Sagnac-type fiber-optic array sensor for detection of bulk ultrasonic waves

In this paper, we describe a fiber optic array sensor suitable for detection of bulk ultrasonic waves. This sensor is based on an intrinsic fiber optic Sagnac interferometer. The fiber array is formed by multiple folding of a continuous length of an optical fiber into flat coils. Depending on the orientation of the fiber array with respect to the ultrasonic wave, the proposed sensor can act as a conventional in-phase detector or as a narrowband detector. In the narrowband mode, the center frequency of detection can be tuned by adjusting the spacing of the fiber array elements to be equal to the ultrasonic wavelength of interest. This feature distinguishes this array sensor from conventional hydrophones in which a receiver is typically much smaller than the acoustical wavelength. It is shown that the array sensor provides an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared with a single element detection scheme. Results are presented for detection of ultrasonic waves in water arising from both piezoelectric and laser ultrasonic sources. Potential areas of application of this sensor include process monitoring, smart structures, bio-medical ultrasound, and chemical sensing.     

有向阵元圆形阵列声纳波束形成原理及实现

有向阵元阵列接收具有区域指定性好和灵敏度高的优点而被广泛应用于雷达、水声信号目标探测。探讨了基于有向阵元圆阵的波束形成原理并设计出基于FPGA的自适应数字波束形成（ADBF）模块,仿真结果表明有向阵元形成的波束图较全向阵波束图有明显改善,LMS自适应算法对干扰能有效抑制,从而提高了系统输出信号干扰噪声比（SINR）。     

Patterned resonance plasmonic microarrays for high-performance SPR imaging

We report a novel optical platform based on SPR generation and confinement inside a defined three-dimensional microwell geometry that leads to background resonance-free SPR images. The array shows an exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N > 80) for imaging analysis and subnanometric thickness resolution. An angular sensitivity of 1°/0.01 RIU has been achieved and the signal to background ratio (S/B) improves to 20, 1 order of magnitude higher than that of the best literature results. The design proves effective for probing-supported lipid membrane arrays in real time with a thickness resolution of 0.24 nm and allows for imaging analysis of microfluidic circuits where resonant spots are separated by only one pixel (～7 μm). The high image quality and unique chip geometry open up new avenues for array screening and biomicrofluidics using SPRi detection.     

Analysis of hexagonal array geometry for free-space optical interconnects with improved signal-to-noise ratio

The effect of transmitter and receiver array configurations on the performance of free-space optical interconnects (FSOIs) was investigated. Experimentally measured, spectrally resolved, near-field images of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) transverse modes were used as extended sources in our simulation model and combined with laser relative intensity noise and the receiver noise to determine the optimal array geometry. Our results demonstrate the importance of stray-light cross talk in both square and hexagonal configurations. By changing the array lattice geometry from square to hexagonal, we obtained an overall optical signal-to-noise ratio improvement of 3 dB. We demonstrated that the optical signal-to-noise ratio is optimal for the hexagonal channel arrangement regardless of the transverse mode structure of the VCSEL beam. We also determined the VCSEL drive current required for the best performance of the FSOI system.     

Detection of photoacoustic transients originating from microstructures in optically diffuse media such as biological tissue

The generation and detection of broadband photoacoustic (PA) transients may be used for on-axis monitoring or for imaging of optically different structures in the interior of diffuse bodies such as biological tissue. Various piezoelectric sensors are characterized and compared in terms of sensitivity, depth response, and directivity with respect to spherical broadband acoustic pulses. The influence on the sensor output of acoustic interference and refraction of the PA transients at the sample-sensor interface is discussed. Ring detectors are suitable for deep on-axis detection thanks to their strong directional sensitivity, and small disk sensors are most suited for 3-D imaging of microstructures such as the (micro)vascular system. Voltage and charge preamplification schemes are compared in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In all cases, the preamplifier noise turns out to be the limiting factor for the sensitivity. Based on experimental data, for several sensor types and optical wavelengths, the theoretical detectability of PA signals generated by blood-like absorbers in biological tissue is discussed     

Limitation of the achievable signal-to-noise ratio in optical coherence tomography due to mismatch of the balanced receiver

Owing to the limited spectral response of the fiber directional coupler used in a balanced optical coherence tomography configuration, the spectra are different in the two outputs. This affects unfavorably operation of the balanced photodetector unit. Excess photon noise makes a larger contribution than a directional coupler with a flat spectral response. A theoretical model is developed that shows that an optimum set of parameters may be defined to maximize the achievable signal-to-noise ratio. The model leads to a redefinition of the effective noise bandwidth, which takes into account the nonflat response of the directional coupler used. The model also predicts a limitation on the signal-to-noise ratio even when the stray reflectances in the interferometer are brought to zero.     

Lowering the UV Absorbance Detection Limit in Capillary Zone Electrophoresis Using a Single Linear Photodiode Array Detector

A new approach for lowering the UV absorbance detection limit in capillary electrophoresis is presented. This approach involves the use of a photodiode array in which each of the diodes in the array is treated as an independent detector. Over the course of a run, therefore, an electropherogram is generated for each diode in the array. Averaging the electropherograms generated from 1500 diodes in a diode array resulted in a signal-to-noise ratio 85 times that of an electropherogram generated from any one diode in the array. These signal-to-noise improvements are discussed, and the detection limits are compared to the detection limits obtained from a commercial single-point detector. The array detector improves the detection limit by a factor of 3.8 (±0.4).     

