Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) photonic equalizer may include a first electro-optic (E/O) modulator configured to modulate an optical carrier based upon an RF input signal, a stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) medium coupled to the first E/O modulator, and a second E/O modulator configured to modulate the optical carrier based upon an equalizing function waveform. An optical circulator may be coupled to the SBS medium and the second E/O modulator, and a photodetector may be coupled to the optical circulator.

Abstract: A method of performing metrology analysis of a thin film includes coupling a radiation into an optical element disposed adjacent to a surface of the thin film. The radiation is coupled such that the radiation is totally internally reflected at an interface between the optical element and the thin film. An evanescent radiation generated at the interface penetrates the thin film. The method furthers include analyzing the evanescent radiation scattered by the thin film to obtain properties of the thin film.

Abstract: Fiber optic sensors for distributed monitoring of physical parameters along a fiber optic cable are disclosed. A sensor comprises a fiber optic cable mounted to a flexible member disposed in a sensor housing body. The flexible member is coupled to the body and to a bladder in the body. The bladder is exposed to an immediate external environment to the sensor through a port in the body so that changes in pressure or liquid level in the environment cause changes to the size of the bladder, which in turn change the shape of the flexible body to impart mechanical strain on the cable. The cable may be inscribed by fiber Bragg gratings. Changes in spectra may be analyzed to measure the physical parameters. Simultaneous measurement of temperature, liquid and gas pressure, vibration, mechanical strain, liquid level, liquid flow rate, and deformation in a distributed fashion generates a 3-D environmental map.

Abstract: Systems and methods for perception-based tactile sensing in a robot are provided. The robot may include an external portion and an illuminator that outputs illumination. The robot may further include a receiving sensor that receives illumination. The robot may also include a pair of conduits, located at an external portion, that include an injecting conduit that traverses one or more housings of the robot. The injecting conduit may be configured to receive the illumination from the illuminator and output the illumination to illuminate an object external to the robot. The pair of conduits may also include a receiving conduit, traversing one or more housings of the robot, configured to receive the illumination from the object external to the robot and output the illumination to the receiving sensor.

Abstract: A monitorable hollow core (HC) optical fiber comprises one or more hollow core anti-resonant fiber (HC-ARF) segments and one or more monitoring segments alternatingly connected with the HC-ARF segments, and where each monitoring segment comprises one or more non-HC-ARF constituents. A method for monitoring a monitorable HC optical fiber comprises transmitting one or more first optical signals on the monitorable HC optical fiber, detecting one or more second optical signals on the monitorable HC optical fiber, and monitoring one or more optical properties of the monitorable HC optical fiber using the first optical signals and the second optical signals, where the monitoring is enabled as a result of interactions between the first optical signals and the non-HC-ARF constituents of the monitoring segments.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a probe body of an optical probe assembly. The probe assembly may be designed for measuring a surface of an object while being carried by a probe head of a coordinate measuring machine. The probe body comprising a coupling unit at a first end of the probe body designed for providing coupling of the probe body to the probe head of a coordinate measuring machine and a light guiding element for transmitting original source light supplied by the probe head from the coupling unit to a second end of the probe body.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing substrates includes a continuum radiation source, a source manifold optically coupled to the continuum radiation source and comprising: a plurality of beam guides, each having a first end that optically couples the beam guide to the continuum radiation source; and a second end. The apparatus also includes a detector manifold to detect radiation originating from the source manifold and transmitted through a processing area, and one or more transmission pyrometers configured to analyze the source radiation and the transmitted radiation to determine an inferred temperature proximate the processing area.

Abstract: An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes, a substrate including a light-receiving region and a pad region disposed around the light-receiving region, wherein the light-receiving region receives light to generate image data, a photoelectric conversion layer disposed on the light-receiving region of the substrate, an anti-reflection layer disposed on the photoelectric conversion layer and including a plurality of subsidiary anti-reflection layers, a microlens disposed on the anti-reflection layer, a delamination-preventing layer disposed on the pad region of the substrate, and a wiring layer disposed on the delamination-preventing layer, wherein a lowermost one of the subsidiary anti-reflection layers of the anti-reflection layer includes a first material composition and the delamination-preventing layer includes a second material composition different from the first material composition.

