Abstract: The present application relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for providing generating odors. In aspects, the disclosed methods may include generating, by a chemistry dispersion element, a signal configured to act upon a surface of a chemistry reservoir to disperse an odorous substance retained within the chemistry reservoir. The chemistry reservoir and the chemistry dispersion element may be disposed within a housing. The method also includes generating, by an air pump, a volume of air, and transporting, by an airflow pathway, the volume of air from the air pump to an air outlet. The volume of air passes through at least a portion of the housing as it flows through the airflow pathway from the air pump to the air outlet, and transports at least a portion of the odorous substance dispersed by the chemistry reservoir within the housing to the air outlet.

Abstract: Mirror systems securing optical fibers to ferrules by thermally securing bonding agents within fiber optic connector housings are disclosed, along with related methods and assemblies. A fiber optic connector includes an optical fiber secured within a ferrule by a temperature-sensitive bonding agent to prevent attenuation-causing movement. The bonding agent is activated (e.g., cured) by heat provided by laser energy incident upon the ferrule, which is at least partially disposed within a fiber optic connector housing and which may be damaged by the laser energy. By shaping and disposing at least one mirror of a mirror system, the laser energy may be reflected to be incident upon the ferrule in a controllable intensity distribution. In this manner, the laser energy may be absorbed uniformly or substantially uniformly along a partial length of the ferrule extending into the housing to accelerate securing of the bonding agent while avoiding damage to the housing.

Abstract: An optical fiber assembly includes an optical fiber with a bulbous portion at a first end of the optical fiber and an optical tip attachment surrounding a segment of the optical fiber proximate the bulbous portion. The optical tip attachment is configured to bend the segment of the optical fiber. The optical fiber tip attachment is configured to maintain an air gap between a cylindrical surface of the segment and an inner surface of the optical fiber tip attachment.

Abstract: Light scattering and absorption techniques for the detection of possible abnormal living tissue. Apparatus and methods for utilizing multiple blood content detection sensors and/or contact sensors for beneficially providing data to better guide an endoscope or colonoscope to locate abnormal tissue, tumors, or tissues that precede the development of such lesions or tumors.

Abstract: Methods of making a stub lens element and assemblies for coherence tomography (OCT) applications are disclosed. The method of making the stub lens element includes drawing a rod of optical material and processing the drawn rod to form a lens integrally connected to a stub section. The methods also include operably supporting an optical fiber and a stub lens element in a cooperative optical relationship to form a stub lens sub-assembly. The methods also include operably supporting the stub lens sub-assembly and a light-deflecting member in a cooperative optical relationship to form a probe optical assembly that has a folded optical path.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical scattering element suitable for dispersing or scattering light transmitted by optical device by Mie scattering. The optical scattering element comprises a phase-separated or porous borosilicate glass having dispersed phase particles with a particle size of 200 to 500 nanometers or pores with a size of 200 to 500 nanometers, at a number density of 108 to 1012 mm?3. The optical scattering element can be prepared by subjecting a borosilicate glass to a controlled heat treatment to induce phase separation, and then optionally leaching out one of the phases with an acid leach. The optical scattering element can be, for example, attached to an end of an optical fiber or bundle of optical fibers. The invention also relates to a method of dispersing or scattering light by transmitting the light through the optical scattering element.

Abstract: Methods of making a stub lens element and assemblies for coherence tomography (OCT) applications are disclosed. The method of making the stub lens element includes drawing a rod of optical material and processing the drawn rod to form a lens integrally connected to a stub section. The methods also include operably supporting an optical fiber and a stub lens element in a cooperative optical relationship to form a stub lens sub-assembly. The methods also include operably supporting the stub lens sub-assembly and a light-deflecting member in a cooperative optical relationship to form a probe optical assembly that has a folded optical path.

Abstract: A remote sensor element for spectrographic measurements employs a monolithic assembly of one or two fiber optics to two optical elements separated by a supporting structure to allow the flow of gases or particulates therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor element components are fused ceramic to resist high temperatures and failure from large temperature changes.

