Abstract: An active pixel sensor (APS) that includes circuitry to eliminate artifacts in digital images. The APS includes a comparator for comparing a signal level from a pixel to an adjusted saturation voltage to determine if the pixel is saturated. If the pixel is saturated, the signal output from the pixel is replaced with an analog voltage having a maximum value corresponding to a brightest pixel in the image.

Abstract: An optically operated test structure for testing the charge transfer efficiency (CTE) of a charge coupled device (CCD) solid-state image sensor. A solid-state image sensor includes a substrate of a semiconductor material of one conductivity type having a surface. A plurality of spaced, parallel CCDs are in the substrate at the surface. Each CCD includes a channel region and a plurality of conductive gates extending across and insulated from the channel region. The conductive gates extend laterally across the channel regions of all of the CCDs and divide the channel regions into a plurality of phases and pixels. A drain region of the opposite conductivity type is in the substrate at the surface and extends along the channel region of at least one of the CCDs. A simply connected (rectangular) region of the plurality of spaced, parallel CCDs is photoactive. The CCDs outside this photoactive region are typically covered with metal or some other optically opaque material.

Abstract: An image-capturing element that receives light of a subject image entering within a camera body through an interchangeable photographic lens is packaged and is mounted at the camera body via a holder. A camera-side mounting surface and a holder-side mounting surface are machined in advance and formed respectively relative to the mounting surface for the photographic lens formed at the camera body and the light-receiving surface of the image-capturing element. By mounting the image-capturing apparatus with the camera-side mounting surface and the holder-side mounting surface placed in contact with each other at the camera body using screws, the light-receiving surface is aligned with the image-forming position of the photographic lens.

Abstract: An adjustable housing for a surveillance TV camera which can be mounted by a mount to a wall, a pole or a ceiling inside or outside the building includes a front panel, an adjustable camera support for adjustably mounting the TV camera inside the housing, an adjustable pane assembly with front and rear holders and a transparent window having a transparent pane enclosed between the two holders and a rear support for supporting and locking the pane assembly to the front panel. The front holder has a front window frame which is smaller than the opening in the front panel through which the TV camera is aimed at different zones.

Abstract: A camera having a first part and a second part with the second part being substantially the same size as the first part. A hinge mechanism couples an end of the first part with an end of the second part such that the first part and the second part can pivot around the hinge mechanism for the first part and the second part to be folded over and aligned with each other to close. An information input/output part has at least one projecting part that is provided on and projects from the first part. An accommodation part is provided on the second part for accommodating the projecting part of the information input/output part when the first part and the second part are folded over to close such that an image of a subject can be captured by the information input/output part while accommodated into the accommodation part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing a data stream that contains video data in which the video data includes frames. As frames are being processed, a number of frames processed is identified along with a number of frames dropped during processing. A synchronization speed is identified using the number of frames processed and the number of frames dropped. A frame is selectively dropped from the data stream based on the synchronization speed.

Abstract: A method of measuring horizontal frequency, which comprises the steps of resetting an 8-bit counter, which counts horizontal synchronous pulses separated from a video signal, at a time point corresponding to an edge of a vertical synchronous signal separated from the video signal, causing a data latch portion, which is operative to latch count data obtained from a 16-bit counter operative to count clock pulses having a predetermined frequency, to latch the count data obtained from the 16-bit counter at a time point corresponding to an edge of a bit output signal obtained from the seventh bit position of the 8-bit counter, detecting a period which corresponds to 128 times a horizontal period of the video signal based on a difference between counted values represented respectively by a couple of count data latched successively by the data latch portion, and measuring horizontal frequency of the video signal by calculating the horizontal frequency on the strength of the period corresponding to 128 times the hori

Abstract: A digital TV receiver and a method for receiving a digital TV signal are disclosed, in which timing recovery and segment synchronizing signal recovery are independently implemented and VSB demodulation is digitally implemented.

Abstract: A solid generator allows multiple identical solids to be produced in respective ones of the tiles of a rectangular array of tiles. The tiles may occupy a whole frame, may be shifted relative to the edges of the frame. One row of tiles may be shifted relative to another row. The array may be passed across the frame. The tiles may occupy a part of the frame. A single ramp is defined by R=Ah+Bv_C where A, B and C are signed values, h=pixels along a line and v=lines. Values of A, B and C for various tiles are stored in registers C1, C2, C3, FB1, FB2, FB3 and used in relation to the individual tiles.

