Health monitoring of carbon cantilever using femtosecond laser inscribed FBG array in gradient-index CYTOP polymer fibre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theodosiou, Antreas; Kalli, Kyriacos; Komodromos, Michael

2017-04-01

We report on the femtosecond laser inscription of a fibre Bragg grating array in multimode, gradient-index, CYTOP polymer optical fibre and its demonstration as a quasi-distributed sensor for cantilever health monitoring measurements. We exploit the key advantage of polymer optical fibres, having a significantly lower Young's modulus compared with silica fibres, for vibration measurements. We also modify the typical multi-mode Bragg grating spectrum through control of the femtosecond laser inscription process, thereby producing gratings having single peak wavelength spectra. The sensor array is used to recover the time-dependent, wavelength response from each Bragg grating sensor and extract the mode shape of the beam. The mode shapes of the beam were used to observe "damage" introduced to the cantilever by adding masses to its surface; adjusting the level of damage by using different weights and placing them at different point across the beam. We show that health monitoring measurements are feasible with polymer based fibre Bragg gratings. The accurate and rapid detection of damage points on structural beams and the damage level is an important parameter for improved maintenance and servicing of beams under load and for the prevention of long-term damage.

High brightness laser-diode device emitting 160 watts from a 100 μm/NA 0.22 fiber.

PubMed

Yu, Junhong; Guo, Linui; Wu, Hualing; Wang, Zhao; Tan, Hao; Gao, Songxin; Wu, Deyong; Zhang, Kai

2015-11-10

A practical method of achieving a high-brightness and high-power fiber-coupled laser-diode device is demonstrated both by experiment and ZEMAX software simulation, which is obtained by a beam transformation system, free-space beam combining, and polarization beam combining based on a mini-bar laser-diode chip. Using this method, fiber-coupled laser-diode module output power from the multimode fiber with 100 μm core diameter and 0.22 numerical aperture (NA) could reach 174 W, with equalizing brightness of 14.2  MW/(cm2·sr). By this method, much wider applications of fiber-coupled laser-diodes are anticipated.

Coupling efficiency of laser beam to multimode fiber for free space optical communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arisa, Suguru; Takayama, Yoshihisa; Endo, Hiroyuki; Shimizu, Ryosuke; Fujiwara, Mikio; Sasaki, Masahide

2017-11-01

Recently, the free space optical (FSO) communications have been widely studied as an alternative for large capacity communications and its possible implementation in satellite and terrestrial laser links. In satellite communications, clouds can strongly attenuate the laser signal that would lead to high bit-error rates or temporal unavailability of the link. To overcome the cloud coverage effects, often site diversity technique is implemented. When using multiple ground stations though, simplified optical system is required to allow the usage of more flexible approaches. In terrestrial laser communications, several methods for optical system simplification by using a multimode fiber (MMF) have been proposed.

Application of partially coherent modes for studying generation of a Gaussian partially coherent laser beam

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

Suvorov, A A

2010-10-15

The problem of steady-state generation of a Gaussian partially coherent beam in a stable-cavity laser is considered within the framework of the method of expansion of the radiation coherence function in partially coherent modes. We discuss the conditions whose fulfilment makes it possible to neglect the intermode beatings of the radiation field and the effect of the gain dispersion on the steady-state generation of multimode partially coherent radiation. Based on the simplified model, we solve the self-consistent problem of generation of a Gaussian partially coherent beam for the given laser pump conditions and the resonator parameters. The dependence of themore » beam characteristics (power, radius, etc.) on the active medium properties and the resonator parameters is obtained. (laser beams)« less

Analysis and design of fiber-coupled high-power laser diode array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Chongxi; Liu, Yinhui; Xie, Weimin; Du, Chunlei

2003-11-01

A conclusion that a single conventional optical system could not realize fiber coupled high-power laser diode array is drawn based on the BPP of laser beam. According to the parameters of coupled fiber, a method to couple LDA beams into a single multi-mode fiber including beams collimating, shaping, focusing and coupling is present. The divergence angles after collimating are calculated and analyzed; the shape equation of the collimating micro-lenses array is deprived. The focusing lens is designed. A fiber coupled LDA result with the core diameter of 800 um and numeric aperture of 0.37 is gotten.

Measurement of the M² beam propagation factor using a focus-tunable liquid lens.

PubMed

Niederriter, Robert D; Gopinath, Juliet T; Siemens, Mark E

2013-03-10

We demonstrate motion-free beam quality M² measurements of stigmatic, simple astigmatic, and general astigmatic (twisted) beams using only a focus-tunable liquid lens and a CCD camera. We extend the variable-focus technique to the characterization of general astigmatic beams by measuring the 10 second-order moments of the power density distribution for the twisted beam produced by passage through multimode optical fiber. Our method measures the same M² values as the traditional variable-distance method for a wide range of laser beam sources, including nearly TEM(00) (M²≈1) and general astigmatic multimode beams (M²≈8). The method is simple and compact, with no moving parts or complex apparatus and measurement precision comparable to the standard variable-distance method.

Laser-driven x-ray and neutron source development for industrial applications of plasma accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brenner, C. M.; Mirfayzi, S. R.; Rusby, D. R.; Armstrong, C.; Alejo, A.; Wilson, L. A.; Clarke, R.; Ahmed, H.; Butler, N. M. H.; Haddock, D.; Higginson, A.; McClymont, A.; Murphy, C.; Notley, M.; Oliver, P.; Allott, R.; Hernandez-Gomez, C.; Kar, S.; McKenna, P.; Neely, D.

2016-01-01

Pulsed beams of energetic x-rays and neutrons from intense laser interactions with solid foils are promising for applications where bright, small emission area sources, capable of multi-modal delivery are ideal. Possible end users of laser-driven multi-modal sources are those requiring advanced non-destructive inspection techniques in industry sectors of high value commerce such as aerospace, nuclear and advanced manufacturing. We report on experimental work that demonstrates multi-modal operation of high power laser-solid interactions for neutron and x-ray beam generation. Measurements and Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations show that neutron yield is increased by a factor ~2 when a 1 mm copper foil is placed behind a 2 mm lithium foil, compared to using a 2 cm block of lithium only. We explore x-ray generation with a 10 picosecond drive pulse in order to tailor the spectral content for radiography with medium density alloy metals. The impact of using  >1 ps pulse duration on laser-accelerated electron beam generation and transport is discussed alongside the optimisation of subsequent bremsstrahlung emission in thin, high atomic number target foils. X-ray spectra are deconvolved from spectrometer measurements and simulation data generated using the GEANT4 Monte Carlo code. We also demonstrate the unique capability of laser-driven x-rays in being able to deliver single pulse high spatial resolution projection imaging of thick metallic objects. Active detector radiographic imaging of industrially relevant sample objects with a 10 ps drive pulse is presented for the first time, demonstrating that features of 200 μm size are resolved when projected at high magnification.

Fiber-coupled three-micron pulsed laser source for CFRP laser treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyga, Sebastian; Blass, David; Katzy, Veronika; Westphalen, Thomas; Jungbluth, Bernd; Hoffmann, Hans-Dieter

2018-02-01

We present a laser source providing up to 18 W and 1.5 mJ at a wavelength of 3 μm. The output is generated by frequency conversion of randomly polarized multimode radiation at 1064 nm of an Nd:YAG laser in a two-stage conversion setup. The frequency converter comprises an optical parametric oscillator and a subsequent optical parametric amplifier using PPLN as nonlinear medium in both stages. To implement fiber-based beam delivery for materials processing, we coupled the output at 3 μm to a multimode ZrF4-fiber. This source was then used to remove epoxy resin from the surface of CFRP samples.

Beam uniformity of flat top lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chao; Cramer, Larry; Danielson, Don; Norby, James

2015-03-01

Many beams that output from standard commercial lasers are multi-mode, with each mode having a different shape and width. They show an overall non-homogeneous energy distribution across the spot size. There may be satellite structures, halos and other deviations from beam uniformity. However, many scientific, industrial and medical applications require flat top spatial energy distribution, high uniformity in the plateau region, and complete absence of hot spots. Reliable standard methods for the evaluation of beam quality are of great importance. Standard methods are required for correct characterization of the laser for its intended application and for tight quality control in laser manufacturing. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published standard procedures and definitions for this purpose. These procedures have not been widely adopted by commercial laser manufacturers. This is due to the fact that they are unreliable because an unrepresentative single-pixel value can seriously distort the result. We hereby propose a metric of beam uniformity, a way of beam profile visualization, procedures to automatically detect hot spots and beam structures, and application examples in our high energy laser production.

Spatiotemporal light-beam compression from nonlinear mode coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krupa, Katarzyna; Tonello, Alessandro; Couderc, Vincent; Barthélémy, Alain; Millot, Guy; Modotto, Daniele; Wabnitz, Stefan

2018-04-01

We experimentally demonstrate simultaneous spatial and temporal compression in the propagation of light pulses in multimode nonlinear optical fibers. We reveal that the spatial beam self-cleaning recently discovered in graded-index multimode fibers is accompanied by significant temporal reshaping and up to fourfold shortening of the injected subnanosecond laser pulses. Since the nonlinear coupling among the modes strongly depends on the instantaneous power, we explore the entire range of the nonlinear dynamics with a single optical pulse, where the optical power is continuously varied across the pulse profile.

Raman Fiber Lasers and Amplifiers Based on Multimode Graded-Index Fibers and Their Application to Beam Cleanup

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

Scattering UV —Ultraviolet xvii List of Symbols Roman Symbols a radius of fiber core Ap,s amplitude of pump and Stokes waves m spA...written directly to the ends of the RFL with an ultraviolet ( UV ) laser [14] or written to separate pieces of fiber and then spliced onto the ends...beam [17,18,19,20,21]. This has led at least one author to suggest the output beam of a Raman fiber amplifier (RFA) will be nearly diffraction

Coherent noise reduction in digital holographic microscopy by averaging multiple holograms recorded with a multimode laser.

PubMed

Pan, Feng; Yang, Lizhi; Xiao, Wen

2017-09-04

In digital holographic microscopy (DHM), it is undesirable to observe coherent noise in the reconstructed images. The sources of the noise are mainly the parasitic interference fringes caused by multiple reflections and the speckle pattern caused by the optical scattering on the object surface. Here we propose a noise reduction approach in DHM by averaging multiple holograms recorded with a multimode laser. Based on the periodicity of the temporal coherence of a multimode semiconductor laser, we acquire a series of holograms by changing the optical path length difference between the reference beam and object beam. Because of the use of low coherence light, we can remove the parasitic interference fringes caused by multiple reflections in the holograms. In addition, the coherent noise patterns change in this process due to the different optical paths. Therefore, the coherent noise can be reduced by averaging the multiple reconstructions with uncorrelated noise patterns. Several experiments have been carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach for coherent noise reduction in DHM. It is shown a remarkable improvement both in amplitude imaging quality and phase measurement accuracy.

Calibration of the forward-scattering spectrometer probe - Modeling scattering from a multimode laser beam

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hovenac, Edward A.; Lock, James A.

1993-01-01

Scattering calculations using a detailed model of the multimode laser beam in the forward-scattering spectrometer probe (FSSP) were carried out using a recently developed extension to Mie scattering theory. From this model, new calibration curves for the FSSP were calculated. The difference between the old calibration curves and the new ones is small for droplet diameters less than 10 microns, but the difference increases to approximately 10 percent at diameters of 50 microns. When using glass beads to calibrate the FSSP, calibration errors can be minimized by using glass beads of many different diameters, over the entire range of the FSSP. If the FSSP is calibrated using one-diameter glass beads, then the new formalism is necessary to extrapolate the calibration over the entire range.

Calibration of the Forward-scattering Spectrometer Probe: Modeling Scattering from a Multimode Laser Beam

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hovenac, Edward A.; Lock, James A.

1993-01-01

Scattering calculations using a more detailed model of the multimode laser beam in the forward-scattering spectrometer probe (FSSP) were carried out by using a recently developed extension to Mie scattering theory. From this model, new calibration curves for the FSSP were calculated. The difference between the old calibration curves and the new ones is small for droplet diameters less than 10 micrometers, but the difference increases to approximately 10% at diameters of 50 micrometers. When using glass beads to calibrate the FSSP, calibration errors can be minimized, by using glass beads of many different diameters, over the entire range of the FSSP. If the FSSP is calibrated using one-diameter glass beads, then the new formalism is necessary to extrapolate the calibration over the entire range.

Observation of Geometric Parametric Instability Induced by the Periodic Spatial Self-Imaging of Multimode Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krupa, Katarzyna; Tonello, Alessandro; Barthélémy, Alain; Couderc, Vincent; Shalaby, Badr Mohamed; Bendahmane, Abdelkrim; Millot, Guy; Wabnitz, Stefan

2016-05-01

Spatiotemporal mode coupling in highly multimode physical systems permits new routes for exploring complex instabilities and forming coherent wave structures. We present here the first experimental demonstration of multiple geometric parametric instability sidebands, generated in the frequency domain through resonant space-time coupling, owing to the natural periodic spatial self-imaging of a multimode quasi-continuous-wave beam in a standard graded-index multimode fiber. The input beam was launched in the fiber by means of an amplified microchip laser emitting sub-ns pulses at 1064 nm. The experimentally observed frequency spacing among sidebands agrees well with analytical predictions and numerical simulations. The first-order peaks are located at the considerably large detuning of 123.5 THz from the pump. These results open the remarkable possibility to convert a near-infrared laser directly into a broad spectral range spanning visible and infrared wavelengths, by means of a single resonant parametric nonlinear effect occurring in the normal dispersion regime. As further evidence of our strong space-time coupling regime, we observed the striking effect that all of the different sideband peaks were carried by a well-defined and stable bell-shaped spatial profile.

Motion-free hybrid design laser beam propagation analyzer using a digital micromirror device and a variable focus liquid lens.

PubMed

Sheikh, Mumtaz; Riza, Nabeel A

2010-06-01

To the best of our knowledge, we propose the first motion-free laser beam propagation analyzer with a hybrid design using a digital micromirror device (DMD) and a liquid electronically controlled variable focus lens (ECVFL). Unlike prior analyzers that require profiling the beam at multiple locations along the light propagation axis, the proposed analyzer profiles the beam at the same plane for multiple values of the ECVFL focal length, thus eliminating beam profiler assembly motion. In addition to measuring standard Gaussian beam parameters, the analyzer can also be used to measure the M(2) beam propagation parameter of a multimode beam. Proof-of-concept beam parameter measurements with the proposed analyzer are successfully conducted for a 633 nm laser beam. Given the all-digital nature of the DMD-based profiling and all-analog motion-free nature of the ECVFL beam focus control, the proposed analyzer versus prior art promises better repeatability, speed, and reliability.

Lasers with intra-cavity phase elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulses, A. Alkan; Kurtz, Russell; Islas, Gabriel; Anisimov, Igor

2018-02-01

Conventional laser resonators yield multimodal output, especially at high powers and short cavity lengths. Since highorder modes exhibit large divergence, it is desirable to suppress them to improve laser quality. Traditionally, such modal discriminations can be achieved by simple apertures that provide absorptive loss for large diameter modes, while allowing the lower orders, such as the fundamental Gaussian, to pass through. However, modal discrimination may not be sufficient for short-cavity lasers, resulting in multimodal operation as well as power loss and overheating in the absorptive part of the aperture. In research to improve laser mode control with minimal energy loss, systematic experiments have been executed using phase-only elements. These were composed of an intra-cavity step function and a diffractive out-coupler made of a computer-generated hologram. The platform was a 15-cm long solid-state laser that employs a neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate crystal rod, producing 1064 nm multimodal laser output. The intra-cavity phase elements (PEs) were shown to be highly effective in obtaining beams with reduced M-squared values and increased output powers, yielding improved values of radiance. The utilization of more sophisticated diffractive elements is promising for more difficult laser systems.

Laser Intensity Scaling Through Stimulated Scattering in Optical Fibers

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-12-17

Stokes beams transmitted through a 300 m multimode fiber. ..................................127 Figure 58: Circles (squares) indicate the measured size...circles) and first order Stokes (squares) beams at the fiber facet. (b,c) Pump (left) and Stokes (right) intensity distributions for a 300 m and...75 m fiber respectively. .......................................................................................130 Figure 61: Double clad fiber

Helical Fiber Amplifier

DOEpatents

Koplow, Jeffrey P.; Kliner, Dahy; Goldberg, Lew

2002-12-17

A multi-mode gain fiber is provided which affords substantial improvements in the maximum pulse energy, peak power handling capabilities, average output power, and/or pumping efficiency of fiber amplifier and laser sources while maintaining good beam quality (comparable to that of a conventional single-mode fiber source). These benefits are realized by coiling the multimode gain fiber to induce significant bend loss for all but the lowest-order mode(s).

Developing single-laser sources for multimodal coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pegoraro, Adrian Frank

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy has developed rapidly and is opening the door to new types of experiments. This work describes the development of new laser sources for CARS microscopy and their use for different applications. It is specifically focused on multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy—the simultaneous combination of different imaging techniques. This allows us to address a diverse range of applications, such as the study of biomaterials, fluid inclusions, atherosclerosis, hepatitis C infection in cells, and ice formation in cells. For these applications new laser sources are developed that allow for practical multimodal imaging. For example, it is shown that using a single Ti:sapphire oscillator with a photonic crystal fiber, it is possible to develop a versatile multimodal imaging system using optimally chirped laser pulses. This system can perform simultaneous two photon excited fluorescence, second harmonic generation, and CARS microscopy. The versatility of the system is further demonstrated by showing that it is possible to probe different Raman modes using CARS microscopy simply by changing a time delay between the excitation beams. Using optimally chirped pulses also enables further simplification of the laser system required by using a single fiber laser combined with nonlinear optical fibers to perform effective multimodal imaging. While these sources are useful for practical multimodal imaging, it is believed that for further improvements in CARS microscopy sensitivity, new excitation schemes are necessary. This has led to the design of a new, high power, extended cavity oscillator that should be capable of implementing new excitation schemes for CARS microscopy as well as other techniques. Our interest in multimodal imaging has led us to other areas of research as well. For example, a fiber-coupling scheme for signal collection in the forward direction is demonstrated that allows for fluorescence lifetime imaging without significant temporal distortion. Also highlighted is an imaging artifact that is unique to CARS microscopy that can alter image interpretation, especially when using multimodal imaging. By combining expertise in nonlinear optics, laser development, fiber optics, and microscopy, we have developed systems and techniques that will be of benefit for multimodal CARS microscopy.

Multi-emitter laser multiplexer using a two-mirror beam shaper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cobb, Joshua M.; Brennan, John; Bhatia, Vikram

2014-12-01

A system was designed and built to spatially multiplex four broad area laser diodes (BALD) and condense the light into a multi-mode fiber with a core diameter of 105 um and an NA of 0.15. The lasers were efficiently combined with an étendue aspect ratio scaler (EARS) optic. The EARS works under the principle of a two mirror beam shaper. We were able to successfully couple more than 87% of the optical energy into the fiber. The design of the optical system and the results of several built systems are discussed.

Watt-level widely tunable single-mode emission by injection-locking of a multimode Fabry-Perot quantum cascade laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chevalier, Paul; Piccardo, Marco; Anand, Sajant; Mejia, Enrique A.; Wang, Yongrui; Mansuripur, Tobias S.; Xie, Feng; Lascola, Kevin; Belyanin, Alexey; Capasso, Federico

2018-02-01

Free-running Fabry-Perot lasers normally operate in a single-mode regime until the pumping current is increased beyond the single-mode instability threshold, above which they evolve into a multimode state. As a result of this instability, the single-mode operation of these lasers is typically constrained to few percents of their output power range, this being an undesired limitation in spectroscopy applications. In order to expand the span of single-mode operation, we use an optical injection seed generated by an external-cavity single-mode laser source to force the Fabry-Perot quantum cascade laser into a single-mode state in the high current range, where it would otherwise operate in a multimode regime. Utilizing this approach, we achieve single-mode emission at room temperature with a tuning range of 36 cm-1 and stable continuous-wave output power exceeding 1 W at 4.5 μm. Far-field measurements show that a single transverse mode is emitted up to the highest optical power, indicating that the beam properties of the seeded Fabry-Perot laser remain unchanged as compared to free-running operation.

Solar-Pumped TEM₀₀ Mode Nd:YAG laser.

PubMed

Liang, Dawei; Almeida, Joana

2013-10-21

Here we show a significant advance in solar-pumped laser beam brightness by utilizing a 1.0 m diameter Fresnel lens and a 3 mm diameter Nd:YAG single-crystal rod. The incoming solar radiation is firstly focused by the Fresnel lens on a solar tracker. A large aspheric lens and a 2D-CPC concentrator are then combined to further compress the concentrated solar radiation along the thin laser rod within a V-shaped pumping cavity. 2.3 W cw TEM₀₀ (M² ≤ 1.1) solar laser power is finally produced, attaining 1.9 W laser beam brightness figure of merit, which is 6.6 times higher than the previous record. For multimode operation, 8.1 W cw laser power is produced, corresponding to 143% enhancement in collection efficiency.

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.

Beam shaping as an enabler for new applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guertler, Yvonne; Kahmann, Max; Havrilla, David

2017-02-01

For many years, laser beam shaping has enabled users to achieve optimized process results as well as manage challenging applications. The latest advancements in industrial lasers and processing optics have taken this a step further as users are able to adapt the beam shape to meet specific application requirements in a very flexible way. TRUMPF has developed a wide range of experience in creating beam profiles at the work piece for optimized material processing. This technology is based on the physical model of wave optics and can be used with ultra short pulse lasers as well as multi-kW cw lasers. Basically, the beam shape can be adapted in all three dimensions in space, which allows maximum flexibility. Besides adaption of intensity profile, even multi-spot geometries can be produced. This approach is very cost efficient, because a standard laser source and (in the case of cw lasers) a standard fiber can be used without any special modifications. Based on this innovative beam shaping technology, TRUMPF has developed new and optimized processes. Two of the most recent application developments using these techniques are cutting glass and synthetic sapphire with ultra-short pulse lasers and enhanced brazing of hot dip zinc coated steel for automotive applications. Both developments lead to more efficient and flexible production processes, enabled by laser technology and open the door to new opportunities. They also indicate the potential of beam shaping techniques since they can be applied to both single-mode laser sources (TOP Cleave) and multi-mode laser sources (brazing).

Gas detection by correlation spectroscopy employing a multimode diode laser.

PubMed

Lou, Xiutao; Somesfalean, Gabriel; Zhang, Zhiguo

2008-05-01

A gas sensor based on the gas-correlation technique has been developed using a multimode diode laser (MDL) in a dual-beam detection scheme. Measurement of CO(2) mixed with CO as an interfering gas is successfully demonstrated using a 1570 nm tunable MDL. Despite overlapping absorption spectra and occasional mode hops, the interfering signals can be effectively excluded by a statistical procedure including correlation analysis and outlier identification. The gas concentration is retrieved from several pair-correlated signals by a linear-regression scheme, yielding a reliable and accurate measurement. This demonstrates the utility of the unsophisticated MDLs as novel light sources for gas detection applications.

Mode-selective mapping and control of vectorial nonlinear-optical processes in multimode photonic-crystal fibers.

PubMed

Hu, Ming-Lie; Wang, Ching-Yue; Song, You-Jian; Li, Yan-Feng; Chai, Lu; Serebryannikov, Evgenii; Zheltikov, Aleksei

2006-02-06

We demonstrate an experimental technique that allows a mapping of vectorial nonlinear-optical processes in multimode photonic-crystal fibers (PCFs). Spatial and polarization modes of PCFs are selectively excited in this technique by varying the tilt angle of the input beam and rotating the polarization of the input field. Intensity spectra of the PCF output plotted as a function of the input field power and polarization then yield mode-resolved maps of nonlinear-optical interactions in multimode PCFs, facilitating the analysis and control of nonlinear-optical transformations of ultrashort laser pulses in such fibers.

Beam shaping in high-power broad-area quantum cascade lasers using optical feedback

PubMed Central

Ferré, Simon; Jumpertz, Louise; Carras, Mathieu; Ferreira, Robson; Grillot, Frédéric

2017-01-01

Broad-area quantum cascade lasers with high output powers are highly desirable sources for various applications including infrared countermeasures. However, such structures suffer from strongly deteriorated beam quality due to multimode behavior, diffraction of light and self-focusing. Quantum cascade lasers presenting high performances in terms of power and heat-load dissipation are reported and their response to a nonlinear control based on optical feedback is studied. Applying optical feedback enables to efficiently tailor its near-field beam profile. The different cavity modes are sequentially excited by shifting the feedback mirror angle. Further control of the near-field profile is demonstrated using spatial filtering. The impact of an inhomogeneous gain as well as the influence of the cavity width are investigated. Compared to existing technologies, that are complex and costly, beam shaping with optical feedback is a more flexible solution to obtain high-quality mid-infrared sources. PMID:28287175

Beam shaping in high-power broad-area quantum cascade lasers using optical feedback.

PubMed

Ferré, Simon; Jumpertz, Louise; Carras, Mathieu; Ferreira, Robson; Grillot, Frédéric

2017-03-13

Broad-area quantum cascade lasers with high output powers are highly desirable sources for various applications including infrared countermeasures. However, such structures suffer from strongly deteriorated beam quality due to multimode behavior, diffraction of light and self-focusing. Quantum cascade lasers presenting high performances in terms of power and heat-load dissipation are reported and their response to a nonlinear control based on optical feedback is studied. Applying optical feedback enables to efficiently tailor its near-field beam profile. The different cavity modes are sequentially excited by shifting the feedback mirror angle. Further control of the near-field profile is demonstrated using spatial filtering. The impact of an inhomogeneous gain as well as the influence of the cavity width are investigated. Compared to existing technologies, that are complex and costly, beam shaping with optical feedback is a more flexible solution to obtain high-quality mid-infrared sources.

Monitoring femtosecond laser microscopic photothermolysis with multimodal microscopy (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yimei; Lui, Harvey; Zhao, Jianhua; McLean, David I.; Zeng, Haishan

2016-02-01

Photothermolysis induced by femtosecond (fs) lasers may be a promising modality in dermatology because of its advantages of high precision due to multiphoton absorption and deeper penetration due to the use of near infrared wavelengths. Although multiphoton absorption nonlinear effects are capable of precision targeting, the femtosecond laser photothermolysis could still have effects beyond the targeted area if a sufficiently high dose of laser light is used. Such unintended effects could be minimized by real time monitoring photothermolysis during the treatment. Targeted photothermolytic treatment of ex vivo mouse skin dermis was performed with tightly focused fs laser beams. Images of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), second harmonic generation (SHG), and two-photon fluorescence (TPF) of the mouse skins were obtained with integrated multimodal microscopy before, during, and after the laser treatment. The RCM, SHG, and TPF signal intensities of the treatment areas changed after high power femtosecond laser irradiation. The intensities of the RCM and SHG signals decreased when the tissue was damaged, while the intensity of the TPF signal increased when the photothermolysis was achieved. Moreover, the TPF signal was more susceptible to the degree of the photothermolysis than the RCM and SHG signals. The results suggested that multimodal microscopy is a potentially useful tool to monitor and assess the femtosecond laser treatment of the skin to achieve microscopic photothermolysis with high precision.

Lasers for industrial production processing: tailored tools with increasing flexibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rath, Wolfram

2012-03-01

High-power fiber lasers are the newest generation of diode-pumped solid-state lasers. Due to their all-fiber design they are compact, efficient and robust. Rofin's Fiber lasers are available with highest beam qualities but the use of different process fiber core sizes enables the user additionally to adapt the beam quality, focus size and Rayleigh length to his requirements for best processing results. Multi-mode fibers from 50μm to 600μm with corresponding beam qualities of 2.5 mm.mrad to 25 mm.mrad are typically used. The integrated beam switching modules can make the laser power available to 4 different manufacturing systems or can share the power to two processing heads for parallel processing. Also CO2 Slab lasers combine high power with either "single-mode" beam quality or higher order modes. The wellestablished technique is in use for a large number of industrial applications, processing either metals or non-metallic materials. For many of these applications CO2 lasers remain the best choice of possible laser sources either driven by the specific requirements of the application or because of the cost structure of the application. The actual technical properties of these lasers will be presented including an overview over the wavelength driven differences of application results, examples of current industrial practice as cutting, welding, surface processing including the flexible use of scanners and classical optics processing heads.

Diode-side-pumped continuous wave Nd³⁺ : YVO₄ self-Raman laser at 1176 nm.

PubMed

Kores, Cristine Calil; Jakutis-Neto, Jonas; Geskus, Dimitri; Pask, Helen M; Wetter, Niklaus U

2015-08-01

Here we report, to the best of our knowledge, the first diode-side-pumped continuous wave (cw) Nd3+:YVO4 self-Raman laser operating at 1176 nm. The compact cavity design is based on the total internal reflection of the laser beam at the pumped side of the Nd3+:YVO4 crystal. Configurations with a single bounce and a double bounce of the laser beam at the pumped faced have been characterized, providing a quasi-cw peak output power of more than 8 W (multimode) with an optical conversion efficiency of 11.5% and 3.7 W (TEM00) having an optical conversion efficiency of 5.4%, respectively. Cw output power of 1.8 W has been demonstrated.

Superfocusing of mutimode semiconductor lasers and light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolovskii, G. S.; Dudelev, V. V.; Losev, S. N.; Deryagin, A. G.; Kuchinskii, V. I.; Sibbett, W.; Rafailov, E. U.

2012-05-01

The problem of focusing multimode radiation of high-power semiconductor lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has been studied. In these sources, low spatial quality of the output beam determines theoretical limit of the focal spot size (one to two orders of magnitude exceeding the diffraction limit), thus restricting the possibility of increasing power density and creating optical field gradients that are necessary in many practical applications. In order to overcome this limitation, we have developed a method of superfocusing of multimode radiation with the aid of interference. It is shown that, using this method, the focal spot size of high-power semiconductor lasers and LEDs can be reduced to a level unachievable by means of traditional focusing. An approach to exceed the theoretical limit of power density for focusing of radiation with high propagation parameter M 2 is proposed.

Catastrophic optical bulk degradation in high-power single- and multi-mode InGaAs-AlGaAs strained QW lasers: part II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sin, Yongkun; Ayvazian, Talin; Brodie, Miles; Lingley, Zachary

2018-03-01

High-power single-mode (SM) and multi-mode (MM) InGaAs-AlGaAs strained quantum well (QW) lasers are critical components for both terrestrial and space satellite communications systems. Since these lasers predominantly fail by catastrophic and sudden degradation due to catastrophic optical damage (COD), it is especially crucial for space satellite applications to investigate reliability, failure modes, precursor signatures of failure, and degradation mechanisms of these lasers. Our group reported a new failure mode in MM and SM InGaAs-AlGaAs strained QW lasers in 2009 and 2016, respectively. Our group also reported in 2017 that bulk failure due to catastrophic optical bulk damage (COBD) is the dominant failure mode of both SM and MM lasers that were subject to long-term life-tests. For the present study, we continued our physics of failure investigation by performing long-term life-tests followed by failure mode analysis (FMA) using nondestructive and destructive micro-analytical techniques. We performed long-term accelerated life-tests on state-of-the-art SM and MM InGaAs- AlGaAs strained QW lasers under ACC mode. Our life-tests have accumulated over 25,000 test hours for SM lasers and over 35,000 test hours for MM lasers. We first employed electron beam induced current (EBIC) technique to identify failure modes of degraded SM lasers by observing dark line defects. All the SM failures that we studied showed catastrophic and sudden degradation and all of these failures were bulk failures. Since degradation mechanisms responsible for COBD are still not well understood, we also employed other techniques including focused ion beam (FIB) and high-resolution TEM to further study dark line defects and dislocations in post-aged lasers. Keywor

Catastrophic optical bulk degradation (COBD) in high-power single- and multi-mode InGaAs-AlGaAs strained quantum well lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sin, Yongkun; Lingley, Zachary; Brodie, Miles; Presser, Nathan; Moss, Steven C.

2017-02-01

High-power single-mode (SM) and multi-mode (MM) InGaAs-AlGaAs strained quantum well (QW) lasers are critical components for both telecommunications and space satellite communications systems. However, little has been reported on failure modes and degradation mechanisms of high-power SM and MM InGaAs-AlGaAs strained QW lasers although it is crucial to understand failure modes and underlying degradation mechanisms in developing these lasers that meet lifetime requirements for space satellite systems, where extremely high reliability of these lasers is required. Our present study addresses the aforementioned issues by performing long-term life-tests followed by failure mode analysis (FMA) and physics of failure investigation. We performed long-term accelerated life-tests on state-of-the-art SM and MM InGaAs-AlGaAs strained QW lasers under ACC (automatic current control) mode. Our life-tests have accumulated over 25,000 test hours for SM lasers and over 35,000 test hours for MM lasers. FMA was performed on failed SM lasers using electron beam induced current (EBIC). This technique allowed us to identify failure types by observing dark line defects. All the SM failures we studied showed catastrophic and sudden degradation and all of these failures were bulk failures. Our group previously reported that bulk failure or COBD (catastrophic optical bulk damage) is the dominant failure mode of MM InGaAs-AlGaAs strained QW lasers. Since degradation mechanisms responsible for COBD are still not well understood, we also employed other techniques including focused ion beam (FIB) processing and high-resolution TEM to further study dark line defects and dislocations in post-aged lasers. Our long-term life-test results and FMA results are reported.

Improving the therapeutic window of retinal photocoagulation by spatial and temporal modulation of the laser beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sramek, Christopher; Leung, Loh-Shan; Leng, Theodore; Brown, Jefferson; Paulus, Yannis M.; Schuele, Georg; Palanker, Daniel

2011-02-01

Decreasing the pulse duration helps confine damage, shorten treatment time, and minimize pain during retinal photocoagulation. However, the safe therapeutic window (TW), the ratio of threshold powers for thermomechanical rupture of Bruch's membrane and mild coagulation, also decreases with shorter exposures. Two potential approaches toward increasing TW are investigated: (a) decreasing the central irradiance of the laser beam and (b) temporally modulating the pulse. An annular beam with adjustable central irradiance was created by coupling a 532-nm laser into a 200-μm core multimode optical fiber at a 4-7 deg angle to normal incidence. Pulse shapes were optimized using a computational model, and a waveform generator was used to drive a PASCAL photocoagulator (532 nm), producing modulated laser pulses. Acute thresholds for mild coagulation and rupture were measured in Dutch-Belted rabbit in vivo with an annular beam (154-163 μm retinal diameter) and modulated pulse (132 μm, uniform irradiance ``flat-top'' beam) with 2-50 ms pulse durations. Thresholds with conventional constant-power pulse and a flat-top beam were also determined. Both annular beam and modulated pulse provided a 28% increase in TW at 10-ms duration, affording the same TW as 20-ms pulses with conventional parameters.

Multimodal backside imaging of a microcontroller using confocal laser scanning and optical-beam-induced current imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finkeldey, Markus; Göring, Lena; Schellenberg, Falk; Brenner, Carsten; Gerhardt, Nils C.; Hofmann, Martin

2017-02-01

Microscopy imaging with a single technology is usually restricted to a single contrast mechanism. Multimodal imaging is a promising technique to improve the structural information that could be obtained about a device under test (DUT). Due to the different contrast mechanisms of laser scanning microscopy (LSM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and optical beam induced current microscopy (OBICM), a combination could improve the detection of structures in integrated circuits (ICs) and helps to reveal their layout. While OBIC imaging is sensitive to the changes between differently doped areas and to semiconductor-metal transitions, CLSM imaging is mostly sensitive to changes in absorption and reflection. In this work we present the implementation of OBIC imaging into a CLSM. We show first results using industry standard Atmel microcontrollers (MCUs) with a feature size of about 250nm as DUTs. Analyzing these types of microcontrollers helps to improve in the field of side-channel attacks to find hardware Trojans, possible spots for laser fault attacks and for reverse engineering. For the experimental results the DUT is placed on a custom circuit board that allows us to measure the current while imaging it in our in-house built stage scanning microscope using a near infrared (NIR) laser diode as light source. The DUT is thinned and polished, allowing backside imaging through the Si-substrate. We demonstrate the possibilities using this optical setup by evaluating OBIC, LSM and CLSM images above and below the threshold of the laser source.

All-fiber 7x1 signal combiner for incoherent laser beam combining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noordegraaf, D.; Maack, M. D.; Skovgaard, P. M. W.; Johansen, J.; Becker, F.; Belke, S.; Blomqvist, M.; Laegsgaard, J.

2011-02-01

We demonstrate an all-fiber 7x1 signal combiner for incoherent laser beam combining. This is a potential key component for reaching several kW of stabile laser output power. The combiner couples the output from 7 single-mode (SM) fiber lasers into a single multi-mode (MM) fiber. The input signal fibers have a core diameter of 17 μm and the output MM fiber has a core diameter of 100 μm. In a tapered section light gradually leaks out of the SM fibers and is captured by a surrounding fluorine-doped cladding. The combiner is tested up to 2.5 kW of combined output power and only a minor increase in device temperature is observed. At an intermediate power level of 600 W a beam parameter product (BPP) of 2.22 mm x mrad is measured, corresponding to an M2 value of 6.5. These values are approaching the theoretical limit dictated by brightness conservation.

Proximal fiber tip damage during Holmium:YAG and thulium fiber laser ablation of kidney stones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Christopher R.; Hardy, Luke A.; Irby, Pierce B.; Fried, Nathaniel M.

2016-02-01

The Thulium fiber laser (TFL) is being studied as an alternative to Holmium:YAG laser for lithotripsy. TFL beam originates within an 18-μm-core thulium doped silica fiber, and its near single mode, Gaussian beam profile enables transmission of higher laser power through smaller fibers than possible during Holmium laser lithotripsy. This study examines whether TFL beam profile also reduces proximal fiber tip damage compared to Holmium laser multimodal beam. TFL beam at wavelength of 1908 nm was coupled into 105-μm-core silica fibers, with 35-mJ energy, 500-μs pulse duration, and pulse rates of 50-500 Hz. For each pulse rate, 500,000 pulses were delivered. Magnified images of proximal fiber surfaces were taken before and after each trial. For comparison, 20 single-use, 270-μm-core fibers were collected after clinical Holmium laser lithotripsy procedures using standard settings (600 mJ, 350 μs, 6 Hz). Total laser energy, number of laser pulses, and laser irradiation time were recorded, and fibers were rated for damage. For TFL studies, output power was stable, and no proximal fiber damage was observed after delivery of 500,000 pulses at settings up to 35 mJ, 500 Hz, and 17.5 W average power. In contrast, confocal microscopy images of fiber tips after Holmium lithotripsy showed proximal fiber tip degradation in all 20 fibers. The proximal fiber tip of a 105-μm-core fiber transmitted 17.5 W of TFL power without degradation, compared to degradation of 270-μm-core fibers after transmission of 3.6 W of Holmium laser power. The smaller and more uniform TFL beam profile may improve fiber lifetime, and potentially reduce costs for the surgical disposables as well.

Femtosecond laser-ablated Fresnel zone plate fiber probe and sensing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Xiaoling; Geng, Youfu; Chen, Yan; Li, Shiguo; Wang, Xinzhong

2018-02-01

We investigate the Fresnel zone plate (FZP) inscribed on multimode fiber endface using femtosecond laser ablation and its application in sensing. The mode transmission through fiber tips with FZP is investigated both by the beam propagation method theoretically and by measuring the beam images with a charge-coupled device camera experimentally, which show a good agreement. Such devices are tested for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using the aqueous solution of rhodamine 6G under a Raman spectroscopy. The experimental results demonstrate that the SERS signal is enhanced benefiting from focal ability of FZP, which is a promising method for the particular biochemical spectra sensing applications.

Coherence measurement with digital micromirror device.

PubMed

Partanen, Henri; Turunen, Jari; Tervo, Jani

2014-02-15

We measure the complex-valued spatial coherence function of a multimode broad-area laser diode using Young's classical double slit experiment realized with a digital micromirror device. We use this data to construct the coherent modes of the beam and to simulate its propagation before and after the measurement plane. When comparing the results to directly measured intensity profiles, we find excellent correspondence to the extent that even small details of the beam can be predicted. We also consider the number of measurement points required to model the beam with sufficient accuracy.

Specialty flat-top beam delivery fibers with controlled beam parameter product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jollivet, C.; Farley, K.; Conroy, M.; Abramczyk, J.; Belke, S.; Becker, F.; Tankala, K.

2016-03-01

Beam delivery fibers have been used widely for transporting the optical beams from the laser to the subject of irradiation in a variety of markets including industrial, medical and defense applications. Standard beam delivery fibers range from 50 to 1500 μm core diameter and are used to guide CW or pulsed laser light, generated by solid state, fiber or diode lasers. Here, we introduce a novel fiber technology capable of simultaneously controlling the beam profile and the angular divergence of single-mode (SM) and multi-mode (MM) beams using a single-optical fiber. Results of beam transformation from a SM to a MM beam with flat-top intensity profile are presented in the case of a controlled BPP at 3.8 mm*mrad. The scaling capabilities of this flat-top fiber design to achieve a range of BPP values while ensuring a flat-top beam profile are discussed. In addition, we demonstrate, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the homogenizer capabilities of this novel technology, able to transform random MM beams into uniform flat-top beam profiles with very limited impact on the beam brightness. This study is concluded with a discussion on the scalability of this fiber technology to fit from 50 up to 1500 μm core fibers and its potential for a broader range of applications.

Facial skin resurfacing with a very short-pulsed CO2 laser: beam characterization and initial histological results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, David M.; Bell, Thomas; From, Lynn; Schachter, Daniel

1996-05-01

The beam characteristics and spot geometry of a short pulsed (15 - 1000 microsecond) carbon- dioxide, multimode laser were measured. At a distance of 1.0 - 3.0 cm from the handpiece the laser produced a 5 mm2 square spot with an even fluence across the entire spot area (Mesa Mode). Human eyelid skin was irradiated both in vivo and ex-vivo immediately after excision with 1, 2, 3, or 4 pulses, a pulse duration of 62.5 microseconds, and at a fluence of 6 J/cm2. H&E stained sections showed an even removal of tissue across the impact site. The depth of thermal damage was measured as 38 micrometer plus or minus 22.7 with a range of 0 - 100 micrometer.

Laser intensity scaling through stimulated scattering in optical fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russell, Timothy H.

The influence of stimulated scattering on laser intensity in fiber optic waveguides is examined. Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in long, multimode optical waveguides is found to generate a Stokes beam that propagates in the fiber LP01 mode. This characteristic of the Stokes beam was first applied to beam cleanup, where an aberrated pump generated a Gaussian-like Stokes beam. Additionally, the same process is found to combine multiple laser beams into a single spatially coherent source. The mean square difference between the two beams was used to measure the degree of spatial overlap, demonstrating spatial coherence between the Stokes beams even when the pump beams are not spatially correlated. This result is obtained regardless of whether the pump beams are at the same or different frequencies; producing two temporally coherent or incoherent Stokes beams respectively. Limitations in beam cleanup and combining are also examined to identify ways to overcome them. Output couplers are designed that could be used to spatially filter the Stokes beam from the pump, thus increasing the number of beams that could be combined. The combined power restriction induced by second order Stokes threshold is examined experimentally and theoretically and is not found to be a significant limitation. Finally, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) beam cleanup is examined to overcome the stringent spectral requirements on the pump beams required by SBS. The last portion of the dissertation theoretically examines suppression of stimulated Raman scattering in fibers to eliminate the restriction this imposes on the power of a fiber laser or amplifier. The suppression was modeled using both a holmium dopant and adding a long period grating to the fiber. Both methods were shown to have a significant effect on the SRS threshold.

Effects of laser fluence non-uniformity on ambient-temperature soot measurements using the auto-compensating laser-induced incandescence technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Fengshan; Rogak, Steven; Snelling, David R.; Saffaripour, Meghdad; Thomson, Kevin A.; Smallwood, Gregory J.

2016-11-01

Multimode pulsed Nd:YAG lasers are commonly used in auto-compensating laser-induced incandescence (AC-LII) measurements of soot in flames and engine exhaust as well as black carbon in the atmosphere. Such lasers possess a certain degree of fluence non-uniformity across the laser beam even with the use of beam shaping optics. Recent research showed that the measured volume fraction of ambient-temperature soot using AC-LII increases significantly, by about a factor of 5-8, with increasing the laser fluence in the low-fluence regime from a very low fluence to a relatively high fluence of near sublimation. The causes of this so-called soot volume fraction anomaly are currently not understood. The effects of laser fluence non-uniformity on the measured soot volume fraction using AC-LII were investigated. Three sets of LII experiments were conducted in the exhaust of a MiniCAST soot generator under conditions of high elemental carbon using Nd:YAG lasers operated at 1064 nm. The laser beams were shaped and relay imaged to achieve a relatively uniform fluence distribution in the measurement volume. To further homogenize the laser fluence, one set of LII experiments was conducted by using a diffractive optical element. The measured soot volume fractions in all three sets of LII experiments increase strongly with increasing the laser fluence before a peak value is reached and then start to decrease at higher fluences. Numerical calculations were conducted using the experimental laser fluence histograms. Laser fluence non-uniformity is found partially responsible for the soot volume fraction anomaly, but is insufficient to explain the degree of soot volume fraction anomaly observed experimentally. Representing the laser fluence variations by a histogram derived from high-resolution images of the laser beam energy profile gives a more accurate definition of inhomogeneity than a simple averaged linear profile across the laser beam.

Backward Amplification and Beam Cleanup of a Raman Fiber Laser Oscillator using a Multi-Mode Graded Index Fiber Amplifier

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-03-01

Filter to separate the Stokes and the residual pump light. This is shown in Figure 4 below. The Edge Filter was manufactured by Semrock and is a...Photonics. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1991. 13. Semrock Image, “Transmission Spectra”. February 16, 2006 http://www.semrock.com/Catalog

Two-wavelength, passive self-injection-controlled operation of diode-pumped cw Yb-doped crystal lasers.

PubMed

Louyer, Yann; Wallerand, Jean-Pierre; Himbert, Marc; Deneva, Margarita; Nenchev, Marin

2003-09-20

We demonstrate and investigate a peculiar mode of cw Yb3+-doped crystal laser operation when two emissions, at two independently tunable wavelengths, are simultaneously produced. Both emissions are generated from a single pumped volume and take place in either a single beam or spatially separated beams. The laser employs original two-channel cavities that use a passive self-injection-locking (PSIL) control to reduce intracavity loss. The advantages of the application of the PSIL technique and some limitations are shown. The conditions for two-wavelength multimode operation of the cw quasi-three-level diode-pumped Yb3+ lasers and the peculiarity of such an operation are carried out both theoretically and experimentally. The results reported are based on the example of a Yb3+:GGG laser but similar results are also obtained with a Yb3+:YAG laser. The laser operates in the 1023-1033-nm (1030-1040-nm) range with a total output power of 0.4 W. A two-wavelength, single longitudinal mode generation is also obtained.

Axicon based conical resonators with high power copper vapor laser.

PubMed

Singh, Bijendra; Subramaniam, V V; Daultabad, S R; Chakraborty, Ashim

2010-07-01

We report for the first time the performance of axicon based conical resonators (ABCRs) in a copper vapor laser, with novel results. The unstable conical resonator comprising of conical mirror (reflecting axicon) with axicon angle approximately pi/18, cone angle approximately 160 degrees, and a convex mirror of 60 cm radius of curvature was effective in reducing the average beam divergence to approximately 0.15 mrad (approximately 25 fold reduction compared to standard multimode plane-plane cavity) with output power of approximately 31 W. Extraction efficiency of approximately 50%-60% and beam divergence of <1 mrad was achieved in other stable ABCR configurations using flat and concave mirrors with the axicon. This is a significant improvement compared to 4-5 mrad normally observed in conventional stable resonators in copper vapor lasers. The conical resonators with copper vapor laser provide high misalignment tolerance beta approximately 4-5 mrad where beta is the tilt angle of the conical mirror from optimum position responsible for approximately 20% decline in laser power. The depth of focus d was approximately three times larger in case of conical resonator as compared to that of standard spherical unstable resonator under similar beam divergence and focusing conditions.

Injection locking of a low cost high power laser diode at 461 nm

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

Pagett, C. J. H.; Moriya, P. H., E-mail: paulohisao@ifsc.usp.br; Celistrino Teixeira, R.

2016-05-15

Stable laser sources at 461 nm are important for optical cooling of strontium atoms. In most existing experiments, this wavelength is obtained by frequency doubling infrared lasers, since blue laser diodes either have low power or large emission bandwidths. Here, we show that injecting less than 10 mW of monomode laser radiation into a blue multimode 500 mW high power laser diode is capable of slaving at least 50% of the power to the desired frequency. We verify the emission bandwidth reduction by saturation spectroscopy on a strontium gas cell and by direct beating of the slave with the mastermore » laser. We also demonstrate that the laser can efficiently be used within the Zeeman slower for optical cooling of a strontium atomic beam.« less

Laser ablation of dental calculus at 400 nm using a Ti:sapphire laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schoenly, Joshua E.; Seka, Wolf; Rechmann, Peter

2009-02-01

A Nd:YAG laser-pumped, frequency-doubled Ti:sapphire laser is used for selective ablation of calculus. The laser provides <=25 mJ at 400 nm (60-ns pulse width, 10-Hz repetition rate). The laser is coupled into an optical multimode fiber coiled around a 4-in.-diam drum to generate a top-hat output intensity profile. With coaxial water cooling, this is ideal for efficient, selective calculus removal. This is in stark contrast with tightly focused Gaussian beams that are energetically inefficient and lead to irreproducible results. Calculus is well ablated at high fluences >=2J/cm2 stalling occurs below this fluence because of photobleaching. Healthy hard tissue is not removed at fluences <=3 J/cm2.

Study and development of 22 kW peak power fiber coupled short pulse Nd:YAG laser for cleaning applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choubey, Ambar; Vishwakarma, S. C.; Vachhani, D. M.; Singh, Ravindra; Misra, Pushkar; Jain, R. K.; Arya, R.; Upadhyaya, B. N.; Oak, S. M.

2014-11-01

Free running short pulse Nd:YAG laser of microsecond pulse duration and high peak power has a unique capability to ablate material from the surface without heat propagation into the bulk. Applications of short pulse Nd:YAG lasers include cleaning and restoration of marble, stones, and a variety of metals for conservation. A study on the development of high peak power short pulses from Nd:YAG laser along with its cleaning and conservation applications has been performed. A pulse energy of 1.25 J with 55 μs pulse duration and a maximum peak power of 22 kW has been achieved. Laser beam has an M2 value of ~28 and a pulse-to-pulse stability of ±2.5%. A lower value of M2 means a better beam quality of the laser in multimode operation. A top hat spatial profile of the laser beam was achieved at the exit end of 200 μm core diameter optical fiber, which is desirable for uniform cleaning. This laser system has been evaluated for efficient cleaning of surface contaminations on marble, zircaloy, and inconel materials for conservation with cleaning efficiency as high as 98%. Laser's cleaning quality and efficiency have been analysed by using a microscope, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) measurements.

Design and installation of a multimode microscopy system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helm, Johannes P.; Haug, Finn-Mogens S.; Storm, Johan F.; Ottersen, Ole-Petter

2001-04-01

We describe design and installation of a multi-mode microscopy core facility in an environment of varied research activity in life-sciences. The experimentators can select any combination of a) microscopes (upright, upright fixed-stage, inverted), b) microscopy modes (widefield, DIC, IRDIC, widefield epifluorescence, transmission LSM, reflection and fluorescence CLSM, MPLSM), c) imaging techniques (direct observation, video observation, photography, quantitative camera-recording, flying spot scanning), d) auxiliary systems (equipment for live specimen imaging, electrophysiology, time-coordinated laser-scanning and electrophysiology, patch-clamp). The equipment is installed on one large vibration-isolating optical table (3m X 1.5m X 0.3m). Electronics, auxiliary equipment, and a fiber-coupled, remotely controlled Ar+-Kr+ laser are mounted in a rack system fixed to the ceiling. The design of the shelves allows the head of the CSLM to be moved to any of the microscopes without increasing critical cable lengths. At the same time easy access to all the units is preserved. The beam of a Titanium-Sapphire laser, controlled by means of an EOM and a prism GVD, is coupled directly to the microscopes. Three mirrors mounted on a single precision translation table are integrated into the beam steering system so that the beam can easily be redirected to any of the microscopes. All the available instruments can be operated by the educated and trained user. The system is popular among researchers in neuroanatomy, embryology, cell biology, molecular biology - including the study of protein interactions, e.g. by means of FRET, and electrophysiology. Its colocalization with an EM facility promises to provide considerable synergy effects.

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

2007-01-01

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

Design of miniaturized illumination for transvaginal co-registered photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging.

PubMed

Salehi, Hassan S; Wang, Tianheng; Kumavor, Patrick D; Li, Hai; Zhu, Quing

2014-09-01

A novel lens-array based illumination design for a compact co-registered photoacoustic/ultrasound transvaginal probe has been demonstrated. The lens array consists of four cylindrical lenses that couple the laser beams into four 1-mm-core multi-mode optical fibers with optical coupling efficiency of ~87%. The feasibility of our lens array was investigated by simulating the lenses and laser beam profiles using Zemax. The laser fluence on the tissue surface was experimentally measured and was below the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety limit. Spatial distribution of hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO2) of a mouse tumor was obtained in vivo using photoacoustic measurements at multiple wavelengths. Furthermore, benign and malignant ovaries were imaged ex vivo and evaluated histologically. The co-registered images clearly showed different patterns of blood vasculature. These results highlight the clinical potential of our system for noninvasive photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging of ovarian tissue and cancer detection and diagnosis.

Doppler Global Velocimetry at NASA Glenn Research Center: System Discussion and Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lant, Christian T.

2003-01-01

A ruggedized Doppler Global Velocimetry system has been built and tested at NASA Glenn Research Center. One component of planar velocity measurements of subsonic and supersonic flows from an under-expanded free jet are reported, which agree well with predicted values. An error analysis evaluates geometric and spectral error terms, and characterizes speckle noise in isotropic data. A multimode, fused fiber optic bundle is demonstrated to couple up to 650 mJ/pulse of laser light without burning or fiber ablation, and without evidence of Stimulated Brillouin Scattering or other spectral-broadening problems. Comparisons are made between spinning wheel data using illumination by freespace beam propagation and fiber optic beam delivery. The fiber bundle illumination is found to provide more spatially even and stable illumination than is typically available from pulsed Nd:YAG laser beams. The fiber bundle beam delivery is also a step toward making remote measurements and automatic real-time plume sectioning feasible in wind tunnel environments.

Laser Ablation of Dental Calculus Around 400 nm Using a Ti:Sapphire Laser

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

Schoenly, J.; Seka, W.; Rechmann, P.

2009-10-19

A Nd:YAG laser-pumped, frequency-doubled Ti:sapphire laser is used for selective ablation of calculus. The laser provides ≤25 mJ at 400 nm (60-ns pulse width, 10-Hz repetition rate). The laser is coupled into an optical multimode fiber coiled around a 4-in.-diam drum to generate a top-hat output intensity profile. With coaxial water cooling, this is ideal for efficient, selective calculus removal. This is in stark contrast with tightly focused Gaussian beams that are energetically inefficient and lead to irreproducible results. Calculus is well ablated at high fluences ≥2 J/cm^2; stalling occurs below this fluence because of photobleaching. Healthy hard tissue ismore » not removed at fluences ≤3 J/cm^2.« less

Design of high energy laser pulse delivery in a multimode fiber for photoacoustic tomography.

PubMed

Ai, Min; Shu, Weihang; Salcudean, Tim; Rohling, Robert; Abolmaesumi, Purang; Tang, Shuo

2017-07-24

In photoacoustic tomography (PAT), delivering high energy pulses through optical fiber is critical for achieving high quality imaging. A fiber coupling scheme with a beam homogenizer is demonstrated for coupling high energy pulses in a single multimode fiber. This scheme can benefit PAT applications that require miniaturized illumination or internal illumination with a small fiber. The beam homogenizer is achieved by using a cross cylindrical lens array, which provides a periodic spatial modulation on the phase of the input light. Thus the lens array acts as a phase grating which diffracts the beam into a 2D diffraction pattern. Both theoretical analysis and experiments demonstrate that the focused beam can be split into a 2D spot array that can reduce the peak power on the fiber tip surface and thus enhance the coupling performance. The theoretical analysis of the intensity distribution of the focused beam is carried out by Fourier optics. In experiments, coupled energy at 48 mJ/pulse and 60 mJ/pulse have been achieved and the corresponding coupling efficiency is 70% and 90% in a 1000-μm and a 1500-μm-core-diameter fiber, respectively. The high energy pulses delivered by the multimode fiber are further tested for PAT imaging in phantoms. PAT imaging of a printed dot array shows a large illumination area of 7 cm 2 under 5 mm thick chicken breast tissue. In vivo imaging is also demonstrated on the human forearm. The large improvement in coupling energy can potentially benefit PAT with single fiber delivery to achieve large area imaging and deep penetration detection.

Characterization of novel microsphere chain fiber optic tips for potential use in ophthalmic laser surgery.