Abstract: An optical component is configured to optically connect a light-emitting element and an optical fiber, and includes an optical surface arranged in a middle of an optical path of a light to be emitted from the light-emitting element to the optical fiber to reflect the light. The optical surface includes an optical path area configured to reflect the light and a non-optical path area other than the optical path area, and the optical path area and the non-optical path area are coplanar. The optical path area has a smooth surface, and at least a part of the non-optical path area has a rough surface which is rougher than the optical path area.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor module for an image-sensing device is disclosed. The method may comprise forming a first molding component on a first surface of a printed circuit board (PCB); mounting at least a photosensitive member to a second surface of the PCB; and forming a second molding component on the second surface of the PCB. The PCB may comprise at least an electric component on the first surface of the PCB. The first molding component may encapsulate the at least one electric component with the PCB. The second molding component may secure the photosensitive member on the PCB.

Abstract: A portable biomedical device for detecting ischemic stroke in the brain is provided. The device provides portability and compactness and can accommodate software for resolving blood flow velocity measurements. The device can provide both a diagnostic and a predictive tool for determining the occurrence of an ischemic attack, one such example being transient ischemic attack (TIA) not only at hospital bedside but also in a home environment.

Abstract: An encoder scale includes a plate-shaped base mount and an optical pattern that is provided on one surface of the base mount and has alternately arranged first regions and second regions. The first regions are each primarily formed of a first surface a normal to which extends in the thickness direction of the base mount, and the second regions are each primarily formed of a second surface that inclines with respect to the first surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed with one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) with at least one optical transmitter and receiver optically coupled to an optical network over 1 Mbps using at least one LED with a first mode to using broadband optical transmission; and a controller coupled to the LEDs, the controller communicating with the optical network using the optical transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying a connection between a first and second connector. The system includes a transducer and a processor. The processor is configured to determine a velocity of the first connector when the first connector is moved to the second connector to form a coupling, calculate a time interval to the coupling based on the velocity detected at the set point and a position of the second connector, and receive, from the transducer, a signal during the time interval. The signal includes the sound generated when the coupling is formed. The processor analyzes the signal and identifies the sound of the coupling within the signal. The signal is filtered in the frequency domain and in the time domain, resulting in a filtered spectrogram. The spectrogram is compared to a pattern. The processor determines if the first and second connector are properly coupled based on the comparison.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for use in a waveguide system that includes: receiving a wireless authentication request from a communication device, the wireless authentication request including a fiber authentication key; comparing, by the waveguide system, the fiber authentication key to fiber authentication data of the waveguide system to determine when the fiber authentication key is authenticated, wherein the fiber authentication data corresponds to a microwave fiber of the waveguide system; and when the fiber authentication key is authenticated, enabling communications with the communication device, wherein the communications include generating, by the waveguide system and in response to first wireless signals received from the communication device, first electromagnetic waves on a surface of a transmission medium, and wherein the first electromagnetic waves have a frequency within a microwave frequency range.

Abstract: An optical fingerprint sensing unit includes a substrate, a circuit pattern, an optical fingerprint sensing chip, an encapsulation layer and a fiber-optic layer. The circuit pattern is formed on a surface of the substrate. The optical fingerprint sensing chip is fixed on the substrate. The optical fingerprint sensing chip is electrically connected with the circuit pattern through a metal wire. The optical fingerprint sensing chip, the circuit pattern and the metal wire are covered by the encapsulation layer. The fiber-optic layer is disposed on the encapsulation layer. After a UV-curable optically clear adhesive is subjected to a light-curing reaction, the encapsulation layer is formed.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to determining cross track error between a stored planted location and the actual physical location of plants. An array of active light sensors is mounted on a vehicle for travel above the plants. The array of active light sensors generate an electrical signal from each sensor corresponding to the reflected light from the sensor. A computer system generates a reflectance curve from the array of sensors to determine the location of a plant below the array of sensors and also generates the cross track error.

Abstract: A sensor comprising a light component in support of a light source operable to direct a beam of light onto an imaging device having an image sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS or N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS or Live MOS) sensor. The sensor can also comprise an imaging device positioned proximate to the light component and operable to receive the beam of light, and to convert this into an electric signal, wherein the light component and the imaging device are movable relative to one another, and wherein relative movement of the light component and the imaging device is determinable in multiple degrees of freedom. The sensor can also comprise a light deflecting module designed to deflect light from a light component onto the imaging device. The light sources and the resulting beams of light therefrom can comprise a number of different types, orientations, configurations to facilitate different measurable and determinable degrees of freedom by the sensor.

