Design and validation of a bimodal MRI-optics endoluminal probe for colorectal cancer diagnosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramgolam, A.; Sablong, R.; Saint-Jalmes, H.; Beuf, O.

2009-07-01

In the light of the bimodal technical innovations put forward in the diagnosis of early stage colorectal cancer, we present a preliminary study based on a first prototype of a high Resolution MRI-Optics probe along with the first tests carried out and the results obtained.

Thermal, optical, and electrical engineering of an innovative tunable white LED light engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trivellin, Nicola; Meneghini, Matteo; Ferretti, Marco; Barbisan, Diego; Dal Lago, Matteo; Meneghesso, Gaudenzio; Zanoni, Enrico

2014-02-01

Color temperature, intensity and blue spectrum of the light affects the ganglion receptors in human brain stimulating the human nervous system. With this work we review different methods for obtaining tunable light emission spectra and propose an innovative white LED lighting system. By an in depth study of the thermal, electrical and optical characteristics of GaN and GaP based compound semiconductors for optoelectronics a specific tunable spectra has been designed. The proposed tunable white LED system is able to achieve high CRI (above 95) in a large CCT range (3000 - 5000K).

The Robert E. Hopkins Center for Optical Design and Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zavislan, James M.; Brown, Thomas G.

2008-08-01

In 1929, a grant from Eastman Kodak and Bausch and Lomb established The Institute of Optics as the nation's first academic institution devoted to training optical scientists and engineers. The mission was 'to study light in all its phases', and the curriculum was designed to educate students in the fundamentals of optical science and build essential skills in applied optics and optical engineering. Indeed, our historic strength has been a balance between optical science and engineering--we have alumni who are carrying out prize-winning research in optical physics, alumni who are innovative optical engineers, and still other alumni who are leaders in the business community. Faculty who are top-notch optical engineers are an important resource to optical physics research groups -- likewise, teaching and modeling excellent optical science provides a strong underpinning for students on the applied/engineering end of the spectrum. This model -an undergraduate and graduate program that balances fundamental optics, applied optics, and optical engineering- has served us well. The impressive and diverse range of opportunities for our BS graduates has withstood economic cycles, and the students graduate with a healthy dose of practical experience. Undergraduate advisors, with considerable initiative from the program coordinator, are very aggressive in pointing students toward summer research and engineering opportunities. The vast majority of our undergraduate students graduate with at least one summer of experience in a company or a research laboratory. For example, 95% of the class of 2008 spent the summer of 2007 at companies and/or research laboratories: These include Zygo, NRL, Bausch and Lomb, The University of Rochester(The Institute of Optics, Medical Center, and Laboratory for Laser Energetics), QED, ARL Night Vision laboratories, JPL, Kollsman, OptiMax, Northrup Grumman, and at least two other companies. It is an impressive list, and bodes well for the career preparation for these students. While this extracurricular experience is truly world-class, an integrated design experience defined within our academic program is increasingly necessary for those going on to professional careers in engineering. This paper describes the philosophy behind a revision to our undergraduate curriculum that integrates a design experience and describes the engineering laboratory that has been established to make it a reality. The laboratory and design center has been named in honor of Robert E. Hopkins, former director and professor, co-founder of Tropel corporation, and a lifelong devotee to engineering innovation.

CAD Integration : new optical design possibilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haumonte, Jean-Baptiste; Venturino, Jean-Claude

2005-09-01

The development of optical design and analysis tools in a CAD software can help to optimise the design, size and performance of tomorrow's consumer products. While optics was still held back by software limitations, CAD programs were moving forward in leaps and bounds, improving manufacturing technologies and making it possible to design and produce highly innovative and sophisticated products. The problem was that in the past, 'traditional' optical design programs were only able to simulate spherical and aspherical lenses, meaning that the optical designers were limited to designing systems which were a series of imperfect lenses, each one correcting the last. That is why OPTIS has created the first optical design program to be fully integrated into a CAD program. The technology is available from OPTIS in an integrated SOLIDWORKS or CATIA V5 version. Users of this software can reduce the number of lenses needed in a system. Designers will now have access to complex surfaces such as NURBS meaning they will now be able to define free shape progressive lenses and even improve on optical performances using fewer lenses. This revolutionary technology will allow mechanical designers to work on optical systems and to share information with optical designers for the first time. Previously not possible in a CAD program you may now determine all the optical performances of any optical system, providing first order and third order performances, sequential and non-sequential ray-tracing, wavefront surfaces, point spread function, MTF, spot-diagram, using real optical surfaces and guaranteeing the mechanical precision necessary for an optical system.

Designing strategies and tools for teacher training: The role of critical details, examples in optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viennot, Laurence; Chauvet, Françoise; Colin, Philippe; Rebmann, Gérard

2005-01-01

Within the overall STTIS (Science Teacher Training in an Information Society) framework, this paper focuses on transformations of innovative teaching of optics, following a recommended change of approach to optics in the French curriculum. The empirical investigation of how teachers responded to this change, the main results of which are briefly presented here, identified a crucial aspect of the problem. This is the importance of critical detail'': that is, the fact that the linkage between certain critical details of practice and the fundamental rationale of a teaching sequence is often not easily understood by teachers, even those who are strongly motivated. The paper then discusses the development of guidelines for the design of training materials based on these research findings, which show how teachers typically tend to transform innovations when putting them into practice. We describe the rationale behind and structure of some teacher training materials intended to facilitate awareness and mastery in this respect.

Space-Charge Simulation of Integrable Rapid Cycling Synchrotron

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

Eldred, Jeffery; Valishev, Alexander

2017-05-01

Integrable optics is an innovation in particle accelerator design that enables strong nonlinear focusing without generating parametric resonances. We use a Synergia space-charge simulation to investigate the application of integrable optics to a high-intensity hadron ring that could replace the Fermilab Booster. We find that incorporating integrability into the design suppresses the beam halo generated by a mismatched KV beam. Our integrable rapid cycling synchrotron (iRCS) design includes other features of modern ring design such as low momentum compaction factor and harmonically canceling sextupoles. Experimental tests of high-intensity beams in integrable lattices will take place over the next several yearsmore » at the Fermilab Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA) and the University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER).« less

Interactive virtual optical laboratories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xuan; Yang, Yi

2017-08-01

Laboratory experiences are essential for optics education. However, college students have limited access to advanced optical equipment that is generally expensive and complicated. Hence there is a need for innovative solutions to expose students to advanced optics laboratories. Here we describe a novel approach, interactive virtual optical laboratory (IVOL) that allows unlimited number of students to participate the lab session remotely through internet, to improve laboratory education in photonics. Although students are not physically conducting the experiment, IVOL is designed to engage students, by actively involving students in the decision making process throughout the experiment.

Binary optics: Trends and limitations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farn, Michael W.; Veldkamp, Wilfrid B.

1993-01-01

We describe the current state of binary optics, addressing both the technology and the industry (i.e., marketplace). With respect to the technology, the two dominant aspects are optical design methods and fabrication capabilities, with the optical design problem being limited by human innovation in the search for new applications and the fabrication issue being limited by the availability of resources required to improve fabrication capabilities. With respect to the industry, the current marketplace does not favor binary optics as a separate product line and so we expect that companies whose primary purpose is the production of binary optics will not represent the bulk of binary optics production. Rather, binary optics' more natural role is as an enabling technology - a technology which will directly result in a competitive advantage in a company's other business areas - and so we expect that the majority of binary optics will be produced for internal use.

Systematic Image Based Optical Alignment and Tensegrity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeiders, Glenn W.; Montgomery, Edward E, IV (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

This presentation will review the objectives and current status of two Small Business Innovative Research being performed by the Sirius Group, under the direction of MSFC. They all relate to the development of advanced optical systems technologies for automated segmented mirror alignment techniques and fundamental design methodologies for ultralight structures. These are important to future astronomical missions in space.

Concurrent Design used in the Design of Space Instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oxnevad, Knut I.

1998-01-01

At the Project Design Center at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a concurrent design environment is under development for supporting development and analyses of space instruments in the early, conceptual design phases. This environment is being utilized by a Team I, a multidisciplinary group of experts. Team I is providing study and proposal support. To provide the required support, the Team I concurrent design environment features effectively interconnected high-end optics, CAD, and thermal design and analysis tools. Innovative approaches for linking tools, and for transferring files between applications have been implemented. These approaches together with effective sharing of geometry between the optics, CAD, and thermal tools are already showing significant timesavings.

Completing the puzzle: AOLI full-commissioning fresh results and AIV innovations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velasco, S.; Colodro-Conde, C.; López, R. L.; Oscoz, A.; Valdivia, J. J. F.; Rebolo, R.; Femenía, B.; King, D. L.; Labadie, L.; Mackay, C.; Muthusubramanian, B.; Pérez-Garrido, A.; Puga, M.; Rodríguez-Coira, G.; Rodríguez-Ramos, L. F.; Rodríguez-Ramos, J. M.

2017-03-01

The Adaptive Optics Lucky Imager (AOLI) is a new instrument designed to combine adaptive optics (AO) and lucky imaging (LI) techniques to deliver high spatial resolution in the visible, about 20 mas, from ground-based telescopes. Here we present details of the integration and verification phases explaining the defiance that we have faced and the innovative and versatile solution of modular integration for each of its subsystems that we have developed. Modularity seems a clue key for opto-mechanical integration success in the extremely-big telescopes era. We present here the very fresh preliminary results after its first fully-working observing run on the WHT.

OmniBird: a miniature PTZ NIR sensor system for UCAV day/night autonomous operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Steven; Li, Hui

2007-04-01

Through a SBIR funding from NAVAIR, we have successfully developed an innovative, miniaturized, and lightweight PTZ UCAV imager called OmniBird for UCAV taxiing. The proposed OmniBird will be able to fit in a small space. The designed zoom capability allows it to acquire focused images for targets ranging from 10 to 250 feet. The innovative panning mechanism also allows the system to have a field of view of +/- 100 degrees within the provided limited spacing (6 cubic inches). The integrated optics, camera sensor, and mechanics solution will allow the OmniBird to stay optically aligned and shock-proof under harsh environments.

Processes for design, construction and utilisation of arrays of light-emitting diodes and light-emitting diode-coupled optical fibres for multi-site brain light delivery

PubMed Central

Bernstein, Jacob G.; Allen, Brian D.; Guerra, Alexander A.; Boyden, Edward S.

2016-01-01

Optogenetics enables light to be used to control the activity of genetically targeted cells in the living brain. Optical fibers can be used to deliver light to deep targets, and LEDs can be spatially arranged to enable patterned light delivery. In combination, arrays of LED-coupled optical fibers can enable patterned light delivery to deep targets in the brain. Here we describe the process flow for making LED arrays and LED-coupled optical fiber arrays, explaining key optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical design principles to enable the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of such multi-site targetable optical devices. We also explore accessory strategies such as surgical automation approaches as well as innovations to enable low-noise concurrent electrophysiology. PMID:26798482

Fiber optic systems for colorimetry and scattered colorimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mignani, Anna G.; Mencaglia, Andrea A.; Ciaccheri, Leonardo

2005-09-01

An innovative series of optical fiber sensors based on spectroscopic interrogation is presented. The sensors are custom-designed for a wide range of applications, including gasoline colorimetry, chromium monitoring of sewage, museum lighting control, for use with a platform for interrogating an array of absorption-based chemical sensors, as well as for color and turbidity measurements. Two types of custom-design instrumentation have been developed, both making use of LED light sources and a low-cost optical fiber spectrometer to perform broadband spectral measurements in the visible spectral range. The first was designed especially to address color-based sensors, while the second assessed the combined color and turbidity of edible liquids such as olive oil. Both are potentially exploitable in other industrial and environmental applications.

Double degree master program: Optical Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakholdin, Alexey; Kujawinska, Malgorzata; Livshits, Irina; Styk, Adam; Voznesenskaya, Anna; Ezhova, Kseniia; Ermolayeva, Elena; Ivanova, Tatiana; Romanova, Galina; Tolstoba, Nadezhda

2015-10-01

Modern tendencies of higher education require development of master programs providing achievement of learning outcomes corresponding to quickly variable job market needs. ITMO University represented by Applied and Computer Optics Department and Optical Design and Testing Laboratory jointly with Warsaw University of Technology represented by the Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics at The Faculty of Mechatronics have developed a novel international master double-degree program "Optical Design" accumulating the expertise of both universities including experienced teaching staff, educational technologies, and experimental resources. The program presents studies targeting research and professional activities in high-tech fields connected with optical and optoelectronics devices, optical engineering, numerical methods and computer technologies. This master program deals with the design of optical systems of various types, assemblies and layouts using computer modeling means; investigation of light distribution phenomena; image modeling and formation; development of optical methods for image analysis and optical metrology including optical testing, materials characterization, NDT and industrial control and monitoring. The goal of this program is training a graduate capable to solve a wide range of research and engineering tasks in optical design and metrology leading to modern manufacturing and innovation. Variability of the program structure provides its flexibility and adoption according to current job market demands and personal learning paths for each student. In addition considerable proportion of internship and research expands practical skills. Some special features of the "Optical Design" program which implements the best practices of both Universities, the challenges and lessons learnt during its realization are presented in the paper.

Driving Innovation in Optical Networking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colizzi, Ernesto

Over the past 30 years, network applications have changed with the advent of innovative services spanning from high-speed broadband access to mobile data communications and to video signal distribution. To support this service evolution, optical transport infrastructures have changed their role. Innovations in optical networking have not only allowed the pure "bandwidth per fiber" increase, but also the realization of highly dependable and easy-to-manage networks. This article analyzes the innovations that have characterized the optical networking solutions from different perspectives, with a specific focus on the advancements introduced by Alcatel-Lucent's research and development laboratories located in Italy. The advancements of optical networking will be explored and discussed through Alcatel-Lucent's optical products to contextualize each innovation with the market evolution.

Training program developed for senior undergraduates majoring in optical communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Sheng; Zhang, Xinliang; Ke, Changjian

2017-08-01

Based on the well-known simulation software VPI TransmissionMaker, a comprehensive training program for senior undergraduates majoring in optical communication and optical network technology was developed by the author after detailed study of the teaching difficult and key points in the discipline. Aiming at solving practical scientific and engineering problems, the program helped our students to develop the ability of acquiring and applying knowledge by designing optical devices, optical signal processing algorithms and optical fiber communication systems. Furthermore, innovation is inspired by introducing competition mechanism among project teams. The program was validated through four years of use and achieved good results.

Design of a cathodoluminescence image generator using a Raspberry Pi coupled to a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Benítez, Alfredo; Santiago, Ulises; Sanchez, John E; Ponce, Arturo

2018-01-01

In this work, an innovative cathodoluminescence (CL) system is coupled to a scanning electron microscope and synchronized with a Raspberry Pi computer integrated with an innovative processing signal. The post-processing signal is based on a Python algorithm that correlates the CL and secondary electron (SE) images with a precise dwell time correction. For CL imaging, the emission signal is collected through an optical fiber and transduced to an electrical signal via a photomultiplier tube (PMT). CL Images are registered in a panchromatic mode and can be filtered using a monochromator connected between the optical fiber and the PMT to produce monochromatic CL images. The designed system has been employed to study ZnO samples prepared by electrical arc discharge and microwave methods. CL images are compared with SE images and chemical elemental mapping images to correlate the emission regions of the sample.

Design of a cathodoluminescence image generator using a Raspberry Pi coupled to a scanning electron microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benítez, Alfredo; Santiago, Ulises; Sanchez, John E.; Ponce, Arturo

2018-01-01

In this work, an innovative cathodoluminescence (CL) system is coupled to a scanning electron microscope and synchronized with a Raspberry Pi computer integrated with an innovative processing signal. The post-processing signal is based on a Python algorithm that correlates the CL and secondary electron (SE) images with a precise dwell time correction. For CL imaging, the emission signal is collected through an optical fiber and transduced to an electrical signal via a photomultiplier tube (PMT). CL Images are registered in a panchromatic mode and can be filtered using a monochromator connected between the optical fiber and the PMT to produce monochromatic CL images. The designed system has been employed to study ZnO samples prepared by electrical arc discharge and microwave methods. CL images are compared with SE images and chemical elemental mapping images to correlate the emission regions of the sample.

An integral design strategy combining optical system and image processing to obtain high resolution images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiaoyang; Wang, Lin; Yang, Ying; Gong, Rui; Shao, Xiaopeng; Liang, Chao; Xu, Jun

2016-05-01

In this paper, an integral design that combines optical system with image processing is introduced to obtain high resolution images, and the performance is evaluated and demonstrated. Traditional imaging methods often separate the two technical procedures of optical system design and imaging processing, resulting in the failures in efficient cooperation between the optical and digital elements. Therefore, an innovative approach is presented to combine the merit function during optical design together with the constraint conditions of image processing algorithms. Specifically, an optical imaging system with low resolution is designed to collect the image signals which are indispensable for imaging processing, while the ultimate goal is to obtain high resolution images from the final system. In order to optimize the global performance, the optimization function of ZEMAX software is utilized and the number of optimization cycles is controlled. Then Wiener filter algorithm is adopted to process the image simulation and mean squared error (MSE) is taken as evaluation criterion. The results show that, although the optical figures of merit for the optical imaging systems is not the best, it can provide image signals that are more suitable for image processing. In conclusion. The integral design of optical system and image processing can search out the overall optimal solution which is missed by the traditional design methods. Especially, when designing some complex optical system, this integral design strategy has obvious advantages to simplify structure and reduce cost, as well as to gain high resolution images simultaneously, which has a promising perspective of industrial application.

MISPS: Module integrated solar position sensor for concentration photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pardell, Ricard

2012-10-01

This paper describes a new device, the MISPS (Module Integrated. Solar Position Sensor) for CPV systems. Its main innovation lies in it being module integrated, so that the sensor is a constituent part of the module and uses its optics. The MISPS has been designed within the scope of the CPVRS project, but it can be used in any refractive optics CPV system.

Waveguide metatronics: Lumped circuitry based on structural dispersion.

PubMed

Li, Yue; Liberal, Iñigo; Della Giovampaola, Cristian; Engheta, Nader

2016-06-01

Engineering optical nanocircuits by exploiting modularization concepts and methods inherited from electronics may lead to multiple innovations in optical information processing at the nanoscale. We introduce the concept of "waveguide metatronics," an advanced form of optical metatronics that uses structural dispersion in waveguides to obtain the materials and structures required to construct this class of circuitry. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the design of a metatronic circuit can be carried out by using a waveguide filled with materials with positive permittivity. This includes the implementation of all "lumped" circuit elements and their assembly in a single circuit board. In doing so, we extend the concepts of optical metatronics to frequency ranges where there are no natural plasmonic materials available. The proposed methodology could be exploited as a platform to experimentally validate optical metatronic circuits in other frequency regimes, such as microwave frequency setups, and/or to provide a new route to design optical nanocircuitry.

Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph Optical Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Basinger, Scott A.; Redding, David C.

2004-01-01

The Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph will rely heavily on modeling and analysis throughout its mission lifecycle. Optical modeling is especially important, since the tolerances on the optics as well as scattered light suppression are critical for the mission's success. The high contrast imaging necessary to observe a planet orbiting a distant star requires new and innovative technologies to be developed and tested, and detailed optical modeling provides predictions for evaluating design decisions. It also provides a means to develop and test algorithms designed to actively suppress scattered light via deformable mirrors and other techniques. The optical models are used in conjunction with structural and thermal models to create fully integrated optical/structural/thermal models that are used to evaluate dynamic effects of disturbances on the overall performance of the coronagraph. The optical models we have developed have been verified on the High Contrast Imaging Testbed. Results of the optical modeling verification and the methods used to perform full three-dimensional near-field diffraction analysis are presented.

Indoor and outdoor characterization of the HIRL prototype: An innovative highly integrated receiverless LCPV concept using multijunction cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weick, Clément; De Betelu, Romain; Tauzin, Aurélie; Baudrit, Mathieu

2017-09-01

Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules are composed of many components and interfaces, which require complex assembling processes, resulting in fabrication complexity and often lack of reliability. The present work addresses these issues, by proposing an innovative low concentration photovoltaic (LCPV) concept. In particular, the purpose here is to develop a module with a high level of integration by lowering the number of components and interfaces. The mirror used as the concentrator optic is multifunctional, as it combines thermal, structural and optical function. Moreover, the proposed design claims to demonstrate the applicability of reliable flat PV processes (such as lamination and cells interconnections), for the manufacturing of this LCPV module. The paper describes both indoor and outdoor characterization of a new prototype. Performances by means of IV curves tracing will be discussed regarding the losses distribution within the optical chain.

Optical fiber technology development in Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wójcik, Waldemar; Romaniuk, Ryszard

2010-09-01

Optical fiber technology is an important branch of science and technology, but also economy. Together with related disciplines it creates wider areas like optoelectronics and photonics. Optical fiber technology is developed in this country rather dynamically, proportionally to the available funds designed locally for research and applications. Recently this development was enhanced with considerable funds from European Operational Funds Innovative Economy POIG and Human Capital POKL. The paper summarizes the development of optical fiber technology in Poland from academic perspective during the period of last 2-3 years. The digest is very probably not full. An emphasis is put on development of optical fiber manufacturing methods. This development was illustrated by a few examples of optical fiber applications.

Process science development at the Center for Optics Manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pollicove, Harvey M.; Moore, Duncan T.; Golini, Donald

1992-01-01

The Center for Optics Manufacturing (COM) has organized a volunteer Process Science Committee that will cooperate in advancing the optical manufacturing sciences. The objective is to develop technical information and processes that improve manufacturing capability, especially in grinding and polishing technology. Chaired by Donald Golini of Litton Itek Optical Systems, the committee members are volunteers from several American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association (APOMA) companies and institutions. Many of the companies are also funding project elements. The committee will accelerate industry progress by integrating the research and development activities of cooperating APOMA companies and institutions involved in both COM and independent programs. In the short term, the effort concentrates on grinding and polishing process innovation. In later phases, the effort will aid in the design future generations of machines and processes. While the developments are directly adaptable to COM's OPTICAM program, the results will influence a wide range of innovation and application in all methods of optical fabrication. Several leaders in the field are participating in the research and development effort--Boston University, Eastman Kodak Company, Hughes Leitz Optical Technologies, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Litton Itek Optical Systems, Melles Griot, Optical Components Inc., Precision Optical, Rank Pneumo, Schott Glass Technologies, Solution Technology, Texas Instruments, Tropel, and the universities of Arizona and Rochester. Other APOMA member companies will participate as resource needs grow. The collaboration is unique in the industry's history.

A Magnetron Sputter Deposition System for the Development of Multilayer X-Ray Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broadway, David; Ramsey, Brian; Gubarev, Mikhail

2014-01-01

The proposal objective is to establish the capability to deposit multilayer structures for x-ray, neutron, and EUV optic applications through the development of a magnetron sputtering deposition system. A specific goal of this endeavor is to combine multilayer deposition technology with the replication process in order to enhance the MSFC's position as a world leader in the design of innovative X-ray instrumentation through the development of full shell replicated multilayer optics. The development of multilayer structures is absolutely necessary in order to advance the field of X-ray astronomy by pushing the limit for observing the universe to ever increasing photon energies (i. e. up to 200 keV or higher); well beyond Chandra (approx. 10 keV) and NuStar's (approx. 75 keV) capability. The addition of multilayer technology would significantly enhance the X-ray optics capability at MSFC and allow NASA to maintain its world leadership position in the development, fabrication and design of innovative X-ray instrumentation which would be the first of its kind by combining multilayer technology with the mirror replication process. This marriage of these technologies would allow astronomers to see the universe in a new light by pushing to higher energies that are out of reach with today's instruments.To this aim, a magnetron vacum sputter deposition system for the deposition of novel multilayer thin film X-ray optics is proposed. A significant secondary use of the vacuum deposition system includes the capability to fabricate multilayers for applications in the field of EUV optics for solar physics, neutron optics, and X-ray optics for a broad range of applications including medical imaging.

A Magnetron Sputter Deposition System for the Development of X-Ray Multilayer Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broadway, David

2015-01-01

The project objective is to establish the capability to deposit multilayer structures for x-ray, neutron, and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) optic applications through the development of a magnetron sputtering deposition system. A specific goal of this endeavor is to combine multilayer deposition technology with the replication process in order to enhance NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC's) position as a world leader in the design of innovative x-ray instrumentation through the development of full shell replicated multilayer optics. The development of multilayer structures are absolutely necessary in order to advance the field of x-ray astronomy by pushing the limit for observing the universe to ever-increasing photon energies (i.e., up to 200 keV or higher), well beyond Chandra's (approx.10 keV) and NuStar's (approx.75 keV) capability. The addition of multilayer technology would significantly enhance the x-ray optics capability at MSFC and allow NASA to maintain its world leadership position in the development, fabrication, and design of innovative x-ray instrumentation, which would be the first of its kind by combining multilayer technology with the mirror replication process. This marriage of these technologies would allow astronomers to see the universe in a new light by pushing to higher energies that are out of reach with today's instruments. To this aim, a magnetron vacuum sputter deposition system for the deposition of novel multilayer thin film x-ray optics is proposed. A significant secondary use of the vacuum deposition system includes the capability to fabricate multilayers for applications in the field of EUV optics for solar physics, neutron optics, and x-ray optics for a broad range of applications including medical imaging.

a New Gas Correlation Radiometer for Remote Sounding of Carbon Monoxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tikhomirov, Alexey; Drummond, James

Carbon monoxide (CO) is extremely important component of the Earth's atmosphere since it is an indicator of air quality and plays a great role in tropospheric chemistry. Experimental data about CO mixing ratio distribution are necessary to study long range transport of pollutions and are being used along with models in understanding the CO budget. Remote sounding techniques from space are very advantageous in terms of global monitoring of CO. The gas correlation radiometry method has been successfully employed on a number of satellite based instruments for remote sounding of atmospheric gases for several decades. In this report a new concept of gas correlation radiometer for remote sounding of carbon monoxide from space is described. A length modulated cell, used for the first time with the MOPITT instrument, coupled with a static dual detector per channel architecture underlies the optical design of the new sounder. The main goal of the design is to produce an extremely simple and compact system which will in turn lead to a small space instrument. A laboratory prototype of the radiometer has been built in Dalhousie University. Its characteristics are investigated to verify the new concept. The sources of optical imbalance will be discussed as well as the methods for optical imbalance characterization and minimization. The results of the radiometer calibration and laboratory measurements of CO are presented. This work is supported by the Canadian Space Agency, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Atlantic Innovation Fund/Nova Scotia Research Innovation Trust and Dalhousie University.

High gain solar photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacDonald, B.; Finot, M.; Heiken, B.; Trowbridge, T.; Ackler, H.; Leonard, L.; Johnson, E.; Chang, B.; Keating, T.

2009-08-01

Skyline Solar Inc. has developed a novel silicon-based PV system to simultaneously reduce energy cost and improve scalability of solar energy. The system achieves high gain through a combination of high capacity factor and optical concentration. The design approach drives innovation not only into the details of the system hardware, but also into manufacturing and deployment-related costs and bottlenecks. The result of this philosophy is a modular PV system whose manufacturing strategy relies only on currently existing silicon solar cell, module, reflector and aluminum parts supply chains, as well as turnkey PV module production lines and metal fabrication industries that already exist at enormous scale. Furthermore, with a high gain system design, the generating capacity of all components is multiplied, leading to a rapidly scalable system. The product design and commercialization strategy cooperate synergistically to promise dramatically lower LCOE with substantially lower risk relative to materials-intensive innovations. In this paper, we will present the key design aspects of Skyline's system, including aspects of the optical, mechanical and thermal components, revealing the ease of scalability, low cost and high performance. Additionally, we will present performance and reliability results on modules and the system, using ASTM and UL/IEC methodologies.

Fiber optic cryogenic sensors for superconducting magnets and superconducting power transmission lines at CERN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiuchiolo, A.; Bajko, M.; Perez, J. C.; Bajas, H.; Consales, M.; Giordano, M.; Breglio, G.; Palmieri, L.; Cusano, A.

2014-08-01

The design, fabrication and tests of a new generation of superconducting magnets for the upgrade of the LHC require the support of an adequate, robust and reliable sensing technology. The use of Fiber Optic Sensors is becoming particularly challenging for applications in extreme harsh environments such as ultra-low temperatures, high electromagnetic fields and strong mechanical stresses offering perspectives for the development of technological innovations in several applied disciplines.

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

Tang, Jason D.; Schroeppel, Richard Crabtree; Robertson, Perry J.

With the build-out of large transport networks utilizing optical technologies, more and more capacity is being made available. Innovations in Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and the elimination of optical-electrical-optical conversions have brought on advances in communication speeds as we move into 10 Gigabit Ethernet and above. Of course, there is a need to encrypt data on these optical links as the data traverses public and private network backbones. Unfortunately, as the communications infrastructure becomes increasingly optical, advances in encryption (done electronically) have failed to keep up. This project examines the use of optical logic for implementing encryption in themore » photonic domain to achieve the requisite encryption rates. This paper documents the innovations and advances of work first detailed in 'Photonic Encryption using All Optical Logic,' [1]. A discussion of underlying concepts can be found in SAND2003-4474. In order to realize photonic encryption designs, technology developed for electrical logic circuits must be translated to the photonic regime. This paper examines S-SEED devices and how discrete logic elements can be interconnected and cascaded to form an optical circuit. Because there is no known software that can model these devices at a circuit level, the functionality of S-SEED devices in an optical circuit was modeled in PSpice. PSpice allows modeling of the macro characteristics of the devices in context of a logic element as opposed to device level computational modeling. By representing light intensity as voltage, 'black box' models are generated that accurately represent the intensity response and logic levels in both technologies. By modeling the behavior at the systems level, one can incorporate systems design tools and a simulation environment to aid in the overall functional design. Each black box model takes certain parameters (reflectance, intensity, input response), and models the optical ripple and time delay characteristics. These 'black box' models are interconnected and cascaded in an encrypting/scrambling algorithm based on a study of candidate encryption algorithms. Demonstration circuits show how these logic elements can be used to form NAND, NOR, and XOR functions. This paper also presents functional analysis of a serial, low gate count demonstration algorithm suitable for scrambling/encryption using S-SEED devices.« less

SCARLET I: Mechanization solutions for deployable concentrator optics integrated with rigid array technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wachholz, James J.; Murphy, David M.

1996-01-01

The SCARLET I (Solar Concentrator Army with Refractive Linear Element Technology) solar array wing was designed and built to demonstrate, in flight, the feasibility of integrating deployable concentrator optics within the design envelope of typical rigid array technology. Innovative mechanism designs were used throughout the array, and a full series of qualification tests were successfully performed in anticipation of a flight on the Multiple Experiment Transporter to Earth Orbit and Return (METEOR) spacecraft. Even though the Conestoga launch vehicle was unable to place the spacecraft in orbit, the program effort was successful in achieving the milestones of analytical and design development functional validation, and flight qualification, thus leading to a future flight evaluation for the SCARLET technology.

Proposal of an innovative benchmark for comparison of the performance of contactless digitizers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iuliano, Luca; Minetola, Paolo; Salmi, Alessandro

2010-10-01

Thanks to the improving performances of 3D optical scanners, in terms of accuracy and repeatability, reverse engineering applications have extended from CAD model design or reconstruction to quality control. Today, contactless digitizing devices constitute a good alternative to coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) for the inspection of certain parts. The German guideline VDI/VDE 2634 is the only reference to evaluate whether 3D optical measuring systems comply with the declared or required performance specifications. Nevertheless it is difficult to compare the performance of different scanners referring to such a guideline. An adequate novel benchmark is proposed in this paper: focusing on the inspection of production tools (moulds), the innovative test piece was designed using common geometries and free-form surfaces. The reference part is intended to be employed for the evaluation of the performance of several contactless digitizing devices in computer-aided inspection, considering dimensional and geometrical tolerances as well as other quantitative and qualitative criteria.

Waveguide metatronics: Lumped circuitry based on structural dispersion

PubMed Central

Li, Yue; Liberal, Iñigo; Della Giovampaola, Cristian; Engheta, Nader

2016-01-01

Engineering optical nanocircuits by exploiting modularization concepts and methods inherited from electronics may lead to multiple innovations in optical information processing at the nanoscale. We introduce the concept of “waveguide metatronics,” an advanced form of optical metatronics that uses structural dispersion in waveguides to obtain the materials and structures required to construct this class of circuitry. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the design of a metatronic circuit can be carried out by using a waveguide filled with materials with positive permittivity. This includes the implementation of all “lumped” circuit elements and their assembly in a single circuit board. In doing so, we extend the concepts of optical metatronics to frequency ranges where there are no natural plasmonic materials available. The proposed methodology could be exploited as a platform to experimentally validate optical metatronic circuits in other frequency regimes, such as microwave frequency setups, and/or to provide a new route to design optical nanocircuitry. PMID:27386566

The GMT-Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF): an optical Echelle spectrograph for the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szentgyorgyi, Andrew; Baldwin, Daniel; Barnes, Stuart; Bean, Jacob; Ben-Ami, Sagi; Brennan, Patricia; Budynkiewicz, Jamie; Chun, Moo-Young; Conroy, Charlie; Crane, Jeffrey D.; Epps, Harland; Evans, Ian; Evans, Janet; Foster, Jeff; Frebel, Anna; Gauron, Thomas; Guzmán, Dani; Hare, Tyson; Jang, Bi-Ho; Jang, Jeong-Gyun; Jordan, Andres; Kim, Jihun; Kim, Kang-Miin; Mendes de Oliveira, Claudia Mendes; Lopez-Morales, Mercedes; McCracken, Kenneth; McMuldroch, Stuart; Miller, Joseph; Mueller, Mark; Oh, Jae Sok; Onyuksel, Cem; Ordway, Mark; Park, Byeong-Gon; Park, Chan; Park, Sung-Joon; Paxson, Charles; Phillips, David; Plummer, David; Podgorski, William; Seifahrt, Andreas; Stark, Daniel; Steiner, Joao; Uomoto, Alan; Walsworth, Ronald; Yu, Young-Sam

2016-08-01

The GMT-Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF) will be a cross-dispersed, optical band echelle spectrograph to be delivered as the first light scientific instrument for the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) in 2022. G-CLEF is vacuum enclosed and fiber-fed to enable precision radial velocity (PRV) measurements, especially for the detection and characterization of low-mass exoplanets orbiting solar-type stars. The passband of G-CLEF is broad, extending from 3500Å to 9500Å. This passband provides good sensitivity at blue wavelengths for stellar abundance studies and deep red response for observations of high-redshift phenomena. The design of G-CLEF incorporates several novel technical innovations. We give an overview of the innovative features of the current design. G-CLEF will be the first PRV spectrograph to have a composite optical bench so as to exploit that material's extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion, high in-plane thermal conductivity and high stiffness-to-mass ratio. The spectrograph camera subsystem is divided into a red and a blue channel, split by a dichroic, so there are two independent refractive spectrograph cameras. The control system software is being developed in model-driven software context that has been adopted globally by the GMT. G-CLEF has been conceived and designed within a strict systems engineering framework. As a part of this process, we have developed a analytical toolset to assess the predicted performance of G-CLEF as it has evolved through design phases.

The Optical Design of CHARIS: An Exoplanet IFS for the Subaru Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters-Limbach, Mary; Groff, Tyler; Kasdin, N. Jeremy; Driscoll, Dave; Galvin, Michael; Foster, Allen; Carr, Michael; LeClerc, Dave; Fagan, Rad; McElwain, Michael;

Pushing photonic ideas into innovation through crowdfunding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumriddetchkajorn, Sarun

2015-07-01

It is known today that crowdfunding is a very popular approach that simultaneously assists in rapidly disseminating creative ideas, performing worldwide market survey, getting the fund, and eventually starting the business. Hence, this article highlights some of the photonics-related ideas that are explored through the promising crowdfunding approach. These include microlenses for mobile devices, specially designed lenses for helmets and solar cells, three-dimensional optical scanners, optical spectrometers, and surface plasmon resonance-based optical sensors. Most of them looks simple and yet are very creative backing up with interesting stories behind them to persuade the target customers to participate.

Enhanced optical design by distortion control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thibault, Simon; Gauvin, Jonny; Doucet, Michel; Wang, Min

2005-09-01

The control of optical distortion is useful for the design of a variety of optical system. The most popular is the F-theta lens used in laser scanning system to produce a constant scan velocity across the image plane. Many authors have designed during the last 20 years distortion control corrector. Today, many challenging digital imaging system can use distortion the enhanced their imaging capability. A well know example is a reversed telephoto type, if the barrel distortion is increased instead of being corrected; the result is a so-called Fish-eye lens. However, if we control the barrel distortion instead of only increasing it, the resulting system can have enhanced imaging capability. This paper will present some lens design and real system examples that clearly demonstrate how the distortion control can improve the system performances such as resolution. We present innovative optical system which increases the resolution in the field of view of interest to meet the needs of specific applications. One critical issue when we designed using distortion is the optimization management. Like most challenging lens design, the automatic optimization is less reliable. Proper management keeps the lens design within the correct range, which is critical for optimal performance (size, cost, manufacturability). Many lens design presented tailor a custom merit function and approach.

Towards do-it-yourself planar optical components using plasmon-assisted etching.

PubMed

Chen, Hao; Bhuiya, Abdul M; Ding, Qing; Johnson, Harley T; Toussaint, Kimani C

2016-01-27

In recent years, the push to foster increased technological innovation and basic scientific and engineering interest from the broadest sectors of society has helped to accelerate the development of do-it-yourself (DIY) components, particularly those related to low-cost microcontroller boards. The attraction with DIY kits is the simplification of the intervening steps going from basic design to fabrication, albeit typically at the expense of quality. We present herein plasmon-assisted etching as an approach to extend the DIY theme to optics, specifically the table-top fabrication of planar optical components. By operating in the design space between metasurfaces and traditional flat optical components, we employ arrays of Au pillar-supported bowtie nanoantennas as a template structure. To demonstrate, we fabricate a Fresnel zone plate, diffraction grating and holographic mode converter--all using the same template. Applications to nanotweezers and fabricating heterogeneous nanoantennas are also shown.

Towards do-it-yourself planar optical components using plasmon-assisted etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hao; Bhuiya, Abdul M.; Ding, Qing; Johnson, Harley T.; Toussaint, Kimani C., Jr.

2016-01-01

In recent years, the push to foster increased technological innovation and basic scientific and engineering interest from the broadest sectors of society has helped to accelerate the development of do-it-yourself (DIY) components, particularly those related to low-cost microcontroller boards. The attraction with DIY kits is the simplification of the intervening steps going from basic design to fabrication, albeit typically at the expense of quality. We present herein plasmon-assisted etching as an approach to extend the DIY theme to optics, specifically the table-top fabrication of planar optical components. By operating in the design space between metasurfaces and traditional flat optical components, we employ arrays of Au pillar-supported bowtie nanoantennas as a template structure. To demonstrate, we fabricate a Fresnel zone plate, diffraction grating and holographic mode converter--all using the same template. Applications to nanotweezers and fabricating heterogeneous nanoantennas are also shown.

Towards do-it-yourself planar optical components using plasmon-assisted etching

PubMed Central

Chen, Hao; Bhuiya, Abdul M.; Ding, Qing; Johnson, Harley T.; Toussaint Jr, Kimani C.

2016-01-01

In recent years, the push to foster increased technological innovation and basic scientific and engineering interest from the broadest sectors of society has helped to accelerate the development of do-it-yourself (DIY) components, particularly those related to low-cost microcontroller boards. The attraction with DIY kits is the simplification of the intervening steps going from basic design to fabrication, albeit typically at the expense of quality. We present herein plasmon-assisted etching as an approach to extend the DIY theme to optics, specifically the table-top fabrication of planar optical components. By operating in the design space between metasurfaces and traditional flat optical components, we employ arrays of Au pillar-supported bowtie nanoantennas as a template structure. To demonstrate, we fabricate a Fresnel zone plate, diffraction grating and holographic mode converter—all using the same template. Applications to nanotweezers and fabricating heterogeneous nanoantennas are also shown. PMID:26814026

Demonstration of an efficient cooling approach for SBIRS-Low

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nieczkoski, S. J.; Myers, E. A.

2002-05-01

The Space Based Infrared System-Low (SBIRS-Low) segment is a near-term Air Force program for developing and deploying a constellation of low-earth orbiting observation satellites with gimbaled optics cooled to cryogenic temperatures. The optical system design and requirements present unique challenges that make conventional cooling approaches both complicated and risky. The Cryocooler Interface System (CIS) provides a remote, efficient, and interference-free means of cooling the SBIRS-Low optics. Technology Applications Inc. (TAI), through a two-phase Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), has taken the CIS from initial concept feasibility through the design, build, and test of a prototype system. This paper presents the development and demonstration testing of the prototype CIS. Prototype system testing has demonstrated the high efficiency of this cooling approach, making it an attractive option for SBIRS-Low and other sensitive optical and detector systems that require low-impact cryogenic cooling.

High Efficiency Wideband Refractive Optics for ALMA Band-1 (35-52 GHz). Design, Implementation, and Measurement Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tapia, V.; González, A.; Finger, R.; Mena, F. P.; Monasterio, D.; Reyes, N.; Sánchez, M.; Bronfman, L.

2017-03-01

We present the design, implementation, and characterization of the optics of ALMA Band 1, the lowest frequency band in the most advanced radio astronomical telescope. Band 1 covers the broad frequency range from 35 to 50 GHz, with the goal of minor degradation up to 52 GHz. This is, up to now, the largest fractional bandwidth of all ALMA bands. Since the optics is the first subsystem of any receiver, low noise figure and maximum aperture efficiency are fundamental for best sensitivity. However, a conjunction of several factors (small cryostat apertures, mechanical constraints, and cost limitations) makes extremely challenging to achieve these goals. To overcome these problems, the optics presented here includes two innovative solutions, a compact optimized-profile corrugated horn and a modified Fresnel lens. The horn profile was optimized for optimum performance and easy fabrication by a single-piece manufacturing process in a lathe. In this way, manufacturability is eased when compared with traditional fabrication methods. To minimize the noise contribution of the optics, a one-step zoned lens was designed. Its parameters were carefully optimized to maximize the frequency coverage and reduce losses. The optical assembly reported here fully complies with ALMA specifications.

Integrated optics implementation of a fiber optic rotation sensor - Analysis and development. [for Mariner Mark II planetary explorer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartman, R. K.; Youmans, B. R.; Nerheim, N. M.

1987-01-01

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a fiber optic rotation sensor (FORS) for use on the Mariner Mark II series of planetary explorer craft and in other space applications. FORS is a closed-loop phase-nulling device and embodies a number of interesting innovations. Chief among these are the incorporation of the device's couplers, phase modulators, and polarizer on a single lithium niobate (LinbO3) integrate optics chip and a novel means of reading out angular position and rotation rate based on optical beat detection. Various aspects of the FORS design and operation are described and discussed. Particular attention is paid to analyzing errors attributable to polarizer imperfection and the so-called residual Michelson effect.

SCARLET I: Mechanization solutions for deployable concentrator optics integrated with rigid array technology

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

Wachholz, J.J.; Murphy, D.M.

1996-05-01

The SCARLET I (Solar Concentrator Army with Refractive Linear Element Technology) solar array wing was designed and built to demonstrate, in flight, the feasibility of integrating deployable concentrator optics within the design envelope of typical rigid array technology. Innovative mechanism designs were used throughout the array, and a full series of qualification tests were successfully performed in anticipation of a flight on the Multiple Experiment Transporter to Earth Orbit and Return (METEOR) spacecraft. Even though the Conestoga launch vehicle was unable to place the spacecraft in orbit, the program effort was successful in achieving the milestones of analytical and designmore » development functional validation, and flight qualification, thus leading to a future flight evaluation for the SCARLET technology.« less

Membrane adaptive optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marker, Dan K.; Wilkes, James M.; Ruggiero, Eric J.; Inman, Daniel J.

2005-08-01

An innovative adaptive optic is discussed that provides a range of capabilities unavailable with either existing, or newly reported, research devices. It is believed that this device will be inexpensive and uncomplicated to construct and operate, with a large correction range that should dramatically relax the static and dynamic structural tolerances of a telescope. As the areal density of a telescope primary is reduced, the optimal optical figure and the structural stiffness are inherently compromised and this phenomenon will require a responsive, range-enhanced wavefront corrector. In addition to correcting for the aberrations in such innovative primary mirrors, sufficient throw remains to provide non-mechanical steering to dramatically improve the Field of regard. Time dependent changes such as thermal disturbances can also be accommodated. The proposed adaptive optic will overcome some of the issues facing conventional deformable mirrors, as well as current and proposed MEMS-based deformable mirrors and liquid crystal based adaptive optics. Such a device is scalable to meter diameter apertures, eliminates high actuation voltages with minimal power consumption, provides long throw optical path correction, provides polychromatic dispersion free operation, dramatically reduces the effects of adjacent actuator influence, and provides a nearly 100% useful aperture. This article will reveal top-level details of the proposed construction and include portions of a static, dynamic, and residual aberration analysis. This device will enable certain designs previously conceived by visionaries in the optical community.

Integration of an Emerging Highly Sensitive Optical CO2 Sensor for Ocean Monitoring on an Existing Data Acquisition System SeaKeeper 1000 (trademark)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-30

be deployed in geat numbers to autonomously monitor the overall patterns of CO2 emissions and ocean acidification . OBJECTIVES  Meet the...Integration of an Emerging Highly Sensitive Optical CO2 Sensor for Ocean Monitoring on an Existing Data Acquisition System SeaKeeper 1000TM Annual...challenging requirements for ocean pCO2 monitoring using an innovative sensor design based on high sensitivity fluorescence detection.  Assemble the system

Defense Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. Program Solicitation 90.1. FY-1990

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-10-01

Electronics Assemble and Test A90-125 Guided-Wave TeO2 Optical Devices A90-126 Acceleration Sensing Module for Munition Safety Systems A90-127 Electromagnetic...package containing all drawings and process information, complete operating manuals. A90-125 Guided-Wave TeO2 Optical Devices OBJECTIVE: This exploratory...bandwidth and efficiency of these devices. PHASE I: Phase one would consist of the design of several breadboard TeO2 AO devices each having TBWP of

Integration of an Emerging Highly Sensitive Optical CO2 Sensor for Ocean Monitoring on an Existing Data Acquisition System SeaKeeper 1000(TM)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-30

be deployed in geat numbers to autonomously monitor the overall patterns of CO2 emissions and ocean acidification . OBJECTIVES  Meet the...Integration of an Emerging Highly Sensitive Optical CO2 Sensor for Ocean Monitoring on an Existing Data Acquisition System SeaKeeper 1000TM Annual...challenging requirements for ocean pCO2 monitoring using an innovative sensor design based on high sensitivity fluorescence detection.  Assemble the system

Design of airborne imaging spectrometer based on curved prism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, Yunfeng; Xiangli, Bin; Zhou, Jinsong; Wei, Xiaoxiao

2011-11-01

A novel moderate-resolution imaging spectrometer spreading from visible wavelength to near infrared wavelength range with a spectral resolution of 10 nm, which combines curved prisms with the Offner configuration, is introduced. Compared to conventional imaging spectrometers based on dispersive prism or diffractive grating, this design possesses characteristics of small size, compact structure, low mass as well as little spectral line curve (smile) and spectral band curve (keystone or frown). Besides, the usage of compound curved prisms with two or more different materials can greatly reduce the nonlinearity inevitably brought by prismatic dispersion. The utilization ratio of light radiation is much higher than imaging spectrometer of the same type based on combination of diffractive grating and concentric optics. In this paper, the Seidel aberration theory of curved prism and the optical principles of Offner configuration are illuminated firstly. Then the optical design layout of the spectrometer is presented, and the performance evaluation of this design, including spot diagram and MTF, is analyzed. To step further, several types of telescope matching this system are provided. This work provides an innovational perspective upon optical system design of airborne spectral imagers; therefore, it can offer theoretic guide for imaging spectrometer of the same kind.

Research-oriented teaching in optical design course and its function in education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cen, Zhaofeng; Li, Xiaotong; Liu, Xiangdong; Deng, Shitao

2008-03-01

The principles and operation plans of research-oriented teaching in the course of computer aided optical design are presented, especially the mode of research in practice course. This program includes contract definition phase, project organization and execution, post project evaluation and discussion. Modes of academic organization are used in the practice course of computer aided optical design. In this course the students complete their design projects in research teams by autonomous group approach and cooperative exploration. In this research process they experience the interpersonal relationship in modern society, the importance of cooperation in team, the functions of each individual, the relationships between team members, the competition and cooperation in one academic group and with other groups, and know themselves objectively. In the design practice the knowledge of many academic fields is applied including applied optics, computer programming, engineering software and etc. The characteristic of interdisciplinary is very useful for academic research and makes the students be ready for innovation by integrating the knowledge of interdisciplinary field. As shown by the practice that this teaching mode has taken very important part in bringing up the abilities of engineering, cooperation, digesting the knowledge at a high level and problem analyzing and solving.

Rotational MEMS mirror with latching arm for silicon photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brière, Jonathan; Beaulieu, Philippe-Olivier; Saidani, Menouer; Nabki, Frederic; Menard, Michaël.

2015-02-01

We present an innovative rotational MEMS mirror that can control the direction of propagation of light beams inside of planar waveguides implemented in silicon photonics. Potential applications include but are not limited to optical telecommunications, medical imaging, scan and spectrometry. The mirror has a half-cylinder shape with a radius of 300 μm that provides low and constant optical losses over the full angular displacement range. A circular comb drive structure is anchored such that it allows free or latched rotation experimentally demonstrated over 8.5° (X-Y planar rotational movement) using 290V electrostatic actuation. The entire MEMS structure was implemented using the MEMSCAP SOIMUMPs process. The center of the anchor beam is designed to be the approximate rotation point of the circular comb drive to counter the rotation offset of the mirror displacement. A mechanical characterization of the MEMS mirror is presented. The latching mechanism provides up to 20 different angular locking positions allowing the mirror to counter any resonance or vibration effects and it is actuated with an electrostatic linear comb drive. An innovative gap closing structure was designed to reduce optical propagation losses due to beam divergence in the interstitial space between the mirror and the planar waveguide. The gap closing structure is also electrostatically actuated and includes two side stoppers to prevent stiction.

An Innovative Context-Based Module to Introduce Students to the Optical Properties of Materials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Testa, I.; Lombardi, S.; Monroy, G.; Sassi, E.

2011-01-01

A context-based module to introduce secondary school students to the study of the optical properties of materials and geometric optics is presented. The module implements an innovative teaching approach in which the behaviour of the chosen application, in this article, the optical fibre, is iteratively explored and modelled by means of a…

The Innovation Hyperlab: a Physical and Curriculum Framework for Fostering Innovation From Grade School to Grad School

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tagg, Randall

2014-03-01

A versatile laboratory for open innovation has been created in a former auto-shop-instruction building adjacent to Gateway High School in the Aurora Public Schools district in Colorado. We have equipped this 2500 square foot space with resources to support fifty-two technologies, such as mechanical design, electronics, optics, and nanotechnology. Correspondingly, we are developing a web site to provide modular instruction around each of these technologies. The goal is to enable collaborations of secondary school students, university students, teachers, professors, and industry partners in an environment richly supported by both physical and educational resources. An Innovation Academy is currently in progress in the lab with projects such as surgery in zero-G and using music to script the motion of actuator arrays in robots and rehabilitation devices.

Laser manufacturing: strategies for dealing with the challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barr, John R. M.

2012-09-01

Laser manufacturing in Edinburgh was initiated in 1963 by Ferranti (one of the previous names for SELEX Galileo). Since 2003 a modernized range of military lasers has been established. Innovation, both technical and in other aspects of the business, has enabled the design and manufacture of world leading laser designators and countermeasure lasers. Specific examples will be given including: the application of Geometric Algebra to resonator design; novel alignment free optical parametric oscillators; techniques for designing thermally insensitive laser diode pump heads; and methods for contamination control in lasers.

Biomolecule-embedded metal-organic frameworks as an innovative sensing platform.

PubMed

Kempahanumakkagari, Sureshkumar; Kumar, Vanish; Samaddar, Pallabi; Kumar, Pawan; Ramakrishnappa, Thippeswamy; Kim, Ki-Hyun

Technological advancements combined with materials research have led to the generation of enormous types of novel substrates and materials for use in various biological/medical, energy, and environmental applications. Lately, the embedding of biomolecules in novel and/or advanced materials (e.g., metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), nanoparticles, hydrogels, graphene, and their hybrid composites) has become a vital research area in the construction of an innovative platform for various applications including sensors (or biosensors), biofuel cells, and bioelectronic devices. Due to the intriguing properties of MOFs (e.g., framework architecture, topology, and optical properties), they have contributed considerably to recent progresses in enzymatic catalysis, antibody-antigen interactions, or many other related approaches. Here, we aim to describe the different strategies for the design and synthesis of diverse biomolecule-embedded MOFs for various sensing (e.g., optical, electrochemical, biological, and miscellaneous) techniques. Additionally, the benefits and future prospective of MOFs-based biomolecular immobilization as an innovative sensing platform are discussed along with the evaluation on their performance to seek for further development in this emerging research area. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Measurement of vortex flow fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdevitt, T. Kevin; Ambur, Todd A.; Orngard, Gary M.; Owen, F. Kevin

1992-01-01

A 3-D laser fluorescence anemometer (LFA) was designed, built, and demonstrated for use in the Langley 16 x 24 inch Water Tunnel. Innovative optical design flexibility combined with compact and portable data acquisition and control systems were incorporated into the instrument. This will allow its use by NASA in other test facilities. A versatile fiber optic system facilities normal and off-axis laser beam alignment, removes mirror losses and improves laser safety. This added optical flexibility will also enable simple adaptation for use in the adjacent jet facility. New proprietary concepts in transmitting color separation, light collection, and novel prism separation of the scattered light was also designed and built into the system. Off-axis beam traverse and alignment complexity led to the requirement for a specialized, programmable transverse controller, and the inclusion of an additional traverse for the off-axis arm. To meet this challenge, an 'in-house' prototype unit was designed and built and traverse control software developed specifically for the water tunnel traverse applications. A specialized data acquisition interface was also required. This was designed and built for the LFA system.

Advancement of Miniature Optic Gas Sensor (MOGS) Probe Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chullen, Cinda

2015-01-01

Advancement of Miniature Optic Gas Sensor (MOGS) Probe Technology" project will investigate newly developed optic gas sensors delivered from a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II effort. A ventilation test rig will be designed and fabricated to test the sensors while integrated with a Suited Manikin Test Apparatus (SMTA). Once the sensors are integrated, a series of test points will be completed to verify that the sensors can withstand Advanced Suit Portable Life Support System (PLSS) environments and associated human metabolic profiles for changes in pressure and levels of Oxygen (ppO2), carbon dioxide (ppCO2), and humidity (ppH2O).

LOBSTER: new space x-ray telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hudec, R.; Sveda, L.; Pína, L.; Inneman, A.; Semencova, V.; Skulinova, M.

2017-11-01

The LOBSTER telescopes are based on the optical arrangement of the lobster eye. The main difference from classical X-ray space telescopes in wide use is the very large field of view while the use of optics results in higher efficiency if compared with detectors without optics. Recent innovative technologies have enabled to design, to develop and to test first prototypes. They will provide deep sensitive survey of the sky in X-rays for the first time which is essential for both long-term monitoring of celestial high-energy sources as well as in understanding transient phenomena. The technology is now ready for applications in space.

Low-cost optical interconnect module for parallel optical data links

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noddings, Chad; Hirsch, Tom J.; Olla, M.; Spooner, C.; Yu, Jason J.

1995-04-01

We have designed, fabricated, and tested a prototype parallel ten-channel unidirectional optical data link. When scaled to production, we project that this technology will satisfy the following market penetration requirements: (1) up to 70 meters transmission distance, (2) at least 1 gigabyte/second data rate, and (3) 0.35 to 0.50 MByte/second volume selling price. These goals can be achieved by means of the assembly innovations described in this paper: a novel alignment method that is integrated with low-cost, few chip module packaging techniques, yielding high coupling and reducing the component count. Furthermore, high coupling efficiency increases projected reliability reducing the driver's power requirements.

Novel wide-field x-ray optics for space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hudec, René; Pína, Ladislav; Inneman, Adolf

2017-11-01

We report on the program of design and development of innovative very wide field X-ray optics for space applications. We describe the idea of wide field X-ray optics of the lobster-eye type of both Angel and Schmidt arrangements. This optics was suggested in 70ies but not yet used in space experiment due to severe manufacturing problems. The lobster-eye X-ray optics may achieve up to 180 degrees (diameter) field of view at angular resolution of order of 1 arcmin. We report on various prototypes of lobster-eye X-ray lenses based on alternative technologies (replicated double sided X-ray reflecting flats, float glass, replicated square channels etc.) as well as on their optical and X-ray tests. We also discuss the importance and performance of lobster-eye X-ray telescopes in future X-ray astronomy projects.

SCOUT: small chamber for optical UV tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pancrazzi, M.; Landini, F.; Romoli, M.; Totaro, M.; Pennelli, G.

2017-11-01

SCOUT is the acronym of the new facility developed within the XUVLab laboratory of the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Florence. SCOUT stands for "Small Chamber for Optical UV Tests" and has been designed to perform practical and fast measurements for those experiments requiring an evacuated environment. SCOUT has been thought, designed and manufactured by paying a particular attention to its flexibility and adaptability. The functionality and the capabilities of SCOUT have been recently tested in a measurement campaign to characterize an innovative wire-grid polarizer optimized to work in transmission in the UV band. This paper provides a description of the overall manufactured system and its performance and shows the additional resources available at the XUVLab laboratory in Florence that make SCOUT exploitable by whatever compact (within 1 m) optical experiment that investigates the UV band of the spectrum.

Final Report: Laser-Based Optical Trap for Remote Sampling of Interplanetary and Atmospheric Particulate Matter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stysley, Paul

2016-01-01

Applicability to Early Stage Innovation NIAC Cutting edge and innovative technologies are needed to achieve the demanding requirements for NASA origin missions that require sample collection as laid out in the NRC Decadal Survey. This proposal focused on fully understanding the state of remote laser optical trapping techniques for capturing particles and returning them to a target site. In future missions, a laser-based optical trapping system could be deployed on a lander that would then target particles in the lower atmosphere and deliver them to the main instrument for analysis, providing remote access to otherwise inaccessible samples. Alternatively, for a planetary mission the laser could combine ablation and trapping capabilities on targets typically too far away or too hard for traditional drilling sampling systems. For an interstellar mission, a remote laser system could gather particles continuously at a safe distance; this would avoid the necessity of having a spacecraft fly through a target cloud such as a comet tail. If properly designed and implemented, a laser-based optical trapping system could fundamentally change the way scientists designand implement NASA missions that require mass spectroscopy and particle collection.

Transformation optics with windows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oxburgh, Stephen; White, Chris D.; Antoniou, Georgios; Orife, Ejovbokoghene; Courtial, Johannes

2014-09-01

Identity certification in the cyberworld has always been troublesome if critical information and financial transaction must be processed. Biometric identification is the most effective measure to circumvent the identity issues in mobile devices. Due to bulky and pricy optical design, conventional optical fingerprint readers have been discarded for mobile applications. In this paper, a digital variable-focus liquid lens was adopted for capture of a floating finger via fast focusplane scanning. Only putting a finger in front of a camera could fulfill the fingerprint ID process. This prototyped fingerprint reader scans multiple focal planes from 30 mm to 15 mm in 0.2 second. Through multiple images at various focuses, one of the images is chosen for extraction of fingerprint minutiae used for identity certification. In the optical design, a digital liquid lens atop a webcam with a fixed-focus lens module is to fast-scan a floating finger at preset focus planes. The distance, rolling angle and pitching angle of the finger are stored for crucial parameters during the match process of fingerprint minutiae. This innovative compact touchless fingerprint reader could be packed into a minute size of 9.8*9.8*5 (mm) after the optical design and multiple focus-plane scan function are optimized.

A high efficiency dual-junction solar cell implemented as a nanowire array.

PubMed

Yu, Shuqing; Witzigmann, Bernd

2013-01-14

In this work, we present an innovative design of a dual-junction nanowire array solar cell. Using a dual-diameter nanowire structure, the solar spectrum is separated and absorbed in the core wire and the shell wire with respect to the wavelength. This solar cell provides high optical absorptivity over the entire spectrum due to an electromagnetic concentration effect. Microscopic simulations were performed in a three-dimensional setup, and the optical properties of the structure were evaluated by solving Maxwell's equations. The Shockley-Queisser method was employed to calculate the current-voltage relationship of the dual-junction structure. Proper design of the geometrical and material parameters leads to an efficiency of 39.1%.

Compact system with handheld microfabricated optoelectronic probe for needle-based tissue sensing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seung Yup; Na, Kyounghwan; Pakela, Julia M.; Scheiman, James M.; Yoon, Euisik; Mycek, Mary-Ann

2017-02-01

We present the design, development, and bench-top verification of an innovative compact clinical system including a miniaturized handheld optoelectronic sensor. The integrated sensor was microfabricated with die-level light-emitting diodes and photodiodes and fits into a 19G hollow needle (internal diameter: 0.75 mm) for optical sensing applications in solid tissues. Bench-top studies on tissue-simulating phantoms have verified system performance relative to a fiberoptic based tissue spectroscopy system. With dramatically reduced system size and cost, the technology affords spatially configurable designs for optoelectronic light sources and detectors, thereby enabling customized sensing configurations that would be impossible to achieve with needle-based fiber-optic probes.

