Abstract: An example imaging apparatus comprises a light source, an imaging spectrometer, an image sensor, control circuitry, and processing circuitry. The light source generates power for delivery at a molecular sample, which can include at least 100 mW. The imaging spectrometer separates light emitted from the molecular sample into a plurality of different component wavelengths. The control circuitry causes the image sensor to scan one or more regions of the molecular sample while the imaging spectrometer is aligned with the image sensor and collects hyperspectral image data of the molecular sample from the light emitted that corresponds to the plurality of different component wavelengths. The processing circuitry performs an image processing pipeline by transforming the hyperspectral image data into data that is representative of a quantification of emitters, absorbers, and/or scatterers present in the one or more regions of the molecular sample.

Abstract: A laser sensor includes: a receiver array configured to convert received optical signals into electrical signals, wherein a noise floor of the electrical signals is positively correlated with temperature if environmental temperature is within a first preset temperature range, and negatively correlated with the temperature if the environmental temperature is within a second preset temperature range; a compensation module coupled with the receiver array and configured to receive the electrical signals, amplify the electrical signals with a first and a second amplification factors, respectively, when the environmental temperature is within the first and the second preset temperature ranges, wherein the first amplification factor is negatively correlated with the temperature and the second amplification factor is positively correlated with the temperature; and a processor coupled with the compensation module and configured to identify sensing signals based on the electrical signals amplified by the compensation m

Abstract: A microfluidic chip may include a substrate, chamber supported by the substrate, a sacrificial material in the chamber, a spectroscopically active nano particle assembly anchored within the chamber by the sacrificial material and a fluid supply port connected to the chamber. Each spectroscopically active nano particle assembly may include a cluster of nanoparticles.

Abstract: A LADAR that includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes a laser for delivering an original beam pulse. A nonlinear optic receives the original beam pulse and outputs wavelengths as an incident beam pulse. Output optics direct the incident beam pulse onto a target, which reflect from the target as a reflected beam pulse. The receiver includes a dispersive optic for temporally dispersing the wavelengths in the reflected beam pulse, thereby producing a dispersed beam pulse. A single-pixel sensor receives the dispersed beam pulse, and measures and outputs a separate intensity value for each of the wavelengths in the dispersed beam pulse based at least in part on the temporal dispersion of the wavelengths.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes: a laser configured to emit laser light towards an object to be detected; a Raman spectrometer configured to receive a Raman light signal from the object; a light sensor configured to receive portions of the laser light reflected and scattered by the object under irradiation of the laser light, and to determine power of the received portions of the laser light; and a controller configured to control an operation of the detection apparatus based on the power determined by the light sensor. Further, there is provided a detection method using the above detection apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a non-contact type security inspection and method, the system including: a laser source for emitting probe light beams which penetrate through a container or a packaging and are irradiated onto an inspected object contained in the container or the packaging; an optical collection device for collecting an exciting light excited by the probe light beams on the inspected object; a spectrum analyzer for analyzing spectral characteristics of the exciting light collected by the optical collection device so as to determine characteristics of the inspected object; and a shielding apparatus for preventing at least part of the exciting light excited by the probe light beams on the container or the packaging from entering an induction area of the optical collection device.

Abstract: An improved method of sealing a window into an aperture in a body uses a lubricant comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles suspended in a volatile, low viscosity, low surface tension carrier fluid. The carrier fluid is applied to one or both of the sidewalls of the window and aperture, and the window is pressed into the aperture such that the carrier fluid evaporates, leaving the PTFE particles to fill interstitial surface voids, while enabling the sidewall of the window to make intimate mechanical contact with the sidewall of the aperture. While having broader application, the present disclosure finds particular utility in optical characterization techniques based upon the Raman effect and fluorescence probes used in process monitoring and control.

Abstract: An optical detection method and device are provided. The optical detection method includes directing an optical beam toward a target; selecting a first test sensor from among a plurality of test sensors to compare with radiation received from the target, wherein the first test sensor comprises a first test chemical; receiving a reflected or scattered optical beam from the target; comparing a first spectrum from the first test chemical with a spectrum of the reflected or scattered optical beam that was received using a linear detector array; determining a likely chemical from the target based on the comparing using a hardware processor; and providing an output based on the determining.

