Abstract: Methods and systems for a label-free on-chip optical absorption spectrometer consisting of a photonic crystal slot waveguide are disclosed. The invention comprises an on-chip integrated optical absorption spectroscopy device that combines the slow light effect in photonic crystal waveguide and optical field enhancement in a slot waveguide and enables detection and identification of multiple analytes to be performed simultaneously using optical absorption techniques leading to a device for chemical and biological sensing, trace detection, and identification via unique analyte absorption spectral signatures. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Optical sensor structure senses the presence of liquid in a sealed conservator tank. The sensor structure includes a sensor head having a body with first and second opposing ends, a plurality of perforations through the body and spaced between the first and second ends, and a mirror disposed at the second end. The perforations are constructed and arranged to receive and hold fluid therein. The sensor head is constructed and arranged to rest on a surface of a bladder. The sensor structure includes a light source, a first fiber optic cable between the light source and the first end of the body, a light detector, and a second fiber optic cable between the light detector and the first end of the body. The amount of light received by the light detector is reduced when liquid, instead of air, is in at least some of the perforations in the body.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems based on integrated photonic crystal structures are disclosed. An integrated photonic crystal structure includes a photonic crystal structure and a defect member disposed adjacent the photonic crystal structure. The defect member includes a photoconductive material. The integrated photonic crystal structure is configured to receive an input light signal such that the input light signal is internally reflected within the photonic crystal structure and the defect member, such that the input light signal is absorbed by the photoconductive material in the defect member, and such that a property of the photoconductive material is changed to thereby output an output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring state variables with at least one fiber-optic sensor, containing at least one optical coupler, at least one filter element and at least one photoelectric converter, where the optical coupler, the filter element and the photoelectric converter are integrated on a substrate, and the filter element contains at least one Bragg grating which is designed to supply the light portion reflected by the Bragg grating to the photoelectric converter.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus is provided for detecting and monitoring a crack propagating through a structure. The sensor apparatus comprises: light source apparatus; detector structure; and a plurality of optical fibers having proximal and distal ends. The fibers may be spaced apart from one another and associated with the structure such that as a crack propagates through the structure, one or more of the optical fibers is broken by the crack. The optical fibers may receive light at the fiber proximal ends and the optical fibers may have a coating on the fiber distal ends capable of causing light to be returned toward the fiber proximal ends.

Abstract: Methods and systems using one or more distributed feedback (DFB) lasers for capturing changes in the lasing environment are disclosed. Specifically, a sensor for measuring a measurand, such as pressure or temperature, or changes in a measurand, includes a fiber with at least one core, at least one fiber laser cavity formed by a single fiber grating in the core, wherein the laser operates on at least two modes along at least part of its length. The DFB laser includes a section that is bent into a non-linear shape and at least one pump laser connected to the fiber laser cavity. When the DFB laser experiences a perturbation or measurand change that changes the spacing of the modes, a change in an RF beat note is generated. This beat note can then be measured and related to the measurand change.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analysing a sample. The apparatus comprises a waveguide (205), including an input for receiving light and an output, a first microring resonator (210) optically coupled to the waveguide (205), and a first flexible optical waveguide (215) optically coupled to the first microring resonator (210). The first flexible optical waveguide (215) includes a portion for interacting with the sample. Light transmitted from the output of said waveguide (205) is modulated at a first optical resonant wavelength of the first microring resonator (210) and the modulation is a function of a distance between the first flexible optical waveguide (215) and the first microring resonator (210).

Abstract: A two-core optical fiber is provided for use in Brillouin distributed fiber sensor applications and systems. The two-core fiber includes a first and second core. Each core is configured to exhibit a Brillouin frequency shift greater than 30 Mhz relative to the other core. Further, each core possesses temperature and strain coefficients that differ from the other core. The cores can be configured to produce Brillouin frequency shift levels of at least 30 Mhz relative to one another. These differences in shift levels may be effected by adjustment of the material compositions, doping concentrations and/or refractive index profiles of each of the cores. These optical fibers may also be used in BOTDR- and BOTDA-based sensor systems and arrangements.

