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Full-Text Articles in Physics

Phase Gradient Algorithm Method For 3-D Holographic Ladar Imaging, Jason W. Stafford, Bradley D. Duncan, David J. Rabb Aug 2016

Phase Gradient Algorithm Method For 3-D Holographic Ladar Imaging, Jason W. Stafford, Bradley D. Duncan, David J. Rabb

Bradley D. Duncan

3-D holographic ladar uses digital holography with frequency diversity to add the ability to resolve targets in range. A key challenge is that since individual frequency samples are not recorded simultaneously, differential phase aberrations may exist between them making it difficult to achieve range compression. We describe steps specific to this modality so that phase gradient algorithms (PGA) can be applied to 3-D holographic ladar data for phase corrections across multiple temporal frequency samples. Substantial improvement of range compression is demonstrated with a laboratory experiment where our modified PGA technique is applied. Additionally, the PGA estimator is demonstrated to be …


Investigation Of Real-Time Optical Scanning Holography, Bradley D. Duncan Nov 2015

Investigation Of Real-Time Optical Scanning Holography, Bradley D. Duncan

Bradley D. Duncan

Real-time holographic recording using an optical heterodyne scanning technique was proposed by Poon in 1985. The first part of this dissertation provides a detailed theoretical treatment of the technique, based on a Gaussian beam analysis. Topics to be addressed include the derivations of the optical transfer function (OTF) and impulse response of the scanning holographic recording system, reconstructed image resolution and magnification, methods of carrier frequency hologram generation and experimental verification of the recording technique based on careful measurements of a hologram corresponding to a simple transmissive slit. Furthermore, computer simulations are presented pertaining to the incoherent nature of the …


Review: 'Optical Fiber Communications' (2nd Edition), By Gerd Keiser, Bradley D. Duncan Nov 2015

Review: 'Optical Fiber Communications' (2nd Edition), By Gerd Keiser, Bradley D. Duncan

Bradley D. Duncan

If first impressions are worth anything (and they usually are), I would have to admit that my first impression of the second edition of Gerd Keiser's now popular text Optical Fiber Communications was quite good. My compliments are hereby extended to the publisher for choosing a rather handsome cover and dust jacket. It stands in strong contrast to the text's first edition, which still ranks as probably the ugliest book I own, with color choices ranging from dull cream and "baby" blue to pale pink! I am now happy to say that this older version has been discretely·retired to the …


Review: 'Theory Of Dielectric Optical Waveguides,' 2nd Edition, By Dietrich Marcuse, Bradley D. Duncan Nov 2015

Review: 'Theory Of Dielectric Optical Waveguides,' 2nd Edition, By Dietrich Marcuse, Bradley D. Duncan

Bradley D. Duncan

I suppose I ought to say up front that while preparing this review I often found myself feeling very much like a student evaluating his teacher. After all, it was, in part, the first edition of Dietrich Marcuse's Theory of Dielectric Optical Waveguides (among a handful of other similar texts) from which I first studied the principles of optical waveguide theory under the demanding, yet patient and graceful guidance of Dr. Ahmad Safaai-Jazi. Thus with the utmost respect for a teacher whom I have never met, I shall try to faithfully share my thoughts and feelings regarding the second edition …


Modal Interference Techniques For Strain Detection In Few-Mode Optical Fibers, Bradley D. Duncan Nov 2015

Modal Interference Techniques For Strain Detection In Few-Mode Optical Fibers, Bradley D. Duncan

Bradley D. Duncan

Interference between the modes of an optical fiber results in specific intensity patterns which can be modulated as a function of disturbances in the optical fiber system. These modulation effects are a direct result of the difference in propagation constants of the constituent modes. In this presentation it is shown how the modulated intensity patterns created by the interference of specific mode groups in few-mode optical fibers (V < 5.0) can be used to detect strain. A detailed discussion of the modal phenomena responsible for the observed strain induced pattern modulation is given and it is shown that strain detection sensitivities …


Review: 'Integrated Optics: Design And Modeling,' By Reinhard Marz, Bradley D. Duncan Nov 2015

Review: 'Integrated Optics: Design And Modeling,' By Reinhard Marz, Bradley D. Duncan

Bradley D. Duncan

My overall impression is that Integrated Optics: Design and Modeling will make a fine addition to almost anyone's collection of books on integrated optics. It will, however, serve its readers better as a reference book than as a text from which to first learn the basic concepts of integrated optics. I say this because the book is written at a fairly sophisticated technical level, though the author often moves rather quickly to the "bottom line" without providing material much beyond what is first necessary to introduce a problem or concept, and then a statement of the results and/or implications. It …


Index-Matched Boundary Techniques For The Elimination Of Acoustical Resonances, Jack H. Parker, Bradley D. Duncan Nov 2015

Index-Matched Boundary Techniques For The Elimination Of Acoustical Resonances, Jack H. Parker, Bradley D. Duncan

Bradley D. Duncan

We extend the principle of optical index of refraction to apply the concept of acoustical index for transverse acoustical wave propagation in strings. The relationship between acoustical index and mass density of the acoustic material is developed. With this theoretical link established, classic index-matching techniques are explored at acoustical boundaries. Proper selection of boundary interface segments leads to the elimination of resonant vibrationalmodes that occur in rigidly supported strings, while maintaining the nonresonant vibration response.