Abstract: An inline-bypass switch system includes: a first inline-bypass switch appliance having a first bypass component, a first switch coupled to the first bypass component, and a first controller; and a second inline-bypass switch appliance having a second bypass component, a second switch coupled to the second bypass component, and a second controller; wherein the first controller in the first inline-bypass switch appliance is configured to provide a state signal that is associated with a state of the first inline-bypass switch appliance; and wherein the second controller in the second inline-bypass switch appliance is configured to control the second bypass component based at least in part on the state signal.

Abstract: A slip ring for optical fibers includes a first part and a second part that is able to rotate with respect to the first part, the slip ring comprising at least one data transmission channel comprising an optical/electrical converter for transforming an optical signal conveyed by an optical fiber into a first electrical signal, at least one optical emitter, receiving the first electrical signal so as to emit a light beam, at least one optical detector for detecting the light beam and for transforming it into a second electrical signal, the emitter being contained in the first part and the detector being contained in the second part, or vice versa, and an electrical/optical converter to which the second electrical signal is transmitted such that the electrical/optical converter generates another optical signal intended to be conveyed on another optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical scanning system including an optical scanning device, and a photoreceiver device. The optical scanning device includes: a first waveguide array including a plurality of first waveguides; and a first phase shifter for adjusting phases of light propagating through the plurality of first waveguides to change an emission direction of emission light from the plurality of first waveguides. The photoreceiver device includes: a second waveguide array including a plurality of second waveguides configured to receive reflected light and propagate the received reflected light; and a second phase shifter for adjusting phases of the received reflected light propagating through the plurality of second waveguides to change a reception direction of the reflected light received by the plurality of second waveguides. An array pitch of the plurality of first waveguides in the optical scanning device differs from an array pitch of the plurality of second waveguides in the photoreceiver device.

Abstract: Provided is a lighting system comprising at least one lightning detection site including a local controller. The lightning detection site comprises one or more sensors configured for detecting data associated with at least one from the group selected from sound, electromagnetic field, and ambient light flashes. The local controller is configured to analyze the detected data to determine probability that a lightning strike occurred.

Abstract: A display module is provided, which includes: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed face to face, where the first substrate is a non-opaque substrate; a self-luminous display layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, an optical fingerprint sensing layer disposed between the self-luminous display layer and the second substrate, where the optical fingerprint sensing layer has a photosensitive pixel region; the self-luminous display layer has a non-opaque region, at least a portion of light transmitting from the first substrate to the self-luminous display layer can pass through the self-luminous display layer and reach the optical fingerprint sensing layer; and the self-luminous display layer has a light-blocked region located between the self-luminous layer and the optical fingerprint sensing layer which is configured to prevent light emitting from the self-luminous layer from reaching the optical fingerprint sensing layer before entering the first substrate.

Abstract: Methods for calibration of non-contact velocity measurements and systems for implementing the same are described. Generally, the method comprises inducing a shock wave into a sample at a stress intensity that varies across the sample's elastic limit, which corresponds to the elastic-plastic state transition of the sample. That transition state may be at the sample's Hugoniot elastic limit. The velocity of the sample is measured using a non-contact velocity measurement instrument such as a velocimeter. The measurement may be compared to a predicted velocity or a velocity measurement made by another system to determine calibration parameters.

Abstract: A modular optical connector includes a plurality of coupled optical ferrule support modules. Each optical ferrule support module comprises module connecting features configured to couple each ferrule support module with one or more neighboring ferrule support modules of the plurality of ferrule support modules. One or more optical ferrules are disposed and configured to rotate within the ferrule support module. Each optical ferrule includes a first attachment area configured to attach to one or more optical waveguides. One or more passageways are disposed within the ferrule support module. Each passageway is configured to receive the one or more optical waveguides. The passageway comprises a second attachment area configured to attach to the optical waveguides that are attached to the optical ferrule at the first attachment area. The passageway is dimensioned to constrain the optical waveguides to bend within the housing between the first attachment area and the second attachment area.

Abstract: The aspects disclosed herein are directed to systems, methods, implementations, and devices for determining if optical fire detector location, orientation, and quantity is sufficient to view a target fraction of all fire scenarios, as determined by risk analysis (e.g., 90%, using an approach that considers the actual dimensions of the visible fire). Employing the aspects disclosed herein, an implementer may review a real-world implementation, or collection of fire detectors including their locations and orientations as determined by heuristics, such as placing fire detectors near potential leak locations, and determine if the proposed layout is capable of detecting the target coverage, or fraction of fire scenarios that are possible in a given situation.