Abstract: An optical potentiometer includes a linear power transmission member, a retaining member configured to retain the power transmission member, and an optical element. An optical property of the optical element continuously varies along a moving direction of the power transmission member. The potentiometer further includes a light source, a light receiving section, a linear light transmitting member and a calculating section. The linear light transmitting member guides the light from the light source and outputs the light to the optical element, and guides light input from the optical element to the light receiving section. The calculating section calculates displacement of the power transmission member based on the electric signal output by the light receiving section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a packing container including: a packing container body including a leading-out section which contains an optical probe having a first end section for incoming of a laser beam and a second end section for outgoing of the incoming laser beam, which leads out the first end section of the optical probe thus contained to the exterior and which is sealed, and a window section by which the laser beam going out from the second end section of the contained optical probe is led out to the exterior; and a light-transmitting member which closes the window section and permits the laser beam to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided which, when projecting a video onto a curved surface of an object for display, can realize an undistorted display of the video. The measuring means outputs the distance information representing the distance to the object. Based on the distance information produced by the measuring means, the curved surface contour is detected with high precision. According to at least the detected curved surface contour distortions, pixels of the display image are unevenly rearranged to correct the video information before it is output. This arrangement realizes an undistorted display of video when the video is projected onto the curved surface of the object.

Abstract: A system for monitoring operating parameters for the pump section of an electrical submersible pump. The system includes an optic fiber associated with the pump section of an electrical submersible pump and having a sensor to detect at least one operating parameter within the pump section. The system also includes a signal analyzer operably associated with the optic fiber to receive an optical signal representative of the detected operating parameter.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a fiber-reinforced composite component in production or in service. The system includes a composite component having reinforcing fibers which are encompassed by a matrix material; at least one optical fiber arranged to extend in a continuous path over a monitoring area of the composite component for contact with the matrix material; a signal generator configured to transmit an optical signal along the at least one optical fiber; and a detector device configured to detect scattering, and in particular backscattering, of the optical signal transmitted along the at least one optical fiber.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for obtaining a parameter of interest from a plurality of sensors in a fiber optic cable deployed in a wellbore are disclosed. Light having variable frequency within a range of frequencies is propagated along the fiber optic cable. Signals are received that are responsive to interaction of the propagated light with the plurality of sensors. The received signals are filtered using a programmable filter. The parameter of interest is obtained from the filtered signals. In one aspect, the fiber optic cable is coupled to a member deployed in the wellbore and the parameter of interest is related to the member.

Abstract: Optical apparatus and methods utilizing sensors operating in the reflection mode are provided. The apparatus includes at least one optical bus. The at least one optical bus is configured to be optically coupled to at least one source of input optical signals, to at least one optical detector, and to a plurality of reflective sensing elements. The at least one optical bus transmits an input optical signal from the at least one source to the plurality of reflective sensing elements. At least one reflective sensing element of the plurality of reflective sensing elements receives a portion of the input optical signal and reflects at least a portion of the received portion. The at least one optical bus transmits the reflected portion to the at least one optical detector.

Abstract: A sensor system for measuring an operating parameter of a wind turbine component is described. The fibre optic sensor system comprises a light source for outputting light in a predetermined range of wavelengths, and an optical fibre comprising a long Fibre Bragg Grating, extending continuously over a length of the optical fibre to provide a continuous measurement region in the optical fibre. The optical fibre is coupled to the wind turbine component such that the continuous measurement region is located at a region of the wind turbine component to be sensed, and such that the grating period at each location in the continuous measurement period is dependent upon the value of the operating parameter at that location. A light detector receives light from the optical fibre, and provides an output signal to the controller indicating the intensity of the received light; based on the detected light, a value for the operating parameter is determined.

