Making geometrical optics exact

Geometrical optics (GO) is widely used in studies of electromagnetic materials because of its ease of use compared to full-wave numerical simulations. Exact solutions for waves can, however, differ significantly from the GO approximation. In particular, effects that are “perfect” for waves cannot usually be derived using GO. Here, we give a method for designing materials in which GO is exact for some waves. This enables us to find interesting analytical solutions for exact wave propagation in inhomogeneous media. Two examples of the technique are given: a material in which two point sources do not interfere, and a perfect isotropic cloak for waves from a point source. We also give the form of material response required for GO to be exact for all waves.     

Two solvable problems of planar geometrical optics

In the framework of geometrical optics we consider a two-dimensional transparent inhomogeneous isotropic medium (dispersive or not). We show that (i) for any family belonging to a certain class of planar monoparametric families of monochromatic light rays given in the form f(x,y)=c of any definite color and satisfying a differential condition, all the refractive index profiles n=n(x,y) allowing for the creation of the given family can be found analytically (inverse problem) and that (ii) for any member of a class of two-dimensional refractive index profiles n=n(x,y) satisfying a differential condition, all the compatible families of light rays can be found analytically (direct problem). We present appropriate examples.     

High-performance deep-ultraviolet optics for free-electron lasers

Working with wavelengths shorter than the deep ultraviolet involves the development of dedicated optics for free-electron lasers with devoted coating techniques and characterizations. High-performance deep-ultraviolet optics are specially developed to create low-loss, high-reflectivity dielectric mirrors with long lifetimes in harsh synchrotron radiation environments. In February 2001, lasing at 189.7 nm, the shortest wavelength obtained so far with free-electron-laser oscillators, was obtained at the European Free-electron-laser project at ELETTRA Synchrotron Light Laboratory, Trieste, Italy. In July 2001, 330-mW extracted power at 250 nm was measured with optimized transmission mirrors. Research and development of coatings correlated to lasing performance are reported.     

Modern combustion analysis techniques using lasers

Principall laser techniques for the analysis of elementary combustion processes are outlined, including the laser Doppler velocimeter for measuring flow velocities, the correlation spectro scopy method for measuring soot diameters and the coherent antiStokes Raman scattering method for temperature measurement. Research activities in these fields are describ ed, based on recent reports in the literature, and practical applications centring on engine combustion are tabulated.     

Fluorescence losses from Yb:YAG slab lasers

We report on the distribution of fluorescence that can be emitted through the surfaces of a ytterbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Yb:YAG) slab-shaped high-power solid-state laser. Slab shapes considered include parallel or antiparallel Brewster endfaced slabs and rectangular parallelepiped slabs. We treat cases in which all the faces of these slabs are in air, or with water or another coating on the largest faces. The fraction of the fluorescence emitted through each face, its distribution over that face, and the directions in which it travels are shown to be important to the design of high-power slab lasers.     

External-cavity diode lasers with different devices and collimating optics

Comparative operating characteristics of external-cavity diode lasers (ECDL's) with either a channel substrate planar device or a multi-quantum-well (MQW) device are presented. These include the output beam profile, which is significantly altered depending on the collimating lens used (either multielement or graded index), power versus injection-current characteristics, and the optical frequency and the rf spectra. The coherence lengths of the different laser diode-collimating-lens combinations in the ECDL are measured, and a new method for calculating the coupling coefficient and the coupled values of the internal quantum efficiency and the internal lumped loss is demonstrated for the MQW device.     

Theoretical study of lithium niobate slab waveguides for integrated optics applications

We report on the theoretical study of lithium niobate slab and wire waveguides with different kinds of cladding (silicon dioxide, sapphire and air). The mode propagation, the light confinement and radiation losses are simulated using a software based on a beam propagation method. We propose from those results lithium niobate waveguide geometries for optical integrated applications.     

