Abstract: The invention relates to an unbonded flexible pipe comprising an internal sheath, at least one armor layer surrounding said internal sheath and a bore defined by said internal sheath, the flexible pipe further comprising a fiber sensor arranged in said bore. By arranging the fiber in the bore of the unbounded flexible pipe, new opportunities for sensing desired properties of the unbounded flexible pipe is provided. The fiber sensor may preferably be a pressure fiber sensor. The unbonded flexible pipe may preferably be an offshore pipe, such as a riser for transportation of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Two-dimensional coupled resonator optical waveguide arrangements and systems, devices, and methods thereof. Networks of coupled resonator optical waveguides are arranged so as to exploit topological properties of these optical networks. Such arrangement affords topological protection against disorders or perturbations in the network that may hinder or block photon flow. As a result of a disorder, photons traversing along edge states of the array are rerouted based on the disorder or perturbation. Photon routing in the network is accordingly protected against disorder or defects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for compensation, for example, for temperature compensation of a fiber optic measurement system designed for determining a mechanical quantity. First and second fiber Bragg gratings have a respective Bragg wavelength, wherein the fiber Bragg gratings are irradiated with primary light. After applying a mechanical quantity to the first and second fiber Bragg gratings, the Bragg wavelengths of the fiber Bragg gratings are changed by the mechanical quantity.

Abstract: A total internal reflection fluorescence imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes: a metal nanostructure layer, which includes a metal thin film and a nanostructure formed over the metal thin film; a light source unit, which provides incident light such that the incident light is totally reflected off the metal nanostructure layer and an evanescent wave localized in a horizontal direction is created between the metal nanostructure layer and a specimen arranged over the metal nanostructure layer; and a fluorescence image extracting unit, which extracts and images a fluorescence signal generated by the specimen due to the evanescent wave localized in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an electromagnetic wave detection device includes an optical waveguide, an electromagnetic wave input unit, and a phase difference measurement unit. According to the thus constructed electromagnetic wave detection device, an optical waveguide is a nonlinear crystal, and includes a branching portion for receiving a probe light pulse, and causing the probe light pulse to branch into two beams of branching light, and two branching light transmission portions for receiving the branching light from the branching portion, and transmitting the branching light. An electromagnetic wave input unit inputs an electromagnetic wave having a frequency equal to or more than 0.01 [THz] and equal to or less than 100 [THz] tilted by an angle generating Cherenkov phase matching with respect to a travel direction of the branching light into one of the two branching light transmission portions.

Abstract: A sensor includes a housing adapted to be secured to a component within a system to be monitored by the sensor, an optical fiber, and a membrane spring assembly. The optical fiber includes a sensing portion containing a fiber Bragg grating that is able to undergo expansion and contraction resulting from movement of the optical fiber at a second location relative to a first location. The membrane spring assembly includes a membrane disc, wherein movement of a central portion thereof causes corresponding displacement of the optical fiber at the second location to cause expansion and contraction of the sensing portion of the optical fiber containing the fiber Bragg grating, which expansion and contraction effects a change in a light wavelength reflected by the fiber Bragg grating. The light wavelength reflected by the fiber Bragg grating can be used to measure movement of the central portion of the membrane disc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fibre for a fibre optic sensor, comprising a first optical grating adapted to operate over a first range of wavelengths; and at least one set of further gratings adapted to operate over a second range of wavelengths, each grating being adapted to operate over a portion of the second range; wherein, each grating within said set has an operating range that partially overlaps with at least one other such grating operating range. The invention also extends to a sensor system, and method, using such an optical fibre.

Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.

Abstract: A method of operating a spectrometer to determine the wavelength of an optical signal, in particular for determining the resonant wavelength of an optical fiber Bragg grating. The spectrometer comprises an array of photosensitive pixels each of which generates an output signal in response to the intensity of light incident on the pixel, and a refractive element arranged to direct light to a particular position in the array depending on the wavelength of the light. The method involves selecting a first group of pixels in the array by reference to an expected wavelength distribution of the optical signal and monitoring the output signals from the first group of pixels. On the basis of the output signals from the first group of pixels a second group of pixels is selected and the wavelength of the optical signal is determined from the output signals of the second group of pixels.

