Experimental Proof Of Principle Research Articles

Hyperspectral optical orbital angular momentum modulation from tunable structured waveplates.

Shaping the orbital angular momentum of optical pulses in the spectral domain is a means of managing light in space and time that offers many possible applications. However, these are limited by the small number of techniques available, whose flexibility does not yet rival that of the continuous regime. We propose here to implement a tunable hyperspectral management of the orbital angular momentum of a polychromatic light field. The main idea is to exploit the dispersive nature of geometric phase optical elements by intentionally choosing to work in a regime of high anisotropic optical retardance. An experimental proof of principle is demonstrated in the visible range using a supercontinuum laser and an optically thick, electrically controllable, liquid crystal structured wave plate.

Lateral resolution enhanced interference microscopy using virtual annular apertures

The lateral resolution in microscopic imaging generally depends on both, the wavelength of light and the numerical aperture of the microscope objective lens. To quantify the lateral resolution Ernst Abbe considered an optical grating illuminated by plane waves. In contrast, the Rayleigh criterion holds for two point sources or point scatterers separated by a lateral distance, which are supposed to emit spherical waves. A portion of each spherical wave is collected by the objective lens and results in an Airy disc corresponding to a diffraction limited intensity point spread function (PSF). If incoherent illumination is employed the intensity PSFs related to different scatterers on an object are added resulting in the well-known Rayleigh resolution criterion. In interference microscopy instead of the intensity the electric field scattered or diffracted by an object will be affected by the transfer function of the optical imaging system. For a reflective object the lateral resolution of an interference microscope can be again characterized by the Abbe limit if the object under investigation is a grating. However, if two irregularities on a flat surface are being imaged the resolution no longer obeys the Rayleigh criterion. Instead, it corresponds to an optical system with an annular aperture and thus surpasses the prediction given by the Rayleigh criterion. This holds true for both, amplitude as well as phase objects, as it will be elucidated in this study by theoretical considerations, simulation results and an experimental proof of principle.

Laser Control of Electronic Exchange Interaction within a Molecule.

Electronic interactions play a fundamental role in atoms, molecular structure and reactivity. We introduce a general concept to control the effective electronic exchange interaction with intense laser fields via coupling to excited states. As an experimental proof of principle, we study the SF_{6} molecule using a combination of soft x-ray and infrared (IR) laser pulses. Increasing the IR intensity increases the effective exchange energy of the core hole with the excited electron by 50%, as observed by a characteristic spin-orbit branching ratio change. This work demonstrates altering electronic interactions by targeting many-particle quantum properties.

Linearisation Method of DML-Based Transmitters for Optical Communications Part III: Pulse Amplitude Modulation

A new linearization method for optical transmitters based on directly modulated lasers (DMLs), named the Stretched A method, was proposed in Parts I and II of this work. Parts I and II presented the theoretical framework of the method for non-return-to-zero (NRZ) modulation and related detailed simulation and experimental results. Here, we extend the method to pulse amplitude modulation schemes (PAM). Focussing on 4-level PAM (PAM-4), we present the theoretical background and discuss implementation options. A simplified variation of the method for the generation of PAM signals with a significantly lower number of sub-currents is proposed. Simulation studies for PAM-4 transmission at 50 GBaud (100 Gb/s) and an experimental proof-of–principle demonstration at 16 GBaud (32 Gb/s) are reported based on 850 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). For PAM-4, products of effective eye diagram areas ( <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\boldsymbol{PS}}$</tex-math></inline-formula> ) of 0.6 × 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">−5</sup> and 43 × 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">−5</sup> before and after applying the Stretched A method were measured, demonstrating an improvement ratio of ∼72. The sensitivity and tolerances of the method are analyzed using simulation and experiment.

