Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Institution
- Keyword
-
- Liquid crystal (2)
- Optical coherence tomography (2)
- Physical optics (2)
- Statistical optics (2)
- Waveguide arrays (2)
-
- Adaptive Optics (1)
- Advanced microscopy. (1)
- Analog micro-optics (1)
- Antenna (1)
- Artificial satellites--Tracking (1)
- Bacillus anthracis--Decontamination (1)
- Beam optics (1)
- Biological decontamination (1)
- Biomedical optical imaging (1)
- Brillouin scattering (1)
- Coherence (1)
- Confocal microscopy (1)
- Current Pulses (1)
- Detector Effects (1)
- Dielectrics (1)
- Discrete solitons (1)
- Discrete system (1)
- Distances--Measurement (1)
- Dynamic focusing (1)
- Electric charge and distribution (1)
- Enhanced QWIP absorption (1)
- Explosions (1)
- Extended cauchy model (1)
- Fast-response (1)
- Femtosecond (1)
Articles 1 - 27 of 27
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Multiple Channel Laser Beam Combination And Phasing Using Stimulated Brillouin Scattering In Optical Fibers, Brent W. Grime
Multiple Channel Laser Beam Combination And Phasing Using Stimulated Brillouin Scattering In Optical Fibers, Brent W. Grime
Theses and Dissertations
Brightness scaling lasers using stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in optical fibers is explored. A multiple-channel amplifier approach is used to increase the total power of a laser system while avoiding a significant burden on a single channel. The work explores two approaches utilizing both SBS beam cleanup and SBS piston error conjugation. A unique beam combiner that takes advantage of the SBS beam cleanup properties of a long, gradient-index multimode fiber was designed and tested. The beam combiner was developed to combine multiple-channel laser beams simultaneously with high input and output coupling efficiency. The design for the SBS beam combiner …
Investigation Of The Superconducting Properties Of Niobium Radio-Frequency Cavities, Gianluigi Ciovati
Investigation Of The Superconducting Properties Of Niobium Radio-Frequency Cavities, Gianluigi Ciovati
Physics Theses & Dissertations
Radio-frequency (rf) superconducting cavities are widely used to increase the energy of a charged particle beam in particle accelerators. The maximum gradients of cavities made of bulk niobium have constantly improved over the last ten years and they are approaching the theoretical limit of the material. Nevertheless, rf tests of niobium cavities are still showing some "anomalous" losses (so-called "Q-drop"), characterized by a marked increase of the surface resistance at high rf fields, in absence of field emission. A low temperature "in-situ" baking under ultra-high vacuum has been successfully applied by several laboratories to reduce those losses and …
Studies On Novel Semiconductor Detectors And Front-End Electronics For Heavy Flavor Decay Studies, Gustavo Kertzscher
Studies On Novel Semiconductor Detectors And Front-End Electronics For Heavy Flavor Decay Studies, Gustavo Kertzscher
Honors Capstone Projects - All
I have studied novel semiconductor detectors designed to provide precise space point information of the trajectory of charged subatomic particles produced in high energy physics (HEP) collisions. The technological thrust aims toward maintaining good performance of these detectors in a hard radiation environment for an extended period of time. My studies approached two different types of silicon devices: a whole wafer comprised of test structures and pixel devices designed for the inner vertex detector of the BTeV experiment, and small test structures of a novel type of quasi-3D detectors developed in the context of the CERN RD50 collaboration. This collaboration …
Deconvolution Analysis Of Laser Pulse Profiles From 3-D Ladar Temporal Returns, Michael D. Walter
Deconvolution Analysis Of Laser Pulse Profiles From 3-D Ladar Temporal Returns, Michael D. Walter
Theses and Dissertations
Three-dimensional laser imaging systems offer important advantages for battlefield applications, such as night-time targeting and tactical reconnaissance. Recently developed technologies used by coherent detection systems that collect temporally resolved images include arrays of Avalanche Photo-Diodes (APD), Geiger mode APDs, and photo-diodes. Frequently, LADAR systems produce waveforms from each detector that characterize the convolution of the transmitted laser pulse with the target surface. The pulse convolution generates uncertainty as to the precise location of a target surface, which can severely impact various weapon systems' targeting capability. This work analyzes two deconvolution techniques: Wiener filtering and an iterative process derived from the …
Using Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulators For Closed Loop Tracking And Beam Steering With Phase Holography, Michael J. Perry
Using Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulators For Closed Loop Tracking And Beam Steering With Phase Holography, Michael J. Perry
Theses and Dissertations
