An optical lever by using a mode-locked laser for angle measurement

A new concept of optical lever for angle measurement having an extended angular measurement range with a mode-locked laser as the light source, which is significantly extended from the conventional photodiode (PD)-type optical levers with a single frequency laser, is proposed. In the proposed concept, a collimated laser beam of the mode-locked laser is made incident to a grating reflector to generate a group of first-order diffracted beams from the grating reflector. Differing from a conventional PD-type optical lever employing a laser beam with a single frequency as the light source, the angle measurement range can be significantly expanded for the sake of the group of widely-spread first-order diffracted beams. In addition, the proposed optical lever has a potential of assuring the traceability of angle measurement by linking it to the optical frequency comb based on the mode-locked laser, which is employed as the national standard of time and frequency. In this paper, as a first step of this research, a mode-locked femtosecond laser is employed as the light source of the proposed optical lever. To distinguish each of the first-order diffracted beams generated with the combination of the mode-locked femtosecond laser and the diffraction grating having a grating period of 1.67 μm, a Fabry-Pérot etalon is employed in the setup of the optical lever to modulate the distance between two neighboring beams in the group of first-order diffracted beams. Experimental setups are developed, and basic experiments are carried out to verify the feasibility of the proposed optical lever.     

结构光三维测量中的亚像素级特征提取与边缘检测

提高采样频率和检测精度是目前结构光三维测量研究中的关键问题。传统的结构光测量主要通过提取光条中心线来求取物体表面轮廓特征。以激光线光源为结构光光源,提出了针对单条线型激光光束的双特征线提取方法,从而使采样频率提高一倍。同时在算法中引入亚像素检测思想,实现对激光光束的亚像素级特征提取,提高了测量精度。对激光光束宽度与物体表面倾角的关系进行分析,利用Lambert漫反射模型,给出了物体表面倾斜时的阈值修正算法,试验结果验证了算法对提高测量精度的有效性。     

Experiments and quantitative analysis of frequency division multiplexing confocal fluorescence microscopy with UV excitation

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrated a two-channel frequency division multiplexing confocal fluorescence microscopy system using a UV laser as the excitation source. In our two-channel frequency division multiplexing confocal fluorescence system, the incoming laser beam was divided into two beams and each beam was modulated with an individual carrier frequency. These two laser beams were then spatially combined with a small angle and focused into two diffraction-limited spots on the targeted cell (rat neural cell) surface to generate fluorescent signal. As a result, the fluorescent signals from two spots of the rat neural cell surface can be demodulated and distinguished during data processing. Furthermore, a quantitative analysis on the cross-talk among different frequencies was provided as well. The experimental results confirm that the two-channel frequency division multiplexing confocal fluorescence technology can not only maintain the high spatial resolution, but also realize the multiple points detection simultaneously with high temporal resolution (within millisecond level range), which benefits the dynamic studies of living biological cells.     

Twin optical traps for two-particle cross-correlation measurements: eliminating cross-talk

The correlated motions of two micron-sized particles reflect the (micro-) rheological properties of a fluid and can be conveniently detected using two optical traps in combination with interferometric displacement detection. When the correlations become small, cross-talk between the two beams becomes important. We have used dual optical traps created by either two orthogonally polarized laser beams derived from one laser source, or by two independent lasers of different wavelengths for microrheology experiments. High numerical aperture lenses (objective and condenser) in the optical path can introduce depolarization, and polarizing beam splitters are not perfect, both of which can lead to optical cross-talk. We have characterized the cross-talk in our setup and demonstrate that the use of two independent laser eliminates cross-talk entirely.     