Non-Markovianity leading to coherence revivals in an open quantum system

Coherence and quantum correlations have been identified as fundamental resources for quantum information tasks. As recently shown, these resources can be interconverted. In multipartite systems, entanglement represents a prominent case among quantum correlations, one which can be activated from coherence. All this makes coherence a key resource for securing the operational advantage of quantum technologies. When dealing with open systems, decoherence hinders full exploitation of quantum resources. Here, we present a protocol that allows reaching the maximal achievable amount of coherence in an open quantum system. By implementing our protocol, or suitable variants of it, coherence losses might be fully compensated, thereby leading to coherence revivals. We provide an experimental proof of principle of our protocol through its implementation with an all-optical setup.

Interferometric grazing incidence test of rough steep convex spherical and aspherical surfaces: first simulations and experimental proof of principle.

In the past, grazing incidence interferometry has been applied for rough plane, cylindrical, acylindrical, and general rod-like surfaces using diffractive beam splitters. Here, we demonstrate that also rough convex steep rotational symmetric spherical or aspherical surfaces can be measured along one meridian in a single step using diffractive beam splitters and phase-shifting techniques. The extension to the whole surface can be attained by successive meridional measurements of the surface under test by azimuthal adjustments. The principle of the method is given and for a spherical ball lens as an extremely curved surface simulated, and experimental data are presented. The features of the interferogram are discussed, and the experimental evaluation of a single meridian including the unwrapped phase data is shown.

Calibration of an array projector used for high-speed three-dimensional shape measurements using a single camera.

Geometric calibration of digital light processing projectors in single-camera, fringe-projecting 3D measurement systems have been studied assuming the projector is inverse pinhole modeled. Conversely, a high-speed multi-aperture array projector (MAAP) projecting aperiodic fringes is not dependent on a digital mirror device and cannot be pinhole modeled. With MAAP projection, a stereo camera setup is required. This paper presents a model-less method to calibrate a MAAP by direct measurement of its illumination field and re-enables 3D measurements with a single camera even with surface discontinuities present. Experimental proof of principle and preliminary measurement performance are shown.

Damage Detection and Localization in Metallic Structures Based on Jointed Electromagnetic Waveguides: A Proof-of-Principle Study

This paper presents a novel approach for the detection of surface damage in metallic structures, where the electromagnetic waveguide forms a union with the structure to be inspected. The sensing concept in such jointed electromagnetic waveguides will be described here and measurement results will be presented using a hollow metallic waveguide on an aluminium sample. The experimental proof of principle is performed in the frequency band from 20 to 40 GHz using a network analyzer. It is possible to (i) detect holes as small as 1 mm, (ii) discriminate between different hole sizes, and, (iii) localize the axial position of the defect in the waveguide. This approach has great potential to be used for structural health monitoring of complex technical structures and components.

HistoMosaic Detecting KRAS G12V Mutation Across Colorectal Cancer Tissue Slices through in Situ PCR.

We report on HistoMosaic, a novel technique for genetic analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue slices. It combines microfluidic compartmentalization, in situ allele-specific PCR, and fluorescence microscopy. The experimental proof of principle was achieved by in situ detection of KRAS G12V mutation in colorectal cancer tissues and is presented herein. HistoMosaic offers the ability to detect mutations over the entire tissue slide simultaneously, rapidly, economically, and without selection bias, while coregistering the genetic information with the preserved morphological information. Thus, HistoMosaic has wide applicability in basic science as a tool to map genetic heterogeneity. It is also a platform to build companion diagnostics for targeted therapies in oncology, to help ensure that the right drug is given to the right patient, thereby saving healthcare resources and improving patient outcomes.

Nanoscale Displacement Sensing Based on Nonlinear Frequency Mixing in Quantum Cascade Lasers

We demonstrate a sensor scheme for nanoscale target displacement that relies on a single quantum cascade laser (QCL) subject to optical feedback. The system combines the inherent sensitivity of QCLs to optical reinjection and their ultrastability in the strong feedback regime where nonlinear frequency mixing phenomena are enhanced. An experimental proof of principle in the micrometer wavelength scale is provided. We perform real-time measurements of displacement with λ/100 resolution by inserting a fast-shifting reference etalon in the external cavity. The resulting signal dynamics at the QCL terminals shows a stroboscopic-like effect that relates the sensor resolution with the reference etalon speed. Intrinsic limits to the measurement algorithm and to the reference speed are discussed, disclosing that nanoscale ranges are attainable.

