optical pattern formation: Topics by Science.gov

Sample records for optical pattern formation

Pattern Formations for Optical Switching Using Cold Atoms as a Nonlinear Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmittberger, Bonnie; Greenberg, Joel; Gauthier, Daniel

2011-05-01

The study of spatio-temporal pattern formation in nonlinear optical systems has both led to an increased understanding of nonlinear dynamics as well as given rise to sensitive new methods for all-optical switching. Whereas the majority of past experiments utilized warm atomic vapors as nonlinear media, we report the first observation of an optical instability leading to pattern formation in a cloud of cold Rubidium atoms. When we shine a pair of counterpropagating pump laser beams along the pencil-shaped cloud's long axis, new beams of light are generated along cones centered on the trap. This generated light produces petal-like patterns in the plane orthogonal to the pump beams that can be used for optical switching. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the NSF through Grant #PHY-0855399 and the DARPA Slow Light Program.
Probing Atomic Dynamics and Structures Using Optical Patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmittberger, Bonnie L.; Gauthier, Daniel J.

2015-05-01

Pattern formation is a widely studied phenomenon that can provide fundamental insights into nonlinear systems. Emergent patterns in cold atoms are of particular interest in condensed matter physics and quantum information science because one can relate optical patterns to spatial structures in the atoms. In our experimental system, we study multimode optical patterns generated from a sample of cold, thermal atoms. We observe this nonlinear optical phenomenon at record low input powers due to the highly nonlinear nature of the spatial bunching of atoms in an optical lattice. We present a detailed study of the dynamics of these bunched atoms during optical pattern formation. We show how small changes in the atomic density distribution affect the symmetry of the generated patterns as well as the nature of the nonlinearity that describes the light-atom interaction. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the National Science Foundation through Grant #PHY-1206040.
Optical Pattern Formation in Spatially Bunched Atoms: A Self-Consistent Model and Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmittberger, Bonnie L.; Gauthier, Daniel J.

2014-05-01

The nonlinear optics and optomechanical physics communities use different theoretical models to describe how optical fields interact with a sample of atoms. There does not yet exist a model that is valid for finite atomic temperatures but that also produces the zero temperature results that are generally assumed in optomechanical systems. We present a self-consistent model that is valid for all atomic temperatures and accounts for the back-action of the atoms on the optical fields. Our model provides new insights into the competing effects of the bunching-induced nonlinearity and the saturable nonlinearity. We show that it is crucial to keep the fifth and seventh-order nonlinearities that arise when there exists atomic bunching, even at very low optical field intensities. We go on to apply this model to the results of our experimental system where we observe spontaneous, multimode, transverse optical pattern formation at ultra-low light levels. We show that our model accurately predicts our experimentally observed threshold for optical pattern formation, which is the lowest threshold ever reported for pattern formation. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the NSF through Grant #PHY-1206040.
Normal Patterns of Deja Experience in a Healthy, Blind Male: Challenging Optical Pathway Delay Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Connor, Akira R.; Moulin, Christopher J. A.

2006-01-01

We report the case of a 25-year-old healthy, blind male, MT, who experiences normal patterns of deja vu. The optical pathway delay theory of deja vu formation assumes that neuronal input from the optical pathways is necessary for the formation of the experience. Surprisingly, although the sensation of deja vu is known to be experienced by blind…
Coupling nonlinear optical waves to photoreactive and phase-separating soft matter: Current status and perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biria, Saeid; Morim, Derek R.; An Tsao, Fu; Saravanamuttu, Kalaichelvi; Hosein, Ian D.

2017-10-01

Nonlinear optics and polymer systems are distinct fields that have been studied for decades. These two fields intersect with the observation of nonlinear wave propagation in photoreactive polymer systems. This has led to studies on the nonlinear dynamics of transmitted light in polymer media, particularly for optical self-trapping and optical modulation instability. The irreversibility of polymerization leads to permanent capture of nonlinear optical patterns in the polymer structure, which is a new synthetic route to complex structured soft materials. Over time more intricate polymer systems are employed, whereby nonlinear optical dynamics can couple to nonlinear chemical dynamics, opening opportunities for self-organization. This paper discusses the work to date on nonlinear optical pattern formation processes in polymers. A brief overview of nonlinear optical phenomenon is provided to set the stage for understanding their effects. We review the accomplishments of the field on studying nonlinear waveform propagation in photopolymerizable systems, then discuss our most recent progress in coupling nonlinear optical pattern formation to polymer blends and phase separation. To this end, perspectives on future directions and areas of sustained inquiry are provided. This review highlights the significant opportunity in exploiting nonlinear optical pattern formation in soft matter for the discovery of new light-directed and light-stimulated materials phenomenon, and in turn, soft matter provides a platform by which new nonlinear optical phenomenon may be discovered.
Optical Pattern Formation in Cold Atoms: Explaining the Red-Blue Asymmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmittberger, Bonnie; Gauthier, Daniel

2013-05-01

The study of pattern formation in atomic systems has provided new insight into fundamental many-body physics and low-light-level nonlinear optics. Pattern formation in cold atoms in particular is of great interest in condensed matter physics and quantum information science because atoms undergo self-organization at ultralow input powers. We recently reported the first observation of pattern formation in cold atoms but found that our results were not accurately described by any existing theoretical model of pattern formation. Previous models describing pattern formation in cold atoms predict that pattern formation should occur using both red and blue-detuned pump beams, favoring a lower threshold for blue detunings. This disagrees with our recent work, in which we only observed pattern formation with red-detuned pump beams. Previous models also assume a two-level atom, which cannot account for the cooling processes that arise when beams counterpropagate through a cold atomic vapor. We describe a new model for pattern formation that accounts for Sisyphus cooling in multi-level atoms, which gives rise to a new nonlinearity via spatial organization of the atoms. This spatial organization causes a sharp red-blue detuning asymmetry, which agrees well with our experimental observations. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the NSF through Grant #PHY-1206040.
Pattern formation in a liquid-crystal light valve with feedback, including polarization, saturation, and internal threshold effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neubecker, R.; Oppo, G.-L.; Thuering, B.; Tschudi, T.

1995-07-01

The use of liquid-crystal light valves (LCLV's) as nonlinear elements in diffractive optical systems with feedback leads to the formation of a variety of optical patterns. The spectrum of possible spatial instabilities is shown to be even richer when the LCLV's capability for polarization modulation is utilized and internal threshold and saturation effects are considered. We derive a model for the feedback system based on a realistic description of the LCLV's internal function and coupling to a polarizer. Thresholds of pattern formation are compared to the common Kerr-type approximation and show transitions involving rolls, squares, hexagons, and tiled patterns. Numerical and experimental results confirm our theoretical predictions and unveil how patterns and their typical length scales can be easily controlled by changes of the parameters.
Soliton interactions and the formation of solitonic patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sears, Suzanne M.

From the stripes of a zebra, to the spirals of cream in a hot cup of coffee, we are surrounded by patterns in the natural world. But why are there patterns? Why drives their formation? In this thesis we study some of the diverse ways patterns can arise due to the interactions between solitary waves in nonlinear systems, sometimes starting from nothing more than random noise. What follows is a set of three studies. In the first, we show how a nonlinear system that supports solitons can be driven to generate exact (regular) Cantor set fractals. As an example, we use numerical simulations to demonstrate the formation of Cantor set fractals by temporal optical solitons. This fractal formation occurs in a cascade of nonlinear optical fibers through the dynamical evolution of a single input soliton. In the second study, we investigate pattern formation initiated by modulation instability in nonlinear partially coherent wave fronts and show that anisotropic noise and/or anisotropic correlation statistics can lead to ordered patterns such as grids and stripes. For the final study, we demonstrate the spontaneous clustering of solitons in partially coherent wavefronts during the final stages of pattern formation initiated by modulation instability and noise. Experimental observations are in agreement with theoretical predictions and are confirmed using numerical simulations.
Dynamics of spiral patterns in gas discharge detected by optical method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Fan; Wang, Mingyi; Liu, Shuhua

2016-09-01

The dynamics behavior of spiral patterns is investigated in gas discharge using optical method. Rich kinks of spiral patterns are obtained and the formation and evolution process is investigated. The process of pattern formation is breakdown -> hexagon -> bee comb-like -> strip -> spiral -> chaos. Spiral pattern always formed after the strip pattern. It is found that the temperature of the water electrodes plays an important role in the spiral patterns formation. When it exceeds 20°C no spiral has been obtained. The discharge current waveform and the emission spectrum of the discharge have been measured when the filaments self-organized in spiral pattern. Electron excited temperature of forming spiral pattern is calculated using intensity ratio method. It is found that the electron excited temperature of spiral pattern increase as the power supply frequency increased. Relation between wavelength and discharge parameter has been measured. It shows that the wavelength of spiral pattern increases as the discharge gap increases, and decreases as the air ratio mixed in argon increases. Accompanying measurements proved that the wavelength is approximately linear to the square root of the spiral rotating period .This work has useful reference value for studying pattern dynamics.
Thermal analysis of microlens formation on a sensitized gelatin layer

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

Muric, Branka; Pantelic, Dejan; Vasiljevic, Darko

2009-07-01

We analyze a mechanism of direct laser writing of microlenses. We find that thermal effects and photochemical reactions are responsible for microlens formation on a sensitized gelatin layer. An infrared camera was used to assess the temperature distribution during the microlens formation, while the diffraction pattern produced by the microlens itself was used to estimate optical properties. The study of thermal processes enabled us to establish the correlation between thermal and optical parameters.
10Gbit/s all-optical NRZ to RZ conversion based on TOAD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Yumei; Yin, Lina; Zhou, Yunfeng; Liu, Guoming; Wu, Jian; Lin, Jintong

2006-01-01

Future network will include wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and optical time division multiplexing (OTDM) technologies. All-optical format conversion between their respective preferable data formats, non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and return-to-zero (RZ), may become an important technology. In this paper, 10Gbit/s all-optical NRZ-to-RZ conversion is demonstrated based on terahertz optical asymmetric demultiplexer (TOAD) using clock all-optically recovered from the NRZ signal for the first time. The clock component is enhanced in an SOA and the pseudo-return-to-zero (PRZ) signal is filtered. The PRZ signal is input into an injection mode-locked fiber ring laser for clock recovery. The recovered clock and the NRZ signal are input into TOAD as pump signal and probe signal, respectively, and format conversion is performed. The quality of the converted RZ signal is determined by that of the recovered clock and the NRZ signal, whereas hardly influenced by gain recovery time of the SOA. In the experimental demonstration, the obtained RZ signal has an extinction ratio of 8.7dB and low pattern dependency. After conversion, the spectrum broadens obviously and shows multimode structure with spectrum interval of 0.08nm, which matches with the bit rate 10Gbit/s. Furthermore, this format conversion method has some tolerance on the pattern dependency of the clock signal.
High-bandwidth generation of duobinary and alternate-mark-inversion modulation formats using SOA-based signal processing.

PubMed

Dailey, James M; Power, Mark J; Webb, Roderick P; Manning, Robert J

2011-12-19

We report on the novel all-optical generation of duobinary (DB) and alternate-mark-inversion (AMI) modulation formats at 42.6 Gb/s from an input on-off keyed signal. The modulation converter consists of two semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-based Mach-Zehnder interferometer gates. A detailed SOA model numerically confirms the operational principles and experimental data shows successful AMI and DB conversion at 42.6 Gb/s. We also predict that the operational bandwidth can be extended beyond 40 Gb/s by utilizing a new pattern-effect suppression scheme, and demonstrate dramatic reductions in patterning up to 160 Gb/s. We show an increasing trade-off between pattern-effect reduction and mean output power with increasing bitrate.
Dynamic Pattern Formation in Electron-Beam-Induced Etching [Emergent formation of dynamic topographic patterns in electron beam induced etching

DOE PAGES

Martin, Aiden A.; Bahm, Alan; Bishop, James; ...

2015-12-15

Here, we report highly ordered topographic patterns that form on the surface of diamond, span multiple length scales, and have a symmetry controlled by the precursor gas species used in electron-beam-induced etching (EBIE). The pattern formation dynamics reveals an etch rate anisotropy and an electron energy transfer pathway that is overlooked by existing EBIE models. Therefore, we, modify established theory such that it explains our results and remains universally applicable to EBIE. Furthermore, the patterns can be exploited in controlled wetting, optical structuring, and other emerging applications that require nano- and microscale surface texturing of a wide band-gap material.
Light-assisted templated self assembly using photonic crystal slabs.

PubMed

Mejia, Camilo A; Dutt, Avik; Povinelli, Michelle L

2011-06-06

We explore a technique which we term light-assisted templated self-assembly. We calculate the optical forces on colloidal particles over a photonic crystal slab. We show that exciting a guided resonance mode of the slab yields a resonantly-enhanced, attractive optical force. We calculate the lateral optical forces above the slab and predict that stably trapped periodic patterns of particles are dependent on wavelength and polarization. Tuning the wavelength or polarization of the light source may thus allow the formation and reconfiguration of patterns. We expect that this technique may be used to design all-optically reconfigurable photonic devices.
Noise assisted pattern fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Tanushree; Agarwal, V.; Singh, B. P.; Parmananda, P.

2018-04-01

Pre-selected patterns on an n-type Si surface are fabricated by electrochemical etching in the presence of a weak optical signal. The constructive role of noise, namely, stochastic resonance (SR), is exploited for these purposes. SR is a nonlinear phenomenon wherein at an optimal amplitude of noise, the information transfer from weak input sub-threshold signals to the system output is maximal. In the present work, the amplitude of internal noise was systematically regulated by varying the molar concentration of hydrofluoric acid (HF) in the electrolyte. Pattern formation on the substrate for two different amplitudes (25 ± 2 and 11 ± 1 mW) of the optical template (sub-threshold signal) was considered. To quantify the fidelity/quality of pattern formation, the spatial cross-correlation coefficient (CCC) between the constructed pattern and the template of the applied signal was calculated. The maximum CCC is obtained for the pattern formed at an optimal HF concentration, indicating SR. Simulations, albeit using external noise, on a spatial array of coupled FitzHugh-Nagumo oscillators revealed similar results.
Polariton Pattern Formation and Photon Statistics of the Associated Emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whittaker, C. E.; Dzurnak, B.; Egorov, O. A.; Buonaiuto, G.; Walker, P. M.; Cancellieri, E.; Whittaker, D. M.; Clarke, E.; Gavrilov, S. S.; Skolnick, M. S.; Krizhanovskii, D. N.

2017-07-01

We report on the formation of a diverse family of transverse spatial polygon patterns in a microcavity polariton fluid under coherent driving by a blue-detuned pump. Patterns emerge spontaneously as a result of energy-degenerate polariton-polariton scattering from the pump state to interfering high-order vortex and antivortex modes, breaking azimuthal symmetry. The interplay between a multimode parametric instability and intrinsic optical bistability leads to a sharp spike in the value of second-order coherence g(2 )(0 ) of the emitted light, which we attribute to the strongly superlinear kinetics of the underlying scattering processes driving the formation of patterns. We show numerically by means of a linear stability analysis how the growth of parametric instabilities in our system can lead to spontaneous symmetry breaking, predicting the formation and competition of different pattern states in good agreement with experimental observations.
Self-Organized Lattices of Nonlinear Optochemical Waves in Photopolymerizable Fluids: The Spontaneous Emergence of 3-D Order in a Weakly Correlated System.

PubMed

Ponte, Matthew R; Hudson, Alexander D; Saravanamuttu, Kalaichelvi

2018-03-01

Many of the extraordinary three-dimensional architectures that pattern our physical world emerge from complex nonlinear systems or dynamic populations whose individual constituents are only weakly correlated to each other. Shoals of fish, murmuration behaviors in birds, congestion patterns in traffic, and even networks of social conventions are examples of spontaneous pattern formation, which cannot be predicted from the properties of individual elements alone. Pattern formation at a different scale has been observed or predicted in weakly correlated systems including superconductors, atomic gases near Bose Einstein condensation, and incoherent optical fields. Understanding pattern formation in nonlinear weakly correlated systems, which are often unified through mathematical expression, could pave intelligent self-organizing pathways to functional materials, architectures, and computing technologies. However, it is experimentally difficult to directly visualize the nonlinear dynamics of pattern formation in most populations-especially in three dimensions. Here, we describe the collective behavior of large populations of nonlinear optochemical waves, which are poorly correlated in both space and time. The optochemical waves-microscopic filaments of white light entrapped within polymer channels-originate from the modulation instability of incandescent light traveling in photopolymerizable fluids. By tracing the three-dimensional distribution of optical intensity in the nascent polymerizing system, we find that populations of randomly distributed, optochemical waves synergistically and collectively shift in space to form highly ordered lattices of specific symmetries. These, to our knowledge, are the first three-dimensionally periodic structures to emerge from a system of weakly correlated waves. Their spontaneous formation in an incoherent and effectively chaotic field is counterintuitive, but the apparent contradiction of known behaviors of light including the laws of optical interference can be explained through the soliton-like interactions of optochemical waves with nearest neighbors. Critically, this work casts fundamentally new insight into the collective behaviors of poorly correlated nonlinear waves in higher dimensions and provides a rare, accessible platform for further experimental studies of these previously unexplored behaviors. Furthermore, it defines a self-organization paradigm that, unlike conventional counterparts, could generate polymer microstructures with symmetries spanning all the Bravais lattices.
Skyrmion formation and optical spin-Hall effect in an expanding coherent cloud of indirect excitons.

PubMed

Vishnevsky, D V; Flayac, H; Nalitov, A V; Solnyshkov, D D; Gippius, N A; Malpuech, G

2013-06-14

We provide a theoretical description of the polarization pattern and phase singularities experimentally evidenced recently in a condensate of indirect excitons [H. High et al., Nature 483, 584 (2012)]. We show that the averaging of the electron and hole orbital motion leads to a comparable spin-orbit interaction for both types of carriers. We demonstrate that the interplay between a radial coherent flux of bright indirect excitons and the Dresselhaus spin-orbit interaction results in the formation of spin domains and of topological defects similar to Skyrmions. We reproduce qualitatively all the features of the experimental data and obtain a polarization pattern as in the optical spin-Hall effect despite the different symmetry of the spin-orbit interactions.
Conical refraction and formation of multiring focal image with Laguerre-Gauss light beams.

PubMed

Peet, Viktor

2011-08-01

For a light beam focused through a biaxial crystal along one of its optical axes, the effect of internal conical refraction in the crystal leads to the formation in the focal image plane of two bright rings separated by a dark ring. It is shown that, with circularly polarized Laguerre-Gauss LG(0)(ℓ) beams entering the crystal, this classical double-ring pattern is transformed into a multiring one consisting of ℓ+2 bright rings. © 2011 Optical Society of America
Fabrication of plasmonic nanopore by using electron beam irradiation for optical bio-sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Seong Soo; Park, Myoung Jin; Han, Chul Hee; Oh, Seh Joong; Park, Nam Kyou; Park, Doo Jae; Choi, Soo Bong; Kim, Yong-Sang

2017-05-01

The Au nano-hole surrounded by the periodic nano-patterns would provide the enhanced optical intensity. Hence, the nano-hole surrounded with periodic groove patterns can be utilized as single molecule nanobio optical sensor device. In this report, the nano-hole on the electron beam induced membrane surrounded by periodic groove patterns were fabricated by focused ion beam technique (FIB), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Initially, the Au films with three different thickness of 40 nm, 60 nm, and 200 nm were deposited on the SiN film by using an electron beam sputter-deposition technique, followed by removal of the supporting SiN film. The nanopore was formed on the electron beam induced membrane under the FESEM electron beam irradiation. Nanopore formation inside the Au aperture was controlled down to a few nanometer, by electron beam irradiations. The optical intensities from the biomolecules on the surfaces including Au coated pyramid with periodic groove patterns were investigated via surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The fabricated nanopore surrounded by periodic patterns can be utilized as a next generation single molecule bio optical sensor.

The amazing evolutionary dynamics of non-linear optical systems with feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaroslavsky, Leonid

2013-09-01

Optical systems with feedback are, generally, non-linear dynamic systems. As such, they exhibit evolutionary behavior. In the paper we present results of experimental investigation of evolutionary dynamics of several models of such systems. The models are modifications of the famous mathematical "Game of Life". The modifications are two-fold: "Game of Life" rules are made stochastic and mutual influence of cells is made spatially non-uniform. A number of new phenomena in the evolutionary dynamics of the models are revealed: - "Ordering of chaos". Formation, from seed patterns, of stable maze-like patterns with chaotic "dislocations" that resemble natural patterns, such as skin patterns of some animals and fishes, see shell, fingerprints, magnetic domain patterns and alike, which one can frequently find in the nature. These patterns and their fragments exhibit a remarkable capability of unlimited growth. - "Self-controlled growth" of chaotic "live" formations into "communities" bounded, depending on the model, by a square, hexagon or octagon, until they reach a certain critical size, after which the growth stops. - "Eternal life in a bounded space" of "communities" after reaching a certain size and shape. - "Coherent shrinkage" of "mature", after reaching a certain size, "communities" into one of stable or oscillating patterns preserving in this process isomorphism of their bounding shapes until the very end.
Manipulating femtosecond laser interactions in bulk glass and thin-film with spatial light modulation (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alimohammadian, Ehsan; Ho, Stephen; Ertorer, Erden; Gherghe, Sebastian; Li, Jianzhao; Herman, Peter R.

2017-03-01

Spatial Light Modulators (SLM) are emerging as a power tool for laser beam shaping whereby digitally addressed phase shifts can impose computer-generated hologram patterns on incoming laser light. SLM provide several additional advantages with ultrashort-pulsed lasers in controlling the shape of both surface and internal interactions with materials. Inside transparent materials, nonlinear optical effects can confine strong absorption only to the focal volume, extend dissipation over long filament tracks, or reach below diffraction-limited spot sizes. Hence, SLM beam shaping has been widely adopted for laser material processing applications that include parallel structuring, filamentation, fiber Bragg grating formation and optical aberration correction. This paper reports on a range of SLM applications we have studied in femtosecond processing of transparent glasses and thin films. Laser phase-fronts were tailored by the SLM to compensate for spherical surface aberration, and to further address the nonlinear interactions that interplay between Kerr-lens self-focusing and plasma defocusing effects over shallow and deep focusing inside the glass. Limits of strong and weak focusing were examined around the respective formation of low-loss optical waveguides and long uniform filament tracks. Further, we have employed the SLM for beam patterning inside thin film, exploring the limits of phase noise, resolution and fringe contrast during interferometric intra-film structuring. Femtosecond laser pulses of 200 fs pulse duration and 515 nm wavelength were shaped by a phase-only LCOS-SLM (Hamamatsu X10468-04). By imposing radial phase profiles, axicon, grating and beam splitting gratings, volume shape control of filament diameter, length, and uniformity as well as simultaneous formation of multiple filaments has been demonstrated. Similarly, competing effects of spherical surface aberration, self-focusing, and plasma de-focusing were studied and delineated to enable formation of low-loss optical waveguides over shallow and deep focusing conditions. Lastly, SLM beam shaping has been successfully extended to interferometric processing inside thin transparent film, enabling the arbitrary formation of uniform or non-uniform, symmetric or asymmetric patterns of flexible shape on nano-scale dimensions without phase-noise degradation by the SLM patterning. We present quantized structuring of thin films by a single laser pulse, demonstrating λ/2nfilm layer ejection control, blister formation, nano-cavities, and film colouring. Closed intra-film nanochannels with high aspect ratio (20:1) have been formed inside 3.5 um thick silica, opening new prospects for sub-cellular studies and lab-in-film concepts that integrate on CMOS silicon technologies.
Development of a continuous roll-to-roll processing system for mass production of plastic optical film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chih-Yuan; Tsai, Meng-Hsun

2015-12-01

This paper reports a highly effective method for the mass production of large-area plastic optical films with a microlens array pattern based on a continuous roll-to-roll film extrusion and roller embossing process. In this study, a thin steel mold with a micro-circular hole array pattern is fabricated by photolithography and a wet chemical etching process. The thin steel mold was then wrapped onto a metal cylinder to form an embossing roller mold. During the roll-to-roll process operation, a thermoplastic raw material (polycarbonate grains) was put into the barrel of the plastic extruder with a flat T-die. Then, the molten polymer film was extruded and immediately pressed against the surface of the embossing roller mold. Under the proper processing conditions, the molten polymer will just partially fill the micro-circular holes of the mold and due to surface tension form a convex lens surface. A continuous plastic optical film with a microlens array pattern was obtained. Experiments are carried out to investigate the effect of plastic microlens formation on the roll-to-roll process. Finally, the geometrical and optical properties of the fabricated plastic optical film were measured and proved satisfactory. This technique shows great potential for the mass production of large-area plastic optical films with a microlens array pattern.
Lattice-patterned LC-polymer composites containing various nanoparticles as additives

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

In this study, we show the effect of various nanoparticle additives on phase separation behavior of a lattice-patterned liquid crystal [LC]-polymer composite system and on interfacial properties between the LC and polymer. Lattice-patterned LC-polymer composites were fabricated by exposing to UV light a mixture of a prepolymer, an LC, and SiO2 nanoparticles positioned under a patterned photomask. This resulted in the formation of an LC and prepolymer region through phase separation. We found that the incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles significantly affected the electro-optical properties of the lattice-patterned LC-polymer composites. This effect is a fundamental characteristic of flexible displays. The electro-optical properties depend on the size and surface functional groups of the SiO2 nanoparticles. Compared with untreated pristine SiO2 nanoparticles, which adversely affect the performance of LC molecules surrounded by polymer walls, SiO2 nanoparticles with surface functional groups were found to improve the electro-optical properties of the lattice-patterned LC-polymer composites by increasing the quantity of SiO2 nanoparticles. The surface functional groups of the SiO2 nanoparticles were closely related to the distribution of SiO2 nanoparticles in the LC-polymer composites, and they influenced the electro-optical properties of the LC molecules. It is clear from our work that the introduction of nanoparticles into a lattice-patterned LC-polymer composite provides a method for controlling and improving the composite's electro-optical properties. This technique can be used to produce flexible substrates for various flexible electronic devices. PMID:22222011
Directed formation of micro- and nanoscale patterns of functional light-harvesting LH2 complexes.

PubMed

Reynolds, Nicholas P; Janusz, Stefan; Escalante-Marun, Maryana; Timney, John; Ducker, Robert E; Olsen, John D; Otto, Cees; Subramaniam, Vinod; Leggett, Graham J; Hunter, C Neil

2007-11-28

The precision placement of the desired protein components on a suitable substrate is an essential prelude to any hybrid "biochip" device, but a second and equally important condition must also be met: the retention of full biological activity. Here we demonstrate the selective binding of an optically active membrane protein, the light-harvesting LH2 complex from Rhodobacter sphaeroides, to patterned self-assembled monolayers at the micron scale and the fabrication of nanometer-scale patterns of these molecules using near-field photolithographic methods. In contrast to plasma proteins, which are reversibly adsorbed on many surfaces, the LH2 complex is readily patterned simply by spatial control of surface polarity. Near-field photolithography has yielded rows of light-harvesting complexes only 98 nm wide. Retention of the native optical properties of patterned LH2 molecules was demonstrated using in situ fluorescence emission spectroscopy.
Directed assembly of gold nanowires on silicon via reorganization and simultaneous fusion of randomly distributed gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Reinhardt, Hendrik M; Bücker, Kerstin; Hampp, Norbert A

2015-05-04

Laser-induced reorganization and simultaneous fusion of nanoparticles is introduced as a versatile concept for pattern formation on surfaces. The process takes advantage of a phenomenon called laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) which originates from periodically alternating photonic fringe patterns in the near-field of solids. Associated photonic fringe patterns are shown to reorganize randomly distributed gold nanoparticles on a silicon wafer into periodic gold nanostructures. Concomitant melting due to optical heating facilitates the formation of continuous structures such as periodic gold nanowire arrays. Generated patterns can be converted into secondary structures using directed assembly or self-organization. This includes for example the rotation of gold nanowire arrays by arbitrary angles or their fragmentation into arrays of aligned gold nanoparticles.
Simultaneous Chemical and Optical Patterning of Polyacrylonitrile Film by Vapor-Based Reaction.

PubMed

Shin, Jae-Won; Lee, Choonghyeon; Cha, Sang-Ho; Jang, Jyongsik; Lee, Kyung Jin

2015-06-01

The surface of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) film is treated with ethyleneamines (EDA) in a simple chemical vapor phase reaction. Successful introduction of amine functional groups on the cyano group of PAN backbone is verified by FT-IR and NMR measurements. Further UV-vis and photoluminescence analyses show a red shift of the emission peak after repeated EDA treatment, which might be attributed to the formation of imine conjugation from newly formed carbon-nitrogen bonds on the PAN backbone. Further confocal laser scanning microscopy reveals that selective patterning of EDA on PAN films is possible via local polydimethylsiloxane masking. The results indicate that both chemical and optical patterning on PAN film can be realized via a single reaction and show the potential of this novel methodology in selective patterning. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Design optimization of large-size format edge-lit light guide units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hastanin, J.; Lenaerts, C.; Fleury-Frenette, K.

2016-04-01

In this paper, we present an original method of dot pattern generation dedicated to large-size format light guide plate (LGP) design optimization, such as photo-bioreactors, the number of dots greatly exceeds the maximum allowable number of optical objects supported by most common ray-tracing software. In the proposed method, in order to simplify the computational problem, the original optical system is replaced by an equivalent one. Accordingly, an original dot pattern is splitted into multiple small sections, inside which the dot size variation is less than the ink dots printing typical resolution. Then, these sections are replaced by equivalent cells with continuous diffusing film. After that, we adjust the TIS (Total Integrated Scatter) two-dimensional distribution over the grid of equivalent cells, using an iterative optimization procedure. Finally, the obtained optimal TIS distribution is converted into the dot size distribution by applying an appropriate conversion rule. An original semi-empirical equation dedicated to rectangular large-size LGPs is proposed for the initial guess of TIS distribution. It allows significantly reduce the total time needed to dot pattern optimization.
Sequential and selective localized optical heating in water via on-chip dielectric nanopatterning.

PubMed

Morsy, Ahmed M; Biswas, Roshni; Povinelli, Michelle L

2017-07-24

We study the use of nanopatterned silicon membranes to obtain optically-induced heating in water. We show that by varying the detuning between an absorptive optical resonance of the patterned membrane and an illumination laser, both the magnitude and response time of the temperature rise can be controlled. This allows for either sequential or selective heating of different patterned areas on chip. We obtain a steady-state temperature of approximately 100 °C for a 805.5nm CW laser power density of 66 µW/μm 2 and observe microbubble formation. The ability to spatially and temporally control temperature on the microscale should enable the study of heat-induced effects in a variety of chemical and biological lab-on-chip applications.
Enhancement of optical absorption of Si (100) surfaces by low energy N+ ion beam irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhowmik, Dipak; Karmakar, Prasanta

2018-05-01

The increase of optical absorption efficiency of Si (100) surface by 7 keV and 8 keV N+ ions bombardment has been reported here. A periodic ripple pattern on surface has been observed as well as silicon nitride is formed at the ion impact zones by these low energy N+ ion bombardment [P. Karmakar et al., J. Appl. Phys. 120, 025301 (2016)]. The light absorption efficiency increases due to the presence of silicon nitride compound as well as surface nanopatterns. The Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) study shows the formation of periodic ripple pattern and increase of surface roughness with N+ ion energy. The enhancement of optical absorption by the ion bombarded Si, compared to the bare Si have been measured by UV - visible spectrophotometer.
Optical properties of m-plane GaN grown on patterned Si(112) substrates by MOCVD using a two-step approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izyumskaya, N.; Okur, S.; Zhang, F.; Monavarian, M.; Avrutin, V.; Özgür, Ü.; Metzner, S.; Karbaum, C.; Bertram, F.; Christen, J.; Morkoç, H.

2014-03-01

Nonpolar m-plane GaN layers were grown on patterned Si (112) substrates by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). A two-step growth procedure involving a low-pressure (30 Torr) first step to ensure formation of the m-plane facet and a high-pressure step (200 Torr) for improvement of optical quality was employed. The layers grown in two steps show improvement of the optical quality: the near-bandedge photoluminescence (PL) intensity is about 3 times higher than that for the layers grown at low pressure, and deep emission is considerably weaker. However, emission intensity from m-GaN is still lower than that of polar and semipolar (1 100 ) reference samples grown under the same conditions. To shed light on this problem, spatial distribution of optical emission over the c+ and c- wings of the nonpolar GaN/Si was studied by spatially resolved cathodoluminescence and near-field scanning optical microscopy.
Neointimal patterns obtained by optical coherence tomography correlate with specific histological components and neointimal proliferation in a swine model of restenosis.

PubMed

Kim, Jung-Sun; Afari, Maxwell E; Ha, Jinyong; Tellez, Armando; Milewski, Krzysztof; Conditt, Gerard; Cheng, Yanping; Hua Yi, Geng; Kaluza, Greg L; Granada, Juan F

2014-03-01

Although optical coherence tomography (OCT) is capable to detect microscopic peri-strut changes that seem to be related to neointimal inhibition and healing, its ability to characterize these components is still limited. In this study, we aimed to compare different OCT morphological characteristics with different in-stent neointimal tissue types analysed by histology. A total of 69 stents (39 drug eluting and 30 bare metal stents) were implanted in coronary arteries of 27 swine. By OCT, neointimal type was classified as homogeneous, heterogeneous, or layered according to its pattern of backscatter and optical intensity. The resulting optical patterns were correlated with several histological findings [external elastic lamina (EEL) disruption, fibrin deposition, circumferential rim of peri-strut inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrous connective deposition] in every single cross-section (CS) analysed. A total of 197 matched OCT and histological CS were analysed. The heterogeneous (0.44 ± 0.21 mm) and layered (0.65 ± 0.16 mm) patterns had a significantly higher degree of neointimal thickness compared with the homogeneous pattern (0.25 ± 0.16 mm, P < 0.001). Fibrous connective tissue deposition was more frequently present in the homogeneous pattern (71.6%, P < 0.001), whereas significant fibrin deposits were more commonly seen in the heterogeneous pattern (56.9%, P = 0.007). Peri-strut inflammation was less frequently found in the homogeneous pattern (19.8%, P < 0.001) in comparison with the layered (73.9%) or heterogeneous patterns (43.1%). The presence of EEL rupture was also more commonly seen in layered (73.9%) and heterogeneous (46.6%) patterns than in the homogeneous pattern (22.4%, P < 0.001). The optical characteristics of neointimal formation seen in OCT properly correlated with the presence of several histological findings involved in stent healing. The biological implications of these findings in clinical outcomes require further investigation.
FIBRE AND INTEGRATED OPTICS. OPTICAL PROCESSING OF INFORMATION: Mechanism of lock-in detection with the aid of an alternating field perpendicular to the surface of a planar photorefractive waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zel'dovich, Boris Ya; Miklyaev, Yu V.; Safonov, V. I.

1995-02-01

An analysis is made of the mechanism of formation of a stationary grating in a planar photorefractive waveguide by a travelling interference pattern with the aid of an alternating electric field applied perpendicular to the waveguide layer. A theoretical calculation is reported of the distribution of the space-charge field in a transverse section of the waveguide. Finite drift lengths and trap saturation are taken into account in these calculations, which are carried out on the assumption of a weak contrast in the interference pattern.
Transparent Glass Ceramics Doped by Chromium(III) and Chromium(III) and Neodymium(III) as New Materials for Lasers and Luminescent Solar Concentrators.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-30

1.5 ZrO2 * 0.3 As203, 0.024 Cr203, melted under various conditions. Parallel measurements of X-ray diffraction, optical and EPR spectra reveal the...optical and EPR spectra reveal the different formation of gahnite from precursor glass or petalite-like phase. Introduction In a number of recent...conditions on optical and EPR spectra of Cr(III). Further on the parallel changes of spectra and x-ray diffraction patterns are indica- ted. The gahnite
Photothermal fabrication of microscale patterned DNA hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimomura, Suguru; Nishimura, Takahiro; Ogura, Yusuke; Tanida, Jun

2018-02-01

This paper introduces a method for fabricating microscale DNA hydrogels using irradiation with patterned light. Optical fabrication allows for the flexible and tunable formation of DNA hydrogels without changing the environmental conditions. Our scheme is based on local heat generation via the photothermal effect, which is induced by light irradiation on a quenching species. We demonstrate experimentally that, depending on the power and irradiation time, light irradiation enables the creation of local microscale DNA hydrogels, while the shapes of the DNA hydrogels are controlled by the irradiation patterns.
In-volume structuring of a bilayered polymer foil using direct laser interference patterning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rößler, Florian; Günther, Katja; Lasagni, Andrés F.

2018-05-01

Periodic surface patterns can provide materials with special optical properties, which are usable in decorative or security applications. However, they can be sensitive to contact wear and thus their lifetime and functionality are limited. This study describes the use of direct laser interference patterning for structuring a multilayered polymer film at its interface creating periodic in-volume structures which are resistant to contact wear. The spatial period of the structures are varied in the range of 1.0 μm to 2.0 μm in order to produce decorative elements. The pattern formation at the interface is explained using cross sectional observations and a thermal simulation of the temperature evolution during the laser treatment at the interface. Both, the diffraction efficiency and direct transmission are characterized by light intensity measurements to describe the optical behavior of the produced periodic structures and a decorative application example is presented.
Globally Stable Microresonator Turing Pattern Formation for Coherent High-Power THz Radiation On-Chip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shu-Wei; Yang, Jinghui; Yang, Shang-Hua; Yu, Mingbin; Kwong, Dim-Lee; Zelevinsky, T.; Jarrahi, Mona; Wong, Chee Wei

2017-10-01

In nonlinear microresonators driven by continuous-wave (cw) lasers, Turing patterns have been studied in the formalism of the Lugiato-Lefever equation with emphasis on their high coherence and exceptional robustness against perturbations. Destabilization of Turing patterns and the transition to spatiotemporal chaos, however, limit the available energy carried in the Turing rolls and prevent further harvest of their high coherence and robustness to noise. Here, we report a novel scheme to circumvent such destabilization, by incorporating the effect of local mode hybridizations, and we attain globally stable Turing pattern formation in chip-scale nonlinear oscillators with significantly enlarged parameter space, achieving a record-high power-conversion efficiency of 45% and an elevated peak-to-valley contrast of 100. The stationary Turing pattern is discretely tunable across 430 GHz on a THz carrier, with a fractional frequency sideband nonuniformity measured at 7.3 ×10-14 . We demonstrate the simultaneous microwave and optical coherence of the Turing rolls at different evolution stages through ultrafast optical correlation techniques. The free-running Turing-roll coherence, 9 kHz in 200 ms and 160 kHz in 20 minutes, is transferred onto a plasmonic photomixer for one of the highest-power THz coherent generations at room temperature, with 1.1% optical-to-THz power conversion. Its long-term stability can be further improved by more than 2 orders of magnitude, reaching an Allan deviation of 6 ×10-10 at 100 s, with a simple computer-aided slow feedback control. The demonstrated on-chip coherent high-power Turing-THz system is promising to find applications in astrophysics, medical imaging, and wireless communications.
Complementary Gli activity mediates early patterning of the mouse visual system.

PubMed

Furimsky, Marosh; Wallace, Valerie A

2006-03-01

The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway plays a key role in the development of the vertebrate central nervous system, including the eye. This pathway is mediated by the Gli transcription factors (Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3) that differentially activate and repress the expression of specific downstream target genes. In this study, we investigated the roles of the three vertebrate Glis in mediating midline Shh signaling in early ocular development. We examined the ocular phenotypes of Shh and Gli combination mutant mouse embryos and monitored proximodistal and dorsoventral patterning by the expression of specific eye development regulatory genes using in situ hybridization. We show that midline Shh signaling relieves the repressor activity of Gli3 adjacent to the midline and then promotes eye pattern formation through the nonredundant activities of all three Gli proteins. Gli3, in particular, is required to specify the dorsal optic stalk and to define the boundary between the optic stalk and the optic cup.
Superhydrophilic nanopillar-structured quartz surfaces for the prevention of biofilm formation in optical devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Soo; Ji, Seungmuk; Abdullah, Abdullah; Kim, Duckil; Lim, Hyuneui; Lee, Donghyun

2018-01-01

Bacterial biofilm formation on optical devices such as contact lenses, optical glasses, endoscopic devices, and microscopic slides and lenses are major concerns in the field of medicine and biomedical engineering. To solve these problems, here we present the first report of superhydrophilic transparent nanopillar-structured surfaces with bactericidal properties. To construct bactericidal surfaces, we imitated a topological mechanism found in nature in which nanopillar-structured surfaces cause a mechanical disruption of the outer cell membranes of bacteria, resulting in bacterial cell death. We used nanosphere lithography to fabricate nanopillars with various sharpnesses and heights on a quartz substrate. Water contact angle and light reflectance measurements revealed superhydrophilic, antifogging and antireflective properties, which are important for use in optical devices. To determine bactericidal efficiency, the fabricated surfaces were incubated and tested against two Gram-negative bacteria associated with biofilm formation and various diseases in humans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The highest bactericidal activity was achieved with nanopillars that measured 300 nm in height and 10 nm in apex diameter. Quartz substrates patterned with such nanopillars killed ∼38,000 P. aeruginosa and ∼27,000 E. coli cells cm-2 min-1, respectively. Thus, the newly designed nanopillar-structured bactericidal surfaces are suitable for use in the development of superhydrophilic and transparent optical devices.
Scanners, optical character readers, Cyrillic alphabet and Russian translations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Gordon G.

1995-01-01

The writing of code for capture, in a uniform format, of bit maps of words and characters from scanner PICT files is presented. The coding of Dynamic Pattern Matched for the identification of the characters, words and sentences in preparation for translation is discussed.

Formation of bulk refractive index structures

DOEpatents

Potter, Jr., Barrett George; Potter, Kelly Simmons; Wheeler, David R.; Jamison, Gregory M.

2003-07-15

A method of making a stacked three-dimensional refractive index structure in photosensitive materials using photo-patterning where first determined is the wavelength at which a photosensitive material film exhibits a change in refractive index upon exposure to optical radiation, a portion of the surfaces of the photosensitive material film is optically irradiated, the film is marked to produce a registry mark. Multiple films are produced and aligned using the registry marks to form a stacked three-dimensional refractive index structure.
Optical patterning of trapped charge in nitrogen-doped diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayakumar, Harishankar; Henshaw, Jacob; Dhomkar, Siddharth; Pagliero, Daniela; Laraoui, Abdelghani; Manson, Neil B.; Albu, Remus; Doherty, Marcus W.; Meriles, Carlos A.

2016-08-01

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre in diamond is emerging as a promising platform for solid-state quantum information processing and nanoscale metrology. Of interest in these applications is the manipulation of the NV charge, which can be attained by optical excitation. Here, we use two-colour optical microscopy to investigate the dynamics of NV photo-ionization, charge diffusion and trapping in type-1b diamond. We combine fixed-point laser excitation and scanning fluorescence imaging to locally alter the concentration of negatively charged NVs, and to subsequently probe the corresponding redistribution of charge. We uncover the formation of spatial patterns of trapped charge, which we qualitatively reproduce via a model of the interplay between photo-excited carriers and atomic defects. Further, by using the NV as a probe, we map the relative fraction of positively charged nitrogen on localized optical excitation. These observations may prove important to transporting quantum information between NVs or to developing three-dimensional, charge-based memories.
Light-induced spiral mass transport in azo-polymer films under vortex-beam illumination

PubMed Central

Ambrosio, Antonio; Marrucci, Lorenzo; Borbone, Fabio; Roviello, Antonio; Maddalena, Pasqualino

2012-01-01

When an azobenzene-containing polymer film is exposed to non-uniform illumination, a light-induced mass migration process may be induced, leading to the formation of relief patterns on the polymer-free surface. Despite many years of research effort, several aspects of this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Here we report the appearance of spiral-shaped relief patterns on the polymer film under the illumination of focused Laguerre–Gauss beams with helical wavefronts and an optical vortex at their axis. The induced spiral reliefs are sensitive to the vortex topological charge and to the wavefront handedness. These findings are unexpected because the doughnut-shaped intensity profile of Laguerre–Gauss beams contains no information about the wavefront handedness. We propose a model that explains the main features of this phenomenon through the surface-mediated interference of the longitudinal and transverse components of the optical field. These results may find applications in optical nanolithography and optical-field nanoimaging. PMID:22871808
Optical patterning of trapped charge in nitrogen-doped diamond.

PubMed

Jayakumar, Harishankar; Henshaw, Jacob; Dhomkar, Siddharth; Pagliero, Daniela; Laraoui, Abdelghani; Manson, Neil B; Albu, Remus; Doherty, Marcus W; Meriles, Carlos A

2016-08-30

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre in diamond is emerging as a promising platform for solid-state quantum information processing and nanoscale metrology. Of interest in these applications is the manipulation of the NV charge, which can be attained by optical excitation. Here, we use two-colour optical microscopy to investigate the dynamics of NV photo-ionization, charge diffusion and trapping in type-1b diamond. We combine fixed-point laser excitation and scanning fluorescence imaging to locally alter the concentration of negatively charged NVs, and to subsequently probe the corresponding redistribution of charge. We uncover the formation of spatial patterns of trapped charge, which we qualitatively reproduce via a model of the interplay between photo-excited carriers and atomic defects. Further, by using the NV as a probe, we map the relative fraction of positively charged nitrogen on localized optical excitation. These observations may prove important to transporting quantum information between NVs or to developing three-dimensional, charge-based memories.
Optical patterning of trapped charge in nitrogen-doped diamond

PubMed Central

Jayakumar, Harishankar; Henshaw, Jacob; Dhomkar, Siddharth; Pagliero, Daniela; Laraoui, Abdelghani; Manson, Neil B.; Albu, Remus; Doherty, Marcus W.; Meriles, Carlos A.

2016-01-01

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre in diamond is emerging as a promising platform for solid-state quantum information processing and nanoscale metrology. Of interest in these applications is the manipulation of the NV charge, which can be attained by optical excitation. Here, we use two-colour optical microscopy to investigate the dynamics of NV photo-ionization, charge diffusion and trapping in type-1b diamond. We combine fixed-point laser excitation and scanning fluorescence imaging to locally alter the concentration of negatively charged NVs, and to subsequently probe the corresponding redistribution of charge. We uncover the formation of spatial patterns of trapped charge, which we qualitatively reproduce via a model of the interplay between photo-excited carriers and atomic defects. Further, by using the NV as a probe, we map the relative fraction of positively charged nitrogen on localized optical excitation. These observations may prove important to transporting quantum information between NVs or to developing three-dimensional, charge-based memories. PMID:27573190
Ferrofluid-in-oil two-phase flow patterns in a flow-focusing microchannel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheu, T. S.; Chen, Y. T.; Lih, F. L.; Miao, J. M.

This study investigates the two-phase flow formation process of water-based Fe3O4 ferrofluid (dispersed phase) in a silicon oil (continuous phase) flow in the microfluidic flow-focusing microchannel under various operational conditions. With transparent PDMS chip and optical microscope, four main two-phase flow patterns as droplet flow, slug flow, ring flow and churn flow are observed. The droplet shape, size, and formation mechanism were also investigated under different Ca numbers and intended to find out the empirical relations. The paper marks an original flow pattern map of the ferrofluid-in-oil flows in the microfluidic flow-focusing microchannels. The flow pattern transiting from droplet flow to slug flow appears for an operational conditions of QR < 1 and Lf / W < 1. The power law index that related Lf / W to QR was 0.36 in present device.
Drying bacterial biosaline patterns capable of vital reanimation upon rehydration: novel hibernating biomineralogical life formations.

PubMed

Gómez Gómez, José María; Medina, Jesús; Hochberg, David; Mateo-Martí, Eva; Martínez-Frías, Jesús; Rull, Fernando

2014-07-01

Water is the fundamental molecule for life on Earth. Thus, the search for hibernating life-forms in waterless environments is an important research topic for astrobiology. To date, however, the organizational patterns containing microbial life in extremely dry places, such as the deserts of Earth, the Dry Valleys of Antarctica, or Mars analog regolith, have been poorly characterized. Here, we report on the formation of bacterial biosaline self-organized drying patterns formed over plastic surfaces. These emerge during the evaporation of sessile droplets of aqueous NaCl salt 0.15 M solutions containing Escherichia coli cells. In the present study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analyses indicated that the bacterial cells and the NaCl in these biosaline formations are organized in a two-layered characteristic 3-D architectural morphology. A thin filmlike top layer formed by NaCl conjugated to, and intermingled with, "mineralized" bacterial cells covers a bottom layer constructed by the bulk of the nonmineralized bacterial cells; both layers have the same morphological pattern. In addition, optical microscopic time-lapsed movies show that the formation of these patterns is a kinetically fast process that requires the coupled interaction between the salt and the bacterial cells. Apparently, this mutual interaction drives the generative process of self-assembly that underlies the drying pattern formation. Most notably, the bacterial cells inside these drying self-assembled patterns enter into a quiescent suspended anhydrobiotic state resistant to complete desiccation and capable of vital reanimation upon rehydration. We propose that these E. coli biosaline drying patterns represent an excellent experimental model for understanding different aspects of anhydrobiosis phenomena in bacteria as well as for revealing the mechanisms of bacterially induced biomineralization, both highly relevant topics for the search of life in extraterrestrial locations.
Structural and optical studies of CuO nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chand, Prakash; Gaur, Anurag; Kumar, Ashavani

2014-04-01

In the present study, copper oxide (CuO) nanostructures have been synthesized at 140 °C for different aging periods, 1, 24, 48 and 96 hrs by hydrothermal method to investigate their effects on structural and optical properties. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD) pattern indicates the pure phase formation of CuO and the particle size, calculated from XRD data, has been found to be increasing from 21 to 36 nm for the samples synthesized at different aging periods. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analysis also shows that the average diameter and length of these rectangular nano flakes increases with increasing the aging periods. Moreover Raman spectrums also confirm the phase formation of CuO. The optical band gaps calculated through UV-visible spectroscopy are found to be decreasing from 2.92 to 2.69 eV with increase in aging periods, 1 to 96 hrs, respectively.
In-situ high-resolution visualization of laser-induced periodic nanostructures driven by optical feedback.

PubMed

Aguilar, Alberto; Mauclair, Cyril; Faure, Nicolas; Colombier, Jean-Philippe; Stoian, Razvan

2017-11-28

Optical feedback is often evoked in laser-induced periodic nanostructures. Visualizing the coupling between surfaces and light requires highly-resolved imaging methods. We propose in-situ structured-illumination-microscopy to observe ultrafast-laser-induced nanostructures during fabrication on metallic glass surfaces. This resolves the pulse-to-pulse development of periodic structures on a single irradiation site and indicates the optical feedback on surface topographies. Firstly, the quasi-constancy of the ripples pattern and the reinforcement of the surface relief with the same spatial positioning indicates a phase-locking mechanism that stabilizes and amplifies the ordered corrugation. Secondly, on sites with uncorrelated initial corrugation, we observe ripple patterns spatially in-phase. These feedback aspects rely on the electromagnetic interplay between the laser pulse and the surface relief, stabilizing the pattern in period and position. They are critically dependent on the space-time coherence of the exciting pulse. This suggests a modulation of energy according to the topography of the surface with a pattern phase imposed by the driving pulse. A scattering and interference model for ripple formation on surfaces supports the experimental observations. This relies on self-phase-stabilized far-field interaction between surface scattered wavelets and the incoming pulse front.
Catastrophe Optics Method to Determine the Micro-Nano Size Profiles at TPL of Liquid Films on a Solid Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chao, David F.; McQuillen, J. B.; Sankovic, J. M.; Zhang, Nengli

2009-01-01

As discovered by recent studies, what directly affects the wetting and spreading is curvature in micro-region rather than the macroscopic contact angle. Measuring the profile of the micro-region becomes an important research topic. Recently, catastrophe optics has been applied to this kind of measurements. Optical catastrophe occurring in far field of waves of liquid-refracted laser beam implies a wealth of information about the liquid spreading not only for liquid drops but also for films. When a parallel laser beam passes through a liquid film on a slide glass at three-phase-line (TPL), very interesting optical image patterns occur on a screen far from the film. An analysis based on catastrophe optics discloses and interprets the formation of these optical image patterns. The analysis reveals that the caustic line manifested as the bright-thick line on the screen implies the lowest hierarchy of optical catastrophes, called fold caustic. This optical catastrophe is produced by the inflexion line on liquid surface at the liquid foot, which is formed not only in the spreading of drops but also in spreading of films. The generalized catastrophe optics method enables to identify the edge profiles and determine the edge foot height of liquid films. Keywords: Crossover region, Inflexion line, liquid edge foot, Catastrophe optics, Caustic and diffraction
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hurtado, Antonio, E-mail: antonio.hurtado@strath.ac.uk; Javaloyes, Julien

Multiple controllable spiking patterns are achieved in a 1310 nm Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) in response to induced perturbations and for two different cases of polarized optical injection, namely, parallel and orthogonal. Furthermore, reproducible spiking responses are demonstrated experimentally at sub-nanosecond speed resolution and with a controlled number of spikes fired. This work opens therefore exciting research avenues for the use of VCSELs in ultrafast neuromorphic photonic systems for non-traditional computing applications, such as all-optical binary-to-spiking format conversion and spiking information encoding.
Polymer stabilization of electrohydrodynamic instability in non-iridescent cholesteric thin films.

PubMed

Hsiao, Yu-Cheng; Lee, Wei

2015-08-24

A non-iridescent cholesterol liquid crystal (CLC) thin film is demonstrated by using the polymer-stabilized electrohydrodymanic (PSEHD) method. The photopolymerized cell made from a CLC/monomer mixture exhibits an optically stable gridlike pattern. The helical axis of thus-formed CLC is aligned with the hydrodynamic flow induced by a space charge motion, and the arrayed CLC grid configuration renders a wide viewing angle thanks to the limited color shift at various lines of sight. The formation of the PSEHD structure was verified with polarized optical microscopy, ascertaining that the electrohydrodymanic pattern can be photo-cured or stabilized. The PSEHD CLC is simple to fabricate and potentially suitable for applications in wide-viewing-angle or non-iridescent devices.
Mechanism of nanosecond laser drilling process of 4H-SiC for through substrate vias

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Byunggi; Iida, Ryoichi; Doan, Duc Hong; Fushinobu, Kazuyoshi

2017-06-01

Role of optical parameters on nanosecond laser drilling of 4H-SiC was experimentally studied. Using ns pulsed Nd:YAG laser, parametric studies on effects of wavelength (1064 nm or 532 nm), beam profile (Gaussian or Bessel), and ambient condition (air or water) were conducted. The wavelengths which have large optical penetration depth were selected as wavefront has to propagate through materials to generate Bessel beam. The experimental results showed that carbonization of SiC surface accelerates thermal ablation of the materials with fluence under the lattice melting threshold. Especially, pattern of side lobes with small fluence was formed by irradiation of Bessel beam. The pattern disturbed penetration of wavefronts through materials. Implementation of water environment was not effective to suppress carbonization and had slight effect on improvement of drilling quality. For this reason, deep drilling with small entrance was not achieved using Bessel beam. Irradiation of 1064 nm Gaussian beam with large fluence led to formation of critical amount of re-solidified silicon due to the large optical penetration depth. Carbonization and silicon formation had a significant effect on unique fluence dependence of drilling depth. Absorption mechanism was studied as well to discuss effect of wavelength on processing characteristics.
Statistical-mechanical analysis of self-organization and pattern formation during the development of visual maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obermayer, K.; Blasdel, G. G.; Schulten, K.

1992-05-01

We report a detailed analytical and numerical model study of pattern formation during the development of visual maps, namely, the formation of topographic maps and orientation and ocular dominance columns in the striate cortex. Pattern formation is described by a stimulus-driven Markovian process, the self-organizing feature map. This algorithm generates topologically correct maps between a space of (visual) input signals and an array of formal ``neurons,'' which in our model represents the cortex. We define order parameters that are a function of the set of visual stimuli an animal perceives, and we demonstrate that the formation of orientation and ocular dominance columns is the result of a global instability of the retinoptic projection above a critical value of these order parameters. We characterize the spatial structure of the emerging patterns by power spectra, correlation functions, and Gabor transforms, and we compare model predictions with experimental data obtained from the striate cortex of the macaque monkey with optical imaging. Above the critical value of the order parameters the model predicts a lateral segregation of the striate cortex into (i) binocular regions with linear changes in orientation preference, where iso-orientation slabs run perpendicular to the ocular dominance bands, and (ii) monocular regions with low orientation specificity, which contain the singularities of the orientation map. Some of these predictions have already been verified by experiments.
Electronic heterodyne recording of interference patterns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merat, F. L.; Claspy, P. C.

1979-01-01

An electronic heterodyne technique is being investigated for video (i.e., television rate and format) recording of interference patterns. In the heterodyne technique electro-optic modulation is used to introduce a sinusoidal phase shift between the beams of an interferometer. For phase modulation frequencies between 0.1 and 15 MHz an image dissector camera may be used to scan the resulting temporally modulated interference pattern. Heterodyne detection of the camera output is used to selectively record the interference pattern. An advantage of such synchronous recording is that it permits recording of low-contrast fringes in high ambient light conditions. The application of this technique to the recording of holograms is discussed.
Note: Experimental observation of nano-channel pattern in light sheet laser interference nanolithography system

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

Mohan, Kavya; Mondal, Partha Pratim, E-mail: partha@iap.iisc.ernet.in

We experimentally observed nano-channel-like pattern in a light-sheet based interference nanolithography system. The optical system created nano-channel-like patterned illumination. Coherent counter-propagating light sheets are made to interfere at and near geometrical focus along the propagation z-axis. This results in the formation of nano-channel-like pattern (of size ≈ 300 nm and inter-channel periodicity of ≈337.5 nm) inside the sample due to constructive and destructive interference. In addition, the technique has the ability to generate large area patterning using larger light-sheets. Exciting applications are in the broad field of nanotechnology (nano-electronics and nano-fluidics).
Lysozyme pattern formation in evaporating droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorr, Heather Meloy

Liquid droplets containing suspended particles deposited on a solid, flat surface generally form ring-like structures due to the redistribution of solute during evaporation (the "coffee ring effect"). The forms of the deposited patterns depend on complex interactions between solute(s), solvent, and substrate in a rapidly changing, far from equilibrium system. Solute self-organization during evaporation of colloidal sessile droplets has attracted the attention of researchers over the past few decades due to a variety of technological applications. Recently, pattern formation during evaporation of various biofluids has been studied due to potential applications in medical screening and diagnosis. Due to the complexity of 'real' biological fluids and other multicomponent systems, a comprehensive understanding of pattern formation during droplet evaporation of these fluids is lacking. In this PhD dissertation, the morphology of the patterns remaining after evaporation of droplets of a simplified model biological fluid (aqueous lysozyme solutions + NaCl) are examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy. Lysozyme is a globular protein found in high concentration, for example, in human tears and saliva. The drop diameters, D, studied range from the micro- to the macro- scale (1 microm -- 2 mm). In this work, the effect of evaporation conditions, solution chemistry, and heat transfer within the droplet on pattern formation is examined. In micro-scale deposits of aqueous lysozyme solutions (1 microm < D < 50 microm), the protein motion and the resulting dried residue morphology are highly influenced by the decreased evaporation time of the drop. The effect of electrolytes on pattern formation is also investigated by adding varying concentrations NaCl to the lysozyme solutions. Finally, a novel pattern recognition program is described and implemented which classifies deposit images by their solution chemistries. The results presented in this PhD dissertation provide insight into the evaporative behavior and pattern formation in droplets of simplified model biological fluids (aqueous lysozyme + NaCl). The patterns that form depend sensitively on the evaporation conditions, characteristic time and length scales, and the physiochemical properties of the solutions. The patterns are unique, dependent on solution chemistry, and may therefore act as a "fingerprint" in identifying fluid properties.
Two-dimensional patterning of colloidal crystals by means of lateral autocloning in edge-patterned cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emoto, Akira; Kamei, Tadayoshi; Shioda, Tatsutoshi; Kawatsuki, Nobuhiro; Ono, Hiroshi

2009-06-01

We report the experimental results of two-dimensional patterning of colloidal crystals using edge-patterned cells. Solvent evaporation of a colloidal suspension from the edge of the cell induces self-organized crystallization of spherical colloidal particles. From a reservoir of colloidal suspension in the cell, different colloidal suspensions are injected repetitively. An edge-patterned substrate is introduced into the cell as an upper substrate. As a result, different colloidal crystals are alternately stacked in the lateral direction according to the edge pattern. The characteristics of cloning formation are specifically showed including deformations from the original pattern. This two-dimensional patterning of three-dimensional colloidal crystals by means of lateral autocloning is promising for the development of photonic crystal arrays for use in optic and photonic devices.
Time-resolved forward-light-scattering monitoring of protein–lysozyme aggregation in precrystalline solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wakamatsu, Takashi; Onoda, Takashi; Ogata, Makoto

2018-05-01

An in situ measurement method of monitoring protein aggregation in precrystalline solutions is presented. The method is based on a small-angle forward static light scattering (F-SLS) technique. This technique uses an accurate optical arrangement of a combination of a collimating lens and a CCD to obtain an F-SLS pattern from an aggregate-containing protein solution in one shot. The real-time observation of a crystallizing lysozyme captured the formation of fractal aggregates in the initial formation stage.
Recurrent noise-induced phase singularities in drifting patterns.

PubMed

Clerc, M G; Coulibaly, S; del Campo, F; Garcia-Nustes, M A; Louvergneaux, E; Wilson, M

2015-11-01

We show that the key ingredients for creating recurrent traveling spatial phase defects in drifting patterns are a noise-sustained structure regime together with the vicinity of a phase transition, that is, a spatial region where the control parameter lies close to the threshold for pattern formation. They both generate specific favorable initial conditions for local spatial gradients, phase, and/or amplitude. Predictions from the stochastic convective Ginzburg-Landau equation with real coefficients agree quite well with experiments carried out on a Kerr medium submitted to shifted optical feedback that evidence noise-induced traveling phase slips and vortex phase-singularities.

Ecdysone-dependent and ecdysone-independent programmed cell death in the developing optic lobe of Drosophila.

PubMed

Hara, Yusuke; Hirai, Keiichiro; Togane, Yu; Akagawa, Hiromi; Iwabuchi, Kikuo; Tsujimura, Hidenobu

2013-02-01

The adult optic lobe of Drosophila develops from the primordium during metamorphosis from mid-3rd larval stage to adult. Many cells die during development of the optic lobe with a peak of the number of dying cells at 24 h after puparium formation (h APF). Dying cells were observed in spatio-temporal specific clusters. Here, we analyzed the function of a component of the insect steroid hormone receptor, EcR, in this cell death. We examined expression patterns of two EcR isoforms, EcR-A and EcR-B1, in the optic lobe. Expression of each isoform altered during development in isoform-specific manner. EcR-B1 was not expressed in optic lobe neurons from 0 to 6h APF, but was expressed between 9 and 48 h APF and then disappeared by 60 h APF. In each cortex, its expression was stronger in older glia-ensheathed neurons than in younger ones. EcR-B1 was also expressed in some types of glia. EcR-A was expressed in optic lobe neurons and many types of glia from 0 to 60 h APF in a different pattern from EcR-B1. Then, we genetically analyzed EcR function in the optic lobe cell death. At 0 h APF, the optic lobe cell death was independent of any EcR isoforms. In contrast, EcR-B1 was required for most optic lobe cell death after 24 h APF. It was suggested that cell death cell-autonomously required EcR-B1 expressed after puparium formation. βFTZ-F1 was also involved in cell death in many dying-cell clusters, but not in some of them at 24 h APF. Altogether, the optic lobe cell death occurred in ecdysone-independent manner at prepupal stage and ecdysone-dependent manner after 24 h APF. The acquisition of ecdysone-dependence was not directly correlated with the initiation or increase of EcR-B1 expression. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Optical patterning of trapped charge in nitrogen-doped diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhomkar, Siddharth; Jayakumar, Harishankar; Pagliero, Daniela; Laraoui, Abdelghani; Albu, Remus; Manson, Neil; Doherty, Marcus; Henshaw, Jacob; Meriles, Carlos

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond is emerging as a promising platform for solid-state quantum information processing and nanoscale metrology. Of interest in these applications is the manipulation of the NV charge state, which can be attained by optical illumination. Here we use two-color optical microscopy to investigate the dynamics of NV photo-ionization, charge diffusion, and trapping in type-1b diamond. We combine fixed-point laser excitation and scanning fluorescence imaging to locally alter the concentration of negatively charged NVs and to subsequently probe the corresponding redistribution of charge. We uncover the formation of various spatial patterns of trapped charge, which we semi-quantitatively reproduce via a model of the interplay between photo-excited carriers and atomic defects in the diamond lattice. Further, by using the NV as a local probe, we map the relative fraction of positively charged nitrogen upon localized optical excitation. These observations may prove important to various technologies, including the transport of quantum information between remote NVs and the development of three-dimensional, charge-based memories. We acknowledge support from the National Science Foundation through Grant NSF-1314205.
Single laser beam of spatial coherence from an array of GaAs lasers - Free-running mode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Philipp-Rutz, E. M.

1975-01-01

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

PubMed

Tassin, Philippe; Van der Sande, Guy; Veretennicoff, Irina; Kockaert, Pascal; Tlidi, Mustapha

2009-05-25

We consider a degenerate optical parametric oscillator containing a left-handed material. We show that the inclusion of a left-handed material layer allows for controlling the strength and sign of the diffraction coefficient at either the pump or the signal frequency. Subsequently, we demonstrate the existence of stable dissipative structures without diffraction matching, i.e., without the usual relationship between the diffraction coefficients of the signal and pump fields. Finally, we investigate the size scaling of these light structures with decreasing diffraction strength.
Transmutation of skyrmions to half-solitons driven by the nonlinear optical spin Hall effect.

PubMed

Flayac, H; Solnyshkov, D D; Shelykh, I A; Malpuech, G

2013-01-04

We show that the spin domains, generated in the linear optical spin Hall effect by the analog of spin-orbit interaction for exciton polaritons, are associated with the formation of a Skyrmion lattice. In the nonlinear regime, the spin anisotropy of the polariton-polariton interactions results in a spatial compression of the domains and in a transmutation of the Skyrmions into oblique half-solitons. This phase transition is associated with both the focusing of the spin currents and the emergence of a strongly anisotropic emission pattern.
Spatial super-resolution of colored images by micro mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahan, Daniel; Yaacobi, Ami; Pinsky, Ephraim; Zalevsky, Zeev

2018-06-01

In this paper, we present two methods of dealing with the geometric resolution limit of color imaging sensors. It is possible to overcome the pixel size limit by adding a digital micro-mirror device component on the intermediate image plane of an optical system, and adapting its pattern in a computerized manner before sampling each frame. The full RGB image can be reconstructed from the Bayer camera by building a dedicated optical design, or by adjusting the demosaicing process to the special format of the enhanced image.
Photoinduced manipulation of the molecular assembly in heteroleptic titanium metal alkoxides for use in optical devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Zachary Vernon

The manipulation of molecular structures is an important enabling technology for future advances in nanotechnology. The ability to control the synthesis of nanostructured materials, such as the bond formation and geometry of a molecule is of great significance to nanoscience as nanosystems are constructed from these smaller units. Influencing the assembly of molecular structures at the early stages of material formation can modify the ensuing molecular aggregate structure with the potential for impact in a broad range of optical, chemical, and biological applications. Heteroleptic titanium metal alkoxides (OPy)2Ti(4MP)2 and (OPy)2Ti(TAP)2, where OPy = OC6H 6N, 4MP = OC6H4(SH)-4, and TAP = OC6H 2(CH2N(CH3)2)3-2,4,6 were investigated as precursors for thin film and solution-based synthesis of oxide materials via the photoactivation of intermolecular reactions (e.g. hydrolysis/condensation) at selected ligand sites about the metal center. Manipulation of the molecular structure of these photosensitive metal alkoxides was achieved through the use of optical irradiation parameters, such as the tuning of the excitation wavelength, total optical fluence, and pulse energy intensity. Irradiating these metal alkoxides with UV-light was seen to cause photodisruption in the ligand groups leading to the formation of Ti-O-Ti linking via hydrolysis and condensation reactions. In spin-coated (OPy)2Ti(TAP)2 films, these photoinduced bridge bond formations resulted in an increase in refractive index and film densification as well as produced an insoluble film when rinsed in pyridine. By making use of these photoinduced film properties, the formation of physical relief structures from spin-coated (OPy)2Ti(TAP) 2 films was demonstrated along with the ability to photopattern sub-micron and nanometer features. In addition, the micro- and nanostructure of thin films were optically manipulated through several deposition methods; a novel dip-coated in-situ photodeposition technique was utilized by illuminating at specific distances above the meniscus to further control the early stages of material formation due to changes in the mobility of the reactants from the evaporation and gravitational draining of the solvent. The ability to manipulate molecular development at the on-set of material formation through different deposition techniques and optical parameters allowed for the creation of several thin film optical devices, such as gratings, micro-optic lenslet arrays, and binary "on-off" patterned devices.
Long-lived monolithic micro-optics for multispectral GRIN applications.

