High-power IR Laser Research Articles

Separation of Carbon Isotopes by High-Power IR Laser Radiation

Separation of Carbon Isotopes by High-Power IR Laser Radiation

Highly Sensitive Biosensors Based on All-PEDOT:PSS Organic Electrochemical Transistors with Laser-Induced Micropatterning.

Recent advances in numerous biological applications have increased the accuracy of monitoring the level of biologically significant analytes in the human body to manage personal nutrition and physiological conditions. However, despite promising reports about costly wearable devices with high sensing performance, there has been a growing demand for inexpensive sensors that can quickly detect biological molecules. Herein, we present highly sensitive biosensors based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which are types of organic semiconductor-based sensors that operate consistently at low operating voltages in aqueous solutions. Instead of the gold or platinum electrode used in current electrochemical devices, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was used as both the channel and gate electrodes in the OECT. Additionally, to overcome the patterning resolution limitations of conventional solution processing, we confirmed that the irradiation of a high-power IR laser (λ = 1064 nm) onto the coated PEDOT:PSS film was able to produce spatially resolvable micropatterns in a digital-printing manner. The proposed patterning technique exhibits high suitability for the fabrication of all-PEDOT:PSS OECT devices. The device geometry was optimized by fine-tuning the gate area and the channel-to-gate distance. Consequently, the sensor for detecting ascorbic acid (vitamin C) concentrations in an electrolyte exhibited the best sensitivity of 125 μA dec-1 with a limit of detection of 1.3 μM, which is nearly 2 orders of magnitude higher than previous findings. Subsequently, an all-plastic flexible epidermal biosensor was established by transferring the patterned all-PEDOT:PSS OECT from a glass substrate to a PET substrate, taking full advantage of the flexibility of PEDOT:PSS. The prepared all-plastic sensor device is highly cost-effective and suitable for single-use applications because of its acceptable sensing performance and reliable signal for detecting vitamin C. Additionally, the epidermal sensor successfully obtained the temporal profile of vitamin C in the sweat of a human volunteer after the consumption of vitamin C drinks. We believe that the highly sensitive all-PEDOT:PSS OECT device fabricated using the accurate patterning process exhibits versatile potential as a low-cost and single-use biosensor for emerging bioelectronic applications.

Laser Separation of Carbon Isotopes by High-Power IR Laser Radiation

Laser Separation of Carbon Isotopes by High-Power IR Laser Radiation

RF oscillator circuit for absorption coefficient measurement of piezoelectric materials.

We have introduced an approach for low optical absorption coefficient measurement of piezoelectric materials based on the piezoelectric resonance laser calorimetry (PRLC) method. An RF oscillator circuit provides a convenient way to track the piezoelectric resonance frequency during laser irradiation. In this work, the optical absorption coefficient of lithium triborate crystal under high-power IR laser irradiation was measured using the oscillator circuit and the conventional PRLC technique.

Determining the State of the Heterostructure of a High-Power IR Laser Diode Based on the Current Dependence of Its Spectral Characteristics

Determining the State of the Heterostructure of a High-Power IR Laser Diode Based on the Current Dependence of Its Spectral Characteristics

Temporal compression of high-power IR laser pulses in a KDP crystal.

It is shown that a KDP crystal can be used for temporal compression of powerful pulses of the near-IR range. A method of searching for laser beam and crystal parameters suitable for compression is proposed. Temporal compression of laser pulses at a central wavelength of 1034 nm from 266 fs to 94 fs during propagation along the optical axis in a 21 cm thick KDP crystal is demonstrated experimentally.

Determining the Service Life of a High-Power IR Laser Diode Using a Model of an Autonomous Channel of Generation

Determining the Service Life of a High-Power IR Laser Diode Using a Model of an Autonomous Channel of Generation

Spectroscopic properties of gallium-rich germano-gallate glasses doped with Tm3+

A series of thulium-doped gallium-rich germano-gallate glasses are fabricated and thoroughly investigated. Their synthesis under an atmosphere-controlled glove box allows for a low hydroxyl concentration estimated at 14 wt ppm. From X-Ray diffraction spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, the vitreous state of such gallium-rich BGG composition is confirmed. A structural analysis performed via Raman spectroscopy supports a three-dimensional interconnected glass network of gallium and germanium tetrahedra stabilized by Ba2+ ions as a charge compensator. From steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopies, Judd-Ofelt analysis is applied to determine the radiative transition rates, both absorption and emission cross-sections along with the resonant energy transfer microparameters. Through laser excitation at 808 nm, the intense 1.8 μm trivalent thulium emission is observed, while no concentration quenching is detected. Hence, the present work demonstrates gallium rich-BGG glasses doped with Tm3+ are suitable systems for IR photonic applications, notably for the development of high-power IR lasers.

