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At least 163 records · Page 9

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NASA NTRS2015

Nanostructure Diffraction Gratings for Integrated Spectroscopy and Sensing

The present disclosure pertains to metal or dielectric nanostructures of the subwavelength scale within the grating lines of optical diffraction gratings. The nanostructures have surface plasmon resonances or non-plasmon optical resonances. A linear photodetector array is used to capture the resonance spectra from one of the diffraction orders. The combined nanostructure super-grating and photodetector array eliminates the use of external optical spectrometers for measuring surface plasmon or optical resonance frequency shift caused by the presence of chemical and biological agents. The nanostructure super-gratings can be used for building integrated surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrometers. The nanostructures within the diffraction grating lines enhance Raman scattering signal light while the diffraction grating pattern of the nanostructures diffracts Raman scattering light to different directions of propagation according to their wavelengths. Therefore, the nanostructure super-gratings allows for the use of a photodetector array to capture the surface enhanced Raman scattering spectra.

Guo, Junpeng↗

NASA NTRS2016

Nanostructure Diffraction Gratings for Integrated Spectroscopy and Sensing

Guo, Junpeng↗

DOE OSTI2016

Stimulated Raman spectroscopy and nanoscopy of molecules using near field photon induced forces without resonant electronic enhancement gain

We report on stimulated Raman spectroscopy and nanoscopy of molecules, excited without resonant electronic enhancement gain, and recorded using near field photon induced forces. Photon-induced interaction forces between the sharp metal coated silicon tip of an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and a sample resulting from stimulated Raman excitation were detected. We controlled the tip to sample spacing using the higher order flexural eigenmodes of the AFM cantilever, enabling the tip to come very close to the sample. As a result, the detection sensitivity was increased compared with previous work on Raman force microscopy. Raman vibrational spectra of azobenzene thiol and l-phenylalanine were measured and found to agree well with published results. Near-field force detection eliminates the need for far-field optical spectrometer detection. Recorded images show spatial resolution far below the optical diffraction limit. Further optimization and use of ultrafast pulsed lasers could push the detection sensitivity towards the single molecule limit.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2015

Two-dimensional inorganic–organic hybrid semiconductors composed of double-layered ZnS and monoamines with aromatic and heterocyclic aliphatic rings: Syntheses, structures, and properties

As an addition to the II–VI based inorganic–organic hybrid semiconductor family, five new two-dimensional (2D) double-layered structures have been synthesized employing monoamines with different aromatic or heterocyclic aliphatic rings. Zn{sub 2}S{sub 2}(bza) (1), Zn{sub 2}S{sub 2}(mbza) (2), Zn{sub 2}S{sub 2}(fbza) (3), Zn{sub 2}S{sub 2}(pca) (4), and Zn{sub 2}S{sub 2}(thfa) (5) (bza=benzylamine, mbza=4-methoxybenzylamine, fbza=4-flurobenzylamine, pca=3-picolylamine, and thfa=tetrahydrofurfurylamine) are prepared by solvothermal reactions and characterized by different analytical methods, including powder X-ray diffraction, optical diffuse reflection, thermogravimetric analysis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns show that all five compounds adopt 2D double-layered structures. Optical diffuse reflectance spectra of these compounds suggest that they have notably lower band gaps than those of the similar compounds composed of aliphatic alkyl amines. Their photoluminescence properties and thermal stability are also analyzed. - Graphical abstract: Five new members of two-dimensional double-layered 2D-Zn{sub 2}S{sub 2}(L) (L=Ligand) structures employing monoamines with different aromatic or heterocyclic aliphatic rings have been designed, synthesized, and characterized. - Highlights: • A new sub-family of II-VI based hybrid semiconductors are designed, synthesized, and structurally characterized using amines with aromatic or aliphatic cyclic rings. • These compounds have notably lower band gaps than those made of aliphatic alkyl amines, greatly broadening the range of band gaps of this material family. • They emit strongly with systematically tunable emission intensity and energy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2025

