Retardation Measurements Research Articles

Note: error elimination for ellipsometry by laser feedback instrument.

Ellipsometry has in recent decades been used in measuring optical phase retardation. Known for its high resolution but uncertain accuracy, we analyze the systematic error involved with this technique and give error values regarding phase retardation measurements. We developed a laser-feedback assembly to measure phase retardation to a higher resolution and accuracy compared with that from ellipsometry. We eliminated the systematic error associated with ellipsometry using results obtained with this assembly and improved measurement accuracies for ellipsometry to about 0.2°. Such high-precision ellipsometry would greatly improve the manufacturing of wave plates.

Retardance and flicker modeling and characterization of electro-optic linear retarders by averaged Stokes polarimetry

A polarimetric method for the measurement of linear retardance in the presence of phase fluctuations is presented. This can be applied to electro-optic devices behaving as variable linear retarders. The method is based on an extended Mueller matrix model for the linear retarder containing the time-averaged effects of the instabilities. As a result, an averaged Stokes polarimetry technique is proposed to characterize both the retardance and its flicker magnitude. Predictive capability of the approach is experimentally demonstrated, validating the model and the calibration technique. The approach is applied to liquid crystal on silicon displays (LCoS) using a commercial Stokes polarimeter. Both the magnitude of the average retardance and the amplitude of its fluctuation are obtained for each gray level value addressed, thus enabling a complete phase characterization of the LCoS.

Extended linear polarimeter to measure retardance and flicker: application to liquid crystal on silicon devices in two working geometries

We focus on the evaluation of the applicability of the classical and well-established linear polarimeter to the measurement of linear retardance in the presence of phase flicker. This analysis shows that there are large errors in the results provided by the linear polarimeter when measuring the linear retardance of a device. These errors depend on the specific retardance value under measurement. We show that there are some points where this limitation can be used to measure the fluctuation amplitude consistently. An elegant method is further pro- posed, enabling the measurement of the average retardance value, thus extending the applicability of the classical linear polarimeter. Experimental characterization results are provided for various electrical sequences addressed onto a parallel aligned liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) display. Good agreement is obtained with experiment, thus validating the linear polarimeter methodology proposed. Furthermore, results are provided for the LCoS in two reflection geometries, perpendicular incidence with and without nonpolarizing beam splitter, demonstrating robustness of the method. As a result, the evaluation of both phase modulation range and flicker magnitude for any electrical sequence addressed can be easily obtained, which is very important for optimal use of LCoS displays in applications. © 2014 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) (DOI: 10.1117/1.OE.53.1.014105)

Effect of Poly-L-Lysine-Chlorin P6-Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Treatment on Collagen Restoration in Bacteria-Infected Wounds

The purpose of this work was to study the effect of poly-L-lysine-conjugated chlorin P6 (pl-cp6)-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic treatment (APDT) on collagen remodeling of murine excisional wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO). Bacterial infection of wounds leads to compromised collagen remodelling. APDT-induced inactivation of bacteria and bacterial proteases are expected to restore collagen remodeling in wounds. However, published reports on the effect of PDT on wound healing are somewhat contradictory. One of the reasons for these observations could be the random sampling of wound repair outcomes by invasive technques such as histology. Post-wounding time-dependent changes in collagen restoration were monitored noninvasively using polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) and compared with histology and hydroxyproline level. Immunoblotting was performed to study matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) level. As indicated by retardance measurements from PSOCT images and immunoblotting, bacteria-infected wounds showed slower collagen restoration and higher MMP-8, 9 expression, than did uninfected wounds. In contrast, in infected wounds treated with pl-cp6 and light, retardance was higher (approximately twofold) compared with wounds treated with pl-cp6 alone. These results were consistent with lower MMP-8, 9 level on day 5, more ordered collagen matrix, and higher hydroxyproline content (approximately threefold) on day 18, observed in photodynamically treated wounds, compared with that of untreated infected wounds. APDT expedites healing in bacteria-infected wounds in mice by attenuating collagen degradation and by enhancing epithelialization, hydroxyproline content, and collagen remodelling.

