Optoelectronics, Instrumentation and Data Processing 

About: Optoelectronics, Instrumentation and Data Processing is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Laser & Photonics. It has an ISSN identifier of 1934-7944. Over the lifetime, 1275 publications have been published receiving 4059 citations.

Silicon diffractive optical elements for high-power monochromatic terahertz radiation

Abstract: This paper presents a fabrication technique and results of studies of silicon binary diffractive optical elements (DOEs): a diffractive lens and a 1 : 2 diffractive beam splitter with an aperture diameter of 30 mm for the terahertz spectral range. The elements were fabricated in two versions: with and without an antireflection coating of parylene C. The DOE characteristics were investigated in the beam of the Novosibirsk free electron laser at a wavelength of 141 μm. The results are given of a study of the radiation resistance of the coating, which remained intact upon exposure to an average radiation power density of 4 kW/cm2; the peak power in a 100 ps pulse was almost 8 MW/cm2. Experimental estimates of the diffraction efficiency of the elements coated with the antireflection coating are in good agreement with theoretical estimates.

Complex surface modeling using perturbation functions

Abstract: Freeforms synthesized by means of perturbation functions are considered. A special feature of the freeforms based on the scalar perturbation functions and the method of their visualization is that the time of geometrical processing and the amount of data required for modeling the surface do not depend on its geometry. The freeforms based on the analytical perturbation functions have an advantage of spline representation of surfaces, that is, a high degree of smoothness, and an advantage of arbitrary form for a small number of perturbation functions.

Optoelectronic System for Mobile Robot Navigation

Abstract: In densely populated cities or indoor environments, limited accessibility to satellites and severe multipath effects significantly decrease the accuracy and reliability of satellite-based positioning systems. To meet the needs of “seamless navigation” in these challenging environments, an advanced terrestrial positioning system is under development. A new principle of mobile robot navigation capable of working in a complex unknown landscape (another planet or just on a cross-country terrain) is proposed. The optoelectrical method proposed has a good spatial domain resolution and immunity to multipath, as well as new optical means for “technical vision” realization. Two related problems are solved: creation of a technical vision system for recognition of images of an unfamiliar landscape and determination of the direction to the initial point of the movement trajectory of the mobile transport robot. Issues of principle design and also of functioning and interaction of system units and elements are described. A mathematical apparatus for processing digital information inside the system and for determining the distances and angle measurements in the system proposed is developed. Some important parameters are analytically determined: expected accuracy, functioning speed, range of action, power issues, etc.

Development of methods and instruments for optical ellipsometry at the Institute of Semiconductor Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Abstract: The current status of ellipsometric methods and hardware tools developed at the Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences is considered. A unique static scheme for ellipsometric measurements is presented, which is used as a basis for instruments designed for various purposes: spectral and laser ellipsometers and also ellipsometers for local measurements. The capabilities of ellipsometric instruments are illustrated by results of studying various objects and fast processes. It is demonstrated that complete experiments can be performed with the use of static-type ellipsometers with determination of all parameters of partly depolarized light.

State-of-the-art Architectures and Technologies of High-Efficiency Solar Cells Based on III–V Heterostructures for Space and Terrestrial Applications

Abstract: Multi-junction solar cells based on III–V compounds are the most efficient converters of solar energy to electricity and are widely used in space solar arrays and terrestrial photovoltaic modules with sunlight concentrators. All modern high-efficiency III–V solar cells are based on the long-developed triple-junction III–V GaInP/GaInAs/Ge heterostructure and have an almost limiting efficiency for a given architecture — 30 and 41.6% for space and terrestrial concentrated radiations, respectively. Currently, an increase in efficiency is achieved by converting from the 3-junction to the more efficient 4-, 5-, and even 6-junction III–V architectures: growth technologies and methods of post-growth treatment of structures have been developed, new materials with optimal bandgaps have been designed, and crystallographic parameters have been improved. In this review, we consider recent achievements and prospects for the main directions of research and improvement of architectures, technologies, and materials used in laboratories to develop solar cells with the best conversion efficiency: 35.8% for space, 38.8% for terrestrial, and 46.1% for concentrated sunlight. It is supposed that by 2020, the efficiency will approach 40% for direct space radiation and 50% for concentrated terrestrial solar radiation. This review considers the architecture and technologies of solar cells with record-breaking efficiency for terrestrial and space applications. It should be noted that in terrestrial power plants, the use of III–V SCs is economically advantageous in systems with sunlight concentrators.