Phase Measurements Research Articles

Calculation of Fringe Angle with Enhanced Phase Sensitivity and 3D Reconstruction

In the field of fringe projection profilometry, phase sensitivity is a critical factor influencing the precision of object measurements. Traditional techniques that employ basic horizontal or vertical fringe projection often do not achieve optimal levels of phase sensitivity. The identification of the fringe angle that exhibits optimal phase sensitivity has been a significant area of research. The present study introduces a novel method for determining the optimal fringe angle, facilitating 3D reconstruction without the need for equipment adjustments. Initially, the optimal fringe is derived through mathematical analysis, and the system’s position within each coordinate system is standardized, leading to the determination of the optimal fringe angle in the world coordinate system. Subsequently, an optimal fringe pattern, akin to that produced by a rotating projector, is generated based on the concept of rotation around a central point, with corresponding adjustments made to the calibration parameters. Finally, the optimal fringe is projected onto the target object for 3D reconstruction, thereby validating the proposed method. The experimental results demonstrate that this approach accurately identifies the optimal fringe angle, significantly enhancing both phase sensitivity and measurement accuracy. The accuracy of the measurement is significantly greater, by an order of magnitude, compared to the traditional method, with the error being approximately 50% of that associated with the currently established improved method.

Validation of the PHASE Measure for Admissions to an ICU and After Interfacility Transfer.

Validation of the PHASE Measure for Admissions to an ICU and After Interfacility Transfer.

Transport-of-intensity phase imaging using commercially available confocal microscope.

Confocal microscopy is an indispensable tool for biologists to observe samples and is useful for fluorescence imaging of living cells with high spatial resolution. Recently, phase information induced by the sample has been attracting attention because of its applicability such as the measurability of physical parameters and wavefront compensation. However, commercially available confocal microscopy has no phase imaging function. We reborn an off-the-shelf confocal microscope as a phase measurement microscope. This is a milestone in changing the perspective of researchers in this field. We would meet the demand of biologists if only they had measured the phase with their handheld microscopes. We proposed phase imaging based on the transport of intensity equation (TIE) in commercially available confocal microscopy. The proposed method requires no modification using a bright field imaging module of a commercially available confocal microscope. The feasibility of the proposed method is confirmed by evaluating the phase difference of a microlens array and living cells of the moss Physcomitrium patens and living mammalian cultured cells. In addition, multi-modal imaging of fluorescence and phase information is demonstrated. TIE-based quantitative phase imaging (QPI) using commercially available confocal microscopy is proposed. We evaluated the feasibility of the proposed method by measuring the microlens array, plant, and mammalian cultured cells. The experimental result indicates that QPI can be realized in commercially available confocal microscopy using the TIE technique. This method will be useful for measuring dry mass, viscosity, and temperature of cells and for correcting phase fluctuation to cancel aberration and scattering caused by an object in the future.

Single-shot quantitative differential phase contrast microscope using a single calcite beam displacer

This paper presents the development of a single-shot, partially spatially coherent quantitative differential phase contrast microscopy (Q-DPCM) system. The optical scheme comprises a polarizer, lenses, calcite beam displacer, and analyzer, which can be seamlessly integrated to an existing bright-field microscopy system, transforming it into a Q-DPCM system. It utilizes a partially spatially coherent light source, enabling single-shot quantitative differential phase recovery of the specimens with high spatial phase sensitivity. It generates highly sensitive quantitative differential phase images of the specimens along one direction, like a gradient light interference microscopy (GLIM) system, using only a single interferogram. First, we validated the differential phase measurement capability of the system through experiments on polystyrene spheres (diameter 5.2 µm) and HeLa cells. Next, the system is utilized to generate quantitative phase maps of human red blood cells using two orthogonal differential interferograms recorded at two orientations of the calcite beam displacer. Further, the Q-DPCM system is implemented for 1-h time-lapse live cell monitoring, revealing the dynamics of intracellular granules such as nucleolus and lipids in U2OS cells.