Multiplexing Focusing Analyzer for Efficient Stress-Strain Measurements

Statement of the problem or situation that is being addressed. Although thermal and cold neutron scattering is widely used and is critical for success in many areas of materials science and engineering, relatively low neutron fluxes severely limit applications of not only laboratory neutrons generators, but also large national neutron facilities. State-of-the-art thermal and cold neutron sources are large expensive national facilities, which serve diverse community of scientific and industrial users. The constant need to improve the instruments performance, stems from the fact that neutron methods are gaining in popularity, and becoming more and more powerful, while new neutron sources are not being constructed to keep pace with the developments and needs of the scientific community. Small research reactors at universities and National Labs, and laboratory-based neutron generators, are necessary not only for education and training, but also when samples cannot be transported to other facilities. However, the standard neutron techniques, which were developed for high-flux facilities, require much higher efficiencies to be used effectively with the low fluxes of small sources. Thus, the efficient use of neutron sources, such as with our proposed analyzer, is important for the progress and broader use of these neutron techniques. General statement of how this problem is being addressed. We propose to design and demonstrate novel diffractive optical device, which will enable very efficient residual stress neutron diffractometers. The proposed device will be a multi-foil analyzer, where each foil is constructed of focusing bent single crystals of Si. Such device will enable polychromatic residual stress neutron diffraction. At large national facilities, such as at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, these analyzers would enable very fast measurements for determining residual stress tensors, raster large samples or screen multiple samples. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits The outcome of this project would be the demonstration of commercial devices, novel neutron optical components, which could be utilized to improve the performance of existing instruments or build novel neutron scattering instruments at DOE neutron facilities and commercial laboratory neutron sources. These new devices will widen the scope of research conducted using neutrons and enable measurements not feasible at present. Summary for Members of Congress Thermal and cold neutron beams are a powerful materials science probe, which provide unique information about the structure of matter. The proposed innovations expand the reach of neutron-based investigations to new materials and industries by enabling new instrumentation capabilities, thereby greatly enhancing and expanding the role of small, laboratory-based neutron instrumentation, and improving education and training of neutron users.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2020

Bragg grating inscription in photosensitive materials by an optical replication process

This paper examines the feasibility of producing multiplexed Bragg gratings for use as diffractive optical elements (DOEs) by coherent optical replication of a surface-relief phase grating into thick-film photosensitive materials. The use of such DOEs in light guide plates (LGPs) for optical imaging systems ensures energy-efficient light input into and output from LGPs and allows one to minimise their weight and size. We present simulation results for the interference structure fabrication process and recording of a series of multiplexed diffraction gratings in photosensitive materials. (paper)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

NASA NTRS2004

Multisensor Instrument for Real-Time Biological Monitoring

The figure schematically depicts an instrumentation system, called a fiber optic-based integration system (FOBIS), that is undergoing development to enable real-time monitoring of fluid cell cultures, bioprocess flows, and the like. The FOBIS design combines a micro flow cytometer (MFC), a microphotometer (MP), and a fluorescence-spectrum- or binding-force-measuring micro-sensor (MS) in a single instrument that is capable of measuring multiple biological parameters simultaneously or sequentially. The fiber-optic-based integration system is so named because the MFC, the MP, and the MS are integrated into a single optical system that is coupled to light sources and photometric equipment via optical fibers. The optical coupling components also include a wavelength-division multiplexer and diffractive optical elements. The FOBIS includes a laserdiode- and fiber-optic-based optical trapping subsystem (optical tweezers ) with microphotometric and micro-sensing capabilities for noninvasive confinement and optical measurement of relevant parameters of a single cell or other particle. Some of the measurement techniques implemented together by the FOBIS have long been used separately to obtain basic understanding of the optical properties of individual cells and other organisms, the optical properties of populations of organisms, and the interrelationships among these properties, physiology of the organisms, and physical processes that govern the media that surround the organisms. For example, flow cytometry yields information on numerical concentrations, cross-sectional areas, and types of cells or other particles. Micro-sensing can be used to measure pH and concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose, metabolites, calcium, and antigens in a cell-culture fluid, thereby providing feedback that can be helpful in improving control over a bioprocess. Microphotometry (including measurements of scattering and fluorescence) can yield further information about optically trapped individual particles. In addition to the multifunctionality not previously available in a single biological monitoring system, the FOBIS offers advantages of low mass, sensitivity, accuracy, portability, low cost, compactness (the overall dimensions of the fully developed FOBIS sensor head are expected to be less than 1 by 1 by 2 cm), and immunity to electromagnetic interference at suboptical frequencies. FOBIS could be useful in a variety of laboratory and field settings in such diverse endeavors as medical, veterinary, and general biological research; medical and veterinary diagnosis monitoring of industrial bioprocesses; and analysis of biological contaminants in air, water, and food.

