Visible Laser Light Research Articles

Wave-Function Symmetry Control of Electron-Transfer Pathways within a Charge-Transfer Chromophore.

Despite a diverse manifold of excited states available, it is generally accepted that the photoinduced reactivity of charge-transfer chromophores involves only the lowest-energy excited state. Shining a visible-light laser pulse on an aqueous solution of the chromophore-quencher [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(μNC)OsIII(CN)5]- assembly (tpy = 2,2';6,2''-terpyridine and bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), we prepared a mixture of two charge-transfer excited states with different wave-function symmetry. We were able to follow, in real time, how these states undergo separate electron-transfer reaction pathways. As a consequence, their lifetimes differ in 3 orders of magnitude. Implicit are energy barriers high enough to prevent internal conversion within early excited-state populations, shaping isolated electron-transfer channels in the excited-state potential energy surface. This is relevant not only for supramolecular donor/acceptor chemistry with restricted donor/acceptor relative orientations. These energy barriers provide a means to avoid chemical potential dissipation upon light absorption in any molecular energy conversion scheme, and our observations invite to explore wave-function symmetry-based strategies to engineer these barriers.

Hydrogen Plasma-Assisted Growth of Gold Nanowires

Because of their innocuity, Au nanowires present an interesting field of applications in biology and, particularly, in cancer therapy. Since their morphology and distribution can greatly affect their performances, being able to control their mode of growth is important. Various elaboration techniques including “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches have been developed. In this work, we propose an efficient maskless method to grow Au nanowires with the help of hydrogen plasma treatment of Au thin films. We have been able to grow Au nanowires by taking advantage of spinodal dewetting of an Au thin film and the supply of silicon radicals resulting from hydrogen plasma etching of amorphous silicon coating the walls of the reactor. A variety of techniques have been applied to study the microstructure and the optical properties of Au nanowires. A strong photothermal effect of Au nanowires has been demonstrated with the help of visible laser light. In order to study the nanowire growth, the transport of Au atoms is discussed, and a growth mechanism is proposed.

Heterogeneous layered structures for improved terahertz generation.

One of the most effective ways of generating terahertz (THz) radiation involves the conversion of short-pulsed IR or visible laser light into THz pulses at significantly lower frequencies. This conversion can be accomplished using organic crystals with nonlinear optical crystal (NLO) properties for IR to THz conversion through optical rectification. Due to the high refractive indices of organic crystals, pump laser light as well as generated THz radiation is lost from reflections at crystal surfaces. Here we report a structure composed of a layered series of materials with intermediate refractive indices designed to reduce reflective losses and improve the THz generation from organic crystals. This structure increases the transmission coefficients for both infrared pump input and THz output. We combine simple theoretical calculations with experimental data to show that a structure composed of materials with intermediate refractive indices can be used to increase generated THz intensity by nearly 50%.

Investigating the nonlinear optical properties of poly eosin-Y phthalate solution under irradiation with low power visible CW laser light

In this work, the study of the nonlinear optical properties of poly eosin-Y phthalate solution using the diffraction ring patterns and the Z-scan methods are presented. The diffraction ring patterns were observed when a low power laser beam of wavelength of 473 nm passed through the poly eosin-Y phthalate solution. It was found that the number of rings and diameter of the outer-most ring in each pattern depends on the incident intensity of the laser beam and type of the beam wave front. The Fresnel-Kirchhoff diffraction integral theory was used to simulate the diffraction ring patterns and found good agreement with experimental results. Both diffraction ring patterns and closed aperture Z-scan techniques were used to calculate the nonlinear refractive index, while open aperture Z-scan was used to calculate the nonlinear absorption coefficient of the poly eosin-Y phthalate solution. The possibility of using the sample as an optical limiter is tested.

Complex diffractive surface patterns on metals by UV-ps laser ablation.

