Experimental demonstration of remote, passive acousto-optic sensing.

PubMed

Antonelli, Lynn; Blackmon, Fletcher

2004-12-01

Passively detecting underwater sound from the air can allow aircraft and surface vessels to monitor the underwater acoustic environment. Experimental research into an optical hydrophone is being conducted for remote, aerial detection of underwater sound. A laser beam is directed onto the water surface to measure the velocity of the vibrations occurring as the underwater acoustic signal reaches the water surface. The acoustically generated surface vibrations modulate the phase of the laser beam. Sound detection occurs when the laser is reflected back towards the sensor. Therefore, laser alignment on the specularly reflecting water surface is critical. As the water surface moves, the laser beam is reflected away from the photodetector and no signal is obtained. One option to mitigate this problem is to continually steer the laser onto a spot on the water surface that provides a direct back-reflection. Results are presented from a laboratory test that investigates the feasibility of the acousto-optic sensor detection on hydrostatic and hydrodynamic surfaces using a laser Doppler vibrometer in combination with a laser-based, surface normal glint tracker for remotely detecting underwater sound. This paper outlines the acousto-optic sensor and tracker concepts and presents experimental results comparing sensor operation under various sea surface conditions.

[The underwater and airborne horizontal localization of sound by the northern fur seal].

PubMed

Babushina, E S; Poliakov, M A

2004-01-01

The accuracy of the underwater and airborne horizontal localization of different acoustic signals by the northern fur seal was investigated by the method of instrumental conditioned reflexes with food reinforcement. For pure-tone pulsed signals in the frequency range of 0.5-25 kHz the minimum angles of sound localization at 75% of correct responses corresponded to sound transducer azimuth of 6.5-7.5 degrees +/- 0.1-0.4 degrees underwater (at impulse duration of 3-90 ms) and of 3.5-5.5 degrees +/- 0.05-0.5 degrees in air (at impulse duration of 3-160 ms). The source of pulsed noise signals (of 3-ms duration) was localized with the accuracy of 3.0 degrees +/- 0.2 degrees underwater. The source of continuous (of 1-s duration) narrow band (10% of c.fr.) noise signals was localized in air with the accuracy of 2-5 degrees +/- 0.02-0.4 degrees and of continuous broad band (1-20 kHz) noise, with the accuracy of 4.5 degrees +/- 0.2 degrees.

Study of opto-acoustic communication between air and underwater carrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zong, Si-Guang; Liu, Tao; Cao, Jing; He, Qi-Yi

2018-02-01

How to solve the communication problem to the underwater target has turned into one of the subjects that the militarists of all over the world commonly concern. Laser-induced acoustic signal is a new approach for underwater acoustic source, which has much virtue such as high intensity, short pulse and broad frequency. The paper studies the opto-acoustic communication method. The acoustic signal characteristic of laser-induced breakdown is studied and corresponding theory model is systemically analyzed. The opto-acoustic communication experimental measure investigation is formed with the high power laser, water tank and high frequency hydrophone. The characteristic of acoustic signal is analyzed, such as intensity and frequency. This makes a stride for pursing the feasibility of laser-acoustic underwater communication.

Underwater Turbulence Detection Using Gated Wavefront Sensing Technique

PubMed Central

Bi, Ying; Xu, Xiping; Chow, Eddy Mun Tik

2018-01-01

Laser sensing has been applied in various underwater applications, ranging from underwater detection to laser underwater communications. However, there are several great challenges when profiling underwater turbulence effects. Underwater detection is greatly affected by the turbulence effect, where the acquired image suffers excessive noise, blurring, and deformation. In this paper, we propose a novel underwater turbulence detection method based on a gated wavefront sensing technique. First, we elaborate on the operating principle of gated wavefront sensing and wavefront reconstruction. We then setup an experimental system in order to validate the feasibility of our proposed method. The effect of underwater turbulence on detection is examined at different distances, and under different turbulence levels. The experimental results obtained from our gated wavefront sensing system indicate that underwater turbulence can be detected and analyzed. The proposed gated wavefront sensing system has the advantage of a simple structure and high detection efficiency for underwater environments. PMID:29518889

Impacts of Underwater Noise on Marine Vertebrates: Project Introduction and First Results.

PubMed

Liebschner, Alexander; Seibel, Henrike; Teilmann, Jonas; Wittekind, Dietrich; Parmentier, Eric; Dähne, Michael; Dietz, Rune; Driver, Jörg; van Elk, Cornelis; Everaarts, Eligius; Findeisen, Henning; Kristensen, Jacob; Lehnert, Kristina; Lucke, Klaus; Merck, Thomas; Müller, Sabine; Pawliczka, Iwona; Ronnenberg, Katrin; Rosenberger, Tanja; Ruser, Andreas; Tougaard, Jakob; Schuster, Max; Sundermeyer, Janne; Sveegaard, Signe; Siebert, Ursula

2016-01-01

The project conducts application-oriented research on impacts of underwater noise on marine vertebrates in the North and Baltic Seas. In distinct subprojects, the hearing sensitivity of harbor porpoises and gray seals as well as the acoustic tolerance limit of harbor porpoises to impulsive noise from pile driving and stress reactions caused by anthropogenic noise is investigated. Animals are equipped with DTAGs capable of recording the actual surrounding noise field of free-swimming harbor porpoises and seals. Acoustic noise mapping including porpoise detectors in the Natura 2000 sites of the North and Baltic Seas will help to fully understand current noise impacts.

Assessment of laser tracking and data transfer for underwater optical communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2014-10-01

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

Masking in three pinnipeds: underwater, low-frequency critical ratios.

PubMed

Southall, B L; Schusterman, R J; Kastak, D

2000-09-01

Behavioral techniques were used to determine underwater masked hearing thresholds for a northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), and a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Octave-band white noise maskers were centered at five test frequencies ranging from 200 to 2500 Hz; a slightly wider noise band was used for testing at 100 Hz. Critical ratios were calculated at one masking noise level for each test frequency. Above 200 Hz, critical ratios increased with frequency. This pattern is similar to that observed in most animals tested, and indicates that these pinnipeds lack specializations for detecting low-frequency tonal sounds in noise. However, the individual pinnipeds in this study, particularly the northern elephant seal, detected signals at relatively low signal-to-noise ratios. These results provide a means of estimating zones of auditory masking for pinnipeds exposed to anthropogenic noise sources.

Underwater hearing sensitivity of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) for narrow noise bands between 0.2 and 80 kHz.

PubMed

Kastelein, Ronald A; Wensveen, Paul; Hoek, Lean; Terhune, John M

2009-07-01

The underwater hearing sensitivities of two 1.5-year-old female harbor seals were quantified in a quiet pool built specifically for acoustic research, by using a behavioral psychoacoustic technique. The animals were trained to respond when they detected an acoustic signal and not to respond when they did not ("go/no-go" response). Fourteen narrowband noise signals (1/3-octave bands but with some energy in adjacent bands), at 1/3-octave center frequencies of 0.2-80 kHz, and of 900 ms duration, were tested. Thresholds at each frequency were measured using the up-down staircase method and defined as the stimulus level resulting in a 50% detection rate. Between 0.5 and 40 kHz, the thresholds corresponded to a 1/3-octave band noise level of approximately 60 dB re 1 microPa (SD+/-3.0 dB). At lower frequencies, the thresholds increased to 66 dB re 1 microPa and at 80 kHz the thresholds rose to 114 dB re 1 microPa. The 1/3-octave noise band thresholds of the two seals did not differ from each other, or from the narrowband frequency-modulated tone thresholds at the same frequencies obtained a few months before for the same animals. These hearing threshold values can be used to calculate detection ranges of underwater calls and anthropogenic noises by harbor seals.

OPTICAL correlation identification technology applied in underwater laser imaging target identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Guang-tao; Zhang, Xiao-hui; Ge, Wei-long

2012-01-01

The underwater laser imaging detection is an effective method of detecting short distance target underwater as an important complement of sonar detection. With the development of underwater laser imaging technology and underwater vehicle technology, the underwater automatic target identification has gotten more and more attention, and is a research difficulty in the area of underwater optical imaging information processing. Today, underwater automatic target identification based on optical imaging is usually realized with the method of digital circuit software programming. The algorithm realization and control of this method is very flexible. However, the optical imaging information is 2D image even 3D image, the amount of imaging processing information is abundant, so the electronic hardware with pure digital algorithm will need long identification time and is hard to meet the demands of real-time identification. If adopt computer parallel processing, the identification speed can be improved, but it will increase complexity, size and power consumption. This paper attempts to apply optical correlation identification technology to realize underwater automatic target identification. The optics correlation identification technology utilizes the Fourier transform characteristic of Fourier lens which can accomplish Fourier transform of image information in the level of nanosecond, and optical space interconnection calculation has the features of parallel, high speed, large capacity and high resolution, combines the flexibility of calculation and control of digital circuit method to realize optoelectronic hybrid identification mode. We reduce theoretical formulation of correlation identification and analyze the principle of optical correlation identification, and write MATLAB simulation program. We adopt single frame image obtained in underwater range gating laser imaging to identify, and through identifying and locating the different positions of target, we can improve the speed and orientation efficiency of target identification effectively, and validate the feasibility of this method primarily.

10 CFR 171.16 - Annual fees: Materials licensees, holders of certificates of compliance, holders of sealed source...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... Licenses for possession and use of byproduct material in sealed sources for irradiation of materials in... sources for irradiation of materials in which the source is exposed for irradiation purposes. This category also includes underwater irradiators for irradiation of materials in which the source is not...

Research on the optoacoustic communication system for speech transmission by variable laser-pulse repetition rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Hongyan; Qiu, Hongbing; He, Ning; Liao, Xin

2018-06-01

For the optoacoustic communication from in-air platforms to submerged apparatus, a method based on speech recognition and variable laser-pulse repetition rates is proposed, which realizes character encoding and transmission for speech. Firstly, the theories and spectrum characteristics of the laser-generated underwater sound are analyzed; and moreover character conversion and encoding for speech as well as the pattern of codes for laser modulation is studied; lastly experiments to verify the system design are carried out. Results show that the optoacoustic system, where laser modulation is controlled by speech-to-character baseband codes, is beneficial to improve flexibility in receiving location for underwater targets as well as real-time performance in information transmission. In the overwater transmitter, a pulse laser is controlled to radiate by speech signals with several repetition rates randomly selected in the range of one to fifty Hz, and then in the underwater receiver laser pulse repetition rate and data can be acquired by the preamble and information codes of the corresponding laser-generated sound. When the energy of the laser pulse is appropriate, real-time transmission for speaker-independent speech can be realized in that way, which solves the problem of underwater bandwidth resource and provides a technical approach for the air-sea communication.

Inspecting the inside of underwater hull

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valkovic, Vladivoj; Sudac, Davorin

2009-05-01

In order to demonstrate the possibility of identifying the material within ship's underwater hull, sunken ships and other objects on the sea floor tests with the 14 MeV sealed tube neutron generator incorporated inside a small submarine submerged in the test basin filled with sea water have been performed. Results obtained for inspection of diesel fuel and explosive presence behind single and double hull constructions are presented.

Underwater noise from three types of offshore wind turbines: estimation of impact zones for harbor porpoises and harbor seals.

PubMed

Tougaard, Jakob; Henriksen, Oluf Damsgaard; Miller, Lee A

2009-06-01

Underwater noise was recorded from three different types of wind turbines in Denmark and Sweden (Middelgrunden, Vindeby, and Bockstigen-Valar) during normal operation. Wind turbine noise was only measurable above ambient noise at frequencies below 500 Hz. Total sound pressure level was in the range 109-127 dB re 1 microPa rms, measured at distances between 14 and 20 m from the foundations. The 1/3-octave noise levels were compared with audiograms of harbor seals and harbor porpoises. Maximum 1/3-octave levels were in the range 106-126 dB re 1 microPa rms. Maximum range of audibility was estimated under two extreme assumptions on transmission loss (3 and 9 dB per doubling of distance, respectively). Audibility was low for harbor porpoises extending 20-70 m from the foundation, whereas audibility for harbor seals ranged from less than 100 m to several kilometers. Behavioral reactions of porpoises to the noise appear unlikely except if they are very close to the foundations. However, behavioral reactions from seals cannot be excluded up to distances of a few hundred meters. It is unlikely that the noise reaches dangerous levels at any distance from the turbines and the noise is considered incapable of masking acoustic communication by seals and porpoises.

[Water-cooled laser sealing of lung tissue in an ex-vivo ventilated porcine lung model].

PubMed

Tonoyan, T; Prisadov, G; Menges, P; Herrmann, K; Bobrov, P; Linder, A

2014-06-01

Laser resections of lung metastases are followed by air leaks from the parenchymal defect. Large surfaces after metastasectomy are closed by sutures or sealants while smaller areas are frequently sealed thermally by cautery or laser. In this study two different techniques of thermal sealing of lung tissue with laser light are investigated. Carbonisation of lung tissue during thermal sealing appears at temperatures higher than 180 °C. Hypothetically this is contraproductive to haemo- as well as to pneumostasis. In this experimental study thermal laser sealing with and without carbonisation is investigated. In one series tissue temperatures higher than 100 °C are avoided by water dropping from the tip of the light guide onto the parenchymal leak. In the other series carbonisation appeared because the laser light was applied in the non-contact mode without tissue cooling. The characteristics of the laser were 40 W, 1350 nm continuous mode. Air leaks (Vt) were measured with a simple and fast technique with high precision. The sealing effect of either series was defined as S = (1-Vt/V0) and the difference of S was statistically examined. The basic values V0 before sealing were about the same in both series. The air leaks Vt after 15, 30 and 45 s of sealing varied significantly in both series (p = 0.03). During simultaneous cooling the sealing effect was increasing with the duration of laser application, while it became worse in the series without cooling. Histological examination of the sealing zone showed only coagulation of the tissue, while ruptured alveolae could be seen more often in the non-cooled sealing area. It could be shown in the ex-vivo lung model that laser sealing of parenchymal leaks is improved by simultaneous cooling during laser application. Non cooled laser sealing seems to heat up the tissue abruptly and create carbonisation followed by multiple ruptures of alveola and small airways. In accordance with our clinical experience this experimental study confirms that laser sealing for pneumostasis after metastasectomy can be improved by simultaneously cooling the resection area when treated with the laser. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Measurements of optical underwater turbulence under controlled conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanaev, A. V.; Gladysz, S.; Almeida de Sá Barros, R.; Matt, S.; Nootz, G. A.; Josset, D. B.; Hou, W.

2016-05-01

Laser beam propagation underwater is becoming an important research topic because of high demand for its potential applications. Namely, ability to image underwater at long distances is highly desired for scientific and military purposes, including submarine awareness, diver visibility, and mine detection. Optical communication in the ocean can provide covert data transmission with much higher rates than that available with acoustic techniques, and it is now desired for certain military and scientific applications that involve sending large quantities of data. Unfortunately underwater environment presents serious challenges for propagation of laser beams. Even in clean ocean water, the extinction due to absorption and scattering theoretically limit the useful range to few attenuation lengths. However, extending the laser light propagation range to the theoretical limit leads to significant beam distortions due to optical underwater turbulence. Experiments show that the magnitude of the distortions that are caused by water temperature and salinity fluctuations can significantly exceed the magnitude of the beam distortions due to atmospheric turbulence even for relatively short propagation distances. We are presenting direct measurements of optical underwater turbulence in controlled conditions of laboratory water tank using two separate techniques involving wavefront sensor and LED array. These independent approaches will enable development of underwater turbulence power spectrum model based directly on the spatial domain measurements and will lead to accurate predictions of underwater beam propagation.

Sealing glass ampoules with CO2 lasers.

PubMed

Jiao, Junke; Wang, Xinbing; Tang, Wenlong

2008-12-10

Glass ampoules were always sealed by melting in the presence of a flame to create closures. Some poisonous gases were generated in this sealing process that pollute the injection drug and are physically harmful. In this study, CO(2) lasers were proposed for sealing glass ampoules. Because of the clean noncontact sealing process with lasers, there was nearly no pollution of the injection drug. To study in detail the principle of this sealing process, a mathematical model was put forward, and the temperature and the thermal stress field around the ampoule's neck were calculated by ANSYS software. Through experimental study, 1 ml and 5 ml ampoules were sealed successfully by a dual-laser-beam method. The results show that a laser source is an ideal heat source for sealing glass ampoules.

The vocal monotony of monogamy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Jeanette

2003-04-01

There are four phocids in waters around Antarctica: Weddell, leopard, crabeater, and Ross seals. These four species provide a unique opportunity to examine underwater vocal behavior in species sharing the same ecosystem. Some species live in pack ice, others in factice, but all are restricted to the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic islands. All breed and produce vocalizations under water. Social systems range from polygyny in large breeding colonies, to serial monogamy, to solitary species. The type of mating system influences the number of underwater vocalizations in the repertoire, with monogamous seals producing only a single call, polygynous species producing up to 35 calls, and solitary species an intermediate number of about 10 calls. Breeding occurs during the austral spring and each species carves-out an acoustic niche for communicating, with species using different frequency ranges, temporal patterns, and amplitude changes to convey their species-specific calls and presumably reduce acoustic competition. Some species exhibit geographic variations in their vocalizations around the continent, which may reflect discrete breeding populations. Some seals become silent during a vulnerable time of predation by killer whales, perhaps to avoid detection. Overall, vocalizations of these seals exhibit adaptive characteristics that reflect the co-evolution among species in the same ecosystem.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Jionghui; Yao, Wenming; Wen, Linqiang

2015-10-01

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

Near-threshold equal-loudness contours for harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) derived from reaction times during underwater audiometry: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Kastelein, Ronald A; Wensveen, Paul J; Terhune, John M; de Jong, Christ A F

2011-01-01

Equal-loudness functions describe relationships between the frequencies of sounds and their perceived loudness. This pilot study investigated the possibility of deriving equal-loudness contours based on the assumption that sounds of equal perceived loudness elicit equal reaction times (RTs). During a psychoacoustic underwater hearing study, the responses of two young female harbor seals to tonal signals between 0.125 and 100 kHz were filmed. Frame-by-frame analysis was used to quantify RT (the time between the onset of the sound stimulus and the onset of movement of the seal away from the listening station). Near-threshold equal-latency contours, as surrogates for equal-loudness contours, were estimated from RT-level functions fitted to mean RT data. The closer the received sound pressure level was to the 50% detection hearing threshold, the more slowly the animals reacted to the signal (RT range: 188-982 ms). Equal-latency contours were calculated relative to the RTs shown by each seal at sound levels of 0, 10, and 20 dB above the detection threshold at 1 kHz. Fifty percent detection thresholds are obtained with well-trained subjects actively listening for faint familiar sounds. When calculating audibility ranges of sounds for harbor seals in nature, it may be appropriate to consider levels 20 dB above this threshold.

Sealed-off CO2 laser with In-Au alloy sealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iehisa, N.; Fukaya, K.; Karube, N.

1986-02-01

The In-Au alloy sealing was found to satisfy all the requirements imposed on the sealed-off CO2 lasers. The sealing between different materials such as quartz, SUS 303, Si, and ZnSe was shown to withstand the thermal shock test, and gave the He leak rate lower than 1×10-9 atm cc/s both before and after the tests. It was also proved that the transmittance characteristics of dielectric coated output couplers did not change after the sealing. The sealed-off CO2 lasers with La1-xSrxCoO3 perovskite oxide cathodes sealed with this technique produced the operational life of 3000 h at the laser power level of 50 W/m.

An underwater ranging system based on photoacoustic effect occurring on target surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Kai; Hu, Kai; Li, Xinghui; Wang, Lidai; Zhou, Qian; Wang, Xiaohao

2016-11-01

In this paper, an underwater ranging system based on photoacoustic effect occurring on target surface is proposed. In this proposal, laser pulse generated by blue-green laser is directly incident on target surface, where the photoacoustic effect occurs and a sound source is formed. And then the sound wave which is also called photoacoustic signal is received by the ultrasonic receiver after passing through water. According to the time delay between transmitting laser and receiving photoacoustic signal, and sound velocity in water, the distance between the target and the ultrasonic receiver can be calculated. Differing from underwater range finding by only laser, this approach can avoid backscattering of laser beam, so easier to implement. Experimental system according to this principle has been constructed to verify the feasibility of this technology. The experimental results showed that a ranging accuracy of 1 mm can be effectively achieved when the target is close to the ultrasonic receiver.

Highly efficient isolation of waterborne sound by an air-sealed meta-screen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Xiaoxue; Qiu, Chunyin; Wen, Xinhua; Peng, Shasha; Ke, Manzhu; Liu, Zhengyou

2017-05-01

Underwater sound isolation has been a long-standing fundamental issue in industry and military fields. Starting from a simple theoretical model, here an air-sealed meta-screen is proposed to overcome this problem. Comparing with the sample without filling air, the effective impedance of the air-sealed one is greatly reduced and strikingly mismatch with water, accompanying another merit of low sound speed. Deeply suppressed sound transmission (˜50 dB) through such a meta-screen is observed experimentally over a wide range of ultrasonic frequencies and incident angles.

Characterization of Underwater Sounds Produced by Trailing Suction Hopper Dredges During Sand Mining and Pump-out Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-01

origin and potential impacts on aquatic organisms including marine mammals (e.g., whales and seals), sea turtles , and fishes. Until recently these...species of whales and sea turtles , as well as many species of fish. Exposure to underwater sound may potentially affect communication, foraging...the audible range of several species of marine mammals such as whales and dolphins as well as sea turtles . Right (Eubalaena glacialis), humpback

The influence of underwater data transmission sounds on the displacement behaviour of captive harbour seals (Phoca vitulina).

PubMed

Kastelein, Ronald A; van der Heul, Sander; Verboom, Willem C; Triesscheijn, Rob J V; Jennings, Nancy V

2006-02-01

To prevent grounding of ships and collisions between ships in shallow coastal waters, an underwater data collection and communication network (ACME) using underwater sounds to encode and transmit data is currently under development. Marine mammals might be affected by ACME sounds since they may use sound of a similar frequency (around 12 kHz) for communication, orientation, and prey location. If marine mammals tend to avoid the vicinity of the acoustic transmitters, they may be kept away from ecologically important areas by ACME sounds. One marine mammal species that may be affected in the North Sea is the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). No information is available on the effects of ACME-like sounds on harbour seals, so this study was carried out as part of an environmental impact assessment program. Nine captive harbour seals were subjected to four sound types, three of which may be used in the underwater acoustic data communication network. The effect of each sound was judged by comparing the animals' location in a pool during test periods to that during baseline periods, during which no sound was produced. Each of the four sounds could be made into a deterrent by increasing its amplitude. The seals reacted by swimming away from the sound source. The sound pressure level (SPL) at the acoustic discomfort threshold was established for each of the four sounds. The acoustic discomfort threshold is defined as the boundary between the areas that the animals generally occupied during the transmission of the sounds and the areas that they generally did not enter during transmission. The SPLs at the acoustic discomfort thresholds were similar for each of the sounds (107 dB re 1 microPa). Based on this discomfort threshold SPL, discomfort zones at sea for several source levels (130-180 dB re 1 microPa) of the sounds were calculated, using a guideline sound propagation model for shallow water. The discomfort zone is defined as the area around a sound source that harbour seals are expected to avoid. The definition of the discomfort zone is based on behavioural discomfort, and does not necessarily coincide with the physical discomfort zone. Based on these results, source levels can be selected that have an acceptable effect on harbour seals in particular areas. The discomfort zone of a communication sound depends on the sound, the source level, and the propagation characteristics of the area in which the sound system is operational. The source level of the communication system should be adapted to each area (taking into account the width of a sea arm, the local sound propagation, and the importance of an area to the affected species). The discomfort zone should not coincide with ecologically important areas (for instance resting, breeding, suckling, and feeding areas), or routes between these areas.

Infrared laser sealing of porcine vascular tissues using a 1,470 nm diode laser: Preliminary in vivo studies.

PubMed

Cilip, Christopher M; Kerr, Duane; Latimer, Cassandra A; Rosenbury, Sarah B; Giglio, Nicholas C; Hutchens, Thomas C; Nau, William H; Fried, Nathaniel M

2017-04-01

Infrared (IR) lasers are being explored as an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasonic (US) devices for rapid hemostasis with minimal collateral zones of thermal damage and tissue necrosis. Previously, a 1,470 nm IR laser sealed and cut ex vivo porcine renal arteries of 1-8 mm diameter in 2 seconds, yielding burst pressures greater than 1,200 mmHg and thermal coagulation zones less than 3 mm. This preliminary study describes in vivo testing of a handheld laser probe in a porcine model. A handheld prototype with vessel/tissue clasping mechanism was tested on 73 blood vessels less than 6 mm diameter using 1,470 nm laser power of 35 W for 1-5 seconds. Device power settings, irradiation time, tissue type, vessel diameter, and histology sample number were recorded for each procedure. The probe was evaluated for hemostasis after sealing isolated and bundled arteriole/venous (A/V) vasculature of porcine abdomen and hind leg. Sealed vessel samples were collected for histological analysis of lateral thermal damage. Hemostasis was achieved in 57 of 73 seals (78%). The probe consistently sealed vasculature in small bowel mesentery, mesometrium, and gastrosplenic and epiploic regions. Seal performance was less consistent on hind leg vasculature including saphenous arteries/bundles and femoral and iliac arteries. Collagen denaturation averaged 1.6 ± 0.9 mm in eight samples excised for histologic examination. A handheld laser probe sealed porcine vessels, in vivo. Further probe development and laser parameter optimization is necessary before infrared lasers may be evaluated as an alternative to RF and US vessel sealing devices. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:366-371, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-03-01

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

3D Laser Scanner for Underwater Manipulation.

PubMed

Palomer, Albert; Ridao, Pere; Youakim, Dina; Ribas, David; Forest, Josep; Petillot, Yvan

2018-04-04

Nowadays, research in autonomous underwater manipulation has demonstrated simple applications like picking an object from the sea floor, turning a valve or plugging and unplugging a connector. These are fairly simple tasks compared with those already demonstrated by the mobile robotics community, which include, among others, safe arm motion within areas populated with a priori unknown obstacles or the recognition and location of objects based on their 3D model to grasp them. Kinect-like 3D sensors have contributed significantly to the advance of mobile manipulation providing 3D sensing capabilities in real-time at low cost. Unfortunately, the underwater robotics community is lacking a 3D sensor with similar capabilities to provide rich 3D information of the work space. In this paper, we present a new underwater 3D laser scanner and demonstrate its capabilities for underwater manipulation. In order to use this sensor in conjunction with manipulators, a calibration method to find the relative position between the manipulator and the 3D laser scanner is presented. Then, two different advanced underwater manipulation tasks beyond the state of the art are demonstrated using two different manipulation systems. First, an eight Degrees of Freedom (DoF) fixed-base manipulator system is used to demonstrate arm motion within a work space populated with a priori unknown fixed obstacles. Next, an eight DoF free floating Underwater Vehicle-Manipulator System (UVMS) is used to autonomously grasp an object from the bottom of a water tank.

The effects of infrared laser therapy and weightbath traction hydrotherapy as components of complex physical treatment in disorders of the lumbar spine: a controlled pilot study with follow-up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oláh, Csaba; Oláh, Mihály; Demeter, Béla; Jancsó, Zoltán; Páll, Valéria; Bender, Tamás

2010-02-01

Introduction: The therapeutic modalities available for the conservative management of chronic lumbar pain included infrared laser therapy and underwater traction, which usefulness is not universally acknowledged. This study was intended to ascertain any beneficial impact of infrared laser therapy and weightbath treatment on the clinical parameters and quality of life of patients with lumbar discopathy. Material and methods: The study population comprised 54 randomised subjects. I. group of 18 patents received only infrared laser therapy to lumbar region and painful Valley points. II. group of 18 subjects each received underwater traction therapy of lumbar spine with add-on McKenzie exercise and iontophoresis. The remaining III. group treated with exercise and iontophoresis, served as control. VAS, Oswestry index, SF36 scores, range of motion, neurological findings and thermography were monitored to appraise therapeutic afficacy in lumbar discopathy. A CT or MRI scan was done at baseline and after 3 months follow-up. Result:Infrared laser therapy and underwater traction for discopathy achieved significant improvement of all study parameters, which was evident 3 months later. Among the controls, significant improvement of only a single parameter was seen in patients with lumbar discopathy. Conclusions: Infrared laser therapy and underwater traction treatment effectively mitigate pain, muscle spasms, enhance joint flexibility, and improve the quality of life of patients with lumbar discopathy.

Underwater detection of tonal signals between 0.125 and 100 kHz by harbor seals (Phoca vitulina).

PubMed

Kastelein, Ronald A; Wensveen, Paul J; Hoek, Lean; Verboom, Willem C; Terhune, John M

2009-02-01

The underwater hearing sensitivities of two 1-year-old female harbor seals were quantified in a pool built for acoustic research, using a behavioral psychoacoustic technique. The animals were trained to respond when they detected an acoustic signal and not to respond when they did not (go/no-go response). Pure tones (0.125-0.25 kHz) and narrowband frequency modulated (tonal) signals (center frequencies 0.5-100 kHz) of 900 ms duration were tested. Thresholds at each frequency were measured using the up-down staircase method and defined as the stimulus level resulting in a 50% detection rate. The audiograms of the two seals did not differ statistically: both plots showed the typical mammalian U-shape, but with a wide and flat bottom. Maximum sensitivity (54 dB re 1 microPa, rms) occurred at 1 kHz. The frequency range of best hearing (within 10 dB of maximum sensitivity) was from 0.5 to 40 kHz (6(1/3) octaves). Higher hearing thresholds (indicating poorer sensitivity) were observed below 1 and above 40 kHz. Thresholds below 4 kHz were lower than those previously described for harbor seals, which demonstrates the importance of using quiet facilities, built specifically for acoustic research, for hearing studies in marine mammals. The results suggest that under unmasked conditions many anthropogenic noise sources and sounds from conspecifics are audible to harbor seals at greater ranges than formerly believed.

Development of an artificial sensor for hydrodynamic detection inspired by a seal's whisker array.

PubMed

Eberhardt, William C; Wakefield, Brendan F; Murphy, Christin T; Casey, Caroline; Shakhsheer, Yousef; Calhoun, Benton H; Reichmuth, Colleen

2016-08-31

Nature has shaped effective biological sensory systems to receive complex stimuli generated by organisms moving through water. Similar abilities have not yet been fully developed in artificial systems for underwater detection and monitoring, but such technology would enable valuable applications for military, commercial, and scientific use. We set out to design a fluid motion sensor array inspired by the searching performance of seals, which use their whiskers to find and follow underwater wakes. This sensor prototype, called the Wake Information Detection and Tracking System (WIDTS), features multiple whisker-like elements that respond to hydrodynamic disturbances encountered while moving through water. To develop and test this system, we trained a captive harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) to wear a blindfold while tracking a remote-controlled, propeller-driven submarine. After mastering the tracking task, the seal learned to carry the WIDTS adjacent to its own vibrissal array during active pursuit of the target. Data from the WIDTS sensors describe changes in the deflection angles of the whisker elements as they pass through the hydrodynamic trail left by the submarine. Video performance data show that these detections coincide temporally with WIDTS-wake intersections. Deployment of the sensors on an actively searching seal allowed for the direct comparison of our instrument to the ability of the biological sensory system in a proof-of-concept demonstration. The creation of the WIDTS provides a foundation for instrument development in the field of biomimetic fluid sensor technology.

Crystallization to polycrystalline silicon thin film and simultaneous inactivation of electrical defects by underwater laser annealing

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

Machida, Emi; Research Fellowships of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 1-8 Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-8472; Horita, Masahiro

2012-12-17

We propose a low-temperature laser annealing method of a underwater laser annealing (WLA) for polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) films. We performed crystallization to poly-Si films by laser irradiation in flowing deionized-water where KrF excimer laser was used for annealing. We demonstrated that the maximum value of maximum grain size of WLA samples was 1.5 {mu}m, and that of the average grain size was 2.8 times larger than that of conventional laser annealing in air (LA) samples. Moreover, WLA forms poly-Si films which show lower conductivity and larger carrier life time attributed to fewer electrical defects as compared to LA poly-Si films.

Viterbi equalization for long-distance, high-speed underwater laser communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Siqi; Mi, Le; Zhou, Tianhua; Chen, Weibiao

2017-07-01

In long-distance, high-speed underwater laser communication, because of the strong absorption and scattering processes, the laser pulse is stretched with the increase in communication distance and the decrease in water clarity. The maximum communication bandwidth is limited by laser-pulse stretching. Improving the communication rate increases the intersymbol interference (ISI). To reduce the effect of ISI, the Viterbi equalization (VE) algorithm is used to estimate the maximum-likelihood receiving sequence. The Monte Carlo method is used to simulate the stretching of the received laser pulse and the maximum communication rate at a wavelength of 532 nm in Jerlov IB and Jerlov II water channels with communication distances of 80, 100, and 130 m, respectively. The high-data rate communication performance for the VE and hard-decision algorithms is compared. The simulation results show that the VE algorithm can be used to reduce the ISI by selecting the minimum error path. The trade-off between the high-data rate communication performance and minor bit-error rate performance loss makes VE a promising option for applications in long-distance, high-speed underwater laser communication systems.

Underwater-seal nasogastric tube drainage to relieve gastric distension caused by air swallowing.

PubMed

Solomon, A W; Bramall, J C; Ball, J

2011-02-01

Air swallowing can occur as a psychogenic phenomenon, because of abnormal anatomy, or during non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Gross distension of the stomach with air can have severe consequences for the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. We report the case of a 62-year-old man with severe dynamic hyperinflation due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who developed respiratory failure requiring intubation a few hours after radical prostatectomy. Following a percutaneous tracheostomy and weaning of sedation on day six, his abdomen began to enlarge progressively. X-rays revealed massive gastric distension due to air swallowing, which continued despite all efforts to optimise therapy. The use of an underwater seal drainage system on a nasogastric tube improved ventilation and ultimately aided weaning from mechanical support. © 2010 The Authors. Anaesthesia © 2010 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.

Controllable underwater anisotropic oil-wetting

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

Yong, Jiale; Chen, Feng, E-mail: chenfeng@mail.xjtu.edu.cn; Yang, Qing

This Letter demonstrates a simple method to achieve underwater anisotropic oil-wetting using silicon surfaces with a microgroove array produced by femtosecond laser ablation. The oil contact angles along the direction perpendicular to the grooves are consistently larger than those parallel to the microgroove arrays in water because the oil droplet is restricted by the energy barrier that exists between the non-irradiated domain and the trapped water in the laser-ablated microgrooves. This underwater anisotropic oil-wetting is able to be controlled, and the anisotropy can be tuned from 0° to ∼20° by adjusting the period of the microgroove arrays.

Mechanically durable underwater superoleophobic surfaces based on hydrophilic bulk metals for oil/water separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Huadong; Lian, Zhongxu; Xu, Jinkai; Wan, Yanling; Wang, Zuobin; Li, Yiquan; Yu, Zhanjiang; Weng, Zhankun

2018-04-01

Despite the success of previous methods for fabricating underwater superoleophobic surfaces, most of the surfaces based on soft materials are prone to collapse and deformation due to their mechanically fragile nature, and they fail to perform their designed functions after the surface materials are damaged in water. In this work, the nanosecond laser-induced oxide coatings on hydrophilic bulk metals are reported which overcomes the limitation and shows the robust underwater superoleophobicity to a mechanical challenge encountered by surfaces deployed in water environment. The results show that the surface materials have the advantage that the underwater superoleophobicity is still preserved after the surfaces are scratched by knife or sandpaper and even completely destroyed because of the hydrophilic property of damaged materials in water. It is important that the results provide a guide for the design of durable underwater superoleophobic surfaces, and the development of superoleophobic materials in many potential applications such as the oil-repellent and the oil/water separation. Additionally, the nanosecond laser technology is simple, cost-effective and suitable for the large-area and mass fabrication of mechanically durable underwater superoleophobic metal materials.

Improved Main Shaft Seal Life in Gas Turbines Using Laser Surface Texturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNickle, Alan D.; Etsion, Izhak

2002-10-01

This paper presents a general overview of the improved main shaft seal life in gas turbines using laser surface texturing (LST). The contents include: 1) Laser Surface Texturing System; 2) Seal Schematic with LST applied; 3) Dynamic Rig Tests; 4) Surface Finish Definitions; 5) Wear Test Rig; 6) Dynamic Test Rig; 7) Seal Cross Section-Rig Test; and 8) Typical Test Results. This paper is in viewgraph form.

Underwater inverse LIBS (iLIBS) for marine archaeology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asmus, J.; Magde, M.; Elford, J.; Magde, D.; Parfenov, V.

2013-05-01

In recent years there have been enormous advances in nautical archaeology through developments in SONAR technologies as well as in manned and robotic submersible vehicles. The number of sunken vessel discoveries has escalated in many of the seas of the world in response to the widespread application of these and other new tools. Customarily, surviving artifacts within the debris field of a wreck are collected and then moved to laboratories, centers, or institutions for analyses and possible conservation. Frequently, the conservation phase involves chemical treatments to stabilize an artefact to standard temperature, pressure, and humidity instead of an undersea environment. Many of the artefacts encountered at an underwater site are now characterized and restored in-situ in accordance with modern trends in art conservation. Two examples of this trend are exemplified by the resting place of the wreck of the Titanic in the Atlantic and the Cancun Underwater Park in the Caribbean Sea. These two debris fields have been turned into museums for diving visitors. Several research groups have investigated the possibility of adapting the well-established analytical tool Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to in-situ elemental analyses of underwater cultural, historic, and archaeological artefacts where discovered, rather than as a phase of a salvage operation. As the underwater laser ablation associated with LIBS generates a "snowplough" shockwave within the aqueous matrix, the atomic emission spectrum is usually severely attenuated in escaping from the target. Consequently, probative experiments to date generally invoke a submerged air chamber or air jet to isolate water from the interaction zone as well as employ more complex double-pulse lasers. These measures impose severe logistical constraints on the examination of widely dispersed underwater artefacts. In order to overcome this constraint we report on water-immersion LIBS experiments performed with oblique laser irradiation and spectral detection at the complementary angle so as to view emission from behind the shockwave. Targets of silver, gold, and copper have been studied. It is found that this approach enables LIBS detection in water both in emission and in absorption. It appears that underwater inverse LIBS may be especially useful in underwater archaeology.

Laser Scanner Reliefs of Selected Archeological Structures in the Submerged Baiae (naples)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davidde Petriaggi, B.; Gomez de Ayala, G.

2015-04-01

In 2011 the ISCR (Rome), in the frame of the Project Restoring Underwater directed by Barbara Davidde Petriaggi, started to test Naumacos Laser Scann 1, designed by Gabriele Gomez de Ayala, in order to document the restoration of a room paved with opus sectile probably part of the Bath of Punta Epitaffio (Underwater Park of Baiae - Marine Protected Area, Naples). The experimentation conducted in Baiae by ISCR has shown the effectiveness of the Laser Scanner; this method also allowed to considerably reduce times and costs of underwater surveying. Moreover, the 3D relief obtained, has the characteristic of being geometrically (accuracy is sub-millimetric) and chromatically faithful to the reconstructed structure, as well as being exportable in various forms and usable in several contexts. From 2011 to 2013 the evolution of the instrument Naumacos Laser Scanner 3 was developed and tested in the restoration work of the Villa con ingresso a protiro, where three structures were documented in 3D (a paved with black and white mosaic decorated with hexagons and peltae, a very fragmentary black and white mosaic and a stone artefact. This paper shows the results of this documentation campaign and it underlines the prominent role in documentation and in museum display of Underwater Cultural Heritage played by the three-dimensional laser scanning survey. This technique also contributes to the increase of the value of scientific dissemination.

Underwater Laser Micromilling of Commercially-Pure Titanium Using Different Scan Overlaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charee, Wisan; Tangwarodomnukun, Viboon

2018-01-01

Underwater laser milling process is a technique for minimizing the thermal damage and gaining a higher material removal rate than processing in air. This paper presents the effect of laser scan overlap on cavity width, depth and surface roughness in the laser milling of commercially-pure titanium in water. The effects of laser pulse energy and pulse repetition rate were also examined, in which a nanosecond pulse laser emitting a 1064-nm wavelength was used in this study. The experimental results indicated that a wide and deep cavity was achievable under high laser energy and large scan overlap. According to the surface roughness, the use of high pulse repetition rate together with low laser energy can promote a smooth laser-milled surface particularly at 50% scan overlap. These findings can further suggest a suitable laser micromilling condition for titanium in roughing and finishing operations.

AlGaInN laser diode technology for GHz high-speed visible light communication through plastic optical fiber and water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najda, Stephen P.; Perlin, Piotr; Suski, Tadek; Marona, Lucja; Leszczyński, Mike; Wisniewski, Przemek; Czernecki, Robert; Kucharski, Robert; Targowski, Grzegorz; Watson, Malcolm A.; White, Henry; Watson, Scott; Kelly, Antony E.

2016-02-01

AlGaInN ridge waveguide laser diodes are fabricated to achieve single-mode operation with optical powers up to 100 mW at ˜420 nm for visible free-space, underwater, and plastic optical fiber communication. We report high-frequency operation of AlGaInN laser diodes with data transmission up to 2.5 GHz for free-space and underwater communication and up to 1.38 GHz through 10 m of plastic optical fiber.

Great cormorants ( Phalacrocorax carbo) can detect auditory cues while diving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, Kirstin Anderson; Maxwell, Alyssa; Siebert, Ursula; Larsen, Ole Næsbye; Wahlberg, Magnus

2017-06-01

In-air hearing in birds has been thoroughly investigated. Sound provides birds with auditory information for species and individual recognition from their complex vocalizations, as well as cues while foraging and for avoiding predators. Some 10% of existing species of birds obtain their food under the water surface. Whether some of these birds make use of acoustic cues while underwater is unknown. An interesting species in this respect is the great cormorant ( Phalacrocorax carbo), being one of the most effective marine predators and relying on the aquatic environment for food year round. Here, its underwater hearing abilities were investigated using psychophysics, where the bird learned to detect the presence or absence of a tone while submerged. The greatest sensitivity was found at 2 kHz, with an underwater hearing threshold of 71 dB re 1 μPa rms. The great cormorant is better at hearing underwater than expected, and the hearing thresholds are comparable to seals and toothed whales in the frequency band 1-4 kHz. This opens up the possibility of cormorants and other aquatic birds having special adaptations for underwater hearing and making use of underwater acoustic cues from, e.g., conspecifics, their surroundings, as well as prey and predators.

Drilling and operational sounds from an oil production island in the ice-covered Beaufort sea.

PubMed

Blackwell, Susanna B; Greene, Charles R; Richardson, W John

2004-11-01

Recordings of sounds underwater and in air, and of iceborne vibrations, were obtained at Northstar Island, an artificial gravel island in the Beaufort Sea near Prudhoe Bay (Alaska). The aim was to document the levels, characteristics, and range dependence of sounds and vibrations produced by drilling and oil production during the winter, when the island was surrounded by shore-fast ice. Drilling produced the highest underwater broadband (10-10,000 Hz) levels (maximum= 124 dB re: 1 microPa at 1 km), and mainly affected 700-1400 Hz frequencies. In contrast, drilling did not increase broadband levels in air or ice relative to levels during other island activities. Production did not increase broadband levels for any of the sensors. In all media, broadband levels decreased by approximately 20 dB/tenfold change in distance. Background levels underwater were reached by 9.4 km during drilling and 3-4 km without. In the air and ice, background levels were reached 5-10 km and 2-10 km from Northstar, respectively, depending on the wind but irrespective of drilling. A comparison of the recorded sounds with harbor and ringed seal audiograms showed that Northstar sounds were probably audible to seals, at least intermittently, out to approximately 1.5 km in water and approximately 5 km in air.

High repetition rate sealed CO2 TEA lasers using heterogeneous catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Price, H. T.; Shaw, S. R.

1987-04-01

The significant operational advantages offered by CO2 lasers, operating in the 10.6 micron region of the spectrum, over current solid state lasers, emitting in the near IR region, have prompted increased interest in the development of compact, reliable, rugged CO2 laser sources. Perhaps the most critical aspect associated with achieving a laser compatible with military use is the development of lasers which require no gas replenishment. Sealed, single shot, CO2 TEA lasers have been available for a number of years. Stark et al were first to demonstrate reliable sealed operation in single shot CO2 TEA lasers in 1975 using gas catalysis. GEC Avionics reported the compact, environmentally qualified, MKIII CO2 TEA laser with a pulse life of greater than 10 to the 6th power pulses in 1980. A sealed laser lifetime of greater than 10 to the 6th power pulses is acceptable for single shot cases, such as direct detection rangefinders for tank laser sights. However, in many other applications, such as tracking of fast moving targets, it is essential that a repetition rate of typically 30Hz to 100Hz is employed. In such cases, a pulse lifetime of 10 to the 6th power pulses is no longer sufficient and a minimum pulse lifetime 10 to the 7th power pulses is essential to ensure a useful service life. In 1983 Stark el al described a sealed, 100Hz CO2 TEA laser, with a life of greater than 2.6 x 10 to the 6th power, which employed heterogeneous catalysis. Following this pioneering work, GEC Avionics has been engaged in the development of sealed high repetition rate lasers with a pulse lifetime of 20 million pulses.

High repetition rate sealed CO2 TEA lasers using heterogeneous catalysts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Price, H. T.; Shaw, S. R.

1987-01-01

The significant operational advantages offered by CO2 lasers, operating in the 10.6 micron region of the spectrum, over current solid state lasers, emitting in the near IR region, have prompted increased interest in the development of compact, reliable, rugged CO2 laser sources. Perhaps the most critical aspect associated with achieving a laser compatible with military use is the development of lasers which require no gas replenishment. Sealed, single shot, CO2 TEA lasers have been available for a number of years. Stark et al were first to demonstrate reliable sealed operation in single shot CO2 TEA lasers in 1975 using gas catalysis. GEC Avionics reported the compact, environmentally qualified, MKIII CO2 TEA laser with a pulse life of greater than 10 to the 6th power pulses in 1980. A sealed laser lifetime of greater than 10 to the 6th power pulses is acceptable for single shot cases, such as direct detection rangefinders for tank laser sights. However, in many other applications, such as tracking of fast moving targets, it is essential that a repetition rate of typically 30Hz to 100Hz is employed. In such cases, a pulse lifetime of 10 to the 6th power pulses is no longer sufficient and a minimum pulse lifetime 10 to the 7th power pulses is essential to ensure a useful service life. In 1983 Stark el al described a sealed, 100Hz CO2 TEA laser, with a life of greater than 2.6 x 10 to the 6th power, which employed heterogeneous catalysis. Following this pioneering work, GEC Avionics has been engaged in the development of sealed high repetition rate lasers with a pulse lifetime of 20 million pulses.

Research on the underwater target imaging based on the streak tube laser lidar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Zihao; Tian, Zhaoshuo; Zhang, Yanchao; Bi, Zongjie; Yang, Gang; Gu, Erdan

2018-03-01

A high frame rate streak tube imaging lidar (STIL) for real-time 3D imaging of underwater targets is presented in this paper. The system uses 532nm pulse laser as the light source, the maximum repetition rate is 120Hz, and the pulse width is 8ns. LabVIEW platform is used in the system, the system control, synchronous image acquisition, 3D data processing and display are realized through PC. 3D imaging experiment of underwater target is carried out in a flume with attenuation coefficient of 0.2, and the images of different depth and different material targets are obtained, the imaging frame rate is 100Hz, and the maximum detection depth is 31m. For an underwater target with a distance of 22m, the high resolution 3D image real-time acquisition is realized with range resolution of 1cm and space resolution of 0.3cm, the spatial relationship of the targets can be clearly identified by the image. The experimental results show that STIL has a good application prospect in underwater terrain detection, underwater search and rescue, and other fields.

System and method for underwater radiography

DOEpatents

Hunter, James; Keck, Danny Lee; Sims, Jr., James Rae; Watson, Scott Avery

2015-01-20

A system for subsea imaging comprises a first plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a cavity formed in the inner surface. In addition, the system comprises a phosphor imaging plate disposed in the cavity. Further, the system comprises a second plate having an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first plate and an outer surface facing away from the outer surface of the first plate. Still further, the system comprises a seal member disposed between the inner surface of the first plate and the inner surface of the second plate. The seal member extends around the perimeter of the cavity and is configured to seal the phosphor imaging plate and the cavity from intrusion water.

Female harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) behavioral response to playbacks of underwater male acoustic advertisement displays

PubMed Central

Blades, Brittany; Parks, Susan E.

2018-01-01

During the breeding season, male harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) make underwater acoustic displays using vocalizations known as roars. These roars have been shown to function in territory establishment in some breeding areas and have been hypothesized to be important for female choice, but the function of these sounds remains unresolved. This study consisted of a series of playback experiments in which captive female harbor seals were exposed to recordings of male roars to determine if females respond to recordings of male vocalizations and whether or not they respond differently to roars from categories with different acoustic characteristics. The categories included roars with characteristics of dominant males (longest duration, lowest frequency), subordinate males (shortest duration, highest frequency), combinations of call parameters from dominant and subordinate males (long duration, high frequency and short duration, low frequency), and control playbacks of water noise and water noise with tonal signals in the same frequency range as male signals. Results indicate that overall females have a significantly higher level of response to playbacks that imitate male vocalizations when compared to control playbacks of water noise. Specifically, there was a higher level of response to playbacks representing dominant male vocalization when compared to the control playbacks. For most individuals, there was a greater response to playbacks representing dominant male vocalizations compared to playbacks representing subordinate male vocalizations; however, there was no statistical difference between those two playback types. Additionally, there was no difference between the playbacks of call parameter combinations and the controls. Investigating female preference for male harbor seal vocalizations is a critical step in understanding the harbor seal mating system and further studies expanding on this captive study will help shed light on this important issue. PMID:29607261

Female harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) behavioral response to playbacks of underwater male acoustic advertisement displays.

PubMed

Matthews, Leanna P; Blades, Brittany; Parks, Susan E

2018-01-01

During the breeding season, male harbor seals ( Phoca vitulina ) make underwater acoustic displays using vocalizations known as roars. These roars have been shown to function in territory establishment in some breeding areas and have been hypothesized to be important for female choice, but the function of these sounds remains unresolved. This study consisted of a series of playback experiments in which captive female harbor seals were exposed to recordings of male roars to determine if females respond to recordings of male vocalizations and whether or not they respond differently to roars from categories with different acoustic characteristics. The categories included roars with characteristics of dominant males (longest duration, lowest frequency), subordinate males (shortest duration, highest frequency), combinations of call parameters from dominant and subordinate males (long duration, high frequency and short duration, low frequency), and control playbacks of water noise and water noise with tonal signals in the same frequency range as male signals. Results indicate that overall females have a significantly higher level of response to playbacks that imitate male vocalizations when compared to control playbacks of water noise. Specifically, there was a higher level of response to playbacks representing dominant male vocalization when compared to the control playbacks. For most individuals, there was a greater response to playbacks representing dominant male vocalizations compared to playbacks representing subordinate male vocalizations; however, there was no statistical difference between those two playback types. Additionally, there was no difference between the playbacks of call parameter combinations and the controls. Investigating female preference for male harbor seal vocalizations is a critical step in understanding the harbor seal mating system and further studies expanding on this captive study will help shed light on this important issue.

Laser sealed vacuum insulation window

DOEpatents

Benson, David K.; Tracy, C. Edwin

1987-01-01

A laser sealed evacuated window panel is comprised of two glass panes held spaced apart in relation to each other by a plurality of spherical glass beads and glass welded around the edges to provide an evacuated space between the glass panes that is completely glass sealed from the exterior. The glass welded edge seal is obtained by welding the edges of the glass panes together with a laser beam while the glass panes and bead spacers are positioned in a vacuum furnace and heated to the annealing point of the glass to avoid stress fracture in the area of the glass weld. The laser welding in the furnace can be directed around the perimeter of the glass panel by a combination of rotating the glass panel and linearly translating or aiming the laser with a relay mirror.

Laser sealed vacuum insulating window

DOEpatents

Benson, D.K.; Tracy, C.E.

1985-08-19

A laser sealed evacuated window panel is comprised of two glass panes held spaced apart in relation to each other by a plurality of spherical glass beads and glass welded around the edges to provide an evacuated space between the glass panes that is completely glass sealed from the exterior. The glass welded edge seal is obtained by welding the edges of the glass panes together with a laser beam while the glass panes and bead spacers are positioned in a vacuum furnace and heated to the annealing point of the glass to avoid stress fracture in the area of the glass weld. The laser welding in the furnace can be directed around the perimeter of the galss panel by a combination of rotating the glass panel and linearly translating or aiming the laser with a relay mirror.

Underwater speech communications with a modulated laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woodward, B.; Sari, H.

2008-04-01

A novel speech communications system using a modulated laser beam has been developed for short-range applications in which high directionality is an exploitable feature. Although it was designed for certain underwater applications, such as speech communications between divers or between a diver and the surface, it may equally be used for air applications. With some modification it could be used for secure diver-to-diver communications in the situation where untethered divers are swimming close together and do not want their conversations monitored by intruders. Unlike underwater acoustic communications, where the transmitted speech may be received at ranges of hundreds of metres omnidirectionally, a laser communication link is very difficult to intercept and also obviates the need for cables that become snagged or broken. Further applications include the transmission of speech and data, including the short message service (SMS), from a fixed installation such as a sea-bed habitat; and data transmission to and from an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), particularly during docking manoeuvres. The performance of the system has been assessed subjectively by listening tests, which revealed that the speech was intelligible, although of poor quality due to the speech algorithm used.

Laser Glass Frit Sealing for Encapsulation of Vacuum Insulation Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kind, H.; Gehlen, E.; Aden, M.; Olowinsky, A.; Gillner, A.

Laser glass frit sealing is a joining method predestined in electronics for the sealing of engineered materials housings in dimensions of some 1 mm2 to several 10 mm2. The application field ranges from encapsulation of display panels to sensor housings. Laser glass frit sealing enables a hermetical closure excluding humidity and gas penetration. But the seam quality is also interesting for other applications requiring a hermetical sealing. One application is the encapsulation of vacuum insulation glass. The gap between two panes must be evacuated for reducing the thermal conductivity. Only an efficient encapsulating technique ensures durable tight joints of two panes for years. Laser glass frit sealing is an alternative joining method even though the material properties of soda lime glass like sensitivity to thermal stresses are much higher as known from engineered materials. An adapted thermal management of the process is necessary to prevent the thermal stresses within the pane to achieve crack free and tight glass frit seams.

Blood oxygen depletion is independent of dive function in a deep diving vertebrate, the northern elephant seal.

PubMed

Meir, Jessica U; Robinson, Patrick W; Vilchis, L Ignacio; Kooyman, Gerald L; Costa, Daniel P; Ponganis, Paul J

2013-01-01

Although energetics is fundamental to animal ecology, traditional methods of determining metabolic rate are neither direct nor instantaneous. Recently, continuous blood oxygen (O2) measurements were used to assess energy expenditure in diving elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), demonstrating that an exceptional hypoxemic tolerance and exquisite management of blood O2 stores underlie the extraordinary diving capability of this consummate diver. As the detailed relationship of energy expenditure and dive behavior remains unknown, we integrated behavior, ecology, and physiology to characterize the costs of different types of dives of elephant seals. Elephant seal dive profiles were analyzed and O2 utilization was classified according to dive type (overall function of dive: transit, foraging, food processing/rest). This is the first account linking behavior at this level with in vivo blood O2 measurements in an animal freely diving at sea, allowing us to assess patterns of O2 utilization and energy expenditure between various behaviors and activities in an animal in the wild. In routine dives of elephant seals, the blood O2 store was significantly depleted to a similar range irrespective of dive function, suggesting that all dive types have equal costs in terms of blood O2 depletion. Here, we present the first physiological evidence that all dive types have similarly high blood O2 demands, supporting an energy balance strategy achieved by devoting one major task to a given dive, thereby separating dive functions into distinct dive types. This strategy may optimize O2 store utilization and recovery, consequently maximizing time underwater and allowing these animals to take full advantage of their underwater resources. This approach may be important to optimizing energy expenditure throughout a dive bout or at-sea foraging trip and is well suited to the lifestyle of an elephant seal, which spends > 90% of its time at sea submerged making diving its most "natural" state.

Underwater superoleophobicity, anti-oil and ultra-broadband enhanced absorption of metallic surfaces produced by a femtosecond laser inspired by fish and chameleons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, K.; Song, Y. X.; Dong, X. R.; Wang, C.; Duan, J. A.

2016-11-01

Reported here is the bio-inspired and robust function of underwater superoleophobic, anti-oil metallic surfaces with ultra-broadband enhanced optical absorption obtained through femtosecond laser micromachining. Three distinct surface structures are fabricated using a wide variety of processing parameters. Underwater superoleophobic and anti-oil surfaces containing coral-like microstructures with nanoparticles and mount-like microstructures are achieved. These properties of the as-prepared surfaces exhibit good chemical stability when exposed to various types of oils and when immersed in water with a wide range of pH values. Moreover, coral-like microstructures with nanoparticle surfaces show strongly enhanced optical absorption over a broadband wavelength range from 0.2-25 μm. The potential mechanism for the excellent performance of the coral-like microstructures with a nanoparticle surface is also discussed. This multifunctional surface has potential applications in military submarines, amphibious military aircraft and tanks, and underwater anti-oil optical counter-reconnaissance devices.

The effect of signal duration on the underwater hearing thresholds of two harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) for single tonal signals between 0.2 and 40 kHz.

PubMed

Kastelein, Ronald A; Hoek, Lean; Wensveen, Paul J; Terhune, John M; de Jong, Christ A F

2010-02-01

The underwater hearing sensitivities of two 2-year-old female harbor seals were quantified in a pool built for acoustic research by using a behavioral psycho-acoustic technique. The animals were trained only to respond when they detected an acoustic signal ("go/no-go" response). Detection thresholds were obtained for pure tone signals (frequencies: 0.2-40 kHz; durations: 0.5-5000 ms, depending on the frequency; 59 frequency-duration combinations). Detection thresholds were quantified by varying the signal amplitude by the 1-up, 1-down staircase method, and were defined as the stimulus levels, resulting in a 50% detection rate. The hearing thresholds of the two seals were similar for all frequencies except for 40 kHz, for which the thresholds differed by, on average, 3.7 dB. There was an inverse relationship between the time constant (tau), derived from an exponential model of temporal integration, and the frequency [log(tau)=2.86-0.94 log(f);tau in ms and f in kHz]. Similarly, the thresholds increased when the pulse was shorter than approximately 780 cycles (independent of the frequency). For pulses shorter than the integration time, the thresholds increased by 9-16 dB per decade reduction in the duration or number of cycles in the pulse. The results of this study suggest that most published hearing thresholds

Laser Welding in Electronic Packaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

The laser has proven its worth in numerous high reliability electronic packaging applications ranging from medical to missile electronics. In particular, the pulsed YAG laser is an extremely flexible and versatile too] capable of hermetically sealing microelectronics packages containing sensitive components without damaging them. This paper presents an overview of details that must be considered for successful use of laser welding when addressing electronic package sealing. These include; metallurgical considerations such as alloy and plating selection, weld joint configuration, design of optics, use of protective gases and control of thermal distortions. The primary limitations on use of laser welding electronic for packaging applications are economic ones. The laser itself is a relatively costly device when compared to competing welding equipment. Further, the cost of consumables and repairs can be significant. These facts have relegated laser welding to use only where it presents a distinct quality or reliability advantages over other techniques of electronic package sealing. Because of the unique noncontact and low heat inputs characteristics of laser welding, it is an ideal candidate for sealing electronic packages containing MEMS devices (microelectromechanical systems). This paper addresses how the unique advantages of the pulsed YAG laser can be used to simplify MEMS packaging and deliver a product of improved quality.

Study on Underwater Image Denoising Algorithm Based on Wavelet Transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jian, Sun; Wen, Wang

2017-02-01

This paper analyzes the application of MATLAB in underwater image processing, the transmission characteristics of the underwater laser light signal and the kinds of underwater noise has been described, the common noise suppression algorithm: Wiener filter, median filter, average filter algorithm is brought out. Then the advantages and disadvantages of each algorithm in image sharpness and edge protection areas have been compared. A hybrid filter algorithm based on wavelet transform has been proposed which can be used for Color Image Denoising. At last the PSNR and NMSE of each algorithm has been given out, which compares the ability to de-noising

Effect of water turbidity on the visual acuity of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina).

PubMed

Weiffen, Michael; Möller, Bettina; Mauck, Björn; Dehnhardt, Guido

2006-05-01

The underwater visual acuity (the angle subtended by the minimal resolvable line width of high contrast square wave gratings at a viewing distance of 2m) of two male harbor seals was determined at different levels of water turbidity. Starting with visual acuity angles of 5.5' and 12.7' in clear water we found visual acuity to decrease rapidly with increasing turbidity at rates of 7.4' and 6.0' per formazin nephelometric unit (FNU). Besides the individual differences in visual performance of the harbor seals tested, our results reveal a dramatic loss of visual acuity even at moderate levels of turbidity. At sites in the German Wadden Sea, where harbor seals are known to roam and forage, we measured turbidity levels exceeding 40FNU. These data suggest that turbidity has to be considered as an important factor in the sensory ecology of pinnipeds.

Underwater manipulator

DOEpatents

Schrum, Phillip B.; Cohen, George H.

1993-01-01

Self-contained, waterproof, water-submersible, remote-controlled apparatus is provided for manipulating a device, such as an ultrasonic transducer for measuring crack propagation on an underwater specimen undergoing shock testing. The subject manipulator includes metal bellows for transmittal of angular motions without the use of rotating shaft seals or O-rings. Inside the manipulator, a first stepper motor controls angular movement. In the preferred embodiment, the bellows permit the first stepper motor to move an ultrasonic transducer .+-.45 degrees in a first plane and a second bellows permit a second stepper motor to move the transducer .+-.10 degrees in a second plane orthogonal to the first. In addition, an XY motor-driven table provides XY motion.

Underwater probing with laser radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carswell, A. I.; Sizgoric, S.

1975-01-01

Recent advances in laser and electro optics technology have greatly enhanced the feasibility of active optical probing techniques aimed at the remote sensing of water parameters. This paper describes a LIDAR (laser radar) that has been designed and constructed for underwater probing. The influence of the optical properties of water on the general design parameters of a LIDAR system is considered. Discussion of the specific details in the choice of the constructed LIDAR is given. This system utilizes a cavity dumped argon ion laser transmitter capable of 50 watt peak powers, 10 nanosecond pulses and megahertz pulse repetition rates at 10 different wavelengths in the blue green region of the spectrum. The performance of the system, in proving various types of water, is demonstrated by summarizing the results of initial laboratory and field experiments.

