Software Lock-in Research Articles

Time-Efficient SNR Optimization of WMS-Based Gas Sensor Using a Genetic Algorithm.

This paper presents the description of the wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) experiment, the parameters of which were established by use of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm. As a result, a significant improvement in the signal power to noise power ratio (SNR) was achieved, ranging from 1.6 to 6.5 times, depending on the harmonic. Typically, optimizing the operation conditions of WMS-based gas sensors is based on long-term simulations, complex mathematical model analysis, and iterative experimental trials. An innovative approach based on a biological-inspired genetic algorithm (GA) and custom-made electronics for laser control is proposed. The experimental setup was equipped with a 31.23 m Heriott multipass cell, software lock-in, and algorithms to control the modulation process of the quantum cascade laser (QCL) operating in the long-wavelength-infrared (LWIR) spectral range. The research results show that the applied evolutionary approach can efficiently and precisely explore a wide range of WMS parameter combinations, enabling researchers to dramatically reduce the time needed to identify optimal settings. It took only 300 s to test approximately 1.39 × 1032 combinations of parameters for key system components. Moreover, because the system is able to check all possible component settings, it is possible to unquestionably determine the operating conditions of WMS-based gas sensors for which the limit of detection (LOD) is the most favorable.

Simultaneous methane and acetylene detection using frequency-division multiplexed laser absorption spectroscopy

A dual-gas optical sensor was developed using frequency-division multiplexed (FDM) scanned-wavelength modulation spectroscopy for simultaneous detection of methane (CH4) and acetylene (C2H2). Two infrared lasers were combined to exploit C2H2 and CH4 absorption lines centered at 6539.45 cm−1 and 6057.09 cm−1, respectively. Scanned-WMS with the second-harmonic detection (WMS-2f) and a compact astigmatic multipass gas cell (36-m path length in a 0.3 L volume) were employed to improve detection sensitivity. Simultaneous dual-gas detection was realized by modulating each laser at a different frequency (5 kHz for 1529 nm and 13 kHz for 1650 nm) and software lock-in amplifiers were used to obtain the corresponding WMS-2f signals from a single photodetector. The Allan deviation analysis was performed to assess the long-term stability and minimum detection limit (MDL) of the sensor system. The MDL of 0.92 ppm for CH4 and 0.64 ppm for C2H2 was achieved at 0.02-s integration time, which can be further improved to 55 ppb for CH4 and 10 ppb for C2H2 at an optimum integration time of 10-s and 15-s, respectively. Such a dual-gas sensor has a promising potential for detecting dissolved gases (CH4 and C2H2) in transformer oil for fault diagnosis due to its high sensitivity, hardware simplicity, and fast temporal resolution.

Patch Clamp Technology in the Twenty-First Century.

In the almost four decades since its inception, the patch clamp technique has transitioned from a specialist skill to a method commonly used among many others in a lab. Development of patch clamp instrumentation has not been steady: A boost of product releases in rapid succession by multiple manufacturers in the 1990s had slowed to a trickle by the mid-2000s. In 2016, Sutter Instrument's entry into the market of turnkey patch clamp amplifier systems, defined as an amplifier with matching data acquisition hardware and software, caused a fresh breeze in a field in danger of going stale. Sutter has meanwhile completed the product line, culminating in the flagship dPatch® Ultra-fast, Low-noise Digital Amplifier. The dPatch System constitutes a contemporary, digital design that features many firsts, including digital signalcompensation, an extremely high bandwidth and fully integrated dynamic clamp capability, paired with the increasingly popular SutterPatch® Software.This chapter compares feature sets of the new Sutter instrumentation with the established platforms by the other two providers of turnkey systems, Axon Instruments by Molecular Devices and HEKA Elektronik by Harvard Bioscience. A variety of products from other manufacturers, who rely on combination with components from other sources rather than offering turnkey systems, are listed, but for their conceptual diversity not compared at a great level of detail. The chapter further covers architectural considerations for patch clamp systems, headstage design, data acquisition strategies and efficient structuring of the recorded data, controlling and monitoring periphery, advanced technologies, such as software lock-in amplifier capability and dynamic clamp features, and application modules for efficient analysis of action potentials and postsynaptic events.

