Optical Applications Research Articles

Formation Mechanism and Morphology Evolution of β-NaYF4 Single Microcrystals in Hydrothermal Process

Lanthanide-doped upconversion (Ln-doped UC) materials with predicable phase and geometry are attractive for their promising application in optics and biological. Herein, we report a facile strategy for deterministic synthesis of β-NaYF4 microcrystals by an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) assisted hydrothermal process. The nucleation and growth process of the β-NaYF4 microcrystals have been experimentally revealed with different hydrothermal times. The phase and geometry of as-obtained crystals can be well manipulated by the experimental parameters such as pH values, precursors’ ratio, and reactant concentrations. The formation and morphology evolution mechanism of β-NaYF4 single microcrystals can be qualitatively analyzed using energy minimization principles under the thermodynamic and kinetic control. In addition, we presented the colour-changing up-conversion of Tm3+ and Yb3+ doped single β-NaYF4 microrod. Our work could help the understanding on crystal growth and design of rare earth fluoride mateirals at micro and nanoscale.

A comparative study of the biosynthesis of CuNPs by Niallia circulans G9 and Paenibacillus sp. S4c strains: characterization and application as antimicrobial agents

BackgroundBiosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles using microorganisms are a fabulous and emerging eco-friendly science with well-defined sizes, shapes and controlled monodispersity. Copper nanoparticles, among other metal particles, have sparked increased attention due to their applications in electronics, optics, catalysis, and antimicrobial agents.ResultsThis investigation explains the biosynthesis and characterization of copper nanoparticles from soil strains, Niallia circulans G9 and Paenibacillus sp. S4c by an eco-friendly method. The maximum reduction of copper ions and maximum synthesis CuNPs was provided by these strains. Biogenic formation of CuNPs have been characterized by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray analysis and transmission electron microscopy analysis. Using UV-visible spectrum scanning, the synthesised CuNPs’ SPR spectra showed maximum absorption peaks at λ304&308 nm. TEM investigation of the produced CuNPs revealed the development of spherical/hexagonal nanoparticles with a size range of 13–100 nm by the G9 strain and spherical nanoparticles with a size range of 5–40 nm by the S4c strain. Functional groups and chemical composition of CuONPs were also confirmed. The antimicrobial activity of the biosynthesized CuNPs were investigated against some human pathogens. CuNPs produced from the G9 strain had the highest activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10,231 and the lowest against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027. CuNPs from the S4c strain demonstrated the highest activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 10,231 and the lowest activity against Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 13,883.ConclusionThe present work focused on increasing the CuNPs production by two isolates, Niallia circulans G9 and Paenibacillus sp. S4c, which were then characterized alongside. The used analytics and chemical composition techniques validated the existence of CuONPs in the G9 and S4c biosynthesized nano cupper. CuNPs of S4c are smaller and have a more varied shape than those of G9 strain, according to TEM images. In terms of antibacterial activity, the biosynthesized CuNPs from G9 and S4c were found to be more effective against Candida albicans ATCC 10,231 and E. coli ATCC 10,231, respectively.

Background-oriented schlieren experimental and simulation study of the effect of sidewalls on optical turbulence anisotropy in a thermal convection turbulence simulator

The anisotropic optical structure characteristics within the Rayleigh-Bénard (RB) turbulence simulator have been investigated through experiment and simulation. We collected data using background-oriented schlieren technology and extracted displacements using optical flow algorithms. The wavefront phase can be recovered using the conjugate gradient iterative algorithm. We analyzed the optical structural characteristics within the turbulence simulator under different temperature differences. It is observed that with an increased temperature difference, the spatial correlation of the refractive index field decreases at an accelerated rate as the separation distance increases, and the degree of anisotropy characterized by the phase structure function increases. Large eddy simulation and split-step beam propagation method complement experimental results. Numerical simulations demonstrate consistency with experimental data. The results show that the von Karman power spectral density fits the simulation and experimental phase structure function very well relative to the Kolmogorov power spectral density, which demonstrates that the simulation system combining dynamics simulation and optical simulation can achieve power spectral characteristics that are consistent with reality. The experimental and simulation results are crucial for understanding the flow field's optical structural properties inside the turbulence simulator. They will help to construct a suitable turbulence simulator for optical engineering applications and establish a rational scheme for analyzing its internal optical structural properties.

