James E. Millerd

Bio: James E. Millerd is an academic researcher from University of Southern California. The author has contributed to research in topics: Interferometry & Astronomical interferometer. The author has an hindex of 22, co-authored 53 publications receiving 1657 citations.

Pixelated Phase-Mask Dynamic Interferometer

Abstract: We have demonstrated a new type of dynamic measurement system that is comprised of a micropolarizer array and can work with any type polarization interferometer to measure a variety of physical properties. The unique configuration overcomes many of the limitations of previous single frame, phase-shift interferometer techniques. In particular it has a true common path arrangement, is extremely compact, and is achromatic over a very wide range. We demonstrated high quality measurement with both a Twyman-Green and Fizeau type interferometer. The technique is useful for many applications where vibration or motion is intrinsic to the process.

Analysis of a micropolarizer array-based simultaneous phase-shifting interferometer

Abstract: Recent technological innovations have enabled the development of a new class of dynamic (vibration-insensitive) interferometer based on a CCD pixel-level phase-shifting approach We present theoretical and experimental results for an interferometer based on this pixelated phase-shifting technique Analyses of component errors and instrument functionality are presented We show that the majority of error sources cause relatively small magnitude peak-to-valley errors in measurement of the order of 0002-0005lambda These errors are largely mitigated by high-rate data acquisition and consequent data averaging

Methods and apparatus for splitting, imaging, and measuring wavefronts in interferometry

Abstract: Apparatus for splitting, imaging, and measuring wavefronts with a reference wavefront and an object wavefront. A wavefront-combining element receives and combines into a combined wavefront an object wavefront from an object and a reference wavefront. A wavefront-splitting element splits the combined wavefront into a plurality of sub-wavefronts in such a way that each of the sub-wavefronts is substantially contiguous with at least one other sub-wavefront. The wavefront-splitting element may shift the relative phase between the reference wavefront and the object wavefront of the sub-wavefronts to yield a respective plurality of phase-shifted sub-wavefronts. The wavefront-splitting element may then interfering the reference and object wavefronts of the phase-shifted sub-wavefronts to yield a respective plurality of phase-shifted interferograms. An imaging element receives and images the phase-shifted interferograms. A computer connected to the imaging element measures various parameters of the objects based on the phase-shifted interferograms. Examples of measurements include flow parameters such as the concentrations of selected gaseous species, temperature distributions, particle and droplet distributions, density, and so on. In addition to flow parameters, the displacement (e.g., the vibration) and the profile of an object may be measured.

Photorefractivity at 1.5 μm in CdTe:V

Abstract: We have for the first time demonstrated two‐beam coupling energy transfer at a wavelength of 1.5 μm. Beam coupling gain coefficients of 0.6 cm−1 have been obtained in vanadium ‐doped CdTe with only 5 mW/cm2 incident intensity. These gain coefficients exceed typical gain coefficients in GaAs at 1.06 μm wavelength by 50%. In preliminary measurements using the moving grating technique, we have measured a gain coefficient of 2.4 cm−1. Through adjustment of the doping level, CdTe:V can be used as a sensitive photorefractive material through the 0.9–1.5 μm spectral range.

Low coherence vibration insensitive fizeau interferometer

Abstract: An on-axis, vibration insensitive, polarization Fizeau interferometer is realized through the use of a novel pixelated mask spatial carrier phase shifting technique in conjunction with a low coherence source and a polarization delay-line. In this arrangement, coherence is used to effectively separate out the orthogonally polarized test and reference beam components for interference. With both the test and the reference beams on-axis, the common path cancellation advantages of the Fizeau interferometer are maintained. The interferometer has the unique ability to isolate and measure any surface that is substantially normal to the optical axis of the cavity. Additionally, stray light interference is substantially reduced due to the source's short coherence. An expression for the fringe visibility on-axis is derived and compared with that of a standard Fizeau. Using a 15 mW source, the maximum camera shutter speed, used when measuring a 4% reflector, was 150 usec, resulting in very robust vibration insensitivity. We experimentally demonstrate the measurement of both sides of a thin glass plate without the need to modify the plate between measurements. Experimental results show the performance of this new interferometer to be within the specifications of commercial phase shifting interferometers.

Interferometric fluorescent super-resolution microscopy resolves 3D cellular ultrastructure

Abstract: Understanding molecular-scale architecture of cells requires determination of 3D locations of specific proteins with accuracy matching their nanometer-length scale. Existing electron and light microscopy techniques are limited either in molecular specificity or resolution. Here, we introduce interferometric photoactivated localization microscopy (iPALM), the combination of photoactivated localization microscopy with single-photon, simultaneous multiphase interferometry that provides sub-20-nm 3D protein localization with optimal molecular specificity. We demonstrate measurement of the 25-nm microtubule diameter, resolve the dorsal and ventral plasma membranes, and visualize the arrangement of integrin receptors within endoplasmic reticulum and adhesion complexes, 3D protein organization previously resolved only by electron microscopy. iPALM thus closes the gap between electron tomography and light microscopy, enabling both molecular specification and resolution of cellular nanoarchitecture.

Three-dimensional display technologies of recent interest: principles, status, and issues [Invited]

Abstract: Recent trends in three-dimensional (3D) display technologies are very interesting in that both old-fashioned and up-to-date technologies are being actively investigated together. The release of the first commercially successful 3D display product raised new research topics in stereoscopic display. Autostereoscopic display renders a ray field of a 3D image, whereas holography replicates a wave field of it. Many investigations have been conducted on the next candidates for commercial products to resolve existing limitations. Up-to-date see-through 3D display is a concept close to the ultimate goal of presenting seamless virtual images. Although it is still far from practical use, many efforts have been made to resolve issues such as occlusion problems.

Microvolume liquid handling system

Abstract: A microvolume liquid handling system includes a microdispenser (16) employing a piezoelectric transducer (60) attached to a glass capillary (62), a positive displacement pump (12) for priming and aspirating transfer liquid into the microdispenser (16), controlling the pressure of the liquid system, and washing the microdispenser (16) between liquid transfers, and a pressure sensor (14) to measure the liquid system pressure and produce a corresponding electrical signal. The pressure signal is used to verify and quantify the microvolume of transfer liquid dispensed and is used to perform automated calibration and diagnostics on the microdispenser (16).