Showing papers on "Phase (waves) published in 2008"

Dissipative solitons in normal-dispersion fiber lasers

Abstract: Mode-locked fiber lasers in which pulse shaping is based on filtering of a frequency-chirped pulse are analyzed with the cubic-quintic Ginzburg-Landau equation. An exact analytical solution produces a variety of temporal and spectral shapes, which have not been observed in any experimental setting to our knowledge. Experiments agree with the theory over a wide range of parameters. The observed pulses balance gain and loss as well as phase modulations, and thus constitute dissipative temporal solitons. The normal-dispersion fiber laser allows systematic exploration of this class of solitons.

Coriolis effect in optics: unified geometric phase and spin-Hall effect.

Abstract: We examine the spin-orbit coupling effects that appear when a wave carrying intrinsic angular momentum interacts with a medium. The Berry phase is shown to be a manifestation of the Coriolis effect in a noninertial reference frame attached to the wave. In the most general case, when both the direction of propagation and the state of the wave are varied, the phase is given by a simple expression that unifies the spin redirection Berry phase and the Pancharatnam-Berry phase. The theory is supported by the experiment demonstrating the spin-orbit coupling of electromagnetic waves via a surface plasmon nanostructure. The measurements verify the unified geometric phase, demonstrated by the observed polarization-dependent shift (spin-Hall effect) of the waves.

On the possibility of making a geometrically symmetric RF-CCP discharge electrically asymmetric

Abstract: A fundamental problem in technological plasmas has been how to control the ion energy and the ion flux (plasma density) independently of one another. A simple, but previously overlooked asymmetry effect is reported that should allow a high degree of control of the ion energy. The idea is that when a temporally symmetric, multi-frequency voltage waveform containing one or more even harmonics is applied to a discharge, even a geometrically symmetric one, the two sheaths are necessarily asymmetric. To balance the charged particle fluxes, a dc self-bias develops. Optimally, this is achieved with a dual frequency discharge that uses the phase locked fundamental and its second harmonic. The resulting dc self-bias and hence the ion energy are a nearly linear function of the phase angle between the two applied RF voltages. This works even for geometrically symmetric discharges, and the roles of the two electrodes can be reversed using the phase. This means that the technique can be used to increase or decrease the ion energy striking a substrate while leaving the applied RF voltage and frequency and thereby the discharge parameters effectively unchanged.

Klein backscattering and Fabry-Pérot interference in graphene heterojunctions.

Abstract: We present a theory of quantum-coherent transport through a lateral $p\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}n\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}p$ structure in graphene, which fully accounts for the interference of forward and backward scattering on the $p\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}n$ interfaces. The backreflection amplitude changes sign at zero incidence angle because of the Klein phenomenon, adding a phase $\ensuremath{\pi}$ to the interference fringes. The contributions of the two $p\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}n$ interfaces to the phase of the interference cancel with each other at zero magnetic field, but become imbalanced at a finite field. The resulting half-period shift in the Fabry-P\'erot fringe pattern, induced by a relatively weak magnetic field, can provide a clear signature of Klein scattering in graphene. This effect is shown to be robust in the presence of spatially inhomogeneous potential of moderate strength.

Optical forces arising from phase gradients.

Abstract: We demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally that phase gradients in a light field can be used to create a new category of optical traps complementary to the more familiar intensity-gradient traps known as optical tweezers. We further show that the work done by phase-gradient forces is path dependent and briefly discuss some ramifications of this nonconservativity.

