The present document relates to a scanning probe microscopy system and method for mapping nanostructures on the surface of a sample. The system comprises a sample support structure, a scan head including a probe comprising a cantilever and a probe tip, and an actuator for scanning the probe tip relative to the sample surface. The system also includes an optical source, and a sensor unit for obtaining a sensor signal indicative of a position of the probe tip. The sensor unit includes a partially reflecting element for reflecting a reference fraction and for transmitting a sensing fraction of the optical signal. It further includes directional optics for directing the sensing fraction as an optical beam towards the probe tip, and for receiving a reflected fraction thereof to provide a sensed signal. Moreover the sensor includes an interferometer for providing one or more output signals, and signal conveyance optics for conveying the sensed signal and the reference signal to the interferometer.

Abstract: An optical sensor interrogation system can have a light source arranged for emitting light; a first optical arrangement arranged for intercepting the light and to forward the light to an optical sensor and to receive light therefrom. The wavelength reference is adapted to provide a reference wavelength. The system can further have a second optical arrangement adapted to receive reflected light from the optical sensor, a lens system for transferring the light into a beam and a scanning assembly including a scanning unit and/or a diffractive optical element. The system can still further have a detector for receiving optical response from the scanning assembly and a data processing system. A method is used to manufacture an optical sensor interrogation system.

Abstract: A pressure sensing assembly (1), comprising: an elongate, axially extending tube (100), having a flexible tube wall (102) that encloses an inner pressure chamber (106); and at least one sensor unit (200), including: two tube wall fixation devices (210), connected to the tube wall (102) at respective axially spaced apart positions, and configured to fix respective diameters (D, d) of the tube wall at said positions; and a first strain sensing element (220), connected to the tube wall (102) at a first position axially in between said two tube wall devices (210), and configured to provide a first signal indicative of an axial elongation of the tube wall resulting from a change in axial curvature of the tube wall when a pressure differential between the inner pressure chamber (106) and an outside environment (108) of the tube is applied across the tube wall at said first position.

Abstract: A transversal load insensitive optical waveguide includes a primary section having a core. The waveguide may further include an outer cladding. The primary section includes a primary section surface and the outer cladding includes an exterior surface mechanically attached to the primary section surface by an interior cladding structure forming a mechanical connection. The cladding structure is such that for at least part of a distance between each two radial corresponding points on the exterior surface and the primary section surface respectively, the mechanical connection deviates from being radial, so that a radially-directed load on an exterior surface of the outer cladding is deflected by the cladding structure.

Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is used to measure strain. An optical fiber is used with a grating that comprises periodic spatial variations with mutually different first and second spatial frequencies. The wavelength of a first and second light source is swept over a first and second wavelength range that contain first and second Bragg reflection wavelengths corresponding to first and second spatial frequencies respectively. Light from the light sources is supplied to the optical fiber and to a reference branch. The reference branch contains an interferometer and a first and second filter having a transmission or reflection peak in the first and second wavelength range respectively. Time points of first and second peaks in the reflection of the light from the first and second light source by the optical fiber or detected during said sweeping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of interrogating a multiple number of optic sensors. The method comprises the steps of providing a multiple number of optic sensors included in a single optic path and having spectrally separated resonance spectra, and providing a single interrogation unit coupled to the single optic paths. Further, the method comprises the steps of selecting a limited number of interrogation wavelengths for each optic sensor and programming a programmable laser source, included in the single interrogation unit, in a sequence of the selected interrogation wavelengths. In addition, the method comprises the steps of interrogating the optic sensors by operating the laser source in the sequence of the selected interrogation wavelengths, and performing measurements on the programmable laser source output for correcting the interrogating step.

Abstract: A pressure sensing assembly (1), comprising: an elongate, axially extending tube (100), having a flexible tube wall (102) that encloses an inner pressure chamber (106); and at least one sensor unit (200), including: two tube wall fixation devices (210), connected to the tube wall (102) at respective axially spaced apart positions, and configured to fix respective diameters (D, d) of the tube wall at said positions; and a first strain sensing element (220), connected to the tube wall (102) at a first position axially in between said two tube wall devices (210), and configured to provide a first signal indicative of an axial elongation of the tube wall resulting from a change in axial curvature of the tube wall when a pressure differential between the inner pressure chamber (106) and an outside environment (108) of the tube is applied across the tube wall at said first position.

Abstract: An optical sensor interrogation system can have a light source arranged for emitting light; a first optical arrangement arranged for intercepting the light and to forward the light to an optical sensor and to receive light therefrom. The wavelength reference is adapted to provide a reference wavelength. The system can further have a second optical arrangement adapted to receive reflected light from the optical sensor, a lens system for transferring the light into a beam and a scanning assembly including a scanning unit and/or a diffractive optical element. The system can still further have a detector for receiving optical response from the scanning assembly and a data processing system. A method is used to manufacture an optical sensor interrogation system.

Abstract: A transversal load insensitive optical waveguide includes a primary section having a core. The waveguide may further include an outer cladding. The primary section includes a primary section surface and the outer cladding includes an exterior surface mechanically attached to the primary section surface by an interior cladding structure forming a mechanical connection. The cladding structure is such that for at least part of a distance between each two radial corresponding points on the exterior surface and the primary section surface respectively, the mechanical connection deviates from being radial, so that a radially-directed load on an exterior surface of the outer cladding is deflected by the cladding structure.