PubMed

Hutchens, Thomas C; Darafsheh, Arash; Fardad, Amir; Antoszyk, Andrew N; Ying, Howard S; Astratov, Vasily N; Fried, Nathaniel M

2012-06-01

Ophthalmic surgery may benefit from use of more precise fiber delivery systems during laser surgery. Some current ophthalmic surgical techniques rely on tedious mechanical dissection of tissue layers. In this study, chains of sapphire microspheres integrated into a hollow waveguide distal tip are used for erbium:YAG laser ablation studies in contact mode with ophthalmic tissues, ex vivo. The laser's short optical penetration depth combined with the small spot diameters achieved with this fiber probe may provide more precise tissue removal. One-, three-, and five-microsphere chain structures were characterized, resulting in FWHM diameters of 67, 32, and 30 μm in air, respectively, with beam profiles comparable to simulations. Single Er:YAG pulses of 0.1 mJ and 75-μs duration produced ablation craters with average diameters of 44, 30, and 17 μm and depths of 26, 10, and 8 μm, for one-, three-, and five-sphere structures, respectively. Microsphere chains produced spatial filtering of the multimode Er:YAG laser beam and fiber, providing spot diameters not otherwise available with conventional fiber systems. Because of the extremely shallow treatment depth, compact focused beam, and contact mode operation, this probe may have potential for use in dissecting epiretinal membranes and other ophthalmic tissues without damaging adjacent retinal tissue.

Low-cost CWDM transmitter package

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhandarkar, Navin; Castillega, Jaime

2005-03-01

A low-cost coarse-wavelength-division multiplexer (CWDM) transmitter that combines four channels (wavelengths) in the infrared spectrum (~1310 nm) in a small form-factor un-cooled package is demonstrated. The package utilizes precision molded optics to multiplex beams from four grating-outcoupled surface-emitting (GSE) lasers into a single beam suitable for coupling into multimode fiber. This paper summarizes the optical and opto-mechanical design, fabrication and assembly of prototypes, and optical, thermal and electrical measurement results of the prototypes. This unique design enables multiplexing of wavelengths without the use of filters, waveguides, couplers and fiber splicing. Commercial fabrication and alignment technology is used to manufacture the package, resulting in a more robust, reliable and low-cost transmitter. The transmitter package is enabled by the unique characteristics of the long-wavelength GSE laser.

Evaluating laser-driven Bremsstrahlung radiation sources for imaging and analysis of nuclear waste packages.

PubMed

Jones, Christopher P; Brenner, Ceri M; Stitt, Camilla A; Armstrong, Chris; Rusby, Dean R; Mirfayzi, Seyed R; Wilson, Lucy A; Alejo, Aarón; Ahmed, Hamad; Allott, Ric; Butler, Nicholas M H; Clarke, Robert J; Haddock, David; Hernandez-Gomez, Cristina; Higginson, Adam; Murphy, Christopher; Notley, Margaret; Paraskevoulakos, Charilaos; Jowsey, John; McKenna, Paul; Neely, David; Kar, Satya; Scott, Thomas B

2016-11-15

A small scale sample nuclear waste package, consisting of a 28mm diameter uranium penny encased in grout, was imaged by absorption contrast radiography using a single pulse exposure from an X-ray source driven by a high-power laser. The Vulcan laser was used to deliver a focused pulse of photons to a tantalum foil, in order to generate a bright burst of highly penetrating X-rays (with energy >500keV), with a source size of <0.5mm. BAS-TR and BAS-SR image plates were used for image capture, alongside a newly developed Thalium doped Caesium Iodide scintillator-based detector coupled to CCD chips. The uranium penny was clearly resolved to sub-mm accuracy over a 30cm(2) scan area from a single shot acquisition. In addition, neutron generation was demonstrated in situ with the X-ray beam, with a single shot, thus demonstrating the potential for multi-modal criticality testing of waste materials. This feasibility study successfully demonstrated non-destructive radiography of encapsulated, high density, nuclear material. With recent developments of high-power laser systems, to 10Hz operation, a laser-driven multi-modal beamline for waste monitoring applications is envisioned. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Watts-level, short all-fiber laser at 1.5 µm with a large core and diffraction-limited output via intracavity spatial-mode filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polynkin, Alexander; Polynkin, Pavel; Schülzgen, Axel; Mansuripur, Masud; Peyghambarian, N.

2005-02-01

We report over 2 W of single spatial-mode output power at 1.5 µm from an 8-cm-long, large-core phosphate fiber laser. The fiber has a numerical aperture of simeq 0.17 and a 25-µm-wide core, heavily doped with 1% Er+3 and 8% Yb+3. The laser utilizes a scalable evanescent-field-based pumping scheme and can be pumped by as many as eight individual multimode pigtailed diode laser sources at a wavelength of 975 nm. Nearly diffraction-limited laser output with a beam quality factor M^2 simeq 1.1 is achieved by use of a simple intracavity all-fiber spatial-mode filter. Both spectrally broadband and narrowband operation of the laser are demonstrated.

Multimodal instrument for high-sensitivity autofluorescence and spectral optical coherence tomography of the human eye fundus

PubMed Central

Komar, Katarzyna; Stremplewski, Patrycjusz; Motoczyńska, Marta; Szkulmowski, Maciej; Wojtkowski, Maciej

2013-01-01

In this paper we present a multimodal device for imaging fundus of human eye in vivo which combines functionality of autofluorescence by confocal SLO with Fourier domain OCT. Native fluorescence of human fundus was excited by modulated laser beam (λ = 473 nm, 20 MHz) and lock-in detection was applied resulting in improving sensitivity. The setup allows for acquisition of high resolution OCT and high contrast AF images using fluorescence excitation power of 50-65 μW without averaging consecutive images. Successful functioning of constructed device have been demonstrated for 8 healthy volunteers of different age ranging from 24 to 83 years old. PMID:24298426

High-beam quality, high-efficiency laser based on fiber with heavily Yb(3+)-doped phosphate core and silica cladding.

PubMed

Egorova, O N; Semjonov, S L; Medvedkov, O I; Astapovich, M S; Okhrimchuk, A G; Galagan, B I; Denker, B I; Sverchkov, S E; Dianov, E M

2015-08-15

We have fabricated and tested a composite fiber with an Yb(3+)-doped phosphate glass core and silica cladding. Oscillation with a slope efficiency of 74% was achieved using core pumping at 976 nm with fiber lengths of 48-90 mm in a simple laser configuration, where the cavity was formed by a high-reflectivity Bragg grating and the cleaved fiber end. The measured M(2) factors were as low as 1.05-1.22 even though the fiber was multimode at the lasing wavelength.

Compact Hybrid Laser Rod and Laser System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pierrottet, Diego F. (Inventor); Busch, George E. (Inventor); Amzajerdian, Farzin (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A hybrid fiber rod includes a fiber core and inner and outer cladding layers. The core is doped with an active element. The inner cladding layer surrounds the core, and has a refractive index substantially equal to that of the core. The outer cladding layer surrounds the inner cladding layer, and has a refractive index less than that of the core and inner cladding layer. The core length is about 30 to 2000 times the core diameter. A hybrid fiber rod laser system includes an oscillator laser, modulating device, the rod, and pump laser diode(s) energizing the rod from opposite ends. The rod acts as a waveguide for pump radiation but allows for free-space propagation of laser radiation. The rod may be used in a laser resonator. The core length is less than about twice the Rayleigh range. Degradation from single-mode to multi-mode beam propagation is thus avoided.

Design of miniaturized illumination for transvaginal co-registered photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging

PubMed Central

Salehi, Hassan S.; Wang, Tianheng; Kumavor, Patrick D.; Li, Hai; Zhu, Quing

2014-01-01

A novel lens-array based illumination design for a compact co-registered photoacoustic/ultrasound transvaginal probe has been demonstrated. The lens array consists of four cylindrical lenses that couple the laser beams into four 1-mm-core multi-mode optical fibers with optical coupling efficiency of ~87%. The feasibility of our lens array was investigated by simulating the lenses and laser beam profiles using Zemax. The laser fluence on the tissue surface was experimentally measured and was below the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety limit. Spatial distribution of hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO2) of a mouse tumor was obtained in vivo using photoacoustic measurements at multiple wavelengths. Furthermore, benign and malignant ovaries were imaged ex vivo and evaluated histologically. The co-registered images clearly showed different patterns of blood vasculature. These results highlight the clinical potential of our system for noninvasive photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging of ovarian tissue and cancer detection and diagnosis. PMID:25401021

Measurement of M²-Curve for Asymmetric Beams by Self-Referencing Interferometer Wavefront Sensor.

PubMed

Du, Yongzhao

2016-11-29

For asymmetric laser beams, the values of beam quality factor M x 2 and M y 2 are inconsistent if one selects a different coordinate system or measures beam quality with different experimental conditionals, even when analyzing the same beam. To overcome this non-uniqueness, a new beam quality characterization method named as M²-curve is developed. The M²-curve not only contains the beam quality factor M x 2 and M y 2 in the x -direction and y -direction, respectively; but also introduces a curve of M x α 2 versus rotation angle α of coordinate axis. Moreover, we also present a real-time measurement method to demonstrate beam propagation factor M²-curve with a modified self-referencing Mach-Zehnder interferometer based-wavefront sensor (henceforth SRI-WFS). The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated with the theoretical analysis and experiment in multimode beams. The experimental results showed that the proposed measurement method is simple, fast, and a single-shot measurement procedure without movable parts.

Measurement of M2-Curve for Asymmetric Beams by Self-Referencing Interferometer Wavefront Sensor

PubMed Central

Du, Yongzhao

2016-01-01

For asymmetric laser beams, the values of beam quality factor Mx2 and My2 are inconsistent if one selects a different coordinate system or measures beam quality with different experimental conditionals, even when analyzing the same beam. To overcome this non-uniqueness, a new beam quality characterization method named as M2-curve is developed. The M2-curve not only contains the beam quality factor Mx2 and My2 in the x-direction and y-direction, respectively; but also introduces a curve of Mxα2 versus rotation angle α of coordinate axis. Moreover, we also present a real-time measurement method to demonstrate beam propagation factor M2-curve with a modified self-referencing Mach-Zehnder interferometer based-wavefront sensor (henceforth SRI-WFS). The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated with the theoretical analysis and experiment in multimode beams. The experimental results showed that the proposed measurement method is simple, fast, and a single-shot measurement procedure without movable parts. PMID:27916845

Low loss depressed cladding waveguide inscribed in YAG:Nd single crystal by femtosecond laser pulses.

PubMed

Okhrimchuk, Andrey; Mezentsev, Vladimir; Shestakov, Alexander; Bennion, Ian

2012-02-13

A depressed cladding waveguide with record low loss of 0.12 dB/cm is inscribed in YAG:Nd(0.3at.%) crystal by femtosecond laser pulses with an elliptical beam waist. The waveguide is formed by a set of parallel tracks which constitute the depressed cladding. It is a key element for compact and efficient CW waveguide laser operating at 1064 nm and pumped by a multimode laser diode. Special attention is paid to mechanical stress resulting from the inscription process. Numerical calculation of mode distribution and propagation loss with the elasto-optical effect taken into account leads to the conclusion that the depressed cladding is a dominating factor in waveguide mode formation, while the mechanical stress only slightly distorts waveguide modes.

Efficient single-mode operation of a cladding-pumped ytterbium-doped helical-core fiber laser.

PubMed

Wang, P; Cooper, L J; Sahu, J K; Clarkson, W A

2006-01-15

A novel approach to achieving robust single-spatial-mode operation of cladding-pumped fiber lasers with multimode cores is reported. The approach is based on the use of a fiber geometry in which the core has a helical trajectory within the inner cladding to suppress laser oscillation on higher-order modes. In a preliminary proof-of-principle study, efficient single-mode operation of a cladding-pumped ytterbium-doped helical-core fiber laser with a 30 microm diameter core and a numerical aperture of 0.087 has been demonstrated. The laser yielded 60.4 W of output at 1043 nm in a beam with M2 < 1.4 for 92.6 W launched pump power from a diode stack at 976 nm. The slope efficiency at pump powers well above threshold was approximately 84%, which compares favorably with the slope efficiencies achievable with conventional straight-core Yb-doped double-clad fiber lasers.

Optical and contact nondestructive measurement of the laser remelting layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chmelíčková, Hana; Lapšanská, Hana; Hiklová, Helena; Havelková, Martina; Medlín, Rostislav; Beneš, Petr

2007-06-01

Laser beam of the infrared pulsed Nd:YAG laser was used to re-melting PVD coatings on the steel substrates. Chemical composition of these layers contains carbide Cr 3C II with alloy NiCr or nitrides TiN, TiAlN, TiAlSiN and CrAlSiN. First coatings were prepared by method of high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) that protects the machine component surfaces from abrasion, corrosion or ensures thermal isolation, nitrides by PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition). Processing parameters such as pulse energy, pulse length and frequency were optimized in many experiments to achieve the sufficient surface energy density to melting without vaporization of the material. Multimode beam diameters about some millimetres were computed and adjusted in the suitable distance from focus plane. High laser power re-melting decreases their porosity, increases adhesion to basic material. In case of high laser energy gas vapours escape from basic material and cause fissures, re-melted surfaces have to be carefully controlled. New approach to evaluation of the quality surface structure was realized by laser confocal microscopy. Direct measuring or 3D surface model is possible with resolution less than hundred nanometres, depressions along laser beam path or rises on the laser spot edges were determined. Particles and grains with dimensions about one micron in re-melting structures can be observed better then by optical microscopy. Parallel measurements of the surface roughness were realized by the contact inductive profilometer Talysurf, collected data were displayed by software tool Talymap in a plane or spatial pictures.

All Fiber-Coupled OH Planar Laser-Induced-Fluorescence (OH-PLIF)-Based Two-Dimensional Thermometry.

PubMed

Hsu, Paul S; Jiang, Naibo; Patnaik, Anil K; Katta, Vish; Roy, Sukesh; Gord, James R

2018-04-01

Two-color, planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF)-based two-dimensional (2D) thermometry techniques for reacting flows, which are typically developed in the laboratory conditions, face a stiff challenge in their practical implementation in harsh environments such as combustion rigs. In addition to limited optical access, the critical experimental conditions (i.e., uncontrolled humidity, vibration, and large thermal gradients) often restrict sensitive laser system operation and cause difficulties maintaining beam-overlap. Thus, an all fiber-coupled, two-color OH-PLIF system has been developed, employing two long optical fibers allowing isolation of the laser and signal-collection systems. Two OH-excitation laser beams (∼283 nm and ∼286 nm) are delivered through a common 6 m long, 400 µm core, deep ultraviolet (UV)-enhanced multimode fiber. The fluorescence signal (∼310 nm) is collected by a 3 m long, UV-grade imaging fiber. Proof-of-principle temperature measurements are demonstrated in atmospheric pressure, near adiabatic, CH 4 /O 2 /N 2 jet flames. The effects of the excitation pulse interval on fiber transmission are investigated. The proof-of-principle measurements show significant promise for thermometry in harsh environments such as gas turbine engine tests.

Production and characterization of femtosecond laser-written double line waveguides in heavy metal oxide glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva, Diego Silvério; Wetter, Niklaus Ursus; de Rossi, Wagner; Kassab, Luciana Reyes Pires; Samad, Ricardo Elgul

2018-01-01

We report the fabrication and characterization of double line waveguides directly written in tellurite and germanate glasses using a femtosecond laser delivering 30 μJ, 80 fs pulses at 4 kHz repetition rate. The double line waveguides produced presented internal losses inferior to 2.0 dB/cm. The output mode profile and the M2 measurements indicate multimodal guiding behavior. A better beam quality for the GeO2 - PbO waveguide was observed when compared with TeO2 - ZnO glass. Raman spectroscopy of the waveguides showed structural modification of the glassy network and indicates that a negative refractive index modification occurs at the focus of the laser beam, therefore allowing for light guiding in between two closely spaced laser written lines. The refractive index change at 632 nm is around 10-4, and the structural changes in the laser focal region of the writing, evaluated by Raman spectroscopy, corroborated our findings that these materials are potential candidates for optical waveguides and passive components. To the best of our knowledge, the two double line configuration demonstrated in the present work was not reported before for germanate or tellurite glasses.

Vacuum-Compatible Wideband White Light and Laser Combiner Source System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Azizi, Alineza; Ryan, Daniel J.; Tang, Hong; Demers, Richard T.; Kadogawa, Hiroshi; An, Xin; Sun, George Y.

2010-01-01

For the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) Spectrum Calibration Development Unit (SCDU) testbed, wideband white light is used to simulate starlight. The white light source mount requires extremely stable pointing accuracy (<3.2 microradians). To meet this and other needs, the laser light from a single-mode fiber was combined, through a beam splitter window with special coating from broadband wavelengths, with light from multimode fiber. Both lights were coupled to a photonic crystal fiber (PCF). In many optical systems, simulating a point star with broadband spectrum with stability of microradians for white light interferometry is a challenge. In this case, the cameras use the white light interference to balance two optical paths, and to maintain close tracking. In order to coarse align the optical paths, a laser light is sent into the system to allow tracking of fringes because a narrow band laser has a great range of interference. The design requirements forced the innovators to use a new type of optical fiber, and to take a large amount of care in aligning the input sources. The testbed required better than 1% throughput, or enough output power on the lowest spectrum to be detectable by the CCD camera (6 nW at camera). The system needed to be vacuum-compatible and to have the capability for combining a visible laser light at any time for calibration purposes. The red laser is a commercially produced 635-nm laser 5-mW diode, and the white light source is a commercially produced tungsten halogen lamp that gives a broad spectrum of about 525 to 800 nm full width at half maximum (FWHM), with about 1.4 mW of power at 630 nm. A custom-made beam splitter window with special coating for broadband wavelengths is used with the white light input via a 50-mm multi-mode fiber. The large mode area PCF is an LMA-8 made by Crystal Fibre (core diameter of 8.5 mm, mode field diameter of 6 mm, and numerical aperture at 625 nm of 0.083). Any science interferometer that needs a tracking laser fringe to assist in alignment can use this system.

Fiber optic laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy sensor for molten material analysis

DOEpatents

Zhang, Hansheng; Rai, Awadesh K.; Singh, Jagdish P.; Yueh, Fang-Yu

2004-07-13

A fiber optic laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) sensor, including a laser light source, a harmonic separator for directing the laser light, a dichroic mirror for reflecting the laser light, a coupling lens for coupling the laser light at an input of a multimode optical fiber, a connector for coupling the laser light from an output of the multimode optical fiber to an input of a high temperature holder, such as a holder made of stainless steel, and a detector portion for receiving emission signal and analyzing LIBS intensities. In one variation, the multimode optical fiber has silica core and silica cladding. The holder includes optical lenses for collimating and focusing the laser light in a molten alloy to produce a plasma, and for collecting and transmitting an emission signal to the multimode optical fiber.

Optical diagnostics of mercury jet for an intense proton target.

PubMed

Park, H; Tsang, T; Kirk, H G; Ladeinde, F; Graves, V B; Spampinato, P T; Carroll, A J; Titus, P H; McDonald, K T

2008-04-01

An optical diagnostic system is designed and constructed for imaging a free mercury jet interacting with a high intensity proton beam in a pulsed high-field solenoid magnet. The optical imaging system employs a backilluminated, laser shadow photography technique. Object illumination and image capture are transmitted through radiation-hard multimode optical fibers and flexible coherent imaging fibers. A retroreflected illumination design allows the entire passive imaging system to fit inside the bore of the solenoid magnet. A sequence of synchronized short laser light pulses are used to freeze the transient events, and the images are recorded by several high speed charge coupled devices. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis using image processing based on probability approach is described. The characteristics of free mercury jet as a high power target for beam-jet interaction at various levels of the magnetic induction field is reported in this paper.

Photonic jet: key role of injection for etchings with a shaped optical fiber tip.

PubMed

Pierron, Robin; Zelgowski, Julien; Pfeiffer, Pierre; Fontaine, Joël; Lecler, Sylvain

2017-07-15

We demonstrate the key role of the laser injection into a multimode fiber to obtain a photonic jet (PJ). PJ, a high concentrated propagating beam with a full width at half-maximum smaller than the diffraction limit, is here generated with a shaped optical fiber tip using a pulsed laser source (1064 nm, 100 ns, 35 kHz). Three optical injection systems of light are compared. For similar etched marks on silicon with diameters around 1 μm, we show that the required ablation energy is minimum when the injected light beam is close to the fundamental mode diameter of the fiber. Thus, we confirm experimentally that to obtain a PJ out of an optical fiber, light injection plays a role as important as that of the tip shape and, therefore, the role of the fundamental mode in the process.

Spectrally resolved far-fields of terahertz quantum cascade lasers.

PubMed

Brandstetter, Martin; Schönhuber, Sebastian; Krall, Michael; Kainz, Martin A; Detz, Hermann; Zederbauer, Tobias; Andrews, Aaron M; Strasser, Gottfried; Unterrainer, Karl

2016-10-31

We demonstrate a convenient and fast method to measure the spectrally resolved far-fields of multimode terahertz quantum cascade lasers by combining a microbolometer focal plane array with an FTIR spectrometer. Far-fields of fundamental TM0 and higher lateral order TM1 modes of multimode Fabry-Pérot type lasers have been distinguished, which very well fit to the results obtained by a 3D finite-element simulation. Furthermore, multimode random laser cavities have been investigated, analyzing the contribution of each single laser mode to the total far-field. The presented method is thus an important tool to gain in-depth knowledge of the emission properties of multimode laser cavities at terahertz frequencies, which become increasingly important for future sensing applications.

Efficient solar-pumped Nd:YAG laser by a double-stage light-guide/V-groove cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almeida, Joana; Liang, Dawei

2011-05-01

Since the first reported Nd:YAG solar laser, researchers have been exploiting parabolic mirrors and heliostats for enhancing laser output performance. We are now investigating the production of an efficient solar-pumped laser for the reduction of magnesium from magnesium oxide, which could be an alternative solution to fossil fuel. Therefore both high conversion efficiency and excellent beam quality are imperative. By using a single fused silica light guide of rectangular cross section, highly concentrated solar radiation at the focal spot of a stationary parabolic mirror is efficiently transferred to a water-flooded V-groove pump cavity. It allows for the double-pass absorption of pump light along a 4mm diameter, 30mm length, 1.1at% Nd:YAG rod. Optimum pumping parameters and solar laser output power are found through ZEMAXTM non-sequential ray-tracing and LASCADTM laser cavity analysis. 11.0 W of multimode laser output power with excellent beam profile is numerically calculated, corresponding to 6.1W/m2 collection efficiency. To validate the proposed pumping scheme, an experimental setup of the double-stage light-guide/V-groove cavity was built. 78% of highly concentrated solar radiation was efficiently transmitted by the fused silica light guide. The proposed pumping scheme can be an effective solution for enhancing solar laser performances when compared to other side-pump configurations.

Femtosecond laser-written double line waveguides in germanate and tellurite glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

S. da Silva, Diego; Wetter, Niklaus U.; de Rossi, Wagner; Samad, Ricardo E.; Kassab, Luciana R. P.

2018-02-01

The authors report the fabrication and characterization of passive waveguides in GeO2-PbO and TeO2-ZnO glasses written with a femtosecond laser delivering pulses with 3μJ, 30μJ and 80fs at 4kHz repetition rate. Permanent refractive index change at the focus of the laser beam was obtained and waveguides were formed by two closely spaced laser written lines, where the light guiding occurs between them. The refractive index change at 632 nm is around 10-4 . The value of the propagation losses was around 2.0 dB/cm. The output mode profiles indicate multimodal guiding behavior. Raman measurements show structural modification of the glassy network. The results show that these materials are potential candidates for passive waveguides applications as low-loss optical components.

Multimode Regimes in Quantum Cascade Lasers: From Coherent Instabilities to Spatial Hole Burning

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-10

from which absorption can take place; and although not very significant, there is always bulk n2 of the material. 1 A. E. Siegman , Lasers ...2007 4. TI11.E AND SUBTITI..E 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Multimode regimes in quantum cascade lasers : from coherent W91INF-04-I-0253 instabilities to spatial...quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). In narrow devices it is found that above a second threshold the laser spectrwn dramatically broadens showing multimode

A highly efficient and compact long pulse Nd:YAG rod laser with 540 J of pulse energy for welding application.

PubMed

Choubey, Ambar; Vishwakarma, S C; Misra, Pushkar; Jain, R K; Agrawal, D K; Arya, R; Upadhyaya, B N; Oak, S M

2013-07-01

We have developed an efficient and high average power flash lamp pumped long pulse Nd:YAG laser capable of generating 1 kW of average output power with maximum 540 J of single pulse energy and 20 kW of peak power. The laser pulse duration can be varied from 1 to 40 ms and repetition rate from 1 to 100 Hz. A compact and robust laser pump chamber and resonator was designed to achieve this high average and peak power. It was found that this laser system provides highest single pulse energy as compared to other long pulsed Nd:YAG laser systems of similar rating. A slope efficiency of 5.4% has been achieved, which is on higher side for typical lamp pumped solid-state lasers. This system will be highly useful in laser welding of materials such as aluminium and titanium. We have achieved 4 mm deep penetration welding of these metals under optimized conditions of output power, pulse energy, and pulse duration. The laser resonator was optimized to provide stable operation from single shot to 100 Hz of repetition rate. The beam quality factor was measured to be M(2) ~ 91 and pulse-to-pulse stability of ±3% for the multimode operation. The laser beam was efficiently coupled through an optical fiber of 600 μm core diameter and 0.22 numerical aperture with power transmission of 90%.

Laser transmission welding of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) using a tailored high power diode-laser optical fiber coupled system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Vidal, E.; Quintana, I.; Etxarri, J.; Otaduy, D.; González, F.; Moreno, F.

2012-06-01

Laser transmission welding (LTW) of polymers is a direct bonding technique which is already used in different industrial applications sectors such as automobile, microfluidic, electronic and biomedicine. This technique offers several advantages over conventional methods, especially when a local deposition of energy and minimum thermal distortions are required. In LTW one of the polymeric materials needs to be transparent to the laser wavelength and the second part needs to be designed to be absorbed in IR spectrum. This report presents a study of laser weldability of ABS (acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene) filled with two different concentrations of carbon nanotubes (0.01% and 0.05% CNTs). These additives are used as infrared absorbing components in the laser welding process, affecting the thermal and optical properties of the material and, hence, the final quality of the weld seam. A tailored laser system has been designed to obtain high quality weld seams with widths between 0.4 and 1.0mm. It consists of two diode laser bars (50W per bar) coupled into an optical fiber using a non-imaging solution: equalization of the beam quality factor (M2) in the slow and fast axes by a pair of micro step-mirrors. The beam quality factor has been analyzed at different laser powers with the aim to guarantee a coupling efficiency to the multimode optical fiber. The power scaling is carried out by means of multiplexing polarization technique. The analysis of energy balance and beam quality is performed in two linked steps: first by means ray tracing simulations (ZEMAX®) and second, by validation. Quality of the weld seams is analyzed in terms of the process parameters (welding speed, laser power and clamping pressure) by visual and optical microscope inspections. The optimum laser power range for three different welding speeds is determinate meanwhile the clamping pressure is held constant. Additionally, the corresponding mechanical shear tests were carried out to analyze the mechanical properties of the weld seams. This work provides a detailed study concerning the effect of the material microstructure and laser beam quality on the final weld formation and surface integrity.

Characterization of novel microsphere chain fiber optic tips for potential use in ophthalmic laser surgery

PubMed Central

Hutchens, Thomas C.; Darafsheh, Arash; Fardad, Amir; Antoszyk, Andrew N.; Ying, Howard S.; Astratov, Vasily N.

2012-01-01

Abstract. Ophthalmic surgery may benefit from use of more precise fiber delivery systems during laser surgery. Some current ophthalmic surgical techniques rely on tedious mechanical dissection of tissue layers. In this study, chains of sapphire microspheres integrated into a hollow waveguide distal tip are used for erbium:YAG laser ablation studies in contact mode with ophthalmic tissues, ex vivo. The laser’s short optical penetration depth combined with the small spot diameters achieved with this fiber probe may provide more precise tissue removal. One-, three-, and five-microsphere chain structures were characterized, resulting in FWHM diameters of 67, 32, and 30 μm in air, respectively, with beam profiles comparable to simulations. Single Er:YAG pulses of 0.1 mJ and 75-μs duration produced ablation craters with average diameters of 44, 30, and 17 μm and depths of 26, 10, and 8 μm, for one-, three-, and five-sphere structures, respectively. Microsphere chains produced spatial filtering of the multimode Er:YAG laser beam and fiber, providing spot diameters not otherwise available with conventional fiber systems. Because of the extremely shallow treatment depth, compact focused beam, and contact mode operation, this probe may have potential for use in dissecting epiretinal membranes and other ophthalmic tissues without damaging adjacent retinal tissue. PMID:22734790

Environmental sensing with optical fiber sensors processed with focused ion beam and atomic layer deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores, Raquel; Janeiro, Ricardo; Dahlem, Marcus; Viegas, Jaime

2015-03-01

We report an optical fiber chemical sensor based on a focused ion beam processed optical fiber. The demonstrated sensor is based on a cavity formed onto a standard 1550 nm single-mode fiber by either chemical etching, focused ion beam milling (FIB) or femtosecond laser ablation, on which side channels are drilled by either ion beam milling or femtosecond laser irradiation. The encapsulation of the cavity is achieved by optimized fusion splicing onto a standard single or multimode fiber. The empty cavity can be used as semi-curved Fabry-Pérot resonator for gas or liquid sensing. Increased reflectivity of the formed cavity mirrors can be achieved with atomic layer deposition (ALD) of alternating metal oxides. For chemical selective optical sensors, we demonstrate the same FIB-formed cavity concept, but filled with different materials, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) which show selective swelling when immersed in different solvents. Finally, a reducing agent sensor based on a FIB formed cavity partially sealed by fusion splicing and coated with a thin ZnO layer by ALD is presented and the results discussed. Sensor interrogation is achieved with spectral or multi-channel intensity measurements.

Wavefront Processing Through Integrated Fiber Optics.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Romel Rabiul

This thesis is devoted to the development of a new technology of integrated fiber optics. Through the use of fusion splicing and etching several dissimilar optical fibers can be integrated into a single fiber providing wave-front processing capabilities not previously possible. Optical fibers have been utilized for their unique capabilities; such as, remote beam delivery and immunity from electromagnetic noise. In this thesis, the understanding of integrated fiber optics through fusion splicing is furthered both theoretically and experimentally. Most of the common optical components such as lenses, apertures, and modulators can be implemented through the use of fiber optics and then integrated together through fusion splicing, resulting in an alignment-free, rugged and miniaturized system. For example, a short length of multimode graded-index fiber can be used as either a lens or a window to relay an image. A step-index multimode fiber provides a spacer or an aperture. Other special arrangements can be exploited to do in-line modulation in both amplitude and phase. The power of this technique is demonstrated by focusing on a few applications where significant advantages are obtained through this technology. In laser light scattering fiber optic systems, integrated fiber optics is used for delivering and receiving light from small scattering volumes in a spatially constrained environment. When applied for the detection of cataracts in the human eye lens, laser light scattering probes with integrated fiber optics could obtain a map of the eye lens and provide invaluable data for further understanding of cataractogenesis. Use of integrated fiber optics in the high resolution structural analysis of aircraft propeller blades is also presented. Coupling of laser diode to monomode fiber through integrated fiber optics is analyzed. The generation of nondiffracting Bessel-Gauss beams using integrated fiber optics is described. The significance of the Bessel-Gauss beam lies in the fact that it has a sharply defined main-lobe whose width can be designed to be as narrow as desired, while maintaining a long propagation-invariant range. Different methods of generation and properties of this beam are reviewed. Effects of misalignments in the input plane and discretization of the source are derived and evaluated.

3C-SiC microdisk mechanical resonators with multimode resonances at radio frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jaesung; Zamani, Hamidrera; Rajgopal, Srihari; Zorman, Christian A.; X-L Feng, Philip

2017-07-01

We report on the design, modeling, fabrication and measurement of single-crystal 3C-silicon carbide (SiC) microdisk mechanical resonators with multimode resonances operating at radio frequencies (RF). These microdisk resonators (center-clamped on a vertical stem pedestal) offer multiple flexural-mode resonances with frequencies dependent on both disk and anchor dimensions. The resonators are made using a novel fabrication method comprised of focused ion beam nanomachining and hydroflouic : nitric : acetic (HNA) acid etching. Resonance peaks (in the frequency spectrum) are detected through laser-interferometry measurements. Resonators with different dimensions are tested, and multimode resonances, mode splitting, energy dissipation (in the form of quality factor measurement) are investigated. Further, we demonstrate a feedback oscillator based on a passive 3C-SiC resonator. This investigation provides important guidelines for microdisk resonator development, ranging from an analytical prediction of frequency scaling law to fabrication, suggesting RF microdisk resonators can be good candidates for future sensing applications in harsh environments.

Calibration of a speckle-based compressive sensing receiver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sefler, George A.; Shaw, T. Justin; Stapleton, Andrew D.; Valley, George C.

2017-02-01

Optical speckle in a multimode waveguide has been proposed to perform the function of a compressive sensing (CS) measurement matrix (MM) in a receiver for GHz-band radio frequency (RF) signals. Unlike other devices used for the CS MM, e.g. the digital micromirror device (DMD) used in the single pixel camera, the elements of the speckle MM are not known before use and must be measured and calibrated. In our system, the RF signal is modulated on a repetitively pulsed chirped wavelength laser source, generated from mode-locked laser pulses that have been dispersed in time or from an electrically addressed distributed Bragg reflector laser. Next, the optical beam with RF propagates through a multimode fiber or waveguide, which applies different weights in wavelength (or equivalently time) and space and performs the function of the CS MM. The output of the guide is directed to or imaged on a bank of photodiodes with integration time set to the pulse length of the chirp waveform. The output of each photodiode is digitized by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and the data from these ADCs are used to form the CS measurement vector. Accurate recovery of the RF signal from CS measurements depends critically on knowledge of the weights in the MM. Here we present results using a stable wavelength laser source to probe the guide.

2.1 μm high-power laser diode beam combining(Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berrou, Antoine P. C.; Elder, Ian F.; Lamb, Robert A.; Esser, M. J. Daniel

2016-10-01

Laser power and brightness scaling, in "eye safe" atmospheric transmission windows, is driving laser system research and development. High power lasers with good beam quality, at wavelength around 2.1 µm, are necessary for optical countermeasure applications. For such applications, focusing on efficiency and compactness of the system is mandatory. In order to cope with these requirements, one must consider the use of laser diodes which emit directly in the desired spectral region. The challenge for these diodes is to maintain a good beam quality factor as the output power increases. 2 µm diodes with excellent beam quality in both axes are available with output powers of 100 mW. Therefore, in order to reach multi-watt of average output power, broad-area single emitters and beam combining becomes relevant. Different solutions have been implemented in the 1.9 to 2 µm wavelength range, one of which is to stack multiple emitter bars reaching more than one hundred watt, while another is a fibre coupled diode module. The beam propagation factor of these systems is too high for long atmospheric propagation applications. Here we describe preliminary results on non-coherent beam combining of 2.1 µm high power Fabry-Perot GaSb laser diodes supplied by Brolis Semiconductors Ltd. First we evaluated single mode diodes (143 mW) with good beam quality (M2 < 1.5 for slow axis and < 1.1 for fast axis). Then we characterized broad-area single emitter diodes (808 mW) with an electrical-to-optical efficiency of 19 %. The emitter width was 90 µm with a cavity length of 1.5 mm. In our experiments we found that the slow axis multimode output beam consisted of two symmetric lobes with a total full width at half maximum (FWHM) divergence angle of 25 degrees, corresponding to a calculated beam quality factor of M2 = 25. The fast axis divergence was specified to be 44 degrees, with an expected beam quality factor close to the diffraction limit, which informed our selection of collimation lenses used in the experiment. We evaluated two broadband (1.8 - 3 µm) AR coated Geltech aspheric lenses with focal lengths of 1.87 mm and 4 mm, with numerical apertures of 0.85 and 0.56, respectively, as an initial collimation lens, followed by an additional cylindrical lens of focal length 100 mm for fully collimating the slow axis. Using D-shaped gold-coated mirrors, multiple single emitter beams are stacked in the fast axis direction with the objective that the combined beam has a beam propagation factor in the stacking direction close to the beam propagation factor of the slow axis of a single emitter, e.g. M2 of 20 to 25 in both axes. We further found that the output beam of a single emitter is highly linearly polarized along the slow axis, making it feasible to implement polarization beam combining techniques to increase the beam power by a factor two while maintaining the same beam quality. Along with full beam characterization, a power scaling strategy towards a multi-watt output power beam combining laser system will be presented.

Tunable multiwavelength Tm-doped fiber laser based on the multimode interference effect.

PubMed

Zhang, Peng; Wang, Tianshu; Ma, Wanzhuo; Dong, Keyan; Jiang, Huilin

2015-05-20

A simple multiwavelength Tm-doped fiber laser at the 2 μm band based on multimode interference (MMI) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. In this scheme, a 4 m Tm-doped single-mode fiber is pumped by a 1568 nm laser, and a single-mode-multimode-single-mode (SMS) fiber structure is used as an MMI filter in which the multimode fiber is used to tune the laser. Laser operation of up to three wavelengths is obtained based on the MMI filter. The wavelengths can be tuned by adjusting the polarization controller and rotating the multimode fiber in the SMS structure, and the tuning region is about 24 nm, i.e., 1892-1916 nm. The side-mode suppression ratio of the laser is about 54 dB. The 3 dB linewidth is less than 0.04 nm. Peak fluctuation at each wavelength is analyzed, and the results show that the power fluctuation is less than 3 dB around the average power.

Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers from all-inorganic perovskite quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Handong; Wang, Yue; Li, Xiaoming; Zeng, Haibo

We report the breakthrough in realizing the challenging while practically desirable vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) based on the CsPbX3 inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (IPNCs). These laser devices feature record low threshold (9 µJ/cm2), unidirectional output (beam divergence of 3.6º) and superb stability. We show that both single-mode and multimode lasing operation are achievable in the device. In contrast to traditional metal chacogenide colloidal quantum dots based lasers where the pump thresholds for the green and blue wavelengths are typically much higher than that of the red, these CsPbX3 IPNC-VCSEL devices are able to lase with comparable thresholds across the whole visible spectral range, which is appealing for achieving single source-pumped full-color lasers. We further reveal that these lasers can operate in quasi-steady state regime, which is very practical and cost-effective. Given the facile solution processibility, our CsPbX3 IPNC-VCSEL devices may hold great potential in developing low-cost yet high-performance lasers, promising in revolutionizing the vacuum-based epitaxial semiconductor lasers.

Investigation into the optimum beam shape and fluence for selective ablation of dental calculus at lambda = 400 nm.

PubMed

Schoenly, Joshua E; Seka, Wolf; Rechmann, Peter

2010-01-01

A frequency-doubled Ti:sapphire laser is shown to selectively ablate dental calculus. The optimal transverse shape of the laser beam, including its variability under water-cooling, is determined for selective ablation of dental calculus. Intensity profiles under various water-cooling conditions were optically observed. The 400-nm laser was coupled into a multimode optical fiber using an f = 2.5-cm lens and light-shaping diffuser. Water-cooling was supplied coaxially around the fiber. Five human tooth samples (four with calculus and one pristine) were irradiated perpendicular to the tooth surface while the tooth was moved back and forth at 0.3 mm/second, varying between 20 and 180 iterations. The teeth were imaged before and after irradiation using light microscopy with a flashing blue light-emitting diode (LED). An environmental scanning electron microscope imaged each tooth after irradiation. High-order super-Gaussian intensity profiles are observed at the output of a fiber coiled around a 4-in. diameter drum. Super-Gaussian beams have a more-homogenous fluence distribution than Gaussian beams and have a higher energy efficiency for selective ablation. Coaxial water-cooling does not noticeably distort the intensity distribution within 1 mm from the optical fiber. In contrast, lasers focused to a Gaussian cross section (< or =50-microm diameter) without fiber propagation and cooled by a water spray are heavily distorted and may lead to variable ablation. Calculus is preferentially ablated at high fluences (> or =2 J/cm(2)); below this fluence, stalling occurs because of photo-bleaching of the calculus. Healthy dental hard tissue is not removed at fluences < or =3 J/cm(2). Supplying laser light to a tooth using an optical fiber with coaxial water-cooling is determined to be the most appropriate method when selectively removing calculus with a frequency-doubled Ti:sapphire laser. Fluences over 2 J/cm(2) are required to remove calculus efficiently since photo-bleaching stalls calculus removal below that value.

Investigation Into the Optimum Beam Shape and Fluence for Selective Ablation of Dental Calculus at lambda = 400 nm

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

Schoenly, J.E.; Seka. W.; Rechmann, P.

A frequency-doubled Ti:sapphire laser is shown to selectively ablate dental calculus. The optimal transverse shape of the laser beam, including its variability under water-cooling, is determined for selective ablation of dental calculus. Intensity profiles under various water-cooling conditions were optically observed. The 400-nm laser was coupled into a multimode optical fiber using an f = 2.5-cm lens and light-shaping diffuser. Water-cooling was supplied coaxially around the fiber. Five human tooth samples (four with calculus and one pristine) were irradiated perpendicular to the tooth surface while the tooth was moved back and forth at 0.3 mm/second, varying between 20 and 180more » iterations. The teeth were imaged before and after irradiation using light microscopy with a flashing blue light-emitting diode (LED). An environmental scanning electron microscope imaged each tooth after irradiation. High-order super-Gaussian intensity profiles are observed at the output of a fiber coiled around a 4-in. diameter drum. Super-Gaussian beams have a morehomogenous fluence distribution than Gaussian beams and have a higher energy efficiency for selective ablation. Coaxial water-cooling does not noticeably distort the intensity distribution within 1 mm from the optical fiber. In contrast, lasers focused to a Gaussian cross section (<=50-mm diameter) without fiber propagation and cooled by a water spray are heavily distorted and may lead to variable ablation. Calculus is preferentially ablated at high fluences (>= 2 J/cm^2); below this fluence, stalling occurs because of photo-bleaching of the calculus. Healthy dental hard tissue is not removed at fluences <=3 J/cm^2. Supplying laser light to a tooth using an optical fiber with coaxial water-cooling is determined to be the most appropriate method when selectively removing calculus with a frequency-doubled Ti:sapphire laser. Fluences over 2 J/cm^2 are required to remove calculus efficiently since photo-bleaching stalls calculus removal below that value.« less

Automatic Rejection Of Multimode Laser Pulses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tratt, David M.; Menzies, Robert T.; Esproles, Carlos

1991-01-01

Characteristic modulation detected, enabling rejection of multimode signals. Monitoring circuit senses multiple longitudinal mode oscillation of transversely excited, atmospheric-pressure (TEA) CO2 laser. Facility developed for inclusion into coherent detection laser radar (LIDAR) system. However, circuit described of use in any experiment where desireable to record data only when laser operates in single longitudinal mode.

Tunable all-fiber dissipative-soliton laser with a multimode interference filter.

PubMed

Zhang, Lei; Hu, Jinmeng; Wang, Jianhua; Feng, Yan

2012-09-15

We report on a tunable all-fiber dissipative-soliton laser with a multimode interference filter that consists of a multimode fiber spliced between two single-mode fibers. By carefully selecting the fiber parameters, a filter with a central wavelength at 1032 nm and a bandwidth of 7.6 nm is constructed and used for spectral filtering in an all-normal-dispersion mode-locked ytterbium-doped fiber laser based on nonlinear polarization evolution. The laser delivers 31 mW of average output power with positively chirped 7 ps pulses. The repetition rate of the pulses is 15.3 MHz, and pulse energy is 2.1 nJ. Tunable dissipative-soliton over 12 nm is achieved by applying tension to the single-mode-multimode-single-mode filter.

Rapid vaporization of kidney stones, ex vivo, using a Thulium fiber laser at pulse rates up to 500 Hz with a stone basket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardy, Luke A.; Wilson, Christopher R.; Irby, Pierce B.; Fried, Nathaniel M.

2014-03-01

The Holmium:YAG laser (λ = 2120 nm) is currently the preferred laser for fragmenting kidney stones in the clinic. However, this laser has some limitations, including operation at low pulse rates and a multimode spatial beam profile which prohibits its use with smaller, more flexible optical fibers. Our laboratory is studying the Thulium fiber laser (λ = 1908 nm) as an alternative lithotripter. The TFL has several advantages, including lower stone ablation thresholds, use with smaller and more flexible fibers, and operation at arbitrary pulse lengths and pulse rates. Previous studies have reported increased stone ablation rates with TFL operation at higher pulse rates, however, stone retropulsion remains an obstacle to even more efficient stone ablation. This study explores TFL operation at high pulse rates in combination with a stone stabilization device (e.g. stone basket) for improved efficiency. A TFL beam with pulse energy of 35 mJ, pulse duration of 500-μs, and pulse rates of 10-500 Hz was coupled into 100-μm-core, low-OH, silica fibers, in contact mode with uric acid and calcium oxalate monohydrate stones, ex vivo. TFL operation at 500 Hz produced UA and COM stone ablation rates up to 5.0 mg/s and 1.3 mg/s, respectively. High TFL pulse rates produced increased stone ablation rates sufficient for use in the clinic.

Detection of elemental mercury by multimode diode laser correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Lou, Xiutao; Somesfalean, Gabriel; Svanberg, Sune; Zhang, Zhiguo; Wu, Shaohua

2012-02-27

We demonstrate a method for elemental mercury detection based on correlation spectroscopy employing UV laser radiation generated by sum-frequency mixing of two visible multimode diode lasers. Resonance matching of the multimode UV laser is achieved in a wide wavelength range and with good tolerance for various operating conditions. Large mode-hops provide an off-resonance baseline, eliminating interferences from other gas species with broadband absorption. A sensitivity of 1 μg/m3 is obtained for a 1-m path length and 30-s integration time. The performance of the system shows promise for mercury monitoring in industrial applications.

The impact of surface-polish on the angular and wavelength dependence of fiber focal ratio degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eigenbrot, Arthur D.; Bershady, Matthew A.; Wood, Corey M.

2012-09-01

We present measurements of how multimode fiber focal-ratio degradation (FRD) and throughput vary with levels of fiber surface polish from 60 to 0.5 micron grit. Measurements used full-beam and laser injection methods at wavelengths between 0.4 and 0.8 microns on 17 meter lengths of Polymicro FBP 300 and 400 μm core fiber. Full-beam injection probed input focal-ratios between f/3 and f/13.5, while laser injection allowed us to isolate FRD at discrete injection angles up to 17 degrees (f/1.6 marginal ray). We find (1) FRD effects decrease as grit size decreases, with the largest gains in beam quality occurring at grit sizes above 5 μm (2) total throughput increases as grit size decreases, reaching 90% at 790 nm with the finest polishing levels; (3) total throughput is higher at redder wavelengths for coarser polishing grit, indicating surface-scattering as the primary source of loss. We also quantify the angular dependence of FRD as a function of polishing level. Our results indicate that a commonly adopted micro-bending model for FRD is a poor descriptor of the observed phenomenon.

High-resolution flying-PIV with optical fiber laser delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weichselbaum, Noah A.; André, Matthieu A.; Rahimi-Abkenar, Morteza; Manzari, Majid T.; Bardet, Philippe M.

2016-05-01

Implementation of non-intrusive optical measurement techniques, such as particle image velocimetry (PIV), in harsh environments requires specialized techniques for introducing controlled laser sheets to the region of interest. Large earthquake shake tables are a particularly challenging environment. Lasers must be mounted away from the table, and the laser sheet has to be delivered precisely and stably to the measurement station. Here, high-power multi-mode step-index fiber optics enable introduction of light from an Nd:YLF pulsed laser to a remote test section. Such lasers are suitable for coupling to optical fibers, which presents a portable, flexible, and safe manner to deliver a PIV light sheet. Best practices for their implementation are reviewed. Particular attention is focused on obtaining a collimated beam of acceptable quality at the output of the fiber. To achieve high spatial resolution, the PIV camera is directly mounted on the moving shake table with care to minimize its vibrations. A special arrangement of PIV planes is deployed for precise in-situ PIV alignment and to monitor and account for residual structure vibrations and beam wandering. The design of the instruments is detailed. Here, an experimental facility for the study of nuclear fuel bundle response to seismic forcing near prototypical conditions is instrumented. Only through integration of a high-resolution flying-PIV system can velocity fields be acquired. Data indicate that in the presence of a mean axial flow, a secondary oscillatory flow develops as the bundle oscillates. Instantaneous, phase-averaged, and fluctuating velocity fields illustrate this phenomenon.

Roughness measurements on coupling structures for optical interconnections integrated on a printed circuit board

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendrickx, Nina; Van Erps, Jürgen; Suyal, Himanshu; Taghizadeh, Mohammad; Thienpont, Hugo; Van Daele, Peter

2006-04-01

In this paper, laser ablation (at UGent), deep proton writing (at VUB) and laser direct writing (at HWU) are presented as versatile technologies that can be used for the fabrication of coupling structures for optical interconnections integrated on a printed circuit board (PCB). The optical layer, a highly cross-linked acrylate based polymer, is applied on an FR4 substrate. Both laser ablation and laser direct writing are used for the definition of arrays of multimode optical waveguides, which guide the light in the plane of the optical layer. In order to couple light vertically in/out of the plane of the optical waveguides, coupling structures have to be integrated into the optical layer. Out-of-plane turning mirrors, that deflect the light beam over 90°, are used for this purpose. The surface roughness and angle of three mirror configurations are evaluated: a laser ablated one that is integrated into the optical waveguide, a laser direct written one that is also directly written onto the waveguide and a DPW insert that is plugged into a cavity into the waveguiding layer.

Mid-infrared multi-mode absorption spectroscopy, MUMAS, using difference frequency generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Northern, Henry; O'Hagan, Seamus; Hamilton, Michelle L.; Ewart, Paul

2015-03-01

Multi-mode absorption spectroscopy of ammonia and methane at 3.3 μm has been demonstrated using a source of multi-mode mid-infrared radiation based on difference frequency generation. Multi-mode radiation at 1.56 μm from a diode-pumped Er:Yb:glass laser was mixed with a single-mode Nd:YAG laser at 1.06 μm in a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal to produce multi-mode radiation in the region of 3.3 μm. Detection, by direct multi-mode absorption, of NH3 and CH4 is reported for each species individually and also simultaneously in mixtures allowing measurements of partial pressures of each species.

Photonic jet subwavelength etching using a shaped optical fiber tip.

PubMed

Zelgowski, Julien; Abdurrochman, Andri; Mermet, Frederic; Pfeiffer, Pierre; Fontaine, Joël; Lecler, Sylvain

2016-05-01

We demonstrate that photonic jets (PJs) can be obtained in the vicinity of a shaped optical fiber and that they can be used to achieve subwavelength etchings. Only 10% of the power of a 30 W, 100 ns, near-infrared (1064 nm) Nd:YAG laser, commonly used for industrial laser processing, has been required. Etchings on a silicon wafer with a lateral feature size close to half-laser wavelength have been achieved using a shaped-tip optical fiber. This breakthrough has been carried out in ambient air by using a multimode 100/140 μm silica fiber with a shaped tip that generates a concentrated beam at their vicinity, a phenomenon referred to as a PJ, obtained for the first time without using microspheres. PJ achieved with a fiber tip, easier to manipulate, opens far-reaching benefits for all PJ applications. The roles of parameters such as laser fluence, tip shape, and mode excitation are discussed. A good correlation has been observed between the computed PJ intensity distribution and the etched marks' sizes.

Investigation of optical fibers for high-repetition-rate, ultraviolet planar laser-induced fluorescence of OH.

PubMed

Hsu, Paul S; Kulatilaka, Waruna D; Roy, Sukesh; Gord, James R

2013-05-01

We investigate the fundamental transmission characteristics of nanosecond-duration, 10 kHz repetition rate, ultraviolet (UV) laser pulses through state-of-the-art, UV-grade fused-silica fibers being used for hydroxyl radical (OH) planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) imaging. Studied in particular are laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDTs), nonlinear absorption, and optical transmission stability during long-term UV irradiation. Solarization (photodegradation) effects are significantly enhanced when the fiber is exposed to high-repetition-rate, 283 nm UV irradiation. For 10 kHz laser pulses, two-photon absorption is strong and LIDTs are low, as compared to those of laser pulses propagating at 10 Hz. The fiber characterization results are utilized to perform single-laser-shot, OH-PLIF imaging in pulsating turbulent flames with a laser that operates at 10 kHz. The nearly spatially uniform output beam that exits a long multimode fiber becomes ideal for PLIF measurements. The proof-of-concept measurements show significant promise for extending the application of a fiber-coupled, high-speed OH-PLIF system to harsh environments such as combustor test beds, and potential system improvements are suggested.

Wavefront reconstruction using computer-generated holograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulze, Christian; Flamm, Daniel; Schmidt, Oliver A.; Duparré, Michael

2012-02-01

We propose a new method to determine the wavefront of a laser beam, based on modal decomposition using computer-generated holograms (CGHs). Thereby the beam under test illuminates the CGH with a specific, inscribed transmission function that enables the measurement of modal amplitudes and phases by evaluating the first diffraction order of the hologram. Since we use an angular multiplexing technique, our method is innately capable of real-time measurements of amplitude and phase, yielding the complete information about the optical field. A measurement of the Stokes parameters, respectively of the polarization state, provides the possibility to calculate the Poynting vector. Two wavefront reconstruction possibilities are outlined: reconstruction from the phase for scalar beams and reconstruction from the Poynting vector for inhomogeneously polarized beams. To quantify single aberrations, the reconstructed wavefront is decomposed into Zernike polynomials. Our technique is applied to beams emerging from different kinds of multimode optical fibers, such as step-index, photonic crystal and multicore fibers, whereas in this work results are exemplarily shown for a step-index fiber and compared to a Shack-Hartmann measurement that serves as a reference.

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

Karaulanov, Todor; Savukov, Igor; Kim, Young Jin

We constructed a spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) magnetometer with a small angle between the pump and probe beams facilitating a multi-channel design with a flat pancake cell. This configuration provides almost complete overlap of the beams in the cell, and prevents the pump beam from entering the probe detection channel. By coupling the lasers in multi-mode fibers, without an optical isolator or field modulation, we demonstrate a sensitivity of 10 fTmore » $$/\\sqrt{\\text{Hz}}$$ for frequencies between 10 Hz and 100 Hz. In addition to the experimental study of sensitivity, we present a theoretical analysis of SERF magnetometer response to magnetic fields for small-angle and parallel-beam configurations, and show that at optimal DC offset fields the magnetometer response is comparable to that in the orthogonal-beam configuration. Based on the analysis, we also derive fundamental and probe-limited sensitivities for the arbitrary non-orthogonal geometry. The expected practical and fundamental sensitivities are of the same order as those in the orthogonal geometry. As a result, we anticipate that our design will be useful for magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetocardiography (MCG) applications.« less

Double-clad photonic crystal fiber coupler for compact nonlinear optical microscopy imaging.

PubMed

Fu, Ling; Gu, Min

2006-05-15

A 1 x 2 double-clad photonic crystal fiber coupler is fabricated by the fused tapered method, showing a low excess loss of 1.1 dB and a splitting ratio of 97/3 over the entire visible and near-infrared wavelength range. In addition to the property of splitting the laser power, the double-clad feature of the coupler facilitates the separation of a near-infrared single-mode beam from a visible multimode beam, which is ideal for nonlinear optical microscopy imaging. In conjunction with a gradient-index lens, this coupler is used to construct a miniaturized microscope based on two-photon fluorescence and second-harmonic generation. Three-dimensional nonlinear optical images demonstrate potential applications of the coupler to compact all-fiber and nonlinear optical microscopy and endoscopy.

Mode Locking of Quantum Cascade Lasers

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-09

E. Siegman , Lasers , University Science Books, Mill Valley, CA (1986). [2] A. Yariv, Quantum Electronics, 3rd edition, John Wiley and Sons, New...REPORT Mode Locking of Quantum Cascade Lasers 14. ABSTRACT 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: A theoretical and experimental study of multimode operation...regimes in quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) is presented. It is shown that the fast gain recovery of QCLs promotes two multimode regimes in QCLs: One is

Basic Research Investigations into Multimode Laser and EM Launchers for Affordable, Rapid Access to Space (Volumes 1 and 2)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-31

The physics and operating principles for TEA C02 lasers can be found in several useful references (Patel, 1968; Siegman , 1986; Svelto, 1998 and...AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER F A9550-05-1-0392 "Basic Research Investigations into Multimode Laser and 5b. GRANT NUMBER EM Launchers for...pulsed airbreathing/rocket laser propulsion. investigates the physics of laser energy deposition into stationary and hypersonic working fluids

MMI-based MOEMS FT spectrometer for visible and IR spectral ranges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Demerdash, Bassem M.; Medhat, Mostafa; Sabry, Yasser M.; Saadany, Bassam; Khalil, Diaa

2014-03-01

MEMS spectrometers have very strong potential in future healthcare and environmental monitoring applications, where Michelson interferometers are the core optical engine. Recently, MEMS Michelson interferometers based on using silicon interface as a beam splitter (BS) has been proposed [7, 8]. This allows having a monolithically-integrated on-chip FTIR spectrometer. However silicon BS exhibits high absorption loss in the visible range and high material dispersion in the near infrared (NIR) range. For this reason, we propose in this work a novel MOEMS interferometer allowing operation over wider spectral range covering both the infrared (IR) and the visible ranges. The proposed architecture is based on spatial splitting and combining of optical beams using the imaging properties of Multi-Mode Interference MMI waveguide. The proposed structure includes an optical splitter for spatial splitting an input beam into two beams and a combiner for spatial combining the two interferometer beams. A MEMS moveable mirror is provided to produce an optical path difference between the two beams. The new interferometer is fabricated using DRIE technology on an SOI wafer. The movable mirror is metalized and attached to a comb-drive actuator fabricated in the same lithography step in a self-aligned manner on chip. The novel interferometer is tested as a Fourier transform spectrometer. Red laser, IR laser and absorption spectra of different materials are measured with a resolution of 2.5 nm at 635-nm wavelength. The structure is a very compact one that allows its integration and fabrication on a large scale with very low cost.