Specialization for underwater hearing by the tympanic middle ear of the turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans

PubMed Central

Christensen-Dalsgaard, Jakob; Brandt, Christian; Willis, Katie L.; Christensen, Christian Bech; Ketten, Darlene; Edds-Walton, Peggy; Fay, Richard R.; Madsen, Peter T.; Carr, Catherine E.

2012-01-01

Turtles, like other amphibious animals, face a trade-off between terrestrial and aquatic hearing. We used laser vibrometry and auditory brainstem responses to measure their sensitivity to vibration stimuli and to airborne versus underwater sound. Turtles are most sensitive to sound underwater, and their sensitivity depends on the large middle ear, which has a compliant tympanic disc attached to the columella. Behind the disc, the middle ear is a large air-filled cavity with a volume of approximately 0.5 ml and a resonance frequency of approximately 500 Hz underwater. Laser vibrometry measurements underwater showed peak vibrations at 500–600 Hz with a maximum of 300 µm s−1 Pa−1, approximately 100 times more than the surrounding water. In air, the auditory brainstem response audiogram showed a best sensitivity to sound of 300–500 Hz. Audiograms before and after removing the skin covering reveal that the cartilaginous tympanic disc shows unchanged sensitivity, indicating that the tympanic disc, and not the overlying skin, is the key sound receiver. If air and water thresholds are compared in terms of sound intensity, thresholds in water are approximately 20–30 dB lower than in air. Therefore, this tympanic ear is specialized for underwater hearing, most probably because sound-induced pulsations of the air in the middle ear cavity drive the tympanic disc. PMID:22438494

Specialization for underwater hearing by the tympanic middle ear of the turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans.

PubMed

Christensen-Dalsgaard, Jakob; Brandt, Christian; Willis, Katie L; Christensen, Christian Bech; Ketten, Darlene; Edds-Walton, Peggy; Fay, Richard R; Madsen, Peter T; Carr, Catherine E

2012-07-22

Turtles, like other amphibious animals, face a trade-off between terrestrial and aquatic hearing. We used laser vibrometry and auditory brainstem responses to measure their sensitivity to vibration stimuli and to airborne versus underwater sound. Turtles are most sensitive to sound underwater, and their sensitivity depends on the large middle ear, which has a compliant tympanic disc attached to the columella. Behind the disc, the middle ear is a large air-filled cavity with a volume of approximately 0.5 ml and a resonance frequency of approximately 500 Hz underwater. Laser vibrometry measurements underwater showed peak vibrations at 500-600 Hz with a maximum of 300 µm s(-1) Pa(-1), approximately 100 times more than the surrounding water. In air, the auditory brainstem response audiogram showed a best sensitivity to sound of 300-500 Hz. Audiograms before and after removing the skin covering reveal that the cartilaginous tympanic disc shows unchanged sensitivity, indicating that the tympanic disc, and not the overlying skin, is the key sound receiver. If air and water thresholds are compared in terms of sound intensity, thresholds in water are approximately 20-30 dB lower than in air. Therefore, this tympanic ear is specialized for underwater hearing, most probably because sound-induced pulsations of the air in the middle ear cavity drive the tympanic disc.

10 CFR 170.31 - Schedule of fees for materials licenses and other regulatory services, including inspections, and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... for irradiation of materials in which the source is not removed from its shield (self-shielded units... curies of byproduct material in sealed sources for irradiation of materials in which the source is exposed for irradiation purposes. This category also includes underwater irradiators for irradiation of...

Measurement of Eu and Yb in aqueous solutions by underwater laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Bhatt, Chet R.; Jain, Jinesh C.; Goueguel, Christian L.; ...

2017-09-13

In this paper, we report the use of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to detect dissolved Eu and Yb in bulk aqueous solutions. Ten strong emission lines of Eu and one strong emission line of Yb were identified in the underwater LIBS spectra obtained by using Czerny–Turner spectrometer within the wavelength range of 375–515 nm. Temporal evolution of plasma and the effect of laser pulse energy on the spectral emission were studied. Finally, calibration curves using the concentration range from 500 to 10,000 ppm were developed and limits of detection for Eu and Yb were estimated to be 209 andmore » 156 ppm, respectively.« less

Measurement of Eu and Yb in aqueous solutions by underwater laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

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

Bhatt, Chet R.; Jain, Jinesh C.; Goueguel, Christian L.

In this paper, we report the use of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to detect dissolved Eu and Yb in bulk aqueous solutions. Ten strong emission lines of Eu and one strong emission line of Yb were identified in the underwater LIBS spectra obtained by using Czerny–Turner spectrometer within the wavelength range of 375–515 nm. Temporal evolution of plasma and the effect of laser pulse energy on the spectral emission were studied. Finally, calibration curves using the concentration range from 500 to 10,000 ppm were developed and limits of detection for Eu and Yb were estimated to be 209 andmore » 156 ppm, respectively.« less

Effects of underwater turbulence on laser beam propagation and coupling into single-mode optical fiber.

PubMed

Hanson, Frank; Lasher, Mark

2010-06-01

We characterize and compare the effects of turbulence on underwater laser propagation with theory. Measurements of the coupling efficiency of the focused beam into a single-mode fiber are reported. A simple tip-tilt control system, based on the position of the image centroid in the focal plane, was shown to maintain good coupling efficiency for a beam radius equal to the transverse coherence length, r(0). These results are relevant to high bandwidth communication technology that requires good spatial mode quality.

Characterization of underwater optical turbulence on the example of the Rayleigh-Benard water tank

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gladysz, Szymon; Barros, Rui; Kanaev, Andrey V.; Hou, Weilin

2017-09-01

For many years sound has been used as a primary method for underwater communication. However, data transmission rate of acoustic systems is low because typical frequencies associated with underwater acoustics are between tens of hertz and hundreds of kilohertz. A higher bandwidth can be achieved with visible light to transfer data underwater. The first challenge for underwater laser communication is scattering and absorption. In addition, there are disturbances caused by spatial and temporal changes in the water refraction index due to temperature and/or salinity variations. Optical turbulence, which includes the two effects, is the main theme of this paper. We will discuss the joint IOSB-NRL experiment whose goal was to test techniques for characterization of underwater optical turbulence and in particular we will focus on differential motion measurement from an LED array.

Laser stapedotomy: a comparative study of prostheses and seals.

PubMed

Perkins, R; Curto, F S

1992-12-01

During the past 13 years, a number of prostheses of differing design and tissue seals have been used in laser stapedotomy for otosclerosis. This study compares the results of three different configurations of prostheses and tissue seals in a series of 53 patients. In 19, a platinum wire Teflon piston was placed in the laser stapedotomy fenestra and crimped on the long process of the incus; autologous venous blood was infiltrated into the oval window niche as a sealing mechanism. In 8 patients, a stainless steel bucket-handle-type prosthesis was used with a blood tissue seal. In 26 patients, a segment of autogenous vein was clad onto the bucket-handle-type prosthesis and placed into the laser fenestra. Two tissue seals (blood and vein) were also compared. The results were compared with regard to several audiometric parameters. It would appear that the bucket handle/vein configuration improves air-bone gap closure in the low- and mid-frequency speech range and also shows an advantage for air-bone gap closure to 10 dB or less compared to the other configurations in this study. Mean postoperative gaps were significantly less for vein compared to the blood tissue seal. Physiologic and surgical implications are discussed, and the vein-clad technique is illustrated.

Volatile organic compound and semivolatile organic compound outgassing rates for ethylene propylene diene monomer and fluoropolymer seals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pecault, Isabelle Tovena

2017-11-01

High-power laser facilities, such as Laser MegaJoule, are currently being operated for inertial confinement fusion experiments. Emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and moreover semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) from seals in laser environment is of tremendous importance for the optics lifetime and laser performance. That is why all the seals were screening in the same conditions: 48 h at 30°C and three successive cycle of 1.5 h at 50°C. This paper focuses on the qualification test performed on three seals: two ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and one fluoropolymer (FPM). It is shown that the molded and the extruded EPDM do not outgas the same amount neither the same molecules whereas EPDM and FPM outgas nearly the same level of phthalates.

Rapid infrared laser sealing and cutting of porcine renal vessels, ex vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giglio, Nicholas C.; Hutchens, Thomas C.; Perkins, William C.; Latimer, Cassandra; Ward, Arlen; Nau, William H.; Fried, Nathaniel M.

2014-03-01

Suture ligation with subsequent cutting of blood vessels to maintain hemostasis during surgery is time consuming and skill intensive. Energy-based, electrosurgical and ultrasonic devices are often used to replace sutures and mechanical clips to provide rapid hemostasis, and decrease surgical time. Some of these devices may create undesirably large collateral zones of thermal damage and tissue necrosis, or require separate mechanical blades for cutting. Infrared lasers are currently being explored as alternative energy sources for vessel sealing applications. In a previous study, a 1470-nm laser was used to seal vessels of 1-6 mm in diameter in 5 s, yielding burst pressures of ~ 500 mmHg. The purpose of this study was to provide faster sealing, incorporate transection of the sealed vessels, and increase the burst pressure. A 110-Watt, 1470-nm laser beam was transmitted through a fiber and beam shaping optics, producing a linear beam 3.0 mm by 9.5 mm for sealing, and 1.1 mm by 9.6 mm for cutting (FWHM). A twostep process sealed then transected ex vivo porcine renal vessels (1-8.5 mm diameter) in a bench top setup. Seal and cut times were 1.0 s each. A standard burst pressure system measured resulting seal strength, and gross and histologic thermal damage measurements were also recorded. All blood vessels tested (n = 30) were sealed and cut, with total irradiation times of 2.0 s, mean burst pressures > 1000 mmHg (compared to normal systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg), and combined seal/collateral thermal coagulation zones of 2-3 mm. The results of this study demonstrated that an optical-based system is capable of precisely sealing and cutting a wide range of porcine renal vessel sizes, and with further development, may provide an alternative to radiofrequency and ultrasound-based vessel sealing devices.

High speed visible light communication using blue GaN laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watson, S.; Viola, S.; Giuliano, G.; Najda, S. P.; Perlin, P.; Suski, T.; Marona, L.; Leszczyński, M.; Wisniewski, P.; Czernecki, R.; Targowski, G.; Watson, M. A.; White, H.; Rowe, D.; Laycock, L.; Kelly, A. E.

2016-10-01

GaN-based laser diodes have been developed over the last 20 years making them desirable for many security and defence applications, in particular, free space laser communications. Unlike their LED counterparts, laser diodes are not limited by their carrier lifetime which makes them attractive for high speed communication, whether in free space, through fiber or underwater. Gigabit data transmission can be achieved in free space by modulating the visible light from the laser with a pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS), with recent results approaching 5 Gbit/s error free data transmission. By exploiting the low-loss in the blue part of the spectrum through water, data transmission experiments have also been conducted to show rates of 2.5 Gbit/s underwater. Different water types have been tested to monitor the effect of scattering and to see how this affects the overall transmission rate and distance. This is of great interest for communication with unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) as the current method using acoustics is much slower and vulnerable to interception. These types of laser diodes can typically reach 50-100 mW of power which increases the length at which the data can be transmitted. This distance could be further improved by making use of high power laser arrays. Highly uniform GaN substrates with low defectivity allow individually addressable laser bars to be fabricated. This could ultimately increase optical power levels to 4 W for a 20-emitter array. Overall, the development of GaN laser diodes will play an important part in free space optical communications and will be vital in the advancement of security and defence applications.

Geographic variation and acoustic structure of the underwater vocalization of harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) in Norway, Sweden and Scotland.

PubMed

Bjørgesaeter, Anders; Ugland, Karl Inne; Bjørge, Arne

2004-10-01

The male harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) produces broadband nonharmonic vocalizations underwater during the breeding season. In total, 120 vocalizations from six colonies were analyzed to provide a description of the acoustic structure and for the presence of geographic variation. The complex harbor seal vocalizations may be described by how the frequency bandwidth varies over time. An algorithm that identifies the boundaries between noise and signal from digital spectrograms was developed in order to extract a frequency bandwidth contour. The contours were used as inputs for multivariate analysis. The vocalizations' sound types (e.g., pulsed sound, whistle, and broadband nonharmonic sound) were determined by comparing the vocalizations' spectrographic representations with sound waves produced by known sound sources. Comparison between colonies revealed differences in the frequency contours, as well as some geographical variation in use of sound types. The vocal differences may reflect a limited exchange of individuals between the six colonies due to long distances and strong site fidelity. Geographically different vocal repertoires have potential for identifying discrete breeding colonies of harbor seals, but more information is needed on the nature and extent of early movements of young, the degree of learning, and the stability of the vocal repertoire. A characteristic feature of many vocalizations in this study was the presence of tonal-like introductory phrases that fit into the categories pulsed sound and whistles. The functions of these phrases are unknown but may be important in distance perception and localization of the sound source. The potential behavioral consequences of the observed variability may be indicative of adaptations to different environmental properties influencing determination of distance and direction and plausible different male mating tactics.

Laser line scan underwater imaging by complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Zhiyi; Luo, Meixing; Song, Xiyu; Wang, Dundong; He, Ning

2017-12-01

This work employs the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) camera to acquire images in a scanning manner for laser line scan (LLS) underwater imaging to alleviate backscatter impact of seawater. Two operating features of the CMOS camera, namely the region of interest (ROI) and rolling shutter, can be utilized to perform image scan without the difficulty of translating the receiver above the target as the traditional LLS imaging systems have. By the dynamically reconfigurable ROI of an industrial CMOS camera, we evenly divided the image into five subareas along the pixel rows and then scanned them by changing the ROI region automatically under the synchronous illumination by the fun beams of the lasers. Another scanning method was explored by the rolling shutter operation of the CMOS camera. The fun beam lasers were turned on/off to illuminate the narrow zones on the target in a good correspondence to the exposure lines during the rolling procedure of the camera's electronic shutter. The frame synchronization between the image scan and the laser beam sweep may be achieved by either the strobe lighting output pulse or the external triggering pulse of the industrial camera. Comparison between the scanning and nonscanning images shows that contrast of the underwater image can be improved by our LLS imaging techniques, with higher stability and feasibility than the mechanically controlled scanning method.

Underwater single beam circumferentially scanning detection system using range-gated receiver and adaptive filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Yayun; Zhang, He; Zha, Bingting

2017-09-01

Underwater target detection and ranging in seawater are of interest in unmanned underwater vehicles. This study presents an underwater detection system that synchronously scans a collimated laser beam and a narrow field of view to circumferentially detect an underwater target. Hybrid methods of range-gated and variable step-size least mean squares (VSS-LMS) adaptive filter are proposed to suppress water backscattering. The range-gated receiver eliminates the backscattering of near-field water. The VSS-LMS filter extracts the target echo in the remaining backscattering and the constant fraction discriminator timing method is used to improve ranging accuracy. The optimal constant fraction is selected by analysing the jitter noise and slope of the target echo. The prototype of the underwater detection system is constructed and tested in coastal seawater, then the effectiveness of backscattering suppression and high-ranging accuracy is verified through experimental results and analysis discussed in this paper.

Blue Laser Diode Enables Underwater Communication at 12.4 Gbps

PubMed Central

Wu, Tsai-Chen; Chi, Yu-Chieh; Wang, Huai-Yung; Tsai, Cheng-Ting; Lin, Gong-Ru

2017-01-01

To enable high-speed underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) in tap-water and seawater environments over long distances, a 450-nm blue GaN laser diode (LD) directly modulated by pre-leveled 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) data was employed to implement its maximal transmission capacity of up to 10 Gbps. The proposed UWOC in tap water provided a maximal allowable communication bit rate increase from 5.2 to 12.4 Gbps with the corresponding underwater transmission distance significantly reduced from 10.2 to 1.7 m, exhibiting a bit rate/distance decaying slope of −0.847 Gbps/m. When conducting the same type of UWOC in seawater, light scattering induced by impurities attenuated the blue laser power, thereby degrading the transmission with a slightly higher decay ratio of 0.941 Gbps/m. The blue LD based UWOC enables a 16-QAM OFDM bit rate of up to 7.2 Gbps for transmission in seawater more than 6.8 m. PMID:28094309

Sealing Apparatus For Exclusion of Water From Underwater Gun Barrels.

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-03-03

4,821,441. For example, U.S. Patent No. 44,631 discloses a 11 submarine shot conductor having an India- rubber valve mounted on 12 the open end of the...11 ... barrel of the device is closed by a closure device made by a 12 material which may be perforated by the projectile disposed 13 inside the

10 CFR 170.31 - Schedule of fees for materials licenses and other regulatory services, including inspections, and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... use of byproduct material in sealed sources for irradiation of materials in which the source is not... irradiation of materials in which the source is exposed for irradiation purposes. This category also includes underwater irradiators for irradiation of materials where the source is not exposed for irradiation purposes...

10 CFR 170.31 - Schedule of fees for materials licenses and other regulatory services, including inspections, and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... use of byproduct material in sealed sources for irradiation of materials in which the source is not... irradiation of materials in which the source is exposed for irradiation purposes. This category also includes underwater irradiators for irradiation of materials where the source is not exposed for irradiation purposes...

Underwater manipulator

DOEpatents

Schrum, P.B.; Cohen, G.H.

1993-04-20

Self-contained, waterproof, water-submersible, remote-controlled apparatus is described for manipulating a device, such as an ultrasonic transducer for measuring crack propagation on an underwater specimen undergoing shock testing. The subject manipulator includes metal bellows for transmittal of angular motions without the use of rotating shaft seals or O-rings. Inside the manipulator, a first stepper motor controls angular movement. In the preferred embodiment, the bellows permit the first stepper motor to move an ultrasonic transducer [plus minus]45 degrees in a first plane and a second bellows permit a second stepper motor to move the transducer [plus minus]10 degrees in a second plane orthogonal to the first. In addition, an XY motor-driven table provides XY motion.

Temperature changes in the pulpal chamber and the sealing performance of various methods of direct pulp capping of primary teeth.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Y; Keles, S; Mete, A

2013-06-01

To compare changes in pulpal chamber temperature during the visible-light curing of direct pulp capping compounds and various modes of diode laser irradiation without prior placement of a pulp capping compound and the resultant seals. Pulp exposure holes were made in 100 extracted human primary first molars, which were randomly assigned to ten equal groups. The holes were sealed by (a= Group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) different pulp capping compounds which were cured using various types of visible-light curing units or (b=Group 8, 9 and 10) diode laser irradiation without prior application of a pulp capping compound. Pulpal chamber temperatures were recorded during the procedure, and the resultant seals were examined under a scanning electron microscope. Visible-light curing of the pulp capping compounds and diode laser irradiation at a 0.7 W output power can cause non-injurious temperature rises in the pulpal chamber. At higher output powers of the diode laser, the temperature rises are sufficient to cause thermal injury. The seals were complete when pulp capping compounds were used for direct pulp capping, but were incomplete when laser irradiation without prior placement of a pulp capping compound was used for the identical purpose. The visible-light curing of pulp capping compounds is not harmful to vital pulp, and provides an effective seal of the pulp exposure hole. Laser irradiation is not an effective sealant, and can cause thermal injury to vital pulp at high output powers.

Semiconductor laser irradiation improves root canal sealing during routine root canal therapy

PubMed Central

Hu, Xingxue; Wang, Dashan; Cui, Ting; Yao, Ruyong

2017-01-01

Objective To evaluate the effect of semiconductor laser irradiation on root canal sealing after routine root canal therapy (RCT). Methods Sixty freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10). The anatomic crowns were sectioned at the cementoenamel junction and the remaining roots were prepared endodontically with conventional RCT methods. Groups A and B were irradiated with semiconductor laser at 1W for 20 seconds; Groups C and D were ultrasonically rinsed for 60 seconds as positive control groups; Groups E and F without treatment of root canal prior to RCT as negative control groups. Root canal sealing of Groups A, C and E were evaluated by measurements of apical microleakage. The teeth from Groups B, D and F were sectioned, and the micro-structures were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One way ANOVA and LSD-t test were used for statistical analysis (α = .05). Results The apical sealing of both the laser irradiated group and the ultrasonic irrigated group were significantly different from the control group (p<0.5). There was no significant difference between the laser irradiated group and the ultrasonic irrigated group (p>0.5). SEM observation showed that most of the dentinal tubules in the laser irradiation group melted, narrowed or closed, while most of the dentinal tubules in the ultrasonic irrigation group were filled with tooth paste. Conclusion The application of semiconductor laser prior to root canal obturation increases the apical sealing of the roots treated. PMID:28957407

Rapid sealing of porcine renal blood vessels, ex vivo, using a high power, 1470-nm laser, and laparoscopic prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardy, Luke A.; Hutchens, Thomas C.; Larson, Eric R.; Gonzalez, David A.; Chang, Chun-Hung; Nau, William H.; Fried, Nathaniel M.

2017-05-01

Energy-based, radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasonic (US) devices currently provide rapid sealing of blood vessels during laparoscopic procedures. We are exploring infrared lasers as an alternate energy modality for vessel sealing, capable of generating less collateral thermal damage. Previous studies demonstrated feasibility of sealing vessels in an in vivo porcine model using a 1470-nm laser. However, the initial prototype was designed for testing in open surgery and featured tissue clasping and light delivery mechanisms incompatible with laparoscopic surgery. In this study, a laparoscopic prototype similar to devices currently in surgical use was developed, and performance tests were conducted on porcine renal blood vessels, ex vivo. The 5-mm outer-diameter laparoscopic prototype featured a traditional Maryland jaw configuration that enables tissue manipulation and blunt dissection. Laser energy was delivered through a 550-μm-core-diameter optical fiber with side-delivery from the lower jaw and beam dimensions of 18-mm length×1.2-mm width. The 1470-nm diode laser delivered 68 W with 3-s activation time, consistent with vessel seal times associated with RF and US-based devices. A total of 69 fresh porcine renal vessels with mean diameter of 3.3±1.7 mm were tested, ex vivo. Vessels smaller than 5-mm diameter were consistently sealed (48/51) with burst pressures greater than malignant hypertension blood pressure (180 mmHg), averaging 1038±474 mmHg. Vessels larger than 5 mm were not consistently sealed (6/18), yielding burst pressures of only 174±221 mmHg. Seal width, thermal damage zone, and thermal spread averaged 1.7±0.8, 3.4±0.7, and 1.0±0.4 mm, respectively. Results demonstrated that the 5-mm optical laparoscopic prototype consistently sealed vessels less than 5-mm diameter with low thermal spread. Further in vivo studies are planned to test the performance across a variety of vessels and tissues.

Rapid sealing and cutting of porcine blood vessels, ex vivo, using a high-power, 1470-nm diode laser.

PubMed

Giglio, Nicholas C; Hutchens, Thomas C; Perkins, William C; Latimer, Cassandra; Ward, Arlen; Nau, William H; Fried, Nathaniel M

2014-03-01

Suture ligation with subsequent cutting of blood vessels to maintain hemostasis during surgery is time consuming and skill intensive. Energy-based electrosurgical and ultrasonic devices are often used to replace sutures and mechanical clips to provide rapid hemostasis and decrease surgery time. Some of these devices may create undesirably large collateral zones of thermal damage and tissue necrosis, or require separate mechanical blades for cutting. Infrared lasers are currently being explored as alternative energy sources for vessel sealing applications. In a previous study, a 1470-nm laser was used to seal vessels 1 to 6 mm in diameter in 5 s, yielding burst pressures of ∼500  mmHg. The purpose of this study was to provide vessel sealing times comparable with current energy-based devices, incorporate transection of sealed vessels, and demonstrate high vessel burst pressures to provide a safety margin for future clinical use. A 110-W, 1470-nm laser beam was transmitted through a fiber and beam shaping optics, producing a 90-W linear beam 3.0 by 9.5 mm for sealing (400  W/cm2), and 1.1 by 9.6 mm for cutting (1080  W/cm2). A two-step process sealed and then transected ex vivo porcine renal vessels (1.5 to 8.5 mm diameter) in a bench top setup. Seal and cut times were 1.0 s each. A burst pressure system measured seal strength, and histologic measurements of lateral thermal spread were also recorded. All blood vessels tested (n=55 seal samples) were sealed and cut, with total irradiation times of 2.0 s and mean burst pressures of 1305±783  mmHg. Additional unburst vessels were processed for histological analysis, showing a lateral thermal spread of 0.94±0.48  mm (n=14 seal samples). This study demonstrated that an optical-based system is capable of precisely sealing and cutting a wide range of porcine renal vessel sizes and, with further development, may provide an alternative to radiofrequency- and ultrasonic-based vessel sealing devices.

Synergetic effects of double laser pulses for the formation of mild plasma in water: Toward non-gated underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

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

Sakka, Tetsuo; Institute of Sustainability Science, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011; Tamura, Ayaka

2012-05-07

We experimentally study the dynamics of the plasma induced by the double-laser-pulse irradiation of solid target in water, and find that an appropriate choice of the pulse energies and pulse interval results in the production of an unprecedentedly mild (low-density) plasma, the emission spectra of which are very narrow even without the time-gated detection. The optimum pulse interval and pulse energies are 15-30 {mu}s and about {approx}1 mJ, respectively, where the latter values are much smaller than those typically employed for this kind of study. In order to clarify the mechanism for the formation of mild plasma we examine themore » role of the first and second laser pulses, and find that the first pulse produces the cavitation bubble without emission (and hence plasma), and the second pulse induces the mild plasma in the cavitation bubble. These findings may present a new phase of underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.« less

Effects of temporal laser profile on the emission spectra for underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: Study by short-interval double pulses with different pulse durations

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

Tamura, Ayaka, E-mail: tamura.ayaka.88m@st.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Matsumoto, Ayumu; Nishi, Naoya

We investigate the effects of temporal laser profile on the emission spectra of laser ablation plasma in water. We use short-interval (76 ns) double pulses with different pulse durations of the composing two pulses for the irradiation of underwater target. Narrow atomic spectral lines in emission spectra are obtained by the irradiation, where the two pulses are wide enough to be merged into a single-pulse-like temporal profile, while deformed spectra are obtained when the two pulses are fully separated. The behavior of the atomic spectral lines for the different pulse durations is consistent with that of the temporal profiles of themore » optical emission intensities of the plasma. All these results suggest that continuous excitation of the plasma during the laser irradiation for ∼100 ns is a key to obtain narrow emission spectral lines.« less

Nd:YAG laser associated to different materials on seal of dentinal tubuli for dowel and post preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aun, Carlos E.; de Campos Ferraz, Jussara; Silva Kfouri, Luciana

1998-04-01

Previous researches have discussed the importance of sealing the internal surface of the root canal after preparing it for posts or dowels, avoiding tubuli contamination by the oral environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Neodymium-Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet laser irradiation, associated or not with another materials, on the root inner walls after post space preparation. Forty single rooted endodontically treated teeth had theirs filings partially removed for prosthetics restoration, divided into 8 groups which received a coat of the following materials: group A: Copalite vanish; group B: Copalite vanish and laser; group C: Scothbond Multi-Purpose; group D: Scothbond Multi-Purpose and laser; group E: methylcianoacrilate; group F: methylcianocrilate and laser; group G: laser only; group H: control. The roots were placed in methylene blue dye and transversally cutted, then submitted to the analysis in the profile projector. So far we could observe that the Nd:Yag laser was able to enhance the sealing properties of the Scothbond Multi-Purpose.

Infrared laser thermal fusion of blood vessels: preliminary ex vivo tissue studies.

PubMed

Cilip, Christopher M; Rosenbury, Sarah B; Giglio, Nicholas; Hutchens, Thomas C; Schweinsberger, Gino R; Kerr, Duane; Latimer, Cassandra; Nau, William H; Fried, Nathaniel M

2013-05-01

Suture ligation of blood vessels during surgery can be time-consuming and skill-intensive. Energy-based, electrosurgical, and ultrasonic devices have recently replaced the use of sutures and mechanical clips (which leave foreign objects in the body) for many surgical procedures, providing rapid hemostasis during surgery. However, these devices have the potential to create an undesirably large collateral zone of thermal damage and tissue necrosis. We explore an alternative energy-based technology, infrared lasers, for rapid and precise thermal coagulation and fusion of the blood vessel walls. Seven near-infrared lasers (808, 980, 1075, 1470, 1550, 1850 to 1880, and 1908 nm) were tested during preliminary tissue studies. Studies were performed using fresh porcine renal vessels, ex vivo, with native diameters of 1 to 6 mm, and vessel walls flattened to a total thickness of 0.4 mm. A linear beam profile was applied normal to the vessel for narrow, full-width thermal coagulation. The laser irradiation time was 5 s. Vessel burst pressure measurements were used to determine seal strength. The 1470 nm laser wavelength demonstrated the capability of sealing a wide range of blood vessels from 1 to 6 mm diameter with burst strengths of 578 ± 154, 530 ± 171, and 426 ± 174  mmHg for small, medium, and large vessel diameters, respectively. Lateral thermal coagulation zones (including the seal) measured 1.0 ± 0.4  mm on vessels sealed at this wavelength. Other laser wavelengths (1550, 1850 to 1880, and 1908 nm) were also capable of sealing vessels, but were limited by lower vessel seal pressures, excessive charring, and/or limited power output preventing treatment of large vessels (>4  mm outer diameter).

Underwater temporary threshold shift induced by octave-band noise in three species of pinniped.

PubMed

Kastak, D; Schusterman, R J; Southall, B L; Reichmuth, C J

1999-08-01

Pure-tone sound detection thresholds were obtained in water for one harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), two California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), and one northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) before and immediately following exposure to octave-band noise. Additional thresholds were obtained following a 24-h recovery period. Test frequencies ranged from 100 Hz to 2000 Hz and octave-band exposure levels were approximately 60-75 dB SL (sensation level at center frequency). Each subject was trained to dive into a noise field and remain stationed underwater during a noise-exposure period that lasted a total of 20-22 min. Following exposure, three of the subjects showed threshold shifts averaging 4.8 dB (Phoca), 4.9 dB (Zalophus), and 4.6 dB (Mirounga). Recovery to baseline threshold levels was observed in test sessions conducted within 24 h of noise exposure. Control sessions in which the subjects completed a simulated noise exposure produced shifts that were significantly smaller than those observed following noise exposure. These results indicate that noise of moderate intensity and duration is sufficient to induce TTS under water in these pinniped species.

Underwater temporary threshold shift in pinnipeds: effects of noise level and duration.

PubMed

Kastak, David; Southall, Brandon L; Schusterman, Ronald J; Kastak, Colleen Reichmuth

2005-11-01

Behavioral psychophysical techniques were used to evaluate the residual effects of underwater noise on the hearing sensitivity of three pinnipeds: a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), and a northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris). Temporary threshold shift (TTS), defined as the difference between auditory thresholds obtained before and after noise exposure, was assessed. The subjects were exposed to octave-band noise centered at 2500 Hz at two sound pressure levels: 80 and 95 dB SL (re: auditory threshold at 2500 Hz). Noise exposure durations were 22, 25, and 50 min. Threshold shifts were assessed at 2500 and 3530 Hz. Mean threshold shifts ranged from 2.9-12.2 dB. Full recovery of auditory sensitivity occurred within 24 h of noise exposure. Control sequences, comprising sham noise exposures, did not result in significant mean threshold shifts for any subject. Threshold shift magnitudes increased with increasing noise sound exposure level (SEL) for two of the three subjects. The results underscore the importance of including sound exposure metrics (incorporating sound pressure level and exposure duration) in order to fully assess the effects of noise on marine mammal hearing.

Development and creation of a remote-controlled underwater laser induced breakdown spectrometer for analysis of the chemical composition of sea water and bottom sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golik, Sergey S.; Mayor, Alexsander Yu.; Proschenko, Dmitriy Yu.; Ilyin, Alexey A.; Nagorniy, Ivan G.; Biryukova, Yuliya S.; Babiy, Michael Yu.; Golik, Natalia N.; Gevorgyan, Tigran A.; Lisitsa, Vladimir V.; Borovskiy, Anton V.; Kulchin, Yuri N.

2017-10-01

The developed underwater laser induced breakdown spectrometer consists of two units: 1- remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with the next main characteristics: work deep - up to 150 meters, maximum speed of immersion 1 m/s, maximum cruise velocity - 2 m/s and 2 - spectrometer unit (SU) consist of a DPSS Nd: YAG laser excitation source (double pulse with 50 mJ energy for each pulse at wavelength 1064 nm, pulse width 12 ns and pulse repetition rate 1-15 Hz, DF251, SOL Instruments), a spectrum recording system (Maya HR4000 or 2000 Pro spectrometer, Ocean Optics) and microcomputer. These two units are connected by Ethernet network and registered spectral data are automatically processed in a MATLAB platform.

Hermetic diode laser transmitter module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

1999-04-01

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

Environmental effects on underwater optical transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Peter C.; Breshears, Brian F.; Cullen, Alexander J.; Hammerer, Ross F.; Martinez, Ramon P.; Phung, Thai Q.; Margolina, Tetyana; Fan, Chenwu

2017-05-01

Optical communication/detection systems have potential to get around some limitations of current acoustic communications and detection systems especially increased fleet and port security in noisy littoral waters. Identification of environmental effects on underwater optical transmission is the key to the success of using optics for underwater communication and detection. This paper is to answer the question "What are the transfer and correlation functions that relate measurements of hydrographic to optical parameters?" Hydrographic and optical data have been collected from the Naval Oceanographic Office survey ships with the High Intake Defined Excitation (HIDEX) photometer and sea gliders with optical back scattering sensor in various Navy interested areas such as the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, east Asian marginal seas, and Adriatic Sea. The data include temperature, salinity, bioluminescence, chlorophyll-a fluorescence, transmissivity at two different wavelengths (TRed at 670 nm, TBlue at 490 nm), and back scattering coefficient (bRed at 700 nm, bBlue at 470 nm). Transfer and correlation functions between the hydrographic and optical parameters are obtained. Bioluminescence and fluorescence maxima, transmissivity minimum with their corresponding depths, red and blue laser beam peak attenuation coefficients are identified from the optical profiles. Evident correlations are found between the ocean mixed layer depth and the blue and red laser beam peak attenuation coefficients, bioluminescence and fluorescence maxima in the Adriatic Sea, Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Philippine Sea. Based on the observational data, an effective algorithm is recommended for solving the radiative transfer equation (RTE) for predicting underwater laser radiance.

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

PubMed

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

2017-08-21

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

Amphibious hearing in spotted seals (Phoca largha): underwater audiograms, aerial audiograms and critical ratio measurements.

PubMed

Sills, Jillian M; Southall, Brandon L; Reichmuth, Colleen

2014-03-01

Spotted seals (Phoca largha) inhabit Arctic regions that are facing both rapid climate change and increasing industrialization. While little is known about their sensory capabilities, available knowledge suggests that spotted seals and other ice seals use sound to obtain information from the surrounding environment. To quantitatively assess their auditory capabilities, the hearing of two young spotted seals was tested using a psychophysical paradigm. Absolute detection thresholds for tonal sounds were measured in air and under water over the frequency range of hearing, and critical ratios were determined using octave-band masking noise in both media. The behavioral audiograms show a range of best sensitivity spanning four octaves in air, from approximately 0.6 to 11 kHz. The range of sensitive hearing extends across seven octaves in water, with lowest thresholds between 0.3 and 56 kHz. Critical ratio measurements were similar in air and water and increased monotonically from 12 dB at 0.1 kHz to 30 dB at 25.6 kHz, indicating that the auditory systems of these seals are quite efficient at extracting signals from background noise. This study demonstrates that spotted seals possess sound reception capabilities different from those previously described for ice seals, and more similar to those reported for harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). The results are consistent with the amphibious lifestyle of these seals and their apparent reliance on sound. The hearing data reported herein are the first available for spotted seals and can inform best management practices for this vulnerable species in a changing Arctic.

Blue-light digital communication in underwater environments utilizing orbital angular momentum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baghdady, Joshua; Miller, Keith; Osler, Sean; Morgan, Kaitlyn; Li, Wenzhe; Johnson, Eric; Cochenour, Brandon

2016-05-01

Underwater optical communication has recently become the topic of much investigation as the demands for underwater data transmission have rapidly grown in recent years. The need for reliable, high-speed, secure underwater communication has turned increasingly to blue-light optical solutions. The blue-green visible wavelength window provides an attractive solution to the problem of underwater data transmission thanks to its low attenuation, where traditional RF solutions used in free-space communications collapse. Beginning with GaN laser diodes as the optical source, this work explores the encoding and transmission of digital data across underwater environments of varying turbidities. Given the challenges present in an underwater environment, such as the mechanical and optical turbulences that make proper alignment difficult to maintain, it is desirable to achieve extremely high data rates in order to allow the time window of alignment between the transmitter and receiver to be as small as possible. In this paper, work is done to increase underwater data rates through the use of orbital angular momentum. Results are shown for a range of data rates across a variety of channel types ranging in turbidity from that of a clear ocean to a dirty harbor.

Underwater Test Diagnostics Using Explosively Excited Argon And Laser Light Photography Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wisotski, John

1990-01-01

This paper presents results of photographic methods employed in underwater tests used to study high-velocity fragment deceleration, deformation and fracture during the perforation of water-backed plates. These methods employed overlapping ultra-high and very high speed camera recordings using explosively excited argon and ruby-laser light sources that gave ample light to penetrate across a 2.3-meter (7.54-foot) diameter tank of water with enough intensity to photograph displacement-time histories of steel cubes with impact speeds of 1000 to 1500 m/s (3280 to 4920 ft/s) at camera framing rates of 250,000 and 17,000 fr/s, respectively.

Underwater smelling by the star-nosed mole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Alexander; Spencer, Thomas; Hu, David

2017-11-01

The star-nosed mole can sniff underwater objects by rapidly blowing and inhaling bubbles. How these mammals manipulate bubbles without losing them is poorly understood. In this experimental study, we show that the peculiar shape of the mole's nose can stabilize bubbles. We laser-cut a series of star-shaped plastic templates and measure the largest angle they can be titled before bubbles are released. The arms of the star anchor the bubbles in place by enabling the buoyancy forces between the arms to counter the effects of tilt. Based on this finding, we design and construct a mole-inspired underwater sniffing device that uses oscillation of bubbles to feed a metal oxide chemical sensor, a first step in expanding machine olfaction to underwater applications

Onboard acoustic recording from diving northern elephant seals.

PubMed

Fletcher, S; Le Boeuf, B J; Costa, D P; Tyack, P L; Blackwell, S B

1996-10-01

This study was the first phase in a long-term investigation of the importance of low-frequency sound in the aquatic life of northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris. By attaching acoustic recording packages to the backs of six translocated juveniles, the aim was to determine the predominant frequencies and sound levels impinging on them, and whether they actively vocalize underwater on their return to their rookery at Ano Nuevo, California, from deep water in Monterey Bay. All packages contained a Sony digital audio tape recorder encased in an aluminum housing with an external hydrophone. Flow noise was minimized by potting the hydrophone in resin to the housing and orienting it posteriorly. The diving pattern of four seals was recorded with a separate time-depth recorder or a time-depth-velocity recorder. Good acoustic records were obtained from three seals. Flow noise was positively correlated with swim speed, but not so high as to mask most low-frequency sounds in the environment. Dominant frequencies of noise impinging on the seals were in the range 20-200 Hz. Transient signals recorded from the seals included snapping shrimp, cetacean vocalizations. boat noise, small explosive charges, and seal swim strokes, but no seal vocalizations were detected. During quiet intervals at the surface between dives, the acoustic record was dominated by respiration and signals that appeared to be heartbeats. This study demonstrates the feasibility of recording sounds from instruments attached to free-ranging seals, and in doing so, studying their behavioral and physiological response to fluctuations in ambient sounds.

Laparoscopic prototype for optical sealing of renal blood vessels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardy, Luke A.; Hutchens, Thomas C.; Larson, Eric R.; Gonzalez, David A.; Chang, Chun-Hung; Nau, William H.; Fried, Nathaniel M.

2017-02-01

Energy-based, radiofrequency and ultrasonic devices provide rapid sealing of blood vessels during laparoscopic procedures. We are exploring infrared lasers as an alternative for vessel sealing with less collateral thermal damage. Previous studies demonstrated vessel sealing in an in vivo porcine model using a 1470-nm laser. However, the initial prototype was designed for open surgery and featured tissue clasping and light delivery mechanisms incompatible with laparoscopic surgery. In this study, a laparoscopic prototype similar to devices in surgical use was developed, and tests were conducted on porcine renal blood vessels. The 5-mm-OD prototype featured a traditional Maryland jaw configuration. Laser energy was delivered through a 550-μm-core fiber and side-delivery from the lower jaw, with beam dimensions of 18-mm-length x 1.2-mm-width. The 1470-nm diode laser delivered 68 W with 3 s activation time. A total of 69 porcine renal vessels with mean diameter of 3.3 +/- 1.7 mm were tested, ex vivo. Vessels smaller than 5 mm were consistently sealed (48/51) with burst pressures greater than malignant hypertension blood pressure (180 mmHg), averaging 1038 +/- 474 mmHg. Vessels larger than 5 mm were not consistently sealed (6/18), yielding burst pressures of only 174 +/- 221 mmHg. Seal width, thermal damage zone, and thermal spread averaged 1.7 +/- 0.8, 3.4 +/- 0.7, and 1.0 +/- 0.4 mm. A novel optical laparoscopic prototype with 5-mm- OD shaft integrated within a standard Maryland jaw design consistently sealed vessels less than 5 mm with minimal thermal spread. Further in vivo studies are planned to test performance across a variety of vessels and tissues.

Keeping warm with fur in cold water: entrainment of air in hairy surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasto, Alice; Regli, Marianne; Brun, Pierre-Thomas; Clanet, Christophe; Hosoi, Anette

2015-11-01

Instead of relying on a thick layer of body fat for insulation as many aquatic mammals do, fur seals and otters trap air in their dense fur for insulation in cold water. Using a combination of model experiments and theory, we rationalize this mechanism of air trapping underwater for thermoregulation. For the model experiments, hairy surfaces are fabricated using laser cut molds and casting samples with PDMS. Modeling the hairy texture as a network of capillary tubes, the imbibition speed of water into the hairs is obtained through a balance of hydrostatic pressure and viscous stress. In this scenario, the bending of the hairs and capillary forces are negligible. The maximum diving depth that can be achieved before the hairs are wetted to the roots is predicted from a comparison of the diving speed and imbibition speed. The amount of air that is entrained in hairy surfaces is greater than what is expected for classic Landau-Levich-Derjaguin plate plunging. A phase diagram with the parameters from experiments and biological data allows a comparison of the model system and animals.

A 532 nm Chaotic Fiber Laser Transmitter for Underwater Lidar

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-23

passes through unaffected. 3.1.1.2 Ring Lasers as Oscillators The simplest form of laser is a called a Fabry - Perot laser, in which two reflectors are...insufficient to drive the gain amplifier, and so the circulator-based design was scrapped in favor of the Fabry - Perot , whose efficiency was far better...Bidirectional Ring and Fabry - Perot Lasers The Fabry - Perot laser used two matched FBGs to create a wavelength-selective resonator cavity. First single- and

Efficient simple sealed-off CO laser at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peters, P. J. M.; Witteman, W. J.; Zuidema, R. J.

1980-07-01

The paper reports a simple sealed-off CW CO laser with gold electrodes. A constant long-life output power of more than 29 W/m and a maximum efficiency of 15% at room temperature are reported. No auxiliary features, such as a palladium hydrogen extraction tube, are necessary.

Dynamic features of bubble induced by a nanosecond pulse laser in still and flowing water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charee, Wisan; Tangwarodomnukun, Viboon

2018-03-01

Underwater laser ablation techniques have been developed and employed to synthesis nanoparticles, to texture workpiece surface and to assist the material removal in laser machining process. However, the understanding of laser-material-water interactions, bubble formation and effects of water flow on ablation performance has still been very limited. This paper thus aims at exploring the formation and collapse of bubbles during the laser ablation of silicon in water. The effects of water flow rate on bubble formation and its consequences to the laser disturbance and cut features obtained in silicon were observed by using a high speed camera. A nanosecond pulse laser emitting the laser pulse energy of 0.2-0.5 mJ was employed in the experiment. The results showed that the bubble size was found to increase with the laser pulse energy. The use of high water flow rate can importantly facilitate the ejection of ablated particles from the workpiece surface, hence resulting in less deposition to the work surface and minimizing any disturbance to the laser beam during the ablation in water. Furthermore, a clean micro-groove in silicon wafer can successfully be produced when the process was performed in the high water flow rate condition. The findings of this study could provide an essential guideline for process selection, control and improvement in the laser micro-/submicro-fabrication using the underwater technique.

Study on cavitation effect of mechanical seals with laser-textured porous surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, T.; Chen, H. l.; Liu, Y. H.; Wang, Q.; Liu, Z. B.; Hou, D. H.

2012-11-01

Study on the mechanisms underlying generation of hydrodynamic pressure effect associated with laser-textured porous surface on mechanical seal, is the key to seal and lubricant properties. The theory model of mechanical seals with laser-textured porous surface (LES-MS) based on cavitation model was established. The LST-MS was calculated and analyzed by using Fluent software with full cavitation model and non-cavitation model and film thickness was predicted by the dynamic mesh technique. The results indicate that the effect of hydrodynamic pressure and cavitation are the important reasons to generate liquid film opening force on LST-MS; Cavitation effect can enhance hydrodynamic pressure effect of LST-MS; The thickness of liquid film could be well predicted with the method of dynamic mesh technique on Fluent and it becomes larger as the increasing of shaft speed and the decreasing of pressure.

DEVELOPMENT OF A CERAMIC TAMPER INDICATING SEAL: SRNL CONTRIBUTIONS

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

Krementz, D.; Brinkman, K.; Martinez-Rodriguez, M.

2013-06-03

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) are collaborating on development of a Ceramic Seal, also sometimes designated the Intrinsically Tamper Indicating Ceramic Seal (ITICS), which is a tamper indicating seal for international safeguards applications. The Ceramic Seal is designed to be a replacement for metal loop seals that are currently used by the IAEA and other safeguards organizations. The Ceramic Seal has numerous features that enhance the security of the seal, including a frangible ceramic body, protective and tamper indicating coatings, an intrinsic unique identifier using Laser Surface Authentication, electronics incorporated into the seal that providemore » cryptographic seal authentication, and user-friendly seal wire capture. A second generation prototype of the seal is currently under development whose seal body is of Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) construction. SRNL has developed the mechanical design of the seal in an iterative process incorporating comments from the SNL vulnerability review team. SRNL is developing fluorescent tamper indicating coatings, with recent development focusing on optimizing the durability of the coatings and working with a vendor to develop a method to apply coatings on a 3-D surface. SRNL performed a study on the effects of radiation on the electronics of the seal and possible radiation shielding techniques to minimize the effects. SRNL is also investigating implementation of Laser Surface Authentication (LSA) as a means of unique identification of each seal and the effects of the surface coatings on the LSA signature.« less

Selective habituation shapes acoustic predator recognition in harbour seals.

PubMed

Deecke, Volker B; Slater, Peter J B; Ford, John K B

2002-11-14

Predation is a major force in shaping the behaviour of animals, so that precise identification of predators will confer substantial selective advantages on animals that serve as food to others. Because experience with a predator can be lethal, early researchers studying birds suggested that predator recognition does not require learning. However, a predator image that can be modified by learning and experience will be advantageous in situations where cues associated with the predator are highly variable or change over time. In this study, we investigated the response of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) to the underwater calls of different populations of killer whales (Orcinus orca). We found that the seals responded strongly to the calls of mammal-eating killer whales and unfamiliar fish-eating killer whales but not to the familiar calls of the local fish-eating population. This demonstrates that wild harbour seals are capable of complex acoustic discrimination and that they modify their predator image by selectively habituating to the calls of harmless killer whales. Fear in these animals is therefore focused on local threats by learning and experience.

Underwater Chaotic Lidar using Blue Laser Diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rumbaugh, Luke K.

The thesis proposes and explores an underwater lidar system architecture based on chaotic modulation of recently introduced, commercially available, low cost blue laser diodes. This approach is experimentally shown to allow accurate underwater impulse response measurements while eliminating the need for several major components typically found in high-performance underwater lidar systems. The proposed approach is to: 1. Generate wideband, noise-like intensity modulation signals using optical chaotic modulation of blue-green laser diodes, and then 2. Use this signal source to develop an underwater chaotic lidar system that uses no electrical signal generator, no electro-optic modulator, no optical frequency doubler, and no large-aperture photodetector. The outcome of this thesis is the demonstration of a new underwater lidar system architecture that could allow high resolution ranging, imaging, and water profiling measurements in turbid water, at a reduced size, weight, power and cost relative to state-of-the-art high-performance underwater lidar sensors. This work also makes contributions to the state of the art in optics, nonlinear dynamics, and underwater sensing by demonstrating for the first time: 1. Wideband noise-like intensity modulation of a blue laser diode using no electrical signal generator or electro-optic modulator. Optical chaotic modulation of a 462 nm blue InGaN laser diode by self-feedback is explored for the first time. The usefulness of the signal to chaotic lidar is evaluated in terms of bandwidth, modulation depth, and autocorrelation peak-to-sidelobe-ratio (PSLR) using both computer and laboratory experiments. In laboratory experiments, the optical feedback technique is shown to be effective in generating wideband, noise-like chaotic signals with strong modulation depth when the diode is operated in an external-cavity dominated state. The modulation signal strength is shown to be limited by the onset of lasing within the diode's internal cavity. The possibility of overcoming this limit by increasing optical feedback strength is discussed. 2. Power scaling in the blue-green spectrum using no optical frequency doubler. Synchronization of two 462 nm blue InGaN laser diodes by bi-directional optical injection is demonstrated for the first time in laboratory experiments. The improvement in chaotic intensity modulation signal strength is demonstrated to be 2.5x over the single-diode case. The signal strength is again shown to be limited by the onset of internal cavity lasing. The synchronized-laser arrangement is shown to be theoretically equivalent to a single-diode scenario in which the optical feedback is amplified by 2x, supporting the idea that increased optical feedback strength can be used to scale optical chaotic modulation of InGaN diodes to high powers. 3. Underwater impulse response measurements using a calibrated chaotic lidar system. An underwater chaotic lidar system using two synchronized diodes as transmitters is demonstrated in laboratory experiments for the first time. Reflective impulse response measurements using the lidar system are made in free space, and in a variety of clear and turbid water conditions, using a quasi-monostatic (i.e. co-located transmitter and receiver) arrangement. A calibration routine is implemented that increases accuracy and instantaneous dynamic range of the impulse response measurement, resulting in a baseline temporal resolution of 750 ps and a PSLR of over 10 dB. The calibrated system is shown to be able to simultaneously measure localized and distributed reflections, and to allow separation of the localized ( i.e. surface and target) reflections from the distributed ( i.e. backscatter) returns in several domains. Accurate range measurement with sub-inch typical error is demonstrated in laboratory water tank tests, which show accurate measurement through >6 feet of turbid water, as limited by the experimental water tank setup. Strong performance to the limit of the setup is shown at dwell times down to 1 mus. 4. Range measurement through turbid water using no large-aperture photodetector. The possibility of using a synchronized optical receiver to make range measurements through an attenuating channel (i.e. turbid water) is tested using two InGaN diodes for the first time. Using a variable optical attenuator to simulate channel attenuation, synchronization is maintained through 30 dB channel attenuation in the current experimental setup. Distance measurements are demonstrated by using the output of only one of the two diodes, suggesting that this method could be used to measure distance between two bi-static (i.e. physically separated), cooperative chaotic lidar systems in some water conditions. This thesis concludes that the proposed approach is a feasible path to a novel high resolution underwater lidar sensor capable of operating in turbid water, which would have significant size, weight, power, and cost reductions because it would not use an electrical signal generator, an electro-optic modulator, or an optical frequency doubler. The work also suggests the possibility of range measurement in a limited range of water conditions using no large-aperture photodetector, most feasibly in a bi-static cooperative arrangement.

Integrated Seawater Sampler and Data Acquisition System Prototype

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-01

circuitry. The sample bags, initially sealed in a chemically clean environment , were opened by pumping the water out of the tray, thus forcing water into...the water sample containers from materials having low metals content. Control of the sample transfer environment through the use of Class-100 clean... environment . CTD designers also intended their underwater units and deck terminals to be connected directly together providing AC grounding appropriate to

Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection Among Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Trainees, Coronado, California, July 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneu- moniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Bordetella pertussis . 3 CAP...CAP. 15 Additionally, radiological fi ndings have a limited capacity to differentiate the etiologic agents of CAP. 16 Because treatment modalities...and gram-positive bacilli and have been used in the treatment of atyp- ical pneumonias including M pneumoniae and C pneumoniae . 26 The need to

Laser surface fusion of plasma sprayed ceramic turbine seals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wisander, D. W.; Bill, R. C. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

The thermal shock resistance of a ceramic layer is improved. An improved abradable lining that is deposited on a shroud forming a gas path seal in turbomachinery is emphasized. Improved thermal shock resistance of a shroud is effective through the deliberate introduction of 'benign' cracks. These are microcracks which will not propagate appreciably upon exposure to the thermal shock environment in which a turbine seal must function. Laser surface fusion treatment is used to introduce these microcracks. The ceramic surface is laser scanned to form a continuous dense layer. As this cools and solidifies, shrinkage results in the formation of a very fine crack network. The presence of this deliberately introduced fine crack network precludes the formation of a catastrophic crack during thermal shock exposure.

Effect of Nd: YAG laser on the apical seal after root-end resection and MTA retrofill: a bacterial leakage study.

PubMed

Birang, Reza; Kiani, Sepideh; Shokraneh, Ali; Hasheminia, Seyed Mohsen

2015-02-01

Laser irradiation has been investigated in terms of preventing leakage in retrofilled root canals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) laser on the bacterial leakage of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-retrofilled roots. In this ex vivo experimental study, 90 single-rooted incisor teeth were filled with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer. The apical 3 mm of all the roots were resected and 3-mm retrocavities were prepared by an ultrasonic device. The specimens were randomly divided into two experimental (n = 25), one positive control (n = 10), and two negative control (n = 10) groups. In the laser + MTA group, the cavity walls were irradiated by Nd: YAG laser prior to MTA placement. In the MTA group, MTA was placed without laser irradiation. The root surfaces were covered with two layers of nail varnish except for the apical 2 mm. The specimens were then embedded in a bacterial leakage test system and examined daily for 90 days. Contamination periods were recorded. Data were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and Mann-Whitney U tests (α = 0.05). Five teeth with and five teeth without laser irradiation underwent scanning electron microscopic evaluation. The specimens in the laser + MTA group were contaminated earlier than those in the MTA group (p < 0.05). Comparison of survival times between the two groups showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Nd: YAG laser irradiation can decrease the sealing capacity of MTA in comparison to the apical seal achieved by MTA without laser irradiation. Further studies are recommended to provide a better seal for the MTA-retrofilled teeth after laser irradiation.

AlGaInN laser diode technology for free-space telecom applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2015-03-01

The AlGaInN material system allows for laser diodes to be fabricated over a very wide range of wavelengths from u.v., ~380nm, to the visible ~530nm, by tuning the indium content of the laser GaInN quantum well. We consider the suitability of AlGaInN laser diode technology for free space laser communication, both airborne links and underwater telecom applications, mainly for defense and oil and gas industries.

Brief communication: sliding displacement of amnion and chorion following controlled laser wounding suggests a mechanism for short-term sealing of ruptured membranes.

PubMed

Behzad, F; Dickinson, M R; Charlton, A; Aplin, J D

1994-10-01

The Erbium-YAG laser was used to produce narrow wounds of defined depth in term amniochorion. The charring effect of the laser meant that sites could be readily localized in histological sections. During brief post-wounding incubations, sliding displacement of the amnion relative to the chorion occurred through the plane of the spongy layer. This suggests a possible short-term mechanism whereby a spontaneous rupture could be sealed in vivo.

20-meter underwater wireless optical communication link with 1.5 Gbps data rate.

PubMed

Shen, Chao; Guo, Yujian; Oubei, Hassan M; Ng, Tien Khee; Liu, Guangyu; Park, Ki-Hong; Ho, Kang-Ting; Alouini, Mohamed-Slim; Ooi, Boon S

2016-10-31

The video streaming, data transmission, and remote control in underwater call for high speed (Gbps) communication link with a long channel length (~10 meters). We present a compact and low power consumption underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system utilizing a 450-nm laser diode (LD) and a Si avalanche photodetector. With the LD operating at a driving current of 80 mA with an optical power of 51.3 mW, we demonstrated a high-speed UWOC link offering a data rate up to 2 Gbps over a 12-meter-long, and 1.5 Gbps over a record 20-meter-long underwater channel. The measured bit-error rate (BER) are 2.8 × 10^-5, and 3.0 × 10^-3, respectively, which pass well the forward error correction (FEC) criterion.

A two-stage ceramic tile grout sealing process using a high power diode laser—Grout development and materials characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawrence, J.; Li, L.; Spencer, J. T.

1998-04-01

Work has been conducted using a 60 Wcw high power diode laser (HPDL) in order to determine the feasibility and characteristics of sealing the void between adjoining ceramic tiles with a specially developed grout material having an impermeable enamel surface glaze. A two-stage process has been developed using a new grout material which consists of two distinct components: an amalgamated compound substrate and a glazed enamel surface; the amalgamated compound seal providing a tough, heat resistant bulk substrate, whilst the enamel provides an impervious surface. HPDL processing has resulted in crack free seals produced in normal atmospheric conditions. The basic process phenomena are investigated and the laser effects in terms of seal morphology, composition and microstructure are presented. Also, the resultant heat affects are analysed and described, as well as the effects of the shield gases, O 2 and Ar, during laser processing. Tiles were successfully sealed with power densities as low as 500 W/cm 2 and at rates up to 600 mm/min. Contact angle measurements revealed that due to the wettability characteristics of the amalgamated oxide compound grout (AOCG), laser surface treatment was necessary in order to alter the surface from a polycrystalline to a semi-amorphous structure, thus allowing the enamel to adhere. Bonding of the enamel to the AOCG and the ceramic tiles was identified as being principally due to van der Waals forces, and on a very small scale, some of the base AOCG material dissolving into the glaze.

AlGaInN laser diode technology for systems applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-02-01

Gallium Nitride (GaN) laser diodes fabricated from the AlGaInN material system is an emerging technology that allows laser diodes to be fabricated over a very wide wavelength range from u.v. to the visible, and is a key enabler for the development of new system applications such as (underwater and terrestrial) telecommunications, quantum technologies, display sources and medical instrumentation.

Laser desorption ionization and peptide sequencing on laser induced silicon microcolumn arrays

DOEpatents

Vertes, Akos [Reston, VA; Chen, Yong [San Diego, CA

2011-12-27

The present invention provides a method of producing a laser-patterned silicon surface, especially silicon wafers for use in laser desorption ionization (LDI-MS) (including MALDI-MS and SELDI-MS), devices containing the same, and methods of testing samples employing the same. The surface is prepared by subjecting a silicon substrate to multiple laser shots from a high-power picosecond or femtosecond laser while in a processing environment, e.g., underwater, and generates a remarkable homogenous microcolumn array capable of providing an improved substrate for LDI-MS.

Microstructure characteristics of vacuum glazing brazing joints using laser sealing technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Sixing; Yang, Zheng; Zhang, Jianfeng; Zhang, Shanwen; Miao, Hong; Zhang, Yanjun; Zhang, Qi

2018-05-01

Two pieces of plate glass were brazed into a composite of glazing with a vacuum chamber using PbO-TiO2-SiO2-RxOy powder filler alloys to develop a new type of vacuum glazing. The brazing process was carried out by laser technology. The interface characteristics of laser brazed joints formed between plate glass and solder were investigated using optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results show that the inter-diffusion of Pb/Ti/Si/O elements from the sealing solder toward the glass and O/Al/Si elements from the glass toward the solder, resulting in a reaction layer in the brazed joints. The microstructure phases of PbTiO3, AlSiO, SiO2 and PbO in the glass/solder interface were confirmed by XRD analysis. The joining of the sealing solder to the glass was realized by the reaction products like fibrous structures on interface, where the wetting layer can help improve the bonding performance and strength between the sealing solder and the plate glass during the laser brazing process.

Security seal. [Patent application

DOEpatents

Gobeli, G.W.

1981-11-17

Security for a package or verifying seal in plastic material is provided by a print seal with unique thermally produced imprints in the plastic. If tampering is attempted, the material is irreparably damaged and thus detectable. The pattern of the imprints, similar to fingerprints are recorded as a positive identification for the seal, and corresponding recordings made to allow comparison. The integrity of the seal is proved by the comparison of imprint identification records made by laser beam projection.

Security seal

DOEpatents

Gobeli, Garth W.

1985-01-01

Security for a package or verifying seal in plastic material is provided by a print seal with unique thermally produced imprints in the plastic. If tampering is attempted, the material is irreparably damaged and thus detectable. The pattern of the imprints, similar to "fingerprints" are recorded as a positive identification for the seal, and corresponding recordings made to allow comparison. The integrity of the seal is proved by the comparison of imprint identification records made by laser beam projection.

AlGaInN laser diode technology and systems for defence and security applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najda, Stephen P.; Perlin, Piotr; Suski, Tadek; Marona, Lujca; Boćkowski, Mike; Leszczyński, Mike; Wisniewski, Przemek; Czernecki, Robert; Kucharski, Robert; Targowski, Grzegorz; Watson, Scott; Kelly, Antony E.

2015-10-01

AlGaInN laser diodes is an emerging technology for defence and security applications such as underwater communications and sensing, atomic clocks and quantum information. The AlGaInN material system allows for laser diodes to be fabricated over a very wide range of wavelengths from u.v., ~380nm, to the visible ~530nm, by tuning the indium content of the laser GaInN quantum well. Thus AlGaInN laser diode technology is a key enabler for the development of new disruptive system level applications in displays, telecom, defence and other industries. Ridge waveguide laser diodes are fabricated to achieve single mode operation with optical powers up to 100mW with the 400-440nm wavelength range with high reliability. Visible free-space and underwater communication at frequencies up to 2.5GHz is reported using a directly modulated 422nm GaN laser diode. Low defectivity and highly uniform GaN substrates allow arrays and bars to be fabricated. High power operation operation of AlGaInN laser bars with up to 20 emitters have been demonstrated at optical powers up to 4W in a CS package with common contact configuration. An alternative package configuration for AlGaInN laser arrays allows for each individual laser to be individually addressable allowing complex free-space or optical fibre system integration with a very small form-factor.

