Phase Delay Measurements Research Articles

Electrode module for EIT with a robust howland current source

Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that reconstructs internal conductivity distributions of a body from electrical measurements taken on its boundary. This study contributes to the field by focusing on the technological intricacies of absolute EIT imaging, which is challenged by limitations such as the resolution capacity of the hardware and the complexities introduced by imaging capacitive bodies. The novel EIT system architecture proposed enhances the accuracy of measurement by integrating current sources and Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) closer to the electrodes, employing alternating current excitations to accurately capture phase information. This system uses a dynamic arrangement of surface electrodes that continuously alter their roles between current injection and voltage measurement, in a synchronized sequence, to ensure the accuracy of the measurements. The paper describes the design and implementation of both the excitation and measurement subsystems, highlighting the use of digital signal demodulation near the electrode to reduce data transfer issues. Experimental results confirm the system’s capability for real-time image reconstruction at 50 frames per second with precision in phase delay measurements, suggesting significant potential for clinical and industrial applications. Future work will aim to further refine signal generation with higher-speed DACs and expand to image reconstruction with more channels.

Sequentially activated discrete modules appear as traveling waves in neuronal measurements with limited spatiotemporal sampling.

Numerous studies have identified traveling waves in the cortex and suggested they play important roles in brain processing. These waves are most often measured using macroscopic methods that are unable to assess the local spiking activity underlying wave dynamics. Here, we investigated the possibility that waves may not be traveling at the single neuron scale. We first show that sequentially activating two discrete brain areas can appear as traveling waves in EEG simulations. We next reproduce these results using an analytical model of two sequentially activated regions. Using this model, we were able to generate wave-like activity with variable directions, velocities, and spatial patterns, and to map the discriminability limits between traveling waves and modular sequential activations. Finally, we investigated the link between field potentials and single neuron excitability using large-scale measurements from turtle cortex ex vivo. We found that while field potentials exhibit wave-like dynamics, the underlying spiking activity was better described by consecutively activated spatially adjacent groups of neurons. Taken together, this study suggests caution when interpreting phase delay measurements as continuously propagating wavefronts in two different spatial scales. A careful distinction between modular and wave excitability profiles across scales will be critical for understanding the nature of cortical computations.

Sequentially activated discrete modules appear as traveling waves in neuronal measurements with limited spatiotemporal sampling

Numerous studies have identified traveling waves in the cortex and suggested they play important roles in brain processing. These waves are most often measured using macroscopic methods that are unable to assess the local spiking activity underlying wave dynamics. Here, we investigated the possibility that waves may not be traveling at the single neuron scale. We first show that sequentially activating two discrete brain areas can appear as traveling waves in EEG simulations. We next reproduce these results using an analytical model of two sequentially activated regions. Using this model, we were able to generate wave-like activity with variable directions, velocities, and spatial patterns, and to map the discriminability limits between traveling waves and modular sequential activations. Finally, we investigated the link between field potentials and single neuron excitability using large-scale measurements from turtle cortex ex vivo. We found that while field potentials exhibit wave-like dynamics, the underlying spiking activity was better described by consecutively activated spatially adjacent groups of neurons. Taken together, this study suggests caution when interpreting phase delay measurements as continuously propagating wavefronts in two different spatial scales. A careful distinction between modular and wave excitability profiles across scales will be critical for understanding the nature of cortical computations.

Bayesian eikonal tomography using Gaussian processes


 Eikonal tomography has become a popular methodology for deriving phase velocity maps from surface wave phase delay measurements. Its high efficiency makes it popular for handling datasets deriving from large-N arrays, in particular in the ambient-noise tomography setting. However, the results of eikonal tomography are crucially dependent on the way in which phase delay measurements are predicted from data, a point which has not been thoroughly investigated. In this work, I provide a rigorous formulation for eikonal tomography using Gaussian processes (GPs) to smooth observed phase delay measurements, including uncertainties. GPs allow the posterior phase delay gradient to be analytically derived. From the phase delay gradient, an excellent approximate solution for phase velocities can be obtained using the saddlepoint method. The result is a fully Bayesian result for phase velocities of surface waves, incorporating the nonlinear wavefront bending inherent in eikonal tomography, with no sampling required. The results of this analysis imply that the uncertainties reported for eikonal tomography are often underestimated.

