Abstract: A radar apparatus includes an antenna that receives echo signals, each of the echo signals being a radar signal reflected by one or more objects; a Doppler-frequency acquirer that acquires Doppler frequencies at each range bin from the received echo signals; a direction correlation power-value calculator that calculates direction correlation power values for respective combinations of the Doppler frequencies and at least one of a distance to the one or more objects and an arrival direction of the echo signals, each direction correlation power value indicating a strength of a corresponding echo signal; and a normalized direction correlation-value calculator that calculates, for the respective combinations, normalized direction correlation values, each normalized direction correlation value indicating a probability of the arrival direction of the corresponding echo signal.

Abstract: An active state estimation system comprises radar systems for obtaining sensor measurements, data storage devices for storing the sensor measurements, and computer processors in communication with the data storage devices. A memory stores program instructions which cause the computer processors to initialize a system having state variables and also having unknown, multidimensional, arbitrarily time-varying parameters, but which are subject to known bounded values. Sensor measurements for the object being tracked are then received, and applied to an estimating filter that explicitly uses a mean square optimization criterion that separately accounts for measurement errors and said bounding values, to produce estimates of the true state of the system. The system also determines whether a regime change has occurred based on the estimates of the true state of the system, and if so, determines updated known bounded values that are used to update the boundaries used by the system.

Abstract: Arrangements related to sensing systems and methods are described. A sensing system can include one or more LIDAR sensors. The one or more LIDAR sensors can be configured to output signals. The sensing system can include one or more RADAR sensors. The one or more RADAR sensors can be configured to output signals. The sensing system can include a processor. The processor can be operatively connected to receive signals output by the LIDAR sensor(s) and the RADAR sensor(s). The processor can be configured to process signals received from both the LIDAR sensor(s) and the RADAR sensor(s) together. In some arrangements, the LIDAR sensor(s) and the RADAR sensor(s) can be located within the same housing. In one or more arrangements, the LIDAR sensor(s) and/or the RADAR sensor(s) can be configured as a phased array. In one or more arrangements, the sensing system can be used in connection with a vehicle.

Abstract: An exemplary computer implemented digital image processing method conveys probabilities of detecting terrestrial targets from an observation aircraft. Input data defining an observation aircraft route relative to the geographical map with lines of communications (LOC) disposed thereon are received and stored as well as input data associated an aircraft sensor's targeting capabilities and attributes related to the capability of targets to be detected. Percentages of time for line-of-sight visibility from the aircraft of segments of LOC segments are determined. Probability percentages that the sensor would detect a terrestrial target on the segments are determined. The segments are color-coded with visibility and sensor detection information. A visual representation of the map with the color-coded segments is provided to enhance the ability to select appropriate observation mission factors to achieve a successful observation mission.

Abstract: A passive-tracking system for passively tracking a living being is described herein. The system can include a visible-light sensor to generate visible-light frames based on visible light reflected off an object and a sound transducer to generate sound frames based on sound reflected off the object. The system can also include a processor that can receive the visible-light and sound frames and based on data of these frames, generate a novelty representation of the object through a merging of the data of the frames. Based on the data of the visible-light and sound frames, the processor can determine the object is a living being, and when the processor does, it can generate, based on the novelty representation, a 3D position of the living-being object and can passively track the living-being object over time by, based on the novelty representation, selectively updating the 3D position of the living-being object.

Abstract: A proximity sensor and a proximity sensing method using an event-based vision sensor are provided. The proximity sensor may include a point identification (ID) unit which identifies a point at which an output light output from a focused light source is reflected from an object in an image taken by the proximity sensor; and a distance determination unit which determines a distance between the object and the proximity sensor based on a position of the point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing distance information of a scene with a time-of-flight camera, comprising the steps of emitting a modulated light pulse towards the scene, receiving reflections of the modulated light pulse from the scene, evaluating a time-of-flight information for the received reflections of the modulated light pulse, and deriving distance information from the time-of-flight information for the received reflections, whereby a spread spectrum signal is applied to a base frequency of the modulation of the light pulse, and the time-of-flight information is evaluated under consideration of the a spread spectrum signal applied to the base frequency of the modulation of the light pulse. The invention further relates to a time-of-flight camera for providing distance information from a scene, whereby the time-of-flight camera performs the above method.