The Coherent Pixels Technique (CPT): An Advanced DInSAR Technique for Nonlinear Deformation Monitoring

Abstract: This paper shows the potential applicability of orbital Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Differential Interferometry (DInSAR) with multiple images for terrain deformation episodes monitoring. This paper is focused on the Coherent Pixels Technique (CPT) developed at the Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSLab) of the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC). CPT is able to extract from a stack of differential interferograms the deformation evolution over vast areas during wide spans of time. The former is achieved thanks to the coverage provided by current SAR satellites, like ESA’s ERS or ENVISAT, while the latter due to the large archive of images acquired since 1992. An interferogram is formed by the complex product of two SAR images (one complex conjugate) and its phase contains information relative to topography, terrain deformation and atmospheric conditions among others. The goal of differential interferometric processing is to retrieve and separate the different contributions. The processing scheme is composed of three main steps: firstly, the generation of the best interferogram set among all the available images of the zone under study; secondly, the selection of the pixels with reliable phase within the employed interferograms and, thirdly, their phase analysis to calculate, as the main result, their deformation time series within the observation period. In this paper, the Coherent Pixels Technique (CPT) is presented in detail as well as the result of its application in different scenarios. Results reveal its practical utility for detecting and reproducing deformation episodes, providing a valuable tool to the scientific community for the understanding of considerable geological process and to monitor the impact of underground human activity.

Electro-optic modulation of single photons.

Abstract: We use the Stokes photon of a biphoton pair to set the time origin for electro-optic modulation of the wave function of the anti-Stokes photon thereby allowing arbitrary phase and amplitude modulation. We demonstrate conditional single-photon wave functions composed of several pulses, or instead, having Gaussian or exponential shapes.

Optical time lens based on four-wave mixing on a silicon chip

Abstract: We propose a new technique to realize an optical time lens for ultrafast temporal processing that is based on four-wave mixing in a silicon nanowaveguide. The demonstrated time lens produces more than 100 pi of phase shift, which is not readily achievable using electro-optic phase modulators. Using this method we demonstrate 20x magnification of a signal consisting of two 3 ps pulses, which allows for temporal measurements using a detector with a 20 GHz bandwidth. Our technique offers the capability of ultrafast temporal characterization and processing in a chip-scale device.

Quantitative comparison of direct phase retrieval algorithms in in-line phase tomography

Abstract: A well-known problem in x-ray microcomputed tomography is low sensitivity. Phase contrast imaging offers an increase of sensitivity of up to a factor of 10(3) in the hard x-ray region, which makes it possible to image soft tissue and small density variations. If a sufficiently coherent x-ray beam, such as that obtained from a third generation synchrotron, is used, phase contrast can be obtained by simply moving the detector downstream of the imaged object. This setup is known as in-line or propagation based phase contrast imaging. A quantitative relationship exists between the phase shift induced by the object and the recorded intensity and inversion of this relationship is called phase retrieval. Since the phase shift is proportional to projections through the three-dimensional refractive index distribution in the object, once the phase is retrieved, the refractive index can be reconstructed by using the phase as input to a tomographic reconstruction algorithm. A comparison between four phase retrieval algorithms is presented. The algorithms are based on the transport of intensity equation (TIE), transport of intensity equation for weak absorption, the contrast transfer function (CTF), and a mixed approach between the CTF and TIE, respectively. The compared methods all rely on linearization of the relationship between phase shift and recorded intensity to yield fast phase retrieval algorithms. The phase retrieval algorithms are compared using both simulated and experimental data, acquired at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility third generation synchrotron light source. The algorithms are evaluated in terms of two different reconstruction error metrics. While being slightly less computationally effective, the mixed approach shows the best performance in terms of the chosen criteria.

Phase retrieval using multiple illumination wavelengths.

Abstract: An iterative phase retrieval method is proposed, which uses a sequence of diffraction intensity patterns recorded at different wavelengths. This method has a rapid convergence, and a high immunity to noise and environmental disturbance. The wrap-free phase measurement range is also extended based on the principle of two-wavelength interferometry. Simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the approach.

Lighting system with power factor correction control data determined from a phase modulated signal

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lighting system includes a power factor correction (PFC) controller that determines at least one power factor correction control parameter from phase delays of a phase modulated signal. In at least one embodiment, a peak voltage of the phase modulated signal is a PFC control parameter used by the PFC controller to control power factor correction and generation of a link voltage by a PFC LED driver circuit. The phase delays are related to a peak voltage of the phase modulated signal. Thus, in at least one embodiment, detecting the phase delay in one or more cycles of the phase modulated signal allows the PFC controller to determine the peak voltage of the phase modulated signal.

