Abstract
In this paper a new type of polymeric fiber optic tweezers for single cell manipulation is reported. The optical trapping of a yeast cell using a polymeric micro lens fabricated by guided photo polymerization at the fiber tip is demonstrated. The 2D trapping of the yeast cells is analyzed and maximum optical forces on the pN range are calculated. The experimental results are supported by computational simulations using a FDTD method. Moreover, new insights on the potential for simultaneous sensing and optical trapping, are presented.

Abstract
In this work, the trapping efficiency of new fiber optical tweezers structures fabricated using photo polymerization and focused ion beam milling techniques is evaluated. The first fabrication methods may present limited capabilities on the tailoring of the structures, and therefore limited operation features. On the other hand, with focused ion beam milling a vast myriad of structures may be accurately fabricated, and contrarily to conventional fabrication methods, more specialized manipulation tools can be developed. In this regard, the performance of FOT for the trapping of yeast cells using spherical lenses (photo polymerization) and spiral phase lenses (FIB) will be presented. In addition, finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations of the full vectorial optical propagation through the designed structures and the corresponding calculation of the optical forces are presented and different designs are evaluated.

Abstract
Focused ion beam (FIB) patterning of 3D topography on optical fiber tips for application in stand-alone, rugged and simplified setups for optical tweezers cell sorters, optical near-field lithography and optical beam profile engineering are reported. We demonstrate various configurations based on single-step FIB patterning, multiple-step FIB processing and hybrid approaches based on optical fiber pre- and post-FIB treatment with either etching, fusion splicing, photo-polymerization or electroplating steps for optical fiber texture, topography and composition engineering. Different conductive coatings for minimal charge accumulation and beam drift are studied with the relative merits compared. Furthermore optimal beam parameters for accurate pattern replication and positioning are also presented. Measured experimental field profiles are compared with numerical simulations of fabricated optical fiber tips for fabrication accuracy evaluation. Applications employing these engineered fiber tips in the field of optical tweezers, optical vortex generation, photolithography, photo-polymerization and beam forming are presented.

Abstract
In this work two erbium doped optical fiber laser configurations for magnetic field measurement are implemented and compared. The first laser is set-up in a loop configuration and requires only a single FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating), acting as mirror. A second laser employs a simpler linear cavity configuration but requires two FBGs with spectral overlap to form the laser cavity. A bulk magnetostrictive material made of Terfenol-D is attached to the laser FBGs enabling modulation of its operation wavelength by the magnetic field. Moreover, a passive interferometer was developed to demodulate the AC magnetic field information where the corresponding demodulation algorithms were software based. Both configurations are tested and compared with the results showing different sensitivities and resolutions. Better performance was accomplished with the double FBGs linear cavity configuration with a resolution of 0.05 mTRMS in the range of 8 to 16 mTRMS. For the same range the loop configuration attained a resolution of 0.48 mT(RMS).

Abstract
The wine sector is a billion euro business and therefore subjected to multiple attempts of fraudulent practices. This requires the development of rapid and reliable methods to detect such situations. Several methodologies have been developed based on the chemical profiles of the wines, but they are limited due to the environmental conditions that cannot be controlled. The use of DNA-based detection systems are an emergent research field that have been extended to a wide variety of food products and are still the most reliable methods for varietal identification. However these methods are not suitable for geographical determination. Soil related fingerprints have a primary role considering that there is a relationship between the elemental composition of wine and the composition of the provenance soil. WineBioCode is a project aiming to define the best strategy for wine authenticity based on a multidisciplinary approach. Two DNA-based strategies have been developed based on Real-time PCR and a label free optical biosensor platform. Both platforms enabled successful identification of specific DNA-targets when applied to Vitis vinifera L., and can be applied throughout the grape-wine chain. The methods are complementary and can be used in different situations, according to the requirements. The geographical evaluation has been assessed by the strontium 875r1865r isotope ratio determination involving soil evaluation in the vineyards followed by its assay in the wine samples. The results are being integrated in order to establish the best procedure to be undertaken for wine fingerprinting, including varietal composition and geographical origin, therefore fulfilling the requirements of the geographical denominations in wine certification.

Abstract
This letter presents experimental results of a refractive index sensor using a bent optical fiber taper. The approach of this sensor is based on an in-line Michelson interferometer implemented with a single mode tapered fiber with a cleaved tip end and changing tilt angle, enabling to tune its refractive index sensitivity. Several radii of curvature are tested and their refractive index sensitivities are analyzed for a refractive index range between 1.333 and 1.405. A clear enhancement of the sensor response is achieved at specific taper bending radii. A substantial improvement in the refractive index sensitivity, at values very close to distilled water, is obtained with a radius of curvature of 11 mm. A significant enhancement of the sensor response is also achieved for a refractive index close to 1.40 with a radius of curvature of 16.5 mm. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:921-924, 2015