Abstract: The present invention relates to micro machined metal diaphragm for Fabry-Perot interferometer sensor and Fabry Perot Fiber optic Sensor system using said metal diaphragm and method of fabrication thereof. Fabry Perot sensor with micro machined metallic diaphragms at the fiber optic end is developed ensuring accuracy, controllability by deterministic process. Advantageously, the system involves the metal diaphragm with high reflectivity inside surface facing the fiber end as a basic functional element. Importantly, the micro machined metal diaphragm is miniaturized to suit various critical applications including bio medical sensing devices for measuring various physiological parameters with desired accuracy.

Abstract: A whispering-gallery-mode-based seismometer provides for receiving laser light into an optical fiber, operatively coupling the laser light from the optical fiber into a whispering-gallery-mode-based optical resonator, operatively coupling a spring of a spring-mass assembly to a housing structure; and locating the whispering-gallery-mode-based optical resonator between the spring-mass assembly and the housing structure so as to provide for compressing the whispering-gallery-mode-based optical resonator between the spring-mass assembly and the housing structure responsive to a dynamic compression force from the spring-mass assembly responsive to a motion of the housing structure relative to an inertial frame of reference.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a deflection of a beam, the apparatus comprising a beam having a first side and a second side; and a grating structure positioned adjacent the second side of the beam, the grating structure including an interrogating grating coupler configured to direct light towards the beam; wherein the beam and the interrogating grating coupler form a resonant cavity, and light input to the resonant cavity is modulated according to the deflection of the beam.

Abstract: A gyroscope and a method of detecting rotation are provided. The gyroscope includes a structure configured to be driven to move about a drive axis. The structure is further configured to move about a sense axis in response to a Coriolis force generated by rotation of the structure about a rotational axis while moving about the drive axis. The structure further includes at least one first torsional spring extending generally along the drive axis and at least one second torsional spring extending generally along the sense axis. The gyroscope further includes an optical sensor system configured to optically measure movement of the structure about the sense axis.

Abstract: An optical measuring element measures forces in at least one direction. The measuring element has a single-piece structure. There is an outside wall with notches introduced therein. Each notch defines parallel edges, and the notches define more or less elastically flexible zones in the structure and constitute the only connection between a first region and a second region of the structure. For optical distance measurements between the two regions of the structure, one or more optical fibers are each attached with one end thereof to a region of the structure such that reflective surfaces are located close to the ends. The reflective surfaces are firmly connected to another region. The optical fibers are disposed on the outside wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a presence of one or more analytes in a sample. The apparatus comprises a cantilever (205) and a grating coupled resonating structure (210). The cantilever (205) comprises an analyte selective coating that is selective to the one or more analytes. The grating coupled resonating structure (210) is positioned adjacent to the cantilever (205). The first grating coupled resonating structure comprises a first interrogating grating coupler (220) which together with the cantilever forms an optical resonant cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly for use in detecting an analyte in a sample based on thin-film spectral interference. The assembly comprises a waveguide, a monolithic substrate optically coupled to the waveguide, and a thin-film layer directly bonded to the sensing side of the monolithic substrate. The refractive index of the monolithic substrate is higher than the refractive index of the transparent material of the thin-film layer. A spectral interference between the light reflected into the waveguide from a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface varies as analyte molecules in a sample bind to the analyte binding molecules coated on the thin-film layer.

Abstract: Resonant sensors and molecule detection methods utilizing split frequency. Optical energy is introduced into a microcavity, such as a toroid-shaped or spherical microcavity. A portion of the optical energy is backscattered and interacts with the introduced optical energy to form first and second modes of optical energy at respective first and second frequencies, also referred to as split frequency or mode doublets. One or more molecules bind to an outer surface of the microcavity and interact with an evanescent field of optical energy resonating within the microcavity. Binding of one or more molecules to the outer surface is detected based at least in part upon a change of the split frequency relative to a baseline split frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property, the apparatus includes: a hollow core tube having a first opening and a second opening; a first optical waveguide disposed within the first opening; and a second optical waveguide disposed within the second opening and spaced a distance from the first optical waveguide, the distance being related to the property; wherein a portion of at least one of the optical waveguides within the tube is perimetrically isolated from the tube.

