Path Difference Research Articles

Miniaturized on-chip optical differentiator based on 2F-structured metasurfaces.

Analog optical computing based on Fourier optics has attracted ever-growing attention, offering unprecedented low power consumption and high parallelism computation at the speed of light. Typically, classical optical 4F systems have been widely employed as one of the most common approaches for analog optical computing. However, most existing schemes replicate the original architecture relying on two Fourier transforms and one spatial-frequency filtering, resulting in bulky size and complex structure. Here, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, on-chip 2F structure that achieves ultra-miniaturized optical analog computing. Taking advantage of the exceptional design flexibility of metasurfaces, we reduce the optical path length through a combination of phase compensation and complex amplitude modulation, thereby significantly simplifying the system structure without sacrificing accuracy compared to the traditional 4F system. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we design and fabricate an on-chip optical differentiator on a silicon-on-insulator platform, achieving 84.01% and 79.81% differentiation accuracy in simulation and experiment, respectively.

Optical beam steering and distance measurement experiments through an optical phased array

Optical beam steering and distance measurement experiments through an optical phased array

First on-sky interference fringes at 810 nm with the CHARA Array using servo controlled hectometric outdoor fibre links

Abstract In the framework of the ALOHA (Astronomical Light Optical Hybrid Analysis) project, we have implemented a fibre-linked interferometer connecting two telescopes of the CHARA Array to the recombination beam facility using servo controlled hectometric outdoor fibres (240m). During two consecutive nights, on-sky fringes at 810nm were recorded on the star Vega (mag 0), with servo control of the fibre lengths. The optical path difference (OPD) was set close to zero using internal fringes found before the on-sky observations. The repeatability of the delay line position offset between internal and on-sky fringes was less than 0.2mm. The efficiency of the servo control systems has been demonstrated, leading to an enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio from 68.9 with the servo off to 91.6 with the servo on. This result is a cornerstone for the ALOHA project goal of interferometry at 3.5μm and a seminal step for the future kilometric infrared fibre-linked interferometer at CHARA.

Ray-tracing-Guided or Q-Value-Adjusted FS-LASIK for Correction of Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism: A Comparative Contralateral Eye Study.

To compare the safety and efficacy of individualized ray-tracing-guided femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, contralateral eye study included 68 eyes of 34 patients with myopia or myopic astigmatism requiring FS-LASIK treatment. For each patient, one eye was randomly assigned to receive the ray-tracing-guided treatment, whereas the contralateral eye underwent Q-value-adjusted ablation. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), sphere, cylinder, effective optical zone (EOZ), and 6-mm corneal aberrations were measured and analyzed before operation and after a 3-month postoperative follow-up. At 3 months postoperatively, the UDVA of 20/16 or better was measured in 94% of eyes in the ray-tracing group and 85% of eyes in the Custom-Q group (P = .064). Forty-seven percent in the ray-tracing group and 32% in the Custom-Q group gained one or more Snellen lines of CDVA (P = .043). The MRSE, refractive astigmatism, surgically induced astigmatism, and difference vector were better in the Custom-Q group (P < .05). The postoperative corneal HOAs and optical path difference were significantly better in the ray-tracing group (P = .008). The EOZs of the ray-tracing and Custom-Q groups were 5.77 and 5.43 mm (P < .001), and the average ablation depths of the ray-tracing and Custom-Q groups were 100.97 and 85.24 µm (P < .001), respectively. Despite the overcorrection and excessive ablation of corneal tissue, ray-tracing-guided FS-LASIK in clinical practice was found to be safe and effective for myopic correction both with and without astigmatism, particularly in achieving UDVA and inducing fewer corneal HOAs and less OPD. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(11):e804-e813.].

Quasi-distributed acoustic sensing based on optical path difference demodulation for high-frequency and large-amplitude using an optical fiber interferometer array.

The phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry scheme has attracted great research interest in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) but suffers from a trade-off between the dynamic range and signal frequency. In this paper, an optical path difference (OPD) demodulation method is applied to an interferometer array composed of an ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating (UWFBG) array and an imbalanced Michelson interferometer to solve this problem. As far as we know, this is the first time that OPD demodulation has been applied to DAS. The UWFBG array is interrogated by a frequency-modulated pulse, and the acoustic signal sensed by the fiber between any two adjacent UWFBGs can be retrieved by demodulating the variation of residual OPD of the interferometer formed by them. The proposed method is analyzed theoretically and validated experimentally; compared with the phase demodulation method, a 100-times boost in bandwidth is achieved for a signal with an amplitude of 0.4 µε. Results also show that the proposed method offers increasing signal-to-noise ratios as the frequency increases.

