An optical resonator is described which includes an active cladding material, the active cladding material enabling optical amplification. Identical angled channels located in the vicinity of the non-grasping end of each chopstick and having a depth of about one-half the width of the chopstick, permit the opposing channels to be fitted together to join the chopsticks. Each channel includes an optics component and sensor comprising an array of photo-detectors. In a process for producing the igniter, the electrically conductive layer and the at least two conductors are printed on a non-electrically conducting substrate. The present invention also includes methods for processing image queries across index tables of unequal priority and updating a high priority index based on received or projected image queries. The reinforcement layer is arranged within the holding layer at a side thereof which faces the inner layer.