Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to arrangements and techniques that provide for improving contact angle measurement of a liquid droplet on an interface. An apparatus for measuring contact angles of a liquid droplet on a substrate comprises a platform configured to support the substrate and a camera configured to capture images of a liquid droplet on the interface. The apparatus further comprises multiple light sources to illuminate the liquid droplet along multiple direction and multiple optical paths to direct light illuminating the liquid droplet to the camera.

Abstract: The invention discloses a technique that estimates micro roughness from a total sum of detection signals from plural detection systems and signal ratios, using a light scattering method. The technique rotates and translates a wafer at high speed to measure the entire surface of the wafer with high throughput. The relationship between the micro roughness and the intensity of scattered light varies according to a material of the wafer and a film thickness thereof. Moreover, calibration of an apparatus is also necessary. Thus, for instance, the invention provides a technique that has a function of correcting an optically acquired detection result using a sample which is substantially the same as a measurement target and makes the optically acquired detection result come close to a result measured by an apparatus, such as an AFM, using a different measurement principle.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, into a measurement tool, a substrate having a material feature, wherein the material feature is formed on the substrate according to a design feature. The method further includes applying a source signal on the material feature by using a source in the measurement tool having a tool setting parameter, collecting a response signal from the material feature by using a detector in the measurement tool to obtain measurement data, and with a computer connected to the measurement tool, calculating a simulated response signal from the design feature using the tool setting parameter. The method further includes, with the computer, in response to determining that a difference between the collected response signal and the simulated response signal exceeds a predetermined value, causing the measurement tool to re-measure the material feature.

Abstract: A method of calculating, using a depth sensor, a distance excluding an ambiguity distance including outputting a modulated light signal output from a light source to an object, receiving the modulated light signal reflected by the object, calculating a distance between the light source and the object using the reflected modulated light signal input to photo gates in conjunction with demodulation signals supplied to the photo gates, the calculating including calculating, using the modulated light signal, at least one distance farther than a maximum measurable distance, and setting the at least one distance to be equal to the maximum measurable distance may be provided. A range of the distance farther than the maximum measurable distance can be determined according to a duty ratio of the modulated light signal.

Abstract: A method for determining an environmental pressure change affecting a pressure sensor within a portable device to determine an elevation of the portable device is disclosed. The method involves estimating a location of the mobile device, estimating an atmospheric pressure associated with the mobile device at a server based on data indicative of atmospheric pressure received from the mobile device, and generating the elevation of the mobile device based on the atmospheric pressure associated with the mobile device and reference data indicative of an absolute elevation reference. The absolute elevation determined may be based on the estimated location of the mobile device and elevation data obtained from a reference map.

Abstract: Implementations of a measuring apparatus to aide with hanging objects are provided. In some implementations, the measuring apparatus comprises a housing containing a level and a first coiled tape blade, a second coiled tape blade, and a third coiled tape blade. In some implementations, each tape blade includes measuring indicia and each coiled tape blade is configured to uncoil and extend outside the housing and retract to a coiled configuration. In some implementations, the first tape blade is configured to extend in a first direction, and the second tape blade is configured to extend in a second direction. In some implementations, the second direction is 180 degrees from the first direction. In some implementations, the third tape blade is configured to extend in a third direction. In some implementations the third direction is 90 degrees from the first direction. In some implementation, the third tape blade has attached to the end that extends outside the housing a weight.

Abstract: A system of reconnaissance for the staging of a mission in a target area of a remote location in space is disclosed, including satellite surveillance means; a plurality of radio beacon/video camera transceiver means; communication means connecting the satellite surveillance means with the plurality of radio beacon/video camera transceiver means; communication means connecting the plurality of radio beacon/video camera transceiver means with at least one base station; and analysis means to analyze video, positional and other data from the target area.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a base on which an IC electrically connected to a gyro element is arranged and a wire group arranged on the base. The base includes a first outer edge and a second outer edge that crosses the first outer edge. The wire group includes a CLK wire arranged along the first outer edge and including an internal terminal connected to the IC and an S1 wire arranged along the second outer edge and including an internal terminal connected to the IC. A detection signal of the gyro element is input to the IC via the S1 wire.