Adaptive generation of optical single-sideband signal with dually modulated EML

The optical single sideband (SSB) transmitter based on dual modulation of an electro-absorption modulation laser (D-EML) has attracted considerable attention for its capability of monolithic integration and high output power. A model-based modulation method has been developed recently for generating high-quality optical SSB signals with this D-EML scheme. However, this method requires accurate characterization of the EML’s chirps and pre-compensation for frequency responses of all-optical/electrical components, as well as the path difference between two driving signals. This imposes notable requirements on the transmitter characterization in practical applications. In this paper, we propose an adaptive method to approach the required responses of the pre-compensation filters for this optical SSB transmitter. This method avoids cumbersome device characterization and shows great resilience to the variation of system parameters. By using the proposed adaptive method, we generate a 56 Gb/s optical SSB orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed signal with the sideband suppression power ratio exceeding 21 dB. It is convenient with this method to switch the devices, i.e., directly modulated laser (DML) or electro-absorption modulator (EAM), to be pre-compensated for the optical SSB signal generation. Moreover, this method exhibits good tolerance to the path delay (±15 ps) between DML and EAM, as well as modulation depth. We also successfully transmit this signal over 80 km long standard single-mode fiber.

Simultaneous detection of soot, temperature, and C2H2 in laminar premixed flames using a multi-pass diode laser absorption spectrometer

We report the development of a multi-pass diode laser absorption spectroscopy system for simultaneous measurements of soot volume fraction (SVF), temperature, and C2H2 concentration using a single diode laser near 1.543 µm. A line-shaped beam spot pattern is chosen for the open-path Herriott multi-pass cavity, enabling sensitive detection at various heights above the burner with an effective optical absorption path length of approximately 1.2 m in a 6 cm diameter flame region. The gas parameters (temperature and C2H2 concentration) and the SVF are determined from the absorption spectra of the target C2H2 line pair and the laser extinction of the soot, which can be extracted from the detected signal, respectively. The performance of the system was confirmed in laminar premixed ethylene and air (C2H4/air) sooting flames produced by a standard bronze plug McKenna burner at four representative equivalence ratios. All the measurement results were compared with the two-dimensional (2D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using a skeletal mechanism with the Moss−Brookes model. The good quantitative and qualitative agreement between the TDLAS measurements and 2D CFD simulations confirms the powerful capability of the developed system.

3D coherent single shot lidar imaging beyond coherence length

Advancements in remote sensing and autonomous vehicle technologies made lidars equally important for unmanned objects alongside cameras. Therefore, precise 3D lidar imaging and point cloud generation have become important subjects. Although existing coherent lidar technologies provide precise imaging results, the spectral linewidth of the laser sources becomes a key limitation over long distances as it defines the maximum detection range. Here, we present long-distance 3D lidar imaging which removes the coherence length limitations and therefore the necessity of high-coherence laser sources. Mainly, we generate optical sidebands, by modulating a continuous wave (CW) laser source with multiple radio-frequency (RF) tones. Then, using our own post-processing and triangulation methods, we use the relative phase changes between the sidebands which are free from laser phase noise to determine the target distance. We prove that the multi-tone coherent Lidar technique can perform precise 3D imaging and point cloud generation of various targets at sub-10pW optical power reception and distances up to ∼12× beyond the coherence length of the CW laser employed in the lidar architecture. Overall, it is demonstrated that coherence length restriction is removed by the suggested method, which makes precise long-distance 3D lidar imaging possible, particularly for applications such as spacecraft and aerial coherent lidars.

Facilitating Absorption Spectroscopy of Strongly Absorbing Fluids: A High-Throughput Approach.

