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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, S. E.; Siegman, A. E.; Kuizenga, D. J.; Kung, A. H.; Young, J. F.; Bekkers, G. W.; Bloom, D. M.; Newton, J. H.; Phillion, D. W.

1975-01-01

The generation of tunable visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light is examined, along with the control of this light by means of novel mode-locking and modulation techniques. Transient mode-locking of the Nd:YAG laser and generation of short tunable pulses in the visible and the alkali metal inert gas excimer laser systems were investigated. Techniques for frequency conversion of high power and high energy laser radiation are discussed, along with high average power blue and UV laser light sources.

Design of a miniature solid state NIR spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hanyi; Wang, Xiaolu L.; Soos, Jolanta I.; Crisp, Joy A.

1995-06-01

For aerospace applications a miniature, solid-state near infrared (NIR) spectrometer based on an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) has been developed and built at Brimrose Corp. of America. In this spectrometer a light emitting diode (LED) array as light source, a set of optical fibers as the lightwave transmission route, and a miniature AOTF as a tunable filter were adopted. This approach makes the spectrometer very compact, light-weight, rugged and reliable, with low operating power and long lifetime.

Coherent THz light source based on photo-mixing with a UTC-PD and ASE-free tunable diode laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukuoka, D.; Muro, K.; Noda, K.

2016-02-01

A terahertz (THz) photo-mixing with a THz wave photo-mixer module using a uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTCPD) and home-built 1 μm-band ASE-free tunable external-cavity diode lasers (ECDLs) provides a narrow-band (40 MHz) wide range (up to 4.5 THz) coherent tunable THz light source system. Obtained THz-waves reach 100 nW at 0.9 THz and 100 pW at 4.0 THz. The difference frequency between mixing lights can be tuned over 20 THz, and the frequency tuning has a resettability and an accuracy corresponding to the estimation error of FSR 270 MHz hollow-core etalon as a frequency calibrator, around 1 MHz/THz. Some of dips in the frequency dependence of THz-waves caused by water vaper absorption reach a noise floor of this system, so the dynamic range of this system is demonstrated at least 40 dB in power ratio.

Gallium Nitride Nanowires and Heterostructures: Toward Color-Tunable and White-Light Sources.

PubMed

Kuykendall, Tevye R; Schwartzberg, Adam M; Aloni, Shaul

2015-10-14

Gallium-nitride-based light-emitting diodes have enabled the commercialization of efficient solid-state lighting devices. Nonplanar nanomaterial architectures, such as nanowires and nanowire-based heterostructures, have the potential to significantly improve the performance of light-emitting devices through defect reduction, strain relaxation, and increased junction area. In addition, relaxation of internal strain caused by indium incorporation will facilitate pushing the emission wavelength into the red. This could eliminate inefficient phosphor conversion and enable color-tunable emission or white-light emission by combining blue, green, and red sources. Utilizing the waveguiding modes of the individual nanowires will further enhance light emission, and the properties of photonic structures formed by nanowire arrays can be implemented to improve light extraction. Recent advances in synthetic methods leading to better control over GaN and InGaN nanowire synthesis are described along with new concept devices leading to efficient white-light emission. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The development of a tunable, single-frequency ultraviolet laser source for UV filtered Rayleigh scattering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finkelstein, N.; Gambogi, J.; Lempert, Walter R.; Miles, Richard B.; Rines, G. A.; Finch, A.; Schwarz, R. A.

1995-01-01

We present the development of a flexible, high power, narrow line width, tunable ultraviolet source for diagnostic application. By frequency tripling the output of a pulsed titanium-sapphire laser, we achieve broadly tunable (227-360 nm) ultraviolet light with high quality spatial and spectral resolution. We also present the characterization of a mercury vapor cell which provides a narrow band, sharp edge absorption filter at 253.7 nm. These two components form the basis for the extension of the Filtered Rayleigh Scattering technique into the ultraviolet. The UV-FRS system is comprised of four pieces: a single frequency, cw tunable Ti:Sapphire seeding source; a high-powered pulsed Ti:Sapphire oscillator; a third harmonic generator system; and an atomic mercury vapor filter. In this paper we discuss the development and characterization of each of these elements.

A stable wavelength-tunable triggered source of single photons and cascaded photon pairs at the telecom C-band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeuner, Katharina D.; Paul, Matthias; Lettner, Thomas; Reuterskiöld Hedlund, Carl; Schweickert, Lucas; Steinhauer, Stephan; Yang, Lily; Zichi, Julien; Hammar, Mattias; Jöns, Klaus D.; Zwiller, Val

2018-04-01

The implementation of fiber-based long-range quantum communication requires tunable sources of single photons at the telecom C-band. Stable and easy-to-implement wavelength-tunability of individual sources is crucial to (i) bring remote sources into resonance, (ii) define a wavelength standard, and (iii) ensure scalability to operate a quantum repeater. So far, the most promising sources for true, telecom single photons are semiconductor quantum dots, due to their ability to deterministically and reliably emit single and entangled photons. However, the required wavelength-tunability is hard to attain. Here, we show a stable wavelength-tunable quantum light source by integrating strain-released InAs quantum dots on piezoelectric substrates. We present triggered single-photon emission at 1.55 μm with a multi-photon emission probability as low as 0.097, as well as photon pair emission from the radiative biexciton-exciton cascade. We achieve a tuning range of 0.25 nm which will allow us to spectrally overlap remote quantum dots or tuning distant quantum dots into resonance with quantum memories. This opens up realistic avenues for the implementation of photonic quantum information processing applications at telecom wavelengths.

Thue-Morse nanostructures for tunable light extraction in the visible region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rippa, M.; Castagna, R.; Marino, A.; Tkachenko, V.; Palermo, G.; Pane, A.; Umeton, C.; Tabiryan, N.; Petti, L.

2018-05-01

Controlling light propagation at the nanoscale is a fascinating opportunity offered by modern photonics, more than a challenge to face off. This study is aimed at investigating a particular kind of nanocomposite and reconfigurable optical metamaterials that can be exploited for the realization of a new class of switchable photonic devices, representing a breakthrough with respect to the state of the art. Existing photonic devices exhibit, in general, a drawback in the absence of tunability; this work aims to the design and characterization of metamaterials exploiting reconfigurable media, like LCs, which enable realization of a tunable, high quality, photonic quasi-crystal based switchable mode selector. It turned out that, starting from an unpolarized white light source, through a light extraction mechanism based on the diffraction of light, the high quality structure, combined with a uniformly aligned Photo-responsive Liquid Crystal (PLC), is able to give rise to an extremely narrow (FWHM ≈5 nm) and linearly polarized single mode peak of the extracted light intensity. Moreover, we have shown that the spectral properties (switching) of the samples can be finely controlled by using both an external applied voltage and a suitable pump light source with a maximum increase of 45% of the extracted light. Finally, both Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Far Field Diffraction (FFD) analysis have shown the high quality morphology of the realized structure.

Polarization Dependent Whispering Gallery Modes in Microspheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adamovsky, Grigory (Inventor); Wrbanek, Susan Y. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A tunable resonant system is provided and includes a microsphere that receives an incident portion of a light beam generated via a light source, the light beam having a fundamental mode, a waveguide medium that transmits the light beam from the light source to the microsphere, and a polarizer disposed in a path of the waveguide between the light source and the microsphere. The incident portion of the light beam creates a fundamental resonance inside the microsphere. A change in a normalized frequency of the wavelength creates a secondary mode in the waveguide and the secondary mode creates a secondary resonance inside the microsphere.

Spectral radiance source based on supercontinuum laser and wavelength tunable bandpass filter: the spectrally tunable absolute irradiance and radiance source.

PubMed

Levick, Andrew P; Greenwell, Claire L; Ireland, Jane; Woolliams, Emma R; Goodman, Teresa M; Bialek, Agnieszka; Fox, Nigel P

2014-06-01

A new spectrally tunable source for calibration of radiometric detectors in radiance, irradiance, or power mode has been developed and characterized. It is termed the spectrally tunable absolute irradiance and radiance source (STAIRS). It consists of a supercontinuum laser, wavelength tunable bandpass filter, power stabilization feedback control scheme, and output coupling optics. It has the advantages of relative portability and a collimated beam (low étendue), and is an alternative to conventional sources such as tungsten lamps, blackbodies, or tunable lasers. The supercontinuum laser is a commercial Fianium SC400-6-02, which has a wavelength range between 400 and 2500 nm and a total power of 6 W. The wavelength tunable bandpass filter, a PhotonEtc laser line tunable filter (LLTF), is tunable between 400 and 1000 nm and has a bandwidth of 1 or 2 nm depending on the wavelength selected. The collimated laser beam from the LLTF filter is converted to an appropriate spatial and angular distribution for the application considered (i.e., for radiance, irradiance, or power mode calibration of a radiometric sensor) with the output coupling optics, for example, an integrating sphere, and the spectral radiance/irradiance/power of the source is measured using a calibration optical sensor. A power stabilization feedback control scheme has been incorporated that stabilizes the source to better than 0.01% for averaging times longer than 100 s. The out-of-band transmission of the LLTF filter is estimated to be < -65 dB (0.00003%), and is sufficiently low for many end-user applications, for example the spectral radiance calibration of earth observation imaging radiometers and the stray light characterization of array spectrometers (the end-user optical sensor). We have made initial measurements of two end-user instruments with the STAIRS source, an array spectrometer and ocean color radiometer.

The 1.083 micron tunable CW semiconductor laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, C. S.; Chen, Jan-Shin; Lu, Ken-Gen; Ouyang, Keng

1991-01-01

A tunable CW laser is desired to produce light equivalent to the helium spectral line at 1.08 microns. This laser will serve as an optical pumping source for He-3 and He-4 atoms used in space magnetometers. This light source can be fabricated either as a semiconductor laser diode or a pumped solid state laser. Continuous output power of greater than 10 mW is desired. Semiconductor lasers can be thermally tuned, but must be capable of locking onto the helium resonance lines. Solid state lasers must have efficient pumping sources suitable for space configuration. Additional requirements are as follows: space magnetometer applications will include low mass (less than 0.5 kg), low power consumption (less than 0.75 W), and high stability/reliability for long missions (5-10 years).

Tunable Laser Development for In-Flight Fiber Optic Based Structural Health Monitoring Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, Lance; Parker, Allen; Chan, Patrick

2013-01-01

Briefing based on tunable laser development for in flight fiber optic based structural health monitoring systems. The objective of this task is to investigate, develop, and demonstrate a low-cost swept lasing light source for NASA DFRC's fiber optics sensing system (FOSS) to perform structural health monitoring on current and future aerospace vehicles.

[Gas pipeline leak detection based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy].

PubMed

Zhang, Qi-Xing; Wang, Jin-Jun; Liu, Bing-Hai; Cai, Ting-Li; Qiao, Li-Feng; Zhang, Yong-Ming

2009-08-01

The principle of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy and harmonic detection technique was introduced. An experimental device was developed by point sampling through small multi-reflection gas cell. A specific line near 1 653. 7 nm was targeted for methane measurement using a distributed feedback diode laser as tunable light source. The linearity between the intensity of second harmonic signal and the concentration of methane was determined. The background content of methane in air was measured. The results show that gas sensors using tunable diode lasers provide a high sensitivity and high selectivity method for city gas pipeline leak detection.

Advanced Compton scattering light source R&D at LLNL

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

Albert, F; Anderson, S G; Anderson, G

2010-02-16

We report the design and current status of a monoenergetic laser-based Compton scattering 0.5-2.5 MeV {gamma}-ray source. Previous nuclear resonance fluorescence results and future linac and laser developments for the source are presented. At MeV photon energies relevant for nuclear processes, Compton scattering light sources are attractive because of their relative compactness and improved brightness above 100 keV, compared to typical 4th generation synchrotrons. Recent progress in accelerator physics and laser technology have enabled the development of a new class of tunable Mono-Energetic Gamma-Ray (MEGa-Ray) light sources based on Compton scattering between a high-brightness, relativistic electron beam and a highmore » intensity laser pulse produced via chirped-pulse amplification (CPA). A new precision, tunable gamma-ray source driven by a compact, high-gradient X-band linac is currently under development and construction at LLNL. High-brightness, relativistic electron bunches produced by an X-band linac designed in collaboration with SLAC will interact with a Joule-class, 10 ps, diode-pumped CPA laser pulse to generate tunable {gamma}-rays in the 0.5-2.5 MeV photon energy range via Compton scattering. Based on the success of the previous Thomson-Radiated Extreme X-rays (T-REX) Compton scattering source at LLNL, the source will be used to excite nuclear resonance fluorescence lines in various isotopes; applications include homeland security, stockpile science and surveillance, nuclear fuel assay, and waste imaging and assay. After a brief presentation of successful nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) experiments done with T-REX, the new source design, key parameters, and current status are presented.« less

Tunable Laser Development for In-flight Fiber Optic Based Structural Health Monitoring Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, Lance; Parker, Allen; Chan, Patrick

2014-01-01

The objective of this task is to investigate, develop, and demonstrate a low-cost swept lasing light source for NASA DFRC's fiber optics sensing system (FOSS) to perform structural health monitoring on current and future aerospace vehicles. This is the regular update of the Tunable Laser Development for In-flight Fiber Optic Based Structural Health Monitoring Systems website.

Tunable blue laser compensates for thermal expansion of the medium in holographic data storage.

PubMed

Tanaka, Tomiji; Sako, Kageyasu; Kasegawa, Ryo; Toishi, Mitsuru; Watanabe, Kenjiro

2007-09-01

A tunable laser optical source equipped with wavelength and mode-hop monitors was developed to compensate for thermal expansion of the medium in holographic data storage. The laser's tunable range is 402-409 nm, and supplying 90 mA of laser diode current provides an output power greater than 40 mW. The aberration of output light is less than 0.05 lambdarms. The temperature range within which the laser can compensate for thermal expansion of the medium is estimated based on the tunable range, which is +/-13.5 degrees C for glass substrates and +/-17.5 degrees C for amorphous polyolefin substrates.

Tunable white light source for medical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blaszczak, Urszula J.; Gryko, Lukasz; Zajac, Andrzej

2017-08-01

Development of light-emitting diodes has brought new possibilities in many applications, especially in terms of flexible adjustment of light spectra. This feature is very useful in construction of many devices, for example for medical diagnosis and treatment. It was proved, that in some cases LEDs can easily replace lasers during therapy of cancer without reduction of efficiency of this process. On the other hand during diagnosis process LED-based constructions can provide unique ability to adjust the color temperature of the output light while maintaining high color rendering. It allows for optimum surface contrast and enhanced tissue differentiation at the operator site. In the paper we describe the construction of the tunable LED-based source designed for application in endoscopy. It was optimized from the point of view of the color rendition for 5 different correlated color temperatures (illuminant A, D55, D65, 3500K and 4500K) with the restriction of very high (>90) values of general and specific color rendering indexes (according to Ra method). The source is composed of 13 light-emitting diodes from visible region mounted on the common radiator and controlled by dedicated system. Spectra of the components are mixed and the spectra of output light is analyzed. On the basis of obtained spectra colorimetric parameters are calculated and compared with the results of theoretical analysis.

Overview of Mono-Energetic Gamma-Ray Sources and Applications

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

Hartemann, Fred; /LLNL, Livermore; Albert, Felicie

2012-06-25

Recent progress in accelerator physics and laser technology have enabled the development of a new class of tunable gamma-ray light sources based on Compton scattering between a high-brightness, relativistic electron beam and a high intensity laser pulse produced via chirped-pulse amplification (CPA). A precision, tunable Mono-Energetic Gamma-ray (MEGa-ray) source driven by a compact, high-gradient X-band linac is currently under development and construction at LLNL. High-brightness, relativistic electron bunches produced by an X-band linac designed in collaboration with SLAC NAL will interact with a Joule-class, 10 ps, diode-pumped CPA laser pulse to generate tunable {gamma}-rays in the 0.5-2.5 MeV photon energymore » range via Compton scattering. This MEGaray source will be used to excite nuclear resonance fluorescence in various isotopes. Applications include homeland security, stockpile science and surveillance, nuclear fuel assay, and waste imaging and assay. The source design, key parameters, and current status are presented, along with important applications, including nuclear resonance fluorescence.« less

Voltage color tunable OLED with (Sm,Eu)-β-diketonate complex blend

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyes, R.; Cremona, M.; Teotonio, E. E. S.; Brito, H. F.; Malta, O. L.

2004-09-01

Light emission from organic electroluminescent diodes (OLEDs) in which mixed samarium and europium β-diketonate complexes, [Sm 0.7Eu 0.3(TTA) 3(TPPO) 2], was used as the emitting layer is described. The electroluminescence spectra exhibit narrow peaks arising from 4f-intraconfigurational transitions of the Sm 3+ and Eu 3+ ions and a broad emission band attributed to the electrophosphorescence of the TTA ligand. The intensity ratio of the peaks determined by the bias voltage applied to the OLED, together with the ligand electrophosphorescence, allows to obtain a voltage-tunable color light source.

X-Ray Structure determination of the Glycine Cleavage System Protein H of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Using An Inverse Compton Synchrotron X-Ray Source

PubMed Central

Abendroth, Jan; McCormick, Michael S.; Edwards, Thomas E.; Staker, Bart; Loewen, Roderick; Gifford, Martin; Rifkin, Jeff; Mayer, Chad; Guo, Wenjin; Zhang, Yang; Myler, Peter; Kelley, Angela; Analau, Erwin; Hewitt, Stephen Nakazawa; Napuli, Alberto J.; Kuhn, Peter; Ruth, Ronald D.; Stewart, Lance J.

2010-01-01

Structural genomics discovery projects require ready access to both X-ray and NMR instrumentation which support the collection of experimental data needed to solve large numbers of novel protein structures. The most productive X-ray crystal structure determination laboratories make extensive frequent use of tunable synchrotron X-ray light to solve novel structures by anomalous diffraction methods. This requires that frozen cryo-protected crystals be shipped to large government-run synchrotron facilities for data collection. In an effort to eliminate the need to ship crystals for data collection, we have developed the first laboratory-scale synchrotron light source capable of performing many of the state-of-the-art synchrotron applications in X-ray science. This Compact Light Source is a first-in-class device that uses inverse Compton scattering to generate X-rays of sufficient flux, tunable wavelength and beam size to allow high-resolution X-ray diffraction data collection from protein crystals. We report on benchmarking tests of X-ray diffraction data collection with hen egg white lysozyme, and the successful high-resolution X-ray structure determination of the Glycine cleavage system protein H from Mycobacterium tuberculosis using diffraction data collected with the Compact Light Source X-ray beam. PMID:20364333

Conjugation of fiber-coupled wide-band light sources and acousto-optical spectral elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machikhin, Alexander; Batshev, Vladislav; Polschikova, Olga; Khokhlov, Demid; Pozhar, Vitold; Gorevoy, Alexey

2017-12-01

Endoscopic instrumentation is widely used for diagnostics and surgery. The imaging systems, which provide the hyperspectral information of the tissues accessible by endoscopes, are particularly interesting and promising for in vivo photoluminescence diagnostics and therapy of tumour and inflammatory diseases. To add the spectral imaging feature to standard video endoscopes, we propose to implement acousto-optical (AO) filtration of wide-band illumination of incandescent-lamp-based light sources. To collect maximum light and direct it to the fiber-optic light guide inside the endoscopic probe, we have developed and tested the optical system for coupling the light source, the acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF) and the light guide. The system is compact and compatible with the standard endoscopic components.

Color-tunable lighting devices and methods of use

DOEpatents

Davis, James Lynn

2017-02-07

A lighting device (100) includes a housing (104) enclosing a housing interior (108), a light source (132), a light converter (136), and a color tuning device. The light source is configured for emitting a primary light beam of a primary wavelength (140) through the housing interior. The light converter includes a luminescent material (144) facing the housing interior and configured for emitting secondary light (156, 158) of one or more wavelengths different from the primary wavelength, in response to excitation by the primary light beam. The housing includes a light exit (124) for outputting a combination of primary light and secondary light. The color tuning device is configured for adjusting a position of the primary light beam relative to the luminescent material.

Spectral and Radiometric Calibration Using Tunable Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCorkel, Joel (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A tunable laser system includes a tunable laser, an adjustable laser cavity for producing one or more modes of laser light emitted from the tunable laser, a first optical parametric oscillator positioned in a light path of the adjustable laser cavity, and a controller operable to simultaneously control parameters of at least the tunable laser, the first optical parametric oscillator, and the adjustable laser cavity to produce a range of wavelengths emitted from the tunable laser system. A method of operating a tunable laser system includes using a controller to simultaneously control parameters of a tunable laser, an adjustable laser cavity for producing one or more modes of laser light emitted from the tunable laser, and a first optical parametric oscillator positioned in a light path of the adjustable laser cavity, to produce a range of wavelengths emitted from the tunable laser system.

Fluorescence tomography using synchrotron radiation at the NSLS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boisseau, P.; Grodzins, L.

1987-03-01

Fluorescence tomography utilizing focussed, tunable, monoenergetic X-rays from synchrotron light sources hold the promise of a non-invasive analytic tool for studying trace elements in specimens, particularly biological, at spatial resolutions of the order of micrometers. This note reports an early test at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratories in which fluorescence tomographic scans were successfully made of trace elements of iron and titanium in NBS standard glass and in a bee.

Stabilizing operation point technique based on the tunable distributed feedback laser for interferometric sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Xuefeng; Zhou, Xinlei; Yu, Qingxu

2016-02-01

We describe a stabilizing operation point technique based on the tunable Distributed Feedback (DFB) laser for quadrature demodulation of interferometric sensors. By introducing automatic lock quadrature point and wavelength periodically tuning compensation into an interferometric system, the operation point of interferometric system is stabilized when the system suffers various environmental perturbations. To demonstrate the feasibility of this stabilizing operation point technique, experiments have been performed using a tunable-DFB-laser as light source to interrogate an extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric vibration sensor and a diaphragm-based acoustic sensor. Experimental results show that good tracing of Q-point was effectively realized.

New cancer-treatment model of photodynamic therapy combined with a type I topoisomerase inhibitor, CPT-11, against HeLa cell tumors in nude mice used by OPO parametric tunable laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Takato O.; Matsuzawa, Eiji; Matsuo, Tetsumichi; Koide, Yukio; Terakawa, Susumu; Yokokura, Teruo; Hirano, Toru

1995-03-01

A new cancer-treatment model, photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with a type I topoisomerase inhibitor, camptothecin derivative (CPT-11), against HeLa cell tumors in BALB/c nude mice has been developed using a wide-band tunable coherent light source operated on optical parametric oscillation (OPO parametric tunable laser). The Photosan-3 PDT and CPT-11 combined therapy was remarkably effective, that is the inhibition rate (I.R.) 40 - 80%, as compared to PDT only in vivo. The analysis of HpD (Photosan-3) and CPT-11 effects on cultured HeLa cells in vitro has been studied by a video-enhanced contrast differential interference contrast microscope (VEC-DIC). Photosan-3 with 600 nm light killed cells by mitochondrial damage within 50 min, but not with 700 nm light. CPT-11 with 700 - 400 nm light killed cells within 50 min after nucleolus damage appeared after around 30 min. The localization of CPT-11 in cells was observed as fluorescence images in the nucleus, particularly the nucleoral area produced clear images using an Argus 100.

Intense, carrier frequency and bandwidth tunable quasi single-cycle pulses from an organic emitter covering the Terahertz frequency gap

PubMed Central

Vicario, C.; Monoszlai, B.; Jazbinsek, M.; Lee, S. -H.; Kwon, O. -P.; Hauri, C. P.

2015-01-01

In Terahertz (THz) science, one of the long-standing challenges has been the formation of spectrally dense, single-cycle pulses with tunable duration and spectrum across the frequency range of 0.1–15 THz (THz gap). This frequency band, lying between the electronically and optically accessible spectra hosts important molecular fingerprints and collective modes which cannot be fully controlled by present strong-field THz sources. We present a method that provides powerful single-cycle THz pulses in the THz gap with a stable absolute phase whose duration can be continuously selected between 68 fs and 1100 fs. The loss-free and chirp-free technique is based on optical rectification of a wavelength-tunable pump pulse in the organic emitter HMQ-TMS that allows for tuning of the spectral bandwidth from 1 to more than 7 octaves over the entire THz gap. The presented source tunability of the temporal carrier frequency and spectrum expands the scope of spectrally dense THz sources to time-resolved nonlinear THz spectroscopy in the entire THz gap. This opens new opportunities towards ultrafast coherent control over matter and light. PMID:26400005

High flux, narrow bandwidth compton light sources via extended laser-electron interactions

DOEpatents

Barty, V P

2015-01-13

New configurations of lasers and electron beams efficiently and robustly produce high flux beams of bright, tunable, polarized quasi-monoenergetic x-rays and gamma-rays via laser-Compton scattering. Specifically, the use of long-duration, pulsed lasers and closely-spaced, low-charge and low emittance bunches of electron beams increase the spectral flux of the Compton-scattered x-rays and gamma rays, increase efficiency of the laser-electron interaction and significantly reduce the overall complexity of Compton based light sources.

Polarization-independent fiber filter with an all-polarization-maintaining fiber loop for tunable fiber lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jun; Wu, Weiran; Rao, Qi; Zhou, Kejiang

2018-05-01

Tunable fiber lasers are a promising light source in all-optical wavelength conversion, fiber grating sensing and optical add-drop multiplexing. In order to achieve a tunable wavelength in the output, optical filters are indispensable for the construction of tunable fiber lasers. Recently, much attention has been given to developing high-performance filters. This paper proposes an environment-insensitive filter based on a Sagnac interferometer which was designed by an all-polarization-maintaining fiber with linear birefringence. According to the Sagnac interferometer, we derived the transfer function of an environment-insensitive filter. Based on this principle, it is shown that the device is able to implement a precision filtering function that can be used in a fiber laser’s optical resonant cavity. The experiment results demonstrated the effectiveness of this structure.

Self-referenced axial chromatic dispersion measurement in multiphoton microscopy through 2-color THG imaging.

PubMed

Du, Yu; Zhuang, Ziwei; He, Jiexing; Liu, Hongji; Qiu, Ping; Wang, Ke

2018-05-16

With tunable excitation light, multiphoton microscopy (MPM) is widely used for imaging biological structures at subcellular resolution. Axial chromatic dispersion, present in virtually every transmissive optical system including the multiphoton microscope, leads to focal (and the resultant image) plane separation. Here we demonstrate experimentally a technique to measure the axial chromatic dispersion in a multiphoton microscope, using simultaneous 2-color third-harmonic generation (THG) imaging excited by a 2-color soliton source with tunable wavelength separation. Our technique is self-referenced, eliminating potential measurement error when 1-color tunable excitation light is used which necessitates reciprocating motion of the mechanical translation stage. Using this technique, we demonstrate measured axial chromatic dispersion with 2 different objective lenses in a multiphoton microscope. Further measurement in a biological sample also indicates that this axial chromatic dispersion, in combination with 2-color imaging, may open up opportunity for simultaneous imaging of two different axial planes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

High power, widely tunable dual-wavelength 2 μm laser based on intracavity KTP optical parametric oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Dexian; Wang, Yuye; Xu, Degang; Shi, Wei; Zhong, Kai; Liu, Pengxiang; Yan, Chao; Mei, Jialin; Shi, Jia; Yao, Jianquan

2017-01-01

We presented a high power, widely tunable narrowband 2 μm dual-wavelength source employing intracavity optical parametric oscillator with potassium titanium oxide phosphate (KTP) crystal. Two identical KTP crystals were oriented oppositely in the OPO cavity to compensate the walk-off effect. The output average power of dual-wavelength 2 μm laser was up to 18.18 W at 10 kHz with the peak power of 165 kW. The two wavelengths can be tuned in the range of 2070.7 nm to 2191.1 nm for ordinary light while in the range of 2190.7 nm to 2065.9 nm for extraordinary light with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) about 0.8 nm. The pulse width of the tunable laser was as narrow as 11 ns. The beam quality factor M 2 was less than 4 during wavelength tuning.

Tunable room-temperature single-photon emission at telecom wavelengths from sp 3 defects in carbon nanotubes

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

He, Xiaowei; Hartmann, Nicolai F.; Ma, Xuedan

Generating quantum light emitters that operate at room temperature and at telecom wavelengths remains a significant materials challenge. To achieve this goal requires light sources that emit in the near-infrared wavelength region and that, ideally, are tunable to allow desired output wavelengths to be accessed in a controllable manner. Here, we show that exciton localization at covalently introduced aryl sp 3 defect sites in single-walled carbon nanotubes provides a route to room-temperature single-photon emission with ultrahigh single-photon purity (99%) and enhanced emission stability approaching the shot-noise limit. Moreover, we demonstrate that the inherent optical tunability of single-walled carbon nanotubes, presentmore » in their structural diversity, allows us to generate room-temperature single-photon emission spanning the entire telecom band. Furthermore, single-photon emission deep into the centre of the telecom C band (1.55 um) is achieved at the largest nanotube diameters we explore (0.936 nm).« less

Tunable room-temperature single-photon emission at telecom wavelengths from sp 3 defects in carbon nanotubes

DOE PAGES

He, Xiaowei; Hartmann, Nicolai F.; Ma, Xuedan; ...

2017-07-31

Generating quantum light emitters that operate at room temperature and at telecom wavelengths remains a significant materials challenge. To achieve this goal requires light sources that emit in the near-infrared wavelength region and that, ideally, are tunable to allow desired output wavelengths to be accessed in a controllable manner. Here, we show that exciton localization at covalently introduced aryl sp 3 defect sites in single-walled carbon nanotubes provides a route to room-temperature single-photon emission with ultrahigh single-photon purity (99%) and enhanced emission stability approaching the shot-noise limit. Moreover, we demonstrate that the inherent optical tunability of single-walled carbon nanotubes, presentmore » in their structural diversity, allows us to generate room-temperature single-photon emission spanning the entire telecom band. Furthermore, single-photon emission deep into the centre of the telecom C band (1.55 um) is achieved at the largest nanotube diameters we explore (0.936 nm).« less

Modal Analysis of β -Ga2O3:Cr Widely Tunable Luminescent Optical Microcavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alonso-Orts, M.; Nogales, E.; San Juan, J. M.; Nó, M. L.; Piqueras, J.; Méndez, B.

2018-06-01

Optical microcavities are key elements in many photonic devices, and those based on distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) enhance dramatically the end reflectivity, allowing for higher quality factors and finesse values. Besides, they allow for wide wavelength tunability, needed for nano- and microscale light sources to be used as photonic building blocks in the micro- and nanoscale. Understanding the complete behavior of light within the cavity is essential to obtaining an optimized design of properties and optical tunability. In this work, focused ion-beam fabrication of high refractive-index contrast DBR-based optical cavities within Ga2O3:Cr microwires grown and doped by the vapor-solid mechanism is reported. Room-temperature microphotoluminescence spectra show strong modulations from about 650 nm up to beyond 800 nm due to the microcavity resonance modes. Selectivity of the peak wavelength is achieved for two different cavities, demonstrating the tunability of this kind of optical system. Analysis of the confined modes is carried out by an analytical approximation and by finite-difference-time-domain simulations. A good agreement is obtained between the reflectivity values of the DBRs calculated from the experimental resonance spectra, and those obtained by finite-difference-time-domain simulations. Experimental reflectivities up to 70% are observed in the studied wavelength range and cavities, and simulations demonstrate that reflectivities up to about 90% could be reached. Therefore, Ga2O3:Cr high-reflectivity optical microcavities are shown as good candidates for single-material-based, widely tunable light emitters for micro- and nanodevices.

GATEWAY Demonstrations: Tuning Hospital Lighting: Evaluating Tunable LED Lighting at the Swedish Hospital Behavioral Health Unit in Seattle

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

Wilkerson, Andrea; Davis, Robert G.; Clark, Edward

The GATEWAY program evaluated a tunable LED lighting system installed in the new Swedish Medical Behavioral Health Unit in Seattle that incorporates color-tunable luminaires in common areas, and uses advanced controls for dimming and color tuning, with the goal of providing a better environment for staff and patients. The report reviews the design of the tunable lighting system, summarizes two sets of measurements, and discusses the circadian, energy, and commissioning implications as well as lessons learned from the project.

Fiber Grating Coupled Light Source Capable of Tunable, Single Frequency Operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krainak, Michael A. (Inventor); Duerksen, Gary L. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

Fiber Bragg grating coupled light sources can achieve tunable single-frequency (single axial and lateral spatial mode) operation by correcting for a quadratic phase variation in the lateral dimension using an aperture stop. The output of a quasi-monochromatic light source such as a Fabry Perot laser diode is astigmatic. As a consequence of the astigmatism, coupling geometries that accommodate the transverse numerical aperture of the laser are defocused in the lateral dimension, even for apsherical optics. The mismatch produces the quadratic phase variation in the feedback along the lateral axis at the facet of the laser that excites lateral modes of higher order than the TM(sub 00). Because the instability entails excitation of higher order lateral submodes, single frequency operation also is accomplished by using fiber Bragg gratings whose bandwidth is narrower than the submode spacing. This technique is particularly pertinent to the use of lensed fiber gratings in lieu of discrete coupling optics. Stable device operation requires overall phase match between the fed-back signal and the laser output. The fiber Bragg grating acts as a phase-preserving mirror when the Bragg condition is met precisely. The phase-match condition is maintained throughout the fiber tuning range by matching the Fabry-Perot axial mode wavelength to the passband center wavelength of the Bragg grating.

Nanoscale infrared (IR) spectroscopy and imaging of structural lipids in human stratum corneum using an atomic force microscope to directly detect absorbed light from a tunable IR laser source.

PubMed

Marcott, Curtis; Lo, Michael; Kjoller, Kevin; Domanov, Yegor; Balooch, Guive; Luengo, Gustavo S

2013-06-01

An atomic force microscope (AFM) and a tunable infrared (IR) laser source have been combined in a single instrument (AFM-IR) capable of producing ~200-nm spatial resolution IR spectra and absorption images. This new capability enables IR spectroscopic characterization of human stratum corneum at unprecendented levels. Samples of normal and delipidized stratum corneum were embedded, cross-sectioned and mounted on ZnSe prisms. A pulsed tunable IR laser source produces thermomechanical expansion upon absorption, which is detected through excitation of contact resonance modes in the AFM cantilever. In addition to reducing the total lipid content, the delipidization process damages the stratum corneum morphological structure. The delipidized stratum corneum shows substantially less long-chain CH2 -stretching IR absorption band intensity than normal skin. AFM-IR images that compare absorbances at 2930/cm (lipid) and 3290/cm (keratin) suggest that regions of higher lipid concentration are located at the perimeter of corneocytes in the normal stratum corneum. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Tunable optical coherence tomography in the infrared range using visible photons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paterova, Anna V.; Yang, Hongzhi; An, Chengwu; Kalashnikov, Dmitry A.; Krivitsky, Leonid A.

2018-04-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an appealing technique for bio-imaging, medicine, and material analysis. For many applications, OCT in mid- and far-infrared (IR) leads to significantly more accurate results. Reported mid-IR OCT systems require light sources and photodetectors which operate in mid-IR range. These devices are expensive and need cryogenic cooling. Here, we report a proof-of-concept demonstration of a wavelength tunable IR OCT technique with detection of only visible range photons. Our method is based on the nonlinear interference of frequency correlated photon pairs. The nonlinear crystal, introduced in the Michelson-type interferometer, generates photon pairs with one photon in the visible and another in the IR range. The intensity of detected visible photons depends on the phase and loss of IR photons, which interact with the sample under study. This enables us to characterize sample properties and perform imaging in the IR range by detecting visible photons. The technique possesses broad wavelength tunability and yields a fair axial and lateral resolution, which can be tailored to the specific application. The work contributes to the development of versatile 3D imaging and material characterization systems working in a broad range of IR wavelengths, which do not require the use of IR-range light sources and photodetectors.

White-Light Supercontinuum Laser-Based Multiple Wavelength Excitation for TCSPC-FLIM of Cutaneous Nanocarrier Uptake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volz, Pierre; Brodwolf, Robert; Zoschke, Christian; Haag, Rainer; Schäfer-Korting, Monika; Alexiev, Ulrike

2018-05-01

We report here on a custom-built time-correlated single photon-counting (TCSPC)-based fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) setup with a continuously tunable white-light supercontinuum laser combined with acousto-optical tunable filters (AOTF) as an excitation source for simultaneous excitation of multiple spectrally separated fluorophores. We characterized the wavelength dependence of the white-light supercontinuum laser pulse properties and demonstrated the performance of the FLIM setup, aiming to show the experimental setup in depth together with a biomedical application. We herein summarize the physical-technical parameters as well as our approach to map the skin uptake of nanocarriers using FLIM with a resolution compared to spectroscopy. As an example, we focus on the penetration study of indocarbocyanine-labeled dendritic core-multishell nanocarriers (CMS-ICC) into reconstructed human epidermis. Unique fluorescence lifetime signatures of indocarbocyanine-labeled nanocarriers indicate nanocarrier-tissue interactions within reconstructed human epidermis, bringing FLIM close to spectroscopic analysis.

Tunable absorption enhancement in electric split-ring resonators-shaped graphene arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lin; Chen, Jiajia; Zhou, Zigang; Yi, Zao; Ye, Xin

2018-04-01

In this paper, we propose a wavelength-tunable absorber consisting of electric split-ring resonators (eSRRs)-shaped graphene arrays deposited on a SiO2/Si substrate in the far-infrared and terahertz regions. The simulation results exhibit that two resonance modes are supported by the structure. In terms of the resonance at longer wavelength, the light absorption declines while the period a or length L increases. However, absorption contrarily improves with enlargement of incident angle under the transverse magnetic (TM) polarization. And in terms of resonance at shorter wavelengths, absorption enhances with increasing length L and incident angle θ. Generally, the light absorption enhances with Fermi level E F of graphene, accompanied by blue shift. The aforementioned results unquestionably provide a distinctive source of inspiration for how to design and manufacture devices related to absorption such as filters, spatial light modulator and sensors.

Active Plasma Lensing for Relativistic Laser-Plasma-Accelerated Electron Beams

DOE PAGES

van Tilborg, J.; Steinke, S.; Geddes, C. G. R.; ...

2015-10-28

The compact, tunable, radially symmetric focusing of electrons is critical to laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) applications. Experiments are presented demonstrating the use of a discharge-capillary active plasma lens to focus 100-MeV-level LPA beams. The lens can provide tunable field gradients in excess of 3000 T/m, enabling cm-scale focal lengths for GeV-level beam energies and allowing LPA-based electron beams and light sources to maintain their compact footprint. For a range of lens strengths, excellent agreement with simulation was obtained.

Tunable-optical-filter-based white-light interferometry for sensing.

PubMed

Yu, Bing; Wang, Anbo; Pickrell, Gary; Xu, Juncheng

2005-06-15

We describe tunable-optical-filter-based white-light interferometry for sensor interrogation. By introducing a tunable optical filter into a white-light interferometry system, one can interrogate an interferometer with either quadrature demodulation or spectral-domain detection at low cost. To demonstrate the feasibility of effectively demodulating various types of interferometric sensor, experiments have been performed using an extrinsic Fabry-Perot tunable filter to interrogate two extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric temperature sensors and a diaphragm-based pressure sensor.

High-speed wavelength switching of tunable MEMS vertical cavity surface emitting laser by ringing suppression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Shunya; Nishimura, Shun; Nakahama, Masanori; Matsutani, Akihiro; Sakaguchi, Takahiro; Koyama, Fumio

2018-04-01

For use in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) with high-speed wavelength routing functions, the fast wavelength switching of tunable lasers is a key function. A tunable MEMS vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) is a good candidate as a light source for this purpose. The cantilever in MEMS VCSELs has a high mechanical resonance frequency thanks to its small size, but the switching time is limited by the ringing of the cantilever structure. In this paper, we analyzed the mechanical behavior of a cantilever MEMS mirror and demonstrated ringing-free operation with an engineered voltage signal. The applied voltage waveform was optimized in a two-step format and we experimentally obtained ringing free wavelength switching. We measured the transient response of the wavelength by inserting a tunable filter, exhibiting the settling time of less than 2.5 µs, which corresponds to a half period of the cantilever resonance frequency.

Interfacing Whispering-Gallery Microresonators and Free Space Light With Cavity Enhanced Rayleigh Scattering

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-17

in deformed silica microspheres via free-space evanescent excitation. Optics Express 15, 16471–16477 (2007). 20. Peng, B. et al. Parity - time symmetric ...devices utilizing the concepts of parity - time symmetry20. Despite their great promises for photonic technologies, coupling light into and from WGMRs is...setup used in the experiments is depicted in Fig. 1b. It consists of a tunable external cavity laser and a fiber lens as the free-space light source

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2014-02-01

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

Continuous wavelength tunable laser source with optimum positioning of pivot axis for grating

DOEpatents

Pushkarsky, Michael; Amone, David F.

2010-06-08

A laser source (10) for generating a continuously wavelength tunable light (12) includes a gain media (16), an optical output coupler (36F), a cavity collimator (38A), a diffraction grating (30), a grating beam (54), and a beam attacher (56). The diffraction grating (30) is spaced apart from the cavity collimator (38A) and the grating (30) cooperates with the optical output coupler (36F) to define an external cavity (32). The grating (30) includes a grating face surface (42A) that is in a grating plane (42B). The beam attacher (56) retains the grating beam (54) and allows the grating beam (54) and the grating (30) to effectively pivot about a pivot axis (33) that is located approximately at an intersection of a pivot plane (50) and the grating plane (42B). As provided herein, the diffraction grating (30) can be pivoted about the unique pivot axis (33) to move the diffraction grating (30) relative to the gain media (16) to continuously tune the lasing frequency of the external cavity (32) and the wavelength of the output light (12) so that the output light (12) is mode hop free.

The potential for early and rapid pathogen detection within poultry processing through hyperspectral microscopy

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The acquisition of hyperspectral microscopic images containing both spatial and spectral data has shown potential for the early and rapid optical classification of foodborne pathogens. A hyperspectral microscope with a metal halide light source and acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF) collects 89 ...

Discrete frequency infrared microspectroscopy and imaging with a tunable quantum cascade laser

PubMed Central

Kole, Matthew R.; Reddy, Rohith K.; Schulmerich, Matthew V.; Gelber, Matthew K.; Bhargava, Rohit

2012-01-01

Fourier-transform infrared imaging (FT-IR) is a well-established modality but requires the acquisition of a spectrum over a large bandwidth, even in cases where only a few spectral features may be of interest. Discrete frequency infrared (DF-IR) methods are now emerging in which a small number of measurements may provide all the analytical information needed. The DF-IR approach is enabled by the development of new sources integrating frequency selection, in particular of tunable, narrow-bandwidth sources with enough power at each wavelength to successfully make absorption measurements. Here, we describe a DF-IR imaging microscope that uses an external cavity quantum cascade laser (QCL) as a source. We present two configurations, one with an uncooled bolometer as a detector and another with a liquid nitrogen cooled Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) detector and compare their performance to a commercial FT-IR imaging instrument. We examine the consequences of the coherent properties of the beam with respect to imaging and compare these observations to simulations. Additionally, we demonstrate that the use of a tunable laser source represents a distinct advantage over broadband sources when using a small aperture (narrower than the wavelength of light) to perform high-quality point mapping. The two advances highlight the potential application areas for these emerging sources in IR microscopy and imaging. PMID:23113653

Compact tunable Compton x-ray source from laser-plasma accelerator and plasma mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Hai-En; Wang, Xiaoming; Shaw, Joseph M.; Li, Zhengyan; Arefiev, Alexey V.; Zhang, Xi; Zgadzaj, Rafal; Henderson, Watson; Khudik, V.; Shvets, G.; Downer, M. C.

2015-02-01

We present an in-depth experimental-computational study of the parameters necessary to optimize a tunable, quasi-monoenergetic, efficient, low-background Compton backscattering (CBS) x-ray source that is based on the self-aligned combination of a laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) and a plasma mirror (PM). The main findings are (1) an LPA driven in the blowout regime by 30 TW, 30 fs laser pulses produce not only a high-quality, tunable, quasi-monoenergetic electron beam, but also a high-quality, relativistically intense (a0 ˜ 1) spent drive pulse that remains stable in profile and intensity over the LPA tuning range. (2) A thin plastic film near the gas jet exit retro-reflects the spent drive pulse efficiently into oncoming electrons to produce CBS x-rays without detectable bremsstrahlung background. Meanwhile, anomalous far-field divergence of the retro-reflected light demonstrates relativistic "denting" of the PM. Exploiting these optimized LPA and PM conditions, we demonstrate quasi-monoenergetic (50% FWHM energy spread), tunable (75-200 KeV) CBS x-rays, characteristics previously achieved only on more powerful laser systems by CBS of a split-off, counter-propagating pulse. Moreover, laser-to-x-ray photon conversion efficiency (˜6 × 10-12) exceeds that of any previous LPA-based quasi-monoenergetic Compton source. Particle-in-cell simulations agree well with the measurements.

Impact damage monitoring in CFRP using fiber Bragg grating ultrasound sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuda, Hiroshi; Lee, Jung-Ryul; Eguchi, Shunji

2006-03-01

Impact damage in CFRP was monitored by ultrasonic inspection method using small-diameter fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. The FBG ultrasound detection system consisted of broadband light source, FBG sensor and tunable optical filter. Broadband light was launched into the FBG sensor. Light reflected from the FBG sensor was transmitted through the tunable optical filter whose transmissive wavelength range is comparable to the reflected wavelength range of the FBG sensor. The operating wavelength of tunable filter was set to optimize the sensitivity of ultrasound detection. Ultrasound vibration was converted into change in intensity of light transmitted through the filter. A cross-ply carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) plate was used as a test specimen for impact damage monitoring. A 6.3 X 9mm2 impact damage was introduced by ball dropping. Both FBG ultrasound sensor and piezoelectric ultrasound transmitter were attached on the CFRP surface. The change in responses to ultrasound excited by either spike signal or toneburst signal before and after impact damage was investigated. In response to ultrasound excited by spike signal, the response after impact damage showed a scattered behavior where the period of response signal got longer. In response to ultrasound excited by toneburst signal, damage signal features scattered and distorted waveform. Experimental results proved that the FBG inspection system could monitor a 6.3 X 9mm2 impact damage in CFRP.

GATEWAY Report Brief: Evaluating Tunable LED Lighting in the Swedish Medical Behavioral Health Unit

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

None, None

Summary of a GATEWAY report evaluation of a tunable LED lighting system installed in the new Swedish Medical Behavioral Health Unit in Seattle that incorporates color-tunable luminaires in common areas, and uses advanced controls for dimming and color tuning, with the goal of providing a better environment for staff and patients. The report reviews the design of the tunable lighting system, summarizes two sets of measurements, and discusses the circadian, energy, and commissioning implications as well as lessons learned from the project.

On-chip tunable optofluidic dye laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Zengyan; Shen, Zhenhua; Liu, Haigang; Yue, Huan; Zou, Yun; Chen, Xianfeng

2016-11-01

We demonstrate a chip-scale tunable optofluidic dye laser with Au-coated fibers as microcavity. The chip is fabricated by soft lithography. When the active region is pumped, a relatively low threshold of 6.7 μJ/mm2 is realized with multimode emission due to good confinement of the cavity mirrors, long active region, as well as total reflectivity. It is easy to tune the lasing emission wavelength by changing the solvent of laser dye. In addition, the various intensity ratios of multicolor lasing can be achieved by controlling flow rates of two fluid streams carried with different dye molecules. Furthermore, the convenience in fabrication and directional lasing emission outcoupled by the fiber make the tunable optofluidic dye laser a promising underlying coherent light source in the integrated optofluidic systems.

A low-threshold, high-efficiency microfluidic waveguide laser.

PubMed

Vezenov, Dmitri V; Mayers, Brian T; Conroy, Richard S; Whitesides, George M; Snee, Preston T; Chan, Yinthai; Nocera, Daniel G; Bawendi, Moungi G

2005-06-29

This communication describes a long (1 cm), laser-pumped, liquid core-liquid cladding (L2) waveguide laser. This device provides a simple, high intensity, tunable light source for microfludic applications. Using a core solution of 2 mM rhodamine 640 perchlorate, optically pumped by a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser, we found that the threshold for lasing was as low as 22 muJ (16-ns pulse length) and had a slope efficiency up to 20%. The output wavelength was tunable over a 20-nm range by changing the ratio of solvent components (dimethyl sulfoxide and methanol) in the liquid core.

A rapid excitation-emission matrix fluorometer utilizing supercontinuum white light and acousto-optic tunable filters

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

Wang, Wenbo; Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, 835 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E8; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, KAIS 5500, 2332 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4

Scanning speed and coupling efficiency of excitation light to optic fibres are two major technical challenges that limit the potential of fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectrometer for on-line applications and in vivo studies. In this paper, a novel EEM system, utilizing a supercontinuum white light source and acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTFs), was introduced and evaluated. The supercontinuum white light, generated by pumping a nonlinear photonic crystal fiber with an 800 nm femtosecond laser, was efficiently coupled into a bifurcated optic fiber bundle. High speed EEM spectral scanning was achieved using AOTFs both for selecting excitation wavelength and scanning emission spectra.more » Using calibration lamps (neon and mercury argon), wavelength deviations were determined to vary from 0.18 nm to −0.70 nm within the spectral range of 500–850 nm. Spectral bandwidth for filtered excitation light broadened by twofold compared to that measured with monochromatic light between 650 nm and 750 nm. The EEM spectra for methanol solutions of laser dyes were successfully acquired with this rapid fluorometer using an integration time of 5 s.« less

Near-infrared light-controlled tunable grating based on graphene/elastomer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fei; Jia, Shuhai; Wang, Yonglin; Tang, Zhenhua

2018-02-01

A near-infrared (nIR) light actuated tunable transmission optical grating based on graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and PDMS is proposed. A simple fabrication protocol is studied that allows integration of the grating with the actuation mechanism; both components are made from soft elastomers, and this ensure the tunability and the light-driven operation of the grating. The resulting grating structure demonstrates continuous period tunability of 2.7% under an actuation power density of 220 mW cm-2 within a period of 3 s and also demonstrates a time-independent characteristic. The proposed infrared activated grating can be developed for wireless remote light splitting in bio/chemical sensing and optical telecommunications applications.

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscope/microscope based on a widely tunable laser source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dementjev, A.; Gulbinas, V.; Serbenta, A.; Kaucikas, M.; Niaura, G.

2010-03-01

We present a coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscope based on a robust and simple laser source. A picosecond laser operating in a cavity dumping regime at the 1 MHz repetition rate was used to pump a traveling wave optical parametric generator, which serves as a two-color excitation light source for the CARS microscope. We demonstrate the ability of the presented CARS microscope to measure CARS spectra and images by using several detection schemes.

Photothermally tunable silicon-microring-based optical add-drop filter through integrated light absorber.

PubMed

Chen, Xi; Shi, Yuechun; Lou, Fei; Chen, Yiting; Yan, Min; Wosinski, Lech; Qiu, Min

2014-10-20

An optically pumped thermo-optic (TO) silicon ring add-drop filter with fast thermal response is experimentally demonstrated. We propose that metal-insulator-metal (MIM) light absorber can be integrated into silicon TO devices, acting as a localized heat source which can be activated remotely by a pump beam. The MIM absorber design introduces less thermal capacity to the device, compared to conventional electrically-driven approaches. Experimentally, the absorber-integrated add-drop filter shows an optical response time of 13.7 μs following the 10%-90% rule (equivalent to a exponential time constant of 5 μs) and a wavelength shift over pump power of 60 pm/mW. The photothermally tunable add-drop filter may provide new perspectives for all-optical routing and switching in integrated Si photonic circuits.

RGB LED with smart control in the backlight and lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ku, Johnson C. S.; Lee, C. J.

2008-02-01

To improve the LED (Light Emitting Diode) efficacy is the major consideration when the backlight and lighting system are implemented. An important source of poor efficacy come from the chip process or heat dissipation. White LED used blue chip with phosphor is the current solution and inadequate for the tunable color temperature system. The use of RGB (Red, Green and Blue) LED with smart control is presented in this study. The resulting coupled optical and thermal shows the better performance when it is synthesized in conjunction with a degree of color mixing technology.

Single-mode light source fabrication based on colloidal quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jianfeng; Chen, Bing; Baig, Sarfaraz; Wang, Michael R.

2009-02-01

There are huge market demands for innovative, cheap and efficient light sources, including light emitting devices, such as LEDs and lasers. However, the light source development in the visible spectral range encounters significant difficulties these years. The available visible wavelength LEDs or lasers are few, large and expensive. The main challenge lies at the lack of efficient light media. Semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) have recently commanded considerable attention. As a result of quantum confinement effect, the emission color of these QDs covers the whole visible spectral range and can be modified dramatically by simply changing their size. Such spectral tunability, together with large photoluminescence quantum yield and photostability, make QDs attractive for potential applications in a variety of light emitting technologies. However, there are still several technical problems that hinder their application as light sources. One main issue is how to fabricate these QDs into a solid state device while still retaining their original optical emission properties. A vacuum assisted micro-fluidic fabrication of guided wave devices has demonstrated low waveguide propagation loss, lower crosstalk, and improved waveguide structures. We report herein the combination of the excellent emission properties of QDs and novel vacuum assisted micro-fluidic photonic structure fabrication technique to realize single-mode efficient light sources.

Direct Growth of III-Nitride Nanowire-Based Yellow Light-Emitting Diode on Amorphous Quartz Using Thin Ti Interlayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prabaswara, Aditya; Min, Jung-Wook; Zhao, Chao; Janjua, Bilal; Zhang, Daliang; Albadri, Abdulrahman M.; Alyamani, Ahmed Y.; Ng, Tien Khee; Ooi, Boon S.

2018-02-01

Consumer electronics have increasingly relied on ultra-thin glass screen due to its transparency, scalability, and cost. In particular, display technology relies on integrating light-emitting diodes with display panel as a source for backlighting. In this study, we undertook the challenge of integrating light emitters onto amorphous quartz by demonstrating the direct growth and fabrication of a III-nitride nanowire-based light-emitting diode. The proof-of-concept device exhibits a low turn-on voltage of 2.6 V, on an amorphous quartz substrate. We achieved 40% transparency across the visible wavelength while maintaining electrical conductivity by employing a TiN/Ti interlayer on quartz as a translucent conducting layer. The nanowire-on-quartz LED emits a broad linewidth spectrum of light centered at true yellow color ( 590 nm), an important wavelength bridging the green-gap in solid-state lighting technology, with significantly less strain and dislocations compared to conventional planar quantum well nitride structures. Our endeavor highlighted the feasibility of fabricating III-nitride optoelectronic device on a scalable amorphous substrate through facile growth and fabrication steps. For practical demonstration, we demonstrated tunable correlated color temperature white light, leveraging on the broadly tunable nanowire spectral characteristics across red-amber-yellow color regime.

Direct Growth of III-Nitride Nanowire-Based Yellow Light-Emitting Diode on Amorphous Quartz Using Thin Ti Interlayer.

PubMed

Prabaswara, Aditya; Min, Jung-Wook; Zhao, Chao; Janjua, Bilal; Zhang, Daliang; Albadri, Abdulrahman M; Alyamani, Ahmed Y; Ng, Tien Khee; Ooi, Boon S

2018-02-06

Consumer electronics have increasingly relied on ultra-thin glass screen due to its transparency, scalability, and cost. In particular, display technology relies on integrating light-emitting diodes with display panel as a source for backlighting. In this study, we undertook the challenge of integrating light emitters onto amorphous quartz by demonstrating the direct growth and fabrication of a III-nitride nanowire-based light-emitting diode. The proof-of-concept device exhibits a low turn-on voltage of 2.6 V, on an amorphous quartz substrate. We achieved ~ 40% transparency across the visible wavelength while maintaining electrical conductivity by employing a TiN/Ti interlayer on quartz as a translucent conducting layer. The nanowire-on-quartz LED emits a broad linewidth spectrum of light centered at true yellow color (~ 590 nm), an important wavelength bridging the green-gap in solid-state lighting technology, with significantly less strain and dislocations compared to conventional planar quantum well nitride structures. Our endeavor highlighted the feasibility of fabricating III-nitride optoelectronic device on a scalable amorphous substrate through facile growth and fabrication steps. For practical demonstration, we demonstrated tunable correlated color temperature white light, leveraging on the broadly tunable nanowire spectral characteristics across red-amber-yellow color regime.

Tunable Emission Wavelength Stacked InAs/GaAs Quantum Dots by Chemical Beam Epitaxy for Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Ilahi, Bouraoui; Zribi, Jihene; Guillotte, Maxime; Arès, Richard; Aimez, Vincent; Morris, Denis

2016-01-01

We report on Chemical Beam Epitaxy (CBE) growth of wavelength tunable InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QD) based superluminescent diode’s active layer suitable for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The In-flush technique has been employed to fabricate QD with controllable heights, from 5 nm down to 2 nm, allowing a tunable emission band over 160 nm. The emission wavelength blueshift has been ensured by reducing both dots’ height and composition. A structure containing four vertically stacked height-engineered QDs have been fabricated, showing a room temperature broad emission band centered at 1.1 µm. The buried QD layers remain insensitive to the In-flush process of the subsequent layers, testifying the reliability of the process for broadband light sources required for high axial resolution OCT imaging. PMID:28773633

Generation of narrowband, high-intensity, carrier-envelope phase-stable pulses tunable between 4 and 18  THz.

PubMed

Liu, B; Bromberger, H; Cartella, A; Gebert, T; Först, M; Cavalleri, A

2017-01-01

We report on the generation of high-energy (1.9 μJ) far-infrared pulses tunable between 4 and 18 THz frequency. Emphasis is placed on tunability and on minimizing the bandwidth of these pulses to less than 1 THz, as achieved by difference-frequency mixing of two linearly chirped near-infrared pulses in the organic nonlinear crystal DSTMS. As the two near-infrared pulses are derived from amplification of the same white light continuum, their carrier envelope phase fluctuations are mutually correlated, and hence the difference-frequency THz field exhibits absolute phase stability. This source opens up new possibilities for the control of condensed matter and chemical systems by selective excitation of low-energy modes in a frequency range that has, to date, been difficult to access.

OVERVIEW OF MONO-ENERGETIC GAMMA-RAY SOURCES & APPLICATIONS

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

Hartemann, F V; Albert, F; Anderson, G G

2010-05-18

Recent progress in accelerator physics and laser technology have enabled the development of a new class of tunable gamma-ray light sources based on Compton scattering between a high-brightness, relativistic electron beam and a high intensity laser pulse produced via chirped-pulse amplification (CPA). A precision, tunable Mono-Energetic Gamma-ray (MEGa-ray) source driven by a compact, high-gradient X-band linac is currently under development and construction at LLNL. High-brightness, relativistic electron bunches produced by an X-band linac designed in collaboration with SLAC NAL will interact with a Joule-class, 10 ps, diode-pumped CPA laser pulse to generate tunable {gamma}-rays in the 0.5-2.5 MeV photon energymore » range via Compton scattering. This MEGa-ray source will be used to excite nuclear resonance fluorescence in various isotopes. Applications include homeland security, stockpile science and surveillance, nuclear fuel assay, and waste imaging and assay. The source design, key parameters, and current status are presented, along with important applications, including nuclear resonance fluorescence. In conclusion, we have optimized the design of a high brightness Compton scattering gamma-ray source, specifically designed for NRF applications. Two different parameters sets have been considered: one where the number of photons scattered in a single shot reaches approximately 7.5 x 10{sup 8}, with a focal spot size around 8 {micro}m; in the second set, the spectral brightness is optimized by using a 20 {micro}m spot size, with 0.2% relative bandwidth.« less

Compact tunable Compton x-ray source from laser-plasma accelerator and plasma mirror

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

Tsai, Hai-En; Wang, Xiaoming; Shaw, Joseph M.

