Optical Concept Research Articles

Mathematical sense making of quantum phenomena using Dirac notation: its effect on secondary school students’ functional thinking about photons

Previous research has consistently demonstrated that students often possess an inadequate understanding of fundamental quantum optics concepts, even after formal instruction. Findings from physics education research suggest that introducing a mathematical formalism to describe quantum optical phenomena may enhance students’ conceptual understanding of quantum optics. This paper investigates whether using formal descriptions of quantum optics phenomena – such as photon anticorrelation at a beamsplitter or single-photon interference in a Michelson interferometer – expressed in Dirac notation, can support secondary school students in developing functional thinking about photons. To investigate this, we conducted a clusterrandomized field study, comparing the improvement in functional thinking between 67 students in the intervention group, who were taught using both qualitative and quantitative reasoning, and 66 students in the control group, who were taught using only qualitative reasoning. The results indicate that mathematical formalism can indeed promote functional thinking about photons. However, the comparison between the intervention and control groups revealed that the control group exhibited a greater increase in functional thinking than the intervention group. In response to these findings, we conducted a follow-up study aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the cognitive load associated with both approaches. Specifically, we compared the intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load of 71 students in the intervention group with those of 65 students in the control group. The data analysis revealed that the two groups had statistically significant differences in intrinsic cognitive load while the extraneous cognitive load did not difer statistically significant, indicating a higher mental effort associated to the quantitative reasoning.

Effect of Interactive E-Book to Measure Mathematical Representations on Optics in High School

This study aims to measure the effect of using interactive e-books in enhancing students' mathematical representation skills on optics material in high school. Mathematical representation involves students' ability to use mathematical symbols, graphs, and formulas to solve physics problems, particularly in the concept of optics, which is often considered abstract. The research method used was a quasi-experiment with a pretest-posttest control group design. The sample consisted of two classes: an experimental class using interactive e-books as learning media and a control class using conventional methods. The results showed an improvement in mathematical representation skills in both classes, with the n-gain value of the experimental class being 0.604 and the control class being 0.557, both in the medium category. However, the experimental class demonstrated a more significant improvement compared to the control class, indicating that interactive e-books are more effective in helping students deeply understand optical concepts. The interactive features in the e-book, such as simulations and animations, provided a more engaging learning experience and helped students visualize abstract concepts. In conclusion, the use of interactive e-books has a positive impact on improving students' mathematical representation skills and can be considered an effective alternative learning medium, especially for science subjects that require better visualization and conceptual understanding.

Hybrid metal halide family with color-time-dual-resolved phosphorescence for multiplexed information security applications

Luminescent materials with engineered optical properties play an important role in anti-counterfeiting and information security technology. However, conventional luminescent coding is limited by fluorescence color or intensity, and high-level multi-dimensional luminescent encryption technology remains a critically challenging goal in different scenarios. To improve the encoding capacity, we present an optical multiplexing concept by synchronously manipulating the emission color and decay lifetimes of room-temperature phosphorescence materials at molecular level. Herein, we devise a family of zero-dimensional (0D) hybrid metal halides by combining organic phosphonium cations and metal halide tetrahedral anions as independent luminescent centers, which display blue phosphorescence and green persistent afterglow with the highest quantum yields of 39.9 % and 57.3 %, respectively. Significantly, the luminescence lifetime can be fine-tuned in the range of 0.0968–0.5046 μs and 33.46–125.61 ms as temporary time coding through precisely controlling the heavy atomic effect and inter-molecular interactions. As a consequence, synchronous blue phosphorescence and green afterglow are integrated into one 0D halide platform with adjustable emission lifetime acting as color- and time-resolved dual RTP materials, which realize the multiple applications in high-level anti-counterfeiting and information storage. The color-lifetime-dual-resolved encoding ability greatly broadens the scope of luminescent halide materials for optical multiplexing applications.