Eco-friendly and biocompatible gelatin plasmonic filters for UV-vis-NIR light

The quest for environmentally sustainable materials spans many fields and applications including optical materials. Here, we present the development of light filters using a gelatin-based nanocomposite. Owing to the plasmonic properties of metallic nanoparticles (NPs), strong light-matter interactions, these filters can be customized across the UV-Visible-NIR spectrum. The filters are designed for modular use, allowing for the addition or removal of desired spectral ranges. Moreover, the nanocomposites are composed of biodegradable and biocompatible materials which highlight the intersection of chemistry and ecological awareness for the exploration of new eco-friendly alternatives. These plasmonic gelatin-based filters block light due to the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) of the NPs and can be tailored to meet various requirements, akin to a diner selecting options from a menu. This approach is inspired by culinary techniques, and we anticipate it will stimulate further exploration of biomaterials for applications in optics, materials science or electronics.

Glass Disorder Modulated Luminescence in Zero-Dimensional Antimony-Chloride Coplanar Dimers for Optical Anti-counterfeiting.

Zero-dimensional metal halides have received wide attention due to their structural diversity, strong quantum confinement, and associated excellent photoluminescence properties. A reversible and tunable luminescence would be desirable for applications such as anti-counterfeiting, information encryption, and artificial intelligence. Yet, these materials are underexplored, with little known about their luminescence tuning mechanisms. Here we report a pyramidal coplanar dimer, (TBA)Sb2Cl7 (TBA = tetrabutylammonium), showing broadband emission wavelength tuning (585-650 nm) by simple thermal treatment. We attribute the broad color change to structural disorder induced by varying the heat treatment temperatures. Increasing the heating temperature transitions the material from long-range ordered crystalline phase to highly disordered glassy phase. The latter exhibits stronger electron-phonon coupling, enhancing the self-trapped exciton emission efficiency. The work provides a new material platform for manifold optical anti-counterfeiting applications and sheds light on the emission color tuning mechanisms for further design of stimuli-responsive materials.

Investigating the nonlinear optical response of virgin cherry kernel oil and its application to detecting adulteration

Abstract The nonlinear optical (NLO) response of materials is the basis for their use in various applications, including optical switching, optical data storage, and optical limiting. Additionally, it can be used as an innovative method of authentication. In this study, the NLO properties of virgin cherry kernel oil (VCKO) were studied through the observation of spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) diffraction rings using a 532 nm continuous-wave laser beam. Based on the intensity-dependent number of symmetric diffraction rings, the nonlinear refraction coefficient and thermo-optical coefficient of VCKO were estimated to be 3.81×10-6 cm2/W and 5.34×10-4 K-1 , respectively, for the first time according to the authors' knowledge. Furthermore, we employed the SSPM technique for adulteration detection in the VCKO by analyzing its NLO properties. To accomplish this, we prepared different adulterated samples by mixing VCKO with cheaper commercial oils such as virgin sunflower oil (VSFO) and virgin canola oil (VCO) at various concentration ratios. In mixed VCKO samples that were adulterated, the measured NLO parameters were correlated highly with the amount of adulteration. The results confirm the ability of the SSPM technique to determine the degree of adulteration in oil samples by measuring and comparing their NLO properties. In addition, our results indicate that cherry kernel oil can be a viable candidate as a nonlinear medium for optical applications.

Research Progress of Single-Photon Emitters Based on Two-Dimensional Materials

From quantum communications to quantum computing, single-photon emitters (SPEs) are essential components of numerous quantum technologies. Two-dimensional (2D) materials have especially been found to be highly attractive for the research into nanoscale light–matter interactions. In particular, localized photonic states at their surfaces have attracted great attention due to their enormous potential applications in quantum optics. Recently, SPEs have been achieved in various 2D materials, while the challenges still remain. This paper reviews the recent research progress on these SPEs based on various 2D materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), and twisted-angle 2D materials. Additionally, we summarized the strategies to create, position, enhance, and tune the emission wavelength of these emitters by introducing external fields into these 2D system. For example, pronounced enhancement of the SPEs’ properties can be achieved by coupling with external fields, such as the plasmonic field, and by locating in optical microcavities. Finally, this paper also discusses current challenges and offers perspectives that could further stimulate scientific research in this field. These emitters, due to their unique physical properties and integration potential, are highly appealing for applications in quantum information and communication, as well as other physical and technological fields.