PubMed

Lepicard, Antoine; Bondu, Flavie; Kang, Myungkoo; Sisken, Laura; Yadav, Anupama; Adamietz, Frederic; Rodriguez, Vincent; Richardson, Kathleen; Dussauze, Marc

2018-05-09

The potential for realizing robust, monolithic, near-surface refractive micro-optic elements with long-lived stability is demonstrated in visible and infrared transmitting glasses capable of use in dual band applications. Employing an enhanced understanding of glass chemistry and geometric control of mobile ion migration made possible with electrode patterning, flat, permanent, thermally-poled micro-optic structures have been produced and characterized. Sub-surface (t~5-10 µm) compositional and structural modification during the poling process results in formation of spatially-varying refractive index profiles, exhibiting induced Δn changes up to 5 × 10 -2 which remain stable for >15 months. The universality of this approach applied to monolithic vis-near infrared [NIR] oxide and NIR-midwave infrared [MIR] chalcogenide glass materials is demonstrated for the first time. Element size, shape and gradient profile variation possible through pattern design and fabrication is shown to enable a variety of design options not possible using other GRIN process methodologies.
Polymer-stabilized liquid crystalline topological defect network for micro-pixelated optical devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araoka, Fumito; Le, Khoa V.; Fujii, Shuji; Orihara, Hiroshi; Sasaki, Yuji

2018-02-01

Spatially and temporally controlled topological defects in nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) are promising for its potential in optical applications. Utilization of self-organization is a key to fabricate complex micro- and nano-structures which are often difficult to obtain by conventional lithographic tools. Using photo-polymerization technique, here we show a polymer-stabilized NLC having a micro-pixelated structure of regularly ordered umbilical defects which are induced by an electric field. Due to the formation of polymer network, the self-organized pattern is kept stable without deterioration. Moreover, the polymer network allows to template other LCs whose optical properties can be tuned with external stimuli such as temperature and electric fields.
Buckling as an origin of ordered cuticular patterns in flower petals

PubMed Central

Antoniou Kourounioti, Rea L.; Band, Leah R.; Fozard, John A.; Hampstead, Anthony; Lovrics, Anna; Moyroud, Edwige; Vignolini, Silvia; King, John R.; Jensen, Oliver E.; Glover, Beverley J.

2013-01-01

The optical properties of plant surfaces are strongly determined by the shape of epidermal cells and by the patterning of the cuticle on top of the cells. Combinations of particular cell shapes with particular nanoscale structures can generate a wide range of optical effects. Perhaps most notably, the development of ordered ridges of cuticle on top of flat petal cells can produce diffraction-grating-like structures. A diffraction grating is one of a number of mechanisms known to produce ‘structural colours’, which are more intense and pure than chemical colours and can appear iridescent. We explore the concept that mechanical buckling of the cuticle on the petal epidermis might explain the formation of cuticular ridges, using a theoretical model that accounts for the development of compressive stresses in the cuticle arising from competition between anisotropic expansion of epidermal cells and isotropic cuticle production. Model predictions rationalize cuticle patterns, including those with long-range order having the potential to generate iridescence, for a range of different flower species. PMID:23269848
Laser optical method of visualizing cutaneous blood vessels and its applications in biometry and photomedicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asimov, M. M.; Asimov, R. M.; Rubinov, A. N.

2011-05-01

We propose and examine a new approach to visualizing a local network of cutaneous blood vessels using laser optical methods for applications in biometry and photomedicine. Various optical schemes of the formation of biometrical information on the architecture of blood vessels of skin tissue are analyzed. We developed an optical model of the interaction of the laser radiation with the biological tissue and a mathematical algorithm of processing of measurement results. We show that, in medicine, the visualization of blood vessels makes it possible to calculate and determine regions of disturbance of blood microcirculation and to control tissue hypoxia, as well as to maintain the local concentration of oxygen at a level necessary for the normal cellular metabolism. We propose noninvasive optical methods for modern photomedicine and biometry for diagnostics and elimination of tissue hypoxia and for personality identification and verification via the pattern of cutaneous blood vessels.
Matter-wave solitons supported by quadrupole-quadrupole interactions and anisotropic discrete lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Rong-Xuan; Huang, Nan; Li, Huang-Wu; He, He-Xiang; Lü, Jian-Tao; Huang, Chun-Qing; Chen, Zhao-Pin

2018-04-01

We numerically and analytically investigate the formations and features of two-dimensional discrete Bose-Einstein condensate solitons, which are constructed by quadrupole-quadrupole interactional particles trapped in the tunable anisotropic discrete optical lattices. The square optical lattices in the model can be formed by two pairs of interfering plane waves with different intensities. Two hopping rates of the particles in the orthogonal directions are different, which gives rise to a linear anisotropic system. We find that if all of the pairs of dipole and anti-dipole are perpendicular to the lattice panel and the line connecting the dipole and anti-dipole which compose the quadrupole is parallel to horizontal direction, both the linear anisotropy and the nonlocal nonlinear one can strongly influence the formations of the solitons. There exist three patterns of stable solitons, namely horizontal elongation quasi-one-dimensional discrete solitons, disk-shape isotropic pattern solitons and vertical elongation quasi-continuous solitons. We systematically demonstrate the relationships of chemical potential, size and shape of the soliton with its total norm and vertical hopping rate and analytically reveal the linear dispersion relation for quasi-one-dimensional discrete solitons.
Phase-conjugate holographic lithography based on micromirror array recording.

PubMed

Lim, Yongjun; Hahn, Joonku; Lee, Byoungho

2011-12-01

We present phase-conjugate holographic lithography with a hologram recorded by a digital micromirror device (DMD) and a telecentric lens. In our lithography system, a phase-conjugate hologram is applied instead of conventional masks or reticles to form patterns. This method has the advantage of increasing focus range, and it is applicable to the formation of patterns on fairly uneven surfaces. The hologram pattern is dynamically generated by the DMD, and its resolution is mainly determined by the demagnification of the telecentric lens. We experimentally demonstrate that our holographic lithographic system has a large focus range, and it is feasible to make a large-area hologram by stitching each pattern generated by the DMD without a falling off in resolution. © 2011 Optical Society of America
Atmospheric tomography using a fringe pattern in the sodium layer.

PubMed

Baharav, Y; Ribak, E N; Shamir, J

1994-02-15

We wish to measure and separate the contribution of atmospheric turbulent layers for multiconjugate adaptive optics. To this end, we propose to create a periodic fringe pattern in the sodium layer and image it with a modified Hartmann sensor. Overlapping sections of the fringes are imaged by a lenslet array onto contiguous areas in a large-format camera. Low-layer turbulence causes an overall shift of the fringe pattern in each lenslet, and high-attitude turbulence results in internal deformations in the pattern. Parallel Fourier analysis permits separation of the atmospheric layers. Two mirrors, one conjugate to a ground layer and the other conjugate to a single high-altitude layer, are shown to widen the field of view significantly compared with existing methods.
[Expression of vimentin and GFAP and development of the retina in the trout].

PubMed

De Guevara, R; Pairault, C; Pinganaud, G

1994-08-01

The glial cell development was studied during the edification of the retina and the optic tract, in a teleost, the rainbow trout. The intermediate filament proteins, vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were visualized by an indirect immunohistochemical method. Results show that both vimentin and GFAP are early expressed in the developing retina and, particularly in the Müller cells, a coexpression of vimentin and GFAP is observed from embryonic to adult stages. The ganglion cell layer and the optic fiber layer both exhibit GFAP-positive structures. The deep staining for GFAP is also seen in the optic nerve and induces us to credit astrocyte-like cells with a leading role in the pattern formation of this tract.
Electric and magnetic field modulated energy dispersion, conductivity and optical response in double quantum wire with spin-orbit interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karaaslan, Y.; Gisi, B.; Sakiroglu, S.; Kasapoglu, E.; Sari, H.; Sokmen, I.

2018-02-01

We study the influence of electric field on the electronic energy band structure, zero-temperature ballistic conductivity and optical properties of double quantum wire. System described by double-well anharmonic confinement potential is exposed to a perpendicular magnetic field and Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions. Numerical results show up that the combined effects of internal and external agents cause the formation of crossing, anticrossing, camel-back/anomaly structures and the lateral, downward/upward shifts in the energy dispersion. The anomalies in the energy subbands give rise to the oscillation patterns in the ballistic conductance, and the energy shifts bring about the shift in the peak positions of optical absorption coefficients and refractive index changes.
Self-organization of neural tissue architectures from pluripotent stem cells.

PubMed

Karus, Michael; Blaess, Sandra; Brüstle, Oliver

2014-08-15

Despite being a subject of intensive research, the mechanisms underlying the formation of neural tissue architectures during development of the central nervous system remain largely enigmatic. So far, studies into neural pattern formation have been restricted mainly to animal experiments. With the advent of pluripotent stem cells it has become possible to explore early steps of nervous system development in vitro. These studies have unraveled a remarkable propensity of primitive neural cells to self-organize into primitive patterns such as neural tube-like rosettes in vitro. Data from more advanced 3D culture systems indicate that this intrinsic propensity for self-organization can even extend to the formation of complex architectures such as a multilayered cortical neuroepithelium or an entire optic cup. These novel experimental paradigms not only demonstrate the enormous self-organization capacity of neural stem cells, they also provide exciting prospects for studying the earliest steps of human neural tissue development and the pathogenesis of brain malformations in reductionist in vitro paradigms. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laser-induced erasable patterns in a N* liquid crystal on an iron doped lithium niobate surface.

PubMed

Habibpourmoghadam, Atefeh; Lucchetti, Liana; Evans, Dean R; Reshetnyak, Victor Y; Omairat, Faissal; Schafforz, Samuel L; Lorenz, Alexander

2017-10-16

A chiral nematic (N*) liquid crystal (LC) was hybridized with a z-cut iron doped lithium niobate (Fe:LN) substrate and exposed with a focused continuous wave diode laser beam. The N* LC layer was confined with a cover glass to provide a homogeneous LC layer thickness. Two distinct kinds of test cells were investigated, one with an uncoated glass covering slip and one with an indium tin oxide (ITO) coated cover glass. Photo generated electric fields (generated in the Fe:LN) resulted in a localized defect formation and textural transitions in the N* LC. Due to field confinement, the field induced responses were more localized in samples with ITO coated cover glasses. By scanning the laser beam on programmed trajectories, formation of persistent patterns could be achieved in the N* LC layer. Polarized optical microscopy of the exposed samples revealed that these patterns consisted of adjacent circular Frank-Pryce defects. Exposure with a slightly defocused laser beam could be applied selectively to erase these patterns. Thus, a promising method is reported to generate reconfigurable patterns, photonic motives, and touch sensitive devices in a hybridized N* LC with micron accuracy.
Laser processing for strengthening of the self-restoring metal-elastomer interface on a silicone sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuda, Kiyokazu

2012-08-01

A self-restoring microsystem is a unique concept which realizes the sensing functionality and robust interface which mechanically and electrically connects a deformable object such as a human body with printed electronic devices. For this purpose, the formation of conductive wiring on an elastomer substrate was attempted using the nickel ink printing process. Before the wiring process, surface patterning of a silicone sheet by a galvano-scanned infrared laser was conducted for the enhancement of interface adhesion of the metal deposit and polymer. Characterization of the fabricated pattern was conducted by optical microscopy. The novel method was successfully demonstrated as a fabrication of selective patterns of metal particles on self-restoring MEMS.
Chalcogenide phase-change thin films used as grayscale photolithography materials.

PubMed

Wang, Rui; Wei, Jingsong; Fan, Yongtao

2014-03-10

Chalcogenide phase-change thin films are used in many fields, such as optical information storage and solid-state memory. In this work, we present another application of chalcogenide phase-change thin films, i.e., as grayscale photolithgraphy materials. The grayscale patterns can be directly inscribed on the chalcogenide phase-change thin films by a single process through direct laser writing method. In grayscale photolithography, the laser pulse can induce the formation of bump structure, and the bump height and size can be precisely controlled by changing laser energy. Bumps with different height and size present different optical reflection and transmission spectra, leading to the different gray levels. For example, the continuous-tone grayscale images of lifelike bird and cat are successfully inscribed onto Sb(2)Te(3) chalcogenide phase-change thin films using a home-built laser direct writer, where the expression and appearance of the lifelike bird and cat are fully presented. This work provides a way to fabricate complicated grayscale patterns using laser-induced bump structures onto chalcogenide phase-change thin films, different from current techniques such as photolithography, electron beam lithography, and focused ion beam lithography. The ability to form grayscale patterns of chalcogenide phase-change thin films reveals many potential applications in high-resolution optical images for micro/nano image storage, microartworks, and grayscale photomasks.

Fluctuations and correlations in modulation instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solli, D. R.; Herink, G.; Jalali, B.; Ropers, C.

2012-07-01

Stochastically driven nonlinear processes are responsible for spontaneous pattern formation and instabilities in numerous natural and artificial systems, including well-known examples such as sand ripples, cloud formations, water waves, animal pigmentation and heart rhythms. Technologically, a type of such self-amplification drives free-electron lasers and optical supercontinuum sources whose radiation qualities, however, suffer from the stochastic origins. Through time-resolved observations, we identify intrinsic properties of these fluctuations that are hidden in ensemble measurements. We acquire single-shot spectra of modulation instability produced by laser pulses in glass fibre at megahertz real-time capture rates. The temporally confined nature of the gain physically limits the number of amplified modes, which form an antibunched arrangement as identified from a statistical analysis of the data. These dynamics provide an example of pattern competition and interaction in confined nonlinear systems.
Study of ZnO and Mg doped ZnO nanoparticles by sol-gel process

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

Ansari, Mohd Meenhaz, E-mail: meenhazphysics@gmail.com; Arshad, Mohd; Tripathi, Pushpendra

Nano-crystalline undoped and Mg doped ZnO (Mg-ZnO) nanoparticles with compositional formula Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}O (x=0,1,3,5,7,10 and 12 %) were synthesized using sol-gel process. The XRD diffraction peaks match with the pattern of the standard hexagonal structure of ZnO that reveals the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure in all samples. SEM images demonstrates clearly the formation of spherical ZnO nanoparticles, and change of the morphology of the nanoparticles with the concentration of the magnesium, which is in close agreement with that estimated by Scherer formula based on the XRD pattern. To investigate the doping effect on optical properties, the UV–VIS absorptionmore » spectra was obtained and the band gap of the samples calculated.« less
Morphological, compositional, and geometrical transients of V-groove quantum wires formed during metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimastrodonato, Valeria; Pelucchi, Emanuele; Zestanakis, Panagiotis A.; Vvedensky, Dimitri D.

2013-07-01

We present a theoretical model of the formation of self-limited (Al)GaAs quantum wires within V-grooves on GaAs(001) substrates during metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy. We identify the facet-dependent rates of the kinetic processes responsible for the formation of the self-limiting profile, which is accompanied by Ga segregation along the axis perpendicular to the bottom of the original template, and analyze their interplay with the facet geometry in the transient regime. A reduced model is adopted for the evolution of the patterned profile, as determined by the angle between the different crystallographic planes as a function of the growth conditions. Our results provide a comprehensive phenomenological understanding of the self-ordering mechanism on patterned surfaces which can be harnessed for designing the quantum optical properties of low-dimensional systems.
The diffractionator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaskill, Jack D.; Curtis, Craig H.

1995-10-01

Physical demonstrations of diffraction and image formation for educational purposes have long been hampered by limitations of equipment and viewing facilities: it has usually been possible to demonstrate diffraction and image formation for only a few simple apertures or objects; it has often been time consuming to set up the optical bench used for the demonstration and difficult to keep it aligned; a darkened demonstration room has normally been required; and, it has usually been possible for only small groups of people to view the diffraction patterns and images. In 1990, the Optical Sciences Center was awarded an AT&T Special Purpose Grant to construct a device that would allow diffraction and image formation demonstrations to be conducted while avoiding the limitations noted above. This device, which was completed in the fall of 1992 and is affectionately called 'The Defractionator', makes use of video technology to permit demonstrations of diffraction, image formation and spatial filtering for large audiences in regular classrooms or auditoria. In addition, video tapes of the demonstrations can be recorded for viewing at sites where use of the actual demonstrator is inconvenient. A description of the system will be given, and video tapes will be used to display previously recorded diffraction phenomena and spatial filtering demonstrations.
Milligram-per-second femtosecond laser production of Se nanoparticle inks and ink-jet printing of nanophotonic 2D-patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ionin, Andrey; Ivanova, Anastasia; Khmel'nitskii, Roman; Klevkov, Yury; Kudryashov, Sergey; Mel'nik, Nikolay; Nastulyavichus, Alena; Rudenko, Andrey; Saraeva, Irina; Smirnov, Nikita; Zayarny, Dmitry; Baranov, Anatoly; Kirilenko, Demid; Brunkov, Pavel; Shakhmin, Alexander

2018-04-01

Milligram-per-second production of selenium nanoparticles in water sols was realized through 7-W, 2 MHz-rate femtosecond laser ablation of a crystalline trigonal selenium pellet. High-yield particle formation mechanism and ultimate mass-removal yield were elucidated by optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy characterization of the corresponding crater depths and topographies. Deposited selenium particles were inspected by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, while their hydrosols (nanoinks) were characterized by optical transmission, Raman and dynamic light scattering spectroscopy. 2D patterns and coatings were ink-jet printed on thin supported silver films and their bare silica glass substrates, as well as on IR-transparent CaF2 substrates, and characterized by electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and broadband (vis-mid IR) transmission spectroscopy, exhibiting crystalline selenium nanoparticles with high refractive index as promising all-dielectric sensing building nanoblocks in nanophotonics.
Image-plane processing of visual information

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huck, F. O.; Fales, C. L.; Park, S. K.; Samms, R. W.

1984-01-01

Shannon's theory of information is used to optimize the optical design of sensor-array imaging systems which use neighborhood image-plane signal processing for enhancing edges and compressing dynamic range during image formation. The resultant edge-enhancement, or band-pass-filter, response is found to be very similar to that of human vision. Comparisons of traits in human vision with results from information theory suggest that: (1) Image-plane processing, like preprocessing in human vision, can improve visual information acquisition for pattern recognition when resolving power, sensitivity, and dynamic range are constrained. Improvements include reduced sensitivity to changes in lighter levels, reduced signal dynamic range, reduced data transmission and processing, and reduced aliasing and photosensor noise degradation. (2) Information content can be an appropriate figure of merit for optimizing the optical design of imaging systems when visual information is acquired for pattern recognition. The design trade-offs involve spatial response, sensitivity, and sampling interval.
Optical Pattern Recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Francis T. S.; Jutamulia, Suganda

2008-10-01

Contributors; Preface; 1. Pattern recognition with optics Francis T. S. Yu and Don A. Gregory; 2. Hybrid neural networks for nonlinear pattern recognition Taiwei Lu; 3. Wavelets, optics, and pattern recognition Yao Li and Yunglong Sheng; 4. Applications of the fractional Fourier transform to optical pattern recognition David Mendlovic, Zeev Zalesky and Haldum M. Oxaktas; 5. Optical implementation of mathematical morphology Tien-Hsin Chao; 6. Nonlinear optical correlators with improved discrimination capability for object location and recognition Leonid P. Yaroslavsky; 7. Distortion-invariant quadratic filters Gregory Gheen; 8. Composite filter synthesis as applied to pattern recognition Shizhou Yin and Guowen Lu; 9. Iterative procedures in electro-optical pattern recognition Joseph Shamir; 10. Optoelectronic hybrid system for three-dimensional object pattern recognition Guoguang Mu, Mingzhe Lu and Ying Sun; 11. Applications of photrefractive devices in optical pattern recognition Ziangyang Yang; 12. Optical pattern recognition with microlasers Eung-Gi Paek; 13. Optical properties and applications of bacteriorhodopsin Q. Wang Song and Yu-He Zhang; 14. Liquid-crystal spatial light modulators Aris Tanone and Suganda Jutamulia; 15. Representations of fully complex functions on real-time spatial light modulators Robert W. Cohn and Laurence G. Hassbrook; Index.
Fine pattern replication on 10 x 10-mm exposure area using ETS-1 laboratory tool in HIT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamamoto, K.; Watanabe, Takeo; Hada, Hideo; Komano, Hiroshi; Kishimura, Shinji; Okazaki, Shinji; Kinoshita, Hiroo

2002-07-01

Utilizing ETS-1 laboratory tool in Himeji Institute of Technology (HIT), as for the fine pattern replicated by using the Cr mask in static exposure, it is replicated in the exposure area of 10 mm by 2 mm in size that the line and space pattern width of 60 nm, the isolated line pattern width of 40 nm, and hole pattern width of 150 nm. According to the synchronous scanning of the mass and wafer with EUVL laboratory tool with reduction optical system which consisted of three-aspherical-mirror in the NewSUBARU facilities succeeded in the line of 60 nm and the space pattern formation in the exposure region of 10mm by 10mm. From the result of exposure characteristics for positive- tone resist for KrF and EB, KrF chemically amplified resist has better characteristics than EB chemically amplified resist.
Zebrafish blowout provides genetic evidence for Patched1-mediated negative regulation of Hedgehog signaling within the proximal optic vesicle of the vertebrate eye.

PubMed

Lee, Jiwoon; Willer, Jason R; Willer, Gregory B; Smith, Kierann; Gregg, Ronald G; Gross, Jeffrey M

2008-07-01

In this study, we have characterized the ocular defects in the recessive zebrafish mutant blowout that presents with a variably penetrant coloboma phenotype. blowout mutants develop unilateral or bilateral colobomas and as a result, the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium are not contained within the optic cup. Colobomas result from defects in optic stalk morphogenesis whereby the optic stalk extends into the retina and impedes the lateral edges of the choroid fissure from meeting and fusing. The expression domain of the proximal optic vesicle marker pax2a is expanded in blowout at the expense of the distal optic vesicle marker pax6, suggesting that the initial patterning of the optic vesicle into proximal and distal territories is disrupted in blowout. Later aspects of distal optic cup formation (i.e. retina development) are normal in blowout mutants, however. Positional cloning of blowout identified a nonsense mutation in patched1, a negative regulator of the Hedgehog pathway, as the underlying cause of the blowout phenotype. Expanded domains of expression of the Hedgehog target genes patched1 and patched2 were observed in blowout, consistent with a loss of Patched1 function and upregulation of Hedgehog pathway activity. Moreover, colobomas in blowout could be suppressed by pharmacologically inhibiting the Hedgehog pathway with cyclopamine, and maximal rescue occurred when embryos were exposed to cyclopamine between 5.5 and 13 hours post-fertilization. These observations highlight the critical role that Hedgehog pathway activity plays in mediating patterning of the proximal/distal axis of the optic vesicle during the early phases of eye development and they provide genetic confirmation for the integral role that patched1-mediated negative regulation of Hedgehog signaling plays during vertebrate eye development.
Zebrafish blowout provides genetic evidence for Patched1 mediated negative regulation of Hedgehog signaling within the proximal optic vesicle of the vertebrate eye

PubMed Central

Lee, Jiwoon; Willer, Jason R.; Willer, Gregory B.; Smith, Kierann; Gregg, Ronald G.; Gross, Jeffrey M.

2008-01-01

In this study we have characterized the ocular defects in the recessive zebrafish mutant blowout that presents with a variably penetrant coloboma phenotype. blowout mutants develop unilateral or bilateral colobomas and as a result, the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium are not contained within the optic cup. Colobomas result from defects in optic stalk morphogenesis whereby the optic stalk extends into the retina and impedes the lateral edges of the choroid fissure from meeting and fusing. The expression domain of the proximal optic vesicle marker pax2a is expanded in blowout at the expense of the distal optic vesicle marker pax6, suggesting that the initial patterning of the optic vesicle into proximal and distal territories is disrupted in blowout. Later aspects of distal optic cup formation (i.e. retina development) are normal in blowout mutants, however. Positional cloning of blowout identified a nonsense mutation in patched1, a negative regulator of the Hedgehog pathway, as the underlying cause of the blowout phenotype. Expanded domains of expression of the Hedgehog target genes patched1 and patched2 were observed in blowout, consistent with a loss of Patched1 function and upregulation of Hedgehog pathway activity. Moreover, colobomas in blowout could be suppressed by pharmacologically inhibiting the Hedgehog pathway with cyclopamine, and maximal rescue occurred when embryos were exposed to cyclopamine between 5.5 and 13 hours post fertilization. These observations highlight the critical role that Hedgehog pathway activity plays in mediating patterning of the proximal/distal axis of the optic vesicle during the early phases of eye development and they provide genetic confirmation for the integral role that patched1-mediated negative regulation of Hedgehog signaling plays during vertebrate eye development. PMID:18479681
Assessment of hemodynamics of intracranial aneurysms using Doppler optical coherence tomography in patient specific phantoms: preliminary results (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramjist, Joel M.; Jivraj, Jamil; Barrows, Dexter; Vuong, Barry; Wong, Ronnie; Yang, Victor X. D.

2017-02-01

Intracranial aneurysms affect a large number of individuals every year. Changes to hemodynamics are thought to be a crucial factor in the initial formation and enlargement of intracranial aneurysms. Previously, surgical clipping - an open an invasive procedure, was the standard of care. More recently, minimally invasive, catheter based therapies, specifically stenting and coiling, has been employed for treatment as it is less invasive and poses fewer overall risks. However, these treatments can further alter hemodynamic patterns of patients, affecting efficacy and prognosis. Doppler optical coherence tomography (DOCT) has shown to be useful for the evaluation of changes to hemodynamic patterns in various vascular pathologies, and intravascular DOCT may provide useful insight in the evaluation and changes to hemodynamic patterns before and during the treatment of aneurysms. In this study, we present preliminary results of DOCT imaging used in three patient-specific aneurysm phantoms located within the Circle of Willis both pre and post-treatment. These results are compared with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and high-speed camera imaging for further interpretation and validation of results.
Active phase compensation system for fiber optic holography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mercer, Carolyn R.; Beheim, Glenn

1988-01-01

Fiber optic delivery systems promise to extend the application of holography to severe environments by simplifying test configurations and permitting the laser to be remotely placed in a more benign location. However, the introduction of optical fiber leads to phase stability problems. Environmental effects cause the pathlengths of the fibers to change randomly, preventing the formation of stationary interference patterns which are required for holography. An active phase control system has been designed and used with an all-fiber optical system to stabilize the phase difference between light emitted from two fibers, and to step the phase difference by 90 deg without applying any constraints on the placement of the fibers. The accuracy of the phase steps is shown to be better than 0.02 deg., and a stable phase difference can be maintained for 30 min. This system can be applied to both conventional and electro-optic holography, as well as to any system where the maintenance of an accurate phase difference between two coherent beams is required.
Active phase compensation system for fiber optic holography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mercer, Carolyn R.; Beheim, Glenn

1989-01-01

Fiber optic delivery systems promise to extend the application of holography to severe environments by simplifying test configurations and permitting the laser to be remotely placed in a more benign location. However, the introduction of optical fiber leads to phase stability problems. Environmental effects cause the pathlengths of the fibers to change randomly, preventing the formation of stationary interference patterns which are required for holography. An active phase control system has been designed and used with an all-fiber optical system to stabilize the phase difference between light emitted from two fibers, and to step the phase difference by 90 deg without applying any constraints on the placement of the fibers. The accuracy of the phase steps is shown to be better than 0.02 deg., and a stable phase difference can be maintained for 30 min. This system can be applied to both conventional and electro-optic holography, as well as to any system where the maintenance of an accurate phase difference between two coherent beams is required.
Bond length (Ti-O) dependence of nano ATO3-based (A = Pb, Ba, Sr) perovskite structures: Optical investigation in IR range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghasemifard, Mahdi; Ghamari, Misagh; Okay, Cengiz

2018-01-01

In the current study, ABO3 (A = Pb, Ba, Sr and B = Ti) perovskite structures are produced by the auto-combustion route by using citric acid (CA) and nitric acid (NA) as fuel and oxidizer. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the perovskite nanostructure with cubic, tetragonal, and rhombohedral for SrTiO3, PbTiO3, and BaTiO3, respectively. Using Scherrer’s equation and XRD pattern, the average crystallite size of the samples were acquired. The effect of Ti-O bond length on the structure of the samples was evaluated. The type of structures obtained depends on Ti-O bond length which is in turn influenced by A2+ substitutions. Microstructural studies of nanostructures calcined at 850∘C confirmed the formation of polyhedral particles with a narrow size distribution. The values of optical band gaps were measured and the impact of A2+ was discussed. The optical properties such as the complex refractive index and dielectric function were calculated by IR spectroscopy and Kramers-Kronig (K-K) relations. Lead, as the element with the highest density as compared to other elements, changes the optical constants, remarkably due to altering titanium and oxygen distance in TO6 groups.
The effect of fringe fields from patterned magnetic domains on the electroluminescence of organic light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harmon, Nicholas J.; Wohlgennant, Markus; Flatté, Michael E.

2016-10-01

Large magnetic field effects, either in conduction or luminescence, have been observed in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for over a decade now. The physical processes are largely understood when exciton formation and recombination lead to the magnetic field effects. Recently, magnetic field effects in some co-evaporated blends have shown that exciplexes deliver even larger responses. In either case, the magnetic field effects arise from some spin-mixing mechanism and spin-selective processes in either the exciton formation or the exciplex recombination. Precise control of light output is not possible when the spin mixing is either due to hyper-fine fields or differences in the Lande g-factor. We theoretically examine the optical output when a patterned magnetic film is deposited near the OLED. The fringe fields from the magnetic layers supply an additionally source of spin mixing that can be easily controlled. In the absence of other spin mixing mechanisms, the luminescence from exciplexes can be modified by 300%. When other spin-mixing mechanisms are present, fringe fields from remanent magnetic states act as a means to either boost or reduce light emission from those mechanisms. Lastly, we examine the influence of spin decoherence on the optical output.
Near-infrared image formation and processing for the extraction of hand veins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouzida, Nabila; Hakim Bendada, Abdel; Maldague, Xavier P.

2010-10-01

The main objective of this work is to extract the hand vein network using a non-invasive technique in the near-infrared region (NIR). The visualization of the veins is based on a relevant feature of the blood in relation with certain wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the present paper, we first introduce the image formation in the NIR spectral band. Then, the acquisition system will be presented as well as the method used for the image processing in order to extract the vein signature. Extractions of this pattern on the finger, on the wrist and on the dorsal hand are achieved after exposing the hand to an optical stimulation by reflection or transmission of light. We present meaningful results of the extracted vein pattern demonstrating the utility of the method for a clinical application like the diagnosis of vein disease, of primitive varicose vein and also for applications in vein biometrics.
The wire optical test: a thorough analytical study in and out of caustic surface, and advantages of a dynamical adaptation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alejandro Juárez-Reyes, Salvador; Sosa-Sánchez, Citlalli Teresa; Silva-Ortigoza, Gilberto; de Jesús Cabrera-Rosas, Omar; Espíndola-Ramos, Ernesto; Ortega-Vidals, Paula

2018-03-01

Among the best known non-interferometric optical tests are the wire test, the Foucault test and Ronchi test with a low frequency grating. Since the wire test is the seed to understand the other ones, the aim of the present work is to do a thorough study of this test for a lens with symmetry of revolution and to do this study for any configuration of the object and detection planes where both planes could intersect: two, one or no branches of the caustic region (including the marginal and paraxial foci). To this end, we calculated the vectorial representation for the caustic region, and we found the analytical expression for the pattern; we report that the analytical pattern explicitly depends on the magnitude of a branch of the caustic. With the analytical pattern we computed a set of simulations of a dynamical adaptation of the optical wire test. From those simulations, we have done a thorough analysis of the topological structure of the pattern; so we explain how the multiple image formation process and the image collapse process take place for each configuration, in particular, when both the wire and the detection planes are placed inside the caustic region, which has not been studied before. For the first time, we remark that not only the intersections of the object and detection planes with the caustic are important in the change of pattern topology; but also the projection of the intersection between the caustic and the object plane mapped onto the detection plane; and the virtual projection of the intersection between the caustic and the detection plane mapped onto the object plane. We present that for the new configurations of the optical system, the wire image is curves of the Tschirnhausen’s cubic, the piriform and the deformed eight-curve types.
SEM based overlay measurement between resist and buried patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Osamu; Okagawa, Yutaka; Hasumi, Kazuhisa; Shao, Chuanyu; Leray, Philippe; Lorusso, Gian; Baudemprez, Bart

2016-03-01

With the continuous shrink in pattern size and increased density, overlay control has become one of the most critical issues in semiconductor manufacturing. Recently, SEM based overlay of AEI (After Etch Inspection) wafer has been used for reference and optimization of optical overlay (both Image Based Overlay (IBO) and Diffraction Based Overlay (DBO)). Overlay measurement at AEI stage contributes monitor and forecast the yield after formation by etch and calibrate optical measurement tools. however those overlay value seems difficult directly for feedback to a scanner. Therefore, there is a clear need to have SEM based overlay measurements of ADI (After Develop Inspection) wafers in order to serve as reference for optical overlay and make necessary corrections before wafers go to etch. Furthermore, to make the corrections as accurate as possible, actual device like feature dimensions need to be measured post ADI. This device size measurement is very unique feature of CDSEM , which can be measured with smaller area. This is currently possible only with the CD-SEM. This device size measurement is very unique feature of CD-SEM , which can be measured with smaller area. In this study, we assess SEM based overlay measurement of ADI and AEI wafer by using a sample from an N10 process flow. First, we demonstrate SEM based overlay performance at AEI by using dual damascene process for Via 0 (V0) and metal 1 (M1) layer. We also discuss the overlay measurements between litho-etch-litho stages of a triple patterned M1 layer and double pattern V0. Second, to illustrate the complexities in image acquisition and measurement we will measure overlay between M1B resist and buried M1A-Hard mask trench. Finally, we will show how high accelerating voltage can detect buried pattern information by BSE (Back Scattering Electron). In this paper we discuss the merits of this method versus standard optical metrology based corrections.
Patterning at the 10 nanometer length scale using a strongly segregating block copolymer thin film and vapor phase infiltration of inorganic precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jonathan W.; Li, Zhaodong; Black, Charles T.; Sweat, Daniel P.; Wang, Xudong; Gopalan, Padma

2016-06-01

In this work, we demonstrate the use of self-assembled thin films of the cylinder-forming block copolymer poly(4-tert-butylstyrene-block-2-vinylpyridine) to pattern high density features at the 10 nm length scale. This material's large interaction parameter facilitates pattern formation in single-digit nanometer dimensions. This block copolymer's accessible order-disorder transition temperature allows thermal annealing to drive the assembly of ordered 2-vinylpyridine cylinders that can be selectively complexed with the organometallic precursor trimethylaluminum. This unique chemistry converts organic 2-vinylpyridine cylinders into alumina nanowires with diameters ranging from 8 to 11 nm, depending on the copolymer molecular weight. Graphoepitaxy of this block copolymer aligns and registers sub-12 nm diameter nanowires to larger-scale rectangular, curved, and circular features patterned by optical lithography. The alumina nanowires function as a robust hard mask to withstand the conditions required for patterning the underlying silicon by plasma etching. We conclude with a discussion of some of the challenges that arise with using block copolymers for patterning at sub-10 nm feature sizes.In this work, we demonstrate the use of self-assembled thin films of the cylinder-forming block copolymer poly(4-tert-butylstyrene-block-2-vinylpyridine) to pattern high density features at the 10 nm length scale. This material's large interaction parameter facilitates pattern formation in single-digit nanometer dimensions. This block copolymer's accessible order-disorder transition temperature allows thermal annealing to drive the assembly of ordered 2-vinylpyridine cylinders that can be selectively complexed with the organometallic precursor trimethylaluminum. This unique chemistry converts organic 2-vinylpyridine cylinders into alumina nanowires with diameters ranging from 8 to 11 nm, depending on the copolymer molecular weight. Graphoepitaxy of this block copolymer aligns and registers sub-12 nm diameter nanowires to larger-scale rectangular, curved, and circular features patterned by optical lithography. The alumina nanowires function as a robust hard mask to withstand the conditions required for patterning the underlying silicon by plasma etching. We conclude with a discussion of some of the challenges that arise with using block copolymers for patterning at sub-10 nm feature sizes. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01409g
Transparent Electrochemical Gratings from a Patterned Bistable Silver Mirror.

PubMed

Park, Chihyun; Na, Jongbeom; Han, Minsu; Kim, Eunkyoung

2017-07-25

Silver mirror patterns were formed reversibly on a polystyrene (PS)-patterned electrode to produce gratings through the electrochemical reduction of silver ions. The electrochemical gratings exhibited high transparency (T > 95%), similar to a see-through window, by matching the refractive index of the grating pattern with the surrounding medium. The gratings switch to a diffractive state upon the formation of a mirror pattern (T < 5%) with a high diffraction efficiency up to 40%, providing reversible diffractive gratings. The diffraction state was maintained in the voltage-off state (V-off) for 40 min, which demonstrated bistable reversible electrochemical grating (BREG) behavior. By carefully combining the BREGs through period matching, dual-color switching was achieved within the full color region, which exhibited three distinct optical switching states between -2.5, 0, and +2.5 V. The wide range of light tenability using the metallic BREGs developed herein enabled IR modulation, NIR light reflection, and on-demand heat transfer.

Spatio-temporal pattern of neuronal differentiation in the Drosophila visual system: A user’s guide to the dynamic morphology of the developing optic lobe

PubMed Central

Ngo, Kathy T.; Andrade, Ingrid; Hartenstein, Volker

2018-01-01

Visual information processing in animals with large image forming eyes is carried out in highly structured retinotopically ordered neuropils. Visual neuropils in Drosophila form the optic lobe, which consists of four serially arranged major subdivisions; the lamina, medulla, lobula and lobula plate; the latter three of these are further subdivided into multiple layers. The visual neuropils are formed by more than 100 different cell types, distributed and interconnected in an invariant highly regular pattern. This pattern relies on a protracted sequence of developmental steps, whereby different cell types are born at specific time points and nerve connections are formed in a tightly controlled sequence that has to be coordinated among the different visual neuropils. The developing fly visual system has become a highly regarded and widely studied paradigm to investigate the genetic mechanisms that control the formation of neural circuits. However, these studies are often made difficult by the complex and shifting patterns in which different types of neurons and their connections are distributed throughout development. In the present paper we have reconstructed the three-dimensional architecture of the Drosophila optic lobe from the early larva to the adult. Based on specific markers, we were able to distinguish the populations of progenitors of the four optic neuropils and map the neurons and their connections. Our paper presents sets of annotated confocal z-projections and animated 3D digital models of these structures for representative stages. The data reveal the temporally coordinated growth of the optic neuropils, and clarify how the position and orientation of the neuropils and interconnecting tracts (inner and outer optic chiasm) changes over time. Finally, we have analyzed the emergence of the discrete layers of the medulla and lobula complex using the same markers (DN-cadherin, Brp) employed to systematically explore the structure and development of the central brain neuropil. Our work will facilitate experimental studies of the molecular mechanisms regulating neuronal fate and connectivity in the fly visual system, which bears many fundamental similarities with the retina of vertebrates. PMID:28533086
Soft Lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Younan; Whitesides, George M.

1998-08-01

Soft lithography represents a non-photolithographic strategy based on selfassembly and replica molding for carrying out micro- and nanofabrication. It provides a convenient, effective, and low-cost method for the formation and manufacturing of micro- and nanostructures. In soft lithography, an elastomeric stamp with patterned relief structures on its surface is used to generate patterns and structures with feature sizes ranging from 30 nm to 100 mum. Five techniques have been demonstrated: microcontact printing (muCP), replica molding (REM), microtransfer molding (muTM), micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC), and solvent-assisted micromolding (SAMIM). In this chapter we discuss the procedures for these techniques and their applications in micro- and nanofabrication, surface chemistry, materials science, optics, MEMS, and microelectronics.
Characteristic time scales of coalescence of silver nanocomposite and nanoparticle films induced by continuous wave laser irradiation

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

Paeng, Dongwoo; Grigoropoulos, Costas P., E-mail: cgrigoro@berkeley.edu; Lee, Daeho

2014-08-18

In-situ optical probing has been performed to analyze and compare the characteristic coalescence time scales of silver ion-doped polyvinylalcohol nanocomposite (Ag-PVA NC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped silver nanoparticle (Ag-PVP NP) films subjected to continuous wave laser irradiation. The Ag-PVA NC yielded conductive metallic patterns by photothermal reduction of PVA, formation of nanoparticles from silver ions and their subsequent coalescence. On the other hand, Ag-PVP NP thin films produced conductive patterns through only coalescence of nanoparticles. Upon laser irradiation, Ag-PVA NC and Ag-PVP NP films exhibited different coalescence characteristics.
Direct-patterned optical waveguides on amorphous silicon films

DOEpatents

Vernon, Steve; Bond, Tiziana C.; Bond, Steven W.; Pocha, Michael D.; Hau-Riege, Stefan

2005-08-02

An optical waveguide structure is formed by embedding a core material within a medium of lower refractive index, i.e. the cladding. The optical index of refraction of amorphous silicon (a-Si) and polycrystalline silicon (p-Si), in the wavelength range between about 1.2 and about 1.6 micrometers, differ by up to about 20%, with the amorphous phase having the larger index. Spatially selective laser crystallization of amorphous silicon provides a mechanism for controlling the spatial variation of the refractive index and for surrounding the amorphous regions with crystalline material. In cases where an amorphous silicon film is interposed between layers of low refractive index, for example, a structure comprised of a SiO.sub.2 substrate, a Si film and an SiO.sub.2 film, the formation of guided wave structures is particularly simple.
Basic Research of Intrinsic Tamper Indication Markings Defined by Pulsed Laser Irradiation (Quad Chart).

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

Moody, Neville R.

Objective: We will research how short (ns) and ultrashort (fs) laser pulses interact with the surfaces of various materials to create complex color layers and morphological patterns. Method: We are investigating the site-specific, formation of microcolor features. Also, research includes a fundamental study of the physics underlying periodic ripple formation during femtosecond laser irradiation. Status of effort: Laser induced color markings were demonstrated on an increased number of materials (including metal thin films) and investigated for optical properties and microstructure. Technology that allows for marking curved surfaces (and large areas) has been implemented. We have used electro-magnetic solvers to modelmore » light-solid interactions leading to periodic surface ripple patterns. This includes identifying the roles of surface plasmon polaritons. Goals/Milestones: Research corrosion resistance of oxide color markings (salt spray, fog, polarization tests); Through modeling, investigate effects of multi-source scattering and interference on ripple patterns; Investigate microspectrophotometry for mapping color; and Investigate new methods for laser color marking curved surfaces and large areas.« less
Formation of charge-nanopatterned templates with flexible geometry via layer by layer deposition of polyelectrolytes for directed self-assembly of gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sayin, Mustafa; Dahint, Reiner

2017-03-01

Nanostructure formation via self-assembly processes offers a fast and cost-effective approach to generate surface patterns on large lateral scale. In particular, if the high precision of lithographic techniques is not required, a situation typical of many biotechnological and biomedical applications, it may be considered as the method of choice as it does not require any sophisticated instrumentation. However, in many cases the variety and complexity of the surface structures accessible with a single self-assembly based technique is limited. Here, we report on a new approach which combines two different self-assembly strategies, colloidal lithography and layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes, in order to significantly expand the spectrum of accessible patterns. In particular, flat and donut-like charge-patterned templates have been generated, which facilitate subsequent deposition of gold nanoparticles in dot, grid, ring, out-of-ring and circular patch structures. Potential applications are e.g. in the fields of biofunctional interfaces with well-defined lateral dimensions, optical devices with tuned properties, and controlled three-dimensional material growth.
Reproducible nucleation sites for flux dendrites in MgB 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johansen, T. H.; Shantsev, D. V.; Olsen, Å. A. F.; Roussel, M.; Pan, A. V.; Dou, S. X.

2007-12-01

Magneto-optical imaging was used to study dendritic flux penetration in films of MgB 2. By repeating experiments under the same external conditions, reproducible features were seen in the pattern formation; dendrites tend to nucleate from fixed locations along the edge. However, their detailed structure deeper inside the film is never reproduced. The reproducibility in nucleation sites is explained as a result of edge roughness causing field hot spots.
Extrinsic curvature, geometric optics, and lamellar order on curved substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamien, Randall D.; Nelson, David R.; Santangelo, Christian D.; Vitelli, Vincenzo

2009-11-01

When thermal energies are weak, two-dimensional lamellar structures confined on a curved substrate display complex patterns arising from the competition between layer bending and compression in the presence of geometric constraints. We present broad design principles to engineer the geometry of the underlying substrate so that a desired lamellar pattern can be obtained by self-assembly. Two distinct physical effects are identified as key factors that contribute to the interaction between the shape of the underlying surface and the resulting lamellar morphology. The first is a local ordering field for the direction of each individual layer, which tends to minimize its curvature with respect to the three-dimensional embedding. The second is a nonlocal effect controlled by the intrinsic geometry of the surface that forces the normals to the (nearly incompressible) layers to lie on geodesics, leading to caustic formation as in optics. As a result, different surface morphologies with predominantly positive or negative Gaussian curvature can act as converging or diverging lenses, respectively. By combining these ingredients, as one would with different optical elements, complex lamellar morphologies can be obtained. This smectic optometry enables the manipulation of lamellar configurations for the design of materials.
A Study of Two Dwarf Irregular Galaxies with Asymmetrical Star Formation Distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunter, Deidre A.; Gallardo, Samavarti; Zhang, Hong-Xin; Adamo, Angela; Cook, David O.; Oh, Se-Heon; Elmegreen, Bruce G.; Kim, Hwihyun; Kahre, Lauren; Ubeda, Leonardo; Bright, Stacey N.; Ryon, Jenna E.; Fumagalli, Michele; Sacchi, Elena; Kennicutt, R. C.; Tosi, Monica; Dale, Daniel A.; Cignoni, Michele; Messa, Matteo; Grebel, Eva K.; Gouliermis, Dimitrios A.; Sabbi, Elena; Grasha, Kathryn; Gallagher, John S., III; Calzetti, Daniela; Lee, Janice C.

2018-03-01

Two dwarf irregular galaxies, DDO 187 and NGC 3738, exhibit a striking pattern of star formation: intense star formation is taking place in a large region occupying roughly half of the inner part of the optical galaxy. We use data on the H I distribution and kinematics and stellar images and colors to examine the properties of the environment in the high star formation rate (HSF) halves of the galaxies in comparison with the low star formation rate halves. We find that the pressure and gas density are higher on the HSF sides by 30%–70%. In addition we find in both galaxies that the H I velocity fields exhibit significant deviations from ordered rotation and there are large regions of high-velocity dispersion and multiple velocity components in the gas beyond the inner regions of the galaxies. The conditions in the HSF regions are likely the result of large-scale external processes affecting the internal environment of the galaxies and enabling the current star formation there.
Different foveal schisis patterns in each retinal layer in eyes with hereditary juvenile retinoschisis evaluated by en-face optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Yoshida-Uemura, Tomoyo; Katagiri, Satoshi; Yokoi, Tadashi; Nishina, Sachiko; Azuma, Noriyuki

2017-04-01

To analyze the structures of schisis in eyes with hereditary juvenile retinoschisis using en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed the medical records of patients with hereditary juvenile retinoschisis who underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations including swept-source OCT. OCT images were obtained from 16 eyes of nine boys (mean age ± standard deviation, 10.6 ± 4.0 years). The horizontal OCT images at the fovea showed inner nuclear layer (INL) schisis in one eye (6.3 %), ganglion cell layer (GCL) and INL schisis in 12 eyes (75.0 %), INL and outer plexiform layer (OPL) schisis in two eyes (12.5 %), and GCL, INL, and OPL schisis in one eye (6.3 %). En-face OCT images showed characteristic schisis patterns in each retinal layer, which were represented by multiple hyporeflective holes in the parafoveal region in the GCL, a spoke-like pattern in the foveal region, a reticular pattern in the parafoveal region in the INL, and multiple hyporeflective polygonal cavities with partitions in the OPL. Our results using en-face OCT imaging clarified different patterns of schisis formation among the GCL, INL, and OPL, which lead to further recognition of structure in hereditary juvenile retinoschisis.
Topological features of vector vortex beams perturbed with uniformly polarized light

PubMed Central

D’Errico, Alessio; Maffei, Maria; Piccirillo, Bruno; de Lisio, Corrado; Cardano, Filippo; Marrucci, Lorenzo

2017-01-01

Optical singularities manifesting at the center of vector vortex beams are unstable, since their topological charge is higher than the lowest value permitted by Maxwell’s equations. Inspired by conceptually similar phenomena occurring in the polarization pattern characterizing the skylight, we show how perturbations that break the symmetry of radially symmetric vector beams lead to the formation of a pair of fundamental and stable singularities, i.e. points of circular polarization. We prepare a superposition of a radial (or azimuthal) vector beam and a uniformly linearly polarized Gaussian beam; by varying the amplitudes of the two fields, we control the formation of pairs of these singular points and their spatial separation. We complete this study by applying the same analysis to vector vortex beams with higher topological charges, and by investigating the features that arise when increasing the intensity of the Gaussian term. Our results can find application in the context of singularimetry, where weak fields are measured by considering them as perturbations of unstable optical beams. PMID:28079134
Topological features of vector vortex beams perturbed with uniformly polarized light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Errico, Alessio; Maffei, Maria; Piccirillo, Bruno; de Lisio, Corrado; Cardano, Filippo; Marrucci, Lorenzo

2017-01-01

Optical singularities manifesting at the center of vector vortex beams are unstable, since their topological charge is higher than the lowest value permitted by Maxwell’s equations. Inspired by conceptually similar phenomena occurring in the polarization pattern characterizing the skylight, we show how perturbations that break the symmetry of radially symmetric vector beams lead to the formation of a pair of fundamental and stable singularities, i.e. points of circular polarization. We prepare a superposition of a radial (or azimuthal) vector beam and a uniformly linearly polarized Gaussian beam; by varying the amplitudes of the two fields, we control the formation of pairs of these singular points and their spatial separation. We complete this study by applying the same analysis to vector vortex beams with higher topological charges, and by investigating the features that arise when increasing the intensity of the Gaussian term. Our results can find application in the context of singularimetry, where weak fields are measured by considering them as perturbations of unstable optical beams.
Topological features of vector vortex beams perturbed with uniformly polarized light.

PubMed

D'Errico, Alessio; Maffei, Maria; Piccirillo, Bruno; de Lisio, Corrado; Cardano, Filippo; Marrucci, Lorenzo

2017-01-12

Optical singularities manifesting at the center of vector vortex beams are unstable, since their topological charge is higher than the lowest value permitted by Maxwell's equations. Inspired by conceptually similar phenomena occurring in the polarization pattern characterizing the skylight, we show how perturbations that break the symmetry of radially symmetric vector beams lead to the formation of a pair of fundamental and stable singularities, i.e. points of circular polarization. We prepare a superposition of a radial (or azimuthal) vector beam and a uniformly linearly polarized Gaussian beam; by varying the amplitudes of the two fields, we control the formation of pairs of these singular points and their spatial separation. We complete this study by applying the same analysis to vector vortex beams with higher topological charges, and by investigating the features that arise when increasing the intensity of the Gaussian term. Our results can find application in the context of singularimetry, where weak fields are measured by considering them as perturbations of unstable optical beams.
Bottom-up photonic crystal cavities formed by patterned III-V nanopillars.

PubMed

Scofield, Adam C; Shapiro, Joshua N; Lin, Andrew; Williams, Alex D; Wong, Ping-Show; Liang, Baolai L; Huffaker, Diana L

2011-06-08

We report on the formation and optical properties of bottom-up photonic crystal (PC) cavities formed by III-V nanopillars (NPs) via catalyst-free selective-area metal-organic chemical vapor deposition on masked GaAs substrates. This method of NP synthesis allows for precise lithographic control of NP position and diameter enabling simultaneous formation of both the photonic band gap (PBG) region and active gain region. The PBG and cavity resonance are determined by independently tuning the NP radius r, pitch a, and height h in the respective masked areas. Near-infrared emission at 970 nm is achieved from axial GaAs/InGaAs heterostructures with in situ passivation by laterally grown InGaP shells. To achieve out-of-plane optical confinement, the PC cavities are embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and removed from the growth substrate. Spatially and spectrally resolved 77 K photoluminescence demonstrates a strong influence of the PBG resonance on device emission. Resonant peaks are observed in the emission spectra of PC cavities embedded in PDMS.
The Role of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in Optic Disc and Stalk Morphogenesis

PubMed Central

Cai, Zhigang; Grobe, Kay; Zhang, Xin

2014-01-01

Background Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) are important for embryonic development via the regulation of gradient formation and signaling of multiple growth factors and morphogens. Previous studies have shown that Bmp/Shh/Fgf signaling are required for the regionalization of the optic vesicle (OV) and for the closure of the optic fissure (OF), the disturbance of which underlie ocular anomalies such as microphthalmia, coloboma and optic nerve hypoplasia. Results To study HSPG-dependent coordination of these signaling pathways during mammalian visual system development, we have generated a series of OV-specific mutations in the heparan sulfate (HS) N-sulfotransferase genes (Ndst1 and Ndst2) and HS O-sulfotransferase genes (Hs2st, Hs6st1 and Hs6st2) in mice. Interestingly, the resulting HS undersulfation still allowed for normal retinal neurogenesis and optic fissure closure, but led to defective optic disc and stalk development. The adult mutant animals further developed optic nerve aplasia/hypoplasia and displayed retinal degeneration. We observed that MAPK/ERK signaling was down-regulated in Ndst mutants, and consistent with this, HS-related optic nerve morphogenesis defects in mutant mice could partially be rescued by constitutive Kras activation. Conclusions These results suggest that HSPGs, depending on their HS sulfation pattern, regulate multiple signaling pathways in optic disc and stalk morphogenesis. PMID:24753163
Achieving pattern uniformity in plasmonic lithography by spatial frequency selection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Gaofeng; Chen, Xi; Zhao, Qing; Guo, L. Jay

2018-01-01

The effects of the surface roughness of thin films and defects on photomasks are investigated in two representative plasmonic lithography systems: thin silver film-based superlens and multilayer-based hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM). Superlens can replicate arbitrary patterns because of its broad evanescent wave passband, which also makes it inherently vulnerable to the roughness of the thin film and imperfections of the mask. On the other hand, the HMM system has spatial frequency filtering characteristics and its pattern formation is based on interference, producing uniform and stable periodic patterns. In this work, we show that the HMM system is more immune to such imperfections due to its function of spatial frequency selection. The analyses are further verified by an interference lithography system incorporating the photoresist layer as an optical waveguide to improve the aspect ratio of the pattern. It is concluded that a system capable of spatial frequency selection is a powerful method to produce deep-subwavelength periodic patterns with high degree of uniformity and fidelity.
Investigation on nonlinear optical properties of MoS2 nanoflakes grown on silicon and quartz substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayesteh, Samaneh; Zahra Mortazavi, Seyedeh; Reyhani, Ali

2018-05-01

In this study, MoS2 nanoflakes were directly grown on different substrates—Si/SiO2 and quartz—by one-step thermal chemical vapor deposition using MoO3 and sulfide powders as precursors. Scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction patterns demonstrated the formation of MoS2 structures on both substrates. Moreover, UV-visible and photoluminescence analysis confirmed the formation of MoS2 few-layer structures. According to Raman spectroscopy, by assessment of the line width and frequency shift differences between the and A 1g, it was inferred that the MoS2 grown on the silicon substrate was monolayer and that grown on the quartz substrate was multilayer. In addition, open-aperture and close-aperture Z-scan techniques were employed to study the nonlinear optical properties including nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refraction of the grown MoS2. All experiments were performed using a diode laser with a wavelength of 532 nm as the light source. It is noticeable that both samples demonstrate obvious self-defocusing behavior. The monolayer MoS2 grown on the silicon substrate displayed considerable two-photon absorption while, the multilayer MoS2 synthesized on the quartz exhibited saturable absorption. In general, few-layered MoS2 would be useful for the development of nanophotonic devices like optical limiters, optical switchers, etc.
Palm is expressed in both developing and adult mouse lens and retina

PubMed Central

Castellini, Meryl; Wolf, Louise V; Chauhan, Bharesh K; Galileo, Deni S; Kilimann, Manfred W; Cvekl, Ales; Duncan, Melinda K

2005-01-01

Background Paralemmin (Palm) is a prenyl-palmitoyl anchored membrane protein that can drive membrane and process formation in neurons. Earlier studies have shown brain preferred Palm expression, although this protein is a major water insoluble protein in chicken lens fiber cells and the Palm gene may be regulated by Pax6. Methods The expression profile of Palm protein in the embryonic, newborn and adult mouse eye as well as dissociated retinal neurons was determined by confocal immunofluorescence. The relative mRNA levels of Palm, Palmdelphin (PalmD) and paralemmin2 (Palm2) in the lens and retina were determined by real time rt-PCR. Results In the lens, Palm is already expressed at 9.5 dpc in the lens placode, and this expression is maintained in the lens vesicle throughout the formation of the adult lens. Palm is largely absent from the optic vesicle but is detectable at 10.5 dpc in the optic cup. In the developing retina, Palm expression transiently upregulates during the formation of optic nerve as well as in the formation of both the inner and outer plexiform layers. In short term dissociated chick retinal cultures, Palm protein is easily detectable, but the levels appear to reduce sharply as the cultures age. Palm mRNA was found at much higher levels relative to Palm2 or PalmD in both the retina and lens. Conclusion Palm is the major paralemmin family member expressed in the retina and lens and its expression in the retina transiently upregulates during active neurite outgrowth. The expression pattern of Palm in the eye is consistent with it being a Pax6 responsive gene. Since Palm is known to be able to drive membrane formation in brain neurons, it is possible that this molecule is crucial for the increase in membrane formation during lens fiber cell differentiation. PMID:15969763
Model of an axially strained weakly guiding optical fiber modal pattern

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egalon, Claudio O.; Rogowski, Robert S.

1992-01-01

Axial strain can be determined by monitoring the modal pattern variation of an optical fiber. The results of a numerical model developed to calculate the modal pattern variation at the end of a weakly guiding optical fiber under axial strain is presented. Whenever an optical fiber is under stress, the optical path length, the index of refraction, and the propagation constants of each fiber mode change. In consequence, the modal phase term for the fields and the fiber output pattern are also modified. For multimode fibers, very complicated patterns result. The predicted patterns are presented, and an expression for the phase variation with strain is derived.
Two-phase SLIPI for instantaneous LIF and Mie imaging of transient fuel sprays.

PubMed

Storch, Michael; Mishra, Yogeshwar Nath; Koegl, Matthias; Kristensson, Elias; Will, Stefan; Zigan, Lars; Berrocal, Edouard

2016-12-01

We report in this Letter a two-phase structured laser illumination planar imaging [two-pulse SLIPI (2p-SLIPI)] optical setup where the "lines structure" is spatially shifted by exploiting the birefringence property of a calcite crystal. By using this optical component and two cross-polarized laser pulses, the shift of the modulated pattern is not "time-limited" anymore. Consequently, two sub-images with spatially mismatched phases can be recorded within a few hundred of nanoseconds only, freezing the motion of the illuminated transient flow. In comparison with previous setups for instantaneous imaging based on structured illumination, the current optical design presents the advantage of having a single optical path, greatly simplifying its complexity. Due to its virtue of suppressing the effects from multiple light scattering, the 2p-SLIPI technique is applied here in an optically dense multi-jet direct-injection spark-ignition (DISI) ethanol spray. The fast formation of polydispersed droplets and appearance of voids after fuel injection are investigated by simultaneous detection of Mie scattering and liquid laser-induced fluorescence. The results allow for significantly improved analysis of the spray structure.

Structure formation of 5083 alloy during friction stir welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaikina, A. A.; Kolubaev, A. V.; Sizova, O. V.; Ivanov, K. V.; Filippov, A. V.; Kolubaev, E. A.

2017-12-01

This paper provides a comparative study of structures obtained by friction stir welding and sliding friction of 5083 Al alloy. Optical and electron microscopy reveals identical fine-grained structures with a grain size of ˜5 µm both in the weld nugget zone and subsurface layer in friction independently of the initial grain size of the alloy. It has been suggested that the grain boundary sliding is responsible for the specific material flow pattern in both techniques considered.
Electrophoretic mobility patterns of collagen following laser welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bass, Lawrence S.; Moazami, Nader; Pocsidio, Joanne O.; Oz, Mehmet C.; LoGerfo, Paul; Treat, Michael R.

1991-06-01

Clinical application of laser vascular anastomosis in inhibited by a lack of understanding of its mechanism. Whether tissue fusion results from covalent or non-covalent bonding of collagen and other structural proteins is unknown. We compared electrophoretic mobility of collagen in laser treated and untreated specimens of rat tail tendon (>90% type I collagen) and rabbit aorta. Welding was performed, using tissue shrinkage as the clinical endpoint, using the 808 nm diode laser (power density 14 watts/cm2) and topical indocyanine green dye (max absorption 805 nm). Collagen was extracted with 8 M urea (denaturing), 0.5 M acetic acid (non-denaturing) and acetic acid/pepsin (cleaves non- helical protein). Mobility patterns on gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) after urea or acetic acid extraction were identical in the lasered and control tendon and vessel (confirmed by optical densitometry), revealing no evidence of formation of novel covalent bonds. Alpha and beta band intensity was diminished in pepsin incubated lasered specimens compared with controls (optical density ratio 0.00 +/- 9 tendon, 0.65 +/- 0.12 aorta), indicating the presence of denatured collagen. With the laser parameters used, collagen is denatured without formation of covalent bonds, suggesting that non-covalent interaction between denatured collagen molecules may be responsible for the weld. Based on this mechanism, welding parameters can be chosen which produce collagen denaturation without cell death.
Dynamics of primary and secondary microbubbles created by laser-induced breakdown of an optically trapped nanoparticle

PubMed Central

Arita, Y.; Antkowiak, M.; Venugopalan, V.; Gunn-Moore, F. J.; Dholakia, K.

2012-01-01

Laser-induced breakdown of an optically trapped nanoparticle is a unique system for studying cavitation dynamics. It offers additional degrees of freedom, namely the nanoparticle material, its size, and the relative position between the laser focus and the center of the optically trapped nanoparticle. We quantify the spatial and temporal dynamics of the cavitation and secondary bubbles created in this system and use hydrodynamic modeling to quantify the observed dynamic shear stress of the expanding bubble. In the final stage of bubble collapse, we visualize the formation of multiple submicrometer secondary bubbles around the toroidal bubble on the substrate. We show that the pattern of the secondary bubbles typically has its circular symmetry broken along an axis whose unique angle rotates over time. This is a result of vorticity along the jet towards the boundary upon bubble collapse near solid boundaries. PMID:22400669
Optical properties of Y and Ti co-substituted BiFeO{sub 3} multiferroics

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

Singh, Vikash, E-mail: rk.dwivedi@jiit.ac.in; Sharma, Subhash, E-mail: rk.dwivedi@jiit.ac.in; Kumar, Manoj, E-mail: rk.dwivedi@jiit.ac.in

2014-04-24

Pure and co substituted Bi{sub 1−x}Y{sub x}Fe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} (x ≤ 0.24) ceramics were synthesized by solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction patterns of Y and Ti codoped samples have shown single phase formation. Increasing Y and Ti concentration reveals structural transition from rhombohedral phase (R3c) for x ≤ 0.16 to orthorhombic phase (Pnma) for x = 0.24. FT-IR spectra exhibit broad absorption bands, which may be due to the overlapping of Fe-O and Bi-O vibrations. UV-visible spectroscopy results show strong absorption of light in the spectral range of 400-720 nm, indicating optical band gap in the visible regionmore » for these samples. These interesting optical properties of co-substituted BFO samples in visible region may find potential applications in optoelectronic devices.« less
Direct optical detection of protein-ligand interactions.

PubMed

Gesellchen, Frank; Zimmermann, Bastian; Herberg, Friedrich W

2005-01-01

Direct optical detection provides an excellent means to investigate interactions of molecules in biological systems. The dynamic equilibria inherent to these systems can be described in greater detail by recording the kinetics of a biomolecular interaction. Optical biosensors allow direct detection of interaction patterns without the need for labeling. An overview covering several commercially available biosensors is given, with a focus on instruments based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and reflectometric interference spectroscopy (RIFS). Potential assay formats and experimental design, appropriate controls, and calibration procedures, especially when handling low molecular weight substances, are discussed. The single steps of an interaction analysis combined with practical tips for evaluation, data processing, and interpretation of kinetic data are described in detail. In a practical example, a step-by-step procedure for the analysis of a low molecular weight compound interaction with serum protein, determined on a commercial SPR sensor, is presented.
Coi-wiz: An interactive computer wizard for analyzing cardiac optical signals.

PubMed

Yuan, Xiaojing; Uyanik, Ilyas; Situ, Ning; Xi, Yutao; Cheng, Jie

2009-01-01

A number of revolutionary techniques have been developed for cardiac electrophysiology research to better study the various arrhythmia mechanisms that can enhance ablating strategies for cardiac arrhythmias. Once the three-dimensional high resolution cardiac optical imaging data is acquired, it is time consuming to manually go through them and try to identify the patterns associated with various arrhythmia symptoms. In this paper, we present an interactive computer wizard that helps cardiac electrophysiology researchers to visualize and analyze the high resolution cardiac optical imaging data. The wizard provides a file interface that accommodates different file formats. A series of analysis algorithms output waveforms, activation and action potential maps after spatial and temporal filtering, velocity field and heterogeneity measure. The interactive GUI allows the researcher to identify the region of interest in both the spatial and temporal domain, thus enabling them to study different heart chamber at their choice.
Capillary Assembly of Colloids: Interactions on Planar and Curved Interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Iris B.; Sharifi-Mood, Nima; Stebe, Kathleen J.

2018-03-01

In directed assembly, small building blocks are assembled into an organized structure under the influence of guiding fields. Capillary interactions provide a versatile route for structure formation. Colloids adsorbed on fluid interfaces distort the interface, which creates an associated energy field. When neighboring distortions overlap, colloids interact to minimize interfacial area. Contact line pinning, particle shape, and surface chemistry play important roles in structure formation. Interface curvature acts like an external field; particles migrate and assemble in patterns dictated by curvature gradients. We review basic analysis and recent findings in this rapidly evolving literature. Understanding the roles of assembly is essential for tuning the mechanical, physical, and optical properties of the structure.
Optical properties of PbS/PVP nanocomposites films

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

Patel, Mitesh H., E-mail: miteshpatel7204@gmail.com; Chaudhuri, Tapas K.; Patel, Vaibhav K.