Quantitative phase imaging by three-wavelength digital holography.

Abstract: Three-wavelength digital holography is applied to obtain surface height measurements over several microns of range, while simultaneously maintaining the low noise precision of the single wavelength phase measurement The precision is preserved by the use of intermediate synthetic wavelength steps generated from the three wavelengths and the use of hierarchical optical phase unwrapping As the complex wave-front of each wavelength can be captured simultaneously in one digital image, real-time performance is achievable

Design and Measurement of Reconfigurable Millimeter Wave Reflectarray Cells With Nematic Liquid Crystal

Abstract: Numerical simulations are used to study the electromagnetic scattering from phase agile microstrip reflectarray cells which exploit the voltage controlled dielectric anisotropy property of nematic state liquid crystals (LCs). In the computer model two arrays of equal size elements constructed on a 15 mum thick tuneable LC layer were designed to operate at center frequencies of 102 GHz and 130 GHz. Micromachining processes based on the metallization of quartz/silicon wafers and an industry compatible LCD packaging technique were employed to fabricate the grounded periodic structures. The loss and the phase of the reflected signals were measured using a quasi-optical test bench with the reflectarray inserted at the beam waist of the imaged Gaussian beam, thus eliminating some of the major problems associated with traditional free-space characterization at these frequencies. By applying a low frequency AC bias voltage of 10 V, a 165deg phase shift with a loss 4.5-6.4 dB at 102 GHz and 130deg phase shift with a loss variation between 4.3-7 dB at 130 GHz was obtained. The experimental results are shown to be in close agreement with the computer model.

Phase imaging of cells by simultaneous dual-wavelength reflection digital holography

Abstract: We present a phase-imaging technique to quantitatively study the three-dimensional structure of cells. The method, based on the simultaneous dual-wavelength digital holography, allows for higher axial range at which the unambiguous phase imaging can be performed. The technique is capable of nanometer axial resolution. The noise level, which increases as a result of using two wavelengths, is then reduced to the level of a single wavelength. The method compares favorably to software unwrapping, as the technique does not produce non-existent phase steps. Curvature mismatch between the reference and object beams is numerically compensated. The 3D images of SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells are presented.

Where post-Newtonian and numerical-relativity waveforms meet

Abstract: We analyze numerical-relativity (NR) waveforms that cover nine orbits (18 gravitational-wave cycles) before merger of an equal-mass system with low eccentricity, with numerical uncertainties of 0.25 radians in the phase and 2% in the amplitude; such accuracy allows a direct comparison with post-Newtonian (PN) waveforms. We focus on waveforms predicted by one of the PN approximants that has been proposed for use in gravitational-wave data analysis, restricted 3.5PN TaylorT1, and compare these with a section of the numerical waveform from the second to the eighth orbit, which is about one and a half orbits before merger. This corresponds to a gravitational-wave frequency range of $M\ensuremath{\omega}=0.0455$ to 0.1 Depending on the method of matching PN and NR waveforms, the accumulated phase disagreement over this frequency range can be within numerical uncertainty. Similar results are found in comparisons with an alternative PN approximant, 3PN TaylorT3. The amplitude disagreement, on the other hand, is around 6%, but roughly constant for all 13 cycles that are compared, suggesting that for the purpose of producing ``hybrid waveforms,'' only 4.5 orbits need be simulated to match PN and NR waves with the same accuracy as is possible with nine orbits. If, however, we model the amplitude up to 2.5PN order, numerical and post-Newtonian amplitude disagreement is close to the numerical error of 2%.