Silicon‐Rich Nitride Refractive Index as a Degree of Freedom to Maximize Nonlinear Wave Mixing in Nanowaveguides

Silicon nitride is widely used in integrated photonics for optical nonlinear wave mixing due to its low optical losses combined with relatively high nonlinear optical properties and a wide‐range transparency window. It is known that a higher concentration of Si in silicon‐rich nitride (SRN) magnifies both the nonlinear response and optical losses, including nonlinear losses. To address the trade‐off, four‐wave mixing (FWM) is implemented in over a hundred SRN waveguides prepared by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition in a wide range of SRN refractive indices varying between 2.5 and 3.2 (measured in the C‐band). It is determined that SRN with a refractive index of about 3 maximizes the FWM efficiency for continuous‐wave operation, indicating that the refractive index of SRN is indeed a crucial optimization parameter for nonlinear optics applications. The FWM efficiency is limited by large nonlinear optical losses observed in SRN waveguides with indices larger than 2.7, which are not related to two‐photon absorption. Finally, the third‐order susceptibility and the nonlinear refractive index are estimated for multiple SRN refractive indices, and, specifically, the nonlinearities as large as and are estimated in a waveguide with an SRN refractive index of 3.2.

Enhanced Replenishment of Active Lattice Oxygen Using Chiral Copper Oxide.

Effective catalytic performance of the transition metal oxide is attributed to high specific surface areas, abundant surface oxygen atoms, and balanced valence ratios. Although the chirality of the transition metal has attracted attention, most studies have focused on optical application. A few chiral transition metal oxides were used as electrocatalysts and photocatalysts. The influence of the chiral catalysts on the thermal catalysis process has been less explored. In this study, Mn-loaded chiral (M/l-CuO and M/d-CuO) and achiral CuO (M/a-CuO) were synthesized and compared in the catalytic oxidization of toluene. Spectrally analyzed Mn was well-dispersed on both chiral and achiral CuO. l-CuO and d-CuO showed nanoflower-like chirality. The angles between each (001) plane of CuO were the source of chirality. The toluene turnover frequency (TOF) of the samples was in the order of Mn/d-CuO (5.6 × 10-5 s-1) > Mn/l-CuO (4.4 × 10-5 s-1) > Mn/a-CuO (3.2 × 10-5 s-1) at 240 °C, consistent with the order of the oxygen replenishment rate. The as-prepared catalysts had similar ratios of lattice oxygen/surface adsorbed oxygen, Mn3+/Mn4+, and Cu+/Cu2+. A higher TOF was attributed to chirality, which increased the lattice oxygen replenishment speed from the gaseous phase to the solid surface. Our study indicates gas-solid catalysis from a structure-activity viewpoint.

871 nm single-frequency fiber laser for Yb+ ion optical clock

In recent years, there has been a dramatically increasing demand for high-performance narrow-linewidth lasers for optical atomic clock and quantum applications. In this paper, we report on a single-frequency distributed Bragg reflector fiber laser operating at 871 nm that can be used to produce a 435.5 nm narrow-linewidth laser for a Yb+ clock via second-harmonic generation. Linearly polarized single-longitudinal-mode laser output with a power of 6.7 mW and a polarization extinction ratio of 29 dB was obtained by using a 3-cm long 1 wt. % neodymium (Nd3+)-doped phosphate fiber as the gain fiber.

An insight into structural, spectroscopic and nonlinear optical Application of a promising malononitrile derivative: (Z)-2-(3-chloro-3-(4-chlorophenyl)allylidene)malononitrile

Conjugated organic single crystals play a pivotal role as donor-acceptor molecules, showcasing nonlinear optical properties due to their unique molecular structure. In the present study, a novel functionalised allylidene malononitrile derivative, (Z)-2-(3-chloro-3-(4-chlorophenyl)allylidene)malononitrile, was synthesised and subjected to various spectroscopic and structural analyses for its optical and structural characterisation. This compound serves as an essential building block in developing photonic and optoelectronic materials. We synthesised the compound through a Vilsmeier-Haack reaction followed by a Knoevenagel condensation reaction and crystallised it using a slow evaporation method. In addition to SCXRD, the structural analysis of the compound was performed using NMR (1H, 13C), mass spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy. The Intermolecular interactions were studied using Hirshfeld surfaces. The optical properties were analysed using UV–visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The third-order nonlinearity of the grown crystal was estimated using the NLO coefficients via the widely recognised femtosecond Z-scan technique, equipped with Ti:sapphire-based laser oscillator using laser pulses of 90 fs and a wavelength of 500 nm at various incident powers. It was observed that with increasing laser power, the nonlinear absorption coefficient of the sample also increased. These findings, combined with the calculation of the nonlinear refractive index, conclusively establish the potential of (Z)-2-(3-chloro-3-(4-chlorophenyl)allylidene)malononitrile for optoelectronic applications.

Small electron polarons bound to interstitial tantalum defects in lithium tantalate.