Photoacoustic based evaluation of viscoelastic properties of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial colonies

Mechanical properties of bacterial colonies are crucial considering both addressing their pathogenic effects and exploring their potential applications. Viscoelasticity is a key mechanical property with major impacts on the cell shapes and functions, which reflects the information about the cell envelope constituents. Hereby, we have proposed the application of photoacoustic viscoelasticity (PAVE) for studying the rheological properties of bacterial colonies. In this regard, we employed an intensity-modulated laser beam as the excitation source followed by the phase delay measurement between the generated PA signal and the reference for the characterization of colonies of two different types of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results of our study show that the colony of Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-positive bacteria has a significantly higher viscoelasticity ratio compared to that value for Acinetobacter baumannii as Gram-negative bacteria (77% difference). This may be due to the differing cell envelope structure between the two species, but we cannot rule out effects of biofilm formation in the colonies. Furthermore, a lumped model has been provided for the mechanical properties of bacterial colonies.

Sensitivity kernels for transmission fibre optics

SUMMARYFibre-optic sensing based on transmission offer an alternative to scattering-based distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The ability to interrogate fibres that are thousands of kilometres long opens opportunities for studies of remote regions, including ocean basins. However, by averaging deformation along the fibre, transmission systems produce integrated instead of distributed measurements. They defy traditional interpretations in terms of simple seismic phases, thereby inherently requiring a full-waveform approach. For this, we develop a formalism to calculate sensitivity kernels of transmitted optical phase changes with respect to (Earth) structure using optical phase delay measurements. We demonstrate that transmission-based sensing can effectively provide distributed measurements when optical phase delays are analysed in different time windows. The extent to which a potentially useful sensitivity coverage can be achieved depends on the fibre geometry, and specifically on its local curvature. This work establishes a theoretical foundation for tomographic inversions and experimental design using transmission-based optical sensing.

Asynchronous One-Way Range Measurement Applied to Microspace Probes

This paper presents a one-way range measurement method using an asynchronous communication scheme that is derived from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as that represented by the Global Positioning System (GPS). The method does not require a transponder aboard a spacecraft and functions without a phase delay measurement facility using a highly stable clock on the ground. Besides, the method enables not only the range measurement but also the clock synchronization as well. This paper presents how it works and shows how it is practically applied to small and low-cost microspace probes flying in cislunar space and near-Earth interplanetary field. Semi-real-time positioning feasibility in cislunar space is also discussed.

Tuning the Sensitivity and Dynamic Range of Optical Oxygen Sensing Films by Blending Various Polymer Matrices.

In this work, eight different types of optical oxygen sensing films were prepared by impregnating indicator and matrix solution on the surface of a polypropylene microporous filter membrane. The polymer matrix of the sensing films was ethyl cellulose (EC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and their blends with different mixing ratios. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser confocal microscopy, and fluorescence spectrometer were used to investigate the morphologies and optical properties of the sensing films. Phase delay measurements under different oxygen partial pressures (PO2) and temperatures were applied to investigate the analytical performances of the sensing film for gaseous O2 monitoring. Results show that the response time of all the sensing films was extremely fast. The sensitivities and dynamic ranges of the sensing films with the blended polymer matrix were separately decreased and increased as the EC/PMMA ratio decreased, and the S-V curve of the sensing films blended with equal content of EC and PMMA exhibited good linearity under different temperatures, showing a promising prospect in practical application.

Linear phase delay detection method for optical voltage transformer based on S-wave plate

To achieve linear measurement of electro-optic phase delay and improve the accuracy and measurement range of the optical voltage transducer (OVT), this paper proposes a linear phase delay detection method for an optical voltage transformer based on a strip S-wave plate. Using the strip S-wave plate, the phase delay can be directly converted into the displacement of the dark stripe of the strip spot, and the displacement is located by the dual-quadrant detector. Using the Jones matrix, we confirm the linear relationship between the position of the dark stripe and the phase delay, and propose a positioning method and error compensation scheme of the dark stripe and set up an experimental system to verify its performance. The experimental results show that the OVT realizes the measurement of the electro-optic phase delay; the measuring range of the phase delay is up to ±40°, and the measurement error is less than 0.5%.