Stress distribution around femtosecond laser affected zones: effect of nanogratings orientation

Under certain exposure conditions, femtosecond lasers create nanogratings in the bulk of fused silica for which the orientation is governed by the laser polarization. Such nanostructure induces stress that affects optical and chemical properties of the material. Here, we present a method based on optical retardance measurement to quantify the stress around laser affected zones. Further, we demonstrate stress dependence on the nanogratings orientation and we show that the stress within single nanogratings lamellae can locally be as high as several gigapascals.

Biaxial coherence length in a nematic π-cell

In a highly frustrated calamitic nematic phase, the strain can be relaxed by lowering the nematic order: the starting uniaxial symmetry can be broken and it can be replaced locally with transient biaxial domains. Using simple optical retardation measurements, we estimate the length scale over which the biaxial disturbance decays in space within a π-cell submitted to a weak electric field. We also characterise the transition cascade from the uniaxial splay texture to a bend texture through slow defect motion.

Measurement of Local Initiation, Early Growth and Retardation of Physically Short Fatigue Cracks Using Amended DCPD Method

Different experimental methods are being used in laboratories for automatic measurement of fatigue crack growth rates and threshold values. Such data belong to mechanical properties essential for an assessment of residual life of components and structures containing cracks of length more than several millimetres. However, if the material contains small crack-like defects like inclusions or pores, knowledge about local resistance against fatigue growth of physically short cracks becomes very important. Damage mechanisms are even more complicated in case of a presence of subsurface residual stress field, e.g. due to technological effects. Experimental difficulties connected with investigation of short fatigue crack growth (FCG) can be reduced in case of use of automatic indirect methods. The aim of the work described in this paper was to explore possibilities and limits of the use of DCPD (direct current potential drop) method for physically short crack measurement and to use the optimised method for an evaluation of local damage process of initiation and early growth of short fatigue crack in residual stress field induced by shot peening.

Onset and Progression of Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) Retardance Changes Occur Earlier Than RNFL Thickness Changes in Experimental Glaucoma

Longitudinal measurements of peripapillary RNFL thickness and retardance were compared in terms of time to reach onset of damage and time to reach a specific progression endpoint. A total of 41 rhesus macaques with unilateral experimental glaucoma (EG) each had three or more weekly baseline measurements in both eyes of peripapillary RNFL thickness (RNFLT) and retardance. Laser photocoagulation was then applied to the trabecular meshwork of one eye to induce chronic elevation of intraocular pressure and weekly imaging continued. Pairwise differences between baseline observations were sampled by bootstrapping to determine the 95% confidence limits of each measurement's repeatability. The first two sequential measurements below the lower confidence limit defined the endpoint for each parameter. Segmented linear and exponential decay functions were fit to each RNFL-versus-time series to determine the time to damage onset. In all, 29 (71%) of the EG eyes reached endpoint by RNFL retardance and 25 (61%) reached endpoint by RNFLT. In total, 33 (80%) reached endpoint by at least one of the RNFL parameters and 21 (51%) reached endpoint by both RNFL parameters. Of the 33 EG eyes reaching any endpoint, a larger proportion reached endpoint first by retardance (n = 26, 79%) than did by RNFLT (n = 7, 21%; P = 0.002). Survival analysis indicated a shorter time to reach endpoint by retardance than by RNFLT (P < 0.001). Of the 21 EG eyes that reached endpoint by both measures, the median duration to endpoint was 120 days for retardance and 223 days for RNFLT (P = 0.003, Wilcoxon test). The time to onset was faster for retardance than that for RNFLT based on either segmented fits (by 31 days; P = 0.008, average R(2) = 0.89) or exponential fits (by 102 days; P = 0.01, average R(2) = 0.89). The onset of progressive loss of RNFL retardance occurs earlier than the onset of RNFL thinning. Endpoints of progressive loss from baseline also occurred more frequently and earlier for RNFL retardance as compared with RNFLT.

