Optical tomography using the time-independent equation of radiative transfer—Part 2: inverse model

Optical tomography is a novel imaging modality that is employed to reconstruct cross-sectional images of the optical properties of highly scattering media given measurements performed on the surface of the medium. Recent advances in this field have mainly been driven by biomedical applications in which near-infrared light is used for transillumination and reflectance measurements of highly scattering biological tissues. Many of the reconstruction algorithms currently utilized for optical tomography make use of model-based iterative image reconstruction (MOBIIR) schemes. The imaging problem is formulated as an optimization problem, in which an objective function is minimized. In the simplest case the objective function is a normalized-squared error between measured and predicted data. The predicted data are obtained by using a forward model that describes light propagation in the scattering medium given a certain distribution of optical properties.In part I of this two-part study, we presented a forward model that is based on the time-independent equation of radiative transfer. Using experimental data we showed that this transport-theory-based forward model can accurately predict light propagation in highly scattering media that contain void-like inclusions. In part II we focus on the details of our image reconstruction scheme (inverse model). A crucial component of this scheme involves the efficient and accurate determination of the gradient of the objective function with respect to all optical properties. This calculation is performed using an adjoint differentiation algorithm that allows for fast calculation of this gradient. Having calculated this gradient, we minimize the objective function with a gradient-based optimization method, which results in the reconstruction of the spatial distribution of scattering and absorption coefficients inside the medium. In addition to presenting the mathematical and numerical background of our code, we present reconstruction results based on experimentally obtained data from highly scattering media that contain void-like regions. These types of media play an important role in optical tomographic imaging of the human brain and joints.     

Design and simulation of single-electrode liquid crystal phased arrays

Liquid crystal (LC) phased arrays and gratings have been employed in optical switching and routing [1]. These diffractive optic elements are of great interest because they can be scaled up to a large number of elements and their optical properties can be electrically addressed with a low driving voltage. LC phase gratings have been achieved either by periodic addressing of pixels or by using periodically-modified structures. The latter approach leads to less reconfigurable devices but the addressing is simpler. In this paper we focus on optical phased arrays where the phase is varied either continuously or discretely and where the periodicity is induced by electrode configuration. We first describe a possible structure based on a conductive silicon wafer. We argue that this structure can induce either continuously or discretely varying arrays while applying single voltage to the array. In the second part we simulate the behaviour of such arrays. We base the simulation on a LC synthesized at the Military University of Technology, this high-birefringence nematic LC shows in a 4-μm thick cell a linear phase shift range of more than 360° between 1.2 V and 1.8 V. We calculate the distribution of the LC molecule director and assess the performance of the array with respect to the applied voltage. Finally, the relevance of such technology for switchable phased arrays is discussed.     

Optical Implementation of CMOS/SEED Optoelectronic Integrated Crossbar Interconnection Network

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Optical Implementation of CMOS/SEED Optoelectronic Integrated Crossbar Interconnection Network

An optical implementation of CMOS/SEED optoelectronic integrated crossbar interconnection network is reported. The CMOS/SEED smart pixel arrays with O/E light windows are used as logical controlling switch nodes. High/lower modulating ratio of the output light density is about 1.4. The light beam is supplied by a 0.85 μm semiconductor laser diode. 8×2 spot arrays formed by a computer-generated phase grating are used as the pumping light beams for CMOS/SEED light modulators. High-precision 2-D optical fiber bundle arrays are used as the I/O access devices. 16×16 optical crossbar interconnection network is realized using our experimental setup. It is easy to couple with CMOS/SEED smart pixel arrays by using 2-D optical fiber bundle arrays as the I/O access devices. Compact in comparison with other optical interconnection systems.     

Femtosecond laser direct writing of embedded optical waveguides in aluminosilicate glass

Using tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses to irradiate lines in aluminosilicate glass, embedded lines with increased refractive index, which function as optical waveguides were observed. The pulse energy (4.5–11.2 μJ) and writing speed (50–700 μm/s) were shown to affect the resultant optical properties of the waveguides such as the magnitude of refractive index change, core diameter and propagation mode. At pulse energies above 5 μJ, two types of structures were observed, namely an inhomogeneous void-like structure and a cross-sectional crack-like structure. These structures were found to affect significantly the resultant waveguiding properties of the irradiated lines. Using pulse energy of 5 μJ or below, single mode waveguides were fabricated. Raman spectroscopy showed that the fs laser pulses generated structural changes to the aluminosilicate glass. The fabrication of a 1×4 splitter was also demonstrated. PACS 42.62.-b; 42.82.-m; 81.05.Kf     

Free-space optical links for board-to-board interconnects

We describe two free-space optical links for multichannel optical interconnects. The targeted aggregate data rate is 240 Gb/s. In one implementation we use a unique implementation of telecentric optics and achieved an optical link that is simple, robust, and modular. We describe a simple, inexpensive telecentric lens that can accommodate all optical channels within a 1-mm-diameter sweet zone. We also describe the performance of an optical link with a 4×4 array of VCSELs and matching detectors. The integrity of the optical link is not significantly degraded with a>±2 mm translational misalignment between the VCSEL and detector arrays. With the telecentric optical link, we need only two low-bandwidth, single-axis active servomechanisms to compensate for static tilt and possibly low-frequency thermally-driven shift between the transmitter and receiver arrays. In the other implementaion we use two matching arrays of 1×12 optical fibers. Data are coupled optically through an air gap of 2 mm by means of a pair of collimating microlens arrays that are aligned to one another via precision mechanical subassemblies. We describe a simple, inexpensive, and robust mechanical coupling for the optical link achieved by using miniature high-flux magnets.     