Abstract: A method includes applying pulsed light to a first end of an optical fiber from an optical fault locator during a first distance test. The method includes determining an estimated distance to a fault based on the pulsed light. The method includes sending information indicative of the estimated distance to a remote device. The method also includes applying first visible light from the optical fault locator to the first end of the optical fiber to facilitate identification of the fault at a first site that is remote from the first end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the visibility of speckle in coherent light comprises propagating the coherent light through a multimode optical waveguide 106 to reduce a coherence length of the coherent light by intermodal dispersion. A vibratable membrane mirror 104 is arranged to reflect the coherent light either before or after passing through the multimode optical fiber further to reduce the coherence length by distributing wave packets across different propagating modes and to erase the modal structure by averaging the distribution of energy across the modes leading to a more uniform illumination. The invention may be used for speckle removal in a laser scanning projector.

Abstract: An optical fiber may be constructed of a material having at least first and second constituents. The constituents and their relative abundance are selected such that the aggregate Brillouin frequency-shift response exhibited by a fiber constructed using the combined material is insensitive to a selected physical condition, such as temperature or strain, or the sensitivity is below an acceptable application-specific level, over an acceptable range of conditions. The constituents are selected such that the slopes or derivatives of the Brillouin frequency-shift response (with respect to the selected physical condition) of two of the constituents have opposite signs, and are combined in proper quantities such that the constituents balance each other to reduce the slope or derivative of the aggregate Brillouin frequency-shift response of the combined material to zero, or to an acceptable application-specific level, over an acceptable range of conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an optical transmitter, a coarse tuner coupled to the optical transmitter and having a first tuning range, a fine tuner coupled to the optical transmitter and having a second tuning range smaller than and within the first tuning range, a wavelength division demultiplexer coupled to the optical transmitter and to a plurality of optical fibers, and a detector coupled to the optical transmitter and the wavelength division demultiplexer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the detection and identification of objects, wherein an illumination device emits polychromatic light in the infrared range, creating a light curtain, or an essentially two-dimensional area of light in the X and Z axis. The light from the light curtain and light reflected or transmitted by an object in the light curtain is imaged, via aperture-imaging optics, onto an aperture that is in the optical path and behind the aperture-imaging optics. The aperture is an elongated opening extending along the Z axis. A wavelength-dispersive device, such as a grating, diffracts light admitted by the aperture wavelength-dispersively in a diffraction direction along the Y axis. An image sensor detects the diffraction image and generates image signals which are analyzed to identify the materials comprising the object. An output signal may be generated in response to the material identified.

Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation method allows for high frequency dynamic measurement. The method may utilize a broad band light source connected to the sensing elements. Each sensing element may comprise two wavelength matching FBGs, a coupler, and a photodiode. The FBG closest to the light source may attenuate the central wavelength in the transmission spectrum and thus the reflection spectrum of the second FBG. Variations in intensity of the second FBG may be measured by the photodiode and can be calibrated to the desired measurands.

Abstract: Detection of individual objects using a light source and a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator. Light from the whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator is analyzed. The presence of an object is determined based on mode splitting associated with the light received by the photodetector. For example, the presence of the object may be determined based on the distance between two whispering gallery modes and/or the linewidths of the two modes in a transmission spectrum. Alternatively, the presence of the object may be determined based on a beat frequency that is determined based on a heterodyne beat signal produced by combining split laser modes in the received light from a WGM microcavity laser.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for distributed sensing of a measurable parameter employing stimulated Brillouin scattering in an optical fiber. A frequency-modulated or phase-modulated light wave is transmitted into the optical fiber. A scattered light wave in the optical fiber is monitored for sensing a measurable parameter. In some embodiments, the calculating step may include calculating a distance of a sensed location along the optical fiber using the monitored time of arrival.

