Patents by Inventor Vasily N. Astratov
Vasily N. Astratov has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 11762214Abstract: A super-resolution optical imaging method and system, including: providing a periodic monolayer array of dielectric spheres or cylinders with a sufficiently small period such that the fields-of-view produced by the spheres or cylinders overlap providing an enlarged field-of-view; wherein the dielectric spheres or cylinders are fixed in their positions such that the array is adapted to be brought adjacent to a sample to be optically imaged as a whole; and applying pressure to the array to reduce a gap separating the dielectric spheres or cylinders from the sample to achieve super-resolution imaging with the enlarged field-of-view. The super-resolution optical imaging method and system further comprising positioning the dielectric spheres or cylinders adjacent to one another in the array by air suction through a periodic micro-hole array providing a monolayer arrangement with a negligible defect rate.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Inventor: Vasily N. Astratov
-
Publication number: 20210208414Abstract: A super-resolution optical imaging method and system, including: providing a periodic monolayer array of dielectric spheres or cylinders with a sufficiently small period such that the fields-of-view produced by the spheres or cylinders overlap providing an enlarged field-of-view; wherein the dielectric spheres or cylinders are fixed in their positions such that the array is adapted to be brought adjacent to a sample to be optically imaged as a whole; and applying pressure to the array to reduce a gap separating the dielectric spheres or cylinders from the sample to achieve super-resolution imaging with the enlarged field-of-view. The super-resolution optical imaging method and system further comprising positioning the dielectric spheres or cylinders adjacent to one another in the array by air suction through a periodic micro-hole array providing a monolayer arrangement with a negligible defect rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: Vasily N. Astratov
-
Patent number: 10585238Abstract: A photodetector focal plane array system having enhanced sensitivity and angle-of-view, including: a substrate including a plurality of photosensitive regions; and a microcomponent disposed adjacent to each of the plurality of photosensitive regions operable for receiving incident radiation from a relatively wider area and directing the incident radiation into a relatively smaller area of the associated photosensitive region by, in part, one or more of waveguiding and scattering; wherein each of the microcomponents is centered with respect to a photodetector mesa of each of the plurality of photosensitive regions. Each of the microcomponents includes one of a microcone, a microcuboid, a micropillar, a core-shell micropillar, a microtubule, a pyramid, an inverted pyramid, and an arbitrary shape microcomponent—with a top surface having a a selected or arbitrary cross-sectional shape and a selected or arbitrary profile.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: The University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventors: Vasily N. Astratov, Aaron Brettin, Nicholaos I. Limberopoulos, Augustine Urbas
-
Patent number: 10386620Abstract: The present invention provides super-resolution optical imaging methods and systems, including: providing a sample to be optically imaged; providing a plurality of microstructures disposed substantially adjacent to a surface of the sample to be optically imaged; and providing a material disposed about the plurality of microstructures; wherein the plurality of microstructures have a first index of refraction; and wherein the material disposed about the plurality of microstructures has a second index of refraction that is substantially less than the first index of refraction of the plurality of microstructures. The plurality of microstructures include one of a plurality of microspheres and a plurality of microcylinders.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventors: Vasily N. Astratov, Arash Darafsheh
-
Publication number: 20190004212Abstract: A photodetector focal plane array system having enhanced sensitivity and angle-of-view, including: a substrate including a plurality of photosensitive regions; and a microcomponent disposed adjacent to each of the plurality of photosensitive regions operable for receiving incident radiation from a relatively wider area and directing the incident radiation into a relatively smaller area of the associated photosensitive region by, in part, one or more of waveguiding and scattering; wherein each of the microcomponents is centered with respect to a photodetector mesa of each of the plurality of photosensitive regions. Each of the microcomponents includes one of a microcone, a microcuboid, a micropillar, a core-shell micropillar, a microtubule, a pyramid, an inverted pyramid, and an arbitrary shape microcomponent—with a top surface having a a selected or arbitrary cross-sectional shape and a selected or arbitrary profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2018Publication date: January 3, 2019Inventors: Vasily N. ASTRATOV, Aaron BRETTIN, Nicholaos I. LIMBEROPOULOS, Augustine URBAS
