Optical Phase Research Articles

The influence of timescales and data injection schemes for reservoir computing using spin-VCSELs

AbstractReservoir computing with photonic systems promises fast and energy efficient computations. Vertical emitting semiconductor lasers with two spin-polarized charge-carrier populations (spin-VCSEL), are good candidates for high-speed reservoir computing. With our work, we highlight the role of the internal dynamic coupling on the prediction performance. We present numerical evidence for the critical impact of different data injection schemes and internal timescales. A central finding is that the internal dynamics of all dynamical degrees of freedom can only be utilized if an appropriate perturbation via the input is chosen as data injection scheme. If the data is encoded via an optical phase difference, the internal spin-polarized carrier dynamics is not addressed but instead a faster data injection rate is possible. We find strong correlations of the prediction performance with the system response time and the underlying delay-induced bifurcation structure, which allows to transfer the results to other physical reservoir computing systems.

Optical phase aberration correction with an ultracold quantum gas

Optical phase aberration correction with an ultracold quantum gas

Analysis of SiNx Waveguide-Integrated Liquid Crystal Platform for Wideband Optical Phase Shifters and Modulators

In this study, the potential of employing SiNx (silicon nitride) waveguide platforms to enable the use of liquid-crystal-based phase shifters for on-chip optical modulators was thoroughly investigated using 3D-FDTD (3D finite-difference time-domain) simulations. The entire structure of liquid-crystal-based Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) optical modulators, consisting of multi-mode interferometer splitters, different tapering sections, and liquid-crystal-based phase shifters, was systematically and holistically investigated with a view to developing a compact, wideband, and CMOS-compatible (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) bias voltage optical modulator with competitive modulation efficiency, good fabrication tolerance, and single-mode operation using the same SiNx waveguide layer for the entire device. The trade-off between several important parameters is critically discussed in order to reach a conclusion on the possible optimized parameter sets. Contrary to previous demonstrations, this investigation focused on the potential of achieving such an optical device using the same SiNx waveguide layer for the entire device, including both the passive and active regions. Significantly, we show that it is necessary to carefully select the phase shifter length of the LC-based (liquid crystal) MZI optical modulator, as the phase shifter length required to obtain a π phase shift could be as low as a few tens of microns; therefore, a phase shifter length that is too long can contradictorily worsen the optical modulation.

Design of Low-loss Non-volatile Optical Phase Shifter based on Lossy Phase Change Material Ge2Sb2Te5

Design of Low-loss Non-volatile Optical Phase Shifter based on Lossy Phase Change Material Ge2Sb2Te5

Optimization and multiphysics analysis of high-performance lithium niobate modulators

Thin-film lithium niobate electro-optic modulators (TFLN EOMs) are widely utilized across various fields due to their exceptional performance. In this theoretical study, we optimized a TFLN EOM featuring a multimode interference coupler, cosine-curved waveguides, and a modulating arm straight waveguide structure. By tuning the etching depth, waveguide width, and geometric parameters of the traveling wave electrodes, we achieved a half-wave voltage-length product of 1.6V⋅cm and a 3 dB bandwidth of approximately 140 GHz. Additionally, we performed a multiphysics analysis to investigate the temperature characteristics of the modulator. The results indicate that increased temperature induces thermal-optic effects in the material, leading to changes in the waveguide’s refractive index and the optical beam phase, which results in increased insertion loss. Moreover, the stress generated by thermal expansion is concentrated in the modulator’s waveguide, representing a weak point that is prone to failure.

From Burst to Sustained Release: The Effect of Antibiotic Structure Incorporated into Chitosan-Based Films

Background/Objectives: Medical devices are susceptible to bacterial colonization and biofilm formation, which can result in severe infections, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased burden on society. Antibacterial films have the potential to assist in preventing biofilm formation, thereby reducing administration of antibiotics and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. In a previous study, a chitosan-based matrix crosslinked with tannic acid and loaded with gentamicin was reported. In this study, five different antibiotics (moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole or linezolid) were loaded into these chitosan-based films, and their impact on the release behavior carefully assessed. Methods: The samples were characterized according to their thickness, swelling, and mass loss in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), as well as by morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical phase contrast microscopy. Antibiotic release over time was quantified in PBS by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antibacterial activity was investigated by disk diffusion test and antibiotic release over time. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the samples was assessed with human dermal fibroblasts. Results: The obtained results differed significantly, especially regarding the antibiotic release time and antibacterial activity, which varied from one day to six months, enabling classification of the films from burst/transient to prolonged release. The films also showed antibacterial features against bacteria mostly present in medical devices and displayed to be non-cytotoxic. Conclusions: In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the antibiotics structure significantly alters the release kinetics, and that by carefully selecting the antibiotic, the consequent release can be tuned. This approach yielded films that could be used for potentially-scalable release in antimicrobial coatings specific to medical devices, aiming to reduce biomaterial associated infections (BAIs).