Abstract: An image synthesizing system is provided that can prevent image deterioration resulting from synthesis applied to a predictive image to be used for the next frame. The image synthesizing system decodes and synthesizes a main frame and a sub-image compressed in different modes. The image synthesizing system includes a main image frame buffer 122, an alpha blending section 133, and an image synthesis and display 140. The main image frame buffer 122 stores a main image to be referred to in the next frame decoding process. The alpha blending section 133 alpha-blends a main image from the main image frame buffer with a decoded sub-image to produce a translucent composite image. The image synthesis and display 140 superimposes the translucent composite image on the main image.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus which is provided for a digital video decoder and can automatically and properly adjust a fluctuation of the number of sampling data of digital composite video signals includes: an adjusting circuit which performs a partial adding/deleting process to the video signals so as to correct the fluctuation in number of sampling data constructing the digital composite video signals supplied to the decoder; and a discriminating circuit which compares the number of sampling data of each video signal and the preset reference number of sampling data and outputs an operation signal for the adding/deleting process to the adjusting circuit when a difference between them as a comparison result lies within a predetermined adjusting range.

Abstract: A radio receiver for receiving a selected digital TV signal uses final intermediate frequency signals the carrier frequencies of which are multiples of symbol rate. The radio receiver has a match filter receptive of rectified samples of digitized intermediate-frequency signal and responsive to the amplitude of the intermediate-frequency carrier being modulated in accordance with the field synchronization code group to generate a pulsed response to the beginning of each data field. This pulsed response is used to determine when data segment synchronization information should occur, so its detection is more certain to be accurate and data segment synchronization is more rapidly determined. Symbol synchronization is rapidly inferred from the field synchronization and data segment synchronization, so that the samples in each data line can be counted.

Abstract: Two of four light sources have canceling characteristics with respect to color nonuniformity, and the other two light sources have canceling characteristics with respect to color nonuniformity. A light emission stop detector detects that each of the light sources stops emitting light by blowing its value for example, and feeds, if a certain light source stops emitting light, information indicating that the light source stops emitting light to an energization controller. The energization controller stops, when it receives the information indicating that a certain light source stops emitting light, the energization to a light source paired with the certain light source and puts out the light source.

Abstract: A class of novel structures which make novel use of polymer based reflective polarizing films in an improved polarization conversion system which are useful in liquid crystal projection systems that are easily manufactured, of lower cost, and permit the versatility of higher numerical aperture polarization conversions. Another aspect of the present invention are polarization modulating liquid crystal projection display systems utilizing the polarization conversion systems of the present invention.

Abstract: A substrate for reflection type liquid crystal display elements is provided, which has a multilayer dielectric film (reflective mirror) which can have fewer layers than according to the conventional art and can thus be formed in a shorter time, and which can stably obtain an optical characteristic of a desired flatness across the visible region, and moreover can prevent the occurrence of coloring due to reflection. The reflective mirror is formed on top of a transparent substrate, and is comprised of a predetermined number of high-refractive-index first transparent films and low-refractive-index second transparent films laminated alternately on the transparent substrate. Either or both of the first transparent films and the second transparent films are arranged such that the film thickness thereof increases progressively or decreases progressively with distance from the transparent substrate.