Abstract: Provided is a test object visualizing device, including: light irradiating unit configured to make wavelength of at least any one of pump light and Stokes light generated on the same optical path variable per test position of test object, and irradiate test object with pump light and Stokes light; molecule distribution image generating unit configured to detect anti-Stokes light emitted from test object according to wavelength difference between pump light and Stokes light, and generate a molecule distribution image based on anti-Stokes light; tomographic image generating unit configured to detect at least any one of reflected light from test object when irradiated with pump light and reflected light from test object when irradiated with Stokes light, and generate a tomographic image of test object based on the reflected light detected; and image display unit configured to display at least any one of molecule distribution image and tomographic image generated.

Abstract: A method for identifying minerals and other materials illuminates a mineral with monochromatic light for an illumination duration and collects scattered light using a Raman spectrometer detector and an aggregated or average Raman spectrum data is determined. True Raman spectrum data is determined by subtracting a blank spectrum. The true Raman spectrum data is compared to reference spectrums to identify the mineral or material. A display or output of one or more of: (a) a name and/or chemical composition of one or more identified minerals; (b) the true Raman spectrum data; and (c) the one or more reference spectrums; are provided. The monochromatic light preferably has a wavelength in the range of about 400 nm to about 425 nm and the Raman spectrometer detector is adapted to detect a Raman-shift range of about 100 cm?1 to about 1400 cm?1.

Abstract: A mixture detection method and device related to substance detection technology. The proportion contents of substances contained in a mixture can be detected. The method includes: performing measurement spectrum line collection on a to-be-detected mixture to identify the kinds of substances in the to-be-detected mixture; selecting a characteristic peak of a measurement spectrum line of each kind of substance according to the kinds of substances, and obtaining an intensity proportion of the characteristic peak of each kind of substance; querying a relative activity database according to the kinds of the substances to obtain relative activity corresponding to each kind of substance; and determining the proportion contents of the substances contained in the to-be-detected mixture according to the intensity proportion of the characteristic peak of each kind of substance and the quotient of the relative activities.

Abstract: A double-channel miniaturized Raman spectrometer includes a sequentially-connected near-infrared laser diode or near-ultraviolet laser emitter, a collimated laser beam expander, a first beam splitter that retards laser light but penetrates laser light and Raman light, a cylindrical or spherical objective lens with or without zooming, a second beam splitter that retards laser light but penetrates Raman light, a relay optical system, a slit, two spectral lens, a plurality of line-array or matrix-array CCD or CMOS detectors, a GPS, and a data processing and wireless transceiver system. After the laser channel photographing a target and aligning an optical axis and a Raman channel to measure the sample, the data is wirelessly sent to a cell phone and a cloud computer for spectrum separation, peak search, spectral library establishment, material identification and the like in order to obtain a quick conclusion.

Abstract: Raman spectroscopy methods and devices are disclosed. The method includes irradiation of excitation radiation onto a sample to be examined. The sample is irradiated with a first excitation radiation of a first excitation wavelength and a different second excitation radiation of a second excitation wavelength. The first excitation radiation scattered by the sample is wavelength-selective filtered by means of a passive filter element. A transmitted filter wavelength of the filter element differs from at least the first excitation wavelength and the second excitation wavelength. A first intensity is determined through a single-channel detector assigned to the filter wavelength from the first excitation radiation scattered and filtered by the sample. Additionally, the filter element wavelength-selective filters the second excitation radiation scattered by the sample.

Abstract: A monolithic optical device for light manipulation and control at visible wavelengths includes a device layer deposited on an sacrificial layer deposited on a reflective substrate. The device layer comprises an elastic support structure and nanoscale optical antenna elements, arranged such that the nanoscale optical antenna elements are capable of moving vertically in response to application of an electrostatic potential between the device layer and the reflective substrate. The sacrificial layer joins the elastic support structure to the reflective substrate. The reflective substrate is reflective at optical wavelengths.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for 3D printing a 3D item (1), the method comprising depositing during a printing stage 3D printable material (201), to provide the 3D item (1) comprising 3D printed material (202), wherein the printing stage comprises: —3D printing a first 3D printable material (201a) to provide a first 3D printed material (202a), the first 3D printable material (201a) comprising a cross-linkable material; —creating a relief structure (610) in the first 3D printed material (202a) with a tool (630); and —3D printing a second 3D printable material (201b) to provide a second 3D printed material (202b), to provide a stack (620) of (i) 3D printed material (202) comprising the first 3D printed material comprising the relief structure (610), and (ii) the second 3D printed material (202b), wherein the method further comprises: —cross-linking at least part of the first 3D printed material (202a) comprising the relief structure (610) before depositing the second 3D printable material (202b).