Design of freeform optics for an ophthalmological application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sieber, Ingo; Yi, Allen; Li, Likai; Beckert, Erik; Steinkopf, Ralf; Gengenbach, Ulrich

2014-05-01

Optical freeform surfaces are gaining importance in different optical applications. A huge demand arises e.g. in the fields of automotive and medical engineering. Innovative systems often need high-quality and high-volume optics. Injectionmoulded polymer optics represents a cost-efficient solution. However, it has to be ensured that the tight requirements with respect to the system's performance are met by the replicated freeform optics. To reach this goal, it is not sufficient to only characterise the manufactured optics by peak-to-valley or rms data describing a deviation from the nominal surface. Instead, optical performance of the manufactured freeform optics has to be analysed and compared with the performance of the nominal surface. This can be done by integrating the measured surface data of the manufactured freeform optics into the optical simulation model. The feedback of the measured surface data into the model allows for a simulation of the optical performance of the optical subsystem containing the real freeform optics manufactured. Hence, conclusions can be drawn as to whether the specifications with respect to e.g. imaging quality are met by the real manufactured optics. This approach will be presented using an Alvarez-Humphrey optics as an example of a tuneable optics of an ophthalmological application. The focus of this article will be on design for manufacturing the freeform optics, the integration of the measured surface data into the optical simulation model, simulation of the optical performance, and analysis in comparison to the nominal surface.

Teaching practice and effect of the curriculum design and simulation courses under the support of professional optical software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, YuanFang; Zheng, XiaoDong; Huang, YuJia

2017-08-01

Curriculum design and simulation courses are bridges to connect specialty theories, engineering practice and experimental skills. In order to help students to have the computer aided optical system design ability adapting to developments of the times, a professional optical software-Advanced System of Analysis Program (ASAP) was used in the research teaching of curriculum design and simulation courses. The ASAP tutorials conducting, exercises both complementing and supplementing the lectures, hands-on practice in class, autonomous learning and independent design after class were bridged organically, to guide students "learning while doing, learning by doing", paying more attention to the process instead of the results. Several years of teaching practice of curriculum design and simulation courses shows that, project-based learning meets society needs of training personnel with knowledge, ability and quality. Students have obtained not only skills of using professional software, but also skills of finding and proposing questions in engineering practice, the scientific method of analyzing and solving questions with specialty knowledge, in addition, autonomous learning ability, teamwork spirit and innovation consciousness, still scientific attitude of facing failure and scientific spirit of admitting deficiency in the process of independent design and exploration.

Design of a stabilized, compact gimbal for space-based free space optical communications (FSOC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cline, A.; Shubert, P.; McNally, J.; Jacka, N.; Pierson, R.

2017-02-01

Data transmits via optical communications through fibers at 10's of Terabits per second. Given the recent rapid explosion for bandwidth and competing demand for radio frequency (RF) spectrum allocations among differing interests, the need for space-based free space optical communications (FSOC) systems is ever increasing. FSOC systems offer advantages of higher data rates, smaller size and weight, narrower beam divergence, and lower power than RF systems. Lightweight, small form factor, and high performance two-axis gimbals are of strong interest for satellite FSOC applications. Small gimbal and optical terminal designs are important for widespread implementation of optical communications systems; in particular, for satellite-to-satellite crosslinks where the advantages of more secure communications links (Lower Probability of Intercept (LPI)/Lower Probability of Detect (LPD)) are very important. We developed design concepts for a small gimbal focusing on the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) subsystems to establish their feasible implementation against the pointing stabilization, size, weight and power (SWaP), and performance challenges. The design drivers for the gimbal were weight, the elevation and azimuth field of regards, the form factor envelope (1U CubeSats), 100 μrad pointing accuracy, and 10 degrees per second slew capability. Innovations required in this development included a continuous fiber passed through an Azimuth Fiber Wrap and Elevation Fiber Wrap, overcoming typical mechanical and stress related limitations encountered with fiber optic cable wraps. In this presentation, we describe the configuration trades and design of such a gimbal.

Optical see-through head-mounted display with occlusion capability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Chunyu; Lin, Yuxiang; Hua, Hong

2013-05-01

Lack of mutual occlusion capability between computer-rendered and real objects is one of fundamental problems for most existing optical see-through head-mounted displays (OST-HMD). Without the proper occlusion management, the virtual view through an OST-HMD appears "ghost-like", floating in the real world. To address this challenge, we have developed an innovative optical scheme that uniquely combines the eyepiece and see-through relay optics to achieve an occlusion-capable OST-HMD system with a very compelling form factor and high optical performances. The proposed display system was based on emerging freeform optical design technologies and was designed for highly efficient liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) type spatial light modulator (SLM) and bright Organic LED (OLED) microdisplay. The proposed display technology was capable of working in both indoor and outdoor environments. Our current design offered a 1280x1024 color resolution based on 0.8" microdisplay and SLM. The MTF values for the majority of the fields at the cutoff frequency of 40lps/mm, which is determined by the pixel size of the microdisplay, are better than 15%. The design achieved a diagonal FOV of 40 degrees, 31.7 degrees horizontally and 25.6 degrees vertically, an exit pupil diameter of 8mm (non-vignetted), and an eye clearance of 18mm. The optics weights about 20 grams per eye. Our proposed occlusion capable OST-HMD system can easily find myriads of applications in various military and commercial sectors such as military training, gaming and entertainment.

Optical design of the SuMIRe/PFS spectrograph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pascal, Sandrine; Vives, Sébastien; Barkhouser, Robert; Gunn, James E.

2014-07-01

The SuMIRe Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS), developed for the 8-m class SUBARU telescope, will consist of four identical spectrographs, each receiving 600 fibers from a 2394 fiber robotic positioner at the telescope prime focus. Each spectrograph includes three spectral channels to cover the wavelength range [0.38-1.26] um with a resolving power ranging between 2000 and 4000. A medium resolution mode is also implemented to reach a resolving power of 5000 at 0.8 um. Each spectrograph is made of 4 optical units: the entrance unit which produces three corrected collimated beams and three camera units (one per spectral channel: "blue, "red", and "NIR"). The beam is split by using two large dichroics; and in each arm, the light is dispersed by large VPH gratings (about 280x280mm). The proposed optical design was optimized to achieve the requested image quality while simplifying the manufacturing of the whole optical system. The camera design consists in an innovative Schmidt camera observing a large field-of-view (10 degrees) with a very fast beam (F/1.09). To achieve such a performance, the classical spherical mirror is replaced by a catadioptric mirror (i.e meniscus lens with a reflective surface on the rear side of the glass, like a Mangin mirror). This article focuses on the optical architecture of the PFS spectrograph and the perfornance achieved. We will first described the global optical design of the spectrograph. Then, we will focus on the Mangin-Schmidt camera design. The analysis of the optical performance and the results obtained are presented in the last section.

Fast and Accurate Cell Tracking by a Novel Optical-Digital Hybrid Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres-Cisneros, M.; Aviña-Cervantes, J. G.; Pérez-Careta, E.; Ambriz-Colín, F.; Tinoco, Verónica; Ibarra-Manzano, O. G.; Plascencia-Mora, H.; Aguilera-Gómez, E.; Ibarra-Manzano, M. A.; Guzman-Cabrera, R.; Debeir, Olivier; Sánchez-Mondragón, J. J.

2013-09-01

An innovative methodology to detect and track cells using microscope images enhanced by optical cross-correlation techniques is proposed in this paper. In order to increase the tracking sensibility, image pre-processing has been implemented as a morphological operator on the microscope image. Results show that the pre-processing process allows for additional frames of cell tracking, therefore increasing its robustness. The proposed methodology can be used in analyzing different problems such as mitosis, cell collisions, and cell overlapping, ultimately designed to identify and treat illnesses and malignancies.

NIMBUS: A Near-Infrared Multi-Band Ultraprecise Spectroimager for SOFIA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McElwain, Michael W.; Mandell, Avi; Woodgate, Bruce E.; Spiegel, David S.; Madhusudhan, Nikku; Amatucci, Edward; Blake, Cullen; Budinoff, Jason; Burgasser, Adam; Burrows, Adam;

First light on a new fully digital camera based on SiPM for CTA SST-1M telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

della Volpe, Domenico; Al Samarai, Imen; Alispach, Cyril; Bulik, Tomasz; Borkowski, Jerzy; Cadoux, Franck; Coco, Victor; Favre, Yannick; Grudzińska, Mira; Heller, Matthieu; Jamrozy, Marek; Kasperek, Jerzy; Lyard, Etienne; Mach, Emil; Mandat, Dusan; Michałowski, Jerzy; Moderski, Rafal; Montaruli, Teresa; Neronov, Andrii; Niemiec, Jacek; Njoh Ekoume, T. R. S.; Ostrowski, Michal; Paśko, Paweł; Pech, Miroslav; Rajda, Pawel; Rafalski, Jakub; Schovanek, Petr; Seweryn, Karol; Skowron, Krzysztof; Sliusar, Vitalii; Stawarz, Łukasz; Stodulska, Magdalena; Stodulski, Marek; Travnicek, Petr; Troyano Pujadas, Isaac; Walter, Roland; Zagdański, Adam; Zietara, Krzysztof

2017-08-01

The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) will explore with unprecedented precision the Universe in the gammaray domain covering an energy range from 50 GeV to more the 300 TeV. To cover such a broad range with a sensitivity which will be ten time better than actual instruments, different types of telescopes are needed: the Large Size Telescopes (LSTs), with a ˜24 m diameter mirror, a Medium Size Telescopes (MSTs), with a ˜12 m mirror and the small size telescopes (SSTs), with a ˜4 m diameter mirror. The single mirror small size telescope (SST-1M), one of the proposed solutions to become part of the small-size telescopes of CTA, will be equipped with an innovative camera. The SST-1M has a Davies-Cotton optical design with a mirror dish of 4 m diameter and focal ratio 1.4 focussing the Cherenkov light produced in atmospheric showers onto a 90 cm wide hexagonal camera providing a FoV of 9 degrees. The camera is an innovative design based on silicon photomultipliers (SiPM ) and adopting a fully digital trigger and readout architecture. The camera features 1296 custom designed large area hexagonal SiPM coupled to hollow optical concentrators to achieve a pixel size of almost 2.4 cm. The SiPM is a custom design developed with Hamamatsu and with its active area of almost 1 cm2 is one of the largest monolithic SiPM existing. Also the optical concentrators are innovative being light funnels made of a polycarbonate substrate coated with a custom designed UV-enhancing coating. The analog signals coming from the SiPM are fed into the fully digital readout electronics, where digital data are processed by high-speed FPGAs both for trigger and readout. The trigger logic, implemented into an Virtex 7 FPGA, uses the digital data to elaborate a trigger decision by matching data against predefined patterns. This approach is extremely flexible and allows improvements and continued evolutions of the system. The prototype camera is being tested in laboratory prior to its installation expected in fall 2017 on the telescope prototype in Krakow (Poland). In this contribution, we will describe the design of the camera and show the performance measured in laboratory.

Advanced imaging research and development at DARPA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhar, Nibir K.; Dat, Ravi

2012-06-01

Advances in imaging technology have huge impact on our daily lives. Innovations in optics, focal plane arrays (FPA), microelectronics and computation have revolutionized camera design. As a result, new approaches to camera design and low cost manufacturing is now possible. These advances are clearly evident in visible wavelength band due to pixel scaling, improvements in silicon material and CMOS technology. CMOS cameras are available in cell phones and many other consumer products. Advances in infrared imaging technology have been slow due to market volume and many technological barriers in detector materials, optics and fundamental limits imposed by the scaling laws of optics. There is of course much room for improvements in both, visible and infrared imaging technology. This paper highlights various technology development projects at DARPA to advance the imaging technology for both, visible and infrared. Challenges and potentials solutions are highlighted in areas related to wide field-of-view camera design, small pitch pixel, broadband and multiband detectors and focal plane arrays.

"Through the looking glass": optical physics, issues, and the evolution of neuroendoscopy.

PubMed

Zada, Gabriel; Liu, Charles; Apuzzo, Michael L J

2013-02-01

Although the concept of endoscopy has existed for centuries, a practical, working neuroendoscopic system did not emerge until last century, as a result of numerous contributions and refinements in optical technology, illumination sources, and instrumentation. Modern neuroendoscopy would not be a flourishing field, as it is today, without the dedication, innovation, and implementation of emerging technology by key contributors including Maximilian Nitze, Walter Dandy, and Harold Hopkins. Despite several inherent and unique limitations, neuroendoscopic surgery is now performed for a variety of intraventricular, skull base, and spinal operations. In this review, the history of neuroendoscopy, key players who envisioned how the inner workings of the human body could be visualized "through the looking glass," and current state and future potential for neuroendoscopic surgery are discussed. Future directions of neuroendoscopic surgery will likely be guided by further miniaturization in camera and optical technology, innovations in surgical instrumentation design, the introduction of robotics, multi-port minimally invasive surgery, and an enhanced ability to perform bimanual microdissection. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design Considerations for Proposed Fermilab Integrable RCS

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

Eldred, Jeffrey; Valishev, Alexander

2017-03-02

Integrable optics is an innovation in particle accelerator design that provides strong nonlinear focusing while avoiding parametric resonances. One promising application of integrable optics is to overcome the traditional limits on accelerator intensity imposed by betatron tune-spread and collective instabilities. The efficacy of high-intensity integrable accelerators will be undergo comprehensive testing over the next several years at the Fermilab Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA) and the University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER). We propose an integrable Rapid-Cycling Synchrotron (iRCS) as a replacement for the Fermilab Booster to achieve multi-MW beam power for the Fermilab high-energy neutrino program. We provide amore » overview of the machine parameters and discuss an approach to lattice optimization. Integrable optics requires arcs with integer-pi phase advance followed by drifts with matched beta functions. We provide an example integrable lattice with features of a modern RCS - long dispersion-free drifts, low momentum compaction, superperiodicity, chromaticity correction, separate-function magnets, and bounded beta functions.« less

Performance assessment of MEMS adaptive optics in tactical airborne systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyson, Robert K.

1999-09-01

Tactical airborne electro-optical systems are severely constrained by weight, volume, power, and cost. Micro- electrical-mechanical adaptive optics provide a solution that addresses the engineering realities without compromising spatial and temporal compensation requirements. Through modeling and analysis, we determined that substantial benefits could be gained for laser designators, ladar, countermeasures, and missile seekers. The developments potential exists for improving seeker imagery resolution 20 percent, extending countermeasures keep-out range by a factor of 5, doubling the range for ladar detection and identification, and compensating for supersonic and hypersonic aircraft boundary layers. Innovative concepts are required for atmospheric pat hand boundary layer compensation. We have developed design that perform these tasks using high speed scene-based wavefront sensing, IR aerosol laser guide stars, and extended-object wavefront beacons. We have developed a number of adaptive optics system configurations that met the spatial resolution requirements and we have determined that sensing and signal processing requirements can be met. With the help of micromachined deformable mirrors and sensor, we will be able to integrate the systems into existing airborne pods and missiles as well as next generation electro-optical systems.

An active-optics image-motion compensation technology application for high-speed searching and infrared detection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jianping; Lu, Fei; Zou, Kai; Yan, Hong; Wan, Min; Kuang, Yan; Zhou, Yanqing

2018-03-01

An ultra-high angular velocity and minor-caliber high-precision stably control technology application for active-optics image-motion compensation, is put forward innovatively in this paper. The image blur problem due to several 100°/s high-velocity relative motion between imaging system and target is theoretically analyzed. The velocity match model of detection system and active optics compensation system is built, and active optics image motion compensation platform experiment parameters are designed. Several 100°/s high-velocity high-precision control optics compensation technology is studied and implemented. The relative motion velocity is up to 250°/s, and image motion amplitude is more than 20 pixel. After the active optics compensation, motion blur is less than one pixel. The bottleneck technology of ultra-high angular velocity and long exposure time in searching and infrared detection system is successfully broke through.

Contributed Review: A review of the investigation of rare-earth dopant profiles in optical fibers.

PubMed

Sidiroglou, F; Roberts, A; Baxter, G

2016-04-01

Rare-earth doped optical fibers have captivated the interest of many researchers around the world across the past three decades. The growth of this research field has been stimulated primarily through their application in optical communications as fiber lasers and amplifiers, although rare-earth doped optical fiber based devices are now finding important uses in many other scientific and industrial areas (for example, medicine, sensing, the military, and material processing). Such wide commercial interest has provided a strong incentive for innovative fiber designs, alternative glass compositions, and novel fabrication processes. A prerequisite for the ongoing progress of this research field is developing the capacity to provide high resolution information about the rare-earth dopant distribution profiles within the optical fibers. This paper constitutes a comprehensive review of the imaging techniques that have been utilized in the analysis of the distribution of the rare-earth ion erbium within the core of optical fibers.

Exploration on the matching between Optical Comprehensive Design Experiment and Washington Accord

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yiping; Chen, Wenjing; Zhang, Qican; Liu, Yuankun; Li, Dahai; Zhou, Xinzhi; Wei, Jun

2017-08-01

Common problems faced in optical comprehensive design experiment and going against the Washington Accord are pointed out. For resolving these problems, an instructional and innovative teaching scheme for Optics Comprehensive Design Experiment is proposed. We would like to understand the student that can improve the hands-on practical ability, theory knowledge understanding ability, complex problem solving ability, engineering application ability, cooperative ability after tracking and researching the student who have attended the class about Optical Comprehensive Design Experiment, We found that there are some problems on the course such as the experiment content vague, the student beginning less time, phase separation theory and engineering application, the experiment content lack of selectivity and so on. So we have made some improvements reference to the Washington Accord for the class teaching plan about Optical Comprehensive Design Experiment. This class must relevant to the engineering basic courses, professional foundation course and the major courses, so far as to the future study and work that which can play a role in inheriting and continuity to the students. The Optical Comprehensive Design Experiment teaching program requires students learning this course to have learnt basic courses like analog electronics technique, digital electronic technique, applied optics and computer and other related courses which students are required to comprehensively utilize. This teaching scheme contains six practical complex engineering problems which are respectively optical system design, light energy meter design, illuminometer design, material refractive index measuring system design, light intensity measuring system design and open design. Establishing the optional experiment and open experiment can provide students with a greater choice and enhance the students' creativity, vivid teaching experimental teachers and enriching contents of experiment can make the experiment more interesting, providing students with more opportunities to conduct experiment and improving students' practical ability with long learning time, putting emphasis on student's understanding of complex engineering problems and the cognitive of the process to solve complex engineering problems with actual engineering problems. Applying the scheme in other courses and improving accordingly will be able to ensure the quality of engineering education. Look forward to offering useful reference for the curriculum system construction in colleges and universities.

Application and testing of additive manufacturing for mirrors and precision structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweeney, Michael; Acreman, Martyn; Vettese, Tom; Myatt, Ray; Thompson, Mike

2015-09-01

Additive Manufacturing (aka AM, and 3-D printing) is widely touted in the media as the foundation for the next industrial revolution. Beneath the hype, AM does indeed offer profound advantages in lead-time, dramatically reduced consumption of expensive raw materials, while enabling new and innovative design forms that cannot be produced by other means. General Dynamics and their industry partners have begun to embrace this technology for mirrors and precision structures used in the aerospace, defense, and precision optical instrumentation industries. Aggressively lightweighted, open and closed back test mirror designs, 75-150 mm in size, were first produced by AM from several different materials. Subsequent optical finishing and test experiments have exceeded expectations for density, surface finish, dimensional stability and isotropy of thermal expansion on the optical scale of measurement. Materials currently under examination include aluminum, titanium, beryllium, aluminum beryllium, Inconel 625, stainless steel/bronze, and PEKK polymer.

Photonic Design: From Fundamental Solar Cell Physics to Computational Inverse Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Owen Dennis

Photonic innovation is becoming ever more important in the modern world. Optical systems are dominating shorter and shorter communications distances, LED's are rapidly emerging for a variety of applications, and solar cells show potential to be a mainstream technology in the energy space. The need for novel, energy-efficient photonic and optoelectronic devices will only increase. This work unites fundamental physics and a novel computational inverse design approach towards such innovation. The first half of the dissertation is devoted to the physics of high-efficiency solar cells. As solar cells approach fundamental efficiency limits, their internal physics transforms. Photonic considerations, instead of electronic ones, are the key to reaching the highest voltages and efficiencies. Proper photon management led to Alta Device's recent dramatic increase of the solar cell efficiency record to 28.3%. Moreover, approaching the Shockley-Queisser limit for any solar cell technology will require light extraction to become a part of all future designs. The second half of the dissertation introduces inverse design as a new computational paradigm in photonics. An assortment of techniques (FDTD, FEM, etc.) have enabled quick and accurate simulation of the "forward problem" of finding fields for a given geometry. However, scientists and engineers are typically more interested in the inverse problem: for a desired functionality, what geometry is needed? Answering this question breaks from the emphasis on the forward problem and forges a new path in computational photonics. The framework of shape calculus enables one to quickly find superior, non-intuitive designs. Novel designs for optical cloaking and sub-wavelength solar cell applications are presented.

Innovative 3D Visualization of Electro-optic Data for MCM

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-09-30

The long-term goal is to develop innovative methods for transforming data taken by electro - optic and acoustic MCM sensors into graphical representations better suited to human interpretation, specifically to aid mine classification.

Observatories and Telescopes of Modern Times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leverington, David

2016-11-01

Preface; Part I. Optical Observatories: 1. Palomar Mountain Observatory; 2. The United States Optical Observatory; 3. From the Next Generation Telescope to Gemini and SOAR; 4. Competing primary mirror designs; 5. Active optics, adaptive optics and other technical innovations; 6. European Northern Observatory and Calar Alto; 7. European Southern Observatory; 8. Mauna Kea Observatory; 9. Australian optical observatories; 10. Mount Hopkins' Whipple Observatory and the MMT; 11. Apache Point Observatory; 12. Carnegie Southern Observatory (Las Campanas); 13. Mount Graham International Optical Observatory; 14. Modern optical interferometers; 15. Solar observatories; Part II. Radio Observatories: 16. Australian radio observatories; 17. Cambridge Mullard Radio Observatory; 18. Jodrell Bank; 19. Early radio observatories away from the Australian-British axis; 20. The American National Radio Astronomy Observatory; 21. Owens Valley and Mauna Kea; 22. Further North and Central American observatories; 23. Further European and Asian radio observatories; 24. ALMA and the South Pole; Name index; Optical observatory and telescope index; Radio observatory and telescope index; General index.

Very high temperature fiber processing and testing through the use of ultrahigh solar energy concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobson, Benjamin A.; Gleckman, Philip L.; Holman, Robert L.; Sagie, Daniel; Winston, Roland

1991-10-01

We have demonstrated the feasibility of a high temperature cool-wall optical furnace that harnesses the unique power of concentrated solar heating for advanced materials processing and testing. Out small-scale test furnace achieved temperatures as high as 2400 C within a 10 mm X 0.44 mm cylindrical hot-zone. Optimum performance and efficiency resulted from an innovative two-stage optical design using a long-focal length, point-focus, conventional primary concentrator and a non-imaging secondary concentrator specifically designed for the cylindrical geometry of the target fiber. A scale-up analysis suggests that even higher temperatures can be achieved over hot zones large enough for practical commercial fiber post- processing and testing.

Infrared thermal imagers for avionic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uda, Gianni; Livi, Massimo; Olivieri, Monica; Sabatini, Maurizio; Torrini, Daniele; Baldini, Stefano; Bardazzi, Riccardo; Falli, Pietro; Maestrini, Mauro

1999-07-01

This paper deals with the design of two second generation thermal imagers that Alenia Difesa OFFICINE GALILEO has successfully developed for the Navigation FLIR of the NH90 Tactical Transportation Helicopter (NH90 TTH) and for the Electro-Optical Surveillance and Tracking System for the Italian 'Guardia di Finanza' ATR42 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (ATR42 MPA). Small size, lightweight and low power consumption have been the main design goals of the two programs. In particular the NH90 TTH Thermal Imager is a compact camera operating in the 8 divided by 12 micrometers bandwidth with a single wide field of view. The thermal imager developed for the ATR42 MPA features a three remotely switchable fields of view objective equipped with diffractive optics. Performance goals, innovative design aspects and test results of these two thermal imagers are reported.

Enterprise virtual private network (VPN) with dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carranza, Aparicio

An innovative computer simulation and modeling tool for metropolitan area optical data communication networks is presented. These models address the unique requirements of Virtual Private Networks for enterprise data centers, which may comprise a mixture of protocols including ESCON, FICON, Fibre Channel, Sysplex protocols (ETR, CLO, ISC); and other links interconnected over dark fiber using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM). Our models have the capability of designing a network with minimal inputs; to compute optical link budgets; suggest alternative configurations; and also optimize the design based on user-defined performance metrics. The models make use of Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) wherever possible for lower data rate traffics. Simulation results for several configurations are presented and they have been validated by means of experiments conducted on the IBM enterprise network testbed in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Innovative compact focal plane array for wide field vis and ir orbiting telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hugot, Emmanuel; Vives, Sébastien; Ferrari, Marc; Gaeremynck, Yann; Jahn, Wilfried

2017-11-01

The future generation of high angular resolution space telescopes will require breakthrough technologies to combine large diameters and large focal plane arrays with compactness and lightweight mirrors and structures. Considering the allocated volume medium-size launchers, short focal lengths are mandatory, implying complex optical relays to obtain diffraction limited images on large focal planes. In this paper we present preliminary studies to obtain compact focal plane arrays (FPA) for earth observations on low earth orbits at high angular resolution. Based on the principle of image slicers, we present an optical concept to arrange a 1D FPA into a 2D FPA, allowing the use of 2D detector matrices. This solution is particularly attractive for IR imaging requiring a cryostat, which volume could be considerably reduced as well as the relay optics complexity. Enabling the use of 2D matrices for such an application offers new possibilities. Recent developments on curved FPA allows optimization without concerns on the field curvature. This innovative approach also reduces the complexity of the telescope optical combination, specifically for fast telescopes. This paper will describe the concept and optical design of an F/5 - 1.5m telescope equipped with such a FPA, the performances and the impact on the system with a comparison with an equivalent 1.5m wide field Korsch telescope.

Photonics industry in China: from current status and trends to the importance of innovation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Chongcheng

2011-12-01

Current status and trends in various sectors of photonics industry in Mainland China are reviewed, which includes optical fiber communication, optical preform, fiber and cable, photonic devices and chips, LED illumination and display, and photovoltaics. Then, from the challenges and risks they are facing, critical importance of innovation is discussed. In the evolving Innovation Economy, the core competence of a company, an industry or a country is its innovation power and the capability to grab (and manage) talented people.

Compact Instruments Measure Heat Potential

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2009-01-01

Based in Huntsville, Alabama, AZ Technology Inc. is a woman- and veteran-owned business that offers expertise in electromechanical-optical design and advanced coatings. AZ Technology has received eight Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts with Marshall Space Flight Center for the development of spectral reflectometers and the measurement of surface thermal properties. The company uses a variety of measurement services and instruments, including the Spectrafire, a portable spectral emissometer it used to assist General Electric with the design of its award-winning Giraffe Warmer for neonatal intensive care units.

Innovative multi-cantilever array sensor system with MOEMS read-out

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivaldi, F.; Bieniek, T.; Janus, P.; Grabiec, P.; Majstrzyk, W.; Kopiec, D.; Gotszalk, T.

2016-11-01

Cantilever based sensor system are a well-established sensor family exploited in several every-day life applications as well as in high-end research areas. The very high sensitivity of such systems and the possibility to design and functionalize the cantilevers to create purpose built and highly selective sensors have increased the interest of the scientific community and the industry in further exploiting this promising sensors type. Optical deflection detection systems for cantilever sensors provide a reliable, flexible method for reading information from cantilevers with the highest sensitivity. However the need of using multi-cantilever arrays in several fields of application such as medicine, biology or safety related areas, make the optical method less suitable due to its structural complexity. Working in the frame of a the Joint Undertaking project Lab4MEMS II our group proposes a novel and innovative approach to solve this issue, by integrating a Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical-System (MOEMS) with dedicated optics, electronics and software with a MOEMS micro-mirror, ultimately developed in the frame of Lab4MEMSII. In this way we are able to present a closely packed, lightweight solution combining the advantages of standard optical read-out systems with the possibility of recording multiple read-outs from large cantilever arrays quasi simultaneously.

Basic Research Plan, February 2003

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-02-01

consistent. This effort includes the nitration , crystallization, and coating of CL–20. Under Army sponsor- ship, a process for the nitration of CL–20 has...actuators • Multiscale computational design of structural materials with embedded functionality • Materials with embedded electrical/magnetic/optical...the innovative use of biology to produce unique materials and processes of mili- tary relevance; to increase economic and environmental affordability

Design and research of sun sensor based on technology of optical fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ye; Zhou, Wang; Li, Dan

2010-08-01

A kind of sun sensor is designed based on the optical fiber. This project consists of three parts: optical head, photoelectric sensor and signal processing unit. The innovation of this design lies in the improvement of traditional sun sensor, where multi-fibers, used as a leader, are symmetrically distributed on the surface of a spacecraft. To determine the attitude of a spacecraft, the sun sensor should measure the direction of the sun. Because the fiber length can be adjusted according to the fact, photoelectric sensor can be placed deeply inside a spacecraft to protect the photoelectric sensor against the damage by the high-energy particles from outer space. The processing unit calculates the difference value of sun energy imported by each pair of opposite optical fiber so as to obtain the angle and the orientation between the spacecraft and the sun. This sun sensor can suit multi-field of view, both small and large. It improves the accuracy of small field of view and increases the precision of locating a spacecraft. This paper briefly introduces the design of processing unit. This sun sensor is applicable to detect the attitude of a spacecraft. In addition, it can also be used in solar tracking system of PV technology.

Development of a dual joystick-controlled laser trapping and cutting system for optical micromanipulation of chromosomes inside living cells.

PubMed

Harsono, Marcellinus S; Zhu, Qingyuan; Shi, Linda Z; Duquette, Michelle; Berns, Michael W

2013-02-01

A multi-joystick robotic laser microscope system used to control two optical traps (tweezers) and one laser scissors has been developed for subcellular organelle manipulation. The use of joysticks has provided a "user-friendly" method for both trapping and cutting of organelles such as chromosomes in live cells. This innovative design has enabled the clean severing of chromosome arms using the laser scissors as well as the ability to easily hold and pull the severed arm using the laser tweezers. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A fully programmable 100-spin coherent Ising machine with all-to-all connections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMahon, Peter; Marandi, Alireza; Haribara, Yoshitaka; Hamerly, Ryan; Langrock, Carsten; Tamate, Shuhei; Inagaki, Takahiro; Takesue, Hiroki; Utsunomiya, Shoko; Aihara, Kazuyuki; Byer, Robert; Fejer, Martin; Mabuchi, Hideo; Yamamoto, Yoshihisa

We present a scalable optical processor with electronic feedback, based on networks of optical parametric oscillators. The design of our machine is inspired by adiabatic quantum computers, although it is not an AQC itself. Our prototype machine is able to find exact solutions of, or sample good approximate solutions to, a variety of hard instances of Ising problems with up to 100 spins and 10,000 spin-spin connections. This research was funded by the Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies (ImPACT) Program of the Council of Science, Technology and Innovation (Cabinet Office, Government of Japan).

Development of technology for lightweight Beryllium Cassegrain Telescope for space applications and lessons learnt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greger, R.; Rugi, E.; Hausner, Th.; Jahnen, W.; Frei, S.; Pellaton, D.; Mueller, P.; Hollenbach, I.

2017-11-01

This paper gives an overview on the development of a light weighted Cassegrain telescope with a 200 mm optical aperture as one key element of the Laser Altimeter which will fly on the BepiColombo mission to Mercury (BELA).The Receiver Telescope (RTL) collects the light pulse transmitted to Mercury and reflected from the planet's surface. Mercury's challenging thermal environment, the thermo-mechanical stability of the telescope and the stringent instrument's mass budget require the implementation of an innovative design solution to achieve the requested optical performance over an extended temperature range.

Spontaneous generation of frequency combs in QD lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Columbo, Lorenzo Luigi; Bardella, Paolo; Gioannini, Mariangela

2018-02-01

We report a systematic analysis of the phenomenon of self-generation of optical frequency combs in single section Fabry-Perot Quantum Dot lasers using a Time Domain Travelling Wave model. We show that the carriers grating due to the standing wave pattern (spatial hole burning) peculiar of Quantum Dots laser and the Four Wave Mixing are the key ingredients to explain spontaneous Optical Frequency Combs in these devices. Our results well agree with recent experimental evidences reported in semiconductor lasers based on Quantum Dots and Quantum Dashes active material and pave the way to the development of a simulation tool for the design of these comb laser sources for innovative applications in the field of high-data rate optical communications.

Optical Displacement Sensor for Sub-Hertz Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abramovici, Alexander; Chiao, Meng P.; Dekens, Frank G.

2008-01-01

A document discusses a sensor made from off-the-shelf electro-optical photodiodes and electronics that achieves 20 nm/(Hz)(exp 1/2) displacement sensitivity at 1 mHz. This innovation was created using a fiber-coupled laser diode (or Nd:YAG) through a collimator and an aperture as the illumination source. Together with a germanium quad photodiode, the above-mentioned displacement sensor sensitivities have been achieved. This system was designed to aid the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) with microthruster tests and to be a backup sensor for monitoring the relative position between a proof mass and a spacecraft for drag-free navigation. The optical displacement sensor can be used to monitor any small displacement from a remote location with minimal invasion on the system.

Passive isolation/damping system for the Hubble space telescope reaction wheels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hasha, Martin D.

1987-01-01

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope contain large, diffraction limited optics with extraordinary resolution and performance for surpassing existing observatories. The need to reduce structural borne vibration and resultant optical jitter from critical Pointing Control System components, Reaction Wheels, prompted the feasibility investigation and eventual development of a passive isolation system. Alternative design concepts considered were required to meet a host of stringent specifications and pass rigid tests to be successfully verified and integrated into the already built flight vehicle. The final design employs multiple arrays of fluid damped springs that attenuate over a wide spectrum, while confining newly introduced resonances to benign regions of vehicle dynamic response. Overall jitter improvement of roughly a factor of 2 to 3 is attained with this system. The basis, evolution, and performance of the isolation system, specifically discussing design concepts considered, optimization studies, development lessons learned, innovative features, and analytical and ground test verified results are presented.

A whole-process progressive training mode to foster optoelectronic students' innovative practical ability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Hairong; Xu, Wei; Hu, Haojun; Duan, Chengfang

2017-08-01

This article analyzes the features of fostering optoelectronic students' innovative practical ability based on the knowledge structure of optoelectronic disciplines, which not only reveals the common law of cultivating students' innovative practical ability, but also considers the characteristics of the major: (1) The basic theory is difficult, and the close combination of science and technology is obvious; (2)With the integration of optics, mechanics, electronics and computer, the system technology is comprehensive; (3) It has both leading-edge theory and practical applications, so the benefit of cultivating optoelectronic students is high ; (4) The equipment is precise and the practice is costly. Considering the concept and structural characteristics of innovative and practical ability, and adhering to the idea of running practice through the whole process, we put forward the construction of three-dimensional innovation and practice platform which consists of "Synthetically Teaching Laboratory + Innovation Practice Base + Scientific Research Laboratory + Major Practice Base + Joint Teaching and Training Base", and meanwhile build a whole-process progressive training mode to foster optoelectronic students' innovative practical ability, following the process of "basic experimental skills training - professional experimental skills training - system design - innovative practice - scientific research project training - expanded training - graduation project": (1) To create an in - class practical ability cultivation environment that has distinctive characteristics of the major, with the teaching laboratory as the basic platform; (2) To create an extra-curricular innovation practice activities cultivation environment that is closely linked to the practical application, with the innovation practice base as a platform for improvement; (3) To create an innovation practice training cultivation environment that leads the development of cutting-edge, with the scientific research laboratory as a platform to explore; (4) To create an out-campus expanded training environment of optoelectronic major practice and optoelectronic system teaching and training, with the major practice base as an expansion of the platform; (5) To break students' "pre-job training barriers" between school and work, with graduation design as the comprehensive training and testing link.

InPhoCUS (Inflated Photovoltaic Ultra-light Mirror Concentrators): First Results Of The Project And Future Perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pravettoni, Mauro; Barbato, Maurizio; Cooper, Thomas; Pedretti, Andrea; Ambrosetti, Gianluca; Steinfeld, Aldo

2011-12-01

InPhoCUS (Inflated PhotovoltaiC Ultra-light mirror concentratorS) is a concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) project funded by the Swiss Confederation's Innovation Promotion Agency (CTI) and developed by Airlight Energy Holding SA, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. The proposed novel concentrating system has already been patented for concentrated solar power applications: it is made by unconventional pneumatic multilayer polymeric mirrors, has an innovative fibre-reinforced concrete structure and an original tilting mechanism to track the sun. The innovative CPV solar collector is profitable for electric power plants both for the sun-belt region and in the Mediterranean. In this paper the authors present the novel CPV system and preliminary results on cost analysis, optical design and thermal modelling.

Nanostructured sapphire optical fiber for sensing in harsh environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hui; Liu, Kai; Ma, Yiwei; Tian, Fei; Du, Henry

2017-05-01

We describe an innovative and scalable strategy of transforming a commercial unclad sapphire optical fiber to an allalumina nanostructured sapphire optical fiber (NSOF) that overcomes decades-long challenges faced in the field of sapphire fiber optics. The strategy entails fiber coating with metal Al followed by subsequent anodization to form anodized alumina oxide (AAO) cladding of highly organized pore channel structure. We show that Ag nanoparticles entrapped in AAO show excellent structural and morphological stability and less susceptibility to oxidation for potential high-temperature surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). We reveal, with aid of numerical simulations, that the AAO cladding greatly increases the evanescent-field overlap both in power and extent and that lower porosity of AAO results in higher evanescent-field overlap. This work has opened the door to new sapphire fiber-based sensor design and sensor architecture.

Miniature high-resolution guided-wave spectrometer for atmospheric remote sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sloan, James; Kruzelecky, Roman; Wong, Brian; Zou, Jing; Jamroz, Wes; Haddad, Emile; Poirier, Michel

This paper describes the design and application of an innovative spectrometer in which a guided-wave integrated optical spectrometer (IOSPEC) has been coupled with a Fabry-Perot (FP) interferometer. This miniature spectrometer has a net mass under 3 kg, but is capable of broadband operation at spectral resolutions below 0.03 nm full width half maximum (FWHM). The tuneable FP filter provides very high spectral resolution combined with a large input aper-ture. The solid state guided-wave spectrometer is currently configured for a 512-channel array detector, which provides sub-nm coarse resolution. The ultimate resolution is determined by the FP filter, which is tuned across the desired spectral bands, thereby providing a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) advantage over scanned spectrometer systems of the square root of the number of detector channels. The guided-wave optics provides robust, long-term optical alignment, while minimising the mechanical complexity. The miniaturisation of the FP-IOSPEC spectrometer allows multiple spectrometers to be accommodated on a single MicroSat. Each of these can be optimised for selected measurement tasks and views, thereby enabling more flexible data acquisition strategies with enhanced information content, while minimizing the mission cost. The application of this innovative technology in the proposed Miniature Earth Observation Satellite (MEOS) mission will also be discussed. The MEOS mission, which is designed for the investigation of the carbon and water cycles, relies on multiple IO-SPEC instruments for the simultaneous measurement of a range of atmospheric and surface properties important to climate change.

Technical Competencies Applied in Experimental Fluid Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tagg, Randall

2017-11-01

The practical design, construction, and operation of fluid dynamics experiments require a broad range of competencies. Three types are instrumental, procedural, and design. Respective examples would be operation of a spectrum analyzer, soft-soldering or brazing flow plumbing, and design of a small wind tunnel. Some competencies, such as the selection and installation of pumping systems, are unique to fluid dynamics and fluids engineering. Others, such as the design and construction of electronic amplifiers or optical imaging systems, overlap with other fields. Thus the identification and development of learning materials and methods for instruction are part of a larger effort to identify competencies needed in active research and technical innovation.

A practice course to cultivate students' comprehensive ability of photoelectricity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Yong; Liu, Yang; Niu, Chunhui; Liu, Lishuang

2017-08-01

After the studying of many theoretical courses, it's important and urgent for the students from specialty of optoelectronic information science and engineering to cultivate their comprehensive ability of photoelectricity. We set up a comprehensive practice course named "Integrated Design of Optoelectronic Information System" (IDOIS) for the purpose that students can integrate their knowledge of optics, electronics and computer programming to design, install and debug an optoelectronic system with independent functions. Eight years of practice shows that this practice course can train students' ability of analysis, design/development and debugging of photoelectric system, improve their ability in document retrieval, design proposal and summary report writing, teamwork, innovation consciousness and skill.

Refraction-Assisted Solar Thermoelectric Generator based on Phase-Change Lens

PubMed Central

Kim, Myoung-Soo; Kim, Min-Ki; Jo, Sung-Eun; Joo, Chulmin; Kim, Yong-Jun

2016-01-01

Solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs), which are used for various applications, (particularly small size electronic devices), have optical concentration systems for high energy conversion efficiency. In this study, a refraction-assisted STEG (R-STEG) is designed based on phase-change materials. As the phase-change material (PCM) changes phase from solid to liquid, its refractive index and transmittance also change, resulting in changes in the refraction of the sunlight transmitted through it, and concentration of solar energy in the phase-change lens. This innovative design facilitates double focusing the solar energy through the optical lens and a phase-change lens. This mechanism resulted in the peak energy conversion efficiencies of the R-STEG being 60% and 86% higher than those of the typical STEG at solar intensities of 1 kW m−2 and 1.5 kW m−2, respectively. In addition, the energy stored in PCM can help to generate steady electrical energy when the solar energy was removed. This work presents significant progress regarding the optical characteristic of PCM and optical concentration systems of STEGs. PMID:27283350

Refraction-Assisted Solar Thermoelectric Generator based on Phase-Change Lens.

PubMed

Kim, Myoung-Soo; Kim, Min-Ki; Jo, Sung-Eun; Joo, Chulmin; Kim, Yong-Jun

2016-06-10

Solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs), which are used for various applications, (particularly small size electronic devices), have optical concentration systems for high energy conversion efficiency. In this study, a refraction-assisted STEG (R-STEG) is designed based on phase-change materials. As the phase-change material (PCM) changes phase from solid to liquid, its refractive index and transmittance also change, resulting in changes in the refraction of the sunlight transmitted through it, and concentration of solar energy in the phase-change lens. This innovative design facilitates double focusing the solar energy through the optical lens and a phase-change lens. This mechanism resulted in the peak energy conversion efficiencies of the R-STEG being 60% and 86% higher than those of the typical STEG at solar intensities of 1 kW m(-2) and 1.5 kW m(-2), respectively. In addition, the energy stored in PCM can help to generate steady electrical energy when the solar energy was removed. This work presents significant progress regarding the optical characteristic of PCM and optical concentration systems of STEGs.

Development of micro-mirror slicer integral field unit for space-borne solar spectrographs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suematsu, Yoshinori; Saito, Kosuke; Koyama, Masatsugu; Enokida, Yukiya; Okura, Yukinobu; Nakayasu, Tomoyasu; Sukegawa, Takashi

2017-12-01

We present an innovative optical design for image slicer integral field unit (IFU) and a manufacturing method that overcomes optical limitations of metallic mirrors. Our IFU consists of a micro-mirror slicer of 45 arrayed, highly narrow, flat metallic mirrors and a pseudo-pupil-mirror array of off-axis conic aspheres forming three pseudo slits of re-arranged slicer images. A prototype IFU demonstrates that the final optical quality is sufficiently high for a visible light spectrograph. Each slicer micro-mirror is 1.58 mm long and 30 μm wide with surface roughness ≤1 nm rms, and edge sharpness ≤ 0.1 μm, etc. This IFU is small size and can be implemented in a multi-slit spectrograph without any moving mechanism and fore optics, in which one slit is real and the others are pseudo slits from the IFU. The IFU mirrors were deposited by a space-qualified, protected silver coating for high reflectivity in visible and near IR wavelength regions. These properties are well suitable for space-borne spectrograph such as the future Japanese solar space mission SOLAR-C. We present the optical design, performance of prototype IFU, and space qualification tests of the silver coating.

Polymer taper bridge for silicon waveguide to single mode waveguide coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruse, Kevin; Middlebrook, Christopher T.

2016-03-01

Coupling of optical power from high-density silicon waveguides to silica optical fibers for signal routing can incur high losses and often requires complex end-face preparation/processing. Novel coupling device taper structures are proposed for low coupling loss between silicon photonic waveguides and single mode fibers are proposed and devices are fabricated and measured in terms of performance. Theoretical mode conversion models for waveguide tapers are derived for optimal device structure design and performance. Commercially viable vertical and multi-layer taper designs using polymer waveguide materials are proposed as innovative, cost-efficient, and mass-manufacturable optical coupling devices. The coupling efficiency for both designs is determined to evaluate optimal device dimensions and alignment tolerances with both silicon rib waveguides and silicon nanowire waveguides. Propagation loss as a function of waveguide roughness and metallic loss are determined and correlated to waveguide dimensions to obtain total insertion loss for the proposed taper designs. Multi-layer tapers on gold-sputtered substrates are fabricated through photolithography as proof-of-concept devices and evaluated for device loss optimization. Tapered waveguide coupling loss with Si WGs (2.74 dB) was experimentally measured with high correlation to theoretical results.

Designing Plasmonic Materials and Optical Metasurfaces for Light Manipulation and Optical Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wenxiang

Metamaterials are artificial materials designed to create optical properties that do not exist in nature. They are assemblies of subwavelength structures that are tailored in size, shape, composition, and orientation to realize the desired property. Metamaterials are promising for applications in diverse areas: optical filters, lenses, holography, sensors, photodetectors, photovoltaics, photocatalysts, medical devices, and many more, because of their excellent abilities in bending, absorbing, enhancing and blocking light. However, the practical use of metamaterials is challenged by the lack of plasmonic materials with proper permittivity for different applications and the slow and expensive fabrication methods available to pattern sub-wavelength structures. We have also only touched the surface in exploring the innovative uses of metamaterials to solve world problems. In this thesis, we study the fundamental optical properties of metamaterial building blocks by designing material permittivity. We continuously tune the interparticle distance in colloidal Au nanocrystal (NC) solids via the partial ligand exchange process. Then we combine top-down nanoimprint lithography with bottom-up assembly of colloidal NCs to develop a large-area, low-cost fabrication method for subwavelength nanostructures. Via this method, we fabricate and characterize nano-antenna arrays of different sizes and demonstrate metasurface quarter wave-plates of different bandwidth, and compare their performances with simulation results. We also integrate the metasurfaces with chemically- and mechanically-responsive polymers for strong-signal sensing. In the first design, we combine ultrathin plasmonic nanorods with hydrogel to fabricate optical moisture sensors for agricultural use. In the second application, we design mechanically tunable Au grating resonances on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. The dimensions of Au grating are carefully engineered to achieve a hybridized, ultrasharp, and ultrasensitive resonance peak.

Data handling and representation of freeform surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinkopf, Ralf; Dick, Lars; Kopf, Tino; Gebhardt, Andreas; Risse, Stefan; Eberhardt, Ramona

2011-10-01

Freeform surfaces enable innovative optics. They are not limited by axis symmetry and hence they are almost free in design. They are used to reduce the installation space and enhance the performance of optical elements. State of the art optical design tools are computing with powerful algorithms to simulate freeform surfaces. Even new mathematical approaches are under development /1/. In consequence, new optical designs /2/ are pushing the development of manufacturing processes consequently and novel types of datasets have to proceed through the process chain /3/. The complexity of these data is the huge challenge for the data handling. Because of the asymmetrical and 3-dimensional surfaces of freeforms, large data volumes have to be created, trimmed, extended and fitted. All these processes must be performed without losing the accuracy of the original design data. Additionally, manifold types of geometries results in different kinds of mathematical representations of freeform surfaces and furthermore the used CAD/CAM tools are dealing with a set of spatial transport formats. These are all reasons why manufacture-oriented approaches for the freeform data handling are not yet sufficiently developed. This paper suggests a classification of freeform surfaces based on the manufacturing methods which are offered by diamond machining. The different manufacturing technologies, ranging from servo-turning to shaping, require a differentiated approach for the data handling process. The usage of analytical descriptions in form of splines and polynomials as well as the application of discrete descriptions like point clouds is shown in relation to the previously made classification. Advantages and disadvantages of freeform representations are discussed. Aspects of the data handling in between different process steps are pointed out and suitable exchange formats for freeform data are proposed. The described approach offers the possibility for efficient data handling from optical design to systems in novel optics.

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

Blansett, Ethan L.; Schroeppel, Richard Crabtree; Tang, Jason D.

With the build-out of large transport networks utilizing optical technologies, more and more capacity is being made available. Innovations in Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and the elimination of optical-electrical-optical conversions have brought on advances in communication speeds as we move into 10 Gigabit Ethernet and above. Of course, there is a need to encrypt data on these optical links as the data traverses public and private network backbones. Unfortunately, as the communications infrastructure becomes increasingly optical, advances in encryption (done electronically) have failed to keep up. This project examines the use of optical logic for implementing encryption in themore » photonic domain to achieve the requisite encryption rates. In order to realize photonic encryption designs, technology developed for electrical logic circuits must be translated to the photonic regime. This paper examines two classes of all optical logic (SEED, gain competition) and how each discrete logic element can be interconnected and cascaded to form an optical circuit. Because there is no known software that can model these devices at a circuit level, the functionality of the SEED and gain competition devices in an optical circuit were modeled in PSpice. PSpice allows modeling of the macro characteristics of the devices in context of a logic element as opposed to device level computational modeling. By representing light intensity as voltage, 'black box' models are generated that accurately represent the intensity response and logic levels in both technologies. By modeling the behavior at the systems level, one can incorporate systems design tools and a simulation environment to aid in the overall functional design. Each black box model of the SEED or gain competition device takes certain parameters (reflectance, intensity, input response), and models the optical ripple and time delay characteristics. These 'black box' models are interconnected and cascaded in an encrypting/scrambling algorithm based on a study of candidate encryption algorithms. We found that a low gate count, cascadable encryption algorithm is most feasible given device and processing constraints. The modeling and simulation of optical designs using these components is proceeding in parallel with efforts to perfect the physical devices and their interconnect. We have applied these techniques to the development of a 'toy' algorithm that may pave the way for more robust optical algorithms. These design/modeling/simulation techniques are now ready to be applied to larger optical designs in advance of our ability to implement such systems in hardware.« less

Design of stabilized platforms for deep space optical communications (DSOC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacka, N.; Walter, R.; Laughlin, D.; McNally, J.

2017-02-01

Numerous Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) demonstrations are planned by NASA to provide the basis for future implementation of optical communications links in planetary science missions and eventually manned missions to Mars. There is a need for a simple, robust precision optical stabilization concept for long-range free space optical communications applications suitable for optical apertures and masses larger than the current state of the art. We developed a stabilization concept by exploiting the ultra-low noise and wide bandwidth of ATA-proprietary Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) angular rate sensors and building on prior practices of flexure-based isolation. We detail a stabilization approach tailored for deep space optical communications, and present an innovative prototype design and test results. Our prototype system provides sub-micro radian stabilization for a deep space optical link such as NASA's integrated Radio frequency and Optical Communications (iROC) and NASA's DSOC programs. Initial test results and simulations suggest that >40 dB broadband jitter rejection is possible without placing unrealistic expectations on the control loop bandwidth and flexure isolation frequency. This approach offers a simple, robust method for platform stabilization without requiring a gravity offload apparatus for ground testing or launch locks to survive a typical launch environment. This paper reviews alternative stabilization concepts, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as, their applicability to various optical communications applications. We present results from testing that subjected the prototype system to realistic spacecraft base motion and confirmed predicted sub-micro radian stabilization performance with a realistic 20-cm aperture.

Contributed Review: A review of the investigation of rare-earth dopant profiles in optical fibers

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

Sidiroglou, F.; Baxter, G.; Roberts, A.

Rare-earth doped optical fibers have captivated the interest of many researchers around the world across the past three decades. The growth of this research field has been stimulated primarily through their application in optical communications as fiber lasers and amplifiers, although rare-earth doped optical fiber based devices are now finding important uses in many other scientific and industrial areas (for example, medicine, sensing, the military, and material processing). Such wide commercial interest has provided a strong incentive for innovative fiber designs, alternative glass compositions, and novel fabrication processes. A prerequisite for the ongoing progress of this research field is developingmore » the capacity to provide high resolution information about the rare-earth dopant distribution profiles within the optical fibers. This paper constitutes a comprehensive review of the imaging techniques that have been utilized in the analysis of the distribution of the rare-earth ion erbium within the core of optical fibers.« less

Active optical system for advanced 3D surface structuring by laser remelting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pütsch, O.; Temmler, A.; Stollenwerk, J.; Willenborg, E.; Loosen, P.

2015-03-01

Structuring by laser remelting enables completely new possibilities for designing surfaces since material is redistributed but not wasted. In addition to technological advantages, cost and time benefits yield from shortened process times, the avoidance of harmful chemicals and the elimination of subsequent finishing steps such as cleaning and polishing. The functional principle requires a completely new optical machine technology that maintains the spatial and temporal superposition and manipulation of three different laser beams emitted from two laser sources of different wavelength. The optical system has already been developed and demonstrated for the processing of flat samples of hot and cold working steel. However, since particularly the structuring of 3D-injection molds represents an application example of high innovation potential, the optical system has to take into account the elliptical beam geometry that occurs when the laser beams irradiate a curved surface. To take full advantage of structuring by remelting for the processing of 3D surfaces, additional optical functionality, called EPS (elliptical pre-shaping) has to be integrated into the existing set-up. The development of the beam shaping devices not only requires the analysis of the mechanisms of the beam projection but also a suitable optical design. Both aspects are discussed in this paper.

Imaging IR spectrometer, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gradie, Jonathan; Lewis, Ralph; Lundeen, Thomas; Wang, Shu-I

1990-01-01

The development is examined of a prototype multi-channel infrared imaging spectrometer. The design, construction and preliminary performance is described. This instrument is intended for use with JPL Table Mountain telescope as well as the 88 inch UH telescope on Mauna Kea. The instrument is capable of sampling simultaneously the spectral region of 0.9 to 2.6 um at an average spectral resolution of 1 percent using a cooled (77 K) optical bench, a concave holographic grating and a special order sorting filter to allow the acquisition of the full spectral range on a 128 x 128 HgCdTe infrared detector array. The field of view of the spectrometer is 0.5 arcsec/pixel in mapping mode and designed to be 5 arcsec/pixel in spot mode. The innovative optical design has resulted in a small, transportable spectrometer, capable of remote operation. Commercial applications of this spectrometer design include remote sensing from both space and aircraft platforms as well as groundbased astronomical observations.

Star Tracker Based ATP System Conceptual Design and Pointing Accuracy Estimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orfiz, Gerardo G.; Lee, Shinhak

2006-01-01

A star tracker based beaconless (a.k.a. non-cooperative beacon) acquisition, tracking and pointing concept for precisely pointing an optical communication beam is presented as an innovative approach to extend the range of high bandwidth (> 100 Mbps) deep space optical communication links throughout the solar system and to remove the need for a ground based high power laser as a beacon source. The basic approach for executing the ATP functions involves the use of stars as the reference sources from which the attitude knowledge is obtained and combined with high bandwidth gyroscopes for propagating the pointing knowledge to the beam pointing mechanism. Details of the conceptual design are presented including selection of an orthogonal telescope configuration and the introduction of an optical metering scheme to reduce misalignment error. Also, estimates are presented that demonstrate that aiming of the communications beam to the Earth based receive terminal can be achieved with a total system pointing accuracy of better than 850 nanoradians (3 sigma) from anywhere in the solar system.

Scientific Performance Analysis of the SYZ Telescope Design versus the RC Telescope Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Donglin; Cai, Zheng

2018-02-01

Recently, Su et al. propose an innovative design, referred as the “SYZ” design, for China’s new project of a 12 m optical-infrared telescope. The SYZ telescope design consists of three aspheric mirrors with non-zero power, including a relay mirror below the primary mirror. SYZ design yields a good imaging quality and has a relatively flat field curvature at Nasmyth focus. To evaluate the science-compatibility of this three-mirror telescope, in this paper, we thoroughly compare the performance of SYZ design with that of Ritchey–Chrétien (RC) design, a conventional two-mirror telescope design. Further, we propose the Observing Information Throughput (OIT) as a metric for quantitatively evaluating the telescopes’ science performance. We find that although a SYZ telescope yields a superb imaging quality over a large field of view, a two-mirror (RC) telescope design holds a higher overall throughput, a better diffraction-limited imaging quality in the central field of view (FOV < 5‧) which is better for the performance of extreme Adaptive Optics (AO), and a generally better scientific performance with a higher OIT value. D. Ma & Z. Cai contributed equally to this paper.

Design for On-Sun Evaluation of Evaporator Receivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaworske, Donald A.; Colozza, Anthony; Sechkar, Edward A.

2011-01-01

A heat pipe designed for operation as a solar power receiver should be optimized to accept the solar energy flux and transfer this heat into a reactor. Optical properties of the surface, thermal conductance of the receiver wall, contact resistance of the heat pipe wick, and other heat pipe wick properties ultimately define the maximum amount of power that can be extracted from the concentrated sunlight impinging on the evaporator surface. Modeling of solar power receivers utilizing optical and physical properties provides guidance to their design. On-sun testing is another important means of gathering information on performance. A test rig is being designed and built to conduct on-sun testing. The test rig is incorporating a composite strip mirror concentrator developed as part of a Small Business Innovative Research effort and delivered to NASA Glenn Research Center. In the strip concentrator numerous, lightweight composite parabolic strips of simple curvature were combined to form an array 1.5 m x 1.5 m in size. The line focus of each strip is superimposed in a central area simulating a point of focus. A test stand is currently being developed to hold the parabolic strip concentrator, track the sun, and turn the beam downward towards the ground. The hardware is intended to be sufficiently versatile to accommodate on-sun testing of several receiver concepts, including those incorporating heat pipe evaporators. Characterization devices are also being developed to evaluate the effectiveness of the solar concentrator, including a receiver designed to conduct calorimetry. This paper describes the design and the characterization devices of the on-sun test rig, and the prospect of coupling the concentrated sunlight to a heat pipe solar power receiver developed as part of another Small Business Innovative Research effort.

Optics Program Simplifies Analysis and Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2007-01-01

Engineers at Goddard Space Flight Center partnered with software experts at Mide Technology Corporation, of Medford, Massachusetts, through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to design the Disturbance-Optics-Controls-Structures (DOCS) Toolbox, a software suite for performing integrated modeling for multidisciplinary analysis and design. The DOCS Toolbox integrates various discipline models into a coupled process math model that can then predict system performance as a function of subsystem design parameters. The system can be optimized for performance; design parameters can be traded; parameter uncertainties can be propagated through the math model to develop error bounds on system predictions; and the model can be updated, based on component, subsystem, or system level data. The Toolbox also allows the definition of process parameters as explicit functions of the coupled model and includes a number of functions that analyze the coupled system model and provide for redesign. The product is being sold commercially by Nightsky Systems Inc., of Raleigh, North Carolina, a spinoff company that was formed by Mide specifically to market the DOCS Toolbox. Commercial applications include use by any contractors developing large space-based optical systems, including Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, and Northrup Grumman Corporation, as well as companies providing technical audit services, like General Dynamics Corporation

Earth Observing-1 Advanced Land Imager: Radiometric Response Calibration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mendenhall, J. A.; Lencioni, D. E.; Evans, J. B.

2000-01-01

The Advanced Land Imager (ALI) is one of three instruments to be flown on the first Earth Observing mission (EO-1) under NASA's New Millennium Program (NMP). ALI contains a number of innovative features, including a wide field of view optical design, compact multispectral focal plane arrays, non-cryogenic HgCdTe detectors for the short wave infrared bands, and silicon carbide optics. This document outlines the techniques adopted during ground calibration of the radiometric response of the Advanced Land Imager. Results from system level measurements of the instrument response, signal-to-noise ratio, saturation radiance, and dynamic range for all detectors of every spectral band are also presented.

Compact touchless fingerprint reader based on digital variable-focus liquid lens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, C. W.; Wang, P. J.; Yeh, J. A.

2014-09-01

Identity certification in the cyberworld has always been troublesome if critical information and financial transaction must be processed. Biometric identification is the most effective measure to circumvent the identity issues in mobile devices. Due to bulky and pricy optical design, conventional optical fingerprint readers have been discarded for mobile applications. In this paper, a digital variable-focus liquid lens was adopted for capture of a floating finger via fast focusplane scanning. Only putting a finger in front of a camera could fulfill the fingerprint ID process. This prototyped fingerprint reader scans multiple focal planes from 30 mm to 15 mm in 0.2 second. Through multiple images at various focuses, one of the images is chosen for extraction of fingerprint minutiae used for identity certification. In the optical design, a digital liquid lens atop a webcam with a fixed-focus lens module is to fast-scan a floating finger at preset focus planes. The distance, rolling angle and pitching angle of the finger are stored for crucial parameters during the match process of fingerprint minutiae. This innovative compact touchless fingerprint reader could be packed into a minute size of 9.8*9.8*5 (mm) after the optical design and multiple focus-plane scan function are optimized.

Design and characterization of a low cost CubeSat multi-band optical receiver to map water ice on the lunar surface for the Lunar Flashlight mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinckier, Quentin; Crabtree, Karlton; Paine, Christopher G.; Hayne, Paul O.; Sellar, Glenn R.

2017-08-01

Lunar Flashlight is an innovative NASA CubeSat mission dedicated to mapping water ice in the permanently shadowed regions of the Moon, which may act as cold traps for volatiles. To this end, a multi-band reflectometer will be sent to orbit the Moon. This instrument consists of an optical receiver aligned with four lasers, each of which emits sequentially at a different wavelength in the near-infrared between 1 μm and 2 μm. The receiver measures the laser light reflected from the lunar surface; continuum/absorption band ratios are then analyzed to quantify water ice in the illuminated spot. Here, we present the current state of the optical receiver design. To optimize the optical signal-to-noise ratio, we have designed the receiver so as to maximize the laser signal collected, while minimizing the stray light reaching the detector from solarilluminated areas of the lunar surface outside the field-of-view, taking into account the complex lunar topography. Characterization plans are also discussed. This highly mass- and volume-constrained mission will demonstrate several firsts, including being one of the first CubeSats performing science measurements beyond low Earth orbit.

The Open AUC Project.