Abstract: A Fiber-optic current sensor for sensing electric current carried in an electric conductor (18). Its optical section comprises: a light source (1); a directional coupler (2) with two ports (2A, 2B) of two arms each; a radiation polarizer (3); a polarization modulator (4); a fiber line (17) coupled to a current-sensing fiber loop (11); a mirror (10); and a photodetector (22). The first port of the coupler (2) is coupled to the light source (1) and to the photodetector (22). Its second port is coupled via the radiation polarizer (3) to the polarization modulator (4). The polarization modulator comprises a magneto-sensitive element (5), around which a solenoid (6) is wound. The fiber loop (11) comprises a magneto-sensitive optical fiber with embedded linear birefringence. An electronic section comprises a signal generator (21) which drives the solenoid (6); and a signal processing unit which receives the optical signal from the photodetector (22).

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an optical transmitter, a coarse tuner coupled to the optical transmitter and having a first tuning range, a fine tuner coupled to the optical transmitter and having a second tuning range smaller than and within the first tuning range, a wavelength division demultiplexer coupled to the optical transmitter and to a plurality of optical fibers, and a detector coupled to the optical transmitter and the wavelength division demultiplexer. A network component comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising detecting an Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) signal spectrum that has a modulated pattern, and detecting a reflected OTDR signal spectrum that has a shifted modulated pattern comprising a frequency shift with respect to the OTDR signal spectrum and a time shift proportional to the frequency shift.

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: A multi-point measuring apparatus of FBG sensor has an optical fiber, a wide-band wavelength light source, a light-source side light modulator for controlling time of a light entering into the optical fiber, among lights from this light source, a detector side light modulator for controlling time, during which a reflection light from a diffraction grating of the optical fiber penetrates through, a wavelength shift amount calculator for processing a signal obtained through detection of the reflection light from this light modulator, a temperature/distortion calculator for calculating an amount of deformation of a target to be measured from a result of this calculator, and a display portion for displaying information relating to the amount of deformation of this target to be measured.

Abstract: A modalmetric fibre sensor comprises a multimode sensor fibre (26), a light source (14) for launching light into the multimode fibre (26) to produce a multimode speckle pattern of light at an end of the fibre (26), a single mode fibre (22) to receive light from the multimode speckle pattern and a detector (18) connected to the single mode fibre (22) to detect the received light from the multimode speckle pattern. A connector (33) connects the ends of the multimode fibre (26) and single mode fibre (22) with the end faces (31,32) of the two fibres disposed at an acute single to one another. The light from source (14) may be transmitted to the multimode fibre (26) through the single mode fibre (22) and the end of multimode fibre (26) remote from single mode fibre (22) may be mirrored to reflect light back along the multimode fibre to the single mode fibre which transmits the received light to the detector (18).

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of fiber-optic sensors comprising at least one measurement optical fiber having an optically pumped doped amplifying medium, the optical characteristics of which are sensitive to a physical quantity, the fiber having at least one Bragg grating. The fiber is designed so as to generate, in the amplifying medium, two optical waves having different optical frequencies that propagate in the same direction after reflection on the Bragg grating and are emitted by the amplifying medium, the two optical frequencies depending on the physical quantity. The two waves may be generated using either a birefringent polarization-maintaining fiber or a DBR (Distributed Bragg Reflector) laser cavity. Notably, this sensor may be used as a hydrophone.

Abstract: An optical fiber sensor may include an optical fiber configured to receive a light having a first frequency from a light source and to transmit the light through the optical fiber, the transmitted light having the first frequency and a second frequency which is generated by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), a photodetector configured to receive the transmitted light from the optical fiber and to convert the transmitted light into an electric signal and a sensing circuit configured to calculate an average squared value of the electric signal received from the photodetector, which is dependent on a frequency difference between the first frequency and the second frequency.

Abstract: An input analog signal is applied to electrodes bracketing electro-optically responsive waveguides being driven by a continuous wave or pulsed laser. The waveguides have reflection elements installed with transmission spectra sized, located and designed to transmit the laser light to photodetectors. The transmission of the laser light depends on the shift in transmission spectra caused by the applied analog voltage. The reflection element transmits laser light according to a digital encoding design. The second embodiment describes a device and method for converting high frequency analog signals greater than approximately 10 GHz into digital signals. The high frequency quantizer relies on reflectors reflecting the laser light as a high frequency RF pulse propagates along electrodes bracketing the electro-optically responsive material in the opposite direction of the laser light.

