Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for sensing. Other embodiments include a method for sensing molecules, for example, homonuclear diatomic molecules. The method may include transmitting light from a light source through a hollow-core wave-guiding device that exhibits a low attenuation at predetermined operating optical frequencies; introducing a gaseous medium between the light source and the hollow-core wave-guiding device; and detecting molecules within the gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system for sensing homonuclear diatomic molecules, such as, for example, nitrogen. Other embodiments include a method for sensing homonuclear diatomic molecules. The system may include a light source, a hollow-core wave-guiding device that exhibits a low attenuation at predetermined operating optical frequencies and is in optical communication with the light source, a gas introduction system for introducing a gaseous medium between the light source and the hollow-core wave-guiding device, and a detector in optical communication with the hollow-core wave-guiding device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system for sensing homonuclear diatomic molecules, such as, for example, nitrogen. Other embodiments include a method for sensing homonuclear diatomic molecules. The system may include a light source, a hollow-core wave-guiding device that exhibits a low attenuation at predetermined operating optical frequencies and is in optical communication with the light source, a gas introduction system for introducing a gaseous medium between the light source and the hollow-core wave-guiding device, and a detector in optical communication with the hollow-core wave-guiding device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device structure comprising a low shrinkage mixture wherein the shrinkage of the mixture is limited after the curing of the mixture during optical device formation. Disclosed also are methods for forming optical devices which comprise the low shrinkage mixture.

Abstract: An interferometer includes a resonant cavity having a movable mirror and at least one fiber optic component acting as a fixed mirror. A surface of the fiber optic component is coated with a reflective film. An actuator is coupled to the movable mirror, such that when a scattered optical beam is coupled to the cavity, interference occurs between the surface of the fiber optic component coated with reflective film and a surface of the movable mirror facing the surface of the fiber optic component coated with reflective film. The reflective film on the surface of the fiber optic component causes closely spaced spectral lines within the scattered optical beam to be suitably resolved.

Abstract: A chemical sensing device comprises a fiber core and a fiber cladding. The fiber core comprises an index-modulated grating region having an apodized profile configured for increasing shedding of light into the fiber cladding, and the fiber cladding of the chemical sensing device is configured for reflecting at least some of the deflected light back towards the fiber core. The sensing device is applicable in methods and systems for sensing chemicals.

Abstract: A chemical sensing device comprises a fiber core and a fiber cladding. The fiber core comprises an index-modulated grating region having an apodized profile configured for increasing shedding of light into the fiber cladding, and the fiber cladding of the chemical sensing device is configured for reflecting at least some of the deflected light back towards the fiber core. The sensing device is applicable in methods and systems for sensing chemicals.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device structure comprising a low shrinkage mixture wherein the shrinkage of the mixture is limited after the curing of the mixture during optical device formation. Disclosed also are methods for forming optical devices which comprise the low shrinkage mixture.

Abstract: A valve and concomitant method of controlling flow of a fluid with a valve comprising isolating a fluid path from a valve stem with a diaphragm in a valve body, blocking the fluid path with a plunger having a stroke of less than approximately 500 micrometers, driving the plunger with an actuator, and operating the valve at a frequency of at least approximately 20 Hz but with a flow of at least approximately 5.0E-04 kg/sec.

Abstract: A light emitting device comprises a plurality of organic light emitting diode (OLED) modules. The OLED modules are arranged into a series group where the individual OLED modules are electrically connected in series. The device is configured to be coupled to a power supply. A display is also provided. The display includes a plurality of OLED modules arranged to depict a shape selected from the group consisting of at least one letter, at least one number, at least one image, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the coupling efficiency of optical interconnections between optical elements such as optical fibers, waveguides, and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) in single mode or multimode.

Abstract: The invention provides novel “folded” Mach-Zehnder interferometers (“folded” MZI's), methods for making folded MZI's, and systems and devices incorporating them. The novel folded MZI's are elaborated from conventional MZI structures by cutting across the interferometer arms of a conventional MZI structure and creating reflectors on the exposed ends of the interferometer arms to form two “folded” MZI's from a single conventional Mach-Zehnder interferometer structure. The novel folded MZI's show promise as sensors having a reduced size and enhanced sensitivity relative to sensors incorporating conventional Mach-Zehnder Interferometers.