Potentially conflicting metabolic demands of diving and exercise in seals.

PubMed

Castellini, M A; Murphy, B J; Fedak, M; Ronald, K; Gofton, N; Hochachka, P W

1985-02-01

Metabolic replacement rates (Ra) for glucose and free fatty acids (FFA) were determined during rest, exercise, and diving conditions in the gray seal using bolus injections of radiotracers. In the exercise experiments the seal swam at a metabolic rate elevated twofold over resting Ra for glucose and FFA while resting were similar to values found in terrestrial mammals and other marine mammal species. During exercise periods glucose turnover increased slightly while FFA turnover changes were variable. However, the energetic demands of exercise could not be met by the increase in the replacement rates of glucose or FFA even if both were completely oxidized. Under diving conditions the tracer pool displayed radically different specific activity curves indicative of the changes in perfusion and metabolic rate associated with a strong dive response. Since the radiotracer curves during exercise and diving differed qualitatively and quantitatively, it is possible that similar studies on freely diving animals can be used to assess the role of the diving response during underwater swimming in nature.

Analysis and Application of an Underwater Optical-Ranging System

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-09-01

sin 20 (3.2) 0 2 2 The direction in which this is maximized or minimized is found by differentiating with respect to 0 and setting to zero _ = 0 (3.3...H.O. Torsen , K. Thoresen, "Laser Imaging Technology for Subsea Inspection: Principles and Applications," IRMI/ROV90 Coiference, November 1990. [6...J.O. Klepsvik, H.O. Torsen , "Recent Advances in Accurate Underwater Mapping and Inspection Techniques," International Ocean Technology Congress, January

Design of a Two Dimensional Planer Pressurized Air Labyrinth Seal Test Rig

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

identity by block number) Dump Diffuser, Flow Modification, Laser Doppler Velocimeter, Labyrinth Seal , Leakage Prediction, Press --ized air 19 Abstract...reducing this high to low pressure leakage . Figure 1.1 is a two dimensional representation of a 3 dimensional annular labyrinth seal . The object of this... Labyrinth Seal literature, Sneck [2] credits C.A. Parsons with development of the labyrinth seal in concert with Parson’s [31 development of the steam

Matrix effect of sodium compounds on the determination of metal ions in aqueous solutions by underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Goueguel, Christian; McIntyre, Dustin L.; Jain, Jinesh; ...

2015-06-30

A significant portion of the carbon sequestration research being performed in the United States involves the risk assessment of injecting large quantities of carbon dioxide into deep saline aquifers. Leakage of CO 2 has the potential to affect the quality of groundwater supplies in case contaminants migrate through underlying conduits. New remote sensing and near-surface monitoring technologies are needed to ensure that injection, abandoned, and monitoring wells are structurally sound, and that CO 2 remains within the geologic storage reservoir. In this paper, we propose underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (underwater LIBS) as an analytical method for monitoring naturally occurring elementsmore » that can act as tracers to detect a CO 2 leak from storage sites. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to measure Sr 2+, Ca 2+, K +, and Li + in bulk solutions to ascertain the analytical performance of underwater LIBS. We compared the effect of NaCl, Na 2CO 3, and Na 2SO 4 on the analytes calibration curves to determine underwater LIBS’ ability to analyze samples of sodium compounds. In all cases, the calibration curves showed a good linearity within 2 orders of magnitude. The limit of detections (LODs) obtained for K + (30±1 ppb) and Li + (60±2 ppb) were in ppb range, while higher LODs were observed for Ca 2+ (0.94±0.14 ppm) and Sr 2+ (2.89±0.11 ppm). Evaluation of the calibration curves for the analytes in mixed solutions showed dependence of the lines’ intensity with the sodium compounds. The intensities increased respectively in the presence of dissolved NaCl and Na 2SO 4, whereas the intensities slightly decreased in the presence of Na 2CO 3. Lastly, the capabilities of underwater LIBS to detect certain elements in the ppb or in the low ppm range make it particularly appealing for in situ monitoring of a CO 2 leak.« less

Matrix effect of sodium compounds on the determination of metal ions in aqueous solutions by underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

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

Goueguel, Christian; McIntyre, Dustin L.; Jain, Jinesh

A significant portion of the carbon sequestration research being performed in the United States involves the risk assessment of injecting large quantities of carbon dioxide into deep saline aquifers. Leakage of CO 2 has the potential to affect the quality of groundwater supplies in case contaminants migrate through underlying conduits. New remote sensing and near-surface monitoring technologies are needed to ensure that injection, abandoned, and monitoring wells are structurally sound, and that CO 2 remains within the geologic storage reservoir. In this paper, we propose underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (underwater LIBS) as an analytical method for monitoring naturally occurring elementsmore » that can act as tracers to detect a CO 2 leak from storage sites. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to measure Sr 2+, Ca 2+, K +, and Li + in bulk solutions to ascertain the analytical performance of underwater LIBS. We compared the effect of NaCl, Na 2CO 3, and Na 2SO 4 on the analytes calibration curves to determine underwater LIBS’ ability to analyze samples of sodium compounds. In all cases, the calibration curves showed a good linearity within 2 orders of magnitude. The limit of detections (LODs) obtained for K + (30±1 ppb) and Li + (60±2 ppb) were in ppb range, while higher LODs were observed for Ca 2+ (0.94±0.14 ppm) and Sr 2+ (2.89±0.11 ppm). Evaluation of the calibration curves for the analytes in mixed solutions showed dependence of the lines’ intensity with the sodium compounds. The intensities increased respectively in the presence of dissolved NaCl and Na 2SO 4, whereas the intensities slightly decreased in the presence of Na 2CO 3. Lastly, the capabilities of underwater LIBS to detect certain elements in the ppb or in the low ppm range make it particularly appealing for in situ monitoring of a CO 2 leak.« less

Optical Turbulence on Underwater Image Degradation in Natural Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-31

A. Laux, B. M. Concannon, E. P . Zege, I. L. Katsev, and A. S. Prikhach, "Amplitude-modulated Laser Imager," Appl. Opt. 43, 3874- 3892 (2004). 6. G...Security Symposium, R. A. W. Hou, ed. (SPIE, Orlando, FL, 2011), p . 8. 17 24 . A. Kanaev, W. Hou, and S. Woods, "Multi-frame Underwater Image...report ) Journal article (not refereed) Route Sheet No. !~3_!)!_ Job Order No. __ 73_:§~§.~~ 0_1- 5 Classification X u c Sponsor ONR ( ) Oral

Remote Control over Underwater Dynamic Attachment/Detachment and Locomotion.

PubMed

Ma, Yanfei; Ma, Shuanhong; Wu, Yang; Pei, Xiaowei; Gorb, Stanislav N; Wang, Zuankai; Liu, Weimin; Zhou, Feng

2018-06-19

Despite extensive efforts to mimic the fascinating adhesion capability of geckos, the development of reversible adhesives underwater has long been lagging. The appearance of mussels-inspired dopamine chemistry has provided the feasibility to fabricate underwater adhesives; however, for such a system, imitating the reversible and fast dynamic attachment/detachment mechanism of gecko feet still remains unsolved. Here, by synthesizing a thermoresponsive copolymer of poly(dopamine methacrylamide-co-methoxyethyl-acrylate-co-N-isopropyl acrylamide) and then decorating it onto mushroom-shaped poly(dimethylsiloxane) pillar arrays, a novel underwater thermoresponsive gecko-like adhesive (TRGA) can be fabricated, yielding high adhesion during the attachment state above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the copolymer, yet low adhesion during the detachment state below the LCST of the copolymer. By integrating the Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles into the TRGA, TRGAs responsive to near-infrared laser radiation can be engineered, which can be successfully used for rapid and reversible remote control over adhesion so as to capture and release heavy objects underwater because of the contrast force change of both the normal adhesion force and the lateral friction force. It is also demonstrated that the material can be assembled on the tracks of an underwater mobile device to realize controllable movement. This opens up the door for developing intelligent underwater gecko-like locomotion with dynamic attachment/detachment ability. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fabrication of rectangular cross-sectional microchannels on PMMA with a CO2 laser and underwater fabricated copper mask

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prakash, Shashi; Kumar, Subrata

2017-09-01

CO2 lasers are commonly used for fabricating polymer based microfluidic devices. Despite several key advantages like low cost, time effectiveness, easy to operate and no requirement of clean room facility, CO2 lasers suffer from few disadvantages like thermal bulging, improper dimensional control, difficulty to produce microchannels of other than Gaussian cross sectional shapes and inclined surface walls. Many microfluidic devices require square or rectangular cross-sections which are difficult to produce using normal CO2 laser procedures. In this work, a thin copper sheet of 40 μm was used as a mask above the PMMA (Polymethyl-methacrylate) substrate while fabricating the microchannels utilizing the raster scanning feature of the CO2 lasers. Microchannels with different width dimensions were fabricated utilizing a CO2 laser in with mask and without-mask conditions. A comparison of both the fabricating process has been made. It was found that microchannels with U shape cross section and rectangular cross-section can efficiently be produced using the with mask technique. In addition to this, this technique can provide perfect dimensional control and better surface quality of the microchannel walls. Such a microchannel fabrication process do not require any post-processing. The fabrication of mask using a nanosecond fiber laser has been discussed in details. An underwater laser fabrication method was adopted to overcome heat related defects in mask preparation. Overall, the technique was found to be easy to adopt and significant improvements were observed in microchannel fabrication.

Propulsive efficiency of the underwater dolphin kick in humans.

PubMed

von Loebbecke, Alfred; Mittal, Rajat; Fish, Frank; Mark, Russell

2009-05-01

Three-dimensional fully unsteady computational fluid dynamic simulations of five Olympic-level swimmers performing the underwater dolphin kick are used to estimate the swimmer's propulsive efficiencies. These estimates are compared with those of a cetacean performing the dolphin kick. The geometries of the swimmers and the cetacean are based on laser and CT scans, respectively, and the stroke kinematics is based on underwater video footage. The simulations indicate that the propulsive efficiency for human swimmers varies over a relatively wide range from about 11% to 29%. The efficiency of the cetacean is found to be about 56%, which is significantly higher than the human swimmers. The computed efficiency is found not to correlate with either the slender body theory or with the Strouhal number.

Evaluation of dentin tubule occlusion after laser irradiation and desensitizing agent application.

PubMed

Kim, Min-Ho; Kim, Ryan Jin-Young; Lee, Woo-Cheol; Lee, In-Bog

2015-10-01

To evaluate the effects of lasers (Nd:YAG and Er:YAG) and of topical desensitizing agents on dentin tubule occlusion by measuring real-time dentin fluid flow (DFF). 32 molars were prepared with V-shape cavity at the cervical area, acid-etched, water rinsed, blotted dry, and treated with (1) Nd:YAG laser; (2) Er:YAG laser; (3) SuperSeal, a desensitizing agent; (4) ClinproXT, a resin-modified glass-ionomer (RMGI) varnish (n = 8 each). A real-time fluid flow measuring instrument (nano-Flow) was used to measure the DFF throughout the procedures. The DFF rates before and after the treatment were compared. Moreover, the surface topography of dentin tubules after each desensitizing method was examined using SEM. DFF varied among the groups. The DFF rate was significantly reduced after laser irradiation/application of the desensitizing agents (P < 0.05). ClinproXT showed the greatest reduction of DFF rate (71.9%), followed by the SuperSeal (34.8%) and laser groups (P< 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the Nd:YAG (24.1%) and Er:YAG (20.6%) groups (P > 0.05). In SEM images, narrowed dentin tubules were observed in both lased groups and SuperSeal group. In the ClinproXT group, the occluded dentin tubules by the RMGI covering were observed.

AlGaInN laser diode technology and systems for defence and security applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najda, Stephen P.; Perlin, Piotr; Suski, Tadek; Marona, Lucja; Boćkowski, Mike; Leszczyński, Mike; Wisniewski, Przemek; Czernecki, Robert; Kucharski, Robert; Targowski, Grzegorz; Watson, Scott; Kelly, Antony E.

2015-05-01

The latest developments in AlGaInN laser diode technology are reviewed for defence and security applications such as underwater communications. The AlGaInN material system allows for laser diodes to be fabricated over a very wide range of wavelengths from u.v., ~380nm, to the visible ~530nm, by tuning the indium content of the laser GaInN quantum well. Thus AlGaInN laser diode technology is a key enabler for the development of new disruptive system level applications in displays, telecom, defence and other industries.

Underwater femtosecond laser micromachining of thin nitinol tubes for medical coronary stent manufacture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muhammad, Noorhafiza; Li, Lin

2012-06-01

Microprofiling of medical coronary stents has been dominated by the use of Nd:YAG lasers with pulse lengths in the range of a few milliseconds, and material removal is based on the melt ejection with a high-pressure gas. As a result, recast and heat-affected zones are produced, and various post-processing procedures are required to remove these defects. This paper reports a new approach of machining stents in submerged conditions using a 100-fs pulsed laser. A comparison is given of dry and underwater femtosecond laser micromachining techniques of nickel-titanium alloy (nitinol) typically used as the material for coronary stents. The characteristics of laser interactions with the material have been studied. A femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser system (wavelength of 800 nm, pulse duration of 100 fs, repetition rate of 1 kHz) was used to perform the cutting process. It is observed that machining under a thin water film resulted in no presence of heat-affected zone, debris, spatter or recast with fine-cut surface quality. At the optimum parameters, the results obtained with dry cutting showed nearly the same cut surface quality as with cutting under water. However, debris and recast formation still appeared on the dry cut, which is based on material vaporization. Physical processes involved during the cutting process in a thin water film, i.e. bubble formation and shock waves, are discussed.

Auditory Evoked Potentials for the Evaluation of Hearing Sensitivity in Navy Dolphins. Modification P00002: Assessment of Hearing Sensitivity in Adult Male Elephant Seals

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-30

hearing in the potential and underwater behavioral hearing thresholds in four bottlenose beluga Delphinapterus leucas ," Dokl. Akad. Nauk SSSR 294...313, "Auditory filter shapes for the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and 238-241. the white whale ( Delphinapterus leucas ) derived with...Rickards, F. W., Cohen, L. T., De Vidi, S., and Clark, G. M. of a beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas ," Aquat. Mamm. 26, 212-228. (1995). "The

Reconnaissance Report for Navigation Improvements (Reduction of Shoaling) at Santa Cruz Harbor Santa Cruz County, California

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-01

productive. Thus, the area supports a wide variety of marine and terrestrial life. This mild climate and richness of resources has facilitated human ...and they have the ability to coexist with many human endeavors in the marine environment. Although the sand trap will have to be dredged annually... human activity. I 5.4 Fish & Invertebrates East Jetty Sealing: The underwater spaces in the east jetty that are filled with fluidized sand are not

Spatiotemporal modeling of laser tissue soldering using photothermal nanocomposites.

PubMed

Mushaben, Madaline; Urie, Russell; Flake, Tanner; Jaffe, Michael; Rege, Kaushal; Heys, Jeffrey

2018-02-01

Laser tissue soldering using photothermal solders is a technology that facilitates rapid sealing using heat-induced changes in the tissue and the solder material. The solder material is made of gold nanorods embedded in a protein matrix patch that can be placed over the tissue rupture site and heated with a laser. Although laser tissue soldering is an attractive approach for surgical repair, potential photothermal damage can limit the success of this approach. Development of predictive mathematical models of photothermal effects including cell death, can lead to more efficient approaches in laser-based tissue repair. We describe an experimental and modeling investigation into photothermal solder patches for sealing porcine and mouse cadaver intestine sections using near-infrared laser irradiation. Spatiotemporal changes in temperature were determined at the surface as well as various depths below the patch. A mathematical model, based on the finite element method, predicts the spatiotemporal temperature distribution in the patch and surrounding tissue, as well as concomitant cell death in the tissue is described. For both the porcine and mouse intestine systems, the model predicts temperatures that are quantitatively similar to the experimental measurements with the model predictions of temperature increase often being within a just a few degrees of experimental measurements. This mathematical model can be employed to identify optimal conditions for minimizing healthy cell death while still achieving a strong seal of the ruptured tissue using laser soldering. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:143-152, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Laser apparatus

DOEpatents

Lewis, Owen; Stogran, Edmund M.

1980-01-01

Laser apparatus is described wherein an active laser element, such as the disc of a face-pumped laser, is mounted in a housing such that the weight of the element is supported by glass spheres which fill a chamber defined in the housing between the walls of the housing and the edges of the laser element. The uniform support provided by the spheres enable the chamber and the pump side of the laser element to be sealed without affecting the alignment or other optical properties of the laser element. Cooling fluid may be circulated through the sealed region by way of the interstices between the spheres. The spheres, and if desired also the cooling fluid may contain material which absorbs radiation at the wavelength of parasitic emissions from the laser element. These parasitic emissions enter the spheres through the interface along the edge surface of the laser element and it is desirable that the index of refraction of the spheres and cooling fluid be near the index of refraction of the laser element. Thus support, cooling, and parasitic suppression functions are all accomplished through the use of the arrangement.

Influence of elastomeric seal plate surface chemistry on interface integrity in biofouling-prone systems: Evaluation of a hydrophobic "easy-release" silicone-epoxy coating for maintaining water seal integrity of a sliding neoprene/steel interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andolina, Vincent L.

The scientific hypothesis of this work is that modulation of the properties of hard materials to exhibit abrasion-reducing and low-energy surfaces will extend the functional lifetimes of elastomeric seals pressed against them in abrasive underwater systems. The initial motivation of this work was to correct a problem noted in the leaking of seals at major hydropower generating facilities subject to fouling by abrasive zebra mussel shells and extensive corrosion. Similar biofouling-influenced problems can develop at seals in medical devices and appliances from regulators in anesthetic machines and SCUBA diving oxygen supply units to autoclave door seals, injection syringe gaskets, medical pumps, drug delivery components, and feeding devices, as well as in food handling equipment like pasteurizers and transfer lines. Maritime and many other heavy industrial seal interfaces could also benefit from this coating system. Little prior work has been done to elucidate the relationship of seal plate surface properties to the friction and wear of elastomeric seals during sliding contacts of these articulating materials, or to examine the secondary influence of mineralized debris within the contacting interfaces. This investigation utilized the seal materials relevant to the hydropower application---neoprene elastomer against carbon steel---with and without the application of a silicone-epoxy coating (WearlonRTM 2020.98) selected for its wear-resistance, hydrophobicity, and "easy-release" capabilities against biological fouling debris present in actual field use. Analytical techniques applied to these materials before and after wear-producing processes included comprehensive Contact Angle measurements for Critical Surface Tension (CA-CST) determination, Scanning Electron Microscopic inspections, together with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) measurements for determination of surface texture and inorganic composition, Multiple Attenuated Internal Reflection (MAIR-IR) and Microscopic Infrared Spectroscopy for organic surface compositional details, light microscopy for wear area quantification, and profilometry for surface roughness estimation and wear depth quantification. Pin-on-disc dynamic Coefficient of Friction (CoF) measurements provided data relevant to forecasts of seal integrity in dry, wet and biofouling-influenced sliding contact. Actual wear of neoprene seal material against uncoated and coated steel surfaces, wet and dry, was monitored after both rotary and linear cyclic wear testing, demonstrating significant reductions in elastomer wear areas and depths (and resultant volumes) when the coating was present. Coating the steel eliminated a 270% increase in neoprene surface area wear and an 11-fold increase in seal abrasive volume loss associated with underwater rusting in rotary experiments. Linear testing results confirm coating efficacy by reducing wear area in both loading regimes by about half. No coating delamination was observed, apparently due to a differential distribution of silicone and epoxy ingredients at the air-exposed vs. steel-bonded interfaces demonstrated by IR and EDS methods. Frictional testing revealed higher Coefficients of Friction (CoF) associated with the low-speed sliding of Neoprene over coated rather than uncoated steel surfaces in a wet environment, indicating better potential seal adhesion between the hydrophobic elastomer and coating than between the elastomer and intrinsically hydrophilic uncoated steel. When zebra mussel biofouling debris was present in the articulating joints, CoF was reduced as a result of a water channel path produced between the articulating surfaces by the retained biological matter. Easier release of the biofouling from the low-CST coated surfaces restored the seal integrity more rapidly with further water rinsing. Rapid sliding diminished these biofouling-related differences, but revealed a significant advantage in reducing the CoF of the elastomer-on-coating couples to less than 50% of the elastomer-on-steel couples in all conditions. These consolidated results indicate that general improvements in maintenance of seal integrity and functional lifetimes for other sliding joints exposed to potentially abrasive biofouling media can be obtained by coating the more-rigid seal-plate surfaces with low-CST, hydrophobic, wear-resistant materials such as the silicone-epoxy system characterized here.

Authentication via wavefront-shaped optical responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eilers, Hergen; Anderson, Benjamin R.; Gunawidjaja, Ray

2018-02-01

Authentication/tamper-indication is required in a wide range of applications, including nuclear materials management and product counterfeit detection. State-of-the-art techniques include reflective particle tags, laser speckle authentication, and birefringent seals. Each of these passive techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages, including the need for complex image comparisons, limited flexibility, sensitivity to environmental conditions, limited functionality, etc. We have developed a new active approach to address some of these short-comings. The use of an active characterization technique adds more flexibility and additional layers of security over current techniques. Our approach uses randomly-distributed nanoparticles embedded in a polymer matrix (tag/seal) which is attached to the item to be secured. A spatial light modulator is used to adjust the wavefront of a laser which interacts with the tag/seal, and a detector is used to monitor this interaction. The interaction can occur in various ways, including transmittance, reflectance, fluorescence, random lasing, etc. For example, at the time of origination, the wavefront-shaped reflectance from a tag/seal can be adjusted to result in a specific pattern (symbol, words, etc.) Any tampering with the tag/seal would results in a disturbance of the random orientation of the nanoparticles and thus distort the reflectance pattern. A holographic waveplate could be inserted into the laser beam for verification. The absence/distortion of the original pattern would then indicate that tampering has occurred. We have tested the tag/seal's and authentication method's tamper-indicating ability using various attack methods, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical attacks, and have verified our material/method's robust tamper-indicating ability.

An experimental technique to repair cracked teeth using calcium phosphate, melted by a laser beam: an in vitro evaluation.

PubMed

Levy, G C; Koubi, G F

1993-11-01

Using a neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser beam to seal vertical root fracture lines with tricalcium phosphate paste represents an alternative treatment for cracked teeth with noted clinical results. This article describes a study of the permeability of molten crystals of hydroxyapatite in the dentin of a cracked root after crack lines have been filled with a preparation of tricalcium phosphate melted by a neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser beam. The morphology of the sealed cracks was analyzed under a scanning electron microscope that showed a deep fusion of tricalcium phosphate along crack lines.

The relationship between sea ice concentration and the spatio-temporal distribution of vocalizing bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas from 2008 to 2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacIntyre, Kalyn Q.; Stafford, Kathleen M.; Conn, Paul B.; Laidre, Kristin L.; Boveng, Peter L.

2015-08-01

Bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) are widely distributed in the Arctic and sub-Arctic; the Beringia population is found throughout the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas (BCB). Bearded seals are highly vocal, using underwater calls to advertise their breeding condition and maintain aquatic territories. They are also closely associated with pack ice for reproductive activities, molting, and resting. Sea ice habitat for this species varies spatially and temporally throughout the year due to differences in underlying physical and oceanographic features across its range. To test the hypothesis that the vocal activity of bearded seals is related to variations in sea ice, passive acoustic data were collected from nine locations throughout the BCB from 2008 to 2011. Recording instruments sampled on varying duty cycles ranging from 20% to 100% of each hour, and recorded frequencies up to 8192 Hz. Spectrograms of acoustic data were analyzed manually to calculate the daily proportion of hours with bearded seal calls at each sampling location, and these call activity proportions were correlated with daily satellite-derived estimates of sea ice concentration. Bearded seals were vocally active nearly year-round in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas with peak activity occurring from mid-March to late June during the mating season. The duration of call activity in the Bering Sea was shorter, lasting typically only five months, and peaked from mid-March to May at the northernmost recorders. In all areas, call activity was significantly correlated with higher sea ice concentrations (p < 0.01). These results suggest that losses in ice cover may negatively impact bearded seals, not just by loss of habitat but also by altering the behavioral ecology of the BCB population.

Shallow Water Laser Bathymetry: Accomplishments and Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-12

developed specifically to detect underwater mines , such as the Airborne Laser Radar Mine Sensor (ALARMS) built by Optech for the U.S. Defense...borne mine detection based upon an earlier proven ALB receiver configuration, was developed from urgent requirements related to the Persian Gulf War...resolution depiction of a large area which had recently been mined for a neighboring beach restoration project, it highlighted the capability for

Development of Laser-induced Grating Spectroscopy for Underwater Temperature Measurement in Shock Wave Focusing Regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gojani, Ardian B.; Danehy, Paul M.; Alderfer, David W.; Saito, Tsutomu; Takayama, Kazuyoshi

2003-01-01

In Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) underwater shock wave focusing generates high pressures at very short duration of time inside human body. However, it is not yet clear how high temperatures are enhanced at the spot where a shock wave is focused. The estimation of such dynamic temperature enhancements is critical for the evaluation of tissue damages upon shock loading. For this purpose in the Interdisciplinary Shock Wave Research Center a technique is developed which employs laser induced thermal acoustics or Laser Induced Grating Spectroscopy. Unlike most of gasdynamic methods of measuring physical quantities this provides a non-invasive one having spatial and temporal resolutions of the order of magnitude of 1.0 mm3 and 400 ns, respectively. Preliminary experiments in still water demonstrated that this method detected sound speed and hence temperature in water ranging 283 K to 333 K with errors of 0.5%. These results may be used to empirically establish the equation of states of water, gelatin or agar cells which will work as alternatives of human tissues.

The usefulness of Wi-Fi based digital chest drainage system in the post-operative care of pneumothorax.

PubMed

Cho, Hyun Min; Hong, Yoon Joo; Byun, Chun Sung; Hwang, Jung Joo

2016-03-01

Chest drainage systems are usually composed of chest tube and underwater-seal bottle. But this conventional system may restrict patients doing exercise and give clinicians obscure data about when to remove tubes because there is no objective indicator. Recently developed digital chest drainage systems may facilitate interpretation of the grade of air leak and make it easy for clinicians to decide when to remove chest tubes. In addition, with combination of wireless internet devices, monitoring and managing of drainage system distant from the patient is possible. Sixty patients of primary pneumothorax were included in a prospective randomized study and divided into two groups. Group I (study) consisted of digital chest drainage system while in group II (control), conventional underwater-seal chest bottle system was used. Data was collected from January, 2012 to September, 2013 in Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea. There was no difference in age, sex, smoking history and postoperative pain between two groups. But the average length of drainage was 2.2 days in group I and 3.1 days in group II (P<0.006). And more, about 90% of the patients in group I was satisfied with using new device for convenience. Digital system was beneficial on reducing the length of tube drainage by real time monitoring. It also had advantage in portability, loudness and gave more satisfaction than conventional system. Moreover, internet based digital drainage system will be a good method in thoracic telemedicine area in the near future.

Fabrication and researching of weathering resistant double cladding power delivery fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, Liang; Ren, Junjiang; Li, Rundong; Wang, Lianping; Zou, Huan

2016-01-01

A novel well weathering resistant power delivery fiber which is of double cladding and high optical energy transmitting ability is developed via fluoroplastic out sheath extruding process. The fiber has been comprehensively evaluated including optical performance, mechanical performance, environmental suitability and laser transmitting property. It is shown that the fiber has not only low attenuation, high numerical aperture and better mechanical bending performance, but also outstanding weathering resistance and high power laser transmitting performance, which implies the qualification of the fiber for various kinds of applying situations, such as laser ignition, laser induced expanding sound underwater, ship-based and airborne laser weapon.

Experimental study: Underwater propagation of polarized flat top partially coherent laser beams with a varying degree of spatial coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avramov-Zamurovic, S.; Nelson, C.

2018-10-01

We report on experiments where spatially partially coherent laser beams with flat top intensity profiles were propagated underwater. Two scenarios were explored: still water and mechanically moved entrained salt scatterers. Gaussian, fully spatially coherent beams, and Multi-Gaussian Schell model beams with varying degrees of spatial coherence were used in the experiments. The main objective of our study was the exploration of the scintillation performance of scalar beams, with both vertical and horizontal polarizations, and the comparison with electromagnetic beams that have a randomly varying polarization. The results from our investigation show up to a 50% scintillation index reduction for the case with electromagnetic beams. In addition, we observed that the fully coherent beam performance deteriorates significantly relative to the spatially partially coherent beams when the conditions become more complex, changing from still water conditions to the propagation through mechanically moved entrained salt scatterers.

A new compact, cost-efficient concept for underwater range-gated imaging: the UTOFIA project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mariani, Patrizio; Quincoces, Iñaki; Galparsoro, Ibon; Bald, Juan; Gabiña, Gorka; Visser, Andy; Jónasdóttir, Sigrun; Haugholt, Karl Henrik; Thorstensen, Jostein; Risholm, Petter; Thielemann, Jens

2017-04-01

Underwater Time Of Flight Image Acquisition system (UTOFIA) is a recently launched H2020 project (H2020 - 633098) to develop a compact and cost-effective underwater imaging system especially suited for observations in turbid environments. The UTOFIA project targets technology that can overcome the limitations created by scattering, by introducing cost-efficient range-gated imaging for underwater applications. This technology relies on a image acquisition principle that can extends the imaging range of the cameras 2-3 times respect to other cameras. Moreover, the system will simultaneously capture 3D information of the observed objects. Today range-gated imaging is not widely used, as it relies on specialised optical components making systems large and costly. Recent technology developments have made it possible a significant (2-3 times) reduction in size, complexity and cost of underwater imaging systems, whilst addressing the scattering issues at the same time. By acquiring simultaneous 3D data, the system allows to accurately measure the absolute size of marine life and their spatial relationship to their habitat, enhancing the precision of fish stock monitoring and ecology assessment, hence supporting proper management of marine resources. Additionally, the larger observed volume and the improved image quality make the system suitable for cost-effective underwater surveillance operations in e.g. fish farms, underwater infrastructures. The system can be integrated into existing ocean observatories for real time acquisition and can greatly advance present efforts in developing species recognition algorithms, given the additional features provided, the improved image quality and the independent illumination source based on laser. First applications of the most recent prototype of the imaging system will be provided including inspection of underwater infrastructures and observations of marine life under different environmental conditions.

Remote environmental sensor array system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, Geoffrey G.

This thesis examines the creation of an environmental monitoring system for inhospitable environments. It has been named The Remote Environmental Sensor Array System or RESA System for short. This thesis covers the development of RESA from its inception, to the design and modeling of the hardware and software required to make it functional. Finally, the actual manufacture, and laboratory testing of the finished RESA product is discussed and documented. The RESA System is designed as a cost-effective way to bring sensors and video systems to the underwater environment. It contains as water quality probe with sensors such as dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, specific conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential and chlorophyll a. In addition, an omni-directional hydrophone is included to detect underwater acoustic signals. It has a colour, high-definition and a low-light, black and white camera system, which it turn are coupled to a laser scaling system. Both high-intensity discharge and halogen lighting system are included to illuminate the video images. The video and laser scaling systems are manoeuvred using pan and tilt units controlled from an underwater computer box. Finally, a sediment profile imager is included to enable profile images of sediment layers to be acquired. A control and manipulation system to control the instruments and move the data across networks is integrated into the underwater system while a power distribution node provides the correct voltages to power the instruments. Laboratory testing was completed to ensure that the different instruments associated with the RESA performed as designed. This included physical testing of the motorized instruments, calibration of the instruments, benchmark performance testing and system failure exercises.

Optics assembly for high power laser tools

DOEpatents

Fraze, Jason D.; Faircloth, Brian O.; Zediker, Mark S.

2016-06-07

There is provided a high power laser rotational optical assembly for use with, or in high power laser tools for performing high power laser operations. In particular, the optical assembly finds applications in performing high power laser operations on, and in, remote and difficult to access locations. The optical assembly has rotational seals and bearing configurations to avoid contamination of the laser beam path and optics.

Influence of range-gated intensifiers on underwater imaging system SNR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xia; Hu, Ling; Zhi, Qiang; Chen, Zhen-yue; Jin, Wei-qi

2013-08-01

Range-gated technology has been a hot research field in recent years due to its high effective back scattering eliminating. As a result, it can enhance the contrast between a target and its background and extent the working distance of the imaging system. The underwater imaging system is required to have the ability to image in low light level conditions, as well as the ability to eliminate the back scattering effect, which means that the receiver has to be high-speed external trigger function, high resolution, high sensitivity, low noise, higher gain dynamic range. When it comes to an intensifier, the noise characteristics directly restrict the observation effect and range of the imaging system. The background noise may decrease the image contrast and sharpness, even covering the signal making it impossible to recognize the target. So it is quite important to investigate the noise characteristics of intensifiers. SNR is an important parameter reflecting the noise features of a system. Through the use of underwater laser range-gated imaging prediction model, and according to the linear SNR system theory, the gated imaging noise performance of the present market adopted super second generation and generation Ⅲ intensifiers were theoretically analyzed. Based on the active laser underwater range-gated imaging model, the effect to the system by gated intensifiers and the relationship between the system SNR and MTF were studied. Through theoretical and simulation analysis to the image intensifier background noise and SNR, the different influence on system SNR by super second generation and generation Ⅲ ICCD was obtained. Range-gated system SNR formula was put forward, and compared the different effect influence on the system by using two kind of ICCDs was compared. According to the matlab simulation, a detailed analysis was carried out theoretically. All the work in this paper lays a theoretical foundation to further eliminating back scattering effect, improving image SNR, designing and manufacturing higher performance underwater range-gated imaging systems.

Research on characteristics of forward scattering light based on Monte Carlo simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Kun; Jin, Wei-qi

2008-03-01

In ocean inspection, laser system has the advantages of high precision, high efficiency and being enacted on the temperature or salinity of seawater. It has been developed greatly in recent years. But it is not yet a mature inspection technique because of the complicacy of oceanic channel and water-scattering. There are many problems to be resolved. In this paper, the work principle and of general developing situation of ocean lidar techniques are introduced first. The author points out that the intense scattering and absorbing acting on light by water is the bottleneck to limit the development of ocean lidar. The Monet Carlo method is adopted finally to be a basal way of study in this paper after discussing several method of studying the light transmitting in seawater. Based on the theory of photon transmitted in the seawater and the particularity of underwater target detecting, we have studied the characters of laser scattering on underwater target surface and spatial and temporal characters of forward scattering. Starting from the particularity of underwater target detecting, a new model to describe the characters of laser scattering is presented. Based on this model, we developed the fast arithmetic, which enhanced the computation speed greatly and the precision was also assured. It made detecting real-time realizable. Basing on the Monte Carlo simulation and starting from the theory of photon transmitted in the seawater, we studied how the parameters of water quality and other systemic parameters affect the light forward scattering through seawater at spatial and temporal region and provided the theoretical sustentation of enhancing the SNR and operational distance.

Sealing Penetrating Eye Injuries Using Photoactivated Bonding

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

membrane over a penetrating corneal injury with photochemical tissue bonding ( PTB )(Task 1), we had proposed to directly bond, with PTB , the edges of...wounds with irregular shapes which mimic traumatic wounds. We had previously demonstrated that PTB effectively sealed linear incisional wounds in...developed for sealing eyelid lacerations with PTB was submitted in Year 2 and was published in Year 3 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. It is listed in

Results from an Integrated Optical/Acoustic Communication System Installed at CORK 857D: Implications for Future Seafloor Observatories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tivey, M.; Farr, N.; Ware, J.; Pontbriand, C.

2011-12-01

A CORK (Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit) borehole represents all of the basic components required for a seafloor observatory: a stable environment for long-term continuous measurements of earth and ocean phenomena, access to a unique environment below the seafloor under controlled conditions (e.g. hydrologically sealed), and a standard interface for communication. Typically, however, due to power constraints and a limited frequency of data download opportunities, data sampling has been limited to rates on the order of several minutes. For full seismic wave sampling, at least 1 Hz or better is required. While some CORK systems are now being connected to an underwater cable to provide continuous power and real-time data (cf. Neptune network in the Northeast Pacific), there will be locations where cabled observatories are not viable. Another mode of communication is required to enable both high data rate communication and access for data download via more conventional vessels and not limited to those with ROV or submersibles. We here report on technology to enable high data rate download and transfer of data and information using underwater optical communications, which can be accomplished from a surface vessel of opportunity or, in the future, by autonomous underwater vehicle. In 2010, we successfully deployed and tested an underwater optical communication system that provides high data rate communications over a range of 100 meters from a deep sea CORK borehole observatory located in the northeast Pacific at IODP Hole 857D. The CORK is instrumented with a thermistor string and pressure sensors that record downhole formation pressures and temperatures within oceanic basement and is pressure sealed from the overlying water column. The seafloor Optical Telemetry System (OTS) was plugged into the CORK's existing underwater matable connector to provide an optical and acoustic communication interface and additional data storage and battery power for the CORK to sample at 1 Hz data-rate, an increase over the normal 15 sec data sample rate. A CTD-mounted OTS lowered by wire from a surface ship established an optical communication link at 100 meters range at rates of 1, 5 and 10 Mbps with no bit errors. This mode of communication demonstrates the effectiveness of using a ship-based system to interrogate the system remotely. The OTS was designed to be installed at the seafloor CORK for a year. In 2011, we will revisit the CORK and OTS using the ROV Jason to test the system, download the data collected during this period and to refurbish the batteries for a further year-long deployment period. We will report on the results of those tests at the meeting. As the need to observe oceanic and earth phenomenon over periods not limited to weather windows or cruise schedules increases, the borehole observatory will provide an important venue for gaining access to such timescales. High data-rate underwater communications will be required to make full use of such observatory infrastructure. The use of free water optical communication methods provides a logical way to accomplish these goals in the future.

The better to eat you with: the comparative feeding morphology of phocid seals (Pinnipedia, Phocidae).

PubMed

Kienle, Sarah S; Berta, Annalisa

2016-03-01

One adaptation crucial to the survival of mammalian lineages that secondarily transitioned from land to water environments was the ability to capture and consume prey underwater. Phocid seals have evolved diverse feeding strategies to feed in the marine environment, and the objectives of this study were to document the specialized feeding morphologies and identify feeding strategies used by extant phocids. This study used principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the major axes of diversification in the skull for all extant phocid taxa and the recently extinct Caribbean monk seal (n = 19). Prey data gathered from the literature and musculoskeletal data from dissections were included to provide a comprehensive description of each feeding strategy. Random Forest analysis was used to determine the morphological, ecological and phylogenetic variables that best described each feeding strategy. There is morphological evidence for four feeding strategies in phocids: filter; grip and tear; suction; and pierce feeding. These feeding strategies are supported by quantitative cranial and mandibular characters, dietary information, musculoskeletal data and, for some species, behavioral observations. Most phocid species are pierce feeders, using a combination of biting and suction to opportunistically catch prey. Grip and tear and filter feeding are specialized strategies with specific morphological adaptations. These unique adaptations have allowed leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) to exploit novel ecological niches and prey types. This study provides the first cranial and mandibular morphological evidence for the use of specialized suction feeding in hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) and southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina). The most important variables in determining the feeding strategy of a given phocid species were cranial and mandibular shape, diet, and phylogeny. These results provide a framework for understanding the evolution and adaptability of feeding strategies employed by extant phocid species, and these findings can be applied to other pinniped lineages and extinct taxa. © 2015 Anatomical Society.

Fast neutron sensor for detection of explosives and chemical warfare agents.

PubMed

Valkovic, Vladivoj; Sudac, Davorin; Matika, Dario

2010-01-01

Once the presence of the anomaly on the bottom of the shallow coastal sea water has been confirmed it is necessary to establish if it contains explosive or chemical warfare charge. We propose that this be performed by using neutron sensor installed within an underwater vessel. When positioned above the object, or to its side, the system can inspect the object for the presence of the threat materials by using alpha particle tagged neutrons from the sealed tube d+t neutron generator. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diverless tie-in tool gets first test on deepwater line

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

Knott, D.

1997-03-24

A diverless, deepwater tie-in and repair tool has been developed and successfully tested on the Norwegian Sea`s Haltenpipe project. Den Norske stats oljeselskap AS (Statoil) and Hydratight Ltd., Wolverhampton, U.K., have disclosed details of the technique and installation. Statoil funded development by Hydra-tight of its Morgrip mechanical connector as a diverless pipeline tie-in and repair system for use in water too deep for existing technologies. The paper discusses welding restrictions underwater, metal-to-metal sealing, the Haltenpipe tie-in, and further development plans.

Design and implementation of a biomimetic turtle hydrofoil for an autonomous underwater vehicle.

PubMed

Font, Davinia; Tresanchez, Marcel; Siegentahler, Cedric; Pallejà, Tomàs; Teixidó, Mercè; Pradalier, Cedric; Palacin, Jordi

2011-01-01

This paper presents the design and implementation of a turtle hydrofoil for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). The final design of the AUV must have navigation performance like a turtle, which has also been the biomimetic inspiration for the design of the hydrofoil and propulsion system. The hydrofoil design is based on a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0014 hydrodynamic profile. During the design stage, four different propulsion systems were compared in terms of propulsion path, compactness, sealing and required power. The final implementation is based on a ball-and-socket mechanism because it is very compact and provides three degrees of freedom (DoF) to the hydrofoil with very few restrictions on the propulsion path. The propulsion obtained with the final implementation of the hydrofoil has been empirically evaluated in a water channel comparing different motion strategies. The results obtained have confirmed that the proposed turtle hydrofoil controlled with a mechanism with three DoF generates can be used in the future implementation of the planned AUV.

Gelation of Oil upon Contact with Water: A Bioinspired Scheme for the Self-Repair of Oil Leaks from Underwater Tubes.

PubMed

Oh, Hyuntaek; Yaraghi, Nicholas; Raghavan, Srinivasa R

2015-05-19

Molecular organogelators convert oils into gels by forming self-assembled fibrous networks. Here, we demonstrate that such gelation can be activated by contacting the oil with an immiscible solvent (water). Our gelator is dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS), which forms a low-viscosity sol when added to toluene containing a small amount of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Upon contact with water, DMSO partitions into the water, activating gelation of DBS in the toluene. The gel grows from the oil/water interface and slowly envelops the oil phase. We have exploited this effect for the self-repair of oil leaks from underwater tubes. When a DBS/toluene/DMSO solution flows through the tube, it forms a gel selectively at the leak point, thereby plugging the leak and restoring flow. Our approach is reminiscent of wound-sealing via blood-clotting: there also, inactive gelators in blood are activated at the wound site into a fibrous network, thereby plugging the wound and restoring blood flow.

Phillips CO-oxidation catalyts for long-lived CO2 lasers: Activity and initial characterization studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kolts, J. H.; Elliott, D. J.; Pennella, F.

1990-01-01

Four different catalysts have been developed specifically for use in sealed carbon dioxide lasers. The catalysts have been designed to be low dusting, stable to shock and vibration, have high activity at low temperatures and have long active lifetimes. Measured global CO oxidation rates range from 1.4 to 2.2 cc CO converted per minute per gram of catalyst at ambient temperature. The catalysts also retain substantial activity at temperatures as low as -35 C. The Phillips laser catalysts are prepared in a variety of different shapes to meet the different pressure drop and gas flow profiles present in the many different styles of lasers. Each catalyst has been tested in sealed TEA lasers and has been shown to substantially increase the sealed life of the laser. Activity measurements made on the precious metal catalysts which were prepared with and without activity promoters showed that the promoter materials increase catalyst CO oxidation activity at least an order of magnitude at ambient temperature. Initial studies using H2 and CO chemisorption, X ray diffraction (XRD) and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have shown that the activity promoters do not significantly affect the precious metal crystallite size or the electronic structure around the precious metal. In addition, the formation or lack of formation of solid solutions between the precious metal and promoters has also been shown not to affect the activity of the promoted catalyst.

Joining of thin glass with semiconductors by ultra-fast high-repetition laser welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horn, Alexander; Mingaeev, Ilja; Werth, Alexander; Kachel, Martin

2008-02-01

Lighting applications like OLED or on silicon for electro-optical applications need a reproducible sealing process. The joining has to be strong, the permeability for gasses and humidity very low and the process itself has to be very localized not affecting any organic or electronic parts inside the sealed region. The actual sealing process using glue does not fulfil these industrial needs. A new joining process using ultra-fast laser radiation offers a very precise joining with geometry dimensions smaller than 50 μm. Ultra-fast laser radiation is absorbed by multi-photon absorption in the glass. Due to the very definite threshold for melting and ablation the process of localized heating can be controlled without cracking. Repeating the irradiation at times smaller than the heat diffusion time the temperature in the focus is increased by heat accumulation reaching melting of the glass. Mowing the substrate relatively to the laser beam generates a seal of re-solidified glass. Joining of glass is achieved by positioning the laser focus at the interface. A similar approach is used for glass-silicon joining. The investigations presented will demonstrate the joining geometry by microscopy of cross-sections achieved by welding two glass plates (Schott D263 and AF45) with focused IR femtosecond laser radiation (wavelength λ = 1045nm, repetition rate f = 1 MHz, pulse duration t p = 500 fs, focus diameter w 0 = 4 μm, feeding velocity v= 1-10 mm/s). The strength of the welding seam is measured by tensile stress measurements and the gas and humidity is detected. A new diagnostic method for the on-line detection of the welding seam properties will be presented. Using a non-interferometric technique by quantitative phase microscopy the refractive index is measured during welding of glass in the time regime 0-2 μs. By calibration of the measured refractive index with a relation between refractive index and temperature a online-temperature detection can be achieved.

An experimental technique for performing 3-D LDA measurements inside whirling annular seals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, Gerald L.; Johnson, Mark C.; Deotte, Robert E., Jr.; Thames, H. Davis, III.; Wiedner, Brian G.

1992-01-01

During the last several years, the Fluid Mechanics Division of the Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University has developed a rather unique facility with the experimental capability for measuring the flow field inside journal bearings, labyrinth seals, and annular seals. The facility consists of a specially designed 3-D LDA system which is capable of measuring the instantaneous velocity vector within 0.2 mm of a wall while the laser beams are aligned almost perpendicular to the wall. This capability was required to measure the flow field inside journal bearings, labyrinth seals, and annular seals. A detailed description of this facility along with some representative results obtained for a whirling annular seal are presented.

Sealing ability of three root-end filling materials prepared using an erbium: Yttrium aluminium garnet laser and endosonic tip evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy

PubMed Central

Nanjappa, A Salin; Ponnappa, KC; Nanjamma, KK; Ponappa, MC; Girish, Sabari; Nitin, Anita

2015-01-01

Aims: (1) To compare the sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and Chitra-calcium phosphate cement (CPC) when used as root-end filling, evaluated under confocal laser scanning microscope using Rhodamine B dye. (2) To evaluate effect of ultrasonic retroprep tip and an erbium:yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser on the integrity of three different root-end filling materials. Materials and Methods: The root canals of 80 extracted teeth were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha. The apical 3 mm of each tooth was resected and 3 mm root-end preparation was made using ultrasonic tip (n = 30) and Er:YAG laser (n = 30). MTA, Biodentine, and Chitra-CPC were used to restore 10 teeth each. The samples were coated with varnish and after drying, they were immersed in Rhodamine B dye for 24 h. The teeth were then rinsed, sectioned longitudinally, and observed under confocal laser scanning microscope. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post-hoc Tukey's test at P < 0.05 (R software version 3.1.0). Results: Comparison of microleakage showed maximum peak value of 0.45 mm for Biodentine, 0.85 mm for MTA, and 1.05 mm for Chitra-CPC. The amount of dye penetration was found to be lesser in root ends prepared using Er:YAG laser when compared with ultrasonics, the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Root-end cavities prepared with Er:YAG laser and restored with Biodentine showed superior sealing ability compared to those prepared with ultrasonics. PMID:26180420

Adhesive complex coacervate inspired by the sandcastle worm as a sealant for fetoscopic defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Sarbjit

Inspired by the Sandcastle Worm, biomimetic of the water-borne adhesive was developed by complex coacervation of the synthetic copolyelectrolytes, mimicking the chemistries of the worm glue. The developed underwater adhesive was designed for sealing fetal membranes after fetoscopic surgery in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and sealing neural tissue of a fetus in aminiotic sac for spina bifida condition. Complex coacervate with increased bond strength was created by entrapping polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEG-dA) monomer within the cross-linked coacervate network. Maximum shear bond strength of ~ 1.2 MPa on aluminum substrates was reached. The monomer-filled coacervate had complex flow behavior, thickening at low shear rates and then thinning suddenly with a 16-fold drop in viscosity at shear rates near 6 s-1. The microscale structure of the complex coacervates resembled a three-dimensional porous network of interconnected tubules. This complex coacervate adhesive was used in vitro studies to mimic the uterine wall-fetal membrane interface using a water column with one end and sealed with human fetal membranes and poultry breast, and a defect was created with an 11 French trocar. The coacervate adhesive in conjunction with the multiphase adhesive was used to seal the defect. The sealant withstood an additional traction of 12 g for 30-60 minutes and turbulence of the water column without leakage of fluid or slippage. The adhesive is nontoxic when in direct contact with human fetal membranes in an organ culture setting. A stable complex coacervate adhesive for long-term use in TTTS and spina bifida application was developed by methacrylating the copolyelectrolytes. The methacrylated coacervate was crosslinked chemically for TTTS and by photopolymerization for spina bifida. Tunable mechanical properties of the adhesive were achieved by varying the methacrylation of the polymers. Varying the amine to phosphate (A/P) ratio in the coacervate formation generated a range of viscosities. The chemically cured complex coacervate, with sodium (meta) periodate crosslinker, was tested in pig animal studies, showing promising results. The adhesive adhered to the fetal membrane tissue, with maximum strength of 473 +/- 82 KPa on aluminum substrates. The elastic modulus increased with increasing methacrylation on both the polyphosphate and polyamine within the coacervate. Photopolymerized complex coacervate adhesive was photocured using Eosin-Y and treiethanolamine photoinitiators, using a green laser diode. Soft substrate bond strength increased with increasing PEG-dA concentration to a maximum of ~90 kPa. The crosslinked complex coacervate adhesives with PEG networks swelled less than 5% over 30 days in physiological conditions. The sterile glue was nontoxic, deliverable through a fine cannula, and stable over a long time period. Preliminary animal studies show a novel innovative method to seal fetal membrane defects in humans, in utero.

A compact, rugged, high repetition rate CO2 laser incorporating catalyst

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwarzenberger, P. M.; Matzangou, X.

1990-01-01

The principal design features and operating characteristics of a high repetition rate CO2 laser are outlined. The laser is a compact, rugged unit, completely sealed and incorporating an unheated solid catalyst. Stable operation has been successfully demonstrated over a temperature range of -35 C to 65 C.

Secondary plasma formation after single pulse laser ablation underwater and its advantages for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

PubMed

Gavrilović, M R; Cvejić, M; Lazic, V; Jovićević, S

2016-06-07

In this work we present studies of spatial and temporal plasma evolution after single pulse ablation of an aluminium target in water. The laser ablation was performed using 20 ns long pulses emitted at 1064 nm. The plasma characterization was performed by fast photography, the Schlieren technique, shadowgraphy and optical emission spectroscopy. The experimental results indicate the existence of two distinct plasma stages: the first stage has a duration of approximately 500 ns from the laser pulse, and is followed by a new plasma growth starting from the crater center. The secondary plasma slowly evolves inside the growing vapor bubble, and its optical emission lasts over several tens of microseconds. Later, the hot glowing particles, trapped inside the vapor cavity, were detected during the whole cycle of the bubble, where the first collapse occurs after 475 μs from the laser pulse. Differences in the plasma properties during the two evolution phases are discussed, with an accent on the optical emission since its detection is of primary importance for LIBS. Here we demonstrate that the LIBS signal quality in single pulse excitation underwater can be greatly enhanced by detecting only the secondary plasma emission, and also by applying long acquisition gates (in the order of 10-100 μs). The presented results are of great importance for LIBS measurements inside a liquid environment, since they prove that a good analytical signal can be obtained by using nanosecond pulses from a single commercial laser source and by employing cost effective, not gated detectors.

EOID Model Validation and Performance Prediction

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-09-30

Our long-term goal is to accurately predict the capability of the current generation of laser-based underwater imaging sensors to perform Electro ... Optic Identification (EOID) against relevant targets in a variety of realistic environmental conditions. The two most prominent technologies in this area

Adjustment of Sonar and Laser Acquisition Data for Building the 3D Reference Model of a Canal Tunnel.

PubMed

Moisan, Emmanuel; Charbonnier, Pierre; Foucher, Philippe; Grussenmeyer, Pierre; Guillemin, Samuel; Koehl, Mathieu

2015-12-11

In this paper, we focus on the construction of a full 3D model of a canal tunnel by combining terrestrial laser (for its above-water part) and sonar (for its underwater part) scans collected from static acquisitions. The modeling of such a structure is challenging because the sonar device is used in a narrow environment that induces many artifacts. Moreover, the location and the orientation of the sonar device are unknown. In our approach, sonar data are first simultaneously denoised and meshed. Then, above- and under-water point clouds are co-registered to generate directly the full 3D model of the canal tunnel. Faced with the lack of overlap between both models, we introduce a robust algorithm that relies on geometrical entities and partially-immersed targets, which are visible in both the laser and sonar point clouds. A full 3D model, visually promising, of the entrance of a canal tunnel is obtained. The analysis of the method raises several improvement directions that will help with obtaining more accurate models, in a more automated way, in the limits of the involved technology.

Adjustment of Sonar and Laser Acquisition Data for Building the 3D Reference Model of a Canal Tunnel †

PubMed Central

Moisan, Emmanuel; Charbonnier, Pierre; Foucher, Philippe; Grussenmeyer, Pierre; Guillemin, Samuel; Koehl, Mathieu

2015-01-01

In this paper, we focus on the construction of a full 3D model of a canal tunnel by combining terrestrial laser (for its above-water part) and sonar (for its underwater part) scans collected from static acquisitions. The modeling of such a structure is challenging because the sonar device is used in a narrow environment that induces many artifacts. Moreover, the location and the orientation of the sonar device are unknown. In our approach, sonar data are first simultaneously denoised and meshed. Then, above- and under-water point clouds are co-registered to generate directly the full 3D model of the canal tunnel. Faced with the lack of overlap between both models, we introduce a robust algorithm that relies on geometrical entities and partially-immersed targets, which are visible in both the laser and sonar point clouds. A full 3D model, visually promising, of the entrance of a canal tunnel is obtained. The analysis of the method raises several improvement directions that will help with obtaining more accurate models, in a more automated way, in the limits of the involved technology. PMID:26690444

The usefulness of Wi-Fi based digital chest drainage system in the post-operative care of pneumothorax

PubMed Central

Cho, Hyun Min; Hong, Yoon Joo; Byun, Chun Sung

2016-01-01

Background Chest drainage systems are usually composed of chest tube and underwater-seal bottle. But this conventional system may restrict patients doing exercise and give clinicians obscure data about when to remove tubes because there is no objective indicator. Recently developed digital chest drainage systems may facilitate interpretation of the grade of air leak and make it easy for clinicians to decide when to remove chest tubes. In addition, with combination of wireless internet devices, monitoring and managing of drainage system distant from the patient is possible. Methods Sixty patients of primary pneumothorax were included in a prospective randomized study and divided into two groups. Group I (study) consisted of digital chest drainage system while in group II (control), conventional underwater-seal chest bottle system was used. Data was collected from January, 2012 to September, 2013 in Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea. Results There was no difference in age, sex, smoking history and postoperative pain between two groups. But the average length of drainage was 2.2 days in group I and 3.1 days in group II (P<0.006). And more, about 90% of the patients in group I was satisfied with using new device for convenience. Conclusions Digital system was beneficial on reducing the length of tube drainage by real time monitoring. It also had advantage in portability, loudness and gave more satisfaction than conventional system. Moreover, internet based digital drainage system will be a good method in thoracic telemedicine area in the near future. PMID:27076934

Interaction of intense laser pulses with gas for two-color THz generation and remote magnetometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Luke A.

The interaction of intense laser pulses with atmospheric gases is studied in two contexts: (i) the generation of broadband terahertz radiation via two-color photoionization currents in nitrogen, and (ii) the generation of an electromagnetic wakefield by the induced magnetization currents of oxygen. (i) A laser pulse propagation simulation code was developed to investigate the radiation patterns from two-color THz generation in nitrogen. Understanding the mechanism for conical, two-color THz furthers the development of broadband THz sources. Two-color photoionization produces a cycle-averaged current driving broadband, conically emitted THz radiation. The THz emission angle is found to be determined by an optical Cherenkov effect, occurring when the front velocity of the ionization induced current source is greater than the THz phase velocity. (ii) A laser pulse propagating in the atmosphere is capable of exciting a magnetic dipole transition in molecular oxygen. The resulting transient current creates a co-propagating electromagnetic field behind the laser pulse, i.e. the wakefield, which has a rotated polarization that depends on the background magnetic field. This effect is analyzed to determine it's suitability for remote atmospheric magnetometry for the detection of underwater and underground objects. In the proposed approach, Kerr self-focusing is used to bring a polarized, high-intensity, laser pulse to focus at a remote detection site where the laser pulse induces a ringing in the oxygen magnetization. The detection signature for underwater and underground objects is the change in the wakefield polarization between different measurement locations. The magnetic dipole transition line that is considered is the b-X transition band of oxygen near 762 nm.

Pulsed laser micro-scribing of copper thin films on polyimide substrate in NaCl solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiby, Sooraj; Nammi, Srinagalakshmi; Vasa, Nilesh J.; Krishnan, Sivarama

2018-02-01

Recently, there is an increasing interest to create micro-channels on metal thin films for diverse applications, such as biomedical, micro channel heat exchangers, chemical separation processes and microwave antenna. Nanosecond (ns) Nd3+:YAG laser has been studied for generating micro-channels on Cu thin film (35 μm) deposited on polyimide substrate (50 μm). A pulsed Nd3+:YAG laser (532 nm / 355 nm) based scribing was performed in air and water ambiancePlasma shielding phenomenon is observed to influence the depth of microchannel at higher energies. A novel pump-probe experiment has been conducted for verifying the plasma shielding effect in air. In underwater scribing the recast layer was reduced significantly as compared to that in air. Laser scribing of Cu thin film followed by chemical etching using FeCl3 was studied. However, the approach of chemical etching resulted in undercut and thinning of Cu film. Alternatively, laser material processing in NaCl solution was studied. Cl- ions present in the solution reacts with Cu which is removed from the sample via laser ablation and forms CuCl2. Formation of CuCl2 in turn improved the surface morphology of the channel through localized etching. The surface roughness parameter Ra was less than 400 nm for NaCl solution based scribing which is smaller compared to air and underwater based methods which are typically around 800 nm or above. Preliminary studies using femtosecond (fs) laser based Cu scribing in air with the fluence of 0.5 J/cm2 resulted in a crated depth of 3 μm without any recast layer.

Part Marking and Identification Materials on MISSE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finckenor, Miria M.; Roxby, Donald L.

2008-01-01

Many different spacecraft materials were flown as part of the Materials on International Space Station Experiment (MISSE), including several materials used in part marking and identification. The experiment contained Data Matrix symbols applied using laser bonding, vacuum arc vapor deposition, gas assisted laser etch, chemical etch, mechanical dot peening, laser shot peening, and laser induced surface improvement. The effects of ultraviolet radiation on nickel acetate seal versus hot water seal on sulfuric acid anodized aluminum are discussed. These samples were exposed on the International Space Station to the low Earth orbital environment of atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, thermal cycling, and hard vacuum, though atomic oxygen exposure was very limited for some samples. Results from the one-year exposure on MISSE-3 and MISSE-4 are compared to those from MISSE-1 and MISSE-2, which were exposed for four years. Part marking and identification materials on the current MISSE -6 experiment are also discussed.

Overview of a Hybrid Underwater Camera System

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-01

meters), in increments of 200ps. The camera is also equipped with 6:1 motorized zoom lens. A precision miniature attitude, heading reference system ( AHRS ...LUCIE Control & Power Distribution System AHRS Pulsed LASER Gated Camera -^ Sonar Transducer (b) LUCIE sub-systems Proc. ofSPIEVol. 9111

EOID System Model Validation, Metrics, and Synthetic Clutter Generation

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-30

Our long-term goal is to accurately predict the capability of the current generation of laser-based underwater imaging sensors to perform Electro ... Optic Identification (EOID) against relevant targets in a variety of realistic environmental conditions. The models will predict the impact of

Planar ultra thin glass seals with optical fiber interface for monitoring tamper attacks on security eminent components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiel, M.; Flachenecker, G.; Schade, W.; Gorecki, C.; Thoma, A.; Rathje, R.

2017-11-01

Optical seals consisting of waveguide Bragg grating sensor structures in ultra thin glass transparencies have been developed to cover security relevant objects for detection of unauthorized access. For generation of optical signature in the seals, femtosecond laser pulses were used. The optical seals were connected with an optical fiber to enable external read out of the seal. Different attack scenarios for getting undetected access to the object, covered by the seal, were proven and evaluated. The results presented here, verify a very high level of security. An unauthorized detaching and subsequent replacement by original or copy of the seals for tampering would be accompanied with a very high technological effort, posing a substantial barrier towards an attacker. Additionally, environmental influences like temperature effects have a strong but reproducible influence on signature, which in context of a temperature reference database increases the level of security significantly.

Short cavity DFB fiber laser based vector hydrophone for low frequency signal detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaolei; Zhang, Faxiang; Jiang, Shaodong; Min, Li; Li, Ming; Peng, Gangding; Ni, Jiasheng; Wang, Chang

2017-12-01

A short cavity distributed feedback (DFB) fiber laser is used for low frequency acoustic signal detection. Three DFB fiber lasers with different central wavelengths are chained together to make three-element vector hydrophone with proper sensitivity enhancement design, which has extensive and significant applications to underwater acoustic monitoring for the national defense, oil, gas exploration, and so on. By wavelength-phase demodulation, the lasing wavelength changes under different frequency signals can be interpreted, and the sensitivity is tested about 33 dB re pm/g. The frequency response range is rather flat from 5 Hz to 300 Hz.

The stability of the active medium of RF-exited CO2 lasers with gold as catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherezov, V. M.; Novgorodov, M. Z.; Ochkin, V. N.; Samorodov, V. G.; Shishkanov, E. F.; Stepanov, V. A.; Witteman, W. J.