Separating and combining single-mode and multimode optical beams

DOEpatents

Ruggiero, Anthony J; Masquelier, Donald A; Cooke, Jeffery B; Kallman, Jeffery S

2013-11-12

Techniques for combining initially separate single mode and multimode optical beams into a single "Dual Mode" fiber optic have been developed. Bi-directional propagation of two beams that are differentiated only by their mode profiles (i.e., wavefront conditions) is provided. The beams can be different wavelengths and or contain different modulation information but still share a common aperture. This method allows the use of conventional micro optics and hybrid photonic packaging techniques to produce small rugged packages suitable for use in industrial or military environments.

A New Femtosecond Laser-Based Three-Dimensional Tomography Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Echlin, McLean P.

2011-12-01

Tomographic imaging has dramatically changed science, most notably in the fields of medicine and biology, by producing 3D views of structures which are too complex to understand in any other way. Current tomographic techniques require extensive time both for post-processing and data collection. Femtosecond laser based tomographic techniques have been developed in both standard atmosphere (femtosecond laser-based serial sectioning technique - FSLSS) and in vacuum (Tri-Beam System) for the fast collection (10 5mum3/s) of mm3 sized 3D datasets. Both techniques use femtosecond laser pulses to selectively remove layer-by-layer areas of material with low collateral damage and a negligible heat affected zone. To the authors knowledge, femtosecond lasers have never been used to serial section and these techniques have been entirely and uniquely developed by the author and his collaborators at the University of Michigan and University of California Santa Barbara. The FSLSS was applied to measure the 3D distribution of TiN particles in a 4330 steel. Single pulse ablation morphologies and rates were measured and collected from literature. Simultaneous two-phase ablation of TiN and steel matrix was shown to occur at fluences of 0.9-2 J/cm2. Laser scanning protocols were developed minimizing surface roughness to 0.1-0.4 mum for laser-based sectioning. The FSLSS technique was used to section and 3D reconstruct titanium nitride (TiN) containing 4330 steel. Statistical analysis of 3D TiN particle sizes, distribution parameters, and particle density were measured. A methodology was developed to use the 3D datasets to produce statistical volume elements (SVEs) for toughness modeling. Six FSLSS TiN datasets were sub-sampled into 48 SVEs for statistical analysis and toughness modeling using the Rice-Tracey and Garrison-Moody models. A two-parameter Weibull analysis was performed and variability in the toughness data agreed well with Ruggieri et al. bulk toughness measurements. The Tri-Beam system combines the benefits of laser based material removal (speed, low-damage, automated) with detectors that collect chemical, structural, and topological information. Multi-modal sectioning information was collected after many laser scanning passes demonstrating the capability of the Tri-Beam system.

Spin-exchange relaxation-free magnetometer with nearly parallel pump and probe beams

DOE PAGES

Karaulanov, Todor; Savukov, Igor; Kim, Young Jin

2016-03-22

We constructed a spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) magnetometer with a small angle between the pump and probe beams facilitating a multi-channel design with a flat pancake cell. This configuration provides almost complete overlap of the beams in the cell, and prevents the pump beam from entering the probe detection channel. By coupling the lasers in multi-mode fibers, without an optical isolator or field modulation, we demonstrate a sensitivity of 10 fTmore » $$/\\sqrt{\\text{Hz}}$$ for frequencies between 10 Hz and 100 Hz. In addition to the experimental study of sensitivity, we present a theoretical analysis of SERF magnetometer response to magnetic fields for small-angle and parallel-beam configurations, and show that at optimal DC offset fields the magnetometer response is comparable to that in the orthogonal-beam configuration. Based on the analysis, we also derive fundamental and probe-limited sensitivities for the arbitrary non-orthogonal geometry. The expected practical and fundamental sensitivities are of the same order as those in the orthogonal geometry. As a result, we anticipate that our design will be useful for magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetocardiography (MCG) applications.« less

Optical Fiber Design And Fabrication: Discussion On Recent Developments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Philippe; Devautour, Mathieu; Lavoute, Laure; Gaponov, Dmitry; Brasse, Gurvan; Hautreux, Stéphanie; Février, Sébastien; Restoin, Christine; Auguste, Jean-Louis; Gérôme, Frédéric; Humbert, Georges; Blondy, Jean-Marc

2008-10-01

Level of emitted power and beam quality of singlemode fiber lasers have been drastically increased at the expense of loss due to bend sensitivity, simplicity of manufacturing and packaging. Furthermore, the extension of the spectral coverage was primarily explored by exploiting non-linear effects, neglecting numerous possible transitions of rare earths. Through different research areas, we demonstrate the possibilities offered by new fiber designs and alternative methods of manufacturing. Photonic Band Gap fibers reconcile diffraction limited beam and large mode area with low bending loss. 80% slope efficiency is demonstrated together with a robust propagation allowing the fiber to be tightly bent until wounding radii as small as 6 cm. Highly ytterbium doped multimode core surrounded by high refractive index rods fiber exhibits a transverse singlemode behavior under continuous wave laser regime. A robust LP01 mode is observed and filtering effect is clearly observed. A non CVD process based on silica sand vitrification allows the synthesis of large and highly doped core with high index homogeneity, opening the way to design of efficient large mode area fiber lasers. 74% slope efficiency is measured, demonstrating the good quality of the core material. Finally, the use of rare earth (Er3+) doped zirconia nanocrystals in silica matrix offers a large panel of ignored energy transitions for visible or off-usual band of emission.

Simultaneous frequency stabilization and high-power dense wavelength division multiplexing (HP-DWDM) using an external cavity based on volume Bragg gratings (VBGs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hengesbach, Stefan; Klein, Sarah; Holly, Carlo; Witte, Ulrich; Traub, Martin; Hoffmann, Dieter

2016-03-01

Multiplexing technologies enable the development of high-brightness diode lasers for direct industrial applications. We present a High-Power Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexer (HP-DWDM) with an average channel spacing of 1.7 (1.5) nm and a subsequent external cavity mirror to provide feedback for frequency stabilization and multiplexing in one step. The "self-optimizing" multiplexing unit consists of four reflective Volume Bragg Gratings (VBGs) with 99% diffraction efficiency and seven dielectric mirrors to overlay the radiation of five input channels with an adjustable channel spacing of 1-2 nm. In detail, we focus on the analysis of the overall optical efficiency, the change of the beam parameter product and the spectral width. The performance is demonstrated using five 90 μm multimode 9xx single emitters with M2<=17. Because of the feedback the lateral (multimodal) spatial and angular intensity distribution changes strongly and the beam parameter product decreases by a factor of 1.2 to 1.9. Thereby the angular intensity distribution is more affected than the width of the beam waist. The spectral width per emitter decreases to 3-200 pm (FWHM) depending on the injection current and the reflectance of the feedback mirror (0.75%, 1.5%, 4%, 6% or 8%). The overall optical multiplexing efficiency ranges between 77% and 86%. With some modifications (e.g. enhanced AR-coatings) we expect 90-95%.

LD-cladding-pumped 50 pm linewidth Tm 3+ -doped silica fiber laser.

PubMed

Yunjun, Zhang; Baoquan, Yao; Youlun, Ju; Hui, Zhou; Yuezhu, Wang

2008-05-26

We report on a Tm(3+)-doped fiber laser source operating at 1936.4 nm with a very narrow linewidth (50 pm) laser output. Up to 2.4 W cw laser power was obtained from an 82 cm long Tm(3+)-doped multimode-core fiber cladding pumped by a 792 nm laser diode (LD). The fiber laser cavity included a high-reflective dichroic and a low-reflective FBG output coupler. The multimode fiber Bragg grating (FBG) transmission spectrum and output laser spectrum were measured. By adjusting the distance between the dichroic and the Tm(3+)-doped fiber end, the multipeak laser spectrum changed to a single-peak laser spectrum.

Investigation on laser forming of stainless steel sheets under coupling mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Shitanshu S.; Maji, Kuntal; Racherla, Vikranth; Nath, Ashish K.

2015-08-01

In laser forming of three dimensional surfaces simultaneous bending and thickening of the sheet being formed are often required. Laser forming by the coupling mechanism has the capability to generate both of them. However, literature is scarce on the study of laser forming under coupling mechanism. A part of this work investigates the effect of Fourier number and laser spot diameter on bending angle and thickness increment induced by laser scans promoting coupling mechanism. Peak surface temperature was maintained nearly constant. It was chosen so as to avoid surface melting and sensitization at the scan track on top surface. The required laser parameters were determined with the help of an analytical model for temperature estimation. The experimental results showed that while the bending angle reduced with the increase of Fourier number, the thickness increment increased. And, with the increase of laser spot diameter both bending angle and thickness increased. Finite element simulations were carried out using ABAQUS software on a three dimensional model for developing a better understanding of the deformation behaviour. Multimode intensity distribution of the laser beam and temperature dependant material properties were considered in the simulations. Finite element analysis and microstructure study showed that chances of sensitization are rare with the current laser parameter combinations. Based on temperature gradient and coupling mechanisms a different laser scanning strategy has been proposed for laser forming of deep pillow shaped surfaces retaining symmetry.

CARS module for multimodal microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zadoyan, Ruben; Baldacchini, Tommaso; Carter, John; Kuo, Chun-Hung; Ocepek, David

2011-03-01

We describe a stand alone CARS module allowing upgrade of a two-photon microscope with CARS modality. The Stokes beam is generated in a commercially available photonic crystal fiber (PCF) using fraction of the power of femtosecond excitation laser. The output of the fiber is optimized for broadband CARS at Stokes shifts in 2900cm-1 region. The spectral resolution in CARS signal is 50 cm-1. It is achieved by introducing a bandpass filter in the pump beam. The timing between the pump and Stokes pulses is preset inside the module and can be varied. We demonstrate utility of the device on examples of second harmonic, two-photon fluorescence and CARS images of several biological and non-biological samples. We also present results of studies where we used CARS modality to monitor in real time the process of fabrication of microstructures by two-photon polymerization.

OpenLMD, multimodal monitoring and control of LMD processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Araújo, Jorge; García-Díaz, Antón

2017-02-01

This paper presents OpenLMD, a novel open-source solution for on-line multimodal monitoring of Laser Metal Deposition (LMD). The solution is also applicable to a wider range of laser-based applications that require on-line control (e.g. laser welding). OpenLMD is a middleware that enables the orchestration and virtualization of a LMD robot cell, using several open-source frameworks (e.g. ROS, OpenCV, PCL). The solution also allows reconfiguration by easy integration of multiple sensors and processing equipment. As a result, OpenLMD delivers significant advantages over existing monitoring and control approaches, such as improved scalability, and multimodal monitoring and data sharing capabilities.

Investigating the Strain, Temperature and Humidity Sensitivity of a Multimode Graded-Index Perfluorinated Polymer Optical Fiber with Bragg Grating

PubMed Central

Zheng, Yulong; Bremer, Kort

2018-01-01

In this work we investigate the strain, temperature and humidity sensitivity of a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) inscribed in a near infrared low-loss multimode perfluorinated polymer optical fiber based on cyclic transparent optical polymer (CYTOP). For this purpose, FBGs were inscribed into the multimode CYTOP fiber with a core diameter of 50 µm by using a krypton fluoride (KrF) excimer laser and the phase mask method. The evolution of the reflection spectrum of the FBG detected with a multimode interrogation technique revealed a single reflection peak with a full width at half maximum (FHWM) bandwidth of about 9 nm. Furthermore, the spectral envelope of the single FBG reflection peak can be optimized depending on the KrF excimer laser irradiation time. A linear shift of the Bragg wavelength due to applied strain, temperature and humidity was measured. Furthermore, depending on irradiation time of the KrF excimer laser, both the failure strain and strain sensitivity of the multimode fiber with FBG can be controlled. The inherent low light attenuation in the near infrared wavelength range (telecommunication window) of the multimode CYTOP fiber and the single FBG reflection peak when applying the multimode interrogation set-up will allow for new applications in the area of telecommunication and optical sensing. PMID:29734734

Investigating the Strain, Temperature and Humidity Sensitivity of a Multimode Graded-Index Perfluorinated Polymer Optical Fiber with Bragg Grating.

PubMed

Zheng, Yulong; Bremer, Kort; Roth, Bernhard

2018-05-05

In this work we investigate the strain, temperature and humidity sensitivity of a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) inscribed in a near infrared low-loss multimode perfluorinated polymer optical fiber based on cyclic transparent optical polymer (CYTOP). For this purpose, FBGs were inscribed into the multimode CYTOP fiber with a core diameter of 50 µm by using a krypton fluoride (KrF) excimer laser and the phase mask method. The evolution of the reflection spectrum of the FBG detected with a multimode interrogation technique revealed a single reflection peak with a full width at half maximum (FHWM) bandwidth of about 9 nm. Furthermore, the spectral envelope of the single FBG reflection peak can be optimized depending on the KrF excimer laser irradiation time. A linear shift of the Bragg wavelength due to applied strain, temperature and humidity was measured. Furthermore, depending on irradiation time of the KrF excimer laser, both the failure strain and strain sensitivity of the multimode fiber with FBG can be controlled. The inherent low light attenuation in the near infrared wavelength range (telecommunication window) of the multimode CYTOP fiber and the single FBG reflection peak when applying the multimode interrogation set-up will allow for new applications in the area of telecommunication and optical sensing.

850-nm hybrid fiber/free-space optical communications using orbital angular momentum modes.

PubMed

Jurado-Navas, Antonio; Tatarczak, Anna; Lu, Xiaofeng; Olmos, Juan José Vegas; Garrido-Balsells, José María; Monroy, Idelfonso Tafur

2015-12-28

Light beams can carry orbital angular momentum (OAM) associated to the helicity of their phasefronts. These OAM modes can be employed to encode information onto a laser beam for transmitting not only in a fiber link but also in a free-space optical (FSO) one. Regarding this latter scenario, FSO communications are considered as an alternative and promising mean complementing the traditional optical communications in many applications where the use of fiber cable is not justified. This next generation FSO communication systems have attracted much interest recently, and the inclusion of beams carrying OAM modes can be seen as an efficient solution to increase the capacity and the security in the link. In this paper, we discuss an experimental demonstration of a proposal for next generation FSO communication system where a light beam carrying different OAM modes and affected by ℳ turbulence is coupled to the multimode fiber link. In addition, we report a better and more robust behavior of higher order OAM modes when the intermodal dispersion is dominant in the fiber after exceeding its maximum range of operation.

Miniature fiber-optic multiphoton microscopy system using frequency-doubled femtosecond Er-doped fiber laser

PubMed Central

Huang, Lin; Mills, Arthur K.; Zhao, Yuan; Jones, David J.; Tang, Shuo

2016-01-01

We report on a miniature fiber-optic multiphoton microscopy (MPM) system based on a frequency-doubled femtosecond Er-doped fiber laser. The femtosecond pulses from the laser source are delivered to the miniature fiber-optic probe at 1.58 µm wavelength, where a standard single mode fiber is used for delivery without the need of free-space dispersion compensation components. The beam is frequency-doubled inside the probe by a periodically poled MgO:LiNbO3 crystal. Frequency-doubled pulses at 786 nm with a maximum power of 80 mW and a pulsewidth of 150 fs are obtained and applied to excite intrinsic signals from tissues. A MEMS scanner, a miniature objective, and a multimode collection fiber are further used to make the probe compact. The miniature fiber-optic MPM system is highly portable and robust. Ex vivo multiphoton imaging of mammalian skins demonstrates the capability of the system in imaging biological tissues. The results show that the miniature fiber-optic MPM system using frequency-doubled femtosecond fiber laser can potentially bring the MPM imaging for clinical applications. PMID:27231633

Quantum-cascade lasers in the 7-8 μm spectral range with full top metallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurochkin, A. S.; Babichev, A. V.; Denisov, D. V.; Karachinsky, L. Ya; Novikov, I. I.; Sofronov, A. N.; Firsov, D. A.; Vorobjev, L. E.; Bousseksou, A.; Egorov, A. Yu

2018-03-01

The paper demonstrates the generation of multistage quantum-cascade lasers (QCL) in the 7-8 μm spectral range in the pulse generation mode. The active region structure we used is based on a two-phonon resonance scheme. The QCL heterostructure based on a heteropair of In0.53Ga0.47As/Al0.48In0.52As solid alloys was grown by molecular beam epitaxy and includes 50 identical stages. A waveguide geometry with top cladding with full top metallization (surface- plasmon quantum-cascade lasers) has been used. The developed QCLs have demonstrated multimodal generation in the 7-8 μm spectral range in the pulse mode in the 78-250 K temperature range. The threshold current density for a 1.6 mm long laser and a 20 μm ridge width amounted to ˜ 2.8 kA/cm2 at a temperature of 78 К. A temperature increase to 250 K causes a long-wave shift of the wavelength from 7.6 to 7.9 μm and a jth increase to 5.0 kA/cm2.

Laser Microdissection and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry Coupled for Multimodal Imaging

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

Lorenz, Matthias; Ovchinnikova, Olga S; Kertesz, Vilmos

2013-01-01

This paper describes the coupling of ambient laser ablation surface sampling, accomplished using a laser capture microdissection system, with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry for high spatial resolution multimodal imaging. A commercial laser capture microdissection system was placed in close proximity to a modified ion source of a mass spectrometer designed to allow for sampling of laser ablated material via a transfer tube directly into the ionization region. Rhodamine 6G dye of red sharpie ink in a laser etched pattern as well as cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine in a cerebellum mouse brain thin tissue section were identified and imaged frommore » full scan mass spectra. A minimal spot diameter of 8 m was achieved using the 10X microscope cutting objective with a lateral oversampling pixel resolution of about 3.7 m. Distinguishing between features approximately 13 m apart in a cerebellum mouse brain thin tissue section was demonstrated in a multimodal fashion including co-registered optical and mass spectral chemical images.« less

Lithographic VCSEL array multimode and single mode sources for sensing and 3D imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leshin, J.; Li, M.; Beadsworth, J.; Yang, X.; Zhang, Y.; Tucker, F.; Eifert, L.; Deppe, D. G.

2016-05-01

Sensing applications along with free space data links can benefit from advanced laser sources that produce novel radiation patterns and tight spectral control for optical filtering. Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are being developed for these applications. While oxide VCSELs are being produced by most companies, a new type of oxide-free VCSEL is demonstrating many advantages in beam pattern, spectral control, and reliability. These lithographic VCSELs offer increased power density from a given aperture size, and enable dense integration of high efficiency and single mode elements that improve beam pattern. In this paper we present results for lithographic VCSELs and describes integration into military systems for very low cost pulsed applications, as well as continuouswave applications in novel sensing applications. The VCSELs are being developed for U.S. Army for soldier weapon engagement simulation training to improve beam pattern and spectral control. Wavelengths in the 904 nm to 990 nm ranges are being developed with the spectral control designed to eliminate unwanted water absorption bands from the data links. Multiple beams and radiation patterns based on highly compact packages are being investigated for improved target sensing and transmission fidelity in free space data links. These novel features based on the new VCSEL sources are also expected to find applications in 3-D imaging, proximity sensing and motion control, as well as single mode sensors such as atomic clocks and high speed data transmission.

Theory and simulation of an inverse free-electron laser experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gou, S. K.; Bhattacharjee, A.; Fang, J.-M.; Marshall, T. C.

1997-03-01

An experimental demonstration of the acceleration of electrons using a high-power CO2 laser interacting with a relativistic electron beam moving along a wiggler has been carried out at the Accelerator Test Facility of the Brookhaven National Laboratory [Phys. Rev. Lett. 77, 2690 (1996)]. The data generated by this inverse free-electron-laser (IFEL) experiment are studied by means of theory and simulation. Included in the simulations are such effects as: a low-loss metallic waveguide with a dielectric coating on the walls; multi-mode coupling due to self-consistent interaction between the electrons and the optical wave; space charge; energy spread of the electrons; and arbitrary wiggler-field profile. Two types of wiggler profile are considered: a linear taper of the period, and a step-taper of the period. (The period of the wiggler is ˜3 cm, its magnetic field is ˜1 T, and the wiggler length is 0.47 m.) The energy increment of the electrons (˜1-2%) is analyzed in detail as a function of laser power, wiggler parameters, and the initial beam energy (˜40 MeV). At a laser power level ˜0.5 Gw, the simulation results on energy gain are in reasonable agreement with the experimental results. Preliminary results on the electron energy distribution at the end of the IFEL are presented. Whereas the experiment produces a near-monotone distribution of electron energies with the peak shifted to higher energy, the simulation shows a more structured and non-monotonic distribution at the end of the wiggler. Effects that may help reconcile these differences are considered.

Multimodal fiber source for nonlinear microscopy based on a dissipative soliton laser

PubMed Central

Lamb, Erin S.; Wise, Frank W.

2015-01-01

Recent developments in high energy femtosecond fiber lasers have enabled robust and lower-cost sources for multiphoton-fluorescence and harmonic-generation imaging. However, picosecond pulses are better suited for Raman scattering microscopy, so the ideal multimodal source for nonlinear microcopy needs to provide both durations. Here we present spectral compression of a high-power femtosecond fiber laser as a route to producing transform-limited picosecond pulses. These pulses pump a fiber optical parametric oscillator to yield a robust fiber source capable of providing the synchronized picosecond pulse trains needed for Raman scattering microscopy. Thus, this system can be used as a multimodal platform for nonlinear microscopy techniques. PMID:26417497

Mode-locking of a terahertz laser by direct phase synchronization.

PubMed

Maysonnave, J; Maussang, K; Freeman, J R; Jukam, N; Madéo, J; Cavalié, P; Rungsawang, R; Khanna, S P; Linfield, E H; Davies, A G; Beere, H E; Ritchie, D A; Dhillon, S S; Tignon, J

2012-09-10

A novel scheme to achieve mode-locking of a multimode laser is demonstrated. Traditional methods to produce ultrashort laser pulses are based on modulating the cavity gain or losses at the cavity roundtrip frequency, favoring the pulsed emission. Here, we rather directly act on the phases of the modes, resulting in constructive interference for the appropriated phase relationship. This was performed on a terahertz quantum cascade laser by multimode injection seeding with an external terahertz pulse, resulting in phase mode-locked terahertz laser pulses of 9 ps duration, characterized unambiguously in the time domain.

Fiber optic muzzle brake tip for reducing fiber burnback and stone retropulsion during thulium fiber laser lithotripsy.

PubMed

Hutchens, Thomas C; Gonzalez, David A; Irby, Pierce B; Fried, Nathaniel M

2017-01-01

The experimental thulium fiber laser (TFL) is being explored as an alternative to the current clinical gold standard Holmium:YAG laser for lithotripsy. The near single-mode TFL beam allows coupling of higher power into smaller optical fibers than the multimode Holmium laser beam profile, without proximal fiber tip degradation. A smaller fiber is desirable because it provides more space in the ureteroscope working channel for increased saline irrigation rates and allows maximum ureteroscope deflection. However, distal fiber tip burnback increases as fiber diameter decreases. Previous studies utilizing hollow steel sheaths around recessed distal fiber tips reduced fiber burnback but increased stone retropulsion. A “fiber muzzle brake” was tested for reducing both fiber burnback and stone retropulsion by manipulating vapor bubble expansion. TFL lithotripsy studies were performed at 1908 nm, 35 mJ, 500 ?? ? s , and 300 Hz using a 100 - ? m -core fiber. The optimal stainless steel muzzle brake tip tested consisted of a 1-cm-long, 560 - ? m -outer-diameter, 360 - ? m -inner-diameter tube with a 275 - ? m -diameter through hole located 250 ?? ? m from the distal end. The fiber tip was recessed a distance of 500 ?? ? m . Stone phantom retropulsion, fiber tip burnback, and calcium oxalate stone ablation studies were performed ex vivo. Small stones with a mass of 40 ± 4 ?? mg and 4-mm-diameter were ablated over a 1.5-mm sieve in 25 ± 4 ?? s

Investigation of optical fibers for gas-phase, ultraviolet laser-induced-fluorescence (UV-LIF) spectroscopy.

PubMed

Hsu, Paul S; Kulatilaka, Waruna D; Jiang, Naibo; Gord, James R; Roy, Sukesh

2012-06-20

We investigate the feasibility of transmitting high-power, ultraviolet (UV) laser pulses through long optical fibers for laser-induced-fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy of the hydroxyl radical (OH) and nitric oxide (NO) in reacting and non-reacting flows. The fundamental transmission characteristics of nanosecond (ns)-duration laser pulses are studied at wavelengths of 283 nm (OH excitation) and 226 nm (NO excitation) for state-of-the-art, commercial UV-grade fibers. It is verified experimentally that selected fibers are capable of transmitting sufficient UV pulse energy for single-laser-shot LIF measurements. The homogeneous output-beam profile resulting from propagation through a long multimode fiber is ideal for two-dimensional planar-LIF (PLIF) imaging. A fiber-coupled UV-LIF system employing a 6 m long launch fiber is developed for probing OH and NO. Single-laser-shot OH- and NO-PLIF images are obtained in a premixed flame and in a room-temperature NO-seeded N(2) jet, respectively. Effects on LIF excitation lineshapes resulting from delivering intense UV laser pulses through long fibers are also investigated. Proof-of-concept measurements demonstrated in the current work show significant promise for fiber-coupled UV-LIF spectroscopy in harsh diagnostic environments such as gas-turbine test beds.

Rectified diode response of a multimode quantum cascade laser integrated terahertz transceiver.

PubMed

Dyer, Gregory C; Norquist, Christopher D; Cich, Michael J; Grine, Albert D; Fuller, Charles T; Reno, John L; Wanke, Michael C

2013-02-25

We characterized the DC transport response of a diode embedded in a THz quantum cascade laser as the laser current was changed. The overall response is described by parallel contributions from the rectification of the laser field due to the non-linearity of the diode I-V and from thermally activated transport. Sudden jumps in the diode response when the laser changes from single mode to multi-mode operation, with no corresponding jumps in output power, suggest that the coupling between the diode and laser field depends on the spatial distribution of internal fields. The results demonstrate conclusively that the internal laser field couples directly to the integrated diode.

Terahertz wave polarization beam splitter using a cascaded multimode interference structure.

PubMed

Li, Jiu-sheng; Liu, Han; Zhang, Le

2014-08-01

A terahertz wave polarization beam splitter, based on two cascaded multimode interference structures with different widths, is designed and numerically demonstrated. The numerical calculation results show that the designed polarization beam splitter can split transverse-electric (TE) and transverse-magnetic (TM)-polarized terahertz waves into different propagation directions with high efficiency over a frequency range from 6.40 to 6.50 THz. This polarization beam splitter shows more than a 22.06 dB extinction ratio for TE-polarization and a 31.65 dB extinction ratio for TM-polarization. Using such a polarization beam splitter, the whole length of the polarization beam splitter is reduced to about 1/12 that of a conventional design. This enables the polarization beam splitter to be used in terahertz wave integrated circuit fields.

Improved repetition rate mixed isotope CO2 TEA laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohn, D. B.

2014-09-01

A compact CO2 TEA laser has been developed for remote chemical detection that operates at a repetition rate of 250 Hz. It emits 700 mJ/pulse at 10.6 μm in a multimode beam with the 12C16O2 isotope. With mixed 12C16O2 plus 13C16O2 isotopes it emits multiple lines in both isotope manifolds to improve detection of a broad range of chemicals. In particular, output pulse energies are 110 mJ/pulse at 9.77 μm, 250 mJ/pulse at 10 μm, and 550 mJ/pulse at 11.15 μm, useful for detection of the chemical agents Sarin, Tabun, and VX. Related work shows capability for long term sealed operation with a catalyst and an agile tuner at a wavelength shift rate of 200 Hz.

Module for multiphoton high-resolution hyperspectral imaging and spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeytunyan, Aram; Baldacchini, Tommaso; Zadoyan, Ruben

2018-02-01

We developed a module for dual-output, dual-wavelength lasers that facilitates multiphoton imaging and spectroscopy experiments and enables hyperspectral imaging with spectral resolution up to 5 cm-1. High spectral resolution is achieved by employing spectral focusing. Specifically, two sets of grating pairs are used to control the chirps in each laser beam. In contrast with the approach that uses fixed-length glass rods, grating pairs allow matching the spectral resolution and the linewidths of the Raman lines of interest. To demonstrate the performance of the module, we report the results of spectral focusing CARS and SRS microscopy experiments for various test samples and Raman shifts. The developed module can be used for a variety of multimodal imaging and spectroscopy applications, such as single- and multi-color two-photon fluorescence, second harmonic generation, third harmonic generation, pump-probe, transient absorption, and others.

Scalable entanglement in trapped ions using optimal control of multimode couplings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Debnath, Shantanu; Choi, Taeyoung; Manning, T. Andrew; Figgatt, Caroline; Monroe, Chris

2014-05-01

We perform high fidelity multipartite entanglement of ion subsets in a chain of five Yb+ qubits using optimal pulse shaping. A focused mode-locked laser beam individually addresses qubits to couple them to multiple collective transverse modes of motion to perform entangling phase gates on pairs of adjacent qubits. Pulse shaping by modulating the amplitude and phase of the laser can drive high fidelity gates for certain pulse solutions that are relatively insensitive to detuning errors. We create entangled states in the GHZ class and witness genuine tripartite entanglement using individual state detection. This method of engineering the evolution of multiple modes scales well for large qubit registers by keeping gate times short. This work is supported by grants from the U.S. Army Research Office with funding from the DARPA OLE program, IARPA, and the MURI program; and the NSF Physics Frontier Center at JQI.

High-resolution low-frequency fluctuation map of a multimode laser diode subject to filtered optical feedback via a fiber Bragg grating.

PubMed

Baladi, Fadwa; Lee, Min Won; Burie, Jean-René; Bettiati, Mauro A; Boudrioua, Azzedine; Fischer, Alexis P A

2016-07-01

A highly detailed and extended map of low-frequency fluctuations is established for a high-power multi-mode 980 nm laser diode subject to filtered optical feedback from a fiber Bragg grating. The low-frequency fluctuations limits and substructures exhibit substantial differences with previous works.

All-Fiber Laser Curvature Sensor Using an In-Fiber Modal Interferometer Based on a Double Clad Fiber and a Multimode Fiber Structure

PubMed Central

Durán-Sánchez, Manuel; Prieto-Cortés, Patricia; Salceda-Delgado, Guillermo; Castillo-Guzmán, Arturo A.; Selvas-Aguilar, Romeo; Ibarra-Escamilla, Baldemar; Kuzin, Evgeny A.

2017-01-01

An all-fiber curvature laser sensor by using a novel modal interference in-fiber structure is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The in-fiber device, fabricated by fusion splicing of multimode fiber and double-clad fiber segments, is used as wavelength filter as well as the sensing element. By including a multimode fiber in an ordinary modal interference structure based on a double-clad fiber, the fringe visibility of the filter transmission spectrum is significantly increased. By using the modal interferometer as a curvature sensitive wavelength filter within a ring cavity erbium-doped fiber laser, the spectral quality factor Q is considerably increased. The results demonstrate the reliability of the proposed curvature laser sensor with advantages of robustness, ease of fabrication, low cost, repeatability on the fabrication process and simple operation. PMID:29182527

All-Fiber Laser Curvature Sensor Using an In-Fiber Modal Interferometer Based on a Double Clad Fiber and a Multimode Fiber Structure.

PubMed

Álvarez-Tamayo, Ricardo I; Durán-Sánchez, Manuel; Prieto-Cortés, Patricia; Salceda-Delgado, Guillermo; Castillo-Guzmán, Arturo A; Selvas-Aguilar, Romeo; Ibarra-Escamilla, Baldemar; Kuzin, Evgeny A

2017-11-28

An all-fiber curvature laser sensor by using a novel modal interference in-fiber structure is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The in-fiber device, fabricated by fusion splicing of multimode fiber and double-clad fiber segments, is used as wavelength filter as well as the sensing element. By including a multimode fiber in an ordinary modal interference structure based on a double-clad fiber, the fringe visibility of the filter transmission spectrum is significantly increased. By using the modal interferometer as a curvature sensitive wavelength filter within a ring cavity erbium-doped fiber laser, the spectral quality factor Q is considerably increased. The results demonstrate the reliability of the proposed curvature laser sensor with advantages of robustness, ease of fabrication, low cost, repeatability on the fabrication process and simple operation.

Theory and Simulation of an Inverse Free Electron Laser Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, S. K.; Bhattacharjee, A.; Fang, J. M.; Marshall, T. C.

1996-11-01

An experimental demonstration of the acceleration of electrons using a high power CO2 laser in an inverse free electron laser (IFEL) is underway at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. This experiment has generated data, which we are attempting to simulate. Included in our studies are such effects as: a low-loss metallic waveguide with a dielectric coating on the walls; multi-mode coupling due to self-consistent interaction between the electrons and the optical wave; space charge (which is significant at lower laser power); energy-spread of the electrons; arbitrary wiggler field profile; and slippage. Two types of wiggler profile have been considered: a linear taper of the period, and a step-taper of the period (the period is ~ 3cm, the field is ~ 1T, and the wiggler length is 47cm). The energy increment of the electrons ( ~ 1-2%) is analyzed in detail as a function of laser power, wiggler parameters, and the initial beam energy (40MeV). For laser power ~ 0.5GW, the predictions of the simulations are in good accord with experimental results. A matter currently under study is the discrepancy between theory and observations for the electron energy distribution observed at the end of the IFEL. This work is supported by the Department of Energy.

30-W Yb3+-pulsed fiber laser with wavelength tuning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davydov, B. L.; Krylov, A. A.

2007-12-01

We have investigated various pulsed operation regimes of a diode-pumped Yb3+-doped fiber laser with both an acoustooptic filter and a shutter inside the resonator. To imbed the polarization-sensitive acoustooptic-tunable spectral filter into the polarization-nonmaintaining resonator, based on an “isotropic” single-mode fiber without “polarization’ losses, we have used a CaCO3 single-crystal nondispersive thermostable polarization splitter. Stable smooth bell-shaped laser pulses were obtained in the Q-switch generation regime across the entire wavelength tuning band. Their duration depended on the resonator travel time and their repetition rate was determined exclusively by the outer high-frequency generator controlling the acoustooptic shutter. A pulsed laser radiation tuning bandwidth of more than 20-nm at a repetition rate band of 10-100 kHz was observed in the amplification band of the Yb3+-doped fiber. A stable average power of 30 W of the pulsed 70-ns 100-kHz laser radiation in a near Gaussian beam was reached by means of the two-stage amplifier based on Yb3+-doped fibers with an enlarged mode field diameter (14 μm). The amplifier was pumped by λ = 975 nm CW multimode laser diodes with a maximum average power of 42 W.

How safe is gamete micromanipulation by laser tweezers?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koenig, Karsten; Tromberg, Bruce J.; Tadir, Yona; Berns, Michael W.

1998-04-01

Laser tweezers, used as novel sterile micromanipulation tools of living cells, are employed in laser-assisted in vitro fertilization (IVF). For example, controlled spermatozoa transport with 1064 nm tweezers to human egg cells has been performed in European clinics in cases of male infertility. The interaction of approximately 100 mW near infrared (NIR) trapping beams at MW/cm2 intensity with human gametes results in low mean less than 2 K temperature increases and less than 100 pN trapping forces. Therefore, photothermal or photomechanical induced destructive effects appear unlikely. However, the high photon flux densities may induce simultaneous absorption of two NIR photons resulting in nonlinear interactions. These nonlinear interactions imply non-resonant two-photon excitation of endogenous cellular chromophores. In the case of less than 800 nm tweezers, UV- like damage effects may occur. The destructive effect is amplified when multimode cw lasers are used as tweezer sources due to longitudinal mode-beating effects and partial mode- locking. Spermatozoa damage within seconds using 760 nm traps due to formation of unstable ps pulses in a cw Ti:Sa ring laser is demonstrated. We recommend the use of greater than or equal to 800 nm traps for optical gamete micromanipulation. To our opinion, further basic studies on the influence of nonlinear effects of laser tweezers on human gamete are necessary.

Next generation DIRCM for 2.1-2.3 micron wavelength based on direct-diode GaSb technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dvinelis, Edgaras; Naujokaitė, Greta; Greibus, Mindaugas; Trinkūnas, Augustinas; Vizbaras, Kristijonas; Vizbaras, Augustinas

2018-02-01

Continuous advances in low-cost MANPAD heat-seeking missile technology over the past 50 years remains the number one hostile threat to airborne platforms globally responsible for over 60 % of casualties. Laser based directional countermeasure (DIRCM) technology have been deployed to counter the threat. Ideally, a laser based DIRCM system must involve a number of lasers emitting at different spectral bands mimicking the spectral signature of the airborne platform. Up to now, near and mid infrared spectral bands have been covered with semiconductor laser technology and only SWIR band remained with bulky fiber laser technology. Recent technology developments on direct-diode GaSb laser technology at Brolis Semiconductors offer a replacement for the fiber laser source leading to significant improvements by few orders of magnitude in weight, footprint, efficiency and cost. We demonstrate that with careful engineering, several multimode emitters can be combined to provide a directional laser beam with radiant intensity from 10 kW/sr to 60 kW/sr in an ultra-compact hermetic package with weight < 30 g and overall efficiency of 15 % in the 2.1- 2.3 micron spectral band offering 150 times improvement in efficiency and reduction in footprint. We will discuss present results, challenges and future developments for such next-generation integrated direct diode DIRCM modules for SWIR band.

Numerical modeling of transverse mode competition in strongly pumped multimode fiber lasers and amplifiers.

PubMed

Gong, Mali; Yuan, Yanyang; Li, Chen; Yan, Ping; Zhang, Haitao; Liao, Suying

2007-03-19

A model based on propagation-rate equations with consideration of transverse gain distribution is built up to describe the transverse mode competition in strongly pumped multimode fiber lasers and amplifiers. An approximate practical numerical algorithm by multilayer method is presented. Based on the model and the numerical algorithm, the behaviors of multitransverse mode competition are demonstrated and individual transverse modes power distributions of output are simulated numerically for both fiber lasers and amplifiers under various conditions.

Passively Q-switched dual-wavelength thulium-doped fiber laser based on a multimode interference filter and a semiconductor saturable absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, M.; Huang, Y. J.; Ruan, S. C.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we have demonstrated a theta cavity passively Q-switched dual-wavelength fiber laser based on a multimode interference filter and a semiconductor saturable absorber. Relying on the properties of the fiber theta cavity, the laser can operate unidirectionally without an optical isolator. A semiconductor saturable absorber played the role of passive Q-switch while a section of single-mode-multimode-single-mode fiber structure served as an multimode interference filter and was used for selecting the lasing wavelengths. By suitably manipulating the polarization controller, stable dual-wavelength Q-switched operation was obtained at ~1946.8 nm and ~1983.8 nm with maximum output power and minimum pulse duration of ~47 mW and ~762.5 ns, respectively. The pulse repetition rate can be tuned from ~20.2 kHz to ~79.7 kHz by increasing the pump power from ~2.12 W to ~5.4 W.

Root causes investigation of catastrophic optical bulk damage in high-power InGaAs-AlGaAs strained QW lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sin, Yongkun; Lingley, Zachary; Ayvazian, Talin; Brodie, Miles; Ives, Neil

2018-02-01

High-power single-mode (SM) and multi-mode (MM) InGaAs-AlGaAs strained quantum well (QW) lasers are critical components for both terrestrial and space satellite communications systems. Since these lasers predominantly fail by catastrophic and sudden degradation due to COD, it is especially crucial for space satellite applications to investigate reliability, failure modes, and degradation mechanisms of these lasers. Our group reported a new failure mode in MM and SM InGaAs-AlGaAs strained QW lasers in 2009 and 2016, respectively. Our group also reported in 2017 that bulk failure due to catastrophic optical bulk damage (COBD) is the dominant failure mode of both SM and MM lasers that were subject to long-term life-tests. For the present study, we report root causes investigation of COBD by performing long-term lifetests followed by failure mode analysis (FMA) using various micro-analytical techniques including electron beam induced current (EBIC), time-resolved electroluminescence (EL), focused ion beam (FIB), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). Our life-tests with accumulated test hours of over 25,000 hours for SM lasers and over 35,000 hours for MM lasers generated a number of COBD failures with various failure times. EBIC techniques were employed to study dark line defects (DLDs) generated in SM COBD failures stressed under different test conditions. FIB and high-resolution TEM were employed to prepare cross sectional and plan view TEM specimens to study DLD areas (dislocations) in post-aged SM lasers. Time-resolved EL techniques were employed to study initiation and progressions of dark spots and dark lines in real time as MM lasers were aged. Lastly, to investigate precursor signatures of failure and degradation mechanisms responsible for COBD in both SM and MM lasers, we employed DLTS techniques to study a role that electron traps (non-radiative recombination centers) play in degradation of these lasers. Our in-depth root causes investigation results are reported.

Reflection Effects in Multimode Fiber Systems Utilizing Laser Transmitters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bates, Harry E.

1991-01-01

A number of optical communication lines are now in use at NASA-Kennedy for the transmission of voice, computer data, and video signals. Now, all of these channels use a single carrier wavelength centered near 1300 or 1550 nm. Engineering tests in the past have given indications of the growth of systematic and random noise in the RF spectrum of a fiber network as the number of connector pairs is increased. This noise seems to occur when a laser transmitter is used instead of a LED. It has been suggested that the noise is caused by back reflections created at connector fiber interfaces. Experiments were performed to explore the effect of reflection on the transmitting laser under conditions of reflective feedback. This effort included computer integration of some of the instrumentation in the fiber optic lab using the Lab View software recently acquired by the lab group. The main goal was to interface the Anritsu Optical and RF spectrum analyzers to the MacIntosh II computer so that laser spectra and network RF spectra could be simultaneously and rapidly acquired in a form convenient for analysis. Both single and multimode fiber is installed at Kennedy. Since most are multimode, this effort concentrated on multimode systems.

Reflection effects in multimode fiber systems utilizing laser transmitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, Harry E.

1991-11-01

A number of optical communication lines are now in use at NASA-Kennedy for the transmission of voice, computer data, and video signals. Now, all of these channels use a single carrier wavelength centered near 1300 or 1550 nm. Engineering tests in the past have given indications of the growth of systematic and random noise in the RF spectrum of a fiber network as the number of connector pairs is increased. This noise seems to occur when a laser transmitter is used instead of a LED. It has been suggested that the noise is caused by back reflections created at connector fiber interfaces. Experiments were performed to explore the effect of reflection on the transmitting laser under conditions of reflective feedback. This effort included computer integration of some of the instrumentation in the fiber optic lab using the Lab View software recently acquired by the lab group. The main goal was to interface the Anritsu Optical and RF spectrum analyzers to the MacIntosh II computer so that laser spectra and network RF spectra could be simultaneously and rapidly acquired in a form convenient for analysis. Both single and multimode fiber is installed at Kennedy. Since most are multimode, this effort concentrated on multimode systems.

Phased laser array for generating a powerful laser beam

DOEpatents

Holzrichter, John F.; Ruggiero, Anthony J.

2004-02-17

A first injection laser signal and a first part of a reference laser beam are injected into a first laser element. At least one additional injection laser signal and at least one additional part of a reference laser beam are injected into at least one additional laser element. The first part of a reference laser beam and the at least one additional part of a reference laser beam are amplified and phase conjugated producing a first amplified output laser beam emanating from the first laser element and an additional amplified output laser beam emanating from the at least one additional laser element. The first amplified output laser beam and the additional amplified output laser beam are combined into a powerful laser beam.

Cascaded injection resonator for coherent beam combining of laser arrays

DOEpatents

Kireev, Vassili [Sunnyvale, CA; Liu, Yun; Protopopescu, Vladimir [Knoxville, TN; Braiman, Yehuda [Oak Ridge, TN

2008-10-21

The invention provides a cascaded injection resonator for coherent beam combining of laser arrays. The resonator comprises a plurality of laser emitters arranged along at least one plane and a beam sampler for reflecting at least a portion of each laser beam that impinges on the beam sampler, the portion of each laser beam from one of the laser emitters being reflected back to another one of the laser emitters to cause a beam to be generated from the other one of the laser emitters to the beam reflector. The beam sampler also transmits a portion of each laser beam to produce a laser output beam such that a plurality of laser output beams of the same frequency are produced. An injection laser beam is directed to a first laser emitter to begin a process of generating and reflecting a laser beam from one laser emitter to another laser emitter in the plurality. A method of practicing the invention is also disclosed.

Spatiotemporal mode-locking in multimode fiber lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, Logan G.; Christodoulides, Demetrios N.; Wise, Frank W.

2017-10-01

A laser is based on the electromagnetic modes of its resonator, which provides the feedback required for oscillation. Enormous progress has been made toward controlling the interactions of longitudinal modes in lasers with a single transverse mode. For example, the field of ultrafast science has been built on lasers that lock many longitudinal modes together to form ultrashort light pulses. However, coherent superposition of longitudinal and transverse modes in a laser has received little attention. We show that modal and chromatic dispersions in fiber lasers can be counteracted by strong spatial and spectral filtering. This allows locking of multiple transverse and longitudinal modes to create ultrashort pulses with a variety of spatiotemporal profiles. Multimode fiber lasers thus open new directions in studies of nonlinear wave propagation and capabilities for applications.

Multidisciplinary, multimodal approach for a child with a traumatic facial scar.

PubMed

Admani, Shehla; Gertner, Jeffrey W; Grosman, Amanda; Shumaker, Peter R; Uebelhoer, Nathan S; Krakowski, Andrew C

2015-03-01

The treatment of disfiguring and disabling scars remains a field of active study, reinvigorated with recent advances in techniques and technologies. A variety of approaches can be utilized depending on scar characteristics, location, degree of tissue loss, and associated contractures. Just as traumatic scars can be complex and heterogeneous, the corresponding paradigm for treatment must also be flexible and multimodal for optimal improvement. This report describes a 3-year-old girl with a "mixed" (atrophic/hypertrophic), violaceous, contracted facial scar from a dog bite. It was treated with a novel approach utilizing a multidisciplinary pediatric scar team to combine autologous fat grafting, ablative fractional laser resurfacing, pulsed-dye laser, and laser-assisted delivery of a corticosteroid as concurrent, multimodal therapy to optimize the outcome. ©2015 Frontline Medical Communications.

Passive signal processing for a miniature Fabry-Perot interferometric sensor with a multimode laser-diode source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ezbiri, A.; Tatam, R. P.

1995-09-01

A passive signal-processing technique for addressing a miniature low-finesse fiber Fabry-Perot interferometric sensor with a multimode laser diode is reported. Two modes of a multimode laser diode separated by 3 nm are used to obtain quadrature outputs from an \\similar 20 - mu m cavity. Wavelength-division demultiplexing combined with digital signal processing is used to recover the measurand-induced phase change. The technique is demonstrated for the measurement of vibration. The signal-to-noise ratio is \\similar 70 dB at 500 Hz for \\similar pi /2 rad displacement of the mirror, which results in a minimum detectable signal of \\similar 200 mu rad H z-1/2 . A quantitative discussion of miscalibration and systematic errors is presented.

Thulium fiber laser lithotripsy using a muzzle brake fiber tip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutchens, Thomas C.; Gonzalez, David A.; Irby, Pierce B.; Fried, Nathaniel M.

2017-02-01

The Thulium fiber laser (TFL) is being explored as an alternative to Holmium:YAG laser for lithotripsy. TFL beam profile allows coupling of higher power into smaller fibers than multimode Holmium laser beam, without proximal fiber tip degradation. A smaller fiber provides more space in ureteroscope working channel for increased saline irrigation and allows maximum ureteroscope flexion. However, distal fiber tip burnback increases as fiber diameter decreases. Previous studies utilizing hollow steel sheaths around recessed distal fiber tips reduced fiber burnback, but increased retropulsion. In this study, a "fiber muzzle brake" was tested for reducing fiber burnback and stone retropulsion. TFL lithotripsy studies were performed at 1908 nm, 35 mJ, 500 μs, and 300 Hz using a 100-μm-core fiber. The optimal stainless steel muzzle brake tip tested consisted of a 1-cm-long, 560-μm-OD, 360-μm-ID tube with 275-μm thru hole located 250-μm from the distal end. The fiber tip was recessed a distance of 500 μm. Stone phantom retropulsion, fiber tip burnback, and calcium oxalate stone ablation studies were performed, ex vivo. Small stones with a mass of 40 +/- 4 mg and 4-mm-diameter were ablated over a 1.5-mm sieve in 25 +/- 4 s (n=10), without distal fiber tip burnback. Reduction in stone phantom retropulsion distance by 50% and 85% was observed when using muzzle brake tips versus 100-μm-core bare fibers and hollow steel tip fibers. The muzzle brake fiber tip provided efficient stone ablation, reduced stone retropulsion, and minimal fiber degradation during TFL lithotripsy.

Progress in holographic applications; Proceedings of the Meeting, Cannes, France, December 5, 6, 1985

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ebbeni, Jean (Editor)

1986-01-01

Papers are presented on a holographic recording material containing poly-n-vinylcarbozole, photoelectrochemical etching of holographic gratings in semiconductors, the analysis and construction of powered reflection holographic optical elements, achromatic display holograms in dichromated gelatin, and image blurring in display holograms and in holographic optical elements. Topics discussed include two-dimensional optical beam switching techniques using dynamnic holography, a new holographic interferometer with monomode fibers for integrated optics applications, computer controlled holography, and the copying of holograms using incoherent light. Consideration is given to holography of very far objects, rainbow holography with a multimode laser source, and the use of an endoscope for optical fiber holography.

Compact nanosecond laser system for the ignition of aeronautic combustion engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amiard-Hudebine, G.; Tison, G.; Freysz, E.

2016-12-01

We have studied and developed a compact nanosecond laser system dedicated to the ignition of aeronautic combustion engines. This system is based on a nanosecond microchip laser delivering 6 μJ nanosecond pulses, which are amplified in two successive stages. The first stage is based on an Ytterbium doped fiber amplifier (YDFA) working in a quasi-continuous-wave (QCW) regime. Pumped at 1 kHz repetition rate, it delivers TEM00 and linearly polarized nanosecond pulses centered at 1064 nm with energies up to 350 μJ. These results are in very good agreement with the model we specially designed for a pulsed QCW pump regime. The second amplification stage is based on a compact Nd:YAG double-pass amplifier pumped by a 400 W peak power QCW diode centered at λ = 808 nm and coupled to a 800 μm core multimode fiber. At 10 Hz repetition rate, this system amplifies the pulse delivered by the YDFA up to 11 mJ while preserving its beam profile, polarization ratio, and pulse duration. Finally, we demonstrate that this compact nanosecond system can ignite an experimental combustion chamber.

Multimodal assessment of visual attention using the Bethesda Eye & Attention Measure (BEAM).

PubMed

Ettenhofer, Mark L; Hershaw, Jamie N; Barry, David M

2016-01-01

Computerized cognitive tests measuring manual response time (RT) and errors are often used in the assessment of visual attention. Evidence suggests that saccadic RT and errors may also provide valuable information about attention. This study was conducted to examine a novel approach to multimodal assessment of visual attention incorporating concurrent measurements of saccadic eye movements and manual responses. A computerized cognitive task, the Bethesda Eye & Attention Measure (BEAM) v.34, was designed to evaluate key attention networks through concurrent measurement of saccadic and manual RT and inhibition errors. Results from a community sample of n = 54 adults were analyzed to examine effects of BEAM attention cues on manual and saccadic RT and inhibition errors, internal reliability of BEAM metrics, relationships between parallel saccadic and manual metrics, and relationships of BEAM metrics to demographic characteristics. Effects of BEAM attention cues (alerting, orienting, interference, gap, and no-go signals) were consistent with previous literature examining key attention processes. However, corresponding saccadic and manual measurements were weakly related to each other, and only manual measurements were related to estimated verbal intelligence or years of education. This study provides preliminary support for the feasibility of multimodal assessment of visual attention using the BEAM. Results suggest that BEAM saccadic and manual metrics provide divergent measurements. Additional research will be needed to obtain comprehensive normative data, to cross-validate BEAM measurements with other indicators of neural and cognitive function, and to evaluate the utility of these metrics within clinical populations of interest.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-04-01

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

Nonlinear High-Energy Pulse Propagation in Graded-Index Multimode Optical Fibers for Mode-Locked Fiber Lasers

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-23

coupled for d = 2λ . Results are shown for the TE polarization , where the transverse electric field vector is pointing in the vertical direction in these...16, 42–44 (1991). 6. D. U. Noske, N. Pandit, and J. R. Taylor, “Subpicosecond soliton pulse formation from self-mode- locked erbium fibre laser using...High-Energy Pulse Propagation in Graded-Index Multimode Optical Fibers for Mode- Locked Fiber Lasers 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER FA9550-12-1

Widely tunable erbium-doped fiber laser based on multimode interference effect.

PubMed

Castillo-Guzman, A; Antonio-Lopez, J E; Selvas-Aguilar, R; May-Arrioja, D A; Estudillo-Ayala, J; LiKamWa, P

2010-01-18

A widely tunable erbium-doped all-fiber laser has been demonstrated. The tunable mechanism is based on a novel tunable filter using multimode interference effects (MMI). The tunable MMI filter was applied to fabricate a tunable erbium-doped fiber laser via a standard ring cavity. A tuning range of 60 nm was obtained, ranging from 1549 nm to 1609 nm, with a signal to noise ratio of 40 dB. The tunable MMI filter mechanism is very simple and inexpensive, but also quite efficient as a wavelength tunable filter.

Quantum optics of lossy asymmetric beam splitters.

PubMed

Uppu, Ravitej; Wolterink, Tom A W; Tentrup, Tristan B H; Pinkse, Pepijn W H

2016-07-25

We theoretically investigate quantum interference of two single photons at a lossy asymmetric beam splitter, the most general passive 2×2 optical circuit. The losses in the circuit result in a non-unitary scattering matrix with a non-trivial set of constraints on the elements of the scattering matrix. Our analysis using the noise operator formalism shows that the loss allows tunability of quantum interference to an extent not possible with a lossless beam splitter. Our theoretical studies support the experimental demonstrations of programmable quantum interference in highly multimodal systems such as opaque scattering media and multimode fibers.

Carrier-envelope frequency stabilization of a Ti:sapphire oscillator using different pump lasers.

PubMed

Vernaleken, Andreas; Schmidt, Bernhard; Wolferstetter, Martin; Hänsch, Theodor W; Holzwarth, Ronald; Hommelhoff, Peter

2012-07-30

We investigate the suitability of various commercially available pump lasers for operation with a carrier-envelope offset frequency stabilized Ti:sapphire oscillator. Although the tested pump lasers differ in their setup and properties (e.g., single vs. multi-mode), we find that they are all well-suited for the purpose. The residual rms phase noise (integrated between 20 Hz and 5 MHz) of the stabilized oscillator is found to be below 160 mrad with each pump laser, corresponding to less than 1/40 of an optical cycle. Differences in performance vary slightly. In particular, our results indicate that the latest generation of multi-mode pump lasers can be used for applications where precise phase control of the oscillator is strictly required.

Multimode optical fibers: steady state mode exciter.

PubMed

Ikeda, M; Sugimura, A; Ikegami, T

1976-09-01

The steady state mode power distribution of the multimode graded index fiber was measured. A simple and effective steady state mode exciter was fabricated by an etching technique. Its insertion loss was 0.5 dB for an injection laser. Deviation in transmission characteristics of multimode graded index fibers can be avoided by using the steady state mode exciter.

Oxygen measurement by multimode diode lasers employing gas correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Lou, Xiutao; Somesfalean, Gabriel; Chen, Bin; Zhang, Zhiguo

2009-02-10

Multimode diode laser (MDL)-based correlation spectroscopy (COSPEC) was used to measure oxygen in ambient air, thereby employing a diode laser (DL) having an emission spectrum that overlaps the oxygen absorption lines of the A band. A sensitivity of 700 ppm m was achieved with good accuracy (2%) and linearity (R(2)=0.999). For comparison, measurements of ambient oxygen were also performed by tunable DL absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) technique employing a vertical cavity surface emitting laser. We demonstrate that, despite slightly degraded sensitivity, the MDL-based COSPEC-based oxygen sensor has the advantages of high stability, low cost, ease-of-use, and relaxed requirements in component selection and instrument buildup compared with the TDLAS-based instrument.