2015-02-15

We present an in-depth experimental-computational study of the parameters necessary to optimize a tunable, quasi-monoenergetic, efficient, low-background Compton backscattering (CBS) x-ray source that is based on the self-aligned combination of a laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) and a plasma mirror (PM). The main findings are (1) an LPA driven in the blowout regime by 30 TW, 30 fs laser pulses produce not only a high-quality, tunable, quasi-monoenergetic electron beam, but also a high-quality, relativistically intense (a{sub 0} ∼ 1) spent drive pulse that remains stable in profile and intensity over the LPA tuning range. (2) A thin plastic film near the gas jetmore » exit retro-reflects the spent drive pulse efficiently into oncoming electrons to produce CBS x-rays without detectable bremsstrahlung background. Meanwhile, anomalous far-field divergence of the retro-reflected light demonstrates relativistic “denting” of the PM. Exploiting these optimized LPA and PM conditions, we demonstrate quasi-monoenergetic (50% FWHM energy spread), tunable (75–200 KeV) CBS x-rays, characteristics previously achieved only on more powerful laser systems by CBS of a split-off, counter-propagating pulse. Moreover, laser-to-x-ray photon conversion efficiency (∼6 × 10{sup −12}) exceeds that of any previous LPA-based quasi-monoenergetic Compton source. Particle-in-cell simulations agree well with the measurements.« less

Versatile spin-polarized electron source

DOEpatents

Jozwiak, Chris; Park, Cheol -Hwan; Gotlieb, Kenneth; Louie, Steven G.; Hussain, Zahid; Lanzara, Alessandra

2015-09-22

One or more embodiments relate generally to the field of photoelectron spin and, more specifically, to a method and system for creating a controllable spin-polarized electron source. One preferred embodiment of the invention generally comprises: method for creating a controllable spin-polarized electron source comprising the following steps: providing one or more materials, the one or more materials having at least one surface and a material layer adjacent to said surface, wherein said surface comprises highly spin-polarized surface electrons, wherein the direction and spin of the surface electrons are locked together; providing at least one incident light capable of stimulating photoemission of said surface electrons; wherein the photon polarization of said incident light is tunable; and inducing photoemission of the surface electron states.

Size-effect of oligomeric cholesteric liquid-crystal microlenses on the optical specifications.

PubMed

Bayon, Chloé; Agez, Gonzague; Mitov, Michel

2015-10-15

In cholesteric liquid-crystalline microlenses, we have studied the role of the microlens size on the focused light intensity and the focal length. We have found that the intensity is maximized by aiming a specific range for the diameter and the thickness of microlenses and that the focal length is adjusted by controlling the diameter and the annealing time of the optical film. Cholesteric microlenses may be used as wavelength-tunable directional light sources in organic soft-matter circuits.

Visible-light-promoted redox neutral C-H amidation of heteroarenes with hydroxylamine derivatives.

PubMed

Qin, Qixue; Yu, Shouyun

2014-07-03

A room temperature redox neutral direct C-H amidation of heteroarenes has been achieved. Hydroxylamine derivatives, which are easily accessed, have been employed as tunable nitrogen sources. These reactions were enabled by a visible-light-promoted single-electron transfer pathway without a directing group. A variety of heteroarenes, such as indoles, pyrroles, and furans, could go through this amidation with high yields (up to 98%). These reactions are highly regioselective, and all the products were isolated as a single regioisomer.

A tunable azine covalent organic framework platform for visible light-induced hydrogen generation

PubMed Central

Vyas, Vijay S.; Haase, Frederik; Stegbauer, Linus; Savasci, Gökcen; Podjaski, Filip; Ochsenfeld, Christian; Lotsch, Bettina V.

2015-01-01

Hydrogen evolution from photocatalytic reduction of water holds promise as a sustainable source of carbon-free energy. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) present an interesting new class of photoactive materials, which combine three key features relevant to the photocatalytic process, namely crystallinity, porosity and tunability. Here we synthesize a series of water- and photostable 2D azine-linked COFs from hydrazine and triphenylarene aldehydes with varying number of nitrogen atoms. The electronic and steric variations in the precursors are transferred to the resulting frameworks, thus leading to a progressively enhanced light-induced hydrogen evolution with increasing nitrogen content in the frameworks. Our results demonstrate that by the rational design of COFs on a molecular level, it is possible to precisely adjust their structural and optoelectronic properties, thus resulting in enhanced photocatalytic activities. This is expected to spur further interest in these photofunctional frameworks where rational supramolecular engineering may lead to new material applications. PMID:26419805

Studies on lasers and laser devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, S. E.; Siegman, A. E.; Young, J. F.

1983-01-01

The goal of this grant was to study lasers, laser devices, and uses of lasers for investigating physical phenomena are studied. The active projects included the development of a tunable, narrowband XUV light source and its application to the spectroscopy of core excited atomic states, and the development of a technique for picosecond time resolution spectroscopy of fast photophysical processes.

Electronically tunable femtosecond all-fiber optical parametric oscillator for multi-photon microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hellwig, Tim; Brinkmann, Maximilian; Fallnich, Carsten

2018-02-01

We present a femtosecond fiber-based optical parametric oscillator (FOPO) for multiphoton microscopy with wavelength tuning by electronic repetition rate tuning in combination with a dispersive filter in the FOPO cavity. The all-spliced, all-fiber FOPO cavity is based on polarization-maintaining fibers and a broadband output coupler, allowing to get access to the resonant signal pulses as well as the idler pulses simultaneously. The system was pumped by a gain-switched fiber-coupled laser diode emitting pulses at a central wavelength of 1030 nm and an electronically tunable repetition frequency of about 2 MHz. The pump pulses were amplified in an Ytterbium fiber amplifier system with a pulse duration after amplification of 13 ps. Tuning of the idler (1140 nm - 1300 nm) and signal wavelengths (850 nm - 940 nm) was achieved by changing the repetition frequency of the pump laser by about 4 kHz. The generated signal pulses reached a pulse energy of up to 9.2 nJ at 920 nm and were spectrally broadened to about 6 nm in the FOPO by a combination of self-phase and cross-phase modulation. We showed external compression of the idler pulses at 920 nm to about 430 fs and appleid them to two-photon excitation microscopy with green fluorescent dyes. The presented system constitutes an important step towards a fully fiber-integrated all-electronically tunable and, thereby, programmable light source and already embodies a versatile and flexible light source for applications, e.g., for smart microscopy.

The mechanism of color change in the neon tetra fish: a light-induced tunable photonic crystal array.

PubMed

Gur, Dvir; Palmer, Benjamin A; Leshem, Ben; Oron, Dan; Fratzl, Peter; Weiner, Steve; Addadi, Lia

2015-10-12

The fresh water fish neon tetra has the ability to change the structural color of its lateral stripe in response to a change in the light conditions, from blue-green in the light-adapted state to indigo in the dark-adapted state. The colors are produced by constructive interference of light reflected from stacks of intracellular guanine crystals, forming tunable photonic crystal arrays. We have used micro X-ray diffraction to track in time distinct diffraction spots corresponding to individual crystal arrays within a single cell during the color change. We demonstrate that reversible variations in crystal tilt within individual arrays are responsible for the light-induced color variations. These results settle a long-standing debate between the two proposed models, the "Venetian blinds" model and the "accordion" model. The insight gained from this biogenic light-induced photonic tunable system may provide inspiration for the design of artificial optical tunable systems. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Tunable Spin dependent beam shift by simultaneously tailoring geometric and dynamical phases of light in inhomogeneous anisotropic medium

PubMed Central

Pal, Mandira; Banerjee, Chitram; Chandel, Shubham; Bag, Ankan; Majumder, Shovan K.; Ghosh, Nirmalya

2016-01-01

Spin orbit interaction and the resulting Spin Hall effect of light are under recent intensive investigations because of their fundamental nature and potential applications. Here, we report an interesting manifestation of spin Hall effect of light and demonstrate its tunability in an inhomogeneous anisotropic medium exhibiting spatially varying retardance level. In our system, the beam shift occurs only for one circular polarization mode keeping the other orthogonal mode unaffected, which is shown to arise due to the combined spatial gradients of the geometric phase and the dynamical phase of light. The constituent two orthogonal circular polarization modes of an input linearly polarized light evolve in different trajectories, eventually manifesting as a large and tunable spin separation. The spin dependent beam shift and the demonstrated principle of simultaneously tailoring space-varying geometric and dynamical phase of light for achieving its tunability (of both magnitude and direction), may provide an attractive route towards development of spin-optical devices. PMID:28004825

Optically coupled methods for microwave impedance microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnston, Scott R.; Ma, Eric Yue; Shen, Zhi-Xun

2018-04-01

Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy (MIM) measurement of photoconductivity with 50 nm resolution is demonstrated using a modulated optical source. The use of a modulated source allows for the measurement of photoconductivity in a single scan without a reference region on the sample, as well as removing most topographical artifacts and enhancing signal to noise as compared with unmodulated measurement. A broadband light source with a tunable monochrometer is then used to measure energy resolved photoconductivity with the same methodology. Finally, a pulsed optical source is used to measure local photo-carrier lifetimes via MIM, using the same 50 nm resolution tip.

Color display and encryption with a plasmonic polarizing metamirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Maowen; Li, Xiong; Pu, Mingbo; Guo, Yinghui; Liu, Kaipeng; Yu, Honglin; Ma, Xiaoliang; Luo, Xiangang

2018-01-01

Structural colors emerge when a particular wavelength range is filtered out from a broadband light source. It is regarded as a valuable platform for color display and digital imaging due to the benefits of environmental friendliness, higher visibility, and durability. However, current devices capable of generating colors are all based on direct transmission or reflection. Material loss, thick configuration, and the lack of tunability hinder their transition to practical applications. In this paper, a novel mechanism that generates high-purity colors by photon spin restoration on ultrashallow plasmonic grating is proposed. We fabricated the sample by interference lithography and experimentally observed full color display, tunable color logo imaging, and chromatic sensing. The unique combination of high efficiency, high-purity colors, tunable chromatic display, ultrathin structure, and friendliness for fabrication makes this design an easy way to bridge the gap between theoretical investigations and daily-life applications.

Acoustic beam steering by light refraction: illustration with directivity patterns of a tilted volume photoacoustic source.

PubMed

Raetz, Samuel; Dehoux, Thomas; Perton, Mathieu; Audoin, Bertrand

2013-12-01

The symmetry of a thermoelastic source resulting from laser absorption can be broken when the direction of light propagation in an elastic half-space is inclined relatively to the surface. This leads to an asymmetry of the directivity patterns of both compressional and shear acoustic waves. In contrast to classical surface acoustic sources, the tunable volume source allows one to take advantage of the mode conversion at the surface to control the directivity of specific modes. Physical interpretations of the evolution of the directivity patterns with the increasing light angle of incidence and of the relations between the preferential directions of compressional- and shear-wave emission are proposed. In order to compare calculated directivity patterns with measurements of normal displacement amplitudes performed on plates, a procedure is proposed to transform the directivity patterns into pseudo-directivity patterns representative of the experimental conditions. The comparison of the theoretical with measured pseudo-directivity patterns demonstrates the ability to enhance bulk-wave amplitudes and to steer specific bulk acoustic modes by adequately tuning light refraction.

An optical system adopting liquid crystals with electrical tunability of wavelength and energy density for low level light therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chia-Ming; Wang, Yu-Jen; Chen, Hung-Shan; Lin, Yi-Hsin; Srivastava, Abhishek K.; Chigrinov, Vladimir G.

2015-09-01

We have developed a bistable negative lens by integrating a polarization switch of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) with a passively anisotropic focusing element. The proposed lens not only exhibits electrically tunable bistability but also fast response time of sub-milliseconds, which leads to good candidate of optical component in optical system for medical applications. In this paper, we demonstrate an optical system consisting of two FLC phase retarders and one LC lenses that exhibits both of electrically tunable wavelength and size of exposure area. The operating principles and the experimental results are discussed. The tunable spectrum, exposure area size and tunable irradiance are illustrated. Compared to conventional lenses with mechanical movements in the medical light therapy system, our electrically switchable optical system is more practical in the portable applications of light therapy (LLLT).

Electrowetting-driven solar indoor lighting (e-SIL): an optofluidic approach towards sustainable buildings.

PubMed

Thio, Si Kuan; Jiang, Dongyue; Park, Sung-Yong

2018-06-12

Optofluidics is an emerging research field that combines the two disciplines of microfluidics and optics. By using microfluidic technologies for light control, optofluidic devices can offer several advantages over solid-type optical components, including optical-grade smoothness at the fluidic interface and a high degree of optical tunability without bulky and complex mechanical moving parts. These features have made optofluidic devices more versatile and reconfigurable to improve their optical performances. In this paper, we present a novel optofluidic sunlight manipulation technology for solar indoor lighting using the electrowetting principle. Rooftop sunlight is collected by a solar concentrator and guided to individual rooms along an optical fiber (waveguide) on the bottom of which tunable liquid prisms are linearly integrated. In the light-off mode, electrowetting controls the apex angle of the prisms to be φ = 0°. Under this condition, incoming sunlight experiences total internal reflection and thus keeps propagating along the optical fiber without leaking to the prism bottom for indoor lighting. In contrast, when liquid prisms are controlled to have the angle at φ > 0°, incoming sunlight is partially transmitted to the bottom surface of the arrayed prisms to contribute to interior illumination. Simulation studies validate that our electrowetting-driven solar indoor lighting (e-SIL) system is capable of variably tuning the lighting power from 0% to 98.6% of the input solar power by controlling the prism angle and varying the refractive index of prism materials. For experimental studies, we fabricated an array of 5 prisms filled with silicone oil and water. Using a fiber illuminator as a white light source that includes visible light with various incident angles, we have demonstrated two important lighting functions, (1) light on/off and (2) illumination power control. Lighting performance can be further enhanced by lowering the aspect ratio of the prism as well as increasing the number of prisms. The e-SIL technology based on tunable liquid prisms offers a new approach towards sustainable buildings that are able to reduce their electricity usage as well as provide a healthy and comfortable indoor environment under illumination of natural sunlight.

A multi-channel tunable source for atomic sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bigelow, Matthew S.; Roberts, Tony D.; McNeil, Shirley A.; Hawthorne, Todd; Battle, Phil

2015-09-01

We have designed and completed initial testing on a laser source suitable for atomic interferometry from compact, robust, integrated components. Our design is enabled by capitalizing on robust, well-commercialized, low-noise telecom components with high reliability and declining costs which will help to drive the widespread deployment of this system. The key innovation is the combination of current telecom-based fiber laser and modulator technology with periodicallypoled waveguide technology to produce tunable laser light at rubidium D1 and D2 wavelengths (and expandable to other alkalis) using second harmonic generation (SHG). Unlike direct-diode sources, this source is immune to feedback at the Rb line eliminating the need for bulky high-power isolators in the system. In addition, the source has GHz-level frequency agility and in our experiments was found to only be limited by the agility of our RF generator. As a proof-of principle, the source was scanned through the Doppler-broadened Rb D2 absorption line. With this technology, multiple channels can be independently tuned to produce the fields needed for addressing atomic states in atom interferometers and clocks. Thus, this technology could be useful in the development cold-atom inertial sensors and gyroscopes.

From dark to bright: novel daylighting applications in solid state lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adler, Helmar G.

2011-10-01

The term "daylighting" is used in various ways, on one hand in a more architectural sense, i.e. using existing daylight to illuminate spaces, and on the other, more recently, for using light sources to replicate daylight. The emergence of solid state lighting (SSL) opens up a large number of new avenues for daylighting. SSL allows innovative controllability of intensity and color for artificial light sources that can be advantageously applied to daylighting. With the assistance of these new technologies the combination of natural and artificial lighting could lead to improvements in energy savings and comfort of living beings. Thus it is imperative to revisit or even improve daylighting research so that building networks of the future with their sensor, energy (e.g. HVAC) and lighting requirements can benefit from the emerging capabilities. This paper will briefly review existing daylighting concepts and technology and discuss new ideas. An example of a tunable multi-color SSL system will be shown.

Electrically switchable organo–inorganic hybrid for a white-light laser source

PubMed Central

Huang, Jui-Chieh; Hsiao, Yu-Cheng; Lin, Yu-Ting; Lee, Chia-Rong; Lee, Wei

2016-01-01

We demonstrate a spectrally discrete white-light laser device based on a photonic bandgap hybrid, which is composed of a soft photonic crystal; i.e., a layer of dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC), sandwiched between two imperfect but identical, inorganic multilayer photonic crystals. With a sole optical pump, a mono-, bi-, or tri-chromatic laser can be obtained and, through the soft photonic crystal regulated by an applied voltage, the hybrid possesses electrical tunability in laser wavelength. The three emitted spectral peaks originate from two bandedges of the CLC reflection band as well as one of the photonic defect modes in dual-mode lasing. Thanks to the optically bistable nature of CLC, such a white-light laser device can operate in quite an energy-saving fashion. This technique has potential to fulfill the present mainstream in the coherent white-light source. PMID:27324219

Photochemical methods to assay DNA photocleavage using supercoiled pUC18 DNA and LED or xenon arc lamp excitation.

PubMed

Prussin, Aaron J; Zigler, David F; Jain, Avijita; Brown, Jared R; Winkel, Brenda S J; Brewer, Karen J

2008-04-01

Methods for the study of DNA photocleavage are illustrated using a mixed-metal supramolecular complex [{(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)}(2)RhCl(2)]Cl(5). The methods use supercoiled pUC18 plasmid as a DNA probe and either filtered light from a xenon arc lamp source or monochromatic light from a newly designed, high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) array. Detailed methods for performing the photochemical experiments and analysis of the DNA photoproduct are delineated. Detailed methods are also given for building an LED array to be used for DNA photolysis experiments. The Xe arc source has a broad spectral range and high light flux. The LEDs have a high-intensity, nearly monochromatic output. Arrays of LEDs have the advantage of allowing tunable, accurate output to multiple samples for high-throughput photochemistry experiments at relatively low cost.

THz-wave parametric sources and imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawase, Kodo

2004-12-01

We have studied the generation of terahertz (THz) waves by optical parametric processes based on laser light scattering from the polariton mode of nonlinear crystals. Using parametric oscillation of MgO-doped LiNbO3 crystal pumped by a nano-second Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, we have realized a widely tunable coherent THz-wave sources with a simple configuration. We have also developed a novel basic technology for THz imaging, which allows detection and identification of chemicals by introducing the component spatial pattern analysis. The spatial distributions of the chemicals were obtained from terahertz multispectral trasillumination images, using absorption spectra previously measured with a widely tunable THz-wave parametric oscillator. Further we have applied this technique to the detection and identification of illicit drugs concealed in envelopes. The samples we used were methamphetamine and MDMA, two of the most widely consumed illegal drugs in Japan, and aspirin as a reference.

A spectrally tunable LED sphere source enables accurate calibration of tristimulus colorimeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fryc, I.; Brown, S. W.; Ohno, Y.

2006-02-01

The Four-Color Matrix method (FCM) was developed to improve the accuracy of chromaticity measurements of various display colors. The method is valid for each type of display having similar spectra. To develop the Four-Color correction matrix, spectral measurements of primary red, green, blue, and white colors of a display are needed. Consequently, a calibration facility should be equipped with a number of different displays. This is very inconvenient and expensive. A spectrally tunable light source (STS) that can mimic different display spectral distributions would eliminate the need for maintaining a wide variety of displays and would enable a colorimeter to be calibrated for a number of different displays using the same setup. Simulations show that an STS that can create red, green, blue and white distributions that are close to the real spectral power distribution (SPD) of a display works well with the FCM for the calibration of colorimeters.

Exotic X-ray Sources from Intermediate Energy Electron Beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chouffani, K.; Wells, D.; Harmon, F.; Jones, J. L.; Lancaster, G.

2003-08-01

High intensity x-ray beams are used in a wide variety of applications in solid-state physics, medicine, biology and material sciences. Synchrotron radiation (SR) is currently the primary, high-quality x-ray source that satisfies both brilliance and tunability. The high cost, large size and low x-ray energies of SR facilities, however, are serious limitations. Alternatively, "novel" x-ray sources are now possible due to new small linear accelerator (LINAC) technology, such as improved beam emittance, low background, sub-Picosecond beam pulses, high beam stability and higher repetition rate. These sources all stem from processes that produce Radiation from relativistic Electron beams in (crystalline) Periodic Structures (REPS), or the periodic "structure" of laser light. REPS x-ray sources are serious candidates for bright, compact, portable, monochromatic, and tunable x-ray sources with varying degrees of polarization and coherence. Despite the discovery and early research into these sources over the past 25 years, these sources are still in their infancy. Experimental and theoretical research are still urgently needed to answer fundamental questions about the practical and ultimate limits of their brightness, mono-chromaticity etc. We present experimental results and theoretical comparisons for three exotic REPS sources. These are Laser-Compton Scattering (LCS), Channeling Radiation (CR) and Parametric X-Radiation (PXR).

Broadly tunable terahertz difference-frequency generation in quantum cascade lasers on silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Seungyong; Kim, Jae Hyun; Jiang, Yifan; Vijayraghavan, Karun; Belkin, Mikhail A.

2018-01-01

We report broadly tunable terahertz (THz) sources based on intracavity Cherenkov difference-frequency generation in quantum cascade lasers transfer-printed on high-resistivity silicon substrates. Spectral tuning from 1.3 to 4.3 THz was obtained from a 2-mm long laser chip using a modified Littrow external cavity setup. The THz power output and the midinfrared-to-THz conversion efficiency of the devices transferred on silicon are dramatically enhanced, compared with the devices on a native semi-insulating InP substrate. Enhancement is particularly significant at higher THz frequencies, where the tail of the Reststrahlen band results in a strong absorption of THz light in the InP substrate.

Direct writing of tunable multi-wavelength polymer lasers on a flexible substrate.

PubMed

Zhai, Tianrui; Wang, Yonglu; Chen, Li; Zhang, Xinping

2015-08-07

Tunable multi-wavelength polymer lasers based on two-dimensional distributed feedback structures are fabricated on a transparent flexible substrate using interference ablation. A scalene triangular lattice structure was designed to support stable tri-wavelength lasing emission and was achieved through multiple exposure processes. Three wavelengths were controlled by three periods of the compound cavity. Mode competition among different cavity modes was observed by changing the pump fluence. Both a redshift and blueshift of the laser wavelength could be achieved by bending the soft substrate. These results not only provide insight into the physical mechanisms behind co-cavity polymer lasers but also introduce new laser sources and laser designs for white light lasers.

GATEWAY Report Brief: Tunable-White Lighting at the ACC Care Center

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

None, None

Summary of a GATEWAY program report that documented the performance of tunable-white LED lighting systems installed in several spaces within the ACC Care Center, a senior-care facility in Sacramento, CA. The project results included energy savings and improved lighting quality, as well as other possible health-related benefits that may have been attributable, at least in part, to the lighting changes.

Atomic Resonance Radiation Energetics Investigation as a Diagnostic Method for Non-Equilibrium Hypervelocity Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Scott A.; Bershader, Daniel; Sharma, Surendra P.; Deiwert, George S.

1996-01-01

Absorption measurements with a tunable vacuum ultraviolet light source have been proposed as a concentration diagnostic for atomic oxygen, and the viability of this technique is assessed in light of recent measurements. The instrumentation, as well as initial calibration measurements, have been reported previously. We report here additional calibration measurements performed to study the resonance broadening line shape for atomic oxygen. The application of this diagnostic is evaluated by considering the range of suitable test conditions and requirements, and by identifying issues that remain to be addressed.

Flight-Ready TDLAS Combustion Sensor for the HIFiRE 2 Hypersonic Research Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

Noise Sources 20 5.7 Total System Performance 21 6.0 ZOLO ARCHITECTURE 22 7.0 DESIGN DETAILS 23 7.1 Laser and Drive Electronics 23 7.2 Fiber Couplers...targets 8 2 Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy experiment 9 3 Light absorption by water vapor near 1393 nm 10 4a light transmission vs time 10...20 13 multimode fiber modal noise 21 14 TDLAS sensor architecture 22 15 sensor exploded view 23 16 sensor outline and mounting 23 17 laser power and

Tunable Light-Guide Image Processing Snapshot Spectrometer (TuLIPSS) for Earth and Moon Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tkaczyk, T. S.; Alexander, D.; Luvall, J. C.; Wang, Y.; Dwight, J. G.; Pawlowsk, M. E.; Howell, B.; Tatum, P. F.; Stoian, R.-I.; Cheng, S.; Daou, A.

2018-02-01

A tunable light-guide image processing snapshot spectrometer (TuLIPSS) for Earth science research and observation is being developed through a NASA instrument incubator project with Rice University and Marshall Space Flight Center.

A new broadly tunable (7.4-10.2 eV) laser based VUV light source and its first application to aerosol mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanna, S. J.; Campuzano-Jost, P.; Simpson, E. A.; Robb, D. B.; Burak, I.; Blades, M. W.; Hepburn, J. W.; Bertram, A. K.

2009-01-01

A laser based vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light source using resonance enhanced four wave difference mixing in xenon gas was developed for near threshold ionization of organics in atmospheric aerosol particles. The source delivers high intensity pulses of VUV light (in the range of 1010 to 1013 photons/pulse depending on wavelength, 5 ns FWHM) with a continuously tunable wavelength from 122 nm (10.2 eV) to 168 nm (7.4 eV)E The setup allows for tight (<1 mm2) and precise focusing ([mu]rad pointing angle adjustability), attributes required for single particle detection. The generated VUV is separated from the pump wavelengths by a custom monochromator which ensures high spectral purity and minimizes absorptive losses. The performance of the source was characterized using organic molecules in the gas phase and optimal working conditions are reported. In the gas phase measurements, photoionization efficiency (PIE) curves were collected for seven different organic species with ionization energies spanning the full wavelength range of the VUV source. The measured appearance energies are very close to the literature values of the ionization energies for all seven species. The effectiveness of the source for single particle studies was demonstrated by analysis of individual caffeine aerosols vaporized by a pulsed CO2 laser in an ion trap mass spectrometer. Mass spectra from single particles down to 300 nm in diameter were collected. Excellent signal to noise characteristics for these small particles give a caffeine detection limit of 8 × 105 molecules which is equivalent to a single 75 nm aerosol, or approximately 1.5% of a 300 nm particleE The appearance energy of caffeine originating from the aerosol was also measured and found to be 7.91 ± 0.05 eV, in good agreement with literature values.

Solar energy conversion with tunable plasmonic nanostructures for thermoelectric devices.

PubMed

Xiong, Yujie; Long, Ran; Liu, Dong; Zhong, Xiaolan; Wang, Chengming; Li, Zhi-Yuan; Xie, Yi

2012-08-07

The photothermal effect in localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) should be fully utilized when integrating plasmonics into solar technologies for improved light absorption. In this communication, we demonstrate that the photothermal effect of silver nanostructures can provide a heat source for thermoelectric devices for the first time. The plasmonic band of silver nanostructures can be facilely manoeuvred by tailoring their shapes, enabling them to interact with photons in different spectral ranges for the efficient utilization of solar light. It is anticipated that this concept can be extended to design a photovoltaic-thermoelectric tandem cell structure with plasmonics as mediation for light harvesting.

Multi-wavelength mid-IR light source for gas sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karioja, Pentti; Alajoki, Teemu; Cherchi, Matteo; Ollila, Jyrki; Harjanne, Mikko; Heinilehto, Noora; Suomalainen, Soile; Viheriälä, Jukka; Zia, Nouman; Guina, Mircea; Buczyński, Ryszard; Kasztelanic, Rafał; Kujawa, Ireneusz; Salo, Tomi; Virtanen, Sami; Kluczyński, Paweł; Sagberg, Hâkon; Ratajczyk, Marcin; Kalinowski, Przemyslaw

2017-02-01

Cost effective multi-wavelength light sources are key enablers for wide-scale penetration of gas sensors at Mid-IR wavelength range. Utilizing novel Mid-IR Si-based photonic integrated circuits (PICs) filter and wide-band Mid-IR Super Luminescent Light Emitting Diodes (SLEDs), we show the concept of a light source that covers 2.5…3.5 μm wavelength range with a resolution of <1nm. The spectral bands are switchable and tunable and they can be modulated. The source allows for the fabrication of an affordable multi-band gas sensor with good selectivity and sensitivity. The unit price can be lowered in high volumes by utilizing tailored molded IR lens technology and automated packaging and assembling technologies. The status of the development of the key components of the light source are reported. The PIC is based on the use of micron-scale SOI technology, SLED is based on AlGaInAsSb materials and the lenses are tailored heavy metal oxide glasses fabricated by the use of hot-embossing. The packaging concept utilizing automated assembly tools is depicted. In safety and security applications, the Mid-IR wavelength range covered by the novel light source allows for detecting several harmful gas components with a single sensor. At the moment, affordable sources are not available. The market impact is expected to be disruptive, since the devices currently in the market are either complicated, expensive and heavy instruments, or the applied measurement principles are inadequate in terms of stability and selectivity.

Optical and infrared masers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Ongoing research progress in the following areas is described: (1) tunable infrared light sources and applications; (2) precision frequency and wavelength measurements in the infrared with applications to atomic clocks; (3) zero-degree pulse propagation in resonant medium; (4) observation of Dicke superradiance in optically pumped HF gas; (5) unidirectional laser amplifier with built-in isolator; and (6) progress in infrared metal-to-metal point contact tunneling diodes.

A six-color four-laser mobile platform for multi-spectral fluorescence imaging endoscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Black, John F.; Tate, Tyler; Keenan, Molly; Swan, Elizabeth; Utzinger, Urs; Barton, Jennifer

2015-03-01

The properties of multi-spectral fluorescence imaging using deep-UV-illumination have recently been explored using a fiber-coupled thermal source at 280 nm. The resulting images show a remarkable level of contrast thought to result from the signal being overwhelmingly generated in the uppermost few cell layers of tissue, making this approach valuable for the study of diseases that originate in the endothelial tissues of the body. With a view to extending the technique with new wavelengths, and improving beam quality for efficient small core fiber coupling we have developed a mobile self-contained tunable solid-state laser source of deep UV light. An alexandrite laser, lasing at around 750 nm is frequency doubled to produce 375 nm and then tripled to produce 250 nm light. An optical deck added to the system allows other laser sources to be incorporated into the UV beam-line and a lens system has been designed to couple these sources into a single delivery fiber with core diameters down to 50 microns. Our system incorporates five wavelengths [250 nm, 375 nm, 442 nm (HeCd), 543 nm (HeNe) and 638 nm (diode laser)] as the illumination source for a small diameter falloposcope designed for the study of the distal Fallopian tube origins of high grade serous ovarian cancer. The tunability of alexandrite offers the potential to generate other wavelengths in the 720-800, 360-400 and 240-265 nm ranges, plus other non-linear optical conversion techniques taking advantage of the high peak powers of the laser.

Collective Beam Instabilities in the Taiwan Light Source

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

Chao, Alex W.

2002-08-12

The storage ring at Taiwan Light Source has experienced a strong collective instability since 1994. Various cures have been attempted to suppress this instability, including the use of damping antenna, tunable rf plungers, different filling patterns, and rf gap voltage modulation. So far these cures have improved the beam intensity, but the operation remains to be limited by the instability. The dominant phenomenon is the longitudinal coupled bunch instability. The major source of longitudinal impedance is from rf cavities of Doris type. The high-order modes of the cavity were numerically analyzed using a 3-D code GdfidL. The correlation of themore » observed phenomenon in user operation with high-order modes of rf cavities will be presented. Results of various attempts to suppress beam instabilities will be summarized. Proposed cures for beam instabilities will be discussed.« less

Strain tunable light emitting diodes with germanium P-I-N heterojunctions

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

Lagally, Max G; Sanchez Perez, Jose Roberto

Tunable p-i-n diodes comprising Ge heterojunction structures are provided. Also provided are methods for making and using the tunable p-i-n diodes. Tunability is provided by adjusting the tensile strain in the p-i-n heterojunction structure, which enables the diodes to emit radiation over a range of wavelengths.

Accelerated Stress Testing of Multi-Source LED Products: Horticulture Lamps and Tunable-White Modules

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

Davis, Lynn; Rountree, Kelley; Mills, Karmann

This report discusses the use of accelerated stress testing (AST) to provide insights into the long-term behavior of commercial products utilizing different types of mid-power LEDs (MP-LEDs) integrated into the same LED module. Test results are presented from two commercial lamps intended for use in horticulture applications and one tunable-white LED module intended for use in educational and office lighting applications. Each of these products is designed to provide a custom spectrum for their targeted applications and each achieves this goal in different ways. Consequently, a comparison of the long-term stability of these devices will provide insights regarding approaches thatmore » could be used to possibly lengthen the lifetime of SSL products.« less

Tunable Liquid Gradient Refractive Index (L-GRIN) lens with two degrees of freedom.

PubMed

Mao, Xiaole; Lin, Sz-Chin Steven; Lapsley, Michael Ian; Shi, Jinjie; Juluri, Bala Krishna; Huang, Tony Jun

2009-07-21

We report a tunable optofluidic microlens configuration named the Liquid Gradient Refractive Index (L-GRIN) lens for focusing light within a microfluidic device. The focusing of light was achieved through the gradient refractive index (GRIN) within the liquid medium, rather than via curved refractive lens surfaces. The diffusion of solute (CaCl(2)) between side-by-side co-injected microfluidic laminar flows was utilized to establish a hyperbolic secant (HS) refractive index profile to focus light. Tailoring the refractive index profile by adjusting the flow conditions enables not only tuning of the focal distance (translation mode), but also shifting of the output light direction (swing mode), a second degree of freedom that to our knowledge has yet to be accomplished for in-plane tunable microlenses. Advantages of the L-GRIN lens also include a low fluid consumption rate, competitive focusing performance, and high compatibility with existing microfluidic devices. This work provides a new strategy for developing integrative tunable microlenses for a variety of lab-on-a-chip applications.

Composite Supraparticles with Tunable Light Emission

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Robust luminophores emitting light with broadly tunable colors are desirable in many applications such as light-emitting diode (LED)-based lighting, displays, integrated optoelectronics and biology. Nanocrystalline quantum dots with multicolor emission, from core- and shell-localized excitons, as well as solid layers of mixed quantum dots that emit different colors have been proposed. Here, we report on colloidal supraparticles that are composed of three types of Cd(Se,ZnS) core/(Cd,Zn)S shell nanocrystals with emission in the red, green, and blue. The emission of the supraparticles can be varied from pure to composite colors over the entire visible region and fine-tuned into variable shades of white light by mixing the nanocrystals in controlled proportions. Our approach results in supraparticles with sizes spanning the colloidal domain and beyond that combine versatility and processability with a broad, stable, and tunable emission, promising applications in lighting devices and biological research. PMID:28787121

[Application of mid-infrared wavelength tunable laser in glucose determination].

PubMed

Yu, Song-Lin; Li, Da-Chao; Zhong, Hao; Sun, Chang-Yue; Xu, Ke-Xin

2013-04-01

The authors proposed a method of control and stabilization for laser emission wavelengths and power, and presented the mid-infrared wavelength tunable laser with broad emission spectrum band of 9.19-9.77 microm, half wave width of 4 cm(-1), spectral resolution of 2.7 x 10(4) and max power of 800 mW with fluctuation < 0.8% in the present paper. The tunable laser was employed as the light source in combination with ATR sensor for glucose measurement in PBS solution. In our experiments, absorbance at the five laser emission wavelengths, including 1 081, 1 076, 1 051, 1 041 and 1 037 cm(-1) in the 9R and 9P band of the laser emission spectrum, all correlates well with the glucose concentration (R2 > 0.99, SD < 0.0004, P < 0.000 1). Especially, the sensitivity of this laser spectroscopy system is about 4 times as high as that of traditional FTIR spectrometer.

CALiPER Report 23: Photometric Testing of White Tunable LED Luminaires

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

None, None

2016-01-01

This report documents an initial investigation of photometric testing procedures for white-tunable LED luminaires and summarizes the key features of those products. Goals of the study include understanding the amount of testing required to characterize a white-tunable product, and documenting the performance of available color-tunable luminaires that are intended for architectural lighting.

Stray light correction on array spectroradiometers for optical radiation risk assessment in the workplace.

PubMed

Barlier-Salsi, A

2014-12-01

The European directive 2006/25/EC requires the employer to assess and, if necessary, measure the levels of exposure to optical radiation in the workplace. Array spectroradiometers can measure optical radiation from various types of sources; however poor stray light rejection affects their accuracy. A stray light correction matrix, using a tunable laser, was developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). As tunable lasers are very expensive, the purpose of this study was to implement this method using only nine low power lasers; other elements of the correction matrix being completed by interpolation and extrapolation. The correction efficiency was evaluated by comparing CCD spectroradiometers with and without correction and a scanning double monochromator device as reference. Similar to findings recorded by NIST, these experiments show that it is possible to reduce the spectral stray light by one or two orders of magnitude. In terms of workplace risk assessment, this spectral stray light correction method helps determine exposure levels, with an acceptable degree of uncertainty, for the majority of workplace situations. The level of uncertainty depends upon the model of spectroradiometers used; the best results are obtained with CCD detectors having an enhanced spectral sensitivity in the UV range. Thus corrected spectroradiometers require a validation against a scanning double monochromator spectroradiometer before using them for risk assessment in the workplace.

Lasing in robust cesium lead halide perovskite nanowires

PubMed Central

Eaton, Samuel W.; Lai, Minliang; Gibson, Natalie A.; Wong, Andrew B.; Dou, Letian; Ma, Jie; Wang, Lin-Wang; Leone, Stephen R.; Yang, Peidong

2016-01-01

The rapidly growing field of nanoscale lasers can be advanced through the discovery of new, tunable light sources. The emission wavelength tunability demonstrated in perovskite materials is an attractive property for nanoscale lasers. Whereas organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite materials are known for their instability, cesium lead halides offer a robust alternative without sacrificing emission tunability or ease of synthesis. Here, we report the low-temperature, solution-phase growth of cesium lead halide nanowires exhibiting low-threshold lasing and high stability. The as-grown nanowires are single crystalline with well-formed facets, and act as high-quality laser cavities. The nanowires display excellent stability while stored and handled under ambient conditions over the course of weeks. Upon optical excitation, Fabry–Pérot lasing occurs in CsPbBr3 nanowires with an onset of 5 μJ cm−2 with the nanowire cavity displaying a maximum quality factor of 1,009 ± 5. Lasing under constant, pulsed excitation can be maintained for over 1 h, the equivalent of 109 excitation cycles, and lasing persists upon exposure to ambient atmosphere. Wavelength tunability in the green and blue regions of the spectrum in conjunction with excellent stability makes these nanowire lasers attractive for device fabrication. PMID:26862172

CITIUS: An infrared-extreme ultraviolet light source for fundamental and applied ultrafast science

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

Grazioli, C.; Gauthier, D.; Ivanov, R.

2014-02-15

We present the main features of CITIUS, a new light source for ultrafast science, generating tunable, intense, femtosecond pulses in the spectral range from infrared to extreme ultraviolet (XUV). The XUV pulses (about 10{sup 5}-10{sup 8} photons/pulse in the range 14-80 eV) are produced by laser-induced high-order harmonic generation in gas. This radiation is monochromatized by a time-preserving monochromator, also allowing one to work with high-resolution bandwidth selection. The tunable IR-UV pulses (10{sup 12}-10{sup 15} photons/pulse in the range 0.4-5.6 eV) are generated by an optical parametric amplifier, which is driven by a fraction of the same laser pulse thatmore » generates high order harmonics. The IR-UV and XUV pulses follow different optical paths and are eventually recombined on the sample for pump-probe experiments. We also present the results of two pump-probe experiments: with the first one, we fully characterized the temporal duration of harmonic pulses in the time-preserving configuration; with the second one, we demonstrated the possibility of using CITIUS for selective investigation of the ultra-fast dynamics of different elements in a magnetic compound.« less

Multiobjective generalized extremal optimization algorithm for simulation of daylight illuminants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Srividya Ravindra; Kurian, Ciji Pearl; Gomes-Borges, Marcos Eduardo

2017-10-01

Daylight illuminants are widely used as references for color quality testing and optical vision testing applications. Presently used daylight simulators make use of fluorescent bulbs that are not tunable and occupy more space inside the quality testing chambers. By designing a spectrally tunable LED light source with an optimal number of LEDs, cost, space, and energy can be saved. This paper describes an application of the generalized extremal optimization (GEO) algorithm for selection of the appropriate quantity and quality of LEDs that compose the light source. The multiobjective approach of this algorithm tries to get the best spectral simulation with minimum fitness error toward the target spectrum, correlated color temperature (CCT) the same as the target spectrum, high color rendering index (CRI), and luminous flux as required for testing applications. GEO is a global search algorithm based on phenomena of natural evolution and is especially designed to be used in complex optimization problems. Several simulations have been conducted to validate the performance of the algorithm. The methodology applied to model the LEDs, together with the theoretical basis for CCT and CRI calculation, is presented in this paper. A comparative result analysis of M-GEO evolutionary algorithm with the Levenberg-Marquardt conventional deterministic algorithm is also presented.

Absolute detector-based spectrally tunable radiant source using digital micromirror device and supercontinuum fiber laser.

PubMed

Li, Zhigang; Wang, Xiaoxu; Zheng, Yuquan; Li, Futian

2017-06-10

High-accuracy absolute detector-based spectroradiometric calibration techniques traceable to cryogenic absolute radiometers have made progress rapidly in recent decades under the impetus of atmospheric quantitative spectral remote sensing. A high brightness spectrally tunable radiant source using a supercontinuum fiber laser and a digital micromirror device (DMD) has been developed to meet demands of spectroradiometric calibrations for ground-based, aeronautics-based, and aerospace-based remote sensing instruments and spectral simulations of natural scenes such as the sun and atmosphere. Using a supercontinuum fiber laser as a radiant source, the spectral radiance of the spectrally tunable radiant source is 20 times higher than the spectrally tunable radiant source using conventional radiant sources such as tungsten halogen lamps, xenon lamps, or LED lamps, and the stability is better than ±0.3%/h. Using a DMD, the spectrally tunable radiant source possesses two working modes. In narrow-band modes, it is calibrated by an absolute detector, and in broad-band modes, it can calibrate for remote sensing instrument. The uncertainty of the spectral radiance of the spectrally tunable radiant source is estimated at less than 1.87% at 350 nm to 0.85% at 750 nm, and compared to only standard lamp-based calibration, a greater improvement is gained.

Tunable electromagnetically induced transparency in integrated silicon photonics circuit.

PubMed

Li, Ang; Bogaerts, Wim

2017-12-11

We comprehensively simulate and experimentally demonstrate a novel approach to generate tunable electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in a fully integrated silicon photonics circuit. It can also generate tunable fast and slow light. The circuit is a single ring resonator with two integrated tunable reflectors inside, which form an embedded Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity inside the ring cavity. The mode of the FP cavity can be controlled by tuning the reflections using integrated thermo-optic tuners. Under correct tuning conditions, the interaction of the FP mode and the ring resonance mode will generate a Fano resonance and an EIT response. The extinction ratio and bandwidth of the EIT can be tuned by controlling the reflectors. Measured group delay proves that both fast light and slow light can be generated under different tuning conditions. A maximum group delay of 1100 ps is observed because of EIT. Pulse advance around 1200 ps is also demonstrated.

Nanotechnology in lithium niobate for integrated optic frequency conversion in the UV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Busacca, Alessandro C.; Santini, Claudia; Oliveri, Luigi; Riva-Sanseverino, Stefano; Parisi, Antonino; Cino, Alfonso C.; Assanto, Gaetano

2017-11-01

In the domain of Earth Explorer satellites nanoengineered nonlinear crystals can optimize UV tunable solid-state laser converters. Lightweight sources can be based on Lithium Niobate (LN) domain engineering by electric field poling and guided wave interactions. In this Communication we report the preliminary experimental results and the very first demonstration of UltraViolet second-harmonic generation by first-order quasi-phase-matching in a surface-periodically-poled proton-exchanged LN waveguide. The pump source was a Ti-Sapphire laser with a tunability range of 700- 980 nm and a 40 GHz linewidth. We have measured UV continuous-wave light at 390 nm by means of a lock-in amplifier and of a photodiode with enhanced response in the UV. Measured conversion efficiency was about 1%W-1cm-2. QPM experiments show good agreement with theory and pave the way for a future implementation of the technique in materials less prone to photorefractive damage and wider transparency in the UV, such as Lithium Tantalate.

Grating-assisted demodulation of interferometric optical sensors.

PubMed

Yu, Bing; Wang, Anbo

2003-12-01

Accurate and dynamic control of the operating point of an interferometric optical sensor to produce the highest sensitivity is crucial in the demodulation of interferometric optical sensors to compensate for manufacturing errors and environmental perturbations. A grating-assisted operating-point tuning system has been designed that uses a diffraction grating and feedback control, functions as a tunable-bandpass optical filter, and can be used as an effective demodulation subsystem in sensor systems based on optical interferometers that use broadband light sources. This demodulation method has no signal-detection bandwidth limit, a high tuning speed, a large tunable range, increased interference fringe contrast, and the potential for absolute optical-path-difference measurement. The achieved 40-nm tuning range, which is limited by the available source spectrum width, 400-nm/s tuning speed, and a step resolution of 0.4 nm, is sufficient for most practical measurements. A significant improvement in signal-to-noise ratio in a fiber Fabry-Perot acoustic-wave sensor system proved that the expected fringe contrast and sensitivity increase.

A novel tunable white light emitting multiphase phosphor obtained from Ba2TiP2O9 by introducing Eu3+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zhenzhen; Liu, Guanghui; Wan, Jieqiong; Ni, Jia; Lu, Zhouguang; Ma, Ruguang; Zhou, Yao; Wang, Jiacheng; Liu, Qian

2016-04-01

Tunable white light was realized in samples Ba2(1- x)TiP2O9:2 xEu ( x = 0-0.80) by introducing orange-red light emitting Eu3+ in self-activated blue-green light emitting matrix Ba2TiP2O9. The sample Ba2(1- x)TiP2O9:2 xEu is a multiphase system consisting of Ba2TiP2O9, EuPO4 and TiO2 when x is greater than or equal to 0.20. The tunable light from blue-green to bluish-white, to white, and eventually to pinky-white of samples Ba2(1- x)TiP2O9:2 xEu under UV light excitation is attributed to the light mixture of tunable blue-green light from Ti4+-O2- charge transfer transition in Ba2TiP2O9 and orange-red light from Eu3+ 4f-4f transition mostly in EuPO4. The Commission International de l'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates, correlated color temperature and color rendering index were tuned from (0.262, 0.339), 9492 K and 74 for matrix sample Ba2TiP2O9 to (0.324, 0.346), 5876 K and 87 for sample Ba2(1- x)TiP2O9:2 xEu ( x = 0.40) under UV light excitation. Therefore, a kind of promising UV-excited white light emitting multiphase phosphor was obtained.

Tunable slow light in graphene-based hyperbolic metamaterial waveguide operating in SCLU telecom bands.

PubMed

Tyszka-Zawadzka, Anna; Janaszek, Bartosz; Szczepański, Paweł

2017-04-03

The tunability of slow light in graphene-based hyperbolic metamaterial waveguide operating in SCLU telecom bands is investigated. For the first time it has been shown that proper design of a GHMM structure forming waveguide layer and the geometry of the waveguide itself allows stopped light to be obtained in an almost freely selected range of wavelengths within SCLU bands. In particular, the possibility of controlling light propagation in GHMM waveguides by external biasing has been presented. The change of external electric field enables the stop light of the selected wavelength as well as the control of a number of modes, which can be stopped, cut off or supported. Proposed GHMM waveguides could offer great opportunities in the field of integrated photonics that are compatible with CMOS technology, especially since such structures can be utilized as photonic memory cells, tunable optical buffers, delays, optical modulators etc.

Measurement of deformation and frequency response characteristic of PZT tube in tunable fiber laser with short period based on coherent laser beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Zhi; Zeng, Xiaodong; Fan, Zhaojin; Xu, Zhichen

2016-09-01

The parameters of light source in synthetic aperture ladar (SAL) is very important to both the design of system and the signal processing algorithm. As the light source in the SAL, the fiber laser use PZT (piezoelectric ceramics) tube stretching the fiber Bragg grating in order to tune the laser frequency. So it is necessary to obtain the deformation and frequency response of PZT tube driven by saw-tooth voltage of different periods. Accordingly, the homodyne detection is used to measure the girth variation of PZT tube. Meanwhile, the frequency response of PZT tube can be viewed with the homodyne signal. The results from measuring a PZT tube show that the method can work well.

Integrated experimental setup for angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy of transuranic materials

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

Graham, Kevin S.; Joyce, John J.; Durakiewicz, Tomasz

2013-09-15

We have developed the Angle Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy (ARPES) system for transuranic materials. The ARPES transuranic system is an endstation upgrade to the Laser Plasma Light Source (LPLS) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The LPLS is a tunable light source for photoemission with a photon energy range covering the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and soft x-ray regions (27–140 eV). The LPLS was designed and developed for transuranic materials. Transuranic photoemission is currently not permitted at the public synchrotrons worldwide in the VUV energy range due to sample encapsulation requirements. With the addition of the ARPES capability to the LPLS system theremore » is an excellent opportunity to explore new details centered on the electronic structure of actinide and transuranic materials.« less

Theoretical Investigation of Device Aspects of Semiconductor Superlattices.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-01

n-i-p-i devices include bulk field effect transistors, ultrasensitive or ultrafast IR photodetectors , tunable light-emitting devices, and ultrafast...transistor4 ultrasensitive or ultrafast IR photodetectors , tunable light-emitt tg devices, and ultrafast optical modulators. Particularlylppealing...differential conductivity ( NDC ) ......................... 19 3.2.2. Spontaneous and stimulated FIR emission from interlayer transitions

Imaging standoff detection of explosives using widely tunable midinfrared quantum cascade lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuchs, Frank; Hugger, Stefan; Kinzer, Michel; Aidam, Rolf; Bronner, Wolfgang; Lösch, Rainer; Yang, Quankui; Degreif, Kai; Schnürer, Frank

2010-11-01

The use of a tunable midinfrared external cavity quantum cascade laser for the standoff detection of explosives at medium distances between 2 and 5 m is presented. For the collection of the diffusely backscattered light, a high-performance infrared imager was used. Illumination and wavelength tuning of the laser source was synchronized with the image acquisition, establishing a hyperspectral data cube. Sampling of the backscattered radiation from the test samples was performed in a noncooperative geometry at angles of incidence far away from specular reflection. We show sensitive detection of traces of trinitrotoluene and pentaerythritol tetranitrate on real-world materials, such as standard car paint, polyacrylics from backpacks, and jeans fabric. Concentrations corresponding to fingerprints were detected, while concepts for false alarm suppression due to cross-contaminations were presented.

Nonlinear Brightness Optimization in Compton Scattering

DOE PAGES

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

2013-07-26

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

Comparison of Two Methodologies for Calibrating Satellite Instruments in the Visible and Near Infrared

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, Robert A.; Brown, Steven W.; Lykke, Keith R.; Guenther, Bruce; Xiong, Xiaoxiong (Jack); Butler, James J.

2010-01-01

Traditionally, satellite instruments that measure Earth-reflected solar radiation in the visible and near infrared wavelength regions have been calibrated for radiance response in a two-step method. In the first step, the spectral response of the instrument is determined using a nearly monochromatic light source, such a lamp-illuminated monochromator. Such sources only provide a relative spectral response (RSR) for the instrument, since they do not act as calibrated sources of light nor do they typically fill the field-of-view of the instrument. In the second step, the instrument views a calibrated source of broadband light, such as lamp-illuminated integrating sphere. In the traditional method, the RSR and the sphere spectral radiance are combined and, with the instrument's response, determine the absolute spectral radiance responsivity of the instrument. More recently, an absolute calibration system using widely tunable monochromatic laser systems has been developed, Using these sources, the absolute spectral responsivity (ASR) of an instrument can be determined on a wavelength-hy-wavelength basis. From these monochromatic ASRs. the responses of the instrument bands to broadband radiance sources can be calculated directly, eliminating the need for calibrated broadband light sources such as integrating spheres. Here we describe the laser-based calibration and the traditional broad-band source-based calibration of the NPP VIIRS sensor, and compare the derived calibration coefficients for the instrument. Finally, we evaluate the impact of the new calibration approach on the on-orbit performance of the sensor.

Intrinsic Polarization and Tunable Color of Electroluminescence from Organic Single Crystal-based Light-Emitting Devices

PubMed Central

Ding, Ran; Feng, Jing; Zhou, Wei; Zhang, Xu-Lin; Fang, Hong-Hua; Yang, Tong; Wang, Hai-Yu; Hotta, Shu; Sun, Hong-Bo

2015-01-01

A single crystal-based organic light-emitting device (OLED) with intrinsically polarized and color-tunable electroluminescence (EL) has been demonstrated without any subsequent treatment. The polarization ratio of 5:1 for the transversal-electric (TE) and transversal-magnetic (TM) polarization at the emission peak of 575 nm, and 4.7:1 for the TM to TE polarization at the emission peak of 635 nm, respectively, have been obtained. The emitting color is tunable between yellow, yellow-green and orange by changing the polarization angle. The polarized EL and the polarization-induced color tunability can be attributed to the anisotropic microcavity formed by the BP3T crystal with uniaxial alignment of the molecules. PMID:26207723

Microwave tunable laser source: A stable, precision tunable heterodyne local oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sachse, G. W.

1980-01-01

The development and capabilities of a tunable laser source utilizing a wideband electro-optic modulator and a CO2 laser are described. The precision tunability and high stability of the device are demonstrated with examples of laboratory spectroscopy. Heterodyne measurements are also presented to demonstrate the performance of the laser source as a heterodyne local oscillator. With the use of five CO2 isotope lasers and the 8 to 18 GHz sideband offset tunability of the modulator, calculations indicate that 50 percent spectral coverage in the 9 to 12 micron region is achievable. The wavelength accuracy and stability of this laser source is limited by the CO2 laser and is more than adequate for the measurement of narrow Doppler-broadened line profiles. The room-temperature operating capability and the programmability of the microwave tunable laser source are attractive features for its in-the-field implementation. Although heterodyne measurements indicated some S/N degradation when using the device as a local oscillator, there does not appear to be any fundamental limitation to the heterodyne efficiency of this laser source. Through the use of a lower noise-figure traveling wave tube amplifier and optical matching of the output beam with the photomixer, a substantial increase in the heterodyne S/N is expected.

A tunable lighting system integrated by inorganic and transparent organic light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jing-jing; Zhang, Tao; Jin, Ya-fang; Liu, Shi-shen; Yuan, Shi-dong; Cui, Zhao; Zhang, Li; Wang, Wei-hui

2014-05-01

A tunable surface-emitting integrated lighting system is constructed using a combination of inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and transparent organic LEDs (OLEDs). An RB two-color LED is used to supply red and blue light emission, and a green organic LED is used to supply green light emission. Currents of the LED and OLED are tuned to produce a white color, showing different Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates and correlated color temperatures with a wide adjustable range. Such an integration can compensate for the lack of the LED's luminance uniformity and the transparent OLED's luminance intensity.

Core/multishell nanowire heterostructures as multicolor, high-efficiency light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Qian, Fang; Gradecak, Silvija; Li, Yat; Wen, Cheng-Yen; Lieber, Charles M

2005-11-01

We report the growth and characterization of core/multishell nanowire radial heterostructures, and their implementation as efficient and synthetically tunable multicolor nanophotonic sources. Core/multishell nanowires were prepared by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition with an n-GaN core and InxGa1-xN/GaN/p-AlGaN/p-GaN shells, where variation of indium mole fraction is used to tune emission wavelength. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy studies reveal that the core/multishell nanowires are dislocation-free single crystals with a triangular morphology. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy clearly shows shells with distinct chemical compositions, and quantitatively confirms that the thickness and composition of individual shells can be well controlled during synthesis. Electrical measurements show that the p-AlGaN/p-GaN shell structure yields reproducible hole conduction, and electroluminescence measurements demonstrate that in forward bias the core/multishell nanowires function as light-emitting diodes, with tunable emission from 365 to 600 nm and high quantum efficiencies. The ability to synthesize rationally III-nitride core/multishell nanowire heterostructures opens up significant potential for integrated nanoscale photonic systems, including multicolor lasers.

Vacuum-ultraviolet lasers and spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hollenstein, U.

2012-01-01

Single-photon ionisation of most atoms and molecules requires short-wavelength radiation, typically in the vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV, λ < 200 nm) or extreme ultraviolet (XUV, λ < 105 nm) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The first VUV and XUV radiation sources used to study molecular photoabsorption and photoionisation spectra were light sources emitting a broad continuous spectrum, such as high pressure lamps or synchrotrons. Monochromatic VUV and XUV radiation was obtained using diffraction gratings in evacuated monochromators, which resulted in a resolving power ν/Δv of at best 106 (i. e. 0.1 cm-1 at 100 000 cm-1), but more typically in the range 104-105 . The invention of the laser and the development of nonlinear optical frequency-upconversion techniques enabled the development of table-top narrow-bandwidth, coherent VUV and XUV laser sources with which VUV photoabsorption, photoionisation and photoelectron spectra of molecules can be recorded at much higher resolution, the best sources having bandwidths better than 50 MHz. Such laser sources are ideally suited to study the structure and dynamics of electronically excited states of atoms and molecules and molecular photoionisation using photoabsorption, photoionisation and photoelectron spectroscopy. This chapter presents the general principles that are exploited to generate tunable narrow-band laser radiation below 200 nm and describes spectroscopic methods such as photoabsorption spectroscopy, photoionisation spectroscopy and threshold photoelectron spectroscopy that relay on the broad tunability and narrow-bandwidth of VUV radiation sources.

Dual-Gated Active Metasurface at 1550 nm with Wide (>300°) Phase Tunability.

PubMed

Kafaie Shirmanesh, Ghazaleh; Sokhoyan, Ruzan; Pala, Ragip A; Atwater, Harry A

2018-05-09

Active metasurfaces composed of electrically reconfigurable nanoscale subwavelength antenna arrays can enable real-time control of scattered light amplitude and phase. Achievement of widely tunable phase and amplitude in chip-based active metasurfaces operating at or near 1550 nm wavelength has considerable potential for active beam steering, dynamic hologram rendition, and realization of flat optics with reconfigurable focal lengths. Previously, electrically tunable conducting oxide-based reflectarray metasurfaces have demonstrated dynamic phase control of reflected light with a maximum phase shift of 184° ( Nano Lett. 2016 , 16 , 5319 ). Here, we introduce a dual-gated reflectarray metasurface architecture that enables much wider (>300°) phase tunability. We explore light-matter interactions with dual-gated metasurface elements that incorporate two independent voltage-controlled MOS field effect channels connected in series to form a single metasurface element that enables wider phase tunability. Using indium tin oxide (ITO) as the active metasurface material and a composite hafnia/alumina gate dielectric, we demonstrate a prototype dual-gated metasurface with a continuous phase shift from 0 to 303° and a relative reflectance modulation of 89% under applied voltage bias of 6.5 V.

Swept source optical coherence microscopy using a 1310 nm VCSEL light source

PubMed Central

Ahsen, Osman O.; Tao, Yuankai K.; Potsaid, Benjamin M.; Sheikine, Yuri; Jiang, James; Grulkowski, Ireneusz; Tsai, Tsung-Han; Jayaraman, Vijaysekhar; Kraus, Martin F.; Connolly, James L.; Hornegger, Joachim; Cable, Alex; Fujimoto, James G.

2013-01-01

We demonstrate high speed, swept source optical coherence microscopy (OCM) using a MEMS tunable vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) light source. The light source had a sweep rate of 280 kHz, providing a bidirectional axial scan rate of 560 kHz. The sweep bandwidth was 117 nm centered at 1310 nm, corresponding to an axial resolution of 13.1 µm in air, corresponding to 8.1 µm (9.6 µm spectrally shaped) in tissue. Dispersion mismatch from different objectives was compensated numerically, enabling magnification and field of view to be easily changed. OCM images were acquired with transverse resolutions between 0.86 µm - 3.42 µm using interchangeable 40X, 20X and 10X objectives with ~600 µm x 600 µm, ~1 mm x 1 mm and ~2 mm x 2 mm field-of-view (FOV), respectively. Parasitic variations in path length with beam scanning were corrected numerically. These features enable swept source OCM to be integrated with a wide range of existing scanning microscopes. Large FOV mosaics were generated by serially acquiring adjacent overlapping microscopic fields and combining them in post-processing. Fresh human colon, thyroid and kidney specimens were imaged ex vivo and compared to matching histology sections, demonstrating the ability of OCM to image tissue specimens. PMID:23938673

A flux calibration device for the SuperNova Integral Field Spectrograph (SNIFS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lombardo, Simona; Aldering, Greg; Hoffmann, Akos; Kowalski, Marek; Kuesters, Daniel; Reif, Klaus; Rigault, Michael

2014-07-01

Observational cosmology employing optical surveys often require precise flux calibration. In this context we present SNIFS Calibration Apparatus (SCALA), a flux calibration system developed for the SuperNova Integral Field Spectrograph (SNIFS), operating at the University of Hawaii 2.2 m telescope. SCALA consists of a hexagonal array of 18 small parabolic mirrors distributed over the face of, and feeding parallel light to, the telescope entrance pupil. The mirrors are illuminated by integrating spheres and a wavelength-tunable (from UV to IR) light source, generating light beams with opening angles of 1°. These nearly parallel beams are flat and flux-calibrated at a subpercent level, enabling us to calibrate our "telescope + SNIFS system" at the required precision.