Optical Phased Array (OPA) technology offers advantages in the reduction of size, weight, and power of optical steering devices. Nematic liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulators (SLMs) have been studied as a potential candidate for building non-mechanical OPAs. They can steer a laser beam and split the beam into multiple beams. This thesis builds upon the prior research showing each split beam can be individually controlled, including variation in intensity. A closed loop tracking scenario shows the flexibility of the SLM by tracking and stabilizing an incoming beam. Results show that applying a phase grating to the SLM has limitations …
Computational Model Of One-Dimensional Dielectric Barrier Discharges, Krista G. Marchand
Computational Model Of One-Dimensional Dielectric Barrier Discharges, Krista G. Marchand
Theses and Dissertations
As theory lags experiment for dielectric barrier discharge flow control, two different computational methods are implemented to give further insight into characteristics of the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). A one-dimensional fluid model of a surface-type dielectric barrier discharge is created using He as the background gas. This simple model, which only considers ionizing collisions and recombination in the electropositive gas, creates an important framework for future studies into the origin of experimentally observed flow-control effects of the DBD. The two methods employed in this study include the semi-implicit sequential algorithm and the fully implicit simultaneous algorithm. The first involves consecutive …
Electro-Optic Beam Steering Using Domain Engineered Lithium Tantalate, Daren J. Chauvin
Electro-Optic Beam Steering Using Domain Engineered Lithium Tantalate, Daren J. Chauvin
Theses and Dissertations
The operation of a 14-channel five stage electro-optic beam steering device was studied. Beam deflection scanned from 0° to 10.1° was demonstrated. The maximum angle is within 0.3% of design. Many laser systems in operation today implement mechanical beam steering methods that are often expensive in terms of cost, weight and power. They are slow and subject to wear and vibration. A non-inertial beam scanning mechanism, such as one based on the device studied in this research could enhance the performance of these systems. The device studied here is fabricated in LiTaO3 using micro-patterned domain reversal. The 14 channels …
Classification Of Battlespace Detonations From Temporally Resolved Mutli-Band Imagery And Mid-Infrared Spectra, Anthony N. Dills
Classification Of Battlespace Detonations From Temporally Resolved Mutli-Band Imagery And Mid-Infrared Spectra, Anthony N. Dills
Theses and Dissertations
The classification of battlespace detonations, specifically the determination of munitions type and size using temporal and spectral features, has been studied using near-infrared (NIR) and multi-color visible wavelength imagers. Key features from the time dependence of fireball size are identified for discriminating various types and sizes of detonation flashes. The five classes include three weights of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and two weights of an enhanced mixture, all of which are uncased and detonated with 10% C4. Using Fisher linear discriminant techniques, features are projected onto a line such that the projected points are maximally clustered for the different classes of detonations. …
Daytime Detection Of Space Objects, Alistair D. Funge
Daytime Detection Of Space Objects, Alistair D. Funge
Theses and Dissertations
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) requires repeated object updates for orbit accuracy. Detection of unknown objects is critical. A daytime model was developed that evaluated sun flares and assessed thermal emissions from space objects. Iridium satellites generate predictable sun glints. These were used as a model baseline for daytime detections. Flares and space object thermal emissions were examined for daytime detection. A variety of geometric, material and atmospheric characteristics affected this daytime detection capability. In a photon noise limited mode, simulated Iridium flares were detected. The peak Signal-to- Noise Ratios (SNR) were 6.05e18, 9.63e5, and 1.65e7 for the nighttime, daytime and …
Lethality Of Bacillus Anthracis Spores Due To Short Duration Heating Measured Using Infrared Spectroscopy, Kristina M. Goetz
Lethality Of Bacillus Anthracis Spores Due To Short Duration Heating Measured Using Infrared Spectroscopy, Kristina M. Goetz
Theses and Dissertations
There are a number of analytical and semi-empirical models that describe the behavior of particulate matter in the atmosphere. Many of these require modification for all types of weather, dry versus wet deposition, and overall effects can be quite non-linear. Rainfall (rate, drop size, etc.), snowfall (rate, flake size, etc.), humidity, pressure, temperature, and combination of these greatly affect particle settling and washout rates. To that end, a method for tracking released constituents using the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) microphysics package is developed by modifying one of the hydrometeor categories (hail) in the microphysics package. The RAMS microphysics package …
Optical Wave Propagation In Discrete Waveguide Arrays, Jared Hudock
Optical Wave Propagation In Discrete Waveguide Arrays, Jared Hudock