Using mass-spectrometric investigations the gas composition of the active medium of sealed-off cw RF-excited CO2 waveguide lasers have been studied. It has been found that a low degree of CO2 dissociation and a laser power improvement can be achieved by means of a gold catalyst in the laser discharge volume. The conditions for long operational lifetimes of these lasers are described.

Cold cathodes for sealed off CO2 lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hochuli, U. E.; Sciacca, T. P.; Hurt, C. R.

1973-01-01

Experimental results of a group of theoretically selected cold cathode materials are presented. These tests indicate Ag-CuO, Cu, and Pt-Cu as three new cold cathode materials for sealed-off CO2 lasers. The power output of a test laser with an Ag-CuO cathode and a gas volume of only 50 cu cm varied from 0.72 W to 1.1 W at 3000 hours and still yields 0.88 W after 8000 hours. Gas discharge tubes with Cu cathodes and a volume of 25 cu cm yield lifetimes in excess of 10,000 hours. Gas analysis results, obtained from a similar tube over a period of 3000 hours, look most promising. A Pt-Cu alloy cathode shows an extremely promising V-I characteristic over a period of 2800 hours.

Enhanced gain and output power of a sealed-off rf-excited CO2 waveguide laser with gold-plated electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heeman-Ilieva, M. B.; Udalov, Yu. B.; Hoen, K.; Witteman, W. J.

1994-02-01

The small-signal gain and the laser output power have been measured in a cw sealed-off rf-excited CO2 waveguide laser for two different electrode materials, gold-plated copper and aluminum, at several excitation frequencies, gas pressures and mixture compositions. In the case of the gold-plated electrodes an enhancement of the gain up to a factor of 2 and the output power up to a factor of 1.4 with time at a frequency of 190 MHz and 60 Torr of 1:1:5+5% (CO2:N2:He+Xe) mixture is observed. This is believed to be the result of the gold catalytic activities which are favored by increased electrode temperatures and helium rich gas compositions.

X-ray Spectral Variation of (eta) Car through the 2003 X-ray Minimum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamaguchi, Kenji; Corcoran, Michael F.; Gull, Theodore; Nielsen, Krister E.; Kober, Gladys Vieira; Ishibashi, Kazunori; Pittard, Julian M.; Hillier, D. John; Damieneli, Augusto; Davidson, Kris

2007-01-01

The Lunar Orbiting Laser Altimeter (LOLA) will fly on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The laser is based upon the one in the Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) . LOLA will fly two lasers instead one in laser cavity. The MLA laser has a six year flight to station. Lasers can fire in air with O2 present. During testing and on orbit, LOLA will fire in vacuum. The laser cavity must be sealed against molecular and particulate contaminants. Mission to Moon wi start with 60 days of launch.

Airborne Lidar Bathymetry Beam Diagnostics Using an Underwater Optical Detector Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birkebak, Matthew

The surface geometry of air-water interface is considered as an important factor affecting the performance of Airborne Lidar Bathymetry (ALB), and laser optical communication through the water surface. ALB is a remote sensing technique that utilizes a pulsed green (532 nm) laser mounted to an airborne platform in order to measure water depth. The water surface (i.e., air-water interface) can distort the light beam's ray-path geometry and add uncertainty to range calculation measurements. Previous studies on light refracting through a complex water surface are heavily dependent on theoretical models and simulations. In addition, only very limited work has been conducted to validate these theoretical models using experiments under well-controlled laboratory conditions. The goal of the study is to establish a clear relationship between water-surface conditions and the uncertainty of ALB measurement. This relationship will be determined by conducting more extensive empirical measurements to characterize the changes in beam slant path associated with a variety of short wavelength wind ripples, typically seen in ALB survey conditions. This study will focus on the effects of capillary and gravity-capillary waves with surface wavelengths smaller than the diameter of the laser beam on the water surface. Simulations using Monte-Carlo techniques of the ALB beam footprints and the environmental conditions were used to analyze the ray-path geometries. Based on the simulation results, laboratory experiments were then designed to test key parameters that have the greatest contribution on beam path and direction through the water. The laser beam dispersion experiments were conducted in well-controlled laboratory setting at the University of New Hampshire's Wave and Tow tank. The spatial elevations of the water surface were independently measured using a high resolution wave staff. The refracted laser beam footprint was measured using an underwater optical detector consisting of a 6x6 array of photodiodes. Image processing techniques were used to estimate the laser's incidence angle intercepted by the detector array. Beam patterns that resulted from intersection between the laser beam light field underwater and the detector array were modeled and used to calculate changes in position and orientation for water surface conditions containing wavelengths less than 0.1m. Finally, a total horizontal uncertainty (THU) model was estimated, which can be implemented in total propagated uncertainty (TPU) models for reporting as a measure of the quality of each measurement. The wave refraction error for various sea states and beam characteristics was successfully quantified using both experimental and analytical techniques.

Cable Terminations for the BSURE (Barking Sands Underwater Range Expansion) Terminal and Transmission Units (TATU). Design Review Team Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

One, a cable termination pull out and two, leakage. It is felt that both of these problems have been solved. The cable termiration pullout problem...nm selctroicse~I -. V~- 30.3 Z? Ul.T Casio Ca" inOS Allow waer to tam. feai Mone 11 l i"f MM Goali (30.321) -= 9to75 % col roo NMI V023 ’..ca...t-he third typ. of failure, an SD cable pulled out of termination. This was obviously not caused by a Morrison seal or an 0-ring. it appears

Advances in chest drain management in thoracic disease

PubMed Central

George, Robert S.

2016-01-01

An adequate chest drainage system aims to drain fluid and air and restore the negative pleural pressure facilitating lung expansion. In thoracic surgery the post-operative use of the conventional underwater seal chest drainage system fulfills these requirements, however they allow great variability amongst practices. In addition they do not offer accurate data and they are often inconvenient to both patients and hospital staff. This article aims to simplify the myths surrounding the management of chest drains following chest surgery, review current experience and explore the advantages of modern digital chest drain systems and address their disease-specific use. PMID:26941971

Aerial laser sensing of ocean upper layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vlasov, D. V.

1985-01-01

Applications of laser sensing of the ocean, such as deep bathymetry; determination of the luminescence spectrum of phytoplankton as a sensitive indicator of changes in the external physical parameters of the studied region; monitoring the state of underwater pipelines; conducting search and rescue missions; monitoring pollution; biological observations of the state of algae; searching for schools of fish, etc., are discussed. The Chayka apparatus for laser sensing is discussed. A block diagram is given which is used in describing functioning of this unit. Particular attention is given to the time structure of an echo signal appearing when sensing the upper ocean layer by a short laser pulse propagating through the wave-covered surface.

Large scale, highly dense nanoholes on metal surfaces by underwater laser assisted hydrogen etching near nanocrystalline boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Dong; Zhang, Martin Yi; Ye, Chang; Liu, Zhikun; Liu, C. Richard; Cheng, Gary J.

2012-03-01

A new method to generate large scale and highly dense nanoholes is presented in this paper. By the pulsed laser irradiation under water, the hydrogen etching is introduced to form high density nanoholes on the surfaces of AISI 4140 steel and Ti. In order to achieve higher nanohole density, laser shock peening (LSP) followed by recrystallization is used for grain refinement. It is found that the nanohole density does not increase until recrystallization of the substructures after laser shock peening. The mechanism of nanohole generation is studied in detail. This method can be also applied to generate nanoholes on other materials with hydrogen etching effect.

Performance characteristics of a laser initiated microdetonator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, L. C.

1981-01-01

The test results of 320 units of a laser initiated microdetonator are summarized. The commercially fabricated units used a lead styphnate/lead azide/HMX (1 mg/13.5 mg) explosive train design contained in a miniature aluminum can that was capped with a glass-metal seal window. The test parameters were the laser energy, temperature, laser pulse duration, laser wavelength and nuclear radiation (5,000,000 rad of 1 MeV gamma rays). The performance parameters were the laser energy for ignition and the actuation response time.

Utilization of the UV laser with picosecond pulses for the formation of surface microstructures on elastomeric plastics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antoszewski, B.; Tofil, S.; Scendo, M.; Tarelnik, W.

2017-08-01

Elastomeric plastics belong to a wide range of polymeric materials with special properties. They are used as construction material for seals and other components in many branches of industry and, in particular, in the biomedical industry, mechatronics, electronics and chemical equipment. The micromachining of surfaces of these materials can be used to build micro-flow, insulating, dispensing systems and chemical and biological reactors. The paper presents results of research on the effects of micro-machining of selected elastomeric plastics using a UV laser emitting picosecond pulses. The authors see the prospective application of the developed technology in the sealing technique in particular to shaping the sealing pieces co-operating with the surface of the element. The result of the study is meant to show parameters of the UV laser’s performance when producing typical components such as grooves, recesses for optimum ablation in terms of quality and productivity.

Switchable Underwater Bubble Wettability on Laser-Induced Titanium Multiscale Micro-/Nanostructures by Vertically Crossed Scanning.

PubMed

Jiao, Yunlong; Li, Chuanzong; Wu, Sizhu; Hu, Yanlei; Li, Jiawen; Yang, Liang; Wu, Dong; Chu, Jiaru

2018-05-16

We present here a kind of novel multiscale TiO 2 square micropillar arrays on titanium sheets through vertically crossed scanning of femtosecond laser. This multiscale micro-/nanostructure is ascribed to the combination of laser ablation/shock compression/debris self-deposition, which shows superaerophobicity in water with a very small sliding angle. The laser-induced sample displays switchable bubble wettability in water via heating in a dark environment and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in alcohol. After heating in a dark environment (0.5 h), the ablated titanium surface shows superaerophilicity in water with a bubble contact angle (BCA) of ∼4°, which has a great ability of capturing bubbles in water. After UV irradiation in alcohol (1 h), the sample recovered its superaerophobicity in water and the BCA turns into 156°. The mechanism of reversible switching is believed as the chemical conversion between Ti-OH and Ti-O. It is worth noting that our proposed switching strategy is time-saving and the switch wetting cycle costs only 1.5 h. Then we repeat five switching cycles on the reversibility and the method shows excellent reproducibility and stability. Moreover, laser-induced samples with different scanning spacing (50-120 μm) are fabricated and all of them show switchable underwater bubble wettability via the above tunable methods. Finally, we fabricate hybrid-patterned microstructures to show different patterned bubbles in water on the heated samples. We believe the original works will provide some new insights to researchers in bubble manipulation and gas collection fields.

Electro-Optical Approach for Airborne Marine Mammal Surveys and Density Estimations

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-01

the resolution needed for detecting animals as small as dolphins . Those two factors coupled with an increase in aircraft speed gives an order of...resulted in numerous patents in microwave and optical engineering with several dozen publications. He has led development of air to underwater Laser

Effect of laser and air abrasion pretreatment on the microleakage of a fissure sealant applied with conventional and self etch adhesives.

PubMed

Tirali, R E; Celik, C; Arhun, N; Berk, G; Cehreli, S B

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different pretreatment protocols along with different bonding agents on the microleakage of a fissure sealant material. A total of 144 freshly extracted noncarious human third molars were used The teeth were randomly assigned into three groups with respect to the pretreatment protocol employed: A. Air Abrasion B. Er,Cr:YSGG laser C. No pretreatment (Control). In each group specimens were further subjected to one of the following procedures before application of the sealant: 1. %36 Phosphoric acid-etch (AE) (DeTrey Conditioner 36/Denstply, UK) 2.AE+Prime&Bond NT (Dentsply, UK) 3. Clearfil S3 Bond (Kuraray, Japan) 4. Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray, Japan). All teeth were sealed with the same fissure sealant material (Conseal F/SDI, Australia). Sealed teeth were further subjected to thermocycling, dye penetration test, sectioning and quantitative image analysis. Statistical evaluation of the microleakage data was performed with two way independent ANOVA and multiple comparisons test at p = 0.05. For qualitative evaluation 2 samples from each group were examined under Scanning Electron Microscopy. Microleakage was affected by both the type of pretreatment and the subsequent bonding protocols employed (p < 0.05). Overall, the highest (Mean = 0.36 mm) and lowest (Mean = 0.06 mm) microleakage values were observed in samples with unpretreated enamel sealed by S3+Conseal F and samples with laser pretreated enamel sealed by Acid Etch+Prime&-Bond+Conseal F protocols, respectively (p < 0.05). In the acid-etch group samples pretreated with laser yielded in slightly lower microleakage scores when compared with unpretreated samples and samples pretreated with air abrasion but the statistical significance was not important (p = 0,179). Similarly, when bonding agent is applied following acid-etching procedure, microleakage scores were not affected from pretreatment protocol (p = 0,615) (intact enamel/laser or air-abrasion). For both all-in one and two step self etch adhesive systems, unpretreated samples demonstrated the highest microleakage scores. For the groups in which bonding agent was utilized, pretreatments did not effected microleakage. Both the tested pretreatment protocols and adhesive procedures had different effects on the sealing properties of Conseal F in permanent tooth enamel.

Design and Implementation of a Biomimetic Turtle Hydrofoil for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

PubMed Central

Font, Davinia; Tresanchez, Marcel; Siegentahler, Cedric; Pallejà, Tomàs; Teixidó, Mercè; Pradalier, Cedric; Palacin, Jordi

2011-01-01

This paper presents the design and implementation of a turtle hydrofoil for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). The final design of the AUV must have navigation performance like a turtle, which has also been the biomimetic inspiration for the design of the hydrofoil and propulsion system. The hydrofoil design is based on a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0014 hydrodynamic profile. During the design stage, four different propulsion systems were compared in terms of propulsion path, compactness, sealing and required power. The final implementation is based on a ball-and-socket mechanism because it is very compact and provides three degrees of freedom (DoF) to the hydrofoil with very few restrictions on the propulsion path. The propulsion obtained with the final implementation of the hydrofoil has been empirically evaluated in a water channel comparing different motion strategies. The results obtained have confirmed that the proposed turtle hydrofoil controlled with a mechanism with three DoF generates can be used in the future implementation of the planned AUV. PMID:22247660

Effects of Sealing Run Welding with Defocused Laser Beam on the Quality of T-joint Fillet Weld

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Unt, Anna; Poutiainen, Ilkka; Salminen, Antti

Fillet weld is the predominant weld type used for connecting different elements e.g. in shipbuilding, offshore and bridge structures. One of prevalent research questions is the structural integrity of the welded joint. Post weld improvement techniques are being actively researched, as high stress areas like an incomplete penetration on the root side or fluctuations in penetration depth cannot be avoided. Development of laser and laser-arc hybrid welding processes have greatly contributed to increase of production capacity and reduction of heat-induced distortions by producing single pass full penetration welds in thin- and medium thickness structural steel parts. Present study addresses the issue of how to improve the quality of the fillet welds by welding the sealing run on the root side with defocused laser beam. Welds having incomplete or excessive penetration were produced with several beam angles and laser beam spot sizes on surface. As a conclusion, significant decrease or even complete elimination of the seam irregularities, which act as the failure starting points during service, is achieved.

The role of laser technology in materials processing and nondestructive testing in the 21st century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheinberg, B. M.

Some of the potential applications of laser technology in the 21st century are explored, and the proposed role of this technology in relation to materials processing, nondestructive testing, and quality control are discussed. Examples illustrating the implementation of this techology include the proposed construction of vehicles and platforms in near and deep space, and construction of underwater platforms. The direction in which today's technology should evolve to pursue the achievement of such goals is indicated. Included in the discussion is an evaluation of laser, robotics, and fiber optics technologies with respect to their ability to achieve a synergistic level of operation.

Underwater acoustic wave generation by filamentation of terawatt ultrashort laser pulses.

PubMed

Jukna, Vytautas; Jarnac, Amélie; Milián, Carles; Brelet, Yohann; Carbonnel, Jérôme; André, Yves-Bernard; Guillermin, Régine; Sessarego, Jean-Pierre; Fattaccioli, Dominique; Mysyrowicz, André; Couairon, Arnaud; Houard, Aurélien

2016-06-01

Acoustic signals generated by filamentation of ultrashort terawatt laser pulses in water are characterized experimentally. Measurements reveal a strong influence of input pulse duration on the shape and intensity of the acoustic wave. Numerical simulations of the laser pulse nonlinear propagation and the subsequent water hydrodynamics and acoustic wave generation show that the strong acoustic emission is related to the mechanism of superfilamention in water. The elongated shape of the plasma volume where energy is deposited drives the far-field profile of the acoustic signal, which takes the form of a radially directed pressure wave with a single oscillation and a very broad spectrum.

Lasers in Apicoectomy: A Brief Review.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Zahed; Jafarzadeh, Hamid; Shalavi, Sousan; Kinoshita, Jun-Ichiro; Giardino, Luciano

2017-02-01

Since the invention of laser, various applications for lasers in endodontics have been proposed, such as disinfection of the root canal system, canal shaping, pulp diagnosis, and apico-ectomy. One of the major applications of laser in endodontics is apicoectomy. The aim of this article is to review the benefits and drawbacks of laser applications in apicoectomy, including effect on apical seal, effect on dentin permeability, effect on postsurgery pain, effect on crack formation, effect on root-end morphology, effect on treatment outcome, and connective tissue response to laser-treated dentin.

Simultaneous mapping of the unsteady flow fields by Particle Displacement Velocimetry (PDV)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, Thomas T.; Fry, David J.; Liu, Han-Lieh; Katz, Joseph; Fu, Thomas C.

1992-01-01

Current experimental and computational techniques must be improved in order to advance the prediction capability of the longitudinal vortical flows shed by underwater vehicles. The generation, development, and breakdown mechanisms of the shed vortices at high Reynolds numbers are not fully understood. The ability to measure hull separated vortices associated with vehicle maneuvering does not exist at present. The existing point-by-point measurement techniques can only capture approximately the large 'mean' eddies but fail to meet the dynamics of small vortices during the initial stage of generation. A new technique, which offers a previously unavailable capability to measure the unsteady cross-flow distribution in the plane of the laser light sheet, is called Particle Displacement Velocimetry (PDV). PDV consists of illuminating a thin section of the flowfield with a pulsed laser. The water is seeded with microscopic, neutrally buoyant particles containing imbedded fluorescing dye which responds with intense spontaneous fluorescence with the illuminated section. The seeded particles in the vortical flow structure shed by the underwater vehicle are illuminated by the pulse laser and the corresponding particle traces are recorded in a single photographic frame. Two distinct approaches were utilized for determining the velocity distribution from the particle traces. The first method is based on matching the traces of the same particle and measuring the distance between them. The direction of the flow can be identified by keeping one of the pulses longer than the other. The second method is based on selecting a small window within the image and finding the mean shift of all the particles within that region. The computation of the auto-correlation of the intensity distribution within the selected sample window is used to determine the mean displacement of particles. The direction of the flow is identified by varying the intensity of the laser light between pulses. Considerable computational resources are required to compute the auto-correction of the intensity distribution. Parallel processing will be employed to speed up the data reduction. A few examples of measured unsteady vortical flow structures shed by the underwater vehicles will be presented.

Strain-tolerant ceramic coated seal

DOEpatents

Schienle, James L.; Strangman, Thomas E.

1994-01-01

A metallic regenerator seal is provided having multi-layer coating comprising a NiCrAlY bond layer, a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) intermediate layer, and a ceramic high temperature solid lubricant surface layer comprising zinc oxide, calcium fluoride, and tin oxide. An array of discontinuous grooves is laser machined into the outer surface of the solid lubricant surface layer making the coating strain tolerant.

Australian Fur Seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) Use Raptorial Biting and Suction Feeding When Targeting Prey in Different Foraging Scenarios

PubMed Central

Hocking, David P.; Salverson, Marcia; Fitzgerald, Erich M. G.; Evans, Alistair R.

2014-01-01

Foraging behaviours used by two female Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) were documented during controlled feeding trials. During these trials the seals were presented with prey either free-floating in open water or concealed within a mobile ball or a static box feeding device. When targeting free-floating prey both subjects primarily used raptorial biting in combination with suction, which was used to draw prey to within range of the teeth. When targeting prey concealed within either the mobile or static feeding device, the seals were able to use suction to draw out prey items that could not be reached by biting. Suction was followed by lateral water expulsion, where water drawn into the mouth along with the prey item was purged via the sides of the mouth. Vibrissae were used to explore the surface of the feeding devices, especially when locating the openings in which the prey items had been hidden. The mobile ball device was also manipulated by pushing it with the muzzle to knock out concealed prey, which was not possible when using the static feeding device. To knock prey out of this static device one seal used targeted bubble blowing, where a focused stream of bubbles was blown out of the nose into the openings in the device. Once captured in the jaws, prey items were manipulated and re-oriented using further mouth movements or chews so that they could be swallowed head first. While most items were swallowed whole underwater, some were instead taken to the surface and held in the teeth, while being vigorously shaken to break them into smaller pieces before swallowing. The behavioural flexibility displayed by Australian fur seals likely assists in capturing and consuming the extremely wide range of prey types that are targeted in the wild, during both benthic and epipelagic foraging. PMID:25390347

ALMDS laser system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kushina, Mark E.; Heberle, Geoff; Hope, Michael; Hall, David; Bethel, Michael; Calmes, Lonnie K.

2003-06-01

The ALMDS (Airborne Laser Mine Detection System) has been developed utilizing a solid-state laser operating at 532nm for naval mine detection. The laser system is integrated into a pod that mounts externally on a helicopter. This laser, along with other receiver systems, enables detailed underwater bathymetry. CEO designs and manufactures the laser portion of this system. Arete Associates integrates the laser system into the complete LIDAR package that utilizes sophisticated streak tube detection technology. Northrop Grumman is responsible for final pod integration. The laser sub-system is comprised of two separate parts: the LTU (Laser Transmitter Unit) and the LEU (Laser Electronics Unit). The LTU and LEU are undergoing MIL-STD-810 testing for vibration, shock, temperature storage and operation extremes, as well as MIL-STD-704E electrical power testing and MIL-STD-461E EMI testing. The Nd:YAG MOPA laser operates at 350 Hz pulse repetition frequency at 45 Watts average 532nm power and is controlled at the system level from within the helicopter. Power monitor circuits allow real time laser health monitoring, which enables input parameter adjustments for consistent laser behavior.

Correction methods for underwater turbulence degraded imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanaev, A. V.; Hou, W.; Restaino, S. R.; Matt, S.; Gładysz, S.

2014-10-01

The use of remote sensing techniques such as adaptive optics and image restoration post processing to correct for aberrations in a wavefront of light propagating through turbulent environment has become customary for many areas including astronomy, medical imaging, and industrial applications. EO imaging underwater has been mainly concentrated on overcoming scattering effects rather than dealing with underwater turbulence. However, the effects of turbulence have crucial impact over long image-transmission ranges and under extreme turbulence conditions become important over path length of a few feet. Our group has developed a program that attempts to define under which circumstances application of atmospheric remote sensing techniques could be envisioned. In our experiments we employ the NRL Rayleigh-Bénard convection tank for simulated turbulence environment at Stennis Space Center, MS. A 5m long water tank is equipped with heating and cooling plates that generate a well measured thermal gradient that in turn produces various degrees of turbulence. The image or laser beam spot can be propagated along the tank's length where it is distorted by induced turbulence. In this work we report on the experimental and theoretical findings of the ongoing program. The paper will introduce the experimental setup, the techniques used, and the measurements made as well as describe novel methods for postprocessing and correction of images degraded by underwater turbulence.

Cavitation effect of holmium laser pulse applied to ablation of hard tissue underwater.

PubMed

Lü, Tao; Xiao, Qing; Xia, Danqing; Ruan, Kai; Li, Zhengjia

2010-01-01

To overcome the inconsecutive drawback of shadow and schlieren photography, the complete dynamics of cavitation bubble oscillation or ablation products induced by a single holmium laser pulse [2.12 microm, 300 micros (FWHM)] transmitted in different core diameter (200, 400, and 600 microm) fibers is recorded by means of high-speed photography. Consecutive images from high-speed cameras can stand for the true and complete process of laser-water or laser-tissue interaction. Both laser pulse energy and fiber diameter determine cavitation bubble size, which further determines acoustic transient amplitudes. Based on the pictures taken by high-speed camera and scanned by an optical coherent microscopy (OCM) system, it is easily seen that the liquid layer at the distal end of the fiber plays an important role during the process of laser-tissue interaction, which can increase ablation efficiency, decrease heat side effects, and reduce cost.

Method of making an integral window hermetic fiber optic component

DOEpatents

Dalton, R.D.; Kramer, D.P.; Massey, R.T.; Waker, D.A.

1996-11-12

In the fabrication of igniters, actuators, detonators, and other pyrotechnic devices to be activated by a laser beam, an integral optical glass window is formed by placing a preform in the structural member of the device and then melting the glass and sealing it in place by heating at a temperature between the ceramming temperature of the glass and the melting point of the metal, followed by rapid furnace cooling to avoid devitrification. No other sealing material is needed to achieve hermeticity. A preferred embodiment of this type of device is fabricated by allowing the molten glass to flow further and form a plano-convex lens integral with and at the bottom of the window. The lens functions to decrease the beam divergence caused by refraction of the laser light passing through the window when the device is fired by means of a laser beam. 9 figs.

Method of making an integral window hermetic fiber optic component

DOEpatents

Dalton, Rick D.; Kramer, Daniel P.; Massey, Richard T.; Waker, Damon A.

1996-11-12

In the fabrication of igniters, actuators, detonators, and other pyrotechnic devices to be activated by a laser beam, an integral optical glass window is formed by placing a preform in the structural member of the device and then melting the glass and sealing it in place by heating at a temperature between the ceramming temperature of the glass and the melting point of the metal, followed by rapid furnace cooling to avoid devitrification. No other sealing material is needed to achieve hermeticity. A preferred embodiment of this type of device is fabricated by allowing the molten glass to flow further and form a plano-convex lens integral with and at the bottom of the window. The lens functions to decrease the beam divergence caused by refraction of the laser light passing through the window when the device is fired by means of a laser beam.

Fabrication of superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic metal mesh by laser treatment and its application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Peng; Lian, Zhongxu; Xu, Jinkai; Yu, Zhanjiang; Ren, Wanfei; Yu, Huadong

2018-04-01

In this paper, a lot of micron-sized sand granular structures were formed on the substrate of the stainless steel mesh (SSM) by laser treatment. The rough surface with sand granular structures showed superhydrophilic in air and superoleophobic under water. With its special wettability, the SSM by laser treatment could achieve the separation of the oil/water mixture, showing good durability and high separation efficiency, which was very useful in the practical application of large-scale oil/water separation facility for reducing the impacts of oil leaked on the environment. In addition, it showed that the laser-treated SSM had a very high separation rate. The development of the laser-treated SSM is a simple, environmental, economical and high-efficiency method, which provides a new approach to the production of high efficiency facilities for oil/water separation.

Generation of Underwater Sound by a Moving High-Power Laser Source.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-08-01

convolution 63 2. Laser beamwidth effects 67 3. Numerical predictions 69 V Table of Contents (Cont.) Page B. Experimental results 72 1. Pressure...source - II 53 17 Nerfield ef f ects: t as a ftunction of ro and cc 55 19 Nearfield effects : @max as a function of r. and a 56 • 20 Nearfield directivity...of a " photophone " or apparatus for the production of sound by light. Bell’s invention of the photophone was neglected for many years, but recently it

Feasibility study for airborne fluorescence/reflectivity lidar bathymetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinvall, Ove; Kautsky, Hans; Tulldahl, Michael; Wollner, Erika

2012-06-01

There is a demand from the authorities to have good maps of the coastal environment for their exploitation and preservation of the coastal areas. The goal for environmental mapping and monitoring is to differentiate between vegetation and non-vegetated bottoms and, if possible, to differentiate between species. Airborne lidar bathymetry is an interesting method for mapping shallow underwater habitats. In general, the maximum depth range for airborne laser exceeds the possible depth range for passive sensors. Today, operational lidar systems are able to capture the bottom (or vegetation) topography as well as estimations of the bottom reflectivity using e.g. reflected bottom pulse power. In this paper we study the possibilities and advantages for environmental mapping, if laser sensing would be further developed from single wavelength depth sounding systems to include multiple emission wavelengths and fluorescence receiver channels. Our results show that an airborne fluorescence lidar has several interesting features which might be useful in mapping underwater habitats. An example is the laser induced fluorescence giving rise to the emission spectrum which could be used for classification together with the elastic lidar signal. In the first part of our study, vegetation and substrate samples were collected and their spectral reflectance and fluorescence were subsequently measured in laboratory. A laser wavelength of 532 nm was used for excitation of the samples. The choice of 532 nm as excitation wavelength is motivated by the fact that this wavelength is commonly used in bathymetric laser scanners and that the excitation wavelengths are limited to the visual region as e.g. ultraviolet radiation is highly attenuated in water. The second part of our work consisted of theoretical performance calculations for a potential real system, and comparison of separability between species and substrate signatures using selected wavelength regions for fluorescence sensing.

Eccentricity effects upon the flow field inside a whirling annular seal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, Gerald L.; Deotte, Robert E., Jr.; Das, Purandar G.; Thames, H. Davis

1994-01-01

The flow field inside a whirling annular seal operating at a Reynolds number of 24,000 and a Taylor number of 6600 has been measured using a 3-D laser Doppler anemometer system. Two eccentricity ratios were considered, 0.10 and 0.50. The seal has a diameter of 164 mm, is 37.3 mm long, and has a clearance of 1.27 mm. The rotor was mounted eccentrically on the shaft such that the whirl ratio is 1.0 and the rotor follows a circular orbit. The mean axial velocity is not uniform around the circumference of the seal; near the inlet a region characterized by high velocity of the seal. By the exit, another region of high axial velocity is not uniform around the circumference of the seal; near the inlet a region characterized by high velocity of the seal. By the exit, another region of high axial velocity has developed, this time on the suction side of the seal. The magnitude and azimuthal distance of the migration increased with increasing whirl amplitude (eccentricity). Throughout the seal length, the azimuthal mean velocity varied inversely with the mean axial velocity. Increasing the whirl amplitude did not increase the magnitude of the azimuthal velocity at the seal exit.

Sealed symmetric multilayered microelectronic device package with integral windows

DOEpatents

Peterson, Kenneth A.; Watson, Robert D.

2002-01-01

A sealed symmetric multilayered package with integral windows for housing one or more microelectronic devices. The devices can be a semiconductor chip, a CCD chip, a CMOS chip, a VCSEL chip, a laser diode, a MEMS device, or a IMEMS device. The multilayered package can be formed of a low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) or high-temperature cofired ceramic (HTCC) multilayer processes with the windows being simultaneously joined (e.g. cofired) to the package body during LTCC or HTCC processing. The microelectronic devices can be flip-chip bonded and oriented so that the light-sensitive sides are optically accessible through the windows. The result is a compact, low-profile, sealed symmetric package, having integral windows that can be hermetically-sealed.

Dental hard tissue modification and removal using sealed transverse excited atmospheric-pressure lasers operating at lambda=9.6 and 10.6 um

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fried, Daniel; Ragadio, Jerome N.; Akrivou, Maria; Featherstone, John D.; Murray, Michael W.; Dickenson, Kevin M.

2001-04-01

Pulsed CO2 lasers have been shown to be effective for both removal and modification of dental hard tissue for the treatment of dental caries. In this study, sealed transverse excited atmospheric pressure (TEA) laser systems optimally tuned to the highly absorbed 9.6 micrometers wavelength were investigated for application on dental hard tissue. Conventional TEA lasers produce an initial high energy spike at the beginning of the laser pulse of submicrosecond duration followed by a long tail of about 1 - 4 microsecond(s) . The pulse duration is well matched to the 1 - 2 microsecond(s) thermal relaxation time of the deposited laser energy at 9.6 micrometers and effectively heats the enamel to the temperatures required for surface modification at absorbed fluences of less than 0.5 J/cm2. Thus, the heat deposition in the tooth and the corresponding risk of pulpal necrosis from excessive heat accumulation is minimized. At higher fluences, the high peak power of the laser pulse rapidly initiates a plasma that markedly reduces the ablation rate and efficiency, severely limiting applicability for hard tissue ablation. By lengthening the laser pulse to reduce the energy distributed in the initial high energy spike, the plasma threshold can be raised sufficiently to increase the ablation rate by an order of magnitude. This results in a practical and efficient CO2 laser system for caries ablation and surface modification.

Investigation of small transverse electric CO/sub 2/ waveguide lasers for fuzing applications. Contractor report

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

Hochuli, U.; McGuire, D.

1982-10-01

The properties of a compact, transversely excited, pulsed CO/sub 2/ waveguide laser are studied experimentally with the application of such a laser for an optical fuze transmitter in mind. Such parameters as peak power, pulse width, pulse shape, pulse jitter, repetition rate, beam profile, polarization, laser life, and optimum as mixture are investigated both for 10.6 and 9.6 micron output wavelengths, and for both sealed-off and flowing-gas operation of the laser. A computer simulation of the laser's operation is compared with the experimental results.

Customized design and 3D printing of face seal for an N95 filtering facepiece respirator.

PubMed

Cai, Mang; Li, Hui; Shen, Shengnan; Wang, Yu; Yang, Quan

2018-03-01

Filtering Facepiece Respirator (FFR) is the most common respirator users in the health care environment utilize for personal protection from outside particles. Comfort and fit are important while wearing an FFR. This paper proposes a novel technology to produce customized face seal design for improving the wearing comfort and fit of FFR wearers. In order to customize the design of face seals, we scanned the faces of three subjects using three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning method. A customized face seal for a 3M 8210 N95 FFR for each headform was designed using reverse engineering technique. Next, the face seal prototypes were fabricated with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic using the 3D printing method. A force sensing system based on Arduino Uno R3 was developed, and the force sensor of this system was inserted between the FFR and headform to measure contact pressure. Experimental results showed that the newly designed FFR face seal provided the subjects with an improved contact pressure.

Mechanical and thermal characterization of a ceramic/glass composite seal for solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dev, Bodhayan; Walter, Mark E.; Arkenberg, Gene B.; Swartz, Scott L.

2014-01-01

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) require seals that can function in harsh, elevated temperature environments. Comprehensive characterization and understanding of seals is needed for commercially viable SOFCs. The present research focuses on a novel ceramic/glass composite seal that is produced by roller compaction or tape casting of glass and ceramic powders and an organic binder. Upon heat treatment, micro-voids and surface anomalies are formed. Increased heating and cooling rates during the heat treatment resulted in more and larger voids. The first goal of the current research is to suggest an appropriate heating and cooling rate to minimize the formation of microstructural defects. After identifying an appropriate cure cycle, seals were thermally cycled and then characterized with laser dilatometry, X-ray diffraction, and sonic resonance. From these experiments the crystalline phases, thermal expansion, and elastic properties were determined. Subsequently compression testing with an acoustic emission (AE) sensor and post-test microstructural analysis were used to identify the formation of damage. By fully understanding the characteristics of this ceramic/glass composite seal, next generation seals can be fabricated for improved performance.

Effect of LFTSD on underwater laser induced breakdown spectroscopy with different laser energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Jiaojian; Guo, Jinjia; Tian, Ye; Lu, Yuan; Zheng, Ronger

2017-10-01

With the hope of applying LIBS to solid target detection in deep-sea, the influences of laser focus to sample distance (LFTSD) on the plasma characteristics were investigated using spectra-image approach with the laser energies at sub- and super- threshold irradiance of solution. The experimental results show that LFTSD is a critical parameter which can directly influence the plasma shapes, by changing the laser fluence on sample surface. The plasma is divided into two parts under pre-focus condition, while the plasma only forms at the surface of Cu target under de-focus condition. Moreover, the "seed electron" generated from Cu sample can reduce the breakdown threshold of the solution. By comparing the laser energy, it seems to be inefficient by using super-threshold energy due to the plasma shielding effect of the liquid. High quality spectra can be observed by using lower laser energy and longer gate delay (25 mJ and 1000 ns, in this work).

A portable high-power diode laser-based single-stage ceramic tile grout sealing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawrence, J.; Schmidt, M. J. J.; Li, L.; Edwards, R. E.; Gale, A. W.

2002-02-01

By means of a 60 W high-power diode laser (HPDL) and a specially developed grout material the void between adjoining ceramic tiles has been successfully sealed. A single-stage process has been developed which uses a crushed ceramic tile mix to act as a tough, inexpensive bulk substrate and a glazed enamel surface to provide an impervious surface glaze. The single-stage ceramic tile grout sealing process yielded seals produced in normal atmospheric conditions that displayed no discernible cracks and porosities. The single-stage grout is simple to formulate and easy to apply. Tiles were successfully sealed with power densities as low as 200 kW/ mm2 and at rates of up to 600 mm/ min. Bonding of the enamel to the crushed ceramic tile mix was identified as being primarily due to van der Waals forces and, on a very small scale, some of the crushed ceramic tile mix material dissolving into the glaze. In terms of mechanical, physical and chemical characteristics, the single-stage ceramic tile grout was found to be far superior to the conventional epoxy tile grout and, in many instances, matched and occasionally surpassed that of the ceramic tiles themselves. What is more, the development of a hand-held HPDL beam delivery unit and the related procedures necessary to lead to the commercialisation of the single-stage ceramic tile grout sealing process are presented. Further, an appraisal of the potential hazards associated with the use of the HPDL in an industrial environment and the solutions implemented to ensure that the system complies with the relevant safety standards are given.

Dental hard tissue modification and removal using sealed TEA lasers operating at λ=9.6 and 10.6 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fried, Daniel; Murray, Michael W.; Featherstone, John D. B.; Akrivou, Maria; Dickenson, Kevin M.; Duhn, Clifford W.; Ojeda, Orlando P.

1999-05-01

Pulsed CO2 lasers have been shown to be effective for both removal and modification of dental hard tissue for the treatment of dental caries. In this study, sealed TEA laser systems optimally tuned to the highly absorbed 9.6 μm wavelength were investigated for application on dental hard tissue. Conventional TEA lasers produce a laser pulse wit a 100-200 ns gain switched spike followed by a long tail of about 1-4 μs in duration. the pulse duration is well matched to the 1-2 μs thermal relaxation time of the deposited laser energy at 9.6 μm and effectively heats the enamel to temperatures required for surface modification for caries prevention at absorbed fluences of less than 0.5 J/cm2. Thus, the heat deposition in the tooth and the corresponding risk, of pulpal necrosis form excessive heat accumulation is minimized. At higher fluences the high peak power of the gain-switched spike rapidly initiates a plasma that markedly reduces the ablation rate and efficiency, severely limiting applicability for hard tissue ablation. By slightly stretching the pulse to reduce the energy distributed in the initial 100-200 ns of the laser pulse, the plasma threshold can be raised sufficiently to increase the ablation rate by an order of magnitude. This results in a practical and efficient CO2 laser system for caries ablation and surface modification.

Synthesis of information on the effects of noise and disturbance on major haulout concentrations of Bering Sea pinnipeds. Final report

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

Johnson, S.R.; Burns, J.J.; Malme, C.I.

1989-02-17

The study investigated the use of terrestrial haulout sites in the eastern Bering Sea by four species of pennipeds, northern fur seal, northern sea lion, harbor seal and pacific walrus. Historical information on the use of each site was summarized. Available information on the effects of airborne and waterborne noise, and human disturbance (from stationary and moving sources) was reviewed. The authors also conducted a detailed analysis of the acoustic environment of eight haulout sites that were representative of others used by each of the four species studied. The analyses included investigations of (1) characteristics airborne and underwater ambient noise,more » (2) characteristics of industrial noise sources, including aircraft, small boats, fishing trawlers and commercial cargo traffic, and (3) sound transmission loss in air, water, and through the air-water surface. As a means to evaluate the potential vulnerability of each haulout site to noise and disturbance, a quantitative rating system (IPSI) whereby an index of sensitivity was assigned to each site.« less

Pinniped bioacoustics: Atmospheric and hydrospheric signal production, reception, and function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schusterman, Ronald J.; Kastak, David; Reichmuth Kastak, Colleen; Holt, Marla; Southall, Brandon L.

2004-05-01

There is no convincing evidence that any of the 33 pinniped species evolved acoustic specializations for echolocation. However, all species produce and localize signals amphibiously in different communicative contexts. In the setting of sexual selection, aquatic mating male phocids and walruses tend to emit underwater calls, while male otariids and phocids that breed terrestrially emit airborne calls. Signature vocalizations are widespread among pinnipeds. There is evidence that males use signature threat calls, and it is possible that vocal recognition may be used by territorial males to form categories consisting of neighbors and strangers. In terms of mother-offspring recognition, both otariid females and their pups use acoustical cues for mutual recognition. In contrast, reunions between phocid females and their dependent pups depend mostly on pup vocalizations. In terms of signal reception, audiometric studies show that otariids are highly sensitive to aerial sounds but slightly less sensitive to underwater sounds. Conversely, except for deep-diving elephant seals, phocids are quite sensitive to acoustic signals both in air and under water. Finally, despite differences in absolute hearing sensitivity, pinnipeds have similar masked hearing capabilities in both media, supporting the notion that cochlear mechanics determine the effects of noise on hearing.

250-W RF-excited slab CO2 lasers using gold catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyun, V. V.; Samorodov, V. G.; Shishkanov, E. F.

2003-11-01

The investigations and constructions of compact RF-excitation CO2 lasers with slab discharge channel geometry and unstable-waveguide resonators are described. The output average power scale up to 260 W from electrode area of 198 cm2 have been obtained in sealed-off mode because use a catalyst effect in discharge volume.

Sealing Penetrating Eye Injuries Using Photoactivated Bonding

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

of the rabbit pushed the viscoeastic out of the eye during the laser phase of the treatment . This interfered with the bonding of the amnion...ANSI Std. Z39.18 Sealing Penetrating Eye Injuries Using Photoactivated Bonding W81XWH-09-2-0059 1 Sep 2010 - 31 Aug 2011Annual01-09-2011 Anthony...called PTB) with the potential to decrease vision loss and ocular complications in warfighters sustaining penetrating eye injuries. Scope: In

Underwater Anesthesia of Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) for Measurement of Auditory Evoked Potentials

PubMed Central

Christiansen, Emily F; Piniak, Wendy E D; Lester, Lori A; Harms, Craig A

2013-01-01

Investigations into the biology of aquatic and semiaquatic species, including those involving sensory specialization, often require creative solutions to novel questions. We developed a technique for safely anesthetizing a semiaquatic chelonian species, the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), for measurement of auditory evoked potentials while animals were completely submerged in water. Custom-modified endotracheal tubes were used to obtain a watertight seal on both sides of the glottis and prevent aspiration of water during testing. No adverse effects were seen after the procedures, and assessment of venous blood-gas partial pressures and lactate concentrations indicated that sufficient gas exchange was maintained under anesthesia through manual ventilation. PMID:24351768

Robust laser-structured asymmetrical PTFE mesh for underwater directional transportation and continuous collection of gas bubbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Kai; Yang, Shuai; Dong, Xinran; Chu, Dongkai; Duan, Ji-An; He, Jun

2018-06-01

We report a simple, efficient method to fabricate micro/nanoscale hierarchical structures on one side of polytetrafluoroethylene mesh surfaces, using one-step femtosecond laser direct writing technology. The laser-treated surface exhibits superhydrophobicity in air and superaerophilicity in water, resulting in the mesh possessing the hydrophobic/superhydrophobic asymmetrical property. Bubbles can pass through the mesh from the untreated side to the laser-treated side but cannot pass through the mesh in the opposite direction. The asymmetrical mesh can therefore be designed for the directional transportation and continuous collection of gas bubbles in aqueous environments. Furthermore, the asymmetrical mesh shows excellent stability during corrosion and abrasion tests. These findings may provide an efficient route for fabricating a durable asymmetrical mesh for the directional and continuous transport of gas bubbles.

Proceedings of the International Conference on Lasers 󈨜 Held in Lake Tahoe, Nevada on 4-9 December 1988.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

1.40Mm, because the excited state absorption is at the edge of the gain transi- tion. There has been a recent interest in the heavy metal fluoride...Infrared Lasers 312 F. K. Kneubuhl, D. P. Scherrer and J. P. G. Arnesson (Plenary, Invited) Sealed All- Metal CO2 Laser Tube Technology 316 S. Byron and P...Keyes Establishing A Standard For Polarized Laser Light Scattering From Microbial Systems 663 W. P. Van De Merwe, D. R. Huffman and B. V. Bronk OPTICAL

Uniformity of cylindrical imploding underwater shockwaves at very small radii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanuka, D.; Rososhek, A.; Bland, S. N.; Krasik, Ya. E.

2017-11-01

We compare the convergent shockwaves generated from underwater, cylindrical arrays of copper wire exploded by multiple kilo-ampere current pulses on nanosecond and microsecond scales. In both cases, the pulsed power devices used for the experiments had the same stored energy (˜500 J) and the wire mass was adjusted to optimize energy transfer to the shockwave. Laser backlit framing images of the shock front were achieved down to the radius of 30 μm. It was found that even in the case of initial azimuthal non-symmetry, the shock wave self-repairs in the final stages of its motion, leading to a highly uniform implosion. In both these and previous experiments, interference fringes have been observed in streak and framing images as the shockwave approached the axis. We have been able to accurately model the origin of the fringes, which is due to the propagation of the laser beam diffracting off the uniform converging shock front. The dynamics of the shockwave and its uniformity at small radii indicate that even with only 500 J stored energies, this technique should produce pressures above 1010 Pa on the axis, with temperatures and densities ideal for warm dense matter research.

Core-pumped mode-locked ytterbium-doped fiber laser operating around 980 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yue; Dai, Yitang; Li, Jianqiang; Yin, Feifei; Dai, Jian; Zhang, Tian; Xu, Kun

2018-07-01

In this letter, we first demonstrate a core-pumped passively mode-locked all-normal-dispersion ytterbium-doped fiber oscillator based on nonlinear polarization evolution operating around 980 nm. The dissipative soliton fiber laser pulse can be compressed down to 250 fs with 1 nJ pulse energy, and the slope efficiency of the oscillator can be as high as 19%. To improve the dissipative soliton laser output spectrum smoothness, we replace the birefringent plate based intracavity filter with a diffraction-grating based filter. The output pulse duration can then be further compressed down to 180 fs with improved spectral-smoothness. These schemes have potential applications in seeding cryogenic Yb:YLF amplifiers and underwater exploration of marine resources.

A UWOC system based on a 6 m/5.2 Gbps 680 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chung-Yi; Tsai, Wen-Shing

2018-02-01

This study proves that an underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) based on a 6 m/5.2 Gbps 68 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)-based system is superior to a 405 nm UWOC system. This UWOC application is the first to use a VCSEL at approximately 680 nm. The experiment also proved that a 680 nm VCSEL has the same transmission distance as that of an approximately 405 nm laser diode. The 680 nm VCSEL has a 5.2 Gbps high transmission rate and can transmit up to 6 m. Thus, the setup is the best alternative solution for high-speed UWOC applications.

Moving target detection in flash mode against stroboscopic mode by active range-gated laser imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xuanyu; Wang, Xinwei; Sun, Liang; Fan, Songtao; Lei, Pingshun; Zhou, Yan; Liu, Yuliang

2018-01-01

Moving target detection is important for the application of target tracking and remote surveillance in active range-gated laser imaging. This technique has two operation modes based on the difference of the number of pulses per frame: stroboscopic mode with the accumulation of multiple laser pulses per frame and flash mode with a single shot of laser pulse per frame. In this paper, we have established a range-gated laser imaging system. In the system, two types of lasers with different frequency were chosen for the two modes. Electric fan and horizontal sliding track were selected as the moving targets to compare the moving blurring between two modes. Consequently, the system working in flash mode shows more excellent performance in motion blurring against stroboscopic mode. Furthermore, based on experiments and theoretical analysis, we presented the higher signal-to-noise ratio of image acquired by stroboscopic mode than flash mode in indoor and underwater environment.

Femtosecond laser machining and lamination for large-area flexible organic microfluidic chips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malek, C. Khan; Robert, L.; Salut, R.

2009-04-01

A hybrid process compatible with reel-to-reel manufacturing is developed for ultra low-cost large-scale manufacture of disposable microfluidic chips. It combines ultra-short laser microstructuring and lamination technology. Microchannels in polyester foils were formed using focused, high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses. Lamination using a commercial SU8-epoxy resist layer was used to seal the microchannel layer and cover foil. This hybrid process also enables heterogeneous material structuration and integration.

Closure of skin incisions in rabbits by laser soldering: I: Wound healing pattern.

PubMed

Simhon, David; Brosh, Tamar; Halpern, Marisa; Ravid, Avi; Vasilyev, Tamar; Kariv, Naam; Katzir, Abraham; Nevo, Zvi

2004-01-01

Temperature-controlled tissue laser soldering is an innovative sutureless technique awaiting only solid experimental data to become the gold-standard surgical procedure for incision closure. The goals of the current study were: (1) to define the optimal laser soldering conditions, (2) to explore the immediate skin reparative healing events after sealing the wound, and (3) to determine the long-term trajectory of skin wound healing. Skin incisions were generated over rabbit dorsa and were closed using different wound-closure interventions, in three groups: (a) closure, using a temperature-controlled infrared fiberoptic CO2 laser system, employing 47% bovine serum albumin as a solder; (b) wound closure by cyanoacrylate glues; and (c) wound closure by sutures. The reparative outcomes were evaluated macroscopically and microscopically, employing semi-quantitative grading indices. Laser soldering of incisions at T = 65 degrees C emerged as the optimal method achieving immediate wound sealing. This in turn induced accelerated reparative events characterized by a reduced inflammatory reaction, followed by minimal scarring and leading to a fine quality healing. Temperature-controlled laser soldering offers an accelerated wound reparative process with numerous advantages over the conventional methods. Further investigations may reveal additional benefits in the spectrum of advantages that this innovative surgical technology has to offer. This can introduce new scientific insight that will pave the way for clinical use.

Laser-assisted skin closure at 1.32 microns: the use of a software-driven medical laser system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dew, Douglas K.; Hsu, Tung M.; Hsu, Long S.; Halpern, Steven J.; Michaels, Charles E.

1991-06-01

This study investigated the use of a computerized 1 .3 micron Nd:YAG laser to seal approximated wound edges in pig skin. The medical laser system used was the DLS Type 1 , 1 .32 micron Nd:YAG laser (Laser Surgery Software, Inc.). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of laser assisted skin closure using the DLS YAG laser in a large animal model. Effectiveness was judged on the basis of wound dehiscence, infection, unusual healing result and consistency of results. Comparative cosmetic result was also evaluated. In this study, the DLS YAG laser was used to close scalpel-induced, full-thickness wounds. The pig model was chosen for its many integumentary similarities to man. Controls included scalpel-induced wounds closed using suture, staple and some with norepair. After adequate anesthesia was achieved, the dorsum of Yucutan pigs (approximately 75- 100 pounds) each was clipped with animal hair clippers from the shoulder area to the hind legs. The area was then shaved with a razor blade, avoiding any inadvertent cuts or abrasions of the skin. The dorsum was divided into four rows of four parallel incisions made by a #15 scalpel blade. Full-thickness incisions, 9 cm long, were placed over the dorsum of the pigs and then closed either with one loosely approximating Prolene" suture (the "no repair' group), multiple interrupted 6-0 nylon sutures, staples or laser. The experimental tissue sealing group consisted of 1 69 laser assisted closures on 1 3 pigs. Sutured control wounds were closed with 6-0 nylon, full thickness, simple, interrupted sutures. Eight sutures were placed 1 cm apart along the 9 cm incision. Stapled control wounds were approximated using two evenly spaced 3-0 VicryP' sub-dermal sutures and the dermis closed using Proximate' skin staples. Eight staples were placed 1 cm apart along the 9 cm incision. The no-repair incisions were grossly approximated using a single 2-0 Prolene full thickness, simple, interrupted suture located at the center of the 9 cm incision. Experimental wounds were approximated using two evenly spaced subdermal 3.0 Vicryl' sutures and the dermis closed by laser sealing using the DLS YAG laser. Wounds were examined daily for the first seven days and followed for up to 20 months postoperatively. To facilitate wound edge approximation, surgical tape that is relatively transparent to 1.3 micron irradiation was used to hold the wound edges approximated while laser application occurred. Surgical tape was also applied to the "no-repair" suture and staple closures at the end of each procedure.

Method of fabricating an abradable gas path seal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bill, R. C.; Wisander, D. W. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

The thermal shock resistance of a ceramic layer is improved. The invention is particularly directed to an improved abradable lining that is deposited on shroud forming a gas path in turbomachinery. Improved thermal shock resistance of a shroud is effected through the deliberate introduction of benign cracks. These are microcracks which will not propagate appreciably upon exposure to the thermal shock environment in which a turbine seal must function. Laser surface fusion treatment is used to introduce these microcracks. The ceramic surface is laser scanned to form a continuous dense layer. As this layer cools and solidifies, shrinkage results in the formation of a very fine crack network. The presence of this deliberately introduced fine crack network precludes the formation of a catastrophic crack during thermal shock exposure.

Acoustic survey for marine mammal occurrence and distribution off East Antarctica (30-80°E) in January-February 2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gedamke, Jason; Robinson, Sarah M.

2010-05-01

A large scale, systematic, acoustic survey for whales and seals in eastern Antarctic waters was conducted in January-February 2006. During the BROKE-West survey of Southern Ocean waters between 30 and 80° E longitude, an acoustic survey was conducted to complement a traditional visual survey for marine mammal occurrence and distribution. As part of the survey, 145 DIFAR sonobuoys were deployed every 30' of latitude on north-south transects, and prior to CTD stations on the initial east-west transect. Underwater sound was analyzed for 70 minute samples from each sonobuoy. Blue whales were the most commonly recorded species, identified at 55 of the sonobuoy deployment sites. Other species recorded include: sperm (46 sites), fin (14), humpback (2), and sei (3) whales, and leopard (11) and Ross (17) seals. Large numbers of blue and sperm whales, and all Ross seals were detected on the westernmost two transects, which were the only transects of the survey with relatively extensive sea ice remaining off the continental shelf. Large numbers of blue whales were also detected in the more eastern waters of the survey off the Prydz Bay region, while two detections of pygmy blue whales represent the farthest south these whales have been recorded. Of the relatively few fin whale detections, most occurred in more northerly waters. Fin whale vocalizations from this region were distinctly different than those recorded elsewhere around Antarctica suggesting acoustic recordings may be useful to delineate regional or stock boundaries of this species. Previously undescribed sounds were attributed to Ross seals. Acoustic detections of these and leopard seal sounds indicate these animals venture further from their traditionally described distributions, with vocalizing leopard seals occurring much further north than might be expected. Overall, the results of the sonobuoy survey provide a measure of each species' relative spatial distribution over the survey area based on acoustic detections, and when combined with the results of the visual survey, will provide a comprehensive view of marine mammal distribution throughout the region during the BROKE-West survey.

Holmium:YAG and erbium:YAG laser interaction with hard and soft tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charlton, Andrew; Dickinson, Mark R.; King, Terence A.; Freemont, Anthony J.

1991-06-01

The holmium YAG and erbium YAG lasers operating at 2.1 micrometers and 2.9 micrometers respectively, are the subject of great interest for various medical applications. The interaction of both these pulsed lasers with biological tissue involves absorption of the radiation by water leading to rapid heating and ablation, however the different absorption coefficients at these two wavelengths give rise to different ablation efficiencies and haemostatic properties for the two lasers. It is this cut/seal ratio that determines for which medical applications each of these lasers is most suited. The lasers were used to produce incisions in various tissues by translating the tissue at fixed speed beneath a focused laser beam. The laser energy density was varied between 100 and 500 J/cm2 and the lasers were operated at 2 Hz. After irradiation the tissues were fixed in formalin, processed routinely into paraffin wax, sectioned at 5 micrometers and stained with haemotoxylin and eosin. This allowed the dimensions of the incisions to be measured, as well as the depth of coagulative denatured tissue surrounding each incision. In this way the cut/seal ratio was determined for both the holmium YAG and erbium YAG laser in a range of hard and soft tissues. Results show that the latent heat of ablation for the holmium YAG laser interacting with soft tissue varies between 20-50 kJ/cm3, almost an order of magnitude larger than with the erbium YAG laser. Furthermore, the depth of coagulative necrosis with holmium YAG extends 100-400 micrometers , compared with 10-30 micrometers for erbium YAG. The two interactions clearly lead to vastly different results suggesting that the holmium YAG laser is suitable for producing lesions in highly vascular tissue where haemostasis is important, whereas the erbium YAG laser is better suited to avascular tissue requiring large depths of incision.

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) Reproductive Advertisement Behavior and the Effects of Vessel Noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthews, Leanna P.

Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are a widely distributed pinniped species that mate underwater. Similar to other aquatically mating pinnipeds, male harbor seals produce vocalizations during the breeding season that function in male-male interactions and possibly as an attractant for females. I investigated multiple aspects of these reproductive advertisement displays in a population of harbor seals in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska. First, I looked at vocal production as a function of environmental variables, including season, daylight, and tidal state. Vocalizations were highly seasonal and detection of these vocalizations peaked in June and July, which correspond with the estimated time of breeding. Vocalizations also varied with light, with the lowest probability of detection during the day and the highest probability of detection at night. The high probability of detection corresponded to when females are known to forage. These results are similar to the vocal behavior of previously studied populations. However, unlike previously studied populations, the detection of harbor seal breeding vocalizations did not vary with tidal state. This is likely due to the location of the hydrophone, as it was not near the haul out and depth was therefore not significantly influenced by changes in tidal height. I also investigated the source levels and call parameters of vocalizations, as well as call rate and territoriality. The average source level of harbor seal breeding vocalizations was 144 dB re 1 ?Pa at 1 m and measurements ranged from 129 to 149 dB re 1 ?Pa. Analysis of call parameters indicated that vocalizations of harbor seals in Glacier Bay were similar in duration to other populations, but were much lower in frequency. During the breeding season, there were two discrete calling areas that likely represent two individual males; the average call rate in these display areas was approximately 1 call per minute. The harbor seal breeding season also overlaps with peak tourism in Glacier Bay, and the majority of tourists visit the park on a motorized vessel. Because of this overlap, I investigated the impacts of vessel noise on the vocal behavior of individual males. In the presence of vessel noise, male harbor seals increase the amplitude of their vocalizations, decrease the duration, and increase the minimum frequency. These vocal shifts are similar to studies of noise impacts on other species across taxa, but it is unknown how this could impact the reproductive success of male harbor seals. Finally, I looked at the role of female preference for male vocalizations. Using playbacks of male vocalizations to captive female harbor seals, I found that females have a higher response to vocalizations that correspond to dominant males. Females were less responsive to subordinate male vocalizations, which had a shorter duration and a higher frequency. Given that male harbor seals decrease the duration and increase the frequency of vocalizations in the presence of noise, it is possible that these vocalizations become less attractive in noise.

Integration of a laser doppler vibrometer and adaptive optics system for acoustic-optical detection in the presence of random water wave distortions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Land, Phillip; Robinson, Dennis; Roeder, James; Cook, Dean; Majumdar, Arun K.

2016-05-01

A new technique has been developed for improving the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of underwater acoustic signals measured above the water's surface. This technique uses a Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) and an Adaptive Optics (AO) system (consisting of a fast steering mirror, deformable mirror, and Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensor) for mitigating the effect of surface water distortions encountered while remotely recording underwater acoustic signals. The LDV is used to perform non-contact vibration measurements of a surface via a two beam laser interferometer. We have demonstrated the feasibility of this technique to overcome water distortions artificially generated on the surface of the water in a laboratory tank. In this setup, the LDV beam penetrates the surface of the water and travels down to be reflected off a submerged acoustic transducer. The reflected or returned beam is then recorded by the LDV as a vibration wave measurement. The LDV extracts the acoustic wave information while the AO mitigates the water surface distortions, increasing the overall SNR. The AO system records the Strehl ratio, which is a measure of the quality of optical image formation. In a perfect optical system the Strehl ratio is unity, however realistic systems with imperfections have Strehl ratios below one. The operation of the AO control system in open-loop and closed-loop configurations demonstrates the utility of the AO-based LDV for many applications.

Laser Tissue Welding - Distal Pancreatectomy Sealing Study

ClinicalTrials.gov

2018-04-20

Pancreatic Tumor, Benign; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma; Pancreatic Pseudocyst; Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor; Pancreas; Insulinoma; Pancreatic Cyst; Pancreatic Teratoma; Pancreatic Polypeptide Tumor; Pancreatic Vipoma; Pancreatic Cystadenoma; Pancreas Injury; Pancreatic Gastrinoma; Pancreatic Glucagonoma

In Vitro Study of Dentin Hypersensitivity Treated by 980-nm Diode Laser.

PubMed

Liu, Ying; Gao, Jie; Gao, Yan; Xu, Shuaimei; Zhan, Xueling; Wu, Buling

2013-01-01

To investigate the ultrastructural changes of dentin irradiated with 980-nm diode laser under different parameters and to observe the morphological alterations of odontoblasts and pulp tissue to determine the safety parameters of 980-nm diode laser in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Twenty extracted human third molars were selected to prepare dentin discs. Each dentin disc was divided into four areas and was irradiated by 980-nm diode laser under different parameters: Group A: control group, 0 J/cm(2); Group B: 2 W/CW (continuous mode), 166 J/cm(2); Group C: 3W/CW, 250 J/cm(2); and Group D: 4W/CW, 333 J/cm(2). Ten additional extracted human third molars were selected to prepare dentin discs. Each dentin disc was divided into two areas and was irradiated by 980-nm diode laser: Group E: control group, 0 J/cm(2); and Group F: 2.0 W/CW, 166 J/cm(2). The morphological alterations of the dentin surfaces and odontoblasts were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the morphological alterations of the dental pulp tissue irradiated by laser were observed with an upright microscope. The study demonstrated that dentinal tubules can be entirely blocked after irradiation by 980-nm diode laser, regardless of the parameter setting. Diode laser with settings of 2.0 W and 980-nm sealed exposed dentin tubules effectively, and no significant morphological alterations of the pulp and odontoblasts were observed after irradiation. Irradiation with 980-nm diode laser could be effective for routine clinical treatment of DH, and 2.0W/CW (166 J/cm(2)) was a suitable energy parameter due to its rapid sealing of the exposed dentin tubules and its safety to the odontoblasts and pulp tissue.