Near-field distribution of broadband antireflective nanostructure arrays

Broadband antireflection (AR) nanostructure arrays patterned directly into a bulk substrate, behaving as the expected performance of high laser induced damage threshold (LIDT), is proposed for the application of laser-transmitting optical elements. These regular periodic arrays known as “moth-eye” structure exhibit particularly noteworthy AR property over a wide spectrum and over a large field of view in addition to overcome efficiently the disadvantages of multilayer AR thin-film. Furthermore, the near-field distribution in nanostructure arrays with respect to the period, the groove depth and incident angle, respectively, was numerically simulated using a rigorous Fourier modal method (FMM). It is interesting that the maximum value of the normalized electric field intensity is obviously distributed inside the air layer upon the nanostructure for the periodicity of 100 nm, which has significant potential to reach to ultra high LIDT for the application of short-pulse high-power laser system. Besides, the variation of the near-field distribution inside the nanostructure arrays exhibits critically dependent on the period of surface structure, but the effect caused by the discrepancy in groove depth and incident angle is unimportant.     

Optical soliton in a one-dimensional array of a metal nanoparticle-microcavity complex

Quantum coherence can be enhanced by placing metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in optical microcavities. Combining localized-surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs), nonlinear interaction between the LSPR and microcavity arrays of a MNP-microcavity complex offer a unique playground to observe novel optical phenomena and develop novel concepts for quantum manipulation. Here we theoretically demonstrate that optical solitons are achievable with a one-dimensional array which consists of a chain of periodically spaced identical MNP-microcavity complex systems. These differ from the solitons which stem from the MNPs with nonlinear Kerr-like response; the optical soliton here originates from LSPR-microcavity interaction. Using experimentally achievable parameters, we identify the conditions under which the nonlinearity induced by LSPR-microcavity interaction allows us to compensate for the dispersion caused by photon hopping of adjacent microcavities. More interestingly, the dynamics of solitons can be modulated by varying the radius of the MNP. The presented results illustrate the potential to utilize the MNP-microcavity complex for light manipulation, as well as to guide the design of photon switch and on-chip photon architecture.     

Plasmon enhanced light trapping in thin film GaAs solar cells by Al nanoparticle array

Light trapping is a crucial factor to enhance the performance of thin film solar cells. For effective light trapping, we introduced Al nanoparticle array on the top and rear surface of thin film GaAs solar cells. The effect of both array on the optical absorption and current density of solar cells is investigated by using finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The optimization process of top and rear array in solar cells is done systematically. The results indicate that by plasmonic action of arrays, the optical absorption is significantly enhanced and optimized structure yields a current density of 25.77 mA/cm². These enhancements are mainly attributed to surface plasmon effects induced by Al nanoparticles and the light grating properties of the arrays.     

Plasmonic sensors based on thick metal film perforated with rectangular nanohole arrays

The dependence of optical properties on the ambient medium, the period of nanohole arrays and the metal film thickness in a thick silver film perforated with rectangular nanohole arrays is investigated using the finite‐difference time‐domain technique. As a result of the coupling between top and down surface plasmon polaritons, mediated by localized surface plasmon resonances supported by the metallic rectangular nano‐ holes, interesting light phenomena are observed for varying thickness of the metal film and period of the rectangular nanohole arrays. Based on the dependence of the optical properties on the ambient medium, the possibility of exploiting thick metal rectangular nanohole arrays as plasmonic sensors is further discussed, the potential application as plasmonic sensors is revealed. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Investigation of irradiance efficiency for LED phototherapy with different arrays

Red and yellow light emitting diodes (LEDs) are currently utilized as lighting sources during LED phototherapy. These LEDs were arranged on a disk with an external diameter of 70 mm with different arrays — radial, rhombus, square radial, and square rhombus arrays. The radial and square radial arrays had better irradiance efficiency than rhombus and square rhombus arrays by optical simulation. Additionally, the radial array had 76 sets of LEDs, but the square radial array had 100 sets. Thus, a mockup sample of radial array phototherapy was constructed for performance tests. The mixture efficiency of the radial array was observed at distances of 1-100 mm and lighting was well mixed when distance exceeded 50 mm by optical simulation. Irradiance variation with angle was approximated by experiment and theory at a treatment distance of 50 mm and 100 mm using the phototherapy mockup. The radial array was one good choice for LED phototherapy.     

