Dual-wavelength DFB quantum cascade lasers: sources for multi-species trace gas spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapsalidis, Filippos; Shahmohammadi, Mehran; Süess, Martin J.; Wolf, Johanna M.; Gini, Emilio; Beck, Mattias; Hundt, Morten; Tuzson, Béla; Emmenegger, Lukas; Faist, Jérôme

2018-06-01

We report on the design, fabrication, and performance of dual-wavelength distributed-feedback (DFB) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) emitting at several wavelengths in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectrum. In this work, two new designs are presented: for the first one, called "Neighbour" DFB, two single-mode DFB QCLs are fabricated next to each other, with minimal lateral distance, to allow efficient beam-coupling into multi-pass gas cells. In addition, the minimal distance allows either laser to be used as an integrated heater for the other, allowing to extend the tuning range of its neighbour without any electrical cross-talk. For the second design, the Vernier effect was used to realize a switchable DFB laser, with two target wavelengths which are distant by about 300 cm^{-1}. These devices are promising laser sources for Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy applications targeting simultaneous detection of multiple gasses, with distant spectral features, in compact and mobile setups.

Study on the characteristic and application of DFB semiconductor lasers under optical injection for microwave photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pu, Tao; Wang, Wei wei

2018-01-01

In order to apply optical injection effect in Microwave Photonics system, The red-shift effect of the cavity mode of the DFB semiconductor laser under single-frequency optical injection is studied experimentally, and the red-shift curve of the cavity mode is measured. The wavelength-selective amplification property of the DFB semiconductor laser under multi-frequency optical injection is also investigated, and the gain curves for the injected signals in different injection ratios are measured in the experiment. A novel and simple structure to implement a single-passband MPF with wideband tunability based on the wavelength-selective amplification of a DFB semiconductor laser under optical injection is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. MPFs with center frequency tuned from 13 to 41 GHz are realized in the experiment. A wideband and frequency-tunable optoelectronic oscillator based on a directly modulated distributed feedback (DFB) semiconductor laser under optical injection is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. By optical injection, the relaxation oscillation frequency of the DFB laser is enhanced and its high modulation efficiency makes the loop oscillate without the necessary of the electrical filter. An experiment is performed; microwave signals with frequency tuned from 5.98 to 15.22 GHz are generated by adjusting the injection ratio and frequency detuning between the master and slave lasers.

Multi-gas sensing with quantum cascade laser array in the mid-infrared region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bizet, Laurent; Vallon, Raphael; Parvitte, Bertrand; Brun, Mickael; Maisons, Gregory; Carras, Mathieu; Zeninari, Virginie

2017-05-01

Wide tunable lasers sources are useful for spectroscopy of complex molecules that have broad absorption spectra and for multiple sensing of smaller molecules. A region of interest is the mid-infrared region, where many species have strong ro-vibrational modes. In this paper a novel broad tunable source composed of a QCL DFB array and an arrayed waveguide grating (also called multiplexer) was used to perform multi-species spectroscopy (CO, C2H2, CO2). The array and the multiplexer are associated in a way to obtain a prototype that is non-sensitive to mechanical vibrations. A 2190-2220 cm^{-1} spectral range is covered by the chip. The arrayed waveguide grating combines beams to have a single output. A multi-pass White cell was used to demonstrate the efficiency of the multiplexer.

Continuous-wave dual-wavelength operation of a distributed feedback laser diode with an external cavity using a volume Bragg grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yujin; Sekine, Takashi; Kurita, Takashi; Kato, Yoshinori; Kawashima, Toshiyuki

2018-03-01

We demonstrate continuous-wave dual-wavelength operation of a broad-area distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode with a single external-cavity configuration. This high-power DFB laser has a narrow bandwidth (<0.29 nm) and was used as a single-wavelength source. A volume Bragg grating was used as an output coupler for the external-cavity DFB laser to output another stable wavelength beam with a narrow bandwidth of 0.27 nm. A frequency difference for dual-wavelength operation of 0.88 THz was achieved and an output power of up to 415 mW was obtained. The external-cavity DFB laser showed a stable dual-wavelength operation over the practical current and temperature ranges.

DFB fiber laser static strain sensor based on beat frequency interrogation with a reference fiber laser locked to a FBG resonator.

PubMed

Huang, Wenzhu; Feng, Shengwen; Zhang, Wentao; Li, Fang

2016-05-30

We report on a high-resolution static strain sensor developed with distributed feedback (DFB) fiber laser. A reference FBG resonator is used for temperature compensation. Locking another independent fiber laser to the resonator using the Pound-Drever-Hall technique results in a strain power spectral density better than S_ε(f) = (4.6 × 10^-21) ε²/Hz in the frequency range from 1 Hz to 1 kHz, corresponding to a minimum dynamic strain resolution of 67.8 pε/√Hz. This frequency stabilized fiber laser is proposed to interrogate the sensing DFB fiber laser by the beat frequency principle. As a reasonable DFB fiber laser setup is realized, a narrow beat frequency line-width of 3.23 kHz and a high beat frequency stability of 0.036 MHz in 15 minutes are obtained in the laboratory test, corresponding to a minimum static strain resolution of 270 pε. This is the first time that a sub-0.5 nε level for static strain measurement using DFB fiber laser is demonstrated.

Pump spot size dependent lasing threshold in organic semiconductor DFB lasers fabricated via nanograting transfer.

PubMed

Liu, Xin; Klinkhammer, Sönke; Wang, Ziyao; Wienhold, Tobias; Vannahme, Christoph; Jakobs, Peter-Jürgen; Bacher, Andreas; Muslija, Alban; Mappes, Timo; Lemmer, Uli

2013-11-18

Optically excited organic semiconductor distributed feedback (DFB) lasers enable efficient lasing in the visible spectrum. Here, we report on the rapid and parallel fabrication of DFB lasers via transferring a nanograting structure from a flexible mold onto an unstructured film of the organic gain material. This geometrically well-defined structure allows for a systematic investigation of the laser threshold behavior. The laser thresholds for these devices show a strong dependence on the pump spot diameter. This experimental finding is in good qualitative agreement with calculations based on coupled-wave theory. With further investigations on various DFB laser geometries prepared by different routes and based on different organic gain materials, we found that these findings are quite general. This is important for the comparison of threshold values of various devices characterized under different excitation areas.

Portable standoff spectrometer for hazard identification using integrated quantum cascade laser arrays from 6.5 to 11 µm.

PubMed

Witinski, Mark F; Blanchard, Romain; Pfluegl, Christian; Diehl, Laurent; Li, Biao; Krishnamurthy, Kalyani; Pein, Brandt C; Azimi, Masud; Chen, Peili; Ulu, Gokhan; Vander Rhodes, Greg; Howle, Chris R; Lee, Linda; Clewes, Rhea J; Williams, Barry; Vakhshoori, Daryoosh

2018-04-30

This article presents new spectroscopic results in standoff chemical detection that are enabled by monolithic arrays of Distributed Feedback (DFB) Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs), with each array element at a slightly different wavelength than its neighbor. The standoff analysis of analyte/substrate pairs requires a laser source with characteristics offered uniquely by a QCL Array. This is particularly true for time-evolving liquid chemical warfare agent (CWA) analysis. In addition to describing the QCL array source developed for long wave infrared coverage, a description of an integrated prototype standoff detection system is provided. Experimental standoff detection results using the man-portable system for droplet examination from 1.3 meters are presented using the CWAs VX and T-mustard as test cases. Finally, we consider three significant challenges to working with droplets and liquid films in standoff spectroscopy: substrate uptake of the analyte, time-dependent droplet spread of the analyte, and variable substrate contributions to retrieved signals.

Microwave generation in an electro-absorption modulator integrated with a DFB laser subject to optical injection.

PubMed

Zhu, Ning Hua; Zhang, Hong Guang; Man, Jiang Wei; Zhu, Hong Liang; Ke, Jian Hong; Liu, Yu; Wang, Xin; Yuan, Hai Qing; Xie, Liang; Wang, Wei

2009-11-23

This paper presents a new technique to generate microwave signal using an electro-absorption modulator (EAM) integrated with a distributed feedback (DFB) laser subject to optical injection. Experiments show that the frequency of the generated microwave can be tuned by changing the wavelength of the external laser or adjusting the bias voltage of the EAM. The frequency response of the EAM is studied and found to be unsmooth due to packaging parasitic effects and four-wave mixing effect occurring in the active layer of the DFB laser. It is also demonstrated that an EA modulator integrated in between two DFB lasers can be used instead of the EML under optical injection. This integrated chip can be used to realize a monolithically integrated tunable microwave source.

RGB and white-emitting organic lasers on flexible glass.

PubMed

Foucher, C; Guilhabert, B; Kanibolotsky, A L; Skabara, P J; Laurand, N; Dawson, M D

2016-02-08

Two formats of multiwavelength red, green and blue (RGB) laser on mechanically-flexible glass are demonstrated. In both cases, three all-organic, vertically-emitting distributed feedback (DFB) lasers are assembled onto a common ultra-thin glass membrane substrate and fully encapsulated by a thin polymer overlayer and an additional 50 µm-thick glass membrane in order to improve the performance. The first device format has the three DFB lasers sitting next to each other on the glass substrate. The DFB lasers are simultaneously excited by a single overlapping optical pump, emitting spatially separated red, green and blue laser output with individual thresholds of, respectively, 28 µJ/cm(2), 11 µJ/cm(2) and 32 µJ/cm(2) (for 5 ns pump pulses). The second device format has the three DFB lasers, respectively the red, green and blue laser, vertically stacked onto the flexible glass. This device format emits a white laser output for an optical pump fluence above 42 µJ/cm(2).

Stimulated Brillouin scattering in ultra-long distributed feedback Bragg gratings in standard optical fiber.

PubMed

Loranger, Sébastien; Lambin-Iezzi, Victor; Wahbeh, Mamoun; Kashyap, Raman

2016-04-15

Distributed feedback (DFB) fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) are widely used as narrow-band filters and single-mode cavities for lasers. Recently, a nonlinear generation has been shown in 10-20 cm DFB gratings in a highly nonlinear fiber. First, we show in this Letter a novel fabrication technique of ultra-long DFBs in a standard fiber (SMF-28). Second, we demonstrate nonlinear generation in such gratings. A particular inscription technique was used to fabricate all-in-phase ultra-long FBG and to implement reproducible phase shift to form a DFB mode. We demonstrate stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) emission from this DFB mode and characterize the resulting laser. It seems that such a SBS based DFB laser stabilizes a pump's jittering and reduces its linewidth.

External Cavity Coherent Transmitter Modules

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-01

Lasers 141 Tunability Aspects of DFB External Cavity Semiconductor Lasers Harish R. D. Sunak & Clark P. Engert Fiber Optical Communications Laboratory...Linewidth Considerations for DFB External Cavity Semiconductor Lasers Harish R. D. Sunak & Clark P. Engert Fiber Optical Communications Laboratory

Distributed feedback fiber laser based on a fiber Bragg grating inscribed using the femtosecond point-by-point technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skvortsov, M. I.; Wolf, A. A.; Dostovalov, A. V.; Vlasov, A. A.; Akulov, V. A.; Babin, S. A.

2018-03-01

A distributed feedback (DFB) fiber laser based on a 32-mm long pi-phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating inscribed using the femtosecond point-by-point technique in a single-mode erbium-doped optical fiber (CorActive EDF-L 1500) is demonstrated. The lasing power of the DFB laser reaches 0.7 mW at a wavelength of 1550 nm when pumped with a laser diode at a wavelength of 976 nm and power of 525 mW. The width of the lasing spectrum is 17 kHz. It is shown that the pi-phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating fs-inscribed in a non-PM fiber provides the selection of the single polarization mode of the DFB laser. DFB laser formation in a highly doped non-photosensitive optical fiber (CoreActive SCF-ER60-8/125-12) is also demonstrated.

Strained-layer indium gallium arsenide-gallium arsenide- aluminum galium arsenide photonic devices by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osowski, Mark Louis

With the arrival of advanced growth technologies such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), research in III-V compound semiconductor photonic devices has flourished. Advances in fabrication processes have allowed the realization of high-performance quantum well lasers which emit over a wide spectral range and operate with low threshold currents. As a result, semiconductor lasers are presently employed in a wide variety of applications, including fiber-optic telecommunications, optical spectroscopy, solid-state laser pumping, and photonic integrated circuits. The work in this dissertation addresses three photonic device structures which are currently receiving a great deal of attention in the research community: integrable quantum well laser devices, distributed feedback (DFB) laser devices, and quantum wire arrays. For the realization of the integrable and integrated photonic devices described-in Chapter 2, a three-step selective-area growth technique was utilized. The selective epitaxy process was used to produce discrete buried-heterostructure Fabry Perot lasers with threshold currents as low as 2.6 mA. Based on this process, broad- spectrum edge-emitting superluminescent diodes are demonstrated which display spectral widths of over 80 nm. In addition, the monolithic integration of a multiwavelength emitter is demonstrated in which two distinct laser sources are coupled into a single output waveguide. The dissertation also describes the development of a single-growth-step ridge waveguide DFB laser. The DFB laser utilizes an asymmetric cladding waveguide structure to enhance the interaction of the optical mode with the titanium surface metal to promote single frequency emission via gain coupling. These lasers exhibit low threshold currents (11 mA), high side mode suppression ratios (50 dB), and narrow linewidths (45 kHz). In light of the substantial performance advantages of quantum well lasers relative to double heterostructure lasers, extensive efforts have been directed toward producing quantum wire systems. In view of this, the final subject of this dissertation details the fabrication and characterization of quantum wire arrays by selective-area MOCVD. The method employs a silicon dioxide grating mask with sub-micron oxide dimensions to achieve selective deposition of high-quality buried layers in the open areas of the patterned substrate. This allows the fabrication of embedded nanostructures in a single growth step, and the crystallographic nature of the growth allows for control of their lateral size. Using this process, the growth of strained InGaAs wires with a lateral dimension of less than 50 nm are obtained. Subsequent characterization by photoluminescence, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy is also presented.

Frequency-Modulated Microwave Photonic Links with Direct Detection: Review and Theory

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-15

create large amounts of signal distortion. Alternatives to MZIs have been pro- posed, including Fabry - Perot interferometers, ber Bragg gratings (FBGs...multiplexed, analog signals for applications in cable television distribution. Experimental results for a Fabry - Perot discriminated, FM subcarrier...multiplexed system were presented by [17]. An array of optical frequency modulated DFB lasers and a Fabry - Perot discriminator were used to transmit and

A real-time multi-gases detection and concentration measurements based-on time-division multiplexed-lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazdandoust, Fatemeh; Tatenguem Fankem, Hervé; Milde, Tobias; Jimenez, Alvaro; Sacher, Joachim

2018-02-01

We report the development of a platform, based-on a Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and suitable for Time-Division-Multiplexed DFB lasers. The designed platform is subsequently combined with a spectroscopy setup, for detection and quantification of species in a gas mixture. The experimental results show a detection limit of 460 ppm, an uncertainty of 0.1% and a computation time of less than 1000 clock cycles. The proposed system offers a high level of flexibility and is applicable to arbitrary types of gas-mixtures.

High channel count and high precision channel spacing multi-wavelength laser array for future PICs.

PubMed

Shi, Yuechun; Li, Simin; Chen, Xiangfei; Li, Lianyan; Li, Jingsi; Zhang, Tingting; Zheng, Jilin; Zhang, Yunshan; Tang, Song; Hou, Lianping; Marsh, John H; Qiu, Bocang

2014-12-09

Multi-wavelength semiconductor laser arrays (MLAs) have wide applications in wavelength multiplexing division (WDM) networks. In spite of their tremendous potential, adoption of the MLA has been hampered by a number of issues, particularly wavelength precision and fabrication cost. In this paper, we report high channel count MLAs in which the wavelengths of each channel can be determined precisely through low-cost standard μm-level photolithography/holographic lithography and the reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technique. 60-wavelength MLAs with good wavelength spacing uniformity have been demonstrated experimentally, in which nearly 83% lasers are within a wavelength deviation of ±0.20 nm, corresponding to a tolerance of ±0.032 nm in the period pitch. As a result of employing the equivalent phase shift technique, the single longitudinal mode (SLM) yield is nearly 100%, while the theoretical yield of standard DFB lasers is only around 33.3%.

Frequency Stabilization of DFB Laser Diodes at 1572 nm for Spaceborne Lidar Measurements of CO2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Numata, Kenji; Chen, Jeffrey R.; Wu, Stewart T.; Abshire, James B.; Krainak, Michael A.

2010-01-01

We report a fiber-based, pulsed laser seeder system that rapidly switches among 6 wavelengths across atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption line near 1572.3 nm for measurements of global CO2 mixing ratios to 1-ppmv precision. One master DFB laser diode has been frequency-locked to the CO2 line center using a frequency modulation technique, suppressing its peak-to-peak frequency drifts to 0.3 MHz at 0.8 sec averaging time over 72 hours. Four online DFB laser diodes have been offset-locked to the master laser using phase locked loops, with virtually the same sub-MHz absolute accuracy. The 6 lasers were externally modulated and then combined to produce the measurement pulse train.

Near-field analysis of metallic DFB lasers at telecom wavelengths.

PubMed

Greusard, L; Costantini, D; Bousseksou, A; Decobert, J; Lelarge, F; Duan, G-H; De Wilde, Y; Colombelli, R

2013-05-06

We image in near-field the transverse modes of semiconductor distributed feedback (DFB) lasers operating at λ ≈ 1.3 μm and employing metallic gratings. The active region is based on tensile-strained InGaAlAs quantum wells emitting transverse magnetic polarized light and is coupled via an extremely thin cladding to a nano-patterned gold grating integrated on the device surface. Single mode emission is achieved, which tunes with the grating periodicity. The near-field measurements confirm laser operation on the fundamental transverse mode. Furthermore--together with a laser threshold reduction observed in the DFB lasers--it suggests that the patterning of the top metal contact can be a strategy to reduce the high plasmonic losses in this kind of systems.

Short cavity DFB fiber laser based vector hydrophone for low frequency signal detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaolei; Zhang, Faxiang; Jiang, Shaodong; Min, Li; Li, Ming; Peng, Gangding; Ni, Jiasheng; Wang, Chang

2017-12-01

A short cavity distributed feedback (DFB) fiber laser is used for low frequency acoustic signal detection. Three DFB fiber lasers with different central wavelengths are chained together to make three-element vector hydrophone with proper sensitivity enhancement design, which has extensive and significant applications to underwater acoustic monitoring for the national defense, oil, gas exploration, and so on. By wavelength-phase demodulation, the lasing wavelength changes under different frequency signals can be interpreted, and the sensitivity is tested about 33 dB re pm/g. The frequency response range is rather flat from 5 Hz to 300 Hz.

Tunable microwave signal generator with an optically-injected 1310 nm QD-DFB laser.

PubMed

Hurtado, Antonio; Mee, Jesse; Nami, Mohsen; Henning, Ian D; Adams, Michael J; Lester, Luke F

2013-05-06

Tunable microwave signal generation with frequencies ranging from below 1 GHz to values over 40 GHz is demonstrated experimentally with a 1310 nm Quantum Dot (QD) Distributed-Feedback (DFB) laser. Microwave signal generation is achieved using the period 1 dynamics induced in the QD DFB under optical injection. Continuous tuning in the positive detuning frequency range of the quantum dot's unique stability map is demonstrated. The simplicity of the experimental configuration offers promise for novel uses of these nanostructure lasers in Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) applications and future mobile networks.

Single-mode surface plasmon distributed feedback lasers.

PubMed

Karami Keshmarzi, Elham; Tait, R Niall; Berini, Pierre

2018-03-29

Single-mode surface plasmon distributed feedback (DFB) lasers are realized in the near infrared using a two-dimensional non-uniform long-range surface plasmon polariton structure. The surface plasmon mode is excited onto a 20 nm-thick, 1 μm-wide metal stripe (Ag or Au) on a silica substrate, where the stripe is stepped in width periodically, forming a 1st order Bragg grating. Optical gain is provided by optically pumping a 450 nm-thick IR-140 doped PMMA layer as the top cladding, which covers the entire length of the Bragg grating, thus creating a DFB laser. Single-mode lasing peaks of very narrow linewidth were observed for Ag and Au DFBs near 882 nm at room temperature. The narrow linewidths are explained by the low spontaneous emission rate into the surface plasmon lasing mode as well as the high quality factor of the DFB structure. The lasing emission is exclusively TM polarized. Kinks in light-light curves accompanied by spectrum narrowing were observed, from which threshold pump power densities can be clearly identified (0.78 MW cm-2 and 1.04 MW cm-2 for Ag and Au DFB lasers, respectively). The Schawlow-Townes linewidth for our Ag and Au DFB lasers is estimated and very narrow linewidths are predicted for the lasers. The lasers are suitable as inexpensive, recyclable and highly coherent sources of surface plasmons, or for integration with other surface plasmon elements of similar structure.

Rare-earth-ion-doped ultra-narrow-linewidth lasers on a silicon chip and applications to intra-laser-cavity optical sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernhardi, E. H.; de Ridder, R. M.; Wörhoff, K.; Pollnau, M.

2013-03-01

We report on diode-pumped distributed-feedback (DFB) and distributed-Bragg-reflector (DBR) channel waveguide lasers in Er-doped and Yb-doped Al2O3 on standard thermally oxidized silicon substrates. Uniform surface-relief Bragg gratings were patterned by laser-interference lithography and etched into the SiO2 top cladding. The maximum grating reflectivity exceeded 99%. Monolithic DFB and DBR cavities with Q-factors of up to 1.35×106 were realized. The Erdoped DFB laser delivered 3 mW of output power with a slope efficiency of 41% versus absorbed pump power. Singlelongitudinal- mode operation at a wavelength of 1545.2 nm was achieved with an emission line width of 1.70 0.58 kHz, corresponding to a laser Q-factor of 1.14×1011. Yb-doped DFB and DBR lasers were demonstrated at wavelengths near 1020 nm with output powers of 55 mW and a slope efficiency of 67% versus launched pump power. An Yb-doped dualwavelength laser was achieved based on the optical resonances induced by two local phase shifts in the DFB structure. A stable microwave signal at ~15 GHz with a -3-dB width of 9 kHz and a long-term frequency stability of +/- 2.5 MHz was created via the heterodyne photo-detection of the two laser wavelengths. By measuring changes in the microwave beat signal as the intra-cavity evanescent laser field interacts with micro-particles on the waveguide surface, we achieved real-time detection and accurate size measurement of single micro-particles with diameters ranging between 1 μm and 20 μm, which represents the typical size of many fungal and bacterial pathogens. A limit of detection of ~500 nm was deduced.

Novel Helmholtz-based photoacoustic sensor for trace gas detection at ppm level using GaInAsSb/GaAlAsSb DFB lasers.

PubMed

Mattiello, Mario; Niklès, Marc; Schilt, Stéphane; Thévenaz, Luc; Salhi, Abdelmajid; Barat, David; Vicet, Aurore; Rouillard, Yves; Werner, Ralph; Koeth, Johannes

2006-04-01

A new and compact photoacoustic sensor for trace gas detection in the 2-2.5 microm atmospheric window is reported. Both the development of antimonide-based DFB lasers with singlemode emission in this spectral range and a novel design of photoacoustic cell adapted to the characteristics of these lasers are discussed. The laser fabrication was made in two steps. The structure was firstly grown by molecular beam epitaxy then a metallic DFB grating was processed. The photoacoustic cell is based on a Helmholtz resonator that was designed in order to fully benefit from the highly divergent emission of the antimonide laser. An optimized modulation scheme based on wavelength modulation of the laser source combined with second harmonic detection has been implemented for efficient suppression of wall noise. Using a 2211 nm laser, sub-ppm detection limit has been demonstrated for ammonia.

Large depth high-precision FMCW tomography using a distributed feedback laser array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DiLazaro, Thomas; Nehmetallah, George

2018-02-01

Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) has been widely employed in the medical industry for the high resolution imaging of subsurface biological structures. SS-OCT typically exhibits axial resolutions on the order of tens of microns at speeds of hundreds of kilohertz. Using the same coherent heterodyne detection technique, frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) ladar has been used for highly precise ranging for distances up to kilometers. Distributed feedback lasers (DFBs) have been used as a simple and inexpensive source for FMCW ranging. Here, we use a bandwidth-combined DFB array for sub-surface volume imaging at a 27 μm axial resolution over meters of distance. 2D and 3D tomographic images of several semi-transparent and diffuse objects at distances up to 10 m will be presented.

DBR and DFB Lasers in Neodymium- and Ytterbium-Doped Photothermorefractive Glasses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryasnyanskiy, Aleksandr; Vorobiev, N.; Smirnov, V.; Lumeau, J.; Glebov, A.; Mokhun, O..; Spiegelberg, Ch.; Krainak, Michael A.; Glebov, A.; Glebov, L.

2014-01-01

The first demonstration, to the best of our knowledge, of distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) and monolithic distributed feedback (DFB) lasers in photothermorefractive glass doped with rare-earth ions is reported. The lasers were produced by incorporation of the volume Bragg gratings into the laser gain elements. A monolithic single-frequency solid-state laser with a line width of 250 kHz and output power of 150 mW at 1066 nm is demonstrated.

Initial evaluation of commercially available InGaAsP DFB laser diodes for use in high-speed digital fiber optic transceivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, Anthony L.; Hendricks, Herbert D.

1990-01-01

NASA has been pursuing the development of high-speed fiber-optic transceivers for use in a number of space data system applications. Current efforts are directed toward a high-performance all-integrated-circuit transceiver operating up to the 3-5 Gb/s range. Details of the evaluation and selection of candidate high-speed optical sources to be used in the space-qualified high-performance transceiver are presented. Data on the performance of commercially available DFB (distributed feedback) lasers are presented, and their performance relative to each other and to their structural design with regard to their use in high-performance fiber-optic transceivers is discussed. The DFB lasers were obtained from seven commercial manufacturers. The data taken on each laser included threshold current, differential quantum efficiency, CW side mode suppression radio, wavelength temperature coefficient, threshold temperature coefficient, natural linewidth, and far field pattern. It was found that laser diodes with buried heterostructures and first-order gratings had, in general, the best CW operating characteristics. The modulated characteristics of the DFB laser diodes are emphasized. Modulated linewidth, modulated side mode suppression ratio, and frequency response are discussed.

Ten-channel InP-based large-scale photonic integrated transmitter fabricated by SAG technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Can; Zhu, Hongliang; Liang, Song; Cui, Xiao; Wang, Huitao; Zhao, Lingjuan; Wang, Wei

2014-12-01

A 10-channel InP-based large-scale photonic integrated transmitter was fabricated by selective area growth (SAG) technology combined with butt-joint regrowth (BJR) technology. The SAG technology was utilized to fabricate the electroabsorption modulated distributed feedback (DFB) laser (EML) arrays at the same time. The design of coplanar electrodes for electroabsorption modulator (EAM) was used for the flip-chip bonding package. The lasing wavelength of DFB laser could be tuned by the integrated micro-heater to match the ITU grids, which only needs one electrode pad. The average output power of each channel is 250 μW with an injection current of 200 mA. The static extinction ratios of the EAMs for 10 channels tested are ranged from 15 to 27 dB with a reverse bias of 6 V. The frequencies of 3 dB bandwidth of the chip for each channel are around 14 GHz. The novel design and simple fabrication process show its enormous potential in reducing the cost of large-scale photonic integrated circuit (LS-PIC) transmitter with high chip yields.

Label free biosensor incorporating a replica-molded, vertically emitting distributed feedback laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, M.; Choi, S. S.; Wagner, C. J.; Eden, J. G.; Cunningham, B. T.

2008-06-01

A label free biosensor based upon a vertically emitting distributed feedback (DFB) laser has been demonstrated. The DFB laser comprises a replica-molded, one-dimensional dielectric grating coated with laser dye-doped polymer as the gain medium. Adsorption of biomolecules onto the laser surface alters the DFB laser emission wavelength, thereby permitting the kinetic adsorption of a protein polymer monolayer or the specific binding of small molecules to be quantified. A bulk sensitivity of 16.6nm per refractive index unit and the detection of a monolayer of the protein polymer poly(Lys, Phe) have been observed with this biosensor. The sensor represents a departure from conventional passive resonant optical sensors from the standpoint that the device actively generates its own narrowband high intensity output without stringent requirements on the coupling alignments, resulting in a simple, robust illumination and detection configuration.

Laterally coupled distributed feedback type-I quantum well cascade diode lasers emitting near 3.22  μm.

PubMed

Feng, Tao; Hosoda, Takashi; Shterengas, Leon; Kipshidze, Gela; Stein, Aaron; Lu, Ming; Belenky, Gregory

2017-11-01

The laterally coupled distributed feedback (LC-DFB) GaSb-based type-I quantum well cascade diode lasers using the second- and the sixth-order gratings to stabilize the output spectrum near 3.22 μm were designed and fabricated. The laser heterostructure contained three cascades. The devices were manufactured using a single dry etching step defining the ∼5-μm-wide ridge with ∼5-μm-wide gratings sections adjacent to the ridge sides. The grating coupling coefficients were estimated to be about 1  cm -1 . The stability of the single-frequency operation was ensured by alignment of the DFB mode to the relatively wide gain peak. The 2-mm-long second-order LC-DFB lasers generated above 10 mW of continuous-wave (CW) output power at 20°C in epi-side-up configuration and demonstrated power conversion efficiency above 2%. The sixth-order LC-DFB lasers showed lower efficiency but still generated several milliwatts of CW output power. The devices demonstrated a CW current tuning range of about 3.5 nm at the temperature of 20°C.

Distributed feedback interband cascade lasers with top grating and corrugated sidewalls

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xie, Feng; Stocker, Michael; Pham, John

Distributed feedback (DFB) interband cascade lasers (ICLs) with a 1st order top surface grating were designed and fabricated. Partially corrugated sidewalls were implemented to suppress high order lateral modes. The DFB ICLs have 4 mm long and 4.5 mu m wide ridge waveguides and are mounted epi-up on AlN submounts. We demonstrated a continuous-wave (CW) DFB ICL, from a first wafer which has a large detuning of the gain peak from the DFB wavelength, with a side mode suppression ratio of 30 dB. With proper matching of grating feedback and the gain peak wavelength for the second wafer, a DFBmore » ICL was demonstrated with a maximum CW output power and a maximum wall plug efficiency reaching 42 mW and 2%, respectively, at 25 degrees C. The lasing wavelengths of both lasers are around 3.3 mu m at 25 degrees C. Published by AIP Publishing.« less

Fiber Bragg Grating vibration sensor with DFB laser diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siska, Petr; Brozovic, Martin; Cubik, Jakub; Kepak, Stanislav; Vitasek, Jan; Koudelka, Petr; Latal, Jan; Vasinek, Vladimir

2012-01-01

The Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are nowadays used in many applications. Thanks to its quite big sensitivity to a surrounding environment, they can be used for sensing of temperature, strain, vibration or pressure. A fiber Bragg grating vibration sensor, which is interrogated by a distributed feedback laser diode (DFB) is demonstrated in this article. The system is based on the intensity modulation of the narrow spectral bandwidth of the DFB laser, when the reflection spectrum of the FBG sensor is shifted due to the strain that is applied on it in form of vibrations caused by acoustic wave pressure from loud speaker. The sensor's response in frequency domain and strain is measured; also the factor of sensor pre-strain impact on its sensitivity is discussed.

Realization of pure frequency modulation of DFB laser via combined optical and electrical tuning.

PubMed

Tian, Chao; Chen, I-Chun Anderson; Park, Seong-Wook; Martini, Rainer

2013-04-08

In this paper we present a novel approach to convert AM signal into FM signal in semiconductor lasers via off resonance optical pumping and report on experimental results obtained with a commercial DFB laser. Aside of demonstrating discrete and fast frequency modulation, we achieve pure frequency modulation through combination with electrical modulation suppressing the associated amplitude modulation, which is detrimental to application such as spectroscopy and communication.

A new and efficient theoretical model to analyze chirped grating distributed feedback lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arif, Muhammad

Threshold conditions of a distributed feedback (DFB) laser with a linearly chirped grating are investigated using a new and efficient method. DFB laser with chirped grating is found to have significant effects on the lasing characteristics. The coupled wave equations for these lasers are derived and solved using a power series method to obtain the threshold condition. A Newton- Raphson routine is used to solve the threshold conditions numerically to obtain threshold gain and lasing wavelengths. To prove the validity of this model, it is applied to both conventional index-coupled and complex- coupled DFB lasers. The threshold gain margins are calculated as functions of the ratio of the gain coupling to index coupling (|κg|/|κ n|), and the phase difference between the index and gain gratings. It was found that for coupling coefficient |κ|l < 0.9, the laser shows a mode degeneracy at particular values of the ratio |κ g|/|κn|, for cleaved facets. We found that at phase differences π/2 and 3π/2, between the gain and index grating, for an AR-coated complex-coupled laser, the laser becomes multimode and a different mode starts to lase. We also studied the effect of the facet reflectivity (both magnitude and phase) on the gain margin of a complex- coupled DFB laser. Although, the gain margin varies slowly with the magnitude of the facet reflectivity, it shows large variations as a function of the phase. Spatial hole burning was found to be minimum at phase difference nπ, n = 0, 1, ... and maximum at phase differences π/2 and 3π/2. The single mode gain margin of an index-coupled linearly chirped CG-DFB is calculated for different chirping factors and coupling constants. We found that there is clearly an optimum chirping for which the single mode gain margin is maximum. The gain margins were calculated also for different positions of the cavity center. The effect of the facet reflectivities and their phases on the gain margin was investigated. We found the gain margin is maximum and the Spatial Hole Burning (SHB) is minimum for the cavity center at the middle of the laser cavity. Effect of chirping on the threshold gain, gain margin and spatial hole burning (SHB) for different parameters, such as the coupling coefficients, facet reflectivities, etc., of these lasers are studied. Single mode yield of these lasers are calculated and compared with that of a uniform grating DFB laser.

Development of an advanced uncooled 10-Gb DFB laser for volume manufacture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, Gordon; Charles, Paul M.

2003-03-01

Optical communication systems operating at 10Gbit/s such as 10Gigabit Ethernet are becoming more and more important in Local Area Networks (LAN) and Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN). This market requires optical transceivers of low cost, size and power consumption. This drives a need for uncooled DFB lasers directly modulated at 10Gbit/s. This paper describes the development of a state of the art uncooled high speed DFB laser which is capable of being manufactured in high volume at the low cost demanded by the GbE market. A DFB laser was designed by developing technological building blocks within the 'conventional" InGaAsP materials system, using existing well proven manufacturing processes modules wherever possible, limiting the design risk to a few key areas where innovation was required. The temperature and speed performance of the InGaAsP SMQW active layer system was carefully optimized and then coupled with a low parasitic lateral confinement system. Using concurrent engineering, new processes were demonstrated to have acceptable process capability within a manufacturing fabrication environment, proving their ability to support high volume manufacturing requirements. The DFB laser fabricated was shown to operate at 100C chip temperature with an open eye at 10Gbit/s operation (with an extinction ratio >5dB). Up to 90C operation this DFB shows threshold current as low as 29mA, optical power as high as 13mW and it meets the 10Gb scaled Ethernet mask with extinction ratio >6dB. It was found that the high temperature dynamic behavior of these lasers could not be fully predicted from static test data. A production test strategy was therefore followed where equipment was designed to fully test devices/subassemblies at 100C and up to 20Gbit/s at key points in the product build. This facilitated the rapid optimisation of product yields upon manufacturing ramp up and minimization of product costs. This state of the art laser is now transferred into volume manufacture.

InGaAlAs RW-based electro-absorption-modulated DFB-lasers for high-speed applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moehrle, Martin; Klein, Holger; Bornholdt, Carsten; Przyrembel, Georges; Sigmund, Ariane; Molzow, Wolf-Dietrich; Troppenz, Ute; Bach, Heinz-Gunter

2014-05-01

Electro-absorption modulated 10G and 25G DFB lasers (EML) are key components in transmission systems for long reach (up to 10 km) and extended reach (up to 80 km) applications. The next generation Ethernet will most likely be 400 Gb/s which will require components with even higher bandwidth. Commercially available EMLs are regarded as high-cost components due to their separate epitaxial butt-coupling growth process to separately optimize the DFB laser and the electro-absorption modulator (EAM). Alternatively the selective area growth (SAG) technique is used to achieve different MQW bandgaps in the DFB and EAM section of an EML. However for a lot of applications an emission wavelength within a narrow wavelength window is required enforcing a temperature controlled operation. All these applications can be covered with the developed EML devices that use a single InGaAlAs MQW waveguide for both the DFB and the EAM enabling a low-cost fabrication process similar to a conventional DFB laser diode. It will be shown that such devices can be used for 25Gb/s and 40Gb/s applications with excellent performance. By an additional monolithic integration of an impedance matching circuit the module fabrication costs can be reduced but also the modulation bandwidth of the devices can be further enhanced. Up to 70Gb/s modulation with excellent eye openings can be achieved. This novel approach opens the possibility for 100Gb/s NRZ EMLs and thus 4x100Gb/s NRZ EML-based transmitters in future. Also even higher bitrates seem feasible using more complex modulation formats such as e.g. DMT and PAM.

Ultra-narrow-linewidth erbium-doped lasers on a silicon photonics platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Nanxi; Purnawirman, Purnawirman; Magden, E. Salih; Singh, Gurpreet; Singh, Neetesh; Baldycheva, Anna; Hosseini, Ehsan S.; Sun, Jie; Moresco, Michele; Adam, Thomas N.; Leake, Gerald; Coolbaugh, Douglas; Bradley, Jonathan D. B.; Watts, Michael R.

2018-02-01

We report ultra-narrow-linewidth erbium-doped aluminum oxide (Al2O3:Er3+) distributed feedback (DFB) lasers with a wavelength-insensitive silicon-compatible waveguide design. The waveguide consists of five silicon nitride (SiNx) segments buried under silicon dioxide (SiO2) with a layer Al2O3:Er3+ deposited on top. This design has a high confinement factor (> 85%) and a near perfect (> 98%) intensity overlap for an octave-spanning range across near infrared wavelengths (950-2000 nm). We compare the performance of DFB lasers in discrete quarter phase shifted (QPS) cavity and distributed phase shifted (DPS) cavity. Using QPS-DFB configuration, we obtain maximum output powers of 0.41 mW, 0.76 mW, and 0.47 mW at widely spaced wavelengths within both the C and L bands of the erbium gain spectrum (1536 nm, 1566 nm, and 1596 nm). In a DPS cavity, we achieve an order of magnitude improvement in maximum output power (5.43 mW) and a side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of > 59.4 dB at an emission wavelength of 1565 nm. We observe an ultra-narrow linewidth of ΔνDPS = 5.3 +/- 0.3 kHz for the DPS-DFB laser, as compared to ΔγQPS = 30.4 +/- 1.1 kHz for the QPS-DFB laser, measured by a recirculating self-heterodyne delayed interferometer (RSHDI). Even narrower linewidth can be achieved by mechanical stabilization of the setup, increasing the pump absorption efficiency, increasing the output power, or enhancing the cavity Q.

Organic Solid-State Tri-Wavelength Lasing from Holographic Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal and a Distributed Feedback Laser with a Doped Laser Dye and a Semiconducting Polymer Film.

PubMed

Liu, Minghuan; Liu, Yonggang; Peng, Zenghui; Wang, Shaoxin; Wang, Qidong; Mu, Quanquan; Cao, Zhaoliang; Xuan, Li

2017-05-07

Organic solid-state tri-wavelength lasing was demonstrated from dye-doped holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) distributed feedback (DFB) laser with semiconducting polymer poly[-methoxy-5-(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene] (MEH-PPV) and laser dye [4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran] (DCM) by a one-step holography technique, which centered at 605.5 nm, 611.9 nm, and 671.1 nm. The temperature-dependence tuning range for the tri-wavelength dye-doped HPDLC DFB laser was as high as 8 nm. The lasing emission from the 9th order HPDLC DFB laser with MEH-PPV as active medium was also investigated, which showed excellent s-polarization characterization. The diffraction order is 9th and 8th for the dual-wavelength lasing with DCM as the active medium. The results of this work provide a method for constructing the compact and cost-effective all solid-state smart laser systems, which may find application in scientific and applied research where multi-wavelength radiation is required.

Development of Advanced Seed Laser Modules for Lidar and Spectroscopy Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prasad, Narasimha S.; Rosiewicz, Alex; Coleman, Steven M.

2013-01-01

We report on recent progress made in the development of highly compact, single mode, distributed feedback laser (DFB) seed laser modules for lidar and spectroscopy applications from space based platforms. One of the intended application of this technology is in the NASA's Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Nights, Days, and Seasons (ASCENDS) mission. The DFB laser modules operating at 1571 nm and 1262 nm have advanced current and temperature drivers built into them. A combination of temperature and current tuning allows coarse and fine adjustment of the diode wavelengths.

Narrow-stripe broad-area lasers with distributed-feedback surface gratings as brilliant sources for high power spectral beam combining systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Decker, J.; Crump, P.; Fricke, J.; Wenzel, H.; Maaβdorf, A.; Erbert, G.; Tränkle, G.

2014-03-01

Laser systems based on spectral beam combining (SBC) of broad-area (BA) diode lasers are promising tools for material processing applications. However, the system brightness is limited by the in-plane beam param- eter product, BPP, of the BA lasers, which operate with a BPP of < 3mm-mrad. The EU project BRIDLE (www.bridle.eu) is developing novel diode laser sources for such systems, and several technological advances are sought. For increased system brightness and optimal ber-coupling the diode lasers should operate with reduced BPP and vertical far eld angle (95% power content), μV 95. The resulting diode lasers are fabricated as mini- bars for reduced assembly costs. Gratings are integrated into the mini-bar, with each laser stripe emitting at a different wavelength. In this way, each emitter can be directed into a single bre via low-cost dielectric filters. Distributed-feedback narrow-stripe broad-area (DFB-NBA) lasers are promising candidates for these SBC sys- tems. We review here the design process and performance achieved, showing that DFB-NBA lasers with stripe width, W = 30 μm, successfully cut of higher-order lateral modes, improving BPP. Uniform, surface-etched, 80th-order Bragg gratings are used, with weak gratings essential for high e ciency. To date, such DFB-NBA sources operate with < 50% effciency at output power, Pout < 6 W, with BPP < 1.8 mm-mrad and offV 95 36 . The emission wavelength is about 970 nm and the spectral width is < 0.7 nm (95% power). The BPP is half that of a DFB-BA lasers with W = 90 um. We conclude with a review of options for further performance improvements.

Mode switching in a multi-wavelength distributed feedback quantum cascade laser using an external micro-cavity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sidler, Meinrad; Institute for Quantum Electronics, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 16, 8093 Zurich; Rauter, Patrick

2014-02-03

We demonstrate a multi-wavelength distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade laser (QCL) operating in a lensless external micro-cavity and achieve switchable single-mode emission at three distinct wavelengths selected by the DFB grating, each with a side-mode suppression ratio larger than 30 dB. Discrete wavelength tuning is achieved by modulating the feedback experienced by each mode of the multi-wavelength DFB QCL, resulting from a variation of the external cavity length. This method also provides a post-fabrication control of the lasing modes to correct for fabrication inhomogeneities, in particular, related to the cleaved facets position.

DFB Lasers Between 760 nm and 16 μm for Sensing Applications

PubMed Central

Zeller, Wolfgang; Naehle, Lars; Fuchs, Peter; Gerschuetz, Florian; Hildebrandt, Lars; Koeth, Johannes

2010-01-01

Recent years have shown the importance of tunable semiconductor lasers in optical sensing. We describe the status quo concerning DFB laser diodes between 760 nm and 3,000 nm as well as new developments aiming for up to 80 nm tuning range in this spectral region. Furthermore we report on QCL between 3 μm and 16 μm and present new developments. An overview of the most interesting applications using such devices is given at the end of this paper. PMID:22319259

Single transverse mode protein laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogru, Itir Bakis; Min, Kyungtaek; Umar, Muhammad; Bahmani Jalali, Houman; Begar, Efe; Conkar, Deniz; Firat Karalar, Elif Nur; Kim, Sunghwan; Nizamoglu, Sedat

2017-12-01

Here, we report a single transverse mode distributed feedback (DFB) protein laser. The gain medium that is composed of enhanced green fluorescent protein in a silk fibroin matrix yields a waveguiding gain layer on a DFB resonator. The thin TiO2 layer on the quartz grating improves optical feedback due to the increased effective refractive index. The protein laser shows a single transverse mode lasing at the wavelength of 520 nm with the threshold level of 92.1 μJ/ mm2.

Single-mode interband cascade laser multiemitter structure for two-wavelength absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheuermann, Julian; Weih, Robert; Becker, Steffen; Fischer, Marc; Koeth, Johannes; Höfling, Sven

2018-01-01

An interband cascade laser multiemitter with single-mode distributed feedback (DFB) emission at two wavelengths is presented. Continuous-wave laser operation is measured from 0°C to 40°C with threshold currents of around 25 mA and output powers of around 9 mW at 20°C. The ridge waveguide DFB structures are monolithically integrated with a spacing of 70 μm and each is provided with an individual metal DFB grating to select specific single-mode wavelengths of interest for absorption spectroscopy. The emission windows at 3.92 and 4.01 μm are targeting hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, which are of importance for industrial applications since both gases are reagents of the Claus process in sulfur recovery units, recovering elemental sulfur from gaseous hydrogen sulfide.

Multiperiod-grating surface-emitting lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lang, Robert J. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

Surface-emitting distributed feedback (DFB) lasers are disclosed with hybrid gratings. A first-order grating is provided at one or both ends of the active region of the laser for retroreflection of light back into the active region, and a second-order or nonresonant grating is provided at the opposite end for coupling light out perpendicular to the surfaces of the laser or in some other selected direction. The gratings may be curved to focus light retroreflected into the active region and to focus light coupled out to a point. When so focused to a point, the DFB laser may be part of a monolithic read head for a laser recorded disk, or an optical coupler into an optical fiber.

Continuously tunable solution-processed organic semiconductor DFB lasers pumped by laser diode.

PubMed

Klinkhammer, Sönke; Liu, Xin; Huska, Klaus; Shen, Yuxin; Vanderheiden, Sylvia; Valouch, Sebastian; Vannahme, Christoph; Bräse, Stefan; Mappes, Timo; Lemmer, Uli

2012-03-12

The fabrication and characterization of continuously tunable, solution-processed distributed feedback (DFB) lasers in the visible regime is reported. Continuous thin film thickness gradients were achieved by means of horizontal dipping of several conjugated polymer and blended small molecule solutions on cm-scale surface gratings of different periods. We report optically pumped continuously tunable laser emission of 13 nm in the blue, 16 nm in the green and 19 nm in the red spectral region on a single chip respectively. Tuning behavior can be described with the Bragg-equation and the measured thickness profile. The laser threshold is low enough that inexpensive laser diodes can be used as pump sources.

GaSb-based single-mode distributed feedback lasers for sensing (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, James A.; Bezinger, Andrew; Lapointe, Jean; Poitras, Daniel; Aers, Geof C.

2017-02-01

GaSb-based tunable single-mode diode lasers can enable rapid, highly-selective and highly-sensitive absorption spectroscopy systems for gas sensing. In this work, single-mode distributed feedback (DFB) laser diodes were developed for the detection of various trace gases in the 2-3.3um range, including CO2, CO, HF, H2S, H2O and CH4. The lasers were fabricated using an index-coupled grating process without epitaxial regrowth, making the process significantly less expensive than conventional DFB fabrication. The devices are based on InGaAsSb/AlGaAsSb separate confinement heterostructures grown on GaSb by molecular beam epitaxy. DFB lasers were produced using a two step etch process. Narrow ridge waveguides were first defined by optical lithography and etched into the semiconductor. Lateral gratings were then defined on both sides of the ridge using electron-beam lithography and etched to produce the index-grating. Effective index modeling was used to optimize the ridge width, etch depths and the grating pitch to ensure single-lateral-mode operation and adequate coupling strength. The effective index method was further used to simulate the DFB laser emission spectrum, based on a transfer matrix model for light transmission through the periodic structure. The fabricated lasers exhibit single-mode operation which is tunable through the absorption features of the various target gases by adjustment of the drive current. In addition to the established open-path sensing applications, these devices have great potential for optoelectronic integrated gas sensors, making use of integrated photodetectors and possibly on-chip Si photonics waveguide structures.

High-power Al-free active region (λ= 852nm) DFB laser diodes for atomic clocks and interferometry applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ligeret, V.; Vermersch, F.-J.; Bansropun, S.; Lecomte, M.; Calligaro, M.; Parillaud, O.; Krakowski, M.

2017-11-01

Atomic clocks will be used in the future European positioning system Galileo. Among them, the optically pumped clocks provide a better alternative with comparable accuracy for a more compact system. For these systems, diode lasers emitting at 852nm are strategic components. The laser in a conventional bench for atomic clocks presents disadvantages for spatial applications. A better approach would be to realise a system based on a distributed-feedback laser (DFB). We have developed the technological foundations of such lasers operating at 852nm. These include an Al free active region, a single spatial mode ridge waveguide and a DFB structure. The device is a separate confinement heterostructure with a GaInP large optical cavity and a single compressive strained GaInAsP quantum well. The broad area laser diodes are characterised by low internal losses (<3cm -1 ), a high internal efficiency (94%) and a low transparency current density (100A/cm2). For an AR-HR coated ridge Fabry Perot laser, we obtain a power of 230mW with M2=1.3. An optical power of 150mW was obtained at 854nm wavelength, 20°C for AR-HR coated devices. We obtain a single spatial mode emission with M2=1.21 and a SMSR over 30dB, both at 150mW. DFB Lasers at 852.12nm, corresponding to the D2 caesium transition, were then realised with a power of 40mW, 37°C for uncoated devices. The SMSR is over 30dB and the M2=1.33 at 40mW. Furthermore, the preliminary results of the linewidth obtained with a Fabry Perot interferometer give a value of less than 2MHz.

Chirped Grating Tunable Lasers for the Infrared Molecular Fingerprint Spectral Region

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

lasers with chirped gratings and compare both normal DFB (pump stripe perpendicular to grating) and -DFB (pump stripe perpendicular to facets...structure. Because the period of grating increases gradually laterally, wavelength tuning is implemented by shifting pump stripe to different positions on...tilted with respect to facets and adjusting the pump stripe normal to the grating. Continuous tuning of 30 nm around 3.1 µm with 320 mW single facet

CW Performance of an InGaAs-GaAs-AlGaAs Laterally-Coupled Distributed Feedback (LC-DFB) Ridge Laser Diode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, R. D.; Forouhar, S.; Keo, S.; Lang, R. J.; Hunsperger, R. G.; Tiberio, R. C.; Chapman, P. F.

1995-01-01

Single-mode distributed feedback (DFB) laser diodes typically require a two-step epitaxial growth or use of a corrugated substrate. We demonstrate InGaAs-GaAs-AlGaAs DFB lasers fabricated from a single epitaxial growth using lateral evanescent coupling of the optical field to a surface grating etehed along the sides of the ridge. A CW threshold current of 25 mA and external quantum efficiency of 0.48 mW/mA per facet were measured for a 1 mm cavity length device with anti-reflection coated facets. Single-mode output powers as high as 11 mW per facet at 935 nm wavelength were attained. A coupling coefficient of at least 5.8/cm was calculated from the subthreshold spectrum taking into account the 2% residual facet reflectivity.

Time-resolved spectral characterization of ring cavity surface emitting and ridge-type distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers by step-scan FT-IR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Brandstetter, Markus; Genner, Andreas; Schwarzer, Clemens; Mujagic, Elvis; Strasser, Gottfried; Lendl, Bernhard

2014-02-10

We present the time-resolved comparison of pulsed 2nd order ring cavity surface emitting (RCSE) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) and pulsed 1st order ridge-type distributed feedback (DFB) QCLs using a step-scan Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer. Laser devices were part of QCL arrays and fabricated from the same laser material. Required grating periods were adjusted to account for the grating order. The step-scan technique provided a spectral resolution of 0.1 cm(-1) and a time resolution of 2 ns. As a result, it was possible to gain information about the tuning behavior and potential mode-hops of the investigated lasers. Different cavity-lengths were compared, including 0.9 mm and 3.2 mm long ridge-type and 0.97 mm (circumference) ring-type cavities. RCSE QCLs were found to have improved emission properties in terms of line-stability, tuning rate and maximum emission time compared to ridge-type lasers.

High Efficiency, Low Power-Consumption DFB Quantum Cascade Lasers Without Lateral Regrowth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Zhi-Wei; Wang, Li-Jun; Zhang, Jin-Chuan; Liu, Feng-Qi; Zhou, Yu-Hong; Wang, Dong-Bo; Jia, Xue-Feng; Zhuo, Ning; Liu, Jun-Qi; Zhai, Shen-Qiang; Wang, Zhan-Guo

2017-04-01

Very low power-consumption distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) at the wavelength around 4.9 μm were fabricated by conventional process without lateral regrowth of InP:Fe or using sidewall grating. Benefitted from the optimized materials and low waveguide loss, very low threshold current density of 0.5 kA/cm2 was obtained for a device with cavity length of 2 mm. Combined with the partial-high-reflection coating, the 1-mm-long DFB QCL achieved low power-consumption continuous wave (CW) operation up to 105 °C. The CW threshold power-consumptions were 0.72 and 0.78 W at 15 and 25 °C, respectively. The maximum CW output power was over 110 mW at 15 °C and still more than 35 mW at 105 °C. At 15 °C, wall-plug efficiency of 5.5% and slope efficiency of 1.8 W/A were deduced, which were very high for low power-consumption DFB QCLs.

Genomic and proteomic studies on the effects of the insect growth regulator diflubenzuron in the model beetle species Tribolium castaneum.

PubMed

Merzendorfer, Hans; Kim, Hee Shin; Chaudhari, Sujata S; Kumari, Meera; Specht, Charles A; Butcher, Stephen; Brown, Susan J; Manak, J Robert; Beeman, Richard W; Kramer, Karl J; Muthukrishnan, Subbaratnam

2012-04-01

Several benzoylphenyl urea-derived insecticides such as diflubenzuron (DFB, Dimilin) are in wide use to control various insect pests. Although this class of compounds is known to disrupt molting and to affect chitin content, their precise mode of action is still not understood. To gain a broader insight into the mechanism underlying the insecticidal effects of benzoylphenyl urea compounds, we conducted a comprehensive study with the model beetle species and stored product pest Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle) utilizing genomic and proteomic approaches. DFB was added to a wheat flour-based diet at various concentrations and fed to larvae and adults. We observed abortive molting, hatching defects and reduced chitin amounts in the larval cuticle, the peritrophic matrix and eggs. Electron microscopic examination of the larval cuticle revealed major structural changes and a loss of lamellate structure of the procuticle. We used a genomic tiling array for determining relative expression levels of about 11,000 genes predicted by the GLEAN algorithm. About 6% of all predicted genes were more than 2-fold up- or down-regulated in response to DFB treatment. Genes encoding enzymes involved in chitin metabolism were unexpectedly unaffected, but many genes encoding cuticle proteins were affected. In addition, several genes presumably involved in detoxification pathways were up-regulated. Comparative 2D gel electrophoresis of proteins extracted from the midgut revealed 388 protein spots, of which 7% were significantly affected in their levels by DFB treatment as determined by laser densitometry. Mass spectrometric identification revealed that UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase and glutathione synthetase were up-regulated. In summary, the red flour beetle turned out to be a good model organism for investigating the global effects of bioactive materials such as insect growth regulators and other insecticides. The results of this study recapitulate all of the different DFB-induced symptoms in a single model insect, which have been previously found in several different insect species, and further illustrate that DFB treatment causes a wide range of effects at the molecular level. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Laterally coupled distributed feedback lasers emitting at 2 μm with quantum dash active region and high-duty-cycle etched semiconductor gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papatryfonos, Konstantinos; Saladukha, Dzianis; Merghem, Kamel; Joshi, Siddharth; Lelarge, Francois; Bouchoule, Sophie; Kazazis, Dimitrios; Guilet, Stephane; Le Gratiet, Luc; Ochalski, Tomasz J.; Huyet, Guillaume; Martinez, Anthony; Ramdane, Abderrahim

2017-02-01

Single-mode diode lasers on an InP(001) substrate have been developed using InAs/In0.53Ga0.47As quantum dash (Qdash) active regions and etched lateral Bragg gratings. The lasers have been designed to operate at wavelengths near 2 μm and exhibit a threshold current of 65 mA for a 600 μm long cavity, and a room temperature continuous wave output power per facet >5 mW. Using our novel growth approach based on the low ternary In0.53Ga0.47As barriers, we also demonstrate ridge-waveguide lasers emitting up to 2.1 μm and underline the possibilities for further pushing the emission wavelength out towards longer wavelengths with this material system. By introducing experimentally the concept of high-duty-cycle lateral Bragg gratings, a side mode suppression ratio of >37 dB has been achieved, owing to an appreciably increased grating coupling coefficient of κ ˜ 40 cm-1. These laterally coupled distributed feedback (LC-DFB) lasers combine the advantage of high and well-controlled coupling coefficients achieved in conventional DFB lasers, with the regrowth-free fabrication process of lateral gratings, and exhibit substantially lower optical losses compared to the conventional metal-based LC-DFB lasers.

Compact CH4 sensor based on difference frequency mixing of diode lasers in quasi-phasematched LiNbO3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lancaster, D. G.; Weidner, R.; Richter, D.; Tittel, F. K.; Limpert, J.

2000-01-01

A compact, portable and robust room temperature CH4 sensor is reported. By difference frequency mixing a 500 mW alpha-DFB diode laser at 1066 nm and an erbium-doped fiber amplified 1574 nm DFB diode laser in periodically poled lithium niobate up to 7 (mu)W of narrowband radiation at 3.3 microns is generated. Real-time monitoring of CH4 over a 7 day period using direct absorption in an open-path multipass cell (L = 36 m) demonstrates a detection precision of +/- 14 ppb.

From quantum cascade to super cascade laser a new laser design paradigm for broad spectral emission & a re-examination of current spreading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le, Loan T.

Over the span of more than 20 years of development, the Quantum Cascade (QC) laser has positioned itself as the most viable mid-infrared (mid-IR) light source. Today's QC lasers emit watts of continuous wave power at room temperature. Despite significant progress, the mid-IR region remains vastly under-utilized. State-of-the-art QC lasers are found in high power defense applications and detection of trace gases with narrow absorption lines. A large number of applications, however, do not require so much power, but rather, a broadly tunable laser source to detect molecules with broad absorption features. As such, a QC laser that is broadly tunable over the entire biochemical fingerprinting region remains the missing link to markets such as non- invasive biomedical diagnostics, food safety, and stand-off detection in turbid media. In this thesis, we detail how we utilized the inherent flexibility of the QC design space to conceive a new type of laser with the potential to bridge that missing link of the QC laser to large commercial markets. Our design concept, the Super Cascade (SC) laser, works contrary to conventional laser design principle by supporting multiple independent optical transitions, each contributing to broadening the gain spectrum. We have demonstrated a room temperature laser gain medium with electroluminescence spanning 3.3-12.5 ?m and laser emission from 6.2-12.5 ?m, the record spectral width for any solid state laser gain medium. This gain bandwidth covers the entire biochemical fingerprinting region. The achievement of such a spectrally broad gain medium presents engineering challenges of how to optimally utilize the bandwidth. As of this work, a monolithi- cally integrated array of Distributed Feedback QC (DFB-QC) lasers is one of the most promising ways to fully utilize the SC gain bandwidth. Therefore, in this thesis, we explore ways of improving the yield and ease of fabrication of DFB-QC lasers, including a re-examination of the role of current spreading in QC geometry.

Influence of the UV-induced fiber loss on the distributed feedback fiber lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Wei; Chen, Bai; Qiao, Qiquan; Chen, Jialing; Lin, Zunqi

2003-06-01

It was found that the output power of the distributed feedback fiber lasers would be improved after annealing or left unused for several days after the laser had been fabricated, and the output of the fundamental mode would not increase but be clamped while the ±1 order modes would be predominant with the enhancement of the coupling coefficient during the fabrication. The paper discussed the influence of UV-induced fiber loss on the fiber phase-shifted DFB lasers. Due to the gain saturation and fiber internal loss, which included the temperament loss and permanent loss, there was an optimum coupling coefficient for the DFB fiber lasers that the higher internal fiber loss corresponded to the lower optimum values of coupling coefficient.