Measuring absorption spectra of strongly absorbing solutions is usually only possible by diluting the solution. However, the absorption spectra can be heavily influenced by concentration-dependent interactions, so dilution leads to misleading results. To enable reliable absorption measurements of concentrated solutions, we introduce in this work thinning fluid film spectroscopy (TFFS), a simple and highly automatable method. We present three exemplary measurement modes of TFFS suitable for many different applications and validate the TFFS measurements with control data obtained in specialized, low optical path length cuvettes. Additionally, we compare the suitability of the different measurement modes over a broad concentration range and demonstrate the automation possibilities with a spectroscopy robot. Beyond this automated approach for highly efficient and high-throughput lab work, we also show the possibility of direct integration into production systems with an in-line setup, which can be incorporated into a variety of pipe systems. The TFFS method is not limited to samples from material science but can be transferred to a broad variety of research and industry fields, including proteins, food, and pharmaceuticals or also agriculture and forensics.

Erbium-Doped Tunable Fiber Laser Based on a Vernier Effect Filter

A novel vernier effect filter is designed utilizing two cascaded Mach–Zehnder interferometers (MZIs). Integrating the filter into an erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL), the tunability of laser wavelength is achieved. Each MZI comprises two sequentially interconnected 3 dB optical couplers (OCs), where the incoming light is initially split into two arms at the first OC and subsequently recombined at the second OC. Interference occurs due to the optical path difference between these two beams. Notably, the two MZIs exhibit closely matched free spectral ranges (FSRs), leading to the formation of a broadened envelope in the superimposed spectrum. By delicately adjusting the optical path difference between the two arms of one MZI, a little drift of the interference spectrum is induced. This small amount of drift, in turn, triggers a significant movement of the envelope, giving rise to the so-called vernier effect. Integrating the vernier effect filter into an EDFL, the wavelength of the fiber laser can be tuned from 1542.56 nm to 1556.62 nm, with a tuning range of 14.06 nm. Furthermore, by employing a high-precision stepper motor, a remarkable tuning accuracy of 0.01 nm is attainable. The side mode suppression ratio of all wavelengths is above 55 dB. In comparison to reported tunable fiber lasers utilizing MZI filters, the proposed fiber laser in this study offers enhanced precision and a more user-friendly tuning process.

Spaceborne particle identification platform and its application based on convolutional neural network

The identification of particle types in space radiation particle detection is a problem of great concern in scientific research and engineering applications. At present, the particle types are mainly identified by the difference in energy deposition of particles in the sensor, the difference in waveform in the sensor, the flight time and energy of particles, and the difference in the deflection path of particles in the electric field, such as traditional telescope detectors, particle pulse waveform analysis, flight time TOF system and electrostatic analyzer. However, the current on-orbit particle identification logic is relatively simple and the identification accuracy is limited. Convolutional neural networks have powerful target classification capabilities and are good at capturing and extracting target feature details, which can improve the accuracy of particle energy measurement and identification. Based on the environment commonly used in space environment detection payloads, this paper proposes a method for building an on-orbit convolutional neural network particle identification platform to achieve particle type identification. The platform first constructs a multi-dimensional input data set, completes the model training and weight derivation with the help of the software platform, and completes the waveform inference and data set expansion through the hardware platform. The established identification platform is used to train and test the neutron and gamma waveform data obtained in actual tests, and the accuracy of the identification of the software and hardware platforms is analyzed, completing the verification of the platform. The establishment and application of this platform provides a new idea and method for particle measurement and identification in future space environment detection, and has strong engineering practice significance.

Error analysis based on a tunable wave plate polarization interferometric imaging spectrometer

Interference imaging spectroscopy combines modern imaging technology with spectral technology, holding significant importance for object imaging and spectral detection. This article introduces the principle of an adjustable wave plate polarization interferometric imaging spectrometer. The example design specifications are set for an observation wavelength range of 450–780 nm and a maximum resolution of 2 nm at 450 nm, with a 0.5 in detector as the base for calculating the specific dimensions of the Soleil–Babinet compensator. An investigation was conducted on the issues of nonuniform sampling, as well as three types of mechanical errors: flatness, wedge angle tolerance, and optical axis orientation accuracy. Emphasis was placed on discussing the impact of these errors on the instrument’s optical path difference and spectral reconstruction accuracy. This research provides theoretical guidance for the design and engineering of this miniaturized imaging spectrometer.

