Fluorescence Lifetime Correlation Spectroscopy

This article explains the basic principles of FLCS, a genuine fusion of Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), using common terms and minimum mathematics. The usefulness of the method is demonstrated on simple FCS experiments. The method makes possible to separate the autocorrelation function of individual components of a mixture of fluorophores, as well as purging the result from parasitic contributions like scattered light or detector afterpulsing.     

Time Domain Optical Spectrometry with Fiber Optic Waveguides

Abstract

The transit time, τ, of a light pulse in a fiber optic waveguide is a function not only of the fiber length but also of the frequency content of the pulse and, to some extent, the electric and magnetic field distributions within the fiber. Thus, we can write τ = τ(L, γ, μ, v) where L is the fiber length and γ is the wavelength. The integers and v index the mode of propagation which is excited. The purpose of this article is to review a number of ways the various transit time effects in optical fibers can be used to measure optical spectra in the time domain. Conventional spectrometers disperse the light spatially. The spectrum is measured either with an array of detectors or, if a single detector is used, by mechanically scanning some element of the spectrometer. The instruments described in this review use optical fibers to selectively delay the wavelength components of a modulated light source so that these components arrive sequentially at a single detector. If the light source is already pulsed, these instruments have the same inherent capability as a multiple detector spectrometer in terms of measurement time or signal-to-noise ratio. For a steady source, special modulation schemes can be used to improve the signal collection and reduce the effective dead time required to measure the dispersed light.     

Simulation of Heat Propagation Processes in the Detection Pixel with Superconducting Layers of Single-Photon Thermoelectric Detector

The results of computer simulation of heat propagation processes in the three-layer detection pixel with the superconducting layers of thermoelectric detector after the absorption of single photons energy of 1–1000 eV are presented. We consider the different geometries of the detection pixel consisting of CeB₆ or (La,Ce)B₆ thermoelectric sensor, absorber and heat sink of Nb, Pb or YBCO superconductors. The computations based on the heat conduction equation from the limited volume are carried out by the three-dimensional matrix method for differential equations. It is shown that by changing the materials and dimension of the detection pixel elements, as well as the operating temperature of the detector enables one to obtain the detector to register the photons within the given spectral range, required energy resolution, and counting rate. Such a detector has a number of advantages that allow one to consider the thermoelectric detector as a real alternative to the most promising single photon detectors.     

Effect of dielectric interface on vector field mapping using gold nanoparticles as a local probe: Theory and experiment

We investigate the influence of an air–dielectric interface on evanescent field vector detections using a gold nanoparticle as a local probe. In particular, we are interested in how the reflected field from the interface modifies the scattered signal, both in its strength and polarization direction depending on the detection angle. Dielectric–air or dielectric–water interface is a most widely used platform to perform single molecule spectroscopy. Knowing the electric field direction that the single molecule experiences is prerequisite for obtaining precise information on that molecule. The far-field scattered signal is derived by solving self-consistently the polarization induced on the gold nanoparticle by the local field and its radiated field in the Green function formalism. The scattered light intensity for each detector polarization direction is obtained by varying the dielectric constant, the distance from the gold nanoparticle to the interface, and the detection angle. The gold nanoparticle is modeled by a single dipole and coupled dipoles, respectively, and comparisons are given. Detection angle dependent far-field measurements are compared with theory, and they are in good agreements. Our study shows that for vector-field mapping on dielectric-interface, an ideal detector angle exists whereby the horizontal and vertical field components can be readily deduced without further correction. For any other detector angles, a correction factor should be taken into consideration to determine local field polarization direction.     