Wavelength tunable CW red laser generated based on an intracavity-SFG composite cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z. N.; Bai, Y.; Lei, G. Z.; Bai, B.; Sun, Y. X.; Hu, M. X.; Wang, C.; Bai, J. T.

2016-12-01

We report a wavelength-tunable watt-level continuous wave (CW) red laser that uses a composite cavity based on an intracavity sum-frequency generation (SFG). The composite cavity is composed of a LD side-pumped Nd: GdVO4 p-polarized 1062.9 nm resonant cavity and a resonant optical parametric oscillator (SRO) of s-polarized signal light using a periodically poled crystal MgO: PPLN. Based on the temperature tuning from 30 °C to 200 °C, the CW red laser beams are obtained in a tunable waveband from 634.4 nm to 649.1 nm, corresponding to a tunable output waveband from 3278.0 nm to 2940.2 nm of the mid-infrared idler lights. The maximum CW output power of the red laser at 634.4 nm and the idler light at 3278.0 nm reach 3.03 W and 4.13 W under 30 °C, respectively.

A tunable single-monochromator Raman system based on the supercontinuum laser and tunable filters for resonant Raman profile measurements.

PubMed

Liu, X-L; Liu, H-N; Tan, P-H

2017-08-01

Resonant Raman spectroscopy requires that the wavelength of the laser used is close to that of an electronic transition. A tunable laser source and a triple spectrometer are usually necessary for resonant Raman profile measurements. However, such a system is complex with low signal throughput, which limits its wide application by scientific community. Here, a tunable micro-Raman spectroscopy system based on the supercontinuum laser, transmission grating, tunable filters, and single-stage spectrometer is introduced to measure the resonant Raman profile. The supercontinuum laser in combination with transmission grating makes a tunable excitation source with a bandwidth of sub-nanometer. Such a system exhibits continuous excitation tunability and high signal throughput. Its good performance and flexible tunability are verified by resonant Raman profile measurement of twisted bilayer graphene, which demonstrates its potential application prospect for resonant Raman spectroscopy.

SO2 Spectroscopy with A Tunable UV Laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morey, W. W.; Penney, C. M.; Lapp, M.

1973-01-01

A portion of the fluorescence spectrum of SO2 has been studied using a narrow wavelength doubled dye laser as the exciting source. One purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of SO2 resonance re-emission as a probe of SO2 in the atmosphere. When the SO2 is excited by light at 300.2 nm, for example, a strong reemission peak is observed which is Stokes-shifted from the incident light wavelength by the usual Raman shift (the VI symmetric vibration frequency 1150.5/cm ). The intensity of this peak is sensitive to small changes (.01 nm) in the incident wavelength. Measurements of the N2 quenching and self quenching of this re-emission have been obtained. Preliminary analysis of this data indicates that the quenching is weak but not negligible. The dye laser in our system is pumped by a pulsed N2 laser. Tuning 'and spectral narrowing are accomplished using a telescope-echelle grating combination. In a high power configuration the resulting pulses have a spectral width of about 5 x 10(exp -3) nm and a time duration of about 6 nsec. The echelle grating is rotated by a digital stepping motor, such that each step shifts the wavelength by 6 x 10(exp -4) nm. In addition to the tunable, narrow wavelength uv source and spectral analysis of the consequent re-emission, the system also provides time resolution of the re-emitted light to 6 nsec resolution. This capability is being used to study the lifetime of low pressure S02 fluorescence at different wavelengths and pressures.

Lasing in robust cesium lead halide perovskite nanowires

DOE PAGES

Eaton, Samuel W.; Lai, Minliang; Gibson, Natalie A.; ...

2016-02-09

The rapidly growing field of nanoscale lasers can be advanced through the discovery of new, tunable light sources. The emission wavelength tunability demonstrated in perovskite materials is an attractive property for nanoscale lasers. Whereas organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite materials are known for their instability, cesium lead halides offer a robust alternative without sacrificing emission tunability or ease of synthesis. Here, we report the low-temperature, solution-phase growth of cesium lead halide nanowires exhibiting low-threshold lasing and high stability. The as-grown nanowires are single crystalline with well-formed facets, and act as high-quality laser cavities. The nanowires display excellent stability while stored andmore » handled under ambient conditions over the course of weeks. Upon optical excitation, Fabry-Pérot lasing occurs in CsPbBr 3 nanowires with an onset of 5 μJ cm -2 with the nanowire cavity displaying a maximum quality factor of 1,009 ± 5. Lasing under constant, pulsed excitation can be maintained for over 1 h, the equivalent of 10 9 excitation cycles, and lasing persists upon exposure to ambient atmosphere. Wavelength tunability in the green and blue regions of the spectrum in conjunction with excellent stability makes these nanowire lasers attractive for device fabrication.« less

Design of a Tunable, Room Temperature, Continuous-Wave Terahertz Source and Detector using Silicon Waveguides

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-30

that will use conventional diode- or hotomultiplier-tube-based optical detectors , which are xtremely sensitive . . HEATING AND FREE-CARRIER IMITATIONS...CONTRACT NUMBER IN-HOUSE Design of a tunable, room temperature, continuous-wave terahertz source and detector using silicon waveguides 5b. GRANT...B 261Design of a tunable, room temperature, continuous-wave terahertz source and detector using silicon waveguides T. Baehr-Jones,1,* M. Hochberg,1,3

Light controlled 3D micromotors powered by bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vizsnyiczai, Gaszton; Frangipane, Giacomo; Maggi, Claudio; Saglimbeni, Filippo; Bianchi, Silvio; di Leonardo, Roberto

2017-06-01

Self-propelled bacteria can be integrated into synthetic micromachines and act as biological propellers. So far, proposed designs suffer from low reproducibility, large noise levels or lack of tunability. Here we demonstrate that fast, reliable and tunable bio-hybrid micromotors can be obtained by the self-assembly of synthetic structures with genetically engineered biological propellers. The synthetic components consist of 3D interconnected structures having a rotating unit that can capture individual bacteria into an array of microchambers so that cells contribute maximally to the applied torque. Bacterial cells are smooth swimmers expressing a light-driven proton pump that allows to optically control their swimming speed. Using a spatial light modulator, we can address individual motors with tunable light intensities allowing the dynamic control of their rotational speeds. Applying a real-time feedback control loop, we can also command a set of micromotors to rotate in unison with a prescribed angular speed.

Light controlled 3D micromotors powered by bacteria

PubMed Central

Vizsnyiczai, Gaszton; Frangipane, Giacomo; Maggi, Claudio; Saglimbeni, Filippo; Bianchi, Silvio; Di Leonardo, Roberto

2017-01-01

Self-propelled bacteria can be integrated into synthetic micromachines and act as biological propellers. So far, proposed designs suffer from low reproducibility, large noise levels or lack of tunability. Here we demonstrate that fast, reliable and tunable bio-hybrid micromotors can be obtained by the self-assembly of synthetic structures with genetically engineered biological propellers. The synthetic components consist of 3D interconnected structures having a rotating unit that can capture individual bacteria into an array of microchambers so that cells contribute maximally to the applied torque. Bacterial cells are smooth swimmers expressing a light-driven proton pump that allows to optically control their swimming speed. Using a spatial light modulator, we can address individual motors with tunable light intensities allowing the dynamic control of their rotational speeds. Applying a real-time feedback control loop, we can also command a set of micromotors to rotate in unison with a prescribed angular speed. PMID:28656975

Tunable ultraviolet and blue light generation from Nd:YAB random laser bolstered by second-order nonlinear processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moura, André L.; Carreño, Sandra J. M.; Pincheira, Pablo I. R.; Fabris, Zanine V.; Maia, Lauro J. Q.; Gomes, Anderson S. L.; de Araújo, Cid B.

2016-06-01

Ultraviolet and blue light were obtained by nonlinear frequency conversion in a random laser (RL) based on Nd0.10Y0.90Al3(BO3)4 nanocrystalline powder. RL operation at 1062 nm, due to the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transition of neodymium ions (Nd3+), was achieved by exciting the Nd3+ with a tunable beam from 680 to 920 nm covering the ground state absorption transitions to the 4F9/2, (4F7/2,4S3/2), (4F5/2,2H9/2), and 4F3/2 states. Light from 340 to 460 nm was obtained via the second-harmonic generation of the excitation beam while tunable blue light, from 417 to 486 nm, was generated by self-sum-frequency mixing between the excitation beam and the RL emission.

A thermo-degradable hydrogel with light-tunable degradation and drug release.

PubMed

Hu, Jingjing; Chen, Yihua; Li, Yunqi; Zhou, Zhengjie; Cheng, Yiyun

2017-01-01

The development of thermo-degradable hydrogels is of great importance in drug delivery. However, it still remains a huge challenge to prepare thermo-degradable hydrogels with inherent degradation, reproducible, repeated and tunable dosing. Here, we reported a thermo-degradable hydrogel that is rapidly degraded above 44 °C by a facile chemistry. Besides thermo-degradability, the hydrogel also undergoes rapid photolysis with ultraviolet light. By embedding photothermal nanoparticles or upconversion nanoparticles into the gel, it can release the entrapped cargoes such as dyes, enzymes and anticancer drugs in an on-demand and dose-tunable fashion upon near-infrared light exposure. The smart hydrogel works well both in vitro and in vivo without involving sophisticated syntheses, and is well suited for clinical cancer therapy due to the high transparency and non-invasiveness features of near-infrared light. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integration of organic LEDs with inorganic LEDs for a hybrid lighting system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, H. J.; Park, J. W.; Kim, Y. M.

2013-01-01

We demonstrate that a surface-emitting hybrid light source can be realized by a combination of organic and inorganic light-emitting devices (LEDs). To this end, a blue inorganic LED bar is deployed at one side of a transparent light guide plate (LGP), and a yellow organic LED (OLED) is in contact with the rear surface of the LGP. In such a configuration, it is found that the overall luminance is almost equivalent to the sum of the luminances measured from each light source, and the overall luminance uniformity is determined mainly by the luminance uniformity of the OLED panel at high luminances. We have achieved a white color showing the Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates of (x = 0.34, y = 0.33), the power efficiency of 9.3 lm/W, the luminance uniformity of 63% at the luminance of 3100 cd m-2, the color rendering index as high as 89.3, and the correlated color temperature finely tunable within the range between 3000 and 8000 K. Such a system facilitates color tuning by adjusting their luminous intensities and hence the implementation of the emotional lighting system.

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

Hartemann, F V; Albert, F; Anderson, S G

Nuclear photonics is an emerging field of research requiring new tools, including high spectral brightness, tunable gamma-ray sources; high photon energy, ultrahigh-resolution crystal spectrometers; and novel detectors. This presentation focuses on the precision linac technology required for Compton scattering gamma-ray light sources, and on the optimization of the laser and electron beam pulse format to achieve unprecedented spectral brightness. Within this context, high-gradient X-band technology will be shown to offer optimal performance in a compact package, when used in conjunction with the appropriate pulse format, and photocathode illumination and interaction laser technologies. The nascent field of nuclear photonics is enabledmore » by the recent maturation of new technologies, including high-gradient X-band electron acceleration, robust fiber laser systems, and hyper-dispersion CPA. Recent work has been performed at LLNL to demonstrate isotope-specific detection of shielded materials via NRF using a tunable, quasi-monochromatic Compton scattering gamma-ray source operating between 0.2 MeV and 0.9 MeV photon energy. This technique is called Fluorescence Imaging in the Nuclear Domain with Energetic Radiation (or FINDER). This work has, among other things, demonstrated the detection of {sup 7}Li shielded by Pb, utilizing gamma rays generated by a linac-driven, laser-based Compton scattering gamma-ray source developed at LLNL. Within this context, a new facility is currently under construction at LLNL, with the goal of generating tunable {gamma}-rays in the 0.5-2.5 MeV photon energy range, at a repetition rate of 120 Hz, and with a peak brightness in the 10{sup 20} photons/(s x mm{sup 2} x mrad{sup 2} x 0.1% bw).« less

Statics and dynamics of electrothermal micromirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morrison, Jessica A.

Adaptive and smart systems are growing in popularity as we shift toward personalization as a culture. With progressive demands on energy efficiency, it is increasingly important to focus on the utilization of energy in a novel way. This thesis investigates a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror with the express intent to provide flexibility in solid state lighting (SSL). By coupling the micromirror to an optical source, the reflected light may be reshaped and directed so as to optimize the overall illumination profile. In addition, the light may be redirected in order to provide improved signal strength in visible light communications (VLC) with negligible impact on energy demands. With flexibility and full analog control in mind, the design of a fully integrated tip-tilt-piston micromirror with an additional variable focus degree of freedom is outlined. Electrothermal actuators are used to both steer the light and tune the focal length. A detailed discussion of the underlying physics behind composite beams and thermal actuators is addressed. This leads directly into an overview of the two main mirror components, namely the segmented mirror and the deflection actuators. An in-depth characterization of the dynamics of the mirror is discussed including the linearity of the thermal response. Frequency domain analysis of such a system provides insight into tunable mechanical properties such as the resonant frequency and quality factor. The degenerate resonant modes can be separated significantly. It is shown that the frequency response may be tuned by straining specific actuators and that it follows a predictable pattern. As a result, the system can be scanned at increasingly large angles. In other words, coupled mechanical modes allow variable damping and amplification. A means to determine the level of coupling is examined and the mode shape variations are tracked as a function of the tuning parameters. Finally, the applications of such a device are explored and tested. Such applications include reliable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhancements in VLC of 30 dB and color tunable steerable lights using laser diodes. A brief discussion of the implications of dynamic illumination and tunable systems is juxtaposed with an explanation behind the integration of an electrothermal micromirror and an all digital driver.

Semiconductor light source with electrically tunable emission wavelength

DOEpatents

Belenky, Gregory [Port Jefferson, NY; Bruno, John D [Bowie, MD; Kisin, Mikhail V [Centereach, NY; Luryi, Serge [Setauket, NY; Shterengas, Leon [Centereach, NY; Suchalkin, Sergey [Centereach, NY; Tober, Richard L [Elkridge, MD

2011-01-25

A semiconductor light source comprises a substrate, lower and upper claddings, a waveguide region with imbedded active area, and electrical contacts to provide voltage necessary for the wavelength tuning. The active region includes single or several heterojunction periods sandwiched between charge accumulation layers. Each of the active region periods comprises higher and lower affinity semiconductor layers with type-II band alignment. The charge carrier accumulation in the charge accumulation layers results in electric field build-up and leads to the formation of generally triangular electron and hole potential wells in the higher and lower affinity layers. Nonequillibrium carriers can be created in the active region by means of electrical injection or optical pumping. The ground state energy in the triangular wells and the radiation wavelength can be tuned by changing the voltage drop across the active region.

Tunable plasmonic crystal

DOEpatents

Dyer, Gregory Conrad; Shaner, Eric A.; Reno, John L.; Aizin, Gregory

2015-08-11

A tunable plasmonic crystal comprises several periods in a two-dimensional electron or hole gas plasmonic medium that is both extremely subwavelength (.about..lamda./100) and tunable through the application of voltages to metal electrodes. Tuning of the plasmonic crystal band edges can be realized in materials such as semiconductors and graphene to actively control the plasmonic crystal dispersion in the terahertz and infrared spectral regions. The tunable plasmonic crystal provides a useful degree of freedom for applications in slow light devices, voltage-tunable waveguides, filters, ultra-sensitive direct and heterodyne THz detectors, and THz oscillators.

Promises and challenges in solid-state lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schubert, Fred

2010-03-01

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

Carbon and nitrogen co-doped bowl-like Au/TiO2 nanostructures with tunable size for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yayuan; Cao, Shubo; Zhang, Ang; Zhang, Chen; Qu, Ting; Zhao, Yongbin; Chen, Aihua

2018-07-01

It is of great importance to extend the UV response of anatase TiO2 into the visible light range for the practical applications. Here, a facile rout to carbon and nitrogen co-doped, Au loaded bowl-like TiO2 nanostructures with tunable size are proposed by using self-assembled polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) block copolymer (BCP) spherical micelles as templates. Amphiphilic PS-b-P4VP self-assembles to form PS@P4VP core-shell spherical micelles with P4VP as the out layer in an evaporable mixed solvents of ethanol/tetrahydrofuran (THF). The size of uniform PS@P4VP spherical micelles can be precisely tuned in the range of a few nm to several hundred nm by controlling the molecular composition of the BCPs. Bowl-like TiO2 nanostructures with a replicate size loaded with highly dispersed Au nanoparticles (NPs) of ∼5 nm in diameter are fabricated from these spherical micelles because of strong complex ability of pyridine groups. PS-b-P4VP provides carbon and nitrogen sources to dope the resulting samples simultaneously. The special carbon and nitrogen co-doped bowl-like Au/TiO2 nanostructures exhibit much higher photocatalytic activity in the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) compared to Au/P25 under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity is significantly influenced by the BCP molecular composition due to different surface area and loading capacity of the resulting samples. This study provides a facile way to synthesize multi-element doped hollow or bowl-like nanoparticles with tunable size in the nanometer range which have potential application at photocatalysis, oxygen reduction reaction, etc.

Group-Velocity-Controlled and Gate-Tunable Directional Excitation of Polaritons in Graphene-Boron Nitride Heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yuyu; Lin, Xiao; Low, Tony; Zhang, Baile; Chen, Hongsheng

2018-05-01

A fundamental building block in nano-photonics is the ability to directionally excite highly squeezed optical mode dynamically, particularly with an electrical bias. Such capabilities would enable the active manipulation of light propagation for information processing and transfer. However, when the optical source is built-in, it remains challenging to steer the excitation directionality in a flexible way. Here, we reveal a novel mechanism for tunable directional excitation of highly squeezed polaritons in graphene-hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) heterostructures. The effect relies on controlling the sign of the group velocity of the coupled plasmon-phonon polaritons, which can be flipped by simply tuning the chemical potential of graphene (through electrostatic gating) in the heterostructures. Graphene-hBN heterostructure thus present a promising platform toward nano-photonic circuits and nano-devices with electrically reconfigurable functionalities.

TULIPs: tunable, light-controlled interacting protein tags for cell biology.

PubMed

Strickland, Devin; Lin, Yuan; Wagner, Elizabeth; Hope, C Matthew; Zayner, Josiah; Antoniou, Chloe; Sosnick, Tobin R; Weiss, Eric L; Glotzer, Michael

2012-03-04

Naturally photoswitchable proteins offer a means of directly manipulating the formation of protein complexes that drive a diversity of cellular processes. We developed tunable light-inducible dimerization tags (TULIPs) based on a synthetic interaction between the LOV2 domain of Avena sativa phototropin 1 (AsLOV2) and an engineered PDZ domain (ePDZ). TULIPs can recruit proteins to diverse structures in living yeast and mammalian cells, either globally or with precise spatial control using a steerable laser. The equilibrium binding and kinetic parameters of the interaction are tunable by mutation, making TULIPs readily adaptable to signaling pathways with varying sensitivities and response times. We demonstrate the utility of TULIPs by conferring light sensitivity to functionally distinct components of the yeast mating pathway and by directing the site of cell polarization.

Manipulating Smith-Purcell Emission with Babinet Metasurfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zuojia; Yao, Kan; Chen, Min; Chen, Hongsheng; Liu, Yongmin

2016-10-01

Swift electrons moving closely parallel to a periodic grating produce far-field radiation of light, which is known as the Smith-Purcell effect. In this letter, we demonstrate that designer Babinet metasurfaces composed of C -aperture resonators offer a powerful control over the polarization state of the Smith-Purcell emission, which can hardly be achieved via traditional gratings. By coupling the intrinsically nonradiative energy bound at the source current sheet to the out-of-plane electric dipole and in-plane magnetic dipole of the C -aperture resonator, we are able to excite cross-polarized light thanks to the bianisotropic nature of the metasurface. The polarization direction of the emitted light is aligned with the orientation of the C -aperture resonator. Furthermore, the efficiency of the Smith-Purcell emission from Babinet metasurfaces is significantly increased by 84%, in comparison with the case of conventional gratings. These findings not only open up a new way to manipulate the electron-beam-induced emission in the near-field region but also promise compact, tunable, and efficient light sources and particle detectors.

Manipulating Smith-Purcell Emission with Babinet Metasurfaces.

PubMed

Wang, Zuojia; Yao, Kan; Chen, Min; Chen, Hongsheng; Liu, Yongmin

2016-10-07

Swift electrons moving closely parallel to a periodic grating produce far-field radiation of light, which is known as the Smith-Purcell effect. In this letter, we demonstrate that designer Babinet metasurfaces composed of C-aperture resonators offer a powerful control over the polarization state of the Smith-Purcell emission, which can hardly be achieved via traditional gratings. By coupling the intrinsically nonradiative energy bound at the source current sheet to the out-of-plane electric dipole and in-plane magnetic dipole of the C-aperture resonator, we are able to excite cross-polarized light thanks to the bianisotropic nature of the metasurface. The polarization direction of the emitted light is aligned with the orientation of the C-aperture resonator. Furthermore, the efficiency of the Smith-Purcell emission from Babinet metasurfaces is significantly increased by 84%, in comparison with the case of conventional gratings. These findings not only open up a new way to manipulate the electron-beam-induced emission in the near-field region but also promise compact, tunable, and efficient light sources and particle detectors.

Comparison of Two Methodologies for Calibrating Satellite Instruments in the Visible and Near-Infrared

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, Robert A.; Brown, Steven W.; Lykke, Keith R.; Guenther, Bruce; Butler, James J.; Schwarting, Thomas; Turpie, Kevin; Moyer, David; DeLuccia, Frank; Moeller, Christopher

2015-01-01

Traditionally, satellite instruments that measure Earth-reflected solar radiation in the visible and near infrared wavelength regions have been calibrated for radiance responsivity in a two-step method. In the first step, the relative spectral response (RSR) of the instrument is determined using a nearly monochromatic light source such as a lamp-illuminated monochromator. These sources do not typically fill the field-of-view of the instrument nor act as calibrated sources of light. Consequently, they only provide a relative (not absolute) spectral response for the instrument. In the second step, the instrument views a calibrated source of broadband light, such as a lamp-illuminated integrating sphere. The RSR and the sphere absolute spectral radiance are combined to determine the absolute spectral radiance responsivity (ASR) of the instrument. More recently, a full-aperture absolute calibration approach using widely tunable monochromatic lasers has been developed. Using these sources, the ASR of an instrument can be determined in a single step on a wavelength-by-wavelength basis. From these monochromatic ASRs, the responses of the instrument bands to broadband radiance sources can be calculated directly, eliminating the need for calibrated broadband light sources such as lamp-illuminated integrating spheres. In this work, the traditional broadband source-based calibration of the Suomi National Preparatory Project (SNPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor is compared with the laser-based calibration of the sensor. Finally, the impact of the new full-aperture laser-based calibration approach on the on-orbit performance of the sensor is considered.

Comparison of two methodologies for calibrating satellite instruments in the visible and near infrared

PubMed Central

Barnes, Robert A.; Brown, Steven W.; Lykke, Keith R.; Guenther, Bruce; Butler, James J.; Schwarting, Thomas; Moyer, David; Turpie, Kevin; DeLuccia, Frank; Moeller, Christopher

2016-01-01

Traditionally, satellite instruments that measure Earth-reflected solar radiation in the visible and near infrared wavelength regions have been calibrated for radiance responsivity in a two-step method. In the first step, the relative spectral response (RSR) of the instrument is determined using a nearly monochromatic light source such as a lamp-illuminated monochromator. These sources do not typically fill the field-of-view of the instrument nor act as calibrated sources of light. Consequently, they only provide a relative (not absolute) spectral response for the instrument. In the second step, the instrument views a calibrated source of broadband light, such as a lamp-illuminated integrating sphere. The RSR and the sphere absolute spectral radiance are combined to determine the absolute spectral radiance responsivity (ASR) of the instrument. More recently, a full-aperture absolute calibration approach using widely tunable monochromatic lasers has been developed. Using these sources, the ASR of an instrument can be determined in a single step on a wavelength-by-wavelength basis. From these monochromatic ASRs, the responses of the instrument bands to broadband radiance sources can be calculated directly, eliminating the need for calibrated broadband light sources such as integrating spheres. In this work, the traditional broadband source-based calibration of the Suomi National Preparatory Project (SNPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor is compared with the laser-based calibration of the sensor. Finally, the impact of the new full-aperture laser-based calibration approach on the on-orbit performance of the sensor is considered. PMID:26836861

White light photothermal lens spectrophotometer for the determination of absorption in scattering samples.

PubMed

Marcano, Aristides; Alvarado, Salvador; Meng, Junwei; Caballero, Daniel; Moares, Ernesto Marín; Edziah, Raymond

2014-01-01

We developed a pump-probe photothermal lens spectrophotometer that uses a broadband arc-lamp and a set of interference filters to provide tunable, nearly monochromatic radiation between 370 and 730 nm as the pump light source. This light is focused onto an absorbing sample, generating a photothermal lens of millimeter dimensions. A highly collimated monochromatic probe light from a low-power He-Ne laser interrogates the generated lens, yielding a photothermal signal proportional to the absorption of light. We measure the absorption spectra of scattering dye solutions using the device. We show that the spectra are not affected by the presence of scattering, confirming that the method only measures the absorption of light that results in generation of heat. By comparing the photothermal spectra with the usual absorption spectra determined using commercial transmission spectrophotometers, we estimate the quantum yield of scattering of the sample. We discuss applications of the device for spectroscopic characterization of samples such as blood and gold nanoparticles that exhibit a complex behavior upon interaction with light.

System and method of infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry in polyacrylamide gels

DOEpatents

Haglund, Jr., Richard F.; Ermer, David R.; Baltz-Knorr, Michelle Lee

2004-11-30

A system and method for desorption and ionization of analytes in an ablation medium. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of preparing a sample having analytes in a medium including at least one component, freezing the sample at a sufficiently low temperature so that at least part of the sample has a phase transition, and irradiating the frozen sample with short-pulse radiation to cause medium ablation and desorption and ionization of the analytes. The method further includes the steps of selecting a resonant vibrational mode of at least one component of the medium and selecting an energy source tuned to emit radiation substantially at the wavelength of the selected resonant vibrational mode. The medium is an electrophoresis medium having polyacrylamide. In one embodiment, the energy source is a laser, where the laser can be a free electron laser tunable to generate short-pulse radiation. Alternatively, the laser can be a solid state laser tunable to generate short-pulse radiation. The laser can emit light at various ranges of wavelength.

Nonlinear tuning techniques of plasmonic nano-filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotb, Rehab; Ismail, Yehea; Swillam, Mohamed A.

2015-02-01

In this paper, a fitting model to the propagation constant and the losses of Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) plasmonic waveguide is proposed. Using this model, the modal characteristics of MIM plasmonic waveguide can be solved directly without solving Maxwell's equations from scratch. As a consequence, the simulation time and the computational cost that are needed to predict the response of different plasmonic structures can be reduced significantly. This fitting model is used to develop a closed form model that describes the behavior of a plasmonic nano-filter. Easy and accurate mechanisms to tune the filter are investigated and analyzed. The filter tunability is based on using a nonlinear dielectric material with Pockels or Kerr effect. The tunability is achieved by applying an external voltage or through controlling the input light intensity. The proposed nano-filter supports both red and blue shift in the resonance response depending on the type of the used non-linear material. A new approach to control the input light intensity by applying an external voltage to a previous stage is investigated. Therefore, the filter tunability to a stage that has Kerr material can be achieved by applying voltage to a previous stage that has Pockels material. Using this method, the Kerr effect can be achieved electrically instead of varying the intensity of the input source. This technique enhances the ability of the device integration for on-chip applications. Tuning the resonance wavelength with high accuracy, minimum insertion loss and high quality factor is obtained using these approaches.

Tunable reflecting terahertz filter based on chirped metamaterial structure

PubMed Central

Yang, Jing; Gong, Cheng; Sun, Lu; Chen, Ping; Lin, Lie; Liu, Weiwei

2016-01-01

Tunable reflecting terahertz bandstop filter based on chirped metamaterial structure is demonstrated by numerical simulation. In the metamaterial, the metal bars are concatenated to silicon bars with different lengths. By varying the conductivity of the silicon bars, the reflectivity, central frequency and bandwidth of the metamaterial could be tuned. Light illumination could be introduced to change the conductivity of the silicon bars. Numerical simulations also show that the chirped metamaterial structure is insensitive to the incident angle and polarization-dependent. The proposed chirped metamaterial structure can be operated as a tunable bandstop filter whose modulation depth, bandwidth, shape factor and center frequency can be controlled by light pumping. PMID:27941833

Use of acousto-optic tunable filter in fluorescence imaging endoscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouhifd, Mounir; Whelan, Maurice; Aprahamian, Marc

2003-10-01

A prototype instrument for fluorescence-based medical diagnostics in vivo is described. The system consists of a rigid endoscope comprising a UV laser-source for fluorescence excitation and a white light source for direct imaging. An acousto-optic tuneable filter (AOTF) is employed as a full-field tuneable bandpass filter. This allows fast continuous or random-access tuning with high filtering efficiency. A study of the diagnostic potential of fluorescence imaging for pancreatitis was conducted on a rat model. In particular, the aim was to detect autofluorescence of endogenous protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) that has been shown to accumulate in early-stage diseased tissue undergoing an inflammatory response.

Retraction

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

Liu, Zhiheng; Feldman, Leonard C; Tolk, Norman H.

IN OUR 2006 REPORT, DESORPTION OF H FROM SI(111) BY RESONANT EXCITATION OF THE Si-H vibrational stretch mode (1), we reported resonant photodesorption of hydrogen from a Si(111) surface using tunable infrared radiation that corresponded to the Si-H vibrational stretch mode. Our recent attempts to reproduce these experiments have been unsuccessful, and the free electron laser facility at Vanderbilt, a unique light source for this experiment, has shut down, prohibiting further research. Because our conclusions are now in question, we retract the Report.

Apparatus for generating coherent infrared energy of selected wavelength

DOEpatents

Stevens, C.G.

A tunable source of coherent infrared energy includes a heat pipe having an intermediate region at which cesium is heated to vaporizing temperature and end regions at which the vapor is condensed and returned to the intermediate region for reheating and recirculation. Optical pumping light is directed along the axis of the heat pipe through a first end window to stimulate emission of coherent infrared energy which is transmitted out through an opposite end window. A porous walled tubulation extends along the axis of the heat pipe and defines a region in which cesium vapor is further heated to a temperature sufficient to dissociate cesium dimers which would decrease efficiency by absorbing pump light. Efficient generation of any desired infrared wavelength is realized by varying the wavelength of the pump light.

Addressing Physics Grand Challenges Using the Jefferson Lab FEL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Gwyn P.

2006-11-01

The Jefferson Lab Free Electron Laser[1] is the first of the so-called 4^th generation light sources to go operational. Capable of delivering extraordinarily bright, tunable light in ultrafast pulses from THz[2] through infrared to UV, the facility extends the experimental reach of accelerator-based light-sources by many orders of magnitude. This allows new opportunities to study many of the ``Grand Challenges'' recently defined by the Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences Division, most of which are concerned with understandings of equilibrium and non-equilibrium behavior of materials in physics, chemistry and biology using precise pump and probe techniques. Specifically, in condensed matter physics, the JLab FEL permits new studies which go beyond earlier studies of reductionist behavior to those which examine emergent behavior. Thus, the understanding of high Tc superconductivity, colossal magneto-resistance, and observations of the breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, are examples of collective behavior which is now treated theoretically via the concept of quasiparticles. In this presentation we will describe the dual pathways of light source development and physics challenges, and then show how they are combined in experiments that allow new insights to be developed to understand material function. We will illustrate this with details of the evolution of accelerator-based light sources, and with examples of work performed to date. References: [1] Neil et al. Phys. Rev.Letts 84, 662 (2000). [2] Carr, Martin, McKinney, Neil, Jordan & Williams, Nature 420, 153 (2002).

LED backlight system with fiber-optic red, green, blue to white color combiner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hye R.; Jeong, Yunsong; Lee, Jhang-Woo; Oh, Kyunghwan

2006-09-01

As an application in the backlight system of small LCD display, we realized a pure white light source by mixing red, green, blue (RGB) lights using a 3 X 3 Hard Plastic Cladding Fiber (HPCF) coupler. We also proposed the 0.44 inch LED backlight system with these fiber-optic pure white sources and characterized its illumination characteristics. Using optimized fusion-tapering technique, we fabricated HPCF coupler which combines three input lights over the circularly formed waist. HPCF has the core diameter of 200 μm and clad diameter of 230 μm. The fabricated 3 X 3 HPCF coupler has the perfect uniformity of about 0.3 dB, low insertion loss of 5.5 dB, and low excess loss of 0.8 dB, which shows excellent uniform power splitting ratio. In order to improve the transmission performance, The RGB chip LEDs were butt-coupled directly to the ferruled input ports of the coupler and packaged by TO46-can type. In the produced white color by HPCF coupler, the photometric brightness at the circular endface of outputs of HPCF coupler was in a rage of 10062 ~ 10094 cd/m2. The fiber optic white color combiner provides tunable white sources excluding heat source and having thickness of 200 μm. We also proposed a 0.44 inch LED backlight system with these fiber-optic pure white sources. With the proposed device, we obtain the improved uniformity in luminance distribution and wide color gamut by using the white light mixing red, green and blue lights.

Mid-infrared hyperspectral imaging for the detection of explosive compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruxton, K.; Robertson, G.; Miller, W.; Malcolm, G. P. A.; Maker, G. T.

2012-10-01

Active hyperspectral imaging is a valuable tool in a wide range of applications. A developing market is the detection and identification of energetic compounds through analysis of the resulting absorption spectrum. This work presents a selection of results from a prototype mid-infrared (MWIR) hyperspectral imaging instrument that has successfully been used for compound detection at a range of standoff distances. Active hyperspectral imaging utilises a broadly tunable laser source to illuminate the scene with light over a range of wavelengths. While there are a number of illumination methods, this work illuminates the scene by raster scanning the laser beam using a pair of galvanometric mirrors. The resulting backscattered light from the scene is collected by the same mirrors and directed and focussed onto a suitable single-point detector, where the image is constructed pixel by pixel. The imaging instrument that was developed in this work is based around a MWIR optical parametric oscillator (OPO) source with broad tunability, operating at 2.6 μm to 3.7 μm. Due to material handling procedures associated with explosive compounds, experimental work was undertaken initially using simulant compounds. A second set of compounds that was tested alongside the simulant compounds is a range of confusion compounds. By having the broad wavelength tunability of the OPO, extended absorption spectra of the compounds could be obtained to aid in compound identification. The prototype imager instrument has successfully been used to record the absorption spectra for a range of compounds from the simulant and confusion sets and current work is now investigating actual explosive compounds. The authors see a very promising outlook for the MWIR hyperspectral imager. From an applications point of view this format of imaging instrument could be used for a range of standoff, improvised explosive device (IED) detection applications and potential incident scene forensic investigation.

Tunable diode laser IR spectrometer for in situ measurements of the gas phase composition and particle size distribution of Titan's atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Webster, Christopher R.; Sander, Stanley P.; Beer, Reinhard; May, Randy D.; Knollenberg, Robert G.

1990-01-01

A new instrument, the Probe Infrared Laser Spectrometer (PIRLS), is described for in situ sensing of the gas composition and particle size distribution of Titan's atmosphere on the NASA/ESA Cassini mission. For gas composition measurements, several narrow-band (0.0001/cm) tunable lead-salt diode lasers operating near 80 K at selected mid-IR wavelengths are directed over a path length defined by a small reflector extending over the edge of the probe spacecraft platform; volume mixing ratios of 10 to the -9th should be measurable for several species of interest. A cloud-particle-size spectrometer using a diode laser source at 780 nm shares the optical path and deployed reflector; a combination of imaging and light scattering techniques is used to determine sizes of haze and cloud particles and their number density as a function of altitude.

Microwave photonic filters using low-cost sources featuring tunability, reconfigurability and negative coefficients.

PubMed

Capmany, José; Mora, José; Ortega, Beatriz; Pastor, Daniel

2005-03-07

We propose and experimentally demonstrate two configurations of photonic filters for the processing of microwave signals featuring tunability, reconfigurability and negative coefficients based on the use of low cost optical sources. The first option is a low power configuration based on spectral slicing of a broadband source. The second is a high power configuration based on fixed lasers. Tunability, reconfigurability and negative coefficients are achieved by means of a MEMS cross-connect, a variable optical attenuator array and simple 2x2 switches respectively.

A spectrally tunable all-graphene-based flexible field-effect light-emitting device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaomu; Tian, He; Mohammad, Mohammad Ali; Li, Cheng; Wu, Can; Yang, Yi; Ren, Tian-Ling

2015-07-01

The continuous tuning of the emission spectrum of a single light-emitting diode (LED) by an external electrical bias is of great technological significance as a crucial property in high-quality displays, yet this capability has not been demonstrated in existing LEDs. Graphene, a tunable optical platform, is a promising medium to achieve this goal. Here we demonstrate a bright spectrally tunable electroluminescence from blue (~450 nm) to red (~750 nm) at the graphene oxide/reduced-graphene oxide interface. We explain the electroluminescence results from the recombination of Poole-Frenkel emission ionized electrons at the localized energy levels arising from semi-reduced graphene oxide, and holes from the top of the π band. Tuning of the emission wavelength is achieved by gate modulation of the participating localized energy levels. Our demonstration of current-driven tunable LEDs not only represents a method for emission wavelength tuning but also may find applications in high-quality displays.

A compact tunable polarized X-ray source based on laser-plasma helical undulators

PubMed Central

Luo, J.; Chen, M.; Zeng, M.; Vieira, J.; Yu, L. L.; Weng, S. M.; Silva, L. O.; Jaroszynski, D. A.; Sheng, Z. M.; Zhang, J.

2016-01-01

Laser wakefield accelerators have great potential as the basis for next generation compact radiation sources because of their extremely high accelerating gradients. However, X-ray radiation from such devices still lacks tunability, especially of the intensity and polarization distributions. Here we propose a tunable polarized radiation source based on a helical plasma undulator in a plasma channel guided wakefield accelerator. When a laser pulse is initially incident with a skew angle relative to the channel axis, the laser and accelerated electrons experience collective spiral motions, which leads to elliptically polarized synchrotron-like radiation with flexible tunability on radiation intensity, spectra and polarization. We demonstrate that a radiation source with millimeter size and peak brilliance of 2 × 1019 photons/s/mm2/mrad2/0.1% bandwidth can be made with moderate laser and electron beam parameters. This brilliance is comparable with third generation synchrotron radiation facilities running at similar photon energies, suggesting that laser plasma based radiation sources are promising for advanced applications. PMID:27377126

Infrared hyperspectral imaging for chemical vapour detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruxton, K.; Robertson, G.; Miller, W.; Malcolm, G. P. A.; Maker, G. T.; Howle, C. R.

2012-10-01

Active hyperspectral imaging is a valuable tool in a wide range of applications. One such area is the detection and identification of chemicals, especially toxic chemical warfare agents, through analysis of the resulting absorption spectrum. This work presents a selection of results from a prototype midwave infrared (MWIR) hyperspectral imaging instrument that has successfully been used for compound detection at a range of standoff distances. Active hyperspectral imaging utilises a broadly tunable laser source to illuminate the scene with light at a range of wavelengths. While there are a number of illumination methods, the chosen configuration illuminates the scene by raster scanning the laser beam using a pair of galvanometric mirrors. The resulting backscattered light from the scene is collected by the same mirrors and focussed onto a suitable single-point detector, where the image is constructed pixel by pixel. The imaging instrument that was developed in this work is based around an IR optical parametric oscillator (OPO) source with broad tunability, operating in the 2.6 to 3.7 μm (MWIR) and 1.5 to 1.8 μm (shortwave IR, SWIR) spectral regions. The MWIR beam was primarily used as it addressed the fundamental absorption features of the target compounds compared to the overtone and combination bands in the SWIR region, which can be less intense by more than an order of magnitude. We show that a prototype NCI instrument was able to locate hydrocarbon materials at distances up to 15 metres.

Surface defect assisted broad spectra emission from CdSe quantum dots for white LED application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samuel, Boni; Mathew, S.; Anand, V. R.; Correya, Adrine Antony; Nampoori, V. P. N.; Mujeeb, A.

2018-02-01

This paper reports, broadband photoluminescence from CdSe quantum dots (QDs) under the excitation of 403 nm using fluorimeter and 403 nm CW laser excitation. The broad spectrum obtained from the colloidal quantum dots was ranges from 450 nm to 800 nm. The broadness of the spectra was attributed to the merging of band edge and defect driven emissions from the QDs. Six different sizes of particles were prepared via kinetic growth method by using CdO and elemental Se as sources of Cd and Se respectively. The particle sizes were measured from TEM images. The size dependent effect on broad emission was also studied and the defect state emission was found to be predominant in very small QDs. The defect driven emission was also observed to be redshifted, similar to the band edge emission, due to quantum confinement effect. The emission corresponding to different laser power was also studied and a linear relation was obtained. In order to study the colour characteristics of the emission, CIE chromaticity coordinate, CRI and CCT of the prepared samples were measured. It is observed that, these values were tunable by the addition of suitable intensity of blue light from the excitation source to yield white light of various colour temperatures. The broad photoluminescence spectrum of the QDs, were compared with that of a commercially available white LED. It was found that the prepared QDs are good alternatives for the phosphor in phosphor converted white LEDs, to provide good spectral tunability.

A colour-tunable, weavable fibre-shaped polymer light-emitting electrochemical cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhitao; Guo, Kunping; Li, Yiming; Li, Xueyi; Guan, Guozhen; Li, Houpu; Luo, Yongfeng; Zhao, Fangyuan; Zhang, Qi; Wei, Bin; Pei, Qibing; Peng, Huisheng

2015-04-01

The emergence of wearable electronics and optoelectronics requires the development of devices that are not only highly flexible but can also be woven into textiles to offer a truly integrated solution. Here, we report a colour-tunable, weavable fibre-shaped polymer light-emitting electrochemical cell (PLEC). The fibre-shaped PLEC is fabricated using all-solution-based processes that can be scaled up for practical applications. The design has a coaxial structure comprising a modified metal wire cathode and a conducting aligned carbon nanotube sheet anode, with an electroluminescent polymer layer sandwiched between them. The fibre shape offers unique and promising advantages. For example, the luminance is independent of viewing angle, the fibre-shaped PLEC can provide a variety of different and tunable colours, it is lightweight, flexible and wearable, and it can potentially be woven into light-emitting clothes for the creation of smart fabrics.

Chemically Responsive Elastomers Exhibiting Unity-Order Refractive Index Modulation.

PubMed

Wu, Di M; Solomon, Michelle L; Naik, Gururaj V; García-Etxarri, Aitzol; Lawrence, Mark; Salleo, Alberto; Dionne, Jennifer A

2018-02-01

Chameleons are masters of light, expertly changing their color, pattern, and reflectivity in response to their environment. Engineered materials that share this tunability can be transformative, enabling active camouflage, tunable holograms, and novel colorimetric medical sensors. While progress has been made in creating artificial chameleon skin, existing schemes often require external power, are not continuously tunable, and may prove too stiff or bulky for applications. Here, a chemically tunable, large-area metamaterial is demonstrated that accesses a wide range of colors and refractive indices. An ordered monolayer of nanoresonators is fabricated, then its optical response is dynamically tuned by infiltrating its polymer substrate with solvents. The material shows a strong magnetic response with a dependence on resonator spacing that leads to a highly tunable effective permittivity, permeability, and refractive index spanning negative and positive values. The unity-order index tuning exceeds that of traditional electro-optic and photochromic materials and is robust to cycling, providing a path toward programmable optical elements and responsive light routing. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Breath analysis with broadly tunable quantum cascade lasers.

PubMed

Wörle, Katharina; Seichter, Felicia; Wilk, Andreas; Armacost, Chris; Day, Tim; Godejohann, Matthias; Wachter, Ulrich; Vogt, Josef; Radermacher, Peter; Mizaikoff, Boris

2013-03-05

With the availability of broadly tunable external cavity quantum cascade lasers (EC-QCLs), particularly bright mid-infrared (MIR; 3-20 μm) light sources are available offering high spectral brightness along with an analytically relevant spectral tuning range of >2 μm. Accurate isotope ratio determination of (12)CO2 and (13)CO2 in exhaled breath is of critical importance in the field of breath analysis, which may be addressed via measurements in the MIR spectral regime. Here, we combine for the first time an EC-QCL tunable across the (12)CO2/(13)CO2 spectral band with a miniaturized hollow waveguide gas cell for quantitatively determining the (12)CO2/(13)CO2 ratio within the exhaled breath of mice. Due to partially overlapping spectral features, these studies are augmented by appropriate multivariate data evaluation and calibration techniques based on partial least-squares regression along with optimized data preprocessing. Highly accurate determinations of the isotope ratio within breath samples collected from a mouse intensive care unit validated via hyphenated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirm the viability of IR-HWG-EC-QCL sensing techniques for isotope-selective exhaled breath analysis.

Atomic clouds as spectrally selective and tunable delay lines for single photons from quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wildmann, Johannes S.; Trotta, Rinaldo; Martín-Sánchez, Javier; Zallo, Eugenio; O'Steen, Mark; Schmidt, Oliver G.; Rastelli, Armando

2015-12-01

We demonstrate a compact, spectrally selective, and tunable delay line for single photons emitted by quantum dots. This is achieved by fine-tuning the wavelength of the optical transitions of such "artificial atoms" into a spectral window in which a cloud of natural atoms behaves as a slow-light medium. By employing the ground-state fine-structure-split exciton confined in an InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot as a source of single photons at different frequencies and the hyperfine-structure-split D1 transition of Cs-vapors as a tunable delay medium, we achieve a differential delay of up 2.4 ns on a 7.5-cm-long path for photons that are only 60 μ eV (14.5 GHz) apart. To quantitatively explain the experimental data, we develop a theoretical model that accounts for both the inhomogeneous broadening of the quantum-dot emission lines and the Doppler broadening of the atomic lines. The concept we proposed here may be used to implement time-reordering operations aimed at erasing the "which-path" information that deteriorates entangled-photon emission from excitons with finite fine-structure splitting.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafarzadeh, Hossein; Payravi, Mohammad

2018-05-01

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

Widely tunable quantum cascade laser-based terahertz source.

PubMed

Danylov, Andriy A; Light, Alexander R; Waldman, Jerry; Erickson, Neal; Qian, Xifeng

2014-07-10

A compact, tunable, ultranarrowband terahertz source, Δν∼1  MHz, is demonstrated by upconversion of a 2.324 THz, free-running quantum cascade laser with a THz Schottky-diode-balanced mixer using a swept, synthesized microwave source to drive the nonlinearity. Continuously tunable radiation of 1 μW power is demonstrated in two frequency regions: ν(Laser) ± 0 to 50 GHz and ν(Laser) ± 70 to 115 GHz. The sideband spectra were characterized with a Fourier-transform spectrometer, and the radiation was tuned through CO, HDO, and D2O rotational transitions.

Selective THz control of magnetic order: new opportunities from superradiant undulator sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalev, S.; Wang, Zhe; Deinert, J.-C.; Awari, N.; Chen, M.; Green, B.; Germanskiy, S.; de Oliveira, T. V. A. G.; Lee, J. S.; Deac, A.; Turchinovich, D.; Stojanovic, N.; Eisebitt, S.; Radu, I.; Bonetti, S.; Kampfrath, T.; Gensch, M.

2018-03-01

Recent advancements of accelerator technology enable the generation of carrier-envelope-phase stable THz pulses with high fields at adjustable high repetition rates. The appropriate choice of THz radiator allows generation of narrow-band, spectrally dense, multicycle THz transients of tunable THz frequency which are ideally suited to selectively excite low-energy excitations such as magnons or phonons. They also allow one to study the frequency dependence of nonresonant THz-field interactions with various order parameters with high dynamic range. In this paper, we discuss the future prospects of this new type of THz light source for studying the coherent control of magnetic order based on recent results.

Fiber optic geophysical sensors

DOEpatents

Homuth, Emil F.

1991-01-01

A fiber optic geophysical sensor in which laser light is passed through a sensor interferometer in contact with a geophysical event, and a reference interferometer not in contact with the geophysical event but in the same general environment as the sensor interferometer. In one embodiment, a single tunable laser provides the laser light. In another embodiment, separate tunable lasers are used for the sensor and reference interferometers. The invention can find such uses as monitoring for earthquakes, and the weighing of objects.

BRDF Calibration of Sintered PTFE in the SWIR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Georgiev, Georgi T.; Butler, James J.

2009-01-01

Satellite instruments operating in the reflective solar wavelength region often require accurate and precise determination of the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) of laboratory-based diffusers used in their pre-flight calibrations and ground-based support of on-orbit remote sensing instruments. The Diffuser Calibration Facility at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is a secondary diffuser calibration standard after NEST for over two decades, providing numerous NASA projects with BRDF data in the UV, Visible and the NIR spectral regions. Currently the Diffuser Calibration Facility extended the covered spectral range from 900 nm up to 1.7 microns. The measurements were made using the existing scatterometer by replacing the Si photodiode based receiver with an InGaAs-based one. The BRDF data was recorded at normal incidence and scatter zenith angles from 10 to 60 deg. Tunable coherent light source was setup. Broadband light source application is under development. Gray-scale sintered PTFE samples were used at these first trials, illuminated with P and S polarized incident light. The results are discussed and compared to empirically generated BRDF data from simple model based on 8 deg directional/hemispherical measurements.

Color-tunable and high-efficiency organic light-emitting diode by adjusting exciton bilateral migration zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shengqiang; Wu, Ruofan; Huang, Jiang; Yu, Junsheng

2013-09-01

A voltage-controlled color-tunable and high-efficiency organic light-emitting diode (OLED) by inserting 16-nm N,N'-dicarbazolyl-3,5-benzene (mCP) interlayer between two complementary emitting layers (EMLs) was fabricated. The OLED emitted multicolor ranging from blue (77.4 cd/A @ 6 V), white (70.4 cd/A @ 7 V), to yellow (33.7 cd/A @ 9 V) with voltage variation. An equivalent model was proposed to reveal the color-tunable and high-efficiency emission of OLEDs, resulting from the swing of exciton bilateral migration zone near mCP/blue-EML interface. Also, the model was verified with a theoretical arithmetic using single-EML OLEDs to disclose the crucial role of mCP exciton adjusting layer.

Development and applications of tunable, narrow band lasers and stimulated Raman scattering devices for atmospheric lidar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkerson, Thomas D.

1993-01-01

The main thrust of the program was the study of stimulated Raman processes for application to atmospheric lidar measurements. This has involved the development of tunable lasers, the detailed study of stimulated Raman scattering, and the use of the Raman-shifted light for new measurements of molecular line strengths and line widths. The principal spectral region explored in this work was the visible and near-IR wavelengths between 500 nm and 1.5 microns. Recent alexandrite ring laser experiments are reported. The experiments involved diode injection-locking, Raman shifting, and frequency-doubling. The experiments succeeded in producing tunable light at 577 and 937 nm with line widths in the range 80-160 MHz.

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

PubMed

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

2012-10-20

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

A tunable mid-infrared laser source for remote sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, Norman P.

1991-01-01

Many remote sensing needs can be effectively addressed with a tunable laser source in the mid infrared. One potential laser source is an optical parametric oscillator and amplifier system pumped by a near infrared solid state laser. Advantages of such a system and progress made at NASA Langley Research Center to date on such a system are described.

Experimental demonstration of software defined data center optical networks with Tbps end-to-end tunability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yongli; Zhang, Jie; Ji, Yuefeng; Li, Hui; Wang, Huitao; Ge, Chao

2015-10-01

The end-to-end tunability is important to provision elastic channel for the burst traffic of data center optical networks. Then, how to complete the end-to-end tunability based on elastic optical networks? Software defined networking (SDN) based end-to-end tunability solution is proposed for software defined data center optical networks, and the protocol extension and implementation procedure are designed accordingly. For the first time, the flexible grid all optical networks with Tbps end-to-end tunable transport and switch system have been online demonstrated for data center interconnection, which are controlled by OpenDayLight (ODL) based controller. The performance of the end-to-end tunable transport and switch system has been evaluated with wavelength number tuning, bit rate tuning, and transmit power tuning procedure.

Resonance lamp absorption technique for simultaneous determination of the OH concentration and temperature at 10 spatial positions in combustion environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shirinzadeh, B.; Gregory, Ray W.

1994-01-01

A rugged, easy to implement, line-of-sight absorption instrument which utilizes a low pressure water vapor microwave discharge cell as the light source, has been developed to make simultaneous measurements of the OH concentration and temperature at 10 spatial positions. The design, theory, and capability of the instrument are discussed. Results of the measurements obtained on a methane/air flat flame burner are compared with those obtained using a single-frequency, tunable dye laser system.

White light Z-scan measurements of ultrafast optical nonlinearity in reduced graphene oxide nanosheets in the 400–700 nm region

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

Perumbilavil, Sreekanth; Sankar, Pranitha; Priya Rose, T.

Wavelength dispersion of optical power limiting is an important factor to be considered while designing potential optical limiters for laser safety applications. We report the observation of broadband, ultrafast optical limiting in reduced graphene oxide (rGO), measured by a single open aperture Z-scan using a white light continuum (WLC) source. WLC Z-scan is fast when the nonlinearity is to be measured over broad wavelength ranges, and it obviates the need for an ultrafast tunable laser making it cost-economic compared to conventional Z-scan. The nonlinearity arises from nondegenerate two-photon absorption, owing mostly to the crystallinity and extended π conjugation of rGO.

Controlled electroluminescence of n-ZnMgO/p-GaN light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goh, E. S. M.; Yang, H. Y.; Han, Z. J.; Chen, T. P.; Ostrikov, K.

2012-12-01

Effective control of room-temperature electroluminescence of n-ZnMgO/p-GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) over both emission intensity and wavelength is demonstrated. With varied Mg concentration, the intensity of LEDs in the near-ultraviolet region is increased due to the effective radiative recombination in the ZnMgO layer. Furthermore, the emission wavelength is shifted to the green/yellow spectral region by employing an indium-tin-oxide thin film as the dopant source, where thermally activated indium diffusion creates extra deep defect levels for carrier recombination. These results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of controlled metal incorporation in achieving high energy efficiency and spectral tunability of the n-ZnMgO/p-GaN LED devices.

Dynamically tunable interface states in 1D graphene-embedded photonic crystal heterostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Zhao; Li, Shuaifeng; Liu, Xin; Zhao, Degang; Ye, Lei; Zhu, Xuefeng; Zang, Jianfeng

2018-03-01

Optical interface states exhibit promising applications in nonlinear photonics, low-threshold lasing, and surface-wave assisted sensing. However, the further application of interface states in configurable optics is hindered by their limited tunability. Here, we demonstrate a new approach to generate dynamically tunable and angle-resolved interface states using graphene-embedded photonic crystal (GPC) heterostructure device. By combining the GPC structure design with in situ electric doping of graphene, a continuously tunable interface state can be obtained and its tuning range is as wide as the full bandgap. Moreover, the exhibited tunable interface states offer a possibility to study the correspondence between space and time characteristics of light, which is beyond normal incident conditions. Our strategy provides a new way to design configurable devices with tunable optical states for various advanced optical applications such as beam splitter and dynamically tunable laser.

Wavelength-tunable light shaping with cholesteric liquid crystal microlenses.

PubMed

Bayon, Chloé; Agez, Gonzague; Mitov, Michel

2014-06-21

The ability to guide light on the mesoscopic scale is important both scientifically and technologically. Especially relevant is the development of wavelength-tunable light-shaping microdevices. Here we demonstrate the use of cholesteric liquid crystal polygonal textures organized as an array of microlenses for this purpose. The beam shaping is controlled by tuning the wavelength of the incident light in the visible spectrum. By taking advantage of the self-organization property of liquid crystals, the structure of the lens and its optical response are tailored by changing the annealing time of the single layer material during a completely integrated one-step process. The intrinsic helical organization of the layer is the cause of the light shaping and not the shape of the surface as for conventional lenses. A new concept of light manipulation using the structure chirality of liquid crystals is demonstrated, which concerns soft matter photonic circuits to mould the light.

Terahertz parametric sources and imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, M.; Ogawa, Y.; Otani, C.; Kawase, K.

2005-12-01

We have studied the generation of terahertz (THz) waves by optical parametric processes based on laser light scattering from the polariton mode of nonlinear crystals. Using parametric oscillation of LiNbO 3 or MgO-doped LiNbO 3 crystal pumped by a nano-second Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, we have realized a widely tunable coherent THz-wave sources with a simple configuration. We report the detailed characteristics of the oscillation and the radiation including tunability, spatial and temporal coherency, uni directivity, and efficiency. A Fourier transform limited THz-wave spectrum narrowing was achieved by introducing the injection seeding method. Further, we have developed a spectroscopic THz imaging system using a TPO, which allows detection and identification of drugs concealed in envelopes, by introducing the component spatial pattern analysis. Several images of the envelope are recorded at different THz frequencies and then processed. The final result is an image that reveals what substances are present in the envelope, in what quantity, and how they are distributed across the envelope area. The example presented here shows the identification of three drugs, two of which illegal, while one is an over-the-counter drug.

Terahertz parametric sources and imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawase, Kodo; Ogawa, Yuichi; Minamide, Hiroaki; Ito, Hiromasa

2005-07-01

We have studied the generation of terahertz (THz) waves by optical parametric processes based on laser light scattering from the polariton mode of nonlinear crystals. Using parametric oscillation of LiNbO3 or MgO-doped LiNbO3 crystal pumped by a nano-second Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, we have realized a widely tunable coherent THz-wave source with a simple configuration. We report the detailed characteristics of the oscillation and the radiation including tunability, spatial and temporal coherency, uni-directivity, and efficiency. A Fourier transform limited THz-wave spectrum narrowing was achieved by introducing the injection seeding method. Further, we have developed a spectroscopic THz imaging system using a THz-wave parametric oscillator, which allows detection and identification of drugs concealed in envelopes, by introducing the component spatial pattern analysis. Several images of the envelope are recorded at different THz frequencies and then processed. The final result is an image that reveals what substances are present in the envelope, in what quantity, and how they are distributed across the envelope area. The example presented here shows the identification of three drugs, two of which are illegal, while one is an over-the-counter drug.

Tunable microlens arrays using polymer network liquid crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Hongwen; Fan, Yun-Hsing; Gauza, Sebastian; Wu, Shin-Tson

2004-02-01

A tunable-focus microlens array based on polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) is demonstrated. The PNLC was prepared using an ultraviolet (UV) light exposure through a patterned photomask. The photocurable monomer in each of the UV exposed spot forms an inhomogeneous centro-symmetrical polymer network which acts as a lens when a homogeneous electric field is applied to the cell. The focal length of the microlens arrays is tunable with the applied voltage.

Analysis of a four lamp flash system for calibrating multi-junction solar cells under concentrated light

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

Schachtner, Michael, E-mail: michael.schachtner@ise.fraunhofer.de; Prado, Marcelo Loyo; Reichmuth, S. Kasimir

2015-09-28

It has been known for a long time that the precise characterization of multi-junction solar cells demands spectrally tunable solar simulators. The calibration of innovative multi-junction solar cells for CPV applications now requires tunable solar simulators which provide high irradiation levels. This paper describes the commissioning and calibration of a flash-based four-lamp simulator to be used for the measurement of multi-junction solar cells with up to four subcells under concentrated light.

Fiber optic geophysical sensors

DOEpatents

Homuth, E.F.

1991-03-19

A fiber optic geophysical sensor is described in which laser light is passed through a sensor interferometer in contact with a geophysical event, and a reference interferometer not in contact with the geophysical event but in the same general environment as the sensor interferometer. In one embodiment, a single tunable laser provides the laser light. In another embodiment, separate tunable lasers are used for the sensor and reference interferometers. The invention can find such uses as monitoring for earthquakes, and the weighing of objects. 2 figures.

Generation, storage, and retrieval of nonclassical states of light using atomic ensembles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eisaman, Matthew D.

