Analysis of performance optimization in supercontinuum sources

We have determined the cause of performance variation as a function of system parameters in supercontinuum (SC) sources in a normal-dispersion fiber by numerically analyzing the noise evolution of the SC. High-order nonlinearity was considered in such an analysis for the first time to our knowledge. We found that the evolution of noise along the SC fiber has two stages: First, the noise is governed by dispersion, which is different from that of the signal, whereas self-steeping leads to an asymmetric noise distribution across the spectrum. Second, four-wave mixing generates new noise components, whereas Raman scattering augments the asymmetry. We evaluated the qualities of the spectrally sliced pulses at several stages to verify the analysis and found an asymmetric profile of the sliced-pulses' quality versus frequency.     

Loss-coupled distributed-feedback lasers with amplified optical feedback for optical microwave generation

Multisection semiconductor lasers for optical microwave generation have been fabricated that consist of a loss-coupled distributed feedback (LC-DFB), a phase control, and an amplifier section. High-frequency self-pulsations are generated according to the concept of a single-mode laser with short optical feedback. The effect of the optical feedback via the phase control and the amplifier section on the self-pulsation is apparently shown as a result of the superior single-mode characteristic of the LC-DFB section. Continuous frequency tuning is achieved in the range of 17-35 GHz.     

Depth-enhanced integral imaging by use of optical path control

The image depth of integral imaging is enhanced by doubling the number of central depth planes by use of optical path control. To accomplish this, the optical path lengths are changed by controlling whether reflections occur behind the lens array. We propose three schemes that use mirrors, a combination of beam splitters and polarizers, and polarization beam splitters, respectively. In experiments we implement the systems that are completely electronically controllable, are compact, and provide two central depth planes with 50.4-mm separation.     

Holographic simultaneous readout polarization multiplexing based on photoinduced anisotropy in bacteriorhodopsin

Bacteriorhodopsin (bR) is a reversible photochromic protein that can be used as a holographic medium. The dichroic absorption of the bR molecule is polarization dependent, thereby allowing for the recording of polarization holograms. The properties of polarization holograms can be used to multiplex two independent images in a single bR film. A new technique and associated polarization-multiplexing scheme are demonstrated that allow for simultaneous readout of two orthogonally polarized images while achieving a high normalized diffraction efficiency for each of the individual images.     

Computerized quantification of carotid artery stenosis using MRA axial images

Currently, the North American symptomatic carotid endarterectomy trial, European carotid surgery trial, and common carotid method are used to measure the carotid stenosis for determining candidates for carotid endarterectomy using the projection angiography from different modalities such as digital subtraction angiography, rotational angiography, computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography. A new computerized carotid stenosis measuring system was developed using MR angiography axial image to overcome the drawbacks of conventional carotid stenosis measuring methods, to reduce the variability of inter-observer and intra-observer. The gray-level thresholding is one of the most popular and efficient methods for image segmentation. We segmented the carotid artery and lumen from three-dimensional time-of-flight MRA axial images using gray-level thresholding technique. Using the measured intima-media thickness value of common carotid artery for each case, we separated carotid artery wall from the segmented carotid artery region. After that, the regions of segmented carotid without artery wall were divided into region of blood flow and plaque. The calculation of carotid stenosis degree was performed as follows: carotid stenosis grading = (area measure of plaque/area measure of blood flow region and plaque) * 100%. No previous study has developed the carotid stenosis measuring method using MRA axial image. The new computerized stenosis measuring system has advantage over conventional caliper measuring methods; it will not only greatly increase the speed of stenosis measuring but also reduce the variability between readers. It should also reduce the variability between different institutions.     

Discretely tunable erbium-doped fiber ring laser selecting ITU-T grids of 273 channels × 50-GHz spacing in <Emphasis Type="Italic">C</Emphasis>- and <Emphasis Type="Italic">L</Emphasis>-band regions

We report the fabrication of a discretely tunable erbium-doped fiber ring laser with a novel scheme that can select ITU-T grids of 50-GHz spacing in both C and L bands. Wavelength selections of 273 channels are demonstrated with a signal to source spontaneous emission ratio of 60 dB/nm and excellent power flatness over 111-nm bandwidth. This was realized by incorporating both a solid Fabry–Pérot interferometer and a fiber Fabry–Pérot tunable filter into the ring laser. To our knowledge, our experimental result has the widest tuning range ever reported for a discretely tunable fiber laser with 50-GHz channel spacing that matches the ITU-T grids and is the first equipment that can operate in both C and L bands. PACS 42.55.Wd; 42.60.Da; 42.60.-v     

Enantioseparation using sulfated cyclosophoraoses as a novel chiral additive in capillary electrophoresis

Highly sulfated cyclosophoraoses (HS-Cys) were synthesized by the chemical modification of a family of neutral cyclosophoraoses isolated from Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii. The HS-Cys were then analytically characterized using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. These HS-Cys were successfully used as a novel chiral additive, in low-pH aqueous background electrolytes, for capillary electrophoretic separation of five basic chiral drugs such as arterenol, atenolol, isoproterenol, propranolol, and metoprolol.     

Synthesis of blue-light-emitting ZnGa2O4 nanowires using chemical vapor deposition

A high-density array of vertically aligned ZnGa(2)O(4) nanowires has been synthesized on Si substrates via CVD of ZnO-Ga at 1000 degrees C consisting of a single-crystalline cubic spinel structure grown in a [111] direction and exhibiting strong photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence in the blue wavelength region.     

Observation of collective-emission-induced cooling of atoms in an optical cavity

We report the observation of collective-emission-induced, velocity-dependent light forces. One-third of a falling sample containing 3 x 10(6) cesium atoms illuminated by a horizontal standing wave is stopped by cooperatively emitting light into a vertically oriented, confocal resonator. We observe decelerations up to 1500 m/s(2) and cooling to temperatures as low as 7 microK, well below the free-space Doppler limit. The measured forces substantially exceed those predicted for a single two-level atom.     

Mode conversion and birefringence adjustment by focused-ion-beam etching for slanted rib waveguide walls

We describe how focused-ion-beam (FIB) etching of slanted rib waveguide walls can be used to modify the differential group delay in a waveguide and introduce TE to TM mode conversion in a silicon-on-insulator rib waveguide. We achieved mode conversion by modifying the geometric cross section of a single-mode rib by FIB trimming. Waveguides with different lengths of 45 degrees slant angle rib waveguide walls were fabricated and characterized. We measured the differential group delays and the mode conversion achieved for waveguides with different lengths of a FIB-trimmed slanted rib wall.