Sample records for optical density mpod

  1. Macular pigment optical density is related to serum lutein in retinitis pigmentosa

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Purpose: To determine whether macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is related to the degree of cystoid macular edema (CME) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Methods: We measured MPOD with heterochromatic flicker photometry and central foveal retinal thickness with optical coherence tomography...

  2. Changes in macular pigment optical density after membrane peeling.

    PubMed

    Romano, Mario R; Cennamo, Gilda; Grassi, Piergiacomo; Sparnelli, Federica; Allegrini, Davide; Cennamo, Giovanni

    2018-01-01

    To highlight the differences in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) between eyes with vitreoretinal interface syndrome and healthy control eyes, to assess the changes in MPOD in eyes treated with macular peeling, to investigate the relationships between MPOD changes and measures of retinal sensitivity such as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and microperimetry. In this cross-sectional comparative study, 30 eyes affected by idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM, 15eyes) or full-thickness macular hole (FTMH, 15eyes) were compared with 60 eyes from 30 healthy age-matched patients. MPOD values (mean MPOD, maximum MPOD, MPOD area, and MPOD volume) were measured in a range of 4°-7° of eccentricity around the fovea, using the one-wavelength reflectometry method (Visucam 200, Carl-Zeiss Meditec). Patients affected by iERM and FTMH were treated with vitrectomy and epiretinal membrane-inner limiting membrane (ERM-ILM) peeling, with follow-up examinations performed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The main outcome measures were the differences in MPOD between eyes with vitreoretinal interface syndrome and healthy eyes, changes in MPOD after ERM-ILM peeling, and relationships between MPOD and functional changes. Mean MPOD differed significantly between control eyes and those with iERM (P = .0001) or FTMH (P = .0006). The max MPOD and MPOD area increased, but not significantly. After peeling, the only significant change in MPOD was in MPOD volume (P = .01). In the ERM group, postoperative mean MPOD correlated significantly with best-corrected visual acuity (r = .739, P = .002). MPOD was reduced in patients with iERM or FTMH compared with healthy eyes. We found a significant correlation between the mean postoperative MPOD and postoperative BCVA, hypothesizing that the postoperative increase in mean MPOD could be due to a change in distribution for unfolding and expansion of the fovea after the peeling. MOPD may be considered as a prognostic factor associated with a good visual prognosis in patients with iERM.

  3. Macular pigment optical density and its relationship with refractive status and foveal thickness in Chinese school-aged children.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Wenjing; Zhang, Zhengwei; Jiang, Kelimu; Zhu, Jianfeng; He, Guixian; Ke, Bilian

    2013-01-01

    To investigate macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and its relationship with refractive status and foveal thickness in Chinese school-aged children. Ninety-four healthy Chinese children, 6 to 12 years old, were recruited to the study. MPOD was measured with a heterochromatic flicker photometer (HFP), and foveal thickness, including both minimum and central foveal thicknesses (MFT and CFT, respectively), were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) with fast macular map scan. A noncontact tonometer was used to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) followed by determination of the refraction using an autorefractor after cycloplegia. Information on body mass index (BMI) was obtained. The correlation between MPOD values and foveal thickness, spherical equivalent (SE) refraction, IOP, BMI, sex, and age was statistically analyzed using SAS 8.2 statistical software. The MPOD in examined school-aged children was 0.56 ± 0.25, without any significant difference between boys and girls (p = 0.12). MPOD showed no significant association with age, BMI, IOP, SE, MFT, or CFT. In the myopia group, however, there was an inverse relationship between MPOD and MFT (R =-0.66, p = 0.028) and a positive relationship between MPOD and CFT (R = 0.67, p = 0.025). MPOD was inversely related to MFT and positively related to CFT in Chinese school-age children with low-to-moderate myopia. MPOD showed no significant association with age, BMI, IOP, SE or foveal thickness.

  4. Determinants of macular pigment optical density and its relation to age-related maculopathy: results from the Muenster Aging and Retina Study (MARS).

    PubMed

    Dietzel, Martha; Zeimer, Meike; Heimes, Britta; Claes, Birte; Pauleikhoff, Daniel; Hense, Hans-Werner

    2011-06-01

    The controversial protective effect of macular pigment (MP), consisting of lutein (L) and zeaxantin (Z), in age-related maculopathy (ARM) and its late-stage, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is discussed. Determinants of MP optical density (MPOD) and its relation to ARM were investigated. MPOD was accessed at eccentricities of 0.5° and 2.0° from the fovea in 369 participants in the 2.6-year follow-up examination of the prospective Muenster Aging and Retina Study using dual-wavelength analysis of autofluorescence images. ARM was graded from standardized fundus photographs according to the International Classification System. MPOD at 0.5° and 2.0° between pairs and within single eyes was strongly correlated (P < 0.001). Smoking and body mass index showed moderately inverse associations with MPOD at 2.0°, and age was positively related to MPOD at both eccentricities. Serum L, measured at the baseline examination, was significantly associated with MPOD measured at follow-up. Likewise, use of L/Z-containing supplements raised MPOD. Crude mean MPOD increased with ascending stage of ARM. However, adjustment for influential factors and exclusion of L supplement users removed differences of mean MPOD between ARM stages. Considering further the accompanying eye, study eyes with ARM had significantly higher MPOD when the contralateral eye had AMD. MPOD levels showed a high degree of intraindividual concordance and interindividual variability. Long-standing serum L levels, and in particular L supplementation, were the strongest determinants of MPOD. The hypothetical inverse association between MPOD and ARM stage was not confirmed.

  5. Influence of macular pigment optical density spatial distribution on intraocular scatter.

    PubMed

    Putnam, Christopher M; Bland, Pauline J; Bassi, Carl J

    This study evaluated the summed measures of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) spatial distribution and their effects on intraocular scatter using a commercially available device (C-Quant, Oculus, USA). A customized heterochromatic flicker photometer (cHFP) device was used to measure MPOD spatial distribution across the central 16° using a 1° stimulus. MPOD was calculated as a discrete measure and summed measures across the central 1°, 3.3°, 10° and 16° diameters. Intraocular scatter was determined as a mean of 5 trials in which reliability and repeatability measures were met using the C-Quant. MPOD spatial distribution maps were constructed and the effects of both discrete and summed values on intraocular scatter were examined. Spatial mapping identified mean values for discrete MPOD [0.32 (s.d.=0.08)], MPOD summed across central 1° [0.37 (s.d.=0.11)], MPOD summed across central 3.3° [0.85 (s.d.=0.20)], MPOD summed across central 10° [1.60 (s.d.=0.35)] and MPOD summed across central 16° [1.78 (s.d.=0.39)]. Mean intraocular scatter was 0.83 (s.d.=0.16) log units. While there were consistent trends for an inverse relationship between MPOD and scatter, these relationships were not statistically significant. Correlations between the highest and lowest quartiles of MPOD within the central 1° were near significance. While there was an overall trend of decreased intraocular forward scatter with increased MPOD consistent with selective short wavelength visible light attenuation, neither discrete nor summed values of MPOD significantly influence intraocular scatter as measured by the C-Quant device. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.

  6. The use of heterochromatic flicker photometry to determine macular pigment optical density in a healthy Australian population.

    PubMed

    Abell, Robin G; Hewitt, Alex W; Andric, Marko; Allen, Penelope L; Verma, Nitin

    2014-03-01

    To establish the normal macular pigment density (MPOD) in a healthy adult Australian sample using heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP). Macular pigment density was measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry in a total of 201 subjects ranging in age from 21 to 84 years with healthy macula. Fifty-seven of the healthy subjects also completed a food-frequency dietary questionnaire. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using logMAR, chart and macular morphological profiles were assessed using high-resolution integrated Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). The average MPOD value was 0.41 ± 0.20 (range 0.07-0.79). There was no statistically significant difference between values in the left and right eye, with good interocular agreement (0.41 vs 0.40, r = 0.893, p < 0.01). Age significantly predicted MPOD score (R (2) = 0.07, p < 0.05). A subgroup analysis of patients who completed the dietary questionnaire revealed a close correlation between higher diet scores and higher MPOD (r = 0.720 p = 0.031). There was no effect of smoking, gender, or iris colour on MPOD values. There was no significant correlation between BCVA, macular OCT profiles, and MPOD. Given that MPOD values are potentially affected by geographical variation, we have determined a mean MPOD value for healthy subjects in a population south of the equator, providing a reference point for future studies on Caucasian samples.

  7. Correlations between internal and external ocular factors and macular pigment optical density.

    PubMed

    Tudosescu, Ruxandra; Alexandrescu, Cristina Mihaela; Istrate, Sânziana Luminiţa; Vrapciu, Alexandra Diana; Ciuluvică, Radu Constantin; Voinea, Liliana

    2018-01-01

    To assess the relationship between the macular pigment optical density and blue-light issued by computers, glare sensibility, with iris color, age, sex, or refractive errors. 83 patients (166 eyes) were enrolled in a prospective observational study. They were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (study group) - computer using patients (time spent in front of the computer for minimum 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, 2 years) - 43 patients and group 2 (control group) - 40 patients. The following investigations were conducted in all the selected cases: visual acuity, refraction, biomicroscopy, measurement of the MPOD, glare sensitivity, assessment of eye color. 51.81% of the patients were included in group 1, while the rest, 48.19%, were in group 2. Thus, the MPOD had a mean value of (+/ -SD) 0.42+/ -0.13 (t = -1.08, p = 0.28) in group 1, and 0.44+/ -0.16 on the LE. The results showed a MPOD mean value of 0.51+/ - 0.16 in group 2 and 0.51+/ -0 .16. (t = 0.49, p = 0 .62) on the LE. 55.77% of the patients with light colored iris and 56.14% of those with dark iris had a low MPOD. The data from our study failed to illustrate a significant correlation between MPOD and blue-light issued by computers. Furthermore, a statistic significant relationship regarding iris color, refractive errors, glare, and MPOD was not observed. L = lutein, Z = zeaxanthin, MZ = meso-zeaxanthin, AMD = age related macular degeneration, MPOD = macular pigment optical density, MP = macular pigment, HFP = Heterochromatic Flicker Photometry, RE = right eye, LE = left eye.

  8. Macular pigment optical density in young adults of South Asian origin.

    PubMed

    Howells, Olivia; Eperjesi, Frank; Bartlett, Hannah

    2013-04-17

    To assess the range of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in a healthy group of young adults of South Asian origin; to investigate whether any dietary factors or personal characteristics were related to intersubject variations in MPOD; and to compare the mean MPOD of the South Asian group with the mean MPOD of a white group. Heterochromatic flicker photometry was used to measure the macular pigment (MP) levels of 169 healthy volunteers, of which 117 were Asian and 52 were white. In addition, the Asian participants completed a questionnaire pertaining to the various physical, ocular, lifestyle, dietary, and environmental factors that may be associated with MPOD or AMD. The mean MPOD of the Asian subjects was 0.43 ± 0.14. The male participants had a higher mean MPOD than the females (0.47 ± 0.13 vs. 0.41 ± 0.14, P < 0.01). Possible associations also emerged between MPOD and form of refractive correction, and iris color. No MPOD associations were found for the other variables examined in the questionnaire. The mean MPOD of the white subject group was 0.33 ± 0.13, which was significantly lower than the Asian group (P < 0.0005). This study adds to the currently limited information on MPOD in South Asians, and while a comparison between Asians and Whites was not the main focus here, highly significant differences between these two ethnicities were revealed. This provokes the possibility that South Asian individuals could have a lower risk for AMD, and it warrants further study.

  9. Association of age and macular pigment optical density using dual-wavelength autofluorescence imaging.

    PubMed

    Lima, Verônica Castro; Rosen, Richard B; Prata, Tiago Santos; Dorairaj, Syril; Spielberg, Leigh; Maia, Mauricio; Sallum, Juliana M

    2013-01-01

    Several lines of evidence suggest that macular pigment may play a protective role against age-related macular degeneration, but the influence of age on macular pigment density levels remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between age and the normal distribution of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) values surrounding the fovea. Consecutive healthy subjects with no evidence of ocular disease were enrolled in this study. After inclusion, MPOD values were measured at specific eccentricities (0.5, 1, and 2 degrees) from the foveal center using a dual-wavelength autofluorescence method employing a modified confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Whenever both eyes were eligible, one was randomly selected for analysis. The correlation between age and MPOD values was investigated using regression analysis. Thirty subjects (30 eyes) were included (mean age 48.6 ± 16.4 [range 23-77] years). Significant differences were found between MPOD values measured at 0.5, 1, and 2 degrees from the center of the fovea (0.49 ± 0.12 density units, 0.37 ± 0.11 density units, and 0.13 ± 0.05 density units, respectively, P < 0.05). Significant correlations between age and MPOD values at 0.5 and 1 degree were found (P ≤ 0.02). Values measured at 2 degrees did not correlate significantly with age (P = 0.06). In healthy subjects, MPOD values were highest near the foveal center. These values appeared to increase during adulthood (peak at 45-50 years), followed by a gradual reduction after 60 years of age.

  10. Comparison of macular pigment optical density in patients with dry and wet age-related macular degeneration.

    PubMed

    Ozyurt, Ayhan; Kocak, Nilufer; Akan, Pınar; Calan, Ozlem Gursoy; Ozturk, Taylan; Kaya, Mahmut; Karahan, Eyup; Kaynak, Suleyman

    2017-06-01

    The aim of the study was to evaluate the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) levels in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), dry AMD, and also in healthy controls. This study was conducted at Department of Ophthalmology, and the study design was a prospective study. Forty-eight patients with wet AMD, 51 patients with dry AMD, and 50 controls were included in the study. All patients were naive to both previous lutein or zeaxanthin administration and any previous intravitreal injections. Fundus reflectance (VISUCAM 500, reflectance of a single 460 nm wavelength) was used to measure the MPOD levels. Three groups were compared regarding age, gender, serum lutein, and zeaxanthin concentrations as well as MPOD levels. Serum lutein and zeaxanthin levels were significantly higher in control group when compared with wet AMD (Group 1) and dry AMD (Group 2) (P = 0.001 and P< 0.001, respectively). Mean MPOD was found to be similar in all of the three study subgroups (P = 0.630). However, maximum MPOD was significantly higher in control group when compared with Group 1 and 2 (P = 0.003). There was no correlation between serum lutein or zeaxanthin concentrations and mean MPOD levels (P = 0.815, r = 0.014 and P = 0.461, r = 0.043, respectively), but there was a weak correlation between serum zeaxanthin concentration and maximum MPOD level (P = 0.042, r = 0.124). Maximum MPOD level was found to be correlated with the level of AMD (Group 1, 2, and 3; r = 0.184, P = 0.041). Maximum MPOD level was found to be lower in patients with AMD when compared with control cases. Mean MPOD and maximum MPOD levels were similar in wet and dry AMD Groups. These results can be applied clinically keeping in mind that MPOD measurements with one wavelength reflectometry may not be completely reliable.

  11. Macular pigment optical density spatial distribution measured in a subject with oculocutaneous albinism.

    PubMed

    Putnam, Christopher M; Bland, Pauline J

    2014-01-01

    Previous studies of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) distribution in individuals with oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) have primarily used objective measurement techniques including fundus reflectometry and autofluorescence. We report here on a subject with OCA and their corresponding MPOD distribution assessed through heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP). A subject with a history of OCA presented with an ocular history including strabismus surgery of the LE with persistent amblyopia and mild, latent nystagmus. Best corrected visual acuity was 20/25- RE and 20/40- LE. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus photography were also obtained. Evaluation of MPOD spatial distribution up to 8 degrees eccentricity from the fovea was performed using HFP. SD-OCT indicated a persistence of multiple inner retinal layers within the foveal region in the RE and LE including symmetric foveal thickening consistent with foveal hypoplasia. Fundus photography showed mild retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) hypopigmentation and a poorly demarcated macula. OriginPro 9 was used to plot MPOD spatial distribution of the subject and a 33-subject sample. The OCA subject demonstrated a foveal MPOD of 0.10 with undetectable levels at 6 degrees eccentricity. The study sample showed a mean foveal MPOD of 0.34 and mean 6 degree eccentricity values of 0.03. Consistent with previous macular pigment (MP) studies of OCA, overall MPOD is reduced in our subject. Mild phenotypic expression of OCA with high functional visual acuity may represent a Henle fiber layer amenable to additional MP deposition. Further study of MP supplementation in OCA patients is warranted. Copyright © 2014 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  12. Macular pigment density variation after supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin using the Visucam® 200 pigment module: Impact of age-related macular degeneration and lens status.

    PubMed

    Azar, G; Quaranta-El Maftouhi, M; Masella, J-J; Mauget-Faÿsse, M

    2017-04-01

    To assess the evolution of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) following supplementation with various macular formulations obtained with the Visucam ® 200, and to study the factors affecting MPOD measurements. In this prospective, randomized, double-masked multicenter study, patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (patients without retinal pathology who underwent cataract surgery 1 month previously) and group B (patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration [AMD] in one eye). In each group, half of the patients were randomly assigned to receive a food supplementation either with or without carotenoids (5mg of Lutein and 1mg of Zeaxanthin). Outcome measures included MPOD responses obtained with the Visucam ® 200 for one year. In total, 126 subjects (52 men, 74 women) with a mean age of 75.3±7.61 years were enrolled. Mean MPOD values at the time of inclusion were statistically lower in group A (0.088 density unit [DU]) compared to group B (0.163 DU, P<0.05). No statistically significant increase in MPOD was noted in either group, even after discontinuation of the supplementation. By multiple regression analysis, age, female gender, lens status and the presence of AMD seemed to significantly affect MPOD measurements. No significant improvement in MPOD seems to be detected with the Visucam ® 200 after carotenoid supplementation. The MPOD measurement seems to be highly affected by cataract extraction and the presence of AMD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  13. The Heritability of Macular Response to Supplemental Lutein and Zeaxanthin: A Classic Twin Study

    PubMed Central

    Hammond, Christopher J.; Liew, S. H. Melissa; Van Kuijk, Frederik J.; Beatty, Stephen; Nolan, John M.; Spector, Tim D.; Gilbert, Clare E.

    2012-01-01

    Purpose. Antioxidant supplements may reduce age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression. The macular carotenoids are of particular interest because of their biochemical, optical, and anatomic properties. This classic twin study was designed to determine the heritability of macular pigment (MP) augmentation in response to supplemental lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z). Methods. A total of 322 healthy female twin volunteers, aged 16–50 years (mean 40 ± 8.7) was enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized supplement study. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurements using two techniques (2-wavelength fundus autofluorescence [AF] and heterochromatic flicker photometry [HFP]), and serum concentrations of L and Z, were recorded at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months following daily supplementation with 18 mg L and 2.4 mg Z for a study period of 6 months. Results. At baseline, mean MPOD was 0.44 density units (SD 0.21, range 0.04–1.25) using HFP, and 0.41 density units (SD 0.15) using AF. Serum L and Z levels were raised significantly from baseline following 3 months' supplementation (mean increase 223% and 633%, respectively, P < 0.0001 for both), with no MPOD increase. After 6 months' supplementation, a small increase in MPOD was seen (mean increase 0.025 ± 0.16, P = 0.02, using HFP). Subdivision of baseline MPOD into quartiles revealed that baseline levels made no difference to the treatment effect. Genetic factors explained 27% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7–45) of the variation in MPOD response. Distribution profiles of macular pigment did not change in response to supplementation. Conclusions. MPOD response to supplemental L and Z for a period of 6 months was small (an increase over baseline of 5.7% and 3.7%, measured using HFP and AF, respectively), and was moderately heritable. Further study is indicated to investigate the functional and clinical impact of supplementation with the macular carotenoids. PMID:22700713

  14. Macular pigment optical density is positively associated with academic performance among preadolescent children.

    PubMed

    Barnett, Sasha M; Khan, Naiman A; Walk, Anne M; Raine, Lauren B; Moulton, Christopher; Cohen, Neal J; Kramer, Arthur F; Hammond, Billy R; Renzi-Hammond, Lisa; Hillman, Charles H

    2017-05-23

    Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) - a non-invasive indicator of retinal xanthophylls and correlate of brain lutein - has been associated with superior cognitive function among adult populations. Given that lutein accumulation in the brain occurs in early life, it is possible that the cognitive implications of greater MPOD may be evident in childhood. Participants aged 8-9 years (n = 56) completed MPOD measurements via heterochromatic flicker photometry. Academic performance was assessed using the Kaufman Test of Academic and Educational Achievement II (KTEA). Habitual dietary intake of L and Z was measured among a subsample of participants (n = 35) using averaged 3-day food records. Stepwise hierarchical regression models were developed to determine the relationship between MPOD and academic achievement tests, following the adjustment of key covariates including sex, aerobic fitness, body composition, and intelligence quotient (IQ). The regression analyses revealed that MPOD improved the model, beyond the covariates, for overall academic achievement (ΔR 2  = 0.10, P < 0.01), mathematics (ΔR 2  = 0.07, P = 0.02), and written language composite standard scores (ΔR 2  = 0.15, P < 0.01). This is the first study to demonstrate that retinal L and Z, measured as MPOD, is positively related to academic achievement in children, even after accounting for the robust effects of IQ and other demographic factors. These findings extend the positive associations observed between MPOD and cognitive abilities to a pediatric population. Trail registration: The Fitness Improves Thinking in Kids 2 (FITKids2) trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01619826.

  15. Staging of Macular Telangiectasia: Power-Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography and Macular Pigment Optical Density

    PubMed Central

    Chin, Eric K.; Kim, Dae Yu; Hunter, Allan A.; Pilli, Suman; Wilson, Machelle; Zawadzki, Robert J.; Werner, John S.; Park, Susanna S.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose. Two methods were used to study the stages of macular telangiectasia (MacTel): Power-Doppler optical coherence tomography (PD-OCT), which allows imaging of the retinal circulation in three dimensions, and macular pigment optical density (MPOD), which quantifies the distribution of macular carotenoids. Methods. Among 49 patients with MacTel identified, 12 eyes (6 patients) with MacTel and 7 age-matched control eyes (7 patients) were imaged with a custom-built Fourier-domain OCT instrument to acquire PD-OCT images. MPOD was measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry in 10 eyes (5 patients) with MacTel and compared with 44 age-matched control eyes (44 patients). Clinical staging of MacTel was based on best-corrected visual acuity, fundus biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography, and OCT. Results. Stage 1 eyes (n = 2) had subtle punctate vascular signal confined to the inner portion of the outer plexiform layer (OPL) on PD-OCT. Stage 2 (n = 2) showed larger oblique vascular signal extending into deeper OPL. Stage 3 (n = 5) had disruption of outer retinal layers with abnormal vasculature extending into the outer nuclear layer. Stage 4 (n = 3) showed diffuse blurring of the retinal layers with vascular channels extending the full thickness of the retina. MPOD values in four eyes with stage 1 or 2 MacTel correlated well with age-matched controls. Six eyes with stage 3 or 4 MacTel had loss of MPOD especially at the fovea. Conclusions. PD-OCT shows penetration of the retinal capillaries into the deeper retinal layers in early stages of MacTel, with full thickness vascular proliferation in advanced disease. MPOD is commonly depleted but may appear normal in early stage MacTel. PMID:23716628

  16. Photopigment self-screening and the determination of macular pigment absorbance using heterochromatic flicker photometry.

    PubMed

    Smollon, William E; Wooten, Billy R; Hammond, Billy R

    2015-11-01

    Heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) is commonly used to determine macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Since HFP in this application is a locus comparison method, an identical relative spectral response at each locus is required for a perfect measure. We know this requirement cannot be strictly true since the optical density of photopigments increases as the foveal center is approached. Thus, the self-screening effect would result in an underestimate of MPOD. An earlier study concluded that the underestimate is on the order of 30%. We examined this issue by manipulating photopigment optical density, and consequently the degree of selfscreening. A continuously exposed, 470 nm, background bleached cone photopigments over a range from 0 to 80%. MPOD was determined 10' and 30' from the foveal center. Two subjects were used in the main experiment. Five additional subjects were studied with just the 0% and 80% bleach levels. Spectral measures were obtained at 0% and 70% bleach levels for the two primary subjects. Subjects in the main experiment showed MPOD estimates that increased with increasing bleaching. The effect, however, was small: one observer's MPOD increased 0.08 and 0.02 for the 10' and 30' loci, respectively; the other observer's values were 0.04 and 0.01 for the same loci. Comparable values were obtained for the other five subjects using the 0% and 80% bleach conditions. Spectral measures were consistent with the findings of the main experiment. When self-screening is nearly abolished (80% bleach), a relatively small underestimation is revealed for the unbleached state. For the 1° target we show about 2-3% underestimation. Our 20' target reveals a larger underestimate (8-9%), consistent with longer photoreceptor outer-segments nearer the foveal center. We conclude that HFP yields values essentially independent of self-screening for targets of 1° diameter or greater. Smaller targets are less than 10% underestimated for near-zero bleach conditions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Macular pigment levels do not influence C-Quant retinal straylight estimates in young Caucasians.

    PubMed

    Beirne, Raymond O

    2014-03-01

    Individuals with higher than normal levels of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) are less affected by disability glare, when using glare source lights with a strong short-wavelength component. The aim of this study was to investigate whether estimates of retinal straylight from the Oculus Cataract Quantifier (C-Quant), which corresponds to disability glare, are associated with estimates of macular pigment levels in young Caucasian eyes. Thirty-seven Caucasian individuals (aged 19 to 40 years) with good visual acuity, free from ocular disease and with clear ocular media participated. Macular pigment optical density was measured at 0.5 degrees eccentricity from the foveal centre using a heterochromatic flicker photometry-based densitometer instrument from MacularMetrics. Retinal straylight was estimated using the C-Quant, a commercially available device, which uses a psychophysical compensation comparison method. Mean MPOD was 0.39 ± 0.18 log units (range zero to 0.80) and was not significantly related to age (r = -0.07, p = 0.66). Mean straylight parameter (s) was 1.01 ± 0.09 log units (range 0.86 to 1.21) and was not significantly related to age (r = -0.03, p = 0.86). Although there was a small tendency for straylight measurements to be reduced in individuals with higher levels of MPOD, there was no statistically significant relationship between retinal straylight and MPOD (r = -0.17, p = 0.30). Ocular straylight, estimated by the Oculus C-Quant, is little influenced by macular pigment optical density. As the C-Quant uses balanced (white) lights, it is suggested that the previous findings on the effect of macular pigment critically depend on the use of blue-dominant glare sources. © 2013 The Author. Clinical and Experimental Optometry © 2013 Optometrists Association Australia.

  18. Macular Pigment Optical Density and Ocular Pulse Amplitude in Subjects with Different Axial Lengths and Refractive Errors.

    PubMed

    Czepita, Maciej; Karczewicz, Danuta; Safranow, Krzysztof; Czepita, Damian

    2015-06-13

    The purpose of our study was to: (1) investigate the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in subjects with different axial lengths (AL) and refractive errors (RE); (2) determine if there is a correlation between MPOD and OPA; and (3) evaluate whether MPOD and OPA depend on intraocular pressure (IOP). This study included 140 eyes of 70 subjects - 17 men and 53 women, aged 18 to 29 years (mean: 22.5 years; SD=2.8). Every examined person underwent a thorough eye examination including: visual acuity, anterior segment and fundus examination, keratometry, auto-refractometry, and MPOD, OPA, AL, and IOP measurements. The obtained results were analyzed statistically using Statistica 10 software. P values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The following refractive errors were selected: emmetropia (34 eyes), hyperopia (18 eyes), low myopia (60 eyes), medium myopia (19 eyes), and high myopia (9 eyes). It has been established that the OPA increases with the rise in the spherical equivalents (SE) (Rs=+0.38, P<0.001), while the increase in AL correlates with the decrease of OPA (Rs=-0.40, P<0.001). The increase in IOP correlates with the rise in the OPA (Rs=+0.20, P<0.05). There were no significant correlations between IOP and SE or AL. (1) MPOD is not correlated with the OPA in subjects with different AL and RE; (2) OPA decreases with the rise of AL; (3) OPA decreases with the fall of the SE; and (4) OPA increases with the rise in IOP.

  19. Macular pigment spatial distribution effects on glare disability.

    PubMed

    Putnam, Christopher M; Bassi, Carl J

    2015-01-01

    This project explored the relationship of the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) spatial profile with measures of glare disability (GD) across the macula. A novel device was used to measure MPOD across the central 16° of retina along four radii using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry (cHFP)at eccentricities of 0°, 2°, 4°, 6° and 8°. MPOD was measured as discrete and integrated values at all measured retinal loci. GD was calculated as a difference in contrast sensitivity (CS) between no glare and glare conditions using identical stimuli presented at the same eccentricities. GD was defined as [(CSNo Glare-CSGlare)/CSNo Glare] in order to isolate the glare attenuation effects of MPOD by controlling for CS variability among the subject sample. Correlations of the discrete and integrated MPOD with GD were compared. The cHFP identified reliable MPOD spatial distribution maps demonstrating a 1st-order exponential decay as a function of increasing eccentricity. There was a significant negative correlation between both measures of foveal MPOD and GD using 6 cycles per degree (cpd) and 9 cpd stimuli. Significant correlations were found between corresponding parafoveal MPOD measures and GD at 2 and 4° of eccentricity using 9 cpd stimuli with greater MPOD associated with less glare disability. These results are consistent with the glare attenuation effects of MP at higher spatial frequencies and support the hypothesis that discrete and integrated measures of MPOD have similar correlations with glare attenuation effects across the macula. Additionally, peak foveal MPOD appears to influence GD across the macula. Copyright © 2014 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  20. Reliability of a two-wavelength autofluorescence technique by Heidelberg Spectralis to measure macular pigment optical density in Asian subjects.

    PubMed

    Obana, Akira; Gellermann, Werner; Gohto, Yuko; Seto, Takahiko; Sasano, Hiroyuki; Tanito, Masaki; Okazaki, Shigetoshi

    2018-03-01

    This study evaluates the accuracy of an objective two-wavelength fundus autofluorescence technique for the purpose of measuring the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in Asian pigmented eyes. Potential differences between MPOD values obtained via autofluorescence technique and subjective heterochromatic photometry (HFP) were examined. Inter-examiner reproducibility between three examiners and test-retest reliability over five time points were also explored. Subjects were 27 healthy Japanese volunteers aged 24 to 58 (mean ± standard deviation, 40.2 ± 9.0) years. An MPOD module of the Spectralis MultiColor instrument configuration (Spectralis-MP) was used for the autofluorescence technique, and a Macular Metrics Densitometer (MM) was used for HFP. The mean MPOD values at 0.25° and 0.5° eccentricities using the Spectralis-MP were 0.51 ± 0.12 and 0.48 ± 0.13, respectively. In comparison, the MM based values were 0.72 ± 0.23 and 0.61 ± 0.25, respectively. High correlations between the Spectralis-MP and MM instrument were found (Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.73 and 0.87 at 0.25° and 0.5° eccentricities, respectively), but there was a systematic bias: the MPOD values by MM method were significantly higher than those by Spectralis-MP at 0.25° eccentricity. High inter-examiner reproducibility and test-retest reliability were found for MM measurements at 0.5° eccentricity, but not at 0.25°. The Spectralis-MP showed less inter-examiner and test-retest variability than the MM instrument at 0.25° and 0.5° eccentricities. We conclude that the Spectralis-MP, given its high agreement with the HFP method and due to its higher reproducibility and reliability, is well suited for clinical measurements of MPOD levels in Asian pigmented eyes. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  1. Plasma long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and macular pigment in subjects with family history of age-related macular degeneration: the Limpia Study.

    PubMed

    Merle, Bénédicte M J; Buaud, Benjamin; Korobelnik, Jean-François; Bron, Alain; Delyfer, Marie-Noëlle; Rougier, Marie-Bénédicte; Savel, Hélène; Vaysse, Carole; Creuzot-Garcher, Catherine; Delcourt, Cécile

    2017-12-01

    In numerous epidemiological studies, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been associated with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Beyond their structural, functional and neuroprotective roles, omega-3 PUFAs may favour the retinal accumulation of lutein and zeaxanthin and thus increase macular pigment optical density (MPOD). We examined the associations of MPOD with plasma omega-3 PUFAs in subjects with family history of AMD. The Limpia study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective randomized clinical trial performed in 120 subjects. Subjects with at least one parent treated for neovascular AMD, aged 40-70, with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) >20/25, free of late AMD and other major eye conditions and with no use of supplement containing lutein or zeaxanthin the preceding year were recruited in Bordeaux and Dijon, France. At baseline, MPOD within 1° of eccentricity was measured by modified Heidelberg retinal analyser (Heidelberg, Germany) and plasma omega-3 PUFAs by gas chromatography. Medical history and lifestyle data were collected from a standardized questionnaire. Associations of MPOD with plasma omega-3 PUFAs were assessed at the baseline examination, using mixed linear models adjusted for age, gender, centre, body mass index, smoking, plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lutein+zeaxanthin. After multivariate adjustment, high MPOD was significantly associated with higher level of plasma docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (β = 0.029, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.055; p = 0.03). Plasma alpha linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids were not significantly associated with MPOD. In the Limpia study, high MPOD within 1° was significantly associated with higher plasma levels of omega-3 DPA. © 2017 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  2. Correspondence between retinal reflectometry and a flicker-based technique in the measurement of macular pigment spatial profiles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van der Veen, Rob L. P.; Berendschot, Tos T. J. M.; Makridaki, Maria; Hendrikse, Fred; Carden, David; Murray, Ian J.

    2009-11-01

    A comparison of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) spatial profiles determined by an optical and a psychophysical technique is presented. We measured the right eyes of 19 healthy individuals, using fundus reflectometry at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 deg eccentricity; and heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 deg, and a reference point at 8 deg eccentricity. We found a strong correlation between the two techniques. However, the absolute estimates obtained by fundus reflectometry data were higher than by HFP. These differences could partly be explained by the fact that at 8 deg eccentricity the MPOD is not zero, as assumed in HFP. Furthermore, when performing HFP for eccentricities of <1 deg, we had to assume that subjects set flicker thresholds at 0.4 deg horizontal translation when using a 1-deg stimulus. MPOD profiles are very similar for both techniques if, on average, 0.05 DU is added to the HFP data at all eccentricities. An additional correction factor, dependent on the steepness of the MPOD spatial distribution, is required for 0 deg.

  3. Stimulus edge effects in the measurement of macular pigment using heterochromatic flicker photometry.

    PubMed

    Smollon, William E; Wooten, Billy R; Hammond, Billy R

    2015-11-01

    Heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) is the most common technique of measuring macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Some data strongly suggest that HFP samples MPOD specifically at the edge of center-fixated circular stimuli. Other data have led to the conclusion that HFP samples over the entire area of the stimulus. To resolve this disparity, MPOD was measured using HFP and a series of solid discs of varying radii (0.25 to 2.0 deg) and with thin annuli corresponding to the edge of those discs. MPOD assessed with the two methods yielded excellent correspondence and linearity: Y=0.01+0.98X , r=0.96. A second set of experiments showed that if a disc stimulus is adjusted for no-flicker (the standard procedure) and simply reduced in size, no flicker is observed despite the higher level of MPOD in the smaller area. Taken together, these results confirm that MPOD is determined at the edge of the measuring stimulus when using stimulus sizes in the range that is in dispute (up to a radius of 0.75 deg). The basis for this edge effect can be explained by quantitative differences in the spatial-temporal properties of the visual field as a function of angular distance from the fixation point.

  4. Relationships between macular pigment optical density and lacquer cracks in high myopia.

    PubMed

    Benoudis, L; Ingrand, P; Jeau, J; Lichtwitz, O; Boissonnot, M; Leveziel, N

    2016-09-01

    A low concentration of macular carotenoid pigment (lutein and zeaxanthin) is a significant risk factor for macular degeneration. The goal of this paper is to investigate the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and lacquer cracks (LC) in high myopia. This is a prospective comparative observational study (NCT02205632) including high myopic patients with or without LC. High myopia was defined as a refractive error greater than 6 diopters of myopia or axial length greater than 26mm. All patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity in logMAR, MPOD measurement, multicolor imaging, SD-OCT, autofluorescence and axial length measurement. MPOD was calculated using heterochromatic flicker photometry. Group 1 was defined as eyes without LC and group 2 as eyes with LC. Forty-five eyes of 32 patients with a mean age of 51.3 years were included in group 1, and 15 eyes of 13 patients aged 54.1 in group 2 (P=0.56). Mean spherical equivalent was -10.11 diopters in group 1 and -15.11 in group 2 (P=0.0004). Mean visual acuity was +0.08 logMAR (0.8 in decimal notation) in group 1 and +0.11 logMAR (0.8 in decimal notation) in group 2 (P=0.061). Axial length was 27.8mm in group 1 and 29.2 in group 2 (P=0.0052). Central macular thickness was lower in group 1 (295μm) than in group 2 (305μm) (P<0.0001), and macular choroidal thickness did not differ between the two groups (P=0.094). Mean MPOD in group 2 was 0.52 and 0.63 in group 1 (P=0.042). Differences in axial length were not related to MPOD measurements (P=0.74). A lower rate of MPOD was observed in cases of LC in high myopia. Further studies are needed to investigate if dietary carotenoids could have a protective effect in reducing the risk of LC. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  5. Interrelationships between maternal carotenoid status and newborn infant macular pigment optical density and carotenoid status.

    PubMed

    Henriksen, Bradley S; Chan, Gary; Hoffman, Robert O; Sharifzadeh, Mohsen; Ermakov, Igor V; Gellermann, Werner; Bernstein, Paul S

    2013-08-15

    Deposition of the macular pigment carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin in the human retina occurs early in life. In this study, we examined the interrelationships of maternal carotenoid status and newborn infant macular pigment levels and systemic carotenoid status. As a secondary measure, we also evaluated the effects of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on carotenoid status in term newborn infants. We measured mother and infant skin carotenoids using resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS), serum carotenoids by HPLC, and mother breast milk carotenoids by HPLC. We measured infant macular pigment levels using noninvasive blue light reflectometry. We enrolled 30 healthy term infants, their mothers, and 10 IUGR infants and their mothers. A subset of 16 infants was imaged for macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Infant serum zeaxanthin levels correlated with MPOD (r = 0.68, P = 0.007). Mother serum zeaxanthin levels correlated with infant MPOD (r = 0.59, P = 0.032). Infant and mother serum lutein did not correlate with MPOD. Mother-infant correlations were found for total serum carotenoids (r = 0.42, P = 0.020) and skin carotenoids (r = 0.48, P = 0.001). No difference was seen between IUGR infants and controls in total serum or skin carotenoids. Mothers of IUGR infants had lower total serum carotenoids (P = 0.019) and breast milk carotenoids than controls (P = 0.006). Our findings suggest that maternal zeaxanthin status may play a more important role than lutein status in macular pigment deposition in utero. Controlled trials are needed to determine whether maternal zeaxanthin prenatal supplementation can raise infant macular pigment levels and/or improve ocular function.

  6. From neuro-pigments to neural efficiency: The relationship between retinal carotenoids and behavioral and neuroelectric indices of cognitive control in childhood.

    PubMed

    Walk, Anne M; Khan, Naiman A; Barnett, Sasha M; Raine, Lauren B; Kramer, Arthur F; Cohen, Neal J; Moulton, Christopher J; Renzi-Hammond, Lisa M; Hammond, Billy R; Hillman, Charles H

    2017-08-01

    Lutein and zeaxanthin are plant pigments known to preferentially accumulate in neural tissue. Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD), a non-invasive measure of retinal carotenoids and surrogate measure of brain carotenoid concentration, has been associated with disease prevention and cognitive health. Superior MPOD status in later adulthood has been shown to provide neuroprotective effects on cognition. Given that childhood signifies a critical period for carotenoid accumulation in brain, it is likely that the beneficial impact would be evident during development, though this relationship has not been directly investigated. The present study investigated the relationship between MPOD and the behavioral and neuroelectric indices elicited during a cognitive control task in preadolescent children. 49 participants completed a modified flanker task while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded to assess the P3 component of the ERP waveform. MPOD was associated with both behavioral performance and P3 amplitude such that children with higher MPOD had more accurate performance and lower P3 amplitudes. These relationships were more pronounced for trials requiring greater amounts of cognitive control. These results indicate that children with higher MPOD may respond to cognitive tasks more efficiently, maintaining high performance while displaying neural indices indicative of lower cognitive load. These findings provide novel support for the neuroprotective influence of retinal carotenoids during preadolescence. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Macular pigment and lens optical density measurements-evaluating a flicker machine with novel features

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mukherjee, Anirbaan

    Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness amongst the elderly. Macular pigment (MP) in the retina has been established to protect individuals against AMD. Improving levels of MP by diet or supplements is the constant quest of clinical practitioners and researchers, thus necessitating development of instruments capable of repeatable and reliable MP measurement. Cataract, a consequence of the rising opacity levels of the lens with age is one of the other major causes of blindness in the world. Mapcatsf, a LED-based microprocessor-controlled heterochromatic flicker photometer (HFP) using photopic vision is capable of measuring the levels of MP and the opacity of the lens in terms of optical density. Test-retest measurements conducted on 83 subjects were analyzed for repeatability in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurements. Reliability of the lens optical density (LOD) measurements were tested and compared with those obtained at absolute scotopic thresholds for 25 individuals. A supplement study with 32 individuals both in the young (50) age groups for 6 months further established Mapcatsf's capacity to monitor changing levels of MP in individuals. As an overall outcome, high levels of repeatability and reliability were obtained in MPOD and LOD measurements establishing Mapcatsf as an instrument for use in clinical settings in the future.

  8. Epilutein for Early-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized and Prospective Study.

    PubMed

    Forte, Raimondo; Panzella, Lucia; Cesarano, Ida; Cennamo, Gilda; Eidenberger, Thomas; Napolitano, Alessandra

    2017-01-01

    The hypothesis that oral supplementation of the epilutein/lutein combination could augment the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was tested. In a prospective randomized interventional study, 40 consecutive patients with early-stage AMD were recruited. After a 2-week run-in period, patients were randomly treated with a daily oral administration of 8 mg epilutein and 2 mg lutein (group 1) or 10 mg lutein (group 2) for 2 months. At baseline (BL) and 1-month (M1) and 2-month visits (M2), all patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including measurement of MPOD in a 7° area (Visucam 200; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Milan, Italy). Xanthophylls were quantified in plasma, as well as the HDL, non-HDL, and erythrocyte fractions at each study visit. Twenty-one patients (mean age 69.4 ± 6.7 years, 35 eyes) were included in group 1. Mean MPOD was 0.203 ± 0.02 optical density units (ODU) at BL, and increased to 0.214 ± 0.04 ODU at M1 (p = 0.008) and 0.206 ± 0.03 ODU at M2 (p = 0.04). Sixteen patients (mean age 72.0 ± 6.3 years, 29 eyes) were included in group 2. Mean MPOD was 0.215 ± 0.03 at BL, which reduced to 0.202 ± 0.03 ODU at M1 (p = 0.003) and 0.207 ± 0.02 ODU at M2 (p < 0.001). A rise in the systemic level of total xanthophylls was observed at M1 for both groups. At M2, total xanthophylls were significantly increased only in group 1 and decreased in group 2. In patients with early-stage AMD, the administration of lutein in combination with epilutein was associated with an increased MPOD compared to the administration of lutein alone. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  9. Macular pigment optical density measured by heterochromatic modulation photometry.

    PubMed

    Huchzermeyer, Cord; Schlomberg, Juliane; Welge-Lüssen, Ulrich; Berendschot, Tos T J M; Pokorny, Joel; Kremers, Jan

    2014-01-01

    To psychophysically determine macular pigment optical density (MPOD) employing the heterochromatic modulation photometry (HMP) paradigm by estimating 460 nm absorption at central and peripheral retinal locations. For the HMP measurements, two lights (B: 460 nm and R: 660 nm) were presented in a test field and were modulated in counterphase at medium or high frequencies. The contrasts of the two lights were varied in tandem to determine flicker detection thresholds. Detection thresholds were measured for different R:B modulation ratios. The modulation ratio with minimal sensitivity (maximal threshold) is the point of equiluminance. Measurements were performed in 25 normal subjects (11 male, 14 female; age: 30 ± 11 years, mean ± sd) using an eight channel LED stimulator with Maxwellian view optics. The results were compared with those from two published techniques - one based on heterochromatic flicker photometry (Macular Densitometer) and the other on fundus reflectometry (MPR). We were able to estimate MPOD with HMP using a modified theoretical model that was fitted to the HMP data. The resultant MPODHMP values correlated significantly with the MPODMPR values and with the MPODHFP values obtained at 0.25° and 0.5° retinal eccentricity. HMP is a flicker-based method with measurements taken at a constant mean chromaticity and luminance. The data can be well fit by a model that allows all data points to contribute to the photometric equality estimate. Therefore, we think that HMP may be a useful method for MPOD measurements, in basic and clinical vision experiments.

  10. Interrelationships Between Maternal Carotenoid Status and Newborn Infant Macular Pigment Optical Density and Carotenoid Status

    PubMed Central

    Henriksen, Bradley S.; Chan, Gary; Hoffman, Robert O.; Sharifzadeh, Mohsen; Ermakov, Igor V.; Gellermann, Werner; Bernstein, Paul S.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose. Deposition of the macular pigment carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin in the human retina occurs early in life. In this study, we examined the interrelationships of maternal carotenoid status and newborn infant macular pigment levels and systemic carotenoid status. As a secondary measure, we also evaluated the effects of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on carotenoid status in term newborn infants. Methods. We measured mother and infant skin carotenoids using resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS), serum carotenoids by HPLC, and mother breast milk carotenoids by HPLC. We measured infant macular pigment levels using noninvasive blue light reflectometry. Results. We enrolled 30 healthy term infants, their mothers, and 10 IUGR infants and their mothers. A subset of 16 infants was imaged for macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Infant serum zeaxanthin levels correlated with MPOD (r = 0.68, P = 0.007). Mother serum zeaxanthin levels correlated with infant MPOD (r = 0.59, P = 0.032). Infant and mother serum lutein did not correlate with MPOD. Mother–infant correlations were found for total serum carotenoids (r = 0.42, P = 0.020) and skin carotenoids (r = 0.48, P = 0.001). No difference was seen between IUGR infants and controls in total serum or skin carotenoids. Mothers of IUGR infants had lower total serum carotenoids (P = 0.019) and breast milk carotenoids than controls (P = 0.006). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that maternal zeaxanthin status may play a more important role than lutein status in macular pigment deposition in utero. Controlled trials are needed to determine whether maternal zeaxanthin prenatal supplementation can raise infant macular pigment levels and/or improve ocular function. PMID:23838770

  11. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on photostress recovery, glare disability, and chromatic contrast.

    PubMed

    Hammond, Billy R; Fletcher, Laura M; Roos, Franz; Wittwer, Jonas; Schalch, Wolfgang

    2014-12-02

    Past studies have shown that higher macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) supplementation are related to improvements in glare disability, photostress recovery, and chromatic contrast. This study assessed those links using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The visual effects of 1 year of supplementing L (10 mg/d) and Z (2 mg/d) were investigated. One hundred fifteen young, healthy subjects were recruited and randomized into the study (58 received placebo, 57 L+Z). Several dependent measures were collected at baseline and then once every 3 months: serum L and Z measured by HPLC chromatography; MPOD measured using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry; photostress recovery assessed by measuring the time needed to recover visual acquisition of a grating target after 30 seconds of an intense xenon white flash exposure; glare disability evaluated as the energy in a surrounding annulus necessary to veil a central grating target; and chromatic contrast assessed by measuring thresholds for a yellow grating target superposed on a 460-nm background. Macular pigment optical density increased significantly versus placebo at all eccentricities (10, 30, 60, and 105 minutes from the center of the macula). Serum L and Z also increased significantly by the first follow-up visit (at 3 months), and remained elevated throughout the intervention period of 1 year. Chromatic contrast and photostress recovery time improved significantly versus placebo. Glare disability was correlated with macular pigment density throughout the study period but did not increase significantly in the treated group. Daily supplementation with L+Z resulted in significant increase in serum levels and MPOD and improvements in chromatic contrast and recovery from photostress. These results are consistent with past studies showing that increasing MPOD leads to improved visual performance. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00909090.). Copyright 2014 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.

  12. Macular Pigment and Lutein Supplementation in ABCA4-associated Retinal Degenerations

    PubMed Central

    Aleman, Tomas S.; Cideciyan, Artur V.; Windsor, Elizabeth A. M.; Schwartz, Sharon B.; Swider, Malgorzata; Chico, John D.; Sumaroka, Alexander; Pantelyat, Alexander Y.; Duncan, Keith G.; Gardner, Leigh M.; Emmons, Jessica M.; Steinberg, Janet D.; Stone, Edwin M.; Jacobson, Samuel G.

    2008-01-01

    PURPOSE To determine macular pigment (MP) optical density (OD) in patients with ABCA4-associated retinal degenerations (ABCA4-RD) and the response of MP and vision to supplementation with lutein. METHODS Stargardt disease or cone-rod dystrophy patients with foveal fixation and with known or suspected disease-causing mutations in the ABCA4 gene were included. MPOD profiles were measured with heterochromatic flicker photometry. Serum carotenoids, visual acuity, foveal sensitivity and retinal thickness were quantified. Changes in MPOD and central vision were determined in a subset of patients receiving oral supplementation with lutein for 6 months. RESULTS MPOD in patients ranged from normal to markedly abnormal. As a group, ABCA4-RD patients had reduced foveal MPOD and there was strong correlation with retinal thickness. Average foveal tissue concentration of MP, estimated by dividing MPOD by retinal thickness, was normal in patients whereas serum concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin was significantly lower than normal. After oral lutein supplementation for 6 months, 91% of the patients showed significant increases in serum lutein and 63% of the patient eyes showed a significant augmentation in MPOD. The retinal responders tended to be female, and have lower serum lutein and zeaxanthin, lower MPOD and greater retinal thickness at baseline. Responding eyes had significantly lower baseline MP concentration compared to non-responding eyes. Central vision was unchanged after the period of supplementation. CONCLUSIONS MP is strongly affected by the stage of ABCA4 disease leading to abnormal foveal architecture. MP could be augmented by supplemental lutein in some patients. There was no change in central vision after 6 months of lutein supplementation. Long-term influences on the natural history of this supplement on macular degenerations require further study. PMID:17325179

  13. REPRODUCIBILITY OF MACULAR PIGMENT OPTICAL DENSITY MEASUREMENT BY TWO-WAVELENGTH AUTOFLUORESCENCE IN A CLINICAL SETTING.

    PubMed

    You, Qi Sheng; Bartsch, Dirk-Uwe G; Espina, Mark; Alam, Mostafa; Camacho, Natalia; Mendoza, Nadia; Freeman, William R

    2016-07-01

    Macular pigment, composed of lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, is postulated to protect against age-related macular degeneration, likely because of filtering blue light and its antioxidant properties. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is reported to be associated with macular function evaluated by visual acuity and multifocal electroretinogram. Given the importance of macular pigment, reliable and accurate measurement methods are important. The main purpose of this study is to determine the reproducibility of MPOD measurement by two-wavelength autofluorescence method using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Sixty-eight eyes of 39 persons were enrolled in the study, including 11 normal eyes, 16 eyes with wet age-related macular degeneration, 16 eyes with dry age-related macular degeneration, 11 eyes with macular edema due to diabetic mellitus, branch retinal vein occlusion or macular telangiectasia, and 14 eyes with tractional maculopathy, including vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membrane, or macular hole. MPOD was measured with a two-wavelength (488 and 514 nm) autofluorescence method with the Spectralis HRA + OCT after pupil dilation. The measurement was repeated for each eye 10 minutes later. The analysis of variance and Bland-Altman plot were used to assess the reproducibility between the two measurements. The mean MPOD at eccentricities of 1° and 2° was 0.36 ± 0.17 (range: 0.04-0.69) and 0.15 ± 0.08 (range: -0.03 to 0.35) for the first measurement and 0.35 ± 0.17 (range: 0.02-0.68) and 0.15 ± 0.08 (range: -0.01 to 0.33) for the second measurement, respectively. The difference between the 2 measurements was not statistically significant, and the Bland-Altman plot showed 7.4% and 5.9% points outside the 95% limits of agreement, indicating an overall excellent reproducibility. Similarly, there is no significant difference between the first and second measurements of MPOD volume within eccentricities of 1°, 2°, and 6° radius, and the Bland-Altman plot showed 8.8%, 2.9%, and 4.4% points outside the 95% limits of agreement, respectively. The data for the reproducibility did not differ significantly among the various disease and normal eyes. Under routine examination conditions with pupil dilation, MPOD measurement by two-wavelength autofluorescence method showed a high reproducibility.

  14. Reproducibility of Macular Pigment Optical Density Measurement by Two-wave Length Auto-fluorescence in a Clinical Setting

    PubMed Central

    You, Qi-Sheng; Bartsch, Dirk-Uwe G.; Espina, Mark; Alam, Mostafa; Camacho, Natalia; Mendoza, Nadia; Freeman, William

    2015-01-01

    Purpose Macular pigment, composed of lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, is postulated to protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), likely due to filtering blue light and its antioxidant properties. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is reported to be associated with macular function evaluated by visual acuity and multifocal electroretinogram. Given the importance of macular pigment, reliable and accurate measurement methods are important. The main purpose of current study is to determine the reproducibility of MPOD measurement by two-wave length auto-fluorescence method using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Methods Sixty eight eyes of 39 persons were enrolled in the study, including 11 normal eyes, 16 eyes with wet AMD, 16 eyes with dry AMD, 11 eyes with macular edema due to diabetic mellitus, branch retinal vein occlusion or macular telangiectasia and 14 eyes with tractional maculopathy including vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membrane or macular hole. MPOD was measured with a two-wavelength (488 and 514 nm) auto-fluorescence method with the Spectralis HRA+OCT after pupil dilation. The measurement was repeated for each eye 10 minutes later. The Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bland-Altman plot were used to assess the reproducibility between the two measurements. Results The mean MPOD at eccentricities of 1° and 2° was 0.36±0.17 (range: 0.04–0.69) and 0.15±0.08(range: −0.03, 0.35) for the first measurement and 0.35±0.17 (range: 0.02, 0.68) and 0.15±0.08 (range: −0.01, 0.33) for the second measurement respectively. The difference between the two measurements was not statistically significant, and the Bland-Altman plot showed 7.4% and 5.9% points outside the 95% limits of agreement, indicating an overall excellent reproducibility. Similarly, there is no significant difference between the first and second measurements of MPOD volume within eccentricities of 1°, 2° and 6° radius, and the Bland-Altman plot showed 8.8%, 2.9% and 4.4% points outside the 95% limits of agreement respectively. The data for the reproducibility did not differ significantly among the various disease and normal eyes. Conclusion Under routine examination conditions with pupil dilation, MPOD measurement by two-wave length auto-fluorescence method showed a high reproducibility. PMID:26655614

  15. Macular Carotenoid Supplementation Improves Visual Performance, Sleep Quality, and Adverse Physical Symptoms in Those with High Screen Time Exposure

    PubMed Central

    Stringham, James M.; Stringham, Nicole T.; O’Brien, Kevin J.

    2017-01-01

    The dramatic rise in the use of smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers over the past decade has raised concerns about potentially deleterious health effects of increased “screen time” (ST) and associated short-wavelength (blue) light exposure. We determined baseline associations and effects of 6 months’ supplementation with the macular carotenoids (MC) lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin on the blue-absorbing macular pigment (MP) and measures of sleep quality, visual performance, and physical indicators of excessive ST. Forty-eight healthy young adults with at least 6 h of daily near-field ST exposure participated in this placebo-controlled trial. Visual performance measures included contrast sensitivity, critical flicker fusion, disability glare, and photostress recovery. Physical indicators of excessive screen time and sleep quality were assessed via questionnaire. MP optical density (MPOD) was assessed via heterochromatic flicker photometry. At baseline, MPOD was correlated significantly with all visual performance measures (p < 0.05 for all). MC supplementation (24 mg daily) yielded significant improvement in MPOD, overall sleep quality, headache frequency, eye strain, eye fatigue, and all visual performance measures, versus placebo (p < 0.05 for all). Increased MPOD significantly improves visual performance and, in turn, improves several undesirable physical outcomes associated with excessive ST. The improvement in sleep quality was not directly related to increases in MPOD, and may be due to systemic reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation. PMID:28661438

  16. Macular Carotenoid Supplementation Improves Visual Performance, Sleep Quality, and Adverse Physical Symptoms in Those with High Screen Time Exposure.

    PubMed

    Stringham, James M; Stringham, Nicole T; O'Brien, Kevin J

    2017-06-29

    The dramatic rise in the use of smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers over the past decade has raised concerns about potentially deleterious health effects of increased "screen time" (ST) and associated short-wavelength (blue) light exposure. We determined baseline associations and effects of 6 months' supplementation with the macular carotenoids (MC) lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin on the blue-absorbing macular pigment (MP) and measures of sleep quality, visual performance, and physical indicators of excessive ST. Forty-eight healthy young adults with at least 6 h of daily near-field ST exposure participated in this placebo-controlled trial. Visual performance measures included contrast sensitivity, critical flicker fusion, disability glare, and photostress recovery. Physical indicators of excessive screen time and sleep quality were assessed via questionnaire. MP optical density (MPOD) was assessed via heterochromatic flicker photometry. At baseline, MPOD was correlated significantly with all visual performance measures ( p < 0.05 for all). MC supplementation (24 mg daily) yielded significant improvement in MPOD, overall sleep quality, headache frequency, eye strain, eye fatigue, and all visual performance measures, versus placebo ( p < 0.05 for all). Increased MPOD significantly improves visual performance and, in turn, improves several undesirable physical outcomes associated with excessive ST. The improvement in sleep quality was not directly related to increases in MPOD, and may be due to systemic reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation.

  17. Macular Pigment Optical Density Measured by Heterochromatic Modulation Photometry

    PubMed Central

    Huchzermeyer, Cord; Schlomberg, Juliane; Welge-Lüssen, Ulrich; Berendschot, Tos T. J. M.; Pokorny, Joel; Kremers, Jan

    2014-01-01

    Purpose To psychophysically determine macular pigment optical density (MPOD) employing the heterochromatic modulation photometry (HMP) paradigm by estimating 460 nm absorption at central and peripheral retinal locations. Methods For the HMP measurements, two lights (B: 460 nm and R: 660 nm) were presented in a test field and were modulated in counterphase at medium or high frequencies. The contrasts of the two lights were varied in tandem to determine flicker detection thresholds. Detection thresholds were measured for different R:B modulation ratios. The modulation ratio with minimal sensitivity (maximal threshold) is the point of equiluminance. Measurements were performed in 25 normal subjects (11 male, 14 female; age: 30±11 years, mean ± sd) using an eight channel LED stimulator with Maxwellian view optics. The results were compared with those from two published techniques – one based on heterochromatic flicker photometry (Macular Densitometer) and the other on fundus reflectometry (MPR). Results We were able to estimate MPOD with HMP using a modified theoretical model that was fitted to the HMP data. The resultant MPODHMP values correlated significantly with the MPODMPR values and with the MPODHFP values obtained at 0.25° and 0.5° retinal eccentricity. Conclusions HMP is a flicker-based method with measurements taken at a constant mean chromaticity and luminance. The data can be well fit by a model that allows all data points to contribute to the photometric equality estimate. Therefore, we think that HMP may be a useful method for MPOD measurements, in basic and clinical vision experiments. PMID:25354049

  18. The Macular Carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin Are Related to Increased Bone Density in Young Healthy Adults

    PubMed Central

    Bovier, Emily R.; Hammond, Billy R.

    2017-01-01

    Lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) status can be quantified by measuring their concentrations both in serum and, non-invasively, in retinal tissue. This has resulted in a unique ability to assess their role in a number of tissues ranging from cardiovascular to central nervous system tissue. Recent reports using animal models have suggested yet another role, a developmental increase in bone mass. To test this, we assessed L and Z status in 63 young healthy adults. LZ status was determined by measuring LZ in serum (using HPLC) and retina tissue (measuring macular pigment optical density, MPOD, using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry). Bone density was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Although serum LZ was generally not related to bone mass, MPOD was significantly related to bone density in the proximal femur and lumbar spine. In general, our results are consistent with carotenoids, specifically LZ, playing a role in optimal bone health. PMID:28880221

  19. Effects of a Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intervention on Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Younger Healthy Adults.

    PubMed

    Renzi-Hammond, Lisa M; Bovier, Emily R; Fletcher, Laura M; Miller, L Stephen; Mewborn, Catherine M; Lindbergh, Cutter A; Baxter, Jeffrey H; Hammond, Billy R

    2017-11-14

    Background: Past studies have suggested that higher lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) levels in serum and in the central nervous system (as quantified by measuring macular pigment optical density, MPOD) are related to improved cognitive function in older adults. Very few studies have addressed the issue of xanthophylls and cognitive function in younger adults, and no controlled trials have been conducted to date to determine whether or not supplementation with L + Z can change cognitive function in this population. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not supplementation with L + Z could improve cognitive function in young (age 18-30), healthy adults. Design: A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial design was used. Fifty-one young, healthy subjects were recruited as part of a larger study on xanthophylls and cognitive function. Subjects were randomized into active supplement ( n = 37) and placebo groups ( n = 14). MPOD was measured psychophysically using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry. Cognitive function was measured using the CNS Vital Signs testing platform. MPOD and cognitive function were measured every four months for a full year of supplementation. Results: Supplementation increased MPOD significantly over the course of the year, vs. placebo ( p < 0.001). Daily supplementation with L + Z and increases in MPOD resulted in significant improvements in spatial memory ( p < 0.04), reasoning ability ( p < 0.05) and complex attention ( p < 0.04), above and beyond improvements due to practice effects. Conclusions: Supplementation with L + Z improves CNS xanthophyll levels and cognitive function in young, healthy adults. Magnitudes of effects are similar to previous work reporting correlations between MPOD and cognition in other populations.

  20. Pilot evaluation of short-term changes in macular pigment and retinal sensitivity in different phenotypes of early age-related macular degeneration after carotenoid supplementation.

    PubMed

    Corvi, Federico; Souied, Eric H; Falfoul, Yousra; Georges, Anouk; Jung, Camille; Querques, Lea; Querques, Giuseppe

    2017-06-01

    To investigate the response of carotenoid supplementation in different phenotypes of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by measuring macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and retinal sensitivity. Consecutive patients with only medium/large drusen and only reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) and age-matched and sex-matched controls were enrolled. At baseline, participants underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), MPOD and retinal sensitivity. Patients were put on vitamin supplementation (lutein 10 mg/day, zeaxanthin 2 mg/day) and 3 months later underwent a repeated ophthalmological examination. Twenty patients with medium/large drusen, 19 with RPD and 15 control subjects were included. At baseline, in controls, mean MPOD and BCVA were significantly higher compared with RPD (p=0.001 and p=0.01) but similar to medium/large drusen (p=0.9 and p=0.4). Mean retinal sensitivity was significantly higher in controls compared with RPD and medium/large drusen (for all p<0.0001). After 3 months of carotenoid supplementation the mean MPOD significantly increased in RPD (p=0.002), thus showing no more difference compared with controls (p=0.3); no significant changes were found in mean retinal sensitivity and BCVA (p=0.3 and p=0.7). Medium/large drusen did not show significant changes on MPOD, retinal sensitivity and BCVA (p=0.5, p=0.7 and p=0.7, respectively). Patients with early AMD, especially RPD phenotype, show lower macular sensitivity and MPOD than controls. After supplementation, MPOD significantly increased in RPD. These results suggest different pathophysiology for RPD as compared with medium/large drusen and may open new ways to identifying further therapeutic targets in this phenotype of early AMD. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

  1. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplied by red/orange foods and fruits are more closely associated with macular pigment optical density than those from green vegetables in Spanish subjects.

    PubMed

    Estévez-Santiago, Rocío; Olmedilla-Alonso, Begoña; Beltrán-de-Miguel, Beatriz; Cuadrado-Vives, Carmen

    2016-11-01

    Lutein and zeaxanthin (L+Z) accumulate in the retina. Although vegetables are major contributors to their intake, a stronger association between fruits and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) has been reported. We hypothesized that L+Z intake from fruits would have a stronger association with L+Z status markers (MPOD, serum concentrations) than intake from vegetables or eggs, and that those associations would also differ according to plant foods color. One hundred eight subjects (57 men; age groups, 20-35 and 45-65 years) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. L+Z intake from fruits, vegetables, and eggs was determined using three 24-hour diet recalls and a country-specific carotenoid database. Vegetables were the major contributors (75%) to L+Z intake, followed by eggs (10%) and fruits (4%). Vegetables supplied 86% and 84% of the LandZ intake, respectively, and fruits supplied 3% and 16%. Green foods supplied 78% and 52% of LandZ, respectively, followed by red/orange (9% and 38%) and white/yellow (14% and 9%). Factorial analysis showed associations in older subjects. The explained variance of the first 2 principal components was 54% considering L+Z intake from fruits, vegetables, and eggs, and 55% considering L+Z intake from plant foods grouped by color. Macular pigment optical density is related to L+Z intake from fruits (0.264, P=.003) and is independent of that from vegetables and eggs. It is related to L+Z intake from red/orange foods (0.320, P=.000) and the serum concentrations to that from green foods (0.222, P=.11). Although vegetables and green foods of plant origin are the major contributors to L+Z intake, red/orange foods and fruits have the strongest relationship to MPOD in study participants (45-65 years of age). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. In vivo macular pigment measurements: a comparison of resonance Raman spectroscopy and heterochromatic flicker photometry

    PubMed Central

    Hogg, R E; Anderson, R S; Stevenson, M R; Zlatkova, M B; Chakravarthy, U

    2007-01-01

    Aim To investigate whether two methods of measuring macular pigment—namely, heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) and resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS)—yield comparable data. Methods Macular pigment was measured using HFP and RRS in the right eye of 107 participants aged 20–79 years. Correlations between methods were sought and regression models generated. RRS was recorded as Raman counts and HFP as macular pigment optical density (MPOD). The average of the top three of five Raman counts was compared with MPOD obtained at 0.5° eccentricity, and an integrated measure (spatial profile; MPODsp) computed from four stimulus sizes on HFP. Results The coefficient of variation was 12.0% for MPODsp and 13.5% for Raman counts. MPODsp exhibited significant correlations with Raman counts (r = 0.260, p = 0.012), whereas MPOD at 0.5° did not correlate significantly (r = 0.163, p = 0.118). MPODsp was not significantly correlated with age (p = 0.062), whereas MPOD at 0.5° was positively correlated (p = 0.011). Raman counts showed a significant decrease with age (p = 0.002) and were significantly lower when pupil size was smaller (p = 0.015). Conclusions Despite a statistically significant correlation, the correlations were weak, with those in excess of 90% of the variance between MPODsp and Raman counts remaining unexplained, meriting further research. PMID:16825281

  3. Macular pigment optical density measurements: evaluation of a device using heterochromatic flicker photometry

    PubMed Central

    de Kinkelder, R; van der Veen, R L P; Verbaak, F D; Faber, D J; van Leeuwen, T G; Berendschot, T T J M

    2011-01-01

    Purpose Accurate assessment of the amount of macular pigment (MPOD) is necessary to investigate the role of carotenoids and their assumed protective functions. High repeatability and reliability are important to monitor patients in studies investigating the influence of diet and supplements on MPOD. We evaluated the Macuscope (Macuvision Europe Ltd., Lapworth, Solihull, UK), a recently introduced device for measuring MPOD using the technique of heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP). We determined agreement with another HFP device (QuantifEye; MPS 9000 series: Tinsley Precision Instruments Ltd., Croydon, Essex, UK) and a fundus reflectance method. Methods The right eyes of 23 healthy subjects (mean age 33.9±15.1 years) were measured. We determined agreement with QuantifEye and correlation with a fundus reflectance method. Repeatability of QuantifEye was assessed in 20 other healthy subjects (mean age 32.1±7.3 years). Repeatability was also compared with measurements by a fundus reflectance method in 10 subjects. Results We found low agreement between test and retest measurements with Macuscope. The average difference and the limits of agreement were −0.041±0.32. We found high agreement between test and retest measurements of QuantifEye (−0.02±0.18) and the fundus reflectance method (−0.04±0.18). MPOD data obtained by Macuscope and QuantifEye showed poor agreement: −0.017±0.44. For Macuscope and the fundus reflectance method, the correlation coefficient was r=0.05 (P=0.83). A significant correlation of r=0.87 (P<0.001) was found between QuantifEye and the fundus reflectance method. Conclusions Because repeatability of Macuscope measurements was low (ie, wide limits of agreement) and MPOD values correlated poorly with the fundus reflectance method, and agreed poorly with QuantifEye, the tested Macuscope protocol seems less suitable for studying MPOD. PMID:21057522

  4. Absolute and estimated values of macular pigment optical density in young and aged Asian participants with or without age-related macular degeneration.

    PubMed

    Ozawa, Yoko; Shigeno, Yuta; Nagai, Norihiro; Suzuki, Misa; Kurihara, Toshihide; Minami, Sakiko; Hirano, Eri; Shinoda, Hajime; Kobayashi, Saori; Tsubota, Kazuo

    2017-08-29

    Lutein and zeaxanthin are suggested micronutrient supplements to prevent the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness worldwide. To monitor the levels of lutein/zeaxanthin in the macula, macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is measured. A commercially available device (MPSII®, Elektron Technology, Switzerland), using technology based on heterochromatic flicker photometry, can measure both absolute and estimated values of MPOD. However, whether the estimated value is applicable to Asian individuals and/or AMD patients remains to be determined. The absolute and estimated values of MPOD were measured using the MPSII® device in 77 participants with a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) > 0.099 (logMAR score). The studied eyes included 17 young (20-29 years) healthy, 26 aged (>50 years) healthy, 18 aged and AMD-fellow, and 16 aged AMD eyes. The mean BCVA among the groups were not significantly different. Both absolute and estimated values were measurable in all eyes of young healthy group. However, absolute values were measurable in only 57.7%, 66.7%, and 43.8%, of the aged healthy, AMD-fellow, and AMD groups, respectively, and 56.7% of the eyes included in the 3 aged groups. In contrast, the estimated value was measurable in 84.6%, 88.9% and 93.8% of the groups, respectively, and 88.3% of eyes in the pooled aged group. The estimated value was correlated with absolute value in individuals from all groups by Spearman's correlation coefficient analyses (young healthy: R 2  = 0.885, P = 0.0001; aged healthy: R 2  = 0.765, P = 0.001; AMD-fellow: R 2  = 0.851, P = 0.0001; and AMD: R 2  = 0.860, P = 0.013). Using the estimated value, significantly lower MPOD values were found in aged AMD-related eyes, which included both AMD-fellow and AMD eyes, compared with aged healthy eyes by Student's t-test (P = 0.02). Absolute, in contrast to estimated, value was measurable in a limited number of aged participants; however, it was correlated with estimated value both in young and aged Asian populations with or without AMD. These results may inform future clinical studies investigating the measurement of MPOD in understanding the role of macular pigments in the pathogenesis of AMD.

