Showing papers in "Optics Letters in 2005"

Negative index of refraction in optical metamaterials.

Abstract: A double-periodic array of pairs of parallel gold nanorods is shown to have a negative refractive index in the optical range. Such behavior results from the plasmon resonance in the pairs of nanorods for both the electric and the magnetic components of light. The refractive index is retrieved from direct phase and amplitude measurements for transmission and reflection, which are all in excellent agreement with simulations. Both experiments and simulations demonstrate that a negative refractive index n???0.3 is achieved at the optical communication wavelength of 1.5??m using the array of nanorods. The retrieved refractive index critically depends on the phase of the transmitted wave, which emphasizes the importance of phase measurements in finding n?.

Digital holographic microscopy: a noninvasive contrast imaging technique allowing quantitative visualization of living cells with subwavelength axial accuracy.

Abstract: We have developed a digital holographic microscope (DHM), in a transmission mode, especially dedicated to the quantitative visualization of phase objects such as living cells. The method is based on an original numerical algorithm presented in detail elsewhere [ Cuche , Appl. Opt.38, 6994 (1999)]. DHM images of living cells in culture are shown for what is to our knowledge the first time. They represent the distribution of the optical path length over the cell, which has been measured with subwavelength accuracy. These DHM images are compared with those obtained by use of the widely used phase contrast and Nomarski differential interference contrast techniques.

Hilbert phase microscopy for investigating fast dynamics in transparent systems.

Abstract: We introduce Hilbert phase microscopy (HPM) as a novel optical technique for measuring high transverse resolution quantitative phase images associated with optically transparent objects. Because of its single-shot nature, HPM is suitable for investigating rapid phenomena that take place in transparent structures such as biological cells. The potential of this technique for studying biological systems is demonstrated with measurements of red blood cells, and its ability to quantify dynamic processes on a millisecond scale is exemplified with measurements of evaporating micrometer-sized water droplets.

Vulnerability to chosen-cyphertext attacks of optical encryption schemes based on double random phase keys.

Abstract: We show how optical encryption methods based on double random phase keys are vulnerable to an organized attack of the chosen-ciphertext type. The decryption key can be easily obtained by an opponent who has repeated access to either the encryption or decryption machines. However, we have also devised a solution that prevents the attack. Our results cast doubts on the present security of these techniques.

Optical vortex coronagraph

Abstract: We describe a method to observe dim exoplanets that eliminates light from the parent star across the entire exit pupil without sacrificing light from the planet by use of a vortex mask of topological charge m=2.

Cut-wire pairs and plate pairs as magnetic atoms for optical metamaterials

Abstract: We study the optical properties of metamaterials made from cut-wire pairs or plate pairs. We obtain a more pronounced optical response for arrays of plate pairs, a geometry that also eliminates the undesirable polarization anisotropy of the cut-wire pairs. The measured optical spectra agree with simulations, revealing negative magnetic permeability in the range of telecommunications wavelengths. Thus nanoscopic plate pairs might serve as an alternative to the established split-ring resonator design.

Coherent photon transport from spontaneous emission in one-dimensional waveguides

Abstract: A two-level system coupled to a one-dimensional continuum is investigated By using a real-space model Hamiltonian, we show that spontaneous emission can coherently interfere with the continuum modes and gives interesting transport properties The technique is applied to various related problems with different configurations, and analytical solutions are given

In vivo dark-field reflection-mode photoacoustic microscopy.

Abstract: Reflection-mode photoacoustic microscopy with dark-field laser pulse illumination and high-numerical-aperture ultrasonic detection is designed and implemented in noninvasively imaged blood vessels in the skin in vivo. Dark-field optical illumination minimizes the interference caused by strong photoacoustic signals from superficial structures. A high-numerical-aperture acoustic lens provides high lateral resolution, 45–120μm in this system. A broadband ultrasonic detection system provides high axial resolution, estimated to be ∼15μm. The optical illumination and ultrasonic detection are in a coaxial confocal configuration for optimal image quality. The system is capable of imaging optical-absorption contrast as deep as 3mm in biological tissue.