Abstract: Fibre substrates act as a conduit for light along which response signals are transmitted to a controller in the form of an electronic device associated with a component. The processed signals are stored in a local memory to provide a component history and a prediction of future performance and life. Service and repair history may be added to the component device memory to enable a complete history to be stored with the component. A controller may transmit data to an external controller or display through typically a wireless connection. Power to the component electronics may be provided by an induction loop or transformer.

Abstract: Radiation detection systems and methods. In one approach, optical radiation can be detected by using the radiation to be detected as input to a high index contrast waveguide modulator that modulates a wavelength of light that falls within the detection band of a detector. In another approach, the optical radiation that is to be detected is combined with a high power CW boost mode signal in a waveguide, and the sum and/or difference frequencies are detected. In either approach, one can use grating couplers to couple the optical radiation of interest into a waveguide.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a parameter at distributed locations, the apparatus including: an optical fiber having: a first series of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and configured to measure the parameter at a portion of the distributed locations; a second series of FBGs and configured to measure the parameter at another portion of the distributed locations; and an optical interrogator configured to illuminate the optical fiber and to receive light signals resulting from the illumination, the light signals including first light signals from the first series of FBGs within a first range of wavelengths, second light signals from the second series of FBGs within a second range of wavelengths, and other light signals within a third range of wavelengths, the ranges of wavelengths being distinct from each other; wherein the first light signals and the second light signals are used to estimate the parameter at the distributed locations.

Abstract: A method and a device for contactless determination of forces and/or moments acting on a hollow cylindrical body (12), in which via a light source (20; 38; 40), light radiation is produced within the hollow cylindrical body (12); measurement signals are recorded by an optoelectronic sensor (22; 34); the measurement signals recorded by the optoelectronic sensor (22; 34) are supplied to the signal processing unit (26); the signal processing unit (26) detects and outputs changes of the measurement signals relative to an initial state determined beforehand by calibration, corresponding to the initial undeformed state of the hollow cylindrical body (12); and when a mechanical deformation of the hollow cylindrical body (12) is present, according to a calibration function or a calculation rule, the signal processing unit (26) outputs an output signal that describes the forces and/or moments that are causing the mechanical deformation of the hollow cylindrical body (12).

Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.

Abstract: An electrical machine component monitoring system includes a light source that provides an optical signal through a fiber optic cable and a fiber optic sensing component positioned on the electrical machine component or at a standoff distance from the electrical machine component to obtain a responsive optical signal representative of a condition of the electrical machine component. The system further includes a photodetector to receive the responsive optical signal from the fiber optic sensing component and to convert the responsive optical signal to an electrical signal. A processing circuitry is also provided in the system for determining information regarding dirt on the electrical machine component by analyzing the electrical signal.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes an optical fiber and at least one twin-grating structure formed on the optical fiber. Each twin-grating structure includes a first optical grating structure, a second optical grating structure adjacent the first optical grating structure, and a sensing cavity disposed between the first and second optical grating structures. Each twin-grating structure is selectively responsive to a unique wavelength of light to generate an optical interference fringe signal. For each twin-grating structure, an optical property of the twin-grating structure and a phase of the optical interference fringe signal generated by the twin-grating structure are determined by a temperature of the twin-grating structure.

Abstract: A fiber-based optical pressure-sensor, made using semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) as the active transducing material, provides response time fast enough for shock wave measurements. For NQDs, the shift in band gap as a result of applied pressure can be observed as a shift of the photoluminescence (PL) peak. Further, the shift of the principal absorbance feature allows pressure measurements faster than those obtainable by following the PL peak.

Abstract: A magnetic flux sensor is disclosed. The sensor comprises an optical fiber and at least one twin-grating structure formed on the optical fiber. Each twin-grating structure comprises a first optical grating structure, a second optical grating structure adjacent the first optical grating structure, and a sensing cavity disposed between the first and second optical grating structures. Each twin-grating structure is selectively responsive to a unique wavelength of light to generate an optical interference fringe signal. The sensor also includes a magnetostrictive coating disposed over each twin-grating structure to change an optical property of the twin-grating structure and a phase of the optical interference fringe signal when the magnetostrictive coating is exposed to changing magnetic flux.