分光镜对外差激光干涉仪非线性的影响

外差干涉仪的非线性误差不仅由激光源的椭圆偏振态或者非正交线偏振态引起,也由非理想的光学器件引起,其中分光镜是一个重要的误差源。除了通常熟知的偏振漏光,还分析偏振分光镜中可能存在的另一个误差,即偏振分光的正交性,介绍这种误差和其他各种原因(包括激光源的椭圆偏振态或者非正交线偏振态)对外差干涉仪非线性误差的影响,给出检测和区分两类不同频率混叠误差的方法。通过试验证实,偏振分光镜的漏光误差对外差干涉仪非线性的影响通常是可以被忽略不计的。试验研究还发现,与传统的理论假设相反,非偏振分光镜比偏振分光镜对外差干涉仪的非线性误差有着更严重的影响。     

Holographic Vector Wave Femtosecond Laser Processing

Parallel femtosecond laser processing using a computer-generated hologram (CGH) displayed on a spatial light modulator (SLM), called holographic femtosecond laser processing, provides the advantages of high throughput and high energy-use efficiency. Use of a light wave with spatially controlled polarization fields, called a vector wave, also offers novel properties in various applications. In this study, we demonstrated holographic femtosecond laser processing with a vector wave by using a pair of SLMs. In particular, we performed three-dimensional reconstruction with multifocal radial beams. We also realized simultaneous reconstruction with two different types of vector beams by using a novel design method of a CGH composed of multiple small CGHs. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of its kind. The polarization fields of the multifocal vector beams at the sample plane were analyzed from the orientations of periodic nanostructures fabricated with femtosecond laser light.     

Numerical study on thermal stress cutting of silicon wafers using two-line laser beams

We propose a method of cleaving silicon wafers using two-line laser beams. The base principle is separating the silicon wafer using crack propagation caused by laser-induced thermal stress. Specifically, this method uses two-line laser beams parallel to the cutting line such that the movements of the laser beam along the cutting line can be omitted, which is necessary when using a point beam. To demonstrate the proposed method, 3D numerical analysis of a heat transfer and thermo-elasticity model was performed. Crack propagation was evaluated by comparing the stress intensity factor (SIF) at the crack tip with the fracture toughness of silicon, where crack propagation is assumed begin when the SIF exceeds the fracture toughness. The influences of laser power, line beam width, and distance between two laser beams were also investigated. The simulation results showed that the proposed method is appropriate for cleaving silicon wafers without any thermal damage.

     

High-throughput analysis of thin-film stresses using arrays of micromachined cantilever beams

We report on a technique for making high-throughput residual stress measurements on thin films by means of micromachined cantilever beams and an array of parallel laser beams. In this technique, the film of interest is deposited onto a silicon substrate with micromachined cantilever beams. The residual stress in the film causes the beams to bend. The curvature of the beams, which is proportional to the residual stress in the film, is measured by scanning an array of parallel laser beams generated with a diffraction grating along the length of the beams. The reflections of the laser beams are captured using a digital camera. A heating stage enables measurement of the residual stress as a function of temperature. As the curvature of each beam is determined by the local stress in the film, the film stress can be mapped across the substrate. This feature makes the technique a useful tool for the combinatorial analysis of phase transformations in thin films, especially when combined with the use of films with lateral composition gradients. As an illustration, we apply the technique to evaluate the thermomechanical behavior of Fe-Pd binary alloys as a function of composition.     

Compact and accurate concept of laser wavemeters based on ellipsometry

Common laser wavemeters are based on a scanning Michelson interferometer. Displacements of the moving mirror as long as tens of centimeters are needed to reach a relative accuracy of 1 × 10(-6) (1σ) on the unknown laser wavelengths. Such a long displacement range makes the system very sensitive to mechanical vibrations and to misalignments of the laser beams. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a new concept of laser wavemeter based on the measurements of the ellipsometric parameters ψ and Δ of the laser beams. Experimental results show that a 10(-6) (1σ) accuracy level could be reach with a displacement range of only 4 μm. Implementations of the device are described. Comparisons between our polarimetric wavemeter and a calibrated wavemeter are presented for two lasers, an extended cavity laser diode at 656 nm and a 532 nm green line Nd:YAG laser.     

