Nonlinear optical responses in two-dimensional photonic crystals

A two-dimensional (2D) highly nonlinear lithium niobate (LN) photonic crystal (PhC) waveguide is fabricated with the aim of studying its nonlinear optical properties. We show a large enhancement of the second-harmonic generation (SHG) in the 2D LN PhCs, originating from resonance between the external pump laser field and a photonic band mode. The SHG enhancement results agree well with the experimental photonic band structure obtained by an angle-dependent optical reflectivity and the theoretical band structure generated by three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain calculations. These results open new possibilities for the use of 2D LN PhC waveguide in integrated nonlinear optical applications.     

Three-dimensional point spread functions of an optical heterodyne scanning image processor

We study the three-dimensional (3-D) imaging properties of an optical heterodyne scanning image processor. The image processor is a two-pupil optical system capable of 3-D imaging coherently or incoherently, depending on the detection scheme used. We derive the imaging properties in terms of the two pupils and then show an important 3-D imaging application in scanning holography by deriving its 3-D point spread functions and compare them with conventional 3-D imaging systems.     

Nonlinear finite-volume time-domain analysis of photonic crystal-based resonant cavities

An accurate analysis of nonlinear photonic crystal (PhC) based resonant cavities is carried out. The nonlinearity considered for this analysis is a third-order nonlinearity with media composed of Kerr-like dielectric materials with an instantaneous nonlinearity. The analysis is performed with a robust and accurate finite-volume time-domain (FVTD) technique that for the first time has been extended in order to simulate nonlinear material with a Kerr-like instantaneous nonlinearity. From the analysis, interesting properties are revealed from the exploit of nonlinear characteristics of the PhC-based resonant cavities, properties that can be usefully applied for the realisation of all-optical circuits and specifically for optical switches.     

Two-dimensional phase unwrapping with use of statistical models for cost functions in nonlinear optimization

Interferometric radar techniques often necessitate two-dimensional (2-D) phase unwrapping, defined here as the estimation of unambiguous phase data from a 2-D array known only modulo 2pi rad. We develop a maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) estimation approach for this problem, and we derive an algorithm that approximately maximizes the conditional probability of its phase-unwrapped solution given observable quantities such as wrapped phase, image intensity, and interferogram coherence. Examining topographic and differential interferometry separately, we derive simple, working models for the joint statistics of the estimated and the observed signals. We use generalized, nonlinear cost functions to reflect these probability relationships, and we employ nonlinear network-flow techniques to approximate MAP solutions. We apply our algorithm both to a topographic interferogram exhibiting rough terrain and layover and to a differential interferogram measuring the deformation from a large earthquake. The MAP solutions are complete and are more accurate than those of other tested algorithms.     

Image fiber optic space-CDMA parallel transmission experiment using 8 x 8 VCSEL/PD arrays

We experimentally demonstrate space-code-division multiple access (space-CDMA) based twodimensional (2-D) parallel optical interconnections by using image fibers and 8 x 8 vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)/photo diode (PD) arrays. Two spatially encoded four-bit (2 x 2) parallel optical signals were emitted fiom 2-D VCSEL arrays and transmitted through image fibers. The encoded signals were multiplexed by an image-fiber coupler and detected by a 2-D PD array on the receiver side. The receiver recovered the intended parallel signal by decoding the signal. The transmission speed was 64 Mbps/ch (total throughput: 512 Mbps). Bit-error-rate (BER) measurement with a laterally misaligned PD array showed the array had a misalignment tolerance of 25 microm for a BER performance of 10(-9).     

Fluorescence intensity ratio stereoscopic transform

A novel approach to 3-D information processing of 2-D cell images is presented, called fluorescence intensity ratio stereoscopic transform (FIRST). Here, we describe its basic principle of image processing and show the results for the ratio of total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) to fluorescence intensity. A simple, intuitive transform algorithm would help us to easily obtain a clear stereoscopic image from two 2-D cell images with different fluorescence intensity. For this purpose, nonlinear evanescent-field (EF) imaging of cell-membrane surface and its intracellular structures by using on-chip grating coupler is achieved. This method enabled us to obtain cell images with different signal-to-background ratio and resolution under microfluidic environments. Specifically, we manipulated optic pathway to partially illuminate microscale objects within the microfluidic channel. These findings imply this method will enable selectively to detect optical signals of biomolecular interaction within the cell membrane in a controlled manner. Furthermore, we believe this approach will help to develop an optofluidic sensor for individually detecting dynamic behaviors of intracellular molecules in living cells under microfluidic cell culture environments.     