Supercolor Coding Methods for Large-Scale Multiplexing of Biochemical Assays

We present a novel method for the encoding and decoding of multiplexed biochemical assays. The method enables a theoretically unlimited number of independent targets to be detected and uniquely identified in any combination in the same sample. For example, the method offers easy access to 12-plex and larger PCR assays, as contrasted to the current 4-plex assays. This advancement would allow for large panels of tests to be run simultaneously in the same sample, saving reagents, time, consumables, and manual labor, while also avoiding the traditional loss of sensitivity due to sample aliquoting. Thus, the presented method is a major technological breakthrough with far-reaching impact on biotechnology, biomedical science, and clinical diagnostics. Herein, we present the mathematical theory behind the method as well as its experimental proof of principle using Taqman PCR on sequences specific to infectious diseases.

Time-Tagged Multiplexing of Serially Biased Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors

We present a concept for a time-tagged multiplexed readout of several superconducting nanowire single-photon detector elements for small arrays in ultra-short pulsed laser applications. The detector elements were coupled in an array by a superconducting delay line giving each detector element a temporal signature. The complete detector chain is biased by one bias supply. The patterning concept and the first experimental proof of principle are demonstrated on two-detector element arrays with delay times of 86 and 156 ps each made from a 5-nm NbN film on sapphire. We discuss the propagation delay of a delay line taking the geometric and kinetic inductance into account. We show that mainly the normal conducting propagation velocity defines the characteristic time of the delay line and that the inductance dependent response pulse width currently limits the maximum number of detector elements.

Efficient Resolution of Enantiomers by Coupling Preferential Crystallization and Dissolution. Part 1: Experimental Proof of Principle

The resolution of enantiomers can be achieved by preferential crystallization as soon as they crystallize as a conglomerate. However, several successive and alternate crystallizations of each enantiomer as well as seeds of both enantiomers are required for this process to be efficient. The performance can be increased by using two tanks coupled via the liquid phase. In one subcooled tank, the crystallization of a single enantiomer is carried out by enantioselective seeding, while a suspension of racemic mixture in equilibrium at the saturation temperature with the liquid phase is present in a second tank. Over the course of the crystallization, the concentration of the seeded enantiomer decreases. Because of the liquid exchange, the crystallizing enantiomer becomes undersaturated in the second tank, leading to its selective dissolution. Crystallization and dissolution continue simultaneously in both tanks until the solid phase in the second tank becomes enantiopure. At this point, both suspensions can be ...

Photorefractive two-wave mixing for image amplification in digital holography

We use photorefractive two-wave mixing for coherent amplification of the object beam in digital holographic recording. Both amplitude and phase reconstruction benefit from the prior amplification as they have an increased SNR. We experimentally verify that the amplification process does not affect the phase of the wavefield. This allows for digital holographic phase analysis after amplification. As the grating formation in photorefractive crystals is just driven by coherent light, the crystal works as a coherence gate. Thus the proposed combination allows for applying digital holography for imaging through scattering media, after the image bearing light is coherence gated and filtered out of scattered background. We show experimental proof-of principle results.

Combined X-ray diffraction and kinetic depth effect imaging

In this preliminary study we present a depth resolved transmission image sequence of an object combined with the materials discriminating ability of angular dispersive X-ray diffraction. Volumes within the object giving rise to diffraction patterns matched to a library of specific materials have been encoded visually within the images. The intensity of these highlighted areas has been weighted based on the certainty of the match. Both the theory and experimental proof of principle have been demonstrated. Considerations pertaining to a "scaled up" version of this technique are also discussed.

Single-shot holography for depth resolved three dimensional imaging

We introduce a method for depth-resolved photorefractive holographic imaging with potentially extremely short acquisition time for a complete three dimensional (3D) image. By combining the advantages of full-field frequency-domain optical coherence tomography with those of photorefractive holography our concept is capable of obtaining 3D information with only one single shot. We describe the operation principle of our concept and give a first experimental proof of principle.