Adaptive noise canceling for transient absorption microscopy.

.Significance: Ultrafast fiber lasers are an attractive alternative to bulk lasers for nonlinear optical microscopy for their compactness and low cost. The high relative intensity noise (RIN) of these lasers poses a challenge for pump-probe measurements such as transient absorption and stimulated Raman scattering, along with modalities that provide label-free contrast from the vibrational and electronic structure of molecules.Aim: Digital adaptive filtering was applied to determine the applicability for canceling laser RIN in a transient absorption microscope with an ultrafast fiber laser source.Approach: Digitized signals from the transmitted probe and reference photodetectors were fed to an adaptive filter in MATLAB, running in a noise canceling configuration. This result was then fed to a software lock-in algorithm to demodulate the pump-probe signal. Images were built up one line scan at a time with a 3.5-kHz resonant scanner, with averaging. The imaging target was , which exhibits nondegenerate two-photon absorption at the pump/probe wavelengths used (530-nm pump and 490-nm probe).Results: Without adaptive noise cancellation, the lock-in output primarily passes the laser RIN within its detection bandwidth, resulting in images that closely follow the linear transmissivity and lack sensitivity to pump-probe time delay. With adaptive noise cancellation in front of the lock-in, the RIN rejection is enough to restore the z-sectioning and sensitivity to pump-probe delay, as expected for transient absorption. Results were limited primarily by noise from the photodetector and analog-to-digital converter.Conclusions: Digital adaptive noise cancellation, even when limited by electronics noise, can recover pump-probe signals by removal of laser RIN, under conditions where averaging alone fails.

Atmospheric N2O gas detection based on an inter-band cascade laser around 3.939 µm**Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant Nos. 2018YFC021330404, 2017YFC0209703, and 2016TFC0303900).

N2O is a significant atmospheric greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. In this work, the high sensitivity detection of atmospheric N2O is achieved using wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) with an inter-band cascade laser operating around 3.939 µm. A LabVIEW-based software signal generator and software lock-in amplifiers are designed to simplify the system. In order to eliminate the interference from water vapor, the detection was performed at a pressure of 0.1 atm (1 atm = 1.01325×105 Pa) and a drying tube was added to the system. To improve the system performance for long term detection, a novel frequency locking method and 2 f/1 f calibration-free method were employed to lock the laser frequency and calibrate the power fluctuations, respectively. The Allan deviation analysis of the results indicates a detection limit of ∼ 20 ppb (1 ppb = 1.81205 µg/m3) for a 1 s integration time, and the optimal detection limit is ∼ 5 ppb for a 40-s integration time.

How to perform a literature review with free and open source software

As it provides a firm foundation for advancing knowledge, a solid literature review is a critical feature of any academic investigation. Yet, there are several challenges in performing literature reviews including: i) lack of access to the literature because of costs, ii) fracturing of the literature into many sources, lack of access and comprehensive coverage in many databases and search engines, and iii) the use of proprietary software lock-in strategies for bibliographic software, which can make porting literature reviews between organizations cumbersome and costly. These challenges often result in poor quality literature reviews completed by a single researcher unfamiliar with the approaches to the same research in other sub-fields and static reviews that are often lost to the scientific community. In this paper, an open source approach will be expanded to the application of improving the quality of literature reviews by providing best practices. Although there are many types and goals of literature reviews, it is found that all of them can be improved using a tool chain of free and open source software (FOSS) and methods. Specifically, this paper will provide a clear framework for i) comprehensive searching and obtaining access to the literature, ii) the use of FOSS for all steps including browsing, bibliographic software, and writing and iii) documenting a literature review to encourage collaboration of a dynamic document that lives into the future. This approach solves the current challenges of literature reviews and provides benefits of lower labor and economic costs, improved researcher control, and increased potential for collaboration. Finally, the challenges of using this approach and methods to overcome them are reviewed and future work is described.

