Abstract: An optical system having an optical sensor with an ultra-short FP cavity, and a low-resolution optical interrogation system coupled to the optical sensor and operational to send light signals and receive light signals to and from the optical sensor is disclosed. The optical system may operate in a wavelength range including the visible and near-infrared range. Optical assemblies and methods of interrogating optical sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: An optical system having an optical sensor with an ultra-short FP cavity, and a low-resolution optical interrogation system coupled to the optical sensor and operational to send light signals and receive light signals to and from the optical sensor is disclosed. The optical system may operate in a wavelength range including the visible and near-infrared range. Optical assemblies and methods of interrogating optical sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: An optical system having an optical sensor with an ultra-short FP cavity, and a low-resolution optical interrogation system coupled to the optical sensor and operational to send light signals and receive light signals to and from the optical sensor is disclosed. The optical system may operate in a wavelength range including the visible and near-infrared range. Methods of interrogating optical sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: An optical system having an optical sensor with an ultra-short FP cavity, and a low-resolution optical interrogation system coupled to the optical sensor and operational to send light signals and receive light signals to and from the optical sensor is disclosed. The optical system may operate in a wavelength range including the visible and near-infrared range. Methods of interrogating optical sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: Optical fiber sensors adapted to measure strain or pressure are disclosed. The optical fiber sensor has a lead-in optical fiber having an end surface at a forward end, and a first optical element having a body with an outer dimension, Do, a front end surface coupled to the lead-in optical fiber, a pedestal including a retracted surface that is spaced from the front end surface, the retracted surface at least partially defining an optical cavity, a gutter surrounding the pedestal, the gutter having a gutter depth defining an active region of length, L, the first optical element further exhibiting L/Do?0.5. Also provided are systems including the optical fiber sensor, and methods for manufacturing and using the optical fiber sensor. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An optical fuse device adapted to be placed in between ends of lead-in fibers of an optical fiber line. The optical fuse device has a destructible region having a core, the destructible region including a light absorbing material adapted to heat and destroy the core upon application of a light intensity greater than a predetermined threshold. Optical fiber lines including the optical fuse device and methods of manufacturing the optical fuse device are provided. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Optical fiber sensors adapted to measure strain or pressure are disclosed. The optical fiber sensor has a lead-in optical fiber having an end surface at a forward end, and a first optical element having a body with an outer dimension, Do, a front end surface coupled to the lead-in optical fiber, a pedestal including a retracted surface that is spaced from the front end surface, the retracted surface at least partially defining an optical cavity, a gutter surrounding the pedestal, the gutter having a gutter depth defining an active region of length, L, the first optical element further exhibiting L/Do?0.5. Also provided are systems including the optical fiber sensor, and methods for manufacturing and using the optical fiber sensor. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Optical fiber sensors adapted to measure strain or pressure are disclosed. The optical fiber sensor has a lead-in optical fiber having an end surface at a forward end, and a first optical element having a body with an outer dimension, Do, a front end surface coupled to the lead-in optical fiber, a pedestal including a retracted surface that is spaced from the front end surface, the retracted surface at least partially defining an optical cavity, a gutter surrounding the pedestal, the gutter having a gutter depth defining an active region of length, L, the first optical element further exhibiting L/Do?0.5. Also provided are systems including the optical fiber sensor, and methods for manufacturing and using the optical fiber sensor. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An optical fuse device adapted to be placed in between ends of lead-in fibers of an optical fiber line. The optical fuse device has a destructible region having a core, the destructible region including a light absorbing material adapted to heat and destroy the core upon application of a light intensity greater than a predetermined threshold. Optical fiber lines including the optical fuse device and methods of manufacturing the optical fuse device are provided. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing optical devices are disclosed. The method includes providing a structure-forming fiber bonded to at least one other optical component, the structure-forming fiber having a preferentially-etchable portion including at least one radial etching boundary and at least one axial etching boundary, and etching the preferentially-etchable portion to the radial and axial etching boundaries to produce a precise optical structure. The preferentially-etchable portion may be removed through one or more radial openings in the structure-forming fiber. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing optical devices are disclosed. The method includes providing a structure-forming fiber bonded to at least one other optical component, the structure-forming fiber having a preferentially-etchable portion including at least one radial etching boundary and at least one axial etching boundary, and etching the preferentially-etchable portion to the radial and axial etching boundaries to produce a precise optical structure. The preferentially-etchable portion may be removed through one or more radial openings in the structure-forming fiber. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Optical fiber sensors adapted to measure strain or pressure are disclosed. The optical fiber sensor has a lead-in optical fiber having an end surface at a forward end, and a first optical element having a body with an outer dimension, Do, a front end surface coupled to the lead-in optical fiber, a pedestal including a retracted surface that is spaced from the front end surface, the retracted surface at least partially defining an optical cavity, a gutter surrounding the pedestal, the gutter having a gutter depth defining an active region of length, L, the first optical element further exhibiting L/Do?0.5. Also provided are systems including the optical fiber sensor, and methods for manufacturing and using the optical fiber sensor. Numerous other aspects are provided.