Geometrical Aspects of the Optics of Linear Fresnel Concentrators: A Review

Linear Fresnel concentrators (LFR) are widely seen by the scientific community as one of the most promising systems for the production of solar energy via thermal plants or concentrated photovoltaics. The produced energy depends on the optical efficiency of the LFR, which is mainly dictated by the geometry of the plant. For this reason, the analysis of LFR geometry and its effects on optical behavior is a crucial step in the design and optimization of a Fresnel plant. The theoretical and computational tools used to model the optics of a LFR are fundamental in research on energy production. In this review, geometrical aspects of the optics of linear Fresnel concentrators are presented, with a detailed discussion of the parameters required to define the geometry of a plant and of the main optical concepts. After an overview of the literature on the subject, the main part of the review is dedicated to summarising useful formulas and outlining general procedures for optical simulations. These include (i) a ray-tracing procedure to simulate a mirror field, and (ii) a fast quasi-analytical method useful for optimizations and on-the-fly computations.

Nonlinear-Optical Analogies in Nuclear-Like Soliton Reactions: Selection Rules, Nonlinear Tunneling and Sub-Barrier Fusion–Fission

Abstract The main goal of our study is to reveal unexpected but intriguing analogies arising between optical solitons and nuclear physics, which still remain hidden from us. We consider the main cornerstones of the concept of nonlinear optics of nuclear reactions and the well-dressed repulsive-core solitons. On the base of this model, we reveal the most intriguing properties of the nonlinear tunneling of nucleus-like solitons and the soliton self-induced sub-barrier transparency effect. We describe novel interesting and stimulating analogies between the interaction of nucleus-like solitons on the repulsive barrier and nuclear sub-barrier reactions. The main finding of this study concerns the conservation of total number of nucleons (or the baryon number) in nuclear-like soliton reactions. We show that inelastic interactions among well-dressed repulsive-core solitons arise only when a “cloud” of “dressing” spectral side-bands appears in the frequency spectra of the solitons. This property of nucleus-like solitons is directly related to the nuclear density distribution described by the dimensionless small shape-squareness parameter. Thus the Fourier spectra of nucleus-like solitons are similar to the nuclear form factors. We show that the nuclear-like reactions between well-dressed solitons are realized by “exchange” between “particle-like” side bands in their spectra.

Clinical results with a multifocal intraocular lens with a novel optical design

BackgroundTo evaluate the optical performance and safety of a new multifocal lens with a novel optical design featuring two additional foci (or intensifiers) in patients with cataract and presbyopia.MethodsIn this single-center, non-randomized prospective observational study, 31 patients underwent implantation of the new multifocal IOL between March 2020 and November 2021 at a tertiary clinical center in Buenos Aires and Ramos Mejia, Argentina. Postoperative examinations with emphasis on uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at distance and near and at two different intermediate distances (80 cm and 60 cm) were performed during the 3 postoperative months.ResultsOf the 31 patients who underwent implantation of the new IOL, 30 underwent bilateral surgery (61 eyes in total). At 3 months, all 61 eyes had an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) of at least 0.15 logMAR; 57 eyes (93%) had an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) of 0.1 logMAR and 27 eyes (44%) had an UCDVA of 0.0 logMAR. At 80 cm, 60 eyes (98%) had an uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UCIVA) of at least 0.1 log MAR and 48 eyes (79%) had an UCIVA of 0.0 logMAR.ConclusionThe new multifocal IOL with a novel optical concept (5 foci) showed a wide range of visual acuity especially at intermediate and near distances in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Uncorrected visual acuity was excellent at all tested distances, monocularly and binocularly, spectacle independence and patient satisfaction were high.

27‐1: Flat‐based Double Path Pancake Optics to Improve Productivity

We proposed highly light efficient pancake Head Mounted Display (HMD) optics named “Double path pancake optics” last year, which has 1.8 times higher light efficiency than conventional one.While maintaining such high optical efficiency, this year, we have improved its productivity by replacing curved Reflective Polarizer (RP) with flat one. To realize a structure with flat RP, we have simulated optical concepts and finally found appropriate design. According to our optimized optical design, 25.5 mm thickness with 90 deg Field Of View (FOV) was realized and we have successfully made the prototype and confirmed that the high image quality can be displayed and optical properties are almost the same as our previous one with curved RP.

