Abstract
A projection apparatus was bought in 1909 by the Physics Cabinet of the Polytechnic Academy (predecessor to the University of Porto's Faculty of Science) in order to present various physics experiments, mostly in the realm of Optics, to a large student audience. A stout and impressive mahogany and brass piece, with a voltaic arc lighting system, it was manufactured by the firm E. Leybold's Nachfolger, based in Chemnitz (Germany), already with a worldwide reputation as a supplier of teaching instruments and equipment to superior schools and universities. It was sold along with an extensive set of accessories, allowing for demonstrations in geometrical optics, spectrum analysis, interferometry, diffraction, polarization and double refraction. Two extra attachments, one for projecting microscopic objects, and the other for the projection of gypsum preparations in polarized light, added to the versatility of this lantern, appropriately dubbed of universal use. Both apparatus and accessories are presently to be found in the collection of the Museum of Science of our University. On studying them, we have come to the conclusion that many classical experiments in Optics may be displayed, without great effort and in an attractive manner. The adaptation to present day usage takes no more than the replacement of the lantern's voltaic arc by a suitable and safer light source. It so happens that a hundred-year old projection apparatus, fitted with a set of purposely designed add-ons, becomes so effective as its modern counterparts.

Abstract
Nowadays a growing number of scientists relies on optical spectral measurements for their research. The market is full of new plug-and-play equipment for spectral analysis that take the fuss out of the measurements. As with other instruments (computers, lasers, etc.) the researcher doesn't need any longer to work with someone with a post-graduate formation on the technology to be able to do excellent research. But, as in every instrument, there are limitations on the instrument use that affect its precision and resolution. Currently there is in the market a large variety of equipment for spectral measurements. They range from the huge long focal length double pass monochromators to the small pocket size USB connected array spectrometers. The different configurations have different sensitivities on the light input system, light intensity, coherence, polarization, etc. In this talk we will discuss a few of the limitations in spectral measurements that can be found in experimental setups.

Abstract
A review in fiber post-processing for sensing applications is presented. The review is divided in three parts. Tapers devices, chemical etching for Fabry-Perot cavities and focused ion beam (FIB) as post-processing applied in optical fibers are considered. The most recent results as sensing elements are shown. © 2014 OSA.

Abstract
In this paper we address soliton-soliton interactions in a nonlinear cubic-quintic optic media, using for that purpose numerical methods and high performance graphics processor unit (GPU) computing. We describe an implementation of GPU-based computational simulations of the generalized Nonlinear Schrodinger Equation, obtaining simulations more than 40 times faster relative to CPU-based simulations, especially in the multidimensional case. We focus our attention in the study of soliton collisions and scattering phenomena that, offering the possibility of steering light with light, open a path towards future optical devices.

Abstract
This paper presents the performance analysis of two new sensing configurations of refractive index based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in microstructured D-type optical fiber with a thin gold layer using simulations obtained with COMSOL Multiphysics. The configurations are analyzed in terms of the intensity of the electric field. The results are compared with a conventional SPR D-type optical fiber sensor for refractive index measurement.

Abstract
In this work we show numerically the potential of using a metamaterial constituted by ordered arrays of silver nanowires as a sensor for refractive index changes of a surrounding dielectric medium. The results show a strong dependence of the reflectance spectrum on the refractive index of the dielectric medium.