DAQ based Impedance Measurement System for Low Cost and Portable Electrical Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing

Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS), a technique for label-free and real-time detection of cells, is emerging as an alternative or assistive method to traditional biochemical assays for diagnostic and pharmaceutical applications. In this work, we developed a DAQ based impedance measurement system for low cost and portable ECIS applications. The alternating input signal for ECIS was generated from the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) channel of the DAQ board and applied through the current limited resistor to the cells on the electrode. The responding signal was recorded by the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channel of the DAQ board, and its amplitude and phase were analyzed by software lock-in amplifier. The feasibility of the developed ECIS system was evaluated by impedance measurement and DAPI analysis of C2C12 cell growth on the indium tin oxide microelectrode, and by impedimetric and MTT cell viability assay of HEK293 cells exposed to H2O2.

A remote-control datalogger for large-scale resistivity surveys and robust processing of its signals using a software lock-in approach

Abstract. We present a new versatile datalogger that can be used for a wide range of possible applications in geosciences. It is adjustable in signal strength and sampling frequency, battery saving and can remotely be controlled over a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) connection so that it saves running costs, particularly in monitoring experiments. The internet connection allows for checking functionality, controlling schedules and optimizing pre-amplification. We mainly use it for large-scale electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), where it independently registers voltage time series on three channels, while a square-wave current is injected. For the analysis of this time series we present a new approach that is based on the lock-in (LI) method, mainly known from electronic circuits. The method searches the working point (phase) using three different functions based on a mask signal, and determines the amplitude using a direct current (DC) correlation function. We use synthetic data with different types of noise to compare the new method with existing approaches, i.e. selective stacking and a modified fast Fourier transformation (FFT)-based approach that assumes a 1∕f noise characteristics. All methods give comparable results, but the LI is better than the well-established stacking method. The FFT approach can be even better but only if the noise strictly follows the assumed characteristics. If overshoots are present in the data, which is typical in the field, FFT performs worse even with good data, which is why we conclude that the new LI approach is the most robust solution. This is also proved by a field data set from a long 2-D ERT profile.

Simultaneous Detection of Mixed Gases Based on Overlapped Spectra Separation With SLIDT

This letter investigates a simultaneous detection method of mixed gases concentration based on overlapped spectra separation with software lock-In demodulation technique (SLIDT). Based on the additivity of the gases absorption lines, the spectra separation method of mixed gases was proposed theoretically and experimentally. The SLIDT instead of the hardware lock-in amplifier technique is introduced into the system, with structure simplification and cost reduction. The overlapped spectra of CO and CO2 mixed gases near 1582 nm were obtained based on SLIDT with the optimized modulation parameters. Using the sum of first, second, and third derivatives of Lorentzian function with the optimized fitting coefficients, the respective spectra of mixed gases with 4% CO and 6% CO2 were separated successfully with fitting errors of 2.401 and 2.470 mV. The relationship between different CO and CO2 concentrations and amplitudes of the separated second harmonics is linear with the linear correlation coefficients of 0.99828 and 0.99715.

Software Digital Lock-in Amplifier in the Application of fNIRS System

Lock-in amplifier is particularly important in the fNIRS-based system, because the lock-in amplifier can recover the low-level signals buried in significant amounts of noise. But the price of lock-in amplifier is very expensive. This paper presented a software method for designing digital lock-in amplifier. Compared with analogue lock-in amplifier, results show that software lock-in amplifier is feasible for experimental research and can replace the expensive analogue lock-in amplifier.

Using DCM pitch modulation and feedback to improve long term X-ray beam stability

In this paper we demonstrate significant improvements to the stability of the monochromatic X-ray beam intensity on several beamlines at Diamond, using a modulation of the pitch axis of the DCM with a piezoelectric actuator. The modulation is detected on an intensity diagnostic (e.g. an ion chamber) using a software lock-in technique. The detected amplitude and phase are used in a feedback to keep the DCM at the peak of the rocking curve, or any arbitrary position 'off-peak' which might be desired to detune the DCM and reject unwanted harmonics. A major advantage of this software based system is the great flexibility offered, using standard, readily available instrumentation. Measurements of the short and long-term performance of the feedback on several beamlines are presented, and the limitations of such a feedback are discussed.