  5. Investigation of genetic variation in scavenger receptor class B, member 1 (SCARB1) and association with serum carotenoids

    PubMed Central

    McKay, Gareth J; Loane, Edward; Nolan, John M; Patterson, Christopher C; Meyers, Kristin J; Mares, Julie A; Yonova-Doing, Ekaterina; Hammond, Christopher J; Beatty, Stephen; Silvestri, Giuliana

    2013-01-01

    Objective To investigate association of scavenger receptor class B, member 1 (SCARB1) genetic variants with serum carotenoid levels of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) and macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Design A cross-sectional study of healthy adults aged 20-70. Participants 302 participants recruited following local advertisement. Methods MPOD was measured by customized heterochromatic flicker photometry. Fasting blood samples were taken for serum L and Z measurement by HPLC and lipoprotein analysis by spectrophotometric assay. Forty-seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across SCARB1 were genotyped using Sequenom technology. Association analyses were performed using PLINK to compare allele and haplotype means, with adjustment for potential confounding and correction for multiple comparisons by permutation testing. Replication analysis was performed in the TwinsUK and CAREDS cohorts. Main outcome measures Odds ratios (ORs) for macular pigment optical density area, serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations associated with genetic variations in SCARB1 and interactions between SCARB1 and sex. Results Following multiple regression analysis with adjustment for age, body mass index, sex, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), triglycerides, smoking, dietary L and Z levels, 5 SNPs were significantly associated with serum L concentration and 1 SNP with MPOD (P<0.01). Only the association between rs11057841 and serum L withstood correction for multiple comparisons by permutation testing (P<0.01) and replicated in the TwinsUK cohort (P=0.014). Independent replication was also observed in the CAREDS cohort with rs10846744 (P=2×10−4), a SNP in high linkage disequilibrium with rs11057841 (r2=0.93). No significant interactions by sex were found. Haplotype analysis revealed no stronger association than obtained with single SNP analyses. Conclusions Our study has identified association between rs11057841 and serum L concentration (24% increase per T allele) in healthy subjects, independent of potential confounding factors. Our data supports further evaluation of the role for SCARB1 in the transport of macular pigment and the possible modulation of AMD risk through combating the effects of oxidative stress within the retina. PMID:23562302

  6. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zeaxanthin and visual function in patients with atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study (ZVF) FDA IND #78, 973.

    PubMed

    Richer, Stuart P; Stiles, William; Graham-Hoffman, Kelly; Levin, Marc; Ruskin, Dennis; Wrobel, James; Park, Dong-Wouk; Thomas, Carla

    2011-11-01

    The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether dietary supplementation with the carotenoid zeaxanthin (Zx) raises macula pigment optical density (MPOD) and has unique visual benefits for patients with early atrophic macular degeneration having visual symptoms but lower-risk National Institute of Health/National Eye Institute/Age-Related Eye Disease Study characteristics. This was a 1-year, n = 60 (57 men, 3 women), 4-visit, intention-to-treat, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial of patients (74.9 years, standard deviation [SD] 10) with mild-to-moderate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary supplement carotenoid pigment intervention groups: 8 mg Zx (n = 25) and 8 mg Zx plus 9 mg lutein (L) (n = 25) or 9 mg L ("Faux Placebo," control group, n = 10). Analysis was by Bartlett's test for equal variance, 3-way repeated factors analysis of variance, independent t test (P < 0.05) for variance and between/within group differences, and post-hoc Scheffé's tests. Estimated foveal heterochromic flicker photometry, 1° macular pigment optical density (MPOD QuantifEye(®)), low- and high-contrast visual acuity, foveal shape discrimination (Retina Foundation of the Southwest), 10° yellow kinetic visual fields (KVF), glare recovery, contrast sensitivity function (CSF), and 6° blue cone ChromaTest(®) color thresholds were obtained serially at 4, 8, and 12 months. Ninety percent of subjects completed ≥ 2 visits with an initial Age-Related Eye Disease Study report #18 retinopathy score of 1.4 (1.0 SD)/4.0 and pill intake compliance of 96% with no adverse effects. There were no intergroup differences in 3 major AMD risk factors: age, smoking, and body mass index as well as disease duration and Visual Function Questionnaire 25 composite score differences. Randomization resulted in equal MPOD variance and MPOD increasing in each of the 3 groups from 0.33 density units (du) (0.17 SD) baseline to 0.51 du (0.18 SD) at 12 m, (P = 0.03), but no between-group differences (Analysis of Variance; P = 0.47). In the Zx group, detailed high-contrast visual acuity improved by 1.5 lines, Retina Foundation of the Southwest shape discrimination sharpened from 0.97 to 0.57 (P = 0.06, 1-tail), and a larger percentage of Zx patients experienced clearing of their KVF central scotomas (P = 0.057). The "Faux Placebo" L group was superior in terms of low-contrast visual acuity, CSF, and glare recovery, whereas Zx showed a trend toward significance. In older male patients with AMD, Zx-induced foveal MPOD elevation mirrored that of L and provided complementary distinct visual benefits by improving foveal cone-based visual parameters, whereas L enhanced those parameters associated with gross detailed rod-based vision, with considerable overlap between the 2 carotenoids. The equally dosed (atypical dietary ratio) Zx plus L group fared worse in terms of raising MPOD, presumably because of duodenal, hepatic-lipoprotein or retinal carotenoid competition. These results make biological sense based on retinal distribution and Zx foveal predominance. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  7. Macular Pigment Imaging in AREDS2 Participants: An Ancillary Study of AREDS2 Subjects Enrolled at the Moran Eye Center

    PubMed Central

    Bernstein, Paul S.; Ahmed, Faisal; Liu, Aihua; Allman, Susan; Sheng, Xiaoming; Sharifzadeh, Mohsen; Ermakov, Igor; Gellermann, Werner

    2012-01-01

    Purpose. Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) is a randomized, placebo-controlled study designed to determine whether supplementation with 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin per day can slow the rate of progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although some biomarkers of response to carotenoid supplementation such as serum concentrations are part of the AREDS2 protocol, measurement of carotenoid concentrations in the eye and other tissues is not. In this approved ancillary study, macular pigment optical density (MPOD), macular pigment distributions, and skin carotenoid levels at enrollment and at each annual visit were measured to assess baseline carotenoid status and to monitor response to assigned interventions. Methods. All subjects enrolled at the Moran Eye Center had MPOD and macular pigment spatial distributions measured by dual-wavelength autofluorescence imaging and total skin carotenoids measured by resonance Raman spectroscopy. Results. Baseline MPOD in enrolled subjects was unusually high relative to an age-matched control group that did not consume carotenoid supplements regularly, consistent with the high rate of habitual lutein and zeaxanthin consumption in Utah AREDS2 subjects prior to enrollment. MPOD did not correlate with serum or skin carotenoid measurements. Conclusions. Useful information is provided through this ancillary study on the ocular carotenoid status of AREDS2 participants in the target tissue of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation: The macula. When treatment assignments are unmasked at the conclusion of the study, unique tissue-based insights will be provided on the progression of AMD in response to long-term, high-dose carotenoid supplementation versus diet alone. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00345176.) PMID:22879423

  8. Effect of Dietary Supplementation With Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and ω-3 on Macular Pigment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

    PubMed

    Korobelnik, Jean-François; Rougier, Marie-Bénédicte; Delyfer, Marie-Noëlle; Bron, Alain; Merle, Bénédicte M J; Savel, Hélène; Chêne, Geneviève; Delcourt, Cécile; Creuzot-Garcher, Catherine

    2017-11-01

    Nutritional uptake of lutein, zeaxanthin, and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may increase macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and thereby protect against the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To estimate the efficiency of dietary supplementation containing lutein, zeaxanthin, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins to increase the density of macular pigment in first-generation offspring of parents with neovascular AMD. This study was a randomized clinical trial (Lutein Influence on Macula of Persons Issued From AMD Parents [LIMPIA]) with a 6-month treatment period, followed by a 6-month follow-up period. Analyses were based on the intent-to-treat principle. The setting was 2 university hospitals in France (at Bordeaux and Dijon) from January 2011 (first participant first visit) to February 2013 (last participant last visit). The analysis was conducted from January to November 2016. Participants were 120 individuals free of any retinal ocular disease. They were first-generation offspring of parents with neovascular AMD. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 2 daily dietary supplementation capsules or placebo for 6 months. The primary assessment criterion was the evolution of MPOD after 6 months of supplementation (value of both eligible eyes) measured using the modified MPD-Visucam 200 (Carl Zeiss Meditec) and the modified Heidelberg Retina Angiograph (Heidelberg Engineering) (HRA) at 0.98° eccentricity. The statistical analysis was adjusted for hospital and for risk factors. Overall, 120 participants (60 in each group) were included, and 239 eyes were analyzed (119 in the lutein plus zeaxanthin [L + Z] group and 120 in the placebo group). Their mean (SD) age was 56.7 (6.6) years, and 71.7% (n = 86) were female. A statistically significant increase in plasma lutein and zeaxanthin was shown in the L + Z group after 3 months and 6 months of treatment compared with the placebo group. However, the difference between groups in the evolution of MPOD measured by HRA 0.98° eccentricity between 6 months and baseline was 0.036 (95% CI, -0.037 to 0.110) (P = .33). Among first-generation offspring of parents with neovascular AMD in the LIMPIA trial, MPOD as measured with the modified HRA and the MPD-Visucam was not modified after 6 months of lutein and zeaxanthin dietary supplementation despite plasma levels showing continuous exposure to lutein and zeaxanthin. Further research is necessary to understand the mechanism of absorption and metabolism of these nutrients in the macula, the best way to measure MPOD, and the clinical benefit for the patients. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01269697.

  9. The ringlike structure of macular pigment in age-related maculopathy: results from the Muenster Aging and Retina Study (MARS).

    PubMed

    Dietzel, Martha; Zeimer, Meike; Heimes, Britta; Pauleikhoff, Daniel; Hense, Hans-Werner

    2011-10-11

    The role of macular pigment (MP) in age-related maculopathy (ARM) is still not clearly understood. Recent studies have reported on variations in the spatial distribution of MP optical density (MPOD) including a secondary peak ("ring") in the slope of the MPOD profile. The authors investigated in a cross-sectional manner the presence of ringlike structures, their determinants, and their relationship with ARM. In all, 369 participants of the Muenster Aging and Retina Study were examined using dual-wavelength analysis of autofluorescence images. ARM was graded using digital fundus photographs according to the International Classification System. A ringlike structure was observed in 73 (19.8%) study participants. The MP maximum of the ring was located on average at 0.85° and the minimum at 0.48° from the center of the fovea. Their concordance between pairs of eyes was highly significant. MPOD measured at eccentricities of 0°, 0.25°, and 0.5° from the fovea was significantly lower in eyes with ringlike structure, whereas it was significantly higher at 1.0° and 2.0° than that in eyes without the ring. Ringlike structures were significantly more common in females and never smokers and were found significantly less often in eyes with ARM than in healthy eyes, even after adjustment for influential factors (adjusted odds ratio, 0.347; 95% confidence interval, 0.196-0.617). Ringlike structures in the MP spatial profile are fairly common, show a high degree of bilaterality, and appeared inversely related with ARM.

  10. Correlations Between Macular, Skin, and Serum Carotenoids

    PubMed Central

    Conrady, Christopher D.; Bell, James P.; Besch, Brian M.; Gorusupudi, Aruna; Farnsworth, Kelliann; Ermakov, Igor; Sharifzadeh, Mohsen; Ermakova, Maia; Gellermann, Werner; Bernstein, Paul S.

    2017-01-01

    Purpose Ocular and systemic measurement and imaging of the macular carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin have been employed extensively as potential biomarkers of AMD risk. In this study, we systematically compare dual wavelength retinal autofluorescence imaging (AFI) of macular pigment with skin resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) and serum carotenoid levels in a clinic-based population. Methods Eighty-eight patients were recruited from retina and general ophthalmology practices from a tertiary referral center and excluded only if they did not have all three modalities tested, had a diagnosis of macular telangiectasia (MacTel) or Stargardt disease, or had poor AFI image quality. Skin, macular, and serum carotenoid levels were measured by RRS, AFI, and HPLC, respectively. Results Skin RRS measurements and serum zeaxanthin concentrations correlated most strongly with AFI macular pigment volume under the curve (MPVUC) measurements up to 9° eccentricity relative to MPVUC or rotationally averaged macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurements at smaller eccentricities. These measurements were reproducible and not significantly affected by cataracts. We also found that these techniques could readily identify subjects taking oral carotenoid-containing supplements. Conclusions Larger macular pigment volume AFI and skin RRS measurements are noninvasive, objective, and reliable methods to assess ocular and systemic carotenoid levels. They are an attractive alternative to psychophysical and optical methods that measure MPOD at a limited number of eccentricities. Consequently, skin RRS and MPVUC at 9° are both reasonable biomarkers of macular carotenoid status that could be readily adapted to research and clinical settings. PMID:28728169

  11. [The Influence of risk factors on visual performance in of phototoxic maculopathy in occupational welders].

    PubMed

    Li, Qingtao; Zhang, Xinfang

    2014-10-01

    To investigate the Influence of risk factors that cause the phototoxic maculopathy by welding arc in occupational welders. We examined randomly a group of 86 male occupational welders 172 eyes from some local metal manufacturing enterprise from August 2010 to December 2013. The ophthalmologic examination which the participants underwent thorough including the best visual acuity, fundus examination by the supplementary lens, fundus photography, and the high definition optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. All participants of this study underwent thorough the medicine examined by a specialist of occupational who prior to the OCT. All the subjects were divided into groups according to age, protection degrees , length of service, operating time . The incidences of phototoxic maculopathy were compared within groups. The subjects was divided randomly into the lutein group and the placebo group. The examination including the best visual acuity, serum lutein concentrations, macular pigmentoptical density (MPOD), Contrast and glare Sensitivity. (1) The total incidence of phototoxic maculopathy is 32.0%. (2) The incidences of phototoxic maculopathy in the strict protection group, the randomed protective group and the nonprofessional protection group were respectively 21.4%, 36.7%, 53.6%. The incidence in the strict protection group was lower than the other two groups, the incidence was the highest in the nonprofessional protection group, and the difference was statistically significant. (3) The longer length of service, and operating time , the more incidence of phototoxic maculopathy develop. (4) The lutein group prior to the placebo group at the best visual acuity, serum lutein concentrations, macular pigmentoptical density (MPOD), Contrast and glare Sensitivity. The risk factors of phototoxic maculopathy in male occupational welders are the length of service, operating time, protection degrees and the lutein assistantly. The incidence of phototoxic maculopathy occurs regardless of age.

  12. Age-related macular degeneration: Effects of a short-term intervention with an oleaginous kale extract--a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Arnold, Christin; Jentsch, Susanne; Dawczynski, Jens; Böhm, Volker

    2013-01-01

    Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial degenerative disease of the retina, which accounts for slowly progressive visual impairment in the elderly. An increased dietary intake of xanthophylls is suggested to be inversely related to the risk of macular disease. The present study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial examining the influence of a short-term intervention with an oleaginous extract of Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L. (kale) on plasma xanthophyll concentrations and the optical density of the macular pigment xanthophylls (MPOD). Twenty patients with non-exudative AMD were recruited for a 10-wk study period (2-wk run-in, 4-wk intervention, 4-wk washout). All participants received 50 mL of a beverage containing either an oleaginous extract of kale (kale) or refined rapeseed oil (placebo). The verum product provides 10 mg lutein and 3 mg zeaxanthin per day. The concentrations of the xanthophylls in plasma and the MPOD increased significantly in the kale group after 4 wk of intervention. The successive washout period resulted in a significant decline of the values in plasma and macula. The values at the end of the study were still significantly higher than the initial values. Nevertheless, the improvements did not persist over 4 wk of washout. The distribution of the xanthophylls in the macula seems to be more dynamic than originally assumed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. The next generation of low-cost personal air quality sensors for quantitative exposure monitoring

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Piedrahita, R.; Xiang, Y.; Masson, N.; Ortega, J.; Collier, A.; Jiang, Y.; Li, K.; Dick, R.; Lv, Q.; Hannigan, M.; Shang, L.

    2014-03-01

    Advances in embedded systems and low-cost gas sensors are enabling a new wave of low cost air quality monitoring tools. Our team has been engaged in the development of low-cost wearable air quality monitors (M-Pods) using the Arduino platform. The M-Pods use commercially available metal oxide semiconductor (MOx) sensors to measure CO, O3, NO2, and total VOCs, and NDIR sensors to measure CO2. MOx sensors are low in cost and show high sensitivity near ambient levels; however they display non-linear output signals and have cross sensitivity effects. Thus, a quantification system was developed to convert the MOx sensor signals into concentrations. Two deployments were conducted at a regulatory monitoring station in Denver, Colorado. M-Pod concentrations were determined using laboratory calibration techniques and co-location calibrations, in which we place the M-Pods near regulatory monitors to then derive calibration function coefficients using the regulatory monitors as the standard. The form of the calibration function was derived based on laboratory experiments. We discuss various techniques used to estimate measurement uncertainties. A separate user study was also conducted to assess personal exposure and M-Pod reliability. In this study, 10 M-Pods were calibrated via co-location multiple times over 4 weeks and sensor drift was analyzed with the result being a calibration function that included drift. We found that co-location calibrations perform better than laboratory calibrations. Lab calibrations suffer from bias and difficulty in covering the necessary parameter space. During co-location calibrations, median standard errors ranged between 4.0-6.1 ppb for O3, 6.4-8.4 ppb for NO2, 0.28-0.44 ppm for CO, and 16.8 ppm for CO2. Median signal to noise (S/N) ratios for the M-Pod sensors were higher for M-Pods than the regulatory instruments: for NO2, 3.6 compared to 23.4; for O3, 1.4 compared to 1.6; for CO, 1.1 compared to 10.0; and for CO2, 42.2 compared to 300-500. The user study provided trends and location-specific information on pollutants, and affected change in user behavior. The study demonstrated the utility of the M-Pod as a tool to assess personal exposure.

  14. The next generation of low-cost personal air quality sensors for quantitative exposure monitoring

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Piedrahita, R.; Xiang, Y.; Masson, N.; Ortega, J.; Collier, A.; Jiang, Y.; Li, K.; Dick, R. P.; Lv, Q.; Hannigan, M.; Shang, L.

    2014-10-01

    Advances in embedded systems and low-cost gas sensors are enabling a new wave of low-cost air quality monitoring tools. Our team has been engaged in the development of low-cost, wearable, air quality monitors (M-Pods) using the Arduino platform. These M-Pods house two types of sensors - commercially available metal oxide semiconductor (MOx) sensors used to measure CO, O3, NO2, and total VOCs, and NDIR sensors used to measure CO2. The MOx sensors are low in cost and show high sensitivity near ambient levels; however they display non-linear output signals and have cross-sensitivity effects. Thus, a quantification system was developed to convert the MOx sensor signals into concentrations. We conducted two types of validation studies - first, deployments at a regulatory monitoring station in Denver, Colorado, and second, a user study. In the two deployments (at the regulatory monitoring station), M-Pod concentrations were determined using collocation calibrations and laboratory calibration techniques. M-Pods were placed near regulatory monitors to derive calibration function coefficients using the regulatory monitors as the standard. The form of the calibration function was derived based on laboratory experiments. We discuss various techniques used to estimate measurement uncertainties. The deployments revealed that collocation calibrations provide more accurate concentration estimates than laboratory calibrations. During collocation calibrations, median standard errors ranged between 4.0-6.1 ppb for O3, 6.4-8.4 ppb for NO2, 0.28-0.44 ppm for CO, and 16.8 ppm for CO2. Median signal to noise (S / N) ratios for the M-Pod sensors were higher than the regulatory instruments: for NO2, 3.6 compared to 23.4; for O3, 1.4 compared to 1.6; for CO, 1.1 compared to 10.0; and for CO2, 42.2 compared to 300-500. By contrast, lab calibrations added bias and made it difficult to cover the necessary range of environmental conditions to obtain a good calibration. A separate user study was also conducted to assess uncertainty estimates and sensor variability. In this study, 9 M-Pods were calibrated via collocation multiple times over 4 weeks, and sensor drift was analyzed, with the result being a calibration function that included baseline drift. Three pairs of M-Pods were deployed, while users individually carried the other three. The user study suggested that inter-M-Pod variability between paired units was on the same order as calibration uncertainty; however, it is difficult to make conclusions about the actual personal exposure levels due to the level of user engagement. The user study provided real-world sensor drift data, showing limited CO drift (under -0.05 ppm day-1), and higher for O3 (-2.6 to 2.0 ppb day-1), NO2 (-1.56 to 0.51 ppb day-1), and CO2 (-4.2 to 3.1 ppm day-1). Overall, the user study confirmed the utility of the M-Pod as a low-cost tool to assess personal exposure.

  15. Macular pigment and visual performance in glare: benefits for photostress recovery, disability glare, and visual discomfort.

    PubMed

    Stringham, James M; Garcia, Paul V; Smith, Peter A; McLin, Leon N; Foutch, Brian K

    2011-09-22

    One theory of macular pigment's (MP) presence in the fovea is to improve visual performance in glare. This study sought to determine the effect of MP level on three aspects of visual performance in glare: photostress recovery, disability glare, and visual discomfort. Twenty-six subjects participated in the study. Spatial profiles of MP optical density were assessed with heterochromatic flicker photometry. Glare was delivered via high-bright-white LEDs. For the disability glare and photostress recovery portions of the experiment, the visual task consisted of correct identification of a 1° Gabor patch's orientation. Visual discomfort during the glare presentation was assessed with a visual discomfort rating scale. Pupil diameter was monitored with an infrared (IR) camera. MP level correlated significantly with all the outcome measures. Higher MP optical densities (MPODs) resulted in faster photostress recovery times (average P < 0.003), lower disability glare contrast thresholds (average P < 0.004), and lower visual discomfort (P = 0.002). Smaller pupil diameter during glare presentation significantly correlated with higher visual discomfort ratings (P = 0.037). MP correlates with three aspects of visual performance in glare. Unlike previous studies of MP and glare, the present study used free-viewing conditions, in which effects of iris pigmentation and pupil size could be accounted for. The effects described, therefore, can be extended more confidently to real-world, practical visual performance benefits. Greater iris constriction resulted (paradoxically) in greater visual discomfort. This finding may be attributable to the neurobiologic mechanism that mediates the pain elicited by light.

  16. Monitoring macular pigment changes in macular holes using fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy.

    PubMed

    Sauer, Lydia; Peters, Sven; Schmidt, Johanna; Schweitzer, Dietrich; Klemm, Matthias; Ramm, Lisa; Augsten, Regine; Hammer, Martin

    2017-08-01

    To investigate the impact of macular pigment (MP) on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) lifetimes in vivo by characterizing full-thickness idiopathic macular holes (MH) and macular pseudo-holes (MPH). A total of 37 patients with MH and 52 with MPH were included. Using the fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope (FLIO), based on a Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis system, a 30° retinal field was investigated. FAF decays were detected in a short (498-560 nm; ch1) and long (560-720 nm; ch2) wavelength channel. τ m , the mean fluorescence lifetime, was calculated from a three-exponential approximation of the FAF decays. Macular coherence tomography scans were recorded, and macular pigment's optical density (MPOD) was measured (one-wavelength reflectometry). Two MH subgroups were analysed according to the presence or absence of an operculum above the MH. A total of 17 healthy fellow eyes were included. A longitudinal FAF decay examination was conducted in nine patients, which were followed up after surgery and showed a closed MH. In MH without opercula, significant τ m differences (p < 0.001) were found between the hole area (MHa) and surrounding areas (MHb) (ch1: MHa 238 ± 64 ps, MHb 181 ± 78 ps; ch2: MHa 275 ± 49 ps, MHb 223 ± 48 ps), as well as between MHa and healthy eyes or closed MH. Shorter τ m , adjacent to the hole, can be assigned to areas with equivalently higher MPOD. Opercula containing MP also show short τ m . In MPH, the intactness of the Hele fibre layer is associated with shortest τ m . Shortest τ m originates from MP-containing retinal layers, especially from the Henle fibre layer. Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope (FLIO) provides information on the MP distribution, the pathogenesis and topology of MH. Macular pigment (MP) fluorescence may provide a biomarker for monitoring pathological changes in retinal diseases. © 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  17. Does the type of weight loss diet affect who participates in a behavioral weight loss intervention? A comparison of participants for a plant-based diet versus a standard diet trial

    PubMed Central

    Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle M.; Davidson, Charis R.; Wilcox, Sara

    2014-01-01

    Studies have found that people following plant-based eating styles, such as vegan or vegetarian diets, often have different demographic characteristics, eating styles, and physical activity (PA) levels than individuals following an omnivorous dietary pattern. There has been no research examining if there are differences in these characteristics among people who are willing to participate in a weight loss intervention using plant-based dietary approaches as compared to a standard reduced calorie approach, which doesn’t exclude food groups. The present study compared baseline characteristics (demographics, dietary intake, eating behaviors (Eating Behavior Inventory), and PA (Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire)) of participants enrolling in two different 6-month behavioral weight loss studies: the mobile Pounds Off Digitally (mPOD) study, which used a standard reduced calorie dietary approach and the New Dietary Interventions to Enhance the Treatments for weight loss (New DIETs) study, which randomized participants to follow one of five different dietary approaches (vegan, vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, or omnivorous diets). There were no differences in baseline demographics with the exception of New DIETs participants being older (48.5 ± 8.3 years vs. 42.9 ± 11.2, P=0.001) and having a higher Body Mass Index (BMI, 35.2 ± 5.3 kg/m2 vs. 32.6 ± 4.7 kg/m2, P=0.001) than mPOD participants. In age- and BMI-adjusted models, there were no differences in EBI scores or in any dietary variables, with the exception of vitamin C (85.6 ± 5.9 mg/d mPOD vs. 63.4 ± 7.4 mg/d New DIETs, P=0.02). New DIETs participants reported higher levels of intentional PA/day (180.0 ± 18.1 kcal/d) than mPOD participants (108.8 ± 14.4 kcal/d, P=0.003), which may have been the result of New DIETs study recommendations to avoid increasing or decreasing PA during the study. The findings of this study demonstrate that using plant-based dietary approaches for weight loss intervention studies does not lead to a population which is significantly different from who enrolls in a standard, behavioral weight loss study using a reduced calorie dietary approach. PMID:24269507

  18. Does the type of weight loss diet affect who participates in a behavioral weight loss intervention? A comparison of participants for a plant-based diet versus a standard diet trial.

    PubMed

    Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle M; Davidson, Charis R; Wilcox, Sara

    2014-02-01

    Studies have found that people following plant-based eating styles, such as vegan or vegetarian diets, often have different demographic characteristics, eating styles, and physical activity (PA) levels than individuals following an omnivorous dietary pattern. There has been no research examining if there are differences in these characteristics among people who are willing to participate in a weight loss intervention using plant-based dietary approaches as compared to a standard reduced calorie approach, which does not exclude food groups. The present study compared baseline characteristics (demographics, dietary intake, eating behaviors (Eating Behavior Inventory), and PA (Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire)) of participants enrolling in two different 6-month behavioral weight loss studies: the mobile Pounds Off Digitally (mPOD) study, which used a standard reduced calorie dietary approach and the New Dietary Interventions to Enhance the Treatments for weight loss (New DIETs) study, which randomized participants to follow one of five different dietary approaches (vegan, vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, or omnivorous diets). There were no differences in baseline demographics with the exception of New DIETs participants being older (48.5±8.3years versus 42.9±11.2, P=0.001) and having a higher Body Mass Index (BMI, 35.2±5.3kg/m(2) versus 32.6±4.7kg/m(2), P=0.001) than mPOD participants. In age- and BMI-adjusted models, there were no differences in EBI scores or in any dietary variables, with the exception of vitamin C (85.6±5.9mg/d mPOD versus 63.4±7.4mg/d New DIETs, P=0.02). New DIETs participants reported higher levels of intentional PA/day (180.0±18.1kcal/d) than mPOD participants (108.8±14.4kcal/d, P=0.003), which may have been the result of New DIETs study recommendations to avoid increasing or decreasing PA during the study. The findings of this study demonstrate that using plant-based dietary approaches for weight loss intervention studies does not lead to a population which is significantly different from who enrolls in a standard, behavioral weight loss study using a reduced calorie dietary approach. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Are We Sure That Mobile Health Is Really Mobile? An examination of mobile device use during two remotely-delivered weight loss interventions

    PubMed Central

    Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle M.; Tate, Deborah F.

    2014-01-01

    Background The “m” in mHealth is often thought of as the ability to receive health information and monitor behaviors on the go. Little is known about how people actually use mobile vs. traditional access methods and if access method affects engagement and health outcomes. Methods This study examines the 3-month outcomes of two mobile weight loss interventions (Pounds Off Digitally (POD) and mobile POD (mPOD)) where participants were required to own a mobile device for study entry and received weight loss information via podcast. Only participants in both studies who were randomized to receive the same theory-based podcast (TBP) were used in this analysis. In POD, 41 participants were randomized to the TBP condition (37 to a control not included in this analyses). In mPOD, 49 participants were randomized to the TBP (n=49) and 47 to the TBP+mobile group (a self-monitoring app and Twitter app for social support). The goal of this study is to examine how participants accessed study components and to examine how type of device impacts engagement and weight loss. Results Examining data from both studies in aggregate, despite a mobile delivery method, 58% of participants reported using a non-mobile device to access the majority of the podcasts (desktop computers), 76% accessed the podcasts mostly at their home or work, and 62% were mainly non-mobile (e.g., sitting at work) when listening. Examining objective download data for mPOD, 49% of downloads (2889/5944) originated from non-mobile delivery methods vs. mobile platforms (3055/5944). At 3 months, 55% of Twitter posts originated from the website (n=665 posts) vs. a mobile app (n=540; 45%). There was no difference in the number of podcasts participants reported listening to by device. There were more Twitter posts by mobile app users (51±11) than Twitter website users (23±6; p<0.05). There was a trend (p=0.055) in greater weight loss among mobile users for podcasts (−3.5±0.5%) as compared to non-mobile users (−2.5±0.5%). Weight loss was significantly greater in Twitter mobile app users (−5.6±0.9%) than website users (−2.2±0.5%, p<0.01). Conclusion Type of device used for podcast listening did not affect engagement but there was a trend toward greater weight loss among mobile users. Method of Twitter posting was associated with engagement and weight loss with mobile app users posting more to Twitter and losing more weight. PMID:24556530

  20. Are we sure that Mobile Health is really mobile? An examination of mobile device use during two remotely-delivered weight loss interventions.

    PubMed

    Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle M; Tate, Deborah F

    2014-05-01

    The "m" in mHealth is often thought of as the ability to receive health information and monitor behaviors on the go. Little is known about how people actually use mobile vs. traditional access methods and if access method affects engagement and health outcomes. This study examines the 3-month outcomes of two mobile weight loss interventions (Pounds Off Digitally (POD) and mobile POD (mPOD)) where participants were required to own a mobile device for study entry and received weight loss information via podcast. Only participants in both studies who were randomized to receive the same theory-based podcast (TBP) were used in this analysis. In POD, 41 participants were randomized to the TBP condition (37 to a control not included in this analyses). In mPOD, 49 participants were randomized to the TBP (n=49) and 47 to the TBP+mobile group (a self-monitoring app and Twitter app for social support). The goal of this study is to examine how participants accessed study components and to examine how type of device impacts engagement and weight loss. Examining data from both studies in aggregate, despite a mobile delivery method, 58% of participants reported using a non-mobile device to access the majority of the podcasts (desktop computers), 76% accessed the podcasts mostly at their home or work, and 62% were mainly non-mobile (e.g., sitting at work) when listening. Examining objective download data for mPOD, 49% of downloads (2889/5944) originated from non-mobile delivery methods vs. mobile platforms (3055/5944). At 3 months, 55% of Twitter posts originated from the website (n=665 posts) vs. a mobile app (n=540; 45%). There was no difference in the number of podcasts participants reported listening to by device. There were more Twitter posts by mobile app users (51±11) than Twitter website users (23±6, p<0.05). There was a trend (p=0.055) in greater weight loss among mobile users for podcasts (-3.5±0.5%) as compared to non-mobile users (-2.5±0.5%). Weight loss was significantly greater in Twitter mobile app users (-5.6±0.9%) than website users (-2.2±0.5%, p<0.01). Type of device used for podcast listening did not affect engagement but there was a trend toward greater weight loss among mobile users. Method of Twitter posting was associated with engagement and weight loss with mobile app users posting more to Twitter and losing more weight. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Effect of wetting-layer density of states on the gain and phase recovery dynamics of quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Jungho; Yu, Bong-Ahn

    2015-03-01

    We numerically investigate the effect of the wetting-layer (WL) density of states on the gain and phase recovery dynamics of quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers in both electrical and optical pumping schemes by solving 1088 coupled rate equations. The temporal variations of the ultrafast gain and phase recovery responses at the ground state (GS) are calculated as a function of the WL density of states. The ultrafast gain recovery responses do not significantly depend on the WL density of states in the electrical pumping scheme and the three optical pumping schemes such as the optical pumping to the WL, the optical pumping to the excited state ensemble, and the optical pumping to the GS ensemble. The ultrafast phase recovery responses are also not significantly affected by the WL density of states except the optical pumping to the WL, where the phase recovery component caused by the WL becomes slowed down as the WL density of states increases.

  2. Base-Level Management of Laser Radiation Protection Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-02-01

    safety eyewear . special considerations for medical lasers and optical fibers, and summary evaluations of common Air Force laser systems... optical density of 2. Laser safety eyewear should have the optical density clearly marked for ail wavelengths for which the eyewear provides protection. c...density of protective eyewear . The optical density required for laser safety eyewear is dependent on the irradiance or radiant exposure-of the

  3. High density, optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, v-groove monolithic laser diode array

    DOEpatents

    Freitas, Barry L.

    1998-01-01

    An optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, high density laser diode array achieves stacking pitches to 33 bars/cm by mounting laser diodes into V-shaped grooves. This design will deliver>4kW/cm2 of directional pulsed laser power. This optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, high density laser is usable in all solid state laser systems which require efficient, directional, narrow bandwidth, high optical power density pump sources.

  4. High density, optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, v-groove monolithic laser diode array

    DOEpatents

    Freitas, B.L.

    1998-10-27

    An optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, high density laser diode array achieves stacking pitches to 33 bars/cm by mounting laser diodes into V-shaped grooves. This design will deliver > 4kW/cm{sup 2} of directional pulsed laser power. This optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, high density laser is usable in all solid state laser systems which require efficient, directional, narrow bandwidth, high optical power density pump sources. 13 figs.

  5. Correction of localized shape errors on optical surfaces by altering the localized density of surface or near-surface layers

    DOEpatents

    Taylor, John S.; Folta, James A.; Montcalm, Claude

    2005-01-18

    Figure errors are corrected on optical or other precision surfaces by changing the local density of material in a zone at or near the surface. Optical surface height is correlated with the localized density of the material within the same region. A change in the height of the optical surface can then be caused by a change in the localized density of the material at or near the surface.

  6. Cone photopigment in older subjects: decreased optical density in early age-related macular degeneration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elsner, Ann E.; Burns, Stephen A.; Weiter, John J.

    2002-01-01

    We measured changes to cone photoreceptors in patients with early age-related macular degeneration. The data of 53 patients were compared with normative data for color matching measurements of long- and middle-wavelength-sensitive cones in the central macula. A four-parameter model quantified cone photopigment optical density and kinetics. Cone photopigment optical density was on average less for the patients than for normal subjects and was uncorrelated with visual acuity. More light was needed to reduce the photopigment density by 50% in the steady state for patients. These results imply that cone photopigment optical density is reduced by factors other than slowed kinetics.

  7. Optical elements design of optical pick-up with characteristics of read-out spot for high density optical storage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Lihua; Ma, Jianshe; Liu, Lin; Pan, Longfa; Zhang, Jianyong; Lu, Junhui

    2005-09-01

    It is well known that the optical pick-up (OPU) plays a very important role in optical storage system. And the quality of OPU can be measured by the characteristics of OPU read-out spot for high density optical storage. Therefore this paper mainly designs an OPU model for high density optical storage to study the characteristics of OPU read-out spot. Firstly it analyses the optical read-out principle in OPU and contrives an optical read-out system based on the hereinbefore theory. In this step it chiefly designs the grating, splitter, collimator lens and objective lens. Secondly based on the aberrations analysis and theory involved by the splitter, the collimator lens and the optical lens, the paper uses the software CODE V to calculate the aberrations and to optimize the optical read-out system. Then the author can receive an ideal OPU read-out spot for high density optical storage and obtain the characteristics of the ideal OPU read-out spot. At the same time this paper analyses some influence factors which can directly affect the characteristics of the OPU read-out spot. Thirdly according to the up data the author practically manufactures a real optical pick-up to validate the hereinbefore designed optical read-out system. And it uses the Optical Spot Analyzer to get the image of the read-out spot. Comparing the ideal image to the actual image of the designed optical read-out system, the author finds out that the upwards analyses and design is suitable for high density storage and can be used in the actual production. And the author also receives the conclusion that the mostly influences on characteristics of OPU read-out spot for high density optical storage factors is not only the process of designing the grating, splitter, collimator lens and objective lens, but also the assembling work precision

  8. New bioreactor for in situ simultaneous measurement of bioluminescence and cell density

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Picart, Pascal; Bendriaa, Loubna; Daniel, Philippe; Horry, Habib; Durand, Marie-José; Jouvanneau, Laurent; Thouand, Gérald

    2004-03-01

    This article presents a new device devoted to the simultaneous measurement of bioluminescence and optical density of a bioluminescent bacterial culture. It features an optoelectronic bioreactor with a fully autoclavable module, in which the bioluminescent bacteria are cultivated, a modulated laser diode dedicated to optical density measurement, and a detection head for the acquisition of both bioluminescence and optical density signals. Light is detected through a bifurcated fiber bundle. This setup allows the simultaneous estimation of the bioluminescence and the cell density of the culture medium without any sampling. The bioluminescence is measured through a highly sensitive photomultiplier unit which has been photometrically calibrated to allow light flux measurements. This was achieved by considering the bioluminescence spectrum and the full optical transmission of the device. The instrument makes it possible to measure a very weak light flux of only a few pW. The optical density is determined through the laser diode and a photodiode using numerical synchronous detection which is based on the power spectrum density of the recorded signal. The detection was calibrated to measure optical density up to 2.5. The device was validated using the Vibrio fischeri bacterium which was cultivated under continuous culture conditions. A very good correlation between manual and automatic measurements processed with this instrument has been demonstrated. Furthermore, the optoelectronic bioreactor enables determination of the luminance of the bioluminescent bacteria which is estimated to be 6×10-5 W sr-1 m-2 for optical density=0.3. Experimental results are presented and discussed.

  9. A new method for determining the plasma electron density using optical frequency comb interferometer

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

    Arakawa, Hiroyuki, E-mail: arakawa@fmt.teikyo-u.ac.jp; Tojo, Hiroshi; Sasao, Hajime

    2014-04-15

    A new method of plasma electron density measurement using interferometric phases (fractional fringes) of an optical frequency comb interferometer is proposed. Using the characteristics of the optical frequency comb laser, high density measurement can be achieved without fringe counting errors. Simulations show that the short wavelength and wide wavelength range of the laser source and low noise in interferometric phases measurements are effective to reduce ambiguity of measured density.

  10. Optical forces, torques, and force densities calculated at a microscopic level using a self-consistent hydrodynamics method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ding, Kun; Chan, C. T.

    2018-04-01

    The calculation of optical force density distribution inside a material is challenging at the nanoscale, where quantum and nonlocal effects emerge and macroscopic parameters such as permittivity become ill-defined. We demonstrate that the microscopic optical force density of nanoplasmonic systems can be defined and calculated using the microscopic fields generated using a self-consistent hydrodynamics model that includes quantum, nonlocal, and retardation effects. We demonstrate this technique by calculating the microscopic optical force density distributions and the optical binding force induced by external light on nanoplasmonic dimers. This approach works even in the limit when the nanoparticles are close enough to each other so that electron tunneling occurs, a regime in which classical electromagnetic approach fails completely. We discover that an uneven distribution of optical force density can lead to a light-induced spinning torque acting on individual particles. The hydrodynamics method offers us an accurate and efficient approach to study optomechanical behavior for plasmonic systems at the nanoscale.

  11. Computerized Scheimpflug densitometry as a measure of corneal optical density after excimer laser refractive surgery in myopic eyes.

    PubMed

    Cennamo, Gilda; Forte, Raimondo; Aufiero, Bernardino; La Rana, Agostino

    2011-08-01

    To evaluate changes in anterior corneal optical density and the refractive index after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using a rotating Scheimpflug system. Department of Ophthalmology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy. Comparative case series. Anterior corneal optical density was evaluated with a rotating Scheimpflug system at baseline and 3 months and 12 months after PRK in eyes with a refractive error between -6.00 diopters (D) and -12.00 D (study group). A control group of unoperated eyes with the same refraction range was used to calculate corneal optical density and the Gladstone-Dale constant in unoperated eyes using the Gladstone-Dale formula. In the study group, changes in the anterior corneal optical density were evaluated over time and variations in the anterior corneal refractive index were obtained using the Gladstone-Dale constant. The study group comprised 37 eyes and the control group, 200 eyes. In the study group, the mean anterior corneal optical density and refractive index, respectively, were 27.71 ± 4.39 and 1.360 ± 0.05 at baseline, 37.812 ± 12.31 and 1.491 ± 0.16 after 3 months (P<.001 compared with baseline), and 26.29 ± 4.93 and 1.341 ± 0.06 after 12 months (P=.03 compared with baseline). The mean corneal optical density in the control group was 27.71 ± 4.31 (SD), and the resultant Gladstone-Dale constant was 0.013. An early increase and a subsequent reduction in anterior corneal optical density and the refractive index were present in myopic eyes during 1 year after PRK. Copyright © 2011 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Radio Frequency Magneto-Optical Trapping of CaF with High Density.

    PubMed

    Anderegg, Loïc; Augenbraun, Benjamin L; Chae, Eunmi; Hemmerling, Boerge; Hutzler, Nicholas R; Ravi, Aakash; Collopy, Alejandra; Ye, Jun; Ketterle, Wolfgang; Doyle, John M

    2017-09-08

    We demonstrate significantly improved magneto-optical trapping of molecules using a very slow cryogenic beam source and either rf modulated or dc magnetic fields. The rf magneto-optical trap (MOT) confines 1.0(3)×10^{5} CaF molecules at a density of 7(3)×10^{6}  cm^{-3}, which is an order of magnitude greater than previous molecular MOTs. Near Doppler-limited temperatures of 340(20)  μK are attained. The achieved density enables future work to directly load optical tweezers and create optical arrays for quantum simulation.

  13. The structural, electronic and optical properties of Au-ZnO interface structure from the first-principles calculation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huo, Jin-Rong; Li, Lu; Cheng, Hai-Xia; Wang, Xiao-Xu; Zhang, Guo-Hua; Qian, Ping

    2018-03-01

    The interface structure, electronic and optical properties of Au-ZnO are studied using the first-principles calculation based on density functional theory (DFT). Given the interfacial distance, bonding configurations and terminated surface, we built the optimal interface structure and calculated the electronic and optical properties of the interface. The total density of states, partial electronic density of states, electric charge density and atomic populations (Mulliken) are also displayed. The results show that the electrons converge at O atoms at the interface, leading to a stronger binding of interfaces and thereby affecting the optical properties of interface structures. In addition, we present the binding energies of different interface structures. When the interface structure of Au-ZnO gets changed, furthermore, varying optical properties are exhibited.

  14. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Optic Disc Swelling.

    PubMed

    Fard, Masoud Aghsaei; Jalili, Jalil; Sahraiyan, Alireza; Khojasteh, Hassan; Hejazi, Marjane; Ritch, Robert; Subramanian, Prem S

    2018-05-04

    To compare optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) of peripapillary total vasculature and capillaries in patients with optic disc swelling. Cross-sectional study. Twenty nine eyes with acute nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), 44 eyes with papilledema, 8 eyes with acute optic neuritis, and 48 eyes of normal subjects were imaged using OCT-A. Peripapillary total vasculature information was recorded using a commercial vessel density map. Customized image analysis with major vessel removal was also used to measure whole-image capillary density and peripapillary capillary density (PCD). Mixed models showed that the peripapillary total vasculature density values were significantly lower in NAION eyes, followed by papilledema eyes and control eyes, using commercial software (P < .0001 for all comparisons). The customized software also showed significantly lower PCD of NAION eyes compared with papilledema eyes (all P < .001), but did not show significant differences between papilledema and control subjects. Our software showed significantly lower whole image and PCD in eyes with optic neuritis than papilledema. There was no significant difference between NAION and optic neuritis using our software. The area under the receiver operating curves for discriminating NAION from papilledema eyes and optic neuritis from papilledema eyes was highest for whole-image capillary density (0.94 and 0.80, respectively) with our software, followed by peripapillary total vasculature (0.9 and 0.74, respectively ) with commercial software. OCT-A is helpful to distinguish NAION and papillitis from papilledema. Whole-image capillary density had the greatest diagnostic accuracy for differentiating disc swelling. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Adaptive optics fundus images of cone photoreceptors in the macula of patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

    PubMed

    Tojo, Naoki; Nakamura, Tomoko; Fuchizawa, Chiharu; Oiwake, Toshihiko; Hayashi, Atsushi

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine cone photoreceptors in the macula of patients with retinitis pigmentosa using an adaptive optics fundus camera and to investigate any correlations between cone photoreceptor density and findings on optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence. We examined two patients with typical retinitis pigmentosa who underwent ophthalmological examination, including measurement of visual acuity, and gathering of electroretinographic, optical coherence tomographic, fundus autofluorescent, and adaptive optics fundus images. The cone photoreceptors in the adaptive optics images of the two patients with retinitis pigmentosa and five healthy subjects were analyzed. An abnormal parafoveal ring of high-density fundus autofluorescence was observed in the macula in both patients. The border of the ring corresponded to the border of the external limiting membrane and the inner segment and outer segment line in the optical coherence tomographic images. Cone photoreceptors at the abnormal parafoveal ring were blurred and decreased in the adaptive optics images. The blurred area corresponded to the abnormal parafoveal ring in the fundus autofluorescence images. Cone densities were low at the blurred areas and at the nasal and temporal retina along a line from the fovea compared with those of healthy controls. The results for cone spacing and Voronoi domains in the macula corresponded with those for the cone densities. Cone densities were heavily decreased in the macula, especially at the parafoveal ring on high-density fundus autofluorescence in both patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Adaptive optics images enabled us to observe in vivo changes in the cone photoreceptors of patients with retinitis pigmentosa, which corresponded to changes in the optical coherence tomographic and fundus autofluorescence images.

  16. Application of polydimethylsiloxane-based optical system for measuring optical density of microbial culture.

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Yurika

    2016-12-01

    The performance of recently developed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based optical system was tested for measuring optical density of microbial culture. The data showed that PDMS-based spectrometer is superior to "one drop" spectrometers in the accuracy, and has an advantage over conventional spectrometers in measuring dense culture without dilution.

  17. Electron-boson spectral density function of correlated multiband systems obtained from optical data: Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 and LiFeAs.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Jungseek

    2016-03-31

    We introduce an approximate method which can be used to simulate the optical conductivity data of correlated multiband systems for normal and superconducting cases by taking advantage of a reversed process in comparison to a usual optical data analysis, which has been used to extract the electron-boson spectral density function from measured optical spectra of single-band systems, like cuprates. We applied this method to optical conductivity data of two multiband pnictide systems (Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 and LiFeAs) and obtained the electron-boson spectral density functions. The obtained electron-boson spectral density consists of a sharp mode and a broad background. The obtained spectral density functions of the multiband systems show similar properties as those of cuprates in several aspects. We expect that our method helps to reveal the nature of strong correlations in the multiband pnictide superconductors.

  18. Development of theoretical oxygen saturation calibration curve based on optical density ratio and optical simulation approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jumadi, Nur Anida; Beng, Gan Kok; Ali, Mohd Alauddin Mohd; Zahedi, Edmond; Morsin, Marlia

    2017-09-01

    The implementation of surface-based Monte Carlo simulation technique for oxygen saturation (SaO2) calibration curve estimation is demonstrated in this paper. Generally, the calibration curve is estimated either from the empirical study using animals as the subject of experiment or is derived from mathematical equations. However, the determination of calibration curve using animal is time consuming and requires expertise to conduct the experiment. Alternatively, an optical simulation technique has been used widely in the biomedical optics field due to its capability to exhibit the real tissue behavior. The mathematical relationship between optical density (OD) and optical density ratios (ODR) associated with SaO2 during systole and diastole is used as the basis of obtaining the theoretical calibration curve. The optical properties correspond to systolic and diastolic behaviors were applied to the tissue model to mimic the optical properties of the tissues. Based on the absorbed ray flux at detectors, the OD and ODR were successfully calculated. The simulation results of optical density ratio occurred at every 20 % interval of SaO2 is presented with maximum error of 2.17 % when comparing it with previous numerical simulation technique (MC model). The findings reveal the potential of the proposed method to be used for extended calibration curve study using other wavelength pair.

  19. Optical interconnect technologies for high-bandwidth ICT systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chujo, Norio; Takai, Toshiaki; Mizushima, Akiko; Arimoto, Hideo; Matsuoka, Yasunobu; Yamashita, Hiroki; Matsushima, Naoki

    2016-03-01

    The bandwidth of information and communication technology (ICT) systems is increasing and is predicted to reach more than 10 Tb/s. However, an electrical interconnect cannot achieve such bandwidth because of its density limits. To solve this problem, we propose two types of high-density optical fiber wiring for backplanes and circuit boards such as interface boards and switch boards. One type uses routed ribbon fiber in a circuit board because it has the ability to be formed into complex shapes to avoid interfering with the LSI and electrical components on the board. The backplane is required to exhibit high density and flexibility, so the second type uses loose fiber. We developed a 9.6-Tb/s optical interconnect demonstration system using embedded optical modules, optical backplane, and optical connector in a network apparatus chassis. We achieved 25-Gb/s transmission between FPGAs via the optical backplane.

  20. Modeling of Optical Waveguide Poling and Thermally Stimulated Discharge (TSD) Charge and Current Densities for Guest/Host Electro Optic Polymers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Watson, Michael D.; Ashley, Paul R.; Abushagur, Mustafa

    2004-01-01

    A charge density and current density model of a waveguide system has been developed to explore the effects of electric field electrode poling. An optical waveguide may be modeled during poling by considering the dielectric charge distribution, polarization charge distribution, and conduction charge generated by the poling field. These charge distributions are the source of poling current densities. The model shows that boundary charge current density and polarization current density are the major source of currents measured during poling and thermally stimulated discharge These charge distributions provide insight into the poling mechanisms and are directly related to E(sub A), and, alpha(sub r). Initial comparisons with experimental data show excellent correlation to the model results.

  1. High-density near-field optical disc recording using phase change media and polycarbonate substrate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shinoda, Masataka; Saito, Kimihiro; Ishimoto, Tsutomu; Kondo, Takao; Nakaoki, Ariyoshi; Furuki, Motohiro; Takeda, Minoru; Akiyama, Yuji; Shimouma, Takashi; Yamamoto, Masanobu

    2004-09-01

    We developed a high density near field optical recording disc system with a solid immersion lens and two laser sources. In order to realize the near field optical recording, we used a phase change recording media and a molded polycarbonate substrate. The near field optical pick-up consists of a solid immersion lens with numerical aperture of 1.84. The clear eye pattern of 90.2 GB capacity (160nm track pitch and 62 nm per bit) was observed. The jitter using a limit equalizer was 10.0 % without cross-talk. The bit error rate using an adaptive PRML with 8 taps was 3.7e-6 without cross-talk. We confirmed that the near field optical disc system is a promising technology for a next generation high density optical disc system.

  2. Microscopic optical potentials derived from ab initio translationally invariant nonlocal one-body densities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gennari, Michael; Vorabbi, Matteo; Calci, Angelo; Navrátil, Petr

    2018-03-01

    Background: The nuclear optical potential is a successful tool for the study of nucleon-nucleus elastic scattering and its use has been further extended to inelastic scattering and other nuclear reactions. The nuclear density of the target nucleus is a fundamental ingredient in the construction of the optical potential and thus plays an important role in the description of the scattering process. Purpose: In this paper we derive a microscopic optical potential for intermediate energies using ab initio translationally invariant nonlocal one-body nuclear densities computed within the no-core shell model (NCSM) approach utilizing two- and three-nucleon chiral interactions as the only input. Methods: The optical potential is derived at first order within the spectator expansion of the nonrelativistic multiple scattering theory by adopting the impulse approximation. Nonlocal nuclear densities are derived from the NCSM one-body densities calculated in the second quantization. The translational invariance is generated by exactly removing the spurious center-of-mass (COM) component from the NCSM eigenstates. Results: The ground-state local and nonlocal densities of He 4 ,6 ,8 , 12C, and 16O are calculated and applied to optical potential construction. The differential cross sections and the analyzing powers for the elastic proton scattering off these nuclei are then calculated for different values of the incident proton energy. The impact of nonlocality and the COM removal is discussed. Conclusions: The use of nonlocal densities has a substantial impact on the differential cross sections and improves agreement with experiment in comparison to results generated with the local densities especially for light nuclei. For the halo nuclei 6He and 8He, the results for the differential cross section are in a reasonable agreement with the data although a more sophisticated model for the optical potential is required to properly describe the analyzing powers.

  3. Using optical masks to create and image sub-optical wavelength atomic structures in a MOT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Turlapov, Andrey; Tonyushkin, Aleksey; Sleator, Tycho

    2002-05-01

    We have used an ``optical mask'' for Rubidium atoms in a magneto-optical trap to create and image atomic density gratings with periodicities as small as 1/8th of an optical wavelength ( ˜ 100 nm). The mask consists of a pulse of an optical standing wave (wavelength λ) resonant to an open atomic transition. The interaction pumps all atoms except those near the nodes into another hyperfine ground state, leaving a grating of ``spikes'' in atomic density in the initial ground state. The nodes of the standing wave serve as slits of the mask. By applying two such masks separated by time T, we have created atomic gratings of period λ/(2n) (or smaller) at times (n+1)/n T after the first mask pulse. For T on the order of the Talbot time (or inverse recoil frequency), quantum effects are important for the dynamics of the atomic center of mass. Under appropriate conditions, these quantum effects led to a reduction of the period of the resulting density gratings (Talbot-Lau effect). The resulting density gratings of period λ/2n (for n=1 to 4) were imaged in real time using an additional optical mask.

  4. Rod Photopigment Kinetics After Photodisruption of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

    PubMed Central

    Masella, Benjamin D.; Hunter, Jennifer J.; Williams, David R.

    2014-01-01

    Purpose. Advances in retinal imaging have led to the discovery of long-lasting retinal changes caused by light exposures below published safety limits, including disruption of the RPE. To investigate the functional consequences of RPE disruption, we combined adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy with retinal densitometry. Methods. A modified adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) measured the apparent density and regeneration rate of rhodopsin in two macaques before and after four different 568-nm retinal radiant exposures (RREs; 400–3200 J/cm2). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure the optical path length through the photoreceptor outer segments before and after RPE disruption. Results. All tested RREs caused visible RPE disruption. Apparent rhodopsin density was significantly reduced following 1600 (P = 0.01) and 3200 J/cm2 (P = 0.007) exposures. No significant change in apparent density was observed in response to 800 J/cm2. Surprisingly, exposure to 400 J/cm2 showed a significant increase in apparent density (P = 0.047). Rhodopsin recovery rate was not significantly affected by these RREs. Optical coherence tomography measurements showed a significant decrease in the optical path length through the photoreceptor outer segments for RREs above 800 J/cm2 (P < 0.001). Conclusions. At higher RREs, optical path length through the outer segments was reduced. However, the rate of photopigment regeneration was unchanged. While some ambiguity remains as to the correlation between measured reflectivity and absolute rhodopsin density; at the lowest RREs, RPE disruption appears not to be accompanied by a loss of apparent rhodopsin density, which would have been indicative of functional loss. PMID:25316724

  5. Effect of ZnO on the Physical Properties and Optical Band Gap of Soda Lime Silicate Glass

    PubMed Central

    Zaid, Mohd Hafiz Mohd; Matori, Khamirul Amin; Aziz, Sidek Hj. Abdul; Zakaria, Azmi; Ghazali, Mohd Sabri Mohd

    2012-01-01

    This manuscript reports on the physical properties and optical band gap of five samples of soda lime silicate (SLS) glass combined with zinc oxide (ZnO) that were prepared by a melting and quenching process. To understand the role of ZnO in this glass structure, the density, molar volume and optical band gaps were investigated. The density and absorption spectra in the Ultra-Violet-Visible (UV-Visible) region were recorded at room temperature. The results show that the densities of the glass samples increased as the ZnO weight percentage increased. The molar volume of the glasses shows the same trend as the density: the molar volume increased as the ZnO content increased. The optical band gaps were calculated from the absorption edge, and it was found that the optical band gap decreased from 3.20 to 2.32 eV as the ZnO concentration increased. PMID:22837711

  6. Delivery of Nano-Tethered Therapies to Brain Metastases of Primary Breast Cancer Using a Cellular Trojan Horse

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    tomography images. The CT image densities in Hounsfield units (HU) of the brain were translated into corresponding optical properties (absorption...derived the Hounsfield units and optical properties of brain tissues such as white/gray matter. 13-15 The segmentation software generated an optical map...treatment protocol. Head CT image densities (in Hounsfield Units /HU) are segmented and translated into optical properties of the brain tissue

  7. Shack-Hartmann Electron Densitometer (SHED): An Optical System for Diagnosing Free Electron Density in Laser-Produced Plasmas

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-11-01

    a few nanoseconds. The challenge remains to diagnose plasmas via the free electron density in this short window of time and often in a small volume ...Free Electron Density in Laser-Produced Plasmas by Anthony R Valenzuela Approved for public release; distribution is...US Army Research Laboratory Shack-Hartmann Electron Densitometer (SHED): An Optical System for Diagnosing Free Electron Density in Laser

  8. Determination of the atomic density of rubidium-87

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Meng; Zhang, Kai; Chen, Li-Qing

    2015-09-01

    Atomic density is a basic and important parameter in quantum optics, nonlinear optics, and precision measurement. In the past few decades, several methods have been used to measure atomic density, such as thermionic effect, optical absorption, and resonance fluorescence. The main error of these experiments stemmed from depopulation of the energy level, self-absorption, and the broad bandwidth of the laser. Here we demonstrate the atomic density of 87Rb vapor in paraffin coated cell between 297 K and 334 K mainly using fluorescence measurement. Optical pumping, anti-relaxation coating, and absorption compensation approaches are used to decrease measurement error. These measurement methods are suitable for vapor temperature at dozens of degrees. The fitting function for the experimental data of 87Rb atomic density is given. Project supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11274118 and 11474095), the Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission of China (Grant No. 13ZZ036), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China.

  9. Relationship between position of brain activity and change in optical density for NIR imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kashio, Yoshihiko; Ono, Muneo; Firbank, Michael; Schweiger, Martin; Arridge, Simon R.; Okada, Eiji

    2000-11-01

    Multi-channel NIR system can obtain the topographic image of brain activity. Since the image is reconstructed from the change in optical density measured with the source-detector pairs, it is important to reveal the volume of tissue sampled by each source-detector pair. In this study, the light propagation in three-dimensional adult head model is calculated by hybrid radiosity-diffusion method. The model is a layered slab which mimics the extra cerebral tissue (skin, skull), CSF and brain. The change in optical density caused by the absorption change in a small cylindrical region of 10 mm in diameter at various positions in the brain is calculated. The greatest change in optical density can be observed when the absorber is located in the middle of the source and detector. When the absorber is located just below the source or detector, the change in optical density is almost half of that caused by the same absorber in the midpoint. The light propagation in the brain is strongly affected by the presence of non-scattering layer and consequently sensitive region is broadly distributed on the brain surface.

  10. Durable High-Density Data Storage

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lamartine, Bruce C.; Stutz, Roger A.

    1996-01-01

    The focus ion beam (FIB) micromilling process for data storage provides a new non-magnetic storage method for archiving large amounts of data. The process stores data on robust materials such as steel, silicon, and gold coated silicon. The storage process was developed to provide a method to insure the long term storage life of data. We estimate that the useful life of data written on silicon or gold-coated silicon to be on the order of a few thousand years without the need to rewrite the data every few years. The process uses an ion beam to carve material from the surface, much like stone cutters in ancient civilizations removed material from stone. The deeper the information is carved into the media, the longer the expected life of the information. The process can record information in three formats: (1) binary at densities of 23 Gbits/square inch, (2) alphanumeric at optical or non-optical density, and (3) graphical at optical and non-optical density. The formats can be mixed on the same media; and thus, it is possible to record, in a human-viewable format, instructions that can be read using an optical microscope. These instructions provide guidance on reading the remaining higher density information.

  11. Comparison of corneal endothelial image analysis by Konan SP8000 noncontact and Bio-Optics Bambi systems.

    PubMed

    Benetz, B A; Diaconu, E; Bowlin, S J; Oak, S S; Laing, R A; Lass, J H

    1999-01-01

    Compare corneal endothelial image analysis by Konan SP8000 and Bio-Optics Bambi image-analysis systems. Corneal endothelial images from 98 individuals (191 eyes), ranging in age from 4 to 87 years, with a normal slit-lamp examination and no history of ocular trauma, intraocular surgery, or intraocular inflammation were obtained by the Konan SP8000 noncontact specular microscope. One observer analyzed these images by using the Konan system and a second observer by using the Bio-Optics Bambi system. Three methods of analyses were used: a fixed-frame method to obtain cell density (for both Konan and Bio-Optics Bambi) and a "dot" (Konan) or "corners" (Bio-Optics Bambi) method to determine morphometric parameters. The cell density determined by the Konan fixed-frame method was significantly higher (157 cells/mm2) than the Bio-Optics Bambi fixed-frame method determination (p<0.0001). However, the difference in cell density, although still statistically significant, was smaller and reversed comparing the Konan fixed-frame method with both Konan dot and Bio-Optics Bambi comers method (-74 cells/mm2, p<0.0001; -55 cells/mm2, p<0.0001, respectively). Small but statistically significant morphometric analyses differences between Konan and Bio-Optics Bambi were seen: cell density, +19 cells/mm2 (p = 0.03); cell area, -3.0 microm2 (p = 0.008); and coefficient of variation, +1.0 (p = 0.003). There was no statistically significant difference between these two methods in the percentage of six-sided cells detected (p = 0.55). Cell densities measured by the Konan fixed-frame method were comparable with Konan and Bio-Optics Bambi's morphometric analysis, but not with the Bio-Optics Bambi fixed-frame method. The two morphometric analyses were comparable with minimal or no differences for the parameters that were studied. The Konan SP8000 endothelial image-analysis system may be useful for large-scale clinical trials determining cell loss; its noncontact system has many clinical benefits (including patient comfort, safety, ease of use, and short procedure time) and provides reliable cell-density calculations.

  12. Exploration of peripapillary vessel density in highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation and its relationship with ocular parameters using optical coherence tomography angiography.

    PubMed

    Chen, Qiuying; He, Jiangnan; Hua, Yihong; Fan, Ying

    2017-12-01

    Identifying changes of peripapillary vessel density in highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation by optical coherence tomography angiography. To investigate peripapillary vessel density and its relationship with other ocular parameters in highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation. Hospital-based, cross-sectional study. Thirty-five highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation, 46 highly myopic eyes without peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation and 36 normal eyes were included in this study. All participants underwent optical coherence tomography angiography to image the retinal vasculature in the peripapillary areas, including the radial peripapillary capillaries and optic nerve head layer. Correlations between vessel density and ocular metrics were analysed. Peripapillary vessel density. In highly myopic eyes, vessel density was significantly lower in eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation than in those without in peripapillary (P = 0.014, P = 0.037), inferotemporal (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) and superotemporal (P = 0.014, P = 0.009) areas. In the radial peripapillary capillaries layer, vessel density was negatively correlated with peripapillary atrophy area (P = 0.012) and myopic maculopathy (P = 0.002), and in the optic nerve head layer, it was negatively associated with a diagnosis of peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (P = 0.012) and myopic maculopathy (P < 0.001). In addition, it was positively correlated with retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in both layers (P < 0.001). Highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation had lower peripapillary vessel densities, especially in the temporal area, than those without. © 2017 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

  13. X-Ray Sum Frequency Diffraction for Direct Imaging of Ultrafast Electron Dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rouxel, Jérémy R.; Kowalewski, Markus; Bennett, Kochise; Mukamel, Shaul

    2018-06-01

    X-ray diffraction from molecules in the ground state produces an image of their charge density, and time-resolved x-ray diffraction can thus monitor the motion of the nuclei. However, the density change of excited valence electrons upon optical excitation can barely be monitored with regular diffraction techniques due to the overwhelming background contribution of the core electrons. We present a nonlinear x-ray technique made possible by novel free electron laser sources, which provides a spatial electron density image of valence electron excitations. The technique, sum frequency generation carried out with a visible pump and a broadband x-ray diffraction pulse, yields snapshots of the transition charge densities, which represent the electron density variations upon optical excitation. The technique is illustrated by ab initio simulations of transition charge density imaging for the optically induced electronic dynamics in a donor or acceptor substituted stilbene.

  14. Inspection of wood density by spectrophotometry and a diffractive optical element based sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Palviainen, Jari; Silvennoinen, Raimo

    2001-03-01

    Correlation among gravimetric, spectrophotometric and radiographic data from dried wood samples of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L) was observed. A diffractive optical element (DOE) based sensor was applied to investigate density variations as well as optical anisotropy inside year rings of the wood samples. The correlation between bulk density of wood and spectrophotometric data (reflectance and transmittance) was investigated for the wavelength range 200-850 nm and the highest correlation was found at wavelengths from 800 to 850 nm. The correlation at this wavelength was smaller than the correlation between bulk density and radiography data. The DOE sensor was found to be capable of sensing anisotropy of the wood samples inside the year ring.

  15. Analysis of dental supportive structures in orthodontic therapy.

    PubMed

    Pavicin, Ivana Savić; Ivosević-Magdalenić, Natasa; Badel, Tomislav; Basić, Kresimir; Keros, Jadranka

    2012-09-01

    The purpose was to define the impact of orthodontic appliances on the density of the underlying dental bone tissue. Radiographic images of teeth were made in 27 study subjects before and twelve months after fixed orthodontic appliances were carried. The radiographs were digitalized and the levels of gray at sites where the greatest bone resorption was expected were transformed into optic density. In the standardization and comparison of values from the first and the second measurements the copper calibration wedge--a stepwedge--was used. Optic densities in the observed sites were compared with optic densities of the calibration wedge and expressed as their thickness equivalent. The study results showed no statistically significant difference in bone densities, indicating that the orthodontic therapy was properly planned and carried out and that excessive forces were not used in the applied correctional procedures.

  16. Data Encoding using Periodic Nano-Optical Features

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vosoogh-Grayli, Siamack

    Successful trials have been made through a designed algorithm to quantize, compress and optically encode unsigned 8 bit integer values in the form of images using Nano optical features. The periodicity of the Nano-scale features (Nano-gratings) have been designed and investigated both theoretically and experimentally to create distinct states of variation (three on states and one off state). The use of easy to manufacture and machine readable encoded data in secured authentication media has been employed previously in bar-codes for bi-state (binary) models and in color barcodes for multiple state models. This work has focused on implementing 4 states of variation for unit information through periodic Nano-optical structures that separate an incident wavelength into distinct colors (variation states) in order to create an encoding system. Compared to barcodes and magnetic stripes in secured finite length storage media the proposed system encodes and stores more data. The benefits of multiple states of variation in an encoding unit are 1) increased numerically representable range 2) increased storage density and 3) decreased number of typical set elements for any ergodic or semi-ergodic source that emits these encoding units. A thorough investigation has targeted the effects of the use of multi-varied state Nano-optical features on data storage density and consequent data transmission rates. The results show that use of Nano-optical features for encoding data yields a data storage density of circa 800 Kbits/in2 via the implementation of commercially available high resolution flatbed scanner systems for readout. Such storage density is far greater than commercial finite length secured storage media such as Barcode family with maximum practical density of 1kbits/in2 and highest density magnetic stripe cards with maximum density circa 3 Kbits/in2. The numerically representable range of the proposed encoding unit for 4 states of variation is [0 255]. The number of typical set elements for an ergodic source emitting the optical encoding units compared to a bi-state encoding unit (bit) shows a 36 orders of magnitude decrease for the error probability interval of [0 0.01]. The algorithms for the proposed encoding system have been implemented in MATLAB and the Nano-optical structures have been fabricated using Electron Beam Lithography on optical medium.

  17. Real-time optical fiber dosimeter probe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Croteau, André; Caron, Serge; Rink, Alexandra; Jaffray, David; Mermut, Ozzy

    2011-03-01

    There is a pressing need for a passive optical fiber dosimeter probe for use in real-time monitoring of radiation dose delivered to clinical radiation therapy patients. An optical fiber probe using radiochromic material has been designed and fabricated based on a thin film of the radiochromic material on a dielectric mirror. Measurements of the net optical density vs. time before, during, and after irradiation at a rate of 500cGy/minute to a total dose of 5 Gy were performed. Net optical densities increased from 0.2 to 2.0 for radiochromic thin film thicknesses of 2 to 20 μm, respectively.