This thesis presents the experimental demonstration of several novel methods for generating, storing, and retrieving nonclassical states of light using atomic ensembles, and describes applications of these methods to frequency-tunable single-photon generation, single-photon memory, quantum networks, and long-distance quantum communication. We first demonstrate emission of quantum-mechanically correlated pulses of light with a time delay between the pulses that is coherently controlled by utilizing 87Rb atoms. The experiment is based on Raman scattering, which produces correlated pairs of excited atoms and photons, followed by coherent conversion of the atomic states into a different photon field after a controllable delay. We then describe experiments demonstrating a novel approach for conditionally generating nonclassical pulses of light with controllable photon numbers, propagation direction, timing, and pulse shapes. We observe nonclassical correlations in relative photon number between correlated pairs of photons, and create few-photon light pulses with sub-Poissonian photon-number statistics via conditional detection on one field of the pair. Spatio-temporal control over the pulses is obtained by exploiting long-lived coherent memory for photon states and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in an optically dense atomic medium. Finally, we demonstrate the use of EIT for the controllable generation, transmission, and storage of single photons with tunable frequency, timing, and bandwidth. To this end, we study the interaction of single photons produced in a "source" ensemble of 87Rb atoms at room temperature with another "target" ensemble. This allows us to simultaneously probe the spectral and quantum statistical properties of narrow-bandwidth single-photon pulses, revealing that their quantum nature is preserved under EIT propagation and storage. We measure the time delay associated with the reduced group velocity of the single-photon pulses and report observations of their storage and retrieval. Together these experiments utilize atomic ensembles to realize a narrow-bandwidth single-photon source, single-photon memory that preserves the quantum nature of the single photons, and a primitive quantum network comprised of two atomic-ensemble quantum memories connected by a single photon in an optical fiber. Each of these experimental demonstrations represents an essential element for the realization of long-distance quantum communication.

Electro-optically tunable microwave source based on composite-cavity microchip laser.

PubMed

Qiao, Yunfei; Zheng, Shilie; Chi, Hao; Jin, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Xianmin

2012-12-17

A compact and electric tuning microwave source based on a diode-pumped composite Nd:YAG-LiNbO(3) cavity microchip laser is demonstrated. The electro-optical element introduces an electric tuning intra-cavity birefringence which causes a tunable frequency difference between two spilt orthogonal polarization states of a longitude mode. Thus a continuously tunable microwave signal with frequency up to 14.12 GHz can be easily generated by beating the two polarization modes on a high speed photodetector.

A spectrally tunable all-graphene-based flexible field-effect light-emitting device

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaomu; Tian, He; Mohammad, Mohammad Ali; Li, Cheng; Wu, Can; Yang, Yi; Ren, Tian-Ling

2015-01-01

The continuous tuning of the emission spectrum of a single light-emitting diode (LED) by an external electrical bias is of great technological significance as a crucial property in high-quality displays, yet this capability has not been demonstrated in existing LEDs. Graphene, a tunable optical platform, is a promising medium to achieve this goal. Here we demonstrate a bright spectrally tunable electroluminescence from blue (∼450 nm) to red (∼750 nm) at the graphene oxide/reduced-graphene oxide interface. We explain the electroluminescence results from the recombination of Poole–Frenkel emission ionized electrons at the localized energy levels arising from semi-reduced graphene oxide, and holes from the top of the π band. Tuning of the emission wavelength is achieved by gate modulation of the participating localized energy levels. Our demonstration of current-driven tunable LEDs not only represents a method for emission wavelength tuning but also may find applications in high-quality displays. PMID:26178323

Slow-light, band-edge waveguides for tunable time delays.

PubMed

Povinelli, M; Johnson, Steven; Joannopoulos, J

2005-09-05

We propose the use of slow-light, band-edge waveguides for compact, integrated, tunable optical time delays. We show that slow group velocities at the photonic band edge give rise to large changes in time delay for small changes in refractive index, thereby shrinking device size. Figures of merit are introduced to quantify the sensitivity, as well as the accompanying signal degradation due to dispersion. It is shown that exact calculations of the figures of merit for a realistic, three-dimensional grating structure are well predicted by a simple quadratic-band model, simplifying device design. We present adiabatic taper designs that attain <0.1% reflection in short lengths of 10 to 20 times the grating period. We show further that cascading two gratings compensates for signal dispersion and gives rise to a constant tunable time delay across bandwidths greater than 100GHz. Given typical loss values for silicon-on-insulator waveguides, we estimate that gratings can be designed to exhibit tunable delays in the picosecond range using current fabrication technology.

Tunable X-ray source

DOEpatents

Boyce, James R [Williamsburg, VA

2011-02-08

A method for the production of X-ray bunches tunable in both time and energy level by generating multiple photon, X-ray, beams through the use of Thomson scattering. The method of the present invention simultaneously produces two X-ray pulses that are tunable in energy and/or time.

Tunable properties of light propagation in photonic liquid crystal fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szaniawska, K.; Nasilowski, T.; Woliński, T. R.; Thienpont, H.

2006-12-01

Tunable properties of light propagation in photonic crystal fibers filled with liquid crystals, called photonic liquid crystal fibers (PLCFs) are presented. The propagation properties of PLCFs strongly depend on contrast between refractive indices of the solid core (pure silica glass) and liquid crystals (LCs) filing the holes of the fiber. Due to relatively strong thermo-optical effect, we can change the refractive index of the LC by changing its temperature. Numerical analysis of light propagation in PLCF, based on two simulation methods, such as finite difference (FD) and multipole method (MM) is presented. The numerical results obtained are in good agreement with our earlier experimental results presented elsewhere [1].

Picosecond, tunable, high-brightness hard x-ray inverse Compton source at Duke storage ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Litvinenko, Vladimir N.; Wu, Ying; Burnham, Bentley; Barnett, Genevieve A.; Madey, John M. J.

1995-09-01

We suggest a state-of-the art x-ray source using a compact electron storage ring with modest energy (less than 1 GeV) and a high power mm-wave as an undulator. A source of this type has x-ray energies and brightness comparable with third generation synchrotron light sources while it can be very compact and fit in a small university or industrial laboratory or hospital. We propose to operate an isochronous mm-wave FEL and a hard x-ray inverse Compton source at the Duke storage ring to test this concept. Resonant FEL conditions for the mm- wave will be provided by the off-axis interaction with an electromagnetic wave. A special optical resonator with holes for the e-beam is proposed for pumping a hard x-ray inverse Compton source with very high brightness. Simulation results of mm-wave FEL operation of the Duke storage ring are discussed. Expected performance of mm-wave FEL and hard x-ray inverse Compton source are presented.

The Role of Metal Halide Perovskites in Next-Generation Lighting Devices.

PubMed

Lozano, Gabriel

2018-06-28

The development of smart illumination sources represents a central challenge of the current technology. In this context, the quest for novel materials that enable efficient light generation is essential. Metal halide compounds with perovskite crystalline structure (ABX3) have gained tremendous interest in the last five years since they come as easy-to-prepare high performance semiconductors. Perovskite absorbers are driving the power-conversion-efficiencies of thin film photovoltaics to unprecedented values. Nowadays, mixed-cation mixed-halide lead perovskite solar cells reach efficiencies consistently over 20% and promise to get close to 30% in multi-junction devices when combined with silicon cells at no surcharge. Nonetheless, perovskites' fame extends further since extensive research on these novel semiconductors has also revealed their brightest side. Soon after their irruption in the photovoltaic scenario, demonstration of efficient color tunable -with high color purity- perovskite emitters has opened new avenues for light generation applications that are timely to discuss herein.

Apparatus for generating coherent infrared energy of selected wavelength

DOEpatents

Stevens, Charles G.

1985-01-01

A tunable source (11) of coherent infrared energy includes a heat pipe (12) having an intermediate region (24) at which cesium (22) is heated to vaporizing temperature and end regions (27, 28) at which the vapor is condensed and returned to the intermediate region (24) for reheating and recirculation. Optical pumping light (43) is directed along the axis of the heat pipe (12) through a first end window (17) to stimulate emission of coherent infrared energy which is transmitted out through an opposite end window (18). A porous walled tubulation (44) extends along the axis of the heat pipe (12) and defines a region (46) in which cesium vapor is further heated to a temperature sufficient to dissociate cesium dimers which would decrease efficiency by absorbing pump light (43). Efficient generation of any desired infrared wavelength is realized by varying the wavelength of the pump light (43).

Characterization of light-control-light system using graphene oxide coated optical waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Harith; Soltani, Soroush; Faizal Ismail, Mohammad; Thambiratnam, Kavintheran; Yi, Chong Wu; Yasin, Moh

2018-07-01

An optical waveguide was coated with graphene oxide (GO) using the drop-casting technique to increase the interaction between the waveguide’s evanescent field and the GO layer. Subsequently, a 1550 nm tunable laser source and 980 nm pump laser is used to study the potential of the GO-film to control the flow of light through the waveguide by altering the state of the waveguide between transparent (ON) and opaque (OFF). The GO layer has a thickness of 0.40 µm and allows a 1550 nm signal with a peak power of  ‑7.0 dBm and average output power of 0 dBm to pass through at a maximum pump power of 60 mW. The waveguide has a responsivity of ~0.1 dB mW‑1, with the time to switch between the ON and OFF states being about 3 ms.

White Light Emission from Vegetable Extracts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Vikram; Mishra, Ashok K.

2015-06-01

A mixture of extracts from two common vegetables, red pomegranate and turmeric, when photoexcited at 380 nm, produced almost pure white light emission (WLE) with Commission Internationale d’Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity index (0.35, 0.33) in acidic ethanol. It was also possible to obtain WLE in polyvinyl alcohol film (0.32, 0.25), and in gelatin gel (0.26, 0.33) using the same extract mixture. The colour temperature of the WLE was conveniently tunable by simply adjusting the concentrations of the component emitters. The primary emitting pigments responsible for contributing to WLE were polyphenols and anthocyanins from pomegranate, and curcumin from turmeric. It was observed that a cascade of Forster resonance energy transfer involving polyphenolics, curcumin and anthocyanins played a crucial role in obtaining a CIE index close to pure white light. The optimized methods of extraction of the two primary emitting pigments from their corresponding plant sources are simple, cheap and fairly green.

Depth-tunable three-dimensional display with interactive light field control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Songlin; Wang, Peng; Sang, Xinzhu; Li, Chenyu; Dou, Wenhua; Xiao, Liquan

2016-07-01

A software-defined depth-tunable three-dimensional (3D) display with interactive 3D depth control is presented. With the proposed post-processing system, the disparity of the multi-view media can be freely adjusted. Benefiting from a wealth of information inherently contains in dense multi-view images captured with parallel arrangement camera array, the 3D light field is built and the light field structure is controlled to adjust the disparity without additional acquired depth information since the light field structure itself contains depth information. A statistical analysis based on the least square is carried out to extract the depth information inherently exists in the light field structure and the accurate depth information can be used to re-parameterize light fields for the autostereoscopic display, and a smooth motion parallax can be guaranteed. Experimental results show that the system is convenient and effective to adjust the 3D scene performance in the 3D display.

Temporal, thermal, and light stability of continuously tunable cholesteric liquid crystal laser array.

PubMed

Jeong, Mi-Yun; Chung, Ki Soo; Wu, Jeong Weon

2014-11-01

Fine-structured polymerized cholesteric liquid crystal (PCLC) wedge laser devices have been realized, with high fine spatial tunability of the lasing wavelength. With resolution less than 0.3 nm in a broad spectral range, more than one hundred laser lines could be obtained in a PCLC cell without extra devices. For practical device application, we studied the stability of the device in detail over time, and in response to strong external light sources, and thermal perturbation. The PCLC wedge cells had good temporal stability for 1 year and showed good stability for strong perturbations, with the lasing wavelength shifting less than 1 nm, while the laser peak intensities decreased by up to 34%, and the high energy band edge of the photonic band gap (PBG) was red shifted 3 nm by temperature perturbation. However, when we consider the entire lasing spectrum for the PCLC cell, the 1-nm wavelength shift may not matter. Although the laser peak intensities were decreased by up to 34% in total for all of the perturbation cases, the remaining 34% laser peak intensity is considerable extent to make use. This good stability of the PCLC laser device is due to the polymerization of the CLC by UV curing. This study will be helpful for practical CLC laser device development.

Ultralow-threshold cascaded Brillouin microlaser for tunable microwave generation.

PubMed

Guo, Changlei; Che, Kaijun; Cai, Zhiping; Liu, Shuai; Gu, Guoqiang; Chu, Chengxu; Zhang, Pan; Fu, Hongyan; Luo, Zhengqian; Xu, Huiying

2015-11-01

We experimentally demonstrate an ultralow-threshold cascaded Brillouin microlaser for tunable microwave generation in a high-Q silica microsphere resonator. The threshold of the Brillouin microlaser is as low as 8 μW, which is close to the theoretical prediction. Moreover, the fifth-order Stokes line with a frequency shift up to 55 GHz is achieved with a coupled pump power of less than 0.6 mW. Benefiting from resonant wavelength shifts driven by thermal dynamics in the microsphere, we further realized tunable microwave signals with tuning ranges of 40 MHz at an 11 GHz band and 20 MHz at a 22 GHz band. To the best of our knowledge, it was the first attempt for tunable microwave source based on the whispering-gallery-mode Brillouin microlaser. Such a tunable microwave source from a cascaded Brillouin microlaser could find significant applications in aerospace, communication engineering, and metrology.

Fundamental Scaling of Microplasmas and Tunable UV Light Generation.

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

Manginell, Ronald P.; Sillerud, Colin Halliday; Hopkins, Matthew M.

2016-11-01

The temporal evolution of spectral lines from microplasma devices (MD) was studied, including impurity transitions. Long-wavelength emission diminishes more rapidly than deep UV with decreasing pulse width and RF operation. Thus, switching from DC to short pulsed or RF operation, UV emissions can be suppressed, allowing for real-time tuning of the ionization energy of a microplasma photo-ionization source, which is useful for chemical and atomic physics. Scaling allows MD to operate near atmospheric pressure where excimer states are efficiently created and emit down to 65 nm; laser emissions fall off below 200 nm, making MD light sources attractive for deepmore » UV use. A first fully-kinetic three-dimensional model was developed that explicitly calculates electron-energy distribution function. This, and non-continuum effects, were studied with the model and how they are impacted by geometry and transient or DC operation. Finally, a global non-dimensional model was developed to help explain general trends MD physics.« less

Manipulating photoinduced voltage in metasurface with circularly polarized light.

PubMed

Bai, Qiang

2015-02-23

Recently, the concept of metasurface has provided one an unprecedented opportunity and ability to control the light in the deep subwavelength scale. However, so far most efforts are devoted to exploiting the novel scattering properties and applications of metasurface in optics. Here, I theoretically and numerically demonstrate that longitudinal and transverse photoinduced voltages can be simultaneously realized in the proposed metasurface utilizing the magnetic resonance under the normal incidence of circularly polarized light, which may extend the concept and functionality of metasurface into the electronics and may provide a potential scheme to realize a nanoscale tunable voltage source through a nanophotonic roadmap. The signs of longitudinal and transverse photoin-duced voltages can be manipulated by tuning the resonant frequency and the handedness of circularly polarized light, respectively. Analytical formulae of photoinduced voltage are presented based on the theory of symmetry of field. This work may bridge nanophotonics and electronics, expands the capability of metasurface and has many potential applications.

Fabrication of a nano-cone array on a p-GaN surface for enhanced light extraction efficiency from GaN-based tunable wavelength LEDs.

PubMed

Soh, C B; Wang, B; Chua, S J; Lin, Vivian K X; Tan, Rayson J N; Tripathy, S

2008-10-08

We report on the fabrication of a nano-cone structured p-GaN surface for enhanced light extraction from tunable wavelength light emitting diodes (LEDs). Prior to p-contact metallization, self-assembled colloidal particles are deposited and used as a mask for plasma etching to create nano-cone structures on the p-GaN layer of LEDs. A well-defined periodic nano-cone array, with an average cone diameter of 300 nm and height of 150 nm, is generated on the p-GaN surface. The photoluminescence emission intensity recorded from the regions with the nano-cone array is increased by two times as compared to LEDs without surface patterning. The light output power from the LEDs with surface nano-cones shows significantly higher electroluminescence intensity at an injection current of 70 mA. This is due to the internal multiple scattering of light from the nano-cone sidewalls. Furthermore, we have shown that with an incorporation of InGaN nanostructures in the quantum well, the wavelength of these surface-patterned LEDs can be tuned from 517 to 488 nm with an increase in the injection current. This methodology may serve as a practical approach to increase the light extraction efficiency from wavelength tunable LEDs.

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

PubMed

Huang, Wenzhu; Zhang, Wentao; Li, Fang

2015-04-01

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

3D structured illumination microscopy using an incoherent illumination system based on a Fresnel biprism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shabani, H.; Doblas, A.; Saavedra, G.; Preza, C.

2018-02-01

Three-dimensional (3D) structured illumination (SI) patterns that include lateral and axial variations have attracted more attention recently as their use in fluorescence microscope enhances the 3D resolution of the native imaging system. 3D SI patterns have already been created by interfering three mutually-coherent waves using a diffraction grating or some electro-optical devices such as spatial light modulators. Here, an interesting approach to generate a 3D SI pattern of tunable modulation frequency is shown. Our proposed illumination system is based on the incoherent illumination of a Fresnel biprism using several equidistant linear sources (i.e., slits). Previously, we investigated and compared numerically this tunable SI microscopy (SIM) system with the one achieved with three-wave interference. In this contribution, we implement our proposed incoherent 3D SIM system of tunable-frequency in an open-setup. We evaluate the axial confinement of the illumination pattern obtained with this system by recording the SI pattern using a mirror sample and different number of slits and compare these data with simulation results. Moreover, we verify that with a higher number of slits used, the axial confinement of the pattern increases, and consequently, the system's optical sectioning capability improves.

Tunable optical frequency comb enabled scalable and cost-effective multiuser orthogonal frequency-division multiple access passive optical network with source-free optical network units.

PubMed

Chen, Chen; Zhang, Chongfu; Liu, Deming; Qiu, Kun; Liu, Shuang

2012-10-01

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a multiuser orthogonal frequency-division multiple access passive optical network (OFDMA-PON) with source-free optical network units (ONUs), enabled by tunable optical frequency comb generation technology. By cascading a phase modulator (PM) and an intensity modulator and dynamically controlling the peak-to-peak voltage of a PM driven signal, a tunable optical frequency comb source can be generated. It is utilized to assist the configuration of a multiple source-free ONUs enhanced OFDMA-PON where simultaneous and interference-free multiuser upstream transmission over a single wavelength can be efficiently supported. The proposed multiuser OFDMA-PON is scalable and cost effective, and its feasibility is successfully verified by experiment.

High-brightness laser imaging with tunable speckle reduction enabled by electroactive micro-optic diffusers.

PubMed

Farrokhi, Hamid; Rohith, Thazhe Madam; Boonruangkan, Jeeranan; Han, Seunghwoi; Kim, Hyunwoong; Kim, Seung-Woo; Kim, Young-Jin

2017-11-10

High coherence of lasers is desirable in high-speed, high-resolution, and wide-field imaging. However, it also causes unavoidable background speckle noise thus degrades the image quality in traditional microscopy and more significantly in interferometric quantitative phase imaging (QPI). QPI utilizes optical interference for high-precision measurement of the optical properties where the speckle can severely distort the information. To overcome this, we demonstrated a light source system having a wide tunability in the spatial coherence over 43% by controlling the illumination angle, scatterer's size, and the rotational speed of an electroactive-polymer rotational micro-optic diffuser. Spatially random phase modulation was implemented for the lower speckle imaging with over a 50% speckle reduction without a significant degradation in the temporal coherence. Our coherence control technique will provide a unique solution for a low-speckle, full-field, and coherent imaging in optically scattering media in the fields of healthcare sciences, material sciences and high-precision engineering.

Tunable liquid optics: electrowetting-controlled liquid mirrors based on self-assembled Janus tiles.

PubMed

Bucaro, Michael A; Kolodner, Paul R; Taylor, J Ashley; Sidorenko, Alex; Aizenberg, Joanna; Krupenkin, Tom N

2009-04-09

In this paper, we describe a tunable, high-reflectivity optofluidic device based on self-assembly of anisotropically functionalized hexagonal micromirrors (Janus tiles) on the surface of an oil droplet to create a concave liquid mirror. The liquid mirror is deposited on a patterned transparent electrode that allows the focal length and axial position to be electrically controlled. The mirror is mechanically robust and retains its integrity even at high levels of vibrational excitation of the interface. The use of reflection instead of refraction overcomes the limited available refractive-index contrast between pairs of density-matched liquids, allowing stronger focusing than is possible for a liquid lens of the same geometry. This approach is compatible with optical instruments that could provide novel functionality-for example, a dynamic 3D projector, i.e., a light source which can scan an image onto a moving, nonplanar focal surface. Janus tiles with complex optical properties can be manufactured using our approach, thus potentially enabling a wide range of novel optical elements.

Tunable liquid optics: electrowetting-controlled liquid mirrors based on self-assembled Janus tiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krupenkin, Tom; Bucaro, Mike; Kolodner, Paul; Taylor, Ashley; Sidorenko, Alex; Aizenberg, Joanna

2009-03-01

In this work we describe a tunable, high-reflectivity optofluidic device based on self-assembly of anisotropically-functionalized hexagonal micromirrors (Janus tiles) on the surface of an oil droplet to create a concave liquid mirror. The liquid mirror is deposited on a patterned transparent electrode that allows the focal length and axial position to be electrically controlled. The mirror is mechanically robust and retains its integrity even at high levels of vibrational excitation of the interface. The use of reflection instead of refraction overcomes the limited available refractive-index contrast between pairs of density-matched liquids, allowing stronger focusing than is possible for a liquid lens of the same geometry. This approach is compatible with optical instruments that could provide novel functionality - for example, a dynamic 3D projector; i.e., a light source which can scan an image onto a moving, non-planar focal surface. Janus tiles with complex optical properties can be manufactured using our approach, thus potentially enabling a wide range of novel optical elements.

Generation of single photons with highly tunable wave shape from a cold atomic ensemble

PubMed Central

Farrera, Pau; Heinze, Georg; Albrecht, Boris; Ho, Melvyn; Chávez, Matías; Teo, Colin; Sangouard, Nicolas; de Riedmatten, Hugues

2016-01-01

The generation of ultra-narrowband, pure and storable single photons with widely tunable wave shape is an enabling step toward hybrid quantum networks requiring interconnection of remote disparate quantum systems. It allows interaction of quantum light with several material systems, including photonic quantum memories, single trapped ions and opto-mechanical systems. Previous approaches have offered a limited tuning range of the photon duration of at most one order of magnitude. Here we report on a heralded single photon source with controllable emission time based on a cold atomic ensemble, which can generate photons with temporal durations varying over three orders of magnitude up to 10 μs without a significant change of the readout efficiency. We prove the nonclassicality of the emitted photons, show that they are emitted in a pure state, and demonstrate that ultra-long photons with nonstandard wave shape can be generated, which are ideally suited for several quantum information tasks. PMID:27886166

Research on fiber-optic cantilever-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy for trace gas detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ke; Zhou, Xinlei; Gong, Zhenfeng; Yu, Shaochen; Qu, Chao; Guo, Min; Yu, Qingxu

2018-01-01

We demonstrate a new scheme of cantilever-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy, combining a sensitivity-improved fiber-optic cantilever acoustic sensor with a tunable high-power fiber laser, for trace gas detection. The Fabry-Perot interferometer based cantilever acoustic sensor has advantages such as high sensitivity, small size, easy to install and immune to electromagnetic. Tunable erbium-doped fiber ring laser with an erbium-doped fiber amplifier is used as the light source for acoustic excitation. In order to improve the sensitivity for photoacoustic signal detection, a first-order longitudinal resonant photoacoustic cell with the resonant frequency of 1624 Hz and a large size cantilever with the first resonant frequency of 1687 Hz are designed. The size of the cantilever is 2.1 mm×1 mm, and the thickness is 10 μm. With the wavelength modulation spectrum and second-harmonic detection methods, trace ammonia (NH3) has been measured. The gas detection limits (signal-to-noise ratio = 1) near the wavelength of 1522.5 nm is achieved to be 3 ppb.

Imaging spectrometer using a liquid crystal tunable filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chrien, Thomas G.; Chovit, Christopher; Miller, Peter J.

1993-09-01

A demonstration imaging spectrometer using a liquid crystal tunable filter (LCTF) was built and tested on a hot air balloon platform. The LCTF is a tunable polarization interference or Lyot filter. The LCTF enables a small, light weight, low power, band sequential imaging spectrometer design. An overview of the prototype system is given along with a description of balloon experiment results. System model performance predictions are given for a future LCTF based imaging spectrometer design. System design considerations of LCTF imaging spectrometers are discussed.

Photonic Microresonators from Charge Transfer in Polymer Particles: Toward Enhanced and Tunable Two-Photon Emission.

PubMed

Vattikunta, Radhika; Venkatakrishnarao, Dasari; Sahoo, Chakradhar; Naraharisetty, Sri Ram Gopal; Narayana Rao, Desai; Müllen, Klaus; Chandrasekar, Rajadurai

2018-05-16

Novel photonic microresonators with enhanced nonlinear optical (NLO) intensity are fabricated from polymer particles. As an additional advantage, they offer band gap tunability from the visible to near-infrared regions. A special protocol including (i) copolymerization of 4-(1-pyrenyl)-styrene, styrene, and 1,4-divinylbenzene, (ii) extraction of a dispersible and partly dissolvable, lightly cross-linked polymer network (PN), and (iii) treatment of the blue-emitting PN with electron acceptor (A) molecules such as 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) and 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) furnishes orange- and red-emitting D-A charge-transfer (CT) complexes with the pendant pyrene units. These complexes, here named PN-TCNB and PN-TCNQ, respectively, precipitate as microparticles upon the addition of water and subsequent ultrasonication. Upon electronic excitation, these spherical microparticles act as whispering-gallery-mode resonators by displaying optical resonances in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra because of light confinement. Further, the trapped incident light increases the light-matter interaction and thereby enhances the PL intensity, including the two-photon luminescence. The described protocol for polymer-based CT microresonators with tunable NLO emissions holds promise for a myriad of photonic applications.

High power tunable mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator enabled by random fiber laser.

PubMed

Wu, Hanshuo; Wang, Peng; Song, Jiaxin; Ye, Jun; Xu, Jiangming; Li, Xiao; Zhou, Pu

2018-03-05

Random fiber laser, as a kind of novel fiber laser that utilizes random distributed feedback as well as Raman gain, has become a research focus owing to its advantages of wavelength flexibility, modeless property and output stability. Herein, a tunable optical parametric oscillator (OPO) enabled by a random fiber laser is reported for the first time. By exploiting a tunable random fiber laser to pump the OPO, the central wavelength of idler light can be continuously tuned from 3977.34 to 4059.65 nm with stable temporal average output power. The maximal output power achieved is 2.07 W. So far as we know, this is the first demonstration of a continuous-wave tunable OPO pumped by a tunable random fiber laser, which could not only provide a new approach for achieving tunable mid-infrared (MIR) emission, but also extend the application scenarios of random fiber lasers.

Note: A flexible light emitting diode-based broadband transient-absorption spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gottlieb, Sean M.; Corley, Scott C.; Madsen, Dorte; Larsen, Delmar S.

2012-05-01

This Note presents a simple and flexible ns-to-ms transient absorption spectrometer based on pulsed light emitting diode (LED) technology that can be incorporated into existing ultrafast transient absorption spectrometers or operate as a stand-alone instrument with fixed-wavelength laser sources. The LED probe pulses from this instrument exhibit excellent stability (˜0.5%) and are capable of producing high signal-to-noise long-time (>100 ns) transient absorption signals either in a broadband multiplexed (spanning 250 nm) or in tunable narrowband (20 ns) operation. The utility of the instrument is demonstrated by measuring the photoinduced ns-to-ms photodynamics of the red/green absorbing fourth GMP phosphodiesterase/adenylyl cyclase/FhlA domain of the NpR6012 locus of the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme.

Tunable, continuous-wave, ultraviolet source based on intracavity sum-frequency-generation in an optical parametric oscillator using BiB₃O₆.

PubMed

Devi, Kavita; Kumar, S Chaitanya; Ebrahim-Zadeh, M

2013-10-21

We report a continuous-wave (cw) source of tunable radiation across 333-345 nm in the ultraviolet (UV) using bismuth triborate, BiB₃O₆ (BIBO) as the nonlinear gain material. The source is based on internal sum-frequency-generation (SFG) in a cw singly-resonant optical parametric oscillator (OPO) pumped at 532 nm. The compact tunable source employs a 30-mm-long MgO:sPPLT crystal as the OPO gain medium and a 5-mm-long BIBO crystal for intracavity SFG of the signal and pump, providing up to 21.6 mW of UV power at 339.7 nm, with >15 mW over 64% of the SFG tuning range. The cw OPO is also tunable across 1158-1312 nm in the idler, delivering as much as 1.7 W at 1247 nm, with >1W over 65% of the tuning range. The UV output at maximum power exhibits passive power stability better than 3.4% rms and frequency stability of 193 GHz over more than one minute.

Tunable blue organic light emitting diode based on aluminum calixarene supramolecular complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legnani, C.; Reyes, R.; Cremona, M.; Bagatin, I. A.; Toma, H. E.

2004-07-01

In this letter, the results of supramolecular organic light emitting diodes using a calix[4] arene complex thin film as emitter and electron transporting layer are presented. The devices were grown onto glass substrates coated with indium-tin-oxide layer and aluminum thick (150nm) cathode. By applying a dc voltage between the device electrodes in forward bias condition, a blue light emission in the active area of the device was observed. It was found that the electroluminescent emission peak can be tuned between 470 and 510nm changing the applied voltage bias from 4.3 to 5.4V. The observed tunable emission can be associated with an energy transfer from the calixarene compound.

Tunable solid state lasers for remote sensing; Proceedings of the Conference, Stanford University, CA, October 1-3, 1984

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Byer, R. L. (Editor); Trebino, R. (Editor); Gustafson, E. K. (Editor)

1985-01-01

Papers are presented on solid-state lasers for remote sensing, diode-pumped Nd:YAG lasers, and tunable solid-state-laser systems. Topics discussed include titanium-sapphire tunable laser systems, the performance of slab geometry, and the development of slab lasers. Consideration is given to garnet host solid-state lasers, the growth of lasers and nonlinear materials, and nonlinear frequency conversion and tunable sources.

Tunable far infrared laser spectrometers

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

Blake, G.A.; Laughlin, K.B.; Cohen, R.C.

The state of the art in far infrared (FIR) spectroscopy is reviewed. The development of tunable, coherent FIR radiation sources is discussed. Applications of tunable FIR laser spectrometers for measurement of rotational spectra and dipole moments of molecular ions and free radicals, vibration-rotation-tunneling (VRT) spectra of weakly bound complexes, and vibration-rotation spectra of linear carbon clusters are presented. A detailed description of the Berkeley tunable FIR laser spectrometers is presented in the following article.

Tunable Optical Sources.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-11-01

finite aperture size 5. A. E. Siegman , "Unstable optical resonators for laser of the YAG rod, applications," Proc. IEEE 53, 217-287 (1965); "Unstable...Pumped LiNbO3 Tunable Source Radial Birefringent Element Computer Controlled Laser Attenuator Slab Configuration Laser Source 20. ABSTRACT (Continue on...have invented and demonstrated a computer controlled laser attenu- ator. .... Cont inued DD Il 7 1473 EDITION OF I NOV 01 IS OBSOLETE UNCLASSIFIEDAN

Ultrafast Energy Flow and Equilibration Dynamics in Photosynthetic Light-Harvesting Complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maiuri, Margherita; Lüer, Larry; Henry, Sarah; Carey, Anne-Marie; Cogdell, Richard J.; Cerullo, Giulio; Polli, Dario

We disentangle various energy transfer pathways in the bacterio-chlorophyll excitation cascade from LH2 to LH1 in Chromatium vinosum grown under high-light or low-light illumination using tunable narrowband selective excitation and broadband infrared probing.

Mixed-Halide Perovskites with Stabilized Bandgaps.

PubMed

Xiao, Zhengguo; Zhao, Lianfeng; Tran, Nhu L; Lin, Yunhui Lisa; Silver, Scott H; Kerner, Ross A; Yao, Nan; Kahn, Antoine; Scholes, Gregory D; Rand, Barry P

2017-11-08

One merit of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites is their tunable bandgap by adjusting the halide stoichiometry, an aspect critical to their application in tandem solar cells, wavelength-tunable light emitting diodes (LEDs), and lasers. However, the phase separation of mixed-halide perovskites caused by light or applied bias results in undesirable recombination at iodide-rich domains, meaning open-circuit voltage (V OC ) pinning in solar cells and infrared emission in LEDs. Here, we report an approach to suppress halide redistribution by self-assembled long-chain organic ammonium capping layers at nanometer-sized grain surfaces. Using the stable mixed-halide perovskite films, we are able to fabricate efficient and wavelength-tunable perovskite LEDs from infrared to green with high external quantum efficiencies of up to 5%, as well as linearly tuned V OC from 1.05 to 1.45 V in solar cells.

Monolithically, widely tunable quantum cascade lasers based on a heterogeneous active region design.

PubMed

Zhou, Wenjia; Bandyopadhyay, Neelanjan; Wu, Donghai; McClintock, Ryan; Razeghi, Manijeh

2016-06-08

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) have become important laser sources for accessing the mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral range, achieving watt-level continuous wave operation in a compact package at room temperature. However, up to now, wavelength tuning, which is desirable for most applications, has relied on external cavity feedback or exhibited a limited monolithic tuning range. Here we demonstrate a widely tunable QCL source over the 6.2 to 9.1 μm wavelength range with a single emitting aperture by integrating an eight-laser sampled grating distributed feedback laser array with an on-chip beam combiner. The laser gain medium is based on a five-core heterogeneous QCL wafer. A compact tunable laser system was built to drive the individual lasers within the array and produce any desired wavelength within the available spectral range. A rapid, broadband spectral measurement (520 cm(-1)) of methane using the tunable laser source shows excellent agreement to a measurement made using a standard low-speed infrared spectrometer. This monolithic, widely tunable laser technology is compact, with no moving parts, and will open new opportunities for MIR spectroscopy and chemical sensing.

Monolithically, widely tunable quantum cascade lasers based on a heterogeneous active region design

PubMed Central

Zhou, Wenjia; Bandyopadhyay, Neelanjan; Wu, Donghai; McClintock, Ryan; Razeghi, Manijeh

2016-01-01

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) have become important laser sources for accessing the mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral range, achieving watt-level continuous wave operation in a compact package at room temperature. However, up to now, wavelength tuning, which is desirable for most applications, has relied on external cavity feedback or exhibited a limited monolithic tuning range. Here we demonstrate a widely tunable QCL source over the 6.2 to 9.1 μm wavelength range with a single emitting aperture by integrating an eight-laser sampled grating distributed feedback laser array with an on-chip beam combiner. The laser gain medium is based on a five-core heterogeneous QCL wafer. A compact tunable laser system was built to drive the individual lasers within the array and produce any desired wavelength within the available spectral range. A rapid, broadband spectral measurement (520 cm−1) of methane using the tunable laser source shows excellent agreement to a measurement made using a standard low-speed infrared spectrometer. This monolithic, widely tunable laser technology is compact, with no moving parts, and will open new opportunities for MIR spectroscopy and chemical sensing. PMID:27270634

Efficient terahertz wave generation from GaP crystals pumped by chirp-controlled pulses from femtosecond photonic crystal fiber amplifier

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

Li, Jiang; Shi, Junkai; Xu, Baozhong

2014-01-20

A chirp-tunable femtosecond 10 W, 42 MHz photonic-crystal-fiber oscillator-amplifier system that is capable of delivering sub-60 fs light pulses at 1040 nm is used to demonstrate high-efficiency terahertz radiation generation via optical rectification in GaP crystals only a few millimeters in length. The optimization of the chirp of the fiber-laser pulses is shown to radically enhance the terahertz output, indicating one possible way to more efficiently use these extended nonlinear crystals in compact fiber-pumped terahertz radiation sources.

Tunable system for production of mirror and cusp configurations using chassis of permanent magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyde, Alexander; Bushmelov, Maxim; Batishchev, Oleg

2018-03-01

Compact arrays of permanent magnets have shown promise as replacements for electromagnets in applications requiring magnetic cusps and mirrors. An adjustable system capable of suspending and translating a pair of light, nonmagnetic chassis carrying such sources of magnetic field has been designed and constructed. Using this device to align two cylindrical chassis, strong solenoid-like domains of field, as well as classic biconic cusp and magnetic mirror topologies, are generated. Employing a pair of ring-shaped chassis instead, the superposition of their naturally-emitted cusps is demonstrated to produce sextupolar and octupolar magnetic fields.

A Biphasic Ligand Exchange Reaction on Cdse Nanoparticles: Introducing Undergraduates to Functionalizing Nanoparticles for Solar Cells

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zemke, Jennifer M.; Franz, Justin

2016-01-01

Semiconductor nanoparticles, including cadmium selenide (CdSe) particles, are attractive as light harvesting materials for solar cells. In the undergraduate laboratory, the size-tunable optical and electronic properties can be easily investigated; however, these nanoparticles (NPs) offer another platform for application-based tunability--the NP…

5.5nm wavelength-tunable high-power MOPA diode laser system at 971 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tawfieq, Mahmoud; Müller, André; Fricke, Jörg; Della Casa, Pietro; Ressel, Peter; Ginolas, Arnim; Feise, David; Sumpf, Bernd; Tränkle, Günther

2018-02-01

In this work, a widely tunable hybrid master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) diode laser with 6.2 W of output power at 971.8 nm will be presented. The MO is a DBR laser, with a micro heater embedded on top of the DBR grating for wavelength tunability. The emitted light of the MO is collimated and coupled into a tapered amplifier using micro cylindrical lenses, all constructed on a compact 25 mm × 25 mm conduction cooled laser package. The MOPA system emits light with a measured spectral width smaller than 17 pm, limited by the spectrometer, and with a beam propagation factor of M2 1/e2 = 1.3 in the slow axis. The emission is thus nearly diffraction limited with 79% of the total power within the central lobe (4.9 W diffraction limited). The electrically controlled micro-heater provides up to 5.5 nm of wavelength tunability, up to a wavelength of 977.3 nm, while maintaining an output power variation of only +/- 0.16 % for the entire tuning range.

Moth eye-inspired anti-reflective surfaces for improved IR optical systems & visible LEDs fabricated with colloidal lithography and etching.

PubMed

Chan, Lesley W; Morse, Daniel E; Gordon, Michael J

2018-05-08

Near- and sub-wavelength photonic structures are used by numerous organisms (e.g. insects, cephalopods, fish, birds) to create vivid and often dynamically-tunable colors, as well as create, manipulate, or capture light for vision, communication, crypsis, photosynthesis, and defense. This review introduces the physics of moth eye (ME)-like, biomimetic nanostructures and discusses their application to reduce optical losses and improve efficiency of various optoelectronic devices, including photodetectors, photovoltaics, imagers, and light emitting diodes. Light-matter interactions at structured and heterogeneous surfaces over different length scales are discussed, as are the various methods used to create ME-inspired surfaces. Special interest is placed on a simple, scalable, and tunable method, namely colloidal lithography with plasma dry etching, to fabricate ME-inspired nanostructures in a vast suite of materials. Anti-reflective surfaces and coatings for IR devices and enhancing light extraction from visible light emitting diodes are highlighted.

Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides as Light Sources.

PubMed

Pu, Jiang; Takenobu, Taishi

2018-06-13

Reducing the dimensions of materials is one of the key approaches to discovering novel optical phenomena. The recent emergence of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) has provided a promising platform for exploring new optoelectronic device applications, with their tunable electronic properties, structural controllability, and unique spin valley-coupled systems. This progress report provides an overview of recent advances in TMDC-based light-emitting devices discussed from several aspects in terms of device concepts, material designs, device fabrication, and their diverse functionalities. First, the advantages of TMDCs used in light-emitting devices and their possible functionalities are presented. Second, conventional approaches for fabricating TMDC light-emitting devices are emphasized, followed by introducing a newly established, versatile method for generating light emission in TMDCs. Third, current growing technologies for heterostructure fabrication, in which distinct TMDCs are vertically stacked or laterally stitched, are explained as a possible means for designing high-performance light-emitting devices. Finally, utilizing the topological features of TMDCs, the challenges for controlling circularly polarized light emission and its device applications are discussed from both theoretical and experimental points of view. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Improved Radial Velocity Precision with a Tunable Laser Calibrator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cramer, Claire; Brown, S.; Dupree, A. K.; Lykke, K. R.; Smith, A.; Szentgyorgyi, A.

2010-01-01

We present radial velocities obtained using a novel laser-based wavelength calibration technique. We have built a prototype laser calibrator for the Hectochelle spectrograph at the MMT 6.5 m telescope. The Hectochelle is a high-dispersion, fiber-fed, multi-object spectrograph capable of recording up to 240 spectra simultaneously with a resolving power of 40000. The standard wavelength calibration method makes use of spectra from thorium-argon hollow cathode lamps shining directly onto the fibers. The difference in light path between calibration and science light as well as the uneven distribution of spectral lines are believed to introduce errors of up to several hundred m/s in the wavelength scale. Our tunable laser wavelength calibrator solves these problems. The laser is bright enough for use with a dome screen, allowing the calibration light path to better match the science light path. Further, the laser is tuned in regular steps across a spectral order to generate a calibration spectrum, creating a comb of evenly-spaced lines on the detector. Using the solar spectrum reflected from the atmosphere to record the same spectrum in every fiber, we show that laser wavelength calibration brings radial velocity uncertainties down below 100 m/s. We present these results as well as an application of tunable laser calibration to stellar radial velocities determined with the infrared Ca triplet in globular clusters M15 and NGC 7492. We also suggest how the tunable laser could be useful for other instruments, including single-object, cross-dispersed echelle spectrographs, and adapted for infrared spectroscopy.

Tunable white light of a Ce3+,Tb3+,Mn2+ triply doped Na2Ca3Si2O8 phosphor for high colour-rendering white LED applications: tunable luminescence and energy transfer.

PubMed

Lü, Wei; Xu, Huawei; Huo, Jiansheng; Shao, Baiqi; Feng, Yang; Zhao, Shuang; You, Hongpeng

2017-07-18

A tunable white light emitting Na 2 Ca 3 Si 2 O 8 :Ce 3+ ,Tb 3+ ,Mn 2+ phosphor with a high color rendering index (CRI) has been prepared. Under UV excitation, Na 2 Ca 3 Si 2 O 8 :Ce 3+ phosphors present blue luminescence and exhibit a broad excitation ranging from 250 to 400 nm. When codoping Tb 3+ /Mn 2+ ions into Na 2 Ca 3 Si 2 O 8 , energy transfer from Ce 3+ to Tb 3+ and Ce 3+ to Mn 2+ ions is observed from the spectral overlap between Ce 3+ emission and Tb 3+ /Mn 2+ excitation spectra. The energy-transfer efficiencies and corresponding mechanisms are discussed in detail. The mechanism of energy transfer from Ce 3+ to Tb 3+ is demonstrated to be a dipole-quadrupole mechanism by the Inokuti-Hirayama model. The wavelength-tunable white light can be realized by coupling the emission bands centered at 440, 550 and 590 nm ascribed to the contribution from Ce 3+ , Tb 3+ and Mn 2+ , respectively. The commission on illumination value of color tunable emission can be tuned by controlling the content of Ce 3+ , Tb 3+ and Mn 2+ . Temperature-dependent luminescence spectra proved the good thermal stability of the as-prepared phosphor. White LEDs with CRI = 93.5 are finally fabricated using a 365 nm UV chip and the as-prepared Na 2 Ca 3 Si 2 O 8 :Ce 3+ ,Tb 3+ ,Mn 2+ phosphor. All the results suggest that Na 2 Ca 3 Si 2 O 8 :Ce 3+ ,Tb 3+ ,Mn 2+ can act as potential color-tunable and single-phase white emission phosphors for possible applications in UV based white LEDs.

Compact, High-Power, Fiber-Laser-Based Coherent Sources Tunable in the Mid-Infrared and THz Spectrum

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-02-20

conversion sources and optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) for the deep mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral regions >5 μm. We have successfully developed... oscillators (OPOs) for the deep mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral regions >5 µm. We have successfully developed tunable deep mid-IR systems in both...the advancement of nonlinear frequency conversion sources and optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) for the deep mid-infrared (mid- IR) spectral

Tunable plasmon-induced transparency effect based on self-asymmetric H-shaped resonators meta-atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Zhaoxiang; Chen, Lin; Zang, Xiaofei; Cai, Bin; Peng, Yan; Zhu, Yiming

2015-03-01

We have proposed and demonstrated a tunable plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) effect from two ways, based on self-asymmetric H-shaped resonators (AHR) meta-atoms. The tunable PIT effect is realized via varying polarization angles and coupling distances. First, by proper design, transition from PIT mode to dipole mode is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated by simply adjusting the polarization angle. Also, the manipulation of ‘dark-mode’ resonance intensity from strong to weak is achieved by varying coupling strength with different distances, which provided insight into the magnetic coupling hybridization mechanism. Prospectively, due to its special tunable characteristics, the AHR meta-atoms may be widely used in slow light, filters and switch devices.

[The design of all solid-state tunable pulsed Ti:sapphire laser system].

PubMed

Chen, Zhe; Ku, Geng; Wan, Junchao; Wang, Wei; Zhou, Chuanqing

2013-05-01

This paper presented a design of broadly all solid-state tunable pulsed Ti:sapphire laser with high power and stable performance. The laser was pumped by custom-made Nd:YAG laser which had water cooling system and amplified by two stage amplifier. The method accomplished tunable output of all solid-state tunable pulsed Ti:sapphire laser by modifying the reflection angle of the back mirror. We investigated the relationship between the power of the pumping laser and the all solid-state tunable pulsed Ti: sapphire laser by changing the power of the pumping source.

Tunable Superconducting Qubits with Flux-Independent Coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutchings, M. D.; Hertzberg, J. B.; Liu, Y.; Bronn, N. T.; Keefe, G. A.; Brink, Markus; Chow, Jerry M.; Plourde, B. L. T.

2017-10-01

We study the impact of low-frequency magnetic flux noise upon superconducting transmon qubits with various levels of tunability. We find that qubits with weaker tunability exhibit dephasing that is less sensitive to flux noise. This insight is used to fabricate qubits where dephasing due to flux noise is suppressed below other dephasing sources, leading to flux-independent dephasing times T2*˜15 μ s over a tunable range of approximately 340 MHz. Such tunable qubits have the potential to create high-fidelity, fault-tolerant qubit gates and to fundamentally improve scalability for a quantum processor.

Coherent and Tunable Terahertz Radiation from Graphene Surface Plasmon Polarirons Excited by Cyclotron Electron Beam

PubMed Central

Zhao, Tao; Gong, Sen; Hu, Min; Zhong, Renbin; Liu, Diwei; Chen, Xiaoxing; Zhang, Ping; Wang, Xinran; Zhang, Chao; Wu, Peiheng; Liu, Shenggang

2015-01-01

Terahertz (THz) radiation can revolutionize modern science and technology. To this date, it remains big challenges to develop intense, coherent and tunable THz radiation sources that can cover the whole THz frequency region either by means of only electronics (both vacuum electronics and semiconductor electronics) or of only photonics (lasers, for example, quantum cascade laser). Here we present a mechanism which can overcome these difficulties in THz radiation generation. Due to the natural periodicity of 2π of both the circular cylindrical graphene structure and cyclotron electron beam (CEB), the surface plasmon polaritions (SPPs) dispersion can cross the light line of dielectric, making transformation of SPPs into radiation immediately possible. The dual natural periodicity also brings significant excellences to the excitation and the transformation. The fundamental and hybrid SPPs modes can be excited and transformed into radiation. The excited SPPs propagate along the cyclotron trajectory together with the beam and gain energy from the beam continuously. The radiation density is enhanced over 300 times, up to 105 W/cm2. The radiation frequency can be widely tuned by adjusting the beam energy or chemical potential. This mechanism opens a way for developing desired THz radiation sources to cover the whole THz frequency regime. PMID:26525516

The Effect of Incident Light Polarization on Vegetation Bidirectional Reflectance Factor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Georgiev, Georgi T.; Thome, Kurt; Ranson, Kurtis J.; King, Michael D.; Butler, James J.

2010-01-01

The Laboratory-based Bidirectional Reflectance Factor (BRF) polarization study of vegetation is presented in this paper. The BRF was measured using a short-arc Xenon lamp/monochromator assembly producing an incoherent, tunable light source with a well-defined spectral bandpass at visible and near-infrared wavelengths of interest at 470 nm and 870 nm and coherent light source at 1.656 microns. All vegetation samples were measured using P and S linearly polarized incident light over a range of incident and scatter angles. By comparing these results, we quantitatively examine how the BRF of the samples depends on the polarization of the incident light. The differences are significant, depend strongly on the incident and scatter angles, and can be as high as 120% at 67 deg incident and 470nm. The global nature of Earth's processes requires consistent long-term calibration of all instruments involved in data retrieval. The BRF defines the reflection characteristics of Earth surface. It provides the reflectance of a target in a specific direction as a function of illumination and viewing geometry. The BRF is a function of wavelength and reflects the structural and optical properties of the surface. Various space and airborne radiometric and imaging remote sensing instruments are used in the remote sensing characterization of vegetation canopies and soils, oceans, or especially large pollution sources. The satellite data is validated through comparison with airborne, ground-based and laboratory-based data in an effort to fully understand the vegetation canopy reflectance, The Sun's light is assumed to be unpolarized at the top of the atmosphere; however it becomes polarized to some degree due to atmospheric effects by the time it reaches the vegetation canopy. Although there are numerous atmospheric correction models, laboratory data is needed for model verification and improvement.

Optically Tunable Resistive-Switching Memory in Multiferroic Heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Ming; Ni, Hao; Xu, Xiaoke; Qi, Yaping; Li, Xiaomin; Gao, Ju

2018-04-01

Electronic phase separation has been used to realize exotic functionalities in complex oxides with external stimuli, such as magnetic field, electric field, current, light, strain, etc. Using the Nd0.7Sr0.3MnO3/0.7 Pb (Mg1 /3Nb2 /3)O3-0 .3 PbTiO3 multiferroic heterostructure as a model system, we investigate the electric field and light cocontrol of phase separation in resistive switching. The electric-field-induced nonvolatile electroresistance response is achieved at room temperature using reversible ferroelastic domain switching, which can be robustly modified on illumination of light. Moreover, the electrically controlled ferroelastic strain can effectively enhance the visible-light-induced photoresistance effect. These findings demonstrate that the electric-field- and light-induced effects strongly correlate with each other and are essentially driven by electronic phase separation. Our work opens a gate to design electrically tunable multifunctional storage devices based on multiferroic heterostructures by adding light as an extra control parameter.

Development, characterization, and modeling of a tunable filter camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sartor, Mark Alan

1999-10-01

This paper describes the development, characterization, and modeling of a Tunable Filter Camera (TFC). The TFC is a new multispectral instrument with electronically tuned spectral filtering and low-light-level sensitivity. It represents a hybrid between hyperspectral and multispectral imaging spectrometers that incorporates advantages from each, addressing issues such as complexity, cost, lack of sensitivity, and adaptability. These capabilities allow the TFC to be applied to low- altitude video surveillance for real-time spectral and spatial target detection and image exploitation. Described herein are the theory and principles of operation for the TFC, which includes a liquid crystal tunable filter, an intensified CCD, and a custom apochromatic lens. The results of proof-of-concept testing, and characterization of two prototype cameras are included, along with a summary of the design analyses for the development of a multiple-channel system. A significant result of this effort was the creation of a system-level model, which was used to facilitate development and predict performance. It includes models for the liquid crystal tunable filter and intensified CCD. Such modeling was necessary in the design of the system and is useful for evaluation of the system in remote-sensing applications. Also presented are characterization data from component testing, which included quantitative results for linearity, signal to noise ratio (SNR), linearity, and radiometric response. These data were used to help refine and validate the model. For a pre-defined source, the spatial and spectral response, and the noise of the camera, system can now be predicted. The innovation that sets this development apart is the fact that this instrument has been designed for integrated, multi-channel operation for the express purpose of real-time detection/identification in low- light-level conditions. Many of the requirements for the TFC were derived from this mission. In order to provide background for the design requirements for the TFC development, the mission and principles of operation behind the multi-channel system will be reviewed. Given the combination of the flexibility, simplicity, and sensitivity, the TFC and its multiple-channel extension can play a significant role in the next generation of remote-sensing instruments.

Toward the realization of a compact chemical sensor platform using quantum cascade lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holthoff, Ellen L.; Marcus, Logan S.; Pellegrino, Paul M.

2015-05-01

The Army is investigating several spectroscopic techniques (e.g., infrared spectroscopy) that could allow for an adaptable sensor platform. Traditionally, chemical sensing platforms have been hampered by the opposing concerns of increasing sensor capability while maintaining a minimal package size. Current sensors, although reasonably sized, are geared to more classical chemical threats, and the ability to expand their capabilities to a broader range of emerging threats is uncertain. Recently, photoacoustic spectroscopy, employed in a sensor format, has shown enormous potential to address these ever-changing threats, while maintaining a compact sensor design. In order to realize the advantage of photoacoustic sensor miniaturization, light sources of comparable size are required. Recent research has employed quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) in combination with MEMS-scale photoacoustic cell designs. The continuous tuning capability of QCLs over a broad wavelength range in the mid-infrared spectral region greatly expands the number of compounds that can be identified. Results have demonstrated that utilizing a tunable QCL with a MEMS-scale photoacoustic cell produces favorable detection limits (ppb levels) for chemical targets (e.g., dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), vinyl acetate, 1,4-dioxane). Although our chemical sensing research has benefitted from the broad tuning capabilities of QCLs, the limitations of these sources must be considered. Current commercially available tunable systems are still expensive and obviously geared more toward laboratory operation, not fielding. Although the laser element itself is quite small, the packaging, power supply, and controller remain logistical burdens. Additionally, operational features such as continuous wave (CW) modulation and laser output powers while maintaining wide tunability are not yet ideal for a variety of sensing applications. In this paper, we will discuss our continuing evaluation of QCL technology as it matures in relation to our ultimate goal of a universal compact chemical sensor platform.

Tunable room temperature THz sources based on nonlinear mixing in a hybrid optical and THz micro-ring resonator.

PubMed

Sinha, Raju; Karabiyik, Mustafa; Al-Amin, Chowdhury; Vabbina, Phani K; Güney, Durdu Ö; Pala, Nezih

2015-03-24

We propose and systematically investigate a novel tunable, compact room temperature terahertz (THz) source based on difference frequency generation in a hybrid optical and THz micro-ring resonator. We describe detailed design steps of the source capable of generating THz wave in 0.5-10 THz with a tunability resolution of 0.05 THz by using high second order optical susceptibility (χ((2))) in crystals and polymers. In order to enhance THz generation compared to bulk nonlinear material, we employ a nonlinear optical micro-ring resonator with high-Q resonant modes for infrared input waves. Another ring oscillator with the same outer radius underneath the nonlinear ring with an insulation of SiO2 layer supports the generated THz with resonant modes and out-couples them into a THz waveguide. The phase matching condition is satisfied by engineering both the optical and THz resonators with appropriate effective indices. We analytically estimate THz output power of the device by using practical values of susceptibility in available crystals and polymers. The proposed source can enable tunable, compact THz emitters, on-chip integrated spectrometers, inspire a broader use of THz sources and motivate many important potential THz applications in different fields.

Tunable Room Temperature THz Sources Based on Nonlinear Mixing in a Hybrid Optical and THz Micro-Ring Resonator

PubMed Central

Sinha, Raju; Karabiyik, Mustafa; Al-Amin, Chowdhury; Vabbina, Phani K.; Güney, Durdu Ö.; Pala, Nezih

2015-01-01

We propose and systematically investigate a novel tunable, compact room temperature terahertz (THz) source based on difference frequency generation in a hybrid optical and THz micro-ring resonator. We describe detailed design steps of the source capable of generating THz wave in 0.5–10 THz with a tunability resolution of 0.05 THz by using high second order optical susceptibility (χ(2)) in crystals and polymers. In order to enhance THz generation compared to bulk nonlinear material, we employ a nonlinear optical micro-ring resonator with high-Q resonant modes for infrared input waves. Another ring oscillator with the same outer radius underneath the nonlinear ring with an insulation of SiO2 layer supports the generated THz with resonant modes and out-couples them into a THz waveguide. The phase matching condition is satisfied by engineering both the optical and THz resonators with appropriate effective indices. We analytically estimate THz output power of the device by using practical values of susceptibility in available crystals and polymers. The proposed source can enable tunable, compact THz emitters, on-chip integrated spectrometers, inspire a broader use of THz sources and motivate many important potential THz applications in different fields. PMID:25800287

Tunable dual-band graphene-based infrared reflectance filter.

PubMed

Goldflam, Michael D; Ruiz, Isaac; Howell, Stephen W; Wendt, Joel R; Sinclair, Michael B; Peters, David W; Beechem, Thomas E

2018-04-02

We experimentally demonstrated an actively tunable optical filter that controls the amplitude of reflected long-wave-infrared light in two separate spectral regions concurrently. Our device exploits the dependence of the excitation energy of plasmons in a continuous and unpatterned sheet of graphene on the Fermi-level, which can be controlled via conventional electrostatic gating. The filter enables simultaneous modification of two distinct spectral bands whose positions are dictated by the device geometry and graphene plasmon dispersion. Within these bands, the reflected amplitude can be varied by over 15% and resonance positions can be shifted by over 90 cm -1 . Electromagnetic simulations verify that tuning arises through coupling of incident light to graphene plasmons by a grating structure. Importantly, the tunable range is determined by a combination of graphene properties, device structure, and the surrounding dielectrics, which dictate the plasmon dispersion. Thus, the underlying design shown here is applicable across a broad range of infrared frequencies.

Optical patterning and dynamics of torons and hopfions in a chiral nematic with photo-tunable equilibrium pitch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohn, Hayley; Ackerman, Paul; Smalyukh, Ivan

Three-dimensional (3D) topological solitons arise in field theories ranging from particle physics to condensed matter and cosmology. They are the 3D counterparts of 2D skyrmions (often called ``baby skyrmions''), which attract a great deal of interest in studies of chiral ferromagnets and enable the emerging field of skyrmionics. In chiral nematic liquid crystals, the stability of such solitons is enhanced by the chiral medium's tendency to twist the director field describing the 3D spatial patterns of molecular alignment. However, their experimental realization, control and detailed studies remain limited. We combine experimental realization and numerical modeling of such light-responsive solitonic structures, including elementary torons and hopfions, in confined chiral nematic liquid crystals with photo-tunable cholesteric pitch. We show that the optical tunability of the pitch allows for using low-intensity light to control the soliton stability, dimensions, spatial patterning and dynamics.

Dynamically tunable electromagnetically-induced-transparency-like resonances in graphene nanoring and nanodisk hybrid metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, De-Chao; Li, Hong-Ju; Xia, Sheng-Xuan; Qin, Meng; Zhai, Xiang; Wang, Ling-Ling

2017-08-01

A tunable electromagnetically-induced-transparency-like (EIT-like) device is proposed numerically and theoretically in the mid-infrared region, which is composed of periodically patterned ring and disk graphene. Distinguished from the commonly used three-level system, the hybridization of the plasmon mode is applied to describing and explaining the EIT-like phenomenon in the proposed systems. What is more, further researches have revealed that the spectral position of the transparency window can be tuned not only by geometrically changing the couple distance in graphene nanostructures, but also by dynamically altering the radius of the graphene nanodisk and the chemical potential of the graphene. At the transparency window, there exist large optical delays, which can slow down the speed of light in vacuum. This work may pave the way to the development of applications including tunable sensors, slow-light devices, and optical switches.

Rayleigh Scattering Measurements Using a Tunable Liquid Crystal Fabry-Perot Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mielke-Fagan, Amy F.; Clem, Michelle M.; Elam, Kristie A.

2010-01-01

Spectroscopic Rayleigh scattering is an established flow diagnostic that has the ability to provide simultaneous density, velocity, and temperature measurements. The Fabry-Perot interferometer or etalon is a commonly employed instrument for resolving the spectrum of molecular Rayleigh scattered light for the purpose of evaluating these flow properties. This paper investigates the use of a tunable liquid crystal (LC) Fabry-Perot etalon in Rayleigh scattering experiments at NASA Glenn Research Center. The LC etalon provides a robust interferometry system that can be tuned rapidly by adjusting the voltage applied to the liquid crystal interface. Tuning the interferometer is often necessary to control the physical locations of the concentric interference fringes when Rayleigh light is imaged through the LC etalon. The LC etalon diagnostic system was tested in a 1-cm diameter nozzle flow in two different scattering configurations to evaluate its usefulness for Rayleigh measurements compared to a traditional non-tunable fused silica Fabry-Perot etalon.