67‐4: Late‐News Paper: A New Semi‐transparent OLED‐on‐Silicon Microdisplay Technology Enabling New Optical Design Opportunities for Slim Near‐to‐Eye Optics

Due to their very high resolution and high level of technological maturity, OLED microdisplays are an ideal image generator for VR, AR and MR applications in near‐to‐eye optics. However, due to the silicon‐based backplane, these microdisplays have always been non‐transparent, requiring a complex optical system for integration into an optic. This has a significant impact on the weight, size and overall optical efficiency of the system. In this paper, a novel technology for the realization of semi‐transparent OLED‐on‐silicon microdisplays is presented, which enables completely new optical concepts for near‐to‐eye optics.

A science-driven approach to optimize the design for a biological small-angle neutron scattering instrument

Biological small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) instruments facilitate critical analysis of the structure and dynamics of complex biological systems. However, with the growth of experimental demands and the advances in optical systems design, a new neutron optical concept is necessary to overcome the limitations of current instruments. This work presents an approach to include experimental objectives (i.e. the science to be supported by a specific neutron scattering instrument) in the optimization of the neutron optical concept. The approach for a proposed SANS instrument at the Second Target Station of the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA, is presented here. The instrument is simulated with the McStas software package. The optimization process is driven by an evolutionary algorithm using McStas output data, which are processed to calculate an objective function designed to quantify the expected performance of the simulated neutron optical configuration for the intended purpose. Each McStas simulation covers the complete instrument, from source to detector, including realistic sample scattering functions. This approach effectively navigates a high-dimensional parameter space that is otherwise intractable; it allows the design of next-generation SANS instruments to address specific scientific cases and has the potential to increase instrument performance compared with traditional design approaches.

Nonlinear Optics: feature issue introduction

This joint issue of Optics Express and Optical Materials Express showcases 29 articles that report the latest advancements in nonlinear optics. These articles include contributions from authors who participated in the Optica Nonlinear Optics Topical Meeting, which took place in Honolulu, Hawaii, from July 10th to July 14th, 2023. The conference was organized by Optica (formerly known as OSA). As an introduction, the editors provide a summary of these articles, which cover a broad range of topics in nonlinear optics, spanning from fundamental nonlinear optical concepts to novel nonlinear effects, and from innovative nonlinear materials to topics such as ultrafast optics, machine learning empowered nonlinear optics, and unconventional applications. This diverse array of contributions reflects the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of contemporary research in the field of nonlinear optics while showcasing some of the most recent developments.

Nonlinear Optics: feature issue introduction

This joint issue of Optics Express and Optical Materials Express showcases 29 articles that report the latest advancements in nonlinear optics. These articles include contributions from authors who participated in the Optica Nonlinear Optics Topical Meeting, which took place in Honolulu, Hawaii, from July 10th to July 14th, 2023. The conference was organized by Optica (formerly known as OSA). As an introduction, the editors provide a summary of these articles, which cover a broad range of topics in nonlinear optics, spanning from fundamental nonlinear optical concepts to novel nonlinear effects, and from innovative nonlinear materials to topics such as ultrafast optics, machine learning empowered nonlinear optics, and unconventional applications. This diverse array of contributions reflects the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of contemporary research in the field of nonlinear optics while showcasing some of the most recent developments.

Research on aberration correction methods of conformal dome based on haack curve

Conformal optics arose from the need for better aerodynamic performance. The Haack curve has the lowest air drag under given conditions. It has superior aerodynamic properties compared to hemispherical domes and quadric conformal domes. Most in line with the concept of conformal optics. But aberration correction is also the most difficult. At present, there is no research on this conformal dome with the best aerodynamic performance. Therefore, a new design method for the internal surface is proposed in this paper to reduce the fluctuation range of aberrations. This method can eliminate the position error on the detector, reduce the fluctuation range of coma and spherical aberration, and even suppress the sensitivity of the defocus-field curvature to the parameters change. A condition for eliminating astigmatism is also proposed for the conformal dome. The fluctuation range of astigmatism and the difficulty of corrector design are reduced by reasonably choosing the rotation center. The research of this paper is of great significance in improving the aerodynamic performance of conformal optical systems.

All-optical subcycle microscopy on atomic length scales.