2016-05-06

PbS/Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanocomposites films with different volume fraction of PbS have been deposited from single molecular precursors. X-ray diffraction patterns conforms the formation of PbS nanocrystals in PVP matrix. The transmission spectra of the films in the wavelength range of 300 to 2400 nm show the absorption edges are blue shifted due to formation of PbS Nanoparticles. The band gap determined are 2.4, 1.5 and 1.25 eV for PbS volume fraction of 8.5, 16, 27%, respectively. The corresponding refractive indices, n determined from Fresnel relation are 1.8, 2, and 2.35 which are in between that of PbS (4.2) and PVP (1.48).
Model of an axially strained weakly guiding optical fiber modal pattern

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egalon, Claudio O.; Rogowski, Robert S.

1991-01-01

Axial strain may be determined by monitoring the modal pattern variation of an optical fiber. In this paper we present the results of a numerical model that has been developed to calculate the modal pattern variation at the end of a weakly guiding optical fiber under axial strain. Whenever an optical fiber is under stress, the optical path length, the index of refraction and the propagation constants of each fiber mode change. In consequence, the modal phase term of the fields and the fiber output pattern are also modified. For multimode fibers, very complicated patterns result. The predicted patterns are presented, and an expression for the phase variation with strain is derived.
Extreme events and single-pulse spatial patterns observed in a self-pulsing all-solid-state laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonazzola, Carlos; Hnilo, Alejandro; Kovalsky, Marcelo; Tredicce, Jorge

2018-03-01

The passively Q -switched, self-pulsing all-solid-state laser is a device of widespread use in many applications. Depending on the condition of saturation of the absorber, which is easy to adjust, different dynamical regimes are observed: continuous-wave emission, stable oscillations, period doubling bifurcations, chaos, and, within some chaotic regimes, extreme events (EEs) in the form of pulses of extraordinary intensity. These pulses are sometimes called "dissipative optical rogue waves." The mechanism of their formation in this laser is unknown. Previous observations suggest they are caused by the interaction of a few transverse modes. Here we report a direct observation of the pulse-to-pulse evolution of the transverse pattern. In the periodical regimes, sequences of intensities are correlated with sequences of patterns. In the chaotic ones, a few different patterns alternate, and the EEs are related with even fewer ones. In addition, the series of patterns and the pulse intensities before and after an EE are markedly repetitive. These observations demonstrate that EEs follow a deterministic evolution, and that they can appear even in a system with few interacting modes. This information plays a crucial role for the development of a mathematical description of EEs in this laser. This would allow managing the formation of EE through control of chaos, which is of both academic and practical interest (laser rangefinder).
Extreme events and single-pulse spatial patterns observed in a self-pulsing all-solid-state laser.

PubMed

Bonazzola, Carlos; Hnilo, Alejandro; Kovalsky, Marcelo; Tredicce, Jorge

2018-03-01

The passively Q-switched, self-pulsing all-solid-state laser is a device of widespread use in many applications. Depending on the condition of saturation of the absorber, which is easy to adjust, different dynamical regimes are observed: continuous-wave emission, stable oscillations, period doubling bifurcations, chaos, and, within some chaotic regimes, extreme events (EEs) in the form of pulses of extraordinary intensity. These pulses are sometimes called "dissipative optical rogue waves." The mechanism of their formation in this laser is unknown. Previous observations suggest they are caused by the interaction of a few transverse modes. Here we report a direct observation of the pulse-to-pulse evolution of the transverse pattern. In the periodical regimes, sequences of intensities are correlated with sequences of patterns. In the chaotic ones, a few different patterns alternate, and the EEs are related with even fewer ones. In addition, the series of patterns and the pulse intensities before and after an EE are markedly repetitive. These observations demonstrate that EEs follow a deterministic evolution, and that they can appear even in a system with few interacting modes. This information plays a crucial role for the development of a mathematical description of EEs in this laser. This would allow managing the formation of EE through control of chaos, which is of both academic and practical interest (laser rangefinder).
Multi-photon lithography of 3D micro-structures in As2S3 and Ge5(As2Se3)95 chalcogenide glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwarz, Casey M.; Labh, Shreya; Barker, Jayk E.; Sapia, Ryan J.; Richardson, Gerald D.; Rivero-Baleine, Clara; Gleason, Benn; Richardson, Kathleen A.; Pogrebnyakov, Alexej; Mayer, Theresa S.; Kuebler, Stephen M.

2016-03-01

This work reports a detailed study of the processing and photo-patterning of two chalcogenide glasses (ChGs) - arsenic trisulfide (As2S3) and a new composition of germanium-doped arsenic triselenide Ge5(As2Se3)95 - as well as their use for creating functional optical structures. ChGs are materials with excellent infrared (IR) transparency, large index of refraction, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and low change in refractive index with temperature. These features make them well suited for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications including detectors, sensors, photonics, and acousto-optics. Photo-patternable films of As2S3 and Ge5(As2Se3)95 were prepared by thermally depositing the ChGs onto silicon substrates. For some As2S3 samples, an anti-reflection layer of arsenic triselenide (As2Se3) was first added to mitigate the effects of standing-wave interference during laser patterning. The ChG films were photo-patterned by multi-photon lithography (MPL) and then chemically etched to remove the unexposed material, leaving free-standing structures that were negative-tone replicas of the photo-pattern in networked-solid ChG. The chemical composition and refractive index of the unexposed and photo-exposed materials were examined using Raman spectroscopy and near-IR ellipsometry. Nano-structured arrays were photo-patterned and the resulting nano-structure morphology and chemical composition were characterized and correlated with the film compositions, conditions of thermal deposition, patterned irradiation, and etch processing. Photo-patterned Ge5(As2Se3)95 was found to be more resistant than As2S3 toward degradation by formation of surface oxides.
Non-ultraviolet-based patterning of polymer structures by optically induced electrohydrodynamic instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Feifei; Yu, Haibo; Liu, Na; Mai, John D.; Liu, Lianqing; Lee, Gwo-Bin; Jung Li, Wen

2013-11-01

We report here an approach to rapidly construct organized formations of micron-scale pillars from a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film by optically induced electrohydrodynamic instability (OEHI). In OEHI, a heterogeneous electric field is induced across two thin fluidic layers by stimulating a photoconductive thin film in a parallel-plate capacitor configuration with visible light. We demonstrated that this OEHI method could control nucleation sites of pillars formed by electrohydrodynamic instability. To investigate this phenomenon, a tangential electric force component is assumed to have arisen from the surface polarization charge and is introduced into the traditional perfect dielectric model for PDMS films. Numerical simulation results showed that this tangential electric force played an important role in OEHI.
Real Time Large Memory Optical Pattern Recognition.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-01

AD-Ri58 023 REAL TIME LARGE MEMORY OPTICAL PATTERN RECOGNITION(U) - h ARMY MISSILE COMMAND REDSTONE ARSENAL AL RESEARCH DIRECTORATE D A GREGORY JUN...TECHNICAL REPORT RR-84-9 Ln REAL TIME LARGE MEMORY OPTICAL PATTERN RECOGNITION Don A. Gregory Research Directorate US Army Missile Laboratory JUNE 1984 L...RR-84-9 , ___/_ _ __ _ __ _ __ _ __"__ _ 4. TITLE (and Subtitle) S. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED Real Time Large Memory Optical Pattern Technical
Effects of polymer surface energy on morphology and properties of silver nanowire fabricated via nanoimprint and E-beam evaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhi-Jun; Hwang, Soon Hyoung; Jeon, Sohee; Jung, Joo-Yun; Lee, Jihye; Choi, Dae-Geun; Choi, Jun-Hyuk; Park, Sang-Hu; Jeong, Jun-Ho

2017-10-01

In this paper, we demonstrate that use of different nanoimprint resins as a polymer pattern has a significant effect on the morphology of silver (Ag) nanowires deposited via an E-beam evaporator. RM-311 and Ormo-stamp resins are chosen as a polymer pattern to form a line with dimensions of width (100 nm) × space (100 nm) × height (120 nm) by using nanoimprint lithography (NIL). Their contact angles are then measured to evaluate their surface energies. In order to compare the properties of the Ag nanowires deposited on the various polymer patterns with different surface energies, hydrophobic surface treatment of the polymer pattern surface is implemented using self-assembled monolayers. In addition, gold and aluminum nanowires are fabricated for comparison with the Ag nanowires, with the differences in the nanowire morphologies being determined by the different atomic properties. The monocrystalline and polycrystalline structures of the various Ag nanowire formations are observed using transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the melting temperatures and optical properties of four kinds of Ag nanowire morphologies deposited on various polymer patterns are evaluated using a hot plate and an ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrometer, respectively. The results indicate that the morphology of the Ag nanowire determines the melting temperature and the transmission. We believe that these findings will greatly aid the development of NIL, along with physical evaporation and chemical deposition techniques, and will be widely employed in optics, biology, and surface wettability applications.
Phototropic growth control of nanoscale pattern formation in photoelectrodeposited Se–Te films

PubMed Central

Sadtler, Bryce; Burgos, Stanley P.; Batara, Nicolas A.; Beardslee, Joseph A.; Atwater, Harry A.; Lewis, Nathan S.

2013-01-01

Photoresponsive materials that adapt their morphologies, growth directions, and growth rates dynamically in response to the local incident electromagnetic field would provide a remarkable route to the synthesis of complex 3D mesostructures via feedback between illumination and the structure that develops under optical excitation. We report the spontaneous development of ordered, nanoscale lamellar patterns in electrodeposited selenium–tellurium (Se–Te) alloy films grown under noncoherent, uniform illumination on unpatterned substrates in an isotropic electrolyte solution. These inorganic nanostructures exhibited phototropic growth in which lamellar stripes grew toward the incident light source, adopted an orientation parallel to the light polarization direction with a period controlled by the illumination wavelength, and showed an increased growth rate with increasing light intensity. Furthermore, the patterns responded dynamically to changes during growth in the polarization, wavelength, and angle of the incident light, enabling the template-free and pattern-free synthesis, on a variety of substrates, of woodpile, spiral, branched, or zigzag structures, along with dynamically directed growth toward a noncoherent, uniform intensity light source. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations in combination with Monte Carlo growth simulations were used to model light–matter interactions in the Se–Te films and produced a model for the morphological evolution of the lamellar structures under phototropic growth conditions. The experiments and simulations are consistent with a phototropic growth mechanism in which the optical near-field intensity profile selects and reinforces the dominant morphological mode in the emergent nanoscale patterns. PMID:24218617
Phototropic growth control of nanoscale pattern formation in photoelectrodeposited Se-Te films.

PubMed

Sadtler, Bryce; Burgos, Stanley P; Batara, Nicolas A; Beardslee, Joseph A; Atwater, Harry A; Lewis, Nathan S

2013-12-03

Photoresponsive materials that adapt their morphologies, growth directions, and growth rates dynamically in response to the local incident electromagnetic field would provide a remarkable route to the synthesis of complex 3D mesostructures via feedback between illumination and the structure that develops under optical excitation. We report the spontaneous development of ordered, nanoscale lamellar patterns in electrodeposited selenium-tellurium (Se-Te) alloy films grown under noncoherent, uniform illumination on unpatterned substrates in an isotropic electrolyte solution. These inorganic nanostructures exhibited phototropic growth in which lamellar stripes grew toward the incident light source, adopted an orientation parallel to the light polarization direction with a period controlled by the illumination wavelength, and showed an increased growth rate with increasing light intensity. Furthermore, the patterns responded dynamically to changes during growth in the polarization, wavelength, and angle of the incident light, enabling the template-free and pattern-free synthesis, on a variety of substrates, of woodpile, spiral, branched, or zigzag structures, along with dynamically directed growth toward a noncoherent, uniform intensity light source. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations in combination with Monte Carlo growth simulations were used to model light-matter interactions in the Se-Te films and produced a model for the morphological evolution of the lamellar structures under phototropic growth conditions. The experiments and simulations are consistent with a phototropic growth mechanism in which the optical near-field intensity profile selects and reinforces the dominant morphological mode in the emergent nanoscale patterns.
Laser-induced speckle scatter patterns in Bacillus colonies

PubMed Central

Kim, Huisung; Singh, Atul K.; Bhunia, Arun K.; Bae, Euiwon

2014-01-01

Label-free bacterial colony phenotyping technology called BARDOT (Bacterial Rapid Detection using Optical scattering Technology) provided successful classification of several different bacteria at the genus, species, and serovar level. Recent experiments with colonies of Bacillus species provided strikingly different characteristics of elastic light scatter (ELS) patterns, which were comprised of random speckles compared to other bacteria, which are dominated by concentric rings and spokes. Since this laser-based optical sensor interrogates the whole volume of the colony, 3-D information of micro- and macro-structures are all encoded in the far-field scatter patterns. Here, we present a theoretical model explaining the underlying mechanism of the speckle formation by the colonies from Bacillus species. Except for Bacillus polymyxa, all Bacillus spp. produced random bright spots on the imaging plane, which presumably dependent on the cellular and molecular organization and content within the colony. Our scatter model-based analysis revealed that colony spread resulting in variable surface roughness can modify the wavefront of the scatter field. As the center diameter of the Bacillus spp. colony grew from 500 to 900 μm, average speckles area decreased two-fold and the number of small speckles increased seven-fold. In conclusion, as Bacillus colony grows, the average speckle size in the scatter pattern decreases and the number of smaller speckle increases due to the swarming growth characteristics of bacteria within the colony. PMID:25352840
Sensor for Boundary Shear Stress in Fluid Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bao, Xiaoqi; Badescu, Mircea; Sherrit, Stewart; Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Lih, Shyh-Shiuh; Chang, Zensheu; Trease, Brian P.; Kerenyi, Kornel; Widholm, Scott E.; Ostlund, Patrick N.

2012-01-01

The formation of scour patterns at bridge piers is driven by the forces at the boundary of the water flow. In most experimental scour studies, indirect processes have been applied to estimate the shear stress using measured velocity profiles. The estimations are based on theoretical models and associated assumptions. However, the turbulence flow fields and boundary layer in the pier-scour region are very complex and lead to low-fidelity results. In addition, available turbulence models cannot account accurately for the bed roughness effect. Direct measurement of the boundary shear stress, normal stress, and their fluctuations are attractive alternatives. However, most direct-measurement shear sensors are bulky in size or not compatible to fluid flow. A sensor has been developed that consists of a floating plate with folded beam support and an optical grid on the back, combined with a high-resolution optical position probe. The folded beam support makes the floating plate more flexible in the sensing direction within a small footprint, while maintaining high stiffness in the other directions. The floating plate converts the shear force to displacement, and the optical probe detects the plate s position with nanometer resolution by sensing the pattern of the diffraction field of the grid through a glass window. This configuration makes the sensor compatible with liquid flow applications.
Direct laser writing of topographic features in semiconductor-doped glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smuk, Andrei Y.

2000-11-01

Patterning of glass and silica surfaces is important for a number of modern technologies, which depend on these materials for manufacturing of both final products, such as optics, and prototypes for casting and molding. Among the fields that require glass processing on microscopic scale are optics (lenses and arrays, diffractive/holographic elements, waveguides), biotechnology (capillary electrophoresis chips and biochemical libraries) and magnetic media (landing zones for magnetic heads). Currently, standard non-laser techniques for glass surface patterning require complex multi-step processes, such as photolithography. Work carried out at Brown has shown that semiconductor- doped glasses (SDG) allow a single-step patterning process using low power continuous-wave visible lasers. SDG are composite materials, which consist of semiconductor crystallites embedded into glass matrix. In this study, borosilicate glasses doped with CdSxSe1-x nanocrystals were used. Exposure of these materials to a low-power above- the-energy gap laser beam leads to local softening, and subsequent expansion and rapid solidification of the exposed volume, resulting in a nearly spherical topographic feature on the surface. The effects of the incident power, beam configuration, and the exposure time on the formation and final parameters of the microlens were studied. Based on the numerical simulation of the temperature distribution produced by the absorbed Gaussian beam, and the ideas of viscous flow at the temperatures around the glass transition point, a model of lens formation is suggested. The light intensity distribution in the near-field of the growing lens is shown to have a significant effect on the final lens height. Fabrication of dense arrays of microlenses is shown, and the thermal and structural interactions between the neighboring lenses were also studied. Two-dimensional continuous-profile topographic features are achieved by exposure of the moving substrates to the writing beam. By controlling the translation speed and the position of the sample, predefined extended structures, such as diffractive optical elements (blazed gratings, Dammann generators, Fresnel zone plates) can be produced with resolution of ~1μm. Below-the-surface patterning is achieved due to a selective etching of laser-written structures in hydrofluoric acid. Similar selective etching technique was developed for undoped borosilicate glasses by exposure to intense visible and UV radiation.

Optical Pattern Recognition With Self-Amplification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Hua-Kuang

1994-01-01

In optical pattern recognition system with self-amplification, no reference beam used in addressing mode. Polarization of laser beam and orientation of photorefractive crystal chosen to maximize photorefractive effect. Intensity of recognition signal is orders of magnitude greater than other optical correlators. Apparatus regarded as real-time or quasi-real-time optical pattern recognizer with memory and reprogrammability.
Optical computing and neural networks; Proceedings of the Meeting, National Chiao Tung Univ., Hsinchu, Taiwan, Dec. 16, 17, 1992

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsu, Ken-Yuh (Editor); Liu, Hua-Kuang (Editor)

1992-01-01

The present conference discusses optical neural networks, photorefractive nonlinear optics, optical pattern recognition, digital and analog processors, and holography and its applications. Attention is given to bifurcating optical information processing, neural structures in digital halftoning, an exemplar-based optical neural net classifier for color pattern recognition, volume storage in photorefractive disks, and microlaser-based compact optical neuroprocessors. Also treated are the optical implementation of a feature-enhanced optical interpattern-associative neural network model and its optical implementation, an optical pattern binary dual-rail logic gate module, a theoretical analysis for holographic associative memories, joint transform correlators, image addition and subtraction via the Talbot effect, and optical wavelet-matched filters. (No individual items are abstracted in this volume)
Optical computing and neural networks; Proceedings of the Meeting, National Chiao Tung Univ., Hsinchu, Taiwan, Dec. 16, 17, 1992

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Ken-Yuh; Liu, Hua-Kuang

The present conference discusses optical neural networks, photorefractive nonlinear optics, optical pattern recognition, digital and analog processors, and holography and its applications. Attention is given to bifurcating optical information processing, neural structures in digital halftoning, an exemplar-based optical neural net classifier for color pattern recognition, volume storage in photorefractive disks, and microlaser-based compact optical neuroprocessors. Also treated are the optical implementation of a feature-enhanced optical interpattern-associative neural network model and its optical implementation, an optical pattern binary dual-rail logic gate module, a theoretical analysis for holographic associative memories, joint transform correlators, image addition and subtraction via the Talbot effect, and optical wavelet-matched filters. (No individual items are abstracted in this volume)
Ocular abnormalities in mice lacking the immunoglobulin superfamily member Cdo.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Mulieri, Philip J; Gaio, Ursula; Bae, Gyu-Un; Krauss, Robert S; Kang, Jong-Sun

2009-10-01

Vertebrate eye development requires a series of complex morphogenetic and inductive events to produce a lens vesicle centered within the bilayered optic cup and a posteriorly positioned optic stalk. Multiple congenital eye defects, including microphthalmia and coloboma, result from defects in early eye morphogenesis. Cdo is a multifunctional cell surface immunoglobulin superfamily member that interacts with and mediates signaling by cadherins and netrins to regulate myogenesis. In addition, Cdo plays an essential role in early forebrain development by functioning as coreceptor for sonic hedgehog. It is reported here that Cdo is expressed in a dynamic, but dorsally restricted, fashion during early eye development, and that mice lacking Cdo display multiple eye defects. Anomalies seen in Cdo(-/-) mice include coloboma (failure to close the optic fissure); failure to form a proper boundary between the retinal pigmented epithelium and optic stalk; defective lens formation, including failure to separate from the surface ectoderm; and microphthalmia. Consistent with this wide array of defects, developing eyes of Cdo(-/-) mice show altered expression of several regulators of dorsoventral eye patterning, including Pax6, Pax2, and Tbx5. Taken together, these findings show that Cdo is required for normal eye development and is required for normal expression of patterning genes in both the ventral and dorsal domains. The multiple eye development defects seen in Cdo(-/-) mice suggest that mutations in human Cdo could contribute to congenital eye anomalies, such as Jacobsen syndrome, which is frequently associated with ocular defects, including coloboma and Peters' anomaly.
Design and fabrication of a foldable 3D silicon based package for solid state lighting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolovskij, R.; Liu, P.; van Zeijl, H. W.; Mimoun, B.; Zhang, G. Q.

2015-05-01

Miniaturization of solid state lighting (SSL) luminaires as well as reduction of packaging and assembly costs are of prime interest for the SSL lighting industry. A novel silicon based LED package for lighting applications is presented in this paper. The proposed design consists of 5 rigid Si tiles connected by flexible polyimide hinges with embedded interconnects (ICs). Electrical, optical and thermal characteristics were taken into consideration during design. The fabrication process involved polyimide (PI) application and patterning, aluminium interconnect integration in the flexible hinge, LED reflector cavity formation and metalization followed by through wafer DRIE etching for chip formation and release. A method to connect chip front to backside without TSVs was also integrated into the process. Post-fabrication wafer level assembly included LED mounting and wirebond, phosphor-based colour conversion and silicone encapsulation. The package formation was finalized by vacuum assisted wrapping around an assembly structure to form a 3D geometry, which is beneficial for omnidirectional lighting. Bending tests were performed on the flexible ICs and optical performance at different temperatures was evaluated. It is suggested that 3D packages can be expanded to platforms for miniaturized luminaire applications by combining monolithic silicon integration and system-in-package (SiP) technologies.
Annealing Effects on the Formation of Copper Oxide Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marzuki, Marina; Zamzuri Mohamad Zain, Mohd; Zarul Hisham, Nurazhra; Zainon, Nooraizedfiza; Harun, Azmi; Nani Ahmad, Rozie

2018-03-01

This study approached the simple method of developing CuO thin films by thermal oxidation on pure Cu sheets. The effects of annealing temperature on the formation of CuO layers have been investigated. The oxide layers have been fabricated by annealing of Cu sheets for 5 hours at different temperatures of 980 ~ 1010 °C. The morphologies and optical properties of annealed Cu sheets were studied by using SEM and UV-Vis spectrophotometer respectively. It is revealed that the annealing temperature influence the grain growth and the grain size increases as the temperature increase. The highest grain size was observed on sample annealed at 1000 °C with average area per grain size of 0.023 mm2. Theoretically, larger grain size provides less barriers for electron mobility and increase the efficiency of solar devices. The optical absorption spectra of the oxide films was also measured. Interference pattern was noted at wavelength about 900 nm corresponding to the formation of CuO film. The interference noise observed could be due to the coarse surface and the presence of powdery oxide deposits that causes the scattering loses from the surface. CuO film obtained by this method may be further studied and exploited as low cost photovoltaic device.
Surface topographical and structural analysis of Ag+-implanted polymethylmethacrylate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arif, Shafaq; Rafique, M. Shahid; Saleemi, Farhat; Naab, Fabian; Toader, Ovidiu; Sagheer, Riffat; Bashir, Shazia; Zia, Rehana; Siraj, Khurram; Iqbal, Saman

2016-08-01

Specimens of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were implanted with 400-keV Ag+ ions at different ion fluences ranging from 1 × 1014 to 5 × 1015 ions/cm2 using a 400-kV NEC ion implanter. The surface topographical features of the implanted PMMA were investigated by a confocal microscope. Modifications in the structural properties of the implanted specimens were analyzed in comparison with pristine PMMA by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. UV-Visible spectroscopy was applied to determine the effects of ion implantation on optical transmittance of the implanted PMMA. The confocal microscopic images revealed the formation of hillock-like microstructures along the ion track on the implanted PMMA surface. The increase in ion fluence led to more nucleation of hillocks. The XRD pattern confirmed the amorphous nature of pristine and implanted PMMA, while the Raman studies justified the transformation of Ag+-implanted PMMA into amorphous carbon at the ion fluence of ⩾5 × 1014 ions/cm2. Moreover, the decrease in optical transmittance of PMMA is associated with the formation of hillocks and ion-induced structural modifications after implantation.
Macular detachment associated with an optic pit: optical coherence tomography patterns and surgical outcomes.

PubMed

Skaat, Alon; Moroz, Iris; Moisseiev, Joseph

2013-01-01

To describe the different optical coherence tomography (OCT) patterns in macular detachment associated with an optic disc pit and their long-term evolution following vitrectomy.  The data of 5 patients (9-43 years of age) with unilateral macular detachment associated with an optic disc pit, who had at least 1 year of follow-up, were compiled. Pars plana vitrectomy combined with gas tamponade was performed as the primary procedure in all patients. The OCT scans, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and anatomic outcomes were documented.  Two main OCT patterns were identified: a multilayer schisis pattern and a serous detachment pattern. Patients with multilayer schisis pattern were older and demonstrated worse mean preoperative (20/160) and postoperative (20/50) BCVA compared to serous detachment pattern patients (20/30 and 20/20, respectively). An average of 2.3 procedures per patient was needed in the multilayer schisis pattern compared to just one procedure in the serous detachment pattern. In 3 patients, additional pneumatic retinopexy was performed with full resolution of the subretinal fluid achieved.  Two distinct OCT patterns were observed in eyes with macular detachments with an optic pit, with different clinical features and prognoses. Excellent final visual acuity was obtained in all eyes, including those that required several surgical procedures.
Using Depletion Force to synthesize PBG crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanyal, Subrata; Zhang, Jian; Lin, Keng-Hui; Work, William J.; Yodh, A. G.

2000-03-01

Using the pathway of depletion-mediated crystallization, we have undertaken an exhaustive set of experiments in order to synthesize materials with novel optical and rheological properties, e.g., photonic bandgap (PBG) crystals. With the primary use of miceller depletion, we grow crystals of submicron-sized model colloidal (e.g., aqueous suspensions of polyballs or silica) particles from the walls of our sample microchambers, used for optical microscopy. Furthermore, the order of such crystals can be controlled by patterning one of the cell walls(K. H. Lin et al.), Manuscript under preparation (1999)., and after the formation of crystals the particles can be ``locked'' in their positions using chemical techniques(G. Pan et al.), Phys. Rev. Lett., 78, 3860 (1997); P. V. Braun (private communication).. The locked arrangements of particles serve as templates to fabricate(B. T. Holland et al.), Science, 281, 538 (1998); J. E. G. J. Wijnhoven et al., Science, 281, 802 (1998). microporous PBG materials. Experiments are underway to synthesize solid microspheres of high dielectric constant materials, and hollow microspheres, that can be arranged on patterned surfaces.
Plasma development in the accelerator of a 2-kJ focus discharge.

PubMed

Fischer, H; Haering, K H

1979-07-01

Optical image structures from early breakdown ( approximately 200 nsec) to focus formation (~1300 nsec) in 3 Torr hydrogen were studied by means of 2 image converter shutters having 50-nsec and 10-nsec exposure. Space charge limited cathode spots at the outer electrode (OE)-spoke-shaped positive columns across the gap-and an extended electron cloud along the center electrode (CE) determine the current flow during early breakdown. Ionization increases exponentially within the center gap plasma. This is separated from the CE by a pattern of anode drop filaments. Filament structures grow into the z-axis accelerated current sheath, which in addition carries the early spoke pattern. The sheath appears homogeneous after leaving the accelerator exit.
Spatiotemporal chaos and two-dimensional dissipative rogue waves in Lugiato-Lefever model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panajotov, Krassimir; Clerc, Marcel G.; Tlidi, Mustapha

2017-06-01

Driven nonlinear optical cavities can exhibit complex spatiotemporal dynamics. We consider the paradigmatic Lugiato-Lefever model describing driven nonlinear optical resonator. This model is one of the most-studied nonlinear equations in optics. It describes a large spectrum of nonlinear phenomena from bistability, to periodic patterns, localized structures, self-pulsating localized structures and to a complex spatiotemporal behavior. The model is considered also as prototype model to describe several optical nonlinear devices such as Kerr media, liquid crystals, left handed materials, nonlinear fiber cavity, and frequency comb generation. We focus our analysis on a spatiotemporal chaotic dynamics in one-dimension. We identify a route to spatiotemporal chaos through an extended quasiperiodicity. We have estimated the Kaplan-Yorke dimension that provides a measure of the strange attractor complexity. Likewise, we show that the Lugiato-Leferver equation supports rogues waves in two-dimensional settings. We characterize rogue-wave formation by computing the probability distribution of the pulse height. Contribution to the Topical Issue "Theory and Applications of the Lugiato-Lefever Equation", edited by Yanne K. Chembo, Damia Gomila, Mustapha Tlidi, Curtis R. Menyuk.
Effect of lead ion concentration on the structural and optical properties of nano-crystalline PbS thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaman, S.; Mehmood, S. K.; Mansoor, M.; Asim, M. M.

2014-06-01

PbS thin films have received considerable attention because of their potential applications in opto-electronics applications. Spontaneous reaction of lead acetate and thiourea in aqueous hydrazine hydrate has been used for depositing PbS thin films on glass substrates. Structural and optical properties of PbS thin films are greatly influenced by the morality of the reactants and crystal defects in the lattice. Our work focuses on the variation in lead ion concentration and its effect on the structural and optical properties of PbS thin films. The deposited films were analyzed using XRD, SEM, spectrophotometer and dark resistance measurement. XRD patterns indicated the formation of major phase of nano crystalline PbS with minor presence of lead oxide phase. We also noticed that peak intensity ratio of I111/I200 varied by changing the Pb ion concentration. The film thickness and dark resistance increased whereas optical band gap decreased with the decreasing Pb ion concentration. SEM scans showed that the grain size is less than 100 nm and is not affected by varying Pb ion concentration.
A novel double patterning approach for 30nm dense holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Dennis Shu-Hao; Wang, Walter; Hsieh, Wei-Hsien; Huang, Chun-Yen; Wu, Wen-Bin; Shih, Chiang-Lin; Shih, Steven

2011-04-01

Double Patterning Technology (DPT) was commonly accepted as the major workhorse beyond water immersion lithography for sub-38nm half-pitch line patterning before the EUV production. For dense hole patterning, classical DPT employs self-aligned spacer deposition and uses the intersection of horizontal and vertical lines to define the desired hole patterns. However, the increase in manufacturing cost and process complexity is tremendous. Several innovative approaches have been proposed and experimented to address the manufacturing and technical challenges. A novel process of double patterned pillars combined image reverse will be proposed for the realization of low cost dense holes in 30nm node DRAM. The nature of pillar formation lithography provides much better optical contrast compared to the counterpart hole patterning with similar CD requirements. By the utilization of a reliable freezing process, double patterned pillars can be readily implemented. A novel image reverse process at the last stage defines the hole patterns with high fidelity. In this paper, several freezing processes for the construction of the double patterned pillars were tested and compared, and 30nm double patterning pillars were demonstrated successfully. A variety of different image reverse processes will be investigated and discussed for their pros and cons. An economic approach with the optimized lithography performance will be proposed for the application of 30nm DRAM node.
Patterned surfaces in the drying of films composed of water, polymer, and alcohol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fichot, Julie; Heyd, Rodolphe; Josserand, Christophe; Chourpa, Igor; Gombart, Emilie; Tranchant, Jean-Francois; Saboungi, Marie-Louise

2012-12-01

A study of the complex drying dynamics of polymeric mixtures with optical microscopy and gravimetric measurement is presented. Droplet formation is observed, followed by a collapse that leads to the residual craters in the dried film. The process is followed in situ under well-defined temperature and hygrometric conditions to determine the origin and nature of these droplets and craters. The drying process is usually completed within 1 h. The observations are explained using a simple diffusion model based on experimental results collected from mass and optical measurements as well as Raman confocal microspectrometry. Although the specific polymeric mixtures used here are of interest to the cosmetic industry, the general conclusions reached can apply to other polymeric aqueous solutions with applications to commercial and artistic painting.
Light-assisted, templated self-assembly of gold nanoparticle chains.

PubMed

Jaquay, Eric; Martínez, Luis Javier; Huang, Ningfeng; Mejia, Camilo A; Sarkar, Debarghya; Povinelli, Michelle L

2014-09-10

We experimentally demonstrate the technique of light-assisted, templated self-assembly (LATS) to trap and assemble 200 nm diameter gold nanoparticles. We excite a guided-resonance mode of a photonic-crystal slab with 1.55 μm laser light to create an array of optical traps. Unlike our previous demonstration of LATS with polystyrene particles, we find that the interparticle interactions play a significant role in the resulting particle patterns. Despite a two-dimensionally periodic intensity profile in the slab, the particles form one-dimensional chains whose orientations can be controlled by the incident polarization of the light. The formation of chains can be understood in terms of a competition between the gradient force due to the excitation of the mode in the slab and optical binding between particles.
Electro-Optic Properties of Holographically Patterned, Polymer Stabilized Cholesteric Liquid Crystals (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

Electro - optic properties of cholesteric liquid crystals with holographically patterned polymer stabilization were examined. It is hypothesized that...enhanced electro - optic properties of the final device. Prior to holographic patterning, polymer stabilization with large elastic memory was generated by way... electro - optic properties appear to stem from a single dimension domain size increase, which allows for a reduction in the LC/polymer interaction.
Biofilm three-dimensional architecture influences in situ pH distribution pattern on the human enamel surface

PubMed Central

Xiao, Jin; Hara, Anderson T; Kim, Dongyeop; Zero, Domenick T; Koo, Hyun; Hwang, Geelsu

2017-01-01

To investigate how the biofilm three-dimensional (3D) architecture influences in situ pH distribution patterns on the enamel surface. Biofilms were formed on human tooth enamel in the presence of 1% sucrose or 0.5% glucose plus 0.5% fructose. At specific time points, biofilms were exposed to a neutral pH buffer to mimic the buffering of saliva and subsequently pulsed with 1% glucose to induce re-acidification. Simultaneous 3D pH mapping and architecture of intact biofilms was performed using two-photon confocal microscopy. The enamel surface and mineral content characteristics were examined successively via optical profilometry and microradiography analyses. Sucrose-mediated biofilm formation created spatial heterogeneities manifested by complex networks of bacterial clusters (microcolonies). Acidic regions (pH<5.5) were found only in the interior of microcolonies, which impedes rapid neutralization (taking more than 120 min for neutralization). Glucose exposure rapidly re-created the acidic niches, indicating formation of diffusion barriers associated with microcolonies structure. Enamel demineralization (white spots), rougher surface, deeper lesion and more mineral loss appeared to be associated with the localization of these bacterial clusters at the biofilm-enamel interface. Similar 3D architecture was observed in plaque-biofilms formed in vivo in the presence of sucrose. The formation of complex 3D architectures creates spatially heterogeneous acidic microenvironments in close proximity of enamel surface, which might correlate with the localized pattern of the onset of carious lesions (white spot like) on teeth. PMID:28452377
A Data Exchange Standard for Optical (Visible/IR) Interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pauls, T. A.; Young, J. S.; Cotton, W. D.; Monnier, J. D.

2005-11-01

This paper describes the OI (Optical Interferometry) Exchange Format, a standard for exchanging calibrated data from optical (visible/infrared) stellar interferometers. The standard is based on the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) and supports the storage of optical interferometric observables, including squared visibility and closure phase-data products not included in radio interferometry standards such as UV-FITS. The format has already gained the support of most currently operating optical interferometer projects, including COAST, NPOI, IOTA, CHARA, VLTI, PTI, and the Keck Interferometer, and is endorsed by the IAU Working Group on Optical Interferometry. Software is available for reading, writing, and the merging of OI Exchange Format files.
Optical nose based on porous silicon photonic crystal infiltrated with ionic liquids.

PubMed

Zhang, Haijuan; Lin, Leimiao; Liu, Dong; Chen, Qiaofen; Wu, Jianmin

2017-02-08

A photonic-nose for the detection and discrimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was constructed. Each sensing element on the photonic sensor array was formed by infiltrating a specific type of ionic liquid (IL) into the pore channel of a patterned porous silicon (PSi) chip. Upon exposure to VOC, the density of IL dramatically decreased due to the nano-confinement effect. As a result, the IL located in pore channel expanded its volume and protrude out of the pore channel, leading to the formation of microdroplets on the PSi surface. These VOC-stimulated microdroplets could scatter the light reflected from the PSi rugate filter, thereby producing an optical response to VOC. The intensity of the optical response produced by IL/PSi sensor mainly depends on the size and shape of microdroplets, which is related to the concentration of VOC and the physi-chemical propertied of ILs. For ethanol vapor, the optical response has linear relationship with its relative vapor pressure within 0-60%. The LOD of the IL/PSi sensor for ethanol detection is calculated to be 1.3 ppm. It takes around 30 s to reach a full optical response, while the time for recovery is less than 1 min. In addition, the sensor displayed good stability and reproducibility. Owing to the different molecular interaction between IL and VOC, the ILs/PSi sensor array can generate a unique cross-reactive "fingerprint" in response to a specific type of VOC analyte. With the assistance of image technologies and principle components analysis (PCA), rapid discrimination of VOC analyte could be achieved based on the pattern recognition of photonic sensor array. The technology established in this work allows monitoring in-door air pollution in a visualized way. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Formation of silicon carbide by laser ablation in graphene oxide-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone suspension on silicon surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaleh, Babak; Ghasemi, Samaneh; Torkamany, Mohammad Javad; Salehzadeh, Sadegh; Maleki, Farahnaz

2018-01-01

Laser ablation of a silicon wafer in graphene oxide-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (GO-NMP) suspension was carried out with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser (pulse duration = 250 ns, wavelength = 1064 nm). The surface of silicon wafer before and after laser ablation was studied using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The results showed that the ablation of silicon surface in liquid by pulsed laser was done by the process of melt expulsion under the influence of the confined plasma-induced pressure or shock wave trapped between the silicon wafer and the liquid. The X-ray diffraction‌ (XRD) pattern of Si wafer after laser ablation showed that 4H-SiC layer is formed on its surface. The formation of the above layer was also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy‌ (XPS), as well as EDX was utilized. The reflectance of samples decreased with increasing pulse energy. Therefore, the morphological alteration and the formation of SiC layer at high energy increase absorption intensity in the UV‌-vis regions. Theoretical calculations confirm that the formation of silicon carbide from graphene oxide and silicon wafer is considerably endothermic. Development of new methods for increasing the reflectance without causing harmful effects is still an important issue for crystalline Si solar cells. By using the method described in this paper, the optical properties of solar cells can be improved.

Understanding the formation and growth of Ag nanoparticles on silver chromate induced by electron irradiation in electron microscope: A combined experimental and theoretical study

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

Fabbro, Maria T.; Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Universitat Jaume I, Campus del Riu Sec, E-12071 Castellón; Gracia, Lourdes

Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} microcrystals were synthesized using the co-precipitation method. These microcrystals were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), micro-Raman (MR). XRD patterns and Rietveld refinement data showed that the material exhibits an orthorhombic structure without any deleterious phases. FE-SEM and TEM micrographs revealed the morphology and the growth of Ag nanoparticles on Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} microcrystals during electron beam irradiation. These events were directly monitored in real-time. Their optical properties were investigated using ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy that allowed the calculation of themore » optical band gap energy. Theoretical analyses based on the density functional theory level indicate that the incorporation of electrons is responsible for structural modifications and formation of defects on the [AgO{sub 6}] and [AgO{sub 4}] clusters, generating ideal conditions for the growth of Ag nanoparticles. - Graphical abstract: Theoretical representation of the Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} orthorhombic structure. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} microcrystals indicate an orthorhombic structure. • The formation of Ag{sup 0} promotes Ag-nanoparticle growth on the surface of the Ag{sub 2}CrO{sub 4}. • Electron irradiation of the material induces the formation of Ag vacancies.« less
Optic chiasm in the species of order Clupeiformes, family Clupeidae: optic chiasm of Spratelloides gracilis shows an opposite laterality to that of Etrumeus teres.

PubMed

Mogi, Kazue; Misawa, Kazuya; Utsunomiya, Kentaro; Kawada, Yuta; Yamazaki, Toshihisa; Takeuchi, Shigeo; Toyoizumi, Ryuji

2009-09-01

In most teleost fishes, the optic nerves decussate completely as they project to the mesencephalic region. Examination of the decussation pattern of 25 species from 11 different orders in Pisces revealed that each species shows a specific chiasmic type. In 11 species out of the 25, laterality of the chiasmic pattern was not determined; in half of the individuals examined, the left optic nerve ran dorsally to the right optic nerve, while in the other half, the right optic nerve was dorsal. In eight other species the optic nerves from both eyes branched into several bundles at the chiasmic point, and intercalated to form a complicated decussation pattern. In the present study we report our findings that Spratelloides gracilis, of the order Clupeiformes, family Clupeidae, shows a particular laterality of decussation: the left optic nerve ran dorsally to the right (n=200/202). In contrast, Etrumeus teres, of the same order and family, had a strong preference of the opposite (complementary) chiasmic pattern to that of S. gracilis (n=59/59), revealing that these two species display opposite left-right optic chiasm patterning. As far as we investigated, other species of Clupeiformes have not shown left-right preference in the decussation pattern. We conclude that the opposite laterality of the optic chiasms of these two closely related species, S. gracilis and E. teres, enables investigation of species-specific laterality in fishes of symmetric shapes.
Optic chiasm in the species of order Clupeiformes, family Clupeidae: Optic chiasm of Spratelloides gracilis shows an opposite laterality to that of Etrumeus teres

PubMed Central

Mogi, Kazue; Misawa, Kazuya; Utsunomiya, Kentaro; Kawada, Yuta; Yamazaki, Toshihisa; Takeuchi, Shigeo; Toyoizumi, Ryuji

2009-01-01

In most teleost fishes, the optic nerves decussate completely as they project to the mesencephalic region. Examination of the decussation pattern of 25 species from 11 different orders in Pisces revealed that each species shows a specific chiasmic type. In 11 species out of the 25, laterality of the chiasmic pattern was not determined; in half of the individuals examined, the left optic nerve ran dorsally to the right optic nerve, while in the other half, the right optic nerve was dorsal. In eight other species the optic nerves from both eyes branched into several bundles at the chiasmic point, and intercalated to form a complicated decussation pattern. In the present study we report our findings that Spratelloides gracilis, of the order Clupeiformes, family Clupeidae, shows a particular laterality of decussation: the left optic nerve ran dorsally to the right (n = 200/202). In contrast, Etrumeus teres, of the same order and family, had a strong preference of the opposite (complementary) chiasmic pattern to that of S. gracilis (n = 59/59), revealing that these two species display opposite left–right optic chiasm patterning. As far as we investigated, other species of Clupeiformes have not shown left–right preference in the decussation pattern. We conclude that the opposite laterality of the optic chiasms of these two closely related species, S. gracilis and E. teres, enables investigation of species-specific laterality in fishes of symmetric shapes. PMID:19229672
Generation of phase edge singularities by coplanar three-beam interference and their detection.

PubMed

Patorski, Krzysztof; Sluzewski, Lukasz; Trusiak, Maciej; Pokorski, Krzysztof

2017-02-06

In recent years singular optics has gained considerable attention in science and technology. Up to now optical vortices (phase point dislocations) have been of main interest. This paper presents the first general analysis of formation of phase edge singularities by coplanar three-beam interference. They can be generated, for example, by three-slit interference or self-imaging in the Fresnel diffraction field of a sinusoidal grating. We derive a general condition for the ratio of amplitudes of interfering beams resulting in phase edge dislocations, lateral separation of dislocations depends on this ratio as well. Analytically derived properties are corroborated by numerical and experimental studies. We develop a simple, robust, common path optical self-imaging configuration aided by a coherent tilted reference wave and spatial filtering. Finally, we propose an automatic fringe pattern analysis technique for detecting phase edge dislocations, based on the continuous wavelet transform. Presented studies open new possibilities for developing grating based sensing techniques for precision metrology of very small phase differences.
Optically-Induced Cell Fusion on Cell Pairing Microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Po-Fu; Wang, Chih-Hung; Lee, Gwo-Bin

2016-02-01

Cell fusion is a critical operation for numerous biomedical applications including cell reprogramming, hybridoma formation, cancer immunotherapy, and tissue regeneration. However, unstable cell contact and random cell pairings have limited efficiency and yields when utilizing traditional methods. Furthermore, it is challenging to selectively perform cell fusion within a group of cells. This study reports a new approach called optically-induced cell fusion (OICF), which integrates cell-pairing microstructures with an optically-induced, localized electrical field. By projecting light patterns onto a photoconductive film (hydrogen-rich, amorphous silicon) coated on an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) glass while an alternating current electrical field was applied between two such ITO glass slides, “virtual” electrodes could be generated that could selectively fuse pairing cells. At 10 kHz, a 57% cell paring rate and an 87% fusion efficiency were successfully achieved at a driving voltage of 20 Vpp, suggesting that this new technology could be promising for selective cell fusion within a group of cells.
Facile growth of barium oxide nanorods: structural and optical properties.

PubMed

Ahmad, Naushad; Wahab, Rizwan; Alam, Manawwer

2014-07-01

This paper reports a large-scale synthesis of barium oxide nanorods (BaO-NRs) by simple solution method at a very low-temperature of - 60 degrees C. The as-grown BaO-NRs were characterized in terms of their morphological, structural, compositional, optical and thermal properties. The morphological characterizations of as-synthesized nanorods were done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which confirmed that the synthesized products are rod shaped and grown in high density. The nanorods exhibits smooth and clean surfaces throughout their lengths. The crystalline property of the material was analyzed with X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). The compositional and thermal properties of synthesized nanorods were observed via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis which confirmed that the synthesized nanorods are pure BaO and showed good thermal stability. The nanorods exhibited good optical properties as was confirmed from the room-temperature UV-vis spectroscopy. Finally, a plausible mechanism for the formation of BaO-NRs is also discussed in this paper.
Effect of replacing Sn4+ ions by Zn2+ ions on structural, optical and magnetic properties of SnO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selvi, E. Thamarai; Sundar, S. Meenakshi

2017-05-01

This paper highlights on the consequence of replacing tetravalent Sn4+ ions of the SnO2 by divalent Zn2+ ions on their structural, optical, and magnetic properties. Samples of Sn1- x Zn x O2 with x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04 were synthesized using microwave irradiated solvothermal process. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns reveal the rutile tetragonal phase of all doped SnO2 samples with no secondary phases. The transmission electron microscopy results show the formation of spherical nanoparticles of size 10-30 nm. Morphological changes were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The functional groups were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies. Optical studies were carried by UV-Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. Electron paramagnetic resonance was used to calculate the Lande splitting factor ` g'. The magnetic properties using vibrating sample magnetometer exhibit room temperature ferromagnetism for all the samples.
Silk protein nanowires patterned using electron beam lithography.

PubMed

Pal, Ramendra K; Yadavalli, Vamsi K

2018-08-17

Nanofabrication approaches to pattern proteins at the nanoscale are useful in applications ranging from organic bioelectronics to cellular engineering. Specifically, functional materials based on natural polymers offer sustainable and environment-friendly substitutes to synthetic polymers. Silk proteins (fibroin and sericin) have emerged as an important class of biomaterials for next generation applications owing to excellent optical and mechanical properties, inherent biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, the ability to precisely control their spatial positioning at the nanoscale via high throughput tools continues to remain a challenge. In this study electron beam lithography (EBL) is used to provide nanoscale patterning using methacrylate conjugated silk proteins that are photoreactive 'photoresists' materials. Very low energy electron beam radiation can be used to pattern silk proteins at the nanoscale and over large areas, whereby such nanostructure fabrication can be performed without specialized EBL tools. Significantly, using conducting polymers in conjunction with these silk proteins, the formation of protein nanowires down to 100 nm is shown. These wires can be easily degraded using enzymatic degradation. Thus, proteins can be precisely and scalably patterned and doped with conducting polymers and enzymes to form degradable, organic bioelectronic devices.
Synthesis and properties of silver nanoparticles in sodium bismuth borate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patwari, D. Rajeshree; Eraiah, B.

2018-04-01

Rare earth doped Sodium Bismuth Borate glass samples with silver chloride were prepared by melt quenching method. X-Ray diffraction pattern was used to confirm the amorphous nature of the samples. UV-Visible Spectra was recorded to study the optical properties. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak was observed due to the formation of silver nanoparticles before and after heat treatment and the presence of silver nanoparticles were confirmed by UV-Visible Spectral studies and transmission electron microscopy. The surface plasmon resonance band became wider and red shifted after longer heat treatment.
A reconfigurable image tube using an external electronic image readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lapington, J. S.; Howorth, J. R.; Milnes, J. S.

2005-08-01

We have designed and built a sealed tube microchannel plate (MCP) intensifier for optical/NUV photon counting applications suitable for 18, 25 and 40 mm diameter formats. The intensifier uses an electronic image readout to provide direct conversion of event position into electronic signals, without the drawbacks associated with phosphor screens and subsequent optical detection. The Image Charge technique is used to remove the readout from the intensifier vacuum enclosure, obviating the requirement for additional electrical vacuum feedthroughs and for the readout pattern to be UHV compatible. The charge signal from an MCP intensifier is capacitively coupled via a thin dielectric vacuum window to the electronic image readout, which is external to the sealed intensifier tube. The readout pattern is a separate item held in proximity to the dielectric window and can be easily detached, making the system easily reconfigurable. Since the readout pattern detects induced charge and is external to the tube, it can be constructed as a multilayer, eliminating the requirement for narrow insulator gaps and allowing it to be constructed using standard PCB manufacturing tolerances. We describe two readout patterns, the tetra wedge anode (TWA), an optimized 4 electrode device similar to the wedge and strip anode (WSA) but with a factor 2 improvement in resolution, and an 8 channel high speed 50 ohm device, both manufactured as multilayer PCBs. We present results of the detector imaging performance, image resolution, linearity and stability, and discuss the development of an integrated readout and electronics device based on these designs.
Angle of Arrival Detection Through Artificial Neural Network Analysis of Optical Fiber Intensity Patterns

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-01

ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK ANALYSIS OF OPTICAL FIBER INTENSITY PATTERNS THESIS Scott Thomas Captain, USAF AFIT/GE/ENG/90D-62 DTIC...ELECTE ao • JAN08 1991 Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. AFIT/GE/ENG/90D-62 ANGLE OF ARRIVAL DETECTION THROUGH ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK ANALYSIS... ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK ANALYSIS OF OPTICAL FIBER INTENSITY PATTERNS L Introduction The optical sensors of United States Air Force reconnaissance
Quantitative evaluation of high-resolution features in images of negatively stained Tobacco Mosaic Virus.

PubMed

Chang, C F; Williams, R C; Grano, D A; Downing, K H; Glaeser, R M

1983-01-01

This study investigates the causes of the apparent differences between the optical diffraction pattern of a micrograph of a Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) particle, the optical diffraction pattern of a ten-fold photographically averaged image, and the computed diffraction pattern of the original micrograph. Peak intensities along the layer lines in the transform of the averaged image appear to be quite unlike those in the diffraction pattern of the original micrograph, and the diffraction intensities for the averaged image extend to unexpectedly high resolution. A carefully controlled, quantitative comparison reveals, however, that the optical diffraction pattern of the original micrograph and that of the ten-fold averaged image are essentially equivalent. Using computer-based image processing, we discovered that the peak intensities on the 6th layer line have values very similar in magnitude to the neighboring noise, in contrast to what was expected from the optical diffraction pattern of the original micrograph. This discrepancy was resolved by recording a series of optical diffraction patterns when the original micrograph was immersed in oil. These patterns revealed the presence of a substantial phase grating effect, which exaggerated the peak intensities on the 6th layer line, causing an erroneous impression that the high resolution features possessed a good signal-to-noise ratio. This study thus reveals some pitfalls and misleading results that can be encountered when using optical diffraction patterns to evaluate image quality.
New Optical Transforms For Statistical Image Recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sing H.

1983-12-01

In optical implementation of statistical image recognition, new optical transforms on large images for real-time recognition are of special interest. Several important linear transformations frequently used in statistical pattern recognition have now been optically implemented, including the Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT), the Fukunaga-Koontz transform (FKT) and the least-squares linear mapping technique (LSLMT).1-3 The KLT performs principle components analysis on one class of patterns for feature extraction. The FKT performs feature extraction for separating two classes of patterns. The LSLMT separates multiple classes of patterns by maximizing the interclass differences and minimizing the intraclass variations.
Optical Neural Classification Of Binary Patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gustafson, Steven C.; Little, Gordon R.

1988-05-01

Binary pattern classification that may be implemented using optical hardware and neural network algorithms is considered. Pattern classification problems that have no concise description (as in classifying handwritten characters) or no concise computation (as in NP-complete problems) are expected to be particularly amenable to this approach. For example, optical processors that efficiently classify binary patterns in accordance with their Boolean function complexity might be designed. As a candidate for such a design, an optical neural network model is discussed that is designed for binary pattern classification and that consists of an optical resonator with a dynamic multiplex-recorded reflection hologram and a phase conjugate mirror with thresholding and gain. In this model, learning or training examples of binary patterns may be recorded on the hologram such that one bit in each pattern marks the pattern class. Any input pattern, including one with an unknown class or marker bit, will be modified by a large number of parallel interactions with the reflection hologram and nonlinear mirror. After perhaps several seconds and 100 billion interactions, a steady-state pattern may develop with a marker bit that represents a minimum-Boolean-complexity classification of the input pattern. Computer simulations are presented that illustrate progress in understanding the behavior of this model and in developing a processor design that could have commanding and enduring performance advantages compared to current pattern classification techniques.
Experimental characterization of plasma formation and shockwave propagation induced by high power pulsed underwater electrical discharge.

PubMed

Claverie, A; Deroy, J; Boustie, M; Avrillaud, G; Chuvatin, A; Mazanchenko, E; Demol, G; Dramane, B

2014-06-01

High power pulsed electrical discharges into liquids are investigated for new industrial applications based on the efficiency of controlled shock waves. We present here new experimental data obtained by combination of detailed high speed imaging equipments. It allows the visualization of the very first instants of plasma discharge formation, and then the pulsations of the gaseous bubble with an accurate timing of events. The time history of the expansion/compression of this bubble leads to an estimation of the energy effectively transferred to water during the discharge. Finally, the consecutive shock generation driven by this pulsating bubble is optically monitored by shadowgraphs and schlieren setup. These data provide essential information about the geometrical pattern and chronometry associated with the shock wave generation and propagation.
Influence of various surface pretreatments on adherence of sputtered molybdenum disulfide to silver, gold, copper, and bronze

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, T.

1973-01-01

Solid film lubricants of radio frequency sputtered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) were applied to silver, gold, copper, and bronze surfaces that had various pretreatments (mechanical polishing, sputter etching, oxidation, and sulfurization). Optical and electron transmission micrographs and electron diffraction patterns were used to interpret the film formation characteristics and to evaluate the sputtering conditions in regard to the film and substrate compatibility. Sputtered MoS2 films flaked and peeled on silver, copper, and bronze surfaces except when the surfaces had been specially oxidized. The flaking and peeling was a result of sulfide compound formation and the corresponding grain growth of the sulfide film. Sputtered MoS2 films showed no peeling and flaking on gold surfaces regardless of surface pretreatment.
The Swift/UVOT catalogue of NGC 4321 star-forming sources: a case against density wave theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferreras, Ignacio; Cropper, Mark; Kawata, Daisuke; Page, Mat; Hoversten, Erik A.

2012-08-01

We study the star-forming regions in the spiral galaxy NGC 4321 (M100). We take advantage of the spatial resolution (2.5 arcsec full width at half-maximum) of the Swift/Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope camera and the availability of three ultraviolet (UV) passbands in the region 1600 < λ < 3000 Å, in combination with optical and infrared (IR) imaging from Sloan Digital Sky Survey, KPNO/Hα and Spitzer/IRAC, to obtain a catalogue of 787 star-forming regions out to three disc scalelengths. We use a large volume of star formation histories, combined with stellar population synthesis, to determine the properties of the young stellar component and its relationship with the spiral arms. The Hα luminosities of the sources have a strong decreasing radial trend, suggesting more massive star-forming regions in the central part of the galaxy. When segregated with respect to near-UV (NUV)-optical colour, blue sources have a significant excess of flux in the IR at 8 μm, revealing the contribution from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, although the overall reddening of these sources stays below E(B - V) = 0.2 mag. The distribution of distances to the spiral arms is compared for subsamples selected according to Hα luminosity, NUV-optical colour or ages derived from a population synthesis model. An offset would be expected between these subsamples as a function of radius if the pattern speed of the spiral arm were constant - as predicted by classic density wave theory. No significant offsets are found, favouring instead a mechanism where the pattern speed has a radial dependence.
Formation of star tracking reticles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, W. O.; Toft, A. R. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

The present application is directed towards a process for producing high resolution, substantially non-reflective reticles or choppers suitable for use for transmitting in both the visible and near ultra-violet regions, able to withstand reasonable handling and extreme environmental conditions, and capable of operating at speeds of from 2800 to about 9000 revolutions per minute without distortion. In particular, the present invention is directed towards the production or reticles having a quartz base vacuum coated with chromium, chromium-silver alloy, and silver with electrodeposited copper and black chromium thereon, respectively, in the form of a reticle pattern. The quartz permits the transmission of light while the pattern is opaque to light. The reticles of the present invention are intended for use in optical trackers, such as star trackers used in outer space.
Mapping palaeolakes in the Ténéré Desert of northeastern Niger using space-borne data for groundwater potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molina, Gloria; Gaber, Ahmed; El-Baz, Farouk

2017-12-01

Groundwater resources in arid lands are crucial for supporting life. Thus, delineation of low land areas, where surface runoff accumulated during pluvial periods assists in groundwater explorations. Therefore, the drainage patterns in northeastern Niger using various sources of DEMs of optical (ASTER) and radar (SRTM) satellite data were extracted. These data reveal three palaeolakes in the Ténéré Desert. In addition, the DEMs together with the optical and radar satellite data were used to define a major watershed measuring 634,000 km2. This watershed may have led to the formation of one major palaeolake as an ancestor of the three palaeolakes. The latter extend to 11,514 km2, 17,571 km2 and 18,453 km2. The optical and radar satellites images show that the boundaries of these three lakes have been modified by extensive longitudinal and transverse sand dunes of considerable thickness. These dunes accumulated during a much later arid episode in geologic time, probably during the late Quaternary. Prior to that, the former marshlands received water from the Tibesti Mountains of northern Chad, the Ahaggar Plateau of southeastern Algeria and the Air Mountain of northern Niger. The drainage patterns clearly show the pathway of water down to the ground level. The longest drainage line is emanating from the Ahaggar Plateau and extends south west for 837 km. The water overflow of the southernmost lake led to the formation of another distinct drainage line, leading to the southwestern edge of the ancestral Megalake Chad. This drainage line begins in the vicinity of the town of Fachi and extends southward through the town of Dillia as a single tributary, and is here named the Dillia Palaeoriver. These observations, which are based on the study of satellite data require geophysical fieldwork to ascertain the interpretations, and evaluate the potential for groundwater accumulation in the region.
Optical characterization of glutamate dehydrogenase monolayers chemisorbed on SiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pompa, P. P.; Blasi, L.; Longo, L.; Cingolani, R.; Ciccarella, G.; Vasapollo, G.; Rinaldi, R.; Rizzello, A.; Storelli, C.; Maffia, M.

2003-04-01

This paper describes the formation of glutamate dehydrogenase monolayers on silicon dioxide, and their characterization by means of physical techniques, i.e., fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Detailed investigations of the intrinsic stability of native proteins in solution were carried out to elucidate the occurrence of conformational changes induced by the immobilization procedure. The enzyme monolayers were deposited on SiO2 after preexposing silicon surfaces to 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and reacting the silylated surfaces with glutaric dialdehyde. The optical characterization demonstrates that the immobilization does not interfere with the fold pattern of the native enzyme. In addition, fluorescence spectroscopy, thermal denaturation, and quenching studies performed on the enzyme in solution well describe the folding and unfolding properties of glutamate dehydrogenase. The photophysical studies reported here are relevant for nanobioelectronics applications requiring protein immobilization on a chip.

Biologically inspired artificial compound eyes.

PubMed

Jeong, Ki-Hun; Kim, Jaeyoun; Lee, Luke P

2006-04-28

This work presents the fabrication of biologically inspired artificial compound eyes. The artificial ommatidium, like that of an insect's compound eyes, consists of a refractive polymer microlens, a light-guiding polymer cone, and a self-aligned waveguide to collect light with a small angular acceptance. The ommatidia are omnidirectionally arranged along a hemispherical polymer dome such that they provide a wide field of view similar to that of a natural compound eye. The spherical configuration of the microlenses is accomplished by reconfigurable microtemplating, that is, polymer replication using the deformed elastomer membrane with microlens patterns. The formation of polymer waveguides self-aligned with microlenses is also realized by a self-writing process in a photosensitive polymer resin. The angular acceptance is directly measured by three-dimensional optical sectioning with a confocal microscope, and the detailed optical characteristics are studied in comparison with a natural compound eye.
Strained-layer epitaxy of germanium-silicon alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bean, J. C.

1985-10-01

Strained-layer epitaxy is presented as a developing technique for combining Si with other materials in order to obtain semiconductors with enhanced electronic properties. The method involves applying layers sufficiently thin so that the atoms deposited match the bonding configurations of the substrate crystal. When deposited on Si, a four-fold bonding pattern is retained, with a lowered interfacial energy and augmented stored strain energy in the epitaxial layer. The main problem which remains is building an epitaxial layer thick enough to yield desired epitaxial properties while avoiding a reversion to an unstrained structure. The application of a Ge layer to Si using MBE is described, along with the formation of heterojunction multi-layer superlattices, which can reduce the dislocation effects in some homojunctions. The technique shows promise for developing materials of use as bipolar transistors, optical detectors and fiber optic transmission devices.
Spectrally reconfigurable integrated multi-spot particle trap.

PubMed

Leake, Kaelyn D; Olson, Michael A B; Ozcelik, Damla; Hawkins, Aaron R; Schmidt, Holger

2015-12-01

Optical manipulation of small particles in the form of trapping, pushing, or sorting has developed into a vast field with applications in the life sciences, biophysics, and atomic physics. Recently, there has been increasing effort toward integration of particle manipulation techniques with integrated photonic structures on self-contained optofluidic chips. Here, we use the wavelength dependence of multi-spot pattern formation in multimode interference (MMI) waveguides to create a new type of reconfigurable, integrated optical particle trap. Interfering lateral MMI modes create multiple trapping spots in an intersecting fluidic channel. The number of trapping spots can be dynamically controlled by altering the trapping wavelength. This novel, spectral reconfigurability is utilized to deterministically move single and multiple particles between different trapping locations along the channel. This fully integrated multi-particle trap can form the basis of high throughput biophotonic assays on a chip.
Tandem-pulsed acousto-optics: an analytical framework of modulated high-contrast speckle patterns.

PubMed

Resink, S G; Steenbergen, W

2015-06-07

Recently we presented acousto-optic (AO) probing of scattering media using addition or subtraction of speckle patterns due to tandem nanosecond pulses. Here we present a theoretical framework for ideal (polarized, noise-free) speckle patterns with unity contrast that links ultrasound-induced optical phase modulation, the fraction of light that is tagged by ultrasound, speckle contrast, mean square difference of speckle patterns and the contrast of the summation of speckle patterns acquired at different ultrasound phases. We derive the important relations from basic assumptions and definitions, and then validate them with simulations. For ultrasound-generated phase modulation angles below 0.7 rad (assuming uniform modulation), we are now able to relate speckle pattern statistics to the acousto-optic phase modulation. Hence our theory allows quantifying speckle observations in terms of ultrasonically tagged fractions of light for near-unity-contrast speckle patterns.
Photonic and Opto-Electronic Applications of Polydiacetylene Films Photodeposited from Solution and Polydiacetylene Copolymer Networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paley, Mark S.; Frazier, Donald O.; Smith, David D.; Witherow, William K.; Addeldeyem, Hossin A.; Wolfe, Daniel B.

1998-01-01

Polydiacetylenes (PDAS) are attractive materials for both electronic and photonic applications because of their highly conjugated electronic structures. They have been investigated for applications as both one-dimensional (linear chain) conductors and nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. One of the chief limitations to the use of PDAs has been the inability to readily process them into useful forms such as films and fibers. In our laboratory we have developed a novel process for obtaining amorphous films of a PDA derived from 2-methyl4-nitroaniline using photodeposition with Ultraviolet (UV) light from monomer solutions onto transparent substrates. Photodeposition from solution provides a simple technique for obtaining PDA films in any desired pattern with good optical quality. This technique has been used to produce PDA films that show potential for optical applications such as holographic memory storage and optical limiting, as well as third-order NLO applications such as all-optical refractive index modulation, phase modulation and switching. Additionally, copolymerization of diacetylenes with other monomers such as methacrylates provides a means to obtain materials with good processibility. Such copolymers can be spin cast to form films, or drawn by either melt or solution extrusion into fibers. These films or fibers can then be irradiated with UV to photopolymerize the diacetylene units to form a highly stable cross-linked PDA-copolymer network. If such films are electrically poled while being irradiated, they can achieve the asymmetry necessary for second-order NLO applications such as electro-optic switching. On Earth, formation of PDAs by the above mentioned techniques suffers from defects and inhomogeneities caused by convective flows that can arise during processing. By studying the formation of these materials in the reduced-convection, diffusion-controlled environment of space we hope to better understand the factors that affect their processing, and thereby, their nature and properties. Ultimately it may even be feasible to conduct space processing of PDAs for technological applications.
Patterning at the 10 nanometer length scale using a strongly segregating block copolymer thin film and vapor phase infiltration of inorganic precursors

DOE PAGES

Choi, Jonathan W.; Li, Zhaodong; Black, Charles T.; ...

2016-05-04

Here in this work, we demonstrate the use of self-assembled thin films of the cylinder-forming block copolymer poly(4-tert-butylstyrene-block-2-vinylpyridine) to pattern high density features at the 10 nm length scale. This material's large interaction parameter facilitates pattern formation in single-digit nanometer dimensions. This block copolymer's accessible order–disorder transition temperature allows thermal annealing to drive the assembly of ordered 2-vinylpyridine cylinders that can be selectively complexed with the organometallic precursor trimethylaluminum. This unique chemistry converts organic 2-vinylpyridine cylinders into alumina nanowires with diameters ranging from 8 to 11 nm, depending on the copolymer molecular weight. Graphoepitaxy of this block copolymer aligns andmore » registers sub-12 nm diameter nanowires to larger-scale rectangular, curved, and circular features patterned by optical lithography. The alumina nanowires function as a robust hard mask to withstand the conditions required for patterning the underlying silicon by plasma etching. Lastly, we conclude with a discussion of some of the challenges that arise with using block copolymers for patterning at sub-10 nm feature sizes.« less
Patterning at the 10 nanometer length scale using a strongly segregating block copolymer thin film and vapor phase infiltration of inorganic precursors

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

Choi, Jonathan W.; Li, Zhaodong; Black, Charles T.

Here in this work, we demonstrate the use of self-assembled thin films of the cylinder-forming block copolymer poly(4-tert-butylstyrene-block-2-vinylpyridine) to pattern high density features at the 10 nm length scale. This material's large interaction parameter facilitates pattern formation in single-digit nanometer dimensions. This block copolymer's accessible order–disorder transition temperature allows thermal annealing to drive the assembly of ordered 2-vinylpyridine cylinders that can be selectively complexed with the organometallic precursor trimethylaluminum. This unique chemistry converts organic 2-vinylpyridine cylinders into alumina nanowires with diameters ranging from 8 to 11 nm, depending on the copolymer molecular weight. Graphoepitaxy of this block copolymer aligns andmore » registers sub-12 nm diameter nanowires to larger-scale rectangular, curved, and circular features patterned by optical lithography. The alumina nanowires function as a robust hard mask to withstand the conditions required for patterning the underlying silicon by plasma etching. Lastly, we conclude with a discussion of some of the challenges that arise with using block copolymers for patterning at sub-10 nm feature sizes.« less
Star formation history and chemical enrichment in the early Universe: clues from the rest-optical and rest-UV spectra of z~2-3 star-forming galaxies in the Keck Baryonic Structure Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strom, Allison L.