Abstract: A particle detection system is provided. The particle detection system comprises at least one transmitter; at least one receiver; a first interrogation volume formed by a first intersection of a first pair of a transmitter beam of a transmitter and a receiver field of view of a receiver; and a second interrogation volume formed by a second intersection of a second pair of a transmitter beam of a transmitter and a receiver field of view of a receiver.

Abstract: A hydraulic structure seepage property distributed optical fiber sensing integrated system includes a special optical fiber for seepage measurement, an optical fiber calibration device, an optical fiber laying device, and a seepage property identification device. After the optical fiber calibration device calibrates the special optical fiber for seepage measurement on site, the special optical fiber for seepage measurement is laid and tested with the aid of the optical fiber laying device, and is connected to the seepage property identification device for information collection, processing and analysis after the test is successful.

Abstract: A solar bioelectrical impedance spectrometer includes a microprocessor module, a radio module connected with the microprocessor module, a spectrometer module connected with the microprocessor module, a battery management module, a battery module connected with the battery management module, a solar power supply management module separately connected with the battery management module and the microprocessor module and a wearable solar cell module connected with the solar power supply management module. The battery management module is configured for receiving current output from the solar power supply management module under a preset condition and charging the battery module by the current. The spectrometer module includes an impedance network analyzer, a differential amplifier connected with the impedance network analyzer, and a wide-band current source connected with the impedance network analyzer.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser module includes a semiconductor laser that outputs laser light; an optical fiber that guides the laser light; a lens that couples the laser light, which is output from the semiconductor laser, with the optical fiber; a base that is substantially tabular in shape and that has the semiconductor laser, the optical fiber, and the lens fixed thereon either directly or indirectly; and a housing which houses the base and fixes the base either directly or indirectly. Among faces of the base, a face on a side that is fixed either directly or indirectly to the housing includes a junction plane that is joined to the housing either directly or indirectly, and a detachment plane that is detached to remain unfixed from the housing.

Abstract: A plug device for plugging in at least two optical modules is provided, wherein the plug device is disposed in a housing and includes a first circuit board, a first connecting module, and a movable module. The first connecting module includes a plurality of electrical connectors, and the movable module includes a plate, at least one frame, and at least one joining member. The electrical connectors are disposed on the first circuit board. The frame is connected to the plate and has a plurality of accommodating portions. The optical modules can be respectively accommodated in the accommodating portions. The plate can be affixed to or separated from the housing by the joining member.

Abstract: An articulating probe head for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) comprising an optical fiber and an interface for automatic connection to an optical coordinate probe. A tool rack for a CMM for storing tactile and/or optical probes for automatic exchange on the said probe head. Two methods are also described to verify the quality of the optical waveguide from controller to the probe tip.

Abstract: Processing strain measurement signals from a first measured signal representing a first received backscattered optical signal for a first sensor—the first measured signal associated with a first phase signal—and a second measured signal representing a second received backscattered optical signal for a second sensor. The second measured signal is associated with a second phase signal constituting a consolidation of the first phase signal and an additional phase signal—where the additional phase signal is unrecoverable from the first measured signal. The first phase signal is determined from the first measured signal and processed. The second phase signal is determined from the second measured signal, where the first phase signal and additional phase signal are indistinguishable in the phase domain. The second phase signal is processed to obtain the additional phase signal and a strain measurement signal is constructed using the processed first phase signal and additional phase signal.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a tissue staining method that makes it possible to observe both information on the morphology of a tissue and information on a biological substance such as an antigen molecule to be detected on a single section and in a single view field. The present invention provides a tissue staining method, including carrying out (A) a HE (hematoxylin-eosin) staining, and (B) a histochemical staining, serially on a single tissue section, wherein the histochemical staining is defined as a histochemical technique for detecting a biological substance to be detected in a tissue in a visible manner by use of a binding reaction between the biological substance to be detected and a probe biological substance capable of binding specifically to the biological substance to be detected.