  18. High-Density Near-Field Optical Disc Recording

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shinoda, Masataka; Saito, Kimihiro; Ishimoto, Tsutomu; Kondo, Takao; Nakaoki, Ariyoshi; Ide, Naoki; Furuki, Motohiro; Takeda, Minoru; Akiyama, Yuji; Shimouma, Takashi; Yamamoto, Masanobu

    2005-05-01

    We developed a high-density near-field optical recording disc system using a solid immersion lens. The near-field optical pick-up consists of a solid immersion lens with a numerical aperture of 1.84. The laser wavelength for recording is 405 nm. In order to realize the near-field optical recording disc, we used a phase-change recording media and a molded polycarbonate substrate. A clear eye pattern of 112 GB capacity with 160 nm track pitch and 50 nm bit length was observed. The equivalent areal density is 80.6 Gbit/in2. The bottom bit error rate of 3 tracks-write was 4.5× 10-5. The readout power margin and the recording power margin were ± 30.4% and ± 11.2%, respectively.

  19. Micropropulsion devices based on molecular acceleration by pulsed optical lattices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shneider, Mikhail N.; Gimelshein, Sergey F.; Barker, Peter F.

    2006-03-01

    The ability of a traveling periodic optical potential to increase the thrust and specific impulse of microthrusters is investigated. Two flow regimes, high density and low density, are considered. The thrust from a micronozzle, with a stagnation pressure of 1 atm and temperature of 300 K, can be increased by more than an order of magnitude. These conditions can be achieved for a constant velocity lattice, produced by two near counterpropagating optical fields that are focused into the nozzle throat. A propulsion system that operates in low-density regime and is driven by molecules trapped by an accelerating optical lattice is proposed. It is shown that such a system has a potential to achieve a specific impulse of thousands of seconds.

  20. Spectral calibration of EBT3 and HD-V2 radiochromic film response at high dose using 20 MeV proton beams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feng, Yiwei; Tiedje, Henry F.; Gagnon, Katherine; Fedosejevs, Robert

    2018-04-01

    Radiochromic film is used extensively in many medical, industrial, and scientific applications. In particular, the film is used in analysis of proton generation and in high intensity laser-plasma experiments where very high dose levels can be obtained. The present study reports calibration of the dose response of Gafchromic EBT3 and HD-V2 radiochromic films up to high exposure densities. A 2D scanning confocal densitometer system is employed to carry out accurate optical density measurements up to optical density 5 on the exposed films at the peak spectral absorption wavelengths. Various wavelengths from 400 to 740 nm are also scanned to extend the practical dose range of such films by measuring the response at wavelengths removed from the peak response wavelengths. Calibration curves for the optical density versus exposure dose are determined and can be used for quantitative evaluation of measured doses based on the measured optical densities. It was found that blue and UV wavelengths allowed the largest dynamic range though at some trade-off with overall accuracy.

  1. Electronic and optical properties of nanocrystalline WO3 thin films studied by optical spectroscopy and density functional calculations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johansson, Malin B.; Baldissera, Gustavo; Valyukh, Iryna; Persson, Clas; Arwin, Hans; Niklasson, Gunnar A.; Österlund, Lars

    2013-05-01

    The optical and electronic properties of nanocrystalline WO3 thin films prepared by reactive dc magnetron sputtering at different total pressures (Ptot) were studied by optical spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Monoclinic films prepared at low Ptot show absorption in the near infrared due to polarons, which is attributed to a strained film structure. Analysis of the optical data yields band-gap energies Eg ≈ 3.1 eV, which increase with increasing Ptot by 0.1 eV, and correlate with the structural modifications of the films. The electronic structures of triclinic δ-WO3, and monoclinic γ- and ε-WO3 were calculated using the Green function with screened Coulomb interaction (GW approach), and the local density approximation. The δ-WO3 and γ-WO3 phases are found to have very similar electronic properties, with weak dispersion of the valence and conduction bands, consistent with a direct band-gap. Analysis of the joint density of states shows that the optical absorption around the band edge is composed of contributions from forbidden transitions (>3 eV) and allowed transitions (>3.8 eV). The calculations show that Eg in ε-WO3 is higher than in the δ-WO3 and γ-WO3 phases, which provides an explanation for the Ptot dependence of the optical data.

  2. Fabrication and characterization of a real-time optical fiber dosimeter probe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Croteau, André; Caron, Serge; Rink, Alexandra; Jaffray, David; Mermut, Ozzy

    2011-07-01

    There is a pressing need for a low cost, passive optical fiber dosimeter probe for use in real-time monitoring of radiation dose delivered to clinical radiation therapy patients. An optical fiber probe using radiochromic material has been designed and fabricated based on the deposition of a radiochromic thin film on a dielectric mirror. Measurements of the net optical density vs. time before, during, and after irradiation at a rate of 500 cGy/minute to a total dose of 5 Gy were performed. Net optical densities increased from 0.2 to 2.0 for radiochromic thin film thicknesses of 2 to 20 μm, respectively. An improved optical fiber probe fabrication method is presented.

  3. Paper area density measurement from forward transmitted scattered light

    DOEpatents

    Koo, Jackson C.

    2001-01-01

    A method whereby the average paper fiber area density (weight per unit area) can be directly calculated from the intensity of transmitted, scattered light at two different wavelengths, one being a non-absorpted wavelength. Also, the method makes it possible to derive the water percentage per fiber area density from a two-wavelength measurement. In the optical measuring technique optical transmitted intensity, for example, at 2.1 microns cellulose absorption line is measured and compared with another scattered, optical transmitted intensity reference in the nearby spectrum region, such as 1.68 microns, where there is no absorption. From the ratio of these two intensities, one can calculate the scattering absorption coefficient at 2.1 microns. This absorption coefficient at this wavelength is, then, experimentally correlated to the paper fiber area density. The water percentage per fiber area density can be derived from this two-wavelength measurement approach.

  4. Electronic structure calculations of PbS quantum rods and tubes

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

    Pimachev, Artem; Dahnovsky, Yuri, E-mail: yurid@uwyo.edu

    2014-01-28

    We study absorption spectra, optical and HOMO-LUMO gaps, and the density of states for PbS quantum rods (QRs) and tubes (QTs). We find some similarities and also differences in QR and QT properties. For both QRs and QTs, the optical and HOMO-LUMO gaps reach the plateaus for small lengths. We find that tubes are as stable as rods. The optical spectra exhibit a peak that can be due to the electron-hole interaction or be a prototype of an S{sub e}–S{sub h} transition in the effective mass approximation. We also calculate the density of states by the density functional theory (DFT)more » and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. The TDDFT density of states function is shifted towards the red side by 0.5 eV indicating the strong e-h interaction.« less

  5. High-density fiber-optic DNA random microsphere array.

    PubMed

    Ferguson, J A; Steemers, F J; Walt, D R

    2000-11-15

    A high-density fiber-optic DNA microarray sensor was developed to monitor multiple DNA sequences in parallel. Microarrays were prepared by randomly distributing DNA probe-functionalized 3.1-microm-diameter microspheres in an array of wells etched in a 500-microm-diameter optical imaging fiber. Registration of the microspheres was performed using an optical encoding scheme and a custom-built imaging system. Hybridization was visualized using fluorescent-labeled DNA targets with a detection limit of 10 fM. Hybridization times of seconds are required for nanomolar target concentrations, and analysis is performed in minutes.

  6. Pulse Propagation Effects in Optical 2D Fourier-Transform Spectroscopy: Theory.

    PubMed

    Spencer, Austin P; Li, Hebin; Cundiff, Steven T; Jonas, David M

    2015-04-30

    A solution to Maxwell's equations in the three-dimensional frequency domain is used to calculate rephasing two-dimensional Fourier transform (2DFT) spectra of the D2 line of atomic rubidium vapor in argon buffer gas. Experimental distortions from the spatial propagation of pulses through the sample are simulated in 2DFT spectra calculated for the homogeneous Bloch line shape model. Spectral features that appear at optical densities of up to 3 are investigated. As optical density increases, absorptive and dispersive distortions start with peak shape broadening, progress to peak splitting, and ultimately result in a previously unexplored coherent transient twisting of the split peaks. In contrast to the low optical density limit, where the 2D peak shape for the Bloch model depends only on the total dephasing time, these distortions of the 2D peak shape at finite optical density vary with the waiting time and the excited state lifetime through coherent transient effects. Experiment-specific conditions are explored, demonstrating the effects of varying beam overlap within the sample and of pseudo-time domain filtering. For beam overlap starting at the sample entrance, decreasing the length of beam overlap reduces the line width along the ωτ axis but also reduces signal intensity. A pseudo-time domain filter, where signal prior to the center of the last excitation pulse is excluded from the FID-referenced 2D signal, reduces propagation distortions along the ωt axis. It is demonstrated that 2DFT rephasing spectra cannot take advantage of an excitation-detection transformation that can eliminate propagation distortions in 2DFT relaxation spectra. Finally, the high optical density experimental 2DFT spectrum of rubidium vapor in argon buffer gas [J. Phys. Chem. A 2013, 117, 6279-6287] is quantitatively compared, in line width, in depth of peak splitting, and in coherent transient peak twisting, to a simulation with optical density higher than that reported.

  7. Improved Radio-Frequency Magneto-Optical Trap of SrF Molecules.

    PubMed

    Steinecker, Matthew H; McCarron, Daniel J; Zhu, Yuqi; DeMille, David

    2016-11-18

    We report the production of ultracold, trapped strontium monofluoride (SrF) molecules with number density and phase-space density significantly higher than previously achieved. These improvements are enabled by three distinct changes to our recently-demonstrated scheme for radio-frequency magneto-optical trapping of SrF: modification of the slowing laser beam geometry, addition of an optical pumping laser, and incorporation of a compression stage to the magneto-optical trap. With these improvements, we observe a trapped sample of SrF molecules at density 2.5×10 5  cm -3 and phase-space density 6×10 -14 , each a factor of 4 greater than in previous work. Under different experimental conditions, we observe trapping of up to 10 4 molecules, a factor of 5 greater than in previous work. Finally, by reducing the intensity of the applied trapping light, we observe molecular temperatures as low as 250 μK. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. Glaucoma Diagnostic Ability of the Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Vessel Density Parameters.

    PubMed

    Chung, Jae Keun; Hwang, Young Hoon; Wi, Jae Min; Kim, Mijin; Jung, Jong Jin

    2017-11-01

    To investigate the glaucoma diagnostic abilities of vessel density parameters as determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography in different stages of glaucoma. A total of 113 healthy eyes and 140 glaucomatous eyes were enrolled. Diagnostic abilities of the OCT vessel density parameters in the optic nerve head (ONH), peripapillary, and macular regions were evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operation characteristic curves (AUCs). AUCs of the peripapillary vessel density parameters and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were compared. OCT angiography vessel densities in the ONH, peripapillary, and macular regions in the glaucomatous eyes were significantly lower than those in the healthy eyes (P < 0.05). Among the vessel density parameters, the average peripapillary vessel density showed higher AUC than the ONH and macular region (AUCs: 0.807, 0.566, and 0.651, respectively) for glaucoma detection. The peripapillary vessel density parameters showed similar AUCs with the corresponding sectoral RNFL thickness (P > 0.05). However, in the early stage of glaucoma, the AUCs of the inferotemporal and temporal peripapillary vessel densities were significantly lower than that of the RNFL thickness (P < 0.05). The glaucomatous eyes showed decreased vessel density as determined by OCT angiography. Although the peripapillary vessel density parameters showed similar glaucoma diagnostic ability with circumpapillary RNFL thickness, in the early stage, the vessel density parameters showed limited clinical value.

  9. Reduction of damage initiation density in fused silica optics via UV laser conditioning

    DOEpatents

    Peterson, John E.; Maricle, Stephen M.; Brusasco, Raymond M.; Penetrante, Bernardino M.

    2004-03-16

    The present invention provides a method for reducing the density of sites on the surface of fused silica optics that are prone to the initiation of laser-induced damage, resulting in optics which have far fewer catastrophic defects and are better capable of resisting optical deterioration upon exposure for a long period of time to a high-power laser beam having a wavelength of about 360 nm or less. The initiation of laser-induced damage is reduced by conditioning the optic at low fluences below levels that normally lead to catastrophic growth of damage. When the optic is then irradiated at its high fluence design limit, the concentration of catastrophic damage sites that form on the surface of the optic is greatly reduced.

  10. Novel silica surface charge density mediated control of the optical properties of embedded optically active materials and its application for fiber optic pH sensing at elevated temperatures.

    PubMed

    Wang, Congjun; Ohodnicki, Paul R; Su, Xin; Keller, Murphy; Brown, Thomas D; Baltrus, John P

    2015-02-14

    Silica and silica incorporated nanocomposite materials have been extensively studied for a wide range of applications. Here we demonstrate an intriguing optical effect of silica that, depending on the solution pH, amplifies or attenuates the optical absorption of a variety of embedded optically active materials with very distinct properties, such as plasmonic Au nanoparticles, non-plasmonic Pt nanoparticles, and the organic dye rhodamine B (not a pH indicator), coated on an optical fiber. Interestingly, the observed optical response to varying pH appears to follow the surface charge density of the silica matrix for all the three different optically active materials. To the best of our knowledge, this optical effect has not been previously reported and it appears universal in that it is likely that any optically active material can be incorporated into the silica matrix to respond to solution pH or surface charge density variations. A direct application of this effect is for optical pH sensing which has very attractive features that can enable minimally invasive, remote, real time and continuous distributed pH monitoring. Particularly, as demonstrated here, using highly stable metal nanoparticles embedded in an inorganic silica matrix can significantly improve the capability of pH sensing in extremely harsh environments which is of increasing importance for applications in unconventional oil and gas resource recovery, carbon sequestration, water quality monitoring, etc. Our approach opens a pathway towards possible future development of robust optical pH sensors for the most demanding environmental conditions. The newly discovered optical effect of silica also offers the potential for control of the optical properties of optically active materials for a range of other potential applications such as electrochromic devices.

  11. Periodic density modulation for quasi-phase-matching of optical frequency conversion is inefficient under shallow focusing and constant ambient pressure.

    PubMed

    Hadas, Itai; Bahabad, Alon

    2016-09-01

    The two main mechanisms of a periodic density modulation relevant to nonlinear optical conversion in a gas medium are spatial modulations of the index of refraction and of the number of emitters. For a one-dimensional model neglecting focusing and using a constant ambient pressure, it is shown theoretically and demonstrated numerically that the effects of these two mechanisms during frequency conversion cancel each other exactly. Under the considered conditions, this makes density modulation inefficient for quasi-phase-matching an optical frequency conversion process. This result is particularly relevant for high-order harmonic generation.

  12. Useful optical density range in film dosimetry: limitations due to noise and saturation.

    PubMed

    González-López, Antonio

    2007-08-07

    The optical density (OD) range for the scanners used in film dosimetry is limited due to saturation and noise. As the OD increases, saturation causes the rate of change of the output with respect to the input to become smaller, while at the same time noise remains fairly constant or increases. The combined effect leads to a degradation of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at high optical densities. In this study, the uncertainty in the OD measurement, d(m), is expressed as a function of the optical density d. The functional relationship obtained gives the amplitude w of an interval around d in which d(m) will be found with a given probability p. The relationship w = w(d, p) is later used to determine which OD ranges fulfil a set of requirements on w and p. As an application of the procedure, the noise and saturation characteristics of a commercial film digitizer system are measured. Their contribution to the uncertainties of the dosimetric procedure is reported, and the data are used to provide an optical density range for a given uncertainty and confidence level associated with the digitizer. These data can be further combined with the data from other sources of noise such as film noise in order to estimate the final uncertainty of the dosimetric process.

  13. Measurement of carbon nanotube microstructure relative density by optical attenuation and observation of size-dependent variations.

    PubMed

    Park, Sei Jin; Schmidt, Aaron J; Bedewy, Mostafa; Hart, A John

    2013-07-21

    Engineering the density of carbon nanotube (CNT) forest microstructures is vital to applications such as electrical interconnects, micro-contact probes, and thermal interface materials. For CNT forests on centimeter-scale substrates, weight and volume can be used to calculate density. However, this is not suitable for smaller samples, including individual microstructures, and moreover does not enable mapping of spatial density variations within the forest. We demonstrate that the relative mass density of individual CNT microstructures can be measured by optical attenuation, with spatial resolution equaling the size of the focused spot. For this, a custom optical setup was built to measure the transmission of a focused laser beam through CNT microstructures. The transmittance was correlated with the thickness of the CNT microstructures by Beer-Lambert-Bouguer law to calculate the attenuation coefficient. We reveal that the density of CNT microstructures grown by CVD can depend on their size, and that the overall density of arrays of microstructures is affected significantly by run-to-run process variations. Further, we use the technique to quantify the change in CNT microstructure density due to capillary densification. This is a useful and accessible metrology technique for CNTs in future microfabrication processes, and will enable direct correlation of density to important properties such as stiffness and electrical conductivity.

  14. [Evaluation of diabetic microangiopathy using optical coherence tomography angiography].

    PubMed

    Czakó, Cecília; Sándor, Gábor László; Ecsedy, Mónika; Szepessy, Zsuzsanna; Borbándy, Ágnes; Resch, Miklós; Papp, András; Récsán, Zsuzsa; Horváth, Hajnalka; Nagy, Zoltán Zsolt; Kovács, Illés

    2018-02-01

    Optical coherence tomography angiography is a non-invasive imaging technique that is able to visualize the different retinal vascular layers using motion contrast to detect blood flow without intravenous dye injection. This method might help to assess microangiopathy in diabetic retinopathy during screening and follow-up. To quantify retinal microvasculature alterations in both eyes of diabetic patients in relation to systemic risk factors using optical coherence tomography angiography. Both eyes of 36 diabetic patients and 45 individuals without diabetes were examined. Duration of diabetes, insulin therapy, blood pressure, HbA 1c , dyslipidemia, axial length and the presence of diabetic retinopathy were recorded. Retinal vessel density was measured by optical coherence tomography angiography. The effect of risk factors on vessel density and between-eye asymmetry was assessed using multivariable regression analysis. Vessel density was significantly lower and between-eye difference was significantly higher in diabetic patients compared to controls (p<0.05). Both vessel density and between-eye asymmetry significantly correlated with diabetes duration (p<0.05) after controlling for the effect of risk factors. The between-eye asymmetry in vessel density was significantly higher in patients without clinically detectable diabetic retinopathy compared to control subjects (p<0.001). There is a decrease in retinal vessel density and an increase in between-eye asymmetry in patients with diabetes compared to healthy subjects. By using optical coherence tomography angiography, the detection of these microvascular alterations is possible before clinically detectable diabetic retinopathy and might serve as a useful tool in both screening and timing of treatment. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(8): 320-326.

  15. Nonuniform carrier density in Cd 3 As 2 evidenced by optical spectroscopy

    DOE PAGES

    Crassee, I.; Martino, E.; Homes, C. C.; ...

    2018-03-22

    In this paper, we report the detailed optical properties of Cd 3As 2 crystals in a wide parameter space: temperature, magnetic field, carrier concentration, and crystal orientation. We investigate high-quality crystals synthesized by three different techniques. In all the studied samples, independently of how they were prepared and how they were treated before the optical experiments, our data indicate conspicuous fluctuations in the carrier density (up to 30%). These charge puddles have a characteristic scale of 100 μm, they become more pronounced at low temperatures, and possibly, they become enhanced by the presence of crystal twinning. The Drude response ismore » characterized by very small scattering rates (~1 meV) for as-grown samples. Mechanical treatment, such as cutting or polishing, influences the optical properties of single crystals, by increasing the Drude scattering rate and also modifying the high-frequency optical response. Finally, magnetoreflectivity and Kerr rotation are consistent with electronlike charge carriers and a spatially nonuniform carrier density.« less

  16. Nonuniform carrier density in Cd3As2 evidenced by optical spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Crassee, I.; Martino, E.; Homes, C. C.; Caha, O.; Novák, J.; Tückmantel, P.; Hakl, M.; Nateprov, A.; Arushanov, E.; Gibson, Q. D.; Cava, R. J.; Koohpayeh, S. M.; Arpino, K. E.; McQueen, T. M.; Orlita, M.; Akrap, Ana

    2018-03-01

    We report the detailed optical properties of Cd3As2 crystals in a wide parameter space: temperature, magnetic field, carrier concentration, and crystal orientation. We investigate high-quality crystals synthesized by three different techniques. In all the studied samples, independently of how they were prepared and how they were treated before the optical experiments, our data indicate conspicuous fluctuations in the carrier density (up to 30%). These charge puddles have a characteristic scale of 100 μ m , they become more pronounced at low temperatures, and possibly, they become enhanced by the presence of crystal twinning. The Drude response is characterized by very small scattering rates (˜1 meV) for as-grown samples. Mechanical treatment, such as cutting or polishing, influences the optical properties of single crystals, by increasing the Drude scattering rate and also modifying the high-frequency optical response. Magnetoreflectivity and Kerr rotation are consistent with electronlike charge carriers and a spatially nonuniform carrier density.

  17. Nonuniform carrier density in Cd 3 As 2 evidenced by optical spectroscopy

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

    Crassee, I.; Martino, E.; Homes, C. C.

    In this paper, we report the detailed optical properties of Cd 3As 2 crystals in a wide parameter space: temperature, magnetic field, carrier concentration, and crystal orientation. We investigate high-quality crystals synthesized by three different techniques. In all the studied samples, independently of how they were prepared and how they were treated before the optical experiments, our data indicate conspicuous fluctuations in the carrier density (up to 30%). These charge puddles have a characteristic scale of 100 μm, they become more pronounced at low temperatures, and possibly, they become enhanced by the presence of crystal twinning. The Drude response ismore » characterized by very small scattering rates (~1 meV) for as-grown samples. Mechanical treatment, such as cutting or polishing, influences the optical properties of single crystals, by increasing the Drude scattering rate and also modifying the high-frequency optical response. Finally, magnetoreflectivity and Kerr rotation are consistent with electronlike charge carriers and a spatially nonuniform carrier density.« less

  18. 13.1 micrometers hard X-ray focusing by a new type monocapillary X-ray optic designed for common laboratory X-ray source

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Xuepeng; zhang, Xiaoyun; Zhu, Yu; Wang, Yabing; Shang, Hongzhong; Zhang, Fengshou; Liu, Zhiguo; Sun, Tianxi

    2018-04-01

    A new type of monocapillary X-ray optic, called 'two bounces monocapillary X-ray optics' (TBMXO), is proposed for generating a small focal spot with high power-density gain for micro X-ray analysis, using a common laboratory X-ray source. TBMXO is consists of two parts: an ellipsoidal part and a tapered part. Before experimental testing, the TBMXO was simulated by the ray tracing method in MATLAB. The simulated results predicted that the proposed TBMXO would produce a smaller focal spot with higher power-density gain than the ellipsoidal monocapillary X-ray optic (EMXO). In the experiment, the TBMXO performance was tested by both an optical device and a Cu target X-ray tube with focal spot of 100 μm. The results indicated that the TBMXO had a slope error of 57.6 μrad and a 13.1 μm focal spot and a 1360 gain in power density were obtained.

  19. Optical layout and mechanical structure of polarimeter-interferometer system for Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak

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

    Zou, Z. Y.; Liu, H. Q., E-mail: hqliu@ipp.ac.cn; Jie, Y. X.

    A Far-InfaRed (FIR) three-wave POlarimeter-INTerferometer (POINT) system for measurement current density profile and electron density profile is under development for the EAST tokamak. The FIR beams are transmitted from the laser room to the optical tower adjacent to EAST via ∼20 m overmoded dielectric waveguide and then divided into 5 horizontal chords. The optical arrangement was designed using ZEMAX, which provides information on the beam spot size and energy distribution throughout the optical system. ZEMAX calculations used to optimize the optical layout design are combined with the mechanical design from CATIA, providing a 3D visualization of the entire POINT system.

  20. Optical layout and mechanical structure of polarimeter-interferometer system for Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak.

    PubMed

    Zou, Z Y; Liu, H Q; Jie, Y X; Ding, W X; Brower, D L; Wang, Z X; Shen, J S; An, Z H; Yang, Y; Zeng, L; Wei, X C; Li, G S; Zhu, X; Lan, T

    2014-11-01

    A Far-InfaRed (FIR) three-wave POlarimeter-INTerferometer (POINT) system for measurement current density profile and electron density profile is under development for the EAST tokamak. The FIR beams are transmitted from the laser room to the optical tower adjacent to EAST via ∼20 m overmoded dielectric waveguide and then divided into 5 horizontal chords. The optical arrangement was designed using ZEMAX, which provides information on the beam spot size and energy distribution throughout the optical system. ZEMAX calculations used to optimize the optical layout design are combined with the mechanical design from CATIA, providing a 3D visualization of the entire POINT system.

  1. Inter-eye Asymmetry of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Vessel Density in Bilateral Glaucoma, Glaucoma Suspect, and Healthy Eyes.

    PubMed

    Hou, Huiyuan; Moghimi, Sasan; Zangwill, Linda M; Shoji, Takuhei; Ghahari, Elham; Manalastas, Patricia Isabel C; Penteado, Rafaella C; Weinreb, Robert N

    2018-03-23

    To investigate inter-eye retinal vessel density asymmetry in healthy, glaucoma suspect, and mild to moderate glaucoma subjects, and its potential utility for early detection of glaucomatous damage. Cross-sectional study. 153 subjects including 55 healthy, 32 glaucoma suspect, and 66 glaucoma subjects enrolled in the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study(DIGS). Vessel density was obtained from optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) macular and optic nerve head scans. Thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) was measured with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans. Inter-eye asymmetry was calculated by taking the absolute value of difference in vessel density and thickness between the right and left eyes. Inter-eye retinal vessel density asymmetry parameters were significantly different among the three groups. Glaucoma suspects had significantly higher peripapillary and macular inter-eye vessel density asymmetries compared to healthy groups in univariate (1.1% vs. 2.0%, P=0.014 and 1.2% vs. 2.5%, P=0.027, respectively) and multivariate analyses (P=0.007 and 0.038, respectively). No significant differences in asymmetry of thickness parameters were found between glaucoma suspect and healthy groups (all P> 0.718). However significant differences in asymmetry of thickness parameters between glaucoma suspects and glaucoma patients (P<0.01) were found for all parameters. Inter-eye vessel density asymmetry can be quantified by OCT-A measurement. Glaucoma suspects have significantly greater vessel density asymmetry than healthy eyes. Longitudinal studies are needed to better characterize the relationship of vessel density asymmetry with the development and progression of glaucoma. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Changes in peripapillary blood vessel density in Graves' orbitopathy after orbital decompression surgery as measured by optical coherence tomography angiography.

    PubMed

    Lewis, Kyle T; Bullock, John R; Drumright, Ryan T; Olsen, Matthew J; Penman, Alan D

    2018-03-08

    The purpose is to evaluate the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography in the evaluation of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) and response to orbital decompression in patients with and without dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). This was a single-center, prospective case series in a cohort of 12 patients (24 orbits) with GO and ±DON, (6 orbits) who underwent bilateral orbital decompression. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative OCT angiography of the peripapillary area. Vessel density indices were calculated in a 4.5 mm × 4.5 mm ellipsoid centered on the optic disk using split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation angiography algorithm, producing the vessel density measurements. Mean change in vessel density indices was compared between pre- and postoperative sessions and between patients with and without DON. Patient 1, a 34-year-old male with GO and unilateral DON OD, showed a significant reduction in blood vessel density indices oculus dexter (OD) (DON eye) after decompression while a more modest reduction was found oculus sinister (OS) with the greatest change noted intrapapillary. Patient 2, a 50-year-old male with DON OU, showed worsening neuropathy following decompression OD that was confirmed by angiographic density indices. Patient 3, a 55-year-female with DON, showed a reduction in blood vessel density OD and increased density OS. Patients without DON showed overall less impressive changes in indices as compared to those with DON. Using OCT angiography, response to surgical treatment in GO orbits, more so in orbits with DON, can be demonstrated and quantified using vessel density indices with reproducibility.

  3. Double-cavity radiometer for high-flux density solar radiation measurements.

    PubMed

    Parretta, A; Antonini, A; Armani, M; Nenna, G; Flaminio, G; Pellegrino, M

    2007-04-20

    A radiometric method has been developed, suitable for both total power and flux density profile measurement of concentrated solar radiation. The high-flux density radiation is collected by a first optical cavity, integrated, and driven to a second optical cavity, where, attenuated, it is measured by a conventional radiometer operating under a stationary irradiation regime. The attenuation factor is regulated by properly selecting the aperture areas in the two cavities. The radiometer has been calibrated by a pulsed solar simulator at concentration levels of hundreds of suns. An optical model and a ray-tracing study have also been developed and validated, by which the potentialities of the radiometer have been largely explored.

  4. A Fiber-Optic System Generating Pulses of High Spectral Density

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abramov, A. S.; Zolotovskii, I. O.; Korobko, D. A.; Fotiadi, A. A.

    2018-03-01

    A cascade fiber-optic system that generates pulses of high spectral density by using the effect of nonlinear spectral compression is proposed. It is demonstrated that the shape of the pulse envelope substantially influences the degree of compression of its spectrum. In so doing, maximum compression is achieved for parabolic pulses. The cascade system includes an optical fiber exhibiting normal dispersion that decreases along the fiber length, thereby ensuring that the pulse envelope evolves toward a parabolic shape, along with diffraction gratings and a fiber spectral compressor. Based on computer simulation, we determined parameters of cascade elements leading to maximum spectral density of radiation originating from a subpicosecond laser pulse of medium energy.

  5. Mapping the conduction band edge density of states of γ-In2Se3 by diffuse reflectance spectra

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Pradeep; Vedeshwar, Agnikumar G.

    2018-03-01

    It is demonstrated that the measured diffuse reflectance spectra of γ-In2Se3 can be used to map the conduction band edge density of states through Kubelka-Munk analysis. The Kubelka-Munk function derived from the measured spectra almost mimics the calculated density of states in the vicinity of conduction band edge. The calculation of density of states was carried out using first-principles approach yielding the structural, electronic, and optical properties. The calculations were carried out implementing various functionals and only modified Tran and Blaha (TB-MBJ) results tally closest with the experimental result of band gap. The electronic and optical properties were calculated using FP-LAPW + lo approach based on the Density Functional Theory formalism implementing only TB-mBJ functional. The electron and hole effective masses have been calculated as me * = 0.25 m 0 and mh * = 1.11 m 0 , respectively. The optical properties clearly indicate the anisotropic nature of γ-In2Se3.

  6. Complexation of ferric oxide particles with pectins of different charge density.

    PubMed

    Milkova, Viktoria; Kamburova, Kamelia; Petkanchin, Ivana; Radeva, Tsetska

    2008-09-02

    The effect of polyelectrolyte charge density on the electrical properties and stability of suspensions of oppositely charged oxide particles is followed by means of electro-optics and electrophoresis. Variations in the electro-optical effect and the electrophoretic mobility are examined at conditions where fully ionized pectins of different charge density adsorb onto particles with ionizable surfaces. The charge neutralization point coincides with the maximum of particle aggregation in all suspensions. We find that the concentration of polyelectrolyte, needed to neutralize the particle charge, decreases with increasing charge density of the pectin. The most highly charged pectin presents an exception to this order, which is explained with a reduction of the effective charge density of this pectin due to condensation of counterions. The presence of condensed counterions, remaining bound to the pectin during its adsorption on the particle surface, is proved by investigation of the frequency behavior of the electro-optical effect at charge reversal of the particle surface.

  7. 46 CFR 116.423 - Furniture and furnishings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source,” and with a specific optical density not to exceed 450 in both...) “Specific Optical Density of Smoke generated by Solid Materials.” Also: (i) Rugs and carpets shall not extend up bulkheads or vertical surfaces more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) above the deck. (ii) Rugs...

  8. 46 CFR 116.423 - Furniture and furnishings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source,” and with a specific optical density not to exceed 450 in both...) “Specific Optical Density of Smoke generated by Solid Materials.” Also: (i) Rugs and carpets shall not extend up bulkheads or vertical surfaces more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) above the deck. (ii) Rugs...

  9. 46 CFR 116.423 - Furniture and furnishings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source,” and with a specific optical density not to exceed 450 in both...) “Specific Optical Density of Smoke generated by Solid Materials.” Also: (i) Rugs and carpets shall not extend up bulkheads or vertical surfaces more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) above the deck. (ii) Rugs...

  10. Optically Addressed Nanostructures for High Density Data Storage

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-10-14

    beam to sub-wavelength resolutions. X. Refereed Journal Publications I. M. D. Stenner , D. J. Gauthier, and M. A. Neifeld, "The speed of information in a...profiles for high-density optical data storage," Optics Communications, Vol.253, pp.56-69, 2005. 5. M. D. Stenner , D. J. Gauthier, and M. A. Neifeld, "Fast...causal information transmission in a medium with a slow group velocity," Physical Review Letters, Vol.94, February 2005. 6. M. D. Stenner , M. A

  11. Raman Optical Activity Spectra from Density Functional Perturbation Theory and Density-Functional-Theory-Based Molecular Dynamics.

    PubMed

    Luber, Sandra

    2017-03-14

    We describe the calculation of Raman optical activity (ROA) tensors from density functional perturbation theory, which has been implemented into the CP2K software package. Using the mixed Gaussian and plane waves method, ROA spectra are evaluated in the double-harmonic approximation. Moreover, an approach for the calculation of ROA spectra by means of density functional theory-based molecular dynamics is derived and used to obtain an ROA spectrum via time correlation functions, which paves the way for the calculation of ROA spectra taking into account anharmonicities and dynamic effects at ambient conditions.

  12. Simultaneous measurements of density field and wavefront distortions in high speed flows

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    George, Jacob; Jenkins, Thomas; Trolinger, James; Hess, Cecil; Buckner, Benjamin

    2017-09-01

    This paper presents results from simultaneous measurements of fluid density and the resulting wavefront distortions in a sonic underexpanded jet. The density measurements were carried out using Rayleigh scattering, and the optical distortions were measured using a wavefront sensor based on phase shifting interferometry. The measurements represent a preliminary step toward relating wavefront distortions to a specific flow structure. The measured density field is used to compute the phase distortions using a wave propagation model based on a geometric-optics approximation, and the computed phase map shows moderate agreement with that obtained using the wavefront sensor.

  13. Analysis of Mexico City urban air pollution using nitrogen dioxide column density measurements from UV/Visible spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Garcia Payne, D. G.; Grutter, M.; Melamed, M. L.

    2010-12-01

    The differential optical absorption spectroscopy method (DOAS) was used to get column densities of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from the analysis of zenith sky UV/visible spectra. Since the optical path length provides critical information in interpreting NO2 column densities, in conjunction with NO2 column densities, the oxygen dimer (O4) column density was retrieved to give insight into the optical path length. We report observations of year round NO2 and O4 column densities (from august 2009 to september 2010) from which the mean seasonal levels and the daily evolution, as well as the occurrence of elevated pollution episodes are examined. Surface nitric oxide (NO) and NO2 from the local monitoring network, as well as wind data and the vertical aerosol density from continuous Lidar measurements are used in the analysis to investigate specific events in the context of local emissions from vehicular traffic, photochemical production and transport from industrial emissions. The NO2 column density measurements will enhance the understanding Mexico City urban air pollution. Recent research has begun to unravel the complexity of the air pollution problem in Mexico City and its effects not only locally but on a regional and global scale as well.

  14. Electrical and optical properties of Ar/NH{sub 3} atmospheric pressure plasma jet

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

    Chang, Zheng-Shi, E-mail: changzhsh1984@163.com, E-mail: gjzhang@xjtu.edu.cn; Yao, Cong-Wei; Chen, Si-Le

    Inspired by the Penning effect, we obtain a glow-like plasma jet by mixing ammonia (NH{sub 3}) into argon (Ar) gas under atmospheric pressure. The basic electrical and optical properties of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) are investigated. It can be seen that the discharge mode transforms from filamentary to glow-like when a little ammonia is added into the pure argon. The electrical and optical analyses contribute to the explanation of this phenomenon. The discharge mode, power, and current density are analyzed to understand the electrical behavior of the APPJ. Meanwhile, the discharge images, APPJ's length, and the components ofmore » plasma are also obtained to express its optical characteristics. Finally, we diagnose several parameters, such as gas temperature, electron temperature, and density, as well as the density number of metastable argon atoms of Ar/NH{sub 3} APPJ to help judge the usability in its applications.« less

  15. Elastic properties and optical absorption studies of mixed alkali borogermanate glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taqiullah, S. M.; Ahmmad, Shaik Kareem; Samee, M. A.; Rahman, Syed

    2018-05-01

    First time the mixed alkali effect (MAE) has been investigated in the glass system xNa2O-(30-x)Li2O-40B2O3- 30GeO2 (0≤x≤30 mol%) through density and optical absorption studies. The present glasses were prepared by melt quench technique. The density of the present glasses varies non-linearly exhibiting mixed alkali effect. Using the density data, the elastic moduli namely Young's modulus, bulk and shear modulus show strong linear dependence as a function of compositional parameter. From the absorption edge studies, the values of optical band gap energies for all transitions have been evaluated. It was established that the type of electronic transition in the present glass system is indirect allowed. The indirect optical band gap exhibit non-linear behavior with compositional parameter showing the mixed alkali effect.

  16. Optical changes of dentin in the near-IR as a function of mineral content

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Berg, Rhett A.; Simon, Jacob C.; Fried, Daniel; Darling, Cynthia L.

    2017-02-01

    The optical properties of human dentin can change markedly due to aging, friction from opposing teeth, and acute trauma, resulting in the formation of transparent or sclerotic dentin with increased mineral density. The objective of this study was to determine the optical attenuation coefficient of human dentin tissues with different mineral densities in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions from 1300-2200 nm using NIR transillumination and optical coherence tomography (OCT). N=50 dentin samples of varying opacities were obtained by sectioning whole extracted teeth into 150 μm transverse sections at the cemento-enamel junction or the apical root. Transillumination images were acquired with a NIR camera and attenuation measurements were acquired at various NIR wavelengths using a NIR sensitive photodiode. Samples were imaged with transverse microradiography (gold standard) in order to determine the mineral density of each sample.

  17. Optical conductivity of partially oxidized graphene from first principles

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

    Nasehnia, F., E-mail: f.nasehnia@gmail.com; Seifi, M., E-mail: Seifi@guilan.ac.ir

    2015-07-07

    We investigate the geometry, electronic structure, and optical properties of partially oxidized graphene using density functional theory. Our calculations show that oxygen atoms are chemisorbed on graphene plane and distort carbon atoms vertically, with almost no change in the in-plane structure. The ground state configurations for different oxygen coverages ranging from 2% to 50% (O/C ratio) are calculated and show the strong tendency of oxygen adatoms to aggregate and form discrete islands on graphene plane. It is found that the opened band gap due to oxygen functionalization depends on the oxygen density and the adsorption configuration. The gap is notmore » significant for oxygen densities lower than 8%. The optical conductivities are calculated in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet regions and show different characteristic features depending on the degree of oxidation. These results imply that optical measurement techniques can be employed to monitor oxidation (or reduction) process as contact-free methods.« less

  18. Differences Between a Single- and a Double-Folding Nucleus-^{9}Be Optical Potential

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bonaccorso, A.; Carstoiu, F.; Charity, R. J.; Kumar, R.; Salvioni, G.

    2016-05-01

    We have recently constructed two very successful n-^9Be optical potentials (Bonaccorso and Charity in Phys Rev C89:024619, 2014). One by the Dispersive Optical Model (DOM) method and the other (AB) fully phenomenological. The two potentials have strong surface terms in common for both the real and the imaginary parts. This feature makes them particularly suitable to build a single-folded (light-) nucleus-^9Be optical potential by using ab-initio projectile densities such as those obtained with the VMC method (Wiringa http://www.phy.anl.gov/theory/research/density/). On the other hand, a VMC density together with experimental nucleon-nucleon cross-sections can be used also to obtain a neutron and/or proton-^9Be imaginary folding potential. We will use here an ab-initio VMC density (Wiringa http://www.phy.anl.gov/theory/research/density/) to obtain both a n-^9Be single-folded potential and a nucleus-nucleus double-folded potential. In this work we report on the cases of ^8B, ^8Li and ^8C projectiles. Our approach could be the basis for a systematic study of optical potentials for light exotic nuclei scattering on such light targets. Some of the projectiles studied are cores of other exotic nuclei for which neutron knockout has been used to extract spectroscopic information. For those cases, our study will serve to make a quantitative assessment of the core-target part of the reaction description, in particular its localization.

  19. Do we need to measure total serum IgA to exclude IgA deficiency in coeliac disease?

    PubMed Central

    Sinclair, D; Saas, M; Turk, A; Goble, M; Kerr, D

    2006-01-01

    Background Screening for IgA deficiency in patients with coeliac disease is essential because of the increased incidence of IgA deficiency associated with the disease, which usually relies on the estimation of IgA levels in each case. Aim To devise a method of excluding IgA deficiency without measuring total serum IgA in each case. Materials and methods The optical density readings on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of 608 routine samples received for tissue transglutaminase (TTG) antibody testing for coeliac disease were compared with their total IgA concentrations. Dilution experiments were also carried out to ensure linear relationships between optical density on ELISA and IgA concentrations and to compare the sensitivities for TTG and endomysium antibodies in TTG‐positive samples. Results and discussion A clear relationship was shown between total IgA concentration and TTG optical density readings by ELISA. To ensure a positive TTG result if antibodies are present, it was possible to recommend an optical density level above which all samples have sufficient IgA. Samples with optical density <0.05 should be investigated further by estimating total IgA and, if low, samples should be subjected to immunofluorescence microscopy testing for IgA and IgG endomysium antibodies. Conclusions An easier, more cost‐effective and practical way of excluding IgA deficiency in the investigation on coeliac disease is reported. PMID:16489174

  20. Wavefront aberrations and retinal image quality in different lenticular opacity types and densities.

    PubMed

    Wu, Cheng-Zhe; Jin, Hua; Shen, Zhen-Nv; Li, Ying-Jun; Cui, Xun

    2017-11-10

    To investigate wavefront aberrations in the entire eye and in the internal optics (lens) and retinal image qualities according to different lenticular opacity types and densities. Forty-one eyes with nuclear cataract, 33 eyes with cortical cataract, and 29 eyes with posterior subcapsular cataract were examined. In each group, wavefront aberrations in the entire eye and in the internal optics and retinal image quality were measured using a raytracing aberrometer. Eyes with cortical cataracts showed significantly higher coma-like aberrations compared to the other two groups in both entire eye and internal optic aberrations (P = 0.012 and P = 0.007, respectively). Eyes with nuclear cataract had lower spherical-like aberrations than the other two groups in both entire eye and internal optics aberrations (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In the nuclear cataract group, nuclear lens density was negatively correlated with internal spherical aberrations (r = -0.527, P = 0.005). Wavefront technology is useful for objective and quantitative analysis of retinal image quality deterioration in eyes with different early lenticular opacity types and densities. Understanding the wavefront optical properties of different crystalline lens opacities may help ophthalmic surgeons determine the optimal time to perform cataract surgery.

  1. Shockwave compression of Ar gas at several initial densities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dattelbaum, Dana M.; Goodwin, Peter M.; Garcia, Daniel B.; Gustavsen, Richard L.; Lang, John M.; Aslam, Tariq D.; Sheffield, Stephen A.; Gibson, Lloyd L.; Morris, John S.

    2017-01-01

    Experimental data of the principal Hugoniot locus of variable density gas-phase noble and molecular gases are rare. The majority of shock Hugoniot data is either from shock tube experiments on low-pressure gases or from plate impact experiments on cryogenic, liquefied gases. In both cases, physics regarding shock compressibility, thresholds for the on-set of shock-driven ionization, and even dissociation chemistry are difficult to infer for gases at intermediate densities. We have developed an experimental target design for gas gun-driven plate impact experiments on noble gases at initial pressures between 200-1000 psi. Using optical velocimetry, we are able to directly determine both the shock and particle velocities of the gas on the principal Hugoniot locus, as well as clearly differentiate ionization thresholds. The target design also results in multiply shocking the gas in a quasi-isentropic fashion yielding off-Hugoniot compression data. We describe the results of a series of plate impact experiments on Ar with starting densities between 0.02-0.05 g/cm3 at room temperature. Furthermore, by coupling optical fibers to the targets, we have measured the time-resolved optical emission from the shocked gas using a spectrometer coupled to an optical streak camera to spectrally-resolve the emission, and with a 5-color optical pyrometer for temperature determination.

  2. Energy density and energy flux in the focus of an optical vortex: reverse flux of light energy.

    PubMed

    Kotlyar, Victor V; Kovalev, Alexey A; Nalimov, Anton G

    2018-06-15

    Using the Richards-Wolf formulas for an arbitrary circularly polarized optical vortex with an integer topological charge m, we obtain explicit expressions for all components of the electric and magnetic field strength vectors near the focus, as well as expressions for the intensity (energy density) and for the energy flux (components of the Poynting vector) in the focal plane of an aplanatic optical system. For m=2, from the obtained expressions it follows that the energy flux near the optical axis propagates in the reversed direction, rotating along a spiral around the optical axis. On the optical axis itself, the reversed flux is maximal and decays rapidly with the distance from the axis. For m=3, in contrast, the reversed energy flux in the focal plane is minimal (zero) on the optical axis and increases (until the first ring of the light intensity) as a squared distance from the axis.

  3. Electron density measurements for plasma adaptive optics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Neiswander, Brian W.

    Over the past 40 years, there has been growing interest in both laser communications and directed energy weapons that operate from moving aircraft. As a laser beam propagates from an aircraft in flight, it passes through boundary layers, turbulence, and shear layers in the near-region of the aircraft. These fluid instabilities cause strong density gradients which adversely affect the transmission of laser energy to a target. Adaptive optics provides corrective measures for this problem but current technology cannot respond quickly enough to be useful for high speed flight conditions. This research investigated the use of plasma as a medium for adaptive optics for aero-optics applications. When a laser beam passes through plasma, its phase is shifted proportionally to the electron density and gas heating within the plasma. As a result, plasma can be utilized as a dynamically controllable optical medium. Experiments were carried out using a cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge plasma chamber which generated a sub-atmospheric pressure, low-temperature plasma. An electrostatic model of this design was developed and revealed an important design constraint relating to the geometry of the chamber. Optical diagnostic techniques were used to characterize the plasma discharge. Single-wavelength interferometric experiments were performed and demonstrated up to 1.5 microns of optical path difference (OPD) in a 633 nm laser beam. Dual-wavelength interferometry was used to obtain time-resolved profiles of the plasma electron density and gas heating inside the plasma chamber. Furthermore, a new multi-wavelength infrared diagnostic technique was developed and proof-of-concept simulations were conducted to demonstrate the system's capabilities.

  4. Density Measurements in Air by Optically Exciting the Cordes Bands of I2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Balla, R. Jeffrey; Exton, Reginald J.

    2000-01-01

    We describe an optical method based on laser-induced fluorescence for obtaining instantaneous measurements of density along a line in low-density air seeded with I2. The Cordes bands of I2 (D(sup 1)sigma(sup +, sub u)) left arrow X(sup 1)sigma(sup +, sub g)) are excited with a tunable ArF excimer laser. air densities in the range (0.1-6.5) x 10(exp 17) cm(exp -3) are measured over 295-583 K using the density-dependent emission ratio of two emission bands of I2; the 340 nm bands and the diffuse-structured McLennan bands near 320 nm.

  5. Multimode fiber for high-density optical interconnects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bickham, Scott R.; Ripumaree, Radawan; Chalk, Julie A.; Paap, Mark T.; Hurley, William C.; McClure, Randy L.

    2017-02-01

    Data centers (DCs) are facing the challenge of delivering more capacity over longer distances. As line rates increase to 25 Gb/s and higher, DCs are being challenged with signal integrity issues due to the long electrical traces that require retiming. In addition, the density of interconnects on the front panel is limited by the size and power dissipation requirements of the pluggable modules. One proposal to overcome these issues is to use embedded optical transceivers in which optical fibers are used to transport data to and from the front panel. These embedded modules will utilize arrays of VCSEL or silicon-photonic transceivers, and in both cases, the capacity may be limited by the density of the optical connections on the chip. To address this constraint, we have prototyped optical fibers in which the glass and coating diameters are reduced to 80 and 125 microns, respectively. These smaller diameters enable twice as many optical interconnects in the same footprint, and this in turn will allow the transceiver arrays to be collinearly located on small chips with dimensions on the order of (5x5mm2)1,2. We have also incorporated these reduced diameter fibers into small, flexible 8-fiber ribbon cables which can simplify routing constraints inside modules and optical backplanes.

  6. Parallel Optical Random Access Memory (PORAM)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Alphonse, G. A.

    1989-01-01

    It is shown that the need to minimize component count, power and size, and to maximize packing density require a parallel optical random access memory to be designed in a two-level hierarchy: a modular level and an interconnect level. Three module designs are proposed, in the order of research and development requirements. The first uses state-of-the-art components, including individually addressed laser diode arrays, acousto-optic (AO) deflectors and magneto-optic (MO) storage medium, aimed at moderate size, moderate power, and high packing density. The next design level uses an electron-trapping (ET) medium to reduce optical power requirements. The third design uses a beam-steering grating surface emitter (GSE) array to reduce size further and minimize the number of components.

  7. DFT-BASED AB INITIO STUDY OF THE ELECTRONIC AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF CESIUM BASED FLUORO-PEROVSKITE CsMF3 (M = Ca AND Sr)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harmel, M.; Khachai, H.; Ameri, M.; Khenata, R.; Baki, N.; Haddou, A.; Abbar, B.; UǦUR, Ş.; Omran, S. Bin; Soyalp, F.

    2012-12-01

    Density functional theory (DFT) is performed to study the structural, electronic and optical properties of cubic fluoroperovskite AMF3 (A = Cs; M = Ca and Sr) compounds. The calculations are based on the total-energy calculations within the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. The exchange-correlation potential is treated by local density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The structural properties, including lattice constants, bulk modulus and their pressure derivatives are in very good agreement with the available experimental and theoretical data. The calculations of the electronic band structure, density of states and charge density reveal that compounds are both ionic insulators. The optical properties (namely: the real and the imaginary parts of the dielectric function ɛ(ω), the refractive index n(ω) and the extinction coefficient k(ω)) were calculated for radiation up to 40.0 eV.

  8. Remotely operable compact instruments for measuring atmospheric CO2 and CH4 column densities at surface monitoring sites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kobayashi, N.; Inoue, G.; Kawasaki, M.; Yoshioka, H.; Minomura, M.; Murata, I.; Nagahama, T.; Matsumi, Y.; Tanaka, T.; Morino, I.; Ibuki, T.

    2010-08-01

    Remotely operable compact instruments for measuring atmospheric CO2 and CH4 column densities were developed in two independent systems: one utilizing a grating-based desktop optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) with a resolution enough to resolve rotational lines of CO2 and CH4 in the regions of 1565-1585 and 1674-1682 nm, respectively; the other is an application of an optical fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FFPI) to obtain the CO2 column density. Direct sunlight was collimated via a small telescope installed on a portable sun tracker and then transmitted through an optical fiber into the OSA or the FFPI for optical analysis. The near infrared spectra of the OSA were retrieved by a least squares spectral fitting algorithm. The CO2 and CH4 column densities deduced were in excellent agreement with those measured by a Fourier transform spectrometer with high resolution. The rovibronic lines in the wavelength region of 1570-1575 nm were analyzed by the FFPI. The I0 and I values in the Beer-Lambert law equation to obtain CO2 column density were deduced by modulating temperature of the FFPI, which offered column CO2 with the statistical error less than 0.2% for six hours measurement.

  9. Polarizability, optical basicity and optical properties of SiO2B2O3Bi2O3TeO2 glass system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kashif, I.; Ratep, A.; Adel, Gh.

    2018-07-01

    Glasses having a composition xSiO2 xB2O3 (95-2 x) Bi2O35TeO2 where x = (5, 10, 15, 20, 25) prepared by the melt-quenching technique. Thermal stability, density, optical transmittance, and the refractive index of these glasses investigated. Glass samples were transparent in the visible to near-infrared (NIR) region and had a high refractive index. A number of glass samples have high glass-forming ability. This indicates that the quarterly glasses are suitable for optical applications in the visible to the NIR region. Bi2O3 substituted by B2O3 and SiO2 on optical properties discussed. It suggested that the substitution of Bi2O3 increased the density, molar volume, the molar polarizability, optical basicity and refractive index in addition to, the oxygen packing density, the optical energy gap, and metallization decrease. These results are helpful for designing new optical glasses controlled to have a higher refractive index. All studied glass presented high nonlinearities, and the addition of network modifiers made a little contribution. Results clarified the bandgap energy reduction, which associated with the growth within the non-bridging oxygen content with the addition of the network modifier. An increase in the refractive index nonlinearity explained by the optical basicity and the high electronic polarizability of the modifier ions.

  10. Performance Evaluation of Titanium Ion Optics for the NASA 30 cm Ion Thruster

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Soulas, George C.

    2001-01-01

    The results of performance tests with titanium ion optics were presented and compared to those of molybdenum ion optics. Both titanium and molybdenum ion optics were initially operated until ion optics performance parameters achieved steady state values. Afterwards, performance characterizations were conducted. This permitted proper performance comparisons of titanium and molybdenum ion optics. Ion optics' performance A,as characterized over a broad thruster input power range of 0.5 to 3.0 kW. All performance parameters for titanium ion optics of achieved steady state values after processing 1200 gm of propellant. Molybdenum ion optics exhibited no burn-in. Impingement-limited total voltages for titanium ion optics where up to 55 V greater than those for molybdenum ion optics. Comparisons of electron backstreaming limits as a function of peak beam current density for molybdenum and titanium ion optics demonstrated that titanium ion optics operated with a higher electron backstreaming limit than molybdenum ion optics for a given peak beam current density. Screen grid ion transparencies for titanium ion optics were as much as 3.8 percent lower than those for molybdenum ion optics. Beam divergence half-angles that enclosed 95 percent of the total beam current for titanium ion optics were within 1 to 3 deg. of those for molybdenum ion optics. All beam divergence thrust correction factors for titanium ion optics were within 1 percent of those with molybdenum ion optics.

  11. LASER METHODS IN MEDICINE: Light absorption in blood during low-intensity laser irradiation of skin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barun, V. V.; Ivanov, A. P.

    2010-06-01

    An analytical procedure is proposed for describing optical fields in biological tissues inhomogeneous in the depth direction, such as human skin, with allowance for multiple scattering. The procedure is used to investigate the depth distribution of the optical power density in homogeneous and multilayer dermis when the skin is exposed to a laser beam. We calculate the absorbed laser power spectra for oxy- and deoxyhaemoglobin at different depths in relation to the absorption selectivity of these haemoglobin derivatives and the spectral dependence of the optical power density and demonstrate that the spectra vary considerably with depth. A simple exponential approximation is proposed for the depth distribution of the power density in the epidermis and dermis.

  12. Measuring electrically charged particle fluxes in space using a fiber optic loop sensor

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1992-01-01

    The purpose of this program was to demonstrate the potential of a fiber optic loop sensor for the measurement of electrically charged particle fluxes in space. The key elements of the sensor are a multiple turn loop of low birefringence, single mode fiber, with a laser diode light source, and a low noise optical receiver. The optical receiver is designed to be shot noise limited, with this being the limiting sensitivity factor for the sensor. The sensing element is the fiber optic loop. Under a magnetic field from an electric current flowing along the axis of the loop, there is a non-vanishing line integral along the fiber optic loop. This causes a net birefringence producing two states of polarization whose phase difference is correlated to magnetic field strength and thus, current in the optical receiver electronic processing. The objectives in this program were to develop a prototype laser diode powered fiber optic sensor. The performance specification of a minimum detectable current density of 1 (mu)amp/sq m-(radical)Hz, should be at the shot noise limit of the detection electronics. OPTRA has successfully built and tested a 3.2 m diameter loop with 137 turns of low birefringence optical fiber and achieved a minimum detectable current density of 5.4 x 10(exp-5) amps/(radical)Hz. If laboratory space considerations were not an issue, with the length of optical fiber available to us, we would have achieved a minimum detectable current density of 4 x 10(exp -7) amps/(radical)Hz.

  13. Ellipsometric and optical study of some uncommon insulator films on 3-5 semiconductors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Alterovitz, S. A.; Warner, J. D.; Liu, D. C.; Pouch, J. J.

    1985-01-01

    Optical properties of three types of insulating films that show promise in potential applications in the 3-4 semiconductor technology were evaluated, namely a-C:H, BN and CaF2. The plasma deposited a-C:H shows an amorphous behavior with optical energy gaps of approximately 2 to 2.4 eV. These a-C:H films have higher density and/or hardness, higher refractive index and lower optical energy gaps with increasing energy of the particles in the plasma, while the density of states remains unchanged. These results are in agreement, and give a fine-tuned positive confirmation to an existing conjecture on the nature of a-C:H films (1). Ion beam deposited BN films show amorphous behavior with energy gap of 5 eV. These films are nonstoichiometric (B/N approximately 2) and have refractive index, density and/or hardness which are dependent on the deposition conditions. The epitaxially grown CaF2 on GaAs films have optical parameters equal to bulk, but evidence of damage was found in the GaAs at the interface.

  14. Effect of laser cavity parameters on saturation of light – current characteristics of high-power pulsed lasers

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

    Veselov, D A; Pikhtin, N A; Lyutetskiy, A V

    2015-07-31

    We report an experimental study of power characteristics of semiconductor lasers based on MOVPE-grown asymmetric separate-confinement heterostructures with a broadened waveguide as functions of cavity length, stripe contact width and mirror reflectivities. It is shown that at high current pump levels, the variation of the cavity parameters of a semiconductor laser (width, length and mirror reflectivities) influences the light – current (L – I) characteristic saturation and maximum optical power by affecting such laser characteristics, as the current density and the optical output loss. A model is elaborated and an optical power of semiconductor lasers is calculated by taking intomore » account the dependence of the internal optical loss on pump current density and concentration distribution of charge carriers and photons along the cavity axis of the cavity. It is found that only introduction of the dependence of the internal optical loss on pump current density to the calculation model provides a good agreement between experimental and calculated L – I characteristics for all scenarios of variations in the laser cavity parameters. (lasers)« less

  15. Novel carbazole derivatives with quinoline ring: synthesis, electronic transition, and two-photon absorption three-dimensional optical data storage.

    PubMed

    Li, Liang; Wang, Ping; Hu, Yanlei; Lin, Geng; Wu, Yiqun; Huang, Wenhao; Zhao, Quanzhong

    2015-03-15

    We designed carbazole unit with an extended π conjugation by employing Vilsmeier formylation reaction and Knoevenagel condensation to facilitate the functional groups of quinoline from 3- or 3,6-position of carbazole. Two compounds doped with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films were prepared. To explore the electronic transition properties of these compounds, one-photon absorption properties were experimentally measured and theoretically calculated by using the time-dependent density functional theory. We surveyed these films by using an 800 nm Ti:sapphire 120-fs laser with two-photon absorption (TPA) fluorescence emission properties and TPA coefficients to obtain the TPA cross sections. A three-dimensional optical data storage experiment was conducted by using a TPA photoreaction with an 800 nm-fs laser on the film to obtain a seven-layer optical data storage. The experiment proves that these carbazole derivatives are well suited for two-photon 3D optical storage, thus laying the foundation for the research of multilayer high-density and ultra-high-density optical information storage materials. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Influence of carrier density on the electronic cooling channels of bilayer graphene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Limmer, T.; Houtepen, A. J.; Niggebaum, A.; Tautz, R.; Da Como, E.

    2011-09-01

    We study the electronic cooling dynamics in a single flake of bilayer graphene by femtosecond transient absorption probing the photon-energy range 0.25-1.3 eV. From the transients, we extract the carrier cooling curves for different initial temperatures and densities of the photoexcited electrons and holes. Two regimes of carrier cooling, dominated by optical and acoustic phonons emission, are clearly identified. For increasing carrier density, the crossover between the two regimes occurs at larger carrier temperatures, since cooling via optical phonons experiences a bottleneck. Acoustic phonons, which are less sensitive to saturation, show an increasing contribution at high density.

  17. Effect of Target Density on Microstructural, Electrical, and Optical Properties of Indium Tin Oxide Thin Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Guisheng; Zhi, Li; Yang, Huijuan; Xu, Huarui; Yu, Aibing

    2012-09-01

    In this paper, indium tin oxide (ITO) targets with different densities were used to deposit ITO thin films. The thin films were deposited from these targets at room temperature and annealed at 750°C. Microstructural, electrical, and optical properties of the as-prepared films were studied. It was found that the target density had no effect on the properties or deposition rate of radiofrequency (RF)-sputtered ITO thin films, different from the findings for direct current (DC)-sputtered films. Therefore, when using RF sputtering, the target does not require a high density and may be reused.

  18. Density and Cavitating Flow Results from a Full-Scale Optical Multiphase Cryogenic Flowmeter

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Korman, Valentin

    2007-01-01

    Liquid propulsion systems are hampered by poor flow measurements. The measurement of flow directly impacts safe motor operations, performance parameters as well as providing feedback from ground testing and developmental work. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, in an effort to improve propulsion sensor technology, has developed an all optical flow meter that directly measures the density of the fluid. The full-scale sensor was tested in a transient, multiphase liquid nitrogen fluid environment. Comparison with traditional density models shows excellent agreement with fluid density with an error of approximately 0.8%. Further evaluation shows the sensor is able to detect cavitation or bubbles in the flow stream and separate out their resulting effects in fluid density.

  19. The Nature, Significance, and Evaluation of the Schwarzschild-Villiger (SV) Effect in Photometric Procedures

    PubMed Central

    Howling, D. H.; Fitzgerald, P. J.

    1959-01-01

    The Schwarzschild-Villiger effect has been experimentally demonstrated with the optical system used in this laboratory. Using a photographic mosaic specimen as a model, it has been shown that the conclusions of Naora are substantiated and that the SV effect, in large or small magnitude, is always present in optical systems. The theoretical transmission error arising from the presence of the SV effect has been derived for various optical conditions of measurement. The results have been experimentally confirmed. The SV contribution of the substage optics of microspectrophotometers has also been considered. A simple method of evaluating a flare function f(A) is advanced which provides a measure of the SV error present in a system. It is demonstrated that measurements of specimens of optical density less than unity can be made with less than 1 per cent error, when using illuminating beam diameter/specimen diameter ratios of unity and uncoated optical surfaces. For denser specimens it is shown that care must be taken to reduce the illuminating beam/specimen diameter ratio to a value dictated by the magnitude of a flare function f(A), evaluated for a particular optical system, in order to avoid excessive transmission error. It is emphasized that observed densities (transmissions) are not necessarily true densities (transmissions) because of the possibility of SV error. The ambiguity associated with an estimation of stray-light error by means of an opaque object has also been demonstrated. The errors illustrated are not necessarily restricted to microspectrophotometry but may possibly be found in such fields as spectral analysis, the interpretation of x-ray diffraction patterns, the determination of ionizing particle tracks and particle densities in photographic emulsions, and in many other types of photometric analysis. PMID:14403512

  20. Environment of Submillimeter Galaxies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hou, K.-c.; Chen, L.-w.

    2013-10-01

    To study the environment of high-redshift star-forming galaxies — submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) — and their role during large-scale structure formation, we have estimated the galaxy number density fluctuations around SMGs, and analyzed their cross correlation functions with Lyman alpha emitters (LAEs), and optical-selected galaxies with photometric redshift in the COSMOS and ECDFS fields. Only a marginal cross-correlation between SMGs and optical-selected galaxies at most redshifts intervals is found in our results, except a relatively strong correlation detected in the cases of AzTEC-detected SMGs with galaxies at z ˜2.6 and 3.6. The density fluctuations around SMGs with redshift estimated show most SMGs located in a high-density region. There is no correlation signal between LAEs and SMGs, and the galaxy density fluctuations indicate a slightly anti-correlation on a scale smaller than 2 Mpc. Furthermore, we also investigate the density fluctuations of passive and starforming galaxies selected by optical and near infrared colors at similar redshift around SMGs. Finally the implication from our results to the interconnection between high-redshift galaxy populations is discussed.

  1. Fiber optic sensor for monitoring a density of road traffic

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nedoma, Jan; Fajkus, Marcel; Martinek, Radek; Mec, Pavel; Novak, Martin; Jargus, Jan; Vasinek, Vladimir

    2017-10-01

    Authors of this article have focused on the use of fiber-optic technology in the car traffic. The article describes the use of fiber-optic interferometer for the purpose of the dynamic calculation of traffic density and inclusion the vehicle into the traffic lane. The objective is to increase safety and traffic flow. Presented solution is characterized by the non-destructive character to the road - sensor no need built into the roadway. The sensor works with standard telecommunications fibers of the G.652 standard. Other hallmarks are immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and passivity of concerning the power supply. The massive expansion of optical cables within telecommunication needs along roads offers the possibility of connecting to the existing telecommunications fiber-optic network without a converter. Information can be transmitted at distances of several km up to tens km by this fiber-optic network. Set of experimental measurements in real traffic flow verified the functionality of presented solution.

  2. Electronic structure and optical properties of CdSxSe1-x solid solution nanostructures from X-ray absorption near edge structure, X-ray excited optical luminescence, and density functional theory investigations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murphy, M. W.; Yiu, Y. M.; Ward, M. J.; Liu, L.; Hu, Y.; Zapien, J. A.; Liu, Yingkai; Sham, T. K.

    2014-11-01

    The electronic structure and optical properties of a series of iso-electronic and iso-structural CdSxSe1-x solid solution nanostructures have been investigated using X-ray absorption near edge structure, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and X-ray excited optical luminescence at various absorption edges of Cd, S, and Se. It is found that the system exhibits compositions, with variable local structure in-between that of CdS and CdSe accompanied by tunable optical band gap between that of CdS and CdSe. Theoretical calculation using density functional theory has been carried out to elucidate the observations. It is also found that luminescence induced by X-ray excitation shows new optical channels not observed previously with laser excitation. The implications of these observations are discussed.

  3. Phonon spectra and the one-phonon and two-phonon densities of states of UO2 and PuO2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Poplavnoi, A. S.; Fedorova, T. P.; Fedorov, I. A.

    2017-04-01

    The vibrational spectra of uranium dioxide UO2 and plutonium dioxide PuO2, as well as the one-phonon densities of states and thermal occupation number weighted two-phonon densities of states, have been calculated within the framework of the phenomenological rigid ion model. It has been shown that the acoustic and optical branches of the spectra are predominantly determined by vibrations of the metal and oxygen atoms, respectively, because the atomic masses of the metal and oxygen differ from each other by an order of magnitude. On this basis, the vibrational spectra can be represented in two Brillouin zones, i.e., in the Brillouin zone of the crystal and the Brillouin zone of the oxygen sublattice. In this case, the number of optical branches decreases by a factor of two. The two-phonon densities of states consist of two broad structured peaks. The temperature dependences of the upper peak exhibit a thermal broadening of the phonon lines L01 and L02 in the upper part of the optical branches. The lower peak is responsible for the thermal broadening of the lowest two optical (T02, T01) and acoustic (LA, TA) branches.

  4. Aerogel-clad optical fiber

    DOEpatents

    Sprehn, G.A.; Hrubesh, L.W.; Poco, J.F.; Sandler, P.H.

    1997-11-04

    An optical fiber is surrounded by an aerogel cladding. For a low density aerogel, the index of refraction of the aerogel is close to that of air, which provides a high numerical aperture to the optical fiber. Due to the high numerical aperture, the aerogel clad optical fiber has improved light collection efficiency. 4 figs.

  5. Aerogel-clad optical fiber

    DOEpatents

    Sprehn, Gregory A.; Hrubesh, Lawrence W.; Poco, John F.; Sandler, Pamela H.

    1997-01-01

    An optical fiber is surrounded by an aerogel cladding. For a low density aerogel, the index of refraction of the aerogel is close to that of air, which provides a high numerical aperture to the optical fiber. Due to the high numerical aperture, the aerogel clad optical fiber has improved light collection efficiency.

  6. Resolving phase information of the optical local density of state with scattering near-field probes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prasad, R.; Vincent, R.

    2016-10-01

    We theoretically discuss the link between the phase measured using a scattering optical scanning near-field microscopy (s-SNOM) and the local density of optical states (LDOS). A remarkable result is that the LDOS information is directly included in the phase of the probe. Therefore by monitoring the spatial variation of the trans-scattering phase, we locally measure the phase modulation associated with the probe and the optical paths. We demonstrate numerically that a technique involving two-phase imaging of a sample with two different sized tips should allow to obtain the image the pLDOS. For this imaging method, numerical comparison with extinction probe measurement shows crucial qualitative and quantitative improvement.

  7. Crosstalk eliminating and low-density parity-check codes for photochromic dual-wavelength storage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Meicong; Xiong, Jianping; Jian, Jiqi; Jia, Huibo

    2005-01-01

    Multi-wavelength storage is an approach to increase the memory density with the problem of crosstalk to be deal with. We apply Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes as error-correcting codes in photochromic dual-wavelength optical storage based on the investigation of LDPC codes in optical data storage. A proper method is applied to reduce the crosstalk and simulation results show that this operation is useful to improve Bit Error Rate (BER) performance. At the same time we can conclude that LDPC codes outperform RS codes in crosstalk channel.

  8. High-Density Near-Field Readout over 50 GB Capacity Using Solid Immersion Lens with High Refractive Index

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shinoda, Masataka; Saito, Kimihiro; Kondo, Takao; Ishimoto, Tsutomu; Nakaoki, Ariyoshi

    2003-02-01

    We have investigated high-density near-field readout using a solid immersion lens with a high refractive index. By using a glass material with a high refractive index of 2.08, we developed an optical pick-up with the effective numerical aperture of 1.8. We could observe a clear eye pattern for a 50 GB capacity disc in 120 mm diameter. We confirmed that the near-field readout system is promising method of realizing a high-density optical disc system.

  9. Electronic and optical properties of Fe2SiO4 under pressure effect: ab initio study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiao, Lingping; Li, Xiaobin; Yang, Xue

    2018-05-01

    We report first-principles studies the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the Fe2SiO4 fayalite in orthorhombic structure, including pressure dependence of structural parameters, band structures, density of states, and optical constants up to 30 GPa. The calculated results indicate that the linear compressibility along b axis is significantly higher than a and c axes, which is in agreement with earlier work. Meanwhile, the pressure dependence of the electronic band structure, density of states and partial density of states of Fe2SiO4 fayalite up to 30 GPa were presented. Moreover, the evolution of the dielectric function, absorption coefficient (α(ω)), reflectivity (R(ω)), and the real part of the refractive index (n(ω)) at high pressure are also presented.

