Showing papers on "Light scattering published in 2017"

Evidence for light-by-light scattering in heavy-ion collisions with the ATLAS detector at the LHC

Abstract: Light-by-light scattering (gamma gamma -> gamma gamma) is a quantum-mechanical process that is forbidden in the classical theory of electrodynamics. This reaction is accessible at the Large Hadr ...

Cooperative Resonances in Light Scattering from Two-Dimensional Atomic Arrays

Abstract: We consider light scattering off a two-dimensional (2D) dipolar array and show how it can be tailored by properly choosing the lattice constant of the order of the incident wavelength. In particular, we demonstrate that such arrays can operate as a nearly perfect mirror for a wide range of incident angles and frequencies, and shape the emission pattern from an individual quantum emitter into a well-defined, collimated beam. These results can be understood in terms of the cooperative resonances of the surface modes supported by the 2D array. Experimental realizations are discussed, using ultracold arrays of trapped atoms and excitons in 2D semiconductor materials, as well as potential applications ranging from atomically thin metasurfaces to single photon nonlinear optics and nanomechanics.

Size, Stability, and Porosity of Mesoporous Nanoparticles Characterized with Light Scattering

Abstract: Silicon-based mesoporous nanoparticles have been extensively studied to meet the challenges in the drug delivery. Functionality of these nanoparticles depends on their properties which are often changing as a function of particle size and surrounding medium. Widely used characterization methods, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) have both their weaknesses. We hypothesize that conventional light scattering (LS) methods can be used for a rigorous characterization of medium sensitive nanoparticles’ properties, like size, stability, and porosity. Two fundamentally different silicon-based nanoparticles were made: porous silicon (PSi) from crystalline silicon and silica nanoparticles (SN) through sol-gel process. We studied the properties of these mesoporous nanoparticles with two different multiangle LS techniques, DLS and static light scattering (SLS), and compared the results to dry-state techniques, TEM, and nitrogen sorption. Comparison of particle radius from TEM and DLS revealed significant overestimation of the DLS result. Regarding to silica nanoparticles, the overestimation was attributed to agglomeration by analyzing radius of gyration and hydrodynamic radius. In case of PSi nanoparticles, strong correlation between LS result and specific surface area was found. Our results suggest that the multiangle LS methods could be used for the size, stability, and structure characterization of mesoporous nanoparticles.

Heterogeneously Nd3+ doped single nanoparticles for NIR-induced heat conversion, luminescence, and thermometry.

Abstract: The current frontier in nanomaterials engineering is to intentionally design and fabricate heterogeneous nanoparticles with desirable morphology and composition, and to integrate multiple functionalities through highly controlled epitaxial growth Here we show that heterogeneous doping of Nd3+ ions following a core–shell design already allows three optical functions, namely efficient (η > 72%) light-to-heat conversion, bright NIR emission, and sensitive (SR > 01% K−1) localized temperature quantification, to be built within a single ca 25 nm nanoparticle Importantly, all these optical functions operate within the transparent biological window of the NIR spectral region (λexc ∼ 800 nm, λemi ∼ 860 nm), in which light scattering and absorption by tissues and water are minimal We find NaNdF4 as a core is efficient in absorbing and converting 808 nm light to heat, while NaYF4:1%Nd3+ as a shell is a temperature sensor based on the ratio-metric luminescence reading but an intermediate inert spacer shell, eg NaYF4, is necessary to insulate the heat convertor and thermometer by preventing the possible Nd–Nd energy relaxation Moreover, we notice that while temperature sensitivity and luminescence intensity are optically stable, increased excitation intensity to generate heat above room temperature may saturate the sensing capacity of temperature feedback We therefore propose a dual beam photoexcitation scheme as a solution for possible light-induced hyperthermia treatment

Hybrid anapole modes of high-index dielectric nanoparticles

Abstract: We investigate the peculiarities of light scattering from subwavelength particles made of high-refractive-index materials caused by the coexistence of particular anapole modes of both electric and magnetic character. The similarities and differences of such anapole modes are discussed in detail. We also show that these two types of anapole modes can be supported simultaneously by subwavelength high-index spherical dielectric particles.