Abstract: A change in mass of a microbridge in a mass sensor can be sensed by applying a time-varying amplitude modulated electrostatic force to excite the microbridge into resonance at the frequency of amplitude modulation. An optical energy is then transmitted at a wavelength close to a resonant wavelength of a Fabry-Perot microcavity, which is formed by etching a movable reflective mirror into a region of the microbridge and by etching a fixed reflective minor in a region spaced apart from the microbridge. The two mirrors are interconnected by an optical waveguide. The movable mirror and fixed mirror reflect the optical energy to a receiver, and a change in the Fabry-Perot microcavity's reflectivity is interferometrically determined. The change in reflectivity indicates a change in the microbridge's resonant frequency due to increased mass of the microbridge resulting from sorption of a target chemical by a layer of chemoselective material deposited on the microbridge.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes a diaphragm having a reflective element. The sensor has an optical fiber positioned relative to the reflective element such that light emitted from the optical fiber is reflected by the reflective element. A first end of the optical fiber and the reflective element form an optical cavity therebetween. The acoustic sensor further includes a structural element mechanically coupled to the diaphragm and the optical fiber. The structural element includes a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially similar to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the optical fiber. For example, the material can be silica.

Abstract: A method detects an acceleration. The method includes providing a spatial mode filter positioned such that light emitted from the spatial mode filter is reflected by at least a portion of a reflective surface. The spatial mode filter and the portion of the reflective surface form an optical resonator having an optical resonance with a resonance lineshape. The method further includes emitting light from the spatial mode filter and irradiating the portion of the reflective surface. The portion of the reflective surface is responsive to acceleration of the optical resonator by changing curvature. The method further includes measuring a change of the resonance lineshape due to the acceleration of the optical resonator.

Abstract: Nondestructive inspection of a plurality of aircraft hat stiffeners includes exciting cavities of the stiffeners with electromagnetic radiation, and analyzing electromagnetic field responses of the cavities to detect state changes of the stiffeners.

Abstract: An optical tomography imaging a tomogram by using a coherent light by a backscattering light of a measured object and a reflected light of a reference mirror, which has supercontinuum light sources, an optical system having group velocity dispersion connected to the supercontinuum light source, an optical detection element detecting a coherent light by a backscattering light of the measured object and a reflected light of the reference mirror, a timing detection element detecting a timing of each wavelength component in an output light from the optical system having the group velocity dispersion, and a unit sampling a signal from the optical detector by using a timing signal from the timing detection element with a signal from the supercontinuum light source as a trigger, and detecting an optical tomogram signal imaging a tomogram, thereby acquiring an optical tomogram at a higher speed than a conventional SS-OCT.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a dynamic sensor of physical quantities with optical waveguide with optically-pumped amplifier medium, which requires no interferometer or reference sensor and which makes it possible to obtain at least the same level of performance, in terms of sensitivity, as known sensors of this type, and this waveguide is linked at one end to a selective mirror, and comprises at its other end an interrogation laser, the reflection of which on the selective mirror produces a wave which, by interference with the incident wave, provokes the periodic saturation of the gain of the waveguide.

Abstract: A sensor assembly having an optical fiber, a lens in optical communication with the optical fiber, a reflective surface spaced from the lens, for reflecting light from the beam back to the lens, a partially reflective surface positioned between the reflective surface and the lens, the partially reflective surface for reflecting light from the beam back to the lens, and an alignment device for aligning the lens and reflective surface with respect to one another, such that light from the beam of light transmitted from the lens reflects from the reflective surface back to the lens. The alignment device can have a rotational component and a base component, where the rotational component rotates to align a beam of light transmitted from the lens. The rotational component can also cooperate with the base component to move axially with respect to the reflective surfaces to align the beam for optimum power.

Abstract: A hollow-core optical-fiber filter is provided. The hollow-core optical-fiber filter includes a hollow-core optical fiber having a first end-face and an opposing second end-face. The first end-face and the second end-face set a fiber length. The hollow-core optical-fiber filter also includes a first reflective end-cap positioned at the first end-face and a second reflective end-cap positioned at the second end-face. When an optical beam from a laser is coupled into one of the first end-face or the second end-face, an optical output from the opposing end-face has a narrow linewidth and low frequency noise fluctuations.