Dependence of the ultrasound-caused shifts in optical frequency and phase and the modulation of optical phase in acousto-optic interaction of turbid media

In acousto-optic interaction, it is widely known that the frequency and phase of light are ultrasound-shifted in both transparent and turbid media, and furthermore the phase is also ultrasound-modulated in turbid media. However, it has been unclear whether there is an inherent relationship between the ultrasound-caused shifts in optical frequency and phase and the modulation of optical phase in turbid media. In the letter, we reveal that the ultrasound-caused shifts in optical frequency and phase depend on the modulation of optical phase in acousto-optic interaction of turbid media. Additionally, the intensity of frequency-shifted light is related to the modulation of optical phase. Then, with the increase of the modulation amplitude of optical phase, the phase-modulated light comprises relatively more light waves with higher frequency shifts. At last, the conclusions are confirmed by heterodyne experiments.

Integrated photonic modular arithmetic processor

Integrated photonic computing has emerged as a promising approach to overcome the limitations of electronic processors in the post-Moore era. However, present integrated photonic computing systems face challenges in achieving high-precision calculations, consequently limiting their potential applications, and their heavy reliance on analog-to-digital (AD) and digital-to-analog (DA) conversion interfaces undermines their performance. Here we propose an innovative photonic computing architecture featuring scalable calculation precision and, to our knowledge, a novel photonic conversion interface. By leveraging the residue number system (RNS) theory, the high-precision calculation is decomposed into multiple low-precision modular arithmetic operations executed through optical phase manipulation. Those operations directly interact with the digital system via our proposed optical digital-to-phase converter (ODPC) and phase-to-digital converter (OPDC). Through experimental demonstrations, we showcase a calculation precision of 9 bits and verify the feasibility of the ODPC/OPDC photonic interface. This approach paves the path towards liberating photonic computing from the constraints imposed by limited precision and AD/DA converters.

Emitter design for efficient waveguide spectral lens

Abstract As an alternative to arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs), the waveguide spectral lens (WSL) stands out with the ability to focus light in free space, thereby eliminating the need for relay optics between the chip and the camera. This becomes convenient in constructing a truly compact instrument for astronomical spectroscopic analysis. Besides dispersion and focusing, WSL offers another important function: the envelope of the diffraction orders can be manipulated via the output emitter, i.e., the waveguide array at the facet. Through careful emitter design, the diffraction efficiency can be largely improved because the side orders are well suppressed, and light is concentrated to the selected order. This feature, though particularly important for the photon-hungry astronomical application, has not been well explored in the previous works. Here, we come up with four emitter designs and evaluate their performance, including linear taper, parabolic taper, multimode interference (MMI), and slot MMI. A figure of merit (FoM) considering both diffraction efficiency and uniformity is introduced to identify the optimal structure. Experimental results agree well with the simulation and confirmed that the optimal parabolic taper can achieve a diffraction efficiency of 90.9%, making it the most attractive design. This work highlights the potential of WSLs for astronomical spectroscopy with an efficiency that rivals conventional blazed gratings. It may also inspire emitter designs for side-lobe suppression in optical phase array applications.

Optically enhanced pump-phase noise in mid-link optical parametric phase conjugation

This paper discusses the impact of pump-phase noise in the χ(2)-based optical parametric amplification process on the phase-conjugated idler. We show that the dispersive fiber propagation of the phase-conjugated idler causes the optically enhanced pump-phase noise (OEPN) effect including a group-velocity jitter. The signal penalty caused by the OEPN in the mid-link optical phase conjugation systems was quantified analytically and proved by numerical simulations. We also experimentally evaluated the OEPN with an optical parametric phase conjugator using periodically poled LiNbO3 waveguides. With a 96-Gbaud probabilistically constellation-shaped 64QAM signal, the experimental results were in good agreement with the analytically derived penalty in a standard single-mode fiber link up to 800 km.

