José A. Ferrari

Bio: José A. Ferrari is an academic researcher from University of the Republic. The author has contributed to research in topics: Interferometry & Image processing. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 132 publications receiving 1297 citations. Previous affiliations of José A. Ferrari include Simón Bolívar University.

Negative refraction and lensing at visible wavelength: experimental results using a waveguide array.

Abstract: Experimental results showing “negative refraction” and some kind of “lensing” −in the microwave-infrared range− are often presented in the literature as undisputable evidence of the existence of composite left-handed materials. The purpose of this paper is to present experimental results on “negative refraction” and “lensing” at visible wavelengths involving a waveguide array formed by a tight-packed bundle of glass fibers. We will demonstrate that the observed phenomena are not necessarily evidence of the existence of left-handed materials and that they can be fully explained by classical optic concepts, e.g. light propagation in waveguides.

Optical current and voltage sensor using differential spectroscopy

Abstract: A novel optical system that combines a polarimetric current sensor based on the Faraday effect, and a voltage sensor based on the Pockels effect, is described. The proposed device uses polarizers that possess high polarization ratios in specific spectral ranges. This allows the simultaneous codification of current and voltage information in differ- ent spectral regions, which, in turn, enables independent measurements of both magnitudes. Validation experiments are presented. © 2009 Society

3D curvature analysis with a novel one-shot technique

Abstract: In this work we will show that it is possible to perform three-dimensional (3D) analysis and extract features without performing a 3D surface reconstruction. We propose a novel approach that consists in acquiring the scene under the projection of structured light (plus the natural ambient illumination), which allows us to obtain the depth gradient map using a simple processing step with very low hardware requirements.

Application of DVD/CD pickup optics to microscopy and fringe projection

Abstract: We discuss a low-cost microscope that is constructed using commercial DVD and CD pickups and demonstrate its fine focus capacity and high resolution. Also, we demonstrate a fringe projection interferometer that uses the three-beam positioning system of a CD reader. We show that with a simple rotation of the grating placed inside the pickup head, an electrically controlled fringe-shift system is obtained, which can be used for 3D profilometry. Despite the low cost of these systems, they have a performance comparable to more complex systems.

The SIESTA method for ab initio order-N materials simulation

Abstract: We have developed and implemented a selfconsistent density functional method using standard norm-conserving pseudopotentials and a flexible, numerical linear combination of atomic orbitals basis set, which includes multiple-zeta and polarization orbitals. Exchange and correlation are treated with the local spin density or generalized gradient approximations. The basis functions and the electron density are projected on a real-space grid, in order to calculate the Hartree and exchange-correlation potentials and matrix elements, with a number of operations that scales linearly with the size of the system. We use a modified energy functional, whose minimization produces orthogonal wavefunctions and the same energy and density as the Kohn-Sham energy functional, without the need for an explicit orthogonalization. Additionally, using localized Wannier-like electron wavefunctions allows the computation time and memory required to minimize the energy to also scale linearly with the size of the system. Forces and stresses are also calculated efficiently and accurately, thus allowing structural relaxation and molecular dynamics simulations.

Medscape

Abstract: Secret History: Return of the Black Death Channel 4, 7-8pm In 1348 the Black Death swept through London, killing people within days of the appearance of their first symptoms. Exactly how many died, and why, has long been a mystery. This Secret History documentary follows experts as they pick through the evidence and reveal why the plague killed on such a scale. And they ask, what might be coming next?

Fourier-transform method of fringe-pattern analysis for computer-based topography and interferometry

Abstract: A fast-Fourier-transform method of topography and interferometry is proposed. By computer processing of a noncontour type of fringe pattern, automatic discrimination is achieved between elevation and depression of the object or wave-front form, which has not been possible by the fringe-contour-generation techniques. The method has advantages over moire topography and conventional fringe-contour interferometry in both accuracy and sensitivity. Unlike fringe-scanning techniques, the method is easy to apply because it uses no moving components.

Digital wavefront measuring interferometer for testing optical surfaces and lenses

Abstract: A self-scanned 1024 element photodiode array and minicomputer are used to measure the phase (wavefront) in the interference pattern of an interferometer to lambda/100. The photodiode array samples intensities over a 32 x 32 matrix in the interference pattern as the length of the reference arm is varied piezoelectrically. Using these data the minicomputer synchronously detects the phase at each of the 1024 points by a Fourier series method and displays the wavefront in contour and perspective plot on a storage oscilloscope in less than 1 min (Bruning et al. Paper WE16, OSA Annual Meeting, Oct. 1972). The array of intensities is sampled and averaged many times in a random fashion so that the effects of air turbulence, vibrations, and thermal drifts are minimized. Very significant is the fact that wavefront errors in the interferometer are easily determined and may be automatically subtracted from current or subsequent wavefrots. Various programs supporting the measurement system include software for determining the aperture boundary, sum and difference of wavefronts, removal or insertion of tilt and focus errors, and routines for spatial manipulation of wavefronts. FFT programs transform wavefront data into point spread function and modulus and phase of the optical transfer function of lenses. Display programs plot these functions in contour and perspective. The system has been designed to optimize the collection of data to give higher than usual accuracy in measuring the individual elements and final performance of assembled diffraction limited optical systems, and furthermore, the short loop time of a few minutes makes the system an attractive alternative to constraints imposed by test glasses in the optical shop.