Modulated imaging: quantitative analysis and tomography of turbid media in the spatial-frequency domain.

Abstract: Experiments performed on turbid phantoms demonstrate that spatially modulated illumination facilitates quantitative wide-field optical property mapping and tomographic imaging in turbid media.

Generation of single-cycle THz transients with high electric-field amplitudes.

Abstract: Single-cycle terahertz (THz) transients in the frequency range 0.3–7?THz with electric-field amplitudes of more than 400?kV?cm are generated by four-wave mixing of the fundamental and the second harmonic of 25?fs pulses from a Ti:sapphire amplifier in ionized air. These transients are fully characterized by electro-optic sampling with ZnTe and GaP crystals. One can tune the center frequency of the THz transients by varying the length of the incident pulse. The electric-field amplitude increases linearly with the incident pulse energy.

Evanescent-wave bonding between optical waveguides

Abstract: Forces arising from overlap between the guided waves of parallel, microphotonic waveguides are calculated. Both attractive and repulsive forces, determined by the choice of relative input phase, are found. Using realistic parameters for a silicon-on-insulator material system, we estimate that the forces are large enough to cause observable displacements. Our results illustrate the potential for a broader class of optically tunable microphotonic devices and microstructured artificial materials.

10-10 temporal contrast for femtosecond ultraintense lasers by cross-polarized wave generation

Abstract: We take advantage of nonlinear properties associated with ?(3) tensor elements in BaF2 cubic crystal to improve the temporal contrast of femtosecond laser pulses. The technique presented is based on cross-polarized wave (XPW) generation. We have obtained a transmission efficiency of 10% and 10?10 contrast with an input pulse in the millijoule range. This filter does not affect the spectral shape or the phase of the cleaned pulse. It also acts as an efficient spatial filter. In this method the contrast enhancement is limited only by the extinction ratio of the polarization discrimination device.

Multiple-image encryption by wavelength multiplexing.

Abstract: We introduce the technique of wavelength multiplexing into a double random-phase encoding system to achieve multiple-image encryption. Each primary image is first encrypted by the double phase encoding method and then superposed to yield the final enciphered image. We analyze the minimum separation between two adjacent multiplexing wavelengths through cross talk and the multiplexing capacity through the correlation coefficient. Computer simulations are performed to demonstrate the concept. This technique can be used for hiding multiple images as well.

Highly efficient single-photon detection at communication wavelengths by use of upconversion in reverse-proton-exchanged periodically poled LiNbO3 waveguides.

Abstract: Conventional single-photon detectors at communication wavelengths suffer from low quantum efficiencies and large dark counts. We present a single-photon detection system, operating at communication wavelengths, based on guided-wave frequency upconversion in a nonlinear crystal with an overall system detection efficiency (upconversion + detection) exceeding 46% at 1.56 microm. This system consists of a fiber-pigtailed reverse-proton-exchanged periodically poled LiNbO3 waveguide device in conjunction with a silicon-based single-photon counting module.

Dynamic range in terahertz time-domain transmission and reflection spectroscopy

Abstract: We present a quantitative method for identification of the dynamic range of the detectable absorption coefficient in the analysis of transmission terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy data. In transmission measurements the largest detectable absorption coefficient is determined by the dynamic range of the THz signals, whereas in reflection measurements the largest detectable absorption coefficient is determined by the scan-to-scan reproducibility of the signal.

Spectral-domain optical coherence phase microscopy for quantitative phase-contrast imaging.

Abstract: We describe a novel microscopy technique for quantitative phase-contrast imaging of a transparent specimen. The technique is based on depth-resolved phase information provided by common path spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and can measure minute phase variations caused by changes in refractive index and thickness inside the specimen. We demonstrate subnanometer level path-length sensitivity and present images obtained on reflection from a known phase object and human epithelial cheek cells.