In Vitro Study of Dentin Hypersensitivity Treated by 980-nm Diode Laser

PubMed Central

Liu, Ying; Gao, Jie; Gao, Yan; XU, Shuaimei; Zhan, Xueling; Wu, Buling

2013-01-01

Introduction: To investigate the ultrastructural changes of dentin irradiated with 980-nm diode laser under different parameters and to observe the morphological alterations of odontoblasts and pulp tissue to determine the safety parameters of 980-nm diode laser in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Methods: Twenty extracted human third molars were selected to prepare dentin discs. Each dentin disc was divided into four areas and was irradiated by 980-nm diode laser under different parameters: Group A: control group, 0 J/cm2; Group B: 2 W/CW (continuous mode), 166 J/cm2; Group C: 3W/CW, 250 J/cm2; and Group D: 4W/CW, 333 J/cm2. Ten additional extracted human third molars were selected to prepare dentin discs. Each dentin disc was divided into two areas and was irradiated by 980-nm diode laser: Group E: control group, 0 J/cm2; and Group F: 2.0 W/CW, 166 J/cm2. The morphological alterations of the dentin surfaces and odontoblasts were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the morphological alterations of the dental pulp tissue irradiated by laser were observed with an upright microscope. Results: The study demonstrated that dentinal tubules can be entirely blocked after irradiation by 980-nm diode laser, regardless of the parameter setting. Diode laser with settings of 2.0 W and 980-nm sealed exposed dentin tubules effectively, and no significant morphological alterations of the pulp and odontoblasts were observed after irradiation. Conclusions: Irradiation with 980-nm diode laser could be effective for routine clinical treatment of DH, and 2.0W/CW (166 J/cm2) was a suitable energy parameter due to its rapid sealing of the exposed dentin tubules and its safety to the odontoblasts and pulp tissue. PMID:25606318

Carbon dioxide laser microsurgery of the uterine tube.

PubMed

Baggish, M S; Chong, A P

1981-07-01

The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser was used to perform microsurgical excision of obstructed tubal segments in rabbit and human subjects. Approximation of the freshly severed tubes by means of laser "welding" was evaluated in both groups investigated. More important, the laser beam cuts accurately and atraumatically while sealing small vascular channels. Scanning electron microscopic studies of the human fallopian tube following laser surgery were done to determine the extent of tissue injury. At a distance of 1 mm distal to the vaporization and necrotic impact zone, normal tubal anatomy was observed. Follow-up data are presented for 7 women who underwent laser beam tuboplasty between 1979 and 1980. The principle advantages of the CO2 laser are its precise control, minimal tissue injury, and hemostatic properties.

Space-qualified laser system for the BepiColombo Laser Altimeter.

PubMed

Kallenbach, Reinald; Murphy, Eamonn; Gramkow, Bodo; Rech, Markus; Weidlich, Kai; Leikert, Thomas; Henkelmann, Reiner; Trefzger, Boris; Metz, Bodo; Michaelis, Harald; Lingenauber, Kay; DelTogno, Simone; Behnke, Thomas; Thomas, Nicolas; Piazza, Daniele; Seiferlin, Karsten

2013-12-20

The space-qualified design of a miniaturized laser for pulsed operation at a wavelength of 1064 nm and at repetition rates up to 10 Hz is presented. This laser consists of a pair of diode-laser pumped, actively q-switched Nd:YAG rod oscillators hermetically sealed and encapsulated in an environment of dry synthetic air. The system delivers at least 300 million laser pulses with 50 mJ energy and 5 ns pulse width (FWHM). It will be launched in 2017 aboard European Space Agency's Mercury Planetary Orbiter as part of the BepiColombo Laser Altimeter, which, after a 6-years cruise, will start recording topographic data from orbital altitudes between 400 and 1500 km above Mercury's surface.

High bandwidth underwater optical communication.

PubMed

Hanson, Frank; Radic, Stojan

2008-01-10

We report error-free underwater optical transmission measurements at 1 Gbit/s (10(9) bits/s) over a 2 m path in a laboratory water pipe with up to 36 dB of extinction. The source at 532 nm was derived from a 1064 nm continuous-wave laser diode that was intensity modulated, amplified, and frequency doubled in periodically poled lithium niobate. Measurements were made over a range of extinction by the addition of a Mg(OH)(2) and Al(OH)(3) suspension to the water path, and we were not able to observe any evidence of temporal pulse broadening. Results of Monte Carlo simulations over ocean water paths of several tens of meters indicate that optical communication data rates >1 Gbit/s can be supported and are compatible with high-capacity data transfer applications that require no physical contact.

Underwater electro-optical system for mine identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strand, Michael P.

1995-06-01

The Electro-Optic Identification (EOID) Sensors project is developing a Laser Visual Iidentification Sensor (LVIS) for identification of proud, partially buried, and moored mines in shallow water/very shallow water. LVIS will be deployed in small diameter underwater vehicles, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Since the mission is mine identification, LVIS must: a) deliver high quality images in turbid coastal waters, while b) being compatible with the size and power constraints imposed by the intended deployment platforms. This project is sponsored by the Office of Naval Research, as a part of the AOA Mine Reconnaissance/Hunter program. High quality images which retain target detail and contrast are required for mine identification. LVIS will be designed to produce images of minelike contacts (MLC) of sufficient quality to allow identification while operating in turbid coastal waters from a small diameter UUV. Technology goals for the first generation LVIS are a) identification range up to 40 feet for proud, partially buried, and moored MLCs under coastal water conditions; b) day/night operation from a UUV operating at speeds up to 4 knots; c) power consumption less than 500 watts, with 275 watts being typical; and d) packaged within a 32-inch long portion of a 21-inch diameter vehicle section.

[Comparative investigation of underwater-LIBS using 532 and 1 064 nm lasers].

PubMed

Song, Jiao-Jian; Tian, Ye; Lu, Yuan; Li, Ying; Zheng, Rong-Er

2014-11-01

With the hope of applying laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to the ocean applications, the laser energy at 532 and 1 064 nm wavelength with 3 and 40 mj respectively was used, which was near their breakdown threshold. Extensive experimental investigations of LIBS from CaCl2 water solution were carried out in this paper using different laser wavelengths of 532 and 1 064 nm. The obtained results show that compared with the 532 nm laser, the 1 064 nm laser can induce the plasma in water with higher emission intensity and longer lifetime, while the reproducibility of LIBS signal under 1 064 nm laser is poorer. On the other hand, due to the different attenuation ratios of 532 and 1 064 nm laser energies in water, the LIBS signal of 1 064 nm laser decreases a lot within the transmission distance range 2-5 cm, while LIBS signal of 532 nm remains the same, because that the wavelength of 532 nm lies in the "transmission window" of the water solution. This study will provide valuable design considerations for the development of LIBS-sea system in near future.

Quasi-passive heat sink for high-power laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vetrovec, John

2009-02-01

We report on a novel heat sink for high-power laser diodes offering unparalleled capacity in high-heat flux handling and temperature control. The heat sink uses a liquid coolant flowing at high speed in a miniature closed and sealed loop. Diode waste heat is received at high flux and transferred to environment, coolant fluid, heat pipe, or structure at a reduced flux. When pumping solid-state or alkali vapor lasers, diode wavelength can be electronically tuned to the absorption features of the laser gain medium. This paper presents the heat sink physics, engineering design, performance modeling, and configurations.

A laser based reusable microjet injector for transdermal drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Tae-hee; Yoh, Jack J.

2010-05-01

A laser based needle-free liquid drug injection device has been developed. A laser beam is focused inside the liquid contained in the rubber chamber of microscale. The focused laser beam causes explosive bubble growth, and the sudden volume increase in a sealed chamber drives a microjet of liquid drug through the micronozzle. The exit diameter of a nozzle is 125 μm and the injected microjet reaches an average velocity of 264 m/s. This device adds the time-varying feature of microjet to the current state of liquid injection for drug delivery.

Prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistulas by means of laser-weld techniques.

PubMed

Shohet, J A; Reinisch, L; Ossoff, R H

1995-07-01

Although much has been written on methods of dealing with pharyngocutaneous fistulas once they have formed, there are few reports of methods of preventing fistula formation from occurring. We examined the use of laser-weld techniques with the neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) and diode lasers to seal pharyngotomy closures. Laser-weld techniques have been used successfully in many other tissues, but reports documenting use in the upper aerodigestive tract are minimal. Indocyanine-green dye-enhanced collagen and fibrinogen were studied as laser solder materials for the diode laser. Twenty-nine experimental animals were studied. Neither the Nd:YAG nor the diode laser was successful in preventing fistula formation. Tensiometric studies documented significant strength of the laser welds ex vivo, but this finding was not clinically significant.

Experimental evaluation of a new system for laser tissue welding applied on damaged lungs.

PubMed

Schiavon, Marco; Marulli, Giuseppe; Zuin, Andrea; Lunardi, Francesca; Villoresi, Paolo; Bonora, Stefano; Calabrese, Fiorella; Rea, Federico

2013-05-01

Alveolar air leaks represent a challenging problem in thoracic surgery, leading to increased patient morbidity and prolonged hospitalization. Several methods have been used, but no ideal technique exists yet. We investigated the lung-sealing capacity of an experimental kit for laser tissue welding. The kit is composed of a semiconductor laser system applied on a protein substrate associated with a chromophore that increases absorption. In vitro tests on porcine lung tissue were done to define ideal laser parameters (power 100 Å, frequency 50 Hz, pulse duration 400 µs) and protein substrate dilution (50%). For in vivo tests, through a left thoracotomy, 14 pigs received two different lung damages: a linear incision and a circular incision. Protein substrate applied on damaged areas was treated with laser to obtain a layer that reconstituted the integrity of the visceral pleura. Air leaks were intraoperatively evaluated by water submersion test with an airway pressure of 20 cmH2O. Animals were sacrificed at postoperative days 0 and 7 to study early and late pathological features. After applying laser treatment, no air leaks were seen in all proofs except in 2 cases in which a second application was required. At time 0, pathological damage mostly consisted of superficial alveolar necrotic tissue covered by protein membrane. At time 7, a complete recovery of lung lesions by fibrous scar with slight inflammatory reaction of adjacent lung tissue was seen. This experimental study demonstrated the effectiveness of laser tissue welding applied to seal air leaks after lung surgery. Further studies are needed to verify acceptability for human application.

Laser microjoining of dissimilar and biocompatible materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Ingo; Russek, Ulrich A.; Herfurth, Hans J.; Witte, Reiner; Heinemann, Stefan; Newaz, Golam; Mian, A.; Georgiev, D.; Auner, Gregory W.

2004-07-01

Micro-joining and hermetic sealing of dissimilar and biocompatible materials is a critical issue for a broad spectrum of products such as micro-electronics, micro-optical and biomedical products and devices. Today, biocompatible titanium is widely applied as a material for orthopedic implants as well as for the encapsulation of implantable devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, and neural stimulator devices. Laser joining is the process of choice to hermetically seal such devices. Laser joining is a contact-free process, therefore minimizing mechanical load on the parts to be joined and the controlled heat input decreases the potential for thermal damage to the highly sensitive components. Laser joining also offers flexibility, shorter processing time and higher quality. However, novel biomedical products, in particular implantable microsystems currently under development, pose new challenges to the assembly and packaging process based on the higher level of integration, the small size of the device's features, and the type of materials and material combinations. In addition to metals, devices will also include glass, ceramic and polymers as biocompatible building materials that must be reliably joined in similar and dissimilar combinations. Since adhesives often lack long-term stability or do not meet biocompatibility requirements, new joining techniques are needed to address these joining challenges. Localized laser joining provides promising developments in this area. This paper describes the latest achievements in micro-joining of metallic and non-metallic materials with laser radiation. The focus is on material combinations of metal-polymer, polymer-glass, metal-glass and metal-ceramic using CO2, Nd:YAG and diode laser radiation. The potential for applications in the biomedical sector will be demonstrated.

Beam-folding ultraviolet-visible Fourier transform spectrometry and underwater cytometry for in situ measurement of marine phytoplankton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xuzhu

The system complexity and hence high cost needed for generating the high-resolution and precise position-sampling triggers over very long distances is one of main hindrances to the popularization of the UV-visible Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS). In part one of this thesis, the specially designed beam-folding and improved beam-folding methods to optically subdivide the laser fringes are presented. The Near-UV to Near-infrared FTSs based on 4-fold beam-folding systems were developed. The experimental results have demonstrated that these techniques are promising methods to produce the high-resolution and high-precision sampling triggers of scanning mechanism of UV-visible FTSs without the need for complicated optics, sophisticated detector electronics and high-stability motion control systems. The FTS based on the beam-folding technique can reach a spectral resolution of ˜4 cm-1 (0.1nm) in the visible wavelengths; The FTS based on the improved beam-folding technique can achieve a spectral resolution of ˜0.28 cm-1 (0.01nm) in the visible wavelengths. In the improved beam-folding FTS, The adoption of retroreflectors and the symmetrical arrangement of two back-to back interferometers produced much higher performance than that of the beam-folding FTS employing prism mirrors. The replacement of prism mirrors by retroreflectors and the symmetrical optical arrangement maintain the FTS in perfect optical alignment during scanning process by keeping all beams parallel with the incident beams. The vertex of the movable retroreflector in the measurement interferometer is arranged very close to the midpoint of the vertices of the movable retroreflectors in the tracking interferometer so that the optical symmetrical axes for both interferometers always keep in line with each other. That is, the change of the OPD of the tracking interferometer always remains synchronous to that of the OPD of the measurement interferometer even for any moving misalignments, making the FTS itself insensitive to these fluctuations. In addition, an attempt on fast-scanning visible IFTS based on the improved beam-folding technique was done. Preliminary experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of the fast-scanning visible IFTS based on the improved beam-folding technique. In part two, an underwater cytometer for in situ measurement of marine phytoplankton using a combining technique of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and laser differential Doppler velocimetry (LDDV) was developed. The advancement compared to the previous work done in the laboratory is to realize an in situ underwater measurement system by means of improving the optical design. The experimental results in June and August 2004 in the coastal area of Hong Kong demonstrated that the new cytometer can be used for in situ measurement of marine phytoplankton. The mean concentration detected by this instrument agreed closely with the experimental data measured by the traditional cell counting under a microscope. With an underwater optical sensing unit that does not rely on an electrical power source, the sensing unit can stay submerged underwater for long periods, making a long-term real-time monitoring system possible.

Pulsed Nd:YAG laser welding of cardiac pacemaker batteries with reduced heat input

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

Fuerschbach, P.W.; Hinkley, D.A.

1997-03-01

The effects of Nd:YAG laser beam welding process parameters on the resulting heat input in 304L stainless steel cardiac pacemaker batteries have been studied. By careful selection of process parameters, the results can be used to reduce temperatures near glass-to-metal seals and assure hermeticity in laser beam welding of high reliability components. Three designed response surface experiments were used to compare welding performance with lenses of varying focal lengths. The measured peak temperatures at the glass-to-metal seals varied from 65 to 140 C (149 to 284 F) and depended strongly on the levels of the experimental factors. It was foundmore » that welds of equivalent size can be made with significantly reduced temperatures. The reduction in battery temperatures has been attributed to an increase in the melting efficiency. This increase is thought to be due primarily to increased travel speeds, which were facilitated by high peak powers and low pulse energies. For longer focal length lenses, weld fusion zone widths were found to be greater even without a corresponding increase in the size of the weld. It was also found that increases in laser beam irradiance either by higher peak powers or smaller spot sizes created deeper and larger welds. These gains were attributed to an increase in the laser energy transfer efficiency.« less

Er:YAG delamination of immersed biological membranes using sealed flexible hollow waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sagi-Dolev, A. M.; Dror, Jacob; Inberg, Alexandra; Ferencz, J. R.; Croitoru, Nathan I.

1996-04-01

The radiation of Er-YAG laser ((lambda) equals 2.94 micrometer) gives selective interaction with tissues. The extinction in soft tissues is only a few micrometers and in hard tissues is of the order of hundreds of micrometers. This makes this type of laser very suitable for treatments in dentistry, orthopedy, or ophthalmology. Because the usual silica fibers are not transmitting the radiation at lambda equals 2.94 micrometer of this laser, many applications cannot be presently performed. Fused silica hollow fibers for Er-YAG radiation were developed in our laboratory and several possible applications in dentistry, orthopedy and ophthalmology were indicated. Hole opening and implantation preparation of teeth were experimented, using Er-YAG laser and hollow plastic waveguide delivery systems. Hole drilling in cow bones was demonstrated for applications in orthopedy. A new procedure of delivering Er-YAG radiation on fibrotic membranes of inner eggshell as a model of the membranes in eyes was developed employing silica hollow waveguides of 0.5 and 0.7 mm ID or a plastic waveguide of 1.0 mm ID. For this purpose waveguides with sealed distal tip were employed to enable us to approach the delivery system through liquid media near to the membrane. This experiment demonstrates the possibility of surgical applications in vitectomy in ophthalmology using Er-YAG laser and silica hollow waveguides.

A hydrodynamically suspended, magnetically sealed mechanically noncontact axial flow blood pump: design of a hydrodynamic bearing.

PubMed

Mitamura, Yoshinori; Kido, Kazuyuki; Yano, Tetsuya; Sakota, Daisuke; Yambe, Tomoyuki; Sekine, Kazumitsu; OKamoto, Eiji

2007-03-01

To overcome the drive shaft seal and bearing problem in rotary blood pumps, a hydrodynamic bearing, a magnetic fluid seal, and a brushless direct current (DC) motor were employed in an axial flow pump. This enabled contact-free rotation of the impeller without material wear. The axial flow pump consisted of a brushless DC motor, an impeller, and a guide vane. The motor rotor was directly connected to the impeller by a motor shaft. A hydrodynamic bearing was installed on the motor shaft. The motor and the hydrodynamic bearing were housed in a cylindrical casing and were waterproofed by a magnetic fluid seal, a mechanically noncontact seal. Impeller shaft displacement was measured using a laser sensor. Axial and radial displacements of the shaft were only a few micrometers for motor speed up to 8500 rpm. The shaft did not make contact with the bearing housing. A flow of 5 L/min was obtained at 8000 rpm at a pressure difference of 100 mm Hg. In conclusion, the axial flow blood pump consisting of a hydrodynamic bearing, a magnetic fluid seal, and a brushless DC motor provided contact-free rotation of the impeller without material wear.

Exploring Titan with Autonomous, Buoyancy Driven Gliders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morrow, M. T.; Woolsey, C. A.; Hagerman, G. M.

Buoyancy driven underwater gliders are highly efficient winged underwater vehicles which locomote by modifying their internal shape. The concept, which is already well-proven in Earth's oceans, is also an appealing technology for remote terrain exploration and environmental sampling on worlds with dense atmospheres. Because of their high efficiency and their gentle, vertical take-off and landing capability, buoyancy driven gliders might perform long duration, global mapping tasks as well as light-duty, local sampling tasks. Moreover, a sufficiently strong gradient in the planetary boundary layer may enable the vehicles to perform dynamic soaring, achieving even greater locomotive efficiency. Shape Change Actuated, Low Altitude Robotic Soarers (SCALARS) are an appealing alternative to more conventional vehicle technology for exploring planets with dense atmospheres. SCALARS are buoyancy driven atmospheric gliders with a twin-hulled, inboard wing configuration. The inboard wing generates lift, which propels the vehicle forward. Symmetric changes in mass distribution induce gravitational pitch moments that provide longitudinal control. Asymmetric changes in mass distribution induce twist in the inboard wing that provides directional control. The vehicle is actuated solely by internal shape change; there are no external seals and no exposed moving parts, save for the inflatable buoyancy ballonets. Preliminary sizing analysis and dynamic modeling indicate the viability of using SCALARS to map the surface of Titan and to investigate features of interest.

Performance characteristics and statistics of a laser initiated microdetonator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, L. C.

1979-01-01

The test results of 320 units of the laser initiated microdetonator are summarized. The commercially fabricated units used a lead styphnate/lead azide/HMX (1 mg/17.5 mg/13.5 mg) explosive train design contained in a miniature aluminum can and completed with a glass-metal seal window. The test parameters were the high and low laser energy, high and low temperature, laser pulse duration, laser wavelength and nuclear radiation (5 x 10 to the 6th rads of 1 MeV gamma ray). The performance parameters were the laser energy for ignition and the actuation response time. Included also is a description of the development of a flexible, continuously advanced train of explosive devices by using the units, miniature optics and fiber optics.

High-power laser phosphor light source with liquid cooling for digital cinema applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kenneth

2014-02-01

Laser excited phosphor has been used to excite phosphor material, producing high intensity light output with smaller etendue than that of LEDs with the same long lifetime. But due to the high intensity of the laser light, phosphor with organic binder burns at low power, which requires the phosphor to be deposited on a rotating wheel in practical applications. Phosphor with inorganic binders, commonly known as ceramic phosphor, on the other hand, does not burn, but efficiency goes down as temperature goes up under high power excitation. This paper describes cooling schemes in sealed chambers such that the phosphor materials using organic or inorganic binders can be liquid cooled for high efficiency operations. Confined air bubbles are introduced into the sealed chamber accommodating the differential thermal expansion of the liquid and the chamber. For even higher power operation suitable for digital cinema, a suspension of phosphor in liquid is described suitable for screen brightness of over 30,000 lumens. The aging issues of phosphor can also be solved by using replaceable phosphor cartridges.

Technical Survey and Evaluation of Underwater Sensors and Remotely Operated Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-01

differentiates these systems from the multitude of towed instrument packages. Construction of the vehicle is either open metallic framework or closed...3-29. AN APPLICATION OF LASERS AND TRIANGULATION TO MEASURING THE DISTANCE FROM THE CAMERA TO A TARGET (Tusting, 1990) I9 differential range...of ultraviolet light at 260 nm. Using ultraviolet light to detect the carbon-hydrogen stretch allows TOM to differentiate aromatics from other

Feasibility Study of Compressive Sensing Underwater Imaging Lidar

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-28

Texas Instruments Digital Micromirror Devices development system. In addition, through these studies, the deficiencies and/or areas of lack...device, such as the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD), to spatially modulate the laser source that illuminates the target plane. The same binary patterns...Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) Applications," Proc. of SPIE, 2003, 4985, 14-25. [8] T. E. Giddings and J. J. Shirron, "Numerical Simulation of the

Microoptoelectromechanical system (MOEMS) based laser

DOEpatents

Hutchinson, Donald P.

2003-11-04

A method for forming a folded laser and associated laser device includes providing a waveguide substrate, micromachining the waveguide substrate to form a folded waveguide structure including a plurality of intersecting folded waveguide paths, forming a single fold mirror having a plurality of facets which bound all ends of said waveguide paths except those reserved for resonator mirrors, and disposing a pair of resonator mirrors on opposite sides of the waveguide to form a lasing cavity. A lasing material is provided in the lasing cavity. The laser can be sealed by disposing a top on the waveguide substrate. The laser can include a re-entrant cavity, where the waveguide substrate is disposed therein, the re-entrant cavity including the single fold mirror.

Laser Frequency Stabilization for Coherent Lidar Applications using Novel All-Fiber Gas Reference Cell Fabrication Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meras, Patrick, Jr.; Poberezhskiy, Ilya Y.; Chang, Daniel H.; Levin, Jason; Spiers, Gary D.

2008-01-01

Compact hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (HC-PCF)gas frequency reference cell was constructed using a novel packaging technique that relies on torch-sealing a quartz filling tube connected to a mechanical splice between regular and hollow-core fibers. The use of this gas cell for laser frequency stabilization was demonstrated by locking a tunable diode laser to the center of the P9 line from the (nu)1+(nu)3 band of acetylene with RMS frequency error of 2.06 MHz over 2 hours. This effort was performed in support of a task to miniaturize the laser frequency stabilization subsystem of JPL/LMCT Laser Absorption Spectrometer (LAS) instrument.

Intra- and inter-tooth variation in strontium isotope ratios from prehistoric seals by laser ablation (LA)-MC-ICP-MS.

PubMed

Glykou, A; Eriksson, G; Storå, J; Schmitt, M; Kooijman, E; Lidén, K

2018-05-04

Strontium isotope ratios ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) in modern-day marine environments are considered to be homogeneous (~0.7092). However, in the Baltic Sea, the Sr ratios are controlled by mixing seawater and continental drainage from major rivers discharging into the Baltic. This pilot study explores if variations in Sr can be detected in marine mammals from archaeological sites in the Baltic Sea. 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios were measured in tooth enamel from three seal species by laser ablation (LA)-MC-ICP-MS. The method enables micro-sampling of solid materials. This is the first time that the method has been applied to marine samples from archaeological collections. The analyses showed inter-tooth 87 Sr/ 86 Sr variation suggesting that different ratios can be detected in different regions of the Baltic Sea. Furthermore, the intra-tooth variation suggests possible different geographic origin or seasonal movement of seals within different regions in the Baltic Sea through their life time. The method was successfully applied to archaeological marine samples showing that: (1) the 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ivalue n marine environments is not uniform, (2) 87 Sr/ 86 Sr differences might reflect differences in ecology and life history of different seal species, and (3) archaeological mobility studies based on 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio in humans should therefore be evaluated together with diet reconstruction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Platinum/Tin Oxide/Silica Gel Catalyst Oxidizes CO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Upchurch, Billy T.; Davis, Patricia P.; Schryer, David R.; Miller, Irvin M.; Brown, David; Van Norman, John D.; Brown, Kenneth G.

1991-01-01

Heterogeneous catalyst of platinum, tin oxide, and silica gel combines small concentrations of laser dissociation products, CO and O2, to form CO22 during long times at ambient temperature. Developed as means to prevent accumulation of these products in sealed CO2 lasers. Effective at ambient operating temperatures and installs directly in laser envelope. Formulated to have very high surface area and to chemisorb controlled quantities of moisture: chemisorbed water contained within and upon its structure, makes it highly active and very longlived so only small quantity needed for long times.

The Construction and Calibration of a LADAR (Laser Detection and Ranging) Cross-Section Measurement Range

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

resonator optics consist of two porro prisms which are oriented 900 from one another about the cavity’s optical axis. In other words, the roof edges of each... prism are perpendicular to one another. The Nd:YAG laser rod measures 5 mm in diameter by 75 mm long and is optically pumped by a Xenon flashlamp. Q...Switching of the laser is performed by a Pockels Cell. A dielectric polarizer is sealed between two right angle prisms which are joined symetrically

Comparative gross and histological effects of the CO2 laser, Nd-YAG laser, scalpel, Shaw scalpel and cutting cautery on skin in rats.

PubMed

Middleton, W G; Tees, D A; Ostrowski, M

1993-06-01

Surgical instruments capable of sealing blood vessels while incising skin were compared to standard scalpel incisions in rats and the resultant scars examined in the early stages of wound healing for both gross and histological appearances. Those instruments which provide for hemostasis appear to do so with a delay in the early phases of wound healing.

Dissociation phenomena in electron-beam sustained carbon dioxide lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, Michael R.; Willetts, David V.

1990-01-01

A number of applications are emerging requiring efficient, long pulse, long-life sealed CO2 lasers. Examples include the proposed NASA and ESA wind lidars. Electron-beam sustained discharge devices are strong contenders. Unlike self-sustained discharges, e-beam sustenance readily provides efficient performance from large volume discharges and offers pulse lengths well in excess of the microsecond or so generally associated with self-sustained devices. In the case of the e-beam sustained laser, since the plasma is externally maintained and operated at electric field strengths less than that associated with the glow to arc transition, the discharges can be run even in the presence of strongly attacking species such as O2. Build up of large levels of attacking contaminants is nevertheless undesirable as their presence reduces the current drawn by the plasma and thus the pumping rate to the upper laser level. The impedance rise leads to a mismatch of the pulse forming network with a consequent loss of control over energy deposition, operating E/N, and gain. Clearly CO2 dissociation rates, the influence of dissociation products on the discharge and gain, and tolerance of the discharge to these products need to be determined. This information can then be used to assess co-oxidation catalyst requirements for sealed operation.

Aperture averaging and BER for Gaussian beam in underwater oceanic turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gökçe, Muhsin Caner; Baykal, Yahya

2018-03-01

In an underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) link, power fluctuations over finite-sized collecting lens are investigated for a horizontally propagating Gaussian beam wave. The power scintillation index, also known as the irradiance flux variance, for the received irradiance is evaluated in weak oceanic turbulence by using the Rytov method. This lets us further quantify the associated performance indicators, namely, the aperture averaging factor and the average bit-error rate (). The effects on the UWOC link performance of the oceanic turbulence parameters, i.e., the rate of dissipation of kinetic energy per unit mass of fluid, the rate of dissipation of mean-squared temperature, Kolmogorov microscale, the ratio of temperature to salinity contributions to the refractive index spectrum as well as system parameters, i.e., the receiver aperture diameter, Gaussian source size, laser wavelength and the link distance are investigated.

Underwater optical communication performance for laser beam propagation through weak oceanic turbulence.

PubMed

Yi, Xiang; Li, Zan; Liu, Zengji

2015-02-20

In clean ocean water, the performance of a underwater optical communication system is limited mainly by oceanic turbulence, which is defined as the fluctuations in the index of refraction resulting from temperature and salinity fluctuations. In this paper, using the refractive index spectrum of oceanic turbulence under weak turbulence conditions, we carry out, for a horizontally propagating plane wave and spherical wave, analysis of the aperture-averaged scintillation index, the associated probability of fade, mean signal-to-noise ratio, and mean bit error rate. Our theoretical results show that for various values of the rate of dissipation of mean squared temperature and the temperature-salinity balance parameter, the large-aperture receiver leads to a remarkable decrease of scintillation and consequently a significant improvement on the system performance. Such an effect is more noticeable in the plane wave case than in the spherical wave case.

Efficacy of Erbium, Chromium-doped:Yttrium, Scandium, Gallium, and Garnet Laser Irradiation Combined with Resin-based Tricalcium Silicate and Calcium Hydroxide on Direct Pulp Capping: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Cengiz, Esra; Yilmaz, Hasan Guney

2016-03-01

The purpose of this randomized clinical study was to evaluate the efficiency of erbium, chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation combined with a resin-based tricalcium silicate material and calcium hydroxide in direct pulp capping for a 6-month follow-up period. A total of 60 teeth of 60 patients between the ages of 18 and 41 years were recruited for this study. Sixty permanent vital teeth without symptoms and radiographic changes were randomly assigned to the following 4 groups (n = 15): Gr CH, the exposed area was sealed with calcium hydroxide (CH) paste; Gr laser CH, the treated area was sealed with CH paste after Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation at an energy level of 0.5 W without water and with 45% air; Gr TheraCal, TheraCal LC (Bisco, Schaumburg, IL) was applied directly to the exposed pulp; and Gr Laser TheraCal, TheraCal LC was applied after irradiation with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. At the 1-week and 1-, 3-, and 6-month recall examinations, the loss of vitality, spontaneous pain, reactions to thermal stimuli and percussion, and radiographic changes were considered as failure. The success rates in the CH and TheraCal groups were 73.3% and 66.6%, respectively. These rates did not reveal any significant difference. In both laser groups, success rates were 100%. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser-irradiated TheraCal and Er,Cr:YSGG laser-irradiated CH groups showed statistically higher success rates than the TheraCal and CH groups, respectively. Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation at 0.5 W without water combined with pulp capping agents can be recommended for direct pulp therapy. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Container weld identification using portable laser scanners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taddei, Pierluigi; Boström, Gunnar; Puig, David; Kravtchenko, Victor; Sequeira, Vítor

2015-03-01

Identification and integrity verification of sealed containers for security applications can be obtained by employing noninvasive portable optical systems. We present a portable laser range imaging system capable of identifying welds, a byproduct of a container's physical sealing, with micrometer accuracy. It is based on the assumption that each weld has a unique three-dimensional (3-D) structure which cannot be copied or forged. We process the 3-D surface to generate a normalized depth map which is invariant to mechanical alignment errors and that is used to build compact signatures representing the weld. A weld is identified by performing cross correlations of its signature against a set of known signatures. The system has been tested on realistic datasets, containing hundreds of welds, yielding no false positives or false negatives and thus showing the robustness of the system and the validity of the chosen signature.

Biaxial Creep Specimen Fabrication

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

JL Bump; RF Luther

This report documents the results of the weld development and abbreviated weld qualification efforts performed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for refractory metal and superalloy biaxial creep specimens. Biaxial creep specimens were to be assembled, electron beam welded, laser-seal welded, and pressurized at PNNL for both in-pile (JOYO reactor, O-arai, Japan) and out-of-pile creep testing. The objective of this test campaign was to evaluate the creep behavior of primary cladding and structural alloys under consideration for the Prometheus space reactor. PNNL successfully developed electron beam weld parameters for six of these materials prior to the termination of the Navalmore » Reactors program effort to deliver a space reactor for Project Prometheus. These materials were FS-85, ASTAR-811C, T-111, Alloy 617, Haynes 230, and Nirnonic PE16. Early termination of the NR space program precluded the development of laser welding parameters for post-pressurization seal weldments.« less

Field demonstration of an eight-element fiber laser hydrophone array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foster, Scott; Tikhomirov, Alexei; Harrison, Joanne; van Velzen, John

2014-05-01

We have developed an 8-element fibre laser seabed array demonstrating state-of-the art performance characteristics for a fibre laser sensing system and highlighting the advantage this technology provides in the underwater sensing domain. The system employs sea-state-zero sensitivity hydrophones with a flat acoustic response over a bandwidth exceeding 5kHz and very low inertial sensitivity. The system contains no outboard electronics and few metal components making it extremely light, compact, and low complexity. The array may be deployed up to 4 km from a land or sea based platform to a depth of up to 80m. Power delivery and telemetry for all 8 sensors is achieved via a single 2mm diameter optical fibre cable weighing less than 5kg per km. We report here results of the first field trials of this system.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-03-01

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

Photogrammetry in maritime and underwater archaeology: two marble wrecks from Sicily

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balletti, C.; Beltrame, C.; Costa, E.; Guerra, F.; Vernier, P.

2015-06-01

Underwater survey, compared to land archaeology, needs some specific techniques, because the application of some active 3D sensor, such as laser scanner, is obviously impossible. The necessity to produce three-dimensional survey, offering the same accuracy of classical terrestrial laserscanning or photogrammetric methods, combined with the request of low costs and rapid solutions, led the researchers to test and apply oftentimes image-based techniques. In the last two years the Ca' Foscari University and University IUAV of Venice are conducting a research on the application of integrated techniques to support underwater metric documentation, comparing them to the manual traditional one. The gained experience (and confirmed by other recently published papers) shows that the actual multiimage digital photogrammetry is a good solution for the underwater archaeology. This approach is useful both from a metric and from a recording point of view, because it achieves high quality results, such as accurate 3D models or 2D representations, offering a complete documentation of underwater sites. But photogrammetry has to be supported by a topographical survey (to acquire ground control points - GCP) to georeference all the finds in the same reference system. This paper presents the integrated survey of two roman shipwrecks, approaching differently in the GCP's acquisition just for the different morphological characteristic of the sites. The wrecks' cargos are huge marble blocks, presenting differences in quantities, layout and depths. Those characteristics determine the choice of the topographic survey. The results of the survey are two 3D polygonal textured models of the sites, which can be easily used for different analyses and reconstructive hypothesis, opening new possibilities of documentation with both specialists and the wider public. Furthermore, 3D models are the geometric base for 2D orthophoto and cross section extraction. The paper will illustrate all the phases regarding the survey's design, acquisition and realization and the data processing to obtain 2D and 3D final representation.

Efficient system for wavenumber-frequency analysis of underwater structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boober, Walter H.; Morton, David; Gedney, Charles; Abbot, Philip

1998-06-01

A watertight housing was developed to a low a scanning laser vibrometer (SLV) system to work underwater. Compared to other underwater optical measurement systems, this system offers distinct advantages, including ease of adaptation to a variety of teste, no requirement to be near tank windows, and a simplified rigging system. The system was recently sued to successfully conduct a wavenumber frequency evaluation of the vibratory response of a submerged cylindrical shell. The technical issues in developing the housing and assuring the integrity of the SLV accuracy during transition to underwater use will be discussed. Also, problems encountered in maximizing return signal strength, preparation of the shell, and the process of on-sight data transfer for quick-look wavenumber-frequency analysis while data are being acquired will be presented. The cylindrical shell was excited with 100 to 5000 Hz chirp signals by a 44 N shaker that was attached axially at the center of a bulkhead. A scan consisted of 3 columns with 64 measurement points per column. The shell was rotated 11.25 degrees and the scan repeated to collect an array of 32 by 64 equally spaced points totalling 6144 measurements. The time of data acquisition was about 11 hours. This underwater housing permitted the type of measurements that are not readily available with other systems. With most other techniques the collection time would have been significantly longer. The transfer functions between the velocities measured at each scan location and the shaker force signal were computed as functions of frequency. The transfer functions computed for the center scan columns were then transformed into the wavevector domain using a 2D FFT program. Preliminary results show that the shell response is concentrated near zero circumferential wavenumber, due to the axial symmetry of the driving force. Further, the maximum shell response is also concentrated near the ring frequency of the cylinder, at an axial wavenumber of about -20 rad/m.

Stable Research Platform Workshop

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

autonomous or manned submersibles, by providing them with a deep underwater garage for launch and recovery. A track system for bringing the vehicle...s;. 10- f(H2) Figure 5 SIO Reference 87-2.0 69 STEREO - PHOTOGRAPHY Figure 6 70 Appendix E -15 0 31 62 93 124 155 DISTANCE, x...WAVE FOLLOWER WITH MULTI-BEAM LASER OPTICAL SENSOR • STEREO -PHOTOQRAPHY • MULTI-FREQUENCY RADAR: 10-100 GHz • SURFACE TENSION SENSORS • LONG WAVE

Laser surface modification of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coating on AISI H13 tool steel substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reza, M. S.; Aqida, S. N.; Ismail, I.

2018-03-01

This paper presents laser surface modification of plasma sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coating to seal porosity defect. Laser surface modification on plasma sprayed YSZ was conducted using 300W JK300HPS Nd: YAG laser at different operating parameters. Parameters varied were laser power and pulse frequency with constant residence time. The coating thickness was measured using IM7000 inverted optical microscope and surface roughness was analysed using two-dimensional Mitutoyo Surface Roughness Tester. Surface roughness of laser surface modification of YSZ H-13 tool steel decreased significantly with increasing laser power and decreasing pulse frequency. The re-melted YSZ coating showed higher hardness properties compared to as-sprayed coating surface. These findings were significant to enhance thermal barrier coating surface integrity for dies in semi-solid processing.

Instrument for underwater high-angular resolution volume scattering function measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dueweke, Paul W.; Bolstad, Jay; Leonard, Donald A.; Sweeney, Harold E.; Boyer, Philip A.; Winkler, Erik M.

1997-02-01

A prototype instrument for in situ measurements of the volume scattering function (VSF) and the beam attenuation of water has been built and tested in the EOO laboratory. The intended application of the instrument is the enhancement of Navy operational optical systems for finding and imaging underwater objects such as mines. A description of the apparatus that was built and preliminary laboratory data will be presented. The instrument measures the VSF, (beta) ((theta) ), near the optical axis in both the forward and back directions from approximately 0.2 degrees off axis to approximately 5 degrees in 0.1 degree steps and at side angles of 45 degrees, 90 degrees, and 135 degrees. A diode- pumped, frequency-doubled, Nd:YAG laser provides the 532 nm light. This is the most used wavelength for underwater optical systems. The forward and back scattered light is collected and focused to a plane where scattering angles in the water are mapped onto concentric rings. At this focal plane, a conical reflector compresses the annular optical data onto a line along the cone axis where it is read by a MOS linear image array providing over 500 separate angular measurements. The beam attenuation coefficient, c, is also measured by means of a unique dual path configuration.

Image processing of underwater multispectral imagery

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zawada, D. G.

2003-01-01

Capturing in situ fluorescence images of marine organisms presents many technical challenges. The effects of the medium, as well as the particles and organisms within it, are intermixed with the desired signal. Methods for extracting and preparing the imagery for analysis are discussed in reference to a novel underwater imaging system called the low-light-level underwater multispectral imaging system (LUMIS). The instrument supports both uni- and multispectral collections, each of which is discussed in the context of an experimental application. In unispectral mode, LUMIS was used to investigate the spatial distribution of phytoplankton. A thin sheet of laser light (532 nm) induced chlorophyll fluorescence in the phytoplankton, which was recorded by LUMIS. Inhomogeneities in the light sheet led to the development of a beam-pattern-correction algorithm. Separating individual phytoplankton cells from a weak background fluorescence field required a two-step procedure consisting of edge detection followed by a series of binary morphological operations. In multispectral mode, LUMIS was used to investigate the bio-assay potential of fluorescent pigments in corals. Problems with the commercial optical-splitting device produced nonlinear distortions in the imagery. A tessellation algorithm, including an automated tie-point-selection procedure, was developed to correct the distortions. Only pixels corresponding to coral polyps were of interest for further analysis. Extraction of these pixels was performed by a dynamic global-thresholding algorithm.

Underwater Photogrammetry and 3d Reconstruction of Marble Cargos Shipwreck

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balletti, C.; Beltrame, C.; Costa, E.; Guerra, F.; Vernier, P.

2015-04-01

Nowadays archaeological and architectural surveys are based on the acquisition and processing of point clouds, allowing a high metric precision, essential prerequisite for a good documentation. Digital image processing and laser scanner have changed the archaeological survey campaign, from manual and direct survey to a digital one and, actually, multi-image photogrammetry is a good solution for the underwater archaeology. This technical documentation cannot operate alone, but it has to be supported by a topographical survey to georeference all the finds in the same reference system. In the last years the Ca' Foscari and IUAV University of Venice are conducting a research on integrated survey techniques to support underwater metric documentation. The paper will explain all the phases regarding the survey's design, images acquisition, topographic measure and the data processing of two Roman shipwrecks in south Sicily. The cargos of the shipwrecks are composed by huge marble blocks, but they are different for morphological characteristic of the sites, for the depth and for their distribution on the seabed. Photogrammetrical and topographical surveys were organized in two distinct methods, especially for the second one, due to the depth that have allowed an experimentation of GPS RTK's measurements on one shipwreck. Moreover, this kind of three-dimensional documentation is useful for educational and dissemination aspect, for the ease of understanding by wide public.

A study of cavity preparation by Er:YAG laser. Effects on the marginal leakage of composite resin restoration.

PubMed

Shigetani, Yoshimi; Tate, Yasuaki; Okamoto, Akira; Iwaku, Masaaki; Abu-Bakr, Neamat

2002-09-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate marginal leakage of composite resin restoration from cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser. The observation of the dentin surface after the application of laser irradiation was performed by LSM, the cutting surface showed a rough surface similar to scales, and exposed dentinal tubules were observed without striations or a smeared layer formation that were observed when using a rotary cutting device. Leakage tests revealed no significant differences in the marginal seal for both enamel and dentin between cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser irradiation and when using an air-turbine. In this study, the usefulness of cavity preparation by Er:YAG laser irradiation in composite resin restoration was suggested.

Feeding Kinematics, Suction, and Hydraulic Jetting Performance of Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina)

PubMed Central

Marshall, Christopher D.; Wieskotten, Sven; Hanke, Wolf; Hanke, Frederike D.; Marsh, Alyssa; Kot, Brian; Dehnhardt, Guido

2014-01-01

The feeding kinematics, suction and hydraulic jetting capabilities of captive harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) were characterized during controlled feeding trials. Feeding trials were conducted using a feeding apparatus that allowed a choice between biting and suction, but also presented food that could be ingested only by suction. Subambient pressure exerted during suction feeding behaviors was directly measured using pressure transducers. The mean feeding cycle duration for suction-feeding events was significantly shorter (0.15±0.09 s; P<0.01) than biting feeding events (0.18±0.08 s). Subjects feeding in-water used both a suction and a biting feeding mode. Suction was the favored feeding mode (84% of all feeding events) compared to biting, but biting comprised 16% of feeding events. In addition, seals occasionally alternated suction with hydraulic jetting, or used hydraulic jetting independently, to remove fish from the apparatus. Suction and biting feeding modes were kinematically distinct regardless of feeding location (in-water vs. on-land). Suction was characterized by a significantly smaller gape (1.3±0.23 cm; P<0.001) and gape angle (12.9±2.02°), pursing of the rostral lips to form a circular aperture, and pursing of the lateral lips to occlude lateral gape. Biting was characterized by a large gape (3.63±0.21 cm) and gape angle (28.8±1.80°; P<0.001) and lip curling to expose teeth. The maximum subambient pressure recorded was 48.8 kPa. In addition, harbor seals were able to jet water at food items using suprambient pressure, also known as hydraulic jetting. The maximum hydraulic jetting force recorded was 53.9 kPa. Suction and hydraulic jetting where employed 90.5% and 9.5%, respectively, during underwater feeding events. Harbor seals displayed a wide repertoire of behaviorally flexible feeding strategies to ingest fish from the feeding apparatus. Such flexibility of feeding strategies and biomechanics likely forms the basis of their opportunistic, generalized feeding ecology and concomitant breadth of diet. PMID:24475170

Feeding kinematics, suction, and hydraulic jetting performance of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina).

PubMed

Marshall, Christopher D; Wieskotten, Sven; Hanke, Wolf; Hanke, Frederike D; Marsh, Alyssa; Kot, Brian; Dehnhardt, Guido

2014-01-01

The feeding kinematics, suction and hydraulic jetting capabilities of captive harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) were characterized during controlled feeding trials. Feeding trials were conducted using a feeding apparatus that allowed a choice between biting and suction, but also presented food that could be ingested only by suction. Subambient pressure exerted during suction feeding behaviors was directly measured using pressure transducers. The mean feeding cycle duration for suction-feeding events was significantly shorter (0.15±0.09 s; P<0.01) than biting feeding events (0.18±0.08 s). Subjects feeding in-water used both a suction and a biting feeding mode. Suction was the favored feeding mode (84% of all feeding events) compared to biting, but biting comprised 16% of feeding events. In addition, seals occasionally alternated suction with hydraulic jetting, or used hydraulic jetting independently, to remove fish from the apparatus. Suction and biting feeding modes were kinematically distinct regardless of feeding location (in-water vs. on-land). Suction was characterized by a significantly smaller gape (1.3±0.23 cm; P<0.001) and gape angle (12.9±2.02°), pursing of the rostral lips to form a circular aperture, and pursing of the lateral lips to occlude lateral gape. Biting was characterized by a large gape (3.63±0.21 cm) and gape angle (28.8±1.80°; P<0.001) and lip curling to expose teeth. The maximum subambient pressure recorded was 48.8 kPa. In addition, harbor seals were able to jet water at food items using suprambient pressure, also known as hydraulic jetting. The maximum hydraulic jetting force recorded was 53.9 kPa. Suction and hydraulic jetting where employed 90.5% and 9.5%, respectively, during underwater feeding events. Harbor seals displayed a wide repertoire of behaviorally flexible feeding strategies to ingest fish from the feeding apparatus. Such flexibility of feeding strategies and biomechanics likely forms the basis of their opportunistic, generalized feeding ecology and concomitant breadth of diet.

Ultrastable laser array at 633 nm for real-time dimensional metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawall, John; Pedulla, J. Marc; Le Coq, Yann

2001-07-01

We describe a laser system for very-high-accuracy dimensional metrology. A sealed-cavity helium-neon laser is offset locked to an iodine-stabilized laser in order to realize a secondary standard with higher power and less phase noise. Synchronous averaging is employed to remove the effect of the frequency modulation present on the iodine-stabilized laser. Additional lasers are offset locked to the secondary standard for use in interferometry. All servo loops are implemented digitally. The offset-locked lasers have intrinsic linewidths of the order of 2.5 kHz and exhibit a rms deviation from the iodine-stabilized laser below 18 kHz. The amplitude noise is at the shot-noise limit for frequencies above 700 kHz. We describe and evaluate the system in detail, and include a discussion of the noise associated with various types of power supplies.

Laser restorative dentistry in children and adolescents.

PubMed

Olivi, G; Genovese, M D

2011-04-01

The idea of substituting a drill with a laser light, has led to its introduction in dentistry. Besides being more accepted to patients, in paediatric dentistry the laser has demonstrated safety compared with rotating instruments. A review of the past 20 years of the dental literature concerning laser use in dentistry, including paediatric dentistry was completed. The findings of that review are presented. The various types of lasers and their uses for caries detection, tooth sealing and caries removal are described. Laser caries detection demonstrated a good reproducibility, reliability and predictability to monitor the caries process over time. Erbium lasers have been found to be efficient for caries removal, tooth cleaning and decontamination. The laser erbium technology represents a safe device to effectively and selectively remove carious tissues from decayed teeth. For children, all the recognized advantages of this technique play a decisive role in the successful day-to-day treatment of dental caries.

Gelatin based on Power-gel.TM. as solders for Cr.sup.4+laser tissue welding and sealing of lung air leak and fistulas in organs

DOEpatents

Alfano, Robert R.; Tang, Jing; Evans, Jonathan M.; Ho, Peng Pei

2006-04-25

Laser tissue welding can be achieved using tunable Cr.sup.4+ lasers, semiconductor lasers and fiber lasers, where the weld strength follows the absorption spectrum of water. The use of gelatin and esterified gelatin as solders in conjunction with laser inducted tissue welding impart much stronger tensile and torque strengths than albumin solders. Selected NIR wavelength from the above lasers can improve welding and avoid thermal injury to tissue when used alone or with gelatin and esterified gelatin solders. These discoveries can be used to enhance laser tissue welding of tissues such as skin, mucous, bone, blood vessel, nerve, brain, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidney, lung, bronchus, respiratory track, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, or gynecologic tract and as a sealant for pulmonary air leaks and fistulas such as intestinal, rectal and urinary fistulas.

Sutureless laparoscopic heminephrectomy using laser tissue soldering.

PubMed

Ogan, Kenneth; Jacomides, Lucas; Saboorian, Hossein; Koeneman, Kenneth; Li, Yingming; Napper, Cheryl; Hoopman, John; Pearle, Margaret S; Cadeddu, Jeffrey A

2003-06-01

Widespread application of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has been limited by the lack of a reliable means of attaining hemostasis. We describe laser tissue welding using human albumin as a solder to control bleeding and seal the collecting system during laparoscopic heminephrectomy in a porcine model. Laparoscopic left lower-pole heminephrectomy was performed in five female domestic pigs after occluding the hilar vessels. Using an 810-nm pulsed diode laser (20 W), a 50% liquid albumin-indocyanine green solder was welded to the cut edge of the renal parenchyma to seal the collecting system and achieve hemostasis. Two weeks later, an identical procedure was performed on the right kidney, after which, the animals were sacrificed and both kidneys were harvested for ex vivo retrograde pyelograms and histopathologic analysis. All 10 heminephrectomies were performed without complication. The mean operative time was 82 minutes, with an average blood loss of 43.5 mL per procedure. The mean warm ischemia time was 11.7 minutes. For each heminephrectomy, a mean of 4.2 mL of solder was welded to the cut parenchymal surface. In three of the five acute kidneys and all five 2-week kidneys, ex vivo retrograde pyelograms demonstrated no extravasation. In addition, no animal had clinical evidence of urinoma or delayed hemorrhage. Histopathologic analysis showed preservation of the renal parenchyma immediately beneath the solder. Laser tissue welding provided reliable hemostasis and closure of the collecting system while protecting the underlying parenchyma from the deleterious effect of the laser during porcine laparoscopic heminephrectomy.

Statistical characterization of fluctuations of a laser beam transmitted through a random air-water interface: new results from a laboratory experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majumdar, Arun K.; Land, Phillip; Siegenthaler, John

2014-10-01

New results for characterizing laser intensity fluctuation statistics of a laser beam transmitted through a random air-water interface relevant to underwater communications are presented. A laboratory watertank experiment is described to investigate the beam wandering effects of the transmitted beam. Preliminary results from the experiment provide information about histograms of the probability density functions of intensity fluctuations for different wind speeds measured by a CMOS camera for the transmitted beam. Angular displacements of the centroids of the fluctuating laser beam generates the beam wander effects. This research develops a probabilistic model for optical propagation at the random air-water interface for a transmission case under different wind speed conditions. Preliminary results for bit-error-rate (BER) estimates as a function of fade margin for an on-off keying (OOK) optical communication through the air-water interface are presented for a communication system where a random air-water interface is a part of the communication channel.

Influence of operating microscope in the sealing of cervical perforations.

PubMed

Schmidt, Bruna Schwingel; Zaccara, Ivana Maria; Reis Só, Marcus Vinícius; Kuga, Milton Carlos; Palma-Dibb, Regina Guenka; Kopper, Patrícia Maria Poli

2016-01-01

Accidental root canal perforations are among the main complications of endodontic treatment. This study evaluated the influence of operating microscope (OM) in the marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Angelus(®)) and glass ionomer (Vitremer) inserted into cervical perforations. Perforations were made in the cervical third of the buccal wall of the root canal in mandibular incisors. Next, the teeth were divided into four groups (N = 10): MG - MTA without OM; VG - Vitremer without OM; MOMG - MTA with OM; VOMG - Vitremer with OM. The perforations were sealed according to the group and the teeth were prepared for analysis by confocal laser scanning microscope. Images of perforation region (1,024×) were made and the gap presented by the materials was measured using the Image J program. LEXT OLS4100 three dimensional (3D) measuring laser microscope measured the volumetric misfit. Data of gap were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's tests compared the volumetric misfits. The results showed lower volume and gap in the interface dentin/material in VOMG compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). The use of OM improved the quality of cervical perforations sealed with Vitremer, being indicated in clinical situations of iatrogenic cervical perforations.

Ultrashort pulse amplification in cryogenically cooled amplifiers

DOEpatents

Backus, Sterling J.; Kapteyn, Henry C.; Murnane, Margaret Mary

2004-10-12

A laser amplifier system amplifies pulses in a single "stage" from .about.10.sup.-9 joules to more than 10.sup.-3 joules, with average power of 1-10 watts, and beam quality M.sup.2 <2. The laser medium is cooled substantially below room temperature, as a means to improve the optical and thermal characteristics of the medium. This is done with the medium inside a sealed, evacuated or purged cell to avoid moisture or other materials condensing on the surface. A "seed" pulse from a separate laser is passed through the laser medium, one or more times, in any of a variety of configurations including single-pass, multiple-pass, and regenerative amplifier configurations.

Respiration and heart rate at the surface between dives in northern elephant seals.

PubMed

Le Boeuf, B J; Crocker, D E; Grayson, J; Gedamke, J; Webb, P M; Blackwell, S B; Costa, D P

2000-11-01

All underwater activities of diving mammals are constrained by the need for surface gas exchange. Our aim was to measure respiratory rate (fb) and heart rate (fh) at the surface between dives in free-ranging northern elephant seals Mirounga angustirostris. We recorded fb and fh acoustically in six translocated juveniles, 1.8-2. 4 years old, and three migrating adult males from the rookery at Año Nuevo, California, USA. To each seal, we attached a diving instrument to record the diving pattern, a satellite tag to track movements and location, a digital audio tape recorder or acoustic datalogger with an external hydrophone to record the sounds of respiration and fh at the surface, and a VHF transmitter to facilitate recovery. During surface intervals averaging 2.2+/-0.4 min, adult males breathed a mean of 32.7+/-5.4 times at a rate of 15. 3+/-1.8 breaths min(-)(1) (means +/- s.d., N=57). Mean fh at the surface was 84+/-3 beats min(-)(1). The fb of juveniles was 26 % faster than that of adult males, averaging 19.2+/-2.2 breaths min(-)(1) for a mean total of 41.2+/-5.0 breaths during surface intervals lasting 2.6+/-0.31 min. Mean fh at the surface was 106+/-3 beats min(-)(1). fb and fh did not change significantly over the course of surface intervals. Surface fb and fh were not clearly associated with levels of exertion, such as rapid horizontal transit or apparent foraging, or with measures of immediately previous or subsequent diving performance, such as diving duration, diving depth or swimming speed. Together, surface respiration rate and the duration of the preceding dive were significant predictors of surface interval duration. This implies that elephant seals minimize surface time spent loading oxygen depending on rates of oxygen uptake and previous depletion of stores.

Lithofacies and Diagenetic Controls on Formation-scale Mechanical, Transport, and Sealing Behavior of Caprocks: A Case Study of the Morrow shale and Thirteen Finger Limestone, Farnsworth Unit, Texas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trujillo, N. A.; Heath, J. E.; Mozley, P.; Dewers, T. A.; Cather, M.

2016-12-01

Assessment of caprock sealing behavior for secure CO2 storage is a multiscale endeavor. Sealing behavior arises from the nano-scale capillarity of pore throats, but sealing lithologies alone do not guarantee an effective seal since bypass systems, such as connected, conductive fractures can compromise the integrity of the seal. We apply pore-to-formation-scale data to characterize the multiscale caprock sealing behavior of the Morrow shale and Thirteen Finger Limestone. This work is part of the Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration's Phase III project at the Farnsworth Unit, Texas. The caprock formations overlie the Morrow sandstone, the target for enhanced oil recovery and injection of over one million metric tons of anthropogenically-sourced CO2. Methods include: focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy; laser scanning confocal microscopy; electron and optical petrography; multi-stress path mechanical testing and constitutive modeling; core examinations of sedimentary structures and fractures; and a noble gas profile for formation-scale transport of the sealing lihologies and the reservoir. We develop relationships between diagenetic characteristics of lithofacies to mechanical and petrophysical measurements of the caprocks. The results are applied as part of a caprock sealing behavior performance assessment. Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory through the Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration (SWP) under Award No. DE-FC26-05NT42591. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

New developments in flexible cholesteric liquid crystal displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Tod; Davis, Donald J.; Franklin, Sean; Venkataraman, Nithya; McDaniel, Diaz; Nicholson, Forrest; Montbach, Erica; Khan, Asad; Doane, J. William

2007-02-01

Flexible Cholesteric liquid crystal displays have been rapidly maturing into a strong contender in the flexible display market. Encapsulation of the Cholesteric liquid crystal permits the use of flexible plastic substrates and roll-to-roll production. Recent advances include ultra-thin displays, laser-cut segmented displays of variable geometry, and smart card applications. Exciting technologies such as simultaneous laser-edge sealing and singulation enable high volume production, excellent quality control and non-traditional display geometries and formats.

Plastic lab-on-a-chip for fluorescence excitation with integrated organic semiconductor lasers.

PubMed

Vannahme, Christoph; Klinkhammer, Sönke; Lemmer, Uli; Mappes, Timo

2011-04-25

Laser light excitation of fluorescent markers offers highly sensitive and specific analysis for bio-medical or chemical analysis. To profit from these advantages for applications in the field or at the point-of-care, a plastic lab-on-a-chip with integrated organic semiconductor lasers is presented here. First order distributed feedback lasers based on the organic semiconductor tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) doped with the laser dye 4-dicyanomethylene-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyril)-4H-pyrane (DCM), deep ultraviolet induced waveguides, and a nanostructured microfluidic channel are integrated into a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrate. A simple and parallel fabrication process is used comprising thermal imprint, DUV exposure, evaporation of the laser material, and sealing by thermal bonding. The excitation of two fluorescent marker model systems including labeled antibodies with light emitted by integrated lasers is demonstrated.

A High-Resolution Cluster of Oceanographic Instruments for Boundary Layer Measurements under Ice.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-11-01

arrangement for use with laser velocimetry. The EO components are mounted on an aluminum chassis, which is in turn placed in an underwater housing made...temperature/conductivity probe pair used * on the HRC cluster. It consists of a thermistor probe (FASTIP, Model FP07, Thermometrics , Inc.) and a dual...component. The orientation of all three DLT)V pairs is shown in Figure 1. 3.2 Temperature and Conductivity Probes The FASTIP thermistor by Thermometrics

Technology assessment of high pulse energy CO(2) lasers for remote sensing from satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, R. V.; Brockman, P.; Schryer, D. R.; Miller, I. M.; Bair, C. H.; Sidney, B. D.; Wood, G. M.; Upchurch, B. T.; Brown, K. G.

1985-01-01

Developments and needs for research to extend the lifetime and optimize the configuration of CO2 laser systems for satellite based on remote sensing of atmospheric wind velocities and trace gases are reviewed. The CO2 laser systems for operational satellite application will require lifetimes which exceed 1 year. Progress in the development of efficient low temperature catalysts and gas mixture modifications for extending the lifetime of high pulse energy closed cycle common and rare isotope CO2 lasers and of sealed CW CO2 lasers is reviewed. Several CO2 laser configurations are under development to meet the requirements including: unstable resonators, master oscillator power amplifiers and telescopic stable resonators, using UV or E-beam preionization. Progress in the systems is reviewed and tradeoffs in the system parameters are discussed.

Laser controlled deposition of metal microstructures via nondiffracting Bessel beam illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drampyan, Rafael; Leonov, Nikita; Vartanyan, Tigran

2016-04-01

The technique of the laser controlled deposition of sodium and rubidium deposits on the sapphire substrate is presented. The metals were deposited on the clean sapphire substrate from the vapor phase contained in the evacuated and sealed cell. We use an axicon to produce a non-diffracting Bessel beam out of the beam got from the cw diode laser with 200 mW power at the wavelength of 532 nm. After 30 minutes of the laser-controlled deposition the substrates were examined in the optical microscope. The obtained metal deposits form the sharp-cut circles with the pitch of 10 μm, coincident with the tens of dark rings of the Bessel beam. Reduction of the laser power leads to the build up of the continuous metal film over the whole substrate.

Detection of liquid hazardous molecules using linearly focused Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Soo Gyeong; Chung, Jin Hyuk

2013-05-01

In security, it is an important issue to analyze hazardous materials in sealed bottles. Particularly, prompt nondestructive checking of sealed liquid bottles in a very short time at the checkpoints of crowded malls, stadiums, or airports is of particular importance to prevent probable terrorist attack using liquid explosives. Aiming to design and fabricate a detector for liquid explosives, we have used linearly focused Raman spectroscopy to analyze liquid materials in transparent or semi-transparent bottles without opening their caps. Continuous lasers with 532 nm wavelength and 58 mW/130 mW beam energy have been used for the Raman spectroscopy. Various hazardous materials including flammable liquids and explosive materials have successfully been distinguished and identified within a couple of seconds. We believe that our technique will be one of suitable methods for fast screening of liquid materials in sealed bottles.

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

1992-01-01

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

Multiscale Multiphysics Caprock Seal Analysis: A Case Study of the Farnsworth Unit, Texas, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heath, J. E.; Dewers, T. A.; Mozley, P.