Diffractive surface patterns with complex textures are generated on metal surfaces by picosecond UV laser ablation using an interference setup. Two diffraction gratings with variable distance and rotation angle provide a huge variety of interference patterns and thus resulting surface topographies. This variety can be further enhanced by selecting or blocking particular beams. A correlation analysis of the complex diffraction patterns generated by reflection of visible laser light at these surface topographies demonstrates that patterns with slightly differing fabrication parameters (variation of 0.5 mm in distance or 1° in rotation) can be clearly distinguished.

Regarding the Nature of Charge Carriers Formed by UV or Visible Light Excitation of Carbon-Modified Titanium Dioxide

Although titanium dioxide gathers many of the required properties for its application in photocatalytic processes, its lack of activity in the visible range is a major hurdle yet to be overcome. Among different strategies, the post-synthesis modification of TiO2 powders with organic compounds has already led to commercially available materials, such as KRONOClean 7000. In this work, we apply diffuse reflectance transient absorption spectroscopy on this visible-light active photocatalyst and study the dynamics of the charge carriers alternatively induced by UV or visible light laser irradiation, under inert or reactive atmospheres. Our results can be interpreted by considering the material as TiO2 sensitized by an organic-based layer, in agreement with previous studies on it, and show that the oxidative power of the material is considerably diminished under visible light irradiation. By complementarily performing continuous visible light irradiation photocatalysis experiments in aerated aqueous suspensions, we show that, although the oxidation of methanol proceeds at a very slow rate, the oxidation of chlorpromazine occurs much faster thanks to its better suited redox potential.

Tricolor visible-light laser diodes based visible light communication operated at 40.665 Gbit/s and 2 m free-space transmission.

Visible light communication (VLC) can provide a dedicated, secure, and high data rate wireless transmission link. It has gained considerable attentions recently, and is considered as one of the promising technologies for beyond 5G mobile and wireless communications. In this work, we demonstrate a VLC system with a recorded data rate of 40.665 Gbit/s using tricolor red, green and blue (RGB) laser diodes (LDs) and polarization multiplexing. 2 m free-space transmission distance is achieved. The implementation of bit-loading, power-loading, and polarization multiplexing are discussed. Experimental bit-error-ratio (BER) results show that each of the 6 polarization and wavelength de-multiplexed channels can achieve the forward-error-correction (FEC) requirement.

Photon momentum induced precision small forces: a static and dynamic check

Practical means of generation and calibration of the small precision forces in static and dynamic regimes around 1 Hz by the usage of radiation pressure effect from 1 W continuous wave visible (diode) laser light is presented. The additive effect of the transfer of photon momentum, caused by non-overlapping multiply reflecting laser beam locked within a quasi-passive and/or active macroscopic cavity system, is employed. The effective laser power (partially trapped experimentally) is amplified, such that the optically generated forces are increased from hundreds of pN to sub-N level. The results presented in this paper should be seen as a means for extending the edge of practically verifiable lower limits of SI-traceable force metrology.

A novel experimental setup for in situ optical and X-ray imaging of laser sintering of polymer particles.

We present a unique laser sintering setup that allows real time studies of the structural evolution during laser sintering of polymer particles. The device incorporates the main features of classical selective laser sintering machines for 3D printing of polymers and at the same time allows in situ visualization of the sintering dynamics with optical microscopy as well as X-ray scattering. A main feature of the setup is the fact that it provides local access to one particle-particle bridge during sintering. In addition, due to the small scale of the device and the specific laser arrangement process, parameters such as the temperature, laser energy, laser pulse duration, and spot size can be precisely controlled. The sample chamber provides heating up to 360 °C, which allows for sintering of commodity as well as high performance polymers. The latter parameters are controlled by the use of a visible light laser combined with an acousto-optic modulator for pulsing, which allows small and precise spot sizes and pulse times and pulse energies as low as 500 μs and 17 μJ. The macrostructural evolution of the particle bridge during sintering is followed via optical imaging at high speed and resolution. Placing the setup in high flux synchrotron radiation with a fast detector simultaneously allows in situ time-resolved X-ray characterizations. To demonstrate the capabilities of the device, we studied the laser sintering of two spherical PA12 particles. The setup provides crucial real-time information concerning the sintering dynamics as well as crystallization kinetics, which was not accessible up to now.

