Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100086272 | Metamaterial Inclusion Structure and Method - A metamaterial inclusion structure (MIS), a metamaterial and a method of producing an optical magnetic response employ interspersed plasmonic and dielectric materials. The MIS includes first petals of a plasmonic material and second petals of a dielectric material that alternate at a surface and along a periphery of the MIS. The MIS exhibits the magnetic resonance when illuminated by an optical signal at an optical wavelength. The optical signal has a magnetic field component that is parallel with an interface between the first petals and the second petals. The metamaterial includes a plurality of the MIS arranged in an array and provides an optical magnetic susceptibility at the optical wavelength. The method forms the MIS with the alternating petals and includes illuminating the MIS with the optical signal. | 04-08-2010 |
20100277789 | Negative index material-based modulators and methods for fabricating the same - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to external, electronically controllable, negative index material-based modulators. In one aspect, an external modulator comprises a negative index material in electronic communication with an electronic signal source. The negative index material receives an electronic signal encoding data from the electronic signal source and an unmodulated carrier wave from an electromagnetic radiation source. Magnitude variations in the electronic signal produce corresponding effective refractive index changes in the negative index material encoding the data in the amplitude and/or phase of the carrier wave to produce an electromagnetic signal. | 11-04-2010 |
20100302625 | SUB-DIFFRACTION-LIMITED IMAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for obtaining images of objects with higher resolution than the diffraction limit. In one aspect, a method for collecting evanescent waves scattered from an object comprises electronically configuring a reconfigurable device to operate as a grating for one or more lattice periods using a computing device. Propagating waves scattered from the object pass through the reconfigurable device and a portion of evanescent waves scattered from the object are projected into the far field of the object. The method includes detecting propagating waves and detecting the portion of evanescent waves projected into the far field for each lattice period using an imaging system. | 12-02-2010 |
20100303123 | COMPACT OPTICAL RESONATORS - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to compact, sub-wavelength optical resonators. In one aspect, an optical resonator comprises two approximately parallel reflective structures positioned and configured to form a resonant cavity. The resonator also includes a fishnet structure disposed within the cavity and oriented approximately parallel to the reflective structures. The resonant cavity is configured with a cavity length that can support resonance with electromagnetic radiation having a fundamental wavelength that is more than twice the cavity length. | 12-02-2010 |
20100321685 | TYPE SELECTIVE AND POLARIZATION SELECTIVE DEVICE FOR RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY - A type and polarization selective device for Raman spectroscopy includes a set of at least two antennas and a gap at their intersection. First antenna geometry is such that it is configured to resonate, for first or second (different from the first) polarization, at a predetermined stimulation frequency of a material for which Raman scattering is to be studied, or at a Stokes or anti-Stokes frequency corresponding with the material when excited at stimulation frequency. Second antenna geometry is such that it is configured to resonate, for the other of second or first polarization, at the Stokes frequency when the first antenna is configured to resonate at the stimulation or anti-Stokes frequency, or at the anti-Stokes frequency when the first antenna is configured to resonate at the stimulation or Stokes frequency, or at the stimulation frequency when the first antenna is configured to resonate at the Stokes or anti-Stokes frequency. | 12-23-2010 |
20110122405 | GUIDED MODE RESONATOR BASED RAMAN ENHANCEMENT APPARATUS - A system for performing Raman spectroscopy comprises a waveguide layer configured with at least one array of features, the at least one array of features being configured to provide guided-mode resonance for at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation; and at least one fluid channel disposed in the waveguide layer. An analyte sensor comprises an electromagnetic radiation source configured to emit a range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, the system for performing Raman spectroscopy, and at least one photodetector configured to detect Raman scattered light. | 05-26-2011 |
20110188033 | MOLECULE DETECTION USING RAMAN LIGHT DETECTION - An apparatus for detecting at least one molecule using Raman light detection includes a substrate for supporting a sample containing the at least one molecule, a laser source for emitting a laser beam to cause Raman light emission from the at least one molecule, a modulating element for modulating a spatial relationship between the laser beam and the substrate at an identified frequency to cause the Raman light to be emitted from the at least one molecule at the identified frequency, at least one detector for detecting the Raman light emitted from the at least one molecule, and a post-signal processing unit configured to process the detected Raman light emission at the identified frequency to detect the at least one molecule. | 08-04-2011 |