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The propagation dynamics of light in optical waveguide arrays is characteristic of that encountered in discrete systems. As a result, it is possible to engineer the diffraction properties of such structures, which leads to the ability to control the flow of light in ways that are impossible in continuous media. In this work, a detailed theoretical investigation of both linear and nonlinear optical wave propagation in one- and two-dimensional waveguide lattices is presented. The ability to completely overcome the effects of discrete diffraction through the mutual trapping of two orthogonally polarized coherent beams interacting in Kerr nonlinear arrays of birefringent …
Liquid Crystal Optics For Communications, Signal Processing And 3-D Microscopic Imaging, Sajjad Khan
Liquid Crystal Optics For Communications, Signal Processing And 3-D Microscopic Imaging, Sajjad Khan
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation proposes, studies and experimentally demonstrates novel liquid crystal (LC) optics to solve challenging problems in RF and photonic signal processing, freespace and fiber optic communications and microscopic imaging. These include free-space optical scanners for military and optical wireless applications, variable fiber-optic attenuators for optical communications, photonic control techniques for phased array antennas and radar, and 3-D microscopic imaging. At the heart of the applications demonstrated in this thesis are LC devices that are non-pixelated and can be controlled either electrically or optically. Instead of the typical pixel-by-pixel control as is custom in LC devices, the phase profile across …
Refractive Indices Of Liquid Crystals And Their Applications In Display And Photonic Devices, Jun Li
Refractive Indices Of Liquid Crystals And Their Applications In Display And Photonic Devices, Jun Li
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Liquid crystals (LCs) are important materials for flat panel display and photonic devices. Most LC devices use electrical field-, magnetic field-, or temperature-induced refractive index change to modulate the incident light. Molecular constituents, wavelength, and temperature are the three primary factors determining the liquid crystal refractive indices: ne and no for the extraordinary and ordinary rays, respectively. In this dissertation, we derive several physical models for describing the wavelength and temperature effects on liquid crystal refractive indices, average refractive index, and birefringence. Based on these models, we develop some high temperature gradient refractive index LC mixtures for photonic applications, such …
Design And Assessment Of Compact Optical Systems Towards Special Effects Imaging, Vesselin Chaoulov
Design And Assessment Of Compact Optical Systems Towards Special Effects Imaging, Vesselin Chaoulov
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
A main challenge in the field of special effects is to create special effects in real time in a way that the user can preview the effect before taking the actual picture or movie sequence. There are many techniques currently used to create computer-simulated special effects, however current techniques in computer graphics do not provide the option for the creation of real-time texture synthesis. Thus, while computer graphics is a powerful tool in the field of special effects, it is neither portable nor does it provide work in real-time capabilities. Real-time special effects may, however, be created optically. Such approach …
Interferometry-Based Free Space Communication And Information Processing, Muzamil Arshad Arain
Interferometry-Based Free Space Communication And Information Processing, Muzamil Arshad Arain
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation studies, analyzes, and experimentally demonstrates the innovative use of interference phenomenon in the field of opto-electronic information processing and optical communications. A number of optical systems using interferometric techniques both in the optical and the electronic domains has been demonstrated in the filed of signal transmission and processing, optical metrology, defense, and physical sensors. Specifically it has been shown that the interference of waves in the form of holography can be exploited to realize a novel optical scanner called Code Multiplexed Optical Scanner (C-MOS). The C-MOS features large aperture, wide scan angles, 3-D beam control, no moving parts, …
Spectral Signature Modification By Application Of Infrared Frequency-Selective Surfaces, Brian Monacelli
Spectral Signature Modification By Application Of Infrared Frequency-Selective Surfaces, Brian Monacelli
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
It is desirable to modify the spectral signature of a surface, particularly in the infrared (IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. To alter the surface signature in the IR, two methods are investigated: thin film application and antenna array application. The former approach is a common and straightforward incorporation of optically-thin film coatings on the surface designated for signature modification. The latter technique requires the complex design of a periodic array of passive microantenna elements to cover the surface in order to modify its signature. This technology is known as frequency selective surface (FSS) technology and is established in the …