Coastal Altimetry Using Interferometric Phase From GEO Satellite in Quasi-Zenith Satellite System

Global navigation satellite system reflectometry (GNSS-R) altimetry has great potential to provide high spatial–temporal resolution sea surface heights (SSHs) at low cost. Interferometric phase measurements between direct and reflected signals can be used for altimetry retrieval to achieve high-precision solutions. The motions of the medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites cause interferometric phase change rapidly, which would increase the probability of occurrence of the phase unwrapping errors than the case of the geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellite. In order to overcome this problem, we propose a coastal GNSS-R altimetry algorithm using the signals from Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) GEO satellite. Precise SSH variations can be achieved using the interferometric phase measurements without ambiguity fixed. We also perform coastal experiments on a trestle using a specialized GNSS-R setup to verify our algorithm. It is composed of an intermediate frequency (IF) data collector and two antennas. The up-looking antenna is used to receive direct signals, while the down-looking antenna receives the signals reflected from the sea surface. Raw IF data sampled at 62 MHz are collected and processed to derive interferometric carrier phase delay measurements using a self-developed software-defined receiver. Approximately 7 h of reflector heights are retrieved at 1-min intervals and the solutions are evaluated via comparison with measurements provided by a 26-GHz altimetry radar located near the GNSS-R setups. The results show that the root mean square error (RMSE) of sea level estimation is about 1.4 cm by using the QZSS GEO data.

Electromagnetically induced transparency in a mono-isotopic 167Er:7LiYF4 crystal below 1 Kelvin: microwave photonics approach.

Electromagnetically induced transparency allows for the controllable change of absorption properties, which can be exploited in a number of applications including optical quantum memory. In this paper, we present a study of the electromagnetically induced transparency in a 167Er:7LiYF4 crystal at low magnetic fields and ultra-low temperatures. The experimental measurement scheme employs an optical vector network analysis that provides high precision measurement of amplitude, phase and group delay and paves the way towards full on-chip integration of optical quantum memory setups. We found that sub-Kelvin temperatures are the necessary requirement for observing electromagnetically induced transparency in this crystal at low fields. A good agreement between theory and experiment is achieved by taking into account the phonon bottleneck effect.

偏振敏感光学相干层析成像系统中样品光偏振对样品双折射相位延迟测量的影响

偏振敏感光学相干层析成像系统中样品光偏振对样品双折射相位延迟测量的影响

A Free-Space Interferometer for Phase-Delay Measurements in Integrated Optical Devices in Degenerate Pump-and-Probe Experiments

The authors report on a free-space interferometer for simultaneous phase and transmittance measurements of an optical signal in an integrated photonic circuit during degenerate pump-and-probe experiments. Differentiation of the weak probe signal from the strong pump relies on a lock-in amplifier. The interferometer shows high flexibility in terms of operating wavelengths, tested devices, and optical powers; it works with any integrated optical device provided with optical input–output channels; it can operate both with high input power (up to 100 mW at the sample input port) and low output power ( $ at the detection stage). Measuring both the transmittance and the phase of the optical signal allows using the phasor representation in the analysis. A dynamic operating mode allows to perform power and/or wavelength scan of the input signal, obtaining transmittance and phase spectra of the tested device. Remote control of the system and insulation from the external environment brings to more stable operating conditions. Characterization of the system properties with photonic-integrated structures (waveguide and ring resonator) is reported, with observed phase stability as high as 0.25°/min and average phase noise below 1°.

Quantitative photoacoustic elasticity and viscosity imaging for cirrhosis detection

Elasticity and viscosity assessments are essential for understanding and characterizing the physiological and pathological states of tissue. In this work, by establishing a photoacoustic (PA) shear wave model, an approach for quantitative PA elasticity imaging based on measurement of the rise time of the thermoelastic displacement was developed. Thus, using an existing PA viscoelasticity imaging method that features a phase delay measurement, quantitative PA elasticity imaging and viscosity imaging can be obtained in a simultaneous manner. The method was tested and validated by imaging viscoelastic agar phantoms prepared at different agar concentrations, and the imaging data were in good agreement with rheometry results. Ex vivo experiments on liver pathological models demonstrated the capability for cirrhosis detection, and the results were consistent with the corresponding histological results. This method expands the scope of conventional PA imaging and has potential to become an important alternative imaging modality.