20110188034 | SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY EMPLOYING VIBRATING NANORODS - A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) apparatus, system and method employ a plurality of nanorods configured to vibrate. The apparatus includes the nanorods having tips at free ends opposite an end attached to a substrate. The tips are configured to adsorb an analyte and to vibrate at a vibration frequency. The apparatus further includes a vibration source configured to vibrate the free ends of the nanorods at the vibration frequency in a back-and-forth motion. Vibration of the nanorods is configured to facilitate detection of a Raman scattering signal emitted by the analyte adsorbed on the nanorod tips. The system further includes a synchronous detector configured to receive the Raman signal and to be gated cooperatively with the vibration of the nanorods. The method includes inducing a vibration of the nanorods, illuminating the vibrating tips to produce a Raman signal, and detecting the Raman signal using the detector. | 08-04-2011 |
20110188119 | DYNAMICALLY VARYING AN OPTICAL CHARACTERISTIC OF A LIGHT BEAM - An apparatus for dynamically varying an optical characteristic of a light beam includes an optical element configured to receive a beam of light. The optical element includes at least one sub-wavelength grating formed of a plurality of lines. The apparatus includes at least one actuator connected to at least one component of the optical element and a controller for controlling the at least one actuator to dynamically vary a characteristic of the beam of light that is at least one of emitted through and reflected from the optical element. | 08-04-2011 |
20110194815 | DIELECTRIC WAVEGUIDE INTERSECTION WITH REDUCED LOSSES - A waveguide intersection includes an input waveguide and an output waveguide; a crossing waveguide intersecting the input waveguide and the output waveguide to form an intersection; and a block that is optically joined to the intersection such that a guided mode is produced within the intersection. A method of reducing optical losses within a waveguide intersection includes increasing a cross-sectional height of an intersection such that optical energy passing through the intersection is laterally confined. | 08-11-2011 |
20110267611 | SCATTERING SPECTROSCOPY APPARATUS AND METHOD EMPLOYING A GUIDED MODE RESONANCE (GMR) GRATING - A scattering spectroscopy apparatus, system and method employ guided mode resonance (GMR) and a GMR grating. The apparatus includes a GMR grating having a subwavelength grating, and an optical detector configured to receive a portion of a scattered signal produced by an interaction between an excitation signal and an analyte associated with a surface of the GMR grating. A propagation direction of the received portion of the scattered signal is substantially different from a propagation direction of a GMR-coupled portion of the excitation signal within the GMR grating. The system includes the apparatus and an optical source. The method includes exciting a GMR in a GMR grating, interacting a GMR-coupled portion of the excitation signal with an analyte to produce a scattered signal and detecting a portion of the scattered signal. | 11-03-2011 |
20110273755 | DYNAMICALLY RECONFIGURABLE HOLOGRAMS - Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems that can be used as holograms and can be electronically controlled and dynamically reconfigured to generate three-dimensional motion picture images. In one embodiment, a dynamically reconfigurable hologram ( | 11-10-2011 |
20110273756 | DYNAMICALLY RECONFIGURABLE HOLOGRAMS WITH CHALCOGENIDE INTERMEDIATE LAYERS - Various embodiments of the present invention relate to dynamically reconfigurable hologram comprising a phase-modulation layer and an intensity-control layer. The phase modulation layer comprises an electronically programmable erasable negative index material crossbar. The crossbar includes a first layer of approximately parallel nanowires ( | 11-10-2011 |
20120013902 | MULTI-WAVELENGTH RAMAN LIGHT DETECTION FOR DETECTING A SPECIES - An apparatus for detecting at least one species using Raman light detection includes at least one laser source for illuminating a sample containing the at least one species. The apparatus also includes a modulating element for modulating a spatial relationship between the sample and the light beams to cause relative positions of the sample and the light beams to be oscillated, in which Raman light at differing intensity levels are configured to be emitted from the at least one species based upon the different wavelengths of the light beams illuminating the sample. The apparatus also includes a Raman light detector and a post-signal processing unit configured to detect the at least one species. | 01-19-2012 |
20120013903 | NANOWIRE LIGHT CONCENTRATORS FOR PERFORMING RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for performing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In one embodiment, a system ( | 01-19-2012 |