Abstract: In a ranging system using a TOF method, an unwanted reflected light component included in reflected light is reduced or removed. A light source unit emits light at the timing indicated by a light emission control signal and can adjust for each of at least two irradiation regions the amount of light to be emitted. A light receiving unit is exposed to light from a region including a target object and produces three-dimensional information from the total exposure amount. An image processing unit generates a distance image based on the three-dimensional information received from the light receiving unit. The light source unit emits light according to a radiation pattern indicated by a region light amount signal. The radiation pattern is setting of the amount of light to be emitted to each irradiation region.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a Global Positioning System (GPS) phased array comprising a plurality of digital beam forming elements (DBFEs), wherein at least one of the DBFEs includes: an antenna configured to transmit a GPS signal; a radio frequency (RF) electronics section operably connected to the antenna and digital electronics sections; and a digital electronics section operably connected to the RF electronics section. An apparatus includes: a GPS phased array comprising a plurality of DBFEs, wherein at least one of the DBFEs includes: an antenna configured to transmit a GPS signal; an RF electronics section operably connected to the antenna and digital electronics sections; and a digital electronics section operably connected an RF electronic section; a navigation encoder and frequency generator (NEFU) unit operably connected to the GPS phased array; and an atomic frequency standard operably connected to the NEFU unit.

Abstract: A Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) includes a plurality of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reference receivers configured to receive and process GNSS satellite measurements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor radiation detector for detecting X-ray and/or gamma-ray radiation. The detector comprises a converter element for converting incident X-ray and gamma-ray photons into electron-hole pairs, at least one cathode, a plurality of detector electrodes arranged with a pitch (P) along a first axis, a plurality of drift electrodes, a readout circuitry being configured to read out signals from the plurality of detector electrodes; and a processing unit connected to the readout circuitry and being configured to detect an event in the converter element. The readout circuitry is further configured to read out signals from the plurality of drift electrodes, and the processing unit is further configured to estimate a location of the event along the first axis by processing signals obtained from both the detector electrodes and the drift electrodes, the location of the event along said first axis is estimated with a precision being greater than the pitch (P).

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal management system, an X-ray detection device and a CT apparatus. The thermal management system comprises a heater, an air mixing portion and a fan. The heater is provided at an air inlet of the air mixing portion. The air mixing portion provides an air mixing space for mixing exterior air that enters the air mixing portion with interior air of the air mixing portion. The fan is provided at an air outlet of the air mixing portion, and supplies the mixed air in the air mixing portion to a target object to be thermally managed. Therefore, a response time of the thermal management system to operate for an external temperature change may be lengthened, thus occurrence of abrupt change in a temperature of the target object as the external temperature changes abruptly may be avoided, improving a reliability of the thermal management system.

Abstract: A device for detecting radiation particles comprising at least one sensor for sensing radiation particles, capable of supplying an electrical pulse when it is traversed by at least one radiation particle, and at least one detection circuit comprising a voltage-controlled oscillator to which said electrical pulse originating from the sensor is supplied as the control voltage. The voltage-controlled oscillator is a ring oscillator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring mono-energetic hadron beams are provided. Such systems and methods include a first detection unit having a planar sensor with a sensing area segmented into a matrix of pixels, each pixel being adapted to provide a transit signal indicative of transit of a particle therethrough, and a counting circuit coupled to the sensor for providing an output signal indicative of number of particles Np of the beam crossing said sensing area in a time interval, based on the transit signals provided by said pixels, and a second detection unit arranged downstream of the first detection unit which includes at least one ionization detector for providing an output signal proportional to the total charge Qion released by the beam (B) in the ionization detector in such time interval.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus connected to an external connection unit of a radiation imaging apparatus including a storage unit and a control unit configured to access to the storage unit, comprises a determination unit that determines that an abnormality has occurred in the radiation imaging apparatus; a processing unit that, if determined that the abnormality has occurred, and the control unit has access authority to the storage unit, performs processing of revoking the access authority; another control unit that obtains the access authority in accordance with the processing of the processing unit and accesses the storage unit; and an output unit that outputs, to an external apparatus, any one of radiation image data captured by the radiation imaging apparatus and log data of the apparatus which are obtained from the storage unit via the other control unit.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an apparatus includes a first detector, a second detector, and a controller. The first detector is configured to detect first radiation at a first frequency within a first time by at least a first radiation detecting element and a second radiation detecting element that are positioned near to each other, and output a first signal. The second detector is configured to detect second radiation at a second frequency less than the first frequency within a second time by at least the first radiation detecting element and the second radiation detecting element, and output a second signal. The controller is configured to generate a third signal representing a difference between the first signal and the second signal, and calculate energy using the third signal.