Zhang, Sean (Zhanxiang)↗

DOE OSTI2017

Two-photon x-ray diffraction

The interference pattern of a circular photon source has long been used to define the optical diffraction limit. Here we show the breakdown of conventional x-ray diffraction theory for the fundamental case of a “source”, consisting of a back-illuminated thin film in a circular aperture. When the conventional spontaneous x-ray scattering by atoms in the film is replaced at high incident intensity by stimulated resonant scattering, the film becomes the source of cloned photon twins and the diffraction pattern becomes self-focused beyond the diffraction limit. Furthermore, the case of cloned photon pairs is compared to and distinguished from entangled photon pairs or biphotons.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1970

Optical frequency shifting by means of a rotating diffraction grating

Optical modulation using rotating diffraction grating to obtain frequency shifts

Stevenson, W. H.↗

DOE OSTI2017

Simplified model of pinhole imaging for quantifying systematic errors in image shape

In this paper, we examine systematic errors in x-ray imaging by pinhole optics for quantifying uncertainties in the measurement of convergence and asymmetry in inertial confinement fusion implosions. We present a quantitative model for the total resolution of a pinhole optic with an imaging detector that more effectively describes the effect of diffraction than models that treat geometry and diffraction as independent. This model can be used to predict loss of shape detail due to imaging across the transition from geometric to diffractive optics. We find that fractional error in observable shapes is proportional to the total resolution element we present and inversely proportional to the length scale of the asymmetry being observed. Finally, we have experimentally validated our results by imaging a single object with differently sized pinholes and with different magnifications.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2016

HYBRID simulations of diffraction-limited focusing with Kirkpatrick-Baez mirrors for a next-generation In Situ hard X-ray nanoprobe

Next-generation hard X-ray nanoprobe beamlines such as the In Situ Nanoprobe (ISN) beamline being planned at the Advanced Photon Source aim at providing very high spatial resolution while also enabling very high focused flux, to study complex materials and devices using fast, multidimensional imaging across many length scales. The ISN will use diffractive optics to focus X-rays with a bandpass of ΔE/E = 10 –4 into a focal spot of 20 nm or below. Reflective optics in Kirkpatrick-Baez geometry will be used to focus X-rays with a bandpass as large as ΔE/E = 10 –2 into a focal spot of 50 nm. Diffraction-limited focusing with reflective optics is achieved by spatial filtering and use of a very long, vertically focusing mirror. Furthermore, to quantify the performance of the ISN beamline, we have simulated the propagation of both partially and fully coherent wavefronts from the undulator source, through the ISN beamline and into the mirror-based focal spot. Simulations were carried out using the recently developed software “HYBRID.”

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

NASA NTRS2007

Fiber Coupled Laser Diodes with Even Illumination Pattern

An optical fiber for evenly illuminating a target. The optical fiber is coupled to a laser emitting diode and receives laser light. The la ser light travels through the fiber optic and exits at an exit end. T he exit end has a diffractive optical pattern formed thereon via etch ing, molding or cutting, to reduce the Gaussian profile present in co nventional fiber optic cables The reduction of the Gaussian provides an even illumination from the fiber optic cable.

Howard, Richard T.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Acousto-optic spectrometer for radio astronomy

Recent developments in acousto-optic techniques and in photodetector arrays have made feasible a new type of RF spectrometer, offering the advantages of wide bandwidth, high resolution, large number of channels in compact, lightweight, energy efficient, and relatively low cost systems. Such a system employs an acousto-optic diffraction cell which serves the key role of converting RF signals to ultrasonic traveling-waves modulating the optical index of the cell. The cell is illuminated across its aperture by a monochromatic laser beam. A fraction of the light is diffracted by the acoustic waves. A focusing lens follows the cell and essentially performs a Fourier transform of the RF signal into a far-field intensity pattern. CSIRO in Australia and the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory in Japan have taken the lead in using acousto-optic techniques in astronomical applications. The first practical device was successfully made at CSIRO for obtaining dynamical spectrographs of solar radio emission.