Abstract: Generation of stain-like display defects is prevented. There are provided in a liquid crystal-side pixel region of one substrate of respective substrates that are disposed to oppose each other with liquid crystals interposed therebetween a thin-film transistor being driven by a scan signal from a gate signal line, a pixel electrode to which an image signal from a drain signal line is supplied from this thin-film transistor, a protective film that is formed to also cover the thin-film transistor and the pixel electrode, and a resin film as formed on an upper surface of this protective film.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an array substrate for use in a liquid crystal display device, which includes a transparent substrate that includes a display area and a non-display area. A plurality of red, green and blue color filters are formed on the transparent substrate in the display area. A first alignment key is formed on the transparent substrate in the non-display area and made of the same material as the color filters. An overcoat layer is formed on the plurality of red, green and blue color filters to cover the color filters in the display area. A passivation layer covers gate and data lines and a thin film transistor in the display area and covers the first alignment key in the non-display area, the passivation layer having a drain contact hole to the thin film transistor. A pixel electrode is formed on the passivation layer in the display area, the pixel electrode contacting the thin film transistor through the drain contact hole.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes: a pair of substrates opposing each other; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the pair of substrates; a plurality of switching elements arranged in a matrix pattern on one of the pair of substrates; gate signal lines for supplying gate signals for driving the switching elements; source signal lines crossing the gate signal lines for supplying display signals to the switching elements; an interlayer insulating film provided on one of the pair of substrates over the gate signal lines and the source signal lines; and pixel electrodes provided over the gate signal lines and the source signal lines via the interlayer insulating film. The interlayer insulating film on one of the pair of substrates extends to a surrounding region of a display pixel area. An electrode pattern for adsorbing an ionic impurity is provided on the interlayer insulating film in the surrounding region.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus having a light conductor plate, a light source arranged on a side surface of the light conductor plate so as to light a liquid crystal cell arranged on a front surface side of the light conductor plate from a back surface side thereof. The light conductor plate having an incident surface for a light from the light source, a light emitting surface for emitting the input light to the liquid crystal cell, and a plurality of dots constituted by small projecting portions or small recess portions for changing a moving direction of the light from the incidence surface toward a direction of the light emitting surface, the dots being formed in the light emitting surface and a surface of the light conductor plate opposite to the light emitting surface with each of the dots having a height or depth within a range of 2 to 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel having LCD-modules with a plurality of picture element (pixels), a control circuit, and a backlight apparatus, the control circuit in communication with the pixels, the backlight apparatus configured to backlight the control circuit, the LCD panel comprising: a first edge zone and a second edge zone defined on at least a first and a second LCD-module, the control circuit disposed about the first edge zone, the first edge zone of the first LCD-module interposed between the backlight apparatus and the second edge zone of the second LCD-module, the first edge zone of the first LCD-module spaced apart from the second edge zone of the second LCD-module at a distance configured to accommodate a light device for shadow reduction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an IPS-LCD device. The IPS-LCD device according to the present invention implements a multi-domain for a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned in various directions with respect to each different domain. Therefore, the different domains compensate for one another such that a color shift is prevented in spite of wide viewing angles. To form the multi-domain, the present invention provides a plurality of dielectric protrusions.

Abstract: A reflective liquid crystal display apparatus with pixels includes a first electrode substrate, a second electrode substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first electrode substrate includes a polymer layer having plural protrusions or depressions arranged randomly formed on a glass substrate, and a reflective layer, color filters, transparent electrodes, and an alignment layer formed and laminated sequentially on the polymer layer. The second electrode substrate, includes transparent electrodes and an alignment layer formed and laminated on a glass substrate, and arranged so that the alignment layer faces the alignment layer on the first electrode substrate. The liquid crystal layer is formed by filling a liquid crystal composition into an interval between the first and second electrode substrates. Portions of the reflective layer corresponding to the portions of each pixel other than apertures of each pixel are colored black.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate comprising a first electrode; a second substrate having a switching element disposing thereon a second electrode having a plurality of sub-electrodes and at least one elongate hole having a longitudinal direction and facing to the first electrode, a third electrode positioned under the at least one hole and between the second electrode and the second substrate, connected to a gate electrode or an independent electrode, and having at least one notch disposed on an edge thereof and a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongate hole; a liquid crystal layer having a plurality of liquid crystal molecules and interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: An in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device is disclosed which comprises first and second substrates, a plurality of gate and data bus lines formed on said first substrate to define a plurality of pixel regions, a common bus line aligned in each pixel regions of the first substrate, a thin film transistor (TFT) formed at each pixel regions of the first substrate, a data electrode which is formed on a gate insulator of the TFT and has a portion overlapping the common bus line for forming a first storage capacitor, a passivation layer formed over the data electrode and the TFT, a common electrode which is formed on the passivation layer so as to overlap the gate and data bus lines and has a portion overlapping said data electrode for forming a second storage capacitor, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device, and a fabricating method thereof, with improved bonding of an upper plate to a lower plate. The lower plate includes an organic protective film over an inorganic gate insulating layer that is on a substrate. Channels through the organic protective film expose either metal patterns or the gate insulating layer. A seal coated with a sealant is then placed over the organic protective film and channels. The sealant passes through the channels to the metal patterns or to the gate insulating layer. Bonding of the seal to the lower plate is improved by the sealant that contacts the metal patterns and/or the gate insulating layer. During LCD fabrication, the metal patterns act as etch stops when etching the channels. Alternatively, an etch stop semiconductor layer is placed on the gate insulating film. The etch stops prevent the etching process from exposing the lower substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical element which comprises a polymeric liquid crystal layer having a helically twisted molecular structure and has satisfactory thickness precision and satisfactory optical properties. The process comprises applying a mixed solution containing a polymerizable nematic liquid crystal compound and a polymerizable chiral reagent to an oriented substrate, followed by drying, to orient the liquid crystal compound; and irradiating the mixed solution applied with radiation from the oriented substrate side while maintaining the mixed solution in contact with a gas comprising oxygen to thereby polymerize and cure the mixed solution.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display panel having first and second substrates, the method includes the steps of forming first and second orientation films on the first and second substrates, respectively, forming a seal material at edges of the first substrate, assembling the first and second substrates with each other, performing a first pressurizing and heating process on the first and second substrates to form a first cell gap, injecting a liquid crystal material into the first cell gap, performing second pressurizing and heating process on the first and second substrates to form a second cell gap, and sealing the second cell gap.