Abstract: A powdery material mixing degree measurement device includes a discharger configured to discharge mixed powdery materials to a filler configured to fill, with the powdery materials, a vertically penetrating die bore of a compression-molding machine including a table including the die bore, a slidable lower punch including an upper end inserted to the die bore, and a slidable upper punch including a lower end inserted to the die bore, a plurality of movable portions configured to move the mixed powdery materials to the discharger, and a sensor configured to measure a mixing degree of the mixed powdery materials in the movable portions.

Abstract: In some examples, a temperature distribution sensor may include a laser source to emit a laser beam that is tunable over a wavelength range. The wavelength range may be less than a Raman bandwidth in a device under test (DUT), or of-the-order-of the Raman bandwidth in the DUT. A pulsed source may apply a pulse drive signal to the laser beam or to a modulator to modulate the laser beam that is to be injected into the DUT. A bandpass filter may be operatively disposed between the laser source and the DUT, and may be configured to an anti-Stokes wavelength that is narrower than the Raman bandwidth. A photodiode may be operatively disposed between the bandpass filter and the DUT to acquire, from the DUT, anti-Stokes optical time-domain reflectometer traces for two preset wavelengths of the laser beam to determine a temperature distribution for the DUT.

Abstract: A detection apparatus, including: a laser configured to emit laser light towards an object to be detected; a Raman spectrometer configured to receive Raman light from the object; an imaging device configured to obtain an image of the object; a light sensor configured to receive light reflected and scattered by the object under irradiation of the laser light, and to determine the power of the received light; and a controller configured to control an operation of the detection apparatus based on the image obtained by the imaging device and the power determined by the light sensor. A detection method using the detection apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes discloses a method for analyzing a multi-component gas sample using spectroscopy in combination with the measurement of extrinsic or intrinsic properties of the gas sample. The results of the spectroscopic analysis and the measurement are combined to quantify a gas component unseen by the spectroscopic analysis.

Abstract: A multi-analyte sensor system based on hollow core photonic bandgap fiber and Raman anti-Stokes spectroscopy. The system includes: i) an inlet to introduce an analyte sample into an analyzer chamber which analyzer includes; ii) a measurement system to derive the anti-Stokes spectral peaks and/or spectra of the sample; iii) a set of reference calibrants corresponding to the analytes of which the sample is primarily comprised; iv) a second inlet to introduce said calibrants into the analyzer chamber; v) a second measurement system to derive the anti-Stokes spectral peaks and/or spectra of the calibrants vi) an outlet through which the sample and calibrants are expelled from the analyzer chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing fluorescence and systematic noise in time-gated spectroscopy are disclosed. Exemplary methods include: a method for reducing fluorescence and systematic noise in time-gated spectroscopy may comprise: providing first light using an excitation light source; receiving, by a detector, first scattered light from a material responsive to the first light during a first time window; detecting a peak intensity of the first scattered light; receiving, by the detector, second scattered light from the material responsive to the first light during a second time window; detecting a peak intensity of the second scattered light; recovering a spectrum of the material by taking a ratio of the peak intensity of the first scattered light and the peak intensity of the second scattered light; and identifying at least one molecule of the material using the recovered spectrum and a database of identified spectra.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for characterizing particles, comprising: a microscope objective with an optical axis and a depth of field; a holder cell (22) configured to position the particles in a generally planar volume below the microscope objective, the planar volume being substantially normal to the optical axis and having a depth that is less than or equal to the depth of field, wherein a portion of the cell holder (22) for positioning in the optical axis of the microscope objective is substantially free of significant spectral features in a Raman spectral range; an x-y stage (20) to move the microscope objective relative to the holder cell (22) in x and y directions to align particles with the optical axis of the microscope objective while the particles are held by the holder cell (22), a detector (18) for acquiring an image of a particle through the microscope objective, a laser operable to illuminate a particle held by the holder cell (22), a Raman spectrometer (16) arranged to obtain a spectrum including the R