-
Publication number: 20180196243Abstract: The present invention provides super-resolution optical imaging methods and systems, including: providing a sample to be optically imaged; providing a plurality of microstructures disposed substantially adjacent to a surface of the sample to be optically imaged; and providing a material disposed about the plurality of microstructures; wherein the plurality of microstructures have a first index of refraction; and wherein the material disposed about the plurality of microstructures has a second index of refraction that is substantially less than the first index of refraction of the plurality of microstructures. The plurality of microstructures include one of a plurality of microspheres and a plurality of microcylinders.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2017Publication date: July 12, 2018Applicant: University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventors: Vasily N. ASTRATOV, Arash DARAFSHEH
-
Patent number: 9841367Abstract: Microspheres are sorted by resonant light pressure effects. An evanescent optical field is generated when light is confined within the interior of an optical element such as a surface waveguide, a tapered microfiber, or a prism. Microspheres brought within vicinity of the surface are subjected to forces that result from a coupling of the evanescent field to whispering gallery modes (WGM) in the microspheres. Alternatively, a focused laser beam is directed close to the edge of the microspheres to exert resonant optical forces on microspheres. Alternatively, standing optical waves are excited in the optical element. Optical forces are resonantly enhanced when light frequencies match WGM frequencies in the microspheres. Those microspheres for which resonance is obtained are more affected by the evanescent field than microspheres for which resonance does not occur. Greater forces are applied to resonating microspheres, which are separated from a heterogeneous mixture according to size.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: The University of North Carolina At CharlotteInventor: Vasily N Astratov
-
Patent number: 9835870Abstract: Methods and systems for the super-resolution imaging can make visible strongly subwavelength feature sizes (even below 100 nm) in the optical images of biomedical or any nanoscale structures. The main application of the proposed methods and systems is related to label-free imaging where biological or other objects are not stained with fluorescent dye molecules or with fluorophores. This label-free microscopy is more challenging as compared to fluorescent microscopy because of the poor optical contrast of images of objects with subwavelength dimensions. However, these methods and systems are also applicable to fluorescent imaging. Their use is extremely simple, and it is based on application of the microspheres or microcylinders or, alternatively, elastomeric slabs with embedded microspheres or microcylinders to the objects which are deposited on the surfaces covered with thin metallic layers or metallic nanostructures.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Inventors: Vasily N. Astratov, Nicholaos I. Limberopoulos, Augustine M. Urbas
-
Patent number: 9726874Abstract: The present invention provides super-resolution optical imaging methods and systems, including: providing a sample to be optically imaged; providing a plurality of microstructures disposed substantially adjacent to a surface of the sample to be optically imaged; and providing a material disposed about the plurality of microstructures; wherein the plurality of microstructures have a first index of refraction; and wherein the material disposed about the plurality of microstructures has a second index of refraction that is substantially less than the first index of refraction of the plurality of microstructures. The plurality of microstructures include one of a plurality of microspheres and a plurality of microcylinders.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: The University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventors: Vasily N. Astratov, Arash Darafsheh
-
Publication number: 20170168278Abstract: The present invention provides super-resolution optical imaging methods and systems, including: providing a sample to be optically imaged; providing a plurality of microstructures disposed substantially adjacent to a surface of the sample to be optically imaged; and providing a material disposed about the plurality of microstructures; wherein the plurality of microstructures have a first index of refraction; and wherein the material disposed about the plurality of microstructures has a second index of refraction that is substantially less than the first index of refraction of the plurality of microstructures. The plurality of microstructures include one of a plurality of microspheres and a plurality of microcylinders.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: June 15, 2017Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTEInventors: Vasily N. ASTRATOV, Arash DARAFSHEH
-