Mathematical Analysis of Plasmonic Nanoparticles: The Scalar Case

Abstract: Localized surface plasmons are charge density oscillations confined to metallic nanoparticles. Excitation of localized surface plasmons by an electromagnetic field at an incident wavelength where resonance occurs results in a strong light scattering and an enhancement of the local electromagnetic fields. This paper is devoted to the mathematical modeling of plasmonic nanoparticles. Its aim is fourfold: (1) to mathematically define the notion of plasmonic resonance and to analyze the shift and broadening of the plasmon resonance with changes in size and shape of the nanoparticles; (2) to study the scattering and absorption enhancements by plasmon resonant nanoparticles and express them in terms of the polarization tensor of the nanoparticle; (3) to derive optimal bounds on the enhancement factors; (4) to show, by analyzing the imaginary part of the Green function, that one can achieve super-resolution and super-focusing using plasmonic nanoparticles. For simplicity, the Helmholtz equation is used to model electromagnetic wave propagation.

Spin-wave propagation in ultra-thin YIG based waveguides

Abstract: Spin-wave propagation in microfabricated 20 nm thick, 25 μm wide Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) waveguides is studied using propagating spin-wave spectroscopy (PSWS) and phase resolved micro-focused Brillouin Light Scattering (μ-BLS) spectroscopy We demonstrate that spin-wave propagation in 50 parallel waveguides is robust against microfabrication induced imperfections and extract spin-wave propagation parameters for the Damon-Eshbach configuration in a wide range of excitation frequencies As expected from its low damping, YIG allows for the propagation of spin waves over long distances; the attenuation lengths is 25 μm at μ 0 H = 45 mT Moreover, direct mapping of spin waves by μ-BLS allows us to reconstruct the spin-wave dispersion relation and to confirm the multi-mode propagation in the waveguides, glimpsed by propagating spin-wave spectroscopy

Purcell effect for active tuning of light scattering from semiconductor optical antennas

Abstract: Subwavelength, high–refractive index semiconductor nanostructures support optical resonances that endow them with valuable antenna functions. Control over the intrinsic properties, including their complex refractive index, size, and geometry, has been used to manipulate fundamental light absorption, scattering, and emission processes in nanostructured optoelectronic devices. In this study, we harness the electric and magnetic resonances of such antennas to achieve a very strong dependence of the optical properties on the external environment. Specifically, we illustrate how the resonant scattering wavelength of single silicon nanowires is tunable across the entire visible spectrum by simply moving the height of the nanowires above a metallic mirror. We apply this concept by using a nanoelectromechanical platform to demonstrate active tuning.

Light scattering by magnons in whispering gallery mode cavities

Abstract: Brillouin light scattering is an established technique to study magnons, the elementary excitations of a magnet. Its efficiency can be enhanced by cavities that concentrate the light intensity. Here, we theoretically study inelastic scattering of photons by a magnetic sphere that supports optical whispering gallery modes in a plane normal to the magnetization. Magnons with low angular momenta scatter the light in the forward direction with a pronounced asymmetry in the Stokes and the anti-Stokes scattering strength, consistent with earlier studies. Magnons with large angular momenta constitute Damon-Eschbach modes which are shown to inelastically reflect light. The reflection spectrum contains either a Stokes or anti-Stokes peak, depending on the direction of the magnetization, a selection rule that can be explained by the chirality of the Damon-Eshbach magnons. The controllable energy transfer can be used to manage the thermodynamics of the magnet by light.

Cooperative resonances in light scattering from two-dimensional atomic arrays

Abstract: We consider light scattering off a two-dimensional (2D) dipolar array and show how it can be tailored by properly choosing the lattice constant of the order of the incident wavelength. In particular, we demonstrate that such arrays can operate as a nearly perfect mirror for a wide range of incident angles and frequencies, and shape the emission pattern from an individual quantum emitter into a well-defined, collimated beam. These results can be understood in terms of the cooperative resonances of the surface modes supported by the 2D array. Experimental realizations are discussed, using ultracold arrays of trapped atoms and excitons in 2D semiconductor materials, as well as potential applications ranging from atomically thin metasurfaces to single photon nonlinear optics and nanomechanics.

