Disclosed is a device for interaction between a laser beam and a hyperfine energy transition of a chemical species. The device further includes an electro-optic modulator with a single sideband with an input optical waveguide suitable for receiving a source laser beam and an output optical waveguide suitable for generating an output laser beam and an electronic system suitable for generating and applying, simultaneously, a first modulated electrical signal, sin(Ω.sub.1t)) to a first hyperfrequency pulse on a first high-frequency electrode of the electro-optic modulator and, respectively, another modulated electrical signal, cos(Ω.sub.1t)) to the first pulse on another high-frequency electrode of the electro-optic modulator, in such a way as to frequency-switch the output laser beam to a first optical frequency offset from the first pulse with respect to the initial optical frequency.

Systems and methods are provided for using sensors and signal processing to detect vehicle surface impacts. In particular, a sensor and signal processing approach is provided for detecting impacts, with the results having a low false positive rate. The approach reduces operator costs by reducing operator involvement through improved automated detection technology. Additionally, systems and methods are provided for distinguishing chassis-driven fascia vibration from impact-driven fascia vibration.

Systems and methods are provided for using sensors and signal processing to detect vehicle surface impacts. In particular, a sensor and signal processing approach is provided for detecting impacts, with the results having a low false positive rate. The approach reduces operator costs by reducing operator involvement through improved automated detection technology. Additionally, systems and methods are provided for distinguishing chassis-driven fascia vibration from impact-driven fascia vibration.

A transducer structure for converting a deformation along an axis into a corresponding deformation on a plane orthogonal to the axis itself, including: two end plates facing each other and aligned along a common reference axis (X); connection members projecting radially from each end plate according to respective different directions; lateral bars connecting the end plates to one another through two connection members. The connection members are deformable within respective deformation planes to allow relative movements between the end plates and the lateral bars such as to convert an axial movement of mutual approach between the two end plates into a corresponding radial movement of the lateral bars away from the reference axis (X), and vice-versa.

A transducer structure for converting a deformation along an axis into a corresponding deformation on a plane orthogonal to the axis itself, including: two end plates facing each other and aligned along a common reference axis (X); connection members projecting radially from each end plate according to respective different directions; lateral bars connecting the end plates to one another through two connection members. The connection members are deformable within respective deformation planes to allow relative movements between the end plates and the lateral bars such as to convert an axial movement of mutual approach between the two end plates into a corresponding radial movement of the lateral bars away from the reference axis (X), and vice-versa.

Disclosed is an atomic interferometer including a source of atoms, a laser source and a magnetic field generating device, a polarizer, a system for adjusting a detuning between two optical frequencies of the incident laser beam, a two-dimensional diffraction grating arranged in such a way as to receive the incident laser beam and to form by diffraction at least three diffracted beams, a controller configured to select a combination of an optical frequency detuning, a polarization state and a magnetic field, the combination being adapted to select a first pair of laser beams among the pairs of beams formed from the incident laser beam and the diffracted beams, the pair of laser beams being applied in such a way as to interact with the cloud of atoms by multi-photon transitions and to detect an acceleration of the cloud of atoms along a measurement direction.

Disclosed is an atomic interferometer including a source of atoms, a laser source and a magnetic field generating device, a polarizer, a system for adjusting a detuning between two optical frequencies of the incident laser beam, a two-dimensional diffraction grating arranged in such a way as to receive the incident laser beam and to form by diffraction at least three diffracted beams, a controller configured to select a combination of an optical frequency detuning, a polarization state and a magnetic field, the combination being adapted to select a first pair of laser beams among the pairs of beams formed from the incident laser beam and the diffracted beams, the pair of laser beams being applied in such a way as to interact with the cloud of atoms by multi-photon transitions and to detect an acceleration of the cloud of atoms along a measurement direction.

An accelerometer is included within the confined space and limited volume of a distal portion of a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an end component, a joint coupled to the end component, a shaft coupled to the joint, and a force transducer and accelerometer apparatus. The force transducer and accelerometer apparatus is coupled between the joint and the shaft. The force transducer and accelerometer apparatus includes a force sensor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer includes an optic fiber having a Fiber Bragg Grating. Information acquired from the Fiber Bragg Grating is used to drive a vibro-tactile haptic feedback output device coupled to a master control arm surgeon grip.

An accelerometer is included within the confined space and limited volume of a distal portion of a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an end component, a joint coupled to the end component, a shaft coupled to the joint, and a force transducer and accelerometer apparatus. The force transducer and accelerometer apparatus is coupled between the joint and the shaft. The force transducer and accelerometer apparatus includes a force sensor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer includes an optic fiber having a Fiber Bragg Grating. Information acquired from the Fiber Bragg Grating is used to drive a vibro-tactile haptic feedback output device coupled to a master control arm surgeon grip.

Accelerometer for measuring acceleration along a measurement direction including a moving mass which is moving with respect to a frame member only along the measurement direction, a suspension system for suspending the moving mass in the frame member while substantially limiting movement of the moving mass along only the measurement direction, and an optical fibre that is connected at a fibre connection point that is coupled to the movable mass. The optical fibre is arranged between the moving mass and the frame member and includes a measurement section for measuring the movement of the moving mass along the measurement direction.