Prediction of life time of high-power IR laser diode by resolution of its spectrum to single-mode components

The paper proposes a method for predicting the service life of high-power laser diodes used in optoelectronic measuring systems which allow adjusting the thermophysical parameters of the diagnosed flow volume in a certain range of their values. The method based on the analysis of the current dependence of the shape of the line enveloping the laser radiation spectrum after 200 hours of their operation. It is shown that for such an analysis the emission spectrum must be considered as a superposition of the emission spectra of single-mode laser diodes.

Features of measurements the IR radiation power of a laser diode used in active optoelectronic systems for studying flows

In active optical-electronic systems for stream research that regulate thermal-physical parameters of diagnosed stream volume, the controlled source of the heat flow can be acquired by radiation of high-power IR laser diodes into the void. In the current work the peculiarities of measurement of this radiation are considered, specified by its strong divergence. It is shown that the measurements can involve laser wattmeters IMO-4M with planar thermoelectric primary measuring transformers of the laser radiation with a flat receiving site provided.

Boundary-Induced Auxiliary Features in Scattering-Type Near-Field Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Phonon-polaritons (PhPs) in layered crystals, including hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), have been investigated by combined scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Nevertheless, many of such s-SNOM based FTIR spectra features remain unexplored, especially those originated from the impact of boundaries. Here we observe real-space PhP propagations in thin-layer hBN sheets either supported or suspended by s-SNOM imaging. Then with a high-power broadband IR laser source, we identify two major peaks and multiple auxiliary peaks in the near-field amplitude spectra, obtained using scattering-type near-field FTIR spectroscopy, from both supported and suspended hBN. The major PhP propagation interference peak moves towards the major in-plane phonon peak when the IR illumination moves away from the hBN edge. Specific differences between the auxiliary peaks in the near-field amplitude spectra from supported and suspended hBN sheets are investigated regarding different boundary conditions, associated with edges and substrate interfaces. The outcomes may be explored in heterostructures for advanced nanophotonic applications.

Spatial separation and motion of electric charges arisingdue to the interaction of high-power IR laser radiation with water

We have studied temporal and amplitude characteristics of the electrical signal arising under irradiation of the free water surface by a 2.94-μm high-power laser. The investigations have been conducted using a specially designed electrode system, which makes it possible to record the motion of the electric charge after the end of the laser pulse. We have measured the dependences of the signal parameters on the radiation energy density at the water surface.

Fabrication of asperical lensed optical fibers with an electro-static pulling of SU-8 photoresist

A novel method is presented for fabricating lensed optical fibers for enhancing the coupling efficiency between high-power IR laser diodes and gradient-index fibers (GIF). SU-8 photoresist is attached to the fiber tip by means of surface tension forces and a cone-shaped micro-lens structure is then formed using an electrostatic pulling method. It is shown that micro-lenses with various radii of curvature can be easily formed by tuning the intensity of the electric field used in the pulling process. Experimental results show that for a laser diode chip with a central wavelength of 1310 nm, a coupling efficiency of 78% can be obtained using a lensed optical fiber with a radius of curvature of 48 μm. By contrast, the coupling efficiency of a traditional flat-end fiber is just 40%. Overall, the fabrication method proposed in this study provides a rapid and low-cost solution for the mass production of high-quality lensed optical fibers.

On the possibility of using the dynamic Franz — Keldysh effect to detect the parameters of high-power IR laser radiation

The increase in the absorption of light by a semiconductor (when the light photon energy is somewhat smaller than the semiconductor bandgap or equals it) in the presence of a strong light wave (for which the semiconductor is transparent) has been investigated. The possibility of designing novel light detectors for measuring the energy parameters and spatial and temporal characteristics of high-power IR laser radiation is demonstrated.

Effect of temperature on spectroscopic features relevant to laser performance of YVO_4:Er^3+ and GdVO_4:Er^3+ crystals

Optical spectra and luminescence decay curves were measured for erbium-doped YVO(4) and GdVO(4) single crystals as a function of temperature in the 300 K-670 K temperature region. In spite of structural similarity the two systems studied display significantly different transition intensities and nonradiative relaxation rates. It was found in particular that the intensity of parasitic upconverted emission excited at 978 nm depends weakly on temperature for YVO(4):Er(3+), whereas it decreases monotonously with increasing temperature for GdVO(4):Er(3+) and becomes negligibly small at 670 K. It was concluded that GdVO(4):Er(3+) may be a promising laser active material operating at high thermal loading conditions encountered in high-power diode-pumped IR lasers.

