Infrared Diode Laser Research Articles

Optical properties of ocular tissues in the near infrared region

Near infrared characterization of optical properties of aqueous humor and vitreous humor of healthy human and bovine eyes has been performed. The indices of refraction (n) of these ocular tissues were determined using a Michelson interferometer. The total diffuse reflection (R (d)) and total transmission (T (t)) measurements had been taken for individual ocular tissue by using a double-integrating sphere setup and infrared laser diodes. The inverse adding doubling (IAD) computational method based on the diffusion approximation and radiative transport theory was applied to the measured values of n, R (d), and T (t) to calculate the optical absorption and scattering coefficients of the human and bovine ocular tissues. The scattering anisotropy value was determined by iteratively running the IAD method program and a Monte Carlo simulation of light-tissue interaction until the minimum difference in experimental and computed value for T (t) was realized. A comparison between the optical characterization of human and bovine ocular samples was also made.

Kinetics of the CN + HCNO Reaction

The kinetics of the CN + HCNO reaction were studied using laser-induced fluorescence and infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy. The total rate constant was measured to be k(T) = (3.95 +/- 0.53) x 10(-11) exp[(287.1 +/- 44.5)/T] cm3 molec(-1) s(-1), over the temperature range 298-388 K, with a value of k1 = (1.04 +/- 0.1) x 10(-10) cm3 molec(-1) s(-1) at 298 K. After detection of products and consideration of secondary chemistry, we conclude that NO + HCCN is the only major product channel.

Low-k SiOCH Film Etching Process and Its Diagnostics Employing Ar/C5F10O/N2 Plasma

We proposed an environmental harmonic etching gas of C5F10O (CF3CF2CF2OCFCF2), and demonstrated the etching of low-k SiOCH films employing a dual-frequency capacitively coupled etching system. Dissociative ionization cross sections for the electron impact ionizations of C5F10O and c-C4F8 gases have been measured by quadrupole mass spectroscopy (QMS). The dissociative ionization cross section of CF3+ from C5F10O gas was much higher than those of other ionic species, and 10 times higher than that of CF3+ from C4F8 gas. CF3+ is effective for increasing the etching rate of SiO2. As a result, the etching rate of SiOCH films using Ar/C5F10O/N2 plasma was about 1000 nm/min, which is much higher than that using Ar/C4F8/N2 plasma. The behaviours of fluorocarbon radicals in Ar/C5F10O/N2 plasma, which were measured by infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy, were similar to those in Ar/C4F8/N2 plasma. The densities of CF and CF3 radicals were markedly decreased with increasing N2 flow rate. Etching rate was controlled by N2 flow rate. A vertical profile of SiOCH with a high etching rate and less microloading was realized using Ar/C5F10O/N2 plasma chemistry.

Strong upconversion from Er3Al5O12 ceramic powders prepared by low temperature direct combustion synthesis

Crystalline ceramic powders of Er3Al5O12 were obtained by low temperature direct combustion synthesis. Irradiating the sample with a low-power continuous-wave infrared (1.48μm) diode laser led to ultraviolet, violet, blue, green, and red (380, 410, 456, 495, 525, 550, and 660nm) emissions. The strong upconversion luminescence appeared to the eyes as an intense green color. The presence of efficient four- and three-photon frequency upconversion processes makes this material an excellent candidate for use in photonic devices based on upconverter phosphors.

Effects of N2 addition on density and temperature of radicals in 60MHz capacitively coupled c-C4F8 gas plasma

Behaviors of electrons and fluorocarbon radicals were investigated in 60MHz capacitively coupled plasma employing mixture gases of c-C4F8, Ar, and N2. Optical emission spectroscopy was applied to measurements of the rotational temperatures of CF radical and N2 molecule, and infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy was applied to that of the densities of CF and CF2 radicals. The electron density was decreased from 7.3×1010to3.0×1010cm−3, and electron temperature was increased from 3.0to5.1eV with increasing N2 flow rate. The addition of N2 to Ar∕C4F8 plasma decreased the density of CF radical dominantly as compared with CF2 radical. The rotational temperatures of CF radical were estimated from the (1-2) band of BΔ2–XΠ2 electronic transition of CF radicals. It was found that the rotational temperatures of CF radicals were increased with increasing N2 flow rate. The temperatures of radical indicated the different behaviors from the temperatures of N2 molecule. The rotational temperature of CF radical has a good relation with the electron temperature.