20120026493 | GRATING FOR MULTIPLE DISCRETE WAVELENGTHS OF RAMAN SCATTERING - Systems and methods employ a layer having a pattern that provides multiple discrete guided mode resonances for respective couplings of separated wavelengths into the layer. Further, a structure including features shaped to enhance Raman scattering to produce light of the resonant wavelengths can be employed with the patterned layer. | 02-02-2012 |
20120027348 | Optical Apparatus for Forming a Tunable Cavity - An optical apparatus includes an optical fiber formed of a core surrounded by cladding, in which the optical fiber includes an end portion. In addition, an optical layer composed of a material having a relatively high refractive index is positioned on the end portion, in which the optical layer includes a non-periodic sub-wavelength grating positioned in optical communication with the core. | 02-02-2012 |
20120027417 | OPTICAL POWER DIVIDER - An optical power divider includes a body having a first side and a second side. The first side includes at least one cylindrical input lens and the second side includes an array of output lenses. The at least one cylindrical input lens is configured to expand input light along a first axis to be directed to a plurality of the output lenses arranged along the first axis and the output lenses are configured to focus the light received from the input lenses into respective output beams of light. | 02-02-2012 |
20120032140 | LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE INCLUDING A METAL-DIELECTRIC-METAL STRUCTURE - A light-emitting diode (LED) ( | 02-09-2012 |
20120091552 | OPTICAL DEVICES BASED ON NON-PERIODIC SUB-WAVELENGTH GRATINGS - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to optical devices comprising planar lenses. In one aspect, an optical device includes two or more planar lenses ( | 04-19-2012 |
20120092770 | NON-PERIODIC GRATINGS FOR SHAPING REFLECTED AND TRANSMITTED LIGHT IRRADIANCE PROFILES - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to planar sub-wavelength dielectric gratings that can be configured to control the beam profile of reflected and transmitted light. In one embodiment, a grating ( | 04-19-2012 |
20120105962 | NON-PERIODIC GRATING REFLECTORS WITH FOCUSING POWER AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - Aspects of the present invention are directed to flat sub-wavelength dielectric gratings that can be configured to operate as mirrors and other optical devices. In one aspect, a grating layer ( | 05-03-2012 |
20120113418 | LIGHT AMPLIFYING DEVICES FOR SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY - A light amplifying device for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is disclosed herein. The device includes a dielectric layer having two opposed surfaces. A refractive index of the dielectric layer is higher than a refractive index of a material or environment directly adjacent thereto. At least one opening is formed in one of the two opposed surfaces of the dielectric layer, and at least one nano-antenna is established on the one of the two opposed surfaces of the dielectric layer. A gain region is positioned in the dielectric layer or adjacent to another of the two opposed surfaces of the dielectric layer. | 05-10-2012 |
20120113419 | NANOWIRE-BASED SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to nanowire-based systems for performing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In one embodiment, a system comprises a substrate ( | 05-10-2012 |
20120154880 | OPTICAL MODULATORS - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to external, electronically controllable modulators. In one embodiment, a modulating device ( | 06-21-2012 |
20120194911 | OPTICAL DEVICES BASED ON DIFFRACTION GRATINGS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to planar optical devices composed of one or more sub-wavelength diffraction grating layers. In one embodiment, an optical device includes a first substantially planar reflective structure ( | 08-02-2012 |
20120200851 | RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY LIGHT AMPLIFYING STRUCTURE - A light amplifying structure | 08-09-2012 |
20120262795 | CONCENTRIC RING DIELECTRIC LENS - A lens and a method of forming a lens are included. A lens can include a plurality of concentric rings formed from a dielectric material interleaved by a plurality of gaps separating the plurality of concentric rings. | 10-18-2012 |
20120300202 | AUTONOMOUS LIGHT AMPLIFYING DEVICE FOR SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY - An autonomous light amplifying device for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy includes a dielectric layer, at least one laser cavity defined by at least one light confining mechanism formed in the dielectric layer, at least one nano-antenna established on the dielectric layer in proximity to the at least one laser cavity, and a gain region positioned in the dielectric layer or adjacent to the dielectric layer. | 11-29-2012 |
20120314292 | OPTICAL DEVICE FORMED OF AN ARRAY OF SUB-WAVELENGTH GRATINGS - An optical device includes a substantially planar substrate and a lens array disposed on the substantially planar substrate. The lens array is formed of a plurality of distinct sub-wavelength gratings, in which the sub-wavelength gratings are selected to produce a desired phase change in beams of light that are at least one of reflected and refracted by the sub-wavelength gratings of the lens array. | 12-13-2012 |