Abstract: In some implementations, a control system for a resonating element comprises: a resonating element being driven by an oscillating drive signal and configured to generate a sense signal proportional to an amplitude of motion; a phase comparator coupled to the resonating element and to an oscillating drive signal, the phase comparator configured to compare the sense signal and the oscillating drive signal and to generate an error signal proportional to the phase difference; an oscillator coupled to the phase comparator and configured for generating the oscillating drive signal, the oscillator configured to receive the error signal and to adjust a phase of the oscillating signal based on the error signal; and an automatic gain control coupled to the resonating element and the oscillator, the automatic gain control configured to adjust the gain of the oscillating drive signal based on the signal generated by the resonating element.

Abstract: A rotation-rate sensor having a substrate with main extension plane, for detecting a rotation rate, extending in a direction parallel/orthogonal to the main plane; the sensor including a primary/secondary pair of seismic masses; the primary pair having first/second primary masses; the secondary pair having first/second secondary masses; the first/second primary masses being movable relative to the substrate along a primary deflection direction extending parallel to the main plane; the first/second secondary masses being movable relative to the substrate along a secondary deflection direction extending parallel to the main plane; the first/second primary masses and the first/second primary masses being movable antiparallel or parallel to one another corresponding to the deflection direction, essentially extending orthogonally to the secondary deflection direction; and the primary pair and/or secondary pair being drivable so that, based on sensor rotation, the Coriolis force leads to deflection of the first/sec

Abstract: A drive-mode oscillator module for use within a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device is described. The drive-mode oscillator module is arranged to receive a proof-mass measurement signal from a proof-mass of the MEMS device and to output a proof-mass actuation signal to the proof-mass of the MEMS device. The drive-mode oscillator module comprises a first, higher gain accuracy drive-mode component for generating an actuation signal to be output by the drive-mode oscillator module during an active mode of the MEMS device, and a second, lower power consumption drive-mode component for generating an actuation signal to be output by the drive-mode oscillator module during a standby mode of the MEMS device.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for optical sensing of rotation based on measurements and sensing of optical polarization or changes in optical polarization due to rotation without using optical interferometry. In implementations, a device for optical sensing of rotation can include a detection device that includes: (1) a beam splitter that splits the optical output into four optical beams; (2) four detection modules that receive the four optical beams, respectively, to obtain measurements of four different optical Stokes parameters from the four optical beams, respectively, and (3) a processing unit that processes the measurements of four different optical Stokes parameters to determine a rotation angle of a state of polarization of the optical output and a differential phase shift between the first and the second optical beams caused by a rotation experienced by the optical loop.

Abstract: An interferometric system with multi-axis optical fiber and a method for processing an interferometric signal in such a system, the multi-axis interferometric system includes a light source (1); a plurality of N optical-fiber coils (11, 12), a first optical separation element (3) capable of splitting the source beam (100) into a first split beam (140) and a second split beam (240); shared phase-modulation element (4); a photodetector (2) and a signal-processing system (800). The N optical-fiber coils (11, 12) are connected in parallel, the coils having respective transit times T1, T2, . . . TN that all differ from one another, and the signal-processing system (800) is capable of processing the interferometric signal (720) detected by the shared photodetector (2) as a function of the respective transit times in the various coils.

Abstract: A method for providing navigation instructions on a device is described. As the device traverses a navigated route according to a first mode of transportation, the method displays a first turn-by-turn navigation presentation defined for the first mode. Based on data gathered by the device, the method determines that the device is navigating the route according to a second mode of transportation. The method automatically displays a second, different turn-by-turn navigation presentation defined for the second mode.

Abstract: Digital maps of private spaces may be implemented using mobile computing device sensors. Sensor data may be received from one or more mobile computing devices to determine a digital signature describing a private space. Scheduling data may also be received from the one or more mobile devices. The scheduling data may describe a location associated with the private space to be mapped. A digital map of the private space may then be generated from the digital signature and the location associated with the private space in the scheduling data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for polygonal routing are described. A computer system can provide turn-by-turn navigation in a venue for a mobile device using a navigation graph. The navigation graph can include nodes representing a series of navigation areas leading from a start point to an end point in a venue including indoor space. Each navigation area can be a polygon occupying a non-zero geographic area. The computer system updates the turn-by-turn instructions when the mobile device enters or exits a navigation area in the series of navigation areas, until the device reaches the end point.