PubMed

Cölfen, Helmut; Laue, Thomas M; Wohlleben, Wendel; Schilling, Kristian; Karabudak, Engin; Langhorst, Bradley W; Brookes, Emre; Dubbs, Bruce; Zollars, Dan; Rocco, Mattia; Demeler, Borries

2010-02-01

Progress in analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) has been hindered by obstructions to hardware innovation and by software incompatibility. In this paper, we announce and outline the Open AUC Project. The goals of the Open AUC Project are to stimulate AUC innovation by improving instrumentation, detectors, acquisition and analysis software, and collaborative tools. These improvements are needed for the next generation of AUC-based research. The Open AUC Project combines on-going work from several different groups. A new base instrument is described, one that is designed from the ground up to be an analytical ultracentrifuge. This machine offers an open architecture, hardware standards, and application programming interfaces for detector developers. All software will use the GNU Public License to assure that intellectual property is available in open source format. The Open AUC strategy facilitates collaborations, encourages sharing, and eliminates the chronic impediments that have plagued AUC innovation for the last 20 years. This ultracentrifuge will be equipped with multiple and interchangeable optical tracks so that state-of-the-art electronics and improved detectors will be available for a variety of optical systems. The instrument will be complemented by a new rotor, enhanced data acquisition and analysis software, as well as collaboration software. Described here are the instrument, the modular software components, and a standardized database that will encourage and ease integration of data analysis and interpretation software.

Design of large zoom for visible and infrared optical system in hemisphere space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Yang-guang; Li, Lin; Zhang, Juan

2018-01-01

In the field of space optical, the application of advanced optical instruments for related target detection and identification has become an advanced technology in modern optics. In order to complete the task of search in wide field of view and detailed investigation in small field of view, it is inevitable to use the structure of the zoom system to achieve a better observation for important targets. The innovation of this paper lies in using the zoom optical system in space detection, which achieve firstly military needs of searched target in the large field of view and recognized target in the small field of view. At the same time, this paper also completes firstly the design of variable focus optical detection system in the range of hemisphere space, the zoom optical system is working in the range of visible and infrared wavelengths, the perspective angle reaches 360 ° and the zoom ratio of the visible system is up to 15. The visible system has a zoom range of 60-900 mm, a detection band of 0.48-0.70μm, and a F-number of 2.0 to 5.0. The infrared system has a zoom range of 150 900mm, a detection band of 8-12μm, and a F-number of 1.2 to 3.0. The MTF of the visible zoom system is above 0.4 at spatial frequency of 45 lp / mm, and the infrared zoom system is above 0.4 at spatial frequency of 11 lp / mm. The design results show that the system has a good image quality.

A far-ultraviolet contamination-irradiation facility for in situ reflectance measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meier, Steven R.; Tveekrem, June L.; Keski-Kuha, Ritva A. M.

1998-10-01

In this article, a contamination-irradiation facility designed to measure contamination effects on far-ultraviolet optical surfaces is described. An innovative feature of the facility is the capability of depositing a contaminant, photopolymerizing the contaminant with far-ultraviolet light, and measuring the reflectance of the contaminated sample, all in situ. In addition to describing the facility, we present far-ultraviolet reflectance measurements for a contaminated mirror.

Micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometer with x-ray single bounce metallic capillary optics for light element analysis (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mroczka, Robert; Żukociński, Grzegorz; Łopucki, Rafał

2017-05-01

In the last 20 years, , due to the rapid development of X-ray optics, micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (micro-XRF) has become a powerful tool to determine the spatial distribution of major, minor, and trace elements within a sample. Micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) spectrometers for light element analysis (6 <= Z <= 14) using glass polycapillary optics are usually designed and applied to confocal geometry. Two such X-ray optics systems are used in this setup. The first one focuses the primary beam on the sample; the second restricts the field of view of the detector. In order to be able to analyze a wider range of elements especialy with (6 <= Z <= 14), both sample and detector are under vacuum. Depth resolution varies between 100 μm at 1 keV fluorescence energy (Na-Kα) and 30 μm for 17.5 keV (Mo-Kα) [1,2]. In order to improve resolution at energies below 9 keV, our group designed similar spectrometer (in cooperation with PREVAC) but instead of primary polycapillary optics we applied single bounce metallic capillaries optics , designed and manufactured in our Laboratory. The vacuum chumber is currently under construction and is expected to be fully operational in September this year. Single bounce gold capillaries with elliptic internal shape have recently been redesigned and developed in our Laboratory. Surface roughness was reduced up to 0.5 nm and slope error to 0.3 mrad. For these capillaries an expected depth resolution varies from 3 μm (1 keV) and 10 µm for 9 keV (Cu-Kα). The spectrometer equipped with gold capillaries offers the possibility of elemental analysis with better depth resolution than is offerred by glass polycapillaries at energies below 9 keV. Furthermore, we will compare the capabilities and limitations of this spectrometer with others, that use laboratory and/or synchrotron sources. Acknowledgments: This work was supported and co-funded by the European Union as part of the Operational Programme Development of Eastern Poland for 2007-2013, Priority I Innovative Economy, Measure I.3. Support for Innovations and The National Centre for Research and Development, Project no. TANGO1,267102/NCBR/2015

Replicated x-ray optics for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hudec, René; Pína, Ladislav; Inneman, Adolf

2017-11-01

We report on the program of design and development of X-ray optics for space applications in the Czech Republic. Having more than 30 years background in X-ray optics development for space applications (for use in astronomical X-ray telescopes onboard spacecrafts, before 1989 mostly for Soviet and East European INTERKOSMOS program), we focus nowadays on novel technologies and approaches, thin shell replicated mirrors, as well as studies of light-weight mirrors based on innovative materials such as ceramics. The collaboration includes teams from the Academy of Sciences, Universities, and industry. We will describe and discuss both the history of the development of Xray optics in the Czech Republic and the developed technologies and approaches (with focus on replication technology) as well as recent activities and developments including our participation on the ESA XEUS mirror technology development based on the Agreement between ESA and Czech Government.

Innovative on board payload optical architecture for high throughput satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baudet, D.; Braux, B.; Prieur, O.; Hughes, R.; Wilkinson, M.; Latunde-Dada, K.; Jahns, J.; Lohmann, U.; Fey, D.; Karafolas, N.

2017-11-01

For the next generation of HighThroughPut (HTP) Telecommunications Satellites, space end users' needs will result in higher link speeds and an increase in the number of channels; up to 512 channels running at 10Gbits/s. By keeping electrical interconnections based on copper, the constraints in term of power dissipation, number of electrical wires and signal integrity will become too demanding. The replacement of the electrical links by optical links is the most adapted solution as it provides high speed links with low power consumption and no EMC/EMI. But replacing all electrical links by optical links of an On Board Payload (OBP) is challenging. It is not simply a matter of replacing electrical components with optical but rather the whole concept and architecture have to be rethought to achieve a high reliability and high performance optical solution. In this context, this paper will present the concept of an Innovative OBP Optical Architecture. The optical architecture was defined to meet the critical requirements of the application: signal speed, number of channels, space reliability, power dissipation, optical signals crossing and components availability. The resulting architecture is challenging and the need for new developments is highlighted. But this innovative optically interconnected architecture will substantially outperform standard electrical ones.

Small Business Innovations (Fiber Optics)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Foster-Miller, Inc. Waltham, MA developed the In-Situ Fiber Optic Polymer Reaction Monitor which could lead to higher yields and lower costs in complex composite manufacturing. The monitor, developed under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with Langley Research Center, uses an infrared, fiber optic sensor to track the molecular vibrational characteristics of a composite part while it is being cured. It is the first analytical system capable of directly measuring the chemistry of advanced composite materials.

Optics outreach in Irish context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McHugh, Emer; Smith, Arlene

2009-06-01

The Applied Optics Group, National University of Ireland Galway is a research centre involved in programmes that cover a wide variety of topics in applied optics and imaging science, including smart optics, adaptive optics, optical scattering and propagation, and engineering optics. The Group have also developed significant outreach programmes both in Primary and Post-Primary schools. It is recognised that there is a need for innovation in Science Education in Ireland and we are committed to working extensively with schools. The main aim of these outreach programmes is to increase awareness and interest in science with students and enhance the communication skills of the researchers working in the Group. The education outreach team works closely with the relevant teachers in both Primary and Post-Primary schools to design and develop learning initiatives to match the needs of the target group of students. The learning programmes are usually delivered in the participating schools during normal class time by a team of Applied Optics specialists. We are involved in running these programmes in both Primary and Post-Primary schools where the programmes are tailored to the curriculum and concentrating on optics and light. The students may also visit the Groups research centre where presentations and laboratory tours are arranged.

Deploying Monitoring Trails for Fault Localization in All- Optical Networks and Radio-over-Fiber Passive Optical Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maamoun, Khaled Mohamed

Fault localization is the process of realizing the true source of a failure from a set of collected failure notifications. Isolating failure recovery within the network optical domain is necessary to resolve alarm storm problems. The introduction of the monitoring trail (m-trail) has been proven to deliver better performance by employing monitoring resources in a form of optical trails - a monitoring framework that generalizes all the previously reported counterparts. In this dissertation, the m-trail design is explored and a focus is given to the analysis on using m-trails with established lightpaths to achieve fault localization. This process saves network resources by reducing the number of the m-trails required for fault localization and therefore the number of wavelengths used in the network. A novel approach based on Geographic Midpoint Technique, an adapted version of the Chinese Postman's Problem (CPP) solution and an adapted version of the Traveling Salesman's Problem (TSP) solution algorithms is introduced. The desirable features of network architectures and the enabling of innovative technologies for delivering future millimeter-waveband (mm-WB) Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) systems for wireless services integrated in a Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is proposed in this dissertation. For the conceptual illustration, a DWDM RoF system with channel spacing of 12.5 GHz is considered. The mm-WB Radio Frequency (RF) signal is obtained at each Optical Network Unit (ONU) by simultaneously using optical heterodyning photo detection between two optical carriers. The generated RF modulated signal has a frequency of 12.5 GHz. This RoF system is easy, cost-effective, resistant to laser phase noise and also reduces maintenance needs, in principle. A revision of related RoF network proposals and experiments is also included. A number of models for Passive Optical Networks (PON)/ RoF-PON that combine both innovative and existing ideas along with a number of solutions for m-trail design problem of these models are proposed. The comparison between these models uses the expected survivability function which proved that these models are liable to be implemented in the new and existing PON/ RoF-PON systems. This dissertation is followed by recommendation of possible directions for future research in this area.

Technical Readiness and Gaps Analysis of Commercial Optical Materials and Measurement Systems for Advanced Small Modular Reactors

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

Anheier, Norman C.; Suter, Jonathan D.; Qiao, Hong

2013-08-06

This report intends to support Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) Nuclear Energy Research and Development Roadmap and industry stakeholders by evaluating optical-based instrumentation and control (I&C) concepts for advanced small modular reactor (AdvSMR) applications. These advanced designs will require innovative thinking in terms of engineering approaches, materials integration, and I&C concepts to realize their eventual viability and deployability. The primary goals of this report include: 1. Establish preliminary I&C needs, performance requirements, and possible gaps for AdvSMR designs based on best available published design data. 2. Document commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) optical sensors, components, and materials in termsmore » of their technical readiness to support essential AdvSMR in-vessel I&C systems. 3. Identify technology gaps by comparing the in-vessel monitoring requirements and environmental constraints to COTS optical sensor and materials performance specifications. 4. Outline a future research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) program plan that addresses these gaps and develops optical-based I&C systems that enhance the viability of future AdvSMR designs. The development of clean, affordable, safe, and proliferation-resistant nuclear power is a key goal that is documented in the Nuclear Energy Research and Development Roadmap. This roadmap outlines RD&D activities intended to overcome technical, economic, and other barriers, which currently limit advances in nuclear energy. These activities will ensure that nuclear energy remains a viable component to this nation’s energy security.« less

Small Business Innovations (Crystal Components)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Scientific Materials Corporation, Bozeman, MT developed the SciMax line of improved Nd:Yag crystals under an Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with Langley Research Center. They reduced the amount of water trapped in the crystals during growth to improve the optical quality and efficiency. Applications of the crystals include fiber optics, telecommunications, welding, drilling, eye surgery and medical instrumentation.

Characterization and validation tests on Ecosole C-modules first prototypes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cancro, Carmine; Graditi, Giorgio; Fucci, Raffaele; Ciniglio, Gabriele; Pellegrino, Michele; Borriello, Aniello; Romano, Antonio; Carpanelli, Maurizio; Borelli, Gianni; Verdilio, Daniele; De Nardis, Davide; Migali, Fabrizio

2015-09-01

ECOSOLE is an European collaborative Project started in August 2012 that involves several industrial and institutional partners with the aim to develop a complete and innovative concentrating photovoltaic system. During the first two years of activity, several specific components as cells, optics, modules and tracker have been designed and developed. This work reports the description of these devices and the main results of the characterization campaigns carried out to define their technical features.

Numerical analysis of radiation propagation in innovative volumetric receivers based on selective laser melting techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alberti, Fabrizio; Santiago, Sergio; Roccabruna, Mattia; Luque, Salvador; Gonzalez-Aguilar, Jose; Crema, Luigi; Romero, Manuel

2016-05-01

Volumetric absorbers constitute one of the key elements in order to achieve high thermal conversion efficiencies in concentrating solar power plants. Regardless of the working fluid or thermodynamic cycle employed, design trends towards higher absorber output temperatures are widespread, which lead to the general need of components of high solar absorptance, high conduction within the receiver material, high internal convection, low radiative and convective heat losses and high mechanical durability. In this context, the use of advanced manufacturing techniques, such as selective laser melting, has allowed for the fabrication of intricate geometries that are capable of fulfilling the previous requirements. This paper presents a parametric design and analysis of the optical performance of volumetric absorbers of variable porosity conducted by means of detailed numerical ray tracing simulations. Sections of variable macroscopic porosity along the absorber depth were constructed by the fractal growth of single-cell structures. Measures of performance analyzed include optical reflection losses from the absorber front and rear faces, penetration of radiation inside the absorber volume, and radiation absorption as a function of absorber depth. The effects of engineering design parameters such as absorber length and wall thickness, material reflectance and porosity distribution on the optical performance of absorbers are discussed, and general design guidelines are given.

Mechatronic design of a fully integrated camera for mini-invasive surgery.

PubMed

Zazzarini, C C; Patete, P; Baroni, G; Cerveri, P

2013-06-01

This paper describes the design features of an innovative fully integrated camera candidate for mini-invasive abdominal surgery with single port or transluminal access. The apparatus includes a CMOS imaging sensor, a light-emitting diode (LED)-based unit for scene illumination, a photodiode for luminance detection, an optical system designed according to the mechanical compensation paradigm, an actuation unit for enabling autofocus and optical zoom, and a control logics based on microcontroller. The bulk of the apparatus is characterized by a tubular shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 35 mm. The optical system, composed of four lens groups, of which two are mobile, has a total length of 13.46 mm and an effective focal length ranging from 1.61 to 4.44 mm with a zoom factor of 2.75×, with a corresponding angular field of view ranging from 16° to 40°. The mechatronics unit, devoted to move the zoom and the focus lens groups, is implemented adopting miniature piezoelectric motors. The control logics implements a closed-loop mechanism, between the LEDs and photodiode, to attain automatic control light. Bottlenecks of the design and some potential issues of the realization are discussed. A potential clinical scenario is introduced.

Interferometry-based free space communication and information processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arain, Muzammil Arshad

This dissertation studies, analyzes, and experimentally demonstrates the innovative use of interference phenomenon in the field of opto-electronic information processing and optical communications. A number of optical systems using interferometric techniques both in the optical and the electronic domains has been demonstrated in the filed of signal transmission and processing, optical metrology, defense, and physical sensors. Specifically it has been shown that the interference of waves in the form of holography can be exploited to realize a novel optical scanner called Code Multiplexed Optical Scanner (C-MOS). The C-MOS features large aperture, wide scan angles, 3-D beam control, no moving parts, and high beam scanning resolution. A C-MOS based free space optical transceiver for bi-directional communication has also been experimentally demonstrated. For high speed, large bandwidth, and high frequency operation, an optically implemented reconfigurable RF transversal filter design is presented that implements wide range of filtering algorithms. A number of techniques using heterodyne interferometry via acousto-optic device for optical path length measurements have been described. Finally, a whole new class of interferometric sensors for optical metrology and sensing applications is presented. A non-traditional interferometric output signal processing scheme has been developed. Applications include, for example, temperature sensors for harsh environments for a wide temperature range from room temperature to 1000°C.

Design of an x-ray telescope optics for XEUS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graue, Roland; Kampf, Dirk; Wallace, Kotska; Lumb, David; Bavdaz, Marcos; Freyberg, Michael

2017-11-01

The X-ray telescope concept for XEUS is based on an innovative high performance and light weight Silicon Pore Optics technology. The XEUS telescope is segmented into 16 radial, thermostable petals providing the rigid optical bench structure of the stand alone XRay High Precision Tandem Optics. A fully representative Form Fit Function (FFF) Model of one petal is currently under development to demonstrate the outstanding lightweight telescope capabilities with high optically effective area. Starting from the envisaged system performance the related tolerance budgets were derived. These petals are made from ceramics, i.e. CeSiC. The structural and thermal performance of the petal shall be reported. The stepwise alignment and integration procedure on petal level shall be described. The functional performance and environmental test verification plan of the Form Fit Function Model and the test set ups are described in this paper. In parallel to the running development activities the programmatic and technical issues wrt. the FM telescope MAIT with currently 1488 Tandem Optics are under investigation. Remote controlled robot supported assembly, simultaneous active alignment and verification testing and decentralised time effective integration procedures shall be illustrated.

Hierarchical nanostructures for functional materials.

PubMed

Qin, Zhao; Buehler, Markus J

2018-07-13

Naturally occurring biomaterials often have amazing functions, such as mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic, biological, optical and acoustic. These superior performances are often due to their hierarchical organizations of natural materials, starting from the nanoscopic scale and extending all the way to the macroscopic level. This topical issue features articles dedicated to understanding, designing and characterizing complex de novo hierarchical materials for a variety of applications. This research area is quickly evolving, and we hope that future work will drive the rational designs of innovative functional materials and generate deep impacts to broad engineering fields that address major societal challenges and needs.

Hierarchical nanostructures for functional materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Zhao; Buehler, Markus J.

2018-07-01

Naturally occurring biomaterials often have amazing functions, such as mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic, biological, optical and acoustic. These superior performances are often due to their hierarchical organizations of natural materials, starting from the nanoscopic scale and extending all the way to the macroscopic level. This topical issue features articles dedicated to understanding, designing and characterizing complex de novo hierarchical materials for a variety of applications. This research area is quickly evolving, and we hope that future work will drive the rational designs of innovative functional materials and generate deep impacts to broad engineering fields that address major societal challenges and needs.

Dynamic analysis of angiogenesis in transgenic zebrafish embryos using a 3D multilayer chip-based technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akagi, Jin; Zhu, Feng; Hall, Chris J.; Khoshmanesh, Khashayar; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kourosh; Mitchell, Arnan; Crosier, Kathryn E.; Crosier, Philip S.; Wlodkowic, Donald

2013-03-01

Transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) models of human diseases have recently emerged as innovative experimental systems in drug discovery and molecular pathology. None of the currently available technologies, however, allow for automated immobilization and treatment of large numbers of spatially encoded transgenic embryos during real-time developmental analysis. This work describes the proof-of-concept design and validation of an integrated 3D microfluidic chip-based system fabricated directly in the poly(methyl methacrylate) transparent thermoplastic using infrared laser micromachining. At its core, the device utilizes an array of 3D micro-mechanical traps to actively capture and immobilize single embryos using a low-pressure suction. It also features built-in piezoelectric microdiaphragm pumps, embryo trapping suction manifold, drug delivery manifold and optically transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) heating element to provide optimal temperature during embryo development. Furthermore, we present design of the proof-of-concept off-chip electronic interface equipped with robotic servo actuator driven stage, innovative servomotor-actuated pinch valves and miniaturized fluorescent USB microscope. Our results show that the innovative device has 100% embryo trapping efficiency while supporting normal embryo development for up to 72 hours in a confined microfluidic environment. We also present data that this microfluidic system can be readily applied to kinetic analysis of a panel of investigational anti-angiogenic agents in transgenic zebrafish Tg(fli1a:EGFP) line. The optical transparency and embryo immobilization allow for convenient visualization of developing vasculature patterns in response to drug treatment without the need for specimen re-positioning. The integrated electronic interfaces bring the Lab-on-a-Chip systems a step closer to realization of complete analytical automation.

Integrated chip-based physiometer for automated fish embryo toxicity biotests in pharmaceutical screening and ecotoxicology.

PubMed

Akagi, Jin; Zhu, Feng; Hall, Chris J; Crosier, Kathryn E; Crosier, Philip S; Wlodkowic, Donald

2014-06-01

Transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) models of human diseases have recently emerged as innovative experimental systems in drug discovery and molecular pathology. None of the currently available technologies, however, allow for automated immobilization and treatment of large numbers of spatially encoded transgenic embryos during real-time developmental analysis. This work describes the proof-of-concept design and validation of an integrated 3D microfluidic chip-based system fabricated directly in the poly(methyl methacrylate) transparent thermoplastic using infrared laser micromachining. At its core, the device utilizes an array of 3D micromechanical traps to actively capture and immobilize single embryos using a low-pressure suction. It also features built-in piezoelectric microdiaphragm pumps, embryo-trapping suction manifold, drug delivery manifold, and optically transparent indium tin oxide heating element to provide optimal temperature during embryo development. Furthermore, we present design of the proof-of-concept off-chip electronic interface equipped with robotic servo actuator driven stage, innovative servomotor-actuated pinch valves, and embedded miniaturized fluorescent USB microscope. Our results showed that the innovative device has 100% embryo-trapping efficiency while supporting normal embryo development for up to 72 hr in a confined microfluidic environment. We also showed data that this microfluidic system can be readily applied to kinetic analysis of a panel of investigational antiangiogenic agents in transgenic zebrafish lines. The optical transparency and embryo immobilization allow for convenient visualization of developing vasculature patterns in response to drug treatment without the need for specimen re-positioning. The integrated electronic interfaces bring the lab-on-a-chip systems a step closer to realization of complete analytical automation. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

EDITORIAL: Transformation optics Transformation optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shalaev, Vladimir M.; Pendry, John

2011-02-01

Metamaterials are artificial materials with versatile properties that can be tailored to fit almost any practical need and thus go well beyond what can be obtained with `natural' materials. Recent progress in developing optical metamaterials allows unprecedented extreme control over the flow of light at both the nano- and macroscopic scales. The innovative field of transformation optics, which is enabled by metamaterials, inspired researchers to take a fresh look at the very foundations of optics and helped to create a new paradigm for the science of light. Similar to general relativity, where time and space are curved, transformation optics shows that the space for light can also be bent in an almost arbitrary way. Most importantly, the optical space can be designed and engineered, opening up the fascinating possibility of controlling the flow of light with nanometer spatial precision. This new paradigm enables a number of novel optical devices guiding how, using metamaterials, the space for light can be curved in a pre-designed and well-controlled way. Metamaterials which incorporate the innovative theories of transformation optics are pertinent to the important areas of optical cloaking, optical black holes, super-resolution imaging, and other sci-fi-like devices. One such exciting device is an electromagnetic cloak that can bend light around itself, similar to the flow of water around a stone, making invisible both the cloak and the object hidden inside. Another important application is a flat hyperlens that can magnify the nanometer-scale features of an object that cannot be resolved with conventional optics. This could revolutionize the field of optical imaging, for instance, because such a meta-lens could become a standard add-on tool for microscopes. By enabling nanoscale resolution in optical microscopy, metamaterial-based transformation optics could allow one to literally see extremely small objects with the eye, including biological cells, viruses, and possibly even DNA molecules. Light-concentrating devices, such as the optical black hole, can be used for efficient solar light collection in photovoltaic elements for renewable energy. With the dramatic advances in micro- and nanofabrication methods, we are presented with the opportunity to control light in a way that was not possible with the materials provided to us by nature. In an artificial pattern of sub-wavelength elements, the propagation of electromagnetic energy can be defined by an equivalent spatial and spectral dispersion of effective dielectric and magnetic properties. These synthetic structures, which can be fabricated with a desired spatial distribution of effective permittivity epsilon(r) and permeability μ(r), offer a unique potential to guide and control the flow of electromagnetic energy in such an engineered optical space. No longer are we constrained by the electromagnetic response of natural materials and their chemical compounds. Instead, we can tailor the shape and size of the structural units of the metamaterials, or tune their composition and morphology to provide new functionality.

Exploring in teaching mode of Optical Fiber Sensing Technology outcomes-based education (OBE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Guangwei; Fu, Xinghu; Zhang, Baojun; Bi, Weihong

2017-08-01

Combining with the characteristics of disciplines and OBE mode, also aiming at the phenomena of low learning enthusiasm for the major required courses for senior students, the course of optical fiber sensing was chosen as the demonstration for the teaching mode reform. In the light of "theory as the base, focus on the application, highlighting the practice" principle, we emphasis on the introduction of the latest scientific research achievements and current development trends, highlight the practicability and practicality. By observation learning and course project, enables students to carry out innovative project design and implementation means related to the practical problems in science and engineering of this course.

A digital optical phase-locked loop for diode lasers based on field programmable gate array.

PubMed

Xu, Zhouxiang; Zhang, Xian; Huang, Kaikai; Lu, Xuanhui

2012-09-01

We have designed and implemented a highly digital optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) for diode lasers in atom interferometry. The three parts of controlling circuit in this OPLL, including phase and frequency detector (PFD), loop filter and proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, are implemented in a single field programmable gate array chip. A structure type compatible with the model MAX9382∕MCH12140 is chosen for PFD and pipeline and parallelism technology have been adapted in PID controller. Especially, high speed clock and twisted ring counter have been integrated in the most crucial part, the loop filter. This OPLL has the narrow beat note line width below 1 Hz, residual mean-square phase error of 0.14 rad(2) and transition time of 100 μs under 10 MHz frequency step. A main innovation of this design is the completely digitalization of the whole controlling circuit in OPLL for diode lasers.

A digital optical phase-locked loop for diode lasers based on field programmable gate array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhouxiang; Zhang, Xian; Huang, Kaikai; Lu, Xuanhui

2012-09-01

We have designed and implemented a highly digital optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) for diode lasers in atom interferometry. The three parts of controlling circuit in this OPLL, including phase and frequency detector (PFD), loop filter and proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, are implemented in a single field programmable gate array chip. A structure type compatible with the model MAX9382/MCH12140 is chosen for PFD and pipeline and parallelism technology have been adapted in PID controller. Especially, high speed clock and twisted ring counter have been integrated in the most crucial part, the loop filter. This OPLL has the narrow beat note line width below 1 Hz, residual mean-square phase error of 0.14 rad2 and transition time of 100 μs under 10 MHz frequency step. A main innovation of this design is the completely digitalization of the whole controlling circuit in OPLL for diode lasers.

Educational area for learning of optics and technologies: union of open laboratories of ideas, methods and practices (OLIMP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivashchenko, Maksim; Bodrov, Kirill; Tolstoba, Nadezhda

2016-09-01

The paper deals with the concept of creating the union of Open Laboratories of Ideas, Methods and Practices (OLIMP). It describes the structure designed to simplify the relationship, such as business incubators, start-up accelerators, small innovative enterprises, fabrication laboratories and student centers. We consider their advantages and disadvantages for the specific audience of students and enthusiasts who do not have funding for their own projects. The experience of interaction between the Open Laboratories of Ideas, Methods and Practices and the Student Research Laboratory for Optical Engineering shows the relative impact of structures on each other and the value of using such interaction in the learning process. The paper also addresses issues such as: the motivation of students, enthusiasm for the direction the lab participants identify and maintain the initiatives, profiling in the design, scientific, commercial, social sphere.

The GALAXIE all-optical FEL project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenzweig, J. B.; Arab, E.; Andonian, G.; Cahill, A.; Fitzmorris, K.; Fukusawa, A.; Hoang, P.; Jovanovic, I.; Marcus, G.; Marinelli, A.; Murokh, A.; Musumeci, P.; Naranjo, B.; O'Shea, B.; O'Shea, F.; Ovodenko, A.; Pogorelsky, I.; Putterman, S.; Roberts, K.; Shumail, M.; Tantawi, S.; Valloni, A.; Yakimenko, V.; Xu, G.

2012-12-01

We describe a comprehensive project, funded under the DARPA AXiS program, to develop an all-optical table-top X-ray FEL based on dielectric acceleration and electromagnetic undulators, yielding a compact source of coherent X-rays for medical and related applications. The compactness of this source demands that high field (>GV/m) acceleration and undulation-inducing fields be employed, thus giving rise to the project's acronym: GV/m AcceLerator And X-ray Integrated Experiment (GALAXIE). There are numerous physics and technical hurdles to surmount in this ambitious scenario, and the integrated solutions include: a biharmonic photonic TW structure, 200 micron wavelength electromagnetic undulators, 5 μm laser development, ultra-high brighness magnetized/asymmetric emittance electron beam generation, and SASE FEL operation. We describe the overall design philosophy of the project, the innovative approaches to addressing the challenges presented by the design, and the significant progress towards realization of these approaches in the nine months since project initialization.

Photonics approach to traffic signs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Litwin, Dariusz; Galas, Jacek; CzyŻewski, Adam; Rymsza, Barbara; Kornalewski, Leszek; Kryszczyński, Tadeusz; Mikucki, Jerzy; Wikliński, Piotr; Daszkiewicz, Marek; Malasek, Jacek

2016-12-01

The automotive industry has been always a driving force for all economies. Despite of its beneficial meaning to every society it brings also many issues including wide area of road safety. The latter has been enforced by the increasing number of cars and the dynamic development of the traffic as a whole. Road signs and traffic lights are crucial in context of good traffic arrangement and its fluency. Traffic designers are used to treat horizontal road signs independently of vertical signs. However, modern light sources and growing flexibility in shaping optical systems create opportunity to design more advanced and smart solutions. In this paper we present an innovative, multidisciplinary approach that consists in tight interdependence of different traffic signals. We describe new optical systems together with their influence on the perception of the road user. The analysis includes maintenance and visibility in different weather conditions. A special attention has been focused on intersections of complex geometry.

Mobile fiber-optic sensor for detection of oral and cervical cancer in the developing world.

PubMed

Yu, Bing; Nagarajan, Vivek Krishna; Ferris, Daron G

2015-01-01

Oral and cervical cancers are a growing global health problem that disproportionately impacts women and men living in the developing world. The high death rate in developing countries is largely due to the fact that these countries do not have the appropriate medical infrastructure and resources to support the organized screening and diagnostic programs that are available in the developed world. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) with a fiber-optic probe can noninvasively quantify the optical properties of epithelial tissues and has shown the potential as a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and sensitive tool for diagnosis of early precancerous changes in the cervix and oral cavity. However, current fiber-optic DRS systems have not been designed to be robust and reliable for use in developing countries. They are subject to various sources of systematic or random errors, arising from the uncontrolled probe-tissue interface and lack of real-time calibration, use bulky and expensive optical components, and require extensive training. This chapter describes a portable DRS device that is specifically designed for detection of oral and cervical cancers in resource-poor settings. The device uses an innovative smart fiber-optic probe to eliminate operator bias, state-of-the-art photonics components to reduce size and power consumption, and automated software to reduce the need of operator training. The size and cost of the smart fiber-optic DRS system may be further reduced by incorporating a smartphone based spectrometer.

MIMA, a miniaturized Fourier spectrometer for Mars ground exploration: Part II. Optical design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fonti, S.; Marzo, G. A.; Politi, R.; Bellucci, G.; Saggin, B.

2007-10-01

The Mars Infrared MApper (MIMA) is a FT-IR miniaturised spectrometer which is being developed for ESA ExoMars Pasteur mission. MIMA will be mounted on the rover mast and so it must be compact and light-weight. The scientific goals and its thermo-mechanical design are presented in two companion papers [1] and [2]. In this work the optical design will be reviewed and the results of the tests performed on some optical components will be presented. The design has faced challenging constraints mainly linked to the requirement of keeping the performances good enough to fulfil the scientific objectives of the mission, while, at the same time, it was imperative to keep the overall size and weigh within the allocated resources. In addition the instrument must be able to operate in the very harsh environment of the Martian surface and to withstand, without permanent damage, even harsher conditions as well as the severe dynamic loads expected at landing on Mars. The chosen solution is a single channel double pendulum interferometer, covering the spectral range between 2 and 25 micron, crucial for the scientific interpretation of the recorded spectra, with a resolution variable between 10 and 5 cm-1. Since the spectral range is too wide to be covered by a single detector, it has been decided to use two different detectors, mounted side by side, in a customised case. Such innovative solution has obviously pros and cons and the optical design has been driven by the need to reduce the inconveniences, while maintaining the advantages.

Design and analysis of an active optics system for a 4-m telescope mirror combining hydraulic and pneumatic supports

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lousberg, Gregory P.; Moreau, Vincent; Schumacher, Jean-Marc; Piérard, Maxime; Somja, Aude; Gloesener, Pierre; Flebus, Carlo

2015-09-01

AMOS has developed a hybrid active optics system that combines hydraulic and pneumatic properties of actuators to support a 4-m primary mirror. The mirror is intended to be used in the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST, formerly the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope) that will be installed by the National Solar Observatory (NSO) atop the Haleakala volcano in Hawaii. The mirror support design is driven by the needs of (1) minimizing the support-induced mirror distortions under telescope operating conditions, (2) shaping the mirror surface to the desired profile, and (3) providing a high stiffness against wind loads. In order to fulfill these requirements, AMOS proposes an innovative support design that consist of 118 axial actuators and 24 lateral actuators. The axial support is based on coupled hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. The hydraulic part is a passive system whose main function is to support the mirror weight with a high stiffness. The pneumatic part is actively controlled so as to compensate for low-order wavefront aberrations that are generated by the mirror support itself or by any other elements in the telescope optical chain. The performances of the support and its adequacy with the requirements are assessed with the help of a comprehensive analysis loop involving finite-element, thermal and optical modellings.

Fluorescence particle detection using microfluidics and planar optoelectronic elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kettlitz, Siegfried W.; Moosmann, Carola; Valouch, Sebastian; Lemmer, Uli

2014-05-01

Detection of fluorescent particles is an integral part of flow cytometry for analysis of selectively stained cells. Established flow cytometer designs achieve great sensitivity and throughput but require bulky and expensive components which prohibit mass production of small single-use point-of-care devices. The use of a combination of innovative technologies such as roll-to-roll printed microuidics with integrated optoelectronic components such as printed organic light emitting diodes and printed organic photodiodes enables tremendous opportunities in cost reduction, miniaturization and new application areas. In order to harvest these benefits, the optical setup requires a redesign to eliminate the need for lenses, dichroic mirrors and lasers. We investigate the influence of geometric parameters on the performance of a thin planar design which uses a high power LED as planar light source and a PIN-photodiode as planar detector. Due to the lack of focusing optics and inferior optical filters, the device sensitivity is not yet on par with commercial state of the art flow cytometer setups. From noise measurements, electronic and optical considerations we deduce possible pathways of improving the device performance. We identify that the sensitivity is either limited by dark noise for very short apertures or by noise from background light for long apertures. We calculate the corresponding crossover length. For the device design we conclude that a low device thickness, low particle velocity and short aperture length are necessary to obtain optimal sensitivity.

Innovative enclosure dome/observing aperture system design for the MROI Array Telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Busatta, A.; Marchiori, G.; Mian, S.; Payne, I.; Pozzobon, M.

2010-07-01

The close-pack array of the MROI necessitated an original design for the Unit Telescope Enclosure (UTE) at Magdalena Ridge Observatory. The Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (MROI) is a project which comprises an array of up to ten (10) 1.4m diameter mirror telescopes arranged in a "Y" configuration. Each of these telescopes will be housed inside a Unit Telescope Enclosure (UTE) which are relocatable onto any of 28 stations. The most compact configuration includes all ten telescopes, several of which are at a relative distance of less than 8m center to center from each other. Since the minimum angle of the field of regard is 30° with respect to the horizon, it is difficult to prevent optical blockage caused by adjacent UTEs in this compact array. This paper presents the design constraints inherent in meeting the requirement for the close-pack array. An innovative design enclosure was created which incorporates an unique dome/observing aperture system. The description of this system focuses on how the field of regard requirement led to an unique and highly innovative concept that had to be able to operate in the harsh environmental conditions encountered at an altitude of 10,460ft (3,188m). Finally, we describe the wide use of composites materials and structures (e.g. glass/carbon fibres, sandwich panels etc.) on the aperture system which represents the only way to guarantee adequate thermal and environmental protection, compactness, structural stability and limited power consumption due to reduced mass.

A near-infrared SETI experiment: commissioning, data analysis, and performance results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maire, Jérôme; Wright, Shelley A.; Dorval, Patrick; Drake, Frank D.; Duenas, Andres; Isaacson, Howard; Marcy, Geoffrey W.; Siemion, Andrew; Stone, Remington P. S.; Tallis, Melisa; Treffers, Richard R.; Werthimer, Dan

2016-08-01

Over the last two decades, Optical Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence experiments have been conducted to search for either continuous or pulsed visible-light laser beacons that could be used for interstellar communication or energy transmission. Near-infrared offers a compelling window for signal transmission since there is a decrease in interstellar extinction and Galactic background compared to optical wavelengths. An innovative Near-InfraRed and Optical SETI (NIROSETI) instrument has been designed and constructed to take advantage of a new generation of fast (> 1 Ghz) low-noise near-infrared avalanche photodiodes to search for nanosecond pulsed near-infrared (850 - 1650 nm) pulses. The instrument was successfully installed and commissioned at the Nickel (1m) telescope at Lick Observatory in March 2015. We will describe the overall design of the instrument with a focus on methods developed for data acquisition and reduction for near-infrared SETI. Time and height analyses of the pulses produced by the detectors are performed to search for periodicity and coincidences in the signals. We will further discuss our NIROSETI survey plans.

Detecteur multibandes libs a base de reseaux holographiques epais: Conception optomecanique et gestion de l'innovation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagnon, Daniel

Detection of sulfur by optical emission spectroscopy generally presents difficulties because the strongest lines are in the vacuum ultraviolet and therefore are readily absorbed by oxygen molecules in air. A novel concept for a low cost and efficient system to detect sulfur using near infrared lines by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy is proposed in this thesis. The concept proposes to use customized thick holographic gratings, also referred as Volume Bragg Grating, for spectral filtering of the plasma light, and built-in custom electronics that amplify and integrate photodiodes output signals. In this work, the optomechanical design, manufacturing and trials of a multiband sensor's prototype is reviewed. Preliminary results has been presented at NASLIBS 2011 and showed a limit of detection comparable to that of a conventional high-end system. An article describing the concept and results has been published in a special issue of the Applied Optics journal. To turn this newly patented concept into commercial success, the management of the innovation has been performed by proposing strategic and tactic alliances for commercialisation purposes applied to strategic business positioning structured along the 3 axis Technology -- Product -- Market. Open innovation is here acting as the paradigm to efficiently reach the market. Discussion relative to strategic and tactic alliance is actually taking place for deployment of the LIBS multiband sensor in the mining industry.

Design of the high resolution optical instrument for the Pleiades HR Earth observation satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamard, Jean-Luc; Gaudin-Delrieu, Catherine; Valentini, David; Renard, Christophe; Tournier, Thierry; Laherrere, Jean-Marc

2017-11-01

As part of its contribution to Earth observation from space, ALCATEL SPACE designed, built and tested the High Resolution cameras for the European intelligence satellites HELIOS I and II. Through these programmes, ALCATEL SPACE enjoys an international reputation. Its capability and experience in High Resolution instrumentation is recognised by the most customers. Coming after the SPOT program, it was decided to go ahead with the PLEIADES HR program. PLEIADES HR is the optical high resolution component of a larger optical and radar multi-sensors system : ORFEO, which is developed in cooperation between France and Italy for dual Civilian and Defense use. ALCATEL SPACE has been entrusted by CNES with the development of the high resolution camera of the Earth observation satellites PLEIADES HR. The first optical satellite of the PLEIADES HR constellation will be launched in mid-2008, the second will follow in 2009. To minimize the development costs, a mini satellite approach has been selected, leading to a compact concept for the camera design. The paper describes the design and performance budgets of this novel high resolution and large field of view optical instrument with emphasis on the technological features. This new generation of camera represents a breakthrough in comparison with the previous SPOT cameras owing to a significant step in on-ground resolution, which approaches the capabilities of aerial photography. Recent advances in detector technology, optical fabrication and electronics make it possible for the PLEIADES HR camera to achieve their image quality performance goals while staying within weight and size restrictions normally considered suitable only for much lower performance systems. This camera design delivers superior performance using an innovative low power, low mass, scalable architecture, which provides a versatile approach for a variety of imaging requirements and allows for a wide number of possibilities of accommodation with a mini-satellite class platform.

Defect-free fabrication of nano-disk and nano-wire by fusion of bio-template and neutral beam etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samukawa, S.; Noda, Shuichi; Higo, Akio; Yasuda, Manabu; Wada, Kazumi

2016-11-01

We have developed an innovated fabrication technology of Si, GaAs, and Ge nano-structures, i.e., we called defect-free neutral beam etching. The technology has been successfully applied to prototype the quantum nano-disks and nano-wires with ferritin based bio-templates. SEM observation verifies that the designed structures are prototyped. Photoluminescence measurements demonstrates high optical quality of nano-structures based on the technology.

Acquiring Combat Capability through Innovative Uses of Public-Private Partnerships

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

needed for a vital fiber -optic link near the Arctic Circle. Then, we will explore the history of the Energy Saving Performance Contracts (ESPCs...research examines Hannon Armstrong’s “fee for service contract” solution to funding the vital fiber -optic link near the Arctic Circle. The second...5 A. INNOVATIVE USE OF FEE FOR SERVICE CONTRACT .....................5 1. Introduction to the Arctic Circle Fiber

Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Infrastructure Using Optical Fiber Sensing Technology: A Comprehensive Review

PubMed Central

Ye, X. W.; Su, Y. H.; Han, J. P.

2014-01-01

In the last two decades, a significant number of innovative sensing systems based on optical fiber sensors have been exploited in the engineering community due to their inherent distinctive advantages such as small size, light weight, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and corrosion, and embedding capability. A lot of optical fiber sensor-based monitoring systems have been developed for continuous measurement and real-time assessment of diversified engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, pipelines, wind turbines, railway infrastructure, and geotechnical structures. The purpose of this review article is devoted to presenting a summary of the basic principles of various optical fiber sensors, innovation in sensing and computational methodologies, development of novel optical fiber sensors, and the practical application status of the optical fiber sensing technology in structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure. PMID:25133250

Structural health monitoring of civil infrastructure using optical fiber sensing technology: a comprehensive review.

PubMed

Ye, X W; Su, Y H; Han, J P

2014-01-01

In the last two decades, a significant number of innovative sensing systems based on optical fiber sensors have been exploited in the engineering community due to their inherent distinctive advantages such as small size, light weight, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and corrosion, and embedding capability. A lot of optical fiber sensor-based monitoring systems have been developed for continuous measurement and real-time assessment of diversified engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, pipelines, wind turbines, railway infrastructure, and geotechnical structures. The purpose of this review article is devoted to presenting a summary of the basic principles of various optical fiber sensors, innovation in sensing and computational methodologies, development of novel optical fiber sensors, and the practical application status of the optical fiber sensing technology in structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure.

Development of a stretched-membrane dish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1991-07-01

Solar Kinetics, Inc., successfully designed and constructed the optical element of a 7 m diameter stretched membrane dish as Task 2 of the second phase of a contract directed by Sandia National Laboratories. Earlier work on this project defined the configuration of the optical element and demonstrated the membrane forming process on 1.4- and 3.7 m diameter membranes. In Task 2, the membrane forming process was successfully scaled to 7 m in diameter, and an innovative hub-and-spoke structure optical element was fabricated. The slope error, as measured with Solar Kinetics' laser-ray-trace system, was within 3.6 mrad of a perfect parabola. Four major technical issues were successfully addressed in this work: (1) The technique of large-scale membrane forming was shown to be predictable, accurate, and repeatable. Three 7 m membranes were formed without any contoured tooling. (2) A tensioned hub-and-spoke structure was demonstrated to be practical to fabricate. This innovative structure, like a bicycle wheel, was shown to be very stiff. Optical effects from ring distortion were not apparent. (3) The use of field-replaceable, unattached polymer reflective membrane was demonstrated. This approach allows for the practical field replacement of the reflective membrane when it has degraded due to weathering. (4) A technique was developed and demonstrated to ship the formed membranes from the factory to the dish-installation site. This allows the critical forming of the membrane to be performed in a controlled factory environment, and the membrane then to be shipped using standard dimension shipping containers. This development further reduces manufacturing and installation costs of the completed dish. This effort indicates that the stretch membrane dish concept is a promising approach for solar concentration. The prototype optical element is a significant step in the development of the complete, full-sized dish.

Optics and lasers: A compilation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

A number of innovative devices and techniques in optics and related fields were presented. The following areas were covered: advances in laser and holography technology, articles on spectroscopy and general optics, new information in the area of photography.

Bi-centenary of successes of Fourier theorem: its power and limitations in optical system designs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roychoudhuri, Chandrasekhar

2007-09-01

We celebrate the two hundred years of successful use of the Fourier theorem in optics. However, there is a great enigma associated with the Fourier transform integral. It is one of the most pervasively productive and useful tool of physics and optics because its foundation is based on the superposition of harmonic functions and yet we have never declared it as a principle of physics for valid reasons. And, yet there are a good number of situations where we pretend it to be equivalent to the superposition principle of physics, creating epistemological problems of enormous magnitude. The purpose of the paper is to elucidate the problems while underscoring the successes and the elegance of the Fourier theorem, which are not explicitly discussed in the literature. We will make our point by taking six major engineering fields of optics and show in each case why it works and under what restricted conditions by bringing in the relevant physics principles. The fields are (i) optical signal processing, (ii) Fourier transform spectrometry, (iii) classical spectrometry of pulsed light, (iv) coherence theory, (v) laser mode locking and (vi) pulse broadening. We underscore that mathematical Fourier frequencies, not being physical frequencies, cannot generate real physical effects on our detectors. Appreciation of this fundamental issue will open up ways to be innovative in many new optical instrument designs. We underscore the importance of always validating our design platforms based on valid physics principles (actual processes undergoing in nature) captured by an appropriate hypothesis based on diverse observations. This paper is a comprehensive view of the power and limitations of Fourier Transform by summarizing a series of SPIE conference papers presented during 2003-2007.

Optical Design and Optimization of Translational Reflective Adaptive Optics Ophthalmoscopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulai, Yusufu N. B.

The retina serves as the primary detector for the biological camera that is the eye. It is composed of numerous classes of neurons and support cells that work together to capture and process an image formed by the eye's optics, which is then transmitted to the brain. Loss of sight due to retinal or neuro-ophthalmic disease can prove devastating to one's quality of life, and the ability to examine the retina in vivo is invaluable in the early detection and monitoring of such diseases. Adaptive optics (AO) ophthalmoscopy is a promising diagnostic tool in early stages of development, still facing significant challenges before it can become a clinical tool. The work in this thesis is a collection of projects with the overarching goal of broadening the scope and applicability of this technology. We begin by providing an optical design approach for AO ophthalmoscopes that reduces the aberrations that degrade the performance of the AO correction. Next, we demonstrate how to further improve image resolution through the use of amplitude pupil apodization and non-common path aberration correction. This is followed by the development of a viewfinder which provides a larger field of view for retinal navigation. Finally, we conclude with the development of an innovative non-confocal light detection scheme which improves the non-invasive visualization of retinal vasculature and reveals the cone photoreceptor inner segments in healthy and diseased eyes.

Graphene and graphene-like 2D materials for optical biosensing and bioimaging: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Chengzhou; Du, Dan; Lin, Yuehe

2015-09-01

The increasing demands of bioassay and biomedical applications have significantly promoted the rational design and fabrication of a wide range of functional nanomaterials. Coupling these advanced nanomaterials with biomolecule recognition events leads to novel sensing and diagnostic platforms. Because of their unique structures and multifunctionalities, two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as graphene and graphene-like materials (e.g., graphitic carbon nitride, transition metal dichalcogenides, boron nitride, and transition metal oxides), have stimulated great interest in the field of optical biosensors and imaging because of their innovative mechanical, physicochemical and optical properties. Depending on the different applications, the graphene and graphene-like nanomaterials can be tailored to form either fluorescent emitters or efficient fluorescence quenchers, making them powerful platforms for fabricating a series of optical biosensors to sensitively detect various targets including ions, small biomolecules, DNA/RNA and proteins. This review highlights the recent progress in optical biosensors based on graphene and graphene-like 2D materials and their imaging applications. Finally, the opportunities and some critical challenges in this field are also addressed.

Multilevel photonic modules for millimeter-wave phased-array antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paolella, Arthur C.; Joshi, Abhay M.; Wright, James G.; Coryell, Louis A.

1998-11-01

Optical signal distribution for phased array antennas in communication system is advantageous to designers. By distributing the microwave and millimeter wave signal through optical fiber there is the potential for improved performance and lower weight. In addition when applied to communication satellites this weight saving translates into substantially reduced launch costs. The goal of the Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is the development of multi-level photonic modules for phased array antennas. The proposed module with ultimately comprise of a monolithic, InGaAs/InP p-i-n photodetector-p-HEMT power amplifier, opto-electronic integrated circuit, that has 44 GHz bandwidth and output power of 50 mW integrated with a planar antenna. The photodetector will have a high quantum efficiency and will be front-illuminated, thereby improved optical performance. Under Phase I a module was developed using standard MIC technology with a high frequency coaxial feed interconnect.

Promises and challenges in solid-state lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schubert, Fred

2010-03-01

Lighting technologies based on semiconductor light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer unprecedented promises that include three major benefits: (i) Gigantic energy savings enabled by efficient conversion of electrical energy to optical energy; (ii) Substantial positive contributions to sustainability through reduced emissions of global-warming gases, acid-rain gases, and toxic substances such as mercury; and (iii) The creation of new paradigms in lighting driven by the unique controllability of solid-state lighting sources. Due to the powerful nature of these benefits, the transition from conventional lighting sources to solid-state lighting is virtually assured. This presentation will illustrate the new world of lighting and illustrate the pervasive changes to be expected in lighting, displays, communications, and biotechnology. The presentation will also address the formidable challenges that must be addressed to continue the further advancement of solid-state lighting technology. These challenges offer opportunities for research and innovation. Specific challenges include light management, carrier transport, and optical design. We will present some innovative approaches in order to solve known technical challenges faced by solid-state lighting. These approaches include the demonstration and use of new optical thin-film materials with a continuously tunable refractive index. These approaches also include the use of polarization-matched structures that reduce the polarization fields in GaInN LEDs and the hotly debated efficiency droop, that is, the decreasing LED efficiency at high currents.

Aplanatic Three-Mirror Objective for High-Magnification Soft X-Ray Microscopy

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

Toyoda, M.; Jinno, T.; Yanagihara, M.

2011-09-09

An innovative solution for high-magnification microscopy, based on attaching afocal optics for focal length reduction, is proposed. The solution, consisting of three spherical mirrors, allows one to enhance a magnification of a laboratory based soft x-ray microscope over 1000x, where movies with diffraction-limited resolution can be observed with an x-ray CCD. The design example, having a numerical aperture of 0.25, was successfully demonstrated both a high magnification and a large field of view.

Results from a new 193nm die-to-database reticle inspection platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broadbent, William H.; Alles, David S.; Giusti, Michael T.; Kvamme, Damon F.; Shi, Rui-fang; Sousa, Weston L.; Walsh, Robert; Xiong, Yalin

2010-05-01

A new 193nm wavelength high resolution reticle defect inspection platform has been developed for both die-to-database and die-to-die inspection modes. In its initial configuration, this innovative platform has been designed to meet the reticle qualification requirements of the IC industry for the 22nm logic and 3xhp memory generations (and shrinks) with planned extensions to the next generation. The 22nm/3xhp IC generation includes advanced 193nm optical lithography using conventional RET, advanced computational lithography, and double patterning. Further, EUV pilot line lithography is beginning. This advanced 193nm inspection platform has world-class performance and the capability to meet these diverse needs in optical and EUV lithography. The architecture of the new 193nm inspection platform is described. Die-to-database inspection results are shown on a variety of reticles from industry sources; these reticles include standard programmed defect test reticles, as well as advanced optical and EUV product and product-like reticles. Results show high sensitivity and low false and nuisance detections on complex optical reticle designs and small feature size EUV reticles. A direct comparison with the existing industry standard 257nm wavelength inspection system shows measurable sensitivity improvement for small feature sizes

Hybrid photonic signal processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghauri, Farzan Naseer

This thesis proposes research of novel hybrid photonic signal processing systems in the areas of optical communications, test and measurement, RF signal processing and extreme environment optical sensors. It will be shown that use of innovative hybrid techniques allows design of photonic signal processing systems with superior performance parameters and enhanced capabilities. These applications can be divided into domains of analog-digital hybrid signal processing applications and free-space---fiber-coupled hybrid optical sensors. The analog-digital hybrid signal processing applications include a high-performance analog-digital hybrid MEMS variable optical attenuator that can simultaneously provide high dynamic range as well as high resolution attenuation controls; an analog-digital hybrid MEMS beam profiler that allows high-power watt-level laser beam profiling and also provides both submicron-level high resolution and wide area profiling coverage; and all optical transversal RF filters that operate on the principle of broadband optical spectral control using MEMS and/or Acousto-Optic tunable Filters (AOTF) devices which can provide continuous, digital or hybrid signal time delay and weight selection. The hybrid optical sensors presented in the thesis are extreme environment pressure sensors and dual temperature-pressure sensors. The sensors employ hybrid free-space and fiber-coupled techniques for remotely monitoring a system under simultaneous extremely high temperatures and pressures.

Compact multispectral photodiode arrays using micropatterned dichroic filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandler, Eric V.; Fish, David E.

2014-05-01

The next generation of multispectral instruments requires significant improvements in both spectral band customization and portability to support the widespread deployment of application-specific optical sensors. The benefits of spectroscopy are well established for numerous applications including biomedical instrumentation, industrial sorting and sensing, chemical detection, and environmental monitoring. In this paper, spectroscopic (and by extension hyperspectral) and multispectral measurements are considered. The technology, tradeoffs, and application fits of each are evaluated. In the majority of applications, monitoring 4-8 targeted spectral bands of optimized wavelength and bandwidth provides the necessary spectral contrast and correlation. An innovative approach integrates precision spectral filters at the photodetector level to enable smaller sensors, simplify optical designs, and reduce device integration costs. This method supports user-defined spectral bands to create application-specific sensors in a small footprint with scalable cost efficiencies. A range of design configurations, filter options and combinations are presented together with typical applications ranging from basic multi-band detection to stringent multi-channel fluorescence measurement. An example implementation packages 8 narrowband silicon photodiodes into a 9x9mm ceramic LCC (leadless chip carrier) footprint. This package is designed for multispectral applications ranging from portable color monitors to purpose- built OEM industrial and scientific instruments. Use of an eight-channel multispectral photodiode array typically eliminates 10-20 components from a device bill-of-materials (BOM), streamlining the optical path and shrinking the footprint by 50% or more. A stepwise design approach for multispectral sensors is discussed - including spectral band definition, optical design tradeoffs and constraints, and device integration from prototype through scalable volume production. Additional customization options are explored for application-specific OEM sensors integrated into portable devices using multispectral photodiode arrays.

Overview of optical rectennas for solar energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Zixu; Joshi, Saumil; Pelz, Bradley; Moddel, Garret

2013-09-01

Although the concept of using optical rectenna for harvesting solar energy was first introduced four decades ago, only recently has it invited a surge of interest, with dozens of laboratories around the world working on various aspects of the technology. An optical rectenna couples an ultra-high-speed diode to a submicron antenna so that the incoming radiation received by the antenna is rectified by the diode to produce a DC power output. The result is a technology that can be efficient and inexpensive, requiring only low-cost materials. Conventional classical rectification theory does not apply at optical frequencies, necessitating the application of quantum photon-assisted tunneling theory to describe the device operation. At first glance it would appear that the ultimate conversion efficiency is limited only by the Landsberg limit of 93%, but a more sober analysis that includes limitation due to the coherence of solar radiation leads to a result that coincides with the Trivich-Flinn limit of 44%. Innovative antenna designs are required to achieve high efficiency at frequencies where resistive losses in metal are substantial. The diode most often considered for rectennas make use of electron tunneling through ultra-thin insulators in metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes. The most severe constraint is that the impedances of the antenna and diodes must match for efficient power transfer. The consequence is an RC time constant that cannot be achieved with parallel-plate MIM diodes, leading to the need for real innovations in diode structures. Technologies under consideration include sharp-tip and traveling-wave MIM diodes, and graphene geometric diodes. We survey the technologies under consideration.

Design and production of a 2.5 kWe insulated metal substrate-based densely packed CPV assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Micheli, Leonardo; Sarmah, Nabin; Luo, Xichun; Reddy, K. S.; Mallick, Tapas K.

2014-09-01

The original design of a new 144-cell concentrating photovoltaic assembly is presented in this paper. It is conceived to work under 500 suns and to generate about 2.5 kWe. An insulated metal substrate was selected as baseplate, in order to get the best compromise between costs and thermal performances. It is based on a 2mm thick aluminum plate, which is in charge of removing the heat as quick as possible. The copper pattern and thickness has been designed accordingly to the IPC Generic Standard on Printed Board Design and to the restrictions of fit a reflective 125x primary optics and a 4x secondary refractive optics. The original outline of the conductive copper layer has been developed to minimize Joule losses by reducing the number of interconnections between the cells in series. Multijunction solar cells and Schottky bypass diodes have been soldered onto the board as surface mounted components. All the fabrication processes are described. This board represents a novelty for the innovative pattern of the conductive layer, which can be easily adapted to be coupled with different optics geometries and to allocate a different number of cells. The use of an IMS as baseplate will give an experimental contribution to the debate about the exploitability of this kind of substrates in CPV. This board is being characterized indoor and outdoor: the results will be used to improve the design and the reliability of the future receivers.

Progress in miniaturization of a multichannel optical fiber Bragg grating sensor interrogator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopatin, Craig M.; Mahmood, Shah; Mendoza, Edgar; Moslehi, Behzad; Black, Richard; Chau, Kelvin; Oblea, Levy

2007-07-01

An effort to develop a miniaturized multichannel optical fiber Bragg grating sensor interrogator was initiated in 2006 under the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program. The goal was to develop an interrogator that would be sufficiently small and light to be incorporated into a health monitoring system for use on tactical missiles. Two companies, Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems Corporation (IFOS) and Redondo Optics, were funded in Phase I, and this paper describes the prototype interrogators that were developed. The two companies took very different approaches: IFOS focused on developing a unit that would have a high channel count and high resolution, using off-the-shelf components, while Redondo Optics chose to develop a unit that would be very small and lightweight, using custom designed integrated optical chips. It is believed that both approaches will result in interrogators that will be significantly small, lighter, and possibly even more precise than what is currently commercially available. This paper will also briefly describe some of the sensing concepts that may be used to interrogate the health of the solid rocket motors used in many missile systems. The sponsor of this program was NAVAIR PMA 280.

Semiconductor Laser Complex Dynamics: From Optical Neurons to Optical Rogue Waves

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-11

laser dynamics for innovative applications. The results of the project were published in 5 high- impact journal papers and were presented as invited or...stochastic phenomena and ii) to exploit the laser dynamics for innovative applications. The results of the project were published in 5 high-impact...RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The results of our research were published in 5 articles in high-impact journals in the fields of photonics and nonlinear physics

Development and Testing of an Innovative Two-Arm Focal-Plane Thermal Strap (TAFTS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Urquiza, E.; Vasquez, C.; Rodriguez, J.; Van Gorp, B.

2011-01-01

Maintaining temperature stability in optical focal planes comes with the intrinsic challenge of creating a pathway that is both extremely flexible mechanically and highly conductive thermally. The task is further complicated because science-caliber optical focal planes are extremely delicate, yet their mechanical resiliency is rarely tested and documented. The mechanical engineer tasked with the thermo-mechanical design must then create a highly conductive thermal link that minimizes the tensile and shear stresses transmitted to the focal plane without design parameters on an acceptable stiffness. This paper will describe the development and testing of the thermal link developed for the Portable Remote Imaging Spectrometer (PRISM) instrument. It will provide experimentally determined mechanical stiffness plots in the three axes of interest. Analytical and experimental thermal conductance results for the two-arm focal-plane thermal strap (TAFTS), from cryogenic to room temperatures, are also presented. The paper also briefly describes some elements of the fabrication process followed in developing a novel design solution, which provides high conductance and symmetrical mechanical loading, while providing enhanced flexibility in all three degrees of freedom.

Metal-Coated Optical Fibers for High Temperature Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeakes, Jason; Murphy, Kent; Claus, Richard; Greene, Jonathan; Tran, Tuan

1996-01-01

This poster will highlight on-going research at the Virginia Tech Fiber & Electro-Optics Research Center (FEORC) in the area of thin films on optical fibers. Topics will include the sputter deposition of metals and metal; alloys onto optical fiber and fiber optic sensors for innovative applications. Specific information will be available on thin film fiber optic hydrogen sensors, corrosion sensors, and metal-coated optical fiber for high temperature aerospace applications.