2017-01-01

Galaxies at the peak of cosmic star formation (z~2-3) exhibit significantly higher star formation rates and gas fractions at fixed stellar mass than nearby galaxies. These z~2-3 galaxies are also distinct in terms of their nebular spectra, reflecting important differences not only in the physical conditions of their interstellar medium (e.g., electron density and gas-phase metallicity), but also in the details of their massive stellar populations, especially their ionizing radiation fields. Jointly observing galaxies' HII regions, at rest-UV and rest-optical wavelengths, and massive stars, at rest-UV wavelengths, is central to constructing a framework for understanding the differences between z~2-3 and z~0 star-forming galaxies and for self-consistently explaining the trends observed in the high-redshift population. My thesis is based on data from the Keck Baryonic Structure Survey (KBSS), which uniquely combines observations of individual galaxies in these two bandpasses. In total, the near-infrared component of the KBSS includes spectra of >700 z~2-3 galaxies obtained with Keck/MOSFIRE. I will present these results along with a detailed analysis of the full rest-optical (3600-7000 Ang) nebular spectra of ~400 galaxies, showing that high-redshift galaxies exhibit uniformly high degrees of ionization and excitation with respect to most z~0 galaxies. Combined with observations of the same galaxies' rest-UV spectra (obtained with Keck/LRIS) and photoionization model predictions, these results suggest that the disparity arises from differences in the shape of the ionizing radiation field at fixed gas-phase oxygen abundance, most likely due to the effects of Fe-poor massive binary stars. My comprehensive spectroscopic study of an unprecedentedly large sample of z~2-3 galaxies offers compelling evidence that the distinct chemical abundance patterns observed in these galaxies are the result of systematic differences in their star formation histories.
A Circumzenithal Arc to Study Optics Concepts with Geometrical Optics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Isik, Hakan

2017-01-01

This paper describes the formation of a circumzenithal arc for the purpose of teaching light and optics. A circumzenithal arc, an optic formation rarely witnessed by people, is formed in this study using a water-filled cylindrical glass illuminated by sunlight. Sunlight refracted at the top and side surfaces of the glass of water is dispersed into…
Improving the CD linearity and proximity performance of photomasks written on the Sigma7500-II DUV laser writer through embedded OPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Österberg, Anders; Ivansen, Lars; Beyerl, Angela; Newman, Tom; Bowhill, Amanda; Sahouria, Emile; Schulze, Steffen

2007-10-01

Optical proximity correction (OPC) is widely used in wafer lithography to produce a printed image that best matches the design intent while optimizing CD control. OPC software applies corrections to the mask pattern data, but in general it does not compensate for the mask writer and mask process characteristics. The Sigma7500-II deep-UV laser mask writer projects the image of a programmable spatial light modulator (SLM) using partially coherent optics similar to wafer steppers, and the optical proximity effects of the mask writer are in principle correctable with established OPC methods. To enhance mask patterning, an embedded OPC function, LinearityEqualize TM, has been developed for the Sigma7500- II that is transparent to the user and which does not degrade mask throughput. It employs a Calibre TM rule-based OPC engine from Mentor Graphics, selected for the computational speed necessary for mask run-time execution. A multinode cluster computer applies optimized table-based CD corrections to polygonized pattern data that is then fractured into an internal writer format for subsequent data processing. This embedded proximity correction flattens the linearity behavior for all linewidths and pitches, which targets to improve the CD uniformity on production photomasks. Printing results show that the CD linearity is reduced to below 5 nm for linewidths down to 200 nm, both for clear and dark and for isolated and dense features, and that sub-resolution assist features (SRAF) are reliably printed down to 120 nm. This reduction of proximity effects for main mask features and the extension of the practical resolution for SRAFs expands the application space of DUV laser mask writing.
Pixel-based OPC optimization based on conjugate gradients.

PubMed

Ma, Xu; Arce, Gonzalo R

2011-01-31

Optical proximity correction (OPC) methods are resolution enhancement techniques (RET) used extensively in the semiconductor industry to improve the resolution and pattern fidelity of optical lithography. In pixel-based OPC (PBOPC), the mask is divided into small pixels, each of which is modified during the optimization process. Two critical issues in PBOPC are the required computational complexity of the optimization process, and the manufacturability of the optimized mask. Most current OPC optimization methods apply the steepest descent (SD) algorithm to improve image fidelity augmented by regularization penalties to reduce the complexity of the mask. Although simple to implement, the SD algorithm converges slowly. The existing regularization penalties, however, fall short in meeting the mask rule check (MRC) requirements often used in semiconductor manufacturing. This paper focuses on developing OPC optimization algorithms based on the conjugate gradient (CG) method which exhibits much faster convergence than the SD algorithm. The imaging formation process is represented by the Fourier series expansion model which approximates the partially coherent system as a sum of coherent systems. In order to obtain more desirable manufacturability properties of the mask pattern, a MRC penalty is proposed to enlarge the linear size of the sub-resolution assistant features (SRAFs), as well as the distances between the SRAFs and the main body of the mask. Finally, a projection method is developed to further reduce the complexity of the optimized mask pattern.
A design of optical modulation system with pixel-level modulation accuracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Shiwei; Qu, Xinghua; Feng, Wei; Liang, Baoqiu

2018-01-01

Vision measurement has been widely used in the field of dimensional measurement and surface metrology. However, traditional methods of vision measurement have many limits such as low dynamic range and poor reconfigurability. The optical modulation system before image formation has the advantage of high dynamic range, high accuracy and more flexibility, and the modulation accuracy is the key parameter which determines the accuracy and effectiveness of optical modulation system. In this paper, an optical modulation system with pixel level accuracy is designed and built based on multi-points reflective imaging theory and digital micromirror device (DMD). The system consisted of digital micromirror device, CCD camera and lens. Firstly we achieved accurate pixel-to-pixel correspondence between the DMD mirrors and the CCD pixels by moire fringe and an image processing of sampling and interpolation. Then we built three coordinate systems and calculated the mathematic relationship between the coordinate of digital micro-mirror and CCD pixels using a checkerboard pattern. A verification experiment proves that the correspondence error is less than 0.5 pixel. The results show that the modulation accuracy of system meets the requirements of modulation. Furthermore, the high reflecting edge of a metal circular piece can be detected using the system, which proves the effectiveness of the optical modulation system.
Temperature induced CuInSe2 nanocrystal formation in the Cu2Se-In3Se2 multilayer thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohan, A.; Rajesh, S.

2017-04-01

The paper deals with the impact of annealing on Cu2Se-In3Se2 multilayer structure and discusses the quantum confinements. Thermal evaporation technique was used to prepare multilayer films over the glass substrates. The films were annealed at different temperatures (150 °C-350 °C) under vacuum atmosphere. The XRD pattern reveals that the films exhibit (112) peaks with CuInSe2 Chalcopyrite structure and upon annealing crystallinity improved. The grain size comes around 13-19 nm. The optical band gap value was found to be 2.21 to 2.09 eV and band gap splitting was observed for higher annealing temperatures. The increase in the band gap is related to quantum confinement effect. SEM image shows nano crystals spread over the entire surface for higher annealing temperatures. Optical absorption and PL spectra shows the blue shift during annealing. The HR-TEM shows the particle size in the nano range and which confirms the CuInSe2 nanocrystal formation. AFM image shows the rough surface with homogenous grains for the as deposited films and smooth surface for annealed films.
Optically reconfigurable patterning for control of the propagation characteristics of a planar waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Klittnick, A.; Clark, N. A.; Keller, P.

2008-10-01

We demonstrate an easily fabricated all-optical and freely reconfigurable method of controlling the propagating characteristics of the optic path within a planar waveguide with low insertion losses by employing the optical patterning of the refractive index of an erasable and rewriteable photosensitive liquid crystal polymer cladding layer.
Eu3+-doped Gd2O3 nanoparticles as reporters for optical detection and visualization of antibodies patterned by microcontact printing.

PubMed

Nichkova, Mikaela; Dosev, Dosi; Perron, Richard; Gee, Shirley J; Hammock, Bruce D; Kennedy, Ian M

2006-02-01

Lanthanide oxide nanoparticles are promising luminescent probes in bioanalysis, because of their unique spectral properties, photostability, and low-cost synthesis. We report for the first time the application of europium-doped gadolinium oxide (Eu:Gd2O3) nanoparticles to the optical imaging of antibody micropatterns. The nanoparticles were synthesized by spray pyrolysis and coated with antibody (IgG) molecules by physical adsorption. Our experiments showed that the Eu:Gd2O3 is a good biocompatible solid support for antibody immobilization. The antibodies (anti-rabbit IgG) immobilized on the nanoparticles had excellent biological activity in the specific recognition reaction with rabbit IgG patterned in line strips (10 micromx10 microm) on a glass substrate by use of a micro-contact printing technique. The specific immunoreaction was confirmed by two independent microscopic techniques-fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both microscopic images revealed that the nanoparticles were organized into designated structures as defined by the microcontact printing process with negligible non-specific binding. The nanoparticles can be used as fluorescent markers in a variety of immunosensing applications in a microscale format.
Rigid Origami via Optical Programming and Deferred Self-Folding of a Two-Stage Photopolymer.

PubMed

Glugla, David J; Alim, Marvin D; Byars, Keaton D; Nair, Devatha P; Bowman, Christopher N; Maute, Kurt K; McLeod, Robert R

2016-11-02

We demonstrate the formation of shape-programmed, glassy origami structures using a single-layer photopolymer with two mechanically distinct phases. The latent origami pattern consisting of rigid, high cross-link density panels and flexible, low cross-link density creases is fabricated using a series of photomask exposures. Strong optical absorption of the polymer formulation creates depth-wise gradients in the cross-link density of the creases, enforcing directed folding which enables programming of both mountain and valley folds within the same sheet. These multiple photomask patterns can be sequentially applied because the sheet remains flat until immersed into a photopolymerizable monomer solution that differentially swells the polymer to fold and form the origami structure. After folding, a uniform photoexposure polymerizes the absorbed solution, permanently fixing the shape of the folded structure while simultaneously increasing the modulus of the folds. This approach creates sharp folds by mimicking the stiff panels and flexible creases of paper origami while overcoming the traditional trade-off of self-actuated materials that require low modulus for folding and high modulus for mechanical robustness. Using this process, we demonstrate a waterbomb base capable of supporting 1500 times its own weight.
Nearest pattern interaction and global pattern formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Seong-Ok; Moon, Hie-Tae; Ko, Tae-Wook

2000-12-01

We studied the effect of nearest pattern interaction on a global pattern formation in a two-dimensional space, where patterns are to grow initially from a noise in the presence of a periodic supply of energy. Although our approach is general, we found that this study is relevant in particular to the pattern formation on a periodically vibrated granular layer, as it gives a unified perspective of the experimentally observed pattern dynamics such as oscillon and stripe formations, skew-varicose and crossroll instabilities, and also a kink formation and decoration.
Exploratory Movement Generates Higher-Order Information That Is Sufficient for Accurate Perception of Scaled Egocentric Distance

PubMed Central

Mantel, Bruno; Stoffregen, Thomas A.; Campbell, Alain; Bardy, Benoît G.

2015-01-01

Body movement influences the structure of multiple forms of ambient energy, including optics and gravito-inertial force. Some researchers have argued that egocentric distance is derived from inferential integration of visual and non-visual stimulation. We suggest that accurate information about egocentric distance exists in perceptual stimulation as higher-order patterns that extend across optics and inertia. We formalize a pattern that specifies the egocentric distance of a stationary object across higher-order relations between optics and inertia. This higher-order parameter is created by self-generated movement of the perceiver in inertial space relative to the illuminated environment. For this reason, we placed minimal restrictions on the exploratory movements of our participants. We asked whether humans can detect and use the information available in this higher-order pattern. Participants judged whether a virtual object was within reach. We manipulated relations between body movement and the ambient structure of optics and inertia. Judgments were precise and accurate when the higher-order optical-inertial parameter was available. When only optic flow was available, judgments were poor. Our results reveal that participants perceived egocentric distance from the higher-order, optical-inertial consequences of their own exploratory activity. Analysis of participants’ movement trajectories revealed that self-selected movements were complex, and tended to optimize availability of the optical-inertial pattern that specifies egocentric distance. We argue that accurate information about egocentric distance exists in higher-order patterns of ambient energy, that self-generated movement can generate these higher-order patterns, and that these patterns can be detected and used to support perception of egocentric distance that is precise and accurate. PMID:25856410
Phase formation in selected surface-roughened plasma-nitrided 304 austenite stainless steel.

PubMed

Singh, Gajendra Prasad; Joseph, Alphonsa; Raole, Prakash Manohar; Barhai, Prema Kanta; Mukherjee, Subroto

2008-04-01

Direct current (DC) glow discharge plasma nitriding was carried out on three selected surface-roughened AISI 304 stainless steel samples at 833 K under 4 mbar pressures for 24 h in the presence of N 2 :H 2 gas mixtures of 50 : 50 ratios. After plasma nitriding, the phase formation, case depth, surface roughness, and microhardness of a plasma-nitrided layer were evaluated by glancing angle x-ray diffractogram, optical microscope, stylus profilometer, and Vickers microhardness tester techniques. The case depth, surface hardness, and phase formation variations were observed with a variation in initial surface roughness. The diffraction patterns of the plasma-nitrided samples showed the modified intensities of the α and γ phases along with those of the CrN, Fe 4 N, and Fe 3 N phases. Hardness and case depth variations were observed with a variation in surface roughness. A maximum hardness of 1058 Hv and a case depth of 95 μm were achieved in least surface-roughened samples.
Fractal analysis of Xylella fastidiosa biofilm formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreau, A. L. D.; Lorite, G. S.; Rodrigues, C. M.; Souza, A. A.; Cotta, M. A.

2009-07-01

We have investigated the growth process of Xylella fastidiosa biofilms inoculated on a glass. The size and the distance between biofilms were analyzed by optical images; a fractal analysis was carried out using scaling concepts and atomic force microscopy images. We observed that different biofilms show similar fractal characteristics, although morphological variations can be identified for different biofilm stages. Two types of structural patterns are suggested from the observed fractal dimensions Df. In the initial and final stages of biofilm formation, Df is 2.73±0.06 and 2.68±0.06, respectively, while in the maturation stage, Df=2.57±0.08. These values suggest that the biofilm growth can be understood as an Eden model in the former case, while diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) seems to dominate the maturation stage. Changes in the correlation length parallel to the surface were also observed; these results were correlated with the biofilm matrix formation, which can hinder nutrient diffusion and thus create conditions to drive DLA growth.

Micropatterned Azopolymer Surfaces Modulate Cell Mechanics and Cytoskeleton Structure.

PubMed

Rianna, Carmela; Ventre, Maurizio; Cavalli, Silvia; Radmacher, Manfred; Netti, Paolo A

2015-09-30

Physical and chemical characteristics of materials are important regulators of cell behavior. In particular, cell elasticity is a fundamental parameter that reflects the state of a cell. Surface topography finely modulates cell fate and function via adhesion mediated signaling and cytoskeleton generated forces. However, how topographies alter cell mechanics is still unclear. In this work we have analyzed the mechanical properties of peripheral and nuclear regions of NIH-3T3 cells on azopolymer substrates with different topographic patterns. Micrometer scale patterns in the form of parallel ridges or square lattices of surface elevations were encoded on light responsive azopolymer films by means of contactless optical methods. Cell mechanics was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cells and consequently the cell cytoskeleton were oriented along the linear patterns affecting cytoskeletal structures, e.g., formation of actin stress fibers. Our data demonstrate that topographic substrate patterns are recognized by cells and mechanical information is transferred by the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, cytoskeleton generated forces deform the nucleus, changing its morphology that appears to be related to different mechanical properties in the nuclear region.
Global control of colored moiré pattern in layered optical structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kunyang; Zhou, Yangui; Pan, Di; Ma, Xueyan; Ma, Hongqin; Liang, Haowen; Zhou, Jianying

2018-05-01

Accurate description of visual effect of colored moiré pattern caused by layered optical structures consisting of gratings and Fresnel lens is proposed in this work. The colored moiré arising from the periodic and quasi-periodic structures is numerically simulated and experimentally verified. It is found that the visibility of moiré pattern generated by refractive optical elements is related to not only the spatial structures of gratings but also the viewing angles. To effectively control the moiré visibility, two constituting gratings are slightly separated. Such scheme is proved to be effective to globally eliminate moiré pattern for displays containing refractive optical films with quasi-periodic structures.
Fiber Coupled Laser Diodes with Even Illumination Pattern

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Richard T. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

An optical fiber for evenly illuminating a target. The optical fiber is coupled to a laser emitting diode and receives laser light. The la ser light travels through the fiber optic and exits at an exit end. T he exit end has a diffractive optical pattern formed thereon via etch ing, molding or cutting, to reduce the Gaussian profile present in co nventional fiber optic cables The reduction of the Gaussian provides an even illumination from the fiber optic cable.
Engineered arrays of nitrogen-vacancy color centers in diamond based on implantation of CN- molecules through nanoapertures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spinicelli, P.; Dréau, A.; Rondin, L.; Silva, F.; Achard, J.; Xavier, S.; Bansropun, S.; Debuisschert, T.; Pezzagna, S.; Meijer, J.; Jacques, V.; Roch, J.-F.

2011-02-01

We report a versatile method for engineering arrays of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond at the nanoscale. The defects were produced in parallel by ion implantation through 80 nm diameter apertures patterned using electron beam lithography in a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) layer deposited on a diamond surface. The implantation was performed with CN- molecules that increased the NV defect-formation yield. This method could enable the realization of a solid-state coupled-spin array and could be used for positioning an optically active NV center on a photonic microstructure.
Formation metrology and control for large separated optics space telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mettler, E.; Quadrelli, M.; Breckenridge, W.

2002-01-01

In this paper we present formation flying performance analysis initial results for a representative large space telescope composed of separated optical elements [Mett 02]. A virtual-structure construct (an equivalent rigid body) is created by unique metrology and control that combines both centralized and decentralized methods. The formation may be in orbit at GEO for super-resolution Earth observation, as in the case of Figure 1, or it may be in an Earth-trailing orbit for astrophysics, Figure 2. Extended applications are envisioned for exo-solar planet interferometric imaging by a formation of very large separated optics telescopes, Figure 3. Space telescopes, with such large apertures and f/10 to f/100 optics, are not feasible if connected by massive metering structures. Instead, the new virtual-structure paradigm of information and control connectivity between the formation elements provides the necessary spatial rigidity and alignment precision for the telescope.
Symmetric 40-Gb/s TWDM-PON with 51-dB loss budget by using a single SOA as preamplifier, booster and format converter in ONU.

PubMed

Li, Zhengxuan; Yi, Lilin; Hu, Weisheng

2014-10-06

In this paper, we propose to use a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) in the optical network unit (ONU) to improve the loss budget in time and wavelength division multiplexed-passive optical network (TWDM-PON) systems. The SOA boosts the upstream signal to increase the output power of the electro-absorption modulated laser (EML) and simultaneously pre-amplifies the downstream signal for sensitivity improvement. The penalty caused by cross gain modulation (XGM) effect is negligible due to the low extinction ratio (ER) of upstream signal and the large wavelength difference between upstream and downstream links. In order to achieve a higher output power, the SOA is driven into its saturation region, where the self-phase modulation (SPM) effect converts the intensity into phase information and realizes on-off-keying (OOK) to phase-shifted-keying (PSK) format conversion. In this way, the pattern effect is eliminated, which releases the requirement of gain-clamping on SOA. To further improve the loss budget of upstream link, an Erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is used in the optical line terminal (OLT) to pre-amplify the received signal. For the downstream direction, directly modulated laser (DML) is used as the laser source. Taking advantage of its carrier-less characteristic, directly modulated signal shows high tolerance to fiber nonlinearity, which could support a downstream launch power as high as + 16 dBm per channel. In addition, the signal is pre-amplified by the SOA in ONU before being detected, so the sensitivity limitation for downstream link is also removed. As a result, a truly passive symmetric 40-Gb/s TWDM-PON was demonstrated, achieving a link loss budget of 51 dB.
Generation of vortex array laser beams with Dove prism embedded unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Shu-Chun

2009-02-01

This paper introduces a scheme for generation of vortex laser beams from a solid-state laser with off-axis laser-diode pumping. The proposed system consists of a Dove prism embedded in an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration. This configuration allows controlled construction of p × p vortex array beams from Ince-Gaussian modes, IGep,p modes. An incident IGe p,p laser beam of variety order p can easily be generated from an end-pumped solid-state laser with an off-axis pumping mechanism. This study simulates this type of vortex array laser beam generation and discusses beam propagation effects. The formation of ordered transverse emission patterns have applications in a variety of areas such as optical data storage, distribution, and processing that exploit the robustness of soliton and vortex fields and optical manipulations of small particles and atoms in the featured intensity distribution.
Ultrasonic synthesis of In-doped SnS nanoparticles and their physical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamali-Sheini, Farid; Cheraghizade, Mohsen; Yousefi, Ramin

2018-05-01

Indium (In)-doped Tin (II) Sulfide (SnS) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by an ultra-sonication method and their optical, electrical, dielectric and photocatalytic properties were investigated. XRD patterns of the obtained NPs indicated formation of orthorhombic polycrystalline SnS. Field emission scanning electron microscopy exhibited flower-like NPs with particle sizes below 100 nm for both SnS and In-doped SnS samples. Optical analysis showed a decrease in energy band gap of SnS NPs upon In doping. In addition, electrical results demonstrated p-type nature of the synthesized SnS NPs and enhanced electrical conductivity of the NPs due to increased tin vacancy. Dielectric experiments on SnS NPs suggested an electronic polarizations effect to be responsible for changing dielectric properties of the particles, in terms of frequency. Finally, photocatalytic experiments revealed that high degradation power can be obtained using In-doped SnS NPs.
Generation of multiple spectral bands in a diode-pumped self-mode-locked Nd:YAP laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Y. J.; Tzeng, Y. S.; Cho, H. H.; Chen, Y. F.; Chen, W. D.; Zhang, G.; Chen, T. C.

2016-02-01

A single- and multispectral-band diode end-pumped self-mode-locked Nd:YAP laser is originally demonstrated with an intracavity etalon to properly control the gain-to-loss ratios among the intermanifold lines on the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transition level. With a pulse repetition rate of 5.07 GHz, the shortest pulse durations under the single-spectral-band operation are achieved to be 11.1 ps at 1073 nm, 10.9 ps at 1080 nm, and 15.1 ps at 1084 nm, respectively. Moreover, the temporal overlapping of the multispectral-band pulses is experimentally found to lead to the generation of an intensity fringe pattern in the autocorrelation trace with the optical-beat frequency reaching several terahertz. A simple mathematical model is developed to elucidate the formation of a train of optical-beat pulses.
Defect evolution during catastrophic optical damage in 450-nm emitting InGaN/GaN diode lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomm, Jens W.; Kernke, Robert; Löffler, Andreas; Stojetz, Bernhard; Lell, Alfred; König, Harald

2018-02-01

The catastrophic optical damage (COD) of 450-nm emitting InGaN/GaN diode lasers is investigated with special attention to the kinetics of the process. For this purpose, the COD is triggered artificially by applying individual current pulses. This makes it possible to achieve a sub-µs time resolution for processes monitored by cameras. COD appears as a "hot" process that involves decomposition of quantum well and waveguide materials. We observe the ejection of hot material from the front facets of the laser. This can be seen in two different wavelength ranges, visible/near infrared and mid infrared. The main contributions identified are both thermal radiation and 450-nm laser light scattered by the emitted material. Defect growth during COD is energized by the optical mode. Therefore, the defect pattern resembles its shape. Ultimately, the loss of material leads to the formation of an empty channel along the laser axis. COD in GaAs and GaN-based devices follows similar general scenarios. After ignition of the process, the defect propagation during the process is fed by laser energy. We observe defect propagation velocities of up to 30 m/s for GaAs-based devices and 110 m/s for GaN-based devices. The damage patterns of GaN and GaAs-based devices are completely different. For GaN-based devices, the front facets show holes. Behind them in the interior, we find an empty channel at the position of the optical mode surrounded by intact material. In contrast, earlier studies on GaAs-based devices that were degraded under almost identical conditions resulted in molten, phase separated and both recrystallized and amorphous materials with well-defined melting fronts.
Analysis of localized fringes in the holographic optical Schlieren system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurtz, R. L.

1980-01-01

The relation between localization of interference fringes in classical and holographic interferometry is reviewed and an application of holographic interferometry is considered for which the object is a transparent medium with nonhomogeneous refractive index. The technique is based on the analysis of the optical path length change of the object wave as it propagates through a transparent medium. Phase shifts due to variations of the speed of light within the medium give rise to an interference pattern. The resulting interferogram can be used to determine the physical properties of the medium or transparent object. Such properties include the mass density of fluids, electron densities of plasmas, the temperature of fluids, the chemical species concentration of fluids, and the state of stress in solids. The optical wave used can be either a simple plane or spherical wave, or it may be a complicated spatial wave scattered by a diffusing screen. The mathematical theory on the formation and analysis of localized fringes, the general theoretical concepts used, and a computer code for analysis are included along with the inversion of fringe order data.
Optical fluoride sensor based on monomer-dimer equilibrium of scandium(III)-octaethylporphyrin in a plasticized polymeric film.

PubMed

Kang, Youngjea; Kampf, Jeff W; Meyerhoff, Mark E

2007-08-29

A fluoride-selective optical sensor based on scandium(III)-octaethylporphyrin (Sc(III)OEP) as an ionophore within a plasticized PVC film is described. The presence of fluoride ion in the aqueous sample phase increases the formation of a difluoro-bridged Sc(III)OEP dimer species in the polymer film. The ability of the Sc(III) porphyrin to form the dimeric structure in the presence of fluoride is confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. For more practical sensing applications, a pH chromoionophore (ETH 7075) is added to the plasticized PVC film along with Sc(III)OEP and the observed optical response is based on coextraction of protons with sample phase fluoride to create the dimeric porphyrin and a protonated chromoionophore species. The selectivity pattern observed is F- > ClO4(-), SCN-, NO3(-) > Br-, Cl-. Only organic salicylate is a significant interferent. Fast and reversible fluoride response is observed over the range of 10(-4) to 10(-2) M fluoride, allowing use of the sensing film in a waveguide configuration for flow-injection measurements.
Optical Fluoride Sensor Based on Monomer-Dimer Equilibrium of Scandium(III)-Octaethylporphyrin in a Plasticized Polymeric Film

PubMed Central

Kang, Youngjea; Kampf, Jeff W.; Meyerhoff, Mark E.

2007-01-01

A fluoride-selective optical sensor based on scandium(III) octaethylporphyrin (Sc(III)OEP) as an ionophore within a plasticized PVC film is described. The presence of fluoride ion in the aqueous sample phase increases the formation of a difluoro-bridged Sc(III)OEP dimer species in the polymer film. The ability of the Sc(III) porphyrin to form the dimeric structure in the presence of fluoride is confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. For more practical sensing applications, a pH chromoionophore (ETH 7075) is added to the plasticized PVC film along with Sc(III)OEP and the observed optical response is based on co-extraction of protons with sample phase fluoride to create the dimeric porphyrin and a protonated chromoionophore species. The selectivity pattern observed is F-≫ClO4-, SCN-, NO3->Br-, Cl-. Only organic salicylate is a significant interferent. Fast and reversible fluoride response is observed over the range of 10-4 ~10-2 M fluoride, allowing use of the sensing film in a waveguide configuration for flow-injection measurements. PMID:17719905
Interfacial effect on the structural and optical properties of pure SnO2 and dual shells (ZnO; SiO2) coated SnO2 core-shell nanospheres for optoelectronic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selvi, N.; Sankar, S.; Dinakaran, K.

2014-12-01

Nanocrystallites of SnO2 core and dual shells (ZnO, SiO2) coated SnO2 core-shell nanospheres were successfully synthesized by co-precipitation method. The as prepared and annealed samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and UV-Vis analysis. XRD pattern confirms the obtained SnO2 core with tetragonal rutile crystalline structure and the shell ZnO with hexagonal structure. FTIR result shows the functional groups present in the samples. The spherical morphology and the formation of the core-shell structures have been confirmed by HRTEM measurements. The UV-Vis showed that band gap is red shifted for as-prepared and the shells coated core-shell samples. From this investigation it can be concluded that the surface modification with different metal and insulating oxides strongly influences the optical properties of the core-shell materials which enhance their potential applications towards optical devices fabrication.
Spray deposition of highly transparent fluorine doped cadmium oxide thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deokate, R. J.; Pawar, S. M.; Moholkar, A. V.; Sawant, V. S.; Pawar, C. A.; Bhosale, C. H.; Rajpure, K. Y.

2008-01-01

The cadmium oxide (CdO) and F:CdO films have been deposited by spray pyrolysis method using cadmium acetate and ammonium fluoride as precursors for Cd and F ions, respectively. The effect of temperature and F doping on the structural, morphological, optical and Hall effect properties of sprayed CdO thin films was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical absorption and electrical measurement techniques. TGA and DTA studies, indicates the formation of CdO by decomposition of cadmium acetate after 250 °C. XRD patterns reveal that samples are polycrystalline with cubic structure and exhibits (2 0 0) preferential orientation. Considerable broading of (2 0 0) peak, simultaneous shifting of corresponding Bragg's angle have been observed with respect to F doping level. SEM and AFM show the heterogeneous distribution of cubical grains all over the substrate, which are randomly distributed. F doping shifts the optical gap along with the increase in the transparency of CdO films. The Hall effect measurement indicates that the resistivity and mobility decrease up to 4% F doping.
Ice cloud formation potential by free tropospheric particles from long-range transport over the Northern Atlantic Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

China, Swarup; Alpert, Peter A.; Zhang, Bo; Schum, Simeon; Dzepina, Katja; Wright, Kendra; Owen, R. Chris; Fialho, Paulo; Mazzoleni, Lynn R.; Mazzoleni, Claudio; Knopf, Daniel A.

2017-03-01

Long-range transported free tropospheric particles can play a significant role on heterogeneous ice nucleation. Using optical and electron microscopy we examine the physicochemical characteristics of ice nucleating particles (INPs). Particles were collected on substrates from the free troposphere at the remote Pico Mountain Observatory in the Azores Islands, after long-range transport and aging over the Atlantic Ocean. We investigate four specific events to study the ice formation potential by the collected particles with different ages and transport patterns. We use single-particle analysis, as well as bulk analysis to characterize particle populations. Both analyses show substantial differences in particle composition between samples from the four events; in addition, single-particle microscopy analysis indicates that most particles are coated by organic material. The identified INPs contained mixtures of dust, aged sea salt and soot, and organic material acquired either at the source or during transport. The temperature and relative humidity (RH) at which ice formed, varied only by 5% between samples, despite differences in particle composition, sources, and transport patterns. We hypothesize that this small variation in the onset RH may be due to the coating material on the particles. This study underscores and motivates the need to further investigate how long-range transported and atmospherically aged free tropospheric particles impact ice cloud formation.
Ice cloud formation potential by free tropospheric particles from long-range transport over the Northern Atlantic Ocean

DOE PAGES

China, Swarup; Alpert, Peter A.; Zhang, Bo; ...

2017-02-27

Long-range transported free tropospheric particles can play a significant role on heterogeneous ice nucleation. Using optical and electron microscopy we examine the physicochemical characteristics of ice nucleating particles (INPs). Particles were collected on substrates from the free troposphere at the remote Pico Mountain Observatory in the Azores Islands, after long-range transport and aging over the Atlantic Ocean. We investigate four specific events to study the ice formation potential by the collected particles with different ages and transport patterns. We use single-particle analysis, as well as bulk analysis to characterize particle populations. Both analyses show substantial differences in particle composition betweenmore » samples from the four events; in addition, single-particle microscopy analysis indicates that most particles are coated by organic material. The identified INPs contained mixtures of dust, aged sea salt and soot, and organic material acquired either at the source or during transport. The temperature and relative humidity ( RH) at which ice formed, varied only by 5% between samples, despite differences in particle composition, sources, and transport patterns. We hypothesize that this small variation in the onset RH may be due to the coating material on the particles. Finally, this study underscores and motivates the need to further investigate how long-range transported and atmospherically aged free tropospheric particles impact ice cloud formation.« less
Ice cloud formation potential by free tropospheric particles from long-range transport over the Northern Atlantic Ocean

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

China, Swarup; Alpert, Peter A.; Zhang, Bo

Long-range transported free tropospheric particles can play a significant role on heterogeneous ice nucleation. Using optical and electron microscopy we examine the physicochemical characteristics of ice nucleating particles (INPs). Particles were collected on substrates from the free troposphere at the remote Pico Mountain Observatory in the Azores Islands, after long-range transport and aging over the Atlantic Ocean. We investigate four specific events to study the ice formation potential by the collected particles with different ages and transport patterns. We use single-particle analysis, as well as bulk analysis to characterize particle populations. Both analyses show substantial differences in particle composition betweenmore » samples from the four events; in addition, single-particle microscopy analysis indicates that most particles are coated by organic material. The identified INPs contained mixtures of dust, aged sea salt and soot, and organic material acquired either at the source or during transport. The temperature and relative humidity ( RH) at which ice formed, varied only by 5% between samples, despite differences in particle composition, sources, and transport patterns. We hypothesize that this small variation in the onset RH may be due to the coating material on the particles. Finally, this study underscores and motivates the need to further investigate how long-range transported and atmospherically aged free tropospheric particles impact ice cloud formation.« less
Perceiving environmental structure from optical motion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lappin, Joseph S.

1991-01-01

Generally speaking, one of the most important sources of optical information about environmental structure is known to be the deforming optical patterns produced by the movements of the observer (pilot) or environmental objects. As an observer moves through a rigid environment, the projected optical patterns of environmental objects are systematically transformed according to their orientations and positions in 3D space relative to those of the observer. The detailed characteristics of these deforming optical patterns carry information about the 3D structure of the objects and about their locations and orientations relative to those of the observer. The specific geometrical properties of moving images that may constitute visually detected information about the shapes and locations of environmental objects is examined.
Changes in speckle patterns induced by load application onto an optical fiber and its possible application for sensing purpose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasegawa, Makoto; Okumura, Jyun-ya; Hyuga, Akio

2015-08-01

Speckle patterns to be observed in an output light spot from an optical fiber are known to be changed due to external disturbances applied onto the optical fiber. In order to investigate possibilities of utilizing such changes in speckle patterns for sensing application, a certain load was applied onto a jacket-covered communication-grade multi-mode glass optical fiber through which laser beams emitted from a laser diode were propagating, and observed changes in speckle patterns in the output light spot from the optical fiber were investigated both as image data via a CCD camera and as an output voltage from a photovoltaic panel irradiated with the output light spot. The load was applied via a load application mechanism in which several ridges were provided onto opposite flat plates and a certain number of weights were placed there so that corrugated bending of the optical fiber was intentionally induced via load application due to the ridges. The obtained results showed that the number of speckles in the observed pattern in the output light spot as well as the output voltage from the photovoltaic panel irradiated with the output light spot showed decreases upon load application with relatively satisfactory repeatability. When the load was reduced, i.e., the weights were removed, the number of speckles then showed recovery. These results indicate there is a certain possibility of utilizing changes in speckle patterns for sensing of load application onto the optical fiber.

Pulse patterning effect in optical pulse division multiplexing for flexible single wavelength multiple access optical network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Sun-Young; Kim, Chang-Hun; Han, Sang-Kook

2018-05-01

A demand for high spectral efficiency requires multiple access within a single wavelength, but the uplink signals are significantly degraded because of optical beat interference (OBI) in intensity modulation/direct detection system. An optical pulse division multiplexing (OPDM) technique was proposed that could effectively reduce the OBI via a simple method as long as near-orthogonality is satisfied, but the condition was strict, and thus, the number of multiplexing units was very limited. We propose pulse pattern enhanced OPDM (e-OPDM) to reduce the OBI and improve the flexibility in multiple access within a single wavelength. The performance of the e-OPDM and patterning effect are experimentally verified after 23-km single mode fiber transmission. By employing pulse patterning in OPDM, the tight requirement was relaxed by extending the optical delay dynamic range. This could support more number of access with reduced OBI, which could eventually enhance a multiple access function.
Optical force stamping lithography

PubMed Central

Nedev, Spas; Urban, Alexander S.; Lutich, Andrey A.; Feldmann, Jochen

2013-01-01

Here we introduce a new paradigm of far-field optical lithography, optical force stamping lithography. The approach employs optical forces exerted by a spatially modulated light field on colloidal nanoparticles to rapidly stamp large arbitrary patterns comprised of single nanoparticles onto a substrate with a single-nanoparticle positioning accuracy well beyond the diffraction limit. Because the process is all-optical, the stamping pattern can be changed almost instantly and there is no constraint on the type of nanoparticle or substrates used. PMID:21992538
Interactive educational technologies as a method of communicative competency development of optical and fiber optic communication systems specialists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matveeva, Tatiana U.; Osadchiy, Igor S.; Husnutdinova, Marina N.

2017-04-01

The article examines the process of formation of communicative competencies of optic and fiber optic communication systems specialists; the role of communicative competencies is examined in the structure of professionally important skills, together with the contents of professional activity. The stages of empirical research into formation of communicative competencies have been presented, and the values of statistical reliability of data have been provided. The model of formation of communicative competency using interactive technology has been developed based on the research done, and main stages of model implementation and motives of formation of communicative competency have been highlighted. A scheme of "Communicative competence as a base of future success" training session has been suggested as one of the basic interactive technologies. Main components of education that are used during the stages of the training cycle have been examined. The statistical data on the effectiveness of use of interactive educational technologies has been presented; it allowed development of communicative competency of specialists in the field of optical and fiber optic communication system.
Fiber-Optic Strain Sensors With Linear Characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egalon, Claudio O.; Rogowski, Robert S.

1993-01-01

Fiber-optic modal domain strain sensors having linear characteristics over wide range of strains proposed. Conceived in effort to improve older fiber-optic strain sensors. Linearity obtained by appropriate choice of design parameters. Pattern of light and dark areas at output end of optical fiber produced by interference between electromagnetic modes in which laser beam propagates in fiber. Photodetector monitors intensity at one point in pattern.
Computer Generated Diffraction Patterns Of Rough Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakels, Jan H.

1989-03-01

It is generally accepted, that optical methods are the most promising for the in-process measurement of surface finish. These methods have the advantages of being non-contacting and fast data acquisition. In the Micro-Engineering Centre at the University of Warwick, an optical sensor has been devised which can measure the rms roughness, slope and wavelength of turned and precision ground surfaces. The operation of this device is based upon the Kirchhoff-Fresnel diffraction integral. Application of this theory to ideal turned surfaces is straightforward, and indeed the theoretically calculated diffraction patterns are in close agreement with patterns produced by an actual optical instrument. Since it is mathematically difficult to introduce real surface profiles into the diffraction integral, a computer program has been devised, which simulates the operation of the optical sensor. The program produces a diffraction pattern as a graphical output. Comparison between computer generated and actual diffraction patterns of the same surfaces show a high correlation.
HUBBLE SNAPS 'FAMILY PORTRAIT'

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

The Hubble Space Telescope's Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) has peered into the Cone Nebula, revealing a stunning image of six baby sun-like stars surrounding their mother, a bright, massive star. Known as NGC 2264 IRS, the massive star triggered the creation of these baby stars by releasing high-speed particles of dust and gas during its formative years. The image on the left, taken in visible light by a ground-based telescope, shows the Cone Nebula, located 2,500 light-years away in the constellation Monoceros. The white box pinpoints the location of the star nursery. The nursery cannot be seen in this image because dust and gas obscure it. The large cone of cold molecular hydrogen and dust rising from the lefthand edge of the image was created by the outflow from NGC 2264 IRS. The NICMOS image on the right shows this massive star - the brightest source in the region - and the stars formed by its outflow. The baby stars are only .04 to .08 light-years away from their brilliant mother. The rings surrounding the massive star and the spikes emanating from it are not part of the image. This pattern demonstrates the near-perfect optical performance of NICMOS. A near-perfect optical system should bend light from point-like sources, such as NGC 2264 IRS, forming these diffraction patterns of rings and spikes. This false color image was taken with 1.1-, 1.6-, and 2.2-micron filters. The image was taken on April 28, 1997. Credits: Rodger Thompson, Marcia Rieke and Glenn Schneider (University of Arizona), and NASA Image files in GIF and JPEG format and captions may be accessed on the Internet via anonymous ftp from ftp.stsci.edu in /pubinfo.
Implanted Silicon Resistor Layers for Efficient Terahertz Absorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chervenak, J. A.; Abrahams, J.; Allen, C. A.; Benford, D. J.; Henry, R.; Stevenson, T.; Wollack, E.; Moseley, S. H.

2005-01-01

Broadband absorption structures are an essential component of large format bolometer arrays for imaging GHz and THz radiation. We have measured electrical and optical properties of implanted silicon resistor layers designed to be suitable for these absorbers. Implanted resistors offer a low-film-stress, buried absorber that is robust to longterm aging, temperature, and subsequent metals processing. Such an absorber layer is readily integrated with superconducting integrated circuits and standard micromachining as demonstrated by the SCUBA II array built by ROE/NIST (1). We present a complete characterization of these layers, demonstrating frequency regimes in which different recipes will be suitable for absorbers. Single layer thin film coatings have been demonstrated as effective absorbers at certain wavelengths including semimetal (2,3), thin metal (4), and patterned metal films (5,6). Astronomical instrument examples include the SHARC II instrument is imaging the submillimeter band using passivated Bi semimetal films and the HAWC instrument for SOFIA, which employs ultrathin metal films to span 1-3 THz. Patterned metal films on spiderweb bolometers have also been proposed for broadband detection. In each case, the absorber structure matches the impedance of free space for optimal absorption in the detector configuration (typically 157 Ohms per square for high absorption with a single or 377 Ohms per square in a resonant cavity or quarter wave backshort). Resonant structures with -20% bandwidth coupled to bolometers are also under development; stacks of such structures may take advantage of instruments imaging over a wide band. Each technique may enable effective absorbers in imagers. However, thin films tend to age, degrade or change during further processing, can be difficult to reproduce, and often exhibit an intrinsic granularity that creates complicated frequency dependence at THz frequencies. Thick metal films are more robust but the requirement for patterning can limit their absorption at THz frequencies and their heat capacity can be high. patterned absorber structures that offer low heat capacity, absence of aging, and uniform, predictable behavior at THz frequencies. We have correlated DC electrical and THz optical measurements of a series of implanted layers and studied their frequency dependence of optical absorption from .3 to 10 THz at cryogenic temperatures. We have modeled the optical response to determine the suitability of the implanted silicon resistor as a function of resistance in the range 10 Ohms/sq to 300 Ohms/sq.
Constructive spin-orbital angular momentum coupling can twist materials to create spiral structures in optical vortex illumination

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

Barada, Daisuke; Center for Optical Research and Education; Juman, Guzhaliayi

It was discovered that optical vortices twist isotropic and homogenous materials, e.g., azo-polymer films to form spiral structures on a nano- or micro-scale. However, the formation mechanism has not yet been established theoretically. To understand the mechanism of the spiral surface relief formation in the azo-polymer film, we theoretically investigate the optical radiation force induced in an isotropic and homogeneous material under irradiation using a continuous-wave optical vortex with arbitrary topological charge and polarization. It is revealed that the spiral surface relief formation in azo-polymer films requires the irradiation of optical vortices with a positive (negative) spin angular momentum andmore » a positive (negative) orbital angular momentum (constructive spin-orbital angular momentum coupling), i.e., the degeneracy among the optical vortices with the same total angular momentum is resolved.« less
Advanced optical correlation and digital methods for pattern matching—50th anniversary of Vander Lugt matched filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Millán, María S.

2012-10-01

On the verge of the 50th anniversary of Vander Lugt’s formulation for pattern matching based on matched filtering and optical correlation, we acknowledge the very intense research activity developed in the field of correlation-based pattern recognition during this period of time. The paper reviews some domains that appeared as emerging fields in the last years of the 20th century and have been developed later on in the 21st century. Such is the case of three-dimensional (3D) object recognition, biometric pattern matching, optical security and hybrid optical-digital processors. 3D object recognition is a challenging case of multidimensional image recognition because of its implications in the recognition of real-world objects independent of their perspective. Biometric recognition is essentially pattern recognition for which the personal identification is based on the authentication of a specific physiological characteristic possessed by the subject (e.g. fingerprint, face, iris, retina, and multifactor combinations). Biometric recognition often appears combined with encryption-decryption processes to secure information. The optical implementations of correlation-based pattern recognition processes still rely on the 4f-correlator, the joint transform correlator, or some of their variants. But the many applications developed in the field have been pushing the systems for a continuous improvement of their architectures and algorithms, thus leading towards merged optical-digital solutions.
Schlieren optics for leak detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peale, Robert E.; Ruffin, Alranzo B.

1995-01-01

The purpose of this research was to develop an optical method of leak detection. Various modifications of schlieren optics were explored with initial emphasis on leak detection of the plumbing within the orbital maneuvering system of the space shuttle (OMS pod). The schlieren scheme envisioned for OMS pod leak detection was that of a high contrast pattern on flexible reflecting material imaged onto a negative of the same pattern. We find that the OMS pod geometry constrains the characteristic length scale of the pattern to the order of 0.001 inch. Our experiments suggest that optical modulation transfer efficiency will be very low for such patterns, which will limit the sensitivity of the technique. Optical elements which allow a negative of the scene to be reversibly recorded using light from the scene itself were explored for their potential in adaptive single-ended schlieren systems. Elements studied include photochromic glass, bacteriorhodopsin, and a transmissive liquid crystal display. The dynamics of writing and reading patterns were studied using intensity profiles from recorded images. Schlieren detection of index gradients in air was demonstrated.
Synthesis, nucleation, growth, structural, spectral, thermal, linear and nonlinear optical studies of novel organic NLO crystal: 4-fluoro 4-nitrostilbene (FONS).

PubMed

Dinakaran, Paul M; Kalainathan, S

2013-03-15

A novel organic nonlinear optical material 4-fluoro 4-nitrostilbene (FONS), with molecular formula (C(14)H(10)FNO(2)) has been synthesized. Using ethyl methyl ketone as solvent, the synthesized material has been repeatedly recrystallized to minimize the impurities and good optical quality single crystals were harvested by slow evaporation method. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the grown FONS crystal belongs to monoclinic system with noncentrosymmetric space group "P2(1)". The powder X-ray diffraction pattern of FONS has been recorded. Functional groups of the title compound were confirmed by FTIR and the molecular structure was confirmed by (1)HNMR. The UV-vis-NIR absorption study reveals no absorption in the visible region and the cut-off wavelength was found to be at 408 nm. Optical band gap (E(g)) of the grown crystal was found to be 3.27 eV and also the optical constants were determined. Thermal behaviour of the FONS has been studied by TGA/DTA analyses. From the mass spectrum, the ratio of compound formation of FONS was analyzed. The NLO property has been confirmed by Kurtz and Perry powder SHG technique and the SHG efficiency of FONS (262 mV) crystal was found to be 12 times greater than that of KDP (21.7 mV). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Nocturnality constrains morphological and functional diversity in the eyes of reef fishes.

PubMed

Schmitz, Lars; Wainwright, Peter C

2011-11-19

Ambient light levels are often considered to drive the evolution of eye form and function. Diel activity pattern is the main mechanism controlling the visual environment of teleost reef fish, with day-active (diurnal) fish active in well-illuminated conditions, whereas night-active (nocturnal) fish cope with dim light. Physiological optics predicts several specific evolutionary responses to dim-light vision that should be reflected in visual performance features of the eye. We analyzed a large comparative dataset on morphological traits of the eyes in 265 species of teleost reef fish in 43 different families. The eye morphology of nocturnal reef teleosts is characterized by a syndrome that indicates better light sensitivity, including large relative eye size, high optical ratio and large, rounded pupils. Improved dim-light image formation comes at the cost of reduced depth of focus and reduction of potential accommodative lens movement. Diurnal teleost reef fish, released from the stringent functional requirements of dim-light vision have much higher morphological and optical diversity than nocturnal species, with large ranges of optical ratio, depth of focus, and lens accommodation. Physical characteristics of the environment are an important factor in the evolution and diversification of the vertebrate eye. Both teleost reef fish and terrestrial amniotes meet the functional requirements of dim-light vision with a similar evolutionary response of morphological and optical modifications. The trade-off between improved dim-light vision and reduced optical diversity may be a key factor in explaining the lower trophic diversity of nocturnal reef teleosts.
Autonomous formation flying sensor for the Star Light Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aung, M.; Purcell, G.; Tien, J.; Young, L.; Srinivasan, J.; Ciminera, M. A.; Chong, Y. J.; Amaro, L. R.; Young, L. E.

2002-01-01

The StarLight Mission, an element of NASA's Origins Program, was designed for first-time demonstration of two technologies: formation flying optical interferometry between spacecraft and autonomous precise formation flying of an array of spacecraft to support optical interferometry. The design overview and results of the technology effort are presented in this paper.
Computer Simulation Of An In-Process Surface Finish Sensor.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakels, Jan H.

1987-01-01

It is generally accepted, that optical methods are the most promising for the in-process measurement of surface finish. These methods have the advantages of being non-contacting and fast data acquisition. Furthermore, these optical instruments can be easily retrofitted on existing machine-tools. In the Micro-Engineering Centre at the University of Warwick, an optical sensor has been developed which can measure the rms roughness, slope and wavelength of turned and precision ground surfaces during machining. The operation of this device is based upon the Kirchhoff-Fresnel diffraction integral. Application of this theory to ideal turned and ground surfaces is straightforward, and indeed the calculated diffraction patterns are in close agreement with patterns produced by an actual optical instrument. Since it is mathematically difficult to introduce real machine-tool behaviour into the diffraction integral, a computer program has been devised, which simulates the operation of the optical sensor. The program produces a diffraction pattern as a graphical output. Comparison between computer generated and actual diffraction patterns of the same surfaces show a high correlation. The main aim of this program is to construct an atlas, which maps known machine-tool errors versus optical diffraction patterns. This atlas can then be used for machine-tool condition diagnostics. It has been found that optical monitoring is very sensitive to minor defects. Therefore machine-tool detoriation can be detected before it is detrimental.
Formation of contour optical traps using a four-channel liquid crystal focusing device

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

Korobtsov, A V; Kotova, S P; Losevsky, N N

2014-12-31

The capabilities and specific features of the formation and dynamic control of so-called contour optical traps using a fourchannel liquid crystal modulator are studied theoretically and experimentally. Circular, elliptical and C-shaped traps are formed. Trapping and confinement of absorbing micro-objects by the formed traps are demonstrated. (optical traps)
E2F4 is required for early eye patterning.

PubMed

Ruzhynsky, Vladimir A; Furimsky, Marosh; Park, David S; Wallace, Valerie A; Slack, Ruth S

2009-01-01

Increasingly, studies reveal novel functions for cell cycle proteins during development. Here, we investigated the role of E2F4 in eye development. E2F4-deficient mouse embryos exhibit severe early eye patterning defects, which are evident from embryonic day 11.5 and characterized by aberrant shape of the optic cup, coloboma as well as abnormal eye pigmentation. Loss of E2F4 is associated with proximal-distal patterning defects in the optic vesicle. These defects are characterized by the expansion of optic stalk marker gene expression to the optic cup and reduced expression of ventral optic cup markers. These defects are associated with a split of Shh expression domain at the ventral midline of the forebrain and expansion of the Shh activity into the ventral optic cup. Despite these patterning defects, early neuronal differentiation and Shh expression in the retina are not affected by E2F4 deletion. Overall, the results of our studies show a novel role of E2F4 in the early eye development. 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Optically simulating a quantum associative memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howell, John C.; Yeazell, John A.; Ventura, Dan

2000-10-01

This paper discusses the realization of a quantum associative memory using linear integrated optics. An associative memory produces a full pattern of bits when presented with only a partial pattern. Quantum computers have the potential to store large numbers of patterns and hence have the ability to far surpass any classical neural-network realization of an associative memory. In this work two three-qubit associative memories will be discussed using linear integrated optics. In addition, corrupted, invented and degenerate memories are discussed.
Simulation and analysis of OOK-to-BPSK format conversion based on gain-transparent SOA used as optical phase-modulator.

PubMed

Hong, Wei; Huang, Dexiu; Zhang, Xinliang; Zhu, Guangxi

2007-12-24

All-optical on-off keying (OOK) to binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) modulation format conversion based on gain-transparent semiconductor optical amplifier (GT-SOA) is simulated and analyzed, where GT-SOA is used as an all-optical phase-modulator (PM). Numerical simulation of the phase modulation effect of GT-SOA is performed using a wideband dynamic model of GT-SOA and the quality of the BPSK signal is evaluated using the differential-phase-Q factor. Performance improvement by holding light injection is analyzed and non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and return-to-zero (RZ) modulation formats of the OOK signal are considered.
Studies of the beam extraction system of the GTS-LHC electron cyclotron resonance ion source at CERN

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

Toivanen, V., E-mail: ville.aleksi.toivanen@cern.ch; Küchler, D.

2016-02-15

The 14.5 GHz GTS-LHC Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source (ECRIS) provides multiply charged heavy ion beams for the CERN experimental program. The GTS-LHC beam formation has been studied extensively with lead, argon, and xenon beams with varied beam extraction conditions using the ion optical code IBSimu. The simulation model predicts self-consistently the formation of triangular and hollow beam structures which are often associated with ECRIS ion beams, as well as beam loss patterns which match the observed beam induced markings in the extraction region. These studies provide a better understanding of the properties of the extracted beams and a waymore » to diagnose the extraction system performance and limitations, which is otherwise challenging due to the lack of direct diagnostics in this region and the limited availability of the ion source for development work.« less
Room Temperature Gas Sensing Properties of Sn-Substituted Nickel Ferrite (NiFe2O4) Thin Film Sensors Prepared by Chemical Co-Precipitation Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manikandan, V.; Li, Xiaogan; Mane, R. S.; Chandrasekaran, J.

2018-04-01

Tin (Sn) substituted nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) thin film sensors were prepared by a simple chemical co-precipitation method, which initially characterized their structure and surface morphology with the help of x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Surface morphology of the sensing films reveals particles stick together with nearer particles and this formation leads to a large specific area as a large specific area is very useful for easy adsorption of gas molecules. Transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction pattern images confirm particle size and nanocrystallnity as due to formation of circular rings. Fourier transform infrared analysis has supported the presence of functional groups. The 3.69 eV optical band gap of the film was found which enabled better gas sensing. Gas sensors demonstrate better response and recovery characteristics, and the maximum response was 68.43%.

Studies of the beam extraction system of the GTS-LHC electron cyclotron resonance ion source at CERN.

PubMed

Toivanen, V; Küchler, D

2016-02-01

The 14.5 GHz GTS-LHC Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source (ECRIS) provides multiply charged heavy ion beams for the CERN experimental program. The GTS-LHC beam formation has been studied extensively with lead, argon, and xenon beams with varied beam extraction conditions using the ion optical code IBSimu. The simulation model predicts self-consistently the formation of triangular and hollow beam structures which are often associated with ECRIS ion beams, as well as beam loss patterns which match the observed beam induced markings in the extraction region. These studies provide a better understanding of the properties of the extracted beams and a way to diagnose the extraction system performance and limitations, which is otherwise challenging due to the lack of direct diagnostics in this region and the limited availability of the ion source for development work.
All-optical clock recovery, photonic balancing, and saturated asymmetric filtering for fiber optic communication systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parsons, Earl Ryan

In this dissertation I investigated a multi-channel and multi-bit rate all-optical clock recovery device. This device, a birefringent Fabry-Perot resonator, had previously been demonstrated to simultaneously recover the clock signal from 10 wavelength channels operating at 10 Gb/s and one channel at 40 Gb/s. Similar to clock signals recovered from a conventional Fabry-Perot resonator, the clock signal from the birefringent resonator suffers from a bit pattern effect. I investigated this bit pattern effect for birefringent resonators numerically and experimentally and found that the bit pattern effect is less prominent than for clock signals from a conventional Fabry-Perot resonator. I also demonstrated photonic balancing which is an all-optical alternative to electrical balanced detection for phase shift keyed signals. An RZ-DPSK data signal was demodulated using a delay interferometer. The two logically opposite outputs from the delay interferometer then counter-propagated in a saturated SOA. This process created a differential signal which used all the signal power present in two consecutive symbols. I showed that this scheme could provide an optical alternative to electrical balanced detection by reducing the required OSNR by 3 dB. I also show how this method can provide amplitude regeneration to a signal after modulation format conversion. In this case an RZ-DPSK signal was converted to an amplitude modulation signal by the delay interferometer. The resulting amplitude modulated signal is degraded by both the amplitude noise and the phase noise of the original signal. The two logically opposite outputs from the delay interferometer again counter-propagated in a saturated SOA. Through limiting amplification and noise modulation this scheme provided amplitude regeneration and improved the Q-factor of the demodulated signal by 3.5 dB. Finally I investigated how SPM provided by the SOA can provide a method to reduce the in-band noise of a communication signal. The marks, which represented data, experienced a spectral shift due to SPM while the spaces, which consisted of noise, did not. A bandpass filter placed after the SOA then selected the signal and filtered out what was originally in-band noise. The receiver sensitivity was improved by 3 dB.
Virtual rigid body: a new optical tracking paradigm in image-guided interventions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Alexis; Lee, David S.; Deshmukh, Nishikant; Boctor, Emad M.

2015-03-01

Tracking technology is often necessary for image-guided surgical interventions. Optical tracking is one the options, but it suffers from line of sight and workspace limitations. Optical tracking is accomplished by attaching a rigid body marker, having a pattern for pose detection, onto a tool or device. A larger rigid body results in more accurate tracking, but at the same time large size limits its usage in a crowded surgical workspace. This work presents a prototype of a novel optical tracking method using a virtual rigid body (VRB). We define the VRB as a 3D rigid body marker in the form of pattern on a surface generated from a light source. Its pose can be recovered by observing the projected pattern with a stereo-camera system. The rigid body's size is no longer physically limited as we can manufacture small size light sources. Conventional optical tracking also requires line of sight to the rigid body. VRB overcomes these limitations by detecting a pattern projected onto the surface. We can project the pattern onto a region of interest, allowing the pattern to always be in the view of the optical tracker. This helps to decrease the occurrence of occlusions. This manuscript describes the method and results compared with conventional optical tracking in an experiment setup using known motions. The experiments are done using an optical tracker and a linear-stage, resulting in targeting errors of 0.38mm+/-0.28mm with our method compared to 0.23mm+/-0.22mm with conventional optical markers. Another experiment that replaced the linear stage with a robot arm resulted in rotational errors of 0.50+/-0.31° and 2.68+/-2.20° and the translation errors of 0.18+/-0.10 mm and 0.03+/-0.02 mm respectively.
Automated preparation method for colloidal crystal arrays of monodisperse and binary colloid mixtures by contact printing with a pintool plotter.

PubMed

Burkert, Klaus; Neumann, Thomas; Wang, Jianjun; Jonas, Ulrich; Knoll, Wolfgang; Ottleben, Holger

2007-03-13

Photonic crystals and photonic band gap materials with periodic variation of the dielectric constant in the submicrometer range exhibit unique optical properties such as opalescence, optical stop bands, and photonic band gaps. As such, they represent attractive materials for the active elements in sensor arrays. Colloidal crystals, which are 3D gratings leading to Bragg diffraction, are one potential precursor of such optical materials. They have gained particular interest in many technological areas as a result of their specific properties and ease of fabrication. Although basic techniques for the preparation of regular patterns of colloidal crystals on structured substrates by self-assembly of mesoscopic particles are known, the efficient fabrication of colloidal crystal arrays by simple contact printing has not yet been reported. In this article, we present a spotting technique used to produce a microarray comprising up to 9600 single addressable sensor fields of colloidal crystal structures with dimensions down to 100 mum on a microfabricated substrate in different formats. Both monodisperse colloidal crystals and binary colloidal crystal systems were prepared by contact printing of polystyrene particles in aqueous suspension. The array morphology was characterized by optical light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, which revealed regularly ordered crystalline structures for both systems. In the case of binary crystals, the influence of the concentration ratio of the large and small particles in the printing suspension on the obtained crystal structure was investigated. The optical properties of the colloidal crystal arrays were characterized by reflection spectroscopy. To examine the stop bands of the colloidal crystal arrays in a high-throughput fashion, an optical setup based on a CCD camera was realized that allowed the simultaneous readout of all of the reflection spectra of several thousand sensor fields per array in parallel. In agreement with Bragg's relation, the investigated arrays exhibited strong opalescence and stop bands in the expected wavelength range, confirming the successful formation of highly ordered colloidal crystals. Furthermore, a narrow distribution of wavelength-dependent stop bands across the sensor array was achieved, demonstrating the capability of producing highly reproducible crystal spots by the contact printing method with a pintool plotter.
Image projection optical system for measuring pattern electroretinograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starkey, Douglas E.; Taboada, John; Peters, Daniel

1994-06-01

The use of the pattern-electroretinogram (PERG) as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for the early detection of glaucoma has been supported by a number of recent studies. We have developed a unique device which uses a laser interferometer to generate a sinusoidal fringe pattern that is presented to the eye in Maxwellian view for the purpose of producing a PERG response. The projection system stimulates a large visual field and is designed to bypass the optics of the eye in order to measure the true retinal response to a temporally alternating fringe pattern. The contrast, spatial frequency, total power output, orientation, alternating temporal frequency, and field location of the fringe pattern presented to the eye can all be varied by the device. It is critical for these parameters to be variable so that optimal settings may be determined for the normal state and any deviation from it, i.e. early or preclinical glaucoma. Several interferometer designs and optical projection systems were studied in order to design a compact system which provided the desired variable pattern stimulus to the eye. This paper will present a description of the clinical research instrument and its performance with the primary emphasis on the optical system design as it relates to the fringe pattern generation and other optical parameters. Examples of its use in the study of glaucoma diagnosis will also be presented.
Changes in magnetic domain structure during twin boundary motion in single crystal Ni-Mn-Ga exhibiting magnetic shape memory effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopecký, V.; Fekete, L.; Perevertov, O.; Heczko, O.

2016-05-01

The complexity of Ni-Mn-Ga single crystal originates from the interplay between ferromagnetic domain structure and ferroelastic twinned microstructure. Magnetic domain structure in the vicinity of single twin boundary was studied using magneto-optical indicator film and magnetic force microscopy technique. The single twin boundary of Type I was formed mechanically and an initial magnetization state in both variants were restored by local application of magnetic field (≈40 kA/m). The differently oriented variants exhibited either stripe or labyrinth magnetic domain pattern in agreement with the uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy of the martensite. The twin boundary was then moved by compressive or tensile stress. The passage of the boundary resulted in the formation of granular or rake domains, respectively. Additionally, the specific magnetic domains pattern projected by twin boundary gradually vanished during twin boundary motion.
Structured Antireflective Coating for Silicon at Submillimeter Frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padilla, Estefania

2018-01-01

Observations at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths are useful for many astronomical studies, such as the polarization of the cosmic microwave background or the formation and evolution of galaxy clusters. In order to allow observations over a broad spectral bandwidth (approximatively from 70 to 420 GHz), innovative broadband anti-reflective (AR) optics must be utilized in submillimeter telescopes. Due to its low loss and high refractive index, silicon is a fine optical material at these frequencies, but an AR coating with multiple layers is required to maximize its transmission over a wide bandwidth. Structured multilayer AR coatings for silicon are currently being developed at Caltech and JPL. The development process includes the design of the structured layers with commercial electromagnetic simulation software, the fabrication by using deep reactive ion etching, and the test of the transmission and reflection of the patterned wafers. Geometrical 3D patterns have successfully been etched at the surface of the silicon wafers creating up to 2 layers with different effective refractive indices. The transmission and reflection of single AR layer wafers, measured between 75 and 330 GHz, are close to the simulation predictions. These results allow the development of new designs with 5 or 6 AR layers in order to improve the bandwidth and transmission of the silicon AR coatings.
Simultaneous wavelength and format conversion in SDN/NFV for flexible optical network based on FWM in SOA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Yueying; Wang, Danshi; Zhang, Min

2018-04-01

We propose an all-optical wavelength and format conversion model (CM) for a dynamic data center interconnect node and coherent passive optical network (PON) optical network unit (ONU) in software-defined networking and network function virtualization system based on four-wave mixing in a semiconductor optical amplifier. Five wavelength converted DQPSK signals and two format converted DPSK signals are generated; the performances of the generated signals for two strategies of setting CM in the data center interconnect node and coherent PON ONU, which are over 10 km fiber transmission, have been verified. All of the converted signals are with a power penalty less than 2.2 dB at FEC threshold of 3.8 × 10 - 3, and the optimum bias current of SOA is 300 mA.
Neural network-based system for pattern recognition through a fiber optic bundle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamo-Aranda, Javier; Rodriguez-Horche, Paloma; Merchan-Palacios, Miguel; Rosales-Herrera, Pablo; Rodriguez, M.

2001-04-01

A neural network based system to identify images transmitted through a Coherent Fiber-optic Bundle (CFB) is presented. Patterns are generated in a computer, displayed on a Spatial Light Modulator, imaged onto the input face of the CFB, and recovered optically by a CCD sensor array for further processing. Input and output optical subsystems were designed and used to that end. The recognition step of the transmitted patterns is made by a powerful, widely-used, neural network simulator running on the control PC. A complete PC-based interface was developed to control the different tasks involved in the system. An optical analysis of the system capabilities was carried out prior to performing the recognition step. Several neural network topologies were tested, and the corresponding numerical results are also presented and discussed.
Micro-patterning and characterization of PHEMA-co-PAM-based optical chemical sensors for lab-on-a-chip applications.

PubMed

Zhu, Haixin; Zhou, Xianfeng; Su, Fengyu; Tian, Yanqing; Ashili, Shashanka; Holl, Mark R; Meldrum, Deirdre R

2012-10-01

We report a novel method for wafer level, high throughput optical chemical sensor patterning, with precise control of the sensor volume and capability of producing arbitrary microscale patterns. Monomeric oxygen (O(2)) and pH optical probes were polymerized with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and acrylamide (AM) to form spin-coatable and further crosslinkable polymers. A micro-patterning method based on micro-fabrication techniques (photolithography, wet chemical process and reactive ion etch) was developed to miniaturize the sensor film onto glass substrates in arbitrary sizes and shapes. The sensitivity of fabricated micro-patterns was characterized under various oxygen concentrations and pH values. The process for spatially integration of two sensors (Oxygen and pH) on the same substrate surface was also developed, and preliminary fabrication and characterization results were presented. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that poly (2-hydroxylethyl methacrylate)-co-poly (acrylamide) (PHEMA-co-PAM)-based sensors had been patterned and integrated at the wafer level with micron scale precision control using microfabrication techniques. The developed methods can provide a feasible way to miniaturize and integrate the optical chemical sensor system and can be applied to any lab-on-a-chip system, especially the biological micro-systems requiring optical sensing of single or multiple analytes.
Implementation theory of distortion-invariant pattern recognition for optical and digital signal processing systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lhamon, Michael Earl

A pattern recognition system which uses complex correlation filter banks requires proportionally more computational effort than single-real valued filters. This introduces increased computation burden but also introduces a higher level of parallelism, that common computing platforms fail to identify. As a result, we consider algorithm mapping to both optical and digital processors. For digital implementation, we develop computationally efficient pattern recognition algorithms, referred to as, vector inner product operators that require less computational effort than traditional fast Fourier methods. These algorithms do not need correlation and they map readily onto parallel digital architectures, which imply new architectures for optical processors. These filters exploit circulant-symmetric matrix structures of the training set data representing a variety of distortions. By using the same mathematical basis as with the vector inner product operations, we are able to extend the capabilities of more traditional correlation filtering to what we refer to as "Super Images". These "Super Images" are used to morphologically transform a complicated input scene into a predetermined dot pattern. The orientation of the dot pattern is related to the rotational distortion of the object of interest. The optical implementation of "Super Images" yields feature reduction necessary for using other techniques, such as artificial neural networks. We propose a parallel digital signal processor architecture based on specific pattern recognition algorithms but general enough to be applicable to other similar problems. Such an architecture is classified as a data flow architecture. Instead of mapping an algorithm to an architecture, we propose mapping the DSP architecture to a class of pattern recognition algorithms. Today's optical processing systems have difficulties implementing full complex filter structures. Typically, optical systems (like the 4f correlators) are limited to phase-only implementation with lower detection performance than full complex electronic systems. Our study includes pseudo-random pixel encoding techniques for approximating full complex filtering. Optical filter bank implementation is possible and they have the advantage of time averaging the entire filter bank at real time rates. Time-averaged optical filtering is computational comparable to billions of digital operations-per-second. For this reason, we believe future trends in high speed pattern recognition will involve hybrid architectures of both optical and DSP elements.
Biophotonic patterns of optical interactions between fish eggs and embryos.