2015-12-01

Caprock sealing behavior depends on coupled processes that operate over a variety of length and time scales. Capillary sealing behavior depends on nanoscale pore throats and interfacial fluid properties. Larger-scale sedimentary architecture, fractures, and faults may govern properties of potential "seal-bypass" systems. We present the multiscale multiphysics investigation of sealing integrity of the caprock system that overlies the Morrow Sandstone reservoir, Farnsworth Unit, Texas. The Morrow Sandstone is the target injection unit for an on-going combined enhanced oil recovery-CO2 storage project by the Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration (SWP). Methods include small-to-large scale measurement techniques, including: focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy; laser scanning confocal microscopy; electron and optical petrography; core examinations of sedimentary architecture and fractures; geomechanical testing; and a noble gas profile through sealing lithologies into the reservoir, as preserved from fresh core. The combined data set is used as part of a performance assessment methodology. The authors gratefully acknowledge the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory for sponsoring this project through the SWP under Award No. DE-FC26-05NT42591. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Physiological Monitoring in Diving Mammals

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-30

hemoglobin. The light source and reflectance sensor is similar to the concept successfully used by Dr. Zapol [6], and consist of two laser diodes, one...mortem stranded or bycaught seals, dolphins and harbor porpoises. The samples will be requested from our ongoing collaboration with the NOAA Observer

Pretreatment of Platinum/Tin Oxide-Catalyst

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, Robert V.; Paulin, Patricia A.; Miller, Irvin M.; Schryer, David R.; Sidney, Barry D.; Wood, George M.; Upchurch, Billy T.; Brown, Kenneth G.

1987-01-01

Addition of CO to He pretreatment doubles catalytic activity. In sealed, high-energy, pulsed CO2 laser, CO and O2 form as decomposition products of CO2 in laser discharge zone. Products must be recombined, because oxygen concentration of more than few tenths of percent causes rapid deterioration of power, ending in unstable operation. Promising low-temperature catalyst for combining CO and O2 is platinum on tin oxide. New development increases activity of catalyst so less needed for recombination process.

Immediate tight sealing of skin incisions using an innovative temperature-controlled laser soldering device: in vivo study in porcine skin.

PubMed

Simhon, David; Halpern, Marisa; Brosh, Tamar; Vasilyev, Tamar; Ravid, Avi; Tennenbaum, Tamar; Nevo, Zvi; Katzir, Abraham

2007-02-01

A feedback temperature-controlled laser soldering system (TCLS) was used for bonding skin incisions on the backs of pigs. The study was aimed: 1) to characterize the optimal soldering parameters, and 2) to compare the immediate and long-term wound healing outcomes with other wound closure modalities. A TCLS was used to bond the approximated wound margins of skin incisions on porcine backs. The reparative outcomes were evaluated macroscopically, microscopically, and immunohistochemically. The optimal soldering temperature was found to be 65 degrees C and the operating time was significantly shorter than with suturing. The immediate tight sealing of the wound by the TCLS contributed to rapid, high quality wound healing in comparison to Dermabond or Histoacryl cyanoacrylate glues or standard suturing. TCLS of incisions in porcine skin has numerous advantages, including rapid procedure and high quality reparative outcomes, over the common standard wound closure procedures. Further studies with a variety of skin lesions are needed before advocating this technique for clinical use.

Studies of soft x-ray transmission through grid supported CH layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, J. S.; Keiter, P. A.; Klein, S. R.; Frank, Y.; Drake, R. P.; Shvarts, D.

2017-10-01

Recent experiments have shown that it may be possible to use laser-heated high-Z foils to drive new radiation transport (RadTran) experiments in gas fill tubes. These tubes must be pressurized above 1atm and the x-ray source needs to be physically separated from the gas. To achieve this, a grid-supported CH seal is implemented. The grid reduces the total surface area of the gas-seal interaction region lowering the thickness requirements for the CH layer. However, as mesh spacing is reduced, hole closure from wire ablation may reduce the x-ray flux. To optimize the seal design, experiments were performed measuring x-ray transmission through CH layers supported by meshes composed of copper, gold, or stainless steel and using hexagonal or square mesh geometries. The x-ray source was formed by heating a 0.5 μm thick planar gold foil with a 4 ns laser pulse at an intensity of 2 ×1014 W / cm 2. Emission data was collected using an x-ray framing camera and a Dante photodiode array. Experiments show that the CH layers can reach effective temperatures of nearly 100 eV but mesh design significantly affects performance, with a nearly 20 eV difference between the best and worst performing seal targets. This talk will discuss our findings and their impact on future RadTran experiments. This work is funded by the U.S. DOE, through the NNSA-DS and SC-OFES Joint Program in HED Laboratory Plasmas, Grant Number DE-NA0001840, the National LUFP, Grant Number DE-NA0000850, and through NNSA/OICF under Cooperatvie Agreement No. DE-FC52-08NA2830.

CoBOP: Electro-Optic Identification Laser Line Sean Sensors

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-01

Electro - Optic Identification Sensors Project[1] is to develop and demonstrate high resolution underwater electro - optic (EO) imaging sensors, and associated image processing/analysis methods, for rapid visual identification of mines and mine-like contacts (MLCs). Identification of MLCs is a pressing Fleet need. During MCM operations, sonar contacts are classified as mine-like if they are sufficiently similar to signatures of mines. Each contact classified as mine-like must be identified as a mine or not a mine. During MCM operations in littoral areas,

Femtosecond pulses propagation through pure water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naveira, Lucas; Sokolov, Alexei; Byeon, Joong-Hyeok; Kattawar, George

2007-10-01

Recently, considerable attention has been dedicated to the field of optical precursors, which can possibly be applied to long-distance underwater communications. Input beam intensities have been carefully adjusted to keep experiments in the linear regime, and some experiments have shown violation of the Beer-Lambert law. We are presently carrying out experiments using femtosecond laser pulses propagating through pure water strictly in the linear regime to study this interesting and important behavior. We are also employing several new and innovative schemes to more clearly define the phenomena.

Testing of active heat sink for advanced high-power laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vetrovec, John; Copeland, Drew A.; Feeler, Ryan; Junghans, Jeremy

2011-03-01

We report on the development of a novel active heat sink for high-power laser diodes offering unparalleled capacity in high-heat flux handling and temperature control. The heat sink employs convective heat transfer by a liquid metal flowing at high speed inside a miniature sealed flow loop. Liquid metal flow in the loop is maintained electromagnetically without any moving parts. Thermal conductance of the heat sink is electronically adjustable, allowing for precise control of diode temperature and the laser light wavelength. This paper presents the principles and challenges of liquid metal cooling, and data from testing at high heat flux and high heat loads.

Using femtosecond laser to fabricate highly precise interior three-dimensional microstructures in polymeric flow chip

PubMed Central

Lee, Chia-Yu; Chang, Ting-Chou; Wang, Shau-Chun; Chien, Chih-Wei; Cheng, Chung-Wei

2010-01-01

This paper reports using femtosecond laser marker to fabricate the three-dimensional interior microstructures in one closed flow channel of plastic substrate. Strip-like slots in the dimensions of 800 μm×400 μm×65 μm were ablated with pulse Ti:sapphire laser at 800 nm (pulse duration of ∼120 fs with 1 kHz repetition rate) on acrylic slide. After ablation, defocused beams were used to finish the surface of microstructures. Having finally polished with sonication, the laser fabricated structures are highly precise with the arithmetic roughness of 1.5 and 4.5 nm. Fabricating such highly precise microstructures cannot be accomplished with nanosecond laser marking or other mechanical drilling methods. In addition, since laser ablation can directly engrave interior microstructures in one closed chip, glue smearing problems to damage molded microstructures possibly to occur during the chip sealing procedures can be avoided too. PMID:21079695

Using femtosecond laser to fabricate highly precise interior three-dimensional microstructures in polymeric flow chip.

PubMed

Lee, Chia-Yu; Chang, Ting-Chou; Wang, Shau-Chun; Chien, Chih-Wei; Cheng, Chung-Wei

2010-10-18

This paper reports using femtosecond laser marker to fabricate the three-dimensional interior microstructures in one closed flow channel of plastic substrate. Strip-like slots in the dimensions of 800 μm×400 μm×65 μm were ablated with pulse Ti:sapphire laser at 800 nm (pulse duration of ∼120 fs with 1 kHz repetition rate) on acrylic slide. After ablation, defocused beams were used to finish the surface of microstructures. Having finally polished with sonication, the laser fabricated structures are highly precise with the arithmetic roughness of 1.5 and 4.5 nm. Fabricating such highly precise microstructures cannot be accomplished with nanosecond laser marking or other mechanical drilling methods. In addition, since laser ablation can directly engrave interior microstructures in one closed chip, glue smearing problems to damage molded microstructures possibly to occur during the chip sealing procedures can be avoided too.

Paleochannel and beach-bar palimpsest topography as initial substrate for coralligenous buildups offshore Venice, Italy.

PubMed

Tosi, Luigi; Zecchin, Massimo; Franchi, Fulvio; Bergamasco, Andrea; Da Lio, Cristina; Baradello, Luca; Mazzoli, Claudio; Montagna, Paolo; Taviani, Marco; Tagliapietra, Davide; Carol, Eleonora; Franceschini, Gianluca; Giovanardi, Otello; Donnici, Sandra

2017-05-02

We provide a model for the genesis of Holocene coralligenous buildups occurring in the northwestern Adriatic Sea offshore Venice at 17-24 m depth. High-resolution geophysical surveys and underwater SCUBA diving reconnaissance revealed meandering shaped morphologies underneath bio-concretionned rocky buildups. These morphologies are inferred to have been inherited from Pleistocene fluvial systems reactivated as tidal channels during the post- Last Glacial Maximum transgression, when the study area was a lagoon protected by a sandy barrier. The lithification of the sandy fossil channel-levee systems is estimated to have occurred at ca. 7 cal. ka BP, likely due to the interaction between marine and less saline fluids related to onshore freshwater discharge at sea through a sealed water-table. The carbonate-cemented sandy layers served as nucleus for subsequent coralligenous buildups growth.

Modeling of nanosecond pulsed laser processing of polymers in air and water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marla, Deepak; Zhang, Yang; Hattel, Jesper H.; Spangenberg, Jon

2018-07-01

Laser ablation of polymers in water is known to generate distinct surface characteristics as compared to that in air. In order to understand the role of ambient media during laser ablation of polymers, this paper aims to develop a physics-based model of the process considering the effect of ambient media. Therefore, in the present work, models are developed for laser ablation of polymers in air and water considering all the relevant physical phenomena such as laser–polymer interaction, plasma generation, plasma expansion and plasma shielding. The current work focuses on near-infrared laser radiation (λ = 1064 nm) of nanosecond pulse duration. The laser–polymer interaction at such wavelengths is purely photo-thermal in nature and the laser–plasma interaction is assumed to occur mainly by inverse-bremsstrahlung photon absorption. The computational model is based on the finite volume method using the Crank‑Nicholson scheme. The model predicts that underwater laser ablation results in subsurface heating effect in the polymer and confinement of the laser generated plasma, which makes it different from laser ablation in air. Plasma expansion velocities are much lower in water than in air. This results in an enhanced plasma shielding effect in the case of water. The predicted results of ablation depth versus fluence from the model are in qualitative agreement with those observed in experiments.

In vitro comparison of stone retropulsion and fragmentation of the frequency doubled, double pulse nd:yag laser and the holmium:yag laser.

PubMed

Marguet, Charles G; Sung, Jeff C; Springhart, W Patrick; L'Esperance, James O; Zhou, Songlin; Zhong, Pei; Albala, David M; Preminger, Glenn M

2005-05-01

The frequency doubled, double pulse Nd:YAG (FREDDY) laser (World of Medicine, Berlin, Germany) functions through the generation of a plasma bubble. Upon bubble collapse a mechanical shock wave is generated, causing stone fragmentation. This mechanism of action is in contrast to the holmium laser, which cause stone destruction by vaporization. Observed clinical stone retropulsion and fragmentation with the FREDDY and holmium lasers has prompted a series of in vitro experiments designed to compare laser induced retropulsion and fragmentation with those of a holmium laser and pneumatic lithotrite. For retropulsion a hands-off underwater laboratory setup, including a horizontally oriented silicone tube 1.3 cm in diameter and a holder to keep the stone phantom in contact with the quartz laser fiber or pneumatic probe, was used. Previously weighed, cylindrical Bego stone phantoms (Bego USA, Smithfield, Rhode Island) were placed in the apparatus. Stone fragmentation was performed with the FREDDY or holmium laser, or the pneumatic lithotripter. The FREDDY and holmium lasers were tested at similar pulse energy and frequency settings. As a standard for comparison, a pneumatic lithotrite was tested with a semirigid probe and single pulse settings of 100, 200 and 300 kPa. Stone phantoms underwent 30 shocks per setting. Mean net retropulsion, defined as the final resting point of the stone, as determined by direct measurement, was recorded for each setting. For fragmentation plaster of Paris stone phantoms of known weights were used to compare the fragmentation ability of each laser. Stones phantoms were placed in a hands-off underwater setup, consisting of an inverted silicon syringe and holder immersed in tap water. The laser fiber (365 microm for the holmium and 280 microm for the FREDDY) was placed through the tip of the syringe in contact with the stone phantom. A total of 24 stones were divided into 4 groups of 6 per group. Two groups were fragmented with the FREDDY laser at 300 and 400 J total energy. The other 2 groups were fragmented using the holmium laser at 300 and 480 J total energy. Fragmentation efficiency was determined as percent weight loss. For retropulsion at 160 mJ the FREDDY laser caused stone retropulsion to a mean distance of 7.6, 8.1 and 6.8 cm at settings of 5, 10 and 15 Hz, respectively. At 0.8 J the holmium laser retropulsed the stone to a mean distance of 3.3 and 4.9 cm at settings of 5 and 10 Hz, respectively. The pneumatic device caused stone retropulsion a mean distance of 8.5, 9.9 and 13.8 cm at pressure settings of 100, 200 and 300 kPa, respectively. The FREDDY laser generally caused less retropulsion than the pneumatic device, although this difference was only significant at the highest pneumatic lithoclast setting (p <0.05). At clinically relevant settings the FREDDY laser caused significantly more retropulsion than the holmium laser (p <0.05). For fragmentation at total energy settings of 300 and 400 J the FREDDY laser resulted in 44.9% and 86.8% weight loss, respectively (p <0.05). At settings of 300 and 480 J the holmium:YAG laser resulted in 3.3% and 7.1% weight loss, respectively (p <0.05). At lower frequency settings stone retropulsion was significantly greater with the FREDDY laser compared with the holmium laser. However, retropulsion was significantly less than that caused by the pneumatic lithotripter at all settings. Therefore, we recommend the use of an occlusive device, such as the Stone Cone (Boston Scientific, Natick, Massachusetts) proximal to the calculus during intracorporeal ureteral lithotripsy and in the ureteropelvic junction during percutaneous laser nephrostolithotomy. In vitro stone fragmentation was significantly greater with the FREDDY laser than with the holmium:YAG laser, suggesting that the FREDDY may offer a low cost alternative to the holmium:YAG laser lithotrite in select patients.

Structured-Light Based 3d Laser Scanning of Semi-Submerged Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Lucht, J.; Bleier, M.; Leutert, F.; Schilling, K.; Nüchter, A.

2018-05-01

In this work we look at 3D acquisition of semi-submerged structures with a triangulation based underwater laser scanning system. The motivation is that we want to simultaneously capture data above and below water to create a consistent model without any gaps. The employed structured light scanner consist of a machine vision camera and a green line laser. In order to reconstruct precise surface models of the object it is necessary to model and correct for the refraction of the laser line and camera rays at the water-air boundary. We derive a geometric model for the refraction at the air-water interface and propose a method for correcting the scans. Furthermore, we show how the water surface is directly estimated from sensor data. The approach is verified using scans captured with an industrial manipulator to achieve reproducible scanner trajectories with different incident angles. We show that the proposed method is effective for refractive correction and that it can be applied directly to the raw sensor data without requiring any external markers or targets.

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

PubMed

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

2017-04-10

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

Micro Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser (COIL)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-01

required to form a good o-ring seal. Steam generator design A pumping system based on steam ejectors was designed during the course of the previous HEL-JTO...options for the steam generator design . The first is to catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide through the use of a standard solid

High-power lightweight external-cavity quantum cascade lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Day, Timothy; Takeuchi, Eric B.; Weida, Miles; Arnone, David; Pushkarsky, Michael; Boyden, David; Caffey, David

2009-05-01

Commercially available quantum cascade gain media has been integrated with advanced coating and die attach technologies, mid-IR micro-optics and telecom-style assembly and packaging to yield cutting edge performance. When combined into Daylight's external-cavity quantum cascade laser (ECqcL) platform, multi-Watt output power has been obtained. Daylight will describe their most recent results obtained from this platform, including high cw power from compact hermetically sealed packages and narrow spectral linewidth devices. Fiber-coupling and direct amplitude modulation from such multi-Watt lasers will also be described. In addition, Daylight will present the most recent results from their compact, portable, battery-operated "thermal laser pointers" that are being used for illumination and aiming applications. When combined with thermal imaging technology, such devices provide significant benefits in contrast and identification.

Systems and methods for laser assisted sample transfer to solution for chemical analysis

DOEpatents

Van Berkel, Gary J.; Kertesz, Vilmos; Ovchinnikova, Olga S.

2014-06-03

Systems and methods are described for laser ablation of an analyte from a specimen and capturing of the analyte in a dispensed solvent to form a testing solution. A solvent dispensing and extraction system can form a liquid microjunction with the specimen. The solvent dispensing and extraction system can include a surface sampling probe. The laser beam can be directed through the surface sampling probe. The surface sampling probe can also serve as an atomic force microscopy probe. The surface sampling probe can form a seal with the specimen. The testing solution including the analyte can then be analyzed using an analytical instrument or undergo further processing.

Systems and methods for laser assisted sample transfer to solution for chemical analysis

DOEpatents

Van Berkel, Gary J.; Kertesz, Vilmos; Ovchinnikova, Olga S.

2015-09-29

Systems and methods are described for laser ablation of an analyte from a specimen and capturing of the analyte in a dispensed solvent to form a testing solution. A solvent dispensing and extraction system can form a liquid microjunction with the specimen. The solvent dispensing and extraction system can include a surface sampling probe. The laser beam can be directed through the surface sampling probe. The surface sampling probe can also serve as an atomic force microscopy probe. The surface sampling probe can form a seal with the specimen. The testing solution including the analyte can then be analyzed using an analytical instrument or undergo further processing.

Systems and methods for laser assisted sample transfer to solution for chemical analysis

DOEpatents

Van Berkel, Gary J; Kertesz, Vilmos; Ovchinnikova, Olga S

2013-08-27

Systems and methods are described for laser ablation of an analyte from a specimen and capturing of the analyte in a dispensed solvent to form a testing solution. A solvent dispensing and extraction system can form a liquid microjunction with the specimen. The solvent dispensing and extraction system can include a surface sampling probe. The laser beam can be directed through the surface sampling probe. The surface sampling probe can also serve as an atomic force microscopy probe. The surface sampling probe can form a seal with the specimen. The testing solution including the analyte can then be analyzed using an analytical instrument or undergo further processing.

High-Collection-Efficiency Fluorescence Detection Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanisco, Thomas; Cazorla, Maria; Swanson, Andrew

2013-01-01

A new fluorescence cell has been developed for the laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection of formaldehyde. The cell is used to sample a flow of air that contains trace concentrations of formaldehyde. The cell provides a hermetically sealed volume in which a flow of air containing formaldehyde can be illuminated by a laser. The cell includes the optics for transmitting the laser beam that is used to excite the formaldehyde and for collecting the resulting fluorescence. The novelty of the cell is its small size and simple design that provides a more robust and cheaper alternative to the state of the art. Despite its simplicity, the cell provides the same sensitivity to detection as larger, more complicated cells.

Comparative study of the expansion dynamics of laser-driven plasma and shock wave in in-air and underwater ablation regimes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Thao T. P.; Tanabe, Rie; Ito, Yoshiro

2018-03-01

We compared the expansion characteristics of the plasma plumes and shock waves generated in laser-induced shock process between the two ablation regimes: in air and under water. The observation was made from the initial moment when the laser pulse hit the target until 1.5 μs. The shock processes were driven by focusing a single laser pulse (1064 nm, FWHM = 13 ns) onto the surface of epoxy-resin blocks using a 40-mm focal length lens. The estimated laser intensity at the target plane is approximate to 9 ×109Wcm-2 . We used the fast-imaging technique to observe the expansion of the plasma plume and a custom-designed time-resolved photoelasticity imaging technique to observe the propagation of shock waves with the time resolution of nanoseconds. We found that at the same intensity of the laser beam, the plasma expansion during the laser pulse follows different mechanisms: the plasma plume that grows in air follows a radiation-wave model while a detonation-wave model can explain the expansion of the plasma plume induced in water. The ideal blast wave theory can be used to predict the decay of the shock wave in air but is not appropriate to describe the decay of the shock wave induced under water.

Equipment and Tracking Test Results for the NRL Ship-to- Ship DF Laser Transmission Experiment.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-05

combined with the 2" collimated HeNe laser beam at dichoric beam splitter TBSI. TF2, TF1 , and TPFI direct the beam onto the f/6 parabola Pl. From...following work was done on the pumping system: 1. Install new valves , springs, and seats. 2. Install a new drive shaft, with new bearings and seals. 3...Install a new needle valve in the oil regulator. 4. Steam clean the inside pump surface. The new components were tested first with F2 fuel, then with NF 3

Use of a hydrogel sealant in epithelial ingrowth removal after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PubMed

Ramsook, Sandhya S; Hersh, Peter S

2015-12-01

We describe 2 cases in which clinically significant epithelial ingrowth was removed by debridement and followed by the use of a hydrogel sealant (Resure) to seal the flap edge. In both cases, the epithelial ingrowth was seen after otherwise uneventful laser in situ keratomileusis retreatment. The visual outcomes were good with no recrudescence of interface epithelium. Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Copyright © 2015 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modeling of a diode-pumped thin-disk cesium vapor laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Guofei; Cai, He; Liu, Xiaoxu; Han, Juhong; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Hongyuan; Wang, You

2018-03-01

A diode pumped alkali laser (DPAL) provides a significant potential for construction of high-powered lasers. Until now, a series of models have been established to analyze the kinetic process and most of them are based on the end-pumped alkali laser system in which the vapor cell are usually cylindrical and cuboid. In this paper, a mathematic model is constructed to investigate the kinetic processes of a diode pumped thin-disk cesium vapor laser, in which the cesium vapor and the buffer gases are beforehand filled in a sealed glass cell with a thin-disk structure. We systemically study the influences of the cell temperature and cell thickness on the output features of a thin-disk DPAL. Further, we study the thin-disk DPAL with the W-shaped resonator and multiple-disk configuration. To the best of our knowledge, there have not been any similar reports so far.

Experimental study on heat transmission to the vestibule during CO2 laser use in revision stapes surgery.

PubMed

Szymański, M; Morshed, K; Mills, R

2007-01-01

We studied the transmission of heat to the vestibule during revision stapes surgery with a piston in situ, using a CO2 laser, in an in vitro model. A type K thermocouple was placed around the medial end of stainless steel and fluoroplastic wire pistons in a 'vestibule' filled with saline. The effect of laser hits on fluoroplastic wire and stainless steel stapes prostheses was investigated. The effect of introducing a vein graft to seal the stapedotomy was also examined. Greater temperature rises occurred with stainless steel than with fluoroplastic wire pistons. The addition of the vein graft reduced heat transmission. Application of the CO2 laser to fluoroplastic wire pistons, using the power settings suggested by the manufacturer, is not likely to damage the inner-ear structures. Application of 6 W laser energy to stainless steel pistons can potentially disturb the inner-ear function.

Evidence-based dentistry on laser paediatric dentistry: review and outlook.

PubMed

Olivi, G; Genovese, M D; Caprioglio, C

2009-03-01

The goal of paediatric dentistry is to provide preventive education to parents and patients as well as interception and therapy of dental diseases in a minimally invasive way using a stress-free approach. Different laser wavelengths are used for different applications following these minimally invasive concepts: argon, KTP, diode, Nd:YAG, and CO2 lasers are used for soft tissue applications and the erbium family is used for both soft and hard tissue procedures. This paper offers a revision and a discussion of the international literature, showing also some clinical procedures. related to these scientific studies. Soft tissues laser applications in Pediatric Dentistry include application in oral surgery as well as in periodontics and orthodontics. Laser applications on hard tissues include caries prevention and detection and application for sealing of pits and fissures. Also application for cavity preparation, carious removal and pulp therapy are discussed.

Far infrared maser communications technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Claspy, P. C.; Pao, Y. H.

1975-01-01

An optically pumped FIR laser was constructed and tested. Optimum operating conditions were determined with CH3OH as the lasing medium. The laser was found to operate equally well with flowing gas or in a sealed off configuration. The FIR cavity stability and pump laser stability were found to have significant problems. The absorption coefficient per unit pressure of 1-1 difluoroethylene at the P(22) and P(24) lines of the 10.4 micron CO2 band was measured. The FIR line pumped by P(22) occurs at approximately 890 microns, which may be in an atmospheric transmission window. It was found that significant Stark tuning of absorption lines of methanol and 1-1 difluoroethylene can be accomplished, even at the usual 100 to 300 mTorr operating pressures of FIR lasers. This means that the use of Stark tuning may enable more effective use of pump laser output.

Laser demonstration and performance characterization of optically pumped Alkali Laser systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulham, Clifford V.

Diode Pumped Alkali Lasers (DPALs) offer a promising approach for high power lasers in military applications that will not suffer from the long logistical trails of chemical lasers or the thermal management issues of diode pumped solid state lasers. This research focuses on characterizing a DPAL-type system to gain a better understanding of using this type of laser as a directed energy weapon. A rubidium laser operating at 795 nm is optically pumped by a pulsed titanium sapphire laser to investigate the dynamics of DPALs at pump intensities between 1.3 and 45 kW/cm2. Linear scaling as high as 32 times threshold is observed, with no evidence of second order kinetics. Comparison of laser characteristics with a quasi-two level analytic model suggests performance near the ideal steady-state limit, disregarding the mode mis-match. Additionally, the peak power scales linearly as high as 1 kW, suggesting aperture scaling to a few cm2 is sufficient to achieve tactical level laser powers. The temporal dynamics of the 100 ns pump and rubidium laser pulses are presented, and the continually evolving laser efficiency provides insight into the bottlenecking of the rubidium atoms in the 2P3/2 state. Lastly, multiple excited states of rubidium and cesium were accessed through two photon absorption in the red, yielding a blue and an IR photon through amplified stimulated emission. Threshold is modest at 0.3 mJ/pulse, and slope efficiencies increase dramatically with alkali concentrations and peak at 0.4%, with considerable opportunity for improvement. This versatile system might find applications for IR countermeasures or underwater communications.

Space Electrochemical Research and Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Richard M. (Compiler)

1996-01-01

Individual papers presented at the conference address the following topics: development of a micro-fiber nickel electrode for nickel-hydrogen cell, high performance nickel electrodes for space power application, bending properties of nickel electrodes for nickel-hydrogen batteries, effect of KOH concentration and anions on the performance of a Ni-H2 battery positive plate, advanced dependent pressure vessel nickel hydrogen spacecraft cell and battery design, electrolyte management considerations in modern nickel hydrogen and nickel cadmium cell and battery design, a novel unitized regenerative proton exchange membrane fuel cell, fuel cell systems for first lunar outpost - reactant storage options, the TMI regenerable solid oxide fuel cell, engineering development program of a closed aluminum-oxygen semi-cell system for an unmanned underwater vehicle, SPE OBOGS on-board oxygen generating system, hermetically sealed aluminum electrolytic capacitor, sol-gel technology and advanced electrochemical energy storage materials, development of electrochemical supercapacitors for EMA applications, and high energy density electrolytic capacitor.

Casingless down-hole for sealing an ablation volume and obtaining a sample for analysis

DOEpatents

Noble, Donald T.; Braymen, Steven D.; Anderson, Marvin S.

1996-10-01

A casing-less down hole sampling system for acquiring a subsurface sample for analysis using an inductively coupled plasma system is disclosed. The system includes a probe which is pushed into the formation to be analyzed using a hydraulic ram system. The probe includes a detachable tip member which has a soil point mad a barb, with the soil point aiding the penetration of the earth, and the barb causing the tip member to disengage from the probe and remain in the formation when the probe is pulled up. The probe is forced into the formation to be tested, and then pulled up slightly, to disengage the tip member and expose a column of the subsurface formation to be tested. An instrumentation tube mounted in the probe is then extended outward from the probe to longitudinally extend into the exposed column. A balloon seal mounted on the end of the instrumentation tube allows the bottom of the column to be sealed. A source of laser radiation is emitted from the instrumentation tube to ablate a sample from the exposed column. The instrumentation tube can be rotated in the probe to sweep the laser source across the surface of the exposed column. An aerosol transport system carries the ablated sample from the probe to the surface for testing in an inductively coupled plasma system. By testing at various levels in the down-hole as the probe is extracted from the soil, a profile of the subsurface formation may be obtained.

Constant volume gas cell optical phase-shifter

DOEpatents

Phillion, Donald W.

2002-01-01

A constant volume gas cell optical phase-shifter, particularly applicable for phase-shifting interferometry, contains a sealed volume of atmospheric gas at a pressure somewhat different than atmospheric. An optical window is present at each end of the cell, and as the length of the cell is changed, the optical path length of a laser beam traversing the cell changes. The cell comprises movable coaxial tubes with seals and a volume equalizing opening. Because the cell is constant volume, the pressure, temperature, and density of the contained gas do not change as the cell changes length. This produces an exactly linear relationship between the change in the length of the gas cell and the change in optical phase of the laser beam traversing it. Because the refractive index difference between the gas inside and the atmosphere outside is very much the same, a large motion must be made to change the optical phase by the small fraction of a wavelength that is required by phase-shifting interferometry for its phase step. This motion can be made to great fractional accuracy.

Immediate Tight Sealing of Skin Incisions Using an Innovative Temperature-controlled Laser Soldering Device

PubMed Central

Simhon, David; Halpern, Marisa; Brosh, Tamar; Vasilyev, Tamar; Ravid, Avi; Tennenbaum, Tamar; Nevo, Zvi; Katzir, Abraham

2007-01-01

Background: A feedback temperature-controlled laser soldering system (TCLS) was used for bonding skin incisions on the backs of pigs. The study was aimed: 1) to characterize the optimal soldering parameters, and 2) to compare the immediate and long-term wound healing outcomes with other wound closure modalities. Materials and Methods: A TCLS was used to bond the approximated wound margins of skin incisions on porcine backs. The reparative outcomes were evaluated macroscopically, microscopically, and immunohistochemically. Results: The optimal soldering temperature was found to be 65°C and the operating time was significantly shorter than with suturing. The immediate tight sealing of the wound by the TCLS contributed to rapid, high quality wound healing in comparison to Dermabond or Histoacryl cyanoacrylate glues or standard suturing. Conclusions: TCLS of incisions in porcine skin has numerous advantages, including rapid procedure and high quality reparative outcomes, over the common standard wound closure procedures. Further studies with a variety of skin lesions are needed before advocating this technique for clinical use. PMID:17245173

Development of a high temperature ceramic-to-metal seal for Air Force Weapons Laboratory Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honnell, R. E.; Stoddard, S. D.

1987-03-01

Procedures were developed for fabricating vacuum tight metal-to-ceramic ring seals between Inconel 625 and MgO-3 wt % Y2O3 tubes metallized with a calcia-alumina-silica glass (CaO-29 wt % Al2O3-35 wt % SiO2) containing 50 vol % molybdenum filler. Palniro No. 1 (Au-25 wt % Pd-25 wt % Ni) was found to be the most reliable braze for joining Inconel to metallized MgO-3 wt % Y2O3 bodies. The reliabilities of the processing procedures and the material systems were demonstrated. A prototype electrical feedthrough was fabricated for 1173 K operation in air or vacuum.

Intense excitation source of blue-green laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, K. S.

1985-10-01

An intense and efficient excitation source for blue-green lasers useful for the space-based satellite laser applications, underwater strategic communication, and measurement of ocean bottom profile is being developed. The source in use, hypocycloidal pinch plasma (HCP), and a newly designed dense-plasma focus (DPF) can produce intense UV photons (200 to 300 nm) which match the absorption spectra of both near UV and blue green dye lasers (300 to 400 nm). During the current project period, the successful enhancement of blue-green laser output of both Coumarin 503 and LD490 dye through the spectral conversion of the HCP pumping light has been achieved with a converter dye BBQ. The factor of enhancement in the blue-green laser output energy of both Coumarin 503 and LD490 is almost 73%. This enhancement will definitely be helpful in achieving the direct high power blue-green laser (> 1 MW) with the existing blue green dye laser. On the other hand the dense-plasma focus (DPF) with new optical coupling has been designed and constructed. For the optimization of the DPF device as the UV pumping light source, the velocity of current sheath and the formation of plasma focus have been measured as function of argon or argon-deuterium fill gas pressure. Finally, the blue-green dye laser (LD490) has been pumped with the DPF device for preliminary tests. Experimental results with the DPF device show that the velocity of the current sheath follows the inverse relation of sq st. of pressure as expected. The blue-green dye (LD490) laser output exceeded 3.1 m at the best cavity tuning of laser system. This corresponds to 3J/1 cu cm laser energy extraction.

Intense excitation source of blue-green laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Kwang S.

1986-10-01

An intense and efficient source for blue green laser useful for the space-based satellite laser applications, underwater strategic communication, and measurement of ocean bottom profile is being developed. The source in use, the hypocycloidal pinch plasma (HCP), and the dense plasma focus (DPF) can produce intense uv photons (200 to 400nm) which match the absorption spectra of both near UV and blue green dye lasers (300 to 400nm). As a result of optimization of the DPF light at 355nm, the blue green dye (LD490) laser output exceeding 4mJ was obtained at the best cavity tunning of the laser system. With the HCP pumped system a significant enhancement of the blue green laser outputs with dye LD490 and coumarin 503 has been achieved through the spectrum conversion of the pumping light by mixing a converter dye BBQ. The maximum increase of laser output with the dye mixture of LD490+BBQ and coumarin 503+BBQ was greater than 80%. In addition, the untunned near UV lasers were also obtained. The near UV laser output energy of P-terphenyl dye was 0.5mJ at lambda sub C=337nm with the bandwidth of 3n m for the pulse duration of 0.2us. Another near UV laser output energy obtained with BBQ dye was 25 mJ at lambda sub C=383nm with the bandwidth of 3nm for the pulse duration of 0.2us. Another near UV laser output energy obtained with BBQ dye was 25 mJ at lambda sub C=383nm with the bandwidth of 3nm for the pulse duration of 0.2microsec.

Laser subtractive-additive-welding microfabrication for Lab-On-Chip (LOC) applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jonušauskas, Linas; RekštytÄ--, Sima; Buivydas, Ričardas; Butkus, Simas; Paipulas, Domas; Gadonas, Roaldas; Juodkazis, Saulius; Malinauskas, Mangirdas

2017-02-01

An approach employing ultrafast laser hybrid microfabrication combining ablation, 3D nanolithography and welding is proposed for the realization of Lab-On-Chip (LOC) device. The same laser setup is shown to be suitable for fabricating microgrooves in glass slabs, polymerization of fine meshes inside them, and, lastly, sealing the whole chip with cover glass into one monolithic piece. The created micro fluidic device proved its particle sorting function by separating 1 μm and 10 μm polystyrene spheres from a mixture. Next, a lens adapter for a cell phone's camera was manufactured via thermal extrusion 3D printing technique which allowed to achieve sufficient magnification to clearly resolve <10 μm features. All together shows fs-laser microfabrication technology as a flexible and versatile tool for study and manufacturing of Lab-On-Chip devices.

A computational method for analysis of underwater dolphin kick hydrodynamics in human swimming.

PubMed

von Loebbecke, Alfred; Mittal, Rajat; Mark, Russell; Hahn, James

2009-03-01

We present a new method that combines the use of laser body scans, underwater video footage, software-based animation, and a fully unsteady computational fluid dynamics technique to simulate and examine the hydrodynamics of the dolphin kick. The focus of the current work is to model this particular stroke in all its complexity with minimal ad-hoc assumptions or simplifications. Simulations of one female and one male swimmer (both at about 1.7 m beneath the water surface) at velocities of 0.95 and 1.31 m/s and Strouhal numbers of 1.21 and 1.06 respectively are presented. Vorticity and fluid velocity profiles in the wake are examined in detail for both swimmers. A three-dimensional vortex ring is clearly identified in the wake for one of the cases and a two-dimensional slice through the ring corroborates previous experiments of Miwa et al. (2006). We also find that most of the thrust is produced by the feet and in both cases the down-kick produces much larger thrust than the up-kick.

Development of a compact underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system and preliminary results in sea trials.

PubMed

Guo, Jinjia; Lu, Yuan; Cheng, Kai; Song, Jiaojian; Ye, Wangquan; Li, Nan; Zheng, Ronger

2017-10-10

The exploitation and research of deep-sea hydrothermal vent has been an issue of great interest in ocean research in recent years. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has great potential for ocean application due to the capabilities of stand-off, multiphase, and multielement analysis. In this work, a newly developed compact 4000 m rated LIBS system (LIBSea) is introduced with preliminary results of sea trials. The underwater system consists of an Nd:YAG single-pulsed laser operating at 1064 nm, an optical fiber spectrometer, an optics module, and an electronic controller module. The whole system is housed in an L800  mm×ϕ258  mm pressure housing with an optical window on the end cap. It was deployed on the remote operated vehicle Faxian on the research vessel Kexue, and in June 2015 was successfully applied for hydrothermal field measurements at the Manus area. The obtained results are shown that the LIBS system is capable of detecting elements Li, Na, K, Ca, and Mg in the hydrothermal area. Profiles of LIBS signals of elements K and Ca have also been obtained during the sea trial. The results show that the K emission line is gradually broadened with depth from sea surface to sea floor (1800 m or so); the K intensity shows a hump shape with maximum value at about 1050 m. The Ca emission line is rapidly broadened below 400 m and slowly narrowed to the sea floor; the Ca intensity shows no obvious change below 400 m and increases continuously to sea floor. A very interesting finding is that the small fluctuations of intensity profile curve of Ca show a degree of correlation with seawater temperature change. The sea trial results prove the performance of LIBSea. After further optimization, it is hoped to apply the LIBS system to the in situ mineral deposits and hydrothermal vent fluid detection in deep sea.

A new technique for robot vision in autonomous underwater vehicles using the color shift in underwater imaging

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

FOR ROBOT VISION IN AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLES USING THE COLOR SHIFT IN UNDERWATER IMAGING by Jake A. Jones June 2017 Thesis Advisor...June 2017 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED Master’s thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR ROBOT VISION IN AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER...Developing a technique for underwater robot vision is a key factor in establishing autonomy in underwater vehicles. A new technique is developed and

Fast photomultiplier tube gating system for underwater laser detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Xuanhua; Yang, Kecheng; Rao, Jionghui; Zhang, Xiaohui; Xia, Min; Zheng, Yi; Li, Wei

2007-01-01

Laser will attenuate during its propagation in water and also be backward scattered by water when it is used to detect bubbles in the ocean. Meanwhile backward scattering intensity of the bubbles is feeble, its dynamic range reaches to the order of 6, which saturates PMT and its post-treatment circuit. Timely gating system is used to solve the problem. The system contains pulsed laser and gating PMT receiver. The wavelength of the laser is 532nm, with pulse width of several nanometers. Its operational delay is matched with the time period between laser traveling forward and back after scattered by the target. By doing this, the light scattered by other object is eliminated, dynamic range of the signal reduces, and consequently SNR increases. In order to avoid Signal Induced Noise(SIN), we choose PMT R1333 having no HA coating. TTL logical level, which is used as gating signal, controls the first dynode voltage of PMT to implement gating. Gating speed is about 100ns, of which the width is tunable. By carefully designing the electronic system, SNR is eliminated to a level as low as possible, and the output signal of PMT is fast integrated in order to reduce the influences of signal induced by opening the gate.

Welding/sealing glass-enclosed space in a vacuum

DOEpatents

Tracy, C.E.; Benson, D.K.

1996-02-06

A method of welding and sealing the edges of two juxtaposed glass sheets together to seal a vacuum space between the sheets comprises the steps of positioning a radiation absorbent material, such as FeO, VO{sub 2}, or NiO, between the radiation transmissive glass sheets adjacent the edges and then irradiating the absorbent material, preferably with a laser beam, through at least one of the glass sheets. Heat produced by the absorbed radiation in the absorbent material melts glass in the portions of both glass sheets that are adjacent the absorbent material, and the melted glass from both sheets flows together to create the weld when the melted glass cools and hardens. The absorbent material can be dissolved and diffused into the melted glass to the extent that it no longer absorbs enough energy to keep the glass melted, thus, with appropriate proportioning of absorbent material to source energy power and welding heat needed, the process can be made self-stopping. 8 figs.

Welding/sealing glass-enclosed space in a vacuum

DOEpatents

Tracy, C. Edwin; Benson, David K.

1996-01-01

A method of welding and sealing the edges of two juxtaposed glass sheets together to seal a vacuum space between the sheets comprises the steps of positioning a radiation absorbant material, such as FeO, VO.sub.2, or NiO, between the radiation transmissive glass sheets adjacent the edges and then irradiating the absorbant material, preferably with a laser beam, through at least one of the glass sheets. Heat produced by the absorbed radiation in the absorbant material melts glass in the portions of both glass sheets that are adjacent the absorbant material, and the melted glass from both sheets flows together to create the weld when the melted glass cools and hardens. The absorbant material can be dissolved and diffused into the melted glass to the extent that it no longer absorbs enough energy to keep the glass melted, thus, with appropriate proportioning of absorbant material to source energy power and welding heat needed, the process can be made self-stopping.

Reversible switch between underwater superaerophilicity and superaerophobicity on the superhydrophobic nanowire-haired mesh for controlling underwater bubble wettability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Chao; Yong, Jiale; Yang, Qing; Chen, Feng; Huo, Jinglan; Zhuang, Jian; Jiang, Zhuangde; Hou, Xun

2018-04-01

Controlling the underwater bubble wettability on a solid surface is of great research significance. In this letter, a simple method to achieve reversible switch between underwater superaerophilicity and underwater superaerophobicity on a superhydrophobic nanowire-haired mesh by alternately vacuumizing treatment in water and drying in air is reported. Such reversible switch endows the as-prepared mesh with many functional applications in controlling bubble's behavior on a solid substrate. The underwater superaerophilic mesh is able to absorb/capture bubbles in water, while the superaerophobic mesh has great anti-bubble ability. The reversible switch between underwater superaerophilicity and superaerophobicity can selectively allow bubbles to go through the resultant mesh; that is, bubbles can pass through the underwater superaerophilic mesh while are fully intercepted by the underwater superaerophobic mesh in a water medium. We believe these meshes will have important applications in removing or capturing underwater bubbles/gas.

Dual-beam, second-derivative tunable diode-laser infrared spectroscopy applied to trace-gas measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tallant, D. R.; Jungst, R. G.

1981-04-01

A dual base diode laser spectrometer was constructed using off axis reflective optics. The spectrometer was amplitude modulated for direct absorption measurements or frequency modulated to obtain derivative spectra. The spectrometer had: high throughput; was easy to operate and align; provided good dual beam compensation; and had no evidence of the interference effects that were observed in diode laser spectrometers using refractive optics. Unpurged, using second derivative techniques, the instrument measured 108 parts per million CO (10/cm absorption cell, atmospheric pressure broadened) with good signal/noise. With the replacement of marginal instrumental components, the signal/noise was substantially increased. This instrument was developed to monitor the evolution of decomposition gases in sealed containers of small volume at atmospheric pressure.

Microscopic observation of laser glazed yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morks, M. F.; Berndt, C. C.; Durandet, Y.; Brandt, M.; Wang, J.

2010-08-01

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are frequently used as insulation system for hot components in gas-turbine, combustors and power plant industries. The corrosive gases which come from combustion of low grade fuels can penetrate into the TBCs and reach the metallic components and bond coat and cause hot corrosion and erosion damage. Glazing the top coat by laser beam is advanced approach to seal TBCs surface. The laser beam has the advantage of forming a dense thin layer composed of micrograins. Plasma-sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coating was glazed with Nd-YAG laser at different operating conditions. The surface morphologies, before and after laser treatment, were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Laser beam assisted the densification of the surface by remelting a thin layer of the exposed surface. The laser glazing converted the rough surface of TBCs into smooth micron-size grains with size of 2-9 μm and narrow grain boundaries. The glazed surfaces showed higher Vickers hardness compared to as-sprayed coatings. The results revealed that the hardness increases as the grain size decreases.

Effects of Laser Remelting and Oxidation on NiCrAlY/8Y2O3-ZrO2 Thermal Barrier Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, S. Q.; Zhu, C.; Zhang, Y.

2018-02-01

In this study, three groups of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) samples were remelted by CO2 laser with different laser energy densities (1, 5 and 10 J/mm2) to seal the surface of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings. Microscopic observations showed that the cracks size and the remelted depth in YSZ coatings increased. A 50-μm-thick dense layer was formed on the surface of YSZ coating in samples with 1 J/mm2 energy density. Microindentation tests showed that the Vickers hardness of YSZ coatings increases with the increase in laser energy density. After isothermal oxidation at 1200 °C for 200 h, thinner thermally growth oxides were found in laser remelted YSZ samples under energy density of 1 J/mm2 (6.32 ± 0.28 μm). Cyclic oxidation results showed that the weight gain per unit area of low energy density laser remelted TBCs was smaller than that of the high energy density laser remelted and as-sprayed TBCs.

Effect of pulsed laser parameters on the corrosion limitation for electric connector coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georges, C.; Semmar, N.; Boulmer-Leborgne, C.

2006-12-01

Materials used in electrical contact applications are usually constituted of multilayered compounds (e.g.: copper alloy electroplated with a nickel layer and finally by a gold layer). After the electro-deposition, micro-channels and pores within the gold layer allow undesirable corrosion of the underlying protection. In order to modify the gold-coating microstructure, a laser surface treatment was applied. The laser treatment suppressing porosity and smoothing the surface sealed the original open structure as a low roughness allows a good electrical contact. Corrosion tests were carried out in humid synthetic air containing three polluting gases. SEM characterization of cross-sections was performed to estimate the gold melting depth and to observe the modifications of gold structure obtained after laser treatment. The effects of the laser treatment were studied according to different surface parameters (roughness of the substrate and thickness of the gold layer) and different laser parameters (laser wavelength, laser fluence, pulse duration and number of pulses). A thermokinetic model was used to understand the heating and melting mechanism of the multilayered coating to optimize the process in terms of laser wavelength, energy and time of interaction.

Investigation of optical and hydrodynamic processes initiated in biological tissues and liquids under the action of high-power pulses of 1.54 μm laser radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belikov, Andrey V.; Fomicheva, Yana Yu.; Gagarskiy, Sergey V.; Sergeev, Andrey N.; Smirnov, Sergey N.; Zagorulko, Alexey M.

2018-04-01

The results of strobe-photographic study of steam-gas cavities formation in a bulk of saline as a result of high-power Yb,Er:Glass laser pulses impact are presented. The data on dynamics of laser pulse transmission through the laserproduced steam-gas cavity for different values of the distance h between the fiber end and the cuvette bottom (quartz plate) are presented. It was observed that the steam-gas cavity might be used for effective non-contact delivery of laser radiation to the submerged target: transmission value at maximum steam-gas cavity size reached 0.87 for h = 0.5 mm. The influence of steam-gas cavities parameters on ablation efficiency of eye lens destruction in vitro is also discussed. The ablation of cataract eye lens in liquid environment is more effective than in air. The efficiency of eye lens ablation decreases with the increase of h . The maximal values of ablation efficiency (2.14·10-3 mm3/pulse) were obtained in the case of underwater ablation at h = 0 mm.

Improved Underwater Excitation-Emission Matrix Fluorometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Casey; daCunha, John; Rhoades, Bruce; Twardowski, Michael

2007-01-01

A compact, high-resolution, two-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorometer (EEMF) has been designed and built specifically for use in identifying and measuring the concentrations of organic compounds, including polluting hydrocarbons, in natural underwater settings. Heretofore, most EEMFs have been designed and built for installation in laboratories, where they are used to analyze the contents of samples collected in the field and brought to the laboratories. Because the present EEMF can be operated in the field, it is better suited to measurement of spatially and temporally varying concentrations of substances of interest. In excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorometry, fluorescence is excited by irradiating a sample at one or more wavelengths, and the fluorescent emission from the sample is measured at multiple wavelengths. When excitation is provided at only one wavelength, the technique is termed one-dimensional (1D) EEM fluorometry because the resulting matrix of fluorescence emission data (the EEM) contains only one row or column. When excitation is provided at multiple wavelengths, the technique is termed two-dimensional (2D) EEM fluorometry because the resulting EEM contains multiple rows and columns. EEM fluorometry - especially the 2D variety - is well established as a means of simultaneously detecting numerous dissolved and particulate compounds in water. Each compound or pool of compounds has a unique spectral fluorescence signature, and each EEM is rich in information content, in that it can contain multiple fluorescence signatures. By use of deconvolution and/or other mixture-analyses techniques, it is often possible to isolate the spectral signature of compounds of interest, even when their fluorescence spectra overlap. What distinguishes the present 2D EEMF over prior laboratory-type 2D EEMFs are several improvements in packaging (including a sealed housing) and other aspects of design that render it suitable for use in natural underwater settings. In addition, the design of the present 2D EEMF incorporates improvements over the one prior commercial underwater 2D EEMF, developed in 1994 by the same company that developed the present one. Notable advanced features of the present EEMF include the following: 1) High sensitivity and spectral resolution are achieved by use of an off-the-shelf grating spectrometer equipped with a sensor in the form of a commercial astronomical- grade 256 532-pixel charge-coupled-device (CCD) array. 2) All of the power supply, timing, control, and readout circuits for the illumination source and the CCD, ancillary environmental monitoring sensors, and circuitry for controlling a shutter or filter motor are custom-designed and mounted compactly on three circuit boards below a fourth circuit board that holds the CCD (see figure). 3) The compactness of the grating spectrometer, CCD, and circuit assembly makes it possible to fit the entire instrument into a compact package that is intended to be maneuverable underwater by one person. 4) In mass production, the cost of the complete instrument would be relatively low - estimated at approximately $30,000 at 2005 prices.

Application of a laser Doppler vibrometer for air-water to subsurface signature detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Land, Phillip; Roeder, James; Robinson, Dennis; Majumdar, Arun

2015-05-01

There is much interest in detecting a target and optical communications from an airborne platform to a platform submerged under water. Accurate detection and communications between underwater and aerial platforms would increase the capabilities of surface, subsurface, and air, manned and unmanned vehicles engaged in oversea and undersea activities. The technique introduced in this paper involves a Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) for acousto-optic sensing for detecting acoustic information propagated towards the water surface from a submerged platform inside a 12 gallon water tank. The LDV probes and penetrates the water surface from an aerial platform to detect air-water surface interface vibrations caused by an amplifier to a speaker generating a signal generated from underneath the water surface (varied water depth from 1" to 8"), ranging between 50Hz to 5kHz. As a comparison tool, a hydrophone was used simultaneously inside the water tank for recording the acoustic signature of the signal generated between 50Hz to 5kHz. For a signal generated by a submerged platform, the LDV can detect the signal. The LDV detects the signal via surface perturbations caused by the impinging acoustic pressure field; proving a technique of transmitting/sending information/messages from a submerged platform acoustically to the surface of the water and optically receiving the information/message using the LDV, via the Doppler Effect, allowing the LDV to become a high sensitivity optical-acoustic device. The technique developed has much potential usage in commercial oceanography applications. The present work is focused on the reception of acoustic information from an object located underwater.

The response of Galileo aft cover components to laser radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metzger, J. W.

1982-01-01

The aft region of the Galileo probe will be subjected to severe heat transfer rates dominated by the radiation contributions. To assess the response of several vehicle aft region components to thermal radiation, tests employing a 10 KW CO2 laser were conducted. The experiments evaluated the annulus/aft cover interface, the umbilical feedthrough assembly and the mortar cover seal assembly. Experimental evidence of the response of the phenolic nylon heatshield and quantitative measures of its effect on gap geometries of several vehicle components were acquired. In addition, qualitative measures of the survivability of the irradiated components were obtained.

Comparison of sprinkler droplet size and velocity measurements using a laser precipitation meter and photographic method

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Kinetic energy of water droplets has a substantial effect on development of a soil surface seal and infiltration rate of bare soil. Methods for measuring sprinkler droplet size and velocity needed to calculate droplet kinetic energy have been developed and tested over the past 50 years, each with ad...

An auto-locked diode laser system for precision metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beica, H. C.; Carew, A.; Vorozcovs, A.; Dowling, P.; Pouliot, A.; Barron, B.; Kumarakrishnan, A.

2017-05-01

We present a unique external cavity diode laser system that can be auto-locked with reference to atomic and molecular spectra. The vacuum-sealed laser head design uses an interchangeable base-plate comprised of a laser diode and optical elements that can be selected for desired wavelength ranges. The feedback light to the laser diode is provided by a narrow-band interference filter, which can be tuned from outside the laser cavity to fineadjust the output wavelength in vacuum. To stabilize the laser frequency, the digital laser controller relies either on a pattern-matching algorithm stored in memory, or on first or third derivative feedback. We have used the laser systems to perform spectroscopic studies in rubidium at 780 nm, and in iodine at 633 nm. The linewidth of the 780-nm laser system was measured to be ˜500 kHz, and we present Allan deviation measurements of the beat note and the lock stability. Furthermore, we show that the laser system can be the basis for a new class of lidar transmitters in which a temperature-stabilized fiber-Bragg grating is used to generate frequency references for on-line points of the transmitter. We show that the fiber-Bragg grating spectra can be calibrated with reference to atomic transitions.

Taiwan's underwater cultural heritage documentation management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tung, Y.-Y.

2015-09-01

Taiwan is an important trading and maritime channels for many countries since ancient time. Numerous relics lie underwater due to weather, wars, and other factors. In the year of 2006, Bureau of Cultural Heritage (BOCH) entrusted the Underwater Archaeological Team of Academia Sinica to execute the underwater archaeological investigation projects. Currently, we verified 78 underwater targets, with 78 site of those had been recognized as shipwrecks sites. Up to date, there is a collection of 638 underwater objects from different underwater archaeological sites. Those artefacts are distributed to different institutions and museums. As very diverse management methods/systems are applied for every individual institution, underwater cultural heritage data such as survey, excavation report, research, etc. are poorly organized and disseminated for use. For better communication regarding to Taiwan's underwater cultural heritage in every level, a universal format of documentation should be established. By comparing the existing checklist used in Taiwan with guidelines that are followed in other countries, a more intact and appropriate underwater cultural heritage condition documentation system can be established and adapted in Taiwan.

46 CFR 167.05-40 - Underwater survey.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 7 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Underwater survey. 167.05-40 Section 167.05-40 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) NAUTICAL SCHOOLS PUBLIC NAUTICAL SCHOOL SHIPS Definitions § 167.05-40 Underwater survey. Underwater survey means the examination of the vessel's underwater...

46 CFR 167.05-40 - Underwater survey.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 7 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Underwater survey. 167.05-40 Section 167.05-40 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) NAUTICAL SCHOOLS PUBLIC NAUTICAL SCHOOL SHIPS Definitions § 167.05-40 Underwater survey. Underwater survey means the examination of the vessel's underwater...

46 CFR 167.05-40 - Underwater survey.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 7 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Underwater survey. 167.05-40 Section 167.05-40 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) NAUTICAL SCHOOLS PUBLIC NAUTICAL SCHOOL SHIPS Definitions § 167.05-40 Underwater survey. Underwater survey means the examination of the vessel's underwater...

46 CFR 167.05-40 - Underwater survey.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 7 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Underwater survey. 167.05-40 Section 167.05-40 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) NAUTICAL SCHOOLS PUBLIC NAUTICAL SCHOOL SHIPS Definitions § 167.05-40 Underwater survey. Underwater survey means the examination of the vessel's underwater...

46 CFR 167.05-40 - Underwater survey.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 7 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Underwater survey. 167.05-40 Section 167.05-40 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) NAUTICAL SCHOOLS PUBLIC NAUTICAL SCHOOL SHIPS Definitions § 167.05-40 Underwater survey. Underwater survey means the examination of the vessel's underwater...

Network Computing for Distributed Underwater Acoustic Sensors

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-31

underwater sensor network with mobility. In preparation. [3] EvoLogics (2013), Underwater Acoustic Modems, (Product Information Guide... Wireless Communications, 9(9), 2934–2944. [21] Pompili, D. and Akyildiz, I. (2010), A multimedia cross-layer protocol for underwater acoustic sensor networks ... Network Computing for Distributed Underwater Acoustic Sensors M. Barbeau E. Kranakis

Casingless down-hole for sealing an ablation volume and obtaining a sample for analysis

DOEpatents

Noble, D.T.; Braymen, S.D.; Anderson, M.S.

1996-10-01

A casing-less down hole sampling system for acquiring a subsurface sample for analysis using an inductively coupled plasma system is disclosed. The system includes a probe which is pushed into the formation to be analyzed using a hydraulic ram system. The probe includes a detachable tip member which has a soil point and a barb, with the soil point aiding the penetration of the earth, and the barb causing the tip member to disengage from the probe and remain in the formation when the probe is pulled up. The probe is forced into the formation to be tested, and then pulled up slightly, to disengage the tip member and expose a column of the subsurface formation to be tested. An instrumentation tube mounted in the probe is then extended outward from the probe to longitudinally extend into the exposed column. A balloon seal mounted on the end of the instrumentation tube allows the bottom of the column to be sealed. A source of laser radiation is emitted from the instrumentation tube to ablate a sample from the exposed column. The instrumentation tube can be rotated in the probe to sweep the laser source across the surface of the exposed column. An aerosol transport system carries the ablated sample from the probe to the surface for testing in an inductively coupled plasma system. By testing at various levels in the down-hole as the probe is extracted from the soil, a profile of the subsurface formation may be obtained. 9 figs.

Wall Shear Stress, Wall Pressure and Near Wall Velocity Field Relationships in a Whirling Annular Seal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, Gerald L.; Winslow, Robert B.; Thames, H. Davis, III

1996-01-01

The mean and phase averaged pressure and wall shear stress distributions were measured on the stator wall of a 50% eccentric annular seal which was whirling in a circular orbit at the same speed as the shaft rotation. The shear stresses were measured using flush mounted hot-film probes. Four different operating conditions were considered consisting of Reynolds numbers of 12,000 and 24,000 and Taylor numbers of 3,300 and 6,600. At each of the operating conditions the axial distribution (from Z/L = -0.2 to 1.2) of the mean pressure, shear stress magnitude, and shear stress direction on the stator wall were measured. Also measured were the phase averaged pressure and shear stress. These data were combined to calculate the force distributions along the seal length. Integration of the force distributions result in the net forces and moments generated by the pressure and shear stresses. The flow field inside the seal operating at a Reynolds number of 24,000 and a Taylor number of 6,600 has been measured using a 3-D laser Doppler anemometer system. Phase averaged wall pressure and wall shear stress are presented along with phase averaged mean velocity and turbulence kinetic energy distributions located 0.16c from the stator wall where c is the seal clearance. The relationships between the velocity, turbulence, wall pressure and wall shear stress are very complex and do not follow simple bulk flow predictions.

Inhibition of osteoclast bone resorption activity through osteoprotegerin-induced damage of the sealing zone.

PubMed

Song, Ruilong; Gu, Jianhong; Liu, Xuezhong; Zhu, Jiaqiao; Wang, Qichao; Gao, Qian; Zhang, Jiaming; Cheng, Laiyang; Tong, Xishuai; Qi, Xinyi; Yuan, Yan; Liu, Zongping

2014-09-01

Bone remodeling is dependent on the dynamic equilibrium between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-mediated osteogenesis. The sealing zone is an osteoclast-specific cytoskeletal structure, the integrity of which is critical for osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. To date, studies have focused mainly on the osteoprotegerin (OPG)‑induced inhibition of osteoclast differentiation through the OPG/receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)/RANK system, which affects the bone resorption of osteoclasts. However, the effects of OPG on the sealing zone have not been reported to date. In this study, the formation of the sealing zone was observed by Hoffman modulation contrast (HMC) microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The effects of OPG on the existing sealing zone and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption activity, as well as the regulatory role of genes involved in the formation of the sealing zone were examined by immunofluorescence staining, HMC microscopy, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The sealing zone was formed on day 5, with belt-like protuberances at the cell edge and scattered distribution of cell nuclei, but no filopodia. The sealing zone was intact in the untreated control group. However, defects in the sealing zone were observed in the OPG-treated group (20 ng/ml) and the structure was absent in the groups treated with 40 and 80 ng/ml OPG. The podosomes showed a scattered or clustered distribution between the basal surface of the osteoclasts and the well surface. Furthermore, resorption lacunae were not detected in the 20 ng/ml OPG-treated group, indicating the loss of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption activity. Treatment with OPG resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of Arhgef8/Net1 and DOCK5 Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs), 10 of 18 RhoGTPases (RhoA, RhoB, cdc42v1, cdc42v2, RhoU/Wrch1, RhoF/Rif, Rac2, RhoG, Rnd1 and RhoBTB1), ROCK1 and ROCK2. In conclusion, podosome distribution was affected by the OPG-induced inhibition of the expression of genes in the RhoGTPase signaling pathway. This resulted in damage to or destruction of the sealing zone, thus inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption activity.

Stability analysis of hybrid-driven underwater glider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Wen-dong; Wang, Shu-xin; Wang, Yan-hui; Song, Yang; Zhu, Ya-qiang

2017-10-01

Hybrid-driven underwater glider is a new type of unmanned underwater vehicle, which combines the advantages of autonomous underwater vehicles and traditional underwater gliders. The autonomous underwater vehicles have good maneuverability and can travel with a high speed, while the traditional underwater gliders are highlighted by low power consumption, long voyage, long endurance and good stealth characteristics. The hybrid-driven underwater gliders can realize variable motion profiles by their own buoyancy-driven and propeller propulsion systems. Stability of the mechanical system determines the performance of the system. In this paper, the Petrel-II hybrid-driven underwater glider developed by Tianjin University is selected as the research object and the stability of hybrid-driven underwater glider unitedly controlled by buoyancy and propeller has been targeted and evidenced. The dimensionless equations of the hybrid-driven underwater glider are obtained when the propeller is working. Then, the steady speed and steady glide path angle under steady-state motion have also been achieved. The steady-state operating conditions can be calculated when the hybrid-driven underwater glider reaches the desired steady-state motion. And the steadystate operating conditions are relatively conservative at the lower bound of the velocity range compared with the range of the velocity derived from the method of the composite Lyapunov function. By calculating the hydrodynamic coefficients of the Petrel-II hybrid-driven underwater glider, the simulation analysis has been conducted. In addition, the results of the field trials conducted in the South China Sea and the Danjiangkou Reservoir of China have been presented to illustrate the validity of the analysis and simulation, and to show the feasibility of the method of the composite Lyapunov function which verifies the stability of the Petrel-II hybrid-driven underwater glider.