Abstract: A method for producing rod lenses with an enveloping diameter of the rod lens face of up to 200 mm and an edge length of at least 800 mm. The method is characterized in that fabrication is performed from a cylindrical rod lens element made from synthetic quartz glass material configured as a fused silica ingot. This is performed using a flame hydrolysis method with a direct one stage deposition process of SIOx particles from a flame stream onto die that rotates and is moveable in a linear manner with respect to the flame stream.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition for enhancing evaporation of a solution and a method thereof. A far-infrared ray is released by a far-infrared releasing substance in the composition so as to induce evaporation of the solution. The far-infrared releasing substance may be ceramic minerals and mainly comprises 80˜99.9 wt % of oxide minerals including 60˜95 wt % of the aluminum oxide. The present invention can enhance evaporation of the solution by a simple physical method. Hence, the present invention not only promotes the application of the products but also reduces the pollutants generated by a chemical reaction, thereby achieving the object of protecting the environment from the pollution.

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: In some embodiments, an optical fiber assembly apparatus includes a signal fiber having a substantially constant outer diameter, a proximal portion, and a distal portion. The proximal portion has a waveguide structure configured to propagate an optical signal having a first mode field diameter and the distal portion has a waveguide structure configured to propagate the optical signal having the first mode field diameter at a proximal end of the distal portion and has an expanded waveguide structure configured to propagate the optical signal having a second mode field diameter at a distal end of the distal portion. The optical fiber assembly includes a lens fiber having a proximal end. The proximal end of the lens fiber is fused to the distal end of the distal portion of the signal fiber. The lens fiber is configured to propagate an optical signal through a nominally homogenous region.

Abstract: Optical qualities of a production lot of base material used in the fabrication of semi-finished lenses may be accurately determined by employing chipper plate samples produced from the base material in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In various implementations of the present invention, the chipper plates samples may be fabricated by subjecting base material to an extended cycle time and temperature profile using a mold having cavities of different thicknesses. The resulting chipper plates provide an improved indication of the color of semi-finished lenses molded from the production lot as well as an improved indication of resin stabilizer defects that may be utilized during a pelletizing process to control and enhance the quality of a production lot. Furthermore, the chipper plates may be provided by suppliers as samples of a production lot to enable customers to base purchasing decisions on a reliable and accurate measure of optical properties.

Abstract: The manufacture of a GRIN lens using a sol-gel process includes forming a wet gel from an alcohol solution containing a silicon alkoxide, a dopant alkoxide, and an aluminum alkoxide, first, an alcohol solution containing the silicon alkoxide and the aluminum alkoxide as is prepared, and then the dopant alkoxide is mixed thereto.

Abstract: Provided is an optical fiber illuminator used for recording and reading high density optical information according to a near field recording (NFR) scheme, a method of fabricating the optical fiber illuminator, and an optical recording head and recording apparatus having the optical fiber illuminator. The optical fiber illuminator includes: an optical fiber having a core upon which light is incident and a clad that surrounds the core, one end of the optical fiber having a mirror formed in an inclined manner; and a lens formed on an outer surface of the optical fiber for focusing light reflected by the mirror. The optical fiber illuminator has an improved optical arrangement for optical illumination and detection, it is easy to manufacture, its optical input is easy to control, and it can be readily provided in an array form.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved optical device having at least a first and second optical components. The optical device further includes a first extending tube securely attached to the first and second optical components as a first building block wherein the first and second optical components are aligned and position adjusted in the position-holding-and-fixing means and securely attached thereto by a room-temperature UV curable epoxy UV cured at room temperature. The optical device then further assembled using a step-by-step building block assembling process with more building blocks assembled by optical components similar to the first building block described above. In other preferred embodiment, the first and second optical components held in the extending tube having a pre-aligned dihedral angle between the first and second optical components.