Abstract: A map of a facility is provided. Dispatch instructions for dispatching a mobile device from a starting location to the facility at a destination within a geographical area are received, and a current location of the mobile device is detected as the mobile device moves from the starting location towards the destination. The map of the facility is received based on the dispatch instructions and the current location of the mobile device, and the map of the facility is provided.

Abstract: At least one first model represents a person. A request to pick up a passenger includes a first location and a personal identifier for the passenger. A vehicle is caused to navigate to the first location. The passenger is identified by comparing a second model generated from vehicle sensor data with the first model.

Abstract: A system and method for driver guidance are presented. A position sensor is mounted to a vehicle. The position sensor is configured to identify a position of the vehicle and a heading of the vehicle. A device is configured to generate a plurality of outputs. A controller is connected to the position sensor and the display device. The controller is configured to access, via a wireless communications network, a database to identify a target loading location for the vehicle, determine a location and a heading of the target loading location for the vehicle, and modify at least one of the plurality of outputs of the display device based upon at least one of the location and the heading of the target loading location.

Abstract: Apparatuses, method, systems, and program products are disclosed for forecasting arrival times. A method includes receiving, by a processor, travel data in response to requesting travel data from each of one or more users travelling to a location. The travel data includes data associated with one or more factors that affect an arrival time of each user at the location. A method includes calculating an estimated arrival time at the location for each user of the one or more users based on the travel data. A method includes presenting the estimated arrival time at the location for each user of the one or more users.

Abstract: Various embodiments coordinate travel among members of a group. In one embodiment, a destination that is common to each user in a plurality of users is identified. An arrival time for the plurality of users to arrive at the destination is determined. The arrival time is common to each user in the plurality of users. A current location of each user in the plurality of users is identified. A departure time is determined, for each user in the plurality of users, for the user to arrive at the destination by the arrival time based on at least the current location of the user. The departure time, for each user in the plurality of users, is transmitted to the user.

Abstract: A navigation system determines one or more routes for a user from one location to another. The navigation system uses model data or information about weather, date, or time to determine an optimal route for a user. The navigation system may consider user preferences and dangerous or awkward conditions or criteria, and may perform a cost value analysis in determining the optimal route for a user.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for predicting fuel consumption for a vehicle operation is provided. Data for historical vehicle operations is stored in an associative memory and includes values for different attribute categories. The values of the attribute categories for the historical vehicle operations are compared to values of the attribute categories for a planned vehicle operation to identify historical vehicle operations that are most similar to the planned vehicle operation. Historical vehicle operations that are most similar to the planned vehicle operation are returned from the associative memory and the fuel consumption values for the historical vehicle operations are used to generate a predicted fuel consumption for the planned vehicle operation. An average, weighted average, maximum, or minimum fuel consumption value from the historical vehicle operations could be used as the predicted fuel consumption value for the planned vehicle operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling users who request a map of a specified route to invoke a data session to see images of the key markers and a video session to see live views of key points along the route are disclosed. If traffic appears congested, the subscriber can request an alternative route from the network along with image and video sessions to verify the traffic conditions of the alternative route.

Abstract: An image of a vehicle user is captured. The image is compared to a corresponding account image in a preset profile. It is determined whether the image matches the corresponding account image. A destination is selected based on the user profile. A traffic report is generated based on the destination.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for automating the verification of aerial vehicle sensors as part of a pre-flight, flight departure, in-transit flight, and/or delivery destination calibration verification process. At different stages, aerial vehicle sensors may obtain sensor measurements about objects within an environment, the obtained measurements may be processed to determine information about the object, as presented in the measurements, and the processed information may be compared with the actual information about the object to determine a variation or difference between the information. If the variation is within a tolerance range, the sensor may be auto adjusted and operation of the aerial vehicle may continue. If the variation exceeds a correction range, flight of the aerial vehicle may be aborted and the aerial vehicle routed for a full sensor calibration.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor operates as a motion detector for sensing a movement of a ferromagnetic target object having features. The magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetoresistance elements to generate, in a first channel, a feature signal indicative of a proximity of a feature of a ferromagnetic target object and, in a second channel, an edge signal indicative of a proximity of an edge of a feature of a ferromagnetic target object.