Generation of a radially polarized laser beam by use of a conical Brewster prism

Abstract: To generate a radially polarized laser beam we designed and fabricated a new Brewster optical element that consists of convex and concave conical prisms The lateral surface of the convex conical prism was coated with a dielectric multilayer (SiO2 and Ta2O5) to enhance polarization selectivity By combining two prisms we obtained a conical Brewster prism without beam divergence owing to refraction A radially polarized TEM01*(R−TEM01*) mode laser beam was demonstrated when this prism was used inside a Nd:YAG laser cavity

Deeply penetrating photoacoustic tomography in biological tissues enhanced with an optical contrast agent

Abstract: Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) in a circular scanning configuration was developed to image deeply embedded optical heterogeneity in biological tissues. While the optical penetration was maximized with near-infrared laser pulses of 800-nm wavelength, the optical contrast was enhanced by Indocyanine Green (ICG) dye whose absorption peak matched the laser wavelength. This optimized PAT was able to image objects embedded at depths of as much as 5.2 cm, 6.2 times the 1/e optical penetration depth, in chicken breast muscle at a resolution of <780 µm and a sensitivity of <7 pmol of ICG in blood. The resolution was found to deteriorate slowly with increasing imaging depth. The effects of detection bandwidth on the quality of images acquired simultaneously by four different ultrasonic transducers are described.

Fast bistable all-optical switch and memory on a silicon photonic crystal on-chip.

Abstract: We demonstrate extremely low-power all-optical bistability by utilizing silicon photonic crystal nanocavities, based on the plasma effect of carriers generated by two-photon absorption. Owing to the high quality factor and the small volume of the nanocavities, the photon density inside the cavity becomes extremely high, which leads to a large reduction in operation power. Optical bistable operation in a single nanocavity permits optical read–write memory operation, which opens the possibility of an integrated optical logic circuit on a single chip, based on photonic crystals. The demonstrated bistable threshold power is 0.4 mW with a set pulse energy of 74 fJ, at a switching speed of <100?ps.

Local infrared microspectroscopy with subwavelength spatial resolution with an atomic force microscope tip used as a photothermal sensor.

Abstract: We describe a new method of infrared microspectroscopy. It is intended for performing chemical mapping of various objects with subwavelength lateral resolution by using the infrared vibrational signature characterizing different molecular species. We use the photothermal expansion effect, detected by an atomic force microscope tip, probing the local transient deformation induced by an infrared pulsed laser tuned at a sample absorbing wavelength. We show that this new tool opens the way for measuring and identifying spectroscopic contrasts not accessible by far-field or near-field optical methods and with a subwavelength lateral resolution.

Spectral Domain Phase Microscopy

Abstract: Broadband interferometry is an attractive technique for the detection of cellular motions because it provides depth-resolved phase information via coherence gating. We present a phase-sensitive technique called spectral-domain phase microscopy (SDPM). SDPM is a functional extension of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography that allows for the detection of nanometer-scale motions in living cells. The sensitivity of the technique is demonstrated, and its calibration is verified. A shot-noise limit to the displacement sensitivity of this technique is derived. Measurement of cellular dynamics was performed on spontaneously beating cardiomyocytes isolated from chick embryos.

Gold nanoshell bioconjugates for molecular imaging in living cells.

Abstract: Advances in scattering-based optical imaging technologies offer a new approach to noninvasive point-of-care detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of cancer. Emerging photonics technologies provide a cost-effective means to image tissue in vivo with high resolution in real time. Advancing the clinical potential of these imaging strategies requires the development of optical contrast agents targeted to specific molecular signatures of disease. We describe the use of a novel class of contrast agents based on nanoshell bioconjugates for molecular imaging in living cells. Nanoshells offer significant advantages over conventional imaging probes including continuous and broad wavelength tunability, far greater scattering and absorption coefficients, increased chemical stability, and improved biocompatibility. We show that nanoshell bioconjugates can be used to effectively target and image human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a clinically relevant biomarker, in live human breast carcinoma cells.

Optical stimulation of neural tissue in vivo.

Abstract: For more than a century, the traditional method of stimulating neural activity has been based on electrical methods, and it remains the gold standard to date. We report a technological breakthrough in neural activation in which low-level, pulsed infrared laser light is used to elicit compound nerve and muscle potentials in mammalian peripheral nerve in vivo. Optically induced neural action potentials are spatially precise, artifact free, and damage free and are generated by use of energies well below tissue ablation threshold. Thus optical stimulation presents a simple yet novel approach to contact-free in vivo neural activation that has major implications for clinical neurosurgery, basic neurophysiology, and neuroscience.