Bringing optical microscopy to the shortest possible length and time scales has been a long-soughtgoal, connecting nanoscopic elementary dynamics with the macroscopic functionalities of condensed matter. Super-resolution microscopy has circumvented the far-field diffraction limit by harnessing optical nonlinearities1. By exploiting linear interaction with tip-confined evanescent light fields2, near-field microscopy3,4 has reached even higher resolution, prompting a vibrant research field by exploring the nanocosm in motion5-19. Yet the finite radius of the nanometre-sized tip apex has prevented access to atomic resolution20. Here we leverage extreme atomic nonlinearities within tip-confined evanescent fields to push all-optical microscopy to picometric spatial and femtosecond temporal resolution. On these scales, we discover an unprecedented and efficient non-classical near-field response, in phase with the vector potential of light and strictly confined to atomic dimensions. This ultrafast signal is characterized by an optical phase delay of approximately π/2 and facilitates direct monitoring of tunnelling dynamics. We showcase the power of our optical concept by imaging nanometre-sized defects hidden to atomic force microscopy and by subcycle sampling of current transients on a semiconducting van der Waals material. Our results facilitate access to quantum light-matter interaction and electronic dynamics at ultimately short spatio-temporal scales in both conductive and insulating quantum materials.

Synchrotron infrared nanospectroscopy in fourth-generation storage rings.

Fourth-generation synchrotron storage rings represent a significant milestone in synchrotron technology, offering outstandingly bright and tightly focused X-ray beams for a wide range of scientific applications. However, due to their inherently tight magnetic lattices, these storage rings have posed critical challenges for accessing lower-energy radiation, such as infrared (IR) and THz. Here the first-ever IR beamline to be installed and to operate at a fourth-generation synchrotron storage ring is introduced. This work encompasses several notable advancements, including a thorough examination of the new IR source at Sirius, a detailed description of the radiation extraction scheme, and the successful validation of our optical concept through both measurements and simulations. This optimal optical setup has enabled us to achieve an exceptionally wide frequency range for our nanospectroscopy experiments. Through the utilization of synchrotron IR nanospectroscopy on biological and hard matter samples, the practicality and effectiveness of this beamline has been successfully demonstrated. The advantages of fourth-generation synchrotron IR sources, which can now operate with unparalleled stability as a result of the stringent requirements for producing low-emittance X-rays, are emphasized.

Developing Diagnostic Test on Geometrical Optics (DT-GO) Concept

Developing Diagnostic Test on Geometrical Optics (DT-GO) ConceptThe purpose of this research is to develop the instrument of diagnostic test on optical geometry material, especially in the mirror and lens topics, as well as to unveil the misconceptions of students at one of the public schools in Subang Regency. A purposive sampling technique sampling with sample selection utilizing cluster random sampling technique was conducted on a total of 96 respondents. The instrument utilized by modifying the Four Tier Diagnostic Test which was developed by Kaltakci- Gurel (2017) is developing diagnostic test on geometrical optics (DT-GO). The results of the instrument analysis on the validity test, reliability test, difficulty level test, and discriminatory power, state that the instrument was very well utilized and developed. Based on data analysis and discussion, it can be concluded that overall misconceptions had occurred of overall misconceptions that occur in students are 42.04 %, thus they meet the requirements for misconceptions to a moderate level.
 Keywords: diagnostic test, Geometrical Optics (DT-GO)

Investigation of the molecular switching process between spin crossover states of triazole complexes as basis for optical sensing applications.

With the advent of the first laser sources and suitable detectors, optical sensor applications immediately also came into focus. During the last decades, a huge variety of optical sensor concepts were developed, yet the forecast for the future application potential appears even larger. In this context, the development of new sensor probes at different scales down to the atomic or molecular level open new avenues for research and development. We investigated an iron based triazole molecular spin-crossover complex changing its absorption characteristics significantly by varying environmental parameters such as humidity, temperature, magnetic or electric field, respectively, with respect to its suitability for a new class of versatile molecular sensor probes. Hereby, besides the investigation of synthesized pure bulk material using different analyzing methods, we also studied amorphous micro particles which were applied in or onto optical waveguide structures. We found that significant changes of the reflection spectra can also be obtained after combining the particles with different types of optical waveguides.The obtained results demonstrate the suitability of the material complex for a broad field of future sensor applications.