Abstract: A microvalve and a method of forming a microvalve. The microvalve comprises first and second layers, a diaphragm member and a switching means. The first and second layers are secured together to form a valve body that forms an inlet opening for receiving fluid, an outlet opening for conducting fluid from the valve body, and a flow channel for conducting fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The diaphragm is disposed between the layers, and is movable between open and closed positions. In these position, the diaphragm, respectively, allows and blocks the flow of fluid from the inlet to the flow channel. The diaphragm is biased to the closed position, and moves from the closed position to the open position when the pressure of fluid in the inlet reaches a preset value. The switching means is connected to the valve body for moving the diaphragm to the closed position against the pressure of fluid in the inlet.

Abstract: A method of forming a waveguide including a core region, a cladding region, and an index contrast region situated therebetween includes depositing a polymerizable composite on a substrate to form a layer, patterning the layer to define an exposed area and an unexposed area of the layer, irradiating the exposed area of the layer, and volatilizing the uncured monomer to form the waveguide, wherein the polymerizable composite includes a polymer binder and sufficient quantities of an uncured monomer to diffuse into the exposed area of the layer and form the index contrast region. The resulting waveguide includes an index contrast region which has a lower index of refraction than that of the core and cladding regions.

Abstract: A microvalve and a method of forming a microvalve. The microvalve comprises first and second layers, a diaphragm member and a switching means. The first and second layers are secured together to form a valve body that forms an inlet opening for receiving fluid, an outlet opening for conducting fluid from the valve body, and a flow channel for conducting fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The diaphragm is disposed between the layers, and is movable between open and closed positions. In these position, the diaphragm, respectively, allows and blocks the flow of fluid from the inlet to the flow channel. The diaphragm is biased to the closed position, and moves from the closed position to the open position when the pressure of fluid in the inlet reaches a preset value. The switching means is connected to the valve body for moving the diaphragm to the closed position against the pressure of fluid in the inlet.

Abstract: A two-stage valve for controlling the flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid supply with an upper main body including a cavity with a contoured inner surface; a lower main body with at least one flow exhaust passage forming a primary flow path through the two-stage valve; a pre-stressed diaphragm sandwiched between the upper and lower main bodies, and pressure control capability for controlling the pressure in the cavity. A first valve opens and closes the flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply to the cavity. A second valve allows the pressure in the cavity to exhaust to the environment. Raising and lowering of the pressure in the cavity causes the pre-stressed diaphragm to open and close the flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply through the primary flow path of the two-stage valve. The design is suitable as a microvalve using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) concepts.

Abstract: An actuator for applying an actuating force through a total displacement. The actuator includes: an actuator body; n piezo members supported by the body where n is an integer greater than or equal to two, each of the piezo members generating a force and a displacement upon application of a voltage thereon; and n−1 levers rotatably disposed in the body and each having first and second ends corresponding to two of the n piezo members such that the displacements of the n piezo members are accumulated to generate the total displacement at the nth piezo member. Preferably, at least one of the n−1 levers are rotatably disposed in the body such that the displacement from one of the n piezo members acting on the first end of the at least one of the n−1 levers is amplified at the second end of the at least one of the n−1 levers.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the coupling efficiency of optical interconnections between optical elements such as optical fibers, waveguides, and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) in single mode or multimode.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a substantially transparent polymer substrate for an anti-scatter x-ray grid for medical diagnostic radiography includes positioning a phase mask between the substrate and a high power laser; providing a laser beam from the laser; conditioning the laser beam; ablating a first portion the substrate through the phase mask with the conditioned laser beam; and moving the substrate; and ablating a second portion of the substrate through the phase mask with the conditioned laser beam.

Abstract: An actuator for applying an actuating force through a total displacement. The actuator includes: an actuator body; n piezo members supported by the body where n is an integer greater than or equal to two, each of the piezo members generating a force and a displacement upon application of a voltage thereon; and n−1 levers rotatably disposed in the body and each having first and second ends corresponding to two of the n piezo members such that the displacements of the n piezo members are accumulated to generate the total displacement at the nth piezo member. Preferably, at least one of the n−1 levers are rotatably disposed in the body such that the displacement from one of the n piezo members acting on the first end of the at least one of the n−1 levers is amplified at the second end of the at least one of the n−1 levers.