Formaldehyde measurements in libraries: Comparison between infrared diode laser spectroscopy and a DNPH-derivatization method

Formaldehyde concentrations have been measured in the university libraries in Strasbourg (east of France). Infrared diode laser spectroscopy and a conventional DNPH-derivatization method followed by liquid chromatography coupled to UV detection have been used simultaneously for comparison purposes. The formaldehyde concentrations obtained by both the techniques were always in excellent agreement, showing that the infrared diode laser spectroscopy can be used for formaldehyde monitoring in indoor atmosphere, with a time resolution of few minutes. Formaldehyde concentrations were generally found to be in the range 8–33 μg m −3, except for two libraries where concentrations of 82 and 105 μg m −3 have been measured. Using the results obtained by both techniques, the resulting mean formaldehyde level in the investigated libraries was then 33.5±31.2 μg m −3, where the quoted error correspond to the standard deviation. Acetaldehyde and hexanal levels have also been quantified by duplicated measurements in the same libraries by the DNHP-derivatization method. They ranged from 0.0 to 11.3 μg m −3 for acetaldehyde and from 1.0 to 16.7 μg m −3 for hexanal and their mean values were found to be 2.1±3.2 μg m −3 (acetaldehyde) and 4.0±4.4 μg m −3 (hexanal), where the quoted errors correspond to the standard deviation.

Progress of radical measurements in plasmas for semiconductor processing

In semiconductor processes, reactive plasma is the most important technology for etching, deposition and surface modification of thin films. Radicals have played key roles in plasma processing. In order to realize the high performance of semiconductor processing, important molecular radicals have been measured and their behaviour has been clarified using laser spectroscopic methods such as infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy, laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy, cavity ring down spectroscopy and recently atomic radicals have also been measured using compact vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. Quantitative understanding of kinetics of radicals in plasma will be necessary for nano-scaled semiconductor processing. Their progress is reviewed and the future prospects are presented.

Optical–feedback cavity–enhanced absorption: a compact spectrometer for real–time measurement of atmospheric methane

We report on the application of the new technique of optical–feedback cavity–enhanced absorption spectroscopy to the real–time quantitative measurement of tropospheric methane traces from an airplane using a compact, low cost instrument based on a telecommunication–type diode laser operating close to room temperature. Methane concentration is obtained by fitting the absorption line centered at 1658.96 nm (6026.23 cm-1) which belongs to the first overtone transition of the CH stretch vibration. The measurement rate is about 30 Hz, but the response time is limited to about 0.3 s by the gas flow in the measurement cell. The instrument provides the absolute ambient methane concentration accurate to ±1% (±20 ppb) without need for a periodic calibration. This is demonstrated by a hands–off comparison with a self–calibrating chromatographic setup during 10 days. The observed measurement stability can be extrapolated to much longer time periods. With respect to the short–term performance (minutes) fast concentration changes at the level of 1 ppb can be detected, and we believe this performance can be extended to the long term. Finally, a laboratory comparison with a lead–salt mid–infrared diode laser multipass spectrometer (operating close to 3028 cm-1 at liquid nitrogen temperature) demonstrates a similar performance.

Rapid-Swept CW Cavity Ring-down Laser Spectroscopy for Carbon Isotope Analysis

With the aim of developing a portable system for an in field isotope analysis, we investigate an isotope analysis based on rapid-swept CW cavity ring-down laser spectroscopy, in which the concentration of a chemical species is derived from its photo absorbance. Such a system can identify the isotopomer and still be constructed as a quite compact system. We have made some basic experimental measurements of the overtone absorption lines of carbon dioxide (12C16O2, 13C16O2) by rapid-swept cavity ring-down spectroscopy with a CW infrared diode laser at 6,200 cm−1(1.6)mm). The isotopic ratio has been obtained as (1.07±0.13)x 10−2, in good agreement with the natural abundance within experimental uncertainty. The detection sensitivity in absorbance has been estimated to be 3x 10−8cm−1.