Abstract: In the jointing method of jointing an optical fiber F a softening point of which is higher than an optical lens L to the optical lens L, only the optical lens is softened by heating, and an end face as a joint portion of the optical fiber is pushed into a joint portion of the softened optical lens to thereby joint them.

Abstract: A three-dimensional optical waveguide is formed by laminating planar substrates such as a plurality of lens substrates and, an isolator substrate and a wavelength division multiplexing filter, the optical substrates at least include a waveguide substrate having a waveguide and a reflecting surface. In the three-dimensional optical waveguide, the planar substrates are positioned by markers integrally formed on at least two of the planar substrates. Light directed into the waveguide is reflected by a reflecting surface and passes through the lens substrates and the isolator substrate.

Abstract: A method provided for manufacturing a lensed tip optical fiber. The method includes providing an optically transparent cylindrical fiber; and etching a first end of the optically transparent cylindrical fiber to form a tip. The tip is heated which forms a lens surface at the heated tip.

Abstract: This invention provides an inexpensive and rapid method for fabricating a high-anisotropic-etch ratio, shaped glass structures using a novel photosensitive glass composition. Structures of the photosensitive glass may include micro-channels, micro-optics, microposts, or arrays of hollow micro-needles. Furthermore, such shaped glass structures can be used to form a negative mold for casting the shape in other materials.

Abstract: An optical system (21) is disclosed, that includes a plurality of waveguides (10, 14) on a substrate (22) and a unitary collimating lens element (23) adjacent and optically coupled to the waveguides (10, 14) and on the same substrate (22). Methods for producing optical systems (21) and a plurality of optical signals are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupling part that reduces the difficulty in adjusting cores, minimizes coupling loss, and prevents optical characteristics from deteriorating. An optical fiber is fused to one end of a GRIN lens which includes a quartz glass containing one or more refractive index regulating substances selected from Sb2O3, Ta2O5, TiO2 or ZrO2. Optical characteristics are not deteriorated because an adhesive is not used, and self-alignment effects facilitate adjustment of the cores of the GRIN lens and the optical fiber. Furthermore, coupling loss can be minimized by setting a refractive index distribution constant g of the GRIN lens within an appropriate range.

Abstract: A fiber optic collimator system, a fiber optic collimator array, and a fiber optic collimator array system, which can reduce difficulty in an alignment process, minimize a coupling loss, and prevent the optical characteristics from deteriorating. An optical fiber is fused to one end of a GRIN lens made of quartz glass containing one or more selected from Sb2O3, Ta2O5, TiO2 and ZrO2 as a refractive index regulating substance, to form an optical fiber with a GRIN lens. Since an adhesive is not used, the core alignment of the GRIN lens and the optical fiber can be facilitated by a self alignment effect without deteriorating the optical characteristics. Moreover, the coupling loss is remarkably reduced by appropriately setting a refractive index distribution constant g of the GRIN lens.

Abstract: The lead-free optical glass can be used in the fields of imaging, sensor technology, microscopy, medical technology, digital projection, photolithography, laser technology, wafer/chip technology, as well as of telecommunications, optical communication engineering and optics/lighting in the automotive sector. It has a refractive index nd of 1.82?nd?2.00 and/or an Abbe number vd of 18?vd?28 with good chemical stability, excellent crystallization stability and the following composition, in wt. based on oxide content, of: P2O5 12-35 Nb2O5 30-50 Bi2O3 ?2-13 GeO2 0.1-7?? Li2O ?6 Na2O ?6 K2O ?6 Cs2O ?6 MgO ?6 CaO ?6 SrO ?6 BaO ???7-<17 ZnO ?6 TiO2 ?7 ZrO2 ?7 WO3 ?2-14 F ??6.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light-enhancing component and a fabrication method thereof by using the focused-ion-beam. In the present invention, the surface plasmon polariton structure is coated on the surface of the optical fiber so as to form the light-enhancing component. When the light passes through the optical fiber, the luminous flux transmitted through the aperture on the surface plasmon polariton is enhanced, and the light beam smaller than the diffraction limitation can be transmitted to the far-field, i.e. the nano-optic sword is formed. The light-enhancing component of the present invention can be used for the optical data storage, the optical microscopy, the biomedical detections and the lithography to perform the extra optical resolutions beyond the diffraction limitation.

