InAs quantum dot photonic crystal lasers and their temperature dependence

We report on the demonstration of optically pumped photonic crystal lasers with InAs quantum dot active regions operating at room temperature near 1310 nm. Absorbed threshold pump powers as low as 25 /spl mu/W are observed. We also extract a characteristic temperature of 17 K, which is attributed to limitations caused by surface recombination.     

Automated synthesis of resilient and tamper-evident analog circuits without a single point of failure

This study focuses on the use of genetic programming to automate the design of robust analog circuits. We define two complementary types of failure modes: partial short-circuit and partial disconnect, and demonstrated novel circuits that are resilient across a spectrum of fault levels. In particular, we focus on designs that are uniformly robust, and unlike designs based on redundancy, do not have any single point of failure. We also explore the complementary problem of designing tamper-proof circuits that are highly sensitive to any change or variation in their operating conditions. We find that the number of components remains similar both for robust and standard circuits, suggesting that the robustness does not necessarily come at significant increased circuit complexity. A number of fitness criteria, including surrogate models and co-evolution were used to accelerate the evolutionary process. A variety of circuit types were tested, and the practicality of the generated solutions was verified by physically constructing the circuits and testing their physical robustness.     

Inelastic Neutron Scattering Studies of First Order Phase Transitions in bcc Solid 4He

We report inelastic neutron scattering studies of the [110] transverse phonon branches of bcc ⁴He near the bcc-hcp transitions on the solid-liquid coexistence line and near the melting transition. The question behind the experiment was whether these transitions in a quantum solid are in any way different from what one observes in usual materials. In contrast to large softening of the T₁ branch seen near the bcc-hcp transition in group IV metals, we found that the transverse phonons in bcc ⁴He do not soften at all. Altough visual studies of the crystals near the transition are consistent with a martensitic transformation, neutron scattering indicates that the transition in solid ⁴He is different than in metals. Thus, the mechanism of the bcc-hcp transition remains an open question. Similar study done near the melting transition indicates that none of the phonons measured in the present experiment is affected by melting, which rules out a mechanical instability of the bulk as a mechanism of melting. Finally, in addition to the phonons, we observed a new feature at q=0 and at an energy transfer of 1.23meV which we attribute to neutron scattering by point defects. Similarly to the phonons, this feature did not change near any of the phase transitions.     

Clustering irregular shapes using high-order neurons

This article introduces a method for clustering irregularly shaped data arrangements using high-order neurons. Complex analytical shapes are modeled by replacing the classic synaptic weight of the neuron by high-order tensors in homogeneous coordinates. In the first- and second-order cases, this neuron corresponds to a classic neuron and to an ellipsoidalmetric neuron. We show how high-order shapes can be formulated to follow the maximum-correlation activation principle and permit simple local Hebbian learning. We also demonstrate decomposition of spatial arrangements of data clusters, including very close and partially overlapping clusters, which are difficult to distinguish using classic neurons. Superior results are obtained for the Iris data.     

Strengthening of halides for infrared windows

The alkali halides are promising candidates for high-power carbon dioxide laser windows. However, their poor mechanical properties limit their application for windows. In this paper, several methods of strengthening these materials will be discussed. These methods include impurity addition, solid solution formation, use of systems with solid-solid immiscibility gaps and polycrystalline formation. Characterization will include both optical and mechanical properties. The studies indicate that solid solutions (KCl-KBr) can strengthen the halides about twofold without affecting optical properties. An eight-fold increase in hardness has been produced using the NaCl-KCl system but the optical properties are adversely affected. The results of impurity addition (CaCl₂) in KC1 are not clear, but the method does not look promising. Results of polycrystalline formation will also be discussed.     

Low-loss wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) devices for single-mode systems

We report here on single-mode microoptic wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) devices with two channels located at 1275 and 1345 nm, respectively. Data are presented for four multiplexers and four demultiplexers. The average insertion loss for the multiplexers was 0.5 ± 0.2 and 1.0 ± 0.3 dB for the short and long wavelength channels, respectively. For the demultiplexers, the average losses were 0.8 ± 0.2 dB and 1.0 ± 0.1 dB, respectively. The full channel widths of the demultiplexers for 0.5 dB of additional loss were about 22 nm. All measurements included the presence of prototype precision single-mode connectors. The multiplexers were based on interference filters and GRIN lenses with identical single-mode fibers used for inputs and output. The demultiplexers employed diffraction gratings and GRIN lenses with 50- μm core graded-index output fibers. In addition three of the demultiplexers included a third output channel centered at 1521 nm. The 28- dB dynamic range of the monochromator-based test appartus was insufficient to evaluate the crosstalk performance. Measurements on two demultiplexers, using a 1295-nm laser, yielded values of -33 and -38 dB, respectively for the crosstalk in the 1345-nm channel.     

Fourier fringe analysis with improved spatial resolution

The spatial resolution of the phase image derived from the interferogram by Fourier fringe analysis is limited by the necessity to isolate a first order in the Fourier plane. By use of the two complementary outputs of the interferometer, it is possible to eliminate the zero order and thus to improve the spatial resolution by a factor of approximately 2. The theory of this improvement is presented and confirmed experimentally.