Publication number: 20160357026Abstract: Methods and systems for the super-resolution imaging can make visible strongly subwavelength feature sizes (even below 100 nm) in the optical images of biomedical or any nanoscale structures. The main application of the proposed methods and systems is related to label-free imaging where biological or other objects are not stained with fluorescent dye molecules or with fluorophores. This label-free microscopy is more challenging as compared to fluorescent microscopy because of the poor optical contrast of images of objects with subwavelength dimensions. However, these methods and systems are also applicable to fluorescent imaging. Their use is extremely simple, and it is based on application of the microspheres or microcylinders or, alternatively, elastomeric slabs with embedded microspheres or microcylinders to the objects which are deposited on the surfaces covered with thin metallic layers or metallic nanostructures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Vasily N. ASTRATOV, Nicholaos I. LIMBEROPOULOS, Augustine M. URBAS
-
Patent number: 9411103Abstract: A focusing microprobe system, comprising: one of a single-mode laser radiation source and a few-mode laser radiation source; a coupler coupled to the laser radiation source; one of a single-mode flexible laser radiation delivery system and a few-mode flexible laser radiation delivery system coupled to the coupler; and one or more focusing microlenses coupled to the flexible laser radiation delivery system and arranged in a focusing tip. The coupler comprises a focusing lens. The flexible laser radiation delivery system comprises one of a hollow-core fiber and a flexible waveguide. Optionally, the one or more focusing microlenses are bonded to seal a hollow internal cavity of the flexible laser radiation delivery system. The one or more focusing microlenses comprise one or more conventional lenses or one or more focusing spheres, hemispheres, or cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: The University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventor: Vasily N. Astratov
-
Publication number: 20160190194Abstract: A photodetector focal plane array system, comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of photosensitive regions; and a microcomponent disposed adjacent to each of the plurality of photosensitive regions operable for receiving incident radiation and directing a photonic nanojet into the associated photosensitive region. Optionally, each of the microcomponents comprises one of a microsphere and a microcylinder. Each of the microcomponents has a diameter of between ˜? and ˜100?, where ? is the wavelength of the incident radiation. Each of the microcomponents is manufactured from a dielectric or semiconductor material. Each of the microcomponents has an index of refraction of between ˜1.4 and ˜3.5. Optionally, high-index components can be embedded in a lower index material. The microcomponents form an array of microcomponents disposed adjacent to the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2014Publication date: June 30, 2016Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTEInventors: Vasily N. ASTRATOV, Kenneth W. ALLEN, JR., Nicholaos I. LIMBEROPOULOS, Augustine URBAS, Joshua M. DURAN
-
Patent number: 9362324Abstract: A photodetector focal plane array system, comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of photosensitive regions; and a microcomponent disposed adjacent to each of the plurality of photosensitive regions operable for receiving incident radiation and directing a photonic nanojet into the associated photosensitive region. Optionally, each of the microcomponents comprises one of a microsphere and a microcylinder. Each of the microcomponents has a diameter of between between ˜? and ˜100?, where ? is the wavelength of the incident radiation. Each of the microcomponents is manufactured from a dielectric or semiconductor material. Each of the microcomponents has an index of refraction of between ˜1.4 and ˜3.5. Optionally, high-index components can be embedded in a lower index material. The microcomponents form an array of microcomponents disposed adjacent to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: The University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventors: Vasily N. Astratov, Kenneth W. Allen, Jr., Nicholaos I. Limberopoulos, Augustine Urbas, Joshua M. Duran
-
Publication number: 20160030981Abstract: Microspheres are sorted by resonant light pressure effects. An evanescent optical field is generated when light is confined within the interior of an optical element such as a surface waveguide, a tapered microfiber, or a prism. Microspheres brought within vicinity of the surface are subjected to forces that result from a coupling of the evanescent field to whispering gallery modes (WGM) in the microspheres. Alternatively, a focused laser beam is directed close to the edge of the microspheres to exert resonant optical forces on microspheres. Alternatively, standing optical waves are excited in the optical element. Optical forces are resonantly enhanced when light frequencies match WGM frequencies in the microspheres. Those microspheres for which resonance is obtained are more affected by the evanescent field than microspheres for which resonance does not occur. Greater forces are applied to resonating microspheres, which are separated from a heterogeneous mixture according to size.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTEInventor: VASILY N. ASTRATOV