Infrared diode laser spectroscopy of jet-cooled NiCO, Ni(CO)3(C13O), and Ni(CO)3(CO18)

Gas phase infrared spectroscopic investigations of the CO vibration of jet-cooled NiCO, Ni(CO)3(13CO), and Ni(CO)3(C18O) are reported. The spectra were obtained using a recently assembled pulsed-discharge slit-jet IR diode laser spectrometer. The rotationally resolved spectrum of NiCO was collected as it was formed in the discharge, while the spectra of Ni(CO)3(13CO) and Ni(CO)3(C18O) were recorded as they were destroyed. For NiCO, band origins of 2010.692 89(34) and 2010.645 28(23) cm(-1) were measured, along with values of B0=0.151 094(7) and 0.149 597(6) cm(-1) and B(1)=0.150 244(7) and 0.148 742(6) cm(-1) for 58NiCO and 60NiCO, respectively. The B0 values for these isotopologs were used to determine the two bond lengths in NiCO, giving r0 (Ni-C)=1.641(40) A and r0 (C-O)=1.193(53) A, in agreement with recent microwave measurements. The constants determined for Ni(CO)3(13CO) were upsilon0=2022.075 753(95) cm(-1), B"=0.034 736(2) cm(-1), and B'=0.034 688(2) cm(-1). For Ni(CO)3(C18O), upsilon0=2021.936 83(18) cm(-1), B"=0.033 764(4) cm(-1), and B'=0.033 710(4) cm(-1) were obtained. From these rotational constants, bond lengths of r0 (Ni-C)=1.839+/-0.007 A and r0 (C-O)=1.121+/-0.010 A were obtained. These values are discussed in relation to the bond lengths measured by electron and x-ray diffraction methods.

Results of direct measurements of the plasma potential using a laser-heated emissive probe

Reliable diagnostics of the plasma potential is one of the most important challenges in context with the production, control and confinement of a plasma. Emissive probes are readily available as direct diagnostic tools for the plasma potential with a good temporal and spatial resolution in many plasmas, even up to middle-sized fusion experiments. We present the results of investigations on the heating of lanthanum hexaboride and graphite with an infrared diode laser and on the development of a laser-heated emissive probe. Such a probe has a higher electron emission, much longer life time and better time response than a conventional emissive wire probe. We have observed that from both materials electron emission current can be achieved sufficiently strongly even for dense laboratory and experimental fusion plasmas.

Infrared diode laser spectroscopy of the △ ν = 2 band of AlF

A vibrational–rotational spectrum of the △ ν = 2 transitions of a high-temperature molecule AlF was observed between 1490 and 1586 cm −1 with a diode laser spectrometer. Measurements were made on the ν = 3–1, 4–2, 5–3 and 8–6 bands at a temperature of 900 °C. Measured spectral lines were fitted to effective band constants ν 0, B ν and D ν for each band. Present measurements were made with only one Pb-salt laser diode. Physical significance of the effective band constants is discussed.

Frequency and Beam Reconfigurable Antenna Using Photoconducting Switches

A design for an optically reconfigurable printed dipole antenna is presented. A wideband coplanar waveguide (CPW) to coplanar stripline (CPS) transition is used to feed the balanced printed dipole. Two silicon photo switches are placed on small gaps in both dipole arms equidistant from the centre feed. Light from two infrared laser diodes channelled through fiber optic cables is applied to the switches. With the gaps in the dipole bridged, the antenna resonates at a lower frequency. Measured return loss results that compare well to the simulated values are also presented, showing a frequency shift of nearly 40%. The change in bore-sight gain along with radiation patterns are also presented. Activating each switch individually results in a near 50/spl deg/ shift in beam nulls.