Abstract: A portable device is disclosed which can deliver various combinations of scents in rapid succession directly to a user's nose. The device uses a blower fan (2) which forces air through a fragrance chamber (4). The flow into the chamber is regulated by an inlet valve (5) and an outlet valve (6). The valves (5,6) can be manually, electrically or pneumatically actuated. The valves (5,6) can be of an on/off or proportional flow type. The air carries away the scent molecules which have entered the gas phase. This air is then mixed with the air from all other fragrance holders in the packed bed mixer (11). The final mixture is delivered to the user via nasal tubing (20) and is emitted right below the wearer's nose. A mask covering the nose can be used to deliver the scent to the user. The scent is then drawn away from the nose and into a scent scrubber (38).

Abstract: A field flattener having a function of flattening a bent image surface on which an image is formed through an optical system, is composed of a material of which a refractive index is equal to or larger than 2. A sectional configuration of the field flattener cut in an optical-axis direction containing the optical axis is formed to take a stepped shape toward its peripheral edge from the optical axis. An axial height of the stepped portion configuring the surface in the optical-axis direction in this stepped shape is set so as to equal to or larger than twice a wavelength of beams to be used.

Abstract: An image printing apparatus includes a print head for printing images. A microcontroller that includes a wafer substrate is provided. Processor circuitry is positioned on the wafer substrate. Print head interface circuitry is also positioned on the wafer substrate and is connected between the processor circuitry and the print head. The print head interface circuitry is configured to facilitate communication between the processor circuitry and the print head. Bus interface circuitry that is discrete from the print head interface circuitry is connected to the processor circuitry so that the processor circuitry can communicate with devices other than the print head via a bus.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for projecting a pattern on a reticle onto a substrate via projection optics to expose the substrate to the pattern. The apparatus includes a focus detection system for detecting focus of the projection optics, a barometer for measuring at least one of atmospheric pressure and ambient air pressure within the apparatus, a calibration device for calibrating the focus detection system, and a correction device. The correction device acquires a correction quantity, for correcting for a change in an image-formation characteristic ascribable to a fluctuation in air pressure of the projection optics, based upon a result of a measurement performed by the barometer during execution of the calibration, and corrects operation of the calibration device using the correction quantity.

Abstract: An exposure amount control method includes steps of illuminating an original with exposure light, emitted from a light source, through one or more light intensity uniforming optical systems, so that a pattern of the original illuminated is projected and printed on a substrate, measuring, by use of a first illuminance sensor, and illuminance of the exposure light as branched at a light source of the or one of the light intensity uniforming optical systems which is closest to the original, controlling an exposure amount of the substrate on the basis of a measurement output of the first illuminance sensor, measuring, by use of a second illuminance sensor, an illuminance at a position substantially conjugate with the substrate, and calibrating an output of the first illuminance sensor on the basis of a measurement output of the second illuminance sensor.

