Efficient green lasers for high-resolution scanning micro-projector displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatia, Vikram; Bauco, Anthony S.; Oubei, Hassan M.; Loeber, David A. S.

2010-02-01

Laser-based projectors are gaining increased acceptance in mobile device market due to their low power consumption, superior image quality and small size. The basic configuration of such micro-projectors is a miniature mirror that creates an image by raster scanning the collinear red, blue and green laser beams that are individually modulated on a pixel-bypixel basis. The image resolution of these displays can be limited by the modulation bandwidth of the laser sources, and the modulation speed of the green laser has been one of the key limitations in the development of these displays. We will discuss how this limitation is fundamental to the architecture of many laser designs and then present a green laser configuration which overcomes these difficulties. In this green laser architecture infra-red light from a distributed Bragg-reflector (DBR) laser diode undergoes conversion to green light in a waveguided second harmonic generator (SHG) crystal. The direct doubling in a single pass through the SHG crystal allows the device to operate at the large modulation bandwidth of the DBR laser. We demonstrate that the resultant product has a small footprint (<0.7 cc envelope volume), high efficiency (>9% electrical-to-optical conversion) and large modulation bandwidth (>100 MHz).

Perturbing laser field dependent high harmonic phase modulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhengyan; Kong, Fanqi; Brown, Graham; Hammond, TJ; Ko, Dong-Hyuk; Zhang, Chunmei; Corkum, P. B.

2018-06-01

A perturbing laser pulse modulates and controls the phase of the high harmonic radiation driven by an intense fundamental pulse. Thus, a structured wave front can impress a specific spatial phase onto the generated high harmonic wave front. This modulation procedure leads to all-optical spatial light modulators for VUV or XUV radiation created by high harmonic generation. Here, through theoretical analysis and experiment, we study the correlation between the high harmonic phase modulations and the perturbing laser field amplitude and phase, providing guidelines for practical high harmonic spatial light modulators. In addition, we show that the petahertz optical oscilloscope for measuring electric fields of a perturbing beam is most robust using low order harmonics, far from the cut-off.

Optical fiber switch

DOEpatents

Early, James W.; Lester, Charles S.

2002-01-01

Optical fiber switches operated by electrical activation of at least one laser light modulator through which laser light is directed into at least one polarizer are used for the sequential transport of laser light from a single laser into a plurality of optical fibers. In one embodiment of the invention, laser light from a single excitation laser is sequentially transported to a plurality of optical fibers which in turn transport the laser light to separate individual remotely located laser fuel ignitors. The invention can be operated electro-optically with no need for any mechanical or moving parts, or, alternatively, can be operated electro-mechanically. The invention can be used to switch either pulsed or continuous wave laser light.

Performance improvement by orthogonal pulse amplitude modulation and discrete multitone modulation signals in hybrid fiber-visible laser light communication system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fangliu; He, Jing; Deng, Rui; Chen, Qinghui; Chen, Lin

2016-10-01

A modulation format, orthogonal pulse amplitude modulation and discrete multitone modulation (O-PAM-DMT), is experimentally demonstrated in a hybrid fiber-visible laser light communication (fiber-VLLC) system using a cost-effective directly modulated laser and blue laser diode. In addition, low overhead is achieved by utilizing only one training sequence to implement synchronization and channel estimation. Through adjusting the ratio of PAM and DMT signal, three types of O-PAM-DMT signals are investigated. After transmission over a 20-km standard single-mode fiber and 5-m free-space VLLC, the receiver sensitivity for 4.36-Gbit/s O-PAM-DMT signals can be improved by 0.4, 1.4, and 2.7 dB, respectively, at a bit error rate of 1×10-3, compared with a conventional DMT signal.

Modular approach to achieving the next-generation X-ray light source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biedron, S. G.; Milton, S. V.; Freund, H. P.

2001-12-01

A modular approach to the next-generation light source is described. The "modules" include photocathode, radio-frequency, electron guns and their associated drive-laser systems, linear accelerators, bunch-compression systems, seed laser systems, planar undulators, two-undulator harmonic generation schemes, high-gain harmonic generation systems, nonlinear higher harmonics, and wavelength shifting. These modules will be helpful in distributing the next-generation light source to many more laboratories than the current single-pass, high-gain free-electron laser designs permit, due to both monetary and/or physical space constraints.

Laser profilometer module based on a low-temperature cofired ceramic substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heikkinen, Veli; Heikkinen, Mikko; Keranen, Kimmo; Mitikka, Risto S.; Putila, Veli-Pekka; Tukkiniemi, Kari

2005-09-01

We realized a laser profilometer module using low temperature cofired ceramics technology. The device consists of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser as the light source and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor image sensor as the detector. The laser transmitter produces a thin light stripe on the measurable object, and the receiver calculates the distance profile using triangulation. Because the design of optoelectronic modules, such as the laser profilometer, is usually carried out using specialized software, its electronic compatibility is very important. We developed a data transmission network using commercial optical, electrical, and mechanical design software, which enabled us to electronically transfer data between the designers. The module electronics were realized with multilayer ceramics technology that eases component assembly by providing precision alignment features in the substrate. The housing was manufactured from aluminum using electronic data transfer from the mechanical design software to the five-axis milling workstation. Target distance profiles were obtained from 100 points with an accuracy varying from 0.1 mm at a 5-cm distance to 2 cm at 1.5 m. The module has potential for distance measurement in portable devices where small size, light weight, and low power consumption are important.

Gradient polymer-disposed liquid crystal single layer of large nematic droplets for modulation of laser light.

PubMed

Hadjichristov, Georgi B; Marinov, Yordan G; Petrov, Alexander G

2011-06-01

The light modulating ability of gradient polymer-disposed liquid crystal (PDLC) single layer of large droplets formed by nematic E7 in UV-cured polymer NOA65 is studied. Operating at relatively low voltages, such PDLC film with a of thickness 10-25 μm and droplet size up to 50 μm exhibits a good contrast ratio and is capable of producing a large phase shift for the propagating coherent light. For a linearly polarized He-Ne laser (λ=633 nm), an electrically commanded phase shift as large as π/2 can be obtained by the large-droplet region of the film. The electrically produced phase shift and its spatial profile controlled by the thickness of the gradient PDLC single layers of large nematic droplets can be useful for tunable spatial light modulators and other devices for active control of laser light.

Directly Phase-Modulated Light Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Z. L.; Fröhlich, B.; Lucamarini, M.; Roberts, G. L.; Dynes, J. F.; Shields, A. J.

2016-07-01

The art of imparting information onto a light wave by optical signal modulation is fundamental to all forms of optical communication. Among many schemes, direct modulation of laser diodes stands out as a simple, robust, and cost-effective method. However, the simultaneous changes in intensity, frequency, and phase have prevented its application in the field of secure quantum communication. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a directly phase-modulated light source which overcomes the main disadvantages associated with direct modulation and is suitable for diverse applications such as coherent communications and quantum cryptography. The source separates the tasks of phase preparation and pulse generation between a pair of semiconductor lasers leading to very pure phase states. Moreover, the cavity-enhanced electro-optic effect enables the first example of subvolt half-wave phase modulation at high signal rates. The source is compact, stable, and versatile, and we show its potential to become the standard transmitter for future quantum communication networks based on attenuated laser pulses.

Study of modulation property to incident laser by surface micro-defects on KH2PO4 crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ming-Jun; Cheng, Jian; Li, Ming-Quan; Xiao, Yong

2012-06-01

KH2PO4 crystal is a crucial optical component of inertial confinement fusion. Modulation of an incident laser by surface micro-defects will induce the growth of surface damage, which largely restricts the enhancement of the laser induced damage threshold. The modulation of an incident laser by using different kinds of surface defects are simulated by employing the three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method. The results indicate that after the modulation of surface defects, the light intensity distribution inside the crystal is badly distorted, with the light intensity enhanced symmetrically. The relations between modulation properties and defect geometries (e.g., width, morphology, and depth of defects) are quite different for different defects. The modulation action is most obvious when the width of surface defects reaches 1.064 μm. For defects with smooth morphology, such as spherical pits, the degree of modulation is the smallest and the light intensity distribution seems relatively uniform. The degree of modulation increases rapidly with the increase of the depth of surface defects and becomes stable when the depth reaches a critical value. The critical depth is 1.064 μm for cuboid pits and radial cracks, while for ellipsoidal pits the value depends on both the width and the length of the defects.

Compact 2100 nm laser diode module for next-generation DIRCM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dvinelis, Edgaras; Greibus, Mindaugas; TrinkÅ«nas, Augustinas; NaujokaitÄ--, Greta; Vizbaras, Augustinas; Vizbaras, Dominykas; Vizbaras, Kristijonas

2017-10-01

Compact high-power 2100 nm laser diode module for next-generation directional infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) systems is presented. Next-generation DIRCM systems require compact, light-weight and robust laser modules which could provide intense IR light emission capable of disrupting the tracking sensor of heat-seeking missile. Currently used solid-state and fiber laser solutions for mid-IR band are bulky and heavy making them difficult to implement in smaller form-factor DIRCM systems. Recent development of GaSb laser diode technology greatly improved optical output powers and efficiencies of laser diodes working in 1900 - 2450 nm band [1] while also maintaining very attractive size, weight, power consumption and cost characteristics. 2100 nm laser diode module presented in this work performance is based on high-efficiency broad emitting area GaSb laser diode technology. Each laser diode emitter is able to provide 1 W of CW output optical power with working point efficiency up to 20% at temperature of 20 °C. For output beam collimation custom designed fast-axis collimator and slow-axis collimator lenses were used. These lenses were actively aligned and attached using UV epoxy curing. Total 2 emitters stacked vertically were used in 2100 nm laser diode module. Final optical output power of the module goes up to 2 W at temperature of 20 °C. Total dimensions of the laser diode module are 35 x 25 x 16 mm (L x W x H) with a weight of 28 grams. Finally output beam is bore-sighted to mechanical axes of the module housing allowing for easy integration into next-generation DIRCM systems.

Plasma optical modulators for intense lasers

PubMed Central

Yu, Lu-Le; Zhao, Yao; Qian, Lie-Jia; Chen, Min; Weng, Su-Ming; Sheng, Zheng-Ming; Jaroszynski, D. A.; Mori, W. B.; Zhang, Jie

2016-01-01

Optical modulators can have high modulation speed and broad bandwidth, while being compact. However, these optical modulators usually work for low-intensity light beams. Here we present an ultrafast, plasma-based optical modulator, which can directly modulate high-power lasers with intensity up to 1016 W cm−2 to produce an extremely broad spectrum with a fractional bandwidth over 100%, extending to the mid-infrared regime in the low-frequency side. This concept relies on two co-propagating laser pulses in a sub-millimetre-scale underdense plasma, where a drive laser pulse first excites an electron plasma wave in its wake while a following carrier laser pulse is modulated by the plasma wave. The laser and plasma parameters suitable for the modulator to work are based on numerical simulations. PMID:27283369

Optical correlator method and apparatus for particle image velocimetry processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farrell, Patrick V. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

Young's fringes are produced from a double exposure image of particles in a flowing fluid by passing laser light through the film and projecting the light onto a screen. A video camera receives the image from the screen and controls a spatial light modulator. The spatial modulator has a two dimensional array of cells the transmissiveness of which are controlled in relation to the brightness of the corresponding pixel of the video camera image of the screen. A collimated beam of laser light is passed through the spatial light modulator to produce a diffraction pattern which is focused onto another video camera, with the output of the camera being digitized and provided to a microcomputer. The diffraction pattern formed when the laser light is passed through the spatial light modulator and is focused to a point corresponds to the two dimensional Fourier transform of the Young's fringe pattern projected onto the screen. The data obtained fro This invention was made with U.S. Government support awarded by the Department of the Army (DOD) and NASA grand number(s): DOD #DAAL03-86-K0174 and NASA #NAG3-718. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.

Integrated all-optical infrared switchable plasmonic quantum cascade laser.

PubMed

Kohoutek, John; Bonakdar, Alireza; Gelfand, Ryan; Dey, Dibyendu; Nia, Iman Hassani; Fathipour, Vala; Memis, Omer Gokalp; Mohseni, Hooman

2012-05-09

We report a type of infrared switchable plasmonic quantum cascade laser, in which far field light in the midwave infrared (MWIR, 6.1 μm) is modulated by a near field interaction of light in the telecommunications wavelength (1.55 μm). To achieve this all-optical switch, we used cross-polarized bowtie antennas and a centrally located germanium nanoslab. The bowtie antenna squeezes the short wavelength light into the gap region, where the germanium is placed. The perturbation of refractive index of the germanium due to the free carrier absorption produced by short wavelength light changes the optical response of the antenna and the entire laser intensity at 6.1 μm significantly. This device shows a viable method to modulate the far field of a laser through a near field interaction.

Non-linear optical crystal vibration sensing device

DOEpatents

Kalibjian, R.

1994-08-09

A non-linear optical crystal vibration sensing device including a photorefractive crystal and a laser is disclosed. The laser produces a coherent light beam which is split by a beam splitter into a first laser beam and a second laser beam. After passing through the crystal the first laser beam is counter-propagated back upon itself by a retro-mirror, creating a third laser beam. The laser beams are modulated, due to the mixing effect within the crystal by vibration of the crystal. In the third laser beam, modulation is stable and such modulation is converted by a photodetector into a usable electrical output, intensity modulated in accordance with vibration applied to the crystal. 3 figs.

A laser based frequency modulated NL-OSL phenomenon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, D. R.; Bishnoi, A. S.; Soni, Anuj; Rawat, N. S.; Bhatt, B. C.; Kulkarni, M. S.; Babu, D. A. R.

2015-01-01

The detailed theoretical and experimental approach to novel technique of pulse frequency modulated stimulation (PFMS) method has been described for NL-OSL phenomenon. This method involved pulsed frequency modulation with respect to time for fixed pulse width of 532 nm continuous wave (CW)-laser light. The linearly modulated (LM)-, non-linearly (NL)-stimulation profiles have been generated using fast electromagnetic optical shutter. The PFMS parameters have been determined for present experimental setup. The PFMS based LM-, NL-OSL studies have been carried out on dosimetry grade single crystal α-Al2O3:C. The photo ionization cross section of α-Al2O3:C has been found to be ∼9.97 × 10-19 cm2 for 532 nm laser light using PFMS LM-OSL studies under assumption of first order of kinetic. This method of PFMS is found to be a potential alternative to generate different stimulation profiles using CW-light sources.

Application of a liquid crystal spatial light modulator to laser marking.

PubMed

Parry, Jonathan P; Beck, Rainer J; Shephard, Jonathan D; Hand, Duncan P

2011-04-20

Laser marking is demonstrated using a nanosecond (ns) pulse duration laser in combination with a liquid crystal spatial light modulator to generate two-dimensional patterns directly onto thin films and bulk metal surfaces. Previous demonstrations of laser marking with such devices have been limited to low average power lasers. Application in the ns regime enables more complex, larger scale marks to be generated with more widely available and industrially proven laser systems. The dynamic nature of the device is utilized to improve mark quality by reducing the impact of the inherently speckled intensity distribution across the generated image and reduce thermal effects in the marked surface. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Programmable phase plate for tool modification in laser machining applications

DOEpatents

Thompson Jr., Charles A.; Kartz, Michael W.; Brase, James M.; Pennington, Deanna; Perry, Michael D.

2004-04-06

A system for laser machining includes a laser source for propagating a laser beam toward a target location, and a spatial light modulator having individual controllable elements capable of modifying a phase profile of the laser beam to produce a corresponding irradiance pattern on the target location. The system also includes a controller operably connected to the spatial light modulator for controlling the individual controllable elements. By controlling the individual controllable elements, the phase profile of the laser beam may be modified into a desired phase profile so as to produce a corresponding desired irradiance pattern on the target location capable of performing a machining operation on the target location.

Direct-laser metal writing of surface acoustic wave transducers for integrated-optic spatial light modulators in lithium niobate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, Bianca C.; Savidis, Nickolaos; Moebius, Michael; Jolly, Sundeep; Mazur, Eric; Bove, V. Michael

2017-02-01

Recently, the fabrication of high-resolution silver nanostructures using a femtosecond laser-based direct write process in a gelatin matrix was reported. The application of direct metal writing towards feature development has also been explored with direct metal fusion, in which metal is fused onto the surface of the substrate via a femtosecond laser process. In this paper, we present a comparative study of gelatin matrix and metal fusion approaches for directly laser-written fabrication of surface acoustic wave transducers on a lithium niobate substrate for application in integrated optic spatial light modulators.

A Simple Laser Microphone for Classroom Demonstration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moses, James M.; Trout, K. P.

2006-01-01

Communication through the modulation of electromagnetic radiation has become a foundational technique in modern technology. In this paper we discuss a modern day method of eavesdropping based upon the modulation of laser light reflected from a window pane. A simple and affordable classroom demonstration of a "laser microphone" is…

Phase difference in modulated signals of two orthogonally polarized outputs of a Nd:YAG microchip laser with anisotropic optical feedback.

PubMed

Zhang, Peng; Tan, Yi-Dong; Liu, Ning; Wu, Yun; Zhang, Shu-Lian

2013-11-01

We present an experimental observation of the output responses of a Nd:YAG microchip laser with an anisotropic external cavity under weak optical feedback. The feedback mirror is stationary during the experiments. A pair of acousto-optic modulators is used to produce a frequency shift in the feedback light with respect to the initial light. The laser output is a beat signal with 40 kHz modulation frequency and is separated into two orthogonal directions by a Wollaston prism. Phase differences between the two intensity curves are observed as the laser works in two orthogonal modes, and vary with the external birefringence element and the pump power. Theoretical analyses are given, and the simulated results are consistent with the experimental phenomena.

Wideband tunable laser phase noise reduction using single sideband modulation in an electro-optical feed-forward scheme.

PubMed

Aflatouni, Firooz; Hashemi, Hossein

2012-01-15

A wideband laser phase noise reduction scheme is introduced where the optical field of a laser is single sideband modulated with an electrical signal containing the discriminated phase noise of the laser. The proof-of-concept experiments on a commercially available 1549 nm distributed feedback laser show linewidth reduction from 7.5 MHz to 1.8 kHz without using large optical cavity resonators. This feed-forward scheme performs wideband phase noise cancellation independent of the light source and, as such, it is compatible with the original laser source tunability without requiring tunable optical components. By placing the proposed phase noise reduction system after a commercial tunable laser, a tunable coherent light source with kilohertz linewidth over a tuning range of 1530-1570 nm is demonstrated.

Laser System for Precise, Unambiguous Range Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dubovitsky, Serge; Lay, Oliver

2005-01-01

The Modulation Sideband Technology for Absolute Range (MSTAR) architecture is the basis of design of a proposed laser-based heterodyne interferometer that could measure a range (distance) as great as 100 km with a precision and resolution of the order of 1 nm. Simple optical interferometers can measure changes in range with nanometer resolution, but cannot measure range itself because interference is subject to the well-known integer-multiple-of-2 -radians phase ambiguity, which amounts to a range ambiguity of the order of 1 m at typical laser wavelengths. Existing rangefinders have a resolution of the order of 10 m and are therefore unable to resolve the ambiguity. The proposed MSTAR architecture bridges the gap, enabling nanometer resolution with an ambiguity range that can be extended to arbitrarily large distances. The MSTAR architecture combines the principle of the heterodyne interferometer with the principle of extending the ambiguity range of an interferometer by using light of two wavelengths. The use of two wavelengths for this purpose is well established in optical metrology, radar, and sonar. However, unlike in traditional two-color laser interferometry, light of two wavelengths would not be generated by two lasers. Instead, multiple wavelengths would be generated as sidebands of phase modulation of the light from a single frequency- stabilized laser. The phase modulation would be effected by applying sinusoidal signals of suitable frequencies (typically tens of gigahertz) to high-speed electro-optical phase modulators. Intensity modulation can also be used

Full color laser projection display using Kr-Ar laser (white laser) beam-scanning technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yonghoon; Lee, Hang W.; Cha, Seungnam; Lee, Jin-Ho; Park, Youngjun; Park, Jungho; Hong, Sung S.; Hwang, Young M.

1997-07-01

Full color laser projection display is realized on the large screen using a krypton-argon laser (white laser) as a light source, and acousto-optic devices as light modulators. The main wavelengths of red, green and blue color are 647, 515, and 488 nm separated by dichroic mirrors which are designed to obtain the best performance for the s-polarized beam with the 45 degree incident angle. The separated beams are modulated by three acousto-optic modulators driven by rf drivers which has energy level of 1 watt at 144 MHz and recombined by dichroic mirrors again. Acousto-optic modulators (AOM) are fabricated to satisfy high diffraction efficiency over 80% and fast rising time less than 50 ns at the video bandwidth of 5 MHz. The recombined three beams (RGB) are scanned by polygonal mirrors for horizontal lines and a galvanometer for vertical lines. The photodiode detection for monitoring of rotary polygonal mirrors is adopted in this system for the compensation of the tolerance in the mechanical scanning to prevent the image joggling in the horizontal direction. The laser projection display system described in this paper is expected to apply HDTV from the exploitation of the acousto- optic modulator with the video bandwidth of 30 MHz.

Gas sensing using wavelength modulation spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viveiros, D.; Ribeiro, J.; Flores, D.; Ferreira, J.; Frazao, O.; Santos, J. L.; Baptista, J. M.

2014-08-01

An experimental setup has been developed for different gas species sensing based on the Wavelength Modulation Spectroscopy (WMS) principle. The target is the measurement of ammonia, carbon dioxide and methane concentrations. The WMS is a rather sensitive technique for detecting atomic/molecular species presenting the advantage that it can be used in the near-infrared region using optical telecommunications technology. In this technique, the laser wavelength and intensity are modulated applying a sine wave signal through the injection current, which allows the shift of the detection bandwidth to higher frequencies where laser intensity noise is reduced. The wavelength modulated laser light is tuned to the absorption line of the target gas and the absorption information can be retrieved by means of synchronous detection using a lock-in amplifier, where the amplitude of the second harmonic of the laser modulation frequency is proportional to the gas concentration. The amplitude of the second harmonic is normalised by the average laser intensity and detector gain through a LabVIEW® application, where the main advantage of normalising is that the effects of laser output power fluctuations and any variations in laser transmission, or optical-electrical detector gain are eliminated. Two types of sensing heads based on free space light propagation with different optical path length were used, permitting redundancy operation and technology validation.

Non-linear optical crystal vibration sensing device

DOEpatents

Kalibjian, Ralph

1994-01-11

A non-linear optical crystal vibration sensing device (10) including a photorefractive crystal (26) and a laser (12). The laser (12 ) produces a coherent light beam (14) which is split by a beam splitter (18) into a first laser beam (20) and a second laser beam (22). After passing through the crystal (26) the first laser beam (20) is counter-propagated back upon itself by a retro-mirror (32), creating a third laser beam (30). The laser beams (20, 22, 30) are modulated, due to the mixing effect within the crystal (26) by vibration of the crystal (30). In the third laser beam (30), modulation is stable and such modulation is converted by a photodetector (34) into a usable electrical output, intensity modulated in accordance with vibration applied to the crystal (26).

A hybrid CATV/16-QAM-OFDM visible laser light communication system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chun-Yu; Li, Chung-Yi; Lu, Hai-Han; Chen, Chia-Yi; Jhang, Tai-Wei; Ruan, Sheng-Siang; Wu, Kuan-Hung

2014-10-01

A visible laser light communication (VLLC) system employing a vertical cavity surface emitting laser and spatial light modulator with hybrid CATV/16-QAM-OFDM modulating signals over a 5 m free-space link is proposed and demonstrated. With the assistance of a push-pull scheme, low-noise amplifier, and equalizer, good performances of composite second-order and composite triple beat are obtained, accompanied by an acceptable carrier-to-noise ratio performance for a CATV signal, and a low bit error rate value and clear constellation map are achieved for a 16-QAM-OFDM signal. Such a hybrid CATV/16-QAM-OFDM VLLC system would be attractive for providing services including CATV, Internet and telecommunication services.

OPO-based compact laser projection display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dicky; Moulton, Peter F.; Bergstedt, Robert; Flint, Graham W.

2001-09-01

In this paper we discuss our red, green, and blue (RGB) optical parametric oscillator (OPO) based laser projection display. The complete project display consists of two subsystems, the RGB-OPO laser head and the light modulation unit. The RGB lights from rack-mounted laser head are fibers coupled to the projection unit for independent placement. The light source consists of a diode-pumped pump laser and a LBO-based OPO. Based on our Nd:YLF gain module design, the pump laser is frequency doubled to serve as the pump source for the OPO. The unconverted pump power is recycled as the green light for projection. The singly resonant, non- critically phase-matched (NCPM) OPO has, to date, generated 13 W of 898-nm signal power and an estimated 9.3 W of intra- cavity idler power at 1256 nm. With approximately 76% of pump depletion, the power of the residual green light for projection is about 5.8 W. We have extra-cavity doubled the signal to produce approximately 3.5 W of 449-nm blue light and intra-cavity doubled the idler to produce approximately 6 W of 628-nm red light. The OPO-based RGB source generates about 4000 lumens of D65-balanced white light. The overall electrical power on a commercially available JVC's three- panel D-ILA (reflective LCD) projector with the arc-lamp removed and extensive modifications. The projector has a native resolution of 1365 x 1024 and the expected on screen lumens from our laser display is about 1200 lumens.

Optically Driven Q-Switches For Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hemmati, Hamid

1994-01-01

Optically driven Q-switches for pulsed lasers proposed, taking place of acousto-optical, magneto-optical, and electro-optical switches. Optical switching beams of proposed Q-switching most likely generated in pulsed diode lasers or light-emitting diodes, outputs of which are amplitude-modulated easily by direct modulation of relatively small input currents. Energy efficiencies exceed those of electrically driven Q-switches.

Electro-optic harmonic conversion to switch a laser beam out of a cavity

DOEpatents

Haas, Roger A.; Henesian, Mark A.

1987-01-01

The invention is a switch to permit a laser beam to escape a laser cavity through the use of an externally applied electric field across a harmonic conversion crystal. Amplification takes place in the laser cavity, and then the laser beam is switched out by the laser light being harmonically converted with dichroic or polarization sensitive elements present to alter the optical path of the harmonically converted laser light. Modulation of the laser beam can also be accomplished by varying the external electric field.

Ghost imaging with bucket detection and point detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, De-Jian; Yin, Rao; Wang, Tong-Biao; Liao, Qing-Hua; Li, Hong-Guo; Liao, Qinghong; Liu, Jiang-Tao

2018-04-01

We experimentally investigate ghost imaging with bucket detection and point detection in which three types of illuminating sources are applied: (a) pseudo-thermal light source; (b) amplitude modulated true thermal light source; (c) amplitude modulated laser source. Experimental results show that the quality of ghost images reconstructed with true thermal light or laser beam is insensitive to the usage of bucket or point detector, however, the quality of ghost images reconstructed with pseudo-thermal light in bucket detector case is better than that in point detector case. Our theoretical analysis shows that the reason for this is due to the first order transverse coherence of the illuminating source.

Optimization of morphological parameters for mitigation pits on rear KDP surface: experiments and numerical modeling.

PubMed

Yang, Hao; Cheng, Jian; Chen, Mingjun; Wang, Jian; Liu, Zhichao; An, Chenhui; Zheng, Yi; Hu, Kehui; Liu, Qi

2017-07-24

In high power laser systems, precision micro-machining is an effective method to mitigate the laser-induced surface damage growth on potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystal. Repaired surfaces with smooth spherical and Gaussian contours can alleviate the light field modulation caused by damage site. To obtain the optimal repairing structure parameters, finite element method (FEM) models for simulating the light intensification caused by the mitigation pits on rear KDP surface were established. The light intensity modulation of these repairing profiles was compared by changing the structure parameters. The results indicate the modulation is mainly caused by the mutual interference between the reflected and incident lights on the rear surface. Owing to the total reflection, the light intensity enhancement factors (LIEFs) of the spherical and Gaussian mitigation pits sharply increase when the width-depth ratios are near 5.28 and 3.88, respectively. To achieve the optimal mitigation effect, the width-depth ratios greater than 5.3 and 4.3 should be applied to the spherical and Gaussian repaired contours. Particularly, for the cases of width-depth ratios greater than 5.3, the spherical repaired contour is preferred to achieve lower light intensification. The laser damage test shows that when the width-depth ratios are larger than 5.3, the spherical repaired contour presents higher laser damage resistance than that of Gaussian repaired contour, which agrees well with the simulation results.

Fiber-Coupled Planar Light-Wave Circuit for Seed Laser Control in High Spectral Resolution Lidar Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, Anthony; McNeil, Shirley; Switzer, Gregg; Battle, Philip

2010-01-01

Precise laser remote sensing of aerosol extinction and backscatter in the atmosphere requires a high-power, pulsed, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser that is wavelength- stabilized to a narrow absorption line such as found in iodine vapor. One method for precise wavelength control is to injection seed the Nd:YAG laser with a low-power CW laser that is stabilized by frequency converting a fraction of the beam to 532 nm, and to actively frequency-lock it to an iodine vapor absorption line. While the feasibility of this approach has been demonstrated using bulk optics in NASA Langley s Airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) program, an ideal, lower cost solution is to develop an all-waveguide, frequency-locked seed laser in a compact, robust package that will withstand the temperature, shock, and vibration levels associated with airborne and space-based remote sensing platforms. A key technology leading to this miniaturization is the integration of an efficient waveguide frequency doubling element, and a low-voltage phase modulation element into a single, monolithic, planar light-wave circuit (PLC). The PLC concept advances NASA's future lidar systems due to its compact, efficient and reliable design, thus enabling use on small aircraft and satellites. The immediate application for this technology is targeted for NASA Langley's HSRL system for aerosol and cloud characterization. This Phase I effort proposes the development of a potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) waveguide phase modulator for future integration into a PLC. For this innovation, the proposed device is the integration of a waveguide-based frequency doubler and phase modulator in a single, fiber pigtail device that will be capable of efficient second harmonic generation of 1,064-nm light and subsequent phase modulation of the 532 nm light at 250 MHz, providing a properly spectrally formatted beam for HSRL s seed laser locking system. Fabrication of the integrated PLC chip for NASA Langley, planned for the Phase II effort, will require full integration and optimization of the waveguide components (SHG waveguide, splitters, and phase modulator) onto a single, monolithic device. The PLC will greatly reduce the size and weight, improve electrical- to-optical efficiency, and significantly reduce the cost of NASA Langley s current stabilized HSRL seed laser system built around a commercial off-the-shelf seed laser that is free-space coupled to a bulk doubler and bulk phase modulator.

The study of laser beam riding guided system based on 980nm diode laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Zhou; Xu, Haifeng; Sui, Xin; Yang, Kun

2015-10-01

With the development of science and technology, precision-strike weapons has been considered to be important for winning victory in military field. Laser guidance is a major method to execute precision-strike in modern warfare. At present, the problems of primary stage of Laser guidance has been solved with endeavors of countries. Several technical aspects of laser-beam riding guided system have been mature, such as atmosphere penetration of laser beam, clutter inhibition on ground, laser irradiator, encoding and decoding of laser beam. Further, laser beam quality, equal output power and atmospheric transmission properties are qualified for warfare situation. Riding guidance instrument is a crucial element of Laser-beam riding guided system, and is also a vital element of airborne, vehicle-mounted and individual weapon. The optical system mainly consist of sighting module and laser-beam guided module. Photoelectric detector is the most important sensing device of seeker, and also the key to acquire the coordinate information of target space. Currently, in consideration of the 1.06 u m of wavelength applied in all the semi-active laser guided weapons systems, lithium drifting silicon photodiode which is sensitive to 1.06 u m of wavelength is used in photoelectric detector. Compared to Solid and gas laser, diode laser has many merits such as small volume, simple construction, light weight, long life, low lost and easy modulation. This article introduced the composition and operating principle of Laser-beam riding guided system based on 980 nm diode laser, and made a analysis of key technology; for instance, laser irradiator, modulating disk of component, laser zooming system. Through the use of laser diode, Laser-beam riding guided system is likely to have smaller shape and very light.

Laser beam riding guided system principle and design research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Zhou; Jin, Yi; Xu, Zhou; Xing, Hao

2016-01-01

With the development of science and technology, precision-strike weapons has been considered to be important for winning victory in military field. Laser guidance is a major method to execute precision-strike in modern warfare. At present, the problems of primary stage of Laser guidance has been solved with endeavors of countries. Several technical aspects of laser-beam riding guided system have been mature, such as atmosphere penetration of laser beam, clutter inhibition on ground, laser irradiator, encoding and decoding of laser beam. Further, laser beam quality, equal output power and atmospheric transmission properties are qualified for warfare situation. Riding guidance instrument is a crucial element of Laser-beam riding guided system, and is also a vital element of airborne, vehicle-mounted and individual weapon. The optical system mainly consist of sighting module and laser-beam guided module. Photoelectric detector is the most important sensing device of seeker, and also the key to acquire the coordinate information of target space. Currently, in consideration of the 1.06 u m of wavelength applied in all the semi-active laser guided weapons systems, lithium drifting silicon photodiode which is sensitive to 1.06 u m of wavelength is used in photoelectric detector. Compared to Solid and gas laser, diode laser has many merits such as small volume, simple construction, light weight, long life, low lost and easy modulation. This article introduced the composition and operating principle of Laser-beam riding guided system based on 980 nm diode laser, and made a analysis of key technology; for instance, laser irradiator, modulating disk of component, laser zooming system. Through the use of laser diode, Laser-beam riding guided system is likely to have smaller shape and very light.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-02-01

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

Fast spatial beam shaping by acousto-optic diffraction for 3D non-linear microscopy.

PubMed

Akemann, Walther; Léger, Jean-François; Ventalon, Cathie; Mathieu, Benjamin; Dieudonné, Stéphane; Bourdieu, Laurent

2015-11-02

Acousto-optic deflection (AOD) devices offer unprecedented fast control of the entire spatial structure of light beams, most notably their phase. AOD light modulation of ultra-short laser pulses, however, is not straightforward to implement because of intrinsic chromatic dispersion and non-stationarity of acousto-optic diffraction. While schemes exist to compensate chromatic dispersion, non-stationarity remains an obstacle. In this work we demonstrate an efficient AOD light modulator for stable phase modulation using time-locked generation of frequency-modulated acoustic waves at the full repetition rate of a high power laser pulse amplifier of 80 kHz. We establish the non-local relationship between the optical phase and the generating acoustic frequency function and verify the system for temporal stability, phase accuracy and generation of non-linear two-dimensional phase functions.

Characteristics of III-nitride based laser diode employed for short range underwater wireless optical communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Bin; Liu, Zhe; Yang, Jie; Feng, Liangsen; Zhang, Ning; Wang, Junxi; Li, Jinmin

2018-03-01

An off-the-shelf green laser diode (LD) was measured to investigate its temperature dependent characteristics. Performance of the device was severely restricted by rising temperature in terms of increasing threshold current and decreasing modulation bandwidth. The observation reveals that dynamic characteristics of the LD is sensitive to temperature. Influence of light attenuation on the modulation bandwidth of the green LD was also studied. The impact of light attenuation on the modulation bandwidth of the LD in short and low turbid water channel was not obvious while slight difference in modulation bandwidth under same injection level was observed between water channel and free space even at short range.

Second-harmonic generation of a dual-frequency laser in a MgO:PPLN crystal.

PubMed

Kang, Ying; Yang, Suhui; Brunel, Marc; Cheng, Lijun; Zhao, Changming; Zhang, Haiyang

2017-04-10

A dual-frequency CW laser at a wavelength of 1.064 μm is frequency doubled in a MgO:PPLN nonlinear crystal. The fundamental dual-frequency laser has a tunable beat note from 125 MHz to 175 MHz. A laser-diode pumped fiber amplifier is used to amplify the dual-frequency fundamental output to a maximum power of 50 W before frequency doubling. The maximum output power of the green light is 1.75 W when the input fundamental power is 12 W, corresponding to a frequency doubling efficiency of 14.6%. After frequency doubling, green light with modulation frequencies in two bands from 125 MHz to 175 MHz and from 250 MHz to 350 MHz is achieved simultaneously. The relative intensities of the beat notes at the two bands can be adjusted by changing the relative intensities at different frequencies of the fundamental light. The spectral width and frequency stabilities of the beat notes in fundamental wave and green light are also measured, respectively. The modulated green light has potential applications in underwater ranging, communication, and imaging.

Automated laser guidance of neuronal growth cones using a spatial light modulator.

PubMed

Carnegie, David J; Cizmár, Tomás; Baumgartl, Jörg; Gunn-Moore, Frank J; Dholakia, Kishan

2009-11-01

The growth cone of a developing neuron can be guided using a focused infra-red (IR) laser beam [1]. In previous setups this process has required a significant amount of user intervention to adjust continuously the laser beam to guide the growing neuron. Previously, a system using an acousto-optical deflector (AOD) has been developed to steer the beam [2]. However, to enhance the controllability of this system, here we demonstrate the use of a computer controlled spatial light modulator (SLM) to steer and manipulate the shape of a laser beam for use in guided neuronal growth. This new experimental setup paves the way to enable a comprehensive investigation into beam shaping effects on neuronal growth and we show neuronal growth initiated by a Bessel light mode. This is a robust platform to explore the biochemistry of this novel phenomenon. (c) 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Efficient generation of 1.9  W yellow light by cascaded frequency doubling of a distributed Bragg reflector tapered diode.

PubMed

Hansen, A K; Christensen, M; Noordegraaf, D; Heist, P; Papastathopoulos, E; Loyo-Maldonado, V; Jensen, O B; Skovgaard, P M W

2016-11-10

Watt-level yellow emitting lasers are interesting for medical applications, due to their high hemoglobin absorption, and for efficient detection of certain fluorophores. In this paper, we demonstrate a compact and robust diode-based laser system in the yellow spectral range. The system generates 1.9 W of single-frequency light at 562.4 nm by cascaded single-pass frequency doubling of the 1124.8 nm emission from a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) tapered laser diode. The absence of a free-space cavity makes the system stable over a base-plate temperature range of 30 K. At the same time, the use of a laser diode enables the modulation of the pump wavelength by controlling the drive current. This is utilized to achieve a power modulation depth above 90% for the second harmonic light, with a rise time below 40  μs.

Novel intercore-cladding lithium niobate thin film coated MOEMS fiber sensor/modulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jamlson, Tracee L.; Konreich, Phillip; Yu, Chung

2005-01-01

A MOEMS fiber modulator/sensor is fabricated by depositing a lithium niobate sol-gel thin film between the core and cladding of a fiber preform. The preform is then drawn into 125-micron fibers. Such a MOEMS modulator design is expected to enhance existing lithium niobate undersea acousto-optic sound wave detectors. In our proposed version, the lithium niobate thin film alters the ordinary silica core/cladding boundary conditions such that, when a stress or strain is applied to the fiber, the core light confinement factor changes, leading to modulation of fiber light transmission. Test results of the lithium niobate embedded fiber with a 1550-nm, 4-mW laser source revealed a reduction in light transmission with applied tension. As a comparison, using the same laser source, an ordinary silica core/cladding fiber did not exhibit any reduction in transmitted light when the same strain was applied. Further experimental work and theoretical analysis is ongoing.

Biochip scanner device

DOEpatents

Perov, Alexander; Belgovskiy, Alexander I.; Mirzabekov, Andrei D.

2001-01-01

A biochip scanner device used to detect and acquire fluorescence signal data from biological microchips or biochips and method of use are provided. The biochip scanner device includes a laser for emitting a laser beam. A modulator, such as an optical chopper modulates the laser beam. A scanning head receives the modulated laser beam and a scanning mechanics coupled to the scanning head moves the scanning head relative to the biochip. An optical fiber delivers the modulated laser beam to the scanning head. The scanning head collects the fluorescence light from the biochip, launches it into the same optical fiber, which delivers the fluorescence into a photodetector, such as a photodiode. The biochip scanner device is used in a row scanning method to scan selected rows of the biochip with the laser beam size matching the size of the immobilization site.

Magnetometer Based on Optoelectronic Microwave Oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maleki, Lute; Strekalov, Dmitry; Matsko, Andrey

2005-01-01

proposed instrument, intended mainly for use as a magnetometer, would include an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) stabilized by an atomic cell that could play the role of a magnetically tunable microwave filter. The microwave frequency would vary with the magnetic field in the cell, thereby providing an indication of the magnetic field. The proposed magnetometer would offer a combination of high accuracy and high sensitivity, characterized by flux densities of less than a picotesla. In comparison with prior magnetometers, the proposed magnetometer could, in principle, be constructed as a compact, lightweight instrument: It could fit into a package of about 10 by 10 by 10 cm and would have a mass <0.5 kg. As described in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles, an OEO is a hybrid of photonic and electronic components that generates highly spectrally pure microwave radiation, and optical radiation modulated by the microwave radiation, through direct conversion between laser light and microwave radiation in an optoelectronic feedback loop. As used here, "atomic cell" signifies a cell containing a vapor, the constituent atoms of which can be made to undergo transitions between quantum states, denoted hyperfine levels, when excited by light in a suitable wavelength range. The laser light must be in this range. The energy difference between the hyperfine levels defines the microwave frequency. In the proposed instrument (see figure), light from a laser would be introduced into an electro-optical modulator (EOM). Amplitude-modulated light from the exit port of the EOM would pass through a fiber-optic splitter having two output branches. The light in one branch would be sent through an atomic cell to a photodiode. The light in the other branch would constitute the microwave-modulated optical output. Part of the light leaving the atomic cell could also be used to stabilize the laser at a frequency in the vicinity of the desired hyperfine or other quantum transition. The microwave signal from the output of the photodiode would be amplified (if necessary, as explained below) and fed back into the EOM. This system would oscillate if the amplification in the closed loop exceeded the linear absorption of the loop. The microwave amplifier may be unnecessary to sustain stable oscillations, depending on the power of the laser radiation at the photodetector and on particular features of the modulator and optical delay line.

Bunch modulation in LWFA blowout regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vyskočil, Jiří; Klimo, Ondřej; Vieira, Jorge; Korn, Georg

2015-05-01

Laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) is able to produce high quality electron bunches interesting for many applications ranging from coherent light sources to high energy physics. The blow-out regime of LWFA provides excellent accelerating structure able to maintain small transverse emittance and energy spread of the accelerating electron beam if combined with localised injection. A modulation of the back of a self-injected electron bunch in the blowout regime of Laser Wakefield Acceleration appears 3D Particle-in-Cell simulations with the code OSIRIS. The shape of the modulation is connected to the polarization of the driving laser pulse, although the wavelength of the modulation is longer than that of the pulse. Nevertheless a circularly polarized laser pulse leads to a corkscrew-like modulation, while in the case of linear polarization, the modulation lies in the polarization plane.

A diode laser-based velocimeter providing point measurements in unseeded flows using modulated filtered Rayleigh scattering (MFRS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jagodzinski, Jeremy James

2007-12-01

The development to date of a diode-laser based velocimeter providing point-velocity-measurements in unseeded flows using molecular Rayleigh scattering is discussed. The velocimeter is based on modulated filtered Rayleigh scattering (MFRS), a novel variation of filtered Rayleigh scattering (FRS), utilizing modulated absorption spectroscopy techniques to detect a strong absorption of a relatively weak Rayleigh scattered signal. A rubidium (Rb) vapor filter is used to provide the relatively strong absorption; alkali metal vapors have a high optical depth at modest vapor pressures, and their narrow linewidth is ideally suited for high-resolution velocimetry. Semiconductor diode lasers are used to generate the relatively weak Rayleigh scattered signal; due to their compact, rugged construction diode lasers are ideally suited for the environmental extremes encountered in many experiments. The MFRS technique utilizes the frequency-tuning capability of diode lasers to implement a homodyne detection scheme using lock-in amplifiers. The optical frequency of the diode-based laser system used to interrogate the flow is rapidly modulated about a reference frequency in the D2-line of Rb. The frequency modulation is imposed on the Rayleigh scattered light that is collected from the probe volume in the flow under investigation. The collected frequency modulating Rayleigh scattered light is transmitted through a Rb vapor filter before being detected. The detected modulated absorption signal is fed to two lock-in amplifers synchronized with the modulation frequency of the source laser. High levels of background rejection are attained since the lock-ins are both frequency and phase selective. The two lock-in amplifiers extract different Fourier components of the detected modulated absorption signal, which are ratioed to provide an intensity normalized frequency dependent signal from a single detector. A Doppler frequency shift in the collected Rayleigh scattered light due to a change in the velocity of the flow under investigation results in a change in the detected modulated absorption signal. This change in the detected signal provides a quantifiable measure of the Doppler frequency shift, and hence the velocity in the probe volume, provided that the laser source exhibits acceptable levels of frequency stability (determined by the magnitude of the velocities being measured). An extended cavity diode laser (ECDL) in the Littrow configuration provides frequency tunable, relatively narrow-linewidth lasing for the MFRS velocimeter. Frequency stabilization of the ECDL is provided by a proportional-integral-differential (PID) controller based on an error signal in the reference arm of the experiment. The optical power of the Littrow laser source is amplified by an antireflection coated (AR coated) broad stripe diode laser. The single-mode, frequency-modulatable, frequency-stable O(50 mW) of optical power provided by this extended cavity diode laser master oscillator power amplifier (ECDL-MOPA) system provided sufficient scattering signal from a condensing jet of CO2 to implement the MFRS technique in the frequency-locked mode of operation.

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser sources for gigahertz-bandwidth, multiwavelength frequency-domain photon migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Sullivan, Thomas D.; No, Keunsik; Matlock, Alex; Warren, Robert V.; Hill, Brian; Cerussi, Albert E.; Tromberg, Bruce J.

2017-10-01

Frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM) uses modulated laser light to measure the bulk optical properties of turbid media and is increasingly applied for noninvasive functional medical imaging in the near-infrared. Although semiconductor edge-emitting laser diodes have been traditionally used as miniature light sources for this application, we show that vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) exhibit output power and modulation performance characteristics suitable for FDPM measurements of tissue optical properties at modulation frequencies exceeding 1 GHz. We also show that an array of multiple VCSEL devices can be coherently modulated at frequencies suitable for FDPM and can improve optical power. In addition, their small size and simple packaging make them an attractive choice as components in wearable sensors and clinical FDPM-based optical spectroscopy systems. We demonstrate the benefits of VCSEL technology by fabricating and testing a unique, compact VCSEL-based optical probe with an integrated avalanche photodiode. We demonstrate sensitivity of the VCSEL-based probe to subcutaneous tissue hemodynamics that was induced during an arterial cuff occlusion of the upper arm in a human subject.

Dynamic response of a fiber-optic ring resonator: Analysis with influences of light-source parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seraji, Faramarz E.

2009-03-01

In practice, dynamic behavior of fiber-optic ring resonator (FORR) appears as a detrimental factor to influence the transmission response of the FORR. This paper presents dynamic response analysis of the FORR by considering phase modulation of the FORR loop and sinewave modulation of input signal applied to the FORR from a laser diode. The analysis investigates the influences of modulation frequency and amplitude modulation index of laser diode, loop delay time of the FORR, phase angle between FM and AM response of laser diode, and laser diode line-width on dynamic response of the FORR. The analysis shows that the transient response of the FORR strongly depends on the product of modulation frequency and loop delay time, coupling and transmission coefficients of the FORR. The analyses presented here may have applications in optical systems employing an FORR with a laser diode source.

MPPT Algorithm Development for Laser Powered Surveillance Camera Power Supply Unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yungui; Dushantha Chaminda, P. R.; Zhao, Kun; Cheng, Lin; Jiang, Yi; Peng, Kai

2018-03-01

Photovoltaics (PV) cells, modules which are semiconducting materials, convert light energy into electricity. Operation of a PV cell requires 3 basic features. When the light is absorbed it generate pairs of electron holes or excitons. An external circuit carrier opposite types of electrons irrespective of the source (sunlight or LASER light). The PV arrays have photovoltaic effect and the PV cells are defined as a device which has electrical characteristics: such as current, voltage and resistance. It varies when exposed to light, that the power output is depend on direct Laser-light. In this paper Laser-light to electricity by direct conversion with the use of PV cells and its concept of Band gap Energy, Series Resistance, Conversion Efficiency and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) methods [1].

Researching the 915 nm high-power and high-brightness semiconductor laser single chip coupling module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xin; Wang, Cuiluan; Wu, Xia; Zhu, Lingni; Jing, Hongqi; Ma, Xiaoyu; Liu, Suping

2017-02-01

Based on the high-speed development of the fiber laser in recent years, the development of researching 915 nm semiconductor laser as main pumping sources of the fiber laser is at a high speed. Because the beam quality of the laser diode is very poor, the 915 nm laser diode is generally based on optical fiber coupling module to output the laser. Using the beam-shaping and fiber-coupling technology to improve the quality of output beam light, we present a kind of high-power and high-brightness semiconductor laser module, which can output 13.22 W through the optical fiber. Based on 915 nm GaAs semiconductor laser diode which has output power of 13.91 W, we describe a thoroughly detailed procedure for reshaping the beam output from the semiconductor laser diode and coupling the beam into the optical fiber of which the core diameter is 105 μm and the numerical aperture is 0.18. We get 13.22 W from the output fiber of the module at 14.5 A, the coupling efficiency of the whole module is 95.03% and the brightness is 1.5 MW/cm2 -str. The output power of the single chip semiconductor laser module achieves the advanced level in the domestic use.

High power high repetition rate VCSEL array side-pumped pulsed blue laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Leeuwen, Robert; Zhao, Pu; Chen, Tong; Xu, Bing; Watkins, Laurence; Seurin, Jean-Francois; Xu, Guoyang; Miglo, Alexander; Wang, Qing; Ghosh, Chuni

2013-03-01

High power, kW-class, 808 nm pump modules based on the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) technology were developed for side-pumping of solid-state lasers. Two 1.2 kW VCSEL pump modules were implemented in a dual side-pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG laser operating at 946 nm. The laser output was frequency doubled in a BBO crystal to produce pulsed blue light. With 125 μs pump pulses at a 300 Hz repetition rate 6.1 W QCW 946 nm laser power was produced. The laser power was limited by thermal lensing in the Nd:YAG rod.

Small-signal modulation characteristics of a polariton laser

PubMed Central

Zunaid Baten, Md; Frost, Thomas; Iorsh, Ivan; Deshpande, Saniya; Kavokin, Alexey; Bhattacharya, Pallab

2015-01-01

Use of large bandgap materials together with electrical injection makes the polariton laser an attractive low-power coherent light source for medical and biomedical applications or short distance plastic fiber communication at short wavelengths (violet and ultra-violet), where a conventional laser is difficult to realize. The dynamic properties of a polariton laser have not been investigated experimentally. We have measured, for the first time, the small signal modulation characteristics of a GaN-based electrically pumped polariton laser operating at room temperature. A maximum −3 dB modulation bandwidth of 1.18 GHz is measured. The experimental results have been analyzed with a theoretical model based on the Boltzmann kinetic equations and the agreement is very good. We have also investigated frequency chirping during such modulation. Gain compression phenomenon in a polariton laser is interpreted and a value is obtained for the gain compression factor. PMID:26154681

Investigation of laser dynamics, modulation and control by means of intra-cavity time varying perturbation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, S. E.

1974-01-01

Projects aimed at the generation of tunable visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light, and on the control of this light by means of novel mode-locking and modulation techniques are discussed. During this period the following projects have been active: (1) studies of transient mode-locking of the Nd:YAG laser and the application of short optical pulses; (2) experimental investigations of the Na-Xe excimer laser system; (3) further development of techniques for vacuum ultraviolet holography; and (4) theoretical and initial experimental studies of a new device which should prove very useful for both infrared up-conversion and generation of tunable UV radiation - a two-photon resonantly pumped frequency converter.

Coherent infrared radiation from the ALS generated via femtosecond laser modulation of the electron beam

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

Byrd, J.M.; Hao, Z.; Martin, M.C.

2004-07-01

Interaction of an electron beam with a femtosecond laser pulse co-propagating through a wiggler at the ALS produces large modulation of the electron energies within a short {approx}100 fs slice of the electron bunch. Propagating around the storage ring, this bunch develops a longitudinal density perturbation due to the dispersion of electron trajectories. The length of the perturbation evolves with a distance from the wiggler but is much shorter than the electron bunch length. This perturbation causes the electron bunch to emit short pulses of temporally and spatially coherent infrared light which are automatically synchronized to the modulating laser. Themore » intensity and spectra of the infrared light were measured in two storage ring locations for a nominal ALS lattice and for an experimental lattice with the higher momentum compaction factor. The onset of instability stimulated by laser e-beam interaction had been discovered. The infrared signal is now routinely used as a sensitive monitor for a fine tuning of the laser beam alignment during data accumulation in the experiments with femtosecond x-ray pulses.« less

Optical imaging module for astigmatic detection system

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

Wang, Wei-Min; Cheng, Chung-Hsiang; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan

2016-05-15

In this paper, an optical imaging module design for an astigmatic detection system (ADS) is presented. The module is based on a commercial optical pickup unit (OPU) and it contains a coaxial illuminant for illuminating a specimen. Furthermore, the imaging module facilitates viewing the specimen and the detection laser spot of the ADS with a lateral resolution of approximately 1 μm without requiring the removal of an element of the OPU. Two polarizers and one infrared filter are used to eliminate stray laser light in the OPU and stray light produced by the illuminant. Imaging modules designed for digital versatilemore » disks (DVDs) and Blu-ray DVDs were demonstrated. Furthermore, the module can be used for imaging a small cantilever with approximate dimensions of 2 μm (width) × 5 μm (length), and therefore, it has the potential to be used in high-speed atomic force microscopy.« less

Under-sampling in a Multiple-Channel Laser Vibrometry System

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

Corey, Jordan

2007-03-01

Laser vibrometry is a technique used to detect vibrations on objects using the interference of coherent light with itself. Most vibrometry systems process only one target location at a time, but processing multiple locations simultaneously provides improved detection capabilities. Traditional laser vibrometry systems employ oversampling to sample the incoming modulated-light signal, however as the number of channels increases in these systems, certain issues arise such a higher computational cost, excessive heat, increased power requirements, and increased component cost. This thesis describes a novel approach to laser vibrometry that utilizes undersampling to control the undesirable issues associated with over-sampled systems. Undersamplingmore » allows for significantly less samples to represent the modulated-light signals, which offers several advantages in the overall system design. These advantages include an improvement in thermal efficiency, lower processing requirements, and a higher immunity to the relative intensity noise inherent in laser vibrometry applications. A unique feature of this implementation is the use of a parallel architecture to increase the overall system throughput. This parallelism is realized using a hierarchical multi-channel architecture based on off-the-shelf programmable logic devices (PLDs).« less

Demonstration of a free-space optical communication system using a solar-pumped laser as signal transmitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Z.; Zhao, C. M.; Yang, S. H.; Wang, Y.; Ke, J. Y.; Zhang, H. Y.

2017-05-01

A free-space optical communication system with a sun light directly pumped laser as the signal transmitter was demonstrated. A 0.6  ×  0.6 m Fresnel lens was used as the primary concentrator to collect the solar light. 6.8 W continuous wave laser power was obtained from a 4 mm diameter grooved Nd:YAG rod. The output intensity was modulated with a video signal via a LiNbO3 Mach-Zehnder optoelectronic modulator. The video signal with a resolution of 1920  *  1080/frame and the frame rate of 25 Hz was transmitted over five-meter free-space in real time with high fidelity. The transmission rate was 125 Mbps and bit error rate was lower than 10-6. This research shows the feasibility of applying a solar light directly pumped laser for free-space optical communication, which is significant for telecommunications between satellites.

Next-generation fiber lasers enabled by high-performance components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kliner, D. A. V.; Victor, B.; Rivera, C.; Fanning, G.; Balsley, D.; Farrow, R. L.; Kennedy, K.; Hampton, S.; Hawke, R.; Soukup, E.; Reynolds, M.; Hodges, A.; Emery, J.; Brown, A.; Almonte, K.; Nelson, M.; Foley, B.; Dawson, D.; Hemenway, D. M.; Urbanek, W.; DeVito, M.; Bao, L.; Koponen, J.; Gross, K.

2018-02-01

Next-generation industrial fiber lasers enable challenging applications that cannot be addressed with legacy fiber lasers. Key features of next-generation fiber lasers include robust back-reflection protection, high power stability, wide power tunability, high-speed modulation and waveform generation, and facile field serviceability. These capabilities are enabled by high-performance components, particularly pump diodes and optical fibers, and by advanced fiber laser designs. We summarize the performance and reliability of nLIGHT diodes, fibers, and next-generation industrial fiber lasers at power levels of 500 W - 8 kW. We show back-reflection studies with up to 1 kW of back-reflected power, power-stability measurements in cw and modulated operation exhibiting sub-1% stability over a 5 - 100% power range, and high-speed modulation (100 kHz) and waveform generation with a bandwidth 20x higher than standard fiber lasers. We show results from representative applications, including cutting and welding of highly reflective metals (Cu and Al) for production of Li-ion battery modules and processing of carbon fiber reinforced polymers.

Energy modulation of nonrelativistic electrons with a CO2 laser using a metal microslit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, Jongsuck; Ishikawa, Ryo; Okuyama, Sumio; Miyajima, Takashi; Akizuki, Taiji; Okamoto, Tatsuya; Mizuno, Koji

2000-04-01

A metal microslit has been used as an interaction circuit between a CO2 laser beam and nonrelativistic free electrons. Evanescent waves which are induced on the slit by illumination of the laser light modulate the energy of electrons passing close to the surface of the slit. The electron-energy change of more than ±5 eV for the 80 keV electron beam has been observed using the 7 kW laser beam at the wavelength of 10.6 μm.

20-Gbps optical LiFi transport system.

PubMed

Ying, Cheng-Ling; Lu, Hai-Han; Li, Chung-Yi; Cheng, Chun-Jen; Peng, Peng-Chun; Ho, Wen-Jeng

2015-07-15

A 20-Gbps optical light-based WiFi (LiFi) transport system employing vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and external light injection technique with 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)-orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulating signal is proposed. Good bit error rate (BER) performance and clear constellation map are achieved in our proposed optical LiFi transport systems. An optical LiFi transport system, delivering 16-QAM-OFDM signal over a 6-m free-space link, with a data rate of 20 Gbps, is successfully demonstrated. Such a 20-Gbps optical LiFi transport system provides the advantage of a free-space communication link for high data rates, which can accelerate the visible laser light communication (VLLC) deployment.

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Speckle suppression using a liquid-crystal cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreev, A. L.; Kompanets, I. N.; Minchenko, M. V.; Pozhidaev, E. P.; Andreeva, T. B.

2008-12-01

A simple method for suppressing speckles in images produced by laser projectors is proposed. The coherence of the laser beam and, therefore, speckles can be destroyed when the beam passes through an electrooptical cell in which a special ferroelectric liquid crystal is used as a modulating medium. The effect is achieved due to the spatially inhomogeneous phase modulation of light when specially shaped bipolar electric pulses are applied to the cell.

Compact diode laser module at 1116 nm with an integrated optical isolation and a PM-SMF output

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jedrzejczyk, Daniel; Hofmann, Julian; Werner, Nils; Sahm, Alexander; Paschke, Katrin

2017-02-01

In this work, a fiber-coupled diode laser module emitting around 1116 nm with an output power P < 60 mW is realized. As a laser light source a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) ridge waveguide diode laser is applied. The module comprises temperature stabilizing components, a micro-lens system as well as an optical micro-isolator. At the output, a polarization-maintaining single-mode fiber (PM-SMF) with a core diameter of 5.5 μm and a standard FC/APC connector are utilized. The generated diffraction limited beam is characterized by a narrow linewidth ( δν < 10 MHz) and a high polarization extinction ratio (PER > 25 dB).

Measurement of a free spectral range of a Fabry-Perot cavity using frequency modulation and null method under off-resonance conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aketagawa, Masato; Kimura, Shohei; Yashiki, Takuya; Iwata, Hiroshi; Banh, Tuan Quoc; Hirata, Kenji

2011-02-01

In this paper, we discuss a method to measure the free spectral range (FSR) of a Fabry-Perot cavity (FP-cavity) using frequency modulation with one electric optical modulator (EOM) and the null method. A laser beam modulated by the EOM, to which a sine wave signal is supplied from a radio frequency (RF) oscillator, is incident on the FP-cavity. The transmitted or reflected light from the FP-cavity is observed and converted to an RF signal by a high-speed photodetector, and the RF signal is synchronously demodulated with a lock-in amplifier by referring to a cosine wave signal from the oscillator. We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate that the lock-in amplifier signal for the transmitted or reflected light becomes null with a steep slope when the modulation frequency is equal to the FSR under the condition that the carrier frequency of the laser is slightly detuned from the resonance of the FP-cavity. To reduce the measurement uncertainty for the FSR, we also discuss a selection method for laser power, a modulation index and the detuning shift of the carrier frequency, respectively.

Slowdown of group velocity of light in dual-frequency laser-pumped cascade structure of Er3+-doped optical fiber at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Wei; Yang, Yujing; Gao, Yuan; Liu, Jianjun; Lv, Pin; Jiang, Qiuli

2018-04-01

Slow light is demonstrated in the cascade structure of an erbium-doped fiber with two forward propagation pumps. The results of the numerical simulation of the time delay and the optimum modulation frequency complement each other. The time delay and the optimum modulation frequency depend on the pump ratio G (G  =  {{P}1480}:{{P}980} ). The discussion results of this paper show that a larger time delay of slow light propagation can be obtained in the cascade structure of Er3+-doped optical fibers with dual-frequency laser pumping. Compared to previous research methods, the dual-frequency laser-pumped cascade structure of an Er3+-doped optical fiber is more controllable. Based on our discussion the pump ratio G should be selected in order to obtain a more appropriate time delay and the slowdown of group velocity.

Manipulation of Micro Scale Particles in Optical Traps Using Programmable Spatial Light Modulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seibel, Robin E.; Decker, Arthur J. (Technical Monitor)

2003-01-01

1064 nm light, from an Nd:YAG laser, was polarized and incident upon a programmable parallel aligned liquid crystal spatial light modulator (PAL-SLM), where it was phase modulated according to the program controlling the PAL-SLM. Light reflected from the PAL-SLM was injected into a microscope and focused. At the focus, multiple optical traps were formed in which 9.975 m spheres were captured. The traps and the spheres were moved by changing the program of the PAL-SLM. The motion of ordered groups of micro particles was clearly demonstrated.