PubMed

Beloussov, L V; Burlakov, A B; Louchinskaia, N N

2003-05-01

The optical (non-substantial) interactions between various biological samples have been evident in a number of cases mainly by the effects on their functional activity and developmental patterns. However, the mechanisms of these interactions have remained obscure. Effect of optical interaction has been observed on the intensity and Fourier patterns of biophoton emission of fish embryos. We demonstrate that: (1) the short-term optical interactions are accompanied by a gradual decrease of a total emission intensity of the interacting batches; (2) this effect is spread laterally to that part of a batch which does not have any direct optical contacts with its partner; and (3) the long-term optical contacts lead to a mutual exchange of spectral characteristics of interacting batches in which the total spectral density values are reversed (often with an overshoot). The reversal rate depends upon the developmental distance between the optical partners and the initial differences of their spectral characteristics. The results are discussed in terms of a sub-radiance and Le Chatelier principle.
Digital and optical shape representation and pattern recognition; Proceedings of the Meeting, Orlando, FL, Apr. 4-6, 1988

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juday, Richard D. (Editor)

1988-01-01

The present conference discusses topics in pattern-recognition correlator architectures, digital stereo systems, geometric image transformations and their applications, topics in pattern recognition, filter algorithms, object detection and classification, shape representation techniques, and model-based object recognition methods. Attention is given to edge-enhancement preprocessing using liquid crystal TVs, massively-parallel optical data base management, three-dimensional sensing with polar exponential sensor arrays, the optical processing of imaging spectrometer data, hybrid associative memories and metric data models, the representation of shape primitives in neural networks, and the Monte Carlo estimation of moment invariants for pattern recognition.
Optical character recognition based on nonredundant correlation measurements.

PubMed

Braunecker, B; Hauck, R; Lohmann, A W

1979-08-15

The essence of character recognition is a comparison between the unknown character and a set of reference patterns. Usually, these reference patterns are all possible characters themselves, the whole alphabet in the case of letter characters. Obviously, N analog measurements are highly redundant, since only K = log(2)N binary decisions are enough to identify one out of N characters. Therefore, we devised K reference patterns accordingly. These patterns, called principal components, are found by digital image processing, but used in an optical analog computer. We will explain the concept of principal components, and we will describe experiments with several optical character recognition systems, based on this concept.
Characteristics of pattern formation and evolution in approximations of Physarum transport networks.

PubMed

Jones, Jeff

2010-01-01

Most studies of pattern formation place particular emphasis on its role in the development of complex multicellular body plans. In simpler organisms, however, pattern formation is intrinsic to growth and behavior. Inspired by one such organism, the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum, we present examples of complex emergent pattern formation and evolution formed by a population of simple particle-like agents. Using simple local behaviors based on chemotaxis, the mobile agent population spontaneously forms complex and dynamic transport networks. By adjusting simple model parameters, maps of characteristic patterning are obtained. Certain areas of the parameter mapping yield particularly complex long term behaviors, including the circular contraction of network lacunae and bifurcation of network paths to maintain network connectivity. We demonstrate the formation of irregular spots and labyrinthine and reticulated patterns by chemoattraction. Other Turing-like patterning schemes were obtained by using chemorepulsion behaviors, including the self-organization of regular periodic arrays of spots, and striped patterns. We show that complex pattern types can be produced without resorting to the hierarchical coupling of reaction-diffusion mechanisms. We also present network behaviors arising from simple pre-patterning cues, giving simple examples of how the emergent pattern formation processes evolve into networks with functional and quasi-physical properties including tensionlike effects, network minimization behavior, and repair to network damage. The results are interpreted in relation to classical theories of biological pattern formation in natural systems, and we suggest mechanisms by which emergent pattern formation processes may be used as a method for spatially represented unconventional computation.
Structural, optical and nonlinear optical studies of AZO thin film prepared by SILAR method for electro-optic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edison, D. Joseph; Nirmala, W.; Kumar, K. Deva Arun; Valanarasu, S.; Ganesh, V.; Shkir, Mohd.; AlFaify, S.

2017-10-01

Aluminium doped (i.e. 3 at%) zinc oxide (AZO) thin films were prepared by simple successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method with different dipping cycles. The structural and surface morphology of AZO thin films were studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optical parameters such as, transmittance, band gap, refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant and nonlinear optical properties of AZO films were investigated. XRD pattern revealed the formation of hexagonal phase ZnO and the intensity of the film was found to increase with increasing dipping cycle. The crystallite size was found to be in the range of 29-37 nm. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images show the presence of small sized grains, revealing that the smoothest surface was obtained at all the films. The EDAX spectrum of AZO conforms the presence of Zn, O and Al. The optical transmittance in the visible region is high 87% and the band gap value is 3.23 eV. The optical transmittance is decreased with respect to dipping cycles. The room temperature PL studies revealed that the AZO films prepared at (30 cycles) has good film quality with lesser defect density. The third order nonlinear optical parameters were also studied using Z-scan technique to know the applications of deposited films in nonlinear devices. The third order nonlinear susceptibility value is found to be 1.69 × 10-7, 3.34 × 10-8, 1.33 × 10-7and 2.52 × 10-7 for AZO films deposited after 15, 20, 25 and 30 dipping cycles.
Direct evidence of photochemical α-cleavage of benzoin in fluid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koyanagi, Motohiko; Futami, Hiroshi; Mukai, Masahiro; Yamauchi, Seigo

1989-02-01

By means of optical absorption, 1 NMR, and transient EPR techniques, the fate of diluted benzoin upon light irradiation to its S 1 (nπ*) state has been investigated in methylcyclohexane and benzene solutions at room temperature. The CIDEP spectrum of benzoin is observed for the first time, and the intermediate radicals involved are assigned. The overall results show that the main scheme of the photochemical reactions is the α-cleavage occurring in the excited triplet state of benzoin, as proved in the almost net emission pattern of the CIDEP spectra. A stoichiometric reaction leading to effective benzaldehyde formation is established for the benzoin solutions.
Three-dimensional wide-field pump-probe structured illumination microscopy

PubMed Central

Kim, Yang-Hyo; So, Peter T.C.

2017-01-01

We propose a new structured illumination scheme for achieving depth resolved wide-field pump-probe microscopy with sub-diffraction limit resolution. By acquiring coherent pump-probe images using a set of 3D structured light illumination patterns, a 3D super-resolution pump-probe image can be reconstructed. We derive the theoretical framework to describe the coherent image formation and reconstruction scheme for this structured illumination pump-probe imaging system and carry out numerical simulations to investigate its imaging performance. The results demonstrate a lateral resolution improvement by a factor of three and providing 0.5 µm level axial optical sectioning. PMID:28380860
Self-assembled indium arsenide quantum dots: Structure, formation dynamics, optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hao

1998-12-01

In this dissertation, we investigate the properties of InAs/GaAs quantum dots grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The structure and formation dynamics of InAs quantum dots are studied by a variety of structural characterization techniques. Correlations among the growth conditions, the structural characteristics, and the observed optical properties are explored. The most fundamental structural characteristic of the InAs quantum dots is their shape. Through detailed study of the reflection high energy electron diffraction patterns, we determined that self-assembled InAs islands possess a pyramidal shape with 136 bounding facets. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy images and atomic force microscopy images strongly support this model. The 136 model we proposed is the first model that is consistent with all reported shape features determined using different methods. The dynamics of coherent island formation is also studied with the goal of establishing the factors most important in determining the size, density, and the shape of self- organized InAs quantum dots. Our studies clearly demonstrate the roles that indium diffusion and desorption play in InAs island formation. An unexpected finding (from atomic force microscopy images) was that the island size distribution bifurcated during post- growth annealing. Photoluminescence spectra of the samples subjected to in-situ annealing prior to the growth of a capping layer show a distinctive double-peak feature. The power-dependence and temperature-dependence of the photoluminescence spectra reveals that the double- peak emission is associated with the ground-state transition of islands in two different size branches. These results confirm the island size bifurcation observed from atomic force microscopy images. The island size bifurcation provides a new approach to the control and manipulation of the island size distribution. Unexpected dependence of the photoluminescence line-shape on sample temperature and pump intensity was observed for samples grown at relatively high substrate temperatures. The behavior is modeled and explained in terms of competition between two overlapping transitions. The study underscores that the growth conditions can have a dramatic impact on the optical properties of the quantum dots. This dissertation includes both my previously published and unpublished authored materials.
Microscale optical cryptography using a subdiffraction-limit optical key

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogura, Yusuke; Aino, Masahiko; Tanida, Jun

2018-04-01

We present microscale optical cryptography using a subdiffraction-limit optical pattern, which is finer than the diffraction-limit size of the decrypting optical system, as a key and a substrate with a reflectance distribution as an encrypted image. Because of the subdiffraction-limit spatial coding, this method enables us to construct a secret image with the diffraction-limit resolution. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate, both qualitatively and quantitatively, that the secret image becomes recognizable when and only when the substrate is illuminated with the designed key pattern.

Fabrication of Fiber Optic Grating Apparatus and Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Ying (Inventor); Sharma, Anup (Inventor); Grant, Joseph (Inventor)

2005-01-01

An apparatus and method for forming a Bragg grating on an optical fiber using a phase mask to diffract a beam of coherent energy and a lens combined with a pair of mirrors to produce two symmetrical virtual point sources of coherent energy in the plane of the optical fiber. The two virtual light sources produce an interference pattern along the optical fiber. In a further embodiment, the period of the pattern and therefore the Bragg wavelength grating applied to the fiber is varied with the position of the optical fiber relative the lens.
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.
Hybrid overlay metrology for high order correction by using CDSEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leray, Philippe; Halder, Sandip; Lorusso, Gian; Baudemprez, Bart; Inoue, Osamu; Okagawa, Yutaka

2016-03-01

Overlay control has become one of the most critical issues for semiconductor manufacturing. Advanced lithographic scanners use high-order corrections or correction per exposure to reduce the residual overlay. It is not enough in traditional feedback of overlay measurement by using ADI wafer because overlay error depends on other process (etching process and film stress, etc.). It needs high accuracy overlay measurement by using AEI wafer. WIS (Wafer Induced Shift) is the main issue for optical overlay, IBO (Image Based Overlay) and DBO (Diffraction Based Overlay). We design dedicated SEM overlay targets for dual damascene process of N10 by i-ArF multi-patterning. The pattern is same as device-pattern locally. Optical overlay tools select segmented pattern to reduce the WIS. However segmentation has limit, especially the via-pattern, for keeping the sensitivity and accuracy. We evaluate difference between the viapattern and relaxed pitch gratings which are similar to optical overlay target at AEI. CDSEM can estimate asymmetry property of target from image of pattern edge. CDSEM can estimate asymmetry property of target from image of pattern edge. We will compare full map of SEM overlay to full map of optical overlay for high order correction ( correctables and residual fingerprints).
Control and near-field detection of surface plasmon interference patterns.

PubMed

Dvořák, Petr; Neuman, Tomáš; Břínek, Lukáš; Šamořil, Tomáš; Kalousek, Radek; Dub, Petr; Varga, Peter; Šikola, Tomáš

2013-06-12

The tailoring of electromagnetic near-field properties is the central task in the field of nanophotonics. In addition to 2D optics for optical nanocircuits, confined and enhanced electric fields are utilized in detection and sensing, photovoltaics, spatially localized spectroscopy (nanoimaging), as well as in nanolithography and nanomanipulation. For practical purposes, it is necessary to develop easy-to-use methods for controlling the electromagnetic near-field distribution. By imaging optical near-fields using a scanning near-field optical microscope, we demonstrate that surface plasmon polaritons propagating from slits along the metal-dielectric interface form tunable interference patterns. We present a simple way how to control the resulting interference patterns both by variation of the angle between two slits and, for a fixed slit geometry, by a proper combination of laser beam polarization and inhomogeneous far-field illumination of the structure. Thus the modulation period of interference patterns has become adjustable and new variable patterns consisting of stripelike and dotlike motifs have been achieved, respectively.
Optically phase-locked electronic speckle pattern interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moran, Steven E.; Law, Robert; Craig, Peter N.; Goldberg, Warren M.

1987-02-01

The design, theory, operation, and characteristics of an optically phase-locked electronic speckle pattern interferometer (OPL-ESPI) are described. The OPL-ESPI system couples an optical phase-locked loop with an ESPI system to generate real-time equal Doppler speckle contours of moving objects from unstable sensor platforms. In addition, the optical phase-locked loop provides the basis for a new ESPI video signal processing technique which incorporates local oscillator phase shifting coupled with video sequential frame subtraction.
Anisotropic Optical-Response of Eu-doped Yttrium Orthosilicate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Huimin; Santiago, Miguel; Jia, Weiyi; Zhang, Shoudu

1998-01-01

Eu-doped yttrium orthosilicate (Eu(3+) : Y2SiO5) had been a subject being investigated for coherent time-domain optical memory and information processing applications since its ultraslow optical dephasing was discovered several years ago. In this crystal the weakly allowed (7)F0 - (5)D0 transition of europium ions exhibits a sufficient long dephasing time and no spectral difli.usion on a time scale of several hours at low temperature, thus an information pattern or data can be stored as a population grating in the ground state hyperfine levels. On the other hand, the study on photon-echo relaxation shows that the dephasing time T2 of Eu (3+) and other rare-earth ions doped YAG, YAlO3 strongly depends on the intensity of the excitation pulses. In Eu (3+) :YAlO3, an exponential decay of photon-echo with T2 = 53 microseconds if the excitation pulses are weak (5 vJ/pulse) was observed. However, when the excitation pulses are strong (80 pJ/pulse) they observed a much shortened T2 with a highly nonexponential decay pattern. The conclusion they derived is that the intensity-dependent dephasing rate effects are quite general, and it depends on how much the excitation intensity varies. In this paper we use transient grating formation technique showing that a temporal lattice distortion may only occur along crystal c axis, caused by EU (3+) excitation. At high excitation level the produced exciton in conduction band may also couple to the dynamical lattice relaxation process, giving rise to an apparently much shortened dephasing time.
Digital polarization holography advancing geometrical phase optics.

PubMed

De Sio, Luciano; Roberts, David E; Liao, Zhi; Nersisyan, Sarik; Uskova, Olena; Wickboldt, Lloyd; Tabiryan, Nelson; Steeves, Diane M; Kimball, Brian R

2016-08-08

Geometrical phase or the fourth generation (4G) optics enables realization of optical components (lenses, prisms, gratings, spiral phase plates, etc.) by patterning the optical axis orientation in the plane of thin anisotropic films. Such components exhibit near 100% diffraction efficiency over a broadband of wavelengths. The films are obtained by coating liquid crystalline (LC) materials over substrates with patterned alignment conditions. Photo-anisotropic materials are used for producing desired alignment conditions at the substrate surface. We present and discuss here an opportunity of producing the widest variety of "free-form" 4G optical components with arbitrary spatial patterns of the optical anisotropy axis orientation with the aid of a digital spatial light polarization converter (DSLPC). The DSLPC is based on a reflective, high resolution spatial light modulator (SLM) combined with an "ad hoc" optical setup. The most attractive feature of the use of a DSLPC for photoalignment of nanometer thin photo-anisotropic coatings is that the orientation of the alignment layer, and therefore of the fabricated LC or LC polymer (LCP) components can be specified on a pixel-by-pixel basis with high spatial resolution. By varying the optical magnification or de-magnification the spatial resolution of the photoaligned layer can be adjusted to an optimum for each application. With a simple "click" it is possible to record different optical components as well as arbitrary patterns ranging from lenses to invisible labels and other transparent labels that reveal different images depending on the side from which they are viewed.
Optical and digital pattern recognition; Proceedings of the Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 13-15, 1987

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Hua-Kuang (Editor); Schenker, Paul (Editor)

1987-01-01

The papers presented in this volume provide an overview of current research in both optical and digital pattern recognition, with a theme of identifying overlapping research problems and methodologies. Topics discussed include image analysis and low-level vision, optical system design, object analysis and recognition, real-time hybrid architectures and algorithms, high-level image understanding, and optical matched filter design. Papers are presented on synthetic estimation filters for a control system; white-light correlator character recognition; optical AI architectures for intelligent sensors; interpreting aerial photographs by segmentation and search; and optical information processing using a new photopolymer.
The Dynamics of Visual Experience, an EEG Study of Subjective Pattern Formation

PubMed Central

Elliott, Mark A.; Twomey, Deirdre; Glennon, Mark

2012-01-01

Background Since the origin of psychological science a number of studies have reported visual pattern formation in the absence of either physiological stimulation or direct visual-spatial references. Subjective patterns range from simple phosphenes to complex patterns but are highly specific and reported reliably across studies. Methodology/Principal Findings Using independent-component analysis (ICA) we report a reduction in amplitude variance consistent with subjective-pattern formation in ventral posterior areas of the electroencephalogram (EEG). The EEG exhibits significantly increased power at delta/theta and gamma-frequencies (point and circle patterns) or a series of high-frequency harmonics of a delta oscillation (spiral patterns). Conclusions/Significance Subjective-pattern formation may be described in a way entirely consistent with identical pattern formation in fluids or granular flows. In this manner, we propose subjective-pattern structure to be represented within a spatio-temporal lattice of harmonic oscillations which bind topographically organized visual-neuronal assemblies by virtue of low frequency modulation. PMID:22292053
Optical signal processing for enabling high-speed, highly spectrally efficient and high capacity optical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fazal, Muhammad Irfan

The unabated demand for more capacity due to the ever-increasing internet traffic dictates that the boundaries of the state of the art maybe pushed to send more data through the network. Traditionally, this need has been satisfied by multiple wavelengths (wavelength division multiplexing), higher order modulation formats and coherent communication (either individually or combined together). WDM has the ability to reduce cost by using multiple channels within the same physical fiber, and with EDFA amplifiers, the need for O-E-O regenerators is eliminated. Moreover the availability of multiple colors allows for wavelength-based routing and network planning. Higher order modulation formats increases the capacity of the link by their ability to encode data in both the phase and amplitude of light, thereby increasing the bits/sec/Hz as compared to simple on-off keyed format. Coherent communications has also emerged as a primary means of transmitting and receiving optical data due to its support of formats that utilize both phase and amplitude to further increase the spectral efficiency of the optical channel, including quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK). Polarization multiplexing of channels can double capacity by allowing two channels to share the same wavelength by propagating on orthogonal polarization axis and is easily supported in coherent systems where the polarization tracking can be performed in the digital domain. Furthermore, the forthcoming IEEE 100 Gbit/s Ethernet Standard, 802.3ba, provides greater bandwidth, higher data rates, and supports a mixture of modulation formats. In particular, Pol-MUX QPSK is increasingly becoming the industry's format of choice as the high spectral efficiency allows for 100 Gbit/s transmission while still occupying the current 50 GHz/channel allocation of current 10 Gbit/s OOK fiber systems. In this manner, 100 Gbit/s transfer speeds using current fiber links, amplifiers, and filters may be possible. Recently, interest has increased in exploring the spatial dimension of light to increase capacity, both in fiber as well as free-space communication channels. The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light, carried by Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams have the interesting property that, in theory, an infinite number of OAMs can be transmitted; which due to its inherent orthogonality will not affect each other. Thus, in theory, one can increase the channel capacity arbitrarily. However, in practice, the device dimensions will reduce the number of OAMs used. In addition to advanced modulation formats, it is expected that optical signal processing may play a role in the future development of more efficient optical transmission systems. The hope is that performing signal processing in the optical domain may reduce optical-to-electronic conversion inefficiencies, eliminate bottlenecks and take advantage of the ultrahigh bandwidth inherent in optics. While 40 to 50 Gbit/s electronic components are the peak of commercial technology and 100 Gbit/s capable RF components are still in their infancy, optical signal processing of these high-speed data signals may provide a potential solution. Furthermore, any optical processing system or sub-system must be capable of handling the wide array of data formats and data rates that networks may employ. The work presented in this Ph.D. dissertation attempts at addressing the issue of optical processing for advanced optical modulation formats, and particularly explores the state of the art in increasing the capacity of an optical link by a combination of wavelength/phase/polarization/OAM dimensions of light. Spatial multiplexing and demultiplexing of both coherently and directly detected signals at the 100 Gbit/s Ethernet standard is addressed. The application of a continuously tunable all-optical delay for all-optical functionality like time-slot interchange at high data-rates is presented. Moreover the interplay of chirp generated by differently cross-phase modulation wavelength-convertors based on SOA-MZI with the residual dispersion of a fiber link is studied and the optimal operating conditions are explored
A Compact Prototype of an Optical Pattern Recognition System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jin, Y.; Liu, H. K.; Marzwell, N. I.

1996-01-01

In the Technology 2006 Case Studies/Success Stories presentation, we will describe and demonstrate a prototype of a compact optical pattern recognition system as an example of a successful technology transfer and continuuing development of state-of-the-art know-how by the close collaboration among government, academia, and small business via the NASA SBIR program. The prototype consists of a complete set of optical pattern recognition hardware with multi-channel storage and retrieval capability that is compactly configured inside a portable 1'X 2'X 3' aluminum case.
Effect on dielectric, magnetic, optical and structural properties of Nd-Co substituted barium hexaferrite nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Talwinder; Kumar, Sachin; Bhat, Bilal Hamid; Want, Basharat; Srivastava, A. K.

2015-06-01

M-type barium hexaferrite [Ba1- x Nd x Co x Fe12- x O19 ( x = 0.0-0.5) (BNCM)] powders, synthesized using citrate precursor method, were heat treated at 900 °C for 5 h. The pattern of powders, when subjected to X-ray diffraction, shows the formation of M-type hexaferrite phase. The formation of BNCM, from thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis/derivative thermogravimetry, is observed to be at 440 °C. The presence of two prominent peaks near 430 and 580 cm-1 in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra indicates the formation of M-type hexaferrites. The M- H curves obtained from vibrating sample magnetometer were used to calculate saturation magnetization ( M S), retentivity ( M R), squareness ration and coercivity ( H C). UV-Vis NIR spectroscopy reveals that band gap depends on size of the crystallites. The dielectric constant is found to be high at low frequency and decreases with increase in frequency. This kind of behaviour is explained on the basis of Koop's phenomenological theory and Maxwell-Wagner theory.
Novel Perspectives on the Characterization of Species-Dependent Optical Signatures of Bacterial Colonies by Digital Holography.

PubMed

Buzalewicz, Igor; Kujawińska, Małgorzata; Krauze, Wojciech; Podbielska, Halina

2016-01-01

The use of light diffraction for the microbiological diagnosis of bacterial colonies was a significant breakthrough with widespread implications for the food industry and clinical practice. We previously confirmed that optical sensors for bacterial colony light diffraction can be used for bacterial identification. This paper is focused on the novel perspectives of this method based on digital in-line holography (DIH), which is able to reconstruct the amplitude and phase properties of examined objects, as well as the amplitude and phase patterns of the optical field scattered/diffracted by the bacterial colony in any chosen observation plane behind the object from single digital hologram. Analysis of the amplitude and phase patterns inside a colony revealed its unique optical properties, which are associated with the internal structure and geometry of the bacterial colony. Moreover, on a computational level, it is possible to select the desired scattered/diffracted pattern within the entire observation volume that exhibits the largest amount of unique, differentiating bacterial features. These properties distinguish this method from the already proposed sensing techniques based on light diffraction/scattering of bacterial colonies. The reconstructed diffraction patterns have a similar spatial distribution as the recorded Fresnel patterns, previously applied for bacterial identification with over 98% accuracy, but they are characterized by both intensity and phase distributions. Our results using digital holography provide new optical discriminators of bacterial species revealed in one single step in form of new optical signatures of bacterial colonies: digital holograms, reconstructed amplitude and phase patterns, as well as diffraction patterns from all observation space, which exhibit species-dependent features. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on bacterial colony analysis via digital holography and our study represents an innovative approach to the subject.
Novel Perspectives on the Characterization of Species-Dependent Optical Signatures of Bacterial Colonies by Digital Holography

PubMed Central

Buzalewicz, Igor; Kujawińska, Małgorzata; Krauze, Wojciech; Podbielska, Halina

2016-01-01

The use of light diffraction for the microbiological diagnosis of bacterial colonies was a significant breakthrough with widespread implications for the food industry and clinical practice. We previously confirmed that optical sensors for bacterial colony light diffraction can be used for bacterial identification. This paper is focused on the novel perspectives of this method based on digital in-line holography (DIH), which is able to reconstruct the amplitude and phase properties of examined objects, as well as the amplitude and phase patterns of the optical field scattered/diffracted by the bacterial colony in any chosen observation plane behind the object from single digital hologram. Analysis of the amplitude and phase patterns inside a colony revealed its unique optical properties, which are associated with the internal structure and geometry of the bacterial colony. Moreover, on a computational level, it is possible to select the desired scattered/diffracted pattern within the entire observation volume that exhibits the largest amount of unique, differentiating bacterial features. These properties distinguish this method from the already proposed sensing techniques based on light diffraction/scattering of bacterial colonies. The reconstructed diffraction patterns have a similar spatial distribution as the recorded Fresnel patterns, previously applied for bacterial identification with over 98% accuracy, but they are characterized by both intensity and phase distributions. Our results using digital holography provide new optical discriminators of bacterial species revealed in one single step in form of new optical signatures of bacterial colonies: digital holograms, reconstructed amplitude and phase patterns, as well as diffraction patterns from all observation space, which exhibit species-dependent features. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on bacterial colony analysis via digital holography and our study represents an innovative approach to the subject. PMID:26943121
Optical seismic sensor systems and methods

DOEpatents

Beal, A. Craig; Cummings, Malcolm E.; Zavriyev, Anton; Christensen, Caleb A.; Lee, Keun

2015-12-08

Disclosed is an optical seismic sensor system for measuring seismic events in a geological formation, including a surface unit for generating and processing an optical signal, and a sensor device optically connected to the surface unit for receiving the optical signal over an optical conduit. The sensor device includes at least one sensor head for sensing a seismic disturbance from at least one direction during a deployment of the sensor device within a borehole of the geological formation. The sensor head includes a frame and a reference mass attached to the frame via at least one flexure, such that movement of the reference mass relative to the frame is constrained to a single predetermined path.
A coherent light scanner for optical processing of large format transparencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callen, W. R.; Weaver, J. E.; Shackelford, R. G.; Walsh, J. R.

1975-01-01

A laser scanner is discussed in which the scanning beam is random-access addressable and perpendicular to the image input plane and the irradiance of the scanned beam is controlled so that a constant average irradiance is maintained after passage through the image plane. The scanner's optical system and design are described, and its performance is evaluated. It is noted that with this scanner, data in the form of large-format transparencies can be processed without the expense, space, maintenance, and precautions attendant to the operation of a high-power laser with large-aperture collimating optics. It is shown that the scanned format as well as the diameter of the scanning beam may be increased by simple design modifications and that higher scan rates can be achieved at the expense of resolution by employing acousto-optic deflectors with different relay optics.
Band gaps in periodically magnetized homogeneous anisotropic media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merzlikin, A. M.; Levy, M.; Vinogradov, A. P.; Wu, Z.; Jalali, A. A.

2010-11-01

In [A. M. Merzlikin, A. P. Vinogradov, A. V. Dorofeenko, M. Inoue, M. Levy, A. B. Granovsky, Physica B 394 (2007) 277] it is shown that in anisotropic magnetophotonic crystal made of anisotropic dielectric layers and isotropic magneto-optical layers the magnetization leads to formation of additional band gaps (BG) inside the Brillouin zones. Due to the weakness of the magneto-optical effects the width of these BG is much smaller than that of usual BG forming on the boundaries of Brillouin zones. In the present communication we show that though the anisotropy suppresses magneto-optical effects. An anisotropic magnetophotonic crystal made of anisotropic dielectric layers and anisotropic magneto-optical; the width of additional BG may be much greater than the width of the usual Brillouin BG. Anisotropy tends to suppress Brillouin zone boundary band gap formation because the anisotropy suppresses magneto-optical properties, while degenerate band gap formation occurs around points of effective isotropy and is not suppressed.
Phenomenal enhancement of optical nonlinearity in PTZ-I based ZnS/ZnSe nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Divyasree, M. C.; Shiju, E.; Vijisha, M. V.; Ramesan, M. T.; Chandrasekharan, K.

2018-05-01

The enhanced nonlinear optical properties of phenothiazine-iodine (PTZ-I) charge transfer complex (CTC) on composite formation with ZnS/ZnSe nanostructures are reported. The interaction between the components was confirmed by the FTIR spectra. Structural and morphological changes on nanocomposite formation were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction spectra. The absorption and emission features of both the nanocomposites and their constituent components were studied. Nonlinear optical properties of all the samples in nanosecond regime were investigated by the Z-scan technique using Nd: YAG laser with 532 nm wavelength and 7 ns pulse width. The optical nonlinearity of PTZ-I CTC was found to be improved considerably on composite formation and the new systems can be proposed as excellent candidates for photonic devices. Enhanced optical nonlinearity of the composites could be attributed to charge/energy transfer mechanism between PTZ-I CTC and the nanostructures.
Incoherent optical generalized Hough transform: pattern recognition and feature extraction applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández, Ariel; Ferrari, José A.

2017-05-01

Pattern recognition and feature extraction are image processing applications of great interest in defect inspection and robot vision among others. In comparison to purely digital methods, the attractiveness of optical processors for pattern recognition lies in their highly parallel operation and real-time processing capability. This work presents an optical implementation of the generalized Hough transform (GHT), a well-established technique for recognition of geometrical features in binary images. Detection of a geometric feature under the GHT is accomplished by mapping the original image to an accumulator space; the large computational requirements for this mapping make the optical implementation an attractive alternative to digital-only methods. We explore an optical setup where the transformation is obtained, and the size and orientation parameters can be controlled, allowing for dynamic scale and orientation-variant pattern recognition. A compact system for the above purposes results from the use of an electrically tunable lens for scale control and a pupil mask implemented on a high-contrast spatial light modulator for orientation/shape variation of the template. Real-time can also be achieved. In addition, by thresholding of the GHT and optically inverse transforming, the previously detected features of interest can be extracted.
Simulation of electron beam formation and transport in a gas-filled electron-optical system with a plasma emitter

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

Grishkov, A. A.; Kornilov, S. Yu., E-mail: kornilovsy@gmail.com; Rempe, N. G.

2016-07-15

The results of computer simulations of the electron-optical system of an electron gun with a plasma emitter are presented. The simulations are performed using the KOBRA3-INP, XOOPIC, and ANSYS codes. The results describe the electron beam formation and transport. The electron trajectories are analyzed. The mechanisms of gas influence on the energy inhomogeneity of the beam and its current in the regions of beam primary formation, acceleration, and transport are described. Recommendations for optimizing the electron-optical system with a plasma emitter are presented.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: High spatial resolution observations of HM Sge (Sacuto+, 2009)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sacuto, S.; Chesneau, O.

2008-11-01

All the data products are stored in the FITS-based, optical interferometry data exchange format (OI-FITS), described in Pauls et al. (2005PASP..117.1255P). The OI Exchange Format is a standard for exchanging calibrated data from optical (visible/infrared) stellar interferometers. The standard is based on the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS), and supports storage of the optical interferometric observations including visibilities and differential phases. Several routines to read and write this format in various languages can be found in: Webpage http://www.mrao.cam.ac.uk/~jsy1001/exchange (2 data files).
VizieR Online Data Catalog: High spatial resolution observations of HM Sge (Sacuto+, 2007)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sacuto, S.; Chesneau, O.; Vannier, M.; Cruzalebes, P.

2007-01-01

All the data products are stored in the FITS-based, optical interferometry data exchange format (OI-FITS), described in Pauls et al. (2005PASP..117.1255P). The OI Exchange Format is a standard for exchanging calibrated data from optical (visible/infrared) stellar interferometers. The standard is based on the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS), and supports storage of the optical interferometric observations including visibilities and differential phases. Several routines to read and write this format in various languages can be found in: Webpage http://www.mrao.cam.ac.uk/~jsy1001/exchange (1 data file).
Demonstration of UV LED versatility when paired with molded UV transmitting glass optics to produce unique irradiance patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jasenak, Brian

2017-02-01

Ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV LED) adoption is accelerating; they are being used in new applications such as UV curing, germicidal irradiation, nondestructive testing, and forensic analysis. In many of these applications, it is critically important to produce a uniform light distribution and consistent surface irradiance. Flat panes of fused quartz, silica, or glass are commonly used to cover and protect UV LED arrays. However, they don't offer the advantages of an optical lens design. An investigation was conducted to determine the effect of a secondary glass optic on the uniformity of the light distribution and irradiance. Glass optics capable of transmitting UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C wavelengths can improve light distribution, uniformity, and intensity. In this work, two simulation studies were created to illustrate distinct irradiance patterns desirable for potential real world applications. The first study investigates the use of a multi-UV LED array and optic to create a uniform irradiance pattern on the flat two dimensional (2D) target surface. The uniformity was improved by designing both the LED array and molded optic to produce a homogenous pattern. The second study investigated the use of an LED light source and molded optic to improve the light uniformity on the inside of a canister. The case study illustrates the requirements for careful selection of LED based on light distribution and subsequent design of optics. The optic utilizes total internal reflection to create optimized light distribution. The combination of the LED and molded optic showed significant improvement in uniformity on the inner surface of the canister. The simulations illustrate how the application of optics can significantly improve UV light distribution which can be critical in applications such as UV curing and sterilization.
Specialized project in biophotonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia Martin, Agueda L.; Sastriques-Silva, Pedro O.; Martinez-Fundora, Julia N.; Augier Calderin, Angel G.; Lopez-Cepero, Xonia

2000-06-01

As science advances, it is more evident the necessity of a health interdisciplinary approach in Medicine. In the case of medical applications of light, the knowledge of the use of dispositives, equipment, diagnostic and treatment means, as well as the bases for the use of this update technologies is required. At the present moment, the outstanding work of specialized professionals of different profiles requires personnel with high professional formation in keeping with the latest trends in science and technology. The authors present here an Specialized Project in Biophotonics, with the aim of increasing the professional preparation of university graduates with an ample profile--physicists and engineers--who work in Biomedical Optics, thus contributing to the specialized formation of medic and paramedic personnel. The course is structured into six-subject-modules and into two phases. As to the basic professional formation, each one attending this course, will select between two variants of the Basic Formation Postgraduate Course: Anatomy and Physiology, Physical Bioenergetics, Clinic Bioenergetics; or Physics in Medicine, Optics and Applied Information Theory, depending on the student's professional profile. In the second phase, the General Formation Postgraduate Course: Biomedical Optics, Optical Bioenergetics and Laser in Medicine.
Spontaneous Self-Formation of 3D Plasmonic Optical Structures.

PubMed

Choi, Inhee; Shin, Yonghee; Song, Jihwan; Hong, SoonGweon; Park, Younggeun; Kim, Dongchoul; Kang, Taewook; Lee, Luke P

2016-08-23

Self-formation of colloidal oil droplets in water or water droplets in oil not only has been regarded as fascinating fundamental science but also has been utilized in an enormous number of applications in everyday life. However, the creation of three-dimensional (3D) architectures by a liquid droplet and an immiscible liquid interface has been less investigated than other applications. Here, we report interfacial energy-driven spontaneous self-formation of a 3D plasmonic optical structure at room temperature without an external force. Based on the densities and interfacial energies of two liquids, we simulated the spontaneous formation of a plasmonic optical structure when a water droplet containing metal ions meets an immiscible liquid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) interface. At the interface, the metal ions in the droplet are automatically reduced to form an interfacial plasmonic layer as the liquid PDMS cures. The self-formation of both an optical cavity and integrated plasmonic nanostructure significantly enhances the fluorescence by a magnitude of 1000. Our findings will have a huge impact on the development of various photonic and plasmonic materials as well as metamaterials and devices.
Ecosystem functional assessment based on the "optical type" concept and self-similarity patterns: An application using MODIS-NDVI time series autocorrelation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huesca, Margarita; Merino-de-Miguel, Silvia; Eklundh, Lars; Litago, Javier; Cicuéndez, Victor; Rodríguez-Rastrero, Manuel; Ustin, Susan L.; Palacios-Orueta, Alicia

2015-12-01

Remote sensing (RS) time series are an excellent operative source for information about the land surface across several scales and different levels of landscape heterogeneity. Ustin and Gamon (2010) proposed the new concept of "optical types" (OT), meaning "optically distinguishable functional types", as a way to better understand remote sensing signals related to the actual functional behavior of species that share common physiognomic forms but differ in functionality. Whereas the OT approach seems to be promising and consistent with ecological theory as a way to monitor vegetation derived from RS, it received little implementation. This work presents a method for implementing the OT concept for efficient monitoring of ecosystems based on RS time series. We propose relying on an ecosystem's repetitive pattern in the temporal domain (self-similarity) to assess its dynamics. Based on this approach, our main hypothesis is that distinct dynamics are intrinsic to a specific OT. Self-similarity level in the temporal domain within a broadleaf forest class was quantitatively assessed using the auto-correlation function (ACF), from statistical time series analysis. A vector comparison classification method, spectral angle mapper, and principal component analysis were used to identify general patterns related to forest dynamics. Phenological metrics derived from MODIS NDVI time series using the TIMESAT software, together with information from the National Forest Map were used to explain the different dynamics found. Results showed significant and highly stable self-similarity patterns in OTs that corresponded to forests under non-moisture-limited environments with an adaptation strategy based on a strong phenological synchrony with climate seasonality. These forests are characterized by dense closed canopy deciduous forests associated with high productivity and low biodiversity in terms of dominant species. Forests in transitional areas were associated with patterns of less temporal stability probably due to mixtures of different adaptation strategies (i.e., deciduous, marcescent and evergreen species) and higher functional diversity related to climate variability at long and short terms. A less distinct seasonality and even a double season appear in the OT of the broadleaf Mediterranean forest characterized by an open canopy dominated by evergreen-sclerophyllous formations. Within this forest, understory and overstory dynamics maximize functional diversity resulting in contrasting traits adapted to summer drought, winter frosts, and high precipitation variability.
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.
Self-organization principles of intracellular pattern formation.

PubMed

Halatek, J; Brauns, F; Frey, E

2018-05-26

Dynamic patterning of specific proteins is essential for the spatio-temporal regulation of many important intracellular processes in prokaryotes, eukaryotes and multicellular organisms. The emergence of patterns generated by interactions of diffusing proteins is a paradigmatic example for self-organization. In this article, we review quantitative models for intracellular Min protein patterns in Escherichia coli , Cdc42 polarization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the bipolar PAR protein patterns found in Caenorhabditis elegans By analysing the molecular processes driving these systems we derive a theoretical perspective on general principles underlying self-organized pattern formation. We argue that intracellular pattern formation is not captured by concepts such as 'activators', 'inhibitors' or 'substrate depletion'. Instead, intracellular pattern formation is based on the redistribution of proteins by cytosolic diffusion, and the cycling of proteins between distinct conformational states. Therefore, mass-conserving reaction-diffusion equations provide the most appropriate framework to study intracellular pattern formation. We conclude that directed transport, e.g. cytosolic diffusion along an actively maintained cytosolic gradient, is the key process underlying pattern formation. Thus the basic principle of self-organization is the establishment and maintenance of directed transport by intracellular protein dynamics.This article is part of the theme issue 'Self-organization in cell biology'. © 2018 The Authors.
Farbrication of diffractive optical elements on a Si chip by an imprint lithography using nonsymmetrical silicon mold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirai, Yoshihiko; Okano, Masato; Okuno, Takayuki; Toyota, Hiroshi; Yotsuya, Tsutomu; Kikuta, Hisao; Tanaka, Yoshio

2001-11-01

Fabrication of a fine diffractive optical element on a Si chip is demonstrated using imprint lithography. A chirped diffraction grating, which has modulated pitched pattern with curved cross section is fabricated by an electron beam lithography, where the exposure dose profile is automatically optimized by computer aided system. Using the resist pattern as an etching mask, anisotropic dry etching is performed to transfer the resist pattern profile to the Si chip. The etched Si substrate is used as a mold in the imprint lithography. The Si mold is pressed to a thin polymer (poly methyl methacrylate) on a Si chip. After releasing the mold, a fine diffractive optical pattern is successfully transferred to the thin polymer. This method is exceedingly useful for fabrication of integrated diffractive optical elements with electric circuits on a Si chip.
Modified alignment CGHs for aspheric surface test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Jae-Bong; Yang, Ho-Soon; Rhee, Hyug-Gyo; Lee, Yun-Woo

2009-08-01

Computer Generated Holograms (CGH) for optical test are commonly consisted of one main pattern for testing aspheric surface and some alignment patterns for aligning the interferometer, CGH, and the test optics. To align the CGH plate and the test optics, we designed the alignment CGHs modified from the cat's eye alignment method, which are consisted of a couple of CGH patterns. The incident beam passed through the one part of the alignment CGH pattern is focused onto the one radius position of the test aspheric surface, and is reflected to the other part, and vice versa. This method has several merits compared to the conventional cat's eye alignment method. First, this method can be used in testing optics with a center hole, and the center part of CGH plate can be assigned to the alignment pattern. Second, the alignment pattern becomes a concentric circular arc pattern. The whole CGH patterns including the main pattern and alignment patterns are consisted of only concentric circular fringes. This concentric circular pattern can be easily made by the polar coordinated writer with circular scanning. The required diffraction angle becomes relatively small, so the 1st order diffraction beams instead of the 3rd order diffraction beam can be used as alignment beams, and the visibility can be improved. This alignment method also is more sensitive to the tilt and the lateral shift of the test aspheric surface. Using this alignment pattern, a 200 mm diameter F/0.5 aspheric mirror and a 600 mm diameter F/0.9 mirror were tested.
Photosensitive response of azobenzene containing films towards pure intensity or polarization interference patterns

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

Yadavalli, Nataraja Sekhar; Santer, Svetlana, E-mail: santer@uni-potsdam.de; Saphiannikova, Marina

2014-08-04

In this paper, we report on differences in the response of photosensitive azobenzene containing films upon irradiation with the intensity or polarization interference patterns. Two materials are studied differing in the molecular weight: an azobenzene-containing polymer and a molecular glass formed from a much smaller molecule consisting of three connected azobenzene units. Topography changes occurring along with the changes in irradiation conditions are recorded using a homemade set-up combining an optical part for generation and shaping of interference patterns and an atomic force microscope for acquiring the kinetics of film deformation. In this way, we could reveal the unique behaviormore » of photosensitive materials during the first few minutes of irradiation: the change in topography is initially driven by an increase in the azobenzene free volume along with the trans-cis isomerization, followed by the mass transport finally resulting in the surface relief grating. This study demonstrates the great potential of our setup to experimentally highlight puzzling processes governing the formation of surface relief gratings.« less
Periodic Grating-like Patterns Induced by Self-Assembly of Gelator Fibres in Nematic Gels.

PubMed

Topnani, Neha B; Prutha, N; Pratibha, R

2018-03-15

Periodic orientation patterns occurring in nematic gels, revealed by optical and scanning electron microscopy, are found to be formed by spontaneous self-assembly of fibrous aggregates of a low-molecular-weight organogelator in an aligned thermotropic liquid crystal (LC). Self-organization into periodic structures is also reflected in a calorimetric study, which shows the occurrence of three thermoreversible states, namely, isotropic liquid, nematic and nematic gel. The segregation and self-assembly of the fibrous aggregates leading to pattern formation are attributed to the highly polar LC and to hydrogen bonding between gelator molecules, as shown by X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy. This study aims to investigate in detail the effect of the chemical nature and alignment of an anisotropic solvent on the morphology of the gelator fibres and the resulting gelation process. The periodic organization of LC-rich and fibre-rich regions can also provide a way to obtain templates for positioning nanoparticle arrays in an LC matrix, which can lead to novel devices. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Rotating stellar populations in the Fornax dSph galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

del Pino, Andrés; Aparicio, Antonio; Hidalgo, Sebastian L.; Łokas, Ewa L.

2017-03-01

We present a novel analysis of the internal kinematics of the Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxy. Our results are based on the largest sample of spectroscopic data for Fornax stars presently available (>2500 stars), for which we have chemical and kinematic information. We introduce new software, BEACON, designed to detect chemo-kinematic patterns among stars of different stellar populations using their metallicity and velocity along the line of sight. Applying BEACON to Fornax, we have detected non-negligible rotation signals around main optical axes of the galaxy, characteristic for a triaxial system partially supported by rotation. The dominant rotation pattern is relatively strong (∼12 km s-1), but the galaxy also shows additional weaker albeit complex rotation patterns. Using the information available from the star formation history of Fornax, we have also derived the average age of the different chemo-kinematic components found by BEACON, which has allowed us to obtain its kinematic history. Our results point to a possible major merger suffered by Fornax at redshift z ∼ 1, in agreement with the previous works.
Effect of alkaline earth modifier on the optical and structural properties of Cu2+ doped phosphate glasses as a bandpass filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farouk, M.; Samir, A.; El Okr, M.

2018-02-01

Glasses of composition [16RO-3Al2O3sbnd 6CuOsbnd 20Na2Osbnd 55P2O5], where R is the alkaline earth (R = Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba mol. %), were prepared by conventional melt quenching technique. The glass samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and spectrophotometer. XRD patterns show no sharp peaks indicating the non-crystalline nature of the prepared glasses. The density and molar volume of the glass systems were determined in order to study their structures. These results revealed that addition of alkaline earth elements leads to the formation of non-bridging oxygens (NBOs) and expands (opens up) the structure. The infrared spectra were analyzed to quantify the present phosphate groups. The optical absorption spectra of Cu2+ ions show the characteristic broadband single of Cu2+ ions in octahedral symmetry. The band gap was estimated following two methodologies. The first method considers the band edge of the transmission, while the second approach relays on the estimated values of the optical constants. A decent agreement for the band gap values using the two methods was obtained.
Electrochemical synthesis, characterisation and phytogenic properties of silver nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singaravelan, R.; Bangaru Sudarsan Alwar, S.

2015-12-01

This work exemplifies a simple and rapid method for the synthesis of silver nanodendrite with a novel electrochemical technique. The antibacterial activity of these silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) against pathogenic bacteria was investigated along with the routine study of optical and spectral characterisation. The optical properties of the silver nanoparticles were characterised by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The optical band gap energy of the electrodeposited Ag NPs was determined from the diffuse reflectance using Kubelka-Munk formula. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were carried out to determine the crystalline nature of the silver nanoparticles which confirmed the formation of silver nanocrystals. The XRD pattern revealed that the electrodeposited Ag NPs were in the cubic geometry with dendrite preponderance. The average particle size and the peak broadening were deliberated using Debye-Scherrer equation and lattice strain due to the peak broadening was studied using Williamson-Hall method. Surface morphology of the Ag NPs was characterised by high-resolution scanning electron microscope and the results showed the high degree of aggregation in the particles. The antibacterial activity of the Ag NPs was evaluated and showed unprecedented level antibacterial activity against multidrug resistant strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli in combination with Streptomycin.
Crystal Structure, Magnetic and Optical Properties of Mn-Doped BiFeO₃ by Hydrothermal Synthesis.

PubMed

Zhang, Ning; Wei, Qinhua; Qin, Laishun; Chen, Da; Chen, Zhi; Niu, Feng; Wang, Jiangying; Huanag, Yuexiang

2017-01-01

In this paper, Mn doped BiFeO₃ were firstly synthesized by hydrothermal process. The influence of Mn doping on structural, optical and magnetic properties of BiFeO₃ was studied. The different amounts of Mn doping in BiFeO₃ were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscope, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the formation of pure phase rhombohedral structure in BiFe(1−x) Mn (x) O₃ (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07) samples. The morphologies and chemical compositions of as-prepared samples could be observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscope (EDS). A relative large saturated magnetization (Ms) of 0.53 emu/g for x = 0.07 sample was obtained at room temperature, which is considered to be Mn ions doping. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed strong absorption of light in the range of 200–1000 nm, indicating the optical band gap in the visible region for these samples. This implied that BiFe(1−x) Mn(x)O₃ may be a potential photocatalyst for utilizing solar energy.
Micro-patterning and characterization of PHEMA-co-PAM-based optical chemical sensors for lab-on-a-chip applications

PubMed Central

Zhu, Haixin; Zhou, Xianfeng; Su, Fengyu; Tian, Yanqing; Ashili, Shashanka; Holl, Mark R.; Meldrum, Deirdre R.

2012-01-01

We report a novel method for wafer level, high throughput optical chemical sensor patterning, with precise control of the sensor volume and capability of producing arbitrary microscale patterns. Monomeric oxygen (O2) and pH optical probes were polymerized with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and acrylamide (AM) to form spin-coatable and further crosslinkable polymers. A micro-patterning method based on micro-fabrication techniques (photolithography, wet chemical process and reactive ion etch) was developed to miniaturize the sensor film onto glass substrates in arbitrary sizes and shapes. The sensitivity of fabricated micro-patterns was characterized under various oxygen concentrations and pH values. The process for spatially integration of two sensors (Oxygen and pH) on the same substrate surface was also developed, and preliminary fabrication and characterization results were presented. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that poly (2-hydroxylethyl methacrylate)-co-poly (acrylamide) (PHEMA-co-PAM)-based sensors had been patterned and integrated at the wafer level with micron scale precision control using microfabrication techniques. The developed methods can provide a feasible way to miniaturize and integrate the optical chemical sensor system and can be applied to any lab-on-a-chip system, especially the biological micro-systems requiring optical sensing of single or multiple analytes. PMID:23175599
Volumetric Optical Frequency Domain Imaging of Pulmonary Pathology With Precise Correlation to Histopathology

PubMed Central

Hariri, Lida P.; Applegate, Matthew B.; Mino-Kenudson, Mari; Mark, Eugene J.; Medoff, Benjamin D.; Luster, Andrew D.; Bouma, Brett E.; Tearney, Guillermo J.

2013-01-01

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Radiology and bronchoscopy techniques do not have the necessary resolution to evaluate lung lesions on the microscopic scale, which is critical for diagnosis. Bronchial biopsy specimens can be limited by sampling error and small size. Optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) provides volumetric views of tissue microstructure at near-histologic resolution and may be useful for evaluating pulmonary lesions to increase diagnostic accuracy. Bronchoscopic OFDI has been evaluated in vivo, but a lack of correlated histopathology has limited the ability to develop accurate image interpretation criteria. Methods: We performed OFDI through two approaches (airway-centered and parenchymal imaging) in 22 ex vivo lung specimens, using tissue dye to precisely correlate imaging and histology. Results: OFDI of normal airway allowed visualization of epithelium, lamina propria, cartilage, and alveolar attachments. Carcinomas exhibited architectural disarray, loss of normal airway and alveolar structure, and rapid light attenuation. Squamous cell carcinomas showed nested architecture. Atypical glandular formation was appreciated in adenocarcinomas, and uniform trabecular gland formation was seen in salivary gland carcinomas. Mucinous adenocarcinomas showed alveolar wall thickening with intraalveolar mucin. Interstitial fibrosis was visualized as signal-dense tissue, with an interstitial distribution in mild interstitial fibrotic disease and a diffuse subpleural pattern with cystic space formation in usual interstitial pneumonitis. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study is the first demonstration of volumetric OFDI with precise correlation to histopathology in lung pathology. We anticipate that OFDI may play a role in assessing airway and parenchymal pathology, providing fresh insights into the volumetric features of pulmonary disease. PMID:22459781
Nocturnality constrains morphological and functional diversity in the eyes of reef fishes

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Ambient light levels are often considered to drive the evolution of eye form and function. Diel activity pattern is the main mechanism controlling the visual environment of teleost reef fish, with day-active (diurnal) fish active in well-illuminated conditions, whereas night-active (nocturnal) fish cope with dim light. Physiological optics predicts several specific evolutionary responses to dim-light vision that should be reflected in visual performance features of the eye. Results We analyzed a large comparative dataset on morphological traits of the eyes in 265 species of teleost reef fish in 43 different families. The eye morphology of nocturnal reef teleosts is characterized by a syndrome that indicates better light sensitivity, including large relative eye size, high optical ratio and large, rounded pupils. Improved dim-light image formation comes at the cost of reduced depth of focus and reduction of potential accommodative lens movement. Diurnal teleost reef fish, released from the stringent functional requirements of dim-light vision have much higher morphological and optical diversity than nocturnal species, with large ranges of optical ratio, depth of focus, and lens accommodation. Conclusions Physical characteristics of the environment are an important factor in the evolution and diversification of the vertebrate eye. Both teleost reef fish and terrestrial amniotes meet the functional requirements of dim-light vision with a similar evolutionary response of morphological and optical modifications. The trade-off between improved dim-light vision and reduced optical diversity may be a key factor in explaining the lower trophic diversity of nocturnal reef teleosts. PMID:22098687
Photo- and thermally induced property change in Ag diffusion into Ag/As2Se3 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aparimita, Adyasha; Sripan, C.; Ganesan, R.; Naik, Ramakanta

2018-03-01

In the present report, we have prepared As2Se3 and bilayer Ag/As2Se3 chalcogenide thin films prepared by thermal evaporation process. The top Ag layer is being diffused into the bottom As2Se3 layer by 532 nm laser irradiation and thermal annealing process. The photo and thermal energy drives the Ag+ ions into the As2Se3 matrix that enhances the formation of As-Se-Ag solid solution which shows the changes of optical properties such as transmission, absorption power, refractive index, and optical band gap. The transmission power drastically decreased for the thermal-induced film than the laser induced one; and the reverse effect is seen for the absorption coefficient. The non-linear refractive index is found to be increased due to the Ag diffusion into As2Se3 film. The indirect allowed optical band gap is being reduced by a significant amount of 0.17 eV (thermal diffusion) and 0.03 eV (photo diffusion) from the Ag/As2Se3 film. The Ag diffusion creates chemical disorderness in the film observed from the two parameters which measures the degree of disorder such as Urbach energy and Tauc parameter. The structural change is not noticed in the studied film as seen from the X-ray diffraction pattern. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy investigations showed that the surface morphology was influenced by the diffusion phenomena. The change in optical constants in such type of film can be used in optical waveguides and optical devices.

Full-duplex optical communication system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shay, Thomas M. (Inventor); Hazzard, David A. (Inventor); Horan, Stephen (Inventor); Payne, Jason A. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A method of full-duplex electromagnetic communication wherein a pair of data modulation formats are selected for the forward and return data links respectively such that the forward data electro-magnetic beam serves as a carrier for the return data. A method of encoding optical information is used wherein right-hand and left-hand circular polarizations are assigned to optical information to represent binary states. An application for an earth to low earth orbit optical communications system is presented which implements the full-duplex communication and circular polarization keying modulation format.
Magnetic Assisted Colloidal Pattern Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ye

Pattern formation is a mysterious phenomenon occurring at all scales in nature. The beauty of the resulting structures and myriad of resulting properties occurring in naturally forming patterns have attracted great interest from scientists and engineers. One of the most convenient experimental models for studying pattern formation are colloidal particle suspensions, which can be used both to explore condensed matter phenomena and as a powerful fabrication technique for forming advanced materials. In my thesis, I have focused on the study of colloidal patterns, which can be conveniently tracked in an optical microscope yet can also be thermally equilibrated on experimentally relevant time scales, allowing for ground states and transitions between them to be studied with optical tracking algorithms. In particular, I have focused on systems that spontaneously organize due to particle-surface and particle-particle interactions, paying close attention to systems that can be dynamically adjusted with an externally applied magnetic or acoustic field. In the early stages of my doctoral studies, I developed a magnetic field manipulation technique to quantify the adhesion force between particles and surfaces. This manipulation technique is based on the magnetic dipolar interactions between colloidal particles and their "image dipoles" that appear within planar substrate. Since the particles interact with their own images, this system enables massively parallel surface force measurements (>100 measurements) in a single experiment, and allows statistical properties of particle-surface adhesion energies to be extracted as a function of loading rate. With this approach, I was able to probe sub-picoNewton surface interactions between colloidal particles and several substrates at the lowest force loading rates ever achieved. In the later stages of my doctoral studies, I focused on studying patterns formed from particle-particle interaction, which serve as an experimental model of phase transitions in condensed matter systems that can be tracked with single particle resolution. Compared with other research on colloidal crystal formation, my research has focused on multi-component colloidal systems of magnetic and non-magnetic colloids immersed in a ferrofluid. Initially, I studied the types of patterns that form as a function of the concentrations of the different particles and ferrofluid, and I discovered a wide variety of chains, rings and crystals forming in bi-component and tri-component systems. Based on these results, I narrowed my focus to one specific crystal structure (checkerboard lattice) as a model of phase transformations in alloy. Liquid/solid phase transitions were studied by slowly adjusting the magnetic field strength, which serves to control particle-particle interactions in a manner similar to controlling the physical temperature of the fluid. These studies were used to determine the optimal conditions for forming large single crystal structures, and paved the way for my later work on solid/solid phase transitions when the angle of the external field was shifted away from the normal direction. The magnetostriction coefficient of these crystals was measured in low tilt angle of the applied field. At high tilt angles, I observed a variety of martensitic transformations, which followed different pathways depending on the crystal direction relative to the in-plane field. In the last part of my doctoral studies, I investigated colloidal patterns formed in a superimposed acoustic and magnetic field. In this approach, the magnetic field mimics "temperature", while the acoustic field mimics "pressure". The ability to simultaneously tune both temperature and pressure allows for more efficient exploration of phase space. With this technique I demonstrated a large class of particle structures ranging from discrete molecule-like clusters to well ordered crystal phases. Additionally, I demonstrated a crosslinking strategy based on photoacids, which stabilized the structures after the external field was removed. This approach has potential applications in the fabrication of advanced materials. My thesis is arranged as follows. In Chapter 1, I present a brief background of general pattern formation and why I chose to investigate patterns formed in colloidal systems. I also provide a brief review of field-assisted manipulation techniques in order to motivate why I selected magnetic and acoustic field to study colloidal patterns. In chapter 2, I present the theoretical background of magnetic manipulation, which is the main technique used in my research. In this chapter, I will introduce the basic knowledge on magnetic materials and theories behind magnetic manipulation. The underlining thermodynamic mechanisms and theoretical/computational approaches in colloidal pattern formation are also briefly reviewed. In Chapter 3, I focus on using these concepts to study adhesion forces between particle and surfaces. In Chapter 4, I focus on exploring the ground states of colloidal patterns formed from the anti-ferromagnetic interactions of mixtures of particles, as a function of the particle volume fractions. In Chapter 5, I discuss my research on phase transformations of the well-ordered checkerboard phase formed from the equimolar mixture of magnetic and non-magnetic beads in ferrofluid, and I focus mainly on phase transformations in a slowly varying magnetic field. In Chapter 6, I discuss my work on the superimposed magnetic and acoustic field to study patterns formed from monocomponent colloidal suspensions under vertical confinement. Finally, I conclude my thesis in Chapter 7 and discuss future directions and open questions that can be explored in magnetic field directed self-organization in colloidal systems.
Parallel and patterned optogenetic manipulation of neurons in the brain slice using a DMD-based projector.

PubMed

Sakai, Seiichiro; Ueno, Kenichi; Ishizuka, Toru; Yawo, Hiromu

2013-01-01

Optical manipulation technologies greatly advanced the understanding of the neuronal network and its dysfunctions. To achieve patterned and parallel optical switching, we developed a microscopic illumination system using a commercial DMD-based projector and a software program. The spatiotemporal patterning of the system was evaluated using acute slices of the hippocampus. The neural activity was optically manipulated, positively by the combination of channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) and blue light, and negatively by the combination of archaerhodopsin-T (ArchT) and green light. It is suggested that our projector-managing optical system (PMOS) would effectively facilitate the optogenetic analyses of neurons and their circuits. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and the Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved.
Optical fiber sensor technique for strain measurement

DOEpatents

Butler, Michael A.; Ginley, David S.

1989-01-01

Laser light from a common source is split and conveyed through two similar optical fibers and emitted at their respective ends to form an interference pattern, one of the optical fibers having a portion thereof subjected to a strain. Changes in the strain cause changes in the optical path length of the strain fiber, and generate corresponding changes in the interference pattern. The interference pattern is received and transduced into signals representative of fringe shifts corresponding to changes in the strain experienced by the strained one of the optical fibers. These signals are then processed to evaluate strain as a function of time, typical examples of the application of the apparatus including electrodeposition of a metallic film on a conductive surface provided on the outside of the optical fiber being strained, so that strains generated in the optical fiber during the course of the electrodeposition are measurable as a function of time. In one aspect of the invention, signals relating to the fringe shift are stored for subsequent processing and analysis, whereas in another aspect of the invention the signals are processed for real-time display of the strain changes under study.
Investigations on magnetic field induced optical transparency in magnetic nanofluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohapatra, Dillip Kumar; Philip, John

2018-02-01

We study the magnetic field induced optical transparency and its origin in magnetic nanoemulsion of droplets of average size ∼200 nm containing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Beyond a certain volume fraction (Φ > 0.0021) of magnetic nanoemulsion and a critical magnetic field (Hc1), the transmitted light intensity increases drastically and reaches a maximum at another critical magnetic field (Hc2), beyond which the transmitted light intensity decreases and reaches a plateau. Interestingly, the transmitted light intensity at Hc2 is found to increase linearly with Φ and the critical magnetic fields Hc1 and Hc2 follow power law decay with Φ (i.e. Hc ∼ Φ-x), with exponents 0.48 and 0.27, respectively. The light intensity recovers to its initial value when the magnetic field is switched off, indicating the perfect reversibility of the field induced transparency process. The observed straight line scattered patterns above Hc2, on a screen placed perpendicular to the incident beam, confirms the formation of rod like anisotropic nanostructures perpendicular to the direction of light propagation. The magneto-optical measurements in the emulsion confirm that the observed field induced transparency in magnetic emulsions for Φ > 0.0021 is due to the optical birefringence caused by the rod like nanostructures. The reduced birefringence is found to be proportional to the square of the applied magnetic field. This finding offers several possibilities in using magnetic nanofluids in tunable optical devices.
Speckle patterns produced by an optical vortex and its application to surface roughness measurements.

PubMed

Passos, M H M; Lemos, M R; Almeida, S R; Balthazar, W F; da Silva, L; Huguenin, J A O

2017-01-10

In this work, we report on the analysis of speckle patterns produced by illuminating different rough surfaces with an optical vortex, a first-order (l=1) Laguerre-Gaussian beam. The generated speckle patterns were observed in the normal direction exploring four different planes: the diffraction plane, image plane, focal plane, and exact Fourier transform plane. The digital speckle patterns were analyzed using the Hurst exponent of digital images, an interesting tool used to study surface roughness. We show a proof of principle that the Hurst exponent of a digital speckle pattern is more sensitive with respect to the surface roughness when the speckle pattern is produced by an optical vortex and observed at a focal plane. We also show that Hurst exponents are not so sensitive with respect to the topological charge l. These results open news possibilities of investigation into speckle metrology once we have several techniques that use speckle patterns for different applications.
Intramolecular aggregation and optical limiting properties of triazine-linked mono-, bis- and tris-phthalocyanines.

PubMed

Chen, Jun; Zhang, Tao; Wang, Shuangqing; Hu, Rui; Li, Shayu; Ma, Jin Shi; Yang, Guoqiang

2015-10-05

A series of triazine-linked mono-, bis- and tris-phthalocyanines are synthesized, intramolecular aggregation is found in bis- and tris-phthalocyanines via π-π stacking interaction. Theoretical and experimental studies reveal the formation of the intramolecular aggregation. The spectrographic, photophysical and nonlinear optical properties of these compounds are adjusted for the formation of the intramolecular aggregation. The bis-phthalocyanine dimer presents smaller fluorescence quantum yield, lower triplet formation yield and the triplet-minus-ground state extinction coefficient, which causes poorer optical limiting performance. It is interesting that the tris-phthalocyanine is composed of a mono-phthalocyanine part and a bis-phthalocyanine part, the optical limiting property of the tris-phthalocyanine is similar to that of mono-phthalocyanine. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Soliton communication lines based on spectrally efficient modulation formats

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

Yushko, O V; Redyuk, A A

2014-06-30

We report the results of mathematical modelling of optical-signal propagation in soliton fibre-optic communication lines (FOCLs) based on spectrally efficient signal modulation formats. We have studied the influence of spontaneous emission noise, nonlinear distortions and FOCL length on the data transmission quality. We have compared the characteristics of a received optical signal for soliton and conventional dispersion compensating FOCLs. It is shown that in the presence of strong nonlinearity long-haul soliton FOCLs provide a higher data transmission performance, as well as allow higher order modulation formats to be used as compared to conventional communication lines. In the context of amore » coherent data transmission, soliton FOCLs allow the use of phase modulation with many levels, thereby increasing the spectral efficiency of the communication line. (optical communication lines)« less
Enhancing the imaging quality and fabrication efficiency of bionic compound eyes using a sandwich structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Jiasai; Guo, Yongcai; Wang, Xin

2018-06-01

This paper puts forward a novel method for fabrication of sandwich-structured BCE using a detachable micro-hole array (MHA) prepared by 3D printing. Compared with most traditional methods, 3D printing enables effective implementation of direct micro-fabrication for curved BCE without the pattern transfer and substrate reshaping process. This 3D fabrication method allows rapid fabrication of the curved BCE and automatic assembly of the detachable MHA using a custom-built mold under negative pressure. The formation of a multi-focusing micro-lens array (MLA) was realized by adjusting the parameters of the curved detachable MHA. The imaging performance was effectively enhanced by the sandwich structure that consist of the multi-focusing MLA, the outer detachable MHA and the inner solidified MHA. This method is suitable for mass production due to its advantages as a time-saving, cost-effective and simple process. Optical design software was used to analyze the optical properties, and an imaging simulation was performed.
Microstructural parameters and high third order nonlinear absorption characteristics of Mn-doped PbS/PVA nanocomposite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramezanpour, B.; Mahmoudi Chenari, Hossein; Sadigh, M. Khadem

2017-11-01

In this work, undoped and Mn-doped PbS/PVA nanocomposite films have been successfully fabricated using the simple solution-casting method. Their crystalline structure was examined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). XRD pattern show the formation of cubic structure of PbS for Mn-doped PbS in PVA matrix. Microstructure parameters of Mn-doped PbS/PVA nanocomposite films were obtained through the size-strain plot (SSP) method. The thermal stability of the nanocomposite film was determined using Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, Z-scan technique was used to investigate the optical nonlinearity of nanocomposite films by a continuous-wave laser irradiation at the wavelength of 655 nm. This experimental results show that undoped PbS/PVA nanocomposite films indicate high nonlinear absorption characteristics. Moreover, the nanocomposite films with easy preparation characteristics, high thermal stability and nonlinear absorption properties can be used as an active element in optics and photonic devices.
Radiation damage free ghost diffraction with atomic resolution

DOE PAGES

Li, Zheng; Medvedev, Nikita; Chapman, Henry N.; ...

