Off-axis Measurements Research Articles

Wide-field schematic eye models with gradient-index lens

We propose a wide-field schematic eye model, which provides a more realistic description of the optical system of the eye in relation to its anatomical structure. The wide-field model incorporates a gradient-index (GRIN) lens, which enables it to fulfill properties of two well-known schematic eye models, namely, Navarro's model for off-axis aberrations and Thibos's chromatic on-axis model (the Indiana eye). These two models are based on extensive experimental data, which makes the derived wide-field eye model also consistent with that data. A mathematical method to construct a GRIN lens with its iso-indicial contours following the optical surfaces of given asphericity is presented. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated with three variants related to different age groups. The role of the GRIN structure in relation to the lens paradox is analyzed. The wide-field model with a GRIN lens can be used as a starting design for the eye inverse problem, i.e., reconstructing the optical structure of the eye from off-axis wavefront measurements. Anatomically more accurate age-dependent optical models of the eye could ultimately help an optical designer to improve wide-field retinal imaging.

Off-Axis Performances of Half Maxwell Fish-Eye Lens Antennas at 77 GHz

The off-axis performances at 77 GHz of multilayered half Maxwell fish-eye (HMFE) lenses fed by an open-ended waveguide is describes. When moving the feed with respect to (w.r.t.) the lens, it is shown that at least 40deg of scanning can be achieved. Several off-axis configurations of the lens antenna are investigated and compared using a full-wave electromagnetic software. The directivity, far field pattern and scan angle of the lens antenna are reported for a rectilinear and angular off-axis displacement of the feed and also for various distances between the feed and the lens. It is also shown that a three-shell lens is good enough to achieve a wide scan angle. Finally, off-axis measurements done with a three-shell 6.15 lambda0-diameter HMFE lens antenna are compared to computed results to validate the simulations

Performance of an exhaled nitric oxide and carbon dioxide sensor using quantum cascade laser-based integrated cavity output spectroscopy

Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) is an important biomarker in asthma and other respiratory disorders. The optical performance of a NOCO(2) sensor employing integrated cavity output spectroscopy (ICOS) with a quantum cascade laser operating at 5.22 microm capable of real-time NO and CO(2) measurements in a single breath cycle is reported. A NO noise-equivalent concentration of 0.4 ppb within a 1-sec integration time is achieved. The off-axis ICOS sensor performance is compared to a chemiluminescent NO analyzer and a nondispersive infrared (NDIR) CO(2) absorption capnograph. Differences between the gas analyzers are assessed by the Bland-Altman method to estimate the expected variability between the gas sensors. The off-axis ICOS sensor measurements are in good agreement with the data acquired with the two commercial gas analyzers. This work demonstrates the performance characteristics and merits of mid-infrared spectroscopy for exhaled breath analysis.

Postoperative Radiotherapy for Synovial Sarcoma of the Head and Neck during Pregnancy: Clinical and Technical Management and Fetal Dose Estimates

In vivo and phantom dosimetry is reported to estimate the fetal dose and evaluate the effectiveness of a special shielding device to reduce fetal exposure in a woman undergoing postoperative radiation therapy for synovial oral cavity sarcoma at the 30th week of pregnancy. In vivo measurements were performed by placing thermoluminescent dosimeters on 3 points for fetal dose estimation: uterine fundus, umbilicus and pubis. A Rando anthropomorphic phantom was used to simulate radiotherapy. We also performed off-axis dose measurements for wedged beams to estimate the dose contribution of this accessory used in the treatment. The special shielding device reduced the fetal dose by 70% on average, despite the presence of wedges, which increased the dose by a factor of about 2.5. Before delivery the patient received 48 Gy, and from the in vivo measurements a fetal dose of 8.5, 1.7 and 0.7 cGy was estimated to the uterine fundus, umbilicus and pubis, respectively. Pre-treatment simulation in the same irradiation conditions is the only reliable approach to predict the fetal dose. By using a special shielding device, radiotherapy can be optimized while keeping the fetal exposure below the risk of deterministic damage.