Vector modulation of fully-polarized phase conjugate light field through scattering media

Vector modulation of the light field through scattering media holds significant scientific and application value in areas such as optical imaging, optical communications, nonlinear optics, and biomedicine. Digital optical phase conjugation (DOPC), grounded in the time reversal principle, has been extensively investigated for wavefront shaping in scattering media. Nonetheless, reports on vector modulation of phase conjugate beams via DOPC remain scarce. In this study, we propose a vector DOPC to recover and modulate the polarization state of the phase conjugate beams based on vector decomposition and superimposition of light field. First, pre-set two orthogonal polarization basis probe beams to pass through a multimode fiber and use digital holography to record the phase distribution of their orthogonal polarization components in the speckle field. Then, perform polarization-preserving phase conjugation and vector superposition of both components simultaneously. By altering the phase difference and amplitude ratio between the two, vector modulation of the synthesized phase conjugate beam can be achieved. Theoretical analysis aligns well with experimental results, demonstrating a positive impact on understanding the physical properties of scattering media and expanding the applications of the DOPC technique.

Minimize flow-induced uncertainty in polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography imaging using eigen decomposition.

Blood flow alters the scattering behavior of penetration light, causing instability in the polarization state to emerge at the underlying tissue during polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT). We propose an eigen decomposition method to meet this challenge, where the static and dynamic scattering signals are separated for PSOCT to provide the polarization measurements of the tissue of interest that is located beneath the blood flow. Using flow phantoms made by Intralipid solution and 3D-printed birefringent material, we show the flow-induced effects on the measurements of sample birefringent properties of optical axis, phase retardation, and degree of polarization uniformity. We demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method through in vivo imaging of the human nail fold.

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.

Dual-mode 1 × 2 optical switch with simultaneous modulation based on inverse design devices

Abstract Mode division multiplexing (MDM) technology, based on the parallelism inherent in mode dimensions, provides an advancement in enhancing on-chip optical communication channel capacity. In MDM communication systems, the routing and switching of optical signals are of essential importance. However, conventional multimode optical switches typically follow the demultiplexing-processing-multiplexing technological route, leading to an unavoidable increase in device size. In scenarios where multiple modes need to be routed synchronously, the implementation of simultaneous modulation optical switches offers a more efficient and feasible solution. Here, we propose two 1×2 dual-mode optical switches with simultaneous modulation on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform in the 1525-1565 nm wavelength range, utilizing two optical phase modulation techniques: mode transformation and waveguide widening. Simultaneously, we employ inverse design methodologies based on the adjoint variable method (AVM) and level-set method to create the compact single-connected devices, which are compatible with CMOS fabrication processes. The experimental results show that the insertion losses for both TE0 and TE1 modes are less than 1.6 dB (2.5 dB), with the worst modal crosstalk at most -13.5 dB (-12.7 dB) for the switch based on mode transformation (waveguide widening) strategy at the wavelength of 1550nm. The extinction ratio (ER) of the two proposed optical switches exceeds 25 dB at the same wavelength. Furthermore, the switches exhibit a 10%-90% rise time of 15.2 μs and a 90%-10% fall time of 19.5 μs at 1550 nm, indicating the switching speed can be up to kilohertz (kHz). Our proposed 1×2 optical switches hold potential as a fundamental unit for optical signal switching in high-integration multimode optical communication systems.

Switchable phase modulation and multifunctional metasurface with vanadium dioxide layer

Abstract Metasurface, comprising subwavelength unit cells, offers a flexible modulation of the optical phase. However, traditional metasurfaces are typically engineered to function solely in one mode, limiting their efficiency and adaptability. In this study, we proposed a switchable metasurface consisting of gold bars deposited on polyimide and vanadium dioxide (VO2) layer. Upon the phase transition of VO2, this switchable metasurface exhibits functionality in both transmissive and reflective modes. Specifically, it efficiently converts left circularly polarized (LCP) light into right circularly polarized (RCP) light. For the dielectric (metallic) phases of VO2, the design behaves as metalens with a focal length of 1000 (906) μm at working frequency of 1.2 THz, respectively. Furthermore, the vortex phase can be effectively manipulated with topological number from 1 to 4 through the analysis of the electric field distribution. A directional emission from 12.9° to 42.2° is obtained in the reflective mode and Airy beam paths way can also be well regulated at 1.49 THz. The phase modulation is further achieved by varying the inter-mediums and its thickness. Finally, the sensing ability is explored with different covered solution. Consequently, this multifunctional and adaptable metasurface offers valuable insights for the development of reflectors, modulators, lenses and sensors.