Linearization of microwave photonic link based on nonlinearity of distributed feedback laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Zi-jian; Gu, Yi-ying; Zhu, Wen-wu; Fan, Feng; Hu, Jing-jing; Zhao, Ming-shan

2016-02-01

A microwave photonic link (MPL) with spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) improvement utilizing the nonlinearity of a distributed feedback (DFB) laser is proposed and demonstrated. First, the relationship between the bias current and nonlinearity of a semiconductor DFB laser is experimentally studied. On this basis, the proposed linear optimization of MPL is realized by the combination of the external intensity Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) modulation MPL and the direct modulation MPL with the nonlinear operation of the DFB laser. In the external modulation MPL, the MZM is biased at the linear point to achieve the radio frequency (RF) signal transmission. In the direct modulation MPL, the third-order intermodulation (IMD3) components are generated for enhancing the SFDR of the external modulation MPL. When the center frequency of the input RF signal is 5 GHz and the two-tone signal interval is 10 kHz, the experimental results show that IMD3 of the system is effectively suppressed by 29.3 dB and the SFDR is increased by 7.7 dB.

Acoustic Emission Source Location Using a Distributed Feedback Fiber Laser Rosette

PubMed Central

Huang, Wenzhu; Zhang, Wentao; Li, Fang

2013-01-01

This paper proposes an approach for acoustic emission (AE) source localization in a large marble stone using distributed feedback (DFB) fiber lasers. The aim of this study is to detect damage in structures such as those found in civil applications. The directional sensitivity of DFB fiber laser is investigated by calculating location coefficient using a method of digital signal analysis. In this, autocorrelation is used to extract the location coefficient from the periodic AE signal and wavelet packet energy is calculated to get the location coefficient of a burst AE source. Normalization is processed to eliminate the influence of distance and intensity of AE source. Then a new location algorithm based on the location coefficient is presented and tested to determine the location of AE source using a Delta (Δ) DFB fiber laser rosette configuration. The advantage of the proposed algorithm over the traditional methods based on fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) include the capability of: having higher strain resolution for AE detection and taking into account two different types of AE source for location. PMID:24141266

10th order laterally coupled GaN-based DFB laser diodes with V-shaped surface gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, J. H.; Wenzel, H.; Hoffmann, V.; Freier, E.; Sulmoni, L.; Unger, R.-S.; Einfeldt, S.; Wernicke, T.; Kneissl, M.

2018-02-01

Single longitudinal mode operation of laterally coupled distributed feedback (DFB) laser diodes (LDs) based on GaN containing 10th-order surface Bragg gratings with V-shaped grooves is demonstrated using i-line stepper lithography and inductively coupled plasma etching. A threshold current of 82 mA, a slope efficiency of 1.7 W/A, a single peak emission at 404.5 nm with a full width at half maximum of 0.04 nm and a side mode suppression ratio of > 23 dB at an output power of about 46 mW were achieved under pulsed operation. The shift of the lasing wavelength of DFB LDs with temperature was around three times smaller than that of conventional ridge waveguide LDs.

Modulation of frequency doubled DFB-tapered diode lasers for medical treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christensen, Mathias; Hansen, Anders K.; Noordegraaf, Danny; Jensen, Ole B.; Skovgaard, Peter M. W.

2017-02-01

The use of visible lasers for medical treatments is on the rise, and together with this comes higher expectations for the laser systems. For many medical treatments, such as ophthalmology, doctors require pulse on demand operation together with a complete extinction of the light between pulses. We have demonstrated power modulation from 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz at 532 nm with a modulation depth above 97% by wavelength detuning of the laser diode. The laser diode is a 1064 nm monolithic device with a distributed feedback (DFB) laser as the master oscillator (MO), and a tapered power amplifier (PA). The MO and PA have separate electrical contacts and the modulation is achieved with wavelength tuning by adjusting the current through the MO 40 mA.

Single-Mode, Distributed Feedback Interband Cascade Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frez, Clifford F. (Inventor); Borgentun, Carl E. (Inventor); Briggs, Ryan M. (Inventor); Bagheri, Mahmood (Inventor); Forouhar, Siamak (Inventor)

2016-01-01

Single-mode, distributed feedback interband cascade lasers (ICLs) using distributed-feedback gratings (e.g., lateral Bragg gratings) and methods of fabricating such ICLs are provided. The ICLs incorporate distributed-feedback gratings that are formed above the laser active region and adjacent the ridge waveguide (RWG) of the ICL. The ICLs may incorporate a double-ridge system comprising an optical confinement structure (e.g., a RWG) disposed above the laser active region that comprises the first ridge of the double ridge system, a DFB grating (e.g., lateral Bragg grating) disposed above the laser active region and adjacent the optical confinement structure, and an electric confinement structure that passes at least partially through the laser active region and that defines the boundary of the second ridge comprises and the termination of the DFB grating.

Monolithic dual-mode distributed feedback semiconductor laser for tunable continuous-wave terahertz generation.

PubMed

Kim, Namje; Shin, Jaeheon; Sim, Eundeok; Lee, Chul Wook; Yee, Dae-Su; Jeon, Min Yong; Jang, Yudong; Park, Kyung Hyun

2009-08-03

We report on a monolithic dual-mode semiconductor laser operating in the 1550-nm range as a compact optical beat source for tunable continuous-wave (CW) terahertz (THz) generation. It consists of two distributed feedback (DFB) laser sections and one phase section between them. Each wavelength of the two modes can be independently tuned by adjusting currents in micro-heaters which are fabricated on the top of the each DFB section. The continuous tuning of the CW THz emission from Fe(+)-implanted InGaAs photomixers is successfully demonstrated using our dual-mode laser as the excitation source. The CW THz frequency is continuously tuned from 0.17 to 0.49 THz.

Laterally coupled distributed feedback type-I quantum well cascade diode lasers emitting near 3.22 μm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feng, Tao; Hosoda, Takashi; Shterengas, Leon

The laterally coupled distributed feedback (LC-DFB) GaSb-based type-I quantum well cascade diode lasers using the second- and the sixth-order gratings to stabilize the output spectrum near 3.22 μm were designed and fabricated in this paper. The laser heterostructure contained three cascades. The devices were manufactured using a single dry etching step defining the ~5-μm-wide ridge with ~5-μm-wide gratings sections adjacent to the ridge sides. The grating coupling coefficients were estimated to be about 1 cm -1. The stability of the single-frequency operation was ensured by alignment of the DFB mode to the relatively wide gain peak. The 2-mm-long second-order LC-DFBmore » lasers generated above 10 mW of continuous-wave (CW) output power at 20°C in epi-side-up configuration and demonstrated power conversion efficiency above 2%. The sixth-order LC-DFB lasers showed lower efficiency but still generated several milliwatts of CW output power. Finally, the devices demonstrated a CW current tuning range of about 3.5 nm at the temperature of 20°C.« less

Laterally coupled distributed feedback type-I quantum well cascade diode lasers emitting near 3.22 μm

DOE PAGES

Feng, Tao; Hosoda, Takashi; Shterengas, Leon; ...

2017-10-18

The laterally coupled distributed feedback (LC-DFB) GaSb-based type-I quantum well cascade diode lasers using the second- and the sixth-order gratings to stabilize the output spectrum near 3.22 μm were designed and fabricated in this paper. The laser heterostructure contained three cascades. The devices were manufactured using a single dry etching step defining the ~5-μm-wide ridge with ~5-μm-wide gratings sections adjacent to the ridge sides. The grating coupling coefficients were estimated to be about 1 cm -1. The stability of the single-frequency operation was ensured by alignment of the DFB mode to the relatively wide gain peak. The 2-mm-long second-order LC-DFBmore » lasers generated above 10 mW of continuous-wave (CW) output power at 20°C in epi-side-up configuration and demonstrated power conversion efficiency above 2%. The sixth-order LC-DFB lasers showed lower efficiency but still generated several milliwatts of CW output power. Finally, the devices demonstrated a CW current tuning range of about 3.5 nm at the temperature of 20°C.« less

Antenna coupled photonic wire lasers

DOE PAGES

Kao, Tsung-Kao; Cai, Xiaowei; Lee, Alan W. M.; ...

2015-06-22

Slope efficiency (SE) is an important performance metric for lasers. In conventional semiconductor lasers, SE can be optimized by careful designs of the facet (or the modulation for DFB lasers) dimension and surface. However, photonic wire lasers intrinsically suffer low SE due to their deep sub-wavelength emitting facets. Inspired by microwave engineering techniques, we show a novel method to extract power from wire lasers using monolithically integrated antennas. These integrated antennas significantly increase the effective radiation area, and consequently enhance the power extraction efficiency. When applied to wire lasers at THz frequency, we achieved the highest single-side slope efficiency (~450more » mW/A) in pulsed mode for DFB lasers at 4 THz and a ~4x increase in output power at 3 THz compared with a similar structure without antennas. This work demonstrates the versatility of incorporating microwave engineering techniques into laser designs, enabling significant performance enhancements.« less

Compact DFB laser modules with integrated isolator at 935 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reggentin, M.; Thiem, H.; Tsianos, G.; Malach, M.; Hofmann, J.; Plocke, T.; Kneier, M.; Richter, L.

2018-02-01

New developments in industrial applications and applications under rough environmental conditions within the field of spectroscopy and quantum technology in the 935 nm wavelength regime demand new compact, stable and robust laser systems. Beside a stable laser source the integration of a compact optical isolator is necessary to reduce size and power consumption for the whole laser system. The integration of a suitable optical isolator suppresses back reflections from the following optical system efficiently. However, the miniaturization of the optics inside the package leads to high optical power density levels that make a more detailed analysis of the components and their laser damage threshold necessary. We present test results on compact stable DFB laser sources (butterfly style packages) with newly integrated optical isolators operating around 935 nm. The presented data includes performance and lifetime tests for the laser diodes as well as package components. Overall performance data of the packaged laser diodes will be shown as well.

High Efficiency, Low Power-Consumption DFB Quantum Cascade Lasers Without Lateral Regrowth.

PubMed

Jia, Zhi-Wei; Wang, Li-Jun; Zhang, Jin-Chuan; Liu, Feng-Qi; Zhou, Yu-Hong; Wang, Dong-Bo; Jia, Xue-Feng; Zhuo, Ning; Liu, Jun-Qi; Zhai, Shen-Qiang; Wang, Zhan-Guo

2017-12-01

Very low power-consumption distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) at the wavelength around 4.9 μm were fabricated by conventional process without lateral regrowth of InP:Fe or using sidewall grating. Benefitted from the optimized materials and low waveguide loss, very low threshold current density of 0.5 kA/cm 2 was obtained for a device with cavity length of 2 mm. Combined with the partial-high-reflection coating, the 1-mm-long DFB QCL achieved low power-consumption continuous wave (CW) operation up to 105 °C. The CW threshold power-consumptions were 0.72 and 0.78 W at 15 and 25 °C, respectively. The maximum CW output power was over 110 mW at 15 °C and still more than 35 mW at 105 °C. At 15 °C, wall-plug efficiency of 5.5% and slope efficiency of 1.8 W/A were deduced, which were very high for low power-consumption DFB QCLs.

Stabilizing operation point technique based on the tunable distributed feedback laser for interferometric sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Xuefeng; Zhou, Xinlei; Yu, Qingxu

2016-02-01

We describe a stabilizing operation point technique based on the tunable Distributed Feedback (DFB) laser for quadrature demodulation of interferometric sensors. By introducing automatic lock quadrature point and wavelength periodically tuning compensation into an interferometric system, the operation point of interferometric system is stabilized when the system suffers various environmental perturbations. To demonstrate the feasibility of this stabilizing operation point technique, experiments have been performed using a tunable-DFB-laser as light source to interrogate an extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric vibration sensor and a diaphragm-based acoustic sensor. Experimental results show that good tracing of Q-point was effectively realized.

Evaluation of 2.1μm DFB lasers for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbero, J.; López, D.; Esquivias, I.; Tijero, J. M. G.; Fischer, M.; Roessner, K.; Koeth, J.; Zahir, M.

2017-11-01

This paper presents the results obtained in the frame of an ESA-funded project called "Screening and Preevaluation of Shortwave Infrared Laser Diode for Space Application" with the objective of verifying the maturity of state of the art SWIR DFB lasers at 2.1μm to be used for space applications (mainly based on the occultation measurement principle and spectroscopy). The paper focus on the functional and environmental evaluation test plan. It includes high precision characterization, mechanical test (vibration and SRS shocks), thermal cycling, gamma and proton radiation tests, life test and some details of the Destructive Physical Analysis performed. The electro-optical characterization includes measurements of the tuning capabilities of the laser both by current and by temperature, the wavelength stability and the optical power versus laser current.

Organic holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal distributed feedback laser from different diffraction orders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Minghuan; Liu, Yonggang; Zhang, Guiyang; Peng, Zenghui; Li, Dayu; Ma, Ji; Xuan, Li

2016-11-01

Holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) based distributed feedback (DFB) lasers were prepared with poly (-methoxy-5-(2‧-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene) (MEH-PPV) film as the active medium layer. The HPDLC grating film was fabricated via holographic induced photopolymerization. The pure film spectra of MEH-PPV and the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) spectrum were investigated. The laser device was single-longitudinal mode operation. The tunability of the HPDLC DFB laser was achieved by selecting different grating periods. The lasing performances were also characterized and compared from different diffraction orders. The lasing threshold increased with the diffraction order and the third order laser possessed the largest conversion efficiency in this device. The experimental results were in good agreement with the theoretical calculations.

DBR laser with nondynamic plasma grating formed by focused ion beam implanted dopants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boenke, Myra M.; Wu, M. C.; Wang, Shyh; Clark, William M., Jr.; Stevens, Eugene H.

1989-01-01

A static plasma grating has been demonstrated experimentally (Wu et al., 1988) in a large-optical-cavity focused-ion-beam-distributed-Bragg-reflector (FIB-DBR) GaAlAs/GaAs laser diode. The grating is formed by implanting stripes of dopants with a focused ion beam. The dopants ionize to form periodic fluctuations in the carrier concentration which, through the Kramers-Kronig relations, form an index grating. A model of the grating strength for optimizaton of the laser design is developed and presented. The computed results show that the coupling coefficient k can be increased by more than an order of magnitude over the 15/cm experimentally. Therefore, FIB-DBR or FIB-distributed-feedback (DFB) lasers with performance comparable to that of conventional DBR (or DFB) lasers can be expected.

FM and FSK response of tunable two-electrode DFB lasers and their performance with noncoherent detection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Willner, A.E.; Kuznetsov, M.; Kaminow, I.P.

1989-12-01

Two-electrode DFB lasers show promise for combining high speed and frequency tunability for FDM-FSK networks. The authors have measured the FM and FSK response of such lasers up to modulation frequencies of {approximately} GHz. Using these lasers in a noncoherent detection system in which a fiber Fabry-Perot tunable optical filter converts an FSK signal into ASK format, the authors demonstrate 10{sup {minus}9} BER up to 1 Gbit/s. Nonuniform FM response and consequent tone broadening of the optical-filtering FSK spectra can lead to system power penalties due to optical-filtering effects. Thus, for a given FM response, they can project the behaviormore » of these lasers in FSK optical systems.« less

[Mid-infrared distributed-feedback quantum cascade laser-based photoacoustic detection of trace methane gas].

PubMed

Tan, Song; Liu, Wan-feng; Wang, Li-jun; Zhang, Jin-chuan; Li, Lu; Liu, Jun-qi; Liu, Feng-qi; Wang, Zhan-guo

2012-05-01

There have been considerable interests in methane detection based on infrared absorption spectroscopy for industrial and environment monitoring. The authors report on the realization of photoacoustic detection of methane (CH4) using mid-infrared distributed-feedback quantum cascade laser (DFB-QCL). The absorption line at 1316.83 cm(-1) was selected for CH4 detection, which can be reached by the self-manufactured DFB-QCL source operating in pulsed mode near 7.6 microm at room-temperature. The CH4 gas is filled to a Helmholtz resonant photoacoustic cell, which was equipped with a commercial electret microphone. The DFB-QCL was operated at 234 Hz with an 80 mW optical peak power. A detection limit of 189 parts per billion in volume was derived when the signal-to-noise ratio equaled 1.

Distributed feedback laser diode integrated with distributed Bragg reflector for continuous-wave terahertz generation.

PubMed

Kim, Namje; Han, Sang-Pil; Ryu, Han-Cheol; Ko, Hyunsung; Park, Jeong-Woo; Lee, Donghun; Jeon, Min Yong; Park, Kyung Hyun

2012-07-30

A widely tunable dual mode laser diode with a single cavity structure is demonstrated. This novel device consists of a distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode and distributed Bragg reflector (DBR). Micro-heaters are integrated on the top of each section for continuous and independent wavelength tuning of each mode. By using a single gain medium in the DFB section, an effective common optical cavity and common modes are realized. The laser diode shows a wide tunability of the optical beat frequency, from 0.48 THz to over 2.36 THz. Continuous wave THz radiation is also successfully generated with low-temperature grown InGaAs photomixers from 0.48 GHz to 1.5 THz.

GaInAsP/InP lateral-current-injection distributed feedback laser with a-Si surface grating.

PubMed

Shindo, Takahiko; Okumura, Tadashi; Ito, Hitomi; Koguchi, Takayuki; Takahashi, Daisuke; Atsumi, Yuki; Kang, Joonhyun; Osabe, Ryo; Amemiya, Tomohiro; Nishiyama, Nobuhiko; Arai, Shigehisa

2011-01-31

We fabricated a novel lateral-current-injection-type distributed feedback (DFB) laser with amorphous-Si (a-Si) surface grating as a step to realize membrane lasers. This laser consists of a thin GaInAsP core layer grown on a semi-insulating InP substrate and a 30-nm-thick a-Si surface layer for DFB grating. Under a room-temperature continuous-wave condition, a low threshold current of 7.0 mA and high efficiency of 43% from the front facet were obtained for a 2.0-μm stripe width and 300-μm cavity length. A small-signal modulation bandwidth of 4.8 GHz was obtained at a bias current of 30 mA.

8-beam local oscillator array at 4.7 THz generated by a phase grating and a quantum cascade laser.

PubMed

Mirzaei, B; Silva, J R G; Hayton, D; Groppi, C; Kao, T Y; Hu, Q; Reno, J L; Gao, J R

2017-11-27

We present an 8-beam local oscillator (LO) for the astronomically significant [OI] line at 4.7 THz. The beams are generated using a quantum cascade laser (QCL) in combination with a Fourier phase grating. The grating is fully characterized using a third order distributed feedback (DFB) QCL with a single mode emission at 4.7 THz as the input. The measured diffraction efficiency of 74.3% is in an excellent agreement with the calculated result of 75.4% using a 3D simulation. We show that the power distribution among the diffracted beams is uniform enough for pumping an array receiver. To validate the grating bandwidth, we apply a far-infrared (FIR) gas laser emission at 5.3 THz as the input and find a very similar performance in terms of efficiency, power distribution, and spatial configuration of the diffracted beams. Both results represent the highest operating frequencies of THz phase gratings reported in the literature. By injecting one of the eight diffracted 4.7 THz beams into a superconducting hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer, we find that the coupled power, taking the optical loss into account, is in consistency with the QCL power value.

All-optical logic gates and wavelength conversion via the injection locking of a Fabry-Perot semiconductor laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harvey, E.; Pochet, M.; Schmidt, J.; Locke, T.; Naderi, N.; Usechak, N. G.

2013-03-01

This work investigates the implementation of all-optical logic gates based on optical injection locking (OIL). All-optical inverting, NOR, and NAND gates are experimentally demonstrated using two distributed feedback (DFB) lasers, a multi-mode Fabry-Perot laser diode, and an optical band-pass filter. The DFB lasers are externally modulated to represent logic inputs into the cavity of the multi-mode Fabry-Perot slave laser. The input DFB (master) lasers' wavelengths are aligned with the longitudinal modes of the Fabry-Perot slave laser and their optical power is used to modulate the injection conditions in the Fabry-Perot slave laser. The optical band-pass filter is used to select a Fabry- Perot mode that is either suppressed or transmitted given the logic state of the injecting master laser signals. When the input signal(s) is (are) in the on state, injection locking, and thus the suppression of the non-injected Fabry-Perot modes, is induced, yielding a dynamic system that can be used to implement photonic logic functions. Additionally, all-optical photonic processing is achieved using the cavity-mode shift produced in the injected slave laser under external optical injection. The inverting logic case can also be used as a wavelength converter — a key component in advanced wavelength-division multiplexing networks. As a result of this experimental investigation, a more comprehensive understanding of the locking parameters involved in injecting multiple lasers into a multi-mode cavity and the logic transition time is achieved. The performance of optical logic computations and wavelength conversion has the potential for ultrafast operation, limited primarily by the photon decay rate in the slave laser.

Stable Single-Mode Operation of Distributed Feedback Quantum Cascade Laser by Optimized Reflectivity Facet Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dong-Bo; Zhang, Jin-Chuan; Cheng, Feng-Min; Zhao, Yue; Zhuo, Ning; Zhai, Shen-Qiang; Wang, Li-Jun; Liu, Jun-Qi; Liu, Shu-Man; Liu, Feng-Qi; Wang, Zhan-Guo

2018-02-01

In this work, quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) based on strain compensation combined with two-phonon resonance design are presented. Distributed feedback (DFB) laser emitting at 4.76 μm was fabricated through a standard buried first-order grating and buried heterostructure (BH) processing. Stable single-mode emission is achieved under all injection currents and temperature conditions without any mode hop by the optimized antireflection (AR) coating on the front facet. The AR coating consists of a double layer dielectric of Al2O3 and Ge. For a 2-mm laser cavity, the maximum output power of the AR-coated DFB-QCL was more than 170 mW at 20 °C with a high wall-plug efficiency (WPE) of 4.7% in a continuous-wave (CW) mode.

Unidirectional photonic wire laser

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Khalatpour, Ali; Reno, John L.; Kherani, Nazir P.

Photonic wire lasers are a new genre of lasers that have a transverse dimension much smaller than the wavelength. Unidirectional emission is highly desirable as most of the laser power will be in the desired direction. Owing to their small lateral dimension relative to the wavelength, however, the mode mostly propagates outside the solid core. Consequently, conventional approaches to attach a highly reflective element to the rear facet, whether a thin film or a distributed Bragg reflector, are not applicable. In this paper, we propose a simple and effective technique to achieve unidirectionality. Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers with distributed feedback (DFB)more » were chosen as the platform of the photonic wire lasers. Unidirectionality is achieved with a power ratio of the forward/backward of about eight, and the power of the forward-emitting laser is increased by a factor of 1.8 compared with a reference bidirectional DFB laser. Finally and furthermore, we achieved a wall plug power efficiency of ~1%.« less

Unidirectional photonic wire laser

DOE PAGES

Khalatpour, Ali; Reno, John L.; Kherani, Nazir P.; ...

2017-08-07

Photonic wire lasers are a new genre of lasers that have a transverse dimension much smaller than the wavelength. Unidirectional emission is highly desirable as most of the laser power will be in the desired direction. Owing to their small lateral dimension relative to the wavelength, however, the mode mostly propagates outside the solid core. Consequently, conventional approaches to attach a highly reflective element to the rear facet, whether a thin film or a distributed Bragg reflector, are not applicable. In this paper, we propose a simple and effective technique to achieve unidirectionality. Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers with distributed feedback (DFB)more » were chosen as the platform of the photonic wire lasers. Unidirectionality is achieved with a power ratio of the forward/backward of about eight, and the power of the forward-emitting laser is increased by a factor of 1.8 compared with a reference bidirectional DFB laser. Finally and furthermore, we achieved a wall plug power efficiency of ~1%.« less

Optical feedback in dfb quantum cascade laser for mid-infrared cavity ring-down spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terabayashi, Ryohei; Sonnenschein, Volker; Tomita, Hideki; Hayashi, Noriyoshi; Kato, Shusuke; Jin, Lei; Yamanaka, Masahito; Nishizawa, Norihiko; Sato, Atsushi; Nozawa, Kohei; Hashizume, Kenta; Oh-hara, Toshinari; Iguchi, Tetsuo

2017-11-01

A simple external optical feedback system has been applied to a distributed feedback quantum cascade laser (DFB QCL) for cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) and a clear effect of feedback was observed. A long external feedback path length of up to 4m can decrease the QCL linewidth to around 50kHz, which is of the order of the transmission linewidth of our high finesse ring-down cavity. The power spectral density of the transmission signal from high finesse cavity reveals that the noise at frequencies above 20kHz is reduced dramatically.

Yb fiber laser pumped mid-IR source based on difference frequency generation and its application to ammonia detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matsuoka, N.; Yamaguchi, S.; Nanri, K.; Fujioka, T.; Richter, D.; Tittel, F. K.

2001-01-01

A Yb fiber laser pumped cw narrow-linewidth tunable mid-IR source based on a difference frequency generation (DFG) in a periodically poled LiNbO3 (PPLN) crystal for trace gas detection was demonstrated. A high power Yb fiber laser and a distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode were used as DFG pump sources. This source generated mid-IR at 3 microns with a powers of 2.5 microW and a spectral linewidth of less than 30 MHz. A frequency tuning range of 300 GHz (10 cm-1) was obtained by varying the current and temperature of the DFB laser diode. A high-resolution NH3 absorption Doppler-broadened spectrum at 3295.4 cm-1 (3.0345 microns) was obtained at a cell pressure of 27 Pa from which a detection sensitivity of 24 ppm m was estimated.

Surface-emitting circular DFB, disk- and ring- Bragg resonator lasers with chirped gratings: a unified theory and comparative study.

PubMed

Sun, Xiankai; Yariv, Amnon

2008-06-09

We have developed a theory that unifies the analysis of the modal properties of surface-emitting chirped circular grating lasers. This theory is based on solving the resonance conditions which involve two types of reflectivities of chirped circular gratings. This approach is shown to be in agreement with previous derivations which use the characteristic equations. Utilizing this unified analysis, we obtain the modal properties of circular DFB, disk-, and ring- Bragg resonator lasers. We also compare the threshold gain, single mode range, quality factor, emission efficiency, and modal area of these types of circular grating lasers. It is demonstrated that, under similar conditions, disk Bragg resonator lasers have the highest quality factor, the highest emission efficiency, and the smallest modal area, indicating their suitability in low-threshold, high-efficiency, ultracompact laser design, while ring Bragg resonator lasers have a large single mode range, high emission efficiency, and large modal area, indicating their suitability for high-efficiency, large-area, high-power applications.

Stable Single-Mode Operation of Distributed Feedback Quantum Cascade Laser by Optimized Reflectivity Facet Coatings.

PubMed

Wang, Dong-Bo; Zhang, Jin-Chuan; Cheng, Feng-Min; Zhao, Yue; Zhuo, Ning; Zhai, Shen-Qiang; Wang, Li-Jun; Liu, Jun-Qi; Liu, Shu-Man; Liu, Feng-Qi; Wang, Zhan-Guo

2018-02-02

In this work, quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) based on strain compensation combined with two-phonon resonance design are presented. Distributed feedback (DFB) laser emitting at ~ 4.76 μm was fabricated through a standard buried first-order grating and buried heterostructure (BH) processing. Stable single-mode emission is achieved under all injection currents and temperature conditions without any mode hop by the optimized antireflection (AR) coating on the front facet. The AR coating consists of a double layer dielectric of Al 2 O 3 and Ge. For a 2-mm laser cavity, the maximum output power of the AR-coated DFB-QCL was more than 170 mW at 20 °C with a high wall-plug efficiency (WPE) of 4.7% in a continuous-wave (CW) mode.

Optoelectronic cross-injection locking of a dual-wavelength photonic integrated circuit for low-phase-noise millimeter-wave generation.

PubMed

Kervella, Gaël; Van Dijk, Frederic; Pillet, Grégoire; Lamponi, Marco; Chtioui, Mourad; Morvan, Loïc; Alouini, Mehdi

2015-08-01

We report on the stabilization of a 90-GHz millimeter-wave signal generated from a fully integrated photonic circuit. The chip consists of two DFB single-mode lasers whose optical signals are combined on a fast photodiode to generate a largely tunable heterodyne beat note. We generate an optical comb from each laser with a microwave synthesizer, and by self-injecting the resulting signal, we mutually correlate the phase noise of each DFB and stabilize the beatnote on a multiple of the frequency delivered by the synthesizer. The performances achieved beat note linewidth below 30 Hz.

8-beam local oscillator array at 47 THz generated by a phase grating and a quantum cascade laser

DOE PAGES

Mirzaei, B.; Silva, J. R. G.; Hayton, D.; ...

2017-11-13

We present an 8-beam local oscillator (LO) for the astronomically significant [OI] line at 4.7 THz. The beams are generated using a quantum cascade laser (QCL) in combination with a Fourier phase grating. The grating is fully characterized using a third order distributed feedback (DFB) QCL with a single mode emission at 4.7 THz as the input. The measured diffraction efficiency of 74.3% is in an excellent agreement with the calculated result of 75.4% using a 3D simulation. We show that the power distribution among the diffracted beams is uniform enough for pumping an array receiver. To validate the gratingmore » bandwidth, we apply a far-infrared (FIR) gas laser emission at 5.3 THz as the input and find a very similar performance in terms of efficiency, power distribution, and spatial configuration of the diffracted beams. Both results represent the highest operating frequencies of THz phase gratings reported in the literature. By injecting one of the eight diffracted 4.7 THz beams into a superconducting hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer, we find that the coupled power, taking the optical loss into account, is in consistency with the QCL power value.« less

Terahertz master-oscillator power-amplifier quantum cascade laser with a grating coupler of extremely low reflectivity.

PubMed

Zhu, Huan; Zhu, Haiqing; Wang, Fangfang; Chang, Gaolei; Yu, Chenren; Yan, Quan; Chen, Jianxin; Li, Lianhe; Davies, A Giles; Linfield, Edmund H; Tang, Zhou; Chen, Pingping; Lu, Wei; Xu, Gangyi; He, Li

2018-01-22

A terahertz master-oscillation power-amplifier quantum cascade laser (THz-MOPA-QCL) is demonstrated where a grating coupler is employed to efficiently extract the THz radiation. By maximizing the group velocity and eliminating the scattering of THz wave in the grating coupler, the residue reflectivity is reduced down to the order of 10 -3 . A buried DFB grating and a tapered preamplifier are proposed to improve the seed power and to reduce the gain saturation, respectively. The THz-MOPA-QCL exhibits single-mode emission, a single-lobed beam with a narrow divergence angle of 18° × 16°, and a pulsed output power of 136 mW at 20 K, which is 36 times that of a second-order DFB laser from the same material.

Sub-kHz Linewidth GaSb Semiconductor Diode Lasers Operating Near 2 Micrometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bagheri, Mahmood; Briggs, Ryan M.; Frez, Clifford; Ksendzov, Alexander; Forouhar, Siamak

2012-01-01

We report on the phase noise properties of DFB lasers operating near 2.0 microns. Measured noise spectra indicate intrinsic laser linewidths below 1 kHz. An effective linewidth of less than 200 kHz for 5 ms measurement times is estimated.

Demonstration of a portable near-infrared CH4 detection sensor based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Chuan-Tao; Huang, Jian-Qiang; Ye, Wei-Lin; Lv, Mo; Dang, Jing-Min; Cao, Tian-Shu; Chen, Chen; Wang, Yi-Ding

2013-11-01

A portable near-infrared (NIR) CH4 detection sensor based on a distributed feedback (DFB) laser modulated at 1.654 μm is experimentally demonstrated. Intelligent temperature controller with an accuracy of -0.07 to +0.09 °C as well as a scan and modulation module generating saw-wave and cosine-wave signals are developed to drive the DFB laser, and a cost effective lock-in amplifier used to extract the second harmonic signal is integrated. Thorough experiments are carried out to obtain detection performances, including detection range, accuracy, stability and the minimum detection limit (MDL). Measurement results show that the absolute detection error relative to the standard value is less than 7% within the range of 0-100%, and the MDL is estimated to be about 11 ppm under an absorption length of 0.2 m and a noise level of 2 mVpp. Twenty-four hours monitoring on two gas samples (0.1% and 20%) indicates that the absolute errors are less than 7% and 2.5%, respectively, suggesting good long term stability. The sensor reveals competitive characteristics compared with other reported portable or handheld sensors. The developed sensor can also be used for the detection of other gases by adopting other DFB lasers with different center-wavelength using the same hardware and slightly modified software.

Monolithically integrated mid-infrared sensor using narrow mode operation and temperature feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ristanic, Daniela; Schwarz, Benedikt; Reininger, Peter; Detz, Hermann; Zederbauer, Tobias; Andrews, Aaron Maxwell; Schrenk, Werner; Strasser, Gottfried

2015-01-01

A method to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of a monolithically integrated mid-infrared sensor using a distributed feedback laser (DFB) is presented in this paper. The sensor is based on a quantum cascade laser/detector system built from the same epitaxial structure and with the same fabrication approach. The devices are connected via a dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguide with a twofold function: it provides high light coupling efficiency and a strong interaction of the light with the environment (e.g., a surrounding fluid). The weakly coupled DFB quantum cascade laser emits narrow mode light with a FWHM of 2 cm-1 at 1586 cm-1. The room temperature laser threshold current density is 3 kA/cm2 and a pulsed output power of around 200 mW was measured. With the superior laser noise performance, due to narrow mode emission and the compensation of thermal fluctuations, the lower limit of detection was expanded by one order of magnitude to the 10 ppm range.

Terahertz plasmonic laser radiating in an ultra-narrow beam

DOE PAGES

Wu, Chongzhao; Khanal, Sudeep; Reno, John L.; ...

2016-07-07

Plasmonic lasers (spasers) generate coherent surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and could be realized at subwavelength dimensions in metallic cavities for applications in nanoscale optics. Plasmonic cavities are also utilized for terahertz quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs), which are the brightest available solid-state sources of terahertz radiation. A long standing challenge for spasers that are utilized as nanoscale sources of radiation, is their poor coupling to the far-field radiation. Unlike conventional lasers that could produce directional beams, spasers have highly divergent radiation patterns due to their subwavelength apertures. Here, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate a new technique for implementing distributed feedback (DFB) thatmore » is distinct from any other previously utilized DFB schemes for semiconductor lasers. The so-termed antenna-feedback scheme leads to single-mode operation in plasmonic lasers, couples the resonant SPP mode to a highly directional far-field radiation pattern, and integrates hybrid SPPs in surrounding medium into the operation of the DFB lasers. Experimentally, the antenna-feedback method, which does not require the phase matching to a well-defined effective index, is implemented for terahertz QCLs, and single-mode terahertz QCLs with a beam divergence as small as 4°×4° are demonstrated, which is the narrowest beam reported for any terahertz QCL to date. Moreover, in contrast to a negligible radiative field in conventional photonic band-edge lasers, in which the periodicity follows the integer multiple of half-wavelengths inside the active medium, antenna-feedback breaks this integer limit for the first time and enhances the radiative field of the lasing mode. Terahertz lasers with narrow-beam emission will find applications for integrated as well as standoff terahertz spectroscopy and sensing. Furthermore, the antenna-feedback scheme is generally applicable to any plasmonic laser with a Fabry–Perot cavity irrespective of its operating wavelength and could bring plasmonic lasers closer to practical applications.« less

Extended-bandwidth frequency sweeps of a distributed feedback laser using combined injection current and temperature modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hefferman, Gerald; Chen, Zhen; Wei, Tao

2017-07-01

This article details the generation of an extended-bandwidth frequency sweep using a single, communication grade distributed feedback (DFB) laser. The frequency sweep is generated using a two-step technique. In the first step, injection current modulation is employed as a means of varying the output frequency of a DFB laser over a bandwidth of 99.26 GHz. A digital optical phase lock loop is used to lock the frequency sweep speed during current modulation, resulting in a linear frequency chirp. In the second step, the temperature of the DFB laser is modulated, resulting in a shifted starting laser output frequency. A laser frequency chirp is again generated beginning at this shifted starting frequency, resulting in a frequency-shifted spectrum relative to the first recorded data. This process is then repeated across a range of starting temperatures, resulting in a series of partially overlapping, frequency-shifted spectra. These spectra are then aligned using cross-correlation and combined using averaging to form a single, broadband spectrum with a total bandwidth of 510.9 GHz. In order to investigate the utility of this technique, experimental testing was performed in which the approach was used as the swept-frequency source of a coherent optical frequency domain reflectometry system. This system was used to interrogate an optical fiber containing a 20 point, 1-mm pitch length fiber Bragg grating, corresponding to a period of 100 GHz. Using this technique, both the periodicity of the grating in the frequency domain and the individual reflector elements of the structure in the time domain were resolved, demonstrating the technique's potential as a method of extending the sweeping bandwidth of semiconductor lasers for frequency-based sensing applications.

Extended-bandwidth frequency sweeps of a distributed feedback laser using combined injection current and temperature modulation.

PubMed

Hefferman, Gerald; Chen, Zhen; Wei, Tao

2017-07-01

This article details the generation of an extended-bandwidth frequency sweep using a single, communication grade distributed feedback (DFB) laser. The frequency sweep is generated using a two-step technique. In the first step, injection current modulation is employed as a means of varying the output frequency of a DFB laser over a bandwidth of 99.26 GHz. A digital optical phase lock loop is used to lock the frequency sweep speed during current modulation, resulting in a linear frequency chirp. In the second step, the temperature of the DFB laser is modulated, resulting in a shifted starting laser output frequency. A laser frequency chirp is again generated beginning at this shifted starting frequency, resulting in a frequency-shifted spectrum relative to the first recorded data. This process is then repeated across a range of starting temperatures, resulting in a series of partially overlapping, frequency-shifted spectra. These spectra are then aligned using cross-correlation and combined using averaging to form a single, broadband spectrum with a total bandwidth of 510.9 GHz. In order to investigate the utility of this technique, experimental testing was performed in which the approach was used as the swept-frequency source of a coherent optical frequency domain reflectometry system. This system was used to interrogate an optical fiber containing a 20 point, 1-mm pitch length fiber Bragg grating, corresponding to a period of 100 GHz. Using this technique, both the periodicity of the grating in the frequency domain and the individual reflector elements of the structure in the time domain were resolved, demonstrating the technique's potential as a method of extending the sweeping bandwidth of semiconductor lasers for frequency-based sensing applications.

Calibration-free wavelength-modulation spectroscopy based on a swiftly determined wavelength-modulation frequency response function of a DFB laser.

PubMed

Zhao, Gang; Tan, Wei; Hou, Jiajia; Qiu, Xiaodong; Ma, Weiguang; Li, Zhixin; Dong, Lei; Zhang, Lei; Yin, Wangbao; Xiao, Liantuan; Axner, Ove; Jia, Suotang

2016-01-25

A methodology for calibration-free wavelength modulation spectroscopy (CF-WMS) that is based upon an extensive empirical description of the wavelength-modulation frequency response (WMFR) of DFB laser is presented. An assessment of the WMFR of a DFB laser by the use of an etalon confirms that it consists of two parts: a 1st harmonic component with an amplitude that is linear with the sweep and a nonlinear 2nd harmonic component with a constant amplitude. Simulations show that, among the various factors that affect the line shape of a background-subtracted peak-normalized 2f signal, such as concentration, phase shifts between intensity modulation and frequency modulation, and WMFR, only the last factor has a decisive impact. Based on this and to avoid the impractical use of an etalon, a novel method to pre-determine the parameters of the WMFR by fitting to a background-subtracted peak-normalized 2f signal has been developed. The accuracy of the new scheme to determine the WMFR is demonstrated and compared with that of conventional methods in CF-WMS by detection of trace acetylene. The results show that the new method provides a four times smaller fitting error than the conventional methods and retrieves concentration more accurately.

Modulation of distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode with the autonomous Chua's circuit: Theory and experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talla Mbé, Jimmi Hervé; Woafo, Paul

2018-03-01

We report on a simple way to generate complex optical waveforms with very cheap and accessible equipments. The general idea consists in modulating a laser diode with an autonomous electronic oscillator, and in the case of this study, we use a distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode pumped with an electronic Chua's circuit. Based on the adiabatic P-I characteristics of the laser diode at low frequencies, we show that when the total pump is greater than the laser threshold, it is possible to convert the electrical waveforms of the Chua's circuit into optical carriers. But, if that is not the case, the on-off dynamical behavior of the laser permits to obtain many other optical waveform signals, mainly pulses. Our numerical results are consistent with experimental measurements. The work presents the advantage of extending the range of possible chaotic dynamics of the laser diodes in the time domains (millisecond) where it is not usually expected with conventional modulation techniques. Moreover, this new technique of laser diodes modulation brings a general benefit in the physical equipment, reduces their cost and congestion so that, it can constitute a step towards photonic integrated circuits.

III-Nitride Nanowire Lasers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wright, Jeremy Benjamin

2014-07-01

In recent years there has been a tremendous interest in nanoscale optoelectronic devices. Among these devices are semiconductor nanowires whose diameters range from 10-100 nm. To date, nanowires have been grown using many semiconducting material systems and have been utilized as light emitting diodes, photodetectors, and solar cells. Nanowires possess a relatively large index contrast relative to their dielectric environment and can be used as lasers. A key gure of merit that allows for nanowire lasing is the relatively high optical con nement factor. In this work, I discuss the optical characterization of 3 types of III-nitride nanowire laser devices.more » Two devices were designed to reduce the number of lasing modes to achieve singlemode operation. The third device implements low-group velocity mode lasing with a photonic crystal constructed of an array of nanowires. Single-mode operation is necessary in any application where high beam quality and single frequency operation is required. III-Nitride nanowire lasers typically operate in a combined multi-longitudinal and multi-transverse mode state. Two schemes are introduced here for controlling the optical modes and achieving single-mode op eration. The rst method involves reducing the diameter of individual nanowires to the cut-o condition, where only one optical mode propagates in the wire. The second method employs distributed feedback (DFB) to achieve single-mode lasing by placing individual GaN nanowires onto substrates with etched gratings. The nanowire-grating substrate acted as a distributed feedback mirror producing single mode operation at 370 nm with a mode suppression ratio (MSR) of 17 dB. The usage of lasers for solid state lighting has the potential to further reduce U.S. lighting energy usage through an increase in emitter e ciency. Advances in nanowire fabrication, speci cally a two-step top-down approach, have allowed for the demonstration of a multi-color array of lasers on a single chip that emit vertically. By tuning the geometrical properties of the individual lasers across the array, each individual nanowire laser produced a di erent emission wavelength yielding a near continuum of laser wavelengths. I successfully fabricated an array of emitters spanning a bandwidth of 60 nm on a single chip. This was achieved in the blue-violet using III-nitride photonic crystal nanowire lasers.« less

A novel approach to photonic generate microwave signals based on optical injection locking and four-wave mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Huatao; Wang, Rong; Xiang, Peng; Pu, Tao; Fang, Tao; Zheng, Jilin; Li, Yuandong

2017-10-01

In this paper, a novel approach for photonic generation of microwave signals based on frequency multiplication using an injected distributed-feedback (DFB) semiconductor laser is proposed and demonstrated by a proof-of-concept experiment. The proposed system is mainly made up of a dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DPMZM) and an injected DFB laser. By properly setting the bias voltage of the DPMZM, ±2-order sidebands with carrier suppression are generated, which are then injected into the slave laser. Due to the optical sideband locking and four-wave mixing (FWM) nonlinearity in the slave laser, new sidebands are generated. Then these sidebands are sent to an optical notch filter where all the undesired sidebands are removed. Finally, after photodetector detection, frequency multiplied microwave signals can be generated. Thanks to the flexibility of the optical sideband locking and FWM, frequency octupling, 12-tupling, 14-tupling and 16-tupling can be obtained.

Tunable organic distributed feedback dye laser device excited through Förster mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsutsumi, Naoto; Hinode, Taiki

2017-03-01

Tunable organic distributed feedback (DFB) dye laser performances are re-investigated and characterized. The slab-type waveguide DFB device consists of air/active layer/glass substrate. Active layer consisted of tris(8-quinolinolato)aluminum (Alq3), 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran (DCM) dye, and polystyrene (PS) matrix. Effective energy transfer from Alq3 to DCM through Förster mechanism enhances the laser emission. Slope efficiency in the range of 4.9 and 10% is observed at pump energy region higher than 0.10-0.15 mJ cm-2 (lower threshold), which is due to the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and lasing. Typical slope efficiency for lasing in the range of 2.0 and 3.0% is observed at pump energy region higher than 0.25-0.30 mJ cm-2 (higher threshold). The tuning wavelength for the laser emission is ranged from 620 to 645 nm depending on the ASE region.

Physically transient photonics: random versus distributed feedback lasing based on nanoimprinted DNA.

PubMed

Camposeo, Andrea; Del Carro, Pompilio; Persano, Luana; Cyprych, Konrad; Szukalski, Adam; Sznitko, Lech; Mysliwiec, Jaroslaw; Pisignano, Dario

2014-10-28

Room-temperature nanoimprinted, DNA-based distributed feedback (DFB) laser operation at 605 nm is reported. The laser is made of a pure DNA host matrix doped with gain dyes. At high excitation densities, the emission of the untextured dye-doped DNA films is characterized by a broad emission peak with an overall line width of 12 nm and superimposed narrow peaks, characteristic of random lasing. Moreover, direct patterning of the DNA films is demonstrated with a resolution down to 100 nm, enabling the realization of both surface-emitting and edge-emitting DFB lasers with a typical line width of <0.3 nm. The resulting emission is polarized, with a ratio between the TE- and TM-polarized intensities exceeding 30. In addition, the nanopatterned devices dissolve in water within less than 2 min. These results demonstrate the possibility of realizing various physically transient nanophotonics and laser architectures, including random lasing and nanoimprinted devices, based on natural biopolymers.

Simultaneous detection of CO and CO2 using a semiconductor DFB diode laser at 1.578 µm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabrysch, M.; Corsi, C.; Pavone, F. S.; Inguscio, M.

1997-07-01

One single semiconductor distributed-feedback (DFB) laser is used to demonstrate the possibility of simultaneous detection of two different molecular species. Direct absorption and low-wavelength modulation (LWM) spectroscopy were employed to investigate weak overtone transitions of CO2 and CO at a wavelength of 5=1578 nm. Sensitivity measurements under different conditions have been performed and the detection limit of the apparatus was measured to be less than 10 mTorr over a 1-m path length. In addition, we measured for the first time environmentally and spectroscopically relevant self-broadening and nitrogen-broadening coefficients for CO2 and CO in this spectral region and we discuss different possibilities for increasing the sensitivity of the apparatus.

Photonic chirped radio-frequency generator with ultra-fast sweeping rate and ultra-wide sweeping range.

PubMed

Wun, Jhih-Min; Wei, Chia-Chien; Chen, Jyehong; Goh, Chee Seong; Set, S Y; Shi, Jin-Wei

2013-05-06

A high-performance photonic sweeping-frequency (chirped) radio-frequency (RF) generator has been demonstrated. By use of a novel wavelength sweeping distributed-feedback (DFB) laser, which is operated based on the linewidth enhancement effect, a fixed wavelength narrow-linewidth DFB laser, and a wideband (dc to 50 GHz) photodiode module for the hetero-dyne beating RF signal generation, a very clear chirped RF waveform can be captured by a fast real-time scope. A very-high frequency sweeping rate (10.3 GHz/μs) with an ultra-wide RF frequency sweeping range (~40 GHz) have been demonstrated. The high-repeatability (~97%) in sweeping frequency has been verified by analyzing tens of repetitive chirped waveforms.

Jet-cooled infrared absorption spectrum of the v4 fundamental band of HCOOH and HCOOD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Wei; Zhang, Yulan; Li, Wenguang; Duan, Chuanxi

2017-04-01

The jet-cooled absorption spectrum of the v4 fundamental band of normal formic acid (HCOOH) and deuterated formic acid (HCOOD) was recorded in the frequency range of 1370-1392 cm-1 with distributed-feedback quantum cascade lasers (DFB-QCLs) as the tunable infrared radiations. A segmented rapid-scan data acquisition scheme was developed for pulsed supersonic jet infrared laser absorption spectroscopy based on DFB-QCLs with a moderate vacuum pumping capacity. The unperturbed band-origin and rotational constants in the excited vibrational state were determined for both HCOOH and HCOOD. The unperturbed band-origin locates at 1379.05447(11) cm-1 for HCOOH, and 1366.48430(39) cm-1 for HCOOD, respectively.

Characteristics research on self-amplified distributed feedback fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Zhiqiang; Qi, Haifeng; Guo, Jian; Wang, Chang; Peng, Gangding

2014-09-01

A distributed feedback (DFB) fiber laser with a ratio of the backward to forward output power of 1:100 was composed by a 45-mm-length asymmetrical phase-shifted fiber grating fabricated on the 50-mm erbium-doped photosensitive fiber. Forward output laser was amplified using a certain length of Nufern EDFL-980-Hp erbium-doped fiber to absorb the surplus pump power after the active phase-shifted fiber grating and get population inversion. By using OptiSystem software, the best fiber length of the EDFL to get the highest gain was simulated. In order to keep the amplified laser with the narrow line-width and low noise, a narrow-band light filter consisting of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) with the same Bragg wavelength as the laser and an optical circulator was used to filter the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise of the out-cavity erbium-doped fiber. The designed laser structure sufficiently utilized the pump power, and a DFB fiber laser with the 32.5-mW output power, 11.5-kHz line width, and -87-dB/Hz relative intensity noise (RIN) at 300 mW of 980 nm pump power was brought out.

Method for obtaining a collimated near-unity aspect ratio output beam from a DFB-GSE laser with good beam quality.

PubMed

Liew, S K; Carlson, N W

1992-05-20

A simple method for obtaining a collimated near-unity aspect ratio output beam from laser sources with extremely large (> 100:1) aspect ratios is demonstrated by using a distributed-feedback grating-surfaceemitting laser. Far-field power-in-the-bucket measurements of the laser indicate good beam quality with a high Strehl ratio.

High performance organic distributed Bragg reflector lasers fabricated by dot matrix holography.

PubMed

Wan, Wenqiang; Huang, Wenbin; Pu, Donglin; Qiao, Wen; Ye, Yan; Wei, Guojun; Fang, Zongbao; Zhou, Xiaohong; Chen, Linsen

2015-12-14

We report distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) polymer lasers fabricated using dot matrix holography. Pairs of distributed Bragg reflector mirrors with variable mirror separations are fabricated and a novel energy transfer blend consisting of a blue-emitting conjugated polymer and a red-emitting one is spin-coated onto the patterned substrate to complete the device. Under optical pumping, the device emits sing-mode lasing around 622 nm with a bandwidth of 0.41 nm. The working threshold is as low as 13.5 μJ/cm² (~1.68 kW/cm²) and the measured slope efficiency reaches 5.2%. The distributed feedback (DFB) cavity and the DBR cavity resonate at the same lasing wavelength while the DFB laser shows a much higher threshold. We further show that flexible DBR lasers can be conveniently fabricated through the UV-imprinting technique by using the patterned silica substrate as the mold. Dot matrix holography represents a versatile approach to control the number, the size, the location and the orientation of DBR mirrors, thus providing great flexibility in designing DBR lasers.

Monolithically integrated mid-infrared sensor using narrow mode operation and temperature feedback

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ristanic, Daniela; Schwarz, Benedikt, E-mail: benedikt.schwarz@tuwien.ac.at; Reininger, Peter

A method to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of a monolithically integrated mid-infrared sensor using a distributed feedback laser (DFB) is presented in this paper. The sensor is based on a quantum cascade laser/detector system built from the same epitaxial structure and with the same fabrication approach. The devices are connected via a dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguide with a twofold function: it provides high light coupling efficiency and a strong interaction of the light with the environment (e.g., a surrounding fluid). The weakly coupled DFB quantum cascade laser emits narrow mode light with a FWHM of 2 cm{sup −1} atmore » 1586 cm{sup −1}. The room temperature laser threshold current density is 3 kA∕cm{sup 2} and a pulsed output power of around 200 mW was measured. With the superior laser noise performance, due to narrow mode emission and the compensation of thermal fluctuations, the lower limit of detection was expanded by one order of magnitude to the 10 ppm range.« less

Optimization of cw-QC lasers for Doppler and sub-Doppler molecular spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, James F.; Disselkamp, Robert S.; Sams, Robert L.; Blake, Thomas A.; Sharpe, Steven W.; Richter, Dirk A.; Fried, Alan

2002-09-01

Inter-subband (Type I) quantum-cascade (QC) lasers have shown the potential to generate tunable mid-IR radiation with narrow intrinsic linewidths (< 160 KHz in 15 mSec sweeps) and excellent amplitude stability (< 3 ppm averaged over minutes). Our bench-scale efforts to develop the Type I distributed feedback (DFB)-QC lasers for fieldable atmospheric chemistry campaigns, where multipass (Herriot or White) cells are used to enhance path-length, have not yet realized performance to the low intrinsic noise levels seen in these devices. By comparison, many operational systems' levels of noise-equivalent-absorbance (NEA) using Pb-salt lasers can routinely achieve at least one-order of magnitude better cw-performance, and with much lower powers. We have found that instability effets from weak back-scattered laser light -primarily from the Herriot cell- results in feedback-implicated technical noise well above the thermal and shot-noise of standard IR detectors. Of more fundamental concern is the fact that planar-stripe DFB-QC lasers undergo beam steering and transverse spatial-mode competitions during current tuning. It is the development of fully automated sub-ppbV sensitive IR chem-sensors. It is possible to reach low-ppm levels of absorptance change-detection (ΔI/I0) over small wavelength regions with careful alignment to 100 M Herriott cells, but extreme care in spatial filtering is critical. However in the case of optical configurations which preclude significant optical feedback and need for stringent mode coupling alignments, the cw-DFB-QC lasers show great promise to do high resolution sub-Doppler spectroscopy. By serendipitous events, a varient of 'mode- or level-crossing' spectroscopy was probably rediscovered, which may allow very high resolution, sub-Doppler features and/or hyperfine alignments to be probed with 'uni-directional' topologies. We will primarily discuss the basic features of the 'uni-directional' sub-Doppler spectroscopy concept in this report. It shows potential to be exploitable in multi-pass cells or ring configurations. The phenomena of satuation 'dips' in molecular transitions appear to be very accessible with sinusoidally current-modulated DFB-QC lasers. Observations of sub-Doppler structures, either induced by residual AM 'pulsation dips' and/or hyperfine level-crossing effects (due to weak Zeeman splittings by the earth's B-field) can be recovered with good contrast. If this phenomena is indeed implicated with long-lived coherent hyperfine alignments, due perhaps to coherent population trapping in 'dark-states,' then sub-Doppler signals from saturated 'level-crossings' can potentially be seen without recourse to expensive polarization optics, nor elaborate beam shaping and isolation techniques.

Pulsed hybrid dual wavelength Y-branch-DFB laser-tapered amplifier system suitable for water vapor detection at 965 nm with 16 W peak power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vu, Thi N.; Klehr, Andreas; Sumpf, Bernd; Hoffmann, Thomas; Liero, Armin; Tränkle, Günther

2016-03-01

A master oscillator power amplifier system emitting alternatingly at two neighbored wavelengths around 965 nm is presented. As master oscillator (MO) a Y-branch DFB-laser is used. The two branches, which can be individually controlled, deliver the two wavelengths needed for a differential absorption measurement of water vapor. Adjusting the current through the DFB sections, the wavelength can be adjusted with respect to the targeted either "on" or "off" resonance, respectively wavelength λon or wavelength λoff. The emission of this laser is amplified in a tapered amplifier (TA). The ridge waveguide section of the TA acts as optical gate to generate short pulses with duration of 8 ns at a repetition rate of 25 kHz, the flared section is used for further amplification to reach peak powers up to 16 W suitable for micro-LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). The necessary pulse current supply user a GaN-transistor based driver electronics placed close to the power amplifier (PA). The spectral properties of the emission of the MO are preserved by the PA. A spectral line width smaller than 10 pm and a side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of 37 dB are measured. These values meet the demands for water vapor absorption measurements under atmospheric conditions.

The effect of zinc diffusion on extinction ratio of MQW electroabsorption modulator integrated with DFB laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Daibing; Zhang, Ruikang; Wang, Huitao; Wang, Baojun; Bian, Jing; An, Xin; Zhao, Lingjuan; Zhu, Hongliang; Ji, Chen; Wang, Wei

2014-11-01

Monolithically integrated electroabsorption modulated lasers (EML) are widely being used in the optical fiber communication systems, due to their low chip, compact size and good compatible with the current communication systems. In this paper, we investigated the effect of Zinc diffusion on extinction ratio of electroabsorption modulator (EAM) integrated with distributed feedback laser (DFB). EML was fabricated by selective area growth (SAG) technology. The MQW structure of different quantum energy levels was grown on n-type InP buffer layer with 150nm thick SiO2 parallel stripes mask by selective area metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). A 35nm photoluminescence wavelength variation was observed between the laser area (λPL=1535nm) and modulator area (λPL=1500nm) by adjusting the dimension of parallel stripes. The grating (λ=1550nm) was fabricated in the selective area. The device was mesa ridge structure, which was constituted of the DFB laser, isolation gap and modulator. The length of every part is 300μm, 50μm, and 150μm respectively. Two samples were fabricated with the same structure and different p-type Zn-doped concentration, the extinction ratio of heavy Zn-doped device is 12.5dB at -6V. In contrast, the extinction ratio of light Zn-doped device is 20dB at -6V, that was improved for approximate 60%. The different Zn diffusion depth into the MQW absorption layer was observed by Secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS). The heavy Zn-doped device diffused into absorption layer deeper than the light Zn-doped device, which caused the large non-uniformity of the electric field in the MQW layer. So the extinction ratio characteristics can be improved by optimizing the Zn-doped concentration of p-type layer.

First demonstration and field trial on multi-user UDWDM-PON full duplex PSK-PSK with single monolithic integrated dual-output-DFB-SOA based ONUs.

PubMed

Chu, GuangYong; Maho, Anaëlle; Cano, Iván; Polo, Victor; Brenot, Romain; Debrégeas, Hélène; Prat, Josep

2016-10-15

We demonstrate a monolithically integrated dual-output DFB-SOA, and conduct the field trial on a multi-user bidirectional coherent ultradense wavelength division multiplexing-passive optical network (UDWDM-PON). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first achievement of simplified single integrated laser-based neighboring coherent optical network units (ONUs) with a 12.5 GHz channel spaced ultra-dense access network, including both downstream and upstream, taking the benefits of low footprint and low-temperature dependence.

42.8 Gb/s ASK homodyne receiver using standard DFB lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, D.; Mohr, D.; Datta, S.; Wree, C.; Bhandare, S.; Joshi, A.

2009-05-01

Optical synchronous coherent detection is attracting greater attention within the defense and security community because it allows linear recovery both of the amplitude and phase of optical signals. Fiber-based transmission impairments such as chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion can be compensated in the electrical domain. Additionally, synchronous detection offers the potential of improved receiver sensitivity and extended reach versus direct or interferometric detection schemes. 28 Gbaud/112 Gb/s and 42.8 Gbaud transmissions are now being considered in fiber networks worldwide. Due to the lack of broadband high frequency components centered at IF values of 56 GHz and 86 GHz, respectively, the coherent heterodyne approach is not viable for these baud rates. The homodyne approach remains one of the choices available to fully exploit the advantages of synchronous coherent detection at these transmission data rates. In order to implement the homodyne receiver, optical phase locking between the signal and local oscillator laser (LO) is required. Digital approaches for this task rely upon very complex, fast, and high power-consumption chips. A homodyne receiver using an analog approach for phase locking would allow for increased system simplicity at a lower cost. Use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) DFB lasers embedded within the receiver would also increase system feasibility for defense applications. We demonstrate synchronous demodulation of a 42.8 Gbaud signal using an analog optical phase-locked loop. The homodyne system was optimized to use COTS DFB lasers having an aggregate linewidth of ~2 MHz. We also analyze the impact of uncompensated phase noise on receiver performance.

Novel hybrid laser modes in composite VCSEL-DFB microcavities (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mischok, Andreas; Wagner, Tim; Sudzius, Markas; Brückner, Robert; Fröb, Hartmut; Lyssenko, Vadim G.; Leo, Karl

2017-02-01

Two of the most successful microcresonator concepts are the vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), where light is confined between distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs), and the distributed feedback (DFB) laser, where a periodic grating provides positive optical feedback to selected modes in an active waveguide (WG) layer. Our work concerns the combination of both into a composite device, facilitating coherent interaction between both regimes and giving rise to novel laser modes in the system. In a first realization, a full VCSEL stack with an organic active layer is evaporated on top of a diffraction grating with a large period (approximately 1 micron), leading to diffraction of waveguided modes into the surface emission of the device. Here, the coherent interaction between VCSEL and WG modes, as observed in an anticrossing of the dispersion lines, facilitates novel hybrid lasing modes with macroscopic in-plane coherence [1]. In further studies, we decrease the grating period of such devices to realise DFB conditions in a second-order Bragg grating which strongly couples photons via first-order light diffraction to the VCSEL. This efficient coupling can be compared to more classical cascade-coupled cavities and is successfully described by a coupled oscillator model [2]. When both resonators are non-degenerate, they are able to function as independent structures without substantial diffraction losses. The realization of such novel devices provides a promising platform for photonic circuits based on organic microlasers. [1] A. Mischok et al., Adv. Opt. Mater., early online, DOI: 10.1002/adom.201600282, (2016) [2] T. Wagner et al., Appl. Phys. Lett., accepted, in production, (2016)

1310 nm quantum dot DFB lasers with high dot density and ultra-low linewidth-power product

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Qiu, Y.; Lester, L. F.; Gray, A. L.; Newell, T. C.; Hains, C.; Gogna, P.; Muller, R.; Maker, P.; Su, H.; Stintz, A.