Nanoscale Resolution Interrogation Scheme for Simultaneous Static and Dynamic Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensing

A combined interrogation and signal processing technique which facilitates high-speed simultaneous static and dynamic strain demodulation of multiplexed fiber Bragg grating sensors is described. The scheme integrates passive, interferometric wavelength-demodulation and fast optical switching between wavelength division multiplexer channels with signal extraction via a software lock-in amplifier and fast Fourier transform. Static and dynamic strain measurements with noise floors of 1 nε and nε/√Hz, between 5 mHz and 2 kHz were obtained. An inverse analysis applied to a cantilever beam set up was used to characterize and verify strain measurements using finite element modeling. By providing distributed measurements of both ultra-high-resolution static and dynamic strain, the proposed scheme will facilitate advanced structural health monitoring.

A GPU based prototyping software lock-in amplifier for optical biomagnetometers

Article A GPU based prototyping software lock-in amplifier for optical biomagnetometers was published on August 30, 2012 in the journal Biomedical Engineering / Biomedizinische Technik (volume 57, issue SI-1-Track-F).

Research on the real-time measurement system based on QEPAS

A real-time measurement of gases based on QEPAS is introduced. For eliminating fluctuation of laser, a simple method, in which a digital PID algorithm and a software lock-in amplifier designed by using Lab-VIEW are employed, is utilized to lock the laser to the center of the absorption line. In order to test the system, an absorption line of water vapor near 1.396 m is chosen by using a fiber-coupled distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser. An over-40-hours continuous measurement is implemented, and the relevant results are presented and discussed. The detection limit of the system is 1 ppm. This method can also be used to measure the trace gases and monitor the industry gases.

Dental diagnostic clinical instrument ("Canary") development using photothermal radiometry and modulated luminescence

Since 1999, our group at the CADIFT, University of Toronto, has developed the application of Frequency Domain Photothermal Radiometry (PTR) and Luminescence (LUM) to dental caries detection. Various cases including artificial caries detection have been studied and some of the inherent advantages of the adaptation of this technique to dental diagnostics in conjunction with modulated luminescence as a dual-probe technique have been reported. Based on these studies, a portable, compact diagnostic instrument for dental clinic use has been designed, assembled and tested. A semiconductor laser, optical fibers, a thermoelectric cooled mid-IR detector, and a USB connected data acquisition card were used. Software lock-in amplifier techniques were developed to compute amplitude and phase of PTR and LUM signals. In order to achieve fast measurement and acceptable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for clinical application, swept sine waveforms were used. As a result sampling and stabilization time for each measurement point was reduced to a few seconds. A sophisticated software interface was designed to simultaneously record intra-oral camera images with PTR and LUM responses. Preliminary results using this instrument during clinical trials in a dental clinic showed this instrument could detect early caries both from PTR and LUM signals.

In Situ Measurements of Water Vapor Partial Pressure and Temperature Dynamics in a PEM Fuel Cell

A fast in situ sensor was developed for detection of water vapor partial pressure and temperature simultaneously in the flow channels of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Utilizing tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy with wavelength modulation, this technique determined the ratio of harmonic signals of spectral absorption using a software lock-in amplifier. A curve-fitting analysis ensured errors less than in water partial pressure and in gas temperature. Measurements were taken at steady and dynamic operating conditions in a serpentine channel prototypical PEM fuel cell while simultaneously sampling the anode and cathode gas channels near the inlet and outlet ports. External load and inlet humidity conditions were varied. With increasing current density, water vapor concentration increased toward both outlets, but the increase was more prominent on the cathode side. The temporal variation in water vapor during dynamic operation of the fuel cell was examined with a time resolution of . For sudden external load changes, transients in water concentration were observed near the anode outlet due to the increase in electro-osmotic drag through the membrane. This dynamic water transport was observed and can be used to characterize the step response of the cell to external changes in current.

