Abstract: A method of manufacture for optical spectral filters with omnidirectional properties in the visible, near IR, mid IR and/or far IR (infrared) spectral ranges is based on the formation of large arrays of coherently modulated waveguides by electrochemical etching of a semiconductor wafer to form a pore array. Further processing of said porous semiconductor wafer optimizes the filtering properties of such a material. The method of filter manufacturing is large scale compatible and economically favorable. The resulting exemplary non-limiting illustrative filters are stable, do not degrade over time, do not exhibit material delamination problems and offer superior transmittance for use as bandpass, band blocking and narrow-bandpass filters. Such filters are useful for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to spectroscopy, optical communications, astronomy and sensing.

Abstract: A waveguide magneto-optic sensor provides a signal indicative of the value and/or direction of a detected magnetic field by a spectral shift of the characteristic resonant spectral feature of the sensor is disclosed. The sensor does not suffer from vibrations, fiber bending or other light intensity noise and provides an absolute self-referencing signal. The sensor elements can easily be coupled to optical fibers and read with scanning spectrometers or scanning lasers calibrated against NIST-traceable gas absorption standards.

Abstract: Visible and infra-red spectral filters based on arrays of uncoupled identical waveguides having coherently modulated cross sections offer many unique advantages, such as independence of the spectral position of the Bragg-resonance based transmission or reflection features on the angle of light incidence. The resulting spectral filters are mechanically and optically stable, do not degrade over time, and offer superior transmittance for use as band pass, narrow band pass, band blocking, short pass and long pass filters. Such filters are useful for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to biomedical analysis systems, spectroscopy and optical communications systems.

Abstract: The UV, deep UV and/or far UV (ultraviolet) filter transmission spectrum of an MPSi spectral filter is optimized by introducing at least one layer of substantially transparent dielectric material on the pore walls. Such a layer will modify strongly the spectral dependences of the leaky waveguide loss coefficients through constructive and/or destructive interference of the leaky waveguide mode inside the layer. Increased blocking of unwanted wavelengths is obtained by applying a metal layer to one or both of the principal surfaces of the filter normal to the pore directions. The resulting filters are stable, do not degrade over time and exposure to UV irradiation, and offer superior transmittance for use as bandpass filters. Such filters are useful for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to spectroscopy and biomedical analysis systems.

Abstract: A new fiber-optic magnetic field or current sensor design can increase the accuracy, resolution and environmental stability of the subject sensor. The design is based on phase-shifted fiber or planar waveguide Bragg grating, in which a Fabry-Perot resonator is formed around the phase shift. When the wavelength of incident light coincides with the wavelength of FP resonator mode, the magnetic field induced polarization rotation of the waveguided light will be strongly enhanced.

Abstract: A waveguide magneto-optic sensor provides a signal indicative of the value and/or direction of a detected magnetic field by a spectral shift of the characteristic resonant spectral feature of the sensor is disclosed. The sensor does not suffer from vibrations, fiber bending or other light intensity noise and provides an absolute self-referencing signal. The sensor elements can easily be coupled to optical fibers and read with scanning spectrometers or scanning lasers calibrated against NIST-traceable gas absorption standards.

Abstract: A method of manufacture for optical spectral filters with omnidirectional properties in the visible, near IR, mid IR and/or far IR (infrared) spectral ranges is based on the formation of large arrays of coherently modulated waveguides by electrochemical etching of a semiconductor wafer to form a pore array. Further processing of said porous semiconductor wafer optimizes the filtering properties of such a material. The method of filter manufacturing is large scale compatible and economically favorable. The resulting exemplary non-limiting illustrative filters are stable, do not degrade over time, do not exhibit material delamination problems and offer superior transmittance for use as bandpass, band blocking and narrow-bandpass filters. Such filters are useful for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to spectroscopy, optical communications, astronomy and sensing.

Abstract: The UV, deep UV and/or far UV (ultraviolet) filter transmission spectrum of an MPSi spectral filter is optimized by introducing at least one layer of substantially transparent dielectric material on the pore walls. Such a layer will modify strongly the spectral dependences of the leaky waveguide loss coefficients through constructive and/or destructive interference of the leaky waveguide mode inside the layer. Increased blocking of unwanted wavelengths is obtained by applying a metal layer to one or both of the principal surfaces of the filter normal to the pore directions. The resulting filters are stable, do not degrade over time and exposure to UV irradiation, and offer superior transmittance for use as bandpass filters. Such filters are useful for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to spectroscopy and biomedical analysis systems.

Abstract: Mesoporous silicon optical filters can be used to filter light in the near infrared, mid infrared and/or far infrared spectral ranges. The special advantages of mesoporous filters in cold temperature applications include improved mechanical stability, absence of delamination problems, manufacturability, and transparency of the mesoporous silicon material throughout a wide spectral range. Techniques are disclosed for enhancing the transparency range and environmental and mechanical stabilities of the mesoporous silicon filters.

Abstract: Visible and infra-red spectral filters based on arrays of uncoupled identical waveguides having coherently modulated cross sections offer many unique advantages, such as independence of the spectral position of the Bragg-resonance based transmission or reflection features on the angle of light incidence. The resulting spectral filters are mechanically and optically stable, do not degrade over time, and offer superior transmittance for use as band pass, narrow band pass, band blocking, short pass and long pass filters. Such filters are useful for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to biomedical analysis systems, spectroscopy and optical communications systems.

