Light Modulator Research Articles

Sodium alginate grafted phase-changing electrolyte for energy-efficient thermochromic and electrochromic synergy with uniquely tunable optical states and simultaneous Vis-NIR modulation

Conventional smart windows, limited by their single-stimulus response, often fail to meet diverse practical needs, and cannot achieve zero transmission across the Visible-NIR spectrum. Integrating thermochromic, electrochromic, and synergetic-responsiveness into a single device is both challenging and essential for effective light modulation and energy efficiency. Herein, we present a novel green phase-changing electrolyte integrated with a versatile chromogen, to create an “all-in-one” smart window. This device autonomously switches functions and can also simultaneously respond to dual-stimuli, achieving an absolute private state. The device’s tunable performance in optical contrast, switching kinetics, coloration efficiency, and cyclic stability, influenced by lattice water concentration is also meticulously assessed. Our comprehensive study highlights the device’s robust multifunctional properties, including thermal insulation, lifestyle interventions, and environmental remediation. These features make the smart window a highly energy-efficient solution with exceptional climate adaptability, such as shutting down light transmission with environmentally-benign operations and on-demand color changes. This innovative approach transforms smart windows from mere energy savers to versatile, energy-efficient systems for modern buildings. By bridging the gap between advanced materials and practical applications, our “all-in-one” smart window represents a significant advancement, paving the way for broader adoption in various environmental and energy-saving contexts.

Broad temperature range ferrielectric liquid crystal: Temperature dependencies of dielectric and electro-optical properties

Broad temperature range ferrielectric liquid crystal mixture FerriLCM-1 was previously developed in 2022 (Pozhidaev et al. 2022). In that work dielectric and electro-optical properties of the mixture were studied at room temperature. Electrically induced birefringence index reached 0.01 at a wavelength of 532 nm with response times of 300 μs. In this paper we continue the FerriLCM-1 properties investigation in a wide temperature range from the room ones till the isotropic phase transition temperature. It is found that one of the critical electric fields is almost temperature independent, while the Kerr coefficient of quadratic electro-optical effect in deformed helix ferroelectric (DHF) mode grows with temperature increase. This leads to an increase in the depth of phase modulation. Another critical electric field decreases smoothly with temperature rising. At 47–50 °C two critical electric fields merge, while temperature dependencies of all other dielectric and electro-optical parameters of the mixture are continuous and smooth functions. At about 50 °C the maximum electrically induced birefringence in DHF-mode is ΔneffE=0.022 under the applied electric field E=0.4 V/μm and with 80 μs response time. FerriLCM-1 mixture operating in the DHF-mode exhibits a giant Kerr coefficient of 1700 nm/V2 (or even up to 2900 nm/V2 at λ=400nm) at the temperature of 85 °C combined with a 50 μs response time. This is the highest value of Kkerr coefficient among liquid crystals. All these properties make ferrielectric liquid crystal mixture FerriLCM-1 suitable for solving various problems of phase modulation of light and use in low-voltage devices.

Simultaneous Dynamic Display of Meta‐Hologram and Meta‐Nanoprinting with High Frame Rate

AbstractDynamic holography can reconstruct realistic and highly interactive 3D scenes, offering a promising way for future display. Emerging metasurface with small pixel size and powerful light modulation capability demonstrates performance superior to traditional spatial light modulators, but dynamic meta‐holography with high information capacity and high frame rate remains a challenge. This paper presents a design scheme combining a preset polarization‐dependent metasurface with a high‐speed projection module to realize smooth dynamic display at multiple polarization states. With the projection module, the system can achieve dynamic meta‐holography at two orthogonal circular polarization states with 237 and 247 different holographic frames respectively, and grayscale meta‐nanoprinting at a linear polarization state with three different patterns. At the same time, the polarization multiplexed dynamic display scheme enables independent displays at three distinct polarization states with an extremely high frame rate (9523 frames per second). This advancement holds promise for applications in dynamic holographic display, optical encryption, virtual reality, and information storage.

