Abstract: This invention relates to an optical sensor element comprising a photonic crystal constituted by a membrane of a chosen transparent material, the membrane being provided with a number of defined openings in a chosen pattern, the pattern being adapted to provide resonance at a chosen wavelength or range of wavelengths, wherein said openings are provided with a reactive material acting as a receptor for a chosen type of molecules, e.g. proteins, the presence of which alters the resonance and/or scattering conditions in the sensor element thus altering the amount of light propagating out of the membrane plane.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical sensor element comprising a photonic crystal constituted by a membrane of a chosen transparent material, the membrane being provided with a number of defined openings in a chosen pattern, the pattern being adapted to provide resonance at a chosen wavelength or range of wavelengths, wherein said openings are provided with a reactive material acting as a receptor for a chosen type of molecules, e.g. proteins, the presence of which alters the resonance and/or scattering conditions in the sensor element thus altering the amount of light propagating out of the membrane plane.

Abstract: An optical resonator includes a reflective element and an optical fiber. The optical fiber is positioned relative to the reflective element such that light emitted from the optical fiber 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: A method and apparatus for detecting a group of parameters. An optical signal is sent into an optical sensor unit comprising a first reflective structure, a second reflective structure, and a cavity system located between the first reflective structure and the second reflective structure. The first reflective structure is configured to be associated with an optical fiber. A response generated by the optical sensor unit is detected. The group of parameters is identified from the response.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes at least one photonic crystal structure 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 photonic crystal structure. At least one of the resonance frequency and the resonance lineshape is responsive to acoustic waves incident upon the housing.

Abstract: An optical structure includes an optical waveguide and at least one photonic crystal structure. The optical structure also includes a structural portion mechanically coupled to the optical waveguide and the at least one photonic crystal structure such that a region substantially bounded by the structural portion, the optical waveguide, and the at least one photonic crystal structure has a specified volume.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor and a method of fabricating an acoustic sensor are provided. The acoustic sensor includes at least one photonic crystal structure and an optical fiber having an end optically coupled to the at least one photonic crystal structure. The acoustic sensor further includes a structural portion mechanically coupled to the at least one photonic crystal structure and to the optical fiber. The at least one photonic crystal structure, the optical fiber, and the structural portion substantially bound a region having a volume such that a frequency response of the acoustic sensor is generally flat in a range of acoustic frequencies.

Abstract: An optical structure includes an optical waveguide and at least one photonic crystal structure. The optical structure also includes a structural portion mechanically coupled to the optical waveguide and the at least one photonic crystal structure such that a region substantially bounded by the structural portion, the optical waveguide, and the at least one photonic crystal structure has a specified volume.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a sensor is provided, with the sensor including a reflective element and an optical fiber positioned relative to the reflective element such that light emitted from the optical fiber is reflected by the reflective element and propagates in an optical cavity between the optical fiber and the reflective element. The method includes positioning an element within the optical cavity. The element has a coefficient of thermal expansion and a thickness that compensate a refractive index change with temperature of a medium within the optical cavity.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes at least one photonic crystal structure 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 photonic crystal structure. At least one of the resonance frequency and the resonance lineshape is responsive to acoustic waves incident upon the housing.

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

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: 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: 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: An acoustic sensor and a method of fabricating an acoustic sensor are provided. The acoustic sensor includes at least one photonic crystal structure and an optical fiber having an end optically coupled to the at least one photonic crystal structure. The acoustic sensor further includes a structural portion mechanically coupled to the at least one photonic crystal structure and to the optical fiber. The at least one photonic crystal structure, the optical fiber, and the structural portion substantially bound a region having a volume such that a frequency response of the acoustic sensor is generally flat in a range of acoustic frequencies.

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.