Abstract: A scan type projection exposure apparatus which includes an illumination optical system for forming a slit-shaped illumination area on a pattern on a mask by using illuminating light, and a projection optical system for forming an image of a portion of the pattern in the illumination area on a substrate, includes: a mask stage which moves at least in one direction while holding the mask; a substrate stage which moves two-dimensionally while holding the substrate; a control system for synchronously scanning the mask stage and the substrate stage; and an image forming performance adjusting system for adjusting image forming performance of the projection optical system and having a component placed in an area through which the illuminating light incident from the illumination area on the mask to the projection optical system does not pass.

Abstract: An off-axis alignment system in a lithographic projection apparatus uses broadband radiation to illuminate a phase grating on the wafer. The broadband radiation source may include fluorescent materials, e.g. Yag:Ce or ND:Yag crystals illuminated by excitation light.

Abstract: A wavefront aberration correction system for an adaptive optic such as a deformable mirror uses many correction units, each having a force-applying member attached to the back surface of the adaptive optic at a specified position and an actuator connected to it through a force-communicating device. The actuators are disposed outside the perimeter of the adaptive optic. The force-communicating device may include a lever or a bell-crank supported rotatably around a pivot such as a flexural pivot and redirects the force of the actuator.

Abstract: A process for controlling focus parameters in a lithographic process used in manufacture of microelectronic circuits. The process comprises initially providing a lithographic mask having a target mask portion containing a measurable dimension sensitive to defocus, projecting an energy beam through the target mask portion onto a first location of a substrate at a first focus setting, and lithographically forming a first target on the substrate corresponding to the first focus setting, the first target containing a measurable dimension sensitive to defocus. The process then includes projecting an energy beam through the target mask portion onto a second location of the substrate at a second focus setting, lithographically forming a second target on the substrate corresponding to the second focus setting, the second target containing a measurable dimension sensitive to defocus, and measuring the defocus sensitive dimension for each of the first and second targets on the substrate.

Abstract: A reticle (23) with a pellicle is movably set on a reticle support table (28). An inert gas supply portion (29) and inert gas exhaust portion (37) are so driven as to sandwich a pellicle frame (25), and align the pellicle frame (25). The inert gas supply portion (29) and inert gas exhaust portion (37) are brought into tight contact with the pellicle frame (25). In this state, inert gas is supplied from the inert gas supply portion (29) into the pellicle space via a vent hole (27) of the pellicle frame (25). Inert gas is exhausted to the inert gas exhaust portion (37) via a vent hole (27) formed on the opposite side.

Abstract: The present invention is in the area of tracking objects with systems such as correlation, gridlocking, optical correlation, and combinations thereof. Embodiments encompass systems of process and/or equipment to correlate objects and gridlock sensors with images based upon track data from sensors. In many of the embodiments the sensors may comprise radars, global positioning systems, laser target designators, seismic sensors or systems of seismic sensors comprising hydrophones and geophones, and other similar systems. While embodiments may comprise an optical correlator, many embodiments perform one or more analyzes statistically. Embodiments may refine coordinate transformations for the sensors and may account for errors by comparing a full or partial history of the track data associated with the same object from the same sensor. Further, many embodiments comprise software that can execute on a laptop, desktop, or similar computer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an improved method and apparatus for sensing position and/or status of an object. For one embodiment, a method generally includes illuminating the object with an optical pulse source and supplying a first optical pulse to a photo-detector, causing a resonant circuit formed by the photo-detector and an inductor to generate a resonant signal. The method also includes supplying at least a second optical pulse to the photo-detector causing a change in the resonant signal, wherein the second optical pulse is reflected from the object, monitoring the change in the resonant signal, and determining a position of the object based on the monitored change in the resonant signal. A velocity, direction of travel and/or acceleration of the object may also be determined from successive position measurements.

Abstract: A disc and analytical system for optical inspection of biological, chemical or biochemical samples located on or in the disc. Encoded information is arranged on or in the disc for optical tracking and scanning by the optical inspection system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for steering a beam of light. The method and apparatus are based on the discovery that the spectral dispersion of multi-chromatic light pulses by an acousto-optical deflector can be significantly ameliorated by positioning a dispersive element, such as a prism, along the path of the multi-chromatic light pulses in such a way that the dispersive element disperses the multi-chromatic light pulses in a direction opposite to the spectral dispersion caused by the acousto-optical deflector. The dispersive element may be positioned either before or after the acousto-optical deflector. The method and apparatus are particularly well-suited for use with ultrashort laser pulses in the visible and infrared ranges having a bandwidth of up to about 40 nm. The method and apparatus have applicability in, among other things, multi-photon laser scanning microscopy.