Three-phase flow measurement by dual-energy gamma ray technique and static-equivalent multi-phase flow simulator

There is a strong desire to use three-phase flowmeters in upstream operations because of their small size, portability, and cost-effectiveness. Traditional three-phase flowmeterstypically employ two main strategies: fully separating the flow into liquid and gas streams and measuring them using common two- and single-phase meters, or simplifying the direct measurement requirements by homogenization.In order to achieve accurate measurements with these meters, it is necessary to first create a suitable simulator for generating various multiphase flow regimes with minimal systematic error. Developing such a simulator on a laboratory scale, rather than using expensive test loops is a crucial and practical option.In this research, SEMPF as a Static-Equivalent Multi-Phase Flow with flexibility in creating different multi-phase flow regimes is introduced. In the following, the mechanism of action is validated for both homogenous two- and three-phase mixtures by using dual-energy gamma ray attenuation technique in the Monte Carlo simulator environment. Finally, the three-phase component fraction measurement accuracy by dual-energy gamma meter in three different modes of gasoil-, water-, and air-continuous mixtures were investigated. The experimental results show the maximum accuracy of 2.03 %, 7.23 %, and 5.09 % for gasoil phase measurement in three different conditions that the carrier phase is air, gasoil and water respectively.

Ionogels in Aqueous Media: From Conductometric Probing of the Ionic Liquid Washout to the Design of More Stable Materials

Although the most promising applications of ionogels require their contact with aqueous media, few data are available on the stability of ionogels upon exposure to water. In this paper, a simple, easy-to-setup and precise method is presented, which was developed based on the continuous conductivity measurements of an aqueous phase, to study the washout of imidazolium ionic liquids (IL) from various silica-based ionogels immersed in water. The accuracy of the method was verified using HPLC, its reproducibility was confirmed, and its systematic errors were estimated. The experimental data show the rapid and almost complete (>90% in 5 h) washout of the hydrophilic IL (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide) from the TMOS-derived silica ionogel. To lower the rate and degree of washout, several approaches were analysed, including decreasing IL content in ionogels, using ionogels in a monolithic form instead of a powder, constructing ionogels by gelation of silica in an ionic liquid, ageing ionogels after sol–gel synthesis and constructing ionogels from both hydrophobic IL and hydrophobic silica. All these approaches inhibited IL washout; the lowest level of washout achieved was ~14% in 24 h. Insights into the ionogels’ structure and composition, using complementary methods (XRD, TGA, FTIR, SEM, NMR and nitrogen adsorption), revealed the washout mechanism, which was shown to be governed by three main processes: the diffusion of (1) IL and (2) water, and (3) IL dissolution in water. Washout was shown to follow pseudo-second-order kinetics, with the kinetic constants being in the range of 0.007–0.154 mol−1·s−1.

Detection of Earth’s free oscillation and analysis of the non-synchronous oscillation phenomenon of normal modes

Earth’s free oscillation can provide essential constraints for refining Earth models, inverting seismic source mechanisms, and studying the deep internal structure of the Earth. Large earthquakes can simultaneously excite numerous normal modes. Due to the Earth’s ellipticity, rotation, and internal heterogeneities, these normal modes undergo splitting, with the frequencies of singlets of normal modes becoming very close (only a few µHz apart). This imposes greater demands on the detection of normal modes. This paper introduces a novel method for normal mode detection based on the normal time–frequency transform (NTFT). Compared to classical FT spectrum methods and recent optimal sequence estimation (OSE), the proposed method not only detects more weak normal modes but also reveals the spatial distribution of the phase of each normal mode. Taking the detection of 0S2 as an example, the phase measurements of each singlet are spatially inconsistent. This phenomenon can provide prior information for other methods, such as product spectrum analysis (PSA), spherical harmonic stacking (SHS), multistation experiments (MSE), and OSE. Additionally, understanding the phase distribution patterns contributes to further study of geological structures, offering crucial foundational data and observational support.

13C NMR studies and orientational order of rod-like mesogens with strongly polar terminal cyano group

ABSTRACT 13C NMR studies of two rod-like mesogens with core units consisting of two and three phenyl rings with strongly polar terminal cyano groups are reported. The two-ring mesogen displayed an enantiotropic smectic A (SmA) mesophase while for the three-ring mesogen, enantiotropic nematic and SmA mesophases were observed. The solution 13C NMR studies of both the mesogens are carried out besides static 13C NMR measurements in the liquid crystalline phase. For the two-ring mesogen, the chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) tensors of the core unit are determined by the 2D-separation of undistorted powder patterns by effortless recoupling (SUPER) experiment. Furthermore, 2D-separated local field (SLF) measurements are realised for both the mesogens in the liquid crystalline phase to determine the 13C-1H dipolar couplings to find the orientational order parameters of the phenyl rings. The main order parameter (Szz) of the two-ring mesogen varies from 0.63 to 0.53 across the SmA phase and for the three-ring mesogen, the Szz values are found to be ~0.73 in the SmA phase and ~0.69 in the nematic phase. The CSA values determined from the SUPER experiment are expected to be a significant utility for molecules with polar terminal nitro/cyano groups as ferroelectric nematic phases are realised in them.