Optical properties of various nanofluids used in solar collector: A review

Abstract: Different properties of nanofluids have been studied by the researchers since the last two decades. Most of the studies have focused on the thermal properties of the nanofluids. However, optical properties have considerable contribution to heat absorbance in nanofluids. Therefore, it is necessary to study the different parts of solar spectrum (optical properties) to utilize nanofluids in solar thermal applications. The optical properties (absorption, transmittance, scattering, and extinction coefficient) based on metal, metal oxide, carbon nanotubes, graphite, and graphene have been reviewed thoroughly in variation with particle size and shape, path length, and volume fraction. The present investigational outcomes about the nanofluids showed that optical solar absorption increased accordingly with increasing nanoparticle size and volume concentration. However, there were some conflicting results on the effects of nanoparticle size on absorption, in which the particle size has an insignificant effect on overall optical properties. Moreover, it was observed that path length has some remarkable effects over optical absorption of nanofluids. The experimental results revealed that the transmittance of nanofluids has indirect relation with nanoparticle size, volume fraction, and path length. The scattering of light is directly proportional to the volume concentration and particle size of metallic particles. Overall, results of various elements showed that the presence of large particles and particle agglomerates leads to significant amount of light scattering. As a result, overall extinction coefficient will be increased. Therefore, an optimization of these properties need to be maintained for stable and cost-effective nanofluid.

High-resolution adaptive optical imaging within thick scattering media using closed-loop accumulation of single scattering.

Abstract: Thick biological tissues give rise to not only the multiple scattering of incoming light waves, but also the aberrations of remaining signal waves. The challenge for existing optical microscopy methods to overcome both problems simultaneously has limited sub-micron spatial resolution imaging to shallow depths. Here we present an optical coherence imaging method that can identify aberrations of waves incident to and reflected from the samples separately, and eliminate such aberrations even in the presence of multiple light scattering. The proposed method records the time-gated complex-field maps of backscattered waves over various illumination channels, and performs a closed-loop optimization of signal waves for both forward and phase-conjugation processes. We demonstrated the enhancement of the Strehl ratio by more than 500 times, an order of magnitude or more improvement over conventional adaptive optics, and achieved a spatial resolution of 600 nm up to an imaging depth of seven scattering mean free paths.

Resonant forward scattering of light by high-refractive-index dielectric nanoparticles with toroidal dipole contribution.

Abstract: In this Letter, we demonstrate and investigate the Kerker-type effect in high-index dielectric nanoparticles for which the third-order multipoles give a considerable contribution to the light scattering process. It is shown that the Kerker-type effect (strong suppression of the backward light scattering and, simultaneously, resonant forward light scattering) can be associated with the resonant excitation of a toroidal dipole moment in the system. This effect is realized due to the interference of the scattered waves generated by electric, magnetic, and toroidal dipole moments of high-index nanoparticles.

Experimental Demonstration of Tunable Directional Scattering of Visible Light from All-Dielectric Asymmetric Dimers

Abstract: Due to the presence of strong magnetic resonances, high refractive index dielectric nanoantennnas have shown the ability to expand the methods available for controlling electromagnetic waves in the subwavelength region. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate that an asymmetric dielectric dimer made of silicon can lead to highly directional scattering depending on the excitation wavelength, due to the interference of the excited magnetic resonances. A back focal plane imaging system combined with a prism coupling technique enables us to explore the scattering profile parallel to the substrate. The directivity of scattering along the substrate is high enough to produce selective guiding of light along the substrate. These results showing tunable control of directional scattering will encourage the realization of novel optical applications, such as optical nanocircuitry.