Theoretical study on the ultra-narrow bandwidth tunable atomic filter with electromagnetically induced transparency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Li, Shu-qing; Feng, Zhong-ying; Liu, Xiao-fei; Gao, Jin-yue

2016-12-01

To obtain the weak signal light detection from the high background noise, we present a theoretical study on the ultra-narrow bandwidth tunable atomic filter with electromagnetically induced transparency. In a three-level Λ -type atomic system in the rubidium D1 line, the bandwidth of the EIT atomic filter is narrowed to ~6.5 \\text{MHz} . And the single peak transmission of the filter can be up to 86% . Moreover, the transmission wavelength can be tuned by changing the coupling light frequency. This theoretical scheme can also be applied to other alkali atomic systems.

Self-starting, self-regulating Fourier domain mode locked fiber laser for OCT imaging

PubMed Central

Murari, Kartikeya; Mavadia, Jessica; Xi, Jiefeng; Li, Xingde

2011-01-01

We present a Fourier domain mode locking (FDML) fiber laser with a feedback loop allowing automatic startup without a priori knowledge of the fundamental drive frequency. The feedback can also regulate the drive frequency making the source robust against environmental variations. A control system samples the energy of the light traversing the FDML cavity and uses a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to drive the tunable fiber Fabry-Perot filter in order to maximize that energy. We demonstrate a prototype self-starting, self-regulating FDML operating at 40 kHz with a full width tuning range of 140 nm around 1305 nm and a power output of ~40 mW. The laser starts up with no operator intervention in less than 5 seconds and exhibits improved spectral stability over a conventional FDML source. In OCT applications the source achieved over 120 dB detection sensitivity and an ~8.9-µm axial resolution. PMID:21750775

Construction of a Visible Diode Laser Source for Free Radical Photochemistry and Spectroscopy Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newman, Bronjelyn; Halpern, Joshua B.

1997-01-01

Tunable diode lasers are reliable sources of narrow-band light and comparatively cheap. Optical feedback simplifies frequency tuning of the laser diodes. We are building an inexpensive diode laser system incorporating optical feedback from a diffraction grating. The external optical cavity can be used with lasers that emit between 2 and 100 mW, and will also work if they are pulsed, although this will significantly degrade the bandwidth. The diode laser output power and bandwidth are comparable to CW dye lasers used in kinetics and dynamics experiments. However, their cost and maintenance will be much less as will alignment time. We intend to use the diode lasers to investigate CN and C2 kinetics as well as to study dissociation dynamics of atmospherically important molecules.

Widely tunable two-colour seeded free-electron laser source for resonant-pump resonant-probe magnetic scattering

PubMed Central

Ferrari, Eugenio; Spezzani, Carlo; Fortuna, Franck; Delaunay, Renaud; Vidal, Franck; Nikolov, Ivaylo; Cinquegrana, Paolo; Diviacco, Bruno; Gauthier, David; Penco, Giuseppe; Ribič, Primož Rebernik; Roussel, Eleonore; Trovò, Marco; Moussy, Jean-Baptiste; Pincelli, Tommaso; Lounis, Lounès; Manfredda, Michele; Pedersoli, Emanuele; Capotondi, Flavio; Svetina, Cristian; Mahne, Nicola; Zangrando, Marco; Raimondi, Lorenzo; Demidovich, Alexander; Giannessi, Luca; De Ninno, Giovanni; Danailov, Miltcho Boyanov; Allaria, Enrico; Sacchi, Maurizio

2016-01-01

The advent of free-electron laser (FEL) sources delivering two synchronized pulses of different wavelengths (or colours) has made available a whole range of novel pump–probe experiments. This communication describes a major step forward using a new configuration of the FERMI FEL-seeded source to deliver two pulses with different wavelengths, each tunable independently over a broad spectral range with adjustable time delay. The FEL scheme makes use of two seed laser beams of different wavelengths and of a split radiator section to generate two extreme ultraviolet pulses from distinct portions of the same electron bunch. The tunability range of this new two-colour source meets the requirements of double-resonant FEL pump/FEL probe time-resolved studies. We demonstrate its performance in a proof-of-principle magnetic scattering experiment in Fe–Ni compounds, by tuning the FEL wavelengths to the Fe and Ni 3p resonances. PMID:26757813

Emerging Nanophotonic Applications Explored with Advanced Scientific Parallel Computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Xiang

The domain of nanoscale optical science and technology is a combination of the classical world of electromagnetics and the quantum mechanical regime of atoms and molecules. Recent advancements in fabrication technology allows the optical structures to be scaled down to nanoscale size or even to the atomic level, which are far smaller than the wavelength they are designed for. These nanostructures can have unique, controllable, and tunable optical properties and their interactions with quantum materials can have important near-field and far-field optical response. Undoubtedly, these optical properties can have many important applications, ranging from the efficient and tunable light sources, detectors, filters, modulators, high-speed all-optical switches; to the next-generation classical and quantum computation, and biophotonic medical sensors. This emerging research of nanoscience, known as nanophotonics, is a highly interdisciplinary field requiring expertise in materials science, physics, electrical engineering, and scientific computing, modeling and simulation. It has also become an important research field for investigating the science and engineering of light-matter interactions that take place on wavelength and subwavelength scales where the nature of the nanostructured matter controls the interactions. In addition, the fast advancements in the computing capabilities, such as parallel computing, also become as a critical element for investigating advanced nanophotonic devices. This role has taken on even greater urgency with the scale-down of device dimensions, and the design for these devices require extensive memory and extremely long core hours. Thus distributed computing platforms associated with parallel computing are required for faster designs processes. Scientific parallel computing constructs mathematical models and quantitative analysis techniques, and uses the computing machines to analyze and solve otherwise intractable scientific challenges. In particular, parallel computing are forms of computation operating on the principle that large problems can often be divided into smaller ones, which are then solved concurrently. In this dissertation, we report a series of new nanophotonic developments using the advanced parallel computing techniques. The applications include the structure optimizations at the nanoscale to control both the electromagnetic response of materials, and to manipulate nanoscale structures for enhanced field concentration, which enable breakthroughs in imaging, sensing systems (chapter 3 and 4) and improve the spatial-temporal resolutions of spectroscopies (chapter 5). We also report the investigations on the confinement study of optical-matter interactions at the quantum mechanical regime, where the size-dependent novel properties enhanced a wide range of technologies from the tunable and efficient light sources, detectors, to other nanophotonic elements with enhanced functionality (chapter 6 and 7).

Investigation on the special Smith-Purcell radiation from a nano-scale rectangular metallic grating

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

Li, Weiwei; Liu, Weihao, E-mail: liuwhao@ustc.edu.cn; Jia, Qika

The special Smith-Purcell radiation (S-SPR), which is from the radiating eigen modes of a grating, has remarkable higher intensity than the ordinary Smith-Purcell radiation. Yet in previous studies, the gratings were treated as perfect conductor without considering the surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) which are of significance for the nano-scale gratings especially in the optical region. In present paper, the rigorous theoretical investigations on the S-SPR from a nano-grating with SPPs taken into consideration are carried out. The dispersion relations and radiation characteristics are obtained, and the results are verified by simulations. According to the analyses, the tunable light radiation canmore » be achieved by the S-SPR from a nano-grating, which offers a new prospect for developing the nano-scale light sources.« less

SNR of swept SLEDs and swept lasers for OCT (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Bart C.; Atia, Walid; Flanders, Dale; Kuznetsov, Mark; Goldberg, Brian; Kemp, Nate; Whitney, Peter

2016-03-01

A back-to-back comparison of a tunable narrow-band SLED (TSLED) and a swept laser are made for OCT applications. Both are 1310 nm sources sweeping at 50 kHz over a 100 nm tuning range and have similar coherence lengths. The TSLED consists of a seed SOA and two amplification SOAs. The ASE is filtered twice by a tunable MEMS Fabry Perot in a polarization multiplexed double-pass arrangement on either side of the middle SOA. This allows very long coherence lengths to be achieved. A fundamental issue with a SLED is that the RIN is proportional to 1/Linewidth, meaning that the longer the coherence length, the higher the RIN. High RIN also leads to increased clock jitter. Most swept source SNR calculations assume that the noise is independent of the amplitude of the signal light: The higher the signal, the higher the SNR. We show that in the case of the TSLED, that the high signal RIN and clock jitter give rise to additional noises that scale with signal power. This leads to an SNR limit in the case of the TSLED: The higher the signal, the higher the noise, so the SNR reaches a limit. While the TSLED has respectable sensitivity, the SNR limit causes noise streaks in an image where the A-line has a high reflectivity point. The laser, which is shot noise limited, does not exhibit this effect. This is illustrated with SNR data and side-by-side images taken with the two sources.

Multichannel tunable omnidirectional photonic band gaps of 1D ternary photonic crystal containing magnetized cold plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awasthi, Suneet Kumar; Panda, Ranjita; Chauhan, Prashant Kumar; Shiveshwari, Laxmi

2018-05-01

By using the transfer matrix method, theoretical investigations have been carried out in the microwave region to study the reflection properties of multichannel tunable omnidirectional photonic bandgaps (OPBGs) based on the magneto-optic Faraday effect. The proposed one dimensional ternary plasma photonic crystal consists of alternate layers of quartz, magnetized cold plasma (MCP), and air. In the absence of an external magnetic field, the proposed structure possesses two OPBGs induced by Bragg scattering and is strongly dependent on the incident angle, the polarization of the incident light, and the lattice constant unlike to the single-negative gap and zero- n ¯ gap. Next, the reflection properties of OPBGs have been made tunable by the application of external magnetic field under right hand and left hand polarization configurations. The results of this manuscript may be utilized for the development of a new kind of tunable omnidirectional band stop filter with ability to completely stop single to multiple bands (called channels) of microwave frequencies in the presence of external static magnetic field under left-hand polarization and right-hand polarization configurations, respectively. Moreover, outcomes of this study open a promising way to design tunable magneto-optical devices, omnidirectional total reflectors, and planar waveguides of high Q microcavities as a result of evanescent fields in the MCP layer to allow propagation of light.

Wavelength-Scanning SPR Imaging Sensors Based on an Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter and a White Light Laser

PubMed Central

Zeng, Youjun; Wang, Lei; Wu, Shu-Yuen; He, Jianan; Qu, Junle; Li, Xuejin; Ho, Ho-Pui; Gu, Dayong; Gao, Bruce Zhi; Shao, Yonghong

2017-01-01

A fast surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging biosensor system based on wavelength interrogation using an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) and a white light laser is presented. The system combines the merits of a wide-dynamic detection range and high sensitivity offered by the spectral approach with multiplexed high-throughput data collection and a two-dimensional (2D) biosensor array. The key feature is the use of AOTF to realize wavelength scan from a white laser source and thus to achieve fast tracking of the SPR dip movement caused by target molecules binding to the sensor surface. Experimental results show that the system is capable of completing a SPR dip measurement within 0.35 s. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fastest time ever reported in the literature for imaging spectral interrogation. Based on a spectral window with a width of approximately 100 nm, a dynamic detection range and resolution of 4.63 × 10−2 refractive index unit (RIU) and 1.27 × 10−6 RIU achieved in a 2D-array sensor is reported here. The spectral SPR imaging sensor scheme has the capability of performing fast high-throughput detection of biomolecular interactions from 2D sensor arrays. The design has no mechanical moving parts, thus making the scheme completely solid-state. PMID:28067766

Wide-band tunable photonic bandgap device and laser in dye-doped liquid crystal refilled cholesteric liquid crystal polymer template system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jia-De; Lin, Hong-Lin; Lin, Hsin-Yu; Wei, Guan-Jhong; Lee, Chia-Rong

2017-02-01

The scientists in the field of liquid crystal (LC) have paid significant attention in the exploration of novel cholesteric LC (CLC) polymer template (simply called template) in recent years. The self-assembling nanostructural template with chirality can effectively overcome the limitation in the optical features of traditional CLCs, such as enhancement of reflectivity over 50%, multiple photonic bandgaps (PBGs), and changeable optical characteristics by flexibly replacing the refilling LC materials, and so on. This work fabricates two gradient-pitched CLC templates with two opposite handednesses, which are then merged as a spatially tunable and highly reflective CLC template sample. This sample can simultaneously reflect right- and left-circularly polarized lights and the tunable spectral range includes the entire visible region. By increasing the temperature of the template sample exceeding the clearing point of the refilling LC, the light scattering significantly decreases and the reflectance effectively increase to exceed 50% in the entire visible region. This device has a maximum reflectance over 85% and a wide-band spatial tunability in PBG between 400 nm and 800 nm which covers the entire visible region. Not only the sample can be employed as a wide-band spatially tunable filter, but also the system doping with two suitable laser dyes which emitted fluorescence can cover entire visible region can develop a low-threshold, mirror-less laser with a spatial tunability at spectral regions including blue to red region (from 484 nm to 634 nm) and simultaneous lasing emission of left- and right-circular polarizations.

Rapid calibrated high-resolution hyperspectral imaging using tunable laser source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Lam K.; Margalith, Eli

2009-05-01

We present a novel hyperspectral imaging technique based on tunable laser technology. By replacing the broadband source and tunable filters of a typical NIR imaging instrument, several advantages are realized, including: high spectral resolution, highly variable field-of-views, fast scan-rates, high signal-to-noise ratio, and the ability to use optical fiber for efficient and flexible sample illumination. With this technique, high-resolution, calibrated hyperspectral images over the NIR range can be acquired in seconds. The performance of system features will be demonstrated on two example applications: detecting melamine contamination in wheat gluten and separating bovine protein from wheat protein in cattle feed.

Tunable narrow band difference frequency THz wave generation in DAST via dual seed PPLN OPG.

PubMed

Dolasinski, Brian; Powers, Peter E; Haus, Joseph W; Cooney, Adam

2015-02-09

We report a widely tunable narrowband terahertz (THz) source via difference frequency generation (DFG). A narrowband THz source uses the output of dual seeded periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) optical parametric generators (OPG) combined in the nonlinear crystal 4-dimthylamino-N-methyl-4-stilbazolium-tosylate (DAST). We demonstrate a seamlessly tunable THZ output that tunes from 1.5 THz to 27 THz with a minimum bandwidth of 3.1 GHz. The effects of dispersive phase matching, two-photon absorption, and polarization were examined and compared to a power emission model that consisted of the current accepted parameters of DAST.

Tunable and switchable all-fiber comb filter using a PBS-based two-stage cascaded Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Zhi-Chao; Luo, Ai-Ping; Xu, Wen-Cheng

2011-08-01

We propose and demonstrate a novel tunable and switchable all-fiber comb filter by employing a polarization beam splitter (PBS)-based two-stage cascaded Mach-Zehnder (M-Z) interferometer. The proposed comb filter consists of a rotatable polarizer, a fiber PBS, a non-3-dB coupler and a 3-dB coupler. By simply adjusting the polarization state of the input light, the dual-function of channel spacing tunable and wavelength switchable (interleaving) operations can be efficiently obtained. The theoretical analysis is verified by the experimental results. A comb filter with both the channel spacing tunable from 0.18 nm to 0.36 nm and the wavelength switchable functions is experimentally demonstrated.

Smart lens: tunable liquid lens for laser tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Fan-Yi; Chu, Li-Yu; Juan, Yu-Shan; Pan, Sih-Ting; Fan, Shih-Kang

2007-05-01

A tracking system utilizing tunable liquid lens is proposed and demonstrated. Adapting the concept of EWOD (electrowetting-on-dielectric), the curvature of a droplet on a dielectric film can be controlled by varying the applied voltage. When utilizing the droplet as an optical lens, the focal length of this adaptive liquid lens can be adjusted as desired. Moreover, the light that passes through it can therefore be focused to different positions in space. In this paper, the tuning range of the curvature and focal length of the tunable liquid lens is investigated. Droplet transformation is observed and analyzed under a CCD camera. A tracking system combining the tunable liquid lens with a laser detection system is also proposed. With a feedback circuit that maximizing the returned signal by controlling the tunable lens, the laser beam can keep tracked on a distant reflected target while it is moving.

Thermally and optically tunable lasing properties from dye-doped holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal in capillaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Maozhou; Dai, Haitao; Wang, Dongshuo; Yang, Yue; Luo, Dan; Zhang, Xiaodong; Liu, Changlong

2018-03-01

In this paper, we investigated tunable lasing properties from the dye-doped holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) gratings in capillaries with thermal and optical manners. The thermally tunable range of the lasing from the dye-doped HPDLC reached 8.60 nm with the temperature ranging from 23 °C to 50 °C. The optically tunable laser emission was achieved by doping azo-dye in HPDLC. The transition of azo-dye from trans- to cis-state could induce the reorientation of LC molecules after UV light irradiation, which resulted in the variation of refractive index contrast of LC-rich/polymer-rich layer in HPDLC. Experimentally, the emission wavelength of lasing showed a blueshift (about 2 nm) coupled with decreasing output intensities. The tunable laser based on HPDLC may enable more applications in laser displays, optical communication, biosensors, etc.

Tunable photonic cavity coupled to a voltage-biased double quantum dot system: Diagrammatic nonequilibrium Green's function approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwalla, Bijay Kumar; Kulkarni, Manas; Mukamel, Shaul; Segal, Dvira

2016-07-01

We investigate gain in microwave photonic cavities coupled to voltage-biased double quantum dot systems with an arbitrarily strong dot-lead coupling and with a Holstein-like light-matter interaction, by employing the diagrammatic Keldysh nonequilibrium Green's function approach. We compute out-of-equilibrium properties of the cavity: its transmission, phase response, mean photon number, power spectrum, and spectral function. We show that by the careful engineering of these hybrid light-matter systems, one can achieve a significant amplification of the optical signal with the voltage-biased electronic system serving as a gain medium. We also study the steady-state current across the device, identifying elastic and inelastic tunneling processes which involve the cavity mode. Our results show how recent advances in quantum electronics can be exploited to build hybrid light-matter systems that behave as microwave amplifiers and photon source devices. The diagrammatic Keldysh approach is primarily discussed for a cavity-coupled double quantum dot architecture, but it is generalizable to other hybrid light-matter systems.

Light-triggered methylcellulose gold nanoparticle hydrogels for leptin release to inhibit fat stores in adipocytes.

PubMed

Liao, Zi-Xian; Liu, Meng-Chia; Kempson, Ivan M; Fa, Yu-Chen; Huang, Kuo-Yen

2017-01-01

Leptin is released in response to increased triglyceride storage in adipocytes and impacts body weight, but has drawbacks such as poor therapeutic effect and side effects when delivered systemically. Leptin also modifies adipocyte sensitivity to insulin to inhibit lipid accumulation. Here, light-triggered degradation of hydrogels was used to improve accuracy and effectiveness for sustained and controllable release. In our approach, leptin was entrapped within methylcellulose (MC)-based hydrogels, with incorporation of gold nanoparticles (NP). The incorporation of gold NP into MC hydrogels led to a tunable light irradiation response that dictated the hydrogel release rate of leptin. This manuscript demonstrates feasibility in designing tunable thermosensitive hydrogels for loading multimodality therapeutic agents to enhance the bioactivity of leptin for obesity therapy.

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

PubMed

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

2014-03-26

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

Industrial integration of high coherence tunable VECSEL in the NIR and MIR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denet, Stéphane; Chomet, Baptiste; Lecocq, Vincent; Ferrières, Laurence; Myara, Mikhaël.; Cerutti, Laurent; Sagnes, Isabelle; Garnache, Arnaud

2016-03-01

Laser technology is finding applications in areas such as high resolution spectroscopy, radar-lidar, velocimetry, or atomic clock where highly coherent tunable high power light sources are required. The Vertical External Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VECSEL) technology [1] has been identified for years as a good candidate to reach high power, high coherence and broad tunability while covering a wide emission wavelength range exploiting III-V semiconductor technologies. Offering such performances in the Near- and Middle-IR range, GaAs- and Sb-based VECSEL technologies seem to be a well suited path to meet the required specifications of demanding applications. Built up in this field, our expertise allows the realization of compact and low power consumption marketable products, with performances that do not exist on the market today in the 0.8- 1.1 μm and 2-2.5 μm spectral range. Here we demonstrate highly coherent broadly tunable single frequency micro-chip, intracavity element free, patented VECSEL technology, integrated into a compact module with driving electronics. VECSEL devices emitting in the Near and Middle-IR developed in the frame of this work [2] exhibit exciting features compared to diode-pumped solid-state lasers and DFB diode lasers; they combine high power (>100mW) high coherence with a low divergence diffraction limited TEM00 beam, class A dynamics with Relative Intensity Noise as low as -140dB/Hz and at shot noise level above 200MHz RF frequency (up to 160GHz), free running narrow linewidth at sub MHz level (fundamental limit at Hz level) with high spectral purity (SMSR >55dB), linear polarization (50dB suppression ratio), and broadband continuous tunability greater than 400GHz (< 30V piezo voltage, 6kHz cut off frequency) with total tunability up to 3THz. Those performances can all be reached thanks to the high finesse cavity of VECSEL technology, associated to ideal homogeneous QW gain behaviour [3]. In addition, the compact design without any movable intracavity elements offers a robust single frequency regime with a long term wavelength stability better than few GHz/h (ambient thermal drift limited). Those devices surpass the state of the art commercial technologies thanks to a combination of power-coherence wavelength tunability performances and integration.

Development of Optical Parametric Amplifier for Lidar Measurements of Trace Gases on Earth and Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Numata, Kenji; Riris, Haris; Li, Steve; Wu, Stewart; Kawa, Stephen R.; Krainak, Michael; Abshire, James

2011-01-01

Trace gases in planetary atmospheres offer important clues as to the origins of the planet's hydrology, geology. atmosphere. and potential for biology. Wc report on the development effort of a nanosecond-pulsed optical parametric amplifier (OPA) for remote trace gas measurements for Mars and Earth. The OP A output light is single frequency with high spectral purity and is widely tunable both at 1600 nm and 3300 nm with an optical-optical conversion efficiency of approximately 40%. We demonstrated open-path atmospheric measurements ofCH4 (3291 nm and 1651 nm). CO2 (1573 nm), H20 (1652 nm) with this laser source.

WDM/TDM PON experiments using the AWG free spectral range periodicity to transmit unicast and multicast data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bock, Carlos; Prat, Josep

2005-04-01

A hybrid WDM/TDM PON architecture implemented by means of two cascaded Arrayed Waveguide Gratings (AWG) is presented. Using the Free Spectral Range (FSR) periodicity of AWGs we transmit unicast and multicast traffic on different wavelengths to each Optical Network Unit (ONU). The OLT is equipped with two laser stacks, a tunable one for unicast transmission and a fixed one for multicast transmission. We propose the ONU to be reflective in order to avoid any light source at the Costumer Premises Equipment (CPE). Optical transmission tests demonstrate correct transmission at 2.5 Gbps up to 30 km.

Gas detection by correlation spectroscopy employing a multimode diode laser.

PubMed

Lou, Xiutao; Somesfalean, Gabriel; Zhang, Zhiguo

2008-05-01

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

Polarization control in an X-ray free-electron laser

DOE PAGES

Lutman, Alberto A.; MacArthur, James P.; Ilchen, Markus; ...

2016-05-09

X-ray free-electron lasers are unique sources of high-brightness coherent radiation. However, existing devices supply only linearly polarized light, precluding studies of chiral dynamics. A device called the Delta undulator has been installed at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) to provide tunable polarization. With a reverse tapered planar undulator line to pre-microbunch the beam and the novel technique of beam diverting, hundreds of microjoules of circularly polarized X-ray pulses are produced at 500–1,200 eV. These X-ray pulses are tens of femtoseconds long, have a degree of circular polarization of 0.98 –0.04 +0.02 at 707 eV and may be scanned inmore » energy. We also present a new two-colour X-ray pump–X-ray probe operating mode for the LCLS. As a result, energy differences of ΔE/E = 2.4% are supported, and the second pulse can be adjusted to any elliptical polarization. In this mode, the pointing, timing, intensity and wavelength of the two pulses can be modified.« less

Tunable orbital angular momentum mode filter based on optical geometric transformation.

PubMed

Huang, Hao; Ren, Yongxiong; Xie, Guodong; Yan, Yan; Yue, Yang; Ahmed, Nisar; Lavery, Martin P J; Padgett, Miles J; Dolinar, Sam; Tur, Moshe; Willner, Alan E

2014-03-15

We present a tunable mode filter for spatially multiplexed laser beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). The filter comprises an optical geometric transformation-based OAM mode sorter and a spatial light modulator (SLM). The programmable SLM can selectively control the passing/blocking of each input OAM beam. We experimentally demonstrate tunable filtering of one or multiple OAM modes from four multiplexed input OAM modes with vortex charge of ℓ=-9, -4, +4, and +9. The measured output power suppression ratio of the propagated modes to the blocked modes exceeds 14.5 dB.

Tunable multi-wavelength fiber lasers based on an Opto-VLSI processor and optical amplifiers.

PubMed

Xiao, Feng; Alameh, Kamal; Lee, Yong Tak

2009-12-07

A multi-wavelength tunable fiber laser based on the use of an Opto-VLSI processor in conjunction with different optical amplifiers is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The Opto-VLSI processor can simultaneously select any part of the gain spectrum from each optical amplifier into its associated fiber ring, leading to a multiport tunable fiber laser source. We experimentally demonstrate a 3-port tunable fiber laser source, where each output wavelength of each port can independently be tuned within the C-band with a wavelength step of about 0.05 nm. Experimental results demonstrate a laser linewidth as narrow as 0.05 nm and an optical side-mode-suppression-ratio (SMSR) of about 35 dB. The demonstrated three fiber lasers have excellent stability at room temperature and output power uniformity less than 0.5 dB over the whole C-band.

Red, green and blue reflections enabled in an optically tunable self-organized 3D cubic nanostructured thin film.

PubMed

Lin, Tsung-Hsien; Li, Yannian; Wang, Chun-Ta; Jau, Hung-Chang; Chen, Chun-Wei; Li, Cheng-Chung; Bisoyi, Hari Krishna; Bunning, Timothy J; Li, Quan

2013-09-25

A new light-driven chiral molecular switch doped in a stable blue phase (BP) liquid crystal allows wide optical tunability of three-dimensional cubic nanostructures with a selective reflection wavelength that is reversibly tuned through the visible region. Moreover, unprecedented reversible light-directed red, green, and blue reflections of the self-organized three-dimensional cubic nanostructure in a single film are demonstrated for the first time. Additionally, unusual isothermal photo-stimulated less ordered BP II to more ordered BP I phase transition was observed in the system. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Optically-controlled extinction ratio and Q-factor tunable silicon microring resonators based on optical forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Yun; Wang, Jian

2014-06-01

Tunability is a desirable property of microring resonators to facilitate superior performance. Using light to control light, we present an alternative simple approach to tuning the extinction ratio (ER) and Q-factor of silicon microring resonators based on optical forces. We design an opto-mechanical tunable silicon microring resonator consisting of an add-drop microring resonator and a control-light-carrying waveguide (``controlling'' waveguide). One of the two bus waveguides of the microring resonator is a deformable nanostring put in parallel with the ``controlling'' waveguide. The tuning mechanism relies on the optical force induced deflection of suspended nanostring, leading to the change of coupling coefficient of microring and resultant tuning of ER and Q-factor. Two possible geometries, i.e. double-clamped nanostring and cantilever nanostring, are studied in detail for comparison. The obtained results imply a favorable structure with the microring positioned at the end of the cantilever nanostring. It features a wide tuning range of ER from 5.6 to 39.9 dB and Q-factor from 309 to 639 as changing the control power from 0 to 1.4 mW.

Self-assembled quantum dots in a liquid-crystal-tunable microdisk resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piegdon, Karoline A.; Offer, Matthias; Lorke, Axel; Urbanski, Martin; Hoischen, Andreas; Kitzerow, Heinz-S.; Declair, Stefan; Förstner, Jens; Meier, Torsten; Reuter, Dirk; Wieck, Andreas D.; Meier, Cedrik

2010-09-01

GaAs-based semiconductor microdisks with high quality whispering gallery modes ( Q>4000) have been fabricated. A layer of self-organized InAs quantum dots (QDs) served as a light source to feed the optical modes at room temperature. In order to achieve frequency tuning of the optical modes, the microdisk devices have been immersed in 4-cyano-4-pentylbiphenyl (5CB), a liquid crystal (LC) with a nematic phase below the clearing temperature of TC≈34C. We have studied the device performance in the temperature range of T=20-50C, in order to investigate the influence of the nematic-isotropic phase transition on the optical modes. Moreover, we have applied an AC electric field to the device, which leads in the nematic phase to a reorientation of the anisotropic dielectric tensor of the liquid crystal. This electrical anisotropy can be used to achieve electrical tunability of the optical modes. Using the finite-difference time domain (FDTD) technique with an anisotropic material model, we are able to describe the influence of the liquid crystal qualitatively.

Diode-pumped Tunable 3 Micron Laser Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-02-21

DoD Ballistic Missile Defense Organization U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command SBIR Phase I Final Report AC Materials, Inc. 2721 Forsyth...pumped tunable 3 micron laser sources 6. AUTHORISI Arlete Cassanho, Hans Jenssen 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) AC Materials, Inc...impurities in the final crystal, starting materials for the crystal growth were prepared at AC Materials from optical grade barium fluoride and

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-04-01

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

Non-invasive, Contrast-enhanced Spectral Imaging of Breast Cancer Signatures in Preclinical Animal Models In vivo

PubMed Central

Ramanujan, V Krishnan; Ren, Songyang; Park, Sangyong; Farkas, Daniel L

2011-01-01

We report here a non-invasive multispectral imaging platform for monitoring spectral reflectance and fluorescence images from primary breast carcinoma and metastatic lymph nodes in preclinical rat model in vivo. The system is built around a monochromator light source and an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) for spectral selection. Quantitative analysis of the measured reflectance profiles in the presence of a widely-used lymphazurin dye clearly demonstrates the capability of the proposed imaging platform to detect tumor-associated spectral signatures in the primary tumors as well as metastatic lymphatics. Tumor-associated changes in vascular oxygenation and interstitial fluid pressure are reasoned to be the physiological sources of the measured reflectance profiles. We also discuss the translational potential of our imaging platform in intra-operative clinical setting. PMID:21572915

Broadly tunable terahertz generation in mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers.

PubMed

Vijayraghavan, Karun; Jiang, Yifan; Jang, Min; Jiang, Aiting; Choutagunta, Karthik; Vizbaras, Augustinas; Demmerle, Frederic; Boehm, Gerhard; Amann, Markus C; Belkin, Mikhail A

2013-01-01

Room temperature, broadly tunable, electrically pumped semiconductor sources in the terahertz spectral range, similar in operation simplicity to diode lasers, are highly desired for applications. An emerging technology in this area are sources based on intracavity difference-frequency generation in dual-wavelength mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers. Here we report terahertz quantum cascade laser sources based on an optimized non-collinear Cherenkov difference-frequency generation scheme that demonstrates dramatic improvements in performance. Devices emitting at 4 THz display a mid-infrared-to-terahertz conversion efficiency in excess of 0.6 mW W(-2) and provide nearly 0.12 mW of peak power output. Devices emitting at 2 and 3 THz fabricated on the same chip display 0.09 and 0.4 mW W(-2) conversion efficiencies at room temperature, respectively. High terahertz-generation efficiency and relaxed phase-matching conditions offered by the Cherenkov scheme allowed us to demonstrate, for the first time, an external-cavity terahertz quantum cascade laser source tunable between 1.70 and 5.25 THz.

Tunable dual-band graphene-based infrared reflectance filter

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

Goldflam, Michael D.; Ruiz, Isaac; Howell, Stephen W.

Here, we experimentally demonstrated an actively tunable optical filter that controls the amplitude of reflected long-wave-infrared light in two separate spectral regions concurrently. Our device exploits the dependence of the excitation energy of plasmons in a continuous and unpatterned sheet of graphene on the Fermi-level, which can be controlled via conventional electrostatic gating. The filter enables simultaneous modification of two distinct spectral bands whose positions are dictated by the device geometry and graphene plasmon dispersion. Within these bands, the reflected amplitude can be varied by over 15% and resonance positions can be shifted by over 90 cm –1. Electromagnetic simulationsmore » verify that tuning arises through coupling of incident light to graphene plasmons by a grating structure. Importantly, the tunable range is determined by a combination of graphene properties, device structure, and the surrounding dielectrics, which dictate the plasmon dispersion. Thus, the underlying design shown here is applicable across a broad range of infrared frequencies.« less

Tunable dual-band graphene-based infrared reflectance filter

DOE PAGES

Goldflam, Michael D.; Ruiz, Isaac; Howell, Stephen W.; ...

2018-03-23

Here, we experimentally demonstrated an actively tunable optical filter that controls the amplitude of reflected long-wave-infrared light in two separate spectral regions concurrently. Our device exploits the dependence of the excitation energy of plasmons in a continuous and unpatterned sheet of graphene on the Fermi-level, which can be controlled via conventional electrostatic gating. The filter enables simultaneous modification of two distinct spectral bands whose positions are dictated by the device geometry and graphene plasmon dispersion. Within these bands, the reflected amplitude can be varied by over 15% and resonance positions can be shifted by over 90 cm –1. Electromagnetic simulationsmore » verify that tuning arises through coupling of incident light to graphene plasmons by a grating structure. Importantly, the tunable range is determined by a combination of graphene properties, device structure, and the surrounding dielectrics, which dictate the plasmon dispersion. Thus, the underlying design shown here is applicable across a broad range of infrared frequencies.« less

Quantification of isomerically summed hydrocarbon contributions to crude oil by carbon number, double bond equivalent, and aromaticity using gas chromatography with tunable vacuum ultraviolet ionization.

PubMed

Nowak, Jeremy A; Weber, Robert J; Goldstein, Allen H

2018-03-12

The ability to structurally characterize and isomerically quantify crude oil hydrocarbons relevant to refined fuels such as motor oil, diesel, and gasoline represents an extreme challenge for chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques. This work incorporates two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a tunable vacuum ultraviolet soft photoionization source, the Chemical Dynamics Beamline 9.0.2 of the Advanced Light Source at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC × GC-VUV-TOF) to directly characterize and isomerically sum the contributions of aromatic and aliphatic species to hydrocarbon classes of four crude oils. When the VUV beam is tuned to 10.5 ± 0.2 eV, both aromatic and aliphatic crude oil hydrocarbons are ionized to reveal the complete chemical abundance of C 9 -C 30 hydrocarbons. When the VUV beam is tuned to 9.0 ± 0.2 eV only aromatic hydrocarbons are ionized, allowing separation of the aliphatic and aromatic fractions of the crude oil hydrocarbon chemical classes in an efficient manner while maintaining isomeric quantification. This technique provides an effective tool to determine the isomerically summed aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon compositions of crude oil, providing information that goes beyond typical GC × GC separations of the most dominant hydrocarbon isomers.

Novel utilisation of a circular multi-reflection cell applied to materials ageing experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knox, D. A.; King, A. K.; McNaghten, E. D.; Brooks, S. J.; Martin, P. A.; Pimblott, S. M.

2015-04-01

We report on the novel utilisation of a circular multi-reflection (CMR) cell applied to materials ageing experiments. This enabled trace gas detection within a narrow interfacial region located between two sample materials and remotely interrogated with near-infrared sources combined with fibre-optic coupling. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy was used to detect water vapour and carbon dioxide at wavelengths near 1,358 and 2,004 nm, respectively, with corresponding detection limits of 7 and 1,139 ppm m Hz-0.5. The minimum detectable absorption was estimated to be 2.82 × 10-3 over a 1-s average. In addition, broadband absorption spectroscopy was carried out for the detection of acetic acid, using a super-luminescent light emitting diode centred around 1,430 nm. The 69 cm measurement pathlength was limited by poor manufacturing tolerances of the spherical CMR mirrors and the consequent difficulty of collecting all the cell output light.

Fiber-linked interferometric pressure sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beheim, G.; Fritsch, K.; Poorman, R. N.

1987-01-01

A fiber-optic pressure sensor is described which uses a diaphragm to modulate the mirror separation of a Fabry-Perot cavity (the sensing cavity). A multimode optical fiber delivers broadband light to the sensing cavity and returns the spectrally modulated light which the cavity reflects. The sensor's output spectrum is analyzed using a tunable Fabry-Perot cavity (the reference cavity) to determine the mismatch in the mirror separations of the two cavities. An electronic servo control uses this result to cause the mirror separation of the reference cavity to equal that of the sensing cavity. The displacement of the pressure-sensing diaphragm is then obtained by measuring the capacitance of the reference cavity's metal-coated mirrors. Relative to other fiber-optic sensors, an important advantage of this instrument is its high immunity to the effects of variations in both the transmissivity of the fiber link and the wavelength of the optical source.

Lamp of adjustable spectrum for photographic usage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazikowski, Adam; Feldzensztajn, Mateusz

2017-08-01

Photography is a unique rapidly growing interdisciplinary field encompassing aspects of science, art and technology. Expectations of photographers are steadily increasing with the development of technology. One of the areas playing a crucial role in photography is lighting. Consequently, several types of light sources for photographic use have been developed. The ongoing research in this field concentrates on lamps with tunable CCT (Correlated Color Temperature). In this paper, we present a lamp, which emission spectrum can be tailored without affecting the output luminous ux. Intended for photographic uses, the lamp is based on an integrating sphere and a selection of LEDs. As the LED drivers, DC-DC converters controlled by a Raspberry PI were applied. Design process, including the selection of LED wavelengths, is presented. Output characteristics of the lamp were measured using the setup containing the spectrometer. The results of these experiments show good agreement with the spectrum set on the microcomputer.

High-power quantum-dot tapered tunable external-cavity lasers based on chirped and unchirped structures.

PubMed

Haggett, Stephanie; Krakowski, Michel; Montrosset, Ivo; Cataluna, Maria Ana

2014-09-22

A high-power tunable external cavity laser configuration with a tapered quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifier at its core is presented, enabling a record output power for a broadly tunable semiconductor laser source in the 1.2 - 1.3 µm spectral region. Two distinct optical amplifiers are investigated, using either chirped or unchirped quantum-dot structures, and their merits are compared, considering the combination of tunability and high output power generation. At 1230 nm, the chirped quantum-dot laser achieved a maximum power of 0.62 W and demonstrated nearly 100-nm tunability. The unchirped laser enabled a tunability range of 32 nm and at 1254 nm generated a maximum power of 0.97 W, representing a 22-fold increase in output power compared with similar narrow-ridge external-cavity lasers at the same current density.

Free space broad-bandwidth tunable laser diode based on Littman configuration for 3D profile measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shirazi, Muhammad Faizan; Kim, Pilun; Jeon, Mansik; Kim, Chang-Seok; Kim, Jeehyun

2018-05-01

We developed a tunable laser diode for an optical coherence tomography system that can perform three-dimensional profile measurement using an area scanning technique. The tunable laser diode is designed using an Eagleyard tunable laser diode with a galvano filter. The Littman free space configuration is used to demonstrate laser operation. The line- and bandwidths of this source are 0.27 nm (∼110 GHz) and 43 nm, respectively, at the center wavelength of 860 nm. The output power is 20 mW at an operating current of 150 mA. A step height target is imaged using a wide-area scanning system to show the measurement accuracy of the proposed tunable laser diode. A TEM grid is also imaged to measure the topography and thickness of the sample by proposed tunable laser diode.

Co-extruded mechanically tunable multilayer elastomer laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crescimanno, Michael; Mao, Guilin; Andrews, James; Singer, Kenneth; Baer, Eric; Hiltner, Anne; Song, Hyunmin; Shakya, Bijayandra

2011-04-01

We have fabricated and studied mechanically tunable elastomer dye lasers constructed in large area sheets by a single-step layer-multiplying co-extrusion process. The laser films consist of a central dye-doped (Rhodamine-6G) elastomer layer between two 128-layer distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) films comprised of alternating elastomer layers with different refractive indices. The central gain layer is formed by folding the coextruded DBR film to enclose a dye-doped skin layer. By mechanically stretching the elastomer laser film from 0% to 19%, a tunable miniature laser source was obtained with ˜50 nm continuous tunability from red to green.

Tunable Single-Frequency Near IR Lasers for DIAL Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henderson, Sammy W.; Marquardt, John H.; Carrig, Timothy J.; Gatt, Phil; Smith, Duane D.; Hale, Charley P.

2000-01-01

Tunable single-frequency sources in the 2-4 micron wavelength region are useful for remote DIAL measurements of chemicals and pollutants. We are developing tunable single-frequency transmitters and receivers for both direct and coherent detection lidar measurement applications. We have demonstrated a direct-diode-pumped PPLN-based OPO that operates single frequency, produces greater than 10 mW cw and is tunable over the 2.5 - 3.9 micron wavelength region. This laser has been used to injection seed a pulsed PPLN OPO, pumped by a 1.064 micron Nd:YAG laser, producing 50-100 microJoule single-frequency pulses at 100 Hz PRF near 3.6 micron wavelength. In addition, we have demonstrated a cw Cr:ZnSe laser that is tunable over the 2.1 - 2.8 micron wavelength region. This laser is pumped by a cw diode-pumped Tm:YALO laser and has produced over 1.8 W cw. Tm- and Tm, Ho-doped single-frequency solid-state lasers that produce over 50 mW cw and are tunable over approximately 10 nm in the 2 -2.1 micron band with fast PZT tuning have also been demonstrated. A fast PZT-tunable Tm, Ho:YLF laser was used for a direct-detection column content DIAL measurement of atmospheric CO2. Modeling shows that that all these cw and pulsed sources are useful for column-content coherent DIAL measurements at several km range using topographic targets.

Tunable liquid crystal photonic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Yun-Hsing

2005-07-01

Liquid crystal (LC)-based adaptive optics are important for information processing, optical interconnections, photonics, integrated optics, and optical communications due to their tunable optical properties. In this dissertation, we describe novel liquid crystal photonic devices. In Chap. 3, we demonstrate a novel electrically tunable-efficiency Fresnel lens which is devised for the first time using nanoscale PDLC. The tunable Fresnel lens is very desirable to eliminate the need of external spatial light modulator. The nanoscale LC devices are polarization independent and exhibit a fast response time. Because of the small droplet sizes, the operating voltage is higher than 100 Vrms. To lower the driving voltage, in Chap. 2 and Chap. 3, we have investigated tunable Fresnel lens using polymer-network liquid crystal (PNLC) and phase-separated composite film (PSCOF). The operating voltage is below 12 Vrms. The PNLC and PSCOF devices are polarization dependent. To overcome this shortcoming, stacking two cells with orthogonal alignment directions is a possibility. Using PNLC, we also demonstrated LC blazed grating. The diffraction efficiency of these devices is continuously controlled by the electric field. We also develop a system with continuously tunable focal length. A conventional mechanical zooming system is bulky and power hungry. In Chap. 4, we developed an electrically tunable-focus flat LC spherical lens and microlens array. A huge tunable range from 0.6 m to infinity is achieved by the applied voltage. In Chap. 5, we describe a LC microlens array whose focal length can be switched from positive to negative by the applied voltage. The fast response time feature of our LC microlens array will be very helpful in developing 3-D animated images. In Chap. 6, we demonstrate polymer network liquid crystals for switchable polarizers and optical shutters. The use of dual-frequency liquid crystal and special driving scheme leads to a sub-millisecond response time. In Chap. 7, for the first time, we demonstrate a fast-response and scattering-free homogeneously-aligned PNLC light modulator. The PNLC response time is ˜300x faster than that of a pure LC mixture. The PNLC cell also holds promise for mid and long infrared applications where response time is a critical issue.

Molecular mechanism of reflectin's tunable biophotonic control: Opportunities and limitations for new optoelectronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levenson, Robert; DeMartini, Daniel G.; Morse, Daniel E.

2017-10-01

Discovery that reflectin proteins fill the dynamically tunable Bragg lamellae in the reflective skin cells of certain squids has prompted efforts to design new reflectin-inspired systems for dynamic photonics. But new insights into the actual role and mechanism of action of the reflectins constrain and better define the opportunities and limitations for rationally designing optical systems with reflectin-based components. We and our colleagues have discovered that the reflectins function as a signal-controlled molecular machine, regulating an osmotic motor that tunes the thickness, spacing, and refractive index of the tunable, membrane-bound Bragg lamellae in the iridocytes of the loliginid squids. The tunable reflectin proteins, characterized by a variable number of highly conserved peptide domains interspersed with positively charged linker segments, are restricted in intra- and inter-chain contacts by Coulombic repulsion. Physiologically, this inhibition is progressively overcome by charge-neutralization resulting from acetylcholine (neurotransmitter)-induced, site-specific phosphorylation, triggering the simultaneous activation and progressive tuning of reflectance from red to blue. Details of this process have been resolved through in vitro analyses of purified recombinant reflectins, controlling charge-neutralization by pH-titration or mutation as surrogates for the in vivo phosphorylation. Results of these analyses have shown that neutralization overcoming the Coulombic inhibition reversibly and cyclably triggers condensation and secondary folding of the reflectins, with the emergence of previously cryptic, phase-segregated hydrophobic domains enabling hierarchical assembly. This tunable, reversible, and cyclable assembly regulates the Gibbs-Donnan mediated osmotic shrinking or swelling of the Bragg lamellae that tunes the brightness and color of reflected light. Our most recent studies have revealed a direct relationship between the extent of charge neutralization and the size of the reflectin assemblies, further explaining the synergistic effects on the intensity and wavelength of reflected light. Mutational analyses show that the "switch" controlling reflectins' structural transitions is distributed along the protein, while detailed comparisons of the sequences and structures of the recently evolved tunable reflectins to those of their ancestral, non-tunable homologs are helping to identify the specific structural determinants governing tunability.

Nanoporous carbon tunable resistor/transistor and methods of production thereof

DOEpatents

Biener, Juergen; Baumann, Theodore F; Dasgupta, Subho; Hahn, Horst

2014-04-22

In one embodiment, a tunable resistor/transistor includes a porous material that is electrically coupled between a source electrode and a drain electrode, wherein the porous material acts as an active channel, an electrolyte solution saturating the active channel, the electrolyte solution being adapted for altering an electrical resistance of the active channel based on an applied electrochemical potential, wherein the active channel comprises nanoporous carbon arranged in a three-dimensional structure. In another embodiment, a method for forming the tunable resistor/transistor includes forming a source electrode, forming a drain electrode, and forming a monolithic nanoporous carbon material that acts as an active channel and selectively couples the source electrode to the drain electrode electrically. In any embodiment, the electrolyte solution saturating the nanoporous carbon active channel is adapted for altering an electrical resistance of the nanoporous carbon active channel based on an applied electrochemical potential.

Probing photo-carrier collection efficiencies of individual silicon nanowire diodes on a wafer substrate.

PubMed

Schmitt, S W; Brönstrup, G; Shalev, G; Srivastava, S K; Bashouti, M Y; Döhler, G H; Christiansen, S H

2014-07-21

Vertically aligned silicon nanowire (SiNW) diodes are promising candidates for the integration into various opto-electronic device concepts for e.g. sensing or solar energy conversion. Individual SiNW p-n diodes have intensively been studied, but to date an assessment of their device performance once integrated on a silicon substrate has not been made. We show that using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with a nano-manipulator and an optical fiber feed-through for tunable (wavelength, power using a tunable laser source) sample illumination, the dark and illuminated current-voltage (I-V) curve of individual SiNW diodes on the substrate wafer can be measured. Surprisingly, the I-V-curve of the serially coupled system composed of SiNW/wafers is accurately described by an equivalent circuit model of a single diode and diode parameters like series and shunting resistivity, diode ideality factor and photocurrent can be retrieved from a fit. We show that the photo-carrier collection efficiency (PCE) of the integrated diode illuminated with variable wavelength and intensity light directly gives insight into the quality of the device design at the nanoscale. We find that the PCE decreases for high light intensities and photocurrent densities, due to the fact that considerable amounts of photo-excited carriers generated within the substrate lead to a decrease in shunting resistivity of the SiNW diode and deteriorate its rectification. The PCE decreases systematically for smaller wavelengths of visible light, showing the possibility of monitoring the effectiveness of the SiNW device surface passivation using the shown measurement technique. The integrated device was pre-characterized using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), TCAD simulations and electron beam induced current (EBIC) measurements to validate the properties of the characterized material at the single SiNW diode level.

Optimizing indoor illumination quality and energy efficiency using a spectrally tunable lighting system to augment natural daylight.

PubMed

Hertog, W; Llenas, A; Carreras, J

2015-11-30

This article demonstrates the benefits of complementing a daylight-lit environment with a spectrally tunable illumination system. The spectral components of daylight present in the room are measured by a low-cost miniature spectrophotometer and processed through a number of optimization algorithms, carefully trading color fidelity for energy efficiency. Spectrally-tunable luminaires provide only those wavelengths that ensure that either the final illumination spectrum inside the room is kept constant or carefully follows the dynamic spectral pattern of natural daylight. Analyzing the measured data proves that such a hybrid illumination system brings both unprecendented illumination quality and significant energy savings.

Interferometric ring lasers and optical devices

DOEpatents

Hohimer, J.P.; Craft, D.C.

1995-03-14

Two ring diode lasers are optically coupled together to produce tunable, stable output through a Y-junction output coupler which may also be a laser diode or can be an active waveguide. These devices demonstrate a sharp peak in light output with an excellent side-mode-rejection ratio. The rings can also be made of passive or active waveguide material. With additional rings the device is a tunable optical multiplexer/demultiplexer. 11 figs.

Interferometric ring lasers and optical devices

DOEpatents

Hohimer, John P.; Craft, David C.

1995-01-01

Two ring diode lasers are optically coupled together to produce tunable, stable output through a Y-junction output coupler which may also be a laser diode or can be an active waveguide. These devices demonstrate a sharp peak in light output with an excellent side-mode-rejection ratio. The rings can also be made of passive or active waveguide material. With additional rings the device is a tunable optical multiplexer/demultiplexer.

Liquid crystal photonic bandgap fiber components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scolari, L.; Alkeskjold, T. T.; Noordegraaf, D.; Tartarini, G.; Bassi, P.; Bjarklev, A.

2007-11-01

Liquid crystal photonic bandgap fibers represent a promising platform for the design of all-in-fiber optical devices, which show a high degree of tunability and exhibit novel optical properties for the manipulation of guided light. In this review paper we present tunable fiber devices for spectral filtering, such as Gaussian filters and notch filters, and devices for polarization control and analysis, such as birefringence control devices and switchable and rotatable polarizers.

Resonantly enhanced method for generation of tunable, coherent vacuum ultraviolet radiation

DOEpatents

Glownia, James H.; Sander, Robert K.

1985-01-01

Carbon Monoxide vapor is used to generate coherent, tunable vacuum ultraviolet radiation by third-harmonic generation using a single tunable dye laser. The presence of a nearby electronic level resonantly enhances the nonlinear susceptibility of this molecule allowing efficient generation of the vuv light at modest pump laser intensities, thereby reducing the importance of a six-photon multiple-photon ionization process which is also resonantly enhanced by the same electronic level but to higher order. By choosing the pump radiation wavelength to be of shorter wavelength than individual vibronic levels used to extend tunability stepwise from 154.4 to 124.6 nm, and the intensity to be low enough, multiple-photon ionization can be eliminated. Excitation spectra of the third-harmonic emission output exhibit shifts to shorter wavelength and broadening with increasing CO pressure due to phase matching effects. Increasing the carbon monoxide pressure, therefore, allows the substantial filling in of gaps arising from the stepwise tuning thereby providing almost continuous tunability over the quoted range of wavelength emitted.

Resonantly enhanced method for generation of tunable, coherent vacuum-ultraviolet radiation

DOEpatents

Glownia, J.H.; Sander, R.K.

1982-06-29

Carbon Monoxide vapor is used to generate coherent, tunable vacuum ultraviolet radiation by third-harmonic generation using a single tunable dye laser. The presence of a nearby electronic level resonantly enhances the nonlinear susceptibility of this molecule allowing efficient generation of the vuv light at modest pump laser intensities, thereby reducing the importance of a six-photon multiple-photon ionization process which is also resonantly enhanced by the same electronic level but no higher order. By choosing the pump radiation wavelength to be of shorter wavelength than individual vibronic levels used to extend tunability stepwise from 154.4 to 124.6 nm, and the intensity to be low enough, multiple-photon ionization can be eliminated. Excitation spectra of the third-harmonic emission output exhibit shifts to shorter wavelength and broadening with increasing CO pressure due to phase matching effects. Increasing the carbon monoxide pressure, therefore, allows the substantial filling in of gaps arising from the stepwise tuning thereby providing almost continuous tunability over the quoted range of wavelength emitted.

Extremely frequency-widened terahertz wave generation using Cherenkov-type radiation.

PubMed

Suizu, Koji; Koketsu, Kaoru; Shibuya, Takayuki; Tsutsui, Toshihiro; Akiba, Takuya; Kawase, Kodo

2009-04-13

Terahertz (THz) wave generation based on nonlinear frequency conversion is promising way for realizing a tunable monochromatic bright THz-wave source. Such a development of efficient and wide tunable THz-wave source depends on discovery of novel brilliant nonlinear crystal. Important factors of a nonlinear crystal for THz-wave generation are, 1. High nonlinearity and 2. Good transparency at THz frequency region. Unfortunately, many nonlinear crystals have strong absorption at THz frequency region. The fact limits efficient and wide tunable THz-wave generation. Here, we show that Cherenkov radiation with waveguide structure is an effective strategy for achieving efficient and extremely wide tunable THz-wave source. We fabricated MgO-doped lithium niobate slab waveguide with 3.8 microm of thickness and demonstrated difference frequency generation of THz-wave generation with Cherenkov phase matching. Extremely frequency-widened THz-wave generation, from 0.1 to 7.2 THz, without no structural dips successfully obtained. The tuning frequency range of waveguided Cherenkov radiation source was extremely widened compare to that of injection seeded-Terahertz Parametric Generator. The tuning range obtained in this work for THz-wave generation using lithium niobate crystal was the widest value in our knowledge. The highest THz-wave energy obtained was about 3.2 pJ, and the energy conversion efficiency was about 10(-5) %. The method can be easily applied for many conventional nonlinear crystals, results in realizing simple, reasonable, compact, high efficient and ultra broad band THz-wave sources.

Multi-watt, multi-octave, mid-infrared femtosecond source

PubMed Central

Hussain, Syed A.; Hartung, Alexander; Zawilski, Kevin T.; Schunemann, Peter G.; Habel, Florian; Pervak, Vladimir

2018-01-01

Spectroscopy in the wavelength range from 2 to 11 μm (900 to 5000 cm−1) implies a multitude of applications in fundamental physics, chemistry, as well as environmental and life sciences. The related vibrational transitions, which all infrared-active small molecules, the most common functional groups, as well as biomolecules like proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates exhibit, reveal information about molecular structure and composition. However, light sources and detectors in the mid-infrared have been inferior to those in the visible or near-infrared, in terms of power, bandwidth, and sensitivity, severely limiting the performance of infrared experimental techniques. This article demonstrates the generation of femtosecond radiation with up to 5 W at 4.1 μm and 1.3 W at 8.5 μm, corresponding to an order-of-magnitude average power increase for ultrafast light sources operating at wavelengths longer than 5 μm. The presented concept is based on power-scalable near-infrared lasers emitting at a wavelength near 1 μm, which pump optical parametric amplifiers. In addition, both wavelength tunability and supercontinuum generation are reported, resulting in spectral coverage from 1.6 to 10.2 μm with power densities exceeding state-of-the-art synchrotron sources over the entire range. The flexible frequency conversion scheme is highly attractive for both up-conversion and frequency comb spectroscopy, as well as for a variety of time-domain applications. PMID:29713685

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, S. E.

1974-01-01

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

GATEWAY Demonstrations: Tuning the Light in Senior Care: Evaluating a Trial LED Lighting System at the ACC Care Center in Sacramento, CA

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

Davis, Robert G.; Wilkerson, Andrea M.; Samla, Connie

The GATEWAY program documented the performance of tunable-white LED lighting systems installed in several spaces within the ACC Care Center, a senior-care facility in Sacramento, CA. The project results included energy savings and improved lighting quality, as well as other possible health-related benefits that may have been attributable, at least in part, to the lighting changes.

High reliable and chromaticity-tunable flip-chip w-LEDs with Ce:YAG glass-ceramics phosphor for long-lifetime automotive headlights applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Chaoyang; Cao, Yongge; Shen, Xiaofei; Wen, Zicheng; Ma, Ran; Long, Jiaqi; Yuan, Xuanyi

2017-07-01

Nowadays, major commercial w-LEDs fabricated by the traditionally gold-wire-welding packaging technology have undergone considerable development as indoor/outdoor lighting sources due to its high-energy utilization efficiency, long service life, environmental friendliness, and excellent chromatic stability. While, new generation applications in projections, automotive lighting, street lighting, plaza lighting, and high-end general lighting need further improvements in power handling and light extraction. Herein, transparent Ce:YAG glass-ceramics (GCs) phosphor was prepared by low-temperature co-sintering polycrystalline Ce:YAG phosphor powder and home-made PbO-B2O3-ZnO-SiO2 glass powder. Thereafter, the flip-chip (FC) w-LEDs were fabricated with the GCs phosphor plates and FC blue chips. The GCs-based FC w-LEDs show not only excellent heat- and humidity-resistance characteristics, but also superior optical performances with an LE of 112.8 lm/W, a CRI of 71.2, a CCT of 6103 K as well as a chromaticity coordinate of (0.3202, 0.3298), under a high operation current of 400 mA. The technology route will open a practically commercial feasible approach to achieve excellent performances for advanced high-power FC w-LEDs.

Coupling a versatile aerosol apparatus to a synchrotron: Vacuum ultraviolet light scattering, photoelectron imaging, and fragment free mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Jinian; Wilson, Kevin R.; Ahmed, Musahid; Leone, Stephen R.

2006-04-01

An aerosol apparatus has been coupled to the Chemical Dynamics Beamline of the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This apparatus has multiple capabilities for aerosol studies, including vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light scattering, photoelectron imaging, and mass spectroscopy of aerosols. By utilizing an inlet system consisting of a 200μm orifice nozzle and aerodynamic lenses, aerosol particles of ˜50nm-˜1μm in diameter can be sampled directly from atmospheric pressure. The machine is versatile and can probe carbonaceous aerosols generated by a laboratory flame, nebulized solutions of biological molecules, hydrocarbon aerosol reaction products, and synthesized inorganic nanoparticles. The sensitivity of this apparatus is demonstrated by the detection of nanoparticles with VUV light scattering, photoelectron imaging, and charged particle detection. In addition to the detection of nanoparticles, the thermal vaporization of aerosols on a heater tip leads to the generation of intact gas phase molecules. This phenomenon coupled to threshold single photon ionization, accessible with tunable VUV light, allows for fragment-free mass spectrometry of complex molecules. The initial experiments with light scattering, photoelectron imaging, and aerosol mass spectrometry reported here serve as a demonstration of the design philosophy and multiple capabilities of the apparatus.

Generation of tunable laser sidebands in the far-infrared region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farhoomand, J.; Frerking, M. A.; Pickett, H. M.; Blake, G. A.

1985-01-01

In recent years, several techniques have been developed for the generation of tunable coherent radiation at submillimeter and far-infrared (FIR) wavelengths. The harmonic generation of conventional microwave sources has made it possible to produce spectrometers capable of continuous operation to above 1000 GHz. However, the sensitivity of such instruments drops rapidly with frequency. For this reason, a great deal of attention is given to laser-based methods, which could cover the entire FIR region. Tunable FIR radiation (approximately 100 nW) has been produced by mixing FIR molecular lasers and conventional microwave sources in both open and closed mixer mounts. The present investigation is concerned with improvements in this approach. These improvements provide approximately thirty times more output power than previous results.

Optically controlled dielectric properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes for terahertz wave applications.

PubMed

Smirnov, Serguei; Anoshkin, Ilya V; Demchenko, Petr; Gomon, Daniel; Lioubtchenko, Dmitri V; Khodzitsky, Mikhail; Oberhammer, Joachim

2018-06-21

Materials with tunable dielectric properties are valuable for a wide range of electronic devices, but are often lossy at terahertz frequencies. Here we experimentally report the tuning of the dielectric properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes under light illumination. The effect is demonstrated by measurements of impedance variations at low frequency as well as complex dielectric constant variations in the wide frequency range of 0.1-1 THz by time domain spectroscopy. We show that the dielectric constant is significantly modified for varying light intensities. The effect is also practically applied to phase shifters based on dielectric rod waveguides, loaded with carbon nanotube layers. The carbon nanotubes are used as tunable impedance surface controlled by light illumination, in the frequency range of 75-500 GHz. These results suggest that the effect of dielectric constant tuning with light, accompanied by low transmission losses of the carbon nanotube layer in such an ultra-wide band, may open up new directions for the design and fabrication of novel Terahertz and optoelectronic devices.