A heuristic derivation of the uncertainty of the frequency determination in time series data

Abstract: Context: Several approaches to estimate frequency, phase and amplitude errors in time series analyses were reported in the literature, but they are either time consuming to compute, grossly overestimating the error, or are based on empirically determined criteria. Aims: A simple, but realistic estimate of the frequency uncertainty in time series analyses. Methods: Synthetic data sets with mono- and multi-periodic harmonic signals and with randomly distributed amplitude, frequency and phase were generated and white noise added. We tried to recover the input parameters with classical Fourier techniques and investigated the error as a function of the relative level of noise, signal and frequency difference. Results: We present simple formulas for the upper limit of the amplitude, frequency and phase uncertainties in time-series analyses. We also demonstrate the possibility to detect frequencies which are separated by less than the classical frequency resolution and that the realistic frequency error is at least 4 times smaller than the classical frequency resolution.

Time-varying wavelet estimation and deconvolution by kurtosis maximization

Abstract: Phase mismatches sometimes occur between final processedsectionsandzero-phasesyntheticsbasedonwelllogs, despite best efforts for controlled-phase acquisition and processing. The latter are often based on deterministic corrections derived from field measurements and physical laws.A statisticalanalysisofthedatacanrevealwhetheratime-varying nonzero phase is present. This assumes that the data should be white with respect to all statistical orders after proper deterministic corrections have been applied. Kurtosis maximizationbyconstantphaserotationisastatisticalmethod that can reveal the phase of a seismic wavelet. It is robust enough to detect time-varying phase changes. Phase-only corrections can then be applied by means of a time-varying phase rotation.Alternatively, amplitude and phase deconvolution can be achieved using time-varying Wiener filtering. Time-varyingwaveletextractionanddeconvolutioncanalso be used as a data-driven alternative to amplitude-only inverse-Qdeconvolution.

Performance of synchronous optical receivers using atmospheric compensation techniques.

Abstract: We model the impact of atmospheric turbulence-induced phase and amplitude fluctuations on free-space optical links using synchronous detection. We derive exact expressions for the probability density function of the signal-to-noise ratio in the presence of turbulence. We consider the effects of log-normal amplitude fluctuations and Gaussian phase fluctuations, in addition to local oscillator shot noise, for both passive receivers and those employing active modal compensation of wave-front phase distortion. We compute error probabilities for M-ary phase-shift keying, and evaluate the impact of various parameters, including the ratio of receiver aperture diameter to the wave-front coherence diameter, and the number of modes compensated.

A heuristic derivation of the uncertainty for frequency determination in time series data

Abstract: Context. Several approaches to estimating frequency, phase, and amplitude errors in time-series analyse have been reported in the literature, but they are either time-consuming to compute, grossly overestimating the error, or are based on empirically determined criteria.Aims. A simple, but realistic estimate of the frequency uncertainty in time-series analyses is our goal here.Methods. Synthetic data sets with mono- and multi-periodic harmonic signals and with randomly distributed amplitude, frequency, and phase were generated and white noise added. We tried to recover the input parameters with classical Fourier techniques and investigated the error as a function of the relative level of noise, signal, and frequency difference.Results. We present simple formulas for the upper limit of the amplitude, frequency, and phase uncertainties in time-serie analyses. We also demonstrate the possibility of detecting frequencies that are separated by less than the classical frequency resolution and of finding that the realistic frequency error is at least 4 times smaller than the classical frequency resolution.

Molecular recollision interferometry in high harmonic generation.

Abstract: We use extreme-ultraviolet interferometry to measure the phase of high-order harmonic generation from transiently aligned ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$ molecules. We unambiguously observe a reversal in phase of the high-order harmonic emission for higher harmonic orders with a sufficient degree of alignment. This results from molecular-scale quantum interferences between the molecular electronic wave function and the recolliding electron as it recombines with the molecule, and is consistent with a two-center model. Furthermore, using the combined harmonic intensity and phase information, we extract accurate information on the dispersion relation of the returning electron wave packet as a function of harmonic order. This analysis shows evidence of the effect of the molecular potential on the recolliding electron wave.