  10. In situ optical diagnostic for monitoring or control of sodium diffusion in photovoltaics manufacturing

    DOEpatents

    Li, Jian; Levi, Dean; Contreras, Miguel; Glynn, Stephen

    2015-09-15

    A method of fabricating a photovoltaic device 100, includes the steps of providing a glass substrate 102, depositing a molybdenum layer 104 on a surface of the glass substrate, directing light through the glass substrate to the near-substrate region of the molybdenum layer 206, detecting an optical property of the near-substrate region of the molybdenum layer after interaction with the incident light 208 and determining a density of the near-substrate region of the molybdenum layer from the detected optical property 210. A molybdenum deposition parameter may be controlled based upon the determined density of the near-substrate region of the molybdenum layer 218. A non-contact method measures a density of the near-substrate region of a molybdenum layer and a deposition chamber 300.

  11. Transmission degradation and preservation for tapered optical fibers in rubidium vapor.

    PubMed

    Lai, Meimei; Franson, James D; Pittman, Todd B

    2013-04-20

    The use of subwavelength diameter tapered optical fibers (TOFs) in warm rubidium vapor has recently been identified as a promising system for realizing ultralow-power nonlinear optical effects. However, at the relatively high atomic densities needed for many of these experiments, rubidium atoms accumulating on the TOF surface can cause a significant loss of overall transmission through the fiber. Here we report direct measurements of the time scale associated with this transmission degradation for various rubidium density conditions. Transmission is affected almost immediately after the introduction of rubidium vapor into the system, and declines rapidly as the density is increased. More significantly, we show how a heating element designed to raise the TOF temperature can be used to reduce this transmission loss and dramatically extend the effective TOF transmission lifetime.

  12. Density matrix perturbation theory for magneto-optical response of periodic insulators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lebedeva, Irina; Tokatly, Ilya; Rubio, Angel

    2015-03-01

    Density matrix perturbation theory offers an ideal theoretical framework for the description of response of solids to arbitrary electromagnetic fields. In particular, it allows to consider perturbations introduced by uniform electric and magnetic fields under periodic boundary conditions, though the corresponding potentials break the translational invariance of the Hamiltonian. We have implemented the density matrix perturbation theory in the open-source Octopus code on the basis of the efficient Sternheimer approach. The procedures for responses of different order to electromagnetic fields, including electric polarizability, orbital magnetic susceptibility and magneto-optical response, have been developed and tested by comparison with the results for finite systems and for wavefunction-based perturbation theory, which is already available in the code. Additional analysis of the orbital magneto-optical response is performed on the basis of analytical models. Symmetry limitations to observation of the magneto-optical response are discussed. The financial support from the Marie Curie Fellowship PIIF-GA-2012-326435 (RespSpatDisp) is gratefully acknowledged.

  13. Unsteady density and velocity measurements in the 6 foot x 6 foot wind tunnel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rose, W. C.; Johnson, D. A.

    1980-01-01

    The methods used and the results obtained in four aero-optic tests are summarized. It is concluded that the rather large values of density fluctuation appear to be the result of much higher Mach number than freestream and the violent turbulence in the flow as it separates from the turret. A representative comparison of fairing on-fairing off rms density fluctuation indicates essentially no effect at M = 0.62 and a small effect at M = 0.95. These data indicate that some slight improvement in optical quality can be expected with the addition of a fairing, although at M = 0.62 its effect would be nil. Fairings are very useful in controlling pressure loads on turrets, but will not have first order effects on optical quality. Scale sizes increase dramatically with increasing azimuth angle for a reprensentative condition. Since both scale sizes and fluctuation levels increase (total turbulence path length also increases) with azimuth angle, substantial optical degradation might be expected. For shorter wave lengths, large degradations occur.

  14. Functional imaging of the human brain using a modular, fibre-less, high-density diffuse optical tomography system.

    PubMed

    Chitnis, Danial; Cooper, Robert J; Dempsey, Laura; Powell, Samuel; Quaggia, Simone; Highton, David; Elwell, Clare; Hebden, Jeremy C; Everdell, Nicholas L

    2016-10-01

    We present the first three-dimensional, functional images of the human brain to be obtained using a fibre-less, high-density diffuse optical tomography system. Our technology consists of independent, miniaturized, silicone-encapsulated DOT modules that can be placed directly on the scalp. Four of these modules were arranged to provide up to 128, dual-wavelength measurement channels over a scalp area of approximately 60 × 65 mm 2 . Using a series of motor-cortex stimulation experiments, we demonstrate that this system can obtain high-quality, continuous-wave measurements at source-detector separations ranging from 14 to 55 mm in adults, in the presence of hair. We identify robust haemodynamic response functions in 5 out of 5 subjects, and present diffuse optical tomography images that depict functional haemodynamic responses that are well-localized in all three dimensions at both the individual and group levels. This prototype modular system paves the way for a new generation of wearable, wireless, high-density optical neuroimaging technologies.

  15. Holography and thermalization in optical pump-probe spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bagrov, A.; Craps, B.; Galli, F.; Keränen, V.; Keski-Vakkuri, E.; Zaanen, J.

    2018-04-01

    Using holography, we model experiments in which a 2 +1 D strange metal is pumped by a laser pulse into a highly excited state, after which the time evolution of the optical conductivity is probed. We consider a finite-density state with mildly broken translation invariance and excite it by oscillating electric field pulses. At zero density, the optical conductivity would assume its thermalized value immediately after the pumping has ended. At finite density, pulses with significant dc components give rise to slow exponential relaxation, governed by a vector quasinormal mode. In contrast, for high-frequency pulses the amplitude of the quasinormal mode is strongly suppressed, so that the optical conductivity assumes its thermalized value effectively instantaneously. This surprising prediction may provide a stimulus for taking up the challenge to realize these experiments in the laboratory. Such experiments would test a crucial open question faced by applied holography: are its predictions artifacts of the large N limit or do they enjoy sufficient UV independence to hold at least qualitatively in real-world systems?

  16. Optical ionization detector

    DOEpatents

    Wuest, C.R.; Lowry, M.E.

    1994-03-29

    An optical ionization detector wherein a beam of light is split so that one arm passes through a fiber optics and the other arm passes through a gas-filled region, and uses interferometry to detect density changes in a gas when charged particles pass through it. The gas-filled region of the detector is subjected to a high electric field and as a charged particle traverses this gas region electrons are freed from the cathode and accelerated so as to generate an electron avalanche which is collected on the anode. The gas density is effected by the electron avalanche formation and if the index or refraction is proportional to the gas density the index will change accordingly. The detector uses this index change by modulating the one arm of the split light beam passing through the gas, with respect to the other arm that is passed through the fiber optic. Upon recombining of the beams, interference fringe changes as a function of the index change indicates the passage of charged particles through the gaseous medium. 3 figures.

  17. Optical ionization detector

    DOEpatents

    Wuest, Craig R.; Lowry, Mark E.

    1994-01-01

    An optical ionization detector wherein a beam of light is split so that one arm passes through a fiber optics and the other arm passes through a gas-filled region, and uses interferometry to detect density changes in a gas when charged particles pass through it. The gas-filled region of the detector is subjected to a high electric field and as a charged particle traverses this gas region electrons are freed from the cathode and accelerated so as to generate an electron avalanche which is collected on the anode. The gas density is effected by the electron avalanche formation and if the index or refraction is proportional to the gas density the index will change accordingly. The detector uses this index change by modulating the one arm of the split light beam passing through the gas, with respect to the other arm that is passed through the fiber optic. Upon recombining of the beams, interference fringe changes as a function of the index change indicates the passage of charged particles through the gaseous medium.

  18. Physical and optical studies of BaO-TeO2-TiO2-B2O3 glasses containing Cu2+ transition metal ion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Srinivas, B.; Kumar, R. Vijaya; Hameed, Abdul; Sagar, D. Karuna; Chary, M. Narasimha; Shareefuddin, Md.

    2018-05-01

    Glasses with the composition xBaO-(30-x) TeO2-10TiO2-59B2O3-1CuO (where x = 10, 15, 20 and 25 mole %) were prepared by melt quenching technique. The XRD studies were made on these glass samples at room temperature. The amorphous nature of the glass samples was confirmed from the XRD patterns. The physical parameters such as density (ρ), molar volume (Vm), average boron-boron separation (dB-B) and oxygen packing density (OPD) were calculated. The change in density and molar volume has been investigated in terms of the variation of BaO in the glass composition. The optical absorption spectra have been recorded at room temperature. The values of optical band gap have been estimated from the ASF and Tauc's methods. Both Tauc's and ASF methods have been showing progressively increasing indirect optical band gap values with the increase of BaO concentrations.

  19. Optical density and photonic efficiency of silica-supported TiO2 photocatalysts.

    PubMed

    Marugán, J; Hufschmidt, D; Sagawe, G; Selzer, V; Bahnemann, D

    2006-02-01

    Over the last years, many research groups have developed supported TiO2-based materials in order to improve the engineering applications of photocatalytic technologies. However, not many attempts have been made to evaluate the optical behavior of these materials. This work focuses on the study of the photonic efficiencies of silica-supported TiO2 photocatalysts following the photodegradation of dichloroacetic acid (DCA) as model compound. Catalysts with different types of silica support and titania loadings were tested and their activity was found to be in correlation with the results of the clusters size distribution of the TiO2 nanocrystals. The photonic efficiency of the supported photocatalysts depends extremely on the optical density of the solid suspensions. Influence of the textural properties of the support and the titania loading on the optical density as well as on the photonic efficiency of the materials are discussed. The dependence of the absorption of radiation by the suspension on the catalyst concentration is also analyzed.

  20. RESTORATION OF ATMOSPHERICALLY DEGRADED IMAGES. VOLUME 3.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    AERIAL CAMERAS, LASERS, ILLUMINATION, TRACKING CAMERAS, DIFFRACTION, PHOTOGRAPHIC GRAIN, DENSITY, DENSITOMETERS, MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS, OPTICAL SCANNING, SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, TURBULENCE, OPTICAL PROPERTIES, SATELLITE TRACKING SYSTEMS.

  1. Elves and associated electron density changes due to cloud-to-ground and in-cloud lightning discharges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marshall, R. A.; Inan, U. S.; Glukhov, V. S.

    2010-04-01

    A 3-D finite difference time domain model is used to simulate the lightning electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and its interaction with the lower ionosphere. Results agree with the frequently observed, doughnut-shaped optical signature of elves but show that the structure exhibits asymmetry due to the presence of Earth's ambient magnetic field. Furthermore, in-cloud (horizontal) lightning channels produce observable optical emissions without the doughnut shape and, in fact, produce a much stronger optical output for the same channel current. Electron density perturbations associated with elves are also calculated, with contributions from attachment and ionization. Results presented as a function of parameters such as magnetic field direction, dipole current orientation, altitude and amplitude, and ambient ionospheric density profile demonstrate the highly nonlinear nature of the EMP-ionosphere interaction. Ionospheric effects of a sequence of in-cloud discharges are calculated, simulating a burst of in-cloud lightning activity and resulting in large density changes in the overlying ionosphere.

  2. Anisotropic high-harmonic generation in bulk crystals

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

    You, Yong Sing; Reis, David A.; Ghimire, Shambhu

    2016-11-21

    The microscopic valence electron density determines the optical, electronic, structural and thermal properties of materials. However, current techniques for measuring this electron charge density are limited: for example, scanning tunnelling microscopy is confined to investigations at the surface, and electron diffraction requires very thin samples to avoid multiple scattering. Therefore, an optical method is desirable for measuring the valence charge density of bulk materials. Since the discovery of high-harmonic generation (HHG) in solids, there has been growing interest in using HHG to probe the electronic structure of solids. Here, using single-crystal MgO, we demonstrate that high-harmonic generation in solids ismore » sensitive to interatomic bonding. We find that harmonic efficiency is enhanced (diminished) for semi-classical electron trajectories that connect (avoid) neighbouring atomic sites in the crystal. Finally, these results indicate the possibility of using materials’ own electrons for retrieving the interatomic potential and thus the valence electron density, and perhaps even wavefunctions, in an all-optical setting.« less

  3. On the Geometrical Optics Approach in the Theory of Freely-Localized Microwave Gas Breakdown

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shapiro, Michael; Schaub, Samuel; Hummelt, Jason; Temkin, Richard; Semenov, Vladimir

    2015-11-01

    Large filamentary arrays of high pressure gas microwave breakdown have been experimentally studied at MIT using a 110 GHz, 1.5 MW pulsed gyrotron. The experiments have been modeled by other groups using numerical codes. The plasma density distribution in the filaments can be as well analytically calculated using the geometrical optics approach neglecting plasma diffusion. The field outside the filament is a solution of an inverse electromagnetic problem. The solutions are found for the cylindrical and spherical filaments and for the multi-layered planar filaments with a finite plasma density at the boundaries. We present new results of this theory showing a variety of filaments with complex shapes. The solutions for plasma density distribution are found with a zero plasma density at the boundary of the filament. Therefore, to solve the inverse problem within the geometrical optics approximation, it can be assumed that there is no reflection from the filament. The results of this research are useful for modeling future MIT experiments.

  4. Direct mapping of local redox current density on a monolith electrode by laser scanning.

    PubMed

    Lee, Seung-Woo; Lopez, Jeffrey; Saraf, Ravi F

    2013-09-15

    An optical method of mapping local redox reaction over a monolith electrode using simple laser scanning is described. As the optical signal is linearly proportional to the maximum redox current that is measured concomitantly by voltammetry, the optical signal quantitatively maps the local redox current density distribution. The method is demonstrated on two types of reactions: (1) a reversible reaction where the redox moieties are ionic, and (2) an irreversible reaction on two different types of enzymes immobilized on the electrode where the reaction moieties are nonionic. To demonstrate the scanning capability, the local redox behavior on a "V-shaped" electrode is studied where the local length scale and, hence, the local current density, is nonuniform. The ability to measure the current density distribution by this method will pave the way for multianalyte analysis on a monolith electrode using a standard three-electrode configuration. The method is called Scanning Electrometer for Electrical Double-layer (SEED). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. The Low Density Matter (LDM) beamline at FERMI: optical layout and first commissioning.

    PubMed

    Svetina, Cristian; Grazioli, Cesare; Mahne, Nicola; Raimondi, Lorenzo; Fava, Claudio; Zangrando, Marco; Gerusina, Simone; Alagia, Michele; Avaldi, Lorenzo; Cautero, Giuseppe; de Simone, Monica; Devetta, Michele; Di Fraia, Michele; Drabbels, Marcel; Feyer, Vitaliy; Finetti, Paola; Katzy, Raphael; Kivimäki, Antti; Lyamayev, Viktor; Mazza, Tommaso; Moise, Angelica; Möller, Thomas; O'Keeffe, Patrick; Ovcharenko, Yevheniy; Piseri, Paolo; Plekan, Oksana; Prince, Kevin C; Sergo, Rudi; Stienkemeier, Frank; Stranges, Stefano; Coreno, Marcello; Callegari, Carlo

    2015-05-01

    The Low Density Matter (LDM) beamline has been built as part of the FERMI free-electron laser (FEL) facility to serve the atomic, molecular and cluster physics community. After the commissioning phase, it received the first external users at the end of 2012. The design and characterization of the LDM photon transport system is described, detailing the optical components of the beamline.

  6. An Optical Trap for Relativistic Plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Ping

    2002-11-01

    Optical traps have achieved remarkable success recently in confining ultra-cold matter.Traps capable of confining ultra-hot matter, or plasma, have also been built for applications such as basic plasma research and thermonuclear fusion. For instance, low-density plasmas with temperature less than 1 keV have been confined with static magnetic fields in Malmberg-Penning traps. Low-density 10-50 keV plasmas are confined in magnetic mirrors and tokamaks. High density plasmas have been trapped in optical traps with kinetic energies up to 10 keV [J. L. Chaloupka and D. D. Meyerhofer, Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 4538 (1999)]. We present the results of experiment, theory and numerical simulation on an optical trap capable of confining relativistic plasma. A stationary interference grating with submicron spacing is created when two high-power (terawatt) laser pulses of equal wavelength (1-micron) are focused from orthogonal directions to the same point in space and time in high density underdense plasma. Light pressure gradients bunch electrons into sheets located at the minima of the interference pattern. The density of the bunched electrons is found to be up to ten times the background density, which is orders-of-magnitude above that previously reported for other optical traps or plasma waves. The amplitudes and frequencies of multiple satellites in the scattered spectrum also indicate the presence of a highly nonlinear ion wave and an electron temperature about 100 keV. Energy transfer from the stronger beam to the weaker beam is also observed. Potential applications include a test-bed for detailed studies of relativistic nonlinear scattering, a positron source and an electrostatic wiggler. This research is also relevant to fast igniter fusion or ion acceleration experiments, in which laser pulses with intensities comparable to those used in the experiment may also potentially beat [Y. Sentoku, et al., Appl. Phys. B 74, 207215 (2002)]. The details of a specific application, the injection of electrons into laser-driven plasma waves, will also be presented. With crossed beams, the energy of a laser-accelerated electron beam is increased and its emittance is decreased compared with a single beam, potentially paving the way towards an all-optical monoenergetic electron injector.

  7. Guiding supersonic projectiles using optically generated air density channels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johnson, Luke A.; Sprangle, Phillip

    2015-09-01

    We investigate the feasibility of using optically generated channels of reduced air density to provide trajectory correction (guiding) for a supersonic projectile. It is shown that the projectile experiences a force perpendicular to its direction of motion as one side of the projectile passes through a channel of reduced air density. A single channel of reduced air density can be generated by the energy deposited from filamentation of an intense laser pulse. We propose changing the laser pulse energy from shot-to-shot to build longer effective channels. Current femtosecond laser systems with multi-millijoule pulses could provide trajectory correction of several meters on 5 km trajectories for sub-kilogram projectiles traveling at Mach 3.

  8. Combined advanced finishing and UV laser conditioning process for producing damage resistant optics

    DOEpatents

    Menapace, Joseph A.; Peterson, John E.; Penetrante, Bernardino M.; Miller, Philip E.; Parham, Thomas G.; Nichols, Michael A.

    2005-07-26

    A method for reducing the density of sites on the surface of fused silica optics that are prone to the initiation of laser-induced damage, resulting in optics which have far fewer catastrophic defects, and are better capable of resisting optical deterioration upon exposure to a high-power laser beam.

  9. Computer programs simplify optical system analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1965-01-01

    The optical ray-trace computer program performs geometrical ray tracing. The energy-trace program calculates the relative monochromatic flux density on a specific target area. This program uses the ray-trace program as a subroutine to generate a representation of the optical system.

  10. Optoelectronics of inverted type-I CdS/CdSe core/crown quantum ring

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bose, Sumanta; Fan, Weijun; Zhang, Dao Hua

    2017-10-01

    Inverted type-I heterostructure core/crown quantum rings (QRs) are quantum-efficient luminophores, whose spectral characteristics are highly tunable. Here, we study the optoelectronic properties of type-I core/crown CdS/CdSe QRs in the zincblende phase—over contrasting lateral size and crown width. For this, we inspect their strain profiles, transition energies, transition matrix elements, spatial charge densities, electronic bandstructures, band-mixing probabilities, optical gain spectra, maximum optical gains, and differential optical gains. Our framework uses an effective-mass envelope function theory based on the 8-band k ṡ p method employing the valence force field model for calculating the atomic strain distributions. The gain calculations are based on the density-matrix equation and take into consideration the excitonic effects with intraband scattering. Variations in the QR lateral size and relative widths of core and crown (ergo the composition) affect their energy levels, band-mixing probabilities, optical transition matrix elements, emission wavelengths/intensities, etc. The optical gain of QRs is also strongly dimension and composition dependent with further dependency on the injection carrier density causing the band-filling effect. They also affect the maximum and differential gain at varying dimensions and compositions.

  11. An FPGA design of generalized low-density parity-check codes for rate-adaptive optical transport networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zou, Ding; Djordjevic, Ivan B.

    2016-02-01

    Forward error correction (FEC) is as one of the key technologies enabling the next-generation high-speed fiber optical communications. In this paper, we propose a rate-adaptive scheme using a class of generalized low-density parity-check (GLDPC) codes with a Hamming code as local code. We show that with the proposed unified GLDPC decoder architecture, a variable net coding gains (NCGs) can be achieved with no error floor at BER down to 10-15, making it a viable solution in the next-generation high-speed fiber optical communications.

  12. Nonequilibrium optical conductivity: General theory and application to transient phases

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kennes, D. M.; Wilner, E. Y.; Reichman, D. R.; Millis, A. J.

    2017-08-01

    A nonequilibrium theory of optical conductivity of dirty-limit superconductors and commensurate charge density wave is presented. We discuss the current response to different experimentally relevant light-field probe pulses and show that a single frequency definition of the optical conductivity σ (ω )≡j (ω )/E (ω ) is difficult to interpret out of the adiabatic limit. We identify characteristic time-domain signatures distinguishing between superconducting, normal-metal, and charge density wave states. We also suggest a route to directly address the instantaneous superfluid stiffness of a superconductor by shaping the probe light field.

  13. A comparison of the imaging characteristics of the new Kodak Hyper Speed G film with the current T-MAT G/RA film and the CR 9000 system.

    PubMed

    Monnin, P; Gutierrez, D; Bulling, S; Lepori, D; Verdun, F R

    2005-10-07

    Three standard radiation qualities (RQA 3, RQA 5 and RQA 9) and two screens, Kodak Lanex Regular and Insight Skeletal, were used to compare the imaging performance and dose requirements of the new Kodak Hyper Speed G and the current Kodak T-MAT G/RA medical x-ray films. The noise equivalent quanta (NEQ) and detective quantum efficiencies (DQE) of the four screen-film combinations were measured at three gross optical densities and compared with the characteristics for the Kodak CR 9000 system with GP (general purpose) and HR (high resolution) phosphor plates. The new Hyper Speed G film has double the intrinsic sensitivity of the T-MAT G/RA film and a higher contrast in the high optical density range for comparable exposure latitude. By providing both high sensitivity and high spatial resolution, the new film significantly improves the compromise between dose and image quality. As expected, the new film has a higher noise level and a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the standard film, although in the high frequency range this is compensated for by a better resolution, giving better DQE results--especially at high optical density. Both screen-film systems outperform the phosphor plates in terms of MTF and DQE for standard imaging conditions (Regular screen at RQA 5 and RQA 9 beam qualities). At low energy (RQA 3), the CR system has a comparable low-frequency DQE to screen-film systems when used with a fine screen at low and middle optical densities, and a superior low-frequency DQE at high optical density.

  14. Microgravity alters the physiological characteristics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 35150, ATCC 43889, and ATCC 43895 under different nutrient conditions.

    PubMed

    Kim, H W; Matin, A; Rhee, M S

    2014-04-01

    The aim of this study is to provide understanding of microgravity effects on important food-borne bacteria, Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 35150, ATCC 43889, and ATCC 43895, cultured in nutrient-rich or minimal medium. Physiological characteristics, such as growth (measured by optical density and plating), cell morphology, and pH, were monitored under low-shear modeled microgravity (LSMMG; space conditions) and normal gravity (NG; Earth conditions). In nutrient-rich medium, all strains except ATCC 35150 showed significantly higher optical density after 6 h of culture under LSMMG conditions than under NG conditions (P < 0.05). LSMMG-cultured cells were approximately 1.8 times larger than NG-cultured cells at 24 h; therefore, it was assumed that the increase in optical density was due to the size of individual cells rather than an increase in the cell population. The higher pH of the NG cultures relative to that of the LSMMG cultures suggests that nitrogen metabolism was slower in the latter. After 24 h of culturing in minimal media, LSMMG-cultured cells had an optical density 1.3 times higher than that of NG-cultured cells; thus, the higher optical density in the LSMMG cultures may be due to an increase in both cell size and number. Since bacteria actively grew under LSMMG conditions in minimal medium despite the lower pH, it is of some concern that LSMMG-cultured E. coli O157:H7 may be able to adapt well to acidic environments. These changes may be caused by changes in nutrient metabolism under LSMMG conditions, although this needs to be demonstrated in future studies.

  15. Predicting Intra-Urban Population Densities in Africa using SAR and Optical Remote Sensing Data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Linard, C.; Steele, J.; Forget, Y.; Lopez, J.; Shimoni, M.

    2017-12-01

    The population of Africa is predicted to double over the next 40 years, driving profound social, environmental and epidemiological changes within rapidly growing cities. Estimations of within-city variations in population density must be improved in order to take urban heterogeneities into account and better help urban research and decision making, especially for vulnerability and health assessments. Satellite remote sensing offers an effective solution for mapping settlements and monitoring urbanization at different spatial and temporal scales. In Africa, the urban landscape is covered by slums and small houses, where the heterogeneity is high and where the man-made materials are natural. Innovative methods that combine optical and SAR data are therefore necessary for improving settlement mapping and population density predictions. An automatic method was developed to estimate built-up densities using recent and archived optical and SAR data and a multi-temporal database of built-up densities was produced for 48 African cities. Geo-statistical methods were then used to study the relationships between census-derived population densities and satellite-derived built-up attributes. Best predictors were combined in a Random Forest framework in order to predict intra-urban variations in population density in any large African city. Models show significant improvement of our spatial understanding of urbanization and urban population distribution in Africa in comparison to the state of the art.

  16. Systematic investigation of structural, electronic, optical and thermal properties of ternary MoAlB; an ab initio approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rajpoot, Priyanka; Rastogi, Anugya; Verma, U. P.

    2018-02-01

    Structural, electronic, optical and thermal properties of molybdenum aluminum boride (MoAlB) have been analyzed systematically using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method based on density functional theory at ambient condition as well as high pressure and high temperature. Density of states and band structure calculation reflect the metallic character of MoAlB. In addition to this, the electron charge density calculation reveals the strong covalent bonding, in between ‘B’ atoms as well as ‘Mo’ and ‘B’ atoms. Optical parameters exhibit anisotropic nature and MoAlB become transparent in ultraviolet region for the radiation of energy above 25 eV. The thermal properties were investigated by using the quasi-harmonic Debye model at high temperature and high pressure.

  17. Application Of Optical Processing For Growth Of Silicon Dioxide

    DOEpatents

    Sopori, Bhushan L.

    1997-06-17

    A process for producing a silicon dioxide film on a surface of a silicon substrate. The process comprises illuminating a silicon substrate in a substantially pure oxygen atmosphere with a broad spectrum of visible and infrared light at an optical power density of from about 3 watts/cm.sup.2 to about 6 watts/cm.sup.2 for a time period sufficient to produce a silicon dioxide film on the surface of the silicon substrate. An optimum optical power density is about 4 watts/cm.sup.2 for growth of a 100.ANG.-300.ANG. film at a resultant temperature of about 400.degree. C. Deep level transient spectroscopy analysis detects no measurable impurities introduced into the silicon substrate during silicon oxide production and shows the interface state density at the SiO.sub.2 /Si interface to be very low.

  18. Theoretical and experimental study of a laser-diode-pumped actively Q-switched Yb:NaY(WO4)2 laser with acoustic-optic modulator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Haikun; Xia, Wei; Song, Peng; Wang, Jing; Li, Xin

    2018-03-01

    A laser-diode-pumped actively Q-switched Yb:NaY(WO4)2 laser operating at around 1040 nm is presented for the first time with acoustic-optic modulator. The dependence of pulse width on incident pump power for different pulse repetition rates is measured. By considering the Guassian spatial distribution of the intracavity photon density and the initial population-inversion density as well as the longitudinal distribution of the photon density along the cavity axis and the turn off time of the acoustic-optic Q-switch, the coupled equations of the actively Q-switched Yb:NaY(WO4)2 laser are given. The coupled rate equations are used to simulate the Q-switched process of laser, and the numerical solutions agree with the experimental results.

  19. Spin-Wave Chirality and Its Manifestations in Antiferromagnets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Proskurin, Igor; Stamps, Robert L.; Ovchinnikov, Alexander S.; Kishine, Jun-ichiro

    2017-10-01

    As first demonstrated by Tang and Cohen in chiral optics, the asymmetry in the rate of electromagnetic energy absorption between left and right enantiomers is determined by an optical chirality density. Here, we demonstrate that this effect can exist in magnetic spin systems. By constructing a formal analogy with electrodynamics, we show that in antiferromagnets with broken chiral symmetry, the asymmetry in local spin-wave energy absorption is proportional to a spin-wave chirality density, which is a direct counterpart of optical zilch. We propose that injection of a pure spin current into an antiferromagnet may serve as a chiral symmetry breaking mechanism, since its effect in the spin-wave approximation can be expressed in terms of additional Lifshitz invariants. We use linear response theory to show that the spin current induces a nonequilibrium spin-wave chirality density.

  20. Ultra-wide-range measurements of thin-film filter optical density over the visible and near-infrared spectrum.

    PubMed

    Lequime, Michel; Liukaityte, Simona; Zerrad, Myriam; Amra, Claude

    2015-10-05

    We present the improved structure and operating principle of a spectrophotometric mean that allows us for the recording of the transmittance of a thin-film filter over an ultra-wide range of optical densities (from 0 to 11) between 400 and 1000 nm. The operation of this apparatus is based on the combined use of a high power supercontinuum laser source, a tunable volume hologram filter, a standard monochromator and a scientific grade CCD camera. The experimentally recorded noise floor is in good accordance with the optical density values given by the theoretical approach. A demonstration of the sensitivity gain provided by this new set-up with respect to standard spectrophotometric means is performed via the characterization of various types of filters (band-pass, long-pass, short-pass, and notch).

  1. Optical properties of an indium doped CdSe nanocrystal: A density functional approach

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

    Salini, K.; Mathew, Vincent, E-mail: vincent@cukerala.ac.in; Mathew, Thomas

    2016-05-06

    We have studied the electronic and optical properties of a CdSe nanocrystal doped with n-type impurity atom. First principle calculations of the CdSe nanocrystal based on the density functional theory (DFT), as implemented in the Vienna Ab Initio Simulation Package (VASP) was used in the calculations. We have introduced a single Indium impurity atom into CdSe nanocrystal with 1.3 nm diameter. Nanocrystal surface dangling bonds are passivated with hydrogen atom. The band-structure, density of states and absorption spectra of the doped and undopted nanocrystals were discussed. Inclusion of the n-type impurity atom introduces an additional electron in conduction band, and significantlymore » alters the electronic and optical properties of undoped CdSe nanocrystal. Indium doped CdSe nannocrystal have potential applications in optoelectronic devices.« less

  2. Individual Component Map of Rotatory Strength (ICM-RS) and Rotatory Strength Density (RSD) plots as analysis tools of circular dicroism spectra of complex systems.

    PubMed

    Chang, Le; Baseggio, Oscar; Sementa, Luca; Cheng, Daojian; Fronzoni, Giovanna; Toffoli, Daniele; Aprà, Edoardo; Stener, Mauro; Fortunelli, Alessandro

    2018-06-13

    We introduce Individual Component Maps of Rotatory Strength (ICM-RS) and Rotatory Strength Density (RSD) plots as analysis tools of chiro-optical linear response spectra deriving from time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) simulations. ICM-RS and RSD allow one to visualize the origin of chiro-optical response in momentum or real space, including signed contributions and therefore highlighting cancellation terms that are ubiquitous in chirality phenomena, and should be especially useful in analyzing the spectra of complex systems. As test cases, we use ICM-RS and RSD to analyze circular dichroism spectra of selected (Ag-Au)30(SR)18 monolayer-protected metal nanoclusters, showing the potential of the proposed tools to derive insight and understanding, and eventually rational design, in chiro-optical studies of complex systems.

  3. Color matches in diseased eyes with good acuity: detection of deficits in cone optical density and in chromatic discrimination

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Swanson, William H.; Fish, Gary E.

    1995-10-01

    Reduced foveal cone optical density in diseased eyes with normal acuity can affect color matches. Using field diameters of 1 deg, 2 deg, 4 deg, and 8 deg, we measured mean color-match midpoints and match widths in patients who had good acuity and who hereditary macular degeneration ( n=12 ), retinitis pigmentosa ( n=19 ), and glaucoma ( n=18 ). Results were compared with those for normal observers of comparable ages. Mean color-match midpoints were abnormal only for the population with hereditary macular degeneration, indicating a reduction in cone optical density in the central 4 deg. Mean color-match widths were enlarged for both hereditary macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, a result consistent with a reduction in the number of foveal cones. chromatic discrimination, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma.

  4. Correction to the Beer-Lambert-Bouguer law for optical absorption.

    PubMed

    Abitan, Haim; Bohr, Henrik; Buchhave, Preben

    2008-10-10

    The Beer-Lambert-Bouguer absorption law, known as Beer's law for absorption in an optical medium, is precise only at power densities lower than a few kW. At higher power densities this law fails because it neglects the processes of stimulated emission and spontaneous emission. In previous models that considered those processes, an analytical expression for the absorption law could not be obtained. We show here that by utilizing the Lambert W-function, the two-level energy rate equation model is solved analytically, and this leads into a general absorption law that is exact because it accounts for absorption as well as stimulated and spontaneous emission. The general absorption law reduces to Beer's law at low power densities. A criterion for its application is given along with experimental examples. (c) 2008 Optical Society of America

  5. Interchip link system using an optical wiring method.

    PubMed

    Cho, In-Kui; Ryu, Jin-Hwa; Jeong, Myung-Yung

    2008-08-15

    A chip-scale optical link system is presented with a transmitter/receiver and optical wire link. The interchip link system consists of a metal optical bench, a printed circuit board module, a driver/receiver integrated circuit, a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser/photodiode array, and an optical wire link composed of plastic optical fibers (POFs). We have developed a downsized POF and an optical wiring method that allows on-site installation with a simple annealing as optical wiring technologies for achieving high-density optical interchip interconnection within such devices. Successful data transfer measurements are presented.

  6. Reverse process of usual optical analysis of boson-exchange superconductors: impurity effects on s- and d-wave superconductors.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Jungseek

    2015-03-04

    We performed a reverse process of the usual optical data analysis of boson-exchange superconductors. We calculated the optical self-energy from two (MMP and MMP+peak) input model electron-boson spectral density functions using Allen's formula for one normal and two (s- and d-wave) superconducting cases. We obtained the optical constants including the optical conductivity and the dynamic dielectric function from the optical self-energy using an extended Drude model, and finally calculated the reflectance spectrum. Furthermore, to investigate impurity effects on optical quantities we added various levels of impurities (from the clean to the dirty limit) in the optical self-energy and performed the same reverse process to obtain the optical conductivity, the dielectric function, and reflectance. From these optical constants obtained from the reverse process we extracted the impurity-dependent superfluid densities for two superconducting cases using two independent methods (the Ferrel-Glover-Tinkham sum rule and the extrapolation to zero frequency of -ϵ1(ω)ω(2)); we found that a certain level of impurities is necessary to get a good agreement on results obtained by the two methods. We observed that impurities give similar effects on various optical constants of s- and d-wave superconductors; the greater the impurities the more distinct the gap feature and the lower the superfluid density. However, the s-wave superconductor gives the superconducting gap feature more clearly than the d-wave superconductor because in the d-wave superconductors the optical quantities are averaged over the anisotropic Fermi surface. Our results supply helpful information to see how characteristic features of the electron-boson spectral function and the s- and d-wave superconducting gaps appear in various optical constants including raw reflectance spectrum. Our study may help with a thorough understanding of the usual optical analysis process. Further systematic study of experimental data collected at various conditions using the optical analysis process will help to reveal the origin of the mediated boson in the boson-exchange superconductors.

  7. Influences of optical-spectrum errors on excess relative intensity noise in a fiber-optic gyroscope

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Yue; Zhang, Chunxi; Li, Lijing

    2018-03-01

    The excess relative intensity noise (RIN) generated from broadband sources degrades the angular-random-walk performance of a fiber-optic gyroscope dramatically. Many methods have been proposed and managed to suppress the excess RIN. However, the properties of the excess RIN under the influences of different optical errors in the fiber-optic gyroscope have not been systematically investigated. Therefore, it is difficult for the existing RIN-suppression methods to achieve the optimal results in practice. In this work, the influences of different optical-spectrum errors on the power spectral density of the excess RIN are theoretically analyzed. In particular, the properties of the excess RIN affected by the raised-cosine-type ripples in the optical spectrum are elaborately investigated. Experimental measurements of the excess RIN corresponding to different optical-spectrum errors are in good agreement with our theoretical analysis, demonstrating its validity. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the properties of the excess RIN under the influences of different optical-spectrum errors. Potentially, it can be utilized to optimize the configurations of the existing RIN-suppression methods by accurately evaluating the power spectral density of the excess RIN.

  8. Local variations in bone mineral density: a comparison of OCT versus x-ray micro-CT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ugryumova, Nadya; Stevens-Smith, Jenna; Scutt, Andrew; Matcher, Stephen J.

    2008-02-01

    We describe variations in the degree of mineralisation within the subchondral bone plate of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint. A comparison of Optical Coherence Tomography, Micro CT, and SEM techniques was performed. These data are compared between sites on a healthy sample and at points on an osteoarthritically degenerated sample. No significant correlation was found between the optical scattering coefficient and the micro-CT derived BMD for comparisons between different sites on the bone surface. Also OCT demonstrated a larger regional variation in scattering coefficient than did micro CT for bone mineral density. This suggests that the optical scattering coefficient of bone is not related solely to the volume-density of calcium-phosphate. Patches of lower optical scattering coefficient were found in the bone structure that was related to the osteoarthritic lesion area on the overlying cartilage. Areas of microcracking, as revealed by both SEM and micro CT produced distinctive granularity in the OCT images. In further experiments, OCT was compared with micro CT and mechanical strength testing (3-point bending) in a small animal model of cardiovascular disease (cholesterol overload in mice). In the cardiovascular diseased mice, micro-CT of the trabecular bone did not demonstrate a significant change in trabecular bone mineral density before and after administration of the high cholesterol diet. However mechanical testing demonstrated a decrease in mechanical strength and OCT demonstrated a corresponding statistically significant decrease in optical scattering of the bone.

  9. Low concentrator PV optics optimization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharp, Leonard; Chang, Ben

    2008-08-01

    Purpose: Cost reduction is a major focus of the solar industry. Thin film technologies and concentration systems are viable ways to reducing cost, with unique strengths and weakness for both. Most of the concentrating PV work focuses on high concentration systems for reducing energy cost. Meanwhile, many believe that low concentrators provide significant cost reduction potential while addressing the mainstream PV market with a product that acts as a flat panel replacement. This paper analyzes the relative benefit of asymmetric vs. symmetric optics for low-concentrators in light of specific PV applications. Approach: Symmetric and asymmetric concentrating PV module performance is evaluated using computer simulation to determine potential value across various geographic locations and applications. The selected optic design is modeled against standard cSi flat panels and thin film to determine application fit, system level energy density and economic value. Results: While symmetric designs may seem ideal, asymmetric designs have an advantage in energy density. Both designs are assessed for aperture, optimum concentration ratio, and ideal system array configuration. Analysis of performance across climate specific effects (diffuse, direct and circumsolar) and location specific effects (sunpath) are also presented. The energy density and energy production of low concentrators provide a compelling value proposition. More significantly, the choice of optics for a low concentrating design can affect real world performance. With the goal of maximizing energy density and return on investment, this paper presents the advantages of asymmetric optic concentration and illustrates the value of this design within specific PV applications.

  10. Readout characteristics of a minute aperture-mounted optical head slider flying above a submicron wide metal patterned medium track

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ohkubo, Toshifumi; Hirota, Terunao; Oumi, Manabu; Hirata, Masakazu; Nakajima, Kunio

    2004-10-01

    Advances in a digital network society require both higher densities and higher transfer rates in all sorts of storage devices. In optical recording, the trend toward higher recording density and larger storage capacity requires novel surface recording technologies that would drastically improve recording density. To satisfy these severe requirements, we have already proposed a compact integrated optical head slider assembly for proximity optical recording based on the "near field principle". Using the optical head slider, we have successfully demonstrated readout signals from 200 to 150-nm-long bit patterns at frequency bands up to approximately 10 MHz. However, from the practical point of view, it is quite necessary to evaluate readout signals from patterns of smaller (sub-micron to sub-sub-micron) track width in order to prove high-density recording potential. In this paper, we have investigated tracking accuracy characteristics utilizing sub-micron sized alternate patterns of 1-mm length formed in a straight line in the circumferential direction of the medium. Arranging precisely the head's relative position to these recorded patterns, we have successfully obtained readout signals just crossing the sub-micron line-and-space pattern's boundaries. Assuming that an aperture runs along an accurate trajectory of the arc of a circle, readout signal amplitude variations when crossing the pattern edge at a right angle have precisely predicted. Also, the influences of track width on maximum readout signal intensity and tracking sensitivity are discussed in detail.

  11. The Low Density Matter (LDM) beamline at FERMI: optical layout and first commissioning

    PubMed Central

    Svetina, Cristian; Grazioli, Cesare; Mahne, Nicola; Raimondi, Lorenzo; Fava, Claudio; Zangrando, Marco; Gerusina, Simone; Alagia, Michele; Avaldi, Lorenzo; Cautero, Giuseppe; de Simone, Monica; Devetta, Michele; Di Fraia, Michele; Drabbels, Marcel; Feyer, Vitaliy; Finetti, Paola; Katzy, Raphael; Kivimäki, Antti; Lyamayev, Viktor; Mazza, Tommaso; Moise, Angelica; Möller, Thomas; O’Keeffe, Patrick; Ovcharenko, Yevheniy; Piseri, Paolo; Plekan, Oksana; Prince, Kevin C.; Sergo, Rudi; Stienkemeier, Frank; Stranges, Stefano; Coreno, Marcello; Callegari, Carlo

    2015-01-01

    The Low Density Matter (LDM) beamline has been built as part of the FERMI free-electron laser (FEL) facility to serve the atomic, molecular and cluster physics community. After the commissioning phase, it received the first external users at the end of 2012. The design and characterization of the LDM photon transport system is described, detailing the optical components of the beamline. PMID:25931066

  12. Multi-Wavelength Based Optical Density Sensor for Autonomous Monitoring of Microalgae

    PubMed Central

    Jia, Fei; Kacira, Murat; Ogden, Kimberly L.

    2015-01-01

    A multi-wavelength based optical density sensor unit was designed, developed, and evaluated to monitor microalgae growth in real time. The system consisted of five main components including: (1) laser diode modules as light sources; (2) photodiodes as detectors; (3) driver circuit; (4) flow cell; and (5) sensor housing temperature controller. The sensor unit was designed to be integrated into any microalgae culture system for both real time and non-real time optical density measurements and algae growth monitoring applications. It was shown that the sensor unit was capable of monitoring the dynamics and physiological changes of the microalgae culture in real-time. Algae biomass concentration was accurately estimated with optical density measurements at 650, 685 and 780 nm wavelengths used by the sensor unit. The sensor unit was able to monitor cell concentration as high as 1.05 g·L−1 (1.51 × 108 cells·mL−1) during the culture growth without any sample preparation for the measurements. Since high cell concentrations do not need to be diluted using the sensor unit, the system has the potential to be used in industrial microalgae cultivation systems for real time monitoring and control applications that can lead to improved resource use efficiency. PMID:26364640

  13. Optical coherence tomography angiography retinal vascular network assessment in multiple sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Lanzillo, Roberta; Cennamo, Gilda; Criscuolo, Chiara; Carotenuto, Antonio; Velotti, Nunzio; Sparnelli, Federica; Cianflone, Alessandra; Moccia, Marcello; Brescia Morra, Vincenzo

    2017-09-01

    Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography is a new method to assess the density of the vascular networks. Vascular abnormalities are considered involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. To assess the presence of vascular abnormalities in MS and to evaluate their correlation to disease features. A total of 50 MS patients with and without history of optic neuritis (ON) and 46 healthy subjects were included. All underwent spectral domain (SD)-OCT and OCT angiography. Clinical history, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) and disease duration were collected. Angio-OCT showed a vessel density reduction in eyes of MS patients when compared to controls. A statistically significant reduction in all SD-OCT and OCT angiography parameters was noticed both in eyes with and without ON when compared with control eyes. We found an inverse correlation between SD-OCT parameters and MSSS ( p = 0.003) and between vessel density parameters and EDSS ( p = 0.007). We report a vessel density reduction in retina of MS patients. We highlight the clinical correlation between vessel density and EDSS, suggesting that angio-OCT could be a good marker of disease and of disability in MS.

  14. A novel method to create high density stratification with matching refractive index for optical flow investigations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krohn, Benedikt; Manera, Annalisa; Petrov, Victor

    2018-04-01

    Turbulent mixing in stratified environments represents a challenging task in experimental turbulence research, especially when large density gradients are desired. When optical measurement techniques like particle image velocimetry (PIV) are applied to stratified liquids, it is common practice to combine two aqueous solutions with different density but equal refractive index, to suppress particle image deflections. While refractive image matching (RIM) has been developed in the late 1970s, the achieved limit of 4% density ratio was not rivalled up to day. In the present work, we report a methodology, based on the behavior of excess properties and their change in a multicomponent system while mixing, that allows RIM for solutions with higher density differences. The methodology is then successfully demonstrated using a ternary combination of water, isopropanol and glycerol, for which RIM in presence of a density ratio of 8.6% has been achieved. Qualitative PIV results of a turbulent buoyant jet with 8.6% density ratio are shown.

  15. REPRODUCIBILITY OF VESSEL DENSITY MEASUREMENT WITH OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN EYES WITH AND WITHOUT RETINOPATHY.

    PubMed

    You, Qisheng; Freeman, William R; Weinreb, Robert N; Zangwill, Linda; Manalastas, Patricia I C; Saunders, Luke J; Nudleman, Eric

    2017-08-01

    To determine the intravisit and intervisit reproducibility of optical coherence tomography angiography measurements of macular vessel density in eyes with and without retinal diseases. Fifteen healthy volunteers and 22 patients with retinal diseases underwent repeated optical coherence tomography angiography (Angiovue Imaging System, Optovue Inc) scans after pupil dilation on 2 separate visit days. For each visit day, the eyes were scanned twice. Vessel density defined as the proportion of vessel area with flowing blood over the total measurement area was calculated using Angiovue software. Intravisit and intervisit reproducibility were summarized as coefficient of variations and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated from variance component models. The coefficient of variations representing the intravisit reproducibility of the superficial macular vessel density measurements for different quadrants on 3 mm × 3-mm scans varied from 2.1% to 4.9% and 3.4% to 6.8% for healthy and diseased eyes, respectively, and for the intervisit it was 2.9% to 5.1% and 4.0% to 6.8%, respectively. The coefficient of variations were lower in healthy eyes than in diseased eyes, lower for intravisit than for intervisit, lower on 3 mm × 3-mm scans than on 6 mm × 6-mm scans, and lower for paracentral subfields than for central subfield. The evidence presented here demonstrates good reproducibility of optical coherence tomography angiography for measurement of superficial macula vessel density in both healthy eyes and eyes with diabetic retinopathy without diabetic macular edema.

  16. Electrical and Optical Characteristics of Undoped and Se-Doped Bi2S3 Transistors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kilcoyne, Colin; Alsaqqa, Ali; Rahman, Ajara A.; Whittaker-Brooks, Luisa; Sambandamurthy, G.

    Semiconducting chalcogenides have been drawing increased attention due to their interesting physical properties, especially in low dimensional structures. Bi2S3 has demonstrated a high optical absorption coefficient, a large bulk mobility, small bandgap, high Seebeck coefficient, and low thermal conductivity. These properties make it a good candidate for optical, electric and thermoelectric applications. However, control over the electrical properties for enhanced thermoelectric performance and optical applications is desired. We present electrical transport and optical properties from individual nanowire and few-layer transistors of single crystalline undoped and Se-doped Bi2S3-xSex. All devices exhibit n-type semiconducting behavior and the ON/OFF ratio, mobility, and conductivity noise behavior are studied as functions of dopant concentration, temperature, and charge carrier density in different conduction regimes. The roles of dopant driven scattering mechanisms and mobility/carrier density fluctuations will be discussed. The potential for this series of materials as optical and electrical switches will be presented. NSF DMR.

  17. Sense and nonsense of logic-level optical interconnect: reflections on an experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Van Campenhout, Jan M.; Brunfaut, Marnik; Meeus, Wim; Dambre, Joni; De Wilde, Michiel

    2001-12-01

    Centimeter-range high-density optical interconnect between chips is coming into reach with current optical interconnect technology. Many theoretical studies have identified several good reasons why to use such types of interconnect as a replacement of various layers of the traditional electronic interconnect hierarchy. However, the true feasibility and usefulness of optical interconnects can only be established by actually building and evaluating them in a real system setting. This contribution reports on our experience in using short-range high-density optical inter-chip interconnects. It is based on the design and construction of a fully functional optoelectronic demonstrator system. We discuss the rationale for building the demonstrator in the first place, the implications of using many low-level optical interconnections in electronic systems, and the degree to which our expectations have been fulfilled by the demonstrator. The detailed description of the architecture, design and implementation of the demonstrator is not presented here, but can be found elsewhere in this issue.

  18. Spectral ellipsometry studying of iron's optical and electronic properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chernukha, Yevheniia; Stashchuk, Vasyl S.; Polianska, Olena; Oshtuk, Olexsandr

    2014-05-01

    Fe's optical and electronic properties were investigated at room temperature in different structural states. The sample's surface was explored in wide spectral range λ = 0,23-17,0 μm (E = 4,96 - 0,07 еV ) by the Beatty's spectral ellipsometry method. While an experiment was carried out ellipsometry parameters Δ and ψ were measure near the principal angle of incidence. The refraction index R , permittivity Ɛ and optical conductivity σ( hν ) , that is proportional to the interband density of electronic states, were calculated using these parameters. Fe's optical conductivities in liquid, amorphous and crystalline states were compared in this work. The optical conductivity was calculated using the published data of the iron's density of electronic states in crystalline, amorphous and liquid states for the comparison of the experimental and theoretical results. It is shown that, at structural transformations "amorphous, liquid state- crystalline state", the optical properties of metallic iron are determined, in the first turn, by the nearest neighborhood, and the electronic structure is not subjected to significant modifications.

  19. Non-linear glasses and metaglasses for photonics, a review: Part II. Kerr nonlinearity and metaglasses of positive and negative refraction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Romaniuk, Ryszard S.

    2008-01-01

    This is the second part of a paper on nonlinear properties of optical glasses and metaglasses. A subject of the paper is a review of the basic properties of several families of high optical quality glasses for photonics. The emphasis is put on nonlinear properties of these glasses, including nonlinearities of higher order. Nonlinear effects were debated and systematized. Interactions between optical wave of high power density with glass were described. All parameters of the glass increasing the optical nonlinearities were categorized. Optical nonlinearities in glasses were grouped into the following categories: time and frequency domain, amplitude and phase, resonant and non-resonant, elastic and inelastic, lossy and lossless, reversible and irreversible, instant and slow, adiabatic and non-adiabatic, with virtual versus real excitation of glass, destroying and non-destroying, etc. Nonlinear effects in glasses are based on the following effects: optical, thermal, mechanical and/or acoustic, electrical, magnetic, density and refraction modulation, chemical, etc.

  20. Measurements of neutral helium density in helicon plasmas.

    PubMed

    Houshmandyar, Saeid; Sears, Stephanie H; Thakur, Saikat Chakraborty; Carr, Jerry; Galante, Matthew E; Scime, Earl E

    2010-10-01

    Laser-induced-fluorescence (LIF) is used to measure the density of helium atoms in a helicon plasma source. For a pump wavelength of 587.725 nm (vacuum) and laser injection along the magnetic field, the LIF signal exhibits a signal decrease at the Doppler shifted central wavelength. The drop in signal results from the finite optical depth of the plasma and the magnitude of the decrease is proportional to the density of excited state neutral atoms. Using Langmuir probe measurements of plasma density and electron temperature and a collisional-radiative model, the absolute ground state neutral density is calculated from the optical depth measurements. Optimal plasma performance, i.e., the largest neutral depletion on the axis of the system, is observed for antenna frequencies of 13.0 and 13.5 MHz and magnetic field strengths of 550-600 G.

  1. An improved thin film approximation to accurately determine the optical conductivity of graphene from infrared transmittance

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

    Weber, J. W.; Bol, A. A.; Sanden, M. C. M. van de

    2014-07-07

    This work presents an improved thin film approximation to extract the optical conductivity from infrared transmittance in a simple yet accurate way. This approximation takes into account the incoherent reflections from the backside of the substrate. These reflections are shown to have a significant effect on the extracted optical conductivity and hence on derived parameters as carrier mobility and density. By excluding the backside reflections, the error for these parameters for typical chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene on a silicon substrate can be as high as 17% and 45% for the carrier mobility and density, respectively. For the mid- andmore » near-infrared, the approximation can be simplified such that the real part of the optical conductivity is extracted without the need for a parameterization of the optical conductivity. This direct extraction is shown for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) transmittance measurements of CVD graphene on silicon in the photon energy range of 370–7000 cm{sup −1}. From the real part of the optical conductivity, the carrier density, mobility, and number of graphene layers are determined but also residue, originating from the graphene transfer, is detected. FTIR transmittance analyzed with the improved thin film approximation is shown to be a non-invasive, easy, and accurate measurement and analysis method for assessing the quality of graphene and can be used for other 2-D materials.« less

  2. Holographic memory for high-density data storage and high-speed pattern recognition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gu, Claire

    2002-09-01

    As computers and the internet become faster and faster, more and more information is transmitted, received, and stored everyday. The demand for high density and fast access time data storage is pushing scientists and engineers to explore all possible approaches including magnetic, mechanical, optical, etc. Optical data storage has already demonstrated its potential in the competition against other storage technologies. CD and DVD are showing their advantages in the computer and entertainment market. What motivated the use of optical waves to store and access information is the same as the motivation for optical communication. Light or an optical wave has an enormous capacity (or bandwidth) to carry information because of its short wavelength and parallel nature. In optical storage, there are two types of mechanism, namely localized and holographic memories. What gives the holographic data storage an advantage over localized bit storage is the natural ability to read the stored information in parallel, therefore, meeting the demand for fast access. Another unique feature that makes the holographic data storage attractive is that it is capable of performing associative recall at an incomparable speed. Therefore, volume holographic memory is particularly suitable for high-density data storage and high-speed pattern recognition. In this paper, we review previous works on volume holographic memories and discuss the challenges for this technology to become a reality.

  3. Optical Coherence Tomography Identifies Lower Labial Salivary Gland Surface Density in Cystic Fibrosis

    PubMed Central

    Nowak, Jan K.; Grulkowski, Ireneusz; Karnowski, Karol; Wojtkowski, Maciej; Walkowiak, Jaroslaw

    2015-01-01

    The labial minor salivary glands (LSGs) are easily accessible mucus-secreting structures of the alimentary tract that may provide new information on the basis of gastrointestinal complications of cystic fibrosis (CF). It was shown that they are destructed in the course of cystic fibrosis. We employed wide-field, micrometer resolution in vivo optical coherence tomography to assess the surface density of LSGs in 18 patients with CF and 18 healthy subjects. The median LSGs’ surface densities in CF patients, and in the control group were 4.32 glands/cm2 and 6.58 glands/cm2, respectively (p = 0.006; Mann-Whitney U test). A lower LSG surface density is a previously unrecognized CF-related pathology of the alimentary tract. PMID:25622042

  4. Microscopic few-body and Gaussian-shaped density distributions for the analysis of the 6He exotic nucleus with different target nuclei

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aygun, M.; Kucuk, Y.; Boztosun, I.; Ibraheem, Awad A.

    2010-12-01

    The elastic scattering angular distributions of 6He projectile on different medium and heavy mass target nuclei including 12C, 27Al, 58Ni, 64Zn, 65Cu, 197Au, 208Pb and 209Bi have been examined by using the few-body and Gaussian-shaped density distributions at various energies. The microscopic real parts of the complex nuclear optical potential have been obtained by using the double-folding model for each of the density distributions and the phenomenological imaginary potentials have been taken as the Woods-Saxon type. Comparative results of the few-body and Gaussian-shaped density distributions together with the experimental data are presented within the framework of the optical model.

  5. Reflective optical imaging system

    DOEpatents

    Shafer, David R.

    2000-01-01

    An optical system compatible with short wavelength (extreme ultraviolet) radiation comprising four reflective elements for projecting a mask image onto a substrate. The four optical elements are characterized in order from object to image as convex, concave, convex and concave mirrors. The optical system is particularly suited for step and scan lithography methods. The invention increases the slit dimensions associated with ringfield scanning optics, improves wafer throughput and allows higher semiconductor device density.

  6. Reflective optical imaging method and circuit

    DOEpatents

    Shafer, David R.

    2001-01-01

    An optical system compatible with short wavelength (extreme ultraviolet) radiation comprising four reflective elements for projecting a mask image onto a substrate. The four optical elements are characterized in order from object to image as convex, concave, convex and concave mirrors. The optical system is particularly suited for step and scan lithography methods. The invention increases the slit dimensions associated with ringfield scanning optics, improves wafer throughput and allows higher semiconductor device density.

  7. Electrical Transfer Function and Poling Mechanisms for Nonlinear Optical Polymer Modulators

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Watson, Michael Dale

    2004-01-01

    Electro-Optic Polymers hold great promise in increased electro-optic coefficients as compared to their inorganic corollaries. Many researchers have focused on quantum chemistry to describe how the dipoles respond to temperature and electric fields. Much work has also been done for single layer films to confirm these results. For optical applications, waveguide structures are utilized to guide the optical waves in 3 layer stacks. Electrode poling is the only practical poling method for these structures. This research takes an electrical engineering approach to develop poling models and electrical and optical transfer functions of the waveguide structure. The key aspect of the poling model is the large boundary charge density deposited during the poling process. The boundary charge density also has a large effect on the electrical transfer function which is used to explain the transient response of the system. These models are experimentally verified. Exploratory experiment design is used to study poling parameters including time, temperature, and voltage. These studies verify the poling conditions for CLDX/APC and CLDZ/APEC guest host electro optic polymer films in waveguide stacks predicted by the theoretical developments.

  8. Effect of strain on the electronic structure and optical properties of germanium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wen, Shumin; Zhao, Chunwang; Li, Jijun; Hou, Qingyu

    2018-05-01

    The effects of biaxial strain parallel to the (001) plane on the electronic structures and optical properties of Ge are calculated using the first-principles plane-wave pseudopotential method based on density functional theory. The screened-exchange local-density approximation function was used to obtain more reliable band structures, while strain was changed from ‑4% to +4%. The results show that the bandgap of Ge decreases with the increase of strain. Ge becomes a direct-bandgap semiconductor when the tensile strain reaches to 2%, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. The density of electron states of strained Ge becomes more localized. The tensile strain can increase the static dielectric constant distinctly, whereas the compressive strain can decrease the static dielectric constant slightly. The strain makes the absorption band edge move toward low energy. Both the tensile strain and compressive strain can significantly increase the reflectivity in the range from 7 eV to 14 eV. The tensile strain can decrease the optical conductivity, but the compressive strain can increase the optical conductivity significantly.

  9. Effect of lateral size and thickness on the electronic structure and optical properties of quasi two-dimensional CdSe and CdS nanoplatelets

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

    Bose, Sumanta; Fan, W. J., E-mail: ewjfan@ntu.edu.sg; Zhang, D. H.

    2016-04-14

    The effect of lateral size and vertical thickness of CdSe and CdS nanoplatelets (NPLs) on their electronic structure and optical properties are investigated using an effective-mass envelope function theory based on the 8-band k ⋅ p model with valence force field considerations. Volumetrically larger NPLs have lower photon emission energy due to limited quantum confinement, but a greater transition matrix element (TME) due to larger electron-hole wavefunction overlap. The optical gain characteristics depend on several factors such as TME, Fermi factor, carrier density, NPL dimensions, material composition, and dephasing rate. There is a red shift in the peak position, moremore » so with an increase in thickness than lateral size. For an increasing carrier density, the gain spectrum undergoes a slight blue shift due to band filling effect. For a fixed carrier density, the Fermi factor is higher for volumetrically larger NPLs and so is the difference between the quasi-Fermi level separation and the effective bandgap. The transparency injection carrier density (and thus input current density threshold) is dimension dependent and falls for volumetrically larger NPLs, as they can attain the requisite exciton count for transparency with a relatively lower density. Between CdSe and CdS, CdSe has lower emission energy due to smaller bandgap, but a higher TME due to lower effective mass. CdS, however, has a higher so hole contribution due to a lower spin-orbit splitting energy. Both CdSe and CdS NPLs are suitable candidates for short-wavelength LEDs and lasers in the visible spectrum, but CdSe is expected to exhibit better optical performance.« less

  10. HIDEEP - an extragalactic blind survey for very low column-density neutral hydrogen

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Minchin, R. F.; Disney, M. J.; Boyce, P. J.; de Blok, W. J. G.; Parker, Q. A.; Banks, G. D.; Freeman, K. C.; Garcia, D. A.; Gibson, B. K.; Grossi, M.; Haynes, R. F.; Knezek, P. M.; Lang, R. H.; Malin, D. F.; Price, R. M.; Stewart, I. M.; Wright, A. E.

    2003-12-01

    We have carried out an extremely long integration time (9000 s beam-1) 21-cm blind survey of 60 deg2 in Centaurus using the Parkes multibeam system. We find that the noise continues to fall as throughout, enabling us to reach an HI column-density limit of 4.2 × 1018 cm-2 for galaxies with a velocity width of 200 km s-1 in the central 32 deg2 region, making this the deepest survey to date in terms of column density sensitivity. The HI data are complemented by very deep optical observations from digital stacking of multi-exposure UK Schmidt Telescope R-band films, which reach an isophotal level of 26.5 R mag arcsec-2 (~=27.5 B mag arcsec-2). 173 HI sources have been found, 96 of which have been uniquely identified with optical counterparts in the overlap area. There is not a single source without an optical counterpart. Although we have not measured the column densities directly, we have inferred them from the optical sizes of their counterparts. All appear to have a column density of NHI= 1020.65+/-0.38. This is at least an order of magnitude above our sensitivity limit, with a scatter only marginally larger than the errors on NHI. This needs explaining. If confirmed it means that HI surveys will only find low surface brightness (LSB) galaxies with high MHI/LB. Gas-rich LSB galaxies with lower HI mass to light ratios do not exist. The paucity of low column-density galaxies also implies that no significant population will be missed by the all-sky HI surveys being carried out at Parkes and Jodrell Bank.

  11. SU-F-T-10: Validation of ELP Dosimetry Using PRESAGE Dosimeter: Feasibility Test and Practical Considerations

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

    Lambson, K; Lafata, K; Miles, D

    Purpose: To validate the use of a PRESAGE dosimeter as a method to quantitatively measure dose distributions of injectable brachytherapy based on elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) nanoparticles. PRESAGE is a solid, transparent polyurethane-based dosimeter whose dose is proportional to a change in optical density, making it useful for visualizing the dose from a radionuclide-tagged-ELP injection. Methods: A PRESAGE dosimeter was designed to simulate an ELP injection. To calibrate, cuvette samples from the batch of PRESAGE were exposed to varying levels of radiation from 0–35.9Gy applied via a linear accelerator, then placed into a spectrophotometer to obtain the optical density change asmore » a function of dose. A pre-optical-CT scan was acquired of the phantom to obtain a baseline tomographic optical density. A 1cc saline solution of I-125 tagged-ELP with and activity concentration of 1mCi/cc was injected into the phantom and left for five days. After five days, the ELP was removed and the cavity cleaned of all remaining radioactive material. Post tomographic optical images were acquired to obtain a differential optical density dataset. Results: Initial results after the 5-day exposure revealed an opaque white film that resembled the volume of the ELP solution injected into the phantom. We think this is possibly due to the saline solution diffusing into the PRESAGE and causing a change in the index of refraction at this shallow depth. Therefore, initially the optical scanner yielded inconclusive results. After several more days, the saline seemed to have evaporated out of the injection site and the ELP dose distribution was visible via color change in the dosimeter. Conclusion: We have created the first experimental design to measure the dose distribution of I-125-tagged-ELP. The PRESAGE formulation proves to be a feasible option for such measurements. Future experimental measurements need to be obtained to further characterize ELP dosimetry.« less

  12. Demonstration of fully enabled data center subsystem with embedded optical interconnect

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pitwon, Richard; Worrall, Alex; Stevens, Paul; Miller, Allen; Wang, Kai; Schmidtke, Katharine

    2014-03-01

    The evolution of data storage communication protocols and corresponding in-system bandwidth densities is set to impose prohibitive cost and performance constraints on future data storage system designs, fuelling proposals for hybrid electronic and optical architectures in data centers. The migration of optical interconnect into the system enclosure itself can substantially mitigate the communications bottlenecks resulting from both the increase in data rate and internal interconnect link lengths. In order to assess the viability of embedding optical links within prevailing data storage architectures, we present the design and assembly of a fully operational data storage array platform, in which all internal high speed links have been implemented optically. This required the deployment of mid-board optical transceivers, an electro-optical midplane and proprietary pluggable optical connectors for storage devices. We present the design of a high density optical layout to accommodate the midplane interconnect requirements of a data storage enclosure with support for 24 Small Form Factor (SFF) solid state or rotating disk drives and the design of a proprietary optical connector and interface cards, enabling standard drives to be plugged into an electro-optical midplane. Crucially, we have also modified the platform to accommodate longer optical interconnect lengths up to 50 meters in order to investigate future datacenter architectures based on disaggregation of modular subsystems. The optically enabled data storage system has been fully validated for both 6 Gb/s and 12 Gb/s SAS data traffic conveyed along internal optical links.

  13. Electronic and Spectral Properties of RRhSn (R = Gd, Tb) Intermetallic Compounds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Knyazev, Yu. V.; Lukoyanov, A. V.; Kuz'min, Yu. I.; Gupta, S.; Suresh, K. G.

    2018-02-01

    The investigations of electronic structure and optical properties of GdRhSn and TbRhSn were carried out. The calculations of band spectrum, taking into account the spin polarization, were performed in a local electron density approximation with a correction for strong correlation effects in 4f shell of rare earth metal (LSDA + U method). The optical studies were done by ellipsometry in a wide range of wavelengths, and the set of spectral and electronic characteristics was determined. It was shown that optical absorption in a region of interband transitions has a satisfactory explanation within a scope of calculations of density of electronic states carried out.

  14. Fingertip-shaped optical tactile sensor for robotic applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Begej, Stefan

    1988-01-01

    Progress is described regarding the development of a high-density, fiber-optic, fingertip-shaped tactile sensor specifically designed for application to dexterous robotics. The sensor operates on optical principles involving the frustration of total internal reflection at a waveguide/elastomer interface and generates a grey-scale tactile image that represents the normal forces of contact. The sensor contains 256 taxels (sensing sites) distributed in a dual-density pattern that includes a tactile fovea near the tip which measures 13 mm x 13 mm and contains 169 taxels. The details regarding the design and construction of this tactile sensor are presented, in addition to photographs of tactile imprints.

  15. Optical properties of B12P2 crystals: Ab initio calculation and EELS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reshetniak, V. V.; Mavrin, B. N.; Medvedev, V. V.; Perezhogin, I. A.; Kulnitskiy, B. A.

    2018-05-01

    We report an experimental and theoretical investigation of the electronic structure and optical properties of B12P2 crystals in the energy range up to 60 eV. Experimental studies are performed by the method of electron energy loss spectroscopy, and theoretical studies are carried out using density functional theory and the GW approximation. The calculated dependence of the energy loss function is in agreement with the experiment. Based on the results of the calculations, we determine the optical properties of B12P2 crystals and investigate their anisotropy. The dispersion and density of electronic states are calculated and analyzed.

  16. A Novel Approach to the Sensing of Liquid Density Using a Plastic Optical Fibre Cantilever Beam

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kulkarni, Atul; Kim, Youngjin; Kim, Taesung

    2009-01-01

    This article reports for the first time the use of a plastic optical fibre (POF) cantilever beam to measure the density of a liquid. The sensor is based on the Archimedes buoyancy principle. The sensor consists of a POF bonded on the surface of a metal beam in the form of a cantilever configuration, and at the free end of the beam a displacer is…

  17. Coherent nonlinear optical studies of elementary processes in biological complexes: diagrammatic techniques based on the wave function versus the density matrix

    PubMed Central

    Biggs, Jason D.; Voll, Judith A.; Mukamel, Shaul

    2012-01-01

    Two types of diagrammatic approaches for the design and simulation of nonlinear optical experiments (closed-time path loops based on the wave function and double-sided Feynman diagrams for the density matrix) are presented and compared. We give guidelines for the assignment of relevant pathways and provide rules for the interpretation of existing nonlinear experiments in carotenoids. PMID:22753822

  18. Glow and Dust in Plasma Boundaries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Land, Victor; Douglass, Angela; Qiao, Ke; Zhang, Zhuanhao; Matthews, Lorin S.; Hyde, Truell

    2013-04-01

    The sheath region is probed in different complex plasma experiments using dust particles in addition to measurement of the optical emission originating from the plasma. The local maximum in optical emission coincides with the breaking of quasi-neutrality at the sheath boundary as indicated by the vertical force profile reconstructed from dust particle trajectories, as well as by the local onset of dust density waves in high density dust clouds suspended in a dielectric box.

  19. Electronic structures and magnetic/optical properties of metal phthalocyanine complexes

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

    Baba, Shintaro; Suzuki, Atsushi, E-mail: suzuki@mat.usp.ac.jp; Oku, Takeo

    2016-02-01

    Electronic structures and magnetic / optical properties of metal phthalocyanine complexes were studied by quantum calculations using density functional theory. Effects of central metal and expansion of π orbital on aromatic ring as conjugation system on the electronic structures, magnetic, optical properties and vibration modes of infrared and Raman spectra of metal phthalocyanines were investigated. Electron and charge density distribution and energy levels near frontier orbital and excited states were influenced by the deformed structures varied with central metal and charge. The magnetic parameters of chemical shifts in {sup 13}C-nuclear magnetic resonance ({sup 13}C-NMR), principle g-tensor, A-tensor, V-tensor of electricmore » field gradient and asymmetry parameters derived from the deformed structures with magnetic interaction of nuclear quadruple interaction based on electron and charge density distribution with a bias of charge near ligand under crystal field.« less

  20. The calibration of photographic and spectroscopic films: Reciprocity failure and thermal responses of IIaO film at liquid nitrogen temperatures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hammond, E. C., Jr.; Peters, K. A.; Gunther, S. O.; Cunningham, L. M.; Wright, D. D.