A CLOSED-CYCLE REFRIGERATOR BASED PULSED MAGNET SYSTEM

A low cost 12 T pulsed magnet system has been integrated with a closed-cycle helium refrigerator. The copper solenoid is directly immersed in liquid nitrogen for reduced electrical resistance and more efficient heat transfer. This ensures a minimal delay of few minutes between pulses. The sample is mounted on the cold finger of the refrigerator and, along with the surrounding vacuum shroud, is inserted into the bore of the solenoid. When combined with software lock-in signal processing to reduce noise, quick but accurate measurements can be performed at temperatures 4 K-300 K up to 12 T. Quantum Hall effect data in a p -channel SiGe / Si heterostructure has been used to calibrate the instrument against a commercial superconducting magnet. Its versatility as a routine characterization tool is demonstrated by measuring parallel conduction in Si / SiGe modulation doped heterostructures.

Construction and calibration of a 12T pulsed magnet integrated with a 4K closed-cycle refrigerator

A low cost 12 T pulsed magnet system has been integrated with a closed-cycle helium refrigerator for performing magnetotransport measurements. Minimal delay between pulses and ac current excitation with software lock-in to reduce noise enables quick but accurate measurements to be performed at temperatures of 4-300 K up to 12 T. An additional pulsed magnet operating with a liquid nitrogen cryostat extends the range up to 19 T. The instrument has been calibrated against a commercial superconducting magnet by comparing quantum Hall effect data in a p-channel SiGe/Si heterostructure, and common issues arising out of pulsed magnet usage have been addressed. The versatility of the system is demonstrated through magnetotransport measurements in a variety of samples such as heterostructures, narrow gap semiconductors, and those exhibiting giant magnetoresistance.

Measurement and Research of Beam-Based Alignment With AC k-Modulation at HLS

A new beam-based alignment (BBA) measurement system with AC k-modulation module was developed recently at Hefei Light Source (HLS), which equipped the quadrupole magnets on the storage ring with a current shunt system which was able to vary the magnet current of a given quadrupole at a given frequency. The corresponding closed orbit oscillation amplitude measured for different beam positions in the quadrupole reached a minimum when the beam was centered in the quadrupole. Amplitude estimation algorithms of software lock-in amplifier and interpolated FFT were discussed. A V-shaped curve was used to determine the offset; a method using a parabola fit to determine the offset was also discussed. This BPM-to-quadrupole offset was determined at HLS with an accuracy of ~50 mum. The reproducibility of the beam based alignment using this technique is about 20 mum (RMS)

Measurements of membrane patch capacitance using a software-based lock-in system

On-cell patch-clamp capacitance measurements can resolve the fusion of individual vesicles to a membrane patch and the accompanying dilation of the fusion pore. So far, these measurements have used a patch-clamp amplifier in combination with a hardware lock-in amplifier. Usually, solely the capacitance and conductance outputs of hardware lock-in amplifiers were recorded, which needed to be filtered rather heavily to suppress spectral components at the stimulus frequency. Therefore, the temporal resolution was limited, and information carried in the patch current was not utilized. In this paper, we describe an alternative and more versatile approach for measuring patch capacitance and conductance, using a digitally controlled patch-clamp amplifier. The software lock-in system showed better bandwidth and identical signal-to-noise performance needing less instrumentation. High temporal resolution measurements on patches of chromaffin cells showed that vesicle fission can be completed in only tens of microseconds. Capacitance calculation based on the patch current allows for straightforward offline phase correction. Moreover, the close inspection of direct current for the first time revealed small current changes accompanying the fusion and fission of large secretory vesicles, promising new insights into the vesicles' membrane properties. A practical guide to high-resolution on-cell patch-clamp capacitance measurements using the software lock-in is provided.