Mechanical testing of cancellous bone from the femoral head: Experimental errors due to off-axis measurements

The aim of this study was to verify whether a misalignment between the testing direction and the trabecular main direction has a significant effect on the compressive behaviour of cancellous bone. Ten cylindrical specimens were extracted from femoral heads with a misalignment to the trabecular main direction of approximately 20°. Each specimen was paired with a specimen extracted aligned with the main direction of the trabeculae on the basis of the closest bone volume fraction, obtaining two groups, one ‘aligned’ and one ‘misaligned’. The average off-axis angle was 6.1° and 21.6° for the ‘aligned’ and ‘misaligned’ group, respectively. The specimens underwent micro-tomographic analysis, compressive testing, micro-indentation testing and ashing. No significant differences were found in histomorphometric parameters, hardness and ash density between the two groups, whereas significant differences were found in Young's modulus and ultimate stress: both parameters, measured for the ‘misaligned’ group, were about 40% lower than those measured for the ‘aligned’ group. These results demonstrate a great effect of the angle between the testing direction and the main direction of the trabecular structure on the compressive behaviour of cancellous bone. This angle should be reduced as much as possible (in the present work the average value was 6.6±3.3°), in any case measured, and always reported together with the mechanical parameters of cancellous bone.

Concurrent multiaxis differential optical absorption spectroscopy system for the measurement of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide

The development of a new concurrent multiaxis (CMAX) sky viewing spectrometer to monitor rapidly changing urban concentrations of nitrogen dioxide is detailed. The CMAX differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) technique involves simultaneous spectral imaging of the zenith and off-axis measurements of spatially resolved scattered sunlight. Trace-gas amounts are retrieved from the measured spectra using the established DOAS technique. The potential of the CMAX DOAS technique to derive information on rapidly changing concentrations and the spatial distribution of NO2 in an urban environment is demonstrated. Three example data sets are presented from measurements during 2004 of tropospheric NO2 over Leicester, UK (52.62 degrees N, 1.12 degrees W). The data demonstrate the current capabilities and future potential of the CMAX DOAS method in terms of the ability to measure real-time spatially disaggregated urban NO2.

Island formation and dynamics of gold clusters on amorphous carbon films

Samples of Au clusters deposited by laser ablation on an amorphous-carbon substrate are investigated. After a few months storage at room temperature the initially statistically distributed clusters are found to be collected in agglomerates consisting of larger clusters embedded in an Au film typically covering areas of size 25$\times$70 nm$^2$. The Au film is determined to be probably 4 to 8 monolayers but at most 7 nm thick. Evidence is found that a number of clusters consisting of less then 50 atoms are pinned at intrusions of the substrate. These results were derived using high resolution transmission electron microscopy and off-axis holography measurements to characterize the agglomerates as well as the substrate. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to model the film formation process. To this end the substrate-Au interaction was determined using density functional calculations (GGA) while the Au-Au interaction was modeled with effective many body Gupta potentials. The film formation can be understood as diffusion and fusion of clusters of intermediate ($50< N < 300$ atoms) size. Larger clusters are more stable at room temperature and remain adsorbed on the Au film.

Scans along arbitrary directions in reciprocal space and the analysis of GaN films on SiC

Equations governing scans along arbitrary directions in reciprocal space were developed and used to map reciprocal lattice points (RLPs) with radial raster patterns to study mosaic structure in GaN thin films deposited on semi-insulating 4H-SiC substrates using AlN nucleation layers (NLs). The films were grown by molecular beam epitaxy, keeping the GaN growth conditions the same, but using different AlN NL growth conditions. Mosaic tilt angles determined from symmetric RLP breadth measurements were similar for all samples measured, consistent with screw and mixed dislocation densities determined from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. Mosaic twist was determined using off-axis skew-symmetric high resolution x-ray diffraction measurements of asymmetric RLP breadths, yielding results consistent with grazing incidence in-plane x-ray diffraction twist measurements. A clear correlation between the twist angle and the edge and mixed dislocation densities determined by TEM was not observed, warranting careful consideration of dislocation structure.

Overview of Reactor Neutrino Measurements

A next-generation neutrino oscillation experiment using reactor neutrinos could give important information on the size of mixing angle θ 13 along with helping to resolve the value of θ 23 . The experimental details to reach sensitivities in the range with sin 2 2 θ 13 > 0.01 are discussed, and proposed reactor experiments are presented. The reactor measurement gives a clean measure of the mixing angle without ambiguities associated with the size of the other mixing angles, matter effects, and effects due to CP violation. Comparisons and combinations of reactor and accelerator offaxis measurements are presented.