Tuned alexandrite laser for dentistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulc, Jan; Jelinkova, Helena; Dostalova, Tatjana; Miyagi, Mitsunobu

1999-12-01

A tunable solid state laser system has been developed emitting visible light in the region from 710 to 775 nm, which can be used for medical applications. The laser head of this system is composed of alexandrite crystal rod, two dielectric mirrors, and a tuning element. The maximum reached output energy in the free running multimode regime was 400 mJ with the pulse duration of 70 micrometers . The output laser radiation was guided via a multimode quartz fiber or via a special fluorocarbon polymer-coated silver hollow glass waveguide. At first, this radiation with laser fluency of 2.5 J/cm2 was used for the ablation of dental calculus. Next, the laser radiation propagation in the root canal and its effect on bacteria was proved. The dissipated energy measurement was made inside and outside the tooth. Hence, the alexandrite laser could be useful for medical applications in dentistry.

Inscription of first order fiber Bragg gratings in sapphire fibers by 400 nm femtosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elsmann, Tino; Habisreuther, Tobias; Graf, Albrecht; Rothhardt, Manfred; Bartelt, Hartmut

2013-05-01

We demonstrate the inscription of fiber Bragg gratings in single crystalline sapphire using the second harmonic of a Ti:Sa-amplified femtosecond laser system. With the laser wavelength of 400 nm first order gratings were fabricated. The interferometric inscription was performed out using the Talbot interferometer. This way, not only single gratings but also multiplexed sensor arrays were realized. For evaluating of the sensor signals an adapted multimodal interrogation setup was build up, because the sapphire fiber is an extreme multimodal air clad fiber. Due to the multimodal reflection spectrum, different peak functions have been tested to evaluate the thermal properties of the grating. The temperature sensors were tested for high temperature applications up to 1200°C with a thermal sensitivity in the order of 25 pm/K which is more than the doubled of that one reached with Bragg gratings in conventional silica fibers.

Integrated photoacoustic microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescence microscopy for multimodal chorioretinal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Chao; Zhang, Wei; Nguyen, Van Phuc; Huang, Ziyi; Wang, Xueding; Paulus, Yannis M.

2018-02-01

Current clinical available retinal imaging techniques have limitations, including limited depth of penetration or requirement for the invasive injection of exogenous contrast agents. Here, we developed a novel multimodal imaging system for high-speed, high-resolution retinal imaging of larger animals, such as rabbits. The system integrates three state-of-the-art imaging modalities, including photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescence microscopy (FM). In vivo experimental results of rabbit eyes show that the PAM is able to visualize laser-induced retinal burns and distinguish individual eye blood vessels using a laser exposure dose of 80 nJ, which is well below the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety limit 160 nJ. The OCT can discern different retinal layers and visualize laser burns and choroidal detachments. The novel multi-modal imaging platform holds great promise in ophthalmic imaging.

General Linewidth Formula for Steady-State Multimode Lasing in Arbitrary Cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Y. D.; Stone, A. Douglas

2012-08-01

A formula for the laser linewidth of arbitrary cavities in the multimode nonlinear regime is derived from a scattering analysis of the solutions to semiclassical laser theory. The theory generalizes previous treatments of the effects of gain and openness described by the Petermann factor. The linewidth is expressed using quantities based on the nonlinear scattering matrix, which can be computed from steady-state ab initio laser theory; unlike previous treatments, no passive cavity or phenomenological parameters are involved. We find that low cavity quality factor, combined with significant dielectric dispersion, can cause substantial deviations from the Shawlow-Townes-Petermann theory.

Tunable dual-wavelength fiber laser based on an MMI filter in a cascaded Sagnac loop interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Lin; Kang, Zexin; Qi, Yanhui; Jian, Shuisheng

2014-04-01

A widely tunable dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser based on a cascaded Sagnac loop interferometer incorporating a multimode interference filter is proposed and experimentally demonstrated in this paper. The mode selection is implemented by using the cascaded Sagnac loop interferometer with two segments of polarization maintaining fibers, and the wavelength tuning was achieved by using the refractive index characteristic of multimode interference effects. The tunable dual-wavelength fiber laser has a wavelength tuning of about 40 nm with a signal-to-noise ratio of more than 50 dB.

Towards a Compact Fiber Laser for Multimodal Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, Bai; Saytashev, Ilyas; Dantus, Marcos

We report on multimodal depth-resolved imaging of unstained living Drosophila Melanogaster larva using sub-50 fs pulses centered at 1060 nm wavelength. Both second harmonic and third harmonic generation imaging modalities are demonstrated.

Towards a compact fiber laser for multimodal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, Bai; Saytashev, Ilyas; Dantus, Marcos

2014-03-01

We report on multimodal depth-resolved imaging of unstained living Drosophila Melanogaster larva using sub-50 fs pulses centered at 1060 nm wavelength. Both second harmonic and third harmonic generation imaging modalities are demonstrated.

Laser amplifier and method

DOEpatents

Backus, S.; Kapteyn, H.C.; Murnane, M.M.

1997-07-01

Laser amplifiers and methods for amplifying a laser beam are disclosed. A representative embodiment of the amplifier comprises first and second curved mirrors, a gain medium, a third mirror, and a mask. The gain medium is situated between the first and second curved mirrors at the focal point of each curved mirror. The first curved mirror directs and focuses a laser beam to pass through the gain medium to the second curved mirror which reflects and recollimates the laser beam. The gain medium amplifies and shapes the laser beam as the laser beam passes therethrough. The third mirror reflects the laser beam, reflected from the second curved mirror, so that the laser beam bypasses the gain medium and return to the first curved mirror, thereby completing a cycle of a ring traversed by the laser beam. The mask defines at least one beam-clipping aperture through which the laser beam passes during a cycle. The gain medium is pumped, preferably using a suitable pumping laser. The laser amplifier can be used to increase the energy of continuous-wave or, especially, pulsed laser beams including pulses of femtosecond duration and relatively high pulse rate. 7 figs.

Laser amplifier and method

DOEpatents

Backus, Sterling; Kapteyn, Henry C.; Murnane, Margaret M.

1997-01-01

Laser amplifiers and methods for amplifying a laser beam are disclosed. A representative embodiment of the amplifier comprises first and second curved mirrors, a gain medium, a third mirror, and a mask. The gain medium is situated between the first and second curved mirrors at the focal point of each curved mirror. The first curved mirror directs and focuses a laser beam to pass through the gain medium to the second curved mirror which reflects and recollimates the laser beam. The gain medium amplifies and shapes the laser beam as the laser beam passes therethough. The third mirror reflects the laser beam, reflected from the second curved mirror, so that the laser beam bypasses the gain medium and return to the first curved mirror, thereby completing a cycle of a ring traversed by the laser beam. The mask defines at least one beam-clipping aperture through which the laser beam passes during a cycle. The gain medium is pumped, preferably using a suitable pumping laser. The laser amplifier can be used to increase the energy of continuous-wave or, especially, pulsed laser beams including pulses of femtosecond duration and relatively high pulse rate.

Initial alignment method for free space optics laser beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimada, Yuta; Tashiro, Yuki; Izumi, Kiyotaka; Yoshida, Koichi; Tsujimura, Takeshi

2016-08-01

The authors have newly proposed and constructed an active free space optics transmission system. It is equipped with a motor driven laser emitting mechanism and positioning photodiodes, and it transmits a collimated thin laser beam and accurately steers the laser beam direction. It is necessary to introduce the laser beam within sensible range of the receiver in advance of laser beam tracking control. This paper studies an estimation method of laser reaching point for initial laser beam alignment. Distributed photodiodes detect laser luminescence at respective position, and the optical axis of laser beam is analytically presumed based on the Gaussian beam optics. Computer simulation evaluates the accuracy of the proposed estimation methods, and results disclose that the methods help us to guide the laser beam to a distant receiver.

Improved repetition rate mixed isotope CO{sub 2} TEA laser

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

Cohn, D. B., E-mail: dbctechnology@earthlink.net

2014-09-15

A compact CO{sub 2} TEA laser has been developed for remote chemical detection that operates at a repetition rate of 250 Hz. It emits 700 mJ/pulse at 10.6 μm in a multimode beam with the {sup 12}C{sup 16}O{sub 2} isotope. With mixed {sup 12}C{sup 16}O{sub 2} plus {sup 13}C{sup 16}O{sub 2} isotopes it emits multiple lines in both isotope manifolds to improve detection of a broad range of chemicals. In particular, output pulse energies are 110 mJ/pulse at 9.77 μm, 250 mJ/pulse at 10 μm, and 550 mJ/pulse at 11.15 μm, useful for detection of the chemical agents Sarin, Tabun, and VX. Relatedmore » work shows capability for long term sealed operation with a catalyst and an agile tuner at a wavelength shift rate of 200 Hz.« less

Laser beam riding artillery missiles guidance device is designed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Mingliang; Huo, Zhicheng; Chen, Wei

2014-09-01

Laser driving gun missile guidance type beam of laser information field formed by any link failure or reduced stability will directly lead to ballistic or miss out of control, and based on this, this paper designed the driving beam of laser guided missile guidance beam type forming device modulation and zoom mechanism, in order to make the missile can recognize its position in the laser beam, laser beam gun missile, by means of spatial encoding of the laser beam laser beam into information after forming device, a surface to achieve the purpose of precision guidance.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2013-03-01

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

Method and apparatus for timing of laser beams in a multiple laser beam fusion system

DOEpatents

Eastman, Jay M.; Miller, Theodore L.

1981-01-01

The optical path lengths of a plurality of comparison laser beams directed to impinge upon a common target from different directions are compared to that of a master laser beam by using an optical heterodyne interferometric detection technique. The technique consists of frequency shifting the master laser beam and combining the master beam with a first one of the comparison laser beams to produce a time-varying heterodyne interference pattern which is detected by a photo-detector to produce an AC electrical signal indicative of the difference in the optical path lengths of the two beams which were combined. The optical path length of this first comparison laser beam is adjusted to compensate for the detected difference in the optical path lengths of the two beams. The optical path lengths of all of the comparison laser beams are made equal to the optical path length of the master laser beam by repeating the optical path length adjustment process for each of the comparison laser beams. In this manner, the comparison laser beams are synchronized or timed to arrive at the target within .+-.1.times.10.sup.-12 second of each other.

Method and apparatus for laser-controlled proton beam radiology

DOEpatents

Johnstone, Carol J.

1998-01-01

A proton beam radiology system provides cancer treatment and proton radiography. The system includes an accelerator for producing an H.sup.- beam and a laser source for generating a laser beam. A photodetachment module is located proximate the periphery of the accelerator. The photodetachment module combines the H.sup.- beam and laser beam to produce a neutral beam therefrom within a subsection of the H.sup.- beam. The photodetachment module emits the neutral beam along a trajectory defined by the laser beam. The photodetachment module includes a stripping foil which forms a proton beam from the neutral beam. The proton beam is delivered to a conveyance segment which transports the proton beam to a patient treatment station. The photodetachment module further includes a laser scanner which moves the laser beam along a path transverse to the cross-section of the H.sup.- beam in order to form the neutral beam in subsections of the H.sup.- beam. As the scanning laser moves across the H.sup.- beam, it similarly varies the trajectory of the proton beam emitted from the photodetachment module and in turn varies the target location of the proton beam upon the patient. Intensity modulation of the proton beam can also be achieved by controlling the output of the laser.

Method and apparatus for laser-controlled proton beam radiology

DOEpatents

Johnstone, C.J.

1998-06-02

A proton beam radiology system provides cancer treatment and proton radiography. The system includes an accelerator for producing an H{sup {minus}} beam and a laser source for generating a laser beam. A photodetachment module is located proximate the periphery of the accelerator. The photodetachment module combines the H{sup {minus}} beam and laser beam to produce a neutral beam therefrom within a subsection of the H{sup {minus}} beam. The photodetachment module emits the neutral beam along a trajectory defined by the laser beam. The photodetachment module includes a stripping foil which forms a proton beam from the neutral beam. The proton beam is delivered to a conveyance segment which transports the proton beam to a patient treatment station. The photodetachment module further includes a laser scanner which moves the laser beam along a path transverse to the cross-section of the H{sup {minus}} beam in order to form the neutral beam in subsections of the H{sup {minus}} beam. As the scanning laser moves across the H{sup {minus}} beam, it similarly varies the trajectory of the proton beam emitted from the photodetachment module and in turn varies the target location of the proton beam upon the patient. Intensity modulation of the proton beam can also be achieved by controlling the output of the laser. 9 figs.

Simultaneous multimodal ophthalmic imaging using swept-source spectrally encoded scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Malone, Joseph D.; El-Haddad, Mohamed T.; Bozic, Ivan; Tye, Logan A.; Majeau, Lucas; Godbout, Nicolas; Rollins, Andrew M.; Boudoux, Caroline; Joos, Karen M.; Patel, Shriji N.; Tao, Yuankai K.

2016-01-01

Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) benefits diagnostic imaging and therapeutic guidance by allowing for high-speed en face imaging of retinal structures. When combined with optical coherence tomography (OCT), SLO enables real-time aiming and retinal tracking and provides complementary information for post-acquisition volumetric co-registration, bulk motion compensation, and averaging. However, multimodality SLO-OCT systems generally require dedicated light sources, scanners, relay optics, detectors, and additional digitization and synchronization electronics, which increase system complexity. Here, we present a multimodal ophthalmic imaging system using swept-source spectrally encoded scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography (SS-SESLO-OCT) for in vivo human retinal imaging. SESLO reduces the complexity of en face imaging systems by multiplexing spatial positions as a function of wavelength. SESLO image quality benefited from single-mode illumination and multimode collection through a prototype double-clad fiber coupler, which optimized scattered light throughput and reduce speckle contrast while maintaining lateral resolution. Using a shared 1060 nm swept-source, shared scanner and imaging optics, and a shared dual-channel high-speed digitizer, we acquired inherently co-registered en face retinal images and OCT cross-sections simultaneously at 200 frames-per-second. PMID:28101411

2  μm laser oscillation of Ho3+:Tm3+-codoped silica microspheres.

PubMed

Peng, Longxiang; Huang, Yantang; Duan, Yafan; Zhuang, Shijian; Liao, Tingdi; Xu, Canhua

2017-09-10

2 μm laser oscillation with a low threshold has been achieved in Ho 3+ :Tm 3+ -codoped silica microspheres (HTCSMs). Ho 3+ :Tm 3+ -codoped solgel functionalization film is applied to the surface of a silica microsphere, and an optical tapered fiber is adopted to couple an 808 nm continuous-wave laser to serve as the pump light source. Multimode and single-mode laser oscillations around 2 μm within the eye-safe wave band are observed due to the I 7 5→I 8 5 transitions of Ho 3+ ions sensitized by Tm 3+ . The morphology characteristics of microspheres determine the multimode laser oscillation spectrum. The free spectral range is in good accordance with the calculated value based on Mie scattering theory. The HTCSM laser oscillation shows characteristics of good capability, simple process, high flexibility, and low cost.

Evolution of the Novalux extended cavity surface-emitting semiconductor laser (NECSEL)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McInerney, John G.

2016-03-01

Novalux Inc was an enterprise founded by Aram Mooradian in 1998 to commercialise a novel electrically pumped vertical extended cavity semiconductor laser platform, initially aiming to produce pump lasers for optical fiber telecommunication networks. Following successful major investment in 2000, the company developed a range of single- and multi-mode 980 nm pump lasers emitting from 100-500 mW with excellent beam quality and efficiency. This rapid development required solution of several significant problems in chip and external cavity design, substrate and DBR mirror optimization, thermal engineering and mode selection. Output coupling to single mode fiber was exceptional. Following the collapse of the long haul telecom market in late 2001, a major reorientation of effort was undertaken, initially to develop compact 60-100 mW hybrid monolithically integrated pumplets for metro/local amplified networks, then to frequency-doubled blue light emitters for biotech, reprographics and general scientific applications. During 2001-3 I worked at Novalux on a career break from University College Cork, first as R&D Director managing a small group tasked with producing new capabilities and product options based on the NECSEL platform, including high power, pulsed and frequency doubled versions, then in 2002 as Director of New Product Realization managing the full engineering team, leading the transition to frequency doubled products.

Radiation patterns of multimode feed-horn-coupled bolometers for FAR-IR space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalinauskaite, Eimante; Murphy, J. Anthony; McAuley, Ian; Trappe, Neal A.; McCarthy, Darragh N.; Bracken, Colm P.; Doherty, Stephen; Gradziel, Marcin L.; O'Sullivan, Créidhe; Wilson, Daniel; Peacocke, Tully; Maffei, Bruno; Lamarre, Jean-Michel; Ade, Peter A. R.; Savini, Giorgio

2017-02-01

A multimode horn differs from a single mode horn in that it has a larger sized waveguide feeding it. Multimode horns can therefore be utilized as high efficiency feeds for bolometric detectors, providing increased throughput and sensitivity over single mode feeds, while also ensuring good control of the beam pattern characteristics. Although a cavity mounted bolometer can be modelled as a perfect black body radiator (using reciprocity in order to calculate beam patterns), nevertheless, this is an approximation. In this paper we present how this approach can be improved to actually include the cavity coupled bolometer, now modelled as a thin absorbing film. Generally, this is a big challenge for finite element software, in that the structures are typically electrically large. However, the radiation pattern of multimode horns can be more efficiently simulated using mode matching, typically with smooth-walled waveguide modes as the basis and computing an overall scattering matrix for the horn-waveguide-cavity system. Another issue on the optical efficiency of the detectors is the presence of any free space gaps, through which power can escape. This is best dealt with treating the system as an absorber. Appropriate reflection and transmission matrices can be determined for the cavity using the natural eigenfields of the bolometer cavity system. We discuss how the approach can be applied to proposed terahertz systems, and also present results on how the approach was applied to improve beam pattern predictions on the sky for the multi-mode HFI 857GHz channel on Planck.

In-fiber modal interferometer based on multimode and double cladding fiber segments for tunable fiber laser applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prieto-Cortés, P.; Álvarez-Tamayo, R. I.; Durán-Sánchez, M.; Castillo-Guzmán, A.; Salceda-Delgado, G.; Ibarra-Escamilla, B.; Kuzin, E. A.; Barcelata-Pinzón, A.; Selvas-Aguilar, R.

2018-02-01

We report an in-fiber structure based on the use of a multimode fiber segment and a double cladding fiber segment, and its application as spectral filter in an erbium-doped fiber laser for selection and tuning of the laser line wavelength. The output transmission of the proposed device exhibit spectrum modulation of the input signal with free spectral range of 21 nm and maximum visibility enhanced to more than 20 dB. The output spectrum of the in-fiber filter is wavelength displaced by bending application which allows a wavelength tuning of the generated laser line in a range of 12 nm. The use of the proposed in-fiber structure is demonstrated as a reliable, simple, and low-cost wavelength filter for tunable fiber lasers design and optical instrumentation applications.

Laser beam monitoring system

DOEpatents

Weil, Bradley S.; Wetherington, Jr., Grady R.

1985-01-01

Laser beam monitoring systems include laser-transparent plates set at an angle to the laser beam passing therethrough and light sensor for detecting light reflected from an object on which the laser beam impinges.

Laser beam monitoring system

DOEpatents

Weil, B.S.; Wetherington, G.R. Jr.

Laser beam monitoring systems include laser-transparent plates set at an angle to the laser beam passing therethrough and light sensor for detecting light reflected from an object on which the laser beam impinges.

The reverse laser drilling of transparent materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anthony, T. R.; Lindner, P. A.

1980-01-01

Within a limited range of incident laser-beam intensities, laser drilling of a sapphire wafer initiates on the surface of the wafer where the laser beam exits and proceeds upstream in the laser beam to the surface where the laser beam enters the wafer. This reverse laser drilling is the result of the constructive interference between the laser beam and its reflected component on the exit face of the wafer. Constructive interference occurs only at the exit face of the sapphire wafer because the internally reflected laser beam suffers no phase change there. A model describing reverse laser drilling predicts the ranges of incident laser-beam intensity where no drilling, reverse laser drilling, and forward laser drilling can be expected in various materials. The application of reverse laser drilling in fabricating feed-through conductors in silicon-on-sapphire wafers for a massively parallel processer is described.

Method and apparatus for an increased output for a pumped laser using a moving aperture

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

LaPlante, M.J.; Bender, H.A. III; Carbaugh, W.D. Jr.

1993-08-03

An enhanced pumped laser system is described comprising: (a) at least one laser medium for forming a laser beam, said laser beam having a laser beam axis, (b) at least one means for pumping at least a portion of said at least one laser medium, wherein said pumping causes a population inversion in at least a portion of said at least one laser medium, (c) at least one means for defining an allowable laser beam path, wherein said allowable laser beam path is smaller than the cross-section of said at least one laser medium, (d) at least one means formore » sweeping said allowable laser beam path through said population inverted region of said at least one laser medium, (e) at least one first mirror to reflect at least a portion of said laser beam,« less

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.

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

PubMed

Gasulla, I; Capmany, J

2008-05-26

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

A passively mode locked thulium doped fiber laser using bismuth telluride deposited multimode interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, M.; Lee, J.; Song, W.; Lee, Y. L.; Lee, J. H.; Shin, W.

2016-05-01

We proposed a multimode interference (MMI) fiber based saturable absorber using bismuth telluride at  ∼2 μm region. Our MMI based saturable absorber was fabricated by fusion splicing with single mode fiber and null core fiber. The MMI functioned as both wavelength fixed filter and saturable absorber. The 3 dB bandwidth and insertion loss of MMI were 42 nm and 3.4 dB at wavelength of 1958 nm, respectively. We have also reported a passively mode locked thulium doped fiber laser operating at a wavelength of 1958 nm using a multimode interference. A temporal bandwidth of  ∼46 ps was experimentally obtained at a repetition rate of 8.58 MHz.

Heterodyne interferometer with angstrom-level periodic nonlinearity

DOEpatents

Schmitz, Tony L.; Beckwith, John F.

2005-01-25

Displacement measuring interferometer systems and methods are disclosed. One or more acousto-optic modulators for receiving a laser light beam from a laser light source can be utilized to split the laser light beam into two or more laser light beams, while spatially separating frequencies thereof. One or more reflective mechanisms can be utilized to reflect one or more of the laser light beams back to the acousto-optic modulator. Interference of two or more of the laser light beams generally at the acousto-optic modulator can provide an interfered laser light beam thereof. A detector for receiving the interfered laser light beam can be utilized to provide interferometer measurement data.

A surgical navigation system for non-contact diffuse optical tomography and intraoperative cone-beam CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daly, Michael J.; Muhanna, Nidal; Chan, Harley; Wilson, Brian C.; Irish, Jonathan C.; Jaffray, David A.

2014-02-01

A freehand, non-contact diffuse optical tomography (DOT) system has been developed for multimodal imaging with intraoperative cone-beam CT (CBCT) during minimally-invasive cancer surgery. The DOT system is configured for near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) using a collimated 780 nm laser diode and a nearinfrared CCD camera (PCO Pixelfly USB). Depending on the intended surgical application, the camera is coupled to either a rigid 10 mm diameter endoscope (Karl Storz) or a 25 mm focal length lens (Edmund Optics). A prototype flatpanel CBCT C-Arm (Siemens Healthcare) acquires low-dose 3D images with sub-mm spatial resolution. A 3D mesh is extracted from CBCT for finite-element DOT implementation in NIRFAST (Dartmouth College), with the capability for soft/hard imaging priors (e.g., segmented lymph nodes). A stereoscopic optical camera (NDI Polaris) provides real-time 6D localization of reflective spheres mounted to the laser and camera. Camera calibration combined with tracking data is used to estimate intrinsic (focal length, principal point, non-linear distortion) and extrinsic (translation, rotation) lens parameters. Source/detector boundary data is computed from the tracked laser/camera positions using radiometry models. Target registration errors (TRE) between real and projected boundary points are ~1-2 mm for typical acquisition geometries. Pre-clinical studies using tissue phantoms are presented to characterize 3D imaging performance. This translational research system is under investigation for clinical applications in head-and-neck surgery including oral cavity tumour resection, lymph node mapping, and free-flap perforator assessment.

Adaptive Optics Imaging in Laser Pointer Maculopathy.

PubMed

Sheyman, Alan T; Nesper, Peter L; Fawzi, Amani A; Jampol, Lee M

2016-08-01

The authors report multimodal imaging including adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) (Apaeros retinal image system AOSLO prototype; Boston Micromachines Corporation, Boston, MA) in a case of previously diagnosed unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy (UAIM) that demonstrated features of laser pointer maculopathy. The authors also show the adaptive optics images of a laser pointer maculopathy case previously reported. A 15-year-old girl was referred for the evaluation of a maculopathy suspected to be UAIM. The authors reviewed the patient's history and obtained fluorescein angiography, autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, infrared reflectance, and AOSLO. The time course of disease and clinical examination did not fit with UAIM, but the linear pattern of lesions was suspicious for self-inflicted laser pointer injury. This was confirmed on subsequent questioning of the patient. The presence of linear lesions in the macula that are best highlighted with multimodal imaging techniques should alert the physician to the possibility of laser pointer injury. AOSLO further characterizes photoreceptor damage in this condition. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:782-785.]. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

Coherent superposition of propagation-invariant laser beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soskind, R.; Soskind, M.; Soskind, Y. G.

2012-10-01

The coherent superposition of propagation-invariant laser beams represents an important beam-shaping technique, and results in new beam shapes which retain the unique property of propagation invariance. Propagation-invariant laser beam shapes depend on the order of the propagating beam, and include Hermite-Gaussian and Laguerre-Gaussian beams, as well as the recently introduced Ince-Gaussian beams which additionally depend on the beam ellipticity parameter. While the superposition of Hermite-Gaussian and Laguerre-Gaussian beams has been discussed in the past, the coherent superposition of Ince-Gaussian laser beams has not received significant attention in literature. In this paper, we present the formation of propagation-invariant laser beams based on the coherent superposition of Hermite-Gaussian, Laguerre-Gaussian, and Ince-Gaussian beams of different orders. We also show the resulting field distributions of the superimposed Ince-Gaussian laser beams as a function of the ellipticity parameter. By changing the beam ellipticity parameter, we compare the various shapes of the superimposed propagation-invariant laser beams transitioning from Laguerre-Gaussian beams at one ellipticity extreme to Hermite-Gaussian beams at the other extreme.

High-power beam combining: a step to a future laser weapon system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Protz, Rudolf; Zoz, Jürgen; Geidek, Franz; Dietrich, Stephan; Fall, Michael

2012-11-01

Due to the enormous progress in the field of high-power fiber lasers during the last years commercial industrial fiber lasers are now available, which deliver a near-diffraction limited beam with power levels up to10kW. For the realization of a future laser weapon system, which can be used for Counter-RAM or similar air defence applications, a laser source with a beam power at the level of 100kW or more is required. At MBDA Germany the concept for a high-energy laser weapon system is investigated, which is based on such existing industrial laser sources as mentioned before. A number of individual high-power fiber laser beams are combined together, using one common beam director telescope. By this "geometric" beam coupling scheme, sufficient laser beam power for an operational laser weapon system can be achieved. The individual beams from the different lasers are steered by servo-loops, using fast tip-tilt mirrors. This principle enables the concentration of the total laser beam power at the common focal point on a distant target, also allowing fine tracking of target movements and first order compensation of turbulence effects on laser beam propagation. The proposed beam combination concept was demonstrated using several experimental set-ups. Different experiments were performed, to investigate laser beam target interaction and target fine tracking also at large distances. Content and results of these investigations are reported. An example for the lay-out of an Air Defence High Energy Laser Weapon (ADHELW ) is given. It can be concluded, that geometric high-power beam combining is an important step for the realization of a laser weapon system in the near future.

Time-bin entangled photon pairs from spontaneous parametric down-conversion pumped by a cw multi-mode diode laser.

PubMed

Kwon, Osung; Park, Kwang-Kyoon; Ra, Young-Sik; Kim, Yong-Su; Kim, Yoon-Ho

2013-10-21

Generation of time-bin entangled photon pairs requires the use of the Franson interferometer which consists of two spatially separated unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometers through which the signal and idler photons from spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) are made to transmit individually. There have been two SPDC pumping regimes where the scheme works: the narrowband regime and the double-pulse regime. In the narrowband regime, the SPDC process is pumped by a narrowband cw laser with the coherence length much longer than the path length difference of the Franson interferometer. In the double-pulse regime, the longitudinal separation between the pulse pair is made equal to the path length difference of the Franson interferometer. In this paper, we propose another regime by which the generation of time-bin entanglement is possible and demonstrate the scheme experimentally. In our scheme, differently from the previous approaches, the SPDC process is pumped by a cw multi-mode (i.e., short coherence length) laser and makes use of the coherence revival property of such a laser. The high-visibility two-photon Franson interference demonstrates clearly that high-quality time-bin entanglement source can be developed using inexpensive cw multi-mode diode lasers for various quantum communication applications.

Investigation of Laser Parameters in Silicon Pulsed Laser Conduction Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shayganmanesh, Mahdi; Khoshnoud, Afsaneh

2016-03-01

In this paper, laser welding of silicon in conduction mode is investigated numerically. In this study, the effects of laser beam characteristics on the welding have been studied. In order to model the welding process, heat conduction equation is solved numerically and laser beam energy is considered as a boundary condition. Time depended heat conduction equation is used in our calculations to model pulsed laser welding. Thermo-physical and optical properties of the material are considered to be temperature dependent in our calculations. Effects of spatial and temporal laser beam parameters such as laser beam spot size, laser beam quality, laser beam polarization, laser incident angle, laser pulse energy, laser pulse width, pulse repetition frequency and welding speed on the welding characteristics are assessed. The results show that how the temperature dependent thermo-physical and optical parameters of the material are important in laser welding modeling. Also the results show how the parameters of the laser beam influence the welding characteristics.

Laser systems configured to output a spectrally-consolidated laser beam and related methods

DOEpatents

Koplow, Jeffrey P [San Ramon, CA

2012-01-10

A laser apparatus includes a plurality of pumps each of which is configured to emit a corresponding pump laser beam having a unique peak wavelength. The laser apparatus includes a spectral beam combiner configured to combine the corresponding pump laser beams into a substantially spatially-coherent pump laser beam having a pump spectrum that includes the unique peak wavelengths, and first and second selectively reflective elements spaced from each other to define a lasing cavity including a lasing medium therein. The lasing medium generates a plurality of gain spectra responsive to absorbing the pump laser beam. Each gain spectrum corresponds to a respective one of the unique peak wavelengths of the substantially spatially-coherent pump laser beam and partially overlaps with all other ones of the gain spectra. The reflective elements are configured to promote emission of a laser beam from the lasing medium with a peak wavelength common to each gain spectrum.

Shaping propagation invariant laser beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soskind, Michael; Soskind, Rose; Soskind, Yakov

2015-11-01

Propagation-invariant structured laser beams possess several unique properties and play an important role in various photonics applications. The majority of propagation invariant beams are produced in the form of laser modes emanating from stable laser cavities. Therefore, their spatial structure is limited by the intracavity mode formation. We show that several types of anamorphic optical systems (AOSs) can be effectively employed to shape laser beams into a variety of propagation invariant structured fields with different shapes and phase distributions. We present a propagation matrix approach for designing AOSs and defining mode-matching conditions required for preserving propagation invariance of the output shaped fields. The propagation matrix approach was selected, as it provides a more straightforward approach in designing AOSs for shaping propagation-invariant laser beams than the alternative technique based on the Gouy phase evolution, especially in the case of multielement AOSs. Several practical configurations of optical systems that are suitable for shaping input laser beams into a diverse variety of structured propagation invariant laser beams are also presented. The laser beam shaping approach was applied by modeling propagation characteristics of several input laser beam types, including Hermite-Gaussian, Laguerre-Gaussian, and Ince-Gaussian structured field distributions. The influence of the Ince-Gaussian beam semifocal separation parameter and the azimuthal orientation between the input laser beams and the AOSs onto the resulting shape of the propagation invariant laser beams is presented as well.

Gaussian-Beam Laser-Resonator Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, Patricia L.; Bair, Clayton H.; Barnes, Norman

1989-01-01

Gaussian Beam Laser Resonator Program models laser resonators by use of Gaussian-beam-propagation techniques. Used to determine radii of beams as functions of position in laser resonators. Algorithm used in program has three major components. First, ray-transfer matrix for laser resonator must be calculated. Next, initial parameters of beam calculated. Finally, propagation of beam through optical elements computed. Written in Microsoft FORTRAN (Version 4.01).

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).

High throughput laser processing

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

Harley, Gabriel; Pass, Thomas; Cousins, Peter John

A solar cell is formed using a solar cell ablation system. The ablation system includes a single laser source and several laser scanners. The laser scanners include a master laser scanner, with the rest of the laser scanners being slaved to the master laser scanner. A laser beam from the laser source is split into several laser beams, with the laser beams being scanned onto corresponding wafers using the laser scanners in accordance with one or more patterns. The laser beams may be scanned on the wafers using the same or different power levels of the laser source.

Modematic: a fast laser beam analyzing system for high power CO2-laser beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olsen, Flemming O.; Ulrich, Dan

2003-03-01

The performance of an industrial laser is very much depending upon the characteristics of the laser beam. The ISO standards 11146 and 11154 describing test methods for laser beam parameters have been approved. To implement these methods in industry is difficult and especially for the infrared laser sources, such as the CO2-laser, the availabl analyzing systems are slow, difficult to apply and having limited reliability due to the nature of the detection methods. In an EUREKA-project the goal was defined to develop a laser beam analyzing system dedicated to high power CO2-lasers, which could fulfill the demands for an entire analyzing system, automating the time consuming pre-alignment and beam conditioning work required before a beam mode analyses, automating the analyzing sequences and data analysis required to determine the laser beam caustics and last but not least to deliver reliable close to real time data to the operator. The results of this project work will be described in this paper. The research project has led to the development of the Modematic laser beam analyzer, which is ready for the market.

Controlling Second Harmonic Efficiency of Laser Beam Interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, Norman P. (Inventor); Walsh, Brian M. (Inventor); Reichle, Donald J. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A method is provided for controlling second harmonic efficiency of laser beam interactions. A laser system generates two laser beams (e.g., a laser beam with two polarizations) for incidence on a nonlinear crystal having a preferred direction of propagation. Prior to incidence on the crystal, the beams are optically processed based on the crystal's beam separation characteristics to thereby control a position in the crystal along the preferred direction of propagation at which the beams interact.

Adiabatically tapered splice for selective excitation of the fundamental mode in a multimode fiber.

PubMed

Jung, Yongmin; Jeong, Yoonchan; Brambilla, Gilberto; Richardson, David J

2009-08-01

We propose a simple and effective method to selectively excite the fundamental mode of a multimode fiber by adiabatically tapering a fusion splice to a single-mode fiber. We experimentally demonstrate the method by adiabatically tapering splice (taper waist=15 microm, uniform length=40 mm) between single-mode and multimode fiber and show that it provides a successful mode conversion/connection and allows for almost perfect fundamental mode excitation in the multimode fiber. Excellent beam quality (M(2) approximately 1.08) was achieved with low loss and high environmental stability.

Laser particle sorter

DOEpatents

Martin, J.C.; Buican, T.N.

1987-11-30

Method and apparatus are provided for sorting particles, such as biological particles. A first laser is used to define an optical path having an intensity gradient which is effective to propel the particles along the path but which is sufficiently weak that the particles are not trapped in an axial direction. A probe laser beam is provided for interrogating the particles to identify predetermined phenotypical characteristics of the particles. A second laser beam is provided to intersect the driving first laser beam, wherein the second laser beam is activated by an output signal indicative of a predetermined characteristic. The second laser beam is switchable between a first intensity and a second intensity, where the first intensity is effective to displace selected particles from the driving laser beam and the second intensity is effective to propel selected particles along the deflection laser beam. The selected particles may then be propelled by the deflection beam to a location effective for further analysis. 2 figs.

Laser particle sorter

DOEpatents

Martin, John C.; Buican, Tudor N.

1989-01-01

Method and apparatus for sorting particles, such as biological particles. A first laser defines an optical path having an intensity gradient which is effective to propel the particles along the path but which is sufficiently weak that the particles are not trapped in an axial direction. A probe laser beam interrogates the particles to identify predetermined phenotypical characteristics of the particles. A second laser beam intersects the driving first laser beam, wherein the second laser beam is activated by an output signal indicative of a predetermined characteristic. The second laser beam is switchable between a first intensity and a second intensity, where the first intensity is effective to displace selected particles from the driving laser beam and the second intensity is effective to propel selected particles along the deflection laser beam. The selected particles may then be propelled by the deflection beam to a location effective for further analysis.

[The laser therapy of rheumatoid arthritis].

PubMed

Soroka, N F

1989-01-01

About 300 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) underwent multimodality treatment including laser radiation of varying wavelengths. Use was made of helium-neon, infrared, argon and helium-cadmium lasers. A new method of combined laser therapy by radiation of helium-cadmium and helium-neon lasers is described. A scheme of optimal parameters and types of laser radiation recommended for the treatment of different clinical varieties of RA is provided.

Influence of turbulent atmosphere on laser beams from confocal unstable resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yu-feng; Wang, Juan; Bi, Xiao-qun; Zhang, Ming-gao; Cheng, Zu-hai

2009-07-01

Based on the laser fields from a positive confocal unstable resonator (ab initio), the propagation characteristics of the beam through turbulent atmosphere are investigated by means of fast Fourier transform algorithm (FFT). To conveniently investigate the propagation characteristics of laser beam through the atmosphere, as far as known, in the previous many works, a mathematical expression was generally artificially predefined to represent the given laser beam, such as Gaussian beam, Hermite-cosh-Gaussian beam, flat topped beam, dark-hollow (annular) beam, etc. In this paper, by basing on the initial built in oscillation of a laser resonator, such as a positive confocal unstable resonator (CUR), we studied the intensity distributions of the output laser field to obtain the propagation characteristics of laser beam through the turbulent atmosphere as functions of different propagation distances. The results show that the turbulence will result in the degradation of the peak value of the laser intensity in the far field, the spread of the far field diagram patterns, and the beam quality characteristics greatly degraded.

System for obtaining smooth laser beams where intensity variations are reduced by spectral dispersion of the laser light (SSD)

DOEpatents

Skupsky, S.; Kessler, T.J.; Short, R.W.; Craxton, S.; Letzring, S.A.; Soures, J.

1991-09-10

In an SSD (smoothing by spectral dispersion) system which reduces the time-averaged spatial variations in intensity of the laser light to provide uniform illumination of a laser fusion target, an electro-optic phase modulator through which a laser beam passes produces a broadband output beam by imposing a frequency modulated bandwidth on the laser beam. A grating provides spatial and angular spectral dispersion of the beam. Due to the phase modulation, the frequencies (''colors'') cycle across the beam. The dispersed beam may be amplified and frequency converted (e.g., tripled) in a plurality of beam lines. A distributed phase plate (DPP) in each line is irradiated by the spectrally dispersed beam and the beam is focused on the target where a smooth (uniform intensity) pattern is produced. The color cycling enhances smoothing and the use of a frequency modulated laser pulse prevents the formation of high intensity spikes which could damage the laser medium in the power amplifiers. 8 figures.

System for obtaining smooth laser beams where intensity variations are reduced by spectral dispersion of the laser light (SSD)

DOEpatents

Skupsky, Stanley; Kessler, Terrance J.; Short, Robert W.; Craxton, Stephen; Letzring, Samuel A.; Soures, John

1991-01-01

In an SSD (smoothing by spectral dispersion) system which reduces the time-averaged spatial variations in intensity of the laser light to provide uniform illumination of a laser fusion target, an electro-optic phase modulator through which a laser beam passes produces a broadband output beam by imposing a frequency modulated bandwidth on the laser beam. A grating provides spatial and angular spectral dispersion of the beam. Due to the phase modulation, the frequencies ("colors") cycle across the beam. The dispersed beam may be amplified and frequency converted (e.g., tripled) in a plurality of beam lines. A distributed phase plate (DPP) in each line is irradiated by the spectrally dispersed beam and the beam is focused on the target where a smooth (uniform intensity) pattern is produced. The color cycling enhances smoothing and the use of a frequency modulated laser pulse prevents the formation of high intensity spikes which could damage the laser medium in the power amplifiers.

Numerical study on the selective excitation of Helmholtz-Gauss beams in end-pumped solid-state digital lasers with the control of the laser gain transverse position provided by off-axis end pumping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Ko-Fan; Chu, Shu-Chun

2018-03-01

This study proposes a complete and unified method for selective excitation of any specified nearly nondiffracting Helmholtz-Gauss (HzG) beam in end-pumped solid-state digital lasers. Four types of the HzG beams: cosine-Gauss beams, Bessel-Gauss beams, Mathieu-Gauss beams, and, in particular, parabolic-Gauss beams are successfully demonstrated to be generated with the proposed methods. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, parabolic-Gauss beams have not yet been directly generated from any kind of laser system. The numerical results of this study show that one can successfully achieve any lasing HzG beams directly from the solid-state digital lasers with only added control of the laser gain transverse position provided by off-axis end pumping. This study also presents a practical digital laser set-up for easily manipulating off-axis pumping in order to achieve the control of the laser gain transverse gain position in digital lasers. The reported results in this study provide advancement of digital lasers in dynamically generating nondiffracting beams. The control of the digital laser cavity gain position creates the possibility of achieving real-time selection of more laser modes in digital lasers, and it is worth further investigation in the future.

All-fiber tunable MMI fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antonio-Lopez, J. E.; Castillo-Guzman, A.; May-Arrioja, D. A.; Selvas-Aguilar, R.; LiKamWa, P.

2009-05-01

We report on a novel tuning mechanism to fabricate an all-fiber tunable laser based on multimode interference (MMI) effects. It is well known that the wavelength response of MMI devices exhibits a linear dependence when the length of the multimode fiber (MMF) section. Therefore, tuning in the MMI filter is achieved using a ferrule (capillary tube of 127 μm diameter) filled with a liquid with a higher refractive index than that of the ferrule, which creates a variable liquid MMF. This liquid MMF is used to increase the effective length of the MMI filter and tuning takes place. Using this simple scheme, a tuning range of 30 nm was easily achieved, with very small insertion losses. The filter was tested within a typical Erbium doped fiber (EDF) ring laser cavity, and a tunable EDF laser covering the full C-band was demonstrated. The advantage of our laser is of course the simplicity of the tunable MMI filter, which results in an inexpensive tunable fiber laser.

Formation of propagation invariant laser beams with anamorphic optical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soskind, Y. G.

2015-03-01

Propagation invariant structured laser beams play an important role in several photonics applications. A majority of propagation invariant beams are usually produced in the form of laser modes emanating from stable laser cavities. This work shows that anamorphic optical systems can be effectively employed to transform input propagation invariant laser beams and produce a variety of alternative propagation invariant structured laser beam distributions with different shapes and phase structures. This work also presents several types of anamorphic lens systems suitable for transforming the input laser modes into a variety of structured propagation invariant beams. The transformations are applied to different laser mode types, including Hermite-Gaussian, Laguerre-Gaussian, and Ince-Gaussian field distributions. The influence of the relative azimuthal orientation between the input laser modes and the anamorphic optical systems on the resulting transformed propagation invariant beams is presented as well.

Phasing surface emitting diode laser outputs into a coherent laser beam

DOEpatents

Holzrichter, John F [Berkeley, CA

2006-10-10

A system for generating a powerful laser beam includes a first laser element and at least one additional laser element having a rear laser mirror, an output mirror that is 100% reflective at normal incidence and <5% reflective at an input beam angle, and laser material between the rear laser mirror and the output mirror. The system includes an injector, a reference laser beam source, an amplifier and phase conjugater, and a combiner.

Laser beam pulse formatting method

DOEpatents

Daly, T.P.; Moses, E.I.; Patterson, R.W.; Sawicki, R.H.

1994-08-09

A method for formatting a laser beam pulse using one or more delay loops is disclosed. The delay loops have a partially reflective beam splitter and a plurality of highly reflective mirrors arranged such that the laser beam pulse enters into the delay loop through the beam splitter and circulates therein along a delay loop length defined by the mirrors. As the laser beam pulse circulates within the delay loop a portion thereof is emitted upon each completed circuit when the laser beam pulse strikes the beam splitter. The laser beam pulse is thereby formatted into a plurality of sub-pulses. The delay loops are used in combination to produce complex waveforms by combining the sub-pulses using additive waveform synthesis. 8 figs.

Phase-locking of combination-cylinder discharge CO2 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yonggen

2014-05-01

A new type of laser resonator is presented to obtained good coherent beam and the parameters of the laser beam are calculated. The principle of phase-locking is described based on the injection-locking, the properties of the injected beam in the resonator are studied in detail. The output beam from output mirror is an annular laser beam with zero central intensity. An analytical expression for the annular laser beam through the ABCD optical system is derived. Typical numerical examples are calculated to confirm our analytical results. It is shown that the good coherent beam can be obtained through phase-locking, and the central intensity of annular beam through ABCD optical system will become maximum when the parameters of laser beam are selected reasonably.

Laser beam alignment apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Gruhn, C.R.; Hammond, R.B.

The disclosure related to an apparatus and method for laser beam alignment. Thermoelectric properties of a disc in a laser beam path are used to provide an indication of beam alignment and/or automatic laser alignment.

Laser beam alignment apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Gruhn, Charles R.; Hammond, Robert B.

1981-01-01

The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for laser beam alignment. Thermoelectric properties of a disc in a laser beam path are used to provide an indication of beam alignment and/or automatic laser alignment.

High-energy laser activities at MBDA Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohring, Bernd; Dietrich, Stephan; Tassini, Leonardo; Protz, Rudolf; Geidek, Franz; Zoz, Jürgen

2013-05-01

At MBDA Germany a concept for a high-energy laser weapon system is investigated, which is based on existing industrial laser sources. Due to the enormous progress in the field of high-power fiber lasers, commercial industrial fiber lasers are now available delivering a nearly-diffraction limited beam quality with power levels of up to 10 kW. By using a geometric beam coupling scheme, a number of individual high-power fiber laser beams are combined together using one common beam director telescope. A total laser beam power of more than 100 kW can be achieved, which is sufficient for an operational laser weapon system. The individual beams from the different lasers are steered by servo-loops using fast tip-tilt mirrors. This principle enables the concentration of the total laser beam power at one common focal point on a distant target, also allowing fine tracking of target movements and first-order compensation of turbulence effects on laser beam propagation. The proposed beam combination concept was demonstrated by using different experimental set-ups. A number of experiments were performed successfully to investigate laser beam target interaction and target fine tracking, also at large distances and at moving targets. Content and results of these investigations are reported, which demonstrate the complete engagement sequence for a C-RAM scenario. This includes subsequent steps of target acquisition by radar and IR optics, followed by large angle coarse tracking, active fine tracking and destruction of the target by the laser system. This successful implementation of geometric beam combining is an important step for the realization of a laser weapon system in the near future.

Method and apparatus for monitoring the power of a laser beam

DOEpatents

Paris, R.D.; Hackel, R.P.

1996-02-06

A method for monitoring the power of a laser beam in real time is disclosed. At least one optical fiber is placed through the laser beam, where a portion of light from the laser beam is coupled into the optical fiber. The optical fiber may be maintained in a stationary position or moved periodically over a cross section of the laser beam to couple light from each area traversed. Light reaching both fiber ends is monitored according to frequency and processed to determine the power of the laser beam. 6 figs.

Method and apparatus for monitoring the power of a laser beam

DOEpatents

Paris, Robert D.; Hackel, Richard P.

1996-01-01

A method for monitoring the power of a laser beam in real time is disclosed. At least one optical fiber is placed through the laser beam, where a portion of light from the laser beam is coupled into the optical fiber. The optical fiber may be maintained in a stationary position or moved periodically over a cross section of the laser beam to couple light from each area traversed. Light reaching both fiber ends is monitored according to frequency and processed to determine the power of the laser beam.

High throughput solar cell ablation system

DOEpatents

Harley, Gabriel; Pass, Thomas; Cousins, Peter John; Viatella, John

2014-10-14

A solar cell is formed using a solar cell ablation system. The ablation system includes a single laser source and several laser scanners. The laser scanners include a master laser scanner, with the rest of the laser scanners being slaved to the master laser scanner. A laser beam from the laser source is split into several laser beams, with the laser beams being scanned onto corresponding wafers using the laser scanners in accordance with one or more patterns. The laser beams may be scanned on the wafers using the same or different power levels of the laser source.

High throughput solar cell ablation system

DOEpatents

Harley, Gabriel; Pass, Thomas; Cousins, Peter John; Viatella, John

2012-09-11

A solar cell is formed using a solar cell ablation system. The ablation system includes a single laser source and several laser scanners. The laser scanners include a master laser scanner, with the rest of the laser scanners being slaved to the master laser scanner. A laser beam from the laser source is split into several laser beams, with the laser beams being scanned onto corresponding wafers using the laser scanners in accordance with one or more patterns. The laser beams may be scanned on the wafers using the same or different power levels of the laser source.

All-optical optoacoustic microscopy system based on probe beam deflection technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maswadi, Saher M.; Tsyboulskic, Dmitri; Roth, Caleb C.; Glickman, Randolph D.; Beier, Hope T.; Oraevsky, Alexander A.; Ibey, Bennett L.

2016-03-01

It is difficult to achieve sub-micron resolution in backward mode OA microscopy using conventional piezoelectric detectors, because of wavefront distortions caused by components placed in the optical path, between the sample and the objective lens, that are required to separate the acoustic wave from the optical beam. As an alternate approach, an optoacoustic microscope (OAM) was constructed using the probe beam deflection technique (PBDT) to detect laserinduced acoustic signals. The all-optical OAM detects laser-generated pressure waves using a probe beam passing through a coupling medium, such as water, filling the space between the microscope objective lens and sample. The acoustic waves generated in the sample propagate through the coupling medium, causing transient changes in the refractive index that deflect the probe beam. These deflections are measured with a high-speed, balanced photodiode position detector. The deflection amplitude is directly proportional to the magnitude of the acoustic pressure wave, and provides the data required for image reconstruction. The sensitivity of the PBDT detector expressed as noise equivalent pressure was 12 Pa, comparable to that of existing high-performance ultrasound detectors. Because of the unimpeded working distance, a high numerical aperture objective lens, i.e. NA = 1, was employed in the OAM to achieve near diffraction-limited lateral resolution of 0.5 μm at 532nm. The all-optical OAM provides several benefits over current piezoelectric detector-based systems, such as increased lateral and axial resolution, higher sensitivity, robustness, and potentially more compatibility with multimodal instruments.

The study of the structural stability of the spiral laser beams propagation through inhomogeneous phase medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zinchik, Alexander A.; Muzychenko, Yana B.

2015-06-01

This paper discusses theoretical and experimental results of the investigation of light beams that retain their intensity structure during propagation and focusing. Spiral laser beams are a family of laser beams that preserve the structural stability up to scale and rotation with the propagation. Properties of spiral beams are of practical interest for laser technology, medicine and biotechnology. Researchers use a spiral beams for movement and manipulation of microparticles. Functionality laser manipulators can be significantly enhanced by using spiral beams whose intensity remains invariable. It is well known, that these beams has non-zero orbital angular momentum. Spiral beams have a complicated phase distribution in cross section. In this paper we investigate the structural stability of the laser beams having a spiral phase structure by passing them through an inhomogeneous phase medium. Laser beam is passed through a medium is characterized by a random distribution of phase in the range 0..2π. The modeling was performed using VirtualLab 5.0 (manufacturer LightTrans GmbH). Compared the intensity distribution of the spiral and ordinary laser beam after the passage of the inhomogeneous medium. It is shown that the spiral beams exhibit a significantly better structural stability during the passage phase heterogeneous environments than conventional laser beams. The results obtained in the simulation are tested experimentally. Experimental results show good agreement with the theoretical results.

Optical modelling of far-infrared astronomical instrumentation exploiting multimode horn antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Sullivan, Créidhe; Murphy, J. Anthony; Mc Auley, Ian; Wilson, Daniel; Gradziel, Marcin L.; Trappe, Neil; Cahill, Fiachra; Peacocke, T.; Savini, G.; Ganga, K.

2014-07-01

In this paper we describe the optical modelling of astronomical telescopes that exploit bolometric detectors fed by multimoded horn antennas. In cases where the horn shape is profiled rather than being a simple cone, we determine the beam at the horn aperture using an electromagnetic mode-matching technique. Bolometers, usually placed in an integrating cavity, can excite many hybrid modes in a corrugated horn; we usually assume they excite all modes equally. If the waveguide section feeding the horn is oversized these modes can propagate independently, thereby increasing the throughput of the system. We use an SVD analysis on the matrix that describes the scattering between waveguide (TE/TM) modes to recover the independent orthogonal fields (hybrid modes) and then propagate these to the sky independently where they are added in quadrature. Beam patterns at many frequencies across the band are then added with a weighting appropriate to the source spectrum. Here we describe simulations carried out on the highest-frequency (857-GHz) channel of the Planck HFI instrument. We concentrate in particular on the use of multimode feedhorns and consider the effects of possible manufacturing tolerances on the beam on the sky. We also investigate the feasibility of modelling far-out sidelobes across a wide band for electrically large structures and bolometers fed by multi-mode feedhorns. Our optical simulations are carried out using the industry-standard GRASP software package.

Nonlinear dynamics of magnetically coupled beams for multi-modal vibration energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abed, I.; Kacem, N.; Bouhaddi, N.; Bouazizi, M. L.

2016-04-01

We investigate the nonlinear dynamics of magnetically coupled beams for multi-modal vibration energy harvesting. A multi-physics model for the proposed device is developed taking into account geometric and magnetic nonlinearities. The coupled nonlinear equations of motion are solved using the Galerkin discretization coupled with the harmonic balance method and the asymptotic numerical method. Several numerical simulations have been performed showing that the expected performances of the proposed vibration energy harvester are significantly promising with up to 130 % in term of bandwidth and up to 60 μWcm-3g-2 in term of normalized harvested power.

Method and system for modulation of gain suppression in high average power laser systems

DOEpatents

Bayramian, Andrew James [Manteca, CA

2012-07-31

A high average power laser system with modulated gain suppression includes an input aperture associated with a first laser beam extraction path and an output aperture associated with the first laser beam extraction path. The system also includes a pinhole creation laser having an optical output directed along a pinhole creation path and an absorbing material positioned along both the first laser beam extraction path and the pinhole creation path. The system further includes a mechanism operable to translate the absorbing material in a direction crossing the first laser beam extraction laser path and a controller operable to modulate the second laser beam.

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.

Excimer laser beam delivery systems for medical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubo, Uichi; Hashishin, Yuichi; Okada, Kazuyuki; Tanaka, Hiroyuki

1993-05-01

We have been doing the basic experiments of UV laser beams and biotissue interaction with both KrF and XeCl lasers. However, the conventional optical fiber can not be available for power UV beams. So we have been investigating about UV power beam delivery systems. These experiments carry on with the same elements doped quartz fibers and the hollow tube. The doped elements are OH ion, chlorine and fluorine. In our latest work, we have tried ArF excimer laser and biotissue interactions, and the beam delivery experiments. From our experimental results, we found that the ArF laser beam has high incision ability for hard biotissue. For example, in the case of the cow's bone incision, the incision depth by ArF laser was ca.15 times of KrF laser. Therefore, ArF laser would be expected to harden biotissue therapy as non-thermal method. However, its beam delivery is difficult to work in this time. We will develop ArF laser beam delivery systems.

A numerical simulation of machining glass by dual CO 2-laser beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Junke; Wang, Xinbing

2008-03-01

In the flat panel display (FPD) industry, lasers may be used to cut glass plates. In order to reduce the possibility of fracture in the process of cutting glass by lasers, the thermal stress has to be less than the critical rupture strength. In this paper, a dual-laser-beam method is proposed, where an off-focus CO 2-laser beam was used to preheat the glass sample to reduce the thermal gradients and a focused CO 2-laser beam was used to machine the glass. The distribution of the thermal stress and the temperature was simulated by using finite element analysis software, Ansys. The thermal stress was studied both when the glass sample was machined by a single CO 2-laser beam and by dual CO 2-laser beams. It was concluded that the thermal stress can be reduced by means of the dual-laser-beam method.

Control of the amplifications of large-band amplitude-modulated pulses in an Nd-glass amplifier chain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Videau, Laurent; Bar, Emmanuel; Rouyer, Claude; Gouedard, Claude; Garnier, Josselin C.; Migus, Arnold

1999-07-01

We study nonlinear effects in amplification of partially coherent pulses in a high power laser chain. We compare statistical models with experimental results for temporal and spatial effects. First we show the interplay between self-phase modulation which broadens spectrum bandwidth and gain narrowing which reduces output spectrum. Theoretical results are presented for spectral broadening and energy limitation in case of time-incoherent pulses. In a second part, we introduce spatial incoherence with a multimode optical fiber which provides a smoothed beam. We show with experimental result that spatial filter pinholes are responsible for additive energy losses in the amplification. We develop a statistical model which takes into account the deformation of the focused beam as a function of B integral. We estimate the energy transmission of the spatial filter pinholes and compare this model with experimental data. We find a good agreement between theory and experiments. As a conclusion, we present an analogy between temporal and spatial effects with spectral broadening and spectral filter. Finally, we propose some solutions to control energy limitations in smoothed pulses amplification.