2002-01-01

Laterally coupled distributed feedback lasers using high-density InAs quantum dots-in-a-well (DWELL) active region demonstrate a nominal wavelength of 1310 nm, a linewidth as small as 68 kHz, and a linewidth-power product of 100 kHz-mW.

Optical frequency locked loop for long-term stabilization of broad-line DFB laser frequency difference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipka, Michał; Parniak, Michał; Wasilewski, Wojciech

2017-09-01

We present an experimental realization of the optical frequency locked loop applied to long-term frequency difference stabilization of broad-line DFB lasers along with a new independent method to characterize relative phase fluctuations of two lasers. The presented design is based on a fast photodiode matched with an integrated phase-frequency detector chip. The locking setup is digitally tunable in real time, insensitive to environmental perturbations and compatible with commercially available laser current control modules. We present a simple model and a quick method to optimize the loop for a given hardware relying exclusively on simple measurements in time domain. Step response of the system as well as phase characteristics closely agree with the theoretical model. Finally, frequency stabilization for offsets within 4-15 GHz working range achieving <0.1 Hz long-term stability of the beat note frequency for 500 s averaging time period is demonstrated. For these measurements we employ an I/Q mixer that allows us to precisely and independently measure the full phase trace of the beat note signal.

Liquid-phase epitaxy grown PbSnTe distributed feedback laser diodes with broad continuous single-mode tuning range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsieh, H.-H.; Fonstad, C. G.

1980-01-01

Distributed feedback (DFB) pulsed laser operation has been demonstrated in stripe geometry Pb(1-x)Sn(x)Te double-heterostructures grown by liquid-phase epitaxy. The grating structure of 0.79 micron periodicity operates in first order near 12.8 microns and was fabricated prior to the liquid-phase epitaxial growth using holographic exposure techniques. These DFB lasers had moderate thresholds, 3.6 kA/sq cm, and the output power versus current curves exhibited a sharp turn-on free of kinks. Clean, single-mode emission spectra, continuously tunable over a range in excess of 20 per cm, centered about 780 per cm (12.8 microns), and at an average rate of 1.2 per cm-K from 9 to 26 K, were observed. While weaker modes could at times be seen in the spectrum, substantially single-mode operation was obtained over the entire operating range and to over 10 times threshold.

High power laser source for atom cooling based on reliable telecoms technology with all fibre frequency stabilisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legg, Thomas; Farries, Mark

2017-02-01

Cold atom interferometers are emerging as important tools for metrology. Designed into gravimeters they can measure extremely small changes in the local gravitational field strength and be used for underground surveying to detect buried utilities, mineshafts and sinkholes prior to civil works. To create a cold atom interferometer narrow linewidth, frequency stabilised lasers are required to cool the atoms and to setup and measure the atom interferometer. These lasers are commonly either GaAs diodes, Ti Sapphire lasers or frequency doubled InGaAsP diodes and fibre lasers. The InGaAsP DFB lasers are attractive because they are very reliable, mass-produced, frequency controlled by injection current and simply amplified to high powers with fibre amplifiers. In this paper a laser system suitable for Rb atom cooling, based on a 1560nm DFB laser and erbium doped fibre amplifier, is described. The laser output is frequency doubled with fibre coupled periodically poled LiNbO3 to a wavelength of 780nm. The output power exceeds 1 W at 780nm. The laser is stabilised at 1560nm against a fibre Bragg resonator that is passively temperature compensated. Frequency tuning over a range of 1 GHz is achieved by locking the laser to sidebands of the resonator that are generated by a phase modulator. This laser design is attractive for field deployable rugged systems because it uses all fibre coupled components with long term proven reliability.

Time stretch dispersive Fourier transform based single-shot pulse-by-pulse spectrum measurement using a pulse-repetition-frequency-variable gain-switched laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furukawa, Hideaki; Makino, Takeshi; Wang, Xiaomin; Kobayashi, Tetsuya; Asghari, Mohammad H.; Trinh, Paul; Jalali, Bahram; Man, Wai Sing; Tsang, Kwong Shing; Wada, Naoya

2018-02-01

The time stretch dispersive Fourier Transform (TS-DFT) technique based on a fiber chromatic dispersion is a powerful tool for pulse-by-pulse single-shot spectrum measurement for highrepetition rate optical pulses. The distributed feedback laser diode (DFB-LD) with the gain switch operation can flexibly change the pulse repetition frequency (PRF). In this paper, we newly introduce a semiconductor gain-switched DFB-LD operating from 1 MHz up to 1 GHz PRF into the TS-DFT based spectrum measurement system to improve the flexibility and the operability. The pulse width can be below 2 ps with a pulse compression technique. We successfully measure the spectrum of each optical pulse at 1 GHz, 100 MHz, and 10 MHz PRF, and demonstrate the flexibility of the measurement system.

FY05 FM Dial Summary Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harper, Warren W.; Strasburg, Jana D.; Golovich, Elizabeth C.

2005-12-01

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Infrared Sensors team is focused on developing methods for standoff detection of nuclear proliferation. In FY05, PNNL continued the development of the FM DIAL (frequency-modulated differential absorption LIDAR) experiment. Additional improvements to the FM DIAL trailer provided greater stability during field campaigns which made it easier to explore new locations for field campaigns. In addition to the Hanford Townsite, successful experiments were conducted at the Marine Science Laboratory in Sequim, WA and the Nevada Test Site located outside Las Vegas, NV. The range of chemicals that can be detected by FM DIAL has also increased. Priormore » to FY05, distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers (DFB-QCL) were used in the FM DIAL experiments. With these lasers, only simple chemicals with narrow (1-2 cm-1) absorption spectra, such as CO2 and N2O, could be detected. Fabry-Perot (FP) QC lasers have much broader spectra (20-40 cm-1) which allows for the detection of larger chemicals and a wider array of chemicals that can be detected. A FP-QCL has been characterized and used during initial studies detecting DMMP (dimethyl methylphosphonate).« less

Dynamics of a gain-switched distributed feedback ridge waveguide laser in nanoseconds time scale under very high current injection conditions.

PubMed

Klehr, A; Wenzel, H; Brox, O; Schwertfeger, S; Staske, R; Erbert, G

2013-02-11

We present detailed experimental investigations of the temporal, spectral and spatial behavior of a gain-switched distributed feedback (DFB) laser emitting at a wavelength of 1064 nm. Gain-switching is achieved by injecting nearly rectangular shaped current pulses having a length of 50 ns and a very high amplitude up to 2.5 A. The repetition frequency is 200 kHz. The laser has a ridge waveguide (RW) for lateral waveguiding with a ridge width of 3 µm and a cavity length of 1.5 mm. Time resolved investigations show, depending on the amplitude of the current pulses, that the optical power exhibits different types of oscillatory behavior during the pulses, accompanied by changes in the lateral near field intensity profiles and optical spectra. Three different types of instabilities can be distinguished: mode beating with frequencies between 25 GHz and 30 GHz, switching between different lateral intensity profiles with a frequency of 0.4 GHz and self-sustained oscillations with a frequency of 4 GHz. The investigations are of great relevance for the utilization of gain-switched DFB-RW lasers as seed lasers for fiber laser systems and in other applications, which require a high optical power.

Fundamental characteristics of degradation-recoverable solid-state DFB polymer laser.

PubMed

Yoshioka, Hiroaki; Yang, Yu; Watanabe, Hirofumi; Oki, Yuji

2012-02-13

A novel solid-state dye laser with degradation recovery was proposed and demonstrated. Polydimethylsiloxane was used as a nanoporous solid matrix to enable the internal circulation of dye molecules in the solid state. An internal circulation model for the dye molecules was also proposed and verified numerically by assuming molecular mobility and using a proposed diffusion equation. The durability of the laser was increased 20.5-fold compared with that of a conventional polymethylmethacrylate laser. This novel laser solves the low-durability problem of dye-doped polymer lasers.

Multipath interference test method using synthesized chirped signal from directly modulated DFB-LD with digital-signal-processing technique.

PubMed

Aida, Kazuo; Sugie, Toshihiko

2011-12-12

We propose a method of testing transmission fiber lines and distributed amplifiers. Multipath interference (MPI) is detected as a beat spectrum between a multipath signal and a direct signal using a synthesized chirped test signal with lightwave frequencies of f(1) and f(2) periodically emitted from a distributed feedback laser diode (DFB-LD). This chirped test pulse is generated using a directly modulated DFB-LD with a drive signal calculated using a digital signal processing technique (DSP). A receiver consisting of a photodiode and an electrical spectrum analyzer (ESA) detects a baseband power spectrum peak appearing at the frequency of the test signal frequency deviation (f(1)-f(2)) as a beat spectrum of self-heterodyne detection. Multipath interference is converted from the spectrum peak power. This method improved the minimum detectable MPI to as low as -78 dB. We discuss the detailed design and performance of the proposed test method, including a DFB-LD drive signal calculation algorithm with DSP for synthesis of the chirped test signal and experiments on single-mode fibers with discrete reflections. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Narrow-band generation in random distributed feedback fiber laser.

PubMed

Sugavanam, Srikanth; Tarasov, Nikita; Shu, Xuewen; Churkin, Dmitry V

2013-07-15

Narrow-band emission of spectral width down to ~0.05 nm line-width is achieved in the random distributed feedback fiber laser employing narrow-band fiber Bragg grating or fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer filters. The observed line-width is ~10 times less than line-width of other demonstrated up to date random distributed feedback fiber lasers. The random DFB laser with Fabry-Perot interferometer filter provides simultaneously multi-wavelength and narrow-band (within each line) generation with possibility of further wavelength tuning.

Design for high-power, single-lobe, grating-surface-emitting quantum cascade lasers enabled by plasmon-enhanced absorption of antisymmetric modes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sigler, C.; Kirch, J. D.; Mawst, L. J.

2014-03-31

Resonant coupling of the transverse-magnetic polarized (guided) optical mode of a quantum-cascade laser (QCL) to the antisymmetric surface-plasmon modes of 2nd-order distributed-feedback (DFB) metal/semiconductor gratings results in strong antisymmetric-mode absorption. In turn, lasing in the symmetric mode, that is, surface emission in a single-lobe far-field beam pattern, is strongly favored over controllable ranges in grating duty cycle and tooth height. By using core-region characteristics of a published 4.6 μm-emitting QCL, grating-coupled surface-emitting (SE) QCLs are analyzed and optimized for highly efficient single-lobe operation. For infinite-length devices, it is found that when the antisymmetric mode is resonantly absorbed, the symmetric mode hasmore » negligible absorption loss (∼0.1 cm{sup −1}) while still being efficiently outcoupled, through the substrate, by the DFB grating. For finite-length devices, 2nd-order distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) gratings are used on both sides of the DFB grating to prevent uncontrolled reflections from cleaved facets. Equations for the threshold-current density and the differential quantum efficiency of SE DFB/DBR QCLs are derived. For 7 mm-long, 8.0 μm-wide, 4.6 μm-emitting devices, with an Ag/InP grating of ∼39% duty cycle, and ∼0.22 μm tooth height, threshold currents as low as 0.45 A are projected. Based on experimentally obtained internal efficiency values from high-performance QCLs, slope efficiencies as high as 3.4 W/A are projected; thus, offering a solution for watt-range, single-lobe CW operation from SE, mid-infrared QCLs.« less

Radio-Frequency Down-Conversion via Sampled Analog Optical Links

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-09

temporal intensity Popt(ω) includes intensity noise quantities arising from the optical source (e.g. laser intensity noise, amplified spontaneous emission...nm distributed feedback laser RF Down-Conversion via Sampled Links 5 (DFB, EM4, Inc.) the output of which is modulated via a low-biased Mach-Zehnder...Figure 5 (a). For comparison purposes the RF gain of one arm of the balanced link (utilizing a continuous- wave laser source) is measured and

Performance Optimization Design for a High-Speed Weak FBG Interrogation System Based on DFB Laser.

PubMed

Yao, Yiqiang; Li, Zhengying; Wang, Yiming; Liu, Siqi; Dai, Yutang; Gong, Jianmin; Wang, Lixin

2017-06-22

A performance optimization design for a high-speed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation system based on a high-speed distributed feedback (DFB) swept laser is proposed. A time-division-multiplexing sensor network with identical weak FBGs is constituted to realize high-capacity sensing. In order to further improve the multiplexing capacity, a waveform repairing algorithm is designed to extend the dynamic demodulation range of FBG sensors. It is based on the fact that the spectrum of an FBG keeps stable over a long period of time. Compared with the pre-collected spectra, the distorted spectra waveform are identified and repaired. Experimental results show that all the identical weak FBGs are distinguished and demodulated at the speed of 100 kHz with a linearity of above 0.99, and the range of dynamic demodulation is extended by 40%.

High-Power DFB Diode Laser-Based CO-QEPAS Sensor: Optimization and Performance.

PubMed

Ma, Yufei; Tong, Yao; He, Ying; Yu, Xin; Tittel, Frank K

2018-01-04

A highly sensitive carbon monoxide (CO) trace gas sensor based on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) was demonstrated. A high-power distributed feedback (DFB), continuous wave (CW) 2.33 μm diode laser with an 8.8 mW output power was used as the QEPAS excitation source. By optimizing the modulation depth and adding an optimum micro-resonator, compared to a bare quartz tuning fork (QTF), a 10-fold enhancement of the CO-QEPAS signal amplitude was achieved. When water vapor acting as a vibrational transfer catalyst was added to the target gas, the signal was further increased by a factor of ~7. A minimum detection limit (MDL) of 11.2 ppm and a calculated normalized noise equivalent absorption (NNEA) coefficient of 1.8 × 10 -5 cm -1 W/√Hz were obtained for the reported CO-QEPAS sensor.

High-Power DFB Diode Laser-Based CO-QEPAS Sensor: Optimization and Performance

PubMed Central

Ma, Yufei; Tong, Yao; He, Ying; Yu, Xin

2018-01-01

A highly sensitive carbon monoxide (CO) trace gas sensor based on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) was demonstrated. A high-power distributed feedback (DFB), continuous wave (CW) 2.33 μm diode laser with an 8.8 mW output power was used as the QEPAS excitation source. By optimizing the modulation depth and adding an optimum micro-resonator, compared to a bare quartz tuning fork (QTF), a 10-fold enhancement of the CO-QEPAS signal amplitude was achieved. When water vapor acting as a vibrational transfer catalyst was added to the target gas, the signal was further increased by a factor of ~7. A minimum detection limit (MDL) of 11.2 ppm and a calculated normalized noise equivalent absorption (NNEA) coefficient of 1.8 × 10−5 cm−1W/√Hz were obtained for the reported CO-QEPAS sensor. PMID:29300310

Performance Optimization Design for a High-Speed Weak FBG Interrogation System Based on DFB Laser

PubMed Central

Yao, Yiqiang; Li, Zhengying; Wang, Yiming; Liu, Siqi; Dai, Yutang; Gong, Jianmin; Wang, Lixin

2017-01-01

A performance optimization design for a high-speed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation system based on a high-speed distributed feedback (DFB) swept laser is proposed. A time-division-multiplexing sensor network with identical weak FBGs is constituted to realize high-capacity sensing. In order to further improve the multiplexing capacity, a waveform repairing algorithm is designed to extend the dynamic demodulation range of FBG sensors. It is based on the fact that the spectrum of an FBG keeps stable over a long period of time. Compared with the pre-collected spectra, the distorted spectra waveform are identified and repaired. Experimental results show that all the identical weak FBGs are distinguished and demodulated at the speed of 100 kHz with a linearity of above 0.99, and the range of dynamic demodulation is extended by 40%. PMID:28640187

Low Power Consumption Substrate-Emitting DFB Quantum Cascade Lasers.

PubMed

Liu, Chuan-Wei; Zhang, Jin-Chuan; Jia, Zhi-Wei; Zhuo, Ning; Zhai, Shen-Qiang; Wang, Li-Jun; Liu, Jun-Qi; Liu, Shu-Man; Liu, Feng-Qi; Wang, Zhan-Guo

2017-09-02

In the present work, an ultra-low power consumption substrate-emitting distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade laser (QCL) was developed. The continuous-wave (CW) threshold power dissipation is reduced to 0.43 W at 25 °C by shortening the cavity length to 0.5 mm and depositing high-reflectivity (HR) coating on both facets. As far as we know, this is the recorded threshold power dissipation of QCLs in the same conditions. Single-mode emission was achieved by employing a buried second-order grating. Mode-hop free emission can be observed within a wide temperature range from 15 to 105 °C in CW mode. The divergence angles are 22.5 o and 1.94 o in the ridge-width direction and cavity-length direction, respectively. The maximum optical power in CW operation was 2.4 mW at 25 °C, which is sufficient to spectroscopy applications.

Low Power Consumption Substrate-Emitting DFB Quantum Cascade Lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chuan-Wei; Zhang, Jin-Chuan; Jia, Zhi-Wei; Zhuo, Ning; Zhai, Shen-Qiang; Wang, Li-Jun; Liu, Jun-Qi; Liu, Shu-Man; Liu, Feng-Qi; Wang, Zhan-Guo

2017-09-01

In the present work, an ultra-low power consumption substrate-emitting distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade laser (QCL) was developed. The continuous-wave (CW) threshold power dissipation is reduced to 0.43 W at 25 °C by shortening the cavity length to 0.5 mm and depositing high-reflectivity (HR) coating on both facets. As far as we know, this is the recorded threshold power dissipation of QCLs in the same conditions. Single-mode emission was achieved by employing a buried second-order grating. Mode-hop free emission can be observed within a wide temperature range from 15 to 105 °C in CW mode. The divergence angles are 22.5o and 1.94o in the ridge-width direction and cavity-length direction, respectively. The maximum optical power in CW operation was 2.4 mW at 25 °C, which is sufficient to spectroscopy applications.

Differential carrier phase recovery for QPSK optical coherent systems with integrated tunable lasers.

PubMed

Fatadin, Irshaad; Ives, David; Savory, Seb J

2013-04-22

The performance of a differential carrier phase recovery algorithm is investigated for the quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation format with an integrated tunable laser. The phase noise of the widely-tunable laser measured using a digital coherent receiver is shown to exhibit significant drift compared to a standard distributed feedback (DFB) laser due to enhanced low frequency noise component. The simulated performance of the differential algorithm is compared to the Viterbi-Viterbi phase estimation at different baud rates using the measured phase noise for the integrated tunable laser.

Systematic characterization of a 1550 nm microelectromechanical (MEMS)-tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with 7.92 THz tuning range for terahertz photomixing systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haidar, M. T.; Preu, S.; Cesar, J.; Paul, S.; Hajo, A. S.; Neumeyr, C.; Maune, H.; Küppers, F.

2018-01-01

Continuous-wave (CW) terahertz (THz) photomixing requires compact, widely tunable, mode-hop-free driving lasers. We present a single-mode microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) featuring an electrothermal tuning range of 64 nm (7.92 THz) that exceeds the tuning range of commercially available distributed-feedback laser (DFB) diodes (˜4.8 nm) by a factor of about 13. We first review the underlying theory and perform a systematic characterization of the MEMS-VCSEL, with particular focus on the parameters relevant for THz photomixing. These parameters include mode-hop-free CW tuning with a side-mode-suppression-ratio >50 dB, a linewidth as narrow as 46.1 MHz, and wavelength and polarization stability. We conclude with a demonstration of a CW THz photomixing setup by subjecting the MEMS-VCSEL to optical beating with a DFB diode driving commercial photomixers. The achievable THz bandwidth is limited only by the employed photomixers. Once improved photomixers become available, electrothermally actuated MEMS-VCSELs should allow for a tuning range covering almost the whole THz domain with a single system.

Behavioral modeling and digital compensation of nonlinearity in DFB lasers for multi-band directly modulated radio-over-fiber systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jianqiang; Yin, Chunjing; Chen, Hao; Yin, Feifei; Dai, Yitang; Xu, Kun

2014-11-01

The envisioned C-RAN concept in wireless communication sector replies on distributed antenna systems (DAS) which consist of a central unit (CU), multiple remote antenna units (RAUs) and the fronthaul links between them. As the legacy and emerging wireless communication standards will coexist for a long time, the fronthaul links are preferred to carry multi-band multi-standard wireless signals. Directly-modulated radio-over-fiber (ROF) links can serve as a lowcost option to make fronthaul connections conveying multi-band wireless signals. However, directly-modulated radioover- fiber (ROF) systems often suffer from inherent nonlinearities from directly-modulated lasers. Unlike ROF systems working at the single-band mode, the modulation nonlinearities in multi-band ROF systems can result in both in-band and cross-band nonlinear distortions. In order to address this issue, we have recently investigated the multi-band nonlinear behavior of directly-modulated DFB lasers based on multi-dimensional memory polynomial model. Based on this model, an efficient multi-dimensional baseband digital predistortion technique was developed and experimentally demonstrated for linearization of multi-band directly-modulated ROF systems.

Feed-forward coherent link from a comb to a diode laser: Application to widely tunable cavity ring-down spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gotti, Riccardo; Prevedelli, Marco; Kassi, Samir; Marangoni, Marco; Romanini, Daniele

2018-02-01

We apply a feed-forward frequency control scheme to establish a phase-coherent link from an optical frequency comb to a distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser: This allows us to exploit the full laser tuning range (up to 1 THz) with the linewidth and frequency accuracy of the comb modes. The approach relies on the combination of an RF single-sideband modulator (SSM) and of an electro-optical SSM, providing a correction bandwidth in excess of 10 MHz and a comb-referenced RF-driven agile tuning over several GHz. As a demonstration, we obtain a 0.3 THz cavity ring-down scan of the low-pressure methane absorption spectrum. The spectral resolution is 100 kHz, limited by the self-referenced comb, starting from a DFB diode linewidth of 3 MHz. To illustrate the spectral resolution, we obtain saturation dips for the 2ν3 R(6) methane multiplet at μbar pressure. Repeated measurements of the Lamb-dip positions provide a statistical uncertainty in the kHz range.

Self-injection-locking linewidth narrowing in a semiconductor laser coupled to an external fiber-optic ring resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korobko, Dmitry A.; Zolotovskii, Igor O.; Panajotov, Krassimir; Spirin, Vasily V.; Fotiadi, Andrei A.

2017-12-01

We develop a theoretical framework for modeling of semiconductor laser coupled to an external fiber-optic ring resonator. The developed approach has shown good qualitative agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results for particular configuration of a self-injection locked DFB laser delivering narrow-band radiation. The model is capable of describing the main features of the experimentally measured laser outputs such as laser line narrowing, spectral shape of generated radiation, mode-hoping instabilities and makes possible exploring the key physical mechanisms responsible for the laser operation stability.

Fiber Laser methane sensor with the function of self-diagnose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yan-fang; Wei, Yu-bin; Shang, Ying; Wang, Chang; Liu, Tong-yu

2012-02-01

Using the technology of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy and the technology of micro-electronics, a fiber laser methane sensor based on the microprocessor C8051F410 is given. In this paper, we use the DFB Laser as the light source of the sensor. By tuning temperature and driver current of the DFB laser, we can scan the laser over the methane absorption line, Based on the Beer-Lambert law, through detect the variation of the light power before and after the absorption we realize the methane detection. It makes the real-time and online detection of methane concentration to be true, and it has the advantages just as high accuracy, immunity to other gases , long calibration cycle and so on. The sensor has the function of adaptive gain and self-diagnose. By introducing digital potentiometers, the gain of the photoelectric conversion operational amplifier can be controlled by the microprocessor according to the light power. When the gain and the conversion voltage achieve the set value, then we can consider the sensor in a fault status, and then the software will alarm us to check the status of the probe. So we improved the dependence and the stability of the measured results. At last we give some analysis on the sensor according the field application and according the present working, we have a look of our next work in the distance.

The influence of grating shape formation fluctuation on DFB laser diode threshold condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Shiwei; Song, Qinghai; Xie, Chunmei

2018-03-01

Not only the grating material refractive index itself but also the Bragg grating physical shape formation affects the coupling strength greatly. The Bragg grating shape includes three factors, namely grating depth, duty ratio and grating angle. During the lithography and wet etching process, there always will be some fluctuation between the target and real grating shape formation after fabrication process. This grating shape fluctuation will affect the DFB coupling coefficient κ , and then consequently threshold current and corresponding wavelength. This paper studied the grating shape formation fluctuation influence to improve the DFB fabrication yield. A truncated normal random distribution fluctuation is considered in this paper. The simulation results conclude that it is better to choose relative thicker grating depth with lower refractive index to obtain a better fabrication tolerance, while not quite necessary to spend too much effort on improving lithography and wet etching process to get a precisely grating duty ratio and grating angle.

The influence of grating shape formation fluctuation on DFB laser diode threshold condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Shiwei; Song, Qinghai; Xie, Chunmei

2018-06-01

Not only the grating material refractive index itself but also the Bragg grating physical shape formation affects the coupling strength greatly. The Bragg grating shape includes three factors, namely grating depth, duty ratio and grating angle. During the lithography and wet etching process, there always will be some fluctuation between the target and real grating shape formation after fabrication process. This grating shape fluctuation will affect the DFB coupling coefficient κ, and then consequently threshold current and corresponding wavelength. This paper studied the grating shape formation fluctuation influence to improve the DFB fabrication yield. A truncated normal random distribution fluctuation is considered in this paper. The simulation results conclude that it is better to choose relative thicker grating depth with lower refractive index to obtain a better fabrication tolerance, while not quite necessary to spend too much effort on improving lithography and wet etching process to get a precisely grating duty ratio and grating angle.

Coherent perfect rotation theory: connections with, and consequences beyond, the anti-laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crescimanno, Michael; Andrews, James; Zhou, Chuanhong; Baker, Michael

2014-05-01

Coherent Perfect Rotation (CPR) phenomena are a reversible generalization of the anti-laser. By evaluating CPR in a broad variety of common optical systems, including optical cavities and DFB and DBR structures, we illustrate its unique threshold and resonance features. This study builds intuition critical to assessing the utility of CPR in optical devices, and we detail it in a concrete application.

Laser Setup for Volume Diffractive Optical Elements Recording in Photo-Thermo-Refractive Glass

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-14

Total Number: PERCENT_SUPPORTEDNAME FTE Equivalent: Total Number: PERCENT_SUPPORTEDNAME FTE Equivalent: Total Number: Sub Contractors (DD882) Names of...3 1b 2 3 a b Fig. 14. Schematic of a DBR (a) and DFB (b) lasers in Yb doped PTR glass. 1a and 1b – dichroic beam splitters with HR at 1066 nm and HT

Electrically and Optically Bistable Operation in an Integration of a 1310nm DFB Laser and a Tunneling Diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ya-Jie; Wang, Jia-Qi; Guo, Lu; Chen, Guang-Can; Li, Zhao-Song; Yu, Hong-Yan; Zhou, Xu-Liang; Wang, Huo-Lei; Chen, Wei-Xi; Pan, Jiao-Qing

2018-04-01

Not Available Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China under Grant No 2017YFB0405301, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 61604144 and 61504137.

A robust optical parametric oscillator and receiver telescope for differential absorption lidar of greenhouse gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, Iain; Jack, James W.; Rae, Cameron F.; Moncrieff, John B.

2015-10-01

We report the development of a differential absorption lidar instrument (DIAL) designed and built specifically for the measurement of anthropogenic greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The DIAL is integrated into a commercial astronomical telescope to provide high-quality receiver optics and enable automated scanning for three-dimensional lidar acquisition. The instrument is portable and can be set up within a few hours in the field. The laser source is a pulsed optical parametric oscillator (OPO) which outputs light at a wavelength tunable near 1.6 μm. This wavelength region, which is also used in telecommunications devices, provides access to absorption lines in both carbon dioxide at 1573 nm and methane at 1646 nm. To achieve the critical temperature stability required for a laserbased field instrument the four-mirror OPO cavity is machined from a single aluminium block. A piezoactuator adjusts the cavity length to achieve resonance and this is maintained over temperature changes through the use of a feedback loop. The laser output is continuously monitored with pyroelectric detectors and a custom-built wavemeter. The OPO is injection seeded by a temperature-stabilized distributed feedback laser diode (DFB-LD) with a wavelength locked to the absorption line centre (on-line) using a gas cell containing pure carbon dioxide. A second DFB-LD is tuned to a nearby wavelength (off-line) to provide the reference required for differential absorption measurements. A similar system has been designed and built to provide the injection seeding wavelengths for methane. The system integrates the DFB-LDs, drivers, locking electronics, gas cell and balanced photodetectors. The results of test measurements of carbon dioxide are presented and the development of the system is discussed, including the adaptation required for the measurement of methane.

Experimental demonstration of non-iterative interpolation-based partial ICI compensation in100G RGI-DP-CO-OFDM transport systems.

PubMed

Mousa-Pasandi, Mohammad E; Zhuge, Qunbi; Xu, Xian; Osman, Mohamed M; El-Sahn, Ziad A; Chagnon, Mathieu; Plant, David V

2012-07-02

We experimentally investigate the performance of a low-complexity non-iterative phase noise induced inter-carrier interference (ICI) compensation algorithm in reduced-guard-interval dual-polarization coherent-optical orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing (RGI-DP-CO-OFDM) transport systems. This interpolation-based ICI compensator estimates the time-domain phase noise samples by a linear interpolation between the CPE estimates of the consecutive OFDM symbols. We experimentally study the performance of this scheme for a 28 Gbaud QPSK RGI-DP-CO-OFDM employing a low cost distributed feedback (DFB) laser. Experimental results using a DFB laser with the linewidth of 2.6 MHz demonstrate 24% and 13% improvement in transmission reach with respect to the conventional equalizer (CE) in presence of weak and strong dispersion-enhanced-phase-noise (DEPN), respectively. A brief analysis of the computational complexity of this scheme in terms of the number of required complex multiplications is provided. This practical approach does not suffer from error propagation while enjoying low computational complexity.

Low SWaP Semiconductor Laser Transmitter Modules For ASCENDS Mission Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prasad, Narasimha S.; Rosiewicz, Alex; Coleman, Steven M.

2012-01-01

The National Research Council's (NRC) Decadal Survey (DS) of Earth Science and Applications from Space has identified the Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Nights, Days, and Seasons (ASCENDS) as an important atmospheric science mission. NASA Langley Research Center, working with its partners, is developing fiber laser architecture based intensity modulated CW laser absorption spectrometer for measuring XCO2 in the 1571 nm spectral band. In support of this measurement, remote sensing of O2 in the 1260 nm spectral band for surface pressure measurements is also being developed. In this paper, we will present recent progress made in the development of advanced transmitter modules for CO2 and O2 sensing. Advanced DFB seed laser modules incorporating low-noise variable laser bias current supply and low-noise variable temperature control circuit have been developed. The 1571 nm modules operate at >80 mW and could be tuned continuously over the wavelength range of 1569-1574nm at a rate of 2 pm/mV. Fine tuning was demonstrated by adjusting the laser drive at a rate of 0.7 pm/mV. Heterodyne linewidth measurements have been performed showing linewidth 200 kHz and frequency jitter 75 MHz. In the case of 1260 nm DFB laser modules, we have shown continuous tuning over a range of 1261.4 - 1262.6 nm by changing chip operating temperature and 1261.0 - 1262.0 nm by changing the laser diode drive level. In addition, we have created a new laser package configuration which has been shown to improve the TEC coefficient of performance by a factor of 5 and improved the overall efficiency of the laser module by a factor of 2.

All-optical noise reduction of fiber laser via intracavity SOA structure.

PubMed

Ying, Kang; Chen, Dijun; Pan, Zhengqing; Zhang, Xi; Cai, Haiwen; Qu, Ronghui

2016-10-10

We have designed a unique intracavity semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) structure to suppress the relative intensity noise (RIN) for a fiber DFB laser. By exploiting the gain saturation effect of the SOA, a maximum noise suppression of 30 dB around the relaxation oscillation frequency is achieved, and the whole resonance relaxation oscillation peak completely disappears. Moreover, via a specially designed intracavity SOA structure, the optical intensity inside the SOA will be in a balanced state via the oscillation in the laser cavity, and the frequency noise of the laser will not be degraded with the SOA.

Qualification of an evaluated butterfly-packaged DFB laser designed for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tornow, S.; Stier, C.; Buettner, T.; Laurent, T.; Kneier, M.; Bru, J.; Lien, Y.

2017-11-01

An extended qualification program has proven the quality of a previously evaluated semiconductor laser diode, which is intended to be used in a subsystem for the GAIA mission. We report on results of several reliability tests performed in subgroups. The requirements of the procurement specification with respect to reliability and desired manufacturing processes were confirmed. This is an example for successful collaboration between component supplier, system integrator and payload responsible party.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mirzaei, B.; Silva, J. R. G.; Hayton, D.

We present an 8-beam local oscillator (LO) for the astronomically significant [OI] line at 4.7 THz. The beams are generated using a quantum cascade laser (QCL) in combination with a Fourier phase grating. The grating is fully characterized using a third order distributed feedback (DFB) QCL with a single mode emission at 4.7 THz as the input. The measured diffraction efficiency of 74.3% is in an excellent agreement with the calculated result of 75.4% using a 3D simulation. We show that the power distribution among the diffracted beams is uniform enough for pumping an array receiver. To validate the gratingmore » bandwidth, we apply a far-infrared (FIR) gas laser emission at 5.3 THz as the input and find a very similar performance in terms of efficiency, power distribution, and spatial configuration of the diffracted beams. Both results represent the highest operating frequencies of THz phase gratings reported in the literature. By injecting one of the eight diffracted 4.7 THz beams into a superconducting hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer, we find that the coupled power, taking the optical loss into account, is in consistency with the QCL power value.« less

Spectrally high performing quantum cascade lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toor, Fatima

Quantum cascade (QC) lasers are versatile semiconductor light sources that can be engineered to emit light of almost any wavelength in the mid- to far-infrared (IR) and terahertz region from 3 to 300 mum [1-5]. Furthermore QC laser technology in the mid-IR range has great potential for applications in environmental, medical and industrial trace gas sensing [6-10] since several chemical vapors have strong rovibrational frequencies in this range and are uniquely identifiable by their absorption spectra through optical probing of absorption and transmission. Therefore, having a wide range of mid-IR wavelengths in a single QC laser source would greatly increase the specificity of QC laser-based spectroscopic systems, and also make them more compact and field deployable. This thesis presents work on several different approaches to multi-wavelength QC laser sources that take advantage of band-structure engineering and the uni-polar nature of QC lasers. Also, since for chemical sensing, lasers with narrow linewidth are needed, work is presented on a single mode distributed feedback (DFB) QC laser. First, a compact four-wavelength QC laser source, which is based on a 2-by-2 module design, with two waveguides having QC laser stacks for two different emission wavelengths each, one with 7.0 mum/11.2 mum, and the other with 8.7 mum/12.0 mum is presented. This is the first design of a four-wavelength QC laser source with widely different emission wavelengths that uses minimal optics and electronics. Second, since there are still several unknown factors that affect QC laser performance, results on a first ever study conducted to determine the effects of waveguide side-wall roughness on QC laser performance using the two-wavelength waveguides is presented. The results are consistent with Rayleigh scattering effects in the waveguides, with roughness effecting shorter wavelengths more than longer wavelengths. Third, a versatile time-multiplexed multi-wavelength QC laser system that emits at lambda = 10.8 mum for positive and lambda = 8.6 mum for negative polarity current with microsecond time delay is presented. Such a system is the first demonstration of a time and wavelength multiplexed system that uses a single QC laser. Fourth, work on the design and fabrication of a single-mode distributed feedback (DFB) QC laser emitting at lambda ≈ 7.7 mum to be used in a QC laser based photoacoustic sensor is presented. The DFB QC laser had a temperature tuning co-efficient of 0.45 nm/K for a temperature range of 80 K to 320 K, and a side mode suppression ratio of greater than 30 dB. Finally, study on the lateral mode patterns of wide ridge QC lasers is presented. The results include the observation of degenerate and non-degenerate lateral modes in wide ridge QC lasers emitting at lambda ≈ 5.0 mum. This study was conducted with the end goal of using wide ridge QC lasers in a novel technique to spatiospectrally combine multiple transverse modes to obtain an ultra high power single spot QC laser beam.

Experimental demonstration of distributed feedback semiconductor lasers based on reconstruction-equivalent-chirp technology.

PubMed

Li, Jingsi; Wang, Huan; Chen, Xiangfei; Yin, Zuowei; Shi, Yuechun; Lu, Yanqing; Dai, Yitang; Zhu, Hongliang

2009-03-30

In this paper we report, to the best of our knowledge, the first experimental realization of distributed feedback (DFB) semiconductor lasers based on reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technology. Lasers with different lasing wavelengths are achieved simultaneously on one chip, which shows a potential for the REC technology in combination with the photonic integrated circuits (PIC) technology to be a possible method for monolithic integration, in that its fabrication is as powerful as electron beam technology and the cost and time-consuming are almost the same as standard holographic technology.

Influence of an Interfacial Effect on the Laser Performance of a Rhodamine 6G/Cellulose Acetate Waveguide on a Vinylidene Fluoride Copolymer Layer.

PubMed

Tsutsumi, Naoto; Hirano, Yoshinori; Kinashi, Kenji; Sakai, Wataru

2018-06-12

The fluorescent properties of dyes and fluorophores in condensed matter significantly affect the laser performance of organic dye lasers and fluorescent polymer lasers. Concentration quenching of fluorescence is commonly observed in condensed matter. Several approaches have been presented to suppress such quenching, such as the use of a dendrimer and the use of effective energy transfer in a guest-host system. The enhanced fluorescence of rhodamine 6G (R6G) dye on a vinylidene fluoride polymer is an alternative method for enhancing laser performance because of the roughness of the P(VDF-TrFE) surface and the interaction between polar β-crystals of P(VDF-TrFE) and R6G dye. In this paper, a significant improvement in slope efficiency (SE) is demonstrated without a significant depression in the lasing threshold for distributed feedback (DFB) and distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers fabricated using an R6G-dispersed cellulose acetate (CA) matrix spin-coated onto a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene P(VDF-TrFE) thin film. SEs of 3.4 and 1.3% were measured for DBR and DFB laser devices with CA/R6G on a P(VDF-TrFE) thin film, respectively, whereas an SE of less than 1.0% was measured for both corresponding laser devices without a P(VDF-TrFE) thin film. From the aspect of simple fabrication procedures, repeatability in device fabrication and performance, stability of the device, time for device fabrication, the present approach is the most preferable way for industrial applications, requiring only the additional step of spin-coating of a P(VDF-TrFE) thin film.

Imaging of gaseous oxygen through DFB laser illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cocola, L.; Fedel, M.; Tondello, G.; Poletto, L.

2016-05-01

A Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy setup with Wavelength Modulation has been used together with a synchronous sampling imaging sensor to obtain two-dimensional transmission-mode images of oxygen content. Modulated laser light from a 760nm DFB source has been used to illuminate a scene from the back while image frames were acquired with a high dynamic range camera. Thanks to synchronous timing between the imaging device and laser light modulation, the traditional lock-in approach used in Wavelength Modulation Spectroscopy was replaced by image processing techniques, and many scanning periods were averaged together to allow resolution of small intensity variation over the already weak absorption signals from oxygen absorption band. After proper binning and filtering, the time-domain waveform obtained from each pixel in a set of frames representing the wavelength scan was used as the single detector signal in a traditional TDLAS-WMS setup, and so processed through a software defined digital lock-in demodulation and a second harmonic signal fitting routine. In this way the WMS artifacts of a gas absorption feature were obtained from each pixel together with intensity normalization parameter, allowing a reconstruction of oxygen distribution in a two-dimensional scene regardless from broadband transmitted intensity. As a first demonstration of the effectiveness of this setup, oxygen absorption images of similar containers filled with either oxygen or nitrogen were acquired and processed.

Fiber Bragg grating Fabry-Perot cavity sensor based on pulse laser demodulation technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Fangfang; Chen, Jianfeng; Liu, Yunqi; Wang, Tingyun

2011-12-01

We demonstrate a fiber laser sensing technique based on fiber Bragg grating Fabry-Perot (FBG-FP) cavity interrogated by pulsed laser, where short pulses generated from active mode-locked erbium-doped fiber ring laser and current modulated DFB laser are adopted. The modulated laser pulses launched into the FBG-FP cavity produce a group of reflected pulses. The optical loss in the cavity can be determined from the power ratio of the first two pulses reflected from the cavity. This technique does not require high reflectivity FBGs and is immune to the power fluctuation of the light source. Two short pulse laser sources were compared experimentally with each other on pulse width, pulse stability, pulse chirp and sensing efficiency.

Second-order distributed-feedback surface plasmon resonator for single-mode fiber end-facet biosensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Zeyu; Zhou, Xin; Yang, Jie; He, Xiaolong; Wang, Yalin; Yang, Tian

2017-04-01

Integrating surface plasmon resonance (SPR) devices upon single-mode fiber (SMF) end facets renders label-free biosensing systems that have a dip-and-read configuration, high compatibility with fiber-optic techniques, and in vivo monitoring capability, which however meets the challenge to match the performance of free-space counterparts. We report a second-order distributed feedback (DFB) SPR cavity on an SMF end facet and its application in protein interaction analysis. In our device, a periodic array of nanoslits in a gold film is used to couple fiber guided lightwaves to surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) with its first order spatial Fourier component, while the second order spatial Fourier component provides DFB to SPP propagation and produces an SPP bandgap. A phase shift section in the DFB structure introduces an SPR defect state within the SPP bandgap, whose mode profile is optimized to match that of the SMF to achieve a reasonable coupling efficiency. We report an experimental refractive index sensitivity of 628 nm RIU-1, a figure-of-merit of 80 RIU-1, and a limit of detection of 7 × 10-6 RIU. The measurement of the real-time interaction between human immunoglobulin G molecules and their antibodies is demonstrated.

InP-based monolithically integrated 1310/1550nm diplexer/triplexer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silfvenius, C.; Swillo, M.; Claesson, J.; Forsberg, E.; Akram, N.; Chacinski, M.; Thylén, L.

2008-11-01

Multiple streams of high definition television (HDTV) and improved home-working infrastructure are currently driving forces for potential fiber to the home (FTTH) customers [1]. There is an interest to reduce the cost and physical size of the FTTH equipment. The current fabrication methods have reached a cost minimum. We have addressed the costchallenge by developing 1310/(1490)/1550nm bidirectional diplexers, by monolithic seamless integration of lasers, photodiodes and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) couplers into one single InP-based device. A 250nm wide optical gain profile covers the spectrum from 1310 to 1550nm and is the principal building block. The device fabrication is basically based on the established configuration of using split-contacts on continuos waveguides. Optical and electrical cross-talks are further addressed by using a Y-configuration to physically separate the components from each other and avoid inline configurations such as when the incoming signal travels through the laser component or vice versa. By the eliminated butt-joint interfaces which can reflect light between components or be a current leakage path and by leaving optically absorbing (unpumped active) material to surround the components to absorb spontaneous emission and nonintentional reflections the devices are optically and electrically isolated from each other. Ridge waveguides (RWG) form the waveguides and which also maintain the absorbing material between them. The WDM functionality is designed for a large optical bandwidth complying with the wide spectral range in FTTH applications and also reducing the polarization dependence of the WDM-coupler. Lasing is achieved by forming facet-free, λ/4-shifted, DFB (distributed feedback laser) lasers emitting directly into the waveguide. The photodiodes are waveguide photo-diodes (WGPD). Our seamless technology is also able to array the single channel diplexers to 4 to 12 channel diplexer arrays with 250μm fiber port waveguide spacing to comply with fiber optic ribbons. This is an important feature in central office applications were small physical space is important.

MEASUREMENTS OF AMMONIA (NH3) AND CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) WITH DISTRIBUTED FEEDBACK (DFB) LASERS NEAR MICROMETERS IN BIOREACTOR VENT GASES. (R827123)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

SPECTROSCOPY-MEASUREMENTS OF NH3 AND CO2 WITH DISTRIBUTED FEEDBACK (DFB) LASERS NEAR 2 MM IN BIOREACTOR VENT GASES. (R827123)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

Nonlinearity-aware 200  Gbit/s DMT transmission for C-band short-reach optical interconnects with a single packaged electro-absorption modulated laser.

PubMed

Zhang, Lu; Hong, Xuezhi; Pang, Xiaodan; Ozolins, Oskars; Udalcovs, Aleksejs; Schatz, Richard; Guo, Changjian; Zhang, Junwei; Nordwall, Fredrik; Engenhardt, Klaus M; Westergren, Urban; Popov, Sergei; Jacobsen, Gunnar; Xiao, Shilin; Hu, Weisheng; Chen, Jiajia

2018-01-15

We experimentally demonstrate the transmission of a 200 Gbit/s discrete multitone (DMT) at the soft forward error correction limit in an intensity-modulation direct-detection system with a single C-band packaged distributed feedback laser and traveling-wave electro absorption modulator (DFB-TWEAM), digital-to-analog converter and photodiode. The bit-power loaded DMT signal is transmitted over 1.6 km standard single-mode fiber with a net rate of 166.7 Gbit/s, achieving an effective electrical spectrum efficiency of 4.93 bit/s/Hz. Meanwhile, net rates of 174.2 Gbit/s and 179.5 Gbit/s are also demonstrated over 0.8 km SSMF and in an optical back-to-back case, respectively. The feature of the packaged DFB-TWEAM is presented. The nonlinearity-aware digital signal processing algorithm for channel equalization is mathematically described, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio up to 3.5 dB.

High power and single mode quantum cascade lasers.

PubMed

Bismuto, Alfredo; Bidaux, Yves; Blaser, Stéphane; Terazzi, Romain; Gresch, Tobias; Rochat, Michel; Muller, Antoine; Bonzon, Christopher; Faist, Jerome

2016-05-16

We present a single mode quantum cascade laser with nearly 1 W optical power. A buried distributed feedback reflector is used on the back section for wavelength selection. The laser is 6 mm long, 3.5 μm wide, mounted episide-up and the laser facets are left uncoated. Laser emission is centered at 4.68 μm. Single-mode operation with a side mode suppression ratio of more than 30 dB is obtained in whole range of operation. Farfield measurements prove a symmetric, single transverse-mode emission in TM00-mode with typical divergences of 41° and 33° in the vertical and horizontal direction respectively. This work shows the potential for simple fabrication of high power lasers compatible with standard DFB processing.

1 Tb/s x km multimode fiber link combining WDM transmission and low-linewidth lasers.

PubMed

Gasulla, I; Capmany, J

2008-05-26

We have successfully demonstrated an error-free transmission of 10 x 20 Gb/s 200 GHz-spaced ITU channels through a 5 km link of 62.5-microm core-diameter graded-index multimode silica fiber. The overall figure corresponds to an aggregate bit rate per length product of 1 Tb/s x km, the highest value ever reported to our knowledge. Successful transmission is achieved by a combination of low-linewidth DFB lasers and the central launch technique.

Understanding temperature tuning of the all polymer co-extruded laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crescimanno, Michael; Andrews, Jim; Aviles, Michael; Dawson, Nathan; Petrus, Joshua; Mazzocco, Anthony; Singer, Ken; Baer, Eric; Song, Hyunmin

2012-10-01

We investigate the effects of elevated temperatures on a few types of all-polymer multilayer films that were fabricated using a co-extrusion melt-process technique. We report on the anisotropic thermal expansion of the multilayer films, which affects the photonic crystal structure via constituent wise induced anisotropic strains and a change in the relative refractive indices. In addition to the characterization of these films in the temperature range of approximately 20-95 degrees C, we show the application to non-contact temperature sensing and wavelength tuning of all polymer Distributed FeedBack (DFB) lasers and Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) lasers.

Semiconductor Reference Oscillator Development for Coherent Detection Optical Remote Sensing Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tratt, David M.; Mansour, Kamjou; Menzies, Robert T.; Qiu, Yueming; Forouhar, Siamak; Maker, Paul D.; Muller, Richard E.

2001-01-01

The NASA Earth Science Enterprise Advanced Technology Initiatives Program is supporting a program for the development of semiconductor laser reference oscillators for application to coherent optical remote sensing from Earth orbit. Local oscillators provide the frequency reference required for active spaceborne optical remote sensing concepts that involve heterodyne (coherent) detection. Two recent examples of such schemes are Doppler wind lidar and tropospheric carbon dioxide measurement by laser absorption spectrometry, both of which are being proposed at a wavelength of 2.05 microns. Frequency-agile local oscillator technology is important to such applications because of the need to compensate for large platform-induced Doppler components that would otherwise interfere with data interpretation. Development of frequency-agile local oscillator approaches has heretofore utilized the same laser material as the transmitter laser (Tm,Ho:YLF in the case of the 2.05-micron wavelength mentioned above). However, a semiconductor laser-based frequency-agile local oscillator offers considerable scope for reduced mechanical complexity and improved frequency agility over equivalent crystal laser devices, while their potentially faster tuning capability suggest the potential for greater scanning versatility. The program we report on here is specifically tasked with the development of prototype novel architecture semiconductor lasers with the power, tunability, and spectral characteristics required for coherent Doppler lidar. The baseline approach for this work is the distributed feedback (DFB) laser, in which gratings are etched into the semiconductor waveguide structures along the entire length of the laser cavity. However, typical DFB lasers at the wavelength of interest have linewidths that exhibit unacceptable growth when driven at the high currents and powers that are required for the Doppler lidar application. Suppression of this behavior by means of corrugation pitch-modulation (using a detuned central section to prevent intensity peaking in the center of the cavity) is currently under investigation to achieve the required performance goals.

Early life stages of Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) are sensitive to fish feed containing the anti-parasitic drug diflubenzuron.

PubMed

Bechmann, Renée Katrin; Lyng, Emily; Westerlund, Stig; Bamber, Shaw; Berry, Mark; Arnberg, Maj; Kringstad, Alfhild; Calosi, Piero; Seear, Paul J

2018-05-01

Increasing use of fish feed containing the chitin synthesis inhibiting anti-parasitic drug diflubenzuron (DFB) in salmon aquaculture has raised concerns over its impact on coastal ecosystems. Larvae of Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) were exposed to DFB medicated feed under Control conditions (7.0 °C, pH 8.0) and under Ocean Acidification and Warming conditions (OAW, 9.5 °C and pH 7.6). Two weeks' exposure to DFB medicated feed caused significantly increased mortality. The effect of OAW and DFB on mortality of shrimp larvae was additive; 10% mortality in Control, 35% in OAW, 66% in DFB and 92% in OAW + DFB. In OAW + DFB feeding and swimming activity were reduced for stage II larvae and none of the surviving larvae developed to stage IV. Two genes involved in feeding (GAPDH and PRLP) and one gene involved in moulting (DD9B) were significantly downregulated in larvae exposed to OAW + DFB relative to the Control. Due to a shorter intermoult period under OAW conditions, the OAW + DFB larvae were exposed throughout two instead of one critical pre-moult period. This may explain the more serious sub-lethal effects for OAW + DFB than DFB larvae. A single day exposure at 4 days after hatching did not affect DFB larvae, but high mortality was observed for OAW + DFB larvae, possibly because they were exposed closer to moulting. High mortality of shrimp larvae exposed to DFB medicated feed, indicates that the use of DFB in salmon aquaculture is a threat to crustacean zooplankton. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of an Eye-Safe Micro-Pulse Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) for Carbon Dioxide Profilings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, W.; Repasky, K. S.; Nehrir, A. R.; Carlsten, J.

2011-12-01

A differential absorption lidar (DIAL) for monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) is under development at Montana State University using commercially available parts. Two distributed feedback (DFB) lasers, one at the on-line wavelength and one at the off-line wavelength are used to injection seed a fiber amplifier. The DIAL operates in the 1.57 micron carbon dioxide absorption band at an on-line wavelength of 1.5714060 microns. The laser transmitter produces 40 μJ pulses with a pulse duration of 1 μs and a pulse repetition frequency of 20 kHz. The scattered light from the laser transmitter is collected using a 28 cm diameter Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. The light collected by the telescope is collimated and then filtered using a 0.8 nm FWHM narrowband interference filter. After the optical filter, the light is coupled into a multimode optical fiber with a 1000 μm core diameter. The output from the optical fiber is coupled into a photomultiplier tube (PMT) used to monitor the return signal. The analog output from the PMT is next incident on a discriminator producing TTL logic pulses for photon counting. The output from the PMT and discriminator is monitored using a multichannel scalar card allowing the counting of the TTL pulses as a function of range. Data from the DIAL instrument is collected in the following manner. The fiber amplifier is injection seeded first with the on-line DFB laser. The return signal as a function of range is integrated using the multichannel scalar for a user defined time, typically set at 6 s. The off-line DFB laser is then used to injection seed the fiber amplifier and the process is repeated. This process is repeated for a user defined period. The CO2 concentration as a function of range is calculated using the on-line and off-line return signals with the DIAL equation. A comparison of the CO2 concentration measured using the DIAL instrument at 1.5 km and a Li-Cor LI-820 in situ sensor located at 1.5 km from the DIAL over a 2.5 hour period indicate that the CO2 DIAL has an accuracy of ±20 parts per million (PPM).

Differential photoacoustic spectroscopy with continuous wave lasers for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Y.; Tajima, T.; Seyama, M.

2018-02-01

We propose a differential photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), wherein two wavelengths of light with the same absorbance are selected, and differential signal is linearized by one of the two signals for a non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. PAS has the possibility to overcome the strong optical scattering in tissue, but there are still remaining issues: the water background and instability due to the variation in acoustic resonance conditions. A change in sample solution temperature is one of the causes of the variation in acoustic resonance conditions. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the sensitivity against glucose concentration under the condition where the temperature of the sample water solution ranges 30 to 40 °C. The glucose concentration change is simulated by shifting the wavelength of irradiated laser light, which can effectively change optical absorption. The temperature also affects optical absorption and the acoustic resonance condition (acoustic velocity). A distributed-feedback (DFB) laser, tunable wavelength laser (TWL) and an acoustic sensor were used to obtain the differential PAS signal. The wavelength of the DFB laser was 1.382 μm, and that of TWL was switched from 1.600 to 1.610 μm to simulate the glucose concentration change. Optical absorption by glucose occurs at around 1.600 μm. The sensitivities against temperature are almost the same: 1.9 and 1.8 %/°C for 1.600 and 1.610 μm. That is, the glucose dependence across the whole temperature range remains constant. This implies that temperature correction is available.

High-sensitivity remote detection of atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases at low ppm levels using near-infrared tunable diode lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Anirban; Upadhyay, Abhishek; Chakraborty, Arup Lal

2016-05-01

The concentration of atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases needs to be precisely monitored for sustainable industrial development and to predict the climate shifts caused by global warming. Such measurements are made on a continuous basis in ecologically sensitive and urban areas in the advanced countries. Tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TDLS) is the most versatile non-destructive technology currently available for remote measurements of multiple gases with very high selectivity (low cross-sensitivity), very high sensitivity (on the order of ppm and ppb) and under hazardous conditions. We demonstrate absolute measurements of acetylene, methane and carbon dioxide using a fielddeployable fully automated TDLS system that uses calibration-free 2f wavelength modulation spectroscopy (2f WMS) techniques with sensitivities of low ppm levels. A 40 mW, 1531.52 nm distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser, a 10 mW, 1650 nm DFB laser and a 1 mW, 2004 nm vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) are used in the experiments to probe the P9 transition of acetylene, R4 transition of methane and R16 transition of carbon dioxide respectively. Data acquisition and on-board analysis comprises a Raspberry Pi-based embedded system that is controllable over a wireless connection. Gas concentration and pressure are simultaneously extracted by fitting the experimental signals to 2f WMS signals simulated using spectroscopic parameters obtained from the HITRAN database. The lowest detected concentration is 11 ppm for acetylene, 275 ppm for methane and 285 ppm for carbon dioxide using a 28 cm long single-pass gas cell.

Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy-based tomography system for on-line monitoring of two-dimensional distributions of temperature and H2O mole fraction.

PubMed

Xu, Lijun; Liu, Chang; Jing, Wenyang; Cao, Zhang; Xue, Xin; Lin, Yuzhen

2016-01-01

To monitor two-dimensional (2D) distributions of temperature and H2O mole fraction, an on-line tomography system based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) was developed. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on a multi-view TDLAS-based system for simultaneous tomographic visualization of temperature and H2O mole fraction in real time. The system consists of two distributed feedback (DFB) laser diodes, a tomographic sensor, electronic circuits, and a computer. The central frequencies of the two DFB laser diodes are at 7444.36 cm(-1) (1343.3 nm) and 7185.6 cm(-1) (1391.67 nm), respectively. The tomographic sensor is used to generate fan-beam illumination from five views and to produce 60 ray measurements. The electronic circuits not only provide stable temperature and precise current controlling signals for the laser diodes but also can accurately sample the transmitted laser intensities and extract integrated absorbances in real time. Finally, the integrated absorbances are transferred to the computer, in which the 2D distributions of temperature and H2O mole fraction are reconstructed by using a modified Landweber algorithm. In the experiments, the TDLAS-based tomography system was validated by using asymmetric premixed flames with fixed and time-varying equivalent ratios, respectively. The results demonstrate that the system is able to reconstruct the profiles of the 2D distributions of temperature and H2O mole fraction of the flame and effectively capture the dynamics of the combustion process, which exhibits good potential for flame monitoring and on-line combustion diagnosis.

Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy-based tomography system for on-line monitoring of two-dimensional distributions of temperature and H2O mole fraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Lijun; Liu, Chang; Jing, Wenyang; Cao, Zhang; Xue, Xin; Lin, Yuzhen

2016-01-01

To monitor two-dimensional (2D) distributions of temperature and H2O mole fraction, an on-line tomography system based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) was developed. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on a multi-view TDLAS-based system for simultaneous tomographic visualization of temperature and H2O mole fraction in real time. The system consists of two distributed feedback (DFB) laser diodes, a tomographic sensor, electronic circuits, and a computer. The central frequencies of the two DFB laser diodes are at 7444.36 cm-1 (1343.3 nm) and 7185.6 cm-1 (1391.67 nm), respectively. The tomographic sensor is used to generate fan-beam illumination from five views and to produce 60 ray measurements. The electronic circuits not only provide stable temperature and precise current controlling signals for the laser diodes but also can accurately sample the transmitted laser intensities and extract integrated absorbances in real time. Finally, the integrated absorbances are transferred to the computer, in which the 2D distributions of temperature and H2O mole fraction are reconstructed by using a modified Landweber algorithm. In the experiments, the TDLAS-based tomography system was validated by using asymmetric premixed flames with fixed and time-varying equivalent ratios, respectively. The results demonstrate that the system is able to reconstruct the profiles of the 2D distributions of temperature and H2O mole fraction of the flame and effectively capture the dynamics of the combustion process, which exhibits good potential for flame monitoring and on-line combustion diagnosis.

Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy-based tomography system for on-line monitoring of two-dimensional distributions of temperature and H{sub 2}O mole fraction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, Lijun, E-mail: lijunxu@buaa.edu.cn; Liu, Chang; Jing, Wenyang

2016-01-15

To monitor two-dimensional (2D) distributions of temperature and H{sub 2}O mole fraction, an on-line tomography system based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) was developed. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on a multi-view TDLAS-based system for simultaneous tomographic visualization of temperature and H{sub 2}O mole fraction in real time. The system consists of two distributed feedback (DFB) laser diodes, a tomographic sensor, electronic circuits, and a computer. The central frequencies of the two DFB laser diodes are at 7444.36 cm{sup −1} (1343.3 nm) and 7185.6 cm{sup −1} (1391.67 nm), respectively. The tomographicmore » sensor is used to generate fan-beam illumination from five views and to produce 60 ray measurements. The electronic circuits not only provide stable temperature and precise current controlling signals for the laser diodes but also can accurately sample the transmitted laser intensities and extract integrated absorbances in real time. Finally, the integrated absorbances are transferred to the computer, in which the 2D distributions of temperature and H{sub 2}O mole fraction are reconstructed by using a modified Landweber algorithm. In the experiments, the TDLAS-based tomography system was validated by using asymmetric premixed flames with fixed and time-varying equivalent ratios, respectively. The results demonstrate that the system is able to reconstruct the profiles of the 2D distributions of temperature and H{sub 2}O mole fraction of the flame and effectively capture the dynamics of the combustion process, which exhibits good potential for flame monitoring and on-line combustion diagnosis.« less

Generation of a CW local oscillator signal using a stabilized injection locked semiconductor laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pezeshki, Jonah Massih

In high speed-communications, it is desirable to be able to detect small signals while maintaining a low bit-error rate. Conventional receivers for high-speed fiber optic networks are Amplified Direct Detectors (ADDs) that use erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) before the detector to achieve a suitable sensitivity. In principle, a better method for obtaining the maximum possible signal to noise ratio is through the use of homodyne detection. The major difficulty in implementing a homodyne detection system is the generation of a suitable local oscillator signal. This local oscillator signal must be at the same frequency as the received data signal, as well as be phase coherent with it. To accomplish this, a variety of synchronization techniques have been explored, including Optical Phase-Lock Loops (OPLL), Optical Injection Locking (OIL) with both Fabry-Perot and DFB lasers, and an Optical Injection Phase-Lock Loop (OIPLL). For this project I have implemented a method for regenerating a local oscillator from a portion of the received optical signal. This regenerated local oscillator is at the same frequency, and is phase coherent with, the received optical signal. In addition, we show that the injection locking process can be electronically stabilized by using the modulation transfer ratio of the slave laser as a monitor, given either a DFB or Fabry-Perot slave laser. We show that this stabilization technique maintains injection lock (given a locking range of ˜1GHz) for laser drift much greater than what is expected in a typical transmission system. In addition, we explore the quality of the output of the slave laser, and analyze its suitability as a local oscillator signal for a homodyne receiver.