Components of detector response function: Monte Carlo simulations and experiment

Components of the response function of an HPGe detector for 32 keV incident photons (Ba Kα x‐rays) were studied using a Monte Carlo program. Physical mechanisms and the role of incident photons, detector x‐rays, photoelectrons and Compton recoil and Auger electrons for each component were investigated. The position, intensity and shape of the components, particularly of the photoelectrons, were studied in detail. Two distinct components for photoelectron escape were identified by considering the fate of photoelectrons, Ge x‐rays and Auger electrons produced in the same interaction. In contrast to the often‐cited shelflike structure, it was found that both components have a slope. The contribution of recoil electrons to the spectrum for single, double and multiple Compton scattering followed by photoelectric absorption of the scattered photon was investigated. The results of the Monte Carlo simulations are presented along with the measured Ba x‐ray spectrum. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simultaneous measurements of multiple flow velocity components using frequency modulated lasers and a single molecular absorption cell

Since unsteady, complex flow phenomena play an important role, optical measurements techniques are required for flow investigations, which provide simultaneous measurements of multiple velocity components. Doppler global velocimetry has this potential. It is a flow measurement technique, where the Doppler shift of scattered light is measured by a molecular absorption cell for frequency-to-intensity conversion. However, novel Doppler global velocimeters with laser frequency modulation were only used for single component measurements yet. In order to enhance such a system for the simultaneous measurement of multiple components, a concept based on frequency division multiplexing is introduced for the first time. Besides multiple lasers, only a single molecular absorption cell and a single detector unit is required. Two-component measurements of velocity profiles from nozzle flows are presented as a proof of principle. The designed measurement system provides high measurement rates of up to 20 kHz, which is three orders of magnitude higher than for typical Doppler global velocimetry setups.     

Upgrade of a Raman Spectrometer

Abstract

Improvement of a conventional JEOL Raman spectrometer with a single channel photo multiplier detector is described. New optical components [fibers, mirror, lens, and charge coupled device detector (CCD)] have been chosen to design a high quality and easy‐to‐use instrument. Tests have shown that with this modified spectrometer, Raman spectra can be acquired of a quality comparable to the spectra obtained previously, but the time needed to obtain a spectrum is markedly reduced. Selected test spectra and a simple calibration procedure to obtain the wavenumber values from the band CCD pixel position are presented.     

模态信息非完备采样对水下声源检测的影响及改进方法

给出了海洋波导中位置未知简谐声源的广义似然比检测器及其理论检测性能.通过对检测器中模态相关矩阵进行特征值分解,将该检测器分解为与各阶特征值相对应的谱成分.推导了各阶谱成分的统计特性并以此获得了谱成分对输入信号的空间处理增益,该增益与谱成分对应的特征值成正比.当模态信息采样不完备时,模态相关矩阵存在部分接近于0的小特征值,相应的谱成分对输入信号的空间处理增益与其余谱成分相比非常小.通过舍去这部分谱成分,提出了有效谱检测器.该检测器在保持其输出中目标信号成分与广义似然比检测器相同的基础上,有效减少了其中的噪声成分,因此,具有比广义似然比检测器更好的检测性能.在典型的浅海环境下进行仿真实验,仿真结果验证了理论分析、推导以及有效谱检测器的有效性,并且表明非完备采样程度越严重,有效谱检测器相对于广义似然比检测器的检测性能提高越显著.此外,有效谱检测器具有比广义似然比检测器更好的数值计算稳健性.     

Reduction of Fringe Noise in Wavelength Modulation Spectroscopy Using a One-Dimensional Focal Plane Array

In wavelength modulation spectroscopy using diode lasers, detection limit of molecular absorption is often imposed by spurious fringe noises that arise from slight reflections among optical components. In an attempt to reduce this fringe effect, we propose and demonstrate the use of a one-dimensional focal plane array. With the help of a multiplexer, a single lock-in amplifier is employed to obtain multiple-channel signals from wavelength-modulated output of an array detector. It is found that the intensity change of the molecular absorption signal is nearly proportional to the transversal beam intensity distribution, whereas that of fringe noise is much less conspicuous. These features, as well as the phase difference among the channels, contribute to separate the signal and fringe noise components from the multiplexed spectra, leading to the overall improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio.     