Electrically Controllable Light Trapping for Self-Powered Switchable Solar Windows

Abstract: The ability to electrically control transparency and scattering of light is important for many optoelectronic devices; however, such versatility usually comes with additional unwanted optical absorption and power loss Here we present a hybrid switchable solar window device based on polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) coupled to a semiconducting absorber, which can switch between highly transmissive and highly scattering states while simultaneously generating power By applying a voltage across the PDLC layer, the device switches from an opaque, light-scattering structure (useful for room light dimming, privacy, and temperature control) to a clear, transparent window Further, enabled by the very low operating power requirements of the PDLC (<08 mW/cm2), we demonstrate that these switchable solar windows have the potential for self-powering with as little as 13 nm of a-Si

Observation of mean path length invariance in light-scattering media

Abstract: The microstructure of a medium strongly influences how light propagates through it. The amount of disorder it contains determines whether the medium is transparent or opaque. Theory predicts that exciting such a medium homogeneously and isotropically makes some of its optical properties depend only on the medium’s outer geometry. Here, we report an optical experiment demonstrating that the mean path length of light is invariant with respect to the microstructure of the medium it scatters through. Using colloidal solutions with varying concentration and particle size, the invariance of the mean path length is observed over nearly two orders of magnitude in scattering strength. Our results can be extended to a wide range of systems—however ordered, correlated, or disordered—and apply to all wave-scattering problems.

Dually Ordered Porous TiO2-rGO Composites with Controllable Light Absorption Properties for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion

Abstract: Quadruple-layered TiO2 films with controllable macropore size are prepared via a confinement self-assembly method. The inverse opal structure with ordered mesoporous (IOM) presents unique light reflection and scattering ability with different wavelengths. Cyan light (400-600 nm) is reflected and scattered by IOM-195, which is in accord with N719 absorption spectra. By manipulating the macropore size, different light responses are obtained.

Enhancing Photon Correlations through Plasmonic Strong Coupling

Abstract: There is an increasing scientific and technological interest in the design and implementation of nanoscale sources of quantum light. Here, we investigate the quantum statistics of the light scattered from a plasmonic nanocavity coupled to a mesoscopic ensemble of emitters under low coherent pumping. We present an analytical description of the intensity correlations taking place in these systems and unveil the fingerprint of plasmon-exciton-polaritons in them. Our findings reveal that plasmonic cavities are able to retain and enhance excitonic nonlinearities, even when the number of emitters is large. This makes plasmonic strong coupling a promising route for generating nonclassical light beyond the single-emitter level.

Liquid Viscosity and Surface Tension of n-Dodecane, n-Octacosane, Their Mixtures, and a Wax between 323 and 573 K by Surface Light Scattering

Abstract: The present contribution provides experimental data for the liquid viscosity and surface tension of n-alkane based model systems at temperatures up to 573 K. The fundamental advantage of the used surface light scattering (SLS) method lies in its application in thermodynamic equilibrium without calibration in a contactless way. The investigated systems comprise the pure fluids n-dodecane (n-C12H26) and n-octacosane (n-C28H58), their binary mixture at a n-C12H26 mole fraction of about 0.3, and the commercially available hydrocarbon wax SX-70 representing a multicomponent mixture of n-alkanes with a broad chain length distribution. For the first time, it could be demonstrated that the SLS method can simultaneously access the liquid viscosity and surface tension of such medium- to long-chained n-alkane systems close to saturation conditions over a broad temperature range from 323 to 573 K. Typical measurement uncertainties of 2% based on a coverage factor k = 2, i.e., a level of confidence of more than 95%, w...

Brillouin flow cytometry for label-free mechanical phenotyping of the nucleus

Abstract: The mechanical properties of the nucleus are closely related to many cellular functions; thus, measuring nuclear mechanical properties is crucial to our understanding of cell biomechanics and could lead to intrinsic biophysical contrast mechanisms to classify cells. Although many technologies have been developed to characterize cell stiffness, they generally require contact with the cell and thus cannot provide direct information on nuclear mechanical properties. In this work, we developed a flow cytometry technique based on an all-optical measurement to measure nuclear mechanical properties by integrating Brillouin spectroscopy with microfluidics. Brillouin spectroscopy probes the mechanical properties of material via light scattering, so it is inherently label-free, non-contact, and non-invasive. Using a measuring beam spot of submicron size, we can measure several regions within each cell as they flow, which enables us to classify cell populations based on their nuclear mechanical signatures at a throughput of ∼200 cells per hour. We show that Brillouin cytometry has sufficient sensitivity to detect physiologically-relevant changes in nuclear stiffness by probing the effect of drug-induced chromatin decondensation.