Transurethral illumination probe design for deep photoacoustic imaging of prostate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ai, Min; Salcudean, Tim; Rohling, Robert; Abolmaesumi, Purang; Tang, Shuo

2018-02-01

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging with internal light illumination through optical fiber could enable imaging of internal organs at deep penetration. We have developed a transurethral probe with a multimode fiber inserted in a rigid cystoscope sheath for illuminating the prostate. At the distal end, the fiber tip is processed to diffuse light circumferentially over 2 cm length. A parabolic cylinder mirror then reflects the light to form a rectangular-shaped parallel beam which has at least 1 cm2 at the probe surface. The relatively large rectangular beam size can reduce the laser fluence rate on the urethral wall and thus reduce the potential of tissue damage. A 3 cm optical penetration in chicken tissue is achieved at a fluence rate around 7 mJ/cm2 . For further validation, a prostate phantom was built with similar optical properties of the human prostate. A 1.5 cm penetration depth is achieved in the prostate mimicking phantom at 10 mJ/cm2 fluence rate. PA imaging of prostate can potentially be carried out in the future by combining a transrectal ultrasound transducer and the transurethral illumination.

Investigation of Biophysical Mechanisms in Gold Nanoparticle Mediated Laser Manipulation of Cells Using a Multimodal Holographic and Fluorescence Imaging Setup

PubMed Central

Rakoski, Mirko S.; Heinemann, Dag; Schomaker, Markus; Ripken, Tammo; Meyer, Heiko

2015-01-01

Laser based cell manipulation has proven to be a versatile tool in biomedical applications. In this context, combining weakly focused laser pulses and nanostructures, e.g. gold nanoparticles, promises to be useful for high throughput cell manipulation, such as transfection and photothermal therapy. Interactions between laser pulses and gold nanoparticles are well understood. However, it is still necessary to study cell behavior in gold nanoparticle mediated laser manipulation. While parameters like cell viability or perforation efficiency are commonly addressed, the influence of the manipulation process on other essential cell parameters is not sufficiently investigated yet. Thus, we set out to study four relevant cell properties: cell volume and area, ion exchange and cytoskeleton structure after gold nanoparticle based laser manipulation. For this, we designed a multimodal imaging and manipulation setup. 200 nm gold nanoparticles were attached unspecifically to canine cells and irradiated by weakly focused 850 ps laser pulses. Volume and area change in the first minute post laser manipulation was monitored using digital holography. Calcium imaging and cells expressing a marker for filamentous actin (F-actin) served to analyze the ion exchange and the cytoskeleton, respectively. High radiant exposures led to cells exhibiting a tendency to shrink in volume and area, possibly due to outflow of cytoplasm. An intracellular raise in calcium was observed and accompanied by an intercellular calcium wave. This multimodal approach enabled for the first time a comprehensive analysis of the cell behavior in gold nanoparticle mediated cell manipulation. Additionally, this work can pave the way for a better understanding and the evaluation of new applications in the context of cell transfection or photothermal therapy. PMID:25909631

Experimental Investigation of Multi-mode Fiber Laser Cutting of Cement Mortar.

PubMed

Lee, Dongkyoung; Pyo, Sukhoon

2018-02-10

This study successfully applied multi-mode laser cutting with the variation of the laser cutting speed to cement mortar for the first time. The effects of the amount of silica sand in the cement mortar on laser cutting are tested and analyzed. The kerf width and penetration depth of the specimens after laser cutting are investigated. As the laser cutting speed increases, the penetration depth decreases for both cement paste and cement mortar, whereas the kerf width becomes saturated and increases, respectively, for cement paste and cement mortar. Cross sections of the specimens are compared with illustrations. Top-view images of the cement mortar with indicators of the physical characteristics, such as re-solidification, burning, and cracks are examined, and the possible causes of these characteristics are explained. The optical absorption rates of cement-based materials are quantified at wide ranges of wavelength to compare the absorption rates in accordance with the materials compositions. The chemical composition variation before and after laser cutting is also compared by EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray) analysis. In addition to these observations, material removal mechanisms for cement mortar are proposed.

Experimental Investigation of Multi-mode Fiber Laser Cutting of Cement Mortar

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

This study successfully applied multi-mode laser cutting with the variation of the laser cutting speed to cement mortar for the first time. The effects of the amount of silica sand in the cement mortar on laser cutting are tested and analyzed. The kerf width and penetration depth of the specimens after laser cutting are investigated. As the laser cutting speed increases, the penetration depth decreases for both cement paste and cement mortar, whereas the kerf width becomes saturated and increases, respectively, for cement paste and cement mortar. Cross sections of the specimens are compared with illustrations. Top-view images of the cement mortar with indicators of the physical characteristics, such as re-solidification, burning, and cracks are examined, and the possible causes of these characteristics are explained. The optical absorption rates of cement-based materials are quantified at wide ranges of wavelength to compare the absorption rates in accordance with the materials compositions. The chemical composition variation before and after laser cutting is also compared by EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray) analysis. In addition to these observations, material removal mechanisms for cement mortar are proposed. PMID:29439431

Dynamics and control of a multimode laser: Reduction of space-dependent rate equations to a low-dimensional system.

PubMed

Pyragas, K; Lange, F; Letz, T; Parisi, J; Kittel, A

2001-01-01

We suggest a quantitatively correct procedure for reducing the spatial degrees of freedom of the space-dependent rate equations of a multimode laser that describe the dynamics of the population inversion of the active medium and the mode intensities of the standing waves in the laser cavity. The key idea of that reduction is to take advantage of the small value of the parameter that defines the ratio between the population inversion decay rate and the cavity decay rate. We generalize the reduction procedure for the case of an intracavity frequency doubled laser. Frequency conversion performed by an optically nonlinear crystal placed inside the laser cavity may cause a pronounced instability in the laser performance, leading to chaotic oscillations of the output intensity. Based on the reduced equations, we analyze the dynamical properties of the system as well as the problem of stabilizing the steady state. The numerical analysis is performed considering the specific system of a Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser with an intracavity KTP (potassium titanyl phosphate) crystal.

Coherent Doppler Lidar for Measuring Altitude, Ground Velocity, and Air Velocity of Aircraft and Spaceborne Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amzajerdian, Farzin (Inventor); Pierrottet, Diego F. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A Doppler lidar sensor system includes a laser generator that produces a highly pure single frequency laser beam, and a frequency modulator that modulates the laser beam with a highly linear frequency waveform. A first portion of the frequency modulated laser beam is amplified, and parts thereof are transmitted through at least three separate transmit/receive lenses. A second portion of the laser beam is used as a local oscillator beam for optical heterodyne detection. Radiation from the parts of the laser beam transmitted via the transmit/receive lenses is received by the respective transmit/receive lenses that transmitted the respective part of the laser beam. The received reflected radiation is compared with the local oscillator beam to calculate the frequency difference there between to determine various navigational data.

Method and system to measure temperature of gases using coherent anti-stokes doppler spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Rhodes, Mark

2013-12-17

A method of measuring a temperature of a noble gas in a chamber includes providing the noble gas in the chamber. The noble gas is characterized by a pressure and a temperature. The method also includes directing a first laser beam into the chamber and directing a second laser beam into the chamber. The first laser beam is characterized by a first frequency and the second laser beam is characterized by a second frequency. The method further includes converting at least a portion of the first laser beam and the second laser beam into a coherent anti-Stokes beam, measuring a Doppler broadening of the coherent anti-Stokes beam, and computing the temperature using the Doppler broadening.

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.

Photon generator

DOEpatents

Srinivasan-Rao, Triveni

2002-01-01

A photon generator includes an electron gun for emitting an electron beam, a laser for emitting a laser beam, and an interaction ring wherein the laser beam repetitively collides with the electron beam for emitting a high energy photon beam therefrom in the exemplary form of x-rays. The interaction ring is a closed loop, sized and configured for circulating the electron beam with a period substantially equal to the period of the laser beam pulses for effecting repetitive collisions.

Investigation of the bandwidth of multimode optical fibers used with 1550-nm LED and laser sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, Preston A., III

1992-01-01

Multimode optical fibers are not intended to be used with 1550-nm sources; however, it is desirable to utilize 1300/1550-nm wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) on some multimode fibers at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). No information from fiber vendors nor from the literature is available to support this use. Preliminary studies at KSC have suggested that these fibers might be usable at 1550-nm if the fibers possessed enough bandwidth when sourced by LEDs. Detailed bandwidth studies were made on 12 multimode fibers using 1300- and 1550-nm lasers and LEDs. The results showed that the modal bandwidth at 1550-nm was about 50 percent of the 1300-nm value and that the chromatic dispersion could be predicted by extrapolating the vendor's specifications for wavelengths outside the 1550-nm region. Utilizing these data, predictions of the fiber's optical bandwidth were accurately made. Problems with launch conditions and possible differential attenuation at connectors was noted at 1300-nm but was less significant at 1550-nm. It appears that the multimode fibers studied will offer adequate performance in the 1550-nm region for a number of current KSC needs. Studies of additional fibers are encouraged to gain more confidence and better understanding of the 1550-nm bandwidth of KSC's multimode optical fibers before committing to 1300/1550-nm WDM.

Energy exchange between a laser beam and charged particles using inverse transition radiation and method for its use

DOEpatents

Kimura, Wayne D.; Romea, Richard D.; Steinhauer, Loren C.

1998-01-01

A method and apparatus for exchanging energy between relativistic charged particles and laser radiation using inverse diffraction radiation or inverse transition radiation. The beam of laser light is directed onto a particle beam by means of two optical elements which have apertures or foils through which the particle beam passes. The two apertures or foils are spaced by a predetermined distance of separation and the angle of interaction between the laser beam and the particle beam is set at a specific angle. The separation and angle are a function of the wavelength of the laser light and the relativistic energy of the particle beam. In a diffraction embodiment, the interaction between the laser and particle beams is determined by the diffraction effect due to the apertures in the optical elements. In a transition embodiment, the interaction between the laser and particle beams is determined by the transition effect due to pieces of foil placed in the particle beam path.

Multispectral scanning laser ophthalmoscopy combined with optical coherence tomography for simultaneous in vivo mouse retinal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Pengfei; Zam, Azhar; Jian, Yifan; Wang, Xinlei; Burns, Marie E.; Sarunic, Marinko V.; Pugh, Edward N.; Zawadzki, Robert J.

2015-03-01

A compact, non-invasive multi-modal system has been developed for in vivo mouse retina imaging. It is configured for simultaneously detecting green and red fluorescent protein signals with scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) back-scattered light from the SLO illumination beam, and depth information about different retinal layers by means of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Simultaneous assessment of retinal characteristics with different modalities can provide a wealth of information about the structural and functional changes in the retinal neural tissue and chorio-retinal vasculature in vivo. Additionally, simultaneous acquisition of multiple channels facilitates analysis of the data of different modalities by automatic temporal and structural co-registration. As an example of the instrument's performance we imaged the retina of a mouse with constitutive expression of GFP in microglia cells (Cx3cr1GFP/+), and which also expressed the red fluorescent protein mCherry in Müller glial cells by means of adeno-associated virus delivery (AAV2) of an mCherry cDNA driven by the GFAP (glial fibrillary acid protein) promoter.

Latest development of high-power fiber lasers in SPI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norman, Stephen; Zervas, Mikhail N.; Appleyard, Andrew; Durkin, Michael K.; Horley, Ray; Varnham, Malcolm P.; Nilsson, Johan; Jeong, Yoonchan

2004-06-01

High Power Fiber Lasers (HPFLs) and High Power Fiber Amplifiers (HPFAs) promise a number of benefits in terms of their high optical efficiency, degree of integration, beam quality, reliability, spatial compactness and thermal management. These benefits are driving the rapid adoption of HPFLs in an increasingly wide range of applications and power levels ranging from a few Watts, in for example analytical applications, to high-power >1kW materials processing (machining and welding) applications. This paper describes SPI"s innovative technologies, HPFL products and their performance capabilities. The paper highlights key aspects of the design basis and provides an overview of the applications space in both the industrial and aerospace domains. Single-fiber CW lasers delivering 1kW output power at 1080nm have been demonstrated and are being commercialized for aerospace and industrial applications with wall-plug efficiencies in the range 20 to 25%, and with beam parameter products in the range 0.5 to 100 mm.mrad (corresponding to M2 = 1.5 to 300) tailored to application requirements. At power levels in the 1 - 200 W range, SPI"s proprietary cladding-pumping technology, GTWaveTM, has been employed to produce completely fiber-integrated systems using single-emitter broad-stripe multimode pump diodes. This modular construction enables an agile and flexible approach to the configuration of a range of fiber laser / amplifier systems for operation in the 1080nm and 1550nm wavelength ranges. Reliability modeling is applied to determine Systems martins such that performance specifications are robustly met throughout the designed product lifetime. An extensive Qualification and Reliability-proving programme is underway to qualify the technology building blocks that are utilized for the fiber laser cavity, pump modules, pump-driver systems and thermo-mechanical management. In addition to the CW products, pulsed fiber lasers with pulse energies exceeding 1mJ with peak pulse powers of up to 50kW have been developed and are being commercialized. In all cases reducing the total "cost of ownership" for customers and end users is our primary objective.

Higher-order paraxial theory of the propagation of ring rippled laser beam in plasma: Relativistic ponderomotive regime

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

Purohit, Gunjan, E-mail: gunjan75@gmail.com; Rawat, Priyanka; Chauhan, Prashant

This article presents higher-order paraxial theory (non-paraxial theory) for the ring ripple formation on an intense Gaussian laser beam and its propagation in plasma, taking into account the relativistic-ponderomotive nonlinearity. The intensity dependent dielectric constant of the plasma has been determined for the main laser beam and ring ripple superimposed on the main laser beam. The dielectric constant of the plasma is modified due to the contribution of the electric field vector of ring ripple. Nonlinear differential equations have been formulated to examine the growth of ring ripple in plasma, self focusing of main laser beam, and ring rippled lasermore » beam in plasma using higher-order paraxial theory. These equations have been solved numerically for different laser intensities and plasma frequencies. The well established experimental laser and plasma parameters are used in numerical calculation. It is observed that the focusing of the laser beams (main and ring rippled) becomes fast in the nonparaxial region by expanding the eikonal and other relevant quantities up to the fourth power of r. The splitted profile of laser beam in the plasma is observed due to uneven focusing/defocusing of the axial and off-axial rays. The growths of ring ripple increase when the laser beam intensity increases. Furthermore, the intensity profile of ring rippled laser beam gets modified due to the contribution of growth rate.« less

Multimodal nonlinear microscope based on a compact fiber-format laser source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crisafi, Francesco; Kumar, Vikas; Perri, Antonio; Marangoni, Marco; Cerullo, Giulio; Polli, Dario

2018-01-01

We present a multimodal non-linear optical (NLO) laser-scanning microscope, based on a compact fiber-format excitation laser and integrating coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and two-photon-excitation fluorescence (TPEF) on a single platform. We demonstrate its capabilities in simultaneously acquiring CARS and SRS images of a blend of 6-μm poly(methyl methacrylate) beads and 3-μm polystyrene beads. We then apply it to visualize cell walls and chloroplast of an unprocessed fresh leaf of Elodea aquatic plant via SRS and TPEF modalities, respectively. The presented NLO microscope, developed in house using off-the-shelf components, offers full accessibility to the optical path and ensures its easy re-configurability and flexibility.

A laser beam quality definition based on induced temperature rise.

PubMed

Miller, Harold C

2012-12-17

Laser beam quality metrics like M(2) can be used to describe the spot sizes and propagation behavior of a wide variety of non-ideal laser beams. However, for beams that have been diffracted by limiting apertures in the near-field, or those with unusual near-field profiles, the conventional metrics can lead to an inconsistent or incomplete description of far-field performance. This paper motivates an alternative laser beam quality definition that can be used with any beam. The approach uses a consideration of the intrinsic ability of a laser beam profile to heat a material. Comparisons are made with conventional beam quality metrics. An analysis on an asymmetric Gaussian beam is used to establish a connection with the invariant beam propagation ratio.

Remote steering of laser beams by radar- and laser-induced refractive-index gradients in the atmosphere Remote steering of laser beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheltikov, A. M.; Shneider, M. N.; Voronin, A. A.; Sokolov, A. V.; Scully, M. O.

2012-01-01

Refractive-index gradients induced in the atmospheric air by properly tailored laser and microwave fields are shown to enable a remote steering of laser beams. Heating-assisted modulation of the refractive index of the air by microwave radiation is shown to support small-angle laser-beam bending with bending angles on the order of 10-2. Ionization of the atmospheric air by dyads of femto- and nanosecond laser pulses, on the other hand, can provide beam deflection angles in excess of π/5, offering an attractive strategy for radiation transfer, free-space communications, and laser-based standoff detection.

High-energy and high-peak-power nanosecond pulse generation with beam quality control in 200-µm core highly multimode Yb-doped fiberamplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Ming-Yuan; Chang, Yu-Chung; Galvanauskas, Almantas; Mamidipudi, Pri; Changkakoti, Rupak; Gatchell, Peter

2005-02-01

We explored high-energy and high-peak-power pulse generation in large-core multimode fiber amplifiers, achieving what is to our knowledge the highest reported energies, up to 82 mJ for 500-ns pulses, 27 mJ for 50-ns pulses, and 2.4-MW peak power for 4-ns pulses at 1064 nm, using 200-µm-diameter and 0.062-N.A. core Yb-doped double-clad fiber amplifiers. The highly multimode nature of the fiber core was mitigated by use of a coiling-induced mode-filtering effect to yield a significant improvement in output-beam quality from M^2 = 25 from an uncoiled fiber to M^2 = 6.5 from a properly coiled fiber, with the corresponding reduction in number of propagating transverse modes from >or=200 to <or=20.

Infrared laser system

DOEpatents

Cantrell, Cyrus D.; Carbone, Robert J.; Cooper, Ralph S.

1977-01-01

An infrared laser system and method for isotope separation may comprise a molecular gas laser oscillator to produce a laser beam at a first wavelength, Raman spin flip means for shifting the laser to a second wavelength, a molecular gas laser amplifier to amplify said second wavelength laser beam to high power, and optical means for directing the second wavelength, high power laser beam against a desired isotope for selective excitation thereof in a mixture with other isotopes. The optical means may include a medium which shifts the second wavelength high power laser beam to a third wavelength, high power laser beam at a wavelength coincidental with a corresponding vibrational state of said isotope and which is different from vibrational states of other isotopes in the gas mixture.

Infrared laser system

DOEpatents

Cantrell, Cyrus D.; Carbone, Robert J.; Cooper, Ralph

1982-01-01

An infrared laser system and method for isotope separation may comprise a molecular gas laser oscillator to produce a laser beam at a first wavelength, Raman spin flip means for shifting the laser to a second wavelength, a molecular gas laser amplifier to amplify said second wavelength laser beam to high power, and optical means for directing the second wavelength, high power laser beam against a desired isotope for selective excitation thereof in a mixture with other isotopes. The optical means may include a medium which shifts the second wavelength high power laser beam to a third wavelength, high power laser beam at a wavelength coincidental with a corresponding vibrational state of said isotope and which is different from vibrational states of other isotopes in the gas mixture.

Influence of mode-beating pulse on laser-induced plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishihara, M.; Freund, J. B.; Glumac, N. G.; Elliott, G. S.

2018-04-01

This paper addresses the influence of mode-beating pulse on laser-induced plasma. The second harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser, operated either with the single mode or multimode, was used for non-resonant optical breakdown, and subsequent plasma development was visualized using a streak imaging system. The single mode lasing leads to a stable breakdown location and smooth envelopment of the plasma boundary, while the multimode lasing, with the dominant mode-beating frequency of 500-800 MHz, leads to fluctuations in the breakdown location, a globally modulated plasma surface, and growth of local microstructures at the plasma boundary. The distribution of the local inhomogeneity was measured from the elastic scattering signals on the streak image. The distance between the local structures agreed with the expected wavelength of hydrodynamic instability development due to the interference between the surface excited wave and transmitted wave. A numerical simulation, however, indicates that the local microstructure could also be directly generated at the peaks of the higher harmonic components if the multimode pulse contains up to the eighth harmonic of the fundamental cavity mode.

Laser beam pulse formatting method

DOEpatents

Daly, Thomas P.; Moses, Edward I.; Patterson, Ralph W.; Sawicki, Richard H.

1994-01-01

A method for formatting a laser beam pulse (20) using one or more delay loops (10). The delay loops (10) have a partially reflective beam splitter (12) and a plurality of highly reflective mirrors (14) arranged such that the laser beam pulse (20) enters into the delay loop (10) through the beam splitter (12) and circulates therein along a delay loop length (24) defined by the mirrors (14). As the laser beam pulse (20) circulates within the delay loop (10) a portion thereof is emitted upon each completed circuit when the laser beam pulse (20) strikes the beam splitter (12). The laser beam pulse (20) is thereby formatted into a plurality of sub-pulses (50, 52, 54 and 56). The delay loops (10) are used in combination to produce complex waveforms by combining the sub-pulses (50, 52, 54 and 56) using additive waveform synthesis.

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

DOEpatents

Haas, R.A.; Henesian, M.A.

1984-10-19

The present invention relates to switching laser beams out of laser cavities, and more particularly, it relates to the use of generating harmonics of the laser beam to accomplish the switching. When laser light is generatd in a laser cavity the problem arises of how to switch the laser light out of the cavity in order to make use of the resulting laser beam in a well known multitude of ways. These uses include range finding, communication, remote sensing, medical surgery, laser fusion applications and many more. The switch-out problem becomes more difficult as the size of the laser aperture grows such as in laser fusion applications. The final amplifier stages of the Nova and Novette lasers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are 46 centimeters with the laser beam expanded to 74 centimeters thereafter. Larger aperture lasers are planned.

Single element laser beam shaper

DOEpatents

Zhang, Shukui [Yorktown, VA; Shinn, Michelle D [Newport News, VA

2005-09-13

A single lens laser beam shaper for converting laser beams from any spatial profile to a flat-top or uniform spatial profile. The laser beam shaper includes a lens having two aspheric surfaces. The beam shaper significantly simplifies the overall structure in comparison with conventional 2-element systems and therefore provides great ease in alignment and reduction of cost.

Method and apparatus for reading thermoluminescent phosphors

DOEpatents

Braunlich, Peter F.; Tetzlaff, Wolfgang

1987-01-01

An apparatus and method for rapidly reading thermoluminescent phosphors to determine the amount of luminescent energy stored therein. The stored luminescent energy is interpreted as a measure of the total exposure of the thermoluminescent phosphor to ionizing radiation. The thermoluminescent phosphor reading apparatus uses a laser to generate a laser beam. The laser beam power level is monitored by a laser power detector and controlled to maintain the power level nearly constant. A shutter or other laser beam interrupting means is used to control exposure of the thermoluminescent phosphor to the laser beam. The laser beam can be equalized using an optical equalizer so that the laser beam has an approximately uniform power density across the beam. The heated thermoluminescent phosphor emits a visible or otherwise detectable luminescent emission which is measured as an indication of the radiation exposure of the thermoluminescent phosphors. Also disclosed are preferred signal processing and control circuits.

A large capacity time division multiplexed (TDM) laser beam combining technique enabled by nanosecond speed KTN deflector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Stuart (Shizhuo); Chao, Ju-Hung; Zhu, Wenbin; Chen, Chang-Jiang; Campbell, Adrian; Henry, Michael; Dubinskiy, Mark; Hoffman, Robert C.

2017-08-01

In this paper, we present a novel large capacity (a 1000+ channel) time division multiplexing (TDM) laser beam combining technique by harnessing a state-of-the-art nanosecond speed potassium tantalate niobate (KTN) electro-optic (EO) beam deflector as the time division multiplexer. The major advantages of TDM approach are: (1) large multiplexing capability (over 1000 channels), (2) high spatial beam quality (the combined beam has the same spatial profile as the individual beam), (3) high spectral beam quality (the combined beam has the same spectral width as the individual beam, and (4) insensitive to the phase fluctuation of individual laser because of the nature of the incoherent beam combining. The quantitative analyses show that it is possible to achieve over one hundred kW average power, single aperture, single transverse mode solid state and/or fiber laser by pursuing this innovative beam combining method, which represents a major technical advance in the field of high energy lasers. Such kind of 100+ kW average power diffraction limited beam quality lasers can play an important role in a variety of applications such as laser directed energy weapons (DEW) and large-capacity high-speed laser manufacturing, including cutting, welding, and printing.

Recirculation of Laser Power in an Atomic Fountain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Enzer, Daphna G.; Klipstein, WIlliam M.; Moore, James D.

2007-01-01

A new technique for laser-cooling atoms in a cesium atomic fountain frequency standard relies on recirculation of laser light through the atom-collection region of the fountain. The recirculation, accomplished by means of reflections from multiple fixed beam-splitter cubes, is such that each of two laser beams makes three passes. As described below, this recirculation scheme offers several advantages over prior designs, including simplification of the laser system, greater optical power throughput, fewer optical and electrical connections, and simplification of beam power balancing. A typical laser-cooled cesium fountain requires the use of six laser beams arranged as three orthogonal pairs of counter-propagating beams to decelerate the atoms and hold them in a three-dimensional optical trap in vacuum. Typically, these trapping/cooling beams are linearly polarized and are positioned and oriented so that (1) counter-propagating beams in each pair have opposite linear polarizations and (2) three of the six orthogonal beams have the sum of their propagation directions pointing up, while the other three have the sum of their propagation directions pointing down. In a typical prior design, two lasers are used - one to generate the three "up" beams, the other to generate the three "down" beams. For this purpose, the output of each laser is split three ways, then the resulting six beams are delivered to the vacuum system, independently of each other, via optical fibers. The present recirculating design also requires two lasers, but the beams are not split before delivery. Instead, only one "up" beam and one oppositely polarized "down" beam are delivered to the vacuum system, and each of these beams is sent through the collection region three times. The polarization of each beam on each pass through the collection region is set up to yield the same combination of polarization and propagation directions as described above. In comparison with the prior design, the present recirculating design utilizes the available laser light more efficiently, making it possible to trap more atoms at a given laser power or the same number of atoms at a lower laser power. The present design is also simpler in that it requires fewer optical fibers, fiber couplings, and collimators, and fewer photodiodes for monitoring beam powers. Additionally, the present design alleviates the difficulty of maintaining constant ratios among power levels of the beams within each "up" or "down" triplet.

Intense laser beams; Proceedings of the Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 23, 24, 1992

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wade, Richard C. (Editor); Ulrich, Peter B. (Editor)

1992-01-01

Various papers on intense laser beams are presented. Individual topics addressed include: novel methods of copper vapor laser excitation, UCLA IR FEL, lasing characteristics of a large-bore copper vapor laser (CVL), copper density measurement of a large-bore CVL, high-power XeCl excimer laser, solid state direct-drive circuit for pumping gas lasers, united energy model for FELs, intensity and frequency instabilities in double-mode CO2 lasers, comparison of output power stabilities of CO and CO2 lasers, increasing efficiency of sealed-off CO lasers, thermal effects in singlet delta oxygen generation, optical extraction from the chemical oxygen-iodine laser medium, generation and laser diagnostic analysis of bismuth fluoride. Also discussed are: high-Q resonator design for an HF overtone chemical lasers, improved coatings for HF overtone lasers, scaled atmospheric blooming experiment, simulation on producing conjugate field using deformable mirrors, paraxial theory of amplitude correction, potential capabilities of adaptive optical systems in the atmosphere, power beaming research at NASA, system evaluations of laser power beaming options, performance projections for laser beam power to space, independent assessment of laser power beaming options, removal of atmospheric CFCs by lasers, efficiency of vaporization cutting by CVL.

Edge technique for measurement of laser frequency shifts including the Doppler shift

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korb, Larry (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A method is disclosed for determining the frequency shift in a laser system by transmitting an outgoing laser beam. An incoming laser beam having a frequency shift is received. A first signal is acquired by transmitting a portion of the incoming laser beam to an energy monitor detector. A second signal is acquired by transmitting a portion of the incoming laser beam through an edge filter to an edge detector, which derives a first normalized signal which is proportional to the transmission of the edge filter at the frequency of the incoming laser beam. A second normalized signal is acquired which is proportional to the transmission of the edge filter at the frequency of the outgoing laser beam. The frequency shift is determined by processing the first and second normalized signals.

Evaluation of the role of CD207 on Langerhans cells in a murine model of atopic dermatitis by in situ imaging using Cr:forsterite laser-based multimodality nonlinear microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jyh-Hong; Tsai, Ming-Rung; Sun, Chi-Kuang; Chiang, Bor-Luen

2012-11-01

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic inflammatory disease of skin. It remains unclear that CD207 of Langerhans cells (LCs) plays a central role in the development of allergic sensitization. There is little data on LCs within the microenviroment in vivo. We used a murine model of epicutaneous (EC) ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization inducing an inflammatory skin resembling AD to explore the role of CD207 in the pathogenesis of AD. Cr:forsterite laser-based multimodality nonlinear microscopy was applied for in situ imaging. Peritoneal injections of Alexa Fluor 647-rat anti-mouse CD207 into mice were performed to specifically trace the LCs. Peritoneal injections of OVA-Alexa Fluor 647 conjugate into mice were performed to specifically trace the OVA. We found that combining Alexa Fluor fluorescent probes with multimodality nonlinear microscopy permitted the unequivocal in situ imaging of CD207-expressing LCs. The relevant time-course, expressional, and functional studies reveal that CD207 of LCs plays an essential role during the induction of EC sensitization. We establish and validate that Cr:forsterite laser-based multimodality nonlinear microscopy is applicable for the specific detection of labeled mAb-bound LCs and labeled antigen. We suggest that CD207-expressing LCs initiate the allergic response through the CD207 mediated epicutaneous sensitization associated with the development of AD.

Generation of a cylindrically symmetric, polarized laser beam with narrow linewidth and fine tunability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirayama, Toru; Kozawa, Yuichi; Nakamura, Takahiro; Sato, Shunichi

2006-12-01

We demonstrated a generation of cylindrically symmetric, polarized laser beams with narrow linewidth and fine tunability. Since an LP11 mode beam in an optical fiber is a superposition of an HE21 (hybrid) mode beam and a TE01 or TM01 mode beam, firstly, a higher order transverse (TEM01 or TEM10) mode laser beam with narrow linewidth and fine tunability was generated from an external cavity diode laser (ECDL) in conjunction with a phase adjustment plate. Then the beam generated was passed in a two mode optical fiber. A doughnut shaped laser beam with the cylindrically symmetric polarization (a radially or azimuthally polarized beam) was obtained by properly adding stress-induced birefringence in the optical fiber.

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.

Coherence properties of spontaneous parametric down-conversion pumped by a multi-mode cw diode laser.

PubMed

Kwon, Osung; Ra, Young-Sik; Kim, Yoon-Ho

2009-07-20

Coherence properties of the photon pair generated via spontaneous parametric down-conversion pumped by a multi-mode cw diode laser are studied with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Each photon of the pair enters a different input port of the interferometer and the biphoton coherence properties are studied with a two-photon detector placed at one output port. When the photon pair simultaneously enters the interferometer, periodic recurrence of the biphoton de Broglie wave packet is observed, closely resembling the coherence properties of the pump diode laser. With non-zero delays between the photons at the input ports, biphoton interference exhibits the same periodic recurrence but the wave packet shapes are shown to be dependent on both the input delay as well as the interferometer delay. These properties could be useful for building engineered entangled photon sources based on diode laser-pumped spontaneous parametric down-conversion.

Spectral characteristics of multimode semiconductor lasers with a high-order surface diffraction grating

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

Zolotarev, V V; Leshko, A Yu; Pikhtin, N A

2014-10-31

We have studied the spectral characteristics of multimode semiconductor lasers with high-order surface diffraction gratings based on asymmetric separate-confinement heterostructures grown by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy (λ = 1070 nm). Experimental data demonstrate that, in the temperature range ±50 °C, the laser emission spectrum is ∼5 Å in width and contains a fine structure of longitudinal and transverse modes. A high-order (m = 15) surface diffraction grating is shown to ensure a temperature stability of the lasing spectrum dλ/dT = 0.9 Å K{sup -1} in this temperature range. From analysis of the fine structure of the lasing spectrum, we havemore » evaluated the mode spacing and, thus, experimentally determined the effective length of the Bragg diffraction grating, which was ∼400 μm in our samples. (lasers)« less

Tunable Q-switched erbium doped fiber laser based on metal transition oxide saturable absorber and refractive index characteristic of multimode interference effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, D. Z.; Khaleel, Wurood Abdulkhaleq; Al-Janabi, A. H.

2017-12-01

Ferro-oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were used as a saturable absorber (SA) for a passively Q-switched erbium doped fiber laser (EDFL) with ring cavity. The Q-switching operation was achieved at a pump threshold of 80 mW. The proposed fiber laser produces stable pulses train of repetition rate ranging from 25 kHz to 80 kHz as the pump power increases from threshold to 342 mW. The minimum recorded pulse width was 2.7 μs at 342 mW. The C-band tunability operation was performed using single mode-multimode-single mode fiber (SM-MM-SM) structure. The laser exhibited a total tuning range of 7 nm, maximum sensitivity of 106.9 nm, optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) of 38 dB and 3-dB linewidth of 0.06 nm.

Counting statistics of many-particle quantum walks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayer, Klaus; Tichy, Malte C.; Mintert, Florian; Konrad, Thomas; Buchleitner, Andreas

2011-06-01

We study quantum walks of many noninteracting particles on a beam splitter array as a paradigmatic testing ground for the competition of single- and many-particle interference in a multimode system. We derive a general expression for multimode particle-number correlation functions, valid for bosons and fermions, and infer pronounced signatures of many-particle interferences in the counting statistics.

Straightness measurement using laser beam straight datum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchikoshi, Junichi; Shimada, Shoichi; Ikawa, Naoya; Komura, Akio

1995-08-01

Using the direction stabilized laser beam as a physical straight datum, instead of the tangible reference surface, a method is proposed for the measurement of an error motion of a slide table and/or surface profile of mechanical components. A specially designed 2D position sensor/compensator for laser beam center is developed combining a quadrant photo-diode (QPD) position sensor for beam center and the piezo-compensator which compensates the beam shift from the center of QPD. By the use the sensor/compensator proposed, the positional and angular fluctuations of laser beam path is evaluated with nanometric resolution. Combining the sensor with the piezo-driven mirror compensator, the directional stabilizer for the laser beam is also designed in the same manner as the sensor/compensator. The stabilized He-Ne laser beam can be used as the metrological datum of straightness within the accuracy of 2 X 10 -8 rad. By mounting the position sensor/compensator on a slide table, the carriage with working distance of 1 m is so designed and built as to move straight along the stabilized laser beam. The carriage can be used as a mechanical straight datum with the accuracy equivalent to the laser beam stability.

Theory and simulation of multi-channel interference (MCI) widely tunable lasers.

PubMed

Chen, Quanan; Lu, Qiaoyin; Guo, Weihua

2015-07-13

A novel design of an InP-based monolithic widely tunable laser, multi-channel interference (MCI) laser, is proposed and presented for the first time. The device is comprised of a gain section, a common phase section and a multi-channel interference section. The multi-channel interference section contains a 1x8 splitter based on cascaded 1 × 2 multi-mode interferometers (MMIs) and eight arms with unequal length difference. The rear part of each arm is integrated with a one-port multi-mode interference reflector (MIR). Mode selection of the MCI laser is realized by the constructive interference of the lights reflected back by the eight arms. Through optimizing the arm length difference, a tuning range of more than 40 nm covering the whole C band, a threshold current around 11.5 mA and an side-mode-suppression-ratio (SMSR) up to 48 dB have been predicted for this widely tunable laser. Detailed design principle and numerical simulation results are presented.

New optical frequency domain differential mode delay measurement method for a multimode optical fiber.

PubMed

Ahn, T; Moon, S; Youk, Y; Jung, Y; Oh, K; Kim, D

2005-05-30

A novel mode analysis method and differential mode delay (DMD) measurement technique for a multimode optical fiber based on optical frequency domain reflectometry has been proposed for the first time. We have used a conventional OFDR with a tunable external cavity laser and a Michelson interferometer. A few-mode optical multimode fiber was prepared to test our proposed measurement technique. We have also compared the OFDR measurement results with those obtained using a traditional time-domain measurement method.

Single and low order mode interrogation of a multimode sapphire fiber Bragg grating sensor with tapered fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grobnic, Dan; Mihailov, Stephen J.; Ding, H.; Bilodeau, F.; Smelser, Christopher W.

2005-05-01

Multimode sapphire fiber Bragg gratings (SFBG) made with an IR femtosecond laser and a phase mask were probed using tapered single mode fibers of different taper diameters producing single and low order mode reflection/transmission responses. A configuration made of an input single mode tapered fiber and multimode silica fiber used for output coupling was also tested and has delivered a filtered multimode transmission spectrum. The tapered coupling improved the spectral resolution of the SFBG as compared to its multimode responses previously reported. Such improvements facilitate the utilization of the SFBG as a high temperature sensor. Wavelength shifts of the single mode response were monitored as a function of temperature up to 1500 °C and were consistent with the measurement obtained from the multimode response published previously.

Integrated scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography for quantitative multimodal imaging of retinal degeneration and autofluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Issaei, Ali; Szczygiel, Lukasz; Hossein-Javaheri, Nima; Young, Mei; Molday, L. L.; Molday, R. S.; Sarunic, M. V.

2011-03-01

Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and Coherence Tomography (OCT) are complimentary retinal imaging modalities. Integration of SLO and OCT allows for both fluorescent detection and depth- resolved structural imaging of the retinal cell layers to be performed in-vivo. System customization is required to image rodents used in medical research by vision scientists. We are investigating multimodal SLO/OCT imaging of a rodent model of Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy which is characterized by retinal degeneration and accumulation of toxic autofluorescent lipofuscin deposits. Our new findings demonstrate the ability to track fundus autofluorescence and retinal degeneration concurrently.

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

Wang, Yin; Wang, Wen; Wysocki, Gerard, E-mail: gwysocki@princeton.edu

In this Letter, we present a method of performing broadband mid-infrared spectroscopy with conventional, free-running, continuous wave Fabry-Perot quantum cascade lasers (FP-QCLs). The measurement method is based on multi-heterodyne down-conversion of optical signals. The sample transmission spectrum probed by one multi-mode FP-QCL is down-converted to the radio-frequency domain through an optical multi-heterodyne process using a second FP-QCL as the local oscillator. Both a broadband multi-mode spectral measurement as well as high-resolution (∼15 MHz) spectroscopy of molecular absorption are demonstrated and show great potential for development of high performance FP-laser-based spectrometers for chemical sensing.

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.

Exploitation of an atmospheric lidar network node in single-shot mode for the classification of aerofauna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jansson, Samuel; Brydegaard, Mikkel; Papayannis, Alexandros; Tsaknakis, Georgios; Åkesson, Susanne

2017-07-01

The migration of aerofauna is a seasonal phenomenon of global scale, engaging billions of individuals in long-distance movements every year. Multiband lidar systems are commonly employed for the monitoring of aerosols and atmospheric gases, and a number of systems are operated regularly across Europe in the framework of the European Aerosol Lidar Network (EARLINET). This work examines the feasibility of utilizing EARLINET for the monitoring and classification of migratory fauna based on their pigmentation. An EARLINET Raman lidar system in Athens transmits laser pulses in three bands. By installing a four-channel digital oscilloscope on the system, the backscattered light from single-laser shots is measured. Roughly 100 h of data were gathered in the summer of 2013. The data were examined for aerofauna observations, and a total of 1735 observations interpreted as airborne organisms intercepting the laser beam were found during the study period in July to August 2013. The properties of the observations were analyzed spectrally and intercompared. A spectral multimodality that could be related to different observed species is shown. The system used in this pilot study is located in Athens, Greece. It is concluded that monitoring aerial migration using it and other similar systems is feasible with minor modifications, and that in-flight species classification could be possible.

Multimodal optoacoustic and multiphoton fluorescence microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sela, Gali; Razansky, Daniel; Shoham, Shy

2013-03-01

Multiphoton microscopy is a powerful imaging modality that enables structural and functional imaging with cellular and sub-cellular resolution, deep within biological tissues. Yet, its main contrast mechanism relies on extrinsically administered fluorescent indicators. Here we developed a system for simultaneous multimodal optoacoustic and multiphoton fluorescence 3D imaging, which attains both absorption and fluorescence-based contrast by integrating an ultrasonic transducer into a two-photon laser scanning microscope. The system is readily shown to enable acquisition of multimodal microscopic images of fluorescently labeled targets and cell cultures as well as intrinsic absorption-based images of pigmented biological tissue. During initial experiments, it was further observed that that detected optoacoustically-induced response contains low frequency signal variations, presumably due to cavitation-mediated signal generation by the high repetition rate (80MHz) near IR femtosecond laser. The multimodal system may provide complementary structural and functional information to the fluorescently labeled tissue, by superimposing optoacoustic images of intrinsic tissue chromophores, such as melanin deposits, pigmentation, and hemoglobin or other extrinsic particle or dye-based markers highly absorptive in the NIR spectrum.

Beam shaping to provide round and square-shaped beams in optical systems of high-power lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laskin, Alexander; Laskin, Vadim

2016-05-01

Optical systems of modern high-power lasers require control of irradiance distribution: round or square-shaped flat-top or super-Gaussian irradiance profiles are optimum for amplification in MOPA lasers and for thermal load management while pumping of crystals of solid-state ultra-short pulse lasers to control heat and minimize its impact on the laser power and beam quality while maximizing overall laser efficiency, variable profiles are also important in irradiating of photocathode of Free Electron lasers (FEL). It is suggested to solve the task of irradiance re-distribution using field mapping refractive beam shapers like piShaper. The operational principle of these devices presumes transformation of laser beam intensity from Gaussian to flat-top one with high flatness of output wavefront, saving of beam consistency, providing collimated output beam of low divergence, high transmittance, extended depth of field, negligible residual wave aberration, and achromatic design provides capability to work with ultra-short pulse lasers having broad spectrum. Using the same piShaper device it is possible to realize beams with flat-top, inverse Gauss or super Gauss irradiance distribution by simple variation of input beam diameter, and the beam shape can be round or square with soft edges. This paper will describe some design basics of refractive beam shapers of the field mapping type and optical layouts of their applying in optical systems of high-power lasers. Examples of real implementations and experimental results will be presented as well.

The laser and optical system for the RIBF-PALIS experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sonoda, T.; Iimura, H.; Reponen, M.; Wada, M.; Katayama, I.; Sonnenschein, V.; Takamatsu, T.; Tomita, H.; Kojima, T. M.

2018-01-01

This paper describes the laser and optical system for the Parasitic radioactive isotope (RI) beam production by Laser Ion-Source (PALIS) in the RIKEN fragment separator facility. This system requires an optical path length of 70 m for transporting the laser beam from the laser light source to the place for resonance ionization. To accomplish this, we designed and implemented a simple optical system consisting of several mirrors equipped with compact stepping motor actuators, lenses, beam spot screens and network cameras. The system enables multi-step laser resonance ionization in the gas cell and gas jet via overlap with a diameter of a few millimeters, between the laser photons and atomic beam. Despite such a long transport distance, we achieved a transport efficiency for the UV laser beam of about 50%. We also confirmed that the position stability of the laser beam stays within a permissible range for dedicated resonance ionization experiments.

Apparatuses and methods for laser reading of thermoluminescent phosphors

DOEpatents

Braunlich, Peter F.; Tetzlaff, Wolfgang

1989-01-01

Apparatuses and methods for rapidly reading thermoluminescent phosphors to determine the amount of luminescent energy stored therein. The stored luminescent energy is interpreted as a measure of the total exposure of the thermoluminescent phosphor to ionizing radiation. The thermoluminescent phosphor reading apparatus uses a laser to generate a laser beam. The laser beam power level is monitored by a laser power detector and controlled to maintain the power level at a desired value or values which can vary with time. A shutter or other laser beam interrupting means is used to control exposure of the thermoluminescent phosphor to the laser beam. The laser beam can be equalized using an opitcal equalizer so that the laser beam has an approximately uniform power density across the beam. The heated thermoluminescent phosphor emits a visible or otherwise detectable luminescent emission which is measured as an indication of the radiation exposure of the thermoluminscent phosphors. Also disclosed are preferred signal processing and control circuits including one system using a digital computer. Also disclosed are time-profiled laser power cycles for pre-anneal, read and post-anneal treatment of phosphors.

Fitting relationship between the beam quality β factor of high-energy laser and the wavefront aberration of laser beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Zhong-Ye; Zhang, Xiao-Fang

2018-01-01

The mathematical relation between the beam quality β factor of high-energy laser and the wavefront aberration of laser beam is important in beam quality control theory of the high-energy laser weapon system. In order to obtain this mathematical relation, numerical simulation is used in the research. Firstly, the Zernike representations of typically distorted atmospheric wavefront aberrations caused by the Kolmogoroff turbulence are generated. And then, the corresponding beam quality β factors of the different distorted wavefronts are calculated numerically through fast Fourier transform. Thus, the statistical distribution rule between the beam quality β factors of high-energy laser and the wavefront aberrations of the beam can be established by the calculated results. Finally, curve fitting method is chosen to establish the mathematical fitting relationship of these two parameters. And the result of the curve fitting shows that there is a quadratic curve relation between the beam quality β factor of high-energy laser and the wavefront aberration of laser beam. And in this paper, 3 fitting curves, in which the wavefront aberrations are consisted of Zernike Polynomials of 20, 36, 60 orders individually, are established to express the relationship between the beam quality β factor and atmospheric wavefront aberrations with different spatial frequency.

Laser-phased-array beam steering based on crystal fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2011-06-01

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

The Amateur Scientist.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Jearl

1981-01-01

Describes several methods by which an amateur might prepare a laser light display in the home or the classroom. Methods described include the use of particles in lasers, filters, reflecting laser beams, vibration's effects on laser beams, rotating mirrors, and the use of prisms with laser beams. (DS)

Real-time assessment of breast surgical margins with fluorescence-guided microscopy (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iftimia, Nicusor V.; Park, Jesung; Maguluri, Gopi N.; Krishnamurthy, Savitri

2017-02-01

A novel multimodal optical imaging approach for real-time assessment of surgical margins on breast cancer lumpectomy specimens is presented. Our approach is to target cancer cells using an optically silent peptide substrate containing two (NIR) fluorochromes, internally quenched, which are cleaved by highly expressed breast cancer enzymes, like urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Thus this agent becomes highly fluorescent only on the cancer area when the specimen is excited by a NIR laser beam. A fluorescence imager is used to highlight cancer-suspect margins on the surgical specimen, while high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging is used to visualize tissue morphology on the highlighted areas and confirm or rule out cancer presence. This technology will hopefully increase the success rate of cancer surgeries, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and significantly reduce US healthcare costs.

Fiber optic muzzle brake tip for reducing fiber burnback and stone retropulsion during thulium fiber laser lithotripsy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutchens, Thomas C.; Gonzalez, David A.; Irby, Pierce B.; Fried, Nathaniel M.

2017-01-01

The experimental thulium fiber laser (TFL) is being explored as an alternative to the current clinical gold standard Holmium:YAG laser for lithotripsy. The near single-mode TFL beam allows coupling of higher power into smaller optical fibers than the multimode Holmium laser beam profile, without proximal fiber tip degradation. A smaller fiber is desirable because it provides more space in the ureteroscope working channel for increased saline irrigation rates and allows maximum ureteroscope deflection. However, distal fiber tip burnback increases as fiber diameter decreases. Previous studies utilizing hollow steel sheaths around recessed distal fiber tips reduced fiber burnback but increased stone retropulsion. A "fiber muzzle brake" was tested for reducing both fiber burnback and stone retropulsion by manipulating vapor bubble expansion. TFL lithotripsy studies were performed at 1908 nm, 35 mJ, 500 μs, and 300 Hz using a 100-μm-core fiber. The optimal stainless steel muzzle brake tip tested consisted of a 1-cm-long, 560-μm-outer-diameter, 360-μm-inner-diameter tube with a 275-μm-diameter through hole located 250 μm from the distal end. The fiber tip was recessed a distance of 500 μm. Stone phantom retropulsion, fiber tip burnback, and calcium oxalate stone ablation studies were performed ex vivo. Small stones with a mass of 40±4 mg and 4-mm-diameter were ablated over a 1.5-mm sieve in 25±4 s (n=10) without visible distal fiber tip burnback. Reduction in stone phantom retropulsion distance by 50% and 85% was observed when using muzzle brake tips versus 100-μm-core bare fibers and hollow steel tip fibers, respectively. The muzzle brake fiber tip simultaneously provided efficient stone ablation, reduced stone retropulsion, and minimal fiber degradation during TFL lithotripsy.

Degradation mechanisms in high-power multi-mode InGaAs-AlGaAs strained quantum well lasers for high-reliability applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sin, Yongkun; Presser, Nathan; Brodie, Miles; Lingley, Zachary; Foran, Brendan; Moss, Steven C.

2015-03-01

Laser diode manufacturers perform accelerated multi-cell lifetests to estimate lifetimes of lasers using an empirical model. Since state-of-the-art laser diodes typically require a long period of latency before they degrade, significant amount of stress is applied to the lasers to generate failures in relatively short test durations. A drawback of this approach is the lack of mean-time-to-failure data under intermediate and low stress conditions, leading to uncertainty in model parameters (especially optical power and current exponent) and potential overestimation of lifetimes at usage conditions. This approach is a concern especially for satellite communication systems where high reliability is required of lasers for long-term duration in the space environment. A number of groups have studied reliability and degradation processes in GaAs-based lasers, but none of these studies have yielded a reliability model based on the physics of failure. The lack of such a model is also a concern for space applications where complete understanding of degradation mechanisms is necessary. Our present study addresses the aforementioned issues by performing long-term lifetests under low stress conditions followed by failure mode analysis (FMA) and physics of failure investigation. We performed low-stress lifetests on both MBE- and MOCVD-grown broad-area InGaAs- AlGaAs strained QW lasers under ACC (automatic current control) mode to study low-stress degradation mechanisms. Our lifetests have accumulated over 36,000 test hours and FMA is performed on failures using our angle polishing technique followed by EL. This technique allows us to identify failure types by observing dark line defects through a window introduced in backside metal contacts. We also investigated degradation mechanisms in MOCVD-grown broad-area InGaAs-AlGaAs strained QW lasers using various FMA techniques. Since it is a challenge to control defect densities during the growth of laser structures, we chose to control defect densities by introducing extrinsic point defects to the laser via proton irradiation with different energies and fluences. These lasers were subsequently lifetested to study degradation processes in the lasers with different defect densities and also to study precursor signatures of failures - traps and non-radiative recombination centers (NRCs) in pre- and post-stressed lasers. Lastly, we employed focused ion beam (FIB), electron beam induced current (EBIC), and highresolution TEM (HR-TEM) techniques to further study dark line defects and dislocations in both post-aged and postproton irradiated lasers. We report on our long-term low-stress lifetest results and physics of failure investigation results.

High peak current operation of x-ray free-electron laser multiple beam lines by suppressing coherent synchrotron radiation effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hara, Toru; Kondo, Chikara; Inagaki, Takahiro; Togawa, Kazuaki; Fukami, Kenji; Nakazawa, Shingo; Hasegawa, Taichi; Morimoto, Osamu; Yoshioka, Masamichi; Maesaka, Hirokazu; Otake, Yuji; Tanaka, Hitoshi

2018-04-01

The parallel operation of multiple beam lines is an important means to expand the opportunity of user experiments at x-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities. At SPring-8 Angstrom free-electron laser (SACLA), the multi-beam-line operation had been tested using two beam lines, but transverse coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) effects at a dogleg beam transport severely limited the laser performance. To suppress the CSR effects, a new beam optics based on two double bend achromat (DBA) structures was introduced for the dogleg. After the replacement of the beam optics, high peak current bunches of more than 10 kA are now stably transported through the dogleg and the laser pulse output is increased by a factor of 2-3. In the multi-beam-line operation of SACLA, the electron beam parameters, such as the beam energy and peak current, can be adjusted independently for each beam line. Thus the laser output can be optimized and wide spectral tunability is ensured for all beam lines.

Compression of Ultrafast Laser Beams

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

Copyright 2003, AIP Publishing LLC. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1611998.) When designing the pulse shaper, the laser beam must completely fill the...for the design of future versions of this device. The easiest way to align the pulse shaper is to use the laser beam that will be shaped, without...Afterward, an ultrafast thin beam splitter is placed into the system after the diameter of the laser beam is reduced; this is done to monitor the beam

Differential correction system of laser beam directional dithering based on symmetrical beamsplitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hongwei, Yang; Wei, Tao; Xiaoqia, Yin; Hui, Zhao

2018-02-01

This paper proposes a differential correction system with a differential optical path and a symmetrical beamsplitter for correcting the directional dithering of the laser beams. This system can split a collimated laser beam into two laser beams with equal and opposite movements. Thus, the positional averages of the two split laser beams remain constant irrespective of the dithering angle. The symmetrical beamsplitter designed based on transfer matrix principle is to balance the optical paths and irradiances of the two laser beams. Experimental results show that the directional dithering is reduced to less than one-pixel value. Finally, two examples show that this system can be widely used in one-dimensional measurement.

Microwave accelerator E-beam pumped laser

DOEpatents

Brau, Charles A.; Stein, William E.; Rockwood, Stephen D.

1980-01-01

A device and method for pumping gaseous lasers by means of a microwave accelerator. The microwave accelerator produces a relativistic electron beam which is applied along the longitudinal axis of the laser through an electron beam window. The incident points of the electron beam on the electron beam window are varied by deflection coils to enhance the cooling characteristics of the foil. A thyratron is used to reliably modulate the microwave accelerator to produce electron beam pulses which excite the laser medium to produce laser pulse repetition frequencies not previously obtainable. An aerodynamic window is also disclosed which eliminates foil heating problems, as well as a magnetic bottle for reducing laser cavity length and pressures while maintaining efficient energy deposition.

Coherent beam combiner for a high power laser

DOEpatents

Dane, C. Brent; Hackel, Lloyd A.

2002-01-01

A phase conjugate laser mirror employing Brillouin-enhanced four wave mixing allows multiple independent laser apertures to be phase locked producing an array of diffraction-limited beams with no piston phase errors. The beam combiner has application in laser and optical systems requiring high average power, high pulse energy, and low beam divergence. A broad range of applications exist in laser systems for industrial processing, especially in the field of metal surface treatment and laser shot peening.

Raman beam combining for laser brightness enhancement

DOEpatents

Dawson, Jay W.; Allen, Graham S.; Pax, Paul H.; Heebner, John E.; Sridharan, Arun K.; Rubenchik, Alexander M.; Barty, Chrisopher B. J.

2015-10-27

An optical source capable of enhanced scaling of pulse energy and brightness utilizes an ensemble of single-aperture fiber lasers as pump sources, with each such fiber laser operating at acceptable pulse energy levels. Beam combining involves stimulated Raman scattering using a Stokes' shifted seed beam, the latter of which is optimized in terms of its temporal and spectral properties. Beams from fiber lasers can thus be combined to attain pulses with peak energies in excess of the fiber laser self-focusing limit of 4 MW while retaining the advantages of a fiber laser system of high average power with good beam quality.

Ultraviolet laser beam monitor using radiation responsive crystals

DOEpatents

McCann, Michael P.; Chen, Chung H.

1988-01-01

An apparatus and method for monitoring an ultraviolet laser beam includes disposing in the path of an ultraviolet laser beam a substantially transparent crystal that will produce a color pattern in response to ultraviolet radiation. The crystal is exposed to the ultraviolet laser beam and a color pattern is produced within the crystal corresponding to the laser beam intensity distribution therein. The crystal is then exposed to visible light, and the color pattern is observed by means of the visible light to determine the characteristics of the laser beam that passed through crystal. In this manner, a perpendicular cross sectional intensity profile and a longitudinal intensity profile of the ultraviolet laser beam may be determined. The observation of the color pattern may be made with forward or back scattered light and may be made with the naked eye or with optical systems such as microscopes and television cameras.

Beam displacement as a function of temperature and turbulence length scale at two different laser radiation wavelengths.

PubMed

Isterling, William M; Dally, Bassam B; Alwahabi, Zeyad T; Dubovinsky, Miro; Wright, Daniel

2012-01-01

Narrow laser beams directed from aircraft may at times pass through the exhaust plume of the engines and potentially degrade some of the laser beam characteristics. This paper reports on controlled studies of laser beam deviation arising from propagation through turbulent hot gases, in a well-characterized laboratory burner, with conditions of relevance to aircraft engine exhaust plumes. The impact of the temperature, laser wavelength, and turbulence length scale on the beam deviation has been investigated. It was found that the laser beam displacement increases with the turbulent integral length scale. The effect of temperature on the laser beam angular deviation, σ, using two different laser wavelengths, namely 4.67 μm and 632.8 nm, was recorded. It was found that the beam deviation for both wavelengths may be semiempirically modeled using a single function of the form, σ=a(b+(1/T)(2))(-1), with two parameters only, a and b, where σ is in microradians and T is the temperature in °C. © 2012 Optical Society of America

Broadband thermal optical limiter for the protection of eyes and sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Justus, Brian L.; Huston, Alan L.; Campillo, Anthony J.

1994-05-01

A broadband thermal optical limiter for protecting a light sensitive object from intense laser beams at all near ultraviolet, visible and near infrared wavelengths is disclosed. The broadband thermal optical limiter comprises: a sample cell containing a solution of broadband absorber material dissolved in a thermal solvent; and a first optical device for converging an incident laser beam into the sample cell. The sample cell is responsive to a converged incident laser beam below a predetermined intensity level for passing therethrough the converged incident laser beam below the predetermined intensity level. The sample cell is also responsive to a converged incident laser beam at or above a predetermined intensity level for thermally defocusing substantially all of the converged incident laser beam in different directions and passing therethrough only a remaining small portion of the converged incident laser beam at or above the predetermined intensity level. The broadband thermal optical limiter further includes a second optical device for focusing substantially all of the laser beam passing through the sample cell into the light sensitive object to be protected.