Abstract: A method of manufacture for optical spectral filters with omnidirectional properties in the visible, near IR, mid IR and/or far IR (infrared) spectral ranges is based on the formation of large arrays of coherently modulated waveguides by electrochemical etching of a semiconductor wafer to form a pore array. Further processing of said porous semiconductor wafer optimizes the filtering properties of such a material. The method of filter manufacturing is large scale compatible and economically favorable. The resulting exemplary non-limiting illustrative filters are stable, do not degrade over time, do not exhibit material delamination problems and offer superior transmittance for use as bandpass, band blocking and narrow-bandpass filters. Such filters are useful for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to spectroscopy, optical communications, astronomy and sensing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses microfluidic modules for making nanocrystalline materials in a continuous flow process. The microfluidic modules include one or more flow path with mixing structures and one or more controlled heat exchangers to process the nanocrystalline materials and reagents in the flow path. The microfluidic modules can be interconnected to form microfluidic reactors that incorporate one or more process functions such as nucleation, growth, and purification.

Abstract: An optical sensor diagnostic system utilizes a tunable Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) that incorporates an integrated MEMS tuning mechanism provides variable wavelength light into an optical fiber with improved wavelength scanning speed and greater simplicity of construction. Sensors, such as Bragg gratings, are disposed along the fiber in the light path. Each sensor reflects or transmits light exhibiting a characteristic amplitude and/or phase feature with respect to wavelength, the wavelength position of which is affected by an environmental stimulus imposed thereon. The light reflected or transmitted through each sensor is mixed with light passed through an optical reference path and then converted to an electrical signal by a simple detector and monitored by ciruitry that applies signal processing to the detected power spectral distribution, by this means providing output signals indicative of the environmental stimulus on each sensor.

Abstract: An optical sensor diagnostic system uses a tunable Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) that incorporates an integrated MEMS tuning mechanism. The system provide variable wavelength light into an optical fiber with improved wavelength scanning speed and greater simplicity of construction. Sensors, such as Bragg gratings, are disposed along the fiber in the light path. Each sensor reflects or transmits light exhibiting a characteristic amplitude feature with respect to wavelength, the wavelength position of which is affected by an environmental stimulus imposed thereon. The reflected light is converted to an electrical signal by a simple detector and monitored by circuitry that detects changes. The system provides output signals indicative of the environmental stimulus for each sensor.

Abstract: An optical sensor diagnostic system utilizes a tunable Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) that incorporates an integrated MEMS tuning mechanism provides variable wavelength light into an optical fiber with improved wavelength scanning speed and greater simplicity of construction. Sensors, such as Bragg gratings, are disposed along the fiber in the light path. Each sensor reflects or transmits light exhibiting a characteristic amplitude and/or phase feature with respect to wavelength, the wavelength position of which is affected by an environmental stimulus imposed thereon. The light reflected or transmitted through each sensor is mixed with light passed through an optical reference path and then converted to an electrical signal by a simple detector and monitored by circuitry that applies signal processing to the detected power spectral distribution, by this means providing output signals indicative of the environmental stimulus on each sensor.

Abstract: An optical sensor diagnostic system uses a tunable Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) that incorporates an integrated MEMS tuning mechanism. The system provides variable wavelength light into an optical fiber with improved wavelength scanning speed and greater simplicity of construction. Sensors, such as Bragg gratings, are disposed along the fiber in the light path. Each sensor reflects or transmits light exhibiting a characteristic amplitude feature with respect to wavelength, the wavelength position of which is affected by an environmental stimulus imposed thereon. The reflected light is converted to an electrical signal by a simple detector and monitored by circuitry that detects changes. The system provides output signals indicative of the environmental stimulus for each sensor.

Abstract: A method of manufacture for optical spectral filters with omnidirectional properties in the visible, near IR, mid IR and/or far IR (infrared) spectral ranges is based on the formation of large arrays of coherently modulated waveguides by electrochemical etching of a semiconductor wafer to form a pore array. Further processing of said porous semiconductor wafer optimizes the filtering properties of such a material. The method of filter manufacturing is large scale compatible and economically favorable. The resulting exemplary non-limiting illustrative filters are stable, do not degrade over time, do not exhibit material delamination problems and offer superior transmittance for use as bandpass, band blocking and narrow-bandpass filters. Such filters are useful for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to spectroscopy, optical communications, astronomy and sensing.

Abstract: The UV, deep UV and/or far UV (ultraviolet) filter transmission spectrum of an MPSi spectral filter is optimized by introducing at least one layer of substantially transparent dielectric material on the pore walls. Such a layer will modify strongly the spectral dependences of the leaky waveguide loss coefficients through constructive and/or destructive interference of the leaky waveguide mode inside the layer. Increased blocking of unwanted wavelengths is obtained by applying a metal layer to one or both of the principal surfaces of the filter normal to the pore directions. The resulting filters are stable, do not degrade over time and exposure to UV irradiation, and offer superior transmittance for use as bandpass filters. Such filters are useful for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to spectroscopy and biomedical analysis systems.

Abstract: The UV, deep UV and/or far UV (ultraviolet) filter transmission spectrum of an MPSi spectral filter is optimized by introducing at least one layer of substantially transparent dielectric material on the pore walls. Such a layer will modify strongly the spectral dependences of the leaky waveguide loss coefficients through constructive and/or destructive interference of the leaky waveguide mode inside the layer. Increased blocking of unwanted wavelengths is obtained by applying a metal layer to one or both of the principal surfaces of the filter normal to the pore directions. The resulting filters are stable, do not degrade over time and exposure to UV irradiation, and offer superior transmittance for use as bandpass filters. Such filters are useful for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to spectroscopy and biomedical analysis systems.

Abstract: A new fiber-optic magnetic field or current sensor design can increase the accuracy, resolution and environmental stability of the subject sensor. The design is based on phase-shifted fiber or planar waveguide Bragg grating, in which a Fabry-Perot resonator is formed around the phase shift. When the wavelength of incident light coincides with the wavelength of FP resonator mode, the magnetic field induced polarization rotation of the waveguided light will be strongly enhanced.