Abstract: Provided is an optical sensor interrogation system. The optical sensor interrogation system includes: a light source unit which matches round-trip time of light and wavelength tunable cycle time of light in a resonator and emits light; a sensing unit which receives an optical signal in which a center wavelength periodically tunes, from the light source unit and tunes the center wavelength of the optical signal according to physical changes applied from the outside; and a signal processing unit which receives the optical signal reflected from the sensing unit, detects data, and images the data. In particular, the light source unit includes a delaying unit which delays the round-trip time of light and a tunable filter which tunes the wavelength of light so as to match the round-trip time of light with the wavelength tunable cycle time of light.

Abstract: The use of optical microcavities, high-Q resonators and slow-light structures as tools for detecting molecules and probing conformations and measuring polarizability and anisotropy of molecules and molecular assemblies using a pump-probe approach is described. Resonances are excited simultaneously or sequentially with pump and probe beams coupled to the same microcavity, so that a pump beam wavelength can be chosen to interact with molecules adsorbed to the microcavity surface, whereas a probe beam wavelength can be chosen to non-invasively measure pump-induced perturbations. The induced perturbations are manifest due to changes of resonance conditions and measured from changes in transfer characteristics or from changes of the scattering spectra of a microcavity-waveguide system. The perturbations induced by the pump beam may be due to polarizability changes, changes in molecular conformation, breakage or formation of chemical bonds, triggering of excited states, and formation of new chemical species.

Abstract: A method detects a topology of a reflective surface. The method includes providing an optical fiber positioned such that light emitted from the optical fiber is reflected by at least a portion of the reflective surface. The optical fiber and the portion of the reflective surface form an optical resonator having an optical resonance with a resonance lineshape. The method further includes emitting light from the optical fiber while the optical fiber is at a plurality of positions along the reflective surface. The light emitted from the optical fiber irradiates a corresponding plurality of portions of the reflective surface. The method further includes measuring a change of the resonance lineshape due to the irradiation of the plurality of portions of the reflective surface.

Abstract: A spectrometer has a multi-input aperture for admitting an input wavefront and an array of multiple waveguide structures terminating at the multi-input aperture. The input wavefront is incident on each of the waveguide structures, which provide a dispersive function for the input wavefront. Interferometers are formed by elements of the waveguide structures. The interferometers have different optical path length differences (OPDs). The interferometers provide a wavelength responsive output for spatially extended light sources. The output of the interferometers is detected with a detector array. The spectrometer has an improved etendue, and in some embodiments very high resolution.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes at least one photonic crystal structure and an optical fiber in optical communication with the at least one photonic crystal structure. The at least one photonic crystal structure has at least one optical resonance with a resonance frequency and a resonance lineshape, wherein at least one of the resonance frequency and the resonance lineshape is responsive to acoustic waves incident upon the acoustic sensor. The acoustic sensor further includes an optical fiber in optical communication with the at least one photonic crystal structure. The optical fiber is configured to transmit light which impinges the at least one photonic crystal structure and to receive at least a portion of the light which impinges the at least one photonic crystal structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the presence or amount or rate of binding of an analyte in a sample solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes an optical assembly having first and second reflecting surfaces separated by a distance “d” greater than 50 nm, where the first surface is formed by a layer of analyte-binding molecules, and a light source for directing a beam of light onto said first and second reflecting surface. A detector in the apparatus operates to detect a change in the thickness of the first reflecting layer resulting from binding of analyte to the analyte-binding molecules, when the assembly is placed in the solution of analyte, by detecting a shift in phase of light waves reflected from the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A gyroscope and a method of detecting rotation are provided. The gyroscope includes a structure configured to be driven to move about a drive axis. The structure is further configured to move about a sense axis in response to a Coriolis force generated by rotation of the structure about a rotational axis while moving about the drive axis. The gyroscope further includes an optical sensor system configured to optically measure movement of the structure about the sense axis. In certain embodiments, the gyroscope is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope.