    1985-01-01

    Reciprocity failure was examined for IIaO spectroscopic film. The results indicate reciprocity failure occurs at three distinct minimum points in time; 15 min, 30 min and 90 min. The results are unique because theory suggests only one minimum reciprocity failure point should occur. When incubating 70mm IIaO film for 15 and 30 min at temperatures of 30, 40, 50, and 60 C and then placing in a liquid nitrogen bath at a temperature of -190 C the film demonstrated an increase of the optical density when developed at a warm-up time of 30 min. Longer warm-up periods of 1, 2 and 3 hrs yield a decrease in optical density of the darker wedge patterns; whereas, shorter warm-up times yield an overall increase in the optical densities.

  1. Adaptive focus for deep tissue using diffuse backscatter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kress, Jeremy; Pourrezaei, Kambiz

    2014-02-01

    A system integrating high density diffuse optical imaging with adaptive optics using MEMS for deep tissue interaction is presented. In this system, a laser source is scanned over a high density fiber bundle using Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) and channeled to a tissue phantom. Backscatter is then collected from the tissue phantom by a high density fiber array of different fiber type and channeled to CMOS sensor for image acquisition. Intensity focus is directly verified using a second CMOS sensor which measures intensity transmitted though the tissue phantom. A set of training patterns are displayed on the DMD and backscatter is numerically fit to the transmission intensity. After the training patterns are displayed, adaptive focus is performed using only the backscatter and fitting functions. Additionally, tissue reconstruction and prediction of interference focusing by photoacoustic and optical tomographic methods is discussed. Finally, potential NIR applications such as in-vivo adaptive neural photostimulation and cancer targeting are discussed.

  2. Application of optical processing for growth of silicon dioxide

    DOEpatents

    Sopori, B.L.

    1997-06-17

    A process for producing a silicon dioxide film on a surface of a silicon substrate is disclosed. The process comprises illuminating a silicon substrate in a substantially pure oxygen atmosphere with a broad spectrum of visible and infrared light at an optical power density of from about 3 watts/cm{sup 2} to about 6 watts/cm{sup 2} for a time period sufficient to produce a silicon dioxide film on the surface of the silicon substrate. An optimum optical power density is about 4 watts/cm{sup 2} for growth of a 100{angstrom}-300{angstrom} film at a resultant temperature of about 400 C. Deep level transient spectroscopy analysis detects no measurable impurities introduced into the silicon substrate during silicon oxide production and shows the interface state density at the SiO{sub 2}/Si interface to be very low. 1 fig.

  3. Electronic structure and optical property of boron doped semiconducting graphene nanoribbons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Aqing; Shao, Qingyi; Wang, Li; Deng, Feng

    2011-08-01

    We present a system study on the electronic structure and optical property of boron doped semiconducting graphene nanoribbons using the density functional theory. Energy band structure, density of states, deformation density, Mulliken popular and optical spectra are considered to show the special electronic structure of boron doped semiconducting graphene nanoribbons. The C-B bond form is discussed in detail. From our analysis it is concluded that the Fermi energy of boron doped semiconducting graphene nanoribbons gets lower than that of intrinsic semiconducting graphene nanoribbons. Our results also show that the boron doped semiconducting graphene nanoribbons behave as p-type semiconducting and that the absorption coefficient of boron doped armchair graphene nanoribbons is generally enhanced between 2.0 eV and 3.3 eV. Therefore, our results have a great significance in developing nano-material for fabricating the nano-photovoltaic devices.

  4. Air-mass flux measurement system using Doppler-shifted filtered Rayleigh scattering

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shirley, John A.; Winter, Michael

    1993-01-01

    An optical system has been investigated to measure mass flux distributions in the inlet of a high speed air-breathing propulsion system. Rayleigh scattered light from air is proportional to the number density of molecules and hence can be used to ascertain the gas density in a calibrated system. Velocity field measurements are achieved by spectrally filtering the elastically-scattered Doppler-shifted light with an absorbing molecular filter. A novel anamorphic optical collection system is used which allows optical rays from different scattering angles, that have different Doppler shifts, to be recorded separately. This is shown to obviate the need to tune the laser through the absorption to determine velocities, while retaining the ability to make spatially-resolved measurements along a line. By properly selecting the laser tuning and filter parameters, simultaneous density measurements can be made. These properties are discussed in the paper and experiments demonstrating the velocimetry capability are described.

  5. Longitudinal evidence for anterograde trans-synaptic degeneration after optic neuritis

    PubMed Central

    Goodkin, Olivia; Altmann, Daniel R.; Jenkins, Thomas M.; Miszkiel, Katherine; Mirigliani, Alessia; Fini, Camilla; Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott, Claudia A. M.; Thompson, Alan J.; Ciccarelli, Olga; Toosy, Ahmed T.

    2016-01-01

    Abstract In multiple sclerosis, microstructural damage of normal-appearing brain tissue is an important feature of its pathology. Understanding these mechanisms is vital to help develop neuroprotective strategies. The visual pathway is a key model to study mechanisms of damage and recovery in demyelination. Anterograde trans-synaptic degeneration across the lateral geniculate nuclei has been suggested as a mechanism of tissue damage to explain optic radiation abnormalities seen in association with demyelinating disease and optic neuritis, although evidence for this has relied solely on cross-sectional studies. We therefore aimed to assess: (i) longitudinal changes in the diffusion properties of optic radiations after optic neuritis suggesting trans-synaptic degeneration; (ii) the predictive value of early optic nerve magnetic resonance imaging measures for late optic radiations changes; and (iii) the impact on visual outcome of both optic nerve and brain post-optic neuritis changes. Twenty-eight consecutive patients with acute optic neuritis and eight healthy controls were assessed visually (logMAR, colour vision, and Sloan 1.25%, 5%, 25%) and by magnetic resonance imaging, at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Magnetic resonance imaging sequences performed (and metrics obtained) were: (i) optic nerve fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (optic nerve cross-sectional area); (ii) optic nerve proton density fast spin-echo (optic nerve proton density-lesion length); (iii) optic nerve post-gadolinium T 1 -weighted (Gd-enhanced lesion length); and (iv) brain diffusion-weighted imaging (to derive optic radiation fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity). Mixed-effects and multivariate regression models were performed, adjusting for age, gender, and optic radiation lesion load. These identified changes over time and associations between early optic nerve measures and 1-year global optic radiation/clinical measures. The fractional anisotropy in patients’ optic radiations decreased ( P = 0.018) and radial diffusivity increased ( P = 0.002) over 1 year following optic neuritis, whereas optic radiation measures were unchanged in controls. Also, smaller cross-sectional areas of affected optic nerves at 3 months post-optic neuritis predicted lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity at 1 year ( P = 0.007) in the optic radiations, whereas none of the inflammatory measures of the optic nerve predicted changes in optic radiations. Finally, greater Gd-enhanced lesion length at baseline and greater optic nerve proton density-lesion length at 1 year were associated with worse visual function at 1 year ( P = 0.034 for both). Neither the cross-sectional area of the affected optic nerve after optic neuritis nor the damage in optic radiations was associated with 1-year visual outcome. Our longitudinal study shows that, after optic neuritis, there is progressive damage to the optic radiations, greater in patients with early residual optic nerve atrophy, even after adjusting for optic radiation lesions. These findings provide evidence for trans-synaptic degeneration. PMID:26912640

  6. Multiple scattering and the density distribution of a Cs MOT.

    PubMed

    Overstreet, K; Zabawa, P; Tallant, J; Schwettmann, A; Shaffer, J

    2005-11-28

    Multiple scattering is studied in a Cs magneto-optical trap (MOT). We use two Abel inversion algorithms to recover density distributions of the MOT from fluorescence images. Deviations of the density distribution from a Gaussian are attributed to multiple scattering.

  7. Optical coherence tomography angiography indicates associations of the retinal vascular network and disease activity in multiple sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Feucht, Nikolaus; Maier, Mathias; Lepennetier, Gildas; Pettenkofer, Moritz; Wetzlmair, Carmen; Daltrozzo, Tanja; Scherm, Pauline; Zimmer, Claus; Hoshi, Muna-Miriam; Hemmer, Bernhard; Korn, Thomas; Knier, Benjamin

    2018-01-01

    Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) may show alterations of retinal layer architecture as measured by optical coherence tomography. Little is known about changes in the retinal vascular network during MS. To characterize retinal vessel structures in patients with MS and CIS and to test for associations with MS disease activity. In all, 42 patients with MS or CIS and 50 healthy controls underwent retinal optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) with analysis of the superficial and deep vascular plexuses and the choriocapillaries. We tested OCT-A parameters for associations with retinal layer volumes, history of optic neuritis (ON), and the retrospective disease activity. Inner retinal layer volumes correlated positively with the density of both the superficial and deep vascular plexuses. Eyes of MS/CIS patients with a history of ON revealed reduced vessel densities of the superficial and deep vascular plexuses as compared to healthy controls. Higher choriocapillary vessel densities were associated with ongoing inflammatory disease activity during 24 months prior to OCT-A examination in MS and CIS patients. Optic neuritis is associated with rarefaction of the superficial and deep retinal vessels. Alterations of the choriocapillaries might be linked to disease activity in MS.

  8. Investigation of Optical Nonlinearities in Bi-Doped Se-Te Chalcogenide Thin Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yadav, Preeti; Sharma, Ambika

    2015-03-01

    The present paper reports the nonlinear optical properties of chalcogenide Se85- x Te15Bi x (0 ≤ x ≤ 5) thin films. The formulation proposed by Boling, Fournier, and Snitzer and Tichy and Ticha has been used to compute the nonlinear refractive index n 2. The two-photon absorption coefficient β 2, and first- and third-order susceptibilities [ χ (1) and χ (3)] are also reported. The nonlinear refractive index n 2 is well correlated with the linear refractive index n and Wemple-DiDomenico (WDD) parameters, in turn depending on the density ρ and molar volume V m of the system. The density of the system is calculated experimentally by using Archimedes' principle. The linear optical parameters, viz. n, WDD parameters, and optical bandgap E g, are measured experimentally using ellipsometric curves obtained by spectrophotometry. The composition-dependent behavior of n 2 is analyzed on the basis of various parameters, viz. density, bond distribution, cohesive energy (CE), and optical bandgap E g, of the system. The variation of n 2 and β 2 with changing bandgap E g is also reported. The values of n 2 and χ (3) of the investigated chalcogenides are compared with those of pure silica, oxide, and other Se-based glasses.

  9. Measuring Viscoelastic Deformation with an Optical Mouse

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ng, T. W.

    2004-01-01

    The feasibility of using an optical mouse to track the viscoelastic deformation of low-density polyethylene films that have a fixed attached load is presented. It is seen that using an optical mouse and with rudimentary experiment paraphernalia and arrangement, it is possible to get good measurements of viscoelastic deformation.

  10. Agreement in Cone Density Derived from Gaze-Directed Single Images Versus Wide-Field Montage Using Adaptive Optics Flood Illumination Ophthalmoscopy

    PubMed Central

    Chew, Avenell L.; Sampson, Danuta M.; Kashani, Irwin; Chen, Fred K.

    2017-01-01

    Purpose We compared cone density measurements derived from the center of gaze-directed single images with reconstructed wide-field montages using the rtx1 adaptive optics (AO) retinal camera. Methods A total of 29 eyes from 29 healthy subjects were imaged with the rtx1 camera. Of 20 overlapping AO images acquired, 12 (at 3.2°, 5°, and 7°) were used for calculating gaze-directed cone densities. Wide-field AO montages were reconstructed and cone densities were measured at the corresponding 12 loci as determined by field projection relative to the foveal center aligned to the foveal dip on optical coherence tomography. Limits of agreement in cone density measurement between single AO images and wide-field AO montages were calculated. Results Cone density measurements failed in 1 or more gaze directions or retinal loci in up to 58% and 33% of the subjects using single AO images or wide-field AO montage, respectively. Although there were no significant overall differences between cone densities derived from single AO images and wide-field AO montages at any of the 12 gazes and locations (P = 0.01–0.65), the limits of agreement between the two methods ranged from as narrow as −2200 to +2600, to as wide as −4200 to +3800 cones/mm2. Conclusions Cone density measurement using the rtx1 AO camera is feasible using both methods. Local variation in image quality and altered visibility of cones after generating montages may contribute to the discrepancies. Translational Relevance Cone densities from single AO images are not interchangeable with wide-field montage derived–measurements. PMID:29285417

  11. Ultrahigh-Speed Optical Coherence Tomography for Three-Dimensional and En Face Imaging of the Retina and Optic Nerve Head

    PubMed Central

    Srinivasan, Vivek J.; Adler, Desmond C.; Chen, Yueli; Gorczynska, Iwona; Huber, Robert; Duker, Jay S.; Schuman, Joel S.; Fujimoto, James G.

    2009-01-01

    Purpose To demonstrate ultrahigh-speed optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the retina and optic nerve head at 249,000 axial scans per second and a wavelength of 1060 nm. To investigate methods for visualization of the retina, choroid, and optic nerve using high-density sampling enabled by improved imaging speed. Methods A swept-source OCT retinal imaging system operating at a speed of 249,000 axial scans per second was developed. Imaging of the retina, choroid, and optic nerve were performed. Display methods such as speckle reduction, slicing along arbitrary planes, en face visualization of reflectance from specific retinal layers, and image compounding were investigated. Results High-definition and three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the normal retina and optic nerve head were performed. Increased light penetration at 1060 nm enabled improved visualization of the choroid, lamina cribrosa, and sclera. OCT fundus images and 3D visualizations were generated with higher pixel density and less motion artifacts than standard spectral/Fourier domain OCT. En face images enabled visualization of the porous structure of the lamina cribrosa, nerve fiber layer, choroid, photoreceptors, RPE, and capillaries of the inner retina. Conclusions Ultrahigh-speed OCT imaging of the retina and optic nerve head at 249,000 axial scans per second is possible. The improvement of ∼5 to 10× in imaging speed over commercial spectral/Fourier domain OCT technology enables higher density raster scan protocols and improved performance of en face visualization methods. The combination of the longer wavelength and ultrahigh imaging speed enables excellent visualization of the choroid, sclera, and lamina cribrosa. PMID:18658089

  12. Brillouin zone grid refinement for highly resolved ab initio THz optical properties of graphene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Warmbier, Robert; Quandt, Alexander

    2018-07-01

    Optical spectra of materials can in principle be calculated within numerical frameworks based on Density Functional Theory. The huge numerical effort involved in these methods severely constraints the accuracy achievable in practice. In the case of the THz spectrum of graphene the primary limitation lays in the density of the reciprocal space sampling. In this letter we have developed a non-uniform sampling using grid refinement to achieve a high local sampling density with only moderate numerical effort. The resulting THz electron energy loss spectrum shows a plasmon signal below 50 meV with a ω(q) ∝√{ q } dispersion relation.

  13. Electro-optic measurement of terahertz pulse energy distribution.

    PubMed

    Sun, J H; Gallacher, J G; Brussaard, G J H; Lemos, N; Issac, R; Huang, Z X; Dias, J M; Jaroszynski, D A

    2009-11-01

    An accurate and direct measurement of the energy distribution of a low repetition rate terahertz electromagnetic pulse is challenging because of the lack of sensitive detectors in this spectral range. In this paper, we show how the total energy and energy density distribution of a terahertz electromagnetic pulse can be determined by directly measuring the absolute electric field amplitude and beam energy density distribution using electro-optic detection. This method has potential use as a routine method of measuring the energy density of terahertz pulses that could be applied to evaluating future high power terahertz sources, terahertz imaging, and spatially and temporarily resolved pump-probe experiments.

  14. Femtosecond x rays link melting of charge-density wave correlations and light-enhanced coherent transport in YB a 2 C u 3 O 6.6

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

    Först, M.; Frano, A.; Kaiser, S.

    2014-11-17

    In this study, we use femtosecond resonant soft x-ray diffraction to measure the optically stimulated ultrafast changes of charge density wave correlations in underdoped YBa₂Cu₃O₆.₆. We find that when coherent interlayer transport is enhanced by optical excitation of the apical oxygen distortions, at least 50% of the in-plane charge density wave order is melted. These results indicate that charge ordering and superconductivity may be competing up to the charge ordering transition temperature, with the latter becoming a hidden phase that is accessible only by nonlinear phonon excitation.

  15. Number-Density Measurements of CO2 in Real Time with an Optical Frequency Comb for High Accuracy and Precision

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scholten, Sarah K.; Perrella, Christopher; Anstie, James D.; White, Richard T.; Al-Ashwal, Waddah; Hébert, Nicolas Bourbeau; Genest, Jérôme; Luiten, Andre N.

    2018-05-01

    Real-time and accurate measurements of gas properties are highly desirable for numerous real-world applications. Here, we use an optical-frequency comb to demonstrate absolute number-density and temperature measurements of a sample gas with state-of-the-art precision and accuracy. The technique is demonstrated by measuring the number density of 12C16O2 with an accuracy of better than 1% and a precision of 0.04% in a measurement and analysis cycle of less than 1 s. This technique is transferable to numerous molecular species, thus offering an avenue for near-universal gas concentration measurements.

  16. (Fe II) emission from high-density regions in the Orion Nebula

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bautista, Manuel A.; Pradhan, Anil K.; Osterbrock, Donald E.

    1994-01-01

    Direct spectroscopic evidence of high-density regions in the Orion Nebula, N(sub e) approximately equals 10(exp 5)-10(exp 7)/cu cm, is obtained from the forbidden optical and near-IR (Fe II) emission lines, using new atomic data. Calculations for level populations and line ratios are carried out using 16, 35, and 142 level collisional-radiative models for Fe II. Estimates of Fe(+) abundances derived from the near-infrared and the optical line intensities are consistent with a high density of 10(exp 6)/cu cm in the (Fe II) emitting regions. Important consequences for abundance determinations in the nebula are pointed out.

  17. Using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer to deduce nitrogen density mapping

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boudaoud, F.; Lemerini, M.

    2015-07-01

    This work presents an optical method using the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. We especially diagnose a pure nitrogen gas subjected to a point to plane corona discharge, and visualize the density spatial map. The interelectrode distance equals 6 mm and the variation of the optical path has been measured at different pressures: 220 Torr, 400 Torr, and 760 Torr. The interferograms are recorded with a CCD camera, and the numerical analysis of these interferograms is assured by the inverse Abel transformation. The nitrogen density is extracted through the Gladstone-Dale relation. The obtained results are in close agreement with values available in the literature.

  18. On optical imaging through aircraft turbulent boundary layers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sutton, G. W.

    1980-01-01

    Optical resolution quality as affected by aircraft turbulent boundary layers is analyzed. Wind-tunnel data was analyzed to obtained the variation of boundary layer turbulence scale length and mass density rms fluctuations with Mach number. The data gave good agreement with a mass density fluctuation turbulence spectrum that is either isotropic of orthogonally anisotropic. The data did not match an isotropic turbulence velocity spectrum which causes an anisotropic non-orthogonal mass density fluctuation spectrum. The results indicate that the average mass density rms fluctuation is about 10% of the maximum mass density across the boundary layer and that the transverse turbulence scale size is about 10% of the boundary layer thickness. The results indicate that the effect of the turbulent boundary layer is large angle scattering which decreases contrast but not resolution. Using extinction as a criteria the range of acceptable aircraft operating conditions are given.

  19. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOVEAL AVASCULAR ZONE AREA, VESSEL DENSITY, AND CYSTOID CHANGES IN DIABETIC RETINOPATHY, AN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY STUDY.

    PubMed

    Tarassoly, Kia; Miraftabi, Arezoo; Soltan Sanjari, Mostafa; Parvaresh, Mohammad Mehdi

    2017-06-29

    To measure the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) areas and vessel densities of patients with diabetic retinopathy and to study their relationship with diabetic cystoid changes and retinal thickness. Prospective case series of 51 eyes of 31 patients with diabetic retinopathy. The eyes were grouped based on the presence or absence of cystoid edema and evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography. The FAZ areas and vessel density were compared. The FAZ area at the superficial capillary plexus level was equal between the eyes with and without cystoid edema. Vessel density did not differ as well. There was no correlation with retinal thickness. In eyes with cystoid changes, FAZ area changes at the deep capillary plexus level were difficult to interpret. The FAZ area and vessel density at the superficial capillary plexus level are reproducible and independent of the presence of cystoid edema.

  20. The critical density for star formation in HII galaxies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Taylor, Christopher L.; Brinks, Elias; Skillman, Evan D.

    1993-01-01

    The star formation rate (SFR) in galaxies is believed to obey a power law relation with local gas density, first proposed by Schmidt (1959). Kennicutt (1989) has shown that there is a threshold density above which star formation occurs, and for densities at or near the threshold density, the DFR is highly non-linear, leading to bursts of star formation. Skillman (1987) empirically determined this threshold for dwarf galaxies to be approximately 1 x 10(exp 21) cm(exp -2), at a linear resolution of 500pc. During the course of our survey for HI companion clouds to HII galaxies, we obtained high resolution HI observations of five nearby HII galaxies. HII galaxies are low surface brightness, rich in HI, and contain one or a few high surface brightness knots whose optical spectra resemble those of HII regions. These knots are currently experiencing a burst of star formation. After Kennicutt (1989) we determine the critical density for star formation in the galaxies, and compare the predictions with radio and optical data.

  1. Radial Peripapillary Capillary Network Visualized Using Wide-Field Montage Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

    PubMed

    Mase, Tomoko; Ishibazawa, Akihiro; Nagaoka, Taiji; Yokota, Harumasa; Yoshida, Akitoshi

    2016-07-01

    We quantitatively analyzed the features of a radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) network visualized using wide-field montage optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography in healthy human eyes. Twenty eyes of 20 healthy subjects were recruited. En face 3 × 3-mm OCT angiograms of multiple locations in the posterior pole were acquired using the RTVue XR Avanti, and wide-field montage images of the RPC were created. To evaluate the RPC density, the montage images were binarized and skeletonized. The correlation between the RPC density and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured by an OCT circle scan was investigated. The RPC at the temporal retina was detected as far as 7.6 ± 0.7 mm from the edge of the optic disc but not around the perifoveal area within 0.9 ± 0.1 mm of the fovea. Capillary-free zones beside the first branches of the arterioles were significantly (P < 0.0001) narrower than those beside the second ones. The RPC densities at 0.5, 2.5, and 5 mm from the optic disc edge were 13.6 ± 0.8, 11.9 ± 0.9, and 10.4 ± 0.9 mm-1. The RPC density also was correlated significantly (r = 0.64, P < 0.0001) with the RNFL thickness, with the greatest density in the inferotemporal region. Montage OCT angiograms can visualize expansion of the RPC network. The RPC is present in the superficial peripapillary retina in proportion to the RNFL thickness, supporting the idea that the RPC may be the vascular network primarily responsible for RNFL nourishment.

  2. Polarization characteristics of inhomogeneous models of nonstationary light-scattering media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smolinskii, E. S.; Petruk, V. G.; Lavreniuk, V. I.

    1990-09-01

    The optical parameters of monodisperse layers of MgO and turpentine black with different surface particle densities are investigated using a polarization spectrum extinction meter. A method for determining the volume density of a real nonstationary scattering and absorbing medium is proposed which is based on the transfer equations. Graphical and spectroanalytical data are presented which allow for various optical and physical factors. Polarization measurements of the layers are carried out, and scattering matrices are obtained.

  3. Low pressure microenvironments: Methane production at 50 mbar and 100 mbar by methanogens

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mickol, Rebecca L.; Kral, Timothy A.

    2018-04-01

    Low pressure is often overlooked in terms of possible biocidal effects when considering a habitable environment on Mars. Few experiments have investigated the ability for microorganisms to actively grow under low pressure conditions, despite the atmosphere being a location on Earth where organisms could be exposed to these pressures. Three species of methanogens (Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanococcus maripaludis) were tested for their ability to actively grow (demonstrate an increase in methane production and optical density) within low-pressure microenvironments at 50 mbar or 100 mbar. M. formicicum was the only species to demonstrate both an increase in methane and an increase in optical density during the low-pressure exposure period for experiments conducted at 50 mbar and 100 mbar. In certain experiments, M. barkeri showed an increase in optical density during the low-pressure exposure period, likely due to the formation of multicellular aggregates, but minimal methane production (<1%). During incubation following exposure to low pressure, cultures of all species resumed methane production and increased in optical density. Thus, low pressure may not be a biocidal factor for certain methanogen species, with growth possible under low-pressure conditions. Results indicate that low pressure exposure may just be inhibitory during the exposure itself, and metabolism may resume following incubation under more ideal conditions. Further work is needed to address growth/survival under Mars surface pressures.

  4. Growth Method-Dependent and Defect Density-Oriented Structural, Optical, Conductive, and Physical Properties of Solution-Grown ZnO Nanostructures.

    PubMed

    Rana, Abu Ul Hassan Sarwar; Lee, Ji Young; Shahid, Areej; Kim, Hyun-Seok

    2017-09-10

    It is time for industry to pay a serious heed to the application and quality-dependent research on the most important solution growth methods for ZnO, namely, aqueous chemical growth (ACG) and microwave-assisted growth (MAG) methods. This study proffers a critical analysis on how the defect density and formation behavior of ZnO nanostructures (ZNSs) are growth method-dependent. Both antithetical and facile methods are exploited to control the ZnO defect density and the growth mechanism. In this context, the growth of ZnO nanorods (ZNRs), nanoflowers, and nanotubes (ZNTs) are considered. The aforementioned growth methods directly stimulate the nanostructure crystal growth and, depending upon the defect density, ZNSs show different trends in structural, optical, etching, and conductive properties. The defect density of MAG ZNRs is the least because of an ample amount of thermal energy catered by high-power microwaves to the atoms to grow on appropriate crystallographic planes, which is not the case in faulty convective ACG ZNSs. Defect-centric etching of ZNRs into ZNTs is also probed and methodological constraints are proposed. ZNS optical properties are different in the visible region, which are quite peculiar, but outstanding for ZNRs. Hall effect measurements illustrate incongruent conductive trends in both samples.

  5. Probing and monitoring aerosol and atmospheric clouds with an electro-optic oscillator.

    PubMed

    Arnon, S; Kopeika, N S

    1996-09-20

    Monitoring, probing, and sensing characteristics of aerosol clouds is difficult and complicated. Probing the characteristics of aerosols is most useful in the chemical and microelectronic industry for processing control of aerosols and emulsion, decreasing bit error rate in adaptive optical communication systems, and in acquiring data for atmospheric science and environment quality. We present a new mathematical and optical engineering model for monitoring characteristics of aerosol clouds. The model includes the temporal transfer function of aerosol clouds as a variable parameter in an electro-optic oscillator. The frequency of the oscillator changes according to changes in the characteristics of the clouds (density, size distribution, physical thickness, the medium and the particulate refractive indices, and spatial distribution). It is possible to measure only one free characteristic at a given time. An example of a practical system for monitoring the density of aerosol clouds is given. The frequency of the oscillator changes from 1.25 to 0.43 MHz for changes in aerosol density from 2000 to 3000 particulates cm(-3). The advantages of this new method compared with the transmissometer methods are (a) no necessity for line-of-sight measurement geometry, (b) accurate measurement of high optical thickness media is possible, (c) under certain conditions measurements can include characteristics of aerosol clouds related to light scatter that cannot be or are difficult to measure with a transmissometer, and (d) the cloud bandwidth for free space optical communication is directly measurable.

  6. Evaluation of bone density in the mandibles of young Australian adults of Mongoloid and Caucasoid descent.

    PubMed

    Ong, R G; Stevenson, M R

    1999-01-01

    To evaluate the bone density in the mandibles of young Australian adults of Mongoloid and Caucasoid descent. A panoramic radiograph (Orthophos C, Siemens AG, Bensheim, Germany) was obtained of 79 dental students from the School of Oral Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia. Exposure factors were varied for males and females. The films were automatically processed in a single batch and the optical density measured blindly at two locations by two examiners. The optical density was compared by race and sex to detect bone density differences. Individual lifestyle habits (exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking and diet) was recorded in a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the effects of physical, environmental and medical characteristics. The Mongoloid subjects were found to have approximately 20% higher bone density at the angle of mandible than Caucasoid subjects (P = 0.0094 for males, P = 0.0004 for females). Race is the most important variable associated with bone density. Mongoloid subjects should be given a higher exposure for panoramic radiography than that normally used for Caucasoid subjects.

  7. Space-Based Optical Communications with CubeSats

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ebert, Monica L.; Nguyen, Anh Ngoc; Frost, Chad

    2017-01-01

    Optical communication systems use lasers to encode and transmit data with higher speed and density than traditional radio frequency (RF)-based communications. Smaller antennas, lower power requirements, and increased spectrum availability enable optical communications to be integrated into CubeSats more easily than radios, enabling afford-able communications solutions for future NASA missions.

  8. Quantitative optical coherence microscopy for the in situ investigation of the biofilm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meleppat, Ratheesh Kumar; Shearwood, Christopher; Keey, Seah Leong; Matham, Murukeshan Vadakke

    2016-12-01

    This paper explores the potential of optical coherence microscopy (OCM) for the in situ monitoring of biofilm growth. The quantitative imaging of the early developmental biology of a representative biofilm, Klebsiella pneumonia (KP-1), was performed using a swept source-based Fourier domain OCM system. The growth dynamics of the KP-1 biofilms and their transient response under perturbation was investigated using the enface visualization of microcolonies and their spatial localization. Furthermore, the optical density (OD) and planar density of the biofilms are calculated using an OCM technique and compared with OD and colony forming units measured using standard procedures via the sampling of the flow-cell effluent.

  9. Characterization of a parallel beam CCD optical-CT apparatus for 3D radiation dosimetry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krstajić, Nikola; Doran, Simon J.

    2006-12-01

    This paper describes the initial steps we have taken in establishing CCD based optical-CT as a viable alternative for 3-D radiation dosimetry. First, we compare the optical density (OD) measurements from a high quality test target and variable neutral density filter (VNDF). A modulation transfer function (MTF) of individual projections is derived for three positions of the sinusoidal test target within the scanning tank. Our CCD is then characterized in terms of its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Finally, a sample reconstruction of a scan of a PRESAGETM (registered trademark of Heuris Pharma, NJ, Skillman, USA.) dosimeter is given, demonstrating the capabilities of the apparatus.

  10. Optical and magneto-optical properties of AuMnSn

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, S. J.; Janssen, Y.; Park, J. M.; Cho, B. K.

    2006-03-01

    We have measured room-temperature magneto-optical properties of AuMnSn on a single-crystalline sample. The maximum polar Kerr rotation was predicted to be very large, about -0.7° at 1.2eV [L. Offernes, P. Ravindran, and A. Kjekshus, Appl. Phys. Lett. 82, 2862 (2003)]. We found the experimental maximum Kerr rotation and ellipticity were about three times smaller than predicted and appeared at energies about 0.6eV higher than predicted, which is possibly due to inaccurate handling of the theory based on the local spin-density approximation to density-function theory for the localized 4d and 5d orbitals in AuMnSn.

  11. Measuring the charge density of a tapered optical fiber using trapped microparticles.

    PubMed

    Kamitani, Kazuhiko; Muranaka, Takuya; Takashima, Hideaki; Fujiwara, Masazumi; Tanaka, Utako; Takeuchi, Shigeki; Urabe, Shinji

    2016-03-07

    We report the measurements of charge density of tapered optical fibers using charged particles confined in a linear Paul trap at ambient pressure. A tapered optical fiber is placed across the trap axis at a right angle, and polystyrene microparticles are trapped along the trap axis. The distance between the equilibrium position of a positively charged particle and the tapered fiber is used to estimate the amount of charge per unit length of the fiber without knowing the amount of charge of the trapped particle. The charge per unit length of a tapered fiber with a diameter of 1.6 μm was measured to be 2-1+3×10 -11 C/m.

  12. Efficient use of strong light for high photosynthetic productivity: interrelationships between the optical path, the optimal population density and cell-growth inhibition.

    PubMed

    Richmond, Amos; Cheng-Wu, Zhang; Zarmi, Yair

    2003-07-01

    The interrelationships between the optical path in flat plate reactors and photosynthetic productivity were elucidated. In preliminary works, a great surge in photosynthetic productivity was attained in flat plate photoreactors with an ultra short (e.g. 1.0 cm) optical path, in which extremely high culture density was facilitated by vigorous stirring and strong light. This surge in net photosynthetic efficiency was associated with a very significant increase in the optimal population density facilitated by the very short optical path (OP). A salient feature of these findings concerns the necessity to address growth inhibition (GI) which becomes increasingly manifested as cell concentration rises above a certain, species-specific, threshold (e.g. 1-2 billion cells of Nannochloropsis sp. ml(-1)). Indeed, ultrahigh cell density cultures may be established and sustained only if growth inhibition is continuously, or at least frequently, removed. Nannochloropsis culture from which GI was not removed, yielded 60 mg(-1) h(-1), yielding 260 mg l(-1) h(-1) when GI was removed. Two basic factors crucial for obtaining maximal photosynthetic productivity and efficiency in strong photon irradiance are defined: (1) areal cell density must be optimal, as high as possible (cell growth inhibition having been eliminated), insuring the average photon irradiance (I(av)) available per cell is falling at the end of the linear phase of the PI(av) curve, relating rate of photosynthesis to I(av), i.e. approximately photon irradiance per cell. (2) The light-dark (L-D) cycle period, which is determined by travel time of cells between the dark and the light volumes along the optical path, should be made as short as practically feasible, so as to approach, as much as possible the photosynthetic unit turnover time. This is obtainable in flat plate reactors by reducing the OP to as small a magnitude as is practically feasible.

  13. Lowering threshold energy for femtosecond laser pulse photodisruption through turbid media using adaptive optics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hansen, A.; Ripken, Tammo; Krueger, Ronald R.; Lubatschowski, Holger

    2011-03-01

    Focussed femtosecond laser pulses are applied in ophthalmic tissues to create an optical breakdown and therefore a tissue dissection through photodisruption. The threshold irradiance for the optical breakdown depends on the photon density in the focal volume which can be influenced by the pulse energy, the size of the irradiated area (focus), and the irradiation time. For an application in the posterior eye segment the aberrations of the anterior eye elements cause a distortion of the wavefront and therefore an increased focal volume which reduces the photon density and thus raises the required energy for surpassing the threshold irradiance. The influence of adaptive optics on lowering the pulse energy required for photodisruption by refining a distorted focus was investigated. A reduction of the threshold energy can be shown when using adaptive optics. The spatial confinement with adaptive optics furthermore raises the irradiance at constant pulse energy. The lowered threshold energy allows for tissue dissection with reduced peripheral damage. This offers the possibility for moving femtosecond laser surgery from corneal or lental applications in the anterior eye to vitreal or retinal applications in the posterior eye.

  14. Electronic polarizability, optical basicity and interaction parameter for Nd2O3 doped lithium-zinc-phosphate glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Algradee, M. A.; Sultan, M.; Samir, O. M.; Alwany, A. Elwhab B.

    2017-08-01

    The Nd3+-doped lithium-zinc-phosphate glasses were prepared by means of conventional melt quenching method. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the glassy nature of the studied glasses. The physical parameters such as the density, molar volume, ion concentration, polaron radius, inter-ionic distance, field strength and oxygen packing density were calculated using different formulae. The transmittance and reflectance spectra of glasses were recorded in the wavelength range 190-1200 nm. The values of optical band gap and Urbach energy were determined based on Mott-Davis model. The refractive indices for the studied glasses were evaluated from optical band gap values using different methods. The average electronic polarizability of the oxide ions, optical basicity and an interaction parameter were investigated from the calculated values of the refractive index and the optical band gap for the studied glasses. The variations in the different physical and optical properties of glasses with Nd2O3 content were discussed in terms of different parameters such as non-bridging oxygen and different concentrations of Nd cation in glass system.

  15. Nonequilibrium BN-ZnO: Optical properties and excitonic effects from first principles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xiao; Schleife, André

    2018-03-01

    The nonequilibrium boron nitride (BN) phase of zinc oxide (ZnO) has been reported for thin films and nanostructures, however, its properties are not well understood due to a persistent controversy that prevents reconciling experimental and first-principles results for its atomic coordinates. We use first-principles theoretical spectroscopy to accurately compute electronic and optical properties, including single-quasiparticle and excitonic effects: Band structures and densities of states are computed using density functional theory, hybrid functionals, and the G W approximation. Accurate optical absorption spectra and exciton binding energies are computed by solving the Bethe-Salpeter equation for the optical polarization function. Using this data we show that the band-gap difference between BN-ZnO and wurtzite (WZ) ZnO agrees very well with experiment when the theoretical lattice geometry is used, but significantly disagrees for the experimental atomic coordinates. We also show that the optical anisotropy of BN-ZnO differs significantly from that of WZ-ZnO, allowing us to optically distinguish both polymorphs. By using the transfer-matrix method to solve Maxwell's equations for thin films composed of both polymorphs, we illustrate that this opens up a promising route for tuning optical properties.

  16. Power Spectral Density Specification and Analysis of Large Optical Surfaces

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sidick, Erkin

    2009-01-01

    The 2-dimensional Power Spectral Density (PSD) can be used to characterize the mid- and the high-spatial frequency components of the surface height errors of an optical surface. We found it necessary to have a complete, easy-to-use approach for specifying and evaluating the PSD characteristics of large optical surfaces, an approach that allows one to specify the surface quality of a large optical surface based on simulated results using a PSD function and to evaluate the measured surface profile data of the same optic in comparison with those predicted by the simulations during the specification-derivation process. This paper provides a complete mathematical description of PSD error, and proposes a new approach in which a 2-dimentional (2D) PSD is converted into a 1-dimentional (1D) one by azimuthally averaging the 2D-PSD. The 1D-PSD calculated this way has the same unit and the same profile as the original PSD function, thus allows one to compare the two with each other directly.

  17. Synthesis and different optical properties of Gd2O3 doped sodium zinc tellurite glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Samanta, Buddhadev; Dutta, Dibakar; Ghosh, Subhankar

    2017-06-01

    A series of Gd2O3 doped sodium zinc tellurite [xGd2O3-(0.8-x) TeO2-0.1Na2O-0.1ZnO] glasses are prepared by the conventional melt quenching method and their optical properties have been studied. UV-vis spectrophotometric studies within the wavelength range from 230 nm-800 nm are carried out in the integrating sphere mode to study the effect of Gd2O3 doping on the optical band gap (Eg), refractive index (n), dielectric constant (εr) and susceptibility (χ). Other physical properties like molar volume, molar refraction, polarizability, metallization criterion, number density of rare-earth ions (N), polaron radius (rp), inter ionic distance (ri), molar cation polarizability (∑αi), number of oxide ions in chemical composition (NO2-), optical band gap based electronic oxide ion polarizability (αO2-) and optical basicity (Λ) of glass samples have been studied on the basis of UV-vis spectra and density profile of the different glasses.

  18. Concurrence and fidelity of a Bose-Fermi mixture in a one-dimensional optical lattice.

    PubMed

    Ning, Wen-Qiang; Gu, Shi-Jian; Chen, Yu-Guang; Wu, Chang-Qin; Lin, Hai-Qing

    2008-06-11

    We study the ground-state fidelity and entanglement of a Bose-Fermi mixture loaded in a one-dimensional optical lattice. It is found that the fidelity is able to signal quantum phase transitions between the Luttinger liquid phase, the density-wave phase, and the phase separation state of the system, and the concurrence, as a measure of the entanglement, can be used to signal the transition between the density-wave phase and the Ising phase.

  19. Time-resolved electronic and optical properties of a thiolate-protected Au38 nanocluster

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meng, Qingguo; May, Stanley P.; Berry, Mary T.; Kilin, Dmitri S.

    2015-02-01

    Density functional theory and density matrix theory are employed to investigate the time-dependent optical and electronic properties of an Au14 nanocluster protected by six cyclic thiolate ligands, Au4(SCH3)4. The Au14[Au4(SCH3)4]6 nanocluster, i.e. Au38(SCH3)24, is equivalent to a truncated-octahedral face-centred cubic Au38 core coated by a monolayer of 24 methylthiol molecules. The electronic and optical properties, such as density of states, linear absorption spectra, nonradiative nonadiabatic dissipative electronic dynamics and radiative emission spectra were calculated and compared for the core Au14 and thiolate-protected Au38(SCH3)24 nanocluster. The main observation from computed photoluminescence for both models is a mechanism of radiative emission. Specifically, a strong contribution to light emission intensity originates from intraband transitions inside the conduction band (CB) in addition to interband LUMO → HOMO transition (HOMO: highest occupied molecular orbital and LUMO: lowest unoccupied molecular orbital). Such comparison clarifies the contributions from Au core and methylthiol ligands to the electronic and optical properties of the Au38(SCH3)24 nanocluster.

  20. Reflective optical imaging systems with balanced distortion

    DOEpatents

    Hudyma, Russell M.

    2001-01-01

    Optical systems compatible with extreme ultraviolet radiation comprising four reflective elements for projecting a mask image onto a substrate are described. The four optical elements comprise, in order from object to image, convex, concave, convex and concave mirrors. The optical systems are particularly suited for step and scan lithography methods. The invention enables the use of larger slit dimensions associated with ring field scanning optics, improves wafer throughput, and allows higher semiconductor device density. The inventive optical systems are characterized by reduced dynamic distortion because the static distortion is balanced across the slit width.

  1. IRIA State-of-the-Art Report: Optical-Mechanical, Active/Passive Imaging Systems. Volume I.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-05-01

    mostly nonimage -forming. With few exceptions, these devices used reflective optical systems, similar detectors (thermistor bolometers), and oscillating...diffraction-limited circular optics appears as a bright circular disk surrounded by concentric rings of diminishing flux density. The central disk...bar target is heavily concentrated in frequencies lower than the basic frequency of the bar target. The MTF of a reflective optical system varies as a

  2. Improved optics for an ultracentrifuge

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miller, C. G.; Stephens, J. B.

    1980-01-01

    Ultracentrifuge is important tool in study of polymers, biomolecules, and cell structures. In typical ultracentrifuge rotor supports pair of optically matched vials; one contains sample mixed in solvent, and other is reference that contains only solvent. Doubleslit optical system, transverse to rotor, creates interference pattern on photographic plate each time vials pass through optics. Medium in sample vial displaces interference maximums such that shift gives measurement of density distribution along length of sample.

  3. Implementation of a fast digital optical matrix-vector multiplier using a holographic look-up table and residue arithmetic

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Habiby, Sarry F.; Collins, Stuart A., Jr.

    1987-01-01

    The design and implementation of a digital (numerical) optical matrix-vector multiplier are presented. A Hughes liquid crystal light valve, the residue arithmetic representation, and a holographic optical memory are used to construct position coded optical look-up tables. All operations are performed in effectively one light valve response time with a potential for a high information density.

  4. Implementation of a fast digital optical matrix-vector multiplier using a holographic look-up table and residue arithmetic.

    PubMed

    Habiby, S F; Collins, S A

    1987-11-01

    The design and implementation of a digital (numerical) optical matrix-vector multiplier are presented. A Hughes liquid crystal light valve, the residue arithmetic representation, and a holographic optical memory are used to construct position coded optical look-up tables. All operations are performed in effectively one light valve response time with a potential for a high information density.

  5. Two new methods used to simulate the circumferential solar flux density concentrated on the absorber of a parabolic trough solar collector

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Minghuan; Wang, Zhifeng; Sun, Feihu

    2016-05-01

    The optical efficiencies of a solar trough concentrator are important to the whole thermal performance of the solar collector, and the outer surface of the tube absorber is a key interface of energy flux. So it is necessary to simulate and analyze the concentrated solar flux density distributions on the tube absorber of a parabolic trough solar collector for various sun beam incident angles, with main optical errors considered. Since the solar trough concentrators are linear focusing, it is much of interest to investigate the solar flux density distribution on the cross-section profile of the tube absorber, rather than the flux density distribution along the focal line direction. Although a few integral approaches based on the "solar cone" concept were developed to compute the concentrated flux density for some simple trough concentrator geometries, all those integral approaches needed special integration routines, meanwhile, the optical parameters and geometrical properties of collectors also couldn't be changed conveniently. Flexible Monte Carlo ray trace (MCRT) methods are widely used to simulate the more accurate concentrated flux density distribution for compound parabolic solar trough concentrators, while generally they are quite time consuming. In this paper, we first mainly introduce a new backward ray tracing (BRT) method combined with the lumped effective solar cone, to simulate the cross-section flux density on the region of interest of the tube absorber. For BRT, bundles of rays are launched at absorber-surface points of interest, directly go through the glass cover of the absorber, strike on the uniformly sampled mirror segment centers in the close-related surface region of the parabolic reflector, and then direct to the effective solar cone around the incident sun beam direction after the virtual backward reflection. All the optical errors are convoluted into the effective solar cone. The brightness distribution of the effective solar cone is supposed to be circular Gaussian type. Then a parabolic trough solar collector of Euro Trough 150 is used as an example object to apply this BRT method. Euro Trough 150 is composed of RP3 mirror facets, with the focal length of 1.71m, aperture width of 5.77m, outer tube diameter of 0.07m. Also to verify the simulated flux density distributions, we establish a modified MCRT method. For this modified MCRT method, the random rays with weighted energy elements are launched in the close-related rectangle region in the aperture plane of the parabolic concentrator and the optical errors are statistically modeled in the stages of forward ray tracing process. Given the same concentrator geometric parameters and optical error values, the simulated results from these two ray tracing methods are in good consistence. The two highlights of this paper are the new optical simulation method, BRT, and figuring out the close-related mirror surface region for BRT and the close-related aperture region for MCRT in advance to effectively simulate the solar flux distribution on the absorber surface of a parabolic trough collector.

  6. Ocular anatomy, ganglion cell distribution and retinal resolution of a killer whale (Orcinus orca).

    PubMed

    Mass, Alla M; Supin, Alexander Y; Abramov, Andrey V; Mukhametov, Lev M; Rozanova, Elena I

    2013-01-01

    Retinal topography, cell density and sizes of ganglion cells in the killer whale (Orcinus orca) were analyzed in retinal whole mounts stained with cresyl violet. A distinctive feature of the killer whale's retina is the large size of ganglion cells and low cell density compared to terrestrial mammals. The ganglion cell diameter ranged from 8 to 100 µm, with the majority of cells within a range of 20-40 µm. The topographic distribution of ganglion cells displayed two spots of high cell density located in the temporal and nasal quadrants, 20 mm from the optic disk. The high-density areas were connected by a horizontal belt-like area passing below the optic disk of the retina. Peak cell densities in these areas were evaluated. Mean peak cell densities were 334 and 288 cells/mm(2) in the temporal and nasal high-density areas, respectively. With a posterior nodal distance of 19.5 mm, these high-density data predict a retinal resolution of 9.6' (3.1 cycles/deg.) and 12.6' (2.4 cycles/deg.) in the temporal and nasal areas, respectively, in water. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  7. Experimental power spectral density analysis for mid- to high-spatial frequency surface error control.

    PubMed

    Hoyo, Javier Del; Choi, Heejoo; Burge, James H; Kim, Geon-Hee; Kim, Dae Wook

    2017-06-20

    The control of surface errors as a function of spatial frequency is critical during the fabrication of modern optical systems. A large-scale surface figure error is controlled by a guided removal process, such as computer-controlled optical surfacing. Smaller-scale surface errors are controlled by polishing process parameters. Surface errors of only a few millimeters may degrade the performance of an optical system, causing background noise from scattered light and reducing imaging contrast for large optical systems. Conventionally, the microsurface roughness is often given by the root mean square at a high spatial frequency range, with errors within a 0.5×0.5  mm local surface map with 500×500 pixels. This surface specification is not adequate to fully describe the characteristics for advanced optical systems. The process for controlling and minimizing mid- to high-spatial frequency surface errors with periods of up to ∼2-3  mm was investigated for many optical fabrication conditions using the measured surface power spectral density (PSD) of a finished Zerodur optical surface. Then, the surface PSD was systematically related to various fabrication process parameters, such as the grinding methods, polishing interface materials, and polishing compounds. The retraceable experimental polishing conditions and processes used to produce an optimal optical surface PSD are presented.

  8. Reflective optical imaging system with balanced distortion

    DOEpatents

    Chapman, Henry N.; Hudyma, Russell M.; Shafer, David R.; Sweeney, Donald W.

    1999-01-01

    An optical system compatible with short wavelength (extreme ultraviolet) An optical system compatible with short wavelength (extreme ultraviolet) radiation comprising four reflective elements for projecting a mask image onto a substrate. The four optical elements comprise, in order from object to image, convex, concave, convex and concave mirrors. The optical system is particularly suited for step and scan lithography methods. The invention enables the use of larger slit dimensions associated with ring field scanning optics, improves wafer throughput and allows higher semiconductor device density. The inventive optical system is characterized by reduced dynamic distortion because the static distortion is balanced across the slit width.

  9. Dark solitons in the condensate of exciton polaritons in semiconductor microcavities under nonresonant optical excitation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Demenev, A. A.; Gavrilov, S. S.; Brichkin, A. S.; Larionov, A. V.; Kulakovskii, V. D.

    2014-12-01

    The first-order spatial correlation function g (1)( r 12) and the polariton density distribution in the condensate of quasi-two-dimensional exciton polaritons formed in a high- Q semiconductor microcavity pillar under nonresonant optical pumping are investigated. It is found that the correlation function in certain regions of the micropillar decreases abruptly with increasing condensate density. It is shown that this behavior of the correlation function is caused by the formation of a localized dark soliton in these regions. A deep minimum of the polariton density and a shift in the phase of the condensate wavefunction by π occur within the soliton localization area.

  10. Retinal Crystals in Type 2 Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia

    PubMed Central

    Sallo, Ferenc B; Leung, Irene; Chung, Mina; Wolf-Schnurrbusch, Ute EK; Dubra, Alfredo; Williams, David R; Clemons, Traci; Pauleikhoff, Daniel; Bird, Alan C; Peto, Tunde

    2012-01-01

    Purpose To characterize the phenotype and investigate the associations of intraretinal crystalline deposits in a large cohort of Type 2 Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia (MacTel) Design Case-control study Participants Patients with and without retinal crystals from the Macular Telangiectasia Project, an international multi-centre prospective study of Type 2 MacTel. Methods Grading of stereoscopic 30° colour fundus (CF), confocal blue light reflectance (CBR), red-free (RF) and infrared (IR) images was performed according to the MacTel Natural History Study protocol and staged using the classification system devised by Gass & Blodi. SD-OCT and adaptive optics imaging were used for a finer analysis of the phenotype. Associations between crystals and other characteristics of the disease as well as potential risk factors were investigated. Main outcome measures Presence of crystals, fundus signs of MacTel, clinical characteristics, presence of potential risk factors of MacTel. Results Out of 443 probands enrolled in the MacTel study, 203 (46%) had crystalline deposits present; 60% of the cases were bilateral at baseline. Eyes with crystals had a mean letter score of 70.7 (SD=15.9) while those without crystals had a mean of 66.5 letters (SD=15.5, p<0.001). Crystals were present at all stages of the disease and showed high reflectivity within a wide wavelength range. They were located at the anterior surface of the nerve fibre layer, arranged along the nerve fibres, within an annular area centred on the fovea. Significant associations of crystalline deposits were found with a loss of retinal transparency, MPOD loss, fluorescein leakage, retinal thickness and a break in the IS/OS junction line. Associations with environmental risk factors were not found. Conclusions Intraretinal crystals are a frequent phenomenon associated with type 2 MacTel, they may appear at all stages and may aid in the early diagnosis of the disease. Their morphology further implicates Müller cells in the pathogenesis of the disease. Insight into their physical and chemical properties may provide clues to the metabolic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. PMID:21839520

  11. Optical fibers for the distribution of frequency and timing references

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lutes, G. F.

    1981-01-01

    An optical fiber communications link was installed for the purpose of evaluating the applicability of optical fiber technology to the distribution of frequency and timing reference signals. It incorporated a 1.5km length of optical fiber cable containing two multimode optical fibers. The two fibers were welded together at one end of the cable to attain a path length of 3km. Preliminary measurements made on this link, including Allan variance and power spectral density of phase noise are reported.

  12. On-site monitoring of atomic density number for an all-optical atomic magnetometer based on atomic spin exchange relaxation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hong; Zou, Sheng; Chen, Xiyuan; Ding, Ming; Shan, Guangcun; Hu, Zhaohui; Quan, Wei

    2016-07-25

    We present a method for monitoring the atomic density number on site based on atomic spin exchange relaxation. When the spin polarization P ≪ 1, the atomic density numbers could be estimated by measuring magnetic resonance linewidth in an applied DC magnetic field by using an all-optical atomic magnetometer. The density measurement results showed that the experimental results the theoretical predictions had a good consistency in the investigated temperature range from 413 K to 463 K, while, the experimental results were approximately 1.5 ∼ 2 times less than the theoretical predictions estimated from the saturated vapor pressure curve. These deviations were mainly induced by the radiative heat transfer efficiency, which inevitably leaded to a lower temperature in cell than the setting temperature.

  13. Progress in Electron Beam Mastering of 100 Gbit/inch2 Density Disc

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takeda, Minoru; Furuki, Motohiro; Yamamoto, Masanobu; Shinoda, Masataka; Saito, Kimihiro; Aki, Yuichi; Kawase, Hiroshi; Koizumi, Mitsuru; Miyokawa, Toshiaki; Mutou, Masao; Handa, Nobuo

    2004-07-01

    We developed an electron beam recorder (EBR) capable of recording master discs under atmospheric conditions using a novel differential pumping head. Using the EBR and optimized fabrication process for Si-etched discs with reactive ion etching (RIE), a bottom signal jitter of 9.6% was obtained from a 36 Gbit/inch2 density disc, readout using a near-field optical pickup with an effective numerical aperture (NA) of 1.85 and a wavelength of 405 nm. We also obtained the eye patterns from a 70 Gbit/inch2 density disc readout using an optical pickup with a 2.05 NA and the same wavelength, and showed almost the same modulation ratio as the simulation value. Moreover, the capability of producing pit patterns corresponding to a 104 Gbit/inch2 density is demonstrated.

  14. Effects of Parkinson’s disease on optic flow perception for heading direction during navigation

    PubMed Central

    Wagenaar, Robert C.; Young, Daniel; Saltzman, Elliot L.; Ren, Xiaolin; Neargarder, Sandy; Cronin-Golomb, Alice

    2015-01-01

    Visuoperceptual disorders have been identified in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and may affect the perception of optic flow for heading direction during navigation. Studies in healthy subjects have confirmed that heading direction can be determined by equalizing the optic flow speed (OS) between visual fields. The present study investigated the effects of PD on the use of optic flow for heading direction, walking parameters, and interlimb coordination during navigation, examining the contributions of OS and spatial frequency (dot density). Twelve individuals with PD without dementia, 18 age-matched normal control adults (NC), and 23 young control adults (YC) walked through a virtual hallway at about 0.8 m/s. The hallway was created by random dots on side walls. Three levels of OS (0.8, 1.2, and 1.8 m/s) and dot density (1, 2, and 3 dots/m2) were presented on one wall while on the other wall, OS and dot density were fixed at 0.8 m/s and 3 dots/m2, respectively. Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected, and lateral drift, walking speed, stride frequency and length, and frequency, and phase relations between arms and legs were calculated. A significant linear effect was observed on lateral drift to the wall with lower OS for YC and NC, but not for PD. Compared to YC and NC, PD veered more to the left under OS and dot density conditions. The results suggest that healthy adults perceive optic flow for heading direction. Heading direction in PD may be more affected by the asymmetry of dopamine levels between the hemispheres and by motor lateralization as indexed by handedness. PMID:24510351

  15. The Predictive Power of Electronic Polarizability for Tailoring the Refractivity of High Index Glasses Optical Basicity Versus the Single Oscillator Model

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

    McCloy, John S.; Riley, Brian J.; Johnson, Bradley R.

    Four compositions of high density (~8 g/cm3) heavy metal oxide glasses composed of PbO, Bi2O3, and Ga2O3 were produced and refractivity parameters (refractive index and density) were computed and measured. Optical basicity was computed using three different models – average electronegativity, ionic-covalent parameter, and energy gap – and the basicity results were used to compute oxygen polarizability and subsequently refractive index. Refractive indices were measured in the visible and infrared at 0.633 μm, 1.55 μm, 3.39 μm, 5.35 μm, 9.29 μm, and 10.59 μm using a unique prism coupler setup, and data were fitted to the Sellmeier expression to obtainmore » an equation of the dispersion of refractive index with wavelength. Using this dispersion relation, single oscillator energy, dispersion energy, and lattice energy were determined. Oscillator parameters were also calculated for the various glasses from their oxide values as an additional means of predicting index. Calculated dispersion parameters from oxides underestimate the index by 3 to 4%. Predicted glass index from optical basicity, based on component oxide energy gaps, underpredicts the index at 0.633 μm by only 2%, while other basicity scales are less accurate. The predicted energy gap of the glasses based on this optical basicity overpredicts the Tauc optical gap as determined by transmission measurements by 6 to 10%. These results show that for this system, density, refractive index in the visible, and energy gap can be reasonably predicted using only composition, optical basicity values for the constituent oxides, and partial molar volume coefficients. Calculations such as these are useful for a priori prediction of optical properties of glasses.« less

  16. High-density fiber optic biosensor arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Epstein, Jason R.; Walt, David R.

    2002-02-01

    Novel approaches are required to coordinate the immense amounts of information derived from diverse genomes. This concept has influenced the expanded role of high-throughput DNA detection and analysis in the biological sciences. A high-density fiber optic DNA biosensor was developed consisting of oligonucleotide-functionalized, 3.1 mm diameter microspheres deposited into the etched wells on the distal face of a 500 micrometers imaging fiber bundle. Imaging fiber bundles containing thousands of optical fibers, each associated with a unique oligonucleotide probe sequence, were the foundation for an optically connected, individually addressable DNA detection platform. Different oligonucleotide-functionalized microspheres were combined in a stock solution, and randomly dispersed into the etched wells. Microsphere positions were registered from optical dyes incorporated onto the microspheres. The distribution process provided an inherent redundancy that increases the signal-to-noise ratio as the square root of the number of sensors examined. The representative amount of each probe-type in the array was dependent on their initial stock solution concentration, and as other sequences of interest arise, new microsphere elements can be added to arrays without altering the existing detection capabilities. The oligonucleotide probe sequences hybridize to fluorescently-labeled, complementary DNA target solutions. Fiber optic DNA microarray research has included DNA-protein interaction profiles, microbial strain differentiation, non-labeled target interrogation with molecular beacons, and single cell-based assays. This biosensor array is proficient in DNA detection linked to specific disease states, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP's) discrimination, and gene expression analysis. This array platform permits multiple detection formats, provides smaller feature sizes, and enables sensor design flexibility. High-density fiber optic microarray biosensors provide a fast, reversible format with the detection limit of a few hundred molecules.

  17. X-ray Emission from Supernovae in Dense Circumstellar Matter Environments: a Search for Collisionless Shocks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ofek, E. O.; Fox, D.; Cenko, Stephen B.; Sullivan, M; Gnat, O.; Frail, D. A.; Horesh, A.; Corsi, A.; Quimby, R. M.; Gehrels, N.; hide

    2013-01-01

    The optical light curve of some supernovae (SNe) may be powered by the outward diffusion of the energy deposited by the explosion shock (the so-called shock breakout) in optically thick (Tau approx > 30) circumstellar matter (CSM). Recently, it was shown that the radiation-mediated and radiation-dominated shock in an optically thick wind must transform into a collisionless shock and can produce hard X-rays. The X-rays are expected to peak at late times, relative to maximum visible light. Here we report on a search, using Swift/XRT and Chandra, for X-ray emission from 28 SNe that belong to classes whose progenitors are suspected to be embedded in dense CSM. Our sample includes 19 Type IIn SNe, one Type Ibn SN, and eight hydrogen-poor superluminous SNe (SLSN-I such as SN 2005ap). Two SNe (SN 2006jc and SN 2010jl) have X-ray properties that are roughly consistent with the expectation for X-rays from a collisionless shock in optically thick CSM. However, the X-ray emission from SN 2006jc can also be explained as originating in an optically thin region. Thus, we propose that the optical light curve of SN 2010jl is powered by shock breakout in CSM. We suggest that two other events (SN 2010al and SN 2011ht) were too X-ray bright during the SN maximum optical light to be explained by the shock-breakout model.We conclude that the light curves of some, but not all, SNe IIn/Ibn are powered by shock breakout in CSM. For the rest of the SNe in our sample, including all of the SLSN-I events, our X-ray limits are not deep enough and were typically obtained too early (i.e., near the SN maximum light) for definitive conclusions about their nature. Late-time X-ray observations are required in order to further test whether these SNe are indeed embedded in dense CSM. We review the conditions required for a shock breakout in a wind profile. We argue that the timescale, relative to maximum light, for the SN to peak in X-rays is a probe of the column density and the density profile above the shock region. In SNe whose X-ray emission slowly rises, and peaks at late times, the optical light curve is likely powered by the diffusion of shock energy in a dense CSM. We note that if the CSM density profile falls faster than a constant-rate wind-density profile, then X-rays may escape at earlier times than estimated for the wind-profile case. Furthermore, if the CSM has a region in which the density profile is very steep relative to a steady wind-density profile, or if the CSM is neutral, then the radio free-free absorption may be sufficiently low for radio emission to be detected.

  18. Evolution of branch points for a laser beam propagating through an uplink turbulent atmosphere.

    PubMed

    Ge, Xiao-Lu; Liu, Xuan; Guo, Cheng-Shan

    2014-03-24

    Evolution of branch points in the distorted optical field is studied when a laser beam propagates through turbulent atmosphere along an uplink path. Two categories of propagation events are mainly explored for the same propagation height: fixed wavelength with change of the turbulence strength and fixed turbulence strength with change of the wavelength. It is shown that, when the beam propagates to a certain height, the density of the branch-points reaches its maximum and such a height changes with the turbulence strength but nearly remains constant with different wavelengths. The relationship between the density of branch-points and the Rytov number is also given. A fitted formula describing the relationship between the density of branch-points and propagation height with different turbulence strength and wavelength is found out. Interestingly, this formula is very similar to the formula used for describing the Blackbody radiation in physics. The results obtained may be helpful for atmospheric optics, astronomy and optical communication.

  19. Development of optics for x-ray phase-contrast imaging of high energy density plasmas.

    PubMed

    Stutman, D; Finkenthal, M; Moldovan, N

    2010-10-01

    Phase-contrast or refraction-enhanced x-ray radiography can be useful for the diagnostic of low-Z high energy density plasmas, such as imploding inertial confinement fusion (ICF) pellets, due to its sensitivity to density gradients. To separate and quantify the absorption and refraction contributions to x-ray images, methods based on microperiodic optics, such as shearing interferometry, can be used. To enable applying such methods with the energetic x rays needed for ICF radiography, we investigate a new type of optics consisting of grazing incidence microperiodic mirrors. Using such mirrors, efficient phase-contrast imaging systems could be built for energies up to ∼100 keV. In addition, a simple lithographic method is proposed for the production of the microperiodic x-ray mirrors based on the difference in the total reflection between a low-Z substrate and a high-Z film. Prototype mirrors fabricated with this method show promising characteristics in laboratory tests.

  20. Gauge invariance of excitonic linear and nonlinear optical response

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taghizadeh, Alireza; Pedersen, T. G.

    2018-05-01

    We study the equivalence of four different approaches to calculate the excitonic linear and nonlinear optical response of multiband semiconductors. These four methods derive from two choices of gauge, i.e., length and velocity gauges, and two ways of computing the current density, i.e., direct evaluation and evaluation via the time-derivative of the polarization density. The linear and quadratic response functions are obtained for all methods by employing a perturbative density-matrix approach within the mean-field approximation. The equivalence of all four methods is shown rigorously, when a correct interaction Hamiltonian is employed for the velocity gauge approaches. The correct interaction is written as a series of commutators containing the unperturbed Hamiltonian and position operators, which becomes equivalent to the conventional velocity gauge interaction in the limit of infinite Coulomb screening and infinitely many bands. As a case study, the theory is applied to hexagonal boron nitride monolayers, and the linear and nonlinear optical response found in different approaches are compared.

  1. Triple modifier effect on physical, optical and structural properties of boro tellurite zinc lithium glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Naresh, P.; Srinivasu, D.; Narsimlu, N.; Ch. Srinivas, Kavitha, B.; Deshpandhe, Uday; Kumar, K. Siva

    2018-05-01

    To investigate physical, optical and structural properties of glass samples of the Quaternary system (60-x)B2O3-xTeO2-10ZnO-30Li2O with x=0,5,10,15, and 20 mol% were prepared by conventional melt quenching technique. XRD confirmed the amorphous nature of all samples. Physical parameters like density, molar volume, Oxygen packing density and etc. calculated. Density of glass samples increased with the increase of TeO2 concentration due to the replacement of lighter B2O3 with heavier TeO2. Optical properties has studied with the help of UV-Visible spectra. Cut off wavelength is increases whereas Eopt and Urbache energies is decreased except intermediate mole fraction of TeO2 at which the triple modifier effect can be observed. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy reveals that the network consists of TeO3 and TeO6 structural units along with BO3 and BO4 units.

  2. Experiment and density functional theory analyses of GdTaO4 single crystal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ding, Shoujun; Kinross, Ashlie; Wang, Xiaofei; Yang, Huajun; Zhang, Qingli; Liu, Wenpeng; Sun, Dunlu

    2018-05-01

    GdTaO4 is a type of excellent materials that can be used as scintillation, laser matrix as well as self-activated phosphor has generated significant interest. Whereas its band structure, electronic structure and optical properties are still need elucidation. To solve this intriguing problem, high-quality GdTaO4 single crystal (M-type) was grown successfully using Czochralski method. Its structure as well as optical properties was determined in experiment. Moreover, a systematic theoretical calculation based on the density function theory methods were performed on M-type and M‧-type GdTaO4 and their band structure, density of state as well as optical properties were obtained. Combine with the performed experiment results, the calculated results were proved with high reliability. Hence, the calculated results obtained in this work could provide a deep understanding of GdTaO4 material, which also useful for the further investigation on GdTaO4 material.

  3. Soft optics in intelligent optical networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shue, Chikong; Cao, Yang

    2001-10-01

    In addition to the recent advances in Hard-optics that pushes the optical transmission speed, distance, wave density and optical switching capacity, Soft-optics provides the necessary intelligence and control software that reduces operational costs, increase efficiency, and enhances revenue generating services by automating optimal optical circuit placement and restoration, and enabling value-added new services like Optical VPN. This paper describes the advances in 1) Overall Hard-optics and Soft-optics 2) Layered hierarchy of Soft-optics 3) Component of Soft-optics, including hard-optics drivers, Management Soft-optics, Routing Soft-optics and System Soft-optics 4) Key component of Routing and System Soft-optics, namely optical routing and signaling (including UNI/NNI and GMPLS signaling). In summary, the soft-optics on a new generation of OXC's enables Intelligent Optical Networks to provide just-in-time service delivery and fast restoration, and real-time capacity management that eliminates stranded bandwidth. It reduces operational costs and provides new revenue opportunities.

  4. Local electronic and optical behaviors of a-plane GaN grown via epitaxial lateral overgrowth

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moore, J. C.; Kasliwal, V.; Baski, A. A.; Ni, X.; Özgür, Ü.; Morkoç, H.

    2007-01-01

    Conductive atomic force microscopy and near-field optical microscopy (NSOM) were used to study the morphology, conduction, and optical properties of a-plane GaN films grown via epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The AFM images for the coalesced ELO films show undulations, where the window regions appear as depressions with a high density of surface pits. At reverse bias below 12V, very low uniform conduction (2pA) is seen in the window regions. Above 20V, a lower-quality sample shows localized sites inside the window regions with significant leakage, indicating a correlation between the presence of surface pits and leakage sites. Room temperature NSOM studies explicitly showed enhanced optical quality in the wing regions of the overgrown GaN due to a reduced density of dislocations, with the wings and the windows clearly discernible from near-field photoluminescence mapping.

  5. Physical and optical property studies on Bi3+ ion containing vanadium sodium borate glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Venkatesh, G.; Meera, B. N.; Eraiah, B.

    2018-04-01

    xBi2O3-(15-x)V2O5-45B2O3-40Na2O glasses have been prepared using melt quenching technique. Amorphous nature of the glasses is verified using powder XRD. Densities and molar volume have been determined as a function of bismuth content and interestingly both increases as a function of bismuth content. Further oxygen packing density (OPD) is found to decrease with bismuth content. The increase in the molar volume as a function of bismuth content may be due to structural changes in the glass network. The optical properties performed from the optical absorption spectra were recorded in the wavelength range 200-1100 nm using UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The theoretical optical basicity of the oxides have also been estimated. The calculated energy band gap values increases with increase in Bi2O3 content.

  6. Theoretical investigation of the structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of the ternary indium sulfide layered structures AInS2 (A = K, Rb and Cs)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bouchenafa, M.; Sidoumou, M.; Halit, M.; Benmakhlouf, A.; Bouhemadou, A.; Maabed, S.; Bentabet, A.; Bin-Omran, S.

    2018-02-01

    Ab initio calculations were performed to investigate the structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of the ternary layered systems AInS2 (A = K, Rb and Cs). The calculated structural parameters are in good agreement with the existing experimental data. Analysis of the electronic band structure shows that the three studied materials are direct band-gap semiconductors. Density of states, charge transfers and charge density distribution maps were computed and analyzed. Numerical estimations of the elastic moduli and their related properties for single-crystal and polycrystalline aggregates were predicted. The optical properties were calculated for incident radiation polarized along the [100], [010] and [001] crystallographic directions. The studied materials exhibit a noticeable anisotropic behaviour in the elastic and optical properties, which is expected due to the symmetry and the layered nature of these compounds.

  7. Optical and transport properties of dense liquid silica

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

    Qi, Tingting; Millot, Marius; Kraus, Richard G.