2017-12-21

The x-ray free electron lasers can enable diffractive structural determination of protein nanocrystals and single molecules that are too small and radiation-sensitive for conventional x-ray diffraction. However the electronic form factor may be modified during the ultrashort x-ray pulse due to photoionization and electron cascade caused by the intense x-ray pulse. For general x-ray imaging techniques, the minimization of the effects of radiation damage is of major concern to ensure reliable reconstruction of molecular structure. Here in this paper, we show that radiation damage free diffraction can be achieved with atomic spatial resolution by using x-ray parametric down-conversion and ghostmore » diffraction with entangled photons of x-ray and optical frequencies. We show that the formation of the diffraction patterns satisfies a condition analogous to the Bragg equation, with a resolution that can be as fine as the crystal lattice length scale of several Ångstrom. Since the samples are illuminated by low energy optical photons, they can be free of radiation damage.« less
Radiation damage free ghost diffraction with atomic resolution

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

Li, Zheng; Medvedev, Nikita; Chapman, Henry N.

The x-ray free electron lasers can enable diffractive structural determination of protein nanocrystals and single molecules that are too small and radiation-sensitive for conventional x-ray diffraction. However the electronic form factor may be modified during the ultrashort x-ray pulse due to photoionization and electron cascade caused by the intense x-ray pulse. For general x-ray imaging techniques, the minimization of the effects of radiation damage is of major concern to ensure reliable reconstruction of molecular structure. Here in this paper, we show that radiation damage free diffraction can be achieved with atomic spatial resolution by using x-ray parametric down-conversion and ghostmore » diffraction with entangled photons of x-ray and optical frequencies. We show that the formation of the diffraction patterns satisfies a condition analogous to the Bragg equation, with a resolution that can be as fine as the crystal lattice length scale of several Ångstrom. Since the samples are illuminated by low energy optical photons, they can be free of radiation damage.« less
Label-free silicon photonic biosensor system with integrated detector array.

PubMed

Yan, Rongjin; Mestas, Santano P; Yuan, Guangwei; Safaisini, Rashid; Dandy, David S; Lear, Kevin L

2009-08-07

An integrated, inexpensive, label-free photonic waveguide biosensor system with multi-analyte capability has been implemented on a silicon photonics integrated circuit from a commercial CMOS line and tested with nanofilms. The local evanescent array coupled (LEAC) biosensor is based on a new physical phenomenon that is fundamentally different from the mechanisms of other evanescent field sensors. Increased local refractive index at the waveguide's upper surface due to the formation of a biological nanofilm causes local modulation of the evanescent field coupled into an array of photodetectors buried under the waveguide. The planar optical waveguide biosensor system exhibits sensitivity of 20%/nm photocurrent modulation in response to adsorbed bovine serum albumin (BSA) layers less than 3 nm thick. In addition to response to BSA, an experiment with patterned photoresist as well as beam propagation method simulations support the evanescent field shift principle. The sensing mechanism enables the integration of all optical and electronic components for a multi-analyte biosensor system on a chip.
Label-free silicon photonic biosensor system with integrated detector array

PubMed Central

Yan, Rongjin; Mestas, Santano P.; Yuan, Guangwei; Safaisini, Rashid; Dandy, David S.

2010-01-01

An integrated, inexpensive, label-free photonic waveguide biosensor system with multi-analyte capability has been implemented on a silicon photonics integrated circuit from a commercial CMOS line and tested with nanofilms. The local evanescent array coupled (LEAC) biosensor is based on a new physical phenomenon that is fundamentally different from the mechanisms of other evanescent field sensors. Increased local refractive index at the waveguide’s upper surface due to the formation of a biological nanofilm causes local modulation of the evanescent field coupled into an array of photodetectors buried under the waveguide. The planar optical waveguide biosensor system exhibits sensitivity of 20%/nm photocurrent modulation in response to adsorbed bovine serum albumin (BSA) layers less than 3 nm thick. In addition to response to BSA, an experiment with patterned photoresist as well as beam propagation method simulations support the evanescent field shift principle. The sensing mechanism enables the integration of all optical and electronic components for a multi-analyte biosensor system on a chip. PMID:19606292
Glycerol capped PbS/CdS core/shell nanoparticles at different molar ratio and its application in biosensors: An optical properties study

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

Das, D., E-mail: ddasphy014@gmail.com; Hussain, A. M. P.

2016-05-06

Glycerol capped PbS/CdS core/shell type nanoparticles fabricated with two different molar ratios are characterized for study of structural and optical properties. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern exhibits cubic phased polycrystalline nanocrystals. The calculated grain sizes from Williamson-Hall plot were found to be around 6 nm with increased strain. HRTEM investigation confirms the formation of core/shell nanostructures and the sizes of the particles were found to be around 7 nm which is in good agreement with the results of the W-H plot. An increase of band gap with the decrease in precursor concentration is confirmed from the blue shift in the absorption spectramore » and also from Tauc plot. A clear blue shifted intense emission is observed in the photoluminescence spectra with decrease in particle size. Intense luminescence from the core/shell nanostructure may be applied in bio labelling and biosensors.« less
Dissolved oxygen sensing using organometallic dyes deposited within a microfluidic environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Q. L.; Ho, H. P.; Jin, L.; Chu, B. W.-K.; Li, M. J.; Yam, V. W.-W.

2008-02-01

This work primarily aims to integrate dissolved oxygen sensing capability with a microfluidic platform containing arrays of micro bio-reactors or bio-activity indicators. The measurement of oxygen concentration is of significance for a variety of bio-related applications such as cell culture and gene expression. Optical oxygen sensors based on luminescence quenching are gaining much interest in light of their low power consumption, quick response and high analyte sensitivity in comparison to similar oxygen sensing devices. In our microfluidic oxygen sensor device, a thin layer of oxygen-sensitive luminescent organometallic dye is covalently bonded to a glass slide. Micro flow channels are formed on the glass slide using patterned PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane). Dissolved oxygen sensing is then performed by directing an optical excitation probe beam to the area of interest within the microfluidic channel. The covalent bonding approach for sensor layer formation offers many distinct advantages over the physical entrapment method including minimizing dye leaching, ensuring good stability and fabrication simplicity. Experimental results confirm the feasibility of the device.
Patterning via optical saturable transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cantu, Precious

For the past 40 years, optical lithography has been the patterning workhorse for the semiconductor industry. However, as integrated circuits have become more and more complex, and as device geometries shrink, more innovative methods are required to meet these needs. In the far-field, the smallest feature that can be generated with light is limited to approximately half the wavelength. This, so called far-field diffraction limit or the Abbe limit (after Prof. Ernst Abbe who first recognized this), effectively prevents the use of long-wavelength photons >300nm from patterning nanostructures <100nm. Even with a 193nm laser source and extremely complicated processing, patterns below ˜20nm are incredibly challenging to create. Sources with even shorter wavelengths can potentially be used. However, these tend be much more expensive and of much lower brightness, which in turn limits their patterning speed. Multi-photon reactions have been proposed to overcome the diffraction limit. However, these require very large intensities for modest gain in resolution. Moreover, the large intensities make it difficult to parallelize, thus limiting the patterning speed. In this dissertation, a novel nanopatterning technique using wavelength-selective small molecules that undergo single-photon reactions, enabling rapid top-down nanopatterning over large areas at low-light intensities, thereby allowing for the circumvention of the far-field diffraction barrier is developed and experimentally verified. This approach, which I refer to as Patterning via Optical Saturable Transitions (POST) has the potential for massive parallelism, enabling the creation of nanostructures and devices at a speed far surpassing what is currently possible with conventional optical lithographic techniques. The fundamental understanding of this technique goes beyond optical lithography in the semiconductor industry and is applicable to any area that requires the rapid patterning of large-area two or three-dimensional complex geometries. At a basic level, this research intertwines the fields of electrochemistry, material science, electrical engineering, optics, physics, and mechanical engineering with the goal of developing a novel super-resolution lithographic technique.
Laser illuminator and optical system for disk patterning

DOEpatents

Hackel, Lloyd A.; Dane, C. Brent; Dixit, Shamasundar N.; Everett, Mathew; Honig, John

2000-01-01

Magnetic recording media are textured over areas designated for contact in order to minimize friction with data transducing heads. In fabricating a hard disk, an aluminum nickel-phosphorous substrate is polished to a specular finish. A mechanical means is then used to roughen an annular area intended to be the head contact band. An optical and mechanical system allows thousands of spots to be generated with each laser pulse, allowing the textured pattern to be rapidly generated with a low repetition rate laser and an uncomplicated mechanical system. The system uses a low power laser, a beam expander, a specially designed phase plate, a prism to deflect the beam, a lens to transmit the diffraction pattern to the far field, a mechanical means to rotate the pattern and a trigger system to fire the laser when sections of the pattern are precisely aligned. The system generates an annular segment of the desired pattern with which the total pattern is generated by rotating the optical system about its optic axis, sensing the rotational position and firing the laser as the annular segment rotates into the next appropriate position. This marking system can be integrated into a disk sputtering system for manufacturing magnetic disks, allowing for a very streamlined manufacturing process.
Formation mechanisms of periodic longitudinal microstructure and texture patterns in friction stir welded magnesium AZ80

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

Hiscocks, J., E-mail: j.hiscocks@queensu.ca

Many studies of friction stir welding have shown that periodicity of metal flow around the tool pin may result in the formation of periodic differences in microstructure and texture in the weld nugget area correlated with the weld pitch. The current work investigates the periodicity of magnesium weld microtexture in the nugget region and its association with material flow using optical and electron microscopy. Two welds created in AZ80 at different processing conditions are presented in detail, one illustrating periodic longitudinal texture change, and one showing for the first time that periodic variations in texture, grain size, or composition aremore » not defining features of periodic nugget flow. While nugget texture is dominated by shear deformation, it was found here to be affected to a lesser degree by compaction of material behind the welding tool, which led to reduction in intensity of the shear texture fiber. The decreased tendency for magnesium based alloys to form periodic patterns as compared to aluminum based alloys is explained with reference to the shear textures. - Highlights: •It is shown here that periodic material flow in the nugget does not necessitate longitudinal texture patterns. •Longitudinal texture patterns are shown to be present or absent in Mg AZ80 based on processing conditions. •Texture in the nugget is mainly dictated by shear deformation, but has measurable effects from other deformation modes. •Explanation of why longitudinal texture change is frequently reported in aluminum but not magnesium alloys is provided. •A new vector visualization of material flow based on EBSD data analysis is shown.« less
Multi-functional optical signal processing using optical spectrum control circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayashi, Shuhei; Ikeda, Tatsuhiko; Mizuno, Takayuki; Takahashi, Hiroshi; Tsuda, Hiroyuki

2015-02-01

Processing ultra-fast optical signals without optical/electronic conversion is in demand and time-to-space conversion has been proposed as an effective solution. We have designed and fabricated an arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) based optical spectrum control circuit (OSCC) using silica planar lightwave circuit (PLC) technology. This device is composed of an AWG, tunable phase shifters and a mirror. The principle of signal processing is to spatially decompose the signal's frequency components by using the AWG. Then, the phase of each frequency component is controlled by the tunable phase shifters. Finally, the light is reflected back to the AWG by the mirror and synthesized. Amplitude of each frequency component can be controlled by distributing the power to high diffraction order light. The spectral controlling range of the OSCC is 100 GHz and its resolution is 1.67 GHz. This paper describes equipping the OSCC with optical coded division multiplex (OCDM) encoder/decoder functionality. The encoding principle is to apply certain phase patterns to the signal's frequency components and intentionally disperse the signal. The decoding principle is also to apply certain phase patterns to the frequency components at the receiving side. If the applied phase pattern compensates the intentional dispersion, the waveform is regenerated, but if the pattern is not appropriate, the waveform remains dispersed. We also propose an arbitrary filter function by exploiting the OSCC's amplitude and phase control attributes. For example, a filtered optical signal transmitted through multiple optical nodes that use the wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer can be equalized.

Method of joint bit rate/modulation format identification and optical performance monitoring using asynchronous delay-tap sampling for radio-over-fiber systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guesmi, Latifa; Menif, Mourad

2016-08-01

In the context of carrying a wide variety of modulation formats and data rates for home networks, the study covers the radio-over-fiber (RoF) technology, where the need for an alternative way of management, automated fault diagnosis, and formats identification is expressed. Also, RoF signals in an optical link are impaired by various linear and nonlinear effects including chromatic dispersion, polarization mode dispersion, amplified spontaneous emission noise, and so on. Hence, for this purpose, we investigated the sampling method based on asynchronous delay-tap sampling in conjunction with a cross-correlation function for the joint bit rate/modulation format identification and optical performance monitoring. Three modulation formats with different data rates are used to demonstrate the validity of this technique, where the identification accuracy and the monitoring ranges reached high values.
Biopatterning of Silk Proteins for Soft Micro-optics.

PubMed

Pal, Ramendra K; Kurland, Nicholas E; Wang, Congzhou; Kundu, Subhas C; Yadavalli, Vamsi K

2015-04-29

Silk proteins from spiders and silkworms have been proposed as outstanding candidates for soft micro-optic and photonic applications because of their optical transparency, unique biological properties, and mechanical robustness. Here, we present a method to form microstructures of the two constituent silk proteins, fibroin and sericin for use as an optical biomaterial. Using photolithography, chemically modified silk protein photoresists are patterned in 2D arrays of periodic patterns and Fresnel zone plates. Angle-dependent iridescent colors are produced in these periodic micropatterns because of the Bragg diffraction. Silk protein photolithography can used to form patterns on different substrates including flexible sheets with features of any shape with high fidelity and resolution over large areas. Finally, we show that these mechanically stable and transparent iridescent architectures are also completely biodegradable. This versatile and scalable technique can therefore be used to develop biocompatible, soft micro-optic devices that can be degraded in a controlled manner.
Concerted action of neuroepithelial basal shrinkage and active epithelial migration ensures efficient optic cup morphogenesis

PubMed Central

Sidhaye, Jaydeep; Norden, Caren

2017-01-01

Organ formation is a multi-scale event that involves changes at the intracellular, cellular and tissue level. Organogenesis often starts with the formation of characteristically shaped organ precursors. However, the cellular mechanisms driving organ precursor formation are often not clear. Here, using zebrafish, we investigate the epithelial rearrangements responsible for the development of the hemispherical retinal neuroepithelium (RNE), a part of the optic cup. We show that in addition to basal shrinkage of RNE cells, active migration of connected epithelial cells into the RNE is a crucial player in its formation. This cellular movement is driven by progressive cell-matrix contacts and actively translocates prospective RNE cells to their correct location before they adopt neuroepithelial fate. Failure of this migration during neuroepithelium formation leads to ectopic determination of RNE cells and consequently impairs optic cup formation. Overall, this study illustrates how spatiotemporal coordination between morphogenic movements and fate determination critically influences organogenesis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22689.001 PMID:28372636
Experimental study of PAM-4, CAP-16, and DMT for 100 Gb/s short reach optical transmission systems.

PubMed

Zhong, Kangping; Zhou, Xian; Gui, Tao; Tao, Li; Gao, Yuliang; Chen, Wei; Man, Jiangwei; Zeng, Li; Lau, Alan Pak Tao; Lu, Chao

2015-01-26

Advanced modulation formats combined with digital signal processing and direct detection is a promising way to realize high capacity, low cost and power efficient short reach optical transmission system. In this paper, we present a detailed investigation on the performance of three advanced modulation formats for 100 Gb/s short reach transmission system. They are PAM-4, CAP-16 and DMT. The detailed digital signal processing required for each modulation format is presented. Comprehensive simulations are carried out to evaluate the performance of each modulation format in terms of received optical power, transmitter bandwidth, relative intensity noise and thermal noise. The performance of each modulation format is also experimentally studied. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first demonstration of a 112 Gb/s transmission over 10km of SSMF employing single band CAP-16 with EML. Finally, a comparison of computational complexity of DSP for the three formats is presented.
Fiber optic sensing technology for detecting gas hydrate formation and decomposition.

PubMed

Rawn, C J; Leeman, J R; Ulrich, S M; Alford, J E; Phelps, T J; Madden, M E

2011-02-01

A fiber optic-based distributed sensing system (DSS) has been integrated with a large volume (72 l) pressure vessel providing high spatial resolution, time-resolved, 3D measurement of hybrid temperature-strain (TS) values within experimental sediment-gas hydrate systems. Areas of gas hydrate formation (exothermic) and decomposition (endothermic) can be characterized through this proxy by time series analysis of discrete data points collected along the length of optical fibers placed within a sediment system. Data are visualized as an animation of TS values along the length of each fiber over time. Experiments conducted in the Seafloor Process Simulator at Oak Ridge National Laboratory clearly indicate hydrate formation and dissociation events at expected pressure-temperature conditions given the thermodynamics of the CH(4)-H(2)O system. The high spatial resolution achieved with fiber optic technology makes the DSS a useful tool for visualizing time-resolved formation and dissociation of gas hydrates in large-scale sediment experiments.
Fiber optic sensing technology for detecting gas hydrate formation and decomposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rawn, C. J.; Leeman, J. R.; Ulrich, S. M.; Alford, J. E.; Phelps, T. J.; Madden, M. E.

2011-02-01

A fiber optic-based distributed sensing system (DSS) has been integrated with a large volume (72 l) pressure vessel providing high spatial resolution, time-resolved, 3D measurement of hybrid temperature-strain (TS) values within experimental sediment-gas hydrate systems. Areas of gas hydrate formation (exothermic) and decomposition (endothermic) can be characterized through this proxy by time series analysis of discrete data points collected along the length of optical fibers placed within a sediment system. Data are visualized as an animation of TS values along the length of each fiber over time. Experiments conducted in the Seafloor Process Simulator at Oak Ridge National Laboratory clearly indicate hydrate formation and dissociation events at expected pressure-temperature conditions given the thermodynamics of the CH4-H2O system. The high spatial resolution achieved with fiber optic technology makes the DSS a useful tool for visualizing time-resolved formation and dissociation of gas hydrates in large-scale sediment experiments.
An auto-bias control scheme for IQ-modulator with various modulation formats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wenqi; Yuan, Xueguang; Zhang, Yang'an

2016-10-01

We propose and demonstrate an auto-bias control scheme for the IQ-modulator of a flexible optical PSK or QAM or other modulation formats transmitter in this paper. Due to IQ-modulators usually producing higher-order modulation format, these modulation formats involve phase mostly. It is based on that the bias drift will change the operating point and result in varying the output optical phase. This technology has no restrictions on modulation formats, so it has good flexibility. The experimental result show the three biases can be stabilized when the proposed scheme is implemented.
Multiple degree of freedom optical pattern recognition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casasent, D.

1987-01-01

Three general optical approaches to multiple degree of freedom object pattern recognition (where no stable object rest position exists) are advanced. These techniques include: feature extraction, correlation, and artificial intelligence. The details of the various processors are advanced together with initial results.
Pattern visual evoked potentials in eyes with disc swelling due to cat scratch disease-associated neuroretinitis.

PubMed

Chai, Yuzhu; Yamamoto, Shuichi; Hirayama, Atsuko; Yotsukura, Jiro; Yamazaki, Hiroko

2005-01-01

To evaluate optic nerve function by pattern visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in eyes with optic disc swelling due to neuroretinitis associated with cat scratch disease (CSD). Four eyes of four patients with marked optic disc swelling resembling optic neuritis but diagnosed serologically as CSD received systemic steroid treatment. VEPs elicited by black and white checkerboard stimuli created on a TV monitor were recorded before the treatment. The visual acuity (VA) in the affected eyes was decreased to 20/50 in two eyes and finger counting in two eyes at their initial visits. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed neuroretinitis characterized by severe optic disc swelling, chorioretinal exudates, and macular edema in all eyes. Anti-Bartonella henselae serum antibody was markedly elevated in all patients confirming the diagnosis of CSD. The P100 of the transient VEPs was only mildly reduced without a delay in the implicit times in three eyes and only slightly delayed in the other eye. The steady-state VEPs were mildly reduced in two eyes and phase-reversed in other two eyes. The VA fully recovered after systemic steroid treatment in all patients. Although all examined patients showed marked swelling of the optic disc and visual decrease, the pattern VEPs were not affected as severely as in idiopathic optic neuritis. However, the degree of change of the pattern VEPs varied among patients.
Finger-like pattern formation in dilute surfactant pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether solutions.

PubMed

Kubo, Yoshihide; Yokoyama, Yasuhiro; Tanaka, Shinpei

2013-04-07

We report here peculiar finger-like patterns observed during the phase separation process of dilute micellar pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether solutions. The patterns were composed of parallel and periodic threads of micelle-rich domains. Prior to this pattern formation, the phase separation always started with the appearance of water-rich domains rimmed by the micelle-rich domains. It was found that these rims played a significant role in the pattern formation. We explain this pattern formation using a simple simulation model with disconnectable springs. The simulation results suggested that the spatially inhomogeneous elasticity or connectivity of a transient gel of worm-like micelles was responsible for the rim formation. The rims thus formed lead rim-induced nucleation, growth, and elongation of the domains owing to their small mobility and the elastic frustration around them. These rim-induced processes eventually produce the observed finger-like patterns.
The Precision Formation Flying Integrated Analysis Tool (PFFIAT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoneking, Eric; Lyon, Richard G.; Sears, Edie; Lu, Victor

2004-01-01

Several space missions presently in the concept phase (e.g. Stellar Imager, Submillimeter Probe of Evolutionary Cosmic Structure, Terrestrial Planet Finder) plan to use multiple spacecraft flying in precise formation to synthesize unprecedently large aperture optical systems. These architectures present challenges to the attitude and position determination and control system; optical performance is directly coupled to spacecraft pointing with typical control requirements being on the scale of milliarcseconds and nanometers. To investigate control strategies, rejection of environmental disturbances, and sensor and actuator requirements, a capability is needed to model both the dynamical and optical behavior of such a distributed telescope system. This paper describes work ongoing at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center toward the integration of a set of optical analysis tools (Optical System Characterization and Analysis Research software, or OSCAR) with the Formation Flying Test Bed (FFTB). The resulting system is called the Precision Formation Flying Integrated Analysis Tool (PFFIAT), and it provides the capability to simulate closed-loop control of optical systems composed of elements mounted on multiple spacecraft. The attitude and translation spacecraft dynamics are simulated in the FFTB, including effects of the space environment (e.g. solar radiation pressure, differential orbital motion). The resulting optical configuration is then processed by OSCAR to determine an optical image. From this image, wavefront sensing (e.g. phase retrieval) techniques are being developed to derive attitude and position errors. These error signals will be fed back to the spacecraft control systems, completing the control loop. A simple case study is presented to demonstrate the present capabilities of the tool.
The Precision Formation Flying Integrated Analysis Tool (PFFIAT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoneking, Eric; Lyon, Richard G.; Sears, Edie; Lu, Victor

2004-01-01

Several space missions presently in the concept phase (e.g. Stellar Imager, Sub- millimeter Probe of Evolutionary Cosmic Structure, Terrestrial Planet Finder) plan to use multiple spacecraft flying in precise formation to synthesize unprecedently large aperture optical systems. These architectures present challenges to the attitude and position determination and control system; optical performance is directly coupled to spacecraft pointing with typical control requirements being on the scale of milliarcseconds and nanometers. To investigate control strategies, rejection of environmental disturbances, and sensor and actuator requirements, a capability is needed to model both the dynamical and optical behavior of such a distributed telescope system. This paper describes work ongoing at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center toward the integration of a set of optical analysis tools (Optical System Characterization and Analysis Research software, or OSCAR) with the Formation J?lying Test Bed (FFTB). The resulting system is called the Precision Formation Flying Integrated Analysis Tool (PFFIAT), and it provides the capability to simulate closed-loop control of optical systems composed of elements mounted on multiple spacecraft. The attitude and translation spacecraft dynamics are simulated in the FFTB, including effects of the space environment (e.g. solar radiation pressure, differential orbital motion). The resulting optical configuration is then processed by OSCAR to determine an optical image. From this image, wavefront sensing (e.g. phase retrieval) techniques are being developed to derive attitude and position errors. These error signals will be fed back to the spacecraft control systems, completing the control loop. A simple case study is presented to demonstrate the present capabilities of the tool.
Robustness of 40 Gb/s ASK modulation formats in the practical system infrastructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pincemin, Erwan; Tan, Antoine; Bezard, Aude; Tonello, Alessandro; Wabnitz, Stefano; Ania-Castañòn, Juan-Diego; Turitsyn, Sergei

2006-12-01

In this work, we theoretically and experimentally analyzed the resilience of 40 Gb/s amplitude shift keying modulation formats to transmission impairments in standard single-mode fiber lines as well as to optical filtering introduced by the optical add/drop multiplexer cascade. Our study is a pre-requisite to assess the implementation of cost-effective 40 Gb/s modulation technology in next generation high bit-rate robust optical transport networks.
Direct Magnetic Relief Recording Using As40S60: Mn-Se Nanocomposite Multilayer Structures.

PubMed

Stronski, A; Achimova, E; Paiuk, O; Meshalkin, A; Prisacar, A; Triduh, G; Oleksenko, P; Lytvyn, P

2017-12-01

Processes of holographic recording of surface relief structures using As 2 S 3 :Mn-Se multilayer nanostructures as registering media were studied in this paper. Optical properties of As 2 S 3 :Mn, Se layers, and As 2 S 3 :Mn-Se multilayer nanostructures were investigated. Values of optical bandgaps were obtained from Tauc dependencies. Surface relief diffraction gratings were recorded. Direct one-stage formation of surface relief using multilayer nanostructures is considered. For the first time, possibility of direct formation of magnetic relief simultaneous with surface relief formation under optical recording using As 2 S 3 :Mn-Se multilayer nanostructures is shown.
VizieR Online Data Catalog: The close circumstellar environment of the semi-regular S-type star pi1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sacuto, S.; Jorissen, A.; Cruzalebes, P.; Chesneau, O.; Ohnaka, K.; Quirrenbach, A.; Lopez, B.

2008-02-01

All the data products are stored in the FITS-based, optical interferometry data exchange format (OI-FITS), described in Pauls et al. (2005PASP..117.1255P). The OI Exchange Format is a standard for exchanging calibrated data from optical (visible/infrared) stellar interferometers. The standard is based on the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS), and supports storage of the optical interferometric observables including visibilities and differential phases. Several routines to read and write this format in various languages can be found in: Webpage http://www.mrao.cam.ac.uk/research/OAS/oi_data/oifits.html (2 data files).
Analysis of physical layer performance of data center with optical wavelength switches based on advanced modulation formats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Iftikhar; Chughtai, Mohsan Niaz

2018-05-01

In this paper the IRIS (Integrated Router Interconnected spectrally), an optical domain architecture for datacenter network is analyzed. The IRIS integrated with advanced modulation formats (M-QAM) and coherent optical receiver is analyzed. The channel impairments are compensated using the DSP algorithms following the coherent receiver. The proposed scheme allows N2 multiplexed wavelengths for N×N size. The performance of the N×N-IRIS switch with and without wavelength conversion is analyzed for different Baud rates over M-QAM modulation formats. The performance of the system is analyzed in terms of bit error rate (BER) vs OSNR curves.
Bioconvective patterns, synchrony, and survival. [in light-limited growth model of motile algae culture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noever, David A.

1990-01-01

With and without bioconvective pattern formation, a theoretical model predicts growth in light-limited cultures of motile algae. At the critical density for pattern formation, the resulting doubly exponential population curves show an inflection. Such growth corresponds quantitatively to experiments in mechanically unstirred cultures. This attaches survival value to synchronized pattern formation.
Novel optical interconnect devices and coupling methods applying self-written waveguide technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakama, Kenichi; Mikami, Osamu

2011-05-01

For the use in cost-effective optical interconnection of opt-electronic printed wiring boards (OE-PWBs), we have developed novel optical interconnect devices and coupling methods simplifying board to board optical interconnect. All these are based on the self-written waveguide (SWW) technology by the mask-transfer method with light-curable resin. This method enables fabrication of arrayed M × N optical channels at one shot of UV light. Very precise patterns, as an example, optical rod with diameters of 50μm to 500μm, can be easily fabricated. The length of the fabricated patterns ,, typically up to about 1000μm , can be controlled by a spacer placed between the photomask and the substrate. Using these technologies, several new optical interfaces have been demonstrated. These are a chip VCSEL with an optical output rod and new coupling methods of "plug-in" alignment and "optical socket" based on SWW.
Optical RRH working in an all-optical fronthaul network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakrzewski, Zbigniew

2017-12-01

The paper presents an example of an optical RRH (Remote Radio Head) design, which is equipped with photonic components for direct connection to an all-optical network. The features that can be fulfilled by an all-optical network are indicated to support future 5G mobile networks. The demand for optical bandwidth in fronthaul/midhaul distribution network links, working in D-RoF and A-RoF formats was performed. The increase in demand is due to the very large traffic generated by the Optical Massive-MIMO RRH/RRU will work in format of an Active-Distributed Antenna System (A-DAS). An exemplary next-generation mobile network that will utilize O-RRH and an all-optical backbone is presented. All components of presented network will work in the Centralized/Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) architecture, which is achievable by control with the use of the OpenFlow (OF).
Surface patterning of nanoparticles with polymer patches

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

Choueiri, Rachelle M.; Galati, Elizabeth; Thérien-Aubin, Héloïse

Patterning of colloidal particles with chemically or topographically distinct surface domains (patches) has attracted intense research interest. Surface-patterned particles act as colloidal analogues of atoms and molecules serve as model systems in studies of phase transitions in liquid systems, behave as ‘colloidal surfactants’ and function as templates for the synthesis of hybrid particles. The generation of micrometre- and submicrometre-sized patchy colloids is now efficient but surface patterning of inorganic colloidal nanoparticles with dimensions of the order of tens of nanometres is uncommon. Such nanoparticles exhibit size- and shape-dependent optical, electronic and magnetic properties, and their assemblies show new collective properties.more » At present, nanoparticle patterning is limited to the generation of two-patch nanoparticles and nanoparticles with surface ripples or a ‘raspberry’ surface morphology. We demonstrate nanoparticle surface patterning, which utilizes thermodynamically driven segregation of polymer ligands from a uniform polymer brush into surface-pinned micelles following a change in solvent quality. Patch formation is reversible but can be permanently preserved using a photocrosslinking step. The methodology offers the ability to control the dimensions of patches, their spatial distribution and the number of patches per nanoparticle, in agreement with a theoretical model. The versatility of the strategy is demonstrated by patterning nanoparticles with different dimensions, shapes and compositions, tethered with various types of polymers and subjected to different external stimuli. Furthermore, these patchy nanocolloids have potential applications in fundamental research, the self-assembly of nanomaterials, diagnostics, sensing and colloidal stabilization.« less

Surface patterning of nanoparticles with polymer patches

DOE PAGES

Choueiri, Rachelle M.; Galati, Elizabeth; Thérien-Aubin, Héloïse; ...

2016-08-24

Patterning of colloidal particles with chemically or topographically distinct surface domains (patches) has attracted intense research interest. Surface-patterned particles act as colloidal analogues of atoms and molecules serve as model systems in studies of phase transitions in liquid systems, behave as ‘colloidal surfactants’ and function as templates for the synthesis of hybrid particles. The generation of micrometre- and submicrometre-sized patchy colloids is now efficient but surface patterning of inorganic colloidal nanoparticles with dimensions of the order of tens of nanometres is uncommon. Such nanoparticles exhibit size- and shape-dependent optical, electronic and magnetic properties, and their assemblies show new collective properties.more » At present, nanoparticle patterning is limited to the generation of two-patch nanoparticles and nanoparticles with surface ripples or a ‘raspberry’ surface morphology. We demonstrate nanoparticle surface patterning, which utilizes thermodynamically driven segregation of polymer ligands from a uniform polymer brush into surface-pinned micelles following a change in solvent quality. Patch formation is reversible but can be permanently preserved using a photocrosslinking step. The methodology offers the ability to control the dimensions of patches, their spatial distribution and the number of patches per nanoparticle, in agreement with a theoretical model. The versatility of the strategy is demonstrated by patterning nanoparticles with different dimensions, shapes and compositions, tethered with various types of polymers and subjected to different external stimuli. Furthermore, these patchy nanocolloids have potential applications in fundamental research, the self-assembly of nanomaterials, diagnostics, sensing and colloidal stabilization.« less
Surface patterning of nanoparticles with polymer patches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choueiri, Rachelle M.; Galati, Elizabeth; Thérien-Aubin, Héloïse; Klinkova, Anna; Larin, Egor M.; Querejeta-Fernández, Ana; Han, Lili; Xin, Huolin L.; Gang, Oleg; Zhulina, Ekaterina B.; Rubinstein, Michael; Kumacheva, Eugenia

2016-10-01

Patterning of colloidal particles with chemically or topographically distinct surface domains (patches) has attracted intense research interest. Surface-patterned particles act as colloidal analogues of atoms and molecules, serve as model systems in studies of phase transitions in liquid systems, behave as ‘colloidal surfactants’ and function as templates for the synthesis of hybrid particles. The generation of micrometre- and submicrometre-sized patchy colloids is now efficient, but surface patterning of inorganic colloidal nanoparticles with dimensions of the order of tens of nanometres is uncommon. Such nanoparticles exhibit size- and shape-dependent optical, electronic and magnetic properties, and their assemblies show new collective properties. At present, nanoparticle patterning is limited to the generation of two-patch nanoparticles, and nanoparticles with surface ripples or a ‘raspberry’ surface morphology. Here we demonstrate nanoparticle surface patterning, which utilizes thermodynamically driven segregation of polymer ligands from a uniform polymer brush into surface-pinned micelles following a change in solvent quality. Patch formation is reversible but can be permanently preserved using a photocrosslinking step. The methodology offers the ability to control the dimensions of patches, their spatial distribution and the number of patches per nanoparticle, in agreement with a theoretical model. The versatility of the strategy is demonstrated by patterning nanoparticles with different dimensions, shapes and compositions, tethered with various types of polymers and subjected to different external stimuli. These patchy nanocolloids have potential applications in fundamental research, the self-assembly of nanomaterials, diagnostics, sensing and colloidal stabilization.
Novel wearable-type biometric devices based on skin tissue optics with multispectral LED-photodiode matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jo, Young Chang; Kim, Hae Na; Kang, Jae Hwan; Hong, Hyuck Ki; Choi, Yeon Shik; Jung, Suk Won; Kim, Sung Phil

2017-04-01

In this study, we examined the possibility of using a multispectral skin photomatrix (MSP) module as a novel biometric device. The MSP device measures optical patterns of the wrist skin tissue. Optical patterns consist of 2 × 8 photocurrent intensities of photodiode arrays, which are generated by optical transmission and diffuse reflection of photons from LED light sources with variable wavelengths into the wrist skin tissue. Optical patterns detected by the MSP device provide information on both the surface and subsurface characteristics of the human skin tissue. We found that in the 21 subjects we studied, they showed their unique characteristics, as determined using several wavelengths of light. The experimental results show that the best personal identification accuracy can be acquired using a combination of infrared light and yellow light. This novel biometric device, the MSP module, exhibited an excellent false acceptance rate (FAR) of 0.3% and a false rejection rate (FRR) of 0.0%, which are better than those of commercialized biometric devices such as a fingerprint biometric system. From these experimental results, we found that people exhibit unique optical patterns of their inner-wrist skin tissue and this uniqueness could be used for developing novel high-accuracy personal identification devices.
Pattern formation in rotating Bénard convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fantz, M.; Friedrich, R.; Bestehorn, M.; Haken, H.

1992-12-01

Using an extension of the Swift-Hohenberg equation we study pattern formation in the Bénard experiment close to the onset of convection in the case of rotating cylindrical fluid containers. For small Taylor numbers we emphasize the existence of slowly rotating patterns and describe behaviour exhibiting defect motion. Finally, we study pattern formation close to the Küppers-Lortz instability. The instability is nucleated at defects and proceeds through front propagation into the bulk patterns.
Aberration measurement of projection optics in lithographic tools based on two-beam interference theory.

PubMed

Ma, Mingying; Wang, Xiangzhao; Wang, Fan

2006-11-10

The degradation of image quality caused by aberrations of projection optics in lithographic tools is a serious problem in optical lithography. We propose what we believe to be a novel technique for measuring aberrations of projection optics based on two-beam interference theory. By utilizing the partial coherent imaging theory, a novel model that accurately characterizes the relative image displacement of a fine grating pattern to a large pattern induced by aberrations is derived. Both even and odd aberrations are extracted independently from the relative image displacements of the printed patterns by two-beam interference imaging of the zeroth and positive first orders. The simulation results show that by using this technique we can measure the aberrations present in the lithographic tool with higher accuracy.
Investigation on nonlinear optical properties of MoS2 nanoflake, grown on silicon and quartz substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayesteh, S.; Mortazavi, S. Z.; Reyhani, A.

2018-03-01

In this study, MoS2 was directly synthesized by one-step thermal chemical vapour deposition (TCVD), on different substrates including Si/SiO2 and quartz, using MoO3 and sulfide powders as precursor. The XRD patterns demonstrate the high crystallinity of MoS2 on Si/SiO2 and quartz substrates. SEM confirmed the formation of MoS2 grown on both substrates. According to line width and frequency difference between the E1 2g and A1g in Raman spectroscopy, it is inferred that the MoS2 grown on Si/SiO2 substrate is monolayer and the MoS2 grown on quartz substrate is multilayer. Moreover, by assessment of MoS2 nanoflake band gap via UV-visible analysis, it verified the formation of few layer structures. In addition, the open-aperture and close-aperture Z-scan techniques were employed to study the nonlinear optical properties including nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refraction of the synthesized MoS2. All experiments were performed using a diode laser with a wavelength of 532 nm as light source. The monolayer MoS2 synthesized on Si/SiO2, display considerable two-photon absorption. However, the multilayer MoS2 synthesized on quartz displayed saturable absorption (SA). It is noticeable that both samples demonstrate obvious self-defocusing behaviour.
Cryo-Etched Black Silicon for Use as Optical Black

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yee, Karl Y.; White, Victor E.; Mouroulis, Pantazis; Eastwood, Michael L.

2011-01-01

Stray light reflected from the surface of imaging spectrometer components in particular, the spectrometer slit degrade the image quality. A technique has been developed for rapid, uniform, and cost-effective black silicon formation based on inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching at cryogenic temperatures. Recent measurements show less than 1-percent total reflectance from 350 2,500 nm of doped black silicon formed in this way, making it an excellent option for texturing of component surfaces for reduction of stray light. Oxygen combines with SF6 + Si etch byproducts to form a passivation layer atop the Si when the etch is performed at cryogenic temperatures. Excess flow of oxygen results in micromasking and the formation of black silicon. The process is repeatable and reliable, and provides control over etch depth and sidewall profile. Density of the needles can be controlled to some extent. Regions to be textured can be patterned lithographically. Adhesion is not an issue as the nanotips are part of the underlying substrate. This is in contrast to surface growth/deposition techniques such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The black Si surface is compatible with wet processing, including processing with solvents, the textured surface is completely inorganic, and it does not outgas. In radiometry applications, optical absorbers are often constructed using gold black or CNTs. This black silicon technology is an improvement for these types of applications.
The New Physical Optics Notebook: Tutorials in Fourier Optics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reynolds, George O.; And Others

This is a textbook of Fourier optics for the classroom or self-study. Major topics included in the 38 chapters are: Huygens' principle and Fourier transforms; image formation; optical coherence theory; coherent imaging; image analysis; coherent noise; interferometry; holography; communication theory techniques; analog optical computing; phase…
Three-dimensional image formation in fiber-optical second-harmonic-generation microscopy.

PubMed

Gu, Min; Fu, Ling

2006-02-06

Three-dimensional (3-D) image formation in fiber-optical second-harmonic-generation microscopy is revealed to be purely coherent and therefore can be described by a 3-D coherent transfer function (CTF) that exhibits the same spatial frequency passband as that of fiber-optical reflection-mode non-fluorescence microscopy. When the numerical aperture of the fiber is much larger than the angle of convergence of the illumination on the fiber aperture, the performance of fiber-optical second-harmonic-generation microscopy behaves as confocal second-harmonic-generation microscopy. The dependence of axial resolution on fiber coupling parameters shows an improvement of approximately 7%, compared with that in fiber-optical two-photon fluorescence microscopy.
Elliptic-type soliton combs in optical ring microresonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dikandé Bitha, Rodrigues D.; Dikandé, Alain M.

2018-03-01

Soliton crystals are periodic patterns of multispot optical fields formed from either time or space entanglements of equally separated identical high-intensity pulses. These specific nonlinear optical structures have gained interest in recent years with the advent and progress in nonlinear optical fibers and fiber lasers, photonic crystals, wave-guided wave systems, and most recently optical ring microresonator devices. In this work an extensive analysis of characteristic features of soliton crystals is carried out, with an emphasis on their one-to-one correspondence with elliptic solitons. With this purpose in mind, we examine their formation, their stability, and their dynamics in ring-shaped nonlinear optical media within the framework of the Lugiato-Lefever equation. The stability analysis deals with internal modes of the system via a 2 ×2 -matrix Lamé-type eigenvalue problem, the spectrum of which is shown to possess a rich set of bound states consisting of stable zero-fequency modes and unstable decaying as well as growing modes. Turning towards the dynamics of elliptic solitons in ring-shaped fiber resonators with Kerr nonlinearity, we first propose a collective-coordinate approach, based on a Lagrangian formalism suitable for elliptic-soliton solutions to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with an arbitrary perturbation. Next we derive time evolutions of elliptic-soliton parameters in the specific context of ring-shaped optical fiber resonators, where the optical field evolution is thought to be governed by the Lugiato-Lefever equation. By solving numerically the collective-coordinate equations an analysis of the amplitude, the position, the phase of internal oscillations, the phase velocity, the energy, and phase portraits of the amplitude is carried out and reveals a complex dynamics of the elliptic soliton in ring-shaped optical microresonators. Direct numerical simulations of the Lugiato-Lefever equation are also carried out seeking for stationary-wave solutions, and the numerical results are in very good agreement with the collective-coordinate approach.
Ferric plasmonic nanoparticles, aptamers, and magnetofluidic chips: toward the development of diagnostic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy assays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marks, Haley; Huang, Po-Jung; Mabbott, Samuel; Graham, Duncan; Kameoka, Jun; Coté, Gerard

2016-12-01

Conjugation of aptamers and their corresponding analytes onto plasmonic nanoparticles mediates the formation of nanoparticle assemblies: molecularly bound nanoclusters that cause a measurable change in the colloid's optical properties. The optimization of a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) competitive binding assay utilizing plasmonic "target" and magnetic "probe" nanoparticles for the detection of the toxin bisphenol-A (BPA) is presented. These assay nanoclusters were housed inside three types of optofluidic chips patterned with magnetically activated nickel pads, in either a straight or array pattern. Both Fe2O3 and Fe2CoO4 were compared as potential magnetic cores for the silver-coated probe nanoparticles. We found that the Ag@Fe2O3 particles were, on average, more uniform in size and more stable than Ag@Fe2CoO4, whereas the addition of cobalt significantly improved the collection time of particles. Using Raman mapping of the assay housed within the magnetofluidic chips, it was determined that a 1×5 array of 50 μm square nickel pads provided the most uniform SERS enhancement of the assay (coefficient of variation ˜25%) within the magnetofluidic chip. Additionally, the packaged assay demonstrated the desired response to BPA, verifying the technology's potential to translate magnetic nanoparticle assays into a user-free optical analysis platform.
Cluster tool solution for fabrication and qualification of advanced photomasks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaetz, Thomas; Hartmann, Hans; Peter, Kai; Lalanne, Frederic P.; Maurin, Olivier; Baracchi, Emanuele; Miramond, Corinne; Brueck, Hans-Juergen; Scheuring, Gerd; Engel, Thomas; Eran, Yair; Sommer, Karl

2000-07-01

The reduction of wavelength in optical lithography, phase shift technology and optical proximity correction (OPC), requires a rapid increase in cost effective qualification of photomasks. The knowledge about CD variation, loss of pattern fidelity especially for OPC pattern and mask defects concerning the impact on wafer level is becoming a key issue for mask quality assessment. As part of the European Community supported ESPRIT projection 'Q-CAP', a new cluster concept has been developed, which allows the combination of hardware tools as well as software tools via network communication. It is designed to be open for any tool manufacturer and mask hose. The bi-directional network access allows the exchange of all relevant mask data including grayscale images, measurement results, lithography parameters, defect coordinates, layout data, process data etc. and its storage to a SQL database. The system uses SEMI format descriptions as well as standard network hardware and software components for the client server communication. Each tool is used mainly to perform its specific application without using expensive time to perform optional analysis, but the availability of the database allows each component to share the full data ste gathered by all components. Therefore, the cluster can be considered as one single virtual tool. The paper shows the advantage of the cluster approach, the benefits of the tools linked together already, and a vision of a mask house in the near future.
Ferric plasmonic nanoparticles, aptamers, and magnetofluidic chips: toward the development of diagnostic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy assays

PubMed Central

Marks, Haley; Huang, Po-Jung; Mabbott, Samuel; Graham, Duncan; Kameoka, Jun; Coté, Gerard

2016-01-01

Abstract. Conjugation of aptamers and their corresponding analytes onto plasmonic nanoparticles mediates the formation of nanoparticle assemblies: molecularly bound nanoclusters that cause a measurable change in the colloid’s optical properties. The optimization of a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) competitive binding assay utilizing plasmonic “target” and magnetic “probe” nanoparticles for the detection of the toxin bisphenol-A (BPA) is presented. These assay nanoclusters were housed inside three types of optofluidic chips patterned with magnetically activated nickel pads, in either a straight or array pattern. Both Fe2O3 and Fe2CoO4 were compared as potential magnetic cores for the silver-coated probe nanoparticles. We found that the Ag@Fe2O3 particles were, on average, more uniform in size and more stable than Ag@Fe2CoO4, whereas the addition of cobalt significantly improved the collection time of particles. Using Raman mapping of the assay housed within the magnetofluidic chips, it was determined that a 1×5 array of 50 μm square nickel pads provided the most uniform SERS enhancement of the assay (coefficient of variation ∼25%) within the magnetofluidic chip. Additionally, the packaged assay demonstrated the desired response to BPA, verifying the technology’s potential to translate magnetic nanoparticle assays into a user-free optical analysis platform. PMID:27997017
Method and apparatus for ultra-high-sensitivity, incremental and absolute optical encoding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leviton, Douglas B. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

An absolute optical linear or rotary encoder which encodes the motion of an object (3) with increased resolution and encoding range and decreased sensitivity to damage to the scale includes a scale (5), which moves with the object and is illuminated by a light source (11). The scale carries a pattern (9) which is imaged by a microscope optical system (13) on a CCD array (17) in a camera head (15). The pattern includes both fiducial markings (31) which are identical for each period of the pattern and code areas (33) which include binary codings of numbers identifying the individual periods of the pattern. The image of the pattern formed on the CCD array is analyzed by an image processor (23) to locate the fiducial marking, decode the information encoded in the code area, and thereby determine the position of the object.
Real-Time and High-Resolution 3D Face Measurement via a Smart Active Optical Sensor.

PubMed

You, Yong; Shen, Yang; Zhang, Guocai; Xing, Xiuwen

2017-03-31

The 3D measuring range and accuracy in traditional active optical sensing, such as Fourier transform profilometry, are influenced by the zero frequency of the captured patterns. The phase-shifting technique is commonly applied to remove the zero component. However, this phase-shifting method must capture several fringe patterns with phase difference, thereby influencing the real-time performance. This study introduces a smart active optical sensor, in which a composite pattern is utilized. The composite pattern efficiently combines several phase-shifting fringes and carrier frequencies. The method can remove zero frequency by using only one pattern. Model face reconstruction and human face measurement were employed to study the validity and feasibility of this method. Results show no distinct decrease in the precision of the novel method unlike the traditional phase-shifting method. The texture mapping technique was utilized to reconstruct a nature-appearance 3D digital face.
Real-Time and High-Resolution 3D Face Measurement via a Smart Active Optical Sensor

PubMed Central

You, Yong; Shen, Yang; Zhang, Guocai; Xing, Xiuwen

2017-01-01

The 3D measuring range and accuracy in traditional active optical sensing, such as Fourier transform profilometry, are influenced by the zero frequency of the captured patterns. The phase-shifting technique is commonly applied to remove the zero component. However, this phase-shifting method must capture several fringe patterns with phase difference, thereby influencing the real-time performance. This study introduces a smart active optical sensor, in which a composite pattern is utilized. The composite pattern efficiently combines several phase-shifting fringes and carrier frequencies. The method can remove zero frequency by using only one pattern. Model face reconstruction and human face measurement were employed to study the validity and feasibility of this method. Results show no distinct decrease in the precision of the novel method unlike the traditional phase-shifting method. The texture mapping technique was utilized to reconstruct a nature-appearance 3D digital face. PMID:28362349
High efficient OLED displays prepared with the air-gapped bridges on quantum dot patterns for optical recycling

PubMed Central

Kim, Hyo-Jun; Shin, Min-Ho; Kim, Joo-Suc; Kim, Se-Eun; Kim, Young-Joo

2017-01-01

An optically efficient structure was proposed and fabricated to realize high brightness organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays based on a white OLED prepared with the air-gapped bridges on the quantum dot (QD) patterns. Compared with a conventional white OLED display, in our experiments, the optical intensity of the proposed OLED display shows the enhancement of 58.2% in the red color and 16.8% in the green color after applying the air-gapped bridge structure on QD patterns of 20 wt% concentration. This enhancement comes from the two facts that the QD patterns downconvert unnecessary blue or blue/green light to the required green or red light and the air-gapped bridges increase the color conversion efficiency of QDs by optical recycling using total internal reflection (TIR) at the interface. In addition, the color gamut of the proposed OLED display increases from 65.5 to 75.9% (NTSC x, y ratio) due to the narrow emission spectra of QDs. PMID:28211516
High efficient OLED displays prepared with the air-gapped bridges on quantum dot patterns for optical recycling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyo-Jun; Shin, Min-Ho; Kim, Joo-Suc; Kim, Se-Eun; Kim, Young-Joo

2017-02-01

An optically efficient structure was proposed and fabricated to realize high brightness organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays based on a white OLED prepared with the air-gapped bridges on the quantum dot (QD) patterns. Compared with a conventional white OLED display, in our experiments, the optical intensity of the proposed OLED display shows the enhancement of 58.2% in the red color and 16.8% in the green color after applying the air-gapped bridge structure on QD patterns of 20 wt% concentration. This enhancement comes from the two facts that the QD patterns downconvert unnecessary blue or blue/green light to the required green or red light and the air-gapped bridges increase the color conversion efficiency of QDs by optical recycling using total internal reflection (TIR) at the interface. In addition, the color gamut of the proposed OLED display increases from 65.5 to 75.9% (NTSC x, y ratio) due to the narrow emission spectra of QDs.
High efficient OLED displays prepared with the air-gapped bridges on quantum dot patterns for optical recycling.

PubMed

Kim, Hyo-Jun; Shin, Min-Ho; Kim, Joo-Suc; Kim, Se-Eun; Kim, Young-Joo

2017-02-17

An optically efficient structure was proposed and fabricated to realize high brightness organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays based on a white OLED prepared with the air-gapped bridges on the quantum dot (QD) patterns. Compared with a conventional white OLED display, in our experiments, the optical intensity of the proposed OLED display shows the enhancement of 58.2% in the red color and 16.8% in the green color after applying the air-gapped bridge structure on QD patterns of 20 wt% concentration. This enhancement comes from the two facts that the QD patterns downconvert unnecessary blue or blue/green light to the required green or red light and the air-gapped bridges increase the color conversion efficiency of QDs by optical recycling using total internal reflection (TIR) at the interface. In addition, the color gamut of the proposed OLED display increases from 65.5 to 75.9% (NTSC x, y ratio) due to the narrow emission spectra of QDs.
Optical properties of electrohydrodynamic convection patterns: rigorous and approximate methods.

PubMed

Bohley, Christian; Heuer, Jana; Stannarius, Ralf

2005-12-01

We analyze the optical behavior of two-dimensionally periodic structures that occur in electrohydrodynamic convection (EHC) patterns in nematic sandwich cells. These structures are anisotropic, locally uniaxial, and periodic on the scale of micrometers. For the first time, the optics of these structures is investigated with a rigorous method. The method used for the description of the electromagnetic waves interacting with EHC director patterns is a numerical approach that discretizes directly the Maxwell equations. It works as a space-grid-time-domain method and computes electric and magnetic fields in time steps. This so-called finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method is able to generate the fields with arbitrary accuracy. We compare this rigorous method with earlier attempts based on ray-tracing and analytical approximations. Results of optical studies of EHC structures made earlier based on ray-tracing methods are confirmed for thin cells, when the spatial periods of the pattern are sufficiently large. For the treatment of small-scale convection structures, the FDTD method is without alternatives.

Cdon acts as a Hedgehog decoy receptor during proximal-distal patterning of the optic vesicle

PubMed Central

Cardozo, Marcos Julián; Sánchez-Arrones, Luisa; Sandonis, África; Sánchez-Camacho, Cristina; Gestri, Gaia; Wilson, Stephen W.; Guerrero, Isabel; Bovolenta, Paola

2014-01-01

Patterning of the vertebrate optic vesicle into proximal/optic stalk and distal/neural retina involves midline-derived Hedgehog (Hh) signalling, which promotes stalk specification. In the absence of Hh signalling, the stalks are not specified, causing cyclopia. Recent studies showed that the cell adhesion molecule Cdon forms a heteromeric complex with the Hh receptor Patched 1 (Ptc1). This receptor complex binds Hh and enhances signalling activation, indicating that Cdon positively regulates the pathway. Here we show that in the developing zebrafish and chick optic vesicle, in which cdon and ptc1 are expressed with a complementary pattern, Cdon acts as a negative Hh signalling regulator. Cdon predominantly localizes to the basolateral side of neuroepithelial cells, promotes the enlargement of the neuroepithelial basal end-foot and traps Hh protein, thereby limiting its dispersion. This Ptc-independent function protects the retinal primordium from Hh activity, defines the stalk/retina boundary and thus the correct proximo-distal patterning of the eye. PMID:25001599
Teaching pattern diversification for optics course: motivate interest, open minds and apply flexibly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yunxin; Wang, Dayong; Rong, Lu; Zhao, Jie

2015-10-01

Optics is one of the most important basic courses for college students majoring in Applied Physics in university, which can supply the essential theoretical foundation for the subsequent courses such as Information Optics and Electrodynamics etc.. So Optics course plays a supporting effect in the knowledge frame of the college students. Optics course has its own feature, for one thing, many optical contents cannot be understood directly and easily, for another the optical phenomenon or experiments are interesting and can be displayed intuitively. Considering the above feature, the diversiform teaching patterns are developed to improve the teaching effect. To motivate their interest, students have the chance to visit optical laboratory for both teaching demonstration and science research, and voluntary demonstration of teaching apparatus in class are another approach. Furthermore, digital simulation and experimental design according to the classical knowledge are introduced to the optics course, so students can comprehend and verify the optical principle. Students are encouraged to propose new ideas, and these ideas can be achieved with the help of teachers and the funds support from our university. Besides, some talent students will be invited to join a research group composing by graduate students and teachers. In this group, the students have the chance to touch frontier topics in optics. The diversification of teaching patterns can supply a developing space with the rising gradient for students, which can inspire the interest, open their minds and make them apply flexibly by the participatory and inquiry.
One-Dimensional Scanning Approach to Shock Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tokars, Roger; Adamovsky, Girgory; Floyd, Bertram

2009-01-01

Measurement tools for high speed air flow are sought both in industry and academia. Particular interest is shown in air flows that exhibit aerodynamic shocks. Shocks are accompanied by sudden changes in density, pressure, and temperature. Optical detection and characterization of such shocks can be difficult because the medium is normally transparent air. A variety of techniques to analyze these flows are available, but they often require large windows and optical components as in the case of Schlieren measurements and/or large operating powers which precludes their use for in-flight monitoring and applications. The one-dimensional scanning approach in this work is a compact low power technique that can be used to non-intrusively detect shocks. The shock is detected by analyzing the optical pattern generated by a small diameter laser beam as it passes through the shock. The optical properties of a shock result in diffraction and spreading of the beam as well as interference fringes. To investigate the feasibility of this technique a shock is simulated by a 426 m diameter optical fiber. Analysis of results revealed a direct correlation between the optical fiber or shock location and the beam s diffraction pattern. A plot of the width of the diffraction pattern vs. optical fiber location reveals that the width of the diffraction pattern was maximized when the laser beam is directed at the center of the optical fiber. This work indicates that the one-dimensional scanning approach may be able to determine the location of an actual shock. Near and far field effects associated with a small diameter laser beam striking an optical fiber used as a simulated shock are investigated allowing a proper one-dimensional scanning beam technique.
Automated numerical simulation of biological pattern formation based on visual feedback simulation framework

PubMed Central

Sun, Mingzhu; Xu, Hui; Zeng, Xingjuan; Zhao, Xin

2017-01-01

There are various fantastic biological phenomena in biological pattern formation. Mathematical modeling using reaction-diffusion partial differential equation systems is employed to study the mechanism of pattern formation. However, model parameter selection is both difficult and time consuming. In this paper, a visual feedback simulation framework is proposed to calculate the parameters of a mathematical model automatically based on the basic principle of feedback control. In the simulation framework, the simulation results are visualized, and the image features are extracted as the system feedback. Then, the unknown model parameters are obtained by comparing the image features of the simulation image and the target biological pattern. Considering two typical applications, the visual feedback simulation framework is applied to fulfill pattern formation simulations for vascular mesenchymal cells and lung development. In the simulation framework, the spot, stripe, labyrinthine patterns of vascular mesenchymal cells, the normal branching pattern and the branching pattern lacking side branching for lung branching are obtained in a finite number of iterations. The simulation results indicate that it is easy to achieve the simulation targets, especially when the simulation patterns are sensitive to the model parameters. Moreover, this simulation framework can expand to other types of biological pattern formation. PMID:28225811
Automated numerical simulation of biological pattern formation based on visual feedback simulation framework.

PubMed

Sun, Mingzhu; Xu, Hui; Zeng, Xingjuan; Zhao, Xin

2017-01-01

There are various fantastic biological phenomena in biological pattern formation. Mathematical modeling using reaction-diffusion partial differential equation systems is employed to study the mechanism of pattern formation. However, model parameter selection is both difficult and time consuming. In this paper, a visual feedback simulation framework is proposed to calculate the parameters of a mathematical model automatically based on the basic principle of feedback control. In the simulation framework, the simulation results are visualized, and the image features are extracted as the system feedback. Then, the unknown model parameters are obtained by comparing the image features of the simulation image and the target biological pattern. Considering two typical applications, the visual feedback simulation framework is applied to fulfill pattern formation simulations for vascular mesenchymal cells and lung development. In the simulation framework, the spot, stripe, labyrinthine patterns of vascular mesenchymal cells, the normal branching pattern and the branching pattern lacking side branching for lung branching are obtained in a finite number of iterations. The simulation results indicate that it is easy to achieve the simulation targets, especially when the simulation patterns are sensitive to the model parameters. Moreover, this simulation framework can expand to other types of biological pattern formation.
Automatic optical inspection of regular grid patterns with an inspection camera used below the Shannon-Nyquist criterion for optical resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferreira, Flávio P.; Forte, Paulo M. F.; Felgueiras, Paulo E. R.; Bret, Boris P. J.; Belsley, Michael S.; Nunes-Pereira, Eduardo J.

2017-02-01

An Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) system for optical inspection of imaging devices used in automotive industry using an inspecting optics of lower spatial resolution than the device under inspection is described. This system is robust and with no moving parts. The cycle time is small. Its main advantage is that it is capable of detecting and quantifying defects in regular patterns, working below the Shannon-Nyquist criterion for optical resolution, using a single low resolution image sensor. It is easily scalable, which is an important advantage in industrial applications, since the same inspecting sensor can be reused for increasingly higher spatial resolutions of the devices to be inspected. The optical inspection is implemented with a notch multi-band Fourier filter, making the procedure especially fitted for regular patterns, like the ones that can be produced in image displays and Head Up Displays (HUDs). The regular patterns are used in production line only, for inspection purposes. For image displays, functional defects are detected at the level of a sub-image display grid element unit. Functional defects are the ones impairing the function of the display, and are preferred in AOI to the direct geometric imaging, since those are the ones directly related with the end-user experience. The shift in emphasis from geometric imaging to functional imaging is critical, since it is this that allows quantitative inspection, below Shannon-Nyquist. For HUDs, the functional detect detection addresses defects resulting from the combined effect of the image display and the image forming optics.
All-optical NRZ-to-RZ data format conversion with optically injected laser diode or semiconductor optical amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Gong-Ru; Chang, Yung-Cheng; Yu, Kun-Chieh

2006-09-01

By injecting the optical NRZ data into a Fabry-Perot laser diode (FPLD) synchronously modulated at below threshold condition or a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) gain-depleted with a backward injected clock stream, the all-optical non-return to zero (NRZ) to return-to-zero (RZ) format conversion of a STM-64 date-stream for synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) or an OC-192 data stream for synchronous optical network (SONET) in high-speed fiber-optic communication link can be performed. Without the assistance of any complicated RF electronic circuitry, the output RZ data-stream at bit rate of up to 10 Gbit/s is successfully transformed in the optically NRZ injection-locked FPLD, in which the incoming NRZ data induces gain-switching of the FPLD without DC driving current or at below threshold condition. A power penalty of 1.2 dB is measured after NRZ-to-RZ transformation in the FPLD. Alternatively, the all-optical 10Gbits/s NRZ-to-RZ format conversion can also be demonstrated in a semiconductor optical amplifier under a backward dark-optical-comb injection with its duty-cycle 70%, which is obtained by reshaping from the received data clock at 10 GHz. The incoming optical NRZ data-stream is transformed into a pulsed RZ data-stream with its duty-cycle, rms timing jitter, and conversion gain of 15%, 4ps, and 3dB, respectively. In contrast to the FPLD, the SOA based NRZ-to-RZ converter exhibits an enhanced extinction ratio from 7 to 13 dB, and BER of 10 -13 at -18.5 dBm. In particular, the power penalty of the received RZ data-stream has greatly improved by 5 dB as compared to that obtained from FPLD.
Microstructural, Magnetic, and Optical Properties of Pr-Doped Perovskite Manganite La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 Nanoparticles Synthesized via Sol-Gel Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Weiren; Wu, Heng; Xue, Piaojie; Zhu, Xinhua

2018-05-01

We report on microstructural, magnetic, and optical properties of Pr-doped perovskite manganite (La1 - xPrx)0.67Ca0.33MnO3 (LPCMO, x = 0.0-0.5) nanoparticles synthesized via sol-gel process. Structural characterizations (X-ray and electron diffraction patterns, (high resolution) TEM images) provide information regarding the phase formation and the single-crystalline nature of the LPCMO systems. X-ray and electron diffraction patterns reveal that all the LPCMO samples crystallize in perovskite crystallography with an orthorhombic structure ( Pnma space group), where the MnO6 octahedron is elongated along the b axis due to the Jahn-Teller effect. That is confirmed by Raman spectra. Crystallite sizes and grain sizes were calculated from XRD and TEM respectively, and the lattice fringes resolved in the high-resolution TEM images of individual LPCMO nanoparticle confirmed its single-crystalline nature. FTIR spectra identify the characteristic Mn-O bond stretching vibration mode near 600 cm- 1, which shifts towards high wavenumbers with increasing post-annealing temperature or Pr-doping concentration, resulting in further distortion of the MnO6 octahedron. XPS revealed dual oxidation states of Mn3+ and Mn4+ in the LPCMO nanoparticles. UV-vis absorption spectra confirm the semiconducting nature of the LPCMO nanoparticles with optical bandgaps of 2.55-2.71 eV. Magnetic measurements as a function of temperature and magnetic field at field cooling and zero-field cooling modes, provided a Curie temperature around 230 K, saturation magnetization of about 81 emu/g, and coercive field of 390 Oe at 10 K. Such magnetic properties and the semiconducting nature of the LPCMO nanoparticles will make them as suitable candidate for magnetic semiconductor spintronics.
Monstar polarization singularities with elliptically-symmetric q-plates.

PubMed

Cvarch, Ben A; Khajavi, Behzad; Jones, Joshua A; Piccirillo, Bruno; Marrucci, Lorenzo; Galvez, Enrique J

2017-06-26

Space-variant polarization patterns present in the transverse mode of optical beams highlight disclination patterns of polarization about a singularity, often a C-point. These patterns are important for understanding rotational dislocations and for characterizing complex polarization patterns. Liquid-crystal devices known as q-plates have been used to produce two of the three types of disclination patterns in optical beams: lemons and stars. Here we report the production of the third type of disclination, which is asymmetric, known as the monstar. We do so with elliptically-symmetric q-plates. We present theory and measurements, and find excellent agreement between the two.
Optical fiber sensor technique for strain measurement during materials deposition, chemical reaction, and relaxation

DOEpatents

Butler, M.A.; Ginley, D.S.

1988-01-21

Laser light from a common source is split and conveyed through two similar optical fibers and emitted at their respective ends to form an interference pattern, one of the optical fibers having a portion thereof subjected to a strain. Changes in the strain cause changes in the optical path length of the strain fiber, and generate corresponding changes in the interference pattern. The interference pattern is received and transduced into signals representative of fringe shifts corresponding to changes in the strain experienced by the strained one of the optical fibers. These signals are then processed to evaluate strain as a function of time, typical examples of the application of the apparatus including electrodeposition of a metallic film on a conductive surface provided on the outside of the optical fiber being strained, so that strains generated in the optical fiber during the course of the electrodeposition are measurable as a function of time. In one aspect of the invention, signals relating to the fringe shift are stored for subsequent processing and analysis, whereas in another aspect of the invention the signals are processed for real-time display of the strain changes under study. 9 figs.
Suppression of pattern dependence in 10 Gbps upstream transmission of WDM-PON with RSOA-based ONUs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Min; Wang, Danshi; Cao, Zhihui; Chen, Xue; Huang, Shanguo

2013-11-01

The finite gain recovery time of the reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA) causes distortion and pattern dependence at high bit rates in colorless optical network units (ONUs) of WDM passive optical network (WDN-PON). We propose and demonstrate a scheme of upstream transmission of 10 Gbps NRZ signals directly modulated via a RSOA in a 25 km single fiber, where we use a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) as an offset filter to suppress the pattern dependence and improve the RSOA modulation bandwidth. Both experimental and simulation results are provided, which are useful results for designing cost-effective colorless transceivers.
Feedback dew-point sensor utilizing optimally cut plastic optical fibres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadjiloucas, S.; Irvine, J.; Keating, D. A.

2000-01-01

A plastic optical fibre reflectance sensor that makes full use of the critical angle of the fibres is implemented to monitor dew formation on a Peltier-cooled reflector surface. The optical configuration permits isolation of optoelectronic components from the sensing head and better light coupling between the reflector and the detecting fibre, giving a better signal of the onset of dew formation on the reflector. Continuous monitoring of the rate of change in reflectance as well as the absolute reflectance signals, the use of a novel polymethyl-methacrylate-coated hydrophobic film reflector on the Peltier element and the application of feedback around the point of dew formation, further reduces the possibility of contamination of the sensor head. Under closed-loop operation, the sensor is capable of cycling around the point of dew formation at a frequency of 2.5 Hz.
Optical diffraction properties of multimicrogratings

DOE PAGES

Rothenbach, Christian A.; Kravchenko, Ivan I.; Gupta, Mool C.

2015-02-27

This paper shows the results of optical diffraction properties of multimicrograting structures fabricated by e-beam lithography. Multimicrograting consist of arrays of hexagonally shaped cells containing periodic one-dimensional (1D) grating lines in different orientations and arrayed to form large area patterns. We analyzed the optical diffraction properties of multimicrogratings by studying the individual effects of the several periodic elements of multimicrogratings. The observed optical diffraction pattern is shown to be the combined effect of the periodic and non-periodic elements that define the multimicrogratings and the interaction between different elements. We measured the total transverse electric (TE) diffraction efficiency of multimicrogratings andmore » found it to be 32.1%, which is closely related to the diffraction efficiency of 1D periodic grating lines of the same characteristics, measured to be 33.7%. Beam profiles of the optical diffraction patterns from multimicrogratings are captured with a CCD sensor technique. Interference fringes were observed under certain conditions formed by multimicrograting beams interfering with each other. Finally, these diffraction structures may find applications in sensing, nanometrology, and optical interconnects.« less
Optical fibres in pre-detector signal processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flinn, A. R.