New GasB-based single-mode diode lasers in the NIR and MIR spectral regime for sensor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milde, Tobias; Hoppe, Morten; Tatenguem, Herve; Honsberg, Martin; Mordmüller, Mario; O'Gorman, James; Schade, Wolfgang; Sacher, Joachim

2018-02-01

The NIR/MIR region between 1.8μm and 3.5μm contains important absorption lines for gas detection. State of the art are InP laser based setups, which show poor gain above 1.8μm and cannot be applied beyond 2.1μm. GaSb laser show a significantly higher output power (100mW for Fabry-Perot, 30mW for DFB). The laser design is presented with simulation and actual performance data. The superior performance of the GaSb lasers is verified in gas sensing applications. TDLAS and QEPAS measurements at trace gases like CH4, CO2 and N2O are shown to prove the spectroscopy performance.

Quantum cascade lasers, systems, and applications in Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambrecht, Armin

2005-03-01

Since the invention of the Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) a decade ago an impressive progress has been achieved from first low temperature pulsed laser emission to continuous wave operation at room temperature. Distributed feedback (DFB) lasers working in pulsed mode at ambient temperatures and covering a broad spectral range in the mid infrared (MIR) are commercially available now. For many industrial applications e.g. automotive exhaust control and process monitoring, laser spectroscopy is an established technique, generally using near infrared (NIR) diode lasers. However, the mid infrared (MIR) spectral region is of special interest because of much stronger absorption lines compared to NIR. The status of QCL devices, system development and applications is reviewed. Special emphasis is given to the situation in Europe where a remarkable growth of QCL related R&D can be observed.

DFB laser - External modulator fiber optic delay line for radar applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newberg, I. L.; Gee, C. M.; Thurmond, G. D.; Yen, H. W.

1989-09-01

A new application of a long fiber-optic delay line as a radar repeater in a radar test set is described. The experimental 31.6-kilometer fiber-optic link includes an external modulator operating with a distributed-feedback laser and low-loss single-mode fiber matched to the laser wavelength to obtain low dispersion for achieving large bandwidth-length performance. The successful tests, in which pulse compression peak sidelobe measurements are used to confirm the link RF phase linearity and SNR performance, show that fiber-optic links can meet the stringent phase and noise requirements of modern radars at high microwave frequencies.

Development of Detailed and Reduced Kinetics Mechanisms for Surrogates of Petroleum-Derived and Synthetic Jet Fuels

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-02-28

Meeting of Combustion, Atlanta, Georgia, paper 2A18, March 20-23, 2011. 9.2 Web Releases Sirjean, B., Dames, A., Sheen, D.A., You, X.-Q., Sung, C...was no significant interfering absorption or emission. IR diode laser absorption of CO2 and H2O: The recent commercial availability of DFB...distributed feedback) IR diode lasers in the wavelength vicinity of 2.5-2.7 microns has allowed the development of a new CO2 and H2O absorption diagnostics

Detection of biogenic CO production above vascular cell cultures using a near-room-temperature QC-DFB laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kosterev, A. A.; Tittel, F. K.; Durante, W.; Allen, M.; Kohler, R.; Gmachl, C.; Capasso, F.; Sivco, D. L.; Cho, A. Y.

2002-01-01

We report the first application of pulsed, near-room-temperature quantum cascade laser technology to the continuous detection of biogenic CO production rates above viable cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells. A computer-controlled sequence of measurements over a 9-h period was obtained, resulting in a minimum detectable CO production of 20 ppb in a 1-m optical path above a standard cell-culture flask. Data-processing procedures for real-time monitoring of both biogenic and ambient atmospheric CO concentrations are described.

Ultrasensitive, self-calibrated cavity ring-down spectrometer for quantitative trace gas analysis.

PubMed

Chen, Bing; Sun, Yu R; Zhou, Ze-Yi; Chen, Jian; Liu, An-Wen; Hu, Shui-Ming

2014-11-10

A cavity ring-down spectrometer is built for trace gas detection using telecom distributed feedback (DFB) diode lasers. The longitudinal modes of the ring-down cavity are used as frequency markers without active-locking either the laser or the high-finesse cavity. A control scheme is applied to scan the DFB laser frequency, matching the cavity modes one by one in sequence and resulting in a correct index at each recorded spectral data point, which allows us to calibrate the spectrum with a relative frequency precision of 0.06 MHz. Besides the frequency precision of the spectrometer, a sensitivity (noise-equivalent absorption) of 4×10^-11  cm^-1  Hz^-1/2 has also been demonstrated. A minimum detectable absorption coefficient of 5×10^-12  cm^-1 has been obtained by averaging about 100 spectra recorded in 2  h. The quantitative accuracy is tested by measuring the CO₂ concentrations in N₂ samples prepared by the gravimetric method, and the relative deviation is less than 0.3%. The trace detection capability is demonstrated by detecting CO₂ of ppbv-level concentrations in a high-purity nitrogen gas sample. Simple structure, high sensitivity, and good accuracy make the instrument very suitable for quantitative trace gas analysis.

Multi-species trace gas analysis with dual-wavelength quantum cascade laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jágerská, Jana; Tuzson, Béla; Looser, Herbert; Jouy, Pierre; Hugi, Andreas; Mangold, Markus; Soltic, Patrik; Faist, Jérôme; Emmenegger, Lukas

2015-04-01

Simultaneous detection of multiple gas species using mid-IR laser spectroscopy is highly appealing for a large variety of applications ranging from air quality monitoring, medical breath analysis to industrial process control. However, state-of-the-art distributed-feedback (DFB) mid-IR lasers are usually tunable only within a narrow spectral range, which generally leads to one-laser-one-compound measurement strategy. Thus, multi-species detection involves several lasers and elaborate beam combining solutions [1]. This makes them bulky, costly, and highly sensitive to optical alignment, which limits their field deployment. In this paper, we explore an alternative measurement concept based on a dual-wavelength quantum cascade laser (DW-QCL) [2]. Such a laser can emit at two spectrally distinct wavelengths using a succession of two DFB gratings with different periodicities and a common waveguide to produce one output beam. The laser design was optimized for NOx measurements and correspondingly emits single-mode at 5.26 and 6.25 μm. Electrical separation of the respective laser sections makes it possible to address each wavelength independently. Thereby, it is possible to detect NO and NO2 species with one laser using the same optical path, without any beam combining optics, i.e. in a compact and cost-efficient single-path optical setup. Operated in a time-division multiplexed mode, the spectrometer reaches detection limits at 100 s averaging of 0.5 and 1.5 ppb for NO2 and NO, respectively. The performance of the system was validated against the well-established chemiluminescence detection while measuring the NOx emissions on an automotive test-bench, as well as monitoring the pollution at a suburban site. [1] B. Tuzson, K. Zeyer, M. Steinbacher, J. B. McManus, D. D. Nelson, M. S. Zahniser, and L. Emmenegger, 'Selective measurements of NO, NO2 and NOy in the free troposphere using quantum cascade laser spectroscopy,' Atmospheric Measurement Techniques 6, 927-936 (2013). [2] J. Jágerská, P. Jouy, A. Hugi, B. Tuzson, H. Looser, M. Mangold, M. Beck, L. Emmenegger, and J. Faist, 'Dual-wavelength quantum cascade laser for trace gas spectroscopy,' Applied Physics Letters 105, 161109-161109-4 (2014).

Advanced Optical Fiber Communication Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-28

feedback (DFB) laser and a fiber Fabry - Perot (FFP) interferometer for optical frequency discrimination. After the photodetector and amplification, a...filter, an envelope detector, and an integrator; these three components function in tandem as a phase demodulator . We have analyzed the nonlinearities...down-converter and FSK demodulator extract the desired video signals. The measured carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) at the photodiode must be approximately

Noise Suppression on the Tunable Laser for Precise Cavity Length Displacement Measurement.

PubMed

Šmíd, Radek; Čížek, Martin; Mikel, Břetislav; Hrabina, Jan; Lazar, Josef; Číp, Ondřej

2016-09-06

The absolute distance between the mirrors of a Fabry-Perot cavity with a spacer from an ultra low expansion material was measured by an ultra wide tunable laser diode. The DFB laser diode working at 1542 nm with 1.5 MHz linewidth and 2 nm tuning range has been suppressed with an unbalanced heterodyne fiber interferometer. The frequency noise of laser has been suppressed by 40 dB across the Fourier frequency range 30-300 Hz and by 20 dB up to 4 kHz and the linewidth of the laser below 300 kHz. The relative resolution of the measurement was 10 - 9 that corresponds to 0.3 nm (sub-nm) for 0.178 m long cavity with ability of displacement measurement of 0.5 mm.

High conversion efficiency distributed feedback laser from a dye-doped holographic transmission grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lijuan; Zhang, Guiyang; Kong, Xiaobo; Liu, Yonggang; Xuan, Li

2018-01-01

A high conversion efficiency distributed feedback (DFB) laser from a dye-doped holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) transmission grating structure was reported. The alignment polyimide (PI) films were used to control the orientation of the phase separated liquid crystals (LCs) to increase the refractive index difference between the LC and the polymer, so it can provide better light feedback. The lasing wavelength located at 645.8 nm near the maximum of the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) spectrum with the lowest threshold 0.97 μ J/pulse and the highest conversion efficiency 1.6% was obtained. The laser performance under electric field were also investigated and illustrated. The simple configuration, one-step fabrication organic dye laser shows the potential to realize ultra-low cost plastic lasers.

Pattern dependence in high-speed Q-modulated distributed feedback laser.

PubMed

Zhu, Hongli; Xia, Yimin; He, Jian-Jun

2015-05-04

We investigate the pattern dependence in high speed Q-modulated distributed feedback laser based on its complete physical structure and material properties. The structure parameters of the gain section as well as the modulation and phase sections are all taken into account in the simulations based on an integrated traveling wave model. Using this model, we show that an example Q-modulated DFB laser can achieve an extinction ratio of 6.8dB with a jitter of 4.7ps and a peak intensity fluctuation of less than 15% for 40Gbps RZ modulation signal. The simulation method is proved very useful for the complex laser structure design and high speed performance optimization, as well as for providing physical insight of the operation mechanism.

High-power, surface-emitting quantum cascade laser operating in a symmetric grating mode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boyle, C.; Sigler, C.; Kirch, J. D.

2016-03-21

Grating-coupled surface-emitting (GCSE) lasers generally operate with a double-lobed far-field beam pattern along the cavity-length direction, which is a result of lasing being favored in the antisymmetric grating mode. We experimentally demonstrate a GCSE quantum-cascade laser design allowing high-power, nearly single-lobed surface emission parallel to the longitudinal cavity. A 2nd-order Au-semiconductor distributed-feedback (DFB)/distributed-Bragg-reflector (DBR) grating is used for feedback and out-coupling. The DFB and DBR grating regions are 2.55 mm- and 1.28 mm-long, respectively, for a total grating length of 5.1 mm. The lasers are designed to operate in a symmetric (longitudinal) grating mode by causing resonant coupling of the guided optical modemore » to the antisymmetric surface-plasmon modes of the 2nd-order metal/semiconductor grating. Then, the antisymmetric modes are strongly absorbed by the metal in the grating, causing the symmetric mode to be favored to lase, which, in turn, produces a single-lobed beam over a range of grating duty-cycle values of 36%–41%. Simulations indicate that the symmetric mode is always favored to lase, independent of the random phase of reflections from the device's cleaved ends. Peak pulsed output powers of ∼0.4 W were measured with nearly single-lobe beam-pattern (in the longitudinal direction), single-spatial-mode operation near 4.75 μm wavelength. Far-field measurements confirm a diffraction-limited beam pattern, in agreement with simulations, for a source-to-detector separation of 2 m.« less

Water Vapour Effects in Mass Measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khélifa, N.

2008-01-01

Water vapour density inside the mass comparator enclosure is a critical parameter whose fluctuations during mass weighing can lead to errors in the determination of an unknown mass. To monitor them, a method using DFB laser diode in the near infrared has been proposed and tested. Preliminary results of our observation of water vapour sorption and de-sorption processes from the walls and the mass standard are reported.

Natural gas pipeline leak detector based on NIR diode laser absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Gao, Xiaoming; Fan, Hong; Huang, Teng; Wang, Xia; Bao, Jian; Li, Xiaoyun; Huang, Wei; Zhang, Weijun

2006-09-01

The paper reports on the development of an integrated natural gas pipeline leak detector based on diode laser absorption spectroscopy. The detector transmits a 1.653 microm DFB diode laser with 10 mW and detects a fraction of the backscatter reflected from the topographic targets. To eliminate the effect of topographic scatter targets, a ratio detection technique was used. Wavelength modulation and harmonic detection were used to improve the detection sensitivity. The experimental detection limit is 50 ppmm, remote detection for a distance up to 20 m away topographic scatter target is demonstrated. Using a known simulative leak pipe, minimum detectable pipe leak flux is less than 10 ml/min.

Noise Suppression on the Tunable Laser for Precise Cavity Length Displacement Measurement

PubMed Central

Šmíd, Radek; Čížek, Martin; Mikel, Břetislav; Hrabina, Jan; Lazar, Josef; Číp, Ondřej

2016-01-01

The absolute distance between the mirrors of a Fabry-Perot cavity with a spacer from an ultra low expansion material was measured by an ultra wide tunable laser diode. The DFB laser diode working at 1542 nm with 1.5 MHz linewidth and 2 nm tuning range has been suppressed with an unbalanced heterodyne fiber interferometer. The frequency noise of laser has been suppressed by 40 dB across the Fourier frequency range 30–300 Hz and by 20 dB up to 4 kHz and the linewidth of the laser below 300 kHz. The relative resolution of the measurement was 10−9 that corresponds to 0.3 nm (sub-nm) for 0.178 m long cavity with ability of displacement measurement of 0.5 mm. PMID:27608024

All-Fiber Configuration Laser Self-Mixing Doppler Velocimeter Based on Distributed Feedback Fiber Laser.

PubMed

Wu, Shuang; Wang, Dehui; Xiang, Rong; Zhou, Junfeng; Ma, Yangcheng; Gui, Huaqiao; Liu, Jianguo; Wang, Huanqin; Lu, Liang; Yu, Benli

2016-07-27

In this paper, a novel velocimeter based on laser self-mixing Doppler technology has been developed for speed measurement. The laser employed in our experiment is a distributed feedback (DFB) fiber laser, which is an all-fiber structure using only one Fiber Bragg Grating to realize optical feedback and wavelength selection. Self-mixing interference for optical velocity sensing is experimentally investigated in this novel system, and the experimental results show that the Doppler frequency is linearly proportional to the velocity of a moving target, which agrees with the theoretical analysis commendably. In our experimental system, the velocity measurement can be achieved in the range of 3.58 mm/s-2216 mm/s with a relative error under one percent, demonstrating that our novel all-fiber configuration velocimeter can implement wide-range velocity measurements with high accuracy.

A compact tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer to monitor CO2 at 2.7 μm wavelength in hypersonic flows.

PubMed

Vallon, Raphäel; Soutadé, Jacques; Vérant, Jean-Luc; Meyers, Jason; Paris, Sébastien; Mohamed, Ajmal

2010-01-01

Since the beginning of the Mars planet exploration, the characterization of carbon dioxide hypersonic flows to simulate a spaceship's Mars atmosphere entry conditions has been an important issue. We have developed a Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectrometer with a new room-temperature operating antimony-based distributed feedback laser (DFB) diode laser to characterize the velocity, the temperature and the density of such flows. This instrument has been tested during two measurement campaigns in a free piston tunnel cold hypersonic facility and in a high enthalpy arc jet wind tunnel. These tests also demonstrate the feasibility of mid-infrared fiber optics coupling of the spectrometer to a wind tunnel for integrated or local flow characterization with an optical probe placed in the flow.

Quantum cascade laser-based sensor system for nitric oxide detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tittel, Frank K.; Allred, James J.; Cao, Yingchun; Sanchez, Nancy P.; Ren, Wei; Jiang, Wenzhe; Jiang, Dongfang; Griffin, Robert J.

2015-01-01

Sensitive detection of nitric oxide (NO) at ppbv concentration levels has an important impact in diverse fields of applications including environmental monitoring, industrial process control and medical diagnostics. For example, NO can be used as a biomarker of asthma and inflammatory lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Trace gas sensor systems capable of high sensitivity require the targeting of strong rotational-vibrational bands in the mid-IR spectral range. These bands are accessible using state-of-the-art high heat load (HHL) packaged, continuous wave (CW), distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) permits the design of fast, sensitive, selective, and compact sensor systems. A QEPAS sensor was developed employing a room-temperature CW DFB-QCL emitting at 5.26 μm with an optical excitation power of 60 mW. High sensitivity is achieved by targeting a NO absorption line at 1900.08 cm-1 free of interference by H2O and CO2. The minimum detection limit of the sensor is 7.5 and 1 ppbv of NO with 1and 100 second averaging time respectively . The sensitivity of the sensor system is sufficient for detecting NO in exhaled human breath, with typical concentration levels ranging from 24.0 ppbv to 54.0 ppbv.

On the Acceleration and Anisotropy of Ions Within Magnetotail Dipolarizing Flux Bundles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xu-Zhi; Runov, Andrei; Angelopoulos, Vassilis; Artemyev, Anton V.; Birn, Joachim

2018-01-01

Dipolarizing flux bundles (DFBs), earthward propagating structures with enhanced northward magnetic field Bz, are usually believed to carry a distinctly different plasma population from that in the ambient magnetotail plasma sheet. The ion distribution functions within the DFB, however, have been recently found to be largely controlled by the ion adiabaticity parameter κ in the ambient plasma sheet outside the DFB. According to these observations, the ambient κ values of 2-3 usually correspond to a strong perpendicular anisotropy of suprathermal ions within the DFB, whereas for lower κ values the DFB ions become more isotropic. Here we utilize a simple, test particle model to explore the nature of the anisotropy and its dependence on the ambient κ values. We find that the anisotropy originates from successive ion reflections and reentries to the DFB, during which the ions are consecutively accelerated in the perpendicular direction by the DFB-associated electric field. This consecutive acceleration may be interrupted, however, when magnetic field lines are highly curved in the ambient plasma sheet. In this case, the ion trajectories become stochastic outside the DFB, which makes the reflected ions less likely to return to the DFB for another cycle of acceleration; as a consequence, the perpendicular ion anisotropy does not appear. Given that the DFB ions are a free energy source for instabilities when they are injected toward Earth, our simple model (that reproduces most observational features on the anisotropic DFB ion distributions) may shed new lights on the coupling process between magnetotail and inner magnetosphere.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jatana, Gurneesh; Geckler, Sam; Koeberlein, David

We designed and developed a 4-probe multiplexed multi-species absorption spectroscopy sensor system for gas property measurements on the intake side of commercial multi-cylinder internal-combustion (I.C.) engines; the resulting cycle- and cylinder-resolved concentration, temperature and pressure measurements are applicable for assessing spatial and temporal variations in the recirculated exhaust gas (EGR) distribution at various locations along the intake gas path, which in turn is relevant to assessing cylinder charge uniformity, control strategies, and CFD models. Furthermore, the diagnostic is based on absorption spectroscopy and includes an H 2O absorption system (utilizing a 1.39 m distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser) for measuringmore » gas temperature, pressure, and H 2O concentration, and a CO 2 absorption system (utilizing a 2.7 m DFB laser) for measuring CO 2 concentration. The various lasers, optical components and detectors were housed in an instrument box, and the 1.39- m and 2.7- m lasers were guided to and from the engine-mounted probes via optical fibers and hollow waveguides, respectively. The 5kHz measurement bandwidth allows for near-crank angle resolved measurements, with a resolution of 1.2 crank angle degrees at 1000 RPM. Our use of compact stainless steel measurement probes enables simultaneous multi-point measurements at various locations on the engine with minimal changes to the base engine hardware; in addition to resolving large-scale spatial variations via simultaneous multi-probe measurements, local spatial gradients can be resolved by translating individual probes. Along with details of various sensor design features and performance, we also demonstrate validation of the spectral parameters of the associated CO 2 absorption transitions using both a multi-pass heated cell and the sensor probes.« less

Compact, highly efficient, single-frequency 25W, 2051nm Tm fiber-based MOPA for CO2 trace-gas laser space transmitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engin, Doruk; Chuang, Ti; Litvinovitch, Slava; Storm, Mark

2017-08-01

Fibertek has developed and demonstrated an ideal high-power; low-risk; low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) 2051 nm laser design meeting the lidar requirements for satellite-based global measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2). The laser design provides a path to space for either a coherent lidar approach being developed by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)1,2 or an Integrated Path Differential Lidar (IPDA) approach developed by Harris Corp using radio frequency (RF) modulation and being flown as part of a NASA Earth Venture Suborbital Mission—NASA's Atmospheric Carbon and Transport - America.3,4 The thulium (Tm) fiber laser amplifies a <500 kHz linewidth distributed feedback (DFB) laser up to 25 W average power in a polarization maintaining (PM) fiber. The design manages and suppresses all deleterious non-linear effects that can cause linewidth broadening or amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and meets all lidar requirements. We believe the core laser components, architecture, and design margins can support a coherent or IPDA lidar 10-year space mission. With follow-on funding Fibertek can adapt an existing space-based Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6), 20 W erbium fiber laser package for this Tm design and enable a near-term space mission with an electrical-to-optical (e-o) efficiency of <20%. A cladding-pumped PM Tm fiber-based amplifier optimized for high efficiency and high-power operation at 2051 nm is presented. The two-stage amplifier has been demonstrated to achieve 25 W average power and <16 dB polarization extinction ratio (PER) out of a single-mode PM fiber using a <500 kHz linewidth JPL DFB laser5-7 and 43 dB gain. The power amplifier's optical conversion efficiency is 53%. An internal efficiency of 58% is calculated after correcting for passive losses. The two-stage amplifier sustains its highly efficient operation for a temperature range of 5-40°C. The absence of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) for the narrow linewidth amplification shows promise for further power scaling.

Scanned-wavelength diode laser sensors for harsh environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeffries, Jay B.; Sanders, Scott T.; Zhou, Xin; Ma, Lin; Mattison, Daniel W.; Hanson, Ronald K.

2002-09-01

Diode laser absorption offers the possibility of high-speed, robust, and rugged sensors for a wide variety of practical applications. Pressure broadening complicates absorption measurements of gas temperature and species concentrations in high-pressure, high-temperature practical environments. More agile wavelength scanning can enable measurements of temperature and species concentrations in flames and engines as demonstrated by example measurements using wavelength scanning of a single DFB in laboratory flames or a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) in a pulse detonation engine environment. Although the blending of multiple transitions by pressure broadening complicates the atmospheric pressure spectrum of C2H4 fuel, a scanned wavelength strategy enables quantitative measurement of fuel/oxidizer stoichiometry. Wavelength-agile scanning techniques enable high-speed measurements in these harsh environments.

All-Fiber Configuration Laser Self-Mixing Doppler Velocimeter Based on Distributed Feedback Fiber Laser

PubMed Central

Wu, Shuang; Wang, Dehui; Xiang, Rong; Zhou, Junfeng; Ma, Yangcheng; Gui, Huaqiao; Liu, Jianguo; Wang, Huanqin; Lu, Liang; Yu, Benli

2016-01-01

In this paper, a novel velocimeter based on laser self-mixing Doppler technology has been developed for speed measurement. The laser employed in our experiment is a distributed feedback (DFB) fiber laser, which is an all-fiber structure using only one Fiber Bragg Grating to realize optical feedback and wavelength selection. Self-mixing interference for optical velocity sensing is experimentally investigated in this novel system, and the experimental results show that the Doppler frequency is linearly proportional to the velocity of a moving target, which agrees with the theoretical analysis commendably. In our experimental system, the velocity measurement can be achieved in the range of 3.58 mm/s–2216 mm/s with a relative error under one percent, demonstrating that our novel all-fiber configuration velocimeter can implement wide-range velocity measurements with high accuracy. PMID:27472342

Advanced injection seeder for various applications: form LIDARs to supercontinuum sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grzes, Pawel

2017-12-01

The paper describes an injection seeder driver (prototype) for a directly modulated semiconductor laser diode. The device provides adjustable pulse duration and repetition frequency to shape an output signal. A temperature controller stabilizes a laser diode spectrum. Additionally, to avoid a back oscillation, redundant power supply holds a generation until next stages shut down. Low EMI design and ESD protection guarantee stable operation even in a noisy environment. The controller is connected to the PC via USB and parameters of the pulse are digitally controlled through a graphical interface. The injection seeder controller can be used with a majority of commercially available laser diodes. In the experimental setup a telecommunication DFB laser with 4 GHz bandwidth was used. It allows achieving subnanosecond pulses generated at the repetition rate ranging from 1 kHz to 50 MHz. The developed injection seeder controller with a proper laser diode can be used in many scientific, industrial and medical applications.

Protective effect of Mn(III)-desferrioxamine B upon oxidative stress caused by ozone and acid rain in the Brazilian soybean cultivar Glycine max "Sambaiba".

PubMed

Esposito, Jéssica Bordotti Nobre; Esposito, Breno Pannia; Azevedo, Ricardo Antunes; Cruz, Luciano Soares; da Silva, Luzimar Campos; de Souza, Silvia Ribeiro

2015-04-01

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Mn complex (Mn(III)-desferrioxamine B (MnDFB)) on oxidative stress in the Brazilian soybean cultivar Glycine max "Sambaiba" following exposure to ozone and acid rain. We determined the suitable dose of MnDFB to apply to G. max seedlings using a dose-response curve. The highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and Mn content in leaves were found upon the application of 8 μM MnDFB. Thus, G. max seedlings pretreated with 8 μM MnDFB were individually exposed to ozone and acid rain simulated. Pretreatment with MnDFB reduced lipid peroxidation upon ozone exposure and increased SOD activity in leaves; it did not alter the metal content in any part of the plant. Conversely, following acid rain exposure, neither the metal content in leaves nor SOD enzyme activity were directly affected by MnDFB, unlike pH. Our findings demonstrated that exogenous MnDFB application before ozone exposure may modulate the MnSOD, Cu/ZnSOD, and FeSOD activities to combat the ROS excess in the cell. Here, we demonstrated that the applied dose of MnDFB enhances antioxidative defenses in soybean following exposure to acid rain and especially to ozone.

A Compact Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectrometer to Monitor CO2 at 2.7 μm Wavelength in Hypersonic Flows

PubMed Central

Vallon, Raphäel; Soutadé, Jacques; Vérant, Jean-Luc; Meyers, Jason; Paris, Sébastien; Mohamed, Ajmal

2010-01-01

Since the beginning of the Mars planet exploration, the characterization of carbon dioxide hypersonic flows to simulate a spaceship’s Mars atmosphere entry conditions has been an important issue. We have developed a Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectrometer with a new room-temperature operating antimony-based distributed feedback laser (DFB) diode laser to characterize the velocity, the temperature and the density of such flows. This instrument has been tested during two measurement campaigns in a free piston tunnel cold hypersonic facility and in a high enthalpy arc jet wind tunnel. These tests also demonstrate the feasibility of mid-infrared fiber optics coupling of the spectrometer to a wind tunnel for integrated or local flow characterization with an optical probe placed in the flow. PMID:22219703

Terahertz light-emitting graphene-channel transistor toward single-mode lasing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Deepika; Tamamushi, Gen; Watanabe, Takayuki; Mitsushio, Junki; Tobah, Youssef; Sugawara, Kenta; Dubinov, Alexander A.; Satou, Akira; Ryzhii, Maxim; Ryzhii, Victor; Otsuji, Taiichi

2018-03-01

A distributed feedback dual-gate graphene-channel field-effect transistor (DFB-DG-GFET) was fabricated as a current-injection terahertz (THz) light-emitting laser transistor. We observed a broadband emission in a 1-7.6-THz range with a maximum radiation power of 10 μW as well as a single-mode emission at 5.2 THz with a radiation power of 0.1 μW both at 100 K when the carrier injection stays between the lower cutoff and upper cutoff threshold levels. The device also exhibited peculiar nonlinear threshold-like behavior with respect to the current-injection level. The LED-like broadband emission is interpreted as an amplified spontaneous THz emission being transcended to a single-mode lasing. Design constraints on waveguide structures for better THz photon field confinement with higher gain overlapping as well as DFB cavity structures with higher Q factors are also addressed towards intense, single-mode continuous wave THz lasing at room temperature.

A CO trace gas detection system based on continuous wave DFB-QCL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dang, Jingmin; Yu, Haiye; Sun, Yujing; Wang, Yiding

2017-05-01

A compact and mobile system was demonstrated for the detection of carbon monoxide (CO) at trace level. This system adopted a high-power, continuous wave (CW), distributed feedback quantum cascade laser (DFB-QCL) operating at ∼22 °C as excitation source. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) as well as second harmonic detection was used to isolate complex, overlapping spectral absorption features typical of ambient pressures and to achieve excellent specificity and high detection sensitivity. For the selected P(11) absorption line of CO molecule, located at 2099.083 cm-1, a limit of detection (LoD) of 26 ppb by volume (ppbv) at atmospheric pressure was achieved with a 1 s acquisition time. Allan deviation analysis was performed to investigate the long term performance of the CO detection system, and a measurement precision of 3.4 ppbv was observed with an optimal integration time of approximate 114 s, which verified the reliable and robust operation of the developed system.

Autologous implantation of BMP2-expressing dermal fibroblasts to improve bone mineral density and architecture in rabbit long bones.

PubMed

Ishihara, Akikazu; Weisbrode, Steve E; Bertone, Alicia L

2015-10-01

Cell-mediated gene therapy may treat bone fragility disorders. Dermal fibroblasts (DFb) may be an alternative cell source to stem cells for orthopedic gene therapy because of their rapid cell yield and excellent plasticity with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) gene transduction. Autologous DFb or BMP2-expressing autologous DFb were administered in twelve rabbits by two delivery routes; a transcortical intra-medullar infusion into tibiae and delayed intra-osseous injection into femoral drill defects. Both delivery methods of DFb-BMP2 resulted in a successful cell engraftment, increased bone volume, bone mineral density, improved trabecular bone microarchitecture, greater bone defect filling, external callus formation, and trabecular surface area, compared to non-transduced DFb or no cells. Cell engraftment within trabecular bone and bone marrow tissue was most efficiently achieved by intra-osseous injection of DFb-BMP2. Our results suggested that BMP2-expressing autologous DFb have enhanced efficiency of engraftment in target bones resulting in a measurable biologic response by the bone of improved bone mineral density and bone microarchitecture. These results support that autologous implantation of DFb-BMP2 warrants further study on animal models of bone fragility disorders, such as osteogenesis imperfecta and osteoporosis to potentially enhance bone quality, particularly along with other gene modification of these diseases. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A 4 U Laser Heterodyne Radiometer for Methane (CH4) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Measurements from an Occultation-Viewing CubSat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Emily L.; DiGregorio, A. J.; Riot, Vincent J.; Ammons, Mark S.; Bruner, WIlliam W.; Carter, Darrell; Mao, Jianping; Ramanathan, Anand; Strahan, Susan E.; Oman, Luke D.;

Intensity-Stabilized Fast-Scanned Direct Absorption Spectroscopy Instrumentation Based on a Distributed Feedback Laser with Detection Sensitivity down to 4 × 10−6

PubMed Central

Zhao, Gang; Tan, Wei; Jia, Mengyuan; Hou, Jiajuan; Ma, Weiguang; Dong, Lei; Zhang, Lei; Feng, Xiaoxia; Wu, Xuechun; Yin, Wangbao; Xiao, Liantuan; Axner, Ove; Jia, Suotang

2016-01-01

A novel, intensity-stabilized, fast-scanned, direct absorption spectroscopy (IS-FS-DAS) instrumentation, based on a distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser, is developed. A fiber-coupled polarization rotator and a fiber-coupled polarizer are used to stabilize the intensity of the laser, which significantly reduces its relative intensity noise (RIN). The influence of white noise is reduced by fast scanning over the spectral feature (at 1 kHz), followed by averaging. By combining these two noise-reducing techniques, it is demonstrated that direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS) can be swiftly performed down to a limit of detection (LOD) (1σ) of 4 × 10−6, which opens up a number of new applications. PMID:27657082

Long microwave delay fiber-optic link for radar testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newberg, I. L.; Gee, C. M.; Thurmond, G. D.; Yen, H. W.

1990-05-01

A long fiberoptic delay line is used as a radar repeater to improve radar testing capabilities. The first known generation of 152 microsec delayed ideal target at X-band (10 GHz) frequencies having the phase stability and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) needed for testing modern high-resolution Doppler radars is demonstrated with a 31.6-km experimental externally modulated fiberoptic link with a distributed-feedback (DFB) laser. The test application, link configuration, and link testing are discussed.

Process-Based Cost Modeling of Photonics Manufacture: The Cost Competitiveness of Monolithic Integration of a 1550-nm DFB Laser and an Electroabsorptive Modulator on an InP Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuchs, Erica R. H.; Bruce, E. J.; Ram, R. J.; Kirchain, Randolph E.

2006-08-01

The monolithic integration of components holds promise to increase network functionality and reduce packaging expense. Integration also drives down yield due to manufacturing complexity and the compounding of failures across devices. Consensus is lacking on the economically preferred extent of integration. Previous studies on the cost feasibility of integration have used high-level estimation methods. This study instead focuses on accurate-to-industry detail, basing a process-based cost model of device manufacture on data collected from 20 firms across the optoelectronics supply chain. The model presented allows for the definition of process organization, including testing, as well as processing conditions, operational characteristics, and level of automation at each step. This study focuses on the cost implications of integration of a 1550-nm DFB laser with an electroabsorptive modulator on an InP platform. Results show the monolithically integrated design to be more cost competitive over discrete component options regardless of production scale. Dominant cost drivers are packaging, testing, and assembly. Leveraging the technical detail underlying model projections, component alignment, bonding, and metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) are identified as processes where technical improvements are most critical to lowering costs. Such results should encourage exploration of the cost advantages of further integration and focus cost-driven technology development.

High Power and Frequency-Agile Optical Parametric Oscillators for Airborne DIAL Measurements of CH4 and H2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nehrir, A. R.; Shuman, T.; Chuang, T.; Hair, J. W.; Refaat, T. F.; Ismail, S.; Kooi, S. A.; Notari, A.

2014-12-01

Atmospheric methane (CH4) has the second largest radiative forcing of the long-lived greenhouse gasses (GHG) after carbon dioxide. However, methane's much shorter atmospheric lifetime and much stronger warming potential make its radiative forcing equivalent to that for CO2 over a 20-year time horizon which makes CH4 a particularly attractive target for mitigation strategies. Similar to CH4, water vapor (H2O) is the most dominant of the short-lived GHG in the atmosphere and plays a key role in many atmospheric processes. Atmospheric H2O concentrations span over four orders of magnitude from the planetary boundary layer where high impact weather initiates to lower levels in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) where water vapor has significant and long term impacts on the Earth's radiation budget. NASA Langley has fostered the technology development with Fibertek, Inc. to develop frequency agile and high power (> 3 W) pulsed lasers using similar architectures in the 1645 nm and 935 nm spectral bands for DIAL measurements of CH4 and H2O, respectively. Both systems utilize high power 1 kHz pulse repetition frequency Nd:YAG lasers to generate high power laser emission at the desired wavelength via optical parametric oscillators (OPO). The CH4 OPO, currently in its final build stage in a SBIR Phase II program has demonstrated >2 W average power with injection seeding from a distributed feedback (DFB) laser during risk reduction experiments. The H2O OPO has demonstrated high power operation (>2 W) during the SBIR Phase I program while being injection seeded with a DFB laser, and is currently funded via an SBIR Phase II to build a robust system for future integration into an airborne water vapor DIAL system capable of profiling from the boundary layer up to the UTLS. Both systems have demonstrated operation with active OPO wavelength control to allow for optimization of the DIAL measurements for operation at different altitudes and geographic regions. An update on the progress of the CH4 and H2O laser development will be presented which will focus on key laser characteristics such as pulse energy, frequency agility and spectral purity. DIAL simulations will also be presented based on the expected and measured laser characteristics and system parameters in anticipation of future system(s) development.

Ultra-fast quantum randomness generation by accelerated phase diffusion in a pulsed laser diode.

PubMed

Abellán, C; Amaya, W; Jofre, M; Curty, M; Acín, A; Capmany, J; Pruneri, V; Mitchell, M W

2014-01-27

We demonstrate a high bit-rate quantum random number generator by interferometric detection of phase diffusion in a gain-switched DFB laser diode. Gain switching at few-GHz frequencies produces a train of bright pulses with nearly equal amplitudes and random phases. An unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer is used to interfere subsequent pulses and thereby generate strong random-amplitude pulses, which are detected and digitized to produce a high-rate random bit string. Using established models of semiconductor laser field dynamics, we predict a regime of high visibility interference and nearly complete vacuum-fluctuation-induced phase diffusion between pulses. These are confirmed by measurement of pulse power statistics at the output of the interferometer. Using a 5.825 GHz excitation rate and 14-bit digitization, we observe 43 Gbps quantum randomness generation.

Design and development of a probe-based multiplexed multi-species absorption spectroscopy sensor for characterizing transient gas-parameter distributions in the intake systems of I.C. engines

DOE PAGES

Jatana, Gurneesh; Geckler, Sam; Koeberlein, David; ...

2016-09-01

We designed and developed a 4-probe multiplexed multi-species absorption spectroscopy sensor system for gas property measurements on the intake side of commercial multi-cylinder internal-combustion (I.C.) engines; the resulting cycle- and cylinder-resolved concentration, temperature and pressure measurements are applicable for assessing spatial and temporal variations in the recirculated exhaust gas (EGR) distribution at various locations along the intake gas path, which in turn is relevant to assessing cylinder charge uniformity, control strategies, and CFD models. Furthermore, the diagnostic is based on absorption spectroscopy and includes an H 2O absorption system (utilizing a 1.39 m distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser) for measuringmore » gas temperature, pressure, and H 2O concentration, and a CO 2 absorption system (utilizing a 2.7 m DFB laser) for measuring CO 2 concentration. The various lasers, optical components and detectors were housed in an instrument box, and the 1.39- m and 2.7- m lasers were guided to and from the engine-mounted probes via optical fibers and hollow waveguides, respectively. The 5kHz measurement bandwidth allows for near-crank angle resolved measurements, with a resolution of 1.2 crank angle degrees at 1000 RPM. Our use of compact stainless steel measurement probes enables simultaneous multi-point measurements at various locations on the engine with minimal changes to the base engine hardware; in addition to resolving large-scale spatial variations via simultaneous multi-probe measurements, local spatial gradients can be resolved by translating individual probes. Along with details of various sensor design features and performance, we also demonstrate validation of the spectral parameters of the associated CO 2 absorption transitions using both a multi-pass heated cell and the sensor probes.« less

Plasmonic distributed feedback lasers at telecommunications wavelengths.

PubMed

Marell, Milan J H; Smalbrugge, Barry; Geluk, Erik Jan; van Veldhoven, Peter J; Barcones, Beatrix; Koopmans, Bert; Nötzel, Richard; Smit, Meint K; Hill, Martin T

2011-08-01

We investigate electrically pumped, distributed feedback (DFB) lasers, based on gap-plasmon mode metallic waveguides. The waveguides have nano-scale widths below the diffraction limit and incorporate vertical groove Bragg gratings. These metallic Bragg gratings provide a broad bandwidth stop band (~500 nm) with grating coupling coefficients of over 5000/cm. A strong suppression of spontaneous emission occurs in these Bragg grating cavities, over the stop band frequencies. This strong suppression manifests itself in our experimental results as a near absence of spontaneous emission and significantly reduced lasing thresholds when compared to similar length Fabry-Pérot waveguide cavities. Furthermore, the reduced threshold pumping requirements permits us to show strong line narrowing and super linear light current curves for these plasmon mode devices even at room temperature.

Sensitive detection of methane at 3.3 μm using an integrating sphere and interband cascade laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, N. M.; Hodgkinson, J.; Francis, D.; Tatam, R. P.

2016-04-01

Detection of methane at 3.3μm using a DFB Interband Cascade Laser and gold coated integrating sphere is performed. A 10cm diameter sphere with effective path length of 54.5cm was adapted for use as a gas cell. A comparison between this system and one using a 25cm path length single-pass gas cell is made using direct TDLS and methane concentrations between 0 and 1000 ppm. Initial investigations suggest a limit of detection of 1.0ppm for the integrating sphere and 2.2ppm for the single pass gas cell. The system has potential applications in challenging or industrial environments subject to high levels of vibration.

Improving the Fabrication of Semiconductor Bragg Lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Eric Ping Chun

Fabrication process developments for Bragg reflection lasers have been optimized in this thesis using resources available to the group. New e-beam lithography and oxide etch recipes have been developed to minimize sidewall roughness and residues. E-beam evaporated metal contacts for semiconductor diode laser utilizing oblique angle deposition have also been developed in-house for the first time. Furthermore, improvement in micro-loading effect of DFB laser etching has been demonstrated where the ratio of tapered portion of the sidewall to total etch depth is reduced by half, from 33% to 15%. Electrical, optical and thermal performance of the fabricated lasers are characterized. Comparing the results to previous generation lasers, average dynamic resistance is decreased drastically from 14 Ohms to 7 Ohms and threshold current density also reduced from 1705A/cm2 to 1383A/ cm2. Improvement in laser performance is result of reduced loss from optimized fabrication processes. BRL bow-tie tapered lasers is then fabricated for the first time and output power of 18mW at 200mA input is measured. Benefiting from the increased effective area and better carrier utilization, reduction in threshold current density from 1383A/cm 2 to 712A/cm2 is observed.

A 4 U laser heterodyne radiometer for methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) measurements from an occultation-viewing CubeSat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Emily L.; DiGregorio, A. J.; Riot, Vincent J.; Ammons, Mark S.; Bruner, William W.; Carter, Darrell; Mao, Jianping; Ramanathan, Anand; Strahan, Susan E.; Oman, Luke D.; Hoffman, Christine; Garner, Richard M.

2017-03-01

We present a design for a 4 U (20 cm  ×  20 cm  ×  10 cm) occultation-viewing laser heterodyne radiometer (LHR) that measures methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O) in the limb that is designed for deployment on a 6 U CubeSat. The LHR design collects sunlight that has undergone absorption by the trace gas and mixes it with a distributive feedback (DFB) laser centered at 1640 nm that scans across CO2, CH4, and H2O absorption features. Upper troposphere/lower stratosphere measurements of these gases provide key inputs to stratospheric circulation models: measuring stratospheric circulation and its variability is essential for projecting how climate change will affect stratospheric ozone.

Study of gain-coupled distributed feedback laser based on high order surface gain-coupled gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Feng; Qin, Li; Chen, Yongyi; Jia, Peng; Chen, Chao; Cheng, LiWen; Chen, Hong; Liang, Lei; Zeng, Yugang; Zhang, Xing; Wu, Hao; Ning, Yongqiang; Wang, Lijun

2018-03-01

Single-longitudinal-mode, gain-coupled distributed feedback (DFB) lasers based on high order surface gain-coupled gratings are achieved. Periodic surface metal p-contacts with insulated grooves realize gain-coupled mechanism. To enhance gain contrast in the quantum wells without the introduction of effective index-coupled effect, groove length and depth were well designed. Our devices provided a single longitudinal mode with the maximum CW output power up to 48.8 mW/facet at 971.31 nm at 250 mA without facet coating, 3dB linewidth (<3.2 pm) and SMSR (>39 dB). Optical bistable characteristic was observed with a threshold current difference. Experimentally, devices with different cavity lengths were contrasted on power-current and spectrum characteristics. Due to easy fabrication technique and stable performance, it provides a method of fabricating practical gain-coupled distributed feedback lasers for commercial applications.

Compact CH 4 sensor system based on a continuous-wave, low power consumption, room temperature interband cascade laser

DOE PAGES

Dong, Lei; Li, Chunguang; Sanchez, Nancy P.; ...

2016-01-05

A tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy-based methane sensor, employing a dense-pattern multi-pass gas cell and a 3.3 µm, CW, DFB, room temperature interband cascade laser (ICL), is reported. The optical integration based on an advanced folded optical path design and an efficient ICL control system with appropriate electrical power management resulted in a CH 4 sensor with a small footprint (32 x 20 x 17 cm 3) and low-power consumption (6 W). Polynomial and least-squares fit algorithms are employed to remove the baseline of the spectral scan and retrieve CH 4 concentrations, respectively. An Allan-Werle deviation analysis shows that themore » measurement precision can reach 1.4 ppb for a 60 s averaging time. Continuous measurements covering a seven-day period were performed to demonstrate the stability and robustness of the reported CH 4 sensor system.« less

Compact CH 4 sensor system based on a continuous-wave, low power consumption, room temperature interband cascade laser

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dong, Lei; Li, Chunguang; Sanchez, Nancy P.

A tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy-based methane sensor, employing a dense-pattern multi-pass gas cell and a 3.3 µm, CW, DFB, room temperature interband cascade laser (ICL), is reported. The optical integration based on an advanced folded optical path design and an efficient ICL control system with appropriate electrical power management resulted in a CH 4 sensor with a small footprint (32 x 20 x 17 cm 3) and low-power consumption (6 W). Polynomial and least-squares fit algorithms are employed to remove the baseline of the spectral scan and retrieve CH 4 concentrations, respectively. An Allan-Werle deviation analysis shows that themore » measurement precision can reach 1.4 ppb for a 60 s averaging time. Continuous measurements covering a seven-day period were performed to demonstrate the stability and robustness of the reported CH 4 sensor system.« less

Widely tunable telecom MEMS-VCSEL for terahertz photomixing.

PubMed

Haidar, Mohammad Tanvir; Preu, Sascha; Paul, Sujoy; Gierl, Christian; Cesar, Julijan; Emsia, Ali; Küppers, Franko

2015-10-01

We report frequency-tunable terahertz (THz) generation with a photomixer driven by an ultra-broadband tunable micro-electro-mechanical system vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (MEMS-VCSEL) and a fixed-wavelength VCSEL, as well as a tunable MEMS-VCSEL mixed with a distributed feedback (DFB) diode. A total frequency span of 3.4 THz is covered in direct detection mode and 3.23 THz in the homodyne mode. The tuning range is solely limited by the dynamic range of the photomixers and the Schottky diode/photoconductor used in the experiment.

Cascade Pumping of 1.9–3.3 μm Type-I Quantum Well GaSb-Based Diode Lasers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shterengas, Leon; Kipshidze, Gela; Hosoda, Takashi

Cascade pumping of type-I quantum well gain sections was utilized to increase output power and efficiency of GaSb-based diode lasers operating in spectral region from 1.9 to 3.3 μm. Coated devices with ~100-μm-wide aperture and 3-mm-long cavity demonstrated continuous wave (CW) output power of 1.96 W near 2 μm, 980 mW near 3 μm, 500 mW near 3.18 μm, and 360 mW near 3.25 μm at room temperature. The corresponding narrow ridge lasers with nearly diffraction limited beams operate in CW regime with tens of mW of output power up to 60 °C. Two step shallow/deep narrow/wide ridge waveguide devicesmore » showed lower threshold currents and higher slope efficiencies compared to single step narrow ridge lasers. Laterally coupled DFB lasers mounted epi-up generated above 10 mW of tunable single frequency CW power at 20 °C near 3.22 μm.« less

Cascade Pumping of 1.9–3.3 μm Type-I Quantum Well GaSb-Based Diode Lasers

DOE PAGES

Shterengas, Leon; Kipshidze, Gela; Hosoda, Takashi; ...

2017-03-24

Cascade pumping of type-I quantum well gain sections was utilized to increase output power and efficiency of GaSb-based diode lasers operating in spectral region from 1.9 to 3.3 μm. Coated devices with ~100-μm-wide aperture and 3-mm-long cavity demonstrated continuous wave (CW) output power of 1.96 W near 2 μm, 980 mW near 3 μm, 500 mW near 3.18 μm, and 360 mW near 3.25 μm at room temperature. The corresponding narrow ridge lasers with nearly diffraction limited beams operate in CW regime with tens of mW of output power up to 60 °C. Two step shallow/deep narrow/wide ridge waveguide devicesmore » showed lower threshold currents and higher slope efficiencies compared to single step narrow ridge lasers. Laterally coupled DFB lasers mounted epi-up generated above 10 mW of tunable single frequency CW power at 20 °C near 3.22 μm.« less

Means for phase locking the outputs of a surface emitting laser diode array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lesh, James R. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

An array of diode lasers, either a two-dimensional array of surface emitting lasers, or a linear array of stripe lasers, is phase locked by a diode laser through a hologram which focuses the output of the diode laser into a set of distinct, spatially separated beams, each one focused onto the back facet of a separate diode laser of the array. The outputs of the diode lasers thus form an emitted coherent beam out of the front of the array.

2.49 GHz low phase-noise optoelectronic oscillator using 1.55μm VCSEL for avionics and aerospace applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayat, Ahmad; Bacou, Alexandre; Rissons, Angelique; Mollier, Jean-Claude

2009-02-01

We present here a 1.55 μm single mode Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) based low phasenoise ring optoelectronic (OEO) oscillator operating at 2.49 GHz for aerospace, avionics and embedded systems applications. Experiments using optical fibers of different lengths have been carried out to obtain optimal results. A phase-noise measurement of -107 dBc/Hz at an offset of 10 kHz from the carrier is obtained. A 3-dB linewidth of 16 Hz for this oscillator signal has been measured. An analysis of lateral mode spacing or Free Spectral Range (FSR) as a function of fiber length has been carried out. A parametric comparison with DFB Laser-based and multimode VCSEL-based opto-electronic oscillators is also presented.

Quantum cascade laser based sensor for open path measurement of atmospheric trace gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Hao; Sun, Juan; Liu, Ningwu; Ding, Junya; Chao, Zhou; Zhang, Lei; Li, Jingsong

2017-02-01

A sensitive open-path gas sensor employing a continuous-wave (CW) distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade laser (QCL) and direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS) was demonstrated for simultaneously measurements of atmospheric CO and N2O. Two interference free absorption lines located at 2190.0175 cm-1 and 2190.3498 cm-1 were selected for CO and N2O concentration measurements, respectively. The Allan variance analysis technique was performed to investigate the long-term performance of the QCL sensor system. The results indicate that a detection limit of 9.92 ppb for CO and 7.7 ppb for N2O with 1-s integration time were achieved, which can be further improved to 1.5 ppb and 1.1 ppb by increasing the average time up to 80 s.

Recurrent Circuitry for Balancing Sleep Need and Sleep.

PubMed

Donlea, Jeffrey M; Pimentel, Diogo; Talbot, Clifford B; Kempf, Anissa; Omoto, Jaison J; Hartenstein, Volker; Miesenböck, Gero

2018-01-17

Sleep-promoting neurons in the dorsal fan-shaped body (dFB) of Drosophila are integral to sleep homeostasis, but how these cells impose sleep on the organism is unknown. We report that dFB neurons communicate via inhibitory transmitters, including allatostatin-A (AstA), with interneurons connecting the superior arch with the ellipsoid body of the central complex. These "helicon cells" express the galanin receptor homolog AstA-R1, respond to visual input, gate locomotion, and are inhibited by AstA, suggesting that dFB neurons promote rest by suppressing visually guided movement. Sleep changes caused by enhanced or diminished allatostatinergic transmission from dFB neurons and by inhibition or optogenetic stimulation of helicon cells support this notion. Helicon cells provide excitation to R2 neurons of the ellipsoid body, whose activity-dependent plasticity signals rising sleep pressure to the dFB. By virtue of this autoregulatory loop, dFB-mediated inhibition interrupts processes that incur a sleep debt, allowing restorative sleep to rebalance the books. VIDEO ABSTRACT. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of laser source parameters on the generation of narrow band and directed laser ultrasound

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spicer, James B.; Deaton, John B., Jr.; Wagner, James W.

1992-01-01

Predictive and prescriptive modeling of laser arrays is performed to demonstrate the effects of the extension of array elements on laser array performance. For a repetitively pulsed laser source (the temporal laser array), efficient frequency compression is best achieved by detecting longitudinal waves off-epicenter in plates where the source size and shape directly influence the longitudinal wave shape and duration; the longitudinal array may be tailored for a given repetition frequency to yield efficient overtone energy compression into the fundamental frequency band. For phased arrays, apparent array directivity is heavily influenced by array element size.

Distributed feedback InGaN/GaN laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slight, Thomas J.; Watson, Scott; Yadav, Amit; Grzanka, Szymon; Stanczyk, Szymon; Docherty, Kevin E.; Rafailov, Edik; Perlin, Piotr; Najda, Steve; Leszczyński, Mike; Kelly, Anthony E.

2018-02-01

We have realised InGaN/GaN distributed feedback laser diodes emitting at a single wavelength in the 42X nm wavelength range. Laser diodes based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) are useful devices in a wide range of applications including atomic spectroscopy, data storage and optical communications. To fully exploit some of these application areas there is a need for a GaN laser diode with high spectral purity, e.g. in atomic clocks, where a narrow line width blue laser source can be used to target the atomic cooling transition. Previously, GaN DFB lasers have been realised using buried or surface gratings. Buried gratings require complex overgrowth steps which can introduce epi-defects. Surface gratings designs, can compromise the quality of the p-type contact due to dry etch damage and are prone to increased optical losses in the grating regions. In our approach the grating is etched into the sidewall of the ridge. Advantages include a simpler fabrication route and design freedom over the grating coupling strength.Our intended application for these devices is cooling of the Sr+ ion and for this objective the laser characteristics of SMSR, linewidth, and power are critical. We investigate how these characteristics are affected by adjusting laser design parameters such as grating coupling coefficient and cavity length.

Estimation of lifetime distributions on 1550-nm DFB laser diodes using Monte-Carlo statistic computations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshayes, Yannick; Verdier, Frederic; Bechou, Laurent; Tregon, Bernard; Danto, Yves; Laffitte, Dominique; Goudard, Jean Luc

2004-09-01

High performance and high reliability are two of the most important goals driving the penetration of optical transmission into telecommunication systems ranging from 880 nm to 1550 nm. Lifetime prediction defined as the time at which a parameter reaches its maximum acceptable shirt still stays the main result in terms of reliability estimation for a technology. For optoelectronic emissive components, selection tests and life testing are specifically used for reliability evaluation according to Telcordia GR-468 CORE requirements. This approach is based on extrapolation of degradation laws, based on physics of failure and electrical or optical parameters, allowing both strong test time reduction and long-term reliability prediction. Unfortunately, in the case of mature technology, there is a growing complexity to calculate average lifetime and failure rates (FITs) using ageing tests in particular due to extremely low failure rates. For present laser diode technologies, time to failure tend to be 106 hours aged under typical conditions (Popt=10 mW and T=80°C). These ageing tests must be performed on more than 100 components aged during 10000 hours mixing different temperatures and drive current conditions conducting to acceleration factors above 300-400. These conditions are high-cost, time consuming and cannot give a complete distribution of times to failure. A new approach consists in use statistic computations to extrapolate lifetime distribution and failure rates in operating conditions from physical parameters of experimental degradation laws. In this paper, Distributed Feedback single mode laser diodes (DFB-LD) used for 1550 nm telecommunication network working at 2.5 Gbit/s transfer rate are studied. Electrical and optical parameters have been measured before and after ageing tests, performed at constant current, according to Telcordia GR-468 requirements. Cumulative failure rates and lifetime distributions are computed using statistic calculations and equations of drift mechanisms versus time fitted from experimental measurements.

Enhanced optical gain clamping for upstream packet based traffic on hybrid WDM/TDM-PON using fiber Bragg grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neto, B.; Klingler, A.; Reis, C.; Dionísio, R. P.; Nogueira, R. N.; Teixeira, A. L. J.; André, P. S.

2011-03-01

In this paper, we propose a method to mitigate the temporal power transients arising from Erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) on packeted/bursty scenario. The technique, applicable on hybrid WDM/TDM-PON for extended reach, is based on a low power clamping provided by a distributed feedback (DFB) laser and a fiber Bragg grating (FBG). An improvement in the data signal Q factor was achieved keeping the clamping control signal with a low power, accompanied by a maximum reduction in the gain excursion of 1.12 dB.

Simple refractometer based on in-line fiber interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esteban, Ó.; Martínez Manuel, R.; Shlyagin, M. G.

2015-09-01

A very simple but accurate optical fiber refractometer based on the Fresnel reflection in the fiber tip and two in-line low-reflective mirrors for light intensity referencing is reported. Each mirror was generated by connecting together 2 fiber sections with FC/PC and FC/APC connectors using the standard FC/PC mating sleeve. For the sensor interrogation, a standard DFB diode laser pumped with a sawtooth-wave current was used. A resolution of 6 x 10-4 was experimentally demonstrated using different liquids. A simple sensor construction and the use of low cost components make the reported system interesting for many applications.

Characteristics of several NIR tuneable diode lasers for spectroscopic based gas sensing: a comparison.

PubMed

Weldon, Vincent; McInerney, David; Phelan, Richard; Lynch, Michael; Donegan, John

2006-04-01

Tuneable laser diodes were characterized and compared for use as tuneable sources in gas absorption spectroscopy. Specifically, the characteristics of monolithic widely tuneable single frequency lasers, such as sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector laser and modulated grating Y-branch laser diodes, recently developed for optical communications, with operating wavelengths in the 1,520 nm

A single-frequency double-pulse Ho:YLF laser for CO2-lidar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kucirek, P.; Meissner, A.; Eiselt, P.; Höfer, M.; Hoffmann, D.

2016-03-01

A single-frequency q-switched Ho:YLF laser oscillator with a bow-tie ring resonator, specifically designed for highspectral stability, is reported. It is pumped with a dedicated Tm:YLF laser at 1.9 μm. The ramp-and-fire method with a DFB-diode laser as a reference is employed for generating single-frequency emission at 2051 nm. The laser is tested with different operating modes, including cw-pumping at different pulse repetition frequencies and gain-switched pumping. The standard deviation of the emission wavelength of the laser pulses is measured with the heterodyne technique at the different operating modes. Its dependence on the single-pass gain in the crystal and on the cavity finesse is investigated. At specific operating points the spectral stability of the laser pulses is 1.5 MHz (rms over 10 s). Under gain-switched pumping with 20% duty cycle and 2 W of average pump power, stable single-frequency pulse pairs with a temporal separation of 580 μs are produced at a repetition rate of 50 Hz. The measured pulse energy is 2 mJ (<2 % rms error on the pulse energy over 10 s) and the measured pulse duration is approx. 20 ns for each of the two pulses in the burst.

Fiber optic evanescent field sensor for detection of explosives and CO2 dissolved in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orghici, R.; Willer, U.; Gierszewska, M.; Waldvogel, S. R.; Schade, W.

2008-02-01

A fiber optic approach for the determination of the carbon dioxide concentration in the gas or fluid phase during sequestration, as well as for the sensing of the explosive TNT is described. The sensor consists of a quartz glass multimode fiber with core diameter of 200 μm and is based on the evanescent field principle. Cladding and jacket of the fiber are removed in the sensing portion, therefore interaction between light within the fiber and the surrounding medium is possible. A single-mode distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode with an emission wavelength around λ= 1.57 μm and a frequency doubled passively Q-switched Cr4+:Nd3+:YAG microchip laser (λ= 1064 nm)are used as light sources. The experimental setup and the sensitivity of the evanescent field sensor are characterized.