Photothermal Conversion Performance of Fe3O4/ATO Hybrid Nanofluid for Direct Absorption Solar Collector

In order to enhance the efficiency of direct absorption solar collectors, this study carried out an experimental analysis about the optical and photothermal conversion performance of Fe3O4, ATO (Antimony-doped tin oxide), and Fe3O4/ATO nanofluids with a total concentration of 0.1 wt%. According to the results of the experiments, Fe3O4 nanofluid outperforms ATO nanofluid in terms of optical absorption; nevertheless, at wavelengths shorter than 600 nm, it also shows significant scattering reflection. The solar-weighted absorption coefficient of Fe3O4/ATO nanofluid rose from 0.863 (mFe3O4/mTotal = 0.2) to 0.932 (mFe3O4/mTotal = 0.8) when the optical path length increased from 0.01 m to 0.06 m. Moreover, the Fe3O4/ATO hybrid nanofluid achieved a photothermal conversion efficiency of 0.932 when the mass ratio of Fe3O4 to total mass was 0.2, surpassing the efficiencies of 0.892 and 0.898 recorded for 0.1 wt% ATO and Fe3O4 nanofluids, respectively. When present together, the opposing optical characteristics of Fe3O4 and ATO boost photothermal conversion performance, which is anticipated to raise the efficiency of direct absorption solar collectors.

Time-delay interferometry with onboard optical delays

Time-delay interferometry (TDI) is a data processing technique for space-based gravitational-wave detectors to create laser-noise-free equal-optical-path-length interferometers virtually on the ground. It relies on the interspacecraft signal propagation delays, which are delivered by intersatellite ranging monitors. Also, onboard signal propagation and processing delays have a non-negligible impact on the TDI combinations. However, these onboard delays were only partially considered in previous TDI-related research; onboard optical path lengths have been neglected. In this paper, we study onboard optical path lengths in TDI. We derive analytical models for their coupling to the second-generation TDI Michelson combinations and verify these models numerically. Furthermore, we derive a compensation scheme for onboard optical path lengths in TDI and validate its performance via numerical simulations. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

A portable nitrogen dioxide instrument using cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy

Abstract. The Portable (2.7 kg) Cavity-enhanced Absorption of Nitrogen Dioxide (PCAND) instrument for measuring in situ nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was developed using incoherent broadband cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (IBBCEAS). An LED light source centered at 408 nm was coupled to a cavity 15 cm in length, achieving an effective optical pathlength of ∼520 m. Precision was measured as 94 pptv (1 s). To date, we have flown this instrument on three balloon test flights. This instrument records data on an SD card and outputs data (via an RS232 port) to external devices including a commercial radiosonde (iMet) for real-time data downlink.

Far-field Pattern Analysis Based on Piecewise Aperture Field Integration for Leighton Chajnantor Telescope Antenna under Gravity and Wind Load

The Caltech Submillimeter Observatory telescope will be relocated from Mauna Kea, Hawaii to Chajnantor Plateau, Chile, refurbished there and renamed the Leighton Chajnantor Telescope (LCT). At the new site, the open-air environment, as well as the high altitude, will amplify the influence of gravity and wind load on structural deformation, thus affecting the antenna’s radiation characteristics, which can be characterized by a far-field pattern. To quickly and accurately compensate for the effect of reflector structural deformation on the far-field pattern of LCT’s antenna, we propose a far-field pattern quick calculation method (FPQCM) to analyze the antenna’s radiation characteristics under gravity and various wind loads, which combines the optical path difference calculation method on the aperture plane, the piecewise Zernike polynomial function, and the piecewise aperture field integration method. Through extensive experimental comparisons with the numerical method based on physical optics and physical theory of diffraction, it is validated that the proposed FPQCM significantly reduces the time by more than 100 times for acquiring the far-field patterns while maintaining the accuracy of the main figure of merits at the highest frequency (i.e., 856 GHz). In addition, we analyzed the far-field pattern of the antenna at different zenith angles, gravity, and winds of different strengths and directions by FPQCM, which provided guidance for performing more precise control through an active surface optimization system after LCT resumes operation, thus facilitating the acquisition of higher surface accuracy and better observation effect.