In-situ aberration correction for Laguerre-Gaussian optical tweezers via optimization of orbit shape

We introduce a concept of aberration correction under microscopy that is based on observation of circular Brownian motion of an object driven by orbital angular momentum of a Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beam. Following the concept, we establish an aberration-correction scheme by using a holographic optical tweezers setup equipped with a spatial light modulator that produces the LG beam as well as corrects the light wavefront. The light wavefront is modified adaptively to improve circular symmetry and uniformity of the orbit of a colloidal dielectric sphere revolving in mid-water under the irradiation of the LG beam. We reveal that the proposed scheme is sensitive to tiny phase difference of less than the accuracy of a highest-grade optical flat, 0.05λ, and is applicable to aberrations of up to the first 21 terms of the Zernike series expansion. The scheme not only improves the quality of optical tweezers but also enables to distinguish individual objective lenses assigned a common product code from difference in aberration-correction patterns. The present contribution therefore provides a useful tool for microscopy and laser fabrication in addition to the immediate application to optical trapping.

Generation of stochastic electromagnetic beams based on modified degenerate cavity lasers

This study introduces a technique for generating stochastic electromagnetic (SEM) beams using a modified degenerate cavity laser in which one mirror is substituted with a spatial light modulator (SLM). We propose two methods to manipulate the spatial coherence of SEM beams: the first involves adjusting the size of a spatial filter within the laser cavity, which alters the number of oscillating transverse modes and thus varies the spatial coherence. The second method employs phase modulation by applying a dynamic random phase to the SLM. This dual approach allows for precise control over the spatial coherence properties of SEM beams. Experimental results demonstrate the generation of SEM beams using an SLM within a modified degenerate cavity laser and reveal a correlation between two orthogonal polarization components of the beams.

Polarization-filterless polarization-sensitive polarization-multiplexed phase-shifting self-reference digital holography

I propose a phase-shifting self-reference digital holography technique in which both three-dimensional (3D) and polarization information is simultaneously obtained without any polarization filters. A Fourier-transform lens, a polarization beam splitter, and two phase-only spatial light modulators are used to simultaneously generate self-reference holograms with orthogonal polarization directions. 3D and polarization information is multiplexed in the recorded phase-shifted digital holograms and retrieved by applying polarization-selective phase-shifting interferometry and numerical refocusing. The validity of the proposed technique is experimentally demonstrated.

Untangling light in noisy luminous environments

Electric light sources, including displays and luminaires, often exhibit rapid light fluctuations called temporal light modulation (TLM). TLM can be seen as their electrical footprint. This work demonstrates that TLM can be remotely detected and used to perform in situ photometric and spectroradiometric measurements of very low light levels superimposed to intense backgrounds. Illuminance levels about 500 000 times smaller than the background were reliably measured by lock-in detection, allowing photometric measurements to be performed during daytime, even with sunny conditions. Using a new type of optical lock-in spectrometer, it becomes possible to retrieve spectral quantities through the TLM of the light source. The spectral distribution of an LED lamp was measured against a daylit background more than 1500 times brighter. Lock-in detection is an excellent technique to perform in situ measurements of electric light, even at very low level, in the presence of daylight and other background lights, opening interesting opportunities to characterize anthropogenic light pollution.

Controlled alignment imaging optical MIMO communication system based on light spot detection of arrayed light sources

Visible light communication (VLC) technology has become one of the potential key technologies for 6 G due to its unique features, such as abundant license-free spectrum, high confidentiality, and low electromagnetic interference. In this paper, an optical multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system based on imaging reception is proposed, which can improve the data transmission rate and reduce interference between different sub-channels. To overcome the problem of optical communication link alignment, in this paper, we established an imaging optical MIMO communication system with a controlled light source array (CLSA) and proposed an optical alignment strategy to address the alignment issue. The scheme decouples the constraint that the light spot cannot be aligned with the detector in the communication system under the influence of optical parameters. Based on the light spot detection CLSA module, the communication system can ensure the stability of the link alignment when the communication distance changes. Experimental results show that when the communication distance is 20-80 m, the bit error rate (BER) of the communication system remains below 10-6. The single-channel communication rate of the system is 5 Mbps, and the total communication rate is 20 Mbps through the four-channel rate multiplexing. Moreover, if the communication distance increases to the range of 80-100 m, the BER increases, but it is always lower than the forward error correction (FEC) threshold.