Abstract: Two optical wavelengths are used to interrogate a fiber optic Fabry-Perot sensor having a moveable diaphragm that changes the width of a gap between two reflective surfaces. By picking the right operating point for the gap, the power output for one wavelength increases as the gap width changes and the power for the other wavelength decreases. A ratio of the difference of the two powers over the sum of the two powers is formed to generate a detected signal independent of power and phase fluctuations in a fiber between signal sources and sensor and between sensor and detector. This ratio, which is called the visibility, has a response proportional to the pressure of acoustic disturbances that move the diaphragm. The push-pull sensor can be used with both TDM and CW fan-out array architectures.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a presence of one or more analytes in a sample. The apparatus comprises a cantilever (205) and a grating coupled resonating structure (210). The cantilever (205) comprises an analyte selective coating that is selective to the one or more analytes. The grating coupled resonating structure (210) is positioned adjacent to the cantilever (205). The first grating coupled resonating structure comprises a first interrogating grating coupler (220) which together with the cantilever forms an optical resonant cavity.

Abstract: A sensor includes a sensor head with at least two surfaces separated by a gap. One surface is mechanically fixed, a second surface is free to move and deflections of the second surface relative to the first surface are monitored by optical interferometry. An optical fiber could be used to direct light from a light source to the sensor and collect light reflected by the sensor. Interaction of molecules or other objects in the sample with the second surface is detected as a change in amplitude and/or phase of deflection the second surface in response to an applied driving signal. A layer of binding molecules may be immobilized on the second surface and this surface exposed to a sample.

Abstract: An optical sensor having a sapphire body is disclosed. A hollow in the sapphire body defines a surface which is used as a surface of a Fabry-Perot cavity. Interferometry is used to detect changes in the length of the Fabry-Perot cavity, and hence changes in, for example, the temperature or pressure of an environment in which the sensor is placed.

Abstract: An optical sensor in which acceleration, acoustic velocity, or displacement (vibration) causes a corresponding shift in the center wavelength of the sensor output. The sensor can be coupled to a high-speed interferometric interrogator through an unbalanced fiber interferometer. The unbalanced interferometer functions to translate optical wavelength shift into phase shift, which is easily demodulated by the interrogator. A method of measuring acceleration uses the sensor.

Abstract: A whispering gallery mode resonator based optical sensor assembly comprises a flow channel permeable to optical energy and first and second optical waveguides adjacent to a section of the flow channel and adapted to be in first and second evanescent field couplings respectively with the section such that the section forms a whispering gallery mode resonator. The resonator is responsive to an optical signal conveyed in the first optical waveguide and communicates a second optical signal to the second optical waveguide indicative of a resonance wavelength of the whispering gallery mode resonator. A detector optically coupled to the second optical waveguide detects the output signal. A signal processor detects a shift in the output signal responsive to an analyte fluid flowing through the flow channel. The shift is indicative of the identity of at least one constituent of the analyte fluid.

Abstract: A system includes an optical source. The system further includes a reflective sensor remotely deployed from the optical source. The system further includes an optical processor. The system further includes a forward optical waveguide spanning the distance from, and transmitting light from, the optical source to the reflective sensor. The system further includes a return optical waveguide spanning the distance from, and transmitting light from, the reflective sensor to the optical processor. The forward optical waveguide follows substantially the same path as, but is completely separate from, the return optical waveguide.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a sensor, a sensor so fabricated, and a method for sensing a stimulus are provided. The method includes providing an elongated open channel, such as, a V-groove, in a substrate, the open channel providing a first surface; removing at least some material from at least a portion of the open channel to provide a second surface displaced from the first surface; positioning a diaphragm on the second surface; and positioning an elongated wave-guide having a beveled end in the elongated open channel wherein the beveled end is positioned over the diaphragm to define an interferometric cavity between the diaphragm and the outer surface of the wave-guide. The sensor so fabricated can provide an effective sensor for detecting acoustic emission waves, among other pressure waves.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes at least one structure including at least one photonic crystal slab and an optical fiber optically coupled to the at least one photonic crystal slab, and having at least one optical resonance with a resonance frequency and a resonance lineshape. The acoustic sensor further includes a housing mechanically coupled to the at least one structure. At least one of the resonance frequency and the resonance lineshape is responsive to acoustic waves incident upon the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the structural integrity of a structure is provided. An optical fiber is acoustically coupled to one or more of the structural elements. A source of optical energy is configured to inject optical energy into the optical fiber, and an optical detector is configured to detect a first optical return signal having characteristics that are affected by vibrations of the structural elements. An analyzer measures characteristics of the optical return signal to determine information concerning the movement of the structural elements monitored by the fiber optic cable. The results of the analyzer can be stored and so that the analysis of the optical return signal can be compared to previously recorded signals to determine changes in structural integrity over time. Multiple fibers can be acoustically coupled to the monitored structural elements to obtain additional data concerning the structural integrity.