Is the nuclear refractive index lower than cytoplasm? Validation of phase measurements and implications for light scattering technologies.

Abstract: The refractive index (RI) of biological materials is a fundamental parameter for the optical characterization of living systems. Numerous light scattering technologies are grounded in a quantitative knowledge of the refractive index at cellular and subcellular scales. Recent work in quantitative phase microscopy (QPM) has called into question the widely held assumption that the index of the cell nucleus is greater than that of the cytoplasm, a result which disagrees with much of the current literature. In this work, we critically examine the measurement of the nuclear and whole-cell refractive index using QPM, validating that nuclear refractive index is lower than that of cytoplasm in four diverse cell lines and their corresponding isolated nuclei. We further examine Mie scattering and phase-wrapping as potential sources of error in these measurements, finding they have minimal impact. Finally, we use simulation to examine the effects of incorrect RI assumptions on nuclear morphology measurements using angle-resolved scattering information. Despite an erroneous assumption of the nuclear refractive index, accurate measurement of nuclear morphology was maintained, suggesting that light scattering modalities remain effective.

High-performance versatile setup for simultaneous Brillouin-Raman micro-spectroscopy

Abstract: Brillouin and Raman scattering spectroscopy are established techniques for the nondestructive contactless and label-free readout of mechanical, chemical and structural properties of condensed matter. Brillouin-Raman investigations currently require separate measurements and a site-matching approach to obtain complementary information from a sample. Here we demonstrate a new concept of fully scanning multimodal micro-spectroscopy for simultaneous detection of Brillouin and Raman light scattering in an exceptionally wide spectral range, from fractions of GHz to hundreds of THz. It yields an unprecedented 150 dB contrast, which is especially important for the analysis of opaque or turbid media such as biomedical samples, and a spatial resolution on sub-cellular scale. We report the first applications of this new multimodal method to a range of systems, from a single cell to the fast reaction kinetics of a curing process, and the mechano-chemical mapping of highly scattering biological samples.

Crystalline Hollow Microrods for Site-Selective Enhancement of Nonlinear Photoluminescence.

Abstract: A class of one-dimensional hollow microstructure is described, which was formed by a kinetically controlled crystal growth process. A hexagonal-phase NaYbF4 microrod comprising isolated holes along the longitudinal axis was synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method with the assistance of citrate ligands. The structural void feature modulates light intensity across the microrods as a result of interference arising from light scattering and reflection by the inner walls. A single crystal comprising a structural void was doped with upconverting lanthanide ions. Upon near-infrared excitation of the doped crystal spatially resolvable optical codes were produced.

Impulsive Brillouin microscopy

Abstract: Brillouin scattering has been emerging as a viable tool for microscopy. However, most of the work done has been with the use of spontaneous Brillouin scattering, which has several hindrances to its use. In this work, we propose and demonstrate nonlinear Brillouin scattering as a solution to many of these hindrances. Here we demonstrate fast two-dimensional microscopic optical imaging of materials’ mechanical properties for the very first time (to our knowledge) using nonlinear Brillouin scattering. Impulsive stimulated Brillouin scattering (ISBS) was used in an optical configuration that is capable of providing accurate local assessment of viscoelastic properties faster than conventional Brillouin spectroscopy. This proof-of-principle imaging experiment has been demonstrated for materials of known properties and microfluidic devices. Applications to noninvasive biomedical imaging are discussed. The fast acquisition times and strong signal of ISBS coupled with the ability of Brillouin scattering to easily measure materials’ viscoelastic properties make this an attractive technique for biological use.

In vivo study of optical speckle decorrelation time across depths in the mouse brain.