Abstract: An encoder system includes a signal processing circuit including: (1) a first position data detection circuit that detects first position data representing positional displacement in rotation of an input shaft through first predetermined signal processing based on a first detection signal input from a first absolute position encoder; (2) a second position data detection circuit that detects second position data representing positional displacement in rotation of an output shaft through second predetermined signal processing based on a second detection signal input from a second absolute position encoder; (3) a position data combination circuit that combines the first and second position data to generate combined position data representing the number of rotations of the input shaft and the positional displacement within one rotation of the input shaft; and (4) a position data comparing and collating circuit that compares and collates the first and second position data.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and operates as a motion detector for sensing a rotation or other movement of a target object.

Abstract: A device is disclosed comprising: a first portion; a second portion; a hinge element between the first portion and the second portion; a magnetic sensor disposed on the first portion configured to measure an ambient magnetic field; a non-extensible element configured between the first portion and the second portion, and fixed with respect to the second portion; a magnetic element configured on a free end of the non-extensible element so that a rotation of the first portion with respect to the second portion causes relative motion between the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor, thereby causing a change in a magnetic field between the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor; wherein an angle of fold between the two portions is calculated based on the change in the magnetic field as determined by the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: The rotation detection device includes: an encoder having to-be-detected patterns cyclically arranged in the circumferential direction; and a sensor configured to detect the to-be-detected patterns to generate pulses. The device further includes a reference pattern storage unit, a phase difference detection unit, and an error correction unit. The reference pattern storage unit measures pitch errors in the to-be-detected patterns prior to operation and stores the pitch errors as a reference pattern Pref. The phase difference detection unit determines a pitch error pattern Pm corresponding to one rotation of the to-be-detected patterns from rotation signals representing a plurality of rotations detected during operation, and performs comparison with a reference pattern Pref to determine a relative phase difference ?. Based on the phase difference ? obtained by the phase difference detection unit, the error correction unit corrects errors included in the rotation signals detected by the sensor.

Abstract: This invention provides a contact laser encoding anti-theft lock, comprising: a key for generating a set of light signals with different pulse repetition frequencies; a signal processing module for receiving a set of optical pulse signals, in which the optical signals are converted to a set of voltage signals at different voltage values, and for comparing the voltage signals with a predetermined voltage (the voltage signals within the predetermined voltage range can be output as usual otherwise the output voltage is set to be zero); an electrically controlled lock, for opening or locking anti-theft doors according to the output voltage from the signal processing module; and a power supply for the signal processing module and the electrically controlled lock. The contact laser encoding anti-theft lock of this invention shows higher security and duplication of the keys is more difficult compared with prior anti-theft locks.

Abstract: A code plate of an optical encoder has a nonplanar incident part on a first major surface for transmitting light emitted from a light emitter to the inside of the code plate, and a planar primary reflection part for fully reflecting the transmitted light. The first major surface is also provided with a code pattern part which extends in a ring shape around the rotation axis at a position different from the incident part to switch transmission/non-transmission of the totally reflected light in accordance with a rotation position of the code plate. The code pattern part has nonplanar exit parts which transmit the totally reflected light, and planar secondary reflection parts which again totally reflect the totally reflected light. The secondary reflection parts and exit parts are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining absolute coding represented by code elements of an optical code track, with illumination of the absolute coding with light, modulating of some of the illuminating light on code elements, determining of the absolute coding as modulated light and continuously varying modulation of the light on neighboring code elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the distribution of strain and temperature along an optical fibre (34) by analysing the distribution of the Rayleigh scattering and stimulated Brillouin scattering wavelength shifts along the length of a sensing fibre (34) using a Wavelength-Scanning Optical Frequency-Domain Analysis (WS-BOFDA) technique in which a wavelength-swept laser (12) sources a Brillouin “pump” radiation and excites a Brillouin ring laser (14) that sources a Brillouin “stimulus” radiation with wavelength shifted with respect to the excitation of a tuneable quantity. One optical Mach Zehnder or Michelson interferometer (27) is excited by the “stimulus” radiation on both the measurement arm, that comprises the sensing fibre (34), and the reference arm (38) while the “pump” radiation is injected only in the measurement arm by a controllable inhibition system (57).

