Abstract: A fiber optic probe assembly comprises an optical engine and a fiber optic probe. A proximal end connector comprises a self-aligning connector for connecting optical fibers of the fiber optic probe to the optical engine and an integrated fiber optic-based polarizer. A disposable cover is provided for enclosing at least a portion of a fiber optic probe assembly. The disposable cover comprises an elongated tubular housing and a sheath portion adapted to receive at least a portion of the fiber optic probe between ends of the housing. A handle is disposed on a proximal end of the housing, the handle comprising a self-tensioning device. An optical window is disposed on a distal end of the housing, the optical window adapted to provide for alignment with optical elements of the fiber optic probe.

Abstract: A chiral fiber grating for reflecting, scattering or polarizing an optical signal, or for forming a fiber laser feedback structure is disclosed. The chiral fiber grating is fabricated by fusing and then twisting/drawing two tapered optical fibers in accordance with a predetermined fabrication protocol. In one embodiment of the invention, the chiral fiber grating includes two single helix structure end-regions, with a double helix structure therebetween, providing the grating with apodizing properties. In another embodiment of invention, the pitch profile along a portion of the grating is configured to produce desired chiral fiber grating properties. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the chiral fiber grating, comprising two single helix end regions and a middle double helix region, may be separated into two or more portions after fabrication, for example to provide one or more single helix chiral fiber gratings and one or more double helix chiral fiber gratings.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for manufacturing chiral fibers having chiral fiber Bragg gratings properties from UV sensitive optical fibers, by using a UV laser beam to impose a chiral modulation of the refractive index at the core of the fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupler capable of providing a low loss, high coupling coefficient interface between conventional optical fibers and optical waveguide devices is provided. The novel coupler, which may be polarization maintaining, if a polarization maintaining preform is used in its fabrication. includes a core, a cladding, a first end for interfacing with an optical fiber and a second end for interfacing with an optical waveguide device. The sizes of the core and cladding are gradually reduced from the first end to the second end in accordance with a predetermined reduction profile. Various parameters, such as refractive indices and sizes of the core and cladding and the reduction profile are selected to produce a low numerical aperture at the first end and a high numerical aperture at the second end, while advantageously minimizing insertion loss and maximizing the coupling coefficient at each end.

Abstract: A chiral in-fiber polarizer implemented in a chiral fiber structure having a core and a cladding surrounding the core, is provided. The chiral polarizer includes an entry end for receiving incident light and an exit end for outputting polarized light, as well as a pitch variation along its length between the entry and exit ends in accordance with a predetermined desirable pitch profile, wherein in one embodiment of the inventive polarizer, the inverse value of the chiral structure's pitch at the exit end is less than at the entry end, and preferably substantially equal to zero. The pitch profile may be advantageously selected to correspond to one or more predetermined pitch configurations, may be determined in accordance with one or more mathematical functions, or may be random.

Abstract: A universal grinding machine having a plurality of workpiece holders, each of which can be moved independently of each other or jointly, by a separate slide, in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece on a slide guide disposed on the machine bed, or which can be fixed independently of each other or jointly to the machine bed.

Abstract: A universal grinding machine, particularly for the grinding of tools, having a tool magazine in which a plurality of grinding tools, together with coolant supply devices which are matched thereto, are disposed in holders and can be supplied according to choice to the grinding spindle, where the grinding tool and its coolant supply device are introduced into their receivers; simultaneously by an axial movement of the grinding spindle and of the grinding spindle slide and are withdrawn by a movement of the grinding spindle and of its grinding spindle slide perpendicular to the grinding spindle axis so that the grinding tool and the coolant supply device are always in a position in relation to each other which is correct for machining.