Abstract: A system and method for intraoperative fluorescence imaging. A system for intraoperative fluorescence imaging includes a visible light source, a laser light source, a visible light image detector, a fluorescence image detector, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and an image processing system. The RF circuitry is coupled to the laser light source and the fluorescence image detector. The RF circuitry is configured to modulate laser light generated by the laser source, and modulate an intensifier of the fluorescence image detector. The image processing system is coupled to the visible light image detector and the fluorescence image detector. The image processing system is configured to merge a fluorescence image produced by the fluorescence image detector and a visible light image produced by the visible light image detector to generate an intraoperative image showing an outline of a region of interest identified in the fluorescence image overlaid on the visible light image.

Abstract: Devices and systems for analyzing biological samples are provided. Devices include a hollow body extending from a first end to a second end. The body defines a sample collecting portion. A first opening at the first end of the body is operable to receive a source of negative pressure and a second opening at the second end of the body is operable to receive a biological sample. The body also includes an optically transparent region disposed in a region corresponding to the sample collecting portion, the optically transparent region being configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation therethrough from an imaging device capable of imaging the biological sample when disposed in the sample collecting portion.

Abstract: A method for characterizing extracellular vesicles at an individual level is described. It comprises obtaining a sample comprising extracellular vesicles to be characterized and functionalizing the extracellular vesicles with plasmonic nanoparticles or a plasmonic coating. The method further comprises irradiating the individual extracellular vesicles with a laser beam and detecting a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy signal from said individual extracellular vesicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nanowire bundle array. Particularly, the nanowire bundle array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of nanowire assemblies arranged therein. Each of the nanowire assemblies includes nanowires, a surface of at least a portion of which is coated with a thin metal film and the widths between the nanowires gradually decrease from one end to another end.

Abstract: A narrowband laser apparatus may be provided with a laser resonator including optical elements for narrowing a spectral linewidth, a spectrometer configured to detect spectral intensity distributions of multiple pulses included in a pulsed laser beam output from the laser resonator, a spectral waveform producer configured to produce a spectral waveform by adding up the spectral intensity distributions of the multiple pulses, a device function storage configured to store a device function of the spectrometer, a wavelength frequency function generator configured to generate a wavelength frequency function which represents a frequency distribution of center wavelengths of the multiple pulses, and a deconvolution processor configured to perform deconvolution processing on the spectral waveform with the device function and the wavelength frequency function.

Abstract: An object is to provide a technique that can evaluate biological tissues such as cartilage tissue and regenerated tissues such as regenerated cartilage. A method for observing a dynamic physical property of a biological tissue according to the present invention is that a biological tissue is irradiated with a pulsed light having a wavelength of a far-infrared wavelength region modulated into circular polarized lights by applying bias voltages to a radiation means (3) having an antenna electrode films of orthogonal (2)-axis structure with phases shifted using high-voltage high-speed modulation means (13), and dynamic physical property of the biological tissue is observed on the basis of a spectrum obtained by vibration optical activity spectroscopy.

Abstract: State-of-the-art portable Raman spectrometers use discrete free-space optical components that must be aligned well and that don't tolerate vibrations well. Conversely, the inventive spectrometers are made with monolithic photonic integration to fabricate some or all optical components on one or more planar substrates. Photonic integration enables dense integration of components, eliminates manual alignment and individual component assembly, and yields superior mechanical stability and resistance to shock or vibration. These features make inventive spectrometers especially suitable for use in high-performance portable or wearable sensors. They also yield significant performance advantages, including a large (e.g., 10,000-fold) increase in Raman scattering efficiency resulting from on-chip interaction of the tightly localized optical mode and the analyte and a large enhancement in spectral resolution and sensitivity resulting from the integration of an on-chip Fourier-transform spectrometer.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic system comprising means for optically trapping a particle and a Raman excitation source for causing Raman scatter from the particle whilst it is in the optical trap.