Trimodal Watch-Type Wearable Health Monitoring Device

In the domain of healthcare, wearable health monitoring devices have emerged as essential tools for the advancement of patient health tracking. These devices facilitate the provision of real-time medical data to clinicians, enabling early diagnosis, timely intervention, and enhanced management of individual health. This study introduces an innovative trimodal wearable health monitoring device in the form of a wristwatch. The device integrates a breath analyzer for the assessment of gaseous phase biomarkers, a sweat analyzer for the evaluation of aqueous-phase biomarkers, and an infrared sensor for the measurement of body temperature in the optical phase. Engineered on a compact 3 cm × 3 cm printed circuit board, the device has been optimized for wearability, power efficiency, and seamless integration with both wired and wireless charging and communication systems. Furthermore, custom software applications, designed for both Windows and Android platforms, have been developed to facilitate intuitive data visualization and storage on personal computers and smartphones. Empirical results from real-time chemical testing substantiate the device’s efficacy and potential as an advanced solution for wearable health monitoring.

Optical anisotropy and surface phases of cholesterol derivative monolayer at air–water interface

Cholesterol and its derivatives play crucial roles in regulating processes of biological membranes. Langmuir monolayer can mimic a bio-membrane which can be used to investigate the molecular interaction governing the important physical phenomena. The cholesterol derivative exhibiting mesophases (CHLC molecules) was synthesized and spread at the air–water (A/W) interface to investigate the surface behavior. The monolayer exhibited a variety of surface phases such as gas, liquid expanded (LE), low density liquid like (L1) and liquid condensed (L2) phases. Treating the CHLC molecules to be rod-like, the average tilt of the molecules with respect to the surface normal in these phases are found to be different. The tilt angle decreases systematically from LE to L2 phase. The optical anisotropy of the ultrathin Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of CHLC molecules in these phases was measured using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. The high tilted molecules in the ultrathin LB film displayed a high value of optical anisotropy. The ultrathin film of CHLC molecules at different interfaces was investigated using Brewster angle microscopy, X-ray reflectivity (XRR), SPR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. This study is useful for the systems where the physical phenomena are governed by tilt of the molecules.

Si-waveguide-based optical power monitoring of a 2 × 2 Mach-Zehnder interferometer based on a InGaAsP/Si hybrid MOS optical phase shifter.

Transparent in-line optical power monitoring in Si programmable photonic integrated circuits (PICs) is indispensable for calibrating integrated optical devices such as optical switches and resonators. A Si waveguide (WG) photodetector (PD) based on defect-mediated photodetection is a promising candidate for a transparent in-line optical power monitor, owing to its simplicity and ease of integration with a fully complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible process. Here, we propose a simple optical power monitoring scheme for a 2 × 2 Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) optical switch based on InGaAsP/Si hybrid MOS optical phase shifters. In the proposed scheme, a low-doped p-type Si WG PD with a response time of microseconds is utilized as a transparent in-line optical power monitor, and the ground terminal of the MOS optical phase shifter is shared with that of the Si WG PD to enable the simple monitoring of the output optical power of the MZI. Based on this scheme, we experimentally demonstrate that the output optical power of a 2 × 2 MZI can be simply monitored by applying a bias voltage to the Si slabs formed at the output WGs of the MZI without excess optical insertion loss.

Design of a switchable triple-waveguide-based TE-converted polarization beam splitter based on lithium niobate

The lithium-niobate-on-insulator (LNOI) platform has been the new force to drive the developments of integrated photonics, where efficient polarization management and mode conversion are the fundamental issues to be solved. In this work, we proposed a switchable TE-converted polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on optical phase change material (PCM) and a triple-waveguide in simulation. To optimize and analyze the proposed design, the 3D finite difference time domain (3D-FDTD) method is applied in this work. The simulated results indicate that when PCM is in the amorphous state, the device can effectively separate the TM and TE modes, achieving a low insertion loss (<0.5dB) for both modes at 1550 nm. While the PCM is in the crystalline state, the proposed device can realize the efficient conversion from the input TE0 mode to output TE1 mode, which obtains a mode conversion efficiency of 99.5%, crosstalk of −26dB, and insertion loss of 0.5 dB at 1550 nm. We hope such a device can make compact integration and capacity improvement for the integrated photonics in LNOI.

Characterization of heterodyne optical phase locking for relative laser frequency noise suppression in differential measurement

Characterization of heterodyne optical phase locking for relative laser frequency noise suppression in differential measurement