Electro-optical resonance modulation of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers.

PubMed

Germann, Tim David; Hofmann, Werner; Nadtochiy, Alexey M; Schulze, Jan-Hindrik; Mutig, Alex; Strittmatter, André; Bimberg, Dieter

2012-02-27

Optical and electrical investigations of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL) with a monolithically integrated electro-optical modulator (EOM) allow for a detailed physical understanding of this complex compound cavity laser system. The EOM VCSEL light output is investigated to identify optimal working points. An electro-optic resonance feature triggered by the quantum confined Stark effect is used to modulate individual VCSEL modes by more than 20 dB with an extremely small EOM voltage change of less than 100 mV. Spectral mode analysis reveals modulation of higher order modes and very low wavelength chirp of < 0.5 nm. Dynamic experiments and simulation predict an intrinsic bandwidth of the EOM VCSEL exceeding 50 GHz.

Communication using VCSEL laser array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goorjian, Peter M. (Inventor)

2008-01-01

Ultrafast directional beam switching, using coupled vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) is combined with a light modulator to provide information transfer at bit rates of tens of GHz. This approach is demonstrated to achieve beam switching frequencies of 32-50 GHz in some embodiments and directional beam switching with angular differences of about eight degrees. This switching scheme is likely to be useful for ultrafast optical networks at frequencies much higher than achievable with other approaches. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer, a Fabry-Perot etalon, or a semiconductor-based electro-absorption transmission channel, among others, can be used as a light modulator.

Modulations of anisotropic optical transmission on alumina-doped zinc oxide surface by femtosecond laser induced ripples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yanhui; Jiang, Lan; Sun, Jingya; Cao, Qiang; Wang, Qingsong; Han, Weina; Lu, Yongfeng

2018-04-01

This study demonstrated that femtosecond-laser-induced ripples on an alumina-doped zinc oxide (AZO) film with space intervals of approximately 340 and 660 nm exhibit modulations of anisotropic optical transmission. At low laser fluence, ripples can not affect the original absorption peak of AZO film, but at higher laser fluence, the absorption peak of AZO film is disappeared due to the modulation by femtosecond laser induced ripples. Moreover, the relationship between the anisotropic optical transmission and the features of nanostructures is discussed. Ripples with a space interval of approximately 660 nm have a higher ability to block light than nanostructures with a space interval of approximately 340 nm. These observations indicate that anisotropic optical transmission has potential applications in the field of optoelectronics.

Feasibility study of microwave modulation DIAL system for global CO II monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirano, Yoshihito; Kameyama, Shumpei; Ueno, Shinichi; Sugimoto, Nobuo; Kimura, Toshiyoshi

2006-12-01

A new concept of DIAL (DIfferential Absorption Lidar) system for global CO II monitoring using microwave modulation is introduced. This system uses quasi-CW lights which are intensity modulated in microwave region and receives a backscattered light from the ground. In this system, ON/OFF wavelength laser lights are modulated with microwave frequencies, and received lights of two wavelengths are able to be discriminated by modulation frequencies in electrical signal domain. Higher sensitivity optical detection can be realized compared with the conventional microwave modulation lidar by using direct down conversion of modulation frequency. The system also has the function of ranging by using pseudo-random coding in modulation. Fiber-based optical circuit using wavelength region of 1.6 micron is a candidate for the system configuration. After the explanation of this configuration, feasibility study of this system on the application to global CO II monitoring is introduced.

4 Gbps direct modulation of 450 nm GaN laser for high-speed visible light communication.

PubMed

Lee, Changmin; Zhang, Chong; Cantore, Michael; Farrell, Robert M; Oh, Sang Ho; Margalith, Tal; Speck, James S; Nakamura, Shuji; Bowers, John E; DenBaars, Steven P

2015-06-15

We demonstrate high-speed data transmission with a commercial high power GaN laser diode at 450 nm. 2.6 GHz bandwidth was achieved at an injection current of 500 mA using a high-speed visible light communication setup. Record high 4 Gbps free-space data transmission rate was achieved at room temperature.

Optical Measurement of Mass Flow of a Two-Phase Fluid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiley, John; Pedersen, Kevin; Koman, Valentin; Gregory, Don

2008-01-01

An optoelectronic system utilizes wavelength-dependent scattering of light for measuring the density and mass flow of a two-phase fluid in a pipe. The apparatus was invented for original use in measuring the mass flow of a two-phase cryogenic fluid (e.g., liquid hydrogen containing bubbles of hydrogen gas), but underlying principles of operation can readily be adapted to non-cryogenic two-phase fluids. The system (see figure) includes a laser module, which contains two or more laser diodes, each operating at a different wavelength. The laser module also contains beam splitters that combine the beams at the various wavelengths so as to produce two output beams, each containing all of the wavelengths. One of the multiwavelength output beams is sent, via a multimode fiberoptic cable, to a transmitting optical coupler. The other multiwavelength output beam is sent, via another multimode fiber-optic cable, to a reference detector module, wherein fiber-optic splitters split the light into several multiwavelength beams, each going to a photodiode having a spectral response that is known and that differs from the spectral responses of the other photodiodes. The outputs of these photodiodes are digitized and fed to a processor, which executes an algorithm that utilizes the known spectral responses to convert the photodiode outputs to obtain reference laser-power levels for the various wavelengths. The transmitting optical coupler is mounted in (and sealed to) a hole in the pipe and is oriented at a slant with respect to the axis of the pipe. The transmitting optical coupler contains a collimating lens and a cylindrical lens that form the light emerging from the end of the fiber-optic cable into a fan-shaped beam in a meridional plane of the pipe. Receiving optical couplers similar to the transmitting optical couplers are mounted in the same meridional plane at various longitudinal positions on the opposite side of the pipe, approximately facing the transmitting optical coupler along the same slant. Light collected by each receiving optical coupler is sent, via a multimode fiber-optic cable, to a detector module similar to the reference detector module. The outputs of the photodiodes in each detector module are digitized and processed, similarly to those of the reference detector module, to obtain indications of the amounts of light of each wavelength scattered to the corresponding receiving position. The value for each wavelength at each position is also normalized to the reference laser-power level for that wavelength. From these normalized values, the density and the mass flow rate of the fluid are estimated.

Lasers for Training Devices.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, C. A.

A breadboard model of a laser display system is described in detail and its operating procedure is outlined. The system consists of: a Model 52 argon krypton ion laser and power supply; an optical breadboard comprising a pocket cell light modulator, a galvonmeter beam deflector for vertical scanning, a unique multiple reflection beam steerer for…

Controlling chaotic behavior in CO2 and other lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1993-06-01

Additional substantial experimental progress has been made, in the third month of the project, in setting up equipment and testing for producing chaotic behavior with a CO2 laser. The project goal is to synchronize and control chaos in CO2 and other lasers, and thereby increase the power in ensembles of coupled laser sources. Numerous investigations into the chaos regime have been made, a second CO2 laser has been brought on stream, and work is progressing in the fourth month toward coupling the two lasers and control of the first laser. It is also intended to submit at least two papers to the Second Experimental Chaos Conference which is supported by the Office of Naval Research. Abstracts to those two papers are attached. Last month's report discussed the experimental investigation of nonlinear dynamics of CO2 lasers which involved a new technique of inducing chaos. In this new technique, an acoustically modulated feedback of the laser light was used and led to chaotic dynamics at a very low modulation frequency of 375 Hz. Since then, new results have been obtained by an Electro-Optical Modulation (EOM) technique. In the new setup, the electro-optical modulator is placed in an external cavity outside the laser.

Computer Generated Holography with Intensity-Graded Patterns

PubMed Central

Conti, Rossella; Assayag, Osnath; de Sars, Vincent; Guillon, Marc; Emiliani, Valentina

2016-01-01

Computer Generated Holography achieves patterned illumination at the sample plane through phase modulation of the laser beam at the objective back aperture. This is obtained by using liquid crystal-based spatial light modulators (LC-SLMs), which modulate the spatial phase of the incident laser beam. A variety of algorithms is employed to calculate the phase modulation masks addressed to the LC-SLM. These algorithms range from simple gratings-and-lenses to generate multiple diffraction-limited spots, to iterative Fourier-transform algorithms capable of generating arbitrary illumination shapes perfectly tailored on the base of the target contour. Applications for holographic light patterning include multi-trap optical tweezers, patterned voltage imaging and optical control of neuronal excitation using uncaging or optogenetics. These past implementations of computer generated holography used binary input profile to generate binary light distribution at the sample plane. Here we demonstrate that using graded input sources, enables generating intensity graded light patterns and extend the range of application of holographic light illumination. At first, we use intensity-graded holograms to compensate for LC-SLM position dependent diffraction efficiency or sample fluorescence inhomogeneity. Finally we show that intensity-graded holography can be used to equalize photo evoked currents from cells expressing different levels of chanelrhodopsin2 (ChR2), one of the most commonly used optogenetics light gated channels, taking into account the non-linear dependence of channel opening on incident light. PMID:27799896

100-W 105-μm 0.15NA fiber coupled laser diode module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karlsen, Scott R.; Price, R. Kirk; Reynolds, Mitch; Brown, Aaron; Mehl, Ron; Patterson, Steve; Martinsen, Robert J.

2009-02-01

We report on the development of a high brightness laser diode module capable of coupling over 100W of optical power into a 105 μm 0.15 NA fiber at 976 nm. This module, based on nLIGHT's Pearl product architecture, utilizes hard soldered single emitters packaged into a compact and passively-cooled package. In this system each diode is individually collimated in the fast and slow axes and free-space coupled into a single fiber. The high brightness module has an optical excitation under 0.13 NA, is virtually free of cladding modes, and has an electrical to optical efficiency greater than 40%. Additionally, this module is compatible with high power 7:1 fused fiber combiners, and initial experiments demonstrated 500W coupled into a 220 μm, 0.22 NA fiber. These modules address the need in the market for higher brightness diode lasers for pumping fiber lasers and direct material processing.

Ghost Imaging without Discord

PubMed Central

Shapiro, Jeffrey H.; Venkatraman, Dheera; Wong, Franco N. C.

2013-01-01

Ragy and Adesso argue that quantum discord is involved in the formation of a pseudothermal ghost image. We show that quantum discord plays no role in spatial light modulator ghost imaging, i.e., ghost-image formation based on structured illumination realized with laser light that has undergone spatial light modulation by the output from a pseudorandom number generator. Our analysis thus casts doubt on the degree to which quantum discord is necessary for ghost imaging. PMID:23673426

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2011-12-01

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

Laser Spot Welding of Copper-aluminum Joints Using a Pulsed Dual Wavelength Laser at 532 and 1064 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stritt, Peter; Hagenlocher, Christian; Kizler, Christine; Weber, Rudolf; Rüttimann, Christoph; Graf, Thomas

A modulated pulsed laser source emitting green and infrared laser light is used to join the dissimilar metals copper and aluminum. The resultant dynamic welding process is analyzed using the back reflected laser light and high speed video observations of the interaction zone. Different pulse shapes are applied to influence the melt pool dynamics and thereby the forming grain structure and intermetallic phases. The results of high-speed images and back-reflections prove that a modulation of the pulse shape is transferred to oscillations of the melt pool at the applied frequency. The outcome of the melt pool oscillation is shown by the metallurgically prepared cross-section, which indicates different solidification lines and grain shapes. An energy-dispersivex-ray analysis shows the mixture and the resultant distribution of the two metals, copper and aluminum, within the spot weld. It can be seen that the mixture is homogenized the observed melt pool oscillations.

All-optical liquid crystal spatial light modulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabiryan, Nelson; Grozhik, Vladimir; Khoo, Iam Choon; Nersisyan, Sarik R.; Serak, Svetlana

2003-12-01

Nonlinear optical processes in liquid crystals (LC) can be used for construction of all-optical spatial light modulators (SLM) where the photosensitivity and phase modulating functions are integrated into a single layer of an LC-material. Such spatial light integrated modulators (SLIMs) cost only a fraction of the conventional LC-SLM and can be used with high power laser radiation due to high transparency of LC materials and absence of light absorbing electrodes on the substrates of the LC-cell constituting the SLIM. Recent development of LC materials the photosensitivity of which is comparable to that of semiconductors has led to using SLIM in schemes of optical anti-jamming, sensor protection, and image processing. All-optical processes add remarkable versatility to the operation of SLIM harnessing the wealth inherent to light-matter interaction phenomena.

Plasma based optical guiding of an amplitude-modulated electromagnetic beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Mamta; Gupta, D. N.

2015-06-01

We propose the stronger optical guiding of an electromagnetic beam in a plasma by considering the amplitude modulation of the fundamental beam. With the advent of high power source of electromagnetic radiation, the electron velocity in a plasma may become quite large (comparable to the light velocity in free space). Thus, the effect of relativistic mass variation must be taken into account. The relativistic effect of the laser propagation in a plasma leads to self-focusing because of the dielectric constant of a plasma being an increasing function of the intensity. The ponderomotive force of the laser beam pushes the electrons out of the region of high intensity, which reduces the local electron density and increases the plasma dielectric function further, leading to even more selffocusing of the laser. In this work, we consider a short pulse laser of finite spot size as an amplitude modulation in time. Our findings show an efficient optical guiding mechanism based on amplitude modulation signal propagation in plasmas. Medium nonlinearity becomes stronger if an amplitude modulated beam is introduced, which contributes significantly in laser guiding in plasmas. Furthermore, the rate of laser self-focusing is increased with modulation index due the fact of stronger Kerr effect. The study related to amplitude modulated optical signal may be useful for communication technology.

An experimental distribution of analog and digital information in a hybrid wireless visible light communication system based on acousto-optic modulation and sinusoidal gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez Colín, R.; García Juárez, A.; Zaldívar Huerta, I. E.; Marquina, A. Vera; García Delgado, L. A.; Leal Cruz, A. L.; Gómez Fuentes, R.

2016-03-01

In this paper we propose a photonic architecture as an alternative tool to distribute point to multipoint analog and digital information over a hybrid wireless visible optical communication system. The experimental set-up is composed of a red laser pointer, an acousto-optic modulator, a sinusoidal grating and a photo-detector array. By using a simple and variable interferometric system, diffraction gratings with different spatial frequencies are generated and recorded on a photoemulsion which is composed of vanilla with dichromate gelatin. Analog video and digital information are first transmitted and recovered over a wireless communication system using a microwave carrier at 4.52 GHz which is generated by distributed feedback lasers operating in the low laser threshold current region. Separately, the recovered video information and digital data are combined with a radio frequency signal of 80 MHz, obtaining a subcarrier of information that is imposed on the optical carrier of the pointer laser using an acousto-optic modulator which is operated with an angle of incident light that satisfies the Bragg condition. The modulated optical carrier is sent to a sinusoidal grating, the diffraction pattern is photo-detected using an array of PIN photo-detectors. The use of sinusoidal gratings with acousto-optic modulators allows that number of channels to be increased when both components are placed in cascade.

Nonlinear Spectroscopy.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-03-20

Finally, the (linear) .response of a Fabry - Perot cavity to a phase modulated light wave is considered because of its relevance to phase locking a laser...prepared and therefore doesn’t contribute. This effect provides the remaining factor of two. IV. FABRY - PEROT We now calculate the response of a plane...mirror Fabry - Perot cavity to a phase-modulated laser beam. This linear problem, which contrasts with the nonlinear atomic case, is the basis of an

Laser ignition

DOEpatents

Early, James W.; Lester, Charles S.

2004-01-13

Sequenced pulses of light from an excitation laser with at least two resonator cavities with separate output couplers are directed through a light modulator and a first polarzing analyzer. A portion of the light not rejected by the first polarizing analyzer is transported through a first optical fiber into a first ignitor laser rod in an ignitor laser. Another portion of the light is rejected by the first polarizing analyzer and directed through a halfwave plate into a second polarization analyzer. A first portion of the output of the second polarization analyzer passes through the second polarization analyzer to a second, oscillator, laser rod in the ignitor laser. A second portion of the output of the second polarization analyzer is redirected by the second polarization analyzer to a second optical fiber which delays the beam before the beam is combined with output of the first ignitor laser rod. Output of the second laser rod in the ignitor laser is directed into the first ignitor laser rod which was energized by light passing through the first polarizing analyzer. Combined output of the first ignitor laser rod and output of the second optical fiber is focused into a combustible fuel where the first short duration, high peak power pulse from the ignitor laser ignites the fuel and the second long duration, low peak power pulse directly from the excitation laser sustains the combustion.

Wavefront control with a spatial light modulator containing dual-frequency liquid crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Dong-Feng; Winker, Bruce; Wen, Bing; Taber, Don; Brackley, Andrew; Wirth, Allan; Albanese, Marc; Landers, Frank

2004-10-01

A versatile, scalable wavefront control approach based upon proven liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulator (SLM) technology was extended for potential use in high-energy near-infrared laser applications. The reflective LC SLM module demonstrated has a two-inch diameter active aperture with 812 pixels. Using an ultra-low absorption transparent conductor in the LC SLM, a high laser damage threshold was demonstrated. Novel dual frequency liquid crystal materials and addressing schemes were implemented to achieve fast switching speed (<1ms at 1.31 microns). Combining this LCSLM with a novel wavefront sensing method, a closed loop wavefront controller is being demonstrated. Compared to conventional deformable mirrors, this non-mechanical wavefront control approach offers substantial improvements in speed (bandwidth), resolution, power consumption and system weight/volume.

High-power visible laser effect on a Boston Micromachines' MEMS deformable mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norton, Andrew; Gavel, Donald; Dillon, Daren; Cornelissen, Steven

2010-07-01

Continuous-facesheet and segmented Boston Micromachines Corporations' (BMC) Micro-Electrical Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Deformable Mirrors (DM) have been tested for their response to high-power visible-wavelength laser light. The deformable mirrors, coated with either protected silver or bare aluminum, were subjected to a maximum of 2 Watt laser-light at a wavelength of 532 nanometers. The laser light was incident on a ~ 3.5×3.5 cm area for time periods from minutes to 7 continuous hours. Spot heating from the laser-light is measured to induce a local bulge in the surface of each DM. For the aluminum-coated continuous facesheet DM, the induced spot heating changes the surface figure by 16 nm rms. The silver-coated continuous-facesheet and segmented (spatial light modulator) DMs experience a 6 and 8 nm surface rms change in surface quality with the laser at 2 Watts. For spatial frequencies less than the actuator spacing (300 mm), the laser induced surface bulge is shown to be removable, as the DMs continued to be fully functional during and after their exposure. Over the full 10 mm aperture one could expect the same results with a 15 Watt laser guide star (LGS). These results are very promising for use of the MEMS DM to pre-correct the outgoing laser light in the Laboratory for Adaptive Optics' (LAO) laser uplink application.

Observation of motion of colloidal particles undergoing flowing Brownian motion using self-mixing laser velocimetry with a thin-slice solid-state laser.

PubMed

Sudo, S; Ohtomo, T; Otsuka, K

2015-08-01

We achieved a highly sensitive method for observing the motion of colloidal particles in a flowing suspension using a self-mixing laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) comprising a laser-diode-pumped thin-slice solid-state laser and a simple photodiode. We describe the measurement method and the optical system of the self-mixing LDV for real-time measurements of the motion of colloidal particles. For a condensed solution, when the light scattered from the particles is reinjected into the solid-state laser, the laser output is modulated in intensity by the reinjected laser light. Thus, we can capture the motion of colloidal particles from the spectrum of the modulated laser output. For a diluted solution, when the relaxation oscillation frequency coincides with the Doppler shift frequency, f_d, which is related to the average velocity of the particles, the spectrum reflecting the motion of the colloidal particles is enhanced by the resonant excitation of relaxation oscillations. Then, the spectral peak reflecting the motion of colloidal particles appears at 2×f_d. The spectrum reflecting the motion of colloidal particles in a flowing diluted solution can be measured with high sensitivity, owing to the enhancement of the spectrum by the thin-slice solid-state laser.

Multi-pass amplifier architecture for high power laser systems

DOEpatents

Manes, Kenneth R; Spaeth, Mary L; Erlandson, Alvin C

2014-04-01

A main amplifier system includes a first reflector operable to receive input light through a first aperture and direct the input light along an optical path. The input light is characterized by a first polarization. The main amplifier system also includes a first polarizer operable to reflect light characterized by the first polarization state. The main amplifier system further includes a first and second set of amplifier modules. Each of the first and second set of amplifier modules includes an entrance window, a quarter wave plate, a plurality of amplifier slablets arrayed substantially parallel to each other, and an exit window. The main amplifier system additionally includes a set of mirrors operable to reflect light exiting the first set of amplifier modules to enter the second set of amplifier modules and a second polarizer operable to reflect light characterized by a second polarization state.

Application of quantum-dot multi-wavelength lasers and silicon photonic ring resonators to data-center optical interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beckett, Douglas J. S.; Hickey, Ryan; Logan, Dylan F.; Knights, Andrew P.; Chen, Rong; Cao, Bin; Wheeldon, Jeffery F.

2018-02-01

Quantum dot comb sources integrated with silicon photonic ring-resonator filters and modulators enable the realization of optical sub-components and modules for both inter- and intra-data-center applications. Low-noise, multi-wavelength, single-chip, laser sources, PAM4 modulation and direct detection allow a practical, scalable, architecture for applications beyond 400 Gb/s. Multi-wavelength, single-chip light sources are essential for reducing power dissipation, space and cost, while silicon photonic ring resonators offer high-performance with space and power efficiency.

Optical feedback-induced light modulation for fiber-based laser ablation.

PubMed

Kang, Hyun Wook

2014-11-01

Optical fibers have been used as a minimally invasive tool in various medical fields. However, due to excessive heat accumulation, the distal end of a fiber often suffers from severe melting or devitrification, leading to the eventual fiber failure during laser treatment. In order to minimize thermal damage at the fiber tip, an optical feedback sensor was developed and tested ex vivo. Porcine kidney tissue was used to evaluate the feasibility of optical feedback in terms of signal activation, ablation performance, and light transmission. Testing various signal thresholds demonstrated that 3 V was relatively appropriate to trigger the feedback sensor and to prevent the fiber deterioration during kidney tissue ablation. Based upon the development of temporal signal signatures, full contact mode rapidly activated the optical feedback sensor possibly due to heat accumulation. Modulated light delivery induced by optical feedback diminished ablation efficiency by 30% in comparison with no feedback case. However, long-term transmission results validated that laser ablation assisted with optical feedback was able to almost consistently sustain light delivery to the tissue as well as ablation efficiency. Therefore, an optical feedback sensor can be a feasible tool to protect optical fiber tips by minimizing debris contamination and delaying thermal damage process and to ensure more efficient and safer laser-induced tissue ablation.

Imaging System With Confocally Self-Detecting Laser.

DOEpatents

Webb, Robert H.; Rogomentich, Fran J.

1996-10-08

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

Method for measuring retardation of infrared wave-plate by modulated-polarized visible light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ying; Song, Feijun

2012-11-01

A new method for precisely measuring the optical phase retardation of wave-plates in the infrared spectral region is presented by using modulated-polarized visible light. An electro-optic modulator is used to accurately determine the zero point by the frequency-doubled signal of the Modulated-polarized light. A Babinet-Soleil compensator is employed to make the phase delay compensation. Based on this method, an instrument is set up to measure the retardations of the infrared wave-plates with visible region laser. Measurement results with high accuracy and sound repetition are obtained by simple calculation. Its measurement precision is less than and repetitive precision is within 0.3%.

Study on the generation of a vortex laser beam by using phase-only liquid crystal spatial light modulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Haotong; Hu, Haojun; Xie, Wenke; Xu, Xiaojun

2013-09-01

The generation of vortex laser beam by using phase-only liquid crystal spatial light modulator (LC-SLM) combined with the spiral phase screen is experimentally and theoretically studied. Results show that Gaussian and dark hollow vortex laser beams can be generated by using this method successfully. Differing with the Gaussian and dark hollow beams, far field intensities of the generated vortex laser beams still exhibit dark hollow distributions. The comparisons between the ideal generation and experimental generation of vortex laser beams with different optical topological charges by using phase only LC-SLM is investigated in detail. Compared with the ideal generated vortex laser beam, phase distribution of the experimental generated vortex laser beam contains many phase singularities, the number of which is the same as that of the optical topological charges. The corresponding near field and far field dark hollow intensity distributions of the generated vortex laser beams exhibit discontinuous in rotational direction. Detailed theoretical analysis show that the main reason for the physical phenomenon mentioned above is the response error of phase only LC-SLM. These studies can provide effective guide for the generation of vortex laser beam by using phase only LC-SLM for optical tweezers and free space optical communication.

Holographic memory using beam steering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chao, Tien-Hsin (Inventor); Hanan, Jay C. (Inventor); Reyes, George F. (Inventor); Zhou, Hanying (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A method, apparatus, and system provide the ability for storing holograms at high speed. A single laser diode emits a collimated laser beam to both write to and read from a photorefractice crystal. One or more liquid crystal beam steering spatial light modulators (BSSLMs) steer a reference beam, split from the collimated laser beam, at high speed to the photorefractive crystal.

Spatial Light Modulators with Arbitrary Quantum Well Profiles

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-14

vertical cavity surface emitting lasers ( VCSEL ) is also...aDlications stemming from the research effort. An application of the MBE compositional grading technique to vertical cavity surface emitting lasers was described in section 2e. G. Other statements ... cavity surface emitting laser ( VCSEL ). This uses compositionally graded Bragg reflectors to reduce the electrical resistance of the mirrors

Maximum likelihood sequence estimation for optical complex direct modulation.

PubMed

Che, Di; Yuan, Feng; Shieh, William

2017-04-17

Semiconductor lasers are versatile optical transmitters in nature. Through the direct modulation (DM), the intensity modulation is realized by the linear mapping between the injection current and the light power, while various angle modulations are enabled by the frequency chirp. Limited by the direct detection, DM lasers used to be exploited only as 1-D (intensity or angle) transmitters by suppressing or simply ignoring the other modulation. Nevertheless, through the digital coherent detection, simultaneous intensity and angle modulations (namely, 2-D complex DM, CDM) can be realized by a single laser diode. The crucial technique of CDM is the joint demodulation of intensity and differential phase with the maximum likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE), supported by a closed-form discrete signal approximation of frequency chirp to characterize the MLSE transition probability. This paper proposes a statistical method for the transition probability to significantly enhance the accuracy of the chirp model. Using the statistical estimation, we demonstrate the first single-channel 100-Gb/s PAM-4 transmission over 1600-km fiber with only 10G-class DM lasers.

High-Speed Operation of Interband Cascade Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soibel, Alexander; Hill, Cory J.; Keo, Sam A.; Wright, Malcom W.; Farr, William H.; Yang, Rui Q.; Liu, H. C.

2010-01-01

Optical sources operating in the atmospheric window of 3-5 microns are of particular interest for the development of free-space optical communication link. It is more advantageous to operate the free-space optical communication link in 3-5-microns atmospheric transmission window than at the telecom wavelength of 1.5 m due to lower optical scattering, scintillation, and background radiation. However, the realization of optical communications at the longer wavelength has encountered significant difficulties due to lack of adequate optical sources and detectors operating in the desirable wavelength regions. Interband Cascade (IC) lasers are novel semiconductor lasers that have a great potential for the realization of high-power, room-temperature optical sources in the 3-5-microns wavelength region, yet no experimental work, until this one, was done on high-speed direct modulation of IC lasers. Here, highspeed interband cascade laser, operating at wavelength 3.0 m, has been developed and the first direct measurement of the laser modulation bandwidth has been performed using a unique, highspeed quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP). The developed laser has modulation bandwidth exceeding 3 GHz. This constitutes a significant increase of the IC laser modulation bandwidth over currently existing devices. This result has demonstrated suitability of IC lasers as a mid-IR light source for multi-GHz free-space optical communications links

Generation of flower high-order Poincaré sphere laser beams from a spatial light modulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, T. H.; Huang, T. D.; Wang, J. G.; Wang, L. W.; Alfano, R. R.

2016-12-01

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a new complex laser beam with inhomogeneous polarization distributions mapping onto high-order Poincaré spheres (HOPSs). The complex laser mode is achieved by superposition of Laguerre-Gaussian modes and manifests exotic flower-like localization on intensity and phase profiles. A simple optical system is used to generate a polarization-variant distribution on the complex laser mode by superposition of orthogonal circular polarizations with opposite topological charges. Numerical analyses of the polarization distribution are consistent with the experimental results. The novel flower HOPS beams can act as a new light source for photonic applications.

Research on accuracy analysis of laser transmission system based on Zemax and Matlab

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Haiping; Liu, Changchun; Ye, Haixian; Xiong, Zhao; Cao, Tingfen

2017-05-01

Laser transmission system is important in high power solid-state laser facilities and its function is to transfer and focus the light beam in accordance with the physical function of the facility. This system is mainly composed of transmission mirror modules and wedge lens module. In order to realize the precision alignment of the system, the precision alignment of the system is required to be decomposed into the allowable range of the calibration error of each module. The traditional method is to analyze the error factors of the modules separately, and then the linear synthesis is carried out, and the influence of the multi-module and multi-factor is obtained. In order to analyze the effect of the alignment error of each module on the beam center and focus more accurately, this paper aims to combine with the Monte Carlo random test and ray tracing, analyze influence of multi-module and multi-factor on the center of the beam, and evaluate and optimize the results of accuracy decomposition.

Study of light-absorbing crystal birefringence and electrical modulation mechanisms for coupled thermal-optical effects.

PubMed

Zhou, Ji; He, Zhihong; Ma, Yu; Dong, Shikui

2014-09-20

This paper discusses Gaussian laser transmission in double-refraction crystal whose incident light wavelength is within its absorption wave band. Two scenarios for coupled radiation and heat conduction are considered: one is provided with an applied external electric field, the other is not. A circular heat source with a Gaussian energy distribution is introduced to present the crystal's light-absorption process. The electromagnetic field frequency domain analysis equation and energy equation are solved to simulate the phenomenon by using the finite element method. It focuses on the influence of different values such as wavelength, incident light intensity, heat transfer coefficient, ambient temperature, crystal thickness, and applied electric field strength. The results show that the refraction index of polarized light increases with the increase of crystal temperature. It decreases as the strength of the applied electric field increases if it is positive. The mechanism of electrical modulation for the thermo-optical effect is used to keep the polarized light's index of refraction constant in our simulation. The quantitative relation between thermal boundary condition and strength of applied electric field during electrical modulation is determined. Numerical results indicate a possible approach to removing adverse thermal effects such as depolarization and wavefront distortion, which are caused by thermal deposition during linear laser absorption.

Technological processes of grating light valve as diffractive spatial light modulator in laser phototypesetting system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wei; Geng, Yu; Hou, Changlun; Yang, Guoguang; Bai, Jian

2008-11-01

Grating Light Valve (GLV) is a kind of optics device based on Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical System (MOEMS) technology, utilizing diffraction principle to switch, attenuate and modulate light. In this paper, traditional GLV device's structure and its working principle are illuminated, and a kind of modified GLV structure is presented, with details introduction of the fabrication technology. The GLV structure includes single crystal silicon substrate, silicon dioxide isolating layer, aluminum layer of fixed ribbons and silicon nitride of movable ribbons. In the fabrication, lots of techniques are adopted, such as low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD), photolithography, etching and evaporation. During the fabrication processes, Photolithography is a fundamental and fatal technology, which determines etching result and GLV quality. Some methods are proposed through repeated experiments, to improve etching result greatly and guide the practical application. This kind of GLV device can be made both small and inexpensively, and has been tested to show proper range of actuation under DC bias, with good performance. The GLV device also has merits such as low cost, simple technology, high fill ratio and low driving voltage. It can properly be well used and match the demands of high light power needed in laser phototypesetting system, as a high-speed, high-resolution light modulator.

Electrically and spatially controllable PDLC phase gratings for diffraction and modulation of laser beams

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

Hadjichristov, Georgi B., E-mail: georgibh@issp.bas.bg; Marinov, Yordan G.; Petrov, Alexander G.

2016-03-25

We present a study on electrically- and spatially-controllable laser beam diffraction, electrooptic (EO) phase modulation, as well as amplitude-frequency EO modulation by single-layer microscale polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) phase gratings (PDLC SLPGs) of interest for device applications. PDLC SLPGs were produced from nematic liquid crystal (LC) E7 in photo-curable NOA65 polymer. The wedge-formed PDLC SLPGs have a continuously variable thickness (2–25 µm). They contain LC droplets of diameters twice as the layer thickness, with a linear-gradient size distribution along the wedge. By applying alternating-current (AC) electric field, the PDLC SLPGs produce efficient: (i) diffraction splitting of transmitted laser beams; (ii)more » spatial redistribution of diffracted light intensity; (iii) optical phase modulation; (iv) amplitude-frequency modulation, all controllable by the driven AC field and the droplet size gradient.« less

Active mode locking of lasers by piezoelectrically induced diffraction modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krausz, F.; Turi, L.; Kuti, Cs.; Schmidt, A. J.

1990-04-01

A new amplitude-modulation mode-locking technique is presented. Acoustic waves are generated directly on the faces of a resonant photoelastic medium. The created standing waves cause a highly efficient diffraction modulation of light. The modulation depth of standing-wave mode lockers is related to material and drive parameters and a figure of merit is introduced. With a lithium niobate crystal modulation depths over 10 are achieved at 1.054 μm and 1 W of radio frequency power. Using this device for the active mode locking of a continuous-wave Nd:glass laser pulses as short as 3.8 ps are produced at a repetition rate of 66 MHz. Limitations of amplitude-modulation mode locking by standing acoustic waves are discussed.

Analysis of all-optical light modulation in proteorhodopsin protein molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Sukhdev; Sharma, Parag

2008-03-01

We present a detailed steady-state and time-dependent theoretical analysis of all-optical light modulation in the recently discovered, wild-type proteorhodopsin (WTpR) protein molecules based on excited-state absorption. Amplitude modulation of cw probe laser beam transmissions at 520, 405, 555 and 560 nm, corresponding to the peak absorption of pR, pRM, pRK and pRN intermediate states of pR photocycle, respectively, by cw and pulsed modulating pump laser beam at 520 nm have been analyzed. The effect of various spectral and kinetic parameters on modulation characteristics has been studied. There is an optimum value of concentration for a given pump intensity value for which maximum modulation of the probe beam can be achieved. The switching characteristics of probe beam at 405 and 520 nm exhibit dip and peak, respectively, which can be removed by decreasing the absorption of pRM state at 520 nm. The modulation in WTpR is at lower pump powers with smaller contrast in comparison to WT bacteriorhodopsin (bR) and WT pharaonis phoborhodopsin (ppR). The modulation characteristics exhibit unique features compared to bR and ppR.

Design of high-speed optical transmission module with an integrated Ti:Er:LiNbO3 waveguide laser/ LiNbO3 electro-optic modulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Yang; Chen, Shufen; Fu, Li; Fang, Wei; Lu, Junjun

2005-01-01

A high bit rate more than 10Gbit/s optical pulse generation device is the key to achieving high-speed and broadband optical fiber communication network system .Now, we propose a novel high-speed optical transmission module(TM) consisting of a Ti:Er:LiNbO3 waveguide laser and a Mach-Zehnder-type encoding modulator on the same Er-doped substrate. According to the standard of ITU-T, we design the 10Gbit/ s transmission module at 1.53μm on the Z cut Y propagation LiNbO3 slice. A dynamic model and the corresponding numerical code are used to analyze the waveguide laser while the electrooptic effect to design the modulator. Meanwhile, the working principle, key technology, typical characteristic parameters of the module are given. The transmission module has a high extinction ratio and a low driving voltage, which supplies the efficient, miniaturized light source for wavelength division multiplexing(WDM) system. In additional, the relation of the laser gain with the cavity parameter, as well as the relation of the bandwidth of the electrooptic modulator with some key factors are discussed .The designed module structure is simulated by BPM software and HFSS software.

Electronic sideband locking of a broadly tunable 318.6 nm ultraviolet laser to an ultra-stable optical cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Jiandong; Wang, Jieying; He, Jun; Wang, Junmin

2017-04-01

We demonstrate frequency stabilization of a tunable 318.6 nm ultraviolet (UV) laser system using electronic sideband locking. By indirectly changing the frequency of a broadband electro-optic phase modulator, the laser can be continuously tuned over 4 GHz, while a 637.2 nm laser is directly stabilized to a high-finesse ultra-stable optical cavity. The doubling cavity also remains locked to the 637.2 nm light. We show that the tuning range depends mainly on the gain-flattening region of the modulator and the piezo-tunable range of the seed laser. The frequency-stabilized tunable UV laser system is able to compensate for the offset between reference and target frequencies, and has potential applications in precision spectroscopy of cold atoms.

Silicon Photonics Transmitter with SOA and Semiconductor Mode-Locked Laser.

PubMed

Moscoso-Mártir, Alvaro; Müller, Juliana; Hauck, Johannes; Chimot, Nicolas; Setter, Rony; Badihi, Avner; Rasmussen, Daniel E; Garreau, Alexandre; Nielsen, Mads; Islamova, Elmira; Romero-García, Sebastián; Shen, Bin; Sandomirsky, Anna; Rockman, Sylvie; Li, Chao; Sharif Azadeh, Saeed; Lo, Guo-Qiang; Mentovich, Elad; Merget, Florian; Lelarge, François; Witzens, Jeremy

2017-10-24

We experimentally investigate an optical link relying on silicon photonics transmitter and receiver components as well as a single section semiconductor mode-locked laser as a light source and a semiconductor optical amplifier for signal amplification. A transmitter based on a silicon photonics resonant ring modulator, an external single section mode-locked laser and an external semiconductor optical amplifier operated together with a standard receiver reliably supports 14 Gbps on-off keying signaling with a signal quality factor better than 7 for 8 consecutive comb lines, as well as 25 Gbps signaling with a signal quality factor better than 7 for one isolated comb line, both without forward error correction. Resonant ring modulators and Germanium waveguide photodetectors are further hybridly integrated with chip scale driver and receiver electronics, and their co-operability tested. These experiments will serve as the basis for assessing the feasibility of a silicon photonics wavelength division multiplexed link relying on a single section mode-locked laser as a multi-carrier light source.

Biphoton Generation Driven by Spatial Light Modulation: Parallel-to-Series Conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Luwei; Guo, Xianxin; Sun, Yuan; Su, Yumian; Loy, M. M. T.; Du, Shengwang

2016-05-01

We demonstrate the generation of narrowband biphotons with controllable temporal waveform by spontaneous four-wave mixing in cold atoms. In the group-delay regime, we study the dependence of the biphoton temporal waveform on the spatial profile of the pump laser beam. By using a spatial light modulator, we manipulate the spatial profile of the pump laser and map it onto the two-photon entangled temporal wave function. This parallel-to-series conversion (or spatial-to-temporal mapping) enables coding the parallel classical information of the pump spatial profile to the sequential temporal waveform of the biphoton quantum state. The work was supported by the Hong Kong RGC (Project No. 601113).

A 12 GHz wavelength spacing multi-wavelength laser source for wireless communication systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, P. C.; Shiu, R. K.; Bitew, M. A.; Chang, T. L.; Lai, C. H.; Junior, J. I.

2017-08-01

This paper presents a multi-wavelength laser source with 12 GHz wavelength spacing based on a single distributed feedback laser. A light wave generated from the distributed feedback laser is fed into a frequency shifter loop consisting of 50:50 coupler, dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator, optical amplifier, optical filter, and polarization controller. The frequency of the input wavelength is shifted and then re-injected into the frequency shifter loop. By re-injecting the shifted wavelengths multiple times, we have generated 84 optical carriers with 12 GHz wavelength spacing and stable output power. For each channel, two wavelengths are modulated by a wireless data using the phase modulator and transmitted through a 25 km single mode fiber. In contrast to previously developed schemes, the proposed laser source does not incur DC bias drift problem. Moreover, it is a good candidate for radio-over-fiber systems to support multiple users using a single distributed feedback laser.

Study of Laser Reflectivity on Skin

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

Oidor-Garcia, J. J. J.; Trevino-Palacios, C. G.

2008-08-11

The response to the light on the skin can be manifested as temperature increase or creation of biochemical byproducts, in which further studies are required to asset the light effect. This response changes the average response over time and can produce discrepancies between similar studies. In this work we present a Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) study with feedback. We study the time response reflectivity of a 980 nm laser diode of 25 mW modulated at frequencies close to 40 kHz and detect the reflected light on a silicon photodiode, finding no direct correlation between different test points or individuals,more » while finding reproducible responses within the same individual and test point.« less

Scannerless laser range imaging using loss modulation

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

Sandusky, John V

2011-08-09

A scannerless 3-D imaging apparatus is disclosed which utilizes an amplitude modulated cw light source to illuminate a field of view containing a target of interest. Backscattered light from the target is passed through one or more loss modulators which are modulated at the same frequency as the light source, but with a phase delay .delta. which can be fixed or variable. The backscattered light is demodulated by the loss modulator and detected with a CCD, CMOS or focal plane array (FPA) detector to construct a 3-D image of the target. The scannerless 3-D imaging apparatus, which can operate inmore » the eye-safe wavelength region 1.4-1.7 .mu.m and which can be constructed as a flash LADAR, has applications for vehicle collision avoidance, autonomous rendezvous and docking, robotic vision, industrial inspection and measurement, 3-D cameras, and facial recognition.« less

Scannerless laser range imaging using loss modulation

DOEpatents

Sandusky, John V [Albuquerque, NM

2011-08-09

A scannerless 3-D imaging apparatus is disclosed which utilizes an amplitude modulated cw light source to illuminate a field of view containing a target of interest. Backscattered light from the target is passed through one or more loss modulators which are modulated at the same frequency as the light source, but with a phase delay .delta. which can be fixed or variable. The backscattered light is demodulated by the loss modulator and detected with a CCD, CMOS or focal plane array (FPA) detector to construct a 3-D image of the target. The scannerless 3-D imaging apparatus, which can operate in the eye-safe wavelength region 1.4-1.7 .mu.m and which can be constructed as a flash LADAR, has applications for vehicle collision avoidance, autonomous rendezvous and docking, robotic vision, industrial inspection and measurement, 3-D cameras, and facial recognition.

Imaging of gaseous oxygen through DFB laser illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-05-01

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

Designs for optimizing depth of focus and spot size for UV laser ablation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, An-Chi; Sze, Jyh-Rou; Chern, Jyh-Long

2010-11-01

The proposed optical systems are designed for extending the depths of foci (DOF) of UV lasers, which can be exploited in the laser-ablation technologies, such as laser machining and lithography. The designed systems are commonly constructed by an optical module that has at least one aspherical surface. Two configurations of optical module, lens-only and lens-reflector, are presented with the designs of 2-lens and 1-lens-1-reflector demonstrated by commercially optical software. Compared with conventional DOF-enhanced systems, which required the chromatic aberration lenses and the light sources with multiple wavelengths, the proposed designs are adapted to the single-wavelength systems, leading to more economical and efficient systems.

Method and system for controlling the position of a beam of light

DOEpatents

Steinkraus, Jr., Robert F.; Johnson, Gary W [Livermore, CA; Ruggiero, Anthony J [Livermore, CA

2011-08-09

An method and system for laser beam tracking and pointing is based on a conventional position sensing detector (PSD) or quadrant cell but with the use of amplitude-modulated light. A combination of logarithmic automatic gain control, filtering, and synchronous detection offers high angular precision with exceptional dynamic range and sensitivity, while maintaining wide bandwidth. Use of modulated light enables the tracking of multiple beams simultaneously through the use of different modulation frequencies. It also makes the system resistant to interfering light sources such as ambient light. Beam pointing is accomplished by feeding back errors in the measured beam position to a beam steering element, such as a steering mirror. Closed-loop tracking performance is superior to existing methods, especially under conditions of atmospheric scintillation.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2014-11-01

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

Effects of Infrared Laser Radiation on the In Vitro Isomerization of All-Trans Retinal to 11-Cis Retinal

PubMed Central

Liegner, J.; Taboada, J.; Tsin, A. T. C.

2015-01-01

The in vitro effect of infrared laser light on the isomerization of all-trans retinal dissolved in an ether/hexane and also an ethanol solvent was studied. Pulsed laser energy at 1064 nm was used to drive the molecular reconfiguration of all-trans retinal to 11-cis retinal. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the conversion. Overall isomerization was minimal (0.2 percent to 1.0 percent), yet, a significant difference in isomerization due to pulsed infrared laser energy over non-modulated monochromatic laser light was detected (up to 168 percent difference). Potentially, pulsed laser radiation tuned to the ethylenic stretch frequency of the C11=C12 bond of retinal may induce rotational changes to the chromophore. PMID:26321787

Continuous-wave supercontinuum laser based on an erbium-doped fiber ring cavity incorporating a highly nonlinear optical fiber.

PubMed

Lee, Ju Han; Takushima, Yuichi; Kikuchi, Kazuro

2005-10-01

We experimentally demonstrate a novel erbium-doped fiber based continuous-wave (cw) supercontinuum laser. The laser has a simple ring-cavity structure incorporating an erbium-doped fiber and a highly nonlinear dispersion-shifted fiber (HNL-DSF). Differently from previously demonstrated cw supercontinuum sources based on single propagation of a strong Raman pump laser beam through a highly nonlinear fiber, erbium gain inside the cavity generates a seed light oscillation, and the oscillated light subsequently evolves into a supercontinuum by nonlinear effects such as modulation instability and stimulated Raman scattering in the HNL-DSF. High quality of the depolarized supercontinuum laser output with a spectral bandwidth larger than 250 nm is readily achieved.

Diode amplifier of modulated optical beam power

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

D'yachkov, N V; Bogatov, A P; Gushchik, T I

2014-11-30

Analytical relations are obtained between characteristics of modulated light at the output and input of an optical diode power amplifier operating in the highly saturated gain regime. It is shown that a diode amplifier may act as an amplitude-to-phase modulation converter with a rather large bandwidth (∼10 GHz). The low sensitivity of the output power of the amplifier to the input beam power and its high energy efficiency allow it to be used as a building block of a high-power multielement laser system with coherent summation of a large number of optical beams. (lasers)

Photonics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Optoelectronic materials and devices are examined. Optoelectronic devices, which generate, detect, modulate, or switch electromagnetic radiation are being developed for a variety of space applications. The program includes spatial light modulators, solid state lasers, optoelectronic integrated circuits, nonlinear optical materials and devices, fiber optics, and optical networking photovoltaic technology and optical processing.

Hermetic diode laser transmitter module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ollila, Jyrki; Kautio, Kari; Vahakangas, Jouko; Hannula, Tapio; Kopola, Harri K.; Oikarinen, Jorma; Sivonen, Matti

1999-04-01

In very demanding optoelectronic sensor applications it is necessary to encapsulate semiconductor components hermetically in metal housings to ensure reliable operation of the sensor. In this paper we report on the development work to package a laser diode transmitter module for a time- off-light distance sensor application. The module consists of a lens, laser diode, electronic circuit and optomechanics. Specifications include high acceleration, -40....+75 degree(s)C temperature range, very low gas leakage and mass-production capability. We have applied solder glasses for sealing optical lenses and electrical leads hermetically into a metal case. The lens-metal case sealing has been made by using a special soldering glass preform preserving the optical quality of the lens. The metal housings are finally sealed in an inert atmosphere by welding. The assembly concept to retain excellent optical power and tight optical axis alignment specifications is described. The reliability of the laser modules manufactured has been extensively tested using different aging and environmental test procedures. Sealed packages achieve MIL- 883 standard requirements for gas leakage.

6.2-GHz modulated terahertz light detection using fast terahertz quantum well photodetectors.

PubMed

Li, Hua; Wan, Wen-Jian; Tan, Zhi-Yong; Fu, Zhang-Long; Wang, Hai-Xia; Zhou, Tao; Li, Zi-Ping; Wang, Chang; Guo, Xu-Guang; Cao, Jun-Cheng

2017-06-14

The fast detection of terahertz radiation is of great importance for various applications such as fast imaging, high speed communications, and spectroscopy. Most commercial products capable of sensitively responding the terahertz radiation are thermal detectors, i.e., pyroelectric sensors and bolometers. This class of terahertz detectors is normally characterized by low modulation frequency (dozens or hundreds of Hz). Here we demonstrate the first fast semiconductor-based terahertz quantum well photodetectors by carefully designing the device structure and microwave transmission line for high frequency signal extraction. Modulation response bandwidth of gigahertz level is obtained. As an example, the 6.2-GHz modulated terahertz light emitted from a Fabry-Pérot terahertz quantum cascade laser is successfully detected using the fast terahertz quantum well photodetector. In addition to the fast terahertz detection, the technique presented in this work can also be used for optically characterizing the frequency stability of terahertz quantum cascade lasers, heterodyne detections and photomixing applications.

EML Array fabricated by SAG technique monolithically integrated with a buried ridge AWG multiplexer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Junjie; Liang, Song; Zhang, Zhike; An, Junming; Zhu, Hongliang; Wang, Wei

2017-06-01

We report the fabrication of a ten channel electroabsorption modulated DFB laser (EML) array. Different emission wavelengths of the laser array are obtained by selective area growth (SAG) technique, which is also used for the integration of electroabsorption modulators (EAM) with the lasers. An arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) combiner is integrated monolithically with the laser array by butt-joint regrowth (BJR) technique. A buried ridge waveguide structure is adopted for the AWG combiner. A self aligned fabrication procedure is adopted for the fabrication of the waveguide structure of the device to eliminate the misalignment between the laser active waveguide and the passive waveguide. A Ti thin film heater is integrated for each laser in the array. With the help of the heaters, ten laser emissions with 1.8 nm channel spacing are obtained. The integrated EAM has a larger than 11 dB static extinction ratios and larger than 8 GHz small signal modulation bandwidths. The light power collected in the output waveguide of the AWG is larger than -13 dBm for each wavelength.

Frequency-Domain Optical Mammogram

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-10-01

have performed the proposed analysis of frequency-domain optical mammograms for a clinical population of about 150 patients. This analysis has led to...model the propagation of light in tissue14-20 have led to new approaches to optical mammography. As The authors are with the Department of Electrical...Modulation Methods, and Signal Detection /406 7.2.1 Lasers and arc lamps / 407’ 7.2.2 Pulsed sources / 407 7.2.3 Laser diodes and light-emitting diodes ( LEDs

Active mode locking of lasers by piezoelectrically induced diffraction modulation

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

Krausz, F.; Turi, L.; Kuti, C.

A new amplitude-modulation mode-locking technique is presented. Acoustic waves are generated directly on the faces of a resonant photoelastic medium. The created standing waves cause a highly efficient diffraction modulation of light. The modulation depth of standing-wave mode lockers is related to material and drive parameters and a figure of merit is introduced. With a lithium niobate crystal modulation depths over 10 are achieved at 1.054 {mu}m and 1 W of radio frequency power. Using this device for the active mode locking of a continuous-wave Nd:glass laser pulses as short as 3.8 ps are produced at a repetition rate ofmore » 66 MHz. Limitations of amplitude-modulation mode locking by standing acoustic waves are discussed.« less

Low-level therapy in ophthalmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pankov, O. P.

1999-07-01

Extremely slow introduction of low-level laser therapy into the practice of ophthalmologists is restricted by the lack of good methodological recommendation and modern equipment adopted to the needs of ophthalmology. The most perspective is considered to be further improvement of the methods and the elaboration of the medical equipment, working in several wave bands, combined with magnetotherapy and working with the use of various modes of the modulation of the intensity of the luminous flux. It may be asserted that unlike the mode of continuous radiation, in some cases, the effectiveness of the treatment increases when the modulated light with the frequency of one to a few tens HZ is used. Moreover, the methods are being elaborated, when the modulation frequency of laser light and the biorhythms of man physiologic parameters are synchronized. Very perspective seems the computerization of the treatment process with the simultaneous electrophysiological control of the condition of visual functions.

Compact RGBY light sources with high luminance for laser display applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paschke, Katrin; Blume, Gunnar; Werner, Nils; Müller, André; Sumpf, Bernd; Pohl, Johannes; Feise, David; Ressel, Peter; Sahm, Alexander; Bege, Roland; Hofmann, Julian; Jedrzejczyk, Daniel; Tränkle, Günther

2018-02-01

Watt-class visible laser light with a high luminance can be created with high-power GaAs-based lasers either directly in the red spectral region or using single-pass second harmonic generation (SHG) for the colors in the blue-yellow spectral region. The concepts and results of red- and near infrared-emitting distributed Bragg reflector tapered lasers and master oscillator power amplifier systems as well as their application for SHG bench-top experiments and miniaturized modules are presented. Examples of these high-luminance light sources aiming at different applications such as flying spot display or holographic 3D cinema are discussed in more detail. The semiconductor material allows an easy adaptation of the wavelength allowing techniques such as six-primary color 3D projection or color space enhancement by adding a fourth yellow color.

Active cancellation of residual amplitude modulation in a frequency-modulation based Fabry-Perot interferometer.

PubMed

Yu, Yinan; Wang, Yicheng; Pratt, Jon R

2016-03-01

Residual amplitude modulation (RAM) is one of the most common noise sources known to degrade the sensitivity of frequency modulation spectroscopy. RAM can arise as a result of the temperature dependent birefringence of the modulator crystal, which causes the orientation of the crystal's optical axis to shift with respect to the polarization of the incident light with temperature. In the fiber-based optical interferometer used on the National Institute of Standards and Technology calculable capacitor, RAM degrades the measured laser frequency stability and correlates with the environmental temperature fluctuations. We have demonstrated a simple approach that cancels out excessive RAM due to polarization mismatch between the light and the optical axis of the crystal. The approach allows us to measure the frequency noise of a heterodyne beat between two lasers individually locked to different resonant modes of a cavity with an accuracy better than 0.5 ppm, which meets the requirement to further determine the longitudinal mode number of the cavity length. Also, this approach has substantially mitigated the temperature dependency of the measurements of the cavity length and consequently the capacitance.

Holographic memory using beam steering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chao, Tien-Hsin (Inventor); Hanan, Jay C. (Inventor); Reyes, George F. (Inventor); Zhou, Hanying (Inventor)

2006-01-01

A method, apparatus, and system provide the ability for storing holograms at high speed. A single laser diode emits a collimated laser beam to both write to and read from a photorefractice crystal. One or more liquid crystal beam steering spatial light modulators (BSSLMs) or Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) mirrors steer a reference beam, split from the collimated laser beam, at high speed to the photorefractive crystal.

Graphene Oxide: A Perfect Material for Spatial Light Modulation Based on Plasma Channels

PubMed Central

Tan, Chao; Wu, Xinghua; Wang, Qinkai; Tang, Pinghua; Shi, Xiaohui; Zhan, Shiping; Xi, Zaifang; Fu, Xiquan

2017-01-01

The graphene oxide (GO) is successfully prepared from a purified natural graphite through a pressurized oxidation method. We experimentally demonstrate that GO as an optical media can be used for spatial light modulation based on plasma channels induced by femtosecond pulses. The modulated beam exhibits good propagation properties in free space. It is easy to realize the spatial modulation on the probe beam at a high concentration of GO dispersion solutions, high power and smaller pulse width of the pump beam. We also find that the spatial modulation on the probe beam can be conveniently adjusted through the power and pulse width of pump lasers, dispersion solution concentration. PMID:28772712

Biological applications of an LCoS-based programmable array microscope (PAM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagen, Guy M.; Caarls, Wouter; Thomas, Martin; Hill, Andrew; Lidke, Keith A.; Rieger, Bernd; Fritsch, Cornelia; van Geest, Bert; Jovin, Thomas M.; Arndt-Jovin, Donna J.

2007-02-01

We report on a new generation, commercial prototype of a programmable array optical sectioning fluorescence microscope (PAM) for rapid, light efficient 3D imaging of living specimens. The stand-alone module, including light source(s) and detector(s), features an innovative optical design and a ferroelectric liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS) spatial light modulator (SLM) instead of the DMD used in the original PAM design. The LCoS PAM (developed in collaboration with Cairn Research, Ltd.) can be attached to a port of a(ny) unmodified fluorescence microscope. The prototype system currently operated at the Max Planck Institute incorporates a 6-position high-intensity LED illuminator, modulated laser and lamp light sources, and an Andor iXon emCCD camera. The module is mounted on an Olympus IX71 inverted microscope with 60-150X objectives with a Prior Scientific x,y, and z high resolution scanning stages. Further enhancements recently include: (i) point- and line-wise spectral resolution and (ii) lifetime imaging (FLIM) in the frequency domain. Multiphoton operation and other nonlinear techniques should be feasible. The capabilities of the PAM are illustrated by several examples demonstrating single molecule as well as lifetime imaging in live cells, and the unique capability to perform photoconversion with arbitrary patterns and high spatial resolution. Using quantum dot coupled ligands we show real-time binding and subsequent trafficking of individual ligand-growth factor receptor complexes on and in live cells with a temporal resolution and sensitivity exceeding those of conventional CLSM systems. The combined use of a blue laser and parallel LED or visible laser sources permits photoactivation and rapid kinetic analysis of cellular processes probed by photoswitchable visible fluorescent proteins such as DRONPA.

Cell sorting using efficient light shaping approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bañas, Andrew; Palima, Darwin; Villangca, Mark; Glückstad, Jesper

2016-03-01

Early detection of diseases can save lives. Hence, there is emphasis in sorting rare disease-indicating cells within small dilute quantities such as in the confines of lab-on-a-chip devices. In our work, we use optical forces to isolate red blood cells detected by machine vision. This approach is gentler, less invasive and more economical compared to conventional FACS systems. As cells are less responsive to plastic or glass beads commonly used in the optical manipulation literature, and since laser safety would be an issue in clinical use, we develop efficient approaches in utilizing lasers and light modulation devices. The Generalized Phase Contrast (GPC) method that can be used for efficiently illuminating spatial light modulators or creating well-defined contiguous optical traps is supplemented by diffractive techniques capable of integrating the available light and creating 2D or 3D beam distributions aimed at the positions of the detected cells. Furthermore, the beam shaping freedom provided by GPC can allow optimizations in the beam's propagation and its interaction with the catapulted cells.

Short-pulse lasers for weather control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, J. P.

2018-02-01

Filamentation of ultra-short TW-class lasers recently opened new perspectives in atmospheric research. Laser filaments are self-sustained light structures of 0.1–1 mm in diameter, spanning over hundreds of meters in length, and producing a low density plasma (1015–1017 cm‑3) along their path. They stem from the dynamic balance between Kerr self-focusing and defocusing by the self-generated plasma and/or non-linear polarization saturation. While non-linearly propagating in air, these filamentary structures produce a coherent supercontinuum (from 230 nm to 4 µm, for a 800 nm laser wavelength) by self-phase modulation (SPM), which can be used for remote 3D-monitoring of atmospheric components by Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging). However, due to their high intensity (1013–1014 W cm‑2), they also modify the chemical composition of the air via photo-ionization and photo-dissociation of the molecules and aerosols present in the laser path. These unique properties were recently exploited for investigating the capability of modulating some key atmospheric processes, like lightning from thunderclouds, water vapor condensation, fog formation and dissipation, and light scattering (albedo) from high altitude clouds for radiative forcing management. Here we review recent spectacular advances in this context, achieved both in the laboratory and in the field, reveal their underlying mechanisms, and discuss the applicability of using these new non-linear photonic catalysts for real scale weather control.

Non-intrusive beam power monitor for high power pulsed or continuous wave lasers

DOEpatents

Hawsey, Robert A.; Scudiere, Matthew B.

1993-01-01

A system and method for monitoring the output of a laser is provided in which the output of a photodiode disposed in the cavity of the laser is used to provide a correlated indication of the laser power. The photodiode is disposed out of the laser beam to view the extraneous light generated in the laser cavity whose intensity has been found to be a direct correlation of the laser beam output power level. Further, the system provides means for monitoring the phase of the laser output beam relative to a modulated control signal through the photodiode monitor.

Energy-harvesting laser phosphor display and its design considerations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujieda, Ichiro; Itaya, Shunsuke; Ohta, Masamichi; Hirai, Yuuki; Kohmoto, Takamasa

2017-04-01

One can convert a luminescent solar concentrator to a display by projecting intensity-modulated light on it. We fabricated a 95 mm×95 mm×10 mm screen by sandwiching a thin coumarin 6 layer with two acrylic plates. We removed the light source in a commercial projector and fed a blue laser beam into its optics. It displayed monochrome images on the screen clearly. A photodiode covered a 10 mm×10 mm region on the edge surface of the screen. As we pulsed the laser, the photodiode output varied synchronously. Its output indicates that a fully covered version would harvest up to 71% of the incoming laser power. However, a ghost image was noticeable when we displayed a high-contrast still image. We address two aspects in design considerations. First, tiling small modules will reduce the thickness of a large-area projection system and alleviate its self-absorption loss. For seamless tiling, we can attach output couplers to the surface of the transparent plate and extract photoluminescence (PL) photons in each module. Second, the origin of the ghost image is the PL photons reflected at the plate-air interface inside the screen. Thinning the transparent plate facing the projector will eliminate such an optical cross talk.

Detonation control

DOEpatents

Mace, Jonathan L.; Seitz, Gerald J.; Bronisz, Lawrence E.

2016-10-25

Detonation control modules and detonation control circuits are provided herein. A trigger input signal can cause a detonation control module to trigger a detonator. A detonation control module can include a timing circuit, a light-producing diode such as a laser diode, an optically triggered diode, and a high-voltage capacitor. The trigger input signal can activate the timing circuit. The timing circuit can control activation of the light-producing diode. Activation of the light-producing diode illuminates and activates the optically triggered diode. The optically triggered diode can be coupled between the high-voltage capacitor and the detonator. Activation of the optically triggered diode causes a power pulse to be released from the high-voltage capacitor that triggers the detonator.

Theoretical Investigation of Tunable Goos-Hänchen Shifts in a Four-Level Quantum System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafarzadeh, Hossein; Payravi, Mohammad

2018-05-01

Goos-Hänchen (GH) shifts in the reflected and transmitted light have been discussed in a cavity with four-level quantum system. It is realized that the refraction index of intracavity medium can be negative by manipulating the external coherent laser fields. For the negative refraction index of intracavity medium, the GH shifts of reflected and transmitted light beams have been analyzed in a parametric condition. It is found that due to modulation of laser signals and relative phase between applied fields, large and tunable GH shifts in reflected and transmitted light beams can be obtained.