Abstract: An instrument panel meter including a flexible face and a pointer. The flexible face includes indicators configured to convey information to a user regarding operation of the vehicle. The pointer is beneath the flexible face, and is movable between an inactive position and an active position. In the inactive position, the pointer does not stretch the flexible face. In the active position, the pointer does stretch the flexible face at or proximate to one of the indicators so as to convey information to the user regarding operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for determining a state of a measuring transducer integrated in a process container, wherein in the process container one or more processes are being performed, and the measuring transducer registers at least one physical or chemical process parameter within the process container, includes steps as follows: identifying a process currently being performed in the process container; and ascertaining a deviation value as measure of a deviation of a measured value progression registered by the measuring transducer during the process currently being performed in the process container from a measured value progression expected for the identified process, wherein the state of the measuring transducer and/or of the process is determined utilizing the ascertained deviation value.

Abstract: A method for the rapid optical inspection of stents is described wherein a stent is mounted on a mandrel with optical properties suitable for machine vision inspection of the stent is conveyed to a first inspection station containing a camera and illumination light source. A driving member securely contacts the mandrel and the stent is rotated in view of the inspection camera. The stent is then transferred to a second location for further operations. A unique identification tag is associated with each mandrel and tracks the location of the stent through the inspection process.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for demodulating a carrier signal, for modulating a wanted signal and for supplying a consumer with power. The carrier signal is an alternating signal having a positive half-wave and a negative half-wave, comprising: a galvanically isolating, especially an inductive, interface with a first contact and a second contact, wherein the carrier signal is applied to the interface; a bridge rectifier having a first diode, second diode, third diode and fourth diode connected to the interface. The first diode and the second diode are conducting in the case of a positive half-wave, wherein the first contact of the interface is connected with the anode of the first diode, wherein the third diode and the fourth diode are conducting in the case of a negative half-wave, and wherein the second contact of the interface is connected with the anode of the third diode; a supply circuit, which is connected to the cathode of the first diode.

Abstract: A flow meter includes a meter body including a passageway therethrough and an outer surface having a curved portion, a transducer assembly coupled to said meter body, a shroud on said outer surface of said meter body and covering said transducer, said shroud including a pair of shell portions, each shell portion including a pair of ends and a pair of edges, a fastener disposed between one end of each of said shell portions and configured to draw said shell portions toward one another, and a wireway defined by said outer surface of said meter body and said shell portions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for velocity scanning in, e.g., bodies of water. In one embodiment, a scanned one-dimensional transducer array Doppler sonar arrangement is used to remotely measure both vertical and horizontal profiles of a river or channel along-stream water velocities within a cross-section of the river/channel from a single side-mounted sonar.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement (1) for monitoring the temperature of an electronic component (2), which, in particular, can be impinged with an electric current and can be connected to at least one voltage source (3). The circuit arrangement is able to guarantee safe monitoring of the temperature of an electronic component impinged with electric current by the electronic component (2) being part of at least one Wheatstone bridge (7) and by at least one switching device (8) being provided that influences the impingement of the electronic component (2) with electric current on the basis of a bridge transverse voltage of the Wheatstone bridge (7). Additionally, circuit arrangement (1) is well suited for use in a calorimetric mass flowmeter (18).