Coordinate interferometric system for measuring the position of a sample with infrared telecom laser diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holá, Miroslava; Lazar, Josef; Čížek, Martin; Hucl, Václav; Řeřucha, Šimon; Číp, Ondřej

2016-11-01

We report on a design of an interferometric position measuring system for control of a sample stage in an e-beam writer with reproducibility of the position on nanometer level and resolution below nanometer. We introduced differential configuration of the interferometer where the position is measured with respect to a central reference point to eliminate deformations caused by thermal and pressure effects on the vacuum chamber. The reference is here the electron gun of the writer. The interferometer is designed to operate at infrared, telecommunication wavelength due to the risk of interference of stray light with sensitive photodetectors in the chamber. The laser source is here a narrow-linewidth DFB laser diode with electronics of our own design offering precision and stability of temperature and current, low-noise, protection from rf interference, and high-frequency modulation. Detection of the interferometric signal relies on a novel derivative technique utilizing hf frequency modulation and phase-sensitive detection.

Compact CH{sub 4} sensor system based on a continuous-wave, low power consumption, room temperature interband cascade laser

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dong, Lei, E-mail: donglei@sxu.edu.cn; State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006; Li, Chunguang

A tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy-based methane sensor, employing a dense-pattern multi-pass gas cell and a 3.3 μm, CW, DFB, room temperature interband cascade laser (ICL), is reported. The optical integration based on an advanced folded optical path design and an efficient ICL control system with appropriate electrical power management resulted in a CH{sub 4} sensor with a small footprint (32 × 20 × 17 cm{sup 3}) and low-power consumption (6 W). Polynomial and least-squares fit algorithms are employed to remove the baseline of the spectral scan and retrieve CH{sub 4} concentrations, respectively. An Allan-Werle deviation analysis shows that the measurement precision can reach 1.4 ppb for amore » 60 s averaging time. Continuous measurements covering a seven-day period were performed to demonstrate the stability and robustness of the reported CH{sub 4} sensor system.« less

Multi-species trace gas sensing with dual-wavelength QCLs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hundt, P. Morten; Tuzson, Béla; Aseev, Oleg; Liu, Chang; Scheidegger, Philipp; Looser, Herbert; Kapsalidis, Filippos; Shahmohammadi, Mehran; Faist, Jérôme; Emmenegger, Lukas

2018-06-01

Instrumentation for environmental monitoring of gaseous pollutants and greenhouse gases tends to be complex, expensive, and energy demanding, because every compound measured relies on a specific analytical technique. This work demonstrates an alternative approach based on mid-infrared laser absorption spectroscopy with dual-wavelength quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). The combination of two dual- and one single-DFB QCL yields high-precision measurements of CO (0.08 ppb), CO2 (100 ppb), NH3 (0.02 ppb), NO (0.4 ppb), NO2 (0.1 ppb), N2O (0.045 ppb), and O3 (0.11 ppb) simultaneously in a compact setup (45 × 45 cm2). The lasers are driven time-multiplexed in intermittent continuous wave mode with a repetition rate of 1 kHz. The individual spectra are real-time averaged (1 s) by an FPGA-based data acquisition system. The instrument was assessed for environmental monitoring and benchmarked with reference instrumentation to demonstrate its potential for compact multi-species trace gas sensing.

The use of mHealth to deliver tailored messages reduces reported energy and fat intake

PubMed Central

Ambeba, Erica J.; Ye, Lei; Sereika, Susan M.; Styn, Mindi A.; Acharya, Sushama D.; Sevick, Mary Ann; Ewing, Linda J.; Conroy, Molly B.; Glanz, Karen; Zheng, Yaguang; Goode, Rachel W.; Mattos, Meghan; Burke, Lora E.

2016-01-01

Background Evidence supports the role of feedback in reinforcing motivation for behavior change. Feedback that provides reinforcement has the potential to increase dietary self-monitoring and enhance attainment of recommended dietary intake. Objective To examine the impact of daily feedback (DFB) messages, delivered remotely, on changes in dietary intake. Methods A secondary analysis of the SMART trial, a single-center, 24-month randomized clinical trial of behavioral treatment for weight loss. Participants included 210 obese adults (mean body mass index=34.0 kg/m2) who were randomized to either a paper diary (PD), personal digital assistant (PDA), or PDA plus daily, tailored feedback messages (PDA+FB). To determine the role of daily tailored feedback in dietary intake, we compared the self-monitoring with daily feedback group (DFB, n=70) to the self-monitoring without daily feedback group (No-DFB, n=140). All participants received a standard behavioral intervention for weight loss. Self-reported changes in dietary intake were compared between the DFB and No-DFB groups and were measured at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Linear mixed modeling was used to examine percent changes in dietary intake from baseline. Results Compared to the No-DFB group, the DFB group achieved a larger reduction in energy (−22.8% vs. −14.0%, p=0.02) and saturated fat (−11.3% vs. −0.5%, p=0.03) intake, and a trend toward a greater decrease in total fat intake (−10.4% vs. −4.7%, p=0.09). There were significant improvements over time in carbohydrate intake and total fat intake for both groups (p’s<0.05). Conclusion Daily, tailored feedback messages, designed to target energy and fat intake and delivered remotely in real-time using mobile devices, may play an important role in the reduction of energy and fat intake. PMID:24434827

Development a low-cost carbon monoxide sensor using homemade CW-DFB QCL and board-level electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dang, Jingmin; Yu, Haiye; Zheng, Chuantao; Wang, Lijun; Sui, Yuanyuan; Wang, Yiding

2018-05-01

A mid-infrared sensor was demonstrated for the detection of carbon monoxide (CO) at trace level. In order to reduce cost, a homemade continuous-wave mode distributed feedback quantum cascade laser (CW-DFB QCL), a mini gas cell with 1.6-m optical length, and some self-development electronic modules were adopted as excitation source, absorption pool, and signal controlling and processing tool, respectively. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) and phase sensitive detection (PSD) techniques as well as wavelet filtering software algorithm were used to reduce the influence of light source fluctuation and system noise and to improve measurement precision and sensitivity. Under the selected P(11) absorption line located at 2099.083 cm-1, a limit of detection (LoD) of 26 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) at atmospheric pressure was achieved with a 1-s acquisition time. Allan deviation was used to characterize the long-term performance of the CO sensor, and a measurement precision of ∼3.4 ppbv was observed with an optimal integration time of ∼114 s. As a field measurement, a continuous monitoring on indoor CO concentration for a period of 24 h was conducted, which verified the reliable and robust operation of the developed sensor.

A single-frequency Ho:YLF pulsed laser with frequency stability better than 500 kHz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kucirek, P.; Meissner, A.; Nyga, S.; Mertin, J.; Höfer, M.; Hoffmann, H.-D.

2017-03-01

The spectral stability of a previously reported Ho:YLF single frequency pulsed laser oscillator emitting at 2051 nm is drastically improved by utilizing a narrow linewidth Optically Pumped Semiconductor Laser (OPSL) as a seed for the oscillator. The oscillator is pumped by a dedicated gain-switched Tm:YLF laser at 1890 nm. The ramp-and-fire method is employed for generating single frequency emission. The heterodyne technique is used to analyze the spectral properties. The laser is designed to meet a part of the specifications for future airborne or space borne LIDAR detection of CO2. Seeding with a DFB diode and with an OPSL are compared. With OPSL seeding an Allan deviation of the centroid of the spectral distribution of 38 kHz and 517 kHz over 10 seconds and 60 milliseconds of sampling time for single pulses is achieved. The spectral width is approximately 30 MHz. The oscillator emits 2 mJ pulse energy with 50 Hz pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and 20 ns pulse duration. The optical to optical efficiency of the Ho:YLF oscillator is 10 % and the beam quality is diffraction limited. To our knowledge this is the best spectral stability demonstrated to date for a Ho:YLF laser with millijoule pulse energy and nanosecond pulse duration.

Laser-based sensor for a coolant leak detection in a nuclear reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, T.-S.; Park, H.; Ko, K.; Lim, G.; Cha, Y.-H.; Han, J.; Jeong, D.-Y.

2010-08-01

Currently, the nuclear industry needs strongly a reliable detection system to continuously monitor a coolant leak during a normal operation of reactors for the ensurance of nuclear safety. In this work, we propose a new device for the coolant leak detection based on tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TDLS) by using a compact diode laser. For the feasibility experiment, we established an experimental setup consisted of a near-IR diode laser with a wavelength of about 1392 nm, a home-made multi-pass cell and a sample injection system. The feasibility test was performed for the detection of the heavy water (D2O) leaks which can happen in a pressurized heavy water reactor (PWHR). As a result, the device based on the TDLS is shown to be operated successfully in detecting a HDO molecule, which is generated from the leaked heavy water by an isotope exchange reaction between D2O and H2O. Additionally, it is suggested that the performance of the new device, such as sensitivity and stability, can be improved by adapting a cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy and a compact DFB diode laser. We presume that this laser-based leak detector has several advantages over the conventional techniques currently employed in the nuclear power plant, such as radiation monitoring, humidity monitoring and FT-IR spectroscopy.

Thermal investigation on high power dfb broad area lasers at 975 nm, with 60% efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mostallino, R.; Garcia, M.; Deshayes, Y.; Larrue, A.; Robert, Y.; Vinet, E.; Bechou, L.; Lecomte, M.; Parillaud, O.; Krakowski, M.

2016-03-01

The demand of high power diode lasers in the range of 910-980nm is regularly growing. This kind of device for many applications, such as fiber laser pumping [1], material processing [1], solid-state laser pumping [1], defense and medical/dental. The key role of this device lies in the efficiency (𝜂𝐸) of converting input electrical power into output optical power. The high value of 𝜂𝐸 allows high power level and reduces the need in heat dissipation. The requirement of wavelength stabilization with temperature is more obvious in the case of multimode 975nm diode lasers used for pumping Yb, Er and Yb/Er co-doped solid-state lasers, due to the narrow absorption line close to this wavelength. Such spectral width property (<1 nm), combined with wavelength thermal stabilization (0.07 𝑛𝑚 • °𝐶-1), provided by a uniform distributed feedback grating (DFB) introduced by etching and re-growth process techniques, is achievable in high power diode lasers using optical feedback. This paper reports on the development of the diode laser structure and the process techniques required to write the gratings taking into account of the thermal dissipation and optical performances. Performances are particularly determined in terms of experimental electro-optical characterizations. One of the main objectives is to determine the thermal resistance of the complete assembly to ensure the mastering of the diode laser temperature for operating condition. The classical approach to determine junction temperature is based on the infrared thermal camera, the spectral measurement and the pulse electrical method. In our case, we base our measurement on the spectral measurement but this approach is not well adapted to the high power diodes laser studied. We develop a new measurement based on the pulse electrical method and using the T3STERequipment. This method is well known for electronic devices and LEDs but is weakly developed for the high power diodes laser. This crucial measurement compared to spectral one is critical for understand the thermal management of diode laser device and improve the structure based on design for reliability. To have a perfect relation between structure, and their modification, and temperature, FEM simulations are performed using COMSOL software. In this case, we can understand the impact of structure on the isothermal distribution and then reveal the sensitive zones in the diode laser. To validate the simulation, we compare the simulation results to the experimental one and develop an analytical model to determine the different contributions of the thermal heating. This paper reports on the development laser structure and the process techniques required to write the gratings. Performances are particularly characterized in terms of experimental electro-optical characterization and spectral response. The extraction of thermal resistance (Rth) is particularly difficult, because of the implicit low value (Rth ≈ 2𝐾/𝑊) and the multimodal nature of the diode laser. In such a context, thermal resistance has been measured using a dedicated equipment namely T3STER©. The results have been compared with those given by the well-known technique achieved from the spectrum of the diode laser (central wavelength variations vs temperature) that is more difficult to apply for multimodal diodes laser. The last section deals with thermal simulations based on finite elements method (FEM) modeling in order to estimate junction temperature . This study represent a significant part of the general Design for Reliability (DfR) effort carried out on such devices to produce efficient and reliable high power devices at the industrial level.

Improving Reliability of High Power Quasi-CW Laser Diode Arrays for Pumping Solid State Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amzajerdian, Farzin; Meadows, Byron L.; Baker, Nathaniel R.; Barnes, Bruce W.; Baggott, Renee S.; Lockard, George E.; Singh, Upendra N.; Kavaya, Michael J.

2005-01-01

Most Lidar applications rely on moderate to high power solid state lasers to generate the required transmitted pulses. However, the reliability of solid state lasers, which can operate autonomously over long periods, is constrained by their laser diode pump arrays. Thermal cycling of the active regions is considered the primary reason for rapid degradation of the quasi-CW high power laser diode arrays, and the excessive temperature rise is the leading suspect in premature failure. The thermal issues of laser diode arrays are even more drastic for 2-micron solid state lasers which require considerably longer pump pulses compared to the more commonly used pump arrays for 1-micron lasers. This paper describes several advanced packaging techniques being employed for more efficient heat removal from the active regions of the laser diode bars. Experimental results for several high power laser diode array devices will be reported and their performance when operated at long pulsewidths of about 1msec will be described.

Terahertz transmission properties of silicon wafers using continuous-wave terahertz spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Chihoon; Ahn, Jae Sung; Ji, Taeksoo; Eom, Joo Beom

2017-04-01

We present the spectral properties of Si wafers using continuous-wave terahertz (CW-THz) spectroscopy. By using a tunable laser source and a fixed distributed-feedback laser diode (DFB-LD), a stably tunable beat source for CW-THz spectroscopy system can be implemented. THz radiation is generated in the frequency range of 100 GHz-800 GHz by photomixing in a photoconductive antenna. We also measured CW-THz waveforms by changing the beat frequency and confirmed repeatability through repeated measurement. We calculated the peaks of the THz frequency by taking fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) of measured THz waveforms. The feasibility of CW-THz spectroscopy is demonstrated by the THz spectra of Si wafers with different resistivities, mobilities, and carrier concentrations. The results show that Si wafers with a lower resistivity absorb more THz waves. Thus, we expect our CW-THz system to have the advantage of being able to perform fast non-destructive analysis.

Dual quantum cascade laser-based sensor for simultaneous NO and NO2 detection using a wavelength modulation-division multiplexing technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yajun; Sanchez, Nancy P.; Yi, Fan; Zheng, Chuantao; Ye, Weilin; Wu, Hongpeng; Griffin, Robert J.; Tittel, Frank K.

2017-05-01

A sensor system capable of simultaneous measurements of NO and NO2 was developed using a wavelength modulation-division multiplexing (WMDM) scheme and multi-pass absorption spectroscopy. A continuous wave (CW), distributed-feedback (DFB) quantum cascade laser (QCL) and a CW external-cavity (EC) QCL were employed for targeting a NO absorption doublet at 1900.075 cm-1 and a NO2 absorption line at 1630.33 cm-1, respectively. Simultaneous detection was realized by modulating both QCLs independently at different frequencies and demodulating the detector signals with LabView-programmed lock-in amplifiers. The sensor operated at a reduced pressure of 40 Torr and a data sampling rate of 1 Hz. An Allan-Werle deviation analysis indicated that the minimum detection limits of NO and NO2 can reach sub-ppbv concentration levels with averaging times of 100 and 200 s, respectively.

Qualification of Laser Diode Arrays for Mercury Laser Altimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephen, Mark; Vasilyev, Aleksey; Schafer, John; Allan, Graham R.

2004-01-01

NASA's requirements for high reliability, high performance satellite laser instruments have driven the investigation of many critical components; specifically, 808 nm laser diode array (LDA) pump devices. Performance of Quasi-CW, High-power, laser diode arrays under extended use is presented. We report the optical power over several hundred million pulse operation and the effect of power cycling and temperature cycling of the laser diode arrays. Data on the initial characterization of the devices is also presented.

Numerical study of the properties of optical vortex array laser tweezers.

PubMed

Kuo, Chun-Fu; Chu, Shu-Chun

2013-11-04

Chu et al. constructed a kind of Ince-Gaussian modes (IGM)-based vortex array laser beams consisting of p x p embedded optical vortexes from Ince-Gaussian modes, IG(e)(p,p) modes [Opt. Express 16, 19934 (2008)]. Such an IGM-based vortex array laser beams maintains its vortex array profile during both propagation and focusing, and is applicable to optical tweezers. This study uses the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method to study the properties of the IGM-based vortex array laser tweezers while it traps dielectric particles. This study calculates the resultant force exerted on the spherical dielectric particles of different sizes situated at the IGM-based vortex array laser beam waist. Numerical results show that the number of trapping spots of a structure light (i.e. IGM-based vortex laser beam), is depended on the relation between the trapped particle size and the structure light beam size. While the trapped particle is small comparing to the beam size of the IGM-based vortex array laser beams, the IGM-based vortex array laser beams tweezers are suitable for multiple traps. Conversely, the tweezers is suitable for single traps. The results of this study is useful to the future development of the vortex array laser tweezers applications.

Integrated injection-locked semiconductor diode laser

DOEpatents

Hadley, G. Ronald; Hohimer, John P.; Owyoung, Adelbert

1991-01-01

A continuous wave integrated injection-locked high-power diode laser array is provided with an on-chip independently-controlled master laser. The integrated injection locked high-power diode laser array is capable of continuous wave lasing in a single near-diffraction limited output beam at single-facet power levels up to 125 mW (250 mW total). Electronic steering of the array emission over an angle of 0.5 degrees is obtained by varying current to the master laser. The master laser injects a laser beam into the slave array by reflection of a rear facet.

Phase and Frequency Control of Laser Arrays for Pulse Synthesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-02

with the laser array to understand the phase noise of elements on a common heat sink, and the relationship between linewidth and feedback speed...spatial brightness operation of a phase-locked stripe -array diode laser,” Laser Phys. 22, 160 (2012). [2] J. R. Leger, “Lateral mode control of an AlGaAs...Jechow, D. Skoczowsky, and R. Menzel, “Multi-wavelength, high spatial brightness operation of a phase-locked stripe -array diode laser,” Laser Phys. 22

Single-element optical injection locking of diode-laser arrays

DOEpatents

Hadley, G. Ronald; Hohimer, John P.; Owyoung, Adelbert

1988-01-01

By optically injecting a single end-element of a semiconductor laser array, both the spatial and spectral emission characteristics of the entire laser array is controlled. With the output of the array locked, the far-field emission angle of the array is continuously scanned over several degrees by varying the injection frequency.

Calibration-free sensor for pressure and H2O concentration in headspace of sterile vial using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Cai, Tingdong; Gao, Guangzhen; Liu, Ying

2013-11-10

Tunable diode laser absorption measurements of pressure and H2O concentration in the headspace of vials using a distributed-feedback (DFB) diode laser near 1.4 μm are reported. A H2O line located near 7161.41 cm(-1) is selected based on its strong absorption strength and isolation from interference of neighboring transitions. Direct absorption spectra of H2O are obtained for the measurement path as well as the reference path by scanning the laser wavelength. The pressure and H2O vapor concentration in the headspace of a vial are inferred from a differential absorption signal, which is the difference between the measured and the referenced absorbance spectra. This sensor is calibration-free and no purge gas is needed. The demonstrated capability would enable measurements of pressure and H2O concentration in the headspace of vials within 2.21% and 2.86%, respectively. A precision of 1.02 Torr and 390 ppm is found for the pressure and H2O concentration, respectively. A set of measurements for commercial freeze-dried products are also performed to illustrate the usefulness of this sensor.

Integrated injection-locked semiconductor diode laser

DOEpatents

Hadley, G.R.; Hohimer, J.P.; Owyoung, A.

1991-02-19

A continuous wave integrated injection-locked high-power diode laser array is provided with an on-chip independently-controlled master laser. The integrated injection locked high-power diode laser array is capable of continuous wave lasing in a single near-diffraction limited output beam at single-facet power levels up to 125 mW (250 mW total). Electronic steering of the array emission over an angle of 0.5 degrees is obtained by varying current to the master laser. The master laser injects a laser beam into the slave array by reflection of a rear facet. 18 figures.

Developments of high frequency and intensity stabilized lasers for space gravitational wave detector DECIGO/B-DECIGO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suemasa, Aru; Shimo-oku, Ayumi; Nakagawa, Ken'ichi; Musha, Mitsuru

2017-12-01

In Japan, not only the ground-based gravitational wave (GW) detector mission KAGRA but also the space GW detector mission DECIGO (DECi-hertz Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory) and its milestone mission B-DECIGO have been promoted. The designed strain sensitivity of DECIGO and B-DECIGO are δL/ L < 10-23. Since the GW detector requires high power and highly-stable light source, we have developed the light source with high frequency and intensity stability for DECIGO and B-DECIGO. The frequency of the Yb-doped fiber DFB lasers are stabilized to the iodine saturated absorption at 515 nm, and the intensity of the laser at 1 Hz (observation band) is stabilized by controlling the pump source of an Yb-doped fiber amplifier. The intensity of the laser at 200 kHz (modulation band) is also stabilized using an acousto-optic modulator to improve the frequency stability of the laser. In the consequences, we obtain the frequency stability of δf = 0.4 Hz/√Hz (in-loop) at 1 Hz, and the intensity stability of δI/ I = 1.2 × 10-7/√Hz (out-of-loop) and δI/I = 1.5 × 10-7/√Hz (in-loop) at 1 Hz and 200 kHz, respectively.

Sub-nanosecond periodically poled lithium niobate optical parametric generator and amplifier pumped by an actively Q-switched diode-pumped Nd:YAG microlaser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, L.; Wang, H. Y.; Ning, Y.; Shen, C.; Si, L.; Yang, Y.; Bao, Q. L.; Ren, G.

2017-05-01

A sub-nanosecond seeded optical parametric generator (OPG) based on magnesium oxide-doped periodically poled lithium niobate (MgO:PPLN) crystal is presented. Pumped by an actively Q-switched diode-pumped 1 kHz, 1064 nm, Nd:YAG microlaser and seeded with a low power distributed feedback (DFB) diode continuous-wave (CW) laser, the OPG generated an output energy of 41.4 µJ and 681 ps pulse duration for the signal at 1652.4 nm, achieving a quantum conversion efficiency of 61.2% and a slope efficiency of 41.8%. Signal tuning was achieved from 1651.0 to 1652.4 nm by tuning the seed-laser current. The FWHM of the signal spectrum was approximately from 35 nm to 0.5 nm by injection seed laser. The SHG doubled the frequency of OPG signal to produce a output energy of 12 µJ with the energy conversion efficiency of 29.0% and tunanble wavelength near 826 nm.

Ppbv-Level Ethane Detection Using Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy with a Continuous-Wave, Room Temperature Interband Cascade Laser

PubMed Central

Li, Chunguang; Dong, Lei; Zheng, Chuantao; Lin, Jun; Wang, Yiding

2018-01-01

A ppbv-level quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS)-based ethane (C2H6) sensor was demonstrated by using a 3.3 μm continuous-wave (CW), distributed feedback (DFB) interband cascade laser (ICL). The ICL was employed for targeting a strong C2H6 absorption line located at 2996.88 cm−1 in its fundamental absorption band. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) combined with the second harmonic (2f) detection technique was utilized to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and simplify data acquisition and processing. Gas pressure and laser frequency modulation depth were optimized to be 100 Torr and 0.106 cm−1, respectively, for maximizing the 2f signal amplitude. Performance of the QEPAS sensor was evaluated using specially prepared C2H6 samples. A detection limit of 11 parts per billion in volume (ppbv) was obtained with a 1-s integration time based on an Allan-Werle variance analysis, and the detection precision can be further improved to ~1.5 ppbv by increasing the integration time up to 230 s. PMID:29495610

Effective line intensity measurements of trans-nitrous acid (HONO) of the ν1 band near 3600 cm-1 using laser difference-frequency spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maamary, Rabih; Fertein, Eric; Fourmentin, Marc; Dewaele, Dorothée; Cazier, Fabrice; Chen, Changshui; Chen, Weidong

2017-07-01

We report on the measurements of the effective line intensities of the ν1 fundamental band of trans-nitrous acid (trans-HONO) in the infrared near 3600 cm-1 (2.78 μm). A home-made widely tunable laser spectrometer based on difference-frequency generation (DFG) was used for this study. The strengths of 28 well-resolved absorption lines of the ν1 band were determined by scaling their absorption intensities to the well referenced absorption line intensity of the ν3 band of trans-HONO around 1250 cm-1 recorded simultaneously with the help of a DFB quantum cascade laser (QCL) spectrometer. The maximum measurement uncertainty of 12% in the line intensities is mainly determined by the uncertainty announced in the referenced line intensities, while the measurement precision in frequency positions of the absorption lines is better than 6×10-4 cm-1. The cross-measurement carried out in the present work allows one to perform intensity calibration using well referenced line parameters.

Characterization of High-power Quasi-cw Laser Diode Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephen, Mark A.; Vasilyev, Aleksey; Troupaki, Elisavet; Allan, Graham R.; Kashem, Nasir B.

2005-01-01

NASA s requirements for high reliability, high performance satellite laser instruments have driven the investigation of many critical components; specifically, 808 nm laser diode array (LDA) pump devices. Performance and comprehensive characterization data of Quasi-CW, High-power, laser diode arrays is presented.

Optical frequency stabilization in infrared region using improved dual feed-back loop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ružička, B.; Číp, O.; Lazar, J.

2007-03-01

Modern technologies such as DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex) need precise stability of laser frequencies. According to this fact, requirements of new etalons of optical frequencies in the telecommunication band is rapidly growing. Lasers working in near infrared telecommunication band (1500-1600 nm) can be stabilized to 12C IIH II or 13C IIH II (acetylene) gas absorption lines. The acetylene gas absorption has been widely studied and accepted by international bodies of standardization as a primary wavelength reference in the near infrared band around 1550 nm. Our aim was to design and develop a compact fibre optics laser system generating coherent light in near-IR band with high frequency stability (at least 1.10 -8). This system should become a base for realization of a primary frequency standard for optical communications in the Czech Republic. Such an etalon will be needed for calibration of wavelengthmeters and spectral analysers for DWDM communication systems. We are co-operating with CMI (Czech Metrology Institute) on this project. We present stabilized laser system based on a single frequency DFB (Distributed Feedback) laser diode with a narrow spectral profile. The laser is pre-stabilized by means of the FM-spectroscopy on a passive resonator. Thanks to a fast feed-back loop we are able to improve spectral characteristics of the laser. The laser frequency is locked by a relatively slow second feed-back loop on an absorption line of acetylene vapour which is sealed in a cell under the optimised pressure.

Non-Hermitian engineering of single mode two dimensional laser arrays

PubMed Central

Teimourpour, Mohammad H.; Ge, Li; Christodoulides, Demetrios N.; El-Ganainy, Ramy

2016-01-01

A new scheme for building two dimensional laser arrays that operate in the single supermode regime is proposed. This is done by introducing an optical coupling between the laser array and lossy pseudo-isospectral chains of photonic resonators. The spectrum of this discrete reservoir is tailored to suppress all the supermodes of the main array except the fundamental one. This spectral engineering is facilitated by employing the Householder transformation in conjunction with discrete supersymmetry. The proposed scheme is general and can in principle be used in different platforms such as VCSEL arrays and photonic crystal laser arrays. PMID:27698355

Matrix addressable vertical cavity surface emitting laser array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orenstein, M.; von Lehmen, A. C.; Chang-Hasnain, C.; Stoffel, N. G.; Harbison, J. P.

1991-02-01

The design, fabrication and characterization of 1024-element matrix-addressable vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays are described. A strained InGaAs quantum-well VCSEL structure was grown by MBE, and an array of 32 x 32 lasers was defined using a proton implantation process. A matrix addressing architecture was employed, which enables the individual addressing of each of the 1024 lasers using only 64 electrical contacts. All the lasers in the array, measured after the laser definition step, were operating with fairly homogeneous characteristics; threshold current of 6.8 mA and output quantum differential efficiency of about 8 percent.

Quantum Cascade Laser Tuning by Digital Micromirror Array-controlled External Cavity

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

P. Vujkovic-Cvijin, B. Gregor, A. C. Samuels, E. S. Roese, Quantum cascade laser tuning by digital micromirror array-controlled external cavity...REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2014 to 00-00-2014 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Quantum cascade laser tuning by digital micromirror array-controlled...dimensional digital micromirror array (DMA) is described. The laser is tuned by modulating the reflectivity of DMA micromirror pixels under computer

Thin planar package for cooling an array of edge-emitting laser diodes

DOEpatents

Mundinger, David C.; Benett, William J.

1992-01-01

A laser diode array is disclosed that includes a plurality of planar assemblies and active cooling of each assembly. The laser diode array may be operated in a long duty cycle, or in continuous operation. A laser diode bar and a microchannel heat sink are thermally coupled in a compact, thin planar assembly having the laser diode bar located proximate to one edge. In an array, a number of such thin planar assemblies are secured together in a stacked configuration, in close proximity so that the laser diodes are spaced closely. The cooling means includes a microchannel heat sink proximate to the laser diode bar to absorb heat generated by laser operation. To provide the coolant to the microchannels, each thin planar assembly comprises passageways that connect the microchannels to inlet and outlet corridors. Each inlet passageway may comprise a narrow slot that directs coolant into the microchannels and increases the velocity of flow therethrough. The corridors comprises holes extending through each of the assemblies in the array. The inlet and outlet corridors are connected to a conventional coolant circulation system. The laser diode array with active cooling has applications as an optical pump for high power solid state lasers, or by mating the diodes with fiber optic lenses. Further, the arrays can be useful in applications having space constraints and energy limitations, and in military and space applications. The arrays can be incorporated in equipment such as communications devices and active sensors.

Imaging System With Confocally Self-Detecting Laser.

DOEpatents

Webb, Robert H.; Rogomentich, Fran J.

1996-10-08

The invention relates to a confocal laser imaging system and method. The system includes a laser source, a beam splitter, focusing elements, and a photosensitive detector. The laser source projects a laser beam along a first optical path at an object to be imaged, and modulates the intensity of the projected laser beam in response to light reflected from the object. A beam splitter directs a portion of the projected laser beam onto a photodetector. The photodetector monitors the intensity of laser output. The laser source can be an electrically scannable array, with a lens or objective assembly for focusing light generated by the array onto the object of interest. As the array is energized, its laser beams scan over the object, and light reflected at each point is returned by the lens to the element of the array from which it originated. A single photosensitive detector element can generate an intensity-representative signal for all lasers of the array. The intensity-representative signal from the photosensitive detector can be processed to provide an image of the object of interest.

Modular package for cooling a laser diode array

DOEpatents

Mundinger, David C.; Benett, William J.; Beach, Raymond J.

1992-01-01

A laser diode array is disclosed that includes a plurality of planar packages and active cooling. The laser diode array may be operated in a long duty cycle, or in continuous operation. A laser diode bar and a microchannel heat sink are thermally coupled in a compact, thin planar package having the laser diode bar located proximate to one edge. In an array, a number of such thin planar packages are secured together in a stacked configuration, in close proximity so that the laser diodes are spaced closely. The cooling means includes a microchannel heat sink that is attached proximate to the laser bar so that it absorbs heat generated by laser operation. To provide the coolant to the microchannels, each thin planar package comprises a thin inlet manifold and a thin outlet manifold connected to an inlet corridor and an outlet corridor. The inlet corridor comprises a hole extending through each of the packages in the array, and the outlet corridor comprises a hole extending through each of the packages in the array. The inlet and outlet corridors are connected to a conventional coolant circulation system. The laser diode array with active cooling has application as an optical pump for high power solid state lasers. Further, it can be incorporated in equipment such as communications devices and active sensors, and in military and space applications, and it can be useful in applications having space constraints and energy limitations.

Reliability of High Power Laser Diode Arrays Operating in Long Pulse Mode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amzajerdian, Farzin; Meadows, Byron L.; Barnes, Bruce W.; Lockard, George E.; Singh, Upendra N.; Kavaya, Michael J.; Baker, Nathaniel R.

2006-01-01

Reliability and lifetime of quasi-CW laser diode arrays are greatly influenced by their thermal characteristics. This paper examines the thermal properties of laser diode arrays operating in long pulse duration regime.

V-shaped resonators for addition of broad-area laser diode arrays

DOEpatents

Liu, Bo; Liu, Yun; Braiman, Yehuda Y.

2012-12-25

A system and method for addition of broad-area semiconductor laser diode arrays are described. The system can include an array of laser diodes, a V-shaped external cavity, and grating systems to provide feedback for phase-locking of the laser diode array. A V-shaped mirror used to couple the laser diode emissions along two optical paths can be a V-shaped prism mirror, a V-shaped stepped mirror or include multiple V-shaped micro-mirrors. The V-shaped external cavity can be a ring cavity. The system can include an external injection laser to further improve coherence and phase-locking.

What's in your Douglas-fir bark?

Treesearch

M. Gabriela Buamscha; James E. Altland

2008-01-01

Douglas-fir bark is a common waste product of forest industry, and has potential use as a substrate in container nurseries. Douglas-fir bark (DFB) is strongly acidic and contains amounts of phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper and manganese within or above the levels recommended for growing container crops. As the pH of DFB decreases, electrical conductivity and amounts...

High density pixel array and laser micro-milling method for fabricating array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McFall, James Earl (Inventor); Wiener-Avnear, Eliezer (Inventor)

2003-01-01

A pixel array device is fabricated by a laser micro-milling method under strict process control conditions. The device has an array of pixels bonded together with an adhesive filling the grooves between adjacent pixels. The array is fabricated by moving a substrate relative to a laser beam of predetermined intensity at a controlled, constant velocity along a predetermined path defining a set of grooves between adjacent pixels so that a predetermined laser flux per unit area is applied to the material, and repeating the movement for a plurality of passes of the laser beam until the grooves are ablated to a desired depth. The substrate is of an ultrasonic transducer material in one example for fabrication of a 2D ultrasonic phase array transducer. A substrate of phosphor material is used to fabricate an X-ray focal plane array detector.

Range Resolved CO2 Atmospheric Backscattering Measurements Using Fiber Lasers and RZPN Code Modulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burris, John

2011-01-01

We report the use of a return-to- zero (RZPN) pseudo noise modulation technique for making range resolved measurements of CO2 within the planetary boundary layer (PBL) using commercial, off-the-shelf, components. Conventional, range resolved, DIAL measurements require laser pulse widths that are significantly shorter than the desired spatial resolution and necessitate using pulses whose temporal spacing is such that scattered returns from only a single pulse are observed by the receiver at any one time (for the PBL pulse separations must be greater than approximately 20 microseconds). This imposes significant operational limitations when using currently available fiber lasers because of the resulting low duty cycle (less than approximately 0.0005) and consequent low average laser output power. The RZPN modulation technique enables a fiber laser to operate at much higher duty cycles (approaching 0.04) thereby more effectively utilizing the amplifier's output. This increases the counts received by approximately two orders of magnitude. Our approach involves employing two distributed feedback lasers (DFB), each modulated by a different RPZN code, whose outputs are then amplified by a CW fiber amplifier. One laser is tuned to a CO2 absorption line; the other operates offline thereby permitting the simultaneous acquisition of both on and offline signals using independent RZPN codes. This minimizes the impact of atmospheric turbulence on the measurement. The on and offline signals are retrieved by deconvolving the return signal using the appropriate kernels.

Near-IR laser frequency standard stabilized using FM-spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ružička, Bohdan; Číp, Ondřej; Lazar, Josef

2006-02-01

At the present time fiber-optics and optical communication are in rapid progress. Modern technologies such as DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex) need precise stability of laser frequencies. According to this fact, requirements of new etalons of optical frequencies in the telecommunication band is rapidly growing. Lasers working in near infrared telecommunication band (1500-1600 nm) can be stabilized to 12C IIH II or 13C IIH II (acetylene) gas absorption lines. The acetylene gas absorption has been widely studied and accepted by international bodies of standardization as a primary wavelength reference in the near infrared band around 1550nm. Our aim was to design and develop a compact fibre optics laser system generating coherent light in near-JR band with high frequency stability (at least 1.10 -8). This system should become a base for realization of a primary frequency standard for optical communications in the Czech Republic. Such an etalon will be needed for calibration of wavelength-meters and spectral analysers for DWDM communication systems. We are co-operating with CMI (Czech Metrology Institute) on this project. We present stabilized laser system based on a single frequency DFB (Distributed Feedback) laser diode with a narrow spectral profile. The laser is pre-stabilized by means of the FM-spectroscopy on a passive resonator. Thanks to a fast feed-back loop we are able to improve spectral characteristics of the laser. The laser frequency is locked by a relatively slow second feed-back loop on an absorption line of acetylene vapour which is sealed in a cell under the optimised pressure.

Advancement of High Power Quasi-CW Laser Diode Arrays For Space-based Laser Instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amzajerdian, Farzin; Meadows, Byron L.; Baker, nathaniel R.; Baggott, Renee S.; Singh, Upendra N.; Kavaya, Michael J.

2004-01-01

Space-based laser and lidar instruments play an important role in NASA s plans for meeting its objectives in both Earth Science and Space Exploration areas. Almost all the lidar instrument concepts being considered by NASA scientist utilize moderate to high power diode-pumped solid state lasers as their transmitter source. Perhaps the most critical component of any solid state laser system is its pump laser diode array which essentially dictates instrument efficiency, reliability and lifetime. For this reason, premature failures and rapid degradation of high power laser diode arrays that have been experienced by laser system designers are of major concern to NASA. This work addresses these reliability and lifetime issues by attempting to eliminate the causes of failures and developing methods for screening laser diode arrays and qualifying them for operation in space.

Ruggedized microchannel-cooled laser diode array with self-aligned microlens

DOEpatents

Freitas, Barry L.; Skidmore, Jay A.

2003-11-11

A microchannel-cooled, optically corrected, laser diode array is fabricated by mounting laser diode bars onto Si surfaces. This approach allows for the highest thermal impedance, in a ruggedized, low-cost assembly that includes passive microlens attachment without the need for lens frames. The microlensed laser diode array is usable in all solid-state laser systems that require efficient, directional, narrow bandwidth, high optical power density pump sources.

A new three-dimensional nonscanning laser imaging system based on the illumination pattern of a point-light-source array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Wenze; Ma, Yayun; Han, Shaokun; Wang, Yulin; Liu, Fei; Zhai, Yu

2018-06-01

One of the most important goals of research on three-dimensional nonscanning laser imaging systems is the improvement of the illumination system. In this paper, a new three-dimensional nonscanning laser imaging system based on the illumination pattern of a point-light-source array is proposed. This array is obtained using a fiber array connected to a laser array with each unit laser having independent control circuits. This system uses a point-to-point imaging process, which is realized using the exact corresponding optical relationship between the point-light-source array and a linear-mode avalanche photodiode array detector. The complete working process of this system is explained in detail, and the mathematical model of this system containing four equations is established. A simulated contrast experiment and two real contrast experiments which use the simplified setup without a laser array are performed. The final results demonstrate that unlike a conventional three-dimensional nonscanning laser imaging system, the proposed system meets all the requirements of an eligible illumination system. Finally, the imaging performance of this system is analyzed under defocusing situations, and analytical results show that the system has good defocusing robustness and can be easily adjusted in real applications.

Compact intra-cavity frequency doubled line beam green laser by a laser diode array pumped

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Boxia; Qi, Yan; Wang, Yanwei

2016-10-01

Compact, high power, and low-cost green laser light sources are needed in projection-related applications such as digital cinema, rear-projection television, simulators, and command and control stations. We report a LD array directly pumped intracavity SHG Nd:YVO4/PPMgLN laser without lens or waveguide in this letter. A compact 3.12 W green laser was demonstrated by intra-cavity frequency doubled using a PPMgLN bulk crystal by a 19-emitter LD array pumped(single bar), the conversion efficiency from input LD array was 9.2%. A line-beam output suitable for laser projectors was generated, which has the potential to be scalable to small volumes and low costs for laser projection displays.

Formulation and acoustic studies of a new phase-shift agent for diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound.

PubMed

Sheeran, Paul S; Luois, Samantha; Dayton, Paul A; Matsunaga, Terry O

2011-09-06

Recent efforts in the area of acoustic droplet vaporization with the objective of designing extravascular ultrasound contrast agents has led to the development of stabilized, lipid-encapsulated nanodroplets of the highly volatile compound decafluorobutane (DFB). We developed two methods of generating DFB droplets, the first of which involves condensing DFB gas (boiling point from -1.1 to -2 °C) followed by extrusion with a lipid formulation in HEPES buffer. Acoustic droplet vaporization of micrometer-sized lipid-coated droplets at diagnostic ultrasound frequencies and mechanical indices were confirmed optically. In our second formulation methodology, we demonstrate the formulation of submicrometer-sized lipid-coated nanodroplets based upon condensation of preformed microbubbles containing DFB. The droplets are routinely in the 200-300 nm range and yield microbubbles on the order of 1-5 μm once vaporized, consistent with ideal gas law expansion predictions. The simple and effective nature of this methodology allows for the development of a variety of different formulations that can be used for imaging, drug and gene delivery, and therapy. This study is the first to our knowledge to demonstrate both a method of generating ADV agents by microbubble condensation and formulation of primarily submicrometer droplets of decafluorobutane that remain stable at physiological temperatures. Finally, activation of DFB nanodroplets is demonstrated using pressures within the FDA guidelines for diagnostic imaging, which may minimize the potential for bioeffects in humans. This methodology offers a new means of developing extravascular contrast agents for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. © 2011 American Chemical Society

The Impact of Selection with Diflubenzuron, a Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor, on the Fitness of Two Brazilian Aedes aegypti Field Populations.

PubMed

Belinato, Thiago Affonso; Valle, Denise

2015-01-01

Several Aedes aegypti field populations are resistant to neurotoxic insecticides, mainly organophoshates and pyrethroids, which are extensively used as larvicides and adulticides, respectively. Diflubenzuron (DFB), a chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI), was recently approved for use in drinking water, and is presently employed in Brazil for Ae. aegypti control, against populations resistant to the organophosphate temephos. However, tests of DFB efficacy against field Ae. aegypti populations are lacking. In addition, information regarding the dynamics of CSI resistance, and characterization of any potential fitness effects that may arise in conjunction with resistance are essential for new Ae. aegypti control strategies. Here, the efficacy of DFB was evaluated for two Brazilian Ae. aegypti populations known to be resistant to both temephos and the pyrethroid deltamethrin. Laboratory selection for DFB resistance was then performed over six or seven generations, using a fixed dose of insecticide that inhibited 80% of adult emergence in the first generation. The selection process was stopped when adult emergence in the diflubenzuron-treated groups was equivalent to that of the control groups, kept without insecticide. Diflubenzuron was effective against the two Ae. aegypti field populations evaluated, regardless of their resistance level to neurotoxic insecticides. However, only a few generations of DFB selection were sufficient to change the susceptible status of both populations to this compound. Several aspects of mosquito biology were affected in both selected populations, indicating that diflubenzuron resistance acquisition is associated with a fitness cost. We believe that these results can significantly contribute to the design of control strategies involving the use of insect growth regulators.

Demonstration of a rapidly-swept external cavity quantum cascade laser for atmospheric sensing applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brumfield, Brian E.; Taubman, Matthew S.; Phillips, Mark C.

2016-07-01

The application of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) in atmospheric science for trace detection of gases has been demonstrated using sensors in point or remote sensing configurations. Many of these systems utilize single narrowly-tunable (~10 cm-1) distributed feedback (DFB-) QCLs that limit simultaneous detection to a restricted number of small chemical species like H2O or N2O. The narrow wavelength range of DFB-QCLs precludes accurate quantification of large chemical species with broad rotationally-unresolved vibrational spectra, such as volatile organic compounds, that play an important role in the chemistry of the atmosphere. External-cavity (EC-) QCL systems are available that offer tuning ranges >100more » cm-1, making them excellent IR sources for measuring multiple small and large chemical species in the atmosphere. While the broad wavelength coverage afforded by an EC system enables measurements of large chemical species, most commercial systems can only be swept over their entire wavelength range at less than 10 Hz. This prohibits broadband simultaneous measurements of multiple chemicals in plumes from natural or industrial sources where turbulence and/or chemical reactivity are resulting in rapid changes in chemical composition on sub-1s timescales. At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory we have developed rapidly-swept EC-QCL technology that acquires broadband absorption spectra (~100 cm-1) on ms timescales. The spectral resolution of this system has enabled simultaneous measurement of narrow rotationally-resolved atmospherically-broadened lines from small chemical species, while offering the broad tuning range needed to measure broadband spectral features from multiple large chemical species. In this talk the application of this technology for open-path atmospheric measurements will be discussed based on results from laboratory measurements with simulated plumes of chemicals. The performance offered by the system for simultaneous detection of multiple chemical species will be presented.« less

Quantum cascade laser-based multipass absorption system for hydrogen peroxide detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yingchun; Sanchez, Nancy P.; Jiang, Wenzhe; Ren, Wei; Lewicki, Rafal; Jiang, Dongfang; Griffin, Robert J.; Tittel, Frank K.

2015-01-01

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a relevant molecular trace gas species, that is related to the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere, the production of radical species such as OH, the generation of sulfate aerosol via oxidation of S(IV) to S(VI), and the formation of acid rain. The detection of atmospheric H2O2 involves specific challenges due to its high reactivity and low concentration (ppbv to sub-ppbv level). Traditional methods for measuring atmospheric H2O2 concentration are often based on wet-chemistry methods that require a transfer from the gas- to liquid-phase for a subsequent determination by techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy, which can lead to problems such as sampling artifacts and interference by other atmospheric constituents. A quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy-based system for the measurement of atmospheric H2O2 with a detection limit of 75 ppb for 1-s integration time was previously reported. In this paper, an updated H2O2 detection system based on long-optical-path-length absorption spectroscopy by using a distributed feedback quantum cascade laser (DFB-QCL) will be described. A 7.73-μm CW-DFB-QCL and a thermoelectrically cooled infrared detector, optimized for a wavelength of 8 μm, are employed for theH2O2 sensor system. A commercial astigmatic Herriott multi-pass cell with an effective optical path-length of 76 m is utilized for the reported QCL multipass absorption system. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) with second harmonic detection is used for enhancing the signal-to-noise-ratio. A minimum detection limit of 13.4 ppb is achieved with a 2 s sampling time. Based on an Allan-Werle deviation analysis the minimum detection limit can be improved to 1.5 ppb when using an averaging time of 300 s.

Demonstration of a Rapidly-Swept External Cavity Quantum Cascade Laser for Atmospheric Sensing Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brumfield, Brian E.; Taubman, Matthew S.; Phillips, Mark C.; Suter, Jonathan D.

2016-06-01

The application of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) in atmospheric science for trace detection of gases has been demonstrated using sensors in point or remote sensing configurations. Many of these systems utilize single narrowly-tunable (˜10 wn) distributed feedback (DFB-) QCLs that limit simultaneous detection to a restricted number of small chemical species like H2O or N2O. The narrow wavelength range of DFB-QCLs precludes accurate quantification of large chemical species with broad rotationally-unresolved vibrational spectra, such as volatile organic compounds, that play an important role in the chemistry of the atmosphere. External-cavity (EC-) QCL systems are available that offer tuning ranges greater than 100 wn, making them excellent IR sources for measuring multiple small and large chemical species in the atmosphere. While the broad wavelength coverage afforded by an EC system enables measurements of large chemical species, most commercial systems can only be swept over their entire wavelength range at less than 10 Hz. This prohibits broadband simultaneous measurements of multiple chemicals in plumes from natural or industrial sources where turbulence and/or chemical reactivity are resulting in rapid changes in chemical composition on sub-1s timescales. At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory we have developed rapidly-swept EC-QCL technology that acquires broadband absorption spectra (˜100 wn) on ms timescales. The spectral resolution of this system has enabled simultaneous measurement of narrow rotationally-resolved atmospherically-broadened lines from small chemical species, while offering the broad tuning range needed to measure broadband spectral features from multiple large chemical species. In this talk the application of this technology for open-path atmospheric measurements will be discussed based on results from laboratory measurements with simulated plumes of chemicals. The performance offered by the system for simultaneous detection of multiple chemical species will be presented. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by the Battelle Memorial Institute under Contract No. DE-AC05-76RL01830.

Interface module for transverse energy input to dye laser modules

DOEpatents

English, R.E. Jr.; Johnson, S.A.

1994-10-11

An interface module for transverse energy input to dye laser modules is provided particularly for the purpose of delivering enhancing transverse energy beams in the form of illumination bar to the lasing zone of a dye laser device, in particular to a dye laser amplifier. The preferred interface module includes an optical fiber array having a plurality of optical fibers arrayed in a co-planar fashion with their distal ends receiving coherent laser energy from an enhancing laser source, and their proximal ends delivered into a relay structure. The proximal ends of the optical fibers are arrayed so as to be coplanar and to be aimed generally at a common point. The transverse energy beam array delivered from the optical fiber array is acted upon by an optical element array to produce an illumination bar which has a cross section in the form of a elongated rectangle at the position of the lasing window. The illumination bar is selected to have substantially uniform intensity throughout. 5 figs.

A coal mine multi-point fiber ethylene gas concentration sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Yubin; Chang, Jun; Lian, Jie; Liu, Tongyu

2015-03-01

Spontaneous combustion of the coal mine goaf is one of the main disasters in the coal mine. The detection technology based on symbolic gas is the main means to realize the spontaneous combustion prediction of the coal mine goaf, and ethylene gas is an important symbol gas of spontaneous combustion in the coal accelerated oxidation stage. In order to overcome the problem of current coal ethylene detection, the paper presents a mine optical fiber multi-point ethylene concentration sensor based on the tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy. Based on the experiments and analysis of the near-infrared spectrum of ethylene, the system employed the 1.62 μm (DFB) wavelength fiber coupled distributed feedback laser as the light source. By using the wavelength scanning technique and developing a stable fiber coupled Herriot type long path gas absorption cell, a ppm-level high sensitivity detecting system for the concentration of ethylene gas was realized, which could meet the needs of coal mine fire prevention goaf prediction.

Femtosecond-pulse inscription of fiber Bragg gratings with single or multiple phase-shifts in the structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, Alexey; Dostovalov, Alexandr; Skvortsov, Mikhail; Raspopin, Kirill; Parygin, Alexandr; Babin, Sergey

2018-05-01

In this work, long high-quality fiber Bragg gratings with phase shifts in the structure are inscribed directly in the optical fiber by point-by-point technique using femtosecond laser pulses. Phase shifts are introduced during the inscription process with a piezoelectric actuator, which rapidly shifts the fiber along the direction of its movement in a chosen point of the grating with a chosen shift value. As examples, single and double π phase shifts are introduced in fiber Bragg gratings with a length up to 34 mm in passive fibers, which provide corresponding transmission peaks with bandwidth less than 1 pm. It is shown that 37 mm π -phase-shifted grating inscribed in an active Er-doped fiber forms high-quality DFB laser cavity generating single-frequency radiation at 1550 nm with bandwidth of 20 kHz and signal-to-noise ratio of >70 dB. The inscription technique has a high degree of performance and flexibility and can be easily implemented in fibers of various types.

Phase-locked, high power, mid-infrared quantum cascade laser arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, W.; Slivken, S.; Razeghi, M.

2018-04-01

We demonstrate phase-locked, high power quantum cascade laser arrays, which are combined using a monolithic, tree array multimode interferometer, with emission wavelengths around 4.8 μm. A maximum output power of 15 W was achieved from an eight-element laser array, which has only a slightly higher threshold current density and a similar slope efficiency compared to a Fabry-Perot laser of the same length. Calculated multimode interferometer splitting loss is on the order of 0.27 dB for the in-phase supermode. In-phase supermode operation with nearly ideal behavior is demonstrated over the working current range of the array.

A ten-element array of individually addressable channeled-substrate-planar AlGaAs diode lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carlin, D. B.; Goldstein, B.; Bednarz, J. P.; Harvey, M. G.; Dinkel, N. A.

1987-01-01

The fabrication of arrays of channeled-substrate-planar (CSP) AlGaAs diode lasers which emit up to 150 mW CW in a single spatial mode and are applicable to mulitchannel optical recording systems is described. The CSP diode lasers are incorporated in ten-array geometry, and each array is 1.95 nm in width and 100 microns in thickness and is cleaved to have a cavity length of 200 microns and coated to produce 90-percent reflectivity on the back facet and 10-percent reflectivity on the front facet. The array is attached to a thermoelectrically cooled submount. The optical output power versus input current characteristics for the array are evaluated, and the lateral far-field intensity profiles for each of the lasers (at 30 mW CW) and CW spectra of the lasers are analyzed.

Nine-channel wavelength tunable single mode laser array based on slots.

PubMed

Guo, Wei-Hua; Lu, Qiaoyin; Nawrocka, Marta; Abdullaev, Azat; O'Callaghan, James; Donegan, John F

2013-04-22

A 9-channel wavelength tunable single-mode laser array based on slots is presented. The fabricated laser array demonstrated a threshold current in a range of 19~21 mA with the SOA unbiased at 20°C under continuous wave condition. Stable single mode performances have been observed with side-mode suppression-ratio (SMSR) > 50 dB. The output power higher than 37 mW was obtained at the SOA injected current of 70 mA for all the 9 channels within the laser array. A wavelength quasi-continuous tuning range of about 27 nm has been achieved for the laser array with the temperature variations from 10°C to 45°C. This array platform is of a single growth and monolithically integrable. It can be easily fabricated by standard photolithography. In addition, it potentially removes the yield problem due to the uncertainty of the facet cleaving.

Qualification Testing of Laser Diode Pump Arrays for a Space-Based 2-micron Coherent Doppler Lidar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amzajerdian, Farzin; Meadows, Byron L.; Baker, Nathaniel R.; Barnes, Bruce W.; Singh, Upendra N.; Kavaya, Michael J.

2007-01-01

The 2-micron thulium and holmium-based lasers being considered as the transmitter source for space-based coherent Doppler lidar require high power laser diode pump arrays operating in a long pulse regime of about 1 msec. Operating laser diode arrays over such long pulses drastically impact their useful lifetime due to the excessive localized heating and substantial pulse-to-pulse thermal cycling of their active regions. This paper describes the long pulse performance of laser diode arrays and their critical thermal characteristics. A viable approach is then offered that allows for determining the optimum operational parameters leading to the maximum attainable lifetime.

Laser photovoltaic power system synergy for SEI applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, Geoffrey A.; Hickman, J. M.

1991-01-01

Solar arrays can provide reliable space power, but do not operate when there is no solar energy. Photovoltaic arrays can also convert laser energy with high efficiency. One proposal to reduce the required mass of energy storage required is to illuminate the photovoltaic arrays by a ground laser system. It is proposed to locate large lasers on cloud-free sites at one or more ground locations, and use large lenses or mirrors with adaptive optical correction to reduce the beam spread due to diffraction or atmospheric turbulence. During the eclipse periods or lunar night, the lasers illuminate the solar arrays to a level sufficient to provide operating power.

100μJ-level single frequency linearly-polarized nanosecond pulsed laser at 775 nm (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Wei; Fang, Qiang; Fan, Jingli; Cui, Xuelong; Zhang, Zhuo; Li, Jinhui; Zhou, Guoqing

2017-02-01

We report a single frequency, linearly polarized, near diffraction-limited, pulsed laser source at 775 nm by frequency doubling a single frequency nanosecond pulsed all fiber based master oscillator-power amplifier, seeded by a fiber coupled semiconductor DFB laser diode at 1550 nm. The laser diode was driven by a pulsed laser driver to generate 5 ns laser pulses at 260 Hz repetition rate with 50 pJ pulse energy. The pulse energy was boosted to 200 μJ using two stages of core-pumped fiber amplifiers and two stages of cladding-pumped fiber amplifiers. The multi-stage synchronous pulse pumping technique was adopted in the four stages of fiber amplifiers to mitigate the ASE. The frequency doubling is implemented in a single pass configuration using a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal. The crystal is 3 mm long, 1.4 mm wide, 1 mm thick, with a 19.36 μm domain period chosen for quasi-phase matching at 33°C. It was AR coated at both 1550 nm and 775 nm. The maximum pulse energy of 97 μJ was achieved when 189 μJ fundamental laser was launched. The corresponding conversion efficiency is about 51.3%. The pulse duration was measured to be 4.8 ns. So the peak power of the generated 775 nm laser pulses reached 20 kW. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a 100 μJ-level, tens of kilowatts-peak-power-level single frequency linearly polarized 775 nm laser based on the frequency doubling of the fiber lasers.

Fiber Laser Arrays

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-03

AFRL-DE-PS- AFRL-DE-PS- TR-2006-1059 TR-2006-1059 FIBER LASER ARRAYS Thomas B. Simpson L-3 Communications-Jaycor 3394...LEANNE J HENRY, Lt Col, USAF L. BRUCE SIMPSON, SES Chief, High Power Solid State Laser Branch Director, Directed Energy Directorate...SUBTITLE Fiber Laser Arrays 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 62605F 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 4866 5e. TASK NUMBER LR 6. AUTHOR(S) Thomas B. Simpson

Phase-locked laser array through global antenna mutual coupling

DOE PAGES

Kao, Tsung -Yu; Reno, John L.; Hu, Qing

2016-01-01

Here, phase locking of an array of lasers is a highly effective way in beam shaping, to increase the output power, and to reduce lasing threshold. In this work, we present a novel phase-locking mechanism based on "antenna mutual coupling" wherein laser elements interact through far-field radiations with definite phase relations. This allows long-range global coupling among array elements to achieve robust 2-dimensional phase-locked laser array. The new scheme is ideal for lasers with deep sub-wavelength confined cavity such as nanolasers, where the divergent beam pattern could be used to form strong coupling among elements in the array. We experimentallymore » demonstrated such a scheme using sub-wavelength short-cavity surface-emitting lasers at terahertz frequency. More than 37 laser elements are phase-locked to each other, delivering up to 6.5 mW single-mode radiations at ~3 terahertz, with maximum 450-mW/A slope efficiency and near diffraction limit beam divergence.« less

High Power OPO Laser and wavelength-controlled system for 1.6μm CO2-DIAL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abo, M.; Nagasawa, C.; Shibata, Y.

2009-12-01

Unlike the existing 2.0μm CO2-DIAL, a high-energy pulse laser operating in the 1.6μm absorption band of CO2 has not been realized. Quasi phase matching (QPM) devices have high conversion efficiency and high beam quality due to their higher nonlinear optical coefficient. We adapt the PPMgLT crystal as the QPM device. The PPMgLT crystal had 3mm × 3mm apertures, and the periodically poled period was 30.9 μm, with the duty ratio close to the ideal value of 0.5. The beam quality of the pumping laser was exceed M2 ≥1.2. The repetition rate was 400 Hz and the energy was 35 mJ. The pumping laser pulse was injection-seeded by the continuous-wave (CW) fiber laser, which had a narrow spectrum. The pulse pumped the PPMgLT crystal in the ring cavity with a single pass through the dielectric mirror. The PPMgLT crystal was mounted on a copper holder, and the temperature was maintained at 40 °C using a Peltier module. The holder’s temperature was stabilized to within 0.01 °C when the copper holder was covered with a plastic case. The OPO ring cavity was a singly resonant oscillator optimized for the signal wave. Single-frequency oscillation of the PPMgLT OPO was achieved by injection seeding, as described in the following. The injection seeder was a DFB laser having a power of 30mW with a 1MHz oscillation spectrum. Their oscillation wavelength was coarse tuned by temperature and fine tuned by adjusting injection currents. The partial power of the online wavelength was split in the wavelength control unit. We locked the DFB laser as an injection seeder of the online wavelength onto the line center by referencing the fiber coupled multipath gas cell (path length 800mm) containing pure CO2 at a pressure of 700 Torr. Stabilization was estimated to within 1.8MHz rms of the line center of the CO2 absorption line by monitoring the feedback signal of a wavelength-controlled unit. Injection seeding of the PPMgLT OPO was performed by matching the cavity length to the seeder wavelength for each oscillation pulse. The on-line and off-line wavelengths were injected into the OPO cavity through its output mirror. The injection seeder could be automatically switched by applying the TTL trigger to an optical fiber switch. A typical power of 8mW was injected into the cavity. The OPO cavity length was controlled as follows. A slope voltage was applied to the piezoelectric element mounted on the cavity mirror. If the longitudinal mode of the cavity was closed at the wavelength of the injection seeder, the electrical signal monitored by the photodiode would be maximized. The CW laser beam was injected from the output coupler to control the oscillation wavelength. The maximum output energy of 12mJ at 400 Hz was observed at 35mJ of pumping laser energy. The slope efficiency was 43.7%. This output energy and this repetition rate were the highest achieved so far. No damage was observed even after 1 h of operation. Therefore higher-energy operations can be expected with this device if the beam quality of the pumping laser is improved. This work was financially supported by the System Development Program for Advanced Measurement and Analysis by the JST.

Generation of high-order Hermite-Gaussian modes in end-pumped solid-state lasers for square vortex array laser beam generation.

PubMed

Chu, Shu-Chun; Chen, Yun-Ting; Tsai, Ko-Fan; Otsuka, Kenju

2012-03-26

This study reports the first systematic approach to the excitation of all high-order Hermite-Gaussian modes (HGMs) in end-pumped solid-state lasers. This study uses a metal-wire-inserted laser resonator accompanied with the "off axis pumping" approach. This study presents numerical analysis of the excitation of HGMs in end-pumped solid-state lasers and experimentally generated HGM patterns. This study also experimentally demonstrates the generation of an square vortex array laser beams by passing specific high-order HGMs (HGn,n + 1 or HGn + 1,n modes) through a Dove prism-embedded unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer [Optics Express 16, 19934-19949]. The resulting square vortex array laser beams with embedded vortexes aligned in a square array can be applied to multi-spot dark optical traps in the future.