Abstract: The strong optical scattering of biological tissue confounds our ability to focus light deeply into the brain beyond depths of a few hundred microns. This challenge can be potentially overcome by exploiting wavefront shaping techniques which allow light to be focused through or inside scattering media. However, these techniques require the scattering medium to be static, as changes in the arrangement of the scatterers between the wavefront recording and playback steps reduce the fidelity of the focus that is formed. Furthermore, as the thickness of the scattering medium increases, the influence of the dynamic nature becomes more severe due to the growing number of scattering events experienced by each photon. In this paper, by examining the scattering dynamics in the mouse brain in vivo via multispeckle diffusing wave spectroscopy (MSDWS) using a custom fiber probe that simulates a point-like source within the brain, we investigate the relationship between this decorrelation time and the depth of the point-like light source inside the living mouse brain at depths up to 3.2 mm.

Two-Photon In Vivo Imaging with Porous Silicon Nanoparticles

Abstract: A major obstacle in luminescence imaging is the limited penetration of visible light into tissues and interference associated with light scattering and autofluorescence. Near-infrared (NIR) emitters that can also be excited with NIR radiation via two-photon processes can mitigate these factors somewhat because they operate at wavelengths of 650-1000 nm where tissues are more transparent, light scattering is less efficient, and endogenous fluorophores are less likely to absorb. This study presents photolytically stable, NIR photoluminescent, porous silicon nanoparticles with a relatively high two-photon-absorption cross-section and a large emission quantum yield. Their ability to be targeted to tumor tissues in vivo using the iRGD targeting peptide is demonstrated, and the distribution of the nanoparticles with high spatial resolution is visualized.

Nonlinear self-action of light through biological suspensions

Abstract: It is commonly thought that biological media cannot exhibit an appreciable nonlinear optical response. We demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, a tunable optical nonlinearity in suspensions of cyanobacteria that leads to robust propagation and strong self-action of a light beam. By deliberately altering the host environment of the marine bacteria, we show experimentally that nonlinear interaction can result in either deep penetration or enhanced scattering of light through the bacterial suspension, while the viability of the cells remains intact. A theoretical model is developed to show that a nonlocal nonlinearity mediated by optical forces (including both gradient and forward-scattering forces) acting on the bacteria explains our experimental observations.

A Theory of Exoplanet Transits with Light Scattering

Abstract: Exoplanet transit spectroscopy enables the characterization of distant worlds, and will yield key results for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. However, transit spectra models are often simplified, omitting potentially important processes like refraction and multiple scattering. While the former process has seen recent development, the effects of light multiple scattering on exoplanet transit spectra has received little attention. Here, we develop a detailed theory of exoplanet transit spectroscopy that extends to the full refracting and multiple scattering case. We explore the importance of scattering for planet-wide cloud layers, where the relevant parameters are the slant scattering optical depth, the scattering asymmetry parameter, and the angular size of the host star. The latter determines the size of the "target" for a photon that is back-mapped from an observer. We provide results that straightforwardly indicate the potential importance of multiple scattering for transit spectra. When the orbital distance is smaller than 10-20 times the stellar radius, multiple scattering effects for aerosols with asymmetry parameters larger than 0.8-0.9 can become significant. We provide examples of the impacts of cloud/haze multiple scattering on transit spectra of a hot Jupiter-like exoplanet. For cases with a forward and conservatively scattering cloud/haze, differences due to multiple scattering effects can exceed 200 ppm, but shrink to zero at wavelength ranges corresponding to strong gas absorption or when the slant optical depth of the cloud exceeds several tens. We conclude with a discussion of types of aerosols for which multiple scattering in transit spectra may be important.

Magnonic band structure in a Co/Pd stripe domain system investigated by Brillouin light scattering and micromagnetic simulations

Abstract: By combining Brillouin light scattering and micromagnetic simulations, we studied the spin-wave (SW) dynamics of a Co/Pd thin film multilayer, which features a stripe domain structure at remanence. The periodic up and down domains are separated by corkscrew type domain walls. The existence of these domains causes a scattering of the otherwise bulk and surface SW modes, which form mode families, similar to a one-dimensional magnonic crystal. The dispersion relation and mode profiles of SWs are measured for the transferred wave vector parallel and perpendicular to the domain axis.