Coherence Properties Of Optical Near-Fields, Adela Apostol
Coherence Properties Of Optical Near-Fields, Adela Apostol
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Next generation photonics-based technologies will ultimately rely on novel materials and devices. For this purpose, phenomena at subwavelength scales are being studied to advance both fundamental knowledge and experimental capabilities. In this dissertation, concepts specific to near-field optics and experimental capabilities specific to near-field microscopy are used to investigate various aspects of the statistical properties of random electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of optically inhomogeneous media which emit or scatter radiation. The properties of such fields are being characterized within the frame of the coherence theory. While successful in describing the far-field properties of optical fields, the fundamental results of …
Optimizing The Performance Of As-Manufactured Grazing Incidence X-Ray Telescopes Using Mosaic Detector Arrays, Martina Atanassova
Optimizing The Performance Of As-Manufactured Grazing Incidence X-Ray Telescopes Using Mosaic Detector Arrays, Martina Atanassova
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The field of X-ray astronomy is only forty (43) years old, and grazing incidence X-ray telescopes have only been conceived and designed for a little over fifty (50) years. The Wolter Type I design is particularly well suited for stellar astronomical telescopes (very small field-of-view). The first orbiting X-ray observatory, HEAO-1 was launched in 1977, a mere twenty-eight (28) years ago. Since that time large nested Wolter Type I X-ray telescopes have been designed, build, and launched by the European Space Agency (ROSAT) and NASA (the Chandra Observatory). Several smaller grazing incidence telescopes have been launched for making solar observations …
The Effects Of Electrode Geometry On Current Pulse Caused By Electrical Discharge Over An Ultra-Fast Laser Filament, Matthew Bubelnik
The Effects Of Electrode Geometry On Current Pulse Caused By Electrical Discharge Over An Ultra-Fast Laser Filament, Matthew Bubelnik
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The time-resolved electrical conductivity of a short-pulse generated plasma filament in air was studied. Close-coupled metal electrodes were used to discharge the stored energy of a high-voltage capacitor and the resulting microsecond-scale electrical discharge was measured using fast current sensors. Significant differences in the time dependence of the current were seen with the two electrode geometries used. Using sharp-tipped electrodes additional peaks in the time-resolved conductivity were seen, relative to the single peak seen with spherical electrodes. We attribute these additional features to secondary electron collisional ionization brought about by field enhancement at the tips. Additional discrepancies in the currents …
Liquid Crystal Materials And Tunable Devices For Optical Communications, Fang Du
Liquid Crystal Materials And Tunable Devices For Optical Communications, Fang Du
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
In this dissertation, liquid crystal materials and devices are investigated in meeting the challenges for photonics and communications applications. The first part deals with polymer-stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC) materials and devices. Three polymer-stabilized liquid crystal systems are developed for optical communications. The second part reports the experimental investigation of a novel liquid-crystal-infiltrated photonic crystal fiber (PCF) and explores its applications in fiber-optic communications. The curing temperature is found to have significant effects on the PSLC performance. The electro-optic properties of nematic polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) at different curing temperatures are investigated experimentally. At high curing temperature, a high contrast, …
Tunable Liquid Crystal Photonic Devices, Yun-Hsing Fan
Tunable Liquid Crystal Photonic Devices, Yun-Hsing Fan
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Liquid crystal (LC)-based adaptive optics are important for information processing, optical interconnections, photonics, integrated optics, and optical communications due to their tunable optical properties. In this dissertation, we describe novel liquid crystal photonic devices and their fabrication methods. The devices presented include inhomogeneous polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), polymer network liquid crystals (PNLC) and phase-separated composite film (PSCOF). Liquid crystal/polymer composites could exist in different forms depending on the fabrication conditions. In Chap. 3, we demonstrate a novel nanoscale PDLC device that has inhomogeneous droplet size distribution. In such a PDLC, the inhomogeneous droplet size distribution is obtained by exposing the …
Discrete Wave Propagation In Quadratically Nonlinear Media, Robert Iwanow
Discrete Wave Propagation In Quadratically Nonlinear Media, Robert Iwanow