Abstract: A cutting method and apparatus are provided to cut a portion of an optical fibre or waveguide with a laser beam. The proposed cutting action takes advantage of the sharp cutting edge of a laser beam generated so as to have a predetermined asymmetric intensity distribution. In operation, a prescribed amount of the beam distribution is impinged on the fibre or waveguide portion and causes the portion to ablate or vaporise so as to effect a cut at the portion in dependence upon the impingement. No translation of the laser beam across the fibre or waveguide is effected during cutting. The proposed cutting action bears definite advantages over conventional cutting techniques and finds utility for many optical fibre or waveguide applications. For example, the proposed cutting action can produce a substantially flat optical fibre or waveguide surface or a lens of enhanced quality at the end of the fibre or waveguide portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for forming convex and concave elements on the ends of supporting members. A convex element may be formed by forming a droplet on the end of the supporting member, then curing the droplet. The size of the droplet may be controlled using evaporation of a solvent from the droplet. In another aspect of the invention, an optical element may be formed by forming a droplet on the end of the supporting member, contacting the droplet with a mold, and curing the droplet, thereby forming an element with a curvature opposite that of the mold. When the supporting member is an optical fiber, the elements formed by the methods of the present invention are useful as lenses and mirrors in micro-optic devices.

Abstract: To provide a lens-integrated optical fiber with low cost and well controlled optical properties, and production method thereof a lens-integrated optical fiber includes an optical fiber and a lens mounted on an end face of the optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention features a method for attaching a surface of a first optical element to a surface of a second optical element. The method includes: providing a bonding glass on at least one of the surfaces, wherein the bonding glass is selected to match the refractive indices of the first and second optical elements at the surfaces over a first range of wavelengths and absorb optical energy to a greater extent than that of the optical elements over a second range of wavelengths different from the first range of wavelengths; positioning the surfaces proximate one another; directing optical energy to the bonding glass through at least one of the optical elements at a wavelength in the second range of wavelengths, wherein the optical energy is sufficient to melt the bonding glass without deforming the optical elements; and allowing the melted bonding glass to solidify and fuse the proximately positioned surfaces.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a GRIN fiber includes forming a tube of silica-glass having a tubular core and a concentric tubular cladding adjacent and external to the tubular core. The core has a dopant density with a radially graded profile. The method includes partially collapsing the tube by applying heat thereto. The partially collapsed tube has a central channel. The method includes passing a glass etchant through the central canal to remove an internal layer of silica glass, and then, collapsing the etched tube to a rod-like preform.

Abstract: A lensed polarization maintaining fiber having a lens on an end thereof has a core, two stress-applied regions disposed on both sides of the core, respectively, and a clad containing the core and stress-applied regions. The lens has at least an inclined face, the inclined face including an edge. Each of the stress-applied regions is exposed on the inclined face except the edge.

Abstract: A thermally-shaped optical fiber and a method for forming the same so as to minimize the presence of optical artifacts in the optical fiber that contributes to insertion loss.

Abstract: An optical fiber assembly has a microlens joined to the face of an optical fiber. The microlens is made from a material which, when liquid, adheres to the face. The microlens can have a focal point which defines an optical path between the surface of the microlens and the optical fiber's core. This assembly can be formed by applying liquid such a pre-dispensed droplets of liquid to the optical fiber so that the liquid adheres to the optical fiber as a droplet at the face, and solidifying the droplet to form the microlens. The droplet's shape can be altered as it solidifies.

Abstract: A tapered lensed fiber includes a tapered multimode fiber having a gradient-index core and an optical fiber attached to the tapered multimode fiber. A method for forming a tapered lensed fiber includes attaching an optical fiber to a multimode fiber having a gradient-index core, applying heat to a surface of the multimode fiber, and pulling the multimode fiber into a taper. The method also allows for forming a tapered polarization-maintaining fiber while preserving stress rods and polarization isolation properties of the polarization-maintaining fiber.