Abstract: A gas turbine includes first and second parts having outer surfaces located adjacent to each other to create an interface where wear occurs. A wear probe is provided for monitoring wear of the outer surface of the first part, and includes an optical guide having first and second ends, wherein the first end is configured to be located flush with the outer surface of the first part. A fiber bundle includes first and second ends, the first end being located proximate to the second end of the optical guide. The fiber bundle includes a transmit fiber bundle comprising a first plurality of optical fibers coupled to a light source, and a receive fiber bundle coupled to a light detector and configured to detect reflected light. A processor is configured to determine a length of the optical guide based on the detected reflected light.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to image sensor comprising one or more nanowires on a substrate of a cavity, the nanowire being configured to transmit a first portion of an electromagnetic radiation beam incident on the sensor, and the substrate that absorbs a second portion of the electromagnetic radiation beam incident on the sensor, wherein the first portion is substantially different from the second portion. The substrate could have a anti-reflective material. The ratio of a diameter of the cavity to a diameter of the nanowire could be at less than about 10.

Abstract: A side illuminated multi point multi parameter optical fiber sensor that requires no sensitive coating is provided. This sensor comprises an optical fiber having at least one removed cladding section as the sensitive region, at least one probing light source that side illuminates the fiber, a power supply, a detector, a signal processor and a display. The sensitive optical fiber is optically affected by the presence of a measurand medium that can fluoresce, phosphoresce, absorb and/or scatter the probing light. This probing light is guided by the fiber core towards a detector which measures the light intensity and this light intensity is correlated with a measurand.

Abstract: A method for measuring the deformation of a specimen using an extensometer having a loop of a single-mode optical fiber. At least two points of the loop are attached to desired locations on a specimen. Light is transmitted through the loop and the transmitted optical power is measured by a photodetector. The deformation of the specimen causes the size and shape of the loop to change, which changes the transmitted optical power. The change in optical power is related to extension or compression using calibration curves. The sensor works on the principle of transmitted power modulation through the curved section.

Abstract: A design and manufacturing methods for reusable, stackable shipping containers made from composite materials is described. The composite material is embedded with optical fibers, data and electrical paths, and various types of components. These embedded devices are capable of detecting intrusions through the container walls, securely storing and processing information, and securely communicating information to other containers and to remote devices.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor fabrication method of directly forming, with an aerosol deposition method, at a tip of an optical fiber, a magnetooptical layer having a refractive index that changes depending on a magnetic field, the method includes establishing a relationship of dc?d?dr among a diameter d of the magnetooptical layer, a diameter dc of a core of the optical fiber, and a diameter dr of a clad thereof.

Abstract: An entrance denial security system comprises an entrance barrier closing an entrance into a secured area having a plurality of structural tubular elements with hollow cores forming a rigid integral barrier. At least one optical fiber sensor line is laced through the hollow cores of the structural elements for detecting a fault condition signifying an unauthorized intrusion attempt. A processor in communication with the fiber sensor line generates a fault signal in response to the occurrence of a fault condition and identifying the entrance where the fault condition occurred. A communication device operatively associated with the processor communicates the fault signal and an alarm so that a proper security response can be made to the fault condition. The system further comprises a plurality of intrusion sensors disposed at certain locations.

Abstract: A tri-axis accelerometer for use in seismic surveying is provided. The accelerometer comprises at least three fiber optic accelerometer elements which have respective fiber sensor coils, and which are characteristic in that the fiber sensor coils are coiled about a common coiling axis and at least one of the accelerometer elements is a slant angle accelerometer element. A corresponding method of manufacturing a tri-axis fiber optic accelerometer is also disclosed. A fiber optic tri-axis accelerometer for sensing acceleration in three directions is also provided, which comprises a first, a second, and a third sensor base, each base including a first, a second, and a third fixed element, respectively, and a first, a second, and a third movable element, respectively, each pair of fixed and movable elements carrying a fiber sensing coil.

Abstract: A sensor in the form of an elongated flexible tape has a signal path made from electrical wire or optical fiber which extends between one end and another end of the tape. The electrical wires or optical fibers are disposed in spaced relation across the width and along the length of the tape and are terminated in connectors at the endpoints of the tape. The connectors may be integrated into a signal detector to interface with communication links. The tape is a material that is non-conductive and in which the wires or optical fibers may be woven, disposed or embedded in some manner. One or more layers of flexible material can be laminated on respective sides of the sensor tape to provide a robust laminated or bonded structure that can be rolled and unrolled from a reel. An adhesive layer and a removable layer can be provided to protect the adhesive layer prior to use. An overcoat of outer layer resin may be applied.