Abstract: A method utilizes an optical resonator that includes a reflective element and a spatial mode filter positioned relative to the reflective element such that light emitted from the spatial mode filter is reflected by the reflective element. The optical resonator has an optical resonance with a resonance lineshape that is asymmetric as a function of wavelength.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for measuring the length of a reflective resonator, by analyzing an electromagnetic spectrum emitted therefrom. The emitted spectrum is used for estimating a first cavity length. This estimation is thereafter improved, by first computing at least one interference number for the spectrum, adjust this value to e.g. an integer or half-integer depending on the configuration of the resonator, and thereafter re-calculating the length of the resonator using the adjusted value of the interference number. The above is an efficient way of improving the accuracy in the determination of a physical property of a resonator.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with monitoring combustion dynamics in a gas turbine engine environment are described herein. In one embodiment of a system for monitoring combustion dynamics in a gas turbine engine environment, the system includes a transducer and an optical fiber. The transducer is positioned within the gas turbine engine environment, and the transducer includes a diaphragm, a window, and a Fabry-Perot gap. The diaphragm has a reflective surface, and the window has a partially reflective surface. The Fabry-Perot gap is formed between the reflective surface of the diaphragm and the partially reflective surface of the window. The optical fiber is positioned proximate to the window and directs light into the Fabry-Perot gap and receiving light reflected from the Fabry-Perot gap.

Abstract: A guided mode resonance (GMR) sensor assembly and system are provided. The GMR sensor includes a waveguide structure configured for operation at or near one or more leaky modes, a receiver for input light from a source of light onto the waveguide structure to cause one or more leaky TE and TM resonant modes and a detector for changes in one or more of the phase, waveshape and/or magnitude of each of a TE resonance and a TM resonance to permit distinguishing between first and second physical states of said waveguide structure or its immediate environment.

Abstract: Techniques and devices based on transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) modes in an optical resonator or interferometer to provide sensitive optical detection with insensitivity to a change in temperature. A shift in a difference between a first resonance wavelength of a TE optical mode and a second resonance wavelength of a TM optical mode is measured to measure a change in a sample that is in optical interaction with the optical resonator or interferometer. For example, the detected shift can be used to measure a change in a refractive index of the sample.

Abstract: Silicon Carbide (SiC) probe designs for extreme temperature and pressure sensing uses a single crystal SiC optical chip encased in a sintered SiC material probe. The SiC chip may be protected for high temperature only use or exposed for both temperature and pressure sensing. Hybrid signal processing techniques allow fault-tolerant extreme temperature sensing. Wavelength peak-to-peak (or null-to-null) collective spectrum spread measurement to detect wavelength peak/null shift measurement forms a coarse-fine temperature measurement using broadband spectrum monitoring. The SiC probe frontend acts as a stable emissivity Black-body radiator and monitoring the shift in radiation spectrum enables a pyrometer. This application combines all-SiC pyrometry with thick SiC etalon laser interferometry within a free-spectral range to form a coarse-fine temperature measurement sensor.

Abstract: An optical fiber probe for an interferometric measuring device having a mechanical receptacle into which an optical fiber is inserted, having a fiber end piece which projects over the mechanical receptacle and contains optical components for guiding a measuring beam onto a measuring object, and having a reflection zone situated in the fiber for partial reflection of a light beam guided in the fiber. The reflection zone is situated in the fiber end piece. A method for manufacturing such an optical fiber probe. The fiber is separated at a predefined point, a partially reflecting coating is applied to at least one of the separation sites, and the two fiber parts are subsequently reconnected. The optical fiber probes may thus be manufactured with a long fiber end piece, which makes it possible to interferometrically measure deep cavities having a small diameter.

Abstract: An optical sensor in which acceleration, acoustic velocity, or displacement (vibration) causes a corresponding shift in the center wavelength of the sensor output. The sensor can be coupled to a high-speed interferometric interrogator through an unbalanced fiber interferometer. The unbalanced interferometer functions to translate optical wavelength shift into phase shift, which is easily demodulated by the interrogator. A method of measuring acceleration uses the sensor.

