Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.

Duke University

Yizheng Zhu

Anbo Wang

Adam Wax

Natan Tzvi Shaked

Juncheng Xu

Xingwei Wang

Various methods, systems and apparatus are provided for imaging and sensing using interferometry. In one example, a system includes an interferometer; a light source that can provide light to the interferometer at multiple wavelengths (&#x3bb;); and optical path delay (OPD) modifying optics that can enhance contrast in an interferometer output associated with a sample. The light can be directed to the sample by optics of the interferometer. The interferometer output can be captured by a detector (e.g., a camera) at each of the multiple wavelengths (&#x3bb;). In another example, an apparatus includes an add-on unit containing OPD that can enhance contrast in an interferometer output associated with a sample illuminated by light at a defined wavelength (&#x3bb;). A detector can be attached to the add-on unit to record the interferometer output at the defined wavelength (&#x3bb;).

Methods, systems and apparatus of interferometry for imaging and sensing

Disclosed herein are interferometric systems having reflective chambers and related methods. According to an aspect, an interferometric system may include a light source for generating an illumination beam that propagates towards a sample. A sample holder may hold the sample and include a partially reflective cover for allowing a first portion of the illumination beam to pass therethrough to interact with the sample to produce a sample beam that propagates substantially along an optical axis. The cover may be oriented at an angle for reflecting a second portion of the illumination beam to produce a reference beam that propagates at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. An imaging module may redirect the reference beam towards the optical axis at a detection plane. A detector may intercept the sample and reference beams and may generate a holographic representation of the sample based on the beams.

Interferometric systems having reflective chambers and related methods

A method of coupling a silica fiber and a sapphire fiber includes providing a silica fiber having a doped core and a cladding layer, with the doped core having a prescribed diameter, providing a sapphire fiber having a diameter less than the doped core, placing an end of the sapphire fiber in close proximity to an end of the silica fiber, applying a heat source to the end of silica fiber and introducing the end of sapphire fiber into the heated doped core of the silica fiber to produce a coupling between the silica and sapphire fibers.

Fabrication of miniature fiber-optic temperature sensors

A fiber optic sensor has a hollow tube bonded to the endface of an optical fiber, and a diaphragm bonded to the hollow tube. The fiber endface and diaphragm comprise an etalon cavity. The length of the etalon cavity changes when applied pressure or acceleration flexes the diaphragm. The entire structure can be made of fused silica. The fiber, tube, and diaphragm can be bonded with a fusion splice. The present sensor is particularly well suited for measuring pressure or acceleration in high temperature, high pressure and corrosive environments (e.g., oil well downholes and jet engines). The present sensors are also suitable for use in biological and medical applications.

Growing community of inventors

Durham, NC, United States of America

Yizheng Zhu