Recent Advances in Organic One‐Dimensional Composite Materials: Design,Construction, and Photonic Elements for Information Processing

Many recent activities in the use of one‐dimensional nanostructures as photonic elements for optical information processing are explained by huge advantages that photonic circuits possess over traditional silicon‐based electronic ones in bandwidth, heat dissipation, and resistance to electromagnetic wave interference. Organic materials are a promising candidate to support these optical‐related applications, as they combine the properties of plastics with broad spectral tunability, high optical cross‐section, easy fabrication, as well as low cost. Their outstanding compatibility allows organic composite structures which are made of two or more kinds of materials combined together, showing great superiority to single‐component materials due to the introduced interactions among multiple constituents, such as energy transfer, electron transfer, exciton coupling, etc. The easy processability of organic 1D crystalline heterostructures enables a fine topological control of both composition and geometry, which offsets the intrinsic deficiencies of individual material. At the same time, the strong exciton‐photon coupling and exciton‐exciton interaction impart the excellent confinement of photons in organic microstructures, thus light can be manipulated according to our intention to realize specific functions. These collective properties indicate a potential utility of organic heterogeneous material for miniaturized photonic circuitry. Herein, focus is given on recent advances of 1D organic crystalline heterostructures, with special emphasis on the novel design, controllable construction, diverse performance, as well as wide applications in isolated photonic elements for integration. It is proposed that the highly coupled, hybrid optical networks would be an important material basis towards the creation of on‐chip optical information processing.     

Two-dimensional photonic crystal surfactant detection

We developed a novel two-dimensional (2-D) crystalline colloidal array photonic crystal sensing material for the visual detection of amphiphilic molecules in water. A close-packed polystyrene 2-D array monolayer was embedded in a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)-based hydrogel film. These 2-D photonic crystals placed on a mirror show intense diffraction that enables them to be used for visual determination of analytes. Binding of surfactant molecules attaches ions to the sensor that swells the PNIPAAm-based hydrogel. The resulting increase in particle spacing red shifts the 2-D diffracted light. Incorporation of more hydrophobic monomers increases the sensitivity to surfactants.     

Controlled bistability by using array defect layers in one-dimensional nonlinear photonic crystals

Using analytical modeling and detailed numerical simulations, we investigate the input-output transmission regimes in one-dimensional (1D) nonlinear photonic crystal including array defect layers. A coupled-mode system is derived from the Maxwell equations and analyzed for the stationary-transmission regime in the new proposed structure. Using the idea about introducing defect layers into 1D nonlinear photonic crystals, a new method for creating and controlling optical bistability is proposed. The periodic optical structures with array defect layers can be used as all optical switches between lower- and higher-transmissive states, whereas it possesses one jumping from a low-transmissive state to a transparent state.     

Recent Advances of Spatial Self‐Phase Modulation in 2D Materials and Passive Photonic Device Applications

Optical nonlinearity in 2D materials excited by spatial Gaussian laser beam is a novel and peculiar optical phenomenon, which exhibits many novel and interesting applications in optical nonlinear devices. Passive photonic devices, such as optical switches, optical logical gates, photonic diodes, and optical modulators, are the key compositions in the future all‐optical signal‐processing technologies. Passive photonic devices using 2D materials to achieve the device functionality have attracted widespread concern in the past decade. In this Review, an overview of the spatial self‐phase modulation (SSPM) in 2D materials is summarized, including the operating mechanism, optical parameter measurement, and tuning for 2D materials, and applications in photonic devices. Moreover, some current challenges are also proposed to solve, and some possible applications of SSPM method are predicted for the future. Therefore, it is anticipated that this summary can contribute to the application of 2D material‐based spatial effect in all‐optical signal‐processing technologies.     

Bottom-up photonic crystal cavities formed by patterned III-V nanopillars

We report on the formation and optical properties of bottom-up photonic crystal (PC) cavities formed by III-V nanopillars (NPs) via catalyst-free selective-area metal-organic chemical vapor deposition on masked GaAs substrates. This method of NP synthesis allows for precise lithographic control of NP position and diameter enabling simultaneous formation of both the photonic band gap (PBG) region and active gain region. The PBG and cavity resonance are determined by independently tuning the NP radius r, pitch a, and height h in the respective masked areas. Near-infrared emission at 970 nm is achieved from axial GaAs/InGaAs heterostructures with in situ passivation by laterally grown InGaP shells. To achieve out-of-plane optical confinement, the PC cavities are embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and removed from the growth substrate. Spatially and spectrally resolved 77 K photoluminescence demonstrates a strong influence of the PBG resonance on device emission. Resonant peaks are observed in the emission spectra of PC cavities embedded in PDMS.     