Abstract: An optical transceiver includes an internal fiber that optically connects an optical modulator and a VOA, the internal fiber having a lower limit of bending radius, a guide that includes an arc-shaped convex surface, and a lower housing having an internal space and includes the optical modulator, the VOA, the internal fiber, and the guide. The arc-shaped convex surface of the guide and the inner wall of the lower housing forms an arc-shaped path that houses a portion of the internal fiber and bent the portion of the internal fiber with a bending radius larger than the minimum bending radius.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein illustrate systems and methods to determine and evaluate the quality of mechanical splices of optical fibers using insertion loss estimation. In at least some of the disclosed systems and methods, an optical fiber termination system may include a reference fiber coupling a light source and a stub fiber of a fiber optic connector, a digital camera sensor and lens to capture images of scattered light emanating from a portion of the fiber optic connector and a portion of the reference fiber both in a field of view (FOV) of the digital camera sensor, and a processor. The processor may analyze digital images of scatter light emitted from at least a portion of the fiber optic connector and the reference fiber to estimate insertion loss at the fiber optic connector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wavelength-shifting element configured to receive an input-light signal. The wavelength-shifting element includes a wavelength-shifting material configured to absorb at least a portion of the received input-light signal and produce an emitted-light signal from the absorbed portion of the received input-light signal. The apparatus also includes a plasmonic grating comprising a plurality of plasmonic-grating elements configured to receive at least a portion of the emitted-light signal and direct the received portion of the emitted-light signal onto a photodetector. The apparatus further includes the photodetector configured to receive the directed portion of the emitted-light signal and produce an electrical current corresponding to the directed portion of the emitted-light signal.

Abstract: A light guide device for conducting a light beam between a light source and a measuring unit for measuring a gas or substance concentration includes a light conductor and a holding apparatus. The conductor includes at least one coupling section, which faces, or can be arranged to be turned toward, the light source, for coupling the light beam, and a decoupling section, which faces, or can be arranged to be turned toward, the measuring unit, for decoupling the light beam. The conductor is configured to conduct the light beam between the coupling section and the decoupling section via total reflection on a boundary surface to a fluid or material that surrounds the conductor and has a smaller refractive index than the conductor. The holding apparatus is configured to hold the conductor in the fluid such that at least one primary portion of a surface of the conductor contacts the fluid.

Abstract: A coaxial connector assembly includes a connector module having a connector body that includes contact cavities extending between a front side and a rear side of the connector body. The connector module has a cover having openings. Coaxial contacts are received in corresponding contact cavities each having a coaxial signal element and outer contact. The outer contact has a cable segment coupled to a coaxial cable and a mating segment. The cable segment has a front section and a rear section having a larger diameter than the front section and located rearward of the cover to receive the cable. The front section passes through the opening into the contact cavity to engage the mating segment. Biasing springs are located between the cover and the mating segment of the coaxial contact to bias the coaxial contact in the mating direction.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus and system for measuring pressure, temperature or both with a single interrogator includes a sensor having a cavity, a diaphragm and an optical element or base for conducting energy to and from the cavity and diaphragm. The two surfaces of the diaphragm and a surface of optical element and either surface of the diaphragm are partially reflecting surfaces and respectively define two optical path distances (OPDs) that produce preferential reflections and interference patterns at different optical frequencies or wavelengths that are respectively affected by pressure or temperature. Arranging the OPDs such that the fundamental frequency and harmonics of preferential reflections one OPD do not coincide with the fundamental frequency or harmonics of another OPD provides for both temperature and pressure measurement with a single interrogator and without complex spectral analysis.

Abstract: An RF module includes a housing including connector cavities and having a rear wall with lands adjacent openings. The RF module includes RF connectors received in the connector cavities each having a conductive shell and a dielectric body positioning a center contact in the shell. The RF connector has a spring surrounding the shell between front and rear flanges and a rear retainer having a front rim. The RF connector is received in the opening such that the front rim engages the rear wall to retain the RF connector in the corresponding opening. The RF connector is spring loaded in the connector cavity to allow the RF connector to float in the connector cavity.

Abstract: A signal coupling device includes a light-emitting element configured to emit light, a first element to drive the light-emitting element to output an optical signal, and a second element to receive the optical signal from the light-emitting element and to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal. A first silicone gel covers the first semiconductor element. A second silicone gel covers the second semiconductor element. A third silicone gel covers the light-emitting element. The light-emitting element, the first semiconductor element, and the second semiconductor element are encapsulated in resin material, which contacts the first, second, and third silicone gels. The first silicone gel, the second silicone gel, the third silicone gel, and the first resin material, and the resin material are transparent to light emitted by the light-emitting element. The first, second, and third silicone gels are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for the high throughput measurement of optical properties of liquid samples placed into the wells of a multiwell plate is disclosed. An optical fiber within a fiber bundle containing no corrective optics between the fiber ends and the well plate bottom illuminates the sample in order to induce fluorescence, and multiple fibers collect emission radiation and transmit it to a fluorescence detector such as a spectrometer. Other embodiments involve a light scattering illumination source with detection fibers located in either the same bundle containing the fluorescence monitoring fibers or an independent light scattering detection bundle for the measurement of static and/or dynamic light scattering. Some embodiments of the invention permit the measurement of phase analysis light scattering. Thus the measurement of multiple optical properties of a liquid sample may be made simultaneously or in succession. A method for these measurements is also disclosed.