Abstract: Methods, including chemical mechanical polishing methods, for creating a focusing surface on the exposed end of one or more single mode fiber cores which focusing surface is self-aligned to the fiber core axis.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for Forming a Lens on an Optical Fiber includes a fiber rotator assembly that receives and axially rotates an optical fiber. The optical fiber is positioned through a fiber support assembly that includes an air bearing for the near frictionless rotation of the fiber. A fiber forming assembly is positioned adjacent the end of the optical fiber and includes an abrasive disc mounted to the shaft of an abrasive disc motor. The fiber forming assembly is advanced toward the rotating optical fiber for the rotating abrasive disc to contact and remove a portion of the tip of the fiber forming a cone having a predetermined cone angle. A fiber profiling tool having a flexible abrasive flap is advanced to contact the cone-shaped tip of the rotating fiber to remove a portion of the cone to form a lens on the end of the fiber.

Abstract: A method of making a microlensed fiber by splicing a doped silica rod to an optical fiber and shaping the end of the doped silica rod into a plano-convex refracting lens. The doped silica rod has a lower melting point and annealing point than undoped silica, and therefor less power is required to manufacture the microlensed fiber. This decreases wear to the heating elements of the manufacturing equipment and therefor increases the number of microlensed fibers that can be manufactured between cycles. A further aspect of the present invention is a microlensed fiber made by the above process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for terminating the end of an optical fiber. In particular the present invention relates to a method for forming a low reflectance termination on an end of an optical fiber. The method including the step of tensioning the optical fiber between two spaced apart points thereon. The method further including the step of moving a ball termination torch from a given location in a given direction with respect to the fiber such that a potion of the flame therefrom intercepts the fiber and severs the fiber into two pieces each having a tapered end. The method further includes the steps of retracting at least one of the tapered ends a predetermined distance in a direction away from the other of the tapered ends and continuing to move the torch such that the flame heats the at least one of the tapered ends to cause it to become shortened.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for manufacturing an optical fiber Bragg grating, which in a preferred embodiment includes the steps of: (a) removing at least a portion of a removable coating on an optical fiber element in at least one predetermined section to sufficiently expose the optical fiber in the section for a subsequent treatment by a source of optical radiation; (b) fixing the at least one section with respect to the source of optical radiation; (c) directing optical radiation from the source into the optical fiber to produce at least one Bragg grating in the at least one section; and (d) covering the at least one section. The present invention also extends to an apparatus for carrying out the process steps described above, which includes means for coating removal, means for fiber immobilization, means for writing a Bragg grating, and means for packaging.

Abstract: A non-phase separable glass material for fabricating a GRIN lens comprises 5-20 mole % boron oxide and ratio R of network modifiers in mole % to the network former boron oxide in mole % is in the range of about 1-1.5. The melted preform of such glass material is extruded through an opening to form a glass rod where the extrusion process eliminates bubbles that may be present in the preform. Neodymium oxide may be added in the frit material for forming the preform to reduce friction forces in the extrusion process and reduces the stress in the glass rod. Centerless grinding may be performed to control the diameter and roughness of the surface of the rod to control the diffusion parameters during the subsequent ion-exchange.

Abstract: An optical fiber with lens of a simple construction capable of taking in a flat beam of light efficiently and improving the optical coupling efficiency between an LD and a fiber, and a method of manufacturing the same. Diagonal cut surfaces are provided on both sides of the center of a core at an end of an optical fiber which is opposed to a light source or the outgoing light, whereby a wedge-like end portion is formed, a semicylindrical lens formed to a desired radius of curvature being thus provided at this end of the optical fiber. Portions of a desired radius of curvature which extend in two orthogonal directions are further provided at this end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: The end face (32) of the optical fiber (24) of a fiber optical terminal (10) is finished by installing the fiber in a terminal ferrule (18), cleaving an end of the fiber close to the end face (54) of the ferrule, and heating the cleaved fiber end face so as to soften its end face and cause it to assume a smooth, rounded configuration. The heating is accomplished, for a glass fiber, by application of the beam of a carbon dioxide laser (60) to the optical fiber end face. The heat softened end face assumes a smooth, rounded configuration that minimizes back reflection. A system including a laser (105), shutter (102), beam expander (108) and parabolic mirror (110) heats the fiber end face that is positioned at the parabola faces by a three axis manipulator (156,158) and holder (152). Orthogonal viewing systems (126, 142) enable visual monitoring of the process.

