Optical Performance Research Articles

Phase-transition metamaterial smart window for radiative cooling and privacy protection

This paper proposes a smart window for radiative cooling with adjustable transparency by leveraging the phase transition property of VO2. The proposed smart window exhibits daytime visible light transmission and near-infrared light reflection, all-day radiative cooling, and a nighttime privacy protection feature. It comprises a bottom layer of VO2/Ag/VO2 and top cubic two-dimensional SiO2 gratings, with structural parameters optimized by the genetic algorithm to ensure excellent optical performance. In the daytime, 75.4% visible light transmittance and 87.8% near-infrared reflectance can be achieved by utilizing the dielectric state of VO2. It also achieves low light transmission of 9.8% by using the metallic state of VO2, which is suitable for nighttime privacy protection. Furthermore, it has an all-day outside emissivity of 98.2% for radiative cooling, together with a low inside emissivity of 1.9% for effectively inhibiting the radiation heat transfer. In addition, the proposed structure is insensitive to the angles of incidence and the polarization of light, making it advantageous for radiative cooling. During the daytime, it reduces the temperature by 17.7 K compared to a glass of equal thickness when the non-radiative heat coefficient is 12 W/m2/K. At night, it achieves a cooling power of 124.7 W/m2, achieving a cooling effect of 8.9 K below ambient temperature. The proposed smart window is promising for various application scenarios for radiative cooling and privacy protection and could be used as windows for buildings and vehicles.

Fabrication of slanted gratings with high refractive index starting from master nanoimprint mold

Recently, nanoimprinting has attracted a new round of attention in the industry due to the boom in demand for augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), metalens and microlens, and even semiconductors. Slanted gratings have great application prospects in AR/VR displays because of their high efficiency in light coupling. UV-Nanoimprint lithography (UV-NIL) has been identified as one of the most feasible routes for mass manufacture of high refractive index (RI) slanted gratings. This paper presents a fabrication of high RI slanted gratings based on UV-NIL. A comprehensive study on the optical principles of slanted gratings is conducted, followed by simulation-based optimization of the grating parameters. The key element for applying nanoimprint to fabricate slanted gratings is the master mold, which is acquired by a tilted angle etching of metal gratings as an etching mask on silicon wafers with F-based plasma. The influence of experimental parameters, such as the etching power and etching mask thickness on the morphology of the slanted gratings on the master mold are investigated. The working mold was simply duplicated from the master mold by UV-NIL with a low surface energy working mold material. The high RI slanted gratings were achieved by imprinting a UV-curable resin with high RI. Finally, experimental verification was performed to assess the optical performance of the slanted gratings.

Enhancing optical properties of Ba-Ni ferrite through nonmagnetic ion doping for sustainable green technologies and renewable energy applications

Barium ferrite powder was produced using a standard ceramic procedure, and its structure and optical properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showed that the powder had a w-type hexagonal structure. The crystallite size was at approximately 35–36 nm, with bulk density and lattice constants increasing as zinc concentration rose. Conversely, X-ray density and porosity decreased with the increasing zinc concentration. This material has useful optical properties, as well as the standard ferrimagnetic properties of barium ferrite, which make it suitable for use in recording media. Ferrimagnetic behavior, which is useful for recording media, occurs because the powder's crystallites have their unit cell axes aligned. Up to the near-infrared part of the spectrum, the powder was found to have a very low absorption coefficient. Both of these properties—an arrangement that gives rise to ferrimagnetism and a corresponding low optical density—make barium ferrite very attractive for high-density recording and microwave applications. Fourier transform infrared spectra of the samples were recorded in the wavenumber range of 400–4000 cm−1 and supported the X-ray diffraction findings by confirming the idea of the formation of W-type hexagonal ferrite by the presence of two prominent peaks at 454 and 591 cm−1 in the FTIR spectra. Zinc addition was also found to enhance the optical properties of the material. The UV–VIS analysis confirms that the band gap energy of Ba-Ni ferrite was indeed reduced by zinc doping. Values decrease from 3.34 eV to 3.20 eV for direct transitions and from 2.96 eV to 2.79 eV for indirect transitions, using Tauc equation. That means that zinc doping enhances the optical properties of Ba ferrite without affecting the hexagonal structure of Ba-Ni ferrite. Moreover, key parameters of optical performance such as the dielectric constant, the extinction coefficient, the penetration depth, and the refractive index show a dramatic increase with a rise in zinc concentration. These attributes make zinc-doped Ba-Ni ferrite a promising optoelectronic material. The material also showed high absorbance in the wavelengths ranging from 334 to 338 nm, which makes it good for the solar cell applications. Overall, zinc-doped Ba-Ni ferrite is a good candidate for sustainable and renewable energy applications. Our study of the optical properties of barium ferrite up to the near-infrared part of the spectrum demonstrated that the powdered material has a very low absorption coefficient. Indeed, the combination of ferrimagnetism and low optical density makes barium ferrite particularly appealing for use in high-density recording and microwave technology applications.

