Abstract:
Image data is acquired, processed, and/or displayed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure to display, monitor, and/or demonstrate the progress of an experiment substantially in real-time and with high sensitivity. In one embodiment, at least one time-resolved value of spatially distributed polarization change data is provided and displayed. Advantageously, real-time processing and display of data is provided such that discussion and collaboration about the experiment may occur, time-resolved data is not lost, and resources are not wasted.
Abstract:
A method of preparing a multi-layer, crack resistant sol-gel glass derived coating on a substrate by removing the outer periphery of each layer before curing the layer and depositing any succeeding layer.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for processing an optical signal in an optical waveguide using a closed loop wavelength dependent active tuning system. A tunable fiber Bragg grating, optical processor and a controller provide feedback control of the central wavelength of the tunable fiber Bragg grating. Changes in wavelength of the processed signal are followed to keep the tunable fiber Bragg grating tuned to a peak wavelength for maximum sensitivity.
Abstract:
A sensor system comprises a broadband light source, a birefringent sensor, a detection circuit, and a signal processing unit. The preferred detection circuit further includes a variable frequency oscillator, a modulator, and a photodetector. The modulator modulates the output of the birefringent sensor with a modulation signal from the variable frequency oscillator. The modulation produces an interference signal having a variable interference frequency. By determining the frequency of the modulation signal from the variable frequency oscillator that minimizes the interference frequency, the detection system is able to determine the difference in frequency between first and second spectral components of the output of birefringent sensor. The detector may be constructed using entirely solid state optics/electronics. The preferred fiber grating sensor comprises a birefringent optical fiber having a cladding and a core. The cladding has first and second side holes formed therein that extend substantially parallel to the core, and that are substantially coextensively located with respect to each other along the length of the optical fiber. The first and second side holes are preferable positioned such that, in transverse cross section of the optical fiber, a first radial line that extends from the core to the first side hole is substantially perpendicular to a second radial line that extends from the core to the second side hole.
Abstract:
An imaging method and apparatus are provided, including a light source emitting a polarized light beam, and an optical assembly including a control layer and/or a light reflection surface. The control layer advantageously allows for control over the properties of a generated evanescent wave to optimize an image of a specimen array within the evanescent wave. The light reflection surface includes coupling means used to couple a receptor/capture agent advantageously allowing for flexible control over receptor specific regions.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for scanning of a microarray to provide an image of the microarray are disclosed. Data related to change in polarization state of a scanning light beam for individual points or lines or other portion of the microarray are collected and processed to image the microarray at high resolution and speed.
Abstract:
Processes for fabricating integrated optics devices are provided. According to one process, a photosensitive sol-gel glass material including a volatile photosensitizer is prepared. A film of the sol-gel is then produced on a substrate. The film is then imprinted with an image of an optical device by exposing the photosensitive sol-gel film to light energy patterned in the negative or positive image of the desired device, thereby photolyzing photosensitizer within the exposed portion in proportion to the amount of light energy delivered. The image of the written optical device is then fixed in the exposed film, thereby forming a planar device layer having an embedded optical device. The photoinduced refractive index change between the optical device and the surrounding region is preferably greater than or equal to 0.001. A variety of passive and active integrated optic devices may be fabricated using the disclosed processes and are also described.
Abstract:
Imaging apparatus which images the changes in height of reactive spots on the surface of a slide requires the surface roughness of the slide to be small enough to distinguish the changes in height from the roughness features of the slide.
Abstract:
Apparatus for acquiring an image of a specimen comprising a cassette having an optical portion holding a specimen array on a TIR surface and being removably matable to a processing portion having a polarized light beam source and a processing polarization-sensitive portion to image the spatially distributed charges in polarization of the specimen array. In one form the array optical portion comprises a transparent slide having a bottom surface with first and second gratings located to direct polarized light to the TIR surface and to direct light reflected by that (TIR) surface to an imager, respectively. The apparatus may include a flow cell integral with the optical portion as well as means for selecting the direction and wavelength of the polarized light.
Abstract:
A photosensitive sol-gel film containing an organometallic photosensitizer is deposited on the oxide containing surface layer of a silicon substrate. A pattern of white or ultra violet light incident to the photosensitive sol-gel film results in the unbinding of the photosensitizer from the exposed regions of the sol-gel film. A subsequent succession of first and second heating steps results in, first, the removal of the photo sensitizer constituents from the exposed regions of the sol-gel film and, second, the removal of the organic constituents from the exposed regions, resulting in regions doped with a metal oxide with non linear optical properties, such as semicondutive, etc. properties. Optical switches, couplers, waveguides, splitters, interferometers wavelength division multiplexer, Bragg gratings and more can be fabricated. A glass substrate also may be employed, instead of a silicon, in which case a separate silicon oxide surface layer is unnecessary.