Abstract: A device for measuring the space distribution of the spectral emission of an object. The device includes a first lens forming in its Fourier plane an image constituting the optical Fourier transform of a zone of the object, a second lens, a diaphragm conjugated optically with the zone by the first and second lenses, a mechanism for selecting a rectilinear portion of the image, a mechanism for dispersion of the light corresponding to this portion, and a sensor receiving the dispersed light. The spectral response of the zone, for each point of the portion, is determined by signals from the sensor. The device is applicable in particular to display screens.

Abstract: A method and device for optical measurements are presented for determining the concentration of a substance in patient's blood. Optical measurement sessions are applied to a measurement location in a blood containing medium during certain time period. The optical measurements include illumination of the measurement location with incident light of at least one selected wavelength, detection, at each measurement session, of at least two light responses of the medium characterized by at least two different polarization states of detected light, respectively, and generation of data representative thereof. Measured data so obtained is in the form of at least two time variations of the light responses of the medium characterized by different polarization states of detected light, respectively, a relation between the time variations being indicative of the concentration of the substance in blood.

Abstract: Two phase modulators or polarizing elements are employed to modulate the polarization of an interrogating radiation beam before and after the beam has been modified by a sample to be measured. Radiation so modulated and modified by the sample is detected and up to 25 harmonics may be derived from the detected signal. The up to 25 harmonics may be used to derive ellipsometric and system parameters, such as parameters related to the angles of fixed polarizing elements, circular deattenuation, depolarization of the polarizing elements and retardances of phase modulators. A portion of the radiation may be diverted for detecting sample tilt or a change in sample height. A cylindrical objective may be used for focusing the beam onto the sample to illuminate a circular spot on the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-element lenses which demonstrate reduced achromatic focal length and reduced electromagentic beam spot size dispersal effects in ellipsometer and polarimeter systems. Also disclosed is methodology for evaluating parameters in parameterized equations which enables calculating retardance entered to, or between, orthogonal components in a beam of electromagnetic radiation which is caused to pass through input and/or output optical elements and interact with a material system, by each of the input and output optical elements, substantially uncorrelated with retardation entered by the material system.

Abstract: Overlay measurements for a semiconductor wafer are obtained by forming a periodic grating on the wafer having a first set of ridges and a second set of ridges. The first and second sets of ridges are formed on the wafer using a first mask and a second mask, respectively. After forming the first and second sets of gratings, zero-order cross polarization measurements of a portion of the periodic grating are obtained. Any overlay error between the first and second masks used to form the first and second sets of gratings is determined based on the obtained zero-order cross polarization measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a generally flat color sample in a plurality of fixed and repeatable positions in proximity with the optics of a portable color instrument with a uniform and repeatable force. The apparatus has a platform upon which the portable color instrument is secured, a sample stage with multiple index planes upon which a color sample is placed, and a device which urges a pressure foot against the color sample, thereby holding the color sample in position on the stage with a uniform and repeatable force.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing optical measurements comprising a light source operatively arranged to emit light along a beam path, a prism, a sensor chip mounted to a sample surface of the prism, and a detector operatively arranged to measure intensity of light reflected from the intermittent members of the metallic film. The sensor chip has a metallic film with a plurality of intermittent members, a first sample reservoir, and a second sample reservoir. The first and second reservoirs are operatively arranged to hold and position a sample on at least one member of a plurality of intermittent members of the metallic film.

Abstract: An interoferometric fiber optic sensing system uses three optical fibers. A sensing optical fiber is applied to a structure to be monitored to detect displacement or the like by changing its optical path length. A reference optical fiber has a fixed optical path length. An adjustable length optical fiber is controllably adjusted in its optical path length. The three optical fibers form optical paths whose light outputs are caused to interfere. The adjustable length optical fiber is adjusted until an interference fringe appears. The quantity to be detected is derived from the maximum of the interference fringe. Several sensing optical fibers can be multiplexed; by staggering their optical path lengths, their interference fringes can be separated sufficiently to resolve them.