Versatile wideband balanced detector for quantum optical homodyne tomography

We present a comprehensive theory and an easy to follow method for the design and construction of a wideband homodyne detector for time-domain quantum measurements. We show how one can evaluate the performance of a detector in a specific time-domain experiment based on the electronic spectral characteristic of that detector. We then present and characterize a high-performance detector constructed using inexpensive, commercially available components such as low-noise high-speed operational amplifiers and high-bandwidth photodiodes. Our detector shows linear behavior up to a level of over 13 dB clearance between shot noise and electronic noise, in the range from DC to 100 MHz. The detector can be used for measuring quantum optical field quadratures both in the continuous-wave and pulsed regimes with standard commercial mode-locked lasers.     

CdZnTe像素探测器的电输运性能

碲锌镉(CdZnTe)是一种性能优异的室温核辐射半导体探测器材料,广泛应用于核安全、核医学以及空间科学等领域.然而,传统的CdZnTe平面探测器受制于"空穴拖尾"效应的影响,探测性能有待改善.采用改进的垂直布里奇曼法生长的In掺杂Cd_(0.9)Zn_(0.1)Te单晶制备出单载流子收集的4×4像素阵列探测器,通过电流-电压(I-V)测试和γ射线能谱响应测试,研究了像素探测器的电学性能和载流子电输运性能,随之与相应的CdZnTe平面探测器进行了性能对比.结果表明,CdZnTe像素探测器的电阻率约为1.73×10~(10)?·cm,且施加100 V偏压后单像素点的最大漏电流小于2.2 nA;当施加偏压升高至300 V时,单像素点对~(241)Am@59.5 keV的γ射线的最佳能量分辨率可达5.78%,探测性能优于相同条件下制备的CdZnTe平面探测器.     

Multi-species detection using multi-mode absorption spectroscopy (MUMAS)

The detection of multiple species using a single laser and single detector employing multi-mode absorption spectroscopy (MUMAS) is reported. An in-house constructed, diode-pumped, Er:Yb:glass micro-laser operating at 1,565 nm with 10 modes separated by 18 GHz was used to record MUMAS signals in a gas mixture containing C₂H₂, N₂O and CO. The components of the mixture were detected simultaneously by identifying multiple transitions in each of the species. By using temperature- and pressure-dependent modelled spectral fits to the data, partial pressures of each species in the mixture were determined with an uncertainty of ±2 %.     

Detection and spectral measurement of single photons in communication bands using up-conversion technology

Quantum information systems are commonly operated in conventional communication bands (1310 and 1550 nm) over an optical fiber to take advantage of low transmission loss. However, the detection and spectral measurement of single photons in these communication bands are limited due to high noise and low sensitivity of single photon detectors in the wavelength ranges. To demonstrate high efficiency detection and high sensitivity spectral measurement, we have implemented a single photon detector and a spectrometer based on frequency up-conversion technology. This detector and spectrometer uses a 5-cm periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide and a tunable pump laser around 1550 nm, to convert signal photons around 1310 to 710 nm. The converted photons are then detected by a silicon-based avalanche photodiode (APD). The overall detection efficiency of the single photon detector is as high as 32%, which is three times higher than commercial InGaAs APDs. The sensitivity of the spectrometer is measured to be −126 dBm, which is at least three orders-of-magnitude better than any commercial optical spectrum analyzer in this wavelength range.     

Simultaneous forward- and backward-hemisphere elastic-light-scattering patterns of respirable-size aerosols

Two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) patterns of aerosols are measured simultaneously from the forward hemisphere 15 degrees < theta < 90 degrees as well as the backward hemisphere 90 degrees < theta < 165 degrees (detecting 63% of the 4pi sr of scattered light) by using an ellipsoidal reflector and an intensified CCD detector. TAOS patterns were obtained from polystyrene-latex spheres (individuals and aggregates) and from single Bacillus subtilis spores. These information-rich patterns, measured with a single laser pulse for individual particles on the fly, suggest that forward-TAOS and backward-TAOS measurements may be used for rapid classification of single aerosol particles.     