Estimating the Theoretical Value for LAN Network Throughput Based Power Line Communications Technology Under the Homeplug 1.0 Standard

Power Line Communications (PLC) refers to a group of technologies that allow to establish communication processes under the use of the grid as a physical means of transmission. The use of the grid as a physical means of transmission of information is not a new idea. Until a few years ago, the use of PLC had been limited to the implementation of solutions of control, automation and monitoring of sensors; which did not require a high bandwidth for its operation.&#x0D; During the late 1990s due to the new technological developments and the need to implement new alternatives for transfer of information, it was possible to reach speeds on the order of the Mbps, establishing the possibility of making use of the electricity network as a network of access. &#x0D; The current state of technology PLC allows to reach speeds of up to 200Mbps, which has enabled the transformation of the grid in a true network of band wide, capable of supporting data, voice and video provided by a telecommunications operator. The use of PLC-based network adapters allow easily design LANs and broadband communications through the electrical network, making any outlet in a point of connection for the user, without the need for wiring additional to existing ones. &#x0D; &#x0D; The electrical network is a structure which so far has been exclusively used for the transport of electrical energy. However, it is possible to make use of this network in processes of communication and transmission of information such as: voice, data and video; Bearing in mind that grid had not been designed for this purpose. &#x0D; The performance is without doubt one of the aspects of greatest interest in the global analysis in networks LAN, due to the effect it produces on the end user. Basically, the most common parameters for evaluating the performance of a network are: Throughput, use of the canal and various measures of retardation. &#x0D; In this article is presented a simple analysis of the HomePlug 1.0 standard applied to the transmission of information using the grid as a physical means of transmission. The analysis considers the influence of the size of the packages, number of stations, mechanisms of access to the medium, the window size of initial containment, among other important aspects; in order to analyze the behavior of the Throughput on LAN networks, making use of PLC technology for their implementation at the theoretical level.

개선된 투과형 타원계를 사용한 러빙된 Polyimide 배향막의 초미세 위상지연 정밀 측정

시료를 회전시키는 기존의 시료회전형 타원계에서 시료를 고정시키고 편광자모듈을 회전시키는 모듈회전형 타원계로 구조를 변경하고 광원교체와 회전모듈 동기화, 배경 미세이방성 보정 등을 통해서 위상지연값 측정정밀도를 <TEX>$3{\sigma}$</TEX> <0.005 nm 까지 향상시켰다. 개선된 모듈회전형 타원계를 사용하고 RVD(Retardation Vector Difference) 방법을 도입함으로써 1.0 nm 정도의 잔류이방성을 가지는 유리기층의 효과를 배제한 러빙된 Polyimide 배향막의 순수 배향효과만에 의한 초미세 광학이방성을 정밀하게 측정하는 방법을 제시하였다. 순수 러빙으로 인한 배향막의 위상지연값은 0.05 nm 에서 0.15 nm 정도의 크기를 가짐을 확인하였다. The precision of retardation measurement has been improved upto <TEX>$3{\sigma}$</TEX> <0.005 nm after improvements are made to the conventional transmission ellipsometer. Improvements are made such that, i) the polarizer module instead of the sample stage is rotated, ii) the light source is replaced, iii) the starting points of two rotating modules are accurately synchronized, and iv) the fine background retardation is compensated. Together with the newly introduced RVD (Retardation Vector Difference) method, the improved instrument is successfully applied to characterize the ultra small optical birefringence of the rubbed polyimide alignment layer, after the residual retardation due to glass substrate whose magnitude is about 1.0 nm is properly subtracted. It is verified that the net retardation of the alignment layer ranges from 0.05 nm to 0.15 nm.

Electro-Optic Coefficient r51 of LiNbO3 Crystal Obtained from Measurement of Retardation Induced by Square of Electric Field

A versatile method of measuring electro-optic coefficients (rij: i=4–6 and j=1–3) of isometric, uniaxial, and biaxial crystals without crystal coordinate rotation has been developed. It has been confirmed theoretically and experimentally that the change in the retardation of an X-cut Y-propagation LiNbO3 crystal depends on the square of the electric field along the X-direction. The constant stress electro-optic coefficient r51 of the LiNbO3 crystal is found to be 32.05±0.01 pm/V at 632.8 nm.