IR multiple-photon excitation of polyatomic molecules: a route towards nanostructures

The availability of high power IR laser sources in the 1980s paved the way to new attractive experiments for driving chemical reactions, based on the selective excitation of vibrational modes in polyatomic molecules up to and above the dissociation threshold. The process was first studied in the collisionless regime for applications to laser isotope separation and selective chemistry, and later in collision-assisted conditions leading to the synthesis of nanostructures. In particular, the mechanisms of IR laser pyrolysis of SiH4 and hydrocarbons were investigated in order to control the production of silicon- and carbon-based nanoaggregates. For this purpose, different on-line diagnostics were utilized to monitor the gas-phase reaction intermediates and the process of particle nucleation and growth. The basic principles of the process of multiple-photon excitation of polyatomic molecules and its applications to the synthesis of nanostructures will be reviewed in this paper. Peculiar optical properties of silicon nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes obtained as final products of the developed processes will be described in relation to remarkable applications in several fields.

Photodestructive effect of IR laser radiation on the cornea

A mathematical model of the photodestructive effect of high-power IR laser radiation on cornea tissues is presented. The threshold energy exposure is calculated as a function of the wavelength and the laser pulse duration in the range 10−5–10−1 s under the assumption that the irreversible primary changes in the structure of tissues have a thermochemical nature. The adequacy of the model is supported by comparison of the results of calculations with a great body of experimental data available in the literature. The model is oriented for use in designing medical equipment (for example, for the refraction correction by the thermal keratoplasty method) and in refining the operating laser safety standards.

Measurement of temperature profiles on visible light-emitting diodes by use of a nematic liquid crystal and an infrared laser

We present a new technique for measuring the temperature profiles of visible LED chips by use of a nematic liquid crystal with IR laser illumination. The LEDs studied have a multi-quantum-well InGaN/GaN/sapphire structure. New features in this technique are the use of a high-power IR laser beam as the sensing light and the insertion of a color filter in the optical path to block the high-intensity LED light. For the LEDs measured, the conversion efficiency decreases by 70% when the junction temperature rises from 25 to 107 degrees C. This technique is a valuable tool for studying the performance of LEDs as a function of junction temperature.

Generation of intense secondary pulsed molecular beams of high kinetic energy controllable by a powerful IR laser

A method for generation of intense secondary pulsed molecular beams and beams of radicals of high kinetic energy controllable by a powerful IR laser is described. A pressure shock (shock wave) is used as a source of secondary beams. The pressure shock is formed in interaction between an intense pulsed supersonic molecular beam (or flow) and a solid surface. The characteristics of the secondary beams were studied. Their intensities and the degree of gas cooling in them were shown to be comparable with the corresponding characteristics of the unperturbed primary beam. The acceleration of molecules in the secondary beam is achieved due to vibrational excitation of them by high-power IR laser pulse in the pressure shock and subsequent vibrational to translational (V–T) relaxation, which occurs when a gas expands through the orifice into a vacuum. Intense [⩾1020 molecules/(sr s)] beams of SF6 and CF3I molecules with kinetic energies approximately equal to 1.5 and 1.2 eV, respectively, were generated in the absence of carrier gases. The SF6 molecular beams with kinetic energies approximately from 2.5 to 2.7 eV with carrier gases H2, He and CH4 (SF6/carriergas=1/10) were obtained. The possibility of generation of intense beams of cold radicals by this method is demonstrated. The intense beams of cold and accelerated CF3 radicals were generated when the CF3I molecules in the shock were dissociated by high-power CO2 laser radiation. The spectral and energetic characteristics of acceleration of SF6 and CF3I molecules in the secondary beams were studied. The optimal conditions were found for obtaining high-energy molecules.

The formation of an intense secondary pulsed molecular beam and obtaining accelerated molecules and radicals in it

A method for obtaining an intense secondary pulsed molecular beam is described. The kinetic energy of molecules in the beam can be controlled by vibrational excitation of the molecules in the source under high-power IR laser radiation. A compression shock (shock wave) is used as a source of secondary beams. The shock wave is formed in interaction between an intense pulsed supersonic molecular beam (or flow) and a solid surface. The characteristics of the secondary beam were studied. Its intensity and the degree of gas cooling in it were comparable with the corresponding characteristics of the unperturbed primary beam. Vibrational excitation of molecules in the shock wave and subsequent vibrational-translational relaxation, which occurs when a gas is expanded in a vacuum, allow the kinetic energy of molecules in the secondary beam to be substantially increased. Intense [≥1020 molecules/(sr s)] beams of SF6 and CF3I molecules with kinetic energies approximately equal to 1.5 and 1.2 eV, respectively, were generated in the absence of carrier gases, and SF6 molecular beams with kinetic energies approximately equal to 2.5 and 2.7 eV with He (SF6/He=1/10) and H2 (SF6/H2=1/10) as carrier gases, respectively, were obtained. The spectral and energy characteristics of acceleration of SF6 molecules in the secondary beams were studied. The optimal conditions were found for obtaining high-energy molecules. The possibility of accelerating radicals in secondary molecular beams was demonstrated.