Chin, G.↗

DOE OSTI2016

Chromatic-aberration-corrected diffractive lenses for ultra-broadband focusing

We exploit the inherent dispersion in diffractive optics to demonstrate planar chromatic-aberration-corrected lenses. Specifically, we designed, fabricated and characterized cylindrical diffractive lenses that efficiently focus the entire visible band (450 nm to 700 nm) onto a single line. These devices are essentially pixelated, multi-level microstructures. Experiments confirm an average optical efficiency of 25% for a three-wavelength apochromatic lens whose chromatic focus shift is only 1.3 μm and 25 μm in the lateral and axial directions, respectively. Super-achromatic performance over the continuous visible band is also demonstrated with averaged lateral and axial focus shifts of only 1.65 μm and 73.6 μm, respectively. These lenses are easy to fabricate using single-step grayscale lithography and can be inexpensively replicated. Furthermore, these devices are thin (<3 μm), error tolerant, has low aspect ratio (<1:1) and offer polarization-insensitive focusing, all significant advantages compared to alternatives that rely on metasurfaces. Lastly, our design methodology offers high design flexibility in numerical aperture and focal length, and is readily extended to 2D.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2015

Structural and optical investigation of Te-based chalcogenide thin films

We report the structural and optical properties of thermally evaporated Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3}, In{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and InBiTe{sub 3} films by using X-ray diffraction, optical and Raman Spectroscopy techniques. The as-prepared thin films were found to be Semi-crystalline by X-ray diffraction. Particle Size and Strain has been calculated from XRD data. The optical constants, film thickness, refractive index and optical band gap (E{sub g}) has been reported for In{sub 2}Te{sub 3}, InBiTe{sub 3} films. Raman Spectroscopy was performed to investigate the effect of Bi, In, on lattice vibration and chemical bonding in Te based chalcogenide glassy alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2018

A Versatile Thin-Film Deposition Method for Multidimensional Semiconducting Bismuth Halides

Despite the significant progress in fabricating hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells, their toxicity and low stability remain as major drawbacks, thereby hindering large-scale commercialization. Given the isoelectronic nature of lead(II) and bismuth(III) ions, potentially stable and non-toxic alternatives for efficient light absorption in thin-film photovoltaic (PV) devices may be found among bismuth-based halide semiconductors. However, high-quality polycrystalline films of many of these systems have not been demonstrated. In this work, we present a versatile and facile two-step co-evaporation approach to fabricate A 3 Bi 2 I 9 (A = Cs, Rb) and AgBi 2 I 7 polycrystalline films with smooth, pin-hole-free morphology and average grain size of > 200 nm. The process involves an initial two-source evaporation step (involving CsI, RbI or AgI, and BiI 3 sources), followed by an annealing step under BiI3 vapor. The structural, optical and electrical characteristics of the resulting thin films are studied by X-ray diffraction, optical spectroscopy, X-ray/UV photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2015

X-ray photonic microsystems for the manipulation of synchrotron light

In this study, photonic microsystems played an essential role in the development of integrated photonic devices, thanks to their unique spatiotemporal control and spectral shaping capabilities. Similar capabilities to markedly control and manipulate X-ray radiation are highly desirable but practically impossible due to the massive size of the silicon single-crystal optics currently used. Here we show that micromechanical systems can be used as X-ray optics to create and preserve the spatial, temporal and spectral correlation of the X-rays. We demonstrate that, as X-ray reflective optics they can maintain the wavefront properties with nearly 100% reflectivity, and as a dynamic diffractive optics they can generate nanosecond time windows with over 100-kHz repetition rates. Since X-ray photonic microsystems can be easily incorporated into lab-based and next-generation synchrotron X-ray sources, they bring unprecedented design flexibility for future dynamic and miniature X-ray optics for focusing, wavefront manipulation, multicolour dispersion, and pulse slicing.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2018

Binary Phase SLMs Based on the LC Matrix of Video Projector

Binary phase modulation is demonstrated with the aid of commercially available LC matrix. Elements of plane diffraction optics (cylindrical and spherical lenses) are fabricated and experimentally studied. Limitations related to a finite size of a pixel of a binary diffraction SLM are considered.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