Thermally induced birefringence in Nd:YAG slab lasers

We study thermally induced birefringence in crystalline Nd:YAG zigzag slab lasers and the associated depolarization losses. The optimum crystallographic orientation of the zigzag slab within the Nd:YAG boule and photoelastic effects in crystalline Nd:YAG slabs are briefly discussed. The depolarization is evaluated using the temperature and stress distributions, calculated using a finite element model, for realistically pumped and cooled slabs of finite dimensions. Jones matrices are then used to calculate the depolarization of the zigzag laser mode. We compare the predictions with measurements of depolarization, and suggest useful criteria for the design of the gain media for such lasers.     

Application of semiclassical and geometrical optics theories to resonant modes of a coated sphere

This work deals with some aspects of the resonant scattering of electromagnetic waves by a metallic sphere covered by a dielectric layer, in the weak-absorption approximation. We carry out a geometrical optics treatment of the scattering and develop semiclassical formulas to determine the positions and widths of the system resonances. In addition, we show that the mean lifetime of broad resonances is strongly dependent on the polarization of the incident light.     

Cr-doped II–VI materials for lasers and nonlinear optics

The paper reviews material, spectroscopic, laser and nonlinear optical properties of wide-band Cr²⁺-doped II–VI materials. The strong revival of research interest in these materials is explained by the announcement of the extremely efficient (up to >70% slope efficiency) laser operation at room-temperature. With up to 11 W of average output power, one can achieve super broad tunability (up to 1100 nm between 2 and 3.1 μm) in narrow-line continuous-wave operation and 4 ps pulses at 400 mW in mode-locked regime. Directly diode-pumping and lasers based on ceramic active media have been demonstrated, allowing development of cost-efficient compact tunable and mode-locked lasers, with a possibility to generate few-optical cycle pulses. In this wavelength range the Cr²⁺-doped lasers proved to be viable competitors to the conventional semiconductor lasers or more complex laser systems, based on frequency conversion techniques in such applications as medicine, trace gas monitoring, remote sensing, spectroscopy, metrology, optical radars, optical communications, and all-optical switching. In contrast to conventional dielectric laser materials the Cr²⁺-doped II–VI compounds combine properties of semiconductors with that of the traditionally used dielectric active media. The semiconductor nature determines strong nonlinear optical response of these materials, giving rise to charge transport and photorefractive-like phenomena, harmonic generation and parametric processes, and self-focusing effects of various origins. This calls for a considerable modification of the mode-locking techniques and reconsideration of the existing theories, which should finally enable generation of few-optical cycle pulses directly from the laser oscillator in the mid-infrared. In this connection a number of important new aspects are being discussed, such as contribution of cascaded second-order nonlinearity and Raman processes to the third-order nonlinearity, its dispersion and anisotropy, and others.     

Hybrid stable-unstable resonators for diffusion-cooled CO(2) slab lasers

We present the numerical and experimental study that we carried out to compare the performances of two hybrid stable-unstable resonators for diffusion-cooled CO(2) slab lasers. The two resonators are designed to fit a 320 mm × 60 mm ×2 mm rf-discharge channel and are both guided in the narrow transverse direction. They differ in the other transverse direction, consisting of a positive- or a negative-branch unstable resonator scheme. The two solutions have been characterized in terms of modal structure, power extraction, stability, and quality of the extracted beam.     

Flow diagnostics using fibre optics

Research in the area of flow diagnostics using fibre-optics started in our laboratory in early 1998. The first-ever multi-component wind tunnel balance in the world, working with fibre-optic sensors was built and demonstrated in 1999. Since then, several new applications of the technique in the area of fluid dynamic load measurements have been tried successfully. Very recently, fibre-optic sensors have been effectively used for underwater applications, where conventional measurements are relatively very difficult. Since, different physical perturbations affect optical power flowing in a fibre in different ways, unique signatures can be obtained which allow absolute or relative measurement of the incident disturbances. Immunity to electromagnetic or radio frequency interference, high temperature capability, low fatigue, high sensitivity, small size, good corrosion resistance and the capability to embed sensors within the model surface are some of the very attractive features of fibre-optic based instrumentation systems. In this paper, we describe the results of experiments of aerodynamic load measurements at hypersonic speeds (Mach 8·35 and 7·0) and studies carried out recently in a water tunnel over a lifting hypersonic vehicle with a 2-component fibre-optic strain-gauge balance.     