Abstract: In harsh and hazardous environments, the presence of elevated levels of hydrogen gas is an indicator of chemical and/or radiological activity. The present hydrogen-sensing optical fiber provides rapid and reliable hydrogen detection and quantification, irrespective of temperature fluctuations. The hydrogen-sensing optical fiber does not exhibit significant irreversible hydrogen-induced attenuation losses after exposure to a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

Abstract: The damage length measurement system has an object being measured that comprises a plurality of members is vibrated by an oscillator, and the vibration that propagates through the object being measured is detected by three sensors. A measurement apparatus analyzes that vibration wave, and measures the arrival time of the maximum peak. Using the fact that the time for a wave to propagate between two vibration detection sensors separated by a set interval is fixed, the measurement apparatus determines whether the difference in arrival time between two sensors is within a set reference range that includes the vibration propagation time between two vibration sensors. When the measurement apparatus determines that the difference is not within the set reference range, uses the fact that that wave is delayed compared to the wave that was to be detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for detection of position of touch. The device comprises a waveguide, at least one light source, and at least one detector device. The waveguide has a touch-surface with a surface structure defining a pattern that defines active surface areas and passive surface areas. The pattern is distributed such that an object that contacts a first area will cause a different disturbance of light than an object that contacts a second area, and such that correct positions of a plurality of concurrent touches may be deduced.

Abstract: A fiber optic current or magnetic field sensor uses a sensing fiber in a coil for measuring a current or a magnetic field and has a retarder for converting between linearly polarized light and elliptically polarized light. The retardation of the retarder, its temperature dependence as well as its azimuth angle in respect to the plane of the fiber coil are optimized in dependence of the birefringence in the sensing fiber in order to minimize the influence of temperature variations and manufacturing tolerances on the overall scale factor of the sensor.

Abstract: An optical sensor comprising a waveguide having a sensing layer which is molecularly imprinted such that it will receive and retain target entities to be sensed, the optical sensor further comprising a detection apparatus arranged to detect a change of an optical property of the waveguide which occurs when the target entities are received and retained in the sensing layer.

Abstract: A surface mountable radiation guide for a radiation path between a measurement volume (1) and an electro-optical component has a first radiation interface in a radiation path towards the measurement volume, a third radiation interface in a radiation path towards the electro-optical component, and a reflecting portion forming a first radiation path between the first and the third radiation interface, said first radiation path providing a focus region at the measurement volume.

Abstract: A waveguide sensor capable of direct, real-time detection and monitoring of analytes in the vicinity of the waveguide surface without requiring the tagging or labeling of the analyte, is described. Analytic and numerical calculations have predicted that by locally detecting either changes in the evanescent field or changes in the light coupled out of the waveguide as a result of the presence of the analyte, high detection sensitivity will be able to be achieved.

Abstract: An interrogator for a plurality of sensor fiber optic gratings. The interrogator includes a broadband optical source; at least one beam splitter directing output of the optical source to the sensor fiber optic gratings; at least one linear filter for converting changes in peak reflection wavelength to changes in intensity; at least one optical receiver; and at least one amplifier associated with each optical receiver. The interrogator also includes an analog integrator following the at least one amplifier.

Abstract: An agent sensing system may comprise an emitter optical resonator, a functionalized optical resonator, and a reference optical resonator. The emitter optical resonator may be configured to emit light at one or more system peak wavelengths. The functionalized optical resonator may be optically coupled to the emitter optical resonator and configured to propagate the emitted light in the absence of a particular agent, and filter the emitted light in the presence of the particular agent. The reference optical resonator may be optically coupled to at least one of the emitter optical resonator and the functionalized optical resonator such that an intensity of light propagated by the reference optical resonator is based at least on whether light emitted by the emitter optical resonator is filtered or propagated by the functionalized optical resonator.