Ultrafast structured light through nonlinear frequency generation in an optical enhancement cavity.

The generation of shaped laser beams, or structured light, is of interest in a wide range of fields, from microscopy to fundamental physics. There are several ways to make shaped beams, most commonly using spatial light modulators comprised of pixels of liquid crystals. These methods have limitations on the wavelength, pulse duration, and average power that can be used. Here we present a method to generate shaped light that can be used at any wavelength from the UV to IR, on ultrafast pulses, and a large range of optical powers. By exploiting the frequency difference between higher-order modes, a result of the Gouy phase, and cavity mode matching, we can selectively couple into a variety of pure and composite higher-order modes. Optical cavities are used as a spatial filter and then combined with sum-frequency generation in a nonlinear crystal as the output coupler to the cavity to create ultrafast, frequency comb structured light.

Bessel beams generation with biphase transition of vanadium dioxide metasurface

Bessel beams are highly attractive due to their non-diffraction properties, parallel processing capabilities, and large capacity. However, conventional methods for generating Bessel beams, such as using spatial light modulators, axicons, and diffraction optical elements, face limitations in terms of system complexity, bulkiness, low uniformity, and limited numerical aperture (NA). In this work, we exploited the phase change material vanadium dioxide (VO2) to generate both transmitted and reflected Bessel beams. Moreover, the self-healing property of Bessel beams was verified. Our results reveal that VO2 in the insulating state achieves a transmittance of 85% in the transmitting mode, while VO2 in the metallic state exhibits a reflection efficiency of 77% in the reflecting mode. This performance indicates the potential applications in efficient switchable metasurfaces.

Electro-optical effect of unpolarized light modulation in homeoplanar structures of ferroelectric and ferrielectric liquid crystals.

A clearly expressed effect of unpolarized light electro-optical modulation by homeoplanar structures of a smectic C* ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) and a ferrielectric liquid crystal (FerriLC) was discovered and investigated for the first time to our knowledge. This effect of electrically controlled light scattering is insensitive to the applied voltage sign, as for polymer-dispersed nematic liquid crystals (PDLCs), but the electro-optical modulation frequency reaches the kilohertz range. Occurrence conditions and essential features of the effect, as well as its physical origin, are discussed.

Photonic cellular automaton simulation of relativistic quantum fields: Observation of Zitterbewegung

Quantum cellular automaton (QCA) is a model for universal quantum computation and a natural candidate for digital quantum simulation of relativistic quantum fields. Here we introduce the first photonic platform for implementing QCA simulation of a free relativistic Dirac quantum field in 1+1 dimension, through a Dirac quantum cellular automaton (DQCA). Encoding the field position degree of freedom in the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of single photons, our state-of-the-art setup experimentally realizes eight steps of a DQCA, with the possibility of having complete control over the input OAM state preparation and the output measurement making use of two spatial light modulators. Therefore, studying the distribution in the OAM space at each step, we were able to reproduce the time evolution of the free Dirac field observing the , an oscillatory movement extremely difficult to see in a real-case experimental scenario that is a signature of the interference of particle and antiparticle states. The accordance between the expected and measured oscillations certifies the simulator performances, paving the way towards the application of photonic platforms to the simulation of more complex relativistic effects. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

A Mid-Infrared Perfect Metasurface Absorber with Tri-Band Broadband Scalability.

Metasurfaces have emerged as a unique group of two-dimensional ultra-compact subwavelength devices for perfect wave absorption due to their exceptional capabilities of light modulation. Nonetheless, achieving high absorption, particularly with multi-band broadband scalability for specialized scenarios, remains a challenge. As an example, the presence of atmospheric windows, as dictated by special gas molecules in different infrared regions, highly demands such scalable modulation abilities for multi-band absorption and filtration. Herein, by leveraging the hybrid effect of Fabry-Perot resonance, magnetic dipole resonance and electric dipole resonance, we achieved multi-broadband absorptivity in three prominent infrared atmospheric windows concurrently, with an average absorptivity of 87.6% in the short-wave infrared region (1.4-1.7 μm), 92.7% in the mid-wave infrared region (3.2-5 μm) and 92.4% in the long-wave infrared region (8-13 μm), respectively. The well-confirmed absorption spectra along with its adaptation to varied incident angles and polarization angles of radiations reveal great potential for fields like infrared imaging, photodetection and communication.