Multi-species laser absorption sensors for in situ monitoring of syngas composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sur, Ritobrata; Sun, Kai; Jeffries, Jay B.; Hanson, Ronald K.

2014-04-01

Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy sensors for detection of CO, CO2, CH4 and H2O at elevated pressures in mixtures of synthesis gas (syngas: products of coal and/or biomass gasification) were developed and tested. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) with 1f-normalized 2f detection was employed. Fiber-coupled DFB diode lasers operating at 2325, 2017, 2290 and 1352 nm were used for simultaneously measuring CO, CO2, CH4 and H2O, respectively. Criteria for the selection of transitions were developed, and transitions were selected to optimize the signal and minimize interference from other species. For quantitative WMS measurements, the collision-broadening coefficients of the selected transitions were determined for collisions with possible syngas components, namely CO, CO2, CH4, H2O, N2 and H2. Sample measurements were performed for each species in gas cells at a temperature of 25 °C up to pressures of 20 atm. To validate the sensor performance, the composition of synthetic syngas was determined by the absorption sensor and compared with the known values. A method of estimating the lower heating value and Wobbe index of the syngas mixture from these measurements was also demonstrated.

Isotope-selective sensor for medical diagnostics based on PAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolff, M.; Groninga, H. G.; Harde, H.

2005-06-01

Development of new optical sensor technologies has a major impact on the progression of diagnostic methods. Of the permanently increasing number of non-invasive 13C-breath tests, the Urea Breath Test for detection of Helicobacter pylori is the most prominent. However, many recent developments go beyond gastroenterological applications. We present a new detection scheme for breath analysis that employs an especially compact and simple set-up based on Photoacoustic Spectroscopy. Using a wavelength-modulated DFB-diode laser and taking advantage of acoustical resonances of the sample cell, we performed very sensitive isotope-selective measurements on CO2. Detection limits for 13CO2 of a few ppm and for the variation of the 13CO2 concentration of approximately 1% were achieved.

MPI investigation for 40G NRZ link with low-RL cable assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Satake, Toshiaki; Berdinskikh, Tatiana; Thongdaeng, Rutsuda; Faysanyo, Pitak; Gurreri, Michael

2017-01-01

Bit Error Ratio (BER) dependence on received power was studied for 40Gb/s NRZ short optical fiber transmission, including a series of four low return loss (RL 21dB) and low insertion loss (IL 0.1dB) connections. The calculated power penalty (PP) was 0.15dB for BER 10-11. Although the fiber length was within DFB laser's coherent length of 100m and the multi path interference (MPI) value was 34.3dB, no PP of BER was observed. There was no PP due to low MPI probably because the polarization of the signal pulses were not aligned for optical interference, indicating that NRZ systems have a high resistance to MPI.

Thermal Signature Identification System (TheSIS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merritt, Scott; Bean, Brian

2015-01-01

We characterize both nonlinear and high order linear responses of fiber-optic and optoelectronic components using spread spectrum temperature cycling methods. This Thermal Signature Identification System (TheSIS) provides much more detail than conventional narrowband or quasi-static temperature profiling methods. This detail allows us to match components more thoroughly, detect subtle reversible shifts in performance, and investigate the cause of instabilities or irreversible changes. In particular, we create parameterized models of athermal fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), delay line interferometers (DLIs), and distributed feedback (DFB) lasers, then subject the alternative models to selection via the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Detailed pairing of components, e.g. FBGs, is accomplished by means of weighted distance metrics or norms, rather than on the basis of a single parameter, such as center wavelength.

The Impact of Selection with Diflubenzuron, a Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor, on the Fitness of Two Brazilian Aedes aegypti Field Populations

PubMed Central

Belinato, Thiago Affonso; Valle, Denise

2015-01-01

Several Aedes aegypti field populations are resistant to neurotoxic insecticides, mainly organophoshates and pyrethroids, which are extensively used as larvicides and adulticides, respectively. Diflubenzuron (DFB), a chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI), was recently approved for use in drinking water, and is presently employed in Brazil for Ae. aegypti control, against populations resistant to the organophosphate temephos. However, tests of DFB efficacy against field Ae. aegypti populations are lacking. In addition, information regarding the dynamics of CSI resistance, and characterization of any potential fitness effects that may arise in conjunction with resistance are essential for new Ae. aegypti control strategies. Here, the efficacy of DFB was evaluated for two Brazilian Ae. aegypti populations known to be resistant to both temephos and the pyrethroid deltamethrin. Laboratory selection for DFB resistance was then performed over six or seven generations, using a fixed dose of insecticide that inhibited 80% of adult emergence in the first generation. The selection process was stopped when adult emergence in the diflubenzuron-treated groups was equivalent to that of the control groups, kept without insecticide. Diflubenzuron was effective against the two Ae. aegypti field populations evaluated, regardless of their resistance level to neurotoxic insecticides. However, only a few generations of DFB selection were sufficient to change the susceptible status of both populations to this compound. Several aspects of mosquito biology were affected in both selected populations, indicating that diflubenzuron resistance acquisition is associated with a fitness cost. We believe that these results can significantly contribute to the design of control strategies involving the use of insect growth regulators. PMID:26107715

Subwavelength micropillar array terahertz lasers.

PubMed

Krall, Michael; Brandstetter, Martin; Deutsch, Christoph; Detz, Hermann; Andrews, Aaron Maxwell; Schrenk, Werner; Strasser, Gottfried; Unterrainer, Karl

2014-01-13

We report on micropillar-based terahertz lasers with active pillars that are much smaller than the emission wavelength. These micropillar array lasers correspond to scaled-down band-edge photonic crystal lasers forming an active photonic metamaterial. In contrast to photonic crystal lasers which use significantly larger pillar structures, lasing emission is not observed close to high-symmetry points in the photonic band diagram, but in the effective medium regime. We measure stimulated emission at 4 THz for micropillar array lasers with pillar diameters of 5 µm. Our results not only demonstrate the integration of active subwavelength optics in a terahertz laser, but are also an important step towards the realization of nanowire-based terahertz lasers.

Improved semi-conductor laser device, operating, at room temperature, with an array of three lasers in the spatially coherent, free running mode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rutz, E. M.

1975-01-01

The peak pulse power was increased by operating an array of three homostructure Ga As lasers in the laser device. A spatial filter in the laser device selects the spatially coherent, free running, mode. The optical peak power is 5 watts, which is three times the peak power of a single laser in the array. The far-field distribution of the three laser array is a single Gaussian beam of spatial coherence without sidelobes or grating lobes. The length of the optical pulses of spatial coherence was increased to 200 ns by improved heat transfer from the p-n junctions of the lasers to the metal housing of the pulse transformer, and by doubling the core area and increasing the turns of the primary windings of the pulse transformer. The mechanical stability of the laser device was improved and the transition from mechanical alignment to electro-mechanical alignment control, was facilitated.

Interface module for transverse energy input to dye laser modules

DOEpatents

English, Jr., Ronald E.; Johnson, Steve A.

1994-01-01

An interface module (10) for transverse energy input to dye laser modules is provided particularly for the purpose of delivering enhancing transverse energy beams (36) in the form of illumination bar (54) to the lasing zone (18) of a dye laser device, in particular to a dye laser amplifier (12). The preferred interface module (10) includes an optical fiber array (30) having a plurality of optical fibers (38) arrayed in a co-planar fashion with their distal ends (44) receiving coherent laser energy from an enhancing laser source (46), and their proximal ends (4) delivered into a relay structure (3). The proximal ends (42) of the optical fibers (38) are arrayed so as to be coplanar and to be aimed generally at a common point. The transverse energy beam array (36) delivered from the optical fiber array (30) is acted upon by an optical element array (34) to produce an illumination bar (54) which has a cross section in the form of a elongated rectangle at the position of the lasing window (18). The illumination bar (54) is selected to have substantially uniform intensity throughout.

Theoretical analysis of phase locking in an array of globally coupled lasers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vysotskii, D V; Elkin, N N; Napartovich, A P

2013-09-30

A model of an array of globally coupled fibre lasers, with the same fraction of the total output beam power injected into each laser, is considered. Phase self-locking of the laser array makes it possible to increase the brightness of the total output beam without any devices for controlling the phases of output beams, which significantly complicate the laser system. The spread of the laser optical lengths is several hundreds of wavelengths (or even more); within the theory of hollow cavities, this spread should lead to a fast decrease in the total power with an increase in the number ofmore » lasers. The presence of the active medium may reduce this drop to a great extent due to the self-tuning of the laser array radiation wavelength to a value providing a maximum gain for the array lasing mode. The optical length of each element is assumed to be random. The increase in the phase-locking efficiency due to the gain saturation is explained based on the probabilistic approach. An iterative procedure is developed to find the array output power in the presence of steady-state phase locking. Calculations for different values of small-signal gain and the output-power fraction spent on global coupling are performed. It is shown that, when this fraction amounts to ∼20 % – 30 %, phase locking of up to 20 fibre lasers can be implemented with an efficiency as high as 70 %. (control of laser radiation parameters)« less

The DIRC front-end electronics chain for BaBar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailly, P.; Chauveau, J.; Del Buono, L.; Genat, J. F.; Lebbolo, H.; Roos, L.; Zhang, B.; Beigbeder, C.; Bernier, R.; Breton, D.; Caceres, T.; Chase, R.; Ducorps, A.; Hrisoho, A.; Imbert, P.; Sen, S.; Tocut, V.; Truong, K.; Wormser, G.; Zomer, F.; Bonneaud, G.; Dohou, F.; Gastaldi, F.; Matricon, P.; Renard, C.; Thiebaux, C.; Vasileiadis, G.; Verderi, M.; Oxoby, G.; Va'Vra, J.; Warner, D.; Wilson, R. J.

1999-08-01

The detector of Internally Reflected Cherenkov light (DIRC) of the BaBar detector (SLAC Stanford, USA) measures better than 1 ns the arrival time of Cherenkov photoelectrons, detected in a 11 000 phototubes array and their amplitude spectra. It mainly comprises of 64-channel DIRC Front-End Boards (DFB) equipped with eight full-custom Analog chips performing zero-cross discrimination with 2 mV threshold and pulse shaping, four full-custom Digital TDC chips for timing measurements with 500 ps binning and a readout logic selecting hits in the trigger window, and DIRC Crate Controller cards (DCC) serializing the data collected from up to 16 DFBs onto a 1.2 Gb/s optical link. Extensive test of the pre-production chips have been performed as well as system tests.

Investigation of mode partition noise in Fabry-Perot laser diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Qingyi; Deng, Lanxin; Mu, Jianwei; Li, Xun; Huang, Wei-Ping

2014-09-01

Passive optical network (PON) is considered as the most appealing access network architecture in terms of cost-effectiveness, bandwidth management flexibility, scalability and durability. And to further reduce the cost per subscriber, a Fabry-Perot (FP) laser diode is preferred as the transmitter at the optical network units (ONUs) because of its lower cost compared to distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode. However, the mode partition noise (MPN) associated with the multi-longitudinal-mode FP laser diode becomes the limiting factor in the network. This paper studies the MPN characteristics of the FP laser diode using the time-domain simulation of noise-driven multi-mode laser rate equation. The probability density functions are calculated for each longitudinal mode. The paper focuses on the investigation of the k-factor, which is a simple yet important measure of the noise power, but is usually taken as a fitted or assumed value in the penalty calculations. In this paper, the sources of the k-factor are studied with simulation, including the intrinsic source of the laser Langevin noise, and the extrinsic source of the bit pattern. The photon waveforms are shown under four simulation conditions for regular or random bit pattern, and with or without Langevin noise. The k-factors contributed by those sources are studied with a variety of bias current and modulation current. Simulation results are illustrated in figures, and show that the contribution of Langevin noise to the k-factor is larger than that of the random bit pattern, and is more dominant at lower bias current or higher modulation current.

Design and implementation of a laser-based absorption spectroscopy sensor for in situ monitoring of biomass gasification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viveros Salazar, David; Goldenstein, Christopher S.; Jeffries, Jay B.; Seiser, Reinhard; Cattolica, Robert J.; Hanson, Ronald K.

2017-12-01

Research to demonstrate in situ laser-absorption-based sensing of H2O, CH4, CO2, and CO mole fraction is reported for the product gas line of a biomass gasifier. Spectral simulations were used to select candidate sensor wavelengths that optimize sensitive monitoring of the target species while minimizing interference from other species in the gas stream. A prototype sensor was constructed and measurements performed in the laboratory at Stanford to validate performance. Field measurements then were demonstrated in a pilot scale biomass gasifier at West Biofuels in Woodland, CA. The performance of a prototype sensor was compared for two sensor strategies: wavelength-scanned direct absorption (DA) and wavelength-scanned wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS). The lasers used had markedly different wavelength tuning response to injection current, and modern distributed feedback lasers (DFB) with nearly linear tuning response to injection current were shown to be superior, leading to guidelines for laser selection for sensor fabrication. Non-absorption loss in the transmitted laser intensity from particulate scattering and window fouling encouraged the use of normalized WMS measurement schemes. The complications of using normalized WMS for relatively large values of absorbance and its mitigation are discussed. A method for reducing adverse sensor performance effects of a time-varying WMS background signal is also presented. The laser absorption sensor provided measurements with the sub-second time resolution needed for gasifier control and more importantly provided precise measurements of H2O in the gasification products, which can be problematic for the typical gas chromatography sensors used by industry.

High-speed electronic beam steering using injection locking of a laser-diode array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, E. A.; Abbas, G. L.; Yang, S.; Chan, V. W. S.; Fujimoto, J. G.

1987-01-01

High-speed electronic steering of the output beam of a 10-stripe laser-diode array is reported. The array was injection locked to a single-frequency laser diode. High-speed steering of the locked 0.5-deg-wide far-field lobe is demonstrated either by modulating the injection current of the array or by modulating the frequency of the master laser. Closed-loop tracking bandwidths of 70 kHz and 3 MHz, respectively, were obtained. The beam-steering bandwidths are limited by the FM responses of the modulated devices for both techniques.

Prelaunch testing of the GEOS-3 laser reflector array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minott, P. O.; Fitzmaurice, M. W.; Abshire, J. B.; Rowe, H. E.

1978-01-01

The prelaunch testing performed on the Geos-3 laser reflector array before launch was used to determine the lidar cross section of the array and the distance of the center of gravity of the satellite from the center of gravity of reflected laser pulses as a function of incidence angle. Experimental data are compared to computed results.

Efficient generation and transportation of energetic electrons in a carbon nanotube array target

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Yanling; Jiang, Gang; Wu, Weidong; Wang, Chaoyang; Gu, Yuqiu; Tang, Yongjian

2010-01-01

Laser-driven energetic electron propagation in a carbon nanotube-array target is investigated using two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Energetic electrons are efficiently generated when the array is irradiated by a short intense laser pulse. Confined and guided transportation of energetic electrons in the array is achieved by exploiting strong transient electromagnetic fields created at the wall surfaces of nanotubes. The underlying mechanisms are discussed in detail. Our investigation shows that the laser energy can be transferred more effectively to the target electrons in the array than that of in the flat foil due to the hole structures in the array.

High density pixel array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McFall, James Earl (Inventor); Wiener-Avnear, Eliezer (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A pixel array device is fabricated by a laser micro-milling method under strict process control conditions. The device has an array of pixels bonded together with an adhesive filling the grooves between adjacent pixels. The array is fabricated by moving a substrate relative to a laser beam of predetermined intensity at a controlled, constant velocity along a predetermined path defining a set of grooves between adjacent pixels so that a predetermined laser flux per unit area is applied to the material, and repeating the movement for a plurality of passes of the laser beam until the grooves are ablated to a desired depth. The substrate is of an ultrasonic transducer material in one example for fabrication of a 2D ultrasonic phase array transducer. A substrate of phosphor material is used to fabricate an X-ray focal plane array detector.

Environmental testing of a diode-laser-pumped Nd:YAG laser and a set of diode-laser-arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hemmati, H.; Lesh, J. R.

1989-01-01

Results of the environmental test of a compact, rigid and lightweight diode-laser-pumped Nd:YAG laser module are discussed. All optical elements are bonded onto the module using space applicable epoxy, and two 200 mW diode laser arrays for pump sources are used to achieve 126 mW of CW output with about 7 percent electrical-to-optical conversion efficiency. This laser assembly and a set of 20 semiconductor diode laser arrays were environmentally tested by being subjected to vibrational and thermal conditions similar to those experienced during launch of the Space Shuttle, and both performed well. Nevertheless, some damage to the laser front facet in diode lasers was observed. Significant degradation was observed only on lasers which performed poorly in the life test. Improvements in the reliability of the Nd:YAG laser are suggested.

Low-cost laser diode array

DOEpatents

Freitas, B.L.; Skidmore, J.A.

1999-06-01

A substrate is used to fabricate a low-cost laser diode array. A substrate is machined from an electrically insulative material that is thermally conductive, or two substrates can be bonded together in which the top substrate is electrically as well as thermally conductive. The substrate thickness is slightly longer than the cavity length, and the width of the groove is wide enough to contain a bar and spring (which secures the laser bar firmly along one face of the groove). The spring also provides electrical continuity from the backside of the bar to the adjacent metalization layer on the laser bar substrate. Arrays containing one or more bars can be formed by creating many grooves at various spacings. Along the groove, many bars can be adjoined at the edges to provide parallel electrical conduction. This architecture allows precise and predictable registration of an array of laser bars to a self-aligned microlens array at low cost. 19 figs.

Low-cost laser diode array

DOEpatents

Freitas, Barry L.; Skidmore, Jay A.

1999-01-01

A substrate is used to fabricate a low-cost laser diode array. A substrate is machined from an electrically insulative material that is thermally conductive, or two substrates can be bonded together in which the top substrate is electrically as well as thermally conductive. The substrate thickness is slightly longer than the cavity length, and the width of the groove is wide enough to contain a bar and spring (which secures the laser bar firmly along one face of the groove). The spring also provides electrical continuity from the backside of the bar to the adjacent metalization layer on the laser bar substrate. Arrays containing one or more bars can be formed by creating many grooves at various spacings. Along the groove, many bars can be adjoined at the edges to provide parallel electrical conduction. This architecture allows precise and predictable registration of an array of laser bars to a self-aligned microlens array at low cost.

High-Reliability Pump Module for Non-Planar Ring Oscillator Laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Duncan T.; Qiu, Yueming; Wilson, Daniel W.; Dubovitsky, Serge; Forouhar, Siamak

2007-01-01

We propose and have demonstrated a prototype high-reliability pump module for pumping a Non-Planar Ring Oscillator (NPRO) laser suitable for space missions. The pump module consists of multiple fiber-coupled single-mode laser diodes and a fiber array micro-lens array based fiber combiner. The reported Single-Mode laser diode combiner laser pump module (LPM) provides a higher normalized brightness at the combined beam than multimode laser diode based LPMs. A higher brightness from the pump source is essential for efficient NPRO laser pumping and leads to higher reliability because higher efficiency requires a lower operating power for the laser diodes, which in turn increases the reliability and lifetime of the laser diodes. Single-mode laser diodes with Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) stabilized wavelength permit the pump module to be operated without a thermal electric cooler (TEC) and this further improves the overall reliability of the pump module. The single-mode laser diode LPM is scalable in terms of the number of pump diodes and is capable of combining hundreds of fiber-coupled laser diodes. In the proof-of-concept demonstration, an e-beam written diffractive micro lens array, a custom fiber array, commercial 808nm single mode laser diodes, and a custom NPRO laser head are used. The reliability of the proposed LPM is discussed.

Laser-phased-array beam steering based on crystal fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Deng-cai; Zhao, Si-si; Wang, Da-yong; Wang, Zhi-yong; Zhang, Xiao-fei

2011-06-01

Laser-phased-array system provides an elegant means for achieving the inertial-free, high-resolution, rapid and random beam steering. In laser-phased-array system, phase controlling is the most important factor that impacts the system performance. A novel scheme is provided in this paper, the beam steering is accomplished by using crystal fiber array, the difference length between adjacent fiber is fixed. The phase difference between adjacent fiber decides the direction of the output beam. When the wavelength of the input fiber laser is tuned, the phase difference between the adjacent elements has changed. Therefore, the laser beam direction has changed and the beam steering has been accomplished. In this article, based on the proposed scheme, the steering angle of the laser beam is calculated and analyzed theoretically. Moreover, the far-field steering beam quality is discussed.

Single laser beam of spatial coherence from an array of GaAs lasers - Free-running mode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Philipp-Rutz, E. M.

1975-01-01

Spatially coherent radiation from a monolithic array of three GaAs lasers in a free-running mode is reported. The lasers, with their mirror faces antireflection coated, are operated in an external optical cavity built of spherical lenses and plane mirrors. The spatially coherent-beam formation makes use of the Fourier-transformation property of the internal lenses. Transverse mode control is accomplished by a spatial filter. The optical cavity is similar to that used for the phase-controlled mode of spatially coherent-beam formation; only the spatial filters are different. In the far field (when restored by an external lens), the intensities of the lasers in the array are concentrated in a single laser beam of spatial coherence, without any grating lobes. The far-field distribution of the laser array in the free-running mode differs significantly from the interference pattern of the phase-controlled mode. The modulation characteristics of the optical waveforms of the two modes are also quite different because modulation is related to the interaction of the spatial filter with the longitudinal modes of the laser array within the optical cavity. The modulation of the optical waveform of the free-running mode is nonperiodic, confirming that the fluctuations of the optical fields of the lasers are random.

Qualification of Laser Diode Arrays for Mercury Laser Altimeter Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephen, Mark; Vasilyev, Aleksey; Schafer, John; Allan, Graham R.

2004-01-01

NASA's requirements for high reliability, high performance satellite laser instruments have driven the investigation of many critical components; specifically, 808 nm laser diode array (LDA) pump devices. The MESSENGER mission is flying the Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) which is a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser instrument designed to map the topography of Mercury. The environment imposed on the instrument by the orbital dynamics places special requirements on the laser diode arrays. In order to limit the radiative heating of the satellite from the surface of Mercury, the satellite is designed to have a highly elliptical orbit. The satellite will heat near perigee and cool near apogee. The laser power is cycled during these orbits so that the laser is on for only 30 minutes (perigee) in a 12 hour orbit. The laser heats 10 C while powered up and cools while powered down. In order to simulate these operational conditions, we designed a test to measure the LDA performance while being temperature and power cycled. Though the mission requirements are specific to NASA and performance requirements are derived from unique operating conditions, the results are general and widely applicable. We present results on the performance of twelve LDAs operating for several hundred million pulses. The arrays are 100 watt, quasi-CW, conductively-cooled, 808 nm devices. Prior to testing, we fully characterize each device to establish a baseline for individual array performance and status. Details of this characterization can be found in reference. Arrays are divided into four groups and subjected to the temperature and power cycling matrix are shown.

In-phased second harmonic wave array generation with intra-Talbot-cavity frequency-doubling.

PubMed

Hirosawa, Kenichi; Shohda, Fumio; Yanagisawa, Takayuki; Kannari, Fumihiko

2015-03-23

The Talbot cavity is one promising method to synchronize the phase of a laser array. However, it does not achieve the lowest array mode with the same phase but the highest array mode with the anti-phase between every two adjacent lasers, which is called out-phase locking. Consequently, their far-field images exhibit 2-peak profiles. We propose intra-Talbot-cavity frequency-doubling. By placing a nonlinear crystal in a Talbot cavity, the Talbot cavity generates an out-phased fundamental wave array, which is converted into an in-phase-locked second harmonic wave array at the nonlinear crystal. We demonstrate numerical calculations and experiments on intra-Talbot-cavity frequency-doubling and obtain an in-phase-locked second harmonic wave array for a Nd:YVO₄ array laser.

High duty cycle hard soldered kilowatt laser diode arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klumel, Genady; Karni, Yoram; Oppenheim, Jacob; Berk, Yuri; Shamay, Moshe; Tessler, Renana; Cohen, Shalom

2010-02-01

High-brightness laser diode arrays operating at a duty cycle of 10% - 20% are in ever-increasing demand for the optical pumping of solid state lasers and directed energy applications. Under high duty-cycle operation at 10% - 20%, passive (conductive) cooling is of limited use, while micro-coolers using de-ionized cooling water can considerably degrade device reliability. When designing and developing actively-cooled collimated laser diode arrays for high duty cycle operation, three main problems should be carefully addressed: an effective local and total heat removal, a minimization of packaging-induced and operational stresses, and high-precision fast axis collimation. In this paper, we present a novel laser diode array incorporating a built-in tap water cooling system, all-hard-solder bonded assembly, facet-passivated high-power 940 nm laser bars and tight fast axis collimation. By employing an appropriate layout of water cooling channels, careful choice of packaging materials, proper design of critical parts, and active optics alignment, we have demonstrated actively-cooled collimated laser diode arrays with extended lifetime and reliability, without compromising their efficiency, optical power density, brightness or compactness. Among the key performance benchmarks achieved are: 150 W/bar optical peak power at 10% duty cycle, >50% wallplug efficiency and <1° collimated fast axis divergence. A lifetime of >0.5 Ghots with <2% degradation has been experimentally proven. The laser diode arrays have also been successfully tested under harsh environmental conditions, including thermal cycling between -20°C and 40°C and mechanical shocks at 500g acceleration. The results of both performance and reliability testing bear out the effectiveness and robustness of the manufacturing technology for high duty-cycle laser arrays.

Calculation of the force acting on a micro-sized particle with optical vortex array laser beam tweezers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Chun-Fu; Chu, Shu-Chun

2013-03-01

Optical vortices possess several special properties, including carrying optical angular momentum (OAM) and exhibiting zero intensity. Vortex array laser beams have attracts many interests due to its special mesh field distributions, which show great potential in the application of multiple optical traps and dark optical traps. Previously study developed an Ince-Gaussian Mode (IGM)-based vortex array laser beam1. This study develops a simulation model based on the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method for calculating the resultant force acting on a micro-sized spherical dielectric particle that situated at the beam waist of the IGM-based vortex array laser beams1.

Stretched Lens Array (SLA) for Collection and Conversion of Infrared Laser Light: 45% Efficiency Demonstrated for Near-Term 800 W/kg Space Power System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Neill, Mark; Howell, Joe; Fikes, John; Fork, Richard; Phillips, Dane; Aiken, Dan; McDanal, A. J.

2006-01-01

For the past 2% years, our team has been developing a unique photovoltaic concentrator array for collection and conversion of infrared laser light. This laser-receiving array has evolved from the solar-receiving Stretched Lens Array (SLA). The laser-receiving version of SLA is being developed for space power applications when or where sunlight is not available (e.g., the eternally dark lunar polar craters). The laser-receiving SLA can efficiently collect and convert beamed laser power from orbiting spacecraft or other sources (e.g., solar-powered lasers on the permanently illuminated ridges of lunar polar craters). A dual-use version of SLA can produce power from sunlight during sunlit portions of the mission, and from beamed laser light during dark portions of the mission. SLA minimizes the cost and mass of photovoltaic cells by using gossamer-like Fresnel lenses to capture and focus incoming light (solar or laser) by a factor of 8.5X, thereby providing a cost-effective, ultra-light space power system.

Improving Lifetime of Quasi-CW Laser Diode Arrays for Pumping 2-Micron Solid State Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amzajerdian, Farzin; Meadows, Byron L.; Baker, Nathaniel R.; Barnes, Bruce W.; Singh, Upendra N.; Kavaya, Michael J.

2007-01-01

Operating high power laser diode arrays in long pulse regime of about 1 msec, which is required for pumping 2-micron thulium and holmium-based lasers, greatly limits their useful lifetime. This paper describes performance of laser diode arrays operating in long pulse mode and presents experimental data on the active region temperature and pulse-to-pulse thermal cycling that are the primary cause of their premature failure and rapid degradation. This paper will then offer a viable approach for determining the optimum design and operational parameters leading to the maximum attainable lifetime.

Laser-assisted simultaneous transfer and patterning of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays on polymer substrates for flexible devices.

PubMed

In, Jung Bin; Lee, Daeho; Fornasiero, Francesco; Noy, Aleksandr; Grigoropoulos, Costas P

2012-09-25

We demonstrate a laser-assisted dry transfer technique for assembling patterns of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays on a flexible polymeric substrate. A laser beam is applied to the interface of a nanotube array and a polycarbonate sheet in contact with one another. The absorbed laser heat promotes nanotube adhesion to the polymer in the irradiated regions and enables selective pattern transfer. A combination of the thermal transfer mechanism with rapid direct writing capability of focused laser beam irradiation allows us to achieve simultaneous material transfer and direct micropatterning in a single processing step. Furthermore, we demonstrate that malleability of the nanotube arrays transferred onto a flexible substrate enables post-transfer tailoring of electric conductance by collapsing the aligned nanotubes in different directions. This work suggests that the laser-assisted transfer technique provides an efficient route to using vertically aligned nanotubes as conductive elements in flexible device applications.

Rapid, Time-Division Multiplexed, Direct Absorption- and Wavelength Modulation-Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Klein, Alexander; Witzel, Oliver; Ebert, Volker

2014-01-01

We present a tunable diode laser spectrometer with a novel, rapid time multiplexed direct absorption- and wavelength modulation-spectroscopy operation mode. The new technique allows enhancing the precision and dynamic range of a tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer without sacrificing accuracy. The spectroscopic technique combines the benefits of absolute concentration measurements using calibration-free direct tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (dTDLAS) with the enhanced noise rejection of wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS). In this work we demonstrate for the first time a 125 Hz time division multiplexed (TDM-dTDLAS-WMS) spectroscopic scheme by alternating the modulation of a DFB-laser between a triangle-ramp (dTDLAS) and an additional 20 kHz sinusoidal modulation (WMS). The absolute concentration measurement via the dTDLAS-technique allows one to simultaneously calibrate the normalized 2f/1f-signal of the WMS-technique. A dTDLAS/WMS-spectrometer at 1.37 μm for H2O detection was built for experimental validation of the multiplexing scheme over a concentration range from 50 to 3000 ppmV (0.1 MPa, 293 K). A precision of 190 ppbV was achieved with an absorption length of 12.7 cm and an averaging time of two seconds. Our results show a five-fold improvement in precision over the entire concentration range and a significantly decreased averaging time of the spectrometer. PMID:25405508

[The study of CO2 cavity enhanced absorption and highly sensitive absorption spectroscopy].

PubMed

Pei, Shi-Xin; Gao, Xiao-Ming; Cui, Fen-Ping; Huang, Wei; Shao, Jie; Fan, Hong; Zhang, Wei-Jun

2005-12-01

Cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy (CEAS) is a new spectral technology that is based on the cavity ring down absorption spectroscopy. In the present paper, a DFB encapsulation narrow line width tunable diode laser (TDL) was used as the light source. At the center output, the TDL radiation wavelength was 1.573 microm, and an optical cavity, which consisted of two high reflectivity mirrors (near 1.573 microm, the mirror reflectivity was about 0.994%), was used as a sample cell. A wavemeter was used to record the accurate frequency of the laser radiation. In the experiment, the method of scanning the optical cavity to change the cavity mode was used, when the laser frequency was coincident with one of the cavity mode; the laser radiation was coupled into the optical cavity and the detector could receive the light signals that escaped the optical cavity. As a result, the absorption spectrum of carbon dioxide weak absorption at low pressure was obtained with an absorption intensity of 1.816 x 10(-23) cm(-1) x (molecule x cm(-2)(-1) in a sample cell with a length of only 33.5 cm. An absorption sensitivity of about 3.62 x 10(-7) cm(-1) has been achieved. The experiment result indicated that the cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy has the advantage of high sensivity, simple experimental setup, and easy operation.

High-Q Microsphere Cavity for Laser Stabilization and Optoelectronic Microwave Oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ilchenko, Vladimir S.; Yao, X. Steve; Maleki, Lute

2000-01-01

With submillimeter size and optical Q up to approximately 10 (exp 10), microspheres with whispering-gallery (WG) modes are attractive new component for fiber-optics/photonics applications and a potential core in ultra-compact high-spectral-purity optical and microwave oscillators. In addition to earlier demonstrated optical locking of diode laser to WG mode in a microsphere, we report on microsphere application in the microwave optoelectronic oscillator, OEO. In OEO, a steady-state microwave modulation of optical carrier is obtained in a closed loop including electro-optical modulator, fiber-optic delay, detector and microwave amplifier. OEO demonstrates exceptionally low phase noise (-140 dBc/Hz at l0kHz from approximately 10GHz carrier) with a fiber length approximately 2km. Current technology allows to put all parts of the OEO, except the fiber, on the same chip. Microspheres, with their demonstrated Q equivalent to a kilometer fiber storage, can replace fiber delays in a truly integrated device. We have obtained microwave oscillation in microsphere-based OEO at 5 to 18 GHz, with 1310nm and 1550nm optical carrier, in two configurations: 1) with external DFB pump laser, and 2) with a ring laser including microsphere and a fiber optic amplifier. Also reported is a simple and efficient fiber coupler for microspheres facilitating their integration with existing fiber optics devices.

Hybrid semiconductor fiber lasers for telecommunications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalili, Alireza

2006-12-01

Highly stable edge emitting semiconductor lasers are of utmost importance in most telecommunications applications where high-speed data transmission sets strict limits on the purity of the laser signal. Unfortunately, most edge emitting semiconductor lasers, unlike gaseous or solid-state laser sources, operate with many closely spaced axial modes, which accounts for the observed instability and large spikes in the output spectrum of such lasers. Consequently, in most telecom applications distributed feedback (DFB) or distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) techniques are used to ensure stability and single-frequency operation, further adding to the cost and complexity of such lasers. Additionally, coupling of the highly elliptical output beam of these lasers to singlemode fibers complicates the packaging procedure and sub-micron alignment of various optical components is often necessary. Utilizing the evanescent coupling between a semiconductor antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) and a side polished fiber, this thesis presents an alternative side-coupled laser module that eliminates the need for the cumbersome multi-component alignment processes of conventional laser packages, and creates an inherent mode selection mechanism that guarantees singlemode radiation into the fiber without any gratings. We have been able to demonstrate the first side-coupled fiber semiconductor laser in this technology, coupling more than 3mW of power at 850nm directly into a 5/125mum singlemode fiber. This mixed-cavity architecture yields a high thermal stability (˜0.06nm/°C), and negligible spectral spikes are observed. Theoretical background and simulation results, as well as several supplementary materials are also presented to further rationalize the experimental data. A side-coupled light-emitter and pre-amplifier are also proposed and discussed. We also study different architectures for attaining higher efficiency, higher output power, and wavelength tunability in such lasers. Finally, we discuss possible venues for integration of these side-coupled devices in a telecommunication system. Approved for publication.

Coherent combining of high brightness tapered lasers in master oscillator power amplifier configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albrodt, P.; Hanna, M.; Moron, F.; Decker, J.; Winterfeldt, M.; Blume, G.; Erbert, G.; Crump, P.; Georges, P.; Lucas-Leclin, G.

2018-02-01

Improved diode laser beam combining techniques are in strong demand for applications in material processing. Coherent beam combining (CBC) is the only combining approach that has the potential to maintain or even improve all laser properties, and thus has high potential for future systems. As part of our ongoing studies into CBC of diode lasers, we present recent progress in the coherent superposition of high-power single-pass tapered laser amplifiers. The amplifiers are seeded by a DFB laser at λ = 976 nm, where the seed is injected into a laterally single-mode ridge-waveguide input section. The phase pistons on each beam are actively controlled by varying the current in the ridge section of each amplifier, using a sequential hill-climbing algorithm, resulting in a combined beam with power fluctuations of below 1%. The currents into the tapered sections of the amplifiers are separately controlled, and remain constant. In contrast to our previous studies, we favour a limited number of individual high-power amplifiers, in order to preserve a high extracted power per emitter in a simple, low-loss coupling arrangement. Specifically, a multi-arm interferometer architecture with only three devices is used, constructed using 6 mm-long tapered amplifiers, mounted junction up on C-mounts, to allow separate contact to single mode and amplifier sections. A maximum coherently combined power of 12.9 W is demonstrated in a nearly diffraction-limited beam, corresponding to a 65% combining efficiency, with power mainly limited by the intrinsic beam quality of the amplifiers. Further increased combined power is currently sought.

A compact QCL based methane and nitrous oxide sensor for environmental and medical applications.

PubMed

Jahjah, Mohammad; Ren, Wei; Stefański, Przemysław; Lewicki, Rafał; Zhang, Jiawei; Jiang, Wenzhe; Tarka, Jan; Tittel, Frank K

2014-05-07

A methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) sensor based on a sensitive, selective and well established technique of quartz enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) was developed for environmental and biomedical measurements. A thermoelectrically cooled (TEC) distributed feedback quantum cascade laser (DFB-QCL), capable of continuous wave (CW) mode hop free emission in the 7.83 μm wavelength range, was used as an excitation source. For the targeted CH4 and N2O absorption lines located at 1275.04 cm(-1) and 1275.49 cm(-1) detection limits (1σ) of 13 ppbv and 6 ppbv were achieved with a 1 second data acquisition time, respectively. Environmental data of CH4 and N2O mixing ratios acquired using the QEPAS sensor system are also reported.

Linewidth-tolerant 10-Gbit/s 16-QAM transmission using a pilot-carrier based phase-noise cancelling technique.

PubMed

Nakamura, Moriya; Kamio, Yukiyoshi; Miyazaki, Tetsuya

2008-07-07

We experimentally demonstrated linewidth-tolerant 10-Gbit/s (2.5-Gsymbol/s) 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) by using a distributed-feedback laser diode (DFB-LD) with a linewidth of 30 MHz. Error-free operation, a bit-error rate (BER) of <10(-9) was achieved in transmission over 120 km of standard single mode fiber (SSMF) without any dispersion compensation. The phase-noise canceling capability provided by a pilot-carrier and standard electronic pre-equalization to suppress inter-symbol interference (ISI) gave clear 16-QAM constellations and floor-less BER characteristics. We evaluated the BER characteristics by real-time measurement of six (three different thresholds for each I- and Q-component) symbol error rates (SERs) with simultaneous constellation observation.

Laser beam shaping design based on micromirror array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Han; Su, Bida; Liu, Jiaguo; Fan, Xiaoli; Jing, Wang

2017-10-01

In the practical application of the laser, it is necessary to use the laser beam shaping technology to shape the output beam of laser device to the uniform light intensity distribution. The shaping divergent optical system of compound eye integrator way is composed of beam expanding mirror group and lens array. Its working principle is to expand the output laser to a certain size of caliber, and then divide the beam with lens array into multiple sub beam, where the lens unit of lens array can control the divergence angle of sub beam through the design of focal length, with mutual superposition of the sub beam in far field, to make up for the nonuniformity of beam, so that the radiant exitance on the radiated surface may become uniform. In this paper, we use a reflective microlens array to realize the laser beam shaping. By through of the practical optical path model established, the ray tracing is carried out and the simulation results for single-mode Gaussian beam with noise circumstance is provided. The analysis results show that the laser beam shaping under different inputs can be effectively realized by use of microlens array. All the energy is within the signal window, with a high energy efficiency of more than 90%; The measured surface has a better uniformity, and the uniformity is better than 99.5% at 150m.

Effect of interface layer on the performance of high power diode laser arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Pu; Wang, Jingwei; Xiong, Lingling; Li, Xiaoning; Hou, Dong; Liu, Xingsheng

2015-02-01

Packaging is an important part of high power diode laser (HPLD) development and has become one of the key factors affecting the performance of high power diode lasers. In the package structure of HPLD, the interface layer of die bonding has significant effects on the thermal behavior of high power diode laser packages and most degradations and failures in high power diode laser packages are directly related to the interface layer. In this work, the effects of interface layer on the performance of high power diode laser array were studied numerically by modeling and experimentally. Firstly, numerical simulations using finite element method (FEM) were conducted to analyze the effects of voids in the interface layer on the temperature rise in active region of diode laser array. The correlation between junction temperature rise and voids was analyzed. According to the numerical simulation results, it was found that the local temperature rise of active region originated from the voids in the solder layer will lead to wavelength shift of some emitters. Secondly, the effects of solder interface layer on the spectrum properties of high power diode laser array were studied. It showed that the spectrum shape of diode laser array appeared "right shoulder" or "multi-peaks", which were related to the voids in the solder interface layer. Finally, "void-free" techniques were developed to minimize the voids in the solder interface layer and achieve high power diode lasers with better optical-electrical performances.

High density, optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, v-groove monolithic laser diode array

DOEpatents

Freitas, Barry L.

1998-01-01

An optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, high density laser diode array achieves stacking pitches to 33 bars/cm by mounting laser diodes into V-shaped grooves. This design will deliver>4kW/cm2 of directional pulsed laser power. This optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, high density laser is usable in all solid state laser systems which require efficient, directional, narrow bandwidth, high optical power density pump sources.

Coupled-mode analysis of gain and wavelength oscillation characteristics of diode laser phased arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butler, J. K.; Ettenberg, M.; Ackley, D. E.

1985-01-01

The lasing wavelengths and gain characteristics of the modes of phase-locked arrays of channel-substrate-planar (CSP) lasers are presented. The gain values for the array modes are determined from complex coupling coefficients calculated using the fields of neighboring elements of the array. The computations show that, for index guided lasers which have nearly planar phase fronts, the highest order array mode will be preferred. The 'in-phase' or fundamental mode, which produces only one major lobe in the far-field radiation pattern, has the lowest modal gain of all array modes. The modal gain differential between the highest order and fundamental modes is less than 10/cm for weak coupling between the elements.

Operation of a homeostatic sleep switch.

PubMed

Pimentel, Diogo; Donlea, Jeffrey M; Talbot, Clifford B; Song, Seoho M; Thurston, Alexander J F; Miesenböck, Gero

2016-08-18

Sleep disconnects animals from the external world, at considerable risks and costs that must be offset by a vital benefit. Insight into this mysterious benefit will come from understanding sleep homeostasis: to monitor sleep need, an internal bookkeeper must track physiological changes that are linked to the core function of sleep. In Drosophila, a crucial component of the machinery for sleep homeostasis is a cluster of neurons innervating the dorsal fan-shaped body (dFB) of the central complex. Artificial activation of these cells induces sleep, whereas reductions in excitability cause insomnia. dFB neurons in sleep-deprived flies tend to be electrically active, with high input resistances and long membrane time constants, while neurons in rested flies tend to be electrically silent. Correlative evidence thus supports the simple view that homeostatic sleep control works by switching sleep-promoting neurons between active and quiescent states. Here we demonstrate state switching by dFB neurons, identify dopamine as a neuromodulator that operates the switch, and delineate the switching mechanism. Arousing dopamine caused transient hyperpolarization of dFB neurons within tens of milliseconds and lasting excitability suppression within minutes. Both effects were transduced by Dop1R2 receptors and mediated by potassium conductances. The switch to electrical silence involved the downregulation of voltage-gated A-type currents carried by Shaker and Shab, and the upregulation of voltage-independent leak currents through a two-pore-domain potassium channel that we term Sandman. Sandman is encoded by the CG8713 gene and translocates to the plasma membrane in response to dopamine. dFB-restricted interference with the expression of Shaker or Sandman decreased or increased sleep, respectively, by slowing the repetitive discharge of dFB neurons in the ON state or blocking their entry into the OFF state. Biophysical changes in a small population of neurons are thus linked to the control of sleep-wake state.

QEPAS based ppb-level detection of CO and N2O using a high power CW DFB-QCL.

PubMed

Ma, Yufei; Lewicki, Rafał; Razeghi, Manijeh; Tittel, Frank K

2013-01-14

An ultra-sensitive and selective quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) sensor platform was demonstrated for detection of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrous oxide (N2O). This sensor used a state-of-the art 4.61 μm high power, continuous wave (CW), distributed feedback quantum cascade laser (DFB-QCL) operating at 10°C as the excitation source. For the R(6) CO absorption line, located at 2169.2 cm(-1), a minimum detection limit (MDL) of 1.5 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) at atmospheric pressure was achieved with a 1 sec acquisition time and the addition of 2.6% water vapor concentration in the analyzed gas mixture. For the N2O detection, a MDL of 23 ppbv was obtained at an optimum gas pressure of 100 Torr and with the same water vapor content of 2.6%. In both cases the presence of water vapor increases the detected CO and N2O QEPAS signal levels as a result of enhancing the vibrational-translational relaxation rate of both target gases. Allan deviation analyses were performed to investigate the long term performance of the CO and N2O QEPAS sensor systems. For the optimum data acquisition time of 500 sec a MDL of 340 pptv and 4 ppbv was obtained for CO and N2O detection, respectively. To demonstrate reliable and robust operation of the QEPAS sensor a continuous monitoring of atmospheric CO and N2O concentration levels for a period of 5 hours were performed.

Temperature and H2O sensing in laminar premixed flames using mid-infrared heterodyne phase-sensitive dispersion spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Liuhao; Wang, Zhen; Cheong, Kin-Pang; Ning, Hongbo; Ren, Wei

2018-06-01

We report the first demonstration of heterodyne phase-sensitive dispersion spectroscopy (HPSDS) for the simultaneous temperature and H2O concentration measurements in combustion environments. Two continuous-wave distributed-feedback quantum cascade lasers (DFB-QCLs) at 5.27 and 10.53 µm were used to exploit the strong H2O transitions (1897.52 and 949.53 cm-1) at high temperatures. The injection current of each QCL was modulated at sub-GHz or GHz to generate the three-tone radiation and the dispersion signal was detected by the radio-frequency down-conversion heterodyning. The peak-to-peak ratio of the two H2O dispersion spectra exhibits a monotonic relationship with temperature over the temperature range of 1000-3000 K, indicating the capability of performing two-line thermometry using laser dispersion spectroscopy. We measured the temperatures of CH4/air flames at different equivalence ratios ( Φ = 0.8-1.2), yielding a good agreement with the corresponding thermocouple measurements. In addition, one-dimensional kinetic modeling coupled with a detailed chemical kinetic mechanism (GRI 3.0) was conducted to compare with the measured H2O concentrations using HPSDS. Finally, we demonstrated HPSDS is immune to optical power fluctuations by measuring the dispersion spectra at varied incident laser powers.

Real-time, in situ, continuous monitoring of CO in a pulverized-coal-fired power plant with a 2.3 μm laser absorption sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Xing; Jeffries, Jay B.; Hanson, Ronald K.

2013-03-01

A real-time, in situ CO sensor using 2.3 μm DFB diode laser absorption, with calibration-free wavelength-modulation-spectroscopy, was demonstrated for continuous monitoring in the boiler exhaust of a pulverized-coal-fired power plant up to temperatures of 700 K. The sensor was similar to a design demonstrated earlier in laboratory conditions, now refined to accommodate the harsh conditions of utility boilers. Measurements were performed across a 3 m path in the particulate-laden economizer exhaust of the coal-fired boiler. A 0.6 ppm detection limit with 1 s averaging was estimated from the results of a continuous 7-h-long measurement with varied excess air levels. The measured CO concentration exhibited expected inverse trends with the excess O2 concentration, which was varied between 1 and 3 %. Measured CO concentrations ranged between 6 and 200 ppm; evaluation of the data suggested a dynamic range from 6 to 10,000 ppm based on a minimum signal-to-noise ratio of ten and maximum absorbance of one. This field demonstration of a 2.3 μm laser absorption sensor for CO showed great potential for real-time combustion exhaust monitoring and control of practical combustion systems.

Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy Sensor for Calibration Free Humidity Measurements in Pure Methane and Low CO2 Natural Gas.

PubMed

Nwaboh, Javis Anyangwe; Pratzler, Sonja; Werhahn, Olav; Ebert, Volker

2017-05-01

We report a new direct tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (dTDLAS) sensor for absolute measurements of H 2 O in methane, ethane, propane, and low CO 2 natural gas. The sensor is operated with a 2.7 µm DFB laser, equipped with a high pressure single pass gas cell, and used to measure H 2 O amount of substance fractions in the range of 0.31-25 000 µmol/mol. Operating total gas pressures are up to 5000 hPa. The sensor has been characterized, addressing the traceability of the spectrometric results to the SI and the evaluation of the combined uncertainty, following the guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM). The relative reproducibility of H 2 O amount of substance fraction measurements at 87 µmol/mol is 0.26% (0.23 µmol/mol). The maximum precision of the sensor was determined using a H 2 O in methane mixture, and found to be 40 nmol/mol for a time resolution of 100 s. This corresponds to a normalized detection limit of 330 nmol mol -1 ·m Hz -1/2 . The relative combined uncertainty of H 2 O amount fraction measurements delivered by the sensor is 1.2%.

High density, optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, v-groove monolithic laser diode array

DOEpatents

Freitas, B.L.

1998-10-27

An optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, high density laser diode array achieves stacking pitches to 33 bars/cm by mounting laser diodes into V-shaped grooves. This design will deliver > 4kW/cm{sup 2} of directional pulsed laser power. This optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, high density laser is usable in all solid state laser systems which require efficient, directional, narrow bandwidth, high optical power density pump sources. 13 figs.

Generation and use of high power 213 nm and 266 nm laser radiation and tunable 210-400 nm laser radiation with BBO crystal matrix array

DOEpatents

Gruen, Dieter M.

2000-01-01

A 213 nm laser beam is capable of single photon ablative photodecomposition for the removal of a polymer or biological material substrate. Breaking the molecular bonds and displacing the molecules away from the substrate in a very short time period results in most of the laser photon energy being carried away by the displaced molecules, thus minimizing thermal damage to the substrate. The incident laser beam may be unfocussed and is preferably produced by quintupling the 1064 nm radiation from a Nd:YAG solid state laser, i.e., at 213 nm. In one application, the 213 nm laser beam is expanded in cross section and directed through a plurality of small beta barium borate (BBO) crystals for increasing the energy per photon of the laser radiation directed onto the substrate. The BBO crystals are arranged in a crystal matrix array to provide a large laser beam transmission area capable of accommodating high energy laser radiation without damaging the BBO crystals. The BBO crystal matrix array may also be used with 266 nm laser radiation for carrying out single or multi photon ablative photodecomposition. The BBO crystal matrix array may also be used in an optical parametric oscillator mode to generate high power tunable laser radiation in the range of 210-400 nm.

Tailored nanopost arrays (NAPA) for laser desorption ionization in mass spectrometry

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos; Walker, Bennett N.; Stolee, Jessica A.; Retterer, Scott T.

2016-11-08

The production and use of semiconducting nanopost arrays made by nanofabrication is described herein. These nanopost arrays (NAPA) provide improved laser ionization yields and controllable fragmentation with switching or modulation capabilities for mass spectrometric detection and identification of samples deposited on them.

Large-area high-power VCSEL pump arrays optimized for high-energy lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chad; Geske, Jonathan; Garrett, Henry; Cardellino, Terri; Talantov, Fedor; Berdin, Glen; Millenheft, David; Renner, Daniel; Klemer, Daniel

2012-06-01

Practical, large-area, high-power diode pumps for one micron (Nd, Yb) as well as eye-safer wavelengths (Er, Tm, Ho) are critical to the success of any high energy diode pumped solid state laser. Diode efficiency, brightness, availability and cost will determine how realizable a fielded high energy diode pumped solid state laser will be. 2-D Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) arrays are uniquely positioned to meet these requirements because of their unique properties, such as low divergence circular output beams, reduced wavelength drift with temperature, scalability to large 2-D arrays through low-cost and high-volume semiconductor photolithographic processes, high reliability, no catastrophic optical damage failure, and radiation and vacuum operation tolerance. Data will be presented on the status of FLIR-EOC's VCSEL pump arrays. Analysis of the key aspects of electrical, thermal and mechanical design that are critical to the design of a VCSEL pump array to achieve high power efficient array performance will be presented.

Lithographic fine-tuning of vertical cavity surface emitting laser-pumped two-dimensional photonic crystal lasers.

PubMed

Cao, J R; Lee, Po-Tsung; Choi, Sang-Jun; O'Brien, John D; Dapkus, P Daniel

2002-01-01

Lithographic tuning of operating wavelengths in a photonic crystal laser array is demonstrated. The photonic crystal lattice constant is varied by 2 nm between elements of the array, and a wavelength spacing of approximately 4 nm is achieved.

3D imaging LADAR with linear array devices: laser, detector and ROIC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kameyama, Shumpei; Imaki, Masaharu; Tamagawa, Yasuhisa; Akino, Yosuke; Hirai, Akihito; Ishimura, Eitaro; Hirano, Yoshihito

2009-07-01

This paper introduces the recent development of 3D imaging LADAR (LAser Detection And Ranging) in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The system consists of in-house-made key devices which are linear array: the laser, the detector and the ROIC (Read-Out Integrated Circuit). The laser transmitter is the high power and compact planar waveguide array laser at the wavelength of 1.5 micron. The detector array consists of the low excess noise Avalanche Photo Diode (APD) using the InAlAs multiplication layer. The analog ROIC array, which is fabricated in the SiGe- BiCMOS process, includes the Trans-Impedance Amplifiers (TIA), the peak intensity detectors, the Time-Of-Flight (TOF) detectors, and the multiplexers for read-out. This device has the feature in its detection ability for the small signal by optimizing the peak intensity detection circuit. By combining these devices with the one dimensional fast scanner, the real-time 3D range image can be obtained. After the explanations about the key devices, some 3D imaging results are demonstrated using the single element key devices. The imaging using the developed array devices is planned in the near future.

Active hyperspectral imaging using a quantum cascade laser (QCL) array and digital-pixel focal plane array (DFPA) camera.

PubMed

Goyal, Anish; Myers, Travis; Wang, Christine A; Kelly, Michael; Tyrrell, Brian; Gokden, B; Sanchez, Antonio; Turner, George; Capasso, Federico

2014-06-16

We demonstrate active hyperspectral imaging using a quantum-cascade laser (QCL) array as the illumination source and a digital-pixel focal-plane-array (DFPA) camera as the receiver. The multi-wavelength QCL array used in this work comprises 15 individually addressable QCLs in which the beams from all lasers are spatially overlapped using wavelength beam combining (WBC). The DFPA camera was configured to integrate the laser light reflected from the sample and to perform on-chip subtraction of the passive thermal background. A 27-frame hyperspectral image was acquired of a liquid contaminant on a diffuse gold surface at a range of 5 meters. The measured spectral reflectance closely matches the calculated reflectance. Furthermore, the high-speed capabilities of the system were demonstrated by capturing differential reflectance images of sand and KClO₃ particles that were moving at speeds of up to 10 m/s.

1D array of dark spot traps formed by counter-propagating nested Gaussian laser beams for trapping and moving atomic qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gillen-Christandl, Katharina; Frazer, Travis D.

2017-04-01

The standing wave of two identical counter-propagating Gaussian laser beams constitutes a 1D array of bright spots that can serve as traps for single neutral atoms for quantum information operations. Detuning the frequency of one of the beams causes the array to start moving, effectively forming a conveyor belt for the qubits. Using a pair of nested Gaussian laser beams with different beam waists, however, forms a standing wave with a 1D array of dark spot traps confined in all dimensions. We have computationally explored the trap properties and limitations of this configuration and, trading off trap depth and frequencies with the number of traps and trap photon scattering rates, we determined the laser powers and beam waists needed for useful 1D arrays of dark spot traps for trapping and transporting atomic qubits in neutral atom quantum computing platforms.

Numerical simulation of evaluation of surface breaking cracks by array-lasers generated narrow-band SAW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Li-Ming; Ni, Chen-Yin; Shen, Zhong-Hua; Ni, Xiao-Wu

2011-09-01

Most of the factors limiting the extensive application of laser-based ultrasonic for nondestructive evaluation of surface breaking crack are its poor sensitivity, low efficiency relative to conventional contact ultrasonic methods and limit on the dimension of the cracks. For this reason, a new technique that multiplepulse narrow-band ultrasound generated by laser arrays has been proposed. It is found that crack detection dependent on spectrum of narrow-band ultrasound generated by laser arrays can be operated with low amplitude requirements. In this paper, the narrow-band ultrasound generated by pulse laser arrays interacting with surface breaking cracks has been simulated in detail by the finite element method (FEM) according to the thermoelastic theory. The pulsed array lasers were assumed to be transient heat source, and the surface acoustic wave (SAW) which propagating on the top of the plate was computed based on thermoelastic theory. Then the frequency spectrums of both reflected waves by crack and transmission ones through crack were compared with the direct waves. Results demonstrate that multiple-frequency components of the narrow-band ultrasound were varied with change of the depth of surface breaking cracks significantly, which provides the possibility for precise evaluation of surface breaking cracks.

Telecom-Wavelength Bottom-up Nanobeam Lasers on Silicon-on-Insulator.

PubMed

Kim, Hyunseok; Lee, Wook-Jae; Farrell, Alan C; Balgarkashi, Akshay; Huffaker, Diana L

2017-09-13

Semiconductor nanowire lasers are considered promising ultracompact and energy-efficient light sources in the field of nanophotonics. Although the integration of nanowire lasers onto silicon photonic platforms is an innovative path toward chip-scale optical communications and photonic integrated circuits, operating nanowire lasers at telecom-wavelengths remains challenging. Here, we report on InGaAs nanowire array lasers on a silicon-on-insulator platform operating up to 1440 nm at room temperature. Bottom-up photonic crystal nanobeam cavities are formed by growing nanowires as ordered arrays using selective-area epitaxy, and single-mode lasing by optical pumping is demonstrated. We also show that arrays of nanobeam lasers with individually tunable wavelengths can be integrated on a single chip by the simple adjustment of the lithographically defined growth pattern. These results exemplify a practical approach toward nanowire lasers for silicon photonics.

Evidence of Skill and Strategy in Daily Fantasy Basketball.

PubMed

Evans, Brent A; Roush, Justin; Pitts, Joshua D; Hornby, Adam

2018-03-27

Using hand-collected data from DraftKings.com, a major daily fantasy sports website, we analyze draft selections of thousands of participants in daily fantasy basketball (DFB). In our study, the first thorough examination of DFB, we show that DFB is a game in which skill is necessary for success. Using econometric analysis, we find that winning participants utilize different strategies than losing participants; for example, winning participants more frequently select NBA rookies and international players. We also find that participants paying to enter more lineups in a given contest earn profits far more often than those entering few lineups, indicating that the number of lineups entered can serve as a proxy for skill. Additionally, we provide a thorough discussion of industry characteristics, prior literature, and gameplay, which should help readers familiarize themselves with this burgeoning fantasy sports variant. This study should further the literature on the contentious activity, which has been outlawed in many U.S. states and continues to elicit controversy.

Improving Reliability of High Power Quasi-CW Laser Diode Arrays Operating in Long Pulse Mode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amzajerdian, Farzin; Meadows, Byron L.; Barnes, Bruce W.; Lockard, George E.; Singh, Upendra N.; Kavaya, Michael J.; Baker, Nathaniel R.

2006-01-01

Operating high power laser diode arrays in long pulse regime of about 1 msec, which is required for pumping 2-micron thulium and holmium-based lasers, greatly limits their useful lifetime. This paper describes performance of laser diode arrays operating in long pulse mode and presents experimental data of the active region temperature and pulse-to-pulse thermal cycling that are the primary cause of their premature failure and rapid degradation. This paper will then offer a viable approach for determining the optimum design and operational parameters leading to the maximum attainable lifetime.

Phased laser array with tailored spectral and coherence properties

DOEpatents

Messerly, Michael J [Danville, CA; Dawson, Jay W [Livermore, CA; Beach, Raymond J [Livermore, CA

2011-03-29

Architectures for coherently combining an array of fiber-based lasers are provided. By matching their lengths to within a few integer multiples of a wavelength, the spatial and temporal properties of a single large laser are replicated, while extending the average or peak pulsed power limit.

Phased laser array with tailored spectral and coherence properties

DOEpatents

Messerly, Michael J; Dawson, Jay W; Beach, Raymond J

2014-05-20

Architectures for coherently combining an array of fiber-based lasers are provided. By matching their lengths to within a few integer multiples of a wavelength, the spatial and temporal properties of a single large laser are replicated, while extending the average or peak pulsed power limit.

Optical transfer function of NTS-1 retroreflector array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arnold, D. A.

1974-01-01

An optical transfer function was computed for the retroreflector array carried by the NTS-1 satellite. Range corrections are presented for extrapolating laser range measurements to the center of mass of the satellite. The gain function of the array was computed for use in estimating laser-echo signal strengths.

Ion velocity distributions in dipolarization events: Distributions in the central plasma sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birn, J.; Runov, A.; Zhou, X.-Z.