Paint removal using lasers

Experiments to investigate the potential for practical laser graffiti-removal systems are reported. A universal engineering curve for the time needed for removal of paint from nonconductive substrates that was valid over a range of 10(7) in intensity was measured with a variety of lasers. Comparable times were measured for conductive substrates, when pulses shorter than the thermal conduction times were used. Analysis suggests that Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers may be the most efficient means for removing graffiti and other unwanted paint. An 1-m(2) area of paint 14 μm thick can be removed in approximately 10 min with a 50-Hz laser system of 15-W average power.     

Ultrathin cameras using annular folded optics

We present a reflective multiple-fold approach to visible imaging for high-resolution, large aperture cameras of significantly reduced thickness. This approach allows for reduced bulk and weight compared with large high-quality camera systems and improved resolution and light collection compared with miniature conventional cameras. An analysis of the properties of multiple-fold imagers is presented along with the design, fabrication, and testing of an eightfold prototype camera. This demonstration camera has a 35 mm effective focal length, 0.7 NA, and 27 mm effective aperture folded into a 5 mm total thickness.     

Fourier optics heuristics for diffraction at infinity by an index discontinuity in a one-dimensional slab

We study the far-field reflected diffraction pattern of an index discontinuity in a thin one-dimensional slab illuminated by a plane wave and show that a time-saving modeling technique based on plane wave expansion approaches fairly well the Maxwell-based rigorous models. This method is simple to implement, and it furthermore allows a good understanding of the optical phenomena involved in the propagation of light through the slab.     

A micro X-ray fluorescence analysis method using polycapillary X-ray optics and grazing exit geometry

Grazing exit X-ray fluorescence (GE-XRF), which has unique advantages in surface and film analysis, is a development of XRF related to total reflection XRF. The combination of polycapillary X-ray optics with total reflection geometry in the detection path allows micro analysis in thin layer characterization. This technique was applied to analyze a series of titanium and iron layers which were deposited on GaAs single crystal by metal vapor vacuum arc ion sources. Thickness and density of the layers result from fitting the experimental data to model calculations, and the information of layer uniformity can be acquired by two-dimensional scan analysis. The GE-XRF method has application for complete layer characterization and process control during the layer deposition.     

Agile beam steering using phased-arraylike binary optics

A method is demonstrated for two-dimensional steering of a laser beam by way of the mechanical translation of two phased-arraylike binary optics elements. The elements are translated over a 320-pum distance, resulting in the steering of a green He-Ne laser (λ = 0.543 μm) over a 6-deg field of view. Both theoretical development and experimental verification are presented.     

Integrated three-dimensional optical multilayer using free-space optics

An integrated three-dimensional optical multilayer system for optical data communications is presented. It is based on the use of free-space optical light propagation and combines two integration principles, namely, planar and stacked integration. The combination of both integration schemes aims at a maximal design flexibility for complex geometric layouts. On the other hand, packaging issues that stem from assembly and tolerance have to be considered. Here we describe the basic concept and demonstrate the implementation of an optical interface module in a processor-memory bus.     

Hollow fiber optics with improved durability for high-peak-power pulses of Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers

To improve the damage threshold of hollow optical waveguides for transmitting Q-switched Nd:YAG laser pulses, we optimize the metallization processes for the inner coating of fibers. For silver-coated hollow fiber as the base, second, and third Nd:YAG lasers, drying silver films at a moderate temperature and with inert gas flow is found to be effective. By using this drying process, the resistance to high-peak-power optical pulse radiation is drastically improved for fibers fabricated with and without the sensitizing process. The maximum peak power transmitted in the fiber is greater than 20 MW. To improve the energy threshold of aluminum-coated hollow fibers for the fourth and fifth harmonics of Nd:YAG lasers, a thin silver film is added between the aluminum film and the glass substrate to increase adhesion of the aluminum coating. By using this primer layer, the power threshold improves to 3 MW for the fourth harmonics of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser light.