An investigation of signal performance enhancements achieved through innovative pixel design across several generations of indirect detection, active matrix, flat-panel arrays

PubMed Central

Antonuk, Larry E.; Zhao, Qihua; El-Mohri, Youcef; Du, Hong; Wang, Yi; Street, Robert A.; Ho, Jackson; Weisfield, Richard; Yao, William

2009-01-01

Active matrix flat-panel imager (AMFPI) technology is being employed for an increasing variety of imaging applications. An important element in the adoption of this technology has been significant ongoing improvements in optical signal collection achieved through innovations in indirect detection array pixel design. Such improvements have a particularly beneficial effect on performance in applications involving low exposures and∕or high spatial frequencies, where detective quantum efficiency is strongly reduced due to the relatively high level of additive electronic noise compared to signal levels of AMFPI devices. In this article, an examination of various signal properties, as determined through measurements and calculations related to novel array designs, is reported in the context of the evolution of AMFPI pixel design. For these studies, dark, optical, and radiation signal measurements were performed on prototype imagers incorporating a variety of increasingly sophisticated array designs, with pixel pitches ranging from 75 to 127 μm. For each design, detailed measurements of fundamental pixel-level properties conducted under radiographic and fluoroscopic operating conditions are reported and the results are compared. A series of 127 μm pitch arrays employing discrete photodiodes culminated in a novel design providing an optical fill factor of ∼80% (thereby assuring improved x-ray sensitivity), and demonstrating low dark current, very low charge trapping and charge release, and a large range of linear signal response. In two of the designs having 75 and 90 μm pitches, a novel continuous photodiode structure was found to provide fill factors that approach the theoretical maximum of 100%. Both sets of novel designs achieved large fill factors by employing architectures in which some, or all of the photodiode structure was elevated above the plane of the pixel addressing transistor. Generally, enhancement of the fill factor in either discrete or continuous photodiode arrays was observed to result in no degradation in MTF due to charge sharing between pixels. While the continuous designs exhibited relatively high levels of charge trapping and release, as well as shorter ranges of linearity, it is possible that these behaviors can be addressed through further refinements to pixel design. Both the continuous and the most recent discrete photodiode designs accommodate more sophisticated pixel circuitry than is present on conventional AMFPIs – such as a pixel clamp circuit, which is demonstrated to limit signal saturation under conditions corresponding to high exposures. It is anticipated that photodiode structures such as the ones reported in this study will enable the development of even more complex pixel circuitry, such as pixel-level amplifiers, that will lead to further significant improvements in imager performance. PMID:19673228

Study on Product Innovative Design Process Driven by Ideal Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fuying; Lu, Ximei; Wang, Ping; Liu, Hui

Product innovative design in companies today relies heavily on individual members’ experience and creative ideation as well as their skills of integrating creativity and innovation tools with design methods agilely. Creative ideation and inventive ideas generation are two crucial stages in product innovative design process. Ideal solution is the desire final ideas for given problem, and the striving reaching target for product design. In this paper, a product innovative design process driven by ideal solution is proposed. This design process encourages designers to overcome their psychological inertia, to foster creativity in a systematic way for acquiring breakthrough creative and innovative solutions in a reducing sphere of solution-seeking, and results in effective product innovative design rapidly. A case study example is also presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design process.

Research and design of an optical system of biochemical analyzer based on the narrow-band pass filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Ze-xin; Chen, Kuan

2008-03-01

Biochemical analyzer is one of the important instruments in the clinical diagnosis, and its optical system is the important component. The operation of this optical system can be regard as three parts. The first is transforms the duplicate colored light as the monochromatic light. The second is transforms the light signal of the monochromatic, which have the information of the measured sample, as the electric signal by use the photoelectric detector. And the last is to send the signal to data processing system by use the control system. Generally, there are three types monochromators: prism, optical grating and narrow-band pass filter. Thereinto, the narrow-band pass filter were widely used in the semi-auto biochemical analyzer. Through analysed the principle of biochemical analyzer base on the narrow-band pass filter, we known that the optical has three features. The first is the optical path of the optical system is a non- imaging system. The second, this system is wide spectrum region that contain visible light and ultraviolet spectrum. The third, this is a little aperture and little field monochromatic light system. Therefore, design idea of this optical system is: (1) luminous energy in the system less transmission loss; (2) detector coupled to the luminous energy efficient; mainly correct spherical aberration. Practice showed the point of Image quality evaluation: (1) dispersion circle diameter equal the receiving device pixel effective width of 125%, and the energy distribution should point target of 80% of energy into the receiving device pixel width of the effective diameter in this dispersion circle; (2) With MTF evaluation, the requirements in 20lp/ mm spatial frequency, the MTF values should not be lower than 0.6. The optical system should be fit in with ultraviolet and visible light width spectrum, and the detector image plane can but suited the majority visible light spectrum when by defocus optimization, and the image plane of violet and ultraviolet excursion quite large. Traditional biochemical analyzer optical design not fully consider this point, the authors introduce a effective image plane compensation measure innovatively, it greatly increased the reception efficiency of the violet and ultraviolet.

Innovative design method of automobile profile based on Fourier descriptor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Shuyong; Fu, Chaoxing; Xia, Fan; Shen, Wei

2017-10-01

Aiming at the innovation of the contours of automobile side, this paper presents an innovative design method of vehicle side profile based on Fourier descriptor. The design flow of this design method is: pre-processing, coordinate extraction, standardization, discrete Fourier transform, simplified Fourier descriptor, exchange descriptor innovation, inverse Fourier transform to get the outline of innovative design. Innovative concepts of the innovative methods of gene exchange among species and the innovative methods of gene exchange among different species are presented, and the contours of the innovative design are obtained separately. A three-dimensional model of a car is obtained by referring to the profile curve which is obtained by exchanging xenogeneic genes. The feasibility of the method proposed in this paper is verified by various aspects.

Innovative design of parabolic reflector light guiding structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whang, Allen J.; Tso, Chun-Hsien; Chen, Yi-Yung

2008-02-01

Due to the idea of everlasting green architecture, it is of increasing importance to guild natural light into indoors. The advantages are multifold - to have better color rendering index, excellent energy savings from environments viewpoints and make humans more healthy, etc. Our search is to design an innovative structure, to convert outdoor sun light impinges on larger surfaces, into near linear light beam sources, later convert this light beam into near point sources which enters the indoor spaces then can be used as lighting sources indoors. We are not involved with the opto-electrical transformation, to the guild light into to the building, to perform the illumination, as well as the imaging function. Because non-imaging optics, well known for apply to the solar concentrators, that can use non-imaging structures to fulfill our needs, which can also be used as energy collectors in solar energy devices. Here, we have designed a pair of large and small parabolic reflector, which can be used to collect daylight and change area from large to small. Then we make a light-guide system that is been designed by us use of this parabolic reflector to guide the collection light, can pick up the performance for large surface source change to near linear source and a larger collection area.

A digital optical phase-locked loop for diode lasers based on field programmable gate array

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

Xu Zhouxiang; Zhang Xian; Huang Kaikai

2012-09-15

We have designed and implemented a highly digital optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) for diode lasers in atom interferometry. The three parts of controlling circuit in this OPLL, including phase and frequency detector (PFD), loop filter and proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, are implemented in a single field programmable gate array chip. A structure type compatible with the model MAX9382/MCH12140 is chosen for PFD and pipeline and parallelism technology have been adapted in PID controller. Especially, high speed clock and twisted ring counter have been integrated in the most crucial part, the loop filter. This OPLL has the narrow beat notemore » line width below 1 Hz, residual mean-square phase error of 0.14 rad{sup 2} and transition time of 100 {mu}s under 10 MHz frequency step. A main innovation of this design is the completely digitalization of the whole controlling circuit in OPLL for diode lasers.« less

The GALAXIE all-optical FEL project

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

Rosenzweig, J. B.; Arab, E.; Andonian, G.

2012-12-21

We describe a comprehensive project, funded under the DARPA AXiS program, to develop an all-optical table-top X-ray FEL based on dielectric acceleration and electromagnetic undulators, yielding a compact source of coherent X-rays for medical and related applications. The compactness of this source demands that high field (>GV/m) acceleration and undulation-inducing fields be employed, thus giving rise to the project's acronym: GV/m AcceLerator And X-ray Integrated Experiment (GALAXIE). There are numerous physics and technical hurdles to surmount in this ambitious scenario, and the integrated solutions include: a biharmonic photonic TW structure, 200 micron wavelength electromagnetic undulators, 5 {mu}m laser development, ultra-highmore » brightness magnetized/asymmetric emittance electron beam generation, and SASE FEL operation. We describe the overall design philosophy of the project, the innovative approaches to addressing the challenges presented by the design, and the significant progress towards realization of these approaches in the nine months since project initialization.« less

Technical overview of the millimeter-wave imaging reflectometer on the DIII-D tokamak (invited)

DOE PAGES

Muscatello, Christopher M.; Domier, Calvin W.; Hu, Xing; ...

2014-07-22

The two-dimensional mm-wave imaging reflectometer (MIR) on DIII-D is a multi-faceted device for diagnosing electron density fluctuations in fusion plasmas. Its multi-channel, multi-frequency capabilities and high sensitivity permit visualization and quantitative diagnosis of density perturbations, including correlation length, wavenumber, mode propagation velocity, and dispersion. The two-dimensional capabilities of MIR are made possible with twelve vertically separated sightlines and four-frequency operation (corresponding to four radial channels). The 48-channel DIII-D MIR system has a tunable source that can be stepped in 500 µs increments over a range of 56 to 74 GHz. An innovative optical design keeps both on-axis and off-axis channelsmore » focused at the cutoff surface, permitting imaging over an extended poloidal region. As a result, the integrity of the MIR optical design is confirmed by comparing Gaussian beam calculations to laboratory measurements of the transmitter beam pattern and receiver antenna patterns.« less

Technological innovations for a sustainable business model in the semiconductor industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levinson, Harry J.

2014-09-01

Increasing costs of wafer processing, particularly for lithographic processes, have made it increasingly difficult to achieve simultaneous reductions in cost-per-function and area per device. Multiple patterning techniques have made possible the fabrication of circuit layouts below the resolution limit of single optical exposures but have led to significant increases in the costs of patterning. Innovative techniques, such as self-aligned double patterning (SADP) have enabled good device performance when using less expensive patterning equipment. Other innovations have directly reduced the cost of manufacturing. A number of technical challenges must be overcome to enable a return to single-exposure patterning using short wavelength optical techniques, such as EUV patterning.

Applying social innovation theory to examine how community co-designed health services develop: using a case study approach and mixed methods.

PubMed

Farmer, Jane; Carlisle, Karen; Dickson-Swift, Virginia; Teasdale, Simon; Kenny, Amanda; Taylor, Judy; Croker, Felicity; Marini, Karen; Gussy, Mark

2018-01-31

Citizen participation in health service co-production is increasingly enacted. A reason for engaging community members is to co-design services that are locally-appropriate and harness local assets. To date, much literature examines processes of involving participants, with little consideration of innovative services are designed, how innovations emerge, develop and whether they sustain or diffuse. This paper addresses this gap by examining co-designed initiatives through the lens of social innovation - a conceptualisation more attuned to analysing grassroots innovation than common health services research approaches considering top-down, technical innovations. This paper considers whether social innovation is a useful frame for examining co-designed services. Eighty-eight volunteer community-based participants from six rural Australian communities were engaged using the same, tested co-design framework for a 12-month design and then 12-month implementation phase, in 24 workshops (2014-16). Mixed, qualitative data were collected and used to formulate five case studies of community co-designed innovations. A social innovation theory, derived from literature, was applied as an analytical frame to examine co-design cases at 3 stages: innovation growth, development and sustainability/diffusion. Social innovation theory was found relevant in examining and understanding what occurred at each stage of innovation development. Innovations themselves were all adaptations of existing ideas. They emerged due to local participants combining knowledge from local context, own experiences and exemplars. External facilitation brought resources together. The project provided a protective niche in which pilot innovations developed, but they needed support from managers and/or policymakers to be implemented; and to be compatible with existing health system practices. For innovations to move to sustainability/diffusion required political relationships. Challenging existing practice without these was problematical. Social innovation provides a useful lens to understand the grassroots innovation process implied in community participation in service co-design. It helps to show problems in co-design processes and highlights the need for strong partnerships and advocacy beyond the immediate community for new ideas to thrive. Regional commissioning organisations are intended to diffuse useful, co-designed service innovations. Efforts are required to develop an innovation system to realise the potential of community involvement in co-design.

High-temperature optical fiber instrumentation for gas flow monitoring in gas turbine engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberts, Adrian; May, Russell G.; Pickrell, Gary R.; Wang, Anbo

2002-02-01

In the design and testing of gas turbine engines, real-time data about such physical variables as temperature, pressure and acoustics are of critical importance. The high temperature environment experienced in the engines makes conventional electronic sensors devices difficult to apply. Therefore, there is a need for innovative sensors that can reliably operate under the high temperature conditions and with the desirable resolution and frequency response. A fiber optic high temperature sensor system for dynamic pressure measurement is presented in this paper. This sensor is based on a new sensor technology - the self-calibrated interferometric/intensity-based (SCIIB) sensor, recently developed at Virginia Tech. State-of-the-art digital signal processing (DSP) methods are applied to process the signal from the sensor to acquire high-speed frequency response.

[Development of Micro-Spectrometer with a Function of Timely Temperature Compensation].

PubMed

Bao, Jian-guang; Liu, Zheng-kun; Chen, Huo-yao; Lin, Ji-ping; Fu, Shao-jun

2015-05-01

Temperature drift will be brought to Micro-Spectrometer used for demodulating the Varied Line-Space(VLS) grating position sensor on aircraft due to high-low temperature shock. We successfully made a Micro-Spectrometer, for the VLS grating position sensor on aircraft, which still have stable output under temperature shock enviro nment. In order to present a real time temperature compensation scheme, the effects temperature change has on Micro-Spectrometer are analyzed and the traditional cross Czerny-Turner (C-T)optical structure is optimized. Both optical structures are analyzed by optics design software ZEMAX and proved that comparedwithtraditional cross C-T optical structure, the newone can accomplish not only smaller spectrum drift but also spectrum drift with better linearity. Based on the new optical structure. The scheme of using reference wavelength to accomplish real time temperature compensation was proposed and a Micro-fiber Spectrometer was successfully manufactured, whith is with Volume of 80 mm X 70 mmX 70 mm, integration time of 8 ~1 000 ms and FullWidthHalfMaximum(FWHM) of 2 nm. Experiments show that the new spectrometer meets the design requirement. Under high temperature in the range of nearly 60 °C, the standard error of wavelength of this new spectrometer is smaller than 0. 1 nm, and the maximum error of wavelength is 0. 14 nm, which is much smaller than required 0. 3 nm. Innovations of this paper are the schemeof real time temperature compensation, the new cross C-T optical structure and a Micro-fiber Spectrometer based on it.

Small Business Innovations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

A Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract resulted in a series of commercially available lasers, which have application in fiber optic communications, difference frequency generation, fiber optic sensing and general laboratory use. Developed under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, the Phase Doppler Particles Analyzer is a non-disruptive, highly accurate laser-based method of determining particle size, number density, trajectory, turbulence and other information about particles passing through a measurement probe volume. The system consists of an optical transmitter and receiver, signal processor and computer with data acquisition and analysis software. A variety of systems are offered for applications including spray characterization for paint, and agricultural and other sprays. The Microsizer, a related product, is used in medical equipment manufacturing and analysis of contained flows. High frequency components and subsystems produced by Millitech Corporation are marketed for both research and commercial use. These systems, which operate in the upper portion of the millimeter wave, resulted from a number of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects. By developing very high performance mixers and multipliers, the company has advanced the state of the art in sensitive receiver technology. Components are used in receivers and transceivers for monitoring chlorine monoxides, ozone, in plasma characterization and in material properties characterization.

Computer-aided dental prostheses construction using reverse engineering.

PubMed

Solaberrieta, E; Minguez, R; Barrenetxea, L; Sierra, E; Etxaniz, O

2014-01-01

The implementation of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems with virtual articulators, which take into account the kinematics, constitutes a breakthrough in the construction of customised dental prostheses. This paper presents a multidisciplinary protocol involving CAM techniques to produce dental prostheses. This protocol includes a step-by-step procedure using innovative reverse engineering technologies to transform completely virtual design processes into customised prostheses. A special emphasis is placed on a novel method that permits a virtual location of the models. The complete workflow includes the optical scanning of the patient, the use of reverse engineering software and, if necessary, the use of rapid prototyping to produce CAD temporary prostheses.

The Rover Environmental Monitoring Station Ground Temperature Sensor: a pyrometer for measuring ground temperature on Mars.

PubMed

Sebastián, Eduardo; Armiens, Carlos; Gómez-Elvira, Javier; Zorzano, María P; Martinez-Frias, Jesus; Esteban, Blanca; Ramos, Miguel

2010-01-01

We describe the parameters that drive the design and modeling of the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) Ground Temperature Sensor (GTS), an instrument aboard NASA's Mars Science Laboratory, and report preliminary test results. REMS GTS is a lightweight, low-power, and low cost pyrometer for measuring the Martian surface kinematic temperature. The sensor's main feature is its innovative design, based on a simple mechanical structure with no moving parts. It includes an in-flight calibration system that permits sensor recalibration when sensor sensitivity has been degraded by deposition of dust over the optics. This paper provides the first results of a GTS engineering model working in a Martian-like, extreme environment.

Overview of SBIR Phase II Work on Hollow Graphite Fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stallcup, Michael; Brantley, Lott W. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Ultra-Lightweight materials are enabling for producing space based optical components and support structures. Heretofore, innovative designs using existing materials has been the approach to produce lighter-weight optical systems. Graphite fiber reinforced composites, because of their light weight, have been a material of frequent choice to produce space based optical components. Hollow graphite fibers would be lighter than standard solid graphite fibers and, thus, would save weight in optical components. The Phase I SBIR program demonstrated it is possible to produce hollow carbon fibers that have strengths up to 4.2 GPa which are equivalent to commercial fibers, and composites made from the hollow fibers had substantially equivalent composite strengths as commercial fiber composites at a 46% weight savings. The Phase II SBIR program will optimize processing and properties of the hollow carbon fiber and scale-up processing to produce sufficient fiber for fabricating a large ultra-lightweight mirror for delivery to NASA. Information presented here includes an overview of the strength of some preliminary hollow fibers, photographs of those fibers, and a short discussion of future plans.

Optical Tip Clearance Measurements as a Tool for Rotating Disk Characterization

PubMed Central

García, Iker; Zubia, Joseba; Beloki, Josu; Arrue, Jon; Durana, Gaizka; Aldabaldetreku, Gotzon

2017-01-01

An experimental investigation on the vibrational behavior of a rotating disk by means of three optical fiber sensors is presented. The disk, which is a scale model of the real disk of an aircraft engine, was assembled in a wind tunnel in order to simulate real operation conditions. The pressure difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the disk causes an airflow that might force the disk to vibrate. To characterize this vibration, a set of parameters was determined by measuring the tip clearance of the disk: the amplitude, the frequency and the number of nodal diameters in the disk. All this information allowed the design of an upgraded prototype of the disk, whose performance was also characterized by the same method. An optical system was employed for the measurements, in combination with a strain gauge mounted on the disk surface, which served to confirm the results obtained. The data of the strain gauge coincided closely with those provided by the optical fiber sensors, thus demonstrating the suitability of this innovative technique to evaluate the vibrational behavior of rotating disks. PMID:28098845

New Frontiers in Surgical Innovation.

PubMed

Jackson, Ryan S; Schmalbach, Cecelia E

2017-08-01

It is an exciting time for head and neck surgical innovation with numerous advances in the perioperative planning and intraoperative management of patients with cancer, trauma patients, and individuals with congenital defects. The broad and rapidly changing realm of head and neck surgical innovation precludes a comprehensive summary. This article highlights some of the most important innovations from surgical planning with sentinel node biopsy and three-dimensional, stereolithic modeling to intraoperative innovations, such as transoral robotic surgery and intraoperative navigation. Future surgical innovations, such as intraoperative optical imaging of surgical margins, are also highlighted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New optical sensor systems for high-resolution satellite, airborne and terrestrial imaging systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckardt, Andreas; Börner, Anko; Lehmann, Frank

2007-10-01

The department of Optical Information Systems (OS) at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has more than 25 years experience with high-resolution imaging technology. The technology changes in the development of detectors, as well as the significant change of the manufacturing accuracy in combination with the engineering research define the next generation of spaceborne sensor systems focusing on Earth observation and remote sensing. The combination of large TDI lines, intelligent synchronization control, fast-readable sensors and new focal-plane concepts open the door to new remote-sensing instruments. This class of instruments is feasible for high-resolution sensor systems regarding geometry and radiometry and their data products like 3D virtual reality. Systemic approaches are essential for such designs of complex sensor systems for dedicated tasks. The system theory of the instrument inside a simulated environment is the beginning of the optimization process for the optical, mechanical and electrical designs. Single modules and the entire system have to be calibrated and verified. Suitable procedures must be defined on component, module and system level for the assembly test and verification process. This kind of development strategy allows the hardware-in-the-loop design. The paper gives an overview about the current activities at DLR in the field of innovative sensor systems for photogrammetric and remote sensing purposes.

Innovation and fusion of x-ray and optical tomography for mouse studies of breast cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ge; Cong, Wenxiang; Yang, Qingsong; Pian, Qi; Zhu, Shouping; Liang, Jimin; Barroso, Margarida; Intes, Xavier

2016-10-01

For early detection and targeted therapy, receptor expression profiling is instrumental to classifying breast cancer into sub-groups. In particular, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression has been shown to have both prognostic and predictive values. Recently, an increasingly more complex view of HER2 in breast cancer has emerged from genome sequencing that highlights the role of inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity in therapy resistance. Studies on such heterogeneity demand high-content, high-resolution functional and molecular imaging in vivo, which cannot be achieved using any single imaging tool. Clearly, there is a critical need to develop a multimodality approach for breast cancer imaging. Since 2006, grating-based x-ray imaging has been developed for much-improved x-ray images. In 2014, the demonstration of fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) guided by x-ray grating-based micro-CT was reported with encouraging results and major drawbacks. In this paper, we propose to integrate grating-based x-ray tomography (GXT) and high-dimensional optical tomography (HOT) into the first-of-its-kind truly-fused GXT-HOT (pronounced as "Get Hot") system for imaging of breast tumor heterogeneity, HER2 expression and dimerization, and therapeutic response. The primary innovation lies in developing a brand-new high-content, high-throughput x-ray optical imager based on several contemporary techniques to have MRI-type soft tissue contrast, PET-like sensitivity and specificity, and micro-CT-equivalent resolution. This system consists of two orthogonal x-ray Talbot-Lau interferometric imaging chains and a hyperspectral time-resolved single-pixel optical imager. Both the system design and pilot results will be reported in this paper, along with relevant issues under further investigation.

A cryogenic scan mechanism for use in Fourier transform spectrometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hakun, Claef F.; Blumenstock, Kenneth A.

1995-01-01

This paper describes the requirements, design, assembly and testing of the linear Scan Mechanism (SM) of the Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) Instrument. The mechanism consists of an over constrained flexible structure, an innovative moving magnet actuator, passive eddy current dampers, a Differential Eddy Current (DEC) sensor, Optical Limit Sensors (OLS), and a launch lock. Although all the components of the mechanism are discussed, the flexible structure and the magnetic components are the primary focus. Several problems encountered and solutions implemented during the development of the scan mechanism are also described.

Integrable RCS as a Proposed Replacement for Fermilab Booster

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

Eldred, Jeffrey; Valishev, Alexander

2017-03-07

Integrable optics is an innovation in particle accelerator design that potentially enables a greater betatron tune spread and damps collective instabilities. An integrable rapid-cycling synchrotron (RCS) would be an effective replacement for the Fermilab Booster, as part of a plan to reach multi-MW beam power at 120 GeV for the Fermilab high-energy neutrino program. We provide an example integrable lattice with features of a modern RCS - dispersion-free drifts, low momentum compaction factor, superperiodicity, chromaticity correction, bounded beta functions, and separate-function magnets.

The SWAP EUV Imaging Telescope Part I: Instrument Overview and Pre-Flight Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seaton, D. B.; Berghmans, D.; Nicula, B.; Halain, J.-P.; De Groof, A.; Thibert, T.; Bloomfield, D. S.; Raftery, C. L.; Gallagher, P. T.; Auchère, F.; Defise, J.-M.; D'Huys, E.; Lecat, J.-H.; Mazy, E.; Rochus, P.; Rossi, L.; Schühle, U.; Slemzin, V.; Yalim, M. S.; Zender, J.

2013-08-01

The Sun Watcher with Active Pixels and Image Processing (SWAP) is an EUV solar telescope onboard ESA's Project for Onboard Autonomy 2 (PROBA2) mission launched on 2 November 2009. SWAP has a spectral bandpass centered on 17.4 nm and provides images of the low solar corona over a 54×54 arcmin field-of-view with 3.2 arcsec pixels and an imaging cadence of about two minutes. SWAP is designed to monitor all space-weather-relevant events and features in the low solar corona. Given the limited resources of the PROBA2 microsatellite, the SWAP telescope is designed with various innovative technologies, including an off-axis optical design and a CMOS-APS detector. This article provides reference documentation for users of the SWAP image data.

Laser and optics activities at CREOL

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

Stickley, C.M.

1995-06-01

CREOL is an interdisciplinary institute with a mission to foster and support research and education in the optical and laser sciences and engineering. CREOL`s principal members are its 21-strong faculty. The faculty are encouraged and supported in developing, maintaining, and expanding innovative and sponsored research programs, especially ones that are coupled to industry`s needs. The CREOL Director and Assistant Director, through empowerment by the CREOL faculty, coordinate and oversee the interactive, interdisciplinary projects of the faculty, the 85 graduate students and the 39 research staff. CREOL integrates these research efforts with the general educational mission and goals of the university,more » develops comprehensive course work in the optical and laser sciences and engineering, provides guidance and instruction to graduate students, administers MS and PhD programs, and provides facilities, funds, and administrative support to assist the faculty in carrying out CREOL`s mission and obtaining financial support for the research projects. CREOL`s specific areas of research activity include the following: IR systems; nonlinear optics; crystal growth; nonlinear integrated optics; new solid-state lasers; tunable far-infrared lasers; thin-film optics; theory; semiconductor lasers; x-ray/optical scattering; laser-induced damage; free-electron lasers; solid-state spectroscopy; x-ray sources and applications; laser propagation; laser processing of materials; optical design; optical limiting/sensor protection; diffractive optics; quantum well optoelectronics; dense plasmas/high-field physics; laser radar and remote sensing; diode-based lasers; and glass science.« less

Inspired by design and driven by innovation. A conceptual model for radical design driven as a sustainable business model for Malaysian furniture design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusof, Wan Zaiyana Mohd; Fadzline Muhamad Tamyez, Puteri

2018-04-01

The definition of innovation does not help the entrepreneurs, business person or innovator to truly grasp what it means to innovate, hence we hear that government has spend millions of ringgit on “innovation” by doing R & D. However, the result has no avail in terms of commercial value. Innovation can be defined as the exploitation of commercialization of an idea or invention to create economic or social value. Most Entrepreneurs and business managers, regard innovation as creating economic value, while forgetting that innovation also create value for society or the environment. The ultimate goal as Entrepreneur, inventor or researcher is to exploit innovation to create value. As changes happen in society and economy, organizations and enterprises have to keep up and this requires innovation. This conceptual paper is to study the radical design driven innovation in the Malaysian furniture industry as a business model which the overall aim of the study is to examine the radical design driven innovation in Malaysia and how it compares with findings from Western studies. This paper will familiarize readers with the innovation and describe the radical design driven perspective that is adopted in its conceptual framework and design process.

Small Business Innovations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

Under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to Kennedy Space Center, EIC Laboratories invented a Raman Spectrograph with fiber optic sampling for space applications such as sensing hazardous fuel vapors and making on-board rapid analyses of chemicals and minerals. Raman spectroscopy is a laser-based measurement technique that provides through a unique vibrational spectrum a molecular 'fingerprint,' and can function in aqueous environments. EIC combined optical fiber technology with Raman methods to develop sensors that can be operated at a distance from the spectrographic analysis instruments and the laser excitation source. EIC refined and commercialized the technology to create the Fiber Optic Raman Spectrograph and the RamanProbe. Commercial applications range from process control to monitoring hazardous materials.

Optically transparent microwave screens based on engineered graphene layers.

PubMed

Grande, M; Bianco, G V; Vincenti, M A; de Ceglia, D; Capezzuto, P; Petruzzelli, V; Scalora, M; Bruno, G; D'Orazio, A

2016-10-03

We propose an innovative approach for the realization of a microwave absorber fully transparent in the optical regime. This device is based on the Salisbury screen configuration, which consists of a lossless spacer, sandwiched between two graphene sheets whose sheet resistances are different and properly engineered. Experimental results show that it is possible to achieve near-perfect electromagnetic absorption in the microwave X-band. These findings are fully supported by an analytical approach based on an equivalent circuital model. Engineering and integration of graphene sheets could facilitate the realization of innovative microwave absorbers with additional electromagnetic and optical functionalities that could circumvent some of the major limitations of opaque microwave absorbers.

The commercialization of optical techniques in Russian regions: experience and problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kartushina, Tatyana N.; Firsova, Anna A.

2005-06-01

In this article we made an attempt to consider some problems of Russia in the field of innovations. So the survey of situation with Russian innovation structures was given and also the necessity of region informatization was underlined. Moreover the basic problems in the field of innovations were revealed: the lack of experienced personal, bureaucracy barriers and not clear "rules of game" in the field of innovation activity. On top of that we were able to examine the activity of innovation enterprise ("Volgasvyazmontaj" Saratov, Russia).

First in-flight results of Pleiades 1A innovative methods for optical calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubik, Philippe; Lebègue, Laurent; Fourest, Sébastien; Delvit, Jean-Marc; de Lussy, Françoise; Greslou, Daniel; Blanchet, Gwendoline

2017-11-01

The PLEIADES program is a space Earth Observation system led by France, under the leadership of the French Space Agency (CNES). Since it was successfully launched on December 17th, 2011, Pleiades 1A high resolution optical satellite has been thoroughly tested and validated during the commissioning phase led by CNES. The whole system has been designed to deliver submetric optical images to users whose needs were taken into account very early in the design process. This satellite opens a new era in Europe since its off-nadir viewing capability delivers a worldwide 2- days access, and its great agility will make possible to image numerous targets, strips and stereo coverage from the same orbit. Its imaging capability of more than 450 images of 20 km x 20 km per day can fulfill a broad spectrum of applications for both civilian and defence users. For an earth observing satellite with no on-board calibration source, the commissioning phase is a critical quest of wellcharacterized earth landscapes and ground patterns that have to be imaged by the camera in order to compute or fit the parameters of the viewing models. It may take a long time to get the required scenes with no cloud, whilst atmosphere corrections need simultaneous measurements that are not always possible. The paper focuses on new in-flight calibration methods that were prepared before the launch in the framework of the PLEIADES program : they take advantage of the satellite agility that can deeply relax the operational constraints and may improve calibration accuracy. Many performances of the camera were assessed thanks to a dedicated innovative method that was successfully validated during the commissioning period : Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), refocusing, absolute calibration, line of sight stability were estimated on stars and on the Moon. Detectors normalization and radiometric noise were computed on specific pictures on Earth with a dedicated guidance profile. Geometric viewing frame was determined with a particular image acquisition combining different views of the same target. All these new methods are expected to play a key role in the future when active optics will need sophisticated in-flight calibration strategy.

GRACES, the Gemini remote access CFHT ESPaDOnS spectrograph: initial design and testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tollestrup, Eric V.; Pazder, John; Barrick, Gregory; Martioli, Eder; Schiavon, Ricardo; Anthony, André; Halman, Mark; Veillet, Christian

2012-09-01

The Gemini Remote Access CFHT ESPaDOnS Spectrograph (GRACES) is an innovative instrumentation experiment that will demonstrate if ESPaDOnS, a bench-mounted high-resolution optical spectrograph at CFHT, can be fed by a 270-m long fiber from the Gemini-North telescope with low enough losses to remain competitive with conventional spectrographs on other 8 to 10-m telescopes. Detailed simulations have shown that GRACES should be more sensitive than the HIRES spectrograph at Keck Observatory at wavelengths longer than about 600-700 nm. This result is possible by using FPB-type of optical fibers made by Polymicro Technologies and by keeping the critical focal ratio degradation (FRD) losses to less than 10%. Laboratory tests on these FPB optical fibers are underway and show that for 36-m lengths that the FRD losses are as low as 0.8% with a repeatability of 1%. Tests are currently underway on 280-m lengths.

Optical toolkits for in vivo deep tissue laser scanning microscopy: a primer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Woei Ming; McMenamin, Thomas; Li, Yongxiao

2018-06-01

Life at the microscale is animated and multifaceted. The impact of dynamic in vivo microscopy in small animals has opened up opportunities to peer into a multitude of biological processes at the cellular scale in their native microenvironments. Laser scanning microscopy (LSM) coupled with targeted fluorescent proteins has become an indispensable tool to enable dynamic imaging in vivo at high temporal and spatial resolutions. In the last few decades, the technique has been translated from imaging cells in thin samples to mapping cells in the thick biological tissue of living organisms. Here, we sought to provide a concise overview of the design considerations of a LSM that enables cellular and subcellular imaging in deep tissue. Individual components under review include: long working distance microscope objectives, laser scanning technologies, adaptive optics devices, beam shaping technologies and photon detectors, with an emphasis on more recent advances. The review will conclude with the latest innovations in automated optical microscopy, which would impact tracking and quantification of heterogeneous populations of cells in vivo.

Diode-based additive manufacturing of metals using an optically-addressable light valve.

PubMed

Matthews, Manyalibo J; Guss, Gabe; Drachenberg, Derrek R; Demuth, James A; Heebner, John E; Duoss, Eric B; Kuntz, Joshua D; Spadaccini, Christopher M

2017-05-15

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of metal powder bed layers, whereby 3D metal objects can be printed from a digital file with unprecedented design flexibility, is spurring manufacturing innovations in medical, automotive, aerospace and textile industries. Because SLM is based on raster-scanning a laser beam over each layer, the process is relatively slow compared to most traditional manufacturing methods (hours to days), thus limiting wider spread use. Here we demonstrate the use of a large area, photolithographic method for 3D metal printing, using an optically-addressable light valve (OALV) as the photomask, to print entire layers of metal powder at once. An optical sheet of multiplexed ~5 kW, 20 ms laser diode and ~1 MW, 7 ns Q-switched laser pulses are used to selectively melt each layer. The patterning of near infrared light is accomplished by imaging 470 nm light onto the transmissive OALV, which consists of polarization-selective nematic liquid crystal sandwiched between a photoconductor and transparent conductor for switching.

Embedded 100 Gbps Photonic Components

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

Kuznia, Charlie

This innovation to fiber optic component technology increases the performance, reduces the size and reduces the power consumption of optical communications within dense network systems, such as advanced distributed computing systems and data centers. VCSEL technology is enabling short-reach (< 100 m) and >100 Gbps optical interconnections over multi-mode fiber in commercial applications.

Complexity in Design-Driven Innovation: A Case Study of Knowledge Transfer Flow in Subsea Seismic Sensor Technology and Design Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pavel, Nenad; Berg, Arild

2015-01-01

To the extent previously claimed, concept exploration is not the key to product innovation. However, companies that are design-focused are twice as innovative as those that are not. To study design-driven innovation and its occurrence in design education, two case studies are conducted. The first is an example of design practice which includes…

Innovative solutions in monitoring systems in flood protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekuła, Klaudia; Połeć, Marzena; Borecka, Aleksandra

2018-02-01

The article presents the possibilities of ISMOP - IT System of Levee Monitoring. This system is able to collecting data from the reference and experimental control and measurement network. The experimental levee is build in a 1:1 scale and located in the village of Czernichow, near Cracow. The innovation is the utilization of a series of sensors monitoring the changes in the body of levee. It can be done by comparing the results of numerical simulations with results from installed two groups of sensors: reference sensors and experimental sensors. The reference control and measurement sensors create network based on pore pressure and temperature sensors. Additionally, it contains the fiber-optic technology. The second network include design experimental sensors, constructed for the development of solutions that can be used in existing flood embankments. The results are important to create the comprehensive and inexpensive monitoring system, which could be helpful for state authorities and local governments in flood protection.

Tough and deformable glasses with bioinspired cross-ply architectures.

PubMed

Yin, Zhen; Dastjerdi, Ahmad; Barthelat, Francois

2018-05-15

Glasses are optically transparent, hard materials that have been in sustained demand and usage in architectural windows, optical devices, electronics and solar panels. Despite their outstanding optical qualities and durability, their brittleness and low resistance to impact still limits wider applications. Here we present new laminated glass designs that contain toughening cross-ply architectures inspired from fish scales and arthropod cuticles. This seemingly minor enrichment completely transforms the way laminated glass deforms and fractures, and it turns a traditionally brittle material into a stretchy and tough material with little impact on surface hardness and optical quality. Large ply rotation propagates over large volumes, and localization is delayed in tension, even if a strain softening interlayer is used, in a remarkable mechanism which is generated by the kinematics of the plies and geometrical hardening. Compared to traditional laminated glass which degrades significantly in performance when damaged, our cross-ply architecture glass is damage-tolerant and 50 times tougher in energy terms. Despite the outstanding optical qualities and durability of glass, its brittleness and low resistance to impact still limits its wider application. Here we present new laminated glass designs that contain toughening cross-ply architectures inspired from fish scales and arthropod cuticles. Enriching laminated designs with crossplies completely transforms the material deforms and fractures, and turns a traditionally brittle material into a stretchy and tough material - with little impact on surface hardness and optical quality. Large ply rotation propagates over large volumes and localization is delayed in tension because of a remarkable and unexpected geometrical hardening effect. Compared to traditional laminated glass which degrades significantly in performance when damaged, our cross-ply architecture glass is damage-tolerant and it is 50 times tougher in energy terms. Our glass-based, transparent material is highly innovative and it is the first of its kind. We believe it will have impact in broad range of applications in construction, coatings, chemical engineering, electronics, photovoltaics. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Innovation and design approaches within prospective ergonomics.

PubMed

Liem, André; Brangier, Eric

2012-01-01

In this conceptual article the topic of "Prospective Ergonomics" will be discussed within the context of innovation, design thinking and design processes & methods. Design thinking is essentially a human-centred innovation process that emphasises observation, collaboration, interpretation, visualisation of ideas, rapid concept prototyping and concurrent business analysis, which ultimately influences innovation and business strategy. The objective of this project is to develop a roadmap for innovation, involving consumers, designers and business people in an integrative process, which can be applied to product, service and business design. A theoretical structure comprising of Innovation perspectives (1), Worldviews supported by rationalist-historicist and empirical-idealistic dimensions (2) and Models of "design" reasoning (3) precedes the development and classification of existing methods as well as the introduction of new ones.

Sub-microradian pointing for deep space optical telecommunications network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ortiz, G.; Lee, S.; Alexander, J.

2001-01-01

This presentation will cover innovative hardware, algorithms, architectures, techniques and recent laboratory results that are applicable to all deep space optical communication links, such as the Mars Telecommunication Network to future interstellar missions.

Reconfigurable dynamic all-optical chaotic logic operations in an optically injected VCSEL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Dong-Zhou; Xu, Ge-Liang; Luo, Wei; Xiao, Zhen-Zhen

2017-12-01

Not Available Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61475120) and the Innovative Projects in Guangdong Colleges and Universities, China (Grant No. 2015KTSCX146).

The Colorado Ultraviolet Transit Experiment (CUTE): a dedicated cubesat mission for the study of exoplanetary mass loss and magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleming, Brian T.; France, Kevin; Nell, Nicholas; Kohnert, Richard; Pool, Kelsey; Egan, Arika; Fossati, Luca; Koskinen, Tommi; Vidotto, Aline A.; Hoadley, Keri; Desert, Jean-Michel; Beasley, Matthew; Petit, Pascal

2017-08-01

The Colorado Ultraviolet Transit Experiment (CUTE) is a near-UV (2550 - 3300 Å) 6U cubesat mission designed to monitor transiting hot Jupiters to quantify their atmospheric mass loss and magnetic fields. CUTE will probe both atomic (Mg and Fe) and molecular (OH) lines for evidence of enhanced transit absorption, and to search for evidence of early ingress due to bow shocks ahead of the planet's orbital motion. As a dedicated mission, CUTE will observe > 60 spectroscopic transits of hot Jupiters over a nominal seven month mission. This represents the equivalent of > 700 orbits of the only other instrument capable of these measurements, the Hubble Space Telescope. CUTE efficiently utilizes the available cubesat volume by means of an innovative optical design to achieve a projected effective area of ˜ 22 cm2 , low instrumental background, and a spectral resolving power of R ˜ 3000 over the entire science bandpass. These performance characteristics enable CUTE to discern a transit depth of < 1% in individual spectral absorption lines. We present the CUTE optical and mechanical design, a summary of the science motivation and expected results, and an overview of the projected fabrication, calibration and launch timeline.

Spatial-spectral flexible optical networking: enabling switching solutions for a simplified and efficient SDM network platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomkos, I.; Zakynthinos, P.; Klonidis, D.; Marom, D.; Sygletos, S.; Ellis, A.; Salvadori, E.; Siracusa, D.; Angelou, M.; Papastergiou, G.; Psaila, N.; Ferran, J. F.; Ben-Ezra, S.; Jimenez, F.; Fernández-Palacios, J. P.

2013-12-01

The traffic carried by core optical networks grows at a steady but remarkable pace of 30-40% year-over-year. Optical transmissions and networking advancements continue to satisfy the traffic requirements by delivering the content over the network infrastructure in a cost and energy efficient manner. Such core optical networks serve the information traffic demands in a dynamic way, in response to requirements for shifting of traffics demands, both temporally (day/night) and spatially (business district/residential). However as we are approaching fundamental spectral efficiency limits of singlemode fibers, the scientific community is pursuing recently the development of an innovative, all-optical network architecture introducing the spatial degree of freedom when designing/operating future transport networks. Spacedivision- multiplexing through the use of bundled single mode fibers, and/or multi-core fibers and/or few-mode fibers can offer up to 100-fold capacity increase in future optical networks. The EU INSPACE project is working on the development of a complete spatial-spectral flexible optical networking solution, offering the network ultra-high capacity, flexibility and energy efficiency required to meet the challenges of delivering exponentially growing traffic demands in the internet over the next twenty years. In this paper we will present the motivation and main research activities of the INSPACE consortium towards the realization of the overall project solution.

Non-Intrusive, Laser-Based Imaging of Jet-A Fuel Injection and Combustion Species in High Pressure, Subsonic Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Locke, Randy J.; Hicks, Yolanda R.; Anderson, Robert C.; deGroot, Wilhelmus A.

2001-01-01

The emphasis of combustion research efforts at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is on collaborating with industry to design and test gas-turbine combustors and subcomponents for both sub- and supersonic applications. These next-generation aircraft combustors are required to meet strict international environmental restrictions limiting emissions. To meet these goals, innovative combustor concepts require operation at temperatures and pressures far exceeding those of cur-rent designs. New and innovative diagnostic tools are necessary to characterize these flow streams since existing methods are inadequate. The combustion diagnostics team at GRC has implemented a suite of highly sensitive, nonintrusive optical imaging methods to diagnose the flowfields of these new engine concepts. By using optically accessible combustors and flametubes, imaging of fuel and intermediate combustion species via planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) at realistic pressures are now possible. Direct imaging of the fuel injection process through both planar Mie scattering and PLIF methods is also performed. Additionally, a novel combination of planar fuel fluorescence imaging and computational analysis allows a 3-D examination of the flowfield, resulting in spatially and temporally resolved fuel/air volume distribution maps. These maps provide detailed insight into the fuel injection process at actual conditions, thereby greatly enhancing the evaluation of fuel injector performance and other combustion phenomena. Stable species such as CO2, O2, N2O. and hydrocarbons are also investigated by a newly demonstrated 1-D, spontaneous Raman spectroscopic method. This visible wavelength Raman technique allows the acquisition of quantitative. stable species concentration measurements from the flow.

Non-Intrusive, Laser-Based Imaging of Jet-A Fuel Injection and Combustion Species in High Pressure, Subsonic Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Locke, R. J.; Hicks, Y. R.; Anderson, R. C.; deGroot, W. A.

2000-01-01

The emphasis of combustion research efforts at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is on collaborating with industry to design and test gas-turbine combustors and subcomponents for both sub- and supersonic applications. These next-generation aircraft combustors are required to meet strict international environmental restrictions limiting emissions. To meet these goals, innovative combustor concepts require operation at temperatures and pressures far exceeding those of current designs. New and innovative diagnostic tools are necessary to characterize these flow streams since existing methods are inadequate. The combustion diagnostics team at GRC has implemented a suite of highly sensitive, nonintrusive optical imaging methods to diagnose the flowfields of these new engine concepts. By using optically accessible combustors and flame-tubes, imaging of fuel and intermediate combustion species via planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) at realistic pressures are now possible. Direct imaging of the fuel injection process through both planar Mie scattering and PLIF methods is also performed. Additionally, a novel combination of planar fuel fluorescence imaging and computational analysis allows a 3-D examination of the flowfield, resulting in spatially and temporally resolved fuel/air volume distribution maps. These maps provide detailed insight into the fuel injection process at actual conditions, thereby greatly enhancing the evaluation of fuel injector performance and other combustion phenomena. Stable species such as CO2, O2, N2, H2O, and hydrocarbons are also investigated by a newly demonstrated 1-D, spontaneous Raman spectroscopic method. This visible wavelength Raman technique allows the acquisition of quantitative, stable species concentration measurements from the flow.

Free-space transmission with passive 2D beam steering for multi-gigabit-per-second per-beam indoor optical wireless networks.

PubMed

Oh, Chin Wan; Cao, Zizheng; Tangdiongga, Eduward; Koonen, Ton

2016-08-22

In order to circumvent radio spectrum congestion, we propose an innovative system which can provide multiple infrared optical wireless beams simultaneously where each beam supports multi-gigabit-per-second communication. Scalable two-dimensional beam steering by means of wavelength tuning is proposed. A passive beam-steering module constructed with cascaded reflection gratings is designed for simultaneous multi-user coverage. We experimentally characterized the beam-steered system and thoroughly evaluated the performance of steered channels using the spectrally efficient and robust discrete multitone modulation in a bandwidth-limited system deploying 10 GHz telecom transceivers. This study reports the achievement of at least 37 Gbps free-space transmission per beam over a distance of up to 2 m over 5.61° × 12.66° scanning angles.

Spatial gradient tuning in metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Driscoll, Tom; Goldflam, Michael; Jokerst, Nan; Basov, Dimitri; Smith, David

2011-03-01

Gradient Index (GRIN) metamaterials have been used to create devices inspired by, but often surpassing the potential of, conventional GRIN optics. The unit-cell nature of metamaterials presents the opportunity to exert much greater control over spatial gradients than is possible in natural materials. This is true not only during the design phase but also offers the potential for real-time reconfiguration of the metamaterial gradient. This ability fits nicely into the picture of transformation-optics, in which spatial gradients can enable an impressive suite of innovative devices. We discuss methods to exert control over metamaterial response, focusing on our recent demonstrations using Vanadium Dioxide. We give special attention to role of memristance and mem-capacitance observed in Vanadium Dioxide, which simplify the demands of stimuli and addressing, as well as intersecting metamaterials with the field of memory-materials.

Development of moored oceanographic spectroradiometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Booth, Charles R.; Mitchell, B. Greg; Holm-Hansen, O.

1987-01-01

Biospherical Instruments has successfully completed a NASA sponsored SBIR (Small Business Innovational Research Program) project to develop spectroradiometers capable of being deployed in the ocean for long periods of time. The completion of this project adds a valuable tool for the calibration of future spaceborne ocean color sensors and enables oceanographers to extend remote sensing optical techniques beyond the intermittent coverage of spaceborne sensors. Highlights of the project include two moorings totalling 8 months generating extensive sets of optical, biological, and physical data sets in the ocean off La Jolla, California, and a 70 day operational deployment of the resulting commercial product by the ONR and NASA sponsored BIOWATT program. Based on experience gained in these moorings, Biospherical Instruments has developed a new line of spectroradiometers designed to support the oceanographic remote sensing missions of NASA, the Navy, and various oceanographers.

innoFSPEC: fiber optical spectroscopy and sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, Martin M.; Löhmannsröben, Hans-Gerd; Kelz, Andreas; Kumke, Michael

2008-07-01

innoFSPEC Potsdam is presently being established as in interdisciplinary innovation center for fiber-optical spectroscopy and sensing, hosted by Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam and the Physical Chemistry group of Potsdam University, Germany. The center focuses on fundamental research in the two fields of fiber-coupled multi-channel spectroscopy and optical fiber-based sensing. Thanks to its interdisciplinary approach, the complementary methodologies of astrophysics on the one hand, and physical chemistry on the other hand, are expected to spawn synergies that otherwise would not normally become available in more standard research programmes. innoFSPEC targets future innovations for next generation astrophysical instrumentation, environmental analysis, manufacturing control and process monitoring, medical diagnostics, non-invasive imaging spectroscopy, biopsy, genomics/proteomics, high-throughput screening, and related applications.

Recent Innovations in the Changing Criterion Design: Implications for Research and Practice in Special Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDougall, Dennis; Hawkins, Jacqueline; Brady, Michael; Jenkins, Amelia

2006-01-01

This article illustrates (a) 2 recent innovations in the changing criterion research design, (b) how these innovations apply to research and practice in special education, and (c) how clinical needs influence design features of the changing criterion design. The first innovation, the range-bound changing criterion, is a very simple variation of…

The Rover Environmental Monitoring Station Ground Temperature Sensor: A Pyrometer for Measuring Ground Temperature on Mars

PubMed Central

Sebastián, Eduardo; Armiens, Carlos; Gómez-Elvira, Javier; Zorzano, María P.; Martinez-Frias, Jesus; Esteban, Blanca; Ramos, Miguel

2010-01-01

We describe the parameters that drive the design and modeling of the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) Ground Temperature Sensor (GTS), an instrument aboard NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory, and report preliminary test results. REMS GTS is a lightweight, low-power, and low cost pyrometer for measuring the Martian surface kinematic temperature. The sensor’s main feature is its innovative design, based on a simple mechanical structure with no moving parts. It includes an in-flight calibration system that permits sensor recalibration when sensor sensitivity has been degraded by deposition of dust over the optics. This paper provides the first results of a GTS engineering model working in a Martian-like, extreme environment. PMID:22163405

Innovating Method of Existing Mechanical Product Based on TRIZ Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Cunyou; Shi, Dongyan; Wu, Han

Main way of product development is adaptive design and variant design based on existing product. In this paper, conceptual design frame and its flow model of innovating products is put forward through combining the methods of conceptual design and TRIZ theory. Process system model of innovating design that includes requirement analysis, total function analysis and decomposing, engineering problem analysis, finding solution of engineering problem and primarily design is constructed and this establishes the base for innovating design of existing product.

Infrastructure sensing.

PubMed

Soga, Kenichi; Schooling, Jennifer

2016-08-06

Design, construction, maintenance and upgrading of civil engineering infrastructure requires fresh thinking to minimize use of materials, energy and labour. This can only be achieved by understanding the performance of the infrastructure, both during its construction and throughout its design life, through innovative monitoring. Advances in sensor systems offer intriguing possibilities to radically alter methods of condition assessment and monitoring of infrastructure. In this paper, it is hypothesized that the future of infrastructure relies on smarter information; the rich information obtained from embedded sensors within infrastructure will act as a catalyst for new design, construction, operation and maintenance processes for integrated infrastructure systems linked directly with user behaviour patterns. Some examples of emerging sensor technologies for infrastructure sensing are given. They include distributed fibre-optics sensors, computer vision, wireless sensor networks, low-power micro-electromechanical systems, energy harvesting and citizens as sensors.

Infrastructure sensing

PubMed Central

Soga, Kenichi; Schooling, Jennifer

2016-01-01

Design, construction, maintenance and upgrading of civil engineering infrastructure requires fresh thinking to minimize use of materials, energy and labour. This can only be achieved by understanding the performance of the infrastructure, both during its construction and throughout its design life, through innovative monitoring. Advances in sensor systems offer intriguing possibilities to radically alter methods of condition assessment and monitoring of infrastructure. In this paper, it is hypothesized that the future of infrastructure relies on smarter information; the rich information obtained from embedded sensors within infrastructure will act as a catalyst for new design, construction, operation and maintenance processes for integrated infrastructure systems linked directly with user behaviour patterns. Some examples of emerging sensor technologies for infrastructure sensing are given. They include distributed fibre-optics sensors, computer vision, wireless sensor networks, low-power micro-electromechanical systems, energy harvesting and citizens as sensors. PMID:27499845

Design, optimization and characterization of the light concentrators of the single-mirror small size telescopes of the Cherenkov Telescope Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguilar, J. A.; Basili, A.; Boccone, V.; Cadoux, F.; Christov, A.; della Volpe, D.; Montaruli, T.; Płatos, Ł.; Rameez, M.

2015-01-01

The focal-plane cameras of γ -ray telescopes frequently use light concentrators in front of the light sensors. The purpose of these concentrators is to increase the effective area of the camera as well as to reduce the stray light coming at large incident angles. These light concentrators are usually based on the Winston cone design. In this contribution we present the design of a hexagonal hollow light concentrator with a lateral profile optimized using a cubic Bézier function to achieve a higher collection efficiency in the angular region of interest. The design presented here is optimized for a Davies-Cotton telescope with a primary mirror of about 4 m in diameter and a focal length of 5.6 m. The described concentrators are part of an innovative camera made up of silicon-photomultiplier sensors, although a similar approach can be used for other sizes of single-mirror telescopes with different camera sensors, including photomultipliers. The challenge of our approach is to achieve a cost-effective design suitable for standard industrial production of both the plastic concentrator substrate and the reflective coating. At the same time we maximize the optical performance. In this paper we also describe the optical set-up to measure the absolute collection efficiency of the light concentrators and demonstrate our good understanding of the measured data using a professional ray-tracing simulation.

Optical and mechanical design and characterization of the new baffle for the 2.4-m Thai National Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buisset, Christophe; Prasit, Apirat; Lépine, Thierry; Poshyajinda, Saran

2015-09-01

The first astronomical images obtained at the 2.4 m Thai National Telescope (TNT) during observations in bright moon conditions were contaminated by high levels of light scattered by the telescope structure. We identified that the origins of this scattered light were the M3 folding mirror baffle and the tube placed inside the fork between the M3 and the M4 mirrors. We thus decided to design and install a new baffle. In a first step, we calculated the optical and mechanical inputs needed to define the baffle optical design. These inputs were: the maximum length of the baffle, the maximum dimensions of the vanes and the incident beam diameter between M3 and M4 mirrors. In a second step, we defined the number, the position and the diameter of the vanes to remove the critical objects from the detector's FOV by using a targeted method. Then, we verified that the critical objects were moved away from the detector's view. In a third step, we designed and manufactured the baffle. The mechanical design is made of 21 sections (1 section for each vane) and comprises an innovative mechanism for the adjustment of the baffle position. The baffle installation and adjustment is performed in less than 20 minutes by 2 operators. In a fourth step, we installed and characterized the baffle by using a pinhole camera. We quantified the performance improvement and we identified the baffle areas at the origin of the residual stray light signal. Finally, we performed targeted on-sky observations to test the baffle in real conditions.

Progress on the New York State Observatory: a new 12-meter astronomical telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebring, T.; O'Dea, C.; Baum, S.; Teran, J.; Loewen, N.; Stutzki, C.; Egerman, R.; Bonomi, G.

2014-07-01

Over the past two years, the New York Astronomical Corporation (NYAC), the business arm of the Astronomical Society of New York (ASNY), has continued planning and technical studies toward construction of a 12-meter class optical telescope for the use of all New York universities and research institutions. Four significant technical studies have been performed investigating design opportunities for the facility, the dome, the telescope optics, and the telescope mount. The studies were funded by NYAC and performed by companies who have provided these subsystems for large astronomical telescopes in the past. In each case, innovative and cost effective approaches were identified, developed, analyzed, and initial cost estimates developed. As a group, the studies show promise that this telescope could be built at historically low prices. As the project continues forward, NYAC intends to broaden the collaboration, pursue funding, to continue to develop the telescope and instrument designs, and to further define the scientific mission. The vision of a historically large telescope dedicated to all New York institutions continues to grow and find new adherents.

A New (?) Physiological Effect in a Demonstration Experiment in Geometrical Optics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ganci, S.

2018-01-01

A surprising phenomenology from a traditional demonstration experiment in Geometrical Optics reveals here an interesting matter of discussion and analysis. Hence, the main focus of this paper is to observe and discuss such an innovative phenomenology.

Optical Pointing Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shields, Joel F.; Metz, Brandon C.

2010-01-01

The optical pointing sensor provides a means of directly measuring the relative positions of JPL s Formation Control Testbed (FCT) vehicles without communication. This innovation is a steerable infrared (IR) rangefinder that gives measurements in terms of range and bearing to a passive retroreflector.

Learning to Design Collaboratively: Participation of Student Designers in a Community of Innovation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

West, Richard E.; Hannafin, Michael J.

2011-01-01

Creativity researchers have drawn on cognitive principles to characterize individual innovation. However, few comprehensive frameworks have been developed to relate social innovation to social cognition research. This article introduces the Communities of Innovation (COI) framework and examines its applications in a culture designed to promote…

Detection and laser ranging of orbital objects using optical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, P.; Hampf, D.; Sproll, F.; Hasenohr, T.; Humbert, L.; Rodmann, J.; Riede, W.

2016-09-01

Laser ranging to satellites (SLR) in earth orbit is an established technology used for geodesy, fundamental science and precise orbit determination. A combined active and passive optical measurement system using a single telescope mount is presented which performs precise ranging measurements of retro reflector equipped objects in low earth orbit (LEO). The German Aerospace Center (DLR) runs an observatory in Stuttgart where a system has been assembled completely from commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. The visible light directed to the tracking camera is used to perform angular measurements of objects under investigation. This is done astrometrically by comparing the apparent target position with cataloged star positions. First successful satellite laser ranging was demonstrated recently using an optical fiber directing laser pulses onto the astronomical mount. The transmitter operates at a wavelength of 1064 nm with a repetition rate of 3 kHz and pulse energy of 25 μJ. A motorized tip/tilt mount allows beam steering of the collimated beam with μrad accuracy. The returning photons reflected from the object in space are captured with the tracking telescope. A special low aberration beam splitter unit was designed to separate the infrared from visible light. This allows passive optical closed loop tracking and operation of a single photon detector for time of flight measurements at a single telescope simultaneously. The presented innovative design yields to a compact and cost effective but very precise ranging system which allows orbit determination.

Optical metrology for testing an all-composite 2-meter diameter mirror

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Catanzaro, B.; Thomas, James A.; Small, D.; Johnston, R.; Barber, D.; Connell, S.; Whitmore, S.; Cohen, E.

2001-01-01

The Herschel Space Observatory (formerly known as FIRST) consists of a 3.5 m space telescope designed for use in the long IR and sub-milimeter wavebands. To demonstrate the viability of a carbon fiber composite telescope for this application, Composite Optics Incorporated (COI) manufactured a fast (f/1), large (2 m), lightweight (10.1 kg/m squared) demonstration mirror. A key challenge in demonstrating the performance of this novel mirror was to characterize the surface accuracy at cryogenic (70 K) temperatures. A wide variety of optical metrology techniques were investigated and a brief survey of empirical test results and limitations of the various techniques will be presented in this paper. Two complementary infrared (IR)techniques operating at a wavelength of 10.6 microns were chosen for further development: (1) IR Twyman-Green Phase Shifting Interferometry (IR PSI) and (2) IR Shack-Hartmann (IR SH) Wavefront Sensing. Innovative design modifications made to an existing IR PSI to achieve high-resolution, scannable, infrared measurements of the composite mirror are described. The modified interferometer was capable of measuring surface gradients larger than 350 microradians. The design and results of measurements made with a custom-built IR SH Wavefrong Sensor operating at 10.6 microns are also presented. A compact experimental setup permitting simultaneous operation of both the IR PSI and IR SH tools is shown. The advantages and the limitations of the two key IR metrology tools are discussed.

Why are freeform telescopes less alignment sensitive than a traditional unobscured TMA?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Kevin P.; Schiesser, Eric; Rolland, Jannick P.

2015-10-01

As freeform optical systems emerge as interesting and innovative solutions for imaging in 3D packages there is an assumption they are going to be more sensitive particularly at assembly. While it is true that the clocking of the component becomes a relatively weak new tolerance, for the most effective new class of freeform systems the alignment sensitivity is actually lower in most cases than for a comparable traditional unobscured three mirror anastigmatic (TMA) telescope. Traditional unobscured TMA telescopes, whose designs emerged in the mid-70s and which begin to appear as hardware in the literature in the early 90s, are based on using increasingly offset apertures with otherwise coaxial rotationally symmetric mirrors. The mirrors (typically 3 to correct spherical, coma, and astigmatism) have evolved to contain more high order terms as the designs are pushed to more compact and wider field packages - the NIRCAM camera for the JWST is an excellent example of this [1]. As the higher order terms are added, the mirrors become increasingly sensitive to decenters and tilts. An emerging class of freeform telescopes that provide wider field of view and/or faster f/numbers than the traditional TMA are based on a strategy where the surface shape remains a low order Zernike-type surface even in compact, unobscured packages. This optical design strategy results in an optical form that is not only higher performance but simultaneously less sensitive to alignment.

Periodic nanostructural materials for nanoplasmonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Dukhyun

2017-02-01

Nanoscale periodic material design and fabrication are essentially fundamental requirement for basic scientific researches and industrial applications of nanoscience and engineering. Innovative, effective, reproducible, large-area uniform, tunable and robust nanostructure/material syntheses are still challenging. Here, I would like to introduce the novel periodic nanostructural materials particularly with uniformly ordered nanoporous or nanoflower structures, which are fabricated by simple, cost-effective, and high-throughput wet chemical methods. I also report large-area periodic plasmonic nanostructures based on template-based nanolithography. The surface morphology and optical properties are characterized by SEM and UV-vis. spectroscopy. Furthermore, their enhancement factor is evaluated by using SERS signals.