Fourier transform spectroscopy with a laser frequency comb

Molecular fingerprinting using absorption spectroscopy is a powerful analytical method, particularly in the infrared, the region of intense spectral signatures. Fourier transform spectroscopy—the widely used and essential tool for broadband spectroscopy—enables the recording of multi-octave-spanning spectra, exhibiting 100 MHz resolution with an accuracy of 1 × 10−9 and 1 × 10−2 in wavenumber and intensity determination, respectively. Typically, 1 × 106 independent spectral elements may be measured simultaneously within a few hours, with only average sensitivity. Here, we show that by using laser frequency combs as the light source of Fourier transform spectroscopy it is possible to record well-resolved broadband absorption and dispersion spectra in a single experiment, from the beating signatures of neighbouring comb lines in the interferogram. The sensitivity is thus expected to increase by several orders of magnitude. Experimental proof of principle is here carried out on the 1.5-µm overtone bands of acetylene, spanning 80 nm with a resolution of 1.5 GHz. Consequently, without any optical modification, the performance of Fourier spectrometers may be drastically boosted. By using an optical frequency comb as the light source for Fourier transform spectroscopy, scientists show that well-resolved broadband absorption and dispersion spectra can be recorded in a single experiment, providing sensitive detection of multiple molecular species over a broad spectral window.

Prevention of peritoneal carcinomatosis in mice with combination hyperthermal intraperitoneal chemotherapy and IL-2

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of local chemoimmunotherapy and hyperthermal intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in a mouse model of induced peritoneal carcinomatosis.Material and methods: Peritoneal carcinomatosis in mice was produced by intraperitoneal implantation of MCa cells (5 × 103). Interleukin-2 (4.1 × 104 IU/mouse) was injected into the abdominal cavity of mice at day 7 and 3 before implantation of tumour cells. Immediately after implantation of MCa cells mice were treated twice with 2 ml of saline that was heated either at 37°C or 43°C and cytostatics (doxorubicin 20 mg kg−1, cisplatin 10 mg kg−1, mitomycin 5 mg kg−1, or 5-FU 150 mg kg−1). We followed the survival of animals and side effects appearing with different forms of treatment.Results: Combined treatment with Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and cytostatics (5-FU, CIS or MIT) significantly affected the development of peritoneal carcinomatosis and increased the survival of mice (ILS% – 37°C = 29.88, 199.32, and 108.52, ILS% – 43°C = 62.69, 260.50, and 178.05, respectively). However, intraperitoneal chemotherapy on survival time of mice with DOX + IL-2 was ineffective as compared with DOX alone.Conclusion: We would like to stress that treatment with IL-2 prior to tumour diagnosis is not clinically practical, rather, the manuscript attempts to describe an experimental proof of principle. Results suggest the synergistic effect of hyperthermia, chemotherapy and immunotherapy; IL-2 significantly increases antitumor activity of hyperthermic chemotherapy and survival rate of mice with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Implementing a Multiplexed System of Detectors for Higher Photon Counting Rates

Photon counting applications are typically limited by detector deadtime to operate at count rates of a few megahertz, at best, and often at significantly lower levels. This limitation is becoming more critical with the advance of photon counting applications such as photon-based quantum information. We present a first experimental proof of principle, and review the theoretical foundation of a multiplexed detection scheme that allows photons to be counted at higher rates than is possible with individual detectors or simple detector trees. In addition to this deadtime improvement, we discuss the impact of this scheme on other relevant characteristics such as afterpulsing and dark count rates.

X-ray high-resolution diffraction using refractive lenses

Refractive x-ray lenses have recently been applied for imaging and scanning microscopy with hard x rays. We report the application of refractive lenses in an optical scheme for high-resolution x-ray diffraction, performed at a high brilliance synchrotron radiation source. An experimental proof of principle and a theoretical discussion are presented. In particular, we observe the x-ray diffraction pattern from a two-dimensional photonic crystal with 4.2μm periodicity, which normally is employed to scatter light in the infrared.