Abstract: A system for detecting single-shot pulse contrast includes a correlator generating a correlation signal, a spectral filter filtering light signals having wavelengths different from the correlation signal, a fiber array comprising a plurality of fibers with different lengths for transmitting the correlation signal in parallel forming parallel correlation signals, and a fiber bundle bounding the fibers at the end thereof for converging the parallel correlation signals, wherein due to different lengths of the fibers, the parallel correlation signals are converted into serial correlation signals at end of the fibers, a plurality of fiber attenuators spliced into at least one of the fibers respectively for attenuating the parallel correlation signals, a detector for detecting the serial correlation signals to produce analog signals, an A/D convertor converting the analog signals to digital signals, and a computer for processing the digital signals for retrieving the single-shot pulse contrast.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and transmitting high energy optical pulses are described. Distributed temperature sensors usually use Raman scattering in optical fibers as the means to determine the temperature. Here, light from a laser source is sent down a fiber and the small amount of light that is scattered back towards the source is analysed. As the fiber length increases, the resolutions of the temperature and loss measurements become poorer. This is because losses in an optical fiber attenuate the signal. An obvious solution to this problem is to launch more light into the fiber to compensate for the losses but stimulated Raman scattering limits how much light may be launched. The present invention solves this problem by using a pulse conversion method to maximize the resultant pulse energy while the power is kept below SRS threshold.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring force, the sensor including: a light source; and a mixing medium in optical communication with the light source and exposed to the force; wherein four wave mixing of light interacting with the mixing medium provides a signal that indicates the force.

Abstract: Detection of individual objects using a light source and a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator. Light from the whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator is analyzed. The presence of an object is determined based on mode splitting associated with the light received by the photodetector. For example, the presence of the object may be determined based on the distance between two whispering gallery modes and/or the linewidths of the two modes in a transmission spectrum. Alternatively, the presence of the object may be determined based on a beat frequency that is determined based on a heterodyne beat signal produced by combining split laser modes in the received light from a WGM microcavity laser.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for chemical and biological agent sensing. An example sensing apparatus includes a resonator having a resonance frequency. The resonator includes a coil of a photonic crystal fiber. The photonic crystal fiber has a solid region configured to guide a substantially single optical mode of light having, a cladding surrounding an exterior of the solid region, and at least one hollow core within the cladding. The cladding contains at least one hollow core. The photonic crystal fiber is configured to introduce a fluid that may contain an analyte to the hollow core. The photonic crystal fiber is configured so that the light interacts with the fluid. The resonator is configured to produce a resonance signal centered at the resonance frequency. A predetermined change in the resonance signal indicates a presence of a quantity of the analyte in the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a parameter at distributed locations, the apparatus including: an optical fiber having: a first series of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and configured to measure the parameter at a portion of the distributed locations; a second series of FBGs and configured to measure the parameter at another portion of the distributed locations; and an optical interrogator configured to illuminate the optical fiber and to receive light signals resulting from the illumination, the light signals including first light signals from the first series of FBGs within a first range of wavelengths, second light signals from the second series of FBGs within a second range of wavelengths, and other light signals within a third range of wavelengths, the ranges of wavelengths being distinct from each other; wherein the first light signals and the second light signals are used to estimate the parameter at the distributed locations.

Abstract: A flow monitoring system includes a pipe for transporting a fluid therethrough. An optical fiber generally spirals about the pipe along a longitudinal portion having a predetermined length to serve as a single transducer for detecting flow information from the longitudinal portion. A linear polarizer/analyzer circuit communicates with the optical fiber. A light source communicates with the linear polarizer/analyzer circuit and generates a light signal along the optical fiber at a frequency greater than a period of a disturbance to flow past the predetermined length of the transducer. A reflector is disposed along the optical fiber for reflecting the light signal along the optical fiber. An optical detector communicates with the linear polarizer/analyzer circuit. The optical detector determines from the light signal dynamic events along the optical fiber indicative of flow disturbances passing by the transducer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring one or more environmental parameters using interferometric sensor(s), a cross-correlator, a two-dimensional photosensitive array and optical focusing means are described. The method and apparatus allows for near simultaneous monitoring of the parameter(s) of interest.