Refinement of measurability analysis of the linearized gravitational field

Second order transitions of a molecular detector employed in a Gedanken experiment devised for measurability analysis of the electric-type components of the linearized Weyl tensor are considered. It is found that the adjustability of the detectors permits probable excitations to involve either absorption of two gravitons of energy ?ωor absorption of a single graviton of energy 2?ω,where ωis the resonant frequency of the detector. However, the covariant character of the vibrational momentum is discovered to be crucial for understanding the relative efficacy of mechanisms for the latter sort of transitions.     

Test of pulse shape analysis using single Compton scattering events

Procedures developed to separate single- and multiple-site events in germanium detector are tested with specially selected event samples provided by an 18-fold segmented prototype germanium detector for phase II of the germanium detector array, GERDA. The single Compton scattering, i.e. single-site, events are tagged by coincidently detecting the scattered photon with a second detector positioned at a defined angle. A neural network is trained to separate such events from events which come from multi-site dominated samples. Identification efficiencies of ≈80% are achieved for both single- and multi-site events. PACS 23.40.-s; 14.60Pq; 29.40.-n     

A new approach to a practical subwavelength resolving microscope

Superresolution depends on near-field capture and transfer of high spatial frequencies from the scattering object. These evanescent waves are transferred to a near-field image domain using a negative index material. Measuring images with subwavelength scale resolution in the near field by scanning is not practical and ignores inevitable object–lens–image coupling phenomena as well as the need to employ inverse scattering algorithms. An alternative approach based on compressive sampling permits the use of a single fixed detector. Traditionally, in such a system, an image-bearing wavefront is projected onto a series of patterns (= basis functions) and the transmitted light integrated by a lens onto a single-point detector. Image reconstruction is possible by weighting each basis function with its measured coefficient and summing, including basis functions representing evanescent waves. We employ a single fixed detector in the back focal plane of a negative index concave lens and basis functions realized by structured illumination from combinations of a set of discrete sources. We have investigated this as an approach to recover subwavelength scale details about a scattering object and report our results.     

Unitary models of single detector triggering and local position measurements

Recent work by Wan and McLean has shown that all quantum measurements may be reduced to local position measurements. Using an array of particle detectors as the measuring apparatus we show how a model employing superselection rules and unitary evolution leads to a single detector triggering in each act of measurement. We also present an explicit model of particle detection as a unitary ionization process producing a single ion in the detector, subsequent amplification of which to the visible can be described adequately in classical terms.     

Application of pulse shape discrimination in Si detector for fission fragment angular distribution measurements

Pulse shape discrimination (PSD) with totally depleted transmission type Si surface barrier detector in reverse mount has been investigated to identify fission fragments in the presence of elastic background in heavy ion-induced fission reactions by both numerical simulation and experimental studies. The PSD method is compared with the other conventional methods adopted to identify fission fragments with solid-state detectors such as ΔE–E telescope and single thin ΔE detector and the data for the¹⁰B +²³²Th fission reaction are presented. Results demonstrate the usefulness of a single transmission-type surface barrier detector for the identification of fission fragments and projectiles like heavy ions     

Detection of a single electron in xenon-based electroluminescent detectors

It is experimentally shown that a single ionization electron can be detected by various xenon-based electroluminescent detectors with optical readout, such as a high-pressure cylindrical gas counter, a two-phase detector with gas amplification, and a two-phase detector with a plane-parallel and uniform electric field. The sensitivity of the detectors was 7, 18, and 15 photoelectrons respectively. The coordinate resolution of the two-phase detector for electrons resulting from field emission at the cathode was σ _X,Y = 5.2 mm.