Abstract: A collar is provided for use with a fluid flow sensor to reduce condensation of a moist gas flowing through the fluid flow sensor. The collar comprises a body defining an interior that defines an airspace between the collar and the housing of the fluid flow sensor when the collar is positioned on the fluid flow sensor. The collar also includes a heat source secured to the body and adapted to heat air contained within the airspace to consequently heat the housing of the fluid flow sensor and the interior surfaces of the sensor to reduce condensation of the moist gas.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a system for insulating a flow meter that includes a thermal tube sensor housing. The thermal tube sensor housing may include a housing cavity that holds a sensor tube, a temperature sensor, and a heater for determining a flow rate of a fluid. In some embodiments, the heater imparts thermal energy onto the sensor tube. In some embodiments, the housing cavity additionally holds an insulator for reducing leakage of the heat from the housing cavity. In still some embodiments, the insulator includes a plurality of beads and a binder material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel management system for a vehicle. The fuel management system includes a fill-up sensor located at an inlet of a fuel tank of the vehicle, for determining the volume of fuel flowing into the fuel tank, a fuel supply sensor located in a fuel line between the fuel tank and an engine of the vehicle, for determining the volume of fuel flowing to the engine of the vehicle and a return line sensor located in the fuel return line of the vehicle, for determining the volume of fuel returning to the fuel tank. The system further includes a controller in communication with the fill-up sensor, fuel supply sensor and return line sensor, for collecting data from the sensors, calculating whether there is a fuel deviation between the amount of fuel entering the fuel tank and consumed by the vehicle, and generating fuel deviation events.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer includes a slide transport mechanism having a slide track adapted to hold a plurality of reagent test slides, a sample metering device, an incubator formed as a part of the slide transport mechanism to precisely maintain the temperature of the reagent test slides, a slide ejector mechanism to remove the slides from the slide transport mechanism, a sample preparation station, which includes a centrifuge, and associated electronics and software. The slide transport mechanism holds a plurality of trapezoidally-shaped reagent test slides about its circumference, which slides are loaded onto the transport mechanism by the slide inserter mechanism. The slide transport mechanism positions the reagent test slides under the sample metering device, which device deposits a predetermined volume of sample onto each slide. The slide transport mechanism also carries the slides above a reflectometer.

Abstract: A radar liquid level measuring apparatus (10) includes a first oscillation module (102), a second oscillation module (104), a frequency comparator (106) and a control module (107). The first oscillation module (102) has a first oscillation frequency. The first oscillation module (102) generates a first pulse signal (10202). The second oscillation module (104) has a second oscillation frequency. The second oscillation module (104) generates a second pulse signal (10402). The frequency comparator (106) converts the first pulse signal (10202) and the second pulse signal (10402) into an adjusted signal (10602). The control module (107) compares the adjusted signal (10602) with an expectation value (10818) to obtain a comparative result signal. According to the comparative result signal, the control module (107) adjusts the second oscillation frequency, so that the second oscillation frequency and the first oscillation frequency have a constant frequency difference.

Abstract: A predetermined relationship among various loading states, stability factor (Kh) of a vehicle and lateral acceleration (Gy) of the vehicle is stored in a storage device (30A) as a reference relationship (i.e. a map). Information regarding a lateral acceleration (Gy) of the vehicle is acquired using a lateral acceleration sensor (40). An estimated value of the stability factor (Kh) of the vehicle is calculated on the basis of vehicle travelling data when turning. A loading state of the vehicle is estimated on the basis of the area in which the estimated value of the stability factor and the lateral acceleration of the vehicle which is at the same point in time as the vehicle travelling data which were provided for the calculation of the estimated value belong in the reference relationship.

Abstract: Relative displacements related to a structure are measured for use of a feedback signal in real time for the structural monitor of active and semi-active vibration. The monitors reduce structural movement caused by any source of natural or artificial vibration. A pre-stressed axial element is installed between two different points of the structure using a fixed connector and a flexible one. As the structure vibrates in response to an external “source”, a relative displacement is caused between two connecting points of the axial element, which can be measured based on the rotation ? of the flexible connector of the axial element. Discrete displacement can be obtained in real time of the whole structure where the axial element is installed. A modal monitor through active or semi-active devices can improve the structural behavior in some cases.

Abstract: Disclosed is detecting changes in pressure in a medium, with an optical fiber having a core diameter at an immersion surface contact of the fiber of less than 10 ?m; a layer of material deposited on said end of the fiber, the material being of a thickness of from about 2 nm to about 10 nm. Also disclosed is detecting pressure waves in a medium comprising: contacting the medium with a fiber optic, the fiber integrated with a light source and a detector, the fiber optic having a diameter of less than 10 ?m at an immersion surface contact of the fiber; providing a thin layer of material on the immersion surface contact, wherein said thin layer of material is of a thickness in a range of from about 2 nm to about 10 nm; and detecting Fresnel back reflections from the immersion end of the fiber.