Research on Phase Stabilization Algorithm of Femtosecond Timing System

This paper presents the design, implementation, and validation of a femtosecond timing system aimed at achieving precise time control and phase synchronization for large particle accelerators. A prototype system utilizing a continuous wave laser was developed, focusing on minimizing timing jitter and long-term phase drift. Key components include an optical delay line for coarse adjustments and a fiber stretcher for fine-tuning, achieving an adjustment precision of 1 femtosecond. The system incorporates a phase detection module with a non-In-phase/Quadrature downconversion approach, enabling high-accuracy phase measurements. A collaborative algorithm was designed to optimize the interplay between the optical delay line and the fiber stretcher, utilizing a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm to enhance adjustment precision. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) served as the core interface converter, facilitating data communication and real-time phase information acquisition. Experimental results demonstrated significant improvements in phase stability, with average phase deviation reduced from 1374.104 fs to 15.782 fs, showcasing the effectiveness of the proposed system in achieving high precision and stability in phase control. This research provides a solid foundation for future advancements in timing systems for high-frequency reference signals.

Broadband Waveguide Chip Design with Phase Measurement Function for Enhancing Optical Interferometric Imaging

The waveguide chip with a phase measurement function has garnered significant attention in the field of imaging optics, emerging as a crucial component in optical interferometric imaging systems. Enhancing the working bandwidth of these waveguide chips is essential for improving the imaging quality of interferometric systems. However, most existing designs primarily focus on narrow bands, with no reported research on broadband designs. This paper introduces a novel broadband waveguide chip design that incorporates a phase measurement function. We explore the fundamental structure and working principle of this innovative design. Fabricated on a silicon substrate, the chip features a silicon dioxide cladding layer and a germanium-doped silicon dioxide core layer, strategically optimized for performance. Utilizing the Beam Propagation Method (BPM), we conduct detailed simulations to determine the optimal device parameters. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our design, showing a phase measurement deviation of approximately 5° at a center wavelength of 1550 nm across a 300 nm wavelength range. The loss of the device is approximately 0.8 dB. These findings provide a solid foundation for future experimental implementations and fabrications, offering both a theoretical framework and technical reference for advancing the practical use of broadband waveguide chips with phase measurement functions in optical interferometric imaging.

Background phase induced steady-state effects in velocity quantification using phase-contrast MRI.

Flow quantification using phase-contrast (PC) MRI is based on steady-state gradient echo (GRE) sequences and is hampered by spatially varying background phase offsets. The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of steady-state disruptions during PC-MRI GRE sequences on these background phases. Based on these findings, a specific sequence and timing is suggested, and caution is expressed when using typical correction algorithms. Steady-state responses in stationary tissue were investigated in different prospectively triggered through-plane phase-contrast MRI sequence. Different spoiling methods (gradient spoiling/FISP versus gradient+RF spoiling/FLASH) and interleaving of flow encoding gradients (every TR vs. every ECG cycle) were investigated using simulations, in phantoms and in vivo. Additionally, the effect of relaxation times on the phase offsets was simulated and measured. The impact on image- and phantom-based background phase correction was studied. Good agreement between simulation and phantom measurements were observed. Different sequences lead to different spatiotemporal and tissue dependent background phases. Average flow rates in the popliteal artery were over- and underestimated for ECG-interleaved and TR-interleaved FISP acquisitions compared to FLASH, respectively. Background phase measurements are influenced by steady-state effects leading to potentially false background phase quantification. Current background phase correction methods cannot correct for the disturbance.

A Review: Phase Measurement Techniques Based on Metasurfaces

Phase carries crucial information about the light propagation process, and the visualization and quantitative measurement of phase have important applications, ranging from ultra-precision metrology to biomedical imaging. Traditional phase measurement techniques typically require large and complex optical systems, limiting their applicability in various scenarios. Optical metasurfaces, as flat optical elements, offer a novel approach to phase measurement by manipulating light at the nanoscale through light-matter interactions. Metasurfaces are advantageous due to their lightweight, multifunctional, and easy-to-integrate nature, providing new possibilities for simplifying traditional phase measurement methods. This review categorizes phase measurement techniques into quantitative and non-quantitative methods and reviews the advancements in metasurface-based phase measurement technologies. Detailed discussions are provided on several methods, including vortex phase contrast, holographic interferometry, shearing interferometry, the Transport of Intensity Equation (TIE), and wavefront sensing. The advantages and limitations of metasurfaces in phase measurement are highlighted, and future research directions are explored.