Heterodyne Ladar System Efficiency Enhancement Using Single-Mode Optical Fiber Mixers, Donald K. Jacob, Martin B. Mark, Bradley D. Duncan Nov 2015

Heterodyne Ladar System Efficiency Enhancement Using Single-Mode Optical Fiber Mixers, Donald K. Jacob, Martin B. Mark, Bradley D. Duncan

Bradley D. Duncan

A theoretical performance analysis of a heterodyne ladar system incorporating a single-mode fiber receiver has been performed. For our purposes, the performance parameters of interest are the coupling and mixing efficiency of the ladar receiver, as they relate to the overall system carrier-to-noise ratio. For a receiver incorporating a single-mode fiber mixer, the received and local-oscillator fields are matched both spatially and temporally at the detector, yielding 100% mixing efficiency. We have therefore focused our efforts on determining an expression for the efficiency with which a diffuse return from a purely speckle target can be coupled into the receiving leg …


Wide Angle Achromatic Prism Beam Steering For Infrared Countermeasures Applications, Bradley D. Duncan, Philip J. Bos, Vassili Sergan Nov 2015

Wide Angle Achromatic Prism Beam Steering For Infrared Countermeasures Applications, Bradley D. Duncan, Philip J. Bos, Vassili Sergan

Bradley D. Duncan

The design and analysis of achromatic doublet prisms for use in laser beam steering is presented. The geometric relationships describing the maximum steering angle are given, as are discussions of first- and second-order dispersion reduction. Infrared (IR) material alternatives and optimum IR material characteristics for wide-angle achromatic prism beam steering are also investigated. Sixteen materials in 120 different combinations have been examined to date. For midwave IR applications it is shown that the minimum dispersion currently achievable across the full 2 to 5 μm spectrum is 1.7816 mrad at an average maximum steering angle of 45 deg. This is accomplished …


Sensitivity Improvement Of A 1-Μm Ladar System Incorporating An Active Optical Fiber Preamplifier, Michael S. Salisbury, Paul F. Mcmanamon, Bradley D. Duncan Nov 2015

Sensitivity Improvement Of A 1-Μm Ladar System Incorporating An Active Optical Fiber Preamplifier, Michael S. Salisbury, Paul F. Mcmanamon, Bradley D. Duncan

Bradley D. Duncan

In an effort to increase the SNR of a continuous wave, 1-μm all solid state ladar system, a rare-earth-doped optical fiber amplifier is investigated as a preamplifier for ladar return signals. The experimental system is detailed and a theoretical analysis of the fiber amplifier's effect on both heterodyne and direct detection schemes is provided. Beginning with the optical powers incident on the detector, the signal and noises are analyzed, through the detector electronics, to predict the SNR. The SNR is then plotted as a function of the return signal power, and a SNR threshold is defined to determine a minimum …


Wide Angle Decentered Lens Beam Steering For Infrared Countermeasures Applications, Jennifer L. Gibson, Bradley D. Duncan, Edward A. Watson, John S. Loomis Nov 2015

Wide Angle Decentered Lens Beam Steering For Infrared Countermeasures Applications, Jennifer L. Gibson, Bradley D. Duncan, Edward A. Watson, John S. Loomis

Bradley D. Duncan

A beam-steering system consisting of three cemented achromatic doublets is presented. Intended for use in IR countermeasure applications, our system is designed to operate over the 2- to 5-μm spectrum with minimum angular dispersion. We show that dispersion can be minimized by using doublet lenses fashioned from AMTIR-1 and germanium. Our system is designed to be compact and lightweight, with no internal foci, while allowing steering to ±22.5 deg. We also maintain a minimum 2-in. clear aperture for all steering angles, and a nominal divergence of 1 mrad. Plane wave and Gaussian beam analyses of our system are presented.


Interferometric And Holographic Imaging Of Surface-Breaking Cracks, James Lawrence Blackshire, Bradley D. Duncan Nov 2015

Interferometric And Holographic Imaging Of Surface-Breaking Cracks, James Lawrence Blackshire, Bradley D. Duncan

Bradley D. Duncan

Two advanced nondestructive evaluation systems are developed for imaging surface-breaking cracks in aerospace materials. The systems use scanning heterodyne interferometry and frequency-translated holography principles to image ultrasonic displacement fields on material surfaces with high resolution and sensitivity. Surface-breaking cracks are detected and characterized by visualizing near-field ultrasonic scattering processes, which in turn results in local intensification of ultrasonic displacement fields in the immediate vicinity of a crack. The local intensification permits cracks to be easily distinguished from background levels, and creates unique displacement field images that follow the contours and morphology of the cracks with microscopic precision. The interferometric and …