Abstract: The device includes two supports and a primary conductive strip. The primary conductive strip includes a neutral surface, a first side, and a second side. The primary conductive strip is connected one of directly and indirectly on the first side to the two supports such that the primary conductive strip is constrained in two dimensions and movable in one dimension. The device also includes a primary distributed feedback fiber laser. The primary distributed feedback fiber laser includes a fiber axis. The primary distributed feedback fiber laser is connected to the primary conductive strip along one of the first side and the second side such that there is a positive distance between the neutral surface of the primary conductive strip and the fiber axis of the primary distributed feedback fiber laser.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with measuring environmental parameters are described herein. In one embodiment, a transducer comprises a tube, an elongated member, a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and an optical fiber. The tube has a first end and a second end, and the elongated member also has a first end and a second end, with the first end of the elongated member secured to the tube. The second reflective surface is secured to the second end of the elongated member, and the first reflective surface is spaced apart from the second reflective surface and secured to the second end of the tube. The optical fiber is positioned to direct light towards the first and second reflective surfaces and to collect the reflected light from these two surfaces.

Abstract: A tunable optical filter is formed by the longitudinal alignment of two opposing end sections of single-mode optical fibers. On at least one of the end sections is a collimator fiber section which is formed from a section of a graded-index, multimode optical fiber which is an odd number of quarter pitches long. The collimator fiber section has an angled end surface which joined to the reciprocally angled end surface of the at least one single-mode optical fiber end section. Piezoelectric material controls the separation between the first and second single-mode optical fiber end sections and sets the wavelengths of optical signals carried through the first and second single-mode optical fiber end sections.

Abstract: An improved optic system for measuring and/or controlling displacement, force, pressure, position, or chemistry is disclosed. This apparatus allows for more accurate, robust, and economical communication between the transducer (or control input element) and the reader device (or control output), allows the use of a single optic fiber and/or or a gap for the communication link, and produces substantial insensitivity to attenuation due to mechanical, chemical, thermal, and radiation effects acting on the optic fiber or open space in which the signal propagates. It is also significantly immune to interference from electromagnetic radiation, since the link can be easily produced as a non-conductor which will not propagate unwanted electrical energy or lightning, and is intrinsically safe from igniting fires or explosions. It also facilitates use on rotating machinery and remote location of the transducer by the ability to transmit the signal across a large gap or air space.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for measuring the length of a reflective resonator, by analyzing an electromagnetic spectrum emitted therefrom. The emitted spectrum is used for estimating a first cavity length. This estimation is thereafter improved, by first computing at least one interference number for the spectrum, adjust this value to e.g. an integer or half-integer depending on the configuration of the resonator, and thereafter re-calculating the length of the resonator using the adjusted value of the interference number. The above is an efficient way of improving the accuracy in the determination of a physical property of a resonator.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property includes a hollow core tube and an input light guide disposed at least partially within hollow core tube. The apparatus also includes a second gap disposed within the hollow core tube and separated from the input light guide by an air gap width. The second gap is formed of a first solid material and has a second gap width. The apparatus also includes a third gap disposed at least partially within the hollow core tube and being further from the input light guide than the second gap. The third gap is formed of a second solid material and has a third gap width.

Abstract: A sensor assembly having an optical fiber, a lens in optical communication with the optical fiber, a reflective surface spaced from the lens, for reflecting light from the beam back to the lens, a partially reflective surface positioned between the reflective surface and the lens, the partially reflective surface for reflecting light from the beam back to the lens, and an alignment device for aligning the lens and reflective surface with respect to one another, such that light from the beam of light transmitted from the lens reflects from the reflective surface back to the lens. The alignment device can have a rotational component and a base component, where the rotational component rotates to align a beam of light transmitted from the lens. The rotational component can also cooperate with the base component to move axially with respect to the reflective surfaces to align the beam for optimum power.

Abstract: Integrated spectroscopy systems are disclosed. In some examples, integrated tunable detectors, using one or multiple Fabry-Perot tunable filters, are provided. Other examples use integrated tunable sources. The tunable source combines one or multiple diodes, such as superluminescent light emitting diodes (SLED), and a Fabry Perot tunable filter or etalon. The advantages associated with the use of the tunable etalon are that it can be small, relatively low power consumption device. For example, newer microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) implementations of these devices make them the size of a chip. This increases their robustness and also their performance. In some examples, an isolator, amplifier, and/or reference system is further provided integrated.