    2015-06-15

    Using density-functional-theory based molecular dynamics and the Kubo-Greenwood linear response theory, we evaluated the high-pressure equation of state and the optical and transport properties of quartz and fused silica shock-compressed to 2000 GPa. The computed Hugoniots and corresponding optical reflectivity values are in very good agreement with published data for quartz, and new data that we obtained on fused silica using magnetically launched flyer plate experiments. The rise of optical reflectivity upon shock compression appears to be primarily a temperature-driven mechanism, which is relatively insensitive to small density variation. We observed that the electrical conductivity does not display Drude-like frequencymore » dependence, especially at lower temperatures. In addition, the Wiedemann-Franz relation between electrical and thermal conductivities was found to be invalid. It suggests that even at three-fold compression, warm dense liquid silica on the Hugoniot curve is still far away from the degenerate limit.« less

  8. Optical analogues of the Newton-Schrödinger equation and boson star evolution.

    PubMed

    Roger, Thomas; Maitland, Calum; Wilson, Kali; Westerberg, Niclas; Vocke, David; Wright, Ewan M; Faccio, Daniele

    2016-11-14

    Many gravitational phenomena that lie at the core of our understanding of the Universe have not yet been directly observed. An example in this sense is the boson star that has been proposed as an alternative to some compact objects currently interpreted as being black holes. In the weak field limit, these stars are governed by the Newton-Schrodinger equation. Here we present an optical system that, under appropriate conditions, identically reproduces such equation in two dimensions. A rotating boson star is experimentally and numerically modelled by an optical beam propagating through a medium with a positive thermal nonlinearity and is shown to oscillate in time while also stable up to relatively high densities. For higher densities, instabilities lead to an apparent breakup of the star, yet coherence across the whole structure is maintained. These results show that optical analogues can be used to shed new light on inaccessible gravitational objects.

  9. Optical analogues of the Newton–Schrödinger equation and boson star evolution

    PubMed Central

    Roger, Thomas; Maitland, Calum; Wilson, Kali; Westerberg, Niclas; Vocke, David; Wright, Ewan M.; Faccio, Daniele

    2016-01-01

    Many gravitational phenomena that lie at the core of our understanding of the Universe have not yet been directly observed. An example in this sense is the boson star that has been proposed as an alternative to some compact objects currently interpreted as being black holes. In the weak field limit, these stars are governed by the Newton–Schrodinger equation. Here we present an optical system that, under appropriate conditions, identically reproduces such equation in two dimensions. A rotating boson star is experimentally and numerically modelled by an optical beam propagating through a medium with a positive thermal nonlinearity and is shown to oscillate in time while also stable up to relatively high densities. For higher densities, instabilities lead to an apparent breakup of the star, yet coherence across the whole structure is maintained. These results show that optical analogues can be used to shed new light on inaccessible gravitational objects. PMID:27841261

  10. Blood platelets: computerized morphometry applied on optical images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Korobova, Farida V.; Ivanova, Tatyana V.; Gusev, Alexander A.; Shmarov, Dmitry A.; Kozinets, Gennady I.

    2000-11-01

    The new technology of computerized morphometric image analysis of platelets on blood smears was developed. In a basis of the device is included analysis of cytophotometric and morphometric parameters of platelets. Geometrical and optical parameters of platelets on 35 donors, platelet concentrates and 15 patients with haemorrhagic thrombocythaemia were investigated, average meanings for the area, diameter, its logarithms and optical density of platelets in norm were received. Distribution of the areas, diameters and optical densities of platelets of patients with haemorrhagic thrombocythaemia differed from those at the healthy people. After a course of treatment these meanings came nearer to normal. The important characteristics of platelets in platelet concentrates after three days of storage were in limits of normal meanings, but differed from those in whole blood platelets. Obtained data allow to enter the quantitative standards into investigation of platelets of the healthy people and at various alteration of thrombocytopoieses.

  11. Electronic structure and optical properties of GdNi2Mnx compounds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Knyazev, Yu. V.; Lukoyanov, A. V.; Kuz'min, Yu. I.; Gaviko, V. S.

    2018-02-01

    The electronic structure and optical properties of GdNi2Mnx compounds (x = 0, 0.4, 0.6) were investigated. Spin-polarized electronic structure calculations were performed in the approximation of local electron spin density corrected for strong electron correlations using the LSDA+U method. The changes in the magnetic moments and exchange interactions in GdNi2Mnx (x = 0, 0.4, 0.6) governing the increase in the Curie temperature with manganese concentration were determined. The optical constants of the compounds were measured by the ellipsometric method in the wide spectral range of 0.22-15 μm. The peculiarities of the evolution of the frequency dependences of optical conductivity with a change in the manganese content were revealed. Based on the calculated densities of electron states, the behavior of these dispersion curves in the region of interband absorption of light was discussed. The concentration dependences of several electronic characteristics were determined.

  12. Optical analogues of the Newton-Schrödinger equation and boson star evolution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roger, Thomas; Maitland, Calum; Wilson, Kali; Westerberg, Niclas; Vocke, David; Wright, Ewan M.; Faccio, Daniele

    2016-11-01

    Many gravitational phenomena that lie at the core of our understanding of the Universe have not yet been directly observed. An example in this sense is the boson star that has been proposed as an alternative to some compact objects currently interpreted as being black holes. In the weak field limit, these stars are governed by the Newton-Schrodinger equation. Here we present an optical system that, under appropriate conditions, identically reproduces such equation in two dimensions. A rotating boson star is experimentally and numerically modelled by an optical beam propagating through a medium with a positive thermal nonlinearity and is shown to oscillate in time while also stable up to relatively high densities. For higher densities, instabilities lead to an apparent breakup of the star, yet coherence across the whole structure is maintained. These results show that optical analogues can be used to shed new light on inaccessible gravitational objects.

  13. A small-volume PVTX system for broadband spectroscopic calibration of downhole optical sensors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jones, Christopher Michael; Pelletier, Michael T.; Atkinson, Robert; Shen, Jing; Moore, Jeff; Anders, Jimmy; Perkins, David L.; Myrick, Michael L.

    2017-07-01

    An instrument is presented that is capable of measuring the optical spectrum (long-wave ultraviolet through short-wave mid-infrared) of fluids under a range of temperature and pressure conditions from ambient pressure up to 138 MPa (20 000 psi) and 422 K (300 °F) using ˜5 ml of fluid. Temperature, pressure, and density are measured in situ in real-time, and composition is varied by adding volatile and nonvolatile components. The stability and accuracy of the conditions are reported for pure ethane, and the effects of temperature and pressure on characteristic regions of the optical spectrum of ethane are illustrated after correction for temperature and pressure effects on the optical cell path length, as well as normalization to the measured density. Molar absorption coefficients and integrated molar absorption coefficients for several vibrational combination bands are presented.

  14. Solid state electro-optic color filter and iris

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1974-01-01

    Test results obtained have confirmed the practicality of the solid state electro-optic filters as an optical control element in a television system. Neutral-density control range in excess of 1000:1 has been obtained on sample filters. Test results, measurements in a complete camera system, discussions of problem areas, analytical comparisons, and recommendations for future investigations are included.

  15. Picosecond Optical Studies of Solids.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Broomfield, Seth Emlyn

    Available from UMI in association with The British Library. Requires signed TDF. Hot carrier relaxation is studied in the alloy semiconductor Ga_{rm 1-x} Al_{rm x}As by analysis of time-resolved luminescence at 4K. Photoexcited carrier densities in the range 10^{16 } to 10^{18}cm ^{-3} were created by 5ps laser pulses in alloys with x values ranging from 0 to 0.36. Carrier temperature cooling curves are discussed in terms of emission and absorption of non-equilibrium phonons by carriers, intervalley scattering of electrons and alloy disorder effects. Energy relaxation within a band of localised exciton states is studied in Ga_{rm 1 -x}Al_{rm x} As by analysis of time-resolved photoluminescence at 4K with a photoexcited carrier density of 10 ^{14}cm^{-3 }. It is found that the width of the band of localised states increases with the degree of alloy disorder as x ranges from 0 to 0.36. A form for the density of localised states is obtained. The intersite exciton overlap is estimated. Photoluminescence of the semiconductor gallium selenide is measured for carrier densities below 3 times 10^{18}cm ^{-3} at 2K. Biexcitons are identified by analysis of the photoluminescence at high densities. This is confirmed by induced optical absorption experiments. It is shown that biexciton dissociation by interaction with low-energy optical phonons occurs as the lattice temperature is increased. The group velocity of excitonic polaritons is obtained from measurements of the time-of-flight of 5ps optical pulses across a 1mum thick layer of gallium arsenide at 4K. The group velocity has a minimum value of 4 times 10 ^5ms^{-1} at the transverse exciton energy, and has a dependence on photon energy which agrees well with a model describing spatial dispersion of polaritons.

  16. The total energy-momentum tensor for electromagnetic fields in a dielectric

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Crenshaw, Michael E.

    2017-08-01

    Radiation pressure is an observable consequence of optically induced forces on materials. On cosmic scales, radiation pressure is responsible for the bending of the tails of comets as they pass near the sun. At a much smaller scale, optically induced forces are being investigated as part of a toolkit for micromanipulation and nanofabrication technology [1]. A number of practical applications of the mechanical effects of light-matter interaction are discussed by Qiu, et al. [2]. The promise of the nascent nanophotonic technology for manufacturing small, low-power, high-sensitivity sensors and other devices has likely motivated the substantial current interest in optical manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, see, for example, Ref. [2] and the references therein. While substantial progress toward optical micromanipulation has been achieved, e.g. optical tweezers [1], in this report we limit our consideration to the particular issue of optically induced forces on a transparent dielectric material. As a matter of electromagnetic theory, these forces remain indeterminate and controversial. Due to the potential applications in nanotechnology, the century-old debate regarding these forces, and the associated momentums, has ramped up considerably in the physics community. The energy-momentum tensor is the centerpiece of conservation laws for the unimpeded, inviscid, incompressible flow of non-interacting particles in the continuum limit in an otherwise empty volume. The foundations of the energy-momentum tensor and the associated tensor conservation theory come to electrodynamics from classical continuum dynamics by applying the divergence theorem to a Taylor series expansion of a property density field of a continuous flow in an otherwise empty volume. The dust tensor is a particularly simple example of an energy-momentum tensor that deals with particles of matter in the continuum limit in terms of the mass density ρm, energy density ρmc 2 , and momentum density ρmv. Newtonian fluids can behave very much like dust with the same energy-momentum tensor. The energy and momentum conservation properties of light propagating in the vacuum were long-ago cast in the energy-momentum tensor formalism in terms of the electromagnetic energy density and electromagnetic momentum density. However, extrapolating the tensor theory of energy-momentum conservation for propagation of light in the vacuum to propagation of light in a simple linear dielectric medium has proven to be problematic and controversial. A dielectric medium is not "otherwise empty" and it is typically assumed that optically induced forces accelerate and decelerate nanoscopic material constituents of the dielectric. The corresponding material energy-momentum tensor is added to the electromagnetic energy-momentum tensor to form the total energy-momentum tensor, thereby ensuring that the total energy and the total momentum of the thermodynamically closed system remain constant in time.

  17. X-Ray Emission from Supernovae in Dense Circumstellar Matter Environments: A Search for Collisionless Shock

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ofek, E.O; Fox, D.; Cenko, B.; Sullivan, M.; Gnat, O.; Frail A.; Horesh, A.; Corsi, A; Quimby, R. M.; Gehrels, N.; hide

    2012-01-01

    The optical light curve of some supernovae (SNe) may be powered by the outward diffusion of the energy deposited by the explosion shock (so-called shock breakout) in optically thick (tau approx > 30) circumstellar matter (CSM). Recently, it was shown that the radiation-mediated and -dominated shock in an optically thick wind must transform into 8. collisionless shock and can produce hard X-rays. The X-rays are expected to peak at late times, relative to maximum visible light. Here we report on a search, using Swift-XRT and Chandra, for X-ray emission from 28 SNe that belong to classes whose progenitors are suspected to be embedded in dense CSM. Our sample includes 19 type-IIn SNe, one type-Ibn SN and eiht hydrogen-poor super-luminous SNe (SLSN-I; SN 2005ap like). Two SNe (SN 2006jc and SN 2010jl) have X-ray properties that are roughly consistent with the expectation for X-rays from a collisionless shock in optically thick CSl\\l. Therefore, we suggest that their optical light curves are powered by shock breakout in CSM. We show that two other events (SN 2010al and SN 2011ht) were too X-ray bright during the SN maximum optical light to be explained by the shock breakout model. We conclude that the light curves of some, but not all, type-IIn/Ibn SNe are powered by shock breakout in CSM. For the rest of the SNe in our sample, including all the SLSN-I events, our X-ray limits are not deep enough and were typically obtained at too early times (i.e., near the SN maximum light) to conclude about their nature. Late time X-ray observations are required in order to further test if these SNe are indeed embedded in dense CSM. We review the conditions required for a shock breakOut in a wind profile. We argue that the time scale, relative to maximum light, for the SN to peak in X-rays is a probe of the column density and the density profile above the shock region. The optical light curves of SNe, for which the X-ray emission peaks at late times, are likely powered by the diffusion of shock energy from a dense CSM. We note that if the CSM density profile falls faster than a constant-rate wind density profile, then X-rays may escape at earlier times than estimated for the wind profile case. Furthermore, if the CSM have a region in which the density profile is very steep, relative to a steady wind density profile, or the CSM is neutral, then the radio free-free absorption may be low enough, and radio emission may be detected.

  18. Spin temperature and density of cold and warm H I in the Galactic disk: Hidden H I

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sofue, Yoshiaki

    2018-05-01

    We present a method to determine the spin temperature TS and volume density n of H I gas simultaneously along the tangent-point circle of Galactic rotation in the Milky Way by using the χ2 method. The best-fit TS is shown to range either in TS ˜ 100-120 K or in 1000-3000 K, indicating that the gas is in the cold H I phase with high density and large optical depth, or in warm H I with low density and small optical depth. Averaged values at 3 ≤ R ≤ 8 kpc are obtained to be TS = 106.7 ± 16.0 K and n = 1.53 ± 0.86 H cm-3 for cold H I, and 1720 ± 1060 K and 0.38 ± 0.10 H cm-3 for warm H I, where R = 8 |sinl| kpc is the galacto-centric distance along the tangent-point circle. The cold H I appears in spiral arms and rings, whereas warm H I appears in the inter-arm regions. The cold H I is denser by a factor of ˜4 than warm H I. The present analysis has revealed the hidden H I mass in the cold and optically thick phase in the Galactic disk. The total H I mass inside the solar circle is shown to be greater by a factor of 2-2.5 than the current estimation by the optically thin assumption.

  19. Potential errors in optical density measurements due to scanning side in EBT and EBT2 Gafchromic film dosimetry.

    PubMed

    Desroches, Joannie; Bouchard, Hugo; Lacroix, Frédéric

    2010-04-01

    The purpose of this study is to determine the effect on the measured optical density of scanning on either side of a Gafchromic EBT and EBT2 film using an Epson (Epson Canada Ltd., Toronto, Ontario) 10000XL flat bed scanner. Calibration curves were constructed using EBT2 film scanned in landscape orientation in both reflection and transmission mode on an Epson 10000XL scanner. Calibration curves were also constructed using EBT film. Potential errors due to an optical density difference from scanning the film on either side ("face up" or "face down") were simulated. Scanning the film face up or face down on the scanner bed while keeping the film angular orientation constant affects the measured optical density when scanning in reflection mode. In contrast, no statistically significant effect was seen when scanning in transmission mode. This effect can significantly affect relative and absolute dose measurements. As an application example, the authors demonstrate potential errors of 17.8% by inverting the film scanning side on the gamma index for 3%-3 mm criteria on a head and neck intensity modulated radiotherapy plan, and errors in absolute dose measurements ranging from 10% to 35% between 2 and 5 Gy. Process consistency is the key to obtaining accurate and precise results in Gafchromic film dosimetry. When scanning in reflection mode, care must be taken to place the film consistently on the same side on the scanner bed.

  20. Spin temperature and density of cold and warm H I in the Galactic disk: Hidden H I

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sofue, Yoshiaki

    2018-06-01

    We present a method to determine the spin temperature TS and volume density n of H I gas simultaneously along the tangent-point circle of Galactic rotation in the Milky Way by using the χ2 method. The best-fit TS is shown to range either in TS ˜ 100-120 K or in 1000-3000 K, indicating that the gas is in the cold H I phase with high density and large optical depth, or in warm H I with low density and small optical depth. Averaged values at 3 ≤ R ≤ 8 kpc are obtained to be TS = 106.7 ± 16.0 K and n = 1.53 ± 0.86 H cm-3 for cold H I, and 1720 ± 1060 K and 0.38 ± 0.10 H cm-3 for warm H I, where R = 8 |sinl| kpc is the galacto-centric distance along the tangent-point circle. The cold H I appears in spiral arms and rings, whereas warm H I appears in the inter-arm regions. The cold H I is denser by a factor of ˜4 than warm H I. The present analysis has revealed the hidden H I mass in the cold and optically thick phase in the Galactic disk. The total H I mass inside the solar circle is shown to be greater by a factor of 2-2.5 than the current estimation by the optically thin assumption.

  1. Size-resolved chemical composition, effective density, and optical properties of biomass burning particles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhai, Jinghao; Lu, Xiaohui; Li, Ling; Zhang, Qi; Zhang, Ci; Chen, Hong; Yang, Xin; Chen, Jianmin

    2017-06-01

    Biomass burning aerosol has an important impact on the global radiative budget. A better understanding of the correlations between the mixing states of biomass burning particles and their optical properties is the goal of a number of current studies. In this work, the effective density, chemical composition, and optical properties of rice straw burning particles in the size range of 50-400 nm were measured using a suite of online methods. We found that the major components of particles produced by burning rice straw included black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), and potassium salts, but the mixing states of particles were strongly size dependent. Particles of 50 nm had the smallest effective density (1.16 g cm-3) due to a relatively large proportion of aggregate BC. The average effective densities of 100-400 nm particles ranged from 1.35 to 1.51 g cm-3 with OC and inorganic salts as dominant components. Both density distribution and single-particle mass spectrometry showed more complex mixing states in larger particles. Upon heating, the separation of the effective density distribution modes confirmed the external mixing state of less-volatile BC or soot and potassium salts. The size-resolved optical properties of biomass burning particles were investigated at two wavelengths (λ = 450 and 530 nm). The single-scattering albedo (SSA) showed the lowest value for 50 nm particles (0.741 ± 0.007 and 0.889 ± 0.006) because of the larger proportion of BC content. Brown carbon played an important role for the SSA of 100-400 nm particles. The Ångström absorption exponent (AAE) values for all particles were above 1.6, indicating the significant presence of brown carbon in all sizes. Concurrent measurements in our work provide a basis for discussing the physicochemical properties of biomass burning aerosol and its effects on the global climate and atmospheric environment.

  2. Optical depth estimates and effective critical densities of dense gas tracers in the inner parts of nearby galaxy discs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiménez-Donaire, M. J.; Bigiel, F.; Leroy, A. K.; Cormier, D.; Gallagher, M.; Usero, A.; Bolatto, A.; Colombo, D.; García-Burillo, S.; Hughes, A.; Kramer, C.; Krumholz, M. R.; Meier, D. S.; Murphy, E.; Pety, J.; Rosolowsky, E.; Schinnerer, E.; Schruba, A.; Tomičić, N.; Zschaechner, L.

    2017-04-01

    High critical density molecular lines like HCN (1-0) or HCO+ (1-0) represent our best tool to study currently star-forming, dense molecular gas at extragalactic distances. The optical depth of these lines is a key ingredient to estimate the effective density required to excite emission. However, constraints on this quantity are even scarcer in the literature than measurements of the high-density tracers themselves. Here, we combine new observations of HCN, HCO+ and HNC (1-0) and their optically thin isotopologues H13CN, H13CO+ and HN13C (1-0) to measure isotopologue line ratios. We use IRAM 30-m observations from the large programme EMPIRE and new Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array observations, which together target six nearby star-forming galaxies. Using spectral stacking techniques, we calculate or place strong upper limits on the HCN/H13CN, HCO+/H13CO+ and HNC/HN13C line ratios in the inner parts of these galaxies. Under simple assumptions, we use these to estimate the optical depths of HCN (1-0) and HCO+ (1-0) to be τ ˜ 2-11 in the active, inner regions of our targets. The critical densities are consequently lowered to values between 5 and 20 × 105 cm-3, 1 and 3 × 105 cm-3 and 9 × 104 cm-3 for HCN, HCO+ and HNC, respectively. We study the impact of having different beam-filling factors, η, on these estimates and find that the effective critical densities decrease by a factor of η _{12}/η _{13} τ_{12}. A comparison to existing work in NGC 5194 and NGC 253 shows the HCN/H13CN and HCO+/H13CO+ ratios in agreement with our measurements within the uncertainties. The same is true for studies in other environments such as the Galactic Centre or nuclear regions of active galactic nucleus dominated nearby galaxies.

  3. Flow Cytometry Pulse Width Data Enables Rapid and Sensitive Estimation of Biomass Dry Weight in the Microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chlorella vulgaris

    PubMed Central

    Chioccioli, Maurizio; Hankamer, Ben; Ross, Ian L.

    2014-01-01

    Dry weight biomass is an important parameter in algaculture. Direct measurement requires weighing milligram quantities of dried biomass, which is problematic for small volume systems containing few cells, such as laboratory studies and high throughput assays in microwell plates. In these cases indirect methods must be used, inducing measurement artefacts which vary in severity with the cell type and conditions employed. Here, we utilise flow cytometry pulse width data for the estimation of cell density and biomass, using Chlorella vulgaris and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as model algae and compare it to optical density methods. Measurement of cell concentration by flow cytometry was shown to be more sensitive than optical density at 750 nm (OD750) for monitoring culture growth. However, neither cell concentration nor optical density correlates well to biomass when growth conditions vary. Compared to the growth of C. vulgaris in TAP (tris-acetate-phosphate) medium, cells grown in TAP + glucose displayed a slowed cell division rate and a 2-fold increased dry biomass accumulation compared to growth without glucose. This was accompanied by increased cellular volume. Laser scattering characteristics during flow cytometry were used to estimate cell diameters and it was shown that an empirical but nonlinear relationship could be shown between flow cytometric pulse width and dry weight biomass per cell. This relationship could be linearised by the use of hypertonic conditions (1 M NaCl) to dehydrate the cells, as shown by density gradient centrifugation. Flow cytometry for biomass estimation is easy to perform, sensitive and offers more comprehensive information than optical density measurements. In addition, periodic flow cytometry measurements can be used to calibrate OD750 measurements for both convenience and accuracy. This approach is particularly useful for small samples and where cellular characteristics, especially cell size, are expected to vary during growth. PMID:24832156

  4. Spillage and flux density on a receiver aperture lip. [of solar thermal collector

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jaffe, L. D.

    1985-01-01

    In a dish-type point-focusing solar thermal collector, the spillage and the flux density on the receiver aperture lip are related in a very simple way, if the aperture is circular and centered on the optical axis. Specifically, the flux density on the lip is equal to the spillage times the peak flux density in the plane of the lip.

  5. Multi-modal diffuse optical techniques for breast cancer neoadjuvant chemotherapy monitoring (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cochran, Jeffrey M.; Busch, David R.; Ban, Han Y.; Kavuri, Venkaiah C.; Schweiger, Martin J.; Arridge, Simon R.; Yodh, Arjun G.

    2017-02-01

    We present high spatial density, multi-modal, parallel-plate Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) imaging systems for the purpose of breast tumor detection. One hybrid instrument provides time domain (TD) and continuous wave (CW) DOT at 64 source fiber positions. The TD diffuse optical spectroscopy with PMT- detection produces low-resolution images of absolute tissue scattering and absorption while the spatially dense array of CCD-coupled detector fibers (108 detectors) provides higher-resolution CW images of relative tissue optical properties. Reconstruction of the tissue optical properties, along with total hemoglobin concentration and tissue oxygen saturation, is performed using the TOAST software suite. Comparison of the spatially-dense DOT images and MR images allows for a robust validation of DOT against an accepted clinical modality. Additionally, the structural information from co-registered MR images is used as a spatial prior to improve the quality of the functional optical images and provide more accurate quantification of the optical and hemodynamic properties of tumors. We also present an optical-only imaging system that provides frequency domain (FD) DOT at 209 source positions with full CCD detection and incorporates optical fringe projection profilometry to determine the breast boundary. This profilometry serves as a spatial constraint, improving the quality of the DOT reconstructions while retaining the benefits of an optical-only device. We present initial images from both human subjects and phantoms to display the utility of high spatial density data and multi-modal information in DOT reconstruction with the two systems.

  6. Density gradient free electron collisionally excited x-ray laser

    DOEpatents

    Campbell, E.M.; Rosen, M.D.

    1984-11-29

    An operational x-ray laser is provided that amplifies 3p-3s transition x-ray radiation along an approximately linear path. The x-ray laser is driven by a high power optical laser. The driving line focused optical laser beam illuminates a free-standing thin foil that may be associated with a substrate for improved structural integrity. This illumination produces a generally cylindrically shaped plasma having an essentially uniform electron density and temperature, that exists over a long period of time, and provides the x-ray laser gain medium. The x-ray laser may be driven by more than one optical laser beam. The x-ray laser has been successfully demonstrated to function in a series of experimental tests.

  7. Study of laser cooling in deep optical lattice: two-level quantum model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prudnikov, O. N.; Il'enkov, R. Ya.; Taichenachev, A. V.; Yudin, V. I.; Rasel, E. M.

    2018-01-01

    We study a possibility of laser cooling of 24Mg atoms in deep optical lattice formed by intense off-resonant laser field in a presence of cooling field resonant to narrow (3s3s) 1 S 0 → (3s3p)3 P 1 (λ = 457 nm) optical transition. For description of laser cooling with taking into account quantum recoil effects we consider two quantum models. The first one is based on direct numerical solution of quantum kinetic equation for atom density matrix and the second one is simplified model based on decomposition of atom density matrix over vibration states in the lattice wells. We search cooling field intensity and detuning for minimum cooling energy and fast laser cooling.

  8. A comparative density functional theory study of electronic structure and optical properties of γ-aminobutyric acid and its cocrystals with oxalic and benzoic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    da Silva Filho, J. G.; Freire, V. N.; Caetano, E. W. S.; Ladeira, L. O.; Fulco, U. L.; Albuquerque, E. L.

    2013-11-01

    In this letter, we study the electronic structure and optical properties of the active medicinal component γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its cocrystals with oxalic (OXA) and benzoic (BZA) acid by means of the density functional theory formalism. It is shown that the cocrystallization strongly weakens the zwitterionic character of the GABA molecule leading to striking differences among the electronic band structures and optical absorption spectra of the GABA crystal and GABA:OXA, GABA:BZA cocrystals, originating from distinct sets of hydrogen bonds. Calculated band widths and Δ-sol band gap estimates indicate that both GABA and GABA:OXA, GABA:BZA cocrystals are indirect gap insulators.

  9. DFT calculations of electronic and optical properties of SrS with LDA, GGA and mGGA functionals

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

    Sharma, Shatendra, E-mail: shatendra@gmai.com; Sharma, Jyotsna; Sharma, Yogita

    2016-05-06

    The theoretical investigations of electronic and optical properties of SrS are made using the first principle DFT calculations. The calculations are performed for the local-density approximation (LDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and for an alternative form of GGA i.e. metaGGA for both rock salt type (B1, Fm3m) and cesium chloride (B2, Pm3m) structures. The band structure, density of states and optical spectra are calculated under various available functional. The calculations with LDA and GGA functional underestimate the values of band gaps with all functional, however the values with mGGA show reasonably good agreement with experimental and those calculated by usingmore » other methods.« less

  10. A SECOND NEUTRON STAR IN M4?

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

    Kaluzny, J.; Rozanska, A.; Rozyczka, M.

    2012-05-01

    We show that the optical counterpart of the X-ray source CX 1 in M4 is a {approx}20th magnitude star, located in the color-magnitude diagram on (or very close to) the main sequence of the cluster, and exhibiting sinusoidal variations of the flux. We find the X-ray flux to be also periodically variable, with X-ray and optical minima coinciding. Stability of the optical light curve, lack of UV-excess, and unrealistic mean density resulting from period-density relation for semidetached systems speak against the original identification of CX 1 as a cataclysmic variable. We argue that the X-ray active component of this systemmore » is a neutron star (probably a millisecond pulsar).« less

  11. Effect of gamma radiation on low density polyethylene (LDPE) films: optical, dielectric and FTIR studies.

    PubMed

    Moez, A Abdel; Aly, S S; Elshaer, Y H

    2012-07-01

    The low density polyethylene (LDPE) films were irradiated with gamma radiation in the dose range varied from 20 to 400 kGy. The induced changes in the chemical structure and dielectric properties for the irradiated films were investigated. The structure modifications: crystallinity as well as possible molecular changes of the polymer were recognized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The optical results were determined from transmission, reflection and absorption spectra for these films. The dielectric properties of these films were calculated using optical methods. Result indicates small variation in crystallinity which could be increased or decreased depending on the relative importance of the structural and chemical changes. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Impact of storage induced outgassing organic contamination on laser induced damage of silica optics at 351 nm.

    PubMed

    Bien-Aimé, K; Belin, C; Gallais, L; Grua, P; Fargin, E; Néauport, J; Tovena-Pecault, I

    2009-10-12

    The impact of storage conditions on laser induced damage density at 351 nm on bare fused polished silica samples has been studied. Intentionally outgassing of polypropylene pieces on silica samples was done. We evidenced an important increase of laser induced damage density on contaminated samples demonstrating that storage could limit optics lifetime performances. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Gas Chromatography -Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) have been used to identify the potential causes of this effect. It shows that a small quantity of organic contamination deposited on silica surface is responsible for this degradation. Various hypotheses are proposed to explain the damage mechanism. The more likely hypothesis is a coupling between surface defects of optics and organic contaminants.

  13. Optical Electronic Bragg Reflection Sensor System with Hydrodynamic Flow Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lyons, D. R.

    2003-01-01

    This project, as described in the following report, involved design and fabrication of fiber optic sensors for the detection and measurement of dynamic fluid density variations. These devices are created using UV (ultraviolet) ablation and generally modified transverse holographic fiber grating techniques. The resulting phase gratings created on or immediately underneath the flat portion of D-shaped optical waveguides are characterized as evanescent field sensing devices. The primary applications include the sensor portion of a real-time localized or distributed measurement system for hydrodynamic flow, fluid density measurements, and phase change phenomena. Several design modifications were implemented in an attempt to accomplish the tasks specified in our original proposal. In addition, we have established key collaborative relationships with numerous people and institutions.

  14. Optically active Er-Yb doped glass films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Serna, R.; Ballesteros, J. M.; Jiménez de Castro, M.; Solis, J.; Afonso, C. N.

    1998-08-01

    Active rare-earth Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped phosphate glass films are produced in a single step by pulsed laser deposition. The films are multimode waveguides and exhibit the highest refractive index, optical density and 1.54 μm photoluminescence intensity and lifetime when deposited at low oxygen pressure (Pox⩽4×10-5 Torr). The density of the films obtained under these conditions is higher than that of the target material as a consequence of the high kinetic energy of the species generated during ablation. Luminescent emission can be excited by optical pumping the Er3+ ions either directly or through cross-relaxation of the Yb3+. Post-deposition annealing allows us to improve the luminescence performance.

  15. A comparison of the optical pulse characteristics of intracloud and cloud-to-ground lightning as observed above clouds

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Goodman, Steven J.; Christian, Hugh J.; Rust, W. David

    1988-01-01

    The optical-pulse characteristics of intracloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes were investigated. The time-resolved optical waveforms at 777.4 nm and electric-field changes produced by lightning flashes were measured aboard a U2 aircraft flying above clouds at the same time that ground-based lightning measurements were carried out. The pulse shapes and intensities of IC and CG flashes, as viewed from above cloud, were found to exhibit remarkably similar waveshapes, radiances, and radiant energy densities. The median radiance at cloud top was found to be about 0.007 W/sq m per sr, and the median energy density about 0.000003 J/sq m per sr.

  16. A new correction method serving to eliminate the parabola effect of flatbed scanners used in radiochromic film dosimetry.

    PubMed

    Poppinga, D; Schoenfeld, A A; Doerner, K J; Blanck, O; Harder, D; Poppe, B

    2014-02-01

    The purpose of this study is the correction of the lateral scanner artifact, i.e., the effect that, on a large homogeneously exposed EBT3 film, a flatbed scanner measures different optical densities at different positions along the x axis, the axis parallel to the elongated light source. At constant dose, the measured optical density profiles along this axis have a parabolic shape with significant dose dependent curvature. Therefore, the effect is shortly called the parabola effect. The objective of the algorithm developed in this study is to correct for the parabola effect. Any optical density measured at given position x is transformed into the equivalent optical density c at the apex of the parabola and then converted into the corresponding dose via the calibration of c versus dose. For the present study EBT3 films and an Epson 10000XL scanner including transparency unit were used for the analysis of the parabola effect. The films were irradiated with 6 MV photons from an Elekta Synergy accelerator in a RW3 slab phantom. In order to quantify the effect, ten film pieces with doses graded from 0 to 20.9 Gy were sequentially scanned at eight positions along the x axis and at six positions along the z axis (the movement direction of the light source) both for the portrait and landscape film orientations. In order to test the effectiveness of the new correction algorithm, the dose profiles of an open square field and an IMRT plan were measured by EBT3 films and compared with ionization chamber and ionization chamber array measurement. The parabola effect has been numerically studied over the whole measuring field of the Epson 10000XL scanner for doses up to 20.9 Gy and for both film orientations. The presented algorithm transforms any optical density at position x into the equivalent optical density that would be measured at the same dose at the apex of the parabola. This correction method has been validated up to doses of 5.2 Gy all over the scanner bed with 2D dose distributions of an open square photon field and an IMRT distribution. The algorithm presented in this study quantifies and corrects the parabola effect of EBT3 films scanned in commonly used commercial flatbed scanners at doses up to 5.2 Gy. It is easy to implement, and no additional work steps are necessary in daily routine film dosimetry.

  17. Long-term optical and X-ray variability of the Be/X-ray binary H 1145-619: Discovery of an ongoing retrograde density wave

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alfonso-Garzón, J.; Fabregat, J.; Reig, P.; Kajava, J. J. E.; Sánchez-Fernández, C.; Townsend, L. J.; Mas-Hesse, J. M.; Crawford, S. M.; Kretschmar, P.; Coe, M. J.

    2017-11-01

    Context. Multiwavelength monitoring of Be/X-ray binaries is crucial to understand the mechanisms producing their outbursts. H 1145-619 is one of these systems, which has recently displayed X-ray activity. Aims: We investigate the correlation between the optical emission and X-ray activity to predict the occurrence of new X-ray outbursts from the inferred state of the circumstellar disc. Methods: We have performed a multiwavelength study of H 1145-619 from 1973 to 2017 and present here a global analysis of its variability over the last 40 yr. We used optical spectra from the SAAO, SMARTS, and SALT telescopes and optical photometry from the Optical Monitoring Camera (OMC) onboard INTEGRAL and from the All Sky Automated Survey (ASAS). We also used X-ray observations from INTEGRAL/JEM-X, and IBIS to generate the light curves and combined them with Swift/XRT to extract the X-ray spectra. In addition, we compiled archival observations and measurements from the literature to complement these data. Results: Comparing the evolution of the optical continuum emission with the Hα line variability, we identified three different patterns of optical variability: first, global increases and decreases of the optical brightness, observed from 1982 to 1994 and from 2009 to 2017, which can be explained by the dissipation and replenishment of the circumstellar disc; second, superorbital variations with a period of Psuperorb ≈ 590 days, observed in 2002-2009, which seems to be related to the circumstellar disc; and third, optical outbursts, observed in 1998-1999 and 2002-2005, which we interpret as mass ejections from the Be star. We discovered the presence of a retrograde one-armed density wave, which appeared in 2016 and is still present in the circumstellar disc. Conclusions: We carried out the most complete long-term optical study of the Be/X-ray binary H 1145-619 in correlation with its X-ray activity. For the first time, we found the presence of a retrograde density perturbation in the circumstellar disc of a Be/X-ray binary.

  18. How flatbed scanners upset accurate film dosimetry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van Battum, L. J.; Huizenga, H.; Verdaasdonk, R. M.; Heukelom, S.

    2016-01-01

    Film is an excellent dosimeter for verification of dose distributions due to its high spatial resolution. Irradiated film can be digitized with low-cost, transmission, flatbed scanners. However, a disadvantage is their lateral scan effect (LSE): a scanner readout change over its lateral scan axis. Although anisotropic light scattering was presented as the origin of the LSE, this paper presents an alternative cause. Hereto, LSE for two flatbed scanners (Epson 1680 Expression Pro and Epson 10000XL), and Gafchromic film (EBT, EBT2, EBT3) was investigated, focused on three effects: cross talk, optical path length and polarization. Cross talk was examined using triangular sheets of various optical densities. The optical path length effect was studied using absorptive and reflective neutral density filters with well-defined optical characteristics (OD range 0.2-2.0). Linear polarizer sheets were used to investigate light polarization on the CCD signal in absence and presence of (un)irradiated Gafchromic film. Film dose values ranged between 0.2 to 9 Gy, i.e. an optical density range between 0.25 to 1.1. Measurements were performed in the scanner’s transmission mode, with red-green-blue channels. LSE was found to depend on scanner construction and film type. Its magnitude depends on dose: for 9 Gy increasing up to 14% at maximum lateral position. Cross talk was only significant in high contrast regions, up to 2% for very small fields. The optical path length effect introduced by film on the scanner causes 3% for pixels in the extreme lateral position. Light polarization due to film and the scanner’s optical mirror system is the main contributor, different in magnitude for the red, green and blue channel. We concluded that any Gafchromic EBT type film scanned with a flatbed scanner will face these optical effects. Accurate dosimetry requires correction of LSE, therefore, determination of the LSE per color channel and dose delivered to the film.

  19. Effect of additional optical pumping injection into the ground-state ensemble on the gain and the phase recovery acceleration of quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Jungho

    2014-02-01

    The effect of additional optical pumping injection into the ground-state ensemble on the ultrafast gain and the phase recovery dynamics of electrically-driven quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers is numerically investigated by solving 1088 coupled rate equations. The ultrafast gain and the phase recovery responses are calculated with respect to the additional optical pumping power. Increasing the additional optical pumping power can significantly accelerate the ultrafast phase recovery, which cannot be done by increasing the injection current density.

  20. Regional Retinal Ganglion Cell Axon Loss in a Murine Glaucoma Model

    PubMed Central

    Schaub, Julie A.; Kimball, Elizabeth C.; Steinhart, Matthew R.; Nguyen, Cathy; Pease, Mary E.; Oglesby, Ericka N.; Jefferys, Joan L.; Quigley, Harry A.

    2017-01-01

    Purpose To determine if retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon loss in experimental mouse glaucoma is uniform in the optic nerve. Methods Experimental glaucoma was induced for 6 weeks with a microbead injection model in CD1 (n = 78) and C57BL/6 (B6, n = 68) mice. From epoxy-embedded sections of optic nerve 1 to 2 mm posterior to the globe, total nerve area and regional axon density (axons/1600 μm2) were measured in superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal zones. Results Control eyes of CD1 mice have higher axon density and more total RGCs than control B6 mice eyes. There were no significant differences in control regional axon density in all mice or by strain (all P > 0.2, mixed model). Exposure to elevated IOP caused loss of RGC in both strains. In CD1 mice, axon density declined without significant loss of nerve area, while B6 mice had less density loss, but greater decrease in nerve area. Axon density loss in glaucoma eyes was not significantly greater in any region in either mouse strain (both P > 0.2, mixed model). In moderately damaged CD1 glaucoma eyes, and CD1 eyes with the greatest IOP elevation exposure, density loss differed by region (P = 0.05, P = 0.03, mixed model) with the greatest loss in the temporal and superior regions, while in severely injured B6 nerves superior loss was greater than inferior loss (P = 0.01, mixed model, Bonferroni corrected). Conclusions There was selectively greater loss of superior and temporal optic nerve axons of RGCs in mouse glaucoma at certain stages of damage. Differences in nerve area change suggest non-RGC responses differ between mouse strains. PMID:28549091

  1. Photoreceptor counting and montaging of en-face retinal images from an adaptive optics fundus camera

    PubMed Central

    Xue, Bai; Choi, Stacey S.; Doble, Nathan; Werner, John S.

    2008-01-01

    A fast and efficient method for quantifying photoreceptor density in images obtained with an en-face flood-illuminated adaptive optics (AO) imaging system is described. To improve accuracy of cone counting, en-face images are analyzed over extended areas. This is achieved with two separate semiautomated algorithms: (1) a montaging algorithm that joins retinal images with overlapping common features without edge effects and (2) a cone density measurement algorithm that counts the individual cones in the montaged image. The accuracy of the cone density measurement algorithm is high, with >97% agreement for a simulated retinal image (of known density, with low contrast) and for AO images from normal eyes when compared with previously reported histological data. Our algorithms do not require spatial regularity in cone packing and are, therefore, useful for counting cones in diseased retinas, as demonstrated for eyes with Stargardt’s macular dystrophy and retinitis pigmentosa. PMID:17429482

  2. Gravitational lensing effects in a time-variable cosmological 'constant' cosmology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ratra, Bharat; Quillen, Alice

    1992-01-01

    A scalar field phi with a potential V(phi) varies as phi exp -alpha(alpha is greater than 0) has an energy density, behaving like that of a time-variable cosmological 'constant', that redshifts less rapidly than the energy densities of radiation and matter, and so might contribute significantly to the present energy density. We compute, in this spatially flat cosmology, the gravitational lensing optical depth, and the expected lens redshift distribution for fixed source redshift. We find, for the values of alpha of about 4 and baryonic density parameter Omega of about 0.2 consistent with the classical cosmological tests, that the optical depth is significantly smaller than that in a constant-Lambda model with the same Omega. We also find that the redshift of the maximum of the lens distribution falls between that in the constant-Lambda model and that in the Einstein-de Sitter model.

  3. Electron density measurement in gas discharge plasmas by optical and acoustic methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Biagioni, A.; Anania, M. P.; Bellaveglia, M.; Chiadroni, E.; Cianchi, A.; Di Giovenale, D.; Di Pirro, G.; Ferrario, M.; Filippi, F.; Mostacci, A.; Pompili, R.; Shpakov, V.; Vaccarezza, C.; Villa, F.; Zigler, A.

    2016-08-01

    Plasma density represents a very important parameter for both laser wakefield and plasma wakefield acceleration, which use a gas-filled capillary plasma source. Several techniques can be used to measure the plasma density within a capillary discharge, which are mainly based on optical diagnostic methods, as for example the well-known spectroscopic method using the Stark broadening effect. In this work, we introduce a preliminary study on an alternative way to detect the plasma density, based on the shock waves produced by gas discharge in a capillary. Firstly, the measurements of the acoustic spectral content relative to the laser-induced plasmas by a solid target allowed us to understand the main properties of the acoustic waves produced during this kind of plasma generation; afterwards, we have extended such acoustic technique to the capillary plasma source in order to calibrate it by comparison with the stark broadening method.

  4. Strong terahertz emission by optical rectification of shaped laser pulse in transversely magnetized plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Ram Kishor; Singh, Monika; Rajouria, Satish Kumar; Sharma, R. P.

    2017-07-01

    This communication presents a theoretical model for efficient terahertz (THz) radiation generation by the optical rectification of shaped laser pulse in transversely magnetised ripple density plasma. The laser beam imparts a nonlinear ponderomotive force to the electron and this force exerts a nonlinear velocity component in both transverse and axial directions which have spectral components in the THz range. These velocity components couple with the pre-existing density ripple and give rise to a strong nonlinear current density which drives the THz wave in the plasma. The THz yield increases with the increasing strength of the background magnetic field and the sensitivity depends on the ripple wave number. The emitted power is directly proportional to the square of the amplitude of the density ripple. For exact phase matching condition, the normalised power of the generated THz wave can be achieved of the order of 10-4.

  5. Photoreceptor counting and montaging of en-face retinal images from an adaptive optics fundus camera

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xue, Bai; Choi, Stacey S.; Doble, Nathan; Werner, John S.

    2007-05-01

    A fast and efficient method for quantifying photoreceptor density in images obtained with an en-face flood-illuminated adaptive optics (AO) imaging system is described. To improve accuracy of cone counting, en-face images are analyzed over extended areas. This is achieved with two separate semiautomated algorithms: (1) a montaging algorithm that joins retinal images with overlapping common features without edge effects and (2) a cone density measurement algorithm that counts the individual cones in the montaged image. The accuracy of the cone density measurement algorithm is high, with >97% agreement for a simulated retinal image (of known density, with low contrast) and for AO images from normal eyes when compared with previously reported histological data. Our algorithms do not require spatial regularity in cone packing and are, therefore, useful for counting cones in diseased retinas, as demonstrated for eyes with Stargardt's macular dystrophy and retinitis pigmentosa.

  6. First-principles simulation of the optical response of bulk and thin-film α-quartz irradiated with an ultrashort intense laser pulse

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

    Lee, Kyung-Min; Min Kim, Chul; Moon Jeong, Tae, E-mail: jeongtm@gist.ac.kr

    A computational method based on a first-principles multiscale simulation has been used for calculating the optical response and the ablation threshold of an optical material irradiated with an ultrashort intense laser pulse. The method employs Maxwell's equations to describe laser pulse propagation and time-dependent density functional theory to describe the generation of conduction band electrons in an optical medium. Optical properties, such as reflectance and absorption, were investigated for laser intensities in the range 10{sup 10} W/cm{sup 2} to 2 × 10{sup 15} W/cm{sup 2} based on the theory of generation and spatial distribution of the conduction band electrons. The method was applied tomore » investigate the changes in the optical reflectance of α-quartz bulk, half-wavelength thin-film, and quarter-wavelength thin-film and to estimate their ablation thresholds. Despite the adiabatic local density approximation used in calculating the exchange–correlation potential, the reflectance and the ablation threshold obtained from our method agree well with the previous theoretical and experimental results. The method can be applied to estimate the ablation thresholds for optical materials, in general. The ablation threshold data can be used to design ultra-broadband high-damage-threshold coating structures.« less

  7. Digital optical imaging of green fluorescent proteins for tracking vascular gene expression: feasibility study in rabbit and human cell models.

    PubMed

    Yang, X; Liu, H; Li, D; Zhou, X; Jung, W C; Deans, A E; Cui, Y; Cheng, L

    2001-04-01

    To investigate the feasibility of using a sensitive digital optical imaging technique to detect green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed in rabbit vasculature and human arterial smooth muscle cells. A GFP plasmid was transfected into human arterial smooth muscle cells to obtain a GFP-smooth muscle cell solution. This solution was imaged in cell phantoms by using a prototype digital optical imaging system. For in vivo validation, a GFP-lentivirus vector was transfected during surgery into the carotid arteries of two rabbits, and GFP-targeted vessels were harvested for digital optical imaging ex vivo. Optical imaging of cell phantoms resulted in a spatial resolution of 25 microm/pixel. Fluorescent signals were detected as diffusely distributed bright spots. At ex vivo optical imaging of arterial tissues, the average fluorescent signal was significantly higher (P <.05) in GFP-targeted tissues (mean +/- SD, 9,357.3 absolute units of density +/- 1,001.3) than in control tissues (5,633.7 absolute units of density +/- 985.2). Both fluorescence microscopic and immunohistochemical findings confirmed these differences between GFP-targeted and control vessels. The digital optical imaging system was sensitive to GFPs and may potentially provide an in vivo imaging tool to monitor and track vascular gene transfer and expression in experimental investigations.

  8. Compact electro-optical module with polymer waveguides on a flexible substrate for high-density board-level communication

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weiss, J. R. M.; Lamprecht, T.; Meier, N.; Dangel, R.; Horst, F.; Jubin, D.; Beyeler, R.; Offrein, B. J.

    2010-02-01

    We report on the co-packaging of electrical CMOS transceiver and VCSEL chip arrays on a flexible electrical substrate with optical polymer waveguides. The electro-optical components are attached to the substrate edge and butt-coupled to the waveguides. Electrically conductive silver-ink connects them to the substrate at an angle of 90°. The final assembly contacts the surface of a package laminate with an integrated compressible connector. The module can be folded to save space, requires only a small footprint on the package laminate and provides short electrical high-speed signal paths. With our approach, the electro-optical package becomes a compact electro-optical module with integrated polymer waveguides terminated with either optical connectors (e.g., at the card edge) or with an identical assembly for a second processor on the board. Consequently, no costly subassemblies and connectors are needed, and a very high integration density and scalability to virtually arbitrary channel counts and towards very high data rates (20+ Gbps) become possible. Future cost targets of much less than US$1 per Gbps will be reached by employing standard PCB materials and technologies that are well established in the industry. Moreover, our technology platform has both electrical and optical connectivity and functionality.

  9. Spacecraft materials guide. [including: encapsulants and conformal coatings; optical materials; lubrication; and, bonding and joining processes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Staugaitis, C. L. (Editor)

    1975-01-01

    Materials which have demonstrated their suitability for space application are summarized. Common, recurring problems in encapsulants and conformal coatings, optical materials, lubrication, and bonding and joining are noted. The subjects discussed include: low density and syntactic foams, electrical encapsulants; optical glasses, interference filter, mirrors; oils, greases, lamillar lubricants; and, soldering and brazing processes.

  10. Optical gain in an optically driven three-level ? system in atomic Rb vapor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ballmann, C. W.; Yakovlev, V. V.

    2018-06-01

    In this work, we report experimentally achieved optical gain of a weak probe beam in a three-level ? system in a low density Rubidium vapor cell driven by a single pump beam. The maximum measured gain of the probe beam was about 0.12%. This work could lead to new approaches for enhancing molecular spectroscopy applications.

  11. Effect of electron divergence in air gaps on the measurement of the energy of cascades in emulsion chambers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Apanasenko, A. V.; Baradzey, L. T.; Kanevskaya, Y. A.; Smorodin, Y. A.

    1975-01-01

    The effect of an increase in electron density in the vicinity of the cascade axis caused by an avalanche passing through the gap between lead filters of the emulsion chamber was investigated experimentally. Optical densities were measured in three X-ray films spaced at 400, 800 and 1200 micrometer from the filter surface having a thickness of 6 cascade units. The optical densities of blackening spots caused by electron photon cascades of 1 to 2, 2 to 7 and greater than 7 BeV energies were measured. The results prove the presence of a gap between the filter and the nuclear emulsion which results in the underestimation of energy by several tenths of a percent.

  12. Optical tomography for flow visualization of the density field around a revolving helicopter rotor blade

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Snyder, R.; Hesselink, L.

    1984-01-01

    In this paper, a tomographic procedure for reconstructing the density field around a helicopter rotor blade tip from remote optical line-of-sight measurements is discussed. Numerical model studies have been carried out to investigate the influence of the number of available views, limited width viewing, and ray bending on the reconstruction. Performance is measured in terms of the mean-square error. It is found that very good reconstructions can be obtained using only a small number of views even when the width of view is smaller than the spatial extent of the object. An iterative procedure is used to correct for ray bending due to refraction associated with the sharp density gradients (shocks).

  13. Measurement of average density and relative volumes in a dispersed two-phase fluid

    DOEpatents

    Sreepada, Sastry R.; Rippel, Robert R.

    1992-01-01

    An apparatus and a method are disclosed for measuring the average density and relative volumes in an essentially transparent, dispersed two-phase fluid. A laser beam with a diameter no greater than 1% of the diameter of the bubbles, droplets, or particles of the dispersed phase is directed onto a diffraction grating. A single-order component of the diffracted beam is directed through the two-phase fluid and its refraction is measured. Preferably, the refracted beam exiting the fluid is incident upon a optical filter with linearly varing optical density and the intensity of the filtered beam is measured. The invention can be combined with other laser-based measurement systems, e.g., laser doppler anemometry.

  14. Nonimaging optical designs for maximum-power-density remote irradiation.

    PubMed

    Feuermann, D; Gordon, J M; Ries, H

    1998-04-01

    Designs for flexible, high-power-density, remote irradiation systems are presented. Applications include industrial infrared heating such as in semiconductor processing, alternatives to laser light for certain medical procedures, and general remote high-brightness lighting. The high power densities in herent to the small active radiating regions of conventional metal-halide, halogen, xenon, microwave-sulfur, and related lamps can be restored with nonimaging concentrators with little loss of power. These high fluxlevels can then be transported at high transmissivity with light channels such as optical fibers or lightpipes, and reshaped into luminaires that can deliver prescribed angular and spatial flux distributions onto desired targets. Details for nominally two- and three-dimensional systems are developed, along with estimates ofoptical performance.

  15. Drude weight and optical conductivity of a two-dimensional heavy-hole gas with k-cubic spin-orbit interactions

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

    Mawrie, Alestin; Ghosh, Tarun Kanti

    We present a detailed theoretical study on zero-frequency Drude weight and optical conductivity of a two-dimensional heavy-hole gas (2DHG) with k-cubic Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions. The presence of k-cubic spin-orbit couplings strongly modifies the Drude weight in comparison to the electron gas with k-linear spin-orbit couplings. For large hole density and strong k-cubic spin-orbit couplings, the density dependence of Drude weight deviates from the linear behavior. We establish a relation between optical conductivity and the Berry connection. Unlike two-dimensional electron gas with k-linear spin-orbit couplings, we explicitly show that the optical conductivity does not vanish even for equal strengthmore » of the two spin-orbit couplings. We attribute this fact to the non-zero Berry phase for equal strength of k-cubic spin-orbit couplings. The least photon energy needed to set in the optical transition in hole gas is one order of magnitude smaller than that of electron gas. Types of two van Hove singularities appear in the optical spectrum are also discussed.« less

  16. Application of the Mattis-Bardeen theory in strongly disordered superconductors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seibold, G.; Benfatto, L.; Castellani, C.

    2017-10-01

    The low-energy optical conductivity of conventional superconductors is usually well described by Mattis-Bardeen (MB) theory, which predicts the onset of absorption above an energy corresponding to twice the superconducing (SC) gap parameter Δ . Recent experiments on strongly disordered superconductors have challenged the application of the MB formulas due to the occurrence of additional spectral weight at low energies below 2 Δ . Here we identify three crucial items that have to be included in the analysis of optical-conductivity data for these systems: (a) the correct identification of the optical threshold in the Mattis-Bardeen theory and its relation with the gap value extracted from the measured density of states, (b) the gauge-invariant evaluation of the current-current response function needed to account for the optical absorption by SC collective modes, and (c) the inclusion into the MB formula of the energy dependence of the density of states present already above Tc. By computing the optical conductivity in the disordered attractive Hubbard model, we analyze the relevance of all these items, and we provide a compelling scheme for the analysis and interpretation of the optical data in real materials.

  17. Spectral Behavior of Weakly Compressible Aero-Optical Distortions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mathews, Edwin; Wang, Kan; Wang, Meng; Jumper, Eric

    2016-11-01

    In classical theories of optical distortions by atmospheric turbulence, an appropriate and key assumption is that index-of-refraction variations are dominated by fluctuations in temperature and the effects of turbulent pressure fluctuations are negligible. This assumption is, however, not generally valid for aero-optical distortions caused by turbulent flow over an optical aperture, where both temperature and pressures fluctuations may contribute significantly to the index-of-refraction fluctuations. A general expression for weak fluctuations in refractive index is derived using the ideal gas law and Gladstone-Dale relation and applied to describe the spectral behavior of aero-optical distortions. Large-eddy simulations of weakly compressible, temporally evolving shear layers are then used to verify the theoretical results. Computational results support theoretical findings and confirm that if the log slope of the 1-D density spectrum in the inertial range is -mρ , the optical phase distortion spectral slope is given by - (mρ + 1) . The value of mρ is then shown to be dependent on the ratio of shear-layer free-stream densities and bounded by the spectral slopes of temperature and pressure fluctuations. Supported by HEL-JTO through AFOSR Grant FA9550-13-1-0001 and Blue Waters Graduate Fellowship Program.

  18. Influence of the aggregate state on band structure and optical properties of C60 computed with different methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pal, Amrita; Arabnejad, Saeid; Yamashita, Koichi; Manzhos, Sergei

    2018-05-01

    C60 and C60 based molecules are efficient acceptors and electron transport layers for planar perovskite solar cells. While properties of these molecules are well studied by ab initio methods, those of solid C60, specifically its optical absorption properties, are not. We present a combined density functional theory-Density Functional Tight Binding (DFTB) study of the effect of solid state packing on the band structure and optical absorption of C60. The valence and conduction band edge energies of solid C60 differ on the order of 0.1 eV from single molecule frontier orbital energies. We show that calculations of optical properties using linear response time dependent-DFT(B) or the imaginary part of the dielectric constant (dipole approximation) can result in unrealistically large redshifts in the presence of intermolecular interactions compared to available experimental data. We show that optical spectra computed from the frequency-dependent real polarizability can better reproduce the effect of C60 aggregation on optical absorption, specifically with a generalized gradient approximation functional, and may be more suited to study effects of molecular aggregation.

  19. Optical wave distortion at perturbations of air density near aircrafts with subsonic velocities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Banakh, V. A.; Sukharev, A. A.

    2017-11-01

    The mean intensity, intensity fluctuations, and regular and random displacements of optical beams propagating through a zone of increased density formed at subsonic airflow about a turret in the turbulent atmosphere have been analyzed. It has been shown that the presence of perturbations around a turret due to the subsonic velocity of aircraft affects slightly the studied characteristics of the beam. Data illustrating changes in the studied beam characteristics for paths of different geometry and different turbulent conditions of radiation propagation are presented.

  20. Optical Data Storage Capabilities of Bacteriorhodopsin

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gary, Charles

    1998-01-01

    We present several measurements of the data storage capability of bacteriorhodopsin films to help establish the baseline performance of this material as a medium for holographic data storage. In particular, we examine the decrease in diffraction efficiency with the density of holograms stored at one location in the film, and we also analyze the recording schedule needed to produce a set of equal intensity holograms at a single location in the film. Using this information along with the assumptions about the performance of the optical system, we can estimate potential data storage densities in bacteriorhodopsin.

  1. Two new methods to increase the contrast of track-etch neutron radiographs

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morley, J.

    1971-01-01

    Methods for increasing the (optical density span) of radiographs were evaluated. In one method, fluorescent dye was deposited in the tracks of the radiograph. The radiograph was then examined under ultraviolet light. The second method was a crossed Polaroid filter technique. The radiograph was placed between the filters and then illuminated with a diffuse white-light source. An increase in the optical density span from .10 to .37 was obtained with the dye method. With the Polaroid method, the increase obtained was from .10 to 2.4.

  2. Effect of disorder on the optical properties of short period superlattices

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Strozier, J. A.; Zhang, Y. A.; Horton, C.; Ignatiev, A.; Shih, H. D.

    1993-01-01

    The optical properties of disordered short period superlattices are studied using a one-dimensional tight-binding model. A difference vector and disorder structure factor are proposed to characterize the disordered superlattice. The density of states, participation number, and optical absorption coefficients for both ordered and disordered superlattices are calculated as a function of energy. The results show that introduction of disorder into an indirect band gap material enhances the optical transition near the indirect band edge.

  3. Experimental technique for simultaneous measurement of absorption-, emission cross-sections, and background loss coefficient in doped optical fibers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karimi, M.; Seraji, F. E.

    2010-01-01

    We report a new simple technique for the simultaneous measurements of absorption-, emission cross-sections, background loss coefficient, and dopant density of doped optical fibers with low dopant concentration. Using our proposed technique, the experimental characterization of a sample Ge-Er-doped optical fiber is presented, and the results are analyzed and compared with other reports. This technique is suitable for production line of doped optical fibers.

  4. Statistics of optical vortex wander on propagation through atmospheric turbulence.

    PubMed

    Gu, Yalong

    2013-04-01

    The transverse position of an optical vortex on propagation through atmospheric turbulence is studied. The probability density of the optical vortex position on a transverse plane in the atmosphere is formulated in weak turbulence by using the Born approximation. With these formulas, the effect of aperture averaging on topological charge detection is investigated. These results provide quantitative guidelines for the design of an optimal detector of topological charge, which has potential application in optical vortex communication systems.

  5. Nanostructured optical fibre arrays for high-density biochemical sensing and remote imaging.

    PubMed

    Deiss, F; Sojic, N; White, D J; Stoddart, P R

    2010-01-01

    Optical fibre bundles usually comprise a few thousand to tens of thousands of individually clad glass optical fibres. The ordered arrangement of the fibres enables coherent transmission of an image through the bundle and therefore enables analysis and viewing in remote locations. In fused bundles, this architecture has also been used to fabricate arrays of various micro to nano-scale surface structures (micro/nanowells, nanotips, triangles, etc.) over relatively large areas. These surface structures have been used to obtain new optical and analytical capabilities. Indeed, the imaging bundle can be thought of as a "starting material" that can be sculpted by a combination of fibre drawing and selective wet-chemical etching processes. A large variety of bioanalytical applications have thus been developed, ranging from nano-optics to DNA nanoarrays. For instance, nanostructured optical surfaces with intrinsic light-guiding properties have been exploited as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platforms and as near-field probe arrays. They have also been productively associated with electrochemistry to fabricate arrays of transparent nanoelectrodes with electrochemiluminescent imaging properties. The confined geometry of the wells has been loaded with biosensing materials and used as femtolitre-sized vessels to detect single molecules. This review describes the fabrication of high-density nanostructured optical fibre arrays and summarizes the large range of optical and bioanalytical applications that have been developed, reflecting the versatility of this ordered light-guiding platform.

  6. Influence of myelinated retinal nerve fibers on retinal vessel density measurement with AngioVue OCT angiography.

    PubMed

    Holló, Gábor

    2016-12-01

    Myelinated retinal nerve fibers (MRNF) represent an asymptomatic developmental anomaly in which myelin sheaths extend to a group of retinal nerve fibers along their intraocular portion. The additional volume of the myelin sheaths causes displacement of the axons toward the vitreous body. We investigated the effect of localized MRNF on peripapillary vessel density measurement results using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography. Peripapillary angioflow density measurements (PAFD, % of the analyzed retinal area) were made with the AngioVue OCT (Optovue Inc., Fremont, USA). In both cases, the predominant position of MRNF was inferonasal to the disk. Vessel density was clearly greater in the area of the MRNF than in the surrounding retina in the optic nerve head (ONH) level, but it was lower than in the surrounding retina in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) level. In the ONH level, PAFD was higher in the MRNF area than in the spatially corresponding superonasal area (Case 1: 64.6 vs. 57.6 %; Case 2: 65.8 vs. 56.3 %). In contrast, in the RNFL level, PAFD was lower in the MRNF area than in the corresponding superonasal area (Case 1: 60.1 vs. 65.4 %; Case 2: 46.5 vs. 58.5 %). Our cases show that the effect of MRNF on OCT angiography vessel density is different in the different measurement layers. Clinicians may separate decreased vessel density caused by anterior RNFL displacement in MRNF areas from that caused by nerve fiber damage in optic neuropathies by evaluating PAFD in both the ONH and RNFL levels.

  7. Enhancing photovoltaic output power by 3-band spectrum-splitting and concentration using a diffractive micro-optic

    DOE PAGES

    Mohammad, Nabil; Wang, Peng; Friedman, Daniel J.; ...

    2014-09-17

    We report the enhancement of photovoltaic output power by separating the incident spectrum into 3 bands, and concentrating these bands onto 3 different photovoltaic cells. The spectrum-splitting and concentration is achieved via a thin, planar micro-optical element that demonstrates high optical efficiency over the entire spectrum of interest. The optic (which we call a polychromat) was designed using a modified version of the direct-binary-search algorithm. The polychromat was fabricated using grayscale lithography. Rigorous optical characterization demonstrates excellent agreement with simulation results. Electrical characterization of the solar cells made from GaInP, GaAs and Si indicate increase in the peak output powermore » density of 43.63%, 30.84% and 30.86%, respectively when compared to normal operation without the polychromat. This represents an overall increase of 35.52% in output power density. As a result, the potential for cost-effective large-area manufacturing and for high system efficiencies makes our approach a strong candidate for low cost solar power.« less

  8. First-principles calculations of structural, elastic, electronic, and optical properties of perovskite-type KMgH3 crystals: novel hydrogen storage material.

    PubMed

    Reshak, Ali H; Shalaginov, Mikhail Y; Saeed, Yasir; Kityk, I V; Auluck, S

    2011-03-31

    We report a first-principles study of structural and phase stability in three different structures of perovskite-types KMgH(3) according to H position. While electronic and optical properties were measured only for stable perovskite-type KMgH(3), our calculated structural parameters are found in good agreement with experiment and other theoretical results. We also study the electronic charge density space distribution contours in the (200), (101), and (100) crystallographic planes, which gives better insight picture of chemical bonding between K-H, K-Mg-H, and Mg-H. Moreover, we have calculated the electronic band structure dispersion, total, and partial density of electron states to study the band gap origin and the contribution of s-band of H, s and p-band of Mg in the valence band, and d-band of K in the conduction band. Furthermore, optical features such as dielectric functions, refractive indices, extinction coefficient, optical reflectivity, absorption coefficients, optical conductivities, and loss functions of stable KMgH(3) were calculated for photon energies up to 40 eV.

  9. Si photonics technology for future optical interconnection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Xuezhe; Krishnamoorthy, Ashok V.

    2011-12-01

    Scaling of computing systems require ultra-efficient interconnects with large bandwidth density. Silicon photonics offers a disruptive solution with advantages in reach, energy efficiency and bandwidth density. We review our progress in developing building blocks for ultra-efficient WDM silicon photonic links. Employing microsolder based hybrid integration with low parasitics and high density, we optimize photonic devices on SOI platforms and VLSI circuits on more advanced bulk CMOS technology nodes independently. Progressively, we successfully demonstrated single channel hybrid silicon photonic transceivers at 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps, and 80 Gbps arrayed WDM silicon photonic transceiver using reverse biased depletion ring modulators and Ge waveguide photo detectors. Record-high energy efficiency of less than 100fJ/bit and 385 fJ/bit were achieved for the hybrid integrated transmitter and receiver, respectively. Waveguide grating based optical proximity couplers were developed with low loss and large optical bandwidth to enable multi-layer intra/inter-chip optical interconnects. Thermal engineering of WDM devices by selective substrate removal, together with WDM link using synthetic wavelength comb, we significantly improved the device tuning efficiency and reduced the tuning range. Using these innovative techniques, two orders of magnitude tuning power reduction was achieved. And tuning cost of only a few 10s of fJ/bit is expected for high data rate WDM silicon photonic links.

  10. Correlation of breast tissue histology and optical signatures to improve margin assessment techniques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kennedy, Stephanie; Caldwell, Matthew; Bydlon, Torre; Mulvey, Christine; Mueller, Jenna; Wilke, Lee; Barry, William; Ramanujam, Nimmi; Geradts, Joseph

    2016-06-01

    Optical spectroscopy is sensitive to morphological composition and has potential applications in intraoperative margin assessment. Here, we evaluate ex vivo breast tissue and corresponding quantified hematoxylin & eosin images to correlate optical scattering signatures to tissue composition stratified by patient characteristics. Adipose sites (213) were characterized by their cell area and density. All other benign and malignant sites (181) were quantified using a grid method to determine composition. The relationships between mean reduced scattering coefficient (<μs‧>), and % adipose, % collagen, % glands, adipocyte cell area, and adipocyte density were investigated. These relationships were further stratified by age, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), and breast density. We identified a positive correlation between <μs‧> and % collagen and a negative correlation between <μs‧> and age and BMI. Increased collagen corresponded to increased <μs‧> variability. In postmenopausal women, <μs‧> was similar regardless of fibroglandular content. Contributions from collagen and glands to <μs‧> were independent and equivalent in benign sites; glands showed a stronger positive correlation than collagen to <μs‧> in malignant sites. Our data suggest that scattering could differentiate highly scattering malignant from benign tissues in postmenopausal women. The relationship between scattering and tissue composition will support improved scattering models and technologies to enhance intraoperative optical margin assessment.

  11. Performance limitations of a white light extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric displacement sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moro, Erik A.; Todd, Michael D.; Puckett, Anthony D.

    2012-06-01

    Non-contacting interferometric fiber optic sensors offer a minimally invasive, high-accuracy means of measuring a structure's kinematic response to loading. The performance of interferometric sensors is often dictated by the technique employed for demodulating the kinematic measurand of interest from phase in the observed optical signal. In this paper a white-light extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer is implemented, offering robust displacement sensing performance. Displacement data is extracted from an estimate of the power spectral density, calculated from the interferometer's received optical power measured as a function of optical transmission frequency, and the sensor's performance is dictated by the details surrounding the implementation of this power spectral density estimation. One advantage of this particular type of interferometric sensor is that many of its control parameters (e.g., frequency range, frequency sampling density, sampling rate, etc.) may be chosen to so that the sensor satisfies application-specific performance needs in metrics such as bandwidth, axial displacement range, displacement resolution, and accuracy. A suite of user-controlled input values is investigated for estimating the spectrum of power versus wavelength data, and the relationships between performance metrics and input parameters are described in an effort to characterize the sensor's operational performance limitations. This work has been approved by Los Alamos National Laboratory for unlimited public release (LA-UR 12-01512).

  12. Electronic structure and optical properties of twisted bilayer graphene calculated via time evolution of states in real space

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Le, H. Anh; Do, V. Nam

    2018-03-01

    We investigate the electronic and optical properties of twisted bilayer graphene with arbitrary twist angles θ . Our results are based on a method of evolving in time quantum states in lattice space. We propose an efficient scheme of sampling lattice nodes that helps to reduce significantly computational cost, particularly for tiny twist angles. We demonstrate the continuous variation of the density of states and the optical conductivity with respect to the twist angle. It indicates that the commensurability between the two graphene layers does not play an essential role in governing the electronic and optical properties. We point out that, for the twist angles roughly in the range 0 .1∘<θ <3∘ , the density of states in the vicinity of the Fermi energy exhibits the typical W shape with a small peak locating at the Fermi energy. This peak is formed as the merging of two van Hove peaks and reflects the appearance of states strongly localized in the AA-like region of moiré zones. When decreasing the twist angle to zero, the W shape is gradually transformed to the U shape, which is seen as the behavior of the density of states in the limit of θ →0∘ .