Эффективность применения кормовой добавки на курах-несушках

Purpose. Efficiency assessment of the use of feed additive with including in the diet of poultry. Materials and Methods. The conditions of keeping poultry corresponded to the sanitary and hygienic standards adopted in the farm on the basis of which the experiment was conducted, and the requirements of industrial cultivation technology. For the poultry, the planting density, microclimate parameters and lighting mode corresponded to the requirements of the cross. Feeding and watering were carried out in accordance with the rations and norms adopted in the farms. Compound feeds intended for poultry of the experimental groups were prepared separately, in accordance with the draft instructions for the feed additive Acidopul L. Results. When weighed on day 60, the average egg weight of the experimental group 1 exceeded the control analogues by 0.38 g or 0.6%, of the experimental group 2 – by 0.50 g or 0.8%. In terms of egg productivity, laying hens of the experimental group 1 exceeded control analogues by 0.38 eggs/head or 2.9%, of the experimental group 2 – by 0.70 eggs/head or 5.4%. According to the results of a biochemical study of the blood serum of laying hens, the control and experimental groups differed in total protein content: in the experimental group 1, the excess was by 4.15 g / l, or 11.5%, in the experimental group 2 – by 2.50 g / l or 6.0%. Over the entire observation period, the safety of livestock in experimental group 1 was 2.7% higher, in experimental group 2 – 3.6%. According to the intensity of pecking, the poultry of the experimental group 1 was inferior to the control analogues by 0.9%, the experimental group 2 – by 1.8%. Conclusion. The results of the conducted studies indicate that the feed additive Acidopul L in the recommended dosage regimen of 1 liter per ton of compound feed (experimental group 1), 2 liters per ton of compound feed (experimental group 2) is able to have a beneficial effect on poultry products in the form of improved livestock safety.

Thermal disorder prevents the suppression of ultra-fast photochemistry in the strong light-matter coupling regime

Strong coupling between molecules and confined light modes of optical cavities to form polaritons can alter photochemistry, but the origin of this effect remains largely unknown. While theoretical models suggest a suppression of photochemistry due to the formation of new polaritonic potential energy surfaces, many of these models do not account for the energetic disorder among the molecules, which is unavoidable at ambient conditions. Here, we combine simulations and experiments to show that for an ultra-fast photochemical reaction such thermal disorder prevents the modification of the potential energy surface and that suppression is due to radiative decay of the lossy cavity modes. We also show that the excitation spectrum under strong coupling is a product of the excitation spectrum of the bare molecules and the absorption spectrum of the molecule-cavity system, suggesting that polaritons can act as gateways for channeling an excitation into a molecule, which then reacts normally. Our results therefore imply that strong coupling provides a means to tune the action spectrum of a molecule, rather than to change the reaction.

Do Molecular Geometries Change Under Vibrational Strong Coupling?

As pioneering experiments have shown, strong coupling between molecular vibrations and light modes in an optical cavity can significantly alter molecular properties and even affect chemical reactivity. However, the current theoretical description is limited and far from complete. To explore the origin of this exciting observation, we investigate how the molecular structure changes under strong light-matter coupling using an ab initio method based on the cavity Born-Oppenheimer Hartree-Fock ansatz. By optimizing H2O and H2O2 resonantly coupled to cavity modes, we study the importance of reorientation and geometric relaxation. In addition, we show that the inclusion of one or two cavity modes can change the observed results. On the basis of our findings, we derive a simple concept to estimate the effect of the cavity interaction on the molecular geometry using the molecular polarizability and the dipole moments.