Evaluating Nd3+:Na4Y6F22 single crystals as a promising active medium for diode-pumped lasers

The optical and spectroscopic properties and laser performances of Nd3+:Na4Y6F22 fluoride single crystals were systematically examined. The quasi-CW laser action in Nd3+:Na4Y6F22 disordered crystals was realized for the first time under 796 nm-diode pumping. The slope efficiency was 5.8 % with a lasing threshold approximately 19 mW in terms of absorbed pumping power. The reasons for the discrepancy between the promising spectral-kinetic characteristics and pure lasing efficiency under diode pumping were elucidated.

Intraocular lens simulator using computational holographic display for cataract patients.

To develop and validate a holography based vision simulator for the demonstration of expected postoperative vision corresponding to monofocal and multifocal intraocular lenses (IOL) to cataract patients before surgery. An artificial eye model is used to measure the optical performance of different IOL types. The resultant aberrations and degradations are then modeled using phase holograms and shown to subjects on a holographic display. We measure the contrast and resolution loss, halos around the light sources, and point spread function (PSF) corresponding to three different IOLs. We tested the holography based vision simulator on 13 healthy subjects and 6 cataract patients. Monofocal, bifocal, and trifocal IOLs exhibited a contrast decrease of 5%, 42%, and 45% and a resolution limit of 4.49, 4.00, and 4.00 lp/mm (using 0.05 MTF criteria), respectively. Monofocal IOLs have the best resolution and contrast at the optimal focus distance, and multifocal lenses offer extended depth-of-field but exhibit prominent halos and reduced contrast/resolution. We confirmed that the visual functions of IOLs could be successfully modeled using phase holograms and simulated using a holographic display without using a physical IOL. Patients can experience the effects of different IOL options prior to surgery, which helps with IOL selection, expectation management, and patient satisfaction.

Polymer composite cladding for selective frequency filtration: An experimental and modeling study

Laser selective frequency filtering is currently performed using expensive, heavy, and bulky (millimeters in thickness) ceramic composite claddings around the laser rod, which limits the miniaturization and transportability of the laser. The cladding absorbs undesired spontaneous emissions and reflects the desired wavelength of the "pump" diode. As an improved alternative for the cladding on, say, a diode-pumped solid-state Nd:YAG laser rod, we investigate a spray-coated polymer composite cladding (micrometers in thickness). The polymer composite cladding is easier to process and lighter and has a much smaller volume vs. traditional ceramic composite claddings. The approach is demonstrated on spray-coated glass slides, where cubic samaria (Sm2O3) particles are used as the filler in the polymer composite cladding. The rationale for using samaria as the filler in the composite is its absorption near the laser spontaneous emission wavelength (i.e., 1064 nm) and high reflectivity at the incident pump wavelength (i.e., 808 nm). The addition of a second polymer composite layer loaded with alumina particles enables reduction of the samaria composite layer thickness. The Kubelka-Munk model is shown to successfully predict the experimentally measured optical performance of single and bilayer claddings, making it a reliable design tool for multilayer claddings.