An off Axis Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectrometer and a Rapid Scan Spectrometer with a Room-Temperature External Cavity Quantum Cascade Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xunchen; Kang, Cheolhwa; Xu, Yunjie

2009-06-01

Quantum cascade laser (QCL) is a new type of mid-infrared tunable diode lasers with superior output power and mode quality. Recent developments, such as room temperature operation, wide frequency tunability, and narrow line width, make QCLs an ideal light source for high resolution spectroscopy. Two slit jet infrared spectrometers, namely an off-axis cavity enhanced absorption (CEA) spectrometer and a rapid scan spectrometer with an astigmatic multi-pass cell assembly, have been coupled with a newly purchased room temperature tunable mod-hop-free QCL with a frequency coverage from 1592 cm^{-1} to 1698 cm^{-1} and a scan rate of 0.1 cm^{-1}/ms. Our aim is to utilize these two sensitive spectrometers, that are equipped with a molecular jet expansion, to investigate the chiral molecules-(water)_n clusters. To demonstrate the resolution and sensitivity achieved, the rovibrational transitions of the static N_2O gas and the bending rovibrational transitions of the Ar-water complex, a test system, at 1634 cm^{-1} have been measured. D. Hofstetter and J. Faist in High performance quantum cascade lasers and their applications, Vol.89 Springer-Verlag Berlin & Heidelberg, 2003, pp. 61-98. Y. Xu, X. Liu, Z. Su, R. M. Kulkarni, W. S. Tam, C. Kang, I. Leonov and L. D'Agostino, Proc. Spie, 2009, 722208 (1-11). M. J. Weida and D. J. Nesbitt, J. Chem. Phys. 1997, 106, 3078-3089.

Optoelectronic Devices Based on Novel Semiconductor Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-14

superlattices 4. TEM study and band -filling effects in quantum-well dots 5. Improvements on tuning ranges and output powers for widely-tunable THz sources...the pump power increases the relative strength for the QW emission in the QWD sample also increases. Eventually at the sufficiently- high pump power ...Ahopelto, Appl. Phys. Lett. 66, 2364 (1995). 5. A monochromatic and high - power THz source tunable in the ranges of 2.7-38.4 ptm and 58.2-3540 ptm for

One-dimensional polaritons with size-tunable and enhanced coupling strengths in semiconductor nanowires.

PubMed

van Vugt, Lambert K; Piccione, Brian; Cho, Chang-Hee; Nukala, Pavan; Agarwal, Ritesh

2011-06-21

Strong coupling of light with excitons in direct bandgap semiconductors leads to the formation of composite photonic-electronic quasi-particles (polaritons), in which energy oscillates coherently between the photonic and excitonic states with the vacuum Rabi frequency. The light-matter coherence is maintained until the oscillator dephases or the photon escapes. Exciton-polariton formation has enabled the observation of Bose-Einstein condensation in the solid-state, low-threshold polariton lasing and is also useful for terahertz and slow-light applications. However, maintaining coherence for higher carrier concentration and temperature applications still requires increased coupling strengths. Here, we report on size-tunable, exceptionally high exciton-polariton coupling strengths characterized by a vacuum Rabi splitting of up to 200 meV as well as a reduction in group velocity, in surface-passivated, self-assembled semiconductor nanowire cavities. These experiments represent systematic investigations on light-matter coupling in one-dimensional optical nanocavities, demonstrating the ability to engineer light-matter coupling strengths at the nanoscale, even in non-quantum-confined systems, to values much higher than in bulk.

One-dimensional polaritons with size-tunable and enhanced coupling strengths in semiconductor nanowires

PubMed Central

van Vugt, Lambert K.; Piccione, Brian; Cho, Chang-Hee; Nukala, Pavan; Agarwal, Ritesh

2011-01-01

Strong coupling of light with excitons in direct bandgap semiconductors leads to the formation of composite photonic-electronic quasi-particles (polaritons), in which energy oscillates coherently between the photonic and excitonic states with the vacuum Rabi frequency. The light-matter coherence is maintained until the oscillator dephases or the photon escapes. Exciton-polariton formation has enabled the observation of Bose-Einstein condensation in the solid-state, low-threshold polariton lasing and is also useful for terahertz and slow-light applications. However, maintaining coherence for higher carrier concentration and temperature applications still requires increased coupling strengths. Here, we report on size-tunable, exceptionally high exciton-polariton coupling strengths characterized by a vacuum Rabi splitting of up to 200 meV as well as a reduction in group velocity, in surface-passivated, self-assembled semiconductor nanowire cavities. These experiments represent systematic investigations on light-matter coupling in one-dimensional optical nanocavities, demonstrating the ability to engineer light-matter coupling strengths at the nanoscale, even in non-quantum-confined systems, to values much higher than in bulk. PMID:21628582

Blue-green tunable color of Ce3+/Tb3+ coactivated NaBa3La3Si6O20 phosphor via energy transfer

PubMed Central

Jia, Zhen; Xia, Mingjun

2016-01-01

A series of color tunable phosphors NaBa3La3Si6O20:Ce3+, Tb3+ were synthesized via the high-temperature solid-state method. NaBa3La3Si6O20 crystallizes in noncentrosymmetric space group Ama2 with the cell parameters of a = 14.9226(4) Å, b = 24.5215(5) Å and c = 5.6241(2) Å by the Rietveld refinement method. The Ce3+ ions doped NaBa3La3Si6O20 phosphors have a strong absorption band from 260 to 360 nm and show near ultraviolet emission light centered at 378 nm. The Ce3+ and Tb3+ ions coactivated phosphors exhibit color tunable emission light from deep blue to green by adjusting the concentration of the Tb3+ ions. An energy transfer of Ce3+ → Tb3+ investigated by the photoluminescence properties and lifetime decay, is demonstrated to be dipole–quadrupole interaction. These results indicate the NaBa3La3Si6O20:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors can be considered as potential candidates for blue-green components for white light emitting diodes. PMID:27628111

Enhanced photoluminescence property and broad color emission of ZnGa2O4 phosphor due to the synergistic role of Eu3+ and carbon dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huo, Qiuyue; Tu, Weixia; Guo, Lin

2017-10-01

ZnGa2O4 phosphors co-composited with nanoscale carbon dots (CDs) and Eu3+ were presented for the tunable color emission. Novel single phase CDs or/and Eu3+ composited ZnGa2O4 phosphors were synthesized by microwave hydrothermal method and their optical properties were investigated. The ZnGa2O4 phosphors composited with CDs exhibited an intense broad blue light emission at 421 nm and a more enhanced photoluminescence intensity than those without CDs. The Eu3+ composited ZnGa2O4 phosphors gave an ideal red color emission. The CDs/Eu3+ co-composited ZnGa2O4 phosphors exhibited a wide emission band peak at 450 nm and narrow emission peak at 618 nm. Furthermore, the tunable color emissions of CDs/Eu3+ co-composited ZnGa2O4 phosphors from blue to the white light region, and then to red were obtained with the increasing Eu3+ concentration, which can be a promising single phased phosphor candidate in light emitting diodes. Broadly tunable emission single phased phosphor is tuned firstly through the synergistic role of the non-metal element and the rare earth metal ions.

Swept source optical coherence tomography using an all-fiber 1300-nm ring laser source.

PubMed

Choma, Michael A; Hsu, Kevin; Izatt, Joseph A

2005-01-01

The increased sensitivity of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) has driven the development of a new generation of technologies in OCT, including rapidly tunable, broad bandwidth swept laser sources and spectral domain OCT interferometer topologies. In this work, the operation of a turnkey 1300-nm swept laser source is demonstrated. This source has a fiber ring cavity with a semiconductor optical amplifier gain medium. Intracavity mode selection is achieved with an in-fiber tunable fiber Fabry-Perot filter. A novel optoelectronic technique that allows for even sampling of the swept source OCT signal in k space also is described. A differential swept source OCT system is presented, and images of in vivo human cornea and skin are presented. Lastly, the effects of analog-to-digital converter aliasing on image quality in swept source OCT are discussed.

Photoionization Efficiencies of Five Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.

PubMed

Johansson, K Olof; Campbell, Matthew F; Elvati, Paolo; Schrader, Paul E; Zádor, Judit; Richards-Henderson, Nicole K; Wilson, Kevin R; Violi, Angela; Michelsen, Hope A

2017-06-15

We have measured photoionization-efficiency curves for pyrene, fluoranthene, chrysene, perylene, and coronene in the photon energy range of 7.5-10.2 eV and derived their photoionization cross-section curves in this energy range. All measurements were performed using tunable vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation generated at the Advanced Light Source synchrotron at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The VUV radiation was used for photoionization, and detection was performed using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. We measured the photoionization efficiency of 2,5-dimethylfuran simultaneously with those of pyrene, fluoranthene, chrysene, perylene, and coronene to obtain references of the photon flux during each measurement from the known photoionization cross-section curve of 2,5-dimethylfuran.

Mid-infrared laser absorption tomography for quantitative 2D thermochemistry measurements in premixed jet flames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Chuyu; Pineda, Daniel I.; Paxton, Laurel; Egolfopoulos, Fokion N.; Spearrin, R. Mitchell

2018-06-01

A tomographic laser absorption spectroscopy technique, utilizing mid-infrared light sources, is presented as a quantitative method to spatially resolve species and temperature profiles in small-diameter reacting flows relevant to combustion systems. Here, tunable quantum and interband cascade lasers are used to spectrally resolve select rovibrational transitions near 4.98 and 4.19 μm to measure CO and {CO2}, respectively, as well as their vibrational temperatures, in piloted premixed jet flames. Signal processing methods are detailed for the reconstruction of axial and radial profiles of thermochemical structure in a canonical ethylene-air jet flame. The method is further demonstrated to quantitatively distinguish between different turbulent flow conditions.

All-fiber mid-infrared difference frequency generation source and its application to molecular dispersion spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krzempek, K.; Abramski, K. M.; Nikodem, M.

2017-09-01

A widely tunable, fully monolithic, mid-infrared difference frequency generation source and its application in the dispersion-spectroscopy-based laser trace gas detection of methane and ethane, near 2938 and 2998 cm-1, is presented. Utilizing a fiber pigtailed nonlinear crystal module radically simplified the optical setup, while maintaining a superb conversion efficiency of 20% W-1. Seeded directly from two laser diodes, the source delivered ~0.5 mW of tunable radiation, which was used in a chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy setup, enabling the highly sensitive detection of hydrocarbons.

Tunable all-optical quasimonochromatic thomson x-ray source in the nonlinear regime.

PubMed

Khrennikov, K; Wenz, J; Buck, A; Xu, J; Heigoldt, M; Veisz, L; Karsch, S

2015-05-15

We present an all-laser-driven, energy-tunable, and quasimonochromatic x-ray source based on Thomson scattering from laser-wakefield-accelerated electrons. One part of the laser beam was used to drive a few-fs bunch of quasimonoenergetic electrons, while the remainder was backscattered off the bunch at weakly relativistic intensity. When the electron energy was tuned from 17-50 MeV, narrow x-ray spectra peaking at 5-42 keV were recorded with high resolution, revealing nonlinear features. We present a large set of measurements showing the stability and practicality of our source.

Supramolecular assembly of borate with quaternary ammonium: Crystal structure and tunable luminescent properties

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

Liang, Jie; Wang, Yong-gang; Wang, Ying-xia, E-mail: wangyx@pku.edu.cn

2013-04-15

A new borate [C{sub 6}H{sub 16}N][B{sub 5}O{sub 6}(OH){sub 4}] (1) is synthesized hydrothermally by the reaction of isopropyltrimethylammonium hydroxide with boric acid. It crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 with the parameters a=9.1578(10) Å, b=9.372(9) Å, c=9.9812(10) Å, α=66.508(2)°, β=74.751(2)°, γ=81.893(2)°. The [B{sub 5}O{sub 6}(OH){sub 4}]{sup −} anions are interlinked via hydrogen bonding forming a 3D supramolecular network containing large cavities, where reside the (CH{sub 3}){sub 3}(i-C{sub 3}H{sub 7}) N{sup +} cations. This borate shows tunable luminescent properties with temperature, heating-treatment, exciting-light, and solvents. The fluorescent intensity of 1 enhances 6-fold with decreasing the temperature from 25 K tomore » 78 K. By treatment under different temperatures, the luminescence of 1 shifted from blue to white and the sample treated at 230 °C emits bright white light to naked eyes. The hybrid borate can disperse in different solvents, and shows a red-shifted and intense emission in polar solvents. - Graphical abstract: The new quaternary ammonium borate [C{sub 6}H{sub 17}N][B{sub 5}O{sub 6}(OH){sub 4}] contains a 3D supramolecular network formed by hydrogen bond linked [B{sub 5}O{sub 6}(OH){sub 4}]{sup −} anions and shows tunable luminescent properties with temperature, excitation light, and solvents. Highlights: ► A novel quaternary ammonium borate was synthesized. ► It possesses a supramolecular network fomed by H-bonded [B{sub 5}O{sub 6}(OH){sub 4}]{sup −} anions. ► This borate shows tunable luminescent properties with temperature, heating treatment, excitation light, and solvents.« less

Tunable Oscillations in Optically Injected Semiconductor Lasers With Reduced Sensitivity to Perturbations - Postprint

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

Squeezed light from injection- locked quantum well lasers ,” Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 71, pp. 3951–3954, 1993. [30] A. E. Siegman , Lasers , 1st ed...AFRL-RY-WP-TP-2014-0297 TUNABLE OSCILLATIONS IN OPTICALLY INJECTED SEMICONDUCTOR LASERS WITH REDUCED SENSITIVITY TO PERTURBATIONS -POSTPRINT...OSCILLATIONS IN OPTICALLY INJECTED SEMICONDUCTOR LASERS WITH REDUCED SENSITIVITY TO PERTURBATIONS - POSTPRINT 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER In-House 5b. GRANT NUMBER

Synthesis of nano-TiO2 photocatalysts with tunable Fe doping concentration from Ti-bearing tailings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sui, Yulei; Liu, Qingxia; Jiang, Tao; Guo, Yufeng

2018-01-01

In this work, highly pure nano-TiO2 photocatalysts with varying Fe doping concentration were successfully synthesized from low-cost Ti-bearing tailings by an acidolysis-hydrothermal route. The effects of H2SO4 concentration, leaching temperature, acid/tailings ratio and leaching time on the recovery of TiO2 from the tailings were investigated. Synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, EDS, XPS, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the material prepared is characteristic anatase with the average size of 20 nm and the Fe doping concentration in the synthesized nano-TiO2 is tunable. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized nano-TiO2 photocatalyst was also evaluated by the photodegradation of Rhodamine B under visible light and UV light irradiation. Our study demonstrates a low-cost approach to synthesize highly efficient and visible light responsive catalysts.

Wrinkled silica/titania nanoparticles with tunable interwrinkle distances for efficient utilization of photons in dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Kang, Jin Soo; Lim, Joohyun; Rho, Won-Yeop; Kim, Jin; Moon, Doo-Sik; Jeong, Juwon; Jung, Dongwook; Choi, Jung-Woo; Lee, Jin-Kyu; Sung, Yung-Eun

2016-08-04

Efficient light harvesting is essential for the realization of high energy conversion efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). State-of-the-art mesoporous TiO2 photoanodes fall short for collection of long-wavelength visible light photons, and thus there have been efforts on introduction of scattering nanoparticles. Herein, we report the synthesis of wrinkled silica/titania nanoparticles with tunable interwrinkle distances as scattering materials for enhanced light harvesting in DSCs. These particles with more than 20 times larger specific surface area (>400 m(2)/g) compared to the spherical scattering particles (<20 m(2)/g) of the similar sizes gave rise to the dye-loading amounts, causing significant improvements in photocurrent density and efficiency. Moreover, dependence of spectral scattering properties of wrinkled particles on interwrinkle distances, which was originated from difference in overall refractive indices, was observed.

Photoresponsive Passive Micromixers Based on Spiropyran Size-Tunable Hydrogels.

PubMed

Ter Schiphorst, Jeroen; Melpignano, Giuseppe G; Amirabadi, Hossein Eslami; Houben, Menno H J M; Bakker, Sterre; den Toonder, Jaap M J; Schenning, Albertus P H J

2018-01-01

Microfluidic devices allow the manipulation of fluids down to the micrometer scale and are receiving a lot of attention for applications where low volumes and high throughputs are required. In these micro channels, laminar flow usually dominates, which requires long residence times of the fluids, limiting the flow speed and throughput. Here a switchable passive mixer has been developed to control mixing and to easily clean microchannels. The mixer is based on a photoresponsive spiropyran based hydrogel of which the dimensions can be tuned by changing the intensity of the light. The size-tunable gels have been used to fabricate a passive slanted groove mixer that can be switched off by light allowing to change mixing of microfluidics to non-mixed flows. These findings open new possibilities for multi-purpose microfluidic devices where mixers and valves can be tuned by light. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Aperiodic nanoplasmonic devices for directional colour filtering and sensing.

PubMed

Davis, Matthew S; Zhu, Wenqi; Xu, Ting; Lee, Jay K; Lezec, Henri J; Agrawal, Amit

2017-11-07

Exploiting the wave-nature of light in its simplest form, periodic architectures have enabled a panoply of tunable optical devices with the ability to perform useful functions such as filtering, spectroscopy, and multiplexing. Here, we remove the constraint of structural periodicity to enhance, simultaneously, the performance and functionality of passive plasmonic devices operating at optical frequencies. By using a physically intuitive, first-order interference model of plasmon-light interactions, we demonstrate a simple and efficient route towards designing devices with flexible, multi-spectral optical response, fundamentally not achievable using periodic architectures. Leveraging this approach, we experimentally implement ultra-compact directional light-filters and colour-sorters exhibiting angle- or spectrally-tunable optical responses with high contrast, and low spectral or spatial crosstalk. Expanding the potential of aperiodic systems to implement tailored spectral and angular responses, these results hint at promising applications in solar-energy harvesting, optical signal multiplexing, and integrated sensing.

Tunable anisotropic anomalous Nernst effect and orbital magnetization in Floquet Weyl semimetals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Zhi Ping; Wu, Xueshi

2018-03-01

Weyl semimetals and nodal line semimetals display a host of novel properties. Floquet Weyl semimetals with tunable Weyl points can be obtained from nodal line semimetals under the circularly polarized off-resonant light. Here we theoretically investigate the anomalous Nernst effect and orbital magnetization in Floquet Weyl semimetals. Due to the anisotropy of the band structure in Floquet Weyl semimetals, highly anisotropic Berry phase mediated anomalous Nernst effect and orbital magnetization in the absence of magnetic field are observed, indicating orientation-dependent applications in the design of nanodevices. The amplitude and sign of anomalous Nernst coefficient and orbital magnetization can be tuned by the light direction, amplitude and polarization. The effect of the chemical potential on anomalous Nernst coefficient and orbital magnetization is also discussed. The light-modulated anomalous Nernst effect and orbital magnetization make Floquet Weyl semimetals potential candidates for thermoelectric devices.

Luminescence properties of tunable white-light long-lasting phosphor YPO4: Eu3+, Tb3+, Sr2+, Zr4+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Wei; Wang, Mingwen; Meng, Xiangxue; Lin, Wei

2016-04-01

A series of novel YPO4: Eu3+, Tb3+, Sr2+, Zr4+ tunable white-light long lasting phosphors were synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction method. The luminescent properties were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction, photoluminescent excitation and emission spectra, thermoluminescence spectrum and decay curves. The XRD patterns indicated that the samples belonged to tetragonal phase and co-doping Eu3+, Tb3+, Sr2+ and Zr4+ ions have no effect on the basic crystal structure. Under the excitation of 372 nm wavelength, it was first discovered that the specific concentration of Sr2+ can improve the emission intensity of Eu2+. The blue (Eu2+), green (Tb3+) and red (Eu3+) lights were emitted simultaneously and therefore produced white light in the same YPO4 matrix. Tunable color from the white to purple region was achieved not only by increasing the concentration of Zr4+ and Sr2+, but also by increasing the concentration of Eu3+. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of Y0.89PO4: Eu3+0.06, Tb3+0.05, Sr2+0.06, Zr4+0.06 (0.33, 0.31) were the closest to point (0.33, 0.33) which delegates the ideal white and trap depths for the two glow peaks are 0.88 eV and 0.85 eV. The fitting decay constant of τ2 corresponding to the slow exponentially decay components was 101.30 s.

GATEWAY Report Brief: Tuning the Light in Classrooms: Evaluating Trial LED Lighting Systems in Three Classrooms at the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in Carrollton, TX

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

None

Summary of GATEWAY report evaluating a trial installation of tunable-white LED lighting systems in three classrooms in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in Carrollton, TX. The report provides valuable insights into the use of this technology in a real-world setting.

GATEWAY Report: Tuning the Light in Classrooms: Evaluating Trial LED Lighting Systems in Three Classrooms at the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in Carrollton, TX

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

Davis, Robert G.; Wilkerson, Andrea

The GATEWAY program evaluated a trial installation of tunable-white LED lighting systems in three classrooms in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in Carrollton, TX. The report provides valuable insights into the use of this technology in a real-world setting.

Tunable single frequency fiber laser based on FP-LD injection locking.

PubMed

Zhang, Aiqin; Feng, Xinhuan; Wan, Minggui; Li, Zhaohui; Guan, Bai-ou

2013-05-20

We propose and demonstrate a tunable single frequency fiber laser based on Fabry Pérot laser diode (FP-LD) injection locking. The single frequency operation principle is based on the fact that the output from a FP-LD injection locked by a multi-longitudinal-mode (MLM) light can have fewer longitudinal-modes number and narrower linewidth. By inserting a FP-LD in a fiber ring laser cavity, single frequency operation can be possibly achieved when stable laser oscillation established after many roundtrips through the FP-LD. Wavelength switchable single frequency lasing can be achieved by adjusting the tunable optical filter (TOF) in the cavity to coincide with different mode of the FP-LD. By adjustment of the drive current of the FP-LD, the lasing modes would shift and wavelength tunable operation can be obtained. In experiment, a wavelength tunable range of 32.4 nm has been obtained by adjustment of the drive current of the FP-LD and a tunable filter in the ring cavity. Each wavelength has a side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of at least 41 dB and a linewidth of about 13 kHz.

On the tunability of quality-factor for optical Tamm plasmon modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Samir; Das, Ritwick

2017-09-01

We present a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the impact of gold and silver films on modifying the quality-factor (Q-factor) of optical Tamm-plasmon (OTP) resonance in a metal-distributed Bragg reflector (M-DBR) geometry. Here, OTP mode is excited using direct incidence of white-light-source at normal incidence as well as oblique incidence on M-DBR geometry. The lifetime of OTP in gold and silver deposited films on DBR mirror was determined from OTP resonance linewidth. The lifetime and the Q-factor of OTP modes are found to depend on DBR bilayers, metal film thickness as well as on different plasmon active metals. This finding would facilitate tuning the Q-factor and consequently, the lifetime of OTP modes for various applications in all-optical switches and modulators. In addition, we discuss the spectral characteristics of OTP modes excited using normal and oblique incident of source.

Semiconductor lasers vs LEDs in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gryko, Lukasz; Zajac, Andrzej; Szymanska, Justyna; Blaszczak, Urszula; Palkowska, Anna; Kulesza, Ewa

2016-12-01

Semiconductor emitters are used in many areas of medicine, allowing for new methods of diagnosis, treatment and effective prevention of many diseases. The article presents selected areas of application of semiconductor sources in UVVIS- NIR range, where in recent years competition in semiconductor lasers and LEDs applications has been observed. Examples of applications of analyzed sources are indicated for LLLT, PDT and optical diagnostics using the procedure of color contrast. Selected results of LLLT research of the authors are presented that were obtained by means of the developed optoelectronic system for objectified irradiation and studies on the impact of low-energy laser and LED on lines of endothelial cells of umbilical vein. Usefulness of the spectrally tunable LED lighting system for diagnostic purposes is also demonstrated, also as an illuminator for surface applications - in procedure of variable color contrast of the illuminated object.

Concept of a tunable source of coherent THz radiation driven by a plasma modulated electron beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, H.; Konoplev, I. V.; Doucas, G.; Smith, J.

2018-04-01

We have carried out numerical studies which consider the modulation of a picosecond long relativistic electron beam in a plasma channel and the generation of a micro-bunched train. The subsequent propagation of the micro-bunched beam in the vacuum area was also investigated. The same numerical model was then used to simulate the radiation arising from the interaction of the micro-bunched beam with a metallic grating. The dependence of the radiation spectrum on the parameters of the micro-bunched beam has been studied and the tunability of the radiation by the variation of the micro-bunch spacing has been demonstrated. The micro-bunch spacing can be changed easily by altering the plasma density without changing the beam energy or current. Using the results of these studies, we develop a conceptual design of a tunable source of coherent terahertz (THz) radiation driven by a plasma modulated beam. Such a source would be a potential and useful alternative to conventional vacuum THz tubes and THz free-electron laser sources.

The generation of a tunable laser emission in the vacuum ultraviolet and its application to supersonic jet/multiphoton ionization mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchimura, Tomohiro; Onoda, Takayuki; Lin, Cheng-Huang; Imasaka, Totaro

1999-08-01

An optical parametric oscillator and a Ti:sapphire laser are used as a pump source for the generation of high-order vibrational stimulated Raman emission in the vacuum ultraviolet region. This tunable laser is employed as an excitation/ionization source in a supersonic jet/multiphoton ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometric study of benzene. The merits and potential advantages of this approach are discussed in this study.

Chiral photonic crystals with an anisotropic defect layer.

PubMed

Gevorgyan, A H; Harutyunyan, M Z

2007-09-01

In the present paper we consider some properties of defect modes in chiral photonic crystals with an anisotropic defect layer. We solved the problem by Ambartsumian's layer addition method. We investigated the influence of the defect layer thickness variation and its location in the chiral photonic crystal (CPC) and also its optical axes orientation, as well as of CPC thickness variation on defect mode properties. Variations of the optical thickness of the defect layer have its impact on the defect mode linewidth and the light accumulation in the defect. We obtain that CPCs lose their base property at certain defect layer thicknesses; namely, they lose their diffraction reflection dependence on light polarization. We also show that the circular polarization handedness changes from right-handed to left-handed if the defect layer location is changed, and therefore, such systems can be used to create sources of elliptically polarized light with tunable ellipticity. Some nonreciprocity properties of such systems are investigated, too. In particular, it is also shown that such a system can work as a practically ideal wide band optical diode for circularly polarized incident light provided the defect layer thickness is properly chosen, and it can work as a narrow band diode at small defect layer thicknesses.

Industrial integration of high coherence tunable single frequency semiconductor lasers based on VECSEL technology for scientific instrumentation in NIR and MIR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lecocq, Vincent; Chomet, Baptiste; Ferrières, Laurence; Myara, Mikhaël.; Beaudoin, Grégoire; Sagnes, Isabelle; Cerutti, Laurent; Denet, Stéphane; Garnache, Arnaud

2017-02-01

Laser technology is finding applications in areas such as high resolution spectroscopy, radar-lidar, velocimetry, or atomic clock where highly coherent tunable high power light sources are required. The Vertical External Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VECSEL) technology [1] has been identified for years as a good candidate to reach high power, high coherence and broad tunability while covering a wide emission wavelength range exploiting III-V semiconductor technologies. Offering such performances in the Near- and Middle-IR range, GaAs- and Sb-based VECSEL technologies seem to be a well suited path to meet the required specifications of demanding applications. Built up in this field, our expertise allows the realization of compact and low power consumption marketable products, with performances that do not exist on the market today in the 0.8-1.1 μm and 2-2.5 μm spectral range. Here we demonstrate highly coherent broadly tunable single frequency laser micro-chip, intracavity element free, based on a patented VECSEL technology, integrated into a compact module with driving electronics. VECSEL devices emitting in the Near and Middle-IR developed in the frame of this work [2] exhibit exciting features compared to diode-pumped solid-state lasers and DFB diode lasers; they combine high power (>100mW) high temporal coherence together with a low divergence diffraction limited TEM00 beam. They exhibit a class-A dynamics with a Relative Intensity Noise as low as -140dB/Hz and at shot noise level reached above 200MHz RF frequency (up to 160GHz), a free running narrow linewidth at sub MHz level (fundamental limit at Hz level) with high spectral purity (SMSR >55dB), a linear polarization (>50dB suppression ratio), and broadband continuous tunability greater than 400GHz (< 30V piezo voltage, 6kHz cut off frequency) with total tunability up to 3THz. Those performances can all be reached thanks to the high finesse cavity of VECSEL technology, associated to ideal homogeneous QW gain behaviour [3]. In addition, the compact design without any movable intracavity elements offers a robust single frequency regime with a long term wavelength stability better than few GHz/h (ambient thermal drift limited). Those devices surpass the state of the art commercial technologies thanks to a combination of power-coherence-wavelength tunability performances and integration.

Widely tunable 11 GHz femtosecond fiber laser based on a nonmode-locked source [Widely tunable 11 GHz femtosecond fiber laser based on a non-modelocked source

DOE PAGES

Prantil, Matthew A.; Cormier, Eric; Dawson, Jay W.; ...

2013-08-19

An 11 GHz fiber laser built on a modulated CW platform is described and characterized. This compact, vibrationinsensitive, fiber based system can be operated at wavelengths compatible with high energy fiber technology, is driven by an RF signal directly, and is tunable over a wide range of drive frequencies. The demonstration system when operated at 1040 nm is capable of 50 ns bursts of 575 micro-pulses produced at a macro-pulse rate of 83 kHz where the macro-pulse and micro-pulse energies are 1.8 μJ and 3.2 nJ respectively. Micro-pulse durations of 850 fs are demonstrated. Finally, we discuss extensions to shortermore » duration.« less

Tunability enhanced electromagnetic wiggler

DOEpatents

Schlueter, Ross D.; Deis, Gary A.

1992-01-01

The invention discloses a wiggler used in synchrotron radiation sources and free electron lasers, where each pole is surrounded by at least two electromagnetic coils. The electromagnetic coils are energized with different amounts of current to provide a wide tunable range of the on-axis magnetic flux density, while preventing magnetic saturation of the poles.

Electrically Tunable Terahertz Quantum-Cascade Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gunapala, Sarath; Soidel, Alexander; Mansour, Kamjou

2006-01-01

Improved quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) are being developed as electrically tunable sources of radiation in the far infrared spectral region, especially in the frequency range of 2 to 5 THz. The structures of QCLs and the processes used to fabricate them have much in common with those of multiple- quantum-well infrared photodetectors.

Simultaneous topography and tomography of latent fingerprints using full-field swept-source optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubey, Satish Kumar; Singh Mehta, Dalip; Anand, Arun; Shakher, Chandra

2008-01-01

We demonstrate simultaneous topography and tomography of latent fingerprints using full-field swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT). The swept-source OCT system comprises a superluminescent diode (SLD) as broad-band light source, an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) as frequency tuning device, and a compact, nearly common-path interferometer. Both the amplitude and the phase map of the interference fringe signal are reconstructed. Optical sectioning of the latent fingerprint sample is obtained by selective Fourier filtering and the topography is retrieved from the phase map. Interferometry, selective filtering, low coherence and hence better resolution are some of the advantages of the proposed system over the conventional fingerprint detection techniques. The present technique is non-invasive in nature and does not require any physical or chemical processing. Therefore, the quality of the sample does not alter and hence the same fingerprint can be used for other types of forensic test. Exploitation of low-coherence interferometry for fingerprint detection itself provides an edge over other existing techniques as fingerprints can even be lifted from low-reflecting surfaces. The proposed system is very economical and compact.

Micro-optofluidic Lenses: A review

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Nam-Trung

2010-01-01

This review presents a systematic perspective on the development of micro-optofluidic lenses. The progress on the development of micro-optofluidic lenses are illustrated by example from recent literature. The advantage of micro-optofluidic lenses over solid lens systems is their tunability without the use of large actuators such as servo motors. Depending on the relative orientation of light path and the substrate surface, micro-optofluidic lenses can be categorized as in-plane or out-of-plane lenses. However, this review will focus on the tunability of the lenses and categorizes them according to the concept of tunability. Micro-optofluidic lenses can be either tuned by the liquid in use or by the shape of the lens. Micro-optofluidic lenses with tunable shape are categorized according to the actuation schemes. Typical parameters of micro-optofluidic lenses reported recently are compared and discussed. Finally, perspectives are given for future works in this field. PMID:20714369

Dynamically tunable implementation of electromagnetically induced transparency with two coupling graphene-nanostrips in terahertz region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Chang; Chen, Qing-Guo; Mei, Jin-Shuo; Yin, Jing-Hua

2018-03-01

In this paper, we numerically demonstrated a dynamically tunable implementation of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) response with two coupling graphene-nanostrips in terahertz region. Compared to the metal-based structures or separated graphene structures, the Fermi energies of proposed two coupling graphene-nanostrips can be independently tuned by changing bias voltage between the metallic pads and substrate, the EIT window which appears from the near-field coupling between two resonators can be dynamically tuned without reoptimizing and refabricating the structures. As a result, the EIT window has a significant tunable capacity which can realize a higher frequency modulation depth and control the amplitude of transmission peak at a fixed frequency; moreover, the group delay of transmission peak at a fixed frequency with the amplitude of over 0.95 could be dynamically tuned. These results would exhibit potential applications in modulators and tunable slow light devices.

Tunable ultra-broadband polarization filter based on three-core resonance of the fluid-infiltrated and gold-coated photonic crystal fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yingchao; Chen, Hailiang; Ma, Mingjian; Zhang, Wenxun; Wang, Yujun; Li, Shuguang

2018-03-01

We propose a tunable ultra-broadband polarization filter based on three-core resonance of the fluid-infiltrated and gold-coated high birefringent photonic crystal fiber (HB-PCF). Gold film was applied to the inner walls of two cladding air holes and surface plasmon polaritons were generated on its surface. The two gold-coated cladding air holes acted as two defective cores. As the phase matching condition was satisfied, light transmitted in the fiber core and coupled to the two defective cores. The three-core PCF supported three super modes in two orthogonal polarization directions. The coupling characteristics among these modes were investigated using the finite-element method. We found that the coupling wavelengths and strength between these guided modes can be tuned by altering the structural parameters of the designed HB-PCF, such as the size of the voids, thickness of the gold-films and liquid infilling pattern. Under the optimized structural parameters, a tunable broadband polarization filter was realized. For one liquid infilling pattern, we obtained a broadband polarization filter which filtered out the light in y-polarization direction at the wavelength of 1550 nm. For another liquid infilling pattern, we filtered out light in the x-polarization direction at the wavelength of 1310 nm. Our studies on the designed HB-PCF made contributions to the further devising of tunable broadband polarization filters, which are extensively used in telecommunication and sensor systems. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61505175 and 61475134) and the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province (Grant Nos. F2017203110 and F2017203193).

Laboratory tools and e-learning elements in training of acousto-optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barócsi, Attila; Lenk, Sándor; Ujhelyi, Ferenc; Majoros, Tamás.; Maák, Paál.

2015-10-01

Due to the acousto-optic (AO) effect, the refractive index of an optical interaction medium is perturbed by an acoustic wave induced in the medium that builds up a phase grating that will diffract the incident light beam if the condition of constructive interference is satisfied. All parameters, such as magnitude, period or phase of the grating can be controlled that allows the construction of useful devices (modulators, switches, one or multi-dimensional deflectors, spectrum analyzers, tunable filters, frequency shifters, etc.) The research and training of acousto-optics have a long-term tradition at our department. In this presentation, we introduce the related laboratory exercises fitted into an e-learning frame. The BSc level exercise utilizes a laser source and an AO cell to demonstrate the effect and principal AO functions explaining signal processing terms such as amplitude or frequency modulation, modulation depth and Fourier transformation ending up in building a free space sound transmitting and demodulation system. The setup for MSc level utilizes an AO filter with mono- and polychromatic light sources to learn about spectral analysis and synthesis. Smart phones can be used to generate signal inputs or outputs for both setups as well as to help students' preparation and reporting.

Diagnostic techniques in thermal plasma processing, part 2, volume 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boulos, M.; Fauchais, P.; Pfender, E.

1986-02-01

Techniques for diagnostics for thermal plasmas are discussed. These include both optical techniques and in-flight measurements of particulate matter. In the core of the plasma, collisional excitation of the various chemical species is so strong that the population of the corresponding quantum levels becomes high enough for net emission from the plasma. In that case, the classical methods of emission spectroscopy may be applied. But in the regions where the temperatures are below 4000K (these regions are of primary importance for plasma processing), the emission from the plasma is no longer sufficient for emission spectroscopy. In this situation, the population of excited levels must be increased by the absorption of the light from an external source. Such sources, as for example pulsed tunable dye lasers, are now commercially available. The use of such new devices leads to various techniques such as laser induced fluorescence (LIF) or Coherent Anti Stockes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) that can be used for analyzing plasmas. Particle velocity measurements can be achieved by photography and laser Doppler anemometry. Particle flux measurements are typically achieved by collecting particles on a substrate. Particle size measurements are based on intensity of scattered light.

Tunable hole injection of solution-processed polymeric carbon nitride towards efficient organic light-emitting diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaowen; Zheng, Qinghong; Tang, Zhenyu; Li, Wanshu; Zhang, Yan; Xu, Kai; Xue, Xiaogang; Xu, Jiwen; Wang, Hua; Wei, Bin

2018-02-01

Polymeric carbon nitride (CNxHy) has been facilely synthesized from dicyandiamide and functions as a solution-processed hole injection layer in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The measurements using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy elucidate that CNxHy exhibits superior film morphology and extra electric properties such as tailored work function and tunable hole injection. The luminous efficiency of CNxHy-based OLED is found to improve by 76.6% in comparison to the counterpart using favorite solution-processed poly(ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) as the hole injection layer. Our results also pave a way for broadening carbon nitride applications in organic electronics using the solution process.

Active control and switching of broadband electromagnetically induced transparency in symmetric metadevices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yahiaoui, Riad; Manjappa, Manukumara; Srivastava, Yogesh Kumar; Singh, Ranjan

2017-07-01

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) arises from coupling between the bright and dark mode resonances that typically involve subwavelength structures with broken symmetry, which results in an extremely sharp transparency band. Here, we demonstrate a tunable broadband EIT effect in a symmetry preserved metamaterial structure at the terahertz frequencies. Alongside, we also envisage a photo-active EIT effect in a hybrid metal-semiconductor metamaterial, where the transparency window can be dynamically switched by shining near-infrared light beam. A robust coupled oscillator model explains the coupling mechanism in the proposed design, which shows a good agreement with the observed results on tunable broadband transparency effect. Such active, switchable, and broadband metadevices could have applications in delay bandwidth management, terahertz filtering, and slow light effects.

Passivated p-type silicon: Hole injection tunable anode material for organic light emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, W. Q.; Ran, G. Z.; Xu, W. J.; Qin, G. G.

2008-02-01

We find that hole injection can be enhanced simply by selecting a lower-resistivity p-Si anode to match an electron injection enhancement for organic light emitting diodes with ultrathin-SiO2-layer-passivated p-Si anode (Si-OLED). For a Si-OLED with ordinary AlQ electron transport layer, the optimized resistivity of the p-Si anode is 40Ωcm; for that with n-doped Bphen electron transport layer, it decreases to 5Ωcm. Correspondingly, the maximum power efficiency increases from 0.3to1.9lm /W, even higher than that of an indium tin oxide control device (1.4lm/W). This passivated p-type silicon is a hole injection tunable anode material for OLED.

Electro-optical tunable birefringent filter

DOEpatents

Levinton, Fred M [Princeton, NJ

2012-01-31

An electrically tunable Lyot type filter is a Lyot that include one or more filter elements. Each filter element may have a planar, solid crystal comprised of a material that exhibits birefringence and is electro-optically active. Transparent electrodes may be coated on each face of the crystal. An input linear light polarizer may be located on one side of the crystal and oriented at 45 degrees to the optical axis of the birefringent crystal. An output linear light polarizer may be located on the other side of the crystal and oriented at -45 degrees with respect to the optical axis of the birefringent crystal. When an electric voltage is applied between the electrodes, the retardation of the crystal changes and so does the spectral transmission of the optical filter.

Wavelength-tunable entangled photons from silicon-integrated III-V quantum dots.

PubMed

Chen, Yan; Zhang, Jiaxiang; Zopf, Michael; Jung, Kyubong; Zhang, Yang; Keil, Robert; Ding, Fei; Schmidt, Oliver G

2016-01-27

Many of the quantum information applications rely on indistinguishable sources of polarization-entangled photons. Semiconductor quantum dots are among the leading candidates for a deterministic entangled photon source; however, due to their random growth nature, it is impossible to find different quantum dots emitting entangled photons with identical wavelengths. The wavelength tunability has therefore become a fundamental requirement for a number of envisioned applications, for example, nesting different dots via the entanglement swapping and interfacing dots with cavities/atoms. Here we report the generation of wavelength-tunable entangled photons from on-chip integrated InAs/GaAs quantum dots. With a novel anisotropic strain engineering technique based on PMN-PT/silicon micro-electromechanical system, we can recover the quantum dot electronic symmetry at different exciton emission wavelengths. Together with a footprint of several hundred microns, our device facilitates the scalable integration of indistinguishable entangled photon sources on-chip, and therefore removes a major stumbling block to the quantum-dot-based solid-state quantum information platforms.

Laser System for Photoelectron and X-Ray Production in the PLEIADES Compton Light Source

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

Gibson, D J; Barty, C J; Betts, S M

2005-04-21

The PLEIADES (Picosecond Laser-Electron Interaction for the Dynamic Evaluation of Structures) facility provides tunable short x-ray pulses with energies of 30-140 keV and pulse durations of 0.3-5 ps by scattering an intense, ultrashort laser pulse off a 35-75 MeV electron beam. Synchronization of the laser and electron beam is obtained by using a photoinjector gun, and using the same laser system to generate the electrons and the scattering laser. The Ti Ti:Sapphire, chirped pulse amplification based 500 mJ, 50 fs, 810 nm scattering laser and the similar 300 {micro}J, 5 ps, 266 nm photoinjector laser systems are detailed. Additionally, anmore » optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) system is studied as a replacement for part of the scattering laser front end. Such a change would significantly simplify the set-up the laser system by removing the need for active switching optics, as well as increase the pre-pulse contrast ratio which will be important when part of the scattering laser is used as a pump beam in pump-probe diffraction experiments using the ultrashort tunable x-rays generated as the probe.« less

Room temperature continuous wave mid-infrared VCSEL operating at 3.35 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayaraman, V.; Segal, S.; Lascola, K.; Burgner, C.; Towner, F.; Cazabat, A.; Cole, G. D.; Follman, D.; Heu, P.; Deutsch, C.

2018-02-01

Tunable vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) offer a potentially low cost tunable optical source in the 3-5 μm range that will enable commercial spectroscopic sensing of numerous environmentally and industrially important gases including methane, ethane, nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide. Thus far, achieving room temperature continuous wave (RTCW) VCSEL operation at wavelengths beyond 3 μm has remained an elusive goal. In this paper, we introduce a new device structure that has enabled RTCW VCSEL operation near the methane absorption lines at 3.35 μm. This device structure employs two GaAs/AlGaAs mirrors wafer-bonded to an optically pumped active region comprising compressively strained type-I InGaAsSb quantum wells grown on a GaSb substrate. This substrate is removed in processing, as is one of the GaAs mirror substrates. The VCSEL structure is optically pumped at room temperature with a CW 1550 nm laser through the GaAs substrate, while the emitted 3.3 μm light is captured out of the top of the device. Power and spectrum shape measured as a function of pump power exhibit clear threshold behavior and robust singlemode spectra.

Water Vapor Sensors Go Sky-High to Assure Aircraft Safety

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2006-01-01

JPL used a special tunable diode laser, which NASA scientists could tune to different wavelengths, like a radio being tuned to different frequencies, to accurately target specific molecules and detect small traces of gas. This tunable diode laser was designed to emit near-infrared light at wavelengths absorbed by the gas or gases being detected. The light energy being absorbed by the target gas is related to the molecules present. This is usually measured in parts per million or parts per billion. Multiple measurements are made every second, making the system quick to respond to variations in the target gas. NASA scientists developed this technology as part of the 1999 Mars Polar Lander mission to explore the possibility of life-giving elements on Mars. NASA has since used the tunable diode laser-based gas sensor on aircraft and on balloons to successfully study weather and climate, global warming, emissions from aircraft, and numerous other areas where chemical gas analysis is needed. SpectraSensors, Inc., was formed in 1999 as a spinoff company of JPL, to commercialize tunable diode laser-based analyzers for industrial gas-sensing applications (Spinoff 2000). Now, the San Dimas, California-based firm has come back to the market with a new product featuring the NASA-developed instrument for atmospheric monitoring. This instrument is now helping aircraft avoid hazardous weather conditions and enabling the National Weather Service to provide more accurate weather forecasts.

A 1024-channel 6 mW/mm2 optical stimulator for in-vitro neuroscience experiments.

PubMed

Cai, Lei; Wang, Baitong; Huang, Xiuxiang; Yang, Zhi

2014-01-01

Recent optical stimulation technologies allow improved selectivity and have been widely used in neuroscience research. This paper presents an optical stimulator based on high power LEDs. It has 1024 channels and can produce flexible stimulation patterns in each frame, refreshed at above 20 Hz. To increase the light intensity, each LED has an optical package that directs the light into a small angle. To ensure the light of each LED can reach the lens, the LEDs have been specially placed and oriented to the lens. With these efforts, the achieved power efficiency (defined as the mount of LED light power passing through the lens divided by the LED total power consumption) is 5 × 10(-5). In our current prototype, an individual LED unit can source 60 mW electrical power, where the induced irradiance on neural tissues is 6 mW/mm(2) integrating from 460 nm to 480 nm. The light spot is tunable in size from 18 μm to 40 μm with an extra 5-10 μm separation for isolating two adjacent spots. Through both bench-top measurement and finite element simulation, we found the cross channel interference is below 10%. A customized software interface has been developed to control and program the stimulator operation.

Flame experiments at the advanced light source: new insights into soot formation processes.

PubMed

Hansen, Nils; Skeen, Scott A; Michelsen, Hope A; Wilson, Kevin R; Kohse-Höinghaus, Katharina

2014-05-26

The following experimental protocols and the accompanying video are concerned with the flame experiments that are performed at the Chemical Dynamics Beamline of the Advanced Light Source (ALS) of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory(1-4). This video demonstrates how the complex chemical structures of laboratory-based model flames are analyzed using flame-sampling mass spectrometry with tunable synchrotron-generated vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) radiation. This experimental approach combines isomer-resolving capabilities with high sensitivity and a large dynamic range(5,6). The first part of the video describes experiments involving burner-stabilized, reduced-pressure (20-80 mbar) laminar premixed flames. A small hydrocarbon fuel was used for the selected flame to demonstrate the general experimental approach. It is shown how species' profiles are acquired as a function of distance from the burner surface and how the tunability of the VUV photon energy is used advantageously to identify many combustion intermediates based on their ionization energies. For example, this technique has been used to study gas-phase aspects of the soot-formation processes, and the video shows how the resonance-stabilized radicals, such as C3H3, C3H5, and i-C4H5, are identified as important intermediates(7). The work has been focused on soot formation processes, and, from the chemical point of view, this process is very intriguing because chemical structures containing millions of carbon atoms are assembled from a fuel molecule possessing only a few carbon atoms in just milliseconds. The second part of the video highlights a new experiment, in which an opposed-flow diffusion flame and synchrotron-based aerosol mass spectrometry are used to study the chemical composition of the combustion-generated soot particles(4). The experimental results indicate that the widely accepted H-abstraction-C2H2-addition (HACA) mechanism is not the sole molecular growth process responsible for the formation of the observed large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Flame Experiments at the Advanced Light Source: New Insights into Soot Formation Processes

PubMed Central

Hansen, Nils; Skeen, Scott A.; Michelsen, Hope A.; Wilson, Kevin R.; Kohse-Höinghaus, Katharina

2014-01-01

The following experimental protocols and the accompanying video are concerned with the flame experiments that are performed at the Chemical Dynamics Beamline of the Advanced Light Source (ALS) of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory1-4. This video demonstrates how the complex chemical structures of laboratory-based model flames are analyzed using flame-sampling mass spectrometry with tunable synchrotron-generated vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) radiation. This experimental approach combines isomer-resolving capabilities with high sensitivity and a large dynamic range5,6. The first part of the video describes experiments involving burner-stabilized, reduced-pressure (20-80 mbar) laminar premixed flames. A small hydrocarbon fuel was used for the selected flame to demonstrate the general experimental approach. It is shown how species’ profiles are acquired as a function of distance from the burner surface and how the tunability of the VUV photon energy is used advantageously to identify many combustion intermediates based on their ionization energies. For example, this technique has been used to study gas-phase aspects of the soot-formation processes, and the video shows how the resonance-stabilized radicals, such as C3H3, C3H5, and i-C4H5, are identified as important intermediates7. The work has been focused on soot formation processes, and, from the chemical point of view, this process is very intriguing because chemical structures containing millions of carbon atoms are assembled from a fuel molecule possessing only a few carbon atoms in just milliseconds. The second part of the video highlights a new experiment, in which an opposed-flow diffusion flame and synchrotron-based aerosol mass spectrometry are used to study the chemical composition of the combustion-generated soot particles4. The experimental results indicate that the widely accepted H-abstraction-C2H2-addition (HACA) mechanism is not the sole molecular growth process responsible for the formation of the observed large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PMID:24894694

Integrated ultraviolet and tunable mid-infrared laser source for analyses of proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazama, Hisanao; Takatani, Yoshiaki; Awazu, Kunio

2007-02-01

Mass spectrometry using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) technique is one of the most widely used method to analyze proteins in biological research fields. However, it is difficult to analyze insoluble proteins which have important roles in researches on disease mechanisms or in developments of drugs by using ultraviolet (UV) lasers which have commonly been used for MALDI. Recently, a significant improvement in MALDI process of insoluble proteins using a combination of a UV nitrogen laser and a tunable mid-infrared (MIR) free electron laser (FEL) was reported. Since the FEL is a very large and expensive equipment, we have developed a tabletop laser source which can generate both UV and tunable MIR lasers. A tunable MIR laser (5.5-10 μm) was obtained by difference frequency generation (DFG) between a Nd:YAG and a tunable Cr:forsterite lasers using two AgGaS II crystals. The MIR laser can generate pulses with an energy of up to 1.4 mJ at a repetition rate of 10 Hz. A UV laser was obtained by third harmonic generation of a Nd:YAG laser splitted from that used for DFG. A time interval between the UV and the MIR laser pulses can be adjusted with a variable optical delay.

A 10Gbps optical burst switching network incorporating ultra-fast (5ns) wavelength switched tunable laser sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Neil; Todd, Michael; Farrell, Tom; Lavin, Adrian; Rigole, Pierre-Jean; Corbett, Brian; Roycroft, Brendan; Engelstaedter, Jan-Peter

2017-11-01

This paper outlines the development of a prototype optical burst mode switching network based upon a star topology, the ultimate application of which could be as a transparent payload processor onboard satellite repeaters. The network architecture incorporates multiple tunable laser sources, burst mode receivers and a passive optical router (Arrayed Waveguide Grating). Each tunable optical signal should carry >=10Gbps and be capable of wavelength switching in c. 5ns timescales. Two monolithic tunable laser types, based upon different technologies, will be utilised: a Slotted Fabry Perot laser (a Fabry Perot laser with slots added in order to introduce controlled cavity perturbations); and a Modulated Grating Y-Branch Laser (MGY: a widely tunable, multi-section device similar to the DBR laser). While the Slotted Fabry Perot laser is expected to achieve the required switching times, it is an immature technology not yet capable of achieving tunability over 80 ITU channels from a single chip. The MGY device is a more mature technology and has full C-band ITU channel coverage, but is not capable of the required short switching times. Hence, in order to facilitate the integration of this more mature technology into the prototype breadboard with the requisite switching time capabilities, a system of `dual laser' transmitters is being developed to enable data transmission from one MGY laser while the other switches and vice-versa. This work is being performed under ESA contract AO 1-5025/06/NL/PM, Optical Technologies for Ultra - fast Processing.

Excimer Laser Curing Of Polymer Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klick, David; Akerman, M. Alfred; Paul, George L.; Supurovic, Darko; Tsuda, Haruki

1988-12-01

The use of the excimer laser as a source of energy for photo-assisted curing of industrial polymeric coatings was investigated. Presently, UV lamps are sometimes used to excite a photoinitiating molecule mixed with the starting monomers and oligomers of a coating. The resulting polymeric chain reaction multiplies the effect of the initial photons, making economical use of the light source. The high cost of laser photons may thus be justifiable if lasers provide advantages over lamps. A series of visibly transparent 7 μm coatings (a typical thickness for 'slick' magazine coatings) with various photoinitiators, monomers, and oligomers was illuminated with excimer laser light of various wavelengths, fluences, and pulse repetition rates. For the optimum parameters, it was found that the laser had large advantages in curing speed over existing UV lamp processes, due to its monochromaticity. Pigmented coatings (20 μm TiO2 mixtures typical of appliance or automotive finishes) are not easily cured with UV lamps due to the inability of light to penetrate the absorbing and scattering pigmented layer. However, economically-viable cure rates were achieved with certain photoinitiators using a tunable excimer-pumped dye laser. A prototype of such a laser suitable for factory use was built and used to cure these coatings. Results are scaled to a factory situation, and costs are calculated to show the advantages of the laser method over currently used processes.

Generation of intensity-tunable structural color from helical photonic crystals for full color reflective-type display.

PubMed

Kim, Se-Um; Lee, Sin-Hyung; Lee, In-Ho; Lee, Bo-Yeon; Na, Jun-Hee; Lee, Sin-Doo

2018-05-14

A new concept of intensity-tunable structural coloration is proposed on the basis of a helical photonic crystal (HPC). The HPCs are constructed from a mixture of chiral reactive mesogens by spin-coating, followed by the photo-polymerization. A liquid crystal (LC) layer, being homogeneously aligned, is prepared on the HPCs to serve as a tunable waveplate. The electrical modulation of the phase retardation through the LC layer directly leads to the intensity-tunable Bragg reflection from the HPCs upon the incidence of the polarized light. The bandwidths of the structural colors are found to be well preserved regardless of the applied voltage. A prototype of a full color reflective-type display, incorporated with three primary color units, is demonstrated. Our concept of decoupling two mutually independent functions, the intensity modulation by the tunable waveplate and the color reflection by the HPCs provides a simple and powerful way of producing a full color reflective-type display which possesses high color purity, high optical efficiency, the cycling durability, and the design flexibility.

In vitro glucose measurement using tunable mid-infrared laser spectroscopy combined with fiber-optic sensor

PubMed Central

Yu, Songlin; Li, Dachao; Chong, Hao; Sun, Changyue; Yu, Haixia; Xu, Kexin

2013-01-01

Because mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy is not a promising method to noninvasively measure glucose in vivo, a method for minimally invasive high-precision glucose determination in vivo by mid-IR laser spectroscopy combined with a tunable laser source and small fiber-optic attenuated total reflection (ATR) sensor is introduced. The potential of this method was evaluated in vitro. This research presents a mid-infrared tunable laser with a broad emission spectrum band of 9.19 to 9.77μm(1024~1088 cm−1) and proposes a method to control and stabilize the laser emission wavelength and power. Moreover, several fiber-optic ATR sensors were fabricated and investigated to determine glucose in combination with the tunable laser source, and the effective sensing optical length of these sensors was determined for the first time. In addition, the sensitivity of this system was four times that of a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer. The noise-equivalent concentration (NEC) of this laser measurement system was as low as 3.8 mg/dL, which is among the most precise glucose measurements using mid-infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, a partial least-squares regression and Clarke error grid were used to quantify the predictability and evaluate the prediction accuracy of glucose concentration in the range of 5 to 500 mg/dL (physiologically relevant range: 30~400 mg/dL). The experimental results were clinically acceptable. The high sensitivity, tunable laser source, low NEC and small fiber-optic ATR sensor demonstrate an encouraging step in the work towards precisely monitoring glucose levels in vivo. PMID:24466493

Light Absorbers and Catalysts for Solar to Fuel Conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kornienko, Nikolay I.

Increasing fossil fuel consumption and the resulting consequences to the environment has propelled research into means of utilizing alternative, clean energy sources. Solar power is among the most promising of renewable energy sources but must be converted into an energy dense medium such as chemical bonds to render it useful for transport and energy storage. Photoelectrochemistry (PEC), the splitting of water into oxygen and hydrogen fuel or reducing CO 2 to hydrocarbon fuels via sunlight is a promising approach towards this goal. Photoelectrochemical systems are comprised of several components, including light absorbers and catalysts. These parts must all synergistically function in a working device. Therefore, the continual development of each component is crucial for the overall goal. For PEC systems to be practical for large scale use, the must be efficient, stable, and composed of cost effective components. To this end, my work focused on the development of light absorbing and catalyst components of PEC solar to fuel converting systems. In the direction of light absorbers, I focused of utilizing Indium Phosphide (InP) nanowires (NWs) as photocathodes. I first developed synthetic techniques for InP NW solution phase and vapor phase growth. Next, I developed light absorbing photocathodes from my InP NWs towards PEC water splitting cells. I studied cobalt sulfide (CoSx) as an earth abundant catalyst for the reductive hydrogen evolution half reaction. Using in situ spectroscopic techniques, I elucidated the active structure of this catalyst and offered clues to its high activity. In addition to hydrogen evolution catalysts, I established a new generation of earth abundant catalysts for CO2 reduction to CO fuel/chemical feedstock. I first worked with molecularly tunable homogeneous catalysts that exhibited high selectivity for CO2 reduction in non-aqueous media. Next, in order to retain molecular tunability while achieving stability and efficiency in aqueous solvents, I aimed to heterogenize a class of molecular porphyrin catalysts into a 3D mesoscopic porous catalytic structure in the form of a metal-organic framework (MOF). To do so, I initially developed a growth for thin film MOFs that were embedded with catalytic groups in their linkers. Next, I utilized these thin film MOFs grown on conductive substrates and functionalized with cobalt porphyrin units as 3D porous CO2 reduction catalysts. This new class of catalyst exhibited high efficiency, selectivity, and stability in neutral pH aqueous electrolytes. Finally, as a last chapter of my work, I explored hybrid inorganic/biological CO2 reduction pathways. Specifically, I used time-resolved spectroscopic and biochemical techniques to investigate charge transfer pathways from light absorber to CO2-derived acetate in acetogenic self-sensitized bacteria.

2.5-Gb/s hybridly-integrated tunable external cavity laser using a superluminescent diode and a polymer Bragg reflector.

PubMed

Yoon, Ki-Hong; Oh, Su Hwan; Kim, Ki Soo; Kwon, O-Kyun; Oh, Dae Kon; Noh, Young-Ouk; Lee, Hyung-Jong

2010-03-15

We presented a hybridly-integrated tunable external cavity laser with 0.8 nm mode spacing 16 channels operating in the direct modulation of 2.5-Gbps for a low-cost source of a WDM-PON system. The tunable laser was fabricated by using a superluminescent diode (SLD) and a polymer Bragg reflector. The maximum output power and the power slope efficiency of the tunable laser were 10.3 mW and 0.132 mW/mA, respectively, at the SLD current of 100 mA and the temperature of 25 degrees C. The directly-modulated tunable laser successfully provided 2.5-Gbps transmissions through 20-km standard single mode fiber. The power penalty of the tunable laser was less than 0.8 dB for 16 channels after a 20-km transmission. The power penalty variation was less than 1.4 dB during the blue-shifted wavelength tuning.

Tunable and reconfigurable microwave filter by use of a Bragg-grating-based acousto-optic superlattice modulator.

PubMed

Delgado-Pinar, M; Mora, J; Díez, A; Andrés, M V; Ortega, B; Capmany, J

2005-01-01

We present an all-optical novel configuration for implementing multitap transversal filters by use of a broadband source sliced by fiber Bragg grating arrays generated by propagating an acoustic wave along a strong uniform fiber Bragg grating. The tunability and reconfigurability of the microwave filter are demonstrated.

Tunability enhanced electromagnetic wiggler

DOEpatents

Schlueter, R.D.; Deis, G.A.

1992-03-24

The invention discloses a wiggler used in synchrotron radiation sources and free electron lasers, where each pole is surrounded by at least two electromagnetic coils. The electromagnetic coils are energized with different amounts of current to provide a wide tunable range of the on-axis magnetic flux density, while preventing magnetic saturation of the poles. 14 figs.

Widely tunable narrow-band coherent Terahertz radiation from an undulator at THU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, X.; Wang, D.; Tian, Q.; Liang, Y.; Niu, L.; Yan, L.; Du, Y.; Huang, W.; Tang, C.