Abstract: A detection device is provided with a light-receiving module configured to output an electrical signal according to a power of an input light received at a light-receiving surface, an optical lens configured to collimate and guide to the light-receiving surface the input light from the outside, and at least one condensing unit that is provided in a path of the input light between the optical lens and the light-receiving surface and configured to decrease a beam diameter of the input light at the light-receiving surface.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to fiber optic pulsed polarimeters based on either streak camera or photodiode detection using a backscatter tailored optical fiber and the polarization optical time domain reflectometry technique for conducting remote diagnostic measurements of inducing fields along the fiber. The backscatter tailored optical fiber comprises a single mode fiber with an array of fiber Bragg gratings written to produce a predetermined distribution of backscatter signal in intensity and spectral content in response to a pulse propagating along the array. The fiber optic pulsed polarimeter includes a directional coupler that diverts the backscatter from the backscatter-tailored optical fiber to a polarization detection system for determining the polarization state of the backscatter as the polarized light pulse transits the backscatter-tailored optical fiber.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a resin inner housing which has an accommodating space therein and in which an opening is provided, an externally exposed part which is disposed to cover the opening or pass through the opening and of which at least a part is exposed to the outside of the inner housing, and a metal outer housing which is positioned outside the inner housing and accommodates the inner housing and covers the inner housing. When a sealing treatment is performed between the inner housing and the externally exposed part, the accommodating space is sealed off from a space outside the inner housing. When a cut-off part is provided in the outer housing at a position corresponding to the part exposed to the outside of the inner housing of the externally exposed part, the part of the externally exposed part is also exposed to the outside of the outer housing.

Abstract: An imaging module includes: an image-sensing device; a first substrate including a first insulating substrate main body; a second substrate including a second insulating substrate main body; and a signal cable disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, that electrically connects a first cable terminal to a second cable terminal. In the imaging module, D1 is a length of a first diagonal line on a light-receiving face of the image-sensing device, D2 is a length of a second diagonal line on an end face of the second insulating substrate main body, and D2 is less than or equal to D1.

Abstract: The invention is directed at an optical sensor device, comprising a sensing element for receiving an input action, an optical fiber comprising an intrinsic fiber optic sensor, and a transmission structure arranged for exerting a sensing action on the optical fiber in response to the input action received by the sensing element, wherein the optical fiber in a first connecting part thereof is connected to a reference body and wherein the optical fiber in a second connecting part thereof is to the transmission structure for receiving the sensing action, the first connecting part and the second connecting part of the optical fiber being located on either side of the intrinsic fiber optic sensor, wherein the transmission structure comprises a bi-stable spring having a first and a second stable deflection position and a negative stiffness range around an unstable equilibrium position between the first and second stable deflection position, and wherein the optical fiber between the transmission structure and the ref

Abstract: Optical switch control circuit for optical network protection. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a latching optical switch that routes signals in an optical network. The apparatus also includes a switch control circuit coupled to the latching optical switch. The switch control circuit controls the latching optical switch to selectively operate in a latching mode or in a non-latching mode based on a received command and a network power state. A method is disclosed that includes receiving a command that indicates how optical signals are to be routed by a latching optical switch, and determining a resulting routing state based on a current routing state, the command, and a power state. The method also includes controlling the latching optical switch to operates in the resulting routing state such that the latching optical switch selectively operates in a latching mode or in a non-latching mode.

Abstract: An optical time-domain reflectometer, OTDR, apparatus is configured to measure a backscattered trace of a fiber link under test (FLUT). The OTDR apparatus includes at least one photo diode adapted to detect an optical signal reflected from points along the fiber link under test in response to an optical test signal generated by a laser of the OTDR apparatus and supplied to the fiber link under test. The reflected optical test signal is attenuated or amplified automatically such that the power of the optical signal received by the photodiode is limited to a predetermined power range.