Azimuthal Alignment Method for Optimizing Bragg Grating Inscription in Photonic Crystal Fibers

An accurate (≤5°) and straightforward implementation optical method for determining the azimuthal lattice orientation of a microstructured optical fiber with respect to the side illumination beam used for Bragg grating recording is presented. This method is based on the diffraction pattern generated backward of the photonic crystal fiber cladding upon a continuous-wave visible laser light illumination. This optical fiber alignment and coordination method is experimentally demonstrated, describing in detail characteristic light scattering patterns used for the azimuthal orientation of the fiber with respect to the side-coming laser beam. Moreover, this alignment method is theoretically validated using standard ray tracing beam scattering software. Bragg grating recordings performed in this photonic crystal fiber (PCF) using 193-nm excimer laser radiation are also presented to depict the impact of the azimuthal alignment of the fiber with the inscription beam on the photosensitivity refractive index changes induced in the optical fiber.

Enhancement of the Antibacterial Efficiency of Silver Nanoparticles against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria Using Blue Laser Light

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) possess excellent antibacterial properties and are considered to be an alternative material for treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The present study was aimed at enhancing the antibacterial efficiency of Ag-NPs using visible laser light against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Four concentrations of Ag-NPs (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml), synthesized by the chemical reduction method, were utilized to conduct the antibacterial activity of prepared Ag-NPs. The antibacterial efficiencies of photoactivated Ag-NPs against both bacteria were determined by survival assay after exposure to laser irradiation. The mechanism of interactions between Ag-NPs and the bacterial cell membranes was then evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and reactive oxygen species analysis to study the cytotoxic action of photoactivated Ag-NPs against both bacterial species. Results showed that the laser-activated Ag-NP treatment reduced the surviving population to 14% of the control in the E. coli population, while the survival in the S. aureus population was reduced to 28% of the control upon 10 min exposure time at the concentration of 50 μg/ml. However, S. aureus showed lower sensitivity after photoactivation compared to E. coli. Moreover, the effects depended on the concentration of Ag-NPs and exposure time to laser light. SEM images of treated bacterial cells indicated that substantial morphological changes occurred in cell membranes after treatment. The results suggested that Ag-NPs in the presence of visible light exhibit strong antibacterial activity which could be used to inactivate harmful and pathogenic microorganisms.

Raman spectroscopy as a tool to evaluate oxygen effects on the response of polymer gel dosimetry

Currently, advanced dosimeters like polymer gels are capable of obtaining reliable and accurate 3D dose distributions from correlations with the different polymerization degrees induced by incident radiation. Samples of polymer gel dosimeters are commonly read out using magnetic resonance imaging or optical methods like visible light transmission or laser computed tomography. Alternatively, this work proposes and evaluates the implementation of Raman spectroscopy to provide direct information on the effect of oxygen permeating through the walls of phantoms on the polymerization initiated by irradiation in three types of polymer gel dosimeters, namely NIPAM, ITABIS and PAGAT. The aim of the present study is to provide better and complete interpretations using three different containers, adequate for integral, 2D and 3D dose mapping. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy has been used to analyze the well-known effect of oxygen inhibition on the different polymer gel dosimeters remarking the importance of avoiding air exposition during sample storage and readout. Dose-response curves for different polymer gels were obtained in terms of measurements with a calibrated ionization chamber. Additionally, dedicated Monte Carlo simulations were performed aimed at characterizing dose for different X-ray irradiation setups, providing also suitable information to evaluate oxygen diffusion through the sample wall. The obtained results were contrasted with optical transmission readout as well as Monte Carlo simulations attaining very good agreements for all dosimeter types.