Chairside Fabrication of an All-Ceramic Partial Crown Using a Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Ceramic

PubMed Central

Pabel, Anne-Kathrin; Rödiger, Matthias

2016-01-01

The chairside fabrication of a monolithic partial crown using a zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramic is described. The fully digitized model-free workflow in a dental practice is possible due to the use of a powder-free intraoral scanner and the computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of the restorations. The innovative ZLS material offers a singular combination of fracture strength (>370 Mpa), optimum polishing characteristics, and excellent optical properties. Therefore, this ceramic is an interesting alternative material for monolithic restorations produced in a digital workflow. PMID:27042362

Advanced helmet vision system (AHVS) integrated night vision helmet mounted display (HMD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashcraft, Todd W.; Atac, Robert

2012-06-01

Gentex Corporation, under contract to Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 4.0T), designed the Advanced Helmet Vision System to provide aircrew with 24-hour, visor-projected binocular night vision and HMD capability. AHVS integrates numerous key technologies, including high brightness Light Emitting Diode (LED)-based digital light engines, advanced lightweight optical materials and manufacturing processes, and innovations in graphics processing software. This paper reviews the current status of miniaturization and integration with the latest two-part Gentex modular helmet, highlights the lessons learned from previous AHVS phases, and discusses plans for qualification and flight testing.

Tuning the Electronic, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Monolayer GaSe with a Vertical Electric Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ke, Congming; Wu, Yaping; Guo, Guang-Yu; Lin, Wei; Wu, Zhiming; Zhou, Changjie; Kang, Junyong

2018-04-01

Inspired by two-dimensional material with their unique physical properties and innovative device applications, here we report a design framework on monolayer GaSe, an important member of the two-dimensional material family, in an effort to tune the electronic, optical, and magnetic properties through a vertical electric field. A transition from indirect to direct band gap in monolayer GaSe is found with an electric field of 0.09 V /Å . The giant Stark effect results in a reduction of the band gap with a Stark coefficient of 3.54 Å. Optical and dielectric properties of monolayer GaSe are dependent on the vertical electric field. A large regulation range for polarization E ∥c ^ is found for the static dielectric constant. The optical anisotropy with the dipole transition from E ∥c ^ to E ⊥c ^ is achieved. Induced by the spin-orbit coupling, spin-splitting energy at the valence band maximum increases linearly with the electric field. The effective mass of holes is highly susceptible to the vertical electric field. Switchable spin-polarization features in spin texture of monolayer GaSe are predicted. The tunable electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of monolayer GaSe hold great promise for applications in both the optoelectronic and spintronic devices.

Comments on X. Yin, A. Wen, Y. Chen, and T. Wang, `Studies in an optical millimeter-wave generation scheme via two parallel dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulators', Journal of Modern Optics, 58(8), 2011, pp. 665-673

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasan, Mehedi; Maldonado-Basilio, Ramón; Hall, Trevor J.

2015-04-01

Yin et al. have described an innovative filter-less optical millimeter-wave generation scheme for octotupling of a 10 GHz RF oscillator, or sedecimtupling of a 5 GHz RF oscillator using two parallel dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulators (DP-MZMs). The great merit of their design is the suppression of all harmonics except those of order ? (octotupling) or all harmonics except those of order ? (sedecimtupling), where ? is an integer. A demerit of their scheme is the requirement to set a precise RF signal modulation index in order to suppress the zeroth order optical carrier. The purpose of this comment is to show that, in the case of the octotupling function, all harmonics may be suppressed except those of order ?, where ? is an odd integer, by the simple addition of an optical ? phase shift between the two DP-MZMs and an adjustment of the RF drive phases. Since the carrier is suppressed in the modified architecture, the octotupling circuit is thereby released of the strict requirement to set the drive level to a precise value without any significant increase in circuit complexity.

Coagulation measurement from whole blood using vibrating optical fiber in a disposable cartridge.

PubMed

Yaraş, Yusuf Samet; Gündüz, Ali Bars; Sağlam, Gökhan; Ölçer, Selim; Civitçi, Fehmi; Baris, İbrahim; Yaralioğlu, Göksenin; Urey, Hakan

2017-11-01

In clinics, blood coagulation time measurements are performed using mechanical measurements with blood plasma. Such measurements are challenging to do in a lab-on-a-chip (LoC) system using a small volume of whole blood. Existing LoC systems use indirect measurement principles employing optical or electrochemical methods. We developed an LoC system using mechanical measurements with a small volume of whole blood without requiring sample preparation. The measurement is performed in a microfluidic channel where two fibers are placed inline with a small gap in between. The first fiber operates near its mechanical resonance using remote magnetic actuation and immersed in the sample. The second fiber is a pick-up fiber acting as an optical sensor. The microfluidic channel is engineered innovatively such that the blood does not block the gap between the vibrating fiber and the pick-up fiber, resulting in high signal-to-noise ratio optical output. The control plasma test results matched well with the plasma manufacturer's datasheet. Activated-partial-thromboplastin-time tests were successfully performed also with human whole blood samples, and the method is proven to be effective. Simplicity of the cartridge design and cost of readily available materials enable a low-cost point-of-care device for blood coagulation measurements. (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Millimeter-wave imaging diagnostics systems on the EAST tokamak (invited)

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

Zhu, Y. L.; Xie, J. L., E-mail: jlxie@ustc.edu.cn; Yu, C. X.

2016-11-15

Millimeter-wave imaging diagnostics, with large poloidal span and wide radial range, have been developed on the EAST tokamak for visualization of 2D electron temperature and density fluctuations. A 384 channel (24 poloidal × 16 radial) Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) system in F-band (90-140 GHz) was installed on the EAST tokamak in 2012 to provide 2D electron temperature fluctuation images with high spatial and temporal resolution. A co-located Microwave Imaging Reflectometry (MIR) will be installed for imaging of density fluctuations by December 2016. This “4th generation” MIR system has eight independent frequency illumination beams in W-band (75-110 GHz) driven bymore » fast tuning synthesizers and active multipliers. Both of these advanced millimeter-wave imaging diagnostic systems have applied the latest techniques. A novel design philosophy “general optics structure” has been employed for the design of the ECEI and MIR receiver optics with large aperture. The extended radial and poloidal coverage of ECEI on EAST is made possible by innovations in the design of front-end optics. The front-end optical structures of the two imaging diagnostics, ECEI and MIR, have been integrated into a compact system, including the ECEI receiver and MIR transmitter and receiver. Two imaging systems share the same mid-plane port for simultaneous, co-located 2D fluctuation measurements of electron density and temperature. An intelligent remote-control is utilized in the MIR electronics systems to maintain focusing at the desired radial region even with density variations by remotely tuning the probe frequencies in about 200 μs. A similar intelligent technique has also been applied on the ECEI IF system, with remote configuration of the attenuations for each channel.« less

Millimeter-wave imaging diagnostics systems on the EAST tokamak (invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Y. L.; Xie, J. L.; Yu, C. X.; Zhao, Z. L.; Gao, B. X.; Chen, D. X.; Liu, W. D.; Liao, W.; Qu, C. M.; Luo, C.; Hu, X.; Spear, A. G.; Luhmann, N. C.; Domier, C. W.; Chen, M.; Ren, X.; Tobias, B. J.

2016-11-01

Millimeter-wave imaging diagnostics, with large poloidal span and wide radial range, have been developed on the EAST tokamak for visualization of 2D electron temperature and density fluctuations. A 384 channel (24 poloidal × 16 radial) Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) system in F-band (90-140 GHz) was installed on the EAST tokamak in 2012 to provide 2D electron temperature fluctuation images with high spatial and temporal resolution. A co-located Microwave Imaging Reflectometry (MIR) will be installed for imaging of density fluctuations by December 2016. This "4th generation" MIR system has eight independent frequency illumination beams in W-band (75-110 GHz) driven by fast tuning synthesizers and active multipliers. Both of these advanced millimeter-wave imaging diagnostic systems have applied the latest techniques. A novel design philosophy "general optics structure" has been employed for the design of the ECEI and MIR receiver optics with large aperture. The extended radial and poloidal coverage of ECEI on EAST is made possible by innovations in the design of front-end optics. The front-end optical structures of the two imaging diagnostics, ECEI and MIR, have been integrated into a compact system, including the ECEI receiver and MIR transmitter and receiver. Two imaging systems share the same mid-plane port for simultaneous, co-located 2D fluctuation measurements of electron density and temperature. An intelligent remote-control is utilized in the MIR electronics systems to maintain focusing at the desired radial region even with density variations by remotely tuning the probe frequencies in about 200 μs. A similar intelligent technique has also been applied on the ECEI IF system, with remote configuration of the attenuations for each channel.

Fine tuning of transmission features in nanoporous anodic alumina distributed Bragg reflectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Siew Yee; Law, Cheryl Suwen; Santos, Abel

2018-01-01

This study introduces an innovative apodisation strategy to tune the filtering features of distributed Bragg reflectors based on nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA-DBRs). The effective medium of NAA-DBRs, which is modulated in a stepwise fashion by a pulse-like anodisation approach, is apodised following a logarithmic negative function to engineer the transmission features of NAA-DBRs. We investigate the effect of various apodisation parameters such as apodisation amplitude difference, anodisation period, current density offset and pore widening time, to tune and optimise the optical properties of NAA-DBRs in terms of central wavelength position, full width at half maximum and quality of photonic stop band. The transmission features of NAA-DBRs are shown to be fully controllable with precision across the spectral regions by means of the apodisation parameters. Our study demonstrates that an apodisation strategy can significantly narrow the width and enhance the quality of the characteristic photonic stop band of NAA-DBRs. This rationally designed anodisation approach based on the combination of apodisation and stepwise pulse anodisation enables the development of optical filters with tuneable filtering features to be integrated into optical technologies acting as essential photonic elements in devices such as optical sensors and biosensors.

Merging parallel optics packaging and surface mount technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopp, Christophe; Volpert, Marion; Routin, Julien; Bernabé, Stéphane; Rossat, Cyrille; Tournaire, Myriam; Hamelin, Régis

2008-02-01

Optical links are well known to present significant advantages over electrical links for very high-speed data rate at 10Gpbs and above per channel. However, the transition towards optical interconnects solutions for short and very short reach applications requires the development of innovative packaging solutions that would deal with very high volume production capability and very low cost per unit. Moreover, the optoelectronic transceiver components must be able to move from the edge to anywhere on the printed circuit board, for instance close to integrated circuits with high speed IO. In this paper, we present an original packaging design to manufacture parallel optic transceivers that are surface mount devices. The package combines highly integrated Multi-Chip-Module on glass and usual IC ceramics packaging. The use of ceramic and the development of sealing technologies achieve hermetic requirements. Moreover, thanks to a chip scale package approach the final device exhibits a much minimized footprint. One of the main advantages of the package is its flexibility to be soldered or plugged anywhere on the printed circuit board as any other electronic device. As a demonstrator we present a 2 by 4 10Gbps transceiver operating at 850nm.

Dynamic virtual optical network embedding in spectral and spatial domains over elastic optical networks with multicore fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Ruijie; Zhao, Yongli; Yang, Hui; Tan, Yuanlong; Chen, Haoran; Zhang, Jie; Jue, Jason P.

2016-08-01

Network virtualization can eradicate the ossification of the infrastructure and stimulate innovation of new network architectures and applications. Elastic optical networks (EONs) are ideal substrate networks for provisioning flexible virtual optical network (VON) services. However, as network traffic continues to increase exponentially, the capacity of EONs will reach the physical limitation soon. To further increase network flexibility and capacity, the concept of EONs is extended into the spatial domain. How to map the VON onto substrate networks by thoroughly using the spectral and spatial resources is extremely important. This process is called VON embedding (VONE).Considering the two kinds of resources at the same time during the embedding process, we propose two VONE algorithms, the adjacent link embedding algorithm (ALEA) and the remote link embedding algorithm (RLEA). First, we introduce a model to solve the VONE problem. Then we design the embedding ability measurement of network elements. Based on the network elements' embedding ability, two VONE algorithms were proposed. Simulation results show that the proposed VONE algorithms could achieve better performance than the baseline algorithm in terms of blocking probability and revenue-to-cost ratio.

Preliminary calibration results of the wide angle camera of the imaging instrument OSIRIS for the Rosetta mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Da Deppo, V.; Naletto, G.; Nicolosi, P.; Zambolin, P.; De Cecco, M.; Debei, S.; Parzianello, G.; Ramous, P.; Zaccariotto, M.; Fornasier, S.; Verani, S.; Thomas, N.; Barthol, P.; Hviid, S. F.; Sebastian, I.; Meller, R.; Sierks, H.; Keller, H. U.; Barbieri, C.; Angrilli, F.; Lamy, P.; Rodrigo, R.; Rickman, H.; Wenzel, K. P.

2017-11-01

Rosetta is one of the cornerstone missions of the European Space Agency for having a rendezvous with the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014. The imaging instrument on board the satellite is OSIRIS (Optical, Spectroscopic and Infrared Remote Imaging System), a cooperation among several European institutes, which consists of two cameras: a Narrow (NAC) and a Wide Angle Camera (WAC). The WAC optical design is an innovative one: it adopts an all reflecting, unvignetted and unobstructed two mirror configuration which allows to cover a 12° × 12° field of view with an F/5.6 aperture and gives a nominal contrast ratio of about 10-4. The flight model of this camera has been successfully integrated and tested in our laboratories, and finally has been integrated on the satellite which is now waiting to be launched in February 2004. In this paper we are going to describe the optical characteristics of the camera, and to summarize the results so far obtained with the preliminary calibration data. The analysis of the optical performance of this model shows a good agreement between theoretical performance and experimental results.

Simulation of the fixed optical path difference of near infrared wind imaging interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, Piao; Zhang, Chunmin; Yan, Tingyu; Liu, Dongdong; Li, Yanfen

2017-02-01

As an important part of the earth, atmosphere plays a vital role in filtering the solar radiation, adjusting the temperature and organizing the water circulation and keeping human survival. The passive atmospheric wind measurement is based on the imaging interferometer technology and Doppler effect of electromagnetic wave. By using the wind imaging interferometer to get four interferograms of airglow emission lines, the atmospheric wind velocity, temperature, pressure and emission rate can be derived. Exploring the multi-functional and integrated innovation of detecting wind temperature, wind velocity and trace gas has become a research focus in the field. In the present paper, the impact factors of the fixed optical path difference(OPD) of near infrared wind imaging interferometer(NIWII) are analyzed and the optimum value of the fixed optical path difference is simulated, yielding the optimal results of the fixed optical path difference is 20 cm in near infrared wave band (the O2(a1Δg) airglow emission at 1.27 microns). This study aims at providing theoretical basis and technical support for the detection of stratosphere near infrared wind field and giving guidance for the design and development of near infrared wind imaging interferometer.

Systematic review of innovation design contests for health: spurring innovation and mass engagement

PubMed Central

Pan, Stephen W; Stein, Gabriella; Bayus, Barry; Tang, Weiming; Mathews, Allison; Wang, Cheng; Wei, Chongyi; Tucker, Joseph D

2018-01-01

We undertook a systematic review evaluating the effectiveness and cost of health-focused innovation design contests. We followed Cochrane guidance and systematically searched eight databases. Articles were included if they reported an open contest focused on improving health, required participants submit finished design solutions and contained a prize structure. We searched 3579 citations, identifying 29 health-focused innovation design contests which collectively received 15494 contest submissions. Contests solicited submissions worldwide (7) and exclusively from North America (13), Asia (4), Africa (2), Australia (2) and Europe (1). Submissions per contest ranged from 3 to 11354 (median of 73). Contest entrants were tasked with helping develop health promotion messages (HPM) (25) and improve predictive clinical models, protocols and/or algorithms (4). Two types of contests emerged—those focused on high-quality, innovative outcomes and those focused on the process of mass community engagement. All outcome-oriented contests had innovation design contest solutions equivalent or superior to the comparator (100%; 7/7). Two of two studies found that innovation design contests saved money (100%; 2/2). Five of seven process-oriented contests concluded the contest improved at least one health indicator (71%; 5/7). Innovation design contests are an effective way to solicit innovative solutions to health problems and spur mass community engagement. PMID:29576873

Systematic review of innovation design contests for health: spurring innovation and mass engagement.

PubMed

Pan, Stephen W; Stein, Gabriella; Bayus, Barry; Tang, Weiming; Mathews, Allison; Wang, Cheng; Wei, Chongyi; Tucker, Joseph D

2017-01-01

We undertook a systematic review evaluating the effectiveness and cost of health-focused innovation design contests. We followed Cochrane guidance and systematically searched eight databases. Articles were included if they reported an open contest focused on improving health, required participants submit finished design solutions and contained a prize structure. We searched 3579 citations, identifying 29 health-focused innovation design contests which collectively received 15494 contest submissions. Contests solicited submissions worldwide (7) and exclusively from North America (13), Asia (4), Africa (2), Australia (2) and Europe (1). Submissions per contest ranged from 3 to 11354 (median of 73). Contest entrants were tasked with helping develop health promotion messages (HPM) (25) and improve predictive clinical models, protocols and/or algorithms (4). Two types of contests emerged-those focused on high-quality, innovative outcomes and those focused on the process of mass community engagement. All outcome-oriented contests had innovation design contest solutions equivalent or superior to the comparator (100%; 7/7). Two of two studies found that innovation design contests saved money (100%; 2/2). Five of seven process-oriented contests concluded the contest improved at least one health indicator (71%; 5/7). Innovation design contests are an effective way to solicit innovative solutions to health problems and spur mass community engagement.

Research and exploration of product innovative design for function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Donglin; Wei, Zihui; Wang, Youjiang; Tan, Runhua

2009-07-01

Products innovation is under the prerequisite of realizing the new function, the realization of the new function must solve the contradiction. A new process model of new product innovative design was proposed based on Axiomatic Design (AD) Theory and Functional Structure Analysis (FSA), imbedded Principle of Solving Contradiction. In this model, employ AD Theory to guide FSA, determine the contradiction for the realization of the principle solution. To provide powerful support for innovative design tools in principle solution, Principle of Solving Contradiction in the model were imbedded, so as to boost up the innovation of principle solution. As a case study, an innovative design of button battery separator paper punching machine has been achieved with application of the proposed model.

Emerging applications of label-free optical biosensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanchetta, Giuliano; Lanfranco, Roberta; Giavazzi, Fabio; Bellini, Tommaso; Buscaglia, Marco

2017-01-01

Innovative technical solutions to realize optical biosensors with improved performance are continuously proposed. Progress in material fabrication enables developing novel substrates with enhanced optical responses. At the same time, the increased spectrum of available biomolecular tools, ranging from highly specific receptors to engineered bioconjugated polymers, facilitates the preparation of sensing surfaces with controlled functionality. What remains often unclear is to which extent this continuous innovation provides effective breakthroughs for specific applications. In this review, we address this challenging question for the class of label-free optical biosensors, which can provide a direct signal upon molecular binding without using secondary probes. Label-free biosensors have become a consolidated approach for the characterization and screening of molecular interactions in research laboratories. However, in the last decade, several examples of other applications with high potential impact have been proposed. We review the recent advances in label-free optical biosensing technology by focusing on the potential competitive advantage provided in selected emerging applications, grouped on the basis of the target type. In particular, direct and real-time detection allows the development of simpler, compact, and rapid analytical methods for different kinds of targets, from proteins to DNA and viruses. The lack of secondary interactions facilitates the binding of small-molecule targets and minimizes the perturbation in single-molecule detection. Moreover, the intrinsic versatility of label-free sensing makes it an ideal platform to be integrated with biomolecular machinery with innovative functionality, as in case of the molecular tools provided by DNA nanotechnology.

An innovative Yb-based ultrafast deep ultraviolet source for time-resolved photoemission experiments

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

Boschini, F.; Hedayat, H.; Dallera, C.

2014-12-15

Time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy is a powerful technique to study ultrafast electronic dynamics in solids. Here, an innovative optical setup based on a 100-kHz Yb laser source is presented. Exploiting non-collinear optical parametric amplification and sum-frequency generation, ultrashort pump (hν = 1.82 eV) and ultraviolet probe (hν = 6.05 eV) pulses are generated. Overall temporal and instrumental energy resolutions of, respectively, 85 fs and 50 meV are obtained. Time- and angle-resolved measurements on BiTeI semiconductor are presented to show the capabilities of the setup.

Designing the design at JPL'S innovation foundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balint, Tibor S.; Freeman, Anthony

2017-08-01

NASA is a dynamic and living organization. Looking at it through the optics of cybernetics, we can describe it as an autopoietic system. It has to sustain itself, and compete successfully to be viable. Its organizational elements have to interact with the broader environment by maintaining and improving its processes that generate the means for future sustainability. It also needs to bring up follow-on generations who are not simply aligning with the status quo, but also improve the system's viability. For government-run programs, organizational, programmatic and project management practices are often rigidly linear. They can be characterized as observed first-order cybernetic systems, where the paradigm is bound by well-established requirements. At the implementation level this does not readily accommodate flexibility and change. To address this, broadening the system's worldview is needed from the strategic level. This corresponds to an observing second-order cybernetic system, where strategic leadership can overwrite the rules of a first-order system. Changing the worldview of an organization can be complex and face much resistance. Still, with the appropriate strategic-level support, it can be achieved by introducing novel languages, new perspectives, and adding new disciplines to existing ones. In effect, this helps to broaden the organizational paradigm, and subsequently influence its mission, impact the culture, and open up its core processes. These changes can be effectively introduced through design conversations in the early formulation stages, when new ideas are conceived. Within NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, early-stage concept developments are performed at a specially formulated environment, called the Innovation Foundry. Within this office, a continuous effort is being made on designing the design processes, which helps to broaden the variety of the option trades. It is achieved by an added focus on conversations and the inclusion of non-engineering disciplines, such as industrial and graphic design, human centered design, and even art. Communicating the information more effectively through conversations and symbolic means benefits from the skills of human centered designers and artists. In this paper we will discuss how design is being designed at JPL's Innovation Foundry, by focusing on novel languages, storytelling, conversations, boundary objects in support of improved communications both externally to stakeholders and sponsors, and internally within the design teams. We will also highlight how these new design driven approaches provide a strategic strength for the organization when competing for funding in a resource-constrained environment.

NREL Technologies Win National Awards

Science.gov Websites

Development Magazine. The annual awards recognize the years 100 most important, unique and useful innovations . The magazine recognized PV Optics as one of the most important technological advances of 1997. PV these innovations reflects the breadth of resources that the labs are using to solve practical problems

Open innovation at the Abbe School of Photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helgert, Christian; Geiss, Reinhard; Nolte, Stefan; Eilenberger, Falk; Zakoth, David; Mauroner, Oliver; Pertsch, Thomas

2017-08-01

The Abbe School of Photonics (ASP) provides and coordinates the optics and photonics education of graduate and doctoral students at the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany. The internationalized Master's degree program is the key activity in training students in the optical sciences. The program is designed to provide them with the skills necessary to fill challenging positions in industry and academia. Here, an essential factor is ASP's close collaboration with more than 20 German photonics companies. To sustain these partners' future economic development, the availability of highly qualified employees is constantly required. Accordingly, these industrial partners, the European Union, the local state and the federal German government are strongly involved in the sustainable development of ASP's curriculum by both conceptual and financial engagements. The main goal is to promote the students' academic careers and job experience in the photonics industry as well as in academia. To open up the program to students from all over the world, all ASP lectures and courses are taught in English. ASP's qualification strategy is fully research-oriented and based on the principles of academic freedom, competitive research conditions and internationalization at all levels. The education program is complemented by a structured doctoral student support and a prestigious guest professorship program. Recently, ASP and partners have started a project to build an open photonics laboratory in order to foster innovative and co-creative processes. The idea follows well-established open innovation schemes e.g. in electronics. This Photon Garage (German: "Lichtwerkstatt") will bring together professionals and interested laymen from different backgrounds to approach pertinent challenges in photonics. Here, we will share our latest insights into the potentials and opportunities offered by this novel educative approach.

Spinoff 2012

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2013-01-01

Topics covered include: Water Treatment Technologies Inspire Healthy Beverages; Dietary Formulas Fortify Antioxidant Supplements; Rovers Pave the Way for Hospital Robots; Dry Electrodes Facilitate Remote Health Monitoring; Telescope Innovations Improve Speed, Accuracy of Eye Surgery; Superconductors Enable Lower Cost MRI Systems; Anti-Icing Formulas Prevent Train Delays; Shuttle Repair Tools Automate Vehicle Maintenance; Pressure-Sensitive Paints Advance Rotorcraft Design Testing; Speech Recognition Interfaces Improve Flight Safety; Polymers Advance Heat Management Materials for Vehicles; Wireless Sensors Pinpoint Rotorcraft Troubles; Ultrasonic Detectors Safely Identify Dangerous, Costly Leaks; Detectors Ensure Function, Safety of Aircraft Wiring; Emergency Systems Save Tens of Thousands of Lives; Oxygen Assessments Ensure Safer Medical Devices; Collaborative Platforms Aid Emergency Decision Making; Space-Inspired Trailers Encourage Exploration on Earth; Ultra-Thin Coatings Beautify Art; Spacesuit Materials Add Comfort to Undergarments; Gigapixel Images Connect Sports Teams with Fans; Satellite Maps Deliver More Realistic Gaming; Elemental Scanning Devices Authenticate Works of Art; Microradiometers Reveal Ocean Health, Climate Change; Sensors Enable Plants to Text Message Farmers; Efficient Cells Cut the Cost of Solar Power; Shuttle Topography Data Inform Solar Power Analysis; Photocatalytic Solutions Create Self-Cleaning Surfaces; Concentrators Enhance Solar Power Systems; Innovative Coatings Potentially Lower Facility Maintenance Costs; Simulation Packages Expand Aircraft Design Options; Web Solutions Inspire Cloud Computing Software; Behavior Prediction Tools Strengthen Nanoelectronics; Power Converters Secure Electronics in Harsh Environments; Diagnostics Tools Identify Faults Prior to Failure; Archiving Innovations Preserve Essential Historical Records; Meter Designs Reduce Operation Costs for Industry; Commercial Platforms Allow Affordable Space Research; Fiber Optics Deliver Real-Time Structural Monitoring; Camera Systems Rapidly Scan Large Structures; Terahertz Lasers Reveal Information for 3D Images; Thin Films Protect Electronics from Heat and Radiation; Interferometers Sharpen Measurements for Better Telescopes; and Vision Systems Illuminate Industrial Processes.

Pushing the polymer envelope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolley, Paul R.

2005-09-01

The pressure to "push the polymer envelope" is clear, given the exploding range of demanding applications with optical components. There are two keys to success: 1. Expanded range of polymers with suitable optical properties. 2. Sophisticated manufacturing process options with an overall system perspective: -Tolerances and costs established relative to need (proof-of-concept, prototype, low to high volume production). -Designed to integrate into an assembly that meets all environmental constraints, not just size and weight, which are natural polymer advantages. (Withstanding extreme temperatures and chemical exposure is often critical, as are easy clean-up and general resistance to surface damage.) -Highly repeatable. The thesis of this paper is that systematically innovating processes we already understand on materials we already know can deliver big returns. To illustrate, we introduce HRDT1, High Refraction Diamond Turning, a patent-pending processing option to significantly reduce total costs for high index, high thermal applications.

Study on 3-inch Hamamatsu photomultipliers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giordano, Valentina; Aiello, Sebastiano; Leonora, Emanuele

2016-07-01

Several kinds of photomultipliers are widely used in astroparticle physics detectors to measure Cherenkov light in media like water or ice. In neutrino telescopes the key element of the detector is the optical module, which consists of one or more photodetectors inside a transparent pressure-resistant glass sphere. It serves as mechanical protection while ensuring good light transmission. The KM3NeT collaboration has developed an innovative design of an optical module composed by 31 photomultipliers (PMTs) of 3-inch diameter housed in a 17-inch glass shpere. The performance of the telescope is largely dependent on the presence on noise pulses present on the anode of the photomultipliers. A study was conducted of noise pulses of Hamamatsu 3-inch diameter photomultipliers measuring time and charge distributions of dark pulses, pre-pulses, delayed pulses and after-pulses, focusing in particular on analysis on multiple afterpulses. Effects of the Earth's magnetic field on 3-inch PMTs were also studied.

SRAO: optical design and the dual-knife-edge WFS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziegler, Carl; Law, Nicholas M.; Tokovinin, Andrei

2016-07-01

The Southern Robotic Adaptive Optics (SRAO) instrument will bring the proven high-efficiency capabilities of Robo-AO to the Southern-Hemisphere, providing the unique capability to image with high-angular-resolution thousands of targets per year across the entire sky. Deployed on the modern 4.1m SOAR telescope located on Cerro Tololo, the NGS AO system will use an innovative dual-knife-edge wavefront sensor, similar to a pyramid sensor, to enable guiding on targets down to V=16 with diffraction limited resolution in the NIR. The dual-knife-edge wavefront sensor can be up to two orders of magnitude less costly than custom glass pyramids, with similar wavefront error sensitivity and minimal chromatic aberrations. SRAO is capable of observing hundreds of targets a night through automation, allowing confirmation and characterization of the large number of exoplanets produced by current and future missions.

Development of a near-infrared high-resolution spectrograph (WINERED) for a survey of bulge stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsujimoto, T.; Kobayashi, N.; Yasui, C.; Kondo, S.; Minami, A.; Motohara, K.; Ikeda, Y.; Gouda, N.

2008-07-01

We are developing a new near-infrared high-resolution (R[max] = 100,000) and high-sensitive spectrograph WINERED, which is specifically customized for short NIR bands at 0.9 1.35 μm. WINERED employs an innovative optical system; a portable design and a warm optics without any cold stops. The planned astrometric space mission JASMINE will provide precise positions, distances, and proper motions of the bulge stars. The missing components, the radial velocity and chemical composition will be measured by WINERED. These combined data brought by JASMINE and WINERED will certainly reveal the nature of the Galactic bulge. We plan to complete this instrument for observations of single objects by the end of 2008 and to attach it to various 4 10m telescopes as a PI-type instrument. We hope to upgrade WINERED with a multi-object feed in the future for efficient survey of the JASMINE bulge stars.

Development and testing of Parabolic Dish Concentrator No. 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dennison, E. W.; Thostesen, T. O.

1984-01-01

Parabolic Dish Concentrator No. 1 (PDC-1) is a 12-m-diameter prototype concentrator with low life-cycle costs for use with thermal-to-electric energy conversion devices. The concentrator assembly features panels made of a resin transfer molded balsa core/fiberglass sandwich with plastic reflective film as the reflective surface and a ribbed framework to hold the panels in place. The concentrator assembly tracks in azimuth and elevation on a base frame riding on a circular track. It is shown that the panels do not exhibit the proper parabolic contour. However, thermal gradients were discovered in the panels with daily temperature changes. The PDC-1 has sufficient optical quality to operate satisfactorily in a dish-electric system. The PDC-1 development provides the impetus for creating innovative optical testing methods and valuable information for use in designing and fabricating concentrators of future dish-electric systems.

A decade of innovation with laser speckle metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ettemeyer, Andreas

2003-05-01

Speckle Pattern Interferometry has emerged from the experimental substitution of holographic interferometry to become a powerful problem solving tool in research and industry. The rapid development of computer and digital imaging techniques in combination with minaturization of the optical equipment led to new applications which had not been anticipated before. While classical holographic interferometry had always required careful consideration of the environmental conditions such as vibration, noise, light, etc. and could generally only be performed in the optical laboratory, it is now state of the art, to handle portable speckle measuring equipment at almost any place. During the last decade, the change in design and technique has dramatically influenced the range of applications of speckle metrology and opened new markets. The integration of recent research results into speckle measuring equipment has led to handy equipment, simplified the operation and created high quality data output.

Observing Exoplanets in the Mid-Ultraviolet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heap. Sara

2008-01-01

There are good reasons for pushing the spectral range of observation to shorter wavelengths than currently envisaged for terrestrial planet-finding missions utilizing with a 4-m, diffraction-limited, optical telescope: (1) The angular resolution is higher, so the image of an exoplanet is better separated from that of the much brighter star. (2) The exozodiacal background per resolution element is smaller, so exposure times are reduced for the same incident flux. (3) Most importantly, the sensitivity to the ozone biomarker is increased by several hundred-fold by access to the ozone absorption band at 250-300 nm. These benefits must be weighed against challenges arising from the faintness of exoplanets in the mid-UV. We will evaluate both the technical and cost challenges including image quality of large telescopes, advanced mirror coatings and innovative designs for enhanced optical throughput, and CCD detectors optimized for 250-400 nm.

Multidisciplinary Analysis of the NEXUS Precursor Space Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Weck, Olivier L.; Miller, David W.; Mosier, Gary E.

2002-12-01

A multidisciplinary analysis is demonstrated for the NEXUS space telescope precursor mission. This mission was originally designed as an in-space technology testbed for the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST). One of the main challenges is to achieve a very tight pointing accuracy with a sub-pixel line-of-sight (LOS) jitter budget and a root-mean-square (RMS) wavefront error smaller than λ/50 despite the presence of electronic and mechanical disturbances sources. The analysis starts with the assessment of the performance for an initial design, which turns out not to meet the requirements. Twentyfive design parameters from structures, optics, dynamics and controls are then computed in a sensitivity and isoperformance analysis, in search of better designs. Isoperformance allows finding an acceptable design that is well "balanced" and does not place undue burden on a single subsystem. An error budget analysis shows the contributions of individual disturbance sources. This paper might be helpful in analyzing similar, innovative space telescope systems in the future.

77 FR 28883 - Cooperative Agreement To Support Innovation in Vaccine Clinical Trial Design and Collaboration in...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-16

... years there has been interest in finding innovative study designs to speed development of promising new... various types of adaptive trial designs and other innovations in clinical study designs. 2. Improving... of study designs, individual risk perception, and vaccination choice. One approach to obtain this...

Lithography alternatives meet design style reality: How do they "line" up?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smayling, Michael C.

2016-03-01

Optical lithography resolution scaling has stalled, giving innovative alternatives a window of opportunity. One important factor that impacts these lithographic approaches is the transition in design style from 2D to 1D for advanced CMOS logic. Just as the transition from 3D circuits to 2D fabrication 50 years ago created an opportunity for a new breed of electronics companies, the transition today presents exciting and challenging time for lithographers. Today, we are looking at a range of non-optical lithography processes. Those considered here can be broadly categorized: self-aligned lithography, self-assembled lithography, deposition lithography, nano-imprint lithography, pixelated e-beam lithography, shot-based e-beam lithography .Do any of these alternatives benefit from or take advantage of 1D layout? Yes, for example SAPD + CL (Self Aligned Pitch Division combined with Complementary Lithography). This is a widely adopted process for CMOS nodes at 22nm and below. Can there be additional design / process co-optimization? In spite of the simple-looking nature of 1D layout, the placement of "cut" in the lines and "holes" for interlayer connections can be tuned for a given process capability. Examples of such optimization have been presented at this conference, typically showing a reduction of at least one in the number of cut or hole patterns needed.[1,2] Can any of the alternatives complement each other or optical lithography? Yes.[3] For example, DSA (Directed Self Assembly) combines optical lithography with self-assembly. CEBL (Complementary e-Beam Lithography) combines optical lithography with SAPD for lines with shot-based e-beam lithography for cuts and holes. Does one (shrinking) size fit all? No, that's why we have many alternatives. For example NIL (Nano-imprint Lithography) has been introduced for NAND Flash patterning where the (trending lower) defectivity is acceptable for the product. Deposition lithography has been introduced in 3D NAND Flash to set the channel length of select and memory transistors.

Inventive Performance Improvement of Integrated Optical Rate Sensor Using TIPS/TRIZ

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blosiu, Julian O.; Youmans, Bruce R.; Kowalick, Jim

1996-01-01

The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TIPS or also known as TRIZ) is a new scientific approach to innovative improvements of products and processes. This methodology was applied to inventively improve performance of an Integrated Optic Rate Sensor (IORS).

Development of a one-dimensional Position Sensitive Detector for tracking applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lydecker, Leigh Kent, IV

Optical Position Sensitive Detectors (PSDs) are a non-contact method of tracking the location of a light spot. Silicon-based versions of such sensors are fabricated with standard CMOS processing, are inexpensive and provide a real-time, analog signal output corresponding to the position of the light spot. Because they are non-contact, they do not degrade over time from surface friction due to repetitive sliding motion associated with standard full contact sliding potentiometers. This results in long, reliable device lifetimes. In this work, an innovative PSD was developed to replace the linear hard contact potentiometer currently being used in a human-computer interface architecture. First, a basic lateral effect PSD was developed to provide real-time positioning of the mouthpiece used in the interface architecture which tracks along a single axis. During the course of this work, multiple device geometries were fabricated and analyzed resulting in a down selection of a final design. This final device design was then characterized in terms of resolution and responsivity and produced in larger quantities as initial prototypes for the test product integration. Finally, an electronic readout circuit was developed in order to interface the dual- line lateral effect PSD developed in this thesis with specifications required for product integration. To simplify position sensing, an innovative type of optical position sensor was developed using a linear photodiodes with back-to-back connections. This so- called Self-Balancing Position Sensitive Detector (SBPSD) requires significantly fewer processing steps than the basic lateral effect position sensitive detector discussed above and eliminates the need for external readout circuitry entirely. Prototype devices were fabricated in this work, and the performance characteristics of these devices were established paving the way for ultimate integration into the target product as well as additional applications.

Explosives detection and identification using surface plasmon-coupled emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ja, Shiou-Jyh

2012-06-01

To fight against the explosives-related threats in defense and homeland security applications, a smarter sensing device that not only detects but differentiates multiple true threats from false positives caused by environmental interferents is essential. A new optical detection system is proposed to address these issues by using the temporal and spectroscopic information generated by the surface plasmon coupling emission (SPCE) effect. Innovative SPCE optics have been designed using Zemax software to project the fluorescence signal into clear "rainbow rings" on a CCD with subnanometer wavelength resolution. The spectroscopic change of the fluorescence signal and the time history of such changes due to the presence of a certain explosive analyte are unique and can be used to identify explosives. Thanks to high optical efficiency, reporter depositions as small as 160-μm in diameter can generate a sufficient signal, allowing a dense array of different reporters to be interrogated with wavelength multiplexing and detect a wide range of explosives. We have demonstrated detection and classification of explosives, such as TNT, NT, NM, RDX, PETN, and AN, with two sensing materials in a prototype.

High-efficiency UV/optical/NIR detectors for large aperture telescopes and UV explorer missions: development of and field observations with delta-doped arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikzad, Shouleh; Jewell, April D.; Hoenk, Michael E.; Jones, Todd J.; Hennessy, John; Goodsall, Tim; Carver, Alexander G.; Shapiro, Charles; Cheng, Samuel R.; Hamden, Erika T.; Kyne, Gillian; Martin, D. Christopher; Schiminovich, David; Scowen, Paul; France, Kevin; McCandliss, Stephan; Lupu, Roxana E.

2017-07-01

Exciting concepts are under development for flagship, probe class, explorer class, and suborbital class NASA missions in the ultraviolet/optical spectral range. These missions will depend on high-performance silicon detector arrays being delivered affordably and in high numbers. To that end, we have advanced delta-doping technology to high-throughput and high-yield wafer-scale processing, encompassing a multitude of state-of-the-art silicon-based detector formats and designs. We have embarked on a number of field observations, instrument integrations, and independent evaluations of delta-doped arrays. We present recent data and innovations from JPL's Advanced Detectors and Systems Program, including two-dimensional doping technology, JPL's end-to-end postfabrication processing of high-performance UV/optical/NIR arrays and advanced coatings for detectors. While this paper is primarily intended to provide an overview of past work, developments are identified and discussed throughout. Additionally, we present examples of past, in-progress, and planned observations and deployments of delta-doped arrays.

Diode-based additive manufacturing of metals using an optically-addressable light valve

DOE PAGES

Matthews, Manyalibo J.; Guss, Gabe; Drachenberg, Derrek R.; ...

2017-05-10

We present that Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of metal powder bed layers, whereby 3D metal objects can be printed from a digital file with unprecedented design flexibility, is spurring manufacturing innovations in medical, automotive, aerospace and textile industries. Because SLM is based on raster-scanning a laser beam over each layer, the process is relatively slow compared to most traditional manufacturing methods (hours to days), thus limiting wider spread use. Here we demonstrate the use of a large area, photolithographic method for 3D metal printing, using an optically-addressable light valve (OALV) as the photomask, to print entire layers of metal powdermore » at once. An optical sheet of multiplexed ~5 kW, 20 ms laser diode and ~1 MW, 7 ns Q-switched laser pulses are used to selectively melt each layer. Finally, the patterning of near infrared light is accomplished by imaging 470 nm light onto the transmissive OALV, which consists of polarization-selective nematic liquid crystal sandwiched between a photoconductor and transparent conductor for switching.« less

Annular solid-immersion lenslet array super-resolution optical microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liau, Z. L.

2012-10-01

We describe a novel solid-immersion lenslet array, micro-fabricated in a chip form in the high-index (3.45) gallium phosphide. The innovatively designed lenslet features an annular aperture with appropriately patterned light absorbers and antireflection coatings. The array chip is easy to handle and enables the direct deposition of the specimen of interest onto its back-plane for tight adhesion and good optical coupling. The ensuing diffraction from the near field can yield supercritical rays inside the high-index lenslet and can, therefore, overcome the refraction and critical-angle limitations. This model showed agreement with the experimental observation of the solid-immersion fluorescence microscopy imaging, in which the refracted rays were completely blocked by the annular aperture. A large longitudinal (depth) magnification effect was also predicted and showed agreement with experiment. The annular lenslet's additional advantages of improved resolution and contrast were also discussed. Resolution of nested-L patterns with grating pitch as small as 100 nm was experimentally demonstrated. The demonstrated annular solid-immersion lenslet array concept is promising for a wider use in super-resolution optical microscopy.

Integration of optical measurement methods with flight parameter measurement systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopecki, Grzegorz; Rzucidlo, Pawel

2016-05-01

During the AIM (advanced in-flight measurement techniques) and AIM2 projects, innovative modern techniques were developed. The purpose of the AIM project was to develop optical measurement techniques dedicated for flight tests. Such methods give information about aircraft elements deformation, thermal loads or pressure distribution, etc. In AIM2 the development of optical methods for flight testing was continued. In particular, this project aimed at the development of methods that could be easily applied in flight tests in an industrial setting. Another equally important task was to guarantee the synchronization of the classical measuring system with cameras. The PW-6U glider used in flight tests was provided by the Rzeszów University of Technology. The glider had all the equipment necessary for testing the IPCT (image pattern correlation technique) and IRT (infrared thermometry) methods. Additionally, equipment adequate for the measurement of typical flight parameters, registration and analysis has been developed. This article describes the designed system, as well as presenting the system’s application during flight tests. Additionally, the results obtained in flight tests show certain limitations of the IRT method as applied.

Animal coloration research: why it matters

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

While basic research on animal coloration is the theme of this special edition, here we highlight its applied significance for industry, innovation and society. Both the nanophotonic structures producing stunning optical effects and the colour perception mechanisms in animals are extremely diverse, having been honed over millions of years of evolution for many different purposes. Consequently, there is a wealth of opportunity for biomimetic and bioinspired applications of animal coloration research, spanning colour production, perception and function. Fundamental research on the production and perception of animal coloration is contributing to breakthroughs in the design of new materials (cosmetics, textiles, paints, optical coatings, security labels) and new technologies (cameras, sensors, optical devices, robots, biomedical implants). In addition, discoveries about the function of animal colour are influencing sport, fashion, the military and conservation. Understanding and applying knowledge of animal coloration is now a multidisciplinary exercise. Our goal here is to provide a catalyst for new ideas and collaborations between biologists studying animal coloration and researchers in other disciplines. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Animal coloration: production, perception, function and application’. PMID:28533451

Animal coloration research: why it matters.

PubMed

Caro, Tim; Stoddard, Mary Caswell; Stuart-Fox, Devi

2017-07-05

While basic research on animal coloration is the theme of this special edition, here we highlight its applied significance for industry, innovation and society. Both the nanophotonic structures producing stunning optical effects and the colour perception mechanisms in animals are extremely diverse, having been honed over millions of years of evolution for many different purposes. Consequently, there is a wealth of opportunity for biomimetic and bioinspired applications of animal coloration research, spanning colour production, perception and function. Fundamental research on the production and perception of animal coloration is contributing to breakthroughs in the design of new materials (cosmetics, textiles, paints, optical coatings, security labels) and new technologies (cameras, sensors, optical devices, robots, biomedical implants). In addition, discoveries about the function of animal colour are influencing sport, fashion, the military and conservation. Understanding and applying knowledge of animal coloration is now a multidisciplinary exercise. Our goal here is to provide a catalyst for new ideas and collaborations between biologists studying animal coloration and researchers in other disciplines.This article is part of the themed issue 'Animal coloration: production, perception, function and application'. © 2017 The Author(s).

Novel designs for application specific MEMS pressure sensors.

PubMed

Fragiacomo, Giulio; Reck, Kasper; Lorenzen, Lasse; Thomsen, Erik V

2010-01-01

In the framework of developing innovative microfabricated pressure sensors, we present here three designs based on different readout principles, each one tailored for a specific application. A touch mode capacitive pressure sensor with high sensitivity (14 pF/bar), low temperature dependence and high capacitive output signal (more than 100 pF) is depicted. An optical pressure sensor intrinsically immune to electromagnetic interference, with large pressure range (0-350 bar) and a sensitivity of 1 pm/bar is presented. Finally, a resonating wireless pressure sensor power source free with a sensitivity of 650 KHz/mmHg is described. These sensors will be related with their applications in harsh environment, distributed systems and medical environment, respectively. For many aspects, commercially available sensors, which in vast majority are piezoresistive, are not suited for the applications proposed.

Colorado Ultraviolet Transit Experiment: a dedicated CubeSat mission to study exoplanetary mass loss and magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleming, Brian T.; France, Kevin; Nell, Nicholas; Kohnert, Richard; Pool, Kelsey; Egan, Arika; Fossati, Luca; Koskinen, Tommi; Vidotto, Aline A.; Hoadley, Keri; Desert, Jean-Michel; Beasley, Matthew; Petit, Pascal M.

2018-01-01

The Colorado Ultraviolet Transit Experiment (CUTE) is a near-UV (2550 to 3300 Å) 6U CubeSat mission designed to monitor transiting hot Jupiters to quantify their atmospheric mass loss and magnetic fields. CUTE will probe both atomic (Mg and Fe) and molecular (OH) lines for evidence of enhanced transit absorption, and to search for evidence of early ingress due to bow shocks ahead of the planet's orbital motion. As a dedicated mission, CUTE will observe ≳100 spectroscopic transits of hot Jupiters over a nominal 7-month mission. This represents the equivalent of >700 orbits of the only other instrument capable of these measurements, the Hubble Space Telescope. CUTE efficiently utilizes the available CubeSat volume by means of an innovative optical design to achieve a projected effective area of ˜28 cm2, low instrumental background, and a spectral resolving power of R˜3000 over the primary science bandpass. These performance characteristics enable CUTE to discern transit depths between 0.1% and 1% in individual spectral absorption lines. We present the CUTE optical and mechanical design, a summary of the science motivation and expected results, and an overview of the projected fabrication, calibration, and launch timeline.

REBL: design progress toward 16 nm half-pitch maskless projection electron beam lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCord, Mark A.; Petric, Paul; Ummethala, Upendra; Carroll, Allen; Kojima, Shinichi; Grella, Luca; Shriyan, Sameet; Rettner, Charles T.; Bevis, Chris F.

2012-03-01

REBL (Reflective Electron Beam Lithography) is a novel concept for high speed maskless projection electron beam lithography. Originally targeting 45 nm HP (half pitch) under a DARPA funded contract, we are now working on optimizing the optics and architecture for the commercial silicon integrated circuit fabrication market at the equivalent of 16 nm HP. The shift to smaller features requires innovation in most major subsystems of the tool, including optics, stage, and metrology. We also require better simulation and understanding of the exposure process. In order to meet blur requirements for 16 nm lithography, we are both shrinking the pixel size and reducing the beam current. Throughput will be maintained by increasing the number of columns as well as other design optimizations. In consequence, the maximum stage speed required to meet wafer throughput targets at 16 nm will be much less than originally planned for at 45 nm. As a result, we are changing the stage architecture from a rotary design to a linear design that can still meet the throughput requirements but with more conventional technology that entails less technical risk. The linear concept also allows for simplifications in the datapath, primarily from being able to reuse pattern data across dies and columns. Finally, we are now able to demonstrate working dynamic pattern generator (DPG) chips, CMOS chips with microfabricated lenslets on top to prevent crosstalk between pixels.

Defense Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR). Volume 4. Defense Agencies Abstracts of Phase 1 Awards. 1990

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

RI 02871 Program Manager: T. DEEGAN Contract #: Title: LF DETECTION OF AIRCRAFT Topic #: DARPA90-049 Office: ID #: 50506 TECHNICAL ABSTRACT - COMBAT...INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM - PHASE I SDIO Solicitation 90.1 TORRANCE, CA 90505 Program Manager: JAMES E CRAIG Contract #: Title: NONINTRUSIVE OPTICAL

New Challenges in Tribology: Wear Assessment Using 3D Optical Scanners

PubMed Central

Valigi, Maria Cristina; Logozzo, Silvia; Affatato, Saverio

2017-01-01

Wear is a significant mechanical and clinical problem. To acquire further knowledge on the tribological phenomena that involve freeform mechanical components or medical prostheses, wear tests are performed on biomedical and industrial materials in order to solve or reduce failures or malfunctions due to material loss. Scientific and technological advances in the field of optical scanning allow the application of innovative devices for wear measurements, leading to improvements that were unimaginable until a few years ago. It is therefore important to develop techniques, based on new instrumentations, for more accurate and reproducible measurements of wear. The aim of this work is to discuss the use of innovative 3D optical scanners and an experimental procedure to detect and evaluate wear, comparing this technique with other wear evaluation methods for industrial components and biomedical devices. PMID:28772905

New Challenges in Tribology: Wear Assessment Using 3D Optical Scanners.

PubMed

Valigi, Maria Cristina; Logozzo, Silvia; Affatato, Saverio

2017-05-18

Wear is a significant mechanical and clinical problem. To acquire further knowledge on the tribological phenomena that involve freeform mechanical components or medical prostheses, wear tests are performed on biomedical and industrial materials in order to solve or reduce failures or malfunctions due to material loss. Scientific and technological advances in the field of optical scanning allow the application of innovative devices for wear measurements, leading to improvements that were unimaginable until a few years ago. It is therefore important to develop techniques, based on new instrumentations, for more accurate and reproducible measurements of wear. The aim of this work is to discuss the use of innovative 3D optical scanners and an experimental procedure to detect and evaluate wear, comparing this technique with other wear evaluation methods for industrial components and biomedical devices.

3D papillary image capturing by the stereo fundus camera system for clinical diagnosis on retina and optic nerve

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motta, Danilo A.; Serillo, André; de Matos, Luciana; Yasuoka, Fatima M. M.; Bagnato, Vanderlei S.; Carvalho, Luis A. V.

2014-03-01

Glaucoma is the second main cause of the blindness in the world and there is a tendency to increase this number due to the lifetime expectation raise of the population. Glaucoma is related to the eye conditions, which leads the damage to the optic nerve. This nerve carries visual information from eye to brain, then, if it has damage, it compromises the visual quality of the patient. In the majority cases the damage of the optic nerve is irreversible and it happens due to increase of intraocular pressure. One of main challenge for the diagnosis is to find out this disease, because any symptoms are not present in the initial stage. When is detected, it is already in the advanced stage. Currently the evaluation of the optic disc is made by sophisticated fundus camera, which is inaccessible for the majority of Brazilian population. The purpose of this project is to develop a specific fundus camera without fluorescein angiography and red-free system to accomplish 3D image of optic disc region. The innovation is the new simplified design of a stereo-optical system, in order to make capable the 3D image capture and in the same time quantitative measurements of excavation and topography of optic nerve; something the traditional fundus cameras do not do. The dedicated hardware and software is developed for this ophthalmic instrument, in order to permit quick capture and print of high resolution 3D image and videos of optic disc region (20° field-of-view) in the mydriatic and nonmydriatic mode.

A new generation of ultra-dense optical I/O for silicon photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wlodawski, Mitchell S.; Kopp, Victor I.; Park, Jongchul; Singer, Jonathan; Hubner, Eric E.; Neugroschl, Daniel; Chao, Norman; Genack, Azriel Z.

2014-03-01

In response to the optical packaging needs of a rapidly growing silicon photonics market, Chiral Photonics, Inc. (CPI) has developed a new generation of ultra-dense-channel, bi-directional, all-optical, input/output (I/O) couplers that bridge the data transport gap between standard optical fibers and photonic integrated circuits. These couplers, called Pitch Reducing Optical Fiber Arrays (PROFAs), provide a means to simultaneously match both the mode field and channel spacing (i.e. pitch) between an optical fiber array and a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). Both primary methods for optically interfacing with PICs, via vertical grating couplers (VGCs) and edge couplers, can be addressed with PROFAs. PROFAs bring the signal-carrying cores, either multimode or singlemode, of many optical fibers into close proximity within an all-glass device that can provide low loss coupling to on-chip components, including waveguides, gratings, detectors and emitters. Two-dimensional (2D) PROFAs offer more than an order of magnitude enhancement in channel density compared to conventional one-dimensional (1D) fiber arrays. PROFAs can also be used with low vertical profile solutions that simplify optoelectronic packaging while reducing PIC I/O real estate usage requirements. PROFA technology is based on a scalable production process for microforming glass preform assemblies as they are pulled through a small oven. An innovative fiber design, called the "vanishing core," enables tailoring the mode field along the length of the PROFA to meet the coupling needs of disparate waveguide technologies, such as fiber and onchip. Examples of single- and multi-channel couplers fabricated using this technology will be presented.

User roles and contributions during the new product development process in collaborative innovation communities.

PubMed

Guo, Wei; Zheng, Qing; An, Weijin; Peng, Wei

2017-09-01

Collaborative innovation (co-innovation) community emerges as a new product design platform where companies involve users in the new product development (NPD) process. Large numbers of users participate and contribute to the process voluntarily. This exploratory study investigates the heterogeneous roles of users based on a global co-innovation project in online community. Content analysis, social network analysis and cluster method are employed to measure user behaviors, distinguish user roles, and analyze user contributions. The study identifies six user roles that emerge during the NPD process in co-innovation community: project leader, active designer, generalist, communicator, passive designer, and observer. The six user roles differ in their contribution forms and quality. This paper contributes to research on co-innovation in online communities, including design team structure, user roles and their contribution to design task and solution, as well as user value along the process. In addition, the study provides practices guidance on implementing project, attracting users, and designing platform for co-innovation community practitioners. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The next generation in optical transport semiconductors: IC solutions at the system level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomatam, Badri N.

2005-02-01

In this tutorial overview, we survey some of the challenging problems facing Optical Transport and their solutions using new semiconductor-based technologies. Advances in 0.13um CMOS, SiGe/HBT and InP/HBT IC process technologies and mixed-signal design strategies are the fundamental breakthroughs that have made these solutions possible. In combination with innovative packaging and transponder/transceiver architectures IC approaches have clearly demonstrated enhanced optical link budgets with simultaneously lower (perhaps the lowest to date) cost and manufacturability tradeoffs. This paper will describe: *Electronic Dispersion Compensation broadly viewed as the overcoming of dispersion based limits to OC-192 links and extending link budgets, *Error Control/Coding also known as Forward Error Correction (FEC), *Adaptive Receivers for signal quality monitoring for real-time estimation of Q/OSNR, eye-pattern, signal BER and related temporal statistics (such as jitter). We will discuss the theoretical underpinnings of these receiver and transmitter architectures, provide examples of system performance and conclude with general market trends. These Physical layer IC solutions represent a fundamental new toolbox of options for equipment designers in addressing systems level problems. With unmatched cost and yield/performance tradeoffs, it is expected that IC approaches will provide significant flexibility in turn, for carriers and service providers who must ultimately manage the network and assure acceptable quality of service under stringent cost constraints.

Developments in damage assessment by Marie Skłodowska-Curie TRUSS ITN project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González, A.

2017-05-01

The growth of cities, the impacts of climate change and the massive cost of providing new infrastructure provide the impetus for TRUSS (Training in Reducing Uncertainty in Structural Safety), a €3.7 million Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Innovative Training Network project funded by EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, which aims to maximize the potential of infrastructure that already exists (http://trussitn.eu). For that purpose, TRUSS brings together an international, inter-sectoral and multidisciplinary collaboration between five academic and eleven industry institutions from five European countries. The project covers rail and road infrastructure, buildings and energy and marine infrastructure. This paper reports progress in fields such as advanced sensor-based structural health monitoring solutions - unmanned aerial vehicles, optical backscatter reflectometry, monitoring sensors mounted on vehicles, … - and innovative algorithms for structural designs and short- and long-term assessments of buildings, bridges, pavements, ships, ship unloaders, nuclear components and wind turbine towers that will support infrastructure operators and owners in managing their assets.

The future of EUV lithography: enabling Moore's Law in the next decade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirati, Alberto; van Schoot, Jan; Troost, Kars; van Ballegoij, Rob; Krabbendam, Peter; Stoeldraijer, Judon; Loopstra, Erik; Benschop, Jos; Finders, Jo; Meiling, Hans; van Setten, Eelco; Mika, Niclas; Dredonx, Jeannot; Stamm, Uwe; Kneer, Bernhard; Thuering, Bernd; Kaiser, Winfried; Heil, Tilmann; Migura, Sascha

2017-03-01

While EUV systems equipped with a 0.33 Numerical Aperture lenses are readying to start volume manufacturing, ASML and Zeiss are ramping up their development activities on a EUV exposure tool with Numerical Aperture greater than 0.5. The purpose of this scanner, targeting a resolution of 8nm, is to extend Moore's law throughout the next decade. A novel, anamorphic lens design, has been developed to provide the required Numerical Aperture; this lens will be paired with new, faster stages and more accurate sensors enabling Moore's law economical requirements, as well as the tight focus and overlay control needed for future process nodes. The tighter focus and overlay control budgets, as well as the anamorphic optics, will drive innovations in the imaging and OPC modelling, and possibly in the metrology concepts. Furthermore, advances in resist and mask technology will be required to image lithography features with less than 10nm resolution. This paper presents an overview of the key technology innovations and infrastructure requirements for the next generation EUV systems.

Sustaining the success of medical device innovation.

PubMed

Fearis, Paul J; Craft, Brandon

2016-11-01

Paul Fearis is CEO of Clinvue, Brandon Craft is COO of Clinvue. Clinvue is medical device innovation consultancy specializing in Insight Informed Innovation in the medical industry. Paul and Brandon are also lecturers in innovation for the 'Center for Bioengineering, Innovation & Design' Masters course in Bioengineering Innovation & Design at the Johns Hopkins University, and guest lecturers at Rice University and Virginia Tech. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Department of the Navy Innovation

Science.gov Websites

submissions is 31 January 2018. Winners will be announced in Second Quarter CY2018. Trophy Design Contest: In support of the Innovation Awards above, the trophy design contest allows creative Sailors, Marines, and available. Questions may be submitted to DON_Innovation@navy.mil Trophy Design Contest Details Design

Characterization and commissioning of the SST-1M camera for the Cherenkov Telescope Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguilar, J. A.; Bilnik, W.; Błocki, J.; Bogacz, L.; Borkowski, J.; Bulik, T.; Cadoux, F.; Christov, A.; Curyło, M.; della Volpe, D.; Dyrda, M.; Favre, Y.; Frankowski, A.; Grudnik, Ł.; Grudzińska, M.; Heller, M.; Idźkowski, B.; Jamrozy, M.; Janiak, M.; Kasperek, J.; Lalik, K.; Lyard, E.; Mach, E.; Mandat, D.; Marszałek, A.; Medina Miranda, L. D.; Michałowski, J.; Moderski, R.; Montaruli, T.; Neronov, A.; Niemiec, J.; Ostrowski, M.; Paśko, P.; Pech, M.; Porcelli, A.; Prandini, E.; Rajda, P.; Rameez, M.; Schioppa, E., Jr.; Schovanek, P.; Seweryn, K.; Skowron, K.; Sliusar, V.; Sowiński, M.; Stawarz, Ł.; Stodulska, M.; Stodulski, M.; Toscano, S.; Troyano Pujadas, I.; Walter, R.; Wiȩcek, M.; Zagdański, A.; Ziȩtara, K.; Żychowski, P.

2017-02-01

The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), the next generation very high energy gamma-rays observatory, will consist of three types of telescopes: large (LST), medium (MST) and small (SST) size telescopes. The SSTs are dedicated to the observation of gamma-rays with energy between a few TeV and a few hundreds of TeV. The SST array is expected to have 70 telescopes of different designs. The single-mirror small size telescope (SST-1 M) is one of the proposed telescope designs under consideration for the SST array. It will be equipped with a 4 m diameter segmented mirror dish and with an innovative camera based on silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). The challenge is not only to build a telescope with exceptional performance but to do it foreseeing its mass production. To address both of these challenges, the camera adopts innovative solutions both for the optical system and readout. The Photo-Detection Plane (PDP) of the camera is composed of 1296 pixels, each made of a hollow, hexagonal light guide coupled to a hexagonal SiPM designed by the University of Geneva and Hamamatsu. As no commercial ASIC would satisfy the CTA requirements when coupled to such a large sensor, dedicated preamplifier electronics have been designed. The readout electronics also use an innovative approach in gamma-ray astronomy by adopting a fully digital approach. All signals coming from the PDP are digitized in a 250 MHz Fast ADC and stored in ring buffers waiting for a trigger decision to send them to the pre-processing server where calibration and higher level triggers will decide whether the data are stored. The latest generation of FPGAs is used to achieve high data rates and also to exploit all the flexibility of the system. As an example each event can be flagged according to its trigger pattern. All of these features have been demonstrated in laboratory measurements on realistic elements and the results of these measurements will be presented in this contribution.

