A miniature, fully optically controlled, dielectric, opto-thermally actuated tweezer/micro-gripper that is suitable for the manipulation of small objects is presented. The tweezer/micro-gripper is formed at the tip of an optical fiber and utilizes a mid-power laser diode for its actuation. The manipulation of small objects such as short pieces of optical fibers is demonstrated. Small dimensions, fully dielectric design, non-electric actuation, remote operation through the fiber, and good harsh environment compatibility (chemical, radiation, and temperature) might provide opportunities for micromanipulation in a system and areas where current solutions are inadequate.
COBISS.SI-ID: 22291990
This paper presents a miniature Fabry-Perot voltage sensor created at the tip of an optical fiber. The sensor utilizes a micro-machined, all-silica, opto-mechanical structure that is flexed under the presence of attractive forces generated among charged bodies. The small dimensions and short response times of the structure provide an opportunity for measurement of the DC and AC voltages within the range of power grid frequencies. The experimental sensor length was less than 5 mm, and the sensor’s sensitivity is sufficient for measurements of voltages in mid-voltage, and even low voltage, ranges. The sensor has a parabolic response to the applied voltage and can be adapted to a variety of voltage ranges by selecting the proper geometrical configuration. We demonstrate experimentally sensors with measurement ranges between 100 V and 1 KV (higher voltage ranges are also straightforwardly attainable) and with resolutions as low as 0.1 V.
COBISS.SI-ID: 22380566
In this article, a novel miniature Fabry-Perot twist/rotation sensor using a four core fiber and quadruple interferometer setup is presented and demonstrated. Detailed sensor modeling, analytical evaluation and test measurement assessment were conducted in this contribution. The sensor structure comprises a single lead-in multicore fiber, which has four eccentrically positioned cores, a special asymmetrical microstructure, and an inline semi-reflective mirror, all packed in a glass capillary housing. A four core fiber positioned in front of a special asymmetrical microstructure and the inline semi reflective mirror defines four Fabry-Perot interferometers. Rotation of the sensors’ asymmetrical microstructure around the axis of the in-line four core fibers´ modulates the path lengths of all four interferometers simultaneously. Proper processing of path length changes of all four interferometers allows for unambiguous and temperature independent determination of the sensor’s rotation angle.
COBISS.SI-ID: 22247958
Traditional methods of learning solfeggio (music theory) generally do not take advantage of computer-based support, meaning that, when learning individually, students cannot receive instantaneous feedback on their activities. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of an interactive mobile application, mySolfeggio, for learning solfeggio. Using a mobile device, students can take advantage of visual, auditory and tactile modalities to recognise musical notes. Students can also practice and learn notation, rhythm and melody, for which the mobile application provides corrective feedback. To evaluate students’ perceptions of the mobile application and its effect on knowledge, we conducted an experiment with 42 students, from 9 to 13 years old. After learning a particular song during a regular lesson, one group of students practiced it individually with only the musical notation, while the other group used both the musical notation and the mobile application. The results of the experiment illustrated only a small effect on students’ performance in singing and tapping when using the mobile application. However, they demonstrated higher scores in terms of musical intervals and rhythmic accuracy when compared to students in the control group. The students did not find the use of the application difficult, thus allowing it to be used as a tool for improvement of their homework practice.
COBISS.SI-ID: 22294294
This manuscript provides a review of work in the field of Miniature Fiber-Optic Sensors that allows independent and simultaneous measurements of two or more different physical or chemical parameters. Sensor designs and corresponding signal processing schemes are reviewed and compared. Needs for sensor miniaturization, versatile sensing solutions and improved measurements` performances in difficult operating environments have recently driven considerable research in optical fiber sensor for multi-parameter measurements. Multi-parameter sensors not only enable new sensors` functionalities, but can also improve achievable measurement performances for some frequently measured parameters considerably.
COBISS.SI-ID: 22192918