Off-axis electron holography and microstructure ofBa0.5Sr0.5TiO3thin films onLaAlO3

Epitaxial Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 thin films grown on the (001) LaAlO3 substrates with the ferroelectric transition of about 250K have been investigated by TEM and off-axis electron holography. Cross-sectional TEM observations show that the 350nm-thick Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 film has a sharp interface with notable misfit dislocations. Off-axis electron holographic measurements reveal that, at low temperatures, the ferroelectric polarization results in systematic accumulations of negative charges on the interface and positive charges on the film surface, and, at room temperature, certain charges could only accumulate at the interfacial dislocations and other defective areas.

PROMSAR: A backward Monte Carlo spherical RTM for the analysis of DOAS remote sensing measurements

A correct interpretation of diffuse solar radiation measurements made by Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) remote sensors require the use of radiative transfer models of the atmosphere. The simplest models consider radiation scattering in the atmosphere as a single scattering process. More realistic atmospheric models are those which consider multiple scattering and their application is useful and essential for the analysis of zenith and off-axis measurements regarding the lowest layers of the atmosphere, such as the boundary layer. These are characterized by the highest values of air density and quantities of particles and aerosols acting as scattering nuclei. A new atmospheric model, PROcessing of Multi-Scattered Atmospheric Radiation (PROMSAR), which includes multiple Rayleigh and Mie scattering, has recently been developed at ISAC-CNR. It is based on a backward Monte Carlo technique which is very suitable for studying the various interactions taking place in a complex and non-homogeneous system like the terrestrial atmosphere. PROMSAR code calculates the mean path of the radiation within each layer in which the atmosphere is sub-divided taking into account the large variety of processes that solar radiation undergoes during propagation through the atmosphere. This quantity is then employed to work out the Air Mass Factor (AMF) of several trace gases, to simulate in zenith and off-axis configurations their slant column amounts and to calculate the weighting functions from which informations about the gas vertical distribution is obtained using inversion methods. Results from the model, simulations and comparisons with actual slant column measurements are presented and discussed.

Off-axis wave front measurements for optical correction in eccentric viewing

In a previous study we have shown that correction of peripheral refractive errors can improve the remaining vision of subjects with large central visual field loss. Measuring peripheral refractive errors with traditional methods is often difficult due to low visual acuity and large aberrations. Therefore a Hartmann-Shack sensor has been designed to measure peripheral wave front aberrations in subjects using eccentric viewing. The sensor incorporates an eye tracker and analyzing software designed to handle large wave front aberrations and elliptic pupils. To ensure that the measurement axis is aligned with the direction of the subject's preferred retinal location, a special fixation target has been developed. It consists of concentric rings surrounding the aperture of the sensor together with a central fixation mark along the measurement axis. Some initial measurements on subjects using eccentric viewing have been performed successfully. As a first step in improving the peripheral optics of the eye, the wave front has been used to calculate the eccentric refraction. This refraction has been compared to the refraction found with the PowerRefractor instrument. Measuring the off-axis wave front is a fast way to assess the optical errors in the subject's eccentric viewing angle and to better understand the problems of eccentric correction.

Comparison of small photon beams measured using radiochromic and silver-halide films in solid water phantoms

In this study, we compared the dosimetric properties of four of the most commonly used films for megavoltage photon-beam dosimetry when irradiated under identical conditions by small multileaf-collimator (MLC) defined beamlets. Two silver-halide films (SHFs), Kodak XV2 and EDR2, and two radiochromic films (RCFs), Gafchromic HS and MD55-2, were irradiated by MLC-defined 1 x 1 cm2 beamlets from a Varian 2100 C/D linac equipped with a 120-leaf MLC. The beamlets were delivered with the accelerator gantry set laterally (90 degrees rotation) upon a solid-water compression film phantom at 100 cm source-to-surface distance which was positioned with the films parallel to the beam axis. Beamlets were delivered at central axis, 5.0 cm, and 10.5 cm off-axis for both leaf-end and leaf-side defined beamlets. The film dosimetry was performed using a quantitative optical density (OD) imaging system that was validated in a previous study. No significant differences between SHF and RCF measurements were observed in percentage depth doses, horizontal depth profiles, or two-dimension spatial isodose distributions in both the central axis and off-axis measurements. We found that regardless of the type of film used, RCF or SHF, a consistent data set for small beam dose modeling was generated. Previous validation studies based on the use of RCF and OD imaging system would indicate that all film produce an accurate result for small beam characterization.