Development of a PC interface board for true color control using an Ar Kr white-light laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Yongjin; Park, Sohee; Kim, Youngseop; Lee, Jangwoen

2006-06-01

For the optimal laser display, it is crucial to select and control color signals of proper wavelengths in order to construct a wide range of laser display colors. In traditional laser display schemes, color control has been achieved through the mechanical manipulation of red, green, and blue (RGB) laser beam intensities using color filters. To maximize the effect of a laser display and its color contents, it is desirable to generate laser beams with wide selection of wavelengths. We present an innovative laser display control technique, which generates six channel laser wavelengths from a white-light laser using a RF-controlled polychromatic acousto optical modulator (PCAOM). This technique enables us not only to control the intensity of individual channels, but also to achieve true color signals for the laser beam display including RGB, yellow, cyan, and violet (YCV), and other intermediate colors. For the optimal control of the PCAOM and galvano-mirror, we designed and fabricated a PC interface board. Using this PC control, we separated the white-light from an Ar-Kr mixed gas laser into various wavelengths and reconstructed them into different color schemes. Also we demonstrated the effective control and simultaneous display of reconstructed true color laser beams on a flat screen.

Femtosecond fibre laser stabilisation to an optical frequency standard using a KTP electro-optic crystal

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

Nyushkov, B N; Pivtsov, V S; Koliada, N A

2015-05-31

A miniature intracavity KTP-based electro-optic phase modulator has been developed which can be used for effective stabilisation of an optical frequency comb of a femtosecond erbiumdoped fibre laser to an optical frequency standard. The use of such an electro-optic modulator (EOM) has made it possible to extend the working frequency band of a phase-locked loop system for laser stabilisation to several hundred kilohertz. We demonstrate that the KTP-based EOM is sufficiently sensitive even at a small optical length, which allows it to be readily integrated into cavities of femtosecond fibre lasers with high mode frequency spacings (over 100 MHz). (extrememore » light fields and their applications)« less

Nanophotonic production, modulation and switching of ions by silicon microcolumn arrays

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos; Walker, Bennett N.

2013-09-10

The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.

Nanophotonic production, modulation and switching of ions by silicon microcolumn arrays

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos; Walker, Bennett N

2015-04-07

The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.

Nanophotonic production, modulation and switching of ions by silicon microcolumn arrays

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos [Reston, VA; Walker, Bennett N [Washington, DC

2012-02-07

The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.

Kilohertz binary phase modulator for pulsed laser sources using a digital micromirror device.

PubMed

Hoffmann, Maximilian; Papadopoulos, Ioannis N; Judkewitz, Benjamin

2018-01-01

The controlled modulation of an optical wavefront is required for aberration correction, digital phase conjugation, or patterned photostimulation. For most of these applications, it is desirable to control the wavefront modulation at the highest rates possible. The digital micromirror device (DMD) presents a cost-effective solution to achieve high-speed modulation and often exceeds the speed of the more conventional liquid crystal spatial light modulator but is inherently an amplitude modulator. Furthermore, spatial dispersion caused by DMD diffraction complicates its use with pulsed laser sources, such as those used in nonlinear microscopy. Here we introduce a DMD-based optical design that overcomes these limitations and achieves dispersion-free high-speed binary phase modulation. We show that this phase modulation can be used to switch through binary phase patterns at the rate of 20 kHz in two-photon excitation fluorescence applications.

Kilohertz binary phase modulator for pulsed laser sources using a digital micromirror device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffmann, Maximilian; Papadopoulos, Ioannis N.; Judkewitz, Benjamin

2018-01-01

The controlled modulation of an optical wavefront is required for aberration correction, digital phase conjugation or patterned photostimulation. For most of these applications it is desirable to control the wavefront modulation at the highest rates possible. The digital micromirror device (DMD) presents a cost-effective solution to achieve high-speed modulation and often exceeds the speed of the more conventional liquid crystal spatial light modulator, but is inherently an amplitude modulator. Furthermore, spatial dispersion caused by DMD diffraction complicates its use with pulsed laser sources, such as those used in nonlinear microscopy. Here we introduce a DMD-based optical design that overcomes these limitations and achieves dispersion-free high-speed binary phase modulation. We show that this phase modulation can be used to switch through binary phase patterns at the rate of 20 kHz in two-photon excitation fluorescence applications.

Ring resonant cavities for spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Zare, R.N.; Martin, J.; Paldus, B.A.; Xie, J.

1999-06-15

Ring-shaped resonant cavities for spectroscopy allow a reduction in optical feedback to the light source, and provide information on the interaction of both s- and p-polarized light with samples. A laser light source is locked to a single cavity mode. An intracavity acousto-optic modulator may be used to couple light into the cavity. The cavity geometry is particularly useful for Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS). 6 figs.

Ring resonant cavities for spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Zare, Richard N.; Martin, Juergen; Paldus, Barbara A.; Xie, Jinchun

1999-01-01

Ring-shaped resonant cavities for spectroscopy allow a reduction in optical feedback to the light source, and provide information on the interaction of both s- and p-polarized light with samples. A laser light source is locked to a single cavity mode. An intracavity acousto-optic modulator may be used to couple light into the cavity. The cavity geometry is particularly useful for Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS).

Compact atom interferometer using single laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiow, Sheng-wey; Yu, Nan

2018-06-01

A typical atom interferometer requires vastly different laser frequencies at different stages of operation, e.g., near resonant light for laser cooling and far detuned light for atom optics, such that multiple lasers are typically employed. The number of laser units constrains the achievable minimum size and power in practical devices for resource critical environments such as space. We demonstrate a compact atom interferometer accelerometer operated by a single diode laser. This is achieved by dynamically changing the laser output frequency in GHz range while maintaining spectroscopic reference to an atomic transition via a sideband generated by phase modulation. At the same time, a beam path sharing configuration is also demonstrated for a compact sensor head design, in which atom interferometer beams share the same path as that of the cooling beam. This beam path sharing also significantly simplifies three-axis atomic accelerometry in microgravity using single sensor head.

Two spatial light modulator system for laboratory simulation of random beam propagation in random media.

PubMed

Wang, Fei; Toselli, Italo; Korotkova, Olga

2016-02-10

An optical system consisting of a laser source and two independent consecutive phase-only spatial light modulators (SLMs) is shown to accurately simulate a generated random beam (first SLM) after interaction with a stationary random medium (second SLM). To illustrate the range of possibilities, a recently introduced class of random optical frames is examined on propagation in free space and several weak turbulent channels with Kolmogorov and non-Kolmogorov statistics.

Pseudo-Random Modulation of a Laser Diode for Generating Ultrasonic Longitudinal Waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Madaras, Eric I.; Anatasi, Robert F.

2004-01-01

Laser generated ultrasound systems have historically been more complicated and expensive than conventional piezoelectric based systems, and this fact has relegated the acceptance of laser based systems to niche applications for which piezoelectric based systems are less suitable. Lowering system costs, while improving throughput, increasing ultrasound signal levels, and improving signal-to-noise are goals which will help increase the general acceptance of laser based ultrasound. One current limitation with conventional laser generated ultrasound is a material s damage threshold limit. Increasing the optical power to generate more signal eventually damages the material being tested due to rapid, high heating. Generation limitations for laser based ultrasound suggests the use of pulse modulation techniques as an alternate generation method. Pulse modulation techniques can spread the laser energy over time or space, thus reducing laser power densities and minimizing damage. Previous experiments by various organizations using spatial or temporal pulse modulation have been shown to generate detectable surface, plate, and bulk ultrasonic waves with narrow frequency bandwidths . Using narrow frequency bandwidths improved signal detectability, but required the use of expensive and powerful lasers and opto-electronic systems. The use of a laser diode to generate ultrasound is attractive because of its low cost, small size, light weight, simple optics and modulation capability. The use of pulse compression techniques should allow certain types of laser diodes to produce usable ultrasonic signals. The method also does not need to be limited to narrow frequency bandwidths. The method demonstrated here uses a low power laser diode (approximately 150 mW) that is modulated by controlling the diode s drive current and the resulting signal is recovered by cross correlation. A potential application for this system which is briefly demonstrated is in detecting signals in thick composite materials where attenuation is high and signal amplitude and bandwidth are at a premium.

Laser diode fiber optic apparatus for acupuncture treatment by the Oriental method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, Van Hoi; Phung, Huu A.; Bui, Huy; Hoang, Cao D.; Vu, Duc T.; Tran, Minh T.; Nguyen, Minh H.

1998-08-01

The laser acupuncture equipment using laser diodes of 850, 1300 nm and optical fibers as light needles is presented. The double-frequency modulation of laser beam gives the high efficiency treatment of the low-power laser therapy by the oriental acupuncture method. The laser spot from optical fiber of 50 microns is suitable for the irradiation into special points on body or auricular by the acupuncture treatment schema. The laser intensity in pulse regime of 5 - 40 W/cm2 and irradiation time of 5 - 15 minutes are optimum for treatment of neurosis symptoms and pain-relieving.

Optically addressed and submillisecond response phase only liquid crystal spatial light modulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xiangjie; Duan, Jiazhu; Zhang, Dayong; Luo, Yongquan

2014-10-01

Liquid crystal based phase only spatial light modulator has attracted many research interests since last decades because of its superior advantage. Until now the liquid crystal spatial light modulator has been applied in many fields, but the response speed of nematic LC limited its further application. In this paper, an optically addressed phase only LC spatial light modulator was proposed based on polymer network liquid crystal. Morphology effect on the light scattering of PNLC was studied, which was mainly consisted of fiber and fiber bundles. The morphology nearly determined the light scattering and electro-optical property. Due to the high threshold voltage, to address the PNLC phase modulator was also concerned. Optical addressing method was proposed, in which BSO crystal was selected to replace one of the glass substrate. The response speed of PNLC was so fast that the reorientation of liquid crystal director will follow the change of effective voltage applied on LC layer, which was related with the voltage signal and especially with electron transport of photo-induced carriers due to diffusion and drift. The on state dynamic response of phase change was investigated. Based on this device, beam steering was also achieved by loading 488nm laser strip on the optical addressed phase only spatial light modulator.

Investigation of the Comparative Effects of Red and Infrared Laser Therapy on Skeletal Muscle Repair in Diabetic Rats.

PubMed

Assis, Lívia; Manis, Camila; Fernandes, Kelly Rossetti; Cabral, Daniel; Magri, Angela; Veronez, Suellen; Renno, Ana Claudia Muniz

2016-07-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo response of 2 different laser wavelengths (red and infrared) on skeletal muscle repair process in diabetic rats. Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups: basal control-nondiabetic and muscle-injured animals without treatment (BC); diabetic muscle-injured without treatment (DC); diabetic muscle-injured, treated with red laser (DCR) and infrared laser (DCIR). The injured region was irradiated daily for 7 consecutive days, starting immediately after the injury using a red (660 nm) and an infrared (808 nm) laser. The histological results demonstrated in both treated groups (red and infrared wavelengths) a modulation of the inflammatory process and a better tissue organization located in the site of the injury. However, only infrared light significantly reduced the injured area and increased MyoD and myogenin protein expression. Moreover, both red and infrared light increased the expression of the proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor and reduced the cyclooxygenase 2 protein expression. These results suggest that low-level laser therapy was efficient in promoting skeletal muscle repair in diabetic rats. However, the effect of infrared wavelength was more pronounced by reducing the area of the injury and modulating the expression proteins related to the repair.

Yb-doped polarizing fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gillooly, A.; Webb, A. S.; Favero, F. C.; Bouchan, T.; Cooper, L. J.; Read, D.; Hill, M.

2017-02-01

An ytterbium (Yb) doped polarizing fiber is demonstrated. The fiber offers the opportunity to build all-fiber lasers with single polarization output and without the need for free-space polarizing components. Traditional single polarization fiber lasers utilize polarization-maintaining (PM) gain fiber with a single polarization stimulation signal. Whilst this results in an approximation to a single polarization laser, the spontaneous emission from the unstimulated polarization state limits the polarization extinction ratio (PER). The PER is further limited as the stimulated signal is prone to crosstalk. Furthermore, controlling amplitude modulation of the stimulated signal is critical for maximizing the peak power of an optical pulse, particularly for high energy lasers. If light is allowed to leak in to the unstimulated axis it will travel at a different velocity to the stimulated axis and can cross-couple back into the signal axis, creating an interference effect which leads to amplitude modulation on the signal pulse. Single-polarization Yb-doped fiber ensures that light on the fast axis is constantly attenuated; ensuring that light on the unstimulated axis cannot propagate and thus cannot degrade the PER or create amplitude modulation. In this paper we report on, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of a single polarization Yb-doped bowtie optical fiber manufactured using a combination of Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD) and rare-earth solution doping technology. The fiber has a single-polarization window of 80nm at the operating wavelength of 1060nm and a PER of >18dB. The fabrication and characterization of the fiber is reported.

Chiral detection in high-performance liquid chromatography by vibrational circular dichroism.

PubMed

Tran, C D; Grishko, V I; Huang, G

1994-09-01

A novel chiral detector for high-performance liquid chromatography has been developed. This detector is based on the measurement of circular dichroism of chiral effluents in the infrared region, i.e., vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). In this instrument, a solid-state spectral tunable (from 2.4 to 3.5 microns) F-center laser was used as the light source. The linearly polarized laser beam was converted into left circularly polarized light (LCPL) and right circularly polarized light (RCPL) at 42 kHz by means of a photoelastic modulator. The intensity of the LCPL and RCPL transmitted through the sample was measured by a liquid nitrogen cooled indium antimonide detector. Double modulation was employed to reduce the noise associated with the laser beam. Specifically, the linearly polarized laser beam, prior to being converted to CPL, was modulated at 85 Hz by a mechanical chopper. Demodulation and amplification were accomplished with the use of two lock-in amplifiers. In its present configuration, the instrument can be used to measure the VCD of O-H groups. Its sensitivity is so high that it was able, for the first time, to detect chirally (with limits of detection of micrograms) (R)- and (S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(9- anthryl)ethanol and (R)- and (S)-benzoin when these compounds were chromatographically separated from the corresponding racemic mixtures by a Chiralcel-OD column. The main advantage of this chiral detector is, however, its universality; i.e., it can be used to virtually detect any chiral compounds which has O-H group (e.g, aliphatic alcohols such as 2-octanol).

Electro-optic modulation of a laser at microwave frequencies for interferometric purposes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Specht, Paul E.; Jilek, Brook A.

2017-02-01

A multi-point microwave interferometer (MPMI) concept was previously proposed by the authors for spatially-resolved, non-invasive tracking of a shock, reaction, or detonation front in energetic media [P. Specht et al., AIP Conf. Proc. 1793, 160010 (2017).]. The advantage of the MPMI concept over current microwave interferometry techniques is its detection of Doppler shifted microwave signals through electro-optic (EO) modulation of a laser. Since EO modulation preserves spatial variations in the Doppler shift, collecting the EO modulated laser light into a fiber array for recording with an optical heterodyne interferometer yields spatially-resolved velocity information. This work demonstrates the underlying physical principle of the MPMI diagnostic: the monitoring of a microwave signal with nanosecond temporal resolution using an optical heterodyne interferometer. For this purpose, the MPMI concept was simplified to a single-point construction using two tunable 1550 nm lasers and a 35.2 GHz microwave source. A (110) ZnTe crystal imparted the microwave frequency onto a laser, which was combined with a reference laser for determination of the microwave frequency in an optical heterodyne interferometer. A single, characteristic frequency associated with the microwave source was identified in all experiments, providing a means to monitor a microwave signal on nanosecond time scales. Lastly, areas for improving the frequency resolution of this technique are discussed, focusing on increasing the phase-modulated signal strength.

Electro-optic modulation of a laser at microwave frequencies for interferometric purposes.

PubMed

Specht, Paul E; Jilek, Brook A

2017-02-01

A multi-point microwave interferometer (MPMI) concept was previously proposed by the authors for spatially-resolved, non-invasive tracking of a shock, reaction, or detonation front in energetic media [P. Specht et al., AIP Conf. Proc. 1793, 160010 (2017).]. The advantage of the MPMI concept over current microwave interferometry techniques is its detection of Doppler shifted microwave signals through electro-optic (EO) modulation of a laser. Since EO modulation preserves spatial variations in the Doppler shift, collecting the EO modulated laser light into a fiber array for recording with an optical heterodyne interferometer yields spatially-resolved velocity information. This work demonstrates the underlying physical principle of the MPMI diagnostic: the monitoring of a microwave signal with nanosecond temporal resolution using an optical heterodyne interferometer. For this purpose, the MPMI concept was simplified to a single-point construction using two tunable 1550 nm lasers and a 35.2 GHz microwave source. A (110) ZnTe crystal imparted the microwave frequency onto a laser, which was combined with a reference laser for determination of the microwave frequency in an optical heterodyne interferometer. A single, characteristic frequency associated with the microwave source was identified in all experiments, providing a means to monitor a microwave signal on nanosecond time scales. Lastly, areas for improving the frequency resolution of this technique are discussed, focusing on increasing the phase-modulated signal strength.

Automated aberration correction of arbitrary laser modes in high numerical aperture systems.

PubMed

Hering, Julian; Waller, Erik H; Von Freymann, Georg

2016-12-12

Controlling the point-spread-function in three-dimensional laser lithography is crucial for fabricating structures with highest definition and resolution. In contrast to microscopy, aberrations have to be physically corrected prior to writing, to create well defined doughnut modes, bottlebeams or multi foci modes. We report on a modified Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm for spatial-light-modulator based automated aberration compensation to optimize arbitrary laser-modes in a high numerical aperture system. Using circularly polarized light for the measurement and first-guess initial conditions for amplitude and phase of the pupil function our scalar approach outperforms recent algorithms with vectorial corrections. Besides laser lithography also applications like optical tweezers and microscopy might benefit from the method presented.

Diffraction of digital micromirror device gratings and its effect on properties of tunable fiber lasers.

PubMed

Chen, Xiao; Yan, Bin-bin; Song, Fei-jun; Wang, Yi-quan; Xiao, Feng; Alameh, Kamal

2012-10-20

A digital micromirror device (DMD) is a kind of widely used spatial light modulator. We apply DMD as wavelength selector in tunable fiber lasers. Based on the two-dimensional diffraction theory, the diffraction of DMD and its effect on properties of fiber laser parameters are analyzed in detail. The theoretical results show that the diffraction efficiency is strongly dependent upon the angle of incident light and the pixel spacing of DMD. Compared with the other models of DMDs, the 0.55 in. DMD grating is an approximate blazed state in our configuration, which makes most of the diffracted radiation concentrated into one order. It is therefore a better choice to improve the stability and reliability of tunable fiber laser systems.

Ytterbium-doped fiber laser passively mode locked by few-layer Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) saturable absorber functioned with evanescent field interaction

PubMed Central

Du, Juan; Wang, Qingkai; Jiang, Guobao; Xu, Changwen; Zhao, Chujun; Xiang, Yuanjiang; Chen, Yu; Wen, Shuangchun; Zhang, Han

2014-01-01

By coupling few-layer Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) with fiber-taper evanescent light field, a new type of MoS2 based nonlinear optical modulating element had been successfully fabricated as a two-dimensional layered saturable absorber with strong light-matter interaction. This MoS2-taper-fiber device is not only capable of passively mode-locking an all-normal-dispersion ytterbium-doped fiber laser and enduring high power laser excitation (up to 1 W), but also functions as a polarization sensitive optical modulating component (that is, different polarized light can induce different nonlinear optical response). Thanks to the combined advantages from the strong nonlinear optical response in MoS2 together with the sufficiently-long-range interaction between light and MoS2, this device allows for the generation of high power stable dissipative solitons at 1042.6 nm with pulse duration of 656 ps and a repetition rate of 6.74 MHz at a pump power of 210 mW. Our work may also constitute the first example of MoS2-enabled wave-guiding photonic device, and potentially give some new insights into two-dimensional layered materials related photonics. PMID:25213108

In Situ Observation of Modulated Light Emission of Fiber Fuse Synchronized with Void Train over Hetero-Core Splice Point

PubMed Central

Todoroki, Shin-ichi

2008-01-01

Background Fiber fuse is a process of optical fiber destruction under the action of laser radiation, found 20 years ago. Once initiated, opical discharge runs along the fiber core region to the light source and leaves periodic voids whose shape looks like a bullet pointing the direction of laser beam. The relation between damage pattern and propagation mode of optical discharge is still unclear even after the first in situ observation three years ago. Methodology/Principal Findings Fiber fuse propagation over hetero-core splice point (Corning SMF-28e and HI 1060) was observed in situ. Sequential photographs obtained at intervals of 2.78 µs recorded a periodic emission at the tail of an optical discharge pumped by 1070 nm and 9 W light. The signal stopped when the discharge ran over the splice point. The corresponding damage pattern left in the fiber core region included a segment free of periodicity. Conclusions The spatial modulation pattern of the light emission agreed with the void train formed over the hetero-core splice point. Some segments included a bullet-shaped void pointing in the opposite direction to the laser beam propagation although the sequential photographs did not reveal any directional change in the optical discharge propagation. PMID:18815621

First observations of speed of light tracks by a fluorescence detector looking down on the atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdellaoui, G.; Abe, S.; Adams, J. H., Jr.; Ahriche, A.; Allard, D.; Allen, L.; Alonso, G.; Anchordoqui, L.; Anzalone, A.; Arai, Y.; Asano, K.; Attallah, R.; Attoui, H.; Ave Pernas, M.; Bacholle, S.; Bakiri, M.; Baragatti, P.; Barrillon, P.; Bartocci, S.; Bayer, J.; Beldjilali, B.; Belenguer, T.; Belkhalfa, N.; Bellotti, R.; Belov, A.; Belov, K.; Benmessai, K.; Bertaina, M.; Biermann, P. L.; Biktemerova, S.; Bisconti, F.; Blanc, N.; Błȩcki, J.; Blin-Bondil, S.; Bobik, P.; Bogomilov, M.; Bozzo, E.; Bruno, A.; Caballero, K. S.; Cafagna, F.; Campana, D.; Capdevielle, J.-N.; Capel, F.; Caramete, A.; Caramete, L.; Carlson, P.; Caruso, R.; Casolino, M.; Cassardo, C.; Castellina, A.; Catalano, C.; Catalano, O.; Cellino, A.; Chikawa, M.; Chiritoi, G.; Christl, M. J.; Connaughton, V.; Conti, L.; Cordero, G.; Cotto, G.; Crawford, H. J.; Cremonini, R.; Csorna, S.; Cummings, A.; Dagoret-Campagne, S.; De Donato, C.; de la Taille, C.; De Santis, C.; del Peral, L.; Di Martino, M.; Diaz Damian, A.; Djemil, T.; Dutan, I.; Ebersoldt, A.; Ebisuzaki, T.; Engel, R.; Eser, J.; Fenu, F.; Fernández-González, S.; Fernández-Soriano, J.; Ferrarese, S.; Flamini, M.; Fornaro, C.; Fouka, M.; Franceschi, A.; Franchini, S.; Fuglesang, C.; Fujii, T.; Fujimoto, J.; Fukushima, M.; Galeotti, P.; García-Ortega, E.; Garipov, G.; Gascón, E.; Genci, J.; Giraudo, G.; González Alvarado, C.; Gorodetzky, P.; Greg, R.; Guarino, F.; Guzmán, A.; Hachisu, Y.; Haiduc, M.; Harlov, B.; Haungs, A.; Hernández Carretero, J.; Hidber Cruz, W.; Ikeda, D.; Inoue, N.; Inoue, S.; Isgrò, F.; Itow, Y.; Jammer, T.; Jeong, S.; Joven, E.; Judd, E. G.; Jung, A.; Jochum, J.; Kajino, F.; Kajino, T.; Kalli, S.; Kaneko, I.; Karadzhov, Y.; Karczmarczyk, J.; Katahira, K.; Kawai, K.; Kawasaki, Y.; Kedadra, A.; Khales, H.; Khrenov, B. A.; Kim, Jeong-Sook; Kim, Soon-Wook; Kleifges, M.; Klimov, P. A.; Kolev, D.; Krantz, H.; Kreykenbohm, I.; Kudela, K.; Kurihara, Y.; Kusenko, A.; Kuznetsov, E.; La Barbera, A.; Lachaud, C.; Lahmar, H.; Lakhdari, F.; Larson, R.; Larsson, O.; Lee, J.; Licandro, J.; López Campano, L.; Maccarone, M. C.; Mackovjak, S.; Mahdi, M.; Maravilla, D.; Marcelli, L.; Marcos, J. L.; Marini, A.; Marszał, W.; Martens, K.; Martín, Y.; Martinez, O.; Martucci, M.; Masciantonio, G.; Mase, K.; Mastafa, M.; Matev, R.; Matthews, J. N.; Mebarki, N.; Medina-Tanco, G.; Mendoza, M. A.; Menshikov, A.; Merino, A.; Meseguer, J.; Meyer, S. S.; Mimouni, J.; Miyamoto, H.; Mizumoto, Y.; Monaco, A.; Morales de los Ríos, J. A.; Moretto, C.; Nagataki, S.; Naitamor, S.; Napolitano, T.; Naslund, W.; Nava, R.; Neronov, A.; Nomoto, K.; Nonaka, T.; Ogawa, T.; Ogio, S.; Ohmori, H.; Olinto, A. V.; Orleański, P.; Osteria, G.; Pagliaro, A.; Painter, W.; Panasyuk, M. I.; Panico, B.; Pasqualino, G.; Parizot, E.; Park, I. H.; Pastircak, B.; Patzak, T.; Paul, T.; Pérez-Grande, I.; Perfetto, F.; Peter, T.; Picozza, P.; Pindado, S.; Piotrowski, L. W.; Piraino, S.; Placidi, L.; Plebaniak, Z.; Pliego, S.; Pollini, A.; Polonski, Z.; Popescu, E. M.; Prat, P.; Prévôt, G.; Prieto, H.; Puehlhofer, G.; Putis, M.; Rabanal, J.; Radu, A. A.; Reyes, M.; Rezazadeh, M.; Ricci, M.; Rodríguez Frías, M. D.; Rodencal, M.; Ronga, F.; Roudil, G.; Rusinov, I.; Rybczyński, M.; Sabau, M. D.; Sáez Cano, G.; Sagawa, H.; Sahnoune, Z.; Saito, A.; Sakaki, N.; Salazar, H.; Sanchez Balanzar, J. C.; Sánchez, J. L.; Santangelo, A.; Sanz-Andrés, A.; Sanz Palomino, M.; Saprykin, O.; Sarazin, F.; Sato, M.; Schanz, T.; Schieler, H.; Scotti, V.; Selmane, S.; Semikoz, D.; Serra, M.; Sharakin, S.; Shimizu, H. M.; Shinozaki, K.; Shirahama, T.; Spataro, B.; Stan, I.; Sugiyama, T.; Supanitsky, D.; Suzuki, M.; Szabelska, B.; Szabelski, J.; Tajima, N.; Tajima, T.; Takahashi, Y.; Takami, H.; Takeda, M.; Takizawa, Y.; Talai, M. C.; Tenzer, C.; Thomas, S. B.; Tibolla, O.; Tkachev, L.; Tokuno, H.; Tomida, T.; Tone, N.; Toscano, S.; Traïche, M.; Tsenov, R.; Tsunesada, Y.; Tsuno, K.; Tubbs, J.; Turriziani, S.; Uchihori, Y.; Vaduvescu, O.; Valdés-Galicia, J. F.; Vallania, P.; Vankova, G.; Vigorito, C.; Villaseñor, L.; Vlcek, B.; von Ballmoos, P.; Vrabel, M.; Wada, S.; Watanabe, J.; Watts, J., Jr.; Weber, M.; Weigand Muñoz, R.; Weindl, A.; Wiencke, L.; Wille, M.; Wilms, J.; Włodarczyk, Z.; Yamamoto, T.; Yang, J.; Yano, H.; Yashin, I. V.; Yonetoku, D.; Yoshida, S.; Young, R.; Zgura, I. S.; Zotov, M. Yu.; Zuccaro Marchi, A.

2018-05-01

EUSO-Balloon is a pathfinder mission for the Extreme Universe Space Observatory onboard the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM-EUSO). It was launched on the moonless night of the 25th of August 2014 from Timmins, Canada. The flight ended successfully after maintaining the target altitude of 38 km for five hours. One part of the mission was a 2.5 hour underflight using a helicopter equipped with three UV light sources (LED, xenon flasher and laser) to perform an inflight calibration and examine the detectors capability to measure tracks moving at the speed of light. We describe the helicopter laser system and details of the underflight as well as how the laser tracks were recorded and found in the data. These are the first recorded laser tracks measured from a fluorescence detector looking down on the atmosphere. Finally, we present a first reconstruction of the direction of the laser tracks relative to the detector.

Pressure Studies of Protein Dynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-02-26

infrared flash photolysis system with the monitoring light produced by a Spectra-Physics/ Laser Analytics tunable- diode laser and detected by a liquid...refrigerator. Time range extends from about 100 ms to 100 s. The diode laser current is modulated at 10 kHz and the signal is amplified with a PAR 5101...Photolysis is obtained with a Phase-R D 121OOC dye laser using rhodamine 6G (pulse 4 width 500 ns, 0.3 J). Kinetic spectra are obtained from about 10

10-m 9.51-Gb/s RGB laser diodes-based WDM underwater wireless optical communication.

PubMed

Kong, Meiwei; Lv, Weichao; Ali, Tariq; Sarwar, Rohail; Yu, Chuying; Qiu, Yang; Qu, Fengzhong; Xu, Zhiwei; Han, Jun; Xu, Jing

2017-08-21

The availability of the underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) based on red (R), green (G) and blue (B) lights makes the realization of the RGB wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) UWOC system possible. By properly mixing RGB lights to form white light, the WDM UWOC system has prominent potentiality for simultaneous underwater illumination and high-speed communication. In this work, for the first time, we experimentally demonstrate a 9.51-Gb/s WDM UWOC system using a red-emitting laser diode (LD), a single-mode pigtailed green-emitting LD and a multi-mode pigtailed blue-emitting LD. By employing 32-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation in the demonstration, the red-light, the green-light and the blue-light LDs successfully transmit signals with the data rates of 4.17 Gb/s, 4.17 Gb/s and 1.17 Gb/s, respectively, over a 10-m underwater channel. The corresponding bit error rates (BERs) are 2.2 × 10 -3 , 2.0 × 10 -3 and 2.3 × 10 -3 , respectively, which are below the forward error correction (FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10 -3 .

760nm: a new laser diode wavelength for hair removal modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wölz, Martin; Zorn, Martin; Pietrzak, Agnieszka; Kindsvater, Alex; Meusel, Jens; Hülsewede, Ralf; Sebastian, Jürgen

2015-02-01

A new high-power semiconductor laser diode module, emitting at 760 nm is introduced. This wavelength permits optimum treatment results for fair skin individuals, as demonstrated by the use of Alexandrite lasers in dermatology. Hair removal applications benefit from the industry-standard diode laser design utilizing highly efficient, portable and light-weight construction. We show the performance of a tap-water-cooled encapsulated laser diode stack with a window for use in dermatological hand-pieces. The stack design takes into account the pulse lengths required for selectivity in heating the hair follicle vs. the skin. Super-long pulse durations place the hair removal laser between industry-standard CW and QCW applications. The new 760 nm laser diode bars are 30% fill factor devices with 1.5 mm long resonator cavities. At CW operation, these units provide 40 W of optical power at 43 A with wall-plug-efficiency greater than 50%. The maximum output power before COMD is 90 W. Lifetime measurements starting at 40 W show an optical power loss of 20% after about 3000 h. The hair removal modules are available in 1x3, 1x8 and 2x8 bar configurations.

An extraordinary tabletop speed of light apparatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pegna, Guido

2017-09-01

A compact, low-cost, pre-aligned apparatus of the modulation type is described. The apparatus allows accurate determination of the speed of light in free propagation with an accuracy on the order of one part in 104. Due to the 433.92 MHz radio frequency (rf) modulation of its laser diode, determination of the speed of light is possible within a sub-meter measuring base and in small volumes (some cm3) of transparent solids or liquids. No oscilloscope is necessary, while the required function generators, power supplies, and optical components are incorporated into the design of the apparatus and its receiver can slide along the optical bench while maintaining alignment with the laser beam. Measurement of the velocity factor of coaxial cables is also easily performed. The apparatus detects the phase difference between the rf modulation of the laser diode by further modulating the rf signal with an audio frequency signal; the phase difference between these signals is then observed as the loudness of the audio signal. In this way, the positions at which the minima of the audio signal are found determine where the rf signals are completely out of phase. This phase detection method yields a much increased sensitivity with respect to the display of coincidence of two signals of questionable arrival time and somewhat distorted shape on an oscilloscope. The displaying technique is also particularly suitable for large audiences as well as in unattended exhibits in museums and science centers. In addition, the apparatus can be set up in less than one minute.

Formation of 2D bright spatial solitons in lithium niobate with photovoltaic response and incoherent background

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pustozerov, A.; Shandarov, V.

2017-12-01

The influence of incoherent background illumination produced by light-emitting diodes (LED's) of different average wavelengths and laser diode emitting in blue region of visible on diffraction characteristics of narrow coherent light beams of He-Ne laser due to refractive index changes of Fe-doped lithium niobate sample are studied. It has been experimentally demonstrated that nonlinear diffraction of red beams with wavelength 633 nm and diameters on full width of half maximum (FWHM) near to 15 μm may be totally compensated using background light with average wavelengths 450 - 465 nm. To provide the necessary intensity of incoherent background, the combinations of spherical and cylindrical concave lenses with blue LED and laser diode module without focusing its beam have been used.

High-brightness power delivery for fiber laser pumping: simulation and measurement of low-NA fiber guiding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanson, Dan; Levy, Moshe; Peleg, Ophir; Rappaport, Noam; Shamay, Moshe; Dahan, Nir; Klumel, Genady; Berk, Yuri; Baskin, Ilya

2015-02-01

Fiber laser manufacturers demand high-brightness laser diode pumps delivering optical pump energy in both a compact fiber core and narrow angular content. A pump delivery fiber of a 105 μm core and 0.22 numerical aperture (NA) is typically used, where the fiber NA is under-filled to ease the launch of laser diode emission into the fiber and make the fiber tolerant to bending. At SCD, we have developed multi-emitter fiber-coupled pump modules that deliver 50 W output from a 105 μm, 0.15 NA fiber at 915, 950 and 976 nm wavelengths enabling low-NA power delivery to a customer's fiber laser network. In this work, we address the challenges of coupling and propagating high optical powers from laser diode sources in weakly guiding step-index multimode fibers. We present simulations of light propagation inside the low-NA multimode fiber for different launch conditions and fiber bend diameters using a ray-racing tool and demonstrate how these affect the injection of light into cladding-bounded modes. The mode filling at launch and source NA directly limit the bend radius at which the fiber can be coiled. Experimentally, we measure the fiber bend loss using our 50 W fiber-coupled module and establish a critical bend diameter in agreement with our simulation results. We also employ thermal imaging to investigate fiber heating caused by macro-bends and angled cleaving. The low mode filling of the 0.15 NA fiber by our brightness-enhanced laser diodes allows it to be coiled with diameters down to 70 mm at full operating power despite the low NA and further eliminates the need for mode-stripping at fiber combiners and splices downstream from our pump modules.

Design and Analysis of an Optical Interface Message Processor

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-03-01

Device 16 2.2.15 Microchannel Spatial Light Modulator (MSLM) 16 2.2.16 Si/PLST Modulator 16 2.2.17 Deformable Mirror Device ( DMD ) 17 2.2.18 Charged...wavelength of UV light, ’n this process, is the minimum image which can be developed. X-Ray lithography wil’ reduce the image size to the 1000 Angstrom...resonance of laser wavelength. This is due to a change in the index of refraction which results in an optical path allowing constructive interference

The Light Microscopy Module: An On-Orbit Multi-User Microscope Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Motil, Susan M.; Snead, John H.

2002-01-01

The Light Microscopy Module (LMM) is planned as a remotely controllable on-orbit microscope subrack facility, allowing flexible scheduling and operation of fluids and biology experiments within the Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) on the International Space Station (ISS). The LMM will be the first integrated payload with the FIR to conduct four fluid physics experiments. A description of the LMM diagnostic capabilities, including video microscopy, interferometry, laser tweezers, confocal, and spectrophotometry, will be provided.

Diode-laser-pump module with integrated signal ports for pumping amplifying fibers and method

DOEpatents

Savage-Leuchs,; Matthias, P [Woodinville, WA

2009-05-26

Apparatus and method for collimating pump light of a first wavelength from laser diode(s) into a collimated beam within an enclosure having first and second optical ports, directing pump light from the collimated beam to the first port; and directing signal light inside the enclosure between the first and second port. The signal and pump wavelengths are different. The enclosure provides a pump block having a first port that emits pump light to a gain fiber outside the enclosure and that also passes signal light either into or out of the enclosure, and another port that passes signal light either out of or into the enclosure. Some embodiments use a dichroic mirror to direct pump light to the first port and direct signal light between the first and second ports. Some embodiments include a wavelength-conversion device to change the wavelength of at least some of the signal light.

Gain-switching characteristics and fast transient response of three-terminal size-effect modulation laser

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

Suemune, I.; Takeoka, T.; Yamanashi, M.

1986-09-01

Gain-switching characteristics of the proposed size-effect modulation light sources are investigated. For realizing the laser operation, the consideration of the screening effect on the applied electric fields due to the high concentration of carriers is indispensable. In this respect, the authors propose a separate-confinement-hereto-multiple-quantum-well (SCH-MQW) structure as the most suitable one for gain switching. The key point of the structure is the sufficiently high heterobarriers at the clad-barrier interfaces to prevent carrier leakage. The examinations of the transient response clarify that they are principally photon-lifetime limited. Employing the three-terminal character of the proposed laser, the fast pulse modulation up tomore » 12 Gbits/s, which is almost free from the relaxation oscillations and the pattern effects, is predicted.« less

Geologic fracturing method and resulting fractured geologic structure

DOEpatents

Mace, Jonathan L.; Bradley, Christopher R.; Greening, Doran R.; Steedman, David W.

2016-11-08

Detonation control modules and detonation control circuits are provided herein. A trigger input signal can cause a detonation control module to trigger a detonator. A detonation control module can include a timing circuit, a light-producing diode such as a laser diode, an optically triggered diode, and a high-voltage capacitor. The trigger input signal can activate the timing circuit. The timing circuit can control activation of the light-producing diode. Activation of the light-producing diode illuminates and activates the optically triggered diode. The optically triggered diode can be coupled between the high-voltage capacitor and the detonator. Activation of the optically triggered diode causes a power pulse to be released from the high-voltage capacitor that triggers the detonator.

Adaptive electron beam shaping using a photoemission gun and spatial light modulator

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

Maxson, Jared; Lee, Hyeri; Bartnik, Adam C.

The need for precisely defined beam shapes in photoelectron sources has been well established. In this paper, we use a spatial light modulator and simple shaping algorithm to create arbitrary, detailed transverse laser shapes with high fidelity. We transmit this shaped laser to the photocathode of a high voltage dc gun. Using beam currents where space charge is negligible, and using an imaging solenoid and fluorescent viewscreen, we show that the resultant beam shape preserves these detailed features with similar fidelity. Next, instead of transmitting a shaped laser profile, we use an active feedback on the unshaped electron beam imagemore » to create equally accurate and detailed shapes. We demonstrate that this electron beam feedback has the added advantage of correcting for electron optical aberrations, yielding shapes without skew. The method may serve to provide precisely defined electron beams for low current target experiments, space-charge dominated beam commissioning, as well as for online adaptive correction of photocathode quantum efficiency degradation.« less

Adaptive electron beam shaping using a photoemission gun and spatial light modulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maxson, Jared; Lee, Hyeri; Bartnik, Adam C.; Kiefer, Jacob; Bazarov, Ivan

2015-02-01

The need for precisely defined beam shapes in photoelectron sources has been well established. In this paper, we use a spatial light modulator and simple shaping algorithm to create arbitrary, detailed transverse laser shapes with high fidelity. We transmit this shaped laser to the photocathode of a high voltage dc gun. Using beam currents where space charge is negligible, and using an imaging solenoid and fluorescent viewscreen, we show that the resultant beam shape preserves these detailed features with similar fidelity. Next, instead of transmitting a shaped laser profile, we use an active feedback on the unshaped electron beam image to create equally accurate and detailed shapes. We demonstrate that this electron beam feedback has the added advantage of correcting for electron optical aberrations, yielding shapes without skew. The method may serve to provide precisely defined electron beams for low current target experiments, space-charge dominated beam commissioning, as well as for online adaptive correction of photocathode quantum efficiency degradation.

Adaptive electron beam shaping using a photoemission gun and spatial light modulator

DOE PAGES

Maxson, Jared; Lee, Hyeri; Bartnik, Adam C.; ...

2015-02-01

The need for precisely defined beam shapes in photoelectron sources has been well established. In this paper, we use a spatial light modulator and simple shaping algorithm to create arbitrary, detailed transverse laser shapes with high fidelity. We transmit this shaped laser to the photocathode of a high voltage dc gun. Using beam currents where space charge is negligible, and using an imaging solenoid and fluorescent viewscreen, we show that the resultant beam shape preserves these detailed features with similar fidelity. Next, instead of transmitting a shaped laser profile, we use an active feedback on the unshaped electron beam imagemore » to create equally accurate and detailed shapes. We demonstrate that this electron beam feedback has the added advantage of correcting for electron optical aberrations, yielding shapes without skew. The method may serve to provide precisely defined electron beams for low current target experiments, space-charge dominated beam commissioning, as well as for online adaptive correction of photocathode quantum efficiency degradation.« less

Use of digital micromirror devices as dynamic pinhole arrays for adaptive confocal fluorescence microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pozzi, Paolo; Wilding, Dean; Soloviev, Oleg; Vdovin, Gleb; Verhaegen, Michel

2018-02-01

In this work, we present a new confocal laser scanning microscope capable to perform sensorless wavefront optimization in real time. The device is a parallelized laser scanning microscope in which the excitation light is structured in a lattice of spots by a spatial light modulator, while a deformable mirror provides aberration correction and scanning. A binary DMD is positioned in an image plane of the detection optical path, acting as a dynamic array of reflective confocal pinholes, images by a high performance cmos camera. A second camera detects images of the light rejected by the pinholes for sensorless aberration correction.

Generation of UV light by intense ultrashort laser pulses in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexeev, Ilya; Ting, Antonio; Gordon, Daniel; Briscoe, Eldridge; Penano, Joe; Sprangle, Phillip

2004-11-01

The propagation of collimated high-peak-power ultrashort laser pulses in air has attracted considerable attention, which may have a variety of important applications including remote sensing and chemical-biological aerosols standoff detection. Sub-millimeter diameter laser filaments can develop without any focusing optics and instead solely from laser self-focusing and plasma formation in air. These filaments can produce ultraviolet radiations in the form of the 3rd harmonic of the fundamental frequency and also through spectral broadening due to self-phase modulation of the laser pulse. Using femtosecond laser pulses produced by a high power Ti:Sapphire laser (0.8 TW, 50 fs, 800 nm) we observed generation of the third harmonic radiation light in air (centered around 267 nm) by the laser filaments. Characterization of the 3rd harmonic generation with respect to the major gas components of the air will be reported. Supported by the ONR and RDECOM. I. Alexeev is NRC/NRL Post-Doc.

Investigation of Laser Based Thomson Scattering

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-04

laser liquid interaction has the potential to provide sources of energetic ions and fission products such as neutrons . The development of strong...by the production of heavy water d-d fusion and the production of neutrons . Finally, in section VII the tight focusing of light by a 2π mirror is...laser system is estimated to be 10 -15 , using cross- polarization modulation and two plasma mirrors. These parameters allow prepulse expansion to be

Reversible near-infrared light directed reflection in a self-organized helical superstructure loaded with upconversion nanoparticles.

PubMed

Wang, Ling; Dong, Hao; Li, Yannian; Xue, Chenming; Sun, Ling-Dong; Yan, Chun-Hua; Li, Quan

2014-03-26

Adding external, dynamic control to self-organized superstructures with desired functionalities is an important leap necessary in leveraging the fascinating molecular systems for applications. Here, the new light-driven chiral molecular switch and upconversion nanoparticles, doped in a liquid crystal media, were able to self-organize into an optically tunable helical superstructure. The resulting nanoparticle impregnated helical superstructure was found to exhibit unprecedented reversible near-infrared (NIR) light-guided tunable behavior only by modulating the excitation power density of a continuous-wave NIR laser (980 nm). Upon irradiation by the NIR laser at the high power density, the reflection wavelength of the photonic superstructure red-shifted, whereas its reverse process occurred upon irradiation by the same laser but with the lower power density. Furthermore, reversible dynamic NIR-light-driven red, green, and blue reflections in a single thin film, achieved only by varying the power density of the NIR light, were for the first time demonstrated.

Few-fJ/bit data transmissions using directly modulated lambda-scale embedded active region photonic-crystal lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Koji; Sato, Tomonari; Shinya, Akihiko; Nozaki, Kengo; Kobayashi, Wataru; Taniyama, Hideaki; Notomi, Masaya; Hasebe, Koichi; Kakitsuka, Takaaki; Matsuo, Shinji

2013-07-01

A low operating energy is needed for nanocavity lasers designed for on-chip photonic network applications. On-chip nanocavity lasers must be driven by current because they act as light sources driven by electronic circuits. Here, we report the high-speed direct modulation of a lambda-scale embedded active region photonic-crystal (LEAP) laser that holds three records for any type of laser operated at room temperature: a low threshold current of 4.8 µA, a modulation current efficiency of 2.0 GHz µA-0.5 and an operating energy of 4.4 fJ bit-1. Five major technologies make this performance possible: a compact buried heterostructure, a photonic-crystal nanocavity, a lateral p-n junction realized by ion implantation and thermal diffusion, an InAlAs sacrificial layer and current-blocking trenches. We believe that an output power of 2.17 µW and an operating energy of 4.4 fJ bit-1 will enable us to realize on-chip photonic networks in combination with the recently developed highly sensitive receivers.

Homogeneous spectral spanning of terahertz semiconductor lasers with radio frequency modulation.

PubMed

Wan, W J; Li, H; Zhou, T; Cao, J C

2017-03-08

Homogeneous broadband and electrically pumped semiconductor radiation sources emitting in the terahertz regime are highly desirable for various applications, including spectroscopy, chemical sensing, and gas identification. In the frequency range between 1 and 5 THz, unipolar quantum cascade lasers employing electron inter-subband transitions in multiple-quantum-well structures are the most powerful semiconductor light sources. However, these devices are normally characterized by either a narrow emission spectrum due to the narrow gain bandwidth of the inter-subband optical transitions or an inhomogeneous broad terahertz spectrum from lasers with heterogeneous stacks of active regions. Here, we report the demonstration of homogeneous spectral spanning of long-cavity terahertz semiconductor quantum cascade lasers based on a bound-to-continuum and resonant phonon design under radio frequency modulation. At a single drive current, the terahertz spectrum under radio frequency modulation continuously spans 330 GHz (~8% of the central frequency), which is the record for single plasmon waveguide terahertz lasers with a bound-to-continuum design. The homogeneous broadband terahertz sources can be used for spectroscopic applications, i.e., GaAs etalon transmission measurement and ammonia gas identification.

Homogeneous spectral spanning of terahertz semiconductor lasers with radio frequency modulation

PubMed Central

Wan, W. J.; Li, H.; Zhou, T.; Cao, J. C.

2017-01-01

Homogeneous broadband and electrically pumped semiconductor radiation sources emitting in the terahertz regime are highly desirable for various applications, including spectroscopy, chemical sensing, and gas identification. In the frequency range between 1 and 5 THz, unipolar quantum cascade lasers employing electron inter-subband transitions in multiple-quantum-well structures are the most powerful semiconductor light sources. However, these devices are normally characterized by either a narrow emission spectrum due to the narrow gain bandwidth of the inter-subband optical transitions or an inhomogeneous broad terahertz spectrum from lasers with heterogeneous stacks of active regions. Here, we report the demonstration of homogeneous spectral spanning of long-cavity terahertz semiconductor quantum cascade lasers based on a bound-to-continuum and resonant phonon design under radio frequency modulation. At a single drive current, the terahertz spectrum under radio frequency modulation continuously spans 330 GHz (~8% of the central frequency), which is the record for single plasmon waveguide terahertz lasers with a bound-to-continuum design. The homogeneous broadband terahertz sources can be used for spectroscopic applications, i.e., GaAs etalon transmission measurement and ammonia gas identification. PMID:28272492

The role of optoelectronic feedback on Franz-Keldysh voltage modulation of transistor lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chi-Hsiang; Chang, Shu-Wei; Wu, Chao-Hsin

2016-03-01

Possessing both the high-speed characteristics of heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) and enhanced radiative recombination of quantum wells (QWs), the light-emitting transistor (LET) which operates in the regime of spontaneous emissions has achieved up to 4.3 GHz modulation bandwidth. A 40 Gbit/s transmission rate can be even achieved using transistor laser (TL). The transistor laser provides not only the current modulation but also direct voltage-controlled modulation scheme of optical signals via Franz-Keldysh (FK) photon-assisted tunneling effect. In this work, the effect of FK absorption on the voltage modulation of TLs is investigated. In order to analyze the dynamics and optical responses of voltage modulation in TLs, the conventional rate equations relevant to diode lasers (DLs) are first modified to include the FK effect intuitively. The theoretical results of direct-current (DC) and small-signal alternating-current (AC) characteristics of optical responses are both investigated. While the DC characteristics look physical, the intrinsic optical response of TLs under the FK voltage modulation shows an AC enhancement with a 20 dB peak, which however is not observed in experiment. A complete model composed of the intrinsic optical transfer function and an electrical transfer function fed back by optical responses is proposed to explain the behaviors of voltage modulation in TLs. The abnormal AC peak disappears through this optoelectronic feedback. With the electrical response along with FK-included photon-carrier rate equations taken into account, the complete voltage-controlled optical modulation response of TLs is demonstrated.

Light, Brain, and Action: An Introductory, Interdisciplinary Course on Optogenetics for Undergraduate Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kouh, Minjoon; Merz, River

2013-01-01

We piloted a semester-long, interdisciplinary, introductory science course using recently developed optogenetic technique as a main context. In neuroscience application, this technique introduces the gene of light-sensitive membrane protein into a targeted class of neurons, whose activity then can be modulated with a laser of specific wavelength.…

Laser Velocimeter for Studies of Microgravity Combustion Flowfields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varghese, P. L.; Jagodzinski, J.

2001-01-01

We are currently developing a velocimeter based on modulated filtered Rayleigh scattering (MFRS), utilizing diode lasers to make measurements in an unseeded gas or flame. MFRS is a novel variation of filtered Rayleigh scattering, utilizing modulation absorption spectroscopy to detect a strong absorption of a weak Rayleigh scattered signal. A rubidium (Rb) vapor filter is used to provide the relatively strong absorption and semiconductor diode lasers generate the relatively weak Rayleigh scattered signal. Alkali metal vapors have a high optical depth at modest vapor pressures, and their narrow linewidth is ideally suited for high-resolution velocimetry; the compact, rugged construction of diode lasers makes them ideally suited for microgravity experimentation. Molecular Rayleigh scattering of laser light simplifies flow measurements as it obviates the complications of flow-seeding. The MFRS velocimeter should offer an attractive alternative to comparable systems, providing a relatively inexpensive means of measuring velocity in unseeded flows and flames.

Optical Phase Recovery and Locking in a PPM Laser Communication Link

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aveline, David C.; Yu, Nan; Farr, William H.

2012-01-01

Free-space optical communication holds great promise for future space missions requiring high data rates. For data communication in deep space, the current architecture employs pulse position modulation (PPM). In this scheme, the light is transmitted and detected as pulses within an array of time slots. While the PPM method is efficient for data transmission, the phase of the laser light is not utilized. The phase coherence of a PPM optical signal has been investigated with the goal of developing a new laser communication and ranging scheme that utilizes optical coherence within the established PPM architecture and photon-counting detection (PCD). Experimental measurements of a PPM modulated optical signal were conducted, and modeling code was developed to generate random PPM signals and simulate spectra via FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analysis. The experimental results show very good agreement with the simulations and confirm that coherence is preserved despite modulation with high extinction ratios and very low duty cycles. A real-time technique has been developed to recover the phase information through the mixing of a PPM signal with a frequency-shifted local oscillator (LO). This mixed signal is amplified, filtered, and integrated to generate a voltage proportional to the phase of the modulated signal. By choosing an appropriate time constant for integration, one can maintain a phase lock despite long dark times between consecutive pulses with low duty cycle. A proof-of-principle demonstration was first achieved with an RF-based PPM signal and test setup. With the same principle method, an optical carrier within a PPM modulated laser beam could also be tracked and recovered. A reference laser was phase-locked to an independent pulsed laser signal with low-duty-cycle pseudo-random PPM codes. In this way, the drifting carrier frequency in the primary laser source is tracked via its phase change in the mixed beat note, while the corresponding voltage feedback maintains the phase lock between the two laser sources. The novelty and key significance of this work is that the carrier phase information can be harnessed within an optical communication link based on PPM-PCD architecture. This technology development could lead to quantum-limited efficient performance within the communication link itself, as well as enable high-resolution optical tracking capabilities for planetary science and spacecraft navigation.

Implementation of STUD Pulses at the Trident Laser and Initial Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, R. P.; Shimada, T.; Montgomery, D. S.; Afeyan, B.; Hüller, S.

2012-10-01

Controlling and mitigating laser-plasma instabilities such as stimulated Brillouin scattering, stimulated Raman scattering, and crossed-beam energy transfer is important to achieve high-gain inertial fusion using laser drivers. Recent theory and simulations show that these instabilities can be largely controlled using laser pulses consisting of spike trains of uneven duration and delay (STUD) by modulating the laser on a picosecond time scale [1,2]. We have designed and implemented a STUD pulse generator at the LANL Trident Laser Facility using Fourier synthesis to produce a 0.5-ns envelope of psec-duration STUD pulses using a spatial light modulator. Initial results from laser propagation tests and measurements as well as initial laser-plasma characterization experiments will be presented.[4pt] [1] B. Afeyan and S. H"uller, ``Optimal Control of Laser Plasma Instabilities using STUD pulses,'' IFSA 2011, P.Mo.1, to appear in Euro. Phys. J. Web of Conf. (2012).[2] S. H"uller and B. Afeyan, ``Simulations of drastically reduced SBS with STUD pulses,'' IFSA 2011, O.Tu8-1, to appear in Euro. Phys. J. Web of Conf. (2012).

The radio-on-fiber-wavelength-division-multiplexed-passive-optical network (WDM-RoF-PON) for wireless and wire layout with linearly-polarized dual-wavelength fiber laser and carrier reusing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Wei; Chang, Jun

2013-07-01

In this paper, we design a WDM-RoF-PON based on linearly-polarized dual-wavelength fiber laser and CSRZ-DPSK, which can achieve wire-line and wireless access synchronously. With the CSRZ-DPSK modulation, the wireless access in ONU can save RF source and the frequency of radio carrier can be controlled by OLT. The dual-wavelength fiber laser is the union light source of WDM-PON with polarization multiplexing. By the RSOA and downstream light source reusing, the ONU can save omit laser source and makes the WDM-PON to be colorless. The networking has the credible transmission property, including wireless access and fiber transmission. The networking also has excellent covering range.

Using the combination refraction-reflection solid to design omni-directional light source used in underwater wireless optical communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Jionghui; Yao, Wenming; Wen, Linqiang

2015-10-01

Underwater wireless optical communication is a communication technology which uses laser as an information carrier and transmits data through water. Underwater wireless optical communication has some good features such as broader bandwidth, high transmission rate, better security, anti—interference performance. Therefore, it is promising to be widely used in the civil and military communication domains. It is also suitable for high-speed, short-range communication between underwater mobile vehicles. This paper presents a design approach of omni-directional light source used in underwater wireless optical communication, using TRACEPRO simulation tool to help design a combination solid composed of the lens, conical reflector and parabolic reflector, and using the modulated DPSS green laser in the transmitter module to output the laser beam in small divergence angles, after expanded by the combination refraction-reflection solid, the angle turns into a space divergence angle of 2π, achieving the omni-directional light source of hemisphere space, and test in the air and underwater, the result shows that the effect is fine. This paper analyzes the experimental test in the air and water, in order to make further improvement of the uniformity of light distribution, we optimize the reflector surface parameters of combination refraction-reflection solid and test in the air and water. The result shows that omni-directional light source used in underwater wireless optical communication optimized could achieve the uniformity of light distribution of underwater space divergence angle of 2π. Omni-directional light source used in underwater wireless optical communication designed in this paper has the characteristics of small size and uniformity of light distribution, it is suitable for application between UUVs, AUVs, Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) and other underwater vehicle fleet, it realizes point-to-multipoint communications.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-12-01

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

DAZZLE project: UAV to ground communication system using a laser and a modulated retro-reflector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thueux, Yoann; Avlonitis, Nicholas; Erry, Gavin

2014-10-01

The advent of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has generated the need for reduced size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements for communications systems with a high data rate, enhanced security and quality of service. This paper presents the current results of the DAZZLE project run by Airbus Group Innovations. The specifications, integration steps and initial performance of a UAV to ground communication system using a laser and a modulated retro-reflector are detailed. The laser operates at the wavelength of 1550nm and at power levels that keep it eye safe. It is directed using a FLIR pan and tilt unit driven by an image processing-based system that tracks the UAV in flight at a range of a few kilometers. The modulated retro-reflector is capable of a data rate of 20Mbps over short distances, using 200mW of electrical power. The communication system was tested at the Pershore Laser Range in July 2014. Video data from a flying Octocopter was successfully transmitted over 1200m. During the next phase of the DAZZLE project, the team will attempt to produce a modulated retro-reflector capable of 1Gbps in partnership with the research institute Acreo1 based in Sweden. A high speed laser beam steering capability based on a Spatial Light Modulator will also be added to the system to improve beam pointing accuracy.

Link Performance Analysis of a Ship-to-Ship Laser Communication System

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

the optical output by a modulating signal. Direct detection requires only the intensity, and not the phase information, of the input signal to...links have a higher signal-to-noise ratio ( ) as compared to RF link. However, at approximately 108 km, the SNR for the optical links is much... optical signal received is mixed with a light signal generated from a local oscillator laser (LO-laser). The combined signals are then impinged onto the

Pattern recognition of electronic bit-sequences using a semiconductor mode-locked laser and spatial light modulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhooplapur, Sharad; Akbulut, Mehmetkan; Quinlan, Franklyn; Delfyett, Peter J.

2010-04-01

A novel scheme for recognition of electronic bit-sequences is demonstrated. Two electronic bit-sequences that are to be compared are each mapped to a unique code from a set of Walsh-Hadamard codes. The codes are then encoded in parallel on the spectral phase of the frequency comb lines from a frequency-stabilized mode-locked semiconductor laser. Phase encoding is achieved by using two independent spatial light modulators based on liquid crystal arrays. Encoded pulses are compared using interferometric pulse detection and differential balanced photodetection. Orthogonal codes eight bits long are compared, and matched codes are successfully distinguished from mismatched codes with very low error rates, of around 10-18. This technique has potential for high-speed, high accuracy recognition of bit-sequences, with applications in keyword searches and internet protocol packet routing.

Gigabit-per-second white light-based visible light communication using near-ultraviolet laser diode and red-, green-, and blue-emitting phosphors.

PubMed

Lee, Changmin; Shen, Chao; Cozzan, Clayton; Farrell, Robert M; Speck, James S; Nakamura, Shuji; Ooi, Boon S; DenBaars, Steven P

2017-07-24

Data communication based on white light generated using a near-ultraviolet (NUV) laser diode (LD) pumping red-, green-, and blue-emitting (RGB) phosphors was demonstrated for the first time. A III-nitride laser diode (LD) on a semipolar (2021¯)  substrate emitting at 410 nm was used for the transmitter. The measured modulation bandwidth of the LD was 1 GHz, which was limited by the avalanche photodetector. The emission from the NUV LD and the RGB phosphor combination measured a color rendering index (CRI) of 79 and correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4050 K, indicating promise of this approach for creating high quality white lighting. Using this configuration, data was successfully transmitted at a rate of more than 1 Gbps. This NUV laser-based system is expected to have lower background noise from sunlight at the LD emission wavelength than a system that uses a blue LD due to the rapid fall off in intensity of the solar spectrum in the NUV spectral region.

Focusing light into desired patterns through turbid media by feedback-based wavefront shaping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Lipeng; Chen, Ziyang; Huang, Huiling; Pu, Jixiong

2016-07-01

We demonstrate that the focusing of light into desired patterns through turbid media can be realized using feedback-based wavefront shaping. Three desired focused patterns—a triangle, a circle, and a rectangle—are used as examples to study this ability. During the process of modulating scattered light, the Pearson's correlation coefficient is introduced as a feedback signal. It is found that the speckle field formed by the turbid media gradually transforms into the desired pattern through a process of modulation of the input beam wave front. The proposed approach has potential applications in biomedical treatment and laser material processing.

Apparatus and method for measuring single cell and sub-cellular photosynthetic efficiency

DOEpatents

Davis, Ryan Wesley; Singh, Seema; Wu, Huawen

2013-07-09

Devices for measuring single cell changes in photosynthetic efficiency in algal aquaculture are disclosed that include a combination of modulated LED trans-illumination of different intensities with synchronized through objective laser illumination and confocal detection. Synchronization and intensity modulation of a dual illumination scheme were provided using a custom microcontroller for a laser beam block and constant current LED driver. Therefore, single whole cell photosynthetic efficiency, and subcellular (diffraction limited) photosynthetic efficiency measurement modes are permitted. Wide field rapid light scanning actinic illumination is provided for both by an intensity modulated 470 nm LED. For the whole cell photosynthetic efficiency measurement, the same LED provides saturating pulses for generating photosynthetic induction curves. For the subcellular photosynthetic efficiency measurement, a switched through objective 488 nm laser provides saturating pulses for generating photosynthetic induction curves. A second near IR LED is employed to generate dark adapted states in the system under study.

FIBER OPTICS. ACOUSTOOPTICS: Amplitude and phase nonreciprocities of acoustooptic modulators for counterpropagating light waves under the Bragg diffraction conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veselovskaya, T. V.; Klochan, E. L.; Lariontsev, E. G.; Parfenov, S. V.; Shelaev, A. N.