Abstract: Seismic pulses are emitted are emitted with consecutive time intervals that follow a pattern described by several Golomb rulers, wherein at least two of the Golomb rulers have at least four marks, such that pair-wise time intervals between seismic pulse emissions are different, to distinguish seismic reflections stemming from different seismic pulses and/or seismic sources from each other. This allows executing seismic surveys with several simultaneously operated seismic source arrays, thereby reducing the survey cost. In a marine environment the seismic sources may be air-gun arrays towed by one or more vessels, and the method can be also applied onshore.

Abstract: Vibrators for producing seismic signals for use in oil and gas exploration are equipped with segmented base plates, each segment being independently controlled and activated. The use of an array of base plate segments allows the individual segments of the array to be activated in a particular pattern, thus generating S-waves and other unconventional wave patterns for seismic use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 3D seismic marine survey apparatus. More particularly, it relates to a foldable-fixing type 3D seismic survey apparatus for a small ship and a method of 3D seismic survey using the foldable-fixing type 3D seismic survey apparatus. The foldable-fixing type 3D seismic survey apparatus for a small ship includes: a seismic wave generator; and a seismic unit that includes a plurality of floating board units, and foldable fixing-frames connecting and fixing the floating board units to each other in a floating board array such that relative positions of the floating board units are fixed, and being folded for transporting and unfolded for installing, in which the seismic unit receives 3D seismic waves while being towed behind the seismic wave generator after being moved and unfolded at a survey location.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a target-oriented reverse time migration may include obtaining a seismic dataset and a geologic model representative of the subsurface volume of interest; identifying a target based on the seismic dataset and the geologic model; calculating a normal to represent a structural dip direction for at least one point on the target; upward propagating a cluster of beams from the at least one point on the target to a surface representing an acquisition surface of the seismic data; identifying valid source-receiver beam pairs based on coverage of the seismic dataset; accumulating coverage of the valid source-receiver beam pairs; identifying traces from the seismic dataset that fall within the accumulated beam pair coverage; and performing a target-oriented reverse time migration using the identified traces to produce a seismic image.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods of wavefield separation based on matching operators that represents the relationship between co-located pressure and particle motions sensors. A pressure wavefield and a particle motion wavefield emitted from a subterranean formation are measured using co-located pressure and particle motion sensors located along one or more streamers of a seismic data acquisition system. A matching operator that relates pressure sensor and particle motion sensor responses for co-located pressure and particle motion sensors is computed based on depth of the co-located pressure and particle motion sensors and on the measured pressure and particle motion wavefields. The matching operator and the measured pressure and particle motion wavefields may then be used to compute up-going and down-going wavefields.

Abstract: The disclosed method includes receiving resulting signals emanating from a subterranean formation, wherein the resulting signals are caused by signals emitted from seismic sources. The method further includes dividing the resulting signals into a plurality of sub-samples. The method includes determining a frequency content of one or more of the sub-samples and assigning a weight to or more components of the frequency content of the sub-sample to produce a weighted frequency content of the sub-sample, wherein the assigned weight is based, at least in part, on an estimate of the amount of noise present in the frequency content of the sub-sample. The method further includes combining the weighted frequency contents of the sub-samples to produce a weighted sample. The method further includes determining one or more properties of the subsurface formation based, at least in part, on the weighted sample.

Abstract: A submerged front end buoy has a body with a connecting mechanism for connecting to a lead-in cable and a seismic streamer. A depth adjustment mechanism is disposed within the body to set a depth of the submerged front end buoy and includes an adjustable buoyancy mechanism and a plurality of wings extending from an exterior surface of the body.