Compact electronic speckle pattern interferometer using a near infrared diode laser and a reflection holographic optical element

The complicated experimental set-ups required for existing electronic speckle pattern interferometers limit their application potential. To overcome the limitations we present a simple and very compact electronic speckle pattern interferometer. Our system does not use expensive and complicated optical elements. We used a near infrared reflection holographic optical element for the first time in an out-of-plane sensitive electronic speckle pattern interferometer operating with a near infrared diode laser. The use of a holographic optical element drastically reduces the number of optical elements; the final system only consists of a CCD camera, a HOE and a test object, with significant reductions in system costs and time spent aligning the system. Reflection holographic optical elements were recorded in HP-650 emulsions using a He?Ne laser. The hologram was reconstructed using a laser diode operating at 784?nm by swelling the emulsion. Current modulation of the laser diode was utilized to introduce the desired phase shifts for fringe analysis.

Jet-cooled diode laser spectra of CF3Br in the 9.2 μm region and rovibrational analysis of symmetric CF3stretching mode

Pulsed slit-jet high resolution (up to 0.0009 cm(-1) FWHM) infrared diode laser spectra of CF(3)Br, with natural isotopic abundance, were obtained in the region around 9.2 microm at the rotational temperature of about 50 K. In addition, diode laser spectra at reduced temperature (200 K) were recorded. We present here the rovibrational analysis of the nu(1) fundamental in the range 1075-1090 cm(-1). The fine structure of many P(J) and R(J) clusters has been well resolved for the first time. The assignment of rovibrational transitions has been accomplished up to K = 27, J = 63 for CFBr and K = 33, J = 62 for CFBr. A total of 636 (CFBr) and 880 (CFBr) lines were used in the final fit and a very accurate set of molecular constants, including the quartic centrifugal distortion coefficients for the v(1) = 1 state of both the bromine isotopologues, was obtained. In addition, spectral features belonging to the nu(1) + nu(6)-nu(6) hot band were unambiguously identified and a set of spectroscopic parameters were determined.

Use of the pulsed infrared diode laser (904 nm) in the treatment of alopecia areata

Background. Alopecia areata is a rapid and complete loss of hair in one or several patches, usually on the scalp, affecting both males and females equally. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease which is treated with different modalities with variable success. Laser treatment of different wavelengths has been used in the management of this problem.Objective. To study the effect of the pulsed infrared diode laser (904 nm) in the treatment of alopecia areata.Methods. Sixteen patients with 34 resistant patches that had not responded to different treatment modalities for alopecia areata were enrolled in this study. In patients with multiple patches, one patch was left as a control for comparison. Patients were treated on a four‐session basis, once a week, with a pulsed diode laser (904 nm) at a pulse rate of 40/s. A photograph was taken of each patient before and after treatment.Results. The treated patients were 11 males (68.75%) and five females (31.25%). Their ages ranged between 4 and 50 years with a mean of 26.6±SD of ±13.8, and the durations of their disease were between 12 months and 6 years with a mean of 13.43±SD of ±18.34. Regrowth of hair was observed in 32 patches (94%), while only two patches (6%) failed to show any response. No regrowth of hair was observed in the control patches. The regrowth of hair appeared as terminal hair with its original color in 29 patches (90.6%), while three patches (9.4%) appeared as a white villous hair. In patients who showed response, the response was detected as early as 1 week after the first session in 24 patches (75%), while eight patients (25%) started to show response from the second session.Conclusion. The pulsed infrared diode laser is an effective mode of therapy with a high success rate for resistant patches of alopecia areata.