20130027776 | CONTROLLING PHASE RESPONSE IN A SUB-WAVELENGTH GRATING LENS - A sub-wavelength grating device having controlled phase response includes a grating layer having line widths, line thicknesses, line periods, and line spacings selected to produce a first level of control in phase changes of different portions of a beam of light reflected from the grating layer. The device also includes a substrate affixed to the grating layer that produces a second level of control in phase changes of different portions of a beam of light reflected from the grating layer, the second level of control being accomplished abrupt stepping of the substrate in a horizontal dimension, ramping the substrate in a horizontal dimension, or changing the index of refraction in a horizontal dimension. | 01-31-2013 |
20130050409 | DYNAMICALLY RECONFIGURABLE HOLOGRAMS FOR GENERATING COLOR HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGES - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to negative refractive index-based holograms that can be electronically controlled and dynamically reconfigured to generate one or more color three-dimensional holographic images. In one aspect, a hologram comprises a phase-control layer having a plurality of phase modulation elements. The phase-modulation elements are configured with a negative effective refractive index and selectively transmit wavelengths associated with one of three primary color wavelength. The hologram also includes an intensity-control layer including a plurality of intensity-control elements. One or more color three-dimensional images can be produced by electronically addressing the phase-modulation elements and intensity-control elements in order to phase shift and control the intensity of light transmitted through the hologram. A method for generating a color holographic image using the hologram is also provided, as is a system for generating a color holographic image. | 02-28-2013 |
20130063817 | STEREO VISION VIEWING SYSTEMS - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to display systems for viewing three-dimensional images. In one aspect, a viewing system that enables a viewer to perceive depth in a three-dimensional image includes a right-eye ocular system positioned in the line of sight of the viewer's right eye, and a left-eye ocular system positioned in the line of sight of the viewer's left eye. The right-eye ocular system and the left-eye ocular system are configured to display corresponding stereo right-eye and left-eye image pairs of the three-dimensional image at various distances from the viewer's eyes. | 03-14-2013 |
20130100528 | PLANAR REFLECTIVE DEVICES - Planar reflective devices that operate as reflective blazed diffraction gratings are disclosed. In one aspect, a reflective device includes a substrate with a planar surface, and a planar, high-contrast, sub-wavelength grating disposed on the surface. The grating is divided into a number of regions that each reflect incident light of a particular wavelength and with a particular angle of incidence into a single diffraction order and associated diffraction angle. | 04-25-2013 |
20130188172 | MICROFLUIDIC CHIP ASSEMBLY - In one embodiment, an optical system includes a microfluidic chip assembly. The microfluidic chip assembly includes a first structure that provides a first wall of a fluid channel. A second structure provides a second wall of the fluid channel. The second structure includes a diffraction grating configured to provide, in the presence of incident light of a wavelength band of interest on a first surface of the second structure, a plurality of regions of high intensity light within the fluid channel. | 07-25-2013 |
20130209110 | SMALL-MODE-VOLUME, VERTICAL-CAVITY, SURFACE-EMITTING LASER - A small-mode-volume, vertical-cavity, surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). The VCSEL includes an active structure to emit light upon injection of carriers, and two reflecting structures at least one of which is a grating reflector structure. The active structure is disposed within at least one of the reflecting structures. The reflecting structures are configured as a vertical-cavity resonator of small mode-volume. An optical-bus transmitter including a plurality of small-mode-volume VCSELs, and a system including at least one optical bus and at least one optical-bus transmitter in a digital-information processor, or a data-processing center, are also provided. | 08-15-2013 |
20130272337 | VERTICAL-CAVITY SURFACE-EMITTING LASER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) system and method of fabrication are included. The VCSEL system includes a first portion comprising a first mirror and a gain region to amplify an optical signal in response to a data signal, the first portion being fabricated on a first wafer. The system also includes a second portion comprising a second mirror that is partially-reflective to couple the optical signal to an optical fiber. The second portion can be fabricated on a second wafer. The system further includes a supporting structure to couple the first and second portions such that the first and second mirrors are arranged as a laser cavity having a predetermined length to resonate the optical signal. | 10-17-2013 |