Abstract: An activatable SEL sensor stage may include a substrate, cation metal-based material masses supported by the substrate and isolated from one another and dielectric capping layer over the cation metal-based material masses to inhibit oxidation of the cation metal-based material masses.

Abstract: A gas conduit directs a flow of gas from a gas flow source. A surface enhanced luminescence (SEL) stage is within the conduit and includes a substrate and nano fingers projecting from the substrate. A heater heats the nano fingers to a temperature so as to soften the nano fingers such that the nano fingers collapse towards each other to capture molecules entrained in the gas therebetween.

Abstract: Provided in one example is an analyte detection package that includes a chamber, a surface-enhanced luminescence analyte stage within the chamber, and a lens integrated as part of the package to focus radiation onto the analyte stage.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection, distribution, and analysis of cathodoluminescence (CL) and other light signals in an electron microscope is provided. The optical hub, utilizing a linear-translating fold-mirror and mounted to the electron microscope, is used to receive essentially collimated light collected from a collection-mirror and efficiently route the collected light to a plurality of light-analysis instruments. The linear-translating fold-mirror can provide fine positional alignment of the light signal, and in an aspect of the invention can be used to select or scan a portion of the collected light-pattern into an optical slit or aperture. In one aspect, the optical hub includes a light filter mechanism that can track the movement of the fold-mirror. In an aspect, the optical hub also controls the positioning of the collection-mirror in proximity to the specimen being analyzed.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for forming high frequency film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) devices using epitaxially grown piezoelectric films. In some cases, the piezoelectric layer of the FBAR may be an epitaxial III-V layer such as an aluminum nitride (AlN) or other group III material-nitride (III-N) compound film grown as a part of a III-V material stack, although any other suitable piezoelectric materials can be used. Use of an epitaxial piezoelectric layer in an FBAR device provides numerous benefits, such as being able to achieve films that are thinner and higher quality compared to sputtered films, for example. The higher quality piezoelectric film results in higher piezoelectric coupling coefficients, which leads to higher Q-factor of RF filters including such FBAR devices. Therefore, the FBAR devices can be included in RF filters to enable filtering high frequencies of greater than 3 GHz, which can be used for 5G wireless standards, for example.

Abstract: In order to check a material for transplantation, at least one Raman spectrum (41, 42) of the material is detected. An electronic evaluation device determines an information, from which depends a suitability of the material for use during the transplantation, by evaluating the at least one Raman spectrum (41, 42).

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus including a material having one or more atomic layers with two or less degrees of freedom for motion of charges in the material, and a gate coupled to the material for controlling charge concentration of the material. The material can have constricted sides, a first through-hole, and a first port and a second port for conduction of charges in the material. The gate can have a second through-hole that is at least partially aligned with the first through-hole. A first voltage potential can be applied to the first port and the second port, along with a second voltage potential applied to the gate which adjusts the charge concentration of the material. A sensor can be used to measure a change in electrical properties of the material caused by a target material traversing the first through-hole of the material. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly flexible stand-off distance chemical detector system such as can be used, for example, for standoff detection of explosives. Instead of a combined laser interrogation source and optical content detector on the same platform, those features are carried on separate platforms, including having plural optical content detectors on individual platforms. In one embodiment, the detector platforms are mobile remote-control apparatus. This allows collection and evaluation of optical content/information from multiple collection positions/directions and high flexibility in maneuverability of the collection function relative the target.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopic measurement system for measuring the material composition of a mixed phase fluid having a gas phase dispersed in a liquid phase or vice versa is disclosed, which includes an insert to be inserted into a process. The insert includes a measurement chamber partially defined by a phase separating membrane that enables the gas phase to diffuse into and out of the measurement chamber and facilitates coalescing of the liquid phase which into a collector. A first probe of the measurement system is configured to transmit excitation light into the measurement chamber and to receive a Raman signal emanating from the gas phase therein, and a second probe is configured to transmit excitation light into the drain and to receive a Raman signal emanating from the liquid phase therein. The measurement system further includes a spectrometer to determine the material composition of the fluid from the Raman signals.