2017-08-01

Using combined MHD/test particle simulations, we further explore characteristic ion velocity distributions in the central plasma sheet (CPS) in relation to dipolarization events. Distributions in the CPS within the dipolarized flux bundle (DFB) that follows the passage of a dipolarization front typically show two opposing low subthermal-energy beams with a ring-like component perpendicular to the magnetic field at about twice the thermal energy. The dominance of the perpendicular anisotropy and a field-aligned peak at lower energy agree qualitatively with ion distribution functions derived from "Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms" observations. At locations somewhat off the equatorial plane the field-aligned peaks are shifted by a field-aligned component of the bulk flow, such that one peak becomes centered near zero net velocity, which makes it less likely to be observed. The origins of the field-aligned peaks are low-energy lobe (or near plasma sheet boundary layer) regions, while the ring distribution originates mostly from thermal plasma sheet particles on extended field lines. The acceleration mechanisms are also quite different: the beam ions are accelerated first by the E × B drift motion of the DFB and then by a slingshot effect of the earthward convecting DFB (akin to first-order Fermi, type B, acceleration), which causes an increase in field-aligned speed. In contrast, the ring particles are accelerated by successive, betatron-like acceleration after entering the high electric field region of an earthward propagating DFB.

Immediate-type allergic and protease-mediated reactions are involved in scratching behaviour induced by topical application of Dermatophagoides farinae extract in NC/Nga mice.

PubMed

Yamada, Yoshihito; Ueda, Yuhki; Nakamura, Aki; Kanayama, Shoji; Tamura, Rie; Hashimoto, Kei; Matsumoto, Tatsumi; Ishii, Ritsuko

2018-04-01

Atopic dermatitis (AD)-like dermatitis can be induced by repeated topical application of an ointment containing Dermatophagoides farinae body (Dfb) extract in NC/Nga mice. This AD-like murine model also exhibits a biphasic increase in the number of scratching behaviour after topical application of Dfb ointment. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms underlying the scratching behaviour in each phase. An increase in the content of mast cell-derived mediators such as histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the lesional skin and increased vascular permeability were observed in the early phase after the Dfb ointment application. Chlorpheniramine (H 1 receptor antagonist) and cromoglycate (mast cell stabilizer) reduced the scratching behaviour in the early phase but not that in the later phase. Furthermore, the content of various endogenous pruritogens such as interleukin-31 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin in the lesional skin was increased 1 or 24 hours after the Dfb ointment application. Elevated expression of proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) was also observed in the epidermis. Finally, gabexate (serine protease inhibitor) reduced the scratching behaviour in both phases, and anti-PAR2 antibody also showed a tendency to reduce both scratching behaviours. These findings suggest that immediate-type allergic reactions caused by mast cell degranulation and PAR-2 activation by proteases are involved in the scratching behaviour in this AD-like model. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Multispectral InGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs laser arrays by MBE growth on patterned substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamath, K.; Bhattacharya, P.; Singh, J.

1997-05-01

Multispectral semiconductor laser arrays on single chip is demonstrated by molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth of {In0.2Ga0.8As}/{GaAs} quantum well lasers on GaAs (1 0 0) substrates patterned by dry etching. No regrowth is needed for simple edge emitting lasers. It was observed that the laser characteristics are not degraded by the patterned growth. The shift in the emission wavelength obtained by this method can be controlled by varying the width of the pre-patterned ridges as well as by selecting the regions with different number of vertical sidewalls on both sides. We have also shown that multispectral vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays can be made by this technique with a single regrowth.

Design of a patterned nanostructure array using a nanosecond pulsed laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Yutaka; Ohnishi, Ko; Matsuo, Yasutaka; Watanabe, Seiichi

2018-04-01

For design the patterned nanostructure array (PNSA) on material surface using a nanosecond pulsed laser, we investigated the influence of phase shift between scattered lights on silicon (Si) substrate using 30-nm-wide gold lines (GLs) spacings. At a spacing of 5,871 nm, ten nanodot (ND) arrays were formed at intervals of 533 nm by nanosecond pulsed laser. The results show that the formation of the PNSA was affected by the resonance of scattered light. We conclude that ND arrays were formed with a spacing of Λ = nλ. And we have designed PNSA comprising two ND arrays on the substrate. The PNSA with dimensions of 1,600 nm × 1,600 nm was prepared using GLs.

Thermal Management of Quantum Cascade Lasers in an individually Addressable Array Architecture

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-08

Thermal Management of Quantum Cascade Lasers in an Individually Addressable Monolithic Array Architecture Leo Missaggia, Christine Wang, Michael...power laser systems in the mid-to-long-infrared wavelength range. By virtue of their demonstrated watt-level performance and wavelength diversity...quantum cascade laser (QCL) and amplifier devices are an excellent choice of emitter for those applications. To realize the power levels of interest

Generation of vortex array laser beams with Dove prism embedded unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Shu-Chun

2009-02-01

This paper introduces a scheme for generation of vortex laser beams from a solid-state laser with off-axis laser-diode pumping. The proposed system consists of a Dove prism embedded in an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration. This configuration allows controlled construction of p × p vortex array beams from Ince-Gaussian modes, IGep,p modes. An incident IGe p,p laser beam of variety order p can easily be generated from an end-pumped solid-state laser with an off-axis pumping mechanism. This study simulates this type of vortex array laser beam generation and discusses beam propagation effects. The formation of ordered transverse emission patterns have applications in a variety of areas such as optical data storage, distribution, and processing that exploit the robustness of soliton and vortex fields and optical manipulations of small particles and atoms in the featured intensity distribution.

Position and orientation tracking system

DOEpatents

Burks, Barry L.; DePiero, Fred W.; Armstrong, Gary A.; Jansen, John F.; Muller, Richard C.; Gee, Timothy F.

1998-01-01

A position and orientation tracking system presents a laser scanning appaus having two measurement pods, a control station, and a detector array. The measurement pods can be mounted in the dome of a radioactive waste storage silo. Each measurement pod includes dual orthogonal laser scanner subsystems. The first laser scanner subsystem is oriented to emit a first line laser in the pan direction. The second laser scanner is oriented to emit a second line laser in the tilt direction. Both emitted line lasers scan planes across the radioactive waste surface to encounter the detector array mounted on a target robotic vehicle. The angles of incidence of the planes with the detector array are recorded by the control station. Combining measurements describing each of the four planes provides data for a closed form solution of the algebraic transform describing the position and orientation of the target robotic vehicle.

Position and orientation tracking system

DOEpatents

Burks, B.L.; DePiero, F.W.; Armstrong, G.A.; Jansen, J.F.; Muller, R.C.; Gee, T.F.

1998-05-05

A position and orientation tracking system presents a laser scanning apparatus having two measurement pods, a control station, and a detector array. The measurement pods can be mounted in the dome of a radioactive waste storage silo. Each measurement pod includes dual orthogonal laser scanner subsystems. The first laser scanner subsystem is oriented to emit a first line laser in the pan direction. The second laser scanner is oriented to emit a second line laser in the tilt direction. Both emitted line lasers scan planes across the radioactive waste surface to encounter the detector array mounted on a target robotic vehicle. The angles of incidence of the planes with the detector array are recorded by the control station. Combining measurements describing each of the four planes provides data for a closed form solution of the algebraic transform describing the position and orientation of the target robotic vehicle. 14 figs.

Frequency-modulated laser ranging sensor with closed-loop control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, Fabian M.; Böttger, Gunnar; Janeczka, Christian; Arndt-Staufenbiel, Norbert; Schröder, Henning; Schneider-Ramelow, Martin

2018-02-01

Advances in autonomous driving and robotics are creating high demand for inexpensive and mass-producible distance sensors. A laser ranging system (Lidar), based on the frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) method is built in this work. The benefits of an FMCW Lidar system are the low-cost components and the performance in comparison to conventional time-of-flight Lidar systems. The basic system consists of a DFB laser diode (λ= 1308 nm) and an asymmetric fiber-coupled Mach-Zehnder interferometer with a fixed delay line in one arm. Linear tuning of the laser optical frequency via injection current modulation creates a beat signal at the interferometer output. The frequency of the beat signal is proportional to the optical path difference in the interferometer. Since the laser frequency-to-current response is non-linear, a closed-loop feed-back system is designed to improve the tuning linearity, and consequently the measurement resolution. For fast active control, an embedded system with FPGA is used, resulting in a nearly linear frequency tuning, realizing a narrow peak in the Fourier spectrum of the beat signal. For free-space measurements, a setup with two distinct interferometers is built. The fully fiber-coupled Mach-Zehnder reference interferometer is part of the feed-back loop system, while the other - a Michelson interferometer - has a free-space arm with collimator lens and reflective target. A resolution of 2:0 mm for a 560 mm distance is achieved. The results for varying target distances show high consistency and a linear relation to the measured beat-frequency.

Spectrally resolved modal characteristics of leaky-wave-coupled quantum cascade phase-locked laser arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sigler, Chris; Gibson, Ricky; Boyle, Colin; Kirch, Jeremy D.; Lindberg, Donald; Earles, Thomas; Botez, Dan; Mawst, Luke J.; Bedford, Robert

2018-01-01

The modal characteristics of nonresonant five-element phase-locked arrays of 4.7-μm emitting quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) have been studied using spectrally resolved near- and far-field measurements and correlated with results of device simulation. Devices are fabricated by a two-step metal-organic chemical vapor deposition process and operate predominantly in an in-phase array mode near threshold, although become multimode at higher drive levels. The wide spectral bandwidth of the QCL's core region is found to be a factor in promoting multispatial-mode operation at high drive levels above threshold. An optimized resonant-array design is identified to allow sole in-phase array-mode operation to high drive levels above threshold, and indicates that for phase-locked laser arrays full spatial coherence to high output powers does not require full temporal coherence.

Semiconductor Laser Diode Arrays by MOCVD (Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition)

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

laser diode arrays are intended to be used as an optical pump for solid state yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) lasers. In particular, linear uniform...corresponds to about . , 8080A. Such thin layer structures, while difficult to grow by such conventional growth methods as liquid phase epitaxy ( LPE ...lower yet than for DH lasers grown by LPE . , - Conventional self-aligned stripe laser This structure is formed by growing (on an n-type GaAs substrate

Flexible crossbar-structured resistive memory arrays on plastic substrates via inorganic-based laser lift-off.

PubMed

Kim, Seungjun; Son, Jung Hwan; Lee, Seung Hyun; You, Byoung Kuk; Park, Kwi-Il; Lee, Hwan Keon; Byun, Myunghwan; Lee, Keon Jae

2014-11-26

Crossbar-structured memory comprising 32 × 32 arrays with one selector-one resistor (1S-1R) components are initially fabricated on a rigid substrate. They are transferred without mechanical damage via an inorganic-based laser lift-off (ILLO) process as a result of laser-material interaction. Addressing tests of the transferred memory arrays are successfully performed to verify mitigation of cross-talk on a plastic substrate. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Thermal signature identification system (TheSIS): a spread spectrum temperature cycling method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merritt, Scott

2015-03-01

NASA GSFC's Thermal Signature Identification System (TheSIS) 1) measures the high order dynamic responses of optoelectronic components to direct sequence spread-spectrum temperature cycling, 2) estimates the parameters of multiple autoregressive moving average (ARMA) or other models the of the responses, 3) and selects the most appropriate model using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Using the AIC-tested model and parameter vectors from TheSIS, one can 1) select high-performing components on a multivariate basis, i.e., with multivariate Figures of Merit (FOMs), 2) detect subtle reversible shifts in performance, and 3) investigate irreversible changes in component or subsystem performance, e.g. aging. We show examples of the TheSIS methodology for passive and active components and systems, e.g. fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and DFB lasers with coupled temperature control loops, respectively.

The Use of a Microcomputer Based Array Processor for Real Time Laser Velocimeter Data Processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyers, James F.

1990-01-01

The application of an array processor to laser velocimeter data processing is presented. The hardware is described along with the method of parallel programming required by the array processor. A portion of the data processing program is described in detail. The increase in computational speed of a microcomputer equipped with an array processor is illustrated by comparative testing with a minicomputer.

Ultra-high aggregate bandwidth two-dimensional multiple-wavelength diode laser arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang-Hasnain, Connie

1994-04-01

Two-dimensional (2D) multi-wavelength vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays is promising for ultrahigh aggregate capacity optical networks. A 2D VCSEL array emitting 140 distinct wavelengths was reported by implementing a spatially graded layer in the VCSEL structure, which in turn creates a wavelength spread. In this program, we concentrated on novel epitaxial growth techniques to make reproducible and repeatable multi-wavelength VCSEL arrays.

Segmented amplifier configurations for laser amplifier

DOEpatents

Hagen, Wilhelm F.

1979-01-01

An amplifier system for high power lasers, the system comprising a compact array of segments which (1) preserves high, large signal gain with improved pumping efficiency and (2) allows the total amplifier length to be shortened by as much as one order of magnitude. The system uses a three dimensional array of segments, with the plane of each segment being oriented at substantially the amplifier medium Brewster angle relative to the incident laser beam and with one or more linear arrays of flashlamps positioned between adjacent rows of amplifier segments, with the plane of the linear array of flashlamps being substantially parallel to the beam propagation direction.

Optical transfer function of Starlette retroreflector array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arnold, D. A.

1975-01-01

An optical transfer function was computed for the retroreflector array carried by the Starlette satellite (1975 10A). The range correction is given for extrapolating laser range measurements to the center of mass of the satellite. The gain function and active reflecting area of the array are computed for estimating laser-echo signal strengths.

Laser desorption ionization and peptide sequencing on laser induced silicon microcolumn arrays

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos [Reston, VA; Chen, Yong [San Diego, CA

2011-12-27

The present invention provides a method of producing a laser-patterned silicon surface, especially silicon wafers for use in laser desorption ionization (LDI-MS) (including MALDI-MS and SELDI-MS), devices containing the same, and methods of testing samples employing the same. The surface is prepared by subjecting a silicon substrate to multiple laser shots from a high-power picosecond or femtosecond laser while in a processing environment, e.g., underwater, and generates a remarkable homogenous microcolumn array capable of providing an improved substrate for LDI-MS.

The DIRC front-end electronics chain for BaBar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailly, P.; Beigbeder, C.; Bernier, R.; Breton, D.; Bonneaud, G.; Caceres, T.; Chase, R.; Chauveau, J.; Del Buono, L.; Dohou, F.; Ducorps, A.; Gastaldi, F.; Genat, J. F.; Hrisoho, A.; Imbert, P.; Lebbolo, H.; Matricon, P.; Oxoby, G.; Renard, C.; Roos, L.; Sen, S.; Thiebaux, C.; Truong, K.; Tocut, V.; Vasileiadis, G.; Va'Vra, J.; Verderi, M.; Warner, D.; Wilson, R. J.; Wormser, G.; Zhang, B.; Zomer, F.

2000-12-01

Recent results from the Front-End electronics of the Detector of Internally Reflected Cerenkov light (DIRC) for the BaBar experiment at SLAC (Stanford, USA) are presented. It measures to better than 1 ns the arrival time of Cerenkov photoelectrons detected in a 11000 phototubes array and their amplitude spectra. It mainly comprises 64-channel DIRC Front-End Boards (DFB) equipped with eight full-custom analog chips performing zero-cross discrimination with 2 mV threshold and pulse shaping, four full-custom digital time to digital chips (TDC) for timing measurements with 500 ps binning and a readout logic selecting hits in the trigger window, and DIRC Crate Controller cards (DCC) serializing the data collected front up to 16 DFBs onto a 1.2 Gb/s optical link. Extensive test results of the pre-production chips are presented, as well as system tests.

A simple laser locking system based on a field-programmable gate array.

PubMed

Jørgensen, N B; Birkmose, D; Trelborg, K; Wacker, L; Winter, N; Hilliard, A J; Bason, M G; Arlt, J J

2016-07-01

Frequency stabilization of laser light is crucial in both scientific and industrial applications. Technological developments now allow analog laser stabilization systems to be replaced with digital electronics such as field-programmable gate arrays, which have recently been utilized to develop such locking systems. We have developed a frequency stabilization system based on a field-programmable gate array, with emphasis on hardware simplicity, which offers a user-friendly alternative to commercial and previous home-built solutions. Frequency modulation, lock-in detection, and a proportional-integral-derivative controller are programmed on the field-programmable gate array and only minimal additional components are required to frequency stabilize a laser. The locking system is administered from a host-computer which provides comprehensive, long-distance control through a versatile interface. Various measurements were performed to characterize the system. The linewidth of the locked laser was measured to be 0.7 ± 0.1 MHz with a settling time of 10 ms. The system can thus fully match laser systems currently in use for atom trapping and cooling applications.

A simple laser locking system based on a field-programmable gate array

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jørgensen, N. B.; Birkmose, D.; Trelborg, K.

Frequency stabilization of laser light is crucial in both scientific and industrial applications. Technological developments now allow analog laser stabilization systems to be replaced with digital electronics such as field-programmable gate arrays, which have recently been utilized to develop such locking systems. We have developed a frequency stabilization system based on a field-programmable gate array, with emphasis on hardware simplicity, which offers a user-friendly alternative to commercial and previous home-built solutions. Frequency modulation, lock-in detection, and a proportional-integral-derivative controller are programmed on the field-programmable gate array and only minimal additional components are required to frequency stabilize a laser. The lockingmore » system is administered from a host-computer which provides comprehensive, long-distance control through a versatile interface. Various measurements were performed to characterize the system. The linewidth of the locked laser was measured to be 0.7 ± 0.1 MHz with a settling time of 10 ms. The system can thus fully match laser systems currently in use for atom trapping and cooling applications.« less

High-power laser diodes at various wavelengths

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Emanuel, M.A.

High power laser diodes at various wavelengths are described. First, performance and reliability of an optimized large transverse mode diode structure at 808 and 941 nm are presented. Next, data are presented on a 9.5 kW peak power array at 900 nm having a narrow emission bandwidth suitable for pumping Yb:S-FAP laser materials. Finally, results on a fiber-coupled laser diode array at {approx}730 nm are presented.

Study on the near-field non-linearity (SMILE) of high power diode laser arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hongyou; Jia, Yangtao; Li, Changxuan; Zah, Chung-en; Liu, Xingsheng

2018-02-01

High power laser diodes have been found a wide range of industrial, space, medical applications, characterized by high conversion efficiency, small size, light weight and a long lifetime. However, due to thermal induced stress, each emitter in a semiconductor laser bar or array is displaced along p-n junction, resulting of each emitter is not in a line, called Near-field Non-linearity. Near-field Non-linearity along laser bar (also known as "SMILE") determines the outcome of optical coupling and beam shaping [1]. The SMILE of a laser array is the main obstacle to obtain good optical coupling efficiency and beam shaping from a laser array. Larger SMILE value causes a larger divergence angle and a wider line after collimation and focusing, respectively. In this letter, we simulate two different package structures based on MCC (Micro Channel Cooler) with Indium and AuSn solders, including the distribution of normal stress and the SMILE value. According to the theoretical results, we found the distribution of normal stress on laser bar shows the largest in the middle and drops rapidly near both ends. At last, we did another experiment to prove that the SMILE value of a laser bar was mainly affected by the die bonding process, rather than the operating condition.

Low Power Ground-Based Laser Illumination for Electric Propulsion Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lapointe, Michael R.; Oleson, Steven R.

1994-01-01

A preliminary evaluation of low power, ground-based laser powered electric propulsion systems is presented. A review of available and near-term laser, photovoltaic, and adaptive optic systems indicates that approximately 5-kW of ground-based laser power can be delivered at an equivalent one-sun intensity to an orbit of approximately 2000 km. Laser illumination at the proper wavelength can double photovoltaic array conversion efficiencies compared to efficiencies obtained with solar illumination at the same intensity, allowing a reduction in array mass. The reduced array mass allows extra propellant to be carried with no penalty in total spacecraft mass. The extra propellant mass can extend the satellite life in orbit, allowing additional revenue to be generated. A trade study using realistic cost estimates and conservative ground station viewing capability was performed to estimate the number of communication satellites which must be illuminated to make a proliferated system of laser ground stations economically attractive. The required number of satellites is typically below that of proposed communication satellite constellations, indicating that low power ground-based laser beaming may be commercially viable. However, near-term advances in low specific mass solar arrays and high energy density batteries for LEO applications would render the ground-based laser system impracticable.

Modeling of a VMJ PV array under Gaussian high intensity laser power beam condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eom, Jeongsook; Kim, Gunzung; Park, Yongwan

2018-02-01

The high intensity laser power beaming (HILPB) system is one of the most promising systems in the long-rang wireless power transfer field. The vertical multi-junction photovoltaic (VMJ PV) array converts the HILPB into electricity to power the load or charges a battery. The output power of a VMJ PV array depends mainly on irradiance values of each VMJ PV cells. For simulating an entire VMJ PV array, the irradiance profile of the Gaussian HILPB and the irradiance level of the VMJ PV cell are mathematically modeled first. The VMJ PV array is modeled as a network with dimension m*n, where m represents the number of VMJ PV cells in a column, and n represents the number of VMJ PV cells in a row. In order to validate the results obtained in modeling and simulation, a laboratory setup was developed using 55 VMJ PV array. By using the output power model of VMJ PV array, we can establish an optimal power transmission path by the receiver based on the received signal strength. When the laser beam from multiple transmitters aimed at a VMJ PV array at the same time, the received power is the sum of all energy at a VMJ PV array. The transmitter sends its power characteristics as optically coded laser pulses and powers as HILPB. Using the attenuated power model and output power model of VMJ PV array, the receiver can estimate the maximum receivable powers from the transmitters and select optimal transmitters.

Advanced propulsion concepts study: Comparative study of solar electric propulsion and laser electric propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forward, R. L.

1975-01-01

Solar electric propulsion (SEP) and laser electric propulsion (LEP) was compared. The LEP system configuration consists of an 80 kW visible laser source on earth, transmitting via an 8 m diameter adaptively controlled phased array through the atmosphere to a 4 m diameter synchronous relay mirror that tracks the LEP spacecraft. The only significant change in the SEP spacecraft for an LEP mission is the replacement of the two 3.7 m by 33.5 m solar cell arrays with a single 8 m diameter laser photovoltaic array. The solar cell array weight is decreased from 320 kg to 120 kg for an increase in payload of 200 kg and a decrease in specific mass of the power system from 20.5 kg/kW to 7.8 kg/kW.

16-element photodiode array for the angular microdeflection detector and for stabilization of a laser radiation direction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wegrzecki, Maciej; Piotrowski, Tadeusz; Bar, Jan; Dobrowolski, Rafał; Klimov, Andrii; Klos, Helena; Marchewka, Michał; Nieprzecki, Marek; Panas, Andrzej; Prokaryn, Piotr; Seredyński, Bartłomiej; Sierakowski, Andrzej; Słysz, Wojciech; Szmigiel, Dariusz; Zaborowski, Michal

2016-12-01

In this paper, the design and technology of two types of 16-element photodiode arrays is described. The arrays were developed by the ITE and are to be used in detection of microdeflection of laser radiation at the Institute of Metrology and Biomedical Engineering in the Faculty of Mechatronics of Warsaw University of Technology. The electrical and photoelectrical parameters of the arrays are presented.

Optical and infrared transfer function of the Lageos retroreflector array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arnold, D. A.

1978-01-01

The transfer function of the retroreflector array carried by the LAGEOS satellite (1976 39A) was computed at three wavelengths: 5230, 6943, and 106000 A. The range correction is given for extrapolating laser range measurements to the center of gravity of the satellite. The reflectivity of the array was calculated for estimating laser-echo signal strengths.

Near-field optical model for directed energy-propelled spacecrafts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sucich, Amber; Snyder, Tomas; Hughes, Gary B.; Srinivasan, Prashant; Lubin, Philip; Zhang, Qicheng; Cohen, Alexander; Madajian, Jonathan; Brashears, Travis; Rupert, Nic

2017-09-01

Directed energy is envisioned to drive wafer-scale spacecraft to relativistic speeds. Spacecraft propulsion is provided by a large array of lasers, either in Earth orbit or stationed on the ground. The directed-energy beam is focused on the spacecraft sail, and momentum from photons in the laser beam is transferred to the spacecraft as the beam reflects off of the sail. In order for the beam to be concentrated on the spacecraft, precise phase control of all the elements across the laser array will be required. Any phase misalignments within the array will give rise to pointing fluctuations and flux asymmetry in the beam, necessitating creative approaches to spacecraft stability and beam following. In order to simulate spacecraft acceleration using an array of phase-locked lasers, a near field intensity model of the laser array is required. This paper describes a light propagation model that can be used to calculate intensity patterns for the near-field diffraction of a phased array. The model is based on the combination of complex frequencies from an array of emitters as the beams from each emitter strike a target surface. Ray-tracing geometry is used to determine the distance from each point on an emitter optical surface to each point on the target surface, and the distance is used to determine the phase contribution. Simulations are presented that explore the effects of fixed and time-varying phase mis-alignments on beam pointing, beam intensity and focusing characteristics.

Focused ultrasound-facilitated brain drug delivery using optimized nanodroplets: vaporization efficiency dictates large molecular delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Shih-Ying; Fix, Samantha M.; Arena, Christopher B.; Chen, Cherry C.; Zheng, Wenlan; Olumolade, Oluyemi O.; Papadopoulou, Virginie; Novell, Anthony; Dayton, Paul A.; Konofagou, Elisa E.

2018-02-01

Focused ultrasound with nanodroplets could facilitate localized drug delivery after vaporization with potentially improved in vivo stability, drug payload, and minimal interference outside of the focal zone compared with microbubbles. While the feasibility of blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening using nanodroplets has been previously reported, characterization of the associated delivery has not been achieved. It was hypothesized that the outcome of drug delivery was associated with the droplet’s sensitivity to acoustic energy, and can be modulated with the boiling point of the liquid core. Therefore, in this study, octafluoropropane (OFP) and decafluorobutane (DFB) nanodroplets were used both in vitro for assessing their relative vaporization efficiency with high-speed microscopy, and in vivo for delivering molecules with a size relevant to proteins (40 kDa dextran) to the murine brain. It was found that at low pressures (300-450 kPa), OFP droplets vaporized into a greater number of microbubbles compared to DFB droplets at higher pressures (750-900 kPa) in the in vitro study. In the in vivo study, successful delivery was achieved with OFP droplets at 300 kPa and 450 kPa without evidence of cavitation damage using ¼ dosage, compared to DFB droplets at 900 kPa where histology indicated tissue damage due to inertial cavitation. In conclusion, the vaporization efficiency of nanodroplets positively impacted the amount of molecules delivered to the brain. The OFP droplets due to the higher vaporization efficiency served as better acoustic agents to deliver large molecules efficiently to the brain compared with the DFB droplets.

Scintillation and bit error rate analysis of a phase-locked partially coherent flat-topped array laser beam in oceanic turbulence.

PubMed

Yousefi, Masoud; Kashani, Fatemeh Dabbagh; Golmohammady, Shole; Mashal, Ahmad

2017-12-01

In this paper, the performance of underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) links, which is made up of the partially coherent flat-topped (PCFT) array laser beam, has been investigated in detail. Providing high power, array laser beams are employed to increase the range of UWOC links. For characterization of the effects of oceanic turbulence on the propagation behavior of the considered beam, using the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle, an analytical expression for cross-spectral density matrix elements and a semi-analytical one for fourth-order statistical moment have been derived. Then, based on these expressions, the on-axis scintillation index of the mentioned beam propagating through weak oceanic turbulence has been calculated. Furthermore, in order to quantify the performance of the UWOC link, the average bit error rate (BER) has also been evaluated. The effects of some source factors and turbulent ocean parameters on the propagation behavior of the scintillation index and the BER have been studied in detail. The results of this investigation indicate that in comparison with the Gaussian array beam, when the source size of beamlets is larger than the first Fresnel zone, the PCFT array laser beam with the higher flatness order is found to have a lower scintillation index and hence lower BER. Specifically, in the sense of scintillation index reduction, using the PCFT array laser beams has a considerable benefit in comparison with the single PCFT or Gaussian laser beams and also Gaussian array beams. All the simulation results of this paper have been shown by graphs and they have been analyzed in detail.

Micromirror Array Control of a Phase-Locked Laser Diode Array

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-12-01

Micromirror Intensity-Voltage Curve . From the intensity plot, maxima (Ix) and minima (IMN) are noted. If IMAX and IMn are known, A4 can be calculated for...of the micromirror array used. Mirror 9 600 500 E 400- S300- C, -0200 lOO_ 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Volts Figure 3b. Mirror Deflection Curve Corresponding...AFIT/GAP/ENP/95D-2 MICROMIRROR ARRAY CONTROL OF A PHASE-LOCKED LASER DIODE ARRAY THESIS Carl J. Christensen, Captain, USAF AFIT/GAP/ENP/95D-2

High-power arrays of quantum cascade laser master-oscillator power-amplifiers.

PubMed

Rauter, Patrick; Menzel, Stefan; Goyal, Anish K; Wang, Christine A; Sanchez, Antonio; Turner, George; Capasso, Federico

2013-02-25

We report on multi-wavelength arrays of master-oscillator power-amplifier quantum cascade lasers operating at wavelengths between 9.2 and 9.8 μm. All elements of the high-performance array feature longitudinal (spectral) as well as transverse single-mode emission at peak powers between 2.7 and 10 W at room temperature. The performance of two arrays that are based on different seed-section designs is thoroughly studied and compared. High output power and excellent beam quality render the arrays highly suitable for stand-off spectroscopy applications.

Rapid laser fabrication of microlens array using colorless liquid photopolymer for AMOLED devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kwang-Ryul; Jeong, Han-Wook; Lee, Kong-Soo; Yi, Junsin; Yoo, Jae-Chern; Cho, Myung-Woo; Cho, Sung-Hak; Choi, Byoungdeog

2011-01-01

Microlens array (MLA) is microfabricated using Ultra Violet (UV) laser for display device applications. A colorless liquid photopolymer, Norland Optical Adhesive (NOA) 60, is spin-coated and pre-cured via UV light for completing the laser process. The laser energy controlled by a galvano scanner is radiated on the surface of the NOA 60. A rapid thermal volume expansion inside the material creates microlens array when the Gaussian laser energy is absorbed. The fabrication process conditions for various shapes and densities of MLA using a non-contact surface profiler are investigated. Furthermore, we analyze the optical and display characteristics for the Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) devices. Optimized condition furnishes the OLED with the enhancement of light emission by 15%. We show that UV laser technique, which is installed with NOA 60 MLA layer, is eligible for improving the performance of the next generation display devices.

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Control of the angular distribution of the radiation emitted by phase-locked laser arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kachurin, O. R.; Lebedev, F. V.; Napartovich, M. A.; Khlynov, M. E.

1991-03-01

A numerical investigation was made of the influence of the number and packing density of a linear array of periodically arranged coherent sources on the efficiency of redistributing the radiation power from the side lobes to the main lobe of the angular distribution of the emitted radiation by using a binary phase corrector mounted in the image-doubling plane. The results are given of experimental investigations of a new device for improving the radiation pattern of phase-locked laser arrays.

Terahertz plasmonic lasers with narrow beams and large tunability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Yuan; Wu, Chongzhao; Reno, John L.; Kumar, Sushil

2017-02-01

Plasmonic lasers generate coherent long-range or localized surface-plasmon-polaritons (SPPs), where the SPP mode exists at the interface of the metal (or a metallic nanoparticle) and a dielectric. Metallic-cavities sup- porting SPP modes are also utilized for terahertz quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs). Due to subwavelength apertures, plasmonic lasers have highly divergent radiation patterns. Recently, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrated a new technique for implementing distributed-feedback (DFB), which is termed as an antenna- feedback scheme, to establish a hybrid SPP mode in the surrounding medium of a plasmonic laser's cavity with a large wavefront. This technique allows such lasers to radiate in narrow beams without requirement of any specific design considerations for phase-matching. Experimental demonstration is done for terahertz QCLs that show beam-divergence as small as 4-degrees. The antenna-feedback scheme has a characteristic feature in that refractive-index of the laser's surrounding medium affects its radiative frequency in the same vein as refractive- index of the cavity. Hence, any perturbations in the refractive-index of the surrounding medium could lead to large modulation in the laser's emission frequency. Along this line, we report 57 GHz reversible, continuous, and mode-hop-free tuning of such QCLs operating at 78 K based on post-process deposition/etching of a dielectric on an already mounted QCL chip. This is the largest tuning range achieved for terahertz QCLs when operating much above the temperature of liquid-Helium. We review the aforementioned experimental results and discuss methods to increase optical power output from terahertz QCLs with antenna-feedback. Peak power output of 13 mW is realized for a 3.3 THz QCL operating in a Stirling cooler at 54 K. A new dual-slit photonic structure based on antenna-feedback scheme is proposed to further improve output power as well as provide enhanced tunability.

Flexible and scalable wavelength multicast of coherent optical OFDM with tolerance against pump phase-noise using reconfigurable coherent multi-carrier pumping.

PubMed

Lu, Guo-Wei; Bo, Tianwai; Sakamoto, Takahide; Yamamoto, Naokatsu; Chan, Calvin Chun-Kit

2016-10-03

Recently the ever-growing demand for dynamic and high-capacity services in optical networks has resulted in new challenges that require improved network agility and flexibility in order for network resources to become more "consumable" and dynamic, or elastic, in response to requests from higher network layers. Flexible and scalable wavelength conversion or multicast is one of the most important technologies needed for developing agility in the physical layer. This paper will investigate how, using a reconfigurable coherent multi-carrier as a pump, the multicast scalability and the flexibility in wavelength allocation of the converted signals can be effectively improved. Moreover, the coherence in the multiple carriers prevents the phase noise transformation from the local pump to the converted signals, which is imperative for the phase-noise-sensitive multi-level single- or multi-carrier modulated signal. To verify the feasibility of the proposed scheme, we experimentally demonstrate the wavelength multicast of coherent optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CO-OFDM) signals using a reconfigurable coherent multi-carrier pump, showing flexibility in wavelength allocation, scalability in multicast, and tolerance against pump phase noise. Less than 0.5 dB and 1.8 dB power penalties at a bit-error rate (BER) of 10^-3 are obtained for the converted CO-OFDM-quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) and CO-OFDM-16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM) signals, respectively, even when using a distributed feedback laser (DFB) as a pump source. In contrast, with a free-running pumping scheme, the phase noise from DFB pumps severely deteriorates the CO-OFDM signals, resulting in a visible error-floor at a BER of 10^-2 in the converted CO-OFDM-16QAM signals.

Dipolarizing flux bundles in the cis-geosynchronous magnetosphere: Relationship between electric fields and energetic particle injections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiang; Angelopoulos, V.; Zhang, Xiao-Jia; Turner, D. L.; Gabrielse, C.; Runov, A.; Li, Jinxing; Funsten, H. O.; Spence, H. E.

2016-02-01

Dipolarizing flux bundles (DFBs) are small flux tubes (typically <3 RE in XGSM and YGSM) in the nightside magnetosphere that have magnetic field more dipolar than the background. Although DFBs are known to accelerate particles, creating energetic particle injections outside geosynchronous orbit (trans-GEO), the nature of the acceleration mechanism and the importance of DFBs in generating injections inside geosynchronous orbit (cis-GEO) are unclear. Our statistical study of cis-GEO DFBs using data from the Van Allen Probes reveals that just like trans-GEO DFBs, cis-GEO DFBs occur most often in the premidnight sector, but their occurrence rate is ~1/3 that of trans-GEO DFBs. Half the cis-GEO DFBs are accompanied by an energetic particle injection and have an electric field 3 times stronger than that of the injectionless half. All DFB injections are dispersionless within the temporal resolution considered (11 s). Our findings suggest that these injections are ushered or produced locally by the DFB, and the DFB's strong electric field is an important aspect of the injection generation mechanism.

Simulation of biomass-steam gasification in fluidized bed reactors: Model setup, comparisons and preliminary predictions.

PubMed

Yan, Linbo; Lim, C Jim; Yue, Guangxi; He, Boshu; Grace, John R

2016-12-01

A user-defined solver integrating the solid-gas surface reactions and the multi-phase particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) approach is built based on the OpenFOAM software. The solver is tested against experiments. Then, biomass-steam gasification in a dual fluidized bed (DFB) gasifier is preliminarily predicted. It is found that the predictions agree well with the experimental results. The bed material circulation loop in the DFB can form automatically and the bed height is about 1m. The voidage gradually increases along the height of the bed zone in the bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) of the DFB. The U-bend and cyclone can separate the syngas in the BFB and the flue gas in the circulating fluidized bed. The concentration of the gasification products is relatively higher in the conical transition section, and the dry and nitrogen-free syngas at the BFB outlet is predicted to be composed of 55% H 2 , 20% CO, 20% CO 2 and 5% CH 4 . Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-power phase-locked quantum cascade laser array emitting at λ ∼ 4.6 μm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, Fang-Liang; Zhang, Jin-Chuan, E-mail: zhangjinchuan@semi.ac.cn, E-mail: fqliu@semi.ac.cn; Jia, Zhi-Wei

2016-03-15

A phase-locked quantum cascade laser (QCL) array consisting of one hundred elements that were integrated in parallel was achieved at λ ∼ 4.6 μm. The proposed Fraunhofer’s multiple slits diffraction model predicted and explained the far-field pattern of the phase-locked laser array. A single-lobed far-field pattern, attributed to the emission of an in-phase-like supermode, is obtained near the threshold (I{sub th}). Even at 1.5 I{sub th}, greater than 73.3% of the laser output power is concentrated in a low-divergence beam with an optical power of up to 40 W.

Spatial Control of Photoemitted Electron Beams using a Micro-Lens-Array Transverse-Shaping Technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Halavanau, A.; Qiang, G.; Ha, G.

2017-07-24

A common issue encountered in photoemission electron sources used in electron accelerators is the transverse inhomogeneity of the laser distribution resulting from the laser-amplification process and often use of frequency up conversion in nonlinear crystals. A inhomogeneous laser distribution on the photocathode produces charged beams with lower beam quality. In this paper, we explore the possible use of microlens arrays (fly-eye light condensers) to dramatically improve the transverse uniformity of the drive laser pulse on UV photocathodes. We also demonstrate the use of such microlens arrays to generate transversely-modulated electron beams and present a possible application to diagnose the propertiesmore » of a magnetized beam.« less

Electrowetting lenses for compensating phase and curvature distortion in arrayed laser systems.

PubMed

Niederriter, Robert D; Watson, Alexander M; Zahreddine, Ramzi N; Cogswell, Carol J; Cormack, Robert H; Bright, Victor M; Gopinath, Juliet T

2013-05-10

We have demonstrated a one-dimensional array of individually addressable electrowetting tunable liquid lenses that compensate for more than one wave of phase distortion across a wavefront. We report a scheme for piston control using tunable liquid lens arrays in volume-bound cavities that alter the optical path length without affecting the wavefront curvature. Liquid lens arrays with separately tunable focus or phase control hold promise for laser communication systems and adaptive optics.

Field-programmable gate array-controlled sweep velocity-locked laser pulse generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhen; Hefferman, Gerald; Wei, Tao

2017-05-01

A field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-controlled sweep velocity-locked laser pulse generator (SV-LLPG) design based on an all-digital phase-locked loop (ADPLL) is proposed. A distributed feedback laser with modulated injection current was used as a swept-frequency laser source. An open-loop predistortion modulation waveform was calibrated using a feedback iteration method to initially improve frequency sweep linearity. An ADPLL control system was then implemented using an FPGA to lock the output of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer that was directly proportional to laser sweep velocity to an on-board system clock. Using this system, linearly chirped laser pulses with a sweep bandwidth of 111.16 GHz were demonstrated. Further testing evaluating the sensing utility of the system was conducted. In this test, the SV-LLPG served as the swept laser source of an optical frequency-domain reflectometry system used to interrogate a subterahertz range fiber structure (sub-THz-FS) array. A static strain test was then conducted and linear sensor results were observed.

Losses, gain, and lasing in organic and perovskite active materials (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pourdavoud, Neda; Riedl, Thomas J.

2016-09-01

Organic solid state lasers (OSLs) based on semiconducting polymers or small molecules have seen some significant progress over the past decade. Highly efficient organic gain materials combined with high-Q resonator geometries (distributed feedback (DFB), VCSEL, etc.) have enabled OSLs, optically pumped by simple inorganic laser diodes or even LEDs. However, some fundamental goals remain to be reached, like continuous wave (cw) operation and injection lasing. I will address various loss mechanisms related to accumulated triplet excitons or long-lived polarons that in combination with the particular photo-physics of organic gain media state the dominant road-blocks on the way to reach these goals. I will discuss the recent progress in fundamental understanding of these loss processes, which now provides a solid basis for modelling, e.g. of laser dynamics. Avenues to mitigate these fundamental loss mechanisms, e.g. by alternative materials will be presented. In this regard, a class of gain materials based on organo-lead halide perovskites re-entered the scene as light emitters, recently. Enjoying a tremendous lot of attention as active material for solution processed solar cells with a 20+% efficiency, they have recently unveiled their exciting photo-physics for lasing applications. Optically pumped lasing in these materials has been achieved. I will discuss some of the unique properties that render this class of materials a promising candidate to overcome some of the limitations of "classical" organic gain media.

Difference frequency generation of Mid-IR radiation in PPLN crystals using a dual-wavelength all-fiber amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krzempek, Karol; Soboń, Grzegorz; Dudzik, Grzegorz; Sotor, Jaroslaw; Abramski, Krzysztof M.

2014-02-01

We present a method of generating mid-IR radiation by means of nonlinear difference frequency generation (DFG) effects occurring in periodically polled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystals using an all-fiber dual-wavelength amplifier. The presented mid-IR laser source incorporates an unique double-clad (DC) Erbium and Ytterbium (Er-Yb) doped amplifier stage capable of simultaneous amplification of both wavelengths required in the DFG process - 1064 nm and 1550 nm. The amplifier delivered more than 23.7 dB and 14.4 dB of amplification for 1550 nm and 1064 nm wavelength, low power, off-the-shelf, fiber pigtailed, distributed feedback (DFB) laser diodes, respectively. The dual-wavelength amplifier parameters crucial for the DFG process were investigated, including long-term power and polarization instabilities and optical spectrum characteristics of both amplified wavelengths. The DFG setup used a single collimator radiation delivery scheme and an 40 mm long MgO doped PPLN crystal. In effect the DFG source was capable of generating 1.14 mW of radiation centered around 3.4 μm. The overall performance of the mid-IR source was elaborated by performing sensitive Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) detection of methane (CH4) in ambient air on an free-space optical path-length of 8 m. The measured detection limit of the sensor was 26 ppbv with a 1σ SNR of 69.

Bubble-on-fiber (BoF): a built-in tunable broadband acousto-optic sensor for liquid-immersible in situ measurements.

PubMed

Xu, Hongsong; Wang, Guanyu; Ma, Jun; Jin, Long; Oh, Kyunghwan; Guan, Bai-Ou

2018-04-30

A new type of tunable broadband fiber-optic acousto-optic sensor was experimentally demonstrated by utilizing a bubble-on-fiber (BoF) interferometer. A single micro-bubble was generated by injecting a heating laser at λ = 980 nm on the metalized facet of an optical fiber. The BoF formed a spherical micro-cavity in water whose acoustic deformation was precisely detected by using a narrowband DFB laser at 1550 nm. The heating light and the interrogating light were fed into a single fiber probe by wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) realizing a small footprint all-fiber configuration. The diameter of the BoF was stabilized with a variation less than 0.5 nm by fast servo-control of the heating laser power. The stabilized BoF served as a Fabry-Pérot cavity that can be deformed by acoustic perturbation, and a minimum detectable pressure level of as low as ~1 mPa/Hz 1/2 was achieved in a frequency range of over 60 kHz in water at room temperature. Our proposed BoF technology can provide a tunable, flexible and all-fiber solution to detect minute acoustically driven perturbations combining high-precision interferometry. Due to the very small form-factor, the technique can find applications of liquid-immersible in situ measurements in bio-molecular/cell detection and biochemical phenomena study.

Determination of the Maximum Temperature in a Non-Uniform Hot Zone by Line-of-Site Absorption Spectroscopy with a Single Diode Laser.

PubMed

Liger, Vladimir V; Mironenko, Vladimir R; Kuritsyn, Yurii A; Bolshov, Mikhail A

2018-05-17

A new algorithm for the estimation of the maximum temperature in a non-uniform hot zone by a sensor based on absorption spectrometry with a diode laser is developed. The algorithm is based on the fitting of the absorption spectrum with a test molecule in a non-uniform zone by linear combination of two single temperature spectra simulated using spectroscopic databases. The proposed algorithm allows one to better estimate the maximum temperature of a non-uniform zone and can be useful if only the maximum temperature rather than a precise temperature profile is of primary interest. The efficiency and specificity of the algorithm are demonstrated in numerical experiments and experimentally proven using an optical cell with two sections. Temperatures and water vapor concentrations could be independently regulated in both sections. The best fitting was found using a correlation technique. A distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser in the spectral range around 1.343 µm was used in the experiments. Because of the significant differences between the temperature dependences of the experimental and theoretical absorption spectra in the temperature range 300⁻1200 K, a database was constructed using experimentally detected single temperature spectra. Using the developed algorithm the maximum temperature in the two-section cell was estimated with accuracy better than 30 K.

Scalable Loading of a Two-Dimensional Trapped-Ion Array

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-25

ion -trap array based on two crossed photo-ionization laser beams . With the use of a continuous flux of pre-cooled neutral...push laser Atomic beam Dierential pumping tube Push laser 2D-MOT 50 K Shield 4 K Shield 4 K stage Trap chip MOT laser Ion To ion pump 5s2 1S0 461...conducted a series of Ramsey experiments on a single trapped ion in the presence and absence of neu- tral atom flux as well as each of the PI laser

Fiber optic coupling of a microlens conditioned, stacked semiconductor laser diode array

DOEpatents

Beach, Raymond J.; Benett, William J.; Mills, Steven T.

1997-01-01

The output radiation from the two-dimensional aperture of a semiconductor laser diode array is efficiently coupled into an optical fiber. The two-dimensional aperture is formed by stacking individual laser diode bars on top of another in a "rack and stack" configuration. Coupling into the fiber is then accomplished using individual microlenses to condition the output radiation of the laser diode bars. A lens that matches the divergence properties and wavefront characteristics of the laser light to the fiber optic is used to focus this conditioned radiation into the fiber.

Thermal management of quantum cascade lasers in an individually addressable monolithic array architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Missaggia, Leo; Wang, Christine; Connors, Michael; Saar, Brian; Sanchez-Rubio, Antonio; Creedon, Kevin; Turner, George; Herzog, William

2016-03-01

There are a number of military and commercial applications for high-power laser systems in the mid-to-long-infrared wavelength range. By virtue of their demonstrated watt-level performance and wavelength diversity, quantum cascade laser (QCL) and amplifier devices are an excellent choice of emitter for those applications. To realize the power levels of interest, beam combining of arrays of these emitters is required and as a result, array technology must be developed. With this in mind, packaging and thermal management strategies were developed to facilitate the demonstration of a monolithic QCL array operating under CW conditions. Thermal models were constructed and simulations performed to determine the effect of parameters such as array-element ridge width and pitch on gain region temperature rise. The results of the simulations were considered in determining an appropriate QCL array configuration. State-of-the-art micro-impingement cooling along with an electrical distribution scheme comprised of AlN multi-layer technology were integrated into the design. The design of the module allows for individual electrical addressability of the array elements, a method of phase control demonstrated previously for coherent beam combining of diode arrays, along with access to both front and rear facets. Hence, both laser and single-pass amplifier arrays can be accommodated. A module was realized containing a 5 mm cavity length monolithic QCL array comprised of 7 elements on 450 m pitch. An output power of 3.16 W was demonstrated under CW conditions at an emission wavelength of 9μm.

Sensitive detection of formaldehyde using an interband cascade laser near 3.6 μm

DOE PAGES

Ren, Wei; Luo, Longqiang; Tittel, Frank K.

2015-12-31

Here, we report the development of a formaldehyde (H 2CO) trace gas sensor using a continuous wave (CW), thermoelectrically-cooled (TEC), distributed-feedback interband cascade laser (DFB-ICL) at 3.6 μm. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy was used to detect the second harmonic spectra of a strong H 2CO absorption feature centered at 2778.5 cm -1 (3599 nm) in its ν 1 fundamental vibrational band. A compact and novel multipass cell (7.6-cm physical length and 32-ml sampling volume) was implemented to achieve an effective optical path length of 3.75 m. A minimum detection limit of 6 parts per billion (ppb) at an optimum gas pressuremore » of 200 Torr was achieved with a 1-s data acquisition time. An Allan-Werle deviation analysis was performed to investigate the long-term stability of the sensor system and a 1.5 ppb minimum detectable concentration could be achieved by averaging up to 140 s. Absorption interference eeffects from atmospheric H 2O (2%) and CH 4(5 ppm) were also analyzed in this work and proved to be insignificant for the current sensor configuration.« less

Sensitive detection of formaldehyde using an interband cascade laser near 3.6 μm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ren, Wei; Luo, Longqiang; Tittel, Frank K.

Here, we report the development of a formaldehyde (H 2CO) trace gas sensor using a continuous wave (CW), thermoelectrically-cooled (TEC), distributed-feedback interband cascade laser (DFB-ICL) at 3.6 μm. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy was used to detect the second harmonic spectra of a strong H 2CO absorption feature centered at 2778.5 cm -1 (3599 nm) in its ν 1 fundamental vibrational band. A compact and novel multipass cell (7.6-cm physical length and 32-ml sampling volume) was implemented to achieve an effective optical path length of 3.75 m. A minimum detection limit of 6 parts per billion (ppb) at an optimum gas pressuremore » of 200 Torr was achieved with a 1-s data acquisition time. An Allan-Werle deviation analysis was performed to investigate the long-term stability of the sensor system and a 1.5 ppb minimum detectable concentration could be achieved by averaging up to 140 s. Absorption interference eeffects from atmospheric H 2O (2%) and CH 4(5 ppm) were also analyzed in this work and proved to be insignificant for the current sensor configuration.« less

Engineering of Semiconductor Nanocrystals for Light Emitting Applications

PubMed Central

Todescato, Francesco; Fortunati, Ilaria; Minotto, Alessandro; Signorini, Raffaella; Jasieniak, Jacek J.; Bozio, Renato

2016-01-01

Semiconductor nanocrystals are rapidly spreading into the display and lighting markets. Compared with liquid crystal and organic LED displays, nanocrystalline quantum dots (QDs) provide highly saturated colors, wide color gamut, resolution, rapid response time, optical efficiency, durability and low cost. This remarkable progress has been made possible by the rapid advances in the synthesis of colloidal QDs and by the progress in understanding the intriguing new physics exhibited by these nanoparticles. In this review, we provide support to the idea that suitably engineered core/graded-shell QDs exhibit exceptionally favorable optical properties, photoluminescence and optical gain, while keeping the synthesis facile and producing QDs well suited for light emitting applications. Solid-state laser emitters can greatly profit from QDs as efficient gain materials. Progress towards fabricating low threshold, solution processed DFB lasers that are optically pumped using one- and two-photon absorption is reviewed. In the field of display technologies, the exploitation of the exceptional photoluminescence properties of QDs for LCD backlighting has already advanced to commercial levels. The next big challenge is to develop the electroluminescence properties of QD to a similar state. We present an overview of QLED devices and of the great perspectives for next generation display and lighting technologies. PMID:28773794

Control, Filtering and Prediction for Phased Arrays in Directed Energy Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-30

adaptive optics. 15. SUBJECT TERMS control, filtering, prediction, system identification, adaptive optics, laser beam pointing, target tracking, phase... laser beam control; furthermore, wavefront sensors are plagued by the difficulty of maintaining the required alignment and focusing in dynamic mission...developed new methods for filtering, prediction and system identification in adaptive optics for high energy laser systems including phased arrays. The

Laser-based microstructuring of materials surfaces using low-cost microlens arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nieto, Daniel; Vara, G.; Diez, J. A.; O`Connor, Gerard M.; Arines, Justo; Gómez-Reino, C.; Flores-Arias, M.

2012-03-01

Since frictional interactions in microscopically small components are becoming increasingly important for the development of new products for all modern technology, we present a laser-based technique for micro-patterning surfaces of materials using low-cost microlens arrays. The microlens used were fabricated on soda-lime glass using a laser direct-write technique, followed by a thermal treatment into an oven. By combining laser direct-write and the thermal treatment it was possible to obtain high quality elements using a low cost infrared laser widely implemented in industry which makes this technique attractive in comparison with other more expensive methods. The main advantage of using microlens arrays for micropatterning surfaces is the possibility of fabricating a large number of identical structures simultaneously, leading to a highly efficient process. In order to study the capabilities of the microlens fabricated for microstructuring materials, identical structures and arrays of holes were fabricated over a variety of materials, such us, stainless steel, polymer and ceramic. The minimum diameter of the individual microstructure generated at surface is 5 μm. Different nanosecond lasers operating at Infrared, Green and UV were used. The topography and morphology of the elements obtained were determined using a confocal microscope SENSOFAR 2300 Plμ.

Comparison of electrically driven lasers for space power transmission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deyoung, R. J.; Lee, J. H.; Williams, M. D.; Schuster, G.; Conway, E. J.

1988-01-01

High-power lasers in space could provide power for a variety of future missions such as spacecraft electric power requirements and laser propulsion. This study investigates four electrically pumped laser systems, all scaled to 1-MW laser output, that could provide power to spacecraft. The four laser systems are krypton fluoride, copper vapor, laser diode array, and carbon dioxide. Each system was powered by a large solar photovoltaic array which, in turn, provided power for the appropriate laser power conditioning subsystem. Each system was block-diagrammed, and the power and efficiency were found for each subsystem block component. The copper vapor system had the lowest system efficiency (6 percent). The CO2 laser was found to be the most readily scalable but has the disadvantage of long laser wavelength.

GaInNAsSb/GaAs vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs): current challenges and techniques to realize multiple-wavelength laser arrays at 1.55 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gobet, Mathilde; Bae, Hopil P.; Sarmiento, Tomas; Harris, James S.

2008-02-01

Multiple-wavelength laser arrays at 1.55 μm are key components of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems for increased bandwidth. Vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) grown on GaAs substrates outperform their InP counterparts in several points. We summarize the current challenges to realize continuous-wave (CW) GaInNAsSb VCSELs on GaAs with 1.55 μm emission wavelength and explain the work in progress to realize CW GaInNAsSb VCSELs. Finally, we detail two techniques to realize GaInNAsSb multiple-wavelength VCSEL arrays at 1.55 μm. The first technique involves the incorporation of a photonic crystal into the upper mirror. Simulation results for GaAs-based VCSEL arrays at 1.55 μm are shown. The second technique uses non-uniform molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). We have successfully demonstrated 1x6 resonant cavity light-emitting diode arrays at 850 nm using this technique, with wavelength spacing of 0.4 nm between devices and present these results.

Note: A resonating reflector-based optical system for motion measurement in micro-cantilever arrays

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sathishkumar, P.; Punyabrahma, P.; Sri Muthu Mrinalini, R.

A robust, compact optical measurement unit for motion measurement in micro-cantilever arrays enables development of portable micro-cantilever sensors. This paper reports on an optical beam deflection-based system to measure the deflection of micro-cantilevers in an array that employs a single laser source, a single detector, and a resonating reflector to scan the measurement laser across the array. A strategy is also proposed to extract the deflection of individual cantilevers from the acquired data. The proposed system and measurement strategy are experimentally evaluated and demonstrated to measure motion of multiple cantilevers in an array.

Metropolitian area network services comprised of virtual local area networks running over hybrid fiber-coax and asynchronous transfer mode technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biedron, William S.

1995-11-01

Since 1990 there has been a rapid increase in the demand for communication services, especially local and wide area network (LAN/WAN) oriented services. With the introduction of the DFB laser transmitter, hybrid-fiber-coax (HFC) cable plant designs, ATM transport technologies and rf modems, new LAN/WAN services can now be defined and marketed to residential and business customers over existing cable TV systems. The term metropolitan area network (MAN) can be used to describe this overall network. This paper discusses the technical components needed to provision these services as well as provides some perspectives on integration issues. Architecture at the headend and in the backbone is discussed, as well as specific service definitions and the technology issues associated with each. The TCP/IP protocol is suggested as a primary protocol to be used throughout the MAN.

Laser electro-optic system for rapid three-dimensional /3-D/ topographic mapping of surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Altschuler, M. D.; Altschuler, B. R.; Taboada, J.

1981-01-01

It is pointed out that the generic utility of a robot in a factory/assembly environment could be substantially enhanced by providing a vision capability to the robot. A standard videocamera for robot vision provides a two-dimensional image which contains insufficient information for a detailed three-dimensional reconstruction of an object. Approaches which supply the additional information needed for the three-dimensional mapping of objects with complex surface shapes are briefly considered and a description is presented of a laser-based system which can provide three-dimensional vision to a robot. The system consists of a laser beam array generator, an optical image recorder, and software for controlling the required operations. The projection of a laser beam array onto a surface produces a dot pattern image which is viewed from one or more suitable perspectives. Attention is given to the mathematical method employed, the space coding technique, the approaches used for obtaining the transformation parameters, the optics for laser beam array generation, the hardware for beam array coding, and aspects of image acquisition.

Wavelength shift in vertical cavity laser arrays on a patterned substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eng, L. E.; Bacher, K.; Yuen, W.; Larson, M.; Ding, G.; Harris, J. S., Jr.; Chang-Hasnain, C. J.

1995-03-01

The authors demonstrate a spatially chirped emission wavelength in vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The wavelength shift is due to a lateral thickness variation in the Al(0.2)Ga(0.8)As cavity, which is induced by a substrate temperature profile during growth. A 20 nm shift in lasing wavelength is obtained in a VCSEL array.

Dynamic characteristics of far-field radiation of current modulated phase-locked diode laser arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elliott, R. A.; Hartnett, K.

1987-01-01

A versatile and powerful streak camera/frame grabber system for studying the evolution of the near and far field radiation patterns of diode lasers was assembled and tested. Software needed to analyze and display the data acquired with the steak camera/frame grabber system was written and the total package used to record and perform preliminary analyses on the behavior of two types of laser, a ten emitter gain guided array and a flared waveguide Y-coupled array. Examples of the information which can be gathered with this system are presented.

Analysis and design of fiber-coupled high-power laser diode array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Chongxi; Liu, Yinhui; Xie, Weimin; Du, Chunlei

2003-11-01

A conclusion that a single conventional optical system could not realize fiber coupled high-power laser diode array is drawn based on the BPP of laser beam. According to the parameters of coupled fiber, a method to couple LDA beams into a single multi-mode fiber including beams collimating, shaping, focusing and coupling is present. The divergence angles after collimating are calculated and analyzed; the shape equation of the collimating micro-lenses array is deprived. The focusing lens is designed. A fiber coupled LDA result with the core diameter of 800 um and numeric aperture of 0.37 is gotten.

Laser diode arrays based on AlGaAs/GaAs quantum-well heterostructures with an efficiency up to 62%

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladugin, M. A.; Marmalyuk, A. A.; Padalitsa, A. A.; Telegin, K. Yu; Lobintsov, A. V.; Sapozhnikov, S. M.; Danilov, A. I.; Podkopaev, A. V.; Simakov, V. A.

2017-08-01

The results of development of quasi-cw laser diode arrays operating at a wavelength of 808 nm with a high efficiency are demonstrated. The laser diodes are based on semiconductor AlGaAs/GaAs quantum-well heterostructures grown by MOCVD. The measured spectral, spatial, electric and power characteristics are presented. The output optical power of the array with an emitting area of 5 × 10 mm is 2.7 kW at a pump current of 100 A, and the maximum efficiency reaches 62%.

Volumetric Heating of Ultra-High Energy Density Relativistic Plasmas by Ultrafast Laser Irradiation of Aligned Nanowire Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bargsten, Clayton; Hollinger, Reed; Shlyaptsev, Vyacheslav; Pukhov, Alexander; Keiss, David; Townsend, Amanda; Wang, Yong; Wang, Shoujun; Prieto, Amy; Rocca, Jorge

2014-10-01

We have demonstrated the volumetric heating of near-solid density plasmas to keV temperatures by ultra-high contrast femtosecond laser irradiation of arrays of vertically aligned nanowires with an average density up to 30% solid density. X-ray spectra show that irradiation of Ni and Au nanowire arrays with laser pulses of relativistic intensities ionizes plasma volumes several micrometers in depth to the He-like and Co-like (Au 52 +) stages respectively. The penetration depth of the heat into the nanowire array was measured monitoring He-like Co lines from irradiated arrays in which the nanowires are composed of a Co segment buried under a selected length of Ni. The measurement shows the ionization reaches He-like Co for depth of up to 5 μm within the target. This volumetric plasma heating approach creates a new laboratory plasma regime in which extreme plasma parameters can be accessed with table-top lasers. Scaling to higher laser intensities promises to create plasmas with temperatures and pressures approaching those in the center of the sun. Work supported by the U.S Department of Energy, Fusion Energy Sciences and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency grant HDTRA-1-10-1-0079. A.P was supported by of DFG-funded project TR18.

