Patent ID: 8068233

Claim:
A ring resonator sensor comprising: a first detector and a second detector; and a ring resonator comprising: a coil having a first end and a second end; and a device in optical communication with the coil, the device comprising: a first component; and a second component, wherein the device is configured to receive light from a source and receive light from each end of the coil, wherein the first component includes a first coupling device configured to direct at least a portion of light received from the source to the first end of the coil so that light propagates through the coil in a first direction, wherein the second component includes a second coupling device configured to direct at least a portion of light received from the source to the second end of the coil so that light propagates through the coil in a second direction, wherein the first coupling device is configured to transmit at least a portion of light received from the first end of the coil to the second coupling device, transmit at least a portion of light received from the second coupling device to the first end of the coil, and reflect at least a portion of light received from the first end of the coil to the first detector, wherein the second coupling device is configured to transmit at least a portion of light received from the second end of the coil to the first coupling device, transmit at least a portion of light received from the first coupling device to the second end of the coil, and reflect at least a portion of light received from the second end of the coil to the second detector.