Guided subwavelength plasmonic mode supported by a slot in a thin metal film

Abstract: We demonstrate the existence of a bound optical mode supported by a slot in a thin metallic film deposited on a substrate, with slot dimensions much smaller than the wavelength. The modal size is almost completely dominated by the near field of the slot. Consequently, the size is very small compared with the wavelength, even when the dispersion relation of the mode approaches the light line of the surrounding media. In addition, the group velocity of this mode is close to the speed of light in the substrate, and its propagation length is tens of micrometers at the optical communication wavelength.

Visible and near-infrared responsivity of femtosecond-laser microstructured silicon photodiodes.

Abstract: We investigated the current-voltage characteristics and responsivity of photodiodes fabricated with silicon that was microstructured by use of femtosecond-laser pulses in a sulfur-containing atmosphere. The photodiodes that we fabricated have a broad spectral response ranging from the visible to the near infrared (400-1600 nm). The responsivity depends on substrate doping, microstructuring fluence, and annealing temperature. We obtained room-temperature responsivities as high as 100 A/W at 1064 nm, 2 orders of magnitude higher than for standard silicon photodiodes. For wavelengths below the bandgap we obtained responsivities as high as 50 mA/W at 1330 nm and 35 mA/W at 1550 nm.

Correlated two-photon imaging with true thermal light

Abstract: We report what is believed to be the first experimental demonstration of two-photon correlated imaging with true thermal light from a hollow cathode lamp. The coherence time of the source is much shorter than that of previous experiments using random scattered light from a laser. A two-pinhole mask was used as object, and the corresponding thin lens equation was well satisfied. Since thermal light sources are easier to obtain and measure than entangled light, it is conceivable that they may be used in special imaging applications.

Evanescent field-based optical fiber sensing device for measuring the refractive index of liquids in microfluidic channels

Abstract: We report a simple optical sensing device capable of measuring the refractive index of liquids propagating in microfluidic channels. The sensor is based on a single-mode optical fiber that is tapered to submicrometer dimensions and immersed in a transparent curable soft polymer. A channel for liquid analyte is created in the immediate vicinity of the taper waist. Light propagating through the tapered section of the fiber extends into the channel, making the optical loss in the system sensitive to the refractive-index difference between the polymer and the liquid. The fabrication process and testing of the prototype sensing devices are described. The sensor can operate both as a highly responsive on–off device and in the continuous measurement mode, with an estimated accuracy of refractive-index measurement of ?5×10?4.

Optical circulators in two-dimensional magneto-optical photonic crystals.

Abstract: We propose an optical circulator formed of a magneto-optical cavity in a 2D photonic crystal. With spatially engineered magnetic domain structures, the cavity can be designed to support a pair of counterrotating states at different frequencies. By coupling the cavity to three waveguides, and by proper matching of the frequency split of the cavity modes with the coupling strength between the cavity and the waveguide, ideal three-port circulators with complete isolation and transmission can be created. We present a guideline for domain design needed to maximize the modal coupling and the operational bandwidth for any given magneto-optical constant.

Removal of a mirror image and enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio in Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography using an electro-optic phase modulator

Abstract: A novel swept-laser-based Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography system using an electro-optic phase modulator was demonstrated. The imaging range was doubled by cancellation of the mirror image. The elimination of low-frequency noises resulting from dc and autocorrelation terms increased the sensitivity by 20 dB.

In vivo brain imaging using a portable 3.9 gram two-photon fluorescence microendoscope.

Abstract: We introduce a compact two-photon fluorescence microendoscope based on a compound gradient refractive index endoscope probe, a DC micromotor for remote adjustment of the image plane, and a flexible photonic bandgap fiber for near distortion-free delivery of ultrashort excitation pulses. The imaging head has a mass of only 3.9?g and provides micrometer-scale resolution. We used portable two-photon microendoscopy to visualize hippocampal blood vessels in the brains of live mice.