Do Parameters Of Irradiation Influences The Apical Sealing Of Er:YAG Laser Apicetomies?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marques, Aparecida Maria Cordeiro; dos Santos, Jean Nunes; Pinheiro, Antonio Luiz Barbosa

2011-08-01

Failures on the sealing of the tooth apex are responsible for many failures of apical surgeries. The Er:YAG laser has been proposed as an alternative for the use of rotator instruments on surgical endodontics. 12 human extracted canines had root endodontic treatment being the apical limit was set at 1mm before the apical foramen and were distributed into 2 groups. On group I, apicectomy was performed with the Er:YAG laser (250 mJ/15 Hz). Apical cut was performed of perpendicular mode with 3mm from the apical foramen. On Group II, the same procedures and the same sequence as above was used, varying only the parameters of the Er:YAG laser (400 mJ/6 Hz). The specimens were divided into groups and fixed, by the cervical third, on wax. Impermeabilization of the residual root apical third was performed following the same procedures used in the cervical third but the residual apex was left free from the impermeabilization. After that, the roots were immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution and placed in a bacteriological oven for 48 h. The segments were visually observed and the one showing greatest level of dye leakage was selected and kept in individual container and coded accordingly. Apical staining was measured using a stereoscopic magnifying glass; a compass; and caliper. The results showed that Group I showed significantly different higher mean level of dye leakage (5.67±4.9, p<0.05). There was a significantly difference between the groups. It is concluded that the apicectomies carried out with 400 mJ/6 Hz showed the smallest infiltration value.

Application of gas-coupled laser acoustic detection to gelatins and underwater sensing

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

Caron, James N.; Kunapareddy, Pratima

2014-02-18

Gas-coupled Laser Acoustic Detection (GCLAD) has been used as a method to sense ultrasound waves in materials without contact of the material surface. To sense the waveform, a laser beam is directed parallel to the material surface and displaced or deflected when the radiated waveform traverses the beam. We present recent tests that demonstrate the potential of using this technique for detecting ultrasound in gelatin phantoms and in water. As opposed to interferometric detection, GCLAD operates independently of the optical surface properties of the material. This allows the technique to be used in cases where the material is transparent ormore » semi-transparent. We present results on sensing ultrasound in gelatin phantoms that are used to mimic biological materials. As with air-coupled transducers, the frequency response of GCLAD at high frequencies is limited by the high attenuation of ultrasound in air. In contrast, water has a much lower attenuation. Here we demonstrate the use of a GCLAD-like system in water, measuring the directivity response at 1 MHz and sensing waveforms with higher frequency content.« less

Laser cleaning of ITER's diagnostic mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skinner, C. H.; Gentile, C. A.; Doerner, R.

2012-10-01

Practical methods to clean ITER's diagnostic mirrors and restore reflectivity will be critical to ITER's plasma operations. We report on laser cleaning of single crystal molybdenum mirrors coated with either carbon or beryllium films 150 - 420 nm thick. A 1.06 μm Nd laser system provided 220 ns pulses at 8 kHz with typical power densities of 1-2 J/cm^2. The laser beam was fiber optically coupled to a scanner suitable for tokamak applications. The efficacy of mirror cleaning was assessed with a new technique that combines microscopic imaging and reflectivity measurements [1]. The method is suitable for hazardous materials such as beryllium as the mirrors remain sealed in a vacuum chamber. Excellent restoration of reflectivity for the carbon coated Mo mirrors was observed after laser scanning under vacuum conditions. For the beryllium coated mirrors restoration of reflectivity has so far been incomplete and modeling indicates that a shorter duration laser pulse is needed. No damage of the molybdenum mirror substrates was observed.[4pt][1] C.H. Skinner et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. at press.

Laser direct-write for fabrication of three-dimensional paper-based devices.

PubMed

He, P J W; Katis, I N; Eason, R W; Sones, C L

2016-08-16

We report the use of a laser-based direct-write (LDW) technique that allows the design and fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) structures within a paper substrate that enables implementation of multi-step analytical assays via a 3D protocol. The technique is based on laser-induced photo-polymerisation, and through adjustment of the laser writing parameters such as the laser power and scan speed we can control the depths of hydrophobic barriers that are formed within a substrate which, when carefully designed and integrated, produce 3D flow paths. So far, we have successfully used this depth-variable patterning protocol for stacking and sealing of multi-layer substrates, for assembly of backing layers for two-dimensional (2D) lateral flow devices and finally for fabrication of 3D devices. Since the 3D flow paths can also be formed via a single laser-writing process by controlling the patterning parameters, this is a distinct improvement over other methods that require multiple complicated and repetitive assembly procedures. This technique is therefore suitable for cheap, rapid and large-scale fabrication of 3D paper-based microfluidic devices.

Methods and Systems for Configuring Sensor Acquisition Based on Pressure Steps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeDonato, Mathew (Inventor)

2015-01-01

Technologies are provided for underwater measurements. A system includes an underwater vessels including: a plurality of sensors disposed thereon for measuring underwater properties; and a programmable controller configured to selectively activate the plurality of sensors based at least in part on underwater pressure. A user may program at what pressure ranges certain sensors are activated to measure selected properties, and may also program the ascent/descent rate of the underwater vessel, which is correlated with the underwater pressure.

Comparison of drop size and velocity measurements by a laser precipitation meter and low-speed photography for an agriculture sprinkler

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Kinetic energy of water droplets has a substantial effect on development of a soil surface seal and infiltration rate of bare soil. Methods for measuring sprinkler droplet size and velocity needed to calculate droplet kinetic energy have been developed and tested over the past 50 years, each with ad...

Density Can Be Misleading for Low-Density Species: Benefits of Passive Acoustic Monitoring

PubMed Central

Rogers, Tracey L.; Ciaglia, Michaela B.; Klinck, Holger; Southwell, Colin

2013-01-01

Climate-induced changes may be more substantial within the marine environment, where following ecological change is logistically difficult, and typically expensive. As marine animals tend to produce stereotyped, long-range signals, they are ideal for repeatable surveying. In this study we illustrate the potential for calling rates to be used as a tool for determining habitat quality by using an Antarctic pack-ice seal, the leopard seal, as a model.With an understanding of the vocal behavior of a species, their seasonal and diurnal patterns, sex and age-related differences, an underwater passive-acoustic survey conducted alongside a visual survey in an arc of 4,225 km across the Davis Sea, Eastern Antarctica, showed that while acoustic and visual surveys identified similar regions as having high densities, the acoustic surveys surprisingly identified the opposite regions as being ‘critical’ habitats. Density surveys of species that cannot be differentiated into population classes may be misleading because overall density can be a negative indicator of habitat quality.Under special circumstances acoustics can offer enormous advantage over traditional techniques and open up monitoring to regions that are remote, difficult and expensive to work within, no longer restricting long-term community assessment to resource-wealthy communities. As climatic change affects a broad range of organisms across geographic boundaries we propose that capitalizing on the significant advances in passive acoustic technology, alongside physical acoustics and population modeling, can help in addressing ecological questions more broadly. PMID:23326339

Modular packaging concept for MEMS and MOEMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stenchly, Vanessa; Reinert, Wolfgang; Quenzer, Hans-Joachim

2017-11-01

Wherever technical systems detect objects in their environment or interact with people, optical devices may play an important role. Light can be relatively easily produced and spatially and temporally modulated. Laser can project sharp images over long distances or cut materials in short distances. Depending on the wavelength an invisible scanning in near infrared for gesture recognition is possible as well as a projection of brilliant colour images. For several years, the Fraunhofer ISIT develops Opto-Packaging processes based on the viscous reshaping of glass wafers: First, hermetically sealed laser micro-mirror scanners WLP with inclined windows deflect in the central light reflex of the window out of the image area. Second, housing with lateral light exit permits hermetic sealing of edge-emitting lasers for highest reliability and durability. Such systems are currently experiencing an extremely high interest of the industry in all segments, from consumer to automotive through to materials processing. Our modular Opto-Packaging platform enables fast product developments. Housing for opto mechanical MEMS devices are equipped with inclined windows to minimize distortion, stray light and reflection losses. The hot viscous glass forming technology is also applied to functionalized substrate wafers which possess areas with high heat dissipation in addition to thermally insulating areas. Electrical contacts may be realized with metal filled vias or TGV (Through Glass Vias). The modular system reduces the development times for new, miniaturized optical systems so that manufacturers can focus on the essentials in their development, namely their product functionalities.

Visual training improves underwater vision in children.

PubMed

Gislén, Anna; Warrant, Eric J; Dacke, Marie; Kröger, Ronald H H

2006-10-01

Children in a tribe of sea-gypsies from South-East Asia have been found to have superior underwater vision compared to European children. In this study, we show that the improved underwater vision of these Moken children is not due to better contrast sensitivity in general. We also show that European children can achieve the same underwater acuity as the Moken children. After 1 month of underwater training (11 sessions) followed by 4 months with no underwater activities, European children showed improved underwater vision and distinct bursts of pupil constriction. When tested 8 months after the last training session in an outdoor pool in bright sunlight-comparable to light environments in South-East Asia-the children had attained the same underwater acuity as the sea-gypsy children. The achieved performance can be explained by the combined effect of pupil constriction and strong accommodation.

An Underwater Color Image Quality Evaluation Metric.

PubMed

Yang, Miao; Sowmya, Arcot

2015-12-01

Quality evaluation of underwater images is a key goal of underwater video image retrieval and intelligent processing. To date, no metric has been proposed for underwater color image quality evaluation (UCIQE). The special absorption and scattering characteristics of the water medium do not allow direct application of natural color image quality metrics especially to different underwater environments. In this paper, subjective testing for underwater image quality has been organized. The statistical distribution of the underwater image pixels in the CIELab color space related to subjective evaluation indicates the sharpness and colorful factors correlate well with subjective image quality perception. Based on these, a new UCIQE metric, which is a linear combination of chroma, saturation, and contrast, is proposed to quantify the non-uniform color cast, blurring, and low-contrast that characterize underwater engineering and monitoring images. Experiments are conducted to illustrate the performance of the proposed UCIQE metric and its capability to measure the underwater image enhancement results. They show that the proposed metric has comparable performance to the leading natural color image quality metrics and the underwater grayscale image quality metrics available in the literature, and can predict with higher accuracy the relative amount of degradation with similar image content in underwater environments. Importantly, UCIQE is a simple and fast solution for real-time underwater video processing. The effectiveness of the presented measure is also demonstrated by subjective evaluation. The results show better correlation between the UCIQE and the subjective mean opinion score.

Microscopic analysis of structural changes in diode-laser-welded corneal stroma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matteini, Paolo; Rossi, Francesca; Menabuoni, Luca; Pini, Roberto

2007-02-01

Diode laser welding of the cornea is a technique used to provide immediate sealing of corneal wounds: the cut is stained with a water solution of Indocyanine Green and is then irradiated with an 810 nm laser at low power densities (12-16 W/cm2), which induces a localized heating of the stroma in the range 55-66 °C range. In this study, we present a microscopic analysis aimed at evaluating the structural modifications induced in the stromal collagen of pig eyes during the laser welding of corneal wounds. Cornea samples obtained from twenty freshly-enucleated eyes were cut with a pre-calibrated knife and subjected to the laser welding procedure. Histological slices of the laser-welded stroma were examined by means of optical and transmission electron microscopy. These analyses indicated that bridges of lamellar structures crossed the wound edges with no presence of a coagulation effect. After laser welding, collagen fibrils appeared differently oriented among themselves in comparison with those of the control samples, but with similar mean fibril diameters. The laser-induced effect appeared to be confined to the ICG stained area of the cut walls, and no heat damage was observed at the operative power levels of laser corneal welding.

Optimal Scheduling for Underwater Communications in Multiple-user Scenarios

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

underwater acoustic sensor networks . These techniques aim at consuming as less energy as... underwater acoustic networks disrupt the behavior of surrounding species of marine mammals. As a consequence of these two studies, we aim at developing...Markov models of incremental redundancy hybrid ARQ over underwater acoustic channels. Elsevier Journal on Ad-hoc Networks (Special Issue on Underwater Communications and Networks ), 2014. 4

Advancing Underwater Acoustic Communication for Autonomous Distributed Networks via Sparse Channel Sensing, Coding, and Navigation Support

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

underwater acoustic communication technologies for autonomous distributed underwater networks , through innovative signal processing, coding, and...4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Advancing Underwater Acoustic Communication for Autonomous Distributed Networks via Sparse Channel Sensing, Coding, and...coding: 3) OFDM modulated dynamic coded cooperation in underwater acoustic channels; 3 Localization, Networking , and Testbed: 4) On-demand

Simultaneous observation of nascent plasma and bubble induced by laser ablation in water with various pulse durations

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

Tamura, Ayaka, E-mail: atamura@hiroshima-u.ac.jp; Matsumoto, Ayumu; Nishi, Naoya

2015-05-07

We investigate the effects of pulse duration on the dynamics of the nascent plasma and bubble induced by laser ablation in water. To examine the relationship between the nascent plasma and the bubble without disturbed by shot-to-shot fluctuation, we observe the images of the plasma and the bubble simultaneously by using two intensified charge coupled device detectors. We successfully observe the images of the plasma and bubble during the pulsed-irradiation, when the bubble size is as small as 20 μm. The light-emitting region of the plasma during the laser irradiation seems to exceed the bubble boundary in the case of themore » short-pulse (30-ns pulse) irradiation, while the size of the plasma is significantly smaller than that of the bubble in the case of the long-pulse (100-ns pulse) irradiation. The results suggest that the extent of the plasma quenching in the initial stage significantly depends on the pulse duration. Also, we investigate how the plasma-bubble relationship in the very early stage affects the shape of the atomic spectral lines observed at the later delay time of 600 ns. The present work gives important information to obtain high quality spectra in the application of underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, as well as to clarify the mechanism of liquid-phase laser ablation.« less

Simultaneous adaptation to size, distance, and curvature underwater.

PubMed

Vernoy, M W

1989-02-01

Perceptual adaptation to underwater size, distance, and curvature distortion was measured for four different adaptation conditions. These conditions consisted of (a) playing Chinese checkers underwater, (b) swimming with eyes open underwater, (c) viewing a square underwater, and (d) an air control. Significant adaptation to underwater distortions was recorded in all except the air control condition. In the viewing square condition a positive correlation between size and distance adaptation was noted. It was suggested that adaptation to curvature may have mediated the positive correlation. Possible applications for the training of divers are discussed.

A scanning electron microscopy study of CO2 laser-albumin soldering in the rabbit model.

PubMed

Levanon, Daniel; Katzir, Abraham; Ravid, Avi

2004-12-01

We sought to assess the rabbit as an experimental animal in the investigation of laser skin soldering. We studied, using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the surface appearances of experimental incisions made on the rabbit back skin and soldered by CO(2) laser. Laser soldering of incisions in various tissues is a modality of wound healing of a very promising clinical value. At present, more component studies on animals directed at paving the way towards clinical protocols are needed. Surgical incisions on rabbits back skin were bonded using either albumin-assisted CO(2) laser soldering (experimental) or thread suturing (reference). The incisions closed were excised 2, 3, 4, and 5 days postoperatively, and skin surfaces were studied in the SEM. Naked eye inspection and SEM analysis showed that full-length sealing of soldered and sutured incisions was discernible as early as day 2. In the SEM, all incisions were found confluently coated by epidermal cells along the former cut streak. Soldering subserved to bond incisions efficiently, with surface smooth and close to normal skin. On the other hand, the surface of sutured incisions appeared convoluted and its aesthetic quality inferior to that of the former. Some of the days two and three soldered incisions suffered dehiscence on excision, which suggests an incomplete regeneration of tensile strength at this early phase of healing. Sutured incisions tolerated excision, very probably due to the microthread still present in the skin tissue rather than because of breaking strength regained during wound healing. Also, hair stumps re-grown on the skin by day 5 postoperative might impair satisfactory microscopy of bonded incisions. CO(2) laser soldering of incisions on the rabbit back skin effected rapid wound sealing and resulted in smooth scars indistinguishable from normal skin. The rabbit is well suited for this kind of studies, provided that excision of experimental cuts takes place not later than 5 days post-incision so that hair stumps may not grow large enough to jeopardize the quality of scanning electron microscopy.

AURP: An AUV-Aided Underwater Routing Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Yoon, Seokhoon; Azad, Abul K.; Oh, Hoon; Kim, Sunghwan

2012-01-01

Deploying a multi-hop underwater acoustic sensor network (UASN) in a large area brings about new challenges in reliable data transmissions and survivability of network due to the limited underwater communication range/bandwidth and the limited energy of underwater sensor nodes. In order to address those challenges and achieve the objectives of maximization of data delivery ratio and minimization of energy consumption of underwater sensor nodes, this paper proposes a new underwater routing scheme, namely AURP (AUV-aided underwater routing protocol), which uses not only heterogeneous acoustic communication channels but also controlled mobility of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). In AURP, the total data transmissions are minimized by using AUVs as relay nodes, which collect sensed data from gateway nodes and then forward to the sink. Moreover, controlled mobility of AUVs makes it possible to apply a short-range high data rate underwater channel for transmissions of a large amount of data. To the best to our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to employ multiple AUVs as relay nodes in a multi-hop UASN to improve the network performance in terms of data delivery ratio and energy consumption. Simulations, which are incorporated with a realistic underwater acoustic communication channel model, are carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme, and the results indicate that a high delivery ratio and low energy consumption can be achieved. PMID:22438740

AURP: an AUV-aided underwater routing protocol for underwater acoustic sensor networks.

PubMed

Yoon, Seokhoon; Azad, Abul K; Oh, Hoon; Kim, Sunghwan

2012-01-01

Deploying a multi-hop underwater acoustic sensor network (UASN) in a large area brings about new challenges in reliable data transmissions and survivability of network due to the limited underwater communication range/bandwidth and the limited energy of underwater sensor nodes. In order to address those challenges and achieve the objectives of maximization of data delivery ratio and minimization of energy consumption of underwater sensor nodes, this paper proposes a new underwater routing scheme, namely AURP (AUV-aided underwater routing protocol), which uses not only heterogeneous acoustic communication channels but also controlled mobility of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). In AURP, the total data transmissions are minimized by using AUVs as relay nodes, which collect sensed data from gateway nodes and then forward to the sink. Moreover, controlled mobility of AUVs makes it possible to apply a short-range high data rate underwater channel for transmissions of a large amount of data. To the best to our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to employ multiple AUVs as relay nodes in a multi-hop UASN to improve the network performance in terms of data delivery ratio and energy consumption. Simulations, which are incorporated with a realistic underwater acoustic communication channel model, are carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme, and the results indicate that a high delivery ratio and low energy consumption can be achieved.

Lubrication and thermal characteristics of mechanical seal with porous surface based on cavitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huilong, Chen; Muzi, Zuo; Tong, Liu; Yu, Wang; Cheng, Xu; Qiangbo, Wu

2014-04-01

The theory model of mechanical seals with laser-textured porous surface (LST-MS) was established. The liquid film of LST-MS was simulated by the Fluent software, using full cavitation model and non-cavitation model separately. Dynamic mesh technique and relationship between viscosity and temperature were applied to simulate the internal flow field and heat characteristics of LST-MS, based on the more accurate cavitation model. Influence of porous depth ratio porous diameter ɛ and porous density SP on lubrication performance and the variation of lubrication and thermal properties with shaft speed and sealing pressure were analyzed. The results indicate that the strongest hydrodynamic pressure effect and the biggest thickness of liquid film are obtained when ɛ and SP are respectively about 0.025 and 0.5 which were thought to be the optimum value. The frictional heat leads to the increase of liquid film temperature and the decrease of medium viscosity with the shaft speed increasing. The hydrodynamic pressure effect increases as shaft speed increasing, however it decreases as the impact of frictional heat.

Improved Gas Filling and Sealing of an HC-PCF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poberezhskiy, Ilya; Meras, Patrick; Chang, Daniel; Spiers, Gary

2008-01-01

An improved packaging approach has been devised for filling a hollow-core photonic-crystal fiber (HC-PCF) with a gas, sealing the HC-PCF to retain the gas, and providing for optical connections and, optionally, a plumbing fitting for changing or augmenting the gas filling. Gas-filled HC-PCFs can be many meters long and have been found to be attractive as relatively compact, lightweight, rugged alternatives to conventional gas-filled glass cells for use as molecular-resonance frequency references for stabilization of lasers in some optical-metrology, lidar, optical-communication, and other advanced applications. Prior approaches to gas filling and sealing of HC-PCFs have involved, variously, omission of any attempt to connectorize the PCF, connectorization inside a vacuum chamber (an awkward and expensive process), or temporary exposure of one end of an HC-PCF to the atmosphere, potentially resulting in contamination of the gas filling. Prior approaches have also involved, variously, fusion splicing of HC-PCFs with other optical fibers or other termination techniques that give rise to Fresnel reflections of about 4 percent, which results in output intensity noise.

Lidar detection of underwater objects using a neuro-SVM-based architecture.

PubMed

Mitra, Vikramjit; Wang, Chia-Jiu; Banerjee, Satarupa

2006-05-01

This paper presents a neural network architecture using a support vector machine (SVM) as an inference engine (IE) for classification of light detection and ranging (Lidar) data. Lidar data gives a sequence of laser backscatter intensities obtained from laser shots generated from an airborne object at various altitudes above the earth surface. Lidar data is pre-filtered to remove high frequency noise. As the Lidar shots are taken from above the earth surface, it has some air backscatter information, which is of no importance for detecting underwater objects. Because of these, the air backscatter information is eliminated from the data and a segment of this data is subsequently selected to extract features for classification. This is then encoded using linear predictive coding (LPC) and polynomial approximation. The coefficients thus generated are used as inputs to the two branches of a parallel neural architecture. The decisions obtained from the two branches are vector multiplied and the result is fed to an SVM-based IE that presents the final inference. Two parallel neural architectures using multilayer perception (MLP) and hybrid radial basis function (HRBF) are considered in this paper. The proposed structure fits the Lidar data classification task well due to the inherent classification efficiency of neural networks and accurate decision-making capability of SVM. A Bayesian classifier and a quadratic classifier were considered for the Lidar data classification task but they failed to offer high prediction accuracy. Furthermore, a single-layered artificial neural network (ANN) classifier was also considered and it failed to offer good accuracy. The parallel ANN architecture proposed in this paper offers high prediction accuracy (98.9%) and is found to be the most suitable architecture for the proposed task of Lidar data classification.

A Novel INS and Doppler Sensors Calibration Method for Long Range Underwater Vehicle Navigation

PubMed Central

Tang, Kanghua; Wang, Jinling; Li, Wanli; Wu, Wenqi

2013-01-01

Since the drifts of Inertial Navigation System (INS) solutions are inevitable and also grow over time, a Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) is used to aid the INS to restrain its error growth. Therefore, INS/DVL integration is a common approach for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) navigation. The parameters including the scale factor of DVL and misalignments between INS and DVL are key factors which limit the accuracy of the INS/DVL integration. In this paper, a novel parameter calibration method is proposed. An iterative implementation of the method is designed to reduce the error caused by INS initial alignment. Furthermore, a simplified INS/DVL integration scheme is employed. The proposed method is evaluated with both river trial and sea trial data sets. Using 0.03°/h(1σ) ring laser gyroscopes, 5 × 10−5 g(1σ) quartz accelerometers and DVL with accuracy 0.5% V ± 0.5 cm/s, INS/DVL integrated navigation can reach an accuracy of about 1‰ of distance travelled (CEP) in a river trial and 2‰ of distance travelled (CEP) in a sea trial. PMID:24169542

Orbital Angular Momentum-based Space Division Multiplexing for High-capacity Underwater Optical Communications

DOE PAGES

Ren, Yongxiong; Li, Long; Wang, Zhe; ...

2016-09-12

To increase system capacity of underwater optical communications, we employ the spatial domain to simultaneously transmit multiple orthogonal spatial beams, each carrying an independent data channel. In this paper, we show up to a 40-Gbit/s link by multiplexing and transmitting four green orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams through a single aperture. Moreover, we investigate the degrading effects of scattering/turbidity, water current, and thermal gradient-induced turbulence, and we find that thermal gradients cause the most distortions and turbidity causes the most loss. We show systems results using two different data generation techniques, one at 1064 nm for 10-Gbit/s/beam and one atmore » 520 nm for 1-Gbit/s/beam; we use both techniques since present data-modulation technologies are faster for infrared (IR) than for green. For the 40-Gbit/s link, data is modulated in the IR, and OAM imprinting is performed in the green using a specially-designed metasurface phase mask. For the 4-Gbit/s link, a green laser diode is directly modulated. Lastly, we show that inter-channel crosstalk induced by thermal gradients can be mitigated using multi-channel equalisation processing.« less

Orbital Angular Momentum-based Space Division Multiplexing for High-capacity Underwater Optical Communications

PubMed Central

Ren, Yongxiong; Li, Long; Wang, Zhe; Kamali, Seyedeh Mahsa; Arbabi, Ehsan; Arbabi, Amir; Zhao, Zhe; Xie, Guodong; Cao, Yinwen; Ahmed, Nisar; Yan, Yan; Liu, Cong; Willner, Asher J.; Ashrafi, Solyman; Tur, Moshe; Faraon, Andrei; Willner, Alan E.

2016-01-01

To increase system capacity of underwater optical communications, we employ the spatial domain to simultaneously transmit multiple orthogonal spatial beams, each carrying an independent data channel. In this paper, we show up to a 40-Gbit/s link by multiplexing and transmitting four green orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams through a single aperture. Moreover, we investigate the degrading effects of scattering/turbidity, water current, and thermal gradient-induced turbulence, and we find that thermal gradients cause the most distortions and turbidity causes the most loss. We show systems results using two different data generation techniques, one at 1064 nm for 10-Gbit/s/beam and one at 520 nm for 1-Gbit/s/beam; we use both techniques since present data-modulation technologies are faster for infrared (IR) than for green. For the 40-Gbit/s link, data is modulated in the IR, and OAM imprinting is performed in the green using a specially-designed metasurface phase mask. For the 4-Gbit/s link, a green laser diode is directly modulated. Finally, we show that inter-channel crosstalk induced by thermal gradients can be mitigated using multi-channel equalisation processing. PMID:27615808

Orbital Angular Momentum-based Space Division Multiplexing for High-capacity Underwater Optical Communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Yongxiong; Li, Long; Wang, Zhe; Kamali, Seyedeh Mahsa; Arbabi, Ehsan; Arbabi, Amir; Zhao, Zhe; Xie, Guodong; Cao, Yinwen; Ahmed, Nisar; Yan, Yan; Liu, Cong; Willner, Asher J.; Ashrafi, Solyman; Tur, Moshe; Faraon, Andrei; Willner, Alan E.

2016-09-01

To increase system capacity of underwater optical communications, we employ the spatial domain to simultaneously transmit multiple orthogonal spatial beams, each carrying an independent data channel. In this paper, we show up to a 40-Gbit/s link by multiplexing and transmitting four green orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams through a single aperture. Moreover, we investigate the degrading effects of scattering/turbidity, water current, and thermal gradient-induced turbulence, and we find that thermal gradients cause the most distortions and turbidity causes the most loss. We show systems results using two different data generation techniques, one at 1064 nm for 10-Gbit/s/beam and one at 520 nm for 1-Gbit/s/beam; we use both techniques since present data-modulation technologies are faster for infrared (IR) than for green. For the 40-Gbit/s link, data is modulated in the IR, and OAM imprinting is performed in the green using a specially-designed metasurface phase mask. For the 4-Gbit/s link, a green laser diode is directly modulated. Finally, we show that inter-channel crosstalk induced by thermal gradients can be mitigated using multi-channel equalisation processing.

Three main paradigms of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imani, Vandad; Haataja, Keijo; Toivanen, Pekka

2018-04-01

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is one of the most challenging research areas within computer and machine vision for automated scene commentary and explanation. The SLAM technique has been a developing research area in the robotics context during recent years. By utilizing the SLAM method robot can estimate the different positions of the robot at the distinct points of time which can indicate the trajectory of robot as well as generate a map of the environment. SLAM has unique traits which are estimating the location of robot and building a map in the various types of environment. SLAM is effective in different types of environment such as indoor, outdoor district, Air, Underwater, Underground and Space. Several approaches have been investigated to use SLAM technique in distinct environments. The purpose of this paper is to provide an accurate perceptive review of case history of SLAM relied on laser/ultrasonic sensors and camera as perception input data. In addition, we mainly focus on three paradigms of SLAM problem with all its pros and cons. In the future, use intelligent methods and some new idea will be used on visual SLAM to estimate the motion intelligent underwater robot and building a feature map of marine environment.

Orbital Angular Momentum-based Space Division Multiplexing for High-capacity Underwater Optical Communications

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

Ren, Yongxiong; Li, Long; Wang, Zhe

To increase system capacity of underwater optical communications, we employ the spatial domain to simultaneously transmit multiple orthogonal spatial beams, each carrying an independent data channel. In this paper, we show up to a 40-Gbit/s link by multiplexing and transmitting four green orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams through a single aperture. Moreover, we investigate the degrading effects of scattering/turbidity, water current, and thermal gradient-induced turbulence, and we find that thermal gradients cause the most distortions and turbidity causes the most loss. We show systems results using two different data generation techniques, one at 1064 nm for 10-Gbit/s/beam and one atmore » 520 nm for 1-Gbit/s/beam; we use both techniques since present data-modulation technologies are faster for infrared (IR) than for green. For the 40-Gbit/s link, data is modulated in the IR, and OAM imprinting is performed in the green using a specially-designed metasurface phase mask. For the 4-Gbit/s link, a green laser diode is directly modulated. Lastly, we show that inter-channel crosstalk induced by thermal gradients can be mitigated using multi-channel equalisation processing.« less

Orbital Angular Momentum-based Space Division Multiplexing for High-capacity Underwater Optical Communications.

PubMed

Ren, Yongxiong; Li, Long; Wang, Zhe; Kamali, Seyedeh Mahsa; Arbabi, Ehsan; Arbabi, Amir; Zhao, Zhe; Xie, Guodong; Cao, Yinwen; Ahmed, Nisar; Yan, Yan; Liu, Cong; Willner, Asher J; Ashrafi, Solyman; Tur, Moshe; Faraon, Andrei; Willner, Alan E

2016-09-12

To increase system capacity of underwater optical communications, we employ the spatial domain to simultaneously transmit multiple orthogonal spatial beams, each carrying an independent data channel. In this paper, we show up to a 40-Gbit/s link by multiplexing and transmitting four green orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams through a single aperture. Moreover, we investigate the degrading effects of scattering/turbidity, water current, and thermal gradient-induced turbulence, and we find that thermal gradients cause the most distortions and turbidity causes the most loss. We show systems results using two different data generation techniques, one at 1064 nm for 10-Gbit/s/beam and one at 520 nm for 1-Gbit/s/beam; we use both techniques since present data-modulation technologies are faster for infrared (IR) than for green. For the 40-Gbit/s link, data is modulated in the IR, and OAM imprinting is performed in the green using a specially-designed metasurface phase mask. For the 4-Gbit/s link, a green laser diode is directly modulated. Finally, we show that inter-channel crosstalk induced by thermal gradients can be mitigated using multi-channel equalisation processing.

Electrode array for neural stimulation

DOEpatents

Wessendorf, Kurt O [Albuquerque, NM; Okandan, Murat [Edgewood, NM; Stein, David J [Albuquerque, NM; Yang, Pin [Albuquerque, NM; Cesarano, III, Joseph; Dellinger, Jennifer [Albuquerque, NM

2011-08-16

An electrode array for neural stimulation is disclosed which has particular applications for use in a retinal prosthesis. The electrode array can be formed as a hermetically-sealed two-part ceramic package which includes an electronic circuit such as a demultiplexer circuit encapsulated therein. A relatively large number (up to 1000 or more) of individually-addressable electrodes are provided on a curved surface of a ceramic base portion the electrode array, while a much smaller number of electrical connections are provided on a ceramic lid of the electrode array. The base and lid can be attached using a metal-to-metal seal formed by laser brazing. Electrical connections to the electrode array can be provided by a flexible ribbon cable which can also be used to secure the electrode array in place.

Mechanical design of experimental apparatus for FIREX cryo-target cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwamoto, A.; Norimatsu, T.; Nakai, M.; Sakagami, H.; Fujioka, S.; Shiraga, H.; Azechi, H.

2016-05-01

Mechanical design of an experimental apparatus for FIREX cryo-target cooling is described. Gaseous helium (GHe) sealing system at a cryogenic environment is an important issue for laser fusion experiments. The dedicated loading system was designed for a metal gasket. We take U-TIGHTSEAL® (Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha. Ltd.) with an indium plated copper jacket as an example. According to its specification, a linear load of 110 N/m along its circumference is the optimum compression; however a lower load would still maintain helium (He) leak below the required level. Its sealing performance was investigated systematically. Our system demanded 27 N/mm of the load to keep He leak tightness in a cryogenic environment. Once leak tightness was obtained, it could be reduced to 9.5 N/mm.

Prospects for Ultra-Stable Timekeeping with Sealed Vacuum Operation in Multi-Pole Linear Ion Trap Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burt, Eric A.; Tjoelker, R. L.

2007-01-01

A recent long-term comparison between the compensated multi-pole Linear Ion Trap Standard (LITS) and the laser-cooled primary standards via GPS carrier phase time transfer showed a deviation of less than 2.7x10(exp -17)/day. A subsequent evaluation of potential drift contributors in the LITS showed that the leading candidates are fluctuations in background gases and the neon buffer gas. The current vacuum system employs a "flow-through" turbomolecular pump and a diaphragm fore pump. Here we consider the viability of a "sealed" vacuum system pumped by a non-evaporable getter for long-term ultra-stable clock operation. Initial tests suggests that both further stability improvement and longer mean-time-between-maintenance can be achieved using this approach

The e-beam sustained CO2 laser amplifier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, M. J.; Shaw, S. R.; Evans, M. H.; Smith, I. M.; Holman, W.

1990-01-01

The design features of an e-beam sustained CO2 amplifier are described. The amplifier is designed specifically as a catalyst test-bed to study the performance of room temperature precious metal CO-oxidation catalysts under e-beam sustained operation. The amplifier has been designed to provide pulse durations of 30 microseconds in a discharge volume of 2 litres. With a gas flow velocity of 2 metres per second, operation at repetition rates of 10 Hz is accommodated. The system is designed for sealed-off operation and a catalyst bed is housed in the gas circulation system downstream from the discharge region. CO and oxygen monitors are used for diagnosis of gas composition in the amplifier so that catalyst performance can be monitored in situ during sealed lifetests.

Crosstalk analyse of DFB fiber laser hydrophone array based on time division multiplexing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yu; Huang, Junbin; Gu, Hongcan; Tang, Bo; Wu, Jing

2014-12-01

In this paper, the crosstalk of a time division multiplexed (TDM) system of distributed feedback (DFB) fiber laser (FL)hydrophones based on optical switch using Phase Generated Carrier (PGC) method was quantitatively analyzed. After mathematical deduction, the relationship among crosstalk, multiplexing scale and extinction ratio of optical switch was given. The simulation results show that to realize a TDM system of DFB fiber laser hydrophones with crosstalk lower than -40dB, the average extinction ratio should be higher than 24.78dB for a 4- channel system, while higher than 28.45dB for an 8- channel system. Two experiments to analyze the array crosstalk to a certain channel in an 8- channel array were conducted in this paper. Firstly, by testing the powers of leak laser to a certain channel from others, the array crosstalk to this channel was obtained according to the equation mathematically deduced in this paper. The result shows the array crosstalk to a certain channel of the 8-channel array was -7.6dB. An experiment of underwater acoustic detection was carried out finally to get the real array crosstalk to this certain channel, and the experimental result shows that the array crosstalk to this channel is -8.8dB, which is close to the calculated result.

Vehicle Based Vector Sensor

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-28

buoyant underwater vehicle with an interior space in which a length of said underwater vehicle is equal to one tenth of the acoustic wavelength...underwater vehicle with an interior space in which a length of said underwater vehicle is equal to one tenth of the acoustic wavelength; an...unmanned underwater vehicle that can function as an acoustic vector sensor. (2) Description of the Prior Art [0004] It is known that a propagating

Development enhances hypometabolism in northern elephant seal pups (Mirounga angustirostris)

PubMed Central

Tift, Michael S.; Ranalli, Elizabeth C.; Houser, Dorian S.; Ortiz, Rudy M.; Crocker, Daniel E.

2013-01-01

Summary Investigation into the development of oxygen storage capacity in air-breathing marine predators has been performed, but little is known about the development of regulatory factors that influence oxygen utilization. Strategies for efficiently using oxygen stores should enable marine predators to optimize time spent foraging underwater. We describe the developmental patterns of oxygen use during voluntary breath-holds in northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) at 2 and 7 weeks post-weaning. We measured 1) changes in oxygen consumption (VO2), and 2) changes in venous pH, partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), haemoglobin saturation (sO2), oxygen content (O2ct), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), haematocrit (Hct) and total haemoglobin (tHb). To examine the effect of the dive response on the development of oxygen utilization, voluntary breath-hold experiments were conducted in and out of water. Suppression of VO2 during voluntary breath-holds increased significantly between 2 and 7 weeks post-weaning, reaching a maximum suppression of 53% below resting metabolic rate and 56% below Kleiber’s standard metabolic rate. From 2 to 7 weeks post-weaning, breath-hold VO2 was reduced by 52%. Between the two age classes, this equates to a mean breath-hold VO2 reduction of 16% from resting VO2. Breath-hold VO2 also declined with increasing breath-hold duration, but there was no direct effect of voluntary submergence on reducing VO2. Age did not influence rates of venous pO2 depletion during breath-holds. However, voluntary submergence did result in slower pO2 depletion rates when compared to voluntary terrestrial apnoeas. The differences in whole body VO2 during breath-holds (measured at recovery) and venous pO2 (reflective of tissue O2-use measured during breath-holds), likely reflects metabolic suppression in hypoxic, vasoconstricted tissues. Consistent pCO2 values at the end of all voluntary breath-holds (59.0 ± 0.7 mmHg) suggests the physiological cue for stimulating respiration in northern elephant seal pups is the accumulation of CO2. Oxygen storage capacity and metabolic suppression directly limit diving capabilities and may influence foraging success in low-weaning weight seals forced to depart to sea prior to achieving full developmental diving capacity. PMID:24187422

Coastal mining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bell, Peter M.

The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) declared by President Reagan in March 1983 has met with a mixed response from those who would benefit from a guaranteed, 200-nautical-mile (370-km) protected underwater mining zone off the coasts of the United States and its possessions. On the one hand, the U.S. Department of the Interior is looking ahead and has been very successful in safeguarding important natural resources that will be needed in the coming decades. On the other hand, the mining industry is faced with a depressed metals and mining market.A report of the Exclusive Economic Zone Symposium held in November 1983 by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Mineral Management Service, and the Bureau of Mines described the mixed response as: “ … The Department of Interior … raring to go into promotion of deep-seal mining but industrial consortia being very pessimistic about the program, at least for the next 30 or so years.” (Chemical & Engineering News, February 5, 1983).

A comparison of LBW and GTAW processes in miniature closure welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knorovsky, G. A.; Fuerschbach, P. W.; Gianoulakis, S. E.; Burchett, S. N.

When small electronic components with glass-to-metal seals are closure welded, the residual stresses that develop in the glass are of concern. If these stresses exceed allowable tensile levels' the resulting weld-induced seal failure may cause the entire component to be scrapped or reworked at a substantial cost. Conventional wisdom says the best welding process for these applications is that which provides the least heat input, and so in that respect, Laser Beam Welding (LBW) provides less heat input than Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), however, other concerns, such as weld fit-up, part variability, and material weldability, can modify the final choice of a welding process. In this paper, we compare the characteristic levels of heat input and the residual stresses generated in glass seals for two processes (as calculated by a 3D Finite Element Analysis) as a function of heat input and travel speed, and contrast some of the other manufacturing decisions that must be made in choosing a production process. The geometry chosen is that of a standing edge corner weld in a cylindrical container about 20 mm diameter by 35 mm tall. Four metal pins are glassed into the part lid. The stresses calculated from the resulting from continuous wave CO2 LBW are compared with those resulting from GTAW. The total energy required by the laser weld is significantly less than that needed for the equivalent size GTA weld. The energy input requirements for a given size weld is inversely proportional to the travel speed, but approaches a saturation level as the travel speed increases. LBW travel speeds ranging from 10 mm/s to 50 mm/s were examined.

RF Path and Absorption Loss Estimation for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks in Different Water Environments

PubMed Central

Qureshi, Umair Mujtaba; Shaikh, Faisal Karim; Aziz, Zuneera; Shah, Syed M. Zafi S.; Sheikh, Adil A.; Felemban, Emad; Qaisar, Saad Bin

2016-01-01

Underwater Wireless Sensor Network (UWSN) communication at high frequencies is extremely challenging. The intricacies presented by the underwater environment are far more compared to the terrestrial environment. The prime reason for such intricacies are the physical characteristics of the underwater environment that have a big impact on electromagnetic (EM) signals. Acoustics signals are by far the most preferred choice for underwater wireless communication. Because high frequency signals have the luxury of large bandwidth (BW) at shorter distances, high frequency EM signals cannot penetrate and propagate deep in underwater environments. The EM properties of water tend to resist their propagation and cause severe attenuation. Accordingly, there are two questions that need to be addressed for underwater environment, first what happens when high frequency EM signals operating at 2.4 GHz are used for communication, and second which factors affect the most to high frequency EM signals. To answer these questions, we present real-time experiments conducted at 2.4 GHz in terrestrial and underwater (fresh water) environments. The obtained results helped in studying the physical characteristics (i.e., EM properties, propagation and absorption loss) of underwater environments. It is observed that high frequency EM signals can propagate in fresh water at a shallow depth only and can be considered for a specific class of applications such as water sports. Furthermore, path loss, velocity of propagation, absorption loss and the rate of signal loss in different underwater environments are also calculated and presented in order to understand why EM signals cannot propagate in sea water and oceanic water environments. An optimal solk6ution for underwater communication in terms of coverage distance, bandwidth and nature of communication is presented, along with possible underwater applications of UWSNs at 2.4 GHz. PMID:27322263

Determining spherical lens correction for astronaut training underwater.

PubMed

Porter, Jason; Gibson, C Robert; Strauss, Samuel

2011-09-01

To develop a model that will accurately predict the distance spherical lens correction needed to be worn by National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts while training underwater. The replica space suit's helmet contains curved visors that induce refractive power when submersed in water. Anterior surface powers and thicknesses were measured for the helmet's protective and inside visors. The impact of each visor on the helmet's refractive power in water was analyzed using thick lens calculations and Zemax optical design software. Using geometrical optics approximations, a model was developed to determine the optimal distance spherical power needed to be worn underwater based on the helmet's total induced spherical power underwater and the astronaut's manifest spectacle plane correction in air. The validity of the model was tested using data from both eyes of 10 astronauts who trained underwater. The helmet's visors induced a total power of -2.737 D when placed underwater. The required underwater spherical correction (FW) was linearly related to the spectacle plane spherical correction in air (FAir): FW = FAir + 2.356 D. The mean magnitude of the difference between the actual correction worn underwater and the calculated underwater correction was 0.20 ± 0.11 D. The actual and calculated values were highly correlated (r = 0.971) with 70% of eyes having a difference in magnitude of <0.25 D between values. We devised a model to calculate the spherical spectacle lens correction needed to be worn underwater by National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts. The model accurately predicts the actual values worn underwater and can be applied (more generally) to determine a suitable spectacle lens correction to be worn behind other types of masks when submerged underwater.

Determining spherical lens correction for astronaut training underwater

PubMed Central

Porter, Jason; Gibson, C. Robert; Strauss, Samuel

2013-01-01

Purpose To develop a model that will accurately predict the distance spherical lens correction needed to be worn by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts while training underwater. The replica space suit’s helmet contains curved visors that induce refractive power when submersed in water. Methods Anterior surface powers and thicknesses were measured for the helmet’s protective and inside visors. The impact of each visor on the helmet’s refractive power in water was analyzed using thick lens calculations and Zemax optical design software. Using geometrical optics approximations, a model was developed to determine the optimal distance spherical power needed to be worn underwater based on the helmet’s total induced spherical power underwater and the astronaut’s manifest spectacle plane correction in air. The validity of the model was tested using data from both eyes of 10 astronauts who trained underwater. Results The helmet visors induced a total power of −2.737 D when placed underwater. The required underwater spherical correction (FW) was linearly related to the spectacle plane spherical correction in air (FAir): FW = FAir + 2.356 D. The mean magnitude of the difference between the actual correction worn underwater and the calculated underwater correction was 0.20 ± 0.11 D. The actual and calculated values were highly correlated (R = 0.971) with 70% of eyes having a difference in magnitude of < 0.25 D between values. Conclusions We devised a model to calculate the spherical spectacle lens correction needed to be worn underwater by National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts. The model accurately predicts the actual values worn underwater and can be applied (more generally) to determine a suitable spectacle lens correction to be worn behind other types of masks when submerged underwater. PMID:21623249

RF Path and Absorption Loss Estimation for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks in Different Water Environments.

PubMed

Qureshi, Umair Mujtaba; Shaikh, Faisal Karim; Aziz, Zuneera; Shah, Syed M Zafi S; Sheikh, Adil A; Felemban, Emad; Qaisar, Saad Bin

2016-06-16

Underwater Wireless Sensor Network (UWSN) communication at high frequencies is extremely challenging. The intricacies presented by the underwater environment are far more compared to the terrestrial environment. The prime reason for such intricacies are the physical characteristics of the underwater environment that have a big impact on electromagnetic (EM) signals. Acoustics signals are by far the most preferred choice for underwater wireless communication. Because high frequency signals have the luxury of large bandwidth (BW) at shorter distances, high frequency EM signals cannot penetrate and propagate deep in underwater environments. The EM properties of water tend to resist their propagation and cause severe attenuation. Accordingly, there are two questions that need to be addressed for underwater environment, first what happens when high frequency EM signals operating at 2.4 GHz are used for communication, and second which factors affect the most to high frequency EM signals. To answer these questions, we present real-time experiments conducted at 2.4 GHz in terrestrial and underwater (fresh water) environments. The obtained results helped in studying the physical characteristics (i.e., EM properties, propagation and absorption loss) of underwater environments. It is observed that high frequency EM signals can propagate in fresh water at a shallow depth only and can be considered for a specific class of applications such as water sports. Furthermore, path loss, velocity of propagation, absorption loss and the rate of signal loss in different underwater environments are also calculated and presented in order to understand why EM signals cannot propagate in sea water and oceanic water environments. An optimal solk6ution for underwater communication in terms of coverage distance, bandwidth and nature of communication is presented, along with possible underwater applications of UWSNs at 2.4 GHz.

Influence of the parameters of the Er:YAG laser on the apical sealing of apicectomized teeth.

PubMed

Marques, Aparecida Maria Cordeiro; Gerbi, Marleny Elizabeth M M; dos Santos, Jean Nunes; Noia, Manuela Pimentel; Oliveira, Priscila Chagas; Brugnera Junior, Aldo; Zanin, Fátima Antonia Aparecida; Pinheiro, Antonio Luiz Barbosa

2011-07-01

Failures in the sealing of the tooth apex have been considered to be responsible for most of the failures of apical surgeries. The Er:YAG laser has been proposed as an alternative for the use of rotator instruments in surgical endodontics due to its precision, lack of vibration, less post-operative discomfort, bacterial reduction, and less stress for patients and professionals. Following approval by the ethics committee, 12 extracted human canines without previous endodontic treatment with anatomically normal roots and free from apical lesions were washed in running tap water and disinfected. The teeth were sectioned axially at the crown-root junction and submitted to routine endodontic treatment. The apical limit was set at 1 mm before the apical foramen. The root canals were routinely filled with Gutta-Percha points and Sealer 26 and were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 6). In group I, apicectomy was performed with the Er:YAG laser (KAVO KEY Laser II®, Germany, λ = 2.940 nm, pulsed mode, 2051 tip, with air spray cooling, 250 mJ/15 Hz). Apical cut was performed of perpendicular mode 3 mm from the apical foramen. In group II, the same procedures and the same sequence as above was used, varying only the parameters of the Er:YAG laser (400 mJ/6 Hz). Sealing of the cervical end the apex was carried out with acrylic resin; the roots were covered by a layer of epoxy glue and two layers of nail polish. The specimens were divided into groups and fixed, by the cervical third, on wax. Impermeabilization of the residual root apical third was performed following the same procedures used in the cervical third but the residual apex was left free from the impermeabilization. After that, the roots were immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution and placed in a bacteriological oven for 48 h and then washed in running tap water for 2 h. The samples were sagittally split into two parts. The segments were visually observed and the one showing the greatest level of dye leakage was selected and kept in an individual container and coded accordingly. Apical staining was measured using a stereoscopic magnifying glass, a compass, and a caliper. The measurement was performed by three endodontists, previously calibrated, and unaware of the sample coding. The results showed that group I showed the greatest level of dye leakage. There was a significantly difference between the groups (p = 0.001). It is concluded that the apicectomies carried out with 400 mJ/6 Hz showed the smallest infiltration value.

Combining remote sensing with an inverse Bruun Rule for the analysis and management of almost equilibrium beaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eelsalu, Maris; Soomere, Tarmo; Männikus, Rain

2016-04-01

The management of beaches that suffer from sediment deficit and construction of nearshore infrastructure in locations with intense sediment transit require adequate predictions of the future of the relevant sedimentary systems. To a large extent, this task can be accomplished by using jointly the information about sediment texture and long-term changes in the dry beach volume and the location of the waterline. It is straightforward to evaluate relative changes in the dry beach volume from a succession of airborne laser scanning (ALS) surveys. We use in addition terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) technique to reduce ALS surveys performed with different devices and from different height to the same absolute height. This is accomplished using a TLS survey of a large horizontal surface of constant elevation within ALS snapshots. The most complicated, time-consuming and expensive task in beach management and planning of nearshore infrastructure is to get an adequate picture of the intensity and direction of underwater sediment transport processes. We demonstrate how a simple application of so-called inverse Bruun Rule makes it possible to evaluate the underwater volumetric changes for almost equilibrium beaches. The approach requires three data sets: wave statistics, sediment texture and changes in the average position of the waterline. The main properties of the wave climate, closure depths, magnitude and direction of wave-driven alongshore transport near the test areas are established using a triple nested high-resolution version of the wave model WAM that is forced for 34 years by high-quality marine winds. The relocation of the waterline is extracted from the ALS scanning of elevation isolines of 0.4-0.7 m on the subaerial beach. The technique has been applied to two basically different sections of Tallinn Bay, the Baltic Sea. Pirita Beach is gradually losing sand and requires beach refill while a moderate reclamation action is planned in the vicinity of gradually widening beach in the bayhead of this bay (Russalka beach). Sand volume in the latter area exhibits extensive interannual variations. The changes in the subaerial and underwater part are synchronised whereas the magnitude of changes in the underwater part is by a factor of 2-2.5 larger than similar changes in the subaerial part (that gains about 2000 m3/yr sand in 2008-2014). The discussed technique combined with classic estimates of the wave-driven sediment transport direction demonstrates that the Russalka beach is a convergence area of littoral flow. The existing pattern of sediment motions is such that even a minor shift in the coastline may lead to considerable increase in the transport of sand to neighbouring coastal sections. This conjecture is consistent with the general perception in coastal science that even seemingly small activities may have unexpectedly large potential for remote impacts. Such impacts are well known on high-energy open sea coasts but often considered as minor in relatively sheltered locations.

Defining the uncertainty of electro-optical identification system performance estimates using a 3D optical environment derived from satellite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladner, S. D.; Arnone, R.; Casey, B.; Weidemann, A.; Gray, D.; Shulman, I.; Mahoney, K.; Giddings, T.; Shirron, J.

2009-05-01

Current United States Navy Mine-Counter-Measure (MCM) operations primarily use electro-optical identification (EOID) sensors to identify underwater targets after detection via acoustic sensors. These EOID sensors which are based on laser underwater imaging by design work best in "clear" waters and are limited in coastal waters especially with strong optical layers. Optical properties and in particular scattering and absorption play an important role on systems performance. Surface optical properties alone from satellite are not adequate to determine how well a system will perform at depth due to the existence of optical layers. The spatial and temporal characteristics of the 3d optical variability of the coastal waters along with strength and location of subsurface optical layers maximize chances of identifying underwater targets by exploiting optimum sensor deployment. Advanced methods have been developed to fuse the optical measurements from gliders, optical properties from "surface" satellite snapshot and 3-D ocean circulation models to extend the two-dimensional (2-D) surface satellite optical image into a three-dimensional (3-D) optical volume with subsurface optical layers. Modifications were made to an EOID performance model to integrate a 3-D optical volume covering an entire region of interest as input and derive system performance field. These enhancements extend present capability based on glider optics and EOID sensor models to estimate the system's "image quality". This only yields system performance information for a single glider profile location in a very large operational region. Finally, we define the uncertainty of the system performance by coupling the EOID performance model with the 3-D optical volume uncertainties. Knowing the ensemble spread of EOID performance field provides a new and unique capability for tactical decision makers and Navy Operations.

Survey and Recording Technologies in Italian Underwater Cultural Heritage: Research and Public Access Within the Framework of the 2001 UNESCO Convention

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Secci, Massimiliano

2017-08-01

The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage is slowly but peremptorily becoming a standard reference tool for underwater archaeology and underwater cultural heritage management. The many provisions included within the Convention touch on many aspects that are key to an effective protection and promotion of the underwater cultural heritage. Within the web of these provisions many aspects are gaining consideration and driving research in underwater archaeology worldwide. These provisions, when seen within a wider frame of social, economical and technological dynamics, pinpoint many aspects requiring further scrutiny from the disciplinary circle. In the framework of the 2001 UNESCO Convention, this article will analyze the path traveled in technological acquisition in the practice of Italian underwater archaeology and how this has affected the approach to underwater cultural heritage management, particularly highlighting how this process has been further influenced by the adoption in 2001 of the Convention and Italy's ratification of it in 2010.

Single underwater image enhancement based on color cast removal and visibility restoration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chongyi; Guo, Jichang; Wang, Bo; Cong, Runmin; Zhang, Yan; Wang, Jian

2016-05-01

Images taken under underwater condition usually have color cast and serious loss of contrast and visibility. Degraded underwater images are inconvenient for observation and analysis. In order to address these problems, an underwater image-enhancement method is proposed. A simple yet effective underwater image color cast removal algorithm is first presented based on the optimization theory. Then, based on the minimum information loss principle and inherent relationship of medium transmission maps of three color channels in an underwater image, an effective visibility restoration algorithm is proposed to recover visibility, contrast, and natural appearance of degraded underwater images. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, qualitative comparison, quantitative comparison, and color accuracy test are conducted. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively remove color cast, improve contrast and visibility, and recover natural appearance of degraded underwater images. Additionally, the proposed method is comparable to and even better than several state-of-the-art methods.

Repetitively Mode-Locked Cavity-Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (RML-CEAS) for Near-Infrared Gas Sensing

PubMed Central

Zheng, Chuantao; Wang, Yiding

2017-01-01

A Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH)-based mode-locked cavity-enhanced sensor system was developed using a distributed feedback diode laser centered at 1.53 µm as the laser source. Laser temperature scanning, bias control of the piezoelectric ceramic transducer (PZT) and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) feedback control of diode laser current were used to repetitively lock the laser modes to the cavity modes. A gas absorption spectrum was obtained by using a series of absorption data from the discrete mode-locked points. The 15 cm-long Fabry-Perot cavity was sealed using an enclosure with an inlet and outlet for gas pumping and a PZT for cavity length tuning. The performance of the sensor system was evaluated by conducting water vapor measurements. A linear relationship was observed between the measured absorption signal amplitude and the H2O concentration. A minimum detectable absorption coefficient of 1.5 × 10–8 cm–1 was achieved with an averaging time of 700 s. This technique can also be used for the detection of other trace gas species by targeting the corresponding gas absorption line. PMID:29207470

Sutureless liver repair and hemorrhage control using laser-mediated fusion of human albumin as a solder.

PubMed

Wadia, Y; Xie, H; Kajitani, M

2001-07-01

Major liver trauma has a high mortality because of immediate exsanguination and a delayed morbidity from septicemia, peritonitis, biliary fistulae, and delayed secondary hemorrhage. We evaluated laser soldering using liquid albumin for welding liver injuries. Fourteen lacerations (6 x 2 cm) and 13 nonanatomic resection injuries (raw surface, 8 x 2 cm) were repaired. An 805-nm laser was used to weld 53% liquid albumin-indocyanine green solder to the liver surface, reinforcing it by welding a free autologous omental scaffold. The animals were heparinized and hepatic inflow occlusion was used for vascular control. For both laceration and resection injuries, 16 soldering repairs were evaluated acutely at 3 hours. Eleven animals were evaluated chronically, two at 2 weeks and nine at 4 weeks. All 27 laser mediated-liver repairs had minimal blood loss compared with the suture controls. No dehiscence, hemorrhage, or bile leakage was seen in any of the laser repairs after 3 hours. All 11 chronic repairs healed without complication. This modality effectively seals the liver surface, joins lacerations with minimal thermal injury, and works independently of the patient's coagulation status.

An Underwater Target Detection System for Electro-Optical Imagery Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

detection and segmentation of underwater mine-like objects in the EO images captured with a CCD-based image sensor. The main focus of this research is to...develop a robust detection algorithm that can be used to detect low contrast and partial underwater objects from the EO imagery with low false alarm rate...underwater target detection I. INTRODUCTION Automatic detection and recognition of underwater objects from EO imagery poses a serious challenge due to poor

Photo-vibrational spectroscopy using quantum cascade laser and laser Doppler vibrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Huan; Hu, Qi; Xie, Jiecheng; Fu, Yu

2017-06-01

Photoacoustic/photothermal spectroscopy is an established technique for detection of chemicals and explosives. However, prior sample preparation is required and the analysis is conducted in a sealed space with a high-sensitivity sensor coupled with a lock-in amplifier, limiting the technique to applications in a controllable laboratory environment. Hence, this technique may not be suitable for defense and security applications where the detection of explosives or hazardous chemicals is required in an open environment at a safe standoff distance. In this study, chemicals in various forms were excited by an intensity-modulated quantum cascade laser (QCL), while a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) was applied to detect the vibration signal resulting from the photocoustic/photothermal effect. The photo-vibrational spectrum obtained by scanning the QCL's wavelength in MIR range, coincides well with the corresponding spectrum obtained using typical FTIR equipment. The experiment in short and long standoff distances demonstrated that the LDV is a capable sensor for chemical detection in an open environment.

Rapid fabrication of poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based microchip capillary electrophoresis devices using CO2 laser ablation.

PubMed

Fogarty, Barbara A; Heppert, Kathleen E; Cory, Theodore J; Hulbutta, Kalonie R; Martin, R Scott; Lunte, Susan M

2005-06-01

The use of CO(2) laser ablation for the patterning of capillary electrophoresis (CE) microchannels in poly(dimethylsiloxane)(PDMS) is described. Low-cost polymer devices were produced using a relatively inexpensive CO(2) laser system that facilitated rapid patterning and ablation of microchannels. Device designs were created using a commercially available software package. The effects of PDMS thickness, laser focusing, power, and speed on the resulting channel dimensions were investigated. Using optimized settings, the smallest channels that could be produced averaged 33 microm in depth (11.1% RSD, N= 6) and 110 microm in width (5.7% RSD, N= 6). The use of a PDMS substrate allowed reversible sealing of microchip components at room temperature without the need for cleanroom facilities. Using a layer of pre-cured polymer, devices were designed, ablated, and assembled within minutes. The final devices were used for microchip CE separation and detection of the fluorescently labeled neurotransmitters aspartate and glutamate.

Adjustment of Part Properties for an Elastomeric Laser Sintering Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wegner, A.; Ünlü, T.

2018-03-01

Laser sintering of polymers is gaining more and more importance within the field of small series productions. Polyamide 12 is predominantly used, although a variety of other materials are also available for the laser sintering process. For example, elastomeric, rubberlike materials offer very different part property profiles. Those make the production of flexible parts like, e.g., sealings, flexible tubes or shoe soles possible because they offer high part ductility and low hardness. At the chair for manufacturing technology, a new elastomeric laser sintering material has been developed and then commercialized by a spin-off from university. The aim of the presented study was the analysis of the new material's properties. Proof was found that Shore hardness can be modified by varying the parameter settings. Therefore, the correlation between process parameters, energy input, Shore hardness and other part properties like mechanical properties were analyzed. Based on these results, suitable parameter settings were established which lead to the possibility of producing parts with different Shore hardnesses.

Transmission of heat to the vestibule during revision stapes surgery using a KTP laser: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Szymanski, Marcin; Mills, Robert; Abel, Eric

2003-05-01

The transmission of heat to the vestibule during revision stapes surgery with a piston in situ has been studied using a KTP laser in an in vitro model. A type K thermocouple was placed around the medial of each piston tested in a 'vestibule' filled with saline. The effect of laser hits on fluoroplastic, fluoroplastic-wire and stainless steel stapes prostheses was investigated. The effect of adding blood to the operative field, of introducing a vein graft to seal the stapedotomy and of vaporizing soft tissue in the oval window were also examined. Greater temperature rises occurred with stainless steel than with the other piston types and smaller rises occurred when there was a vein graft in situ. The maximum temperature rise recorded was 2.6 degrees C. We conclude that the use of the KTP laser to clear soft tissue from the oval window is safe when operated at the power levels recommended by the manufacturer.

46 CFR 167.15-33 - Underwater Survey in Lieu of Drydocking (UWILD).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SCHOOLS PUBLIC NAUTICAL SCHOOL SHIPS Inspections § 167.15-33 Underwater Survey in Lieu of Drydocking (UWILD). (a) The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), may approve an underwater survey instead of..., Marine Inspection submits a recommendation for future underwater surveys, the results of the hull gauging...

Resources for Underwater Robotics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallace, Michael L.; Freitas, William M.