Non-Ge optics and low-cost electronics designs for LIR imagers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Evan; Song, Vivian W.; Zhang, James S.; Yang, Cunwu

2003-01-01

Until today, almost all objective lenses and windows of LIR imagers use crystal Germanium (Ge) as the optical material. Germanium is heavy, expensive and very sensitive to the environmental temperature change. When the temperature rises above 120° C, the lens becomes opaque. It is necessary to overcome these shortcomings. Using the analytic universal skew ray tracing formula and the automatic optical system design software developed by us, we successfully designed a 150mm/F1 objective lens using Ge and non-Ge materials for the LIR imager of the missile seeker and airborne surveillance. We also successfully designed a 25mm/F1 objective lens with large FOV of 30°x40° using only non-Ge materials for the LIR imager of the helmet mounted search and rescue system. Good image quality is obtained. The cost is less than half of the Ge lens and the high temperature resistance is much better. In order to increase the S/N ratio 4 times for the low-sensitivity UFPA, an immersed Ge lens for the UFPA is also successfully designed. Currently, most of UFPAs use high-cost Digital Signal Processing (DSP) module. The LIR imager needs at least two circuit boards. We present a design that uses low-cost Altera processor and the imager only needs one board without Thermal Electrical Cooler (TEC). Therefore, three "AA" batteries can operate the imager for more than 4 hours. By inserting data between pixels and enhance the contrast, the image from the 120x120/50μ UFPA is even better than the image from the 240x320/50μ array. This gives us an opportunity to reduce the imager cost to 2/3 of the larger format without degrading the image quality. These innovative researches give us a chance to build a small, lightweight, inexpensive, and good image quality LIR imager for homeland security and many other military and commercial applications. Two patents were pending and one was granted.

1550 nm modulating retroreflector based on coated nanoparticles for free-space optical communication.

PubMed

Rosenkrantz, Etai; Arnon, Shlomi

2015-06-10

Nowadays, there is a renaissance in the field of space exploration. Current and future missions depend on astronauts and a swarm of robots for reconnaissance. In order to reduce the power consumption, weight, and size of the robots, an asymmetric communication system may be used. This is achieved by installing modulating retroreflectors (MRRs) on one side of the link and an interrogating laser on the other side. In this paper, we theoretically study an innovative device that can serve as an MRR in the infrared range of the spectrum. The device is based on a ferroelectric PZT thin film containing TiO₂ coated Ag nanoparticles, which exhibit strong plasmonic resonance in the infrared range. After intensive analyses, which included calculations and simulations, we were able to design the device to operate at the 1550 nm wavelength. This is of great importance since the design of devices operating at 1550 nm as this wavelength is a mature technology widely used in free-space optics. Hence, this MRR can serve in asymmetric communication links relying on 1550 nm transmissions, which are also eye-safe. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time coated metal nanoparticles have been proposed to modulate light in the infrared region. The performance of this device is unique, reaching a 17.5 dB modulation contrast with only a ±2 V operating voltage. This modulator may also be used for terrestrial communication such as fiber optics and optical interconnects in future data centers.

An integration machine for the assembly of the x-ray optic units based on thin slumped glass foils for the IXO mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Civitani, M. M.; Basso, S.; Bavdaz, M.; Citterio, O.; Conconi, P.; Gallieni, D.; Ghigo, M.; Martelli, F.; Pareschi, G.; Parodi, G.; Proserpio, L.; Sironi, G.; Spiga, D.; Tagliaferri, G.; Tintori, M.; Wille, E.; Zambra, A.

2011-09-01

The International X-ray Observatory (IXO) is a joint mission concept studied by the ESA, NASA, and JAXA space agencies. The main goal of the mission design is to achieve a large effective area (>2.5m2 at 1 keV) and a good angular resolution (5 arcsec HEW at 1 keV) at the same time. The Brera Astronomical Observatory - INAF, Italy), under the support of ESA, is developing a method for the realization of the X-Ray Optical Units, based on the use of slumped thin glass segments to form densely packed modules in a Wolter type I optical configuration. In order to reach the very challenging integration requirements, it has been developed an innovative assembly approach for aligning and mounting the IXO mirror segments. The method is based on the use of an integration mould for each foil. In particular the glass segment is forced to adhere to the integration mould in order to maintain the optimal figure without deformations until the integration of the foil in the stack is completed. In this way an active correction for major existing figure errors after slumping is also achieved. Moreover reinforcing ribs are used in order to connect the facets to each-other and to realize a robust monolithic stack of plates. In this paper we present the design, the development and the validation status of a special Integration Machine (IMA) that has been specifically developed to allow the integration of the Plate Pairs into prototypal X-Ray Optical Unit stacks.

Magnetic bearings for a high-performance optical disk buffer, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hockney, Richard; Adler, Karen; Anastas, George, Jr.; Downer, James; Flynn, Frederick; Goldie, James; Gondhalekar, Vijay; Hawkey, Timothy; Johnson, Bruce

1990-01-01

The innovation investigated in this project was the application of magnetic bearing technology to the translator head of an optical-disk data storage device. Both the capability for space-based applications and improved performance are expected to result. The phase 1 effort produced: (1) detailed specifications for both the translator-head and rotary-spindel bearings; (2) candidate hardware configurations for both bearings with detail definition for the translator head; (3) required characteristics for the magnetic bearing control loops; (4) position sensor selection; and (5) definition of the required electronic functions. The principal objective of Phase 2 was the design, fabrication, assembly, and test of the magnetic bearing system for the translator head. The scope of work included: (1) mechanical design of each of the required components; (2) electrical design of the required circuitry; (3) fabrication of the component parts and bread-board electronics; (4) generation of a test plan; and (5) integration of the prototype unit and performance testing. The project has confirmed the applicability of magnetic bearing technology to suspension of the translator head of the optical disk device, and demonstrated the achievement of all performance objectives. The magnetic bearing control loops perform well, achieving 100 Hz nominal bandwidth with phase margins between 37 and 63 degrees. The worst-case position resolution is 0.02 micron in the displacement loops and 1 micron rad in the rotation loops, The system is very robust to shock disturbances, recovering smoothly even when collisions occur between the translator and frame. The unique start-up/shut-down circuit has proven very effective.

Material Testing Device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts led to two commercial instruments and a new subsidiary for Physical Sciences, Inc. (PSI). The FAST system, originally developed for testing the effect of space environment on materials, is now sold commercially for use in aging certification of materials intended for orbital operation. The Optical Temperature Monitor was designed for precise measurement of high temperatures on certain materials to be manufactured in space. The original research was extended to the development of a commercial instrument that measures and controls fuel gas temperatures in industrial boilers. PSI created PSI Environmental Instruments to market the system. The company also offers an Aerospace Measurement Service that has evolved from other SBIR contracts.

Solid State Laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

The Titan-CW Ti:sapphire (titanium-doped sapphire) tunable laser is an innovation in solid-state laser technology jointly developed by the Research and Solid State Laser Divisions of Schwartz Electro-optics, Inc. (SEO). SEO is producing the laser for the commercial market, an outgrowth of a program sponsored by Langley Research Center to develop Ti:sapphire technology for space use. SEO's Titan-CW series of Ti:sapphire tunable lasers have applicability in analytical equipment designed for qualitative analysis of carbohydrates and proteins, structural analysis of water, starch/sugar analyses, and measurements of salt in meat. Further applications are expected in semiconductor manufacture, in medicine for diagnosis and therapy, and in biochemistry.

Preliminary study, analysis and design for a power switch for digital engine actuators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beattie, E. C.; Zickwolf, H. C., Jr.

1979-01-01

Innovative control configurations using high temperature switches to operate actuator driving solenoids were studied. The impact on engine control system life cycle costs and reliability of electronic control and (ECU) heat dissipation due to power conditioning and interface drivers were addressed. Various power supply and actuation schemes were investigated, including optical signal transmission and electronics on the actuator, engine driven alternator, and inside the ECU. The use of a switching shunt power conditioner results in the most significant decrease in heat dissipation within the ECU. No overall control system reliability improvement is projected by the use of remote high temperature switches for solenoid drivers.

LAVA web-based remote simulation: enhancements for education and technology innovation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sang Il; Ng, Ka Chun; Orimoto, Takashi; Pittenger, Jason; Horie, Toshi; Adam, Konstantinos; Cheng, Mosong; Croffie, Ebo H.; Deng, Yunfei; Gennari, Frank E.; Pistor, Thomas V.; Robins, Garth; Williamson, Mike V.; Wu, Bo; Yuan, Lei; Neureuther, Andrew R.

2001-09-01

The Lithography Analysis using Virtual Access (LAVA) web site at http://cuervo.eecs.berkeley.edu/Volcano/ has been enhanced with new optical and deposition applets, graphical infrastructure and linkage to parallel execution on networks of workstations. More than ten new graphical user interface applets have been designed to support education, illustrate novel concepts from research, and explore usage of parallel machines. These applets have been improved through feedback and classroom use. Over the last year LAVA provided industry and other academic communities 1,300 session and 700 rigorous simulations per month among the SPLAT, SAMPLE2D, SAMPLE3D, TEMPEST, STORM, and BEBS simulators.

Universal quantum computation with temporal-mode bilayer square lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexander, Rafael N.; Yokoyama, Shota; Furusawa, Akira; Menicucci, Nicolas C.

2018-03-01

We propose an experimental design for universal continuous-variable quantum computation that incorporates recent innovations in linear-optics-based continuous-variable cluster state generation and cubic-phase gate teleportation. The first ingredient is a protocol for generating the bilayer-square-lattice cluster state (a universal resource state) with temporal modes of light. With this state, measurement-based implementation of Gaussian unitary gates requires only homodyne detection. Second, we describe a measurement device that implements an adaptive cubic-phase gate, up to a random phase-space displacement. It requires a two-step sequence of homodyne measurements and consumes a (non-Gaussian) cubic-phase state.

Cultivation of students' engineering designing ability based on optoelectronic system course project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Danhua; Wu, Yubin; Li, Jingping

2017-08-01

We carry out teaching based on optoelectronic related course group, aiming at junior students majored in Optoelectronic Information Science and Engineering. " Optoelectronic System Course Project " is product-designing-oriented and lasts for a whole semester. It provides a chance for students to experience the whole process of product designing, and improve their abilities to search literature, proof schemes, design and implement their schemes. In teaching process, each project topic is carefully selected and repeatedly refined to guarantee the projects with the knowledge integrity, engineering meanings and enjoyment. Moreover, we set up a top team with professional and experienced teachers, and build up learning community. Meanwhile, the communication between students and teachers as well as the interaction among students are taken seriously in order to improve their team-work ability and communicational skills. Therefore, students are not only able to have a chance to review the knowledge hierarchy of optics, electronics, and computer sciences, but also are able to improve their engineering mindset and innovation consciousness.

Design of the laser acupuncture therapeutic instrument.

PubMed

Li, Chengwei; Zhen, Huang

2006-01-01

Laser acupuncture is defined as the stimulation of traditional acupuncture points with low-intensity, non-thermal laser irradiation. It has been well applied in clinic since the 1970s; however, some traditional acupuncture manipulating methods still cannot be implemented in the design of this kind of instruments, such as lifting and thrusting manipulating method, and twisting and twirling manipulating method, which are the essential acupuncture method in traditional acupuncture. The objective of this work was to design and build a low cost portable laser acupuncture therapeutic instrument, which can implement the two essential acupuncture manipulating methods. Digital PID control theory is used to control the power of laser diode (LD), and to implement the lifting and thrusting manipulating method. Special optical system is designed to implement twisting and twirling manipulating method. M5P430 microcontroller system is used as the control centre of the instrument. The realization of lifting and thrusting manipulating method and twisting and twirling manipulating method are technological innovations in traditional acupuncture coming true in engineering.

Digital Based Media Design: The Innovative Contribution of Design Graduates from Vocational and Higher Education Sectors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doloswala, Kalika Navin; Thompson, Darrall; Toner, Phillip

2013-01-01

Design is increasingly being recognised as a key source of competitive advantage in the innovation economy of many countries. The key objective of this research was to understand the contribution by design graduates to creative industries innovative activities. Primary research was conducted to understand barriers and limitations of graduate…

Injection molding of high precision optics for LED applications made of liquid silicone rubber

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

Hopmann, Christian; Röbig, Malte

Light Emitting Diodes (LED) conquer the growing global market of lighting technologies. Due to their advantages, they are increasingly used in consumer products, in lighting applications in the home and in the mobility sector as well as in industrial applications. Particularly, with regard to the increasing use of high-power LED (HP-LED) the materials in the surrounding area of the light emitting semiconductor chip are of utmost importance. While the materials behind the semiconductor chip are optimized for maximum heat dissipation, the materials currently used for the encapsulation of the semiconductor chip (primary optics) and the secondary optics encounter their limitsmore » due to the high temperatures. In addition certain amounts of blue UV radiation degrade the currently used materials such as epoxy resins or polyurethanes for primary optics. In the context of an ongoing joint research project with various partners from the industry, an innovative manufacturing method for high precision optics for LED applications made of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is analyzed at the Institut of Plastics Processing (IKV), Aachen. The aim of this project is to utilize the material-specific advantages of high transparent LSR, especially the excellent high temperature resistance and the great freedom in design. Therefore, a high integrated injection molding process is developed. For the production of combined LED primary and secondary optics a LED board is placed in an injection mold and overmolded with LSR. Due to the integrated process and the reduction of subcomponents like the secondary optics the economics of the production process can be improved significantly. Furthermore combined LED optics offer an improved effectiveness, because there are no losses of the light power at the transition of the primary and secondary optics.« less

Ocean Surface Wave Optical Roughness - Innovative Measurement and Modeling

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

e.g. Jessup and Phadnis , 2005) have been reported. Our effort seeks to provide a more comprehensive description of the physical and optical roughness...1986: Statistics of breaking waves observed as whitecaps in the open sea, Journal of Physical Oceanography, 16, 290-297. Jessup, A.T. and Phadnis

Ocean Surface Wave Optical Roughness - Innovative Measurement and Modeling

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

e.g. Jessup and Phadnis , 2005) have been reported. Our effort seeks to provide a more comprehensive description of the physical and optical...the open sea, Journal of Physical Oceanography, 16, 290-297. Jessup, A.T. and Phadnis , K.R. 2005 Measurement of the geometric and kinematic

Fostering Integrated Learning and Faculty Collaboration through Curriculum Design: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Routhieaux, Robert L.

2015-01-01

Designing and implementing innovative curricula can enhance student learning while simultaneously fostering faculty collaboration. However, innovative curricula can also surface numerous challenges for faculty, staff, students, and administration. This case study documents the design and implementation of an innovative Master of Business…

Game-Like Technology Innovation Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Magnussen, Rikke

2011-01-01

This paper examines the methodological challenges and perspectives of designing game-like scenarios for the implementation of innovation processes in school science education. This paper presents a design-based research study of a game-like innovation scenario designed for technology education for Danish public school students aged 13-15. Students…

Patterns of Creation and Discovery: An Analysis of Defense Laboratory Patenting and Innovation

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

Manufacturing Material science, manufacturing processes AFRL RY Sensors Radio frequency and electro-optic sensing, sensor fusion, network-enabled...MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11 . SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 12. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for public release; distribution unlimited...2.2 A DOD-relevant definition of innovation as use .............................................................................. 11 2.3 Patent trends

Design, innovation, and rural creative places: Are the arts the cherry on top, or the secret sauce?

PubMed

Wojan, Timothy R; Nichols, Bonnie

2018-01-01

Creative class theory explains the positive relationship between the arts and commercial innovation as the mutual attraction of artists and other creative workers by an unobserved creative milieu. This study explores alternative theories for rural settings, by analyzing establishment-level survey data combined with data on the local arts scene. The study identifies the local contextual factors associated with a strong design orientation, and estimates the impact that a strong design orientation has on the local economy. Data on innovation and design come from a nationally representative sample of establishments in tradable industries. Latent class analysis allows identifying unobserved subpopulations comprised of establishments with different design and innovation orientations. Logistic regression allows estimating the association between an establishment's design orientation and local contextual factors. A quantile instrumental variable regression allows assessing the robustness of the logistic regression results with respect to endogeneity. An estimate of design orientation at the local level derived from the survey is used to examine variation in economic performance during the period of recovery from the Great Recession (2010-2014). Three distinct innovation (substantive, nominal, and non-innovators) and design orientations (design-integrated, "design last finish," and no systematic approach to design) are identified. Innovation- and design-intensive establishments were identified in both rural and urban areas. Rural design-integrated establishments tended to locate in counties with more highly educated workforces and containing at least one performing arts organization. A quantile instrumental variable regression confirmed that the logistic regression result is robust to endogeneity concerns. Finally, rural areas characterized by design-integrated establishments experienced faster growth in wages relative to rural areas characterized by establishments using no systematic approach to design.

Design, innovation, and rural creative places: Are the arts the cherry on top, or the secret sauce?

PubMed Central

Nichols, Bonnie

2018-01-01

Objective Creative class theory explains the positive relationship between the arts and commercial innovation as the mutual attraction of artists and other creative workers by an unobserved creative milieu. This study explores alternative theories for rural settings, by analyzing establishment-level survey data combined with data on the local arts scene. The study identifies the local contextual factors associated with a strong design orientation, and estimates the impact that a strong design orientation has on the local economy. Method Data on innovation and design come from a nationally representative sample of establishments in tradable industries. Latent class analysis allows identifying unobserved subpopulations comprised of establishments with different design and innovation orientations. Logistic regression allows estimating the association between an establishment’s design orientation and local contextual factors. A quantile instrumental variable regression allows assessing the robustness of the logistic regression results with respect to endogeneity. An estimate of design orientation at the local level derived from the survey is used to examine variation in economic performance during the period of recovery from the Great Recession (2010–2014). Results Three distinct innovation (substantive, nominal, and non-innovators) and design orientations (design-integrated, “design last finish,” and no systematic approach to design) are identified. Innovation- and design-intensive establishments were identified in both rural and urban areas. Rural design-integrated establishments tended to locate in counties with more highly educated workforces and containing at least one performing arts organization. A quantile instrumental variable regression confirmed that the logistic regression result is robust to endogeneity concerns. Finally, rural areas characterized by design-integrated establishments experienced faster growth in wages relative to rural areas characterized by establishments using no systematic approach to design. PMID:29489884

Innovative Embedded Fiber Sensor System for Spacecraft's Health in Situ Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haddad, E.; Kruzelecky, R.; Zou, J.; Wong, B.; Mohammad, N.; Thatte, G.; Jamroz, W.; Riendeau, S.

2009-01-01

Monitoring of various parameters in satellites is desirable to provide the necessary information on the condition and status of the spacecraft and its various subsystems (AOCS, thermal, propulsion, power, mechanisms etc.) throughout its lifecycle. Fiber-Optic Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors represent an alternative to current technological approaches, enabling in situ distributed dynamic health monitoring, to provide a mapping of the spacecraft strain and temperature distributions, for varying operating and orbital conditions. In addition, these sensors may be implemented in the very early spacecraft fabrication stages, as built-in testing and diagnostic tools, and then used continuously through the mission phases until the end of the spacecraft mission. This can substantially reduce the cost of ground qualification and facilitate improved spacecraft design. MPBC has developed and ground qualified a demonstrator fiber sensor network, the Fiber Sensor Demonstrator (FSD) that has been successfully integrated with ESA's Proba-2. This is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2008, and will be the first complete fiber-optic sensing system in space. The advantages of the MPBC approach include a central interrogation system that can be used to control a multi-parameter sensing incorporating various types of sensors. Using a combination of both parallel signal distribution and serial wavelength division sensor multiplexing along single strands of optical fiber enables a high sensor capacity. In a continuous effort, MPB Communications (MPBC) is developing an innovative Embedded Distributed Fiber Sensor (EDFOS) within space composite structures. It addresses the challenges of embedding very thin fiber sensors within a selected material matrix, the decoupling of the strain and temperature effects on the fiber, and the sensor distribution. The embedded sensor approach allows the sensor system to follow the status of the space structure through its entire life cycle; from fabrication and assembly, to ground testing, to the space mission itself. By providing a history of the structure, any changes are more readily discernable, and the in situ sensor information can be used to further improve the design and reliability of the structure.

Guidelines for Engineering Teachers Concerning Educating the Engineer for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Activity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eekels, J.

1987-01-01

Emphasizes that the concept of design is fundamental in innovation. Outlines the work of the European Society for Engineering Education-Working group on Innovation. Describes the innovation-management stream in the curriculum of the faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology, Netherlands. (CW)

Coagulation measurement from whole blood using vibrating optical fiber in a disposable cartridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaraş, Yusuf Samet; Gündüz, Ali Bars; Saǧlam, Gökhan; Ölçer, Selim; Civitçi, Fehmi; Baris, İbrahim; Yaralioǧlu, Göksenin; Urey, Hakan

2017-11-01

In clinics, blood coagulation time measurements are performed using mechanical measurements with blood plasma. Such measurements are challenging to do in a lab-on-a-chip (LoC) system using a small volume of whole blood. Existing LoC systems use indirect measurement principles employing optical or electrochemical methods. We developed an LoC system using mechanical measurements with a small volume of whole blood without requiring sample preparation. The measurement is performed in a microfluidic channel where two fibers are placed inline with a small gap in between. The first fiber operates near its mechanical resonance using remote magnetic actuation and immersed in the sample. The second fiber is a pick-up fiber acting as an optical sensor. The microfluidic channel is engineered innovatively such that the blood does not block the gap between the vibrating fiber and the pick-up fiber, resulting in high signal-to-noise ratio optical output. The control plasma test results matched well with the plasma manufacturer's datasheet. Activated-partial-thromboplastin-time tests were successfully performed also with human whole blood samples, and the method is proven to be effective. Simplicity of the cartridge design and cost of readily available materials enable a low-cost point-of-care device for blood coagulation measurements.

Full-subcarriers Polar-OFDM for optical spectrum-efficient transmission exploiting Polarization Multiplexing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Lei; Liu, Yejun; Zhou, Yufang; Wei, Xuetao; Liu, Yuying

2018-07-01

The exponential growth of the demand for broadband services has imposed great challenges on the design of spectrum-efficient optical transmission system in Passive Optical Network (PON). Recently, an innovative Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) scheme, called Polar-OFDM (P-OFDM), has emerged as a promising solution to boost the spectral efficiency of optical transmission in PON. However, the traditional P-OFDM does not yet perform best in spectral efficiency as it only uses half of the total subcarriers. In this paper, we verify a promising complementation between Polarization Multiplexing (POLMUX) and P-OFDM aiming at higher spectral efficiency. We then propose the full-subcarriers P-OFDM by loading data on the even-indexed subcarriers of X polarization and the odd-indexed subcarriers of Y polarization, respectively. Thus, all of the subcarriers will be utilized for effective data transmission, which can double the spectral efficiency. More importantly, because the subcarriers are interlaced on different polarizations, the cross-polarization interference can be significantly mitigated, which enables the independent channel estimation and equalization at the receiver to recover the data carried on each polarization. Our evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed system realizes the double spectral efficiency of the traditional P-OFDM with reasonable Bit Error Rate (BER) performance loss.

The DAG project, a 4m class telescope: the telescope main structure performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchiori, G.; Busatta, A.; Ghedin, L.; Marcuzzi, E.; Manfrin, C.; Battistel, C.; Pirnay, O.; Flebus, Carlo; Yeşilyaprak, C.; Keskin, O.; Yerli, S.

2016-07-01

Dogu Anatolu Gözlemevi (DAG-Eastern Anatolia Observatory) Project is a 4m class optical, near-infrared Telescope and suitable enclosure which will be located at an altitude of 3.170m in Erzurum, Turkey. The DAG telescope is a project fully funded by Turkish Ministry of Development and the Atatürk University of Astrophysics Research Telescope - ATASAM. The Project is being developed by the Belgian company AMOS (project leader), which is also the optics supplier and EIE GROUP, the Telescope Main Structure supplier and responsible for the final site integration. The design of the Telescope Main Structure fits in the EIE TBO Program which aims at developing a Dome/Telescope systemic optimization process for both performances and competitive costs based on previous project commitments like NTT, VLT, VST and ASTRI. The optical Configuration of the DAG Telescope is a Ritchey-Chretien with two Nasmyth foci and a 4m primary thin mirror controlled in shape and position by an Active Optic System. The main characteristics of the Telescope Main Structure are an Altitude-Azimuth light and rigid structure system with Direct Drive Systems for both axis, AZ Hydrostatic Bearing System and Altitude standard bearing system; both axes are equipped with Tape Encoder System. An innovative Control System characterizes the telescope performance.

Optical Multi-Gas Monitor Technology Demonstration on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pilgrim, Jeffrey S.; Wood, William R.; Casias, Miguel E.; Vakhtin, Andrei B.; Johnson, Michael D.; Mudgett, Paul D.

2014-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) employs a suite of portable and permanently located gas monitors to insure crew health and safety. These sensors are tasked with functions ranging from fixed mass spectrometer based major constituents analysis to portable electrochemical sensor based combustion product monitoring. An all optical multigas sensor is being developed that can provide the specificity of a mass spectrometer with the portability of an electrochemical cell. The technology, developed under the Small Business Innovation Research program, allows for an architecture that is rugged, compact and low power. A four gas version called the Multi-Gas Monitor was launched to ISS in November 2013 aboard Soyuz and activated in February 2014. The portable instrument is comprised of a major constituents analyzer (water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen) and high dynamic range real-time ammonia sensor. All species are sensed inside the same enhanced path length optical cell with a separate vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) targeted at each species. The prototype is controlled digitally with a field-programmable gate array/microcontroller architecture. The optical and electronic approaches are designed for scalability and future versions could add three important acid gases and carbon monoxide combustion product gases to the four species already sensed. Results obtained to date from the technology demonstration on ISS are presented and discussed.

Designing for diffusion: how can we increase uptake of cancer communication innovations?

PubMed

Dearing, James W; Kreuter, Matthew W

2010-12-01

The best innovations in cancer communication do not necessarily achieve uptake by researchers, public health and clinical practitioners, and policy makers. This paper describes design activities that can be applied and combined for the purpose of spreading effective cancer communication innovations. A previously developed Push-Pull-Infrastructure Model is used to organize and highlight the types of activities that can be deployed during the design phase of innovations. Scientific literature about the diffusion of innovations, knowledge utilization, marketing, public health, and our experiences in working to spread effective practices, programs, and policies are used for this purpose. Attempts to broaden the reach, quicken the uptake, and facilitate the use of cancer communication innovations can apply design activities to increase the likelihood of diffusion. Some simple design activities hold considerable promise for improving dissemination and subsequent diffusion. Augmenting current dissemination practices with evidence-based concepts from diffusion science, marketing science, and knowledge utilization hold promise for improving results by eliciting greater market pull. Inventors and change agencies seeking to spread cancer communication innovations can experience more success by explicit consideration of design activities that reflect an expanded version of the Push-Pull-Infrastructure Model. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Designing for Diffusion: How Can We Increase Uptake of Cancer Communication Innovations?

PubMed Central

Dearing, James W.; Kreuter, Matthew W.

2010-01-01

Objective The best innovations in cancer communication do not necessarily achieve uptake by researchers, public health and clinical practitioners, and policy makers. This paper describes design activities that can be applied and combined for the purpose of spreading effective cancer communication innovations. Methods A previously developed Push-Pull-Infrastructure Model is used to organize and highlight the types of activities that can be deployed during the design phase of innovations. Scientific literature about the diffusion of innovations, knowledge utilization, marketing, public health, and our experiences in working to spread effective practices, programs, and policies are used for this purpose. Results Attempts to broaden the reach, quicken the uptake, and facilitate the use of cancer communication innovations can apply design activities to increase the likelihood of diffusion. Some simple design activities hold considerable promise for improving dissemination and subsequent diffusion. Conclusion Augmenting current dissemination practices with evidence-based concepts from diffusion science, marketing science, and knowledge utilization hold promise for improving results by eliciting greater market pull. Practice Implications Inventors and change agencies seeking to spread cancer communication innovations can experience more success by explicit consideration of design activities that reflect an expanded version of the Push-Pull-Infrastructure Model. PMID:21067884

Broadband achromatic optical metasurface devices.

PubMed

Wang, Shuming; Wu, Pin Chieh; Su, Vin-Cent; Lai, Yi-Chieh; Hung Chu, Cheng; Chen, Jia-Wern; Lu, Shen-Hung; Chen, Ji; Xu, Beibei; Kuan, Chieh-Hsiung; Li, Tao; Zhu, Shining; Tsai, Din Ping

2017-08-04

Among various flat optical devices, metasurfaces have presented their great ability in efficient manipulation of light fields and have been proposed for variety of devices with specific functionalities. However, due to the high phase dispersion of their building blocks, metasurfaces significantly suffer from large chromatic aberration. Here we propose a design principle to realize achromatic metasurface devices which successfully eliminate the chromatic aberration over a continuous wavelength region from 1200 to 1680 nm for circularly-polarized incidences in a reflection scheme. For this proof-of-concept, we demonstrate broadband achromatic metalenses (with the efficiency on the order of ∼12%) which are capable of focusing light with arbitrary wavelength at the same focal plane. A broadband achromatic gradient metasurface is also implemented, which is able to deflect wide-band light by the same angle. Through this approach, various flat achromatic devices that were previously impossible can be realized, which will allow innovation in full-color detection and imaging.Metasurfaces suffer from large chromatic aberration due to the high phase dispersion of their building blocks, limiting their applications. Here, Wang et al. design achromatic metasurface devices which eliminate the chromatic aberration over a continuous region from 1200 to 1680 nm in a reflection schleme.

On-orbit test results from the EO-1 Advanced Land Imager

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Jenifer B.; Digenis, Constantine J.; Gibbs, Margaret D.; Hearn, David R.; Lencioni, Donald E.; Mendenhall, Jeffrey A.; Welsh, Ralph D.

2002-01-01

The Advanced Land Imager (ALI) is the primary instrument flown on the first Earth Observing mission (EO-1), launched on November 21, 2000. It was developed under NASA's New Millennium Program (NMP). The NMP mission objective is to flight-validate advanced technologies that will enable dramatic improvements in performance, cost, mass, and schedule for future, Landsat-like, Earth Science Enterprise instruments. ALI contains a number of innovative features designed to achieve this objective. These include the basic instrument architecture which employs a push-broom data collection mode, a wide field of view optical design, compact multi-spectral detector arrays, non-cryogenic HgCdTe for the short wave infrared bands, silicon carbide optics, and a multi-level solar calibration technique. During the first ninety days on orbit, the instrument performance was evaluated by collecting several Earth scenes and comparing them to identical scenes obtained by Landsat7. In addition, various on-orbit calibration techniques were exercised. This paper will present an overview of the EO-1 mission activities during the first ninety days on-orbit, details of the ALI instrument performance and a comparison with the ground calibration measurements.

Skylight: a hollow prismatic CPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandez-Balbuena, Antonio Alvarez; Vázquez-Moliní, Daniel; Garcia-Fernandez, Berta; Garcia-Botella, Angel; Bernabeu, Eusebio

2009-08-01

Many applications involve the use of a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) like, natural lighting, thermal applications, optics for illuminators, optical fibre coupling and solar energy. The use of a CPC in reverse mode for natural lighting gives the chance to use it as a lighting skylight in ceilings because light output is controlled inside the design angle, on the contrary having a low flux transfer ratio because of the reduced area of the entrance pupil regarding exit pupil. The authors propose an innovative 3D hollow prismatic CPC (HPCPC) made of a dielectric material, which has a high efficiency comparing it with aluminium CPC. The basic idea is to use a hollow prismatic light guide with CPC shape. This paper reports 2D, 3D design and numerical analysis by raytracing software, also experimental results are shown. The system works almost like a true CPC when light enters through standard entrance pupil and also collect light that enters outside entrance pupil. Performance and efficiency of the prismatic CPC is in average 300% higher than standard aluminium CPC for collimated light in a range from 0º to 85º. A prototype has been developed and tested.

Innovative Product Design Based on Comprehensive Customer Requirements of Different Cognitive Levels

PubMed Central

Zhao, Wu; Zheng, Yake; Wang, Rui; Wang, Chen

2014-01-01

To improve customer satisfaction in innovative product design, a topology structure of customer requirements is established and an innovative product approach is proposed. The topology structure provides designers with reasonable guidance to capture the customer requirements comprehensively. With the aid of analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the importance of the customer requirements is evaluated. Quality function deployment (QFD) is used to translate customer requirements into product and process design demands and pick out the technical requirements which need urgent improvement. In this way, the product is developed in a more targeted way to satisfy the customers. the theory of innovative problems solving (TRIZ) is used to help designers to produce innovative solutions. Finally, a case study of automobile steering system is used to illustrate the application of the proposed approach. PMID:25013862

Innovative product design based on comprehensive customer requirements of different cognitive levels.

PubMed

Li, Xiaolong; Zhao, Wu; Zheng, Yake; Wang, Rui; Wang, Chen

2014-01-01

To improve customer satisfaction in innovative product design, a topology structure of customer requirements is established and an innovative product approach is proposed. The topology structure provides designers with reasonable guidance to capture the customer requirements comprehensively. With the aid of analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the importance of the customer requirements is evaluated. Quality function deployment (QFD) is used to translate customer requirements into product and process design demands and pick out the technical requirements which need urgent improvement. In this way, the product is developed in a more targeted way to satisfy the customers. the theory of innovative problems solving (TRIZ) is used to help designers to produce innovative solutions. Finally, a case study of automobile steering system is used to illustrate the application of the proposed approach.

Cognitive Design for Learning: Cognition and Emotion in the Design Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hasebrook, Joachim

2016-01-01

We are so used to accept new technologies being the driver of change and innovation in human computer interfaces (HCI). In our research we focus on the development of innovations as a design process--or design, for short. We also refer to the entire process of creating innovations and putting them to use as "cognitive processes"--or…

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

Brewer, Forrest; Incandela, Joseph

This project was slated to design and develop Rad-Hard IP components for 1Gb/s links and supporting hardware designs such as PLL, SER/DES, pad drivers and receivers and custom protocol hardware for the 1Gb/s channel. Also included in the proposal was a study of a hardened memory to be used as a packet buffer for channel and data concentrator components to meet the 1 Gb/s specification. Over the course of the proposal, technology change and innovation of hardware designs lead us away from the 1 Gb/s goal to contemplate much higher performance link IP which, we believed better met the goalsmore » of physics experiments. Note that CERN microelectronics had managed to create a 4.7 Gb/s link designed to drive optical fibers and containing infrastructure for connecting much lower bandwidth front-end devices. Our own work to that point had shown the possibility of constructing a link with much lower power, lower physical overhead but of equivalent performance that could be designed to integrate directly onto the front-end ASIC (ADC and data encoding) designs. Substantial overall power savings and experimental simplicity could be achieved by eliminating data transmission to data concentrators and data concentrators and related hardened buffering themselves, with conversion to optical media at a removed distance from the experiment core. We had already developed and tested Rad-Hard SER/DES components (1Gb in 130nm standard cells) and redundant Pad Drivers/Receivers (3+ Gb/s designed and measured performance), and had a viable 1Gb/s link design based on redundant a stuttered clock receiver and classical PLL, so the basic goals of the proposal had been achieved. Below, in chronological order, are the products and tools we constructed, as well as our tests and publications.« less

Novel Designs for Application Specific MEMS Pressure Sensors

PubMed Central

Fragiacomo, Giulio; Reck, Kasper; Lorenzen, Lasse; Thomsen, Erik V.

2010-01-01

In the framework of developing innovative microfabricated pressure sensors, we present here three designs based on different readout principles, each one tailored for a specific application. A touch mode capacitive pressure sensor with high sensitivity (14 pF/bar), low temperature dependence and high capacitive output signal (more than 100 pF) is depicted. An optical pressure sensor intrinsically immune to electromagnetic interference, with large pressure range (0–350 bar) and a sensitivity of 1 pm/bar is presented. Finally, a resonating wireless pressure sensor power source free with a sensitivity of 650 KHz/mmHg is described. These sensors will be related with their applications in harsh environment, distributed systems and medical environment, respectively. For many aspects, commercially available sensors, which in vast majority are piezoresistive, are not suited for the applications proposed. PMID:22163425

Innovating in the Real World: Exploring Institutional Effects on Tertiary Teacher Innovations in New Zealand

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawrence, Belinda

2018-01-01

Innovation is a key goal of many tertiary education and distance learning providers. This research explores how teachers and educational designers across three New Zealand tertiary institutions worked to innovatively achieve teaching goals. A longitudinal design using the Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) framework explored the influence…

A Cubesat Payload for Exoplanet Detection

PubMed Central

Iuzzolino, Marcella; Accardo, Domenico; Rufino, Giancarlo; Oliva, Ernesto; Tozzi, Andrea; Schipani, Pietro

2017-01-01

The search for undiscovered planets outside the solar system is a scientific topic that is rapidly spreading into the astrophysical and engineering communities. In this framework, the design of an innovative payload to detect exoplanets from a nano-sized space platform, like a 3U cubesat, is presented. The selected detection method is photometric transit, and the payload aims to detect flux decrements down to ~0.01% with a precision of 12 ppm. The payload design is also aimed at false positive recognition. The solution consists of a four-facets pyramid on the top of the payload, to allow for measurement redundancy and low-resolution spectral dispersion of the star images. The innovative concept is the use of a small and cheap platform for a relevant astronomical mission. The faintest observable target star has V-magnitude equal to 3.38. Despite missions aimed at ultra-precise photometry from microsatellites (e.g., MOST, BRITE), the transit of exoplanets orbiting very bright stars has not yet been surveyed photometrically from space, since any observation from a small/medium sized (30 cm optical aperture) telescope would saturate the detector. This cubesat mission can provide these missing measurements. This work is set up as a demonstrative project to verify the feasibility of the payload concept. PMID:28257111

A Cubesat Payload for Exoplanet Detection.

PubMed

Iuzzolino, Marcella; Accardo, Domenico; Rufino, Giancarlo; Oliva, Ernesto; Tozzi, Andrea; Schipani, Pietro

2017-03-02

The search for undiscovered planets outside the solar system is a scientific topic that is rapidly spreading into the astrophysical and engineering communities. In this framework, the design of an innovative payload to detect exoplanets from a nano-sized space platform, like a 3U cubesat, is presented. The selected detection method is photometric transit, and the payload aims to detect flux decrements down to ~0.01% with a precision of 12 ppm. The payload design is also aimed at false positive recognition. The solution consists of a four-facets pyramid on the top of the payload, to allow for measurement redundancy and low-resolution spectral dispersion of the star images. The innovative concept is the use of a small and cheap platform for a relevant astronomical mission. The faintest observable target star has V-magnitude equal to 3.38. Despite missions aimed at ultra-precise photometry from microsatellites (e.g., MOST, BRITE), the transit of exoplanets orbiting very bright stars has not yet been surveyed photometrically from space, since any observation from a small/medium sized (30 cm optical aperture) telescope would saturate the detector. This cubesat mission can provide these missing measurements. This work is set up as a demonstrative project to verify the feasibility of the payload concept.

A Cubesat Payload for Exoplanet Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iuzzolino, M.; Accardo, D.; Rufino, G.; Oliva, E.; Tozzi, A.; Schipani, P.

2017-03-01

The search for undiscovered planets outside the solar system is a scientific topic that is rapidly spreading into the astrophysical and engineering communities. In this framework, the design of an innovative payload to detect exoplanets from a nano-sized space platform, like a 3U cubesat, is presented. The selected detection method is photometric transit, and the payload aims to detect flux decrements down to 0.01% with a precision of 12 ppm. The payload design is also aimed at false positive recognition. The solution consists of a four-facets pyramid on the top of the payload, to allow for measurement redundancy and low-resolution spectral dispersion of the star images. The innovative concept is the use of a small and cheap platform for a relevant astronomical mission. The faintest observable target star has V-magnitude equal to 3.38. Despite missions aimed at ultra-precise photometry from microsatellites (e.g., MOST, BRITE), the transit of exoplanets orbiting very bright stars has not yet been surveyed photometrically from space, since any observation from a small/medium sized (30 cm optical aperture) telescope would saturate the detector. This cubesat mission can provide these missing measurements. This work is set up as a demonstrative project to verify the feasibility of the payload concept.

Benefit design innovations: implications for consumer-directed health care.

PubMed

Tu, Ha T; Ginsburg, Paul B

2007-02-01

Current health insurance benefit designs that simply rely on higher, one-size-fits-all patient cost sharing have limited potential to curb rapidly rising costs, but innovations in benefit design can potentially make cost sharing a more effective tool, according to a new study by the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC). Innovative benefit designs include incentives to encourage healthy behaviors; incentives that vary by service type, patient condition or enrollee income; and incentives to use efficient providers. But most applications of these innovative designs are not widespread, suggesting that any significant cost impact is many years off. Moreover, regulations governing high-deductible, consumer-directed health plans eligible for health savings accounts (HSAs) preclude some promising benefit design innovations and dilute the incentives in others. A movement away from a one-size-fits-all HSA benefit structure toward a more flexible design might broaden the appeal of HSA plans and enable them to incorporate features that promote cost-effective care.

Wide-Field Optic for Autonomous Acquisition of Laser Link

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Page, Norman A.; Charles, Jeffrey R.; Biswas, Abhijit

2011-01-01

An innovation reported in Two-Camera Acquisition and Tracking of a Flying Target, NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 32, No. 8 (August 2008), p. 20, used a commercial fish-eye lens and an electronic imaging camera for initially locating objects with subsequent handover to an actuated narrow-field camera. But this operated against a dark-sky background. An improved solution involves an optical design based on custom optical components for the wide-field optical system that directly addresses the key limitations in acquiring a laser signal from a moving source such as an aircraft or a spacecraft. The first challenge was to increase the light collection entrance aperture diameter, which was approximately 1 mm in the first prototype. The new design presented here increases this entrance aperture diameter to 4.2 mm, which is equivalent to a more than 16 times larger collection area. One of the trades made in realizing this improvement was to restrict the field-of-view to +80 deg. elevation and 360 azimuth. This trade stems from practical considerations where laser beam propagation over the excessively high air mass, which is in the line of sight (LOS) at low elevation angles, results in vulnerability to severe atmospheric turbulence and attenuation. An additional benefit of the new design is that the large entrance aperture is maintained even at large off-axis angles when the optic is pointed at zenith. The second critical limitation for implementing spectral filtering in the design was tackled by collimating the light prior to focusing it onto the focal plane. This allows the placement of the narrow spectral filter in the collimated portion of the beam. For the narrow band spectral filter to function properly, it is necessary to adequately control the range of incident angles at which received light intercepts the filter. When this angle is restricted via collimation, narrower spectral filtering can be implemented. The collimated beam (and the filter) must be relatively large to reduce the incident angle down to only a few degrees. In the presented embodiment, the filter diameter is more than ten times larger than the entrance aperture. Specifically, the filter has a clear aperture of about 51 mm. The optical design is refractive, and is comprised of nine custom refractive elements and an interference filter. The restricted maximum angle through the narrow-band filter ensures the efficient use of a 2-nm noise equivalent bandwidth spectral width optical filter at low elevation angles (where the range is longest), at the expense of less efficiency for high elevations, which can be tolerated because the range at high elevation angles is shorter. The image circle is 12 mm in diameter, mapped to 80 x 360 of sky, centered on the zenith.

Innovative materials tailored for advanced micro-optic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Himmelhuber, Roland; Fink, Marion; Pfeiffer, Karl; Ostrzinski, Ute; Klukowska, Anna; Gruetzner, Gabi; Houbertz, Ruth; Wolter, Herbert

2007-02-01

The handling of a continuously increasing amount of data leads to a strong need for high-speed short-range connections. Conventional Cu technology between chips on a board is limited. Optical interconnects will dominate the market, since they can overcome the limitations. One of the issues for materials used, e.g., for waveguides embedded in printed circuit boards (PCBs) is the compatibility with standard epoxies used for PCBs during the entire board fabrication process. Materials applied for optical interconnects should be mechanically and optically reliable, and also allow low-cost production. From the material production side, the process should be easy to up-scale. Therefore, anticipatory research strategy and suitable tailoring is asked for. The handling of light in the UV and visible range often requires the use of specially designed materials. Most polymer materials show an increased yellowing effect upon being exposed to shorter wavelength light. The major influence on the absorption in the UV and visible range of a UV curable material is related to the UV initiator, beside any other chromophores formed mainly during the exposure. Different material approaches will be presented which fulfil the requirements for highly sophisticated applications in optics / optical packaging technology. Firstly, an epoxy-based material system for optical chip-to-chip interconnection will be introduced. Secondly, the adaptation of a UV patternable inorganic-organic hybrid material (ORMOCER ®) originally developed for waveguide applications in the data and telecom regime, will be discussed with respect to applications in the visible regime. Spectroscopy and UV-DSC measurements were carried out to investigate the influence of standard photoinitiators on the optical properties for an ORMOCER ® system suitable for microoptic applications. The results show that the resulting material properties were significantly improved by exchange of the initiators compared to the originally incorporated one.

ASERFO, a concrete example of collaboration between industries and academia to develop students' skills in know-how, entrepreneurship and behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazuray, Laurent; Balembois, Francois

2016-09-01

Photonics is present into several industries. Further development implies efficient link from innovation to application. For that purpose, optics education at universities is key, not only to teach the fundamental physics, but for students to develop their know-how, entrepreneurship and behavior, because: Photonics is often part of systems, requesting the mastering of development tools and processes used by industries, Innovations require an entrepreneur spirit, Industries are organized per projects for optical developments in which optical specialists have to interact with other fields and people in a plateau. This is why universities shall develop ecosystems where students, researchers, teachers and industries meet and foster the acquisition of these above three skills by the students. ASERFO, French association of optics industries (Thales, Airbus, CEA, Essilor…), worked at promoting this ecosystem by funding, advising and supporting the training at the Institut d'Optique Graduate School (IOGS) as an industrial advisory committee. It is proposed to present this approach and talk on concrete initiatives implemented by Institut d'Optique Graduate School with regard to these industrial skills.

Open the `black box' creativity and innovation: a study of activities in R&D departments. Some prospects for engineering education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Millet, Charlyne; Oget, David; Cavallucci, Denis

2017-11-01

Innovation is a key component to the success and longevity of companies. Our research opens the 'black box' of creativity and innovation in R&D teams. We argue that understanding the nature of R&D projects in terms of creativity/innovation, efficiency/inefficiency, is important for designing education policies and improving engineering curriculum. Our research addresses the inventive design process, a lesser known aspect of the innovation process, in 197 R&D departments of industrial sector companies in France. One fundamental issue facing companies is to evaluate processes and results of innovation. Results show that the evaluation of innovation is confined by a lack of methodology of inventive projects. We will be establishing the foundations of a formal ontology for inventive design projects and finally some recommendations for engineering education.

Governing Methods: Policy Innovation Labs, Design and Data Science in the Digital Governance of Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williamson, Ben

2015-01-01

Policy innovation labs are emerging knowledge actors and technical experts in the governing of education. The article offers a historical and conceptual account of the organisational form of the policy innovation lab. Policy innovation labs are characterised by specific methods and techniques of design, data science, and digitisation in public…

Innovation in Doctoral Degrees Designed for Adult Learners: A Hybrid Model in Personal Financial Planning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grable, John E.

2011-01-01

Innovation in doctoral degree program development and delivery provides an effective counterpoint to the expert-apprentice model established in the Middle Ages. The author outlines the importance of innovation in reaching adult learners and describes an innovative hybrid PhD program designed to allow aspiring doctoral adult-age students to pursue…

Bifacial Si heterojunction-perovskite organic-inorganic tandem to produce highly efficient ( ηT * ˜ 33%) solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asadpour, Reza; Chavali, Raghu V. K.; Ryyan Khan, M.; Alam, Muhammad A.

2015-06-01

As single junction photovoltaic (PV) technologies, both Si heterojunction (HIT) and perovskite based solar cells promise high efficiencies at low cost. Intuitively, a traditional tandem cell design with these cells connected in series is expected to improve the efficiency further. Using a self-consistent numerical modeling of optical and transport characteristics, however, we find that a traditional series connected tandem design suffers from low J S C due to band-gap mismatch and current matching constraints. Specifically, a traditional tandem cell with state-of-the-art HIT ( η = 24 % ) and perovskite ( η = 20 % ) sub-cells provides only a modest tandem efficiency of η T ˜ 25%. Instead, we demonstrate that a bifacial HIT/perovskite tandem design decouples the optoelectronic constraints and provides an innovative path for extraordinary efficiencies. In the bifacial configuration, the same state-of-the-art sub-cells achieve a normalized output of ηT * = 33%, exceeding the bifacial HIT performance at practical albedo reflections. Unlike the traditional design, this bifacial design is relatively insensitive to perovskite thickness variations, which may translate to simpler manufacture and higher yield.

POEMMA (Probe Of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics) Science and Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olinto, Angela V.; Perkins, Jeremy S.; POEMMA Collaboration

2018-01-01

In this poster we describe the preliminary design of POEMMA (Probe Of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics). The two satellites flying in formation consists of an innovative Schmidt telescope design optimized for low energy threshold and large geometry factor for observations. The 4 meter mirror was designed to fit in a dual manifest launch vehicle. A novel corrector lens and fast optics are design to optimized the full field of view to 45 degrees. The large focal surface will be populated by two systems: a multi-anode PMT (MAPMT) array for fluorescence detection and a Silicon PM (SiPM) array for Cherenkov detection around the limb of the Earth. At an altitude of 525 km, the LEO orbit will have a 28.5o inclination the mission can be launched from KSC and have a mission life of 3 years with a 5 year goal. The mission will improve by orders of magnitude the observations of ultra-high energy cosmic rays above tens of EeV and search for neutrinos above tens of PeVs.

Innovative Clinical Trial Designs

PubMed Central

Lavori, Philip W.

2015-01-01

Whereas the 20th-century health care system sometimes seemed to be inhospitable to and unmoved by experimental research, its inefficiency and unaffordability have led to reforms that foreshadow a new health care system. We point out certain opportunities and transformational needs for innovations in study design offered by the 21st-century health care system, and describe some innovative clinical trial designs and novel design methods to address these needs and challenges. PMID:26140056

Hyperspectral Imager-Tracker

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agurok, Llya

2013-01-01

The Hyperspectral Imager-Tracker (HIT) is a technique for visualization and tracking of low-contrast, fast-moving objects. The HIT architecture is based on an innovative and only recently developed concept in imaging optics. This innovative architecture will give the Light Prescriptions Innovators (LPI) HIT the possibility of simultaneously collecting the spectral band images (hyperspectral cube), IR images, and to operate with high-light-gathering power and high magnification for multiple fast- moving objects. Adaptive Spectral Filtering algorithms will efficiently increase the contrast of low-contrast scenes. The most hazardous parts of a space mission are the first stage of a launch and the last 10 kilometers of the landing trajectory. In general, a close watch on spacecraft operation is required at distances up to 70 km. Tracking at such distances is usually associated with the use of radar, but its milliradian angular resolution translates to 100- m spatial resolution at 70-km distance. With sufficient power, radar can track a spacecraft as a whole object, but will not provide detail in the case of an accident, particularly for small debris in the onemeter range, which can only be achieved optically. It will be important to track the debris, which could disintegrate further into more debris, all the way to the ground. Such fragmentation could cause ballistic predictions, based on observations using high-resolution but narrow-field optics for only the first few seconds of the event, to be inaccurate. No optical imager architecture exists to satisfy NASA requirements. The HIT was developed for space vehicle tracking, in-flight inspection, and in the case of an accident, a detailed recording of the event. The system is a combination of five subsystems: (1) a roving fovea telescope with a wide 30 field of regard; (2) narrow, high-resolution fovea field optics; (3) a Coude optics system for telescope output beam stabilization; (4) a hyperspectral-mutispectral imaging assembly; and (5) image analysis software with effective adaptive spectral filtering algorithm for real-time contrast enhancement.

The exploration and practice of integrated innovation teaching mode in the Applied Optics course

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Dongmei; Zhao, Huifu; Fu, Xiuhua; Zhang, Jing

2017-08-01

In recent years, the Ministry of Education of China attaches great importance to the reform of higher education quality. As an important link in the reform of higher education, curriculum development is bound to promote the development of "quality-centered connotative education". Zhejiang University, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Southern Airlines University and other colleges and universities carried out a full range of close cooperation, proposed integrated innovation teaching mode of the course based on network technology. Based on this model, the course of "Applied Optics" has been practiced for two years. The results show that the integrated innovation teaching mode can fully realize the integration amplification effect among multiple colleges and universities and the depth sharing all types of resources. Based on the principle of co-building and sharing, mutual help, comprehensively improve the teaching quality of domestic related courses and promote the comprehensive development of the curriculum to meet the needs of learning society.

Personal Leadership in Practice: A Critical Approach to Instructional Design Innovation Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ashbaugh, Marcia L.

2013-01-01

An argument is made in this article for a link between leadership and innovation, when innovation is an outcome of the work approaches and practices that underpin an educational technologist's academic course designs. The practice of instructional design (ID) is continually being challenged to rethink its conceptualization of academic course…

An Engineering Educator's Decision Support Tool for Improving Innovation in Student Design Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ozaltin, Nur Ozge; Besterfield-Sacre, Mary; Clark, Renee M.

2015-01-01

Learning how to design innovatively is a critical process skill for undergraduate engineers in the 21st century. To this end, our paper discusses the development and validation of a Bayesian network decision support tool that can be used by engineering educators to make recommendations that positively impact the innovativeness of product designs.…

Neural Pathway of Renovative and Innovative Products Appreciation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Furong; Chiu, Chiyue; Luo, Jing

2016-12-01

According to the level of change an invention makes on existing things and how it overrides people’s mental schemas on established categories, new inventions can be classified into two groups: incremental inventions (i.e., renovations), which make minor improvements on existing designs, and radical inventions (i.e., innovations), which make major developments that enable people to do things they have never been able to do before. Although innovation and renovation are two fundamentally different types of creation that feature new changes ranging from those in product development to those in large scale social changes, and people tend to report higher subjective preferences for incremental inventions compared to radical inventions, the cognitive brain mechanisms underlying the mental representation of these two types of inventions remains unknown. Through the use of innovative and renovative designs as materials, we found that relative to non-creative designs, creative (renovative &innovative) designs enhanced memory or association-related activation in the right parahippocampus. In particular, innovations evoked more activation in the conceptual pathway for representing objects than did renovations, whereas renovations evoked more activation in the motor pathway than innovations. These results suggest that operating experiences may provide advantages for understanding and appreciating creative designs.

Neural Pathway of Renovative and Innovative Products Appreciation

PubMed Central

Huang, Furong; Chiu, Chiyue; Luo, Jing

2016-01-01

According to the level of change an invention makes on existing things and how it overrides people’s mental schemas on established categories, new inventions can be classified into two groups: incremental inventions (i.e., renovations), which make minor improvements on existing designs, and radical inventions (i.e., innovations), which make major developments that enable people to do things they have never been able to do before. Although innovation and renovation are two fundamentally different types of creation that feature new changes ranging from those in product development to those in large scale social changes, and people tend to report higher subjective preferences for incremental inventions compared to radical inventions, the cognitive brain mechanisms underlying the mental representation of these two types of inventions remains unknown. Through the use of innovative and renovative designs as materials, we found that relative to non-creative designs, creative (renovative &innovative) designs enhanced memory or association-related activation in the right parahippocampus. In particular, innovations evoked more activation in the conceptual pathway for representing objects than did renovations, whereas renovations evoked more activation in the motor pathway than innovations. These results suggest that operating experiences may provide advantages for understanding and appreciating creative designs. PMID:27941936

Neural Pathway of Renovative and Innovative Products Appreciation.

PubMed

Huang, Furong; Chiu, Chiyue; Luo, Jing

2016-12-12

According to the level of change an invention makes on existing things and how it overrides people's mental schemas on established categories, new inventions can be classified into two groups: incremental inventions (i.e., renovations), which make minor improvements on existing designs, and radical inventions (i.e., innovations), which make major developments that enable people to do things they have never been able to do before. Although innovation and renovation are two fundamentally different types of creation that feature new changes ranging from those in product development to those in large scale social changes, and people tend to report higher subjective preferences for incremental inventions compared to radical inventions, the cognitive brain mechanisms underlying the mental representation of these two types of inventions remains unknown. Through the use of innovative and renovative designs as materials, we found that relative to non-creative designs, creative (renovative &innovative) designs enhanced memory or association-related activation in the right parahippocampus. In particular, innovations evoked more activation in the conceptual pathway for representing objects than did renovations, whereas renovations evoked more activation in the motor pathway than innovations. These results suggest that operating experiences may provide advantages for understanding and appreciating creative designs.

Integrated modeling environment for systems-level performance analysis of the Next-Generation Space Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosier, Gary E.; Femiano, Michael; Ha, Kong; Bely, Pierre Y.; Burg, Richard; Redding, David C.; Kissil, Andrew; Rakoczy, John; Craig, Larry

1998-08-01

All current concepts for the NGST are innovative designs which present unique systems-level challenges. The goals are to outperform existing observatories at a fraction of the current price/performance ratio. Standard practices for developing systems error budgets, such as the 'root-sum-of- squares' error tree, are insufficient for designs of this complexity. Simulation and optimization are the tools needed for this project; in particular tools that integrate controls, optics, thermal and structural analysis, and design optimization. This paper describes such an environment which allows sub-system performance specifications to be analyzed parametrically, and includes optimizing metrics that capture the science requirements. The resulting systems-level design trades are greatly facilitated, and significant cost savings can be realized. This modeling environment, built around a tightly integrated combination of commercial off-the-shelf and in-house- developed codes, provides the foundation for linear and non- linear analysis on both the time and frequency-domains, statistical analysis, and design optimization. It features an interactive user interface and integrated graphics that allow highly-effective, real-time work to be done by multidisciplinary design teams. For the NGST, it has been applied to issues such as pointing control, dynamic isolation of spacecraft disturbances, wavefront sensing and control, on-orbit thermal stability of the optics, and development of systems-level error budgets. In this paper, results are presented from parametric trade studies that assess requirements for pointing control, structural dynamics, reaction wheel dynamic disturbances, and vibration isolation. These studies attempt to define requirements bounds such that the resulting design is optimized at the systems level, without attempting to optimize each subsystem individually. The performance metrics are defined in terms of image quality, specifically centroiding error and RMS wavefront error, which directly links to science requirements.

Acoustic Source Localization via Time Difference of Arrival Estimation for Distributed Sensor Networks Using Tera-Scale Optical Core Devices

DOE PAGES

Imam, Neena; Barhen, Jacob

2009-01-01

For real-time acoustic source localization applications, one of the primary challenges is the considerable growth in computational complexity associated with the emergence of ever larger, active or passive, distributed sensor networks. These sensors rely heavily on battery-operated system components to achieve highly functional automation in signal and information processing. In order to keep communication requirements minimal, it is desirable to perform as much processing on the receiver platforms as possible. However, the complexity of the calculations needed to achieve accurate source localization increases dramatically with the size of sensor arrays, resulting in substantial growth of computational requirements that cannot bemore » readily met with standard hardware. One option to meet this challenge builds upon the emergence of digital optical-core devices. The objective of this work was to explore the implementation of key building block algorithms used in underwater source localization on the optical-core digital processing platform recently introduced by Lenslet Inc. This demonstration of considerably faster signal processing capability should be of substantial significance to the design and innovation of future generations of distributed sensor networks.« less

Combined heat and power generation with a HCPV system at 2000 suns

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

Paredes, Filippo; Montagnino, Fabio M.; Milone, Sergio

2015-09-28

This work shows the development of an innovative solar CHP system for the combined production of heat and power based upon HCPV modules working at the high concentration level of 2000 suns. The solar radiation is concentrated on commercial InGaP/InGaAs/Ge triple-junction solar cells designed for intensive work. The primary optics is a rectangular off-axis parabolic mirror while a secondary optic at the focus of the parabolic mirror is glued in optical contact with the cell. Each module consist of 2 axis tracker (Alt-Alt type) with 20 multijunction cells each one integrated with an active heat sink. The cell is connectedmore » to an active heat transfer system that allows to keep the cell at a high level of electrical efficiency (ηel > 30 %), bringing the heat transfer fluid (water and glycol) up to an output temperature of 90°C. Accordingly with the experimental data collected from the first 1 kWe prototype, the total amount of extracted thermal energy is above the 50% of the harvested solar radiation. That, in addition the electrical efficiency of the system contributes to reach an overall CHP efficiency of more than the 80%.« less

Applicability of confocal laser scanning microscopy for evaluation and monitoring of cutaneous wound healing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lange-Asschenfeldt, Susanne; Bob, Adrienne; Terhorst, Dorothea; Ulrich, Martina; Fluhr, Joachim; Mendez, Gil; Roewert-Huber, Hans-Joachim; Stockfleth, Eggert; Lange-Asschenfeldt, Bernhard

2012-07-01

There is a high demand for noninvasive imaging techniques for wound assessment. In vivo reflectance confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) represents an innovative optical technique for noninvasive evaluation of normal and diseased skin in vivo at near cellular resolution. This study was designed to test the feasibility of CLSM for noninvasive analysis of cutaneous wound healing in 15 patients (7 male/8 female), including acute and chronic, superficial and deep dermal skin wounds. A commercially available CLSM system was used for the assessment of wound bed and wound margins in order to obtain descriptive cellular and morphological parameters of cutaneous wound repair noninvasively and over time. CLSM was able to visualize features of cutaneous wound repair in epidermal and superficial dermal wounds, including aspects of inflammation, neovascularisation, and tissue remodelling in vivo. Limitations include the lack of mechanic fixation of the optical system on moist surfaces restricting the analysis of chronic skin wounds to the wound margins, as well as a limited optical resolution in areas of significant slough formation. By describing CLSM features of cutaneous inflammation, vascularisation, and epithelialisation, the findings of this study support the role of CLSM in modern wound research and management.