  13. Experimentally Determined Plasma Parameters in a 30 cm Ion Engine

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sengupta, Anita; Goebel, Dan; Fitzgerald, Dennis; Owens, Al; Tynan, George; Dorner, Russ

    2004-01-01

    Single planar Langmuir probes and fiber optic probes are used to concurrently measure the plasma properties and neutral density variation in a 30cm diameter ion engine discharge chamber, from the immediate vicinity of the keeper to the near grid plasma region. The fiber optic probe consists of a collimated optical fiber recessed into a double bore ceramic tube fitted with a stainless steel light-limiting window. The optical fiber probe is used to measure the emission intensity of excited neutral xenon for a small volume of plasma, at various radial and axial locations. The single Langmuir probes, are used to generate current-voltage characteristics at a total of 140 spatial locations inside the discharge chamber. Assuming a maxwellian distribution for the electron population, the Langmuir probe traces provide spatially resolved measurements of plasma potential, electron temperature, and plasma density. Data reduction for the NSTAR TH8 and TH15 throttle points indicates an electron temperature range of 1 to 7.9 eV and an electron density range of 4e10 to le13 cm(sup -3), throughout the discharge chamber, consistent with the results in the literature. Plasma potential estimates, computed from the first derivative of the probe characteristic, indicate potential from 0.5V to 11V above the discharge voltage along the thruster centerline. These values are believed to be excessively high due to the sampling of the primary electron population along the thruster centerline. Relative neutral density profiles are also obtained with a fiber optic probe sampling photon flux from the 823.1 nm excited to ground state transition. Plasma parameter measurements and neutral density profiles will be presented as a function of probe location and engine discharge conditions. A discussion of the measured electron energy distribution function will also be presented, with regards to variation from pure maxwellian. It has been found that there is a distinct primary population found along the thruster centerline, which causes estimates of electron temperature, electron density, and plasma potential, to err on the high side, due this energetic population. Computation of the energy distribution fimction of the plasma clearly indicates the presence of primaries, whose presence become less obvious with radial distance from the main discharge plume.

  14. Validation of an All-Pressure Fluid Drop Model: Heptane Fluid Drops in Nitrogen

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Harstad, K.; Bellan, J.; Bulzan, Daniel L. (Technical Monitor)

    2000-01-01

    Despite the fact that supercritical fluids occur both in nature and in industrial situations, the fundamentals of their behavior is poorly understood because supercritical fluids combine the characteristics of both liquids and gases, and therefore their behavior is not intuitive. There are several specific reasons for the lack of understanding: First, data from (mostly optical) measurements can be very misleading because regions of high density thus observed are frequently identified with liquids. A common misconception is that if in an experiment one can optically identify "drops" and "ligaments", the observed fluid must be in a liquid state. This inference is incorrect because in fact optical measurements detect any large change (i.e. gradients) in density. Thus, the density ratio may be well below Omicron(10(exp 3)) that characterizes its liquid/gas value, but the measurement will still identify a change in the index of refraction providing that the change is sudden (steep gradients). As shown by simulations of supercritical fluids, under certain conditions the density gradients may remain large during the supercritical binary fluids mixing, thus making them optically identifiable. Therefore, there is no inconsistency between the optical observation of high density regions and the fluids being in a supercritical state. A second misconception is that because a fluid has a liquid-like density, it is appropriate to model it as a liquid. However, such fluids may have liquid-like densities while their transport properties differ from those of a liquid. Considering that the critical pressure of most fuel hydrocarbons used in Diesel and gas turbine engines is in the range of 1.5 - 3 MPa, and the fact that the maximum pressure attained in these engines is about 6 Mps, it is clear that the fuel in the combustion chamber will experience both subcritical and supercritical conditions. Studies of drop behavior over a wide range of pressures were performed in the past, however none of these studies identified the crucial differences between the subcritical and supercritical behavior. In fact, in two of these studies, it was found that the subcritical and supercritical behavior is similar as the drop diameter decreased according to the classical d(exp 2)-law over a wide range of pressures and drop diameters. The present study is devoted to the exploration of differences in fluid-behavior characteristics under subcritical and supercritical conditions in the particular case of heptane fluid drops in nitrogen; these substances were selected because of the availability of experimental observations for model validation.

  15. Recent advances in Optical Computed Tomography (OCT) imaging system for three dimensional (3D) radiotherapy dosimetry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahman, Ahmad Taufek Abdul; Farah Rosli, Nurul; Zain, Shafirah Mohd; Zin, Hafiz M.

    2018-01-01

    Radiotherapy delivery techniques for cancer treatment are becoming more complex and highly focused, to enable accurate radiation dose delivery to the cancerous tissue and minimum dose to the healthy tissue adjacent to tumour. Instrument to verify the complex dose delivery in radiotherapy such as optical computed tomography (OCT) measures the dose from a three-dimensional (3D) radiochromic dosimeter to ensure the accuracy of the radiotherapy beam delivery to the patient. OCT measures the optical density in radiochromic material that changes predictably upon exposure to radiotherapy beams. OCT systems have been developed using a photodiode and charged coupled device (CCD) as the detector. The existing OCT imaging systems have limitation in terms of the accuracy and the speed of the measurement. Advances in on-pixel intelligence CMOS image sensor (CIS) will be exploited in this work to replace current detector in OCT imaging systems. CIS is capable of on-pixel signal processing at a very fast imaging speed (over several hundred images per second) that will allow improvement in the 3D measurement of the optical density. The paper will review 3D radiochromic dosimeters and OCT systems developed and discuss how CMOS based OCT imaging will provide accurate and fast optical density measurements in 3D. The paper will also discuss the configuration of the CMOS based OCT developed in this work and how it may improve the existing OCT system.

  16. Fellow Eye Changes in Patients with Nonischemic Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: Assessment of Perfused Foveal Microvascular Density and Identification of Nonperfused Capillaries

    PubMed Central

    Pinhas, Alexander; Dubow, Michael; Shah, Nishit; Cheang, Eric; Liu, Chun L.; Razeen, Moataz; Gan, Alexander; Weitz, Rishard; Sulai, Yusufu N.; Chui, Toco Y.; Dubra, Alfredo; Rosen, Richard B.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose Eyes fellow to nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) were examined for abnormalities, which might explain their increased risk for future occlusion, using adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope fluorescein angiography. Methods Adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope fluorescein angiography foveal microvascular densities were calculated. Nonperfused capillaries adjacent to the foveal avascular zone were identified. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography, ultrawide field fluorescein angiographies, and microperimetry were also performed. Results Ten fellow eyes of nine nonischemic CRVO and 1 nonischemic hemi-CRVO subjects and four affected eyes of three nonischemic CRVO and one nonischemic hemi-CRVO subjects were imaged. Ninety percent of fellow eyes and 100% of affected eyes demonstrated at least 1 nonperfused capillary compared with 31% of healthy eyes. Fellow eye microvascular density (35 ± 3.6 mm−1) was significantly higher than that of affected eyes (25 ± 5.2 mm−1) and significantly lower than that of healthy eyes (42 ± 4.2 mm−1). Compared with healthy controls, spectral domain optical coherence tomography thicknesses showed no significant difference, whereas microperimetry and 2/9 ultrawide field fluorescein angiography revealed abnormalities in fellow eyes. Conclusion Fellow eye changes detectable on adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope fluorescein angiography reflect subclinical pathology difficult to detect using conventional imaging technologies. These changes may help elucidate the pathogenesis of nonischemic CRVO and help identify eyes at increased risk of future occlusion. PMID:25932560

  17. Accretion Rates for T Tauri Stars Using Nearly Simultaneous Ultraviolet and Optical Spectra

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ingleby, Laura; Calvet, Nuria; Herczeg, Gregory; Blaty, Alex; Walter, Frederick; Ardila, David; Alexander, Richard; Edwards, Suzan; Espaillat, Catherine; Gregory, Scott G.; Hillenbrand, Lynne; Brown, Alexander

    2013-04-01

    We analyze the accretion properties of 21 low-mass T Tauri stars using a data set of contemporaneous near-UV (NUV) through optical observations obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph and the ground-based Small and Medium Aperture Research Telescope System, a unique data set because of the nearly simultaneous broad wavelength coverage. Our data set includes accreting T Tauri stars in Taurus, Chamaeleon I, η Chamaeleon, and the TW Hydra Association. For each source we calculate the accretion rate (\\dot{M}) by fitting the NUV and optical excesses above the photosphere, produced in the accretion shock, introducing multiple accretion components characterized by a range in energy flux (or density) for the first time. This treatment is motivated by models of the magnetospheric geometry and accretion footprints, which predict that high-density, low filling factor accretion spots coexist with low-density, high filling factor spots. By fitting the UV and optical spectra with multiple accretion components, we can explain excesses which have been observed in the near-IR. Comparing our estimates of \\dot{M} to previous estimates, we find some discrepancies; however, they may be accounted for when considering assumptions for the amount of extinction and variability in optical spectra. Therefore, we confirm many previous estimates of the accretion rate. Finally, we measure emission line luminosities from the same spectra used for the \\dot{M} estimates, to produce correlations between accretion indicators (Hβ, Ca II K, C II], and Mg II) and accretion properties obtained simultaneously.

  18. Effects of environmental enrichment on blood vessels in the optic tract of malnourished rats: A morphological and morphometric analysis.

    PubMed

    Barbosa, Everton Horiquini; Soares, Roberto Oliveira; Braga, Natália Nassif; Almeida, Sebastião de Sousa; Lachat, João-José

    2016-06-01

    This study aimed to compare the effects of environmental enrichment in nourished (on a diet containing 16% protein) and malnourished (on a diet containing 6% protein) rats during the critical period of brain development, specifically focusing on the optic nerve. By means of morphologic and morphometric assessment of the optic nerve, we analyzed the changes caused by diet and stimulation (environmental enrichment) on postnatal day 35, a time point ideal for such morphological analysis since developmental processes are considered complete at this age. Malnourished animals presented low body and brain weights and high body-to-brain weight ratio compared to well-nourished rats. Furthermore, malnourished animals showed morphological changes in the optic nerve such as edema and vacuolization characterized by increased interstitial space. The malnourished-stimulated group presented lesions characteristic of early protein malnutrition but were milder than lesions exhibited by malnourished-non-stimulated group. The morphometric analysis revealed no difference in glial cell density between groups, but there was significantly higher blood vessel density in the stimulated rats, independent of their nutritional condition. Our data indicate that protein malnutrition imposed during the critical period of brain development alters the cytoarchitecture of the optic nerve. In addition, we affirm that a 1-hour exposure to an enriched environment everyday was sufficient for tissue preservation in rats maintained on a low-protein diet. This protective effect might be related to angiogenesis, as confirmed by the increased vascular density observed in morphometric analyses.

  19. Excitonic instability in optically pumped three-dimensional Dirac materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pertsova, Anna; Balatsky, Alexander V.

    2018-02-01

    Recently it was suggested that transient excitonic instability can be realized in optically pumped two-dimensional (2D) Dirac materials (DMs), such as graphene and topological insulator surface states. Here we discuss the possibility of achieving a transient excitonic condensate in optically pumped three-dimensional (3D) DMs, such as Dirac and Weyl semimetals, described by nonequilibrium chemical potentials for photoexcited electrons and holes. Similar to the equilibrium case with long-range interactions, we find that for pumped 3D DMs with screened Coulomb potential two possible excitonic phases exist, an excitonic insulator phase and the charge density wave phase originating from intranodal and internodal interactions, respectively. In the pumped case, the critical coupling for excitonic instability vanishes; therefore the two phases coexist for arbitrarily weak coupling strengths. The excitonic gap in the charge density wave phase is always the largest one. The competition between screening effects and the increase of the density of states with optical pumping results in a rich phase diagram for the transient excitonic condensate. Based on the static theory of screening, we find that under certain conditions the value of the dimensionless coupling constant screening in 3D DMs can be weaker than in 2D DMs. Furthermore, we identify the signatures of the transient excitonic condensate that could be probed by scanning tunneling spectroscopy, photoemission, and optical conductivity measurements. Finally, we provide estimates of critical temperatures and excitonic gaps for existing and hypothetical 3D DMs.

  20. Replication of Low Density Electroformed Normal Incidence Optics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ritter, Joseph M.

    2000-01-01

    Replicated electroformed light-weight nickel alloy mirrors can have high strength, low areal density (<3kg/m2), smooth finish, and controllable alloy composition. Progress at NASA MSFC SOMTC in developing normal incidence replicated Nickel mirrors will be reported.

  1. Optical and electronic properties of conductive ternary nitrides with rare- or alkaline-earth elements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kassavetis, S.; Hodroj, A.; Metaxa, C.; Logothetidis, S.; Pierson, J. F.; Patsalas, P.

    2016-12-01

    Conductive nitrides, such as TiN, are key engineering materials for electronics, photonics, and plasmonics; one of the essential issues for such applications is the ability of tuning the conduction electron density, the resistivity, and the electron scattering. While enhancing the conduction electron density and blueshifting the intraband absorption towards the UV were easily achieved previously, reducing the conduction electron density and redshifting the intraband absorption into the infrared are still an open issue. The latter is achieved in this work by alloying TiN by rare earth (RE = Sc, Y, La) or alkaline earth (AE = Mg, Ca) atoms in Ti substitutional positions. The produced TixRE1-xN and TixAE1-xN thin film samples were grown by a hybrid arc evaporation/sputtering process, and most of them are stable in the B1 cubic structure. Their optical properties were studied in an extensive spectral range by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The ellipsometric spectra were analyzed and quantified by the Drude-Lorentz model, which provided the conduction electron density, the electron mean free path, and the resistivity. The observed interband transitions are firmly assigned, and the optical and electrical properties of TixRE1-xN and TixAE1-xN are quantitatively correlated with their composition and crystal structure.

  2. Surface properties, crystallinity and optical properties of anodised titanium in mixture of β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) and calcium acetate (CA)

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

    Chuan, Lee Te, E-mail: gd130079@siswa.uthm.edu.my; Abdullah, Hasan Zuhudi, E-mail: hasan@uthm.edu.my; Idris, Maizlinda Izwana, E-mail: izwana@uthm.edu.my

    Anodic oxidation is an electrochemical method for the production of ceramic films on a metallic substrate. It had been widely used to deposit the ceramic coatings on the metals surface. This method has been widely used in surface modification of biomaterials especially for dental implants. In this study, the surface morphology, crystallinity and optical properties of titanium foil was modified by anodising in mixture of β-glycerophosphate disodium salt pentahydrate (β-GP) and calcium acetate monohydrate (CA). The experiments were carried out at high voltage (350 V), different anodising time (5 and 10 minutes) and current density (10-70 mA.cm{sup −2}) at room temperature. Anodisedmore » titanium was characterised by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and UV-Vis spectrometry. The result of the experiment showed that surface morphology, crystallinity and optical properties depended strongly on the current density and anodising time. More porous surface and large amount of anatase and rutile was produced at higher current density and longer anodising time. Apart from that, it is also revealed that the energy band gap of anodised titanium increases as the increase in current density due to the presence of anatase and rutile TiO{sub 2}.« less

  3. VizieR Online Data Catalog: 12um ISOCAM survey of the ESO-Sculptor field (Seymour+, 2007)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seymour, N.; Rocca-Volmerange, B.; de Lapparent, V.

    2007-11-01

    We present a detailed reduction of a mid-infrared 12um (LW10 filter) ISOCAM open time observation performed on the ESO-Sculptor Survey field (Arnouts et al., 1997A&AS..124..163A). A complete catalogue of 142 sources (120 galaxies and 22 stars), detected with high significance (equivalent to 5{sigma}), is presented above an integrated flux density of 0.31mJy. Star/galaxy separation is performed by a detailed study of colour-colour diagrams. The catalogue is complete to 1mJy and, below this flux density, the incompleteness is corrected using two independent methods. The first method uses stars and the second uses optical counterparts of the ISOCAM galaxies; these methods yield consistent results. We also apply an empirical flux density calibration using stars in the field. For each star, the 12um flux density is derived by fitting optical colours from a multi-band {chi}2 to stellar templates (BaSel-2.0) and using empirical optical-IR colour-colour relations. This article is a companion analysis to our 2007 paper (Rocca-Volmerange et al. 2007A&A...475..801R) where the 12um faint galaxy counts are presented and analysed per galaxy type with the evolutionary code PEGASE.3. (1 data file).

  4. Study of 11Li+p elastic scattering using BHF formalism with three body force

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, Manjari; Haider, W.

    2018-04-01

    In the present work we have analyzed the elastic scattering data of 11Li + p at 62, 68.4 and 75 MeV/nucleon, using the microscopic optical potential calculated within the framework of Brueckner-Hartree-Fock formalism (BHF). The calculation uses Argonne v18 and Urbana v14 inter-nucleon potentials and the Urbana IX (UVIX) model of three body force. The required nucleon-density distributions for 11Li are obtained using the semi-phenomenological model for nuclear density distributions. The optical potential has been obtained by folding the g-matrices as calculated in BHF (with and without three body forces) over the nucleon density distributions. We have used the exact method for calculating both the direct and the exchange parts of the spin-orbit potential. Our results reveal that the spin-orbit potential significantly contributes to 11Li+p elastic scattering at all three incident energies. Further, the calculated spin-orbit potential in BHF is much smaller and more diffused as compared with the phenomenological spin-orbit potential. The analysis reveals that the calculated microscopic optical potentials, with and without three body force using BHF approach with phenomenological form of density distribution, provides satisfactory agreement with the elastic scattering data for 11Li+p.

  5. Surface properties, crystallinity and optical properties of anodised titanium in mixture of β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) and calcium acetate (CA)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chuan, Lee Te; Abdullah, Hasan Zuhudi; Idris, Maizlinda Izwana

    2015-07-01

    Anodic oxidation is an electrochemical method for the production of ceramic films on a metallic substrate. It had been widely used to deposit the ceramic coatings on the metals surface. This method has been widely used in surface modification of biomaterials especially for dental implants. In this study, the surface morphology, crystallinity and optical properties of titanium foil was modified by anodising in mixture of β-glycerophosphate disodium salt pentahydrate (β-GP) and calcium acetate monohydrate (CA). The experiments were carried out at high voltage (350 V), different anodising time (5 and 10 minutes) and current density (10-70 mA.cm-2) at room temperature. Anodised titanium was characterised by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and UV-Vis spectrometry. The result of the experiment showed that surface morphology, crystallinity and optical properties depended strongly on the current density and anodising time. More porous surface and large amount of anatase and rutile was produced at higher current density and longer anodising time. Apart from that, it is also revealed that the energy band gap of anodised titanium increases as the increase in current density due to the presence of anatase and rutile TiO2.

  6. Optical spectroscopy of known and suspected Herbig-Haro objects

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cohen, M.; Fuller, G. A.

    1985-01-01

    Optical spectra of a number of suspected Herbig-Haro objects are presented. From these, the nature of these nebulosities are determined. Several of the nebulae are of very high density, perhaps due to their extreme youth. Extinctions measured toward DG Tau HH and the L1551 IRS 5 optical jet are in each case substantially less than the stellar values. It is suggested that this phenomenon reflects the existence of appreciably thick circumstellar dust disks around these, and two additional, exciting stars. Shock model diagnostics suggest that the emission lines in these Herbig-Haro nebulae arise in modest velocity shocks with sizable preshock densities in several cases. Radial velocities enable lower limits to be placed on the mass loss rates of those stars that have been detected in the radio continuum.

  7. Effect of the structure and mechanical properties of the near-surface layer of lithium niobate single crystals on the manufacture of integrated optic circuits

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sosunov, A. V.; Ponomarev, R. S.; Yur'ev, V. A.; Volyntsev, A. B.

    2017-01-01

    This paper shows that the near-surface layer of a lithium niobate single layer 15 μm in depth is essentially different from the rest of the volume of the material from the standpoint of composition, structure, and mechanical properties. The pointed out differences are due to the effect of cutting, polishing, and smoothing of the lithium niobate plates, which increase the density of point defects and dislocations. The increasing density of the structural defects leads to uncontrollable changes in the conditions of the formations of waveguides and the drifting of characteristics of integrated optical circuits. The results obtained are very important for the manufacture of lithium niobate based integrated optical circuits.

  8. Density gradient free electron collisionally excited X-ray laser

    DOEpatents

    Campbell, Edward M.; Rosen, Mordecai D.

    1989-01-01

    An operational X-ray laser (30) is provided that amplifies 3p-3s transition X-ray radiation along an approximately linear path. The X-ray laser (30) is driven by a high power optical laser. The driving line focused optical laser beam (32) illuminates a free-standing thin foil (34) that may be associated with a substrate (36) for improved structural integrity. This illumination produces a generally cylindrically shaped plasma having an essentially uniform electron density and temperature, that exists over a long period of time, and provides the X-ray laser gain medium. The X-ray laser (30) may be driven by more than one optical laser beam (32, 44). The X-ray laser (30) has been successfully demonstrated to function in a series of experimental tests.

  9. Cone Photoreceptor Packing Density and the Outer Nuclear Layer Thickness in Healthy Subjects

    PubMed Central

    Chui, Toco Y. P.; Song, Hongxin; Clark, Christopher A.; Papay, Joel A.; Burns, Stephen A.; Elsner, Ann E.

    2012-01-01

    Purpose. We evaluated the relationship between cone photoreceptor packing density and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness within the central 15 degrees. Methods. Individual differences for healthy subjects in cone packing density and ONL thickness were examined in 8 younger and 8 older subjects, mean age 27.2 versus 56.2 years. Cone packing density was obtained using an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO). The ONL thickness measurements included the ONL and the Henle fiber layer (ONL + HFL), and were obtained using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) and custom segmentation software. Results. There were sizeable individual differences in cone packing density and ONL + HFL thickness. Older subjects had on average lower cone packing densities, but thicker ONL + HFL measurements. Cone packing density and ONL + HFL thickness decreased with increasing retinal eccentricity. The ratio of the cone packing density-to-ONL2 was larger for the younger subjects group, and decreased with retinal eccentricity. Conclusions. The individual differences in cone packing density and ONL + HFL thickness are consistent with aging changes, indicating that normative aging data are necessary for fine comparisons in the early stages of disease or response to treatment. Our finding of ONL + HFL thickness increasing with aging is inconsistent with the hypothesis that ONL measurements with SDOCT depend only on the number of functioning cones, since in our older group cones were fewer, but thickness was greater. PMID:22570340

  10. Oxidoreductive capability of boar sperm mitochondria in fresh semen and during their preservation in BTS extender.

    PubMed

    Gaczarzewicz, Dariusz; Piasecka, Małgorzata; Udała, Jan; Błaszczyk, Barbara; Laszczyńska, Maria; Kram, Andrzej

    2003-07-01

    The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of dilution and liquid-preservation of boar sperm on oxidoreductive capability of their mitochondria. The semen was diluted with BTS extender produced from water purified by destillation or by reverse osmosis. The spermatozoa were stored over a four-day period at 16-18 degrees C. The function of sperm mitochondria was assessed using the screening cytochemical test for NADH-dependent oxidoreductases (diaphorase/NADH, related to flavoprotein). Morphological assessment of cytochemical reaction was carried out using a light microscope. The intensity of the reaction was evaluated by means of a computer image analysing system (Quantimet 600S), measuring the integrated optical density (IOD) and mean optical density (MOD) of the reaction product (formazans) occurring in the sperm midpieces. In the non-diluted semen, intensive cytochemical reaction throughout the length of the sperm midpiece was observed. Furthermore, spermatozoa with the intensive reaction displayed the high optical density values. After dilution the semen with two variants of experimental extender, and as the conservation time expired, the cytochemical reaction was less intensive. Moreover, the absence of formazan deposits in various parts of the sperm midpiece was also noted. These morphological features corresponded to low values of optical density. These findings suggest that the dilution of semen and the time of sperm preservation may be critical factors that handicap energy metabolism of sperm mitochondria. The type of water used in preparing BTS extender does not have any significant effect on the oxidoreductive capability of sperm boar mitochondria.

  11. Limiting Short-term Noise versus Optical Density in a Direct Absorption Spectrometer for Trace Gas Detection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jervis, D.

    2016-12-01

    Field-deployable trace gas monitors are important for understanding a multitude of atmospheric processes: from forest photosynthesis and respiration [1], to fugitive methane emissions [2] and satellite measurement validation [3]. Consequently, a detailed knowledge of the performance limitations of these instruments is essential in order to establish reliable datasets. We present the short-term ( >1 Hz) performance of a long-pass direct absorption spectrometer as a function of the optical density of the absorption transition being probed. In particular, we identify fluctuations in the laser intensity as limiting the optical density uncertainty to 4x10-6/√Hz for weak transitions, and noise in the laser drive current as limiting the fractional noise in the optical density to 4x10-5/√Hz for deep transitions. We provide numerical and analytical predictions for both effects, as well as using the understanding of this phenomena to estimate how noise on neighboring strong and weak transitions couple to each other. All measurements were performed using the Aerodyne Research TILDAS Monitor, but are general to any instrument that uses direct absorption spectroscopy as a detection method. Wehr, R., et al. "Seasonality of temperate forest photosynthesis and daytime respiration." Nature 534.7609 (2016): 680-683. Conley, S., et al. "Methane emissions from the 2015 Aliso Canyon blowout in Los Angeles, CA." Science 351.6279 (2016): 1317-1320. Emmons, L. K., et al. "Validation of Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) CO retrievals with aircraft in situ profiles." Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 109.D3 (2004).

  12. Reduction of Peripapillary Vessel Density by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography from the Acute to the Atrophic Stage in Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Rebolleda, Gema; Díez-Álvarez, Laura; García Marín, Yoel; de Juan, Victoria; Muñoz-Negrete, Francisco J

    2018-06-26

    To analyse superficial peripapillary vascularization in non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) at acute and atrophic (3 months) stage. Prospective case-control study including 6 patients with NAION and 10 age-matched healthy controls evaluated with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A; Angioplex-Cirrus) at acute and atrophic stage. Apart from the -commercially provided measurements for vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD), a custom image analysis was used to quantify the peripapillary capillary density (PCD). NAION-group demonstrated a significant decrease in the PCD, VD and PD compared with fellow unaffected and control groups at acute and atrophic stage. At 3 months, the average and the temporal sector in PCD correlated with logMAR VA (-0.943, p = 0.005 and -0.829, p = 0.042 for average and temporal sectors respectively) and with MD (0.943, p = 0.005; and 0.899; p = 0.015, respectively). Over 3 months, there was a significant PCD reduction at the temporal sector and at the inner circle in VD and PD, which correlated with ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thinning over the 3 months period after the acute NAION (0.749, p = 0.020; 0.885, p = 0.002; 0.767, p = 0.016 respectively). Both strategies demonstrated a significant peripapillary microvascular dropout in NAION, but the customized analysis detected them -earlier. A progressive vessel reduction occurs within the first 3 months, which correlates with GCIPL thinning. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  13. Observational difference between gamma and X-ray properties of optically dark and bright GRBs

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

    Balazs, L. G.; Horvath, I.; Bagoly, Zs.

    2008-05-22

    Using the discriminant analysis of the multivariate statistical analysis we compared the distribution of the physical quantities of the optically dark and bright GRBs, detected by the BAT and XRT on board of the Swift Satellite. We found that the GRBs having detected optical transients (OT) have systematically higher peak fluxes and lower HI column densities than those without OT.

  14. Laser cooling of rubidium atoms in a 2D optical lattice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wei, Chunhua; Kuhn, Carlos C. N.

    2018-06-01

    Lossless polarization gradient cooling of ?? atoms in a far-detuned 2D optical lattice is demonstrated. Temperatures down to ?K and phase space densities as high as 1 / 1000 are achieved in a total duty cycle of ?. It is shown that utilizing the vector component of the optical lattice allows lower temperatures to be achieved when compared with pure scalar lattices.

  15. Optical impedance spectroscopy with single-mode electro-active-integrated optical waveguides.

    PubMed

    Han, Xue; Mendes, Sergio B

    2014-02-04

    An optical impedance spectroscopy (OIS) technique based on a single-mode electro-active-integrated optical waveguide (EA-IOW) was developed to investigate electron-transfer processes of redox adsorbates. A highly sensitive single-mode EA-IOW device was used to optically follow the time-dependent faradaic current originated from a submonolayer of cytochrome c undergoing redox exchanges driven by a harmonic modulation of the electric potential at several dc bias potentials and at several frequencies. To properly retrieve the faradaic current density from the ac-modulated optical signal, we introduce here a mathematical formalism that (i) accounts for intrinsic changes that invariably occur in the optical baseline of the EA-IOW device during potential modulation and (ii) provides accurate results for the electro-chemical parameters. We are able to optically reconstruct the faradaic current density profile against the dc bias potential in the working electrode, identify the formal potential, and determine the energy-width of the electron-transfer process. In addition, by combining the optically reconstructed faradaic signal with simple electrical measurements of impedance across the whole electrochemical cell and the capacitance of the electric double-layer, we are able to determine the time-constant connected to the redox reaction of the adsorbed protein assembly. For cytochrome c directly immobilized onto the indium tin oxide (ITO) surface, we measured a reaction rate constant of 26.5 s(-1). Finally, we calculate the charge-transfer resistance and pseudocapacitance associated with the electron-transfer process and show that the frequency dependence of the redox reaction of the protein submonolayer follows as expected the electrical equivalent of an RC-series admittance diagram. Above all, we show here that OIS with single-mode EA-IOW's provide strong analytical signals that can be readily monitored even for small surface-densities of species involved in the redox process (e.g., fmol/cm(2), 0.1% of a full protein monolayer). This experimental approach, when combined with the analytical formalism described here, brings additional sensitivity, accuracy, and simplicity to electro-chemical analysis and is expected to become a useful tool in investigations of redox processes.

  16. Full-field optical coherence microscopy is a novel technique for imaging enteric ganglia in the gastrointestinal tract

    PubMed Central

    CORON, E.; AUKSORIUS, E.; PIERETTI, A.; MAHÉ, M. M.; LIU, L.; STEIGER, C.; BROMBERG, Y.; BOUMA, B.; TEARNEY, G.; NEUNLIST, M.; GOLDSTEIN, A. M.

    2013-01-01

    Background Noninvasive methods are needed to improve the diagnosis of enteric neuropathies. Full-field optical coherence microscopy (FFOCM) is a novel optical microscopy modality that can acquire 1 μm resolution images of tissue. The objective of this research was to demonstrate FFOCM imaging for the characterization of the enteric nervous system (ENS). Methods Normal mice and EdnrB−/− mice, a model of Hirschsprung’s disease (HD), were imaged in three-dimensions ex vivo using FFOCM through the entire thickness and length of the gut. Quantitative analysis of myenteric ganglia was performed on FFOCM images obtained from whole-mount tissues and compared with immunohistochemistry imaged by confocal microscopy. Key Results Full-field optical coherence microscopy enabled visualization of the full thickness gut wall from serosa to mucosa. Images of the myenteric plexus were successfully acquired from the stomach, duodenum, colon, and rectum. Quantification of ganglionic neuronal counts on FFOCM images revealed strong interobserver agreement and identical values to those obtained by immunofluorescence microscopy. In EdnrB−/− mice, FFOCM analysis revealed a significant decrease in ganglia density along the colorectum and a significantly lower density of ganglia in all colorectal segments compared with normal mice. Conclusions & Inferences Full-field optical coherence microscopy enables optical microscopic imaging of the ENS within the bowel wall along the entire intestine. FFOCM is able to differentiate ganglionic from aganglionic colon in a mouse model of HD, and can provide quantitative assessment of ganglionic density. With further refinements that enable bowel wall imaging in vivo, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the characterization of the ENS and the diagnosis of enteric neuropathies. PMID:23106847

  17. Highly Efficient Nd:yag Lasers for Free-space Optical Communications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sipes, D. L., Jr.

    1985-01-01

    A highly efficient Nd:YAG laser end-pumped by semiconductor lasers as a possible free-space optical communications source is discussed. Because this concept affords high pumping densities, a long absorption length, and excellent mode-matching characteristics, it is estimated that electrical-to-optical efficiencies greater than 5% could be achieved. Several engineering aspects such as resonator size and configuration, pump collecting optics, and thermal effects are also discussed. Finally, possible methods for combining laser-diode pumps to achieve higher output powers are illustrated.

  18. On-the-Fly Cross Flow Laser Guided Separation of Aerosol Particles Based on Size, Refractive Index and Density-Theoretical Analysis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-12-20

    Optical chromatography Size determination by eluting particles ,” Talanta 48(3), 551–557 (1999). 15. A. Ashkin, and J. M. Dziedzic, “Optical levitation ...the use of optical force in the gas phase, for example, levitation of airborne particles [15,16], and more recent studies on aerosol optical guiding...On-the-fly cross flow laser guided separation of aerosol particles based on size, refractive index and density–theoretical analysis A. A. Lall

  19. Micro-LiDAR velocity, temperature, density, concentration sensor

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dorrington, Adrian A. (Inventor); Danehy, Paul M. (Inventor)

    2010-01-01

    A light scatter sensor includes a sensor body in which are positioned a plurality of optical fibers. The sensor body includes a surface, in one end of each of the optical fibers terminates at the surface of the sensor body. One of the optical fibers is an illumination fiber for emitting light. A plurality of second optical fibers are collection fibers for collecting scattered light signals. A light sensor processor is connected to the collection fibers to detect the scattered light signals.

  20. Replication of Low Density Electroformed Normal Incidence Optics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ritter, Joseph M.; Burdine, Robert (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    Replicated electroformed light-weight nickel alloy mirrors can have high strength, low areal density (less than 3kg/m2), smooth finish, and controllable alloy composition. Progress at NASA MSFC SOMTC in developing normal incidence replicated Nickel mirrors will be reported.

  1. Assessment of Different Sampling Methods for Measuring and Representing Macular Cone Density Using Flood-Illuminated Adaptive Optics.

    PubMed

    Feng, Shu; Gale, Michael J; Fay, Jonathan D; Faridi, Ambar; Titus, Hope E; Garg, Anupam K; Michaels, Keith V; Erker, Laura R; Peters, Dawn; Smith, Travis B; Pennesi, Mark E

    2015-09-01

    To describe a standardized flood-illuminated adaptive optics (AO) imaging protocol suitable for the clinical setting and to assess sampling methods for measuring cone density. Cone density was calculated following three measurement protocols: 50 × 50-μm sampling window values every 0.5° along the horizontal and vertical meridians (fixed-interval method), the mean density of expanding 0.5°-wide arcuate areas in the nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior quadrants (arcuate mean method), and the peak cone density of a 50 × 50-μm sampling window within expanding arcuate areas near the meridian (peak density method). Repeated imaging was performed in nine subjects to determine intersession repeatability of cone density. Cone density montages could be created for 67 of the 74 subjects. Image quality was determined to be adequate for automated cone counting for 35 (52%) of the 67 subjects. We found that cone density varied with different sampling methods and regions tested. In the nasal and temporal quadrants, peak density most closely resembled histological data, whereas the arcuate mean and fixed-interval methods tended to underestimate the density compared with histological data. However, in the inferior and superior quadrants, arcuate mean and fixed-interval methods most closely matched histological data, whereas the peak density method overestimated cone density compared with histological data. Intersession repeatability testing showed that repeatability was greatest when sampling by arcuate mean and lowest when sampling by fixed interval. We show that different methods of sampling can significantly affect cone density measurements. Therefore, care must be taken when interpreting cone density results, even in a normal population.

  2. Assessment of Different Sampling Methods for Measuring and Representing Macular Cone Density Using Flood-Illuminated Adaptive Optics

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Shu; Gale, Michael J.; Fay, Jonathan D.; Faridi, Ambar; Titus, Hope E.; Garg, Anupam K.; Michaels, Keith V.; Erker, Laura R.; Peters, Dawn; Smith, Travis B.; Pennesi, Mark E.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose To describe a standardized flood-illuminated adaptive optics (AO) imaging protocol suitable for the clinical setting and to assess sampling methods for measuring cone density. Methods Cone density was calculated following three measurement protocols: 50 × 50-μm sampling window values every 0.5° along the horizontal and vertical meridians (fixed-interval method), the mean density of expanding 0.5°-wide arcuate areas in the nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior quadrants (arcuate mean method), and the peak cone density of a 50 × 50-μm sampling window within expanding arcuate areas near the meridian (peak density method). Repeated imaging was performed in nine subjects to determine intersession repeatability of cone density. Results Cone density montages could be created for 67 of the 74 subjects. Image quality was determined to be adequate for automated cone counting for 35 (52%) of the 67 subjects. We found that cone density varied with different sampling methods and regions tested. In the nasal and temporal quadrants, peak density most closely resembled histological data, whereas the arcuate mean and fixed-interval methods tended to underestimate the density compared with histological data. However, in the inferior and superior quadrants, arcuate mean and fixed-interval methods most closely matched histological data, whereas the peak density method overestimated cone density compared with histological data. Intersession repeatability testing showed that repeatability was greatest when sampling by arcuate mean and lowest when sampling by fixed interval. Conclusions We show that different methods of sampling can significantly affect cone density measurements. Therefore, care must be taken when interpreting cone density results, even in a normal population. PMID:26325414

  3. Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording: Fundamental Limits to Inverse Electromagnetic Design

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bhargava, Samarth

    In this dissertation, we address the burgeoning fields of diffractive optics, metals-optics and plasmonics, and computational inverse problems in the engineering design of electromagnetic structures. We focus on the application of the optical nano-focusing system that will enable Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR), a higher density magnetic recording technology that will fulfill the exploding worldwide demand of digital data storage. The heart of HAMR is a system that focuses light to a nano- sub-diffraction-limit spot with an extremely high power density via an optical antenna. We approach this engineering problem by first discussing the fundamental limits of nano-focusing and the material limits for metal-optics and plasmonics. Then, we use efficient gradient-based optimization algorithms to computationally design shapes of 3D nanostructures that outperform human designs on the basis of mass-market product requirements. In 2014, the world manufactured ˜1 zettabyte (ZB), ie. 1 Billion terabytes (TBs), of data storage devices, including ˜560 million magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs). Global demand of storage will likely increase by 10x in the next 5-10 years, and manufacturing capacity cannot keep up with demand alone. We discuss the state-of-art HDD and why industry invented Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) to overcome the data density limitations. HAMR leverages the temperature sensitivity of magnets, in which the coercivity suddenly and non-linearly falls at the Curie temperature. Data recording to high-density hard disks can be achieved by locally heating one bit of information while co-applying a magnetic field. The heating can be achieved by focusing 100 microW of light to a 30nm diameter spot on the hard disk. This is an enormous light intensity, roughly ˜100,000,000x the intensity of sunlight on the earth's surface! This power density is ˜1,000x the output of gold-coated tapered optical fibers used in Near-field Scanning Optical Microscopes (NSOM), which is the incumbent technology allowing the focus of light to the nano-scale. Even in these lower power NSOM probe tips, optical self-heating and deformation of the nano- gold tips are significant reliability and performance bottlenecks. Hence, the design and manufacture of the higher power optical nano-focusing system for HAMR must overcome great engineering challenges in optical and thermal performance. There has been much debate about alternative materials for metal-optics and plasmonics to cure the current plague of optical loss and thermal reliability in this burgeoning field. We clear the air. For an application like HAMR, where intense self-heating occurs, refractory metals and metals nitrides with high melting points but low optical and thermal conductivities are inferior to noble metals. This conclusion is contradictory to several claims and may be counter-intuitive to some, but the analysis is simple, evident and relevant to any engineer working on metal-optics and plasmonics. Indeed, the best metals for DC and RF electronics are also the best at optical frequencies. We also argue that the geometric design of electromagnetic structures (especially sub-wavelength devices) is too cumbersome for human designers, because the wave nature of light necessitates that this inverse problem be non-convex and non-linear. When the computation for one forward simulation is extremely demanding (hours on a high-performance computing cluster), typical designers constrain themselves to only 2 or 3 degrees of freedom. We attack the inverse electromagnetic design problem using gradient-based optimization after leveraging the adjoint-method to efficiently calculate the gradient (ie. the sensitivity) of an objective function with respect to thousands to millions of parameters. This approach results in creative computational designs of electromagnetic structures that human designers could not have conceived yet yield better optical performance. After gaining key insights from the fundamental limits and building our Inverse Electromagnetic Design software, we finally attempt to solve the challenges in enabling HAMR and the future supply of digital data storage hardware. In 2014, the hard disk industry spent ˜$200 million dollars in R&D but poor optical and thermal performance of the metallic nano-transducer continues to prevent commercial HAMR product. Via our design process, we successfully computationally-generated designs for the nano-focusing system that meets specifications for higher data density, lower adjacent track interference, lower laser power requirements and, most notably, lower self-heating of the crucial metallic nano-antenna. We believe that computational design will be a crucial component in commercial HAMR as well as many other commercially significant applications of micro- and nano- optics. If successful in commercializing HAMR, the hard disk industry may sell 1 billion HDDs per year by 2025, with an average of 6 semiconductor diode lasers and 6 optical chips per drive. The key players will become the largest manufacturers of integrated optical chips and nano-antennas in the world. This industry will perform millions of single-mode laser alignments per day. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

  4. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Vessel Density in Healthy, Glaucoma Suspect, and Glaucoma Eyes

    PubMed Central

    Yarmohammadi, Adeleh; Zangwill, Linda M.; Diniz-Filho, Alberto; Suh, Min Hee; Manalastas, Patricia Isabel; Fatehee, Naeem; Yousefi, Siamak; Belghith, Akram; Saunders, Luke J.; Medeiros, Felipe A.; Huang, David; Weinreb, Robert N.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) retinal vasculature measurements in healthy, glaucoma suspect, and glaucoma patients. Methods Two hundred sixty-one eyes of 164 healthy, glaucoma suspect, and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) participants from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study with good quality OCT-A images were included. Retinal vasculature information was summarized as a vessel density map and as vessel density (%), which is the proportion of flowing vessel area over the total area evaluated. Two vessel density measurements extracted from the RNFL were analyzed: (1) circumpapillary vessel density (cpVD) measured in a 750-μm-wide elliptical annulus around the disc and (2) whole image vessel density (wiVD) measured over the entire image. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) were used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. Results Age-adjusted mean vessel density was significantly lower in OAG eyes compared with glaucoma suspects and healthy eyes. (cpVD: 55.1 ± 7%, 60.3 ± 5%, and 64.2 ± 3%, respectively; P < 0.001; and wiVD: 46.2 ± 6%, 51.3 ± 5%, and 56.6 ± 3%, respectively; P < 0.001). For differentiating between glaucoma and healthy eyes, the age-adjusted AUROC was highest for wiVD (0.94), followed by RNFL thickness (0.92) and cpVD (0.83). The AUROCs for differentiating between healthy and glaucoma suspect eyes were highest for wiVD (0.70), followed by cpVD (0.65) and RNFL thickness (0.65). Conclusions Optical coherence tomography angiography vessel density had similar diagnostic accuracy to RNFL thickness measurements for differentiating between healthy and glaucoma eyes. These results suggest that OCT-A measurements reflect damage to tissues relevant to the pathophysiology of OAG. PMID:27409505

  5. Technical Factors Influencing Cone Packing Density Estimates in Adaptive Optics Flood Illuminated Retinal Images

    PubMed Central

    Lombardo, Marco; Serrao, Sebastiano; Lombardo, Giuseppe

    2014-01-01

    Purpose To investigate the influence of various technical factors on the variation of cone packing density estimates in adaptive optics flood illuminated retinal images. Methods Adaptive optics images of the photoreceptor mosaic were obtained in fifteen healthy subjects. The cone density and Voronoi diagrams were assessed in sampling windows of 320×320 µm, 160×160 µm and 64×64 µm at 1.5 degree temporal and superior eccentricity from the preferred locus of fixation (PRL). The technical factors that have been analyzed included the sampling window size, the corrected retinal magnification factor (RMFcorr), the conversion from radial to linear distance from the PRL, the displacement between the PRL and foveal center and the manual checking of cone identification algorithm. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement between cone density estimated within the different sampling window conditions. Results The cone density declined with decreasing sampling area and data between areas of different size showed low agreement. A high agreement was found between sampling areas of the same size when comparing density calculated with or without using individual RMFcorr. The agreement between cone density measured at radial and linear distances from the PRL and between data referred to the PRL or the foveal center was moderate. The percentage of Voronoi tiles with hexagonal packing arrangement was comparable between sampling areas of different size. The boundary effect, presence of any retinal vessels, and the manual selection of cones missed by the automated identification algorithm were identified as the factors influencing variation of cone packing arrangements in Voronoi diagrams. Conclusions The sampling window size is the main technical factor that influences variation of cone density. Clear identification of each cone in the image and the use of a large buffer zone are necessary to minimize factors influencing variation of Voronoi diagrams of the cone mosaic. PMID:25203681

  6. Technical factors influencing cone packing density estimates in adaptive optics flood illuminated retinal images.

    PubMed

    Lombardo, Marco; Serrao, Sebastiano; Lombardo, Giuseppe

    2014-01-01

    To investigate the influence of various technical factors on the variation of cone packing density estimates in adaptive optics flood illuminated retinal images. Adaptive optics images of the photoreceptor mosaic were obtained in fifteen healthy subjects. The cone density and Voronoi diagrams were assessed in sampling windows of 320×320 µm, 160×160 µm and 64×64 µm at 1.5 degree temporal and superior eccentricity from the preferred locus of fixation (PRL). The technical factors that have been analyzed included the sampling window size, the corrected retinal magnification factor (RMFcorr), the conversion from radial to linear distance from the PRL, the displacement between the PRL and foveal center and the manual checking of cone identification algorithm. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement between cone density estimated within the different sampling window conditions. The cone density declined with decreasing sampling area and data between areas of different size showed low agreement. A high agreement was found between sampling areas of the same size when comparing density calculated with or without using individual RMFcorr. The agreement between cone density measured at radial and linear distances from the PRL and between data referred to the PRL or the foveal center was moderate. The percentage of Voronoi tiles with hexagonal packing arrangement was comparable between sampling areas of different size. The boundary effect, presence of any retinal vessels, and the manual selection of cones missed by the automated identification algorithm were identified as the factors influencing variation of cone packing arrangements in Voronoi diagrams. The sampling window size is the main technical factor that influences variation of cone density. Clear identification of each cone in the image and the use of a large buffer zone are necessary to minimize factors influencing variation of Voronoi diagrams of the cone mosaic.

  7. Laser and acoustic lens for lithotripsy

    DOEpatents

    Visuri, Steven R.; Makarewicz, Anthony J.; London, Richard A.; Benett, William J.; Krulevitch, Peter; Da Silva, Luiz B.

    2002-01-01

    An acoustic focusing device whose acoustic waves are generated by laser radiation through an optical fiber. The acoustic energy is capable of efficient destruction of renal and biliary calculi and deliverable to the site of the calculi via an endoscopic procedure. The device includes a transducer tip attached to the distal end of an optical fiber through which laser energy is directed. The transducer tip encapsulates an exogenous absorbing dye. Under proper irradiation conditions (high absorbed energy density, short pulse duration) a stress wave is produced via thermoelastic expansion of the absorber for the destruction of the calculi. The transducer tip can be configured into an acoustic lens such that the transmitted acoustic wave is shaped or focused. Also, compressive stress waves can be reflected off a high density/low density interface to invert the compressive wave into a tensile stress wave, and tensile stresses may be more effective in some instances in disrupting material as most materials are weaker in tension than compression. Estimations indicate that stress amplitudes provided by this device can be magnified more than 100 times, greatly improving the efficiency of optical energy for targeted material destruction.

  8. Study of Lead as a Source X-ray Radiation Protection with an Analysis Grey Level Image

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Susilo; Rahma, I. N.; Mosik; Masturi

    2017-04-01

    X-ray utilization in the medical field still has a potential danger for the human. This occurs when exposure to x-ray radiation received exceeds the dose limit value. It required a radiation shielding to prevent the hazard, and lead is one of the metals usually used as x-ray radiation shield. This work aims to determine the metallic lead properties to find out of the step wedge lead radiograph image. The instruments used are the plane x-ray, digital radiography system and personal computer installed by MATLAB, while the material is step wedge lead. The image of radiograph was analysed using GUI applications on MATLAB software to determine the values of grey level from the image and the optical density of the radiograph image. The results showed the greater optical density, the higher the image contrast, and the value of optical density in the image is inversely proportional to the voltage x-ray since the value of grey level at high voltage is smaller than that of at low voltage.

  9. Quantum measurement-induced antiferromagnetic order and density modulations in ultracold Fermi gases in optical lattices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mazzucchi, Gabriel; Caballero-Benitez, Santiago F.; Mekhov, Igor B.

    2016-08-01

    Ultracold atomic systems offer a unique tool for understanding behavior of matter in the quantum degenerate regime, promising studies of a vast range of phenomena covering many disciplines from condensed matter to quantum information and particle physics. Coupling these systems to quantized light fields opens further possibilities of observing delicate effects typical of quantum optics in the context of strongly correlated systems. Measurement backaction is one of the most funda- mental manifestations of quantum mechanics and it is at the core of many famous quantum optics experiments. Here we show that quantum backaction of weak measurement can be used for tailoring long-range correlations of ultracold fermions, realizing quantum states with spatial modulations of the density and magnetization, thus overcoming usual requirement for a strong interatomic interactions. We propose detection schemes for implementing antiferromagnetic states and density waves. We demonstrate that such long-range correlations cannot be realized with local addressing, and they are a consequence of the competition between global but spatially structured backaction of weak quantum measurement and unitary dynamics of fermions.

  10. Hollow vortex Gaussian beams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, GuoQuan; Cai, YangJian; Dai, ChaoQing

    2013-05-01

    A kind of hollow vortex Gaussian beam is introduced. Based on the Collins integral, an analytical propagation formula of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam through a paraxial ABCD optical system is derived. Due to the special distribution of the optical field, which is caused by the initial vortex phase, the dark region of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam will not disappear upon propagation. The analytical expressions for the beam propagation factor, the kurtosis parameter, and the orbital angular momentum density of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam passing through a paraxial ABCD optical system are also derived, respectively. The beam propagation factor is determined by the beam order and the topological charge. The kurtosis parameter and the orbital angular momentum density depend on beam order n, topological charge m, parameter γ, and transfer matrix elements A and D. As a numerical example, the propagation properties of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam in free space are demonstrated. The hollow vortex Gaussian beam has eminent propagation stability and has crucial application prospects in optical micromanipulation.

  11. Structural, optical and field emission properties of urchin-shaped ZnO nanostructures.

    PubMed

    Al-Heniti, Saleh; Umar, Ahmad

    2013-01-01

    In this work, well-crystallized urchin-shaped ZnO structures were synthesized on silicon substrate by simple non-catalytic thermal evaporation process by using metallic zinc powder in the presence of oxygen as source materials for zinc and oxygen, respectively. The synthesized ZnO structures were characterized in detail in terms of their morphological, structural, optical and field emission properties. The detailed morphological investigations revealed that the synthesized structures possess urchin-shape and grown in high-density over the substrate surface. The detailed structural and optical characterizations revealed that the synthesized urchin-shaped ZnO structures are well-crystallized and exhibiting good optical properties. The field emission analysis for urchin-shaped ZnO structures exhibits a turn-on field of 4.6 V/microm. The emission current density reached to 0.056 mA/cm2 at an applied electrical field of 6.4 V/microm and shows no saturation. The calculated field enhancement factor 'beta', from the F-N plot, was found to be approximately 2.2 x 10(3).

  12. Physical and Optical Studies of Bi3+-Modified Erbium Doped Tellurite Glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marzuki, Ahmad; Ega Fausta, Devara

    2018-03-01

    Er3+-doped tellurite glasses with various compositions (in mole%): 54TeO2-(41-x)ZnO-xBi2O3-2Na2O-3Er2O3 (x = 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) were prepared with melt quenching method. Studies was aimed at investigating the effect of Bi3+ ion content on the physical and optical properties of the glasses. The density, refractive index, optical absorption, and optical energy band gap measurements were carried out at room temperature using pycnometer, Brewster angle method, and UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer, respectively. From the experiment, it was shown that the density and refractive index of the glasses increased with the increase of Bi3+ ions concentration. The absorption band intensity of electronic transition from 4I15/2 to 4H11/2 exhibited an increase as the Bi3+ ions concentration increase suggesting that incorporating Bi3+ ions into this glasses might improve the pumping efficiency.

  13. Method and apparatus for optical Doppler tomographic imaging of fluid flow velocity in highly scattering media

    DOEpatents

    Nelson, John Stuart; Milner, Thomas Edward; Chen, Zhongping

    1999-01-01

    Optical Doppler tomography permits imaging of fluid flow velocity in highly scattering media. The tomography system combines Doppler velocimetry with high spatial resolution of partially coherent optical interferometry to measure fluid flow velocity at discrete spatial locations. Noninvasive in vivo imaging of blood flow dynamics and tissue structures with high spatial resolutions of the order of 2 to 10 microns is achieved in biological systems. The backscattered interference signals derived from the interferometer may be analyzed either through power spectrum determination to obtain the position and velocity of each particle in the fluid flow sample at each pixel, or the interference spectral density may be analyzed at each frequency in the spectrum to obtain the positions and velocities of the particles in a cross-section to which the interference spectral density corresponds. The realized resolutions of optical Doppler tomography allows noninvasive in vivo imaging of both blood microcirculation and tissue structure surrounding the vessel which has significance for biomedical research and clinical applications.

  14. Quantitative Analysis of the Efficiency of OLEDs.

    PubMed

    Sim, Bomi; Moon, Chang-Ki; Kim, Kwon-Hyeon; Kim, Jang-Joo

    2016-12-07

    We present a comprehensive model for the quantitative analysis of factors influencing the efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as a function of the current density. The model takes into account the contribution made by the charge carrier imbalance, quenching processes, and optical design loss of the device arising from various optical effects including the cavity structure, location and profile of the excitons, effective radiative quantum efficiency, and out-coupling efficiency. Quantitative analysis of the efficiency can be performed with an optical simulation using material parameters and experimental measurements of the exciton profile in the emission layer and the lifetime of the exciton as a function of the current density. This method was applied to three phosphorescent OLEDs based on a single host, mixed host, and exciplex-forming cohost. The three factors (charge carrier imbalance, quenching processes, and optical design loss) were influential in different ways, depending on the device. The proposed model can potentially be used to optimize OLED configurations on the basis of an analysis of the underlying physical processes.

  15. Optical properties of body-centered tetragonal C4: Insights from many-body perturbation and time-dependent density functional theories

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tarighi Ahmadpour, Mahdi; Rostamnejadi, Ali; Hashemifar, S. Javad

    2018-04-01

    We study the electronic structure and optical properties of a body-centered tetragonal phase of carbon (bct-C4) within the framework of time-dependent density functional theory and Bethe-Salpeter equation. The results indicate that the optical properties of bct-C4 are strongly affected by the electron-hole interaction. It is demonstrated that the long-range corrected exchange-correlation kernels could fairly reproduce the Bethe-Salpeter equation results. The effective carrier number reveals that at energies above 30 eV, the excitonic effects are not dominant any more and that the optical transitions originate mainly from electronic excitations. The emerged peaks in the calculated electron energy loss spectra are discussed in terms of plasmon excitations and interband transitions. The results of the research indicate that bct-C4 is an indirect wide-band-gap semiconductor, which is transparent in the visible region and opaque in the ultraviolet spectral range.

  16. Experimental and theoretical investigation of relative optical band gaps in graphene generations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bhatnagar, Deepika; Singh, Sukhbir; Yadav, Sriniwas; Kumar, Ashok; Kaur, Inderpreet

    2017-01-01

    Size and chemical functionalization dependant optical band gaps in graphene family nanomaterials were investigated by experimental and theoretical study using Tauc plot and density functional theory (DFT). We have synthesized graphene oxide through a modified Hummer’s method using graphene nanoplatelets and sequentially graphene quantum dots through hydrothermal reduction. The experimental results indicate that the optical band gap in graphene generations was altered by reducing the size of graphene sheets and attachment of chemical functionalities like epoxy, hydroxyl and carboxyl groups plays a crucial role in varying optical band gaps. It is further confirmed by DFT calculations that the π orbitals were more dominatingly participating in transitions shown by projected density of states and the molecular energy spectrum represented the effect of attached functional groups along with discreteness in energy levels. Theoretical results were found to be in good agreement with experimental results. All of the above different variants of graphene can be used in native or modified form for sensor design and optoelectronic applications.

  17. Optical graphene quantum dots gas sensors: Theoretical study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Raeyani, D.; Shojaei, S.; Ahmadi-Kandjani, S.

    2018-02-01

    In this work, we theoretically studied the changes of graphene quantum dots (GQD) absorption spectra under the influence of different gases to indicate optical gas sensing features of GQDs. The adsorption of gas molecules such as CO2, N2 and Ar on GQDs have been theoretically investigated through time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. Our study revealed that UV-Vis absorption spectrum of GQDs in the presence of CO2 undergoes considerable changes than that of N2 and Ar. The shift of maximum absorption wavelength for adsorption of CO2, N2 and Ar in same distance from GQD in addition to density of state (DOS) and orbital analyses have been obtained. To verify our theoretical results, comparison with experimental study has been done and good agreement has been observed. Comparing with electrical property of GQD, optical properties showed an efficient tool to be implemented in gas adsorption and paves the way towards GQD optical gas sensors.

  18. Analysis of the structural, electronic and optic properties of Ni doped MgSiP{sub 2} semiconductor chalcopyrite compound

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

    Kocak, Belgin, E-mail: koakbelgin@gmail.com; Ciftci, Yasemin Oztekin, E-mail: yasemin@gazi.edu.tr

    2016-03-25

    The structural, electronic band structure and optic properties of the Ni doped MgSiP{sub 2} chalcopyrite compound have been performed by using first-principles method in the density functional theory (DFT) as implemented in Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package (VASP). The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) in the scheme of Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof (PBE) is used for the exchange and correlation functional. The present lattice constant (a) follows generally the Vegard’s law. The electronic band structure, total and partial density of states (DOS and PDOS) are calculated. We present data for the frequency dependence of imaginary and real parts of dielectric functions ofmore » Ni doped MgSiP{sub 2}. For further investigation of the optical properties the reflectivity, refractive index, extinction coefficient and electron energy loss function are also predicted. Our obtained results indicate that the lattice constants, electronic band structure and optical properties of this compound are dependent on the substitution concentration of Ni.« less

  19. Au279(SR)84: The Smallest Gold Thiolate Nanocrystal That Is Metallic and the Birth of Plasmon.

    PubMed

    Sakthivel, Naga Arjun; Stener, Mauro; Sementa, Luca; Fortunelli, Alessandro; Ramakrishna, Guda; Dass, Amala

    2018-03-15

    We report a detailed study on the optical properties of Au 279 (SR) 84 using steady-state and transient absorption measurements to probe its metallic nature, time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) studies to correlate the optical spectra, and density of states (DOS) to reveal the factors governing the origin of the collective surface plasmon resonance (SPR) oscillation. Au 279 is the smallest identified gold nanocrystal to exhibit SPR. Its optical absorption exhibits SPR at 510 nm. Power-dependent bleach recovery kinetics of Au 279 suggests that electron dynamics dominates its relaxation and it can support plasmon oscillations. Interestingly, TDDFT and DOS studies with different tail group residues (-CH 3 and -Ph) revealed the important role played by the tail groups of ligands in collective oscillation. Also, steady-state and time-resolved absorption for Au 36 , Au 44 , and Au 133 were studied to reveal the molecule-to-metal evolution of aromatic AuNMs. The optical gap and transient decay lifetimes decrease as the size increases.

  20. Plasmonic excitation-assisted optical and electric enhancement in ultra-thin solar cells: the influence of nano-strip cross section

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

    Sabaeian, Mohammad, E-mail: sabaiean@scu.ac.ir; Heydari, Mehdi; Ajamgard, Narges

    The effects of Ag nano-strips with triangle, rectangular and trapezoid cross sections on the optical absorption, generation rate, and short-circuit current density of ultra-thin solar cells were investigated. By putting the nano-strips as a grating structure on the top of the solar cells, the waveguide, surface plasmon polariton (SPP), and localized surface plasmon (LSP) modes, which are excited with the assistance of nano-strips, were evaluated in TE and TM polarizations. The results show, firstly, the TM modes are more influential than TE modes in optical and electrical properties enhancement of solar cell, because of plasmonic excitations in TM mode. Secondly,more » the trapezoid nano-strips reveal noticeable impact on the optical absorption, generation rate, and short-circuit current density enhancement than triangle and rectangular ones. In particular, the absorption of long wavelengths which is a challenge in ultra-thin solar cells is significantly improved by using Ag trapezoid nano-strips.« less

  1. Probability density function formalism for optical coherence tomography signal analysis: a controlled phantom study.

    PubMed

    Weatherbee, Andrew; Sugita, Mitsuro; Bizheva, Kostadinka; Popov, Ivan; Vitkin, Alex

    2016-06-15

    The distribution of backscattered intensities as described by the probability density function (PDF) of tissue-scattered light contains information that may be useful for tissue assessment and diagnosis, including characterization of its pathology. In this Letter, we examine the PDF description of the light scattering statistics in a well characterized tissue-like particulate medium using optical coherence tomography (OCT). It is shown that for low scatterer density, the governing statistics depart considerably from a Gaussian description and follow the K distribution for both OCT amplitude and intensity. The PDF formalism is shown to be independent of the scatterer flow conditions; this is expected from theory, and suggests robustness and motion independence of the OCT amplitude (and OCT intensity) PDF metrics in the context of potential biomedical applications.

  2. Autoradiographic method for quantitation of deposition and distribution of radiocalcium in bone

    PubMed Central

    Lawrence Riggs, B; Bassingthwaighte, James B.; Jowsey, Jenifer; Peter Pequegnat, E

    2010-01-01

    A method is described for quantitating autoradiographs of bone-seeking isotopes in microscopic sections of bone. Autoradiographs of bone sections containing 45Ca and internal calibration standards are automatically scanned with a microdensitometer. The digitized optical density output is stored on magnetic tape and is converted by computer to equivalent activity of 45Ca per gram of bone. The computer determines the total 45Ca uptake in the bone section and, on the basis of optical density and anatomic position, quantitatively divides the uptake into 4 components, each representing a separate physiologic process (bone formation, secondary mineralization, diffuse long-term exchange, and surface short-term exchange). The method is also applicable for quantitative analysis of microradiographs of bone sections for mineral content and density. PMID:5416906

  3. Plasma devices to guide and collimate a high density of MeV electrons.

    PubMed

    Kodama, R; Sentoku, Y; Chen, Z L; Kumar, G R; Hatchett, S P; Toyama, Y; Cowan, T E; Freeman, R R; Fuchs, J; Izawa, Y; Key, M H; Kitagawa, Y; Kondo, K; Matsuoka, T; Nakamura, H; Nakatsutsumi, M; Norreys, P A; Norimatsu, T; Snavely, R A; Stephens, R B; Tampo, M; Tanaka, K A; Yabuuchi, T

    2004-12-23

    The development of ultra-intense lasers has facilitated new studies in laboratory astrophysics and high-density nuclear science, including laser fusion. Such research relies on the efficient generation of enormous numbers of high-energy charged particles. For example, laser-matter interactions at petawatt (10(15) W) power levels can create pulses of MeV electrons with current densities as large as 10(12) A cm(-2). However, the divergence of these particle beams usually reduces the current density to a few times 10(6) A cm(-2) at distances of the order of centimetres from the source. The invention of devices that can direct such intense, pulsed energetic beams will revolutionize their applications. Here we report high-conductivity devices consisting of transient plasmas that increase the energy density of MeV electrons generated in laser-matter interactions by more than one order of magnitude. A plasma fibre created on a hollow-cone target guides and collimates electrons in a manner akin to the control of light by an optical fibre and collimator. Such plasma devices hold promise for applications using high energy-density particles and should trigger growth in charged particle optics.

  4. Density of states, optical and thermoelectric properties of perovskite vanadium fluorides Na3VF6

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reshak, A. H.; Azam, Sikander

    2014-05-01

    The electronic structure, charge density and Fermi surface of Na3VF6 compound have been examined with the support of density functional theory (DFT). Using the full potential linear augmented plane wave method, we employed the local density approximation (LDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and Engel-Vosko GGA (EVGGA) to treat the exchange correlation potential to solve Kohn-Sham equations. The calculation show that Na3VF6 compound has metallic nature and the Fermi energy (EF) is assessed by overlapping of V-d state. The calculated density of states at the EF are about 18.655, 51.932 and 13.235 states/eV, and the bare linear low-temperature electronic specific heat coefficient (γ) is found to be 3.236 mJ/mol-K2, 9.008 mJ/mol-K2 and 2.295 mJ/mol-K2 for LDA, GGA and EVGGA, respectively. The Fermi surface is composed of two sheets. The chemical bonding of Na3VF6 compound is analyzed through the electronic charge density in the (1 1 0) crystallographic plane. The optical constants and thermal properties were also calculated and discussed.

  5. Holography and optical information processing; Proceedings of the Soviet-Chinese Joint Seminar, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Sept. 21-26, 1991

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mikaelian, Andrei L.

    Attention is given to data storage, devices, architectures, and implementations of optical memory and neural networks; holographic optical elements and computer-generated holograms; holographic display and materials; systems, pattern recognition, interferometry, and applications in optical information processing; and special measurements and devices. Topics discussed include optical immersion as a new way to increase information recording density, systems for data reading from optical disks on the basis of diffractive lenses, a new real-time optical associative memory system, an optical pattern recognition system based on a WTA model of neural networks, phase diffraction grating for the integral transforms of coherent light fields, holographic recording with operated sensitivity and stability in chalcogenide glass layers, a compact optical logic processor, a hybrid optical system for computing invariant moments of images, optical fiber holographic inteferometry, and image transmission through random media in single pass via optical phase conjugation.

  6. Fiber optic chemical sensors: The evolution of high- density fiber-optic DNA microarrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ferguson, Jane A.

    2001-06-01

    Sensors were developed for multianalyte monitoring, fermentation monitoring, lactate analysis, remote oxygen detection for use in bioremediation monitoring and in a fuel spill clean-up project, heavy metal analysis, and high density DNA microarrays. The major focus of this thesis involved creating and improving high-density DNA gene arrays. Fiber optic sensors are created using fluorescent indicators, polymeric supports, and optical fiber substrates. The fluorescent indicator is entrapped in a polymer layer and attached to the tip of the optical fiber. The tip of the fiber bearing the sensing layer (the distal end) is placed in the sample of interest while the other end of the fiber (the proximal end) is connected to an analysis system. Any length of fiber can be used without compromising the integrity or sensitivity of the system. A fiber optic oxygen sensor was designed incorporating an oxygen sensitive fluorescent dye and a gas permeable polymer attached to an optical fiber. The construction simplicity and ruggedness of the sensor enabled its deployment for in situ chemical oxidation and bioremediation studies. Optical fibers were also used as the substrate to detect biomolecules in solution. To monitor bioprocesses, the production of the analyte of interest must be coupled with a species that is optically measurable. For example, oxygen is consumed in many metabolic functions. The fiber optic oxygen sensor is equipped with an additional sensing layer. Upon contact with a specific biochemical in the sample, a reaction occurs in the additional sensing layer that either consumes or produces oxygen. This dual layer system was used to monitor the presence of lactate, an important metabolite for clinical and bioprocess analysis. In many biological and environmental systems, the generation of one species occurs coincidentally with the generation or consumption of another species. A multianalyte sensor was prepared that can monitor the simultaneous activity of pH, CO2 and O2. This sensor is useful for monitoring bioprocesses such as (beer) fermentation and for clinical situations such as blood gas analysis. DNA sensors were created by attaching short single strands of DNA (probes) to the fiber tip. A matching single strand (target) forms a strong interacting pair with the probe upon contact. The target strands in a sample are labeled with a fluorescent dye. When a probe-target pair is formed and excitation light is sent down the fiber, the fiber bearing the pair emits light that is captured and detected. A high density DNA array was created by isolating thousands of discrete DNA sensors on the tip of an imaging optical fiber. This array was made possible by the formation of microwells on the imaging fiber tip. Microspheres functionalized with DNA were placed in the wells of the fiber and each microsphere was independently and simultaneously monitored. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

  7. The Need for Optical Means as an Alternative for Electronic Computing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Adbeldayem, Hossin; Frazier, Donald; Witherow, William; Paley, Steve; Penn, Benjamin; Bank, Curtis; Whitaker, Ann F. (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    An increasing demand for faster computers is rapidly growing to encounter the fast growing rate of Internet, space communication, and robotic industry. Unfortunately, the Very Large Scale Integration technology is approaching its fundamental limits beyond which the device will be unreliable. Optical interconnections and optical integrated circuits are strongly believed to provide the way out of the extreme limitations imposed on the growth of speed and complexity of nowadays computations by conventional electronics. This paper demonstrates two ultra-fast, all-optical logic gates and a high-density storage medium, which are essential components in building the future optical computer.

  8. Detection of a Novel Mechanism of Acousto-Optic Modulation of Incoherent Light

    PubMed Central

    Jarrett, Christopher W.; Caskey, Charles F.; Gore, John C.