Drude2019IDPC polarizable force field reveals structure-function relationship of insulin

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) lack stable tertiary structures under physiological conditions, yet play key roles in biological processes and associated with human complex diseases. Their conformational characteristics and high content of charged residues make the use of polarizable force fields an advantageous for simulating IDPs. The Drude2019IDP polarizable force field, previously introduced, has demonstrated comprehensive enhancements and improvements in dipeptides, short peptides, and IDPs, achieving a balanced sampling between IDPs and structured proteins. However, the performance in simulating 5 dipeptides was found to be underestimate. Therefore, we individually performed reweighting and grid-based energy correction map (CMAP) optimization for these 5 dipeptides, resulting in the enhanced Drude2019IDPC force field. The performance of Drude2019IDPC was evaluated with 5 dipeptides, 5 disordered short peptides, and a representative IDP. The results demonstrated a marked improvement comparing with original Drude2019IDP. To further substantiate the capabilities of Drude2019IDPC, MD simulation and Markov state model (MSM) were applied to wild type and mutant for insulin, to elucidate the difference of conformational characteristics and transition path. The findings reveal that mutation can maintain the monomorphic characteristics, providing insights for engineered insulin development. These results indicate that Drude2019IDPC could be used to reveal the structure-function relationship for other proteins.

Precision straightness and displacement measurement based on phase-modulated interferometric scheme with different modulation depths

In this study, a novel straightness and displacement measurement method using a Wollaston prism-sensing phase-modulated interferometer (WPHI) is proposed to accurately measure straightness errors and the position of linear stages. In the proposed WPHI, a Wollaston prism assembly along with a semi-reflector serves as a sensing element to generate two straightness and one displacement measuring beams. By using an electro-optic phase modulator to modulate the linearly polarized laser beam at 45° to its optic axis, different modulation depths are introduced into the straightness and displacement measuring beams to obtain phase-modulated interference signals. Thus, the straightness error can be directly obtained from the change in the optical path difference between the two measuring beams, thereby avoiding any additional errors introduced by separately measuring the changes in the optical path of each beam. Moreover, a 2 × 2 array photodetector is used to simultaneously measure the displacement and rotational angles of stage to compensate for the influence of rotational errors on the displacement result. The experimental results showed that within a range of 4 m, the standard deviations of the straightness error and displacement measurements between the proposed WPHI and a commercial interferometer were 0.50 and 0.59 μm, respectively. Thus, the proposed WPHI has substantial applications in the fields of ultraprecision machine-tool control, precision motion stage testing, and displacement sensor calibration.

Young paediatric oncologists and haematologists in Europe – Emerging needs and future perspectives

BackgroundThe “Young NaPHOS” project was launched in 2021, by Young SIOPE, the group for junior members of the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE). The Young NaPHOS project aims to build a network of national representatives of young paediatric haematologists and oncologists to discuss organisational and educational aspects at national and European level, differences in the training paths, and the needs to be addressed in the future. MethodsFrom June 2021 until September 2022, three online meetings took place and one online survey was conducted. The meetings focused on presenting the structure and organisational aspects of existing national junior organisations in paediatric haematology and oncology, including their national activities. The survey aimed to investigate the European landscape of national organisations and training paths by inviting 39 young national representatives. ResultsTen out of 34 responders confirmed the existence of a junior organisation in their country. Diversity was noted among the countries for the existence of such organisations, the organisations’ activities, or the membership criteria. Further, the training path to become a paediatric oncologist/haematologist differs a lot. Young paediatric oncologists also shared common concerns, especially regarding networking, international collaboration, and educational opportunities. ConclusionThis project resulted in the creation of a European network among young paediatric oncologists and haematologists, in spreading ideas and offering support, and identified differences and areas for future action of Young SIOPE.

Adaptive underwater monitoring system through visible light

Abstract Currently, underwater visible light communication (VLC) in fields such as underwater resource development, scientific research, and monitoring has become a research hotspot. However, challenges persist in underwater optical communication distances and quality monitoring due to factors such as light attenuation and scattering. Therefore, we propose an adaptive underwater visible light communication monitoring system to increase underwater communication distances and facilitate underwater environmental monitoring. First, we design a parallel multi-hop structure for underwater VLC nodes to enhance underwater communication distances, which not only amplifies the received signal power but also dynamically selects the optimal signal transmission path. Second, we implement a low-cost early warning mechanism that utilizes transmission rate variations under different underwater concentrations to indicate bit error rates (BER) macroscopically. By setting appropriate thresholds, monitoring information is reported to the system. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the designed system can achieve a transmission distance and monitor concentration changes within the range of 0.0018g / ml to 0.0073g / ml.