Theory and Demonstration of Noisy Oscillator Samplers for Clock Jitter and Phase Delay Measurement

A stochastic technique for on-chip measurement of jitter, delay, and duty-cycle of clock signals is introduced. The technique uses a simple noisy oscillator to perform random sampling and allows easy integration in CMOS process. Theoretical analysis proving the accuracy and robustness of the technique is presented. An implementation in CMOS 65nm process, occupying an active area of 0.015 mm2 and consuming 0.89 mW, achieves a root mean square error of 0.1 and 0.31 ps in externally referenced and self-referenced jitter measurements, respectively.

An Optical Voltage Sensor Based on Wedge Interference

The optical voltage sensor (OVS) based on the Pockels effect and its light intensity detection mode has a limitation of half-wave voltage and optical power correlation. In this paper, a new type of OVS which can achieve linear measurements of a wide range electrooptic (EO) phase delay was proposed. It uses a crystal wedge to convert EO phase delay to a displacement image of light stripes, and an image acquisition system that captures the spot and calculates the displacement. Mathematical derivation regarding the linear relationship between the stripes displacement and phase delay is given; a suitable image sensor and a stripe location algorithm are selected. Experimental verification is carried out, and several key issues are discussed. Compared with light intensity detection mode, the experimental results show that this measuring mode is independent of light source. An imaging mode also offers a large dynamic range and a good linear measurement of EO phase delay in the range of 291° with a measurement error of less than 0.5%. This mode is not limited by the half-wave voltage of crystal. Temperature drift errors on measurement results are also reduced.

A New Optical Voltage Sensor Based on Radial Polarization Detection

A new optical voltage sensor based on radial polarization detection is proposed in this paper, and then the linear and direct measurement of an electro-optic (EO) phase delay can be realized. The sensor mainly consists of an EO crystal, a quarter-wave plate, a newly designed radially polarized grating, and an image collecting system. The quarter-wave plate is employed to convert the EO phase delay to a rotation of the polarization plane of a linearly polarized light, and then the grating is to convert it into the rotation of a ring facular, so the EO phase delay can be measured directly by positioning the dark stripe center in the facular. The principle of the sensor is analyzed by Jones matrix. The experimental results show that this new sensor can achieve a good linear measurement of the EO phase delay in the range of 360° with the measurement error less than 0.5%, and has no limits of the half-wave voltage of crystal.

傅立叶1/4波片法检测液晶光学相控阵移相量的精度分析

傅立叶1/4波片法检测液晶光学相控阵移相量的精度分析

Influence of defocus on quantitative analysis of microscopic objects and individual cells with digital holography.

Digital holography offers a unique method for studying microscopic objects using quantitative measurements of the optical phase delays of transmitted light. The optical phase may be integrated across the object to produce an optical volume measurement, a parameter related to dry mass by a simple scaling factor. While digital holography is useful for comparing the properties of microscopic objects, especially cells, we show here that quantitative comparisons of optical phase can be influenced by the focal plane of the measurement. Although holographic images can be refocused digitally using Fresnel propagation, ambiguity can result if this aspect is not carefully controlled. We demonstrate that microscopic objects can be accurately profiled by employing a digital refocusing method to analyze phase profiles of polystyrene microspheres and red blood cells.

Detection and Mitigation of GPS Spoofing Based on Antenna Array Processing

In this article authors present an application of spatial processing methods for GPS spoofing detection and mitigation. In the first part of this article, a spoofing detection method, based on phase delay measurements, is proposed. Accuracy and precision of phase delay estimation is assessed for various qualities of received signal. Spoofing detection thresholds are determined. Efficiency of this method is evaluated in terms of probability of false alarm and probability of detection when 4 to 8 GPS signals are received. It is shown that the probability of spoofing detection is greater than 99 percent if carrier-to-noise ratio is at least 46 dBHz. The second part of the article presents a GPS spoofing mitigation method which uses spatial filtering (null-steering) for excision of undesired signals. Performance of this method is analyzed in various conditions. Attenuation of undesired signals is estimated to be at least 60 dB when their signal-tonoise ratio is high. Furthermore, statistical analysis of the spatial filtering influence on the availability of true signals is provided. Eventually, a concept of practical anti-spoofing system implementation is proposed.