Abstract: A system for imaging and examination of a cervix, comprising a control module connectable with a changeable head configured to image the cervix and collect a tissue biopsy, the head selected from a group consisting of a digital colposcope module, a transvaginal optical probe module and an endo-cervical endoscope module. The system may additionally comprise light source(s) to illuminate cervix tissue; sensing device(s) to generate signal(s) from light and/or to acquire image(s) of a portion of a cervix; and processor(s) in communication with the sensing device(s). The system is configured to: (i) analyze the signal(s); (ii) detect the size of the cervix; (iii) determine parameters defining properties of the cervix; (iv) determine and distinguish normal tissue from abnormal tissue within the cervix; (v) determine the location of area(s) of abnormal tissue in the cervix; and (vi) generate a panoramic view of the cervix.

Abstract: An illumination device includes first and second solid, wedge-shaped waveguides and first and second light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned to couple light into the waveguides. Mixed light is emitted from (i) at least a portion of the first surface of the first waveguide and/or (ii) at least a portion of the first surface of the second waveguide, the mixed light including light emitted by the first LED and light emitted by the second LED.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an illumination apparatus features spatially separated input and output regions, a light source, a phosphor for light conversion, and an out-coupling structure.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an illumination apparatus features spatially separated input and output regions, a light source, a phosphor for light conversion, and an out-coupling structure.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, illumination systems incorporate light-emitting diodes emitting light of different colors, as well as one or more phosphor materials, which may be engineered for the emission of light of different optical properties such as correlated color temperature. For example, phosphor materials may be interchanged or adjusted in thickness and/or intensity, and/or the relative light-emission intensities of different light-emitting diodes may be adjusted for control of the emitted light. Illumination systems may also be configured to improve areal uniformity of light emitted from solid waveguides or combinations of waveguides.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a solid waveguide; a plurality of light emitting diodes emitting light of different colors and arranged to project light into at least one of the surfaces of the waveguide; and one or more phosphor materials for converting light emitted by one of the LEDs from one color to another, such that an out-coupling region of the waveguide outputs a mixture of light from at least some of the LEDs and light converted by the phosphors materials.

Abstract: A system for imaging and examination of a cervix, comprising a control module connectable with a changeable head configured to image the cervix and collect a tissue biopsy, the head selected from a group consisting of a digital colposcope module, a transvaginal optical probe module and an endo-cervical endoscope module. The system may additionally comprise light source(s) to illuminate cervix tissue; sensing device(s) to generate signal(s) from light and/or to acquire image(s) of a portion of a cervix; and processor(s) in communication with the sensing device(s). The system is configured to: (i) analyze the signal(s); (ii) detect the size of the cervix; (iii) determine parameters defining properties of the cervix; (iv) determine and distinguish normal tissue from abnormal tissue within the cervix; (v) determine the location of area(s) of abnormal tissue in the cervix; and (vi) generate a panoramic view of the cervix.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, illumination systems incorporate light-emitting diodes emitting light of different colors, as well as one or more phosphor materials, which may be engineered for the emission of light of different optical properties such as correlated color temperature. For example, phosphor materials may be interchanged or adjusted in thickness and/or intensity, and/or the relative light-emission intensities of different light-emitting diodes may be adjusted for control of the emitted light. Illumination systems may also be configured to improve areal uniformity of light emitted from solid waveguides or combinations of waveguides.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an illumination apparatus features spatially separated input and output regions, a light source, a phosphor for light conversion, and an out-coupling structure.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an illumination apparatus features spatially separated input and output regions, a light source, a phosphor for light conversion, and an out-coupling structure.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an illumination apparatus features spatially separated input and output regions, a light source, a phosphor for light conversion, and an out-coupling structure.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an illumination apparatus features spatially separated input and output regions, a light source, a phosphor for light conversion, and an out-coupling structure.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an illumination apparatus features spatially separated input and output regions, a light source, a phosphor for light conversion, and an out-coupling structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing cross-talk and jitter caused by track offsets in multi-beam optical disks. The method and apparatus involve using split detectors and cross-talk cancellation algorithms in the multi-element photodetector of the multi-beam optical disks. The cross-talk cancellation algorithms are applied according to the value of the track offset as a function of the track pitch.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for using a single multi-element detector and multi-channel signal conditioning circuitry to simultaneously read multiple tracks from either a CD disk or a DVD disk. The multi-element detector has a staggered arrangement and includes elongated detector elements, so that multiple reading beams reflected from multiple tracks of a CD disk are projected onto the detector, as are multiple reading beams reflected from multiple tracks of a DVD disk. The multi-channel signal conditioning circuitry conditions the signals produced by the multi-element detector, and produces signals for each of the tracks that is simultaneously read, as well as a tracking error signal, a focus error signal, a magnification error signal, and signals useful for reading DVD-RAM disks and for rapidly accessing tracks on an optical disk.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing cross-talk and jitter caused by track offsets in multi-beam optical disks. The method and apparatus involve using split detectors and cross-talk cancellation algorithms in the multi-element photodetector of the multi-beam optical disks. The cross-talk cancellation algorithms are applied according to the value of the track offset as a function of the track pitch.

Abstract: A switchable liquid crystal diffractive element for use in an optical drive capable of reading multiple tracks of an optical disk simultaneously, and writing or erasing at least one track of the optical disk is disclosed. When the liquid crystal diffractive element is in an “on” state, it splits an incident beam into multiple beams suitable for simultaneously reading multiple tracks of an optical disk. When the liquid crystal diffractive element is in an “off” state, it permits an incident beam to pass through without being split, for writing to an optical disk. Embodiments are disclosed that use multiple electrodes to create switching and non-switching regions of a liquid crystal element to form a switchable phase grating, and that use a single switching liquid crystal element and a non-switching grating, or a birefringent non-switching grating, to form a switchable diffractive element.