High-speed acousto-optic shutter with no optical frequency shift

Acousto-optic modulators are widely used for rapid switching and shuttering of laser beams. In many applications, the concomitant frequency shift is undesirable and must be compensated for elsewhere in the system. Here we present a simple method of achieving rapid laser power switching without an accompanying laser frequency shift. The demonstrated acousto-optic shutter achieves a switching time of around 25?ns, an extinction ratio of 46?dB, and efficiency comparable to a conventional double-pass acousto-optical modulator configuration.     

基于五束光的三维多普勒测振仪设计

为了实现物体的三维振动分析测量,设计了一种基于五束激光的多普勒振动测量系统.该系统将五束激光汇聚到一个焦点,并照射到被反射膜覆盖的被测物体表面,经过反射后,散射光被光电二极管接收,并进入高精度信号处理系统,分别得到五路振动信息,通过计算机处理后,可以分别解析得到包括频率和振幅的三维振动信息.实验结果表明,该系统有望被应用于高精度的无接触振动测量.     

两路固体激光相干合成的实验研究

相干合成技术是获得高功率、高亮度激光输出的有效途径之一。现提出了基于角锥棱镜的两路固体激光相干合成方案;在理论分析的基础上,开展了两路固体激光器相干合成的实验研究;得到了不同占空比和出射光束直径条件下的远场光强分布。远场光强分布和条纹可见度主要受到占空比和出射光束直径的影响。随着激光光束间距的减小,相干合成后的光斑数量减少,光斑的宽度增大,相干度明显提高;出射光束直径增大时,高阶模增多,光束质量变差但合成功率增大。     

Simultaneous two-dimensional laser-induced-fluorescence measurements of argon ions

Recent laser upgrades on the Hot Helicon Experiment at West Virginia University have enabled multiplexed simultaneous measurements of the ion velocity distribution function at a single location, expanding our capabilities in laser-induced fluorescence diagnostics. The laser output is split into two beams, each modulated with an optical chopper and injected perpendicular and parallel to the magnetic field. Light from the crossing point of the beams is transported to a narrow-band photomultiplier tube filtered at the fluorescence wavelength and monitored by two lock-in amplifiers, each referenced to one of the two chopper frequencies.     

An accurate, repeatable, and well characterized measurement of laser damage density of optical materials

Known for more than 40 years, laser damage phenomena have not been measured reproducibly up to now. Laser resistance of optical components is decreased by the presence of material defects, the distribution of which can initiate a distribution of damage sites. A raster scan test procedure has been used for several years in order to determine laser damage density of large aperture UV fused silica optics. This procedure was improved in terms of accuracy and repeatability. We describe the equipment, test procedure, and data analysis to perform this damage test of large aperture optics with small beams. The originality of the refined procedure is that a shot to shot correlation is performed between the damage occurrence and the corresponding fluence by recording beam parameters of hundreds of thousands of shots during the test at 10 Hz. We characterize the distribution of damaging defects by the fluence at which they cause damage. Because tests are realized with small Gaussian beams (about 1 mm at 1e), beam overlap and beam shape are two key parameters which have to be taken into account in order to determine damage density. After complete data analysis and treatment, we reached a repeatable metrology of laser damage performance. The measurement is destructive for the sample. However, the consideration of error bars on defect distributions in a series of parts allows us to compare data with other installations. This will permit to look for reproducibility, a necessary condition in order to test theoretical predictions.     

双光束扫描激光电视系统设计

阐述了双光束扫描激光电视系统的设计,系统采用两束激光(每束都由红、绿、蓝三基色配比而成)通过一个扫描头同时扫描,扫描头的行偏转采用多面转镜、场偏转采用电流计偏转实现,与单束扫描方式相比较有如下优点:1.多面转镜的转速可降至1/2,提高了扫描装置的性能,同时降低了光学扫描系统制作难度;其转镜镜面尺寸和出射光束直径可以相应加大,扫描光斑在屏幕上聚焦更好,图像显示更清晰;2.两组调制器同时工作,屏幕水平分辨率可提高2倍;3.在相同的屏幕亮度下,单点功率密度相应降低,提高了安全性。     