Near-petahertz fieldoscopy of liquid

AbstractMeasuring transient optical fields is pivotal not only for understanding ultrafast phenomena but also for the quantitative detection of various molecular species in a sample. Here we demonstrate near-petahertz electric field detection of a few femtosecond pulses with 200 attosecond temporal resolution and subfemtojoule detection sensitivity. By field-resolved detection of the impulsively excited molecules in the liquid phase, termed femtosecond fieldoscopy, we demonstrate temporal isolation of the response of the target molecules from those of the environment and the excitation pulse. In a proof-of-concept analysis of aqueous and liquid samples, we demonstrate field-sensitive detection of combination bands of 4.13 μmol ethanol for the first time. This method expands the scope of aqueous sample analysis to higher detection sensitivity and dynamic range, while the simultaneous direct measurements of phase and intensity information pave the path towards high-resolution biological spectro-microscopy.

Multi task deep learning phase unwrapping method based on semantic segmentation

Abstract Phase unwrapping is a key step to obtain continuous phase distribution in optical phase measurement. When the wrapped phase obtained from the interference pattern is unclear and noisy, estimating the unwrapped phase becomes more challenging. As deep learning advances in optical image processing, it will enhance processing efficiency and accuracy, bringing broader possibilities for various applications. This paper introduces an innovative phase unwrapping method based on multi-task learning, aiming to simultaneously enhancing denoised images and predicting wrap count. The proposed network, named ICER-Net, comprises an encoder and two decoders, transforming the input low-luminance, noisy wrapped phase into two intermediate outputs: enhanced wrapped phase and wrap count. Finally, these two intermediate results are fused to obtain the unwrapped phase. Experimental results demonstrate that ICER-Net not only enhances the accuracy of phase unwrapping, particularly when facing challenges of various noise levels and luminance sizes but also exhibits outstanding performance in actual collected speckle phase images. This indicates that ICER-Net holds significant superiority in addressing complex issues in optical image processing.

Resolution Improvement of Differential Phase-Contrast Microscopy via Tilt-Series Acquisition for Environmental Cell Application.

A simple method that improves the resolution of the phase measurement of differential phase-contrast (DPC) scanning transmission electron microscopy for closed-type environmental cell applications was developed and tested using a model sample simulating environmental cell observations. Because the top and bottom membranes of an environmental cell are typically far apart, the images from these membranes are shifted widely by tilt-series acquisition, and averaging the images after alignment can effectively eliminate undesired signals from the membranes while improving the signal from the object of interest. It was demonstrated that a phase precision of 2π/100 rad is well achievable using the proposed method for the sample in an environmental cell.

Vascularised and Non-Vascularised Adipofascial Flap Applications in Tissue Trauma with Tendon Injury, Flap Viability and Tendon Healing a Hystological and Scintigraphical Rat Model Study.

Background and Objectives: Complex wounds in the hand and distal lower extremities pose challenges in reconstructive surgery, often involving critical structures like tendons. Tendon injuries, prevalent in such wounds, necessitate optimal repair methods for functional recovery. This study investigates the impact of vascularised and nonvascularised adipofascial tissue on tendon repair, focusing on early healing stages, mobilisation, and scintigraphic evaluation of flap vascularity. Materials and Methods: Wistar Albino rats were divided into groups undergoing primary tendon repair, vascularised adipofascial flap application, or nonvascularised flap application. Scintigraphic evaluation and histopathological assessment were performed to analyse healing processes. Results: Pedicle-free flaps support healing in tendon injuries without negatively affecting medium-term outcomes. Vascularised flaps exhibit faster healing. The scintigraphic analysis showed that the static measurements of the late phase were statistically significantly higher in the group with the non-vascularised adipofascial flap (p = 0.038). The mean perfusion reserve was higher in the vascularised pedicled adipofascial flap group than the non-vascularised adipofascial flap group. Scintigraphic analysis highlights the viability of pedicle-free flaps. Conclusions: Pedicle-free adipofascial flaps support the healing of the tendon without complicating the results, while vascularised flaps show accelerated healing. These findings provide valuable insights into optimising tendon repair strategies using adipofascial flaps, with implications for enhancing functional recovery in complex wounds.