Advanced Spatial-Division Multiplexed Measurement Systems Propositions—From Telecommunication to Sensing Applications: A Review

PubMed Central

Weng, Yi; Ip, Ezra; Pan, Zhongqi; Wang, Ting

2016-01-01

The concepts of spatial-division multiplexing (SDM) technology were first proposed in the telecommunications industry as an indispensable solution to reduce the cost-per-bit of optical fiber transmission. Recently, such spatial channels and modes have been applied in optical sensing applications where the returned echo is analyzed for the collection of essential environmental information. The key advantages of implementing SDM techniques in optical measurement systems include the multi-parameter discriminative capability and accuracy improvement. In this paper, to help readers without a telecommunication background better understand how the SDM-based sensing systems can be incorporated, the crucial components of SDM techniques, such as laser beam shaping, mode generation and conversion, multimode or multicore elements using special fibers and multiplexers are introduced, along with the recent developments in SDM amplifiers, opto-electronic sources and detection units of sensing systems. The examples of SDM-based sensing systems not only include Brillouin optical time-domain reflectometry or Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (BOTDR/BOTDA) using few-mode fibers (FMF) and the multicore fiber (MCF) based integrated fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, but also involve the widely used components with their whole information used in the full multimode constructions, such as the whispering gallery modes for fiber profiling and chemical species measurements, the screw/twisted modes for examining water quality, as well as the optical beam shaping to improve cantilever deflection measurements. Besides, the various applications of SDM sensors, the cost efficiency issue, as well as how these complex mode multiplexing techniques might improve the standard fiber-optic sensor approaches using single-mode fibers (SMF) and photonic crystal fibers (PCF) have also been summarized. Finally, we conclude with a prospective outlook for the opportunities and challenges of SDM technologies in optical sensing industry. PMID:27589754

Advanced Spatial-Division Multiplexed Measurement Systems Propositions-From Telecommunication to Sensing Applications: A Review.

PubMed

Weng, Yi; Ip, Ezra; Pan, Zhongqi; Wang, Ting

2016-08-30

The concepts of spatial-division multiplexing (SDM) technology were first proposed in the telecommunications industry as an indispensable solution to reduce the cost-per-bit of optical fiber transmission. Recently, such spatial channels and modes have been applied in optical sensing applications where the returned echo is analyzed for the collection of essential environmental information. The key advantages of implementing SDM techniques in optical measurement systems include the multi-parameter discriminative capability and accuracy improvement. In this paper, to help readers without a telecommunication background better understand how the SDM-based sensing systems can be incorporated, the crucial components of SDM techniques, such as laser beam shaping, mode generation and conversion, multimode or multicore elements using special fibers and multiplexers are introduced, along with the recent developments in SDM amplifiers, opto-electronic sources and detection units of sensing systems. The examples of SDM-based sensing systems not only include Brillouin optical time-domain reflectometry or Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (BOTDR/BOTDA) using few-mode fibers (FMF) and the multicore fiber (MCF) based integrated fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, but also involve the widely used components with their whole information used in the full multimode constructions, such as the whispering gallery modes for fiber profiling and chemical species measurements, the screw/twisted modes for examining water quality, as well as the optical beam shaping to improve cantilever deflection measurements. Besides, the various applications of SDM sensors, the cost efficiency issue, as well as how these complex mode multiplexing techniques might improve the standard fiber-optic sensor approaches using single-mode fibers (SMF) and photonic crystal fibers (PCF) have also been summarized. Finally, we conclude with a prospective outlook for the opportunities and challenges of SDM technologies in optical sensing industry.

Using harmonic oscillators to determine the spot size of Hermite-Gaussian laser beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steely, Sidney L.

1993-01-01

The similarity of the functional forms of quantum mechanical harmonic oscillators and the modes of Hermite-Gaussian laser beams is illustrated. This functional similarity provides a direct correlation to investigate the spot size of large-order mode Hermite-Gaussian laser beams. The classical limits of a corresponding two-dimensional harmonic oscillator provide a definition of the spot size of Hermite-Gaussian laser beams. The classical limits of the harmonic oscillator provide integration limits for the photon probability densities of the laser beam modes to determine the fraction of photons detected therein. Mathematica is used to integrate the probability densities for large-order beam modes and to illustrate the functional similarities. The probabilities of detecting photons within the classical limits of Hermite-Gaussian laser beams asymptotically approach unity in the limit of large-order modes, in agreement with the Correspondence Principle. The classical limits for large-order modes include all of the nodes for Hermite Gaussian laser beams; Sturm's theorem provides a direct proof.

Method for laser drilling subterranean earth formations

DOEpatents

Shuck, Lowell Z.

1976-08-31

Laser drilling of subterranean earth formations is efficiently accomplished by directing a collimated laser beam into a bore hole in registry with the earth formation and transversely directing the laser beam into the earth formation with a suitable reflector. In accordance with the present invention, the bore hole is highly pressurized with a gas so that as the laser beam penetrates the earth formation the high pressure gas forces the fluids resulting from the drilling operation into fissures and pores surrounding the laser-drilled bore so as to inhibit deleterious occlusion of the laser beam. Also, the laser beam may be dynamically programmed with some time dependent wave form, e.g., pulsed, to thermally shock the earth formation for forming or enlarging fluid-receiving fissures in the bore.

Laser-driven electron beam and radiation sources for basic, medical and industrial sciences.

PubMed

Nakajima, Kazuhisa

2015-01-01

To date active research on laser-driven plasma-based accelerators have achieved great progress on production of high-energy, high-quality electron and photon beams in a compact scale. Such laser plasma accelerators have been envisaged bringing a wide range of applications in basic, medical and industrial sciences. Here inheriting the groundbreaker's review article on "Laser Acceleration and its future" [Toshiki Tajima, (2010)],(1)) we would like to review recent progress of producing such electron beams due to relativistic laser-plasma interactions followed by laser wakefield acceleration and lead to the scaling formulas that are useful to design laser plasma accelerators with controllability of beam energy and charge. Lastly specific examples of such laser-driven electron/photon beam sources are illustrated.

Power and polarization dependences of ultra-narrow electromagnetically induced absorption (EIA) spectra of 85 Rb atoms in degenerate two-level system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qureshi, Muhammad Mohsin; Rehman, Hafeez Ur; Noh, Heung-Ryoul; Kim, Jin-Tae

2016-05-01

We have investigated ultra-narrow EIA spectral features with respect to variations of polarizations and powers of pump laser beam in a degenerate two-level system of the transition of 85 Rb D2 transition line. Polarizations of the probe laser beam in two separate experiments were fixed at right circular and horizontal linear polarizations, respectively while the polarizations of the pump lasers were varied from initial polarizations same as the probe laser beams to orthogonal to probe polarizations. One homemade laser combined with AOMs was used to the pump and probe laser beams instead of two different lasers to overcome broad linewidths of the homemade lasers. Theoretically, probe absorption coefficients have been calculated from optical Bloch equations of the degenerate two level system prepared by a pump laser beam. In the case of the circular polarization, EIA signal was obtained as expected theoretically although both pump and probe beams have same polarization. The EIA signal become smaller as power increases and polarizations of the pump and probe beams were same. When the polarization of the pump beam was linear polarization, maximum EIA signal was obtained theoretically and experimentally. Experimental EIA spectral shapes with respect to variations of the pump beam polarization shows similar trends as the theoretical results.

Design update and recent results of the Apollon 10 PW facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Garrec, B.; Papadopoulos, D. N.; Le Blanc, C.; Zou, J. P.; Chériaux, G.; Georges, P.; Druon, F.; Martin, L.; Fréneaux, L.; Beluze, A.; Lebas, N.; Mathieu, F.; Audebert, P.

2017-05-01

In this paper we are giving a summary of the Apollon 10 PW facility laser design together with updated laser performance. The Apollon facility is currently under construction in France. The APOLLON laser system is a laser designed for delivering pulses as short as 15 fs (10-15 s) with an energy exceeding 150 Joules on target. The peak power delivered by this laser system will be 10 Petawatts (1016W). The Apollon laser system will be delivering 4 beams: one 10 PW beam (F1 beam 400 mm diameter), one 1 PW beam (F2 beam 140 mm diameter) and two additional probe beams (F3 and F4) at a repetition rate of 1 shot per minute. The laser system is based on Ti-sapphire amplifiers pumped by frequency doubled solid-state lasers. The repetition rate of the high energy part will be 1 shot per minute. The main beam at the output of the last amplifier will be split and dispatched to two experimental areas. The main laser beam is delivering 30 J before compression at a repetition rate of 1 shot per minute and we are currently increasing to get 100J.

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.

A heterodyne straightness and displacement measuring interferometer with laser beam drift compensation for long-travel linear stage metrology.

PubMed

Chen, Benyong; Cheng, Liang; Yan, Liping; Zhang, Enzheng; Lou, Yingtian

2017-03-01

The laser beam drift seriously influences the accuracy of straightness or displacement measurement in laser interferometers, especially for the long travel measurement. To solve this problem, a heterodyne straightness and displacement measuring interferometer with laser beam drift compensation is proposed. In this interferometer, the simultaneous measurement of straightness error and displacement is realized by using heterodyne interferometry, and the laser beam drift is determined to compensate the measurement results of straightness error and displacement in real time. The optical configuration of the interferometer is designed. The principle of the simultaneous measurement of straightness, displacement, and laser beam drift is depicted and analyzed in detail. And the compensation of the laser beam drift for the straightness error and displacement is presented. Several experiments were performed to verify the feasibility of the interferometer and the effectiveness of the laser beam drift compensation. The experiments of laser beam stability show that the position stability of the laser beam spot can be improved by more than 50% after compensation. The measurement and compensation experiments of straightness error and displacement by testing a linear stage at different distances show that the straightness and displacement obtained from the interferometer are in agreement with those obtained from a compared interferometer and the measured stage. These demonstrate that the merits of this interferometer are not only eliminating the influence of laser beam drift on the measurement accuracy but also having the abilities of simultaneous measurement of straightness error and displacement as well as being suitable for long-travel linear stage metrology.

On the exploration of effect of critical beam power on the propagation of Gaussian laser beam in collisionless magnetized plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urunkar, T. U.; Valkunde, A. T.; Vhanmore, B. D.; Gavade, K. M.; Patil, S. D.; Takale, M. V.

2018-05-01

It is quite known that critical power of the laser plays vital role in the propagation of Gaussian laser beam in collisionless plasma. The nonlinearity in dielectric constant considered herein is due to the ponderomotive force. In the present analysis, the interval of critical beam power has been explored to sustain the competition between diffraction and self-focusing of Gaussian laser beam during propagation in collisionless magnetized plasma. Differential equation for beam-width parameter has been established by using WKB and paraxial approximations under parabolic equation approach. The effect of critical power on the propagation of Gaussian laser beam has been presented graphically and discussed.

Acceleration and evolution of a hollow electron beam in wakefields driven by a Laguerre-Gaussian laser pulse

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

Zhang, Guo-Bo; College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073; Chen, Min, E-mail: minchen@sjtu.edu.cn, E-mail: yanyunma@126.com

2016-03-15

We show that a ring-shaped hollow electron beam can be injected and accelerated by using a Laguerre-Gaussian laser pulse and ionization-induced injection in a laser wakefield accelerator. The acceleration and evolution of such a hollow, relativistic electron beam are investigated through three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. We find that both the ring size and the beam thickness oscillate during the acceleration. The beam azimuthal shape is angularly dependent and evolves during the acceleration. The beam ellipticity changes resulting from the electron angular momenta obtained from the drive laser pulse and the focusing forces from the wakefield. The dependence of beam ring radiusmore » on the laser-plasma parameters (e.g., laser intensity, focal size, and plasma density) is studied. Such a hollow electron beam may have potential applications for accelerating and collimating positively charged particles.« less

Full-wave and ray-based modeling of cross-beam energy transfer between laser beams with distributed phase plates and polarization smoothing

DOE PAGES

Follett, R. K.; Edgell, D. H.; Froula, D. H.; ...

2017-10-20

Radiation-hydrodynamic simulations of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments rely on ray-based cross-beam energy transfer (CBET) models to calculate laser energy deposition. The ray-based models assume locally plane-wave laser beams and polarization averaged incoherence between laser speckles for beams with polarization smoothing. The impact of beam speckle and polarization smoothing on crossbeam energy transfer (CBET) are studied using the 3-D wave-based laser-plasma-interaction code LPSE. The results indicate that ray-based models under predict CBET when the assumption of spatially averaged longitudinal incoherence across the CBET interaction region is violated. A model for CBET between linearly-polarized speckled beams is presented that uses raymore » tracing to solve for the real speckle pattern of the unperturbed laser beams within the eikonal approximation and gives excellent agreement with the wavebased calculations. Lastly, OMEGA-scale 2-D LPSE calculations using ICF relevant plasma conditions suggest that the impact of beam speckle on laser absorption calculations in ICF implosions is small (< 1%).« less

Full-wave and ray-based modeling of cross-beam energy transfer between laser beams with distributed phase plates and polarization smoothing

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

Follett, R. K.; Edgell, D. H.; Froula, D. H.

Radiation-hydrodynamic simulations of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments rely on ray-based cross-beam energy transfer (CBET) models to calculate laser energy deposition. The ray-based models assume locally plane-wave laser beams and polarization averaged incoherence between laser speckles for beams with polarization smoothing. The impact of beam speckle and polarization smoothing on crossbeam energy transfer (CBET) are studied using the 3-D wave-based laser-plasma-interaction code LPSE. The results indicate that ray-based models under predict CBET when the assumption of spatially averaged longitudinal incoherence across the CBET interaction region is violated. A model for CBET between linearly-polarized speckled beams is presented that uses raymore » tracing to solve for the real speckle pattern of the unperturbed laser beams within the eikonal approximation and gives excellent agreement with the wavebased calculations. Lastly, OMEGA-scale 2-D LPSE calculations using ICF relevant plasma conditions suggest that the impact of beam speckle on laser absorption calculations in ICF implosions is small (< 1%).« less

20 Gbit/s error free transmission with ~850 nm GaAs-based vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) containing InAs-GaAs submonolayer quantum dot insertions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lott, J. A.; Shchukin, V. A.; Ledentsov, N. N.; Stinz, A.; Hopfer, F.; Mutig, A.; Fiol, G.; Bimberg, D.; Blokhin, S. A.; Karachinsky, L. Y.; Novikov, I. I.; Maximov, M. V.; Zakharov, N. D.; Werner, P.

2009-02-01

We report on the modeling, epitaxial growth, fabrication, and characterization of 830-845 nm vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) that employ InAs-GaAs quantum dot (QD) gain elements. The GaAs-based VCSELs are essentially conventional in design, grown by solid-source molecular beam epitaxy, and include top and bottom gradedheterointerface AlGaAs distributed Bragg reflectors, a single selectively-oxidized AlAs waveguiding/current funneling aperture layer, and a quasi-antiwaveguiding microcavity. The active region consists of three sheets of InAs-GaAs submonolayer insertions separated by AlGaAs matrix layers. Compared to QWs the InAs-GaAs insertions are expected to offer higher exciton-dominated modal gain and improved carrier capture and retention, thus resulting in superior temperature stability and resilience to degradation caused by operating at the larger switching currents commonly employed to increase the data rates of modern optical communication systems. We investigate the robustness and temperature performance of our QD VCSEL design by fabricating prototype devices in a high-frequency ground-sourceground contact pad configuration suitable for on-wafer probing. Arrays of VCSELs are produced with precise variations in top mesa diameter from 24 to 36 μm and oxide aperture diameter from 1 to 12 μm resulting in VCSELs that operate in full single-mode, single-mode to multi-mode, and full multi-mode regimes. The single-mode QD VCSELs have room temperature threshold currents below 0.5 mA and peak output powers near 1 mW, whereas the corresponding values for full multi-mode devices range from about 0.5 to 1.5 mA and 2.5 to 5 mW. At 20°C we observe optical transmission at 20 Gb/s through 150 m of OM3 fiber with a bit error ratio better than 10-12, thus demonstrating the great potential of our QD VCSELs for applications in next-generation short-distance optical data communications and interconnect systems.

Towards ion beam therapy based on laser plasma accelerators.

PubMed

Karsch, Leonhard; Beyreuther, Elke; Enghardt, Wolfgang; Gotz, Malte; Masood, Umar; Schramm, Ulrich; Zeil, Karl; Pawelke, Jörg

2017-11-01

Only few ten radiotherapy facilities worldwide provide ion beams, in spite of their physical advantage of better achievable tumor conformity of the dose compared to conventional photon beams. Since, mainly the large size and high costs hinder their wider spread, great efforts are ongoing to develop more compact ion therapy facilities. One promising approach for smaller facilities is the acceleration of ions on micrometre scale by high intensity lasers. Laser accelerators deliver pulsed beams with a low pulse repetition rate, but a high number of ions per pulse, broad energy spectra and high divergences. A clinical use of a laser based ion beam facility requires not only a laser accelerator providing beams of therapeutic quality, but also new approaches for beam transport, dosimetric control and tumor conformal dose delivery procedure together with the knowledge of the radiobiological effectiveness of laser-driven beams. Over the last decade research was mainly focused on protons and progress was achieved in all important challenges. Although currently the maximum proton energy is not yet high enough for patient irradiation, suggestions and solutions have been reported for compact beam transport and dose delivery procedures, respectively, as well as for precise dosimetric control. Radiobiological in vitro and in vivo studies show no indications of an altered biological effectiveness of laser-driven beams. Laser based facilities will hardly improve the availability of ion beams for patient treatment in the next decade. Nevertheless, there are possibilities for a need of laser based therapy facilities in future.

Parametric study of transport beam lines for electron beams accelerated by laser-plasma interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scisciò, M.; Lancia, L.; Migliorati, M.; Mostacci, A.; Palumbo, L.; Papaphilippou, Y.; Antici, P.

2016-03-01

In the last decade, laser-plasma acceleration of high-energy electrons has attracted strong attention in different fields. Electrons with maximum energies in the GeV range can be laser-accelerated within a few cm using multi-hundreds terawatt (TW) lasers, yielding to very high beam currents at the source (electron bunches with up to tens-hundreds of pC in a few fs). While initially the challenge was to increase the maximum achievable electron energy, today strong effort is put in the control and usability of these laser-generated beams that still lack of some features in order to be used for applications where currently conventional, radio-frequency (RF) based, electron beam lines represent the most common and efficient solution. Several improvements have been suggested for this purpose, some of them acting directly on the plasma source, some using beam shaping tools located downstream. Concerning the latter, several studies have suggested the use of conventional accelerator magnetic devices (such as quadrupoles and solenoids) as an easy implementable solution when the laser-plasma accelerated beam requires optimization. In this paper, we report on a parametric study related to the transport of electron beams accelerated by laser-plasma interaction, using conventional accelerator elements and tools. We focus on both, high energy electron beams in the GeV range, as produced on petawatt (PW) class laser systems, and on lower energy electron beams in the hundreds of MeV range, as nowadays routinely obtained on commercially available multi-hundred TW laser systems. For both scenarios, our study allows understanding what are the crucial parameters that enable laser-plasma accelerators to compete with conventional ones and allow for a beam transport. We show that suitable working points require a tradeoff-combination between low beam divergence and narrow energy spread.

Short pulse free electron laser amplifier

DOEpatents

Schlitt, Leland G.; Szoke, Abraham

1985-01-01

Method and apparatus for amplification of a laser pulse in a free electron laser amplifier where the laser pulse duration may be a small fraction of the electron beam pulse duration used for amplification. An electron beam pulse is passed through a first wiggler magnet and a short laser pulse to be amplified is passed through the same wiggler so that only the energy of the last fraction, f, (f<1) of the electron beam pulse is consumed in amplifying the laser pulse. After suitable delay of the electron beam, the process is repeated in a second wiggler magnet, a third, . . . , where substantially the same fraction f of the remainder of the electron beam pulse is consumed in amplification of the given short laser pulse in each wiggler magnet region until the useful electron beam energy is substantially completely consumed by amplification of the laser pulse.

Airborne Laser Systems Testing and Analysis (essals et analyse des systemes laser embarques)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

of Surface/ Paints Reflection Properties (PILASTER targets); • PILASTER Sensors Testing and Calibration; • LOAS Laser System Testing; and • Test...PILASTER targets candidate paints and materials), a Laser Scatter-meter (LSM) was built. To briefly summarise the fundamental concepts involved...Green Painted Target. 7.6.3 Laser Beam Misalignment with Respect to the Beam-Expander Support For measuring the beam misalignment, the beam expander

Laser heating of aqueous samples on a micro-optical-electro-mechanical system

DOEpatents

Beer, Neil Reginald; Kennedy, Ian

2013-12-17

A system of heating a sample on a microchip includes the steps of providing a microchannel flow channel in the microchip; positioning the sample within the microchannel flow channel, providing a laser that directs a laser beam onto the sample for heating the sample; providing the microchannel flow channel with a wall section that receives the laser beam and enables the laser beam to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel without being appreciably heated by the laser beam; and providing a carrier fluid in the microchannel flow channel that moves the sample in the microchannel flow channel wherein the carrier fluid is not appreciably heated by the laser beam.

Laser heating of aqueous samples on a micro-optical-electro-mechanical system

DOEpatents

Beer, Neil Reginald; Kennedy, Ian

2013-02-05

A system of heating a sample on a microchip includes the steps of providing a microchannel flow channel in the microchip; positioning the sample within the microchannel flow channel, providing a laser that directs a laser beam onto the sample for heating the sample; providing the microchannel flow channel with a wall section that receives the laser beam and enables the laser beam to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel without being appreciably heated by the laser beam; and providing a carrier fluid in the microchannel flow channel that moves the sample in the microchannel flow channel wherein the carrier fluid is not appreciably heated by the laser beam.

A Conceptual Design of Omni-Directional Receiving Dual-Beam Laser Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Zhiping; Zhang, Qinghong

2010-05-01

The laser engine design is one of the key issues for laser propulsion technology. A concept of Omni-Directional Receiving Dual-Beam Laser Engine (ODLE) together with its configuration design is proposed in this paper. The ODLE is noted for its features as follows: First, the optical system is completely separated from the thrust system, the incident laser beams are reflected into the thrust chamber by the optics only twice, so the beam energy loss is small. Second, the optical system can be adjusted in all direction to track the incident laser beams, ensuring its wide applications in various kinds of launching trajectories. Third, the adoption of the dual-beam single-or double-engine configuration can reduce 50% of the power requirement for each laser, and a smooth laser relay can be carried out if needed during the launching process. The paper has proposed 2 launch plans into the LEO with the ODLE: the plane trajectory and the conic spiral trajectory. The simulated results indicate that the transmission distance of laser beams for the conic spiral trajectory is far less than that of the plane trajectory. As a result, it can reduce significantly the divergence and energy loss of laser beams, and is also of advantage for the measurement and control operation during the launch process.

Laser beam uniformity and stability using homogenizer-based fiber optic launch method: square core fiber delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lizotte, Todd E.

2011-03-01

Over the years, technological achievements within the laser medical diagnostic, treatment, and therapy markets have led to ever increasing requirements for greater control of critical laser beam parameters. Increased laser power/energy stabilization, temporal and spatial beam shaping and flexible laser beam delivery systems with ergonomic focusing or imaging lens systems are sought by leading medical laser system producers. With medical procedures that utilize laser energy, there is a constant emphasis on reducing adverse effects that come about by the laser itself or its optical system, but even when these variables are well controlled the medical professional will still need to deal with the multivariate nature of the human body. Focusing on the variables that can be controlled, such as accurate placement of the laser beam where it will expose a surface being treated as well as laser beam shape and uniformity is critical to minimizing adverse conditions. This paper covers the use of fiber optic beam delivery as a means of defining the beam shape (intensity/power distribution uniformity) at the target plane as well as the use of fiber delivery as a means to allow more flexible articulation of the laser beam over the surface being treated. The paper will present a new concept of using a square core fiber beam delivery design utilizing a unique micro lens array (MLA) launch method that improves the overall stability of the system, by minimizing the impact of the laser instability. The resulting performance of the prototype is presented to demonstrate its stability in comparison to simple lens launch techniques, with an emphasis on homogenization and articulated fiber delivery.

Stable donutlike vortex beam generation from lasers with controlled Ince-Gaussian modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Shu-Chun; Otsuka, Kenju

2007-11-01

This study proposes a three-lens configuration for generating a stable donutlike vortex laser beam with controlled Ince-Gaussian mode (IGM) operation in the model of laser-diode (LD)-pumped solid-state lasers. Simply controlling the lateral off-axis position of the pump beam's focus on the laser crystal can generate a desired donutlike vortex beam from the proposed simple and easily made three-lens configuration, a proposed astigmatic mode converter assembled into one body with a concave-convex laser cavity.

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.

Design issues of a multimode interference-based 3-dB splitter.

PubMed

Themistos, Christos; Rahman, B M Azizur

2002-11-20

We have investigated important issues such as the power loss, the loss imbalance the fabrication tolerances, and the wavelength dependence for the design of a multimode interference-based 3-dB splitter on deeply etched InP waveguides under general, restricted, and symmetric interference mechanisms. For this investigation, we used the finite-element-based beam propagation approach. Results are presented.

GAUSSIAN BEAM LASER RESONATOR PROGRAM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, P. L.

1994-01-01

In designing a laser cavity, the laser engineer is frequently concerned with more than the stability of the resonator. Other considerations include the size of the beam at various optical surfaces within the resonator or the performance of intracavity line-narrowing or other optical elements. Laser resonators obey the laws of Gaussian beam propagation, not geometric optics. The Gaussian Beam Laser Resonator Program models laser resonators using Gaussian ray trace techniques. It can be used to determine the propagation of radiation through laser resonators. The algorithm used in the Gaussian Beam Resonator program has three major components. First, the ray transfer matrix for the laser resonator must be calculated. Next calculations of the initial beam parameters, specifically, the beam stability, the beam waist size and location for the resonator input element, and the wavefront curvature and beam radius at the input surface to the first resonator element are performed. Finally the propagation of the beam through the optical elements is computed. The optical elements can be modeled as parallel plates, lenses, mirrors, dummy surfaces, or Gradient Index (GRIN) lenses. A Gradient Index lens is a good approximation of a laser rod operating under a thermal load. The optical system may contain up to 50 elements. In addition to the internal beam elements the optical system may contain elements external to the resonator. The Gaussian Beam Resonator program was written in Microsoft FORTRAN (Version 4.01). It was developed for the IBM PS/2 80-071 microcomputer and has been implemented on an IBM PC compatible under MS DOS 3.21. The program was developed in 1988 and requires approximately 95K bytes to operate.

Towards an ultra-thin medical endoscope: multimode fibre as a wide-field image transferring medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duriš, Miroslav; Bradu, Adrian; Podoleanu, Adrian; Hughes, Michael

2018-03-01

Multimode optical fibres are attractive for biomedical and industrial applications such as endoscopes because of the small cross section and imaging resolution they can provide in comparison to widely-used fibre bundles. However, the image is randomly scrambled by propagation through a multimode fibre. Even though the scrambling is unpredictable, it is deterministic, and therefore the scrambling can be reversed. To unscramble the image, we treat the multimode fibre as a linear, disordered scattering medium. To calibrate, we scan a focused beam of coherent light over thousands of different beam positions at the distal end and record complex fields at the proximal end of the fibre. This way, the inputoutput response of the system is determined, which then allows computational reconstruction of reflection-mode images. However, there remains the problem of illuminating the tissue via the fibre while avoiding back reflections from the proximal face. To avoid this drawback, we provide here the first preliminary confirmation that an image can be transferred through a 2x2 fibre coupler, with the sample at its distal port interrogated in reflection. Light is injected into one port for illumination and then collected from a second port for imaging.

External amplitude and frequency modulation of a terahertz quantum cascade laser using metamaterial/graphene devices.

PubMed

Kindness, S J; Jessop, D S; Wei, B; Wallis, R; Kamboj, V S; Xiao, L; Ren, Y; Braeuninger-Weimer, P; Aria, A I; Hofmann, S; Beere, H E; Ritchie, D A; Degl'Innocenti, R

2017-08-09

Active control of the amplitude and frequency of terahertz sources is an essential prerequisite for exploiting a myriad of terahertz applications in imaging, spectroscopy, and communications. Here we present a optoelectronic, external modulation technique applied to a terahertz quantum cascade laser which holds the promise of addressing a number of important challenges in this research area. A hybrid metamaterial/graphene device is implemented into an external cavity set-up allowing for optoelectronic tuning of feedback into a quantum cascade laser. We demonstrate powerful, all-electronic, control over the amplitude and frequency of the laser output. Full laser switching is performed by electrostatic gating of the metamaterial/graphene device, demonstrating a modulation depth of 100%. External control of the emission spectrum is also achieved, highlighting the flexibility of this feedback method. By taking advantage of the frequency dispersive reflectivity of the metamaterial array, different modes of the QCL output are selectively suppressed using lithographic tuning and single mode operation of the multi-mode laser is enforced. Side mode suppression is electrically modulated from ~6 dB to ~21 dB, demonstrating active, optoelectronic modulation of the laser frequency content between multi-mode and single mode operation.

A coaxially focused multi-mode beam for optical coherence tomography imaging with extended depth of focus (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Biwei; Liang, Chia-Pin; Vuong, Barry; Tearney, Guillermo J.

2017-02-01

Conventional OCT images, obtained using a focused Gaussian beam have a lateral resolution of approximately 30 μm and a depth of focus (DOF) of 2-3 mm, defined as the confocal parameter (twice of Gaussian beam Rayleigh range). Improvement of lateral resolution without sacrificing imaging range requires techniques that can extend the DOF. Previously, we described a self-imaging wavefront division optical system that provided an estimated one order of magnitude DOF extension. In this study, we further investigate the properties of the coaxially focused multi-mode (CAFM) beam created by this self-imaging wavefront division optical system and demonstrate its feasibility for real-time biological tissue imaging. Gaussian beam and CAFM beam fiber optic probes with similar numerical apertures (objective NA≈0.5) were fabricated, providing lateral resolutions of approximately 2 μm. Rigorous lateral resolution characterization over depth was performed for both probes. The CAFM beam probe was found to be able to provide a DOF that was approximately one order of magnitude greater than that of Gaussian beam probe. By incorporating the CAFM beam fiber optic probe into a μOCT system with 1.5 μm axial resolution, we were able to acquire cross-sectional images of swine small intestine ex vivo, enabling the visualization of subcellular structures, providing high quality OCT images over more than a 300 μm depth range.

Semiconductor Laser Joint Study Program with Rome Laboratory

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-01

VCSELs 3.3 Laser Wafer Growth by Molecular Beam Epitaxy 8 The VCSEL structures were grown by molecular beam ...cavity surface emittimg lasers ( VCSEL ), Optical 40 interconnects, Moelcular beam epitaxy It CECOOE 17. SECURfTY CLASWICATION SECURFlY CLASSIFICATION 1 Q...7 3.3 Laser Wafer Growth by Molecular Beam Epitax. ............ 8 3.4 VCSEL Fabrication Process ................................................

Laser fusion neutron source employing compression with short pulse lasers

DOEpatents

Sefcik, Joseph A; Wilks, Scott C

2013-11-05

A method and system for achieving fusion is provided. The method includes providing laser source that generates a laser beam and a target that includes a capsule embedded in the target and filled with DT gas. The laser beam is directed at the target. The laser beam helps create an electron beam within the target. The electron beam heats the capsule, the DT gas, and the area surrounding the capsule. At a certain point equilibrium is reached. At the equilibrium point, the capsule implodes and generates enough pressure on the DT gas to ignite the DT gas and fuse the DT gas nuclei.

InP-based three-dimensional photonic integrated circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsou, Diana; Zaytsev, Sergey; Pauchard, Alexandre; Hummel, Steve; Lo, Yu-Hwa

2001-10-01

Fast-growing internet traffic volumes require high data communication bandwidth over longer distances than short wavelength (850 nm) multi-mode fiber systems can provide. Access network bottlenecks put pressure on short-range (SR) telecommunication systems. To effectively address these datacom and telecom market needs, low cost, high-speed laser modules at 1310 and 1550 nm wavelengths are required. The great success of GaAs 850 nm VCSELs for Gb/s Ethernet has motivated efforts to extend VCSEL technology to longer wavelengths in the 1310 and 1550 nm regimes. However, the technological challenges associated with available intrinsic materials for long wavelength VCSELs are tremendous. Even with recent advances in this area, it is believed that significant additional development is necessary before long wavelength VCSELs that meet commercial specifications will be widely available. In addition, the more stringent OC192 and OC768 specifications for single-mode fiber (SMF) datacom may require more than just a long wavelength laser diode, VCSEL or not, to address numerous cost and performance issues. We believe that photonic integrated circuits, which compactly integrate surface-emitting lasers with additional active and passive optical components with extended functionality, will provide the best solutions to today's problems. Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) have been investigated for more than a decade. However, they have produced limited commercial impact to date primarily because the highly complicated fabrication processes produce significant yield and device performance issues. In this presentation, we will discuss a new technology platform for fabricating InP-based photonic integrated circuits compatible with surface-emitting laser technology. Employing InP transparency at 1310 and 1550 nm wavelengths, we have created 3-D photonic integrated circuits (PICs) by utilizing light beams in both surface normal and in-plane directions within the InP-based structure. This additional beam routing flexibility allows significant size reduction and process simplification without sacrificing device performance. This innovative 3-D PIC technology platform can be easily extended to create surface-emitting lasers integrated with power monitoring detectors, micro-lenses, external modulators, amplifiers, and other passive and active components. Such added functionality can produce cost--effective solutions for the highest-end laser transmitters required for datacom and short range telecom networks, as well as fiber channels and other cost and performance sensitive applications. We present results for 1310 nm photonic IC surface-emitting laser transmitters operating at 2.5 Gbps without active thermal electric cooling.

Image-guided thoracic surgery in the hybrid operation room.

PubMed

Ujiie, Hideki; Effat, Andrew; Yasufuku, Kazuhiro

2017-01-01

There has been an increase in the use of image-guided technology to facilitate minimally invasive therapy. The next generation of minimally invasive therapy is focused on advancement and translation of novel image-guided technologies in therapeutic interventions, including surgery, interventional pulmonology, radiation therapy, and interventional laser therapy. To establish the efficacy of different minimally invasive therapies, we have developed a hybrid operating room, known as the guided therapeutics operating room (GTx OR) at the Toronto General Hospital. The GTx OR is equipped with multi-modality image-guidance systems, which features a dual source-dual energy computed tomography (CT) scanner, a robotic cone-beam CT (CBCT)/fluoroscopy, high-performance endobronchial ultrasound system, endoscopic surgery system, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging system, and navigation tracking systems. The novel multimodality image-guidance systems allow physicians to quickly, and accurately image patients while they are on the operating table. This yield improved outcomes since physicians are able to use image guidance during their procedures, and carry out innovative multi-modality therapeutics. Multiple preclinical translational studies pertaining to innovative minimally invasive technology is being developed in our guided therapeutics laboratory (GTx Lab). The GTx Lab is equipped with similar technology, and multimodality image-guidance systems as the GTx OR, and acts as an appropriate platform for translation of research into human clinical trials. Through the GTx Lab, we are able to perform basic research, such as the development of image-guided technologies, preclinical model testing, as well as preclinical imaging, and then translate that research into the GTx OR. This OR allows for the utilization of new technologies in cancer therapy, including molecular imaging, and other innovative imaging modalities, and therefore enables a better quality of life for patients, both during and after the procedure. In this article, we describe capabilities of the GTx systems, and discuss the first-in-human technologies used, and evaluated in GTx OR.

Laser-driven electron beam and radiation sources for basic, medical and industrial sciences

PubMed Central

NAKAJIMA, Kazuhisa

2015-01-01

To date active research on laser-driven plasma-based accelerators have achieved great progress on production of high-energy, high-quality electron and photon beams in a compact scale. Such laser plasma accelerators have been envisaged bringing a wide range of applications in basic, medical and industrial sciences. Here inheriting the groundbreaker’s review article on “Laser Acceleration and its future” [Toshiki Tajima, (2010)],1) we would like to review recent progress of producing such electron beams due to relativistic laser-plasma interactions followed by laser wakefield acceleration and lead to the scaling formulas that are useful to design laser plasma accelerators with controllability of beam energy and charge. Lastly specific examples of such laser-driven electron/photon beam sources are illustrated. PMID:26062737

Dual beam optical system for pulsed laser ablation film deposition

DOEpatents

Mashburn, D.N.

1996-09-24

A laser ablation apparatus having a laser source outputting a laser ablation beam includes an ablation chamber having a sidewall, a beam divider for dividing the laser ablation beam into two substantially equal halves, and a pair of mirrors for converging the two halves on a surface of the target from complementary angles relative to the target surface normal, thereby generating a plume of ablated material emanating from the target. 3 figs.

Dual beam optical system for pulsed laser ablation film deposition

DOEpatents

Mashburn, Douglas N.

1996-01-01

A laser ablation apparatus having a laser source outputting a laser ablation beam includes an ablation chamber having a sidewall, a beam divider for dividing the laser ablation beam into two substantially equal halves, and a pair of mirrors for converging the two halves on a surface of the target from complementary angles relative to the target surface normal, thereby generating a plume of ablated material emanating from the target.

Enhanced laser beam coupling to a plasma

DOEpatents

Steiger, Arno D.; Woods, Cornelius H.

1976-01-01

Density perturbations are induced in a heated plasma by means of a pair of oppositely directed, polarized laser beams of the same frequency. The wavelength of the density perturbations is equal to one half the wavelength of the laser beams. A third laser beam is linearly polarized and directed at the perturbed plasma along a line that is perpendicular to the direction of the two opposed beams. The electric field of the third beam is oriented to lie in the plane containing the three beams. The frequency of the third beam is chosen to cause it to interact resonantly with the plasma density perturbations, thereby efficiently coupling the energy of the third beam to the plasma.

Apparatus and method for increasing the bandwidth of a laser beam

DOEpatents

Wilcox, Russell B.

1992-01-01

A method and apparatus using sinusoidal cross-phase modulation, provides a laser pulse having a very broad bandwidth while substantially retaining the input laser's temporal shape. The modulator may be used in a master oscillator system for a laser having a master oscillator-power amplifier (MOPA) configration. The modulator utilizes a first laser providing an output wavelength .lambda. and a second laser providing an output wavelength shifted by a small amount to .lambda.+.DELTA..lambda.. Each beam has a single, linear polarization. Each beam is coupled into a length of polarization-preserving optical fiber. The first laser beam is coupled into the optical fiber with the beam's polarization aligned with the fiber's main axis, and the second beam is coupled into the fiber with its polarization rotated from the main axis by a predetermined angle. Within the fiber, the main axis' polarization defines an interference beam and the orthogonal axis' polarization defines a signal beam. In the interference beam, the first laser beam and the parallel polarized vector component of the other beam interfere to create areas of high and low intensity, which modulates the signal beam by cross phase modulation. Upon exit from the optical fiber, the beams are coupled out and the modulated signal beam is separated out by a polarization selector. The signal beam can be applied to coherence reducing systems to provide an output that is temporally and spatially incoherent. The U.S. Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. W7405-ENG-48 between the U.S. Department of Energy and the University of California for the operation of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Transverse Mode Dynamics and Ultrafast Modulation of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ning, Cun-Zheng; Biegel, Bryan A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We show that multiple transverse mode dynamics of VCSELs (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers) can be utilized to generate ultrafast intensity modulation at a frequency over 100 GHz, much higher than the relaxation oscillation frequency. Such multimode beating can be greatly enhanced by taking laser output from part of the output facet.

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.

Laser microphone

DOEpatents

Veligdan, James T.

2000-11-14

A microphone for detecting sound pressure waves includes a laser resonator having a laser gain material aligned coaxially between a pair of first and second mirrors for producing a laser beam. A reference cell is disposed between the laser material and one of the mirrors for transmitting a reference portion of the laser beam between the mirrors. A sensing cell is disposed between the laser material and one of the mirrors, and is laterally displaced from the reference cell for transmitting a signal portion of the laser beam, with the sensing cell being open for receiving the sound waves. A photodetector is disposed in optical communication with the first mirror for receiving the laser beam, and produces an acoustic signal therefrom for the sound waves.

Frequency shift measurement in shock-compressed materials

DOEpatents

Moore, David S.; Schmidt, Stephen C.

1985-01-01

A method for determining molecular vibrational frequencies in shock-compressed transparent materials. A single laser beam pulse is directed into a sample material while the material is shock-compressed from a direction opposite that of the incident laser beam. A Stokes beam produced by stimulated Raman scattering is emitted back along the path of the incident laser beam, that is, in the opposite direction to that of the incident laser beam. The Stokes beam is separated from the incident beam and its frequency measured. The difference in frequency between the Stokes beam and the incident beam is representative of the characteristic frequency of the Raman active mode of the sample. Both the incident beam and the Stokes beam pass perpendicularly through the shock front advancing through the sample, thereby minimizing adverse effects of refraction.

Frequency shift measurement in shock-compressed materials

DOEpatents

Moore, D.S.; Schmidt, S.C.

1984-02-21

A method is disclosed for determining molecular vibrational frequencies in shock-compressed transparent materials. A single laser beam pulse is directed into a sample material while the material is shock-compressed from a direction opposite that of the incident laser beam. A Stokes beam produced by stimulated Raman scattering is emitted back along the path of the incident laser beam, that is, in the opposite direction to that of the incident laser beam. The Stokes beam is separated from the incident beam and its frequency measured. The difference in frequency between the Stokes beam and the incident beam is representative of the characteristic frequency of the Raman active mode of the sample. Both the incident beam and the Stokes beam pass perpendicularly through the stock front advancing through the sample, thereby minimizing adverse effects of refraction.

Mode coupling enhancement by astigmatism compensation in a femtosecond laser cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castro-Olvera, Gustavo; Garduño-Mejía, Jesus; Rosete-Aguilar, Martha; Roman-Moreno, Carlos J.

2016-09-01

In this work we present a numerical analysis of the mode coupling between the pump-beam and the laser-beam in a Ti:Sapphire crystal used as a gain medium of a femtosecond laser. Using the Matrix ABCD and propagation gaussian beam models, we obtained an optimal configuration for compensate the astigmatism in the output beam laser. Also we analysed pump-beam propagation and got the settings to fix the astigmatism in the crystal. Furthermore we apply this configuration to a homemade femtosecond laser, accomplishing an overall efficiency of laser to 20% in continuum wave (CW) and 16% in mode looking (ML) operation. The femtosecond laser have 30 nm bandwidth to FWHM at 810 nm corresponding 30fs.

Laser beam delivery at ELI-NP

DOE PAGES

Ursescu, Daniel; Cheriaux, G.; Audebert, P.; ...

2017-01-01

The Laser Beam Delivery (LBD) system technical design report covers the interface between the High Power Laser System (HPLS) and the experiments, together with the pulse quality management. Here, the laser transport part of the LBD has a number of subsystems as follows: the beam transport lines for the six main outputs of HPLS, the additional short and long pulses and the synchronization system including the timing of the laser pulses with the Gamma Beam System (GBS) and the experiments on femtosecond timescale. Pulse quality management, discussed further here, consist in the generation and delivery of multiple HPLS pulses, coherentmore » combining of the HPLS arms, laser pulse diagnostics on target, laser beam dumps, shutters and output energy adaption.« less

Laser heating of aqueous samples on a micro-optical-electro-mechanical system

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

Beer, Neil Reginald; Kennedy, Ian

2013-12-17

A system of heating a sample on a microchip includes the steps of providing a microchannel flow channel in the microchip; positioning the sample within the microchannel flow channel, providing a laser that directs a laser beam onto the sample for heating the sample; providing the microchannel flow channel with a wall section that receives the laser beam and enables the laser beam to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel without being appreciably heated by the laser beam; and providing a carrier fluid in the microchannel flow channel that moves the sample in the microchannel flow channelmore » wherein the carrier fluid is not appreciably heated by the laser beam.« less

Multi-species detection using multi-mode absorption spectroscopy (MUMAS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Northern, J. H.; Thompson, A. W. J.; Hamilton, M. L.; Ewart, P.

2013-06-01

The detection of multiple species using a single laser and single detector employing multi-mode absorption spectroscopy (MUMAS) is reported. An in-house constructed, diode-pumped, Er:Yb:glass micro-laser operating at 1,565 nm with 10 modes separated by 18 GHz was used to record MUMAS signals in a gas mixture containing C2H2, N2O and CO. The components of the mixture were detected simultaneously by identifying multiple transitions in each of the species. By using temperature- and pressure-dependent modelled spectral fits to the data, partial pressures of each species in the mixture were determined with an uncertainty of ±2 %.

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

Robert P. Lucht

Laser-induced polarization spectroscopy (LIPS), degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM), and electronic-resonance-enhanced (ERE) coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) are techniques that shows great promise for sensitive measurements of transient gas-phase species, and diagnostic applications of these techniques are being pursued actively at laboratories throughout the world. However, significant questions remain regarding strategies for quantitative concentration measurements using these techniques. The primary objective of this research program is to develop and test strategies for quantitative concentration measurements in flames and plasmas using these nonlinear optical techniques. Theoretically, we are investigating the physics of these processes by direct numerical integration (DNI) of the time-dependentmore » density matrix equations that describe the wave-mixing interaction. Significantly fewer restrictive assumptions are required when the density matrix equations are solved using this DNI approach compared with the assumptions required to obtain analytical solutions. For example, for LIPS calculations, the Zeeman state structure and hyperfine structure of the resonance and effects such as Doppler broadening can be included. There is no restriction on the intensity of the pump and probe beams in these nonperturbative calculations, and both the pump and probe beam intensities can be high enough to saturate the resonance. As computer processing speeds have increased, we have incorporated more complicated physical models into our DNI codes. During the last project period we developed numerical methods for nonperturbative calculations of the two-photon absorption process. Experimentally, diagnostic techniques are developed and demonstrated in gas cells and/or well-characterized flames for ease of comparison with model results. The techniques of two-photon, two-color H-atom LIPS and three-laser ERE CARS for NO and C{sub 2}H{sub 2} were demonstrated during the project period, and nonperturbative numerical models of both of these techniques were developed. In addition, we developed new single-mode, injection-seeded optical parametric laser sources (OPLSs) that will be used to replace multi-mode commercial dye lasers in our experimental measurements. The use of single-mode laser radiation in our experiments will increase significantly the rigor with which theory and experiment are compared.« less

With a laser beam centered on its panel of photovoltaic cells, a model plane makes the first flight of an aircraft powered by a laser beam inside a building at NASA Marshall.

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-09-18

With a laser beam centered on its panel of photovoltaic cells, a lightweight model plane makes the first flight of an aircraft powered by a laser beam inside a building at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Electron Acceleration by Beating of Two Intense Cross-Focused Hollow Gaussian Laser Beams in Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoud, Saleh T.; Gauniyal, Rakhi; Ahmad, Nafis; Rawat, Priyanka; Purohit, Gunjan

2018-01-01

This paper presents propagation of two cross-focused intense hollow Gaussian laser beams (HGBs) in collisionless plasma and its effect on the generation of electron plasma wave (EPW) and electron acceleration process, when relativistic and ponderomotive nonlinearities are simultaneously operative. Nonlinear differential equations have been set up for beamwidth of laser beams, power of generated EPW, and energy gain by electrons using WKB and paraxial approximations. Numerical simulations have been carried out to investigate the effect of typical laser-plasma parameters on the focusing of laser beams in plasmas and further its effect on power of excited EPW and acceleration of electrons. It is observed that focusing of two laser beams in plasma increases for higher order of hollow Gaussian beams, which significantly enhanced the power of generated EPW and energy gain. The amplitude of EPW and energy gain by electrons is found to enhance with an increase in the intensity of laser beams and plasma density. This study will be useful to plasma beat wave accelerator and in other applications requiring multiple laser beams. Supported by United Arab Emirates University for Financial under Grant No. UPAR (2014)-31S164

Laser beam shaping design based on micromirror array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Han; Su, Bida; Liu, Jiaguo; Fan, Xiaoli; Jing, Wang

2017-10-01

In the practical application of the laser, it is necessary to use the laser beam shaping technology to shape the output beam of laser device to the uniform light intensity distribution. The shaping divergent optical system of compound eye integrator way is composed of beam expanding mirror group and lens array. Its working principle is to expand the output laser to a certain size of caliber, and then divide the beam with lens array into multiple sub beam, where the lens unit of lens array can control the divergence angle of sub beam through the design of focal length, with mutual superposition of the sub beam in far field, to make up for the nonuniformity of beam, so that the radiant exitance on the radiated surface may become uniform. In this paper, we use a reflective microlens array to realize the laser beam shaping. By through of the practical optical path model established, the ray tracing is carried out and the simulation results for single-mode Gaussian beam with noise circumstance is provided. The analysis results show that the laser beam shaping under different inputs can be effectively realized by use of microlens array. All the energy is within the signal window, with a high energy efficiency of more than 90%; The measured surface has a better uniformity, and the uniformity is better than 99.5% at 150m.

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

PubMed

Kuo, Chun-Fu; Chu, Shu-Chun

2013-11-04

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

Diffractive beam shaping for enhanced laser polymer welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rauschenberger, J.; Vogler, D.; Raab, C.; Gubler, U.

2015-03-01

Laser welding of polymers increasingly finds application in a large number of industries such as medical technology, automotive, consumer electronics, textiles or packaging. More and more, it replaces other welding technologies for polymers, e. g. hot-plate, vibration or ultrasonic welding. At the same rate, demands on the quality of the weld, the flexibility of the production system and on processing speed have increased. Traditionally, diode lasers were employed for plastic welding with flat-top beam profiles. With the advent of fiber lasers with excellent beam quality, the possibility to modify and optimize the beam profile by beam-shaping elements has opened. Diffractive optical elements (DOE) can play a crucial role in optimizing the laser intensity profile towards the optimal M-shape beam for enhanced weld seam quality. We present results on significantly improved weld seam width constancy and enlarged process windows compared to Gaussian or flat-top beam profiles. Configurations in which the laser beam diameter and shape can be adapted and optimized without changing or aligning the laser, fiber-optic cable or optical head are shown.

Liquid level and temperature sensing by using dual-wavelength fiber laser based on multimode interferometer and FBG in parallel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Chunran; Dong, Yue; Wang, Muguang; Jian, Shuisheng

2018-03-01

The detection of liquid level and temperature based on a fiber ring cavity laser sensing configuration is presented and demonstrated experimentally. The sensing head contains a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and a single-mode-cladding-less-single-mode multimode interferometer, which also functions as wavelength-selective components of the fiber laser. When the liquid level or temperature is applied on the sensing head, the pass-band peaks of both multimode interference (MMI) filter and FBG filter vary and the two output wavelengths of the laser shift correspondingly. In the experiment, the corresponding sensitivities of the liquid level with four different refractive indices (RI) in the deep range from 0 mm to 40 mm are obtained and the sensitivity enhances with the RI of the liquid being measured. The maximum sensitivity of interferometer is 106.3 pm/mm with the RI of 1.391. For the temperature measurement, a sensitivity of 10.3 pm/°C and 13.8 pm/°C are achieved with the temperature ranging from 0 °C to 90 °C corresponding to the two lasing wavelengths selective by the MMI filter and FBG, respectively. In addition, the average RI sensitivity of 155.77 pm/mm/RIU is also obtained in the RI range of 1.333-1.391.

Generation of terahertz radiation by intense hollow Gaussian laser beam in magnetised plasma under relativistic-ponderomotive regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rawat, Priyanka; Rawat, Vinod; Gaur, Bineet; Purohit, Gunjan

2017-07-01

This paper explores the self-focusing of hollow Gaussian laser beam (HGLB) in collisionless magnetized plasma and its effect on the generation of THz radiation in the presence of relativistic-ponderomotive nonlinearity. The relativistic change of electron mass and electron density perturbation due to the ponderomotive force leads to self-focusing of the laser beam in plasma. Nonlinear coupling between the intense HGLB and electron plasma wave leads to generation of THz radiation in plasma. Resonant excitation of THz radiation at different frequencies of laser and electron plasma wave satisfies proper phase matching conditions. Appropriate expressions for the beam width parameter of the laser beam and the electric vector of the THz wave have been evaluated under the paraxial-ray and Wentzel-Kramers Brillouin approximations. It is found that the yield of THz amplitude depends on the focusing behaviour of laser beam, magnetic field, and background electron density. Numerical simulations have been carried out to investigate the effect of laser and plasma parameters on self-focusing of the laser beam and further its effect on the efficiency of the generated THz radiation.

High-power direct diode laser output by spectral beam combining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Hao; Meng, Huicheng; Ruan, Xu; Du, Weichuan; Wang, Zhao

2018-03-01

We demonstrate a spectral beam combining scheme based on multiple mini-bar stacks, which have more diode laser combining elements, to increase the combined diode laser power and realize equal beam quality in both the fast and slow axes. A spectral beam combining diode laser output of 1130 W is achieved with an operating current of 75 A. When a 9.6 X de-magnifying telescope is introduced between the output mirror and the diffraction grating, to restrain cross-talk among diode laser emitters, a 710 W spectral beam combining diode laser output is achieved at the operating current of 70 A, and the beam quality on the fast and slow axes of the combined beam is about 7.5 mm mrad and 7.3 mm mrad respectively. The power reduction is caused by the existence of a couple resonator between the rear facet of the diode laser and the fast axis collimation lens, and it should be eliminated by using diode laser chips with higher front facet transmission efficiency and a fast axis collimation lens with lower residual reflectivity.

Post-filamentation high-intensive light channels formation upon ultrashort laser pulses self-focusing in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geints, Yu. E.; Ionin, A. A.; Mokrousova, D. V.; Seleznev, L. V.; Sinitsyn, D. V.; Sunchugasheva, E. S.; Zemlyanov, A. A.

2017-01-01

Experimental and theoretical study of the post-filamentation stage of focused high-power Ti:Sa laser pulses in air is presented. Angular divergence of the laser beam, as well as angular and spatial characteristics of specific spatially localized light structures, the post-filament channels (PFCs), under different initial focusing conditions and laser beam energy are investigated. We show that PFC angular divergence is always less than that of the whole laser beam and tends to decrease with laser pulse energy increase and beam focal length elongation.

Generation of Multiple Vortex Beams with Specified Vortex Number from Lasers with Controlled Ince-Gaussian Modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Shu-Chun

2008-07-01

This study proposes a systematic method of selecting excitations of part of Ince-Gaussian modes (IGMs) and a three-lens configuration for generating multiple vortex beams with forced IGMs in the model of laser-diode (LD)-pumped solid-state lasers. Simply changing the lateral off-axis position of the tight pump beam focus on the laser crystal can produce the desired multiple optical vortex beam from the laser in a well-controlled manner using a proposed astigmatic mode converter assembled into one body with the laser cavity.

Design and study of deep laser acupuncture stimulator of modulation and multibeam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Haitao; Wang, Qingguo; Xing, Qian; Li, Fangzheng; Cheng, Dongan

2002-04-01

The laser acupuncture stimulation has been applied extensively to replace the acupuncture needles. But the laser is transmitted to the acupoint through the skin, so the curative effect of the laser irradiation on an acupoint from cuticle is limited. We have developed the deep laser acupuncture stimulator of modulation and multibeam. The laser beam (such as He-Ne, LD, etc.) is turned into the modulated waveform. The modulated laser beam can simulate the customary acupuncture way such as twirling and rotating, etc. The laser beam is split into 3-8 beams by the means of optical shunt. After that they enter into laser acupuncture pins separately through the optical fiber joiners. The laser beam and pins can give simultaneously the stimulation in the depths of 3-8 acupoints. It has been proved by the clinical practice that the deep laser acupuncture has the notable efficiency for the apoplexy and sequelae of apoplexy, sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Laser beam distribution system for the HiLASE Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macúchová, Karolina; Heřmánek, Jan; Kaufman, Jan; Muresan, Mihai-George; Růžička, Jan; Řeháková, Martina; Divoký, Martin; Švandrlík, Luděk.; Mocek, Tomáś

2017-12-01

We report recent progress in design and testing of a distribution system for high-power laser beam delivery developed within the HiLASE project of the IOP in the Czech Republic. Laser beam distribution system is a technical system allowing safe and precise distribution of different laser beams from laboratories to several experimental stations. The unique nature of HiLASE lasers requires new approach, which makes design of the distribution system a state-of-the-art challenge.

Rapid and efficient formation of propagation invariant shaped laser beams.

PubMed

Chriki, Ronen; Barach, Gilad; Tradosnky, Chene; Smartsev, Slava; Pal, Vishwa; Friesem, Asher A; Davidson, Nir

2018-02-19

A rapid and efficient all-optical method for forming propagation invariant shaped beams by exploiting the optical feedback of a laser cavity is presented. The method is based on the modified degenerate cavity laser (MDCL), which is a highly incoherent cavity laser. The MDCL has a very large number of degrees of freedom (320,000 modes in our system) that can be coupled and controlled, and allows direct access to both the real space and Fourier space of the laser beam. By inserting amplitude masks into the cavity, constraints can be imposed on the laser in order to obtain minimal loss solutions that would optimally lead to a superposition of Bessel-Gauss beams forming a desired shaped beam. The resulting beam maintains its transverse intensity distribution for relatively long propagation distances.