The basic form of conventional electro-optic sensors is described. The main drawback of these sensors is their inability to deal with the background radiation which usually accompanies the signal. This 'clutter' limits the sensors performance long before other noise such as 'shot' noise. Pre-detector signal processing using the complex amplitude of the light is introduced as a means to discriminate between the signal and 'clutter'. Further improvements to predetector signal processors can be made by the inclusion of optical fibres allowing radiation to be used with greater efficiency and enabling certain signal processing tasks to be carried out with an ease unequalled by any other method. The theory of optical waveguides and their application in sensors, interferometers, and signal processors is reviewed. Geometrical aspects of the formation of linear and circular interference fringes are described along with temporal and spatial coherence theory and their relationship to Michelson's visibility function. The requirements for efficient coupling of a source into singlemode and multimode fibres are given. We describe interference experiments between beams of light emitted from a few metres of two or more, singlemode or multimode, optical fibres. Fresnel's equation is used to obtain expressions for Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction patterns which enable electro-optic (E-0) sensors to be analysed by Fourier optics. Image formation is considered when the aperture plane of an E-0 sensor is illuminated with partially coherent light. This allows sensors to be designed using optical transfer functions which are sensitive to the spatial coherence of the illuminating light. Spatial coherence sensors which use gratings as aperture plane reticles are discussed. By using fibre arrays, spatial coherence processing enables E-0 sensors to discriminate between a spatially coherent source and an incoherent background. The sensors enable the position and wavelength of the source to be determined. Experiments are described which use optical fibre arrays as masks for correlation with spatial distributions of light in image planes of E-0 sensors. Correlations between laser light from different points in a scene is investigated by interfering the light emitted from an array of fibres, placed in the image plane of a sensor, with each other. Temporal signal processing experiments show that the visibility of interference fringes gives information about path differences in a scene or through an optical system. Most E-0 sensors employ wavelength filtering of the detected radiation to improve their discrimination and this is shown to be less selective than temporal coherence filtering which is sensitive to spectral bandwidth. Experiments using fibre interferometers to discriminate between red and blue laser light by their bandwidths are described. In most cases the path difference need only be a few tens of centimetres. We consider spatial and temporal coherence in fibres. We show that high visibility interference fringes can be produced by red and blue laser light transmitted through over 100 metres of singlemode or multimode fibre. The effect of detector size, relative to speckle size, is considered for fringes produced by multimode fibres. The effect of dispersion on the coherence of the light emitted from fibres is considered in terms of correlation and interference between modes. We describe experiments using a spatial light modulator called SIGHT-MOD. The device is used in various systems as a fibre optic switch and as a programmable aperture plane reticle. The contrast of the device is measured using red and green, HeNe, sources. Fourier transform images of patterns on the SIGHT-MOD are obtained and used to demonstrate the geometrical manipulation of images using 2D fibre arrays. Correlation of Fourier transform images of the SIGHT-MOD with 2D fibre arrays is demonstrated.
Electrical Field Guided Electrospray Deposition for Production of Gradient Particle Patterns.

PubMed

Yan, Wei-Cheng; Xie, Jingwei; Wang, Chi-Hwa

2018-06-06

Our previous work demonstrated the uniform particle pattern formation on the substrates using electrical field guided electrospray deposition. In this work, we reported for the first time the fabrication of gradient particle patterns on glass slides using an additional point, line, or bar electrode based on our previous electrospray deposition configuration. We also demonstrated that the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating could result in the formation of uniform particle patterns instead of gradient particle patterns on glass slides using the same experimental setup. Meanwhile, we investigated the effect of experimental configurations on the gradient particle pattern formation by computational simulation. The simulation results are in line with experimental observations. The formation of gradient particle patterns was ascribed to the gradient of electric field and the corresponding focusing effect. Cell patterns can be formed on the particle patterns deposited on PDMS-coated glass slides. The formed particle patterns hold great promise for high-throughput screening of biomaterial-cell interactions and sensing.
Loss of laminin alpha 1 results in multiple structural defects and divergent effects on adhesion during vertebrate optic cup morphogenesis

PubMed Central

Bryan, Chase D.; Chien, Chi-Bin; Kwan, Kristen M.

2016-01-01

The vertebrate eye forms via a complex set of morphogenetic events. The optic vesicle evaginates and undergoes transformative shape changes to form the optic cup, in which neural retina and retinal pigmented epithelium enwrap the lens. It has long been known that a complex, glycoprotein-rich extracellular matrix layer surrounds the developing optic cup throughout the process, yet the functions of the matrix and its specific molecular components have remained unclear. Previous work established a role for laminin extracellular matrix in particular steps of eye development, including optic vesicle evagination, lens differentiation, and retinal ganglion cell polarization, yet it is unknown what role laminin might play in the early process of optic cup formation subsequent to the initial step of optic vesicle evagination. Here, we use the zebrafish lama1 mutant (lama1UW1) to determine the function of laminin during optic cup morphogenesis. Using live imaging, we find, surprisingly, that loss of laminin leads to divergent effects on focal adhesion assembly in a spatiotemporally-specific manner, and that laminin is required for multiple steps of optic cup morphogenesis, including optic stalk constriction, invagination, and formation of a spherical lens. Laminin is not required for single cell behaviors and changes in cell shape. Rather, in lama1UW1 mutants, loss of epithelial polarity and altered adhesion lead to defective tissue architecture and formation of a disorganized retina. These results demonstrate that the laminin extracellular matrix plays multiple critical roles regulating adhesion and polarity to establish and maintain tissue structure during optic cup morphogenesis. PMID:27339294
Optical Metrology for Directed Self-assembly Patterning Using Mueller Matrix Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Based Scatterometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dixit, Dhairya J.

The semiconductor industry continues to drive patterning solutions that enable devices with higher memory storage capacity, faster computing performance, lower cost per transistors, and higher transistor density. These developments in the field of semiconductor manufacturing along with the overall minimization of the size of transistors require cutting-edge metrology tools for characterization. Directed self-assembly (DSA) patterning process can be used to fabricate nanoscale line-space patterns and contact holes via thermodynamically driven micro-phase separation of block copolymer (BCP) films with boundary constraints from guiding templates. Its main advantages are high pattern resolution (~10 nm), high throughput, no requirement of a high-resolution mask, and compatibility with standard fab-equipment and processes. Although research into DSA patterning has demonstrated a high potential as a nanoscale patterning process, there are critical challenges that must be overcome before transferring DSA into high volume manufacturing, including achievement of low defect density and high process stability. For this, advances in critical dimension (CD) and overlay measurement as well as rapid defect characterization are required. Both scatterometry and critical dimension-scanning electron microscopy (CD-SEM) are routinely used for inline dimensional metrology. CD-SEM inspection is limited, as it does not easily provide detailed line-shape information, whereas scatterometry has the capability of measuring important feature dimensions including: line-width, line-shape, sidewall-angle, and thickness of the patterned samples quickly and non-destructively. The present work describes the application of Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry (MMSE) based scatterometry to optically characterize DSA patterned line- space grating and contact hole structures fabricated with phase-separated polystyrene-b-polymethylmethacrylate (PS-b-PMMA) at various integration steps of BCP DSA based patterning process. This work focuses on understanding the efficacy of MMSE base scatterometry for characterizing complex DSA structures. For example, the use of symmetry-antisymmetry properties associated with Mueller matrix (MM) elements to understand the topography of the periodic nanostructures and measure defectivity. Simulations (the forward problem approach of scatterometry) are used to investigate MM elements' sensitivity to changes in DSA structure such as one vs. two contact hole patterns and predict sensitivity to dimensional changes. A regression-based approach is used to extract feature shape parameters of the DSA structures by fitting simulated optical spectra to experimental optical spectra. Detection of the DSA defects is a key to reducing defect density for eventual manufacturability and production use of DSA process. Simulations of optical models of structures containing defects are used to evaluate the sensitivity of MM elements to DSA defects. This study describes the application of MMSE to determine the DSA pattern defectivity via spectral comparisons based on optical anisotropy and depolarization. The use of depolarization and optical anisotropy for characterization of experimental MMSE data is a very recent development in scatterometry. In addition, reconstructed scatterometry models are used to calculate line edge roughness in 28 nm pitch Si fins fabricated using DSA patterning process.
Linear Stability and Instability Patterns in Ion Bombarded Silicon Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madi, Charbel Said

2011-12-01

This thesis is a combined experimental and theoretical study of the fundamental physical mechanisms governing nanoscale surface morphology evolution of Ar + ion bombarded silicon surfaces. I experimentally determined the topographical phase diagram resulting from Ar+ ion irradiation of Si surfaces at room temperature in the linear regime of surface dynamics as we vary the control parameters ion beam energy and incidence angle. At all energies, it is characterized by a diverging wavelength bifurcation from a smooth stable surface to parallel mode ripples (wavevector parallel to the projected ion beam on the surface) as the ion beam incidence angle is varied. At sufficiently high angles theta ≈ 85°, I observed perpendicular mode ripples (wavevector perpendicular to the ion beam). Through real-time Grazing-Incidence Small Angle X-ray Scattering, I have definitively established that ion-induced erosion, which is the consensus predominant cause of pattern formation, is not only of the wrong sign to explain the measured curvature coefficients responsible in driving the surface dynamics, but also is so small in magnitude as to be essentially negligible for pattern formation except possibly at the most grazing angles of incidence where both erosion and redistribution effects converge to zero. That the contribution of ion impact induced prompt atomic redistribution effects entirely overwhelms that of erosion in both the stabilizing and destabilizing regimes is of profound significance, as it overturns the erosion-based paradigm that has dominated the pattern formation field for over two decades. In situ wafer curvature measurements using the Multi-beam Optical Stress Sensor system were performed during amorphization of silicon by normal incidence 250 eV ion irradiation. An average compressive saturation stress built up in the amorphous layer was found to be as large as 1.5 GPa. By assuming the ion-induced amorphization layer to be modeled as a viscoelastic film that is anisotropically stressed by ion beam irradiation, we measure the deformation imparted per ion due to anisotropic deformation to be equal to A =1.15x10-16 cm2/ion. Although compressive stress is being injected into a thin viscoelastic ion-stimulated surface layer, the surface is unconditionally stable to topographic perturbations, corroborating the measured experimental phase diagram.
Structural and optical inhomogeneities of Fe doped GaN grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malguth, E.; Hoffmann, A.; Phillips, M. R.

2008-12-01

We present the results of cathodoluminescence experiments on a set of Fe doped GaN samples with Fe concentrations of 5×1017, 1×1018, 1×1019, and 2×1020 cm-3. These specimens were grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy with different concentrations of Fe. The introduction of Fe is found to promote the formation of structurally inhomogeneous regions of increased donor concentration. We detect a tendency of these regions to form hexagonal pits at the surface. The locally increased carrier concentration leads to enhanced emission from the band edge and the internal T41(G)-A61(S) transition of Fe3+. In these areas, the luminescence forms a finely structured highly symmetric pattern, which is attributed to defect migration along strain-field lines. Fe doping is found to quench the yellow defect luminescence band and to enhance the blue luminescence band due to the lowering of the Fermi level and the formation of point defects, respectively.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extract and its antimicrobial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajitha, B.; Ashok Kumar Reddy, Y.; Sreedhara Reddy, P.

2014-07-01

This study reports the simple green synthesis method for the preparation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extract. The pathway of nanoparticles formation is by means of reduction of AgNO3 by leaf extract, which acts as both reducing and capping agents. Synthesized Ag NPs were subjected to different characterizations for studying the structural, chemical, morphological, optical and antimicrobial properties. The bright circular fringes in SAED pattern and diffraction peaks in XRD profile reveals high crystalline nature of biosynthesized Ag NPs. Morphological studies shows the formation of nearly spherical nanoparticles. FTIR spectrum confirms the existence of various functional groups of biomolecules capping the nanoparticles. UV-visible spectrum displays single SPR band at 428 nm indicating the absence of anisotropic particles. The synthesized Ag NPs exhibited better antimicrobial property towards gram negative Escherichia coli and towards tested Penicillium spp. than other tested microorganisms using disc diffusion method. Finally it has proven that the synthesized bio-inspired Ag NPs have potent antimicrobial effect.

Self-assembly of a triangle-shaped, hexaplatinum-incorporated, supramolecular amphiphile in solution and at interfaces.

PubMed

Maran, Umamageswaran; Britt, David; Fox, Christopher B; Harris, Joel M; Orendt, Anita M; Conley, Hiram; Davis, Robert; Hlady, Vladamir; Stang, Peter J

2009-08-24

The self-assembly and characterization of a novel supramolecular amphiphile built from a new 60 degree amphiphilic precursor that incorporates hydrophilic platinum(II) metals and hydrophobic dioctadecyloxy chains is reported. The amphiphilic macrocycle and its precursor compound have been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, and other standard techniques. The coacervate morphology of the amphiphile at the liquid-liquid interface has been studied by using confocal optical microscopy and in situ Raman spectroscopy. The self-assembly of the amphiphilic macrocycle at the air-water interface has been investigated through Langmuir-trough techniques. The study indicates the possible formation of surface micelle-like aggregates. The disparity between the experimental molecular areas and those derived from molecular models support the idea of aggregation. AFM images of the surface aggregates show the formation of a flat topology with arbitrary ridgelike patterns. Reasonable molecular-packing arrangements are proposed to explain the molecular organization within the observed structures.
Photonic confinement in laterally structured metal-organic microcavities

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

Mischok, Andreas, E-mail: andreas.mischok@iapp.de; Brückner, Robert; Sudzius, Markas

2014-08-04

We investigate the formation of optical modes in organic microcavities with an incorporated perforated silver layer. The metal leads to a formation of Tamm-plasmon-polaritons and thus separates the sample into metal-free or metal-containing areas, supporting different resonances. This mode splitting is exploited to confine photons in elliptic holes and triangular cuts, forming distinctive standing wave patterns showing the strong lateral confinement. A comparison with a Maxwell-Bloch based rate equation model clearly shows the nonlinear transition into the lasing regime. The concentration of the electric field density and inhibition of lateral loss channels in turn decreases the lasing threshold by upmore » to one order of magnitude, to 0.1 nJ. By spectroscopic investigation of such a triangular wedge, we observe the transition from the unperturbed cavity state to a strongly confined complex transversal mode. Such a structured silver layer can be utilized in future for charge carrier injection in an electrically driven organic solid state laser.« less
Sugar-Based Polyamides: Self-Organization in Strong Polar Organic Solvents.

PubMed

Rosu, Cornelia; Russo, Paul S; Daly, William H; Cueto, Rafael; Pople, John A; Laine, Roger A; Negulescu, Ioan I

2015-09-14

Periodic patterns resembling spirals were observed to form spontaneously upon unassisted cooling of d-glucaric acid- and d-galactaric acid-based polyamide solutions in N-methyl-N-morpholine oxide (NMMO) monohydrate. Similar observations were made in d-galactaric acid-based polyamide/ionic liquid (IL) solutions. The morphologies were investigated by optical, polarized light and confocal microscopy assays to reveal pattern details. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to monitor solution thermal behavior. Small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering data reflected the complex and heterogeneous nature of the self-organized patterns. Factors such as concentration and temperature were found to influence spiral dimensions and geometry. The distance between rings followed a first-order exponential decay as a function of polymer concentration. Fourier-Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy analysis of spirals pointed to H-bonding between the solvent and the pendant hydroxyl groups of the glucose units from the polymer backbone. Tests on self-organization into spirals of ketal-protected d-galactaric acid polyamides in NMMO monohydrate confirmed the importance of the monosaccharide's pendant free hydroxyl groups on the formation of these patterns. Rheology performed on d-galactaric-based polyamides at high concentration in NMMO monohydrate solution revealed the optimum conditions necessary to process these materials as fibers by spinning. The self-organization of these sugar-based polyamides mimics certain biological materials.
Point defect formation in optical materials expos ed to the space environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, J. L.; Seifert, N.; Yao, Y.; Albridge, R. G.; Barnes, A. V.; Tolk, N. H.; Strauss, A. M.; Linton, Roger C.; Kamenetzky, R. R.; Vaughn, Jason A.

1995-02-01

Point defect formation associated with early stages of optical damage was observed unexpectedly in two, and possibly three, different optical materials subjected to short-duration space exposure. Three calcium fluoride, two lithium fluoride, and three magnesium fluoride samples were flown on Space Shuttle flight STS-46 as part of the Evaluation of Oxygen Interactions with Materials - Third Phase experiment. One each of the calcium and magnesium fluoride samples was held at a fixed temperature of 60 C during the space exposure, while the temperatures of the other samples were allowed to vary with the ambient temperature of the shuttle cargo bay. Pre-flight and post-flight optical absorption measurements were performed on all of the samples. With the possible exception of the magnesium fluoride samples, every sample clearly showed the formation of F-centers in that section of the sample that was exposed to the low earth orbit environment. Solar vacuum ultraviolet radiation is the most probable primary cause of the defect formation; however, the resulting surface metallization may be synergistically altered by the atomic oxygen environment.
Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-05-26

Looking for a faster computer? How about an optical computer that processes data streams simultaneously and works with the speed of light? In space, NASA researchers have formed optical thin-film. By turning these thin-films into very fast optical computer components, scientists could improve computer tasks, such as pattern recognition. Dr. Hossin Abdeldayem, physicist at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Al, is working with lasers as part of an optical system for pattern recognition. These systems can be used for automated fingerprinting, photographic scarning and the development of sophisticated artificial intelligence systems that can learn and evolve. Photo credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)
Optical-Correlator Neural Network Based On Neocognitron

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chao, Tien-Hsin; Stoner, William W.

1994-01-01

Multichannel optical correlator implements shift-invariant, high-discrimination pattern-recognizing neural network based on paradigm of neocognitron. Selected as basic building block of this neural network because invariance under shifts is inherent advantage of Fourier optics included in optical correlators in general. Neocognitron is conceptual electronic neural-network model for recognition of visual patterns. Multilayer processing achieved by iteratively feeding back output of feature correlator to input spatial light modulator and updating Fourier filters. Neural network trained by use of characteristic features extracted from target images. Multichannel implementation enables parallel processing of large number of selected features.
Spatial Light Modulators as Optical Crossbar Switches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juday, Richard

2003-01-01

A proposed method of implementing cross connections in an optical communication network is based on the use of a spatial light modulator (SLM) to form controlled diffraction patterns that connect inputs (light sources) and outputs (light sinks). Sources would typically include optical fibers and/or light-emitting diodes; sinks would typically include optical fibers and/or photodetectors. The sources and/or sinks could be distributed in two dimensions; that is, on planes. Alternatively or in addition, sources and/or sinks could be distributed in three dimensions -- for example, on curved surfaces or in more complex (including random) three-dimensional patterns.
An optically transparent, flexible, patterned and conductive silk biopolymer film (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umar, Muhammad; Min, Kyungtaek; Kim, Sunghwan

2017-02-01

Transparent, flexible, and conducting films are of great interest for wearable electronics. For better biotic/abiotic interface, the films to integrate the electronics components requires the patterned surface conductors with optical transparency, smoothness, good electrical conductivity, along with the biofriendly traits of films. We focus on silk fibroin, a natural biopolymer extracted from the Bombyx mori cocoons, for this bioelectronics applications. Here we report an optically transparent, flexible, and patterned surface conductor on a silk film by burying a silver nanowires (AgNW) network below the surface of the silk film. The conducting silk film reveals high optical transparency of 80% and the excellent electronic conductivity of 15 Ω/sq, along with smooth surface. The integration of light emitting diode (LED) chip on the patterned electrodes confirms that the current can flow through the transparent and patterned electrodes on the silk film, and this result shows an application for integration of functional electronic/opto-electronic devices. Additionally, we fabricate a transparent and flexible radio frequency (RF) antenna and resistor on a silk film and apply these as a food sensor by monitoring the increasing resistance by the flow of gases from the spoiled food.
Multiple Optical Traps with a Single-Beam Optical Tweezer Utilizing Surface Micromachined Planar Curved Grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Ju-Nan; Chen, Kuan-Yu

2010-11-01

In this paper, we present a single-beam optical tweezer integrated with a planar curved diffraction grating for microbead manipulation. Various curvatures of the surface micromachined planar curved grating are systematically investigated. The planar curved grating was fabricated using multiuser micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) processes (MUMPs). The angular separation and the number of diffracted orders were determined. Experimental results indicate that the diffraction patterns and curvature of the planar curved grating are closely related. As the curvature of the planar curved grating increases, the vertical diffraction angle increases, resulting in the strip patterns of the planar curved grating. A single-beam optical tweezer integrated with a planar curved diffraction grating was developed. We demonstrate a technique for creating multiple optical traps from a single laser beam using the developed planar curved grating. The strip patterns of the planar curved grating that resulted from diffraction were used to trap one row of polystyrene beads.
Micron-scale channel formation by the release and bond-back of pre-stressed thin films: A finite element analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Annabattula, R. K.; Huck, W. T. S.; Onck, P. R.

2010-04-01

Buckling of thin films on a rigid substrate during use or fabrication is a well-known but unwanted phenomenon. However, this phenomenon can also be exploited to generate well-controlled patterns at the micro and nano-scale. These patterned surfaces find various technological applications such as optical gratings or micro/nano-fluidic channels. In this article, we present a numerical model that accounts for the buckling-up of pre-strained thin films by a reduction of the interface toughness and the subsequent bond-back. Channels are formed whose dimensions can be controlled by tuning the film dimensions, film thickness and stiffness, the eigenstrain in the film and the cohesive interface energy between the film and the substrate. We will show how the buckling-up and draping back processes can be captured in terms of a limited set of dimensionless parameters, providing quantitative insight on how these parameters should be tuned to generate a specified channel geometry.
Eye and heart morphogenesis are dependent on melatonin signaling in chick embryos.

PubMed

Nogueira, Renato C; Sampaio, Lucia de Fatima S

2017-10-15

Calmodulin is vital for chick embryos morphogenesis in the incubation time 48-66 h when the rudimentary C-shaped heart attains an S-shaped pattern and the optic vesicles develop into optic cups. Melatonin is in the extraembryonic yolk sac of the avian egg; melatonin binds calmodulin. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of melatonin in the formation of the chick embryo optic cups and S-shaped heart, by pharmacological methods and immunoassays. Mel1a melatonin receptor immunofluorescence was distributed in the optic cups and rudimentary hearts. We separated embryonated chicken eggs at 48 h of incubation into basal, control and drug-treated groups, with treatment applied in the egg air sac. At 66 h of incubation, embryos were excised from the eggs and analyzed. Embryos from the basal, control (distilled water), melatonin and 6-chloromelatonin (melatonin receptor agonist) groups had regular optic cups and an S-shaped heart, while those from the calmidazolium (calmodulin inhibitor) group did not. Embryos from the luzindole (melatonin receptor antagonist) and prazosin (Mel1c melatonin receptor antagonist) groups did not have regular optic cups. Embryos from the 4-P-PDOT (Mel1b melatonin receptor antagonist) group did not have an S-shaped heart. Previous application of the melatonin, 6-chloromelatonin or forskolin (adenylate cyclase enhancer) prevented the abnormal appearance of chick embryos from the calmidazolium, luzindole, prazosin and 4-P-PDOT groups. However, 6-chloromelatonin and forskolin only partially prevented the development of defective eye cups in embryos from the calmidazolium group. The results suggested that melatonin modulates chick embryo morphogenesis via calmodulin and membrane receptors. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.
Effect of solvents on optical band gap of silicon-doped graphene oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tul Ain, Qura; Al-Modlej, Abeer; Alshammari, Abeer; Naeem Anjum, Muhammad

2018-03-01

The objective of this study was to determine the influence on the optical band gap when the same amount of silicon-doped graphene oxide was dissolved in three different solvents namely, distilled water, benzene, and dichloroethane. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was used to analyse the optical properties of the solutions. Among all these solutions distilled water containing silicon-doped graphene oxide has the smallest optical band gap of 2.9 eV and is considered a semiconductor. Other solutions are not considered as semiconductors as they have optical band gaps greater than 4 eV. It was observed that there is an increase in the value of optical band gap of distilled water, benzene, and dichloroethane solutions indicating a rise in the insulating behaviour. In this experiment, graphene oxide was synthesised from graphite powder by modified Hummer’s method and was then doped with silicon. Synthesis and doping of graphene oxide were confirmed by various characterization techniques. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy was used for identification of surface functional groups. X-ray diffraction was carried out to confirm the formation of crystalline graphene oxide and silicon doped graphene oxide. In x-ray diffraction pattern, shifting of intensity peak from a 2θ value of 26.5° to 10° confirmed the synthesis of graphene oxide and various intensity peaks at different values of 2θ confirmed doping of graphene oxide with silicon. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that graphene oxide sheets were decorated with spherical silicon nanoparticles. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy showed that silicon doped graphene oxide powder contained 63.36% carbon, 34.05% oxygen, and 2.6% silicon.
dlx and sp6-9 Control Optic Cup Regeneration in a Prototypic Eye

PubMed Central

Lapan, Sylvain W.; Reddien, Peter W.

2011-01-01

Optic cups are a structural feature of diverse eyes, from simple pit eyes to camera eyes of vertebrates and cephalopods. We used the planarian prototypic eye as a model to study the genetic control of optic cup formation and regeneration. We identified two genes encoding transcription factors, sp6-9 and dlx, that were expressed in the eye specifically in the optic cup and not the photoreceptor neurons. RNAi of these genes prevented formation of visible optic cups during regeneration. Planarian regeneration requires an adult proliferative cell population with stem cell-like properties called the neoblasts. We found that optic cup formation occurred only after migration of progressively differentiating progenitor cells from the neoblast population. The eye regeneration defect caused by dlx and sp6-9 RNAi can be explained by a failure to generate these early optic cup progenitors. Dlx and Sp6-9 genes function as a module during the development of diverse animal appendages, including vertebrate and insect limbs. Our work reveals a novel function for this gene pair in the development of a fundamental eye component, and it utilizes these genes to demonstrate a mechanism for total organ regeneration in which extensive cell movement separates new cell specification from organ morphogenesis. PMID:21852957
Optical processing for landmark identification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casasent, D.; Luu, T. K.

1981-01-01

A study of optical pattern recognition techniques, available components and airborne optical systems for use in landmark identification was conducted. A data base of imagery exhibiting multisensor, seasonal, snow and fog cover, exposure, and other differences was assembled. These were successfully processed in a scaling optical correlator using weighted matched spatial filter synthesis. Distinctive data classes were defined and a description of the data (with considerable input information and content information) emerged from this study. It has considerable merit with regard to the preprocessing needed and the image difference categories advanced. A optical pattern recognition airborne applications was developed, assembled and demontrated. It employed a laser diode light source and holographic optical elements in a new lensless matched spatial filter architecture with greatly reduced size and weight, as well as component positioning toleranced.
Morphology-Induced Collective Behaviors: Dynamic Pattern Formation in Water-Floating Elements

PubMed Central

Nakajima, Kohei; Ngouabeu, Aubery Marchel Tientcheu; Miyashita, Shuhei; Göldi, Maurice; Füchslin, Rudolf Marcel; Pfeifer, Rolf

2012-01-01

Complex systems involving many interacting elements often organize into patterns. Two types of pattern formation can be distinguished, static and dynamic. Static pattern formation means that the resulting structure constitutes a thermodynamic equilibrium whose pattern formation can be understood in terms of the minimization of free energy, while dynamic pattern formation indicates that the system is permanently dissipating energy and not in equilibrium. In this paper, we report experimental results showing that the morphology of elements plays a significant role in dynamic pattern formation. We prepared three different shapes of elements (circles, squares, and triangles) floating in a water-filled container, in which each of the shapes has two types: active elements that were capable of self-agitation with vibration motors, and passive elements that were mere floating tiles. The system was purely decentralized: that is, elements interacted locally, and subsequently elicited global patterns in a process called self-organized segregation. We showed that, according to the morphology of the selected elements, a different type of segregation occurs. Also, we quantitatively characterized both the local interaction regime and the resulting global behavior for each type of segregation by means of information theoretic quantities, and showed the difference for each case in detail, while offering speculation on the mechanism causing this phenomenon. PMID:22715370
Technological innovations for a sustainable business model in the semiconductor industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levinson, Harry J.

2014-09-01

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

PubMed

Hirashima, Tsuyoshi

2016-10-21

Tissue pattern formation during development is a reproducible morphogenetic process organized by a series of kinetic cellular activities, leading to the building of functional and stable organs. Recent studies focusing on mechanical aspects have revealed physical mechanisms on how the cellular activities contribute to the formation of reproducible tissue patterns; however, the understanding for what factors achieve the reproducibility of such patterning and how it occurs is far from complete. Here, I focus on a tube pattern formation during murine epididymal development, and show that two factors influencing physical design for the patterning, the proliferative zone within the tubule and the viscosity of tissues surrounding to the tubule, control the reproducibility of epididymal tubule pattern, using a mathematical model based on experimental data. Extensive numerical simulation of the simple mathematical model revealed that a spatially localized proliferative zone within the tubule, observed in experiments, results in more reproducible tubule pattern. Moreover, I found that the viscosity of tissues surrounding to the tubule imposes a trade-off regarding pattern reproducibility and spatial accuracy relating to the region where the tubule pattern is formed. This indicates an existence of optimality in material properties of tissues for the robust patterning of epididymal tubule. The results obtained by numerical analysis based on experimental observations provide a general insight on how physical design realizes robust tissue pattern formation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Using Transverse Optical Patterns for Ultra-Low-Light All-Optical Switching

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

handling devices from cellular telephones to supercomputers. The de - velopment of the internet (world-wide-web) was enabled by personal computers and...increase in response time for de - creasing power that is qualitatively similar to experimental observations. To facilitate comparison to Fig. 5.8(a...wells and of the entire ring correspond to the preference of the system to emit light in a hexagonal pattern. To de - scribe the pattern orientation using
Bandwidth scalable, coherent transmitter based on the parallel synthesis of multiple spectral slices using optical arbitrary waveform generation.

PubMed

Geisler, David J; Fontaine, Nicolas K; Scott, Ryan P; He, Tingting; Paraschis, Loukas; Gerstel, Ori; Heritage, Jonathan P; Yoo, S J B

2011-04-25

We demonstrate an optical transmitter based on dynamic optical arbitrary waveform generation (OAWG) which is capable of creating high-bandwidth (THz) data waveforms in any modulation format using the parallel synthesis of multiple coherent spectral slices. As an initial demonstration, the transmitter uses only 5.5 GHz of electrical bandwidth and two 10-GHz-wide spectral slices to create 100-ns duration, 20-GHz optical waveforms in various modulation formats including differential phase-shift keying (DPSK), quaternary phase-shift keying (QPSK), and eight phase-shift keying (8PSK) with only changes in software. The experimentally generated waveforms showed clear eye openings and separated constellation points when measured using a real-time digital coherent receiver. Bit-error-rate (BER) performance analysis resulted in a BER < 9.8 × 10(-6) for DPSK and QPSK waveforms. Additionally, we experimentally demonstrate three-slice, 4-ns long waveforms that highlight the bandwidth scalable nature of the optical transmitter. The various generated waveforms show that the key transmitter properties (i.e., packet length, modulation format, data rate, and modulation filter shape) are software definable, and that the optical transmitter is capable of acting as a flexible bandwidth transmitter.
Dynamic chirp control of all-optical format-converted pulsed data from a multi-wavelength inverse-optical-comb injected semiconductor optical amplifier.

PubMed

Lin, Gong-Ru; Pan, Ci-Ling; Yu, Kun-Chieh

2007-10-01

By spectrally and temporally reshaping the gain-window of a traveling-wave semiconductor optical amplifier (TWSOA) with a backward injected multi- or single-wavelength inverse-optical-comb, we theoretically and experimentally investigate the dynamic frequency chirp of the all-optical 10GBit/s Return-to-Zero (RZ) data-stream format-converted from the TWSOA under strong cross-gain depletion scheme. The multi-wavelength inverse-optical-comb injection effectively depletes the TWSOA gain spectrally and temporally, remaining a narrow gain-window and a reduced spectral linewidth and provide a converted RZ data with a smaller peak-to-peak frequency chirp of 6.7 GHz. Even at high inverse-optical-comb injection power and highly biased current condition for improving the operational bit-rate, the chirp of the multi-wavelength-injection converted RZ pulse is still 2.1-GHz smaller than that obtained by using single-wavelength injection at a cost of slight pulse-width broadening by 1 ps.

Resolving the Circumstellar Environment of the Galactic B[e] Supergiant Star MWC 137 from Large to Small Scales

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

Kraus, Michaela; Nickeler, Dieter H.; Liimets, Tiina

The Galactic object MWC 137 has been suggested to belong to the group of B[e] supergiants. However, with its large-scale optical bipolar ring nebula and high-velocity jet and knots, it is a rather atypical representative of this class. We performed multiwavelength observations spreading from the optical to the radio regimes. Based on optical imaging and long-slit spectroscopic data, we found that the northern parts of the large-scale nebula are predominantly blueshifted, while the southern regions appear mostly redshifted. We developed a geometrical model consisting of two double cones. Although various observational features can be approximated with such a scenario, themore » observed velocity pattern is more complex. Using near-infrared integral-field unit spectroscopy, we studied the hot molecular gas in the vicinity of the star. The emission from the hot CO gas arises in a small-scale disk revolving around the star on Keplerian orbits. Although the disk itself cannot be spatially resolved, its emission is reflected by the dust arranged in arc-like structures and the clumps surrounding MWC 137 on small scales. In the radio regime, we mapped the cold molecular gas in the outskirts of the optical nebula. We found that large amounts of cool molecular gas and warm dust embrace the optical nebula in the east, south, and west. No cold gas or dust was detected in the north and northwestern regions. Despite the new insights into the nebula kinematics gained from our studies, the real formation scenario of the large-scale nebula remains an open issue.« less
Synthesis, characterization and visible-light driven photocatalysis by differently structured CdS/ZnS sandwich and core-shell nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qutub, Nida; Pirzada, Bilal Masood; Umar, Khalid; Mehraj, Owais; Muneer, M.; Sabir, Suhail

2015-11-01

CdS/ZnS sandwich and core-shell nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple and modified Chemical Precipitation method under ambient conditions. The synthesized composites were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDAX and FTIR. Optical properties were analyzed by UV-vis. Spectroscopy and the photoluminescence study was done to monitor the recombination of photo-generated charge-carriers. Thermal stability of the synthesized composites was analyzed by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). XRD revealed the formation of nanocomposites as mixed diffraction peaks were observed in the XRD pattern. SEM and TEM showed the morphology of the nanocomposites particles and their fine particle size. EDAX revealed the appropriate molar ratios exhibited by the constituent elements in the composites and FTIR gave some characteristic peaks which indicated the formation of CdS/ZnS nanocomposites. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was done to study charge transfer properties along the nanocomposites. Photocatalytic properties of the synthesized composites were monitored by the photocatalytic kinetic study of Acid Blue dye and p-chlorophenol under visible light irradiation. Results revealed the formation of stable core-shell nanocomposites and their efficient photocatalytic properties.
In situ measurements of the photochemical formation rates and optical properties of organic aerosols in CH4/CO2 mixtures.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamkovics, M.; Boering, K. A.

2003-12-01

The presence of photochemically-generated hazes has a significant impact on radiative transfer in planetary atmospheres. While the rates of particle formation have been inferred from photochemical or microphysical models constrained to match observations, these rates have not been determined experimentally. Thus, the fundamental kinetics of particle formation are not known and remain highly parameterized in planetary atmospheric models. We have developed instrumentation for measuring the formation rates and optical properties of organic aerosols produced by irradiating mixtures of precursor gases via in situ optical (633nm) scattering and online quadrupole mass spectrometry (1-200 amu). Results for the generation of particulate hydrocarbons from the irradiation of pure, gas-phase CH4 as well as CH4/CO2 mixtures with vacuum ultraviolet (120-160nm) light, along with simultaneous measurements of the evolution of higher gas-phase hydrocarbons will be presented.
Heat assisted magnetic recording with patterned FePt recording media using a lollipop near field transducer

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

Ghoreyshi, Ali; Victora, R. H., E-mail: victora@umn.edu

In heat-assisted magnetic recording, optical energy is transferred to a small optical spot on the recording media using a near field transducer. In this study, a scattered field finite difference time domain simulation is used to analyze the performance of a lollipop transducer in heat assisted magnetic recording on both a patterned FePt media and a continuous thin film. To represent wear, sharp corners of the peg are approximated with curved ones, which are found to narrow the track width without excessive loss of intensity. Compared with continuous media, the patterned media exhibits higher energy efficiency and a better concentratedmore » optical beam spot. This effect is due to the near field effects of patterned media on the performance of the transducer.« less
Cavity solitons and localized patterns in a finite-size optical cavity

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

Kozyreff, G.; Gelens, L.

2011-08-15

In appropriate ranges of parameters, laser-driven nonlinear optical cavities can support a wide variety of optical patterns, which could be used to carry information. The intensity peaks appearing in these patterns are called cavity solitons and are individually addressable. Using the Lugiato-Lefever equation to model a perfectly homogeneous cavity, we show that cavity solitons can only be located at discrete points and at a minimal distance from the edges. Other localized states which are attached to the edges are identified. By interpreting these patterns in an information coding frame, the information capacity of this dynamical system is evaluated. The resultsmore » are explained analytically in terms of the the tail characteristics of the cavity solitons. Finally, the influence of boundaries and of cavity imperfections on cavity solitons are compared.« less
Probing the fractal pattern and organization of Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria colonies growing under different conditions using quantitative spectral light scattering polarimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Paromita; Soni, Jalpa; Purwar, Harsh; Ghosh, Nirmalya; Sengupta, Tapas K.

2013-03-01

Development of methods for quantification of cellular association and patterns in growing bacterial colony is of considerable current interest, not only to help understand multicellular behavior of a bacterial species but also to facilitate detection and identification of a bacterial species in a given space and under a given set of condition(s). We have explored quantitative spectral light scattering polarimetry for probing the morphological and structural changes taking place during colony formations of growing Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria under different conditions (in normal nutrient agar representing favorable growth environment, in the presence of 1% glucose as an additional nutrient, and 3 mM sodium arsenate as toxic material). The method is based on the measurement of spectral 3×3 Mueller matrices (which involves linear polarization measurements alone) and its subsequent analysis via polar decomposition to extract the intrinsic polarization parameters. Moreover, the fractal micro-optical parameter, namely, the Hurst exponent H, is determined via fractal-Born approximation-based inverse analysis of the polarization-preserving component of the light scattering spectra. Interesting differences are noted in the derived values for the H parameter and the intrinsic polarization parameters (linear diattenuation d, linear retardance δ, and linear depolarization Δ coefficients) of the growing bacterial colonies under different conditions. The bacterial colony growing in presence of 1% glucose exhibit the strongest fractality (lowest value of H), whereas that growing in presence of 3 mM sodium arsenate showed the weakest fractality. Moreover, the values for δ and d parameters are found to be considerably higher for the colony growing in presence of glucose, indicating more structured growth pattern. These findings are corroborated further with optical microscopic studies conducted on the same samples.
Optimization of H2 thermal annealing process for the fabrication of ultra-low loss sub-micron silicon-on-insulator rib waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellegarde, Cyril; Pargon, Erwine; Sciancalepore, Corrado; Petit-Etienne, Camille; Lemonnier, Olivier; Ribaud, Karen; Hartmann, Jean-Michel; Lyan, Philippe

2018-02-01

The superior confinement of light provided by the high refractive index contrast in Si/SiO2 waveguides allows the use of sub-micron photonic waveguides. However, when downscaling waveguides to sub-micron dimensions, propagation losses become dominated by sidewall roughness scattering. In a previous study, we have shown that hydrogen annealing after waveguide patterning yielded smooth silicon sidewalls. Our optimized silicon patterning process flow allowed us to reduce the sidewall roughness down to 0.25 nm (1σ) while maintaining rectangular Strip waveguides. As a result, record low optical losses of less than 1 dB/cm were measured at telecom wavelengths for waveguides with dimensions larger than 350 nm. With Rib waveguides, losses are expected to be even lower. However, in this case the Si reflow during the H2 anneal leads to the formation of a foot at the bottom of the structure and to a rounding of its top. A compromise is thus to be found between low losses and conservation of the rectangular shape of the Rib waveguide. This work proposes to investigate the impact of temperature and duration of the H2 anneal on the Rib profile, sidewalls roughness and optical performances. The impact of a Si/SiO2 interface is also studied. The introduction of H2 thermal annealing allows to obtain very low losses of 0.5 dB/cm at 1310 nm wavelength for waveguide dimensions of 300-400 nm, but it comes along an increase of the pattern bottom width of 41%, with a final bottom width of 502 nm.
Detecting Submicron Pattern Defects On Optical Photomasks Using An Enhanced El-3 Electron-Beam Lithography Tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, R. A.; Davis, D. E.

1982-09-01

This paper describes techniques to detect submicron pattern defects on optical photomasks with an enhanced direct-write, electron-beam lithographic tool. EL-3 is a third generation, shaped spot, electron-beam lithography tool developed by IBM to fabricate semiconductor devices and masks. This tool is being upgraded to provide 100% inspection of optical photomasks for submicron pattern defects, which are subsequently repaired. Fixed-size overlapped spots are stepped over the mask patterns while a signal derived from the back-scattered electrons is monitored to detect pattern defects. Inspection does not require pattern recognition because the inspection scan patterns are derived from the original design data. The inspection spot is square and larger than the minimum defect to be detected, to improve throughput. A new registration technique provides the beam-to-pattern overlay required to locate submicron defects. The 'guard banding" of inspection shapes prevents mask and system tolerances from producing false alarms that would occur should the spots be mispositioned such that they only partially covered a shape being inspected. A rescanning technique eliminates noise-related false alarms and significantly improves throughput. Data is accumulated during inspection and processed offline, as required for defect repair. EL-3 will detect 0.5 um pattern defects at throughputs compatible with mask manufacturing.
Polarization properties of amyloid-beta plaques in Alzheimer's disease (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumann, Bernhard; Wöhrer, Adelheid; Ricken, Gerda; Pircher, Michael; Kovacs, Gabor G.; Hitzenberger, Christoph K.

2016-03-01

In histopathological practice, birefringence is used for the identification of amyloidosis in numerous tissues. Amyloid birefringence is caused by the parallel arrangement of fibrous protein aggregates. Since neurodegenerative processes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are also linked to the formation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, optical methods sensitive to birefringence may act as non-invasive tools for Aβ identification. At last year's Photonics West, we demonstrated polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) imaging of ex vivo cerebral tissue of advanced stage AD patients. PS-OCT provides volumetric, structural imaging based on both backscatter contrast and tissue polarization properties. In this presentation, we report on polarization-sensitive neuroimaging along with numerical simulations of three-dimensional Aβ plaques. High speed PS-OCT imaging was performed using a spectral domain approach based on polarization maintaining fiber optics. The sample beam was interfaced to a confocal scanning microscope arrangement. Formalin-fixed tissue samples as well as thin histological sections were imaged. For comparison to the PS-OCT results, ray propagation through plaques was modeled using Jones analysis and various illumination geometries and plaque sizes. Characteristic polarization patterns were found. The results of this study may not only help to understand PS-OCT imaging of neuritic Aβ plaques but may also have implications for polarization-sensitive imaging of other fibrillary structures.
Surface morphology, optical, and electrochromic properties of nanostructured nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) prepared by sol-gel method: effects of Ni/Fe molar ratios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bazhan, Z.; Ghodsi, F. E.; Mazloom, J.

2016-05-01

Nanostructured nickel ferrite (NF) was prepared by the sol-gel method and calcined at 500 °C for 2 h. The effect of Ni/Fe molar ratios (0, 10, 30, 50 %) on structural, morphological, compositional, optical, and magnetic properties of samples was investigated using analytical tools. XRD patterns indicated the presence of hematite phase in the pure and 10 % NF samples. The samples of 30 and 50 % Ni/Fe molar ratios showed the formation of nickel ferrite structure. Using AFM images, power spectrum density analysis were performed for Ni/Fe with different molar ratio. Also the effect of thickness on morphology of 30 % sample was studied. The fractal dimension increases by increasing the Ni/Fe molar ratio. Optical parameters were evaluated by theoretical approach, and compositional dependence of these parameters was discussed comprehensively. Band gap narrowing was observed in nickel ferrite thin films by increasing the nickel contents from 10 to 50 %. Magnetic analysis revealed that increasing nickel content improved the saturation magnetization. Electrochemical measurements indicated that NF thin films have higher total charge density rather than Fe2O3 thin films and the ion storage capacitance of NF thin films increased by increasing the Ni/Fe content.
Seasonal variability of aerosol optical depth over Indian subcontinent

USGS Publications Warehouse

Prasad, A.K.; Singh, R.P.; Singh, A.; Kafatos, M.

2005-01-01

Ganga basin extends 2000 km E-W and about 400 km N-S and is bounded by Himalayas in the north. This basin is unequivocally found to be affected by high aerosols optical depth (AOD) (>0.6) throughout the year. Himalayas restricts movement of aerosols toward north and as a result dynamic nature of aerosol is seen over the Ganga basin. High AOD in this region has detrimental effects on health of more than 460 million people living in this part of India besides adversely affecting clouds formation, monsoonal rainfall pattern and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Severe drought events (year 2002) in Ganga basin and unexpected failure of monsoon several times, occurred in different parts of Indian subcontinent. Significant rise in AOD (18.7%) over the central part of basin (Kanpur region) have been found to cause substantial decrease in NDVI (8.1%) since 2000. A negative relationship is observed between AOD and NDVI, magnitude of which differs from region to region. Efforts have been made to determine general distribution of AOD and its dominant departure in recent years spatially using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. The seasonal changes in aerosol optical depth over the Indo-Gangetic basin is found to very significant as a result of the increasing dust storm events in recent years. ?? 2005 IEEE.
Terahertz wireless communication based on InP-related devices (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Eui Su; Kim, Hyun-Soo; Park, Jeong-Woo; Park, Dong Woo; Park, Kyung Hyun

2017-02-01

Recently, a wide interest has been gathered in using terahertz (THz) waves as the carrier waves for the next generation of broadband wireless communications. Upon this objective, the photonics technologies are very attractive for their usefulness in signal generations, modulations and detections with enhanced bandwidth and data rates, and the readiness in combining to the existing fiber-optic or wireless networks. In this paper, as a preliminary step toward the THz wireless communications, a THz wireless interconnection system with a broadband antenna-integrated uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD) and a Shottky-barrier diode (SBD) module will be presented. In our system, optical beating signals are generated and digitally modulated by the optical intensity modulator driven by a pulse pattern generator (PPG). As the receiver a SBD and an IF filter followed by a low-noise preamplifier and a limiting amplifier was used. With a 6-mA photocurrent of the UTC-PD which corresponds to the transmitter output power of about 30 μW at 280 GHz, an error-free (BER<10-9) transmission has been achieved at 2.5 Gbit/s which is limited by a limiting amplifier. With this system, a 1.485-Gbit/s video signal with a high-definition serial digital interface format was successfully transmitted over a wireless link.
Modulation format dependence of digital nonlinearity compensation performance in optical fibre communication systems.

PubMed

Xu, Tianhua; Shevchenko, Nikita A; Lavery, Domaniç; Semrau, Daniel; Liga, Gabriele; Alvarado, Alex; Killey, Robert I; Bayvel, Polina

2017-02-20

The relationship between modulation format and the performance of multi-channel digital back-propagation (MC-DBP) in ideal Nyquist-spaced optical communication systems is investigated. It is found that the nonlinear distortions behave independent of modulation format in the case of full-field DBP, in contrast to the cases of electronic dispersion compensation and partial-bandwidth DBP. It is shown that the minimum number of steps per span required for MC-DBP depends on the chosen modulation format. For any given target information rate, there exists a possible trade-off between modulation format and back-propagated bandwidth, which could be used to reduce the computational complexity requirement of MC-DBP.
Rosalind Franklin's X-ray photo of DNA as an undergraduate optical diffraction experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, J.; Braun, G.; Tierney, D.; Wessels, L.; Schmitzer, H.; Rossa, B.; Wagner, H. P.; Dultz, W.

2018-02-01

Rosalind Franklin's X-ray diffraction patterns of DNA molecules rendered the important clue that DNA has the structure of a double helix. The most famous X-ray photograph, Photo 51, is still printed in most Biology textbooks. We suggest two optical experiments for undergraduates that make this historic achievement comprehensible for students by using macromodels of DNA and visible light to recreate a diffraction pattern similar to Photo 51. In these macromodels, we replace the double helix both mathematically and experimentally with its two-dimensional (flat) projection and explain why this is permissible. Basic optical concepts are used to infer certain well-known characteristics of DNA from the diffraction pattern.
Femtosecond self-reconfiguration of laser-induced plasma patterns in dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Déziel, Jean-Luc; Dubé, Louis J.; Messaddeq, Sandra H.; Messaddeq, Younès; Varin, Charles

2018-05-01

Laser-induced modification of transparent solids by intense femtosecond laser pulses allows fast integration of nanophotonic and nanofluidic devices with controlled optical properties. Experimental observations suggest that the local and dynamic nature of the interactions between light and the transient plasma plays an important role during fabrication. Current analytical models neglect these aspects and offer limited coverage of nanograting formation on dielectric surfaces. In this paper, we present a self-consistent dynamic treatment of the plasma buildup and its interaction with light within a three-dimensional electromagnetic framework. The main finding of this work is that local light-plasma interactions are responsible for the reorientation of laser-induced periodic plasma patterns with respect to the incident light polarization, when a certain energy density threshold is reached. Plasma reconfiguration occurs within a single laser pulse, on a femtosecond time scale. Moreover, we show that the reconfigured subwavelength plasma structures actually grow into the bulk of the sample, which agrees with the experimental observations of self-organized volume nanogratings. We find that mode coupling of the incident and transversely scattered light with the periodic plasma structures is sufficient to initiate the growth and self-organization of the pattern inside the medium with a characteristic half-wavelength periodicity.
Large-Scale Constraint-Based Pattern Mining

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhu, Feida

2009-01-01

We studied the problem of constraint-based pattern mining for three different data formats, item-set, sequence and graph, and focused on mining patterns of large sizes. Colossal patterns in each data formats are studied to discover pruning properties that are useful for direct mining of these patterns. For item-set data, we observed robustness of…
Synthesis of freeform refractive surfaces forming various radiation patterns using interpolation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voznesenskaya, Anna; Mazur, Iana; Krizskiy, Pavel

2017-09-01

Optical freeform surfaces are very popular today in such fields as lighting systems, sensors, photovoltaic concentrators, and others. The application of such surfaces allows to obtain systems with a new quality with a reduced number of optical components to ensure high consumer characteristics: small size, weight, high optical transmittance. This article presents the methods of synthesis of refractive surface for a given source and the radiation pattern of various shapes using a computer simulation cubic spline interpolation.
Realization of all-optical switch and diode via Raman gain process using a Kerr field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbas, Muqaddar; Qamar, Sajid; Qamar, Shahid

2016-08-01

The idea of optical photonic crystal, which is generated using two counter-propagating fields, is revisited to study gain-assisted all-optical switch and diode using Kerr field. Two counter-propagating fields with relative detuning Δ ν generate standing-wave field pattern which interacts with a four-level atomic system. The standing-wave field pattern acts like a static photonic crystal for Δ ν =0 , however, it behaves as a moving photonic crystal for Δ ν \
Order parameter description of walk-off effect on pattern selection in degenerate optical parametric oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taki, Majid; San Miguel, Maxi; Santagiustina, Marco

2000-02-01

Degenerate optical parametric oscillators can exhibit both uniformly translating fronts and nonuniformly translating envelope fronts under the walk-off effect. The nonlinear dynamics near threshold is shown to be described by a real convective Swift-Hohenberg equation, which provides the main characteristics of the walk-off effect on pattern selection. The predictions of the selected wave vector and the absolute instability threshold are in very good quantitative agreement with numerical solutions found from the equations describing the optical parametric oscillator.
Transparency Film for Demonstration of Biaxial Optics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Camp, Paul R.

1994-01-01

Explains why transparency film demonstrates biaxial optical properties. Provides detailed descriptions of the procedure and equipment needed for large-scale optics demonstrations of the polarization interference pattern produced by biaxial crystals. (DDR)

Pattern centric design based sensitive patterns and process monitor in manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsiang, Chingyun; Cheng, Guojie; Wu, Kechih

2017-03-01

When design rule is mitigating to smaller dimension, process variation requirement is tighter than ever and challenges the limits of device yield. Masks, lithography, etching and other processes have to meet very tight specifications in order to keep defect and CD within the margins of the process window. Conventionally, Inspection and metrology equipments are utilized to monitor and control wafer quality in-line. In high throughput optical inspection, nuisance and review-classification become a tedious labor intensive job in manufacturing. Certain high-resolution SEM images are taken to validate defects after optical inspection. These high resolution SEM images catch not only optical inspection highlighted point, also its surrounding patterns. However, this pattern information is not well utilized in conventional quality control method. Using this complementary design based pattern monitor not only monitors and analyzes the variation of patterns sensitivity but also reduce nuisance and highlight defective patterns or killer defects. After grouping in either single or multiple layers, systematic defects can be identified quickly in this flow. In this paper, we applied design based pattern monitor in different layers to monitor process variation impacts on all kinds of patterns. First, the contour of high resolutions SEM image is extracted and aligned to design with offset adjustment and fine alignment [1]. Second, specified pattern rules can be applied on design clip area, the same size as SEM image, and form POI (pattern of interest) areas. Third, the discrepancy of contour and design measurement at different pattern types in measurement blocks. Fourth, defective patterns are reported by discrepancy detection criteria and pattern grouping [4]. Meanwhile, reported pattern defects are ranked by number and severity by discrepancy. In this step, process sensitive high repeatable systematic defects can be identified quickly Through this design based process pattern monitor method, most of optical inspection nuisances can be filtered out at contour to design discrepancy measurement. Daily analysis results are stored at database as reference to compare with incoming data. Defective pattern library contains existing and known systematic defect patterns which help to catch and identify new pattern defects or process impacts. On the other hand, this defect pattern library provides extra valuable information for mask, pattern and defects verification, inspection care area generation, further OPC fix and process enhancement and investigation.
Reflection of a polarized light cone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brody, Jed; Weiss, Daniel; Berland, Keith

2013-01-01

We introduce a visually appealing experimental demonstration of Fresnel reflection. In this simple optical experiment, a polarized light beam travels through a high numerical-aperture microscope objective, reflects off a glass slide, and travels back through the same objective lens. The return beam is sampled with a polarizing beam splitter and produces a surprising geometric pattern on an observation screen. Understanding the origin of this pattern requires careful attention to geometry and an understanding of the Fresnel coefficients for S and P polarized light. We demonstrate that in addition to a relatively simple experimental implementation, the shape of the observed pattern can be computed both analytically and by using optical modeling software. The experience of working through complex mathematical computations and demonstrating their agreement with a surprising experimental observation makes this a highly educational experiment for undergraduate optics or advanced-lab courses. It also provides a straightforward yet non-trivial system for teaching students how to use optical modeling software.
Free-form illumination optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohedano, Rubén; Chaves, Julio; Hernández, Maikel

2016-04-01

In many illumination problems, the beam pattern needed and/or some geometrical constraints lead to very asymmetric design conditions. These asymmetries have been solved in the past by means of arrangements of rotationally symmetric or linear lamps aimed in different directions whose patterns overlap to provide the asymmetric prescriptions or by splitting one single lamp into several sections, each one providing a part of the pattern. The development of new design methods yielding smooth continuous free-form optical surfaces to solve these challenging design problems, combined with the proper CAD modeling tools plus the development of multiple axes diamond turn machines, give birth to a new generation of optics. These are able to offer the performance and other advanced features, such as efficiency, compactness, or aesthetical advantages, and can be manufactured at low cost by injection molding. This paper presents two examples of devices with free-form optical surfaces, a camera flash, and a car headlamp.
Understanding and improving the low optical emission of InGaAs quantum wells grown on oxidized patterned (001) silicon substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roque, J.; Haas, B.; David, S.; Rochat, N.; Bernier, N.; Rouvière, J. L.; Salem, B.; Gergaud, P.; Moeyaert, J.; Martin, M.; Bertin, F.; Baron, T.

2018-05-01

In 0.3 Ga 0.7 As quantum wells (QW) embedded in AlGaAs barriers and grown on oxidized patterned (001) silicon substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using the aspect ratio trapping method are studied. An appropriate method combining cathodoluminescence and high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy characterization is performed to spatially correlate the optical and structural properties of the QW. A triple period (TP) ordering along the ⟨111⟩ direction induced by the temperature decrease during the growth to favor indium incorporation and aligned along the oxidized patterns is observed in the QW. Local ordering affects the band gap and contributes to the decrease of the optical emission efficiency. Using thermal annealing, we were able to remove the TP ordering and improve the QW optical emission by two orders of magnitude.
Photonics: From target recognition to lesion detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henry, E. Michael

1994-01-01

Since 1989, Martin Marietta has invested in the development of an innovative concept for robust real-time pattern recognition for any two-dimensioanal sensor. This concept has been tested in simulation, and in laboratory and field hardware, for a number of DOD and commercial uses from automatic target recognition to manufacturing inspection. We have now joined Rose Health Care Systems in developing its use for medical diagnostics. The concept is based on determining regions of interest by using optical Fourier bandpassing as a scene segmentation technique, enhancing those regions using wavelet filters, passing the enhanced regions to a neural network for analysis and initial pattern identification, and following this initial identification with confirmation by optical correlation. The optical scene segmentation and pattern confirmation are performed by the same optical module. The neural network is a recursive error minimization network with a small number of connections and nodes that rapidly converges to a global minimum.
Combining experiment and optical simulation in coherent X-ray nanobeam characterization of Si/SiGe semiconductor heterostructures

DOE PAGES

Tilka, J. A.; Park, J.; Ahn, Y.; ...

2016-07-06

Here, the highly coherent and tightly focused x-ray beams produced by hard x-ray light sources enable the nanoscale characterization of the structure of electronic materials but are accompanied by significant challenges in the interpretation of diffraction and scattering patterns. X-ray nanobeams exhibit optical coherence combined with a large angular divergence introduced by the x-ray focusing optics. The scattering of nanofocused x-ray beams from intricate semiconductor heterostructures produces a complex distribution of scattered intensity. We report here an extension of coherent xray optical simulations of convergent x-ray beam diffraction patterns to arbitrary x-ray incident angles to allow the nanobeam diffraction patternsmore » of complex heterostructures to be simulated faithfully. These methods are used to extract the misorientation of lattice planes and the strain of individual layers from synchrotron x-ray nanobeam diffraction patterns of Si/SiGe heterostructures relevant to applications in quantum electronic devices. The systematic interpretation of nanobeam diffraction patterns from semiconductor heterostructures presents a new opportunity in characterizing and ultimately designing electronic materials.« less
Vibrating Optical Fibers to Make Laser Speckle Disappear

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McGill, Matthew; Scott, V. Stanley

2005-01-01

In optical systems in which laser illumination is delivered via multimode optical fibers, laser speckle can be rendered incoherent by a simple but highly effective technique. The need to eliminate speckle arises because speckle can make it difficult to observe edges and other sharp features, thereby making it difficult to perform precision alignment of optical components. The basic ideas of the technique is to vibrate the optical fiber(s) to cause shifting of electromagnetic modes within the fiber(s) and consequent shifting of the speckle pattern in the light emerging from the fiber(s). If the frequency of vibration is high enough, a human eye cannot follow the shifting speckle pattern, so that instead of speckle, a human observer sees a smoothed pattern of light corresponding to a mixture of many electromagnetic modes. If necessary, the optical fiber(s) could be vibrated manually. However, in a typical laboratory situation, it would be more practical to attach a vibrating mechanism to the fiber(s) for routine use as part of the fiber-optic illuminator. In experiments, a commercially available small, gentle, quiet, variable- speed vibratory device was used in this way, with the result that the appearance of speckle was eliminated, as expected. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the difference.
NeuroPG: open source software for optical pattern generation and data acquisition

PubMed Central

Avants, Benjamin W.; Murphy, Daniel B.; Dapello, Joel A.; Robinson, Jacob T.

2015-01-01

Patterned illumination using a digital micromirror device (DMD) is a powerful tool for optogenetics. Compared to a scanning laser, DMDs are inexpensive and can easily create complex illumination patterns. Combining these complex spatiotemporal illumination patterns with optogenetics allows DMD-equipped microscopes to probe neural circuits by selectively manipulating the activity of many individual cells or many subcellular regions at the same time. To use DMDs to study neural activity, scientists must develop specialized software to coordinate optical stimulation patterns with the acquisition of electrophysiological and fluorescence data. To meet this growing need we have developed an open source optical pattern generation software for neuroscience—NeuroPG—that combines, DMD control, sample visualization, and data acquisition in one application. Built on a MATLAB platform, NeuroPG can also process, analyze, and visualize data. The software is designed specifically for the Mightex Polygon400; however, as an open source package, NeuroPG can be modified to incorporate any data acquisition, imaging, or illumination equipment that is compatible with MATLAB’s Data Acquisition and Image Acquisition toolboxes. PMID:25784873
Method and apparatus for white-light dispersed-fringe interferometric measurement of corneal topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hochberg, Eric B. (Inventor); Baroth, Edmund C. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

An novel interferometric apparatus and method for measuring the topography of aspheric surfaces, without requiring any form of scanning or phase shifting. The apparatus and method of the present invention utilize a white-light interferometer, such as a white-light Twyman-Green interferometer, combined with a means for dispersing a polychromatic interference pattern, using a fiber-optic bundle and a disperser such as a prism for determining the monochromatic spectral intensities of the polychromatic interference pattern which intensities uniquely define the optical path differences or OPD between the surface under test and a reference surface such as a reference sphere. Consequently, the present invention comprises a snapshot approach to measuring aspheric surface topographies such as the human cornea, thereby obviating vibration sensitive scanning which would otherwise reduce the accuracy of the measurement. The invention utilizes a polychromatic interference pattern in the pupil image plane, which is dispersed on a point-wise basis, by using a special area-to-line fiber-optic manifold, onto a CCD or other type detector comprising a plurality of columns of pixels. Each such column is dedicated to a single point of the fringe pattern for enabling determination of the spectral content of the pattern. The auto-correlation of the dispersed spectrum of the fringe pattern is uniquely characteristic of a particular optical path difference between the surface under test and a reference surface.
Techniques for generation of control and guidance signals derived from optical fields, part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hemami, H.; Mcghee, R. B.; Gardner, S. R.

1971-01-01

The development is reported of a high resolution technique for the detection and identification of landmarks from spacecraft optical fields. By making use of nonlinear regression analysis, a method is presented whereby a sequence of synthetic images produced by a digital computer can be automatically adjusted to provide a least squares approximation to a real image. The convergence of the method is demonstrated by means of a computer simulation for both elliptical and rectangular patterns. Statistical simulation studies with elliptical and rectangular patterns show that the computational techniques developed are able to at least match human pattern recognition capabilities, even in the presence of large amounts of noise. Unlike most pattern recognition techniques, this ability is unaffected by arbitrary pattern rotation, translation, and scale change. Further development of the basic approach may eventually allow a spacecraft or robot vehicle to be provided with an ability to very accurately determine its spatial relationship to arbitrary known objects within its optical field of view.
Pattern formation in the iodate-sulfite-thiosulfate reaction-diffusion system.

PubMed

Liu, Haimiao; Pojman, John A; Zhao, Yuemin; Pan, Changwei; Zheng, Juhua; Yuan, Ling; Horváth, Attila K; Gao, Qingyu

2012-01-07

Sodium polyacrylate-induced pH pattern formation and starch-induced iodine pattern formation were investigated in the iodate-sulfite-thiosulfate (IST) reaction in a one-side fed disc gel reactor (OSFR). As binding agents of the autocatalyst of hydrogen ions or iodide ions, different content of sodium polyacrylate or starch has induced various types of pattern formation. We observed pH pulses, striped patterns, mixed spots and stripes, and hexagonal spots upon increasing the content of sodium polyacrylate and observed iodine pulses, branched patterns, and labyrinthine patterns upon increasing the starch content in the system. Coexistence of a pH front and an iodine front was also studied in a batch IST reaction-diffusion system. Both pH and iodine front instabilities were observed in the presence of sodium polyacrylate, i.e., cellular fronts and transient Turing structures resulting from the decrease in diffusion coefficients of activators. The mechanism of multiple feedback may explain the different patterns in the IST reaction-diffusion system.
Processes for design, construction and utilisation of arrays of light-emitting diodes and light-emitting diode-coupled optical fibres for multi-site brain light delivery

PubMed Central

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

2016-01-01

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

DOEpatents

Chang, Chao; Tang, Chuanxiang; Wu, Juhao

2017-05-09

An improved optical undulator for use in connection with free electron radiation sources is provided. A tilt is introduced between phase fronts of an optical pulse and the pulse front. Two such pulses in a counter-propagating geometry overlap to create a standing wave pattern. A line focus is used to increase the intensity of this standing wave pattern. An electron beam is aligned with the line focus. The relative angle between pulse front and phase fronts is adjusted such that there is a velocity match between the electron beam and the overlapping optical pulses along the line focus. This allows one to provide a long interaction length using short and intense optical pulses, thereby greatly increasing the radiation output from the electron beam as it passes through this optical undulator.
Optical network security using unipolar Walsh code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sikder, Somali; Sarkar, Madhumita; Ghosh, Shila

2018-04-01

Optical code-division multiple-access (OCDMA) is considered as a good technique to provide optical layer security. Many research works have been published to enhance optical network security by using optical signal processing. The paper, demonstrates the design of the AWG (arrayed waveguide grating) router-based optical network for spectral-amplitude-coding (SAC) OCDMA networks with Walsh Code to design a reconfigurable network codec by changing signature codes to against eavesdropping. In this paper we proposed a code reconfiguration scheme to improve the network access confidentiality changing the signature codes by cyclic rotations, for OCDMA system. Each of the OCDMA network users is assigned a unique signature code to transmit the information and at the receiving end each receiver correlates its own signature pattern a(n) with the receiving pattern s(n). The signal arriving at proper destination leads to s(n)=a(n).
Freeform array projection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michaelis, D.; Schreiber, P.; Li, C.; Bräuer, A.; Gross, H.

2015-09-01

The concept of multichannel array projection is generalized in order to realize an ultraslim, highly efficient optical system for structured illumination with high lumen output, where additionally the Köhler illumination principle is utilized and source light homogenization occurs. The optical system consists of a multitude of neighboring optical channels. In each channel two optical freeforms generate a real or a virtual spatial light pattern and furthermore, the ray directions are modified to enable Köhler illumination of a subsequent projection lens. The internal light pattern may be additionally influenced by absorbing apertures or slides. The projection lens transfers the resulting light pattern to a target, where the total target distribution is produced by superposition of all individual channel output pattern. The optical system without absorbing apertures can be regarded as a generalization of a fly's eye condenser for structured illumination. In this case light pattern is exclusively generated by freeform light redistribution. The commonly occurring blurring effect for freeform beamshaping is reduced due to the creation of a virtual object light structure by means of the two freeform surfaces and its imaging towards the target. But, the remaining blurring inhibits very high spatial frequencies at the target. In order to create target features with very high spatial resolution the absorbing apertures can be utilized. In this case the freeform beamshaping can be used for an enhanced light transmission through the absorbing apertures. The freeform surfaces are designed by a generalized approach of Cartesian oval representation.
Optical Imaging of Flow Pattern and Phantom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galland, Pierre A.; Liang, X.; Wang, L.; Ho, P. P.; Alfano, R. R.; Breisacher, K.