2018-01-01

There is anxious demand for intense widely tunable narrow-band Terahertz (THz) radiation in scientific research, which is regarded as a powerful tool for the coherent control of matter. We report the generation of widely tunable THz radiation from a planar permanent magnet undulator at Tsinghua University (THU). A relativistic electron beam is compressed by a magnetic chicane into sub-ps bunch length to excite THz radiation in the undulator coherently. The THz frequency can be tuned from 0.4 THz to 10 THz continuously with narrow-band spectrums when the undulator gap ranges from 23 mm to 75 mm. The measured pulse THz radiation energy from 220 pC bunch is 3.5 μJ at 1 THz and tens of μJ pulse energy (corresponding peak power of 10 MW) can be obtained when excited by 1 nC beam extrapolated from the property of coherent radiation. The experimental results agree well with theoretical predictions, which demonstrates a suitable THz source for the many applications that require intense and widely tunable THz sources.

Room temperature synthesis of Mn2+ doped ZnS d-dots and observation of tunable dual emission: Effects of doping concentration, temperature, and ultraviolet light illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kole, A. K.; Tiwary, C. S.; Kumbhakar, P.

2013-03-01

Mn2+ doped (0-50.0 molar %) ZnS d-dots have been synthesized in water medium by using an environment friendly low cost chemical technique. Tunable dual emission in UV and yellow-orange regions is achieved by tailoring the Mn2+ doping concentration in the host ZnS nanocrystal. The optimum doping concentration for achieving efficient photoluminescence (PL) emission is determined to be ˜1.10 (at. %) corresponding to 40.0 (molar %) of Mn2+ doping concentration used during synthesis. The mechanism of charge transfer from the host to the dopant leading to the intensity modulated tunable (594-610 nm) yellow-orange PL emission is straightforwardly understood as no capping agent is used. The temperature dependent PL emission measurements are carried out, viz., in 1.10 at. % Mn2+ doped sample and the experimental results are explained by using a theoretical PL emission model. It is found that the ratio of non-radiative to radiative recombination rates is temperature dependent and this phenomenon has not been reported, so far, in Mn2+ doped ZnS system. The colour tuning of the emitted light from the samples are evident from the calculated chromaticity coordinates. UV light irradiation for 150 min in 40.0 (molar %) Mn2+ doped sample shows an enhancement of 33% in PL emission intensity.

A stable Alq3@MOF composite for white-light emission.

PubMed

Xie, Wei; He, Wen-Wen; Du, Dong-Ying; Li, Shun-Li; Qin, Jun-Sheng; Su, Zhong-Min; Sun, Chun-Yi; Lan, Ya-Qian

2016-02-25

A stable mesoporous blue-emitting MOF NENU-521 was successfully constructed. NENU-521 can serve as a host for encapsulating Alq3 to obtain tunable and efficient white-light emission. The Alq3@NENU-521 composite possesses excellent stability and can be used as a promising white phosphor in WLEDs.

Oxadiazole-carbazole polymer (POC)-Ir(ppy)3 tunable emitting composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruno, Annalisa; Borriello, Carmela; Di Luccio, Tiziana; Sessa, Lucia; Concilio, Simona; Haque, Saif A.; Minarini, Carla

2017-04-01

POC polymer is an oxadiazole-carbazole copolymer we have previously synthetized and established as light emitting material in Organic Light Emitting Devices (OLEDs), although POC quantum yield emission efficiency and color purity still need to be enhanced. On the other hand, tris[2-phenylpyridinato-C2,N]iridium(III) (Ir(ppy)3) complexes, namely Ir(ppy)3 are among the brightest luminophores employed in green light emitting devices. Our aim, in this work, is to take advantage of Ir(ppy)3 bright emission by combining the Ir complex with blue emitting POC to obtain tunable light emitting composites over a wide range of the visible spectrum. Here we have investigated the optical proprieties POC based nanocomposites with different concentrations of Ir(ppy)3, ranging from 1 to 10 wt%. Both spectral and time resolved fluorescence measurements show an efficient energy transfer from the polymer to the dopants, resulting in white-emitting composites. The most intense and stable emission has been found when POC was doped with about 5 wt% concentration of Ir(ppy)3.

Tunable UV- and Visible-Light Photoresponse Based on p-ZnO Nanostructures/n-ZnO/Glass Peppered with Au Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Hsu, Cheng-Liang; Lin, Yu-Hong; Wang, Liang-Kai; Hsueh, Ting-Jen; Chang, Sheng-Po; Chang, Shoou-Jinn

2017-05-03

UV- and visible-light photoresponse was achieved via p-type K-doped ZnO nanowires and nanosheets that were hydrothermally synthesized on an n-ZnO/glass substrate and peppered with Au nanoparticles. The K content of the p-ZnO nanostructures was 0.36 atom %. The UV- and visible-light photoresponse of the p-ZnO nanostructures/n-ZnO sample was roughly 2 times higher than that of the ZnO nanowires. The Au nanoparticles of various densities and diameter sizes were deposited on the p-ZnO nanostructures/n-ZnO samples by a simple UV photochemical reaction method yielding a tunable and enhanced UV- and visible-light photoresponse. The maximum UV and visible photoresponse of the Au nanoparticle sample was obtained when the diameter size of the Au nanoparticle was approximately 5-35 nm. On the basis of the localized surface plasmon resonance effect, the UV, blue, and green photocurrent/dark current ratios of Au nanoparticle/p-ZnO nanostructures/n-ZnO are ∼1165, ∼94.6, and ∼9.7, respectively.

Ultrastrong coupling of a single artificial atom to an electromagnetic continuum in the nonperturbative regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forn-Díaz, P.; García-Ripoll, J. J.; Peropadre, B.; Orgiazzi, J.-L.; Yurtalan, M. A.; Belyansky, R.; Wilson, C. M.; Lupascu, A.

2017-01-01

The study of light-matter interaction has led to important advances in quantum optics and enabled numerous technologies. Over recent decades, progress has been made in increasing the strength of this interaction at the single-photon level. More recently, a major achievement has been the demonstration of the so-called strong coupling regime, a key advancement enabling progress in quantum information science. Here, we demonstrate light-matter interaction over an order of magnitude stronger than previously reported, reaching the nonperturbative regime of ultrastrong coupling (USC). We achieve this using a superconducting artificial atom tunably coupled to the electromagnetic continuum of a one-dimensional waveguide. For the largest coupling, the spontaneous emission rate of the atom exceeds its transition frequency. In this USC regime, the description of atom and light as distinct entities breaks down, and a new description in terms of hybrid states is required. Beyond light-matter interaction itself, the tunability of our system makes it a promising tool to study a number of important physical systems, such as the well-known spin-boson and Kondo models.

Film-Evaporation MEMS Tunable Array for Picosat Propulsion and Thermal Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexeenko, Alina; Cardiff, Eric; Martinez, Andres; Petro, Andrew

2015-01-01

The Film-Evaporation MEMS Tunable Array (FEMTA) concept for propulsion and thermal control of picosats exploits microscale surface tension effect in conjunction with temperature- dependent vapor pressure to realize compact, tunable and low-power thermal valving system. The FEMTA is intended to be a self-contained propulsion unit requiring only a low-voltage DC power source to operate. The microfabricated thermal valving and very-high-integration level enables fast high-capacity cooling and high-resolution, low-power micropropulsion for picosats that is superior to existing smallsat micropropulsion and thermal management alternatives.

Light-enabled reversible self-assembly and tunable optical properties of stable hairy nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yihuang; Wang, Zewei; He, Yanjie; Yoon, Young Jun; Jung, Jaehan; Zhang, Guangzhao; Lin, Zhiqun

2018-02-01

The ability to dynamically organize functional nanoparticles (NPs) via the use of environmental triggers (temperature, pH, light, or solvent polarity) opens up important perspectives for rapid and convenient construction of a rich variety of complex assemblies and materials with new structures and functionalities. Here, we report an unconventional strategy for crafting stable hairy NPs with light-enabled reversible and reliable self-assembly and tunable optical properties. Central to our strategy is to judiciously design amphiphilic star-like diblock copolymers comprising inner hydrophilic blocks and outer hydrophobic photoresponsive blocks as nanoreactors to direct the synthesis of monodisperse plasmonic NPs intimately and permanently capped with photoresponsive polymers. The size and shape of hairy NPs can be precisely tailored by modulating the length of inner hydrophilic block of star-like diblock copolymers. The perpetual anchoring of photoresponsive polymers on the NP surface renders the attractive feature of self-assembly and disassembly of NPs on demand using light of different wavelengths, as revealed by tunable surface plasmon resonance absorption of NPs and the reversible transformation of NPs between their dispersed and aggregated states. The dye encapsulation/release studies manifested that such photoresponsive NPs may be exploited as smart guest molecule nanocarriers. By extension, the star-like block copolymer strategy enables the crafting of a family of stable stimuli-responsive NPs (e.g., temperature- or pH-sensitive polymer-capped magnetic, ferroelectric, upconversion, or semiconducting NPs) and their assemblies for fundamental research in self-assembly and crystallization kinetics of NPs as well as potential applications in optics, optoelectronics, magnetic technologies, sensory materials and devices, catalysis, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.

Design of a nano-layered tunable optical filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, A.; Awasthi, S. K.; Malaviya, U.; Ojha, S. P.

2006-12-01

A novel theory to design tunable band pass filters using one-dimensional nano-photonic structures is proposed. Periodic structures consisting of different dielectrics and semiconductor materials are considered. A detailed mathematical analysis is presented to predict allowed and forbidden bands of wavelengths with variation of angle of incidence and lattice parameters. It is possible to get desired ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum filtered with this structure by changing the incidence angle of light and/or changing the value of the lattice parameters.

Electrowetting-based optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuiper, S.; Hendriks, B. H. W.; Hayes, R. A.; Feenstra, B. J.; Baken, J. M. E.

2005-09-01

Electrowetting is electrostatic manipulation of liquids. It can be used to displace and deform volumes of polar liquids. A very promising application area is optics. The surface of a volume of liquid can be used as a tunable lens and displacement of the liquid can change the refraction, diffraction or transmission of light when passing through the liquid. In this paper we describe a selection of various tunable optical components that make use of electrowetting, ranging from refractive and diffractive lenses to diaphragms and displays.

Infrared absorption nano-spectroscopy using sample photoexpansion induced by tunable quantum cascade lasers.

PubMed

Lu, Feng; Belkin, Mikhail A

2011-10-10

We report a simple technique that allows obtaining mid-infrared absorption spectra with nanoscale spatial resolution under low-power illumination from tunable quantum cascade lasers. Light absorption is detected by measuring associated sample thermal expansion with an atomic force microscope. To detect minute thermal expansion we tune the repetition frequency of laser pulses in resonance with the mechanical frequency of the atomic force microscope cantilever. Spatial resolution of better than 50 nm is experimentally demonstrated.

Broadband tunable electromagnetically induced transparency analogue metamaterials based on graphene in terahertz band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yue; Leng, Yanbing; Wang, Li; Dong, Lianhe; Liu, Shunrui; Wang, Jun; Sun, Yanjun

2018-06-01

Most of the actively controlled electromagnetically induced transparency analogue (EIT-like) metamaterials were implemented with narrowband modulations. In this paper, a broadband tunable EIT-like metamaterial based on graphene in the terahertz band is presented. It consists of a cut wire as the bright resonator and two couples of H-shaped resonators in mirror symmetry as the dark resonators. A broadband tunable property of transmission amplitude is realized by changing the Fermi level of graphene. Furthermore, the geometries of the metamaterial structure are optimized to achieve the ideal curve through the simulation. Such EIT-like metamaterials proposed here are promising candidates for designing active wide-band slow-light devices, wide-band terahertz active filters, and wide-band terahertz modulators.

Tunable plasmon-induced transparency with graphene-based T-shaped array metasurfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Yuying; Wang, Jicheng; Hu, Zhengda; Zhang, Feng

2018-06-01

The frequency tunable Plasmonic induced transparency (PIT) effect is researched with a periodically patterned T-shaped graphene array in mid-infrared region. We adjust the geometrical parameters to obtain the optimized combination for the realization of the PIT response and use the coupled Lorentz oscillator model to analysis the physical mechanism. Due to the properties of graphene, the PIT effect can be easily and markedly enhanced with the increase of chemical potential and carrier mobility. The frequency of PIT effect is also insensitive with the angle of incident light. In addition, we also propose the π shaped structure to realizing the double-peak PIT effect. The results offer a flexible approach for the development of tunable graphene-based photonic devices.

Oil and gas exploration system and method for detecting trace amounts of hydrocarbon gases in the atmosphere

DOEpatents

Wamsley, Paula R.; Weimer, Carl S.; Nelson, Loren D.; O'Brien, Martin J.

2003-01-01

An oil and gas exploration system and method for land and airborne operations, the system and method used for locating subsurface hydrocarbon deposits based upon a remote detection of trace amounts of gases in the atmosphere. The detection of one or more target gases in the atmosphere is used to indicate a possible subsurface oil and gas deposit. By mapping a plurality of gas targets over a selected survey area, the survey area can be analyzed for measurable concentration anomalies. The anomalies are interpreted along with other exploration data to evaluate the value of an underground deposit. The system includes a differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system with a spectroscopic grade laser light and a light detector. The laser light is continuously tunable in a mid-infrared range, 2 to 5 micrometers, for choosing appropriate wavelengths to measure different gases and avoid absorption bands of interference gases. The laser light has sufficient optical energy to measure atmospheric concentrations of a gas over a path as long as a mile and greater. The detection of the gas is based on optical absorption measurements at specific wavelengths in the open atmosphere. Light that is detected using the light detector contains an absorption signature acquired as the light travels through the atmosphere from the laser source and back to the light detector. The absorption signature of each gas is processed and then analyzed to determine if a potential anomaly exists.

Demonstration of a widely tunable digital supermode distributed Bragg reflector laser as a versatile source for near-infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciaffoni, L.; Hancock, G.; Hurst, P. L.; Kingston, M.; Langley, C. E.; Peverall, R.; Ritchie, G. A. D.; Whittaker, K. E.

2013-02-01

In this paper we report the characterization of a novel, widely tunable, diode laser source operating over the full telecom L-band (1563-1613 nm), namely the digital supermode distributed Bragg reflector (DS-DBR) laser, and its application to multi-wavelength gas sensing via absorption strategies. The spectroscopic performance of the laser has been assessed by investigating the ro-vibrational spectrum of CO2, and wavelength modulation spectroscopy was accomplished for proof-of-principle sensitive measurements in discrete spectral regions.

Continuous-wave sodium D2 resonance radiation generated in single-pass sum-frequency generation with periodically poled lithium niobate.

PubMed

Yue, J; She, C-Y; Williams, B P; Vance, J D; Acott, P E; Kawahara, T D

2009-04-01

With two cw single-mode Nd:YAG lasers at 1064 and 1319 nm and a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal, 11 mW of 2 kHz/100 ms bandwidth single-mode tunable 589 nm cw radiation has been detected using single-pass sum-frequency generation. The demonstrated conversion efficiency is approximately 3.2%[W(-1) cm(-1)]. This compact solid-state light source has been used in a solid-state-dye laser hybrid sodium fluorescence lidar transmitter to measure temperatures and winds in the upper atmosphere (80-105 km); it is being implemented into the transmitter of a mobile all-solid-state sodium temperature and wind lidar under construction.

Photoionization Efficiencies of Five Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

DOE PAGES

Johansson, K. Olof; Campbell, Matthew F.; Elvati, Paolo; ...

2017-05-18

We have measured photoionization-efficiency curves for pyrene, fluoranthene, chrysene, perylene, and coronene in the photon energy range of 7.5-10.2 eV and derived their photoionization cross-section curves in this energy range. All measurements were performed using tunable vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation generated at the Advanced Light Source synchrotron at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The VUV radiation was used for photoionization, and detection was performed using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. We measured the photoionization efficiency of 2,5-dimethylfuran simultaneously with those of pyrene, fluoranthene, chrysene, perylene, and coronene to obtain references of the photon flux during each measurement from the known photoionization cross-sectionmore » curve of 2,5- dimethylfuran.« less

Microwave phase shifter with controllable power response based on slow- and fast-light effects in semiconductor optical amplifiers.

PubMed

Xue, Weiqi; Sales, Salvador; Capmany, José; Mørk, Jesper

2009-04-01

We suggest and experimentally demonstrate a method for increasing the tunable rf phase shift of semiconductor waveguides while at the same time enabling control of the rf power. This method is based on the use of slow- and fast-light effects in a cascade of semiconductor optical amplifiers combined with the use of spectral filtering to enhance the role of refractive index dynamics. A continuously tunable phase shift of approximately 240 degrees at a microwave frequency of 19 GHz is demonstrated in a cascade of two semiconductor optical amplifiers, while maintaining an rf power change of less than 1.6 dB. The technique is scalable to more amplifiers and should allow realization of an rf phase shift of 360 degrees.

Nd:AlN polycrystalline ceramics: A candidate media for tunable, high energy, near IR lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wieg, A. T.; Grossnickle, M. J.; Kodera, Y.; Gabor, N. M.; Garay, J. E.

2016-09-01

We present processing and characterization of Nd-doped aluminum nitride (Nd:AlN) polycrystalline ceramics. We compare ceramics with significant segregation of Nd to those exhibiting minimal segregation. Spatially resolved photoluminescence maps reveal a strong correlation between homogeneous Nd doping and spatially homogeneous light emission. The spectroscopically resolved light emission lines show excellent agreement with the expected Nd electronic transitions. Notably, the lines are significantly broadened, producing near IR emission (˜1077 nm) with a remarkable ˜100 nm bandwidth at room temperature. We attribute the broadened lines to a combination of effects: multiple Nd-sites, anisotropy of AlN and phonon broadening. These broadened, overlapping lines in a media with excellent thermal conductivity have potential for Nd-based, tunable lasers with high average power.

Focusing of light by polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal films with nanosized droplets

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

Loiko, V. A., E-mail: loiko@dragon.bas-net.by; Konkolovich, A. V.

2006-12-15

An analysis is presented of polarization-independent electrically tunable light focusing by polymerdispersed liquid-crystal films with nanosized liquid-crystal droplets. Polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal films with axially symmetric distributions of liquid-crystal droplet concentration and layers with axially symmetric thickness profiles are considered. The paraxial, Rayleigh, and Rayleigh-Gans approximations, as well as the Foldy-Twersky equation, are used to examine the dependence of focal length on lens geometry, droplet size, concentration of nematic liquid-crystal droplets, and applied field. The tunable focusing ranges are evaluated for both lens types considered in the study. Dependence of the transmittance of polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal film on its characteristics is analyzed. Themore » results obtained are compared with those available from the literature.« less

Compact Tunable Narrowband Terahertz-Wave Source Based on Difference Frequency Generation Pumped by Dual Fiber Lasers in MgO:LiNbO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wada, Yoshio; Satoh, Takumi; Higashi, Yasuhiro; Urata, Yoshiharu

2017-12-01

We demonstrate a high-average-power, single longitudinal-mode, and tunable terahertz (THz)-wave source based on difference frequency generation (DFG) in a MgO:LiNbO3 (MgO:LN) crystal. The waves for DFG are generated using a pair of Yb-doped pulsed fiber lasers with a master oscillator power fiber amplifier configuration. The average power of the THz-wave output reaches 450 μW at 1.07 THz (280 μm) at a linewidth of 7.2 GHz, and the tunability ranges from 0.35 to 1.07 THz under the pulse repetition frequency of 500 kHz. A short burn-in test of the THz wave is also carried out, and the output power stability is within ± 5% of the averaged power without any active stabilizing technique. The combination of MgO:LN-DFG and stable and robust fiber laser sources is highly promising for the development of high-average-power THz-wave sources, particularly in the high transmission sub-THz region. This approach may enable new applications of THz-wave spectroscopy in imaging and remote sensing.

Spectrally optimal illuminations for diabetic retinopathy detection in retinal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartczak, Piotr; Fält, Pauli; Penttinen, Niko; Ylitepsa, Pasi; Laaksonen, Lauri; Lensu, Lasse; Hauta-Kasari, Markku; Uusitalo, Hannu

2017-04-01

Retinal photography is a standard method for recording retinal diseases for subsequent analysis and diagnosis. However, the currently used white light or red-free retinal imaging does not necessarily provide the best possible visibility of different types of retinal lesions, important when developing diagnostic tools for handheld devices, such as smartphones. Using specifically designed illumination, the visibility and contrast of retinal lesions could be improved. In this study, spectrally optimal illuminations for diabetic retinopathy lesion visualization are implemented using a spectrally tunable light source based on digital micromirror device. The applicability of this method was tested in vivo by taking retinal monochrome images from the eyes of five diabetic volunteers and two non-diabetic control subjects. For comparison to existing methods, we evaluated the contrast of retinal images taken with our method and red-free illumination. The preliminary results show that the use of optimal illuminations improved the contrast of diabetic lesions in retinal images by 30-70%, compared to the traditional red-free illumination imaging.

Coumarin-BODIPY hybrids by heteroatom linkage: versatile, tunable and photostable dye lasers for UV irradiation.

PubMed

Esnal, I; Duran-Sampedro, G; Agarrabeitia, A R; Bañuelos, J; García-Moreno, I; Macías, M A; Peña-Cabrera, E; López-Arbeloa, I; de la Moya, S; Ortiz, M J

2015-03-28

Linking amino and hydroxycoumarins to BODIPYs through the amino or hydroxyl group lets the easy construction of unprecedented photostable coumarin-BODIPY hybrids with broadened and enhanced absorption in the UV spectral region, and outstanding wavelength-tunable laser action within the green-to-red spectral region (∼520-680 nm). These laser dyes allow the generation of a valuable tunable UV (∼260-350 nm) laser source by frequency doubling, which is essential to study accurately the photochemistry of biological molecules under solar irradiation. The tunability is achieved by selecting the substitution pattern of the hybrid. Key factors are the linking heteroatom (nitrogen vs. oxygen), the number of coumarin units joined to the BODIPY framework and the involved linking positions.

A cylindrical quadrupole ion trap in combination with an electrospray ion source for gas-phase luminescence and absorption spectroscopy

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

Stockett, Mark H., E-mail: stockett@phys.au.dk; Houmøller, Jørgen; Støchkel, Kristian

2016-05-15

A relatively simple setup for collection and detection of light emitted from isolated photo-excited molecular ions has been constructed. It benefits from a high collection efficiency of photons, which is accomplished by using a cylindrical ion trap where one end-cap electrode is a mesh grid combined with an aspheric condenser lens. The geometry permits nearly 10% of the emitted light to be collected and, after transmission losses, approximately 5% to be delivered to the entrance of a grating spectrometer equipped with a detector array. The high collection efficiency enables the use of pulsed tunable lasers with low repetition rates (e.g.,more » 20 Hz) instead of continuous wave (cw) lasers or very high repetition rate (e.g., MHz) lasers that are typically used as light sources for gas-phase fluorescence experiments on molecular ions. A hole has been drilled in the cylinder electrode so that a light pulse can interact with the ion cloud in the center of the trap. Simulations indicate that these modifications to the trap do not significantly affect the storage capability and the overall shape of the ion cloud. The overlap between the ion cloud and the laser light is basically 100%, and experimentally >50% of negatively charged chromophore ions are routinely photodepleted. The performance of the setup is illustrated based on fluorescence spectra of several laser dyes, and the quality of these spectra is comparable to those reported by other groups. Finally, by replacing the optical system with a channeltron detector, we demonstrate that the setup can also be used for gas-phase action spectroscopy where either depletion or fragmentation is monitored to provide an indirect measurement on the absorption spectrum of the ion.« less

A cylindrical quadrupole ion trap in combination with an electrospray ion source for gas-phase luminescence and absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Stockett, Mark H; Houmøller, Jørgen; Støchkel, Kristian; Svendsen, Annette; Brøndsted Nielsen, Steen

2016-05-01

A relatively simple setup for collection and detection of light emitted from isolated photo-excited molecular ions has been constructed. It benefits from a high collection efficiency of photons, which is accomplished by using a cylindrical ion trap where one end-cap electrode is a mesh grid combined with an aspheric condenser lens. The geometry permits nearly 10% of the emitted light to be collected and, after transmission losses, approximately 5% to be delivered to the entrance of a grating spectrometer equipped with a detector array. The high collection efficiency enables the use of pulsed tunable lasers with low repetition rates (e.g., 20 Hz) instead of continuous wave (cw) lasers or very high repetition rate (e.g., MHz) lasers that are typically used as light sources for gas-phase fluorescence experiments on molecular ions. A hole has been drilled in the cylinder electrode so that a light pulse can interact with the ion cloud in the center of the trap. Simulations indicate that these modifications to the trap do not significantly affect the storage capability and the overall shape of the ion cloud. The overlap between the ion cloud and the laser light is basically 100%, and experimentally >50% of negatively charged chromophore ions are routinely photodepleted. The performance of the setup is illustrated based on fluorescence spectra of several laser dyes, and the quality of these spectra is comparable to those reported by other groups. Finally, by replacing the optical system with a channeltron detector, we demonstrate that the setup can also be used for gas-phase action spectroscopy where either depletion or fragmentation is monitored to provide an indirect measurement on the absorption spectrum of the ion.

Focusing light through dynamical samples using fast continuous wavefront optimization.

PubMed

Blochet, B; Bourdieu, L; Gigan, S

2017-12-01

We describe a fast continuous optimization wavefront shaping system able to focus light through dynamic scattering media. A micro-electro-mechanical system-based spatial light modulator, a fast photodetector, and field programmable gate array electronics are combined to implement a continuous optimization of a wavefront with a single-mode optimization rate of 4.1 kHz. The system performances are demonstrated by focusing light through colloidal solutions of TiO 2 particles in glycerol with tunable temporal stability.

Zn x Cd1-x S tunable band structure-directing photocatalytic activity and selectivity of visible-light reduction of CO2 into liquid solar fuels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Lanqin; Kuai, Libang; Li, Yichang; Li, Haijin; Zhou, Yong; Zou, Zhigang

2018-02-01

A series of Zn x Cd1-x S monodispersed nanospheres were successfully synthesized with tunable band structures. As-prepared Zn x Cd1-x S solid solutions show much enhanced photocatalytic efficiency for CO2 photoreduction in aqueous solutions under visible light irradiation, relative to pure CdS analog. Methanol (CH3OH) and acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) are the major products of CO2 photoreduction for the solid solutions with x = 0, 0.2, and 0.5. Interestingly, Zn0.8Cd0.2S photocatalyst with a wide band gap can also additionally generate ethanol (CH3CH2OH) besides CH3OH and CH3CHO. The balance between the band structure-directing redox capacity and light absorption should be considered to influence both product yield and selectivity of CO2 photoreduction. The possible photoreduction mechanism was tentatively proposed.

Rapid spontaneous Raman light sheet microscopy using cw-lasers and tunable filters

PubMed Central

Rocha-Mendoza, Israel; Licea-Rodriguez, Jacob; Marro, Mónica; Olarte, Omar E.; Plata-Sanchez, Marcos; Loza-Alvarez, Pablo

2015-01-01

We perform rapid spontaneous Raman 2D imaging in light-sheet microscopy using continuous wave lasers and interferometric tunable filters. By angularly tuning the filter, the cut-on/off edge transitions are scanned along the excited Stokes wavelengths. This allows obtaining cumulative intensity profiles of the scanned vibrational bands, which are recorded on image stacks; resembling a spectral version of the knife-edge technique to measure intensity profiles. A further differentiation of the stack retrieves the Raman spectra at each pixel of the image which inherits the 3D resolution of the host light sheet system. We demonstrate this technique using solvent solutions and composites of polystyrene beads and lipid droplets immersed in agar and by imaging the C–H (2800-3100cm−1) region in a C. elegans worm. The image acquisition time results in 4 orders of magnitude faster than confocal point scanning Raman systems, allowing the possibility of performing fast spontaneous Raman·3D-imaging on biological samples. PMID:26417514

Photo-manipulated photonic bandgap devices based on optically tristable chiral-tilted homeotropic nematic liquid crystal.

PubMed

Huang, Kuan-Chung; Hsiao, Yu-Cheng; Timofeev, Ivan V; Zyryanov, Victor Ya; Lee, Wei

2016-10-31

We report on the spectral properties of an optically switchable tristable chiral-tilted homeotropic nematic liquid crystal (LC) incorporated as a tunable defect layer in one-dimensional photonic crystal. By varying the polarization angle of the incident light and modulating the light intensity ratio between UV and green light, various transmission characteristics of the composite were obtained. The hybrid structure realizes photo-tunability in transmission of defect-mode peaks within the photonic bandgap in addition to optical switchability among three distinct sets of defect modes via photoinduced tristable state transitions. Because the fabrication process is easier and less critical in terms of cell parameters or sample preparation conditions and the LC layer itself possesses an extra stable state compared with the previously reported bistable counterpart operating on the basis of biased-voltage dual-frequency switching, it has much superior potential for photonic applications such as a low-power-consumption multichannel filter and an optically controllable intensity modulator.

Electronically tunable extraordinary optical transmission in graphene plasmonic ribbons coupled to subwavelength metallic slit arrays

DOE PAGES

Kim, Seyoon; Jang, Min Seok; Brar, Victor W.; ...

2016-08-08

In this paper, subwavelength metallic slit arrays have been shown to exhibit extraordinary optical transmission, whereby tunneling surface plasmonic waves constructively interfere to create large forward light propagation. The intricate balancing needed for this interference to occur allows for resonant transmission to be highly sensitive to changes in the environment. Here we demonstrate that extraordinary optical transmission resonance can be coupled to electrostatically tunable graphene plasmonic ribbons to create electrostatic modulation of mid-infrared light. Absorption in graphene plasmonic ribbons situated inside metallic slits can efficiently block the coupling channel for resonant transmission, leading to a suppression of transmission. Full-wave simulationsmore » predict a transmission modulation of 95.7% via this mechanism. Experimental measurements reveal a modulation efficiency of 28.6% in transmission at 1,397 cm –1, corresponding to a 2.67-fold improvement over transmission without a metallic slit array. This work paves the way for enhancing light modulation in graphene plasmonics by employing noble metal plasmonic structures.« less

All‐optical functional synaptic connectivity mapping in acute brain slices using the calcium integrator CaMPARI

PubMed Central

Sha, Fern; Johenning, Friedrich W.; Schreiter, Eric R.; Looger, Loren L.; Larkum, Matthew E.

2016-01-01

Key points The genetically encoded fluorescent calcium integrator calcium‐modulated photoactivatable ratiobetric integrator (CaMPARI) reports calcium influx induced by synaptic and neural activity. Its fluorescence is converted from green to red in the presence of violet light and calcium.The rate of conversion – the sensitivity to activity – is tunable and depends on the intensity of violet light.Synaptic activity and action potentials can independently initiate significant CaMPARI conversion.The level of conversion by subthreshold synaptic inputs is correlated to the strength of input, enabling optical readout of relative synaptic strength.When combined with optogenetic activation of defined presynaptic neurons, CaMPARI provides an all‐optical method to map synaptic connectivity. Abstract The calcium‐modulated photoactivatable ratiometric integrator (CaMPARI) is a genetically encoded calcium integrator that facilitates the study of neural circuits by permanently marking cells active during user‐specified temporal windows. Permanent marking enables measurement of signals from large swathes of tissue and easy correlation of activity with other structural or functional labels. One potential application of CaMPARI is labelling neurons postsynaptic to specific populations targeted for optogenetic stimulation, giving rise to all‐optical functional connectivity mapping. Here, we characterized the response of CaMPARI to several common types of neuronal calcium signals in mouse acute cortical brain slices. Our experiments show that CaMPARI is effectively converted by both action potentials and subthreshold synaptic inputs, and that conversion level is correlated to synaptic strength. Importantly, we found that conversion rate can be tuned: it is linearly related to light intensity. At low photoconversion light levels CaMPARI offers a wide dynamic range due to slower conversion rate; at high light levels conversion is more rapid and more sensitive to activity. Finally, we employed CaMPARI and optogenetics for functional circuit mapping in ex vivo acute brain slices, which preserve in vivo‐like connectivity of axon terminals. With a single light source, we stimulated channelrhodopsin‐2‐expressing long‐range posteromedial (POm) thalamic axon terminals in cortex and induced CaMPARI conversion in recipient cortical neurons. We found that POm stimulation triggers robust photoconversion of layer 5 cortical neurons and weaker conversion of layer 2/3 neurons. Thus, CaMPARI enables network‐wide, tunable, all‐optical functional circuit mapping that captures supra‐ and subthreshold depolarization. PMID:27861906

Tunable infrared source employing Raman mixing

DOEpatents

Byer, Robert L.; Herbst, Richard L.

1980-01-01

A tunable source of infrared radiation is obtained by irradiating an assemblage of Raman active gaseous atoms or molecules with a high intensity pumping beam of coherent radiation at a pump frequency .omega..sub.p to stimulate the generation of Stokes wave energy at a Stokes frequency .omega..sub.s and to stimulate the Raman resonant mode at the Raman mode frequency .omega..sub.R within the irradiated assemblage where the pump frequency .omega..sub.p minus the Stokes frequency .omega..sub.s is equal to the Raman mode frequency .omega..sub.R. The stimulated assemblage is irradiated with a tunable source of coherent radiation at a frequency .omega..sub.i to generate the output infrared radiation of the frequency .omega..sub.0 which is related to the Raman mode frequency .omega..sub.R and the input wave .omega..sub.i by the relation .omega..sub.0 =.omega..sub.i .+-..omega..sub.R. In one embodiment the interaction between the pump wave energy .omega..sub.p and the tunable input wave energy .omega..sub.i is collinear and the ratio of the phase velocity mismatch factor .DELTA.k to the electric field exponential gain coefficient T is within the range of 0.1 to 5. In another embodiment the pump wave energy .omega..sub.p and the tunable input wave energy .omega..sub.i have velocity vectors k.sub.p and k.sub.i which cross at an angle to each other to compensate for phase velocity mismatches in the medium. In another embodiment, the Stokes wave energy .omega..sub.s is generated by pump energy .omega..sub.p in a first Raman cell and .omega..sub.s, .omega..sub.i and .omega..sub.p are combined in a second Raman mixing cell to produce the output at .omega..sub.i.

Human perceptions of colour rendition vary with average fidelity, average gamut, and gamut shape

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

Royer, MP; Wilkerson, A.; Wei, M.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate how subjective impressions of color quality vary with changes in average fidelity, average gamut, and gamut shape (which considers the specific hues that are saturated or desaturated). Twenty-eight participants each evaluated 26 lighting conditions—created using four, seven-channel, tunable LED luminaires—in a 3.1 m by 3.7 m room filled with objects selected to cover a range of hue, saturation, and lightness. IES TM-30 fidelity index (Rf) values ranged from 64 to 93, IES TM-30 gamut index (Rg¬) values from 79 to 117, and IES TM-30 Rcs,h1 values (a proxy for gamut shape) from -19% tomore » 26%. All lighting conditions delivered the same nominal illuminance and chromaticity. Participants were asked to rate each condition on eight point semantic differential scales for saturated-dull, normal-shifted, and like-dislike. They were also asked one multiple choice question, classifying the condition as saturated, dull, normal, or shifted. The findings suggest that gamut shape is more important than average gamut for human preference, where reds play a more important role than other hues. Additionally, average fidelity alone is a poor predictor of human perceptions, although Rf was somewhat better than CIE Ra. The most preferred source had a CIE Ra value of 68, and 9 of the top 12 rated products had a CIE Ra value of 73 or less, which indicates that the commonly used criteria of CIE Ra ≥ 80 may be excluding a majority of preferred light sources.« less

Fiber-based tunable repetition rate source for deep tissue two-photon fluorescence microscopy.

PubMed

Charan, Kriti; Li, Bo; Wang, Mengran; Lin, Charles P; Xu, Chris

2018-05-01

Deep tissue multiphoton imaging requires high peak power to enhance signal and low average power to prevent thermal damage. Both goals can be advantageously achieved through laser repetition rate tuning instead of simply adjusting the average power. We show that the ideal repetition rate for deep two-photon imaging in the mouse brain is between 1 and 10 MHz, and we present a fiber-based source with an arbitrarily tunable repetition rate within this range. The performance of the new source is compared to a mode-locked Ti:Sapphire (Ti:S) laser for in vivo imaging of mouse brain vasculature. At 2.5 MHz, the fiber source requires 5.1 times less average power to obtain the same signal as a standard Ti:S laser operating at 80 MHz.

An organic dye with very large Stokes-shift and broad tunability of fluorescence: Potential two-photon probe for bioimaging and ultra-sensitive solid-state gas sensor

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

He, Tingchao; Tian, Xiaoqing; Lin, Xiaodong, E-mail: linxd@szu.edu.cn, E-mail: hdsun@ntu.edu.sg

Light-emitting nonlinear optical molecules, especially those with large Stokes shifts and broad tunability of their emission wavelength, have attracted considerable attention for various applications including biomedical imaging and fluorescent sensors. However, most fluorescent chromophores have only limited potential for such applications due to small Stokes shifts, narrow tunability of fluorescence emissions, and small optical nonlinearity in highly polar solvents. In this work, we demonstrate that a two-photon absorbing stilbene chromophore exhibits a large two-photon absorption action cross-section (ηδ = 320 GM) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and shows broad fluorescence tunability (125 nm) by manipulating the polarity of the surrounding medium. Importantly, a very large Stokesmore » shift of up to 227 nm is achieved in DMSO. Thanks to these features, this chromophore can be utilized as a two-photon probe for bioimaging applications and in an ultrasensitive solid-state gas detector.« less

Tunable and low-loss correlated plasmons in Mott-like insulating oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asmara, Teguh Citra; Wan, Dongyang; Zhao, Yongliang; Majidi, Muhammad Aziz; Nelson, Christopher T.; Scott, Mary C.; Cai, Yao; Yan, Bixing; Schmidt, Daniel; Yang, Ming; Zhu, Tao; Trevisanutto, Paolo E.; Motapothula, Mallikarjuna R.; Feng, Yuan Ping; Breese, Mark B. H.; Sherburne, Matthew; Asta, Mark; Minor, Andrew; Venkatesan, T.; Rusydi, Andrivo

2017-05-01

Plasmonics has attracted tremendous interests for its ability to confine light into subwavelength dimensions, creating novel devices with unprecedented functionalities. New plasmonic materials are actively being searched, especially those with tunable plasmons and low loss in the visible-ultraviolet range. Such plasmons commonly occur in metals, but many metals have high plasmonic loss in the optical range, a main issue in current plasmonic research. Here, we discover an anomalous form of tunable correlated plasmons in a Mott-like insulating oxide from the Sr1-xNb1-yO3+δ family. These correlated plasmons have multiple plasmon frequencies and low loss in the visible-ultraviolet range. Supported by theoretical calculations, these plasmons arise from the nanometre-spaced confinement of extra oxygen planes that enhances the unscreened Coulomb interactions among charges. The correlated plasmons are tunable: they diminish as extra oxygen plane density or film thickness decreases. Our results open a path for plasmonics research in previously untapped insulating and strongly-correlated materials.

Tunable and low-loss correlated plasmons in Mott-like insulating oxides.

PubMed

Asmara, Teguh Citra; Wan, Dongyang; Zhao, Yongliang; Majidi, Muhammad Aziz; Nelson, Christopher T; Scott, Mary C; Cai, Yao; Yan, Bixing; Schmidt, Daniel; Yang, Ming; Zhu, Tao; Trevisanutto, Paolo E; Motapothula, Mallikarjuna R; Feng, Yuan Ping; Breese, Mark B H; Sherburne, Matthew; Asta, Mark; Minor, Andrew; Venkatesan, T; Rusydi, Andrivo

2017-05-12

Plasmonics has attracted tremendous interests for its ability to confine light into subwavelength dimensions, creating novel devices with unprecedented functionalities. New plasmonic materials are actively being searched, especially those with tunable plasmons and low loss in the visible-ultraviolet range. Such plasmons commonly occur in metals, but many metals have high plasmonic loss in the optical range, a main issue in current plasmonic research. Here, we discover an anomalous form of tunable correlated plasmons in a Mott-like insulating oxide from the Sr 1-x Nb 1-y O 3+δ family. These correlated plasmons have multiple plasmon frequencies and low loss in the visible-ultraviolet range. Supported by theoretical calculations, these plasmons arise from the nanometre-spaced confinement of extra oxygen planes that enhances the unscreened Coulomb interactions among charges. The correlated plasmons are tunable: they diminish as extra oxygen plane density or film thickness decreases. Our results open a path for plasmonics research in previously untapped insulating and strongly-correlated materials.

Tunable and low-loss correlated plasmons in Mott-like insulating oxides

PubMed Central

Asmara, Teguh Citra; Wan, Dongyang; Zhao, Yongliang; Majidi, Muhammad Aziz; Nelson, Christopher T.; Scott, Mary C.; Cai, Yao; Yan, Bixing; Schmidt, Daniel; Yang, Ming; Zhu, Tao; Trevisanutto, Paolo E.; Motapothula, Mallikarjuna R.; Feng, Yuan Ping; Breese, Mark B. H.; Sherburne, Matthew; Asta, Mark; Minor, Andrew; Venkatesan, T.; Rusydi, Andrivo

2017-01-01

Plasmonics has attracted tremendous interests for its ability to confine light into subwavelength dimensions, creating novel devices with unprecedented functionalities. New plasmonic materials are actively being searched, especially those with tunable plasmons and low loss in the visible–ultraviolet range. Such plasmons commonly occur in metals, but many metals have high plasmonic loss in the optical range, a main issue in current plasmonic research. Here, we discover an anomalous form of tunable correlated plasmons in a Mott-like insulating oxide from the Sr1−xNb1−yO3+δ family. These correlated plasmons have multiple plasmon frequencies and low loss in the visible–ultraviolet range. Supported by theoretical calculations, these plasmons arise from the nanometre-spaced confinement of extra oxygen planes that enhances the unscreened Coulomb interactions among charges. The correlated plasmons are tunable: they diminish as extra oxygen plane density or film thickness decreases. Our results open a path for plasmonics research in previously untapped insulating and strongly-correlated materials. PMID:28497786

Thermo-optic devices on polymer platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ziyang; Keil, Norbert

2016-03-01

Optical polymers possess in general relatively high thermo-optic coefficients and at the same time low thermal conductivity, both of which make them attractive material candidates for realizing highly efficient thermally tunable devices. Over the years, various thermo-optic components have been demonstrated on polymer platform, covering (1) tunable reflectors and filters as part of a laser cavity, (2) variable optical attenuators (VOAs) as light amplitude regulators in e.g. a coherent receiver, and (3) thermo-optic switches (TOSs) allowing multi-flow control in the photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This work attempts to review the recent progress on the above mentioned three component branches, including linearly and differentially tunable filters, VOAs based on 1×1 multimode interference structure (MMI) and Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI), and 1×2 TOS based on waveguide Y-branch, driven by a pair of sidelong placed heater electrodes. These thermo-optic components can well be integrated into larger PICs: the dual-polarization switchable tunable laser and the colorless optical 90° hybrid are presented in the end as examples.

Color-Tunable ZnO/GaN Heterojunction LEDs Achieved by Coupling with Ag Nanowire Surface Plasmons.

PubMed

Yang, Liu; Wang, Yue; Xu, Haiyang; Liu, Weizhen; Zhang, Cen; Wang, Chunliang; Wang, Zhongqiang; Ma, Jiangang; Liu, Yichun

2018-05-09

Color-tunable light-emitting devices (LEDs) have a great impact on our daily life. Herein, LEDs with tunable electroluminescence (EL) color were achieved via introducing Ag nanowires surface plasmons into p-GaN/n-ZnO film heterostructures. By optimizing the surface coverage density of coated Ag nanowires, the EL color was changed continuously from yellow-green to blue-violet. Transient-state and temperature-variable fluorescence emission characterizations uncovered that the spontaneous emission rate and the internal quantum efficiency of the near-UV emission were increased as a consequence of the resonance coupling interaction between Ag nanowires surface plasmons and ZnO excitons. This effect induces the selective enhancement of the blue-violet EL component but suppresses the defect-related yellow-green emission, leading to the observed tunable EL color. The proposed strategy of introducing surface plasmons can be further applied to many other kinds of LEDs for their selective enhancement of EL intensity and effective adjustment of the emission color.

Tunable negative-tap photonic microwave filter based on a cladding-mode coupler and an optically injected laser of large detuning.

PubMed

Chan, Sze-Chun; Liu, Qing; Wang, Zhu; Chiang, Kin Seng

2011-06-20

A tunable negative-tap photonic microwave filter using a cladding-mode coupler together with optical injection locking of large wavelength detuning is demonstrated. Continuous and precise tunability of the filter is realized by physically sliding a pair of bare fibers inside the cladding-mode coupler. Signal inversion for the negative tap is achieved by optical injection locking of a single-mode semiconductor laser. To couple light into and out of the cladding-mode coupler, a pair of matching long-period fiber gratings is employed. The large bandwidth of the gratings requires injection locking of an exceptionally large wavelength detuning that has never been demonstrated before. Experimentally, injection locking with wavelength detuning as large as 27 nm was achieved, which corresponded to locking the 36-th side mode. Microwave filtering with a free-spectral range tunable from 88.6 MHz to 1.57 GHz and a notch depth larger than 35 dB was obtained.

Widely tunable (PbSn)Te lasers using etched cavities for mass production. [for infrared spectroscopic applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, M. D.

1980-01-01

Lead salt diode lasers are being used increasingly as tunable sources of monochromatic infrared radiation in a variety of spectroscopic systems. These devices are particularly useful, both in the laboratory and in the field, because of their high spectral brightness (compared to thermal sources) and wide spectral coverage (compared to line-tunable gas lasers). While the primary commercial application of these lasers has been for ultrahigh resolution laboratory spectroscopy, there are numerous systems applications, including laser absorbtion pollution monitors and laser heterodyne radiometers, for which diode lasers have great potential utility. Problem areas related to the wider use of these components are identified. Among these are total tuning range, mode control, and high fabrication cost. A fabrication technique which specifically addresses the problems of tuning range and cost, and which also has potential application for mode control, is reported.

Visible light-initiated interfacial thiol-norbornene photopolymerization for forming islet surface conformal coating

PubMed Central

Shih, Han; Mirmira, Raghavendra G.; Lin, Chien-Chi

2015-01-01

A cytocompatible visible light-mediated interfacial thiol-norbornene photopolymerization scheme was developed for creating hydrogel conformal coating on pancreatic islets. The step-growth thiol-norbornene reaction affords high consistency and tunability in gel coating thickness. Furthermore, isolated islets coated with thiol-norbornene gel maintained their viability and function in vitro. PMID:26509035

Coherent Phonon Transport Measurement and Controlled Acoustic Excitations Using Tunable Acoustic Phonon Source in GHz-sub THz Range with Variable Bandwidth.

PubMed

Shen, Xiaohan; Lu, Zonghuan; Timalsina, Yukta P; Lu, Toh-Ming; Washington, Morris; Yamaguchi, Masashi

2018-05-04

We experimentally demonstrated a narrowband acoustic phonon source with simultaneous tunabilities of the centre frequency and the spectral bandwidth in the GHz-sub THz frequency range based on photoacoustic excitation using intensity-modulated optical pulses. The centre frequency and bandwidth are tunable from 65 to 381 GHz and 17 to 73 GHz, respectively. The dispersion of the sound velocity and the attenuation of acoustic phonons in silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) and indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films were investigated using the acoustic phonon source. The sound velocities of SiO 2 and ITO films were frequency-independent in the measured frequency range. On the other hand, the phonon attenuations of both of SiO 2 and ITO films showed quadratic frequency dependences, and polycrystalline ITO showed several times larger attenuation than those in amorphous SiO 2 . In addition, the selective excitation of mechanical resonance modes was demonstrated in nanoscale tungsten (W) film using acoustic pulses with various centre frequencies and spectral widths.

Quantum cascade lasers: from tool to product.

PubMed

Razeghi, M; Lu, Q Y; Bandyopadhyay, N; Zhou, W; Heydari, D; Bai, Y; Slivken, S

2015-04-06

The quantum cascade laser (QCL) is an important laser source in the mid-infrared and terahertz frequency range. The past twenty years have witnessed its tremendous development in power, wall plug efficiency, frequency coverage and tunability, beam quality, as well as various applications based on QCL technology. Nowadays, QCLs can deliver high continuous wave power output up to 5.1 W at room temperature, and cover a wide frequency range from 3 to 300 μm by simply varying the material components. Broadband heterogeneous QCLs with a broad spectral range from 3 to 12 μm, wavelength agile QCLs based on monolithic sampled grating design, and on-chip beam QCL combiner are being developed for the next generation tunable mid-infrared source for spectroscopy and sensing. Terahertz sources based on nonlinear generation in QCLs further extend the accessible wavelength into the terahertz range. Room temperature continuous wave operation, high terahertz power up to 1.9 mW, and wide frequency tunability form 1 to 5 THz makes this type of device suitable for many applications in terahertz spectroscopy, imaging, and communication.

Controlled injection using a channel pinch in a plasma-channel-guided laser wakefield accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiaqi; Zhang, Zhijun; Liu, Jiansheng; Li, Wentao; Wang, Wentao; Yu, Changhai; Qi, Rong; Qin, Zhiyong; Fang, Ming; Wu, Ying; Feng, Ke; Ke, Lintong; Wang, Cheng; Li, Ruxin

2018-06-01

Plasma-channel-guided laser plasma accelerators make it possible to drive high-brilliance compact radiation sources and have high-energy physics applications. Achieving tunable internal injection of the electron beam (e beam) inside the plasma channel, which realizes a tunable radiation source, is a challenging method to extend such applications. In this paper, we propose the use of a channel pinch, which is designed as an initial reduction followed by an expansion of the channel radius along the plasma channel, to achieve internal controlled off-axis e beam injection in a channel-guided laser plasma accelerator. The off-axis injection is triggered by bubble deformation in the expansion region. The dynamics of the plasma wake is explored, and the trapping threshold is found to be reduced radially in the channel pinch. Simulation results show that the channel pinch not only triggers injection process localized at the pinch but also modulates the parameters of the e beam by adjusting its density profile, which can additionally accommodate a tunable radiation source via betatron oscillation.

Wearable Electrocardiogram Monitor Using Carbon Nanotube Electronics and Color-Tunable Organic Light-Emitting Diodes.

PubMed

Koo, Ja Hoon; Jeong, Seongjin; Shim, Hyung Joon; Son, Donghee; Kim, Jaemin; Kim, Dong Chan; Choi, Suji; Hong, Jong-In; Kim, Dae-Hyeong

2017-10-24

With the rapid advances in wearable electronics, the research on carbon-based and/or organic materials and devices has become increasingly important, owing to their advantages in terms of cost, weight, and mechanical deformability. Here, we report an effective material and device design for an integrative wearable cardiac monitor based on carbon nanotube (CNT) electronics and voltage-dependent color-tunable organic light-emitting diodes (CTOLEDs). A p-MOS inverter based on four CNT transistors allows high amplification and thereby successful acquisition of the electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. In the CTOLEDs, an ultrathin exciton block layer of bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether oxide is used to manipulate the balance of charges between two adjacent emission layers, bis[2-(4,6-difluorophenyl)pyridinato-C 2 ,N](picolinato)iridium(III) and bis(2-phenylquinolyl-N,C(2'))iridium(acetylacetonate), which thereby produces different colors with respect to applied voltages. The ultrathin nature of the fabricated devices supports extreme wearability and conformal integration of the sensor on human skin. The wearable CTOLEDs integrated with CNT electronics are used to display human ECG changes in real-time using tunable colors. These materials and device strategies provide opportunities for next generation wearable health indicators.

Shaping complex microwave fields in reverberating media with binary tunable metasurfaces

PubMed Central

Kaina, Nadège; Dupré, Matthieu; Lerosey, Geoffroy; Fink, Mathias

2014-01-01

In this article we propose to use electronically tunable metasurfaces as spatial microwave modulators. We demonstrate that like spatial light modulators, which have been recently proved to be ideal tools for controlling light propagation through multiple scattering media, spatial microwave modulators can efficiently shape in a passive way complex existing microwave fields in reverberating environments with a non-coherent energy feedback. Unlike in free space, we establish that a binary-only phase state tunable metasurface allows a very good control over the waves, owing to the random nature of the electromagnetic fields in these complex media. We prove in an everyday reverberating medium, that is, a typical office room, that a small spatial microwave modulator placed on the walls can passively increase the wireless transmission between two antennas by an order of magnitude, or on the contrary completely cancel it. Interestingly and contrary to free space, we show that this results in an isotropic shaped microwave field around the receiving antenna, which we attribute again to the reverberant nature of the propagation medium. We expect that spatial microwave modulators will be interesting tools for fundamental physics and will have applications in the field of wireless communications. PMID:25331498

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

1999-01-01

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

Novel Design of Tunable Microlens with Lowered Driving Voltage and Iris with Conformal Antireflective Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almoallem, Yousuf Dawood

Miniaturizing camera systems as required in many new compact devices places a severe restriction on the device size and power consumption. In modern life nowadays, a daily used compact devices like mobile phones and tablets must have some essential components such as single or multiple tiny cameras, as a component of micro-optical systems. In fact, for most of the current miniaturized cameras, optical power is varied based on the traditional situation where the distances between the lenses are mechanically varied relying on old-fashioned voice coil motors or equivalent mechanical drivers. Spatial and power consumption could be scaled down drastically with much faster response time when the revolutionary alternative liquid tunable microlens is utilized after acquiring a good understanding of microfluidics. The influence of interfacial tension as a key metric in controlling microfluidics systems (e.g. liquid microlens) has drawn considerable attention in biomedical, industrial, military fields over the past decade. Tunable microlenses overcome aforementioned concerns of miniaturizing optical systems and present a viable solution by tuning the focal length of lenses via, for example, variation in the lens curvature. Here, a novel tunable dielectrophoretic (DEP)-based tunable lens is presented. Out of many other mechanisms of tuning the lenses, the dielectric mechanism is especially promising since having the capability to achieve a faster response and overcome the electrolysis issue. Nonetheless, DEP usually requires high driving voltage levels. The proposed design is operating with a lowered voltage level and is based on a tunable dielectric liquid lens with a double-sided electrode design, unlike in the conventional scheme with a single-sided electrode design. The design methodology, geometrical analysis, device fabrication, simulation, and testing are demonstrated. Furthermore, the design, simulation, fabrication and characterization of a black-silicon (BSi) based iris is discussed. Reducing undesirable light stray reflections from surfaces is desired in many 3D optical elements, such as supporting optomechanical mounts, irises, optical filters, solar cells, and photolithography underlying layers. BSi (as antireflective nanostructures) provides a potential economic solution which is highly absorptive across the visible spectrum to replace many currently used yet expensive coating materials. Si nanowires (SiNW) were formed using a metal-assisted chemical (MAC) etching process to get a conformal antireflective property on the iris 3D structure including sharp tips and sidewalls. A significant reduction in undesirable light stray reflections was achieved as a result of successful implementation of the conformal antireflective surface on all facets of fabricated irises to eliminate undesirable light stray reflections.

Circular Dichroism Control of Tungsten Diselenide (WSe2) Atomic Layers with Plasmonic Metamolecules.

PubMed

Lin, Hsiang-Ting; Chang, Chiao-Yun; Cheng, Pi-Ju; Li, Ming-Yang; Cheng, Chia-Chin; Chang, Shu-Wei; Li, Lance L J; Chu, Chih-Wei; Wei, Pei-Kuen; Shih, Min-Hsiung

2018-05-09

Controlling circularly polarized (CP) states of light is critical to the development of functional devices for key and emerging applications such as display technology and quantum communication, and the compact circular polarization-tunable photon source is one critical element to realize the applications in the chip-scale integrated system. The atomic layers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) exhibit intrinsic CP emissions and are potential chiroptical materials for ultrathin CP photon sources. In this work, we demonstrated CP photon sources of TMDCs with device thicknesses approximately 50 nm. CP photoluminescence from the atomic layers of tungsten diselenide (WSe 2 ) was precisely controlled with chiral metamolecules (MMs), and the optical chirality of WSe 2 was enhanced more than 4 times by integrating with the MMs. Both the enhanced and reversed circular dichroisms had been achieved. Through integrations of the novel gain material and plasmonic structure which are both low-dimensional, a compact device capable of efficiently manipulating emissions of CP photon was realized. These ultrathin devices are suitable for important applications such as the optical information technology and chip-scale biosensing.

Multilaser Herriott Cell for Planetary Tunable Laser Spectrometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tarsitano, Christopher G.; Webster, Christopher R.

2007-01-01

Geometric optics and matrix methods are used to mathematically model multilaser Herriott cells for tunable laser absorption spectrometers for planetary missions. The Herriott cells presented accommodate several laser sources that follow independent optical paths but probe a single gas cell. Strategically placed output holes located in the far mirrors of the Herriott cells reduce the size of the spectrometers. A four-channel Herriott cell configuration is presented for the specific application as the sample cell of the tunable laser spectrometer instrument selected for the sample analysis at Mars analytical suite on the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory mission.

Tunable optical analog to electromagnetically induced transparency in graphene-ring resonators system.

PubMed

Wang, Yonghua; Xue, Chenyang; Zhang, Zengxing; Zheng, Hua; Zhang, Wendong; Yan, Shubin

2016-12-12

The analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency in optical ways has shown great potential in optical delay and quantum-information technology due to its flexible design and easy implementation. The chief drawback for these devices is the bad tunability. Here we demonstrate a tunable optical transparency system formed by graphene-silicon microrings which could control the transparent window by electro-optical means. The device consists of cascaded coupled ring resonators and a graphene/graphene capacitor which integrated on one of the rings. By tuning the Fermi level of the graphene sheets, we can modulate the round-trip ring loss so that the transparency window can be dynamically tuned. The results provide a new method for the manipulation and transmission of light in highly integrated optical circuits and quantum information storage devices.

Versatile Miniature Tunable Liquid Lenses Using Transparent Graphene Electrodes.

PubMed

Shahini, Ali; Xia, Jinjun; Zhou, Zhixian; Zhao, Yang; Cheng, Mark Ming-Cheng

2016-02-16

This paper presents, for the first time, versatile and low-cost miniature liquid lenses with graphene as electrodes. Tunable focal length is achieved by changing the droplet curvature using electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD). Ionic liquid and KCl solution are utilized as lens liquid on the top of a flexible Teflon-coated PDMS/parylene membrane. Transparent and flexible, graphene allows transmission of visible light as well as large deformation of the polymer membrane to achieve requirements for different lens designs and to increase the field of view without damaging of electrodes. The tunable range for the focal length is between 3 and 7 mm for a droplet with a volume of 3 μL. The visualization of bone marrow dendritic cells is demonstrated by the liquid lens system with a high resolution (456 lp/mm).

Advances in OLED/OPD-based sensors and spectrometer-on-a-chip (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinar, Joseph; Kaudal, Rajiv; Manna, Eeshita; Fungura, Fadzai; Shinar, Ruth

2016-09-01

We describe ongoing advances toward achieving all-organic optical sensors and a spectrometer on a chip. Two-dimensional combinatorial arrays of microcavity OLEDs (μcOLEDs) with systematically varying optical cavity lengths are fabricated on a single chip by changing the thickness of different organic and/or spacer layers sandwiched between two metal electrodes (one very thin) that form the cavity. The broad spectral range is achieved by utilizing materials that result in white OLEDs (WOLEDs) when fabricated on a standard ITO substrate. The tunable and narrower emissions from the μcOLEDs serve as excitation sources in luminescent sensors and in monitoring light absorption. For each wavelength, the light from the μcOLED is partially absorbed by a sample under study and the light emitted by an electronically excited sample, or the transmitted light is detected by a photodetector (PD). To obtain a compact monitor, an organic PD (OPD) or a perovskite-based PD is integrated with the μcOLED array. We show the potential of encompassing a broader wavelength range by using WOLED materials to fabricate the μcOLEDs. The utility of the all-organic analytical devices is demonstrated by monitoring oxygen, and bioanalytes based on oxygen detection, as well as the absorption spectra of dyes.

Tunable, superconducting, surface-emitting teraherz source

DOEpatents

Welp, Ulrich [Lisle, IL; Koshelev, Alexei E [Bolingbrook, IL; Gray, Kenneth E [Evanston, IL; Kwok, Wai-Kwong [Evanston, IL; Vlasko-Vlasov, Vitalii [Downers Grove, IL

2009-10-27

A compact, solid-state THz source based on the driven Josephson vortex lattice in a highly anisotropic superconductor such as Bi.sub.2Sr.sub.2CaCu.sub.2O.sub.8 that allows cw emission at tunable frequency. A second order metallic Bragg grating is used to achieve impedance matching and to induce surface emission of THz-radiation from a Bi.sub.2Sr.sub.2CaCu.sub.2O.sub.8 sample. Steering of the emitted THz beam is accomplished by tuning the Josephson vortex spacing around the grating period using a superimposed magnetic control field.