Resonance energy transfer in a dense array of II–VI quantum dots

Förster resonance energy transfer in inhomogeneous dense arrays of epitaxial CdSe/ZnSe quantum dots is demonstrated by time- and space-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The specific feature of this process is the dipole–dipole interaction between the ground exciton levels of small quantum dots and the excited levels of large dots. This interaction brings efficient energy collection and spectral selection of a limited number of emitters. Results of theoretical modeling of optical transitions in spheroidal quantum dots with a Gaussian potential profile agree with the observed features of optical spectra induced by the change of the dominant energy transfer mechanism.     

Experimental observation of modulation instability and optical spatial soliton arrays in soft condensed matter

In this Letter we report observations of optically induced self-organization of colloidal arrays in the presence of unpatterned counterpropagating evanescent waves. The colloidal arrays formed along the laser propagation axis are shown to be linked to the breakup of the incident field into optical spatial solitons, the lateral spacing of the arrays being related to modulation instability of the soft condensed matter system.     

Quantum electrodynamics analysis of optical binding in counterpropagating beams and effect of particle size

A general expression for optical binding energy between particles of any size, in counterpropagating beams with and without interference, is derived using quantum electrodynamics. The effect of particle size on the optically induced interparticle energy surface, which has been the subject of recent research, is explored. Significant changes in this surface when particle size approaches the wavelength of the optical field are revealed. Finally, optically induced particle arrays that may be fabricated with these potentials are briefly discussed.     

Excitation of linear and nonlinear cavity modes upon interaction of femtosecond pulses with arrays of metallic nanowires

We investigate linear and nonlinear effects induced by the scattering of femtosecond optical pulses by cavity-shaped two-dimensional distributions of metallic cylinders. In particular, by employing a numerical method based on the multiple scattering matrix algorithm, we demonstrate that, at both the fundamental frequency and the second harmonic, such arrays of metallic nanowires support localized (cavity) surface plasmon–polariton modes with characteristic lifetime ranging from a few tens of femtoseconds to more than a hundred of femtoseconds.     

Multiple-spot optical tweezers created with microlens arrays fabricated by proton beam writing

We report two different applications for using arrays of microlenses on glass substrate to facilitate multiple-spot optical trapping of colloidal microbeads. The array of microlenses was made of SU8 or PMMA resist and created by a combination of Proton-Beam writing followed by thermal reflow processes. Firstly, similar to previous reports [8, 9, 10 ], the lenses were utilized as an optical element in generating multiple laser spot arrays that were subsequently focused down to impose a microbead array. In addition, we demonstrated the feasibility of a novel approach of integrating the microlens array into a sample chamber to provide localized optical trapping. PACS 07.60.Pb; 41.75.Ak; 42.15.Eq; 42.65.Jx; 42.79.Bh     

Hybrid waveguide-plasmon resonances in gold pillar arrays on top of a dielectric waveguide

We propose a hybrid waveguide-plasmon system consisting of gold pillar arrays on top of a dielectric waveguide. The formation of extraordinary transmissions induced by the hybrid waveguide-plasmon resonances is investigated by rigorous coupled-wave analysis. The characteristics of the hybrid resonances can be predicted by introducing the photonic crystal slab theory. Extremely narrow absorption peaks and the electromagnetically induced transparency-like optical property are demonstrated in our hybrid system.     

3D nanoimprinted Fabry–Pérot filter arrays and methodologies for optical characterization

Fabry–Pérot (FP) filter arrays fabricated by high-resolution three dimensional (3D) NanoImprint technology are presented. A fabrication process to implement 3D templates with very high vertical resolution is developed. Filter arrays with 64 different cavity heights have been fabricated requiring only one single imprint step. Different optical methods are involved in this paper to characterize geometric and spectral properties. In order to investigate the transfer accuracy of the surface quality from the NanoImprint template to the filter, we use white light interferometry (WLI) measurements. Surface roughness and structure height accuracy of <1 nm for both values demonstrate the conservation of these critical parameters during the 3D NanoImprint process. Additionally, an optical characterization methodology for spectral transmission and reflection measurements of the filter arrays is introduced and applied. A compact microscope spectrometer setup which allows efficient handling, high resolution and short inspection time is verified by comparing measurement results to that of an optical bench setup used as a reference. First, this paper focuses on the foundation of the FP filter arrays, second on the technological fabrication, third on validation calibration of the setup and forth on the characterization of the filter arrays. The measurements envisage the spectral position of filter transmission lines, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) and the total spectral bandwidth of the array, i.e. the stopbands of the included Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBRs).     

High-efficiency arrays of any desired optical beams using modified grating-based elements

High efficiency grating-based diffractive elements were previously proposed in order to generate desired arrays of various optical beams. The elements enable us to generate a diversity of arrays of optical beams in desired shapes, so that the arrays produced by the method are homogeneous, uniform and lacking of unwanted higher diffraction orders. In this technique a modulated grating is used to restructure Fresnel zone plate or zone plate-based elements to get modified grating-based elements. To examine the method, a variety of rectangular arrays of optical spots and annular beams are created by the ordinary and modified elements. It is shown that the arrays generated by the modified elements are much more uniform than the same arrays produced by the ordinary ones. In addition to the uniformity of the arrays, the unwanted higher diffraction orders are also totally eliminated. This article exploits simulation and experimental studies in order to demonstrate the functionality of the proposed technique as a multi functional high-efficiency beam shaping.