2016-01-01

4-H clubs can build and program underwater robots from raw materials. An annotated resource list for engaging youth in building underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) is provided. This article is a companion piece to the Research in Brief article "Building Teen Futures with Underwater Robotics" in this issue of the "Journal of…

Comparison of microleakages of photo-cured composites using three different light sources: halogen lamp, LED and argon laser: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Tielemans, M; Compere, Ph; Geerts, S O; Lamy, M; Limme, M; De Moor, R J G; Delmé, K I M; Bertrand, M F; Rompen, E; Nammour, S

2009-01-01

In this study, we compared the microleakage of composite fillings cured with halogen bulb, LED and argon ion laser (488 nm). Twenty-four extracted human molars were divided randomly in three groups. Six cavities were prepared on the coronal part of each tooth. Standard cavities (1.7 x 2 mm) were prepared. Cavities were acid etched, sealed with Scotch Bond 1 and filled by a hybrid composite. Cavities were exposed to one light source, thermocycled and immersed in a 2% methylene blue dye solution. Dye penetration in the leakage of cavities was recorded using a digital optical microscope. Mean values of percentage of dye penetrations in microleakages of cavities were 49.303 +/- 5.178% for cavities cured with LED, 44.486 +/- 6.075% with halogen bulb and 36.647 +/- 5.936% for those cured by argon laser. Statistically significant difference exists between cavities cured by halogen vs LED (P < 0.01), halogen vs laser (P < 0.001) and LED vs laser (P < 0.001). The lowest microleakage was observed in the cavities and composites cured with argon ion laser.

Channel analysis for single photon underwater free space quantum key distribution.

PubMed

Shi, Peng; Zhao, Shi-Cheng; Gu, Yong-Jian; Li, Wen-Dong

2015-03-01

We investigate the optical absorption and scattering properties of underwater media pertinent to our underwater free space quantum key distribution (QKD) channel model. With the vector radiative transfer theory and Monte Carlo method, we obtain the attenuation of photons, the fidelity of the scattered photons, the quantum bit error rate, and the sifted key generation rate of underwater quantum communication. It can be observed from our simulations that the most secure single photon underwater free space QKD is feasible in the clearest ocean water.

Optimized decoy state QKD for underwater free space communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopes, Minal; Sarwade, Nisha

Quantum cryptography (QC) is envisioned as a solution for global key distribution through fiber optic, free space and underwater optical communication due to its unconditional security. In view of this, this paper investigates underwater free space quantum key distribution (QKD) model for enhanced transmission distance, secret key rates and security. It is reported that secure underwater free space QKD is feasible in the clearest ocean water with the sifted key rates up to 207kbps. This paper extends this work by testing performance of optimized decoy state QKD protocol with underwater free space communication model. The attenuation of photons, quantum bit error rate and the sifted key generation rate of underwater quantum communication is obtained with vector radiative transfer theory and Monte Carlo method. It is observed from the simulations that optimized decoy state QKD evidently enhances the underwater secret key transmission distance as well as secret key rates.

Tribological properties of fish scale inspired underwater superoleophobic hierarchical structure in aqueous environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lian, Zhongxu; Xu, Jinkai; Wan, Yanling; Li, Yiquan; Yu, Zhanjiang; Liu, Qimeng; Yu, Huadong

2017-10-01

Underwater superoleophobic surfaces are becoming increasingly important in regard to self-cleaning, anti-fouling, oil droplet transportation and water/oil separation. Although a great number of underwater superoleophobic surfaces have been demonstrated, their tribological properties remain impractical for the purposes of real-life applications. Herein, a two-step method of high speed wire electrical discharge machining and boiling water treatment was adopted to fabricate fish scale inspired underwater oil repellent hierarchical structure on an aluminum (Al) alloy 5083 surface. The hierarchical roughness and hydroxyl groups were obtained on the surface, and the surface exhibited the ability to prevent contact with organic fluids when submerged in water. Moreover, the tribological properties of underwater superoleophobic Al surfaces in aqueous environments were analyzed. The average friction coefficient of underwater superoleophobic surfaces was decreased compared with the polished Al surface. We believe that this research will contribute to the engineering application of underwater superoleophobic surfaces in the future.

Catalyst for carbon monoxide oxidation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Upchurch, Billy T. (Inventor); Miller, Irvin M. (Inventor); Brown, David R. (Inventor); Davis, Patricia (Inventor); Schryer, David R. (Inventor); Brown, Kenneth G. (Inventor); Vannorman, John D. (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A catalyst is disclosed for the combination of CO and O2 to form CO2, which includes a platinum group metal (e.g., platinum); a reducable metal oxide having multiple valence states (e.g., SnO2); and a compound which can bind water to its structure (e.g., silica gel). This catalyst is ideally suited for application to high-powered pulsed, CO2 lasers operating in a sealed or closed-cycle condition.

Catalyst for carbon monoxide oxidation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Upchurch, Billy T. (Inventor); Miller, Irvin M. (Inventor); Brown, David R. (Inventor); Davis, Patricia P. (Inventor); Schryer, David R. (Inventor); Brown, Kenneth G. (Inventor); Vannorman, John D. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A catalyst for the combination of CO and O2 to form CO2 which includes a platinum group metal, e.g., platinum; a reducible metal oxide having mulitple valence states, e.g., SnO2; and a compound which can bind water to its structure, e.g., silica gel. This catalyst is ideally suited for application to high powered, pulsed, CO2 lasers operating in a sealed or closed cycle condition.

History of power sources in endoscopic surgery.

PubMed

Sutton, Christopher; Abbott, Jason

2013-01-01

The history of energy sources used in surgery is inextricably linked to the history of electricity. Milestones include identification of safe electrical waveforms that can be used in the human body, patient isolation to prevent alternate-site burns, bipolar energy sources to negate capacitance injuries, laser energy, and the combination vessel sealing devices commonly used today. Engineering efforts to eliminate many of the hazards of electrosurgery are critical to how we practice modern gynecologic surgery. The introduction of bipolar instruments, increasing the safety of monopolar electrosurgery by not using hybrid trocars, and introduction of active shielding of the instruments from stray radiofrequency energy using intelligent secondary conductors have led to the re-emergence of electrosurgery as the universal surgical energy source. The low ongoing costs and the presence of electrosurgical generators in all hospitals readily enables electrosurgery to be the mainstay. Expensive lasers are confined to specialized centers, where they continue to be used, but for a long while filled a gap created by complications of electrosurgery. Sophisticated power sources continue to be introduced and include the ultrasonic scalpel, plasma surgery, and various devices for sealing vessels, all of which have advantages and disadvantages that are recognized as they begin to be subjected to scientific validation in randomized trials. Copyright © 2013 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

46 CFR 169.229 - Drydock examination, internal structural examination, and underwater survey intervals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., and underwater survey intervals. 169.229 Section 169.229 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Hauling Out § 169.229 Drydock examination, internal structural examination, and underwater survey... period unless it has been approved to undergo an underwater survey (UWILD) under § 169.230 of this part...

Underwater fiber-wireless communication with a passive front end

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jing; Sun, Bin; Lyu, Weichao; Kong, Meiwei; Sarwar, Rohail; Han, Jun; Zhang, Wei; Deng, Ning

2017-11-01

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel concept on underwater fiber-wireless (Fi-Wi) communication system with a fully passive wireless front end. A low-cost step-index (SI) plastic optical fiber (POF) together with a passive collimating lens at the front end composes the underwater Fi-Wi architecture. We have achieved a 1.71-Gb/s transmission at a mean BER of 4.97 × 10-3 (1.30 × 10-3 when using power loading) over a 50-m SI-POF and 2-m underwater wireless channel using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Although the wireless part is very short, it actually plays a crucial role in practical underwater implementation, especially in deep sea. Compared with the wired solution (e.g. using a 52-m POF cable without the UWOC part), the proposed underwater Fi-Wi scheme can save optical wet-mate connectors that are sophisticated, very expensive and difficult to install in deep ocean. By combining high-capacity robust POF with the mobility and ubiquity of underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC), the proposed underwater Fi-Wi technology will find wide application in ocean exploration.

Multi-Pulse Excitation for Underwater Analysis of Copper-Based Alloys Using a Novel Remote Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) System.

PubMed

Guirado, Salvador; Fortes, Francisco J; Laserna, J Javier

2016-04-01

In this work, the use of multi-pulse excitation has been evaluated as an effective solution to mitigate the preferential ablation of the most volatile elements, namely Sn, Pb, and Zn, observed during laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis of copper-based alloys. The novel remote LIBS prototype used in this experiments featured both single-pulse (SP-LIBS) and multi-pulse excitation (MP-LIBS). The remote instrument is capable of performing chemical analysis of submersed materials up to a depth of 50 m. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis was performed at air pressure settings simulating the conditions during a real subsea analysis. A set of five certified bronze standards with variable concentration of Cu, As, Sn, Pb, and Zn were used. In SP-LIBS, signal emission is strongly sensitive to ambient pressure. In this case, fractionation effect was observed. Multi-pulse excitation circumvents the effect of pressure over the quantitative analysis, thus avoiding the fractionation phenomena observed in single pulse LIBS. The use of copper as internal standard minimizes matrix effects and discrepancies due to variation in ablated mass. © The Author(s) 2016.

Building a 3d Reference Model for Canal Tunnel Surveying Using Sonar and Laser Scanning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moisan, E.; Charbonnier, P.; Foucher, P.; Grussenmeyer, P.; Guillemin, S.; Koehl, M.

2015-04-01

Maintaining canal tunnels is not only a matter of cultural and historical preservation, but also a commercial necessity and a security issue. This contribution adresses the problem of building a full 3D reference model of a canal tunnel by merging SONAR (for underwater data recording) and LASER data (for the above-water parts). Although both scanning devices produce point clouds, their properties are rather different. In particular, SONAR data are very noisy and their processing raises several issues related to the device capacities, the acquisition setup and the tubular shape of the tunnel. The proposed methodology relies on a denoising step by meshing, followed by the registration of SONAR data with the geo-referenced LASER data. Since there is no overlap between point clouds, a 3-step procedure is proposed to robustly estimate the registration parameters. In this paper, we report a first experimental survey, which concerned the entrance of a canal tunnel. The obtained results are promising and the analysis of the method raises several improvement directions that will help obtaining more accurate models, in a more automated fashion, in the limits of the involved technology.

Laser-assisted corneal welding in cataract surgery: retrospective study.

PubMed

Menabuoni, Luca; Pini, Roberto; Rossi, Francesca; Lenzetti, Ivo; Yoo, Sonia H; Parel, Jean-Marie

2007-09-01

To evaluate the efficacy of laser welding to close corneal wounds in cataract surgery. Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital of Misericordia e Dolce, Prato, Italy. This retrospective nonrandomized interventional case series included 20 eyes of 20 patients. All eyes had cataract with visual acuity worse than 20/200. Ten patients had phacoemulsification surgery, and 10 had extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). Surgeries were followed by laser-assisted closure of the corneal wounds by diode laser welding of the stroma using a technique established in animal models. Preoperative and postoperative (1, 3, 7, 30, and 90 days) astigmatism, level of inflammation, Seidel testing, and endothelial cell counts were obtained. There were minor differences in preoperative and postoperative astigmatism except in 1 eye in the ECCE group. The Seidel test showed no wound leakage during the follow-up examinations, and endothelial cell loss was similar to that published for standard surgical cataract procedures. No collateral effects of the laser welding were detected, nor was postoperative inflammation. Astigmatism was slightly affected by the use of laser welding for corneal wound closure after phacoemulsification and ECCE. The laser-assisted corneal sealing procedure was rapid and safe and could serve as an alternative to corneal suturing, with significant potential applications for the closure of longer incisions, such as those used in penetrating keratoplasty.

Sodern development of a high LIDT laser beam expander for ATLID

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battarel, Denis C.; Barnasson, Elodie

2017-11-01

Sodern has been contracted for the development of the laser beam expander used on the lidar of the ATLID instrument developed by Airbus Defence & Space France and Germany (Formerly ASTRIUM) embarked on the EathCARE satellite, element of the ESA (European Space Agency) Living Planet Programme. The ATLID emission beam expander (E-BEX) has two functions: one is to reduce the divergence of the laser in order to achieve a high spatial resolution and the other is to enlarge the laser beam to reduce the power density and thus reduce Laser Induced Contamination (LIC) and Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) effects on the outer surface exposed to vacuum. This paper exposes the design drivers of the beam expander which are: having optical components withstanding very high laser fluence at a wavelength of 355nm and exhibiting a very low depolarization ratio., hermetically sealing the cavity with metallic gaskets in order to keep the pressure constant so that beam collimation is not affected, choosing housing material compatible with both hermiticity requirements and thermal control. To obtain a high spatial resolution on Earth, ATLID requires a means for controlling beam collimation. This is ensured by an active thermal control on the beam expander in order to change its Wavefront Error (WFE) by a few tens of nanometers.

Insights in the laser induced breakdown spectroscopy signal generation underwater using dual pulse excitation — Part II: Plasma emission intensity as a function of interpulse delay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazic, V.; Laserna, J. J.; Jovicevic, S.

2013-04-01

Influence of time delay between two laser pulses on the LIBS (laser induced breakdown spectroscopy) signal inside liquids was investigated and the results are compared with data from literature. Plasma was produced by laser ablation (LA) of aluminum inside water and its emission after the second laser pulse was characterized by spectrally and time resolved detection. Light propagation through the vapor bubble formed by the first laser pulse was studied by measurements of beam scattering and transmission. Optical absorption by the evolving bubble is not significant, but its growth is accompanied by lowering of its refraction index nb with respect to surrounding liquid; this effect increases defocusing both of the incident beam and of the out-coming plasma radiation. Collection efficiency of the secondary plasma emission rapidly degrades with the cavity growth, but close to its full expansion the LIBS signal partially recovers through Snell's reflections at the liquid-vapor interface, which produce a bright spot close to the bubble center. Such a light redistribution allows detecting of the emission from external plasma volume, otherwise deflected out of the collection system. Except for strong line transitions from the main sample constituents, self-absorbed inside the high-pressure cavity, we observed the highest LIBS signal when sending the second pulse well before the bubble is fully expanded. Transitions of the pressure wave through the focal volume, formed by the first laser pulse and reflected from the cell's walls and sample back-plane, enhances the LIBS signal importantly. The measured lifetime of the secondary plasma rapidly decreases with the bubble expansion. Here, we also discuss the optimization of the optical collection system and some analytical aspects of double-pulse (DP) LIBS inside liquids.

Integrated RGB laser light module for autostereoscopic outdoor displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reitterer, Jörg; Fidler, Franz; Hambeck, Christian; Saint Julien-Wallsee, Ferdinand; Najda, Stephen; Perlin, Piotr; Stanczyk, Szymon; Czernecki, Robert; McDougall, Stewart D.; Meredith, Wyn; Vickers, Garrie; Landles, Kennedy; Schmid, Ulrich

2015-02-01

We have developed highly compact RGB laser light modules to be used as light sources in multi-view autostereoscopic outdoor displays and projection devices. Each light module consists of an AlGaInP red laser diode, a GaInN blue laser diode, a GaInN green laser diode, as well as a common cylindrical microlens. The plano-convex microlens is a so-called "fast axis collimator", which is widely used for collimating light beams emitted from high-power laser diode bars, and has been optimized for polychromatic RGB laser diodes. The three light beams emitted from the red, green, and blue laser diodes are collimated in only one transverse direction, the so-called "fast axis", and in the orthogonal direction, the so-called "slow axis", the beams pass the microlens uncollimated. In the far field of the integrated RGB light module this produces Gaussian beams with a large ellipticity which are required, e.g., for the application in autostereoscopic outdoor displays. For this application only very low optical output powers of a few milliwatts per laser diode are required and therefore we have developed tailored low-power laser diode chips with short cavity lengths of 250 μm for red and 300 μm for blue. Our RGB laser light module including the three laser diode chips, associated monitor photodiodes, the common microlens, as well as the hermetically sealed package has a total volume of only 0.45 cm³, which to our knowledge is the smallest RGB laser light source to date.

The effect of travel speed on thermal response in CO2 laser welding of small electronic components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gianoulakis, S. E.; Burchett, S. N.; Fuerschbach, P. W.; Knorovsky, G. A.

A comprehensive three-dimensional numerical investigation of the effect of beat source travel speed on temperatures and resulting thermal stresses was performed for CO2-laser welding. The test specimen was a small thermal battery header containing several stress-sensitive glass-to-metal seals surrounding the electrical connections and a temperature sensitive ignitor located under the header near the center. Predictions of the thermal stresses and temperatures in the battery header were made for several travel speeds of the laser. The travel speeds examined ranged from 10mm/sec to 50mm/sec. The results indicate that faster weld speeds result in lower temperatures and stresses for the same size weld. This is because the higher speed welds are more efficient, requiring less energy to produce a given weld. Less energy absorbed by the workpiece results in lower temperatures, which results in lower stresses.

Apparatus for unloading pressurized fluid

DOEpatents

Rehberger, Kevin M.

1994-01-01

An apparatus for unloading fluid, preferably pressurized gas, from containers in a controlled manner that protects the immediate area from exposure to the container contents. The device consists of an unloading housing, which is enclosed within at least one protective structure, for receiving the dispensed contents of the steel container, and a laser light source, located external to the protective structure, for opening the steel container instantaneously. The neck or stem of the fluid container is placed within the sealed interior environment of the unloading housing. The laser light passes through both the protective structure and the unloading housing to instantaneously pierce a small hole within the stem of the container. Both the protective structure and the unloading housing are specially designed to allow laser light passage without compromising the light's energy level. Also, the unloading housing allows controlled flow of the gas once it has been dispensed from the container. The external light source permits remote operation of the unloading device.

Underwater Advanced Time-Domain Electromagnetic System

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-03

SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT The overall objective of the project is to design , build and demonstrate an underwater advanced time -domain...Description The overall objective of the project is to design , build and demonstrate an underwater advanced time - domain electromagnetic (TEM) system...Electromagnetic System Design (July, 2015), and in the Underwater Advanced Time -Domain Electromagnetic System Evaluation Plan (October, 2016). A

Adaptation and penetration of resin-based root canal sealers in root canals irradiated with high-intensity lasers.

PubMed

Moura-Netto, Cacio; Mello-Moura, Anna Carolina Volpi; Palo, Renato Miotto; Prokopowitsch, Igor; Pameijer, Cornelis H; Marques, Marcia Martins

2015-03-01

This research analyzed the quality of resin-based sealer adaptation after intracanal laser irradiation. Extracted teeth (n = 168) were root canal treated and divided into four groups, according to dentin surface treatment: no laser; Nd:YAG laser (1.5 W, 100 mJ, 15 Hz); diode laser (2.5 W in CW), and Er:YAG laser (1 W, 100 mJ, 10 Hz). The teeth were divided into four subgroups according to the sealer used: AH Plus, EndoREZ, Epiphany, and EpiphanySE. For testing the sealing after root canal obturation, the penetration of silver nitrate solution was measured, whereas to evaluate the adaptation and penetration of the sealer into the dentin, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was used. The ESEM images were analyzed using a four-grade criteria score by three evaluators. The inter-examiner agreement was confirmed by Kappa test and the scores statistically compared by the Kruskal-Wallis' test (p < 0.05). Both adaptation and sealer penetration in root canals were not affected by the laser irradiation. Nd:YAG and diode laser decreased the tracer penetration for AH Plus, whereas EndoREZ and EpiphanySE performances were affected by Nd:YAG irradiation (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that intracanal laser irradiation can be used as an adjunct in endodontic treatment; however, the use of hydrophilic resin sealers should be avoided when root canals were irradiated with Nd:YAG laser.

Adaptation and penetration of resin-based root canal sealers in root canals irradiated with high-intensity lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moura-Netto, Cacio; Mello-Moura, Anna Carolina Volpi; Palo, Renato Miotto; Prokopowitsch, Igor; Pameijer, Cornelis H.; Marques, Marcia Martins

2015-03-01

This research analyzed the quality of resin-based sealer adaptation after intracanal laser irradiation. Extracted teeth (n=168) were root canal treated and divided into four groups, according to dentin surface treatment: no laser; Nd:YAG laser (1.5 W, 100 mJ, 15 Hz) diode laser (2.5 W in CW), and Er:YAG laser (1 W, 100 mJ, 10 Hz). The teeth were divided into four subgroups according to the sealer used: AH Plus, EndoREZ, Epiphany, and EpiphanySE. For testing the sealing after root canal obturation, the penetration of silver nitrate solution was measured, whereas to evaluate the adaptation and penetration of the sealer into the dentin, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was used. The ESEM images were analyzed using a four-grade criteria score by three evaluators. The inter-examiner agreement was confirmed by Kappa test and the scores statistically compared by the Kruskal-Wallis' test (p<0.05). Both adaptation and sealer penetration in root canals were not affected by the laser irradiation. Nd:YAG and diode laser decreased the tracer penetration for AH Plus, whereas EndoREZ and EpiphanySE performances were affected by Nd:YAG irradiation (p<0.05). It can be concluded that intracanal laser irradiation can be used as an adjunct in endodontic treatment; however, the use of hydrophilic resin sealers should be avoided when root canals were irradiated with Nd:YAG laser.

Microwave Tissue Soldering for Immediate Wound Closure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arndt, G. Dickey; Ngo, Phong H.; Plan, Chau T.; Byerly, Diane; Dusl, John; Sognier, Marguerite A.

2011-01-01

A novel approach for the immediate sealing of traumatic wounds is under development. A portable microwave generator and handheld antenna are used to seal wounds, binding the edges of the wound together using a biodegradable protein sealant or solder. This method could be used for repairing wounds in emergency settings, by restoring the wound surface to its original strength within minutes. This technique could also be utilized for surgical purposes involving solid visceral organs (i.e., liver, spleen, and kidney) that currently do not respond well to ordinary surgical procedures. A miniaturized microwave generator and a handheld antenna are used to deliver microwave energy to the protein solder, which is applied to the wound. The antenna can be of several alternative designs optimized for placement either in contact with or proximity to the protein solder covering the wound. In either case, optimization of the design includes the matching of impedances to maximize the energy delivered to the protein solder and wound at a chosen frequency. For certain applications, an antenna could be designed that would emit power only when it is in direct contact with the wound. The optimum frequency or frequencies for a specific application would depend on the required depth of penetration of the microwave energy. In fact, a computational simulation for each specific application could be performed, which would then match the characteristics of the antenna with the protein solder and tissue to best effect wound closure. An additional area of interest with potential benefit that remains to be validated is whether microwave energy can effectively kill bacteria in and around the wound. Thus, this may be an efficient method for simultaneously sterilizing and closing wounds. Using microwave energy to seal wounds has a number of advantages over lasers, which are currently in experimental use in some hospitals. Laser tissue welding is unsuitable for emergency use because its large, bulky equipment cannot be easily moved between operating rooms, let alone relocated to field sites where emergencies often occur. In addition, this approach is highly dependent on the uniformity and thickness of the protein solder as well as the surgeon s skills. In contrast, the use of microwave energy is highly tolerant of the thickness of the protein solder, level of fluids in and around the wound, and other parameters that can adversely affect the outcome of laser welding. However, controlling the depth of penetration of the microwave energy into the wound is critical for achieving effective wound sealing without damaging the adjacent tissue. In addition, microspheres that encapsulate metallic cores could also be incorporated into the protein solder to further control the depth of penetration of the microwave energy.

Sintering mechanism of the CaF2 on hydroxyapatite by a 10.6-l microm CO2 laser.

PubMed

Wu, Cheng-Chei; Roan, Rong-Tai; Chen, Jeng-Huey

2002-01-01

Laser has been reported as a heat source for melting and re-crystallization. Occurring at about 1100 degrees C, the melting of surface dental enamel along with re-crystallization might have an assistant role in the therapy of hypersensitive tooth, apical sealing of endodontic surgery in dentistry, preventive dentistry for pit and fissure sealing, and fluoridation. For laser to be accepted in clinical applications, it is desired that, studies must show the incorporation of CaF(2) into hydroxyapatite could reduce the sintering temperature for the sake of safety. In this study, the Sharplan 20XJ CO(2) laser with 10.6- microm wavelength was set under the following parameters: power, 5 W; repetitive mode, 0.1 second; beam, focused. Fluorite was added to hydroxyapatite as a synthetic compound to lower the sintering temperature. Human dental enamel without caries was used for in vitro sintering test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transforming infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetric analysis (DAT/TGA) were used for the investigation of sintering mechanism of CaF(2). Fusion between hexagonal shape crystals and cubic shape crystals (CaF(2)) were observed under SEM study. Hexagonal shape crystals indicated the formation of fluorapatite under XRD analysis. Under FTIR study, we examined reductions of water (3445 cm(-1)) and hydroxyl bands (3567 and 627 cm(-1)) in irradiated compounds. From the DTA pattern of synthetic compound, it showed the endothermic reaction reaching its peak point around 1180 +/- 20 degrees C. It was attributed to the phase transformation and/or initial melting. In this study, we proposed the interrelationship of the eutectics between initiator (CaF(2)) and the reaction product (calcium hydroxide) that reduced the sintering temperature. It appeared that the co-eutectics interacted to reduce the sintering temperature of hydroxyapatite below 800 degrees C and that the key eutectic was calcium hydroxide. The clinical feasibility of the melting and re-crystallization of hydroxyapatite under 10.6-microm CO(2) laser would be therefore enhanced. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A new sealed RF-excited CO2 laser for enamel ablation operating at 9.4-μm with a pulse duration of 26-μs

PubMed Central

Chan, Kenneth H.; Jew, Jamison M.; Fried, Daniel

2016-01-01

Several studies over the past 20 years have shown that carbon dioxide lasers operating at wavelengths between 9.3 and 9.6-μm with pulse durations near 20-μs are ideal for hard tissue ablation. Those wavelengths are coincident with the peak absorption of the mineral phase. The pulse duration is close to the thermal relaxation time of the deposited energy of a few microseconds which is short enough to minimize peripheral thermal damage and long enough to minimize plasma shielding effects to allow efficient ablation at practical rates. The desired pulse duration near 20-μs has been difficult to achieve since it is too long for transverse excited atmospheric pressure (TEA) lasers and too short for radio-frequency (RF) excited lasers for efficient operation. Recently, Coherent Inc. (Santa Clara, CA) developed the Diamond J5-V laser for microvia drilling which can produce laser pulses greater than 100-mJ in energy at 9.4-μm with a pulse duration of 26-μs and it can achieve pulse repetition rates of 3 KHz. We report the first results using this laser to ablate dental enamel. Efficient ablation of dental enamel is possible at rates exceeding 50-μm per pulse. This laser is ideally suited for the selective ablation of carious lesions. PMID:27006521

The Effect of Final Rinse Agitation with Ultrasonic or 808 nm Diode Laser on Coronal Microleakage of Root-canal Treated Teeth.

PubMed

Ramazani, Mohsen; Asnaashari, Mohammad; Ahmadi, Roghayyeh; Zarenejad, Nafiseh; Rafie, Alireza; Yazadani Charati, Jamshid

2018-01-01

This in vitro study aimed at comparing the effect of agitating the final irrigant solutions of root canal by ultrasonic or using 808 nm Diode laser on the apical seal of canal. A total of 90 extracted human maxillary central incisors were prepared up to size #45 and were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups ( n =20) and two control groups ( n =5) respectively, as follows: I ): 3 mL of 5.25% NaOCl was agitated as final irrigant solution with ultrasonic for 30 sec. The ultrasonic tip was 1 mm shorter than the working length, II ): 3 mL of 5.25% NaOCl was agitated as final irrigant with 808 nm Diode laser for 30 sec. Fiber tip, placed in 1 mm shorter from working length was spirally moved coronally, III ): 3 mL of 17% EDTA was agitated as final irrigant with 808 nm Diode laser for 30 sec and was applied similar to group II, IV ): 3 mL of 17% EDTA was stimulated as final irrigant with ultrasonic for 30 sec and was applied similar to I. Apical seal was assessed by Dual Chamber technique using Bovine Serum Albumin protein. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney tests were used with significance level lower than 0.05% for statistical analysis. The average leakage in the negative control, positive control, and groups I, II, III, IV were: 0.00, 13.5±5.1, 1.72±2.9, 5.12±5.6, 3.36±3.7, 2.4±4.2, respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant difference between groups ( P <0.05). There was a significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in terms of protein leakage . Agitating 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution as the final irrigant with ultrasonic is more effective in apical leakage reduction compared to other groups.

The ARGOS laser system: green light for ground layer adaptive optics at the LBT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raab, Walfried; Rabien, Sebastian; Gässler, Wolfgang; Esposito, Simone; Barl, Lothar; Borelli, Jose; Daysenroth, Matthias; Gemperlein, Hans; Kulas, Martin; Ziegleder, Julian

2014-07-01

We report on the development of the laser system of ARGOS, the multiple laser guide star adaptive optics system for the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT). The system uses a total of six high powered, pulsed Nd:YAG lasers frequency-doubled to a wavelength of 532 nm to generate a set of three guide stars above each of the LBT telescopes. The position of each of the LGS constellations on sky as well as the relative position of the individual laser guide stars within this constellation is controlled by a set of steerable mirrors and a fast tip-tilt mirror within the laser system. The entire opto-mechanical system is housed in two hermetically sealed and thermally controlled enclosures on the SX and DX side of the LBT telescope. The laser beams are propagated through two refractive launch telescopes which focus the beams at an altitude of 12 km, creating a constellation of laser guide stars around a 4 arcminute diameter circle by means of Rayleigh scattering. In addition to the GLAO Rayleigh beacon system, ARGOS has also been designed for a possible future upgrade with a hybrid sodium laser - Rayleigh beacon combination, enabling diffraction limited operation. The ARGOS laser system was successfully installed at the LBT in April 2013. Extensive functional tests have been carried out and have verified the operation of the systems according to specifications. The alignment of the laser system with respect to the launch telescope was carried out during two more runs in June and October 2013, followed by the first propagation of laser light on sky in November 2013.

Terminal Homing for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Docking

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

underwater domain, accurate navigation. Above the water, light and electromagnetic signals travel well through air and space, mediums that allow for a...DISTRIBUTION CODE 13. ABSTRACT The use of docking stations for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) provides the ability to keep a vehicle on...Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering iv THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK v ABSTRACT The use of docking stations for autonomous underwater

Underwater Acoustic Beacon Location System

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-23

300087 1 of 31 UNDERWATER ACOUSTIC BEACON LOCATION SYSTEM [0001] The present application claims the benefit of United States Provisional...Application Serial Number 62/297,179 filed on February 19, 2016 by the inventor, Steven E. Crocker and entitled “ Underwater Acoustic Beacon...search for and can locate an underwater location beacon. Attorney Docket No. 300087 2 of 31 (2) Description of the Prior Art [0005

Autonomous Adaptive Acoustic Relay Positioning

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

underwater acoustic sensor networks . In Proc. 1st ACM International Work- shop on Underwater Networks , pages 7–16, 2006. [4] A Alvarez, A...routing in underwater delay/disruption tolerant sensor networks . In Wireless on Demand Network Systems and Services, 2008. WONS 2008. Fifth Annual...the development of multi-vehicle applications in the ocean, and the main mode of wireless data transmission underwater is acoustic .

Non-Data Aided Doppler Shift Estimation for Underwater Acoustic Communication

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

in underwater acoustic wireless sensor networks . We analyzed the data collected from our experiments using non-data aided (blind) techniques such as...investigated different methods for blind Doppler shift estimation and compensation for a single carrier in underwater acoustic wireless sensor ...distributed underwater sensor networks . Detailed experimental and simulated results based on second order cyclostationary features of the received signals

Global Network Connectivity Assessment via Local Data Exchange for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-31

Network Connectivity Assessment via Local Data Exchange for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks M.M. Asadi H. Mahboubi A...2014 Global Network Connectivity Assessment via Local Data Exchange for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks Contract Report # AMBUSH.1.1 Contract...pi j /= 0. The sensor network considered in this work is composed of underwater sensors , which use acoustic waves for

Underwater psychophysical audiogram of a young male California sea lion (Zalophus californianus).

PubMed

Mulsow, Jason; Houser, Dorian S; Finneran, James J

2012-05-01

Auditory evoked potential (AEP) data are commonly obtained in air while sea lions are under gas anesthesia; a procedure that precludes the measurement of underwater hearing sensitivity. This is a substantial limitation considering the importance of underwater hearing data in designing criteria aimed at mitigating the effects of anthropogenic noise exposure. To determine if some aspects of underwater hearing sensitivity can be predicted using rapid aerial AEP methods, this study measured underwater psychophysical thresholds for a young male California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) for which previously published aerial AEP thresholds exist. Underwater thresholds were measured in an aboveground pool at frequencies between 1 and 38 kHz. The underwater audiogram was very similar to those previously published for California sea lions, suggesting that the current and previously obtained psychophysical data are representative for this species. The psychophysical and previously measured AEP audiograms were most similar in terms of high-frequency hearing limit (HFHL), although the underwater HFHL was sharper and occurred at a higher frequency. Aerial AEP methods are useful for predicting reductions in the HFHL that are potentially independent of the testing medium, such as those due to age-related sensorineural hearing loss.

Underwater 3D Surface Measurement Using Fringe Projection Based Scanning Devices

PubMed Central

Bräuer-Burchardt, Christian; Heinze, Matthias; Schmidt, Ingo; Kühmstedt, Peter; Notni, Gunther

2015-01-01

In this work we show the principle of optical 3D surface measurements based on the fringe projection technique for underwater applications. The challenges of underwater use of this technique are shown and discussed in comparison with the classical application. We describe an extended camera model which takes refraction effects into account as well as a proposal of an effective, low-effort calibration procedure for underwater optical stereo scanners. This calibration technique combines a classical air calibration based on the pinhole model with ray-based modeling and requires only a few underwater recordings of an object of known length and a planar surface. We demonstrate a new underwater 3D scanning device based on the fringe projection technique. It has a weight of about 10 kg and the maximal water depth for application of the scanner is 40 m. It covers an underwater measurement volume of 250 mm × 200 mm × 120 mm. The surface of the measurement objects is captured with a lateral resolution of 150 μm in a third of a second. Calibration evaluation results are presented and examples of first underwater measurements are given. PMID:26703624

Fitting primitive shapes in point clouds: a practical approach to improve autonomous underwater grasp specification of unknown objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fornas, D.; Sales, J.; Peñalver, A.; Pérez, J.; Fernández, J. J.; Marín, R.; Sanz, P. J.

2016-03-01

This article presents research on the subject of autonomous underwater robot manipulation. Ongoing research in underwater robotics intends to increase the autonomy of intervention operations that require physical interaction in order to achieve social benefits in fields such as archaeology or biology that cannot afford the expenses of costly underwater operations using remote operated vehicles. Autonomous grasping is still a very challenging skill, especially in underwater environments, with highly unstructured scenarios, limited availability of sensors and adverse conditions that affect the robot perception and control systems. To tackle these issues, we propose the use of vision and segmentation techniques that aim to improve the specification of grasping operations on underwater primitive shaped objects. Several sources of stereo information are used to gather 3D information in order to obtain a model of the object. Using a RANSAC segmentation algorithm, the model parameters are estimated and a set of feasible grasps are computed. This approach is validated in both simulated and real underwater scenarios.

Laser welding of biological tissue: experimental studies in ophthalmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pini, Roberto; Rossi, Francesca; Menabuoni, Luca

2006-04-01

In this paper we present an original approach to laser welding of ocular media. Attention is focused on laser welding of the cornea and lens capsule. The process is based on the interaction of near infrared diode laser radiation (at 810 nm) with tissue that was previously stained with an Indocyanine Green solution in sterile water. The topical application of the chromophore makes possible a selective heating of the tissue, which results in a homogenous welding effect with low thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. Experimental tests were performed ex vivo on both capsule and cornea, and in vivo (rabbits) only on the cornea, in order to characterize the process as a whole. Spectrophotometric, biomechanical, and thermal measurements were carried out in order to study the laser-tissue interaction, while morphological, histological and auto-florescence microscopy analyses made during a follow-up study provided information on the healing process in welded rabbit corneas. The welding procedure was set up according to the type of tissue, with the staining procedure and irradiation conditions being optimized in each case. Our test indicated that: 1) laser welding of corneal wounds, which is a non contact technique performed at low continuous wave laser power (12 W/cm2), can be proposed as a support to or substitute for the standard suturing technique in cataract surgery and in penetrating keratoplasty (in corneal transplants); 2) laser welding of the lens capsule requires a "contact irradiating technique" in order to be efficiently performed, since the tissue is in underwater conditions, with single spot pulses of about 100 J/cm2 fluence and pulse duration around 100 ms. In the latter case, laser welding was proposed as a tool for assisting closure of the lens capsule after the lens refilling procedure (Phaco-ersatz), or for repairing capsular breaks induced by accidental traumas or produced intraoperatively.

Quantum imaging for underwater arctic navigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanzagorta, Marco

2017-05-01

The precise navigation of underwater vehicles is a difficult task due to the challenges imposed by the variable oceanic environment. It is particularly difficult if the underwater vehicle is trying to navigate under the Arctic ice shelf. Indeed, in this scenario traditional navigation devices such as GPS, compasses and gyrocompasses are unavailable or unreliable. In addition, the shape and thickness of the ice shelf is variable throughout the year. Current Arctic underwater navigation systems include sonar arrays to detect the proximity to the ice. However, these systems are undesirable in a wartime environment, as the sound gives away the position of the underwater vehicle. In this paper we briefly describe the theoretical design of a quantum imaging system that could allow the safe and stealthy navigation of underwater Arctic vehicles.

On Modeling Eavesdropping Attacks in Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks †

PubMed Central

Wang, Qiu; Dai, Hong-Ning; Li, Xuran; Wang, Hao; Xiao, Hong

2016-01-01

The security and privacy of underwater acoustic sensor networks has received extensive attention recently due to the proliferation of underwater activities. This paper proposes an analytical model to investigate the eavesdropping attacks in underwater acoustic sensor networks. Our analytical framework considers the impacts of various underwater acoustic channel conditions (such as the acoustic signal frequency, spreading factor and wind speed) and different hydrophones (isotropic hydrophones and array hydrophones) in terms of network nodes and eavesdroppers. We also conduct extensive simulations to evaluate the effectiveness and the accuracy of our proposed model. Empirical results show that our proposed model is quite accurate. In addition, our results also imply that the eavesdropping probability heavily depends on both the underwater acoustic channel conditions and the features of hydrophones. PMID:27213379

Analysis of security and threat of underwater wireless sensor network topology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Guang; Wei, Zhiqiang; Cong, Yanping; Jia, Dongning

2012-04-01

Underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) are a subclass of wireless sensor networks. Underwater sensor deployment is a significant challenge due to the characteristics of UWSNs and underwater environment. Recent researches for UWSNs deployment mostly focus on the maintenance of network connectivity and maximum communication coverage. However, the broadcast nature of the transmission medium incurs various types of security attacks. This paper studies the security issues and threats of UWSNs topology. Based on the cluster-based topology, an underwater cluster-based security scheme (U-CBSS) is presented to defend against these attacks. and safety.

Mapping Underwater Sound in the Dutch Part of the North Sea.

PubMed

Sertlek, H Özkan; Aarts, Geert; Brasseur, Sophie; Slabbekoorn, Hans; ten Cate, Carel; von Benda-Beckmann, Alexander M; Ainslie, Michael A

2016-01-01

The European Union requires member states to achieve or maintain good environmental status for their marine territorial waters and explicitly mentions potentially adverse effects of underwater sound. In this study, we focused on producing maps of underwater sound from various natural and anthropogenic origins in the Dutch North Sea. The source properties and sound propagation are simulated by mathematical methods. These maps could be used to assess and predict large-scale effects on behavior and distribution of underwater marine life and therefore become a valuable tool in assessing and managing the impact of underwater sound on marine life.

Impact of Lanice conchilega on seafloor microtopography off the island of Sylt (German Bight, SE North Sea)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schönke, M.; Feldens, P.; Wilken, D.; Papenmeier, S.; Heinrich, C.; von Deimling, J. Schneider; Held, P.; Krastel, S.

2017-06-01

This study presents a new in situ method to explore the impact of macrofauna on seafloor microtopography and corresponding microroughness based on underwater laser line scanning. The local microtopography was determined with mm-level accuracy at three stations colonised by the tubeworm Lanice conchilega offshore of the island of Sylt in the German Bight (south-eastern North Sea), covering approximately 0.5 m2 each. Ground truthing was done using underwater video data. Two stations were populated by tubeworm colonies of different population densities, and one station had a hydrodynamically rippled seafloor. Tubeworms caused an increased skewness of the microtopography height distribution and an increased root mean square roughness at short spatial wavelengths compared with hydrodynamic bedforms. Spectral analysis of the 2D Fourier transformed microtopography showed that the roughness magnitude increased at spatial wavelengths between 0.020 and 0.003 m independently of the tubeworm density. This effect was not detected by commonly used 1D roughness profiles but required consideration of the complete spectrum. Overall, the results reveal that new indicator variables for benthic organisms may be developed based on microtopographic data. An example demonstrates the use of local slope and skewness to detect tubeworms in the measured digital elevation model.

Target identification using Zernike moments and neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azimi-Sadjadi, Mahmood R.; Jamshidi, Arta A.; Nevis, Andrew J.

2001-10-01

The development of an underwater target identification algorithm capable of identifying various types of underwater targets, such as mines, under different environmental conditions pose many technical problems. Some of the contributing factors are: targets have diverse sizes, shapes and reflectivity properties. Target emplacement environment is variable; targets may be proud or partially buried. Environmental properties vary significantly from one location to another. Bottom features such as sand, rocks, corals, and vegetation can conceal a target whether it is partially buried or proud. Competing clutter with responses that closely resemble those of the targets may lead to false positives. All the problems mentioned above contribute to overly difficult and challenging conditions that could lead to unreliable algorithm performance with existing methods. In this paper, we developed and tested a shape-dependent feature extraction scheme that provides features invariant to rotation, size scaling and translation; properties that are extremely useful for any target classification problem. The developed schemes were tested on an electro-optical imagery data set collected under different environmental conditions with variable background, range and target types. The electro-optic data set was collected using a Laser Line Scan (LLS) sensor by the Coastal Systems Station (CSS), located in Panama City, Florida. The performance of the developed scheme and its robustness to distortion, rotation, scaling and translation was also studied.

In Situ Laser Activation of Electrochemical Kinetics at Carbon Electrodes

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-05-31

surface reflects the bulk indicate that significant amounts of adsorption occurred f GC structure -o accurately than polished or otherwise these compounds ...value. obtained at the fractured surface for the three painie (6A) and ascorbic add (AA) on fractured GC-20. The compounds are approximately equal while...was significant, but all three compounds exhibited higher r. A not am apparet at the Toir-seal electrodes because the time[ specific mechanism of

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: An ultraviolet barrier-discharge OH molecular lamp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sosnin, E. A.; Erofeev, M. V.; Avdeev, S. M.; Panchenko, Aleksei N.; Panarin, V. A.; Skakun, V. S.; Tarasenko, Viktor F.; Shitts, D. V.

2006-10-01

The energy and spectral parameters of a barrier discharge in a mixture of argon with hydroxyl •OH are studied experimentally. A sealed lamp with the radiation intensity maximum at λ = 309.2 nm, an emitting surface area of ~700 cm2, and a radiant excitance of 1.5 mW cm-2 has been fabricated. The radiant power of the lamp is 1.1 W.

Sealing of minimally invasive Class II fillings (slot) using an adhesive patch: sealant margin extension for prevention.

PubMed

Schmidlin, Patrick R; Seemann, Rainer; Filli, Tilla; Attin, Thomas; Imfeld, Thomas

2007-01-01

A laboratory study was performed to assess the potential of an adhesive patch to seal small, unbeveled, Class II, box-only (slot) composite fillings. After minimal access cavity preparation with an 80 pm diamond bur, 40 box-only Class II cavities were prepared mesially and distally in 20 extracted human molars using a u-shaped PCS insert (EMS). One cavity per tooth was adhesively filled with a hybrid composite material in one increment. A patch, acting as an adhesive matrice, was applied to the other cavity of each tooth to seal the restoration. The margin of the patch was located in areas easily accessible to oral hygiene measures and self-cleaning. All the teeth were subjected to thermo-mechanical stress in a computer-controlled masticator device. In 10 teeth, caries was induced in a microbial-based artificial mouth model and quantitatively determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Microleakage was assessed in the other 10 teeth in two planar sections after immersion in 0.5% basic fuchsin solution. The results showed no demineralization at the filling margins protected with the patch. Microleakage was observed in one sample only and was limited to the enamel. In contrast, the margins of fillings without the patch application showed a mean demineralization depth of 146 +/- 42 microm and dye penetration into the dentin in five sections. This innovative approach to sealing restorative margins with an adhesive patch results in less leakage and filling margin demineralization and merits further investigation.

Dual FIB-SEM 3D imaging and lattice boltzmann modeling of porosimetry and multiphase flow in chalk.

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

Rinehart, Alex; Petrusak, Robin; Heath, Jason E.

2010-12-01

Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) is an often-applied technique for determining pore throat distributions and seal analysis of fine-grained rocks. Due to closure effects, potential pore collapse, and complex pore network topologies, MIP data interpretation can be ambiguous, and often biased toward smaller pores in the distribution. We apply 3D imaging techniques and lattice-Boltzmann modeling in interpreting MIP data for samples of the Cretaceous Selma Group Chalk. In the Mississippi Interior Salt Basin, the Selma Chalk is the apparent seal for oil and gas fields in the underlying Eutaw Fm., and, where unfractured, the Selma Chalk is one of the regional-scalemore » seals identified by the Southeast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership for CO2 injection sites. Dual focused ion - scanning electron beam and laser scanning confocal microscopy methods are used for 3D imaging of nanometer-to-micron scale microcrack and pore distributions in the Selma Chalk. A combination of image analysis software is used to obtain geometric pore body and throat distributions and other topological properties, which are compared to MIP results. 3D data sets of pore-microfracture networks are used in Lattice Boltzmann simulations of drainage (wetting fluid displaced by non-wetting fluid via the Shan-Chen algorithm), which in turn are used to model MIP procedures. Results are used in interpreting MIP results, understanding microfracture-matrix interaction during multiphase flow, and seal analysis for underground CO2 storage.« less

The Need for US Coast Guard Underwater Mission Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-23

vehicles and proliferation of fiber optic cables, raising the level of human interactions in the underwater environment. Besides the benefits from the...unmanned underwater vehicles, proliferation of fiber optic cables, and observation posts on the ocean floor will raise the level of human interactions...world’s demand for wood grows.39 As technology progresses, undersea infrastructure will continue to expand. Already, underwater fiber optic communication

Joint Optimal Placement and Energy Allocation of Underwater Sensors in a Tree Topology

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-10

underwater acoustic sensor nodes with respect to the capacity of the wireless links between the... underwater acoustic sensor nodes with respect to the capacity of the wireless links between the nodes. We assumed that the energy consumption of...nodes’ optimal placements. We achieve the optimal placement of the underwater acoustic sensor nodes with respect to the capacity of the wireless

Optimal Scheduling for Underwater Communications in Multiple-User Scenarios

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-30

term goals of this project is to analyze and propose energy-efficient communication techniques for underwater acoustic sensor networks . These...investigate the possibility that these underwater acoustic networks disrupt the behavior of surrounding species of marine mammals. As a consequence of... underwater VHF acoustics , high data rate/short range acoustic communications and networking , and acoustic sensing in the VHF regime. WORK COMPLETED We

Catalyst for Carbon Monoxide Oxidation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Patricia; Brown, Kenneth; VanNorman, John; Brown, David; Upchurch, Billy; Schryer, David; Miller, Irvin

2010-01-01

In many applications, it is highly desirable to operate a CO2 laser in a sealed condition, for in an open system the laser requires a continuous flow of laser gas to remove the dissociation products that occur in the discharge zone of the laser, in order to maintain a stable power output. This adds to the operating cost of the laser, and in airborne or space applications, it also adds to the weight penalty of the laser. In a sealed CO2 laser, a small amount of CO2 gas is decomposed in the electrical discharge zone into corresponding quantities of CO and O2. As the laser continues to operate, the concentration of CO2 decreases, while the concentrations of CO and O2 correspondingly increase. The increasing concentration of O2 reduces laser power, because O2 scavenges electrons in the electrical discharge, thereby causing arcing in the electric discharge and a loss of the energetic electrons required to boost CO2 molecules to lasing energy levels. As a result, laser power decreases rapidly. The primary object of this invention is to provide a catalyst that, by composition of matter alone, contains chemisorbed water within and upon its structure. Such bound moisture renders the catalyst highly active and very long-lived, such that only a small quantity of it needs to be used with a CO2 laser under ambient operating conditions. This object is achieved by a catalyst that consists essentially of about 1 to 40 percent by weight of one or more platinum group metals (Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru, Os, Pt being preferred); about 1 to 90 percent by weight of one or more oxides of reducible metals having multiple valence states (such as Sn, Ti, Mn, Cu, and Ce, with SnO2 being preferred); and about 1 to 90 percent by weight of a compound that can bind water to its structure (such as silica gel, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, hydrated alumina, and magnesium perchlorate, with silica gel being preferred). Especially beneficial results are obtained when platinum is present in the catalyst composition in an amount of about 5 to 25 (especially 7) percent by weight, SnO2 is present in an amount of about 30 to 40 (especially 40) percent by weight, and silica gel is present in an amount of 45 to 55 (especially 50) percent by weight. The composition of this catalyst was suggested by preliminary experiments in which a Pt/SnO2 catalyst was needed for bound water to enhance its activity. These experimental results suggested that if the water were bound to the surface, this water would enhance and prolong catalyst activity for long time periods. Because the catalyst is to be exposed to a laser gas mixture, and because a CO2 laser can tolerate only a very small amount of moisture, a hygroscopic support for the catalyst would provide the needed H2O into the gas. Silica gel is considered to be superior because of its property to chemisorb water on its surface over a wide range of moisture content.

A man-made object detection for underwater TV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Binbin; Wang, Wenwu; Chen, Yao

2018-03-01

It is a great challenging task to complete an automatic search of objects underwater. Usually the forward looking sonar is used to find the target, and then the initial identification of the target is completed by the side-scan sonar, and finally the confirmation of the target is accomplished by underwater TV. This paper presents an efficient method for automatic extraction of man-made sensitive targets in underwater TV. Firstly, the image of underwater TV is simplified with taking full advantage of the prior knowledge of the target and the background; then template matching technology is used for target detection; finally the target is confirmed by extracting parallel lines on the target contour. The algorithm is formulated for real-time execution on limited-memory commercial-of-the-shelf platforms and is capable of detection objects in underwater TV.

Monocular Vision-Based Underwater Object Detection

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhen; Dai, Fengzhao; Bu, Yang; Wang, Huibin

2017-01-01

In this paper, we propose an underwater object detection method using monocular vision sensors. In addition to commonly used visual features such as color and intensity, we investigate the potential of underwater object detection using light transmission information. The global contrast of various features is used to initially identify the region of interest (ROI), which is then filtered by the image segmentation method, producing the final underwater object detection results. We test the performance of our method with diverse underwater datasets. Samples of the datasets are acquired by a monocular camera with different qualities (such as resolution and focal length) and setups (viewing distance, viewing angle, and optical environment). It is demonstrated that our ROI detection method is necessary and can largely remove the background noise and significantly increase the accuracy of our underwater object detection method. PMID:28771194

Evaluating the SCC resistance of underwater welds in sodium tetrathionate

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

White, R.A.; Angeliu, T.M.

1997-12-01

The susceptibility of welds to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is enhanced by the surface residual tensile stresses generated by the typical welding process. However, underwater plasma transferred arc (PTA) welding has been shown to produce compressive surface residual stresses, an encouraging result if repairs of cracked boiling water reactor (BWR) components are to be made without further endangering them to SCC. This program was designed to verify that underwater PTA welds are resistant to SCC and to determine if underwater PTA welding could mitigate SCC in potentially susceptible welds. This was achieved by exposing various welds on solution annealed (SA)more » and SA + thermally sensitized 304 stainless steel at 25 C in a solution of 1.5 gm/liter of sodium sulfide added to 0.05M sodium tetrathionate, titrated to a pH of 1.25 with H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}. The autogeneous welds were produced using gas tungsten arc (GTA) and plasma transferred arc (PTA) welding under atmospheric conditions, and PTA welding underwater. After 1 hour of sodium tetrathionate exposure, GTA and air PTA welds exhibited SCC while the underwater PTA weld heat affected zones were more resistant. Underwater PTA welds bisecting a GTA weld eliminated the cracking in the GTA weld heat affected zone under certain conditions. The lack of IG cracking in the region influenced by the underwater PTA weld is consistent with the measurement of compressive surface residual stresses inherent to the underwater welding process.« less

Cone penetrometer fiber optic raman spectroscopy probe assembly

DOEpatents

Kyle, Kevin R.; Brown, Steven B.

2000-01-01

A chemically and mechanically robust optical Raman spectroscopy probe assembly that can be incorporated in a cone penetrometer (CPT) for subsurface deployment. This assembly consists of an optical Raman probe and a penetrometer compatible optical probe housing. The probe is intended for in-situ chemical analysis of chemical constituents in the surrounding environment. The probe is optically linked via fiber optics to the light source and the detection system at the surface. A built-in broadband light source provides a strobe method for direct measurement of sample optical density. A mechanically stable sapphire window is sealed directly into the side-wall of the housing using a metallic, chemically resistant, hermetic seal design. This window permits transmission of the interrogation light beam and the resultant signal. The spectroscopy probe assembly is capable of accepting Raman, Laser induced Fluorescence, reflectance, and other optical probes with collimated output for CPT deployment.

Liquid helium-free cryostat and hermetically sealed cryogenic microwave cavity for hyperfine spectroscopy of antiprotonic helium

PubMed Central

Massiczek, O.; Friedreich, S.; Juhász, B.; Widmann, E.; Zmeskal, J.

2011-01-01

The design and properties of a new cryogenic set-up for laser–microwave–laser hyperfine structure spectroscopy of antiprotonic helium – an experiment performed at the CERN-Antiproton Decelerator (AD), Geneva, Switzerland – are described. Similar experiments for 4He have been performed at the AD for several years. Due to the usage of a liquid helium operated cryostat and therefore necessary refilling of coolants, a loss of up to 10% beamtime occurred. The decision was made to change the cooling system to a closed-circuit cryocooler. New hermetically sealed target cells with minimised 3He gas volume and different dimensions of the microwave resonator for measuring the 3He transitions were needed. A new set-up has been designed and tested at Stefan Meyer Institute in Vienna before being used for the 2009 and 2010 beamtimes at the AD. PMID:22267883

Packaged microsphere-taper coupling system with a high Q factor.

PubMed

Dong, Yongchao; Wang, Keyi; Jin, Xueying

2015-01-10

A novel packaged microsphere-taper coupling system which consists of a glass tube and two glass plates is proposed and demonstrated in this paper. We analyze the impact of the microsphere distortion on the resonant spectrum and it is observed that a very high quality factor (Q) up to 1.08×10(8) can be achieved by optimizing the microsphere position and orientation relative to the fiber taper. The maintenance of Q and a stable spectrum are realized by placing the packaged structure in a sealed organic glass box. Furthermore, to verify the practicability of the sealed device, thermal sensing experiments are carried out, which indicates the excellent convenience of the device with a resolution of 1.12×10(-4)°C. The portability and robustness of the packaged structure make it strikingly attractive and illustrate its potential in practical microcavity sensors and lasers.

Image intensifier gain uniformity improvements in sealed tubes by selective scrubbing

DOEpatents

Thomas, S.W.

1995-04-18

The gain uniformity of sealed microchannel plate image intensifiers (MCPIs) is improved by selectively scrubbing the high gain sections with a controlled bright light source. Using the premise that ions returning to the cathode from the microchannel plate (MCP) damage the cathode and reduce its sensitivity, a HeNe laser beam light source is raster scanned across the cathode of a microchannel plate image intensifier (MCPI) tube. Cathode current is monitored and when it exceeds a preset threshold, the sweep rate is decreased 1000 times, giving 1000 times the exposure to cathode areas with sensitivity greater than the threshold. The threshold is set at the cathode current corresponding to the lowest sensitivity in the active cathode area so that sensitivity of the entire cathode is reduced to this level. This process reduces tube gain by between 10% and 30% in the high gain areas while gain reduction in low gain areas is negligible. 4 figs.

Image intensifier gain uniformity improvements in sealed tubes by selective scrubbing

DOEpatents

Thomas, Stanley W.

1995-01-01

The gain uniformity of sealed microchannel plate image intensifiers (MCPIs) is improved by selectively scrubbing the high gain sections with a controlled bright light source. Using the premise that ions returning to the cathode from the microchannel plate (MCP) damage the cathode and reduce its sensitivity, a HeNe laser beam light source is raster scanned across the cathode of a microchannel plate image intensifier (MCPI) tube. Cathode current is monitored and when it exceeds a preset threshold, the sweep rate is decreased 1000 times, giving 1000 times the exposure to cathode areas with sensitivity greater than the threshold. The threshold is set at the cathode current corresponding to the lowest sensitivity in the active cathode area so that sensitivity of the entire cathode is reduced to this level. This process reduces tube gain by between 10% and 30% in the high gain areas while gain reduction in low gain areas is negligible.

Computational Modeling of the Dolphin Kick in Competitive Swimming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loebbeck, A.; Mark, R.; Bhanot, G.

2005-11-01

Numerical simulations are being used to study the fluid dynamics of the dolphin kick in competitive swimming. This stroke is performed underwater after starts and turns and involves an undulatory motion of the body. Highly detailed laser body scans of elite swimmers are used and the kinematics of the dolphin kick is recreated from videos of Olympic level swimmers. We employ a parallelized immersed boundary method to simulate the flow associated with this stroke in all its complexity. The simulations provide a first of its kind glimpse of the fluid and vortex dynamics associated with this stroke and hydrodynamic force computations allow us to gain a better understanding of the thrust producing mechanisms.

High average power diode pumped solid state laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Yue; Wang, Yanjie; Chan, Amy; Dawson, Murray; Greene, Ben

2017-03-01

A new generation of high average power pulsed multi-joule solid state laser system has been developed at EOS Space Systems for various space related tracking applications. It is a completely diode pumped, fully automated multi-stage system consisting of a pulsed single longitudinal mode oscillator, three stages of pre-amplifiers, two stages of power amplifiers, completely sealed phase conjugate mirror or stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) cell and imaging relay optics with spatial filters in vacuum cells. It is capable of generating pulse energy up to 4.7 J, a beam quality M 2 ~ 3, pulse width between 10-20 ns, and a pulse repetition rate between 100-200 Hz. The system has been in service for more than two years with excellent performance and reliability.

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Study of thermooptic distortions of a Nd:YVO4 active element at different methods of its mounting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kijko, V. V.; Ofitserov, Evgenii N.

2006-05-01

Thermooptic distortions of the active element of an axially diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 solid-state laser are studied at different methods of its mounting. The study was performed by the Hartmann method. A mathematical model for calculating the optical power of a thermal lens produced in the crystal upon pumping is developed and verified experimentally. It is shown that the optical power of a thermal lens produced upon axial pumping of the convectively cooled active element sealed off in a copper heat sink is half the optical power observed upon convective cooling of the active element without heat sink. The experimental and theoretical results are in good agreement.

Underwater Nondestructive Testing of Ship Hull Welds

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-09-01

Norske Veritas. 5. Alan Taylor , Underwater Testing, Marine rechnology (Germany) Dec 1971, pp. 251-2. 6. Ship Underwater Maintenance, Evaluation and Repair...11. Peters, V. "NDT for Offshore Drilling Platform Structure," Welding end Metal Fabricatior, Jul 1973, V. 41-7. 12. Taylor , A., "Underwater...N. Cordea, Chairman, Senior Staff MetalZlugiet, ARMCO INC., Middletown, OH Mr. W. C. Brayton , Aset. to Gener•l Manager, Bethlehem Steel Corp

Advancing Underwater Acoustic Communication for Autonomous Distributed Networks via Sparse Channel Sensing, Coding, and Navigation Support

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-30

channel interference mitigation for underwater acoustic MIMO - OFDM . 3) Turbo equalization for OFDM modulated physical layer network coding. 4) Blind CFO...Underwater Acoustic MIMO - OFDM . MIMO - OFDM has been actively studied for high data rate communications over the bandwidthlimited underwater acoustic...with the cochannel interference (CCI) due to parallel transmissions in MIMO - OFDM . Our proposed receiver has the following components: 1

Eddy-Current Non-Inertial Displacement Sensing for Underwater Infrasound Measurements

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

Eddy-current non-inertial displacement sensing for underwater infrasound measurements Dimitri M. Donskoy Stevens Institute of Technology, 711 Hudson...geophysicists have an ongoing interest in exploring underwater acous- tic processes at infrasound frequencies, for example, for monitoring natural events...underwater infrasound measurements 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f

Human Factors Issues When Operating Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

etiquette (Parasuraman & Miller, 2004). Through natural and intuitive communication, Johnson et al., (2007) hope that this interface will instill greater...and etiquette in high criticality automated systems. Communications of the ACM, 47(4), 51-55. Parasuraman, R., & Riley, V. (1997). Humans and... protocols for underwater wireless communications. IEEE Communications Magazine, pp. 97-102. Quazi, A. H., & Konrad, W. L. (1982, March 1982). Underwater

DE-Sync: A Doppler-Enhanced Time Synchronization for Mobile Underwater Sensor Networks.

PubMed

Zhou, Feng; Wang, Qi; Nie, DongHu; Qiao, Gang

2018-05-25

Time synchronization is the foundation of cooperative work among nodes of underwater sensor networks; it takes a critical role in the research and application of underwater sensor networks. Although numerous time synchronization protocols have been proposed for terrestrial wireless sensor networks, they cannot be directly applied to underwater sensor networks. This is because most of them typically assume that the propagation delay among sensor nodes is negligible, which is not the case in underwater sensor networks. Time synchronization is mainly affected by a long propagation delay among sensor nodes due to the low propagation speed of acoustic signals. Furthermore, sensor nodes in underwater tend to experience some degree of mobility due to wind or ocean current, or some other nodes are on self-propelled vehicles, such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). In this paper, we propose a Doppler-enhanced time synchronization scheme for mobile underwater sensor networks, called DE-Sync. Our new scheme considers the effect of the clock skew during the process of estimating the Doppler scale factor and directly substitutes the Doppler scale factor into linear regression to achieve the estimation of the clock skew and offset. Simulation results show that DE-Sync outperforms existing time synchronization protocols in both accuracy and energy efficiency.