Rapid-Swept CW Cavity Ring-down Laser Spectroscopy for Carbon Isotope Analysis

With the aim of developing a portable system for an in field isotope analysis, we investigate an isotope analysis based on rapid-swept CW cavity ring-down laser spectroscopy, in which the concentration of a chemical species is derived from its photo absorbance. Such a system can identify the isotopomer and still be constructed as a quite compact system. We have made some basic experimental measurements of the overtone absorption lines of carbon dioxide (12C16O2, 13C16O2) by rapid-swept cavity ring-down spectroscopy with a CW infrared diode laser at 6,200 cm−1(1.6)mm). The isotopic ratio has been obtained as (1.07±0.13)x 10−2, in good agreement with the natural abundance within experimental uncertainty. The detection sensitivity in absorbance has been estimated to be 3x 10−8cm−1.

EFFECT OF SUBTHRESHOLD INFRARED LASER TREATMENT FOR DRUSEN REGRESSION ON MACULAR AUTOFLUORESCENCE IN PATIENTS WITH AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Subthreshold laser therapy has been shown to cause drusen reduction. Using this method, visible laser burns are not created in the retina; presumably, the energy is absorbed by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and stimulates reabsorption of drusen material, sparing photoreceptors from destruction. We hypothesized that autofluorescence (AF) changes would be visible after such treatment and might be sensitive to quantify RPE changes. Twenty eyes of 13 patients with non-exudative age-related macular degeneration were studied. Forty-eight subthreshold infrared diode laser spots were applied as treatment to cause drusen regression. Before, immediately after, and 3 months after treatment, color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), and autofluorescence (AF) imaging were performed. Treated lesions were identified on overlay images of all three imaging methods. : The averaged sensitivity of AF imaging compared with FA was 29.6+/-28.7% versus 10.2+/-12.2% (P=0.008) at the immediate posttreatment time point and 43.5+/-28.7% versus 33.8+/-26.5% (P=0.043) at the 3-month posttreatment time point, respectively. Reduction of drusen at 3 months correlated with the detection sensitivity of AF imaging at the immediate posttreatment time point (P=0.022). Immediately after subthreshold laser treatment, AF imaging was more sensitive to detect RPE changes than FA. This suggests that noninvasive AF imaging may allow prediction of the effect of subthreshold laser treatment and might be used to titrate treatment dose.

Evaluation of Low Intensity Laser Effects on the Thyroid Gland of Male Mice

The purpose of this study was to assess whether there were alterations in the thyroid hormone plasma levels under infrared laser irradiation, in the thyroid gland region. Studies have demonstrated that infrared laser can cause alterations in thyroid glands. Sixty-five albino male mice were used and assigned to five groups (n = 13), with differences in the times that they were sacrificed. Irradiation procedures consisted of an infrared diode laser emitting at 780 nm, at 4 J/cm(2) energy density, in contact mode, point manner. Blood was collected before irradiation (group 1), and then at 24 h (group 2), 48 h (group 3) and 72 h (group 4), and 1 week (group 5) after the third irradiation. The collected material was used for clinical analysis to evaluate the T(3) (triiodothyronine) and T(4) (thyroxin) hormones. Five animals were used for light microscopy analysis. A statistically significant hormonal level alteration between the first day and 7 days after the last irradiation was found. It was concluded that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) of the thyroid gland may affect the level of thyroidal hormones.

High-resolution infrared spectroscopy of the charge-transfer complex [Ar–N2]+∙: A combined experimental/theoretical study

A combined experimental and theoretical study of the charge-transfer complex [Ar-N(2)](+) is presented. Nearly 50 transitions split by spin-rotation interaction have been observed by means of infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy in a supersonic planar plasma expansion. The band origin is at 2272.2563(18) cm(-1) and rotational constants in the ground and vibrationally (NN-stretch) excited state amount to 0.128701(8) cm(-1) and 0.128203(8) cm(-1), respectively. The interpretation of the data in terms of a charge switch upon complexation is supported by new ab initio calculations. The best estimate for a linear equilibrium structure yields R(e)(NN)=1.102 A and R(e)(Ar-N)=2.190 A. Predictions for molecular parameters not directly available from the experimental results are presented as well. Furthermore, the electronic structure and Ar-N bonding mechanism of [Ar-N(2)](+) have been analyzed in detail. The Ar-N bond is a textbook example of a classical 2-center-3-electron bond.