Swertia chirayita (Roxb.) H. Karst.: A Magnificent Natural Remedy for the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders

: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders encompassing conditions such as gastritis, peptic ul-cers, and inflammatory bowel disorders are major global health concerns affecting millions worldwide. Conventional treatment options often come with undesirable side effects, prompting the search for alternative therapies. The herb's influence on digestive processes, mucosal protec-tion, and modulation of gut microbiota shed light on maintaining potential GI health. Swertia chirayita (Gentianaceae), commonly known as 'Chirata', is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in various cultures for its therapeutic benefits, particularly for GI ailments. Furthermore, this review highlights several scientific studies and clinical trials that support the traditional uses of S. chirayita in treating GI disorders. In conclusion, S. chirayita could be ben-eficial as a natural remedy with promising therapeutic potential for managing GI disorders. How-ever, there are still some scientific gaps, such as the identification of bioactive compounds, the structure-activity relationship, the mechanistic action of isolated bioactive compounds, the de-velopment of effective analytical methods for comprehensive quality control, and safety profiles, that need to be addressed. Understanding its molecular mechanisms and conducting further clin-ical trials will contribute to establishing S. chirayita as a valuable addition to the armamentarium of natural therapies for GI health.

Experimental investigation on the dynamic response of vent plate under methane-air mixtures explosion load

The dynamic response study of explosion venting components is of great significance for the assessment of explosion disasters and the determination of damage. Based on the self-developed rectangular explosion venting device, a series of experimental investigations on the dynamic response and failure mode of calcium silicate vent plates under the methane explosion loads induced by a detonator were conducted. The results show that the vent plate mainly exhibits brittleness and presents a plastic hinge failure mode under the blasting loads. When the gas concentration is closer to the stoichiometric concentration, P2 (the peak overpressure generated by the vent plate rupture) and its pressure rise rate dP2/dt are higher. Conversely, when the methane concentration is closer to the upper or lower limits of the explosion, the explosion load tends to be static, the yield line of the vent plate is shorter, and there are fewer fragments generated by the failure of the plate. The pressure-displacement curve and the correlation diagram of failure modes proposed provide a reference for predicting the failure mode of light and fragile explosion venting components.

Superhydrophobic quasi-periodic concave microlens array on fused silica prepared by spatially modulated picosecond laser parallel processing

Fused-silica-based microlens array (MLA) has excellent stability in the harsh environment. However, it is still a challenge to efficiently prepare superhydrophobic quasi-periodic MLA and keep the optical performance of the microlens. In this paper, we proposed spatial modulated picosecond laser parallel processing method to prepare a superhydrophobic quasi-periodic MLA on fused silica. By using a spatial light modulator, the picosecond laser was shaped to multi-focal spots and line-shape beam, respectively, which improved the fabrication efficiency. The line-shape beam was the key to induce micro-nanostructures on the smooth MLA and keep the optical performance of the microlens. The results showed that the surface roughness of the microlens region was less than 100 nm. Combing with shaping picosecond laser processing and chemical treatment, the superhydrophobic MLAs showed the excellent anti-fogging and self-cleaning properties. The average contact angle of the superhydrophobic MLAs was 162.3°. The superhydrophobic MLA showed low adhesion to water droplet (<10 μN) and low contact angle hysteresis (2.1° ± 0.7°). We believe shaping picosecond laser parallel processing method is a flexible and low-cost approach to prepare superhydrophobic micro-optical elements on fused silica.

Evaluation and application strategy of low blue light mode of desktop display based on brightness characteristics

Long-term use of desktop displays may increase the burden of the visual system and users can use low blue light mode for eye protection in terms of circadian effect. In this work, we investigated its influence from two aspects of brightness-visual effect, namely efficacy and circadian effect, and color quality, namely color difference Δu’v’ (chromaticity coordinate offset of two colors), and Duv (deviation from blackbody locus). The decrease of brightness is accompanied by the increase of efficacy while diminishing circadian effect. The blue, cyan, and magenta have the largest Δu’v’, and the lower the saturation, the greater the Δu’v’. The lower the correlated color temperature (CCT), the greater the Duv and the farther it deviates from the Planckian locus. We summarize three low blue light mode adjustment strategies based on red, green, and blue three-channel ratio of spectrum, and propose an optimized mode using genetic algorithm, which has two optional CCT ranges of 3500–5000 K and 2700–3000 K. Furthermore, we establish the relationship between brightness and gamut coverage to refine the screen brightness range for low blue light mode. This research provides valuable insights into low blue light mode application and their implications for human-centric healthy displays.