Semi-three-dimensional algorithm for time-resolved diffuse optical tomography by use of the generalized pulse spectrum technique

Although a foil three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction with both 3-D forward and inverse models provide, the optimal solution for diffuse optical tomography (DOT), because of the 3-D nature of photon diffusion in tissue, it is computationally costly for both memory requirement and execution time in a conventional computing environment. Thus in practice there is motivation to develop an image reconstruction algorithm with dimensional reduction based on some modeling approximations. Here we have implemented a semi-3-D modified generalized pulse spectrum technique for time-resolved DOT, where a two-dimensional (2-D) distribution of optical properties is approximately assumed, while we retain 3-D distribution of photon migration in tissue. We have validated the proposed algorithm by reconstructing 3-D structural test objects from both numerically simulated and experimental date. We demonstrate our algorithm by comparing it with the calibrated 2-D reconstruction that is in widespread use as a shortcut to 3-D imaging and proving that the semi-3-D algorithm outperforms the calibrated 2-D algorithm.     

Nonlinear infrared plasmonic waveguide arrays

The large negative permittivity of noble metals in the infrared region prevents the possibility of highly confined plasmons in simple waveguide structures such as thin films or rods. This is a critical obstacle to applications of nonlinear plasmonics in the telecommunication wavelength region. We theoretically propose and numerically demonstrate that such limitation can be overcome by exploiting inter-element coupling effects in a plasmonic waveguide array. The supermodes of a plasmonic array span a large range of effective indices, making these structures ideal for broadband mode-multiplexed interconnects for integrated photonic devices. We show such plasmonic waveguide arrays can significantly enhance nonlinear optical interactions when operating in a high-index, tightly bound supermode. For example, a third-order nonlinear coefficient in such a waveguide can be more than three orders of magnitude larger compared to silicon waveguides of similar dimensions. These findings open new design possibilities towards the application of plasmonics in integrated optical devices in the telecommunications spectral region.

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Microstructure and optical properties of Al2O3 prepared by oblique deposition using microsphere shell templates

We fabricated an orderly inclined Al2O3 column array using a hollow microsphere template. The microstructure and optical properties were investigated with scanning electron micrography and a UV/VIS spectrometer, respectively. Microsphere shell templates were formed using atomic layer deposition to prevent the melting of polystyrene microspheres during the following high-temperature deposition process. An inclined Al2O3 column array with a 30° tilt angle was grown by oblique deposition on a substrate with a 75.5° tilt angle with respect to the substrate normal. Birefringence and photonic crystalline behavior can be observed in the orderly inclined column array. The difference in the refractive indices between the p and s polarizations of the orderly inclined Al2O3 column array was about 0.1. The photonic properties of the crystal were enhanced compared to those of substrates without patterns.     

Wavelet-based image enhancement in x-ray imaging and tomography

We consider an application of the wavelet transform to image processing in x-ray imaging and three-dimensional (3-D) tomography aimed at industrial inspection. Our experimental setup works in two operational modes-digital radiography and 3-D cone-beam tomographic data acquisition. Although the x-ray images measured have a large dynamic range and good spatial resolution, their noise properties and contrast are often not optimal. To enhance the images, we suggest applying digital image processing by using wavelet-based algorithms and consider the wavelet-based multiscale edge representation in the framework of the Mallat and Zhong approach [IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. Intell. 14, 710 (1992)]. A contrast-enhancement method by use of equalization of the multiscale edges is suggested. Several denoising algorithms based on modifying the modulus and the phase of the multiscale gradients and several contrast-enhancement techniques applying linear and nonlinear multiscale edge stretching are described and compared by use of experimental data. We propose the use of a filter bank of wavelet-based reconstruction filters for the filtered-backprojection reconstruction algorithm. Experimental results show a considerable increase in the performance of the whole x-ray imaging system for both radiographic and tomographic modes in the case of the application of the wavelet-based image-processing algorithms.     