I-V Characteristics of Polycrystalline CAZTSe Heterojunction Solar Cells at Different Ag Content and Annealing Temperatures

Since the polycrystalline (Cu1-xAgx)2ZnSnSe4 (CAZTSe) demonstrated good optical absorption performance in the visible region, the focus of the present study is to grow the polycrystalline (Cu1-xAgx)2ZnSnSe4 thin films deposited by thermal evaporation method on silicon substrates with 800 nm thickness and 0.53 nm/sec deposition rate as a function of Ag content (0.0,0.1,0.2) and annealing temperature at 373 K, 473 K. From I-V measurements of Al/n-CdS/p-CAZTSe/n-Si(111)/Al heterojunction solar cells under dark and illumination conditions, we observed that the forward bias current changes roughly exponentially with bias voltage and the ideality factor and saturation current dependence on both x content and different temperatures (Ta).

Impact of pupil size and corneal spherical aberrations on the performance of monofocal intraocular lenses: an experimental model

In this study, an in vitro comparison of the optical performances of three models (spherical, aberration-neutral, and aberration-correcting) of monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) is proposed. A comprehensive model is employed, encompassing a wide range of corneal models and aperture sizes, reflecting the high variability of corneal spherical aberrations (SA) and pupil sizes in both normal and postoperative refractive corneal surgery populations. Analysis of average through-focus modulation transfer function (MTF) curves reveals significant differences in optical performance attributable to pupil size and corneal SA. These differences depend on the IOL model and affects MTFmax (representing contrast at best focus), depth of focus, refractive error tolerance, and the effective power of the lens.

Integration of Metrology in Grinding and Polishing Processes for Rotationally Symmetrical Aspherical Surfaces with Optimized Material Removal Functions

Aspherical surfaces, with their varying curvature, minimize aberrations and enhance clarity, making them essential in optics, aerospace, medical devices, and telecommunications. However, manufacturing these surfaces is challenging because of systematic errors in CNC equipment, tool wear, measurement inaccuracies, and environmental disturbances. These issues necessitate precise error compensation to achieve the desired surface shape. Traditional methods for spherical optics are inadequate for aspherical components, making accurate surface shape error detection and compensation crucial. This study integrates advanced metrology with optimized material removal functions in the grinding and polishing processes. By combining numerical control technology, computer technology, and data analysis, we developed CAM software (version 1) tailored for aspherical surfaces. This software uses a compensation correction algorithm to process error data and generate NC programs for machining. Our approach automates and digitizes the grinding and polishing process, improving efficiency and surface accuracy. This advancement enables high-precision mass production of rotationally symmetrical aspherical optical components, addressing existing manufacturing challenges and enhancing optical system performance.

Dual-Coated Antireflective Film for Flexible and Robust Multi-Environmental Optoelectronic Applications.

Artificial antireflective nanostructured surfaces, inspired by moth eyes, effectively reduce optical losses at interfaces, offering significant advantages in enhancing optical performance in various optoelectronic applications, including solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and cameras. However, their limited flexibility and low surface hardness constrain their broader use. In this study, we introduce a universal antireflective film by integrating nanostructures on both sides of a thin polycarbonate film. One side was thinly coated with Al2O3 for its high hardness, enhancing surface durability while maintaining flexibility. The opposite side was coated with SiO2 to optimize antireflective properties, making the film suitable for diverse environments (i.e., air, water, and adhesives). This dual-coating strategy resulted in a mechanically robust and flexible antireflective film with superior optical properties in various conditions. We demonstrated the universal capabilities of our antireflective film via optical simulations and experiments with the fabricated film in different environments.