Methods for optical phase retardation measurement: A review

Optical-phase-retardation elements are widely used in many fields. Accurate measurement of their phase retardation is crucial to the practical effect of the element’s processing and application. The development and present situation of the methods for optical phase retardation measurement are reviewed, with the wave plate, the most typical phase-retardation element, as an example. The latest research progress in this field is introduced; the principles and characteristics of individual measurement method are summarized and discussed. Three new methods based on laser frequency splitting or laser feedback are presented in detail, in which the laser is not only regarded as a light source but also plays a role of sensor. Moreover, no standard wave plates are needed and arbitrary phase retardation can be measured. Traceability, high precision and high repeatability are achieved as well.

Quantitative measurement of the distribution and alignment of collagen fibers in unfixed aortic tissues

Determination of the local amount and direction of collagen fibers during deformation is crucial for an understanding of the mechanical behavior of aortic tissues. Since most conventional methods cannot be used for this purpose, we propose a method to quantify the local amount and direction of fibers by simply measuring the optical properties of the specimen. After confirming the linear correlation between the retardance and thickness of sections of porcine thoracic aortas (PTAs) ranging from 15 to 300μm, we investigated the effects of their structural components, i.e., smooth muscle cells (SMCs), elastin and collagen, on the retardance of whole tissues. Decellularization of SMCs did not change the retardance of PTA sections significantly. Patterns in autofluorescent and immunofluorescent images of elastin purified from bovine nuchal ligaments did not match those in retardance images. Images of collagen in PTA sections stained with picrosirius red were similar to corresponding retardance images. The slow axis azimuth corresponded to the circumferential direction of the aorta. Results indicate that collagen in aortas can be quantified by measuring the retardance and slow axis azimuth of whole aortic tissues. Application of this technique to PTAs showed that retardance was higher in dorsal and distal regions than ventral and proximal regions, respectively, indicating that the aortas contain more collagen in distal and dorsal regions than proximal and ventral regions, respectively. Both results were in accordance with previous findings. Measurement of retardance is useful to quantify the amount of collagen in unfixed aortas.

Multi-Wavelength Conversion Based on Single Wavelength Results in Phase Retardation Measurement

We introduce an instrument for single wavelength measurement of phase retardation based on the laser feedback phenomenon. A method of multi-wavelength conversion for this instrument is proposed and the conversion results are analyzed. System calibration is used to eliminate the conversion error. The experimental results show that the maximum error after conversion is 0.26°. Through the present work, the application of laser feedback instrument for single wavelength measurement of a wave plate is expanded to the multi-wavelength range. This will expand the application area of the instruments.

The external validity of MRI‐defined vascular depression

Multiple diagnostic criteria have been used to define vascular depression (VD). As a result, there are discrepancies in the clinical characteristics that have been established for the illness. The aim of this study was twofold. First, we used empirically established diagnostic criteria to determine the clinical characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined VD. Second, we assessed the agreement between a quantitative and qualitative method for identifying the illness. We examined the baseline clinical and neuropsychological profile of 38 patients from a larger, double-blind, randomized, 12-week clinical trial comparing nortriptyline with sertraline in depressed older adults. Ten patients met quantitative criteria for MRI-defined VD based on the highest quartile of deep white matter hyperintensity (DWMH) volume. Fourteen patients met qualitative criteria for MRI-defined VD based on a DWMH score of 2 or higher on the Fazekas' modified Coffey rating scale. Age, gender, cumulative illness rating scale-geriatric (CIRS-G) score, two measures of psychomotor retardation [the psychomotor retardation item of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) as well as performance on the Purdue Pegboard], and performance on the Stroop Color/Word test (a measure of the response inhibition component of executive functioning) were significantly different between those with VD and non-VD. Patients with VD have a distinct clinical and neuropsychological profile that is mostly consistent across different methods for identifying the illness. These findings support the notion that MRI-defined VD represents a unique and valid subtype of late-life depression.