Tunable, superconducting, surface-emitting teraherz source

DOEpatents

Welp, Ulrich; Koshelev, Alexei E.; Gray, Kenneth E.; Kwok, Wai-Kwong; Vlasko-Vlasov, Vitalii

2010-05-11

A compact, solid-state THz source based on the driven Josephson vortex lattice in a highly anisotropic superconductor such as Bi.sub.2Sr.sub.2CaCu.sub.2O.sub.8 that allows cw emission at tunable frequency. A second order metallic Bragg grating is used to achieve impedance matching and to induce surface emission of THz-radiation from a Bi.sub.2Sr.sub.2CaCu.sub.2O.sub.8 sample. Steering of the emitted THz beam is accomplished by tuning the Josephson vortex spacing around the grating period using a superimposed magnetic control field.

Color-Tunable and High-Efficiency Dye-Encapsulated Metal-Organic Framework Composites Used for Smart White-Light-Emitting Diodes.

PubMed

Chen, Wenwei; Zhuang, Yixi; Wang, Le; Lv, Ying; Liu, Jianbin; Zhou, Tian-Liang; Xie, Rong-Jun

2018-05-25

Luminescent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (typically dye-encapsulated MOFs) are considered as one kind of interesting downconversion materials for white-light-emitting diodes (LEDs), but their quantum efficiency (QE) is not sufficient and thus needs to be significantly enhanced for practical applications. In this study, we successfully synthesized a series of Rh@bio-MOF-1 (Rh = rhodamine) with an internal QE as high as ∼79% via a solvothermal reaction followed by cation exchanges. The high efficiency of the Rh@bio-MOF-1 composites was attributable to the high intrinsic luminescent efficiency of the selected Rh dyes, the confinement effect in the bio-MOF-1 host, and the uniform particle morphology. The emission maximum could be continuously tuned from 550 to 610 nm by controlling the species and concentration of encapsulated dye molecules, showing great color tunability of the dye-encapsulated MOFs. The emission lifetime of ∼7 ns was 1 or 2 magnitude orders shorter than that of Ce 3+ - or Eu 2+ -doped inorganic phosphors, allowing for visible light communication (VLC). White LEDs, fabricated by using the synthesized Rh@bio-MOF-1 composite and inorganic phosphors of green (Ba,Sr) 2 SiO 4 :Eu 2+ and red CaAlSiN 3 :Eu 2+ , exhibited a high color rendering index of 80-94, a luminous efficacy of 94-156 lm/W, and an excellent stability in color point against drive current. The Rh@bio-MOF-1 composites with tunable colors, short emission lifetime, and high QE are expected to be used for smart white LEDs with multifunctions of both lighting and VLC.

Tunable chiral metal organic frameworks toward visible light–driven asymmetric catalysis

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yin; Guo, Jun; Shi, Lin; Zhu, Yanfei; Hou, Ke; Zheng, Yonglong; Tang, Zhiyong

2017-01-01

A simple and effective strategy is developed to realize visible light–driven heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis. A chiral organic molecule, which only has very weak catalytic activity in asymmetric α-alkylation of aldehydes under visible light, is utilized as the ligand to coordinate with different types of metal ions, including Zn2+, Zr4+, and Ti4+, for construction of crystalline metal organic frameworks (MOFs). Impressively, when used as heterogeneous catalysts, all of the synthesized MOFs exhibit markedly enhanced activity. Furthermore, the asymmetric catalytic performance of these MOFs could be easily altered by selecting different metal ions, owing to the tunable electron transfer property between metal ions and chiral ligands. This work will provide a new approach for fabrication of heterogeneous catalysts and trigger more enthusiasm to conduct the asymmetric catalysis driven by visible light. PMID:28835929

Wavelength-tunable waveguides based on polycrystalline organic-inorganic perovskite microwires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ziyu; Liu, Jingying; Xu, Zai-Quan; Xue, Yunzhou; Jiang, Liangcong; Song, Jingchao; Huang, Fuzhi; Wang, Yusheng; Zhong, Yu Lin; Zhang, Yupeng; Cheng, Yi-Bing; Bao, Qiaoliang

2016-03-01

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites have emerged as new photovoltaic materials with impressively high power conversion efficiency due to their high optical absorption coefficient and long charge carrier diffusion length. In addition to high photoluminescence quantum efficiency and chemical tunability, hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites also show intriguing potential for diverse photonic applications. In this work, we demonstrate that polycrystalline organic-inorganic perovskite microwires can function as active optical waveguides with small propagation loss. The successful production of high quality perovskite microwires with different halogen elements enables the guiding of light with different colours. Furthermore, it is interesting to find that out-coupled light intensity from the microwire can be effectively modulated by an external electric field, which behaves as an electro-optical modulator. This finding suggests the promising applications of perovskite microwires as effective building blocks in micro/nano scale photonic circuits.

Wavelength-tunable waveguides based on polycrystalline organic-inorganic perovskite microwires.

PubMed

Wang, Ziyu; Liu, Jingying; Xu, Zai-Quan; Xue, Yunzhou; Jiang, Liangcong; Song, Jingchao; Huang, Fuzhi; Wang, Yusheng; Zhong, Yu Lin; Zhang, Yupeng; Cheng, Yi-Bing; Bao, Qiaoliang

2016-03-28

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites have emerged as new photovoltaic materials with impressively high power conversion efficiency due to their high optical absorption coefficient and long charge carrier diffusion length. In addition to high photoluminescence quantum efficiency and chemical tunability, hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites also show intriguing potential for diverse photonic applications. In this work, we demonstrate that polycrystalline organic-inorganic perovskite microwires can function as active optical waveguides with small propagation loss. The successful production of high quality perovskite microwires with different halogen elements enables the guiding of light with different colours. Furthermore, it is interesting to find that out-coupled light intensity from the microwire can be effectively modulated by an external electric field, which behaves as an electro-optical modulator. This finding suggests the promising applications of perovskite microwires as effective building blocks in micro/nano scale photonic circuits.

APPLIED PHYSICS. Mid-infrared plasmonic biosensing with graphene.

PubMed

Rodrigo, Daniel; Limaj, Odeta; Janner, Davide; Etezadi, Dordaneh; García de Abajo, F Javier; Pruneri, Valerio; Altug, Hatice

2015-07-10

Infrared spectroscopy is the technique of choice for chemical identification of biomolecules through their vibrational fingerprints. However, infrared light interacts poorly with nanometric-size molecules. We exploit the unique electro-optical properties of graphene to demonstrate a high-sensitivity tunable plasmonic biosensor for chemically specific label-free detection of protein monolayers. The plasmon resonance of nanostructured graphene is dynamically tuned to selectively probe the protein at different frequencies and extract its complex refractive index. Additionally, the extreme spatial light confinement in graphene—up to two orders of magnitude higher than in metals—produces an unprecedentedly high overlap with nanometric biomolecules, enabling superior sensitivity in the detection of their refractive index and vibrational fingerprints. The combination of tunable spectral selectivity and enhanced sensitivity of graphene opens exciting prospects for biosensing. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Photoresist Design for Elastomeric Light Tunable Photonic Devices

PubMed Central

Nocentini, Sara; Martella, Daniele; Parmeggiani, Camilla; Wiersma, Diederik S.

2016-01-01

An increasing interest in tunable photonic structures is growing within the photonic community. The usage of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer (LCE) structures in the micro-scale has been motivated by the potential to remotely control their properties. In order to design elastic photonic structures with a three-dimensional lithographic technique, an analysis of the different mixtures used in the micro-printing process is required. Previously reported LCE microstructures suffer damage and strong swelling as a limiting factor of resolution. In this article, we reported a detailed study on the writing process with four liquid crystalline photoresists, in which the percentage of crosslinker is gradually increased. The experiments reveal that exploiting the crosslinking degree is a possible means in which to obtain suspended lines with good resolution, quite good rigidity, and good elasticity, thereby preserving the possibility of deformation by light irradiation. PMID:28773646

Photoresist Design for Elastomeric Light Tunable Photonic Devices.

PubMed

Nocentini, Sara; Martella, Daniele; Parmeggiani, Camilla; Wiersma, Diederik S

2016-06-29

An increasing interest in tunable photonic structures is growing within the photonic community. The usage of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer (LCE) structures in the micro-scale has been motivated by the potential to remotely control their properties. In order to design elastic photonic structures with a three-dimensional lithographic technique, an analysis of the different mixtures used in the micro-printing process is required. Previously reported LCE microstructures suffer damage and strong swelling as a limiting factor of resolution. In this article, we reported a detailed study on the writing process with four liquid crystalline photoresists, in which the percentage of crosslinker is gradually increased. The experiments reveal that exploiting the crosslinking degree is a possible means in which to obtain suspended lines with good resolution, quite good rigidity, and good elasticity, thereby preserving the possibility of deformation by light irradiation.

White light upconversion emissions in Er3+/Tm3+/Yb3+ tridoped oxyfluoride glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Xiaoping; Xu, Wei; Zhu, Shuang; Song, Qiutong; Wu, Xijun; Liu, Hailong

2015-10-01

Rare earth ions doped glasses producing visible upconversion emissions are of great interest due to their potential applications in the photonics filed. In fact, practical application of upconversion emissions has been used to obtain color image displays and white light sources. However, there are few reports on the thermal effect on tuning the emission color of the RE doped materials. In this work, the Er3+/Tm3+/Yb3+ tridoped oxyfluoride glasses were prepared through high temperature solid-state method. Under a 980 nm diode laser excitation, the upconversion emissions from the samples were studied. At room-temperature, bright white luminescence, whose CIE chromaticity coordinate was about (0.28, 0.31), can be obtained when the excitation power was 120 mW. The emission color was changed by varying the intensity ratios between RGB bands, which are strongly dependent on the rare earth ions concentration. The temperature dependent color emissions were also investigated. As temperature increased, the intensities for the emission bands presented different decay rates, finally resulting in the changing of the CIE coordinate. When the temperature was 573 K, white light with color coordinate of (0.31, 0.33) was achieved, which matches well with the white reference (0.33, 0.33). The color tunability, high quality of white light and intense emission intensity make the transparent oxyfluoride glasses excellent candidates for applications in solid-state lighting.

PLEIADES: High Peak Brightness, Subpicosecond Thomson Hard-X-ray source

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

Kuba, J; Anderson, S G; Barty, C J

2003-12-15

The Picosecond Laser-Electron Inter-Action for the Dynamic Evaluation of Structures (PLEIADES) facility, is a unique, novel, tunable (10-200 keV), ultrafast (ps-fs), hard x-ray source that greatly extends the parameter range reached by existing 3rd generation sources, both in terms of x-ray energy range, pulse duration, and peak brightness at high energies. First light was observed at 70 keV early in 2003, and the experimental data agrees with 3D codes developed at LLNL. The x-rays are generated by the interaction of a 50 fs Fourier-transform-limited laser pulse produced by the TW-class FALCON CPA laser and a highly focused, relativistic (20-100 MeV),more » high brightness (1 nC, 0.3-5 ps, 5 mm.mrad, 0.2% energy spread) photo-electron bunch. The resulting x-ray brightness is expected to exceed 10{sup 20} ph/mm{sup 2}/s/mrad{sup 2}/0.1% BW. The beam is well-collimated (10 mrad divergence over the full spectrum, 1 mrad for a single color), and the source is a unique tool for time-resolved dynamic measurements in matter, including high-Z materials.« less

Optoelectronics: Continuously Spatial-Wavelength-Tunable Nanowire Lasers on a Single Chip

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-28

journals (N/A for none) 1. P. L. Nichols, Z. Liu, L. Yin, and C. Z. Ning, CdxPb1- xS Alloy Nanowires and Heterostructures with Simultaneous Emission in Mid...multiple-bandgap solar cells using spatially composition-graded CdxPb1- xS nanowires on a single substrate: a design study, Optics Express (07 2011...Quaternary ZnCdSSe Alloy Nanowires with Tunable Light Emission Between 350 nm and 710 nm on a Single Substrate, (11 2009) C.Z. Ning, A.L. Pan, and

Tunable Magnetic Alignment between Trapped Exciton-Polariton Condensates.

PubMed

Ohadi, H; Del Valle-Inclan Redondo, Y; Dreismann, A; Rubo, Y G; Pinsker, F; Tsintzos, S I; Hatzopoulos, Z; Savvidis, P G; Baumberg, J J

2016-03-11

Tunable spin correlations are found to arise between two neighboring trapped exciton-polariton condensates which spin polarize spontaneously. We observe a crossover from an antiferromagnetic to a ferromagnetic pair state by reducing the coupling barrier in real time using control of the imprinted pattern of pump light. Fast optical switching of both condensates is then achieved by resonantly but weakly triggering only a single condensate. These effects can be explained as the competition between spin bifurcations and spin-preserving Josephson coupling between the two condensates, and open the way to polariton Bose-Hubbard ladders.

Active Tuning of Spontaneous Emission by Mie-Resonant Dielectric Metasurfaces.

PubMed

Bohn, Justus; Bucher, Tobias; Chong, Katie E; Komar, Andrei; Choi, Duk-Yong; Neshev, Dragomir N; Kivshar, Yuri S; Pertsch, Thomas; Staude, Isabelle

2018-06-13

Mie-resonant dielectric metasurfaces offer comprehensive opportunities for the manipulation of light fields with high efficiency. Additionally, various strategies for the dynamic tuning of the optical response of such metasurfaces were demonstrated, making them important candidates for reconfigurable optical devices. However, dynamic control of the light-emission properties of active Mie-resonant dielectric metasurfaces by an external control parameter has not been demonstrated so far. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the dynamic tuning of spontaneous emission from a Mie-resonant dielectric metasurface that is situated on a fluorescent substrate and embedded into a liquid crystal cell. By switching the liquid crystal from the nematic state to the isotropic state via control of the cell temperature, we induce a shift of the spectral position of the metasurface resonances. This results in a change of the local photonic density of states, which, in turn, governs the enhancement of spontaneous emission from the substrate. Specifically, we observe spectral tuning of both the electric and magnetic dipole resonances, resulting in a 2-fold increase of the emission intensity at λ ≈ 900 nm. Our results demonstrate a viable strategy to realize flat tunable light sources based on dielectric metasurfaces.

Three-Photon Luminescence of Gold Nanorods Excited by 1040 nm Femtosecond Laser for High Contrast Tissue and In Vivo Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shaowei; Zhao, Xinyuan; Zhang, Hequn; Cai, Fuhong; Qian, Jun

2016-01-01

Gold Nanorods (GNRs) with tunable aspect ratios can strongly absorb and scatter light in the NIR region due to their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) property, and have been demonstrated to exhibit strong plasmon enhanced multiphoton luminescence (MPL) with brightness many times stronger than the conventional organic chromophores. In this study, we synthesized GNRs with longitudinal LSPR peak at 1036 nm to match our home-built light source 1040 nm femtosecond laser, which locates in the “optical window” where the tissue absorbs relatively little light. PEGylated GNRs with great biocompatibility were intravenously injected through the tail vein into mice. Excited by 1040 nm laser, the GNRs exhibit bright three-photon luminescence (3PL) signals while circulating in the blood vessels. The use of GNRs as bright contrast agents for 3PL imaging of mouse ear blood vessels in vivo was demonstrated. And GNRs targeted in tissues can be excited by 1040 nm laser and could be clearly visualized with no autofluorescence background. These results indicated that 3PL of GNRs is very promising for deep in vivo bioimaging and assessing the distribution of GNRs in tissues with high contrast.

FEL for the polymer processing industries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelley, Michael J.

1997-05-01

Polymers are everywhere in modern life because of their unique combination of end-use functionalities, ease of processing, recycling potential and modest cost. The physical and economic scope of the infrastructure committed to present polymers makes the introduction of entirely new chemistry unlikely. Rather, the breadth of commercial offerings more likely to shrink in the face of the widening mandate for recycling, especially of packaging. Improved performance and new functionality must therefore come by routes such as surface modification. However they must come with little environmental impact and at painfully low cost. Processing with strongly absorbed light offers unique advantages. The journal and patent literatures disclose a number of examples of benefits that can be achieved, principally by use of excimer lasers or special UV lamps. Examples of commercialization are few, however, because of the unit cost and maximum scale of existing light sources. A FEL, however, offers unique advantages: tunability to the optimum wavelength, potential for scale up to high average power, and a path to attractively low unit cost of light. A business analysis of prospective applications defines the technical and economic requirements a FEL for polymer surface processing must meet. These are compared to FEL technology as it now stands and as it is envisioned.

Hybrid III-V/silicon lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaspar, P.; Jany, C.; Le Liepvre, A.; Accard, A.; Lamponi, M.; Make, D.; Levaufre, G.; Girard, N.; Lelarge, F.; Shen, A.; Charbonnier, P.; Mallecot, F.; Duan, G.-H.; Gentner, J.-.; Fedeli, J.-M.; Olivier, S.; Descos, A.; Ben Bakir, B.; Messaoudene, S.; Bordel, D.; Malhouitre, S.; Kopp, C.; Menezo, S.

2014-05-01

The lack of potent integrated light emitters is one of the bottlenecks that have so far hindered the silicon photonics platform from revolutionizing the communication market. Photonic circuits with integrated light sources have the potential to address a wide range of applications from short-distance data communication to long-haul optical transmission. Notably, the integration of lasers would allow saving large assembly costs and reduce the footprint of optoelectronic products by combining photonic and microelectronic functionalities on a single chip. Since silicon and germanium-based sources are still in their infancy, hybrid approaches using III-V semiconductor materials are currently pursued by several research laboratories in academia as well as in industry. In this paper we review recent developments of hybrid III-V/silicon lasers and discuss the advantages and drawbacks of several integration schemes. The integration approach followed in our laboratory makes use of wafer-bonded III-V material on structured silicon-on-insulator substrates and is based on adiabatic mode transfers between silicon and III-V waveguides. We will highlight some of the most interesting results from devices such as wavelength-tunable lasers and AWG lasers. The good performance demonstrates that an efficient mode transfer can be achieved between III-V and silicon waveguides and encourages further research efforts in this direction.

Tunable phonon-induced transparency in bilayer graphene nanoribbons.

PubMed

Yan, Hugen; Low, Tony; Guinea, Francisco; Xia, Fengnian; Avouris, Phaedon

2014-08-13

In the phenomenon of plasmon-induced transparency, which is a classical analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in atomic gases, the coherent interference between two plasmon modes results in an optical transparency window in a broad absorption spectrum. With the requirement of contrasting lifetimes, typically one of the plasmon modes involved is a dark mode that has limited coupling to the electromagnetic radiation and possesses relatively longer lifetime. Plasmon-induced transparency not only leads to light transmission at otherwise opaque frequency regions but also results in the slowing of light group velocity and enhanced optical nonlinearity. In this article, we report an analogous behavior, denoted as phonon-induced transparency (PIT), in AB-stacked bilayer graphene nanoribbons. Here, light absorption due to the plasmon excitation is suppressed in a narrow window due to the coupling with the infrared active Γ-point optical phonon, whose function here is similar to that of the dark plasmon mode in the plasmon-induced transparency. We further show that PIT in bilayer graphene is actively tunable by electrostatic gating and estimate a maximum slow light factor of around 500 at the phonon frequency of 1580 cm(-1), based on the measured spectra. Our demonstration opens an avenue for the exploration of few-photon nonlinear optics and slow light in this novel two-dimensional material.

Generation of tunable radially polarized array beams by controllable coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jing; Zhang, Jipeng; Zhu, Shijun; Li, Zhenhua

2017-05-01

In this paper, a new method for converting a single radial polarization beam into an arbitrary radially polarized array (RPA) beam such as a radial or rectangular symmetry array in the focal plane by modulating a periodic correlation structure is introduced. The realizability conditions for such source and the beam condition for radiation generated by such source are derived. It is illustrated that both the amplitude and the polarization are controllable by means of initial correlation structure and coherence parameter. Furthermore, by designing the source correlation structure, a tunable NUST-shaped RPA beam is demonstrated, which can find widespread applications in micro-nano engineering. Such a method for generation of arbitrary vector array beams is useful in beam shaping and optical tweezers.

Continuous-wave optical parametric oscillators on their way to the terahertz range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sowade, Rosita; Breunig, Ingo; Kiessling, Jens; Buse, Karsten

2010-02-01

Continuous-wave optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are known to be working horses for spectroscopy in the near- and mid-infrared. However, strong absorption in nonlinear media like lithium niobate complicates the generation of far-infrared light. This absorption leads to pump thresholds vastly exceeding the power of standard pump lasers. Our first approach was, therefore, to combine the established technique of photomixing with optical parametric oscillators. Here, two OPOs provide one wave each, with a tunable difference frequency. These waves are combined to a beat signal as a source for photomixers. Terahertz radiation between 0.065 and 1.018 THz is generated with powers in the order of nanowatts. To overcome the upper frequency limit of the opto-electronic photomixers, terahertz generation has to rely entirely on optical methods. Our all-optical approach, getting around the high thresholds for terahertz generation, is based on cascaded nonlinear processes: the resonantly enhanced signal field, generated in the primary parametric process, is intense enough to act as the pump for a secondary process, creating idler waves with frequencies in the terahertz regime. The latter ones are monochromatic and tunable with detected powers of more than 2 μW at 1.35 THz. Thus, continuous-wave optical parametric oscillators have entered the field of terahertz photonics.

Corneal tissue ablation using 6.1 μm quantum cascade laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yong; Kang, Jin U.

2012-03-01

High absorption property of tissues in the IR range (λ> 2 μm) results in effective tissue ablation, especially near 3 μm. In the mid-infrared range, wavelengths of 6.1 μm and 6.45 μm fall into the absorption bands of the amide protein groups Amide-I and Amide-II, respectively. They also coincide with the deformation mode of water, which has an absorption peak at 6.1 μm. This coincidence makes 6.1 μm laser a better ablation tool that has promising effectiveness and minimum collateral damages than 3 μm lasers. In this work, we performed bovine corneal ablation test in-vitro using high-power 6.1μm quantum cascade laser (QCL) operated at pulse mode. Quantum cascade laser has the advantages of low cost, compact size and tunable wavelength, which makes it great alternative Mid-IR light source to conventional tunable free-electron lasers (FEL) for medical applications. Preliminary results show that effective corneal stroma craters were achieved with much less collateral damage in corneal tissue that contains less water. Future study will focus on optimizing the control parameters of QCL to attain neat and precise ablation of corneal tissue and development of high peak power QCL.

Interferometric system based on swept source-optical coherence tomography scheme applied to the measurement of distances of industrial interest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morel, Eneas N.; Russo, Nélida A.; Torga, Jorge R.; Duchowicz, Ricardo

2016-01-01

We used an interferometric technique based on typical optical coherence tomography (OCT) schemes for measuring distances of industrial interest. The system employed as a light source a tunable erbium-doped fiber laser of ˜20-pm bandwidth with a tuning range between 1520 and 1570 nm. It has a sufficiently long coherence length to enable long depth range imaging. A set of fiber Bragg gratings was used as a self-calibration method, which has the advantage of being a passive system that requires no additional electronic devices. The proposed configuration and the coherence length of the laser enlarge the range of maximum distances that can be measured with the common OCT configuration, maintaining a good axial resolution. A measuring range slightly >17 cm was determined. The system performance was evaluated by studying the repeatability and axial resolution of the results when the same optical path difference was measured. Additionally, the thickness of a semitransparent medium was also measured.

Gas detection with microelectromechanical Fabry-Perot interferometer technology in cell phone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mannila, Rami; Hyypiö, Risto; Korkalainen, Marko; Blomberg, Martti; Kattelus, Hannu; Rissanen, Anna

2015-06-01

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a miniaturized optical sensor for gas detection in a cell phone. The sensor is based on a microelectromechanical (MEMS) Fabry-Perot interferometer, which is a structure with two highly reflective surfaces separated by a tunable air gap. The MEMS FPI is a monolithic device, i.e. it is made entirely on one substrate in a batch process, without assembling separate pieces together. The gap is adjusted by moving the upper mirror with electrostatic force, so there are no actual moving parts. VTT has designed and manufactured a MEMS FPI based carbon dioxide sensor demonstrator which is integrated to a cell phone shield cover. The demonstrator contains light source, gas cell, MEMS FPI, detector, control electronics and two coin cell batteries as a power source. It is connected to the cell phone by Bluetooth. By adjusting the wavelength range and customizing the MEMS FPI structure, it is possible to selectively sense multiple gases.

Photoinduced intermolecular dynamics and subsequent fragmentation in VUV-ionized acetamide clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarkanovskaja, Marta; Kooser, Kuno; Levola, Helena; Nõmmiste, Ergo; Kukk, Edwin

2016-09-01

Photofragmentation of small gas-phase acetamide clusters (CH3CONH2)n (n ≤ 10) produced by a supersonic expansion source has been studied using time-of-flight ion mass spectroscopy combined with tunable vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation. Fragmentation channels of acetamide clusters under VUV photoionization resulting in protonated and ammoniated clusters formation were identified with the discussion about the preceding intramolecular rearrangements. Acetamide-2,2,2-d3 clusters were also studied in an experiment with a gas discharge lamp as a VUV light source; comparison with the main experiment gave insights into the mechanism of formation of protonated acetamide clusters, indicating that proton transfer from amino group plays a dominant role in that process. Geometry of the acetamide dimer was discussed and the most stable arrangement was concluded to be achieved when subunits of the dimer are connected via two N—H⋯O —C hydrogen bonds. Also, the influence of the photon energy on the stability of the clusters and their fragmentation channels has been examined.

Large Size Color-tunable Electroluminescence from Cationic Iridium Complexes-based Light-emitting Electrochemical Cells

PubMed Central

Zeng, Qunying; Li, Fushan; Guo, Tailiang; Shan, Guogang; Su, Zhongmin

2016-01-01

Solution-processable light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) with simple device architecture have become an attractive candidate for application in next generation lighting and flat-panel displays. Herein, single layer LECs employing two cationic Ir(III) complexes showing highly efficient blue-green and yellow electroluminescence with peak current efficiency of 31.6 cd A−1 and 40.6 cd A−1, respectively, have been reported. By using both complexes in the device, color-tunable LECs with a single spectral peak in the wavelength range from 499 to 570 nm were obtained by varying their rations. In addition, the fabrication of efficient LECs was demonstrated based on low cost doctor-blade coating technique, which was compatible with the roll to roll fabrication process for the large size production. In this work, for the first time, 4 inch LEC devices by doctor-blade coating were fabricated, which exhibit the efficiencies of 23.4 cd A−1 and 25.4 cd A−1 for the blue-green and yellow emission, respectively. The exciting results indicated that highly efficient LECs with controllable color could be realized and find practical application in large size lighting and displays. PMID:27278527

The tunable optical magneto-electric effect in patterned manganese oxide superlattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pei, H. Y.; Zhang, Y. J.; Guo, S. J.; Ren, L. X.; Yan, H.; Chen, C. L.; Jin, K. X.; Luo, B. C.

2018-05-01

The optical magneto-electric (OME) effect has been widely investigated in magnetic materials, but obtaining the large and tunable OME effect is an ongoing challenge. We here design a tri-color superlattice composed of manganese oxides, Pr0.9Ca0.1MnO3, La0.9Sr0.1MnO3, and La0.9Sb0.1MnO3, where the space-inversion and time-reversal symmetries are broken. With the aid of the grating structure, the OME effect for near-infrared light in tri-color superlattices is investigated systematically through the Bragg diffraction method. The relative change of diffracted light intensity of the order n = ±1 has a strong dependence on the magnetization and polarization of the tri-color superlattice, whether the superlattice is irradiated in reflection or transmission geometries. Otherwise, the relative change of diffracted light intensity increases with the increase in the superlattice period and with the decrease in the grating period. The maximum relative change of diffracted light intensity in tri-color superlattices with the grating structure patterned is as large as 8.27%. These results pave the way for designing next-generation OME devices based on manganese oxides.

Light-regulated promoters for tunable, temporal, and affordable control of fungal gene expression.

PubMed

Fuller, Kevin K; Dunlap, Jay C; Loros, Jennifer J

2018-05-01

Regulatable promoters are important genetic tools, particularly for assigning function to essential and redundant genes. They can also be used to control the expression of enzymes that influence metabolic flux or protein secretion, thereby optimizing product yield in bioindustry. This review will focus on regulatable systems for use in filamentous fungi, an important group of organisms whose members include key research models, devastating pathogens of plants and animals, and exploitable cell factories. Though we will begin by cataloging those promoters that are controlled by nutritional or chemical means, our primary focus will rest on those who can be controlled by a literal flip-of-the-switch: promoters of light-regulated genes. The vvd promoter of Neurospora will first serve as a paradigm for how light-driven systems can provide tight, robust, tunable, and temporal control of either autologous or heterologous fungal proteins. We will then discuss a theoretical approach to, and practical considerations for, the development of such promoters in other species. To this end, we have compiled genes from six previously published light-regulated transcriptomic studies to guide the search for suitable photoregulatable promoters in your fungus of interest.

Thermo- and light-regulated formation and disintegration of double hydrophilic block copolymer assemblies with tunable fluorescence emissions.

PubMed

Wu, Yonghao; Hu, Huamin; Hu, Jinming; Liu, Tao; Zhang, Guoying; Liu, Shiyong

2013-03-19

We report on thermo- and light-regulated formation and disintegration of double hydrophilic block copolymer (DHBC) micelles associated with tunable fluorescence emissions by employing two types of DHBCs covalently labeled with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) donor and acceptor moieties, respectively, within the light and temperature dually responsive block. Both DHBCs are molecularly soluble at room temperature in their aqueous mixture, whereas, upon heating to above the critical micellization temperature (CMT, ~31 °C), they coassemble into mixed micelles possessing hydrophilic coronas and mixed cores containing FRET donors and acceptors. Accordingly, the closer spatial proximity between the FRET pair (NBDAE and RhBEA moieties) within micellar cores leads to substantially enhanced FRET efficiency, compared to that in the non-aggregated unimer state. Moreover, upon UV irradiation, the light-reactive moieties undergo light-cleavage reaction and transform into negatively charged carboxylate residues, leading to elevated CMT (∼46 °C). Thus, thermo-induced mixed micelles in the intermediate temperature range (31 °C < T < 46 °C) undergo light-triggered disintegration into unimers, accompanied with the decrease of FRET efficiency. Overall, the coassembly and disassembly occurring in the mixed DHBC solution can be dually regulated by temperature and UV irradiation, and most importantly, these processes can be facilely monitored via changes in FRET efficiency and distinct emission colors.

High Color Rendering Index White-Light Emission from UV-Driven LEDs Based on Single Luminescent Materials: Two-Dimensional Perovskites (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbBr xCl4- x.

PubMed

Yang, Shuming; Lin, Zhenghuan; Wang, Jingwei; Chen, Yunxiang; Liu, Zhengde; Yang, E; Zhang, Jian; Ling, Qidan

2018-05-09

Two-dimensional (2D) white-light-emitting hybrid perovskites (WHPs) are promising active materials for single-component white-light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) driven by UV. However, the reported WHPs exhibit low quantum yields (≤9%) and low color rendering index (CRI) values less than 85, which does not satisfy the demand of solid-state lighting applications. In this work, we report a series of mixed-halide 2D layered WHPs (C 6 H 5 C 2 H 4 NH 3 ) 2 PbBr x Cl 4- x (0 < x < 4) obtained from the phenethylammonium cation. Unlike the reported WHPs including (C 6 H 5 C 2 H 4 NH 3 ) 2 PbCl 4 , the mixed-halide perovskites display morphology-dependent white emission for the different extents of self-absorption. Additionally, the amount of Br has a huge influence on the photophysical properties of mixed-halide WHPs. With the increasing content of Br, the quantum yields of WHPs increase gradually from 0.2 to 16.9%, accompanied by tunable color temperatures ranging from 4000 K ("warm" white light) to 7000 K ("cold" white light). When applied to the WLEDs, the mixed-halide perovskite powders exhibit tunable white electroluminescent emission with very high CRI of 87-91.

Fiber-based tunable repetition rate source for deep tissue two-photon fluorescence microscopy

PubMed Central

Charan, Kriti; Li, Bo; Wang, Mengran; Lin, Charles P.; Xu, Chris

2018-01-01

Deep tissue multiphoton imaging requires high peak power to enhance signal and low average power to prevent thermal damage. Both goals can be advantageously achieved through laser repetition rate tuning instead of simply adjusting the average power. We show that the ideal repetition rate for deep two-photon imaging in the mouse brain is between 1 and 10 MHz, and we present a fiber-based source with an arbitrarily tunable repetition rate within this range. The performance of the new source is compared to a mode-locked Ti:Sapphire (Ti:S) laser for in vivo imaging of mouse brain vasculature. At 2.5 MHz, the fiber source requires 5.1 times less average power to obtain the same signal as a standard Ti:S laser operating at 80 MHz. PMID:29760989

Carriers for the Tunable Release of Therapeutics: Etymological Classification and Examples

PubMed Central

Uskoković, Vuk; Ghosh, Shreya

2016-01-01

Introduction Physiological processes at the molecular level take place at precise spatiotemporal scales, which vary from tissue to tissue and from one patient to another, implying the need for the carriers that enable tunable release of therapeutics. Areas Covered Classification of all drug release to intrinsic and extrinsic is proposed, followed by the etymological clarification of the term “tunable” and its distinction from the term “tailorable”. Tunability is defined as analogous to tuning a guitar string or a radio receiver to the right frequency using a single knob. It implies changing a structural parameter along a continuous quantitative scale and correlating it numerically with the release kinetics. Examples of tunable, tailorable and environmentally responsive carriers are given, along with the parameters used to achieve these levels of control. Expert Opinion Interdependence of multiple variables defining the carrier microstructure obstructs the attempts to elucidate parameters that allow for the independent tuning of release kinetics. Learning from the tunability of nanostructured materials and superstructured metamaterials can be a fruitful source of inspiration in the quest for the new generation of tunable release carriers. The greater intersection of traditional materials sciences and pharmacokinetic perspectives could foster the development of more sophisticated mechanisms for tunable release. PMID:27322661

Tunable Soft X-Ray Oscillators

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

Wurtele, Jonathan; Gandhi, Punut; Gu, X-W

A concept for a tunable soft x-ray free electron laser (FEL) photon source is presented and studied numerically. The concept is based on echo-enabled harmonic generation (EEHG), wherein two modulator-chicane sections impose high harmonic structure with much greater efficacy as compared to conventional high harmonic FELs that use only one modulator-chicane section. The idea proposed here is to replace the external laser power sources in the EEHG modulators with FEL oscillators, and to combine the bunching of the beam with the production of radiation. Tunability is accomplished by adjusting the magnetic chicanes while the two oscillators remain at a fixedmore » frequency. This scheme eliminates the need to develop coherent sources with the requisite power, pulse length, and stability requirements by exploiting the MHz bunch repetition rates of FEL continuous wave (CW) sources driven by superconducting (SC) linacs. We present time-dependent GINGER simulation results for an EEHG scheme with an oscillator modulator at 43 nm employing 50percent reflective dielectric mirrors and a second modulator employing an external, 215-nm drive laser. Peak output of order 300 MW is obtained at 2.7 nm, corresponding to the 80th harmonic of 215 nm. An alternative single-cavity echo-oscillator scheme based on a 13.4 nm oscillator is investigated with time-independent simulations that a 180-MW peak power at final wavelength of 1.12 nm. Three alternate configurations that use separate bunches to produce the radiation for EEHG microbunching are also presented. Our results show that oscillator-based soft x-ray FELs driven by CWSC linacs are extremely attractive because of their potential to produce tunable radiation at high average power together with excellent longitudinal coherence and narrow spectral bandwidth.« less

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

None, None

The GATEWAY program evaluated a trial installation of tunable-white LED lighting systems in three classrooms in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in Carrollton, TX. The report provides valuable insights into the use of this technology in a real-world setting.

Photodetachment of electrons from amide and arsenide ions - The electron affinities of NH2., and AsH2.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smyth, K. C.; Brauman, J. I.

1972-01-01

The relative cross section for the gas-phase photodetachment of electrons has been determined for NH2(-) in the wavelength region of 1195 to 1695 nm and for AsH2(-) in the region from 620 to 1010 nm. An ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer was used to generate, trap, and detect negative ions. A 1000-W xenon arc lamp with a grating monochromator was used as the light source, except for one series of experiments in which a tunable laser was employed. Single sharp thresholds were observed in both cross sections, and the following electron affinity values were determined: 0.744 (plus or minus 0.022) eV for NH2. and 1.27 (plus or minus 0.03) eV for AsH2.

Self-sustained oscillations in nanoelectromechanical systems induced by Kondo resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Taegeun; Kiselev, Mikhail N.; Kikoin, Konstantin; Shekhter, Robert I.; Gorelik, Leonid Y.

2014-03-01

We investigate the instability and dynamical properties of nanoelectromechanical systems represented by a single-electron device containing movable quantum dots attached to a vibrating cantilever via asymmetric tunnel contacts. The Kondo resonance in electron tunneling between the source and shuttle facilitates self-sustained oscillations originating from the strong coupling of mechanical and electronic/spin degrees of freedom. We analyze a stability diagram for the two-channel Kondo shuttling regime due to limitations given by the electromotive force acting on a moving shuttle, and find that the saturation oscillation amplitude is associated with the retardation effect of the Kondo cloud. The results shed light on possible ways to experimentally realize the Kondo-cloud dynamical probe by using high mechanical dissipation tunability as well as supersensitive detection of mechanical displacement.

Dielectric Yagi-Uda nanoantennas driven by electron-hole plasma photoexcitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, S.; Lepeshov, S.; Savelev, R.; Baranov, D.; Belov, P.; Krasnok, A.

2017-11-01

All-dielectric nanophotonics based on high-index dielectric nanoparticles became a powerful platform for modern light science, providing many fascinating applications, including high-efficient nanoantennas and metamaterials. High-index dielectric nanostructures are of a special interest for nonlinear nanophotonics, where they demonstrate special types of optical nonlinearity, such as electron-hole plasma photoexcitation, which are not inherent to plasmonic nanostructures. Here, we propose a novel type of highly tunable all-dielectric Yagi-Uda nanoantennas, consisting of a chain of Si nanoparticles exciting by an electric dipole source, which allow tuning of their radiating properties via electron-hole plasma photoexcitation. We theoretically and numerically demonstrate the tuning of radiation power patterns and the Purcell effect by additional pumping of several boundary nanoparticles with relatively low peak intensities of fs-laser.

Investigation of the Performance of an Ultralow-Dark-Count Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subashchandran, Shanthi; Okamoto, Ryo; Zhang, Labao; Tanaka, Akira; Okano, Masayuki; Kang, Lin; Chen, Jian; Wu, Peiheng; Takeuchi, Shigeki

2013-10-01

The realization of an ultralow-dark-count rate (DCR) along with the conservation of high detection efficiency (DE) is critical for many applications using single photon detectors in quantum information technologies, material sciences, and biological sensing. For this purpose, a fiber-coupled superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) with a meander-type niobium nitride nanowire (width: 50 nm) is studied. Precise measurements of the bias current dependence of DE are carried out for a wide spectral range (from 500 to 1650 nm in steps of 50 nm) using a white light source and a laser line Bragg tunable band-pass filter. An ultralow DCR (0.0015 cps) and high DE (32%) are simultaneously achieved by the SNSPD at a wavelength of 500 nm.

Characterizing Scitillation and Cherenkov Light Yield in Water-Based Liquid Scintillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Land, B. J.; Caravaca, J.; Descamps, F. B.; Orebi Gann, G. D.

2016-03-01

The recent development of Water-based Liquid Scintillator (WbLS) has made it possible to produce scintillating materials with highly tunable light yields and excellent optical clarity. This allows for a straightforward combination of the directional properties of Cherenkov light with the greater energy resolution afforded by the typically brighter scintillation light, which lends itself well to a broad program of neutrino physics. Here we explore the light yields and optical properties of WbLS materials in development for Theia (formerly ASDC) as measured in our benchtop Theia R&D at Berkeley Lab and extrapolate to larger detectors.

Reflection technique for thermal mapping of semiconductors

DOEpatents

Walter, Martin J.

1989-06-20

Semiconductors may be optically tested for their temperatures by illuminating them with tunable monochromatic electromagnetic radiation and observing the light reflected off of them. A transition point will occur when the wavelength of the light corresponds with the actual band gap energy of the semiconductor. At the transition point, the image of the semiconductor will appreciably darken as the light is transmitted through it, rather than being reflected off of it. The wavelength of the light at the transition point corresponds to the actual band gap energy and the actual temperature of the semiconductor.

Tunable thin-film optical filters for hyperspectral microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Favreau, Peter F.; Rich, Thomas C.; Prabhat, Prashant; Leavesley, Silas J.

2013-02-01

Hyperspectral imaging was originally developed for use in remote sensing applications. More recently, it has been applied to biological imaging systems, such as fluorescence microscopes. The ability to distinguish molecules based on spectral differences has been especially advantageous for identifying fluorophores in highly autofluorescent tissues. A key component of hyperspectral imaging systems is wavelength filtering. Each filtering technology used for hyperspectral imaging has corresponding advantages and disadvantages. Recently, a new optical filtering technology has been developed that uses multi-layered thin-film optical filters that can be rotated, with respect to incident light, to control the center wavelength of the pass-band. Compared to the majority of tunable filter technologies, these filters have superior optical performance including greater than 90% transmission, steep spectral edges and high out-of-band blocking. Hence, tunable thin-film optical filters present optical characteristics that may make them well-suited for many biological spectral imaging applications. An array of tunable thin-film filters was implemented on an inverted fluorescence microscope (TE 2000, Nikon Instruments) to cover the full visible wavelength range. Images of a previously published model, GFP-expressing endothelial cells in the lung, were acquired using a charge-coupled device camera (Rolera EM-C2, Q-Imaging). This model sample presents fluorescently-labeled cells in a highly autofluorescent environment. Linear unmixing of hyperspectral images indicates that thin-film tunable filters provide equivalent spectral discrimination to our previous acousto-optic tunable filter-based approach, with increased signal-to-noise characteristics. Hence, tunable multi-layered thin film optical filters may provide greatly improved spectral filtering characteristics and therefore enable wider acceptance of hyperspectral widefield microscopy.

Context-aware tunable office lighting application and user response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Nancy H.; Nawyn, Jason; Thompson, Maria; Gibbs, Julie; Larson, Kent

2013-09-01

LED light sources having multiple independently controllable color channels allow tuning of both the intensity and color output. Consequently, highly tailored lighting can be applied according to instantaneous user needs and preferences. Besides improving lighting performance, energy use can also be reduced since the brightest illumination is applied only when necessary. In an example application, low activity or vacant areas of a multi-zone office are lit by low power illumination, including colored light options, which can reduce energy consumption to 20-45% of typical full-time, fullbrightness, office-wide illumination. The availability of color also allows communication functions and additional aesthetic design possibilities. To reduce user burden in frequent switching between various illumination settings, an activity recognition sensor network is used to identify selected office activities. The illumination is then adjusted automatically to satisfy the needs of the occupants. A handheld mobile device provides an interactive interface for gathering user feedback regarding impressions and illumination preferences. The activity-triggered queries collect contemporaneous feedback that reduces reliance on memory; immediate previews of illumination options are also provided. Through mobile queries and post-experience interviews, user feedback was gathered regarding automation, colored lighting, and illumination preferences. Overall reaction was indicated by a range of response words such as fun, stimulating, very cool, very pleasant, enjoyed, good, comfortable, satisfactory, fine, energy saving, interesting, curious, dim, cave, isolated, distracting, and unfamiliar. Positive reaction from a meaningful, though not universal, fraction of users indicates reasonable application potential, particularly as personal preferences and control are accommodated.

Health-friendly high-quality white light using violet-green-red laser and InGaN nanowires-based true yellow nanowires light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janjua, Bilal; Ng, Tien K.; Zhao, Chao; Anjum, Dalaver H.; Prabaswara, Aditya; Consiglio, Giuseppe Bernardo; Shen, Chao; Ooi, Boon S.

2017-02-01

White light based on blue laser - YAG: Ce3+ phosphor has the advantage of implementing solid-state lighting and optical wireless communications combined-functionalities in a single lamp. However, the blue light was found to disrupt melatonin production, and therefore the human circadian rhythm in general; while the yellow phosphor is susceptible to degradation by laser irradiation and also lack tunability in color rendering index (CRI). In this investigation, by using a violet laser, which has 50% less impact on circadian response, as compared to blue light, and an InGaN-quantum-disks nanowires-based light-emitting diode (NWs-LED), we address both issues simultaneously. The white light is therefore generated using violet-green-red lasers, in conjunction with a yellow NWs-LED realized using molecular beam epitaxy technique, on titanium-coated silicon substrates. Unlike the conventional quantum-well-based LED, the NWs-LED showed efficiency-droop free behavior up to 9.8 A/cm2 with peak output power of 400 μW. A low turn-on voltage of 2.1 V was attributed to the formation of conducting titanium nitride layer at NWs nucleation site and improved fabrication process in the presence of relatively uniform height distribution. The 3D quantum confinement and the reduced band bending improve carriers-wavefunctions overlap, resulting in an IQE of 39 %. By changing the relative intensities of the individual color components, CRI of >85 was achieved with tunable correlated color temperature (CCT), thus covering the desired room lighting conditions. Our architecture provides important considerations in designing smart solid-state lighting while addressing the harmful effect of blue light.

Method and apparatus for varying accelerator beam output energy

DOEpatents

Young, Lloyd M.

1998-01-01

A coupled cavity accelerator (CCA) accelerates a charged particle beam with rf energy from a rf source. An input accelerating cavity receives the charged particle beam and an output accelerating cavity outputs the charged particle beam at an increased energy. Intermediate accelerating cavities connect the input and the output accelerating cavities to accelerate the charged particle beam. A plurality of tunable coupling cavities are arranged so that each one of the tunable coupling cavities respectively connect an adjacent pair of the input, output, and intermediate accelerating cavities to transfer the rf energy along the accelerating cavities. An output tunable coupling cavity can be detuned to variably change the phase of the rf energy reflected from the output coupling cavity so that regions of the accelerator can be selectively turned off when one of the intermediate tunable coupling cavities is also detuned.

Light-Induced Capacitance Tunability in Ferroelectric Crystals.

PubMed

Páez-Margarit, David; Rubio-Marcos, Fernando; Ochoa, Diego A; Del Campo, Adolfo; Fernández, José F; García, José E

2018-06-25

The remote controlling of ferroic properties with light is nowadays a hot and highly appealing topic in materials science. Here, we shed light on some of the unresolved issues surrounding light-matter coupling in ferroelectrics. Our findings show that the capacitance and, consequently, its related intrinsic material property, i.e., the dielectric constant, can be reversibly adjusted through the light power control. High photodielectric performance is exhibited across a wide range of the visible light wavelength because of the wavelength-independence of the phenomenon. We have verified that this counterintuitive behavior can be strongly ascribed to the existence of "locally free charges" at domain wall.

Tunable optical analog to electromagnetically induced transparency in graphene-ring resonators system

PubMed Central

Wang, Yonghua; Xue, Chenyang; Zhang, Zengxing; Zheng, Hua; Zhang, Wendong; Yan, Shubin

2016-01-01

The analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency in optical ways has shown great potential in optical delay and quantum-information technology due to its flexible design and easy implementation. The chief drawback for these devices is the bad tunability. Here we demonstrate a tunable optical transparency system formed by graphene-silicon microrings which could control the transparent window by electro-optical means. The device consists of cascaded coupled ring resonators and a graphene/graphene capacitor which integrated on one of the rings. By tuning the Fermi level of the graphene sheets, we can modulate the round-trip ring loss so that the transparency window can be dynamically tuned. The results provide a new method for the manipulation and transmission of light in highly integrated optical circuits and quantum information storage devices. PMID:27941895

Electric Switching of Fluorescence Decay in Gold-Silica-Dye Nematic Nanocolloids Mediated by Surface Plasmons.

PubMed

Jiang, Li; Mundoor, Haridas; Liu, Qingkun; Smalyukh, Ivan I

2016-07-26

Tunable composite materials with interesting physical behavior can be designed through integrating unique optical properties of solid nanostructures with facile responses of soft matter to weak external stimuli, but this approach remains challenged by their poorly controlled coassembly at the mesoscale. Using scalable wet chemical synthesis procedures, we fabricated anisotropic gold-silica-dye colloidal nanostructures and then organized them into the device-scale (demonstrated for square-inch cells) electrically tunable composites by simultaneously invoking molecular and colloidal self-assembly. We show that the ensuing ordered colloidal dispersions of shape-anisotropic nanostructures exhibit tunable fluorescence decay rates and intensity. We characterize how these properties depend on low-voltage fields and polarization of both the excitation and emission light, demonstrating a great potential for the practical realization of an interesting breed of nanostructured composite materials.

Frequency-agile electromagnetically induced transparency analogue in terahertz metamaterials.

PubMed

Xu, Quan; Su, Xiaoqiang; Ouyang, Chunmei; Xu, Ningning; Cao, Wei; Zhang, Yuping; Li, Quan; Hu, Cong; Gu, Jianqiang; Tian, Zhen; Azad, Abul K; Han, Jiaguang; Zhang, Weili

2016-10-01

Recently reported active metamaterial analogues of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) are promising in developing novel optical components, such as active slow light devices. However, most of the previous works have focused on manipulating the EIT resonance strength at a fixed characteristic frequency and, therefore, realized on-to-off switching responses. To further extend the functionalities of the EIT effect, here we present a frequency tunable EIT analogue in the terahertz regime by integrating photoactive silicon into the metamaterial unit cell. A tuning range from 0.82 to 0.74 THz for the EIT resonance frequency is experimentally observed by optical pump-terahertz probe measurements, allowing a frequency tunable group delay of the terahertz pulses. This straightforward approach delivers frequency agility of the EIT resonance and may enable novel ultrafast tunable devices for integrated plasmonic circuits.

Tunable radio-frequency photonic filter based on an actively mode-locked fiber laser.

PubMed

Ortigosa-Blanch, A; Mora, J; Capmany, J; Ortega, B; Pastor, D

2006-03-15

We propose the use of an actively mode-locked fiber laser as a multitap optical source for a microwave photonic filter. The fiber laser provides multiple optical taps with an optical frequency separation equal to the external driving radio-frequency signal of the laser that governs its repetition rate. All the optical taps show equal polarization and an overall Gaussian apodization, which reduces the sidelobes. We demonstrate continuous tunability of the filter by changing the external driving radio-frequency signal of the laser, which shows good fine tunability in the operating range of the laser from 5 to 10 GHz.

Wavelength-tunable Q-switched Raman fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Jun; Xu, Jiangming; Zhang, Hanwei; Wu, Jian; Zhou, Pu

2018-03-01

In this presentation, a wavelength-tunable Q-switched Raman fiber laser is presented for the first time, which has a backward pumped configuration, including a section of 3 km passive fiber, a homemade tunable pump source and a highly reflective fiber loop mirror. The output wavelength of the Raman fiber laser can be tuned continuously with ~44 nm range via adjusting the pump wavelength. By inserting an acoustic-optical modulator, the Q-value of the cavity can be switched between high and low level. As a result, pulsed output with a repetition rate of 500 kHz and duration time of 60-80 ns is achieved.

Stimulated polariton scattering in an intracavity RbTiOPO₄ crystal generating frequency-tunable THz output.

PubMed

Ortega, Tiago A; Pask, Helen M; Spence, David J; Lee, Andrew J

2016-05-16

A high power, frequency-tunable THz source based on intracavity stimulated polariton scattering (SPS) in RbTiOPO₄ (RTP) is demonstrated for the first time. Frequency tunable THz output was obtained from 3.10 to 4.15 THz, with a gap at 3.17 to 3.49 THz, arising from the 104 cm^-1 A₁ mode in RTP. A maximum average output power of 16.2 µW was detected at 3.8 THz. This is the highest average output power ever reported for an intracavity polariton laser.

Femtosecond soliton source with fast and broad spectral tunability.

PubMed

Masip, Martin E; Rieznik, A A; König, Pablo G; Grosz, Diego F; Bragas, Andrea V; Martinez, Oscar E

2009-03-15

We present a complete set of measurements and numerical simulations of a femtosecond soliton source with fast and broad spectral tunability and nearly constant pulse width and average power. Solitons generated in a photonic crystal fiber, at the low-power coupling regime, can be tuned in a broad range of wavelengths, from 850 to 1200 nm using the input power as the control parameter. These solitons keep almost constant time duration (approximately 40 fs) and spectral widths (approximately 20 nm) over the entire measured spectra regardless of input power. Our numerical simulations agree well with measurements and predict a wide working wavelength range and robustness to input parameters.

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

None

Summary of GATEWAY report evaluating a trial installation of tunable-white LED lighting systems in three classrooms in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in Carrollton, TX. The report provides valuable insights into the use of this technology in a real-world setting.

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.

Two-dimensionally grown single-crystal silicon nanosheets with tunable visible-light emissions.

PubMed

Kim, Sung Wook; Lee, Jaejun; Sung, Ji Ho; Seo, Dong-jae; Kim, Ilsoo; Jo, Moon-Ho; Kwon, Byoung Wook; Choi, Won Kook; Choi, Heon-Jin

2014-07-22

Since the discovery of graphene, growth of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials has greatly attracted attention. However, spontaneous growth of atomic two-dimensional (2D) materials is limitedly permitted for several layered-structure crystals, such as graphene, MoS2, and h-BN, and otherwise it is notoriously difficult. Here we report the gas-phase 2D growth of silicon (Si), that is cubic in symmetry, via dendritic growth and an interdendritic filling mechanism and to form Si nanosheets (SiNSs) of 1 to 13 nm in thickness. Thin SiNSs show strong thickness-dependent photoluminescence in visible range including red, green, and blue (RGB) emissions with the associated band gap energies ranging from 1.6 to 3.2 eV; these emission energies were greater than those from Si quantum dots (SiQDs) of the similar sizes. We also demonstrated that electrically driven white, as well as blue, emission in a conventional organic light-emitting diode (OLED) geometry with the SiNS assembly as the active emitting layers. Tunable light emissions in visible range in our observations suggest practical implications for novel 2D Si nanophotonics.

Tunable broadband near-infrared absorber based on ultrathin phase-change material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Er-Tao; Gu, Tong; Guo, Shuai; Zang, Kai-Yan; Tu, Hua-Tian; Yu, Ke-Han; Wei, Wei; Zheng, Yu-Xiang; Wang, Song-You; Zhang, Rong-Jun; Lee, Young-Pak; Chen, Liang-Yao

2017-11-01

In this work, a tunable broadband near-infrared light absorber was designed and fabricated with a simple and lithography free approach by introducing an ultrathin phase-change material Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) layer into the metal-dielectric multilayered film structure with the structure parameters as that: SiO2 (72.7 nm)/Ge2Sb2Te5 (6.0 nm)/SiO2 (70.2 nm)/Cu (>100.0 nm). The film structure exhibits a modulation depth of ∼72.6% and an extinction ratio of ∼8.8 dB at the wavelength of 1410 nm. The high light absorption (95%) of the proposed film structure at the wavelength of 450 nm in both of the amorphous and crystalline phase of GST, indicates that the intensity of the reflectance in the infrared region can be rapidly tuned by the blue laser pulses. The proposed planar layered film structure with layer thickness as the only controllable parameter and large reflectivity tuning range shows the potential for practical applications in near-infrared light modulation and absorption.

Emitting color tunable carbon dots by adjusting solvent towards light-emitting devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jinyang; Bai, Xue; Bai, Jialin; Pan, Gencai; Zhu, Yongsheng; Zhai, Yue; Shao, He; Chen, Xu; Dong, Biao; Zhang, Hanzhuang; Song, Hongwei

2018-02-01

Carbon dots (CDs), one of the most significant classes of carbon-based nanophosphors, have attracted extensive attention in recent years. However, few attempts have been reported for realizing CDs with tunable emissions, especially for obtaining the red-light emissions with high photoluminescence quantum yields. Herein, we synthesized CDs with different chromatic blue, green and red emissions by facilely changing the reaction solvent during hydrothermal conditions. The photoluminescence quantum yields of 34%, 19% and 47% for the blue, green and red emissions, respectively, were achieved. Furthermore, the solid-state CD/PVA composite films were constructed through mixing the CDs with PVA polymer, in which the self-quenching of photoluminescence of CDs had been successfully avoided benefiting from the formation of hydrogen bonds between the CDs and PVA molecules. Finally, the warm white light emitting diode (WLED) was fabricated by integrating CD/PVA film on a UV-LED chip. The WLED exhibited the Commission International de l’Eclairage coordinates (CIE) of (0.38, 0.34), correlated color temperature of 3913 K and color rendering index of 91, respectively, which were comparable with the commercial WLEDs.

Dual spectra band emissive Eu2+/Mn2+ co-activated alkaline earth phosphates for indoor plant growth novel phosphor converted-LEDs.

PubMed

Yun, Young Jun; Kim, Jin Kyu; Ju, Ji Young; Choi, Seul Ki; Park, Woon Ik; Suh, Jae Yong; Jung, Ha-Kyun; Kim, Yongseon; Choi, Sungho

2017-05-10

This paper reports designing a novel single composition blue/red color illuminating phosphor followed by fabricating "smart" agricultural/horticultural LED lighting. Color-tunable Eu 2+ /Mn 2+ co-activated alkaline earth phosphates, Na(Sr,Ba)PO 4 and Ca 3 Mg 3 (PO 4 ) 4 , are considered, and the stable doping sites for the corresponding activators are identified by using first-principle DFT calculations. We can realize the designated color purity with stable thermal quenching preserved luminescence behavior is induced by the Eu 2+ center positioned at different coordination states with intermixed Sr 2+ /Ba 2+ sites in Na(Sr,Ba)PO 4 hosts. Moreover, we demonstrate that the resultant LED lighting adopting the proposed novel phosphor composition stimulates the enhanced photosynthesis reaction for indoor hydroponics plants, such as oats and onions, which is superior to the narrow line emission band induced by the mixture of conventional red/green/blue LEDs. Thus, using the color-tunable single composition luminescent material may produce an innovative energy-efficient artificial lighting for indoor plant growth.

Bi1−xLaxCuSeO as New Tunable Full Solar Light Active Photocatalysts

PubMed Central

Wang, Huanchun; Li, Shun; Liu, Yaochun; Ding, Jinxuan; Lin, Yuan-Hua; Xu, Haomin; Xu, Ben; Nan, Ce-Wen

2016-01-01

Photocatalysis is attracting enormous interest driven by the great promise of addressing current energy and environmental crises by converting solar light directly into chemical energy. However, efficiently harvesting solar energy for photocatalysis remains a pressing challenge, and the charge kinetics and mechanism of the photocatalytic process is far from being well understood. Here we report a new full solar spectrum driven photocatalyst in the system of a layered oxyselenide BiCuSeO with good photocatalytic activity for degradation of organic pollutants and chemical stability under light irradiation, and the photocatalytic performance of BiCuSeO can be further improved by band gap engineering with introduction of La. Our measurements and density-functional-theory calculations reveal that the effective mass and mobility of the carriers in BiCuSeO can be tuned by the La-doping, which are responsible for the tunable photocatalytic activity. Our findings may offer new perspectives for understanding the mechanism of photocatalysis through modulating the charge mobility and the effective mass of carriers and provide a guidance for designing efficient photocatalyts. PMID:27095046

Quantum dots in imaging, drug delivery and sensor applications

PubMed Central

Matea, Cristian T; Mocan, Teodora; Tabaran, Flaviu; Pop, Teodora; Mosteanu, Ofelia; Puia, Cosmin; Iancu, Cornel; Mocan, Lucian

2017-01-01

Quantum dots (QDs), also known as nanoscale semiconductor crystals, are nanoparticles with unique optical and electronic properties such as bright and intensive fluorescence. Since most conventional organic label dyes do not offer the near-infrared (>650 nm) emission possibility, QDs, with their tunable optical properties, have gained a lot of interest. They possess characteristics such as good chemical and photo-stability, high quantum yield and size-tunable light emission. Different types of QDs can be excited with the same light wavelength, and their narrow emission bands can be detected simultaneously for multiple assays. There is an increasing interest in the development of nano-theranostics platforms for simultaneous sensing, imaging and therapy. QDs have great potential for such applications, with notable results already published in the fields of sensors, drug delivery and biomedical imaging. This review summarizes the latest developments available in literature regarding the use of QDs for medical applications. PMID:28814860