Abstract: Method, source array and seismic vibro-acoustic source element for seismic data acquisition. The method includes storing in a controller a library of beam form factor sets associated with a source array and corresponding regions to be surveyed; towing the source array along survey lines over the regions to be surveyed; selecting a beam form factor set from the library to be applied to the source array for each region; and actuating the source array based on the selected set of beam form factors and a position of the source array relative to the regions. Each set of beam form factors maps to a corresponding region of an area to be surveyed.

Abstract: A method for selecting core points in subsurface formations includes selecting a zone from at least one subsurface formation. At least one statistical measure of at least one petrophysical measurement with respect to position along the selected zone is calculated. A predetermined number of core points at randomly selected positions along the selected zone is selected The at least one statistical measure is calculated for the randomly selected positions. Using a Monte Carlo iteration, the positions along the selected zone are randomly reselected and the at least one statistical measure is recalculated for the randomly reselected points until the at least one statistical measure for the randomly selected points is a maximum for a user selected statistical criterion applied to the at least one statistical measure of at least one petrophysical measurement with respect to position along the selected zone.

Abstract: A high power switching circuit suitable for injection of high currents, typically several tens of Amperes, at high drive voltages of up to 5-10 kV, is provided using a combination of electromechanical and semiconductor switching elements that, while providing switchable polarity, substantially bypasses semiconductor switching element(s) during a substantial portion of current injection duty cycles. In this way, thermal heating of switching elements can be reduced/managed in a way that improves long term reliability of geophysical survey equipment. In addition, circuit protections can be provided to address backflow currents generated upon collapse of electromagnetic fields in inductive loads, such as is typical in geophysical surveys.

Abstract: A multi-sensor electromagnetic (EM) system and method for measuring gradients of EM signals. The multi-sensor EM system includes a frame; a transmitter device attached to the frame and configured to generate a primary EM field; a receiver device attached to the frame and configured to record a secondary EM field generated by the earth after being excited by the primary EM field; and a gradient sensor device attached to the frame and configured to record a gradient of the secondary EM field.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are described, such as for obtaining information indicative of a formation resistivity, such as using information from a galvanic measurement apparatus. A resistive parameter related to a geologic formation is estimated through use of a model. An electrical excitation is coupled from a well tool in a borehole to the geologic formation. Induced voltages resulting from the excitation are received using monitor electrodes selected according to the specified excitation mode, including receiving magnitude and phase information corresponding to the induced voltages. The resistive parameter of the model is then determined using the magnitude and phase information of the received voltages, and using magnitude and phase information about the excitation.

Abstract: An antenna assembly includes a bobbin positionable about an outer surface of a tool mandrel and providing an outer bobbin surface. A coil is wrapped about and extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the outer bobbin surface. An inner sleeve interposes the bobbin and the tool mandrel and receives a plurality of ferrites that interpose the tool mandrel and the coil.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating a geological formation which integrates well data and high resolution computed tomography of rock samples thereof. Relationships are determined for a formation between a formation property, such as an elastic property, and at least one of photoelectric effect index (PEF), effective atomic number (Zeff), and bulk density (RHOB), using well data, and tomographic imaging is used to determine at least one of the latter mentioned properties (PEF, Zeff, RHOB) at higher resolution, which can be used in the relationship to determine a corresponding formation property. This affords an opportunity to develop formation property data for more challenging formations to evaluate, such as thinly laminated formations or others. Computerized systems, computer program products on non-transitory computer usable storage media, and programs for performing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for deriving linear acceleration using an accelerometer. The orientation of a device may be determined using only accelerometer data. The determined orientation may then be used to determine a gravity vector, such that linear acceleration may be derived by subtracting the gravity vector from accelerometer data.

Abstract: Accordingly the embodiment herein provides a device for recognizing a 3D posture and a location of a movable body. The device includes: a plurality of polarization modules individually attached to a plurality of surfaces of a 3D figure; a plurality of illumination modules individually corresponding to the polarization modules and generating and outputting illumination value information in which polarized light emitted from a polarization light source penetrates the corresponding polarization module to be received; and an interpretation unit generating posture information and location information of the movable body by using the illumination value information received from the illumination modules corresponding to the polarization modules attached to at least three considered target surfaces.