Submicron Embedded Air/GaN Diffraction Gratings for Photonic Applications

AbstractThe integration of photonic elements with nitride optoelectronic structures allows control of emitted light properties, which is advantageous for achieving, e.g., a single wavelength lasing. Positioning of the photonic structures on the top surface of GaN‐based devices is problematic, in particular, for deposition of a metal contact to p‐type top layer. In this work, custom‐shaped submicron air channels arranged periodically 150 nm below the sample surface, forming an air/GaN diffraction grating embedded within a volume of the structure is proposed and fabricated. The fabrication process includes selective area Si ion implantation, GaN regrowth using plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy, ultra‐high‐pressure annealing for efficient electrical activation of implanted Si without diffusion, and electrochemical etching for the removal of selectively doped material. Embedded air/GaN diffraction gratings with periodicity of 460 and 631 nm are shown. Width of air channels ranges from 46 to 320 nm. Angle and polarization resolved reflectivity measurements combined with theoretical modeling confirm the designed optical performance of the embedded diffraction gratings in the GaN volume. The presented design and fabrication of custom‐shaped, fully integrated photonic structures buried below the surface paves the way for novel type constructions of optoelectronic devices, such as compact distributed feedback laser diodes

The impact of stress and interface composition on the study of CsF/CsPbX3 inorganic perovskite heterojunctions

In this paper, using first-principles calculations, we have shown that the electronic properties of the CsF/CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) heterojunctions can be effectively modulated by applying in-plane strain. The CsF/CsPbX3 heterojunction structures exhibit low-lattice mismatch ratios (Cl-Br-I, 3.6 %-1.8 %-4.3 %). Pb²⁺ and F⁻ attract each other to form PbF2, Cs+ and X−attract each other to form CsX. The binding energies are -0.578, -0.406, and -0.723 eV (Cl, Br and I), respectively, indicating that CsF/CsPbI3 exhibits the superior stability. Three heterojunctions are direct band gap semiconductors and the band gaps increase compared to inorganic perovskites (ΔEg:CsPbCl3CsPbBr3CsPbI3, 0.640–0.652–0.601 eV). The partial density of states indicates that the band gap contribution is related the [PbX3]− octahedron and F−. It is evident from the absorption spectra that the interaction of the CsF/CsPbX3 heterojunctions produces a blue shift. By combining multiple layers of CsF and CsPbX3, an overall broad spectral response can be achieved. The optical parameters of CsF/CsPbX3 are consistent with the changes in the band gap. This study demonstrates that CsF can enhance the stability adjust of the spectral response range of inorganic perovskite sensors, and improve the optical absorption performance. The study provides valuable theoretical guidance for the research of high-performance CsF/CsPbX3 heterojunction sensors.

Exploring the Impact of 3D Printing Parameters on the THz Optical Characteristics of COC Material.

In terahertz (THz) optical systems, polymer-based manufacturing processes are employed to ensure product quality and the material performance necessary for proper system maintenance. Therefore, the precise manufacturing of system components, such as optical elements, is crucial for the optimal functioning of the systems. In this study, the authors investigated the impact of various 3D printing parameters using fused deposition modeling (FDM) on the optical properties of manufactured structures within the THz radiation range. The measurements were conducted on 3D printed samples using highly transparent and biocompatible cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), which may find applications in THz passive optics for "in vivo" measurements. The results of this study indicate that certain printing parameters significantly affect the optical behavior of the fabricated structures. The improperly configured printing parameters result in the worsening of THz optical properties. This is proved through a significant change in the refractive index value and undesirable increase in the absorption coefficient value. Furthermore, such misconfigurations may lead to the occurrence of defects within the printed structures. Finally, the recommended printing parameters, which improve the optical performance of the manufactured structures are presented.