Abstract: A method may include scanning a surface of a composite workpiece with multiple electromagnetic pulses, each of the multiple electromagnetic pulses being associated with a respective location on the surface of the composite workpiece.

Abstract: A nanoporous gold disk (NPGD) as a novel surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate. NPGD has SERS enhancement factor similar to that of gold nanoshells, but allows, for example, at least three times more benzenethiol molecules to be attached to its surface due to large surface-to-volume ratio. The high capacity enables the rapid detection of attomole-level benzenethiol molecules with relatively high detector temperatures. Additionally, a fabrication process to make NPGD with controlled size and highly reproducible SERS activities.

Abstract: In one example, a structure for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy includes a cluster of metal nanoparticles in a hole.

Abstract: A surface enhanced luminescence (SEL) sensor may include a substrate and nano fingers projecting from the substrate. The nano fingers may include a nano finger extending along an axis. The nano finger may include a plasmonically active cap and a pillar supporting the plasmonically active cap. The pillar may have an asymmetric material composition with respect to the axis.

Abstract: Plasmonics-active nanoprobes are provided for detection of target biomolecules including nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. The nucleic acids that can be detected include RNA, DNA, mRNA, microRNA, and small nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The nanoproprobes can be used in vito in sensitive detection methods for diagnosis of diseases and disorders including cancer. Multiplexing can be performed using the nanoprobes such that multiple targets can be detected simultaneously in a single sample. The methods of use of the nanoprobes include detection by a visible color change. The nanoprobes can be used in vivo for treatment of undesirable cells in a subject.

Abstract: A vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy system with pulse shaping is provided. The pulse shaping provides tunable NIR-Shaped light pulses based on user input parameters which may be specified to customize the system for different experimental and testing conditions or needs.

Abstract: A hand-held microfluidic testing device is provided that includes a housing having a cartridge receiving port, a cartridge for input to the cartridge receiving port having a sample input and a channel, where the channel includes a mixture of Raman-scattering nanoparticles and a calibration solution, where the calibration solution includes chemical compounds capable of interacting with a sample under test input to the cartridge and the Raman-scattering nanoparticles, and an optical detection system in the housing, where the optical detection system is capable of providing an illuminated electric field, where the illuminating electric field is capable of being used for Raman spectroscopy with the Raman-scattering nanoparticles and the calibration solution to analyze the sample under test input to the cartridge.

Abstract: A spectroscopy apparatus, a spectroscopy method, and a bio-signal measuring apparatus are provided. The spectroscopy apparatus may include: a dispersive element configured to divide an incident light into a plurality of lights having different output angles; and a filter array configured to divide the plurality of lights, with a higher spectral resolution than a spectral resolution of the dispersive element, and provide the divided plurality of lights to a detector.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) sensor and a method of detecting molecular species in a liquid. In one embodiment, the method comprises i) generating IR light from an IR light source; ii) receiving in an optical fiber the IR light from the IR light source, wherein a selective ion-exchange (IX) medium is associated with the optical fiber and the IR light generates an evanescent field about the optical fiber as the IR light propagates therethrough, the selective IX medium configured to transport an ion species in a subject liquid about the optical fiber; and iii) receiving in an IR light detector the IR light from the optical fiber, wherein the ion species affects the evanescent field and thereby a characteristic of the IR light.

Abstract: Methods and materials for determining the affinity of separation materials for targeted species are described. A composite separation medium is described that combines a separation material such as an ion exchange material or a sorbent with an SERS substrate. Methods and materials can be utilized to determine the distribution coefficient of a species for a separation material after running a single separation protocol followed by examination of the separation material of the protocol according to SERS. Disclosed methods can be utilized to determine the affinity of existing separation materials for targeted species as well as to determine the affinity of newly engineered separation materials to characterize species.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprising a disposable non-magnetic optical fibre probe for coupling light into a sample and receiving light from the sample for performing Raman spectroscopy, and a non-magnetic optical extension releasably connected to the disposable non-magnetic optical probe for transmitting light into the disposable non-magnetic optical probe and receiving light from the disposable non-magnetic optical probe.