Abstract: A system comprises a waveguide apparatus comprising a plurality of input waveguides, a multimode waveguide, and a guided-wave transition coupling the plurality of input waveguides to the multimode waveguide. The system further comprises at least one light source configured to excite in turn each of a plurality of the input waveguides, or each of a plurality of combinations of the input waveguides, thereby generating a plurality of different light patterns in turn at an output of the waveguide apparatus. The waveguide apparatus is configured to direct each of the plurality of different light patterns to a target region. The system further comprises at least one detector configured to detect light transmitted, reflected or emitted from the target region in response to each of the different light patterns, and to output signals representing the detected light.

Abstract: A system comprises a waveguide apparatus comprising a plurality of input waveguides, a multimode waveguide, and a guided-wave transition coupling the plurality of input waveguides to the multimode waveguide. The system further comprises at least one light source configured to excite in turn each of a plurality of the input waveguides, or each of a plurality of combinations of the input waveguides, thereby generating a plurality of different light patterns in turn at an output of the waveguide apparatus. The waveguide apparatus is configured to direct each of the plurality of different light patterns to a target region. The system further comprises at least one detector configured to detect light transmitted, reflected or emitted from the target region in response to each of the different light patterns, and to output signals representing the detected light.

Abstract: All solid photonic bandgap optical fiber comprising a core region and a cladding region is disclosed. The cladding region surrounding the core region includes a background optical material having a first refractive index and elements arranged in a two-dimensional periodic structure. In one embodiment, each of the elements comprises a center part and peripheral part having a higher refractive than the central part. In other embodiments, each element comprises a plurality of rods having a higher refractive index higher than the fist, the rods of each element arranged in a circle or polygon. Light transmission apparatus and methods of using the fiber are also disclosed.

Abstract: All solid photonic bandgap optical fiber comprising a core region and a cladding region is disclosed. The cladding region surrounding the core region includes a background optical material having a first refractive index and elements arranged in a two-dimensional periodic structure. In one embodiment, each of the elements comprises a center part and peripheral part having a higher refractive than the central part. In other embodiments, each element comprises a plurality of rods having a higher refractive index higher than the fist, the rods of each element arranged in a circle or polygon. Light transmission apparatus and methods of using the fiber are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for gathering and reporting data associated with a cardholder's use of a prepaid debit card is described. One embodiment receives primary personal data associated with the cardholder in connection with the issuance to the cardholder of the prepaid debit card; causes a financial institution to issue the prepaid debit card; causes a card fulfillment process to be performed; causes the prepaid debit card loaded with a predetermined monetary value to be distributed to the cardholder; receives secondary personal data associated with the cardholder; processes one or more transactions initiated by the cardholder with the prepaid debit card; correlates, in a computerized data processing system, the primary and secondary personal data with transactional data associated with the one or more transactions to generate correlated data; and grants an authorized entity access to at least a portion of the correlated data on an aggregated and non-personally-identifiable basis.

Abstract: A method and system for gathering and reporting data associated with a cardholder's use of a prepaid debit card is described. One embodiment receives primary personal data associated with the cardholder in connection with the issuance to the cardholder of the prepaid debit card; causes a financial institution to issue the prepaid debit card; causes a card fulfillment process to be performed; causes the prepaid debit card loaded with a predetermined monetary value to be distributed to the cardholder; receives secondary personal data associated with the cardholder; processes one or more transactions initiated by the cardholder with the prepaid debit card; correlates, in a computerized data processing system, the primary and secondary personal data with transactional data associated with the one or more transactions to generate correlated data; and grants an authorized entity access to at least a portion of the correlated data on an aggregated and non-personally-identifiable basis.