A High-Flux Compact X-ray Free-Electron Laser for Next-Generation Chip Metrology Needs

Recently, considerable work has been directed at the development of an ultracompact X-ray free-electron laser (UCXFEL) based on emerging techniques in high-field cryogenic acceleration, with attendant dramatic improvements in electron beam brightness and state-of-the-art concepts in beam dynamics, magnetic undulators, and X-ray optics. A full conceptual design of a 1 nm (1.24 keV) UCXFEL with a length and cost over an order of magnitude below current X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has resulted from this effort. This instrument has been developed with an emphasis on permitting exploratory scientific research in a wide variety of fields in a university setting. Concurrently, compact FELs are being vigorously developed for use as instruments to enable next-generation chip manufacturing through use as a high-flux, few nm lithography source. This new role suggests consideration of XFELs to urgently address emerging demands in the semiconductor device sector, as identified by recent national need studies, for new radiation sources aimed at chip manufacturing. Indeed, it has been shown that one may use coherent X-rays to perform 10–20 nm class resolution surveys of macroscopic, cm scale structures such as chips, using ptychographic laminography techniques. As the XFEL is a very promising candidate for realizing such methods, we present here an analysis of the issues and likely solutions associated with extending the UCXFEL to harder X-rays (above 7 keV), much higher fluxes, and increased levels of coherence, as well as methods of applying such a source for ptychographic laminography to microelectronic device measurements. We discuss the development path to move the concept to rapid realization of a transformative XFEL-based application, outlining both FEL and metrology system challenges.

Open-source 3D printed laboratory for education: illuminating optics and optoelectronics demonstrations

This article introduces a flexible and reliable tabletop setup, specifically designed to effectively demonstrate fundamental optics concepts to a wide audience, including students from grades 5 through 12, university students, as well as enthusiasts. Leveraging additive manufacturing technology, this work provides an adaptable and accessible avenue for educators, students, and enthusiasts to explore the captivating realm of optics and optoelectronics. The article delves into detailed discussions of the experiments that can be conducted with the proposed setup to elucidate these concepts, presenting their outcomes comprehensively. Moreover, all the Computer Aided Design (CAD) files utilized in this project for 3D printing the essential optical components and systems are made available online for free, enabling users to develop the setup from scratch independently. The proposed setup offers an easily approachable design process, requiring minimal to no prior CAD experience. The experiments performed to illustrate optical concepts are straightforward and safe, making them easily comprehensible and achievable for students at various educational levels.

Metasurface-based perfect vortex beam for optical eraser

Perfect vortex beams (PVBs) take advantage of conventional vortex beams regarding their property of constant diameter of the annular intensity distribution on different topological charges (TCs), facilitating spatially coupling multiple beams with different TCs simultaneously. However, there are demands for PVBs with larger TCs that can be integrated with CMOS-fabrication processes in applications since conditional PVBs are composed of bulky optical components. In this work, we demonstrate metasurface-based PVBs (MPVBs) with TCs as high as −32 and 16 in the visible, manifesting annular intensity distributions capable of broadband operation. The optical eraser concept by integrating MPVBs has been conducted, and the flower-like interference performs a helicity switch to facilitate the uniformization of ring-shaped intensity profiles for the MPVBs with different TCs. The optical eraser experiments demonstrate the potential of MPVBs in advancing both quantum optics and optical device engineering and pave the way for probing quantum behaviors in optics.

Dynamic behavior of optical self-control soliton in a liquid crystal model

The Paraxial Model, a foundational concept in optics, provides a simplified yet effective approach to understanding the behavior of light in optical systems. This research investigates optical soliton solutions within the truncated time M-fractional Paraxial wave equation using the extended tanh method and the modified extended tanh method. Addressing the challenge of fractional order, we employ the shortened M-fractional derivative to eliminate it from the governing model, facilitating a detailed analysis. Through strategic manipulation of free parameters, soliton solutions are expressed in terms of hyperbolic and trigonometric functions, revealing a spectrum of soliton phenomena such as Lump soliton, rough wave, periodic soliton, and king wave for specific parameter values that are connected to the dispersal effect, the Kerr non-linearity effect and the diffraction effect of the governing equation. To enhance the understanding of these solutions, we utilize Matlab for graphical representations, providing a visual interpretation of the intricate dynamics. This study not only uncovers diverse soliton behaviors in the context of fractional wave equations but also offers valuable insights into their formation and complexity, bridging theoretical analysis with computational visualization.