Abstract: System and methods of generating calibrated downhole images of a subterranean formation (110) surrounding a wellbore (105). The method involves placing a pad at a distance from a highly conductive surface and measuring a current between return electrodes of the pad and the highly conductive surface. The current may be used to determine a theoretic impedance of the current path, and impedance amplitude and impedance phase may be calibrated using theoretical impedance phase and theoretical impedance amplitude. Multiple standoff calibrations and temperature variation calibrations may also be used.

Abstract: A system, method and a computer program product for to determining energy production controls for a given subterranean hydrocarbon (oil) field production and more particularly to specifying controls for sustaining optimal field production (by means of a plateau-like profile over time).

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of forecasting solar energy irradiance potential and subsequent photovoltaic output in a region. The apparatus and method includes collecting meteorological data for a given region and then estimating irradiance levels using parameters collected from the meteorological data. Solar energy production is then simulated using the collected meteorological data, estimated irradiance levels, and physical characteristics of a solar generating system in the given region at a predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention provide a class of water-processable polymerizable prepolymers which comprises (1) siloxane-containing monomeric units derived at least one siloxane containing monomer having one hydrophilic group or chain and/or polysiloxane-containing crosslinking units derived from at least one hydrophilized polysiloxane or chain-extended polysiloxane crosslinker; (2) hydrophilic monomeric units derived from one or more hydrophilic vinylic monomers; and (3) from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of polymerizable units each having a pendant or terminal, ethylenically-unsaturated group and free of any polysiloxane segment. The prepolymer comprises from about 20% to about 50% by weight of silicone relative to the total weight of the prepolymer and has a high water solubility or dispersibility of at least about 5% by weight in water and suitable for making silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: Acrylate-acrylamide copolymers are disclosed. They are rigid and glassy in dry state at room temperature (from about 23° C. to about 28° C.), but are soft and very deformable and have a high refractive index, a high glistening resistance and a low aging-related surface light scattering in fully hydrated state. They are particularly suitable for making wet-packed intraocular lenses (IOLs) which can be delivered through sub 2.0 mm incisions.

Abstract: A polarizing plate of the present invention includes: a first adhesion layer, a transparent protective layer, a second adhesion layer, and a polarizing film in the stated order, wherein: the first adhesion layer has a thickness of 10 ?m or more; the transparent protective layer has a thickness of 30 ?m or less; the transparent protective layer has a moisture permeability of 200 g/m2/24 hr or less; the second adhesion layer has a bulk water absorption ratio of 10 wt % or less; the polarizing film has a thickness of 10 ?m or less; and the polarizing film has a boric acid content of 18 wt % or less with respect to a weight of the polarizing film.

Abstract: The invention provides the following advantages: the present invention provides a quantum dot polarizer and manufacturing method thereof. The quantum dot polarizer comprises a first protective layer and a second protective layer, and the first protective layer or the second protective layer being a complex film comprising quantum dots. As such, without increasing the thickness of display, the invention can improve color spectrum and transmittance, and is applicable to ultra-thin display devices at low cost. The manufacturing method adds the quantum dots to the cotton glue for forming protective layers by extension or coating process to obtain quantum dot protective layer used for quantum dot polarizer. As such, the invention can avoid humidity and oxygen affecting the quantum dots and reduce cost by eliminating manufacturing independent quantum dot element separately.

Abstract: A plasmonic lens is presented comprising a surface for interaction with an input electromagnetic field, wherein this surface has a pattern comprising an arrangement of a plurality of elongated spaced-apart features of a predetermined geometry arranged in a spaced-apart relationship along at least one segment of a spiral curve, each of the pattern features defining an elongated interface for creation of surface waves in response to the interaction with the incident electromagnetic field, such that the pattern provides linear-polarization-independent plasmonic focusing and large area, high contrast, circular polarization dichroic plasmonic focusing.

Abstract: Optical systems are described that include a lighting component, a switchable diffuser adjacent the lighting component, and a low-absorbing optical component disposed adjacent the switchable diffuser opposite the lighting component or disposed adjacent the lighting component opposite the switchable diffuser or disposed adjacent the lighting component opposite the display panel. The switchable diffuser is capable of being in either a substantially clear state or in a first hazy state. The low-absorbing optical component provides a collimating effect or a turning effect when the lighting component is illuminated and the switchable diffuser is in the substantially clear state.