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Discrete models are used in describing various microscopic phenomena in many branches of science, ranging from biology through chemistry to physics. Arrays of evanescently coupled, equally spaced, identical waveguides are prime examples of optical structures in which discrete dynamics can be easily observed and investigated. As a result of discretization, these structures exhibit unique diffraction properties with no analogy in continuous systems. Recently nonlinear discrete optics has attracted a growing interest, triggered by the observation of discrete solitons in AlGaAs waveguide arrays reported by Eisenberg et al. in 1998. So far, the following experiments involved systems with third order nonlinearities. …
A New Hybrid Diffractive Photo-Mask Technology, Jin Won Sung
A New Hybrid Diffractive Photo-Mask Technology, Jin Won Sung
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
In the field of photolithography for micro-chip manufacturing, the photo-mask is used to print desired patterns on a proper photo-resist on wafer. The most common type of photo-mask is binary amplitude mask made an opaque layer of chrome. The principle and potential application of hybrid photo-mask with diffractive phase element and binary amplitude is presented in this dissertation paper from both numerical modeling and experimental research. The first important application is the characterization of aberration in the stepper system using hybrid diffractive photo-mask. By utilizing multiple diffractive illumination conditions, it is possible to characterize Zernike wave front aberration coefficients up …
System Design And Optimization Of Optical Coherence Tomography, Avni Ceyhun Akcay
System Design And Optimization Of Optical Coherence Tomography, Avni Ceyhun Akcay
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Optical coherence imaging, including tomography (OCT) and microscopy (OCM), has been a growing research field in biomedical optical imaging in the last decade. In this imaging modality, a broadband light source, thus of short temporal coherence length, is used to perform imaging via interferometry. A challenge in optical coherence imaging, as in any imaging system towards biomedical diagnosis, is the quantification of image quality and optimization of the system components, both a primary focus of this research. We concentrated our efforts on the optimization of the imaging system from two main standpoints: axial point spread function (PSF) and practical steps …
Design Of A Dynamic Focusing Microscope Objective For Oct Imaging, Supraja Murali
Design Of A Dynamic Focusing Microscope Objective For Oct Imaging, Supraja Murali
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a novel optical imaging technique that has assumed significant importance in bio-medical imaging in the last two decades because it is non-invasive and provides accurate, high resolution images of three dimensional cross-sections of body tissue, exceeding the capabilities of the current predominant imaging technique ultrasound. In this thesis, high resolution OCT is investigated for in vivo detection of abnormal skin pathology for the early diagnosis of cancer. The technology presented is based on a dynamic focusing microscopic imaging probe conceived for skin imaging and the detection of abnormalities in the epithelium. A novel method for …
High Gain / Broadband Oxide Glasses For Next Generation Raman Amplifiers, Clara Rivero
High Gain / Broadband Oxide Glasses For Next Generation Raman Amplifiers, Clara Rivero
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Interest in Raman amplification has undergone a revival due to the rapidly increasing bandwidth requirements for communications transmission, both for long haul and local area networks, and recent developments in the telecom fiber industry and diode laser technology. In contrast to rare earth doped fiber amplifiers, for which the range of wavelengths is fixed and limited, Raman gain bandwidths are larger and the operating wavelength is fixed only by the pump wavelength and the bandwidth of the Raman active medium. In this context, glasses are the material of choice for this application due to their relatively broad spectral response, and …
Vibrational Lifetimes Of Hydrogen And Oxygen Defects In Semiconductors, Baozhou Sun
Vibrational Lifetimes Of Hydrogen And Oxygen Defects In Semiconductors, Baozhou Sun
Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects
Characterization of defect and impurity reactions, dissociation, and migration in semiconductors requires a detailed understanding of the rates and pathways of vibrational energy flow and of the coupling mechanisms between local modes and the phonon bath of the host material. Information on the inelastic microscopic interaction can be obtained by measuring the lifetime of local vibrational modes. This dissertation presents lifetime measurements of hydrogen and oxygen defects in semiconductors by means of time-resolved infrared pump-probe spectroscopy.;First, we measured the vibrational lifetime of H- and D-related bending modes in Si and other semiconductors. Time-resolved pump-probe and linewidth measurements reveal that the …