Partial discharges in a cavity at variable applied frequency part 2: measurements and modeling

Abstract: In this paper partial discharges (PD) in a disc-shaped cavity are measured at variable frequency (0.01 - 100 Hz) of the applied voltage. The measured PD phase and magnitude distributions, as well as the number of PDs per voltage cycle, changed with the varying frequency. A charge consistent model is presented and used to dynamically simulate the sequence of PDs in the cavity. The simulation results show that the properties of the cavity surface, mainly the surface conductivity and the surface emission of electrons, change with the varying applied frequency. This is interpreted as an effect of the difference in time between consecutive PDs at different applied frequencies. This is the second of two papers addressing the frequency dependence of PD in a cavity. The first paper described how the PD frequency dependence changes with the applied voltage amplitude, the cavity size and the cavity location.

Global Phase-Locking in Finite Populations of Phase-Coupled Oscillators

Abstract: We present new necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of fixed points in a finite system of coupled phase oscillators on a complete graph. We use these conditions to derive bounds on the critical coupling.

Non-invasive, label-free cell counting and quantitative analysis of adherent cells using digital holography.

Abstract: Manual cell counting is time consuming and requires a high degree of skill on behalf of the person performing the count. Here we use a technique that utilizes digital holography, allowing label-free and completely non-invasive cell counting directly in cell culture vessels with adherent viable cells. The images produced can provide both quantitative and qualitative phase information from a single hologram. The recently constructed microscope Holomonitor (Phase Holographic Imaging AB, Lund, Sweden) combines the commonly used phase contrast microscope with digital holography, the latter giving us the possibility of achieving quantitative information on cellular shape, area, confluence and optical thickness. This project aimed at determining the accuracy and repeatability of cell counting measurements using digital holography compared to the conventional manual cell counting method using a haemocytometer. The collected data were also used to determine cell size and cellular optical thickness. The results show that digital holography can be used for non-invasive automatic cell counting as precisely as conventional manual cell counting.

Efficiency of capturing a phase image using cone-beam x-ray Talbot interferometry.

Abstract: We assesses the efficiency of x-ray Talbot interferometry (XTI), a technique based on the Talbot effect for measuring a wavefront gradient, in terms of how quickly it can capture a high-quality phase image with a large signal-to-noise ratio for a given incident photon number. Photon statistics cause errors in the phase of the moire fringes and impose a detection limit on the wavefront gradient. The relation between the incident photon number and the detection limit is determined, and a figure of merit of XTI for a monochromatic cone beam is then defined. The dependence of the figure of merit on optical system parameters, such as grating pitch and position, is then discussed. The effects of varying the pattern height and linewidth of the second grating are shown for rectangular and trapezoidal teeth. Finally, we show how to design a practical cone-beam Talbot interferometer for certain boundary conditions.

Phase and Amplitude Regeneration of Differential Phase-Shift Keyed Signals Using Phase-Sensitive Amplification

Abstract: Phase-sensitive amplifiers (PSAs) offer numerous advantages over phase-insensitive amplifiers in optical communications. Squeezing of optical phase through PSA can remove accumulated phase jitter, which is a critical functionality for an all- optical, phase-shift keyed network. In recent experiments, reviewed in this report, different implementations of PSA were used for phase regeneration of both return-to-zero differential phase-shift keying and nonreturn-to-zero differential phase-shift keying data. The first demonstration explored the properties and performance of PSA that occurs in nonlinear interferometers. Experiments confirmed that a PSA operating in the depleted pump regime provides simultaneous reduction of amplitude and phase noise (PN). Phase regeneration performance limit was reached as a consequence of pump-wave imperfections, which can be significantly reduced through proper design. PSA that occurs directly in fiber in a traveling-wave configuration through partially degenerate four-wave mixing was also studied. The latter implementation offers stronger phase-matched gain and suppression of amplitude-to-phase noise conversion. Technical issues that remain to be addressed are identified for each implementation. Results characterized using coherent detection offer direct measurements of the phase-regenerative behavior.

