Enhancement of the backscattered intensity from fractal aggregates

Comparative measurements were conducted for the backscattered intensities of light from uniform random and fractal aggregated media. Different features are found for the backscattered intensity peak shapes. A crossover between the θ^1-D and θ^-2 dependences of the backscattered intensity occurs in the case of fractal aggregated medium, where D indicates the fractal dimension.     

First- and second-order statistics of optical near fields

The statistical properties of the intensity in close proximity to highly scattering, randomly inhomogeneous media are investigated. Whereas the intensity probability density function obeys the same law irrespective of the distance z from the interface, the second-order intensity correlation length changes for distances smaller than the wavelength. Contrary to predictions of the conventional coherence theory, the corresponding field correlation length can be smaller than the wavelength of light.     

Directionality of Gaussian Schell-model beams propagating in atmospheric turbulence

It is known that some partially coherent Gaussian Shell-model beams may generate, in free space, the same angular distribution of radiant intensity as a fully coherent laser beam. We show that this result also holds even if the beams propagate in atmospheric turbulence, irrespective of the particular model of turbulence used. The result is illustrated by an example.     

The Two-Dimensional Finite Bin Packing Problem. Part II: New lower and upper bounds

This paper is the second of a two part series and describes new lower and upper bounds for a more general version of the Two-Dimensional Finite Bin Packing Problem (2BP) than the one considered in Part I (see Boschetti and Mingozzi 2002). With each item is associated an input parameter specifying if it has a fixed orientation or it can be rotated by . This problem contains as special cases the oriented and non-oriented 2BP. The new lower bound is based on the one described in Part I for the oriented 2BP. The computational results on the test problems derived from the literature show the effectiveness of the new proposed lower and upper bounds.     

Parametric generation of twin photons in vertical triple microcavities

We report the realization of a monolithic vertical-cavity, surface emitting micro-optical parametric conversion nanostructure, triply resonant with the parametric frequencies, allowing parametric oscillation with ultra-low pump power threshold. The photonic phase-space naturally provides triple resonance for the parametric frequencies, together with built-in cavity phase-matching for the pump wave at normal incidence. Parametric oscillation is observed in both the strong and weak exciton–photon coupling regime, allowing a high operating temperature. Signal and idler beams can be collected at 0° or at finite angles. The OPO threshold is low enough to envisage the realization of an all-semiconductor electrically-pumped micro-parametric oscillator. To cite this article: C. Diederichs et al., C. R. Physique 8 (2007).     

Reducing far-field diffraction by structured apertures

We demonstrate significant reduction in the angular distribution of the far field diffraction pattern from a wavelength-sized slit when we place a narrow (sub-wavelength) strip in the middle of the slit. The higher directionality is attributed to constructive and destructive interference in the central and lateral parts of the diffracted beam, respectively. Measurements in the visible and near-IR agree well with numerical simulations.     

A new ent-clerodane diterpenoid from Crassocephalum bauchiense Huch. (Asteraceae)

A phytochemical investigation of the whole plant of Crassocephalum bauchiense Huch. resulted in the isolation of a new clerodane diterpenoid, ent-2β,18,19-trihydroxycleroda-3,13-dien-16,15-olide (1), together with two known flavonoids 3′,5-dihydroxy-4′,5′,6,7,8-pentamethoxyflavone (2) and 4′,5-dihydroxy-3′,5′,6,7,8-pentamethoxyflavone (3). The compounds were tested against the chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Compound 2 showed weak activity (IC₅₀ = 10.1 g/mL) whilst compounds 1 and 3 were inactive. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by using detailed spectral analyses, especially ¹H and ¹³C NMR, ¹H–¹H COSY, NOESY, HMBC and HR-ESI-MS.     

Surface plasmon polariton assisted optical pulling force

We demonstrate both analytically and numerically the existence of optical pulling forces acting on particles located near plasmonic interfaces. Two main factors contribute to the appearance of this negative recoil force. The interference between the incident and reflected waves induces a rotating dipole with an asymmetric scattering pattern, while the directional excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) enhances the linear momentum of scattered light. The strongly asymmetric SPP excitation is determined by spin–orbit coupling of the rotating dipole and surface plasmon polariton. As a result of the total momentum conservation, the force acting on the particle points in a direction opposite to the incident wave propagation. We derive analytical expressions for the force acting on dipolar particles placed in the proximity of plasmonic surfaces. Analytical expressions for this pulling force are derived within the dipole approximation and are in excellent agreement with results of electromagnetic numerical calculations. The forces acting on larger particles are analyzed numerically, beyond the dipole approximation.

     

Parametric amplification in a microstructure fiber

We report an observation of parametric amplification with a gain greater than 30 dB in a 1.7-m microstructure fiber. It is found that there exists a peak pump power P_s. For peak pump powers less than P_s, the amplified twin (signal: longer wavelength, and idler: shorter wavelength) pulses are highly correlated, and the bandwidth of the amplified signal pulse broadens monotonically with pump power. For peak pump powers exceeding P_s, the correlation between the amplified twin pulses drops when the pump power increases, the bandwidth of the amplified signal pulse becomes narrower when the pump power increases, and the central wavelength of the amplified signal (idler) pulse shifts towards longer (shorter) wavelength, respectively, due to phase matching. PACS 42.65.Yj