The absorption features of optically generated, short-lived small bound electron polarons are inspected in congruent lithium tantalate, LiTaO3(LT), in order to address the question whether it is possible to localize electrons at interstitial TaV:VLidefect pairs by strong, short-range electron-phonon coupling. Solid-state photoabsorption spectroscopy under light exposure and density functional theory are used for an experimental and theoretical access to the spectral features of small bound polaron states and to calculate the binding energies of the small bound TaLi4+(antisite) and TaV4+:VLi(interstitial site) electron polarons. As a result, two energetically well separated (ΔE≈ 0.5 eV) absorption features with a distinct dependence on the probe light polarization and peaking at 1.6 eV and 2.1 eV are discovered. We contrast our results to the interpretation of a single small bound TaLi4+electron state with strong anisotropy of the lattice distortion and discuss the optical generation of interstitial TaV4+:VLismall polarons in the framework of optical gating of TaV4+:TaTa4+bipolarons. We can conclude that the appearance of carrier localization at TaV:VLimust be considered as additional intermediate state for the 3D hopping transport mechanisms at room temperature in addition to TaLi, as well, and, thus, impacts a variety of optical, photoelectrical and electrical applications of LT in nonlinear photonics. Furthermore, it is envisaged that LT represents a promising model system for the further examination of the small-polaron based photogalvanic effect in polar oxides with the unique feature of two, energetically well separated small polaron states.

Formation and Fluorescent Mechanism of Multiple Color Emissive Carbon Dots from o-Phenylenediamine.

Carbon dots (CDs) have received considerable attention in many application areas owing to their unique optical properties and potential applications; however, the fluorescent mechanism is an obstacle to their applications. Herein, three-color emissive CDs are prepared from single o-phenylenediamine (oPD) by regulating the ratio of ethanol and dimethylformamide (DMF). Fluorescent mechanism of these CDs is proposed as molecular state fluorescence. Reaction intermediates are identified using liquid chromatrography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. 1H-Benzo[d]imidazole (BI), 2,3-diaminophenazine (DAP), and 5,14-dihydroquinoxalino[2,3-b] phenazine (DHQP) are proposed to be the fluorophores of blue, green, and red emissive CDs by comparing their optical properties. As per the LC-MS and 1H-NMR analysis, DHQP with red emission tends to form from DAP and oPD in pure ethanol. By adding DMF, BI formation is enhanced and DHQP formation is suppressed. The prepared CDs exhibit green emission with DAP. When the DMF amount is >50%, BI formation is considerably promoted, resulting in DAP formation being suppressed. BI with blue emission then turns into the fluorophore of CDs. This result provides us an improved understanding of the fluorescent mechanism of oPD-based CDs, which guides us in designing the structure and optical properties of CDs.

Generation of Propagation-Dependent OAM Self-Torque with Chirped Spiral Gratings

The application of non-uniform spiral gratings to control the structure, topological parameters and propagation of orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams was studied experimentally with coherent near-infrared light. Adapted digital spiral grating structures were programmed into the phase map of a high-resolution liquid-crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulator (LCoS-SLM). It is shown that characteristic spatio-spectral anomalies related to Gouy phase shift can be used as pointers to quantify rotational beam properties. Depending on the sign and gradient of spatially variable periods of chirped spiral gratings (CSGs), variations in rotation angle and angular velocity were measured as a function of the propagation distance. Propagation-dependent self-torque is introduced in analogy to known local self-torque phenomena of OAM beams as obtained by the superposition of temporally chirped or phase-modulated wavepackets. Applications in metrology, nonlinear optics or particle trapping are conceivable.

Spectroscopic Techniques and Hydrogen-Sensitive Compounds: A New Horizon in Hydrogen Detection.

Detecting hydrogen leaks remains a pivotal challenge demanding robust solutions. Among diverse detection techniques, the fiber-optic method distinguishes itself through unique benefits, such as its distributed measurement properties. The adoption of hydrogen-sensitive materials coated on fibers has gained significant traction in research circles, credited to its operational simplicity and exceptional adaptability across varied conditions. This manuscript offers an exhaustive investigation into hydrogen-sensitive materials and their incorporation into fiber-optic hydrogen sensors. The research profoundly analyzes the sensor architectures, performance indicators, and the spectrum of sensing materials. A detailed understanding of these sensors' potentials and constraints emerges through rigorous examination, juxtaposition, and holistic discourse. Furthermore, this analysis judiciously assesses the inherent challenges tied to these systems, simultaneously highlighting potential pathways for future innovation. By spotlighting the hurdles and opportunities, this paper furnishes a view on hydrogen sensing technology, particularly related to optical fiber-based applications.