Pn -type substrate dependence of CsK2Sb photocathode performance

The CsK2Sb photocathode is capable of generating a high-intensity and low-emittance electron beam with visible laser light. In this study, we examined CsK2Sb photocathode evaporation on n- and p-type Si(100), GaAs(100), and Si(111) substrates, and compared their cathode performance. We found that the quantum efficiency of the p-type substrate was superior to that of the n-type substrate for the same substrate material and surface orientation. We show that this can be qualitatively analyzed by an energy-band model for the semiconductor(metal)-semiconductor junction between CsK2Sb and the substrate. We also evaporated the Cs3Sb cathode on n- and p-type Si(100) and GaAs(100) substrates, and confirmed that the cathode performance of all substrates was consistent with the model results. This finding indicates the possibility of improving the thin-film cathode performance by revisiting the semiconductor(metal)-semiconductor junction between the cathode and the substrate, which improves the understanding of high-performance photocathodes.

Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring using Visible Laser Light

Diabetes Mellitus is a widely spreading disease worldwide which claims millions of lives every year. Blood glucose monitor is vital for keeping daily track of blood glucose levels and helps in the routine management of diabetes. Current blood glucose monitoring methods mainly involve finger pricks which leads to pain, puncture of skin, inconvenience and causes prone to infections. The costs of disposable test strips and the unavailability of reliable non-invasive glucose monitors are also the challenges in blood glucose monitoring regimen. Recently introduced minimally invasive blood glucose monitors have limited lifespan, unstable accuracy and require invasive methods for regular calibration. Therefore, there is a need to develop a reliable non-invasive blood glucose monitor that addresses the existing challenges. In this project work, we focused on the development of non-invasive blood glucose monitor using visible laser light of 650nm wavelength. In the initial stage, in vitro, experimental measurements were performed using laser based non-invasive blood glucose monitor module to ensure the sensitivity of the system to glucose concentrations. Then, fasting and postprandial in vivo measurements were conducted using the laser based non-invasive blood glucose monitor module integrated with Lab VIEW data acquisition system in the form of voltage output. The in vivo voltage output results were compared with Accu-check glucose monitor measurements which have shown good linearity. Finally, laser based non-invasive blood glucose monitor prototype was developed. This work involved 11 volunteer subjects and 18 different measurements for in vivo blood glucose measurement. The in vitro measurement results have shown an overall linearity of 96% while in vivo results had an overall linearity of 94.1% compared with Accu-check active blood glucose monitor measurements. The results are promising and show the potential use of 650nm visible laser light for blood glucose monitoring.

Vibrational fingerprint of localized excitons in a two-dimensional metal-organic crystal

Long-lived excitons formed upon visible light absorption play an essential role in photovoltaics, photocatalysis, and even in high-density information storage. Here, we describe a self-assembled two-dimensional metal-organic crystal, composed of graphene-supported macrocycles, each hosting a single FeN4 center, where a single carbon monoxide molecule can adsorb. In this heme-like biomimetic model system, excitons are generated by visible laser light upon a spin transition associated with the layer 2D crystallinity, and are simultaneously detected via the carbon monoxide ligand stretching mode at room temperature and near-ambient pressure. The proposed mechanism is supported by the results of infrared and time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopies, and by ab initio theoretical methods, opening a path towards the handling of exciton dynamics on 2D biomimetic crystals.

An Anisotropic Hydrogel Actuator Enabling Earthworm-Like Directed Peristaltic Crawling.

Peristaltic crawling, which is the moving mechanism of earthworm-like limbless creatures in narrow spaces, is a challenging target to mimic by using soft materials. Here we report an unprecedented hydrogel actuator that enables not only a peristaltic crawling motion but also reversing its direction. Our cylindrically processed hydrogel contains gold nanoparticles for photothermal conversion, a thermoresponsive polymer network for switching the electrical permittivity of the gel interior, and cofacially oriented 2D electrolytes (titanate nanosheets; TiNSs) to synchronously change their anisotropic electrostatic repulsion. When a hydrogel, which was designed to include cofacially oriented TiNSs along the cylindrical gel axis, is pointwisely photoirradiated with a visible-light laser, it spatiotemporally expands immediately (<0.5 s) and largely (80 % of its original length) in an isovolumetric manner. When the irradiation spot is moved along the cylindrical gel axis, the hydrogel undergoes peristaltic crawling due to quick and sequential elongation/contraction events and moves oppositely toward the laser scanning direction. Thus, when the scanning direction is switched, the crawling direction is reversed. When gold nanorods are used in place of gold nanoparticles, the hydrogel becomes responsive to a near-infrared light, which can deeply penetrate into bio tissues.