The External Validity of MRI-defined Vascular Depression

Objective Multiple diagnostic criteria have been used to define vascular depression (VD). As a result, there are discrepancies in the clinical characteristics that have been established for the illness. The aim of this study was twofold. First, we used empirically established diagnostic criteria to determine the clinical characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined VD. Second, we assessed the agreement between a quantitative and qualitative method for identifying the illness. Method We examined the baseline clinical and neuropsychological profile of 38 patients from a larger, double-blind, randomized, 12-week clinical trial comparing nortriptyline with sertraline in depressed older adults. Ten patients met quantitative criteria for MRI-defined VD based on the highest quartile of deep white matter hyperintensity (DWMH) volume. Fourteen patients met qualitative criteria for MRI-defined VD based on a DWMH score of 2 or higher on the Fazekas' modified Coffey rating scale. Results Age, gender, cumulative illness rating scale-geriatric (CIRS-G) score, two measures of psychomotor retardation [the psychomotor retardation item of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) as well as performance on the Purdue Pegboard], and performance on the Stroop Color/Word test (a measure of the response inhibition component of executive functioning) were significantly different between those with VD and non-VD. Conclusions Patients with VD have a distinct clinical and neuropsychological profile that is mostly consistent across different methods for identifying the illness. These findings support the notion that MRI-defined VD represents a unique and valid subtype of late-life depression. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evolution of the discontinuous anchoring transition under an electric field

Anchoring transition (ATr), resulting in the orientational change of liquid crystal (LC) molecules at surfaces with temperature variation, is shown to be essentially affected by the application of an electric field (E field). By combining defocusing polarizing microscopy with retardation measurement, a detailed investigation of the molecular orientational change in the vicinity of ATr during a cooling process under an E field was performed. Two important conclusions can be made from our observations: (i) the ATr temperature exhibits a large downshift in the presence of an E field; (ii) the orientational change is always discontinuous from a planar (P) state to a homeotropic (H) state. If the applied E field is below the Freedericksz transition, P and H states are uniform, whereas the surface H state is influenced by the tilt in the bulk due to negative dielectric anisotropy, resulting in a bent-splay deformed state.

基于移相算法的玻璃应力延迟量快速测量方法

基于移相算法的玻璃应力延迟量快速测量方法

Measuring Stress in Si Ingots Using Linear Birefringence

We report near infrared (NIR) linear birefringence measurements on shaped and surface finished Czochralski (CZ) - grown silicon ingots. The linear birefringence was measured using a commercially available NIR system. All measurements were done with the NIR beam configured parallel to one of the <100> directions of silicon. Stress- optic coefficient values of silicon were used to calculate the residual stress from phase retardation values. Two- dimensional scans were performed along flat surface, i.e. the crystallographic [001] and [010] directions. Examples of both, higher and lower stressed Si ingots are presented. Due to the large diameter of silicon ingots, stress resolution and stress detection limits are much enhanced for ingots than for silicon wafer. Phase retardation measurements for most ingots showed only low stress distribution of <30kPa. However, some ingot sections show stress as high as nearly 1.0MPa.

Flame-Retarded High Density Polyethylene with an Intumescent Flame Retardant Synthesized in a Phosphorus-Containing Solvent

An intumescent flame retardant (IFR), melamine salt of pentaerythritol phosphate (MPPL) was successfully synthesized in a phosphors-containing solvent, triphenyl phosphate (TPP). This novel method had the advantages as follows: (1) TPP melt served as an organic solvent effectively dissolving and dispersing the reactants, melamine phosphate (MP) and pentaerythritol (PEL), at the reaction temperature; (2) when cooled to the room temperature after the reaction, TPP transited from melt into solid and involved in the synthesized MPPL. Without additional purification like conventional chemical reactions using organic solvents, the involved TPP could play the role of a synergist with MPPL to effectively improve the flame retardance. The molecular structure of the MPPL synthesized was confirmed by series characterization. Flame retardance measurements showed obvious enhancement for MPPL containing TPP flame-retardant high density polyethylene (HDPE) compared with a purified MPPL system. The flame-retarded processes and synergistic mechanisms were investigated and described.