Abstract: An evanescent field microscopy sub-unit for an examination system for examination of a specimen, the evanescent field microscopy sub-unit includes a first dielectric cladding layer having an absolute refractive index n1, and a core layer having a thickness tm, a width wm and a length Im coated onto at least a part of said first cladding layer, the evanescent field microscopy sub unit being arranged to support a specimen to form a part or all of a second cladding on the side of the core layer opposite the first cladding layer.

Abstract: A multi-port optical amplifier chip has an inner cladding layer sandwiched between a pair of outer cladding layers, a plurality of active core elements disposed substantially within the inner cladding layer to receive optical signals at respective input ports and transmit amplified optical signals at respective output ports, a pair of reflecting surfaces on opposing sides of the inner cladding and at least one pump source. The pump source directs pump light into the inner cladding layer where it is confined to bounce back-and-forth across the active core elements thereby enhancing the absorption of pump light into the core elements, hence increasing gain. Greater than 5 dB over the C-band (1930 nm-1965 nm) in less than 10 cm is expected with a phosphate glass material co-doped with greater than 2 weight percent Erbium and 10 weight percent Ytterbium. A number of fiber drawing based approaches are contemplated for manufacturing the amplifiers to achieve this performance and reduce cost.

Abstract: The meters of coiled silica fiber in conventional R-EDFAs is replaced with an ultra-short high-gain waveguides formed of co-doped erbium-ytterbium multi-component glass a few centimeters in length. The compact R-EDA is pumped using non-conventional multi-mode pumps that couple to the waveguide cladding. The multi-component glasses support doping concentrations of the rare-earth ions erbium and ytterbium far in excess of levels believed possible with conventional glasses. These dopant levels in combination with the reflective scheme make a compact R-EDA with sufficient amplification possible.

Abstract: The meters of coiled silica fiber in conventional R-EDFAs is replaced with an ultra-short high-gain waveguides formed of co-doped erbium-ytterbium multi-component glass a few centimeters in length. The compact R-EDA is pumped using non-conventional multi-mode pumps that couple to the waveguide cladding. The multi-component glasses support doping concentrations of the rare-earth ions erbium and ytterbium far in excess of levels believed possible with conventional glasses. These dopant levels in combination with the reflective scheme make a compact R-EDA with sufficient amplification possible.

Abstract: A multi-port optical amplifier chip has an inner cladding layer sandwiched between a pair of outer cladding layers, a plurality of active core elements disposed substantially within the inner cladding layer to receive optical signals at respective input ports and transmit amplified optical signals at respective output ports, a pair of reflecting surfaces on opposing sides of the inner cladding and at least one pump source. The pump source directs pump light into the inner cladding layer where it is confined to bounce back-and-forth across the active core elements thereby enhancing the absorption of pump light into the core elements, hence increasing gain. Greater than 5 dB over the C-band (1930 nm-1965 nm) in less than 10 cm is expected with a phosphate glass material co-doped with greater than 2 weight percent Erbium and 10 weight percent Ytterbium. A number of fiber drawing based approaches are contemplated for manufacturing the amplifiers to achieve this performance and reduce cost.