High-accuracy numerical simulation of black-hole binaries: Computation of the gravitational-wave energy flux and comparisons with post-Newtonian approximants

Abstract: Expressions for the gravitational wave (GW) energy flux and center-of-mass energy of a compact binary are integral building blocks of post-Newtonian (PN) waveforms. In this paper, we compute the GW energy flux and GW frequency derivative from a highly accurate numerical simulation of an equal-mass, non-spinning black hole binary. We also estimate the (derivative of the) center- of-mass energy from the simulation by assuming energy balance. We compare these quantities with the predictions of various PN approximants (adiabatic Taylor and Pade models; non-adiabatic effective-one-body (EOB) models). We find that Pade summation of the energy flux does not accelerate the convergence of the flux series; nevertheless, the Pade flux is markedly closer to the numerical result for the whole range of the simulation (about 30 GW cycles). Taylor and Pade models overestimate the increase in flux and frequency derivative close to merger, whereas EOB models reproduce more faithfully the shape of and are closer to the numerical flux, frequency derivative and derivative of energy. We also compare the GW phase of the numerical simulation with Pade and EOB models. Matching numerical and untuned 3.5 PN order waveforms, we find that the phase difference accumulated until Mω = 0.1 is -0.12 radians for Pade approximants, and 0.50 (0.45) radians for an EOB approximant with Keplerian (non-Keplerian) flux. We fit free parameters within the EOB models to minimize the phase difference, and confirm the presence of degeneracies among these parameters. By tuning the pseudo 4PN order coefficients in the radial potential or in the flux, or, if present, the location of the pole in the flux, we find that the accumulated phase difference at Mω = 0.1 can be reduced—if desired—to much less than the estimated numerical phase error (0.02 radians).

Slow and fast dynamics of gain and phase in a quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifier

Abstract: Gain and phase dynamics in InAs/GaAs quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifiers are investigated. It is shown that gain recovery is dominated by fast processes, whereas phase recovery is dominated by slow processes. Relative strengths and time constants of the underlying processes are measured. We find that operation at high bias currents optimizes the performance for nonlinear cross-gain signal processing if a low chirp is required.

Some simple rules for contrast, signal-to-noise and resolution in in-line x-ray phase-contrast imaging.

Abstract: Simple analytical expressions are derived for the spatial resolution, contrast and signal-to-noise in X-ray projection images of a generic phase edge. The obtained expressions take into account the maximum phase shift generated by the sample and the sharpness of the edge, as well as such parameters of the imaging set-up as the wavelength spectrum and the size of the incoherent source, the source-to-object and object-to-detector distances and the detector resolution. Different asymptotic behavior of the expressions in the cases of large and small Fresnel numbers is demonstrated. The analytical expressions are compared with the results of numerical simulations using Kirchhoff diffraction theory, as well as with experimental X-ray measurements.

Maximum-Likelihood Phase and Channel Estimation for Coherent Optical OFDM

Abstract: We present a channel model for a coherent optical orthogonal frequency-division-multiplexed (CO-OFDM) system including linear fiber dispersion effects and noises from optical amplifiers and intercarrier interference induced by laser phase noise. Based upon this model, we derive maximum-likelihood (ML) phase estimation and channel estimation for the CO-OFDM system. Both computer simulation and transmission experiment of the CO-OFDM system show that the ML decision-feedback following pilot-assisted phase estimation gives the optimal performance.

One-shot phase-shifting phase-grating interferometry with modulation of polarization: case of four interferograms.

Abstract: An experimental setup for optical phase extraction from 2-D interferograms using a one-shot phase-shifting technique able to achieve four interferograms with 90° phase shifts in between is presented. The system uses a common-path interferometer consisting of two windows in the input plane and a phase grating in Fourier plane as its pupil. Each window has a birefringent wave plate attached in order to achieve nearly circular polarization of opposite rotations one respect to the other after being illuminated with a 45° linear polarized beam. In the output, interference of the fields associated with replicated windows (diffraction orders) is achieved by a proper choice of the windows spacing with respect to the grating period. The phase shifts to achieve four interferograms simultaneously to perform phase-shifting interferometry can be obtained by placing linear polarizers on each diffraction orders before detection at an appropriate angle. Some experimental results are shown.