一种新型的激光二维可调分束器

本文介绍一种把单一激光束变成两光束,其中一束非偏振,另一束非偏振,两光束强度比和夹角连续可调的装置和方法。它由一个偏光镜,一个偏尤分束镜,一个45°石英退偏棱镜和一对反向旋转光楔组成。由于偏光镜、偏光分束镜和棱镜的不变光学性质,它对机构失调相对不敏感。     

Differential heterodyne interferometer for measuring thickness of glass panels

Differential heterodyne interferometer is applied for measuring spatial thickness variations across glass panels of liquid-crystal displays. This system uses the Zeeman laser as a source of two-frequency shifted orthogonally linearly polarized probe waves, passing through the glass in two spatially separated points. These waves are then recombined in a single beam to produce the intermediate frequency signal with the phase proportional to the thickness gradient of a glass sample. The phase of the intermediate signal is measured against the laser reference by means of a lock-in amplifier, and finally real-time integration provides the thickness variation. Since spatial separation of the probe beams is only 1.35 mm good approximation for the thickness gradient is achieved. Detailed design of the interferometer and experimental results on real samples are presented.     

全固态589 nm复合腔连续波和频激光器

给出了一种复合腔结构和频激光器,用2台激光二极管阵列(LDA)经过光纤耦合分别单独端面抽运Nd:YVO₄和Nd:YAG晶体,其中Nd:YVO₄和Nd:YAG晶体所选择的能级跃迁分别为⁴F_3/2-⁴I_11/2和⁴F_3/2-⁴I_13/2,其对应激光跃迁波长分别为1 064 nm和1 319 nm,两基频激光束分别在两个子谐振腔中振荡,在其交叠区利用KTP II类临界相位匹配(CPM)进行腔内和频,获得了589 nm的和频激光。当抽运功率为8 W/14 W时获得了340 mW连续波TEM₀₀黄激光输出。光束质量因子M²<1.2,激光输出功率噪声低,4 h功率不稳定度小于±3％。该复合腔结构是实现LDA泵浦589 nm全固态黄光激光器一种有效的和频方法。     

微机电陀螺耦合刚度的辨识

针对微机电陀螺耦合刚度的辨识,提出了以驱动轴、检测轴、驱动-转动耦合和驱动-检测耦合频率响应特性为基础的耦合刚度辨识方法。设计了一种驱动轴和检测轴双向位移解耦的双质量线振动微机电陀螺,基于经过简化的梁的刚度特性建立了微陀螺平面运动动力学方程,导出了结构在存在耦合刚度情况下驱动轴、检测轴、驱动-转动耦合和驱动-检测耦合的传递函数。根据耦合传递函数把刚度耦合产生的根源定位到特定的几组梁之间的刚度误差。通过驱动-转动耦合与驱动轴幅频特性之比辨识出驱动-转动耦合刚度系数,通过驱动-检测耦合与检测轴幅频特性之比辨识出转动-检测耦合刚度系数。实验测试了设计加工的微陀螺的频率响应特性,利用提出的耦合刚度辨识方法得到陀螺的驱动-转动和转动-检测耦合刚度系数分别为0.14N和0.054 33N。得到的耦合刚度的辨识结果可为微陀螺梁刚度的激光修调提供参数依据。     

基于二分束的三角法激光测距研究

为了实现激光测距仪小型化和低成本制作,提出了一种新型的基于高斯光束二分束的三角法激光测距方法,采用双PIN管探测器来替代传统三角法激光测距系统中的CCD或PSD光电检测单元,实现光束的二分束;利用光度学和高斯光束理论,推导出两分束的光功率比与待测距离及发射角的关系,并通过数值计算获得其关系图,进而通过测量分束比计算出目标距离。试验结果表明,本方法具有结构简单、精度高、对目标物颜色深浅不敏感等优越特性,并具有良好的应用前景。