1990-07-01

Theoretical and experimental investigations demonstrated that in real acoustooptic modulators the diffraction of light by a standing ultrasonic wave may give rise to both phase and amplitude nonreciprocities of counterpropagating light waves. Analytic expressions are derived for the dependences of these nonreciprocities on the parameters of the traveling component of an ultrasonic wave in a modulator. It is shown that when the angle of incidence of light on a modulator deviates from the Bragg angle, the phase nonreciprocity may be suppressed, but the amplitude nonreciprocity becomes maximal and its sign is governed by the law of deviation of the angle of incidence from the Bragg angle. A diffraction acoustooptic feedback makes it possible not only to achieve mode locking with an acoustooptic modulator utilizing a traveling ultrasonic wave, but also to control the magnitude and sign of amplitude-frequency nonreciprocities. It is reported that an acoustooptic feedback can be used to generate self-pumping waves in a solid-state mode-locked ring laser and thus stabilize bidirectional lasing in a wide range of the frequency offset between the counterpropagating waves.

AlGaInN laser diode technology for free-space and plastic optical fibre telecom applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najda, S. P.; Perlin, P.; Suski, T.; Marona, L.; Bóckowski, M.; Leszczyński, M.; Wisniewski, P.; Czernecki, R.; Kucharski, R.; Targowski, G.; Watson, S.; Kelly, A. E.; Watson, M. A.; Blanchard, P.; White, H.

2016-03-01

Gallium Nitride laser diodes fabricated from the AlGaInN material system is an emerging technology for laser sources from the UV to visible and is a potential key enabler for new system applications such as free-space (underwater & air bourne links) and plastic optical fibre telecommunications. We measure visible light (free-space and underwater) communications at high frequency (up to 2.5 Gbit/s) and in plastic optical fibre (POF) using a directly modulated GaN laser diode.

Space Applications Industrial Laser System (SAILS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccay, T. D.; Bible, J. B.; Mueller, R. E.

1993-01-01

A program is underway to develop a YAG laser based materials processing workstation to fly in the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. This workstation, called Space Applications Industrial Laser System (SAILS), will be capable of cutting and welding steel, aluminum, and Inconel alloys of the type planned for use in constructing the Space Station Freedom. As well as demonstrating the ability of a YAG laser to perform remote (fiber-optic delivered) repair and fabrication operations in space, fundamental data will be collected on these interactions for comparison with terrestrial data and models. The flight system, scheduled to fly in 1996, will be constructed as three modules using standard Get-Away-Special (GAS) canisters. The first module holds the laser head and cooling system, while the second contains a high peak power electrical supply. The third module houses the materials processing workstation and the command and data acquisition subsystems. The laser head and workstation cansisters are linked by a fiber-optic cable to transmit the laser light. The team assembled to carry out this project includes Lumonics Industrial Products (laser), Tennessee Technological University (structural analysis and fabrication), Auburn University Center for Space Power (electrical engineering), University of Waterloo (low-g laser process consulting), and CSTAR/UTSI (data acquisition, control, software, integration, experiment design). This report describes the SAILS program and highlights recent activities undertaken at CSTAR.

Integrated optical biosensor system (IOBS)

DOEpatents

Grace, Karen M.; Sweet, Martin R.; Goeller, Roy M.; Morrison, Leland Jean; Grace, Wynne Kevin; Kolar, Jerome D.

2007-10-30

An optical biosensor has a first enclosure with a pathogen recognition surface, including a planar optical waveguide and grating located in the first enclosure. An aperture is in the first enclosure for insertion of sample to be investigated to a position in close proximity to the pathogen recognition surface. A laser in the first enclosure includes means for aligning and means for modulating the laser, the laser having its light output directed toward said grating. Detection means are located in the first enclosure and in optical communication with the pathogen recognition surface for detecting pathogens after interrogation by the laser light and outputting the detection. Electronic means is located in the first enclosure and receives the detection for processing the detection and outputting information on the detection, and an electrical power supply is located in the first enclosure for supplying power to the laser, the detection means and the electronic means.

Attosecond time-energy structure of X-ray free-electron laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartmann, N.; Hartmann, G.; Heider, R.; Wagner, M. S.; Ilchen, M.; Buck, J.; Lindahl, A. O.; Benko, C.; Grünert, J.; Krzywinski, J.; Liu, J.; Lutman, A. A.; Marinelli, A.; Maxwell, T.; Miahnahri, A. A.; Moeller, S. P.; Planas, M.; Robinson, J.; Kazansky, A. K.; Kabachnik, N. M.; Viefhaus, J.; Feurer, T.; Kienberger, R.; Coffee, R. N.; Helml, W.

2018-04-01

The time-energy information of ultrashort X-ray free-electron laser pulses generated by the Linac Coherent Light Source is measured with attosecond resolution via angular streaking of neon 1s photoelectrons. The X-ray pulses promote electrons from the neon core level into an ionization continuum, where they are dressed with the electric field of a circularly polarized infrared laser. This induces characteristic modulations of the resulting photoelectron energy and angular distribution. From these modulations we recover the single-shot attosecond intensity structure and chirp of arbitrary X-ray pulses based on self-amplified spontaneous emission, which have eluded direct measurement so far. We characterize individual attosecond pulses, including their instantaneous frequency, and identify double pulses with well-defined delays and spectral properties, thus paving the way for X-ray pump/X-ray probe attosecond free-electron laser science.

Accumulation effects in modulation spectroscopy with high-repetition-rate pulses: Recursive solution of optical Bloch equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osipov, Vladimir Al.; Pullerits, Tõnu

2017-10-01

Application of the phase-modulated pulsed light for advance spectroscopic measurements is the area of growing interest. The phase modulation of the light causes modulation of the signal. Separation of the spectral components of the modulations allows to distinguish the contributions of various interaction pathways. The lasers with high repetition rate used in such experiments can lead to appearance of the accumulation effects, which become especially pronounced in systems with long-living excited states. Recently it was shown that such accumulation effects can be used to evaluate parameters of the dynamical processes in the material. In this work we demonstrate that the accumulation effects are also important in the quantum characteristics measurements provided by modulation spectroscopy. In particular, we consider a model of quantum two-level system driven by a train of phase-modulated light pulses, organized in analogy with the two-dimensional spectroscopy experiments. We evaluate the harmonics' amplitudes in the fluorescent signal and calculate corrections appearing from the accumulation effects. We show that the corrections can be significant and have to be taken into account at analysis of experimental data.

Sub-μrad laser beam tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buske, Ivo; Riede, Wolfgang

2006-09-01

We compare active optical elements based on different technologies to accomplish the requirements of a 2-dim. fine tracking control system. A cascaded optically and electrically addressable spatial light modulator (OASLM) based on liquid crystals (LC) is used for refractive beam steering. Spatial light modulators provide a controllable phase wedge to generate a beam deflection. Additionally, a tip/tilt mirror approach operating with piezo-electric actuators is investigated. A digital PID controller is implemented for closed-loop control. Beam tracking with a root-mean-squared accuracy of Δα=30 nrad has been laboratory-confirmed.

Free electron laser with masked chicane

DOEpatents

Nguyen, Dinh C.; Carlsten, Bruce E.

1999-01-01

A free electron laser (FEL) is provided with an accelerator for outputting electron beam pulses; a buncher for modulating each one of the electron beam pulses to form each pulse into longitudinally dispersed bunches of electrons; and a wiggler for generating coherent light from the longitudinally dispersed bunches of electrons. The electron beam buncher is a chicane having a mask for physically modulating the electron beam pulses to form a series of electron beam bunches for input to the wiggler. In a preferred embodiment, the mask is located in the chicane at a position where each electron beam pulse has a maximum dispersion.

Highly-reliable laser diodes and modules for spaceborne applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deichsel, E.

2017-11-01

Laser applications become more and more interesting in contemporary missions such as earth observations or optical communication in space. One of these applications is light detection and ranging (LIDAR), which comprises huge scientific potential in future missions. The Nd:YAG solid-state laser of such a LIDAR system is optically pumped using 808nm emitting pump sources based on semiconductor laser-diodes in quasi-continuous wave (qcw) operation. Therefore reliable and efficient laser diodes with increased output powers are an important requirement for a spaceborne LIDAR-system. In the past, many tests were performed regarding the performance and life-time of such laser-diodes. There were also studies for spaceborne applications, but a test with long operation times at high powers and statistical relevance is pending. Other applications, such as science packages (e.g. Raman-spectroscopy) on planetary rovers require also reliable high-power light sources. Typically fiber-coupled laser diode modules are used for such applications. Besides high reliability and life-time, designs compatible to the harsh environmental conditions must be taken in account. Mechanical loads, such as shock or strong vibration are expected due to take-off or landing procedures. Many temperature cycles with high change rates and differences must be taken in account due to sun-shadow effects in planetary orbits. Cosmic radiation has strong impact on optical components and must also be taken in account. Last, a hermetic sealing must be considered, since vacuum can have disadvantageous effects on optoelectronics components.

OptoRadio: a method of wireless communication using orthogonal M-ary PSK (OMPSK) modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaire, Sunil Kumar; Faruque, Saleh; Ahamed, Md. Maruf

2016-09-01

Laser based radio communication system, i.e. OptoRadio, using Orthogonal M-ary PSK Modulation scheme is presented in this paper. In this scheme, when a block of data needs to be transmitted, the corresponding block of biorthogonal code is transmitted by means of multi-phase shift keying. At the receiver, two photo diodes are cross coupled. The effect is that the net output power due to ambient light is close to zero. The laser signal is then transmitted only into one of the receivers. With all other signals being cancelled out, the laser signal is an overwhelmingly dominant signal. The detailed design, bit error correction capabilities, and bandwidth efficiency are presented to illustrate the concept.

Cross Modulation of Two Laser Beams at the Individual-Photon Level

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-12

medium, such that the photons travel as slow-light polaritons [15,25,26], whose atomic excitation component can block the transmission of another light...through the ensemble, traveling in the medium as slow-light polaritons , a superposition of a photon and a collective atomic excitation to the state...unclassified Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 slow-light polariton , the polariton’s atomic component in state jci reduces

Automatic Suppression of Intense Monochromatic Light in Electro-Optical Sensors

PubMed Central

Ritt, Gunnar; Eberle, Bernd

2012-01-01

Electro-optical imaging sensors are widely distributed and used for many different tasks. Due to technical improvements, their pixel size has been steadily decreasing, resulting in a reduced saturation capacity. As a consequence, this progress makes them susceptible to intense point light sources. Developments in laser technology have led to very compact and powerful laser sources of any wavelength in the visible and near infrared spectral region, offered as laser pointers. The manifold of wavelengths makes it difficult to encounter sensor saturation over the complete operating waveband by conventional measures like absorption or interference filters. We present a concept for electro-optical sensors to suppress overexposure in the visible spectral region. The key element of the concept is a spatial light modulator in combination with wavelength multiplexing. This approach allows spectral filtering within a localized area in the field of view of the sensor. The system offers the possibility of automatic reduction of overexposure by monochromatic laser radiation. PMID:23202039

EGR distribution and fluctuation probe based on CO2 measurements

DOEpatents

Parks, II, James E.; Partridge, Jr., William P.; Yoo, Ji Hyung

2015-06-30

A diagnostic system having a laser, an EGR probe, a detector and a processor. The laser may be a swept-.lamda. laser having a sweep range including a significant CO.sub.2 feature and substantially zero absorption regions. The sweep range may extend from about 2.708 .mu.m to about 2.7085 .mu.m. The processor may determine CO.sub.2 concentration as a function of the detector output signal. The processor may normalize the output signal as a function of the zero absorption regions. The system may include a plurality of EGR probes receiving light from a single laser. The system may include a separate detector for each probe. Alternatively, the system may combine the light returning from the different probes into a composite beam that is measured by a single detector. A unique modulation characteristic may be introduced into each light beam before combination so that the processor can discriminate between them in the composite beam.

Fabrication and characterization of GaAs Schottky barrier photodetectors for microwave fiber optic links

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blauvelt, H.; Thurmond, G.; Parsons, J.; Lewis, D.; Yen, H.

1984-08-01

High-speed GaAs Schottky barrier photodiodes have been fabricated and characterized. These detectors have 3-dB bandwidths of 20 GHz and quantum efficiencies as high as 70 percent. The response of the detectors to light modulated at 1-18 GHz has been directly measured. Microwave modulated optical signals were obtained by using a LiNbO3 traveling wave modulator and by heterodyning two laser diodes.

Optical Dependence of Electrically Detected Magnetic Resonance in Lightly Doped Si:P Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Lihuang; van Schooten, Kipp J.; Guy, Mallory L.; Ramanathan, Chandrasekhar

2017-06-01

Using frequency-modulated electrically detected magnetic resonance (EDMR), we show that signals measured from lightly doped (1.2 - 5 ×1 015 cm-3 ) silicon devices vary significantly with the wavelength of the optical excitation used to generate the mobile carriers. We measure EDMR spectra at 4.2 K as a function of modulation frequency and applied microwave power using a 980-nm laser, a 405-nm laser, and a broadband white-light source. EDMR signals are observed from the phosphorus donor and two distinct defect species in all of the experiments. With near-infrared irradiation, we find that the EDMR signal primarily arises from donor-defect pairs, while, at higher photon energies, there are significant additional contributions from defect-defect pairs. The contribution of spins from different spatial regions to the EDMR signal is seen to vary as the optical penetration depth changes from about 120 nm at 405-nm illumination to 100 μ m at 980-nm illumination. The modulation frequency dependence of the EDMR signal shows that the energy of the optical excitation strongly modulates the kinetics of the underlying spin-dependent recombination (SDR) process. Careful tuning of the optical photon energy could therefore be used to control both the subset of spin pairs contributing to the EDMR signal and the dynamics of the SDR process.

Creation of diffraction-limited non-Airy multifocal arrays using a spatially shifted vortex beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Han; Gu, Min

2013-02-01

Diffraction-limited non-Airy multifocal arrays are created by focusing a phase-modulated vortex beam through a high numerical-aperture objective. The modulated phase at the back aperture of the objective resulting from the superposition of two concentric phase-modulated vortex beams allows for the generation of a multifocal array of cylindrically polarized non-Airy patterns. Furthermore, we shift the spatial positions of the phase vortices to manipulate the intensity distribution at each focal spot, leading to the creation of a multifocal array of split-ring patterns. Our method is experimentally validated by generating the predicted phase modulation through a spatial light modulator. Consequently, the spatially shifted circularly polarized vortex beam adopted in a dynamic laser direct writing system facilitates the fabrication of a split-ring microstructure array in a polymer material by a single exposure of a femtosecond laser beam.

5W intracavity frequency-doubled green laser for laser projection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Boxia; Bi, Yong; Li, Shu; Wang, Dongdong; Wang, Dongzhou; Qi, Yan; Fang, Tao

2014-11-01

High power green laser has many applications such as high brightness laser projection and large screen laser theater. A compact and high power green-light source has been developed in diode-pumped solid-state laser based on MgO doped periodically poled LiNbO3 (MgO:PPLN). 5W fiber coupled green laser is achieved by dual path Nd:YVO4/MgO:PPLN intra-cacity frequency-doubled. Single green laser maximum power 2.8W at 532nm is obtained by a 5.5W LD pumped, MgO:PPLN dimensions is 5mm(width)×1mm(thickness)×2mm(length), and the optical to optical conversion efficiency is 51%. The second LD series connected with the one LD, the second path green laser is obtained using the same method. Then the second path light overlap with the first path by the reflection mirrors, then couple into the fiber with a focus mirror. Dual of LD, Nd:YVO4, MgO:PPLN are placed on the same heat sink using a TEC cooling, the operating temperature bandwidth is about 12°C and the stablity is 5% in 96h. A 50×50×17mm3 laser module which generated continuous-wave 5 W green light with high efficiency and width temperature range is demonstrated.

Polyplanar optical display electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeSanto, Leonard; Biscardi, Cyrus

1997-07-01

The polyplanar optical display (POD) is a unique display screen which can be used with any projection source. The prototype ten inch display is two inches thick and has a matte black face which allows for high contrast images. The prototype being developed is a form, fit and functional replacement display for the B-52 aircraft which uses a monochrome ten-inch display. In order to achieve a long lifetime, the new display uses a 100 milliwatt green solid- state laser at 532 nm as its light source. To produce real- time video, the laser light is being modulated by a digital light processing (DLP) chip manufactured by Texas Instruments. In order to use the solid-state laser as the light source and also fit within the constraints of the B-52 display, the digital micromirror device (DMD) circuit board is removed from the Texas Instruments DLP light engine assembly. Due to the compact architecture of the projection system within the display chassis, the DMD chip is operated remotely from the Texas Instruments circuit board. We discuss the operation of the DMD divorced from the light engine and the interfacing of the DMD board with various video formats including the format specific to the B-52 aircraft. A brief discussion of the electronics required to drive the laser is also presented.

Scanning thin-sheet laser imaging microscopy (sTSLIM) with structured illumination and HiLo background rejection.

PubMed Central

Schröter, Tobias J.; Johnson, Shane B.; John, Kerstin; Santi, Peter A.

2011-01-01

We report replacement of one side of a static illumination, dual sided, thin-sheet laser imaging microscope (TSLIM) with an intensity modulated laser scanner in order to implement structured illumination (SI) and HiLo image demodulation techniques for background rejection. The new system is equipped with one static and one scanned light-sheet and is called a scanning thin-sheet laser imaging microscope (sTSLIM). It is an optimized version of a light-sheet fluorescent microscope that is designed to image large specimens (<15 mm in diameter). In this paper we describe the hardware and software modifications to TSLIM that allow for static and uniform light-sheet illumination with SI and HiLo image demodulation. The static light-sheet has a thickness of 3.2 µm; whereas, the scanned side has a light-sheet thickness of 4.2 µm. The scanned side images specimens with subcellular resolution (<1 µm lateral and <4 µm axial resolution) with a size up to 15 mm. SI and HiLo produce superior contrast compared to both the uniform static and scanned light-sheets. HiLo contrast was greater than SI and is faster and more robust than SI because as it produces images in two-thirds of the time and exhibits fewer intensity streaking artifacts. PMID:22254177

Experimental simulation of ranging action using Si photonic crystal modulator and optical antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furukado, Yuya; Abe, Hiroshi; Hinakura, Yosuke; Baba, Toshihiko

2018-02-01

Time of flight LiDARs are used for auto-driving of vehicles, while FMCW LiDARs potentially achieve a higher sensitivity. In this study, we fabricated and tested each component of a FMCW LiDAR based on Si photonics and experimentally simulated the ranging action. Here, we drove a Si photonic crystal slow light modulator with linearly frequency-chirped signal in the frequency band of 500-1000 MHz and a repetition frequency of 100 kHz, to generate FM-signal light from a narrow-linewidth laser source. Next, we branched the signal light into two paths. One was inserted into a fiber delay line of 20-320 m and its output was irradiated to a photonic crystal slow beam steering device acting as an optical antenna via the free-space transmission. When the irradiation angle was optimized so that the antenna gain took maximum for a set laser wavelength, light was efficiently coupled into the antenna. We mixed the light output from the antenna with reference light of the other path with no delay, and detected it by balanced photodiodes. We observed a beat signal whose frequency well agreed with the theoretical value predicted from the length of the delay line. Thus, we succeeded in the experimental simulation of the FMCW LiDAR. We also observed a spectral sequence around the beat spectrum, in which the inter-frequency spacing equals the repetition frequency and corresponds to a range resolution of 30 cm which will be improved by expanding the modulation bandwidth.

Ultrashort high-brightness pulses from storage rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Shaukat

2017-09-01

The brightness of short-wavelength radiation from accelerator-based sources can be increased by coherent emission in which the radiation intensity scales with the number of contributing electrons squared. This requires a microbunched longitudinal electron distribution, which is the case in free-electron lasers. The brightness of light sources based on electron storage rings was steadily improved, but could profit further from coherent emission. The modulation of the electron energy by a continuous-wave laser field may provide steady-state microbunching in the infrared regime. For shorter wavelengths, the energy modulation can be converted into a temporary density modulation by a dispersive chicane. One particular goal is coherent emission from a very short "slice" within an electron bunch in order to produce ultrashort radiation pulses with high brightness.

Enhanced dielectric-wall linear accelerator

DOEpatents

Sampayan, S.E.; Caporaso, G.J.; Kirbie, H.C.

1998-09-22

A dielectric-wall linear accelerator is enhanced by a high-voltage, fast e-time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators. A high voltage is placed between the electrodes sufficient to stress the voltage breakdown of the insulator on command. A light trigger, such as a laser, is focused along at least one line along the edge surface of the laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators extending between the electrodes. The laser is energized to initiate a surface breakdown by a fluence of photons, thus causing the electrical switch to close very promptly. Such insulators and lasers are incorporated in a dielectric wall linear accelerator with Blumlein modules, and phasing is controlled by adjusting the length of fiber optic cables that carry the laser light to the insulator surface. 6 figs.

Enhanced dielectric-wall linear accelerator

DOEpatents

Sampayan, Stephen E.; Caporaso, George J.; Kirbie, Hugh C.

1998-01-01

A dielectric-wall linear accelerator is enhanced by a high-voltage, fast e-time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators. A high voltage is placed between the electrodes sufficient to stress the voltage breakdown of the insulator on command. A light trigger, such as a laser, is focused along at least one line along the edge surface of the laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators extending between the electrodes. The laser is energized to initiate a surface breakdown by a fluence of photons, thus causing the electrical switch to close very promptly. Such insulators and lasers are incorporated in a dielectric wall linear accelerator with Blumlein modules, and phasing is controlled by adjusting the length of fiber optic cables that carry the laser light to the insulator surface.

Vacuum-surface flashover switch with cantilever conductors

DOEpatents

Caporaso, George J.; Sampayan, Stephen E.; Kirbie, Hugh C.

2001-01-01

A dielectric-wall linear accelerator is improved by a high-voltage, fast rise-time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators. A high voltage is placed between the electrodes sufficient to stress the voltage breakdown of the insulator on command. A light trigger, such as a laser, is focused along at least one line along the edge surface of the laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators extending between the electrodes. The laser is energized to initiate a surface breakdown by a fluence of photons, thus causing the electrical switch to close very promptly. Such insulators and lasers are incorporated in a dielectric wall linear accelerator with Blumlein modules, and phasing is controlled by adjusting the length of fiber optic cables that carry the laser light to the insulator surface.

Parallel phase-sensitive three-dimensional imaging camera

DOEpatents

Smithpeter, Colin L.; Hoover, Eddie R.; Pain, Bedabrata; Hancock, Bruce R.; Nellums, Robert O.

2007-09-25

An apparatus is disclosed for generating a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a scene illuminated by a pulsed light source (e.g. a laser or light-emitting diode). The apparatus, referred to as a phase-sensitive 3-D imaging camera utilizes a two-dimensional (2-D) array of photodetectors to receive light that is reflected or scattered from the scene and processes an electrical output signal from each photodetector in the 2-D array in parallel using multiple modulators, each having inputs of the photodetector output signal and a reference signal, with the reference signal provided to each modulator having a different phase delay. The output from each modulator is provided to a computational unit which can be used to generate intensity and range information for use in generating a 3-D image of the scene. The 3-D camera is capable of generating a 3-D image using a single pulse of light, or alternately can be used to generate subsequent 3-D images with each additional pulse of light.

Reshaping a multimode laser beam into a constructed Gaussian beam for generating a thin light sheet.

PubMed

Saghafi, Saiedeh; Haghi-Danaloo, Nikoo; Becker, Klaus; Sabdyusheva, Inna; Foroughipour, Massih; Hahn, Christian; Pende, Marko; Wanis, Martina; Bergmann, Michael; Stift, Judith; Hegedus, Balazs; Dome, Balazs; Dodt, Hans-Ulrich

2018-06-01

Based on the modal analysis method, we developed a model that describes the output beam of a diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) laser emitting a multimode beam. Measuring the output beam profile in the near field and at the constructed far field the individual modes, their respective contributions, and their optical parameters are determined. Using this information, the beam is optically reshaped into a quasi-Gaussian beam by the interference and superposition of the various modes. This process is controlled by a mode modulator unit that includes different meso-aspheric elements and a soft-aperture. The converted beam is guided into a second optical unit comprising achromatic-aspheric elements to produce a thin light sheet for ultramicroscopy. We found that this light sheet is markedly thinner and exhibits less side shoulders compared with a light sheet directly generated from the output of a DPSS multimode laser. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Biophotonics published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

System and method for measuring particles in a sample stream of a flow cytometer using a low power laser source

DOEpatents

Graves, Steven W; Habbersett, Robert C

2013-10-22

A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.

System and method for measuring particles in a sample stream of a flow cytometer using low-power laser source

DOEpatents

Graves, Steven W.; Habbersett, Robert C.

2014-07-01

A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.

System and method for measuring particles in a sample stream of a flow cytometer using low-power laser source

DOEpatents

Graves, Steven W.; Habbersett, Robert C.

2016-11-15

A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.

Characterising laser beams with liquid crystal displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dudley, Angela; Naidoo, Darryl; Forbes, Andrew

2016-02-01

We show how one can determine the various properties of light, from the modal content of laser beams to decoding the information stored in optical fields carrying orbital angular momentum, by performing a modal decomposition. Although the modal decomposition of light has been known for a long time, applied mostly to pattern recognition, we illustrate how this technique can be implemented with the use of liquid-crystal displays. We show experimentally how liquid crystal displays can be used to infer the intensity, phase, wavefront, Poynting vector, and orbital angular momentum density of unknown optical fields. This measurement technique makes use of a single spatial light modulator (liquid crystal display), a Fourier transforming lens and detector (CCD or photo-diode). Such a diagnostic tool is extremely relevant to the real-time analysis of solid-state and fibre laser systems as well as mode division multiplexing as an emerging technology in optical communication.

Polychromatic wave-optics models for image-plane speckle. 2. Unresolved objects.

PubMed

Van Zandt, Noah R; Spencer, Mark F; Steinbock, Michael J; Anderson, Brian M; Hyde, Milo W; Fiorino, Steven T

2018-05-20

Polychromatic laser light can reduce speckle noise in many wavefront-sensing and imaging applications. To help quantify the achievable reduction in speckle noise, this study investigates the accuracy of three polychromatic wave-optics models under the specific conditions of an unresolved object. Because existing theory assumes a well-resolved object, laboratory experiments are used to evaluate model accuracy. The three models use Monte-Carlo averaging, depth slicing, and spectral slicing, respectively, to simulate the laser-object interaction. The experiments involve spoiling the temporal coherence of laser light via a fiber-based, electro-optic modulator. After the light scatters off of the rough object, speckle statistics are measured. The Monte-Carlo method is found to be highly inaccurate, while depth-slicing error peaks at 7.8% but is generally much lower in comparison. The spectral-slicing method is the most accurate, always producing results within the error bounds of the experiment.

Developing a compact multiple laser diode combiner with a single fiber stub output for handheld IoT devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Minseok; June, Seunghyeok; Kim, Sehwan

2018-01-01

Many biomedical applications require an efficient combination and localization of multiple discrete light sources ( e.g., fluorescence and absorbance imaging). We present a compact 6 channel combiner that couples the output of independent solid-state light sources into a single 400-μm-diameter fiber stub for handheld Internet of Things (IoT) devices. We demonstrate average coupling efficiencies > 80% for each of the 6 laser diodes installed into the prototype. The design supports the use of continuous wave and intensity-modulated laser diodes. This fiber-stub-type beam combiner could be used to construct custom multi-wavelength sources for tissue oximeters, microscopes and molecular imaging technologies. In order to validate its suitability, we applied the developed fiber-stub-type beam combiner to a multi-wavelength light source for a handheld IoT device and demonstrated its feasibility for smart healthcare through a tumor-mimicking silicon phantom.

Using a fast dual-wavelength imaging ellipsometric system to measure the flow thickness profile of an oil thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Chih-Wei; Han, Chien-Yuan; Jhou, Jhe-Yi; Peng, Zeng-Yi

2017-11-01

Dual-wavelength light sources with stroboscopic illumination technique were applied in a process of photoelastic modulated ellipsometry to retrieve two-dimensional ellipsometric parameters of thin films on a silicon substrate. Two laser diodes were alternately switched on and modulated by a programmable pulse generator to generate four short pulses at specific temporal phase angles in a modulation cycle, and short pulses were used to freeze the intensity variation of the PEM modulated signal that allows ellipsometric images to be captured by a charge-coupled device. Although the phase retardation of a photoelastic modulator is related to the light wavelength, we employed an equivalent phase retardation technique to avoid any setting from the photoelastic modulator. As a result, the ellipsometric parameters of different wavelengths may be rapidly obtained using this dual-wavelength ellipsometric system every 4 s. Both static and dynamic experiments are demonstrated in this work.

JPRS report: Science and technology. Central Eurasia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1995-02-01

Translated articles cover the following topics: laser-controlled rotary microwave waveguide junction; optical pulse-phase modulation of semiconductor laser; amplitude-phase distortions of light beam obliquely propagating through ground layer of troposphere; antenna arrays with ultrafast beam scanning; materials for a walk on moon; textile-wood-coal briquette path to capitalism; and development of automated system for scientific research and design of heat and mass transfer processes.

Electronic band-gap modified passive silicon optical modulator at telecommunications wavelengths.

PubMed

Zhang, Rui; Yu, Haohai; Zhang, Huaijin; Liu, Xiangdong; Lu, Qingming; Wang, Jiyang

2015-11-13

The silicon optical modulator is considered to be the workhorse of a revolution in communications. In recent years, the capabilities of externally driven active silicon optical modulators have dramatically improved. Self-driven passive modulators, especially passive silicon modulators, possess advantages in compactness, integration, low-cost, etc. Constrained by a large indirect band-gap and sensitivity-related loss, the passive silicon optical modulator is scarce and has been not advancing, especially at telecommunications wavelengths. Here, a passive silicon optical modulator is fabricated by introducing an impurity band in the electronic band-gap, and its nonlinear optics and applications in the telecommunications-wavelength lasers are investigated. The saturable absorption properties at the wavelength of 1.55 μm was measured and indicates that the sample is quite sensitive to light intensity and has negligible absorption loss. With a passive silicon modulator, pulsed lasers were constructed at wavelengths at 1.34 and 1.42 μm. It is concluded that the sensitive self-driven passive silicon optical modulator is a viable candidate for photonics applications out to 2.5 μm.

Investigation of the thermal and optical performance of a spatial light modulator with high average power picosecond laser exposure for materials processing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, G.; Whitehead, D.; Perrie, W.; Allegre, O. J.; Olle, V.; Li, Q.; Tang, Y.; Dawson, K.; Jin, Y.; Edwardson, S. P.; Li, L.; Dearden, G.

2018-03-01

Spatial light modulators (SLMs) addressed with computer generated holograms (CGHs) can create structured light fields on demand when an incident laser beam is diffracted by a phase CGH. The power handling limitations of these devices based on a liquid crystal layer has always been of some concern. With careful engineering of chip thermal management, we report the detailed optical phase and temperature response of a liquid cooled SLM exposed to picosecond laser powers up to 〈P〉  =  220 W at 1064 nm. This information is critical for determining device performance at high laser powers. SLM chip temperature rose linearly with incident laser exposure, increasing by only 5 °C at 〈P〉  =  220 W incident power, measured with a thermal imaging camera. Thermal response time with continuous exposure was 1-2 s. The optical phase response with incident power approaches 2π radians with average power up to 〈P〉  =  130 W, hence the operational limit, while above this power, liquid crystal thickness variations limit phase response to just over π radians. Modelling of the thermal and phase response with exposure is also presented, supporting experimental observations well. These remarkable performance characteristics show that liquid crystal based SLM technology is highly robust when efficiently cooled. High speed, multi-beam plasmonic surface micro-structuring at a rate R  =  8 cm2 s-1 is achieved on polished metal surfaces at 〈P〉  =  25 W exposure while diffractive, multi-beam surface ablation with average power 〈P〉  =100 W on stainless steel is demonstrated with ablation rate of ~4 mm3 min-1. However, above 130 W, first order diffraction efficiency drops significantly in accord with the observed operational limit. Continuous exposure for a period of 45 min at a laser power of 〈P〉  =  160 W did not result in any detectable drop in diffraction efficiency, confirmed afterwards by the efficient parallel beam processing at 〈P〉  =  100 W. Hence, no permanent changes in SLM phase response characteristics have been detected. This research work will help to accelerate the use of liquid crystal spatial light modulators for both scientific and ultra high throughput laser-materials micro-structuring applications.

Excimer laser: a module of the alopecia areata common protocol.

PubMed

McMichael, Amy J

2013-12-01

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition characterized by T cell-mediated attack of the hair follicle. The inciting antigenic stimulus is unknown. A dense perbulbar lymphocytic infiltrate and reproducible immunologic abnormalities are hallmark features of the condition. The cellular infiltrate primarily consists of activated T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting Langerhans cells. The xenon chloride excimer laser emits its total energy at the wavelength of 308 nm and therefore is regarded as a "super-narrowband" UVB light source. Excimer laser treatment is highly effective in psoriasis, another T cell-mediated disorder that shares many immunologic features with AA. The excimer laser is superior in inducing T cell apoptosis in vitro compared with narrowband UVB, with paralleled improved clinical efficacy. The excimer laser has been used successfully in patients with AA. In this context, evaluation of the potential benefit of 308-nm excimer laser therapy in the treatment of AA is clinically warranted. Herein, the use of a common treatment protocol with a specifically designed module to study the outcome of excimer laser treatment on moderate-to-severe scalp AA in adults is described.

The HMDS Coating Flaw Removal Tool

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

Monticelli, M V; Nostrand, M C; Mehta, N

2008-10-24

In many high energy laser systems, optics with HMDS sol gel antireflective coatings are placed in close proximity to each other making them particularly susceptible to certain types of strong optical interactions. During the coating process, halo shaped coating flaws develop around surface digs and particles. Depending on the shape and size of the flaw, the extent of laser light intensity modulation and consequent probability of damaging downstream optics may increase significantly. To prevent these defects from causing damage, a coating flaw removal tool was developed that deploys a spot of decane with a syringe and dissolves away the coatingmore » flaw. The residual liquid is evacuated leaving an uncoated circular spot approximately 1mm in diameter. The resulting uncoated region causes little light intensity modulation and thus has a low probability of causing damage in optics downstream from the mitigated flaw site.« less

Intensity autocorrelation measurements of frequency combs in the terahertz range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benea-Chelmus, Ileana-Cristina; Rösch, Markus; Scalari, Giacomo; Beck, Mattias; Faist, Jérôme

2017-09-01

We report on direct measurements of the emission character of quantum cascade laser based frequency combs, using intensity autocorrelation. Our implementation is based on fast electro-optic sampling, with a detection spectral bandwidth matching the emission bandwidth of the comb laser, around 2.5 THz. We find the output of these frequency combs to be continuous even in the locked regime, but accompanied by a strong intensity modulation. Moreover, with our record temporal resolution of only few hundreds of femtoseconds, we can resolve correlated intensity modulation occurring on time scales as short as the gain recovery time, about 4 ps. By direct comparison with pulsed terahertz light originating from a photoconductive emitter, we demonstrate the peculiar emission pattern of these lasers. The measurement technique is self-referenced and ultrafast, and requires no reconstruction. It will be of significant importance in future measurements of ultrashort pulses from quantum cascade lasers.

Cost-effective large-scale fabrication of diffractive optical elements by using conventional semiconducting processes.

PubMed

Yoo, Seunghwan; Song, Ho Young; Lee, Junghoon; Jang, Cheol-Yong; Jeong, Hakgeun

2012-11-20

In this article, we introduce a simple fabrication method for SiO(2)-based thin diffractive optical elements (DOEs) that uses the conventional processes widely used in the semiconductor industry. Photolithography and an inductively coupled plasma etching technique are easy and cost-effective methods for fabricating subnanometer-scale and thin DOEs with a refractive index of 1.45, based on SiO(2). After fabricating DOEs, we confirmed the shape of the output light emitted from the laser diode light source and applied to a light-emitting diode (LED) module. The results represent a new approach to mass-produce DOEs and realize a high-brightness LED module.

Matched Template Signal Processing for Continuous Wave Laser Tracking of Space Debris

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raj, S.; Ward, R.; Roberts, L.; Fleddermann, R.; Francis, S.; McClellend, D.; Shaddock, D.; Smith, C.

2016-09-01

The build up of space junk in Earth's orbit space is a growing concern as it shares the same orbit as many currently active satellites. As the number of objects increase in these orbits, the likelihood of collisions between satellites and debris will increase [1]. The eventual goal is to be able to maneuver space debris to avoid such collisions. We at SERC aim to accomplish this by using ground based laser facilities that are already being used to track space debris orbit. One potential method to maneuver space debris is using continuous wave lasers and applying photon pressure on the debris and attempt to change the orbit. However most current laser ranging facilities operates using pulsed lasers where a pulse of light is sent out and the time taken for the pulse to return back to the telescope is measured after being reflected by the target. If space debris maneuvering is carried out with a continuous wave laser then two laser sources need to be used for ranging and maneuvering. The aim of this research is to develop a laser ranging system that is compatible with the continuous wave laser; using the same laser source to simultaneously track and maneuver space debris. We aim to accomplish this by modulating the outgoing laser light with pseudo random noise (PRN) codes, time tagging the outgoing light, and utilising a matched filter at the receiver end to extract the various orbital information of the debris.

Design and characterization of a novel power over fiber system integrating a high power diode laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perales, Mico; Yang, Mei-huan; Wu, Cheng-liang; Hsu, Chin-wei; Chao, Wei-sheng; Chen, Kun-hsein; Zahuranec, Terry

2017-02-01

High power 9xx nm diode lasers along with MH GoPower's (MHGP's) flexible line of Photovoltaic Power Converters (PPCs) are spurring high power applications for power over fiber (PoF), including applications for powering remote sensors and sensors monitoring high voltage equipment, powering high voltage IGBT gate drivers, converters used in RF over Fiber (RFoF) systems, and system power applications, including powering UAVs. In PoF, laser power is transmitted over fiber, and is converted to electricity by photovoltaic cells (packaged into Photovoltaic Power Converters, or PPCs) which efficiently convert the laser light. In this research, we design a high power multi-channel PoF system, incorporating a high power 976 nm diode laser, a cabling system with fiber break detection, and a multichannel PPC-module. We then characterizes system features such as its response time to system commands, the PPC module's electrical output stability, the PPC-module's thermal response, the fiber break detection system response, and the diode laser optical output stability. The high power PoF system and this research will serve as a scalable model for those interested in researching, developing, or deploying a high power, voltage isolated, and optically driven power source for high reliability utility, communications, defense, and scientific applications.

Shine on: Review of Laser- and Light-Based Therapies for the Treatment of Burn Scars

PubMed Central

Hultman, C. Scott; Edkins, Renee E.; Lee, Clara N.; Calvert, Catherine T.; Cairns, Bruce A.

2012-01-01

Restoration of form and function after burn injury remains challenging, but emerging laser and pulsed light technologies now offer hope for patients with hypertrophic scars, which may be associated with persistent hyperemia, chronic folliculitis, intense pruritis, and neuropathic pain. In addition to impairing body image, these scars may limit functional recovery, compromise activities of daily living, and prevent return to work. Three different platforms are now poised to alter our reconstructive algorithm: (1) vascular-specific pulsed dye laser (PDL) to reduce hyperemia, (2) ablative fractional CO2 laser to improve texture and pliability of the burn scar, and (3) intense pulsed light (IPL) to correct burn scar dyschromia and alleviate chronic folliculitis. In this paper, we will provide an overview of our work in this area, which includes a systematic review, a retrospective analysis of our preliminary experience, and interim data from our on-going, prospective, before-after cohort trial. We will demonstrate that laser- and light-based therapies can be combined with each other safely to yield superior results, often at lower cost, by reducing the need for reconstructive surgery. Modulating the burn scar, through minimally invasive modalities, may replace conventional methods of burn scar excision and yield outcomes not previously possible or conceivable. PMID:22778719

Optical key system

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

Hagans, K.G.; Clough, R.E.

2000-04-25

An optical key system comprises a battery-operated optical key and an isolated lock that derives both its operating power and unlock signals from the correct optical key. A light emitting diode or laser diode is included within the optical key and is connected to transmit a bit-serial password. The key user physically enters either the code-to-transmit directly, or an index to a pseudorandom number code, in the key. Such person identification numbers can be retained permanently, or ephemeral. When a send button is pressed, the key transmits a beam of light modulated with the password information. The modulated beam ofmore » light is received by a corresponding optical lock with a photovoltaic cell that produces enough power from the beam of light to operate a password-screen digital logic. In one application, an acceptable password allows a two watt power laser diode to pump ignition and timing information over a fiberoptic cable into a sealed engine compartment. The receipt of a good password allows the fuel pump, spark, and starter systems to each operate. Therefore, bypassing the lock mechanism as is now routine with automobile thieves is pointless because the engine is so thoroughly disabled.« less

Optical key system

DOEpatents

Hagans, Karla G.; Clough, Robert E.

2000-01-01

An optical key system comprises a battery-operated optical key and an isolated lock that derives both its operating power and unlock signals from the correct optical key. A light emitting diode or laser diode is included within the optical key and is connected to transmit a bit-serial password. The key user physically enters either the code-to-transmit directly, or an index to a pseudorandom number code, in the key. Such person identification numbers can be retained permanently, or ephemeral. When a send button is pressed, the key transmits a beam of light modulated with the password information. The modulated beam of light is received by a corresponding optical lock with a photovoltaic cell that produces enough power from the beam of light to operate a password-screen digital logic. In one application, an acceptable password allows a two watt power laser diode to pump ignition and timing information over a fiberoptic cable into a sealed engine compartment. The receipt of a good password allows the fuel pump, spark, and starter systems to each operate. Therefore, bypassing the lock mechanism as is now routine with automobile thieves is pointless because the engine is so thoroughly disabled.

Simultaneous two-dimensional laser-induced-fluorescence measurements of argon ions.

PubMed

Hansen, A K; Galante, Matthew; McCarren, Dustin; Sears, Stephanie; Scime, E E

2010-10-01

Recent laser upgrades on the Hot Helicon Experiment at West Virginia University have enabled multiplexed simultaneous measurements of the ion velocity distribution function at a single location, expanding our capabilities in laser-induced fluorescence diagnostics. The laser output is split into two beams, each modulated with an optical chopper and injected perpendicular and parallel to the magnetic field. Light from the crossing point of the beams is transported to a narrow-band photomultiplier tube filtered at the fluorescence wavelength and monitored by two lock-in amplifiers, each referenced to one of the two chopper frequencies.

An Open-path Laser Transmissometer for Atmospheric Extinction Measurements

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

Chandran, P. M. Satheesh; Krishnakumar, C. P.; Varma, Ravi

2011-10-20

A transmissometer is an optical instrument which measures transmitted intensity of monochromatic light over a fixed pathlength. Prototype of a simple laser transmissometer has been developed for transmission (or extinction) measurements through suspended absorbers and scatterers in the atmosphere over tens of meters. Instrument consists of a continuous green diode pumped solid state laser, transmission optics, photodiode detectors and A/D data acquisition components. A modulated laser beam is transmitted and subsequently reflected and returned to the unit by a retroreflecting mirror assembly placed several tens of meters away. Results from an open-path field measurement of the instrument are described.

A Low-Cost Miniaturized Laser Heterodyne Radiometer (Mini-LHR) for Near-ir Measurements of CO2 and CH4 in the Atmospheric Column

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steel, Emily Wilson

2016-01-01

The miniaturized laser heterodyne radiometer (mini-LHR) is a ground-based passive variation of a laser heterodyne radiometer that uses sunlight to measure absorption of CO2 andCH4 in the infrared. Sunlight is collected using collimation optics mounted to an AERONET sun tracker, modulated with a fiber switch and mixed with infrared laser light in a fast photoreciever.The amplitude of the resultant RF (radio frequency) beat signal correlates with the concentration of the gas in the atmospheric column.

High frequency optical communications; Proceedings of the Meeting, Cambridge, MA, Sept. 23, 24, 1986

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramer, O. Glenn; Sierak, Paul

Topics discussed in this volume include systems and applications, detectors, sources, and coherent communications. Papers are presented on RF fiber optic links for avionics applications, fiber optics and optoelectronics for radar and electronic warfare applications, symmetric coplanar electrodes for high-speed Ti:LiNbO3 devices, and surface wave electrooptic modulator. Attention is given to X-band RF fiber-optic links, fiber-optic links for microwave signal transmission, GaAs monolithic receiver and laser driver for GHz transmission rates, and monolithically integrable high-speed photodetectors. Additional papers are on irregular and chaotic behavior of semiconductor lasers under modulation, high-frequency laser package for microwave optical communications, receiver modeling for coherent light wave communications, and polarization sensors and controllers for coherent optical communication systems.

Overview on new diode lasers for defense applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neukum, Joerg

2012-11-01

Diode lasers have a broad wavelength range, from the visible to beyond 2.2μm. This allows for various applications in the defense sector, ranging from classic pumping of DPSSL in range finders or target designators, up to pumping directed energy weapons in the 50+ kW range. Also direct diode applications for illumination above 1.55μm, or direct IR countermeasures are of interest. Here an overview is given on some new wavelengths and applications which are recently under discussion. In this overview the following aspects are reviewed: • High Power CW pumps at 808 / 880 / 940nm • Pumps for DPAL - Diode Pumped Alkali Lasers • High Power Diode Lasers in the range < 1.0 μm • Scalable Mini-Bar concept for high brightness fiber coupled modules • The Light Weight Fiber Coupled module based on the Mini-Bar concept Overall, High Power Diode Lasers offer many ways to be used in new applications in the defense market.

Laser dynamics: The system dynamics and network theory of optoelectronic integrated circuit design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarng, Tom Shinming-T. K.

Laser dynamics is the system dynamics, communication and network theory for the design of opto-electronic integrated circuit (OEIC). Combining the optical network theory and optical communication theory, the system analysis and design for the OEIC fundamental building blocks is considered. These building blocks include the direct current modulation, inject light modulation, wideband filter, super-gain optical amplifier, E/O and O/O optical bistability and current-controlled optical oscillator. Based on the rate equations, the phase diagram and phase portrait analysis is applied to the theoretical studies and numerical simulation. The OEIC system design methodologies are developed for the OEIC design. Stimulating-field-dependent rate equations are used to model the line-width narrowing/broadening mechanism for the CW mode and frequency chirp of semiconductor lasers. The momentary spectra are carrier-density-dependent. Furthermore, the phase portrait analysis and the nonlinear refractive index is used to simulate the single mode frequency chirp. The average spectra of chaos, period doubling, period pulsing, multi-loops and analog modulation are generated and analyzed. The bifurcation-chirp design chart with modulation depth and modulation frequency as parameters is provided for design purpose.

High power, high efficiency, continuous-wave supercontinuum generation using standard telecom fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arun, S.; Choudhury, Vishal; Balaswamy, V.; Prakash, Roopa; Supradeepa, V. R.

2018-04-01

We demonstrate a simple module for octave spanning continuous-wave supercontinuum generation using standard telecom fiber. This module can accept any high power Ytterbium-doped fiber laser as input. The input light is transferred into the anomalous dispersion region of the telecom fiber through a cascade of Raman shifts. A recently proposed Raman laser architecture with distributed feedback efficiently performs these Raman conversions. A spectrum spanning over 1000nm(>1 octave) from 880-1900nm is demonstrated. The average power from the supercontinuum is ~34W with a high conversion efficiency of 44%. Input wavelength agility is demonstrated with similar supercontinua over a wide input wavelength range.

Measuring of nonlinear properties of spatial light modulator with different wavelengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalid, Farah G.; Younis Al-Dabagh, Samar; Ahmed, Sudad S.; Mahmood, Aseel I.; Al-Naimee, Kais

2018-05-01

The non-linear optical properties of Spatial Light Modulator(SLM) represented by Nonlinear Refractive Index (NLR) and nonlinear Absorption coefficient has been measured in this work using highly sensitive method known as Z-scan technique for different wavelengths (red and green). The capability to do instant measurements of different nonlinear optical parameters lead to consider these techniques as a one of the most desired and effective methods that could apply for different materials. The results showed that the NLR were in the same power for the different wavelengths while the nonlinear absorption is higher in case of green laser.

Semiconductor optoelectronic devices for free-space optical communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katz, J.

1983-01-01

The properties of individual injection lasers are reviewed, and devices of greater complexity are described. These either include or are relevant to monolithic integration configurations of the lasers with their electronic driving circuitry, power combining methods of semiconductor lasers, and electronic methods of steering the radiation patterns of semiconductor lasers and laser arrays. The potential of AlGaAs laser technology for free-space optical communications systems is demonstrated. These solid-state components, which can generate and modulate light, combine the power of a number of sources and perform at least part of the beam pointing functions. Methods are proposed for overcoming the main drawback of semiconductor lasers, that is, their inability to emit the needed amount of optical power in a single-mode operation.

Solid State Research, 1975:4

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-11-15

2.8kA/cm for broad- area devices, has been achieved for Ga. In As, _ P /inP double-heterostructure 1 -x x 1 -y y diode lasers emitting ... LIGHT (b) reverse-biasing the p -n~ junction). This should facilitate the fabrication of modulators and switches using electroabsorption and...temperature operation of Ga In As, P /inP double-heterostructure (DH) diode lasers has been achieved. Broad-area devices emitting at 1.1

Experimental and Computational Characterization of Combustion Phenomena

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

combustors without installing glass , quartz, or sapphire windows when using terahertz radiation. To explore the potential diagnostics utility of T...laser was reduced using a Spectra-Physics Model 3980 pulse selector. This device employs a TeO2 acousto-optic modulator to select subsets of pulses...equipped with a UG-11 and two WG-295 colored glass filters to reduce visible and laser-scattered light, respectively. OH-PLIF images were acquired

Arenani: pointing and information query system for object beyond your reach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adachi, Mariko; Sakamoto, Kunio

2008-03-01

The authors developed a prototype information query system. It is easy to get the information about an object with in your reach. But it is troublesome to do the same in case that the object is far away. If someone is around you, you can ask an easy question with a finger pointing; "What is that?" Our developed system also realizes this approach using information technologies. The system consists of a laser pointer, transmitter and receiver units for an optical communication. The laser pointer is used for pointing an object. Moreover this laser light is modulated for sending information about user's identification (ID) codes to identify who asks a question. Each object has a receiver for laser light communication and sends user's identification to a main computer. After pointing an object, a questioner receives an answer through a wireless information network like an email on the cellular phone.

Wavelength-Agile External-Cavity Diode Laser for DWDM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pilgrim, Jeffrey S.; Bomse, David S.

2006-01-01

A prototype external-cavity diode laser (ECDL) has been developed for communication systems utilizing dense wavelength- division multiplexing (DWDM). This ECDL is an updated version of the ECDL reported in Wavelength-Agile External- Cavity Diode Laser (LEW-17090), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 25, No. 11 (November 2001), page 14a. To recapitulate: The wavelength-agile ECDL combines the stability of an external-cavity laser with the wavelength agility of a diode laser. Wavelength is modulated by modulating the injection current of the diode-laser gain element. The external cavity is a Littman-Metcalf resonator, in which the zeroth-order output from a diffraction grating is used as the laser output and the first-order-diffracted light is retro-reflected by a cavity feedback mirror, which establishes one end of the resonator. The other end of the resonator is the output surface of a Fabry-Perot resonator that constitutes the diode-laser gain element. Wavelength is selected by choosing the angle of the diffracted return beam, as determined by position of the feedback mirror. The present wavelength-agile ECDL is distinguished by design details that enable coverage of all 60 channels, separated by 100-GHz frequency intervals, that are specified in DWDM standards.

Ultrafast Pulse Generation in an Organic Nanoparticle-Array Laser.

PubMed

Daskalakis, Konstantinos S; Väkeväinen, Aaro I; Martikainen, Jani-Petri; Hakala, Tommi K; Törmä, Päivi

2018-04-11

Nanoscale coherent light sources offer potentially ultrafast modulation speeds, which could be utilized for novel sensors and optical switches. Plasmonic periodic structures combined with organic gain materials have emerged as promising candidates for such nanolasers. Their plasmonic component provides high intensity and ultrafast nanoscale-confined electric fields, while organic gain materials offer fabrication flexibility and a low acquisition cost. Despite reports on lasing in plasmonic arrays, lasing dynamics in these structures have not been experimentally studied yet. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, an organic dye nanoparticle-array laser with more than a 100 GHz modulation bandwidth. We show that the lasing modulation speed can be tuned by the array parameters. Accelerated dynamics is observed for plasmonic lasing modes at the blue side of the dye emission.

An Electro-Optic Spatial Light Modulator for Thermoelastic Generation of Programmably Focused Ultrasound.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-01

The concept proposed is an electro - optic technique that would make it possible to spatially modulate a high power pulsed laser beam to thermoelastically induce focused ultrasound in a test material. Being a purely electro - optic device, the modulator, and therefore the depth at which the acoustic focus occurs, can be programmed electronically at electronic speeds. If successful, it would become possible to scan ultrasound continuously in three dimensions within the component or structure under test. (Author)

An electro-optic spatial light modulator for thermoelastic generation of programmably focused ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1984-12-01

The concept proposed is an electro-optic technique that would make it possible to spatially modulate a high power pulsed laser beam to thermoelastically induce focused ultrasound in a test material. Being a purely electro-optic device, the modulator, and therefore the depth at which the acoustic focus occurs, can be programmed electronically at electronic speeds. If successful, it would become possible to scan ultrasound continuously in three dimensions within the component or structure under test.

Scanning thin-sheet laser imaging microscopy (sTSLIM) with structured illumination and HiLo background rejection.

PubMed

Schröter, Tobias J; Johnson, Shane B; John, Kerstin; Santi, Peter A

2012-01-01

We report replacement of one side of a static illumination, dual sided, thin-sheet laser imaging microscope (TSLIM) with an intensity modulated laser scanner in order to implement structured illumination (SI) and HiLo image demodulation techniques for background rejection. The new system is equipped with one static and one scanned light-sheet and is called a scanning thin-sheet laser imaging microscope (sTSLIM). It is an optimized version of a light-sheet fluorescent microscope that is designed to image large specimens (<15 mm in diameter). In this paper we describe the hardware and software modifications to TSLIM that allow for static and uniform light-sheet illumination with SI and HiLo image demodulation. The static light-sheet has a thickness of 3.2 µm; whereas, the scanned side has a light-sheet thickness of 4.2 µm. The scanned side images specimens with subcellular resolution (<1 µm lateral and <4 µm axial resolution) with a size up to 15 mm. SI and HiLo produce superior contrast compared to both the uniform static and scanned light-sheets. HiLo contrast was greater than SI and is faster and more robust than SI because as it produces images in two-thirds of the time and exhibits fewer intensity streaking artifacts. 2011 Optical Society of America

Model-based review of Doppler global velocimetry techniques with laser frequency modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, Andreas

2017-06-01

Optical measurements of flow velocity fields are of crucial importance to understand the behavior of complex flow. One flow field measurement technique is Doppler global velocimetry (DGV). A large variety of different DGV approaches exist, e.g., applying different kinds of laser frequency modulation. In order to investigate the measurement capabilities especially of the newer DGV approaches with laser frequency modulation, a model-based review of all DGV measurement principles is performed. The DGV principles can be categorized by the respective number of required time steps. The systematic review of all DGV principle reveals drawbacks and benefits of the different measurement approaches with respect to the temporal resolution, the spatial resolution and the measurement range. Furthermore, the Cramér-Rao bound for photon shot is calculated and discussed, which represents a fundamental limit of the achievable measurement uncertainty. As a result, all DGV techniques provide similar minimal uncertainty limits. With Nphotons as the number of scattered photons, the minimal standard deviation of the flow velocity reads about 106 m / s /√{Nphotons } , which was calculated for a perpendicular arrangement of the illumination and observation direction and a laser wavelength of 895 nm. As a further result, the signal processing efficiencies are determined with a Monte-Carlo simulation. Except for the newest correlation-based DGV method, the signal processing algorithms are already optimal or near the optimum. Finally, the different DGV approaches are compared regarding errors due to temporal variations of the scattered light intensity and the flow velocity. The influence of a linear variation of the scattered light intensity can be reduced by maximizing the number of time steps, because this means to acquire more information for the correction of this systematic effect. However, more time steps can result in a flow velocity measurement with a lower temporal resolution, when operating at the maximal frame rate of the camera. DGV without laser frequency modulation then provides the highest temporal resolutions and is not sensitive with respect to temporal variations but with respect to spatial variations of the scattered light intensity. In contrast to this, all DGV variants suffer from velocity variations during the measurement. In summary, the experimental conditions and the measurement task finally decide about the ideal choice from the reviewed DGV methods.

Swept optical SSB-SC modulation technique for high-resolution large-dynamic-range static strain measurement using FBG-FP sensors.

PubMed

Huang, Wenzhu; Zhang, Wentao; Li, Fang

2015-04-01

This Letter presents a static strain demodulation technique for FBG-FP sensors using a suppressed carrier LiNbO(3) (LN) optical single sideband (SSB-SC) modulator. A narrow-linewidth tunable laser source is generated by driving the modulator using a linear chirp signal. Then this tunable single-frequency laser is used to interrogate the FBG-FP sensors with the Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) technique, which is beneficial to eliminate the influence of light intensity fluctuation of the modulator at different tuning frequencies. The static strain is demodulated by calculating the wavelength difference of the PDH signals between the sensing FBG-FP sensor and the reference FBG-FP sensor. As an experimental result using the modulator, the linearity (R²) of the time-frequency response increases from 0.989 to 0.997, and the frequency-swept range (dynamic range) increases from hundreds of MHz to several GHz compared with commercial PZT-tunable lasers. The high-linearity time-wavelength relationship of the modulator is beneficial for improving the strain measurement resolution, as it can solve the problem of the frequency-swept nonlinearity effectively. In the laboratory test, a 0.67 nanostrain static strain resolution, with a 6 GHz dynamic range, is demonstrated.

Programming Nanoparticles in Multiscale: Optically Modulated Assembly and Phase Switching of Silicon Nanoparticle Array.

PubMed

Wang, Letian; Rho, Yoonsoo; Shou, Wan; Hong, Sukjoon; Kato, Kimihiko; Eliceiri, Matthew; Shi, Meng; Grigoropoulos, Costas P; Pan, Heng; Carraro, Carlo; Qi, Dongfeng

2018-03-27

Manipulating and tuning nanoparticles by means of optical field interactions is of key interest for nanoscience and applications in electronics and photonics. We report scalable, direct, and optically modulated writing of nanoparticle patterns (size, number, and location) of high precision using a pulsed nanosecond laser. The complex nanoparticle arrangement is modulated by the laser pulse energy and polarization with the particle size ranging from 60 to 330 nm. Furthermore, we report fast cooling-rate induced phase switching of crystalline Si nanoparticles to the amorphous state. Such phase switching has usually been observed in compound phase change materials like GeSbTe. The ensuing modification of atomic structure leads to dielectric constant switching. Based on these effects, a multiscale laser-assisted method of fabricating Mie resonator arrays is proposed. The number of Mie resonators, as well as the resonance peaks and dielectric constants of selected resonators, can be programmed. The programmable light-matter interaction serves as a mechanism to fabricate optical metasurfaces, structural color, and multidimensional optical storage devices.

40-Gb/s directly-modulated photonic crystal lasers under optical injection-locking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chin-Hui; Takeda, Koji; Shinya, Akihiko; Nozaki, Kengo; Sato, Tomonari; Kawaguchi, Yoshihiro; Notomi, Masaya; Matsuo, Shinji

2011-08-01

CMOS integrated circuits (IC) usually requires high data bandwidth for off-chip input/output (I/O) data transport with sufficiently low power consumption in order to overcome pin-count limitation. In order to meet future requirements of photonic network interconnect, we propose an optical output device based on an optical injection-locked photonic crystal (PhC) laser to realize low-power and high-speed off-chip interconnects. This device enables ultralow-power operation and is suitable for highly integrated photonic circuits because of its strong light-matter interaction in the PhC nanocavity and ultra-compact size. High-speed operation is achieved by using the optical injection-locking (OIL) technique, which has been shown as an effective means to enhance modulation bandwidth beyond the relaxation resonance frequency limit. In this paper, we report experimental results of the OIL-PhC laser under various injection conditions and also demonstrate 40-Gb/s large-signal direct modulation with an ultralow energy consumption of 6.6 fJ/bit.

Dense blocks of energetic ions driven by multi-petawatt lasers

PubMed Central

Weng, S. M.; Liu, M.; Sheng, Z. M.; Murakami, M.; Chen, M.; Yu, L. L.; Zhang, J.

2016-01-01

Laser-driven ion accelerators have the advantages of compact size, high density, and short bunch duration over conventional accelerators. Nevertheless, it is still challenging to simultaneously enhance the yield and quality of laser-driven ion beams for practical applications. Here we propose a scheme to address this challenge via the use of emerging multi-petawatt lasers and a density-modulated target. The density-modulated target permits its ions to be uniformly accelerated as a dense block by laser radiation pressure. In addition, the beam quality of the accelerated ions is remarkably improved by embedding the target in a thick enough substrate, which suppresses hot electron refluxing and thus alleviates plasma heating. Particle-in-cell simulations demonstrate that almost all ions in a solid-density plasma of a few microns can be uniformly accelerated to about 25% of the speed of light by a laser pulse at an intensity around 1022 W/cm2. The resulting dense block of energetic ions may drive fusion ignition and more generally create matter with unprecedented high energy density. PMID:26924793

Space Optical Communications Using Laser Beam Amplification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agrawal, Govind

2015-01-01

The Space Optical Communications Using Laser Beam Amplification (SOCLBA) project will provide a capability to amplify a laser beam that is received in a modulating retro-reflector (MRR) located in a satellite in low Earth orbit. It will also improve the pointing procedure between Earth and spacecraft terminals. The technology uses laser arrays to strengthen the reflected laser beam from the spacecraft. The results of first year's work (2014) show amplification factors of 60 times the power of the signal beam. MMRs are mirrors that reflect light beams back to the source. In space optical communications, a high-powered laser interrogator beam is directed from the ground to a satellite. Within the satellite, the beam is redirected back to ground using the MMR. In the MMR, the beam passes through modulators, which encode a data signal onto the returning beam. MMRs can be used in small spacecraft for optical communications. The SOCLBA project is significant to NASA and small spacecraft due to its application to CubeSats for optical data transmission to ground stations, as well as possible application to spacecraft for optical data transmission.