1999-01-01

Time-resolved optical imaging technique has been used to image the spatial distribution of small droplets and jet sprays in a highly scattering environment. The snake and ballistic components of the transmitted pulse are less scattered, and contain direct information about the sample to facilitate image formation as opposed to the diffusive components which are due to multiple collisions as a light pulse propagates through a scattering medium. In a time-gated imaging scheme, these early-arriving, image-bearing components of the incident pulse are selected by opening a gate for an ultrashort period of time and a shadowgram image is detected. Using a single shot cooled CCD camera system, the formation of water droplets is monitored as a function of time. Picosecond time-gated image of drop in scattering cells, spray droplets as a function of let speed and gas pressure, and model calcification samples consisted of calcium carbonate particles of irregular shapes ranging in size from 0. 1 to 1.5 mm affixed to a microscope slide have been measured. Formation produced by an impinging jet will be further monitored using a CCD with 1 kHz framing illuminated with pulsed light. The desired image resolution of the fuel droplets is on the 20 pm scale using early light through a highly scattering medium. A 10(exp -6)m displacement from a jet spray with a flow speed of 100 m/sec introduced by the ns grating pulse used in the imaging is negligible. Early ballistic/snake light imaging offers nondestructive and noninvasive method to observe the spatial distribution of hidden objects inside a highly scattering environment for space, biomedical, and materials applications. In this paper, the techniques we will present are time-resolved K-F transillumination imaging and time-gated scattered light imaging. With a large dynamic range and high resolution, time-gated early light imaging has the potential for improving rocket/aircraft design by determining jets shape and particle sizes. Refinements to these techniques may enable drop size measurements in the highly scattering, optically dense region of multi-element rocket injectors. These types of measurements should greatly enhance the design of stable, and higher performing rocket engines.
Caustics and Rogue Waves in an Optical Sea.

PubMed

Mathis, Amaury; Froehly, Luc; Toenger, Shanti; Dias, Frédéric; Genty, Goëry; Dudley, John M

2015-08-06

There are many examples in physics of systems showing rogue wave behaviour, the generation of high amplitude events at low probability. Although initially studied in oceanography, rogue waves have now been seen in many other domains, with particular recent interest in optics. Although most studies in optics have focussed on how nonlinearity can drive rogue wave emergence, purely linear effects have also been shown to induce extreme wave amplitudes. In this paper, we report a detailed experimental study of linear rogue waves in an optical system, using a spatial light modulator to impose random phase structure on a coherent optical field. After free space propagation, different random intensity patterns are generated, including partially-developed speckle, a broadband caustic network, and an intermediate pattern with characteristics of both speckle and caustic structures. Intensity peaks satisfying statistical criteria for rogue waves are seen especially in the case of the caustic network, and are associated with broader spatial spectra. In addition, the electric field statistics of the intermediate pattern shows properties of an "optical sea" with near-Gaussian statistics in elevation amplitude, and trough-to-crest statistics that are near-Rayleigh distributed but with an extended tail where a number of rogue wave events are observed.
Caustics and Rogue Waves in an Optical Sea

PubMed Central

Mathis, Amaury; Froehly, Luc; Toenger, Shanti; Dias, Frédéric; Genty, Goëry; Dudley, John M.

2015-01-01

There are many examples in physics of systems showing rogue wave behaviour, the generation of high amplitude events at low probability. Although initially studied in oceanography, rogue waves have now been seen in many other domains, with particular recent interest in optics. Although most studies in optics have focussed on how nonlinearity can drive rogue wave emergence, purely linear effects have also been shown to induce extreme wave amplitudes. In this paper, we report a detailed experimental study of linear rogue waves in an optical system, using a spatial light modulator to impose random phase structure on a coherent optical field. After free space propagation, different random intensity patterns are generated, including partially-developed speckle, a broadband caustic network, and an intermediate pattern with characteristics of both speckle and caustic structures. Intensity peaks satisfying statistical criteria for rogue waves are seen especially in the case of the caustic network, and are associated with broader spatial spectra. In addition, the electric field statistics of the intermediate pattern shows properties of an “optical sea” with near-Gaussian statistics in elevation amplitude, and trough-to-crest statistics that are near-Rayleigh distributed but with an extended tail where a number of rogue wave events are observed. PMID:26245864
FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS, LASER APPLICATIONS, AND OTHER PROBLEMS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Optical components for the analysis and formation of the transverse mode composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golub, M. A.; Sisakyan, I. N.; Soĭfer, V. A.; Uvarov, G. V.

1989-04-01

Theoretical and experimental investigations are reported of new mode optical components (elements) which are analogs of sinusoidal phase diffraction gratings with a variable modulation depth. Expressions are derived for nonlinear predistortion and depth of modulation, which are essential for effective operation of amplitude and phase mode optical components in devices used for analysis and formation of the transverse mode composition of coherent radiation. An estimate is obtained of the energy efficiency of phase and amplitude mode optical components, and a comparison is made with the results of an experimental investigation of a set of phase optical components matched to Gauss-Laguerre modes. It is shown that the improvement in the energy efficiency of phase mode components, compared with amplitude components, is the same as the improvement achieved using a phase diifraction grating, compared with amplitude grating with the same depth of modulation.
Pattern formation and self-organization in plasmas interacting with surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trelles, Juan Pablo

2016-10-01

Pattern formation and self-organization are fascinating phenomena commonly observed in diverse types of biological, chemical and physical systems, including plasmas. These phenomena are often responsible for the occurrence of coherent structures found in nature, such as recirculation cells and spot arrangements; and their understanding and control can have important implications in technology, e.g. from determining the uniformity of plasma surface treatments to electrode erosion rates. This review comprises theoretical, computational and experimental investigations of the formation of spatiotemporal patterns that result from self-organization events due to the interaction of low-temperature plasmas in contact with confining or intervening surfaces, particularly electrodes. The basic definitions associated to pattern formation and self-organization are provided, as well as some of the characteristics of these phenomena within natural and technological contexts, especially those specific to plasmas. Phenomenological aspects of pattern formation include the competition between production/forcing and dissipation/transport processes, as well as nonequilibrium, stability, bifurcation and nonlinear interactions. The mathematical modeling of pattern formation in plasmas has encompassed from theoretical approaches and canonical models, such as reaction-diffusion systems, to drift-diffusion and nonequilibrium fluid flow models. The computational simulation of pattern formation phenomena imposes distinct challenges to numerical methods, such as high sensitivity to numerical approximations and the occurrence of multiple solutions. Representative experimental and numerical investigations of pattern formation and self-organization in diverse types of low-temperature electrical discharges (low and high pressure glow, dielectric barrier and arc discharges, etc) in contact with solid and liquid electrodes are reviewed. Notably, plasmas in contact with liquids, found in diverse emerging applications ranging from nanomaterial synthesis to medicine, show marked sensitivity to pattern formation and a broadened range of controlling parameters. The results related to the characteristics of the patterns, such as their geometric configuration and static or dynamic nature; as well as their controlling factors, including gas composition, driving voltage and current, electrode cooling, and imposed gas flow, are summarized and discussed. The article finalizes with an outlook of the research area, including theoretical, computational, and experimental needs to advance the field.

Ring-shaped stain patterns driven by solute reactive mesogens in liquid crystal solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cha, Tae Woon; Bulliard, Xavier; Choi, Sang Gun; Lee, Hyoung Sub; Kong, Hyang-Shik; Han, Sang Youn

2014-07-01

We report on the formation of ring-shaped stain patterns in a polymer-stabilized patterned vertical alignment mode liquid crystal display (LCD) during the cell filling process. Through the interpretation of the formation mechanism, an effective way to control its development is provided. Systematic trace of the reactive mesogens reveals that the formation of patterns is strongly related to the segregation of solute mesogens in the stain area. These undesirable patterns can be avoided or controlled by reducing the drop volume at each droplet using an inkjet printing technique, meaning that the printing technique could be a useful solution in display technology. For the formation of ring-shaped patterns, the dragging of reactive mesogens during the spreading of the liquid crystal solution plays a key role in the closed LCD cell.
Nanoink bridge-induced capillary pen printing for chemical sensors.

PubMed

Kahng, Seong-Joong; Cerwyn, Chiew; Dincau, Brian M; Kim, Jong-Hoon; Novosselov, Igor V; Anantram, M P; Chung, Jae-Hyun

2018-08-17

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are used as a key component for chemical sensors. For miniature scale design, a continuous printing method is preferred for electrical conductance without damaging the substrate. In this paper, a non-contact capillary pen printing method is presented by the formation of a nanoink bridge between the nib of a capillary pen and a polyethylene terephthalate film. A critical parameter for stable printing is the advancing contact angle at the bridge meniscus, which is a function of substrate temperature and printing speed. The printed pattern including dots, lines, and films of SWCNTs are characterized by morphology, optical transparency, and electrical properties. Gas and pH sensors fabricated using the non-contact printing method are demonstrated as applications.
Hot spot dynamics in carbon nanotube array devices.

PubMed

Engel, Michael; Steiner, Mathias; Seo, Jung-Woo T; Hersam, Mark C; Avouris, Phaedon

2015-03-11

We report on the dynamics of spatial temperature distributions in aligned semiconducting carbon nanotube array devices with submicrometer channel lengths. By using high-resolution optical microscopy in combination with electrical transport measurements, we observe under steady state bias conditions the emergence of time-variable, local temperature maxima with dimensions below 300 nm, and temperatures above 400 K. On the basis of time domain cross-correlation analysis, we investigate how the intensity fluctuations of the thermal radiation patterns are correlated with the overall device current. The analysis reveals the interdependence of electrical current fluctuations and time-variable hot spot formation that limits the overall device performance and, ultimately, may cause device degradation. The findings have implications for the future development of carbon nanotube-based technologies.
Study of magnetofluidic laser scattering under rotating magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pai, Chintamani; Shalini, M.; Varma, Vijaykumar B.; Radha, S.; Nagarajan, R.; Ramanujan, Raju V.

2018-04-01

Magnetic field driven self-assembly of magnetic nanoparticles provides wireless programmable approach for tunable magnetofluidic laser scattering. In this work, we study magnetofluidic laser scattering from a commercial aqueous magnetic fluid (EMG 707) under an external rotating magnetic field. A set-up is developed to generate rotating magnetic field for the purpose. Self-assembled magnetic nanoparticle structures in the form of chains and bundles are formed along the magnetic field. This creates a linear streak formation in the forward laser scattering. Rotating magnetic field produces rotating linear streak. We report our initial results of rotating linear streaks at 3 rpm, 6 rpm and 10 rpm and our analysis of the patterns. The studies are useful for developing magnetic fluid based optical devices.
Structural and Optical Behaviour of Ar+ Implanted Polycarbonate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shekhawat, Nidhi; Aggarwal, Sanjeev; Sharma, Annu; Deshpande, S. K.; Nair, K. G. M.

2011-07-01

Effects of 130 keV Ar+ ion implantation on the structural and optical properties of polycarbonate specimens have been studied using Raman, UV-Visible spectroscopy and glancing angle X-ray diffraction techniques. Formation of disordered carbonaceous network in the implanted layers has been observed using Raman and UV-Visible spectroscopy. A sharp decline in band gap values (4.1 eV to 0.63 eV) with increase in implantation dose has been observed. This decrease in optical band gap has been correlated with the formation of disordered structures in the implanted layers of polycarbonate.
On the mechanochemical theory of biological pattern formation with application to vasculogenesis.

PubMed

Murray, James D

2003-02-01

We first describe the Murray-Oster mechanical theory of pattern formation, the biological basis of which is experimentally well documented. The model quantifies the interaction of cells and the extracellular matrix via the cell-generated forces. The model framework is described in quantitative detail. Vascular endothelial cells, when cultured on gelled basement membrane matrix, rapidly aggregate into clusters while deforming the matrix into a network of cord-like structures tessellating the planar culture. We apply the mechanical theory of pattern formation to this culture system and show that neither strain-biased anisotropic cell traction nor cell migration are necessary for pattern formation: isotropic, strain-stimulated cell traction is sufficient to form the observed patterns. Predictions from the model were confirmed experimentally.
Modelling and formation of spatiotemporal patterns of fractional predation system in subdiffusion and superdiffusion scenarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Owolabi, Kolade M.; Atangana, Abdon

2018-02-01

This paper primarily focused on the question of how population diffusion can affect the formation of the spatial patterns in the spatial fraction predator-prey system by Turing mechanisms. Our numerical findings assert that modeling by fractional reaction-diffusion equations should be considered as an appropriate tool for studying the fundamental mechanisms of complex spatiotemporal dynamics. We observe that pure Hopf instability gives rise to the formation of spiral patterns in 2D and pure Turing instability destroys the spiral pattern and results to the formation of chaotic or spatiotemporal spatial patterns. Existence and permanence of the species is also guaranteed with the 3D simulations at some instances of time for subdiffusive and superdiffusive scenarios.
Integrated optics technology study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, B.; Findakly, T.; Innarella, R.

1982-01-01

The status and near term potential of materials and processes available for the fabrication of single mode integrated electro-optical components are discussed. Issues discussed are host material and orientation, waveguide formation, optical loss mechanisms, wavelength selection, polarization effects and control, laser to integrated optics coupling fiber optic waveguides to integrated optics coupling, sources, and detectors. Recommendations of the best materials, technology, and processes for fabrication of integrated optical components for communications and fiber gyro applications are given.
The optical breakdown threshold of air on a polished metal surface for radiation at lambda=10.6 microns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arkhipov, Iu. V.; Belashkov, I. N.; Datskevich, N. P.; Egorov, V. N.; Iziumov, A. F.

1986-01-01

Threshold conditions for the formation of a plasma due to optical breakdown of air on the polished surfaces of Al, Co, Mi, and W samples have been investigated experimentally. The optical breakdown was initiated by pulsed radiation from two CO2 lasers having pulse powers 0.5 and 1.0 kJ, respectively. The thresholds for the formation of the plasma were determined for two exposure spots of o/14 sq mm and 46 sq cm, respectively. A metallographic study was carried out in order to identify the specific types of defects corresponding to the lowest optical breakdown thresholds. Before-and-after photographs of the metal surfaces are provided.
Crystal-free Formation of Non-Oxide Optical Fiber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nabors, Sammy A.

2015-01-01

Researchers at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center have devised a method for the creation of crystal-free nonoxide optical fiber preforms. Non-oxide fiber optics are extensively used in infrared transmitting applications such as communication systems, chemical sensors, and laser fiber guides for cutting, welding and medical surgery. However, some of these glasses are very susceptible to crystallization. Even small crystals can lead to light scatter and a high attenuation coefficient, limiting their usefulness. NASA has developed a new method of non-oxide fiber formation that uses axial magnetic fields to suppress crystallization. The resulting non-oxide fibers are crystal free and have lower signal attenuation rates than silica based optical fibers.
Overview of microoptics: Past, present, and future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Veldkamp, Wilfrid B.

1993-01-01

Through advances in semiconductor miniaturization technology, microrelief patterns, with characteristic dimensions as small as the wavelength of light, can now be mass reproduced to form high-quality and low-cost optical components. In a unique example of technology transfer, from electronics to optics, this capability is allowing optics designers to create innovative optical components that promise to solve key problems in optical sensors, optical communication channels, and optical processors.
All-optical VPN utilizing DSP-based digital orthogonal filters access for PONs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaoling; Zhang, Chongfu; Chen, Chen; Jin, Wei; Qiu, Kun

2018-04-01

Utilizing digital filtering-enabled signal multiplexing and de-multiplexing, a cost-effective all-optical virtual private network (VPN) system is proposed, for the first time to our best knowledge, in digital filter multiple access passive optical networks (DFMA-PONs). Based on the DFMA technology, the proposed system can be easily designed to meet the requirements of next generation network's flexibility, elasticity, adaptability and compatibility. Through dynamic digital filter allocation and recycling, the proposed all-optical VPN system can provide dynamic establishments and cancellations of multiple VPN communications with arbitrary traffic volumes. More importantly, due to the employment of DFMA technology, the system is not limited to a fixed signal format and different signal formats such as pulse amplitude modulation (PAM), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) can be used. Moreover, one transceiver is sufficient to simultaneously transmit upstream (US)/VPN data to optical line terminal (OLT) or other VPN optical network units (ONUs), thus leading to great reduction in network constructions and operation expenditures. The proposed all-optical VPN system is demonstrated with the transceiver incorporating the formats of QAM and OFDM, which can be made transparent to downstream (DS), US and VPN communications. The bit error rates (BERs) of DS, US and VPN for OFDM signals are below the forward-error-correction (FEC) limit of 3 . 8 × 10-3 when the received optical powers are about -16.8 dBm, -14.5 dBm and -15.7 dBm, respectively.
Argon ion beam induced surface pattern formation on Si

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

Hofsäss, H.; Bobes, O.; Zhang, K.

The development of self-organized surface patterns on Si due to noble gas ion irradiation has been studied extensively in the past. In particular, Ar ions are commonly used and the pattern formation was analyzed as function of ion incidence angle, ion fluence, and ion energies between 250 eV and 140 keV. Very few results exist for the energy regime between 1.5 keV and 10 keV and it appears that pattern formation is completely absent for these ion energies. In this work, we present experimental data on pattern formation for Ar ion irradiation between 1 keV and 10 keV and ion incidence angles between 50° and 75°.more » We confirm the absence of patterns at least for ion fluences up to 10{sup 18} ions/cm{sup 2}. Using the crater function formalism and Monte Carlo simulations, we calculate curvature coefficients of linear continuum models of pattern formation, taking into account contribution due to ion erosion and recoil redistribution. The calculations consider the recently introduced curvature dependence of the erosion crater function as well as the dynamic behavior of the thickness of the ion irradiated layer. Only when taking into account these additional contributions to the linear theory, our simulations clearly show that that pattern formation is strongly suppressed between about 1.5 keV and 10 keV, most pronounced at 3 keV. Furthermore, our simulations are now able to predict whether or not parallel oriented ripple patterns are formed, and in case of ripple formation the corresponding critical angles for the whole experimentally studied energies range between 250 eV and 140 keV.« less
Direct laser interference patterning of magnetic thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aktag, Aliekber

Recently, patterned magnetic thin films have attracted much attention for a variety of applications such as high density magnetic recording, magnetoresistive sensing, and magnetic random access memories. In the case of magnetic recording, one scheme calls for the films to be patterned into single domain "dots", where every dot represents a thermally stable bit. In this thesis, we extended a technique called direct laser interference patterning (DLIP), originally developed by Polushkin and co-workers, to pattern and locally modify the materials properties of magnetic thin films. In this technique, a high-intensity Nd:YAG pulse laser beam was split into two, three, or four beams, which are then recombined to interfere on a sample surface. The interference intensity maxima can modify the local materials properties of the film through local "annealing" or, more drastically, by ablation. We carried out some preliminary investigations of the DLIP process in several films including co-sputtered Co-C, amorphous Dy/Co:SiO2 multilayers, and Co/SiO2 multilayers in order to refine our techniques. We successfully produced regular arrays of lines, dots, or antidots formed by ablation of the thin film. The preliminary studies also showed that, in the regime of more modest pulse energies, it is possible to modify the magnetic properties of the films without noticeably changing the film topography. We then prepared perpendicular magnetic anisotropy Co/Pt multilayers with a SiO x passivation layer and applied DLIP at fairly modest intensities to pattern the film. We then studied the structural and magnetic changes that occurred in some detail. X-ray diffraction scans showed the Co/Pt:SiO x multilayer films to be nanocrystalline before and after patterning. Atomic force microscopy images showed no evidence for topographic changes of the Co/Pt:SiOx during patterning. In contrast, magnetic force microscopy showed regular periodic dot arrays, indicating that the local magnetic properties were significantly affected by the patterning process. Alternating-gradient-force magnetometry and magneto-optic measurements also showed that the magnetic properties were markedly changed by the DLIP process. Our results offer strong evidence that local heating causes the moments to change from perpendicular to in-plane, with the consequent formation of an "anisotropy lattice": dots of in-plane magnetization within a matrix of perpendicular magnetization. We also carried out some optical interference calculations to predict the light intensity distributions for two, three, and four interfering beams of light. We found that the patterns could be controlled by varying the angles of incidence, the polarizations of the beams, and the wavelength and intensity of the beams, and that a wide variety of patterns are possible. The predicted patterns were in quite good agreement with those observed experimentally.
Pattern recognition and feature extraction with an optical Hough transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández, Ariel

2016-09-01

Pattern recognition and localization along with feature extraction are image processing applications of great interest in defect inspection and robot vision among others. In comparison to purely digital methods, the attractiveness of optical processors for pattern recognition lies in their highly parallel operation and real-time processing capability. This work presents an optical implementation of the generalized Hough transform (GHT), a well-established technique for the recognition of geometrical features in binary images. Detection of a geometric feature under the GHT is accomplished by mapping the original image to an accumulator space; the large computational requirements for this mapping make the optical implementation an attractive alternative to digital- only methods. Starting from the integral representation of the GHT, it is possible to device an optical setup where the transformation is obtained, and the size and orientation parameters can be controlled, allowing for dynamic scale and orientation-variant pattern recognition. A compact system for the above purposes results from the use of an electrically tunable lens for scale control and a rotating pupil mask for orientation variation, implemented on a high-contrast spatial light modulator (SLM). Real-time (as limited by the frame rate of the device used to capture the GHT) can also be achieved, allowing for the processing of video sequences. Besides, by thresholding of the GHT (with the aid of another SLM) and inverse transforming (which is optically achieved in the incoherent system under appropriate focusing setting), the previously detected features of interest can be extracted.
Chemical patterning on preformed porous silicon photonic crystals: towards multiplex detection of protease activity at precise positions†Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: SEM images, XPS result and more optical reflectivity data. See DOI: 10.1039/c4tb00281dClick here for additional data file.

PubMed

Zhu, Ying; Soeriyadi, Alexander H; Parker, Stephen G; Reece, Peter J; Gooding, J Justin

2014-06-21

Porous silicon (PSi) rugate filters modified with alkyne-terminated monolayers were chemically patterned using a combination of photolithography of photoresist and click chemistry. Two chemical functionalities were obtained by conjugating, via click reactions, ethylene glycol moieties containing two different terminal groups to discrete areas towards the exterior of a PSi rugate filter. The patterning of biological species to the functionalized surface was demonstrated through the conjugation of fluorescein isothiocyanate labelled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA). Fluorescence microscopy showed selective positioning of FITC-BSA at discretely functionalized areas. Meanwhile, the optical information from precisely defined positions on the patterned surface was monitored by optical reflectivity measurements. The optical measurements revealed successful step-wise chemical functionalization followed by immobilization of gelatin. Multiplex detection of protease activity from different array elements on the patterned surface was demonstrated by monitoring the blue shifts in the reflectivity spectra resulted from the digestion of gelatin by subtilisin. Precise information from both individual elements and average population was acquired. This technique is important for the development of PSi into a microarray platform for highly parallel biosensing applications, especially for cell-based assays.
The phase interrogation method for optical fiber sensor by analyzing the fork interference pattern

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Riqing; Qiu, Liqiang; Hu, Haifeng; Meng, Lu; Zhang, Yong

2018-02-01

The phase interrogation method for optical fiber sensor is proposed based on the fork interference pattern between the orbital angular momentum beam and plane wave. The variation of interference pattern with phase difference between the two light beams is investigated to realize the phase interrogation. By employing principal component analysis method, the features of the interference pattern can be extracted. Moreover, the experimental system is designed to verify the theoretical analysis, as well as feasibility of phase interrogation. In this work, the Mach-Zehnder interferometer was employed to convert the strain applied on sensing fiber to the phase difference between the reference and measuring paths. This interrogation method is also applicable for the measurements of other physical parameters, which can produce the phase delay in optical fiber. The performance of the system can be further improved by employing highlysensitive materials and fiber structures.
Two-dimensional wavelet transform for reliability-guided phase unwrapping in optical fringe pattern analysis.

PubMed

Li, Sikun; Wang, Xiangzhao; Su, Xianyu; Tang, Feng

2012-04-20

This paper theoretically discusses modulus of two-dimensional (2D) wavelet transform (WT) coefficients, calculated by using two frequently used 2D daughter wavelet definitions, in an optical fringe pattern analysis. The discussion shows that neither is good enough to represent the reliability of the phase data. The differences between the two frequently used 2D daughter wavelet definitions in the performance of 2D WT also are discussed. We propose a new 2D daughter wavelet definition for reliability-guided phase unwrapping of optical fringe pattern. The modulus of the advanced 2D WT coefficients, obtained by using a daughter wavelet under this new daughter wavelet definition, includes not only modulation information but also local frequency information of the deformed fringe pattern. Therefore, it can be treated as a good parameter that represents the reliability of the retrieved phase data. Computer simulation and experimentation show the validity of the proposed method.
Visualizing biofilm formation in endotracheal tubes using endoscopic three-dimensional optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heidari, Andrew E.; Moghaddam, Samer; Troung, Kimberly K.; Chou, Lidek; Genberg, Carl; Brenner, Matthew; Chen, Zhongping

2015-12-01

Biofilm formation has been linked to ventilator-associated pneumonia, which is a prevalent infection in hospital intensive care units. Currently, there is no rapid diagnostic tool to assess the degree of biofilm formation or cellular biofilm composition. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a minimally invasive, nonionizing imaging modality that can be used to provide high-resolution cross-sectional images. Biofilm deposited in critical care patients' endotracheal tubes was analyzed in vitro. This study demonstrates that OCT could potentially be used as a diagnostic tool to analyze and assess the degree of biofilm formation and extent of airway obstruction caused by biofilm in endotracheal tubes.
Synthesis and photosensor study of as-grown CuZnO thin film by facile chemical bath deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gubari, Ghamdan M. M.; Ibrahim Mohammed S., M.; Huse, Nanasaheb P.; Dive, Avinash S.; Sharma, Ramphal

2018-05-01

We have successfully deposited CuZnO thin film on a glass substrate by facile chemical bath deposition method at 85 °C for 1 hr. Structural, topographical, Optical and Electrical properties of the prepared Thin Films were investigated by XRD, Raman spectrum, AFM, UV-Visible Spectrophotometer and I-V Measurement System respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirmed the formation of the CuZnO composition when compared with standard JCPDS card (JCPDF # 75-0576 & # 36-1451). The Raman analysis shows a major peak at 458 cm-1 with E2 (High) vibrational mode. AFM images revealed uniform deposition over an entire glass substrate with 66.2 nm average roughness of the film. From the optical absorption spectrum, clear band edge around ˜407 nm was observed which results in a wide energy band gap of ˜3.04 eV. The electrical properties were measured at room temperature in the voltage range ±5 V, showed a drastic enhancement in current under light illumination with the highest photosensitivity of ˜99.9 % for 260 W.

Coupled counterrotating polariton condensates in optically defined annular potentials

PubMed Central

Dreismann, Alexander; Cristofolini, Peter; Balili, Ryan; Christmann, Gabriel; Pinsker, Florian; Berloff, Natasha G.; Hatzopoulos, Zacharias; Savvidis, Pavlos G.; Baumberg, Jeremy J.

2014-01-01

Polariton condensates are macroscopic quantum states formed by half-matter half-light quasiparticles, thus connecting the phenomena of atomic Bose–Einstein condensation, superfluidity, and photon lasing. Here we report the spontaneous formation of such condensates in programmable potential landscapes generated by two concentric circles of light. The imposed geometry supports the emergence of annular states that extend up to 100 μm, yet are fully coherent and exhibit a spatial structure that remains stable for minutes at a time. These states exhibit a petal-like intensity distribution arising due to the interaction of two superfluids counterpropagating in the circular waveguide defined by the optical potential. In stark contrast to annular modes in conventional lasing systems, the resulting standing wave patterns exhibit only minimal overlap with the pump laser itself. We theoretically describe the system using a complex Ginzburg–Landau equation, which indicates why the condensate wants to rotate. Experimentally, we demonstrate the ability to precisely control the structure of the petal condensates both by carefully modifying the excitation geometry as well as perturbing the system on ultrafast timescales to reveal unexpected superfluid dynamics. PMID:24889642
Ultrathin Au film on polymer surface for surface plasmon polariton waveguide application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Tong; Ji, Lanting; He, Guobing; Sun, Xiaoqiang; Wang, Fei; Zhang, Daming

2017-11-01

Formation of laterally continuous ultrathin gold films on polymer substrates is a technological challenge. In this work, the vacuum thermal evaporation method is adopted to form continuous Au films in the thickness range of 7-17 nm on polymers of Poly(methyl-methacrylate-glycidly-methacrylate) and SU-8 film surface without using the adhesion or metallic seeding layers. Absorption spectrum, scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope images are used to characterize the Au film thickness, roughness and optical loss. The result shows that molecular-scale structure, surface energy and electronegativity have impacts on the Au film morphology on polymers. Wet chemical etching is used to fabricate 7-nm thick Au stripes embedded in polymer claddings. These long-range surface plasmon polariton waveguides demonstrate the favorable morphological configurations and cross-sectional states. Through the end-fire excitation method, propagation losses of 6-μm wide Au stripes are compared to theoretical values and analyzed from practical film status. The smooth, patternable gold films on polymer provide potential applications to plasmonic waveguides, biosensing, metamaterials and optical antennas.
Fully Tunable Silicon Nanowire Arrays Fabricated by Soft Nanoparticle Templating.

PubMed

Rey, By Marcel; Elnathan, Roey; Ditcovski, Ran; Geisel, Karen; Zanini, Michele; Fernandez-Rodriguez, Miguel-Angel; Naik, Vikrant V; Frutiger, Andreas; Richtering, Walter; Ellenbogen, Tal; Voelcker, Nicolas H; Isa, Lucio

2016-01-13

We demonstrate a fabrication breakthrough to produce large-area arrays of vertically aligned silicon nanowires (VA-SiNWs) with full tunability of the geometry of the single nanowires and of the whole array, paving the way toward advanced programmable designs of nanowire platforms. At the core of our fabrication route, termed "Soft Nanoparticle Templating", is the conversion of gradually compressed self-assembled monolayers of soft nanoparticles (microgels) at a water-oil interface into customized lithographical masks to create VA-SiNW arrays by means of metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE). This combination of bottom-up and top-down techniques affords excellent control of nanowire etching site locations, enabling independent control of nanowire spacing, diameter and height in a single fabrication route. We demonstrate the fabrication of centimeter-scale two-dimensional gradient photonic crystals exhibiting continuously varying structural colors across the entire visible spectrum on a single silicon substrate, and the formation of tunable optical cavities supported by the VA-SiNWs, as unambiguously demonstrated through numerical simulations. Finally, Soft Nanoparticle Templating is combined with optical lithography to create hierarchical and programmable VA-SiNW patterns.
Effect of annealing atmosphere on properties of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Yuming; Yu, Bingbing; Li, Wei; Feng, Shaojun; Wang, Yukun; Huang, Shengming; Zhang, Chao; Qiao, Zaixiang

2017-12-01

Earth-abundant Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4(CZTSSe) thin film photovoltaic absorber layers were fabricated by co-evaporated Cu, ZnS, SnS and Se sources in a vacuum chamber followed by annealing at tubular furnace for 30 min at 550 °C. In this paper, we investigated the metal elements with stoichiometric ratio film to study the effect of annealing conditions of Se, SnS + Se, S and SnS + S atmosphere on the structure, surface morphological, optical and electrical properties of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin films respectively. These films were characterized by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction to investigate the composition, morphological and crystal structural properties. The grain size of samples were found to increase after annealing. XRD patterns confirmed the formation of pure polycrystalline CZTSSe thin films at S atmosphere, the optical band gaps are 1.02, 1.05, 1.23, 1.35 eV for Se, SnS + Se, SnS + S and S atmosphere respectively.
Three Dimensional Optic Tissue Culture and Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

OConnor, Kim C. (Inventor); Spaulding, Glenn F. (Inventor); Goodwin, Thomas J. (Inventor); Aten, Laurie A. (Inventor); Francis, Karen M. (Inventor); Caldwell, Delmar R. (Inventor); Prewett, Tacey L. (Inventor); Fitzgerald, Wendy S. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A process for artificially producing three-dimensional optic tissue has been developed. The optic cells are cultured in a bioireactor at low shear conditions. The tissue forms as normal, functional tissue grows with tissue organization and extracellular matrix formation.
Symmetry dependence of holograms for optical trapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curtis, Jennifer E.; Schmitz, Christian H. J.; Spatz, Joachim P.

2005-08-01

No iterative algorithm is necessary to calculate holograms for most holographic optical trapping patterns. Instead, holograms may be produced by a simple extension of the prisms-and-lenses method. This formulaic approach yields the same diffraction efficiency as iterative algorithms for any asymmetric or symmetric but nonperiodic pattern of points while requiring less calculation time. A slight spatial disordering of periodic patterns significantly reduces intensity variations between the different traps without extra calculation costs. Eliminating laborious hologram calculations should greatly facilitate interactive holographic trapping.
Optical Pattern Recognition for Missile Guidance.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-15

directed to novel pattern recognition algo- rithms (that allow pattern recognition and object classification in the face of various geometrical and...I wats EF5 = 50) p.j/t’ni 2 (for btith image pat tern recognitio itas a preproicessing oiperatiton. Ini devices). TIhe rt’ad light intensity (0.33t mW...electrodes on its large faces . This Priz light modulator and the motivation for its devel- SLM is known as the Prom (Pockels real-time optical opment. In Sec
Nanomechanical control of optical field and quality factor in photonic crystal structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cotrufo, Michele; Midolo, Leonardo; Zobenica, Žarko; Petruzzella, Maurangelo; van Otten, Frank W. M.; Fiore, Andrea

2018-03-01

Actively controlling the properties of localized optical modes is crucial for cavity quantum electrodynamics experiments. While several methods to tune the optical frequency have been demonstrated, the possibility of controlling the shape of the modes has scarcely been investigated. Yet an active manipulation of the mode pattern would allow direct control of the mode volume and the quality factor and therefore of the radiative processes. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a nano-optoelectromechanical device in which a mechanical displacement affects the spatial pattern of the electromagnetic field. The device is based on a double-membrane photonic crystal waveguide which, upon bending, creates a spatial modulation of the effective refractive index, resulting in an effective potential well or antiwell for the optical modes. The change in the field pattern drastically affects the optical losses: large modulations of the quality factors and dissipative coupling rates larger than 1 GHz/nm are predicted by calculations and confirmed by experiments. This concept opens new avenues in solid-state cavity quantum electrodynamics in which the field, instead of the frequency, is coupled to the mechanical motion.
Nonlinear optical coupler using a doped optical waveguide

DOEpatents

Pantell, Richard H.; Sadowski, Robert W.; Digonnet, Michel J. F.; Shaw, Herbert J.

1994-01-01

An optical mode coupling apparatus includes an Erbium-doped optical waveguide in which an optical signal at a signal wavelength propagates in a first spatial propagation mode and a second spatial propagation mode of the waveguide. The optical signal propagating in the waveguide has a beat length. The coupling apparatus includes a pump source of perturbational light signal at a perturbational wavelength that propagates in the waveguide in the first spatial propagation mode. The perturbational signal has a sufficient intensity distribution in the waveguide that it causes a perturbation of the effective refractive index of the first spatial propagation mode of the waveguide in accordance with the optical Kerr effect. The perturbation of the effective refractive index of the first spatial propagation mode of the optical waveguide causes a change in the differential phase delay in the optical signal propagating in the first and second spatial propagation modes. The change in the differential phase delay is detected as a change in the intensity distribution between two lobes of the optical intensity distribution pattern of an output signal. The perturbational light signal can be selectively enabled and disabled to selectively change the intensity distribution in the two lobes of the optical intensity distribution pattern.
Femtosecond parabolic pulse shaping in normally dispersive optical fibers.

PubMed

Sukhoivanov, Igor A; Iakushev, Sergii O; Shulika, Oleksiy V; Díez, Antonio; Andrés, Miguel

2013-07-29

Formation of parabolic pulses at femtosecond time scale by means of passive nonlinear reshaping in normally dispersive optical fibers is analyzed. Two approaches are examined and compared: the parabolic waveform formation in transient propagation regime and parabolic waveform formation in the steady-state propagation regime. It is found that both approaches could produce parabolic pulses as short as few hundred femtoseconds applying commercially available fibers, specially designed all-normal dispersion photonic crystal fiber and modern femtosecond lasers for pumping. The ranges of parameters providing parabolic pulse formation at the femtosecond time scale are found depending on the initial pulse duration, chirp and energy. Applicability of different fibers for femtosecond pulse shaping is analyzed. Recommendation for shortest parabolic pulse formation is made based on the analysis presented.
1984 European Conference on Optics, Optical Systems and Applications, Amsterdam, Netherlands, October 9-12, 1984, Proceedings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boelger, B.; Ferwerda, H. A.

Various papers on optics, optical systems, and their applications are presented. The general topics addressed include: laser systems, optical and electrooptical materials and devices; novel spectroscopic techniques and applications; inspection, remote sensing, velocimetry, and gauging; optical design and image formation; holography, image processing, and storage; and integrated and fiber optics. Also discussed are: nonlinear optics; nonlinear photorefractive materials; scattering and diffractions applications in materials processing, deposition, and machining; medical and biological applications; and focus on industry.
Measurement of the azimuthal dependence of cross-polarized lidar returns and its relation to optical depth.

PubMed

Roy, Nathalie; Roy, Gilles; Bissonnette, Luc R; Simard, Jean-Robert

2004-05-01

We measure with a gated intensified CCD camera the cross-polarized backscattered light from a linearly polarized laser beam penetrating a cloud made of spherical particles. In accordance with previously published results we observe a clear azimuthal pattern in the recorded images. We show that the pattern is symmetrical, that it originates from second-order scattering, and that higher-order scattering causes blurring that increases with optical depth. We also find that the contrast in the symmetrical features can be related to measurement of the optical depth. Moreover, when the blurring contributions are identified and subtracted, the resulting pattern provides a pure second-order scattering measurement that can be used for retrieval of droplet size.
Multibeam interferometric illumination as the primary source of resolution in optical microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, J.; Hong, S. S.; Horn, B. K. P.; Freeman, D. M.; Mermelstein, M. S.

2006-04-01

High-resolution images of a fluorescent target were obtained using a low-resolution optical detector by illuminating the target with interference patterns produced with 31 coherent beams. The beams were arranged in a cone with 78° half angle to produce illumination patterns consistent with a numerical aperture of 0.98. High-resolution images were constructed from low-resolution images taken with 930 different illumination patterns. Results for optical detectors with numerical apertures of 0.1 and 0.2 were similar, demonstrating that the resolution is primarily determined by the illuminator and not by the low-resolution detector. Furthermore, the long working distance, large depth of field, and large field of view of the low-resolution detector are preserved.
Tuning the Phase and Microstructural Properties of TiO2 Films Through Pulsed Laser Deposition and Exploring Their Role as Buffer Layers for Conductive Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, S.; Haseman, M. S.; Leedy, K. D.; Winarski, D. J.; Saadatkia, P.; Doyle, E.; Zhang, L.; Dang, T.; Vasilyev, V. S.; Selim, F. A.

2018-04-01

Titanium oxide (TiO2) is a semiconducting oxide of increasing interest due to its chemical and thermal stability and broad applicability. In this study, thin films of TiO2 were deposited by pulsed laser deposition on sapphire and silicon substrates under various growth conditions, and characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical absorption spectroscopy and Hall-effect measurements. XRD patterns revealed that a sapphire substrate is more suitable for the formation of the rutile phase in TiO2, while a silicon substrate yields a pure anatase phase, even at high-temperature growth. AFM images showed that the rutile TiO2 films grown at 805°C on a sapphire substrate have a smoother surface than anatase films grown at 620°C. Optical absorption spectra confirmed the band gap energy of 3.08 eV for the rutile phase and 3.29 eV for the anatase phase. All the deposited films exhibited the usual high resistivity of TiO2; however, when employed as a buffer layer, anatase TiO2 deposited on sapphire significantly improves the conductivity of indium gallium zinc oxide thin films. The study illustrates how to control the formation of TiO2 phases and reveals another interesting application for TiO2 as a buffer layer for transparent conducting oxides.
Laser tweezer actuated microphotonic array devices for high resolution imaging and analysis in chip-based biosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birkbeck, Aaron L.

A new technology is developed that functionally integrates arrays of lasers and micro-optics into microfluidic systems for the purpose of imaging, analyzing, and manipulating objects and biological cells. In general, the devices and technologies emerging from this area either lack functionality through the reliance on mechanical systems or provide a serial-based, time consuming approach. As compared to the current state of art, our all-optical design methodology has several distinguishing features, such as parallelism, high efficiency, low power, auto-alignment, and high yield fabrication methods, which all contribute to minimizing the cost of the integration process. The potential use of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) for the creation of two-dimensional arrays of laser optical tweezers that perform independently controlled, parallel capture, and transport of large numbers of individual objects and biological cells is investigated. One of the primary biological applications for which VCSEL array sourced laser optical tweezers are considered is the formation of engineered tissues through the manipulation and spatial arrangement of different types of cells in a co-culture. Creating devices that combine laser optical tweezers with select micro-optical components permits optical imaging and analysis functions to take place inside the microfluidic channel. One such device is a micro-optical spatial filter whose motion and alignment is controlled using a laser optical tweezer. Unlike conventional spatial filter systems, our device utilizes a refractive optical element that is directly incorporated onto the lithographically patterned spatial filter. This allows the micro-optical spatial filter to automatically align itself in three-dimensions to the focal point of the microscope objective, where it then filters out the higher frequency additive noise components present in the laser beam. As a means of performing high resolution imaging in the microfluidic channel, we developed a novel technique that integrates the capacity of a laser tweezer to optically trap and manipulate objects in three-dimensions with the resolution-enhanced imaging capabilities of a solid immersion lens (SIL). In our design, the SIL is a free-floating device whose imaging beam, motion control and alignment is provided by a laser optical tweezer, which allows the microfluidic SIL to image in areas that are inaccessible to traditional solid immersion microscopes.
[Study on Hexagonal Super-Lattice Pattern with Light Spot and Dim Spot in Dielectric Barrier Discharge by Optical Emission Spectra].

PubMed

Liu, Ying; Dong, Li-fang; Niu, Xue-jiao; Zhang, Chao

2016-02-01

The hexagonal super-lattice pattern composed of the light spot and the dim spot is firstly observed and investigated in the discharge of gas mixture of air and argon by using the dielectric barrier discharge device with double water electrodes. It is found that the dim spot is located at the center of its surrounding three light spots by observing the discharge image. Obviously, the brightness of the light spot and the dim spot are different, which indicates that the plasma states of the light spot and the dim spot may be different. The optical emission spectrum method is used to further study the several plasma parameters of the light spot and the dim spot in different argon content. The emission spectra of the N₂ second positive band (C³IIu --> B³IIg) are measured, from which the molecule vibration temperatures of the light spot and the dim spot are calculated. Based on the relative intensity ratio of the line at 391.4 nm and the N₂ line at 394.1 nm, the average electron energies of the light spot and the dim spot are investigated. The broadening of spectral line 696.57 nm (2P₂-1S₅) is used to study the electron densities of the light spot and the dim spot. The experiment shows that the molecule vibration temperature, average electron energy and the electron density of the dim spot are higher than those of the light spot in the same argon content. The molecule vibration temperature and electron density of the light spot and dim spot increase with the argon content increasing from 70% to 95%, while average electron energies of the light spot and dim spot decrease gradually. The short-exposure image recorded by a high speed video camera shows that the dim spot results from the surface discharges (SDs). The surface discharge induced by the volume discharge (VD) has the decisive effect on the formation of the dim spot. The experiment above plays an important role in studying the formation mechanism of the hexagonal super-lattice pattern with light spot and dim spot. In addition, the studies exert influences on the application of surface discharge and volume discharge in different fields.
Simultaneous chromatic dispersion monitoring and optical modulation format identification utilizing four wave mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Sheng; Qiu, Chen; Ke, Changjian; He, Sheng; Liu, Deming

2015-11-01

This paper presents a method which is able to monitor the chromatic dispersion (CD) and identify the modulation format (MF) of optical signals simultaneously. This method utilizes the features of the output curve of the highly sensitive all-optical CD monitor based on four wave mixing (FWM). From the symmetric center of the curve CD can be estimated blindly and independently, while from the profile and convergence region of the curve ten commonly used modulation formats can be recognized with simple algorithm based on maximum correlation classifier. This technique does not need any high speed optoelectronics and has no limitation on signal rate. Furthermore it can tolerate large CD distortions and is robust to polarization mode dispersion (PMD) and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise.
Optical Information Processing for Aerospace Applications 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stermer, R. L. (Compiler)

1984-01-01

Current research in optical processing, and determination of its role in future aerospace systems was reviewed. It is shown that optical processing offers significant potential for aircraft and spacecraft control, pattern recognition, and robotics. It is demonstrated that the development of optical devices and components can be implemented in practical aerospace configurations.
Electro-optic control of photographic imaging quality through ‘Smart Glass’ windows in optics demonstrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozolinsh, Maris; Paulins, Paulis

2017-09-01

An experimental setup allowing the modeling of conditions in optical devices and in the eye at various degrees of scattering such as cataract pathology in human eyes is presented. The scattering in cells of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) and ‘Smart Glass’ windows is used in the modeling experiments. Both applications are used as optical obstacles placed in different positions of the optical information flow pathway either directly on the stimuli demonstration computer screen or mounted directly after the image-formation lens of a digital camera. The degree of scattering is changed continuously by applying an AC voltage of up to 30-80 V to the PDLC cell. The setup uses a camera with 14 bit depth and a 24 mm focal length lens. Light-emitting diodes and diode-pumped solid-state lasers emitting radiation of different wavelengths are used as portable small-divergence light sources in the experiments. Image formation, optical system point spread function, modulation transfer functions, and system resolution limits are determined for such sample optical systems in student optics and optometry experimental exercises.
Spongiosa Primary Development: A Biochemical Hypothesis by Turing Patterns Formations

PubMed Central

López-Vaca, Oscar Rodrigo; Garzón-Alvarado, Diego Alexander

2012-01-01

We propose a biochemical model describing the formation of primary spongiosa architecture through a bioregulatory model by metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is assumed that MMP13 regulates cartilage degradation and the VEGF allows vascularization and advances in the ossification front through the presence of osteoblasts. The coupling of this set of molecules is represented by reaction-diffusion equations with parameters in the Turing space, creating a stable spatiotemporal pattern that leads to the formation of the trabeculae present in the spongy tissue. Experimental evidence has shown that the MMP13 regulates VEGF formation, and it is assumed that VEGF negatively regulates MMP13 formation. Thus, the patterns obtained by ossification may represent the primary spongiosa formation during endochondral ossification. Moreover, for the numerical solution, we used the finite element method with the Newton-Raphson method to approximate partial differential nonlinear equations. Ossification patterns obtained may represent the primary spongiosa formation during endochondral ossification. PMID:23193429

A hybrid optical switch architecture to integrate IP into optical networks to provide flexible and intelligent bandwidth on demand for cloud computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wei; Hall, Trevor J.

2013-12-01

The Internet is entering an era of cloud computing to provide more cost effective, eco-friendly and reliable services to consumer and business users. As a consequence, the nature of the Internet traffic has been fundamentally transformed from a pure packet-based pattern to today's predominantly flow-based pattern. Cloud computing has also brought about an unprecedented growth in the Internet traffic. In this paper, a hybrid optical switch architecture is presented to deal with the flow-based Internet traffic, aiming to offer flexible and intelligent bandwidth on demand to improve fiber capacity utilization. The hybrid optical switch is capable of integrating IP into optical networks for cloud-based traffic with predictable performance, for which the delay performance of the electronic module in the hybrid optical switch architecture is evaluated through simulation.
Design and Fabrication of Aspheric Microlens Array for Optical Read-Only-Memory Card System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hongmin; Jeong, Gibong; Kim, Young‑Joo; Kang, Shinill

2006-08-01

An optical head based on the Talbot effect with an aspheric microlens array for an optical read-only-memory (ROM) card system was designed and fabricated. The mathematical expression for the wavefield diffracted by a periodic microlens array showed that the amplitude distribution at the Talbot plane from the focal plane of the microlens array was identically equal to that at the focal plane. To use a reflow microlens array as a master pattern of an ultraviolet-imprinted (UV-imprinted) microlens array, the reflow microlens was defined as having an aspheric shape. To obtain optical probes with good optical qualities, a microlens array with the minimum spherical aberration was designed by ray tracing. The reflow condition was optimized to realize the master pattern of a microlens with a designed aspheric shape. The intensity distribution of the optical probes at the Talbot plane from the focal plane showed a diffraction-limited shape.
Spatiotemporal polarization modulation microscopy with a microretarder array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Changqin; Ulcickas, James R. W.; Simpson, Garth J.

2018-02-01

A patterned microretarder array positioned in the rear conjugate plane of a microscope enables rapid polarizationdependent nonlinear optical microscopy. The pattern introduced to the array results in periodic modulation of the polarization-state of the incident light as a function of position within the field of view with no moving parts or active control. Introduction of a single stationary optical element and a fixed polarizer into the beam of a nonlinear optical microscope enabled nonlinear optical tensor recovery, which informs on local structure and orientation. Excellent agreement was observed between the measured and predicted second harmonic generation (SHG) of z-cut quartz, selected as a test system with well-established nonlinear optical properties. Subsequent studies of spatially varying samples further support the general applicability of this relatively simple strategy for detailed polarization analysis in both conventional and nonlinear optical imaging of structurally diverse samples.
Relationship of college student characteristics and inquiry-based geometrical optics instruction to knowledge of image formation with light-ray tracing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isik, Hakan

This study is premised on the fact that student conceptions of optics appear to be unrelated to student characteristics of gender, age, years since high school graduation, or previous academic experiences. This study investigated the relationships between student characteristics and student performance on image formation test items and the changes in student conceptions of optics after an introductory inquiry-based physics course. Data was collected from 39 college students who were involved in an inquiry-based physics course teaching topics of geometrical optics. Student data concerning characteristics and previous experiences with optics and mathematics were collected. Assessment of student understanding of optics knowledge for pinholes, plane mirrors, refraction, and convex lenses was collected with, the Test of Image Formation with Light-Ray Tracing instrument. Total scale and subscale scores representing the optics instrument content were derived from student pretest and posttest responses. The types of knowledge, needed to answer each optics item correctly, were categorized as situational, conceptual, procedural, and strategic knowledge. These types of knowledge were associated with student correct and incorrect responses to each item to explain the existences and changes in student scientific and naive conceptions. Correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify the student characteristics and academic experiences that significantly predicted scores on the subscales of the test. The results showed that student experience with calculus was a significant predictor of student performance on the total scale as well as on the refraction subscale of the Test of Image Formation with Light-Ray Tracing. A combination of student age and previous academic experience with precalculus was a significant predictor of student performance on the pretest pinhole subscale. Student characteristic of years since high school graduation significantly predicted the gain in student scores on pinhole and plane-mirror items from the pretest to the posttest with those students who were most recent graduates from high school doing better. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance of the Test of Image Formation with Light-Ray Tracing pinhole scale and individual item changes from the pretest to the posttest resulted in statistically significant mean differences between total scores as well as between various individual pinhole items. There were no significant changes for individual plane-mirror items from pretest to posttest. Results revealed that there is a perceivable relationship between student optics-content knowledge and the types of knowledge required by items. At the pretest, the greatest selection of wrong responses related to the items requiring situational type of knowledge and the fewest selection of wrong responses was relate to the items requiring procedural type of knowledge. Student selection of wrong options for each item revealed the following naive optics conceptions: pinholes do not create reversed images (pretest), size and sharpness of pinhole images are related to the focus of a pinhole camera (pretest and posttest); propagation of light rays are interpreted as being radial rather than directional (pretest and posttest); no conception of image formation and observation for parallel mirrors (pretest and posttest), the place of an image depends on the position of the observer (pretest and posttest), a plane mirror reflects the images of the objects placed at one side of the mirror and the observers who were positioned at the other side of the mirror can see them (pretest and posttest); applying the law of reflection to plane mirrors without considering the variations in angles of incidence and reflection (pretest and posttest), and image observation is confused with the image formation in mirrors placed perpendicular to one another (pretest and posttest). Future research should focus on the acquisition, development, and identification of reliable measures of optics concepts, processes, types of knowledge, and specific optics understanding (i.e., pinhole, plane-mirror). Future research should focus on the identification of the more critical concepts such as changes in size and sharpness of pinhole images, image observation, image formation in general, and image formation and observation in parallel mirrors. Future research can be conducted with a larger set of participants so as to compare different instructional methods and address instructional deficiencies using more efficient statistical methods. Comparative studies can be conducted to investigate the relations of various instructional strategies on student conceptions of optics.
Soldering of Carbon Materials Using Transition Metal Rich Alloys.

PubMed

Burda, Marek; Lekawa-Raus, Agnieszka; Gruszczyk, Andrzej; Koziol, Krzysztof K K

2015-08-25

Joining of carbon materials via soldering has not been possible up to now due to lack of wetting of carbons by metals at standard soldering temperatures. This issue has been a severely restricting factor for many potential electrical/electronic and mechanical applications of nanostructured and conventional carbon materials. Here we demonstrate the formation of alloys that enable soldering of these structures. By addition of several percent (2.5-5%) of transition metal such as chromium or nickel to a standard lead-free soldering tin based alloy we obtained a solder that can be applied using a commercial soldering iron at typical soldering temperatures of approximately 350 °C and at ambient conditions. The use of this solder enables the formation of mechanically strong and electrically conductive joints between carbon materials and, when supported by a simple two-step technique, can successfully bond carbon structures to any metal terminal. It has been shown using optical and scanning electron microscope images as well as X-ray diffraction patterns and energy dispersive X-ray mapping that the successful formation of carbon-solder bonds is possible, first, thanks to the uniform nonreactive dispersion of transition metals in the tin-based matrix. Further, during the soldering process, these free elements diffuse into the carbon-alloy border with no formation of brazing-like carbides, which would damage the surface of the carbon materials.
A novel approach for clock recovery without pattern effect from degraded signal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhaoxin; Wang, Tong; Lou, Caiyun; Huo, Li; Gao, Yizhi

2003-04-01

A novel clock recovery scheme using two-ring injection mode-locked fiber ring laser based on all 10 GHz bandwidth components was demonstrated. With this scheme, the clock with low timing jitter was obtained from a degraded 10 Gb/s optical data stream. Optical clock recovery was also achieved from a degraded 20 Gb/s optical data train when the clock division technique in the opto-electronic oscillator (OEO) and the rational harmonic mode-locking technique in the fiber ring laser were applied. No pattern effect was observed in the experiments.
Fabrication and characterization of lithographically patterned and optically transparent anodic aluminum Oxide (AAO) nanostructure thin film.

PubMed

He, Yuan; Li, Xiang; Que, Long

2012-10-01

Optically transparent anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanostructure thin film has been successfully fabricated from lithographically patterned aluminum on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates for the first time, indicating the feasibility to integrate the AAO nanostructures with microdevices or microfluidics for a variety of applications. Both one-step and two-step anodization processes using sulfuric acid and oxalic acid have been utilized for fabricating the AAO nanostructure thin film. The optical properties of the fabricated AAO nanostructure thin film have been evaluated and analyzed.
Statistical model for speckle pattern optimization.

PubMed

Su, Yong; Zhang, Qingchuan; Gao, Zeren

2017-11-27

Image registration is the key technique of optical metrologies such as digital image correlation (DIC), particle image velocimetry (PIV), and speckle metrology. Its performance depends critically on the quality of image pattern, and thus pattern optimization attracts extensive attention. In this article, a statistical model is built to optimize speckle patterns that are composed of randomly positioned speckles. It is found that the process of speckle pattern generation is essentially a filtered Poisson process. The dependence of measurement errors (including systematic errors, random errors, and overall errors) upon speckle pattern generation parameters is characterized analytically. By minimizing the errors, formulas of the optimal speckle radius are presented. Although the primary motivation is from the field of DIC, we believed that scholars in other optical measurement communities, such as PIV and speckle metrology, will benefit from these discussions.
A novel optical rotary encoder with eccentricity self-detection ability.

PubMed

Li, Xuan; Ye, Guoyong; Liu, Hongzhong; Ban, Yaowen; Shi, Yongsheng; Yin, Lei; Lu, Bingheng

2017-11-01

Eccentricity error is the main error source of optical rotary encoders. Real-time detection and compensation of the eccentricity error is an effective way of improving the accuracy of rotary optical encoders. In this paper, a novel rotary optical encoder is presented to realize eccentricity self-detection. The proposed encoder adopts a spider-web-patterned scale grating as a measuring standard which is scanned by a dual-head scanning unit. Two scanning heads of the dual-head scanning unit, which are arranged orthogonally, have the function of scanning the periodic pattern of the scale grating along the angular and radial directions, respectively. By this means, synchronous measurement of angular and radial displacements of the scale grating is realized. This paper gives the details of the operating principle of the rotary optical encoder, developing and testing work of a prototype. The eccentricity self-detection result agrees well with the result measured by an optical microscope. The experimental result preliminarily proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed optical encoder.
A novel optical rotary encoder with eccentricity self-detection ability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xuan; Ye, Guoyong; Liu, Hongzhong; Ban, Yaowen; Shi, Yongsheng; Yin, Lei; Lu, Bingheng

2017-11-01

Eccentricity error is the main error source of optical rotary encoders. Real-time detection and compensation of the eccentricity error is an effective way of improving the accuracy of rotary optical encoders. In this paper, a novel rotary optical encoder is presented to realize eccentricity self-detection. The proposed encoder adopts a spider-web-patterned scale grating as a measuring standard which is scanned by a dual-head scanning unit. Two scanning heads of the dual-head scanning unit, which are arranged orthogonally, have the function of scanning the periodic pattern of the scale grating along the angular and radial directions, respectively. By this means, synchronous measurement of angular and radial displacements of the scale grating is realized. This paper gives the details of the operating principle of the rotary optical encoder, developing and testing work of a prototype. The eccentricity self-detection result agrees well with the result measured by an optical microscope. The experimental result preliminarily proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed optical encoder.
A Novel Design of Reconfigurable Wavelength-Time Optical Codes to Enhance Security in Optical CDMA Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasaruddin; Tsujioka, Tetsuo

An optical CDMA (OCDMA) system is a flexible technology for future broadband multiple access networks. A secure OCDMA network in broadband optical access technologies is also becoming an issue of great importance. In this paper, we propose novel reconfigurable wavelength-time (W-T) optical codes that lead to secure transmission in OCDMA networks. The proposed W-T optical codes are constructed by using quasigroups (QGs) for wavelength hopping and one-dimensional optical orthogonal codes (OOCs) for time spreading; we call them QGs/OOCs. Both QGs and OOCs are randomly generated by a computer search to ensure that an eavesdropper could not improve its interception performance by making use of the coding structure. Then, the proposed reconfigurable QGs/OOCs can provide more codewords, and many different code set patterns, which differ in both wavelength and time positions for given code parameters. Moreover, the bit error probability of the proposed codes is analyzed numerically. To realize the proposed codes, a secure system is proposed by employing reconfigurable encoders/decoders based on array waveguide gratings (AWGs), which allow the users to change their codeword patterns to protect against eavesdropping. Finally, the probability of breaking a certain codeword in the proposed system is evaluated analytically. The results show that the proposed codes and system can provide a large codeword pattern, and decrease the probability of breaking a certain codeword, to enhance OCDMA network security.
Baseline demographics, clinical features, and treatment protocols of 240 patients with optic neuropathy: experiences from a neuro-ophthalmological clinic in the Aegean region of Turkey.

PubMed

Karti, Omer; Karti, Dilek Top; Kilic, İlay Hilal; Gokcay, Figen; Celebisoy, Nese

2017-12-19

To analyze the demographic patterns, clinical characteristics, and treatment protocols of optic neuropathies. The hospital data of patients with optic neuropathy admitted to the Department of Neuro-ophthalmology in a tertiary referral center in Turkey between January 2010 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic patterns, clinical features, treatment protocols, and the natural disease courses were assessed. The total number of patients with optic neuropathy seen over this period was 240, which consist of 43 with idiopathic optic neuritis (17.9%), 40 with multiple sclerosis-related optic neuritis (16.7%), 12 with chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuritis (5.0%), 12 with atypical optic neuritis (5.0%), 11 with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders-related optic neuritis (4.6%), 90 with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (37.5%), 4 with arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (1.7%), 10 with traumatic optic neuropathy (4.1%), 6 with compressive optic neuropathy (2.5%), and 12 with mitochondrial optic neuropathy [9 with toxic optic neuropathy (3.7%) and 3 with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (1.2%)]. There were 101 males (42%) and 139 females (58%). The mean age was 43.34 ± 15.86 years. This study reported the demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment protocols of optic neuropathies in a neuro-ophthalmology specialty clinic at a tertiary referral center in Turkey during the past decade. The data may be useful in assessing the global status of optic neuropathies.
Feasibility evaluation and study of adapting the attitude reference system to the Orbiter camera payload system's large format camera

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A design concept that will implement a mapping capability for the Orbital Camera Payload System (OCPS) when ground control points are not available is discussed. Through the use of stellar imagery collected by a pair of cameras whose optical axis are structurally related to the large format camera optical axis, such pointing information is made available.
LOLA: a 40.000 km optical link between an aircraft and a geostationary satellite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cazaubiel, Vincent; Planche, Gilles; Chorvalli, Vincent; Le Hors, Lénaïc.; Roy, Bernard; Giraud, Emmanuel; Vaillon, Ludovic; Carre, Francois; Decourbey, Eric

2017-11-01

The LOLA program aims at characterising a 40.000 km optical link through the atmosphere between a high altitude aircraft and a geostationary platform. It opens a new area in the field of optical communications with moving platforms. A complete new optical terminal has been designed and manufactured for this program. The optical terminal architecture includes a specific pointing subsystem to acquire and stabilize the line of sight despite the induced vibrations from the aircraft and the moving pattern from the received laser signal. The optical configuration features a silicon carbide telescope and optical bench to ensure a high thermoelastic angular stability between receive and transmit beams. The communications subsystem includes fibered laser diodes developed in Europe and high performance avalanche photo detectors. Specific encoding patterns are used to maintain the performance of the link despite potential strong fading of the signal. A specific optical link model through the atmosphere has been developed and has been validated thanks to the optical link measurements performed between ARTEMIS and the Optical Ground Station located in the Canarian islands. This model will be used during the flight tests campaign that is to start this summer.
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.
Effects of convection patterns on freckle formation of directionally solidified Nickel-based superalloy casting with abruptly varying cross-sections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Ling; Shen, Jun; Li, Qiudong; Shang, Zhao

2017-05-01

The effects of convection patterns on freckle formation of directionally solidified Nickel-based superalloy sample with abruptly varying cross-sections were investigated experimentally and numerically. The experimental results demonstrate that freckles were only observed at the bottom of larger cross-section. Numerical results indicate that this phenomenon should be attributed to the different convection patterns at front of solidification interface. As the withdrawal rate increased, the primary dendrites spacing has an obvious influence on freckle formation. A more in-depth investigation of the convection patterns can provide a better understanding of freckle formation and perhaps offer methods to minimize freckles in turbine blades.
PDSM characterization for fabrication of free-space OXC optical components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Argueta, Victor; Fitzpatrick, Brianna

2017-11-01

In 2007 Dr Khine et al published a paper where they presented a technique using thermoplastics and PDMS to create microfluidic patterns1. Their technique involves printing a pattern in a polystyrene sheet using a laser printer. Once the pattern is transfer the polystyrene sheets they are heated to reduce their size. By printing the same pattern of the plastic sheets before heating, it is possible to control the height up to 80 μm and the width as thin as 65 μm1, 2. This technique is attractive to be used in optical fabrication due to its versatility, low cost and fast prototyping. However, in order to fabricate optical systems, we will need to control the refractive index of PDMS to allow design of basic optical components like waveguides, beam splitter, or diffuse reflectors; or more complex structures like interferometers, optical microfluidic lab-on-chip, micro-lens arrays. Several techniques exist to control the refractive index for PDMS either by controlling the curing temperature, the ratio between the base and curing agent, or by curing using UV light3-5. In this paper, we present the changes on refractive index by changing the curing temperature for different base/reaction agent ratios. We then apply these results to fabricate an optical component for a free-space optical cross-connect (OXC). Optical cross-connects are an important network element for constructing the next generation of optical networks, where provisioning (reconfiguration), scalability, and fast restoration will be needed6-8. The main attraction of all-optical switching is that it enables routing of optical data signals without the need for conversion to electrical signals, and therefore, is independent of data rate and data protocols. We have proposed previously9, 11 a new approach for an OXC. Our architecture is a free-space 3-D while still using digital MEMS. Our system is based on the optical White cell12, which consists of three spherical mirrors among which light can circulate. In Section II, we will briefly mention the basic characteristics of the binary White cell OXC configuration. Section III we will introduce the changes induced on curing PDMS, our SDD design and its fabrication for two different beam displacements. Finally, in Section IV, we will present the summary and conclusions of our work.
Advanced Silicon Photonic Transceivers - the Case of a Wavelength Division and Polarization Multiplexed Quadrature Phase Shift Keying Receiver for Terabit/s Optical Transmission

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-10

formats by the co- integration of a passive 90 degree optical hybrid, highspeed balanced Ge photodetectors and a high-speed two-channel transimpedance...40 Gbaud and can handle advanced modulation formats by the co-integration of a passive 90 degree optical hybrid, high- speed balanced Ge...reached at an OSNR of 12.4 dB. The hard -decision FEC (HD-FEC) threshold (BER of 3.8 × 10-3 for 7% overhead) requires 14 dB OSNR. For 16-QAM this requires
[Teleradiology using uncompressed DICOM format via exclusive fiber-optic system].

PubMed

Okuda, Shigeo; Kuribayashi, Sachio; Hibi, Norihumi; Matsuura, Agato; Tani, Rie; Saga, Yasushi

2005-01-01

We developed a system for teleradiology using exclusive fiber optics for transferring images formatted in uncompressed DICOM. This system was built up with commercially available machines and software provided from various companies. We are now operating the system with five remote hospitals and have had one year of experience. The current system took advantage of the security and transfer efficiency of exclusive fiber optics. Uncompressed DICOM images were useful for the identification of cases and user-friendly for viewing. The reading room is located in our university hospital, and the location is convenient for consultation and discussion of cases.
Comprehensive analysis of line-edge and line-width roughness for EUV lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonam, Ravi; Liu, Chi-Chun; Breton, Mary; Sieg, Stuart; Seshadri, Indira; Saulnier, Nicole; Shearer, Jeffrey; Muthinti, Raja; Patlolla, Raghuveer; Huang, Huai

2017-03-01

Pattern transfer fidelity is always a major challenge for any lithography process and needs continuous improvement. Lithographic processes in semiconductor industry are primarily driven by optical imaging on photosensitive polymeric material (resists). Quality of pattern transfer can be assessed by quantifying multiple parameters such as, feature size uniformity (CD), placement, roughness, sidewall angles etc. Roughness in features primarily corresponds to variation of line edge or line width and has gained considerable significance, particularly due to shrinking feature sizes and variations of features in the same order. This has caused downstream processes (Etch (RIE), Chemical Mechanical Polish (CMP) etc.) to reconsider respective tolerance levels. A very important aspect of this work is relevance of roughness metrology from pattern formation at resist to subsequent processes, particularly electrical validity. A major drawback of current LER/LWR metric (sigma) is its lack of relevance across multiple downstream processes which effects material selection at various unit processes. In this work we present a comprehensive assessment of Line Edge and Line Width Roughness at multiple lithographic transfer processes. To simulate effect of roughness a pattern was designed with periodic jogs on the edges of lines with varying amplitudes and frequencies. There are numerous methodologies proposed to analyze roughness and in this work we apply them to programmed roughness structures to assess each technique's sensitivity. This work also aims to identify a relevant methodology to quantify roughness with relevance across downstream processes.

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