Abstract: Optical films for reducing color shift, and organic light-emitting display apparatuses, employing the same include a first lens pattern layer including a plurality of first grooves, and a second lens pattern layer on the first lens pattern layer having the plurality of first grooves. The second lens pattern layer has a plurality of second grooves crossing the plurality of first grooves. The plurality of first and second grooves are each shaped in the form of a stripe.

Abstract: An alignment film capable of reducing occurrence of alignment disorder in a simple manner, a method of manufacturing the alignment film, a retardation film, a method of manufacturing the retardation film, and a display are provided. An alignment film is configured of an anchor layer and an alignment layer stacked in this order on a base. The alignment layer includes a groove region having a plurality of fine grooves on a surface thereof, and a groove region having a plurality of fine grooves on a surface thereof. The anchor layer provided between the base and the alignment layer is provided with an antistatic function in addition to a function of bringing the alignment layer into close contact with the base.

Abstract: An optical film includes: a first optical phase retardation layer having a relation nx1?ny1?nz1; a second optical phase retardation layer disposed under the first optical phase retardation layer and having a relation nx2?ny2<nz2; and a third optical phase retardation layer disposed on the first optical phase retardation layer and having a relation nx3?ny3<nz3, where nzi (i=1, 2, 3) denotes a refractive coefficient in a thickness direction of the i-th optical phase retardation layer, and nxi and nyi denote refractive coefficients in two orthogonal directions in a plane substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction of the i-th optical phase retardation layer.

Abstract: A display device is provided. The display device includes an anti-reflection film. The anti-reflection film includes a base film, a retardation coating layer disposed on a first side of the base film so as to delay a phase of transmitted light, and a polarizer coating layer disposed on a second side of the base film so as to allow a polarization component of the transmitted light in a specific direction to pass through, wherein the retardation coating layer and the polarizer coating layer are formed by applying a liquid crystal on the base film.

Abstract: An absorptive grid polarization element includes a transparent substrate, and a stripe-like grid provided on the transparent substrate. Each of a plurality of linear parts which form the grid absorbs more s polarization light than p polarization light, and thus achieves a polarizing action. The transparent substrate is made of quartz glass. Each of the linear parts includes a second layer formed on the transparent substrate, and a first layer formed on the second layer. The first layers are formed from amorphous titanium oxide. The second layers are formed from amorphous silicon.

Abstract: An optical film includes: a polarization layer; a first phase retardation layer having an optic axis at an angle in a range from about 17 degrees to about 27 degrees or from about ?27 degrees to about ?17 degrees with respect to a transmission axis of the polarization layer; and a second phase retardation layer having an optic axis at an angle in a range from about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees with respect to the transmission axis of the polarization layer. The polarization layer, the first phase retardation layer, and the second phase retardation layer are deposited in sequence, the first phase retardation layer is a half-wave plate, the second phase retardation layer is a quarter-wave plate, and out-of-plane retardation values of the first phase retardation layer and the second phase retardation layer for incident light having the standard wavelength have opposite signs.

Abstract: A retarder system that comprises at least two plates, each of which comprise two surfaces that are parallel to, or substantially parallel to one another, said plates being tipped with respect to one another so that the surfaces of one thereof are not parallel to the surfaces of the other, each said plate further comprising a biased fast axis that is neither parallel to, or perpendicular to surfaces of said plates.

Abstract: A light emitting device (1) comprising a light source (2) adapted for, in operation, emitting light (13) with a first spectral distribution, a first light guide (3) comprising a first light input surface (31) and a first light exit surface (32) arranged opposite to one another, and further comprising an end surface (35) extending perpendicular with respect to the first light input surface (31), and a second light guide (4) comprising a second light input surface (41) and a second light exit surface (42) extending perpendicular with respect to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical fiber assembly comprising a launching fiber having a receiving end and a transmitting end; an illuminating fiber having a receiving end and a transmitting end; where the receiving end of the launching fiber is operative to receive light from a light source and the transmitting end of the launching fiber is operative to transmit light to the receiving end of the illuminating fiber; where the launching fiber contacts the illuminating fiber in a manner so as to be offset from a center of a cross-sectional area of the illuminating fiber; and where the launching fiber has a diameter that is ? to ½ of a diameter of the illuminating fiber; and a lens that is operative to contact the transmitting end of the illuminating fiber.