Retro-modulators and fast beam steering for free-space optical communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Trevor Keith

Free-space optical (FSO) communications is a means of secure, high bandwidth communication through the use of a modulated laser beam in free-space as the information medium. The chaotic nature of the atmosphere and the motion of the communication nodes make laser alignment a crucial concern. The employment of retro-reflecting modulators makes the bidirectional quality of a communication link into a one sided alignment problem. While there are existing retro-reflecting modulators, their trade-offs create a lack of abilities (such as aperture size, angular range, high modulation speeds, economic viability) which do not fulfill the requirements for certain applications. Also, the beam must be directed towards the intended receiver. Form mobile or scintillated communication links, beam direction must be adaptable in real time. Once again, this area suffers from trade-offs where beamsteering speed is often limited. Research used to mitigate the trade-offs and adapt the devices into viable options for a wider range of applications is explored in this dissertation. Two forms of retro-modulators were explored; a MEMS deformable mirror retro-modulator and a solid silicon retro-modulator that modulated the light by frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR). The MEMS version offered a high speed, scalable, wavelength/angle insensitive retro-modulator which can be massed produced at low cost, while the solid retro-modulator offered a large field of view with low cost as well. Both modulator's design, simulated performances, fabrication and experimental characterization are described in this dissertation. An ultra-fast beamscanner was also designed using 2-dimensional dispersion. By using wavelength switching for directional control, a beamscanner was developed that could switch light faster than pre-existing beamscanners while the beams characteristics (most importantly its aperture) could be freely adjusted by the independent optics. This beamscanner was preceded by our work on a large channel wavelength demultiplexer which combined two orthogonally oriented wavelength demultiplexers. This created a 2-dimensional array of spots in free-space. The light was directed be a collimating lens into a specific direction based on its wavelength. The performance of this beamscanner was simulated by modeling the dispersive properties of the components.

High efficiency and good beam quality of electro-optic, cavity-dumped and double-end pumped Nd:YLF laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, X. X.; Fan, Z. W.; Qiu, J. S.; Lian, F. Q.; Zhang, X. L.

2012-06-01

In this paper, we describe a Nd:YLF laser based on high-speed RTP electro-optical cavity dumping technique. Two home-made 150 W fiber pump modules are used from both sides to pump Nd:YLF crystal. Coupling systems are the key elements in end-pumped solid-state lasers, the aberrations of which greatly affect the efficiency of the lasers. In order to get high efficient and good quality laser output, the optical software ZEMAX is used to design a four-piece coupling system. When the pumped energy is 32 mJ at the repetition rate of 1 Hz, the output energy is 6.5 mJ with 2.5 ns pulse width. When the pumped energy is 13.1 W at the repetition rate of 200 Hz, the output energy is 2.2 W with small M 2 factor where M {/x 2} is 1.04, and M {/y 2} is 1.05, and the light-light conversion efficiency is up to 16.8%.

Low-Light-Shift Cesium Fountain without Mechanical Shutters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Enzer, Daphna

2008-01-01

A new technique for reducing errors in a laser-cooled cesium fountain frequency standard provides for strong suppression of the light shift without need for mechanical shutters. Because mechanical shutters are typically susceptible to failure after operating times of the order of months, the elimination of mechanical shutters could contribute significantly to the reliability of frequency standards that are required to function continuously for longer time intervals. With respect to the operation of an atomic-fountain frequency standard, the term "light shift" denotes an undesired relative shift in the two energy levels of the atoms (in this case, cesium atoms) in the atomic fountain during interrogation by microwaves. The shift in energy levels translates to a frequency shift that reduces the precision and possibly accuracy of the frequency standard. For reasons too complex to describe within the space available for this article, the light shift is caused by any laser light that reaches the atoms during the microwave- interrogation period, but is strongest for near-resonance light. In the absence of any mitigating design feature, the light shift, expressed as a fraction of the standard fs frequency, could be as large as approx. 2 x 10(exp -11), the largest error in the standard. In a typical prior design, to suppress light shift, the intensity of laser light is reduced during the interrogation period by using a single-pass acoustooptic modulator to deflect the majority of light away from the main optical path. Mechanical shutters are used to block the remaining undeflected light to ensure complete attenuation. Without shutters, this remaining undeflected light could cause a light shift of as much as .10.15, which is unacceptably large in some applications. The new technique implemented here involves additionally shifting the laser wavelength off resonance by a relatively large amount (typically of the order of nanometers) during microwave interrogation. In this design, when microwave interrogation is not underway, the atoms are illuminated by a slave laser locked to the lasing frequency of a lower power master laser.

Modulated Sine Waves for Differential Absorption Measurements Using a CW Laser System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Joel F. (Inventor); Lin, Bing (Inventor); Nehrir, Amin R. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A continuous wave Light Detection and Ranging (CW LiDAR) system utilizes two or more laser frequencies and time or range shifted pseudorandom noise (PN) codes to discriminate between the laser frequencies. The performance of these codes can be improved by subtracting out the bias before processing. The CW LiDAR system may be mounted to an artificial satellite orbiting the earth, and the relative strength of the return signal for each frequency can be utilized to determine the concentration of selected gases or other substances in the atmosphere.

Continued advances in high brightness fiber-coupled laser modules for efficient pumping of fiber and solid-state lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hemenway, M.; Chen, Z.; Urbanek, W.; Dawson, D.; Bao, L.; Kanskar, M.; DeVito, M.; Martinsen, R.

2018-02-01

Both the fibber laser and diode-pumped solid-state laser market continue to drive advances in pump diode module brightness. We report on the continued progress by nLIGHT to develop and deliver the highest brightness diode-laser pumps using single-emitter technology. Continued advances in multimode laser diode technology [13] and fiber-coupling techniques have enabled higher emitter counts in the element packages, enabling us to demonstrate 305 W into 105 μm - 0.16 NA. This brightness improvement is achieved by leveraging our prior-reported package re-optimization, allowing an increase in the emitter count from two rows of nine emitters to two rows of twelve emitters. Leveraging the two rows off twelve emitter architecture,, product development has commenced on a 400 W into 200 μm - 00.16 NA package. Additionally, the advances in pump technology intended for CW Yb-doped fiber laser pumping has been leveraged to develop the highest brightness 793 nm pump modules for 2 μm Thulium fiber laser pumping, generating 150 W into 200 μm - 0.18 NA and 100 W into 105 μm - 0.15 NA. Lastly, renewed interest in direct diode materials processing led us to experiment with wavelength multiplexing our existing state of the art 200 W, 105 μm - 00.15 NA package into a combined output of 395 WW into 105 μm - 0.16 NA.

Diffraction Gratings for High-Intensity Laser Applications

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

Britten, J

The scattering of light into wavelength-dependent discrete directions (orders) by a device exhibiting a periodic modulation of a physical attribute on a spatial scale similar to the wavelength of light has been the subject of study for over 200 years. Such a device is called a diffraction grating. Practical applications of diffraction gratings, mainly for spectroscopy, have been around for over 100 years. The importance of diffraction gratings in spectroscopy for the measurement of myriad properties of matter can hardly be overestimated. Since the advent of coherent light sources (lasers) in the 1960's, applications of diffraction gratings in spectroscopy havemore » further exploded. Lasers have opened a vast application space for gratings, and apace, gratings have enabled entirely new classes of laser systems. Excellent reviews of the history, fundamental properties, applications and manufacturing techniques of diffraction gratings up to the time of their publication can be found in the books by Hutley (1) and more recently Loewen and Popov (2). The limited scope of this chapter can hardly do justice to such a comprehensive subject, so the focus here will be narrowly limited to characteristics required for gratings suitable for high-power laser applications, and methods to fabricate them. A particular area of emphasis will be on maximally-efficient large-aperture gratings for short-pulse laser generation.« less

Nonlinear Focal Modulation Microscopy.

PubMed

Zhao, Guangyuan; Zheng, Cheng; Kuang, Cuifang; Zhou, Renjie; Kabir, Mohammad M; Toussaint, Kimani C; Wang, Wensheng; Xu, Liang; Li, Haifeng; Xiu, Peng; Liu, Xu

2018-05-11

We demonstrate nonlinear focal modulation microscopy (NFOMM) to achieve superresolution imaging. Traditional approaches to superresolution that utilize point scanning often rely on spatially reducing the size of the emission pattern by directly narrowing (e.g., through minimizing the detection pinhole in Airyscan, Zeiss) or indirectly peeling its outer profiles [e.g., through depleting the outer emission region in stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy]. We show that an alternative conceptualization that focuses on maximizing the optical system's frequency shifting ability offers advantages in further improving resolution while reducing system complexity. In NFOMM, a spatial light modulator and a suitably intense laser illumination are used to implement nonlinear focal-field modulation to achieve a transverse spatial resolution of ∼60  nm (∼λ/10). We show that NFOMM is comparable with STED microscopy and suitable for fundamental biology studies, as evidenced in imaging nuclear pore complexes, tubulin and vimentin in Vero cells. Since NFOMM is readily implemented as an add-on module to a laser-scanning microscope, we anticipate wide utility of this new imaging technique.

Nonlinear Focal Modulation Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Guangyuan; Zheng, Cheng; Kuang, Cuifang; Zhou, Renjie; Kabir, Mohammad M.; Toussaint, Kimani C.; Wang, Wensheng; Xu, Liang; Li, Haifeng; Xiu, Peng; Liu, Xu

2018-05-01

We demonstrate nonlinear focal modulation microscopy (NFOMM) to achieve superresolution imaging. Traditional approaches to superresolution that utilize point scanning often rely on spatially reducing the size of the emission pattern by directly narrowing (e.g., through minimizing the detection pinhole in Airyscan, Zeiss) or indirectly peeling its outer profiles [e.g., through depleting the outer emission region in stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy]. We show that an alternative conceptualization that focuses on maximizing the optical system's frequency shifting ability offers advantages in further improving resolution while reducing system complexity. In NFOMM, a spatial light modulator and a suitably intense laser illumination are used to implement nonlinear focal-field modulation to achieve a transverse spatial resolution of ˜60 nm (˜λ /10 ). We show that NFOMM is comparable with STED microscopy and suitable for fundamental biology studies, as evidenced in imaging nuclear pore complexes, tubulin and vimentin in Vero cells. Since NFOMM is readily implemented as an add-on module to a laser-scanning microscope, we anticipate wide utility of this new imaging technique.

Air-coupled laser vibrometry: analysis and applications.

PubMed

Solodov, Igor; Döring, Daniel; Busse, Gerd

2009-03-01

Acousto-optic interaction between a narrow laser beam and acoustic waves in air is analyzed theoretically. The photoelastic relation in air is used to derive the phase modulation of laser light in air-coupled reflection vibrometry induced by angular spatial spectral components comprising the acoustic beam. Maximum interaction was found for the zero spatial acoustic component propagating normal to the laser beam. The angular dependence of the imaging efficiency is determined for the axial and nonaxial acoustic components with the regard for the laser beam steering in the scanning mode. The sensitivity of air-coupled vibrometry is compared with conventional "Doppler" reflection vibrometry. Applications of the methodology for visualization of linear and nonlinear air-coupled fields are demonstrated.

Polarization switching of sodium guide star laser for brightness enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Tingwei; Zhou, Tianhua; Feng, Yan

2016-07-01

The efficiency of optical pumping that enhances the brightness of sodium laser guide star with circularly polarized light is reduced substantially due to the precession of sodium atoms in geomagnetic field. Switching the laser between left and right circular polarization at the Larmor frequency is proposed to improve the photon return. With ESO's cw laser guide star system at Paranal as example, numerical simulation for both square-wave and sine-wave polarization modulation is conducted. For the square-wave switching case, the return flux is increased when the angle between geomagnetic field and laser beam is larger than 60°, as much as 40% at 90°. The method can also be applied for remote measurement of magnetic field with available cw guide star laser.

Nonlinear Brightness Optimization in Compton Scattering

DOE PAGES

Hartemann, Fred V.; Wu, Sheldon S. Q.

2013-07-26

In Compton scattering light sources, a laser pulse is scattered by a relativistic electron beam to generate tunable x and gamma rays. Because of the inhomogeneous nature of the incident radiation, the relativistic Lorentz boost of the electrons is modulated by the ponderomotive force during the interaction, leading to intrinsic spectral broadening and brightness limitations. We discuss these effects, along with an optimization strategy to properly balance the laser bandwidth, diffraction, and nonlinear ponderomotive force.

Laser color recording unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, E.

1984-05-01

A color recording unit was designed for output and control of digitized picture data within computer controlled reproduction and picture processing systems. In order to get a color proof picture of high quality similar to a color print, together with reduced time and material consumption, a photographic color film material was exposed pixelwise by modulated laser beams of three wavelengths for red, green and blue light. Components of different manufacturers for lasers, acousto-optic modulators and polygon mirrors were tested, also different recording methods as (continuous tone mode or screened mode and with a drum or flatbed recording principle). Besides the application for the graphic arts - the proof recorder CPR 403 with continuous tone color recording with a drum scanner - such a color hardcopy peripheral unit with large picture formats and high resolution can be used in medicine, communication, and satellite picture processing.

Scanning Tunneling Optical Resonance Microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, Sheila; Wilt, Dave; Raffaelle, Ryne; Gennett, Tom; Tin, Padetha; Lau, Janice; Castro, Stephanie; Jenkins, Philip; Scheiman, Dave

2003-01-01

Scanning tunneling optical resonance microscopy (STORM) is a method, now undergoing development, for measuring optoelectronic properties of materials and devices on the nanoscale by means of a combination of (1) traditional scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) with (2) tunable laser spectroscopy. In STORM, an STM tip probing a semiconductor is illuminated with modulated light at a wavelength in the visible-to-near-infrared range and the resulting photoenhancement of the tunneling current is measured as a function of the illuminating wavelength. The photoenhancement of tunneling current occurs when the laser photon energy is sufficient to excite charge carriers into the conduction band of the semiconductor. Figure 1 schematically depicts a proposed STORM apparatus. The light for illuminating the semiconductor specimen at the STM would be generated by a ring laser that would be tunable across the wavelength range of interest. The laser beam would be chopped by an achromatic liquid-crystal modulator. A polarization-maintaining optical fiber would couple the light to the tip/sample junction of a commercial STM. An STM can be operated in one of two modes: constant height or constant current. A STORM apparatus would be operated in the constant-current mode, in which the height of the tip relative to the specimen would be varied in order to keep the tunneling current constant. In this mode, a feedback control circuit adjusts the voltage applied to a piezoelectric actuator in the STM that adjusts the height of the STM tip to keep the tunneling current constant. The exponential relationship between the tunneling current and tip-to-sample distance makes it relatively easy to implement this mode of operation. The choice of method by which the photoenhanced portion of the tunneling current would be measured depends on choice of the frequency at which the input illumination would be modulated (chopped). If the frequency of modulation were low enough (typically < 10 Hz) that the feedback circuit could respond, then the voltage applied to the piezoelectric tip-height actuator could be measured by use of a lock-in amplifier locked to the modulation (chopping) signal. However, at a high modulation frequency (typically in the kilohertz range or higher), the feedback circuit would be unable to respond. In this case, the photoenhanced portion of the tunneling current could be measured directly. For this purpose, the tunneling current would be passed through a precise resistor and the voltage drop would be measured by use of the lock-in amplifier.

Betatron x-ray radiation in the self-modulated wakefield acceleration regime (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albert, Felicie

2017-05-01

Betatron x-ray radiation, driven by electrons from laser-wakefield acceleration, has unique properties to probe high energy density (HED) plasmas and warm dense matter. Betatron radiation is produced when relativistic electrons oscillate in the plasma wake of a laser pulse. Its properties are similar to those of synchrotron radiation, with a 1000 fold shorter pulse. This presentation will focus on the experimental challenges and results related to the development of betatron radiation in the self modulated regime of laser wakefield acceleration. We observed multi keV Betatron x-rays from a self-modulated laser wakefield accelerator. The experiment was performed at the Jupiter Laser Facility, LLNL, by focusing the Titan short pulse beam (4-150 J, 1 ps) onto the edge of a Helium gas jet at electronic densities around 1019 cm-3. For the first time on this laser system, we used a long focal length optic, which produced a laser normalized potential a0 in the range 1-3. Under these conditions, electrons are accelerated by the plasma wave created in the wake of the light pulse. As a result, intense Raman satellites, which measured shifts depend on the electron plasma density, were observed on the laser spectrum transmitted through the target. Electrons with energies up to 200 MeV, as well as Betatron x-rays with critical energies around 20 keV, were measured. OSIRIS 2D PIC simulations confirm that the electrons gain energy both from the plasma wave and from their interaction with the laser field.

Ultra-low noise optical phase-locked loop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayotte, Simon; Babin, André; Costin, François

2014-03-01

The relative phase between two fiber lasers is controlled via a high performance optical phase-locked loop (OPLL). Two parameters are of particular importance for the design: the intrinsic phase noise of the laser (i.e. its linewidth) and a high-gain, low-noise electronic locking loop. In this work, one of the lowest phase noise fiber lasers commercially available was selected (i.e. NP Photonics Rock fiber laser module), with sub-kHz linewidth at 1550.12 nm. However, the fast tuning mechanism of such lasers is through stretching its cavity length with a piezoelectric transducer which has a few 10s kHz bandwidth. To further increase the locking loop bandwidth to several MHz, a second tuning mechanism is used by adding a Lithium Niobate phase modulator in the laser signal path. The OPLL is thus divided into two locking loops, a slow loop acting on the laser piezoelectric transducer and a fast loop acting on the phase modulator. The beat signal between the two phase-locked lasers yields a highly pure sine wave with an integrated phase error of 0.0012 rad. This is orders of magnitude lower than similar existing systems such as the Laser Synthesizer used for distribution of photonic local oscillator (LO) for the Atacama Large Millimeter Array radio telescope in Chile. Other applications for ultra-low noise OPLL include coherent power combining, Brillouin sensing, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), fiber optic gyroscopes, phased array antenna and beam steering, generation of LOs for next generation coherent communication systems, coherent analog optical links, terahertz generation and coherent spectroscopy.

Ultrasonic modulation of tissue optical properties in ex vivo porcine skin to improve transmitted transdermal laser intensity.

PubMed

Whiteside, Paul J D; Qian, Chenxi; Golda, Nicholas; Hunt, Heather K

2017-09-01

Applications of light-based energy devices involving optical targets within the dermis frequently experience negative side-effects resultant from surface scattering and excess optical absorption by epidermal melanin. As a broadband optical absorber, melanin decreases the efficacy of light-based treatments throughout the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectra while also generating additional heat within the surface tissue that can lead to inflammation or tissue damage. Consequently, procedures may be performed using greater energy densities to ensure that the target receives a clinically relevant dose of light; however, such practices are limited, as doing so tends to exacerbate the detrimental complications resulting from melanin absorption of treatment light. The technique presented herein represents an alternative method of operation aimed at increasing epidermal energy fluence while mitigating excess absorption by unintended chromophores. The approach involves the application of continuously pulsed ultrasound to modulate the tissue's optical properties and thereby improve light transmission through the epidermis. To demonstrate the change in optical properties, pulsed light at a wavelength of 532 nm from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was transmitted into 4 mm thick samples of porcine skin, comprised of both epidermal and dermal tissue. The light was transmitted using an optical waveguide, which allowed for an ultrasonic transducer to be incorporated for simultaneous paraxial pulsation in parallel with laser operation. Light transmitted through the tissue was measured by a photodiode attached to an integrating sphere. Increasing the driving voltage of ultrasonic pulsation resulted in an increase in mean transmitted optical power of up to a factor of 1.742 ± 0.0526 times the control, wherein no ultrasound was applied, after which the optical power increase plateaued to an average amplification factor of 1.733 ± 0.549 times the control. The increase implies a reduction in light either back-scattered or absorbed within the tissue, which would allow for a greater proportion of incident energy to be delivered to the clinical target, thereby improving procedural efficacy and potentially reducing the severity of detrimental side-effects. Apparatus Lasers Surg. Med. 49:666-674, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Laser backlight unit based on a leaky optical fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okuda, Yuuto; Onoda, Kousuke; Fujieda, Ichiro

2012-07-01

A backlight unit is constructed by laying out an optical fiber on a two-dimensional plane and letting the light leak out in a controlled manner. In experiment, we formed multiple grooves on the surface of a plastic optical fiber by pressing a heated knife edge. The depth of the groove determined the percentage of the optical power leaking out. The optical fiber with multiple grooves was embedded in an acrylic plate with a spiral trench, and a diffuser sheet was placed over it. When we injected laser light into the end of the optical fiber, this configuration successfully worked as an area illuminator. However, the coherent nature of the laser light caused severe speckle noise. We evaluated the speckle contrast under darkness, and it varied from 80% to 23%, depending on the lens aperture used to capture the images of the illuminator. We glued an ultrasound generator to the optical fiber to introduce phase modulation for the light propagating inside the optical fiber. In this way, the speckle contrast was reduced by a factor of seven to four. Under room lighting, the speckle noise was made barely noticeable by turning on the ultrasound generator.

45 Mbps cat's eye modulating retro-reflector link over 7 Km

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabinovich, W. S.; Mahon, R.; Goetz, P. G.; Swingen, L.; Murphy, J.; Ferraro, M.; Burris, R.; Suite, M.; Moore, C. I.; Gilbreath, G. C.; Binari, S.

2006-09-01

Modulating retro-reflectors (MRR) allow free space optical links with no need for pointing, tracking or a laser on one end of the link. They work by coupling a passive optical retro-reflector with an optical modulator. The most common kind of MRR uses a corner cube retro-reflector. These devices must have a modulator whose active area is as large as the area of the corner cube. This limits the ability to close longer range high speed links because the large aperture need to return sufficient light implies a large modulator capacitance. To overcome this limitation we developed the concept of a cat's eye MRR. Cat's eye MRRs place the modulator in the focal plane of a lens system designed to passively retro-reflect light. Because the light focuses onto the modulator, a small, low capacitance, modulator can be used with a large optical aperture. However, the position of the focal spot varies with the angle of incidence so an array of modulators must be placed in the focal plane, In addition, to avoid having to drive all the modulator pixels, an angle of arrival sensor must be used. We discuss several cat's eye MRR systems with near diffraction limited performance and bandwidths of 45 Mbps. We also discuss a link to a cat's eye MRR over a 7 Km range.

Ultrashort polarization-tailored bichromatic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerbstadt, Stefanie; Englert, Lars; Bayer, Tim; Wollenhaupt, Matthias

2017-06-01

We present a novel concept for the generation of ultrashort polarization-shaped bichromatic laser fields. The scheme utilizes a 4f polarization pulse shaper based on a liquid crystal spatial light modulator for independent amplitude and phase modulation of femtosecond laser pulses. By choice of either a conventional (p) or a composite (p-s) polarizer in the Fourier plane, the shaper setup enables the generation of parallel linearly and orthogonal linearly polarized bichromatic fields. Additional use of a ? wave plate behind the setup yields co-rotating and counter-rotating circularly polarized bichromatic fields. The scheme allows to independently control the spectral amplitude, phase and polarization profile of the output fields, offering an enormous versatility of bichromatic waveforms.

High power, high efficiency, continuous-wave supercontinuum generation using standard telecom fibers.

PubMed

Arun, S; Choudhury, Vishal; Balaswamy, V; Prakash, Roopa; Supradeepa, V R

2018-04-02

We demonstrate a simple module for octave spanning continuous-wave supercontinuum generation using standard telecom fiber. This module can accept any high power ytterbium-doped fiber laser as input. The input light is transferred into the anomalous dispersion region of the telecom fiber through a cascade of Raman shifts. A recently proposed Raman laser architecture with distributed feedback efficiently performs these Raman conversions. A spectrum spanning over 1000nm (>1 octave) from 880 to 1900nm is demonstrated. The average power from the supercontinuum is ~34W with a high conversion efficiency of 44%. Input wavelength agility is demonstrated with similar supercontinua over a wide input wavelength range.

Signal intensity enhancement of laser ablated volume holograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Versnel, J. M.; Williams, C.; Davidson, C. A. B.; Wilkinson, T. D.; Lowe, C. R.

2017-11-01

Conventional volume holographic gratings (VHGs) fabricated in photosensitive emulsions such as gelatin containing silver salts enable the facile visualization of the holographic image in ambient lighting. However, for the fabrication of holographic sensors, which require more defined and chemically-functionalised polymer matrices, laser ablation has been introduced to create the VHGs and thereby broaden their applications, although the replay signal can be challenging to detect in ambient lighting. When traditional photochemical bleaching solutions used to reduce light scattering and modulate refractive index within the VHG are applied to laser ablated volume holographic gratings, these procedures decrease the holographic peak intensity. This is postulated to occur because both light and dark fringes contain a proportion of metal particles, which upon solubilisation are converted immediately to silver iodide, yielding no net refractive index modulation. This research advances a hypothesis that the reduced intensity of holographic replay signals is linked to a gradient of different sized metal particles within the emulsion, which reduces the holographic signal and may explain why traditional bleaching processes result in a reduction in intensity. In this report, a novel experimental protocol is provided, along with simulations based on an effective medium periodic 1D stack, that offers a solution to increase peak signal intensity of holographic sensors by greater than 200%. Nitric acid is used to etch the silver nanoparticles within the polymer matrix and is thought to remove the smaller particles to generate more defined metal fringes containing a soluble metal salt. Once the grating efficiency has been increased, this salt can be converted to a silver halide, to modulate the refractive index and increase the intensity of the holographic signal. This new protocol has been tested in a range of polymer chemistries; those containing functional groups that help to stabilize the metal nanoparticles within the matrix yield more intense holographic signals as the integrity of the fringe is more protected with increasing metal solubility.

Laser-induced periodic surface structures formation: investigation of the effect of nonlinear absorption of laser energy in different materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levy, Yoann; Bulgakova, Nadezhda M.; Mocek, Tomáš

2017-05-01

To get insight into laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) formation, the relaxation of a modulation in the temperature profile is investigated numerically on surfaces of two different kinds of materials (metals and dielectrics; gold and fused silica as examples) upon irradiation by ultrashort laser pulses. The temperature modulation is assumed to originate from the interference between the incoming laser pulse and the surface electromagnetic wave, which is considered as the main mechanism of LIPSS formation. For comparative studies of laser energy dissipation, a simplified 2D approach is used. It is based on the two-temperature model (TTM) and considers the mechanisms of nonlinear absorption of laser light (multiphoton ionization in fused silica; temperature-dependent thermophysical and optical properties in gold) and relaxation (electron trapping to excitonic states in fused silica). The TTM is coupled with the Drude model, considering the evolution of optical properties as a function of free-carrier density and/or temperature. The development and decay of the lattice temperature modulation, which can govern the LIPSS formation, is followed during electron-lattice thermalization time and beyond. It is shown that strong temperature gradients can form along the surfaces of both kinds of materials under study within the fluence range typical for LIPSS formation. Considerable changes in optical properties of these materials are found as a function of time, including metals, for which a constant reflectivity is usually assumed. Effects of nonlinear absorption on the surface temperature dynamics are reported.

Manipulation of Micro Scale Particles in an Optical Trap Using Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seibel, Robin

2002-01-01

This research shows that micro particles can be manipulated via interferometric patterns superimposed on an optical tweezers beam. Interferometry allows the manipulation of intensity distributions, and thus, force distributions on a trapped particle. To demonstrate the feasibility of such manipulation, 458 nm light, from an argon-ion laser, was injected into a Mach Zender interferometer. One mirror in the interferometer was oscillated with a piezoelectric phase modulator. The light from the interferometer was then injected into a microscope to trap a 9.75 micron polystyrene sphere. By varying the phase modulation, the sphere was made to oscillate in a controlled fashion.

Compact and smart laser diode systems for cancer treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svirin, Viatcheslav N.; Sokolov, Victor V.; Solovieva, Tatiana I.

2003-04-01

To win the cancer is one of the most important mankind task to be decided in III Millenium. New technology of treatment is to recognize and kill cancer cells with the laser light not by surgery operation, but by soft painless therapy. Even though from the beginning of the 80s of the last century this technology, so-called photodynamic therapy (PDT) has received acceptance in America, Europe and Asia it is still considered in the medical circles to be a new method with the little-known approaches of cancer treatment. Recently the next step was done, and the unique method of PDT combined with laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) was developed. Compact and smart diode laser apparatus "Modul-GF" for its realization was designed. In this report the concept of this method, experimental materials on clinical trials and ways of optimization of technical decisions and software of apparatus "Modul-GF", including the autotuning of laser power dependently on tissue temperature measured with thermosensors are discussed. The special instruments such as fiber cables and special sensors are described to permit application of "Modul-GF" for the treatment of the tumors of the different localizations, both surface and deeply located with using of the endoscopy method. The examples of the oncological and nononcological pathologies" treatment by the developed method and apparatus in urology, gynecology, gastroenterology, dermatology, cosmetology, bronchology, pulmonology are observed. The results of clinical approval the developed combination of PDT&LITT realized with "Modul-GF" leads to essentially increasing of the treatment effectiveness.

Laser-induced immune modulation inhibits tumor growth in vivo (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ottaviani, Giulia; Martinelli, Valentina; Rupel, Katia; Caronni, Nicoletta; Naseem, Asma; Zandonà, Lorenzo; Perinetti, Giuseppe; Gobbo, Margherita; Di Lenarda, Roberto; Bussani, Rossana; Benvenuti, Federica; Giacca, Mauro; Biasotto, Matteo; Zacchigna, Serena

2017-02-01

Photobiomodulation stands as a recommended therapy for oral mucositis induced by oncological therapies. However, its mechanisms of action and, more importantly, its safety in cancer patients, are still unclear. We assessed cancer cell metabolism and proliferation in vitro and in vivo after exposure to different laser protocols. We exploited both ectopic melanoma and a more physiological oral carcinogenesis mouse model, followed by molecular, histological and immunohistochemical characterization. Laser irradiation resulted in a slightly increase in cell metabolism and proliferation in vitro, albeit each protocol exerted a difference response. Of notice, in vivo laser light reduced tumour growth and invasiveness, indicating e beneficial effect on tumor microenvironment. Laser-treated tumors were surrounded and infiltrated by immune cells, mainly lymphocytes and dendritic cells, paralleled by an enhanced secretion of type I interferons. In contrast, the number of pro-angiogenic macrophages was reduced in response to laser irradiation, with consequent normalization of the tumor vasculature. Based on these finding we have also started exploring the effect of photobiomodulation on lymphocyte response in an experimental model of vaccination. Preliminary data indicate that laser light induced antigen-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses. In conclusion, our data point toward photobiomodulation as an effective strategy to boost the immune response in vivo, with relevant, therapeutic activities in both cancer and vaccination experimental models. These results support the safe use of laser light on cancer patients and open the way to innovative therapeutic opportunities.

Mechanisms of low level light therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamblin, Michael R.; Demidova, Tatiana N.

2006-02-01

The use of low levels of visible or near infrared light for reducing pain, inflammation and edema, promoting healing of wounds, deeper tissues and nerves, and preventing tissue damage has been known for almost forty years since the invention of lasers. Originally thought to be a peculiar property of laser light (soft or cold lasers), the subject has now broadened to include photobiomodulation and photobiostimulation using non-coherent light. Despite many reports of positive findings from experiments conducted in vitro, in animal models and in randomized controlled clinical trials, LLLT remains controversial. This likely is due to two main reasons; firstly the biochemical mechanisms underlying the positive effects are incompletely understood, and secondly the complexity of rationally choosing amongst a large number of illumination parameters such as wavelength, fluence, power density, pulse structure and treatment timing has led to the publication of a number of negative studies as well as many positive ones. In particular a biphasic dose response has been frequently observed where low levels of light have a much better effect than higher levels. This introductory review will cover some of the proposed cellular chromophores responsible for the effect of visible light on mammalian cells, including cytochrome c oxidase (with absorption peaks in the near infrared) and photoactive porphyrins. Mitochondria are thought to be a likely site for the initial effects of light, leading to increased ATP production, modulation of reactive oxygen species and induction of transcription factors. These effects in turn lead to increased cell proliferation and migration (particularly by fibroblasts), modulation in levels of cytokines, growth factors and inflammatory mediators, and increased tissue oxygenation. The results of these biochemical and cellular changes in animals and patients include such benefits as increased healing in chronic wounds, improvements in sports injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome, pain reduction in arthritis and neuropathies, and amelioration of damage after heart attacks, stroke, nerve injury and retinal toxicity.

AOSLO: from benchtop to clinic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yuhua; Poonja, Siddharth; Roorda, Austin

2006-08-01

We present a clinically deployable adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) that features micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) deformable mirror (DM) based adaptive optics (AO) and low coherent light sources. With the miniaturized optical aperture of a μDMS-Multi TM MEMS DM (Boston Micromachines Corporation, Watertown, MA), we were able to develop a compact and robust AOSLO optical system that occupies a 50 cm X 50 cm area on a mobile optical table. We introduced low coherent light sources, which are superluminescent laser diodes (SLD) at 680 nm with 9 nm bandwidth and 840 nm with 50 nm bandwidth, in confocal scanning ophthalmoscopy to eliminate interference artifacts in the images. We selected a photo multiplier tube (PMT) for photon signal detection and designed low noise video signal conditioning circuits. We employed an acoustic-optical (AOM) spatial light modulator to modulate the light beam so that we could avoid unnecessary exposure to the retina or project a specific stimulus pattern onto the retina. The MEMS DM based AO system demonstrated robust performance. The use of low coherent light sources effectively mitigated the interference artifacts in the images and yielded high-fidelity retinal images of contiguous cone mosaic. We imaged patients with inherited retinal degenerations including cone-rod dystrophy (CRD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We have produced high-fidelity, real-time, microscopic views of the living human retina for healthy and diseased eyes.

Optimization of the polyplanar optical display electronics for a monochrome B-52 display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeSanto, Leonard

1998-09-01

The Polyplanar Optical Display (POD) is a unique display screen which can be used with any projection source. The prototype ten-inch display is two inches thick and has a matte black face which allows for high contrast images. The prototype being developed is a form, fit and functional replacement display for the B-52 aircraft which uses a monochrome ten-inch display. In order to achieve a long lifetime, the new display uses a new 200 mW green solid-state laser (10,000 hr. life) at 532 nm as its light source. To produce real-time video, the laser light is being modulated by a Digital Light Processing (DLPTM) chip manufactured by Texas Instruments (TI). In order to use the solid-state laser as the light source and also fit within the constraints of the B-52 display, the Digital Micromirror Device (DMDTM) chip is operated remotely from the Texas Instruments circuit board. In order to achieve increased brightness a monochrome digitizing interface was investigated. The operation of the DMDTM divorced from the light engine and the interfacing of the DMDTM board with the RS-170 video format specific to the B-52 aircraft will be discussed, including the increased brightness of the monochrome digitizing interface. A brief description of the electronics required to drive the new 200 mW laser is also presented.

Laser-driven polyplanar optic display

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

Veligdan, J.T.; Biscardi, C.; Brewster, C.

1998-01-01

The Polyplanar Optical Display (POD) is a unique display screen which can be used with any projection source. This display screen is 2 inches thick and has a matte-black face which allows for high contrast images. The prototype being developed is a form, fit and functional replacement display for the B-52 aircraft which uses a monochrome ten-inch display. The new display uses a 200 milliwatt green solid-state laser (532 nm) as its optical source. In order to produce real-time video, the laser light is being modulated by a Digital Light Processing (DLP) chip manufactured by Texas Instruments, Inc. A variablemore » astigmatic focusing system is used to produce a stigmatic image on the viewing face of the POD. In addition to the optical design, the authors discuss the DLP chip, the optomechanical design and viewing angle characteristics.« less

Laser-driven polyplanar optic display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veligdan, James T.; Beiser, Leo; Biscardi, Cyrus; Brewster, Calvin; DeSanto, Leonard

1998-05-01

The Polyplanar Optical Display (POD) is a unique display screen which can be used with any projection source. This display screen is 2 inches thick and has a matte-black face which allows for high contrast images. The prototype being developed is a form, fit and functional replacement display for the B-52 aircraft which uses a monochrome ten-inch display. The new display uses a 200 milliwatt green solid- state laser (532 nm) as its optical source. In order to produce real-time video, the laser light is being modulated by a Digital Light Processing (DLPTM) chip manufactured by Texas Instruments, Inc. A variable astigmatic focusing system is used to produce a stigmatic image on the viewing face of the POD. In addition to the optical design, we discuss the DLPTM chip, the opto-mechanical design and viewing angle characteristics.

Atmospheric simulation using a liquid crystal wavefront-controlling device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brooks, Matthew R.; Goda, Matthew E.

2004-10-01

Test and evaluation of laser warning devices is important due to the increased use of laser devices in aerial applications. This research consists of an atmospheric aberrating system to enable in-lab testing of various detectors and sensors. This system employs laser light at 632.8nm from a Helium-Neon source and a spatial light modulator (SLM) to cause phase changes using a birefringent liquid crystal material. Measuring outgoing radiation from the SLM using a CCD targetboard and Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor reveals an acceptable resemblance of system output to expected atmospheric theory. Over three turbulence scenarios, an error analysis reveals that turbulence data matches theory. A wave optics computer simulation is created analogous to the lab-bench design. Phase data, intensity data, and a computer simulation affirm lab-bench results so that the aberrating SLM system can be operated confidently.

3D broadband Bubbles Dynamics for the imprinted ablative Rayleigh-Taylor Instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casner, Alexis; Khan, S.; Mailliet, C.; Martinez, D.; Izumi, N.; Le Bel, E.; Remington, B. A.; Masse, L.; Smalyuk, V. A.

2017-10-01

We report on highly nonlinear ablative Rayleigh-Taylor growth measurements of 3D laser imprinted modulations. These experiments are part of the Discovery Science Program on NIF. Planar plastic samples were irradiated by 450 kJ of 3w laser light and the growth of 3D laser imprinted modulations is quantified through face-on radiography. The initial seed of the imprinted RTI is imposed by one beam focused in advance (-300 ps) without any optical smoothing (no CPP, no SSD). For the first time four generations of bubbles were created as larger bubbles overtake and merge with smaller bubbles because of the unprecedented long laser drive (30 ns). The experimental data, analyzed both in real and Fourier space, are compared with classical bubble-merger models, as well as recent theory and simulations predicting 3D bubbles reacceleration due to vorticity accumulation caused by mass ablation. These experiments are of crucial importance for benchmarking 2D and 3D radiation hydrodynamics code for Inertial Confinement Fusion.

Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope using liquid crystal on silicon spatial light modulator: Performance study with involuntary eye movement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Hongxin; Toyoda, Haruyoshi; Inoue, Takashi

2017-09-01

The performance of an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AO-SLO) using a liquid crystal on silicon spatial light modulator and Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor was investigated. The system achieved high-resolution and high-contrast images of human retinas by dynamic compensation for the aberrations in the eyes. Retinal structures such as photoreceptor cells, blood vessels, and nerve fiber bundles, as well as blood flow, could be observed in vivo. We also investigated involuntary eye movements and ascertained microsaccades and drifts using both the retinal images and the aberrations recorded simultaneously. Furthermore, we measured the interframe displacement of retinal images and found that during eye drift, the displacement has a linear relationship with the residual low-order aberration. The estimated duration and cumulative displacement of the drift were within the ranges estimated by a video tracking technique. The AO-SLO would not only be used for the early detection of eye diseases, but would also offer a new approach for involuntary eye movement research.

Speckle reduction methods in laser-based picture projectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akram, M. Nadeem; Chen, Xuyuan

2016-02-01

Laser sources have been promised for many years to be better light sources as compared to traditional lamps or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for projectors, which enable projectors having wide colour gamut for vivid image, super brightness and high contrast for the best picture quality, long lifetime for maintain free operation, mercury free, and low power consumption for green environment. A major technology obstacle in using lasers for projection has been the speckle noise caused by to the coherent nature of the lasers. For speckle reduction, current state of the art solutions apply moving parts with large physical space demand. Solutions beyond the state of the art need to be developed such as integrated optical components, hybrid MOEMS devices, and active phase modulators for compact speckle reduction. In this article, major methods reported in the literature for the speckle reduction in laser projectors are presented and explained. With the advancement in semiconductor lasers with largely reduced cost for the red, green and the blue primary colours, and the developed methods for their speckle reduction, it is hoped that the lasers will be widely utilized in different projector applications in the near future.

An optical fiber guided ultrasonic excitation and sensing system for online monitoring of nuclear power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, J.; Lee, H.; Sohn, H.

2012-05-01

This study presents an embedded laser ultrasonic system for pipeline monitoring under high temperature environment. Recently, laser ultrasonics is becoming popular because of their advantageous characteristics such as (a) noncontact inspection, (b) immunity against electromagnetic interference (EMI), and (c) applicability under high temperature. However, the performance of conventional laser ultrasonic techniques for pipeline monitoring has been limited because many pipelines are covered by insulating materials and target surfaces are inaccessible. To overcome the problem, this study designs an embeddable optical fibers and fixing devices that deliver laser beams from laser sources to a target pipe using embedded optical fibers. For guided wave generation, an optical fiber is furnished with a beam collimator for irradiating a laser beam onto a target structure. The corresponding response is measured based on the principle of laser interferometry. Light from a monochromatic source is colliminated and delivered to a target surface by another optical with a focusing module, and reflected light is transmitted back to the interferometer through the same fiber. The feasibility of the proposed system for embedded ultrasonic measurement has been experimentally verified using a pipe specimen under high temperature.

Polyplanar optical display electronics

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

DeSanto, L.; Biscardi, C.

The Polyplanar Optical Display (POD) is a unique display screen which can be used with any projection source. The prototype ten inch display is two inches thick and has a matte black face which allows for high contrast images. The prototype being developed is a form, fit and functional replacement display for the B-52 aircraft which uses a monochrome ten-inch display. In order to achieve a long lifetime, the new display uses a 100 milliwatt green solid-state laser (10,000 hr. life) at 532 nm as its light source. To produce real-time video, the laser light is being modulated by amore » Digital Light Processing (DLP{trademark}) chip manufactured by Texas Instruments. In order to use the solid-state laser as the light source and also fit within the constraints of the B-52 display, the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD{trademark}) circuit board is removed from the Texas Instruments DLP light engine assembly. Due to the compact architecture of the projection system within the display chassis, the DMD{trademark} chip is operated remotely from the Texas Instruments circuit board. The authors discuss the operation of the DMD{trademark} divorced from the light engine and the interfacing of the DMD{trademark} board with various video formats (CVBS, Y/C or S-video and RGB) including the format specific to the B-52 aircraft. A brief discussion of the electronics required to drive the laser is also presented.« less

Photothermal effect of infrared lasers on ex vivo lamb brain tissues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Özgürün, Baturay; Gülsoy, Murat

2018-02-01

Here, the most suitable infrared laser for a neurosurgery operation is suggested, among 1940-nm thulium fiber, 1470-nm diode, 1070-nm ytterbium fiber and 980-nm diode lasers. Cortical and subcortical ex-vivo lamb brain tissues are exposed to the laser light with the combinations of some laser parameters such as output power, energy density, operation mode (continuous and pulsed-modulated) and operation time. In this way, the greatest ablation efficiency associated with the best neurosurgical laser type can be defined. The research can be divided into two parts; pre-dosimetry and dosimetry studies. The former is used to determine safe operation zones for the dosimetry study by defining coagulation and carbonization onset times for each of the brain tissues. The latter is the main part of this research, and both tissues are exposed to laser irradiation with various energy density levels associated with the output power and operation time. In addition, photo-thermal effects are compared for two laser operation modes, and then coagulation and ablation diameters to calculate the ablation efficiency are measured under a light microscope. Consequently, results are compared graphically and statistically, and it is found that thulium and 1470-nm diode lasers can be utilized as subcortical and cortical tissue ablator devices, respectively.

Method and apparatus for Doppler frequency modulation of radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Margolis, J. S.; Mccleese, D. J.; Shumate, M. S.; Seaman, C. H. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

A method and apparatus are described for frequency modulating radiation, such as from a laser, for optoacoustic detectors, interferometers, heterodyne spectrometers, and similar devices. Two oppositely reciprocating cats-eye retroreflectors are used to Doppler modulate the radiation. By reciprocally moving both retroreflectors, the center of mass is maintained constant to permit smooth operation at many Hertz. By slightly offsetting the axis of one retroreflector relative to the other, multiple passes of a light beam may be achieved for greater Doppler shifts with the same reciprocating motion of the retroreflectors.

Femtosecond laser induced concentric semi-circular periodic surface structures on silicon based on the quasi-plasmonic annular nanostructure.

PubMed

Han, Weina; Liu, Furong; Yuan, Yanping; Li, Xiaowei; Wang, Qingsong; Wang, Shaojun; Jiang, Lan

2018-05-04

In this study, we report polarization-dependent concentric circular periodic surface structures on Si induced by a single shot femtosecond (fs) laser pulse based on pre-processed quasi-plasmonic annular-shaped nanostructure. An abnormal annular-shaped energy deposition of the fundamental fs laser pulse can be found by using dual-wavelength superposition of the fundamental frequency (ω) and the second-harmonic frequency (2ω) of an fs Ti:sapphire laser, which is confirmed by real beam shape detection. Based on the annular-shaped energy distribution of dual-wavelength fs laser, a concentric quasi-plasmonic corral nanostructure can be imprinted on the Au thin film. Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) excitations on the planar metallic nanostructures enable the manipulation of light on subwavelength scales. Thus, the pre-processed concentric quasi-plasmonic corral nanostructure can act as a precursor for the subsequent SPPs excitation and propagation by the fs laser irradiation. Using this technique, polarization-dependent semi-circular periodic surface structures on silicon can be found by the irradiation of fs laser pulse with only one shot. This research provides an additional freedom for the laser induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) modulation based on the modulation of SPPs excitation and propagation, which plays an important role in the formation of LIPSS.

Femtosecond laser induced concentric semi-circular periodic surface structures on silicon based on the quasi-plasmonic annular nanostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Weina; Liu, Furong; Yuan, Yanping; Li, Xiaowei; Wang, Qingsong; Wang, Shaojun; Jiang, Lan

2018-07-01

In this study, we report polarization-dependent concentric circular periodic surface structures on Si induced by a single shot femtosecond (fs) laser pulse based on pre-processed quasi-plasmonic annular-shaped nanostructure. An abnormal annular-shaped energy deposition of the fundamental fs laser pulse can be found by using dual-wavelength superposition of the fundamental frequency (ω) and the second-harmonic frequency (2ω) of an fs Ti:sapphire laser, which is confirmed by real beam shape detection. Based on the annular-shaped energy distribution of dual-wavelength fs laser, a concentric quasi-plasmonic corral nanostructure can be imprinted on the Au thin film. Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) excitations on the planar metallic nanostructures enable the manipulation of light on subwavelength scales. Thus, the pre-processed concentric quasi-plasmonic corral nanostructure can act as a precursor for the subsequent SPPs excitation and propagation by the fs laser irradiation. Using this technique, polarization-dependent semi-circular periodic surface structures on silicon can be found by the irradiation of fs laser pulse with only one shot. This research provides an additional freedom for the laser induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) modulation based on the modulation of SPPs excitation and propagation, which plays an important role in the formation of LIPSS.

All-optical diffractive/transmissive switch based on coupled cycloidal diffractive waveplates.

PubMed

Serak, Svetlana V; Hakobyan, Rafael S; Nersisyan, Sarik R; Tabiryan, Nelson V; White, Timothy J; Bunning, Timothy J; Steeves, Diane M; Kimball, Brian R

2012-02-27

Pairs of cycloidal diffractive waveplates can be used to doubly diffract or collinearly propagate laser radiation of the appropriate wavelength. The use of a dynamic phase retarder placed in between the pair can be utilized to switch between the two optical states. We present results from the implementation of an azo-based retarder whose optical properties can be modulated using light itself. We show fast and efficient switching between the two states for both CW and single nanosecond laser pulses of green radiation. Contrasts greater than 100:1 were achieved. The temporal response as a function of light intensity is presented and the optical switching is shown to be polarization independent.

Superluminescent light emitting diodes: the best out of two worlds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rossetti, M.; Napierala, J.; Matuschek, N.; Achatz, U.; Duelk, M.; Vélez, C.; Castiglia, A.; Grandjean, N.; Dorsaz, J.; Feltin, E.

2012-03-01

Since pico-projectors were starting to become the next electronic "must-have" gadget, the experts were discussing which light-source technology seems to be the best for the existing three major projection approaches for the optical scanning module such as digital light processing, liquid crystal on silica and laser beam steering. Both so-far used light source technologies have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Though laser-based pico-projectors are focus-free and deliver a wider color gamut, their major disadvantages are speckle noise, cost and safety issues. In contrast, projectors based on cheaper Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) as light source are criticized for a lack of brightness and for having limited focus. Superluminescent Light Emitting Diodes (SLEDs) are temporally incoherent and spatially coherent light sources merging in one technology the advantages of both Laser Diodes (LDs) and LEDs. With almost no visible speckle noise, focus-free operation and potentially the same color gamut than LDs, SLEDs could potentially answer the question which light source to use in future projector applications. In this quest for the best light source, we realized visible SLEDs emitting both in the red and blue spectral region. While the technology required for the realization of red emitters is already well established, III-nitride compounds required for blue emission have experienced a major development only in relatively recent times and the technology is still under development. The present paper is a review of the status of development reached for the blue superluminescent diodes based on the GaN material system.

Hybrid Silicon Photonic Integration using Quantum Well Intermixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Siddharth R.

With the push for faster data transfer across all domains of telecommunication, optical interconnects are transitioning into shorter range applications such as in data centers and personal computing. Silicon photonics, with its economic advantages of leveraging well-established silicon manufacturing facilities, is considered the most promising approach to further scale down the cost and size of optical interconnects for chip-to-chip communication. Intrinsic properties of silicon however limit its ability to generate and modulate light, both of which are key to realizing on-chip optical data transfer. The hybrid silicon approach directly addresses this problem by using molecularly bonded III-V epitaxial layers on silicon for optical gain and absorption. This technology includes direct transfer of III-V wafer to a pre-patterned silicon-on-insulator wafer. Several discrete devices for light generation, modulation, amplification and detection have already been demonstrated on this platform. As in the case of electronics, multiple photonic elements can be integrated on a single chip to improve performance and functionality. However, scalable photonic integration requires the ability to control the bandgap for individual devices along with design changes to simplify fabrication. In the research presented here, quantum well intermixing is used as a technique to define multiple bandgaps for integration on the hybrid silicon platform. Implantation enhanced disordering is used to generate four bandgaps spread over 120+ nm. By combining these selectively intermixed III-V layers with pre-defined gratings and waveguides on silicon, we fabricate distributed feedback, distributed Bragg reflector, Fabry-Perot and mode-locked lasers along with photodetectors, electro-absorption modulators and other test structures, all on a single chip. We demonstrate a broadband laser source with continuous-wave operational lasers over a 200 nm bandwidth. Some of these lasers are integrated with modulators with a 3-dB bandwidth above 25 GHz, thus demonstrating coarse wavelength division multiplexing transmitter on silicon.

Laser in dentistry: An innovative tool in modern dental practice

PubMed Central

Verma, Sanjeev Kumar; Maheshwari, Sandhya; Singh, Raj Kumar; Chaudhari, Prabhat Kumar

2012-01-01

The term LASER is an acronym for ‘Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation’. As its first application in dentistry by Miaman, in 1960, the laser has seen various hard and soft tissue applications. In the last two decades, there has been an explosion of research studies in laser application. In hard tissue application, the laser is used for caries prevention, bleaching, restorative removal and curing, cavity preparation, dentinal hypersensitivity, growth modulation and for diagnostic purposes, whereas soft tissue application includes wound healing, removal of hyperplastic tissue to uncovering of impacted or partially erupted tooth, photodynamic therapy for malignancies, photostimulation of herpetic lesion. Use of the laser proved to be an effective tool to increase efficiency, specificity, ease, and cost and comfort of the dental treatment. PMID:23833485

Microwave Oscillators Based on Nonlinear WGM Resonators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maleki, Lute; Matsko, Andrey; Savchenkov, Anatoliy; Strekalov, Dmitry

2006-01-01

Optical oscillators that exploit resonantly enhanced four-wave mixing in nonlinear whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators are under investigation for potential utility as low-power, ultra-miniature sources of stable, spectrally pure microwave signals. There are numerous potential uses for such oscillators in radar systems, communication systems, and scientific instrumentation. The resonator in an oscillator of this type is made of a crystalline material that exhibits cubic Kerr nonlinearity, which supports the four-photon parametric process also known as four-wave mixing. The oscillator can be characterized as all-optical in the sense that the entire process of generation of the microwave signal takes place within the WGM resonator. The resonantly enhanced four-wave mixing yields coherent, phase-modulated optical signals at frequencies governed by the resonator structure. The frequency of the phase-modulation signal, which is in the microwave range, equals the difference between the frequencies of the optical signals; hence, this frequency is also governed by the resonator structure. Hence, further, the microwave signal is stable and can be used as a reference signal. The figure schematically depicts the apparatus used in a proof-of-principle experiment. Linearly polarized pump light was generated by an yttrium aluminum garnet laser at a wavelength of 1.32 microns. By use of a 90:10 fiber-optic splitter and optical fibers, some of the laser light was sent into a delay line and some was transmitted to one face of glass coupling prism, that, in turn, coupled the laser light into a crystalline CaF2 WGM disk resonator that had a resonance quality factor (Q) of 6x10(exp 9). The output light of the resonator was collected via another face of the coupling prism and a single-mode optical fiber, which transmitted the light to a 50:50 fiber-optic splitter. One output of this splitter was sent to a slow photodiode to obtain a DC signal for locking the laser to a particular resonator mode. The other output of this splitter was combined with the delayed laser signal in another 50:50 fiber-optic splitter used as a combiner. The output.of the combiner was fed to a fast photodiode that demodulated light and generated microwave signal. In this optical configuration, the resonator was incorporated into one arm of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, which was necessary for the following reasons: It was found that when the output of the resonator was sent directly to a fast photodiode, the output of the photodiode did not include a measurable microwave signal. However, when the resonator was placed in an arm of the interferometer and the delay in the other arm was set at the correct value, the microwave signal appeared. Such behavior is distinctly characteristic of phase-modulated light. The phase-modulation signal had a frequency of about 8 GHz, corresponding to the free spectral range of the resonator. The spectral width of this microwave signal was less than 200 Hz. The threshold pump power for generating the microwave signal was about 1 mW. It would be possible to reduce the threshold power by several orders of magnitude if resonators could be made from crystalline materials in dimensions comparable to those of micro-resonators heretofore made from fused silica.

Extreme and superextreme events in a loss-modulated CO2 laser: Nonlinear resonance route and precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonatto, Cristian; Endler, Antonio

2017-07-01

We investigate the occurrence of extreme and rare events, i.e., giant and rare light pulses, in a periodically modulated CO2 laser model. Due to nonlinear resonant processes, we show a scenario of interaction between chaotic bands of different orders, which may lead to the formation of extreme and rare events. We identify a crisis line in the modulation parameter space, and we show that, when the modulation amplitude increases, remaining in the vicinity of the crisis, some statistical properties of the laser pulses, such as the average and dispersion of amplitudes, do not change much, whereas the amplitude of extreme events grows enormously, giving rise to extreme events with much larger deviations than usually reported, with a significant probability of occurrence, i.e., with a long-tailed non-Gaussian distribution. We identify recurrent regular patterns, i.e., precursors, that anticipate the emergence of extreme and rare events, and we associate these regular patterns with unstable periodic orbits embedded in a chaotic attractor. We show that the precursors may or may not lead to the emergence of extreme events. Thus, we compute the probability of success or failure (false alarm) in the prediction of the extreme events, once a precursor is identified in the deterministic time series. We show that this probability depends on the accuracy with which the precursor is identified in the laser intensity time series.

Ultrafast, large-field multiphoton microscopy based on an acousto-optic deflector and a spatial light modulator.

PubMed

Shao, Yonghong; Qin, Wan; Liu, Honghai; Qu, Junle; Peng, Xiang; Niu, Hanben; Gao, Bruce Z

2012-07-01

We present an ultrafast, large-field multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscope with high lateral and axial resolutions based on a two-dimensional (2-D) acousto-optical deflector (AOD) scanner and spatial light modulator (SLM). When a phase-only SLM is used to shape the near-infrared light from a mode-locked titanium:sapphire laser into a multifocus array including the 0-order beam, a 136 μm × 136 μm field of view is achieved with a 60× objective using a 2-D AOD scanner without any mechanical scan element. The two-photon fluorescence image of a neuronal network that was obtained using this system demonstrates that our microscopy permits observation of dynamic biological events in a large field with high-temporal and -spatial resolution.

1.55 µm high speed low chirp electroabsorption modulated laser arrays based on SAG scheme.

PubMed

Cheng, Yuanbing; Wang, Qi Jie; Pan, Jiaoqing

2014-12-15

We demonstrate a cost-effective 1.55 µm low chirp 4 × 25 Gbit/s electroabsorption modulated laser (EML) array with 0.8 nm channel spacing by varying ridge width of the lasers and using selective area growth (SAG) integration scheme. The devices for all the 4 channels within the EML array show uniform threshold currents around 18 mA and high SMSRs over 45 dB. The output optical power of each channel is about 9 mW at an injection current of 100 mA. The typical chirp value of single EML measured by a fiber resonance method varied from 2.2 to -4 as the bias voltage was increased from 0 V to 2.5 V. These results show that the EML array is a suitable light source for 100 Gbit/s optical transmissions.

10Gbps monolithic silicon FTTH transceiver for PON

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, J.; Liow, T. Y.; Lo, G. Q.; Kwong, D. L.

2010-05-01

We propose a new passive optical network (PON) configuration and a novel silicon photonic transceiver architecture for optical network unit (ONU), eliminating the need for an internal laser source in ONU. We adopt dual fiber network configuration. The internal light source in each of the ONUs is eliminated. Instead, an extra seed laser source in the optical line termination (OLT) operates in continuous wave mode to serve the ONUs in the PON as a shared and centralized laser source. λ1 from OLT Tx and λ2 from the seed laser are combined by using a WDM combiner and connected to serve the multiple ONUs through the downstream fibers. The ONUs receive the data in λ1. Meanwhile, the ONUs encode and transmit data in λ2, which are sent back to OLT. The monolithic ONU transceiver contains a wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) filter component, a silicon modulator and a Ge photo-detector. The WDM in ONU selectively guides λ1 to the Ge-PD where the data in λ1 are detected and converted to electrical signals, and λ2 to the transmitter where the light is modulated by upstream data. The modulated optical signals in λ2 from ONUs are connected back to OLT through upstream fibers. The monolithic ONU transceiver chip size is only 2mm by 4mm. The crosstalk between the Tx and Rx is measured to be less than -20dB. The transceiver chip is integrated on a SFP+ transceiver board. Both Tx and Rx demonstrated data rate capabilities of up to 10Gbps. By implementing this scheme, the ONU transceiver size can be significantly reduced and the assembly processes will be greatly simplified. The results demonstrate the feasibility of mass manufacturing monolithic silicon ONU transceivers via low cost

Receiver Signal to Noise Ratios for IPDA Lidars Using Sine-wave and Pulsed Laser Modulation and Direct Detections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, Xiaoli; Abshire, James B.

2011-01-01

Integrated path differential absorption (IPDA) lidar can be used to remotely measure the column density of gases in the path to a scattering target [1]. The total column gas molecular density can be derived from the ratio of the laser echo signal power with the laser wavelength on the gas absorption line (on-line) to that off the line (off-line). 80th coherent detection and direct detection IPDA lidar have been used successfully in the past in horizontal path and airborne remote sensing measurements. However, for space based measurements, the signal propagation losses are often orders of magnitude higher and it is important to use the most efficient laser modulation and detection technique to minimize the average laser power and the electrical power from the spacecraft. This paper gives an analysis the receiver signal to noise ratio (SNR) of several laser modulation and detection techniques versus the average received laser power under similar operation environments. Coherent detection [2] can give the best receiver performance when the local oscillator laser is relatively strong and the heterodyne mixing losses are negligible. Coherent detection has a high signal gain and a very narrow bandwidth for the background light and detector dark noise. However, coherent detection must maintain a high degree of coherence between the local oscillator laser and the received signal in both temporal and spatial modes. This often results in a high system complexity and low overall measurement efficiency. For measurements through atmosphere the coherence diameter of the received signal also limits the useful size of the receiver telescope. Direct detection IPDA lidars are simpler to build and have fewer constraints on the transmitter and receiver components. They can use much larger size 'photon-bucket' type telescopes to reduce the demands on the laser transmitter. Here we consider the two most widely used direct detection IPDA lidar techniques. The first technique uses two CW seeder lasers, one on-line and one offline that are intensity modulated by two different frequency sine-waves signals before being amplified by a common laser amplifier. The receiver uses narrowband amplitude demodulation, or lock-in, Signal processing at the given laser modulation frequencies [3,4]. The laser transmitter operates in a quasi CW mode with the peak power equal to twice the average power. The on-line and off-line lasers can be transmitted at the same time without interference. Another direct detection technique uses a low duty cycle pulsed laser modulation [5,6] with the laser wavelengths alternating between on-line and off-line on successive pulses. The receiver uses time resolved detection and can also provide simultaneous target range measurement. With a lower laser duty cycle it requires a much higher peak laser power for the same average power.

Dielectric-wall linear accelerator with a high voltage fast rise time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators

DOEpatents

Caporaso, G.J.; Sampayan, S.E.; Kirbie, H.C.

1998-10-13

A dielectric-wall linear accelerator is improved by a high-voltage, fast rise-time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators. A high voltage is placed between the electrodes sufficient to stress the voltage breakdown of the insulator on command. A light trigger, such as a laser, is focused along at least one line along the edge surface of the laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators extending between the electrodes. The laser is energized to initiate a surface breakdown by a fluence of photons, thus causing the electrical switch to close very promptly. Such insulators and lasers are incorporated in a dielectric wall linear accelerator with Blumlein modules, and phasing is controlled by adjusting the length of fiber optic cables that carry the laser light to the insulator surface. 12 figs.

Dielectric-wall linear accelerator with a high voltage fast rise time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators

DOEpatents

Caporaso, George J.; Sampayan, Stephen E.; Kirbie, Hugh C.