JWST center of curvature test method and results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saif, Babak; Chaney, David; Greenfield, Perry; Van Gorkom, Kyle; Brooks, Keira; Hack, Warren; Bluth, Marcel; Bluth, Josh; Sanders, James; Smith, Koby; Carey, Larkin; Chaung, Sze; Keski-Kuha, Ritva; Feinberg, Lee; Tournois, Severine; Smith, W. Scott; Kradinov, Vladimir

2017-09-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) recently saw the completion of the assembly process for the Optical Telescope Element and Integrated Science Instrument Module (OTIS). This integration effort was performed at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland. In conjunction with this assembly process a series of vibration and acoustic tests were performed. To help assure the telescope's primary mirror was not adversely impacted by this environmental testing an optical center of curvature (CoC) test was performed to measure changes in the mirror's optical performance. The primary is a 6.5 meter diameter mirror consisting of 18 individual hexagonal segments. Each segment is an off-axis asphere. There are a total of three prescriptions repeated six times each. As part of the CoC test each segment was individually measured using a high-speed interferometer (HSI) designed and built specifically for this test. This interferometer is capable of characterizing both static and dynamic characteristics of the mirrors. The latter capability was used, with the aid of a vibration stinger applying a low-level input force, to measure the dynamic characteristic changes of the PM backplane structure. This paper describes the CoC test setup, an innovative alignment method, and both static and dynamic test results.

Combined heat and power generation with a HCPV system at 2000 suns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paredes, Filippo; Montagnino, Fabio M.; Salinari, Piero; Bonsignore, Gaetano; Milone, Sergio; Agnello, Simonpietro; Barbera, Marco; Gelardi, Franco M.; Sciortino, Luisa; Collura, Alfonso; Lo Cicero, Ugo; Cannas, Marco

2015-09-01

This work shows the development of an innovative solar CHP system for the combined production of heat and power based upon HCPV modules working at the high concentration level of 2000 suns. The solar radiation is concentrated on commercial InGaP/InGaAs/Ge triple-junction solar cells designed for intensive work. The primary optics is a rectangular off-axis parabolic mirror while a secondary optic at the focus of the parabolic mirror is glued in optical contact with the cell. Each module consist of 2 axis tracker (Alt-Alt type) with 20 multijunction cells each one integrated with an active heat sink. The cell is connected to an active heat transfer system that allows to keep the cell at a high level of electrical efficiency (ηel > 30 %), bringing the heat transfer fluid (water and glycol) up to an output temperature of 90°C. Accordingly with the experimental data collected from the first 1 kWe prototype, the total amount of extracted thermal energy is above the 50% of the harvested solar radiation. That, in addition the electrical efficiency of the system contributes to reach an overall CHP efficiency of more than the 80%.

Second-order spherical optoelectronic detector for 3D multi-particles wave emission and propagation in space time domains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romano, Francesco; Cimmino, Rosario F.

2017-09-01

This paper concerns a feasibility study on a 2nd order spherical, or three-dimensional, angular momentum and linear momentum detector for photonic radiation applications. It has been developed in order to obtain a paraxial approximation of physical events observed under Coulomb gauge condition, which is essential to compute both the longitudinal and transverse rotational components of the observed 3-D vortex field, generally neglected by conventional detection systems under current usage. Since light and laser beams are neither full transversal or rotational phenomena, to measure directly and in the same time both the energy, mainly not-rotational, related to the relevant part of the linear momentum and the potential solenoidal energy (vortex), related to the angular momentum, 2nd order spherical, or 3-D, detector techniques are required. In addition, direct 2nd order measure techniques enable development of TEM + DEM [17] studies, therefore allowing for monochromatic complex wave detection with a paraxial accuracy in the relativistic time-space domain. Light and optic or Electromagnetic 2nd order 3-D AnM energy may usefully be used in tre-dimensional optical TEM, noTEM, DEM vortex or laser communications The paper illustrates an innovative quadratic order 3-D spherical model detector applied to directly measure a light source power spectrum and compares the performances of this innovative technique with those obtained with a traditional 1st order system. Results from a number of test experiments conducted in cooperation with INAF Observatories of ArcetriFlorence and Medicina-Bologna (Italy), and focused on telescopic observations of the inter-stellar electromagnetic radiations, are also summarized. The innovative quadratic-order spherical detector turns out to be optimal for optical and/or radio telescopes application, optical and optoelectronic sensors development and gravitational wave 2nd order detectors implementation. Although the proposed method is very innovative, it shows a very good adherence with results obtained with the conventional techniques in current usage.

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

Matthews, Manyalibo J.; Guss, Gabe; Drachenberg, Derrek R.

We present that Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of metal powder bed layers, whereby 3D metal objects can be printed from a digital file with unprecedented design flexibility, is spurring manufacturing innovations in medical, automotive, aerospace and textile industries. Because SLM is based on raster-scanning a laser beam over each layer, the process is relatively slow compared to most traditional manufacturing methods (hours to days), thus limiting wider spread use. Here we demonstrate the use of a large area, photolithographic method for 3D metal printing, using an optically-addressable light valve (OALV) as the photomask, to print entire layers of metal powdermore » at once. An optical sheet of multiplexed ~5 kW, 20 ms laser diode and ~1 MW, 7 ns Q-switched laser pulses are used to selectively melt each layer. Finally, the patterning of near infrared light is accomplished by imaging 470 nm light onto the transmissive OALV, which consists of polarization-selective nematic liquid crystal sandwiched between a photoconductor and transparent conductor for switching.« less

Fiber-optic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for remote label-free sensing of medical device surface contamination.

PubMed

Hassan, Moinuddin; Tan, Xin; Welle, Elissa; Ilev, Ilko

2013-05-01

As a potential major source of biochemical contamination, medical device surfaces are of critical safety concerns in the clinical practice and public health. The development of innovative sensing methods for accurate and real-time detection of medical device surface contamination is essential to protect patients from high risk infection. In this paper, we demonstrate an alternative fiber-optic Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy based sensing approach for remote, non-contact, and label-free detection of biochemical contaminants in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) region. The sensing probe is designed using mid-IR hollow fibers and FTIR measurements are carried out in reflection mode. Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and bacterial endotoxin of different concentrations under thoroughly dry condition are used to evaluate the detection sensitivity. The devised system can identify ≤0.0025% (≤4 × 10(11) molecules) BSA and 0.5% (0.5 EU/ml) endotoxin concentration. The developed sensing approach may be applied to detect various pathogens that pose public health threats.

3D DNA origami as programmable anchoring points for bioreceptors in fiber optic surface plasmon resonance biosensing.

PubMed

Daems, Devin; Pfeifer, Wolfgang; Rutten, Iene; Sacca, Barbara; Spasic, Dragana; Lammertyn, Jeroen

2018-06-27

Many challenges in biosensing originate from the fact that the all-important nano-architecture of the biosensor's surface, including precise density and orientation of bioreceptors, is not entirely comprehended. Here we introduced a 3D DNA origami as bioreceptor carrier to functionalize the fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (FO-SPR) sensor with nanoscale precision. Starting from a 24-helix bundle, two distinct DNA origami structures were designed to position thrombin-specific aptamers with different density and distance (27 and 113 nm) from the FO-SPR surface. The origami-based biosensors proved to be not only capable of reproducible, label-free thrombin detection, but revealed also valuable innovative features: (1) a significantly better performance in the absence of backfilling, known as essential in biosensing field, suggesting improved bioreceptor orientation and accessibility and (2) a wider linear range compared to previously reported thrombin biosensors. We envisage that our method will be beneficial both for scientists and clinicians looking for new surface (bio)chemistry and improved diagnostics.

Directional Emission from Dielectric Leaky-Wave Nanoantennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peter, Manuel; Hildebrandt, Andre; Schlickriede, Christian; Gharib, Kimia; Zentgraf, Thomas; Förstner, Jens; Linden, Stefan

2017-07-01

An important source of innovation in nanophotonics is the idea to scale down known radio wave technologies to the optical regime. One thoroughly investigated example of this approach are metallic nanoantennas which employ plasmonic resonances to couple localized emitters to selected far-field modes. While metals can be treated as perfect conductors in the microwave regime, their response becomes Drude-like at optical frequencies. Thus, plasmonic nanoantennas are inherently lossy. Moreover, their resonant nature requires precise control of the antenna geometry. A promising way to circumvent these problems is the use of broadband nanoantennas made from low-loss dielectric materials. Here, we report on highly directional emission from active dielectric leaky-wave nanoantennas made of Hafnium dioxide. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots deposited in the nanoantenna feed gap serve as a local light source. The emission patterns of active nanoantennas with different sizes are measured by Fourier imaging. We find for all antenna sizes a highly directional emission, underlining the broadband operation of our design.

Thermal Model Development for an X-Ray Mirror Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonafede, Joseph A.

2015-01-01

Space-based x-ray optics require stringent thermal environmental control to achieve the desired image quality. Future x-ray telescopes will employ hundreds of nearly cylindrical, thin mirror shells to maximize effective area, with each shell built from small azimuthal segment pairs for manufacturability. Thermal issues with these thin optics are inevitable because the mirrors must have a near unobstructed view of space while maintaining near uniform 20 C temperature to avoid thermal deformations. NASA Goddard has been investigating the thermal characteristics of a future x-ray telescope with an image requirement of 5 arc-seconds and only 1 arc-second focusing error allocated for thermal distortion. The telescope employs 135 effective mirror shells formed from 7320 individual mirror segments mounted in three rings of 18, 30, and 36 modules each. Thermal requirements demand a complex thermal control system and detailed thermal modeling to verify performance. This presentation introduces innovative modeling efforts used for the conceptual design of the mirror assembly and presents results demonstrating potential feasibility of the thermal requirements.

Quality inspection of anisotropic scintillating lead tungstate (PbWO 4) crystals through measurement of interferometric fringe pattern parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cocozzella, N.; Lebeau, M.; Majni, G.; Paone, N.; Rinaldi, D.

2001-08-01

Scintillating crystals are widely used as detectors in radiographic systems, computerized axial tomography devices and in calorimeters employed in high-energy physics. This paper results from a project motivated by the development of the CMS calorimeter at CERN, which will make use of a large number of scintillating crystals. In order to prevent crystals from breaking because of internal residual stress, a quality control system based on optic inspection of interference fringe patterns was developed. The principle of measurement procedures was theoretically modelled, and then a dedicated polariscope was designed and built, in order to observe the crystals under induced stresses or to evaluate the residual internal stresses. The results are innovative and open a new perspective for scintillating crystals quality control: the photoelastic constant normal to the optic axis of the lead tungstate crystals (PbWO 4) was measured, and the inspection procedure developed is applicable to mass production, not only to optimize the crystal processing, but also to establish a quality inspection procedure.

Fiber-optic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for remote label-free sensing of medical device surface contamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan, Moinuddin; Tan, Xin; Welle, Elissa; Ilev, Ilko

2013-05-01

As a potential major source of biochemical contamination, medical device surfaces are of critical safety concerns in the clinical practice and public health. The development of innovative sensing methods for accurate and real-time detection of medical device surface contamination is essential to protect patients from high risk infection. In this paper, we demonstrate an alternative fiber-optic Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy based sensing approach for remote, non-contact, and label-free detection of biochemical contaminants in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) region. The sensing probe is designed using mid-IR hollow fibers and FTIR measurements are carried out in reflection mode. Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and bacterial endotoxin of different concentrations under thoroughly dry condition are used to evaluate the detection sensitivity. The devised system can identify ≤0.0025% (≤4 × 1011 molecules) BSA and 0.5% (0.5 EU/ml) endotoxin concentration. The developed sensing approach may be applied to detect various pathogens that pose public health threats.

Plasmons in spatially separated double-layer graphene nanoribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagheri, Mehran; Bahrami, Mousa

2014-05-01

Motivated by innovative progresses in designing multi-layer graphene nanostructured materials in the laboratory, we theoretically investigate the Dirac plasmon modes of a spatially separated double-layer graphene nanoribbon system, made up of a vertically offset armchair and metallic graphene nanoribbon pair. We find striking features of the collective excitations in this novel Coulomb correlated system, where both nanoribbons are supposed to be either intrinsic (undoped/ungated) or extrinsic (doped/gated). In the former, it is shown the low-energy acoustical and the high-energy optical plasmon modes are tunable only by the inter-ribbon charge separation. In the later, the aforementioned plasmon branches are modified by the added doping factor. As a result, our model could be useful to examine the existence of a linear Landau-undamped low-energy acoustical plasmon mode tuned via the inter-ribbon charge separation as well as doping. This study might also be utilized for devising novel quantum optical waveguides based on the Coulomb coupled graphene nanoribbons.

CESIC: a new technology for lightweight and cost effective space instrument structures and mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devilliers, Christophe; Kroedel, Matthias R.

2005-08-01

For some years Alcatel Space has been interested in the development of a new material to produce lightweight, stiff, stable and cost effective structures and mirrors for space instrument. Cesic from ECM has been selected for its intrinsic properties (high specific modulus, high conductivity, quite low thermal expansion coefficient and high fracture toughness for a ceramic material), added to ample manufacturing capabilities. Under ESA responsibility, a flight representative optical bench of Cesic has been designed, manufactured and tested. The optical bench has been submitted with success to intensive vibration tests up to 80 g on shaker without problem and was tested down to 30 K showing very high stability. Cesic is also envisaged for large and lightweight space telescope mirrors. Coatings on the Cesic substrate have been developed and qualified for the most stringent optical needs. To prove the lightweight capability, a large Cesic mirror D=950 mm with an area mass of less than 25 kg/m2 has been designed, sized again launch loads and WFE performance, and then manufactured. Cesic is also envisaged for large future focal plane holding a large number of detectors assuring high stability thanks to its high thermal conductivity. A full size Cesic focal plane has been already successfully built and tested. Based on these successful results, Alcatel Space is now in position to propose for space projects this technology mastered in common with ECM both for mirrors and structures with new innovative concepts thanks to the manufacturing capabilities of this technology.

Continuous nucleus extraction by optically-induced cell lysis on a batch-type microfluidic platform.

PubMed

Huang, Shih-Hsuan; Hung, Lien-Yu; Lee, Gwo-Bin

2016-04-21

The extraction of a cell's nucleus is an essential technique required for a number of procedures, such as disease diagnosis, genetic replication, and animal cloning. However, existing nucleus extraction techniques are relatively inefficient and labor-intensive. Therefore, this study presents an innovative, microfluidics-based approach featuring optically-induced cell lysis (OICL) for nucleus extraction and collection in an automatic format. In comparison to previous micro-devices designed for nucleus extraction, the new OICL device designed herein is superior in terms of flexibility, selectivity, and efficiency. To facilitate this OICL module for continuous nucleus extraction, we further integrated an optically-induced dielectrophoresis (ODEP) module with the OICL device within the microfluidic chip. This on-chip integration circumvents the need for highly trained personnel and expensive, cumbersome equipment. Specifically, this microfluidic system automates four steps by 1) automatically focusing and transporting cells, 2) releasing the nuclei on the OICL module, 3) isolating the nuclei on the ODEP module, and 4) collecting the nuclei in the outlet chamber. The efficiency of cell membrane lysis and the ODEP nucleus separation was measured to be 78.04 ± 5.70% and 80.90 ± 5.98%, respectively, leading to an overall nucleus extraction efficiency of 58.21 ± 2.21%. These results demonstrate that this microfluidics-based system can successfully perform nucleus extraction, and the integrated platform is therefore promising in cell fusion technology with the goal of achieving genetic replication, or even animal cloning, in the near future.

From Brainstorming to C-Sketch to Principles of Historical Innovators: Ideation Techniques to Enhance Student Creativity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Christina; Wood, Kristin; Jensen, Dan

2012-01-01

The heart and soul of engineering is innovation and our ability to improve the human condition through design. To enrich engineering education, it is critical that we advance our teaching in innovation and design processes. This research focuses on the ideation component of innovation through the investigation of a suite of concept generation…

Design and Flight Testing of an Inflatable Sunshield for the NGST

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Michael L.; Culver, Harry L.; Kaufman, David M.; Pacini, Linda K.; Sturm, James; Lienard, Sebastien

2000-01-01

The Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) mission is scheduled to launch in 2007 and be stationed at L2 for a mission life of ten years. The large aperture mirror and optical detectors aboard NGST require shielding from the constant solar energy seen at this orbit. The government reference NGST design, called the Yardstick, baselined a sunshield using an inflation deployment system. During the formulation phase, NGST is spending approximately 25% of the overall budget to foster the development of new technology. The goal is to develop and demonstrate enabling or enhancing technology and provide innovative solutions for the design of the NGST observatory. Inflatable technology falls in the category of enhancing technology due to its advantages in weight, stowed volume and cost. The Inflatable Sunshield in Space (ISIS) flight experiment will provide a realistic space flight demonstration of an inflatable sunshield. The supporting technology development program will provide an information base for the design, manufacture, assembly and testing of large thin membranes and inflatable structural elements for space structures. The ISIS experiment will demonstrate the feasibility of using inflatable technology to passively cool optical systems for NGST and provide correlation between analytical predictions and on orbit results. The experiment will be performed on a Hitchhiker/Space Shuttle mission in late 2001. The ISIS mission is an effort to address several major technical challenges of the NGST inflatable sunshield, namely controlled inflation deployment, plenarity and separation of large stretched membranes, space rigidization of inflatable booms, and dynamic modeling and simulation. This paper will describe the design of the flight experiment and the testing to be performed on-orbit.

Consumer electronic optics: how small can a lens be: the case of panomorph lenses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thibault, Simon; Parent, Jocelyn; Zhang, Hu; Du, Xiaojun; Roulet, Patrice

2014-09-01

In 2014, miniature camera modules are applied to a variety of applications such as webcam, mobile phone, automotive, endoscope, tablets, portable computers and many other products. Mobile phone cameras are probably one of the most challenging parts due to the need for smaller and smaller total track length (TTL) and optimized embedded image processing algorithms. As the technology is developing, higher resolution and higher image quality, new capabilities are required to fulfil the market needs. Consequently, the lens system becomes more complex and requires more optical elements and/or new optical elements. What is the limit? How small an injection molded lens can be? We will discuss those questions by comparing two wide angle lenses for consumer electronic market. The first lens is a 6.56 mm (TTL) panoramic (180° FOV) lens built in 2012. The second is a more recent (2014) panoramic lens (180° FOV) with a TTL of 3.80 mm for mobile phone camera. Both optics are panomorph lenses used with megapixel sensors. Between 2012 and 2014, the development in design and plastic injection molding allowed a reduction of the TTL by more than 40%. This TTL reduction has been achieved by pushing the lens design to the extreme (edge/central air and material thicknesses as well as lens shape). This was also possible due to a better control of the injection molding process and material (low birefringence, haze and thermal stability). These aspects will be presented and discussed. During the next few years, we don't know if new material will come or new process but we will still need innovative people and industries to push again the limits.

Tracking the course of the manufacturing process in selective laser melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thombansen, U.; Gatej, A.; Pereira, M.

2014-02-01

An innovative optical train for a selective laser melting based manufacturing system (SLM) has been designed under the objective to track the course of the SLM process. In this, the thermal emission from the melt pool and the geometric properties of the interaction zone are addressed by applying a pyrometer and a camera system respectively. The optical system is designed such that all three radiations from processing laser, thermal emission and camera image are coupled coaxially and that they propagate on the same optical axis. As standard f-theta lenses for high power applications inevitably lead to aberrations and divergent optical axes for increasing deflection angles in combination with multiple wavelengths, a pre-focus system is used to implement a focusing unit which shapes the beam prior to passing the scanner. The sensor system records synchronously the current position of the laser beam, the current emission from the melt pool and an image of the interaction zone. Acquired data of the thermal emission is being visualized after processing which allows an instant evaluation of the course of the process at any position of each layer. As such, it provides a fully detailed history of the product This basic work realizes a first step towards self-optimization of the manufacturing process by providing information about quality relevant events during manufacture. The deviation from the planned course of the manufacturing process to the actual course of the manufacturing process can be used to adapt the manufacturing strategy from one layer to the next. In the current state, the system can be used to facilitate the setup of the manufacturing system as it allows identification of false machine settings without having to analyze the work piece.

Preventing Raman Lasing in High-Q WGM Resonators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savchenkov, Anatoliy; Matsko, Andrey; Strekalov, Dmitry; Maleki, Lute

2007-01-01

A generic design has been conceived to suppress the Raman effect in whispering- gallery-mode (WGM) optical resonators that have high values of the resonance quality factor (Q). Although it is possible to exploit the Raman effect (even striving to maximize the Raman gain to obtain Raman lasing), the present innovation is intended to satisfy a need that arises in applications in which the Raman effect inhibits the realization of the full potential of WGM resonators as frequency-selection components. Heretofore, in such applications, it has been necessary to operate high-Q WGM resonators at unattractively low power levels to prevent Raman lasing. (The Raman-lasing thresholds of WGM optical resonators are very low and are approximately proportional to Q(sup -2)). Heretofore, two ways of preventing Raman lasting at high power levels have been known, but both entail significant disadvantages: A resonator can be designed so that the optical field is spread over a relatively large mode volume to bring the power density below the threshold. For any given combination of Q and power level, there is certain mode volume wherein Raman lasing does not start. Unfortunately, a resonator that has a large mode volume also has a high spectral density, which is undesirable in a typical photonic application. A resonator can be cooled to the temperature of liquid helium, where the Raman spectrum is narrower and, therefore, the Raman gain is lower. However, liquid-helium cooling is inconvenient. The present design overcomes these disadvantages, making it possible to operate a low-spectral-density (even a single-mode) WGM resonator at a relatively high power level at room temperature, without risk of Raman lasing.

Research on control technology of hardware parallelism for marine controlled source electromagnetic transmitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Meng; Deng, Ming; Luo, Xianhu; Zhao, Qingxian; Chen, Kai; Jing, Jianen

2018-02-01

The marine controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) method has been recognized as an effective exploration method of shallow hydrocarbons around the world. We developed our own underwater marine CSEM transmitter that consisted of many functional modules with various response times. We previously adopted a centralized software-control technology to design the transmitter circuit topological structure. That structure probably generated a control disorder or malfunction. These undesirable conditions could lead to repeated recovery and deployment of the transmitter, which not only consumed time but also affected data continuity and establishment of stable and continuous CSEM field. We developed an instrument design concept named ‘control technology of hardware parallelism’. In this design, a noteworthy innovation of our new technology is to solve the above-mentioned problems at the physical and fundamental levels. We used several self-contained control-units to simultaneously accomplish the predetermined functions of the transmitter. The new solution relies on two technologies: multi-core embedded technology and multi-channel parallel optical-fiber data transmission technology. The first technology depends on many independent microcontrollers. Every microcontroller is only used to achieve a customized function. The second one relies on several multiple optical-fiber transmission channels realized by a complex programmable logic device and two optical-fiber conversion devices, which are used to establish a communication link between the shipboard monitoring and control-unit and underwater transmitter. We have conducted some marine experiments to verify the reliability and stability of the new method. In particular, the new technology used in the transmitter system could help us obtain more useful measured data in a limited time, improve real-time efficiency, and support the establishment of a stable CSEM field.

Mobile Aerial Tracking and Imaging System (MATRIS) for Aeronautical Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banks, Daniel W.; Blanchard, R. C.; Miller, G. M.

2004-01-01

A mobile, rapidly deployable ground-based system to track and image targets of aeronautical interest has been developed. Targets include reentering reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) as well as atmospheric and transatmospheric vehicles. The optics were designed to image targets in the visible and infrared wavelengths. To minimize acquisition cost and development time, the system uses commercially available hardware and software where possible. The conception and initial funding of this system originated with a study of ground-based imaging of global aerothermal characteristics of RLV configurations. During that study NASA teamed with the Missile Defense Agency/Innovative Science and Technology Experimentation Facility (MDA/ISTEF) to test techniques and analysis on two Space Shuttle flights.

Graphene-based absorber exploiting guided mode resonances in one-dimensional gratings.

PubMed

Grande, M; Vincenti, M A; Stomeo, T; Bianco, G V; de Ceglia, D; Aközbek, N; Petruzzelli, V; Bruno, G; De Vittorio, M; Scalora, M; D'Orazio, A

2014-12-15

A one-dimensional dielectric grating, based on a simple geometry, is proposed and investigated to enhance light absorption in a monolayer graphene exploiting guided mode resonances. Numerical findings reveal that the optimized configuration is able to absorb up to 60% of the impinging light at normal incidence for both TE and TM polarizations resulting in a theoretical enhancement factor of about 26 with respect to the monolayer graphene absorption (≈2.3%). Experimental results confirm this behavior showing CVD graphene absorbance peaks up to about 40% over narrow bands of a few nanometers. The simple and flexible design points to a way to realize innovative, scalable and easy-to-fabricate graphene-based optical absorbers.

Chalcogenide molded freeform optics for mid-infrared lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chenard, Francois; Alvarez, Oseas; Yi, Allen

2017-05-01

High-precision chalcogenide molded micro-lenses were produced to collimate mid-infrared Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs). Molded cylindrical micro-lens prototypes with aspheric contour (acylindrical), high numerical aperture (NA 0.8) and small focal length (f<2 mm) were fabricated to collimate the QCL fast-axis beam. Another innovative freeform micro-lens has an input acylindrical surface to collimate the fast axis and an orthogonal output acylindrical surface to collimate the slow axis. The thickness of the freeform lens is such that the output fast- and slow-axis beams are circular. This paper presents results on the chalcogenide molded freeform micro-lens designed to collimate and circularize QCL at 4.6 microns.

High-Resolution X-Ray Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

ODell, Stephen L.; Brissenden, Roger J.; Davis, William; Elsner, Ronald F.; Elvis, Martin; Freeman, Mark; Gaetz, Terry; Gorenstein, Paul; Gubarev, Mikhail V.

2010-01-01

Fundamental needs for future x-ray telescopes: a) Sharp images => excellent angular resolution. b) High throughput => large aperture areas. Generation-X optics technical challenges: a) High resolution => precision mirrors & alignment. b) Large apertures => lots of lightweight mirrors. Innovation needed for technical readiness: a) 4 top-level error terms contribute to image size. b) There are approaches to controlling those errors. Innovation needed for manufacturing readiness. Programmatic issues are comparably challenging.

A comparison of the technological effectiveness of dairy wastewater treatment in anaerobic UASB reactor and anaerobic reactor with an innovative design.

PubMed

Jedrzejewska-Cicinska, M; Kozak, K; Krzemieniewski, M

2007-10-01

The present research was an investigation of the influence of an innovative design of reactor filled with polyethylene (PE) granulate on model dairy wastewater treatment efficiency under anaerobic conditions compared to that obtained in a typical UASB reactor. The experiment was conducted at laboratory scale. An innovative reactor was designed with the reaction chamber inclined 30 degrees in relation to the ground with upward waste flow and was filled with PE granular material. Raw model dairy wastewater was fed to two anaerobic reactors of different design at the organic loading rate of 4 kg COD m(-3)d(-1). Throughout the experiment, a higher removal efficiency of organic compounds was observed in the reactor with an innovative design and it was higher by 7.1% on average than in the UASB reactor. The total suspended solids was lower in the wastewater treated in the anaerobic reactor with the innovative design. Applying a PE granulated filling in the chamber of the innovative reactor contributed to an even distribution of sludge biomass in the reactor, reducing washout of anaerobic sludge biomass from the reaction chamber and giving a higher organic compounds removal efficiency.

Reconfigurable microwave photonic repeater for broadband telecom missions: concepts and technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aveline, M.; Sotom, M.; Barbaste, R.; Benazet, B.; Le Kernec, A.; Magnaval, J.; Ginestet, P.; Navasquillo, O.; Piqueras, M. A.

2017-11-01

Thales Alenia Space has elaborated innovative telecom payload concepts taking benefit from the capabilities of photonics and so-called microwave photonics. The latter consists in transferring RF/microwave signals on optical carriers and performing processing in the optical domain so as to benefit from specific attributes such as wavelength-division multiplexing or switching capabilities.

Optically Transparent Ferromagnetic Nanogranular Films with Tunable Transmittance

PubMed Central

Kobayashi, Nobukiyo; Masumoto, Hiroshi; Takahashi, Saburo; Maekawa, Sadamichi

2016-01-01

Developing optically transparent magnets at room temperature is an important challenge. They would bring many innovations to various industries, not only for electronic and magnetic devices but also for optical applications. Here we introduce FeCo-(Al-fluoride) nanogranular films exhibiting ferromagnetic properties with high optical transparency in the visible light region. These films have a nanocomposite structure, in which nanometer-sized FeCo ferromagnetic granules are dispersed in an Al-fluoride crystallized matrix. The optical transmittance of these films is controlled by changing the magnetization. This is a new type of magneto-optical effect and is explained by spin-dependent charge oscillation between ferromagnetic granules due to quantum-mechanical tunneling. PMID:27677710

Nurses and nurse assistants' experiences with using a design thinking approach to innovation in a nursing home.

PubMed

Eines, Trude Fløystad; Vatne, Solfrid

2018-05-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate nurses' and nurse assistants' experiences with a design thinking approach to innovation used in a nursing home in Norway. A design thinking approach to innovation that focuses on users' needs can be employed to address many of the challenges facing health care providers in a field facing a growing ageing population, complex diseases and financial shortfalls. This study is based on a thematic analysis of four focus group interviews with nurses and nurse assistants (n = 23). In the initial phase of developing the new service model, which included defining staff roles and responsibilities, participating nurses and nurse assistants felt engaged and motivated by the designers' inclusive and creative methods. However, during the new model's testing phase, they were critical of management's lack of involvement in the model`s implementation and therefore became less motivated about the project. The findings of the study highlight the importance of the designers cooperating with management and staff for the duration of the innovation process. Challenging innovation processes require strong managers who engage with designers, patients, staff and volunteers throughout all phases of an innovation process using a design thinking approach. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Deposition and characterization of B4C/CeO2 multilayers at 6.x nm extreme ultraviolet wavelengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sertsu, M. G.; Giglia, A.; Brose, S.; Park, D.; Wang, Z. S.; Mayer, J.; Juschkin, L.; Nicolosi, P.

2016-03-01

New multilayers of boron carbide/cerium dioxide (B4C/CeO2) combination on silicon (Si) substrate are manufactured to represent reflective-optics candidates for future lithography at 6.x nm wavelength. This is one of only a few attempts to make multilayers of this kind. Combination of several innovative experiments enables detailed study of optical properties, structural properties, and interface profiles of the multilayers in order to open up a room for further optimization of the manufacturing process. The interface profile is visualized by high-angle annular dark-field imaging which provides highly sensitive contrast to atomic number. Synchrotron based at-wavelength extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reflectance measurements near the boron (B) absorption edge allow derivation of optical parameters with high sensitivity to local atom interactions. X-ray reflectivity measurements at Cu-Kalpha (8 keV ) determine the period of multilayers with high in-depth resolution. By combining these measurements and choosing robust nonlinear curve fitting algorithms, accuracy of the results has been significantly improved. It also enables a comprehensive characterization of multilayers. Interface diffusion is determined to be a major cause for the low reflectivity performance. Optical constants of B4C and CeO2 layers are derived in EUV wavelengths. Besides, optical properties and asymmetric thicknesses of inter-diffusion layers (interlayers) in EUV wavelengths near the boron edge are determined. Finally, ideal reflectivity of the B4C/CeO2 combination is calculated by using optical constants derived from the proposed measurements in order to evaluate the potentiality of the design.

PICSiP: new system-in-package technology using a high bandwidth photonic interconnection layer for converged microsystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tekin, Tolga; Töpper, Michael; Reichl, Herbert

2009-05-01

Technological frontiers between semiconductor technology, packaging, and system design are disappearing. Scaling down geometries [1] alone does not provide improvement of performance, less power, smaller size, and lower cost. It will require "More than Moore" [2] through the tighter integration of system level components at the package level. System-in-Package (SiP) will deliver the efficient use of three dimensions (3D) through innovation in packaging and interconnect technology. A key bottleneck to the implementation of high-performance microelectronic systems, including SiP, is the lack of lowlatency, high-bandwidth, and high density off-chip interconnects. Some of the challenges in achieving high-bandwidth chip-to-chip communication using electrical interconnects include the high losses in the substrate dielectric, reflections and impedance discontinuities, and susceptibility to crosstalk [3]. Obviously, the incentive for the use of photonics to overcome the challenges and leverage low-latency and highbandwidth communication will enable the vision of optical computing within next generation architectures. Supercomputers of today offer sustained performance of more than petaflops, which can be increased by utilizing optical interconnects. Next generation computing architectures are needed with ultra low power consumption; ultra high performance with novel interconnection technologies. In this paper we will discuss a CMOS compatible underlying technology to enable next generation optical computing architectures. By introducing a new optical layer within the 3D SiP, the development of converged microsystems, deployment for next generation optical computing architecture will be leveraged.

Computer Generated Hologram System for Wavefront Measurement System Calibration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olczak, Gene

2011-01-01

Computer Generated Holograms (CGHs) have been used for some time to calibrate interferometers that require nulling optics. A typical scenario is the testing of aspheric surfaces with an interferometer placed near the paraxial center of curvature. Existing CGH technology suffers from a reduced capacity to calibrate middle and high spatial frequencies. The root cause of this shortcoming is as follows: the CGH is not placed at an image conjugate of the asphere due to limitations imposed by the geometry of the test and the allowable size of the CGH. This innovation provides a calibration system where the imaging properties in calibration can be made comparable to the test configuration. Thus, if the test is designed to have good imaging properties, then middle and high spatial frequency errors in the test system can be well calibrated. The improved imaging properties are provided by a rudimentary auxiliary optic as part of the calibration system. The auxiliary optic is simple to characterize and align to the CGH. Use of the auxiliary optic also reduces the size of the CGH required for calibration and the density of the lines required for the CGH. The resulting CGH is less expensive than the existing technology and has reduced write error and alignment error sensitivities. This CGH system is suitable for any kind of calibration using an interferometer when high spatial resolution is required. It is especially well suited for tests that include segmented optical components or large apertures.

Thin film optical coatings for the ultraviolet spectral region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torchio, P.; Albrand, G.; Alvisi, M.; Amra, C.; Rauf, H.; Cousin, B.; Otrio, G.

2017-11-01

The applications and innovations related to the ultraviolet field are today in strong growth. To satisfy these developments which go from biomedical to the large equipment like the Storage Ring Free Electron Laser, it is crucial to control with an extreme precision the optical performances, in using the substrates and the thin film materials impossible to circumvent in this spectral range. In particular, the reduction of the losses by electromagnetic diffusion, Joule effect absorption, or the behavior under UV luminous flows of power, resistance to surrounding particulate flows... become top priority which concerns a broad European and international community. Our laboratory has the theoretical, experimental and technological tools to design and fabricate numerous multilayer coatings with desirable optical properties in the visible and infrared spectral ranges. We have extended our expertise to the ultraviolet. We present here some results on high reflectivity multidielectric mirrors towards 250 nm in wavelength, produced by Ion Plating Deposition. The latter technique allows us to obtain surface treatments with low absorption and high resistance. We give in this study the UV transparent materials and the manufacturing technology which have been the best suited to meet requirements. Single UV layers were deposited and characterized. HfO2/SiO2 mirrors with a reflectance higher than 99% at 300 nm were obtained. Optical and non-optical characterizations such as UV spectrophotometric measurements, X-Ray Diffraction spectra, Scanning Electron Microscope and Atomic Force Microscope images were performed

Creation of the new industry-standard space test of laser retroreflectors for the GNSS and LAGEOS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dell'Agnello, S.; Delle Monache, G. O.; Currie, D. G.; Vittori, R.; Cantone, C.; Garattini, M.; Boni, A.; Martini, M.; Lops, C.; Intaglietta, N.; Tauraso, R.; Arnold, D. A.; Pearlman, M. R.; Bianco, G.; Zerbini, S.; Maiello, M.; Berardi, S.; Porcelli, L.; Alley, C. O.; McGarry, J. F.; Sciarretta, C.; Luceri, V.; Zagwodzki, T. W.

2011-03-01

We built a new experimental apparatus (the “Satellite/lunar laser ranging Characterization Facility”, SCF) and created a new test procedure (the SCF-Test) to characterize and model the detailed thermal behavior and the optical performance of cube corner laser retroreflectors in space for industrial and scientific applications. The primary goal of these innovative tools is to provide critical design and diagnostic capabilities for Satellites Laser Ranging (SLR) to Galileo and other GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) constellations. The capability will allow us to optimize the design of GNSS laser retroreflector payloads to maximize ranging efficiency, to improve signal-to-noise conditions in daylight and to provide pre-launch validation of retroreflector performance under laboratory-simulated space conditions. Implementation of new retroreflector designs being studied will help to improve GNSS orbits, which will then increase the accuracy, stability, and distribution of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), to provide better definition of the geocenter (origin) and the scale (length unit).Our key experimental innovation is the concurrent measurement and modeling of the optical Far Field Diffraction Pattern (FFDP) and the temperature distribution of the SLR retroreflector payload under thermal conditions produced with a close-match solar simulator. The apparatus includes infrared cameras for non-invasive thermometry, thermal control and real-time movement of the payload to experimentally simulate satellite orientation on orbit with respect to both solar illumination and laser interrogation beams. These unique capabilities provide experimental validation of the space segment for SLR and Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR).We used the SCF facility and the SCF-Test to perform a comprehensive, non-invasive space characterization of older generation, back-coated retroreflectors of the GIOVE-A and -B (Galileo In-Orbit Validation Elements) and the GPS-35 and -36 designs. First, using a full GPS flight model at laser wavelengths of 532 and 632 nm, we found its “effective optical cross section” in air, under isothermal conditions, to be six times lower than the Retroreflector Standard for GNSS satellites (100 × 106 m2 at 20,000 km altitude for GPS and 180 × 106 m2 for Galileo at 23,200 km altitude), issued by the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS). Under the simulated thermal and space conditions of the SCF, we also showed that in some space configurations the “effective optical cross section” is further reduced, by the thermal degradation of the FFDP. Using the same SCF-Test configuration on an individual GIOVE prototype cube, we measured severe thermal degradation in optical performance, which appears to be caused by the retroreflector metal coating and the non-optimized thermal conductance of the mounting.Uncoated retroreflectors with proper mounting can minimize thermal degradation and significantly increase the optical performance, and as such, are emerging as the recommended design for modern GNSS satellites. The COMPASS-M1, GLONASS-115 GNSS satellites use uncoated cubes. They provide better efficiency than those on GPS and GIOVE, including better daylight ranging performance. However, these retroreflectors were not characterized in the laboratory under space conditions prior to launch, so we have no basis to evaluate how well they were optimized for future GNSS satellites. SCF-Testing, under a non-disclosure agreement between INFN-LNF and the European Space Agency (ESA), of prototype uncoated cubes for the first four Galileo satellites to be launched (named “IOV”, In-Orbit Validation satellites) is a major step forward. An SCF-Test performed on a LAGEOS (LAser GEOdynamics Satellite) engineering model retroreflector array provided by NASA, showed the good space performance on what is now a reference ILRS payload standard. The IOV and LAGEOS measurements demonstrated the effectiveness of the SCF-Test as an LRA diagnostic, optimization and validation tool in use by NASA, ESA and ASI.

Development of Operational Free-Space-Optical (FSO) Laser Communication Systems Final Report CRADA No. TC02093.0

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

Ruggiero, A.; Orgren, A.

This project was a collaborative effort between Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (formerly The Regents of the University of California)/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and LGS Innovations, LLC (formerly Lucent Technologies, Inc.), to develop long-range and mobile operational free-space optical (FSO) laser communication systems for specialized government applications. LLNL and LGS Innovations formerly Lucent Bell Laboratories Government Communications Systems performed this work for a United States Government (USG) Intelligence Work for Others (I-WFO) customer, also referred to as "Government Customer", or "Customer" and "Government Sponsor." The CRADA was a critical and required part of the LLNL technology transfer plan formore » the customer.« less

Post-Occupancy Evaluation of a Mental Healthcare Facility Based on Staff Perceptions of Design Innovations.

PubMed

Kalantari, Saleh; Snell, Robin

2017-07-01

This study was a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) to examine the effectiveness of three specific design innovations in a mental healthcare facility. In addition to collecting data about the impact of these specific designs, the study provides a model for the broader implementation of POE approaches in the mental healthcare context. POEs in general healthcare settings have been shown to lead to better work environments and better outcomes for patients. Despite growing evidence of the value provided by POE studies, the industry has been somewhat slow to adopt their regular use, in part due to unfamiliarity with the POE process. This is particularly true in mental healthcare contexts, where POE studies remain virtually nonexistent. In-depth interviews and a widely distributed, anonymous survey were used to collect hospital staff perceptions and feedback regarding the impact of specific design features. The hospital staff were quite enthusiastic about two of the design innovations studied here (a new wayfinding strategy and the use of vibrant colors in specific areas of the facility). The third innovation, open-style communication centers, elicited more mixed evaluations. The results include extensive hypothesis testing about the effects of each innovation as well as narrative discussions of their pros and cons. The study generated new knowledge about three specific mental healthcare design innovations and provides a model for the practical implementation of a POE approach in mental healthcare contexts. The results are particularly relevant for designers who are considering innovative strategies in future mental healthcare facilities.

Innovative Design of Complex Engineering Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, Ahmed K. (Compiler)

2004-01-01

The document contains the proceedings of the training workshop on Innovative Design of Complex Engineering Systems. The workshop was held at the Peninsula Higher Education Center, Hampton, Virginia, March 23 and 24, 2004. The workshop was jointly sponsored by Old Dominion University and NASA. Workshop attendees came from NASA, other government agencies, industry and universities. The objectives of the workshop were to a) provide broad overviews of the diverse activities related to innovative design of high-tech engineering systems; and b) identify training needs for future aerospace work force development in the design area. The format of the workshop included fifteen, half-hour overview-type presentations, a panel discussion on how to teach and train engineers in innovative design, and three exhibits by commercial vendors.

Next generation sensing platforms for extended deployments in large-scale, multidisciplinary, adaptive sampling and observational networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cross, J. N.; Meinig, C.; Mordy, C. W.; Lawrence-Slavas, N.; Cokelet, E. D.; Jenkins, R.; Tabisola, H. M.; Stabeno, P. J.

2016-12-01

New autonomous sensors have dramatically increased the resolution and accuracy of oceanographic data collection, enabling rapid sampling over extremely fine scales. Innovative new autonomous platofrms like floats, gliders, drones, and crawling moorings leverage the full potential of these new sensors by extending spatiotemporal reach across varied environments. During 2015 and 2016, The Innovative Technology for Arctic Exploration Program at the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory tested several new types of fully autonomous platforms with increased speed, durability, and power and payload capacity designed to deliver cutting-edge ecosystem assessment sensors to remote or inaccessible environments. The Expendable Ice-Tracking (EXIT) gloat developed by the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) is moored near bottom during the ice-free season and released on an autonomous timer beneath the ice during the following winter. The float collects a rapid profile during ascent, and continues to collect critical, poorly-accessible under-ice data until melt, when data is transmitted via satellite. The autonomous Oculus sub-surface glider developed by the University of Washington and PMEL has a large power and payload capacity and an enhanced buoyancy engine. This 'coastal truck' is designed for the rapid water column ascent required by optical imaging systems. The Saildrone is a solar and wind powered ocean unmanned surface vessel (USV) developed by Saildrone, Inc. in partnership with PMEL. This large-payload (200 lbs), fast (1-7 kts), durable (46 kts winds) platform was equipped with 15 sensors designed for ecosystem assessment during 2016, including passive and active acoustic systems specially redesigned for autonomous vehicle deployments. The senors deployed on these platforms achieved rigorous accuracy and precision standards. These innovative platforms provide new sampling capabilities and cost efficiencies in high-resolution sensor deployment, including reconnaissance for annual fisheries and marine mammal surveys; better linkages between sustained observing platforms; and adaptive deployments that can easily target anomalies as they arise.

Optics industry in Spain: a cluster approach to increasing competitiveness through collaboration in R&D and innovation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cifuentes, Andrés F.

2011-10-01

The optics industry in Spain pooled together to create the Southern European Cluster in Photonics and Optics - SECPhO, founded in April 2009, with the mission to help the sector increase competitiveness, specially through collaboration. From 10 founding members, SECPhO no incorporates over 40 members, which is nearly 40% of the optics industry in the region. From the beginning of operations the cluster has focused on three strategic challenges: R&D+i and Productivity, Visibility and Internationalization, and Betterment and Retention of Talent. A brief summary of the clusters activities is given. In this article, the focus will be on R&D and innovation, through industry driven collaborative initiatives and the tools and actions that lead to successful partnerships. Topics discussed in this work are will be a cluster's role in promoting strategic change, the value chain approach to partnerships, international collaboration in projects and specific cluster activities. Some practical examples of initiatives relating to effective collaboration are described, focusing on one of the mayor challenges of our time: the greening of the planet. Examples will be addressed in smart cities, efficient LASER applications and lightweight optical sensors for civil security. In all cases the collaboration between the public and private sectors is shown.

High performance optical materials cyclo olefin polymer ZEONEX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obuchi, Kazuyuki; Komatsu, Masaaki; Minami, Koji

2007-09-01

ZEON CORPORATION developed innovative optical plastic Cyclo Olefin Polymer (COP), ZEONEX (R) with own technology in 1990 then started commercial production of ZEONEX (R) for optical applications with its very unique properties such as high light transmission, low birefringence, low water absorption, and high glass-transition temperature etc. ZEONEX (R) exhibits outstanding optical performance even under high humidity and temperature conditions. In order to meet increasing requirements of optical market, ZEON CORPORATION newly developed ZEONEX (R)F52R which has high glass-transition temperature 156 deg. C and shows the feature of very low focal length change after high-temperature and high-humidity test.

Research on collaborative innovation mechanism of green construction supply chain based on united agency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Min; He, Weiyi

2018-06-01

Under the guidance of principal-agent theory and modular theory, the collaborative innovation of green technology-based companies, design contractors and project builders based on united agency will provide direction for the development of green construction supply chain in the future. After analyzing the existing independent agencies, this paper proposes the industry-university-research bilateral collaborative innovation network architecture and modularization with the innovative function of engineering design in the context of non-standard transformation interfaces, analyzes the innovation responsibility center, and gives some countermeasures and suggestions to promote the performance of bilateral cooperative innovation network.

InP on SOI devices for optical communication and optical network on chip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedeli, J.-M.; Ben Bakir, B.; Olivier, N.; Grosse, Ph.; Grenouillet, L.; Augendre, E.; Phillippe, P.; Gilbert, K.; Bordel, D.; Harduin, J.

2011-01-01

For about ten years, we have been developing InP on Si devices under different projects focusing first on μlasers then on semicompact lasers. For aiming the integration on a CMOS circuit and for thermal issue, we relied on SiO2 direct bonding of InP unpatterned materials. After the chemical removal of the InP substrate, the heterostructures lie on top of silicon waveguides of an SOI wafer with a separation of about 100nm. Different lasers or photodetectors have been achieved for off-chip optical communication and for intra-chip optical communication within an optical network. For high performance computing with high speed communication between cores, we developed InP microdisk lasers that are coupled to silicon waveguide and produced 100μW of optical power and that can be directly modulated up to 5G at different wavelengths. The optical network is based on wavelength selective circuits with ring resonators. InGaAs photodetectors are evanescently coupled to the silicon waveguide with an efficiency of 0.8A/W. The fabrication has been demonstrated at 200mm wafer scale in a microelectronics clean room for CMOS compatibility. For off-chip communication, silicon on InP evanescent laser have been realized with an innovative design where the cavity is defined in silicon and the gain localized in the QW of bonded InP hererostructure. The investigated devices operate at continuous wave regime with room temperature threshold current below 100 mA, the side mode suppression ratio is as high as 20dB, and the fibercoupled output power is {7mW. Direct modulation can be achieved with already 6G operation.

Laboratory and field performance of FOS sensors in static and dynamic strain monitoring in concrete bridge decks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benmokrane, B.; Debaiky, A.; El-Ragaby, A.; Roy, R.; El-Gamal, S.; El-Salakawy, E.

2006-03-01

There is a growing need for designing and constructing innovative concrete bridges using FRP reinforcing bars as internal reinforcement to avoid the corrosion problems and high costs of maintenance and repair. For efficient use and to increase the lifetime of these bridges, it is important to develop efficient monitoring systems for such innovative structures. Fabry-Perot and Bragg fibre optic sensors (FOS) that can measure the strains and temperature are promising candidates for life-long health monitoring of these structures. This article reports laboratory and field performance of Fabry-Perot and Bragg FOS sensors as well as electrical strain gauges in static and dynamic strain monitoring in concrete bridge decks. The laboratory tests include tensile testing of glass FRP bars and testing of full-scale concrete bridge deck slabs reinforced with glass and carbon FRP bars under static and cyclic concentrated loads. The field tests include static and dynamic testing of two bridges reinforced with steel and glass FRP bars. The obtained strain results showed satisfactory agreement between the different gauges.

High-NA EUV lithography enabling Moore's law in the next decade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Schoot, Jan; Troost, Kars; Bornebroek, Frank; van Ballegoij, Rob; Lok, Sjoerd; Krabbendam, Peter; Stoeldraijer, Judon; Loopstra, Erik; Benschop, Jos P.; Finders, Jo; Meiling, Hans; van Setten, Eelco; Kneer, Bernhard; Kuerz, Peter; Kaiser, Winfried; Heil, Tilmann; Migura, Sascha; Neumann, Jens Timo

2017-10-01

While EUV systems equipped with a 0.33 Numerical Aperture lenses are readying to start volume manufacturing, ASML and Zeiss are ramping up their activities on a EUV exposure tool with Numerical Aperture of 0.55. The purpose of this scanner, targeting an ultimate resolution of 8nm, is to extend Moore's law throughout the next decade. A novel, anamorphic lens design, capable of providing the required Numerical Aperture has been investigated; This lens will be paired with new, faster stages and more accurate sensors enabling Moore's law economical requirements, as well as the tight focus and overlay control needed for future process nodes. The tighter focus and overlay control budgets, as well as the anamorphic optics, will drive innovations in the imaging and OPC modelling. Furthermore, advances in resist and mask technology will be required to image lithography features with less than 10nm resolution. This paper presents an overview of the target specifications, key technology innovations and imaging simulations demonstrating the advantages as compared to 0.33NA and showing the capabilities of the next generation EUV systems.

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

Wang, K; Zhang, B; Eslami, S

Purpose: We present a newly developed on-board optical tomography system for SARRP. Innovative features include the compact design and fast acquisition optical method to perform 3D soft tissue radiation guidance. Because of the on-board feature and the combination of the CBCT, diffusive optical tomography (DOT), bioluminescence and fluorescence tomography (BLT and FT), this integrated system is expected to provide more accurate soft tissue guidance than an off-line system as well as highly sensitive functional imaging in preclinical research. Methods: Images are acquired in the order of CBCT, DOT and then BLT/FT, where the SARRP CBCT and DOT are used tomore » provide the anatomical and optical properties information to enhance the subsequent BLT/FT optical reconstruction. The SARRP stage is redesigned to include 9 imbedded optical fibers in contact with the animal's skin. These fibers, connected to a white light lamp or laser, serve as the light sources for the DOT or FT, respectively. A CCD camera with f/1.4 lens and multi-spectral filter set is used as the optical detector and is mounted on a portable cart ready to dock into the SARRP. No radiation is delivered during optical image acquisition. A 3-way mirror system capable of 180 degree rotation around the animal reflects the optical signal to the camera at multiple projection angles. A special black-painted dome covers the stage and provides the light shielding. Results: Spontaneous metastatic bioluminescent liver and lung tumor models will be used to validate the 3D BLT reconstruction. To demonstrate the capability of our FT system, GastroSense750 fluorescence agent will be used to imaging the mouse stomach and intestinal region in 3D. Conclusion: We expect that this integrated CBCT and optical tomography on-board a SARRP will present new research opportunities for pre-clinical radiation research. Supported by NCI RO1-CA 158100.« less

A decade of cost-reduction in very large telescopes - The SST as prototype of special-purpose telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Harlan J.

1989-10-01

Many design and technical innovations over the past ten or fifteen years have reduced the costs of very large telescopes by nearly an order of magnitude over those of classical designs. Still a further order of magnitude reduction is possible if the telescope is specialized for on-axis spectroscopy, giving up especially the luxuries of wide field, multiple focal positions, and access to all the sky at will. The SST (Spectroscopic Survey Telescope) will use eighty-five 1-m circular mirrors mounted in a steel frame composed of hundreds of interlocking tetrahedrons, keeping a fixed elevation angle of 60 deg with rotation only in azimuth. Using an optical fiber it will feed as much light to spectrographs as can be done by a conventional 8-m telescope, yet has a target basic completion cost of only $6 million.

Development of new family of wide-angle anamorphic lens with controlled distortion profile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gauvin, Jonny; Doucet, Michel; Wang, Min; Thibault, Simon; Blanc, Benjamin

2005-08-01

It is well known that a fish-eye lens produces a circular image of the scene with a particular distortion profile. When using a fish-eye lens with a standard sensor (e.g. 1/3", 1/4",.), only a part of the rectangular detector area is used, leaving many pixels unused. We proposed a new approach to get enhanced resolution for panoramic imaging. In this paper, various arrangements of innovative 180-degree anamorphic wide-angle lens design are considered. Their performances as well as lens manufacturability are also discussed. The concept of the design is to use anamorphic optics to produce elliptical image that maximize pixel resolution in both axis. Furthermore, a non-linear distortion profile is also introduced to enhance spatial resolution for specific field angle. Typical applications such as panoramic photography, video conferencing, and homeland/transportation security are also presented.

Optimally analyzing and implementing of bolt fittings in steel structure based on ANSYS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Na; Song, Shuangyang; Cui, Yan; Wu, Yongchun

2018-03-01

ANSYS simulation software for its excellent performance become outstanding one in Computer-aided Engineering (CAE) family, it is committed to the innovation of engineering simulation to help users to shorten the design process. First, a typical procedure to implement CAE was design. The framework of structural numerical analysis on ANSYS Technology was proposed. Then, A optimally analyzing and implementing of bolt fittings in beam-column join of steel structure was implemented by ANSYS, which was display the cloud chart of XY-shear stress, the cloud chart of YZ-shear stress and the cloud chart of Y component of stress. Finally, ANSYS software simulating results was compared with the measured results by the experiment. The result of ANSYS simulating and analyzing is reliable, efficient and optical. In above process, a structural performance's numerical simulating and analyzing model were explored for engineering enterprises' practice.

Tackling Africa's digital divide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavery, Martin P. J.; Abadi, Mojtaba Mansour; Bauer, Ralf; Brambilla, Gilberto; Cheng, Ling; Cox, Mitchell A.; Dudley, Angela; Ellis, Andrew D.; Fontaine, Nicolas K.; Kelly, Anthony E.; Marquardt, Christoph; Matlhane, Selaelo; Ndagano, Bienvenu; Petruccione, Francesco; Slavík, Radan; Romanato, Filippo; Rosales-Guzmán, Carmelo; Roux, Filippus S.; Roux, Kobus; Wang, Jian; Forbes, Andrew

2018-05-01

Innovations in `sustainable' photonics technologies such as free-space optical links and solar-powered equipment provide developing countries with new cost-effective opportunities for deploying future-proof telecommunication networks.

Optical system design, analysis, and production; Proceedings of the Meeting, Geneva, Switzerland, April 19-22, 1983

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, P. J.; Fischer, R. E.

1983-01-01

Topics considered include: optical system requirements, analysis, and system engineering; optical system design using microcomputers and minicomputers; optical design theory and computer programs; optical design methods and computer programs; optical design methods and philosophy; unconventional optical design; diffractive and gradient index optical system design; optical production and system integration; and optical systems engineering. Particular attention is given to: stray light control as an integral part of optical design; current and future directions of lens design software; thin-film technology in the design and production of optical systems; aspherical lenses in optical scanning systems; the application of volume phase holograms to avionic displays; the effect of lens defects on thermal imager performance; and a wide angle zoom for the Space Shuttle.

Semiconductor Quantum Electron Wave Transport, Diffraction, and Interference: Analysis, Device, and Measurement.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henderson, Gregory Newell

Semiconductor device dimensions are rapidly approaching a fundamental limit where drift-diffusion equations and the depletion approximation are no longer valid. In this regime, quantum effects can dominate device response. To increase further device density and speed, new devices must be designed that use these phenomena to positive advantage. In addition, quantum effects provide opportunities for a new class of devices which can perform functions previously unattainable with "conventional" semiconductor devices. This thesis has described research in the analysis of electron wave effects in semiconductors and the development of methods for the design, fabrication, and characterization of quantum devices based on these effects. First, an exact set of quantitative analogies are presented which allow the use of well understood optical design and analysis tools for the development of electron wave semiconductor devices. Motivated by these analogies, methods are presented for modeling electron wave grating diffraction using both an exact rigorous coupled-wave analysis and approximate analyses which are useful for grating design. Example electron wave grating switch and multiplexer designs are presented. In analogy to thin-film optics, the design and analysis of electron wave Fabry-Perot interference filters are also discussed. An innovative technique has been developed for testing these (and other) electron wave structures using Ballistic Electron Emission Microscopy (BEEM). This technique uses a liquid-helium temperature scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to perform spectroscopy of the electron transmittance as a function of electron energy. Experimental results show that BEEM can resolve even weak quantum effects, such as the reflectivity of a single interface between materials. Finally, methods are discussed for incorporating asymmetric electron wave Fabry-Perot filters into optoelectronic devices. Theoretical and experimental results show that such structures could be the basis for a new type of electrically pumped mid - to far-infrared semiconductor laser.

Transparency through Structural Disorder: A New Concept for Innovative Transparent Ceramics

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

Al Saghir, Kholoud; Chenu, Sébastien; Veron, Emmanuel

2015-01-27

Transparent polycrystalline ceramics present signi fi cant eco- nomical and functional advantages over single crystal materials for optical, communication, and laser technologies. To date, transparency in these ceramics is ensured either by an optical isotropy (i.e., cubic symmetry) or a nanometric crystallite size, and the main challenge remains to eliminate porosity through complex high pressure - high temperature synthesis. Here we introduce a new concept to achieve ultimate transparency reaching the theoretical limit. We use a controlled degree of chemical disorder in the structure to obtain optical isotropy at the micrometer length scale. This approach can be applied in themore » case of anisotropic structures and micrometer scale crystal size ceramics. We thus report Sr 1+ x /2 Al 2+ x Si 2 - x O 8 (0 < x ≤ 0.4) readily scalable polycrystalline ceramics elaborated by full and congruent crystallization from glass. These materials reach 90% transmittance. This innovative method should drive the development of new highly transparent materials with technologically relevant applications.« less

Advanced excimer laser technologies enable green semiconductor manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukuda, Hitomi; Yoo, Youngsun; Minegishi, Yuji; Hisanaga, Naoto; Enami, Tatsuo

2014-03-01

"Green" has fast become an important and pervasive topic throughout many industries worldwide. Many companies, especially in the manufacturing industries, have taken steps to integrate green initiatives into their high-level corporate strategies. Governments have also been active in implementing various initiatives designed to increase corporate responsibility and accountability towards environmental issues. In the semiconductor manufacturing industry, there are growing concerns over future environmental impact as enormous fabs expand and new generation of equipments become larger and more powerful. To address these concerns, Gigaphoton has implemented various green initiatives for many years under the EcoPhoton™ program. The objective of this program is to drive innovations in technology and services that enable manufacturers to significantly reduce both the financial and environmental "green cost" of laser operations in high-volume manufacturing environment (HVM) - primarily focusing on electricity, gas and heat management costs. One example of such innovation is Gigaphoton's Injection-Lock system, which reduces electricity and gas utilization costs of the laser by up to 50%. Furthermore, to support the industry's transition from 300mm to the next generation 450mm wafers, technologies are being developed to create lasers that offer double the output power from 60W to 120W, but reducing electricity and gas consumption by another 50%. This means that the efficiency of lasers can be improve by up to 4 times in 450mm wafer production environments. Other future innovations include the introduction of totally Heliumfree Excimer lasers that utilize Nitrogen gas as its replacement for optical module purging. This paper discusses these and other innovations by Gigaphoton to enable green manufacturing.

High precision optomechanical assembly using threads as mechanical reference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamontagne, Frédéric; Desnoyers, Nichola; Bergeron, Guy; Cantin, Mario

2016-09-01

A convenient method to assemble optomechanical components is to use threaded interface. For example, lenses are often secured inside barrels using threaded rings. In other cases, multiple optical sub-assemblies such as lens barrels can be threaded to each other. Threads have the advantage to provide a simple assembly method, to be easy to manufacture, and to offer a compact mechanical design. On the other hand, threads are not considered to provide accurate centering between parts because of the assembly clearance between the inner and outer threads. For that reason, threads are often used in conjunction with precision cylindrical surfaces to limit the radial clearance between the parts to be centered. Therefore, tight manufacturing tolerances are needed on these pilot diameters, which affect the cost of the optical assembly. This paper presents a new optomechanical approach that uses threads as mechanical reference. This innovative method relies on geometric principles to auto-center parts to each other with a very low centering error that is usually less than 5 μm. The method allows to auto-center an optical group in a main barrel, to perform an axial adjustment of an optical group inside a main barrel, and to perform stacking of multiple barrels. In conjunction with the lens auto-centering method that also used threads as a mechanical reference, this novel solution opens new possibilities to realize a variety of different high precision optomechanical assemblies at lower cost.

Two-dimensional wavelet transform feature extraction for porous silicon chemical sensors.

PubMed

Murguía, José S; Vergara, Alexander; Vargas-Olmos, Cecilia; Wong, Travis J; Fonollosa, Jordi; Huerta, Ramón

2013-06-27

Designing reliable, fast responding, highly sensitive, and low-power consuming chemo-sensory systems has long been a major goal in chemo-sensing. This goal, however, presents a difficult challenge because having a set of chemo-sensory detectors exhibiting all these aforementioned ideal conditions are still largely un-realizable to-date. This paper presents a unique perspective on capturing more in-depth insights into the physicochemical interactions of two distinct, selectively chemically modified porous silicon (pSi) film-based optical gas sensors by implementing an innovative, based on signal processing methodology, namely the two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform. Specifically, the method consists of using the two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform as a feature extraction method to capture the non-stationary behavior from the bi-dimensional pSi rugate sensor response. Utilizing a comprehensive set of measurements collected from each of the aforementioned optically based chemical sensors, we evaluate the significance of our approach on a complex, six-dimensional chemical analyte discrimination/quantification task problem. Due to the bi-dimensional aspects naturally governing the optical sensor response to chemical analytes, our findings provide evidence that the proposed feature extractor strategy may be a valuable tool to deepen our understanding of the performance of optically based chemical sensors as well as an important step toward attaining their implementation in more realistic chemo-sensing applications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

75 FR 7464 - Energy Efficient Building Systems Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative-Joint Federal Funding...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-19

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Energy Efficient Building Systems Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative... Energy Efficient Building Systems Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative. A single proposal submitted by... systems design. The DOE funded Energy Efficient Building Systems Design Hub (the ``Hub'') will serve as a...