Abstract: A motion sensor having a coiled member, light emitter, and light detector. The coiled member is bendable in response to lateral forces applied thereto. The coiled member defines an internal open ended channel having a first end opposite a second end. The emitter is adjacent the first end and emits light into the channel. At least a portion of that light travels through the channel toward the second portion. An amount of light reaching the detector is determined at least in part by how much the coiled member is bent. The detector is adjacent the second end and receives light from the channel. The detector is configured to transmit a signal indicating an amount of light received. The signal may be used by a motion capture system to animate a computer generated animation. Multiple motion sensors may be incorporated into a glove and positioned to detect bending of finger joints.

Abstract: A sensor element is disclosed. The sensor element comprises a first element which is nanoporous, and a second element which is nanoporous, the second element enclosing the first element. The surfaces of the nanopores of the first- and second element differ in hydrophilicity, so that the surfaces of the nanopores of one element is generally more hydrophobic while the other is generally more hydrophilic, and hence the sensor element is capable of selectively having the first element filled with a fluid. The sensor element is capable of guiding light through the fluid-filled first element and can act as a nanoporous waveguide. The sensor element according to the invention is particularly useful for spectroscopy on fluids.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a robot for moving a payload in response to a calculated input force. Sensors in respective sensor housings are connected to a handle, each sensor including a light emitter and receiver. The sensors measure a light beam received by a respective receiver. A controller calculates the calculated input force using received light. Each sensor housing modifies an interruption of the light beam in a sensor when the actual input force is applied, and the controller controls the robot using the calculated input force. A method of controlling the robot includes emitting the light beam, flexing a portion of the sensor housing(s) using the actual input force to interrupt the light beam, and using a host machine to calculate the calculated input force as a function of the portion of the light beam received by the light receiver. The robot is controlled using the calculated input force.

Abstract: A composite structure having an embedded sensing system is provided, along with corresponding systems and methods for monitoring the health of a composite structure. The composite structure includes composite material and an optical fiber disposed within the composite material. The optical fiber includes a plurality of quantum dots for enhancing its non-linear optical properties. The quantum dots may be disposed in the core, in the cladding and/or on the surface of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is configured to support propagation of the signals and to be sensitive to a defect within the composite material. The quantum dots create a non-linear effect, such as a second order effect, in response to the defect in the composite material. Based upon the detection and analysis of the signals including the non-linear effect created by the quantum dots, a defect within the composite material may be detected.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring a relative displacement of a pair of end-winding components. The system includes a structure mounted to the end-winding components. The system further includes a fiber Bragg grating mounted to a non-curved surface of the structure, where the fiber Bragg grating is configured to reflect incident radiation having a peak intensity at a respective wavelength based on a strain of the fiber Bragg grating. The structure is configured so that the strain produced by the structure limits a magnitude of the strain of the fiber Bragg grating within a predetermined range over a span of the relative displacement of the pair of end-winding components.

Abstract: An optical detection system for monitoring a pipeline. The optical detection system includes a host node in the vicinity of or remote from, a pipeline to be monitored. The optical detection system includes (a) an optical source for generating optical signals, and (b) an optical receiver.

Abstract: A contact detection device includes a number of first bars and second bars. Each first bar includes a number of first sheets. Each second bar includes a number of second sheets. The first bars and the second bars intersect to form a grid with a number of nodes as a contact detection area, each node having exclusive coordinates. Each first sheet defines a light hole, and the light holes are arranged in the same column line in the grid. Opposite sides of each first sheet arranges one photosensitive member above the corresponding light hole, and position of each photosensitive member is determined according to the coordinates of the nearest node in a predetermined direction. Opposite ends of each two adjacent second bars respectively arrange one light emitter therebetween. When one point of the grid is pressed, the light emitted by the light emitter irradiates the photosensitive member.

Abstract: A device includes a first roller to roll down a protective film around the first roller, a conveying device to convey a light guide plate (LGP), and a first fan to generate charged ions and blow out the charged ions. While the rolled-down protective film is being placed onto the LGP being conveyed by the conveying device, the charged ions blown out by the first fan are adhered to a first surface of the protective film to generate static electricity and the first surface of the protective film is attached to the LGP by the static electricity.