Variations in the off-axis refractive state in the eye of the Vietnamese leaf turtle (Geoemyda spengleri).

Lower-field myopia has been described for various vertebrates as an adaptation that permits the animal to keep the ground in focus during foraging, and, at the same time, to look out for distant objects, such as predators, in the upper visual field. Off-axis measurements with infrared photoretinoscopy in the eye of Geoemyda spengleri revealed a constant refractive state in the horizontal plane of the visual field but variable refraction in the vertical plane. In the three turtles investigated, the refractions increased continuously from the ventral to the dorsal visual field over a range of 35, 40 and 56 D, respectively. While this finding confirms the presence of an adaptive change of the refractive state equivalent to lower field myopia, subsequent measurements with a rotated retinoscope showed that at least part of the variation in the ventral field was attributed to astigmatism. The reason for this astigmatism is unknown. Anatomical investigation of the retina revealed that the constant refractive values in the horizontal plane corresponded to a stripe of increased ganglion cell density. A maximum density of 4,200 ganglion cells mm(-2) was counted in the centre of this visual streak.

Structural and electrical characterization of a ‐plane GaN grown on a ‐plane SiC

Planar nonpolar () a-plane GaN thin films were grown on () a-plane 6H-SiC substrates via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition by depositing a high temperature AlN buffer layer prior to the epitaxial GaN growth. The orientation of the GaN film and AlN buffer layer directly match that of the SiC substrate, as determined by on- and off-axis X-ray diffraction measurements. The morphological evolution of GaN grown on the AlN buffer layers was investigated using atomic force microscopy. Microstructural characterization of the coalesced a-plane GaN films provided by plan-view transmission electron microscopy revealed threading dislocation and stacking fault densities of ∼3 × 1010 cm−2 and ∼7 × 105 cm−1, respectively. Structural comparisons to a-plane GaN films grown on r-plane sapphire substrates are presented. Si-doped films were grown with a variety of Si/Ga ratios and electrically characterized using Hall effect measurements. A maximum Hall mobility of 109 cm2/Vs was attained at a carrier concentration of 1.8 × 1019 cm−3.

Off-axis measurements of atmospheric trace gases by use of an airborne ultraviolet-visible spectrometer.

An airborne UV-visible spectrometer, the Gas Analyzer Spectrometer Correlating Optical Differences, airborne version (GASCOD/A4pi) was successfully operated during the Airborne Polar Experiment, Geophysica Aircraft in Antarctica airborne campaign from Ushuaia (54 degrees 49' S, 68 degrees 18' W), Argentina in southern spring 1999. The instrument measured scattered solar radiation through three optical windows with a narrow field of view (FOV), one from the zenith, two from the horizontal, as well as actinic fluxes through 2pi FOV radiometric heads. Only a few airborne measurements of scattered solar radiation at different angles from the zenith are available in the literature. With our configuration we attempted to obtain the average line-of-sight concentrations of detectable trace gases. The retrieval method, based on differential optical absorption spectroscopy, is described and results for ozone are shown and compared with measurements from an in situ instrument as the first method of validation.

Derivation of tropospheric NO3profiles using off-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy measurements during sunrise and comparison with simulations

[1] Early morning vertical profiles of tropospheric NO3 were derived by spectroscopy of scattered sunlight in off-axis geometry during sunrise. The measurements were carried out in the urban area of Heidelberg, Germany (April, July, and August 1999). The retrieval algorithm is based on the nitrate radical's rapid photolysis during sunrise, radiative transfer, as well photochemical modeling. We derived NO3 near-ground concentrations of typically (0.2–18) × 107 cm−3, concentrations above 3 km of (5–50) × 107 cm−3, and a NO3 maximum at a height of ∼350 m with concentrations of (100–900) × 107 cm−3. Assuming the case of very high terpene levels even at higher altitudes, which is very unlikely for the atmospheric conditions during the measurements, we obtain a different mathematical solution of our inversion problem yielding the NO3 maximum at altitudes of ∼2.5 km. The enriched layer was found to hold the bulk of the tropospheric nighttime NO3. The retrieved profile confirms earlier suggestions that ground-level measurements may be significantly underestimating the oxidative capacity of the boundary layer under stable nocturnal conditions. The NO3 layer is probably formed as a result of the vertical profiles of the NO3 educts (NO2 and O3), with NO2 concentrations falling off more slowly with height than the NO3 scavengers, e.g., anthropogenic NO as well as volatile organic compounds emitted at ground level. Independently from these measurements model simulations with a comprehensive three-dimensional model system were performed for an area, which includes the measurement site. A pronounced maximum (3.3 × 109 cm−3) of the nocturnal NO3 concentration was found at ∼250 m above the surface, i.e., at the top of the nocturnal stable boundary layer. The average NO3 concentration close to the surface was 5 × 107 cm−3. The only significant difference between the observations and the model results was a steeper decrease of the NO3 concentration above the maximum of the observed profiles.