Improving Optical Transmission Performance in Multi-Channel Networks Utilizing Convolutional Neural Network-Enabled Digital Signal Processing to Mitigate Four-Wave Mixing

ABSTRACT The rapid growth of online services and the global transition to digital platforms, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of AI-based services, have led to a surge in demand for high-capacity optical communication networks (OCNs). However, this transition exacerbates the issue of fiber nonlinearity, notably four-wave mixing (FWM), which can significantly impact signal integrity in long-distance OCN transmissions with multiple channels. To address this challenge, this paper presents a novel approach leveraging a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based digital signal processing (DSP) model to mitigate the nonlinear effects of FWM on signal quality. The proposed CNN model, designed with three convolutional layers and trained on a comprehensive dataset of simulated OCN transmissions, demonstrates significant improvement in reducing nonlinear distortions caused by FWM. Our method is compared with traditional compensation techniques, such as digital back-propagation and Volterra series-based equalizers, showing a reduction in power penalties by 1 dB and an enhancement in the power budget by 2 dB. Simulation results indicate that the bit error rates (BERs) remain consistently below the critical threshold of 10−9 across various transmission distances, outperforming conventional methods. The simulation analysis, conducted on a 100 km multi-channel OCN testbed, confirms the CNN equalizer’s efficacy in reducing crosstalk and improving power efficiency, with a demonstrated 15% reduction in required launch power. Moreover, the analytical models used to evaluate the CNN-based DSP model show high accuracy in predicting performance, underscoring the model’s capability to achieve high-quality transmission with lower power requirements. These findings advocate for the integration of our CNN-based DSP model into OCNs, offering a fruitful solution for managing multi-channel, long-distance, and high-data-rate optical transmissions in real-world systems.

Active logic modulator of terahertz metamaterial for future 6G communication system

A tunable G-shaped metamaterial (GSM) for the upcoming 6G communication system is presented. GSM device shows polarization-dependent characteristics with three or five resonances. The GSM unit cell is composed of two identical G-shaped structures on a silicon (Si) substrate. By utilizing micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology to change the vertical height (h) between the two G-shaped structures and the horizontal distance (g) between them or change the polarization angle (PA) of the incident light, the electromagnetic responses of GSM device can be switched three to five resonances. The tuning range of resonant frequency of the GSM device is up to 15 GHz by changing the g value, and the modulation depth can reach 93 % by changing PA and h values. This MEMS-based GSM device exhibits multi-resonance and polarization-dependent characteristics, offering an efficient and economical way to modulate terahertz (THz) signals. Moreover, the GSM device also exhibits good optical switching performance at PA = 0°, 30°, and 75° under the condition of h = 2 μm. These characteristics can be expressed as logic signals 'ON' and 'OFF' states, enabling their application in the logic operation function of the NAND gate and programmable two-bit binary digital coding metamaterials.

ACuGa6S10 (A = Rb, Cs): Design and Synthesis of Two New Cavity-Chalcopyrite Chalcogenides Based on "Iterative Substitution" Strategy.

Two new non-centrosymmetric chalcogenides, ACuGa6S10 (A = Rb, Cs) have been successfully synthesized by an "iterative substitution" strategy based on chalcopyrite CuFeS2 structural template. Benefiting from the substitution of Fe3+ cations by Ga3+ cations, ACuGa6S10 (A = Rb, Cs) exhibit wide suitable band gap of 2.48 and 2.40 eV, respectively, which is about five times higher than their structure template CuFeS2, and the large second harmonic generation response (1.5 and 1.8 × AgGaS2). Combining theoretical calculation and structural analysis confirm that the [GaS4] tetrahedra make the main contribution on their good liner and nonlinear optical (NLO) performances. The "iterative substitution" strategy expands the design idea of materials and can lead to the discovery of a large number of IR NLO compounds.