Abstract: An optical device including a whispering gallery mode (WGM) optical resonator configured to support one or more whispering gallery modes; and a photodetector optically coupled to an exterior surface of the optical resonator to receive evanescent light from the optical resonator to detect light inside the optical resonator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing an external measurand are disclosed. A sensor includes an optical fiber having at least one fiber Bragg grating (FBG) section and a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) surrounding at least a portion of the FBG section. Light is provided into the sensor while the CNTs are exposed to one or more measurands. A change in a spectrum of one of a transmitted portion and a reflected portion of the light is determined. A measurand that has caused the change is identified.

Abstract: A physical quantity measuring system according to the present invention comprises: an optical fiber having fiber Bragg gratings; a light source connected to the optical fiber; an arrayed waveguide grating connected between the light source and the optical fiber via an optical branching filter, and having output channels of which central wavelengths of at least three output channels are included in a one-tenth loss band of a reflected light by the fiber Bragg grating; light receiving devices for receiving light output from the output channels on a one-to-one basis; and a central reflected wavelength change detecting unit connected to the light receiving devices for estimating a change in a central reflected wavelength based on a physical quantity, by calculating first and second group signals from light receiving signals corresponding to the at least three output channels, and by calculating a differential signal between the first and the second group signals.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a thermally controlled optical filter comprises a frame coupled to an etalon where the frame includes a resistive thermal device disposed on the frame to obtain thermal measurements of the etalon during operation. The frame may be generally L-shaped or generally square-shaped. The frame may include a fillet that is generally planar, generally beveled or trapezoidal, or generally circular in shape. A heater may be additionally disposed on the frame. The etalon and frame subassembly may be bonded to a micro hot plate that is capable of heating the etalon to an operational temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor capable of measuring motion in a harsh environment. The sensor uses a fiber optic sensor element formed within a core of an optical fiber that is disposed within an enclosure made of a high strength, corrosion-resistant material. The optical fiber is attached to a supporting fixture in a cantilever fashion so that the intrinsic internal mass of the optical fiber has the freedom to be affected by gravity so that an environmental disturbance acting on the sensor results in a bending strain being applied to the optical fiber. A Bragg grating is located at the bending portion of the optical fiber. The modulation of an optical signal promulgating through the optical fiber is sensed using conventional means and used to measure the magnitude of the environmental disturbance.

Abstract: A broadband light source unit that produces a supercontinuum lightwave having a flat spectral form and has a light source that outputs a first source lightwave, which is a pulse lightwave having periodic pulses with a constant intensity, an intensity modulator that receives the first source lightwave, produces a second source lightwave having pulses whose intensities are different from one another, and outputs it, and a nonlinear optical medium section that receives the second source lightwave, produces a supercontinuum lightwave having a wavelength band broadened through a nonlinear optical phenomenon, and outputs it.

Abstract: A biological agent detector for detecting predetermined biological agents. The biological agent detector includes an optical fiber, a cladding that clads a length of the optical fiber and a bioindicator disposed within the cladding. The biological agent detector also includes a coherent light source that excites the optical fiber and a biological agent signature detector that detects the presence of a biological agent based upon a change in a resonance characteristic of the optical fiber caused by absorption of the predetermined biological agent into the cladding of the fiber.

Abstract: A distributed sensing system for detecting partial electric discharge along the length of an extended object or objects. An optical fiber having a cladding integrated with luminescent material and a silica core of less than 500 micro-meters in diameter with a first reflective end deployed in proximity to test objects. A photo detector is positioned at the second end of the optical sensing fiber and receives and measures both a direct emission light from an electric partial discharge event and the reflected emission light from the reflection end of the optical sensing fiber. The measured signals and their arrival times are used to determine the location and magnitude of a partial electrical discharge.