Controlling lightwave in Riemann space by merging geometrical optics with transformation optics.

PubMed

Liu, Yichao; Sun, Fei; He, Sailing

2018-01-11

In geometrical optical design, we only need to choose a suitable combination of lenses, prims, and mirrors to design an optical path. It is a simple and classic method for engineers. However, people cannot design fantastical optical devices such as invisibility cloaks, optical wormholes, etc. by geometrical optics. Transformation optics has paved the way for these complicated designs. However, controlling the propagation of light by transformation optics is not a direct design process like geometrical optics. In this study, a novel mixed method for optical design is proposed which has both the simplicity of classic geometrical optics and the flexibility of transformation optics. This mixed method overcomes the limitations of classic optical design; at the same time, it gives intuitive guidance for optical design by transformation optics. Three novel optical devices with fantastic functions have been designed using this mixed method, including asymmetrical transmissions, bidirectional focusing, and bidirectional cloaking. These optical devices cannot be implemented by classic optics alone and are also too complicated to be designed by pure transformation optics. Numerical simulations based on both the ray tracing method and full-wave simulation method are carried out to verify the performance of these three optical devices.

Innovative Facet Passivation for High-Brightness Laser Diodes

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-05

and anti-reflection (AR) coatings are deposited after cleaving. Edge- emitting laser diodes emit very high optical powers from small emission areas, as...SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: The objective of this effort is to increase the power of low fill-factor (20%) laser diode (LD) bars from the present...2012 16-Nov-2015 Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Final Report: Innovative Facet Passivation for High-Brightness Laser Diodes The

The Curriculum Innovation Canvas: A Design Thinking Framework for the Engaged Educational Entrepreneur

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willness, Chelsea; Bruni-Bossio, Vince

2017-01-01

Integrating literature on entrepreneurial business models and community-based experiential learning, we propose a new framework to advance the practice of curriculum innovation. Grounded in principles of design thinking, the curriculum innovation canvas provides a human-centered, collaborative, and holistic platform for instructors, curriculum…

Planetary Hyperspectral Imager (PHI)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silvergate, Peter

1996-01-01

A hyperspectral imaging spectrometer was breadboarded. Key innovations were use of a sapphire prism and single InSb focal plane to cover the entire spectral range, and a novel slit optic and relay optics to reduce thermal background. Operation over a spectral range of 450 - 4950 nm (approximately 3.5 spectral octaves) was demonstrated. Thermal background reduction by a factor of 8 - 10 was also demonstrated.

Group-multicast capable optical virtual private ring with contention avoidance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yunfeng; Du, Shu; Long, Keping

2008-11-01

A ring based optical virtual private network (OVPN) employing contention sensing and avoidance is proposed to deliver multiple-to-multiple group-multicast traffic. The network architecture is presented and its operation principles as well as performance are investigated. The main contribution of this article is the presentation of an innovative group-multicast capable OVPN architecture with technologies available today.

Green survivability in Fiber-Wireless (FiWi) broadband access network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yejun; Guo, Lei; Gong, Bo; Ma, Rui; Gong, Xiaoxue; Zhang, Lincong; Yang, Jiangzi

2012-03-01

Fiber-Wireless (FiWi) broadband access network is a promising "last mile" access technology, because it integrates wireless and optical access technologies in terms of their respective merits, such as high capacity and stable transmission from optical access technology, and easy deployment and flexibility from wireless access technology. Since FiWi is expected to carry a large amount of traffic, numerous traffic flows may be interrupted by the failure of network components. Thus, survivability in FiWi is a key issue aiming at reliable and robust service. However, the redundant deployment of backup resource required for survivability usually causes huge energy consumption, which aggravates the global warming and accelerates the incoming of energy crisis. Thus, the energy-saving issue should be considered when it comes to survivability design. In this paper, we focus on the green survivability in FiWi, which is an innovative concept and remains untouched in the previous works to our best knowledge. We first review and discuss some challenging issues about survivability and energy-saving in FiWi, and then we propose some instructive solutions for its green survivability design. Therefore, our work in this paper will provide the technical references and research motivations for the energy-efficient and survivable FiWi development in the future.

Structured Antireflective Coating for Silicon at Submillimeter Frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padilla, Estefania

2018-01-01

Observations at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths are useful for many astronomical studies, such as the polarization of the cosmic microwave background or the formation and evolution of galaxy clusters. In order to allow observations over a broad spectral bandwidth (approximatively from 70 to 420 GHz), innovative broadband anti-reflective (AR) optics must be utilized in submillimeter telescopes. Due to its low loss and high refractive index, silicon is a fine optical material at these frequencies, but an AR coating with multiple layers is required to maximize its transmission over a wide bandwidth. Structured multilayer AR coatings for silicon are currently being developed at Caltech and JPL. The development process includes the design of the structured layers with commercial electromagnetic simulation software, the fabrication by using deep reactive ion etching, and the test of the transmission and reflection of the patterned wafers. Geometrical 3D patterns have successfully been etched at the surface of the silicon wafers creating up to 2 layers with different effective refractive indices. The transmission and reflection of single AR layer wafers, measured between 75 and 330 GHz, are close to the simulation predictions. These results allow the development of new designs with 5 or 6 AR layers in order to improve the bandwidth and transmission of the silicon AR coatings.

Refractive Secondary Concentrators for Solar Thermal Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, Wayne A.; Macosko, Robert P.

1999-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center is developing technologies that utilize solar energy for various space applications including electrical power conversion, thermal propulsion, and furnaces. Common to all of these applications is the need for highly efficient, solar concentration systems. An effort is underway to develop the innovative single crystal refractive secondary concentrator, which uses refraction and total internal reflection to efficiently concentrate and direct solar energy. The refractive secondary offers very high throughput efficiencies (greater than 90%), and when used in combination with advanced primary concentrators, enables very high concentration ratios (10,0(X) to 1) and very high temperatures (greater than 2000 K). Presented is an overview of the refractive secondary concentrator development effort at the NASA Glenn Research Center, including optical design and analysis techniques, thermal modeling capabilities, crystal materials characterization testing, optical coatings evaluation, and component testing. Also presented is a discussion of potential future activity and technical issues yet to be resolved. Much of the work performed to date has been in support of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Solar Thermal Propulsion Program. The many benefits of a refractive secondary concentrator that enable efficient, high temperature thermal propulsion system designs, apply equally well to other solar applications including furnaces and power generation systems such as solar dynamics, concentrated thermal photovoltaics, and thermionics.

Flight Test Results of the Earth Observing-1 Advanced Land Imager Advanced Land Imager

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendenhall, Jeffrey A.; Lencioni, Donald E.; Hearn, David R.; Digenis, Constantine J.

2002-09-01

The Advanced Land Imager (ALI) is the primary instrument on the Earth Observing-1 spacecraft (EO-1) and was developed under NASA's New Millennium Program (NMP). The NMP mission objective is to flight-validate advanced technologies that will enable dramatic improvements in performance, cost, mass, and schedule for future, Landsat-like, Earth Science Enterprise instruments. ALI contains a number of innovative features designed to achieve this objective. These include the basic instrument architecture, which employs a push-broom data collection mode, a wide field-of-view optical design, compact multi-spectral detector arrays, non-cryogenic HgCdTe for the short wave infrared bands, silicon carbide optics, and a multi-level solar calibration technique. The sensor includes detector arrays that operate in ten bands, one panchromatic, six VNIR and three SWIR, spanning the range from 0.433 to 2.35 μm. Launched on November 21, 2000, ALI instrument performance was monitored during its first year on orbit using data collected during solar, lunar, stellar, and earth observations. This paper will provide an overview of EO-1 mission activities during this period. Additionally, the on-orbit spatial and radiometric performance of the instrument will be compared to pre-flight measurements and the temporal stability of ALI will be presented.

Research on an innovative design model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Y.; Fang, H.

2018-03-01

The design methods of furniture are different from east to west; it has been the hotspot of the scholars. However, in terms of the theory of modern design innovation, neither the early creation theory, the modern design theory, nor the widely applied TRIZ theory can fully fit the modern furniture design innovation, so it is urgent to study the modern furniture design theory. This paper is based on the idea of TRIZ theory, using lots of literatures as data, and uses the method of statistical stratification to analyze and sort out the research of modern sitting equipment, and finally put forward the modern furniture design model, which provides new ideas and perspectives for the modern design of Chinese furniture.

Numerical simulation of optical and electronic properties for multilayer organic light-emitting diodes and its application in engineering education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Shu-Hsuan; Chang, Yung-Cheng; Yang, Cheng-Hong; Chen, Jun-Rong; Kuo, Yen-Kuang

2006-02-01

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been extensively developed in the past few years. The OLED displays have advantages over other displays, such as CRT, LCD, and PDP in thickness, weight, brightness, response time, viewing angle, contrast, driving power, flexibility, and capability of self-emission. In this work, the optical and electronic properties of multilayer OLED devices are numerically studied with an APSYS (Advanced Physical Model of Semiconductor Devices) simulation program. Specifically, the emission and absorption spectra of the Alq 3, DCM, PBD, and SA light-emitting layers, and energy band diagrams, electron-hole recombination rates, and current-voltage characteristics of the simulated OLED devices, typically with a multilayer structure of metal/Alq 3/EML/TPD/ITO constructed by Lim et al., are investigated and compared to the experimental results. The physical models utilized in this work are similar to those presented by Ruhstaller et al. and Hoffmann et al. The simulated results indicate that the emission spectra of the Alq 3, DCM, PBD, and SA light-emitting layers obtained in this study are in good agreement with those obtained experimentally by Zugang et al. Optimization of the optical and electronic performance of the multilayer OLED devices are attempted. In order to further promote the research results, the whole numerical simulation process for optimizing the design of OLED devices has been applied to a project-based course of OLED device design to enhance the students' skills in photonics device design at the Graduate Institute of Photonics of National Changhua University of Education in Taiwan. In the meantime, the effectiveness of the course has been proved by various assessments. The application of the results is a useful point of reference for the research on photonics device design and engineering education. Therefore, it proffers a synthetic effect between innovation and practical application.

NOAO testing procedures for large optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepp, Larry M.; Poczulp, Gary A.; Pearson, Earl T.; Roddier, Nicolas A.

1992-03-01

This paper describes optical testing procedures used at the National Optical Astronomy Observatories (NOAO) for testing large optics. It begins with a discussion of the philosophy behind the testing approach and then describes a number of different testing methods used at NOAO, including the wire test, full-aperture and sub-aperture Hartmann testing, and scatterplate interferometry. Specific innovations that enhance the testing capabilities are mentioned. NOAO data reduction software is described. Examples are given of specific output formats that are useful to the optician, using illustrations taken from recent testing of a 3.5- meter, f/1.75 borosilicate honeycomb mirror. Finally, we discuss some of the optical testing challenges posed by the large optics for the Gemini 8-meter Telescopes Project.

Improvement of multiprocessing performance by using optical centralized shared bus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Xuliang; Chen, Ray T.

2004-06-01

With the ever-increasing need to solve larger and more complex problems, multiprocessing is attracting more and more research efforts. One of the challenges facing the multiprocessor designers is to fulfill in an effective manner the communications among the processes running in parallel on multiple multiprocessors. The conventional electrical backplane bus provides narrow bandwidth as restricted by the physical limitations of electrical interconnects. In the electrical domain, in order to operate at high frequency, the backplane topology has been changed from the simple shared bus to the complicated switched medium. However, the switched medium is an indirect network. It cannot support multicast/broadcast as effectively as the shared bus. Besides the additional latency of going through the intermediate switching nodes, signal routing introduces substantial delay and considerable system complexity. Alternatively, optics has been well known for its interconnect capability. Therefore, it has become imperative to investigate how to improve multiprocessing performance by utilizing optical interconnects. From the implementation standpoint, the existing optical technologies still cannot fulfill the intelligent functions that a switch fabric should provide as effectively as their electronic counterparts. Thus, an innovative optical technology that can provide sufficient bandwidth capacity, while at the same time, retaining the essential merits of the shared bus topology, is highly desirable for the multiprocessing performance improvement. In this paper, the optical centralized shared bus is proposed for use in the multiprocessing systems. This novel optical interconnect architecture not only utilizes the beneficial characteristics of optics, but also retains the desirable properties of the shared bus topology. Meanwhile, from the architecture standpoint, it fits well in the centralized shared-memory multiprocessing scheme. Therefore, a smooth migration with substantial multiprocessing performance improvement is expected. To prove the technical feasibility from the architecture standpoint, a conceptual emulation of the centralized shared-memory multiprocessing scheme is demonstrated on a generic PCI subsystem with an optical centralized shared bus.

Instructional Design Practice as Innovative Learning: Journeys into the Unfamiliar

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yanchar, Stephen C.

2016-01-01

Critical discussions within the field of instructional design have addressed the roles and competencies of designers, as well as the nature of design work per se. This article presents an overarching metaphor--namely, instructional design as a journey into the unfamiliar--that views design as a two-fold learning enterprise (i.e., innovative and…

An Innovative Procedure for Calibration of Strapdown Electro-Optical Sensors Onboard Unmanned Air Vehicles

PubMed Central

Fasano, Giancarmine; Accardo, Domenico; Moccia, Antonio; Rispoli, Attilio

2010-01-01

This paper presents an innovative method for estimating the attitude of airborne electro-optical cameras with respect to the onboard autonomous navigation unit. The procedure is based on the use of attitude measurements under static conditions taken by an inertial unit and carrier-phase differential Global Positioning System to obtain accurate camera position estimates in the aircraft body reference frame, while image analysis allows line-of-sight unit vectors in the camera based reference frame to be computed. The method has been applied to the alignment of the visible and infrared cameras installed onboard the experimental aircraft of the Italian Aerospace Research Center and adopted for in-flight obstacle detection and collision avoidance. Results show an angular uncertainty on the order of 0.1° (rms). PMID:22315559

New developments in optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Kostanyan, Tigran; Wollstein, Gadi; Schuman, Joel S.

2017-01-01

Purpose of review Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become the cornerstone technology for clinical ocular imaging in the past few years. The technology is still rapidly evolving with newly developed applications. This manuscript reviews recent innovative OCT applications for glaucoma diagnosis and management. Recent findings The improvements made in the technology have resulted in increased scanning speed, axial and transverse resolution, and more effective use of the OCT technology as a component of multimodal imaging tools. At the same time, the parallel evolution in novel algorithms makes it possible to efficiently analyze the increased volume of acquired data. Summary The innovative iterations of OCT technology have the potential to further improve the performance of the technology in evaluating ocular structural and functional characteristics and longitudinal changes in glaucoma. PMID:25594766

Fibre optical spectroscopy and sensing innovation at innoFSPEC Potsdam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haynes, Roger; Reich, Oliver; Rambold, William; Hass, Roland; Janssen, Katja

2010-07-01

In October 2009, an interdisciplinary centre for fibre spectroscopy and sensing, innoFSPEC Potsdam, has been established as joint initiative of the Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam (AIP) and the Physical Chemistry group of Potsdam University (UPPC), Germany. The centre focuses on fundamental research in the two fields of fibre-coupled multi-channel spectroscopy and optical fibre-based sensing. Thanks to its interdisciplinary approach, the complementary methodologies of astrophysics on the one hand, and physical chemistry on the other hand, are expected to spawn synergies that otherwise would not normally become available in more standard research programmes. innoFSPEC Potsdam targets future innovations for next generation astrophysical instrumentation, environmental analysis, manufacturing control and process analysis, medical diagnostics, non-invasive imaging spectroscopy, biopsy, genomics/proteomics, high throughput screening, and related applications.

Molecular Probes: An Innovative Technology for Monitoring Membrane Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santoro, Sergio

The ultimate objective of this study is to use molecular probes as an innovative and alternative technology contributing to the advance of membrane science by monitoring membrane processes in-situ, on-line and at sub-micron scale. An optical sensor for oxygen sensing was developed by the immobilization of tris (1,10-phenanthroline) ruthenium (II) (Ru(phen)3) in a dense polymeric membrane made of polystyrene (PS) or Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). The emission of the probe was quenched by both the temperature and by the oxygen. Moreover, the oxygen sensitivity was affected by the oxygen permeability of the membrane. The evaluation of the oxygen concentration is prone to errors since the emission of a single probe depends on several parameters (i.e. optical path, source intensity). The correction of these artefacts was obtained by the immobilization of a second luminescent molecule non-sensitive to the oxygen, Coumarin. The potential of the luminescent ratiometric sensor for the non-invasive monitoring of oxygen in food packaging using polymeric films with different oxygen permeability was evaluated. Emphasis was given to the efficiency of the optical sensor for the on-line, in-situ and non invasive monitoring of the oxygen by comparing the experimental data with a model which takes into account the oxygen permeability of the packaging materials evaluated independently. A nano-thermometer based on silica nano-particles doped with Ru(phen)3 was developed. A systematic study shows how it is possible to control the properties of the nano-particles as well as their temperature sensitivity. The nano-thermometer was immobilized on a membrane surface by dip-coating providing information about the temperature on the membrane surface. Hydrophobic porous membrane made of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) was prepared via electrospinning and employed in a direct contact membrane distillation process. Using a designed membrane module and a membrane doped with Ru(phen)3 the on-line mapping of the temperature on the membrane's surface was evaluated. None None None None

Organizing a Collaborative Development of Technological Design Requirements Using a Constructive Dialogue on Value Profiles: A Case in Automated Vehicle Development.

PubMed

Flipse, Steven M; Puylaert, Steven

2018-02-01

Following societal and policy pressures for responsible innovation, innovators are more and more expected to consider the broader socio-ethical context of their work, and more importantly, to integrate such considerations into their daily practices. This may require the involvement of 'outsiders' in innovation trajectories, including e.g. societal and governmental actors. However, methods on how to functionally organize such integration in light of responsible innovation have only recently started to emerge. We present an approach to do just that, in which we first develop value profiles of the involved actors, and second, design a workshop setting that allows innovators to develop design requirements in collaboration with representatives of parties that are not usually involved in such innovation design practices. Using a case study in automated vehicle development, we positively demonstrate the possibility and utility of our approach. We stress that in this study we wish to demonstrate the functionality of our developed method, and did not search for scientifically valid outcomes regarding this technical field.

Polymer Optical Fiber Sensor and the Prediction of Sensor Response Utilizing Artificial Neural Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haroglu, Derya

The global market researches showed that there is a growing trend in the field of polymer optical fiber (POF) and POF sensors. Telecommunications, medicine, defense, aerospace, and automotive are the application areas of fiber optic sensors, where the automotive industry is the most promising application area for innovations in the field of POF sensors. The POF sensors in automobiles are particularly for detection of seat occupancy, and intelligent pedestrian protection systems. This dissertation investigates graded index perfluorinated polymer optical fiber as an intensity modulated intrinsic sensor for application in automotive seat occupancy sensing. Since a fiber optic sensor has a high bandwidth, is small in size, is lightweight, and is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) it offers higher performance than that of its electrical based counterparts such as strain gauge, elastomeric bladder, and resistive sensor systems. This makes the fiber optic sensor a potential suitable material for seat occupancy sensing. A textile-based fiber optic sensor was designed to be located in the area beneath the typical seated human's thighs. The pressure interval under which the proposed POF sensor design could perform well was found to be between 0.18 and 0.21 N/cm2, where perfluorinated (PF) graded index (GI) POF (62.5/750 mum) was used as the POF material. In addition, the effect of the automotive seat covering including face material (fabric) and foam backing to the sensor's performance was analyzed. The face fabric structure and the thickness of foam backing were not found to be significant factors to change the sensor results. A research study, survey, was conducted of which purpose was to better understand market demands in terms of sensor performance characteristics for automotive seat weight sensors, as a part of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) House of Quality analysis. The companies joined the survey agreed on the first 5 most important sensor characteristics: reproducibility, accuracy, selectivity, aging, and resolution. Artificial neural network (ANN), a mathematical model formed by mimicking the human nervous system, was used to predict the sensor response. Qwiknet (version 2.23) software was used to develop ANNs and according to the results of Qwiknet the prediction performances for training and testing data sets were 75%, and 83.33% respectively. In this dissertation, Chapter 1 describes the worldwide plastic optical fiber (POF) and fiber optic sensor markets, and the existing textile structures used in fiber optic sensing design particularly for the applications of biomedical and structural health monitoring (SHM). Chapter 2 provides a literature review in detail on polymer optical fibers, fiber optic sensors, and occupancy sensing in the passenger seats of automobiles. Chapter 3 includes the research objectives. Chapter 4 presents the response of POF to tensile loading, bending, and cyclic tensile loading with discussion parts. Chapter 5 includes an e-mail based survey to prioritize customer needs in a Quality Function Deployment (QFD) format utilizing Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and survey results. Chapter 6 describes the POF sensor design and the behavior of it under pressure. Chapter 7 provides a data analysis based on the experimental results of Chapter 6. Chapter 8 presents the summary of this study and recommendations for future work.

MIMA, a miniaturized infrared spectrometer for Mars ground exploration: Part III. Thermomechanical design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saggin, B.; Alberti, E.; Comolli, L.; Tarabini, M.; Bellucci, G.; Fonti, S.

2007-10-01

The Mars Infrared MApper (MIMA) is a FT-IR miniaturized spectrometer which is being developed for ESA ExoMars Pasteur mission. MIMA will be mounted on the rover mast and so it must be compact and light-weight. The scientific goals and its optical design are presented in two companion papers [1] [2]; the focus of this work is on the thermomechanical design and testing. The instrument design faces challenging constraints both from the expected environment and the allocated resources. The temperatures during operation are expected to be from -120 °C to +30 °C with the presence of a low density but thermally effective atmosphere. Severe dynamic loads are foreseen during launch and moreover at landing on Mars. The overall size is limited to an envelope of 140 mm x 140 mm x 120 mm and the mass to less than 1 kg. The expected performances of this instrument should be comparable with those of much heavier ones built in the past. An instrument compliant with these constraints has been conceived, introducing many innovative solution with respect to the past experiences and making use of intensive modeling and testing to prove the survival to the harsh environment. Among the most challenging problems the mounting of the brittle KBr optics and the matching of its thermal expansion coefficient with that of the supporting aluminium structure, in a temperature interval of more than 200 °C. Most of the components have undergone thermovacuum tests in the low temperature range because none of them was expected to be used in the -100 °C range.

Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) project: progress and status after 2 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meiring, Jacobus G.; Buckley, David A. H.; Lomberg, Michael C.; Stobie, Robert S.

2003-02-01

The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is a 10-m class optical/IR segmented mirror telescope based on the groundbreaking, low cost, Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) design. Approval to construct and operate SALT, which will be the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere, was given by the South African Government in November 1999, after sufficient guarantees of matching funding from international partners were secured. Facility construction started in January 2001, and SALT is due to start operations by December 2004. SALT will enable a quantum leap in astronomical research capability in Southern Africa, and indeed the continent, where currently the largest telescope is a modest 1.9-m, dating to the 1940s. A substantial amount of design work for SALT has been completed, sourced from multiple suppliers, with ~60% South African content. South African industry is well equipped to handle the construction of most of the telescope, the exceptions being the glass ceramic mirror blanks (from LZOS in Russia), the polishing and ion figuring of these (Eastman Kodak in the USA), and fabrication of the four-element spherical aberration corrector (SAGEM in France). This paper will present (1) the scientific requirements, (2) the specified performance of SALT, (3) the basic design, with emphasis on the innovative modifications to the HET design that enable significantly improved performance, (4) the progress and status of the project, currently in its construction phase, (5) the first generation instrument suite, (6) the management and organisation of the project and (7) the international partnership in SALT.

Cultivating Innovative Learning and Teaching Cultures: A Question of Garden Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Karen

2011-01-01

Calls for practitioners to "innovate" are common within higher education and universities, which go to some length to cultivate innovative learning and teaching cultures. The definition of innovation, however, is not clear cut and understandings of how innovations spread and innovative practices should be supported differ. This study aimed to…

Small Business Innovations (Photodetector)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Epitaxx, Inc. of Princeton, NJ, developed the Epitaxx Near Infrared Room Temperature Indium-Gallium-Arsenide (InGaAs) Photodetector based on their Goddard Space Flight Center Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract work to develop a linear detector array for satellite imaging applications using InGaAs alloys that didn't need to be cooled to (difficult and expensive) cryogenic temperatures. The photodetectors can be used for remote sensing, fiber optic and laser position-sensing applications.

Robust optical wireless links over turbulent media using diversity solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradi, Hassan

Free-space optic (FSO) technology, i.e., optical wireless communication (OWC), is widely recognized as superior to radio frequency (RF) in many aspects. Visible and invisible optical wireless links solve first/last mile connectivity problems and provide secure, jam-free communication. FSO is license-free and delivers high-speed data rates in the order of Gigabits. Its advantages have fostered significant research efforts aimed at utilizing optical wireless communication, e.g. visible light communication (VLC), for high-speed, secure, indoor communication under the IEEE 802.15.7 standard. However, conventional optical wireless links demand precise optical alignment and suffer from atmospheric turbulence. When compared with RF, they suffer a low degree of reliability and lack robustness. Pointing errors cause optical transceiver misalignment, adversely affecting system reliability. Furthermore, atmospheric turbulence causes irradiance fluctuations and beam broadening of transmitted light. Innovative solutions to overcome limitations on the exploitation of high-speed optical wireless links are greatly needed. Spatial diversity is known to improve RF wireless communication systems. Similar diversity approaches can be adapted for FSO systems to improve its reliability and robustness; however, careful diversity design is needed since FSO apertures typically remain unbalanced as a result of FSO system sensitivity to misalignment. Conventional diversity combining schemes require persistent aperture monitoring and repetitive switching, thus increasing FSO implementation complexities. Furthermore, current RF diversity combining schemes may not be optimized to address the issue of unbalanced FSO receiving apertures. This dissertation investigates two efficient diversity combining schemes for multi-receiving FSO systems: switched diversity combining and generalized selection combining. Both can be exploited to reduce complexity and improve combining efficiency. Unlike maximum ratio combing, equal gain combining, and selective combining, switched diversity simplifies receiver design by avoiding unnecessary switching among receiving apertures. The most significant advantage of generalized combining is its ability to exclude apertures with low quality that could potentially affect the resultant output signal performance. This dissertation also investigates mobile FSO by considering a multi-receiving system in which all receiving FSO apertures are circularly placed on a platform. System mobility and performance are analyzed. Performance results confirm improvements when using angular diversity and generalized selection combining. The precis of this dissertation establishes the foundation of reliable FSO communications using efficient diversity-based solutions. Performance parameters are analyzed mathematically, and then evaluated using computer simulations. A testbed prototype is developed to facilitate the evaluation of optical wireless links via lab experiments.

Designing Pedagogical Innovation for Collaborating Teacher Teams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weitze, Charlotte Laerke

2017-01-01

In this design-based research project, teachers co-created and used a new learning design model, the "IT-Pedagogical Think Tank Model for Teacher Teams." This continuous-competence-development method enabled teachers to collaborate and develop innovative-learning designs for students in a new hybrid synchronous video-mediated learning…

development of a neutral mass spectrometer dedicated to the analysis of planetary envelopes (NIMEIS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, J.

2012-12-01

LATMOS worked for several years on a newly designed instrument suitable for measuring neutral environments as rarefied exosphere of Mars, Venus, Europa, asteroids or Titan for example. This instrument NIMEIS for Neutral and Ion Mass and Energy Imaging Spectrometer has as main features the ability to measure low densities of neutral but also conduct an analysis of mass and energy in an energy range covering the thermal and suprathermal between ~ 1 eV and 20 eV far unexplored. My thesis is divided into two independent parts. First, we optimize the ionization source, that is an innovative concept, and secondly we design the optics of the instrument based on an electrostatic optimization. The ionization source is based on the use of carbon nanotubes and to extract the electrons and ionize the neutral. Employing this technology we can significantly reduce the power, because previously we were using heated filaments. We develop this technology in close collaboration with a laboratory Ajou University (South Korea) that provides us with carbon nanotubes. I did a simulation study of the mode of extraction of electrons from initial tests, from an assembly developed by our laboratory in South Korea. The instrument has been optimized so that the impact on the detector gives us the one hand the energy of the particle and on the other hand the mass of the particle simultaneously and in continuous time. I developed the optics of the instrument using an electrostatic optical software. A comprehensive numerical model has been defined and a prototype is being manufactured.

Statistical innovations in diagnostic device evaluation.

PubMed

Yu, Tinghui; Li, Qin; Gray, Gerry; Yue, Lilly Q

2016-01-01

Due to rapid technological development, innovations in diagnostic devices are proceeding at an extremely fast pace. Accordingly, the needs for adopting innovative statistical methods have emerged in the evaluation of diagnostic devices. Statisticians in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health at the Food and Drug Administration have provided leadership in implementing statistical innovations. The innovations discussed in this article include: the adoption of bootstrap and Jackknife methods, the implementation of appropriate multiple reader multiple case study design, the application of robustness analyses for missing data, and the development of study designs and data analyses for companion diagnostics.

Substitutability of a process innovation in medical diagnosis: some empirical results.

PubMed

Doessel, D P

1991-07-01

The health sectors in many countries have been increasing in relative size, and medical innovations have been identified by some as a factor contributing to the rise in health expenditures. This paper begins by reviewing the various approaches that economists have employed to determine the connection, if any, between rising health expenditures and new medical technologies. It is then argued that another way to approach the issue is to determine if innovations have substituted for previously existing technologies. Thus this method cannot be applied to product innovations: it is restricted to process innovations. This procedure is applied to the innovation of fibre optic colonoscopy, a procedure for diagnosing diseases/conditions in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The data relate to private medical practice in Australia which operates on a fee-for-service basis. The empirical results indicate no evidence of substitution of the 'new' for the 'old' technology. Thus, there is some reason to believe that this innovation will have contributed to rising health expenditures for diagnosis of the lower gastrointestinal tract. The paper concludes by considering policy options that could address the issue.

The 1991 3rd NASA Symposium on VLSI Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maki, Gary K.

1991-01-01

Papers from the symposium are presented from the following sessions: (1) featured presentations 1; (2) very large scale integration (VLSI) circuit design; (3) VLSI architecture 1; (4) featured presentations 2; (5) neural networks; (6) VLSI architectures 2; (7) featured presentations 3; (8) verification 1; (9) analog design; (10) verification 2; (11) design innovations 1; (12) asynchronous design; and (13) design innovations 2.

Innovative Composite Structure Design for Blast Protection

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

2007-01-0483 Innovative Composite Structure Design for Blast Protection Dongying Jiang, Yuanyuan Liu MKP Structural Design Associates, Inc...protect vehicle and occupants against various explosives. The multi-level and multi-scenario blast simulation and design system integrates three major...numerical simulation of a BTR composite under a blast event. The developed blast simulation and design system will enable the prediction, design, and

Voltage Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

Under a Lewis Research Center Small Business Innovation Research contract, SRICO, Inc. developed a fiber optic voltage sensor to measure voltage in electronic systems in spacecraft. The sensor uses glass and light to sense and transmit electricity, and is relatively safe and accurate. SRICO then commercialized the sensor for measurement of electric field and voltage in applications such as electric power systems and hazardous environments, lightning detection, and fiber optic communication systems.

MicroSight Optics

ScienceCinema

None

2018-05-16

MicroSight is an innovative gunsight technology that allows a marksman's eye to focus on both the front gunsight and the intended target. The MicroSight improves both firearm safety and performance by imaging two objects at different focal distances. The MicroSight was developed at Idaho National Laboratory, and has been licensed by Apollo Optical Systems. You can learn more about INL's research programs at http://www.facebook.com/idahonationallaboratory.

MicroSight Optics

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

None

2010-01-01

MicroSight is an innovative gunsight technology that allows a marksman's eye to focus on both the front gunsight and the intended target. The MicroSight improves both firearm safety and performance by imaging two objects at different focal distances. The MicroSight was developed at Idaho National Laboratory, and has been licensed by Apollo Optical Systems. You can learn more about INL's research programs at http://www.facebook.com/idahonationallaboratory.

Emerging technology in fiber optic sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dyott, Richard B.

1991-03-01

Some recent innovations in interferoinetric fiber optic sensors include special fibers new components and sensor systems. Many of the concepts have precedents in microwaves. 1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES The application of optical fibers to sensors is diffuse compared with their application to optical communications which is essentially focused on the single problem of how to get information from A to B. A fiber sensor is viable when it can do something not possible with better than more cheaply than any existing method. The probability of the emergence of a new sensor depends on the length of time that a need for the sensor and the possibility of meeting that need have co-existed regardless of whether the need or the possibility has appeared first. 2. TYPES OF SENSOR Fiber sensors can be divided into: a) Multimode fiber sensors which depend on amplitude effects b) Single mode (single path) fiber sensors which depend on phase effects. Since multimode fiber has existed for many decades the emergence of a new multimode sensor depends mostly on the discovery of a new need for such a sensor. On the other hand single mode/single path (i. e. polarization maintaining) fiber is relatively new and so is still being applied to existing needs. This is particularly so of recent innovations in fibers and components. SPIE Vol. 1396 Applications of Optical Engineering Proceedings of OE/Midwest ''90 / 709

Active In-Flight Load Redistribution Utilizing Fiber-Optic Shape Sensing and Multiple Control Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pena, Francisco; Martins, Benjamin L.; Richards, W. Lance

2018-01-01

Morphing wing technologies have gained research interest in recent years as technological advancements pave the way for such innovations. A key benefit of such a morphing wing concept is the ability of the wing to transition into an optimal configuration at multiple flight conditions. Such a morphing wing will have applications not only in drag reduction but also in flutter suppression and gust alleviation. By manipulating the wing geometry to match a given flight profile it is likely that the wing will yield increases in not just aerodynamic efficiency but also structural efficiency. These structurally efficient designs will likely rely on some type of structural sensing system which will ensure the wing maintains positive margins throughout its flight profile.

Mechanisms for the elevation structure of a giant telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Shouwei; Song, Xiaoli; Zhang, Hui

2018-06-01

This paper describes an innovative mechanism based on hydrostatic pads and linear motors for the elevation structure of next-generation extremely large telescopes. Both hydrostatic pads and linear motors are integrated on the frame that includes a kinematical joint, such that the upper part is properly positioned with respect to the elevation runner tracks, while the lower part is connected to the azimuth structure. Potential deflections of the elevation runner bearings at the radial pad locations are absorbed by this flexible kinematic connection and not transmitted to the linear motors and hydrostatic pads. Extensive simulations using finite-element analysis are carried out to verify that the auxiliary whiffletree hydraulic design of the mechanism is sufficient to satisfy the assigned optical length variation errors.

Mechanisms for the elevation structure of a giant telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Shouwei; Song, Xiaoli; Zhang, Hui

2018-05-01

This paper describes an innovative mechanism based on hydrostatic pads and linear motors for the elevation structure of next-generation extremely large telescopes. Both hydrostatic pads and linear motors are integrated on the frame that includes a kinematical joint, such that the upper part is properly positioned with respect to the elevation runner tracks, while the lower part is connected to the azimuth structure. Potential deflections of the elevation runner bearings at the radial pad locations are absorbed by this flexible kinematic connection and not transmitted to the linear motors and hydrostatic pads. Extensive simulations using finite-element analysis are carried out to verify that the auxiliary whiffletree hydraulic design of the mechanism is sufficient to satisfy the assigned optical length variation errors.

Mobile Aerial Tracking and Imaging System (MATrIS) for Aeronautical Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banks, Daniel W.; Blanchard, Robert C.; Miller, Geoffrey M.

2004-01-01

A mobile, rapidly deployable ground-based system to track and image targets of aeronautical interest has been developed. Targets include reentering reusable launch vehicles as well as atmospheric and transatmospheric vehicles. The optics were designed to image targets in the visible and infrared wavelengths. To minimize acquisition cost and development time, the system uses commercially available hardware and software where possible. The conception and initial funding of this system originated with a study of ground-based imaging of global aerothermal characteristics of reusable launch vehicle configurations. During that study the National Aeronautics and Space Administration teamed with the Missile Defense Agency/Innovative Science and Technology Experimentation Facility to test techniques and analysis on two Space Shuttle flights.

Novel method for fabrication of monolithic multi-cavity molds and wafer optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wielandts, Marc; Wielandts, Remi

2015-10-01

One lens at a time on axis diamond turning or grinding of lens arrays with a large number of lenses is conventionally impractical because of the difficulties to shift and balance the substrate for each lens position. A novel method for automatic indexing was developed. This method uses an innovative mechatronics tooling (patent pending) that allows dynamic indexing at constant work spindle speed for maximum productivity and thermal stability of the work spindle while the balancing condition is maintained. In this paper we shall compare the machining capabilities of this method to free-form machining techniques, discuss about the main issues, present the concept and design of the working prototype and specific test bed, and present the results of the first cutting tests.

Design of high power LED-based UVA emission system and a photosensitive substance for clinical application in corneal radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mota, Alessandro D.; Cestari, André M.; de Oliveira, André O.; Oliveira, Anselmo G.; Terruggi, Cristina H. B.; Rossi, Giuliano; Castro, Jarbas C.; Ligabô, João. P. B.; Ortega, Tiago A.; Rosa, Tiago

2015-09-01

This work presents an innovative cross-linking procedure to keratoconus treatment, a corneal disease. It includes the development of an ultraviolet controlled emission portable device based on LED source and a new formulation of a photosensitive drug called riboflavin. Thus new formulation improves drug administration by its transepithelial property. The UV reaction with riboflavin in corneal tissue leads to a modification of corneal collagen fibers, turning them more rigid and dense, and consequently restraining the advance of the disease. We present the control procedures to maintain UV output power stable up to 45mw/cm2, the optical architecture that leads to a homogeneous UV spot and the new formulation of Riboflavin.

Diode laser welding of polypropylene: investigations of the microstructures in the welded seam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abed, S.; Laurens, Patricia; Carretero, C.; Deschamps, J. R.; Duval, C.

2003-03-01

Laser welding of thermoplastic polymers is a non-contact process especially efficient for joining thermoplastic polymers. This innovative technology is already used for industrial series production in different sectors (automobile, packaging,...). The majority of the basic research concerns the weld strength depending on polymer nature, optical properties, butt design and process parameters. Nevertheless, a lack of knowledge concerning the influence of thermal history of the weld seam on morphology of semicrystalline polymer still exists, when this parameter strongly influences the strength of the weld. Actual results of diode laser transmission welding (LTW) experiments on polypropylene, a semicrystalline polymer widely used in industry, could contribute to a better understanding of the process itself and to success in practical applications.

Reflecting photonics: reaching new audiences through new partnerships - IYL 2015 and the Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Posner, Matthew T.; John, Pearl V.; Standen, Deanna; Wheeler, Natalie V.; van Putten, Lieke D.; Soper, Nathan; Parsonage, Tina L.; Wong, Nicholas H. L.; Brambilla, Gilberto

2016-09-01

The `Reflecting Photonics' show garden was exhibited at the 2015 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show in Tatton Park, UK, to celebrate the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies. Elks-Smith Garden Design alongside landscapers `Turf N' Earth' collaborated with researchers, marketing and outreach professionals from the University of Southampton to design, construct and exhibit a photonics-themed garden. The garden and supporting exhibition united science and art to reach new audiences - particularly family groups alongside other key influencers to the young - and showcased the world-leading research in optical fibers at the university in an accessible manner. Researchers and a publicity professional, funded by the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Photonics, developed an integrated approach to the event's public engagement and marketing. The overarching aim was to influence a positive change in the attitude of the garden visitors towards physics and photonics, with additional focus on promoting careers for women in STEM. The show garden won an RHS Gold Medal award and the coveted `People's Choice Award' for the best large garden. The project subsequently won the South East England Physics Network Public Engagement Innovation Project Award. Approximately 80,000 visitors saw the garden, with a further three million television viewers on a popular British gardening show. There were also over 75,400 Tweet impressions on social media. This paper discusses the project aims, explores the design of the garden and its relationship with the research, describes the work of the public engagement team, and outlines the impact of the event.

Designing a concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) system in adjunct with a silicon photovoltaic panel for a solar competition car

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arias-Rosales, Andrés.; Barrera-Velásquez, Jorge; Osorio-Gómez, Gilberto; Mejía-Gutiérrez, Ricardo

2014-06-01

Solar competition cars are a very interesting research laboratory for the development of new technologies heading to their further implementation in either commercial passenger vehicles or related applications. Besides, worldwide competitions allow the spreading of such ideas where the best and experienced teams bet on innovation and leading edge technologies, in order to develop more efficient vehicles. In these vehicles, some aspects generally make the difference such as aerodynamics, shape, weight, wheels and the main solar panels. Therefore, seeking to innovate in a competitive advantage, the first Colombian solar vehicle "Primavera", competitor at the World Solar Challenge (WSC)-2013, has implemented the usage of a Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) system as a complementary solar energy module to the common silicon photovoltaic panel. By harvesting sunlight with concentrating optical devices, CPVs are capable of maximizing the allowable photovoltaic area. However, the entire CPV system weight must be less harmful than the benefit of the extra electric energy generated, which in adjunct with added manufacture and design complexity, has intervened in the fact that CPVs had never been implemented in a solar car in such a scale as the one described in this work. Design considerations, the system development process and implementation are presented in this document considering both the restrictions of the context and the interaction of the CPV system with the solar car setup. The measured data evidences the advantage of using this complementary system during the competition and the potential this technology has for further developments.

Songbird - AN Innovative Uas Combining the Advantages of Fixed Wing and Multi Rotor Uas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thamm, F.-P.; Brieger, N.; Neitzke, K.-P.; Meyer, M.; Jansen, R.; Mönninghof, M.

2015-08-01

This paper describes a family of innovative fixed wing UAS with can vertical take off and land - the SONGBIRD family. With nominal payloads starting from 0.5 kg they can take off and land safely like a multi-rotor UAV, removing the need for an airstrip for the critical phases of operation. A specially designed flight controller allows stable flight at every point of the transition phase between VTOL and fixed wing mode. Because of this smooth process with a all time stable flight, very expensive payload like hyperspectral sensors or advanced optical cameras can be used. Due to their design all airplanes of the SONGBIRD family have excellent horizontal flight properties, a maximum speed of over 110 km/h, good gliding properties and long flight times of up to 1 h. Missions were flown in wind speeds up to 18 m/s. At every time of the flight it is possible to interrupt the mission and hover over a point of interest for detail investigations. The complete flight, including take-off and landing can be performed by autopilot. Designed for daily use in professional environments, SONGBIRDs are built out of glass-fibre and carbon composites for a long service life. For safe operations comprehensive security features are implemented, for example redundant flight controllers and sensors, advanced power management system and mature fail safe procedures. The aircraft can be dismantled into small parts for transportation. SONGBIRDS are available for different pay loads, from 500 g to 2 kg. The SONGBIRD family are interesting tools combining the advantages of multi-copter and fixed wing UAS.

75 FR 12072 - Office of Innovation and Improvement; Overview Information: Investing in Innovation Fund; Notice...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-12

... matched comparison group designs (as defined in this notice), interrupted time series designs (as defined... reading skills administered in the same way to both groups). Interrupted time series design \\3\\ means a... findings. \\3\\ A single subject or single case design is an adaptation of an interrupted time series design...

Researching Design Practices and Design Cognition: Contexts, Experiences and Pedagogical Knowledge-in-Pieces

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kali, Yael; Goodyear, Peter; Markauskaite, Lina

2011-01-01

If research and development in the field of learning design is to have a serious and sustained impact on education, then technological innovation needs to be accompanied--and probably guided--by good empirical studies of the design practices and design thinking of those who develop these innovations. This article synthesises two related lines of…

Optical spatial heterodyne interferometric Fourier transform technique (OSHIFT) and a resulting interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georges, James A., III

2007-09-01

This article reports on the novel patent pending Optical Spatial Heterodyne Interferometric Fourier Transform Technique (the OSHIFT technique), the resulting interferometer also referred to as OSHIFT, and its preliminary results. OSHIFT was borne out of the following requirements: wavefront sensitivity on the order of 1/100 waves, high-frequency wavefront spatial sampling, snapshot 100Hz operation, and the ability to deal with discontinuous wavefronts. The first two capabilities lend themselves to the use of traditional interferometric techniques; however, the last two prove difficult for standard techniques, e.g., phase shifting interferometry tends to take a time sequence of images and most interferometers require estimation of a center fringe across wavefront discontinuities. OSHIFT overcomes these challenges by employing a spatial heterodyning concept in the Fourier (image) plane of the optic-under-test. This concept, the mathematical theory, an autocorrelation view of operation, and the design with results of OSHIFT will be discussed. Also discussed will be future concepts such as a sensor that could interrogate an entire imaging system as well as a methodology to create innovative imaging systems that encode wavefront information onto the image. Certain techniques and systems described in this paper are the subject of a patent application currently pending in the United States Patent Office.

Nanostructured refractory thin films for solar applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ollier, E.; Dunoyer, N.; Dellea, O.; Szambolics, H.

2014-08-01

Selective solar absorbers are key elements of all solar thermal systems. Solar thermal panels and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems aim respectively at producing heat and electricity. In both cases, a surface receives the solar radiation and is designed to have the highest optical absorption (lowest optical reflectivity) of the solar radiation in the visible wavelength range where the solar intensity is the highest. It also has a low emissivity in the infrared (IR) range in order to avoid radiative thermal losses. Current solutions in the state of the art usually consist in deposited interferential thin films or in cermets [1]. Structured surfaces have been proposed and have been simulated because they are supposed to be more efficient when the solar radiation is not normal to the receiving surface and because they could potentially be fabricated with refractory materials able to sustain high operating temperatures. This work presents a new method to fabricate micro/nanostructured surfaces on molybdenum (refractory metal with a melting temperature of 2623°C). This method now allows obtaining a refractory selective surface with an excellent optical selectivity and a very high absorption in the visible range. This high absorption performance was obtained by achieving a double structuration at micro and nano scales thanks to an innovative process flow.

Insights on Technology Innovation - A Review of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Competition Entries 2002-2015

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

Simon, Joseph J; Doris, Elizabeth S; Farrar, Sara L

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Decathlon is a collegiate competition that challenges student teams to design and build full-size, solar-powered houses. Because of balanced design priorities of architecture, engineering, innovation, performance, and energy use, teams have focused on a range of technologies in the built environment, from wall materials to home control systems, from electric lighting to HVAC equipment, and from geothermal to solar photovoltaic technology. This report provides insights into building technology innovation from a review of the Solar Decathlon competition entry designs, anecdotal experiences, and related market reports. The report describes example case studies of themore » evolution of technology solutions over time to illustrate the innovative, market-driving nature of the Solar Decathlon. It charts technologies utilized in the team designs over seven competitions and compares those to broader market adoption. It is meant to illustrate the technology innovation aspects of the competition, not to be a comprehensive or quantitative analysis. Solar Decathlon also has impacts on public perception of innovative technologies as well as workforce development through the thousands of participating students. The focus of these case studies is to showcase how it contributes to marketplace adoption of innovative energy technologies.« less

Lessons for Co-Innovation in Agricultural Innovation Systems: A Multiple Case Study Analysis and a Conceptual Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fielke, Simon J.; Botha, Neels; Reid, Janet; Gray, David; Blackett, Paula; Park, Nicola; Williams, Tracy

2018-01-01

Purpose: This paper highlights important lessons for co-innovation drawn from three ex-post case study innovation projects implemented within three sub-sectors of the primary industry sector in New Zealand. Design/methodology/approach: The characteristics that fostered co-innovation in each innovation project case study were identified from…

Teaching methodologies to promote creativity in the professional skills related to optics knowledge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández-Oliveras, Alicia; Fernandez, Paz; Peña-García, Antonio; Oliveras, Maria L.

2014-07-01

We present the methodologies proposed and applied in the context of a teaching-innovation project developed at the University of Granada, Spain. The main objective of the project is the implementation of teaching methodologies that promote the creativity in the learning process and, subsequently, in the acquisition of professional skills. This project involves two subjects related with optics knowledge in undergraduate students. The subjects are "Illumination Engineering" (Bachelor's degree in Civil-Engineering) and "Optical and Optometric Instrumentation" (Bachelor's degree in and Optics and Optometry). For the first subject, the activities of our project were carried out in the theoretical classes. By contrast, in the case of the second subject, such activities were designed for the laboratory sessions. For "Illumination Engineering" we applied the maieutic technique. With this method the students were encouraged to establish relationships between the main applications of the subject and concepts that apparently unrelated with the subject framework. By means of several examples, the students became aware of the importance of cross-curricular and lateral thinking. We used the technique based on protocols of control and change in "Optical and Optometric Instrumentation". The modus operandi was focused on prompting the students to adopt the role of the professionals and to pose questions to themselves concerning the practical content of the subject from that professional role. This mechanism boosted the critical capacity and the independent-learning ability of the students. In this work, we describe in detail both subject proposals and the results of their application in the 2011-2012 academic course.

Quantum Private Comparison Protocol with Linear Optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Qing-bin; Yang, Guo-wu; She, Kun; Li, Xiaoyu

2016-12-01

In this paper, we propose an innovative quantum private comparison(QPC) protocol based on partial Bell-state measurement from the view of linear optics, which enabling two parties to compare the equality of their private information with the help of a semi-honest third party. Partial Bell-state measurement has been realized by using only linear optical elements in experimental measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution(MDI-QKD) schemes, which makes us believe that our protocol can be realized in the near future. The security analysis shows that the participants will not leak their private information.

Broadband polarization gratings for efficient liquid crystal display, beam steering, spectropolarimetry, and Fresnel zone plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Chulwoo

Efficient control of light polarization is essential in any optical systems where polarized light is used or polarization information is of interest. In addition to intensity and wavelength, polarization of light gives a very useful/powerful tool to control light itself and observe many interesting optical phenomena in nature and applications. Most available light sources, however, produce unpolarized or weakly polarized light except some of fancy lasers. Therefore, efficient polarization control/generation is important to improve/advance existing or emerging technologies utilizing polarized light. It is also true that polarization can be used to control another properties of light (i.e., intensity, direction). We have introduced and demonstrated achromatic polarization gratings (PGs) as broadband polarizing beam splitters performing ˜100% theoretical efficiency over a wide spectral range. The novel design of achromatic PGs and their effective fabrication method will be presented. Experimental demonstration will show that practically 100% efficient diffraction is achieved by achromatic PGs embodied as thin liquid crystal (LC) layers patterned by holographic photoalignment techniques. Non-ideal diffraction behaviors of the PGs also have been investigated beyond the paraxial limitations via numerical analysis based on the finite-difference time-domain method. We, first, study the effect of the grating regime for this special type of anisotropic diffraction gratings with the minimum assumptions. Optical properties of the PGs at oblique incidence angles and in a finite pixel are numerically predicted and confirmed by experiments. Design and fabrication of small-period PGs are discussed to show how to achieve high diffraction efficiency and large diffraction angles at the same time. Three key innovative technologies utilizing the unique diffraction properties of the PGs have been introduced and experimentally demonstrated. The first application for light-efficient LC displays is the polymer-PG display, which allows an immediate brightness improvement (up to a factor of two) of conventional LC displays by replacing absorbing polarizers with achromatic PGs as thin, transmissive polymer films. We demonstrate the first proof-of-concept prototype projector based on the polymer-PG display and we also discuss optical design considerations and challenges toward a viable solution for our ultrabright pico-projector applications of the polymer-PG display. Second, two novel beam steering concepts based on the PG diffraction have been proposed. The polarization-sensitive diffraction of the PGs provides very attractive beam steering operations with ultra-high efficiency over wide steering angles by all-thin-plate electro-optical systems. We developed a non-mechanical, wide-angle beam steering system using stacked PGs and LC waveplates, and we also demonstrated a continuous beam steering using two rotating PGs, named the Risley grating as a thin-plate version of the Risley prism. The third PG application is in imaging and non-imaging spectropolarimetry. We have shown a snapshot, hyperspectral, full-Stokes polarimeter using inline PGs and quarter-waveplates. The use of PGs as a new polarimetric element for astronomical instruments in the mid-wave IR wavelengths also has been proposed to overcome current limitations of existing IR polarimeters. In the last part of this Dissertation, we introduce a polarization-type Fresnel zone plates (P-FZPs), comprising of spatially distributed linear birefringence or concentric PG (CPG) patterns. Effective fabrication methods of P-FZPs have been developed using polarization holography based on the Michelson interferometer and photoalignment of LC materials. We demonstrated high-quality P-FZPs, which exhibit ideal Fresnel-type lens effects, formed as both LC polymer films and electro-optical LC devices. We also discuss the polarization-selective lens properties of the P-FZPs as well as their electro-optical switching. In summary, we have explored the fundamental diffraction behavior of the polarization gratings and their applications in advanced optics and photonics. The achromatic designs of the PGs allow their broadband diffraction operation over a wide range of spectrum, which increases the applicability of the PGs with a great extent. Three novel technologies that directly benefit from the distinct diffraction properties of the PGs have been developed. In addition, a new diffractive lens element operating solely on light polarization has been introduced and experimentally demonstrated. We conclude this Dissertation with our suggestions of a number of potential innovations and advances in technologies that can be enabled by polarization gratings and related technologies.

A design thinking framework for healthcare management and innovation.

PubMed

Roberts, Jess P; Fisher, Thomas R; Trowbridge, Matthew J; Bent, Christine

2016-03-01

The business community has learned the value of design thinking as a way to innovate in addressing people's needs--and health systems could benefit enormously from doing the same. This paper lays out how design thinking applies to healthcare challenges and how systems might utilize this proven and accessible problem-solving process. We show how design thinking can foster new approaches to complex and persistent healthcare problems through human-centered research, collective and diverse teamwork and rapid prototyping. We introduce the core elements of design thinking for a healthcare audience and show how it can supplement current healthcare management, innovation and practice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Teaching optics with limited equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handojo, Andrianto

2002-05-01

When there is a scarcity in equipment for teaching optics, some alternative way should be found to maintain the students' ability to cope with practical situations. It is assumed that creativity and innovative attitude may help them derive solution of real problems. In our department, optics is taught through lectures and through a thesis for students choosing optics as their final project. Topics of the thesis are selected such that no delicate equipment is needed yet important principles of optics are involved. For the lecture, special assignment related to patents is given. In one type of the assignment, each student is required to find a patented invention in optics and to formulate any thinkable improvement or modification of the invention. In another type, each student is asked to study several patents about a certain subject in optics and then to propose his own invention.

Innovative Trajectory Designs to meet Exploration Challenges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Folta, David C.

2006-01-01

This document is a viewgraph presentation of the conference paper. Missions incorporated into NASA's Vision for Space Exploration include many different destinations and regions; are challenging to plan; and need new and innovative trajectory design methods to enable them. By combining proven methods with chaos dynamics, exploration goals that require maximum payload mass or minimum duration can be achieved. The implementation of these innovative methods, such as weak stability boundaries, has altered NASA's approach to meet exploration challenges and is described to show how exploration goals may be met in the next decade. With knowledge that various perturbations play a significant role, the mission designer must rely on both traditional design strategies as well as these innovative methods. Over the past decades, improvements have been made that would at first glance seem dramatic. This paper provides a brief narrative on how a fundamental shift has occurred and how chaos dynamics improve the design of exploration missions with complex constraints.

Assessing Farmer Innovations in Agroforestry in Eastern Zambia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Katanga, R.; Kabwe, G.; Kuntashula, E.; Mafongoya, P. L.; Phiri, S.

2007-01-01

This paper describes farmer innovations on improved fallows developed by researchers to replenish soil fertility. The reasons for the innovations and how these innovations are facilitating wide adoption of improved fallows are discussed. Research designed trial results to evaluate the ecological robustness of these innovations are also analyzed in…

Assessment of laser-induced acceleration effects in optical clearing of in vivo human skin by optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Zhigang; Wei, Huajiang; Jin, Ying

2015-02-01

Laser irradiation is considered to be a promising innovative technology which has been developed in an attempt to increase transdermal drug delivery. In this study, a near-infrared CW diode laser (785 nm) was applied to increase permeability of glycerol solutions in human skin in vivo and improve the optical clearing efficacy. Results show that for both 15%v/v and 30%v/v glycerol, the permeability coefficient increased significantly if the detected area of the skin tissue was treated with laser irradiation before optical clearing agents (OCAs) were applied. This study based on optical coherence tomography imaging technique and optical clearing effect finds laser irradiation a new approach for enhancing the penetration of OCAs and accelerating the rate of transdermal drug delivery.

Iconic 2007

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-02-01

This conference is dedicated to providing a unified and unique international forum in which different communities (Acoustics, Electromagnetics and Optics) are brought together for the exchange of ideas in the realm of innovative Near-Field Methods in...

Recent Innovations in Small-N Designs for Research and Practice in "Professional School Counseling"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDougall, Dennis; Smith, Douglas

2006-01-01

This article illustrates an innovative small-N research design that researchers and practitioners can use to investigate questions of interest in "professional school counseling." The distributed criterion (DC) design integrates elements of three classic small-N research designs--the changing criterion, reversal, and multiple baseline. The DC…

Ocean Surface Wave Optical Roughness - Analysis of Innovative Measurements

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-30

goals of the program are to (1) examine time -dependent oceanic radiance distribution in relation to dynamic surface boundary layer (SBL) processes; (2... Analysis of Innovative Measurements 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER...RESULTS An overview of results is provided by Zappa et al. [2012] and Dickey et al. [2012]. TOGA-COARE and Air-sea fluxes Time series

The Design of an Instructional Model Based on Connectivism and Constructivism to Create Innovation in Real World Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jirasatjanukul, Kanokrat; Jeerungsuwan, Namon

2018-01-01

The objectives of the research were to (1) design an instructional model based on Connectivism and Constructivism to create innovation in real world experience, (2) assess the model designed--the designed instructional model. The research involved 2 stages: (1) the instructional model design and (2) the instructional model rating. The sample…

Innovation Process Design: A Change Management and Innovation Dimension Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peisl, Thomas; Reger, Veronika; Schmied, Juergen

The authors propose an innovative approach to the management of innovation integrating business, process, and maturity dimensions. Core element of the concept is the adaptation of ISO/IEC 15504 to the innovation process including 14 innovation drivers. Two managerial models are applied to conceptualize and visualize the respective innovation strategies, the Balanced Scorecard and a Barriers in Change Processes Model. An illustrative case study shows a practical implementation process.

The TacTip Family: Soft Optical Tactile Sensors with 3D-Printed Biomimetic Morphologies

PubMed Central

Pestell, Nicholas; Cramphorn, Luke; Winstone, Benjamin; Giannaccini, Maria Elena; Rossiter, Jonathan; Lepora, Nathan F.

2018-01-01

Abstract Tactile sensing is an essential component in human–robot interaction and object manipulation. Soft sensors allow for safe interaction and improved gripping performance. Here we present the TacTip family of sensors: a range of soft optical tactile sensors with various morphologies fabricated through dual-material 3D printing. All of these sensors are inspired by the same biomimetic design principle: transducing deformation of the sensing surface via movement of pins analogous to the function of intermediate ridges within the human fingertip. The performance of the TacTip, TacTip-GR2, TacTip-M2, and TacCylinder sensors is here evaluated and shown to attain submillimeter accuracy on a rolling cylinder task, representing greater than 10-fold super-resolved acuity. A version of the TacTip sensor has also been open-sourced, enabling other laboratories to adopt it as a platform for tactile sensing and manipulation research. These sensors are suitable for real-world applications in tactile perception, exploration, and manipulation, and will enable further research and innovation in the field of soft tactile sensing. PMID:29297773

The TacTip Family: Soft Optical Tactile Sensors with 3D-Printed Biomimetic Morphologies.

PubMed

Ward-Cherrier, Benjamin; Pestell, Nicholas; Cramphorn, Luke; Winstone, Benjamin; Giannaccini, Maria Elena; Rossiter, Jonathan; Lepora, Nathan F

2018-04-01

Tactile sensing is an essential component in human-robot interaction and object manipulation. Soft sensors allow for safe interaction and improved gripping performance. Here we present the TacTip family of sensors: a range of soft optical tactile sensors with various morphologies fabricated through dual-material 3D printing. All of these sensors are inspired by the same biomimetic design principle: transducing deformation of the sensing surface via movement of pins analogous to the function of intermediate ridges within the human fingertip. The performance of the TacTip, TacTip-GR2, TacTip-M2, and TacCylinder sensors is here evaluated and shown to attain submillimeter accuracy on a rolling cylinder task, representing greater than 10-fold super-resolved acuity. A version of the TacTip sensor has also been open-sourced, enabling other laboratories to adopt it as a platform for tactile sensing and manipulation research. These sensors are suitable for real-world applications in tactile perception, exploration, and manipulation, and will enable further research and innovation in the field of soft tactile sensing.

All-fiber wavelength swept ring laser based on Fabry-Perot filter for optical frequency domain imaging

PubMed Central

Jun, Changsu; Villiger, Martin; Oh, Wang-Yuhl; Bouma, Brett E.

2014-01-01

Innovations in laser engineering have yielded several novel configurations for high repetition rate, broad sweep range, and long coherence length wavelength swept lasers. Although these lasers have enabled high performance frequency-domain optical coherence tomography, they are typically complicated and costly and many require access to proprietary materials or devices. Here, we demonstrate a simplified ring resonator configuration that is straightforward to construct from readily available materials at a low total cost. It was enabled by an insight regarding the significance of isolation against bidirectional operation and by configuring the sweep range of the intracavity filter to exceed its free spectral range. The design can easily be optimized to meet a range of operating specifications while yielding robust and stable performance. As an example, we demonstrate 240 kHz operation with 125 nm sweep range and >70 mW of average output power and demonstrate high quality frequency domain OCT imaging. The complete component list and directions for assembly of the laser are posted on-line at www.octresearch.org. PMID:25401614