1998-01-01

A dielectric-wall linear accelerator is improved by a high-voltage, fast rise-time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators. A high voltage is placed between the electrodes sufficient to stress the voltage breakdown of the insulator on command. A light trigger, such as a laser, is focused along at least one line along the edge surface of the laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators extending between the electrodes. The laser is energized to initiate a surface breakdown by a fluence of photons, thus causing the electrical switch to close very promptly. Such insulators and lasers are incorporated in a dielectric wall linear accelerator with Blumlein modules, and phasing is controlled by adjusting the length of fiber optic cables that carry the laser light to the insulator surface.

Applications of optical sensing for laser cutting and drilling.

PubMed

Fox, Mahlen D T; French, Paul; Peters, Chris; Hand, Duncan P; Jones, Julian D C

2002-08-20

Any reliable automated production system must include process control and monitoring techniques. Two laser processing techniques potentially lending themselves to automation are percussion drilling and cutting. For drilling we investigate the performance of a modification of a nonintrusive optical focus control system we previously developed for laser welding, which exploits the chromatic aberrations of the processing optics to determine focal error. We further developed this focus control system for closed-loop control of laser cutting. We show that an extension of the technique can detect deterioration in cut quality, and we describe practical trials carried out on different materials using both oxygen and nitrogen assist gas. We base our techniques on monitoring the light generated by the process, captured nonintrusively by the effector optics and processed remotely from the workpiece. We describe the relationship between the temporal and the chromatic modulation of the detected light and process quality and show how the information can be used as the basis of a process control system.

A polarization-independent liquid crystal phase modulation using polymer-network liquid crystals in a 90° twisted cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yi-Hsin; Chen, Ming-Syuan; Lin, Wei-Chih; Tsou, Yu-Shih

2012-07-01

A polarization-independent liquid crystal phase modulation using polymer-network liquid crystals in a 90° twisted cell (T-PNLC) is demonstrated. T-PNLC consists of three layers. Liquid crystal (LC) directors in the two layers near glass substrates are orthogonal to each other and those two layers modulate two eigen-polarizations of an incident light. As a result, two eigen-polarizations of an incident light experience the same phase shift. In the middle layer, LC directors are perpendicular to the glass substrate and contribute no phase shift. The phase shift of T-PNLC is electrically tunable and polarization-independent. T-PNLC does not require any bias voltage for operation. The phase shift is 0.28 π rad for the voltage of 30 Vrms. By measuring and analyzing the optical phase shift of T-PNLC at the oblique incidence of transverse magnetic wave, the pretilt angle of LC directors and the effective thickness of three layers are obtained and discussed. The potential applications are spatial light modulators, laser beam steering, and micro-lens arrays.

Reflection Matrix Method for Controlling Light After Reflection From a Diffuse Scattering Surface

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-22

reflective inverse diffusion, which was a proof-of-concept experiment that used phase modulation to shape the wavefront of a laser causing it to refocus...after reflection from a rough surface. By refocusing the light, reflective inverse diffusion has the potential to eliminate the complex radiometric model...photography. However, the initial reflective inverse diffusion experiments provided no mathematical background and were conducted under the premise that the

Assessment of laser tracking and data transfer for underwater optical communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watson, Malcolm A.; Blanchard, Paul M.; Stace, Chris; Bhogul, Priya K.; White, Henry J.; Kelly, Anthony E.; Watson, Scott; Valyrakis, Manousos; Najda, Stephen P.; Marona, Lucja; Perlin, Piotr

2014-10-01

We report on an investigation into optical alignment and tracking for high bandwidth, laser-based underwater optical communication links. Link acquisition approaches (including scanning of narrow laser beams versus a wide-angle `beacon' approach) for different underwater laser-based communications scenarios are discussed. An underwater laserbased tracking system was tested in a large water flume facility using water whose scattering properties resembled that of a turbid coastal or harbour region. The lasers used were state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled, high modulation bandwidth gallium nitride (GaN) devices. These operate at blue wavelengths and can achieve powers up to ~100 mW. The tracking performance and characteristics of the system were studied as the light-scattering properties of the water were increased using commercial antacid (Maalox) solution, and the results are reported here. Optical tracking is expected to be possible even in high scattering water environments, assuming better components are developed commercially; in particular, more sensitive detector arrays. High speed data transmission using underwater optical links, based on blue light sources, is also reported.

Quantum Limits of Space-to-Ground Optical Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hemmati, H.; Dolinar, S.

2012-01-01

For a pure loss channel, the ultimate capacity can be achieved with classical coherent states (i.e., ideal laser light): (1) Capacity-achieving receiver (measurement) is yet to be determined. (2) Heterodyne detection approaches the ultimate capacity at high mean photon numbers. (3) Photon-counting approaches the ultimate capacity at low mean photon numbers. A number of current technology limits drive the achievable performance of free-space communication links. Approaching fundamental limits in the bandwidth-limited regime: (1) Heterodyne detection with high-order coherent-state modulation approaches ultimate limits. SOA improvements to laser phase noise, adaptive optics systems for atmospheric transmission would help. (2) High-order intensity modulation and photon-counting can approach heterodyne detection within approximately a factor of 2. This may have advantages over coherent detection in the presence of turbulence. Approaching fundamental limits in the photon-limited regime (1) Low-duty cycle binary coherent-state modulation (OOK, PPM) approaches ultimate limits. SOA improvements to laser extinction ratio, receiver dark noise, jitter, and blocking would help. (2) In some link geometries (near field links) number-state transmission could improve over coherent-state transmission

High-brightness 9xxnm fiber coupled diode lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Rui; Jiang, Xiaochen; Yang, Thomas; He, Xiaoguang; Gao, Yanyan; Zhu, Jing; Zhang, Tujia; Guo, Weirong; Wang, Baohua; Guo, Zhijie; Zhang, Luyan; Chen, Louisa

2015-03-01

We developed a high brightness fiber coupled diode laser module providing more than 140W output power from a 105μm NA 0.15 fiber at the wavelength of 915nm.The high brightness module has an electrical to optical efficiency better than 45% and power enclosure more than 90% within NA 0.13. It is based on multi-single emitters using optical and polarization beam combining and fiber coupling technique. With the similar technology, over 100W of optical power into a 105μm NA 0.15 fiber at 976nm is also achieved which can be compatible with the volume Bragg gratings to receive narrow and stabilized spectral linewidth. The light within NA 0.12 is approximately 92%. The reliability test data of single and multiple single emitter laser module under high optical load are also presented and analyzed using a reliability model with an emitting aperture optimized for coupling into 105μm core fiber. The total MTTF shows exceeding 100,000 hours within 60% confidence level. The packaging processes and optical design are ready for commercial volume production.

Hardware Verification of Laser Noise Cancellation and Gravitational Wave Extraction using Time-Delay Interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitryk, Shawn; Mueller, Guido

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is a space-based modified Michelson interfer-ometer designed to measure gravitational radiation in the frequency range from 30 uHz to 1 Hz. The interferometer measurement system (IMS) utilizes one-way laser phase measurements to cancel the laser phase noise, reconstruct the proof-mass motion, and extract the gravitational wave (GW) induced laser phase modulations in post-processing using a technique called time-delay interferometry (TDI). Unfortunately, there exist few hard-ware verification experiments of the IMS. The University of Florida LISA Interferometry Simulator (UFLIS) is designed to perform hardware-in-the-loop simulations of the LISA interferometry system, modeling the characteris-tics of the LISA mission as accurately as possible. This depends, first, on replicating the laser pre-stabilization by locking the laser phase to an ultra-stable Zerodur cavity length reference using the PDH locking method. Phase measurements of LISA-like photodetector beat-notes are taken using the UF-phasemeter (PM) which can measure the laser BN frequency to within an accuracy of 0.22 uHz. The inter-space craft (SC) laser links including the time-delay due to the 5 Gm light travel time along the LISA arms, the laser Doppler shifts due to differential SC motion, and the GW induced laser phase modulations are simulated electronically using the electronic phase delay (EPD) unit. The EPD unit replicates the laser field propagation between SC by measuring a photodetector beat-note frequency with the UF-phasemeter and storing the information in memory. After the requested delay time, the frequency information is added to a Doppler offset and a GW-like frequency modulation. The signal is then regenerated with the inter-SC laser phase affects applied. Utilizing these components, I will present the first complete TDI simulations performed using the UFLIS. The LISA model is presented along-side the simulation, comparing the generation and measurement of LISA-like signals. Phasemeter measurements are used in post-processing and combined in the linear combinations defined by TDI, thus, canceling the laser phase and phase-lock loop noise to extract the applied GW modulation buried under the noise. Nine order of magnitude common mode laser noise cancellation is achieved at a frequency of 1 mHz and the GW signal is clearly visible after the laser and PLL noise cancellation.

Spatial Control of Photoemitted Electron Beams using a Micro-Lens-Array Transverse-Shaping Technique

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

Halavanau, A.; Qiang, G.; Ha, G.

2017-07-24

A common issue encountered in photoemission electron sources used in electron accelerators is the transverse inhomogeneity of the laser distribution resulting from the laser-amplification process and often use of frequency up conversion in nonlinear crystals. A inhomogeneous laser distribution on the photocathode produces charged beams with lower beam quality. In this paper, we explore the possible use of microlens arrays (fly-eye light condensers) to dramatically improve the transverse uniformity of the drive laser pulse on UV photocathodes. We also demonstrate the use of such microlens arrays to generate transversely-modulated electron beams and present a possible application to diagnose the propertiesmore » of a magnetized beam.« less

Complete wavefront and polarization control for ultrashort-pulse laser microprocessing.

PubMed

Allegre, O J; Jin, Y; Perrie, W; Ouyang, J; Fearon, E; Edwardson, S P; Dearden, G

2013-09-09

We report on new developments in wavefront and polarization control for ultrashort-pulse laser microprocessing. We use two Spatial Light Modulators in combination to structure the optical fields of a picosecond-pulse laser beam, producing vortex wavefronts and radial or azimuthal polarization states. We also carry out the first demonstration of multiple first-order beams with vortex wavefronts and radial or azimuthal polarization states, produced using Computer Generated Holograms. The beams produced are used to nano-structure a highly polished metal surface. Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures are observed and used to directly verify the state of polarization in the focal plane and help to characterize the optical properties of the setup.

Recent developments in laser-driven and hollow-core fiber optic gyroscopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Digonnet, M. J. F.; Chamoun, J. N.

2016-05-01

Although the fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) continues to be a commercial success, current research efforts are endeavoring to improve its precision and broaden its applicability to other markets, in particular the inertial navigation of aircraft. Significant steps in this direction are expected from the use of (1) laser light to interrogate the FOG instead of broadband light, and (2) a hollow-core fiber (HCF) in the sensing coil instead of a conventional solid-core fiber. The use of a laser greatly improves the FOG's scale-factor stability and eliminates the source excess noise, while an HCF virtually eliminates the Kerr-induced drift and significantly reduces the thermal and Faraday-induced drifts. In this paper we present theoretical evidence that in a FOG with a 1085-m coil interrogated with a laser, the two main sources of noise and drift resulting from the use of coherent light can be reduced below the aircraft-navigation requirement by using a laser with a very broad linewidth, in excess of 40 GHz. We validate this concept with a laser broadened with an external phase modulator driven with a pseudo-random bit sequence at 2.8 GHz. This FOG has a measured noise of 0.00073 deg/√h, which is 30% below the aircraft-navigation requirement. Its measured drift is 0.03 deg/h, the lowest reported for a laser-driven FOG and only a factor of 3 larger than the navigation-grade specification. To illustrate the potential benefits of a hollow-core fiber in the FOG, this review also summarizes the previously reported performance of an experimental FOG utilizing 235 m of HCF and interrogated with broadband light.

New laser system for highly sensitive clinical pulse oximetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamza, Mostafa; Hamza, Mohammad

1996-04-01

This paper describes the theory and design of a new pulse oximeter in which laser diodes and other compact laser sources are used for the measurement of oxygen saturation in patients who are at risk of developing hypoxemia. The technique depends upon illuminating special sites of the skin of the patient with radiation from modulated laser sources at selected wavelengths. The specific laser wavelengths are chosen based on the absorption characteristics of oxyhemoglobin, reduced hemoglobin and other interfering sources for obtaining more accurate measurements. The laser radiation transmitted through the tissue is detected and signal processing based on differential absorption laser spectroscopy is done in such a way to overcome the primary performance limitations of the conventionally used pulse oximetry. The new laser pulse oximeter can detect weak signals and is not affected by other light sources such as surgical lamps, phototherapy units, etc. The detailed description and operating characteristics of this system are presented.

The EGFR family of receptors sensitizes cancer cells towards UV light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petersen, Steffen; Neves-Petersen, Maria Teresa; Olsen, Birgitte

2008-02-01

A combination of bioinformatics, biophysical, advanced laser studies and cell biology lead to the realization that laser-pulsed UV light stops cancer growth and induces apoptosis. We have previously shown that laser-pulsed UV (LP-UV) illumination of two different skin-derived cancer cell lines both over expressing the EGF receptor, lead to arrest of the EGFR signaling pathway. We have investigated the available sequence and experimental 3D structures available in the Protein Data Bank. The EGF receptor contains a Furin like cystein rich extracellular domain. The cystein content is highly unusual, 25 disulphide bridges supports the 621 amino acid extracellular protein domain scaffold (1mb6.pdb). In two cases a tryptophan is neighboring a cystein in the primary sequence, which in itself is a rare observation. Aromatic residues is observed to be spatially close to all observed 25 disulphide bridges. The EGF receptor is often overexpressed in cancers and other proliferative skin disorders, it might be possible to significantly reduce the proliferative potential of these cells making them good targets for laser-pulsed UV-light treatment. The discovery that UV light can be used to open disulphide bridges in proteins upon illumination of nearby aromatic amino acids was the first step that lead to the hypothesis that UV light could modulate the structure and therefore the function of these key receptor proteins. The observation that membrane receptors (EGFR) contained exactly the motifs that are sensitive to UV light lead to the prediction that UV light could modify these receptors permanently and stop cancer proliferation. We hereby show that the EGFR family of receptors has the necessary structural motifs that make this family of proteins highly sensitive to UV light.

A spot laser modulated resistance switching effect observed on n-type Mn-doped ZnO/SiO2/Si structure.

PubMed

Lu, Jing; Tu, Xinglong; Yin, Guilin; Wang, Hui; He, Dannong

2017-11-09

In this work, a spot laser modulated resistance switching (RS) effect is firstly observed on n-type Mn-doped ZnO/SiO 2 /Si structure by growing n-type Mn-doped ZnO film on Si wafer covered with a 1.2 nm native SiO 2 , which has a resistivity in the range of 50-80 Ω∙cm. The I-V curve obtained in dark condition evidences the structure a rectifying junction, which is further confirmed by placing external bias. Compared to the resistance state modulated by electric field only in dark (without illumination), the switching voltage driving the resistance state of the structure from one state to the other, shows clear shift under a spot laser illumination. Remarkably, the switching voltage shift shows a dual dependence on the illumination position and power of the spot laser. We ascribe this dual dependence to the electric filed produced by the redistribution of photo-generated carriers, which enhance the internal barrier of the hetero-junction. A complete theoretical analysis based on junction current and diffusion equation is presented. The dependence of the switching voltage on spot laser illumination makes the n-type Mn-doped ZnO/SiO 2 /Si structure sensitive to light, which thus allows for the integration of an extra functionality in the ZnO-based photoelectric device.

LCD-based digital eyeglass for modulating spatial-angular information.

PubMed

Bian, Zichao; Liao, Jun; Guo, Kaikai; Heng, Xin; Zheng, Guoan

2015-05-04

Using programmable aperture to modulate spatial-angular information of light field is well-known in computational photography and microscopy. Inspired by this concept, we report a digital eyeglass design that adaptively modulates light field entering human eyes. The main hardware includes a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) and a mini-camera. The device analyzes the spatial-angular information of the camera image in real time and subsequently sends a command to form a certain pattern on the LCD. We show that, the eyeglass prototype can adaptively reduce light transmission from bright sources by ~80% and retain transparency to other dim objects meanwhile. One application of the reported device is to reduce discomforting glare caused by vehicle headlamps. To this end, we report the preliminary result of using the reported device in a road test. The reported device may also find applications in military operations (sniper scope), laser counter measure, STEM education, and enhancing visual contrast for visually impaired patients and elderly people with low vision.

Single-beam, dark toroidal optical traps for cold atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatemi, Fredrik K.; Olson, Spencer E.; Bashkansky, Mark; Dutton, Zachary; Terraciano, Matthew

2007-02-01

We demonstrate the generation of single-beam dark toroidal optical intensity distributions, which are of interest for neutral atom storage and atom interferometry. We demonstrate experimentally and numerically optical potentials that contain a ring-shaped intensity minimum, bounded in all directions by higher intensity. We use a spatial light modulator to alter the phase of an incident laser beam, and analyze the resulting optical propagation characteristics. For small toroidal traps (< 50 μm diameter), we find an optimal superposition of Laguerre-Gaussian modes that allows the formation of single-beam toroidal traps. We generate larger toroidal bottle traps by focusing hollow beams with toroidal lenses imprinted onto the spatial light modulator.

Compact multiwavelength transmitter module for multimode fiber optic ribbon cable

DOEpatents

Deri, Robert J.; Pocha, Michael D.; Larson, Michael C.; Garrett, Henry E.

2002-01-01

A compact multiwavelength transmitter module for multimode fiber optic ribbon cable, which couples light from an M.times.N array of emitters onto N fibers, where the M wavelength may be distributed across two or more vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) chips, and combining emitters and multiplexer into a compact package that is compatible with placement on a printed circuit board. A key feature is bringing together two emitter arrays fabricated on different substrates--each array designed for a different wavelength--into close physical proximity. Another key feature is to compactly and efficiently combine the light from two or more clusters of optical emitters, each in a different wavelength band, into a fiber ribbon.

Forward directed x-ray from source produced by relativistic electrons from a Self-Modulated Laser Wakefield Accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemos, Nuno; Albert, Felicie; Shaw, Jessica; King, Paul; Milder, Avi; Marsh, Ken; Pak, Arthur; Joshi, Chan

2017-10-01

Plasma-based particle accelerators are now able to provide the scientific community with novel light sources. Their applications span many disciplines, including high-energy density sciences, where they can be used as probes to explore the physics of dense plasmas and warm dense matter. A recent advance is in the experimental and theoretical characterization of x-ray emission from electrons in the self-modulated laser wakefield regime (SMLWFA) where little is known about the x-ray properties. A series of experiments at the LLNL Jupiter Laser Facility, using the 1 ps 150 J Titan laser, have demonstrated low divergence electron beams with energies up to 300 MeV and 6 nCs of charge, and betatron x-rays with critical energies up to 20 keV. This work identifies two other mechanisms which produce high energy broadband x-rays and gamma-rays from the SMLWFA: Bremsstrahlung and inverse Compton scattering. We demonstrate the use of Compton scattering and bremsstrahlung to generate x/Gamma-rays from 3 keV up to 1.5 MeV with a source size of 50um and a divergence of 100 mrad. This work is an important step towards developing this x-ray light source on large-scale international laser facilities, and also opens up the prospect of using them for applications. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under the contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.

Compact OPO-based RGB source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dicky; Moulton, Peter F.

2001-03-01

In this paper we discuss our red, green, and blue (RGB) optical parametric oscillator (OPO) light source for projection display applications. Our source consists of a diode-pumped pump laser and a LBO-based OPO. Based on our Nd:YLF gain-module design, the pump laser is frequency doubled to serve as the pump source for the OPO. The unconverted pump power is recycled as the green light for projection. The singly resonant, non-critically phase- matched OPO has, to date, generated 13 W of 898-nm signal power and an estimated 9.3 W of intra-cavity idler power at 1256 nm. With approximately 76% of pump depletion, the power of the residual green light for projection is about 5.8 W. We have extra-cavity doubled the signal to produce approximately 3.5 W of 449-nm blue light and intra-cavity doubled the idler to produce approximately 6 W of 628-nm red light. The OPO-based RGB source generates about 4000 lumens of D65-balanced white light. The overall electrical power luminous efficiency (diodes only) is about 14.6 lumens/Watt.

Enhanced photomechanical response of a Ni-Ti shape memory alloy coated with polymer-based photothermal composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez-Zúñiga, M. G.; Sánchez-Arévalo, F. M.; Hernández-Cordero, J.

2017-10-01

A simple way to enhance the activation of shape memory effects with light in a Ni-Ti alloy is demonstrated. Using polydimethylsiloxane-carbon nanopowder (PDMS+CNP) composites as coatings, the one-way shape memory effect (OWSME) of the alloy can be triggered using low power IR light from a laser diode. The PDMS+CNP coatings serve as photothermal materials capable to absorb light, and subsequently generate and dissipate heat in a highly efficient manner, thereby reducing the optical powers required for triggering the OWSME in the Ni-Ti alloy. Experimental results with a cantilever flexural test using both, bare Ni-Ti and coated samples, show that the PDMS+CNP coatings perform as thermal boosters, and therefore the temperatures required for phase transformation in the alloy can be readily obtained with low laser powers. It is also shown that the two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) can be set in the Ni-Ti alloy through cycling the TWSME by simply modulating the laser diode signal. This provides a simple means for training the material, yielding a light driven actuator capable to provide forces in the mN range. Hence, the use of photothermal coatings on Ni-Ti shape memory alloys may offer new possibilities for developing light-controlled smart actuators.

A MoTe2 based light emitting diode and photodetector for silicon photonic integrated circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bie, Ya-Qing; Heuck, M.; Grosso, G.; Furchi, M.; Cao, Y.; Zheng, J.; Navarro-Moratalla, E.; Zhou, L.; Taniguchi, T.; Watanabe, K.; Kong, J.; Englund, D.; Jarillo-Herrero, P.

A key challenge in photonics today is to address the interconnects bottleneck in high-speed computing systems. Silicon photonics has emerged as a leading architecture, partly because many components such as waveguides, interferometers and modulators, could be integrated on silicon-based processors. However, light sources and photodetectors present continued challenges. Common approaches for light source include off-chip or wafer-bonded lasers based on III-V materials, but studies show advantages for directly modulated light sources. The most advanced photodetectors in silicon photonics are based on germanium growth which increases system cost. The emerging two dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) offer a path for optical interconnects components that can be integrated with the CMOS processing by back-end-of-the-line processing steps. Here we demonstrate a silicon waveguide-integrated light source and photodetector based on a p-n junction of bilayer MoTe2, a TMD semiconductor with infrared band gap. The state-of-the-art fabrication technology provides new opportunities for integrated optoelectronic systems.

A Compact, Tunable Near-UV Source for Quantitative Microgravity Combustion Diagnostics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, K. A.; Oh, D. B.

1999-01-01

There is a need for improved optical diagnostic methods for use in microgravity combustion research. Spectroscopic methods with fast time response that can provide absolute concentrations and concentration profiles of important chemical species in flames are needed to facilitate the understanding of combustion kinetics in microgravity. Although a variety of sophisticated laser-based diagnostics (such as planar laser induced fluorescence, degenerate four wave mixing and coherent Raman methods) have been applied to the study of combustion in laboratory flames, the instrumentation associated with these methods is not well suited to microgravity drop tower or space station platforms. Important attributes of diagnostic systems for such applications include compact size, low power consumption, ruggedness, and reliability. We describe a diode laser-based near-UV source designed with the constraints of microgravity research in mind. Coherent light near 420 nm is generated by frequency doubling in a nonlinear crystal. This light source is single mode with a very narrow bandwidth suitable for gas phase diagnostics, can be tuned over several 1/cm and can be wavelength modulated at up to MHz frequencies. We demonstrate the usefulness of this source for combustion diagnostics by measuring CH radical concentration profiles in an atmospheric pressure laboratory flame. The radical concentrations are measured using wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) to obtain the line-of-sight integrated absorption for different paths through the flame. Laser induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements are also demonstrated with this instrument, showing the feasibility of simultaneous WMS absorption and LIF measurements with the same light source. LIF detection perpendicular to the laser beam can be used to map relative species densities along the line-of-sight while the integrated absorption available through WMS provides a mathematical constraint on the extraction of quantitative information from the LIF data. Combining absorption with LIF - especially if the measurements are made simultaneously with the same excitation beam - may allow elimination of geometrical factors and effects of intensity fluctuations (common difficulties with the analysis of LIF data) from the analysis.

HairMax LaserComb laser phototherapy device in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled, multicentre trial.

PubMed

Leavitt, Matt; Charles, Glenn; Heyman, Eugene; Michaels, David

2009-01-01

The use of low levels of visible or near infrared light for reducing pain, inflammation and oedema, promoting healing of wounds, deeper tissue and nerves, and preventing tissue damage has been known for almost 40 years since the invention of lasers. The HairMax LaserComb is a hand-held Class 3R lower level laser therapy device that contains a single laser module that emulates 9 beams at a wavelength of 655 nm (+/-5%). The device uses a technique of parting the user's hair by combs that are attached to the device. This improves delivery of distributed laser light to the scalp. The combs are designed so that each of the teeth on the combs aligns with a laser beam. By aligning the teeth with the laser beams, the hair can be parted and the laser energy delivered to the scalp of the user without obstruction by the individual hairs on the scalp. The primary aim of the study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of the HairMax LaserComb laser phototherapy device in the promotion of hair growth and in the cessation of hair loss in males diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). This double-blind, sham device-controlled, multicentre, 26-week trial randomized male patients with Norwood-Hamilton classes IIa-V AGA to treatment with the HairMax LaserComb or the sham device (2 : 1). The sham device used in the study was identical to the active device except that the laser light was replaced by a non-active incandescent light source. Of the 110 patients who completed the study, subjects in the HairMax LaserComb treatment group exhibited a significantly greater increase in mean terminal hair density than subjects in the sham device group (p < 0.0001). Consistent with this evidence for primary effectiveness, significant improvements in overall hair regrowth were demonstrated in terms of patients' subjective assessment (p < 0.015) at 26 weeks over baseline. The HairMax LaserComb was well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported and no statistical difference in adverse effects between the study groups. The results of this study suggest that the HairMax LaserComb is an effective, well tolerated and safe laser phototherapy device for the treatment of AGA in males.

Non-invasive characterization and quality assurance of silicon micro-strip detectors using pulsed infrared laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, P.

2016-01-01

The Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at FAIR is composed of 8 tracking stations consisting of roughly 1300 double sided silicon micro-strip detectors of 3 different dimensions. For the quality assurance of prototype micro-strip detectors a non-invasive detector charaterization is developed. The test system is using a pulsed infrared laser for charge injection and characterization, called Laser Test System (LTS). The system is aimed to develop a set of characterization procedures which are non-invasive (non-destructive) in nature and could be used for quality assurances of several silicon micro-strip detectors in an efficient, reliable and reproducible way. The procedures developed (as reported here) uses the LTS to scan sensors with a pulsed infra-red laser driven by step motor to determine the charge sharing in-between strips and to measure qualitative uniformity of the sensor response over the whole active area. The prototype detector modules which are tested with the LTS so far have 1024 strips with a pitch of 58 μm on each side. They are read-out using a self-triggering prototype read-out electronic ASIC called n-XYTER. The LTS is designed to measure sensor response in an automatized procedure at several thousand positions across the sensor with focused infra-red laser light (spot size ≈ 12 μm, wavelength = 1060 nm). The pulse with a duration of ≈ 10 ns and power ≈ 5 mW of the laser pulse is selected such, that the absorption of the laser light in the 300 μm thick silicon sensor produces ≈ 24000 electrons, which is similar to the charge created by minimum ionizing particles (MIP) in these sensors. The laser scans different prototype sensors and various non-invasive techniques to determine characteristics of the detector modules for the quality assurance is reported.

Optimization of the polyplanar optical display electronics for a monochrome B-52 display

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

DeSanto, L.

The Polyplanar Optical Display (POD) is a unique display screen which can be used with any projection source. The prototype ten-inch display is two inches thick and has a matte black face which allows for high contrast images. The prototype being developed is a form, fit and functional replacement display for the B-52 aircraft which uses a monochrome ten-inch display. In order to achieve a long lifetime, the new display uses a new 200 mW green solid-state laser (10,000 hr. life) at 532 nm as its light source. To produce real-time video, the laser light is being modulated by amore » Digital Light Processing (DLP{trademark}) chip manufactured by Texas Instruments (TI). In order to use the solid-state laser as the light source and also fit within the constraints of the B-52 display, the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD{trademark}) chip is operated remotely from the Texas Instruments circuit board. In order to achieve increased brightness a monochrome digitizing interface was investigated. The operation of the DMD{trademark} divorced from the light engine and the interfacing of the DMD{trademark} board with the RS-170 video format specific to the B-52 aircraft will be discussed, including the increased brightness of the monochrome digitizing interface. A brief description of the electronics required to drive the new 200 mW laser is also presented.« less

Experimental demonstration of OFDM/OQAM transmission with DFT-based channel estimation for visible laser light communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Jing; Shi, Jin; Deng, Rui; Chen, Lin

2017-08-01

Recently, visible light communication (VLC) based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is considered as a candidate technology for fifth-generation (5G) communications, VLC is free of electromagnetic interference and it can simplify the integration of VLC into heterogeneous wireless networks. Due to the data rates of VLC system limited by the low pumping efficiency, small output power and narrow modulation bandwidth, visible laser light communication (VLLC) system with laser diode (LD) has paid more attention. In addition, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing/offset quadrature amplitude modulation (OFDM/OQAM) is currently attracting attention in optical communications. Due to the non-requirement of cyclic prefix (CP) and time-frequency domain well-localized pulse shapes, it can achieve high spectral efficiency. Moreover, OFDM/OQAM has lower out-of-band power leakage so that it increases the system robustness against inter-carrier interference (ICI) and frequency offset. In this paper, a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT)-based channel estimation scheme combined with the interference approximation method (IAM) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for VLLC OFDM/OQAM system. The performance of VLLC OFDM/OQAM system with and without DFT-based channel estimation is investigated. Moreover, the proposed DFT-based channel estimation scheme and the intra-symbol frequency-domain averaging (ISFA)-based method are also compared for the VLLC OFDM/OQAM system. The experimental results show that, the performance of EVM using the DFT-based channel estimation scheme is improved about 3dB compared with the conventional IAM method. In addition, the DFT-based channel estimation scheme can resist the channel noise effectively than that of the ISFA-based method.

Depth profilometric case studies in caries diagnostics of human teeth using modulated laser radiometry and luminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, Raymond J.; Mandelis, Andreas; Abrams, Stephen H.

2003-01-01

Simultaneous measurements from human teeth of photothermal radiometric (PTR) and luminescence (LM) signals induced by an intensity modulated laser have been performed to assess the feasibility of detecting deep lesions and near-surface cracks, to examine the effects of varying enamel thicknesses, the presence of fillings, and stains on the surface of teeth. A commercial dc luminescence monitoring instrument (DIAGNOdent by KaVo) was also used to examine a set of teeth for comparison purposes with PTR and LM. PTR amplitude signals from carious regions and from thin enamel were higher than those from healthy regions and thicker enamel. A crack produces a peak in the PTR amplitude scan, as well as a sudden change in the luminescence amplitude at the corresponding point. At low frequencies (5 Hz), the PTR amplitude showed high sensitivity to a deep (about 2 mm) lesion, while at high frequencies (700 Hz) it was more sensitive to surface cracks. It was concluded that by selecting proper modulation frequencies of the laser, measurements of PTR and LM signals could be used as a dental diagnostic technique with a small, inexpensive, low-power (<30 mW) semiconductor laser as a light source emitting in the optical window range of hard tissue (650-1000 nm).

Low-frequency wide-field fluorescence lifetime imaging using a high-power near-infrared light-emitting diode light source

PubMed Central

Gioux, Sylvain; Lomnes, Stephen J.; Choi, Hak Soo; Frangioni, John V.

2010-01-01

Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLi) could potentially improve exogenous near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging, because it offers the capability of discriminating a signal of interest from background, provides real-time monitoring of a chemical environment, and permits the use of several different fluorescent dyes having the same emission wavelength. We present a high-power, LED-based, NIR light source for the clinical translation of wide-field (larger than 5 cm in diameter) FLi at frequencies up to 35 MHz. Lifetime imaging of indocyanine green (ICG), IRDye 800-CW, and 3,3′-diethylthiatricarbocyanine iodide (DTTCI) was performed over a large field of view (10 cm by 7.5 cm) using the LED light source. For comparison, a laser diode light source was employed as a gold standard. Experiments were performed both on the bench by diluting the fluorescent dyes in various chemical environments in Eppendorf tubes, and in vivo by injecting the fluorescent dyes mixed in Matrigel subcutaneously into CD-1 mice. Last, measured fluorescence lifetimes obtained using the LED and the laser diode sources were compared with those obtained using a state-of-the-art time-domain imaging system and with those previously described in the literature. On average, lifetime values obtained using the LED and the laser diode light sources were consistent, exhibiting a mean difference of 3% from the expected values and a coefficient of variation of 12%. Taken together, our study offers an alternative to laser diodes for clinical translation of FLi and explores the use of relatively low frequency modulation for in vivo imaging. PMID:20459250

Phosphorous Diffuser Diverged Blue Laser Diode for Indoor Lighting and Communication

PubMed Central

Chi, Yu-Chieh; Hsieh, Dan-Hua; Lin, Chung-Yu; Chen, Hsiang-Yu; Huang, Chia-Yen; He, Jr-Hau; Ooi, Boon; DenBaars, Steven P.; Nakamura, Shuji; Kuo, Hao-Chung; Lin, Gong-Ru

2015-01-01

An advanced light-fidelity (Li-Fi) system based on the blue Gallium nitride (GaN) laser diode (LD) with a compact white-light phosphorous diffuser is demonstrated for fusing the indoor white-lighting and visible light communication (VLC). The phosphorous diffuser adhered blue GaN LD broadens luminescent spectrum and diverges beam spot to provide ample functionality including the completeness of Li-Fi feature and the quality of white-lighting. The phosphorous diffuser diverged white-light spot covers a radiant angle up to 120o with CIE coordinates of (0.34, 0.37). On the other hand, the degradation on throughput frequency response of the blue LD is mainly attributed to the self-feedback caused by the reflection from the phosphor-air interface. It represents the current state-of-the-art performance on carrying 5.2-Gbit/s orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed 16-quadrature-amplitude modulation (16-QAM OFDM) data with a bit error rate (BER) of 3.1 × 10−3 over a 60-cm free-space link. This work aims to explore the plausibility of the phosphorous diffuser diverged blue GaN LD for future hybrid white-lighting and VLC systems. PMID:26687289

Phosphorous Diffuser Diverged Blue Laser Diode for Indoor Lighting and Communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi, Yu-Chieh; Hsieh, Dan-Hua; Lin, Chung-Yu; Chen, Hsiang-Yu; Huang, Chia-Yen; He-Hau, Jr.; Ooi, Boon; Denbaars, Steven P.; Nakamura, Shuji; Kuo, Hao-Chung; Lin, Gong-Ru

2015-12-01

An advanced light-fidelity (Li-Fi) system based on the blue Gallium nitride (GaN) laser diode (LD) with a compact white-light phosphorous diffuser is demonstrated for fusing the indoor white-lighting and visible light communication (VLC). The phosphorous diffuser adhered blue GaN LD broadens luminescent spectrum and diverges beam spot to provide ample functionality including the completeness of Li-Fi feature and the quality of white-lighting. The phosphorous diffuser diverged white-light spot covers a radiant angle up to 120o with CIE coordinates of (0.34, 0.37). On the other hand, the degradation on throughput frequency response of the blue LD is mainly attributed to the self-feedback caused by the reflection from the phosphor-air interface. It represents the current state-of-the-art performance on carrying 5.2-Gbit/s orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed 16-quadrature-amplitude modulation (16-QAM OFDM) data with a bit error rate (BER) of 3.1 × 10-3 over a 60-cm free-space link. This work aims to explore the plausibility of the phosphorous diffuser diverged blue GaN LD for future hybrid white-lighting and VLC systems.

Apparatus to collect, classify, concentrate, and characterize gas-borne particles

DOEpatents

Rader, Daniel J.; Torczynski, John R.; Wally, Karl; Brockmann, John E.

2003-12-16

An aerosol lab-on-a-chip (ALOC) integrates one or more of a variety of particle collection, classification, concentration (enrichment), an characterization processes onto a single substrate or layered stack of such substrates. By mounting a UV laser diode laser light source on the substrate, or substrates tack, so that it is located down-stream of the sample inlet port and at right angle the sample particle stream, the UV light source can illuminate individual particles in the stream to induce a fluorescence response in those particles having a fluorescent signature such as biological particles, some of said particles. An illuminated particle having a fluorescent signal above a threshold signal would trigger a sorter module that would separate that particle from the particle stream.

Laser intensity modulated real time monitoring cell growth sensor for bioprocess applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kishore, P.; Babu, P. Ravindra; Devi, V. Rama; Maunika, T.; Soujanya, P.; Kishore, P. V. N.; Dinakar, D.

2016-04-01

This article proposes an optical method for monitoring the growth of Escherichia coli in Luria Bertani medium and Saccharomyces cereviciae in YPD. Suitable light is selected which on interaction with the analyte under consideration, gets adsorption / scattered. Required electronic circuitry is designed to drive the laser source and to detect the intensity of light using Photo-detector. All these components are embedded and arranged in a proper way and monitored the growth of the microbs in real time. The sensors results are compared with standard techniques such as colorimeter, Nephelometer and hemocytometer. The experimental results are in good agreement with the existed techniques and well suitable for real time monitoring applications of the growth of the microbs.

Ultrashort polarization-tailored bichromatic fields from a CEP-stable white light supercontinuum.

PubMed

Kerbstadt, Stefanie; Timmer, Daniel; Englert, Lars; Bayer, Tim; Wollenhaupt, Matthias

2017-05-29

We apply ultrafast polarization shaping to an ultrabroadband carrier envelope phase (CEP) stable white light supercontinuum to generate polarization-tailored bichromatic laser fields of low-order frequency ratio. The generation of orthogonal linearly and counter-rotating circularly polarized bichromatic fields is achieved by introducing a composite polarizer in the Fourier plane of a 4 f polarization shaper. The resulting Lissajous- and propeller-type polarization profiles are characterized experimentally by cross-correlation trajectories. The scheme provides full control over all bichromatic parameters and allows for individual spectral phase modulation of both colors. Shaper-based CEP control and the generation of tailored bichromatic fields is demonstrated. These bichromatic CEP-stable polarization-shaped ultrashort laser pulses provide a versatile class of waveforms for coherent control experiments.

The forward masking effects of low-level laser glare on target location performance in a visual search task

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reddix, M. D.; Dandrea, J. A.; Collyer, P. D.

1992-01-01

The present study examined the effects of low-intensity laser glue, far below a level that would cause ocular damage or flashblindness, on the visually guided performance of aviators. With a forward-masking paradigm, this study showed that the time at which laser glare is experienced, relative to initial acquisition of visual information, differentially affects the speed and accuracy of target-location performance. Brief exposure (300 ms) to laser glare, terminating with a visual scene's onset, produced significant decrements in target-location performance relative to a no-glare control whereas a 150 and 300-ms delay of display onset (DDO) had very little effect. The intensity of the light entering the eye and producing these effects was far below the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limit for safe viewing of coherent light produced by an argon laser. In addition, these effects were modulated by the distance of the target from the center of the visual display. This study demonstrated that the presence of laser glare is not sufficient, in and of itself, to diminish target-location performance. The time at which laser glare is experienced is an important factor in determining the probability and extent of visually mediated performance decrements.

Applications and requirements for MEMS scanner mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolter, Alexander; Hsu, Shu-Ting; Schenk, Harald; Lakner, Hubert K.

2005-01-01

Micro scanning mirrors are quite versatile MEMS devices for the deflection of a laser beam or a shaped beam from another light source. The most exciting application is certainly in laser-scanned displays. Laser television, home cinema and data projectors will display the most brilliant colors exceeding even plasma, OLED and CRT. Devices for front and rear projection will have advantages in size, weight and price. These advantages will be even more important in near-eye virtual displays like head-mounted displays or viewfinders in digital cameras and potentially in UMTS handsets. Optical pattern generation by scanning a modulated beam over an area can be used also in a number of other applications: laser printers, direct writing of photo resist for printed circuit boards or laser marking and with higher laser power laser ablation or material processing. Scanning a continuous laser beam over a printed pattern and analyzing the scattered reflection is the principle of barcode reading in 1D and 2D. This principle works also for identification of signatures, coins, bank notes, vehicles and other objects. With a focused white-light or RGB beam even full color imaging with high resolution is possible from an amazingly small device. The form factor is also very interesting for the application in endoscopes. Further applications are light curtains for intrusion control and the generation of arbitrary line patterns for triangulation. Scanning a measurement beam extends point measurements to 1D or 2D scans. Automotive LIDAR (laser RADAR) or scanning confocal microscopy are just two examples. Last but not least there is the field of beam steering. E.g. for all-optical fiber switches or positioning of read-/write heads in optical storage devices. The variety of possible applications also brings a variety of specifications. This publication discusses various applications and their requirements.

Enhancement of Photon Number Reflected by the Relativistic Flying Mirror

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

Kando, M.; Pirozhkov, A. S.; Kawase, K.

2009-12-04

Laser light reflection by a relativistically moving electron density modulation (flying mirror) in a wake wave generated in a plasma by a high intensity laser pulse is investigated experimentally. A counterpropagating laser pulse is reflected and upshifted in frequency with a multiplication factor of 37-66, corresponding to the extreme ultraviolet wavelength. The demonstrated flying mirror reflectivity (from 3x10{sup -6} to 2x10{sup -5}, and from 1.3x10{sup -4} to 0.6x10{sup -3}, for the photon number and pulse energy, respectively) is close to the theoretical estimate for the parameters of the experiment.

Deformation dynamics and spallation strength of aluminium under a single-pulse action of a femtosecond laser

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

Ashitkov, Sergei I; Komarov, P S; Ovchinnikov, A V

An interferometric method is developed and realised using a frequency-modulated pulse for diagnosing a dynamics of fast deformations with a spatial and temporal resolution under the action of a single laser pulse. The dynamics of a free surface of a submicron-thick aluminium film is studied under an action of the ultrashort compression pulse with the amplitude of up to 14 GPa, excited by a femtosecond laser heating of the target surface layer. The spallation strength of aluminium was determined at a record high deformation rate of 3 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 9} s{sup -1}. (extreme light fields and their applications)

Modulation of cardiomyocyte activity using pulsed laser irradiated gold nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Gentemann, Lara; Kalies, Stefan; Coffee, Michelle; Meyer, Heiko; Ripken, Tammo; Heisterkamp, Alexander; Zweigerdt, Robert; Heinemann, Dag

2016-01-01

Can photothermal gold nanoparticle mediated laser manipulation be applied to induce cardiac contraction? Based on our previous work, we present a novel concept of cell stimulation. A 532 nm picosecond laser was employed to heat gold nanoparticles on cardiomyocytes. This leads to calcium oscillations in the HL-1 cardiomyocyte cell line. As calcium is connected to the contractility, we aimed to alter the contraction rate of native and stem cell derived cardiomyocytes. A contraction rate increase was particularly observed in calcium containing buffer with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Consequently, the study provides conceptual ideas for a light based, nanoparticle mediated stimulation system. PMID:28101410

Fiber-coupling efficiency for free-space optical communication through atmospheric turbulence.

PubMed

Dikmelik, Yamaç; Davidson, Frederic M

2005-08-10

High-speed free-space optical communication systems have recently used fiber-optic components. The received laser beam in such a system must be coupled into a single-mode fiber at the input of the receiver module. However, propagation through atmospheric turbulence degrades the spatial coherence of a laser beam and limits the fiber-coupling efficiency. We numerically evaluate the fiber-coupling efficiency for laser light distorted by atmospheric turbulence. We also investigate the use of a coherent fiber array as a receiver structure and find that a coherent fiber array that consists of seven subapertures would significantly increase the fiber-coupling efficiency.

Extremely simple holographic projection of color images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makowski, Michal; Ducin, Izabela; Kakarenko, Karol; Suszek, Jaroslaw; Kolodziejczyk, Andrzej; Sypek, Maciej

2012-03-01

A very simple scheme of holographic projection is presented with some experimental results showing good quality image projection without any imaging lens. This technique can be regarded as an alternative to classic projection methods. It is based on the reconstruction real images from three phase iterated Fourier holograms. The illumination is performed with three laser beams of primary colors. A divergent wavefront geometry is used to achieve an increased throw angle of the projection, compared to plane wave illumination. Light fibers are used as light guidance in order to keep the setup as simple as possible and to provide point-like sources of high quality divergent wave-fronts at optimized position against the light modulator. Absorbing spectral filters are implemented to multiplex three holograms on a single phase-only spatial light modulator. Hence color mixing occurs without any time-division methods, which cause rainbow effects and color flicker. The zero diffractive order with divergent illumination is practically invisible and speckle field is effectively suppressed with phase optimization and time averaging techniques. The main advantages of the proposed concept are: a very simple and highly miniaturizable configuration; lack of lens; a single LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) modulator; a strong resistance to imperfections and obstructions of the spatial light modulator like dead pixels, dust, mud, fingerprints etc.; simple calculations based on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) easily processed in real time mode with GPU (Graphic Programming).

Safety assessment of near infrared light emitting diodes for diffuse optical measurements

PubMed Central

Bozkurt, Alper; Onaral, Banu

2004-01-01

Background Near infrared (NIR) light has been used widely to monitor important hemodynamic parameters in tissue non-invasively. Pulse oximetry, near infrared spectroscopy, and diffuse optical tomography are examples of such NIR light-based applications. These and other similar applications employ either lasers or light emitting diodes (LED) as the source of the NIR light. Although the hazards of laser sources have been addressed in regulations, the risk of LED sources in such applications is still unknown. Methods Temperature increase of the human skin caused by near infrared LED has been measured by means of in-vivo and in-vitro experiments. Effects of the conducted and radiated heat in the temperature increase have been analyzed separately. Results Elevations in skin temperature up to 10°C have been observed. The effect of radiated heat due to NIR absorption is low – less than 0.5°C – since emitted light power is comparable to the NIR part of sunlight. The conducted heat due to semiconductor junction of the LED can cause temperature increases up to 9°C. It has been shown that adjusting operational parameters by amplitude modulating or time multiplexing the LED decreases the temperature increase of the skin significantly. Conclusion In this study, we demonstrate that the major risk source of the LED in direct contact with skin is the conducted heat of the LED semiconductor junction, which may cause serious skin burns. Adjusting operational parameters by amplitude modulating or time multiplexing the LED can keep the LED within safe temperature ranges. PMID:15035670

Modulated CMOS camera for fluorescence lifetime microscopy.

PubMed

Chen, Hongtao; Holst, Gerhard; Gratton, Enrico

2015-12-01

Widefield frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FD-FLIM) is a fast and accurate method to measure the fluorescence lifetime of entire images. However, the complexity and high costs involved in construction of such a system limit the extensive use of this technique. PCO AG recently released the first luminescence lifetime imaging camera based on a high frequency modulated CMOS image sensor, QMFLIM2. Here we tested and provide operational procedures to calibrate the camera and to improve the accuracy using corrections necessary for image analysis. With its flexible input/output options, we are able to use a modulated laser diode or a 20 MHz pulsed white supercontinuum laser as the light source. The output of the camera consists of a stack of modulated images that can be analyzed by the SimFCS software using the phasor approach. The nonuniform system response across the image sensor must be calibrated at the pixel level. This pixel calibration is crucial and needed for every camera settings, e.g. modulation frequency and exposure time. A significant dependency of the modulation signal on the intensity was also observed and hence an additional calibration is needed for each pixel depending on the pixel intensity level. These corrections are important not only for the fundamental frequency, but also for the higher harmonics when using the pulsed supercontinuum laser. With these post data acquisition corrections, the PCO CMOS-FLIM camera can be used for various biomedical applications requiring a large frame and high speed acquisition. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Quantum Cascade Lasers Modulation and Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luzhansky, Edward

The mid-wave IR (MWIR) spectral band, extending from 3 to 5 microns, is considered to be a low loss atmospheric window. There are several spectral sub-bands with relatively low atmospheric attenuation in this region making it popular for various commercial and military applications. Relatively low thermal and solar background emissions, effective penetration through the natural and anthropogenic obscurants and eye safety add to the long list of advantages of MWIR wavelengths. Quantum Cascade Lasers are compact semiconductor devices capable of operating in MWIR spectrum. They are based on inter-subband transitions in a multiple-quantum-well (QW) hetero-structure, designed by means of band-structure engineering. The inter-subband nature of the optical transition has several key advantages. First, the emission wavelength is primarily a function of the QW thickness. This characteristic allows choosing well-understood and reliable semiconductors for the generation of light in a wavelength range of interest. Second, a cascade process in which tens of photons are generated per injected electron. This cascading process is behind the intrinsic high-power capabilities of QCLs. This dissertation is focused on modulation properties of Quantum Cascade Lasers. Both amplitude and phase/frequency modulations were studied including modulation bandwidth, modulation efficiency and chirp linearity. Research was consisted of the two major parts. In the first part we describe the theory of frequency modulation (FM) response of Distributed Feedback Quantum Cascade Lasers (DFB QCL). It includes cascading effect on the QCL's maximum modulation frequency. The "gain levering" effect for the maximum FM response of the two section QCLs was studied as well. In the second part of research we concentrated on the Pulse Position Amplitude Modulation of a single section QCL. The low complexity, low size, weight and power Mid-Wavelength Infra-Red optical communications transceiver concept is introduced. The concept was realized and tested in the laboratory environment. The resilience to atmospheric impairments are analyzed with simulated turbulence. The performance compared to typical telecom based Short Wavelength Infra-Red transceiver.

Effect of temperature and ridge-width on the lasing characteristics of InAs/InP quantum-dash lasers: A thermal analysis view

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alkhazraji, E.; Khan, M. T. A.; Ragheb, A. M.; Fathallah, H.; Qureshi, K. K.; Alshebeili, S.; Khan, M. Z. M.

2018-01-01

We investigate the thermal characteristics of multi-stack chirped barrier thickness InAs/InGaAlAs/InP quantum-dash-in-a-well lasers of different ridge widths 2, 3, 4 and 15 μm. The effect of varying this geometrical parameter on the extracted thermal resistance and characteristic temperature, and their stability with temperature are examined. The results show an inverse relation of ridge-width with junction temperature with 2 μm device exhibiting the largest junction temperature buildup owing to an associated high thermal resistance of ∼45 °C/W. Under the light of this thermal analysis, lasing behavior of different ridge-width quantum-dash (Qdash) lasers with injection currents and operating temperatures, is investigated. Thermionic carrier escape and phonon-assisted tunneling are found to be the dominant carrier transport mechanisms resulting in wide thermal spread of carriers across the available transition states of the chirped active region. An emission coverage of ∼75 nm and 3 dB bandwidth of ∼55 nm is exhibited by the 2 μm device, thus possibly exploiting the inhomogeneous optical transitions to the fullest. Furthermore, successful external modulation of a single Qdash Fabry-Perot laser mode via injection locking is demonstrated with eye diagrams at bit rates of 2-12 Gbit/s incorporating various modulation schemes. These devices are being considered as potential light sources for future high-speed wavelength-division multiplexed optical communication systems.

Laser Light Scattering by Shock Waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Panda, J.; Adamovsky, G.

1995-01-01

Scattering of coherent light as it propagates parallel to a shock wave, formed in front of a bluff cylindrical body placed in a supersonic stream, is studied experimentally and numerically. Two incident optical fields are considered. First, a large diameter collimated beam is allowed to pass through the shock containing flow. The light intensity distribution in the resultant shadowgraph image, measured by a low light CCD camera, shows well-defined fringes upstream and downstream of the shadow cast by the shock. In the second situation, a narrow laser beam is brought to a grazing incidence on the shock and the scattered light, which appears as a diverging sheet from the point of interaction, is visualized and measured on a screen placed normal to the laser path. Experiments are conducted on shocks formed at various free-stream Mach numbers, M, and total pressures, P(sub 0). It is found that the widths of the shock shadows in a shadowgraph image become independent of M and P(sub 0) when plotted against the jump in the refractive index, (Delta)n, created across the shock. The total scattered light measured from the narrow laser beam and shock interaction also follows the same trend. In the numerical part of the study, the shock is assumed to be a 'phase object', which introduces phase difference between the upstream and downstream propagating parts of the light disturbances. For a given shape and (Delta)n of the bow shock the phase and amplitude modulations are first calculated by ray tracing. The wave front is then propagated to the screen using the Fresnet diffraction equation. The calculated intensity distribution, for both of the incident optical fields, shows good agreement with the experimental data.

A study of optical design and optimization applied to lens module of laser beam shaping of advanced modern optical device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Cheng-Mu; Fang, Yi-Chin; Chen, Zhen Hsiang

2011-10-01

This study used the aspheric lens to realize the laser flat-top optimization, and applied the genetic algorithm (GA) to find the optimal results. Using the characteristics of aspheric lens to obtain the optimized high quality Nd: YAG 355 waveband laser flat-top optical system, this study employed the Light tools LDS (least damped square) and the GA of artificial intelligence optimization method to determine the optimal aspheric coefficient and obtain the optimal solution. This study applied the aspheric lens with GA for the flattening of laser beams using two aspheric lenses in the aspheric surface optical system to complete 80% spot narrowing under standard deviation of 0.6142.

Development of a High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) Based on a Confocal Optical Filter for Aerosol Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Repasky, K. S.; Hoffman, D. S.; Reagan, J. A.; Carlsten, J.

2010-12-01

Aerosols are an important constituent in atmospheric composition affecting climate, weather, and air quality. Active remote sensing instruments provide tools for in-situ studies of atmospheric aerosols that can help understand the role of aerosols on the radiative forcing of the climate system. In this paper, the design and initial performance of a high spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) based on a unique confocal cavity for optically filtering the aerosol and molecular returns is presented. An injection seeded pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a fundamental and frequency doubled output is used as the laser transmitter for the HSRL. A small portion of fiber coupled injection seeded signal at 1064 nm is split before the laser oscillator and, after modulation using an acousto-optic modulator, is used to produce a discriminating signal for locking a confocal cavity that is resonant at the 1064 and 532 nm wavelengths to the injection seeded source. Light scattered in the atmosphere is collected using a commercial telescope. After the telescope, the 1064 nm light is split from the 532 nm light using a dielectric mirror with the 1064 nm light monitored using a PMT. The 532 nm light is launched into a multimode fiber. The output from the fiber is next incident on a beamsplitter with part of the light sent to a PMT to monitor the total return for the 532 nm channel. The light that passes through the beamsplitter is mode matched into a confocal optical cavity that allows the light scattered by the atmospheric aerosols to be transmitted while the light scattered from the atmospheric molecules is reflected. The transmitted light from the aerosol scattering is incident on a PMT while the reflected molecular signal is incident on a PMT. The transmission of the confocal cavity is monitored before and after the data collection using a continuous wave frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser that is fiber coupled. Data is collected and processed in the following manner. Each of the four voltage signals from the PMT’s are monitored using a high speed A/D card. The inversion of the 1064 nm return signal is completed using the Fernald inversion technique with the additional constraint of the aerosol optical depth. The HSRL 532 nm signal is inverted using a Rayleigh backscatter model along with the inversion techniques described by Shipley et al. (Applied Optics, V22, N23, 3716-3724, 1983) and Sroga et al. (Applied Optics, V22, N23, 3725-3732, 1983). This presentation will focus on the design of the confocal optical filter, the locking of the confocal optical filter to the laser transmitter, and the performance of the high spectral resolution channel at 532 nm. Data will be presented showing the molecular returns, the aerosol returns and the range resolved lidar ratio.

System and Method for Generating a Frequency Modulated Linear Laser Waveform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pierrottet, Diego F. (Inventor); Petway, Larry B. (Inventor); Amzajerdian, Farzin (Inventor); Barnes, Bruce W. (Inventor); Lockard, George E. (Inventor); Hines, Glenn D. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A system for generating a frequency modulated linear laser waveform includes a single frequency laser generator to produce a laser output signal. An electro-optical modulator modulates the frequency of the laser output signal to define a linear triangular waveform. An optical circulator passes the linear triangular waveform to a band-pass optical filter to filter out harmonic frequencies created in the waveform during modulation of the laser output signal, to define a pure filtered modulated waveform having a very narrow bandwidth. The optical circulator receives the pure filtered modulated laser waveform and transmits the modulated laser waveform to a target.

System and Method for Generating a Frequency Modulated Linear Laser Waveform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pierrottet, Diego F. (Inventor); Petway, Larry B. (Inventor); Amzajerdian, Farzin (Inventor); Barnes, Bruce W. (Inventor); Lockard, George E. (Inventor); Hines, Glenn D. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A system for generating a frequency modulated linear laser waveform includes a single frequency laser generator to produce a laser output signal. An electro-optical modulator modulates the frequency of the laser output signal to define a linear triangular waveform. An optical circulator passes the linear triangular waveform to a band-pass optical filter to filter out harmonic frequencies created in the waveform during modulation of the laser output signal, to define a pure filtered modulated waveform having a very narrow bandwidth. The optical circulator receives the pure filtered modulated laser waveform and transmits the modulated laser waveform to a target.

Integration of electro-absorption modulator in a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marigo-Lombart, L.; Calvez, S.; Arnoult, A.; Rumeau, A.; Viallon, C.; Thienpont, H.; Panajotov, K.; Almuneau, G.

2018-02-01

VCSELs became dominant laser sources in many short optical link applications such as datacenter, active cables, etc. Actual standards and commercialized VCSEL are providing 25 Gb/s data rates, but new solutions are expected to settle the next device generation enabling 100 Gb/s. Directly modulated VCSEL have been extensively studied and improved to reach bandwidths in the range of 26-32 GHz [Chalmers, TU Berlin], however at the price of increased applied current and thus reduced device lifetime. Furthermore, the relaxation oscillation limit still subsists with this solution. Thus, splitting the emission and the modulation functions as done with DFB lasers is a very promising alternative [TI-Tech, TU Berlin]. Here, we study the vertical integration of an ElectroAbsorption Modulator (EAM) within a VCSEL, where the output light of the VCSEL is modulated through the EAM section. In our original design, we finely optimized the EAM design to maximize the modulation depth by implementing perturbative Quantum Confined Stark Effect (QCSE) calculations, while designing the vertical integration of the EAM without penalty on the VCSEL static performances. We will present the different fabricated vertical structures, as well as the experimental electrical and optical static measurements for those configurations demonstrating a very good agreement with the reflectivity and absorption simulations obtained for both the VCSEL and the EAM-VCSEL structures. Finally, to reach very high frequency modulation we studied the BCB electrical properties up to 110 GHz and investigated coplanar and microstrip lines access to decrease both the parasitic capacitance and the influence of the substrate.

Flow cytometer acquisition and detection system

DOEpatents

Casstevens, Martin K.; Burzynski, Ryszard; Weibel, John; Kachynski, Alexander

2010-05-04

A flow cytometer has a flow cell through which a sample flows and at least one laser emitting an excitation beam for illuminating a corresponding interrogation region in the flow cell. Scattered and fluorescence light from each interrogation region is collected by one or more input fibers for that region, and the input fiber(s) are fed to a dispersion module for that interrogation region that disperses the incoming light into different spectral regions. The dispersed light is conveyed, such as by a plurality of output fibers, to one or more photosensitive detectors. Thus, time multiplexed light signals may be delivered to a detector whereby several unique light signals can be measured by a single detector.

Experimental research of adaptive OFDM and OCT precoding with a high SE for VLLC system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shuang-ao; He, Jing; Chen, Qinghui; Deng, Rui; Zhou, Zhihua; Chen, Shenghai; Chen, Lin

2017-09-01

In this paper, an adaptive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation scheme with 128/64/32/16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and orthogonal circulant matrix transform (OCT) precoding is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for a visible laser light communication (VLLC) system with a cost-effective 450-nm blue-light laser diode (LD). The performance of OCT precoding is compared with conventional the adaptive Discrete Fourier Transform-spread (DFT-spread) OFDM scheme, 32 QAM OCT precoding OFDM scheme, 64 QAM OCT precoding OFDM scheme and adaptive OCT precoding OFDM scheme. The experimental results show that OCT precoding can achieve a relatively flat signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) curve, and it can provide performance improvement in bit error rate (BER). Furthermore, the BER of the proposed OFDM signal with a raw bit rate 5.04 Gb/s after 5-m free space transmission is less than 20% of soft-decision forward error correlation (SD-FEC) threshold of 2.4 × 10-2, and the spectral efficiency (SE) of 4.2 bit/s/Hz can be successfully achieved.

Multi-kW coherent combining of fiber lasers seeded with pseudo random phase modulated light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores, Angel; Ehrehreich, Thomas; Holten, Roger; Anderson, Brian; Dajani, Iyad

2016-03-01

We report efficient coherent beam combining of five kilowatt-class fiber amplifiers with a diffractive optical element (DOE). Based on a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) configuration, the amplifiers were seeded with pseudo random phase modulated light. Each non-polarization maintaining fiber amplifier was optically path length matched and provides approximately 1.2 kW of near diffraction-limited output power (measured M2<1.1). Consequently, a low power sample of each laser was utilized for active linear polarization control. A low power sample of the combined beam after the DOE provided an error signal for active phase locking which was performed via Locking of Optical Coherence by Single-Detector Electronic-Frequency Tagging (LOCSET). After phase stabilization, the beams were coherently combined via the 1x5 DOE. A total combined output power of 4.9 kW was achieved with 82% combining efficiency and excellent beam quality (M2<1.1). The intrinsic DOE splitter loss was 5%. Similarly, losses due in part to non-ideal polarization, ASE content, uncorrelated wavefront errors, and misalignment errors contributed to the efficiency reduction.

AlGaInAs EML having high extinction ratios fabricated by identical epitaxial layer technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Qiufang; Guo, Lu; Liang, Song; Sun, Siwei; Xie, Xiao; Zhu, Hongliang; Wang, Wei

2018-04-01

AlGaInAs electroabsorption-modulated lasers (EMLs) fabricated by identical epitaxial layer technique are demonstrated. The EML device shows an infinite characteristic temperature when the temperature ranges from 20 oC to 30 oC. The integrated modulator has static extinction ratios of larger than 20 dB at a reverse bias voltage of - 2 V. The small signal modulation bandwidth of the modulator is larger than 11 GHz. At 10 Gb/s data modulation, the dynamic extinction ratio is about 9.5 dB in a back to back test configuration. Because only a simple fabrication procedure is needed, our EMLs are promising low cost light sources for optical fiber transmission applications.