Detection of improper fixation in MTI photoscreening images

Purpose: To determine the effect of fixation shift on photoscreening crescents, the ability of human interpreters to detect fixation shift, and the potential improvement by image processing. Methods: MTI photoscreening (Medical Technologies & Innovations, Inc, Lancaster, PA) images, measured at 11 positions of gaze, were obtained from 10 subjects (9 with refractive error warranting spectacle correction). Photographs were taken with subjects fixating at 20, 15, 10, and 5 cm to the left and the right of the camera fixation target (1 m distant); 5 cm above and below the camera fixation target; and on-axis. Photographs were inspected by 11 experienced raters, who indicated if the subject appeared to be looking directly at the camera. The photographs were digitized, enlarged, contrast enhanced, and measured by 3 raters. For each photograph, distance from the corneal light reflex to the nasal limbus was measured and a measure of asymmetry computed. Results: Raters could reliably detect off-axis fixation greater than 10 cm away from the intended fixation target. Raters correctly identified on-axis subject viewing 73% of the time. Crescents became larger when the fixation shifted off-axis for both the myopic and hyperopic subjects. Image analysis correctly classified 10 of 10 on-axis measurements and 34 of 39 off-axis measurements. Conclusion: Direct inspection of photoscreening images by trained raters can result in the failure to detect small but relevant errors of fixation. These fixation shifts can cause crescents to become larger than expected, resulting in false-positive classification. Image analysis offers a potential improvement in the detection of off-axis fixation in MTI photoscreening images. (J AAPOS 2001;5:35-43)

Effects of Rayleigh scattering on photovoltaic spectra associated with1sorthoexcitons inCu2O

Photovoltaic (PV) spectra in the $1s$ orthoexciton region of ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ natural single crystals have been measured as a function of the location of the illumination spot in the temperature range between 28 and 185 K. The spectral shape analysis of the exciton-mediated PV reveals the effective contribution of Rayleigh scattering light in the sample, as confirmed by off-axis transmission measurements.

Polarity effects of ionization chambers used in TBI dosimetry due to cable irradiation

This paper presents the results of an investigation on polarity effects in total-body irradiation (TBI) dosimetry. Thimble (NE2571, 0.6 cc) and plane-parallel (Markus NE2534 0.055 cc) chambers were investigated in a 30 × 30 × 30-cm 3 acrylic phantom in TBI conditions (6-MV x-rays). The thimble chamber was positioned at the midline and at the entrance and exit D max (1.5 cm from the phantom surface) levels. The Markus chamber, which is generally used for skin dose estimations, was positioned at various depths from the entrance surface of the phantom (from 0- to 2-cm depth). The polarity factor (P pol) was defined as (Q + + Q −)/2Q −, where Q + and Q − were the collected charges at positive and negative bias voltage, respectively. The variations of P pol with many parameters (absorbed dose, dose rate, the presence or absence of a 1-cm acrylic spoiler, irradiated cable length) were investigated. Results show that P pol is quite small (within 1.002 for on-axis measurements and 1.005 for off-axis measurements) for the NE2571 chamber when the beam spoiler is placed. P pol was significantly higher without the beam spoiler (within 1.008 for on-axis measurements, up to 1.02 for off-axis measurements). Concerning the Markus chamber, for on-axis skin dose measurements, P pol was found to be less than unity (around 0.988) or more than unity (around 1.0035), respectively, with and without the beam spoiler. Possible “directional effects” of the currents generated in the cable were investigated for both chambers and found to be insignificant. This shows that the application of P pol correction has to be considered a reliable procedure in minimizing these effects. When the beam spoiler is placed, the cable has to be drawn to minimize the portion of cable just outside the beam; if this is not the case, P pol may significantly vary (for the NE2571 chamber values up to 1.0035 were found for on-axis measurements).