-
Patent number: 9242248Abstract: Microspheres are sorted by resonant light pressure effects. An evanescent optical field is generated when light is confined within the interior of an optical element such as a surface waveguide, a tapered microfiber, or a prism. Microspheres brought within vicinity of the surface are subjected to forces that result from a coupling of the evanescent field to whispering gallery modes (WGM) in the microspheres. Alternatively, a focused laser beam is directed close to the edge of the microspheres to exert resonant optical forces on microspheres. Optical forces are resonantly enhanced when light frequencies match WGM frequencies in the microspheres. Those microspheres for which resonance is obtained are more affected by the evanescent field than microspheres for which resonance does not occur. Greater forces are applied to resonating microspheres, which are separated from a heterogeneous mixture according to size.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: The University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventor: Vasily N Astratov
-
Publication number: 20150316717Abstract: A focusing microprobe system, comprising: one of a single-mode laser radiation source and a few-mode laser radiation source; a coupler coupled to the laser radiation source; one of a single-mode flexible laser radiation delivery system and a few-mode flexible laser radiation delivery system coupled to the coupler; and one or more focusing microlenses coupled to the flexible laser radiation delivery system and arranged in a focusing tip. The coupler comprises a focusing lens. The flexible laser radiation delivery system comprises one of a hollow-core fiber and a flexible waveguide. Optionally, the one or more focusing microlenses are bonded to seal a hollow internal cavity of the flexible laser radiation delivery system. The one or more focusing microlenses comprise one or more conventional lenses or one or more focusing spheres, hemispheres, or cylinders.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: November 5, 2015Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTEInventor: Vasily N. ASTRATOV
-
Publication number: 20140355108Abstract: The present invention provides super-resolution optical imaging methods and systems, including: providing a sample to be optically imaged; providing a plurality of microstructures disposed substantially adjacent to a surface of the sample to be optically imaged; and providing a material disposed about the plurality of microstructures; wherein the plurality of microstructures have a first index of refraction; and wherein the material disposed about the plurality of microstructures has a second index of refraction that is substantially less than the first index of refraction of the plurality of microstructures. The plurality of microstructures include one of a plurality of microspheres and a plurality of microcylinders.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTEInventors: Vasily N. ASTRATOV, Arash DARAFSHEH
-
Publication number: 20140069850Abstract: Microspheres are sorted by resonant light pressure effects. An evanescent optical field is generated when light is confined within the interior of an optical element such as a surface waveguide, a tapered microfiber, or a prism. Microspheres brought within vicinity of the surface are subjected to forces that result from a coupling of the evanescent field to whispering gallery modes (WGM) in the microspheres. Alternatively, a focused laser beam is directed close to the edge of the microspheres to exert resonant optical forces on microspheres. Optical forces are resonantly enhanced when light frequencies match WGM frequencies in the microspheres. Those microspheres for which resonance is obtained are more affected by the evanescent field than microspheres for which resonance does not occur. Greater forces are applied to resonating microspheres, which are separated from a heterogeneous mixture according to size.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventor: Vasily N. Astratov
-
Patent number: 8554031Abstract: The present invention provides an optical microprobe device and method for focusing multimodal radiation with wavelength-scale spatial resolution and delivering the focused radiation to a specimen, including: a radiation source; and one or more of a plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent spheres and a plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent cylinders optically coupled to the radiation source; wherein the one or more of the plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent spheres and the plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent cylinders periodically focus radiation optically transmitted from the radiation source such that radiation ultimately transmitted to the specimen has predetermined characteristics. Preferably, the spheres or cylinders are assembled inside one of a hollow waveguide, a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber, a capillary tube, and integrated in a multimode fiber. Alternatively, the spheres or cylinders are assembled on a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventor: Vasily N. Astratov