3-D ultrasound volume reconstruction using the direct frame interpolation method

A new method for 3-D ultrasound volume reconstruction using tracked freehand 3-D ultrasound is proposed. The method is based on solving the forward volume reconstruction problem using direct interpolation of high-resolution ultrasound B-mode image frames. A series of ultrasound B-mode image frames (an image series) is acquired using the freehand scanning technique and position sensing via optical tracking equipment. The proposed algorithm creates additional intermediate image frames by directly interpolating between two or more adjacent image frames of the original image series. The target volume is filled using the original frames in combination with the additionally constructed frames. Compared with conventional volume reconstruction methods, no additional filling of empty voxels or holes within the volume is required, because the whole extent of the volume is defined by the arrangement of the original and the additionally constructed B-mode image frames. The proposed direct frame interpolation (DFI) method was tested on two different data sets acquired while scanning the head and neck region of different patients. The first data set consisted of eight B-mode 2-D frame sets acquired under optimal laboratory conditions. The second data set consisted of 73 image series acquired during a clinical study. Sample volumes were reconstructed for all 81 image series using the proposed DFI method with four different interpolation orders, as well as with the pixel nearest-neighbor method using three different interpolation neighborhoods. In addition, volumes based on a reduced number of image frames were reconstructed for comparison of the different methods' accuracy and robustness in reconstructing image data that lies between the original image frames. The DFI method is based on a forward approach making use of a priori information about the position and shape of the B-mode image frames (e.g., masking information) to optimize the reconstruction procedure and to reduce computation times and memory requirements. The method is straightforward, independent of additional input or parameters, and uses the high-resolution B-mode image frames instead of usually lower-resolution voxel information for interpolation. The DFI method can be considered as a valuable alternative to conventional 3-D ultrasound reconstruction methods based on pixel or voxel nearest-neighbor approaches, offering better quality and competitive reconstruction time.     

Two-Dimensional Image Transmission Based on the Ultrafast Optical Data Format Conversion between a Temporal Signal and a Two-Dimensional Spatial Signal

We have experimentally demonstrated a two-dimensional (2-D) image transmission based on the ultrafast optical data format conversion between a temporal signal and a spatial signal with an ultrashort optical pulse. In the proposed system we adopt a spectral holography technique to transmit a one-dimensional (1-D) spatial signal and use a spatial-domain time-frequency transform to realize a transform between 1-D and 2-D spatial signals. By use of these techniques, a low-optical-loss transmission system can be constructed. To demonstrate a 2-D image transmission with this technique, we achieved experimentally transmission of the alphabet letter T as a 3 x 3 pixel 2-D spatial image.     

三阶非线性光学玻璃研究进展

简要叙述了三阶非线性光学理论，重点介绍了近年来国内外三阶非线性光学玻璃领域的研究进展，展望了玻璃作为光信号处理用元件（如全光开关）的应用潜能。     

Nanoparticle processing for optical applications – A review

This article provides an overview of current research on nanoparticle processing for optical applications. We elaborate on four nanoparticle processing methods: (i) an aerosol spray method, (ii) nanoparticle dispersion, (iii) a nanoparticle coating method for making films, and (iv) an electrospinning method for making fibers from a nanoparticle dispersion. The use of aerosol spray methods for the preparation of nanoparticles and nanostructured particles for application in optical materials is reviewed. Nanoparticle dispersion techniques for the synthesis of unique composite organic/inorganic materials with unique optical properties are discussed. Preparation of self-assembled monolayer particle films, layer-by-layer films, and fibers consisting of nanoparticles was also introduced. We also highlight the range of unique optical properties associated with optical materials that result from nanoparticle processing, such as a controllable refractive index, transparency, photoluminescence, photonic crystal, and plasmon resonance.     

Deep-subwavelength imaging of the modal dispersion of light

Numerous optical technologies and quantum optical devices rely on the controlled coupling of a local emitter to its photonic environment, which is governed by the local density of optical states (LDOS). Although precise knowledge of the LDOS is crucial, classical optical techniques fail to measure it in all of its frequency and spatial components. Here, we use a scanning electron beam as a point source to probe the LDOS. Through angular and spectral detection of the electron-induced light emission, we spatially and spectrally resolve the light wave vector and determine the LDOS of Bloch modes in a photonic crystal membrane at an unprecedented deep-subwavelength resolution (30-40 nm) over a large spectral range. We present a first look inside photonic crystal cavities revealing subwavelength details of the resonant modes. Our results provide direct guidelines for the optimum location of emitters to control their emission, and key fundamental insights into light-matter coupling at the nanoscale.