All-optical phase modulation for integrated interferometric biosensors.

PubMed

Dante, Stefania; Duval, Daphné; Sepúlveda, Borja; González-Guerrero, Ana Belen; Sendra, José Ramón; Lechuga, Laura M

2012-03-26

We present the theoretical and the experimental implementation of an all-optical phase modulation system in integrated Mach-Zehnder Interferometers to solve the drawbacks related to the periodic nature of the interferometric signal. Sensor phase is tuned by modulating the emission wavelength of low-cost commercial laser diodes by changing their output power. FFT deconvolution of the signal allows for direct phase readout, immune to sensitivity variations and to light intensity fluctuations. This simple phase modulation scheme increases the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurements in one order of magnitude, rendering in a sensor with a detection limit of 1.9·10⁻⁷ RIU. The viability of the all-optical modulation approach is demonstrated with an immunoassay detection as a biosensing proof of concept.

Transient nutation electron spin resonance spectroscopy on spin-correlated radical pairs: A theoretical analysis on hyperfine-induced nuclear modulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, Stefan; Kothe, Gerd; Norris, James R.

1997-04-01

The influence of anisotropic hyperfine interaction on transient nutation electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of light-induced spin-correlated radical pairs is studied theoretically using the density operator formalism. Analytical expressions for the time evolution of the transient EPR signal during selective microwave excitation of single transitions are derived for a model system comprised of a weakly coupled radical pair and one hyperfine-coupled nucleus with I=1/2. Zero-quantum electron coherence and single-quantum nuclear coherence are created as a result of the sudden light-induced generation of the radical pair state from a singlet-state precursor. Depending on the relative sizes of the nuclear Zeeman frequency and the secular and pseudo-secular parts of the hyperfine coupling, transitions between levels with different nuclear spin orientations are predicted to modulate the time-dependent EPR signal. These modulations are in addition to the well-known transient nutations and electron zero-quantum precessions. Our calculations provide insight into the mechanism of recent experimental observations of coherent nuclear modulations in the time-resolved EPR signals of doublets and radical pairs. Two distinct mechanisms of the modulations are presented for various microwave magnetic field strengths. The first modulation scheme arises from electron and nuclear coherences initiated by the laser excitation pulse and is "read out" by the weak microwave magnetic field. While the relative modulation depth of these oscillations with respect to the signal intensity is independent of the Rabi frequency, ω1, the frequencies of this coherence phenomenon are modulated by the effective microwave amplitude and determined by the nuclear Zeeman interaction and hyperfine coupling constants as well as the electron-electron spin exchange and dipolar interactions between the two radical pair halves. In a second mechanism the modulations are both created and detected by the microwave radiation. Here, the laser pulse merely defines the beginning of the microwave-induced coherent time evolution. This second mechanism appears the most consistent with current experimental observations.

Characterization of modulated time-of-flight range image sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Payne, Andrew D.; Dorrington, Adrian A.; Cree, Michael J.; Carnegie, Dale A.

2009-01-01

A number of full field image sensors have been developed that are capable of simultaneously measuring intensity and distance (range) for every pixel in a given scene using an indirect time-of-flight measurement technique. A light source is intensity modulated at a frequency between 10-100 MHz, and an image sensor is modulated at the same frequency, synchronously sampling light reflected from objects in the scene (homodyne detection). The time of flight is manifested as a phase shift in the illumination modulation envelope, which can be determined from the sampled data simultaneously for each pixel in the scene. This paper presents a method of characterizing the high frequency modulation response of these image sensors, using a pico-second laser pulser. The characterization results allow the optimal operating parameters, such as the modulation frequency, to be identified in order to maximize the range measurement precision for a given sensor. A number of potential sources of error exist when using these sensors, including deficiencies in the modulation waveform shape, duty cycle, or phase, resulting in contamination of the resultant range data. From the characterization data these parameters can be identified and compensated for by modifying the sensor hardware or through post processing of the acquired range measurements.

Modulation of the pupil function of microscope objective lens for multifocal multi-photon microscopy using a spatial light modulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsumoto, Naoya; Okazaki, Shigetoshi; Takamoto, Hisayoshi; Inoue, Takashi; Terakawa, Susumu

2014-02-01

We propose a method for high precision modulation of the pupil function of a microscope objective lens to improve the performance of multifocal multi-photon microscopy (MMM). To modulate the pupil function, we adopt a spatial light modulator (SLM) and place it at the conjugate position of the objective lens. The SLM can generate an arbitrary number of spots to excite the multiple fluorescence spots (MFS) at the desired positions and intensities by applying an appropriate computer-generated hologram (CGH). This flexibility allows us to control the MFS according to the photobleaching level of a fluorescent protein and phototoxicity of a specimen. However, when a large number of excitation spots are generated, the intensity distribution of the MFS is significantly different from the one originally designed due to misalignment of the optical setup and characteristics of the SLM. As a result, the image of a specimen obtained using laser scanning for the MFS has block noise segments because the SLM could not generate a uniform MFS. To improve the intensity distribution of the MFS, we adaptively redesigned the CGH based on the observed MFS. We experimentally demonstrate an improvement in the uniformity of a 10 × 10 MFS grid using a dye solution. The simplicity of the proposed method will allow it to be applied for calibration of MMM before observing living tissue. After the MMM calibration, we performed laser scanning with two-photon excitation to observe a real specimen without detecting block noise segments.

A Systematic Study of the Optical and Electrical Properties of Ge1-ySny and Ge1-x-ySixSny Semiconductor Alloys

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-27

efficient light sources and detectors continues to be the most significant fundamental challenge. Although there are several promising candidates, there has...not yet been a clear winner. A major challenge in the development of light sources and detectors comes from the fact that both silicon (Si) and...laser diodes), photo- detectors , and electro-optical modulators as well as biological and chemical sensors. Despite the substantial recent progress in

Femtosecond laser ablation of transparent microphotonic devices and computer-generated holograms.

PubMed

Alqurashi, Tawfiq; Montelongo, Yunuen; Penchev, Pavel; Yetisen, Ali K; Dimov, Stefan; Butt, Haider

2017-09-21

Femtosecond laser ablation allows direct patterning of engineering materials in industrial settings without requiring multistage processes such as photolithography or electron beam lithography. However, femtosecond lasers have not been widely used to construct volumetric microphotonic devices and holograms with high reliability and cost efficiency. Here, a direct femtosecond laser writing process is developed to rapidly produce transmission 1D/2D gratings, Fresnel Zone Plate lenses, and computer-generated holograms. The optical properties including light transmission, angle-dependent resolution, and light polarization effects for the microphotonic devices have been characterized. Varying the depth of the microgratings from 400 nm to 1.5 μm allowed the control over their transmission intensity profile. The optical properties of the 1D/2D gratings were validated through a geometrical theory of diffraction model involving 2D phase modulation. The produced Fresnel lenses had transmission efficiency of ∼60% at normal incidence and they preserved the polarization of incident light. The computer-generated holograms had an average transmission efficiency of 35% over the visible spectrum. These microphotonic devices had wettability resistance of contact angle ranging from 44° to 125°. These devices can be used in a variety of applications including wavelength-selective filters, dynamic displays, fiber optics, and biomedical devices.

Michelson interferometer with diffractively-coupled arm resonators in second-order Littrow configuration.

PubMed

Britzger, Michael; Wimmer, Maximilian H; Khalaidovski, Alexander; Friedrich, Daniel; Kroker, Stefanie; Brückner, Frank; Kley, Ernst-Bernhard; Tünnermann, Andreas; Danzmann, Karsten; Schnabel, Roman

2012-11-05

Michelson-type laser-interferometric gravitational-wave (GW) observatories employ very high light powers as well as transmissively-coupled Fabry-Perot arm resonators in order to realize high measurement sensitivities. Due to the absorption in the transmissive optics, high powers lead to thermal lensing and hence to thermal distortions of the laser beam profile, which sets a limit on the maximal light power employable in GW observatories. Here, we propose and realize a Michelson-type laser interferometer with arm resonators whose coupling components are all-reflective second-order Littrow gratings. In principle such gratings allow high finesse values of the resonators but avoid bulk transmission of the laser light and thus the corresponding thermal beam distortion. The gratings used have three diffraction orders, which leads to the creation of a second signal port. We theoretically analyze the signal response of the proposed topology and show that it is equivalent to a conventional Michelson-type interferometer. In our proof-of-principle experiment we generated phase-modulation signals inside the arm resonators and detected them simultaneously at the two signal ports. The sum signal was shown to be equivalent to a single-output-port Michelson interferometer with transmissively-coupled arm cavities, taking into account optical loss. The proposed and demonstrated topology is a possible approach for future all-reflective GW observatory designs.

Apparatus and method for qualitative and quantitative measurements of optical properties of turbid media using frequency-domain photon migration

DOEpatents

Tromberg, B.J.; Tsay, T.T.; Berns, M.W.; Svaasand, L.O.; Haskell, R.C.

1995-06-13

Optical measurements of turbid media, that is media characterized by multiple light scattering, is provided through an apparatus and method for exposing a sample to a modulated laser beam. The light beam is modulated at a fundamental frequency and at a plurality of integer harmonics thereof. Modulated light is returned from the sample and preferentially detected at cross frequencies at frequencies slightly higher than the fundamental frequency and at integer harmonics of the same. The received radiance at the beat or cross frequencies is compared against a reference signal to provide a measure of the phase lag of the radiance and modulation ratio relative to a reference beam. The phase and modulation amplitude are then provided as a frequency spectrum by an array processor to which a computer applies a complete curve fit in the case of highly scattering samples or a linear curve fit below a predetermined frequency in the case of highly absorptive samples. The curve fit in any case is determined by the absorption and scattering coefficients together with a concentration of the active substance in the sample. Therefore, the curve fitting to the frequency spectrum can be used both for qualitative and quantitative analysis of substances in the sample even though the sample is highly turbid. 14 figs.

Apparatus and method for qualitative and quantitative measurements of optical properties of turbid media using frequency-domain photon migration

DOEpatents

Tromberg, Bruce J.; Tsay, Tsong T.; Berns, Michael W.; Svaasand, Lara O.; Haskell, Richard C.

1995-01-01

Optical measurements of turbid media, that is media characterized by multiple light scattering, is provided through an apparatus and method for exposing a sample to a modulated laser beam. The light beam is modulated at a fundamental frequency and at a plurality of integer harmonics thereof. Modulated light is returned from the sample and preferentially detected at cross frequencies at frequencies slightly higher than the fundamental frequency and at integer harmonics of the same. The received radiance at the beat or cross frequencies is compared against a reference signal to provide a measure of the phase lag of the radiance and modulation ratio relative to a reference beam. The phase and modulation amplitude are then provided as a frequency spectrum by an array processor to which a computer applies a complete curve fit in the case of highly scattering samples or a linear curve fit below a predetermined frequency in the case of highly absorptive samples. The curve fit in any case is determined by the absorption and scattering coefficients together with a concentration of the active substance in the sample. Therefore, the curve fitting to the frequency spectrum can be used both for qualitative and quantitative analysis of substances in the sample even though the sample is highly turbid.

Observing quantum control of up-conversion luminescence in Dy3+ ion doped glass from weak to intermediate shaped femtosecond laser fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Pei; Cheng, Wenjing; Yao, Yunhua; Xu, Cheng; Zheng, Ye; Deng, Lianzhong; Jia, Tianqing; Qiu, Jianrong; Sun, Zhenrong; Zhang, Shian

2017-11-01

Controlling the up-conversion luminescence of rare-earth ions in real-time, in a dynamical and reversible manner, is very important for their application in laser sources, fiber-optic communications, light-emitting diodes, color displays and biological systems. In previous studies, the up-conversion luminescence control mainly focused on the weak femtosecond laser field. Here, we further extend this control behavior from weak to intermediate femtosecond laser fields. In this work, we experimentally and theoretically demonstrate that the up-conversion luminescence in Dy3+ ion doped glass can be artificially controlled by a π phase step modulation, but the up-conversion luminescence control behavior will be affected by the femtosecond laser intensity, and the up-conversion luminescence is suppressed by lower laser intensity while enhanced by higher laser intensity. We establish a new theoretical model (i.e. the fourth-order perturbation theory) to explain the physical control mechanism by considering the two- and four-photon absorption processes, and the theoretical results show that the relative weight of four-photon absorption in the whole excitation process will increase with the increase in laser intensity, and the interference between two- and four-photon absorptions results in up-conversion luminescence control modulation under different laser intensities. These theoretical and experimental works can provide a new method to control and understand up-conversion luminescence in rare-earth ions, and also may open a new opportunity to the related application areas of rare-earth ions.

The Fluids Integrated Rack and Light Microscopy Module Integrated Capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Motil, Susan M.; Gati, Frank; Snead, John H.; Hill, Myron E.; Griffin, DeVon W.

2003-01-01

The Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR), a facility class payload, and the Light Microscopy Module (LMM), a subrack payload, are scheduled to be launched in 2005. The LMM integrated into the FIR will provide a unique platform for conducting fluids and biological experiments on ISS. The FIR is a modular, multi-user scientific research facility that will fly in the U.S. laboratory module, Destiny, of the International Space Station (ISS). The first payload in the FIR will be the Light Microscopy Module (LMM). The LMM is planned as a remotely controllable, automated, on-orbit microscope subrack facility, allowing flexible scheduling and control of fluids and biology experiments within the FIR. Key diagnostic capabilities for meeting science requirements include video microscopy to observe microscopic phenomena and dynamic interactions, interferometry to make thin film measurements with nanometer resolution, laser tweezers for particle manipulation, confocal microscopy to provide enhanced three-dimensional visualization of structures, and spectrophotometry to measure photonic properties of materials. The LMM also provides experiment sample containment for frangibles and fluids. This paper will provide a description of the current FIR and LMM designs, planned capabilities and key features. In addition a brief description of the initial five experiments planned for LMM/FIR will be provided.

Photonic Interrogation and Control of Nano Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jassemnejad, Baha

2003-01-01

My research activities for the summer of 2003 consisted of two projects: One project was concerned with determining a method for predicting the static and dynamic assembly properties of nano-structures using laser tweezers. The other project was to investigate the generation of Laguerre-Gaussian modes using a spatial light modulator incorporated into an optical tweezers system. Concerning the first project, I initially pursued the approach suggested by my NASA colleague Dr. Art Decker. This approach involved mimicking the model of the structure of atomic nucleus for the assembly of 1 to 100 atoms using allowed quadruple transitions induced by orbital angular momentums of a Laguerre- Gaussian (Doughnut) laser mode. After realizing the inaptness of the nuclear model with the nanostructure model as far as the binding forces and transitions were concerned, I focused on using quantum dot modei. This model was not attuned also for the host lattice influences the electronic structure of the quantum dot. Thus one other option that I decided to pursue was the approach of molecular quantum mechanics. In this approach the nanostructure is treated as a large (10-100 nm) molecule constructed from single element or multi-elements. Subsequent to consultation with Dr. Fred Morales, a chemical engineer at NASA GRC, and Dr. David Ball, a computational chemist at Cleveland State University, I acquired a molecular-quantum computation software, Hyperchem 7.0. This software allows simulation of different molecular structures as far as their static and dynamic behaviors are concerned. The time that I spent on this project was about eight weeks. Once this suitable approach was identified, I realized the need to collaborate with a computational quantum chemist to pursue searching for stable nanostructures in the range of 10-100 nm that we can be assembled using laser tweezers. The second project was about generating laser tweezers that possess orbital angular momentum. As shown, we were able to generate laser tweezers modes of different orbital angular momentum using a spatial light modulator incorporated into a laser tweezers system. The motivation for investigating these types of modes stems from being able to spin particles at high speeds and also to orient two particles in separate traps and then join them together. Also, there has been recent intense interest on fundamental physics research on orbital angular momentum of light. The fact that circularly polarized light may have associated with it angular momentum that relates to the spin of individual photons (spin 0 for the plane polarized light, spin +1 for the right-circularly polarized light and spin -1 for the left-circularly polarized light) was first demonstrated by Beth in 1936. Orbital angular momentum is, however, distinct from spin in that the spin angular momentum of light is intrinsically linked to the behavior of the electric field in the light whereas orbital angular momentum is a consequence of inclined wavefronts. In 1992 L. Allen, et al showed that the Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) modes could possess well-defined orbital angular momentum that can exceed 1 planck's constant, i.e. l plancks constant per photon, where l is the azimuthal index of the mode.

LDEF active optical system components experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blue, M. D.

1992-01-01

A preliminary report on the Active Optical System Components Experiment is presented. This experiment contained 136 components in a six inch deep tray including lasers, infrared detectors and arrays, ultraviolet light detectors, light-emitting diodes, a light modulator, flash lamps, optical filters, glasses, and samples of surface finishes. Thermal, mechanical, and structural considerations leading to the design of the tray hardware are discussed. In general, changes in the retested component characteristics appear as much related to the passage of time as to the effects of the space environment, but organic materials, multilayer optical interference filters, and extreme-infrared reflectivity of black paints show unexpected changes.

Multiple stable states of a periodically driven electron spin in a quantum dot using circularly polarized light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korenev, V. L.

2011-06-01

The periodical modulation of circularly polarized light with a frequency close to the electron spin resonance frequency induces a sharp change of the single electron spin orientation. Hyperfine interaction provides a feedback, thus fixing the precession frequency of the electron spin in the external and the Overhauser field near the modulation frequency. The nuclear polarization is bidirectional and the electron-nuclear spin system (ENSS) possesses a few stable states. The same physics underlie the frequency-locking effect for two-color and mode-locked excitations. However, the pulsed excitation with mode-locked laser brings about the multitudes of stable states in ENSS in a quantum dot. The resulting precession frequencies of the electron spin differ in these states by the multiple of the modulation frequency. Under such conditions ENSS represents a digital frequency converter with more than 100 stable channels.

Applications of OALCLV in the high power laser systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Dajie; Fan, Wei; Cheng, He; Wei, Hui; Wang, Jiangfeng; An, Honghai; Wang, Chao; Cheng, Yu; Xia, Gang; Li, Xuechun; Lin, Zunqi

2017-10-01

This paper introduces the recent development of our integrated optical addressed spatial light modulator and its applications in the high power laser systems. It can be used to convert the incident beam into uniform beam for high energy effiency, or it can realize special distribution to meet the requirements of physical experiment. The optical addressing method can avoid the problem of the black matrix effect of the electric addressing device. Its transmittance for 1053nm light is about 85% and the aperture of our device has reached 22mm× 22mm. As a transmissive device, it can be inserted into the system without affecting the original optical path. The applications of the device in the three laser systems are introduced in detail in this paper. In the SGII-Up laser facility, this device demonstrates its ability to shape the output laser beam of the fundamental frequency when the output energy reaches about 2000J. Meanwhile, there's no change in the time waveform and far field distribution. This means that it can effectively improve the capacity of the maximum output energy. In the 1J1Hz Nd-glass laser system, this device has been used to improve the uniformity of the output beam. As a result, the PV value reduces from 1.4 to 1.2, which means the beam quality has been improved effectively. In the 9th beam of SGII laser facility, the device has been used to meet the requirements of sampling the probe light. As the transmittance distribution of the laser beam can be adjusted, the sampling spot can be realized in real time. As a result, it's easy to make the sampled spot meet the requirements of physics experiment.

Direct control of transitions between different mode-locking states of a fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilday, Fatih; Teamir, Tesfay; Iegorov, Roman; Makey, Ghaith

Mode-locking corresponds to a far-from-equilibrium steady state of a laser, whereby extremely short pulses can be produced. Capability to directly control mode-locking states can be used to improve laser performance with numerous applications, as well as shed light on their far-from-equilibrium physics using the laser as an experimental platform. Here, we demonstrate direct control of the mode-locking state using spectral pulse shaping by incorporating a spatial light modulator at a Fourier plane inside the cavity of an Yb-doped fiber laser. We show that we can halt and restart mode-locking, suppress instabilities, induce controlled reversible and irreversible transitions between mode-locking states, and perform advanced pulse shaping on pulses as short as 40 fs. This capability can be used to experimentally investigate bifurcations, reversible and irreversible transitions, by selecting, steering, and even competing various mode-locking states. Such studies can explore collective dynamics of dissipative soliton molecules, and ultimately test emerging theories about far-from-equilibrium physics, where there is an acute lack of experimental systems that are sufficiently well controlled. ERC CoG 617521, TUBITAK 113F319.

Index mismatch aberration correction over long working distances using spatial light modulation.

PubMed

Gjonaj, Bergin; Johnson, Patrick; Bonn, Mischa; Domke, Katrin F

2012-11-20

For many microscopy applications, millimeters-long free working distances (LWD) are required. However, the high resolution and contrast of LWD objectives operated in air are lost when introducing glass and/or liquid with the sample. We propose to use spatial light modulation to correct for such beam aberrations caused by refractive index mismatches. Focusing a monochromatic laser beam with a 10 mm working distance air objective (50×, 0.5 NA) through air, glass, and water, we manage to restore a sharp, intense focus (FWHM<2λ) by adaptive beam phase shaping. Our approach offers a practical and cost-effective route to high resolution and contrast microscopy using LWD air objectives, extending their usage beyond applications in air.

Stabilized high-accuracy correction of ocular aberrations with liquid crystal on silicon spatial light modulator in adaptive optics retinal imaging system.

PubMed

Huang, Hongxin; Inoue, Takashi; Tanaka, Hiroshi

2011-08-01

We studied the long-term optical performance of an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope that uses a liquid crystal on silicon spatial light modulator to correct ocular aberrations. The system achieved good compensation of aberrations while acquiring images of fine retinal structures, excepting during sudden eye movements. The residual wavefront aberrations collected over several minutes in several situations were statistically analyzed. The mean values of the root-mean-square residual wavefront errors were 23-30 nm, and for around 91-94% of the effective time the errors were below the Marechal criterion for diffraction limited imaging. The ability to axially shift the imaging plane to different retinal depths was also demonstrated.

Solid-state laser source of narrowband ultraviolet B light for skin disease care with advanced performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarasov, Aleksandr A.; Chu, Hong; Buchwald, Kristian

2015-02-01

Two years ago we reported about the development of solid state laser source for medical skin treatment with wavelength 310.6 nm and average power 200 mW. Here we describe the results of investigation of the advanced version of the laser, which is a more compact device with increased output power and flat top beam profile. Ti: Sapphire laser, the main module of our source, was modified and optimized such, that UV average power of the device was increased 1.7 times. Fiber optic homogenizer was replaced by articulated arm with diffraction diffuser, providing round spot with flat profile at the skin. We investigated and compare characteristics of Ti: Sapphire lasers with volume Bragg grating and with fused silica transmission grating, which was used first time for Ti: Sapphire laser spectral selection and tuning. Promising performance of last gratings is demonstrated.

Impact of threading dislocation density on the lifetime of InAs quantum dot lasers on Si

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Daehwan; Herrick, Robert; Norman, Justin; Turnlund, Katherine; Jan, Catherine; Feng, Kaiyin; Gossard, Arthur C.; Bowers, John E.

2018-04-01

We investigate the impact of threading dislocation density on the reliability of 1.3 μm InAs quantum dot lasers epitaxially grown on Si. A reduction in the threading dislocation density from 2.8 × 108 cm-2 to 7.3 × 106 cm-2 has improved the laser lifetime by about five orders of magnitude when aged continuous-wave near room temperature (35 °C). We have achieved extrapolated lifetimes (time to double initial threshold) more than 10 × 106 h. An accelerated laser aging test at an elevated temperature (60 °C) reveals that p-modulation doped quantum dot lasers on Si retain superior reliability over unintentionally doped ones. These results suggest that epitaxially grown quantum dot lasers could be a viable approach to realize a reliable, scalable, and efficient light source on Si.

All-fiber gas sensor with intracavity photothermal spectroscopy.

PubMed

Zhao, Yan; Jin, Wei; Lin, Yuechuan; Yang, Fan; Ho, Hoi Lut

2018-04-01

We present an all-fiber intracavity photothermal (IC-PT) spectroscopic gas sensor with a hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber (HC-PBF) gas cell. The gas cell is placed inside a fiber-ring laser cavity to achieve higher laser light intensity in the hollow core and hence higher PT modulation signal. An experiment with a 0.62-m-long HC-PBF gas cell demonstrated a noise equivalent concentration of 176 ppb acetylene. Theoretical modeling shows that the IC-PT sensor has the potential of achieving sub-ppb (parts-per-billion) acetylene detection sensitivity.

Eye-Safe Lidar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Byer, Robert L.

1989-01-01

Laser infrared radar (lidar) undergoing development harmless to human eyes, consists almost entirely of solid-state components, and offers high range resolution. Operates at wavelength of about 2 micrometers. If radiation from such device strikes eye, almost completely absorbed by cornea without causing damage, even if aimed directly at eye. Continuous-wave light from laser oscillator amplified and modulated for transmission from telescope. Small portion of output of oscillator fed to single-mode fiber coupler, where mixed with return pulses. Intended for remote Doppler measurements of winds and differential-absorption measurements of concentrations of gases in atmosphere.

Improved Measurement of Dispersion in an Optical Fiber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, Shouhua; Le, Thanh; Maleki, Lute

2004-01-01

An improved method of measuring chromatic dispersion in an optical fiber or other device affords a lower (relative to prior such methods) limit of measurable dispersion. This method is a modified version of the amplitude-modulation (AM) method, which is one of the prior methods. In comparison with the other prior methods, the AM method is less complex. However, the AM method is limited to dispersion levels . 160 ps/nm and cannot be used to measure the symbol of the dispersion. In contrast, the present modified version of the AM method can be used to measure the symbol of the symbol of the dispersion and affords a measurement range from about 2 ps/nm to several thousand ps/nm with a resolution of 0.27 ps/nm or finer. The figure schematically depicts the measurement apparatus. The source of light for the measurement is a laser, the wavelength of which is monitored by an optical spectrum analyzer. A light-component analyzer amplitude-modulates the light with a scanning radio-frequency signal. The modulated light is passed through a buffer (described below) and through the device under test (e.g., an optical fiber, the dispersion of which one seeks to measure), then back to the light-component analyzer for spectrum analysis. Dispersion in the device under test gives rise to phase shifts among the carrier and the upper and lower sideband components of the modulated signal. These phase shifts affect the modulation-frequency component of the output of a photodetector exposed to the signal that emerges from the device under test. One of the effects is that this component goes to zero periodically as the modulation frequency is varied.

Near-Infrared 1064 nm Laser Modulates Migratory Dendritic Cells To Augment the Immune Response to Intradermal Influenza Vaccine.

PubMed

Morse, Kaitlyn; Kimizuka, Yoshifumi; Chan, Megan P K; Shibata, Mai; Shimaoka, Yusuke; Takeuchi, Shu; Forbes, Benjamin; Nirschl, Christopher; Li, Binghao; Zeng, Yang; Bronson, Roderick T; Katagiri, Wataru; Shigeta, Ayako; Sîrbulescu, Ruxandra F; Chen, Huabiao; Tan, Rhea Y Y; Tsukada, Kosuke; Brauns, Timothy; Gelfand, Jeffrey; Sluder, Ann; Locascio, Joseph J; Poznansky, Mark C; Anandasabapathy, Niroshana; Kashiwagi, Satoshi

2017-08-15

Brief exposure of skin to near-infrared (NIR) laser light has been shown to augment the immune response to intradermal vaccination and thus act as an immunologic adjuvant. Although evidence indicates that the NIR laser adjuvant has the capacity to activate innate subsets including dendritic cells (DCs) in skin as conventional adjuvants do, the precise immunological mechanism by which the NIR laser adjuvant acts is largely unknown. In this study we sought to identify the cellular target of the NIR laser adjuvant by using an established mouse model of intradermal influenza vaccination and examining the alteration of responses resulting from genetic ablation of specific DC populations. We found that a continuous wave (CW) NIR laser adjuvant broadly modulates migratory DC (migDC) populations, specifically increasing and activating the Lang + and CD11b - Lang - subsets in skin, and that the Ab responses augmented by the CW NIR laser are dependent on DC subsets expressing CCR2 and Langerin. In comparison, a pulsed wave NIR laser adjuvant showed limited effects on the migDC subsets. Our vaccination study demonstrated that the efficacy of the CW NIR laser is significantly better than that of the pulsed wave laser, indicating that the CW NIR laser offers a desirable immunostimulatory microenvironment for migDCs. These results demonstrate the unique ability of the NIR laser adjuvant to selectively target specific migDC populations in skin depending on its parameters, and highlight the importance of optimization of laser parameters for desirable immune protection induced by an NIR laser-adjuvanted vaccine. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

20-Gbit/s directly modulated photonic crystal nanocavity laser with ultra-low power consumption.

PubMed

Matsuo, Shinji; Shinya, Akihiko; Chen, Chin-Hui; Nozaki, Kengo; Sato, Tomonari; Kawaguchi, Yoshihiro; Taniyama, Hideaki; Notomi, Masaya

2011-01-31

We have demonstrated an ultracompact buried heterostructure photonic crystal (PhC) laser, consisting of an InGaAsP-based active region (5.0 x 0.3 x 0.15 μm3) buried in an InP layer. By employing a buried heterostructure with an InP layer, we can greatly improve thermal resistance and carrier confinement. We therefore achieved a low threshold input power of 6.8 μW and a maximum output power in the output waveguide of -10.3 dBm by optical pumping. The output light is effectively coupled to the output waveguide with a high external differential quantum efficiency of 53%. We observed a clear eye opening for a 20-Gbit/s NRZ signal modulation with an absorbed input power of 175.2 μW, resulting in an energy cost of 8.76 fJ/bit. This is the smallest reported energy cost for any type of semiconductor laser.

Experimental investigation of complex circular Airy beam characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porfirev, A. P.; Fomchenkov, S. A.; Khonina, S. N.

2018-04-01

We demonstrate a new type of circular Airy beams, the so-called azimuthally modulated circular Airy beams, generated by utilizing a diffraction element, whose transmission function is the sum of the transmission function of the element generating a "petal" pattern and the transmission function of the element generating a circular Airy beam. We experimentally investigate the propagation dynamics of such beams and demonstrate that their autofocusing and selfhealing properties are strongly dependent on the number of generated petals. These beams are a combination of a conventional circular Airy beam and vortex laser beams (or their superpositions). Using a spatial light modulator, we demonstrate that these beams have unique properties such as autofocusing, "nondiffractive" propagation and self-healing after passing through an obstacle. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation. We believe that these results can be very useful for lensless laser fabrication and laser manipulation techniques, as well as for development of new filament plasma multi-channel formation methods.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-11-01

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

All-optical intensity modulation based on graphene-coated microfibre waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ruiduo; Li, Diao; Jiang, Man; Wu, Hao; Xu, Xiang; Ren, Zhaoyu

2018-03-01

We investigate graphene-covered microfibre (GCM) waveguides, and analyse the microfibres' evanescent field distributions in different diameters and lengths by numerically simulation. According to the simulation results, we designed a graphene-based all-optical modulator using 980 nm and Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) lasers, employing the microfibre's evanescent field induced light-graphene interaction. We studied the modulation effect that is influenced by the microfibre's diameter, number of graphene layers, and effective graphene length. Compared to a single graphene layer of shorter length, the double graphene layer with longer length presents stronger absorption and higher modulation depth. Using a 2- μm diameter microfibre covered by ∼0.3 cm double graphene sheets, we achieved a modulation depth of 8.45 dB. This modulator features ease of fabrication, low cost, and a controllable modulation depth.

Research on target information optics communications transmission characteristic and performance in multi-screens testing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hanshan

2016-04-01

To enhance the stability and reliability of multi-screens testing system, this paper studies multi-screens target optical information transmission link properties and performance in long-distance, sets up the discrete multi-tone modulation transmission model based on geometric model of laser multi-screens testing system and visible light information communication principle; analyzes the electro-optic and photoelectric conversion function of sender and receiver in target optical information communication system; researches target information transmission performance and transfer function of the generalized visible-light communication channel; found optical information communication transmission link light intensity space distribution model and distribution function; derives the SNR model of information transmission communication system. Through the calculation and experiment analysis, the results show that the transmission error rate increases with the increment of transmission rate in a certain channel modulation depth; when selecting the appropriate transmission rate, the bit error rate reach 0.01.

Narrow linewidth picosecond UV pulsed laser with mega-watt peak power.

PubMed

Huang, Chunning; Deibele, Craig; Liu, Yun

2013-04-08

We demonstrate a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) burst mode laser system that generates 66 ps/402.5 MHz pulses with mega-watt peak power at 355 nm. The seed laser consists of a single frequency fiber laser (linewidth < 5 KHz), a high bandwidth electro-optic modulator (EOM), a picosecond pulse generator, and a fiber based preamplifier. A very high extinction ratio (45 dB) has been achieved by using an adaptive bias control of the EOM. The multi-stage Nd:YAG amplifier system allows a uniformly temporal shaping of the macropulse with a tunable pulse duration. The light output from the amplifier is converted to 355 nm, and over 1 MW peak power is obtained when the laser is operating in a 5-μs/10-Hz macropulse mode. The laser output has a transform-limited spectrum with a very narrow linewidth of individual longitudinal modes. The immediate application of the laser system is the laser-assisted hydrogen ion beam stripping for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS).

Development of a versatile laser light scattering instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, William V.; Ansari, Rafat R.

1990-10-01

A versatile laser light scattering (LLS) instrument is developed for use in microgravity to measure microscopic particles of 30 A to above 3 microns. Since it is an optical technique, LLS does not affect the sample being studied. A LLS instrument built from modules allows several configurations, each optimized for a particular experiment. The multiangle LLS instrument can be mounted in the rack in the Space Shuttle and on Space Station Freedom. It is possible that a Space Shuttle glove-box and a lap-top computer containing a correlator card can be used to perform a number of experiments and to demonstrate the technology needed for more elaborate investigations. This offers simple means of flying a great number of experiments without the additional requirements of full-scale flight hardware experiments.

Development of a versatile laser light scattering instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, William V.; Ansari, Rafat R.

1990-01-01

A versatile laser light scattering (LLS) instrument is developed for use in microgravity to measure microscopic particles of 30 A to above 3 microns. Since it is an optical technique, LLS does not affect the sample being studied. A LLS instrument built from modules allows several configurations, each optimized for a particular experiment. The multiangle LLS instrument can be mounted in the rack in the Space Shuttle and on Space Station Freedom. It is possible that a Space Shuttle glove-box and a lap-top computer containing a correlator card can be used to perform a number of experiments and to demonstrate the technology needed for more elaborate investigations. This offers simple means of flying a great number of experiments without the additional requirements of full-scale flight hardware experiments.

System and method that suppresses intensity fluctuations for free space high-speed optical communication

DOEpatents

Berman, Gennady P [Los Alamos, NM; Bishop, Alan R [Los Alamos, NM; Nguyen, Dinh C [Los Alamos, NM; Chernobrod, Boris M [Santa Fe, NM; Gorshkov, Vacheslav N [Kiev, UA

2009-10-13

A high-speed (Gbps), free space optical communication system is based on spectral encoding of radiation from a wide band light source, such as a laser. By using partially coherent laser beams in combination with a relatively slow photosensor, scintillations can be suppressed by orders of magnitude for distances of more than 10 km. To suppress the intensity fluctuations due to atmospheric turbulence, a source with partial transverse coherence in combination with slow response time photodetector is used. Information is encoded in the spectral domain of a wideband optical source by modulation of spectral amplitudes. A non-coherent light source with wide spectrum (an LED, for example) may be used for high-speed communication over short (less than about a mile) distances.

Optical power equalization for upstream traffic with injection-locked Fabry-Perot lasers in TDM-PON

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Ting-Tsan; Sheu, Lih-Gen; Chi, Sien

2010-10-01

An optical power equalization of upstream traffic in time-division-multiplexed passive optical network (TDM-PON) based on injection-locked Fabry-Perot lasers has been experimentally investigated. The upstream transmitters with stable spectrum are achieved by using an external injection light source in the optical line terminal (OLT). The different upstream powers can be equalized by injection locking a Fabry-Perot laser diode (FP-LD) biased below threshold current in OLT. The dynamic upstream power range from - 8.5 to - 19.5 db m is reduced to a 1.6 dB maximal power variation, when the uplink signal is directly modulated at 1.25 Gb/s.

High-Modulation-Speed LEDs Based on III-Nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hong

III-nitride InGaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) enable wide range of applications in solid-state lighting, full-color displays, and high-speed visible-light communication. Conventional InGaN quantum well LEDs grown on polar c-plane substrate suffer from quantum confined Stark effect due to the large internal polarization-related fields, leading to a reduced radiative recombination rate and device efficiency, which limits the performance of InGaN LEDs in high-speed communication applications. To circumvent these negative effects, non-trivial-cavity designs such as flip-chip LEDs, metallic grating coated LEDs are proposed. This oral defense will show the works on the high-modulation-speed LEDs from basic ideas to applications. Fundamental principles such as rate equations for LEDs/laser diodes (LDs), plasmonic effects, Purcell effects will be briefly introduced. For applications, the modal properties of flip-chip LEDs are solved by implementing finite difference method in order to study the modulation response. The emission properties of highly polarized InGaN LEDs coated by metallic gratings are also investigated by finite difference time domain method.

Whispering gallery mode lithium niobate microresonators for photonics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maleki, Lute; Savchenkov, Anatoliy A.; Ilchenko, Vladimir S.; Matsko, Andrey B.

2003-07-01

We review various photonics applications of whispering gallery mode (WGM) dielectric resonators and focus on the capability of generating trains of short optical pulses using WGM lithium niobate cavities. We introduce schemes of optical frequency comb generators, actively mode-locked lasers, and coupled opto-electronic oscillators where WGM cavities are utilized for the light amplification and modulation.

Ultrafast Direct Modulation of a Single-Mode Photonic Crystal Nanocavity Light-Emitting Diode

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-15

nanocavity laser with world record low threshold of 208 nW based on a lateral p-i-n junction defined by ion implantation in gallium arsenide6. This...recombination effects are mini- mized. In contrast, at room temperature, thermal excitation of car- riers depopulates the quantum dots much quicker than does Pur

Apparatus and method for monitoring of gas having stable isotopes

DOEpatents

Clegg, Samuel M; Fessenden-Rahn, Julianna E

2013-03-05

Gas having stable isotopes is monitored continuously by using a system that sends a modulated laser beam to the gas and collects and transmits the light not absorbed by the gas to a detector. Gas from geological storage, or from the atmosphere can be monitored continuously without collecting samples and transporting them to a lab.

Design of a fiber-optic interrogator module for telecommunication satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putzer, Philipp; Koch, Alexander W.; Plattner, Markus; Hurni, Andreas; Manhart, Markus

2017-11-01

In this paper we present the results of the radiation tests performed on the optical components of the fiber-optic interrogator module as a part of the Hybrid Sensor Bus (HSB) system. The HSB-system is developed in the frame of an ESAARTES program and will be verified as flight demonstrator onboard the German Heinrich Hertz satellite in 2016. The HSB system is based on a modular concept which includes sensor interrogation modules based on I2C electrical and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) fiber-optical sensor elements. Onboard fiber-optic sensing allows the implementation of novel control and monitoring methods. For read-out of multiple FBG sensors, a design based on a tunable laser diode as well as a design based on a spectrometer is considered. The expected and tested total ionizing dose (TID) applicable to the HSB system is in the range between 100 krad and 300 krad inside the satellite in the geostationary orbit over a life time of 15 years. We present radiation test results carried out on critical optical components to be used in the fiber-optic interrogation module. These components are a modulated grating Y-branch (MGY) tunable laser diode acting as light source for the tuning laser approach, the line detector of a spectrometer, photodetectors and the FBG sensors acting as sensor elements. A detailed literature inquiry of radiation effects on optical fibers and FBG sensors, is also included in the paper. The fiber-optic interrogator module implemented in the HSB system is based on the most suitable technology, which sustains the harsh environment in the geostationary orbit.

160mJ and 9ns electro-optics Q-switched conductively cooled 1047nm Nd:YLF laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Qi; Ma, Jian; Lu, Tingting; Ma, Xiuhua; Zhu, Xiaolei

2015-02-01

A compact diode side-pumped conductively cooled 1047 nm Nd:YLF slab laser with high energy and short pulse width is developed. Through ray tracing method, we design a home-made pump module to homogenize the pump intensity. Based on the Possion equation, a thermal conduct model of side-pump laser is established. The temperature distribution in laser crystal is obtained, and the thermal lens is caculated. With the absorbed pump energy of 818 mJ, the maximum output energy of 228 mJ is achieved in free-running mode. At a repetition rate of 50 Hz, 160 mJ, 9 ns 1047 nm infrared light is obtained under the maximum absorbed pump energy, and the slope efficiency is 27.8%.

Improved slow-light performance of 10 Gb/s NRZ, PSBT and DPSK signals in fiber broadband SBS.

PubMed

Yi, Lilin; Jaouen, Yves; Hu, Weisheng; Su, Yikai; Bigo, Sébastien

2007-12-10

We have demonstrated error-free operations of slow-light via stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in optical fiber for 10-Gb/s signals with different modulation formats, including non-return-to-zero (NRZ), phase-shaped binary transmission (PSBT) and differential phase-shiftkeying (DPSK). The SBS gain bandwidth is broadened by using current noise modulation of the pump laser diode. The gain shape is simply controlled by the noise density function. Super-Gaussian noise modulation of the Brillouin pump allows a flat-top and sharp-edge SBS gain spectrum, which can reduce slow-light induced distortion in case of 10-Gb/s NRZ signal. The corresponding maximal delay-time with error-free operation is 35 ps. Then we propose the PSBT format to minimize distortions resulting from SBS filtering effect and dispersion accompanied with slow light because of its high spectral efficiency and strong dispersion tolerance. The sensitivity of the 10-Gb/s PSBT signal is 5.2 dB better than the NRZ case with a same 35-ps delay. The maximal delay of 51 ps with error-free operation has been achieved. Futhermore, the DPSK format is directly demodulated through a Gaussian-shaped SBS gain, which is achieved using Gaussian-noise modulation of the Brillouin pump. The maximal error-free time delay after demodulation of a 10-Gb/s DPSK signal is as high as 81.5 ps, which is the best demonstrated result for 10-Gb/s slow-light.

Depth discrimination in acousto-optic cerebral blood flow measurement simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsalach, A.; Schiffer, Z.; Ratner, E.; Breskin, I.; Zeitak, R.; Shechter, R.; Balberg, M.

2016-03-01

Monitoring cerebral blood flow (CBF) is crucial, as inadequate perfusion, even for relatively short periods of time, may lead to brain damage or even death. Thus, significant research efforts are directed at developing reliable monitoring tools that will enable continuous, bed side, simple and cost-effective monitoring of CBF. All existing non invasive bed side monitoring methods, which are mostly NIRS based, such as Laser Doppler or DCS, tend to underestimate CBF in adults, due to the indefinite effect of extra-cerebral tissues on the obtained signal. If those are to find place in day to day clinical practice, the contribution of extra-cerebral tissues must be eliminated and data from the depth (brain) should be extracted and discriminated. Recently, a novel technique, based on ultrasound modulation of light was developed for non-invasive, continuous CBF monitoring (termed ultrasound-tagged light (UTL or UT-NIRS)), and shown to correlate with readings of 133Xe SPECT and laser Doppler. We have assembled a comprehensive computerized simulation, modeling this acousto-optic technique in a highly scattering media. Using the combination of light and ultrasound, we show how depth information may be extracted, thus distinguishing between flow patterns taking place at different depths. Our algorithm, based on the analysis of light modulated by ultrasound, is presented and examined in a computerized simulation. Distinct depth discrimination ability is presented, suggesting that using such method one can effectively nullify the extra-cerebral tissues influence on the obtained signals, and specifically extract cerebral flow data.

Photobiomodulation laser improves the early repair process of hypothyroid rats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uzêda e Silva, V. D.; Rodriguez, T. T.; Xavier, F. C. A.; dos Santos, J. N.; Vasconcelos, R. M.; Ramalho, L. M. P.

2018-04-01

Delay in wound healing has been observed in the hypothyroidism disfunction. Laser light can modulate various biological phenomena acting on different cell types. However, there are few reports in the literature regarding the effects of laser on wound healing of hypothyroid models. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in reepithelialization process of cutaneous wounds on hypothyroid and euthyroid rats treated with laser phototherapy. Forty-eight rats were divided into two main groups: euthyroid (EU) and hypothyroid (HYPO). Hypothyroidism was induced by Thyroidectomy. Each group was divided into subgroups: control (without laser) and laser groups. Standard surgical wound was created on the dorsum of each rat. The irradiation protocols (λ660 nm, 40 mW, CW; 10 J/cm2) was carried out immediately after wounding and repeated every 24h during 3 and 7 days. After animal death, specimens were taken, routinely processed, cut, stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and underwent histological analysis. Three days after the surgery, it was possible to observe initial reepithelialization in more advanced stages in the wound area of the irradiated hypothyroid group when compared to control hypothyroid group (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in the experimental period of 7 days among the groups. It was concluded that the laser light did influence reepithelialization process on hypothyroid rats in early stages of healing process.

High magnetic field measurement utilizing Faraday rotation in SF11 glass in simplified diagnostics.

PubMed

Dey, Premananda; Shukla, Rohit; Venkateswarlu, D

2017-04-01

With the commercialization of powerful solid-state lasers as pointer lasers, it is becoming simpler nowadays for the launch and free-space reception of polarized light for polarimetric applications. Additionally, because of the high power of such laser diodes, the alignment of the received light on the small sensor area of a photo-diode with a high bandwidth response is also greatly simplified. A plastic sheet polarizer taken from spectacles of 3D television (commercially available) is simply implemented as an analyzer before the photo-receiver. SF11 glass is used as a magneto-optic modulating medium for the measurement of the magnetic field. A magnetic field of magnitude more than 8 Tesla, generated by a solenoid has been measured using this simple assembly. The measured Verdet constant of 12.46 rad/T-m is obtained at the wavelength of 672 nm for the SF11 glass. The complete measurement system is a cost-effective solution.

Reference Interferometer Using a Semiconductor Laser/LED Reference Source in a Cryogenic Fourier-Transform Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martino, Anthony J.; Cornwell, Donald M.

1998-01-01

A combination of a single mode AlGaAs laser diode and broadband LED was used in a Michelson interferometer to provide reference signals in a Fourier transform spectrometer, the Composite Infrared Spectrometer, on the Cassini mission to Saturn. The narrowband light from the laser produced continuous fringes throughout the travel of the interferometer, which were used to control the velocity of the scan mechanism and to trigger data sampling. The broadband light from the LED produced a burst of fringes at zero path difference, which was used as a fixed position reference. The system, including the sources, the interferometer, and the detectors, was designed to work both at room temperature and instrument operating temperature of 170 Kelvin. One major challenge that was overcome was preservation, from room temperature to 170 K, of alignment sufficient for high modulation of fringes from the broadband source. Another was the shift of the source spectra about 30 nm toward shorter wavelengths upon cooldown.

All-optical gain-clamped wideband serial EDFA with ring-shaped laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yung-Hsin; Chi, Sien

2004-01-01

We experimentally investigate the static and dynamic properties of all-optical gain-clamped wideband (1530-1600 nm) serial erbium-doped fiber amplifier with a single ring-shaped laser, which consists of a circulator and a fiber Bragg grating at the output end. The lasing light passing through the second stage is intentionally blocked at the output end by a C/L-band wavelength division multiplexer owning the huge insertion loss, and thus, the copropagating ring-laser light is formed by the first stage. This design can simultaneously clamp the gains of 1547 and 1584 nm probes near 14 dB and shows the same dynamic range of input power up to -4 dBm for conventional band and long-wavelength band. Furthermore, the transient responses of 1551 and 1596 nm surviving channels exhibit small power excursions (<0.54 dB) as the total saturating tone with -2 dBm is modulated on and off at 270 Hz.

Focusing light inside dynamic scattering media with millisecond digital optical phase conjugation (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yan; Ma, Cheng; Shen, Yuecheng; Wang, Lihong V.

2017-02-01

Optical phase conjugation based wavefront shaping techniques are being actively developed to focus light through or inside scattering media such as biological tissue, and they promise to revolutionize optical imaging, manipulation, and therapy. The speed of digital optical phase conjugation (DOPC) has been limited by the low speeds of cameras and spatial light modulators (SLMs), preventing DOPC from being applied to thick living tissue. Recently, a fast DOPC system was developed based on a single-shot wavefront measurement method, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) for data processing, and a digital micromirror device (DMD) for fast modulation. However, this system has the following limitations. First, the reported single-shot wavefront measurement method does not work when our goal is to focus light inside, instead of through, scattering media. Second, the DMD performed binary amplitude modulation, which resulted in a lower focusing contrast compared with that of phase modulations. Third, the optical fluence threshold causing DMDs to malfunction under pulsed laser illumination is lower than that of liquid crystal based SLMs, and the system alignment is significantly complicated by the oblique reflection angle of the DMD. Here, we developed a simple but high-speed DOPC system using a ferroelectric liquid crystal based SLM (512 × 512 pixels), and focused light through three diffusers within 4.7 ms. Using focused-ultrasound-guided DOPC along with a double exposure scheme, we focused light inside a scattering medium containing two diffusers within 7.7 ms, thus achieving the fastest digital time-reversed ultrasonically encoded (TRUE) optical focusing to date.

Laser entertainment and light shows in education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabaratnam, Andrew T.; Symons, Charles

2002-05-01

Laser shows and beam effects have been a source of entertainment since its first public performance May 9, 1969, at Mills College in Oakland, California. Since 1997, the Photonics Center, NgeeAnn Polytechnic, Singapore, has been using laser shows as a teaching tool. Students are able to exhibit their creative skills and learn at the same time how lasers are used in the entertainment industry. Students will acquire a number of skills including handling three- phase power supply, operation of cooling system, and laser alignment. Students also acquire an appreciation of the arts, learning about shapes and contours as they develop graphics for the shows. After holography, laser show animation provides a combination of the arts and technology. This paper aims to briefly describe how a krypton-argon laser, galvanometer scanners, a polychromatic acousto-optic modulator and related electronics are put together to develop a laser projector. The paper also describes how students are trained to make their own laser animation and beam effects with music, and at the same time have an appreciation of the operation of a Class IV laser and the handling of optical components.

Can thermal lasers promote skin wound healing?

PubMed

Capon, Alexandre; Mordon, Serge

2003-01-01

Lasers are now widely used for treating numerous cutaneous lesions, for scar revision (hypertrophic and keloid scars), for tissue welding, and for skin resurfacing and remodeling (wrinkle removal). In these procedures lasers are used to generate heat. The modulation of the effect (volatilization, coagulation, hyperthermia) of the laser is obtained by using different wavelengths and laser parameters. The heat source obtained by conversion of light into heat can be very superficial, yet intense, if the laser light is well absorbed (far-infrared:CO(2) or Erbium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet [Er:YAG] lasers), or it can be much deeper and less intense if the laser light is less absorbed by the skin (visible or near-infrared). Lasers transfer energy, in the form of heat, to surrounding tissues and, regardless of the laser used, a 45-50 degrees C temperature gradient will be obtained in the surrounding skin. If a wound healing process exists, it is a result of live cells reacting to this low temperature increase. The generated supraphysiologic level of heat is able to induce a heat shock response (HSR), which can be defined as the temporary changes in cellular metabolism. These changes are rapid and transient, and are characterized by the production of a small family of proteins termed the heat shock proteins (HSP). Recent experimental studies have clearly demonstrated that HSP 70, which is over-expressed following laser irradiation, could play a role with a coordinated expression of other growth factors such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. TGF-beta is known to be a key element in the inflammatory response and the fibrogenic process. In this process, the fibroblasts are the key cells since they produce collagen and extracellular matrix. In conclusion, the analysis of the literature, and the fundamental considerations concerning the healing process when using thermal lasers, are in favor of a modification of the growth factors synthesis after laser irradiation, induced by an HSR. An extensive review of the different techniques and several clinical studies confirm that thermal lasers could effectively promote skin wound healing, if they are used in a controlled manner.

Fabrication of a chirped artificial compound eye for endoscopic imaging fiber bundle by dose-modulated laser lithography and subsequent thermal reflow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Shengfeng; Lyu, Jinke; Sun, Hongda; Cui, Xiaobin; Wang, Tun; Lu, Miao

2015-03-01

A chirped artificial compound eye on a curved surface was fabricated using an optical resin and then mounted on the end of an endoscopic imaging fiber bundle. The focal length of each lenslet on the curved surface was variable to realize a flat focal plane, which matched the planar end surface of the fiber bundle. The variation of the focal length was obtained by using a photoresist mold formed by dose-modulated laser lithography and subsequent thermal reflow. The imaging performance of the fiber bundle was characterized by coupling with a coaxial light microscope, and the result demonstrated a larger field of view and better imaging quality than that of an artificial compound eye with a uniform focal length. Accordingly, this technology has potential application in stereoscopic endoscopy.

Direct solar pumping of semiconductor lasers: A feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Neal G.

1991-01-01

The primary goals of the feasibility study are the following: (1) to provide a preliminary assessment of the feasibility of pumping semiconductor lasers in space directly focused sunlight; and (2) to identify semiconductor laser structures expected to operate at the lowest possible focusing intensities. It should be emphasized that the structures under consideration would provide direct optical-to-optical conversion of sunlight into laser light in a single crystal, in contrast to a configuration consisting of a solar cell or battery electrically pumping a current injection laser. With external modulation, such lasers may prove to be efficient sources for intersatellite communications. We proposed to develop a theoretical model of semiconductor quantum-well lasers photopumped by a broadband source, test it against existing experimental data where possible, and apply it to estimating solar pumping requirements and identifying optimum structures for operation for operation at low pump intensities. This report outlines our progress toward these goals. Discussion of several technical details are left to the attached summary abstract.

Selforganized Structure Formation in Organized Microstructuring by Laser-Jet Etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabbow, T. J.; Plath, P. J.; Mora, A.; Haase, M.

Laser-jet induced wet etching of stainless steel in 5M H3PO4 has been investigated. By this method, it is possible to cut and microstructure metals and alloys that form passive layers in strong etchants. Due to the laser heating of the metal and the adjacent layers of the etchant, the passive layer is removed and an active dissolution of the base metal together with the formation of hydrogen is observed. The reactions are limited by the transport of fresh acid and the removal of dissolved metal. A jet of etchant reduces the transport limitations. For definite ranges of the laser power, the feed velocity and the etchant jet velocity, a regime of periodic structure formation of the kerf, often called ripples, has been found. The ripple length depends on all three parameters. The ripple formation can be brought into correlation with a periodic change of the intensity of the reflected light as well as oscillations of the potential workpiece. It could be shown that the periodic structure formation is connected to a spreading of an etching front from the laser activated area, that temporarily moves ahead to the laser. This leads to modulations of the interface for the laser absorption, which results, for example, in oscillations of the intensity of the reflected light. This means the laser induced etching reaction attracts a feedback based on the conditions of absorption for the laser. For those parameters of feed velocity, laser power and etchant jet velocity, without ripple formation the laser induced etching front is of a constant distance to the laser which results in steady conditions at the interface for the absorption of the laser.

Fully integrated multi-optoelectronic synthesizer for THz pumping source in wireless communications with rich backup redundancy and wide tuning range.

PubMed

Xu, Junjie; Hou, Lianping; Deng, Qiufang; Han, Liangshun; Liang, Song; Marsh, John H; Zhu, Hongliang

2016-07-06

We report a monolithic photonic integrated circuit (PIC) for THz communication applications. The PIC generates up to 4 optical frequency lines which can be mixed in a separate device to generate THz radiation, and each of the optical lines can be modulated individually to encode data. Physically, the PIC comprises an array of wavelength tunable distributed feedback lasers each with its own electro-absorption modulator. The lasers are designed with a long cavity to operate with a narrow linewidth, typically <4 MHz. The light from the lasers is coupled via an multimode interference (MMI) coupler into a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). By appropriate selection and biasing of pairs of lasers, the optical beat signal can be tuned continuously over the range from 0.254 THz to 2.723 THz. The EAM of each channel enables signal leveling balanced between the lasers and realizing data encoding, currently at data rates up to 6.5 Gb/s. The PIC is fabricated using regrowth-free techniques, making it economic for volume applications, such for use in data centers. The PIC also has a degree of redundancy, making it suitable for applications, such as inter-satellite communications, where high reliability is mandatory.

The C3PO project: a laser communication system concept for small satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

d'Humières, Benoît; Esmiller, Bruno; Gouy, Yann; Steck, Emilie; Quintana, Crisanto; Faulkner, Graham; O'Brien, Dominic; Sproll, Fabian; Wagner, Paul; Hampf, Daniel; Riede, Wolfgang; Salter, Michael; Wang, Qin; Platt, Duncan; Jakonis, Darius; Piao, Xiaoyu; Karlsson, Mikael; Oberg, Olof; Petermann, Ingemar; Michalkiewicz, Aneta; Krezel, Jerzy; Debowska, Anna; Thueux, Yoann

2017-02-01

The satellite market is shifting towards smaller (micro and nanosatellites), lowered mass and increased performance platforms. Nanosatellites and picosatellites have been used for a number of new, innovative and unique payloads and missions. This trend requires new concepts for a reduced size, a better performance/weight ratio and a reduction of onboard power consumption. In this context, disruptive technologies, such as laser-optical communication systems, are opening new possibilities. This paper presents the C3PO1 system, "advanced Concept for laser uplink/ downlink CommuniCation with sPace Objects", and the first results of the development of its key technologies. This project targets the design of a communications system that uses a ground-based laser to illuminate a satellite, and a Modulating Retro-Reflector (MRR) to return a beam of light modulated by data to the ground. This enables a downlink, without a laser source on the satellite. This architecture suits well to small satellite applications so as high data rates are potentially provided with very low board mass. C3PO project aims to achieve data rates of 1Gbit/s between LEO satellites and Earth with a communication payload mass of less than 1kilogram. In this paper, results of the initial experiments and demonstration of the key technologies will be shown.

Tricolor R/G/B Laser Diode Based Eye-Safe White Lighting Communication Beyond 8 Gbit/s.

PubMed

Wu, Tsai-Chen; Chi, Yu-Chieh; Wang, Huai-Yung; Tsai, Cheng-Ting; Huang, Yu-Fang; Lin, Gong-Ru

2017-01-31

White light generation by mixing red, green, and blue laser diodes (RGB LDs) was demonstrated with Commission International de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.2928, 0.2981), a correlated color temperature of 8382 K, and a color rendering index of 54.4 to provide a maximal illuminance of 7540 lux. All the white lights generated using RGB LDs were set within the risk group-1 criterion to avoid the blue-light hazard to human eyes. In addition, the RGB-LD mixed white light was diffused using a frosted glass to avoid optical aberration and to improve the performance of the lighting source. In addition, visible light communication (VLC) by using RGB-LD mixed white-light carriers and a point-to-point scheme over 1 m was performed in the directly modulated 16-QAM OFDM data format. In back-to-back transmission, the maximal allowable data rate at 10.8, 10.4, and 8 Gbps was determined for R, G, and B LDs, respectively. Moreover, the RGB-LD mixed white light-based indoor wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM)-VLC system yielded a total allowable transmission data rate of 8.8 Gbps over 0.5 m in free space. Such a high-speed RGB-LD mixed WDM-VLC system without any channel interference can be used to simultaneously provide data transmission and white lighting in an indoor environment.

Demonstrating ultrafast polarization dynamics in spin-VCSELs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindemann, Markus; Pusch, Tobias; Michalzik, Rainer; Gerhardt, Nils C.; Hofmann, Martin R.

2018-02-01

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are used for short-haul optical data transmission with increasing bit rates. The optimization involves both enhanced device designs and the use of higher-order modulation formats. In order to improve the modulation bandwidth substantially, the presented work employs spin-pumped VCSELs (spin-VCSELs) and their polarization dynamics instead of relying on intensity-modulated devices. In spin-VCSELs, the polarization state of the emitted light is controllable via spin injection. By optical spin pumping a single-mode VCSEL is forced to emit light composed of both orthogonal linearly polarized fundamental modes. The frequencies of these two modes differ slightly by a value determined by the cavity birefringence. As a result, the circular polarization degree oscillates with their beat frequency, i.e., with the birefringence-induced mode splitting. We used this phenomenon to show so-called polarization oscillations, which are generated by pulsed spin injection. Their frequency represents the polarization dynamics resonance frequency and can be tuned over a wide range via the birefringence, nearly independent from any other laser parameter. In previous work we demonstrated a maximum birefringence-induced mode splitting of more than 250 GHz. In this work, compared to previous publications, we show an almost doubled polarization oscillation frequency of more than 80 GHz. Furthermore, we discuss concepts to achieve even higher values far above 100 GHz.

Remote detection of methane with a 1.66-microm diode laser.

PubMed

Uehara, K; Tai, H

1992-02-20

High-sensitivity real-time remote detection of methane in air with a 1.66-microm distributed-feedback diode laser operating at room temperature is demonstrated by laboratory simulations. The laser current was modulated at a high frequency of ~5 MHz, and the laser-center frequency was locked onto a methane-absorption line. The laser light directed toward the probed region was received after one-way transmission or further reflection from a topographic target. The methane absorption was detected by the second-harmonic component in the optical-power variation. The minimum-detectable concentration-path-length product in the transmission scheme was 0.3 part in 10(6) m for a signal averaging time of 1.3 s. In the reflection scheme, the amount of methane could be measured from the ratio of the fundamental and second-harmonic signal intensities independently of the received power.

Local changes in arterial oxygen saturation induced by visible and near-infrared light radiation.

PubMed

Yesman, S S; Mamilov, S O; Veligotsky, D V; Gisbrecht, A I

2016-01-01

In this study, we investigate the efficiency of laser radiation on oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) rate in blood vessels and its wavelength dependence. The results of in vivo experimental measurements of the laser-induced photodissociation of HbO2 in cutaneous blood vessels in the visible and near-infrared (IR) spectral range are presented. Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) was measured by a method of fingertip pulse oximetry, which is based on the measurement of the modulated pulse wave of the blood. The light irradiating the finger was provided by corresponding light-emitting diodes (LED) at 15 wavelengths in the 400-940 nm spectrum range. Statistical results with a value of p < 0.05 were viewed as being significant for all volunteers. The results show that there is a decrease in SpO2 in the blood under the influence of the transcutaneous laser irradiation. Three maxima in the spectral range (530, 600, and 850 nm) are revealed, wherein decrease in the relative concentration of SpO2 reaches 5 % ± 0.5 %. Near-IR radiation plays a dominant role in absorption of laser radiation by oxyhemoglobin in deeper layers of tissue blood vessels. The obtained data correlate with the processes of light propagation in biological tissue. The observed reduction in SpO2 indicates the process of photodissociation of HbO2 in vivo and may result in local increase in O2 in the tissue. Such laser-induced enrichment of tissue oxygenation can be used in phototherapy of pathologies, where the elimination of local tissue hypoxia is critical.