Characterizing and Optimizing Photocathode Laser Distributions for Ultra-low Emittance Electron Beam Operations

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

Zhou, F.; Bohler, D.; Ding, Y.

2015-12-07

Photocathode RF gun has been widely used for generation of high-brightness electron beams for many different applications. We found that the drive laser distributions in such RF guns play important roles in minimizing the electron beam emittance. Characterizing the laser distributions with measurable parameters and optimizing beam emittance versus the laser distribution parameters in both spatial and temporal directions are highly desired for high-brightness electron beam operation. In this paper, we report systematic measurements and simulations of emittance dependence on the measurable parameters represented for spatial and temporal laser distributions at the photocathode RF gun systems of Linac Coherent Lightmore » Source. The tolerable parameter ranges for photocathode drive laser distributions in both directions are presented for ultra-low emittance beam operations.« less

Fiber coupled optical spark delivery system

DOEpatents

Yalin, Azer; Willson, Bryan; Defoort, Morgan

2008-08-12

A spark delivery system for generating a spark using a laser beam is provided, the spark delivery system including a laser light source and a laser delivery assembly. The laser delivery assembly includes a hollow fiber and a launch assembly comprising launch focusing optics to input the laser beam in the hollow fiber. In addition, the laser delivery assembly includes exit focusing optics that demagnify an exit beam of laser light from the hollow fiber, thereby increasing the intensity of the laser beam and creating a spark. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the assembly may be used to create a spark in a combustion engine. In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, a method of using the spark delivery system is provided. In addition, a method of choosing an appropriate fiber for creating a spark using a laser beam is also presented.

An analytical reconstruction model of the spread-out Bragg peak using laser-accelerated proton beams.

PubMed

Tao, Li; Zhu, Kun; Zhu, Jungao; Xu, Xiaohan; Lin, Chen; Ma, Wenjun; Lu, Haiyang; Zhao, Yanying; Lu, Yuanrong; Chen, Jia-Er; Yan, Xueqing

2017-07-07

With the development of laser technology, laser-driven proton acceleration provides a new method for proton tumor therapy. However, it has not been applied in practice because of the wide and decreasing energy spectrum of laser-accelerated proton beams. In this paper, we propose an analytical model to reconstruct the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) using laser-accelerated proton beams. Firstly, we present a modified weighting formula for protons of different energies. Secondly, a theoretical model for the reconstruction of SOBPs with laser-accelerated proton beams has been built. It can quickly calculate the number of laser shots needed for each energy interval of the laser-accelerated protons. Finally, we show the 2D reconstruction results of SOBPs for laser-accelerated proton beams and the ideal situation. The final results show that our analytical model can give an SOBP reconstruction scheme that can be used for actual tumor therapy.

Cross-Beam Energy Transfer Driven by Incoherent Laser Beams with Frequency Detuning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maximov, A.; Myatt, J. F.; Short, R. W.; Igumenshchev, I. V.; Seka, W.

2015-11-01

In the direct-drive method of the inertial confinement fusion (ICF), the coupling of laser energy to target plasmas is strongly influenced by the effect of cross-beam energy transfer (CBET) between multiple driving laser beams. The laser -plasma interaction (LPI) model of CBET is based on the nonparaxial laser light propagation coupled with the low-frequency ion-acoustic-domain plasma response. Common ion waves driven by multiple laser beams play a very important role in CBET. The effect of the frequency detuning (colors) in the driving laser beams is studied and it is shown to significantly reduce the level of common ion waves and therefore the level of CBET. The differences between the LPI-based CBET model and the ray-based CBET model used in hydrocodes are discussed. This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Award Number DE-NA0001944.

Generation of vortex array laser beams with Dove prism embedded unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Shu-Chun

2009-02-01

This paper introduces a scheme for generation of vortex laser beams from a solid-state laser with off-axis laser-diode pumping. The proposed system consists of a Dove prism embedded in an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration. This configuration allows controlled construction of p × p vortex array beams from Ince-Gaussian modes, IGep,p modes. An incident IGe p,p laser beam of variety order p can easily be generated from an end-pumped solid-state laser with an off-axis pumping mechanism. This study simulates this type of vortex array laser beam generation and discusses beam propagation effects. The formation of ordered transverse emission patterns have applications in a variety of areas such as optical data storage, distribution, and processing that exploit the robustness of soliton and vortex fields and optical manipulations of small particles and atoms in the featured intensity distribution.

DBSAR's First Multimode Flight Campaign

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rincon, Rafael F.; Vega, Manuel; Buenfil, Manuel; Geist, Alessandro; Hilliard, Lawrence; Racette, Paul

2010-01-01

The Digital Beamforming SAR (DBSAR) is an airborne imaging radar system that combines phased array technology, reconfigurable on-board processing and waveform generation, and advances in signal processing to enable techniques not possible with conventional SARs. The system exploits the versatility inherently in phased-array technology with a state-of-the-art data acquisition and real-time processor in order to implement multi-mode measurement techniques in a single radar system. Operational modes include scatterometry over multiple antenna beams, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) over several antenna beams, or Altimetry. The radar was flight tested in October 2008 on board of the NASA P3 aircraft over the Delmarva Peninsula, MD. The results from the DBSAR system performance is presented.

Studies of the Influence of Beam Profile and Cooling Conditions on the Laser Deposition of a Directionally-Solidified Superalloy.

PubMed

Yang, Shuo; Du, Dong; Chang, Baohua

2018-02-04

In the laser deposition of single crystal and directionally-solidified superalloys, it is desired to form laser deposits with high volume fractions of columnar grains by suppressing the columnar-to-equiaxed transition efficiently. In this paper, the influence of beam profile (circular and square shapes) and cooling conditions (natural cooling and forced cooling) on the geometric morphology and microstructure of deposits were experimentally studied in the laser deposition of a directionally-solidified superalloy, IC10, and the mechanisms of influence were revealed through a numerical simulation of the thermal processes during laser deposition. The results show that wider and thinner deposits were obtained with the square laser beam than those with the circular laser beam, regardless of whether natural or forced cooling conditions was used. The heights and contact angles of deposits were notably increased due to the reduced substrate temperatures by the application of forced cooling for both laser beam profiles. Under natural cooling conditions, columnar grains formed epitaxially at both the center and the edges of the deposits with the square laser beam, but only at the center of the deposits with the circular laser beam; under forced cooling conditions, columnar grains formed at both the center and the edges of deposits regardless of the laser beam profile. The high ratios of thermal gradient and solidification velocity in the height direction of the deposits were favorable to forming deposits with higher volume fractions of columnar grains.

Studies of the Influence of Beam Profile and Cooling Conditions on the Laser Deposition of a Directionally-Solidified Superalloy

PubMed Central

Yang, Shuo; Du, Dong

2018-01-01

In the laser deposition of single crystal and directionally-solidified superalloys, it is desired to form laser deposits with high volume fractions of columnar grains by suppressing the columnar-to-equiaxed transition efficiently. In this paper, the influence of beam profile (circular and square shapes) and cooling conditions (natural cooling and forced cooling) on the geometric morphology and microstructure of deposits were experimentally studied in the laser deposition of a directionally-solidified superalloy, IC10, and the mechanisms of influence were revealed through a numerical simulation of the thermal processes during laser deposition. The results show that wider and thinner deposits were obtained with the square laser beam than those with the circular laser beam, regardless of whether natural or forced cooling conditions was used. The heights and contact angles of deposits were notably increased due to the reduced substrate temperatures by the application of forced cooling for both laser beam profiles. Under natural cooling conditions, columnar grains formed epitaxially at both the center and the edges of the deposits with the square laser beam, but only at the center of the deposits with the circular laser beam; under forced cooling conditions, columnar grains formed at both the center and the edges of deposits regardless of the laser beam profile. The high ratios of thermal gradient and solidification velocity in the height direction of the deposits were favorable to forming deposits with higher volume fractions of columnar grains. PMID:29401715

Compensating the electron beam energy spread by the natural transverse gradient of laser undulator in all-optical x-ray light sources.

PubMed

Zhang, Tong; Feng, Chao; Deng, Haixiao; Wang, Dong; Dai, Zhimin; Zhao, Zhentang

2014-06-02

All-optical ideas provide a potential to dramatically cut off the size and cost of x-ray light sources to the university-laboratory scale, with the combination of the laser-plasma accelerator and the laser undulator. However, the large longitudinal energy spread of the electron beam from laser-plasma accelerator may hinder the way to high brightness of these all-optical light sources. In this paper, the beam energy spread effect is proposed to be significantly compensated by the natural transverse gradient of a laser undulator when properly transverse-dispersing the electron beam. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations on conventional laser-Compton scattering sources and high-gain all-optical x-ray free-electron lasers with the electron beams from laser-plasma accelerators are presented.

A comparison of the physics of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Electron Beam Welding (EBW), and Laser Beam Welding (LBW)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nunes, A. C., Jr.

1985-01-01

The physics governing the applicability and limitations of gas tungsten arc (GTA), electron beam (EB), and laser beam (LB) welding are compared. An appendix on the selection of laser welding systems is included.

Pump beam waist-dependent pulse energy generation in Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG passively Q-switched microchip laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chao-yu; Dong, Jun

2016-08-01

The incident pump beam waist-dependent pulse energy generation in Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG composite crystal passively Q-switched microchip laser has been investigated experimentally and theoretically by moving the Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG composite crystal along the pump beam direction. Highest pulse energy of 0.4 mJ has been generated when the Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG composite crystal is moved about 6 mm away from the focused pump beam waist. Laser pulses with pulse width of 1.7 ns and peak power of over 235 kW have been achieved. The theoretically calculated effective laser beam area at different positions of Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG composite crystal along the pump beam direction is in good agreement with the experimental results. The highest peak power can be generated by adjusting the pump beam waist incident on the Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG composite crystal to optimize the effective laser beam area in passively Q-switched microchip laser.

System and method for delivery of neutron beams for medical therapy

DOEpatents

Nigg, David W.; Wemple, Charles A.

1999-01-01

A neutron delivery system that provides improved capability for tumor control during medical therapy. The system creates a unique neutron beam that has a bimodal or multi-modal energy spectrum. This unique neutron beam can be used for fast-neutron therapy, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), or both. The invention includes both an apparatus and a method for accomplishing the purposes of the invention.

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.

Laser beam alignment and profilometry using diagnostic fluorescent safety mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lizotte, Todd E.

2011-03-01

There are a wide range of laser beam delivery systems in use for various purposes; including industrial and medical applications. Virtually all such beam delivery systems for practical purposes employ optical systems comprised of mirrors and lenses to shape, focus and guide the laser beam down to the material being processed. The goal of the laser beam delivery is to set the optimum parameters and to "fold" the beam path to reduce the mechanical length of the optical system, thereby allowing a physically compact system. In many cases, even a compact system can incorporate upwards of six mirrors and a comparable number of lenses all needing alignment so they are collinear. One of the major requirements for use of such systems in industry is a method of safe alignment. The alignment process requires that the aligner determine where the beam strikes each element. The aligner should also preferably be able to determine the shape or pattern of the laser beam at that point and its relative power. These alignments are further compounded in that the laser beams generated are not visible to the unaided human eye. Such beams are also often of relatively high power levels, and are thereby a significant hazard to the eyes of the aligner. Obvious an invisible beam makes it nearly impossible to align laser system without some form of optical assistance. The predominant method of visually aligning the laser beam delivery is the use of thermal paper, paper cards or fluorescing card material. The use of paper products which have limited power handling capability or coated plastics can produce significant debris and contaminants within the beam line that ultimately damage the optics. The use of the cards can also create significant laser light scatter jeopardizing the safety of the person aligning the system. This paper covers a new safety mirror design for use with at various UV and Near IR wavelengths (193 nm to 1064 nm) within laser beam delivery systems and how its use can provide benefits covering eye safety, precise alignment and beam diagnostics.

Research on Vacuum Laser Accelerator and Proof-of Principle Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Lei

This thesis discovers a proof-of-principle theory of Vacuum Laser Acceleration (VLA) and proposes a new acceleration mechanism---Capture and Acceleration Scenario (CAS) in our far-field laser acceleration research, which is a promising new scheme in advanced acceleration field. In this thesis, I studied electrons' dynamic behaviors while interacting with intense laser beam. There are two kinds of dynamics trajectories, namely IS (Inelastic Scattering) and CAS. In CAS, electrons can be captured and moving along the laser beam for a long time and receive considerable energy exchange from the laser field, rather than quickly expelled from the intense field region of the laser as predicted by the conventional Ponderomotive Potential Model (PPM). This thesis shows the research on most parameters of both laser beam and electron beam which will affect this VLA scheme. One of the primary factors is the laser intensity. Relatively high laser intensity is critically required for VLA, and there are thresholds of intensity a0( th) for CAS occurrence; the thresholds are different under different laser beam waist widths which is also a very important parameter of laser beam. Laser intensity is still a big obstacle nowadays. In the last decade there are only a few laboratories have the laser power to ˜1019 W/cm2 and above. Our simulation shows that laser intensity threshold of CAS is around a0 = 5˜8, in correspondence to laser power around 1019˜1022 W/cm 2 depending on different wave length and waist width. The interaction is also sensitive to various electron beam parameters, such as the optimal initial electron energy falls in the range of 4--15 MeV, electron incident angle and position, and so on. At last the thesis presents out experimental work on this new VLA scheme. The collaboration is between our UCLA group and Brookhaven National Lab - Accelerator Test Facility (BNL-ATF). At BNL-ATF, they have both intense laser beam and high quality electron beam. The characters of BNL-ATF fit our project very well. The laser system at ATF is a short pulse CO2 laser. Under present ATF condition, the peak power of the CO2 laser is around 5J with pulse duration 5ps. Therefore the maximum laser intensity can reach a 0 ≈ 1.0. Such level of laser intensity is not sufficient to perform violent electron acceleration-CAS according to the threshold we defined. However this level intensity is already high enough to see basic proof-of-principle signal based on our extensive simulations with exact practical ATF experimental conditions. Another important factor is the electron beam condition. ATF uses photoinjector Radio Frequency (RF) gun system for electron beam. The working frequency is at constant level 2856MHz. Generally the electron beam deliver energy around 40MeV˜60MeV to the transport beam line. However as we mentioned before with relatively low laser intensity the electron initial energy is required to be lower as well correspondently. We tried best to tuned ATF electron beam energy down to 15MeV. With laser intensity around a 0 ≈ 1.0 and electron beam 15MeV, our simulation indicates to see energy spread expansion after interaction, and this effect increases while the laser intensity increases (even slightly change from a 0 ≈ 0.9 to 2.2). The experiment design is completed based on ATF beam line condition. The design and layout are presented. All the optical devices are acquired and machined. Installation and alignment have been done a few times for testing. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

All-Union Conference on Laser Optics, 4th, Leningrad, USSR, January 13-18, 1984, Proceedings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bukhenskii, M. F.

1984-08-01

The papers presented in this volume provide an overview of current theoretical and experimental research in laser optics. Topics discussed include electronically controlled tunable lasers, nonlinear phenomena in fiber-optic waveguides, holographic distributed-feedback dye lasers, and new developments in solid-state lasers. Papers are also presented on the generation of picosecond pulses through self-Q-switching in a distributed-feedback laser, temporal compression of light pulses during stimulated backscattering, and optimization of second harmonic generation in a multimode Nd:glass laser.

Device for frequency modulation of a laser output spectrum

DOEpatents

Beene, James R.; Bemis, Jr., Curtis E.

1986-01-01

A device is provided for fast frequency modulating the output spectrum of multimode lasers and single frequency lasers that are not actively stabilized. A piezoelectric transducer attached to a laser cavity mirror is driven in an unconventional manner to excite resonance vibration of the transducer to rapidly, cyclicly change the laser cavity length. The result is a cyclic sweeping of the output wavelength sufficient to fill the gaps in the laser output frequency spectrum. When such a laser is used to excite atoms or molecules, complete absorption line coverage is made possible.

Device for frequency modulation of a laser output spectrum

DOEpatents

Beene, J.R.; Bemis, C.E. Jr.

1984-07-17

A device is provided for fast frequency modulating the output spectrum of multimode lasers and single frequency lasers that are not actively stabilized. A piezoelectric transducer attached to a laser cavity mirror is driven in an unconventional manner to excite resonance vibration of the tranducer to rapidly, cyclicly change the laser cavity length. The result is a cyclic sweeping of the output wavelength sufficient to fill the gaps in the laser output frequency spectrum. When a laser is used to excite atoms or molecules, complete absorption line coverage is made possible.

A simultaneous multimodal imaging system for tissue functional parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Wenqi; Zhang, Zhiwu; Wu, Qiang; Zhang, Shiwu; Xu, Ronald

2014-02-01

Simultaneous and quantitative assessment of skin functional characteristics in different modalities will facilitate diagnosis and therapy in many clinical applications such as wound healing. However, many existing clinical practices and multimodal imaging systems are subjective, qualitative, sequential for multimodal data collection, and need co-registration between different modalities. To overcome these limitations, we developed a multimodal imaging system for quantitative, non-invasive, and simultaneous imaging of cutaneous tissue oxygenation and blood perfusion parameters. The imaging system integrated multispectral and laser speckle imaging technologies into one experimental setup. A Labview interface was developed for equipment control, synchronization, and image acquisition. Advanced algorithms based on a wide gap second derivative reflectometry and laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) were developed for accurate reconstruction of tissue oxygenation and blood perfusion respectively. Quantitative calibration experiments and a new style of skinsimulating phantom were designed to verify the accuracy and reliability of the imaging system. The experimental results were compared with a Moor tissue oxygenation and perfusion monitor. For In vivo testing, a post-occlusion reactive hyperemia (PORH) procedure in human subject and an ongoing wound healing monitoring experiment using dorsal skinfold chamber models were conducted to validate the usability of our system for dynamic detection of oxygenation and perfusion parameters. In this study, we have not only setup an advanced multimodal imaging system for cutaneous tissue oxygenation and perfusion parameters but also elucidated its potential for wound healing assessment in clinical practice.

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

PubMed

Liew, S K; Carlson, N W

1992-05-20

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

Development of a highly automated system for the remote evaluation of individual tree parameters

Treesearch

Richard Pollock

2000-01-01

A highly-automated procedure for remotely estimating individual tree location, crown diameter, species class, and height has been developed. This procedure will involve the use of a multimodal airborne sensing system that consists of a digital frame camera, a scanning laser rangefinder, and a position and orientation measurement system. Data from the multimodal sensing...

Combining Two-Photon Polymerisation and Photoreduction to Enable the Manufacture of Metamaterials at the Nanosale

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-13

the laser beam spot. High-intensity laser irradiation expends the ions quickly in the vicinity of laser beam spot, and the resulting lack of metal...only in a narrow band within the laser beam profile, feature sizes can be below the diffraction limit of light. The mechanism of two-photon...femtosecond laser beam is focused into a photo-reactive resin containing a mixture of monomer and metal salt. A photoinitiator is excited by the

Parametric study of transport beam lines for electron beams accelerated by laser-plasma interaction

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

Scisciò, M.; Antici, P., E-mail: patrizio.antici@polytechnique.edu; INRS-EMT, Université du Québec, 1650 Lionel Boulet, Varennes, Québec J3X 1S2

2016-03-07

In the last decade, laser-plasma acceleration of high-energy electrons has attracted strong attention in different fields. Electrons with maximum energies in the GeV range can be laser-accelerated within a few cm using multi-hundreds terawatt (TW) lasers, yielding to very high beam currents at the source (electron bunches with up to tens-hundreds of pC in a few fs). While initially the challenge was to increase the maximum achievable electron energy, today strong effort is put in the control and usability of these laser-generated beams that still lack of some features in order to be used for applications where currently conventional, radio-frequencymore » (RF) based, electron beam lines represent the most common and efficient solution. Several improvements have been suggested for this purpose, some of them acting directly on the plasma source, some using beam shaping tools located downstream. Concerning the latter, several studies have suggested the use of conventional accelerator magnetic devices (such as quadrupoles and solenoids) as an easy implementable solution when the laser-plasma accelerated beam requires optimization. In this paper, we report on a parametric study related to the transport of electron beams accelerated by laser-plasma interaction, using conventional accelerator elements and tools. We focus on both, high energy electron beams in the GeV range, as produced on petawatt (PW) class laser systems, and on lower energy electron beams in the hundreds of MeV range, as nowadays routinely obtained on commercially available multi-hundred TW laser systems. For both scenarios, our study allows understanding what are the crucial parameters that enable laser-plasma accelerators to compete with conventional ones and allow for a beam transport. We show that suitable working points require a tradeoff-combination between low beam divergence and narrow energy spread.« less

Nanoparticles based laser-induced surface structures formation on mesoporous silicon by picosecond laser beam interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talbi, A.; Petit, A.; Melhem, A.; Stolz, A.; Boulmer-Leborgne, C.; Gautier, G.; Defforge, T.; Semmar, N.

2016-06-01

In this study, laser induced periodic surface structures were formed on mesoporous silicon by irradiation of Nd:YAG picosecond pulsed laser beam at 266 nm wavelength at 1 Hz repetition rate and with 42 ps pulse duration. The effects of laser processing parameters as laser beam fluence and laser pulse number on the formation of ripples were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to image the surface morphologies and the cross section of samples after laser irradiation. At relatively low fluence ∼20 mJ/cm2, ripples with period close to the laser beam wavelength (266 nm) and with an always controlled orientation (perpendicular to the polarization of ps laser beam) appeared after a large laser pulse number of 12,000. It has been found that an initial random distribution of SiOx nanoparticles is periodically structured with an increase of the laser pulse number. Finally, it is experimentally demonstrated that we formed a 100 nm liquid phase under the protusion zones including the pores in the picosecond regime.

MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF ACUTE EXUDATIVE POLYMORPHOUS VITELLIFORM MACULOPATHY WITH OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS SCANNING LASER OPHTHALMOSCOPY.

PubMed

Skondra, Dimitra; Nesper, Peter L; Fawzi, Amani A

2017-05-16

To report a case of acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy including the findings of optical coherence tomography angiography and adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Findings on clinical examination, color fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, infrared reflectance, autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography angiography, and adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. A 54-year-old white man with no significant medical history and history of smoking presented with bilateral multiple serous and vitelliform detachments consistent with acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy. Extensive infectious, inflammatory, and malignancy workup was negative. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed thickened, hyperreflective ellipsoid zone, subretinal fluid, and focal as well as diffuse subretinal hyperreflective material corresponding to the vitelliform lesions. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed normal retinal and choroidal vasculature, whereas adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy showed circular focal "target" lesions at the level of the photoreceptors in the area of foveal detachment. Multimodal imaging is valuable in evaluating patients with acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy.

Independent assessment of laser power beaming options

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponikvar, Donald R.

1992-01-01

Technical and architectural issues facing a laser power beaming system are discussed. Issues regarding the laser device, optics, beam control, propagation, and lunar site are examined. Environmental and health physics aspects are considered.

Dual-Beam Atom Laser Driven by Spinor Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, Robert; Lundblad, Nathan; Maleki, Lute; Aveline, David

2007-01-01

An atom laser now undergoing development simultaneously generates two pulsed beams of correlated Rb-87 atoms. (An atom laser is a source of atoms in beams characterized by coherent matter waves, analogous to a conventional laser, which is a source of coherent light waves.) The pumping mechanism of this atom laser is based on spinor dynamics in a Bose-Einstein condensate. By virtue of the angular-momentum conserving collisions that generate the two beams, the number of atoms in one beam is correlated with the number of atoms in the other beam. Such correlations are intimately linked to entanglement and squeezing in atomic ensembles, and atom lasers like this one could be used in exploring related aspects of Bose-Einstein condensates, and as components of future sensors relying on atom interferometry. In this atom-laser apparatus, a Bose-Einstein condensate of about 2 x 10(exp 6) Rb-87 atoms at a temperature of about 120 micro-K is first formed through all-optical means in a relatively weak singlebeam running-wave dipole trap that has been formed by focusing of a CO2-laser beam. By a technique that is established in the art, the trap is loaded from an ultrahigh-vacuum magnetooptical trap that is, itself, loaded via a cold atomic beam from an upstream two-dimensional magneto-optical trap that resides in a rubidium-vapor cell that is differentially pumped from an adjoining vacuum chamber, wherein are performed scientific observations of the beams ultimately generated by the atom laser.

Multi-kW single fiber laser based on an extra large mode area fiber design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langner, Andreas; Such, Mario; Schötz, Gerhard; Just, Florian; Leich, Martin; Schwuchow, Anka; Grimm, Stephan; Zimer, Hagen; Kozak, Marcin; Wedel, Björn; Rehmann, Georg; Bachert, Charley; Krause, Volker

2012-02-01

The quality of Yb-doped fused bulk silica produced by sintering of Yb-doped fused silica granulates has improved greatly in the past five years [1 - 4]. In particular, the refractive index and doping level homogeneity of such materials are excellent and we achieved excellent background fiber attenuation of the active core material down to about 20 dB/km at 1200 nm. The improvement of the Yb-doped fused bulk silica has enabled the development of multi-kW fiber laser systems based on a single extra large multimode laser fiber (XLMA fiber). When a single active fiber is used in combination with the XLMA multimode fiber of 1200 μm diameter simple and robust high power fiber laser setups without complex fiber coupling and fiber combiner systems become possible. In this papper, we will discuss in detail the development of the core material based on Yb-doped bulk silica and the characterization of Yb-doped fibers with different core compositions. We will also report on the excellent performance of a 4 kW fiber laser based on a single XLMA-fiber and show the first experimental welding results of steel sheets achieved with such a laser.

Compact spectrometer for precision studies of multimode behavior in an extended-cavity diode laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roach, Timothy; Golemi, Josian; Krueger, Thomas

2016-05-01

We have built a compact, inexpensive, high-precision spectrometer and used it to investigate the tuning behavior of a grating stabilized extended-cavity diode laser (ECDL). A common ECDL design uses a laser chip with an uncoated (partially reflecting) front facet, and the laser output exhibits a complicated pattern of mode hops as the frequency is tuned, in some cases even showing chaotic dynamics. Our grating spectrometer (based on a design by White & Scholten) monitors a span of 4000 GHz (8 nm at 780 nm) with a linewidth of 3 GHz, which with line-splitting gives a precision of 0.02 GHz in determining the frequency of a laser mode. We have studied multimode operation of the ECDL, tracking two or three simultaneous chip cavity modes (spacing ~ 30 GHz) during tuning via current or piezo control of the external cavity. Simultaneous output on adjacent external cavity modes (spacing ~ 5 GHz) is monitored by measuring an increase in the spectral linewidth. Computer-control of the spectrometer (for line-fitting and averaging) and of the ECDL (electronic tuning) allows rapid collection of spectral data sets, which we will use to test mathematical simulation models of the non-linear laser cavity interactions.

Two-dimensional optimization of free electron laser designs

DOEpatents

Prosnitz, Donald; Haas, Roger A.

1985-01-01

Off-axis, two-dimensional designs for free electron lasers that maintain correspondence of a light beam with a "synchronous electron" at an optimal transverse radius r>0 to achieve increased beam trapping efficiency and enhanced laser beam wavefront control so as to decrease optical beam diffraction and other deleterious effects.

Experimental light scattering by small particles: system design and calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maconi, Göran; Kassamakov, Ivan; Penttilä, Antti; Gritsevich, Maria; Hæggström, Edward; Muinonen, Karri

2017-06-01

We describe a setup for precise multi-angular measurements of light scattered by mm- to μm-sized samples. We present a calibration procedure that ensures accurate measurements. Calibration is done using a spherical sample (d = 5 mm, n = 1.517) fixed on a static holder. The ultimate goal of the project is to allow accurate multi-wavelength measurements (the full Mueller matrix) of single-particle samples which are levitated ultrasonically. The system comprises a tunable multimode Argon-krypton laser, with 12 wavelengths ranging from 465 to 676 nm, a linear polarizer, a reference photomultiplier tube (PMT) monitoring beam intensity, and several PMT:s mounted radially towards the sample at an adjustable radius. The current 150 mm radius allows measuring all azimuthal angles except for ±4° around the backward scattering direction. The measurement angle is controlled by a motor-driven rotational stage with an accuracy of 15'.

Low-temperature sensitivity periodically tapered photonic crystal-fiber-based refractometer.

PubMed

Wang, Pengfei; Bo, Lin; Guan, Chunying; Semenova, Yuliya; Wu, Qiang; Brambilla, Gilberto; Farrell, Gerald

2013-10-01

In this Letter, an all-fiber refractometer with a simple configuration of periodical tapers on a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is proposed and investigated experimentally. The proposed fiber refractive index (RI) sensor consists of a PCF sandwiched between two standard single-mode fibers, with tapers periodically fabricated along the PCF using a CO(2) laser beam focused by a ZnSe cylindrical lens. The proposed fiber sensor can be used for RI sensing by measuring the wavelength shift of the multimode interference dip over the transmission spectrum. An average sensitivity of 222 nm/RIU has been experimentally achieved over a RI range from 1.33 to 1.38. The proposed refractometer is also significantly less sensitive to temperature, and an experimental demonstration of this reduced sensitivity is presented. The proposed RI sensor benefits from simplicity and low-cost and achieves a competitive sensitivity compared with other existing fiber-optic sensors.

Thermal effects in laser-assisted embryo hatching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douglas-Hamilton, Diarmaid H.; Conia, Jerome D.

2000-08-01

Diode lasers [(lambda) equals 1480 nm] are used with in-vitro fertilization [IVF] as a promoter of embryo hatching. A focused laser beam is applied in vitro to form a channel in the zona pellucida (shell) of the pre-embryo. After transfer into the uterus, the embryo hatches: it extrudes itself through the channel and implants into the uterine wall. Laser-assisted hatching can result in improving implantation and pregnancy success rates. We present examples of zone pellucida ablation using animal models. In using the laser it is vital not to damage pre-embryo cells, e.g. by overheating. In order to define safe regimes we have derived some thermal side-effects of zona pellucida removal. The temperature profile in the beam and vicinity is predicted as function of laser pulse duration and power. In a crossed-beam experiment a HeNe laser probe detects the temperature-induced change in refractive index. We find that the diode laser beam produces superheated water approaching 200 C on the beam axis. Thermal histories during and following the laser pulse are given for regions in the neighborhood of the beam. We conclude that an optimum regime exists with pulse duration

Self-focusing and defocusing of Gaussian laser beams in collisional inhomogeneous plasmas with linear density and temperature ramps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashemzadeh, M.

2018-01-01

Self-focusing and defocusing of Gaussian laser beams in collisional inhomogeneous plasmas are investigated in the presence of various laser intensities and linear density and temperature ramps. Considering the ponderomotive force and using the momentum transfer and energy equations, the nonlinear electron density is derived. Taking into account the paraxial approximation and nonlinear electron density, a nonlinear differential equation, governing the focusing and defocusing of the laser beam, is obtained. Results show that in the absence of ramps the laser beam is focused between a minimum and a maximum value of laser intensity. For a certain value of laser intensity and initial electron density, the self-focusing process occurs in a temperature range which reaches its maximum at turning point temperature. However, the laser beam is converged in a narrow range for various amounts of initial electron density. It is indicated that the σ2 parameter and its sign can affect the self-focusing process for different values of laser intensity, initial temperature, and initial density. Finally, it is found that although the electron density ramp-down diverges the laser beam, electron density ramp-up improves the self-focusing process.

Note: Laser beam scanning using a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Abhijit; Boruah, Bosanta R.

2014-04-01

In this work we describe laser beam scanning using a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator. Commercially available ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulators are capable of displaying 85 colored images in 1 s using a time dithering technique. Each colored image, in fact, comprises 24 single bit (black and white) images displayed sequentially. We have used each single bit image to write a binary phase hologram. For a collimated laser beam incident on the hologram, one of the diffracted beams can be made to travel along a user defined direction. We have constructed a beam scanner employing the above arrangement and demonstrated its use to scan a single laser beam in a laser scanning optical sectioning microscope setup.

An Efficient Single Frequency Ho:YLF Laser for IPDA Lidar Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu, J.; Bai, Y.; Wong, T.; Reithmeier, K.; Petros, M.

2016-01-01

A highly efficient, versatile, single frequency 2-micron pulsed laser can be used in a pulsed Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) / Integrated Path Differential Absorption (IPDA) instrument to make precise, high-resolution measurements to investigate sources and sinks of CO2. For a direct detection IPDA lidar, the desired 2 ?m Ho:YLF laser should generate 30-40 mJ pulses at the repetition rate of 100 to 200 Hz, with short pulse length (<100 ns) and better than 2% wall plug efficiency. A Tm fiber laser in-band pumped Ho:YLF laser has been developed to meet this technical challenge. This Ho:YLF laser is designed in a four mirror ring resonator with bow tie configuration, which helps to obtain high beam quality. It is end-pumped by a 40 W linearly polarized Tm fiber laser at 1.94µm. The resonator length is 1.10 meters with output coupler reflectivity at 45%. The laser crystal size is 3 x 3 x 60 mm (w, h, l) with a doping concentration of 0.5% Holmium. The laser beam and pump beam are mode-matched in the active medium. Thus, the pump and laser beams have the same confocal parameters. Mode-matching is also helpful for operating the laser in a single transverse mode. The laser beam waist is slightly less than 0.5 mm at the center of the laser crystal. Based on quasi-four level modeling, pump absorption and saturation depend on laser intensity. Laser amplification and saturation also depend on the pump intensity in the crystal. The laser is injection seeded to obtain the single frequency required by an IPDA lidar measurement. The seed beam is entered into the resonator through an output coupler. The laser is mounted on a water cooled optical bench for stable and reliable operation. The size of the optical bench is 22.16 x 9.20 x 1.25 inches. It is stiffened so that the laser can be operated in any orientation of the optical bench. This packaged Ho:YLF laser is designed for either mobile trailer or airborne platform operation. The engineering prototype Ho:YLF laser has been fully characterized to demonstrate laser performance. Figure 1 shows the laser output power as a function of pump power at different pulse repetition rates from 100 Hz to 333 Hz. The threshold of the laser is less than 14 W. The slope efficiencies are 28%, 40%, 41% and 43% for pulse repetition rates of 100, 200, 250 and 333 Hz, respectively. Maximum power increases with the pulse repetition rate. Output power of 4.2 W, 6 W, 6.7 W, and 7.7 W is achieved for pulse repetition rates of 100, 200, 250 and 333Hz, respectively. This represents the optical conversion efficiency of 16.7%, 22.4%, 23.7%, and 26.5% at these various pulse repletion rates. It is the most efficient and compact Ho:YLF laser demonstrated in the high pulse energy (>20mJ) and moderate pulse repetition rate (100's Hz) operation range. As shown in Figure 1, the maximum pulse energy at 100 Hz is 42 mJ. This is limited due to optical damage. The laser stability is characterized and found to be very stable. A relative pulse energy standard deviation of 2% was measured. The beam quality of the Ho:YLF was measured by a Spiricon infrared laser beam camera. Figure 2 shows the beam profile image of the laser. Both the X-profile of the beam (horizontal direction) and the Y-profile of the beam (vertical direction) are well fitted by a Gaussian profile. The qualitative beam quality measurement shows excellent beam quality in both axis. The M-square value for the laser beam is measured at 1.06 and 1.09 for the x and y axis respectively.-

Generation of Homogeneous and Patterned Electron Beams using a Microlens Array Laser-Shaping Technique

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

Halavanau, Aliaksei; Edstrom, Dean; Gai, Wei

2016-06-01

In photocathodes the achievable electron-beam parameters are controlled by the laser used to trigger the photoemission process. Non-ideal laser distribution hampers the final beam quality. Laser inhomogeneities, for instance, can be "amplified" by space-charge force and result in fragmented electron beams. To overcome this limitation laser shaping methods are routinely employed. In the present paper we demonstrate the use of simple microlens arrays to dramatically improve the transverse uniformity. We also show that this arrangement can be used to produce transversely-patterned electron beams. Our experiments are carried out at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility.

Fully utilizing high power diode lasers by synergizing diode laser light sources and beam shaping micro-optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Yingmin; Wang, Jingwei; Cai, Lei; Mitra, Thomas; Hauschild, Dirk; Zah, Chung-En; Liu, Xingsheng

2018-02-01

High power diode lasers (HPDLs) offer the highest wall-plug efficiency, highest specific power (power-to-weight ratio), arguably the lowest cost and highest reliability among all laser types. However, the poor beam quality of commercially HPDLs is the main bottleneck limiting their direct applications requiring high brightness at least in one dimension. In order to expand the applications of HPDLs, beam shaping and optical design are essential. In this work, we report the recent progresses on maximizing applications of HPDLs by synergizing diode laser light source and beam shaping micro-optics. Successful examples of matching of diode laser light sources and beam shaping micro-optics driving new applications are presented.

Influence of laser beam profiles on received power fluctuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dordova, Lucie; Diblik, Jan

2011-09-01

Gaussian beam is very often used for the transmission of information in optical wireless links. The usage of this optical beam has its advantages and, of course, disadvantages. This work focuses on possibilities of using laser beams with different distribution of optical intensity - Top Hat beam. Creation of the optical beam with selected optical intensity profile will be briefly described. Optical beams will propagate through the "clear" and stationary atmosphere in the experimental part of this work. These results will be compared with the data obtained after a laser beam is passed through the turbulent and attenuated atmosphere. We will use an ultrasound fog generator for laser beam attenuation testing. To create the turbulence, infra radiators will be applied. Particular results obtained from different atmospheric conditions will be compared and using different types of optical beams will be assessed.

Comparing Yb-fiber and Ti:Sapphire lasers for depth resolved imaging of human skin (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balu, Mihaela; Saytashev, Ilyas; Hou, Jue; Dantus, Marcos; Tromberg, Bruce J.

2016-02-01

We report on a direct comparison between Ti:Sapphire and Yb fiber lasers for depth-resolved label-free multimodal imaging of human skin. We found that the penetration depth achieved with the Yb laser was 80% greater than for the Ti:Sapphire. Third harmonic generation (THG) imaging with Yb laser excitation provides additional information about skin structure. Our results indicate the potential of fiber-based laser systems for moving into clinical use.

Advanced Optical Fibers for High power Fiber lasers

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-24

crystal fiber cladding . Advanced Optical Fibers for High Power Fiber Lasers http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58958 223 lengths above the second-order mode cut...brightness multimode diode lasers for a given pump waveguide dimen‐ sion. In conventional double- clad fibers, low-index polymer coatings are typically used to...was below 0.2. The fiber was passive and there was no laser demonstration in this first attempt. The first cladding - pumping demonstration in an

Random wandering of laser beams with orbital angular momentum during propagation through atmospheric turbulence.

PubMed

Aksenov, Valerii P; Kolosov, Valeriy V; Pogutsa, Cheslav E

2014-06-10

The propagation of laser beams having orbital angular momenta (OAM) in the turbulent atmosphere is studied numerically. The variance of random wandering of these beams is investigated with the use of the Monte Carlo technique. It is found that, among various types of vortex laser beams, such as the Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beam, modified Bessel-Gaussian beam, and hypergeometric Gaussian beam, having identical initial effective radii and OAM, the LG beam occupying the largest effective volume in space is the most stable one.

Precision atomic beam density characterization by diode laser absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Oxley, Paul; Wihbey, Joseph

2016-09-01

We provide experimental and theoretical details of a simple technique to determine absolute line-of-sight integrated atomic beam densities based on resonant laser absorption. In our experiments, a thermal lithium beam is chopped on and off while the frequency of a laser crossing the beam at right angles is scanned slowly across the resonance transition. A lock-in amplifier detects the laser absorption signal at the chop frequency from which the atomic density is determined. The accuracy of our experimental method is confirmed using the related technique of wavelength modulation spectroscopy. For beams which absorb of order 1% of the incident laser light, our measurements allow the beam density to be determined to an accuracy better than 5% and with a precision of 3% on a time scale of order 1 s. Fractional absorptions of order 10 -5 are detectable on a one-minute time scale when we employ a double laser beam technique which limits laser intensity noise. For a lithium beam with a thickness of 9 mm, we have measured atomic densities as low as 5 × 10 4 atoms cm -3 . The simplicity of our technique and the details we provide should allow our method to be easily implemented in most atomic or molecular beam apparatuses.

Three electron beams from a laser-plasma wakefield accelerator and the energy apportioning question

PubMed Central

Yang, X.; Brunetti, E.; Gil, D. Reboredo; Welsh, G. H.; Li, F. Y.; Cipiccia, S.; Ersfeld, B.; Grant, D. W.; Grant, P. A.; Islam, M. R.; Tooley, M. P.; Vieux, G.; Wiggins, S. M.; Sheng, Z. M.; Jaroszynski, D. A.

2017-01-01

Laser-wakefield accelerators are compact devices capable of delivering ultra-short electron bunches with pC-level charge and MeV-GeV energy by exploiting the ultra-high electric fields arising from the interaction of intense laser pulses with plasma. We show experimentally and through numerical simulations that a high-energy electron beam is produced simultaneously with two stable lower-energy beams that are ejected in oblique and counter-propagating directions, typically carrying off 5–10% of the initial laser energy. A MeV, 10s nC oblique beam is ejected in a 30°–60° hollow cone, which is filled with more energetic electrons determined by the injection dynamics. A nC-level, 100s keV backward-directed beam is mainly produced at the leading edge of the plasma column. We discuss the apportioning of absorbed laser energy amongst the three beams. Knowledge of the distribution of laser energy and electron beam charge, which determine the overall efficiency, is important for various applications of laser-wakefield accelerators, including the development of staged high-energy accelerators. PMID:28281679

Tailored laser beam shaping for efficient and accurate microstructuring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Häfner, T.; Strauß, J.; Roider, C.; Heberle, J.; Schmidt, M.

2018-02-01

Large-area processing with high material removal rates by ultrashort pulsed (USP) lasers is coming into focus by the development of high-power USP laser systems. However, currently the bottleneck for high-rate production is given by slow and inefficient beam manipulation. On the one hand, slow beam deflection with regard to high pulse repetition rates leads to heat accumulation and shielding effects, on the other hand, a conventional focus cannot provide the optimum fluence due to the Gaussian intensity profile. In this paper, we emphasize on two approaches of dynamic laser beam shaping with liquid crystal on silicon spatial light modulation and acousto-optic beam shaping. Advantages and limitations of dynamic laser beam shaping with regard to USP laser material processing and methods for reducing the influence of speckle are discussed. Additionally, the influence of optics induced aberrations on speckle characteristics is evaluated. Laser material processing results are presented correlating the achieved structure quality with the simulated and measured beam quality. Experimental and analytical investigations show a certain fluence dependence of the necessary number of alternative holograms to realize homogeneous microstructures.

Operation of Ho:YAG ultrafast laser inscribed waveguide lasers.

PubMed

McDaniel, Sean; Thorburn, Fiona; Lancaster, Adam; Stites, Ronald; Cook, Gary; Kar, Ajoy

2017-04-20

We report fabrication and operation of multi-watt level waveguide lasers utilizing holmium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG). The waveguides were fabricated using ultrafast laser inscription, which relies on a chirped pulse ytterbium fiber laser to create depressed cladding structures inside the material. A variety of waveguides were created inside the Ho:YAG samples. We demonstrate output powers of ∼2  W from both a single-mode 50 μm waveguide laser and a multimode 80 μm waveguide laser. In addition, laser action from a co-doped Yb:Ho:YAG sample under in-band pumping conditions was demonstrated.

Surface Structuring with Polarization-Singular Femtosecond Laser Beams Generated by a q-plate

PubMed Central

Nivas, Jijil JJ; Cardano, Filippo; Song, Zhenming; Rubano, Andrea; Fittipaldi, Rosalba; Vecchione, Antonio; Paparo, Domenico; Marrucci, Lorenzo; Bruzzese, Riccardo; Amoruso, Salvatore

2017-01-01

In the last few years femtosecond optical vortex beams with different spatial distributions of the state of polarization (e.g. azimuthal, radial, spiral, etc.) have been used to generate complex, regular surface patterns on different materials. Here we present an experimental investigation on direct femtosecond laser surface structuring based on a larger class of vector beams generated by means of a q-plate with topological charge q = +1/2. In fact, voltage tuning of q-plate optical retardation allows generating a family of ultrashort laser beams with a continuous spatial evolution of polarization and fluence distribution in the focal plane. These beams can be thought of as a controlled coherent superposition of a Gaussian beam with uniform polarization and a vortex beam with a radial or azimuthal state of polarization. The use of this family of ultrashort laser beams in surface structuring leads to a further extension of the achievable surface patterns. The comparison of theoretical predictions of the vector beam characteristics at the focal plane and the generated surface patterns is used to rationalize the dependence of the surface structures on the local state of the laser beam, thus offering an effective way to either design unconventional surface structures or diagnose complex ultrashort laser beams. PMID:28169342

Surface Structuring with Polarization-Singular Femtosecond Laser Beams Generated by a q-plate.

PubMed

Nivas, Jijil Jj; Cardano, Filippo; Song, Zhenming; Rubano, Andrea; Fittipaldi, Rosalba; Vecchione, Antonio; Paparo, Domenico; Marrucci, Lorenzo; Bruzzese, Riccardo; Amoruso, Salvatore

2017-02-07

In the last few years femtosecond optical vortex beams with different spatial distributions of the state of polarization (e.g. azimuthal, radial, spiral, etc.) have been used to generate complex, regular surface patterns on different materials. Here we present an experimental investigation on direct femtosecond laser surface structuring based on a larger class of vector beams generated by means of a q-plate with topological charge q = +1/2. In fact, voltage tuning of q-plate optical retardation allows generating a family of ultrashort laser beams with a continuous spatial evolution of polarization and fluence distribution in the focal plane. These beams can be thought of as a controlled coherent superposition of a Gaussian beam with uniform polarization and a vortex beam with a radial or azimuthal state of polarization. The use of this family of ultrashort laser beams in surface structuring leads to a further extension of the achievable surface patterns. The comparison of theoretical predictions of the vector beam characteristics at the focal plane and the generated surface patterns is used to rationalize the dependence of the surface structures on the local state of the laser beam, thus offering an effective way to either design unconventional surface structures or diagnose complex ultrashort laser beams.

Bolt beam propagation analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shokair, I. R.

BOLT (Beam on Laser Technology) is a rocket experiment to demonstrate electron beam propagation on a laser ionized plasma channel across the geomagnetic field in the ion focused regime (IFR). The beam parameters for BOLT are: beam current I(sub b) = 100 Amps, beam energy of 1--1.5 MeV (gamma =3-4), and a Gaussian beam and channel of radii r(sub b) = r(sub c) = 1.5 cm. The N+1 ionization scheme is used to ionize atomic oxygen in the upper atmosphere. This scheme utilizes 130 nm light plus three IR lasers to excite and then ionize atomic oxygen. The limiting factor for the channel strength is the energy of the 130 nm laser, which is assumed to be 1.6 mJ for BOLT. At a fixed laser energy and altitude (fixing the density of atomic oxygen), the range can be varied by adjusting the laser tuning, resulting in a neutralization fraction axial profile of the form: f(z) = f(sub 0) e(exp minus z)/R, where R is the range. In this paper we consider the propagation of the BOLT beam and calculate the range of the electron beam taking into account the fact that the erosion rates (magnetic and inductive) vary with beam length as the beam and channel dynamically respond to sausage and hose instabilities.

Surface Structuring with Polarization-Singular Femtosecond Laser Beams Generated by a q-plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nivas, Jijil Jj; Cardano, Filippo; Song, Zhenming; Rubano, Andrea; Fittipaldi, Rosalba; Vecchione, Antonio; Paparo, Domenico; Marrucci, Lorenzo; Bruzzese, Riccardo; Amoruso, Salvatore

2017-02-01

In the last few years femtosecond optical vortex beams with different spatial distributions of the state of polarization (e.g. azimuthal, radial, spiral, etc.) have been used to generate complex, regular surface patterns on different materials. Here we present an experimental investigation on direct femtosecond laser surface structuring based on a larger class of vector beams generated by means of a q-plate with topological charge q = +1/2. In fact, voltage tuning of q-plate optical retardation allows generating a family of ultrashort laser beams with a continuous spatial evolution of polarization and fluence distribution in the focal plane. These beams can be thought of as a controlled coherent superposition of a Gaussian beam with uniform polarization and a vortex beam with a radial or azimuthal state of polarization. The use of this family of ultrashort laser beams in surface structuring leads to a further extension of the achievable surface patterns. The comparison of theoretical predictions of the vector beam characteristics at the focal plane and the generated surface patterns is used to rationalize the dependence of the surface structures on the local state of the laser beam, thus offering an effective way to either design unconventional surface structures or diagnose complex ultrashort laser beams.

Apparatus and method for increasing the bandwidth of a laser beam

DOEpatents

Chaffee, Paul H.

1991-01-01

A method and apparatus is disclosed that provides a laser output beam having a broad bandwidth and an intensity smooth over time. The bandwidth of the laser output can be varied easily by varying the intensity of a broadband source. The present invention includes an optical modulation apparatus comprising a narrowband laser that outputs a horizontally polarized beam (a "signal beam") and a broadband laser that outputs a vertically polarized beam (a "pump beam") whose intensity varies rapidly. The two beam are coupled into a birefringent laser material so that the respective polarizations coincide with the principal axes of the material. As the two beams travel through the material, the polarization preserving properties of the birefringent material maintain the respective polarizations of the two beam; however there is coupling between the two beams as a result of cross phase modulations, which induces a bandwidth change of the signal beam. The amount of bandwidth change is dependent upon the average intensity of the pump beam. The beams are coupled out from the birefringent material and the modulated signal beam is separated by a polarization selector. The modulated signal beam now has a wider bandwidth, and its shape remains smooth in time. This signal beam can be applied to incoherence inducing systems. The different bandwidths required by these different incoherence inducing systems can be obtained by varying the intensity of the pump beam. The United States Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. W7405-ENG-48 between the United States Department of Energy and the University of California for the operation of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

The Beam Characteristics of High Power Diode Laser Stack

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Yuanyuan; Fu, Yueming; Lu, Hui; Cui, Yan

2018-03-01

Direct diode lasers have some of the most attractive features of any laser. They are very efficient, compact, wavelength versatile, low cost, and highly reliable. However, the full utilization of direct diode lasers has yet to be realized. However, the poor quality of diode laser beam itself, directly affect its application ranges, in order to better use of diode laser stack, need a proper correction of optical system, which requires accurate understanding of the diode laser beam characteristics. Diode laser could make it possible to establish the practical application because of rectangular beam patterns which are suitable to make fine bead with less power. Therefore diode laser cladding will open a new field of repairing for the damaged machinery parts which must contribute to recycling of the used machines and saving of cost.

A three-dimensional orthogonal laser velocimeter for the NASA Ames 7- by 10-foot wind tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunagan, Stephen E.; Cooper, Donald L.

1995-01-01

A three-component dual-beam laser-velocimeter system has been designed, fabricated, and implemented in the 7-by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames Research Center. The instrument utilizes optical access from both sides and the top of the test section, and is configured for uncoupled orthogonal measurements of the three Cartesian coordinates of velocity. Bragg cell optics are used to provide fringe velocity bias. Modular system design provides great flexibility in the location of sending and receiving optics to adapt to specific experimental requirements. Near-focus Schmidt-Cassegrain optic modules may be positioned for collection of forward or backward scattered light over a large solid angle, and may be clustered to further increase collection solid angle. Multimode fiber optics transmit collected light to the photomultiplier tubes for processing. Counters are used to process the photomultiplier signals and transfer the processed data digitally via buffered interface controller to the host MS-DOS computer. Considerable data reduction and graphical display programming permit on-line control of data acquisition and evaluation of the incoming data. This paper describes this system in detail and presents sample data illustrating the system's capability.

Nanosecond pulse lasers for retinal applications.

PubMed

Wood, John P M; Plunkett, Malcolm; Previn, Victor; Chidlow, Glyn; Casson, Robert J

2011-08-01

Thermal lasers are routinely used to treat certain retinal disorders although they cause collateral damage to photoreceptors. The current study evaluated a confined, non-conductive thermal, 3-nanosecond pulse laser in order to determine how to produce the greatest therapeutic range without causing collateral damage. Data were compared with that obtained from a standard thermal laser. Porcine ocular explants were used; apposed neuroretina was also in place for actual laser treatment. After treatment, the retina was removed and a calcein-AM assay was used to assess retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cell viability in the explants. Histological methods were also employed to examine lased transverse explant sections. Three nanoseconds pulse lasers with either speckle- or gaussian-beam profile were employed in the study. Comparisons were made with a 100 milliseconds continuous wave (CW) 532 nm laser. The therapeutic energy range ratio was defined as the minimum visible effect threshold (VET) versus the minimum detectable RPE kill threshold. The 3-nanosecond lasers produced markedly lower minimum RPE kill threshold levels than the CW laser (e.g., 36 mJ/cm(2) for speckle-beam and 89 mJ/cm(2) for gaussian-beam profile nanosecond lasers vs. 7,958 mJ/cm(2) for CW laser). VET values were also correspondingly lower for the nanosecond lasers (130 mJ/cm(2) for 3 nanoseconds speckle-beam and 219 mJ/cm(2) for gaussian-beam profile vs. 1,0346 mJ/cm(2) for CW laser). Thus, the therapeutic range ratios obtained with the nanosecond lasers were much more favorable than that obtained by the CW laser: 3.6:1 for the speckle-beam and 2.5:1 for the gaussian-beam profile 3-nanosecond lasers versus 1.3:1 for the CW laser. Nanosecond lasers, particularly with a speckle-beam profile, provide a much wider therapeutic range of energies over which RPE treatment can be performed, without damage to the apposed retina, as compared with conventional CW lasers. These results may have important implications for the treatment of retinal disease. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Photonic crystal microchip laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gailevicius, D.; Koliadenko, V.; Purlys, V.; Peckus, M.; Taranenko, V.; Staliunas, K.

2017-02-01

The microchip lasers, being sources of coherent light, suffer from one serious drawback: low spatial quality of the beam, strongly reducing the brightness of emitted radiation. Attempts to improve the beam quality, such as pump-beam guiding, external feedback, either strongly reduce the emission power, or drastically increase the size and complexity of the lasers. Here we propose that specially designed photonic crystal in the cavity of a microchip laser, can significantly improve the beam quality. We experimentally show that a microchip laser, due to spatial filtering functionality of intracavity photonic crystal, improves the beam quality factor M2 reducing it by factor of 2, and thus increase the brightness of radiation by a factor of 4. This comprises a new kind of laser, the "photonic crystal microchip laser", a very compact and efficient light source emitting high spatial high brightness radiation.

Photonic Crystal Microchip Laser.

PubMed

Gailevicius, Darius; Koliadenko, Volodymyr; Purlys, Vytautas; Peckus, Martynas; Taranenko, Victor; Staliunas, Kestutis

2016-09-29

The microchip lasers, being very compact and efficient sources of coherent light, suffer from one serious drawback: low spatial quality of the beam strongly reducing the brightness of emitted radiation. Attempts to improve the beam quality, such as pump-beam guiding, external feedback, either strongly reduce the emission power, or drastically increase the size and complexity of the lasers. Here it is proposed that specially designed photonic crystal in the cavity of a microchip laser, can significantly improve the beam quality. Experiments show that a microchip laser, due to spatial filtering functionality of intracavity photonic crystal, improves the beam quality factor M 2 reducing it by a factor of 2, and increase the brightness of radiation by a factor of 3. This comprises a new kind of laser, the "photonic crystal microchip laser", a very compact and efficient light source emitting high spatial quality high brightness radiation.

Radiation beam calorimetric power measurement system

DOEpatents

Baker, John; Collins, Leland F.; Kuklo, Thomas C.; Micali, James V.

1992-01-01

A radiation beam calorimetric power measurement system for measuring the average power of a beam such as a laser beam, including a calorimeter configured to operate over a wide range of coolant flow rates and being cooled by continuously flowing coolant for absorbing light from a laser beam to convert the laser beam energy into heat. The system further includes a flow meter for measuring the coolant flow in the calorimeter and a pair of thermistors for measuring the temperature difference between the coolant inputs and outputs to the calorimeter. The system also includes a microprocessor for processing the measured coolant flow rate and the measured temperature difference to determine the average power of the laser beam.

Optical diagnostics integrated with laser spark delivery system

DOEpatents

Yalin, Azer [Fort Collins, CO; Willson, Bryan [Fort Collins, CO; Defoort, Morgan [Fort Collins, CO; Joshi, Sachin [Fort Collins, CO; Reynolds, Adam [Fort Collins, CO

2008-09-02

A spark delivery system for generating a spark using a laser beam is provided, and includes a laser light source and a laser delivery assembly. The laser delivery assembly includes a hollow fiber and a launch assembly comprising launch focusing optics to input the laser beam in the hollow fiber. The laser delivery assembly further includes exit focusing optics that demagnify an exit beam of laser light from the hollow fiber, thereby increasing the intensity of the laser beam and creating a spark. Other embodiments use a fiber laser to generate a spark. Embodiments of the present invention may be used to create a spark in an engine. Yet other embodiments include collecting light from the spark or a flame resulting from the spark and conveying the light for diagnostics. Methods of using the spark delivery systems and diagnostic systems are provided.