A comparative study on the optical performance of retro-reflective coatings before and after the aging process

Retro-reflective (RR) materials are largely included among the strategies to mitigate Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon in the urban spaces thanks to their optical directional properties. As materials potentially used in the building exterior envelope, RR materials are subjected to outdoor aging and soiling processes, which could alter their optical behaviour. In this perspective, the investigation focuses on the characterization of the optical performance of several types of RR plaster coatings after outdoor aging and soiling processes. The RR plaster coatings were previously developed and studied, before undergoing the outdoor exposure. The RR samples were developed covering the support with a reflective white paint and glass beads. Five different microsphere diameter ranges and three different microsphere superficial density ranges have been employed. In this paper, the RR plaster coatings were tested in terms of optical properties after outdoor aging and soiling and results were compared with data of the same plaster coatings pre-aging. Generally, all RR aged samples show a lower solar reflectance in the Vis region with respect to the pre-aging conditions. The RR behaviour is qualitatively maintained after aging and soiling. The RR sample made of glass beads of 200–300 μm diameter range could represent the best solution both in pre- and post-conditions and both in terms of solar reflectance and retro-reflective behaviour, regardless of the density of microspheres used.

Additively Manufactured Structures for Precise and Robust Mounting of Optical Elements

The design freedom of Additive Manufacturing offers new opportunities for the design of mounting structures of optical systems, which are not feasible for conventional manufacturing approaches, thus opening up new areas of application for optical systems. We use this to develop a fully monolithic mounting structure for precise positioning of the optical elements, while simultaneously increasing their robustness against harsh environmental conditions. We additively manufacture such a mounting structure for an imaging lens and evaluate its optical performance with interferometric measurement of its wavefront, before and after applying a mechanical shock to the entire system. The results indicate a centering accuracy better than 6~µm, both in the initial positioning as well as the subsequent repositioning after a mechanical shock of 15G.

High‐efficiency solar selective absorber: Using the high‐entropy nitride MoTaTiCrN nanoceramics as a perspective strategy

AbstractHigh‐entropy materials have sparked significant interest in varied applications, particularly in solar‐thermal technologies such as solar‐driven desalination and concentrating solar power (CSP) systems. In this context, high‐entropy nitrides, as novel solar selective absorbers (SSAs) materials, play a crucial role in these applications, demonstrating excellent spectral selectivity and strong thermal and chemical stability at high temperatures and in harsh environments. However, the underlying sunlight absorption mechanisms, atomic‐level structures, and programmatic design route of these SSAs still need further investigation. Herein, a high‐entropy alloy (MoTaTiCr) target was used to construct gradient high‐entropy nitride films via magnetron sputtering in the nitrogen atmosphere. The atomic‐level microstructure study revealed the crystal structure characteristics in the MoTaTiCrN layer. Computer simulations and density functional theory calculations aided in the design and understanding of the possible solar absorption mechanisms. The as‐deposited SSA exhibited impressive optical properties (α = 95.2%; ε = 6.8%) and demonstrated excellent thermal robustness, maintaining performance after long‐term annealing at 600°C for 300 h. Its photothermal conversion efficiency reached 87.9% at 600°C under 100 suns. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, the SSA, used in a solar‐powered photothermal desalination unit, showed a high evaporation efficiency since the excellent optical performance as well as the thermal management.

The design of long afterglow pavement mixture by optimizing optical properties and basic road performance

This study designed two types of long-afterglow pavement mixtures with high transparency bright asphalt and polyurethane as cementing materials. The photoluminescence properties of long-afterglow luminescent gravel were designed to achieve self-luminescence effect for pavement use. The optimal amount of cementitious material was determined to be 6.2% by the Marshall method, and four kinds of pavement mixtures with luminous gravel content were designed, and the optical properties and basic road properties of each mixture were evaluated. In this study, the mix ratio design of long afterglow pavement mixture was studied from the perspective of optical properties and basic road performance, which provided a new reference and idea for the development of self-luminous pavement mixture. And the conclusion of the road optical properties and basic road performance suggests the possibility of the application of the long afterglow pavement mixtures.