Focused cerebellar laser light induced hyperthermia improves symptoms and pathology of polyglutamine disease SCA1 in a mouse model.

PubMed

Hearst, Scoty M; Shao, Qingmei; Lopez, Mariper; Raucher, Drazen; Vig, Parminder J S

2014-10-01

Spinocerebellar ataxia 1 (SCA1) results from pathologic glutamine expansion in the ataxin-1 protein (ATXN1). This misfolded ATXN1 causes severe Purkinje cell (PC) loss and cerebellar ataxia in both humans and mice with the SCA1 disease. The molecular chaperone heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are known to modulate polyglutamine protein aggregation and are neuroprotective. Since HSPs are induced under stress, we explored the effects of focused laser light induced hyperthermia (HT) on HSP-mediated protection against ATXN1 toxicity. We first tested the effects of HT in a cell culture model and found that HT induced Hsp70 and increased its localization to nuclear inclusions in HeLa cells expressing GFP-ATXN1[82Q]. HT treatment decreased ATXN1 aggregation by making GFP-ATXN1[82Q] inclusions smaller and more numerous compared to non-treated cells. Further, we tested our HT approach in vivo using a transgenic (Tg) mouse model of SCA1. We found that our laser method increased cerebellar temperature from 38 to 40 °C without causing any neuronal damage or inflammatory response. Interestingly, mild cerebellar HT stimulated the production of Hsp70 to a significant level. Furthermore, multiple exposure of focused cerebellar laser light induced HT to heterozygous SCA1 transgenic (Tg) mice significantly suppressed the SCA1 phenotype as compared to sham-treated control animals. Moreover, in treated SCA1 Tg mice, the levels of PC calcium signaling/buffering protein calbindin-D28k markedly increased followed by a reduction in PC neurodegenerative morphology. Taken together, our data suggest that laser light induced HT is a novel non-invasive approach to treat SCA1 and maybe other polyglutamine disorders.

Engineering quadratic nonlinear photonic crystals for frequency conversion of lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Baoqin; Hong, Lihong; Hu, Chenyang; Zhang, Chao; Liu, Rongjuan; Li, Zhiyuan

2018-03-01

Nonlinear frequency conversion offers an effective way to extend the laser wavelength range. Quadratic nonlinear photonic crystals (NPCs) are artificial materials composed of domain-inversion structures whose sign of nonlinear coefficients are modulated with desire to implement quasi-phase matching (QPM) required for nonlinear frequency conversion. These structures can offer various reciprocal lattice vectors (RLVs) to compensate the phase-mismatching during the quadratic nonlinear optical processes, including second-harmonic generation (SHG), sum-frequency generation and the cascaded third-harmonic generation (THG). The modulation pattern of the nonlinear coefficients is flexible, which can be one-dimensional or two-dimensional (2D), be periodic, quasi-periodic, aperiodic, chirped, or super-periodic. As a result, these NPCs offer very flexible QPM scheme to satisfy various nonlinear optics and laser frequency conversion problems via design of the modulation patterns and RLV spectra. In particular, we introduce the electric poling technique for fabricating QPM structures, a simple effective nonlinear coefficient model for efficiently and precisely evaluating the performance of QPM structures, the concept of super-QPM and super-periodically poled lithium niobate for finely tuning nonlinear optical interactions, the design of 2D ellipse QPM NPC structures enabling continuous tunability of SHG in a broad bandwidth by simply changing the transport direction of pump light, and chirped QPM structures that exhibit broadband RLVs and allow for simultaneous radiation of broadband SHG, THG, HHG and thus coherent white laser from a single crystal. All these technical, theoretical, and physical studies on QPM NPCs can help to gain a deeper insight on the mechanisms, approaches, and routes for flexibly controlling the interaction of lasers with various QPM NPCs for high-efficiency frequency conversion and creation of novel lasers.

Two-photon microscopy and spectroscopy based on a compact confocal scanning head

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diaspro, Alberto; Chirico, Giberto; Federici, Federico; Cannone, Fabio; Beretta, Sabrina; Robello, Mauro; Olivini, Francesca; Ramoino, Paola

2001-07-01

We have combined a confocal laser scanning head modified for TPE (two-photon excitation) microscopy with some spectroscopic modules to study single molecules and molecular aggregates. The behavior of the TPE microscope unit has been characterized by means of point spread function measurements and of the demonstration of its micropatterning abilities. One-photon and two-photon mode can be simply accomplished by switching from a mono-mode optical fiber (one-photon) coupled to conventional laser sources to an optical module that allows IR laser beam (two- photon/TPE) delivery to the confocal laser scanning head. We have then described the characterization of the two-photon microscope for spectroscopic applications: fluorescence correlation, lifetime and fluorescence polarization anisotropy measurements. We describe the measurement of the response of the two-photon microscope to the light polarization and discuss fluorescence polarization anisotropy measurements on Rhodamine 6G as a function of the viscosity and on a globular protein, the Beta-lactoglobulin B labeled with Alexa 532 at very high dilutions. The average rotational and translational diffusion coefficients measured with fluorescence polarization anisotropy and fluorescence correlation methods are in good agreement with the protein size, therefore validating the use of the microscope for two-photon spectroscopy on biomolecules.

Self-action of Bessel wave packets in a system of coupled light guides and formation of light bullets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balakin, A. A.; Mironov, V. A.; Skobelev, S. A.

2017-01-01

The self-action of two-dimensional and three-dimensional Bessel wave packets in a system of coupled light guides is considered using the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The features of the self-action of such wave fields are related to their initial strong spatial inhomogeneity. The numerical simulation shows that for the field amplitude exceeding a critical value, the development of an instability typical of a medium with the cubic nonlinearity is observed. Various regimes are studied: the self-channeling of a wave beam in one light guide at powers not strongly exceeding a critical value, the formation of the "kaleidoscopic" picture of a wave packet during the propagation of higher-power radiation along a stratified medium, the formation of light bullets during competition between self-focusing and modulation instabilities in the case of three-dimensional wave packets, etc. In the problem of laser pulse shortening, the situation is considered when the wave-field stratification in the transverse direction dominates. This process is accompanied by the self-compression of laser pulses in well enough separated light guides. The efficiency of conversion of the initial Bessel field distribution to two flying parallel light bullets is about 50%.

Self-action of Bessel wave packets in a system of coupled light guides and formation of light bullets

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

Balakin, A. A., E-mail: balakin.alexey@yandex.ru; Mironov, V. A.; Skobelev, S. A., E-mail: sk.sa1981@gmail.com

The self-action of two-dimensional and three-dimensional Bessel wave packets in a system of coupled light guides is considered using the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The features of the self-action of such wave fields are related to their initial strong spatial inhomogeneity. The numerical simulation shows that for the field amplitude exceeding a critical value, the development of an instability typical of a medium with the cubic nonlinearity is observed. Various regimes are studied: the self-channeling of a wave beam in one light guide at powers not strongly exceeding a critical value, the formation of the “kaleidoscopic” picture of a wavemore » packet during the propagation of higher-power radiation along a stratified medium, the formation of light bullets during competition between self-focusing and modulation instabilities in the case of three-dimensional wave packets, etc. In the problem of laser pulse shortening, the situation is considered when the wave-field stratification in the transverse direction dominates. This process is accompanied by the self-compression of laser pulses in well enough separated light guides. The efficiency of conversion of the initial Bessel field distribution to two flying parallel light bullets is about 50%.« less

Packaging of wavelength stabilized 976nm 100W 105µm 0.15 NA fiber coupled diode lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Xiaochen; Liu, Rui; Gao, Yanyan; Zhang, Tujia; He, Xiaoguang; Zhu, Jing; Zhang, Qiang; Yang, Thomas; Zhang, Cuipeng

2016-03-01

Fiber coupled diode lasers are widely used in many fields now especially as pumps in fiber laser systems. In many fiber laser applications, high brightness pumps are essential to achieve high brightness fiber lasers. Furthermore, 976nm wavelength absorption band is narrow with Yb3+ doped fiber lasers which is more challenging for controlling wavelength stabilized in diode laser modules. This study designed and implemented commercial available high brightness and narrow wavelength width lasers to be able to use in previous mentioned applications. Base on multiple single emitters using spatial and polarization beam combining as well as fiber coupling techniques, we report a wavelength stabilized, 105μm NA 0.15 fiber coupled diode laser package with 100W of optical output power at 976 nm, which are 14 emitters inside each multiple single emitter module. The emitting aperture of the combined lasers output are designed and optimized for coupling light into a 105μm core NA 0.15 fiber. Volume Bragg grating technology has been used to improve spectral characteristics of high-power diode lasers. Mechanical modular design and thermal simulation are carried out to optimize the package. The spectral width is roughly 0.5 nm (FWHM) and the wavelength shift per °C < 0.02nm. The output spectrum is narrowed and wavelength is stabilized using Volume Bragg gratings (VBGs). The high brightness package has an electrical to optical efficiency better than 45% and power enclosure more than 90% within NA 0.12. Qualification tests have been included on this kind of package. Mechanical shock, vibration and accelerated aging tests show that the package is reliability and the MTTF is calculated to be more than 100k hours at 25°C.

Manipulating femtosecond laser interactions in bulk glass and thin-film with spatial light modulation (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alimohammadian, Ehsan; Ho, Stephen; Ertorer, Erden; Gherghe, Sebastian; Li, Jianzhao; Herman, Peter R.

2017-03-01

Spatial Light Modulators (SLM) are emerging as a power tool for laser beam shaping whereby digitally addressed phase shifts can impose computer-generated hologram patterns on incoming laser light. SLM provide several additional advantages with ultrashort-pulsed lasers in controlling the shape of both surface and internal interactions with materials. Inside transparent materials, nonlinear optical effects can confine strong absorption only to the focal volume, extend dissipation over long filament tracks, or reach below diffraction-limited spot sizes. Hence, SLM beam shaping has been widely adopted for laser material processing applications that include parallel structuring, filamentation, fiber Bragg grating formation and optical aberration correction. This paper reports on a range of SLM applications we have studied in femtosecond processing of transparent glasses and thin films. Laser phase-fronts were tailored by the SLM to compensate for spherical surface aberration, and to further address the nonlinear interactions that interplay between Kerr-lens self-focusing and plasma defocusing effects over shallow and deep focusing inside the glass. Limits of strong and weak focusing were examined around the respective formation of low-loss optical waveguides and long uniform filament tracks. Further, we have employed the SLM for beam patterning inside thin film, exploring the limits of phase noise, resolution and fringe contrast during interferometric intra-film structuring. Femtosecond laser pulses of 200 fs pulse duration and 515 nm wavelength were shaped by a phase-only LCOS-SLM (Hamamatsu X10468-04). By imposing radial phase profiles, axicon, grating and beam splitting gratings, volume shape control of filament diameter, length, and uniformity as well as simultaneous formation of multiple filaments has been demonstrated. Similarly, competing effects of spherical surface aberration, self-focusing, and plasma de-focusing were studied and delineated to enable formation of low-loss optical waveguides over shallow and deep focusing conditions. Lastly, SLM beam shaping has been successfully extended to interferometric processing inside thin transparent film, enabling the arbitrary formation of uniform or non-uniform, symmetric or asymmetric patterns of flexible shape on nano-scale dimensions without phase-noise degradation by the SLM patterning. We present quantized structuring of thin films by a single laser pulse, demonstrating λ/2nfilm layer ejection control, blister formation, nano-cavities, and film colouring. Closed intra-film nanochannels with high aspect ratio (20:1) have been formed inside 3.5 um thick silica, opening new prospects for sub-cellular studies and lab-in-film concepts that integrate on CMOS silicon technologies.

Iodine-frequency-stabilized laser diode and displacement-measuring interferometer based on sinusoidal phase modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duong, Quang Anh; Vu, Thanh Tung; Higuchi, Masato; Wei, Dong; Aketagawa, Masato

2018-06-01

We propose a sinusoidal phase modulation method to achieve both the frequency stabilization of an external-cavity laser diode (ECLD) to an 127I2 saturated absorption transition near 633 nm and displacement measurement using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. First, the frequency of the ECLD is stabilized to the b 21 hyperfine component of the P(33) 6-3 transition of 127I2 by combining sinusoidal phase modulation by an electro-optic modulator and frequency modulation spectroscopy by chopping the pump beam using an acousto-optic modulator. Even though a small modulation index of m  =  3.768 rad is utilized, a relative frequency stability of 10‑11 order is obtained over a sampling time of 400 s. Secondly, the frequency-stabilized ECLD is applied as a light source to a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. From the two consecutive modulation harmonics (second and third orders) involved in the interferometer signal, the displacement of the moving mirror is determined for four optical path differences (L 0  =  100, 200, 500, and 1000 mm). The measured modulation indexes for the four optical path differences coincide with the designated value (3.768 rad) within 0.5%. Compared with the sinusoidal frequency modulation Michelson interferometer (Vu et al 2016 Meas. Sci. Technol. 27 105201) which was demonstrated by some of the same authors of this paper, the phase modulation Mach–Zhender interferometer could fix the modulation index to a constant value for the four optical path differences. In this report, we discuss the measurement principle, experimental system, and results.

Design of intelligent mesoscale periodic array structures utilizing smart hydrogel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sunkara, H. B.; Penn, B. G.; Frazier, D. O.; Weissman, J. M.; Asher, S. A.

1996-01-01

Mesoscale Periodic Array Structures (MPAS, also known as crystalline colloidal arrays), composed of aqueous or nonaqueous dispersions of self-assembled submicron colloidal spheres are emerging toward the development of advanced optical devices for technological applications. This is because of their unique optical diffraction properties and the ease with which these intriguing properties can be modulated experimentally. Moreover our recent advancements in this area which include 'locking' the liquid MPAS into solid or semisolid polymer matrices for greater stability with longer life span, and incorporation of CdS quantum dots and laser dyes into colloidal spheres to obtain nonlinear optical (NLO) responses further corroborate the use of MPAS in optical technology. Our long term goal is fabrication of all-optical and electro-optical devices such as spatial light modulators for optical signal processing and flat panel display devices by utilizing intelligent nonlinear periodic array structural materials. Here we show further progress in the design of novel linear MPAS which have the ability to sense and respond to an external source such as temperature. This is achieved by combining the self-assembly properties of polymer colloidal spheres and thermoshrinking properties of smart polymer gels. At selected temperatures the periodic array efficiently Bragg diffracts light and transmits most of the light at other temperatures. Hence these intelligent systems are of potential use as fixed notch filters optical switches or limiters to protect delicate optical sensors from high intensity laser radiation.

Comprehensive approach to breast cancer detection using light: photon localization by ultrasound modulation and tissue characterization by spectral discrimination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marks, Fay A.; Tomlinson, Harold W.; Brooksby, Glen W.

1993-09-01

A new technique called Ultrasound Tagging of Light (UTL) for imaging breast tissue is described. In this approach, photon localization in turbid tissue is achieved by cross- modulating a laser beam with focussed, pulsed ultrasound. Light which passes through the ultrasound focal spot is `tagged' with the frequency of the ultrasound pulse. The experimental system uses an Argon-Ion laser, a single PIN photodetector, and a 1 MHz fixed-focus pulsed ultrasound transducer. The utility of UTL as a photon localization technique in scattering media is examined using tissue phantoms consisting of gelatin and intralipid. In a separate study, in vivo optical reflectance spectrophotometry was performed on human breast tumors implanted intramuscularly and subcutaneously in nineteen nude mice. The validity of applying a quadruple wavelength breast cancer discrimination metric (developed using breast biopsy specimens) to the in vivo condition was tested. A scatter diagram for the in vivo model tumors based on this metric is presented using as the `normal' controls the hands and fingers of volunteers. Tumors at different growth stages were studied; these tumors ranged in size from a few millimeters to two centimeters. It is expected that when coupled with a suitable photon localization technique like UTL, spectral discrimination methods like this one will prove useful in the detection of breast cancer by non-ionizing means.

Coherent THz light source based on photo-mixing with a UTC-PD and ASE-free tunable diode laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukuoka, D.; Muro, K.; Noda, K.

2016-02-01

A terahertz (THz) photo-mixing with a THz wave photo-mixer module using a uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTCPD) and home-built 1 μm-band ASE-free tunable external-cavity diode lasers (ECDLs) provides a narrow-band (40 MHz) wide range (up to 4.5 THz) coherent tunable THz light source system. Obtained THz-waves reach 100 nW at 0.9 THz and 100 pW at 4.0 THz. The difference frequency between mixing lights can be tuned over 20 THz, and the frequency tuning has a resettability and an accuracy corresponding to the estimation error of FSR 270 MHz hollow-core etalon as a frequency calibrator, around 1 MHz/THz. Some of dips in the frequency dependence of THz-waves caused by water vaper absorption reach a noise floor of this system, so the dynamic range of this system is demonstrated at least 40 dB in power ratio.

Spin-Based Devices for Magneto-Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-29

bulk material and matches that in quantum wells. While these simple linear relationships hold for spin-polarized light-emitting diodes (spin-LEDs...temperature. The quantum efficiency and hence r| increases with decreasing temperature. The individual circuit elements, 33 therefore, exhibit the...Injection, Threshold Reduction and Output Circular Polarization Modulation in Quantum Well and Quantum Dot Semiconductor Spin Polarized Lasers working

Dynamics of a two-phase flow through a minichannel: Transition from churn to slug flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Górski, Grzegorz; Litak, Grzegorz; Mosdorf, Romuald; Rysak, Andrzej

2016-04-01

The churn-to-slug flow bifurcations of two-phase (air-water) flow patterns in a 2mm diameter minichannel were investigated. With increasing a water flow rate, we observed the transition of slugs to bubbles of different sizes. The process was recorded by a digital camera. The sequences of light transmission time series were recorded by a laser-phototransistor sensor, and then analyzed using the recurrence plots and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). Due to volume dependence of bubbles velocities, we observed the formation of periodic modulations in the laser signal.

15 Gb/s OFDM-based VLC using direct modulation of 450 GaN laser diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viola, Shaun; Islim, Mohamed Sufyan; Watson, Scott; Videv, Stefan; Haas, Harald; Kelly, Anthony E.

2017-10-01

A record data rate for visible light communications (VLC) using a transistor outline (TO) packaged Gallium Nitride (GaN) laser diode is reported. Using a system 3 dB bandwidth of 1.4 GHz data transmission at 15 Gb/s is reported. This is achieved due to the use of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) in combination with a high system signal to noise ratio (SNR) and adaptive bit loading extending the effective bandwidth to 2.5 GHz. To the best of authors knowledge this is the highest reported data rate for single channel VLC.

Christiansen effect in disperse systems with resonant absorption

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

Zimnyakov, D A; Isaeva, Elmira A; Isaeva, A A

We discuss the results of experimental studies of competition of absorption and scattering of laser radiation propagating in dispersive media with resonant absorption. As media under study, use is made of a suspension of polystyrene particles in solutions of rhodamine 6G in ethylene glycol probed by laser light with a wavelength of 532 nm. It is found that an increase in the dye concentration leads to an increase in optical transmittance of suspensions and an increase in speckle modulation of the forward-scattered radiation. We interpret these features as a manifestation of Christiansen effect in disperse systems with resonance absorption.

Polyplanar optical display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veligdan, James T.; Beiser, Leo; Biscardi, Cyrus; Brewster, Calvin; DeSanto, Leonard

1997-07-01

The polyplanar optical display (POD) is a unique display screen which can be use with any projection source. This display screen is 2 inches thick and has a matte black face which allows for high contrast images. The prototype being developed is a form, fit and functional replacement display for the B-52 aircraft which uses a monochrome ten-inch display. The new display uses a 100 milliwatt green solid state laser as its optical source. In order to produce real- time video, the laser light is being modulated by a digital light processing (DLP) chip manufactured by Texas Instruments, Inc. A variable astigmatic focusing system is used to produce a stigmatic image on the viewing face of the POD. In addition to the optical design, we discuss the electronic interfacing to the DLP chip, the opto-mechanical design and viewing angle characteristics.

Parametric presentation of dielectric function of laser pumped wide-zone semiconductor material: Does this function satisfy the Kramers-Kronig relations?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimnyakov, D. A.; Yuvchenko, S. A.; Volchkov, S. S.; Samorodina, T. V.

2018-04-01

Dielectric function of wide-zone semiconductor nanoparticles (titanium dioxide) was studied under the condition of laser pumping at various wavelengths. A closed-aperture z-scan method with simultaneous measurements of the right-anglescattered intensity was used to retrieve the real and imaginary parts of dielectric function in the dependence on the pump intensity. It was found that the efficiency of dielectric function modulation by pumping light strongly depends on detuning of the wavelength of pumping light with respect to the fundamental absorption band of nanoparticles. The ColeCole diagrammatic technique was applied for interpretation of the pump-induced changes of the dielectric function in the optical range. Applicability of the Kramers-Kronig relations for description of the observed behavior of the dielectric function is discussed.

Photonic homeostatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Timon C.; Li, Fan-Hui

2010-11-01

Photonic homeostatics is a discipline to study the establishment, maintenance, decay, upgrading and representation of function-specific homoestasis (FSH) by using photonics. FSH is a negative-feedback response of a biosystem to maintain the function-specific fluctuations inside the biosystem so that the function is perfectly performed. A stress may increase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activities above FSH-specific SIRT1 activity to induce a function far from its FSH. On the one hand, low level laser irradiation or monochromatic light (LLL) can not modulate a function in its FSH or a stress in its stress-specific homeostasis (StSH), but modulate a function far from its FSH or a stress far from its StSH. On the other hand, the biophotons from a biosystem with its function in its FSH should be less than the one from the biosystem with its function far from its FSH. The non-resonant interaction of low intensity laser irradiation or monochromatic light (LIL) and a kind of membrane protein can be amplified by all the membrane proteins if the function is far from its FSH. This amplification might hold for biophoton emission of the membrane protein so that the photonic spectroscopy can be used to represent the function far from its FSH, which is called photonomics.

High power fiber coupled diode lasers for display and lighting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drovs, Simon; Unger, Andreas; Dürsch, Sascha; Köhler, Bernd; Biesenbach, Jens

2017-02-01

The performance of diode lasers in the visible spectral range has been continuously improved within the last few years, which was mainly driven by the goal to replace arc lamps in cinema or home projectors. In addition, the availability of such high power visible diode lasers also enables new applications in the medical field, but also the usage as pump sources for other solid state lasers. This paper summarizes the latest developments of fiber coupled sources with output power from 1.4 W to 120 W coupled into 100 μm to 400 μm fibers in the spectral range around 405 nm and 640 nm. New developments also include the use of fiber coupled multi single emitter arrays at 450 nm, as well as very compact modules with multi-W output power.

Detection and counting of a submicrometer particle in liquid flow by self-mixing microchip Yb:YAG laser velocimetry.

PubMed

Ohtomo, Takayuki; Sudo, Seiichi; Otsuka, Kenju

2016-09-20

We observed intermittent modulation by scattered light from a single submicrometer particle moving in the flow channel using a self-mixing microchip Yb:YAG laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) under lateral beam access. The Doppler-shift frequency chirping (i.e., velocity change) was identified in accordance with a particle passage through the beam focus. Single particle counting, which obeys the Poisson distribution, was performed successfully over a long period of time. The experimental results have been reproduced by a numerical simulation. The LDV signal was increased over 20 dB for a 202-nm particle without chirping by collinear beam access with the laser beam axis aligned along the flow direction.

Holographic femtosecond laser processing and its application to biological materials (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayasaki, Yoshio

2017-02-01

Femtosecond laser processing is a promising tool for fabricating novel and useful structures on the surfaces of and inside materials. An enormous number of pulse irradiation points will be required for fabricating actual structures with millimeter scale, and therefore, the throughput of femtosecond laser processing must be improved for practical adoption of this technique. One promising method to improve throughput is parallel pulse generation based on a computer-generated hologram (CGH) displayed on a spatial light modulator (SLM), a technique called holographic femtosecond laser processing. The holographic method has the advantages such as high throughput, high light use efficiency, and variable, instantaneous, and 3D patterning. Furthermore, the use of an SLM gives an ability to correct unknown imperfections of the optical system and inhomogeneity in a sample using in-system optimization of the CGH. Furthermore, the CGH can adaptively compensate in response to dynamic unpredictable mechanical movements, air and liquid disturbances, a shape variation and deformation of the target sample, as well as adaptive wavefront control for environmental changes. Therefore, it is a powerful tool for the fabrication of biological cells and tissues, because they have free form, variable, and deformable structures. In this paper, we present the principle and the experimental setup of holographic femtosecond laser processing, and the effective way for processing the biological sample. We demonstrate the femtosecond laser processing of biological materials and the processing properties.

Reliability and Engineering of Thin-Film Photovoltaic Modules. Research forum proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, R. G., Jr. (Editor); Royal, E. L. (Editor)

1985-01-01

A Research Forum on Reliability and Engineering of Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules, under sponsorship of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Flat Plate Solar Array (FSA) Project and the U.S. Department of Energy, was held in Washington, D.C., on March 20, 1985. Reliability attribute investigations of amorphous silicon cells, submodules, and modules were the subjects addressed by most of the Forum presentations. Included among the reliability research investigations reported were: Arrhenius-modeled accelerated stress tests on a Si cells, electrochemical corrosion, light induced effects and their potential effects on stability and reliability measurement methods, laser scribing considerations, and determination of degradation rates and mechanisms from both laboratory and outdoor exposure tests.

Regulation of cellular marker modulated upon irradiation of low power laser light in burn injured mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rathnakar, Bharath; Prabhu, Vijendra; Rao, Bola Sadashiva Satish; Chandra, Subhash; Rai, Sharada; Mahato, Krishna Kishore

2016-12-01

The present study intends to understand the importance of cellular marker in tissue regeneration regulated upon irradiation of low power laser light in burn inflicted mice. Under anesthetic conditions, the thermal injury was induced on Swiss albino mice of either sex. Following injury, the animals were randomly divided into three groups; i. e., un-illuminated control, the group treated with 5% Povidone iodine (reference standard) and single exposure of 3 J/cm2 (830 nm). Burn tissue samples from each group were excised at day 6 post burn injury upon euthanization and used for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Haematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) staining was performed on the selected sections to asses proliferation and angiogenesis at day 6 post-injury. For immunohistochemical analysis, tissue sections from all the three treatment groups on day 6 were stained using specific antibody against Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The results of the histological and immunohistochemical analysis showed improved tissue restoration in animals treated with optimal laser influence as compared to un-illuminated controls. The findings of present study clearly demonstrated the beneficial effects of 830 nm laser in burn wound healing and its influence in regulating the cellular marker.

CsPbBr3 nanocrystal saturable absorber for mode-locking ytterbium fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yan; Hu, Zhiping; Li, Yue; Xu, Jianqiu; Tang, Xiaosheng; Tang, Yulong

2016-06-01

Cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) have been reported as efficient light-harvesting and light-emitting semiconductor materials, but their nonlinear optical properties have been seldom touched upon. In this paper, we prepare layered CsPbBr3 nanocrystal films and characterize their physical properties. Broadband linear absorption from ˜0.8 to over 2.2 μm and nonlinear optical absorption at the 1-μm wavelength region are measured. The CsPbBr3 saturable absorber (SA), manufactured by drop-casting of colloidal CsPbBr3 liquid solution on a gold mirror, shows modulation depth and saturation intensity of 13.1% and 10.7 MW/cm2, respectively. With this SA, mode-locking operation of a polarization-maintained ytterbium fiber laser produces single pulses with duration of ˜216 ps, maximum average output power of 10.5 mW, and the laser spectrum is centered at ˜1076 nm. This work shows that CsPbBr3 films can be efficient SA candidates for fiber lasers and also have great potential to become broadband linear and nonlinear optical materials for photonics and optoelectronics.

Transparent building-integrated PV modules. Phase 1: Comprehensive report

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

NONE

1998-09-28

This Comprehensive Report encompasses the activities that have been undertaken by Kiss + Cathcart, Architects, in conjunction with Energy Photovoltaics, Incorporated (EPV), to develop a flexible patterning system for thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules for building applications. There are two basic methods for increasing transparency/light transmission by means of patterning the PV film: widening existing scribe lines, or scribing a second series of lines perpendicular to the first. These methods can yield essentially any degree of light transmission, but both result in visible patterns of light and dark on the panel surface. A third proposed method is to burn a gridmore » of dots through the films, independent of the normal cell scribing. This method has the potential to produce a light-transmitting panel with no visible pattern. Ornamental patterns at larger scales can be created using combinations of these techniques. Kiss + Cathcart, Architects, in conjunction with EPV are currently developing a complementary process for the large-scale lamination of thin-film PVs, which enables building integrated (BIPV) modules to be produced in sizes up to 48 in. x 96 in. Flexible laser patterning will be used for three main purposes, all intended to broaden the appeal of the product to the building sector: To create semitransparent thin-film modules for skylights, and in some applications, for vision glazing.; to create patterns for ornamental effects. This application is similar to fritted glass, which is used for shading, visual screening, graphics, and other purposes; and to allow BIPV modules to be fabricated in various sizes and shapes with maximum control over electrical characteristics.« less

Shape oscillations of acoustically levitated drops in water: Early research with Bob Apfel on modulated radiation pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marston, Philip L.

2004-05-01

In 1976, research in collaboration with Bob Apfel demonstrated that low-frequency shape oscillations of hydrocarbon drops levitated in water could be driven using modulated radiation pressure. While that response to modulated ultrasound was subsequently extended to a range of systems, the emphasis here is to recall the initial stages of development in Bob Apfel's laboratory leading to some publications [P. L. Marston and R. E. Apfel, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 68, 280-286 (1979); J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 67, 27-37 (1980)]. The levitation technology used at that time was such that it was helpful to develop a sensitive method for detecting weak oscillations using the interference pattern in laser light scattered by levitated drops. The initial experiments to verify this scattering method used shape oscillations induced by modulated electric fields within the acoustic levitator. Light scattering was subsequently used to detect shape oscillations induced by amplitude modulating a carrier having a high frequency (around 680 kHz) at a resonance of the transducer. Methods were also developed for quantitative measurements of the drop's response and with improved acoustic coupling drop fission was observed. The connection with research currently supported by NASA will also be noted.

Apparatus and method for laser beam diagnosis

DOEpatents

Salmon, Jr., Joseph T.

1991-01-01

An apparatus and method is disclosed for accurate, real time monitoring of the wavefront curvature of a coherent laser beam. Knowing the curvature, it can be quickly determined whether the laser beam is collimated, or focusing (converging), or de-focusing (diverging). The apparatus includes a lateral interferometer for forming an interference pattern of the laser beam to be diagnosed. The interference pattern is imaged to a spatial light modulator (SLM), whose output is a coherent laser beam having an image of the interference pattern impressed on it. The SLM output is focused to obtain the far-field diffraction pattern. A video camera, such as CCD, monitors the far-field diffraction pattern, and provides an electrical output indicative of the shape of the far-field pattern. Specifically, the far-field pattern comprises a central lobe and side lobes, whose relative positions are indicative of the radius of curvature of the beam. The video camera's electrical output may be provided to a computer which analyzes the data to determine the wavefront curvature of the laser beam.

Apparatus and method for laser beam diagnosis

DOEpatents

Salmon, J.T. Jr.

1991-08-27

An apparatus and method are disclosed for accurate, real time monitoring of the wavefront curvature of a coherent laser beam. Knowing the curvature, it can be quickly determined whether the laser beam is collimated, or focusing (converging), or de-focusing (diverging). The apparatus includes a lateral interferometer for forming an interference pattern of the laser beam to be diagnosed. The interference pattern is imaged to a spatial light modulator (SLM), whose output is a coherent laser beam having an image of the interference pattern impressed on it. The SLM output is focused to obtain the far-field diffraction pattern. A video camera, such as CCD, monitors the far-field diffraction pattern, and provides an electrical output indicative of the shape of the far-field pattern. Specifically, the far-field pattern comprises a central lobe and side lobes, whose relative positions are indicative of the radius of curvature of the beam. The video camera's electrical output may be provided to a computer which analyzes the data to determine the wavefront curvature of the laser beam. 11 figures.

Pulsed high-peak-power and single-frequency fibre laser design for LIDAR aircraft safety application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liégeois, Flavien; Vercambre, Clément; Hernandez, Yves; Salhi, Mohamed; Giannone, Domenico

2006-09-01

Laser wind velocimeters work by monitoring the Doppler shift induced on the backscattered light by aerosols that are present in the air. Recently there has been a growing interest in the scientific community for developing systems operating at wavelengths near 1.5 μm and based on all-fibre lasers configuration. In this paper, we propose a new all-fibre laser source that is suitable for Doppler velocimetry in aircraft safety applications. The all-fibre laser has been specifically conceived for aircraft safety application. Our prototype has a conveniently narrow linewidth (9 kHz) and is modulated and amplified through an all fibre Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA) configuration. According to the measurements, we performed the final characteristics of the laser consist in a maximum peak power of 2.7 kW and an energy of 27 μJ energy per pulses of 10 ns at 30 kHz repetition rate. The only limiting factor of these performances is the Stimulated Brillouin Scattering.

Thin-film amorphous silicon alloy research partnership. Phase 2, Annual technical progress report, 2 February 1996--1 February 1997

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

Guha, S

This is Phase II of a 3-phase, 3-year program. It is intended to expand, enhance, and accelerate knowledge and capabilities for developing high-performance, two-terminal multijunction amorphous Si alloy modules. We discuss investigations on back reflectors to improve cell performance and investigate uniformity in performance over a 1-sq.-ft. area. We present results on component cell performance, both in the initial and in the light-degraded states, deposited over a 1-sq.-ft. area. The uniformity in deposited is investigated by studying the performance of subcells deposited over the entire area. We also present results on the performance of triple- junction cells and modules. Themore » modules use grid-lines and encapsulants compatible with our production technology. We discuss the novel laser-processing technique that has bee developed at United Solar to improve energy-conversion efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs. We discuss in detail the optimization of the processing steps, and the performance of a laser-processed, triple- junction device of 12.6 cm{sup 2} area is presented. We also present experimental results on investigations of module reliability.« less

High resolution multiplexed functional imaging in live embryos (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Dongli; Zhou, Weibin; Peng, Leilei

2017-02-01

Fourier multiplexed fluorescence lifetime imaging (FmFLIM) scanning laser optical tomography (FmFLIM-SLOT) combines FmFLIM and Scanning laser optical tomography (SLOT) to perform multiplexed 3D FLIM imaging of live embryos. The system had demonstrate multiplexed functional imaging of zebrafish embryos genetically express Foster Resonant Energy Transfer (FRET) sensors. However, previous system has a 20 micron resolution because the focused Gaussian beam diverges quickly from the focused plane, makes it difficult to achieve high resolution imaging over a long projection depth. Here, we present a high-resolution FmFLIM-SLOT system with achromatic Bessel beam, which achieves 3 micron resolution in 3D deep tissue imaging. In Bessel-FmFLIM-SLOT, multiple laser excitation lines are firstly intensity modulated by a Michelson interferometer with a spinning polygon mirror optical delay line, which enables Fourier multiplexed multi-channel lifetime measurements. Then, a spatial light modulator and a prism are used to transform the modulated Gaussian laser beam to an achromatic Bessel beam. The achromatic Bessel beam scans across the whole specimen with equal angular intervals as sample rotated. After tomography reconstruction and the frequency domain lifetime analysis method, both the 3D intensity and lifetime image of multiple excitation-emission can be obtained. Using Bessel-FmFLIM-SLOT system, we performed cellular-resolution FLIM tomography imaging of live zebrafish embryo. Genetically expressed FRET sensors in these embryo will allow non-invasive observation of multiple biochemical processes in vivo.

Experiments and error analysis of laser ranging based on frequency-sweep polarization modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Shuyuan; Ji, Rongyi; Li, Yao; Cheng, Zhi; Zhou, Weihu

2016-11-01

Frequency-sweep polarization modulation ranging uses a polarization-modulated laser beam to determine the distance to the target, the modulation frequency is swept and frequency values are measured when transmitted and received signals are in phase, thus the distance can be calculated through these values. This method gets much higher theoretical measuring accuracy than phase difference method because of the prevention of phase measurement. However, actual accuracy of the system is limited since additional phase retardation occurs in the measuring optical path when optical elements are imperfectly processed and installed. In this paper, working principle of frequency sweep polarization modulation ranging method is analyzed, transmission model of polarization state in light path is built based on the theory of Jones Matrix, additional phase retardation of λ/4 wave plate and PBS, their impact on measuring performance is analyzed. Theoretical results show that wave plate's azimuth error dominates the limitation of ranging accuracy. According to the system design index, element tolerance and error correcting method of system is proposed, ranging system is built and ranging experiment is performed. Experiential results show that with proposed tolerance, the system can satisfy the accuracy requirement. The present work has a guide value for further research about system design and error distribution.

Improved Laser Scribing of Transparent Conductive Oxide for Fabrication of Thin-Film Solar Module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egorov, F. S.; Kukin, A. V.; Terukov, E. I.; Titov, A. S.

2018-04-01

Nonuniform thickness of the front transparent conductive oxide (TCO) used for fabrication of thin-film solar module (TFSM) based on micromorphic technology affects P1 laser scribing (P1 scribing on the TCO front layer). A method for improvement of the thickness uniformity of the front TCO using modification of the existing system for gas supply of the LPCVD (TCO1200) vacuum setup with the aid of gasdistributing tubes is proposed. The thickness nonuniformity of the deposition procedure is decreased from 15.2 to 11.4% to improve uniformity of the resistance of the front TCO and light-scattering factor of TFSM. In addition, the number of P1 laser scribes with inadmissible resistance of insulation (less than 2 MΩ) is decreased by a factor of 7. A decrease in the amount of melt at the P1 scribe edges leads to an increase in the TFSM shunting resistance by 56 Ω. The TFSM output power is increased by 0.4 W due to improvement of parameters of the front TCO related to application of gas-distributing tubes.

Blue Laser Diode Enables Underwater Communication at 12.4 Gbps

PubMed Central

Wu, Tsai-Chen; Chi, Yu-Chieh; Wang, Huai-Yung; Tsai, Cheng-Ting; Lin, Gong-Ru

2017-01-01

To enable high-speed underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) in tap-water and seawater environments over long distances, a 450-nm blue GaN laser diode (LD) directly modulated by pre-leveled 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) data was employed to implement its maximal transmission capacity of up to 10 Gbps. The proposed UWOC in tap water provided a maximal allowable communication bit rate increase from 5.2 to 12.4 Gbps with the corresponding underwater transmission distance significantly reduced from 10.2 to 1.7 m, exhibiting a bit rate/distance decaying slope of −0.847 Gbps/m. When conducting the same type of UWOC in seawater, light scattering induced by impurities attenuated the blue laser power, thereby degrading the transmission with a slightly higher decay ratio of 0.941 Gbps/m. The blue LD based UWOC enables a 16-QAM OFDM bit rate of up to 7.2 Gbps for transmission in seawater more than 6.8 m. PMID:28094309

Research on Debonding Defects in Thermal Barrier Coatings Structure by Thermal-Wave Radar Imaging (TWRI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fei; Liu, Junyan; Mohummad, Oliullah; Wang, Yang

2018-06-01

In this paper, thermal-wave radar imaging (TWRI) is introduced to detect debonding defects in SiC-coated Ni-based superalloy plates. Linear frequency modulation signal (chirp) is used as the excitation signal which has a large time-bandwidth product. Artificial debonding defects in SiC coating are excited by the laser beam with the light intensity modulated by a chirp signal. Cross-correlation algorithm and chirp lock-in algorithm are introduced to extract the thermal-wave signal characteristic. The comparative experiment between TWRI reflection mode and transmission mode was carried out. Experiments are conducted to investigate the influence of laser power density, chirp period, and excitation frequency. Experimental results illustrate that chirp lock-in phase has a better detection capability than other characteristic parameters. TWRI can effectively detect simulated debonding defects of SiC-coated Ni-based superalloy plates.

Long-wavelength vertical-cavity laser research at Gore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayaraman, Vijaysekhar; Geske, J. C.; MacDougal, Michael H.; Peters, Frank H.; Lowes, Ted D.; Char, T. T.; Van Deusen, Dale R.; Goodnough, T.; Donhowe, Mark N.; Kilcoyne, Sean P.; Welch, David J.

1999-04-01

Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) operating near 1310 or 1550 nm have been the subject of intensive research by multiple groups for several years. In the past year at Gore, we have demonstrated the first 1300 nm VCSELs which operate with useful power, high modulation rate, and low voltage over the commercial temperature range of 0 - 70 degree(s)C. These results have been achieved using a new structure in which an 850 nm VCSEL optical pump is integrated with the 1300 nm VCSEL. Electrical drive is applied to the 850 nm pump, and 1300 nm light is emitted from the integrated structure. This approach has resulted in over a milliwatt of single transverse mode power at room temperature, and several hundred microwatts of single transverse mode power at 70 degree(s)C. In addition, these devices demonstrate multi-gigabit modulation and excellent coupling efficiency to single-mode fiber.

Lasing from active optomechanical resonators

PubMed Central

Czerniuk, T.; Brüggemann, C.; Tepper, J.; Brodbeck, S.; Schneider, C.; Kamp, M.; Höfling, S.; Glavin, B. A.; Yakovlev, D. R.; Akimov, A. V.; Bayer, M.

2014-01-01

Planar microcavities with distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) host, besides confined optical modes, also mechanical resonances due to stop bands in the phonon dispersion relation of the DBRs. These resonances have frequencies in the 10- to 100-GHz range, depending on the resonator’s optical wavelength, with quality factors exceeding 1,000. The interaction of photons and phonons in such optomechanical systems can be drastically enhanced, opening a new route towards the manipulation of light. Here we implemented active semiconducting layers into the microcavity to obtain a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). Thereby, three resonant excitations—photons, phonons and electrons—can interact strongly with each other providing modulation of the VCSEL laser emission: a picosecond strain pulse injected into the VCSEL excites long-living mechanical resonances therein. As a result, modulation of the lasing intensity at frequencies up to 40 GHz is observed. From these findings, prospective applications of active optomechanical resonators integrated into nanophotonic circuits may emerge. PMID:25008784

Design of laser monitoring and sound localization system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yu-long; Xu, Xi-ping; Dai, Yu-ming; Qiao, Yang

2013-08-01

In this paper, a novel design of laser monitoring and sound localization system is proposed. It utilizes laser to monitor and locate the position of the indoor conversation. In China most of the laser monitors no matter used in labor in an instrument uses photodiode or phototransistor as a detector at present. At the laser receivers of those facilities, light beams are adjusted to ensure that only part of the window in photodiodes or phototransistors received the beams. The reflection would deviate from its original path because of the vibration of the detected window, which would cause the changing of imaging spots in photodiode or phototransistor. However, such method is limited not only because it could bring in much stray light in receivers but also merely single output of photocurrent could be obtained. Therefore a new method based on quadrant detector is proposed. It utilizes the relation of the optical integral among quadrants to locate the position of imaging spots. This method could eliminate background disturbance and acquired two-dimensional spots vibrating data pacifically. The principle of this whole system could be described as follows. Collimated laser beams are reflected from vibrate-window caused by the vibration of sound source. Therefore reflected beams are modulated by vibration source. Such optical signals are collected by quadrant detectors and then are processed by photoelectric converters and corresponding circuits. Speech signals are eventually reconstructed. In addition, sound source localization is implemented by the means of detecting three different reflected light sources simultaneously. Indoor mathematical models based on the principle of Time Difference Of Arrival (TDOA) are established to calculate the twodimensional coordinate of sound source. Experiments showed that this system is able to monitor the indoor sound source beyond 15 meters with a high quality of speech reconstruction and to locate the sound source position accurately.

Self-compression of spatially limited laser pulses in a system of coupled light-guides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balakin, A. A.; Litvak, A. G.; Mironov, V. A.; Skobelev, S. A.

2018-04-01

The self-action features of wave packets propagating in a 2D system of equidistantly arranged fibers are studied analytically and numerically on the basis of the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Self-consistent equations for the characteristic scales of a Gaussian wave packet are derived on the basis of the variational approach, which are proved numerically for powers P < 10 P_cr , slightly exceeding the critical one for self-focusing. At higher powers, the wave beams become filamented, and their amplitude is limited due to the nonlinear breaking of the interaction between neighboring light-guides. This makes it impossible to collect a powerful wave beam in a single light-guide. Variational analysis shows the possibility of the adiabatic self-compression of soliton-like laser pulses in the process of 3D self-focusing on the central light-guide. However, further increase of the field amplitude during self-compression leads to the development of longitudinal modulation instability and the formation of a set of light bullets in the central fiber. In the regime of hollow wave beams, filamentation instability becomes predominant. As a result, it becomes possible to form a set of light bullets in optical fibers located on the ring.

Multi-scale reflection modulator-based optical interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nair, Rohit

This dissertation describes the design, analysis, and experimental validation of micro- and macro-optical components for implementing optical interconnects at multiple scales for varied applications. Three distance scales are explored: millimeter, centimeter, and meter-scales. At the millimeter-scale, we propose the use of optical interconnects at the intra-chip level. With the rapid scaling down of CMOS critical dimensions in accordance to Moore's law, the bandwidth requirements of global interconnects in microprocessors has exceeded the capabilities of metal links. These are the wires that connect the most remote parts of the chip and are disproportionately problematic in terms of chip area and power consumption. Consequently, in the mid-2000s, we saw a shift in the chip architecture: a move towards multicore designs. However, this only delays the inevitable communication bottleneck between cores. To satisfy this bandwidth, we propose to replace the global metal interconnects with optical interconnects. We propose to use the hybrid integration of silicon with GaAs/AlAs-based multiple quantum well devices as optical modulators and photodetectors along with polymeric waveguides to transport the light. We use grayscale lithography to fabricate curved facets into the waveguides to couple light into the modulators and photodetectors. Next, at the chip-to-chip level in high-performance multiprocessor computing systems, communication distances vary from a few centimeters to tens of centimeters. An optical design for coupling light from off-chip lasers to on-chip surface-normal modulators is proposed in order to implement chip-to-chip free-space optical interconnects. The method uses a dual-prism module constructed from prisms made of two different glasses. The various alignment tolerances of the proposed system are investigated and found to be well within pick-and-place accuracies. For the off-chip lasers, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) are proposed. The rationale behind using on-chip modulators rather than VCSELs is to avoid VCSEL thermal loads on chip, and because of higher reliability of modulators than VCSELs. Particularly above 10Gbps, an empirical model developed shows the rapid decrease of VCSEL median time to failure vs. data rate. Thus the proposed interconnect scheme which utilizes continuous wave VCSELs that are externally modulated by on-chip multiple quantum well modulators is applicable for chip-to-chip optical interconnects at 20Gbps and higher line data rates. Finally, for applications such as remote telemetry, where the interrogation distances can vary from a few meters to tens or even hundreds of meters we demonstrate a modulated retroreflector that utilizes InGaAs/InAlAs-based large-area multiple quantum well modulators on all three faces of a retroreflector. The large-area devices, fabricated by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, are characterized in terms of the yield and leakage currents. A yield higher than that achieved previously using devices fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy is observed. The retroreflector module is constructed using standard FR4 printed circuit boards, thereby simplifying the wiring issue. A high optical contrast ratio of 8.23dB is observed for a drive of 20V. A free-standing PCB retroreflector is explored and found to have insufficient angular tolerances (+/-0.5 degrees). We show that the angular errors in the corner-cube construction can be corrected for using off-the-shelf optical components as opposed to mounting the PCBs on a precision corner cube, as has been done previously.

Thermal modulation voltammetry with laser heating at an aqueous|nitrobenzene solution microinterface: determination of the standard entropy changes of transfer for tetraalkylammonium ions.

PubMed

Hinoue, Teruo; Ikeda, Eiji; Watariguchi, Shigeru; Kibune, Yasuyuki

2007-01-01

Thermal modulation voltammetry (TMV) with laser heating was successfully performed at an aqueous|nitrobenzene (NB) solution microinterface, by taking advantage of the fact that laser light with a wavelength of 325.0 nm is optically transparent to the aqueous solution but opaque to the NB solution. When the laser beam impinges upon the interface from the aqueous solution side, a temperature is raised around the interface through the thermal diffusion subsequent to the light-to-heat conversion following the optical absorption by the NB solution near the interface. Based on such a principle, we achieved a fluctuating temperature perturbation around the interface for TMV by periodically irradiating the interface with the laser beam. On the other hand, the fluctuating temperature perturbation has influence on currents for transfer of an ion across the interface to produce fluctuating currents synchronized with the perturbation through temperature coefficients of several variables concerning the transfer, such as the standard transfer potential and the diffusion coefficient of the ion. Consequently, TMV has the possibility of providing information about the standard entropy change of transfer corresponding to a temperature coefficient of the standard transfer potential and a temperature coefficient of the diffusion coefficient. In this work, the aqueous|NB solution interface of 30 microm in diameter was irradiated with the laser beam at 10 Hz, and the currents synchronized with the periodical irradiation were recorded as a function of the potential difference across the interface in order to construct a TM voltammogram. TM voltammograms were measured for transfer of tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, tetrapropylammonium, and tetra-n-butylammonium ions from the aqueous solution to the NB solution, and the standard entropy change of transfer was determined for each ion, according to an analytical procedure based on a mathematical expression of the TM voltammogram. Comparison of the values obtained in this work with the literature values has proved that TMV with laser heating is available for the determination of the standard entropy change of transfer for an ion.

Crystalline Colloidal Arrays in Polymer Matrices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sunkara, Hari B.; Penn, B. G.; Frazier, D. O.; Ramachandran, N.

1997-01-01

Crystalline Colloidal Arrays (CCA, also known as colloidal crystals), composed of aqueous or nonaqueous dispersions of self-assembled nanosized polymer colloidal spheres, are emerging toward the development of advanced optical devices for technological applications. The spontaneous self assembly of polymer spheres in a dielectric medium results from the electrostatic repulsive interaction between particles of uniform size and charge distribution. In a way similar to atomic crystals that diffract X-rays, CCA dispersions in thin quartz cells selectively and efficiently Bragg diffract the incident visible light. The reason for this diffraction is because the lattice (body or face centered cubic) spacing is on the order of the wavelength of visible light. Unlike the atomic crystals that diffract a fixed wavelength, colloidal crystals in principle, depending on the particle size, particle number and charge density, can diffract W, Vis or IR light. Therefore, the CCA dispersions can be used as laser filters. Besides, the diffraction intensity depends on the refractive index mismatch between polymer spheres and dielectric medium; therefore, it is possible to modulate incident light intensities by manipulating the index of either the spheres or the medium. Our interest in CCA is in the fabrication of all-optical devices such as optical switches, limiters, and spatial light modulators for optical signal processing. The two major requirements from a materials standpoint are the incorporation of suitable nonlinear optical materials (NLO) into polymer spheres which will allow us to alter the refractive index of the spheres by intense laser radiation, and preparation of solid CCA filters which can resist laser damage. The fabrication of solid composite filters not only has the advantage that the films are easier to handle, but also the arrays in solid films are more robust than in liquid media. In this paper, we report the photopolymerization process used to trap CCA in polymer matrices, the factors which affect the optical diffraction qualities of resulting polymer films, and methods to improve the efficiencies of solid optical filters. Before this, we also present the experimental demonstration, of controlling the optical diffraction intensities from aqueous CCA dispersions by varying the temperature, which establishes the feasibility of fabricating all-optical switching devices with nonlinear periodic array structures.

Theory of lidar method for measurement of the modulation transfer function of water layers.

PubMed

Dolin, Lev S

2013-01-10

We develop a method to evaluate the modulation transfer function (MTF) of a water layer from the characteristics of lidar signal backscattered by water volume. We propose several designs of a lidar system for remote measurement of the MTF and the procedure to determine optical properties of water using the measured MTF. We discuss a laser system for sea-bottom imaging that accounts for the influence of water slab on the image structure and allows for correction of image distortions caused by light scattering in water. © 2013 Optical Society of America

A dynamic system with digital lock-in-photon-counting for pharmacokinetic diffuse fluorescence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Guoyan; Zhang, Limin; Zhang, Yanqi; Liu, Han; Du, Wenwen; Ma, Wenjuan; Zhao, Huijuan; Gao, Feng

2018-02-01

Pharmacokinetic diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT) can describe the metabolic processes of fluorescent agents in biomedical tissue and provide helpful information for tumor differentiation. In this paper, a dynamic DFT system was developed by employing digital lock-in-photon-counting with square wave modulation, which predominates in ultra-high sensitivity and measurement parallelism. In this system, 16 frequency-encoded laser diodes (LDs) driven by self-designed light source system were distributed evenly in the imaging plane and irradiated simultaneously. Meanwhile, 16 detection fibers collected emission light in parallel by the digital lock-in-photon-counting module. The fundamental performances of the proposed system were assessed with phantom experiments in terms of stability, linearity, anti-crosstalk as well as images reconstruction. The results validated the availability of the proposed dynamic DFT system.

Chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy using a directly modulated quantum cascade laser

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

Hangauer, Andreas, E-mail: hangauer@princeton.edu; Nikodem, Michal; Wysocki, Gerard, E-mail: gwysocki@princeton.edu

2013-11-04

Chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) utilizing direct modulation of a quantum cascade laser (QCL) is presented. By controlling the laser bias nearly single- and dual-sideband CLaDS operation can be realized in an extremely simplified optical setup with no external optical modulators. Capability of direct single-sideband modulation is a unique feature of QCLs that exhibit a low linewidth enhancement factor. The developed analytical model shows excellent agreement with the experimental, directly modulated CLaDS spectra. This method overcomes major technical limitations of mid-infrared CLaDS systems by allowing significantly higher modulation frequencies and eliminating optical fringes introduced by external modulators.

Establishing Information Security Systems via Optical Imaging

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-11

SLM, spatial light modulator; BSC, non - polarizing beam splitter cube; CCD, charge-coupled device. In computational ghost imaging, a series of...Laser Object Computer Fig. 5. A schematic setup for the proposed method using holography: BSC, Beam splitter cube; CCD, Charge-coupled device. The...interference between reference and object beams . (a) (e) (d) (c) (b) Distribution Code A: Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited

Discrete wavelength-locked external cavity laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pilgrim, Jeffrey S. (Inventor); Silver, Joel A. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

An external cavity laser (and method of generating laser light) comprising: a laser light source; means for collimating light output by the laser light source; a diffraction grating receiving collimated light; a cavity feedback mirror reflecting light received from the diffraction grating back to the diffraction grating; and means for reliably tuning the external cavity laser to discrete wavelengths.

Coherently coupled high-power fiber arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderegg, Jesse; Brosnan, Stephen; Cheung, Eric; Epp, Paul; Hammons, Dennis; Komine, Hiroshi; Weber, Mark; Wickham, Michael

2006-02-01

A four-element fiber array has demonstrated 470 watts of coherently phased, linearly polarized light energy in a single far-field spot. Each element consists of a single-mode fiber-amplifier chain. Phase control of each element is achieved with a Lithium-Niobate phase modulator. A master laser provides a linearly polarized, narrow linewidth signal that is split into five channels. Four channels are individually amplified using polarization maintaining fiber power amplifiers. The fifth channel is used as a reference arm. It is frequency shifted and then combined interferometrically with a portion of each channel's signal. Detectors sense the heterodyne modulation signal, and an electronics circuit measures the relative phase for each channel. Compensating adjustments are then made to each channel's phase modulator. This effort represents the results of a multi-year effort to achieve high power from a single element fiber amplifier and to understand the important issues involved in coherently combining many individual elements to obtain sufficient optical power for directed energy weapons. Northrop Grumman Corporation and the High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office jointly sponsored this work.

Frequency modulation spectroscopy with a THz quantum-cascade laser.

PubMed

Eichholz, R; Richter, H; Wienold, M; Schrottke, L; Hey, R; Grahn, H T; Hübers, H-W

2013-12-30

We report on a terahertz spectrometer for high-resolution molecular spectroscopy based on a quantum-cascade laser. High-frequency modulation (up to 50 MHz) of the laser driving current produces a simultaneous modulation of the frequency and amplitude of the laser output. The modulation generates sidebands, which are symmetrically positioned with respect to the laser carrier frequency. The molecular transition is probed by scanning the sidebands across it. In this way, the absorption and the dispersion caused by the molecular transition are measured. The signals are modeled by taking into account the simultaneous modulation of the frequency and amplitude of the laser emission. This allows for the determination of the strength of the frequency as well as amplitude modulation of the laser and of molecular parameters such as pressure broadening.

Enhancement of the static extinction ratio by using a dual-section distributed feedback laser integrated with an electro-absorption modulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Chun-Hyung; Kim, Jongseong; Sung, Hyuk-Kee

2016-09-01

We report on the enhancement of the static extinction ratio by using a dual-section distributed feedback laser diode integrated with an electro-absorption modulator. A directly- modulated dual-section laser can provide improved modulation performance under a low bias level ( i.e., below the threshold level) compared with a standard directly-modulated laser. By combining the extinction ratio from a dual-section laser with that from an electro-absorption modulator section, a total extinction ratio of 49.6. dB are successfully achieved.

A light-induced microwave oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yao, X. S.; Maleki, L.

1995-01-01

We describe a novel oscillator that converts continuous light energy into sta ble and spectrally pure microwave signals. This light-induced microwave oscillator (LIMO) consists of a pump laser and a feedback circuit, including an intensity modulator, an optical fiber delay line, a photodetector, an amplifier, and a filter. We develop a quasilinear theory and obtain expressions for the threshold condition, the amplitude, the frequency, the line width, and the spectral power density of the oscillation. We also present experimental data to compare with the theoretical results. Our findings indicate that the LIMO can generate ultrastable, spectrally pure microwave reference signals up to 75 GHz with a phase noise lower than -140 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz.

Beam shaping by using small-aperture SLM and DM in a high power laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Sensen; Lu, Zhiwei; Du, Pengyuan; Wang, Yulei; Ding, Lei; Yan, Xiusheng

2018-03-01

High-power laser plays an important role in many fields, such as directed energy weapon, optoelectronic contermeasures, inertial confinement fusion, industrial processing and scientific research. The uniform nearfield and wavefront are the important part of the beam quality for high power lasers, which is conducive to maintaining the high spatial beam quality in propagation. We demonstrate experimentally that the spatial intensity and wavefront distribution at the output is well compensated in the complex high-power solid-state laser system by using the small-aperture spatial light modulator (SLM) and deformable mirror (DM) in the front stage. The experimental setup is a hundred-Joule-level Nd:glass laser system operating at three wavelengths at 1053 nm (1ω), 527 nm (2ω) and 351 nm (3ω) with 3 ns pulse duration with the final output beam aperture of 60 mm. While the clear arperture of the electrically addressable SLM is less than 20 mm and the effective diameter of the 52-actuators DM is about 15 mm. In the beam shaping system, the key point is that the two front-stage beam shaping devices needs to precompensate the gain nonuniform and wavefront distortion of the laser system. The details of the iterative algorithm for improving the beam quality are presented. Experimental results show that output nearfield and wavefont are both nearly flat-topped with the nearfield modulation of 1.26:1 and wavefront peak-to-valley value of 0.29 λ at 1053nm after beam shaping.

Optical power of VCSELs stabilized to 35 ppm/°C without a TEC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Downing, John

2015-03-01

This paper reports a method and system comprising a light source, an electronic method, and a calibration procedure for stabilizing the optical power of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and laser diodes (LDs) without the use thermoelectric coolers (TECs). The system eliminates the needs for custom interference coatings, polarization adjustments, and the exact alignment required by the optical method reported in 2013 [1]. It can precisely compensate for the effects of temperature and wavelength drift on photodiode responsivity as well as changes in VCSEL beam quality and polarization angle over a 50°C temperature range. Data obtained from light sources built with single-mode polarization-locked VCSELs demonstrate that 30 ppm/°C stability can be readily obtained. The system has advantages over TECstabilized laser modules that include: 1) 90% lower relative RMS optical power and temperature sensitivity, 2) a five-fold enhancement of wall-plug efficiency, 3) less component testing and sorting, 4) lower manufacturing costs, and 5) automated calibration in batches at time of manufacture is practical. The system is ideally suited for battery-powered environmental and in-home medical monitoring applications.

5D-Tracking of a nanorod in a focused laser beam--a theoretical concept.

PubMed

Griesshammer, Markus; Rohrbach, Alexander

2014-03-10

Back-focal plane (BFP) interferometry is a very fast and precise method to track the 3D position of a sphere within a focused laser beam using a simple quadrant photo diode (QPD). Here we present a concept of how to track and recover the 5D state of a cylindrical nanorod (3D position and 2 tilt angles) in a laser focus by analyzing the interference of unscattered light and light scattered at the cylinder. The analytical theoretical approach is based on Rayleigh-Gans scattering together with a local field approximation for an infinitely thin cylinder. The approximated BFP intensities compare well with those from a more rigorous numerical approach. It turns out that a displacement of the cylinder results in a modulation of the BFP intensity pattern, whereas a tilt of the cylinder results in a shift of this pattern. We therefore propose the concept of a local QPD in the BFP of a detection lens, where the QPD center is shifted by the angular coordinates of the cylinder tilt.

Polyplanar optic display for cockpit application

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

Veligdan, J.; Biscardi, C.; Brewster, C.

1998-04-01

The Polyplanar Optical Display (POD) is a high contrast display screen being developed for cockpit applications. This display screen is 2 inches thick and has a matte black face which allows for high contrast images. The prototype being developed is a form, fit and functional replacement display for the B-52 aircraft which uses a monochrome ten-inch display. The new display uses a long lifetime, (10,000 hour), 200 mW green solid-state laser (532 nm) as its optical source. In order to produce real-time video, the laser light is being modulated by a Digital Light Processing (DLP{trademark}) chip manufactured by Texas Instruments,more » Inc. A variable astigmatic focusing system is used to produce a stigmatic image on the viewing face of the POD. In addition to the optical design and speckle reduction, the authors discuss the electronic interfacing to the DLP{trademark} chip, the opto-mechanical design and viewing angle characteristics.« less