Fiber laser coupled optical spark delivery system

DOEpatents

Yalin, Azer [Fort Collins, CO; Willson, Bryan [Fort Collins, CO; Defoort, Morgan [Fort Collins, CO; Joshi, Sachin [Fort Collins, CO; Reynolds, Adam [Fort Collins, CO

2008-03-04

A spark delivery system for generating a spark using a laser beam is provided, and includes a laser light source and a laser delivery assembly. The laser delivery assembly includes a hollow fiber and a launch assembly comprising launch focusing optics to input the laser beam in the hollow fiber. The laser delivery assembly further includes exit focusing optics that demagnify an exit beam of laser light from the hollow fiber, thereby increasing the intensity of the laser beam and creating a spark. Other embodiments use a fiber laser to generate a spark. Embodiments of the present invention may be used to create a spark in an engine. Yet other embodiments include collecting light from the spark or a flame resulting from the spark and conveying the light for diagnostics. Methods of using the spark delivery systems and diagnostic systems are provided.

System and method for delivery of neutron beams for medical therapy

DOEpatents

Nigg, D.W.; Wemple, C.A.

1999-07-06

A neutron delivery system that provides improved capability for tumor control during medical therapy is disclosed. The system creates a unique neutron beam that has a bimodal or multi-modal energy spectrum. This unique neutron beam can be used for fast-neutron therapy, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), or both. The invention includes both an apparatus and a method for accomplishing the purposes of the invention. 5 figs.

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.

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.

Atmospheric propagation of high power laser radiation at different weather conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pargmann, Carsten; Hall, Thomas; Duschek, Frank; Handke, Jürgen

2016-05-01

Applications based on the propagation of high power laser radiation through the atmosphere are limited in range and effect, due to weather dependent beam wandering, beam deterioration, and scattering processes. Security and defense related application examples are countermeasures against hostile projectiles and the powering of satellites and aircrafts. For an examination of the correlations between weather condition and laser beam characteristics DLR operates at Lampoldshausen a 130 m long free transmission laser test range. Sensors around this test range continuously monitor turbulence strength, visibility, precipitation, temperature, and wind speed. High power laser radiation is obtained by a TruDisk 6001 disk laser (Trumpf company) yielding a maximum output power of 6 kW at a wavelength of 1030 nm. The laser beam is expanded to 180 mm and focused along the beam path. Power and intensity distribution are measured before and after propagation, providing information about the atmospheric transmission and alterations of diameter and position of the laser beam. Backscattered laser light is acquired by a photo receiver. As a result, measurements performed at different weather conditions show a couple of correlations to the characteristics of the laser beam. The experimental results are compared to a numerical analysis. The calculations are based on the Maxwell wave equation in Fresnel approximation. The turbulence is considered by the introduction of phase screens and the "von Karman" spectrum.

Focused ion beam source method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Pellin, Michael J.; Lykke, Keith R.; Lill, Thorsten B.

2000-01-01

A focused ion beam having a cross section of submicron diameter, a high ion current, and a narrow energy range is generated from a target comprised of particle source material by laser ablation. The method involves directing a laser beam having a cross section of critical diameter onto the target, producing a cloud of laser ablated particles having unique characteristics, and extracting and focusing a charged particle beam from the laser ablated cloud. The method is especially suited for producing focused ion beams for semiconductor device analysis and modification.

Transmutation prospect of long-lived nuclear waste induced by high-charge electron beam from laser plasma accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, X. L.; Xu, Z. Y.; Luo, W.; Lu, H. Y.; Zhu, Z. C.; Yan, X. Q.

2017-09-01

Photo-transmutation of long-lived nuclear waste induced by a high-charge relativistic electron beam (e-beam) from a laser plasma accelerator is demonstrated. A collimated relativistic e-beam with a high charge of approximately 100 nC is produced from high-intensity laser interaction with near-critical-density (NCD) plasma. Such e-beam impinges on a high-Z convertor and then radiates energetic bremsstrahlung photons with flux approaching 1011 per laser shot. Taking a long-lived radionuclide 126Sn as an example, the resulting transmutation reaction yield is the order of 109 per laser shot, which is two orders of magnitude higher than obtained from previous studies. It is found that at lower densities, a tightly focused laser irradiating relatively longer NCD plasmas can effectively enhance the transmutation efficiency. Furthermore, the photo-transmutation is generalized by considering mixed-nuclide waste samples, which suggests that the laser-accelerated high-charge e-beam could be an efficient tool to transmute long-lived nuclear waste.

Real-time determination of laser beam quality by modal decomposition.

PubMed

Schmidt, Oliver A; Schulze, Christian; Flamm, Daniel; Brüning, Robert; Kaiser, Thomas; Schröter, Siegmund; Duparré, Michael

2011-03-28

We present a real-time method to determine the beam propagation ratio M2 of laser beams. The all-optical measurement of modal amplitudes yields M2 parameters conform to the ISO standard method. The experimental technique is simple and fast, which allows to investigate laser beams under conditions inaccessible to other methods.

Laser-Beam-Absorption Chemical-Species Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gersh, Michael; Goldstein, Neil; Lee, Jamine; Bien, Fritz; Richtsmeier, Steven

1996-01-01

Apparatus measures concentration of chemical species in fluid medium (e.g., gaseous industrial process stream). Directs laser beam through medium, and measures intensity of beam after passage through medium. Relative amount of beam power absorbed in medium indicative of concentration of chemical species; laser wavelength chosen to be one at which species of interest absorbs.

Laser Cooling for Heavy-Ion Fusion (HIF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, D. D.-M.; Brandon, S.; Lee, Y.

1997-05-01

A critical requirement for HIF is the ability to focus space-charge dominated beams onto a millimeter-size spot. However, chromatic aberration can result in a substantial fraction of the beam ions falling outside the spot radius. Because of the space-charge force, correcting the chromatic aberration using sextupoles is impractical. Success in laser cooling of low-current ion beams in storage rings leads us to explore the application of laser cooling to HIF. Basic scheme: After the beams have been accelerated to the desired energy by the recirculating induction linac, we let the beams coast around at constant energy. For efficient interaction between the laser and the beam ions, we use Ba+ beams. We use two lasers to pump the transitions in the Ba+ for generating the laser force FL. There is also an auxiliary force Fa, which is in the opposition direction of FL, provided by the induction cores. The momentum spread along the beam can be compressed by FL and Fa. We will present preliminary PIC simulations using the PIC code CONDOR. Potential difficulties caused by velocity space instabilities will be discussed.

Statistical spatial properties of speckle patterns generated by multiple laser beams

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

Le Cain, A.; Sajer, J. M.; Riazuelo, G.

2011-08-15

This paper investigates hot spot characteristics generated by the superposition of multiple laser beams. First, properties of speckle statistics are studied in the context of only one laser beam by computing the autocorrelation function. The case of multiple laser beams is then considered. In certain conditions, it is shown that speckles have an ellipsoidal shape. Analytical expressions of hot spot radii generated by multiple laser beams are derived and compared to numerical estimates made from the autocorrelation function. They are also compared to numerical simulations performed within the paraxial approximation. Excellent agreement is found for the speckle width as wellmore » as for the speckle length. Application to the speckle patterns generated in the Laser MegaJoule configuration in the zone where all the beams overlap is presented. Influence of polarization on the size of the speckles as well as on their abundance is studied.« less

Method of and apparatus for measuring temperature and pressure. [atmospheric sounding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korb, C. L.; Kalshoven, J. E., Jr. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

Laser beams are transmitted through gas to a reflecting target, which may be either a solid surface or particulate matter in gas or the gas molecules. The return beams are measured to determine the amount of energy absorbed by the gas. For temperature measurements, the laser beam has a wavelength at which the gas exhibits a relatively temperature sensitive and pressure insensitive absorption characteristic for pressure measurements, the laser beam has a wavelength at which the gas has a relatively pressure sensitive and temperature insensitive absorption characteristic. To reduce the effects of scattering on the absorption measurements a reference laser beam with a weak absorption characteristic is transmitted colinearly with the data beam having a strong absorption characteristic. The two signals are processed as a ratio to eliminate back scattering. Embodiments of transmitters and receivers described include a sequential laser pulse transmitter and receiver, a simultaneous laser pulse transmitter and receiver.

Laser Beam Filtration for High Spatial Resolution MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zavalin, Andre; Yang, Junhai; Caprioli, Richard

2013-07-01

We describe an easy and inexpensive way to provide a highly defined Gaussian shaped laser spot on target of 5 μm diameter for imaging mass spectrometry using a commercial MALDI TOF instrument that is designed to produce a 20 μm diameter laser beam on target at its lowest setting. A 25 μm pinhole filter on a swivel arm was installed in the laser beam optics outside the vacuum ion source chamber so it is easily flipped into or out of the beam as desired by the operator. The resulting ion images at 5 μm spatial resolution are sharp since the satellite secondary laser beam maxima have been removed by the filter. Ion images are shown to demonstrate the performance and are compared with the method of oversampling to achieve higher spatial resolution when only a larger laser beam spot on target is available.

Optical radiation hazards of laser welding processes. Part II: CO2 laser.

PubMed

Rockwell, R J; Moss, C E

1989-08-01

There has been an extensive growth within the last five years in the use of high-powered lasers in various metalworking processes. The two types of lasers used most frequently for laser welding/cutting processes are the Neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) and the carbon dioxide (CO2) systems. When such lasers are operated in an open beam configuration, they are designated as a Class IV laser system. Class IV lasers are high-powered lasers that may present an eye and skin hazard under most common exposure conditions, either directly or when the beam has been diffusely scattered. Significant control measures are required for unenclosed (open beam), Class IV laser systems since workers may be exposed to scattered or reflected beams during the operation, maintenance, and service of these lasers. In addition to ocular and/or skin exposure hazards, such lasers also may present a multitude of nonlaser beam occupational concerns. Radiant energy measurements are reported for both the scattered laser radiation and the plasma-related plume radiations released during typical high-powered CO2 laser-target interactions. In addition, the application of the nominal hazard zone (NHZ) and other control measures also are discussed with special emphasis on Class IV industrial CO2 laser systems.

Green, yellow and bright red (In,Ga,Al)P-GaP diode lasers grown on high-index GaAs substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ledentsov, N. N.; Shchukin, V. A.; Shernyakov, Yu. M.; Kulagina, M. M.; Payusov, A. S.; Gordeev, N. Yu.; Maximov, M. V.; Cherkashin, N. A.

2017-02-01

Low threshold current density (<400 A/cm2) injection lasing in (AlxGa1-x)0.5In0.5P-GaAs-based diodes down to the green spectral range (<570 nm) is obtained. The epitaxial structures are grown on high-index (611)A and (211)A GaAs substrates by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy and contain tensile-strained GaP-enriched insertions aimed at preventing escape of the injected nonequilibrium electrons from the active region. Extended waveguide concept results in a vertical beam divergence with a full width at half maximum of 15o for (611)A substrates. The lasing at 569 nm is realized at 85 K. In the orange-red laser diode structure low threshold current density (200 A/cm2) in the orange spectral range (598 nm) is realized at 85 K. The latter devices demonstrate room temperature lasing at 628 nm at 2 kA/cm2 and a total power above 3W. The red laser diodes grown on (211)A substrates demonstrate vertically multimode lasing far field pattern indicating a lower optical confinement factor for the fundamental mode as compared to the devices grown on (611)A. However the temperature stability of the threshold current and the wavelength stability are significantly higher for (211)A-grown structures in agreement with the conduction band modeling data.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Three-Dimensional Ordered State in Laser-Cooled Heavy-Ion Beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuri, Yosuke

A molecular dynamics simulation is performed to study the formation of three-dimensional ordered beams by laser cooling in a cooler storage ring. Ultralow-temperature heavy-ion beams are generated by transverse cooling with displaced Gaussian lasers and resonant coupling. A three-dimensional ordered state of the ion beam is attained at a high line density. The ordered beam exhibits several unique characteristics different from those of an ideal crystalline beam.

Dual-beam laser welding of AZ31B magnesium alloy in zero-gap lap joint configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harooni, Masoud; Carlson, Blair; Kovacevic, Radovan

2014-03-01

Porosity within laser welds of magnesium alloys is one of the main roadblocks to achieving high quality joints. One of the causes of pore formation is the presence of pre-existing coatings on the surface of magnesium alloy such as oxide or chromate layers. In this study, single-beam and dual-beam laser heat sources are investigated in relation to mitigation of pores resulting from the presence of the as-received oxide layer on the surface of AZ31B-H24 magnesium alloy during the laser welding process. A fiber laser with a power of up to 4 kW is used to weld samples in a zero-gap lap joint configuration. The effect of dual-beam laser welding with different beam energy ratios is studied on the quality of the weld bead. The purpose of this paper is to identify the beam ratio that best mitigates pore formation in the weld bead. The laser molten pool and the keyhole condition, as well as laser-induced plasma plume are monitored in real-time by use of a high speed charge-coupled device (CCD) camera assisted with a green laser as an illumination source. Tensile and microhardness tests were used to measure the mechanical properties of the laser welded samples. Results showed that a dual-beam laser configuration can effectively mitigate pore formation in the weld bead by a preheating-welding mechanism.

Tunable multimode-interference bandpass fiber filter.

PubMed

Antonio-Lopez, J E; Castillo-Guzman, A; May-Arrioja, D A; Selvas-Aguilar, R; Likamwa, P

2010-02-01

We report on a wavelength-tunable filter based on multimode interference (MMI) effects. A typical MMI filter consists of a multimode fiber (MMF) spliced between two single-mode fibers (SMF). The peak wavelength response of the filter exhibits a linear dependence when the length of the MMF is modified. Therefore a capillary tube filled with refractive-index-matching liquid is used to effectively increase the length of the MMF, and thus wavelength tuning is achieved. Using this filter a ring-based tunable erbium-doped fiber laser is demonstrated with a tunability of 30 nm, covering the full C-band.

Time-dependent, multimode interaction analysis of the gyroklystron amplifier

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

Swati, M. V., E-mail: swati.mv.ece10@iitbhu.ac.in; Chauhan, M. S.; Jain, P. K.

2016-08-15

In this paper, a time-dependent multimode nonlinear analysis for the gyroklystron amplifier has been developed by extending the analysis of gyrotron oscillators by employing the self-consistent approach. The nonlinear analysis developed here has been validated by taking into account the reported experimental results for a 32.3 GHz, three cavity, second harmonic gyroklystron operating in the TE{sub 02} mode. The analysis has been used to estimate the temporal RF growth in the operating mode as well as the nearby competing modes. Device gain and bandwidth have been computed for different drive powers and frequencies. The effect of various beam parameters, such asmore » beam voltage, beam current, and pitch factor, has also been studied. The computational results have estimated the gyroklystron saturated RF power ∼319 kW at 32.3 GHz with efficiency ∼23% and gain ∼26.3 dB with device bandwidth ∼0.027% (8 MHz) for a 70 kV, 20 A electron beam. The computed results are found to be in agreement with the experimental values within 10%.« less

Wide spectral band beam analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aharon, Oren

2015-03-01

The reality in laser beam profiling is that measurements are performed over a wide spectrum of wavelengths and power ranges. Many applications use multiple laser wavelengths with very different power levels, a fact which dictates a need for a better measuring tool. Rapid progress in the fiber laser area has increased the demand for lasers in the wavelength range of 900 - 1030 nm, while the telecommunication market has increased the demand for wavelength range of 1300nm - 1600 nm, on the other hand the silicone chip manufacturing and mass production requirements tend to lower the laser wavelength towards the 190nm region. In many cases there is a need to combine several lasers together in order to perform a specific task. A typical application is to combine one visible laser for pointing, with a different laser for material processing with a very different wavelength and power level. The visible laser enables accurate pointing before the second laser is operated. The beam profile of the intensity distribution is an important parameter that indicates how a laser beam will behave in an application. Currently a lab, where many different lasers are used, will find itself using various laser beam profilers from several vendors with different specifications and accuracies. It is the propose of this article to present a technological breakthrough in the area of detectors, electronics and optics allowing intricate measurements of lasers with different wavelength and with power levels that vary many orders of magnitude by a single beam profiler.

Backscatter spectra measurements of the two beams on the same cone on Shenguang-III laser facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zha, Weiyi; Yang, Dong; Xu, Tao; Liu, Yonggang; Wang, Feng; Peng, Xiaoshi; Li, Yulong; Wei, Huiyue; Liu, Xiangming; Mei, Yu; Yan, Yadong; He, Junhua; Li, Zhichao; Li, Sanwei; Jiang, Xiaohua; Guo, Liang; Xie, Xufei; Pan, Kaiqiang; Liu, Shenye; Jiang, Shaoen; Zhang, Baohan; Ding, Yongkun

2018-01-01

In laser driven hohlraums, laser beams on the same incident cone may have different beam and plasma conditions, causing beam-to-beam backscatter difference and subsequent azimuthal variations in the x-ray drive on the capsule. To elucidate the large variation of backscatter proportion from beam to beam in some gas-filled hohlraum shots on Shenguang-III, two 28.5° beams have been measured with the Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) time-resolved spectra. A bifurcated fiber is used to sample two beams and then coupled to a spectrometer and streak camera combination to reduce the cost. The SRS spectra, characterized by a broad wavelength, were further corrected considering the temporal distortion and intensity modulation caused by components along the light path. This measurement will improve the understanding of the beam propagation inside the hohlraum and related laser plasma instabilities.

Long range laser traversing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caudill, L. O. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

The relative azimuth bearing between first and second spaced terrestrial points which may be obscured from each other by intervening terrain is measured by placing at one of the points a laser source for projecting a collimated beam upwardly in the vertical plane. The collimated laser beam is detected at the second point by positioning the optical axis of a receiving instrument for the laser beam in such a manner that the beam intercepts the optical axis. In response to the optical axis intercepting the beam, the beam is deflected into two different ray paths by a beam splitter having an apex located on the optical axis. The energy in the ray paths is detected by separate photoresponsive elements that drive logic networks for proving indications of: (1) the optical axis intercepting the beam; (2) the beam being on the left of the optical axis and (3) the beam being on the right side of the optical axis.

Wavelength meter having single mode fiber optics multiplexed inputs

DOEpatents

Hackel, R.P.; Paris, R.D.; Feldman, M.

1993-02-23

A wavelength meter having a single mode fiber optics input is disclosed. The single mode fiber enables a plurality of laser beams to be multiplexed to form a multiplexed input to the wavelength meter. The wavelength meter can provide a determination of the wavelength of any one or all of the plurality of laser beams by suitable processing. Another aspect of the present invention is that one of the laser beams could be a known reference laser having a predetermined wavelength. Hence, the improved wavelength meter can provide an on-line calibration capability with the reference laser input as one of the plurality of laser beams.

Wavelength meter having single mode fiber optics multiplexed inputs

DOEpatents

Hackel, Richard P.; Paris, Robert D.; Feldman, Mark

1993-01-01

A wavelength meter having a single mode fiber optics input is disclosed. The single mode fiber enables a plurality of laser beams to be multiplexed to form a multiplexed input to the wavelength meter. The wavelength meter can provide a determination of the wavelength of any one or all of the plurality of laser beams by suitable processing. Another aspect of the present invention is that one of the laser beams could be a known reference laser having a predetermined wavelength. Hence, the improved wavelength meter can provide an on-line calibration capability with the reference laser input as one of the plurality of laser beams.

Property Investigation of Laser Cladded, Laser Melted and Electron Beam Melted Ti-Al6-V4

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED Figure 3: Examples of electron beam melted net shape parts; powder bed [3]. 1.4 Laser Cladding ...description, www.arcam.com. [4] K.-H. Hermann, S. Orban, S. Nowotny, Laser Cladding of Titanium Alloy Ti6242 to Restore Damaged Blades, Proceedings...Property Investigation of Laser Cladded , Laser Melted and Electron Beam Melted Ti-Al6-V4 Johannes Vlcek EADS Deutschland GmbH Corporate Research

Thermal effects in laser-assisted pre-embryo zona drilling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douglas-Hamilton, Diarmaid H.; Conia, Jerome D.

2001-04-01

Diode lasers ((lambda) equals 1480 nm) are used with in vitro fertilization to dissect the zone pellucida (shell) of pre- embryos. A focused laser beam is applied in vitro to form a channel or trench in the zona pellucida. The procedure is used to facilitate biopsy or as a promoter of embryo hatching. We present examples and measurements of zona pellucida ablation using animal models. In using the laser it is vital not to damage pre-embryo cells, e.g., by overheating. In order to define safe regimes we have derived some thermal side effects of zona pellucida removal. The temperature profile in the beam and vicinity is predicted as function of laser pulse duration and power. In a crossed- beam experiment a HeNe laser probe is used to detect the temperature-induced change in the refractive index of an aqueous solution, and estimate local thermal gradient. We find that the diode laser beam produces superheated water approaching 200 degree(s)C on the beam axis. Thermal histories during and following the laser pulse are given for regions in the neighborhood of the beam. We conclude that an optimum regime exists with pulse duration

Nd-glass laser for deep-penetration welding and hardening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kayukov, Serguei V.; Yaresko, Sergey I.; Mikheyev, Pavel A.

2000-04-01

Pulsed Nd-glass lasers usually have low beam quality (200 - 300 mm-mrad), and are used only for surface hardening of metals. However, high pulse energy make them feasible for deep penetration welding if their beam quality could be improved. We investigated beam properties of Nd-glass laser with unstable resonator with semitransparent output coupler (URSOC). We had found that beam divergence of the laser with URSOC was an order of magnitude smaller than that of the laser with stable resonator. The achieved beam quality (40 - 50 mm-mrad) permitted to perform deep penetration welding with the aspect ratio of approximately 8. For beam divergence of 3 mrad melt depth of 6.3 mm was achieved with the ratio of depth to pulse energy of 0.27 mm/J.

Analytical expression for Risken-Nummedal-Graham-Haken instability threshold in quantum cascade lasers.

PubMed

Vukovic, N; Radovanovic, J; Milanovic, V; Boiko, D L

2016-11-14

We have obtained a closed-form expression for the threshold of Risken-Nummedal-Graham-Haken (RNGH) multimode instability in a Fabry-Pérot (FP) cavity quantum cascade laser (QCL). This simple analytical expression is a versatile tool that can easily be applied in practical situations which require analysis of QCL dynamic behavior and estimation of its RNGH multimode instability threshold. Our model for a FP cavity laser accounts for the carrier coherence grating and carrier population grating as well as their relaxation due to carrier diffusion. In the model, the RNGH instability threshold is analyzed using a second-order bi-orthogonal perturbation theory and we confirm our analytical solution by a comparison with the numerical simulations. In particular, the model predicts a low RNGH instability threshold in QCLs. This agrees very well with experimental data available in the literature.

Theoretical And Experimental Investigations On The Plasma Of A CO2 High Power Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abel, W.; Wallter, B.

1984-03-01

The CO2 high power laser is increasingly used in material processing. This application of the laser has to meet some requirements: at one hand the laser is a tool free of wastage, but at the other hand is to guarantee that the properties of that tool are constant in time. Therefore power, geometry and mode of the beam have to be stable over long intervalls, even if the laser is used in rough industrial environment. Otherwise laser material processing would not be competitive. The beam quality is affected by all components of the laser - by the CO2 plasma and its IR - amplification, by the resonator which at last generates the beam by optical feedback, and also by the electric power supply whose effects on the plasma may be measured at the laser beam. A transversal flow laser has been developed at the Technical University of Vienna in cooperation with VOest-Alpine AG, Linz (Austria). This laser produces 1 kW of beam power with unfolded resonator. It was subject to investigations presented in this paper.

Partial-Wave Representations of Laser Beams for Use in Light-Scattering Calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gouesbet, Gerard; Lock, James A.; Grehan, Gerard

1995-01-01

In the framework of generalized Lorenz-Mie theory, laser beams are described by sets of beam-shape coefficients. The modified localized approximation to evaluate these coefficients for a focused Gaussian beam is presented. A new description of Gaussian beams, called standard beams, is introduced. A comparison is made between the values of the beam-shape coefficients in the framework of the localized approximation and the beam-shape coefficients of standard beams. This comparison leads to new insights concerning the electromagnetic description of laser beams. The relevance of our discussion is enhanced by a demonstration that the localized approximation provides a very satisfactory description of top-hat beams as well.

16 W output power by high-efficient spectral beam combining of DBR-tapered diode lasers.

PubMed

Müller, André; Vijayakumar, Deepak; Jensen, Ole Bjarlin; Hasler, Karl-Heinz; Sumpf, Bernd; Erbert, Götz; Andersen, Peter E; Petersen, Paul Michael

2011-01-17

Up to 16 W output power has been obtained using spectral beam combining of two 1063 nm DBR-tapered diode lasers. Using a reflecting volume Bragg grating, a combining efficiency as high as 93.7% is achieved, resulting in a single beam with high spatial coherence. The result represents the highest output power achieved by spectral beam combining of two single element tapered diode lasers. Since spectral beam combining does not affect beam propagation parameters, M2-values of 1.8 (fast axis) and 3.3 (slow axis) match the M2-values of the laser with lowest spatial coherence. The principle of spectral beam combining used in our experiments can be expanded to combine more than two tapered diode lasers and hence it is expected that the output power may be increased even further in the future.

Wind Tunnel Testing of a One-Dimensional Laser Beam Scanning and Laser Sheet Approach to Shock Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tokars, Roger; Adamovsky, Grigory; Anderson, Robert; Hirt, Stefanie; Huang, John; Floyd, Bertram

2012-01-01

A 15- by 15-cm supersonic wind tunnel application of a one-dimensional laser beam scanning approach to shock sensing is presented. The measurement system design allowed easy switching between a focused beam and a laser sheet mode for comparison purposes. The scanning results were compared to images from the tunnel Schlieren imaging system. The tests revealed detectable changes in the laser beam in the presence of shocks. The results lend support to the use of the one-dimensional scanning beam approach for detecting and locating shocks in a flow, but some issues must be addressed in regards to noise and other limitations of the system.

Dual mode scanner-tracker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mongeon, R. J.

1984-11-01

The beam of a laser radar is moved over the field of view by means of a pair of scanner/trackers arranged in cascade along the laser beam. One of the scanner/trackers operates at high speed, with high resolution and a wide field and is located in the demagnified portion of the laser beam. The two scanner/trackers complement each other to achieve high speed, high resolution scanning as well as tracking of moving targets. A beam steering telescope for an airborne laser radar which incorporates the novel dual mode scanner/tracker is also shown. The other scanner/tracker operates at low speed with low resolution and a wide field and is located in the magnified portion of the laser beam.

Comparison of measured with calculated dose distribution from a 120-MeV electron beam from a laser-plasma accelerator.

PubMed

Lundh, O; Rechatin, C; Faure, J; Ben-Ismaïl, A; Lim, J; De Wagter, C; De Neve, W; Malka, V

2012-06-01

To evaluate the dose distribution of a 120-MeV laser-plasma accelerated electron beam which may be of potential interest for high-energy electron radiation therapy. In the interaction between an intense laser pulse and a helium gas jet, a well collimated electron beam with very high energy is produced. A secondary laser beam is used to optically control and to tune the electron beam energy and charge. The potential use of this beam for radiation treatment is evaluated experimentally by measurements of dose deposition in a polystyrene phantom. The results are compared to Monte Carlo simulations using the geant4 code. It has been shown that the laser-plasma accelerated electron beam can deliver a peak dose of more than 1 Gy at the entrance of the phantom in a single laser shot by direct irradiation, without the use of intermediate magnetic transport or focusing. The dose distribution is peaked on axis, with narrow lateral penumbra. Monte Carlo simulations of electron beam propagation and dose deposition indicate that the propagation of the intense electron beam (with large self-fields) can be described by standard models that exclude collective effects in the response of the material. The measurements show that the high-energy electron beams produced by an optically injected laser-plasma accelerator can deliver high enough dose at penetration depths of interest for electron beam radiotherapy of deep-seated tumors. Many engineering issues must be resolved before laser-accelerated electrons can be used for cancer therapy, but they also represent exciting challenges for future research. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Interaction of doughnut-shaped laser pulses with glasses

DOE PAGES

Zhukov, Vladimir P.; Rubenchik, Alexander M.; Fedoruk, Mikhail P.; ...

2017-01-26

Non-Gaussian laser beams can open new opportunities for microfabrication, including ultrashort laser direct writing. By using a model based on Maxwell’s equations, we investigate the dynamics of doughnut-shaped laser beams focused inside fused silica glass, in comparison with Gaussian pulses of the same energy. The laser propagation dynamics reveals intriguing features of beam splitting and sudden collapse toward the beam axis, overcoming the intensity clamping effect. The resulting structure of light absorption represents a very hot, hollow nanocylinder, which can lead to an implosion process that brings matter to extreme thermodynamic states. Furthermore, by monitoring the simulations of the lasermore » beam scattering we see a considerable difference in both the blueshift and the angular distribution of scattered light for different laser energies, suggesting that investigations of the spectra of scattered radiation can be used as a diagnostic of laser-produced electron plasmas in transparent materials.« less

Photoacoustic-Based Multimodal Nanoprobes: from Constructing to Biological Applications.

PubMed

Gao, Duyang; Yuan, Zhen

2017-01-01

Multimodal nanoprobes have attracted intensive attentions since they can integrate various imaging modalities to obtain complementary merits of single modality. Meanwhile, recent interest in laser-induced photoacoustic imaging is rapidly growing due to its unique advantages in visualizing tissue structure and function with high spatial resolution and satisfactory imaging depth. In this review, we summarize multimodal nanoprobes involving photoacoustic imaging. In particular, we focus on the method to construct multimodal nanoprobes. We have divided the synthetic methods into two types. First, we call it "one for all" concept, which involves intrinsic properties of the element in a single particle. Second, "all in one" concept, which means integrating different functional blocks in one particle. Then, we simply introduce the applications of the multifunctional nanoprobes for in vivo imaging and imaging-guided tumor therapy. At last, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the present methods to construct the multimodal nanoprobes and share our viewpoints in this area.

Shipboard Measurements of 0.6328 Micrometer Laser Beam Extinction in the Marine Boundary Layer

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-01

hdl.handle.net/10945/17938 Downloaded from NPS Archive: Calhoun SHIPBOARD MEASUREMENTS OF 0.6328 MICROMETER LASER BEAM EXTINCTION IN THE MARINE BOUNDARY LAYER P...W. Parish NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL Monterey, California THESIS SHIPBOARD MEASUREMENTS OF 0.6328 MICROMETER LASER BEAM EXTINCTION IN THE MARINE...CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PtkGE(Wh»n Dmta Enffd) Shipboard Measurements of 0.6328 Micrometer Laser Beam Extinction in the Marine Boundary Layer by P. W

Target isolation system, high power laser and laser peening method and system using same

DOEpatents

Dane, C. Brent; Hackel, Lloyd A.; Harris, Fritz

2007-11-06

A system for applying a laser beam to work pieces, includes a laser system producing a high power output beam. Target delivery optics are arranged to deliver the output beam to a target work piece. A relay telescope having a telescope focal point is placed in the beam path between the laser system and the target delivery optics. The relay telescope relays an image between an image location near the output of the laser system and an image location near the target delivery optics. A baffle is placed at the telescope focal point between the target delivery optics and the laser system to block reflections from the target in the target delivery optics from returning to the laser system and causing damage.

The NASA high power carbon dioxide laser: A versatile tool for laser applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lancashire, R. B.; Alger, D. L.; Manista, E. J.; Slaby, J. G.; Dunning, J. W.; Stubbs, R. M.

1976-01-01

A closed-cycle, continuous wave, carbon dioxide high power laser has been designed and fabricated to support research for the identification and evaluation of possible high power laser applications. The device is designed to generate up to 70 kW of laser power in annular shape beams from 1 to 9 cm in diameter. Electric discharge, either self sustained or electron beam sustained, is used for excitation. This laser facility provides a versatile tool on which research can be performed to advance the state-of-the-art technology of high power CO2 lasers in such areas as electric excitation, laser chemistry, and quality of output beams. The facility provides a well defined, continuous wave beam for various application experiments, such as propulsion, power conversion, and materials processing.

Study on elucidation of bactericidal effects induced by laser beam irradiation Measurement of dynamic stress on laser irradiated surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furumoto, Tatsuaki; Kasai, Atsushi; Tachiya, Hiroshi; Hosokawa, Akira; Ueda, Takashi

2010-09-01

In dental treatment, many types of laser beams have been used for various surgical treatments, and the influences of laser beam irradiation on bactericidal effect have been investigated. However, most of the work has been performed by irradiating to an agar plate with the colony of bacteria, and very few studies have been reported on the physical mechanism of bactericidal effects induced by laser beam irradiation. This paper deals with the measurement of dynamic stress induced in extracted human enamel by irradiation with Nd:YAG laser beams. Laser beams can be delivered to the enamel surface through a quartz optical fiber. Dynamic stress induced in the specimen using elastic wave propagation in a cylindrical long bar made of aluminum alloy is measured. Laser induced stress intensity is evaluated from dynamic strain measured by small semiconductor strain gauges. Carbon powder and titanium dioxide powder were applied to the human enamel surface as absorbents. Additionally, the phenomenon of laser beam irradiation to the human enamel surface was observed with an ultrahigh speed video camera. Results showed that a plasma was generated on the enamel surface during laser beam irradiation, and the melted tissues were scattered in the vertical direction against the enamel surface with a mushroom-like wave. Averaged scattering velocity of the melted tissues was 25.2 m/s. Induced dynamic stress on the enamel surface increased with increasing laser energy in each absorbent. Induced dynamic stresses with titanium dioxide powder were superior to those with carbon powder. Induced dynamic stress was related to volume of prepared cavity, and induced stress for the removal of unit volume of human enamel was 0.03 Pa/mm 3.

Near-infrared light-triggered theranostics for tumor-specific enhanced multimodal imaging and photothermal therapy

PubMed Central

Wu, Bo; Wan, Bing; Lu, Shu-Ting; Deng, Kai; Li, Xiao-Qi; Wu, Bao-Lin; Li, Yu-Shuang; Liao, Ru-Fang; Huang, Shi-Wen; Xu, Hai-Bo

2017-01-01

The major challenge in current clinic contrast agents (CAs) and chemotherapy is the poor tumor selectivity and response. Based on the self-quench property of IR820 at high concentrations, and different contrast effect ability of Gd-DOTA between inner and outer of liposome, we developed “bomb-like” light-triggered CAs (LTCAs) for enhanced CT/MRI/FI multimodal imaging, which can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of tumor tissue specifically. IR820, Iohexol and Gd-chelates were firstly encapsulated into the thermal-sensitive nanocarrier with a high concentration. This will result in protection and fluorescence quenching. Then, the release of CAs was triggered by near-infrared (NIR) light laser irradiation, which will lead to fluorescence and MRI activation and enable imaging of inflammation. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that LTCAs with 808 nm laser irradiation have shorter T1 relaxation time in MRI and stronger intensity in FI compared to those without irradiation. Additionally, due to the high photothermal conversion efficiency of IR820, the injection of LTCAs was demonstrated to completely inhibit C6 tumor growth in nude mice up to 17 days after NIR laser irradiation. The results indicate that the LTCAs can serve as a promising platform for NIR-activated multimodal imaging and photothermal therapy. PMID:28670120

Sodern development of a high LIDT laser beam expander for ATLID

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battarel, Denis C.; Barnasson, Elodie

2017-11-01

Sodern has been contracted for the development of the laser beam expander used on the lidar of the ATLID instrument developed by Airbus Defence & Space France and Germany (Formerly ASTRIUM) embarked on the EathCARE satellite, element of the ESA (European Space Agency) Living Planet Programme. The ATLID emission beam expander (E-BEX) has two functions: one is to reduce the divergence of the laser in order to achieve a high spatial resolution and the other is to enlarge the laser beam to reduce the power density and thus reduce Laser Induced Contamination (LIC) and Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) effects on the outer surface exposed to vacuum. This paper exposes the design drivers of the beam expander which are: having optical components withstanding very high laser fluence at a wavelength of 355nm and exhibiting a very low depolarization ratio., hermetically sealing the cavity with metallic gaskets in order to keep the pressure constant so that beam collimation is not affected, choosing housing material compatible with both hermiticity requirements and thermal control. To obtain a high spatial resolution on Earth, ATLID requires a means for controlling beam collimation. This is ensured by an active thermal control on the beam expander in order to change its Wavefront Error (WFE) by a few tens of nanometers.

Effects of laser fluence on silicon modification by four-beam laser interference

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

Zhao, Le; Li, Dayou; JR3CN and IRAC, University of Bedfordshire, Luton LU1 3JU

2015-12-21

This paper discusses the effects of laser fluence on silicon modification by four-beam laser interference. In this work, four-beam laser interference was used to pattern single crystal silicon wafers for the fabrication of surface structures, and the number of laser pulses was applied to the process in air. By controlling the parameters of laser irradiation, different shapes of silicon structures were fabricated. The results were obtained with the single laser fluence of 354 mJ/cm{sup 2}, 495 mJ/cm{sup 2}, and 637 mJ/cm{sup 2}, the pulse repetition rate of 10 Hz, the laser exposure pulses of 30, 100, and 300, the laser wavelength of 1064 nm, andmore » the pulse duration of 7–9 ns. The effects of the heat transfer and the radiation of laser interference plasma on silicon wafer surfaces were investigated. The equations of heat flow and radiation effects of laser plasma of interfering patterns in a four-beam laser interference distribution were proposed to describe their impacts on silicon wafer surfaces. The experimental results have shown that the laser fluence has to be properly selected for the fabrication of well-defined surface structures in a four-beam laser interference process. Laser interference patterns can directly fabricate different shape structures for their corresponding applications.« less

Parallel Information Processing (Image Transmission Via Fiber Bundle and Multimode Fiber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kukhtarev, Nicholai

2003-01-01

Growing demand for visual, user-friendly representation of information inspires search for the new methods of image transmission. Currently used in-series (sequential) methods of information processing are inherently slow and are designed mainly for transmission of one or two dimensional arrays of data. Conventional transmission of data by fibers requires many fibers with array of laser diodes and photodetectors. In practice, fiber bundles are also used for transmission of images. Image is formed on the fiber-optic bundle entrance surface and each fiber transmits the incident image to the exit surface. Since the fibers do not preserve phase, only 2D intensity distribution can be transmitted in this way. Each single mode fiber transmit only one pixel of an image. Multimode fibers may be also used, so that each mode represent different pixel element. Direct transmission of image through multimode fiber is hindered by the mode scrambling and phase randomization. To overcome these obstacles wavelength and time-division multiplexing have been used, with each pixel transmitted on a separate wavelength or time interval. Phase-conjugate techniques also was tested in, but only in the unpractical scheme when reconstructed image return back to the fiber input end. Another method of three-dimensional imaging over single mode fibers was demonstrated in, using laser light of reduced spatial coherence. Coherence encoding, needed for a transmission of images by this methods, was realized with grating interferometer or with the help of an acousto-optic deflector. We suggest simple practical holographic method of image transmission over single multimode fiber or over fiber bundle with coherent light using filtering by holographic optical elements. Originally this method was successfully tested for the single multimode fiber. In this research we have modified holographic method for transmission of laser illuminated images over commercially available fiber bundle (fiber endoscope, or fiberscope).

Circular free-electron laser

DOEpatents

Brau, Charles A.; Kurnit, Norman A.; Cooper, Richard K.

1984-01-01

A high efficiency, free electron laser utilizing a circular relativistic electron beam accelerator and a circular whispering mode optical waveguide for guiding optical energy in a circular path in the circular relativistic electron beam accelerator such that the circular relativistic electron beam and the optical energy are spatially contiguous in a resonant condition for free electron laser operation. Both a betatron and synchrotron are disclosed for use in the present invention. A free electron laser wiggler is disposed around the circular relativistic electron beam accelerator for generating a periodic magnetic field to transform energy from the circular relativistic electron beam to optical energy.

KrF laser pumping by electron beam discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonnet, J.; Fournier, G.; Pigache, D.

1981-09-01

The pumping of excimer lasers used in nuclear fusion and isotope separation is considered. Homogeneous ionization with an electron beam permitted discharge pumping of a KrF laser with a discharge-energy/beam-energy ratio 5. This high value is obtained to the detriment of an energy density and an efficiency which are about half the best values obtained under other conditions. This result does not modify a recent conclusion indicating that an electron beam controlled discharge has no significant advantage over a pure electron beam as regards pumping high energy KrF lasers at high repetition rate.

Multimodal flexible cystoscopy for creating co-registered panoramas of the bladder urothelium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seibel, Eric J.; Soper, Timothy D.; Burkhardt, Matthew R.; Porter, Michael P.; Yoon, W. Jong

2012-02-01

Bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat due to the high rate of recurrence. Though white light cystoscopy is the gold standard for bladder cancer surveillance, the advent of fluorescence biomarkers provides an opportunity to improve sensitivity for early detection and reduced recurrence resulting from more accurate excision. Ideally, fluorescence information could be combined with standard reflectance images to provide multimodal views of the bladder wall. The scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) of 1.2mm in diameter is able to acquire wide-field multimodal video from a bladder phantom with fluorescence cancer "hot-spots". The SFE generates images by scanning red, green, and blue (RGB) laser light and detects the backscatter signal for reflectance video of 500-line resolution at 30 frames per second. We imaged a bladder phantom with painted vessels and mimicked fluorescent lesions by applying green fluorescent microspheres to the surface. By eliminating the green laser illumination, simultaneous reflectance and fluorescence images can be acquired at the same field of view, resolution, and frame rate. Moreover, the multimodal SFE is combined with a robotic steering mechanism and image stitching software as part of a fully automated bladder surveillance system. Using this system, the SFE can be reliably articulated over the entire 360° bladder surface. Acquired images can then be stitched into a multimodal 3D panorama of the bladder using software developed in our laboratory. In each panorama, the fluorescence images are exactly co-registered with RGB reflectance.

Covert laser remote sensing and vibrometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maleki, Lutfollah (Inventor); Yu, Nan (Inventor); Matsko, Andrey B. (Inventor); Savchenkov, Anatoliy (Inventor)

2012-01-01

Designs of single-beam laser vibrometry systems and methods. For example, a method for detecting vibrations of a target based on optical sensing is provided to include operating a laser to produce a laser probe beam at a laser frequency and modulated at a modulation frequency onto a target; collecting light at or near the laser to collect light from the target while the target is being illuminated by the laser probe beam through an optical receiver aperture; using a narrow-band optical filter centered at the laser frequency to filter light collected from the optical receiver aperture to transmit light at the laser frequency while blocking light at other frequencies; using an optical detector to convert filtered light from the narrow-band optical filter to produce a receiver electrical signal; using a lock-in amplifier to detect and amplify the receiver electrical signal at the modulation frequency while rejecting signal components at other frequencies to produce an amplified receiver electrical signal; processing the amplified receiver electrical signal to extract information on vibrations of the target carried by reflected laser probe beam in the collected light; and controlling optical power of the laser probe beam at the target to follow optical power of background illumination at the target.

Variable laser attenuator

DOEpatents

Foltyn, Stephen R.

1988-01-01

The disclosure relates to low loss, high power variable attenuators comprng one or more transmissive and/or reflective multilayer dielectric filters. The attenuator is particularly suitable to use with unpolarized lasers such as excimer lasers. Beam attenuation is a function of beam polarization and the angle of incidence between the beam and the filter and is controlled by adjusting the angle of incidence the beam makes to the filter or filters. Filters are selected in accordance with beam wavelength.

Ion beam production and study of radioactive isotopes with the laser ion source at ISOLDE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedosseev, Valentin; Chrysalidis, Katerina; Day Goodacre, Thomas; Marsh, Bruce; Rothe, Sebastian; Seiffert, Christoph; Wendt, Klaus

2017-08-01

At ISOLDE the majority of radioactive ion beams are produced using the resonance ionization laser ion source (RILIS). This ion source is based on resonant excitation of atomic transitions by wavelength tunable laser radiation. Since its installation at the ISOLDE facility in 1994, the RILIS laser setup has been developed into a versatile remotely operated laser system comprising state-of-the-art solid state and dye lasers capable of generating multiple high quality laser beams at any wavelength in the range of 210-950 nm. A continuous programme of atomic ionization scheme development at CERN and at other laboratories has gradually increased the number of RILIS-ionized elements. At present, isotopes of 40 different elements have been selectively laser-ionized by the ISOLDE RILIS. Studies related to the optimization of the laser-atom interaction environment have yielded new laser ion source types: the laser ion source and trap and the versatile arc discharge and laser ion source. Depending on the specific experimental requirements for beam purity or versatility to switch between different ionization mechanisms, these may offer a favourable alternative to the standard hot metal cavity configuration. In addition to its main purpose of ion beam production, the RILIS is used for laser spectroscopy of radioisotopes. In an ongoing experimental campaign the isotope shifts and hyperfine structure of long isotopic chains have been measured by the extremely sensitive in-source laser spectroscopy method. The studies performed in the lead region were focused on nuclear deformation and shape coexistence effects around the closed proton shell Z = 82. The paper describes the functional principles of the RILIS, the current status of the laser system and demonstrated capabilities for the production of different ion beams including the high-resolution studies of short-lived isotopes and other applications of RILIS lasers for ISOLDE experiments. This article belongs to the Focus on Exotic Beams at ISOLDE: A Laboratory Portrait special issue.

Double wedge prism based beam deflector for precise laser beam steering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyszka, Krzysztof; Dobosz, Marek; Bilaszewski, Tomasz

2018-02-01

Aiming to increase laser beam pointing stability required in interferometric measurements, we designed a laser beam deflector intended for active laser beam stabilization systems. The design is based on two wedge-prisms: the deflecting wedge driven by a tilting piezo-platform and the fixed wedge to compensate initial beam deflection. Our design allows linear beam steering, independently in the horizontal or vertical direction, with resolution of less than 1 μrad in a range of more than 100 μrad, and no initial deflection of the beam. Moreover, the ratio of the output beam deflection angle and the wedge tilt angle is less than 0.1; therefore, the noise influence is significantly reduced in comparison to standard mirror-based deflectors. The theoretical analyses support the designing process and can serve as a guide to wedge-prism selection. The experimental results are in agreement with theory and confirm the advantages of the presented double wedge system.

Evaluation of thermal effects on the beam quality of disk laser with unstable resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shayganmanesh, Mahdi; Beirami, Reza

2017-01-01

In this paper thermal effects of the disk active medium and associated effects on the beam quality of laser are investigated. Using Collins integral and iterative method, transverse mode of an unstable resonator including a Yb:YAG active medium in disk geometry is calculated. After that the beam quality of the laser is calculated based on the generalized beam characterization method. Thermal lensing of the disk is calculated based on the OPD (Optical Path Difference) concept. Five factors influencing the OPD including temperature gradient, disk thermal expansion, photo-elastic effect, electronic lens and disk deformation are considered in our calculations. The calculations show that the effect of disk deformation factor on the quality of laser beam in the resonator is strong. However the total effect of all the thermal factors on the internal beam quality is fewer. Also it is shown that thermal effects degrade the output power, beam profile and beam quality of the output laser beam severely. As well the magnitude of each of affecting factors is evaluated distinctly.

Flat-top beam for laser-stimulated pain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCaughey, Ryan; Nadeau, Valerie; Dickinson, Mark

2005-04-01

One of the main problems during laser stimulation in human pain research is the risk of tissue damage caused by excessive heating of the skin. This risk has been reduced by using a laser beam with a flattop (or superGaussian) intensity profile, instead of the conventional Gaussian beam. A finite difference approximation to the heat conduction equation has been applied to model the temperature distribution in skin as a result of irradiation by flattop and Gaussian profile CO2 laser beams. The model predicts that a 15 mm diameter, 15 W, 100 ms CO2 laser pulse with an order 6 superGaussian profile produces a maximum temperature 6 oC less than a Gaussian beam with the same energy density. A superGaussian profile was created by passing a Gaussian beam through a pair of zinc selenide aspheric lenses which refract the more intense central region of the beam towards the less intense periphery. The profiles of the lenses were determined by geometrical optics. In human pain trials the superGaussian beam required more power than the Gaussian beam to reach sensory and pain thresholds.

Stable generation of GeV-class electron beams from self-guided laser-plasma channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hafz, Nasr A. M.; Jeong, Tae Moon; Choi, Il Woo; Lee, Seong Ku; Pae, Ki Hong; Kulagin, Victor V.; Sung, Jae Hee; Yu, Tae Jun; Hong, Kyung-Han; Hosokai, Tomonao; Cary, John R.; Ko, Do-Kyeong; Lee, Jongmin

2008-09-01

Table-top laser-driven plasma accelerators are gaining attention for their potential use in miniaturizing future high-energy accelerators. By irradiating gas jet targets with ultrashort intense laser pulses, the generation of quasimonoenergetic electron beams was recently observed. Currently, the stability of beam generation and the ability to scale to higher electron beam energies are critical issues for practical laser acceleration. Here, we demonstrate the first generation of stable GeV-class electron beams from stable few-millimetre-long plasma channels in a self-guided wakefield acceleration process. As primary evidence of the laser wakefield acceleration in a bubble regime, we observed a boost of both the electron beam energy and quality by reducing the plasma density and increasing the plasma length in a 1-cm-long gas jet. Subsequent three-dimensional simulations show the possibility of achieving even higher electron beam energies by minimizing plasma bubble elongation, and we anticipate dramatic increases in beam energy and quality in the near future. This will pave the way towards ultracompact, all-optical electron beam accelerators and their applications in science, technology and medicine.

Backscattering enhancement factor dependence of a Laguerre-Gaussian laser beam propagating on the location path in the atmosphere on optical turbulence intensity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rytchkov, D. S.

2017-11-01

The paper presents the results of a study of the backscattering enhancement factor (BSE) dependence of vortex LaguerreGaussian beams propagating on monostatic location paths in the atmosphere on optical turbulence intensity. The numeric simulation split-step method of laser beam propagation was used to obtain BSE factor values of a laser beam propagated on monostatic location path in the turbulent atmosphere and reflected from a diffuse target. It is shown that BSE factor of the averaged intensity of a backscattered vortex laser beam of any topological charge is less than BSE factor values of backscattered Gaussian beam in arbitrary turbulent conditions.

Effect of exponential density transition on self-focusing of q-Gaussian laser beam in collisionless plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valkunde, Amol T.; Vhanmore, Bandopant D.; Urunkar, Trupti U.; Gavade, Kusum M.; Patil, Sandip D.; Takale, Mansing V.

2018-05-01

In this work, nonlinear aspects of a high intensity q-Gaussian laser beam propagating in collisionless plasma having upward density ramp of exponential profiles is studied. We have employed the nonlinearity in dielectric function of plasma by considering ponderomotive nonlinearity. The differential equation governing the dimensionless beam width parameter is achieved by using Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) and paraxial approximations and solved it numerically by using Runge-Kutta fourth order method. Effect of exponential density ramp profile on self-focusing of q-Gaussian laser beam for various values of q is systematically carried out and compared with results Gaussian laser beam propagating in collisionless plasma having uniform density. It is found that exponential plasma density ramp causes the laser beam to become more focused and gives reasonably interesting results.

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.

Design and characteristic analysis of shaping optics for optical trepanning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, D.; Latham, W. P.; Kar, A.

2005-08-01

Optical trepanning is a new laser drilling method using an annular beam. The annular beams allow numerous irradiance profiles to supply laser energy to the workpiece and thus provide more flexibility in affecting the hole quality than a traditional circular laser beam. The refractive axicon system has been designed to generating a collimated annular beam. In this article, calculations of intensity distributions produced by this refractive system are made by evaluating the Kirchhoff-Fresnel diffraction. It is shown that the refractive system is able to transform a Gaussian beam into a full Gaussian annular beam. The base angle of the axicon lens, input laser beam diameter and intensity profiles are found to be important factors for the axcion refractive system. Their effects on the annular beam profiles are analyzed based on the numerical solutions of the diffraction patterns.

Methods and apparatuses for cutting, abrading, and drilling

DOEpatents

Bingham, Dennis N.; Swainston, Richard C.; Palmer, Gary L.; Ferguson, Russell L.

2001-01-01

Methods and apparatuses for treating a surface of a work piece are described. In one implementation, a laser delivery subsystem is configured to direct a laser beam toward a treatment zone on a work surface. A cryogenic material delivery subsystem is operably coupled with the laser delivery subsystem and is configured to direct a stream comprising cryogenic material toward the treatment zone. Both the laser beam and stream cooperate to treat material of the work surface within the treatment zone. In one aspect, a nozzle assembly provides the laser beam and stream of cryogenic material along a common flow axis. In another aspect, the laser beam and stream are provided along different axes.

A simple but precise method for quantitative measurement of the quality of the laser focus in a scanning optical microscope

PubMed Central

MACRAE, K.; TRAVIS, C.; AMOR, R.; NORRIS, G.; WILSON, S.H.; OPPO, G.‐L.; MCCONNELL, G.

2015-01-01

Summary We report a method for characterizing the focussing laser beam exiting the objective in a laser scanning microscope. This method provides the size of the optical focus, the divergence of the beam, the ellipticity and the astigmatism. We use a microscopic‐scale knife edge in the form of a simple transmission electron microscopy grid attached to a glass microscope slide, and a light‐collecting optical fibre and photodiode underneath the specimen. By scanning the laser spot from a reflective to a transmitting part of the grid, a beam profile in the form of an error function can be obtained and by repeating this with the knife edge at different axial positions relative to the beam waist, the divergence and astigmatism of the postobjective laser beam can be obtained. The measured divergence can be used to quantify how much of the full numerical aperture of the lens is used in practice. We present data of the beam radius, beam divergence, ellipticity and astigmatism obtained with low (0.15, 0.7) and high (1.3) numerical aperture lenses and lasers commonly used in confocal and multiphoton laser scanning microscopy. Our knife‐edge method has several advantages over alternative knife‐edge methods used in microscopy including that the knife edge is easy to prepare, that the beam can be characterized also directly under a cover slip, as necessary to reduce spherical aberrations for objectives designed to be used with a cover slip, and it is suitable for use with commercial laser scanning microscopes where access to the laser beam can be limited. PMID:25864964

Power beaming research at NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rather, John D. G.

1992-01-01

NASA's current research activities to evaluate laser power beaming systems are summarized with regard to their applications of greatest interest. Key technical certainties and uncertainties pertaining to laser power beaming systems appropriate for space applications are quantified. A path of development is presented that includes maturation of key technology components for reliable laser and millimeter wave power beaming systems during the 1990s.

Second harmonic generation of q-Gaussian laser beam in preformed collisional plasma channel with nonlinear absorption

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

Gupta, Naveen, E-mail: naveens222@rediffmail.com; Singh, Arvinder, E-mail: arvinder6@lycos.com; Singh, Navpreet, E-mail: navpreet.nit@gmail.com

2015-11-15

This paper presents a scheme for second harmonic generation of an intense q-Gaussian laser beam in a preformed parabolic plasma channel, where collisional nonlinearity is operative with nonlinear absorption. Due to nonuniform irradiance of intensity along the wavefront of the laser beam, nonuniform Ohmic heating of plasma electrons takes place. Due to this nonuniform heating of plasma, the laser beam gets self-focused and produces strong density gradients in the transverse direction. The generated density gradients excite an electron plasma wave at pump frequency that interacts with the pump beam to produce its second harmonics. The formulation is based on amore » numerical solution of the nonlinear Schrodinger wave equation in WKB approximation followed by moment theory approach. A second order nonlinear differential equation governing the propagation dynamics of the laser beam with distance of propagation has been obtained and is solved numerically by Runge Kutta fourth order technique. The effect of nonlinear absorption on self-focusing of the laser beam and conversion efficiency of its second harmonics has been investigated.« less

Nuclear Physics with 10 PW laser beams at Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamfir, N. V.

2014-05-01

The field of the uncharted territory of high-intensity laser interaction with matter is confronted with new exotic phenomena and, consequently, opens new research perspectives. The intense laser beams interacting with a gas or solid target generate beams of electrons, protons and ions. These beams can induce nuclear reactions. Electrons also generate ions high-energy photons via bremsstrahlung processes which can also induce nuclear reactions. In this context a new research domain began to form in the last decade or so, namely nuclear physics with high power lasers. The observation of high brilliance proton beams of tens of MeV energy from solid targets has stimulated an intense research activity. The laser-driven particle beams have to compete with conventional nuclear accelerator-generated beams. The ultimate goal is aiming at applications of the laser produced beams in research, technology and medicine. The mechanism responsible for ion acceleration are currently subject of intensive research in many laboratories in the world. The existing results, experimental and theoretical, and their perspectives are reviewed in this article in the context of IZEST and the scientific program of ELI-NP.

Free electron laser using Rf coupled accelerating and decelerating structures

DOEpatents

Brau, Charles A.; Swenson, Donald A.; Boyd, Jr., Thomas J.

1984-01-01

A free electron laser and free electron laser amplifier using beam transport devices for guiding an electron beam to a wiggler of a free electron laser and returning the electron beam to decelerating cavities disposed adjacent to the accelerating cavities of the free electron laser. Rf energy is generated from the energy depleted electron beam after it emerges from the wiggler by means of the decelerating cavities which are closely coupled to the accelerating cavities, or by means of a second bore within a single set of cavities. Rf energy generated from the decelerated electron beam is used to supplement energy provided by an external source, such as a klystron, to thereby enhance overall efficiency of the system.