Abstract:
An integrated swept wavelength optical source uses a narrowband filtered broadband signal, such as a filtered amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) signal, with an optical amplifier and tracking filter and/or self-tracking filter. This source comprises a micro optical bench, a source for generating broadband light, a first tunable Fabry Perot filter, installed on the bench, for spectrally filtering the broadband light from the broadband source to generate a narrowband tunable signal, an amplifier, installed on the bench, for amplifying the tunable signal, and possibly a second tunable Fabry Perot filter, installed on the bench, for spectrally filtering the amplified tunable signal from the amplifier. In a self-tracking arrangement, a single tunable filter both generates the narrowband signal and spectrally filters the amplified signal. In some examples, two-stage amplification is provided. The use of a single bench implementation yields a low cost high performance system.
Abstract:
An optical component is adapted for pick-and-place-style installation on an optical submount (100) or bench and compatible with a chuck of a bonder (200) that picks-up the optical component, places it on the optical bench, and then typically solder bonds the optical component to the bench. In the current implementation, this optical component comprises an optical element (104), such as an optical fiber, lens, or MOEMS device, that is attached to a plastically deformable mounting structure. The optical component has a bench-attach surface (152) that is used to bond the optical component to an optical bench. Further, the optical component has a bonder chuck engagement surface (154) to which a bonder chuck attaches to manipulate the optical component, such as install it, on the optical bench.
Abstract:
A sensor wire system with an integrated power source and wireless transmission is provided. A sensor wire includes a distal end that is inserted into a blood vessel of a patient's body. A sensor that is mounted at the distal end of the sensor wire and an electronics unit of the distal end of the sensor wire transmit information generated by the sensor to a receiver unit outside of the patient's body wirelessly. The system further includes a power source, which in one example is mounted to the distal end of the sensor wire, that supplies power to the electronics unit. Preferably the wire body functions as an antenna for the wireless broadcasting.
Abstract:
An optical coherence analysis system comprising: a first swept source that generates a first optical signal that is tuned over a first spectral scan band, a second swept source that generates a second optical signal that is tuned over a second spectral scan band, a combiner for combining the first optical signal and the second optical signal for form a combined optical signal, an interferometer for dividing the combined optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample, and a detector system for detecting an interference signal generated from the combined optical signal from the reference arm and from the sample arm. In embodiments, the swept sources are tunable lasers that have shared laser cavities.
Abstract:
A spectroscopy system comprises a tunable semiconductor laser, such as an external cavity laser, that generates a tunable signal. A detector is provided for detecting the tunable signal after interaction with a sample. In this way, the system is able to determine the spectroscopic response of the sample by tuning the laser of the scan band and monitoring the detector's response. An integrating device, such as an integrating sphere, is interposed optically between the tunable semiconductor laser and the detector. This integrating device is used to mitigate the effects of parasitic spectral noise, such as noise that is generated by speckle or the combination of single- and multi-mode optical fibers in the transmission link between the tunable semiconductor laser and the detector.
Abstract:
An optical component manipulation system (100) has two opposed jaws (120A, 120B), which can each be independently positioned relative to each other in a coordinate plane to thereby effect the desired positioning of optical components (10) within the larger system. Z-axis rigidity is provided by air-bearings (124A, 124B). Laser heating (220) of the jaws is used for solder, or similar heat driven bonding, processes.
Abstract:
An optical detector system comprises a hermetic optoelectronic package, an optical bench installed within the optoelectronic package, a balanced detector system installed on the optical bench. The balanced detector system includes at least two optical detectors that receive interference signals. An electronic amplifier system installed within the optoelectronic package amplifies an output of at least two optical detectors. Also disclosed is an integrated optical coherence tomography system. Embodiments are provided in which the amplifiers, typically transimpedance amplifiers, are closely integrated with the optical detectors that detect the interference signals from the interferometer. Further embodiments are provided in which the interferometer but also preferably its detectors are integrated together on a common optical bench. Systems that have little or no optical fiber can thus be implemented.
Abstract:
An optical switch device includes a rolling shutter or membrane attached at one of its edges to a substrate near an optical port in the substrate. The rolling shutter can assume one of two states. In a first closed state, the membrane is uncoiled onto the substrate over the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the shutter. In a second open state, the membrane is rolled up away from the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the port. In one embodiment, a mirror is formed on the membrane such that when the membrane is in the closed state over the substrate, light directed at the port is reflected by the mirror. In one configuration, the optical port includes a hole or aperture such that light passed through the port without interference. The device can include a latch electrode the far end of the membrane such that when it is rolled out, it can be held in position by a latching voltage applied across the latch electrode and the substrate. Slits can be formed in the membrane to keep the mirror flat by relieving strain in the membrane and to allow gases in proximity to the device to pass through the membrane as it is activated. The shutter can include dimples to minimize the area of contact between the membrane and the substrate to reduce the probability of the two sticking together. The attachment edge of the membrane can be made shorter than its width to reduce distortions in the membrane to keep the mirror flat. A raised annular rim can be provided around the port such that when the shutter is held down over the port it is pulled taut and flat over the rim. This feature is also used to maintain flatness in the mirror. The switch device can be used as part of an array of optical switches.
Abstract:
An alignment structure (100) maintains an optical fiber in a bore (113). The structure is fixed on a bench and is passively or actively aligned with a light source. Then the structure may be welded or soldered to the optical bench whereby the alignment may suffer due to heat transfer. To correct this, the alignment structure can be plastically deformed to correct the alignment after the components have been fixed. The alignment structure has a substantially constant cross section in a z-axis direction as well as flexible links in order to allow displacements orthogonal to the optical axis. This movements will be initiated by seizing the component with a micro-positioner at a handle (136) and displacing it over the elastic limit to achieve permanent deformation.
Abstract:
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe and system designs are disclosed that minimize the effects of mechanical movement and strain to the probe to the OCT analysis. It also concerns optical designs that are robust against noise from the OCT laser source. Also integrated OCT system-probes are included that yield compact and robust electro-opto-mechanical systems along with polarization sensitive OCT systems.