Abstract: An optoelectronic transmission system includes a light guide module, an optical signal source, an optical fiber, and a light detector. The light guide module includes a light guide body, and a lens formed on the light guide body. The optical signal source emits output optical signals towards the light guide body. The light guide body reflects and directs the output optical signals towards the lens. The optical fiber includes a first end and an opposing second end. The optical fiber transmits the output optical signals from the first end to the second end, and transmits input optical signals from the second end to the first end. The light guide body transmits the input optical signal therethrough. The light detector is positioned at an opposite side of the light guide module to the optical fiber. The light detector receives and converts the input optical signals into electrical signals.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is disclosed with at least one pressure sensing element, the pressure induced changes in the optical properties of which are evaluated by illumination with at least one light source. The pressure sensor can include at least two semiconductor-based pressure sensing elements located in individual pressure chambers, which sensing elements are located essentially adjacent to each other. The sensing elements can be irradiated with the same light source, wherein the light transmitted through the sensing elements is detected using at least two corresponding detectors, and wherein the differential pressure in the two pressure chambers is evaluated based on the output of these detectors.

Abstract: An optical fiber sensor has a measurement path and a reference path. Both paths each consist of two optical fibers and are fed with modulated light. The fibers of the reference path have a predefined difference in length, whereas the fibers of the measurement path are the same length. All fibers are at approximately the same temperature. An evaluation circuit determines the phase differences in each case between the fibers of the measurement path and of the reference path. A measurement value calculated from the phase differences is then output.

Abstract: A long-distance fiber optic monitoring system having a sensing unit and an analyzer that is remotely located from the sensing unit is provided. The sensing unit comprises a source of optical energy for injecting optical energy into the fiber optical cable and an optical detector configured to detect an optical return signal from the optical fiber. The detected optical return signal is associated with an acoustic signal impinging on the optical fiber. The analyzer receives a signal from the remote sensing unit via the optical fiber that is representative of the optical return signal, and determines a location of a disturbance based at least on the received signal. The representative signal can be transmitted from the remote sensing unit to the analyzer as an optical signal or via a metallic wired included with the optical fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus for interrogating an optical fiber comprising a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings each having a resonant wavelength in a different discrete wavelength band. The apparatus comprises a delay arrangement interposed in use in an optical path for light supplied to and/or reflected from the fiber Bragg gratings. The delay arrangement is configured to apply a different time delay to light in each of the discrete wavelength bands, whereby the light reflected from each of the fiber Bragg gratings is received at an interrogator port of the apparatus in a different discrete time interval.

Abstract: The welding filter device includes a light sensor, a microprocessor, a liquid crystal display, and a user interface. The light sensor senses light to generate a welding signal and a light source intensity signal. The microprocessor comprises a determining module, a control module, a regulating module, and a storage module. The determining module receives the welding signal and determines whether to activate a welding mechanism. The control module receives the light source intensity signal and outputs a control signal. The liquid crystal display presents a first display status according to the control signal. The user interface is used to generate a setting signal; wherein when the liquid crystal display presents the first display status, the regulating module receives the setting signal to regulate the settings so that the liquid crystal display presents a second display status. Furthermore, a method for controlling the welding filter device is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An interrogator for a plurality of sensor fiber optic gratings. The interrogator includes a broadband optical source; at least one beam splitter directing output of the optical source to the sensor fiber optic gratings; at least one linear filter for converting changes in peak reflection wavelength to changes in intensity; at least one optical receiver; and at least one amplifier associated with each optical receiver. The interrogator also includes, alternatively, a driver/modulator for the optical source providing on/off pulses; an analog integrator following the at least one amplifier; or a mechanism compensating for masking of one sensor fiber optic grating by another.

Abstract: A touch sensing apparatus includes a light source generating a light. The light travels though a light distribution part. A light guide part guides the light to the light distribution part. A light sensing part outputs an output signal corresponding to an intensity of the light incident through the light guide part and the light distribution part when a touch occurs. A light reflection part reflects the light provided to the light distribution part, and a coordinate generating part calculates a coordinate value of the touch using the output signal from the light sensing part.