Tip tilt and focus estimation based on LGS and downlink joint measurements for ground to GEO satellite optical communication link

Achieving high data rates in GEO Feeder optical uplinks faces challenges due to the fading nature of the channel induced by atmospheric turbulence. Adaptive optics pre-compensation using downlink measurements is a solution to mitigate the impact of the turbulence. However, the point-ahead angle anisoplanatism, inherent to the bidirectional link geometry, limits the uplink correction efficiency, leading to persistent signal fades and loss of information onboard the satellite. We recently proposed a new minimum mean square error method that improves the phase estimation at the PAA based on the downlink phase and log amplitude measurements, reducing the anisoplanatism impact on the coupled flux. Alternatively, a laser guide star can be used to measure the phase at the PAA. However, it is currently challenging to retrieve the tip, tilt, and focus modes, whose correction is essential to improve the link quality. In this article, we propose to combine both techniques to estimate the tip, tilt, and focus at the PAA by incorporating the LGS high-order measurements in the MMSE formalism. We develop the associated analytical reconstructor and evaluate the performance of the phase estimation and the gain on the coupled flux statistics aboard the GEO satellite, considering an idealized LGS system. The new estimator is shown to reduce the tip, tilt, and focus error variances by up to 70% of their initial value.

Predicting actual crack size through crack signal obtained by advanced Flexible Eddy Current Sensor using ResNet integrated with CBAM and Huber loss function

This study presents an advanced FEC sensor, engineered by arranging coils in a co-directional current configuration. Moreover, boasting a compact design, the FEC sensor showcases significantly enhanced spatial resolution, enabling robust detection of small cracks even at low excitation frequencies and mitigating issues of overlapping in adjacent crack detection. Results indicate successful crack detection through voltage and phase measurements, albeit with phase signals demonstrating variation at specific excitation frequencies, complicating the determination of actual crack sizes. Consequently, a novel model is proposed to forecast actual crack sizes, leveraging experimental data from the FEC sensor system. This model integrates a Residual Neural Network (ResNet) architecture with a Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) and utilizes the Huber loss function to minimize errors during model training. Comparative analysis underscores the superior performance of the proposed model in predicting crack length and depth compared to the standalone ResNet, particularly when utilizing the Huber loss function with a δ value of 1.0. Evaluation metrics, encompassing Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), illustrate an average accuracy surpassing 95 % for crack size predictions. Consequently, the proposed model demonstrates remarkable performance, significantly reducing the time required to ascertain actual crack sizes by leveraging voltage and phase measurements.

Near-field terahertz electro-optical imaging based on a polarization image sensor

Abstract This paper presents a hyperspectral microscopy system that offers two-dimensional (2D) measurement of the spectral phase and amplitude information of terahertz (THz) radiation without the need for raster scanning. To achieve this, a new THz imaging method is introduced, wherein the distribution of the THz electric field is spatially measured using the electro-optic effect with a commercial polarization image sensor. This method enables the direct measurement of polarization components, eliminating the need for the polarization optics usually required in conventional electro-optical imaging. The performance of this imaging method is compared with a conventional 2D imaging system based on a standard visible camera. Finally, the sub-wavelength resolution capabilities of this new sensor are demonstrated by imaging a sample in the near field.

On the phase consistency of apical organ of Corti vibrations

Low-frequency hearing is critically important for speech and music perception. However, technical and anatomical limitations previously made it difficult to study the mechanics of the low-frequency parts of the cochlea, but this changed with the introduction of optical coherence tomography vibrometry. With this technique, sound-evoked vibration can be measured from the apex of a fully intact cochlea. Results of such measurements generated controversy because conventional traveling waves, the hallmark of which is longer group delay closer to the helicotrema, were absent within the apical 20% of the guinea pig cochlea (Burwood et al, Science Advances 8:eabq2773, 2022). The validity of this result was questioned, primarily because group delays were calculated from phase values averaged across many points within the organ of Corti. Here we show that variations in phase across the organ of Corti are minor and does not affect the group delay significantly. We also assess the precision of phase measurements with optical coherence tomography. An artificial target with reflectivity similar to the organ of Corti was used. These measurements revealed that a commonly used commercial optical coherence tomography system produces half-cycle errors in 1-5% of pixels, leading to a bimodal distribution of phase values. This problem can be easily addressed by using medians when computing averages, as was done by Burwood et al (2022). Hence, neither averaging across pixels nor technical factors can explain the apparent lack of conventional traveling waves at the apex of the guinea pig cochlea at low stimulus levels. The physiological mechanisms that operate at the apex apparently differ from other cochlear regions.