Enhanced second-order nonlinear susceptibility in type-II asymmetric quantum well structures

Asymmetric quantum wells (AQWs) utilizing interband transitions enhance second-order susceptibility over a wide wavelength range compared to natural crystals. The nonlinear susceptibility is further enhanced in AQWs with type-II band alignment as compared to type-I band alignment, a result of the larger interband charge shift. This enhancement is demonstrated in this work by analyzing three type-I and type-II AQW designs based on the lattice-matched InP/AlGaInAs materials systems using the envelope wavefunction approximation. The calculated interband second-order susceptibility tensor elements in type-II structures range between 20 and 1.60 × 103 pm/V for nearly resonant optical rectification and difference frequency generation applications at near-infrared and terahertz wavelengths, an improvement of nearly 1 order of magnitude over the type-I structures and 1–2 orders of magnitude over natural crystals such as LiNbO3, KTiOPO4 (KTP), or GaAs. A factor of 2–3 further enhancement of the tensor elements is achieved by optimizing the well widths and band offsets of the type-II asymmetric quantum wells. The type-II structure can be implemented in other material systems spanning the longwave infrared to visible wavelengths, enhancing nonlinear susceptibility for various applications, including photonic integrated circuits.

Non-Hermitian polariton–photon coupling in a perovskite open microcavity

Abstract Exploring the non-Hermitian properties of semiconductor materials for optical applications is at the forefront of photonic research. However, the selection of appropriate systems to implement such photonic devices remains a topic of debate. In this work, we demonstrate that a perovskite crystal, characterized by its easy and low-cost manufacturing, when placed between two distributed Bragg reflectors with an air gap, can form a natural double microcavity. This construction shows promising properties for the realisation of novel, tunable non-Hermitian photonic devices through strong light–matter coupling. We reveal that such a system exhibits double-coupled polariton modes with dispersion including multiple inflection points. Owing to its non-Hermiticity, our system exhibits nonreciprocal properties and allows for the observation of exceptional points. Our experimental studies are in agreement with the theoretical analysis based on coupled mode theory and calculations based on transfer matrix method.

On the generalization of cognitive optical networking applications using composable machine learning

Model generalization characterizes the sustainability of machine learning (ML) designs applied to novel system states and therefore plays a vital role toward the realization of cognitive networking. In this paper, we present a composable ML framework (namely, CompML), aiming at generalizing ML-aided cognitive applications for optical networks. CompML makes use of three basic functional modules, i.e., the Loading, Recursion, and Readout modules, to model the loading/initialization processes (e.g., the launch of a signal), extract cumulative features by recursive operations, and produce model inferences, respectively. By the composition of the three modules and adoption of an end-to-end training mechanism, CompML allows for generalizing multiple tasks of the same domain [e.g., quality-of-transmission (QoT) estimation for different lightpaths]. We perform case studies of CompML on QoT estimation and nonlinearity compensation using both simulation and experimental data. Results show the superior generalization ability of CompML compared with the baselines, achieving mean absolute error (MAE) for generalized signal-to-noise ratio (GSNR) prediction error of below 1.06 dB for unseen lightpaths and up to 3 dB Q-factor improvement for nonlinearity compensation.

Efficient green upconversion emission in transparent Teo2-Geo2 glass-ceramic obtained by billet extrusion

Efficient green upconversion emission in transparent Teo2-Geo2 glass-ceramic obtained by billet extrusion

Characterization and optical studies of flexible methylcellulose/titanium dioxide nanomaterials

In this work, flexible MC/TiO2 polymer composites were successfully manufactured using the solution casting method to enhance their implementations in optical applications. The composite consisting of methylcellulose (MC) with different concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO2) of 3%, 6%, and 9%. The successful fabrication of MC/TiO2 films were confirmed through XRD characterization. The addition of TiO2 enhances the refractive indices (n0), it increased from 1.014 for MC respectively to 1.025,1.032 and 1.045 for MC/3%TiO2, MC/6%TiO2 and MC/9%TiO2. The MC exhibited an oscillation energy of 6.86 eV, changed respectively to 5.25 eV, 4.96 eV, and 4.59 eV. Furthermore, the dispersion energy values were observed to be 0.18 eV for MC, respectively changed to 0.23 eV, 0.26 eV, and 0.35 eV, for MC/3%TiO2, MC/6%TiO2 and MC/9%TiO2. The data clearly indicates the introduction of TiO2 into the MC polymer results in a modification of its optical characteristics, to be applicable in different fields of optoelectronics.