Abstract: A new optical fiber and method of manufacturing the same developed for use with surgical laser systems. The fiber core utilizes an ultra-low expansion (ULE) material. The preferred ULE fiber consists of silicon dioxide core doped with titanium dioxide which is cladded and jacketed for chemical and abrasion resistance. The resulting fiber is stable against degradation due to thermal expansion.

Abstract: A method for efficiently coupling beams from semiconductor lasers into optical fibers is presented which provides optical fibers with a modified end surface for efficient coupling. The method comprises a combination of shaping of the fiber end face and of axially varying the refractive index of the fiber end face material as a function of the distance from fiber end face surface. One preferred embodiment employs an axial gradient-index lens (AGRIN lens) fabricated directly on the fiber end face to improve coupling a laser beam into the fiber. The method can also be used in other applications where optical fibers having spherical or more complicated surfaces of their end faces need to be fabricated.

Abstract: There is provided an assembly having a light guiding medium sealed to a her. Preferably the holder is a metal shell and a light guiding medium is an optical fiber of glass or sapphire whisker. The assembly includes a sealing medium which sealingly engages the metal holder to the fiber. In the formation of the assembly, the seal is essentially hermetic having a capability of minimizing leakage having a helium leak rate of less than 1.times.10.sup.-8 cubic centimeters per second and high strength having a capability of withstanding pressures of 100,000 psi or greater. The features of the assembly are obtained by a specific preparation method and by selection of specific starting materials. The fiber is selected to have a sufficiently high coefficient of thermal expansion which minimizes strains in the component during fabrication, as a result of fabrication, and during use.

Abstract: A low-cost, high performance 1.times.N fiber optic coupler where N>16 is presented. The coupler has a GRIN lens having an first optic fiber aligned with the optical axis of the lens at one end of the lens. The first optic fiber ends in a microlens. At the other end of the GRIN lens a bundle of tapered second optic fibers is centered on the optical axis of the lens. The microlens is formed by fusing two fibers together, stretching the fused region, jerking the fibers apart and then heating a fiber end to form the lens.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the index of refraction of a glassy material is increased by treating the material with hydrogen and applying heat. Specifically, the glass is exposed to hydrogen or deuterium at pressure in the range 14-11,000 p.s.i. and a temperature in the range 21.degree.-150.degree. C. for a time sufficient for the hydrogen to diffuse into the glass. The glass is then subjected to heat in excess of about 500.degree. C., as by application of a flame or infrared radiation. The duration of heating can be less than a second. The result is a substantial and long-lived increase in the normalized refractive index. For example, flame heating of H.sub.2 loaded commercial GeO.sub.2 doped optical fibers (AT&T Accutether single mode fiber) has produced normalized index changes .increment.n/n of 4.times.10.sup.-3. This process can be used to make and adjust a variety of optical waveguide devices.

Abstract: An optical system comprising a monomode main optical fiber coupled to a phototransducer, by means of an assembly between the monomode optical fiber and the phototransducer, which assembly comprises, in succession: a piece of graded index multimode fiber, a piece of step index multimode fiber, and a microlens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an optical fiber for optimum coupling with a phototransducer, comprising the following steps: cleaving an end surface on an optical fiber; and depositing a succession of convex lenses on said cleaved surface over the core of the fiber, the lenses being in axial alignment and of decreasing radii of curvature on going away from the fiber. The present invention also provides a system obtained by implementing the method.