Target tracking and pointing for arrays of phase-locked lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macasaet, Van P.; Hughes, Gary B.; Lubin, Philip; Madajian, Jonathan; Zhang, Qicheng; Griswold, Janelle; Kulkarni, Neeraj; Cohen, Alexander; Brashears, Travis

2016-09-01

Arrays of phase-locked lasers are envisioned for planetary defense and exploration systems. High-energy beams focused on a threatening asteroid evaporate surface material, creating a reactionary thrust that alters the asteroid's orbit. The same system could be used to probe an asteroid's composition, to search for unknown asteroids, and to propel interplanetary and interstellar spacecraft. Phased-array designs are capable of producing high beam intensity, and allow beam steering and beam profile manipulation. Modular designs allow ongoing addition of emitter elements to a growing array. This paper discusses pointing control for extensible laser arrays. Rough pointing is determined by spacecraft attitude control. Lateral movement of the laser emitter tips behind the optical elements provides intermediate pointing adjustment for individual array elements and beam steering. Precision beam steering and beam formation is accomplished by coordinated phase modulation across the array. Added cells are incorporated into the phase control scheme by precise alignment to local mechanical datums using fast, optical relative position sensors. Infrared target sensors are also positioned within the datum scheme, and provide information about the target vector relative to datum coordinates at each emitter. Multiple target sensors allow refined determination of the target normal plane, providing information to the phase controller for each emitter. As emitters and sensors are added, local position data allows accurate prediction of the relative global position of emitters across the array, providing additional constraints to the phase controllers. Mechanical design and associated phase control that is scalable for target distance and number of emitters is presented.

Solar-pumped laser for free space power transmission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Ja H.

1989-01-01

Laser power transmission; laser systems; space-borne and available lasers; 2-D and 1 MW laser diode array systems; technical issues; iodine solar pumped laser system; and laser power transmission applications are presented. This presentation is represented by viewgraphs only.

Oxide-confined 2D VCSEL arrays for high-density inter/intra-chip interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, Roger; Michalzik, Rainer; Jung, Christian; Grabherr, Martin; Eberhard, Franz; Jaeger, Roland; Schnitzer, Peter; Ebeling, Karl J.

1998-04-01

We have designed and fabricated 4 X 8 vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays intended to be used as transmitters in short-distance parallel optical interconnects. In order to meet the requirements of 2D, high-speed optical links, each of the 32 laser diodes is supplied with two individual top contacts. The metallization scheme allows flip-chip mounting of the array modules junction-side down on silicon complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chips. The optical and electrical characteristics across the arrays with device pitch of 250 micrometers are quite homogeneous. Arrays with 3 micrometers , 6 micrometers and 10 micrometers active diameter lasers have been investigated. The small devices show threshold currents of 600 (mu) A, single-mode output powers as high as 3 mW and maximum wavelength deviations of only 3 nm. The driving characteristics of all arrays are fully compatible to advanced 3.3 V CMOS technology. Using these arrays, we have measured small-signal modulation bandwidths exceeding 10 GHz and transmitted pseudo random data at 8 Gbit/s channel over 500 m graded index multimode fiber. This corresponds to a data transmission rate of 256 Gbit/s per array of 1 X 2 mm2 footprint area.

Fiber optic coupling of a microlens conditioned, stacked semiconductor laser diode array

DOEpatents

Beach, R.J.; Benett, W.J.; Mills, S.T.

1997-04-01

The output radiation from the two-dimensional aperture of a semiconductor laser diode array is efficiently coupled into an optical fiber. The two-dimensional aperture is formed by stacking individual laser diode bars on top of another in a ``rack and stack`` configuration. Coupling into the fiber is then accomplished using individual microlenses to condition the output radiation of the laser diode bars. A lens that matches the divergence properties and wavefront characteristics of the laser light to the fiber optic is used to focus this conditioned radiation into the fiber. 3 figs.

Far field beam pattern of one MW combined beam of laser diode array amplifiers for space power transmission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kwon, Jin H.; Lee, Ja H.

1989-01-01

The far-field beam pattern and the power-collection efficiency are calculated for a multistage laser-diode-array amplifier consisting of about 200,000 5-W laser diode arrays with random distributions of phase and orientation errors and random diode failures. From the numerical calculation it is found that the far-field beam pattern is little affected by random failures of up to 20 percent of the laser diodes with reference of 80 percent receiving efficiency in the center spot. The random differences in phases among laser diodes due to probable manufacturing errors is allowed to about 0.2 times the wavelength. The maximum allowable orientation error is about 20 percent of the diffraction angle of a single laser diode aperture (about 1 cm). The preliminary results indicate that the amplifier could be used for space beam-power transmission with an efficiency of about 80 percent for a moderate-size (3-m-diameter) receiver placed at a distance of less than 50,000 km.

Cascaded injection resonator for coherent beam combining of laser arrays

DOEpatents

Kireev, Vassili [Sunnyvale, CA; Liu, Yun; Protopopescu, Vladimir [Knoxville, TN; Braiman, Yehuda [Oak Ridge, TN

2008-10-21

The invention provides a cascaded injection resonator for coherent beam combining of laser arrays. The resonator comprises a plurality of laser emitters arranged along at least one plane and a beam sampler for reflecting at least a portion of each laser beam that impinges on the beam sampler, the portion of each laser beam from one of the laser emitters being reflected back to another one of the laser emitters to cause a beam to be generated from the other one of the laser emitters to the beam reflector. The beam sampler also transmits a portion of each laser beam to produce a laser output beam such that a plurality of laser output beams of the same frequency are produced. An injection laser beam is directed to a first laser emitter to begin a process of generating and reflecting a laser beam from one laser emitter to another laser emitter in the plurality. A method of practicing the invention is also disclosed.

Nonlinear dynamics of solitary and optically injected two-element laser arrays with four different waveguide structures: a numerical study.

PubMed

Li, Nianqiang; Susanto, H; Cemlyn, B R; Henning, I D; Adams, M J

2018-02-19

We study the nonlinear dynamics of solitary and optically injected two-element laser arrays with a range of waveguide structures. The analysis is performed with a detailed direct numerical simulation, where high-resolution dynamic maps are generated to identify regions of dynamic instability in the parameter space of interest. Our combined one- and two-parameter bifurcation analysis uncovers globally diverse dynamical regimes (steady-state, oscillation, and chaos) in the solitary laser arrays, which are greatly influenced by static design waveguiding structures, the amplitude-phase coupling factor of the electric field, i.e. the linewidth-enhancement factor, as well as the control parameter, e.g. the pump rate. When external optical injection is introduced to one element of the arrays, we show that the whole system can be either injection-locked simultaneously or display rich, different dynamics outside the locking region. The effect of optical injection is to significantly modify the nature and the regions of nonlinear dynamics from those found in the solitary case. We also show similarities and differences (asymmetry) between the oscillation amplitude of the two elements of the array in specific well-defined regions, which hold for all the waveguiding structures considered. Our findings pave the way to a better understanding of dynamic instability in large arrays of lasers.

NONLINEAR AND FIBER OPTICS: Phase locking of a laser array in the case of different types of multibeam intracavity interaction in nonlinear media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bel'dyugin, Igor'M.; Alimin, D. D.; Zolotarev, M. V.

1991-03-01

A theoretical investigation is made of the phase locking of a laser array in the case of different types of multibeam intracavity interaction in nonlinear media. The conditions are found under which a long-range coupling of the "all with all" type is established between the lasers and also when only the nearest neighbors interact (short-range coupling). The influence of the number of lasers, frequency offsets of their resonators, and of the coupling coefficients on the phase-locking band is considered. Expressions are obtained for determination of the threshold values of the gain and of the frequency characteristics of cophasal and noncophasal operation of a laser array under long-range and short-range coupling conditions. A study is made of the influence of the parameters of a resonantly absorbing medium on phase locking of a set of lasers and it is shown that in the case of the optimal long-range coupling the phase-locking band is independent of the number of lasers.

Improving solar-pumped laser efficiency by a ring-array concentrator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tibúrcio, Bruno D.; Liang, Dawei; Almeida, Joana; Matos, Rodrigo; Vistas, Cláudia R.

2018-01-01

We report here a compact pumping scheme for achieving large improvement in collection and conversion efficiency of a Nd:YAG solar-pumped laser by an innovative ring-array solar concentrator. An aspheric fused silica lens was used to further concentrate the solar radiation from the focal region of the 1.5-m-diameter ring-array concentrator to a 5.0-mm-diameter, 20-mm-length Nd:YAG single-crystal rod within a conical-shaped pump cavity, enabling multipass pumping to the laser rod. 67.3-W continuous-wave solar laser power was numerically calculated, corresponding to 38.2-W / m2 solar laser collection efficiency, being 1.22 and 1.27 times more than the state-of-the-art records by both heliostat-parabolic mirror and Fresnel lens solar laser systems, respectively. 4.0% conversion efficiency and 0.021-W brightness figure of merit were also numerically obtained, corresponding to 1.25 and 1.62 times enhancement over the previous records, respectively. The influence of tracking error on solar laser output power was also analyzed.

Polarization effects associated with thermal processing of HY-80 structural steel using high-power laser diode array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Sheldon S. Q.; Baker, Bradford W.; Rotter, Mark D.; Rubenchik, Alexander M.; Wiechec, Maxwell E.; Brown, Zachary M.; Beach, Raymond J.; Matthews, Manyalibo J.

2017-12-01

Localized heating of roughened steel surfaces using highly divergent laser light emitted from high-power laser diode arrays was experimentally demonstrated and compared with theoretical predictions. Polarization dependence was analyzed using Fresnel coefficients to understand the laser-induced temperature rise of HY-80 steel plates under 383- to 612-W laser irradiation. Laser-induced, transient temperature distributions were directly measured using bulk thermocouple probes and thermal imaging. Finite-element analysis yielded quantitative assessment of energy deposition and heat transport in HY-80 steel using absorptivity as a tuning parameter. The extracted absorptivity values ranged from 0.62 to 0.75 for S-polarized and 0.63 to 0.85 for P-polarized light, in agreement with partially oxidized iron surfaces. Microstructural analysis using electron backscatter diffraction revealed a heat affected zone for the highest temperature conditions (612 W, P-polarized) as evidence of rapid quenching and an austenite to martensite transformation. The efficient use of diode arrays for laser-assisted advanced manufacturing technologies, such as hybrid friction stir welding, is discussed.

High power diode lasers for solid-state laser pumps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linden, Kurt J.; Mcdonnell, Patrick N.

1994-01-01

The development and commercial application of high power diode laser arrays for use as solid-state laser pumps is described. Such solid-state laser pumps are significantly more efficient and reliable than conventional flash-lamps. This paper describes the design and fabrication of diode lasers emitting in the 780 - 900 nm spectral region, and discusses their performance and reliability. Typical measured performance parameters include electrical-to-optical power conversion efficiencies of 50 percent, narrow-band spectral emission of 2 to 3 nm FWHM, pulsed output power levels of 50 watts/bar with reliability values of over 2 billion shots to date (tests to be terminated after 10 billion shots), and reliable operation to pulse lengths of 1 ms. Pulse lengths up to 5 ms have been demonstrated at derated power levels, and CW performance at various power levels has been evaluated in a 'bar-in-groove' laser package. These high-power 1-cm stacked-bar arrays are now being manufactured for OEM use. Individual diode laser bars, ready for package-mounting by OEM customers, are being sold as commodity items. Commercial and medical applications of these laser arrays include solid-state laser pumping for metal-working, cutting, industrial measurement and control, ranging, wind-shear/atmospheric turbulence detection, X-ray generation, materials surface cleaning, microsurgery, ophthalmology, dermatology, and dental procedures.

Beam steering via resonance detuning in coherently coupled vertical cavity laser arrays

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, Matthew T., E-mail: matthew.johnson.9@us.af.mil; Siriani, Dominic F.; Peun Tan, Meng

2013-11-11

Coherently coupled vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays offer unique advantages for nonmechanical beam steering applications. We have applied dynamic coupled mode theory to show that the observed temporal phase shift between vertical-cavity surface-emitting array elements is caused by the detuning of their resonant wavelengths. Hence, a complete theoretical connection between the differential current injection into array elements and the beam steering direction has been established. It is found to be a fundamentally unique beam-steering mechanism with distinct advantages in efficiency, compactness, speed, and phase-sensitivity to current.

Method and system for homogenizing diode laser pump arrays

DOEpatents

Bayramian, Andrew James

2016-05-03

An optical amplifier system includes a diode pump array including a plurality of semiconductor diode laser bars disposed in an array configuration and characterized by a periodic distance between adjacent semiconductor diode laser bars. The periodic distance is measured in a first direction perpendicular to each of the plurality of semiconductor diode laser bars. The diode pump array provides a pump output propagating along an optical path and characterized by a first intensity profile measured as a function of the first direction and having a variation greater than 10%. The optical amplifier system also includes a diffractive optic disposed along the optical path. The diffractive optic includes a photo-thermo-refractive glass member. The optical amplifier system further includes an amplifier slab having an input face and position along the optical path and separated from the diffractive optic by a predetermined distance. A second intensity profile measured at the input face of the amplifier slab as a function of the first direction has a variation less than 10%.

Method and system for homogenizing diode laser pump arrays

DOEpatents

Bayramian, Andy J

2013-10-01

An optical amplifier system includes a diode pump array including a plurality of semiconductor diode laser bars disposed in an array configuration and characterized by a periodic distance between adjacent semiconductor diode laser bars. The periodic distance is measured in a first direction perpendicular to each of the plurality of semiconductor diode laser bars. The diode pump array provides a pump output propagating along an optical path and characterized by a first intensity profile measured as a function of the first direction and having a variation greater than 10%. The optical amplifier system also includes a diffractive optic disposed along the optical path. The diffractive optic includes a photo-thermo-refractive glass member. The optical amplifier system further includes an amplifier slab having an input face and position along the optical path and separated from the diffractive optic by a predetermined distance. A second intensity profile measured at the input face of the amplifier slab as a function of the first direction has a variation less than 10%.

Discrete tuning concept for fiber-integrated lasers based on tailored FBG arrays and a theta cavity layout.

PubMed

Tiess, Tobias; Becker, Martin; Rothhardt, Manfred; Bartelt, Hartmut; Jäger, Matthias

2017-03-15

We demonstrate a novel tuning concept for pulsed fiber-integrated lasers with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) array as a discrete and tailored spectral filter, as well as a modified laser design. Based on a theta cavity layout, the structural delay lines originating from the FBG array are balanced, enabling a constant repetition rate and stable pulse properties over the full tuning range. The emission wavelength is electrically tuned with respect to the filter properties based on an adapted temporal gating scheme using an acousto-optic modulator. This concept has been investigated with an Yb-doped fiber laser, demonstrating excellent emission properties with high signal contrast (>35  dB) and narrow linewidth (<150  pm) over a tuning range of 25 nm.

Analysis of all-optical temporal integrator employing phased-shifted DFB-SOA.

PubMed

Jia, Xin-Hong; Ji, Xiao-Ling; Xu, Cong; Wang, Zi-Nan; Zhang, Wei-Li

2014-11-17

All-optical temporal integrator using phase-shifted distributed-feedback semiconductor optical amplifier (DFB-SOA) is investigated. The influences of system parameters on its energy transmittance and integration error are explored in detail. The numerical analysis shows that, enhanced energy transmittance and integration time window can be simultaneously achieved by increased injected current in the vicinity of lasing threshold. We find that the range of input pulse-width with lower integration error is highly sensitive to the injected optical power, due to gain saturation and induced detuning deviation mechanism. The initial frequency detuning should also be carefully chosen to suppress the integration deviation with ideal waveform output.

Efficient energy absorption of intense ps-laser pulse into nanowire target

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habara, H.; Honda, S.; Katayama, M.; Sakagami, H.; Nagai, K.; Tanaka, K. A.

2016-06-01

The interaction between ultra-intense laser light and vertically aligned carbon nanotubes is investigated to demonstrate efficient laser-energy absorption in the ps laser-pulse regime. Results indicate a clear enhancement of the energy conversion from laser to energetic electrons and a simultaneously small plasma expansion on the surface of the target. A two-dimensional plasma particle calculation exhibits a high absorption through laser propagation deep into the nanotube array, even for a dense array whose structure is much smaller than the laser wavelength. The propagation leads to the radial expansion of plasma perpendicular to the nanotubes rather than to the front side. These features may contribute to fast ignition in inertial confinement fusion and laser particle acceleration, both of which require high current and small surface plasma simultaneously.

High efficiency 2 micrometer laser utilizing wing-pumped Tm.sup.3+ and a laser diode array end-pumping architecture

DOEpatents

Beach, Raymond J.

1997-01-01

Wing pumping a Tm.sup.3+ doped, end pumped solid state laser generates 2 .mu.m laser radiation at high average powers with high efficiency. Using laser diode arrays to end-pump the laser rod or slab in the wing of the Tm.sup.3+ absorption band near 785 nm results in 2-for-1 quantum efficiency in Tm.sup.3+ because high Tm.sup.3+ concentrations can be used. Wing pumping allows the thermal power generated in the rod or slab to be distributed over a large enough volume to make thermal management practical in the laser gain medium even at high average power operation. The approach is applicable to CW, Q-switched, and rep-pulsed free-laser operation.

High efficiency 2 micrometer laser utilizing wing-pumped Tm{sup 3+} and a laser diode array end-pumping architecture

DOEpatents

Beach, R.J.

1997-11-18

Wing pumping a Tm{sup 3+} doped, end pumped solid state laser generates 2 {micro}m laser radiation at high average powers with high efficiency. Using laser diode arrays to end-pump the laser rod or slab in the wing of the Tm{sup 3+} absorption band near 785 nm results in 2-for-1 quantum efficiency in Tm{sup 3+} because high Tm{sup 3+} concentrations can be used. Wing pumping allows the thermal power generated in the rod or slab to be distributed over a large enough volume to make thermal management practical in the laser gain medium even at high average power operation. The approach is applicable to CW, Q-switched, and rep-pulsed free-laser operation. 7 figs.

Pico-strain multiplexed fiber optic sensor array operating down to infra-sonic frequencies.

PubMed

Littler, Ian C M; Gray, Malcolm B; Chow, Jong H; Shaddock, Daniel A; McClelland, David E

2009-06-22

An integrated sensor system is presented which displays passive long range operation to 100 km at pico-strain (pepsilon) sensitivity to low frequencies (4 Hz) in wavelength division multiplexed operation with negligible cross-talk (better than -75 dB). This has been achieved by pre-stabilizing and multiplexing all interrogation lasers for the sensor array to a single optical frequency reference. This single frequency reference allows each laser to be locked to an arbitrary wavelength and independently tuned, while maintaining suppression of laser frequency noise. With appropriate packaging, such a multiplexed strain sensing system can form the core of a low frequency accelerometer or hydrophone array.

Experimental demonstration of an optical phased array antenna for laser space communications.

PubMed

Neubert, W M; Kudielka, K H; Leeb, W R; Scholtz, A L

1994-06-20

The feasibility of an optical phased array antenna applicable for spaceborne laser communications was experimentally demonstrated. Heterodyne optical phase-locked loops provide for a defined phase relationship between the collimated output beams of three single-mode fibers. In the far field the beams interfere with a measured efficiency of 99%. The main lobe of the interference pattern can be moved by phase shifting the subaperture output beams. The setup permitted agile beam steering within an angular range of 1 mr and a response time of 0.7 ms. We propose an operational optical phased array antenna fed by seven lasers, featuring high transmit power and redundance.

Single-pulse femtosecond laser fabrication of concave microlens- and micromirror arrays in chalcohalide glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadan, Viktor; Blonskyi, Ivan; Shynkarenko, Yevhen; Rybak, Andriy; Calvez, Laurent; Mytsyk, Bohdan; Spotyuk, Oleh

2017-11-01

The diffraction-limited plano-concave microlens- and micromirror arrays were produced in chalcohalide glass of 65GeS2-25Ga2S3-10CsCl composition transparent from ∼0.5 to 11 μm. Only a single 200 fs laser pulse with 800 nm central wavelength is required to form microlens, which after metal coating becomes a concave micromirror. This process can serve as a basis for flexible technology to fabricate regular microlens and micromirror arrays for optotelecom applications, its performance being limited only by repetition rate of the laser pulses (typically 1000 microlenses per second).

Linear laser diode arrays for improvement in optical disk recording for space stations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alphonse, G. A.; Carlin, D. B.; Connolly, J. C.

1990-01-01

The design and fabrication of individually addressable laser diode arrays for high performance magneto-optic recording systems are presented. Ten diode arrays with 30 mW cW light output, linear light vs. current characteristics and single longitudinal mode spectrum were fabricated using channel substrate planar (CSP) structures. Preliminary results on the inverse CSP structure, whose fabrication is less critically dependent on device parameters than the CSP, are also presented. The impact of systems parameters and requirements, in particular, the effect of feedback on laser design is assessed, and techniques to reduce feedback or minimize its effect on systems performance, including mode-stabilized structures, are evaluated.

Laser technology for high precision satellite tracking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plotkin, H. H.

1974-01-01

Fixed and mobile laser ranging stations have been developed to track satellites equipped with retro-reflector arrays. These have operated consistently at data rates of once per second with range precision better than 50 cm, using Q-switched ruby lasers with pulse durations of 20 to 40 nanoseconds. Improvements are being incorporated to improve the precision to 10 cm, and to permit ranging to more distant satellites. These include improved reflector array designs, processing and analysis of the received reflection pulses, and use of sub-nanosecond pulse duration lasers.

Development of a poly(dimethylacrylamide) based matrix material for solid phase high density peptide array synthesis employing a laser based material transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ridder, Barbara; Foertsch, Tobias C.; Welle, Alexander; Mattes, Daniela S.; von Bojnicic-Kninski, Clemens M.; Loeffler, Felix F.; Nesterov-Mueller, Alexander; Meier, Michael A. R.; Breitling, Frank

2016-12-01

Poly(dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) based matrix materials were developed for laser-based in situ solid phase peptide synthesis to produce high density arrays. In this specific array synthesis approach, amino acid derivatives are embedded into a matrix material, serving as a ;solid; solvent material at room temperature. Then, a laser pulse transfers this mixture to the target position on a synthesis slide, where the peptide array is synthesized. Upon heating above the glass transition temperature of the matrix material, it softens, allowing diffusion of the amino acid derivatives to the synthesis surface and serving as a solvent for peptide bond formation. Here, we synthesized PDMA six-arm star polymers, offering the desired matrix material properties, using atom transfer radical polymerization. With the synthesized polymers as matrix material, we structured and synthesized arrays with combinatorial laser transfer. With densities of up to 20,000 peptide spots per cm2, the resolution could be increased compared to the commercially available standard matrix material. Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry experiments revealed the penetration behavior of an amino acid derivative into the prepared acceptor synthesis surface and the effectiveness of the washing protocols.

Multiple-wavelength vertical cavity laser arrays with wide wavelength span and high uniformity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuen, Wupen; Li, Gabriel S.; Chang-Hasnain, Connie J.

1996-12-01

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are promising for numerous applications. In particular, due to their inherent single Fabry-Perot mode operation, VCSELs can be very useful for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems allowing high bandwidth and high functionalities.1, 2 Multiple wavelength VCSEL arrays with wide channel spacings (>10 nm) provide an inexpensive solution to increasing the capacity of local area networks without using active wavelength controls.1 The lasing wavelength of a VCSEL is determined by the equivalent laser cavity thickness which can be varied by changing the thickness of either the l-spacer or the distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) layers. To make monolithic multiple-wavelength VCSEL arrays, the lasing wavelength, and therefore the cavity thickness, has to be varied at reasonable physical distances. For all practical applications, it is imperative for the fabrication technology to be controllable, cost-effective, and wafer-scale. Recently, we demonstrated a patterned-substrate molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth technique with in-situ laser reflectometry monitoring for fabricating multiple wavelength VCSEL arrays.3, 4 With this method, VCSEL arrays with very large and highly controllable lasing wavelength spans and excellent lasing characteristics have been achieved.

Solid State Research

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-04-17

1-3. CO2 laser raster scan sensitivity profile of HgCdTe quadrantal array with two of the four elements connected to 50-ohm load. Fig. 1-4...Response of HgCdTe quadrantal array to CO2 laser beam scanned across center with (a) two opposite photodiodes connected, and (b) all four photodiodes...RESEARCH 1 A. Planar HgCdTe Quadrantal Arrays for Gigahertz Heterodyne Operation at 10.6 (im 1 B. Electrical Properties of Silicon Ion-Implanted

Preliminary results toward injection locking of an incoherent laser array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daher, J.

1986-01-01

The preliminary results of phase locking an incoherent laser array to a master source in an attempt to achieve coherent operation are presented. The techniques necessary to demonstrate phase locking are described along with some topics for future consideration. As expected, the results obtained suggest that injection locking of an array, where the spacing between adjacent longitudinal modes of its elements is significantly larger than the locking bandwidth, may not be feasible.

303 nm continuous wave ultraviolet laser generated by intracavity frequency-doubling of diode-pumped Pr3+:LiYF4 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Pengfei; Zhang, Chaomin; Zhu, Kun; Ping, Yunxia; Song, Pei; Sun, Xiaohui; Wang, Fuxin; Yao, Yi

2018-03-01

We demonstrate an efficient and compact ultraviolet laser at 303 nm generated by intracavity frequency doubling of a continuous wave (CW) laser diode-pumped Pr3+:YLiF4 laser at 607 nm. A cesium lithium borate (CLBO) crystal, cut for critical type I phase matching at room temperature, is used for second-harmonic generation (SHG) of the fundamental laser. By using an InGaN laser diode array emitting at 444.3 nm with a maximum incident power of 10 W, as high as 68 mW of CW output power at 303 nm is achieved. The output power stability in 4 h is better than 2.85%. To the best of our knowledge, this is high efficient UV laser generated by frequency doubling of an InGaN laser diode array pumped Pr3+:YLiF4 laser.

Generation of Homogeneous and Patterned Electron Beams using a Microlens Array Laser-Shaping Technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Halavanau, Aliaksei; Edstrom, Dean; Gai, Wei

2016-06-01

In photocathodes the achievable electron-beam parameters are controlled by the laser used to trigger the photoemission process. Non-ideal laser distribution hampers the final beam quality. Laser inhomogeneities, for instance, can be "amplified" by space-charge force and result in fragmented electron beams. To overcome this limitation laser shaping methods are routinely employed. In the present paper we demonstrate the use of simple microlens arrays to dramatically improve the transverse uniformity. We also show that this arrangement can be used to produce transversely-patterned electron beams. Our experiments are carried out at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility.

GaAs laser diode pumped Nd:YAG laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conant, L. C.; Reno, C. W.

1974-01-01

A 1.5-mm by 3-cm neodymium-ion doped YAG laser rod has been side pumped using a GaAs laser diode array tuned to the 8680-A absorption line, achieving a multimode average output power of 120 mW for a total input power of 20 W to the final-stage laser diode drivers. The pumped arrangement was designed to take advantage of the high brightness of a conventional GaAs array as a linear source by introducing the pump light through a slit into a close-wrapped gold coated pump cavity. This cavity forms an integrating chamber for the pump light.

Narrow linewidth short cavity Brillouin random laser based on Bragg grating array fiber and dynamical population inversion gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popov, S. M.; Butov, O. V.; Chamorovski, Y. K.; Isaev, V. A.; Mégret, P.; Korobko, D. A.; Zolotovskii, I. O.; Fotiadi, A. A.

2018-06-01

We report on random lasing observed with 100-m-long fiber comprising an array of weak FBGs inscribed in the fiber core and uniformly distributed over the fiber length. Extended fluctuation-free oscilloscope traces highlight power dynamics typical for lasing. An additional piece of Er-doped fiber included into the laser cavity enables a stable laser generation with a linewidth narrower than 10 kHz.

50 Mb/s, 220-mW Laser-Array Transmitter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cornwell, Donald M., Jr.

1992-01-01

Laser transmitter based on injection locking produces single-wavelength, diffraction-limited, single-lobe beam. Output stage is array of laser diodes producing non-diffraction-limited, multi-mode beam in absence of injection locking. Suitable for both free-space and optical-fiber communication systems. Because beam from transmitter focused to spot as small as 5 micrometers, devices usable for reading and writing optical disks at increased information densities. Application also in remote sensing and ranging.

Multi-Wavelength Mode-Locked Laser Arrays for WDM Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, L.; Young, M.; Dougherty, D.; Keo, S.; Muller, R.; Maker, P.

1998-01-01

Multi-wavelength arrays of colliding pulse mode-locked (CPM) lasers have been demonstrated for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) applications. The need for increased bandwidth is driving the development of both increased speed in time division multiplexing (TDM) and more channels in WDM for fiber optic communication systems.

Efficient energy absorption of intense ps-laser pulse into nanowire target

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Habara, H.; Honda, S.; Katayama, M.

The interaction between ultra-intense laser light and vertically aligned carbon nanotubes is investigated to demonstrate efficient laser-energy absorption in the ps laser-pulse regime. Results indicate a clear enhancement of the energy conversion from laser to energetic electrons and a simultaneously small plasma expansion on the surface of the target. A two-dimensional plasma particle calculation exhibits a high absorption through laser propagation deep into the nanotube array, even for a dense array whose structure is much smaller than the laser wavelength. The propagation leads to the radial expansion of plasma perpendicular to the nanotubes rather than to the front side. Thesemore » features may contribute to fast ignition in inertial confinement fusion and laser particle acceleration, both of which require high current and small surface plasma simultaneously.« less

Nonimaging applications for microbolometer arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Picard, Francis; Jerominek, Hubert; Pope, Timothy D.; Zhang, Rose; Ngo, Linh P.; Tremblay, Bruno; Tasker, Nick; Grenier, Carol; Bilodeau, Ghislain; Cayer, Felix; Lehoux, Mario; Alain, Christine; Larouche, Carl; Savard, Simon

2001-10-01

In an effort to leverage uncooled microbolometer technology, testing of bolometer performance in various nonimaging applications has been performed. One of these applications makes use of an uncooled microbolometer array as the sensing element for a laser beam analyzer. Results of the characterization of cw CO2 laser beams with this analyzer are given. A comparison with the results obtained with a commercial laser beam analyzer is made. Various advantages specific to microbolometer arrays for this application are identified. A second application makes use of microbolometers for absolute temperature measurements. The experimental method and results are described. The technique's limitations and possible implementations are discussed. Finally, the third application evaluated is related to the rapidly expanding field of biometry. It consists of using a modified microbolometer array for fingerprint sensing. The basic approach allowing the use of microbolometers for such an application is discussed. The results of a proof-of-principle experiment are described. Globally, the described work illustrates the fact that microbolometer array fabrication technology can be exploited for many important applications other than IR imaging.

Diode pumped solid-state laser oscillators for spectroscopic applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Byer, R. L.; Basu, S.; Fan, T. Y.; Kozlovsky, W. J.; Nabors, C. D.; Nilsson, A.; Huber, G.

1987-01-01

The rapid improvement in diode laser pump sources has led to the recent progress in diode laser pumped solid state lasers. To date, electrical efficiencies of greater than 10 percent were demonstrated. As diode laser costs decrease with increased production volume, diode laser and diode laser array pumped solid state lasers will replace the traditional flashlamp pumped Nd:YAG laser sources. The use of laser diode array pumping of slab geometry lasers will allow efficient, high peak and average power solid state laser sources to be developed. Perhaps the greatest impact of diode laser pumped solid state lasers will be in spectroscopic applications of miniature, monolithic devices. Single-stripe diode-pumped operation of a continuous-wave 946 nm Nd:YAG laser with less than 10 m/w threshold was demonstrated. A slope efficiency of 16 percent near threshold was shown with a projected slope efficiency well above a threshold of 34 percent based on results under Rhodamine 6G dye-laser pumping. Nonlinear crystals for second-harmonic generation of this source were evaluated. The KNbO3 and periodically poled LiNbO3 appear to be the most promising.

Spatial control of photoemitted electron beams using a microlens-array transverse-shaping technique

DOE PAGES

Halavanau, A.; Qiang, G.; Ha, G.; ...

2017-10-26

A transversely inhomogeneous laser distribution on the photocathode surface generally produces electron beams with degraded beam quality. In this paper, we explore the use of microlens arrays to dramatically improve the transverse uniformity of an ultraviolet drive-laser pulse used in a photoinjector. Here, we also demonstrate a capability of microlens arrays to generate transversely modulated electron beams and present an application of such a feature to diagnose the properties of a magnetized beam.

High voltage photovoltaic power converter

DOEpatents

Haigh, Ronald E.; Wojtczuk, Steve; Jacobson, Gerard F.; Hagans, Karla G.

2001-01-01

An array of independently connected photovoltaic cells on a semi-insulating substrate contains reflective coatings between the cells to enhance efficiency. A uniform, flat top laser beam profile is illuminated upon the array to produce electrical current having high voltage. An essentially wireless system includes a laser energy source being fed through optic fiber and cast upon the photovoltaic cell array to prevent stray electrical signals prior to use of the current from the array. Direct bandgap, single crystal semiconductor materials, such as GaAs, are commonly used in the array. Useful applications of the system include locations where high voltages are provided to confined spaces such as in explosive detonation, accelerators, photo cathodes and medical appliances.

Compact Laser-Based Sensors for Monitoring and Control of Gas Turbine Combustors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanson, Ronald K.; Jeffries, Jay B.

2003-01-01

Research is reported on the development of sensors for gas turbine combustor applications that measure real-time gas temperature using near-infrared water vapor absorption and concentration in the combustor exhaust of trace quantities of pollutant NO and CO using mid-infrared absorption. Gas temperature is extracted from the relative absorption strength of two near-infrared transitions of water vapor. From a survey of the water vapor absorption spectrum, two overtone transitions near 1800 nm were selected that can be rapidly scanned in wavelength by injection current tuning a single DFB diode laser. From the ratio of the absorbances on these selected transitions, a path-integrated gas temperature can be extracted in near-real time. Demonstration measurements with this new temperature sensor showed that combustor instabilities could be identified in the power spectrum of the temperature versus time record. These results suggest that this strategy is extremely promising for gas turbine combustor control applications. Measurements of the concentration of NO and CO in the combustor exhaust are demonstrated with mid-infrared transitions using thermo-electrically cooled, quantum cascade lasers operating near 5.26 and 4.62 microns respectively. Measurements of NO are performed in an insulated exhaust duct of a C2H4-air flame at temperatures of approximately 600 K. CO measurements are performed above a rich H2-air flame seeded with CO2 and cooled with excess N2 to 1150 K. Using a balanced ratiometric detection technique a sensitivity of 0.36 ppm-m was achieved for NO and 0.21 ppm-m for CO. Comparisons between measured and predicted water-vapor and CO2 interference are discussed. The mid-infrared laser quantum cascade laser technology is in its infancy; however, these measurements demonstrate the potential for pollutant monitoring in exhaust gases with mid-IR laser absorption.

Non-uniform temperature and species concentration measurements in a laminar flame using multi-band infrared absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Liu Hao; Lau, Lok Yin; Ren, Wei

2017-03-01

We report in situ measurements of non-uniform temperature, H2O and CO2 concentration distributions in a premixed methane-air laminar flame using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS). A mid-infrared, continuous-wave, room-temperature interband cascade laser (ICL) at 4183 nm was used for the sensitive detection of CO2 at high temperature.The H2O absorption lines were exploited by one distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser at 1343 nm and one ICL at 2482 nm to achieve multi-band absorption measurements with high species concentration sensitivity, high temperature sensitivity, and immunity to variations in ambient conditions. A novel profile-fitting function was proposed to characterize the non-uniform temperature and species concentrations along the line-of-sight in the flame by detecting six absorption lines of CO2 and H2O simultaneously. The flame temperature distribution was measured at different heights above the burner (5-20 mm), and compared with the thermocouple measurement with heat-transfer correction. Our TDLAS measured temperature of the central flame was in excellent agreement (<1.5% difference) with the thermocouple data.The TDLAS results were also compared with the CFD simulations using a detailed chemical kinetics mechanism (GRI 3.0) and considering the heat loss to the surroundings.The current CFD simulation overpredicted the flame temperature in the gradient region, but was in excellent agreement with the measured temperature and species concentration in the core of the flame.

Laser micromachining of optical devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopitkovas, Giedrius; Lippert, Thomas; David, Christian; Sulcas, Rokas; Hobley, Jonathan; Wokaun, Alexander J.; Gobrecht, Jens

2004-10-01

The combination of a gray tone phase mask with a laser assisted wet etching process was applied to fabricate complex microstructures in UV transparent dielectric materials. This one-step method allows the generation of arrays of plano-convex and Fresnel micro-lenses using a conventional XeCl excimer laser and an absorbing liquid, which is in contact with the UV transparent material. An array of plano-convex micro-lenses was tested as beam homogenizer for a high power XeCl excimer and ps Nd:YAG laser. The roughness of the etched features varies from several μm to 10 nm, depending on the laser fluence and concentration of the dye in the organic liquid. The etching process can be divided into several etching mechanisms which vary with laser fluence.

Diode pumped Nd:YAG laser development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reno, C. W.; Herzog, D. G.

1976-01-01

A low power Nd:YAG laser was constructed which employs GaAs injection lasers as a pump source. Power outputs of 125 mW TEM CW with the rod at 250 K and the pump at 180 K were achieved for 45 W input power to the pump source. Operation of the laser, with array and laser at a common heat sink temperature of 250 K, was inhibited by difficulties in constructing long-life GaAs LOC laser arrays. Tests verified pumping with output power of 20 to 30 mW with rod and pump at 250 K. Although life tests with single LOC GaAs diodes were somewhat encouraging (with single diodes operating as long as 9000 hours without degradation), failures of single diodes in arrays continue to occur, and 50 percent power is lost in a few hundred hours at 1 percent duty factor. Because of the large recent advances in the state of the art of CW room temperature AlGaAs diodes, their demonstrated lifetimes of greater than 5,000 hours, and their inherent advantages for this task, it is recommended that these sources be used for further CW YAG injection laser pumping work.

Laser radar range and detection performance for MEMS corner cube retroreflector arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grasso, Robert J.; Odhner, Jefferson E.; Stewart, Hamilton; McDaniel, Robert V.

2004-12-01

BAE SYSTEMS reports on a program to characterize the performance of MEMS corner cube retroreflector arrays under laser illumination. These arrays have significant military and commercial application in the areas of: 1) target identification; 2) target tracking; 3) target location; 4) identification friend-or-foe (IFF); 5) parcel tracking, and; 6) search and rescue assistance. BAE SYSTEMS has theoretically determined the feasibility of these devices to learn if sufficient signal-to-noise performance exists to permit a cooperative laser radar sensor to be considered for device location and interrogation. Results indicate that modest power-apertures are required to achieve SNR performance consistent with high probability of detection and low false alarm rates.

Laser radar range and detection performance for MEMS corner cube retroreflector arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grasso, Robert J.; Jost, Steven R.; Smith, M. J.; McDaniel, Robert V.

2004-01-01

BAE SYSTEMS reports on a program to characterize the performance of MEMS corner cube retroreflector arrays under laser illumination. These arrays have significant military and commercial application in the areas of: (1) target identification; (2) target tracking; (3) target location; (4) identification friend-or-foe (IFF); (5) parcel tracking, and; (6) search and rescue assistance. BAE SYSTEMS has theoretically determined the feasibility of these devices to learn if sufficient signal-to-noise performance exists to permit a cooperative laser radar sensor to be considered for device location and interrogation. Results indicate that modest power-apertures are required to achieve SNR performance consistent with high probability of detection and low false alarm rates.

Possibilities of improving the performance of an autonomous cw chemical DF laser by replacing the slot nozzles by the ramp ones in the nozzle array

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bashkin, A S; Gurov, L V; Kurdyukov, M V

2011-08-31

The results of a comparative numerical study of the performance of an autonomous cw chemical DF laser are obtained by simulating the processes in the nozzles and laser cavity where several configurations of slot and ramp nozzle arrays are employed. Three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations solved with the Ansys CFX software are used to describe the reacting multicomponent flow in the nozzles and laser cavity. To investigate lasing characteristics, a supplementary code is developed and is used to calculate the radiation intensity in the Fabry-Perot resonator, taking into account its nonuniform distribution along the aperture width and height. It is shown thatmore » the use of the nozzle array consisting of ramp nozzles, which, in contrast to the slot nozzles, provide enhanced mixing of the reactants makes it possible to improve the laser performance in the case of a high-pressure (more than 15 Torr) active medium. (control of radiation parameters)« less

Effects of laser shock peening with contacting foil on micro laser texturing surface of Ti6Al4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Fengze; Zhang, Zidong; Ren, Xudong; Lu, Jinzhong; Huang, Shu

2018-02-01

Ti6Al4V samples with micro-dimple arrays were subjected to laser shock peening in contact with foil (HCLSP). The surface roughness, micro-hardness, the residual stress distribution and the surface morphology of the micro-dimple arrays were studied to evaluate the effects of HCLSP. Moreover, the surface topography of the foils in contact was also analyzed. The gap existence between the foil and the to-be treated surface led the mechanism of HCLSP to be different compared to regular laser shock peening. The surface roughness reduction, the work-hardening effects, the compressive residual stress and the micro crack enclosure were achieved. A simplified ball-hitting-surface model was utilized to analyze the HCLSP impact. The model could well explain the experimental results. When treated by the HCLSP with H62 foil at the laser power density of 4.24 GW/cm2, the Ti6Al4V samples with micro-dimple arrays exhibit well surface topography and mechanical performance.

Study of ablation and implosion stages in wire arrays using coupled ultraviolet and X-ray probing diagnostics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anderson, A. A.; Ivanov, V. V.; Astanovitskiy, A. L.

2015-11-15

Star and cylindrical wire arrays were studied using laser probing and X-ray radiography at the 1-MA Zebra pulse power generator at the University of Nevada, Reno. The Leopard laser provided backlighting, producing a laser plasma from a Si target which emitted an X-ray probing pulse at the wavelength of 6.65 Å. A spherically bent quartz crystal imaged the backlit wires onto X-ray film. Laser probing diagnostics at the wavelength of 266 nm included a 3-channel polarimeter for Faraday rotation diagnostic and two-frame laser interferometry with two shearing interferometers to study the evolution of the plasma electron density at the ablation and implosionmore » stages. Dynamics of the plasma density profile in Al wire arrays at the ablation stage were directly studied with interferometry, and expansion of wire cores was measured with X-ray radiography. The magnetic field in the imploding plasma was measured with the Faraday rotation diagnostic, and current was reconstructed.« less

Photovoltaic receivers for laser beamed power in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, Geoffrey A.

1991-01-01

There has recently been a resurgence of interest in the use of beamed power to support space exploration activities. One of the most promising beamed power concepts uses a laser beam to transmit power to a remote photovoltaic array. Large lasers can be located on cloud-free sites at one or more ground locations and illuminate solar arrays to a level sufficient to provide operating power. Issues involved in providing photovoltaic receivers for such applications are discussed.

Direct laser writing for micro-optical devices using a negative photoresist.

PubMed

Tsutsumi, Naoto; Hirota, Junichi; Kinashi, Kenji; Sakai, Wataru

2017-12-11

Direct laser writing (DLW) via two-photon absorption (TPA) has attracted much attention as a new microfabrication technique because it can be applied to fabricate complex, three-dimensional (3D) microstructures. In this study, 3D microstructures and micro-optical devices of micro-lens array on the micrometer scale are fabricated using the negative photoresist SU-8 through TPA with a femtosecond laser pulse under a microscope. The effects of the irradiation conditions on linewidths, such as laser power, writing speed, and writing cycles (a number of times a line is overwritten), are investigated before the fabrication of the 3D microstructures. Various microstructures such as woodpiles, hemisphere and microstructures, 3D micro-lens and micro-lens array for micro-optical devices are fabricated. The shape of the micro-lens is evaluated using the shape analysis mode of a laser microscope to calculate the working distance of the fabricated micro-lenses. The calculated working distance corresponds well to the experimentally measured value. The focusing performance of the fabricated micro-lens is confirmed by the TPA fluorescence of an isopropyl thioxanthone (ITX) ethanol solution excited by a Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser at 800 nm. Micro-lens array (assembled 9 micro-lenses) are fabricated. Nine independent woodpile structures are simultaneously manufactured by DLW via TPA to confirm the multi-focusing ability using the fabricated micro-lens array.

High Power Laser Diode Array Qualification and Guidelines for Space Flight Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eegholm, Niels; Ott, Melanie; Stephen, Mark; Leidecker, Henning

2005-01-01

Semiconductor laser diodes emit coherent light by simulated emission generated inside the cavity formed by the cleaved end facets of a slab of semiconductor that is typically less than a millimeter in any dimension for single emitters. The diode is pumped by current injection in the p-n junction through the metallic contacts. Laser diodes emitting in the range of 0.8 micron to 1.06 micron have a wide variety of applications from pumping erbium doped fiber amplifiers, dual-clad fiber lasers, solid-state lasers used in telecom, aerospace, military, medical purposes and all the way to CD players, laser printers and other consumer and industrial products. Laser diode bars have many single emitters side by side and spaced approximately .5 mm on a single slab of semiconductor material approximately .5 mm x 10 mm. The individual emitters are connected in parallel maintaining the voltage at -2V but increasing the current to 50-100A/bar. Stacking these laser diode bars in multiple layers, 2 to 20+ high, yields high power laser diode arrays capable of emitting several hundreds of Watts. Electrically the bars are wired in series increasing the voltage by 2V/bar but maintaining the total current at 50-100A. These arrays are one of the enabling technologies for efficient, high power solid-state lasers. Traditionally these arrays are operated in QCW (Quasi CW) mode with pulse widths 10-200 (mu)s and with repetition rates of 10-200Hz. In QCW mode the wavelength and the output power of the laser reaches steady-state but the temperature does not. The advantage is a substantially higher output power than in CW mode, where the output power would be limited by the internal heating and hence the thermal and heat sinking properties of the device. The down side is a much higher thermal induced mechanical stress caused by the constant heating and cooling cycle inherent to the QCW mode.

Optical Fiber Array Assemblies for Space Flight on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ott, Jelanie; Matuszeski, Adam

2011-01-01

Custom fiber optic bundle array assemblies developed by the Photonics Group at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center were an enabling technology for both the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) and the Laser Ranging (LR) Investigation on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) currently in operation. The unique assembly array designs provided considerable decrease in size and weight and met stringent system level requirements. This is the first time optical fiber array bundle assemblies were used in a high performance space flight application. This innovation was achieved using customized Diamond Switzerland AVIM optical connectors. For LOLA, a five fiber array was developed for the receiver telescope to maintain precise alignment for each of the 200/220 micron optical fibers collecting 1,064 nm wavelength light being reflected back from the moon. The array splits to five separate detectors replacing the need for multiple telescopes. An image illustration of the LOLA instrument can be found at the top of the figure. For the laser ranging, a seven-optical-fiber array of 400/440 micron fibers was developed to transmit light from behind the LR receiver telescope located on the end of the high gain antenna system (HGAS). The bundle was routed across two moving gimbals, down the HGAS boom arm, over a deployable mandrel and across the spacecraft to a detector on the LOLA instrument. The routing of the optical fiber bundle and its end locations is identified in the figure. The Laser Ranging array and bundle is currently accepting light at a wavelength of 532 nm sent to the moon from laser stations at Greenbelt MD and other stations around the world to gather precision ranging information from the Earth to the LRO spacecraft. The LR bundle assembly is capable of withstanding temperatures down to -55 C at the connectors, and 20,000 mechanical gimbal cycles at temperatures as cold as -20 C along the length of the seven-fiber bundle (that is packaged into the gimbals). The total bundle assembly is 10 meters long with two interconnections requiring precise clocking of the seven-fiber array pattern.

Theoretical study on phase-locking of a radial array CO2 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yonggen

2014-11-01

The phase-locking of the radial array CO2 laser (RAL) is introduced based on the injection-locking principle. The characteristic parameters of laser beams used in the phase-locking are described, and the coupling coefficient c00 between the injected mode and the eigenmode of RAL is calculated. The laser modes from RAL are the low-order Hermite Gaussian modes due to the diffraction loss. The analytical formula for the output beam through an ABCD optical system is derived according Collins formula. The numerical examples are given to illustrate our analytical results.

The statistics of laser returns from cube-corner arrays on satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lehr, C. G.

1973-01-01

A method first presented by Goodman is used to derive an equation for the statistical effects associated with laser returns from satellites having retroreflecting arrays of cube corners. The effect of the distribution on the returns of a satellite-tracking system is illustrated by a computation based on randomly generated numbers.

Propagation of coherently combined truncated laser beam arrays with beam distortions in non-Kolmogorov turbulence.

PubMed

Tao, Rumao; Si, Lei; Ma, Yanxing; Zhou, Pu; Liu, Zejin

2012-08-10

The propagation properties of coherently combined truncated laser beam arrays with beam distortions through non-Kolmogorov turbulence are studied in detail both analytically and numerically. The analytical expressions for the average intensity and the beam width of coherently combined truncated laser beam arrays with beam distortions propagating through turbulence are derived based on the combination of statistical optics methods and the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle. The effect of beam distortions, such as amplitude modulation and phase fluctuation, is studied by numerical examples. The numerical results reveal that phase fluctuations have significant influence on the spreading of coherently combined truncated laser beam arrays in non-Kolmogorov turbulence, and the effects of the phase fluctuations can be negligible as long as the phase fluctuations are controlled under a certain level, i.e., a>0.05 for the situation considered in the paper. Furthermore, large phase fluctuations can convert the beam distribution rapidly to a Gaussian form, vary the spreading, weaken the optimum truncation effects, and suppress the dependence of spreading on the parameters of the non-Kolmogorov turbulence.

Short range laser obstacle detector. [for surface vehicles using laser diode array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuriger, W. L. (Inventor)

1973-01-01

A short range obstacle detector for surface vehicles is described which utilizes an array of laser diodes. The diodes operate one at a time, with one diode for each adjacent azimuth sector. A vibrating mirror a short distance above the surface provides continuous scanning in elevation for all azimuth sectors. A diode laser is synchronized with the vibrating mirror to enable one diode laser to be fired, by pulses from a clock pulse source, a number of times during each elevation scan cycle. The time for a given pulse of light to be reflected from an obstacle and received is detected as a measure of range to the obstacle.

Nanophotonic production, modulation and switching of ions by silicon microcolumn arrays

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos; Walker, Bennett N.

2013-09-10

The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.

Nanophotonic production, modulation and switching of ions by silicon microcolumn arrays

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos; Walker, Bennett N

2015-04-07

The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.

Nanophotonic production, modulation and switching of ions by silicon microcolumn arrays

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos [Reston, VA; Walker, Bennett N [Washington, DC

2012-02-07

The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.

Array Automated Assembly Task Low Cost Silicon Solar Array Project, Phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhee, S. S.; Jones, G. T.; Allison, K. L.

1978-01-01

Progress in the development of solar cells and module process steps for low-cost solar arrays is reported. Specific topics covered include: (1) a system to automatically measure solar cell electrical performance parameters; (2) automation of wafer surface preparation, printing, and plating; (3) laser inspection of mechanical defects of solar cells; and (4) a silicon antireflection coating system. Two solar cell process steps, laser trimming and holing automation and spray-on dopant junction formation, are described.

1.55 µm high speed low chirp electroabsorption modulated laser arrays based on SAG scheme.

PubMed

Cheng, Yuanbing; Wang, Qi Jie; Pan, Jiaoqing

2014-12-15

We demonstrate a cost-effective 1.55 µm low chirp 4 × 25 Gbit/s electroabsorption modulated laser (EML) array with 0.8 nm channel spacing by varying ridge width of the lasers and using selective area growth (SAG) integration scheme. The devices for all the 4 channels within the EML array show uniform threshold currents around 18 mA and high SMSRs over 45 dB. The output optical power of each channel is about 9 mW at an injection current of 100 mA. The typical chirp value of single EML measured by a fiber resonance method varied from 2.2 to -4 as the bias voltage was increased from 0 V to 2.5 V. These results show that the EML array is a suitable light source for 100 Gbit/s optical transmissions.

Real-time CO2 sensor for the optimal control of electronic EGR system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Gwang-jung; Choi, Byungchul; Choi, Inchul

2013-12-01

In modern diesel engines, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) is an important technique used in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission reduction. This paper describes the development and experimental results of a fiber-optical sensor using a 2.7 μm wavelength absorption to quantify the simultaneous CO2 concentration which is the primary variable of EGR rate (CO2 in the exhaust gas versus CO2 in the intake gas, %). A real-time laser absorption method was developed using a DFB (distributed feedback) diode laser and waveguide to make optimal design and control of electronic EGR system required for `Euro-6' and `Tier 4 Final' NOx emission regulations. While EGR is effective to reduce NOx significantly, the amount of HC and CO is increased in the exhaust gas if EGR rate is not controlled based on driving conditions. Therefore, it is important to recirculate an appropriate amount of exhaust gas in the operation condition generating high volume of NOx. In this study, we evaluated basic characteristics and functions of our optical sensor and studied basically in order to find out optimal design condition. We demonstrated CO2 measurement speed, accuracy and linearity as making a condition similar to real engine through the bench-scale experiment.

Wavelength modulation spectroscopy near 5 μm for carbon monoxide sensing in a high-pressure kerosene-fueled liquid rocket combustor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Daniel D.; Bendana, Fabio A.; Schumaker, S. Alexander; Spearrin, R. Mitchell

2018-05-01

A laser absorption sensor was developed for carbon monoxide (CO) sensing in high-pressure, fuel-rich combustion gases associated with the internal conditions of hydrocarbon-fueled liquid bipropellant rockets. An absorption feature near 4.98 μm, comprised primarily of two rovibrational lines from the P-branch of the fundamental band, was selected to minimize temperature sensitivity and spectral interference with other combustion gas species at the extreme temperatures (> 3000 K) and pressures (> 50 atm) in the combustion chamber environment. A scanned wavelength modulation spectroscopy technique (1 f-normalized 2 f detection) is utilized to infer species concentration from CO absorption, and mitigate the influence of non-absorption transmission losses and noise associated with the harsh sooting combustor environment. To implement the sensing strategy, a continuous-wave distributed-feedback (DFB) quantum cascade laser (QCL) was coupled to a hollow-core optical fiber for remote mid-infrared light delivery to the test article, with high-bandwidth light detection by a direct-mounted photovoltaic detector. The method was demonstrated to measure time-resolved CO mole fraction over a range of oxidizer-to-fuel ratios and pressures (20-70 atm) in a single-element-injector RP-2-GOx rocket combustor.

Fabrication of parabolic cylindrical microlens array by shaped femtosecond laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Zhi; Yin, Kai; Dong, Xinran; Duan, Ji'an

2018-04-01

A simple and efficient technique for fabricating parabolic cylindrical microlens arrays (CMLAs) on the surface of fused silica by shaped femtosecond (fs) laser direct-writing is demonstrated. By means of spatially shaping of a Gaussian fs laser beam to a Bessel distribution, an inversed cylindrical shape laser intensity profile is formed in a specific cross-sectional plane among the shaped optical field. Applying it to experiments, large area close-packed parabolic CMLAs with line-width of 37.5 μm and array size of about 5 × 5 mm are produced. The cross-sectional outline of obtained lenslets has a satisfied parabolic profile and the numerical aperture (NA) of lenslets is more than 0.35. Furthermore, the focusing performance of the fabricated CMLA is also tested in this work and it has been demonstrated that the focusing power of the CMLA with a parabolic profile is better than that with a semi-circular one.

Phase-locked array of quantum cascade lasers with an integrated Talbot cavity.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Zhang, Jinchuan; Jia, Zhiwei; Zhao, Yue; Liu, Chuanwei; Liu, Yinghui; Zhai, Shenqiang; Ning, Zhuo; Xu, Xiangang; Liu, Fengqi

2016-12-26

We show a phase-locked array of three quantum cascade lasers with an integrated Talbot cavity at one side of the laser array. The coupling scheme is called diffraction coupling. By controlling the length of Talbot to be a quarter of Talbot distance (Z_t/4), in-phase mode operation can be selected. The in-phase operation shows great modal stability under different injection currents, from the threshold current to the full power current. The far-field radiation pattern of the in-phase operation contains three lobes, one central maximum lobe and two side lobes. The interval between adjacent lobes is about 10.5°. The output power is about 1.5 times that of a single-ridge laser. Further studies should be taken to achieve better beam performance and reduce optical losses brought by the integrated Talbot cavity.

Laser programmable integrated circuit for forming synapses in neural networks

DOEpatents

Fu, C.Y.

1997-02-11

Customizable neural network in which one or more resistors form each synapse is disclosed. All the resistors in the synaptic array are identical, thus simplifying the processing issues. Highly doped, amorphous silicon is used as the resistor material, to create extremely high resistances occupying very small spaces. Connected in series with each resistor in the array is at least one severable conductor whose uppermost layer has a lower reflectivity of laser energy than typical metal conductors at a desired laser wavelength. 5 figs.

Laser programmable integrated curcuit for forming synapses in neural networks

DOEpatents

Fu, Chi Y.

1997-01-01

Customizable neural network in which one or more resistors form each synapse. All the resistors in the synaptic array are identical, thus simplifying the processing issues. Highly doped, amorphous silicon is used as the resistor material, to create extremely high resistances occupying very small spaces. Connected in series with each resistor in the array is at least one severable conductor whose uppermost layer has a lower reflectivity of laser energy than typical metal conductors at a desired laser wavelength.

Lightweight solar array blanket tooling, laser welding and cover process technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dillard, P. A.

1983-01-01

A two phase technology investigation was performed to demonstrate effective methods for integrating 50 micrometer thin solar cells into ultralightweight module designs. During the first phase, innovative tooling was developed which allows lightweight blankets to be fabricated in a manufacturing environment with acceptable yields. During the second phase, the tooling was improved and the feasibility of laser processing of lightweight arrays was confirmed. The development of the cell/interconnect registration tool and interconnect bonding by laser welding is described.

A method for the formation of Pt metal nanoparticle arrays using nanosecond pulsed laser dewetting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Owusu-Ansah, Ebenezer; Horwood, Corie A.; Birss, Viola I.

2015-05-18

Nanosecond pulsed laser dewetting of Pt thin films, deposited on a dimpled Ta (DT) surface, has been studied here in order to form ordered Pt nanoparticle (NP) arrays. The DT substrate was fabricated via a simple electrochemical anodization process in a highly concentrated H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} and HF solution. Pt thin films (3–5 nm) were sputter coated on DT and then dewetted under vacuum to generate NPs using a 355 nm laser radiation (6–9 ns, 10 Hz). The threshold laser fluence to fully dewet a 3.5 nm thick Pt film was determined to be 300 mJ/cm{sup 2}. Our experiments have shown that shorter irradiation timesmore » (≤60 s) produce smaller nanoparticles with more uniform sizes, while longer times (>60 s) give large nanoparticles with wider size distributions. The optimum laser irradiation time of 1 s (10 pulses) has led to the formation of highly ordered Pt nanoparticle arrays with an average nanoparticle size of 26 ± 3 nm with no substrate deformation. At the optimum condition of 1 s and 500 mJ/cm{sup 2}, as many as 85% of the dewetted NPs were found neatly in the well-defined dimples. This work has demonstrated that pulsed laser dewetting of Pt thin films on a pre-patterned dimpled substrate is an efficient and powerful technique to produce highly ordered Pt nanoparticle arrays. This method can thus be used to produce arrays of other high-melting-point metal nanoparticles for a range of applications, including electrocatalysis, functionalized nanomaterials, and analytical purposes.« less

Solanum tuberosum L. cv Jayoung Epidermis Extract Inhibits Mite Antigen-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice by Regulating the Th1/Th2 Balance and Expression of Filaggrin.

PubMed

Yang, Gabsik; Cheon, Se-Yun; Chung, Kyung-Sook; Lee, Sung-Jin; Hong, Chul-Hee; Lee, Kyung-Tae; Jang, Dae-Sik; Jeong, Jin-Cheol; Kwon, Oh-Keun; Nam, Jung-Hwan; An, Hyo-Jin

2015-09-01

Solanum tuberosum L. cv Jayoung (JY) is a potato with dark purple flesh and contains substantial amounts of polyphenols. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of S. tuberosum L. cv JY in a mouse model of Dermatophagoides farinae body (Dfb)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). The ethanol extract of the peel of JY (EPJ) ameliorated Dfb-induced dermatitis severity, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine. Histological analysis of the skin also revealed that EPJ treatment significantly decreased mast cell infiltration. The suppression of dermatitis by EPJ treatment was accompanied by a decrease in the skin levels of type 2 helper T-cell cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13. The induction of thymic stromal lymphopoietin, which leads to a systemic Th2 response, was also decreased in the skin by EPJ. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB p65 was decreased by EPJ in Dfb-induced NC/Nga mice. The protein expression of filaggrin in the AD-like skin lesions was restored by EPJ treatment. These results suggested that EPJ may be a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of AD.