Characterisation of silicon fibre Bragg grating in near‐infrared band for strain and temperature sensing

Fibre Bragg grating inscription in the crystalline silicon (Si)-core fibre is described using visible light femtosecond laser pulses. The femtosecond pulses at 517 nm propagate through the transparent silica glass cladding and are fully absorbed by the Si core generating locally high temperatures and stress fields in forming the grating periods. The Si FBGs were characterised in reflection, calibrated for a first time as strain and temperature sensors and compared with that of FBGs inscribed in standard silica fibres.

A Photoactivatable BODIPY Probe for Localization‐Based Super‐Resolution Cellular Imaging

The synthesis and application of a photoactivatable boron-alkylated BODIPY probe for localization-based super-resolution microscopy is reported. Photoactivation and excitation of the probe is achieved by a previously unknown boron-photodealkylation reaction with a single low-power visible laser and without requiring the addition of reducing agents or oxygen scavengers in the imaging buffer. These features lead to a versatile probe for localization-based microscopy of biological systems. The probe can be easily linked to nucleophile-containing molecules to target specific cellular organelles. By attaching paclitaxel to the photoactivatable BODIPY, in vitro and in vivo super-resolution imaging of microtubules is demonstrated. This is the first example of single-molecule localization-based super-resolution microscopy using a visible-light-activated BODIPY compound as a fluorescent probe.

Investigation of cadmium telluride grown by molecular-beam epitaxy using micro-Raman spectroscopy below and above the laser damage threshold

The effects of visible laser light on cadmium telluride (CdTe), grown by molecular beam epitaxy, are studied at low (48 μW/μm2) and high (480 μW/μm2) laser power densities using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectrum of CdTe shows no notable change at low power density ∼48 μW/μm2 for prolonged laser exposure. At higher power density ∼480 μW/μm2, the Raman spectrum is significantly changed and strong Te-related peaks appear in the spectrum, even for short laser exposure times suggesting that photo-induced Te enrichment happens at the CdTe surface at high laser power density. The temperature rise is estimated from observed shifts in the Te and CdTe optical phonon peaks and modeled using finite-element simulations. At laser power 480 μW/μm2, the CdTe exhibits a rise of ∼44 °C above room temperature while the observed change in Te temperature is significantly higher, ∼179 °C. The approach illustrates steps needed to establish the laser damage threshold for CdTe.

Enhanced wavelength-sensitivity of volume holographic grating with dual-photoinitiation system in polymer-dispersed liquid crystal

ABSTRACTWe propose a method to improve the wavelength-sensitivity of a volume holographic grating by mixing dual-photoinitiation dopants, namely, rose bengal (RB)/N-phenylglycine (NPG) system and methylene blue (MB)/p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) system, which enable the fabrication of gratings upon both green and red light illumination. The RB/NPG green light photoinitiation system is chosen in combination with the red-active MB/PTSA system because RB and MB absorb light near 567 and 665 nm independently. In this case, the holographic gratings, recorded in polymer-dispersed liquid crystal, can be fabricated simultaneously by two different visible laser lights with an output wavelength of 532 and 632.8 nm. The electro-optical performances of the gratings exposed upon 532 and 632.8 nm have been implemented: the diffraction efficiencies (DE) are 75% and 57% respectively when the exposure time is optimised to 2 min and 17 min; the threshold voltage is approximately 2.9 V/μm. The enhanced wavelength-sensitivity of holographic gratings allows for the storage of three-dimensional (3D) images on the same hologram plate, and these 3D images are easily reconstructed by both red and green light.