| 摘要 |
An integrated-optic sensor includes a waveguide made from a substrate that is doped with rare-earth elements. A beam of light propagating along the waveguide excites these elements, causing them to emit light and thereby increase the total amount of light being propagated in the waveguide. The waveguide itself functions as a laser, so that any change in an optical property of an analyte material which forms a portion of the laser cavity can affect the operation of the laser. Consequently, the wavelength or power of light produced by the laser changes, in direct response to changes in the concentration of a material being sensed, and these changes are enhanced due to the inherent gain characteristics of the laser media.
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