    2014-01-01

    A novel form of acoustic modulation of light from an incoherent source has been detected in water as well as in turbid media. We demonstrate that patterns of modulated light intensity appear to propagate as the optical shadow of the density variations caused by ultrasound within an illuminated ultrasonic focal zone. This pattern differs from previous reports of acousto-optical interactions that produce diffraction effects that rely on phase shifts and changes in light directions caused by the acoustic modulation. Moreover, previous studies of acousto-optic interactions have mainly reported the effects of sound on coherent light sources via photon tagging, and/or the production of diffraction phenomena from phase effects that give rise to discrete sidebands. We aimed to assess whether the effects of ultrasound modulation of the intensity of light from an incoherent light source could be detected directly, and how the acoustically modulated (AOM) light signal depended on experimental parameters. Our observations suggest that ultrasound at moderate intensities can induce sufficiently large density variations within a uniform medium to cause measurable modulation of the intensity of an incoherent light source by absorption. Light passing through a region of high intensity ultrasound then produces a pattern that is the projection of the density variations within the region of their interaction. The patterns exhibit distinct maxima and minima that are observed at locations much different from those predicted by Raman-Nath, Bragg, or other diffraction theory. The observed patterns scaled appropriately with the geometrical magnification and sound wavelength. We conclude that these observed patterns are simple projections of the ultrasound induced density changes which cause spatial and temporal variations of the optical absorption within the illuminated sound field. These effects potentially provide a novel method for visualizing sound fields and may assist the interpretation of other hybrid imaging methods. PMID:25105880

  9. The effect of oxide shell thickness on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of Si-SiO{sub 2} core-shell nano-crystals: A (time dependent)density functional theory study

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

    Nazemi, Sanaz, E-mail: s.nazemi@ut.ac.ir, E-mail: pourfath@ut.ac.ir; Soleimani, Ebrahim Asl; Pourfath, Mahdi, E-mail: s.nazemi@ut.ac.ir, E-mail: pourfath@ut.ac.ir

    2016-04-14

    Due to their tunable properties, silicon nano-crystals (NC) are currently being investigated. Quantum confinement can generally be employed for size-dependent band-gap tuning at dimensions smaller than the Bohr radius (∼5 nm for silicon). At the nano-meter scale, however, increased surface-to-volume ratio makes the surface effects dominant. Specifically, in Si-SiO{sub 2} core-shell semiconductor NCs the interfacial transition layer causes peculiar electronic and optical properties, because of the co-existence of intermediate oxidation states of silicon (Si{sup n+}, n = 0–4). Due to the presence of the many factors involved, a comprehensive understanding of the optical properties of these NCs has not yet been achieved. Inmore » this work, Si-SiO{sub 2} NCs with a diameter of 1.1 nm and covered by amorphous oxide shells with thicknesses between 2.5 and 4.75 Å are comprehensively studied, employing density functional theory calculations. It is shown that with increased oxide shell thickness, the low-energy part of the optical transition spectrum of the NC is red shifted and attenuated. Moreover, the absorption coefficient is increased in the high-energy part of the spectrum which corresponds to SiO{sub 2} transitions. Structural examinations indicate a larger compressive stress on the central silicon cluster with a thicker oxide shell. Examination of the local density of states reveals the migration of frontier molecular orbitals from the oxide shell into the silicon core with the increase of silica shell thickness. The optical and electrical properties are explained through the analysis of the density of states and the spatial distribution of silicon sub-oxide species.« less

  10. Photonic muscle active optics for space telescopes (active optics with 1023 actuators)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ritter, Joe

    2009-08-01

    Presented is a novel optical system using Cis-Trans photoisomerization where nearly every molecule of a mirror substrate is itself an optically powered actuator. Primary mirrors require sub-wavelength figure (shape) error in order to achieve acceptable Strehl ratios. Traditional telescopy methods require rigid and therefore heavy mirrors and reaction structures as well as proportionally heavy and expensive spacecraft busses and launch vehicles. Areal density can be reduced by increasing actuation density. Making every molecule of a substrate an actuator approaches the limit of the areal density vs actuation design trade space. Cis-Trans photoisomerization, a reversible reorganization of molecular structure induced by light, causes a change in the shape and volume of azobenzene based molecules. Induced strain in these "photonic muscles" can be over 40%. Forces are pico-newtons/molecule. Although this molecular limit is not typically multiplied in aggregate materials we have made, considering the large number of molecules in a mole, future optimized systems may approach this limit In some π-π* mixed valence azo-polymer membranes we have made photoisomerization causes a highly controllable change in macroscopic dimension with application of light. Using different wavelengths and polarizations provides the capability to actively reversibly and remotely control membrane mirror shape and dynamics using low power lasers, instead of bulky actuators and wires, thus allowing the substitution of optically induced control for rigidity and mass. Areal densities of our photonic muscle mirrors are approximately 100 g/m2. This includes the substrate and actuators (which are of course the same). These materials are thin and flexible (similar to saran wrap) so high packing ratios are possible, suggesting the possibility of deployable JWST size mirrors weighing 6 kilograms, and the possibility of ultralightweight space telescopes the size of a football field. Photons weigh nothing. Why must even small space telescopes weigh tons? Perhaps they do not.

  11. Spectroscopic and optical properties of the VO2+ ion doped TeO2-TiO2-ZnO-Nb2O5 glass system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Swapna; Upender, G.; Sreenivasulu, V.; Prasad, M.

    2016-04-01

    Studies such as optical absorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were carried out on VO2+ ion doped TeO2-TiO2-ZnO-Nb2O5 glass system. Raman and FTIR spectra of the glasses revealed the presence of [TeO3], [TeO4] and [NbO6] structural units in the glass network. The Urbach energy (Δ E), cut-off wavelength (λ c ), optical band gap ( E opt ), optical basicity (Λ) and electron polarizability ( α) of the glasses were determined from optical absorption studies. The density ( ρ), molar volume ( V m ), oxygen molar volume ( V o ) and refractive index ( n) were also measured. Spin-Hamiltonian parameters were calculated from the EPR studies. When Nb2O5 was increased at the expense of ZnO, the density, optical band gap and Urbach energy of the glasses increased, and the electronic polarizability and optical basicity decreased. The EPR spectra clearly showed that vanadium was in the glass as VO2+ and occupied octahedral sites with tetrahedral compression. Spin-Hamiltonian parameters g‖ and g⊥ decreased as Nb2O5 content increased in the glass. The glass transition temperature ( T g ) also increased with increasing Nb2O5 content in the glass.

  12. Confusion-limited galaxy fields. I - Simulated optical and near-infrared images

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chokshi, Arati; Wright, Edward L.

    1988-01-01

    Techniques for simulating images of galaxy fields are presented that extend to high redshifts and a surface density of galaxies high enough to produce overlapping images. The observed properties of galaxies and galaxy-ensembles in the 'local' universe are extrapolated to high redshifts using reasonable scenarios for the evolution of galaxies and their spatial distribution. This theoretical framework is then employed with Monte Carlo techniques to create fairly realistic two-dimensional distributions of galaxies plus optical and near-infrared sky images in a variety of model universes, using the appropriate density, luminosity, and angular size versus redshift relations.

  13. Axial length variation impacts on retinal vessel density and foveal avascular zone area measurement using optical coherence tomography angiography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sampson, Danuta M.; Gong, Peijun; An, Di; Menghini, Moreno; Hansen, Alex; Mackey, David A.; Sampson, David D.; Chen, Fred K.

    2017-04-01

    We examined the impact of axial length on superficial retinal vessel density (SRVD) and foveal avascular zone area (FAZA) measurement using optical coherence tomography angiography. The SRVD and FAZA were quantified before and after correction for magnification error associated with axial length variation. Although SRVD did not differ before and after correction for magnification error in the parafoveal region, change in foveal SRVD and FAZA were significant. This has implications for clinical trials outcome in diseased eyes where significant capillary dropout may occur in the parafovea.

  14. Ultra-High-Density Ferroelectric Memories

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Thakoor, Sarita

    1995-01-01

    Features include fast input and output via optical fibers. Memory devices of proposed type include thin ferroelectric films in which data stored in form of electric polarization. Assuming one datum stored in region as small as polarization domain, sizes of such domains impose upper limits on achievable storage densities. Limits approach 1 terabit/cm(Sup2) in all-optical versions of these ferroelectric memories and exceeds 1 gigabit/cm(Sup2) in optoelectronic versions. Memories expected to exhibit operational lives of about 10 years, input/output times of about 10 ns, and fatigue lives of about 10(Sup13) cycles.

  15. Q branches of the nu7 fundamental of ethane (C2H6) Integrated intensity measurements for atmospheric measurement applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rinsland, C. P.; Harvey, G. A.; Levine, J. S.; Smith, M. A. H.; Malathy Devi, V.; Thakur, K. B.

    1986-01-01

    Laboratory spectra covering the nu7 band of ethane (C2H6) have been recorded, and measurements of integrated intensities of selected Q branches from these spectra are reported. The method by which the spectra were obtained is described, and a typical spectrum covering the PQ3 branch at 2976.8/cm is shown along with a plot of equivalent width vs. optical density for this branch. The values of the integrated intensities reported for each branch are the means of five different optical densities.

  16. High data density temperature measurement for quasi steady-state flows

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mercer, Carolyn R.; Rashidnia, Nasser; Creath, Katherine

    1995-01-01

    A new optical instrument, the liquid crystal point diffraction interferometer (LCPDI), is used to measure the temperature distribution across a heated chamber filled with silicone oil. Data taken using the LCPDI are compared to equivalent measurements made with a traversing thermocouple and the two data sets show excellent agreement This instrument maintains the compact, robust design of Linnik's point diffraction interferometer and adds to it phase stepping capability for quantitative interferogram analysis. The result is a compact, simple to align, environmentally insensitive interferometer capable of accurately measuring optical wavefronts with very high data density and with automated data reduction.

  17. High Data Density Temperature Measurement for Quasi Steady-State Flows

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mercer, C. R.; Rashidnia, N.; Creath, K.

    1996-01-01

    A new optical instrument, the liquid crystal point diffraction interferometer (LCPDI), is used to measure the temperature distribution across a heated chamber filled with silicone oil. Data taken using the LCPDI are compared to equivalent measurements made with a traversing thermo-couple and the two data sets show excellent agreement. This instrument maintains the compact, robust design of Linniks point diffraction interferometer and adds to it phase stepping capability for quantitative interferogram analysis. The result is a compact, simple to align, environmentally insensitive interferometer capable of accurately measuring optical wave-fronts with very high data density and with automated data reduction.

  18. Optical nonlinearities of excitonic states in atomically thin 2D transition metal dichalcogenides

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

    Soh, Daniel Beom Soo

    We calculated the optical nonlinearities of the atomically thin monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide material (particularly MoS 2), particularly for those linear and nonlinear transition processes that utilize the bound exciton states. We adopted the bound and the unbound exciton states as the basis for the Hilbert space, and derived all the dynamical density matrices that provides the induced current density, from which the nonlinear susceptibilities can be drawn order-by-order via perturbative calculations. We provide the nonlinear susceptibilities for the linear, the second-harmonic, the third-harmonic, and the kerr-type two-photon processes.

  19. Mobile Bay turbidity study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crozier, G. F.; Schroeder, W. W.

    1978-01-01

    The termination of studies carried on for almost three years in the Mobile Bay area and adjacent continental shelf are reported. The initial results concentrating on the shelf and lower bay were presented in the interim report. The continued scope of work was designed to attempt a refinement of the mathematical model, assess the effectiveness of optical measurement of suspended particulate material and disseminate the acquired information. The optical characteristics of particulate solutions are affected by density gradients within the medium, density of the suspended particles, particle size, particle shape, particle quality, albedo, and the angle of refracted light. Several of these are discussed in detail.

  20. Investigation Into Radiation-Induced Compaction of Zerodur (trademark)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Edwards, D. L.; Herren, K.; Hayden, M.; McDonald, K.; Sims, J. A.; Semmel, C. L.

    1996-01-01

    Zerodur is a low coefficient of thermal expansion glass-ceramic material. This property makes Zerodur an excellent material for high precision optical substrates. Functioning as a high precision optical substrate, a material must be dimensionally stable in the system operating environment. Published data indicate that Zerodur is dimensionally unstable when exposed to large doses of ionizing radiation. The dimensional instability is discussed as an increase in Zerodur density. This increase in density is described as a compaction. Experimental data showing proton-induced compaction of Zerodur is presented. The dependence of compaction on proton dose was determined to be a power law relationship.

  1. Investigation Into Radiation-Induced Compaction of Zerodur (trademark)

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

    Edwards, D.L.; Herren, K.; Hayden, M.

    1996-03-01

    Zerodur is a low coefficient of thermal expansion glass-ceramic material. This property makes Zerodur an excellent material for high precision optical substrates. Functioning as a high precision optical substrate, a material must be dimensionally stable in the system operating environment. Published data indicate that Zerodur is dimensionally unstable when exposed to large doses of ionizing radiation. The dimensional instability is discussed as an increase in Zerodur density. This increase in density is described as a compaction. Experimental data showing proton-induced compaction of Zerodur is presented. The dependence of compaction on proton dose was determined to be a power law relationship.

  2. A logNHI = 22.6 Damped Lyα Absorber in a Dark Gamma-Ray Burst: The Environment of GRB 050401

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Watson, D.; Fynbo, J. P. U.; Ledoux, C.; Vreeswijk, P.; Hjorth, J.; Smette, A.; Andersen, A. C.; Aoki, K.; Augusteijn, T.; Beardmore, A. P.; Bersier, D.; Castro Cerón, J. M.; D'Avanzo, P.; Diaz-Fraile, D.; Gorosabel, J.; Hirst, P.; Jakobsson, P.; Jensen, B. L.; Kawai, N.; Kosugi, G.; Laursen, P.; Levan, A.; Masegosa, J.; Näränen, J.; Page, K. L.; Pedersen, K.; Pozanenko, A.; Reeves, J. N.; Rumyantsev, V.; Shahbaz, T.; Sharapov, D.; Sollerman, J.; Starling, R. L. C.; Tanvir, N.; Torstensson, K.; Wiersema, K.

    2006-12-01

    The optical afterglow spectrum of GRB 050401 (at z=2.8992+/-0.0004) shows the presence of a damped Lyα absorber (DLA), with logNHI=22.6+/-0.3. This is the highest column density ever observed in a DLA and is about 5 times larger than the strongest DLA detected so far in any QSO spectrum. From the optical spectrum, we also find a very large Zn column density, implying an abundance of [Zn/H]=-1.0+/-0.4. These large columns are supported by the early X-ray spectrum from Swift XRT, which shows a column density (in excess of Galactic) of logNH=22.21+0.06-0.08 assuming solar abundances (at z=2.9). The comparison of this X-ray column density, which is dominated by absorption due to α-chain elements, and the H I column density derived from the Lyα absorption line allows us to derive a metallicity for the absorbing matter of [α/H]=-0.4+/-0.3. The optical spectrum is reddened and can be well reproduced with a power law with SMC extinction, where AV=0.62+/-0.06. But the total optical extinction can also be constrained independent of the shape of the extinction curve: from the optical to X-ray spectral energy distribution, we find 0.5<~AV<~4.5. However, even this upper limit, independent of the shape of the extinction curve, is still well below the dust column that is inferred from the X-ray column density, i.e., AV=9.1+1.4-1.5. This discrepancy might be explained by a small dust content with high metallicity (low dust-to-metals ratio). ``Gray'' extinction cannot explain the discrepancy, since we are comparing the metallicity to a measurement of the total extinction (without reference to the reddening). Little dust with high metallicity may be produced by sublimation of dust grains or may naturally exist in systems younger than a few hundred megayears. Based in part on observations made at the European Southern Observatory, Paranal, Chile under program 075.D-0270, with the Nordic Optical Telescope, operated on the island of La Palma jointly by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, in the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, with the Wide Field Camera (WFCAM) on the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope, which is operated by the Joint Astronomy Centre on behalf of the UK Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council, and on data collected at the Subaru Telescope, which is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.

  3. Fabrication of Fresnel micro lens array in borosilicate glass by F2-laser ablation for glass interposer application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brusberg, Lars; Neitz, Marcel; Schröder, Henning; Fricke-Begemann, Thomas; Ihlemann, Jürgen

    2014-03-01

    The future need for more bandwidth forces the development of optical transmission solutions for rack-to-rack, boardto- board and chip-to-chip interconnects. The goals are significant reduction of power consumption, highest density and potential for bandwidth scalability to overcome the limitations of the systems today with mostly copper based interconnects. For system integration the enabling of thin glass as a substrate material for electro-optical components with integrated micro-optics for efficient light coupling to integrated optical waveguides or fibers is becoming important. Our glass based packaging approach merges micro-system packaging and glass integrated optics. This kind of packaging consists of a thin glass substrate with integrated micro lenses providing a platform for photonic component assembly and optical fiber or waveguide interconnection. Thin glass is commercially available in panel and wafer size and characterizes excellent optical and high frequency properties. That makes it perfect for microsystem packaging. A suitable micro lens approach has to be comparable with different commercial glasses and withstand post-processing like soldering. A benefit of using laser ablated Fresnel lenses is the planar integration capability in the substrate for highest integration density. In the paper we introduce our glass based packaging concept and the Fresnel lens design for different scenarios like chip-to-fiber, chip-to-optical-printed-circuit-board coupling. Based on the design the Fresnel lenses were fabricated by using a 157 nm fluorine laser ablation system.

  4. Propagation in Striated Media

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1976-05-01

    random walk photon scattering, geometric optics refraction at a thin phase screen, plane wave scattering from a thin screen in the Fraunhofer limit and...significant cases. In the geometric optics regime the distribution of density of allowable multipath rays is gsslanly distributed and the power...3.1 Random Walk Approach to Scattering 10 3.2 Phase Screen Approximation to Strong Scattering 13 3.3 Ray Optics and Stationary Phase Analysis 21 3,3,1

  5. A multistate pH-triggered nonlinear optical switch.

    PubMed

    Castet, Frédéric; Champagne, Benoît; Pina, Fernando; Rodriguez, Vincent

    2014-08-04

    By using hyper-Rayleigh scattering experiments and quantum-chemical calculations, we demonstrate that nonlinear optics can be used to probe unequivocally, within a non-destructive process, the multiple electronic states that are activated upon pH- and light-triggered transformations of the 4'-hydroxyflavylium ion. These results open new perspectives in the design of molecular-scale high-density optical memory. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Dopant concentration dependent optical and X-Ray induced photoluminescence in Eu3+ doped La2Zr2O7

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pokhrel, Madhab; Brik, Mikhail; Mao, Yuanbing

    2015-03-01

    Herein, we will be presenting the dopant (Eu) concentration dependent high density La2Zr2O7 nanoparticles for optical and X-ray scintillation applications by use of X - ray diffraction, Raman, FTIR, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), optically and X-ray excited photoluminescence (PL). Several theoretical methods have been used in order to investigate the structural, electronic, optical, elastic, dynamic properties of Eu doped La2Zr2O7. It is observed that Eu: La2Zr2O7 shows an intense red luminescence under 258, 322, 394 and 465 nm excitation. The optical intensity of Eu: La2Zr2O7 depends on the dopant concentration of Eu3+. Following high energy excitation with X-rays, Eu: La2Zr2O7 shows an atypical Eu PL response (scintillation) with a red emission. The intense color emission of Eu obtained under 258 nm excitation, the X-ray induced luminescence property along with reportedly high density of La2Zr2O7, makes these nanomaterials attractive for optical and X-ray applications. The authors thank the support from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the U.S. Department of Defense (Award #HDTRA1-10-1-0114).

  7. Aerodynamic distortion propagation calculation in application of high-speed target detection by laser

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Yonghui; Sun, Huayan; Zhao, Yanzhong; Chen, Jianbiao

    2015-10-01

    Active laser detection technique has a broad application prospect in antimissile and air defense, however the aerodynamic flow field around the planes and missiles cause serious distortion effect on the detecting laser beams. There are many computational fluid dynamics(CFD) codes that can predict the air density distribution and also the density fluctuations of the flow field, it's necessary for physical optics to be used to predict the distortion properties after propagation through the complex process. Aiming at the physical process of laser propagation in "Cat-eye" lenses and aerodynamic flow field for twice, distortion propagation calculation method is researched in this paper. In the minds of dividing the whole process into two parts, and tread the aero-optical optical path difference as a phase distortion, the incidence and reflection process are calculated using Collins formula and angular spectrum diffraction theory respectively. In addition, turbulent performance of the aerodynamic flow field is estimated according to the electromagnetic propagation theory through a random medium, the rms optical path difference and Strehl ratio of the turbulent optical distortion are obtained. Finally, Computational fluid mechanics and aero-optical distortion properties of the detecting laser beams are calculated with the hemisphere-on-cylinder turret as an example, calculation results are showed and analysed.

  8. Engel-Vosko GGA calculations of the structural, electronic and optical properties of LiYO2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Muhammad, Nisar; Khan, Afzal; Haidar Khan, Shah; Sajjaj Siraj, Muhammad; Shah, Syed Sarmad Ali; Murtaza, Ghulam

    2017-09-01

    Structural, electronic and optical properties of lithium yttrium oxide (LiYO2) are investigated using density functional theory (DFT). These calculations are based on full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method implemented by WIEN2k. The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) is used as an exchange correlation potential with Perdew-Burk-Ernzerhof (PBE) and Engel-Vosko (EV) as exchange correlation functional. The structural properties are calculated with PBE-GGA as it gives the equilibrium lattice constants very close to the experimental values. While, the band structure and optical properties are calculated with EV-GGA obtain much closer results to their experimental values. Our calculations confirm LiYO2 as large indirect band gap semiconductor having band gap of 5.23 eV exhibiting the characteristics of ultrawide band gap materials showing the properties like higher critical breakdown field, higher temperature operation and higher radiation tolerance. In this article, we report the density of states (DOS) in terms of contribution from s, p, and d-states of the constituent atoms, the band structure, the electronic structure, and the frequency-dependent optical properties of LiYO2. The optical properties presented in this article reveal LiYO2 a suitable candidate for the field of optoelectronic and optical devices.

  9. Imaging optical sensor arrays.

    PubMed

    Walt, David R

    2002-10-01

    Imaging optical fibres have been etched to prepare microwell arrays. These microwells have been loaded with sensing materials such as bead-based sensors and living cells to create high-density sensor arrays. The extremely small sizes and volumes of the wells enable high sensitivity and high information content sensing capabilities.

  10. Influence of defects on the absorption edge of InN thin films: The band gap value

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thakur, J. S.; Danylyuk, Y. V.; Haddad, D.; Naik, V. M.; Naik, R.; Auner, G. W.

    2007-07-01

    We investigate the optical-absorption spectra of InN thin films whose electron density varies from ˜1017tõ1021cm-3 . The low-density films are grown by molecular-beam-epitaxy deposition while highly degenerate films are grown by plasma-source molecular-beam epitaxy. The optical-absorption edge is found to increase from 0.61to1.90eV as the carrier density of the films is increased from low to high density. Since films are polycrystalline and contain various types of defects, we discuss the band gap values by studying the influence of electron degeneracy, electron-electron, electron-ionized impurities, and electron-LO-phonon interaction self-energies on the spectral absorption coefficients of these films. The quasiparticle self-energies of the valence and conduction bands are calculated using dielectric screening within the random-phase approximation. Using one-particle Green’s function analysis, we self-consistently determine the chemical potential for films by coupling equations for the chemical potential and the single-particle scattering rate calculated within the effective-mass approximation for the electron scatterings from ionized impurities and LO phonons. By subtracting the influence of self-energies and chemical potential from the optical-absorption edge energy, we estimate the intrinsic band gap values for the films. We also determine the variations in the calculated band gap values due to the variations in the electron effective mass and static dielectric constant. For the lowest-density film, the estimated band gap energy is ˜0.59eV , while for the highest-density film, it varies from ˜0.60tõ0.68eV depending on the values of electron effective mass and dielectric constant.

  11. Mars-GRAM: Increasing the Precision of Sensitivity Studies at Large Optical Depths

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Justh, Hilary L.; Justus, C. G.; Badger, Andrew M.

    2010-01-01

    The Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Mars-GRAM) is an engineering-level atmospheric model widely used for diverse mission applications. Mars-GRAM's perturbation modeling capability is commonly used, in a Monte-Carlo mode, to perform high fidelity engineering end-to-end simulations for entry, descent, and landing (EDL). It has been discovered during the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) site selection process that Mars-GRAM, when used for sensitivity studies for MapYear=0 and large optical depth values such as tau=3, is less than realistic. A comparison study between Mars atmospheric density estimates from Mars-GRAM and measurements by Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) has been undertaken for locations of varying latitudes, Ls, and LTST on Mars. The preliminary results from this study have validated the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) limb data. From the surface to 80 km altitude, Mars-GRAM is based on the NASA Ames Mars General Circulation Model (MGCM). MGCM results that were used for Mars-GRAM with MapYear=0 were from a MGCM run with a fixed value of tau=3 for the entire year at all locations. This has resulted in an imprecise atmospheric density at all altitudes. To solve this pressure-density problem, density factor values were determined for tau=.3, 1 and 3 that will adjust the input values of MGCM MapYear 0 pressure and density to achieve a better match of Mars-GRAM MapYear 0 with TES observations for MapYears 1 and 2 at comparable dust loading. The addition of these density factors to Mars-GRAM will improve the results of the sensitivity studies done for large optical depths.

  12. Updating Mars-GRAM to Increase the Accuracy of Sensitivity Studies at Large Optical Depths

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Justh, Hiliary L.; Justus, C. G.; Badger, Andrew M.

    2010-01-01

    The Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Mars-GRAM) is an engineering-level atmospheric model widely used for diverse mission applications. Mars-GRAM s perturbation modeling capability is commonly used, in a Monte-Carlo mode, to perform high fidelity engineering end-to-end simulations for entry, descent, and landing (EDL). During the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) site selection process, it was discovered that Mars-GRAM, when used for sensitivity studies for MapYear=0 and large optical depth values such as tau=3, is less than realistic. From the surface to 80 km altitude, Mars-GRAM is based on the NASA Ames Mars General Circulation Model (MGCM). MGCM results that were used for Mars-GRAM with MapYear set to 0 were from a MGCM run with a fixed value of tau=3 for the entire year at all locations. This has resulted in an imprecise atmospheric density at all altitudes. As a preliminary fix to this pressure-density problem, density factor values were determined for tau=0.3, 1 and 3 that will adjust the input values of MGCM MapYear 0 pressure and density to achieve a better match of Mars-GRAM MapYear 0 with Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) observations for MapYears 1 and 2 at comparable dust loading. Currently, these density factors are fixed values for all latitudes and Ls. Results will be presented from work being done to derive better multipliers by including variation with latitude and/or Ls by comparison of MapYear 0 output directly against TES limb data. The addition of these more precise density factors to Mars-GRAM 2005 Release 1.4 will improve the results of the sensitivity studies done for large optical depths.

  13. X-ray pore optic developments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wallace, Kotska; Bavdaz, Marcos; Collon, Maximilien; Beijersbergen, Marco; Kraft, Stefan; Fairbend, Ray; Séguy, Julien; Blanquer, Pascal; Graue, Roland; Kampf, Dirk

    2017-11-01

    In support of future x-ray telescopes ESA is developing new optics for the x-ray regime. To date, mass and volume have made x-ray imaging technology prohibitive to planetary remote sensing imaging missions. And although highly successful, the mirror technology used on ESA's XMM-Newton is not sufficient for future, large, x-ray observatories, since physical limits on the mirror packing density mean that aperture size becomes prohibitive. To reduce telescope mass and volume the packing density of mirror shells must be reduced, whilst maintaining alignment and rigidity. Structures can also benefit from a modular optic arrangement. Pore optics are shown to meet these requirements. This paper will discuss two pore optic technologies under development, with examples of results from measurement campaigns on samples. One activity has centred on the use of coated, silicon wafers, patterned with ribs, that are integrated onto a mandrel whose form has been polished to the required shape. The wafers follow the shape precisely, forming pore sizes in the sub-mm region. Individual stacks of mirrors can be manufactured without risk to, or dependency on, each other and aligned in a structure from which they can also be removed without hazard. A breadboard is currently being built to demonstrate this technology. A second activity centres on glass pore optics. However an adaptation of micro channel plate technology to form square pores has resulted in a monolithic material that can be slumped into an optic form. Alignment and coating of two such plates produces an x-ray focusing optic. A breadboard 20cm aperture optic is currently being built.

  14. Induced changes in refractive index, optical band gap, and absorption edge of polycarbonate-SiO2 thin films by Vis-IR lasers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ehsani, Hassan; Akhoondi, Somaieh

    2016-09-01

    In this experimental work, we have studied induced changes in refractive index, extinction coefficient, and optical band-gap of Bisphenol-A-polycarbonate (BPA-PC) coated with a uniform and thin, anti-scratch SiO2 film irradiated by visible to near-infrared lasers at 532 nm (green),650 nm(red), and 980 nm (IR)wavelength lasers with different energy densities. Our lasers sources are indium-gallium-aluminum-phosphide, second harmonic of neodymium-YAG-solid state lasers and gallium-aluminum-arsenide-semiconductor laser. The energy densities of our sources have been changed by changing the spot size of incident laser. samples transmission spectra were monitored by carry500 spectrophotometer and induced changes in optical properties are evaluated by using, extrapolation of the transmission spectrum through Swanepoel method and computer application

  15. Synthesis, characterization and calculated non-linear optical properties of two new chalcones

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Ashok Kumar; Saxena, Gunjan; Prasad, Rajendra; Kumar, Abhinav

    2012-06-01

    Two new chalcones viz 3-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (1) and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (2) have been prepared and characterized by micro analyses, 1H NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray. The first static hyperpolarizability (β) for both the compounds has been investigated by density functional theory (DFT). Also, the solvent-induced effects on the non-linear optical properties (NLO) were studied by using self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) method. As the solvent polarity increases, the β value increases monotonically. The electronic absorption bands of both 1 and 2 have been assigned by time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). Both the compounds displayed better non-linear optical (NLO) responses than the standard p-nitroaniline (pNA).

  16. Optical setup for two-colour experiments at the low density matter beamline of FERMI

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Finetti, Paola; Demidovich, Alexander; Plekan, Oksana; Di Fraia, Michele; Cucini, Riccardo; Callegari, Carlo; Cinquegrana, Paolo; Sigalotti, Paolo; Ivanov, Rosen; Danailov, Miltcho B.; Fava, Claudio; De Ninno, Giovanni; Coreno, Marcello; Grazioli, Cesare; Feifel, Raimund; Squibb, Richard J.; Mazza, Tommaso; Meyer, Michael; Prince, Kevin C.

    2017-11-01

    The low density matter beamline of the free electron laser facility FERMI is dedicated to the study of atomic, molecular and cluster systems, and here we describe the optical setup available for two-colour experiments. Samples can be exposed to ultrashort pulses from a Ti:Sapphire source (fundamental, or second or third harmonic), and ultrashort light pulses of FERMI in the EUV/soft x-ray region with a well-defined temporal delay, and negligible jitter (<10 fs) compared to the pulse durations (40-100 fs). Detection schemes available include electron, ion and optical spectroscopy. The majority of experiments using this apparatus are pump-and-probe, where either wavelength can be pump or probe, but the system is also useful for other techniques, such as multi-photon spectroscopy, cross-correlation measurements and alignment of molecules in space.

  17. Structural investigation and optical properties of xMnO2-25Li2O-5Na2O-15Bi2O3-(55-x)B2O3 glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kulkarni, Shilpa; Jali, V. M.

    2018-02-01

    This paper deals with the new mixed system of glass compositions Lithium sodium bismuth borate glasses doped with transition metal oxide. The technique used to prepare a sample is by melt quenching. The XRD profile pattern confirmed the amorphous phase of the present glass system. The network structure is based on BO3, BO4 units and BiO6 octahedral units. No boroxyl rings observed in the glass structure. The addition of MnO2 in small amount does not account for major structural changes. Optical band gap lies in the range 1.89 to 0.96 eV. Density, molar volume, oxygen packing density, Tg, direct optical band gap and refractive index show anomalous behavior.

  18. Optical Control of Intersubband Absorption in a Multiple Quantum Well-Embedded Semiconductor Microcravity

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Liu, Ansheng; Ning, Cun-Zheng

    2000-01-01

    Optical intersubband response of a multiple quantum well (MQW)-embedded microcavity driven by a coherent pump field is studied theoretically. The n-type doped MQW structure with three subbands in the conduction band is sandwiched between a semi-infinite medium and a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR). A strong pump field couples the two upper subbands and a weak field probes the two lower subbands. To describe the optical response of the MQW-embedded microcavity, we adopt a semi-classical nonlocal response theory. Taking into account the pump-probe interaction, we derive the probe-induced current density associated with intersubband transitions from the single-particle density-matrix formalism. By incorporating the current density into the Maxwell equation, we solve the probe local field exactly by means of Green's function technique and the transfer-matrix method. We obtain an exact expression for the probe absorption coefficient of the microcavity. For a GaAs/Al(sub x)Ga(sub 1-x)As MQW structure sandwiched between a GaAs/AlAs DBR and vacuum, we performed numerical calculations of the probe absorption spectra for different parameters such as pump intensity, pump detuning, and cavity length. We find that the probe spectrum is strongly dependent on these parameters. In particular, we find that the combination of the cavity effect and the Autler-Townes effect results in a triplet in the optical spectrum of the MQW system. The optical absorption peak value and its location can be feasibly controlled by varying the pump intensity and detuning.

  19. An ab initio density functional study of the optical functions of 9-Methyl-3-Thiophen-2-YI-Thieno [3,2e] [1,2,4] Thriazolo [4,3c] Pyrimidine-8-Carboxylic Acid Ethyl Ester crystals.

    PubMed

    Reshak, Ali H; Kityk, I V; Khenata, R; Al-Douri, Y; Auluck, S

    2012-09-01

    An ab initio investigation of the optical constants of 9-Methyl-3-Thiophen-2-YI-Thieno [3,2e] [1,2,4] Thriazolo [4,3c] Pyrimidine-8-Carboxylic Acid Ethyl Ester crystal is performed within a framework of local density approximation (LDA), and the Engel-Vosko generalized gradient approximation (EV-GGA) exchange correlation potentials. It is established that there are two independent molecules (A and B) exhibiting different intra-molecular interactions: C-H⋯O (A) and C-H⋯N (B). These intra-molecular interactions favor stabilization of the crystal structure for molecules A and B. It should be emphasized that there exist remarkable π-π interactions between the pyrimidine rings of the two neighbors B molecules giving extra strengths and stabilizations to the superamolecular structure. These different intra-molecular interactions C-H⋯O (A) and C-H⋯N (B) and the π-π interaction between the pyrimidine rings of the two neighbors B molecules give principal contribution to dispersion of optical properties. With a view to seek deeper insight into the electronic structure, the optical properties were investigated. Our calculations show that the optical constants are very anisotropic. The EVGGA calculation shows a blue spectral shift of around 0.024 eV with significant changes in the spectra compared to the LDA calculation. The observed spectral shifts are in agreement with the calculated band structure and corresponding electron density of states. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Theoretical investigation of structural, electronic and optical properties of MgxBa1-xS, MgxBa1-xSe and MgxBa1-xTe ternary alloys using DFT based FP-LAPW approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bhattacharjee, Rahul; Chattopadhyaya, Surya

    2017-11-01

    Density functional theory (DFT) based full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) methodology has been employed to investigate theoretically the structural, electronic and optical properties of MgxBa1-xS, MgxBa1-xSe and MgxBa1-xTe ternary alloys for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 in their rock-salt (B1) crystallographic phase. The exchange-correlation potentials for the structural properties have been computed using the Wu-Cohen generalized-gradient approximation (WC-GGA) scheme, while those for the electronic and optical properties have been computed using both the WC-GGA and the recently developed Tran-Blaha modified Becke-Johnson (TB-mBJ) schemes. The thermodynamic stability of all the ternary alloys have been investigated by calculating their respective enthalpy of formation. The atomic and orbital origin of different electronic states in the band structure of the compounds have been identified from the respective density of states (DOS). Using the approach of Zunger and co-workers, the microscopic origin of band gap bowing has been discussed in term of volume deformation, charge exchange and structural relaxation. Bonding characteristics among the constituent atoms of each of the specimens have been discussed from their charge density contour plots. Optical properties of the binary compounds and ternary alloys have been investigated theoretically in terms of their respective dielectric function, refractive index, normal incidence reflectivity and optical conductivity. Several calculated results have been compared with available experimental and other theoretical data.

  1. Thermoreversible networks for moldable photo-responsive elastomers (Presentation Recording)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kornfield, Julia A.; Kurji, Zuleikha

    2015-10-01

    Soft-solids that retain the responsive optical anisotropy of liquid crystals (LC) can be used as mechano-optical, electro-optical and electro-mechanical elements. We use self-assembly of block copolymers to create reversible LC gels and elastomers that flow at elevated temperatures and physically cross link upon cooling. In the melt, they can be spun, coated or molded. Segregation of the end-blocks forms uniform and uniformly spaced crosslinks. Matched sets of block copolymers are synthesized from a single "prepolymer." Specifically, we begin with polymers having polystyrene (PS) end blocks and a poly(1,2-butadiene) midblock. The pendant vinyl groups along the backbone of the midblock are used to graft mesogens, converting it to a side-group LC polymer (SGLCP). In the present case, cyanobiphenyl groups are used as the nonphotoresponsive mesogens and azobenzene groups are used as photoresponsive mesogens. Here we show that matched pairs of block copolymers, with and without photo-responsive mesogens, provide model systems in which the optical density can be adjusted while holding other properties fixed (cross-link density, modulus, birefringence, isotropic-nematic transition temperature). For example, a triblock in which the SGLCP block has 95% cyanobiphenyl and 5% azo side groups is miscible with one having 100% cyanobiphenyl side groups. Simply blending the two gives a series of LC elastomers that have from 0 to 5% azo, while having all other physical properties matched. Results will be presented that show the outcomesof this approach to systematic and largely independent control of optical density and photo-mechanical sensitivity.

  2. Electronic and optical properties of pure and modified diamondoids studied by many-body perturbation theory and time-dependent density functional theory

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

    Demján, Tamás; Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Wigner Research Center for Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 49, H-1525 Budapest; Vörös, Márton

    2014-08-14

    Diamondoids are small diamond nanoparticles (NPs) that are built up from diamond cages. Unlike usual semiconductor NPs, their atomic structure is exactly known, thus they are ideal test-beds for benchmarking quantum chemical calculations. Their usage in spintronics and bioimaging applications requires a detailed knowledge of their electronic structure and optical properties. In this paper, we apply density functional theory (DFT) based methods to understand the electronic and optical properties of a few selected pure and modified diamondoids for which accurate experimental data exist. In particular, we use many-body perturbation theory methods, in the G{sub 0}W{sub 0} and G{sub 0}W{sub 0}+BSEmore » approximations, and time-dependent DFT in the adiabatic local density approximation. We find large quasiparticle gap corrections that can exceed thrice the DFT gap. The electron-hole binding energy can be as large as 4 eV but it is considerably smaller than the GW corrections and thus G{sub 0}W{sub 0}+BSE optical gaps are about 50% larger than the Kohn-Sham (KS) DFT gaps. We find significant differences between KS time-dependent DFT and GW+BSE optical spectra on the selected diamondoids. The calculated G{sub 0}W{sub 0} quasiparticle levels agree well with the corresponding experimental vertical ionization energies. We show that nuclei dynamics in the ionization process can be significant and its contribution may reach about 0.5 eV in the adiabatic ionization energies.« less

  3. Optical waveguiding properties into porous gallium nitride structures investigated by prism coupling technique

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

    Alshehri, Bandar; Dogheche, Elhadj, E-mail: elhadj.dogheche@univ-valenciennes.fr; Lee, Seung-Min

    2014-08-04

    In order to modulate the refractive index and the birefringence of Gallium Nitride (GaN), we have developed a chemical etching method to perform porous structures. The aim of this research is to demonstrate that optical properties of GaN can be tuned by controlling the pores density. GaN films are prepared on sapphire by metal organic chemical vapor deposition and the microstructure is characterized by transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscope analysis. Optical waveguide experiment is demonstrated here to determine the key properties as the ordinary (n{sub 0}) and extraordinary (n{sub e}) refractive indices of etched structures. We report heremore » the dispersion of refractive index for porous GaN and compare it to the bulk material. We observe that the refractive index decreases when the porous density p is increased: results obtained at 0.975 μm have shown that the ordinary index n{sub 0} is 2.293 for a bulk layer and n{sub 0} is 2.285 for a pores density of 20%. This value corresponds to GaN layer with a pore size of 30 nm and inter-distance of 100 nm. The control of the refractive index into GaN is therefore fundamental for the design of active and passive optical devices.« less

  4. Design and manufacture of super-multilayer optical filters based on PARMS technology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lü, Shaobo; Wang, Ruisheng; Ma, Jing; Jiang, Chao; Mu, Jiali; Zhao, Shuaifeng; Yin, Xiaojun

    2018-04-01

    Three multilayer interference optical filters, including a UV band-pass, a VIS dual-band-pass and a notch filter, were designed by using Ta2O5, Nb2O5, Al2O3 and SiO2 as high- and low-index materials. During the design of the coating process, a hybrid optical monitoring and RATE-controlled layer thickness control scheme was adopted. The coating process was simulated by using the optical monitoring system (OMS) Simulator, and the simulation result indicated that the layer thickness can be controlled within an error of less than ±0.1%. The three filters were manufactured on a plasma-assisted reactive magnetic sputtering (PARMS) coating machine. The measurements indicate that for the UV band-pass filter, the peak transmittance is higher than 95% and the blocking density is better than OD6 in the 300-1100 nm region, whereas for the dual-band-pass filter, the center wavelength positioning accuracy of the two passbands are less than ±2 nm, the peak transmittance is higher than 95% and blocking density is better than OD6 in the 300-950 nm region. Finally, for the notch filter, the minimum transmittance rates are >90% and >94% in the visible and near infrared, respectively, and the blocking density is better than OD5.5 at 808 nm.

  5. Exciton Absorption in Semiconductor Quantum Wells Driven by a Strong Intersubband Pump Field

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Liu, Ansheng; Ning, Cun-Zheng

    1999-01-01

    Optical interband excitonic absorption of semiconductor quantum wells (QW's) driven by a coherent pump field is investigated based on semiconductor Bloch equations. The pump field has a photon energy close to the intersubband spacing between the first two conduction subbands in the QW's. An external weak optical field probes the interband transition. The excitonic effects and pump-induced population redistribution within the conduction subbands in the QW system are included. When the density of the electron-hole pairs in the QW structure is low, the pump field induces an Autler-Townes splitting of the exciton absorption spectrum. The split size and the peak positions of the absorption doublet depend not only on the pump frequency and intensity but also on the carrier density. As the density of the electron-hole pairs is increased, the split contrast (the ratio between the maximum and minimum values) is decreased because the exciton effect is suppressed at higher densities due to the many-body screening.

  6. Atmospheric turbulence profiling with unknown power spectral density

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Helin, Tapio; Kindermann, Stefan; Lehtonen, Jonatan; Ramlau, Ronny

    2018-04-01

    Adaptive optics (AO) is a technology in modern ground-based optical telescopes to compensate for the wavefront distortions caused by atmospheric turbulence. One method that allows to retrieve information about the atmosphere from telescope data is so-called SLODAR, where the atmospheric turbulence profile is estimated based on correlation data of Shack-Hartmann wavefront measurements. This approach relies on a layered Kolmogorov turbulence model. In this article, we propose a novel extension of the SLODAR concept by including a general non-Kolmogorov turbulence layer close to the ground with an unknown power spectral density. We prove that the joint estimation problem of the turbulence profile above ground simultaneously with the unknown power spectral density at the ground is ill-posed and propose three numerical reconstruction methods. We demonstrate by numerical simulations that our methods lead to substantial improvements in the turbulence profile reconstruction compared to the standard SLODAR-type approach. Also, our methods can accurately locate local perturbations in non-Kolmogorov power spectral densities.

  7. Damping of quasiparticles in a Bose-Einstein condensate coupled to an optical cavity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kónya, G.; Szirmai, G.; Domokos, P.

    2014-07-01

    We present a general theory for calculating the damping rate of elementary density-wave excitations in a Bose-Einstein condensate strongly coupled to a single radiation field mode of an optical cavity. Thereby we give a detailed derivation of the huge resonant enhancement in the Beliaev damping of a density-wave mode, predicted recently by Kónya et al. [Phys. Rev. A 89, 051601(R) (2014), 10.1103/PhysRevA.89.051601]. The given density-wave mode constitutes the polaritonlike soft mode of the self-organization phase transition. The resonant enhancement takes place, in both the normal and the ordered phases, outside the critical region. We show that the large damping rate is accompanied by a significant frequency shift of this polariton mode. Going beyond the Born-Markov approximation and determining the poles of the retarded Green's function of the polariton, we reveal a strong coupling between the polariton and a collective mode in the phonon bath formed by the other density-wave modes.

  8. Probing density and spin correlations in two-dimensional Hubbard model with ultracold fermions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chan, Chun Fai; Drewes, Jan Henning; Gall, Marcell; Wurz, Nicola; Cocchi, Eugenio; Miller, Luke; Pertot, Daniel; Brennecke, Ferdinand; Koehl, Michael

    2017-04-01

    Quantum gases of interacting fermionic atoms in optical lattices is a promising candidate to study strongly correlated quantum phases of the Hubbard model such as the Mott-insulator, spin-ordered phases, or in particular d-wave superconductivity. We experimentally realise the two-dimensional Hubbard model by loading a quantum degenerate Fermi gas of 40 K atoms into a three-dimensional optical lattice geometry. High-resolution absorption imaging in combination with radiofrequency spectroscopy is applied to spatially resolve the atomic distribution in a single 2D layer. We investigate in local measurements of spatial correlations in both the density and spin sector as a function of filling, temperature and interaction strength. In the density sector, we compare the local density fluctuations and the global thermodynamic quantities, and in the spin sector, we observe the onset of non-local spin correlation, signalling the emergence of the anti-ferromagnetic phase. We would report our recent experimental endeavours to investigate further down in temperature in the spin sector.

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

    Bajaj, Sanyam, E-mail: bajaj.10@osu.edu; Shoron, Omor F.; Park, Pil Sung

    We report on the direct measurement of two-dimensional sheet charge density dependence of electron transport in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). Pulsed IV measurements established increasing electron velocities with decreasing sheet charge densities, resulting in saturation velocity of 1.9 × 10{sup 7 }cm/s at a low sheet charge density of 7.8 × 10{sup 11 }cm{sup −2}. An optical phonon emission-based electron velocity model for GaN is also presented. It accommodates stimulated longitudinal optical (LO) phonon emission which clamps the electron velocity with strong electron-phonon interaction and long LO phonon lifetime in GaN. A comparison with the measured density-dependent saturation velocity showsmore » that it captures the dependence rather well. Finally, the experimental result is applied in TCAD-based device simulator to predict DC and small signal characteristics of a reported GaN HEMT. Good agreement between the simulated and reported experimental results validated the measurement presented in this report and established accurate modeling of GaN HEMTs.« less

  10. Local thermodynamic equilibrium in rapidly heated high energy density plasmas

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

    Aslanyan, V.; Tallents, G. J.

    Emission spectra and the dynamics of high energy density plasmas created by optical and Free Electron Lasers (FELs) depend on the populations of atomic levels. Calculations of plasma emission and ionization may be simplified by assuming Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (LTE), where populations are given by the Saha-Boltzmann equation. LTE can be achieved at high densities when collisional processes are much more significant than radiative processes, but may not be valid if plasma conditions change rapidly. A collisional-radiative model has been used to calculate the times taken by carbon and iron plasmas to reach LTE at varying densities and heating rates.more » The effect of different energy deposition methods, as well as Ionization Potential Depression are explored. This work shows regimes in rapidly changing plasmas, such as those created by optical lasers and FELs, where the use of LTE is justified, because timescales for plasma changes are significantly longer than the times needed to achieve an LTE ionization balance.« less

  11. Laser Wakefield Acceleration Experiments Using HERCULES Laser

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

    Matsuoka, T.; McGuffey, C.; Dollar, F.

    2009-07-25

    Laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) in a supersonic gas-jet using a self-guided laser pulse was studied by changing laser power and plasma electron density. The recently upgraded HERCULES laser facility equipped with wavefront correction enables a peak intensity of 6.1x10{sup 19} W/cm{sup 2} at laser power of 80 TW to be delivered to the gas-jet using F/10 focusing optics. We found that electron beam charge was increased significantly with an increase of laser power from 30 TW to 80 TW and showed density threshold behavior at a fixed laser power. We also studied the influence of laser focusing conditions by changingmore » the f-number of the optics to F/15 and found an increase in density threshold for electron production compared to the F/10 configuration. The analysis of different phenomena such as betatron motion of electrons, side scattering of the laser pulse for different focusing conditions, the influence of plasma density down ramp on LWFA are shown.« less

  12. THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE UV AND OPTICAL Fe ii EMISSION LINES IN TYPE 1 AGNs

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

    Kovacević-Dojcinović, Jelena; Popović, Luka Č., E-mail: jkovacevic@aob.bg.ac.rs, E-mail: lpopovic@aob.bg.ac.rs

    We investigate the spectral properties of the UV (λλ2650–3050 Å) and optical (λλ4000–5500 Å) Fe ii emission features in a sample of 293 Type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey database. We explore different correlations between their emission line properties, as well as the correlations with other emission lines from the spectral range. We find several interesting correlations and outline the most interesting results as follows. (i) There is a kinematical connection between the UV and optical Fe ii lines, indicating that the UV and optical Fe ii lines originate from the outer part ofmore » the broad line region, the so-called intermediate line region. (ii) The unexplained anticorrelations of the optical Fe ii equivalent width (EW Fe ii{sub opt}) versus EW [O iii] 5007 Å and EW Fe ii{sub opt} versus FWHM Hβ have not been detected for the UV Fe ii lines. (iii) The significant averaged redshift in the UV Fe ii lines, which is not present in optical Fe ii, indicates an inflow in the UV Fe ii emitting clouds, and probably their asymmetric distribution. (iv) Also, we confirm the anticorrelation between the intensity ratio of the optical and UV Fe ii lines and the FWHM of Hβ, and we find the anticorrelations of this ratio with the widths of Mg ii 2800 Å, optical Fe ii, and UV Fe ii. This indicates a very important role for the column density and microturbulence in the emitting gas. We discuss the starburst activity in high-density regions of young AGNs as a possible explanation of the detected optical Fe ii correlations and intensity line ratios of the UV and optical Fe ii lines.« less

  13. Results of Kirari optical communication demonstration experiments with NICT optical ground station (KODEN) aiming for future classical and quantum communications in space

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Toyoshima, Morio; Takenaka, Hideki; Shoji, Yozo; Takayama, Yoshihisa; Koyama, Yoshisada; Kunimori, Hiroo

    2012-05-01

    Bi-directional ground-to-satellite laser communication experiments were successfully performed between the optical ground station developed by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), located in Koganei City in suburban Tokyo, and a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, the "Kirari" Optical Inter-orbit Communications Engineering Test Satellite (OICETS). The experiments were conducted in cooperation with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and called the Kirari Optical communication Demonstration Experiments with the NICT optical ground station (or KODEN). The ground-to-OICETS laser communication experiment was the first in-orbit demonstration involving the LEO satellite. The laser communication experiment was conducted since March 2006. The polarization characteristics of an artificial laser source in space, such as Stokes parameters, and the degree of polarization were measured through space-to-ground atmospheric transmission paths, which results contribute to the link estimation for quantum key distribution via space and provide the potential for enhancements in quantum cryptography on a global scale in the future. The Phase-5 experiment, international laser communications experiments were also successfully conducted with four optical ground stations located in the United States, Spain, Germany, and Japan from April 2009 to September 2009. The purpose of the Phase-5 experiment was to establish OICETS-to-ground laser communication links from the different optical ground stations and the statistical analyses such as the normalized power, scintillation index, probability density function, auto-covariance function, and power spectral density were performed. Thus the applicability of the satellite laser communications was demonstrated, aiming not only for geostationary earth orbit-LEO links but also for ground-to-LEO optical links. This paper presents the results of the KODEN experiments and mainly introduces the common analyses among the different optical ground stations.

  14. The properties of RE-TM magneto-optical films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Z. Y.; Miao, X. S.; Zhu, P.; Hu, Y. S.; Wan, D. F.; Dai, D. W.; Chen, S. B.; Lin, G. Q.

    1992-09-01

    In this paper, the magnetic, magneto-optical and galvonomagnetic properties, and their temperature dependence for LRE-TM SmCo, SmCoDy and HRE-TM TbFeCo magneto-optical films as high density recording media prepared by rf magnetron sputtering or evaporation are reported. By adding Dy to SmCo thin film, the SmCoDy thin film is more suitable for magneto-optical recording, its domain size being below 0.63 μm. The Kerr enhancement and corrosion protective effects of AIN and AlSiN for optimum design of the multi-layer structure of magneto-optical disk are described. The instruments of measuring the magneto-optical Kerr effect and magneto-optical recording domain characteristics of thin films are reviewed.

  15. Energy challenges in optical access and aggregation networks.

    PubMed

    Kilper, Daniel C; Rastegarfar, Houman

    2016-03-06

    Scalability is a critical issue for access and aggregation networks as they must support the growth in both the size of data capacity demands and the multiplicity of access points. The number of connected devices, the Internet of Things, is growing to the tens of billions. Prevailing communication paradigms are reaching physical limitations that make continued growth problematic. Challenges are emerging in electronic and optical systems and energy increasingly plays a central role. With the spectral efficiency of optical systems approaching the Shannon limit, increasing parallelism is required to support higher capacities. For electronic systems, as the density and speed increases, the total system energy, thermal density and energy per bit are moving into regimes that become impractical to support-for example requiring single-chip processor powers above the 100 W limit common today. We examine communication network scaling and energy use from the Internet core down to the computer processor core and consider implications for optical networks. Optical switching in data centres is identified as a potential model from which scalable access and aggregation networks for the future Internet, with the application of integrated photonic devices and intelligent hybrid networking, will emerge. © 2016 The Author(s).

  16. Subsurface defects of fused silica optics and laser induced damage at 351 nm.

    PubMed

    Hongjie, Liu; Jin, Huang; Fengrui, Wang; Xinda, Zhou; Xin, Ye; Xiaoyan, Zhou; Laixi, Sun; Xiaodong, Jiang; Zhan, Sui; Wanguo, Zheng

    2013-05-20

    Many kinds of subsurface defects are always present together in the subsurface of fused silica optics. It is imperfect that only one kind of defects is isolated to investigate its impact on laser damage. Therefore it is necessary to investigate the impact of subsurface defects on laser induced damage of fused silica optics with a comprehensive vision. In this work, we choose the fused silica samples manufactured by different vendors to characterize subsurface defects and measure laser induced damage. Contamination defects, subsurface damage (SSD), optical-thermal absorption and hardness of fused silica surface are characterized with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), fluorescence microscopy, photo-thermal common-path interferometer and fully automatic micro-hardness tester respectively. Laser induced damage threshold and damage density are measured by 351 nm nanosecond pulse laser. The correlations existing between defects and laser induced damage are analyzed. The results show that Cerium element and SSD both have a good correlation with laser-induced damage thresholds and damage density. Research results evaluate process technology of fused silica optics in China at present. Furthermore, the results can provide technique support for improving laser induced damage performance of fused silica.

  17. Wood density and anatomical properties in suppressed-growth trees : comparison of two methods

    Treesearch

    David W. Vahey; J. Y. Zhu; C. Tim Scott

    2007-01-01

    Interest in the commercial value of small-diameter timber has led to testing core samples with SilviScan to characterize density and transverse fiber dimensions. Data showed that latewood density and tracheid diameter in suppressed-growth material can vary spatially on a scale comparable to the 50-_m resolution of the instrument used in our testing. An optical imaging...

  18. Soil temperature variability in complex terrain measured using fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Soil temperature (Ts) exerts critical controls on hydrologic and biogeochemical processes but magnitude and nature of Ts variability in a landscape setting are rarely documented. Fiber optic distributed temperature sensing systems (FO-DTS) potentially measure Ts at high density over a large extent. ...

  19. Anophthalmia in a Wild Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).

    PubMed

    Rothenburger, Jamie L; Hartnett, Elizabeth A; James, Fiona M K; Grahn, Bruce H

    2017-10-01

    We describe bilateral true anophthalmia in a juvenile female eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) with histologic confirmation that orbital contents lacked ocular tissues. Additionally, the optic chiasm of the brain was absent and axon density in the optic tract adjacent to the lateral geniculate nucleus was reduced.

  20. Electro-Optical Approach for Airborne Marine Mammal Surveys and Density Estimations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-10-01

    the resolution needed for detecting animals as small as dolphins . Those two factors coupled with an increase in aircraft speed gives an order of...resulted in numerous patents in microwave and optical engineering with several dozen publications. He has led development of air to underwater Laser

  1. Comparison of microrings and microdisks for high-speed optical modulation in silicon photonics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ying, Zhoufeng; Wang, Zheng; Zhao, Zheng; Dhar, Shounak; Pan, David Z.; Soref, Richard; Chen, Ray T.

    2018-03-01

    The past several decades have witnessed the gradual transition from electrical to optical interconnects, ranging from long-haul telecommunication to chip-to-chip interconnects. As one type of key component in integrated optical interconnect and high-performance computing, optical modulators have been well developed these past few years, including ultrahigh-speed microring and microdisk modulators. In this paper, a comparison between microring and microdisk modulators is well analyzed in terms of dimensions, static and dynamic power consumption, and fabrication tolerance. The results show that microdisks have advantages over microrings in these aspects, which gives instructions to the chip design of high-density integrated systems for optical interconnects and optical computing.

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

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

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

    2016-11-15

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

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

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

    2016-11-01

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

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

    Poppinga, D., E-mail: daniela.poppinga@uni-oldenburg.de; Schoenfeld, A. A.; Poppe, B.

    Purpose: The purpose of this study is the correction of the lateral scanner artifact, i.e., the effect that, on a large homogeneously exposed EBT3 film, a flatbed scanner measures different optical densities at different positions along thex axis, the axis parallel to the elongated light source. At constant dose, the measured optical densitiy profiles along this axis have a parabolic shape with significant dose dependent curvature. Therefore, the effect is shortly called the parabola effect. The objective of the algorithm developed in this study is to correct for the parabola effect. Any optical density measured at given position x ismore » transformed into the equivalent optical density c at the apex of the parabola and then converted into the corresponding dose via the calibration of c versus dose. Methods: For the present study EBT3 films and an Epson 10000XL scanner including transparency unit were used for the analysis of the parabola effect. The films were irradiated with 6 MV photons from an Elekta Synergy accelerator in a RW3 slab phantom. In order to quantify the effect, ten film pieces with doses graded from 0 to 20.9 Gy were sequentially scanned at eight positions along thex axis and at six positions along the z axis (the movement direction of the light source) both for the portrait and landscape film orientations. In order to test the effectiveness of the new correction algorithm, the dose profiles of an open square field and an IMRT plan were measured by EBT3 films and compared with ionization chamber and ionization chamber array measurement. Results: The parabola effect has been numerically studied over the whole measuring field of the Epson 10000XL scanner for doses up to 20.9 Gy and for both film orientations. The presented algorithm transforms any optical density at positionx into the equivalent optical density that would be measured at the same dose at the apex of the parabola. This correction method has been validated up to doses of 5.2 Gy all over the scanner bed with 2D dose distributions of an open square photon field and an IMRT distribution. Conclusions: The algorithm presented in this study quantifies and corrects the parabola effect of EBT3 films scanned in commonly used commercial flatbed scanners at doses up to 5.2 Gy. It is easy to implement, and no additional work steps are necessary in daily routine film dosimetry.« less

  5. Photo-induced optical activity in phase-change memory materials.

    PubMed

    Borisenko, Konstantin B; Shanmugam, Janaki; Williams, Benjamin A O; Ewart, Paul; Gholipour, Behrad; Hewak, Daniel W; Hussain, Rohanah; Jávorfi, Tamás; Siligardi, Giuliano; Kirkland, Angus I

    2015-03-05

    We demonstrate that optical activity in amorphous isotropic thin films of pure Ge2Sb2Te5 and N-doped Ge2Sb2Te5N phase-change memory materials can be induced using rapid photo crystallisation with circularly polarised laser light. The new anisotropic phase transition has been confirmed by circular dichroism measurements. This opens up the possibility of controlled induction of optical activity at the nanosecond time scale for exploitation in a new generation of high-density optical memory, fast chiroptical switches and chiral metamaterials.

  6. Effects of electromagnetic fields on the nonlinear optical properties of asymmetric double quantum well under intense laser field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yesilgul, U.; Sari, H.; Ungan, F.; Martínez-Orozco, J. C.; Restrepo, R. L.; Mora-Ramos, M. E.; Duque, C. A.; Sökmen, I.

    2017-03-01

    In this study, the effects of electric and magnetic fields on the optical rectification and second and third harmonic generation in asymmetric double quantum well under the intense non-resonant laser field is theoretically investigated. We calculate the optical rectification and second and third harmonic generation within the compact density-matrix approach. The theoretical findings show that the influence of electric, magnetic, and intense laser fields leads to significant changes in the coefficients of nonlinear optical rectification, second and third harmonic generation.

  7. Computational and Experimental Investigation of Interfacial Area in Near-Field Diesel Spray Simulation

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

    Pandal, Adrian; Pastor, Jose M.; Payri, Raul

    The dense spray region in the near-field of diesel fuel injection remains an enigma. This region is difficult to interrogate with light in the visible range and difficult to model due to the rapid interaction between liquid and gas. In particular, modeling strategies that rely on Lagrangian particle tracking of droplets have struggled in this area. To better represent the strong interaction between phases, Eulerian modeling has proven particularly useful. Models built on the concept of surface area density are advantageous where primary and secondary atomization have not yet produced droplets, but rather form more complicated liquid structures. Surface areamore » density, a more general concept than Lagrangian droplets, naturally represents liquid structures, no matter how complex. These surface area density models, however, have not been directly experimentally validated in the past due to the inability of optical methods to elucidate such a quantity. Optical diagnostics traditionally measure near-spherical droplet size far downstream, where the spray is optically thin. Using ultra-small-angle x-ray scattering (USAXS) measurements to measure the surface area and x-ray radiography to measure the density, we have been able to test one of the more speculative parts of Eulerian spray modeling. In conclusion, the modeling and experimental results have been combined to provide insight into near-field spray dynamics.« less

  8. Analytic H I-to-H2 Photodissociation Transition Profiles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bialy, Shmuel; Sternberg, Amiel

    2016-05-01

    We present a simple analytic procedure for generating atomic (H I) to molecular ({{{H}}}2) density profiles for optically thick hydrogen gas clouds illuminated by far-ultraviolet radiation fields. Our procedure is based on the analytic theory for the structure of one-dimensional H I/{{{H}}}2 photon-dominated regions, presented by Sternberg et al. Depth-dependent atomic and molecular density fractions may be computed for arbitrary gas density, far-ultraviolet field intensity, and the metallicity-dependent H2 formation rate coefficient, and dust absorption cross section in the Lyman-Werner photodissociation band. We use our procedure to generate a set of {{H}} {{I}}{-}{to}{-}{{{H}}}2 transition profiles for a wide range of conditions, from the weak- to strong-field limits, and from super-solar down to low metallicities. We show that if presented as functions of dust optical depth, the {{H}} {{I}} and {{{H}}}2 density profiles depend primarily on the Sternberg “α G parameter” (dimensionless) that determines the dust optical depth associated with the total photodissociated {{H}} {{I}} column. We derive a universal analytic formula for the {{H}} {{I}}{-}{to}{-}{{{H}}}2 transition points as a function of just α G. Our formula will be useful for interpreting emission-line observations of H I/{{{H}}}2 interfaces, for estimating star formation thresholds, and for sub-grid components in hydrodynamics simulations.

  9. Enhanced tunable narrow-band THz emission from laser-modulated electron beams

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

    Xiang, D.; Stupakov, G.; /SLAC

    2009-06-19

    We propose and analyze a scheme to generate enhanced narrow-band terahertz (THz) radiation through down-conversion of the frequency of optical lasers using laser-modulated electron beams. In the scheme the electron beam is first energy modulated by two lasers with wave numbers k{sub 1} and k2, respectively. After passing through a dispersion section, the energy modulation is converted to density modulation. Due to the nonlinear conversion process, the beam will have density modulation at wave number k = nk{sub 1} + mk{sub 2}, where n and m are positive or negative integers. By properly choosing the parameters for the lasers andmore » dispersion section, one can generate density modulation at THz frequency in the beam using optical lasers. This density-modulated beam can be used to generate powerful narrow-band THz radiation. Since the THz radiation is in tight synchronization with the lasers, it should provide a high temporal resolution for the optical-pump THz-probe experiments. The central frequency of the THz radiation can be easily tuned by varying the wavelength of the two lasers and the energy chirp of the electron beam. The proposed scheme is in principle able to generate intense narrow-band THz radiation covering the whole THz range and offers a promising way towards the tunable intense narrow-band THz sources.« less

  10. Computational and Experimental Investigation of Interfacial Area in Near-Field Diesel Spray Simulation

    DOE PAGES

    Pandal, Adrian; Pastor, Jose M.; Payri, Raul; ...

    2017-03-28

    The dense spray region in the near-field of diesel fuel injection remains an enigma. This region is difficult to interrogate with light in the visible range and difficult to model due to the rapid interaction between liquid and gas. In particular, modeling strategies that rely on Lagrangian particle tracking of droplets have struggled in this area. To better represent the strong interaction between phases, Eulerian modeling has proven particularly useful. Models built on the concept of surface area density are advantageous where primary and secondary atomization have not yet produced droplets, but rather form more complicated liquid structures. Surface areamore » density, a more general concept than Lagrangian droplets, naturally represents liquid structures, no matter how complex. These surface area density models, however, have not been directly experimentally validated in the past due to the inability of optical methods to elucidate such a quantity. Optical diagnostics traditionally measure near-spherical droplet size far downstream, where the spray is optically thin. Using ultra-small-angle x-ray scattering (USAXS) measurements to measure the surface area and x-ray radiography to measure the density, we have been able to test one of the more speculative parts of Eulerian spray modeling. In conclusion, the modeling and experimental results have been combined to provide insight into near-field spray dynamics.« less

  11. Trade-offs between lens complexity and real estate utilization in a free-space multichip global interconnection module.

    PubMed

    Milojkovic, Predrag; Christensen, Marc P; Haney, Michael W

    2006-07-01

    The FAST-Net (Free-space Accelerator for Switching Terabit Networks) concept uses an array of wide-field-of-view imaging lenses to realize a high-density shuffle interconnect pattern across an array of smart-pixel integrated circuits. To simplify the optics we evaluated the efficiency gained in replacing spherical surfaces with aspherical surfaces by exploiting the large disparity between narrow vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) beams and the wide field of view of the imaging optics. We then analyzed trade-offs between lens complexity and chip real estate utilization and determined that there exists an optimal numerical aperture for VCSELs that maximizes their area density. The results provide a general framework for the design of wide-field-of-view free-space interconnection systems that incorporate high-density VCSEL arrays.

  12. Prediction of electronic and optical properties of ZnAl2Te4 defect chalcopyrite semiconductor: an ab-initio study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mayengbam, Rishikanta; Tripathy, S. K.; Pandey, B. P.

    2018-03-01

    In this paper, we have investigated the structural, electronic and optical properties of ZnAl2Te4 defect chalcopyrite semiconductor using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) within density functional theory (DFT). We have calculated the optimized lattice constants (a and c) and compared with the available experimental values. The optimized lattice constants have been used to calculate the energy band gap and found to be 1.57 eV. The partial density of states and total density of states have been discussed in detail. The frequency dependent dielectric constant and refractive index have been calculated and plotted in the energy range 0-13 eV. All the above parameters have been compared with the available experimental and theoretical values and found good agreement between them.

  13. Statistics of intensity in adaptive-optics images and their usefulness for detection and photometry of exoplanets.

    PubMed

    Gladysz, Szymon; Yaitskova, Natalia; Christou, Julian C

    2010-11-01

    This paper is an introduction to the problem of modeling the probability density function of adaptive-optics speckle. We show that with the modified Rician distribution one cannot describe the statistics of light on axis. A dual solution is proposed: the modified Rician distribution for off-axis speckle and gamma-based distribution for the core of the point spread function. From these two distributions we derive optimal statistical discriminators between real sources and quasi-static speckles. In the second part of the paper the morphological difference between the two probability density functions is used to constrain a one-dimensional, "blind," iterative deconvolution at the position of an exoplanet. Separation of the probability density functions of signal and speckle yields accurate differential photometry in our simulations of the SPHERE planet finder instrument.

  14. Optical Measurements of Air Plasma

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-05-05

    beam impact ionization of air was studied in the context of optical diagnostics . The electron beam originates in a pulsed 100 keV 20-mA source and...range of 636 Torr to 1 mTorr with pulse durations from 1 ms to 10 ms. Microwave diagnostics were used to quantify electron density and power; and an...optical diagnostic was used to quantify ozone production. An additional effort to quantify byproducts of electron impact ionization, that are

  15. Ocean Surface Wave Optical Roughness - Innovative Measurement and Modeling

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-09-30

    whitecap crest length spectral density (Phillips et al, 2001, Gemmrich, 2005) and microscale breaker crest length spectral density (Jessup and Phadnis ...open sea, Journal of Physical Oceanography, 16, 290-297. Jessup, A.T. & Phadnis , K.R. 2005 Measurement of the geometric and kinematic properties of

  16. Ocean Surface Wave Optical Roughness - Innovative Measurement and Modeling

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-09-30

    length spectral density (eg. Phillips et al, 2001, Gemmrich, 2005) and microscale breaker crest length spectral density (eg. Jessup and Phadnis , 2005...Oceanography, 16, 290-297. Jessup, A.T. & Phadnis , K.R. 2005 Measurement of the geometric and kinematic properties of microsacle breaking waves from

  17. Ocean Surface Wave Optical Roughness - Innovative Measurement and Modeling

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-09-30

    crest length spectral density (eg. Phillips et al, 2001, Gemmrich, 2005) and microscale breaker crest length spectral density (eg. Jessup and Phadnis ...Jessup, A.T. & Phadnis , K.R. 2005 Measurement of the geometric and kinematic properties of microsacle breaking waves from infrared imagery using a

  18. Microglia in the Cerebral Cortex in Autism

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tetreault, Nicole A.; Hakeem, Atiya Y.; Jiang, Sue; Williams, Brian A.; Allman, Elizabeth; Wold, Barbara J.; Allman, John M.

    2012-01-01

    We immunocytochemically identified microglia in fronto-insular (FI) and visual cortex (VC) in autopsy brains of well-phenotyped subjects with autism and matched controls, and stereologically quantified the microglial densities. Densities were determined blind to phenotype using an optical fractionator probe. In FI, individuals with autism had…

  19. Excited-state absorption in tetrapyridyl porphyrins: comparing real-time and quadratic-response time-dependent density functional theory

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

    Bowman, David N.; Asher, Jason C.; Fischer, Sean A.

    2017-01-01

    Threemeso-substituted tetrapyridyl porphyrins (free base, Ni(ii), and Cu(ii)) were investigated for their optical limiting (OL) capabilities using real-time (RT-), linear-response (LR-), and quadratic-response (QR-) time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods.

  20. ON THE ORIGIN OF THE {gamma}-RAY/OPTICAL LAGS IN LUMINOUS BLAZARS

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

    Janiak, Mateusz; Sikora, Marek; Moderski, Rafal

    2012-12-01

    Blazars are strongly variable sources that occasionally show spectacular flares visible in various energy bands. These flares are often, but not always, correlated. In a number of cases, the peaks of optical flares are found to be somewhat delayed with respect to the {gamma}-ray peaks. One notable example of such a delay was found in 3C 279 by Hayashida et al. and interpreted as a result of steeper drop with a distance of the energy density of an external radiation field than of the magnetic energy density. In this paper, we demonstrate that, in general, depending on the respective energymore » density profile along the jet, such lags can have both signs and that they can take place for any ratio of these energy densities. We study the dependence of such lags on the ratio of these energy densities at a distance of a maximal energy dissipation in a jet, on their gradients, as well as on the time profile of the relativistic electron injection within the moving source. We show how prominent such lags can be, and their expected timescales. We suggest that studies of such lags can provide a powerful tool to resolve the structure of relativistic jets and their radiative environment. As an example we model the lag observed in 3C 279, showing that in this object the flare is produced at a distance of a few parsecs from the central black hole, consistent with our previous inferences based on the spectra and optical polarization properties.« less

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