Laser-based ultrasonics on Gr/epoxy composite

Critical issues are examined in the application of laser generation and detection of ultrasound to the inspection of large area air-frame composites. Among these issues are surface roughness, signal-to-noise ratio, insensitivity to the path length between the part and detector, and wide band vs. narrow-band generation. Demonstrated is the feasibility of transmission C-scans of 150 ply Gr/epoxy panels containing simulated delaminations. Waveforms having a signal-to-noise ratio of greater than 40 dB in 15-mm thick Gr/epoxy were obtained with generating laser powers well below the ablation limit for the graphite epoxy. Detection was shot-noise limited with a detector noise figure of about 5–10 dB.     

High-density fiber-optic genosensor microsphere array capable of zeptomole detection limits

The detection limit of a fiber-optic microsensor array was investigated for simultaneous detection of multiple DNA sequences. A random array composed of oligonucleotide-functionalized 3.1-microm-diameter microspheres on the distal face of a 500-microm etched imaging fiber was monitored for binding to fluorescently labeled complementary DNA sequences. Inherent sensor redundancy in the microarray allows the use of multiple microspheres to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, further enhancing the detection capabilities. Specific hybridization was observed for each of three sequences in an array yielding a detection limit of 10(-21) mol (approximately 600 DNA molecules).     

Characterization of a broadband all-optical ultrasound transducer-from optical and acoustical properties to imaging

A broadband all-optical ultrasound transducer has been designed, fabricated, and evaluated for high- frequency ultrasound imaging. The device consists of a 2-D gold nanostructure imprinted on top of a glass substrate, followed by a 3 microm PDMS layer and a 30 nm gold layer. A laser pulse at the resonance wavelength of the gold nanostructure is focused onto the surface for ultrasound generation, while the gold nanostructure, together with the 30 nm thick gold layer and the PDMS layer in between, forms an etalon for ultrasound detection, which uses a CW laser at a wavelength far from resonance as the probing beam. The center frequency of a pulse-echo signal recorded in the far field of the transducer is 40 MHz with -6 dB bandwidth of 57 MHz. The signal to noise ratio (SNR) from a 70 microm diameter transmit element combined with a 20 microm diameter receive element probing a near perfect reflector positioned 1.5 mm from the transducer surface is more than 10 dB and has the potential to be improved by at least another 40 dB. A high-frequency ultrasound array has been emulated using multiple measurements from the transducer while mechanically scanning an imaging target. Characterization of the device's optical and acoustical properties, as well as preliminary imaging results, strongly suggest that all-optical ultrasound transducers can be used to build high-frequency arrays for real-time high-resolution ultrasound imaging.     

High frequency optoacoustic arrays using etalon detection

Two-dimensional phased arrays for high frequency (>30 MHz) ultrasonic imaging are difficult to construct using conventional piezoelectric technology. A promising alternative involves optical detection of ultrasound, where the array element size is defined by the focal spot of a laser beam. Element size and spacing on the order of a few microns are easily achieved, suitable for imaging at frequencies exceeding 100 MHz. We have previously shown images made from a receive-only, two-dimensional optoacoustic array operating at 10 to 50 MHz. The main drawback of optical detection has been poor sensitivity when compared with piezoelectric detection. In this paper, we explore a different form of optical detection demonstrating improved sensitivity and offering a potentially simple method for constructing two-dimensional arrays. Results from a simple experiment using an etalon sensor confirm that the sensitivity of etalon detection is comparable with piezoelectric detection. This paper concludes with a proposal for a high frequency optoacoustic array system using an etalon.     

High frequency ultrasound imaging using an active optical detector

Optical detection of ultrasound has numerous advantages over traditional piezoelectric methods. These systems offer noncontact inspection, rapid scanning capabilities, fine spatial sampling, and large bandwidths. In addition, difficulties associated with conventional ultrasound imaging systems such as cross-talk between elements, electrical connections, and electromechanical resonances are greatly reduced or even eliminated. Because of this, high frequency phased arrays for ultrasound detection can be emulated by accurately positioning and focusing optical beams on a suitable surface, which defines array elements. However, optical systems have lower sensitivity than their piezoelectric counterparts, limiting their widespread use in ultrasound imaging. Active optical detection offers a solution. An active ultrasound detector consisting of a neodymium-doped glass waveguide laser with an optical demodulation system, was built demonstrating enhanced sensitivity while preserving the benefits of traditional passive optical detection.     

Threshold detection in the presence of atmospheric turbulence

Recently there has been increased interest in threats to spacecraft from ground-based lasers. It has been suggested that some spacecraft should use laser-threat-warning receivers. We consider the effects of atmospheric turbulence on threshold detection of optical signals by an exoatmospheric receiver. The results are applicable to both cw and pulsed optical illumination that results from ground-based lasers. In particular we obtain accurate analytical expressions, over a wide range of conditions of practical interest, that yield the required signal-to-noise ratio for a given (single-event) probability of detection, false-alarm rate, and turbulence-induced log-intensity variance. The degrading effects of atmospheric turbulence on threshold detection are most important for large zenith angles in the blue-green region of the visible. As an illustrative example, a false-alarm rate of 1 in 3 years is assumed, and specific numerical results are presented for the required signal-to-noise ratio necessary to obtain a detection probability of at least 95% over a range of optical wavelengths and propagation conditions of interest.     

Optical Generation and Detection of Ultrasound

Abstract: This is a review of the optical generation and detection of ultrasound on work carried out in different optical detection techniques at the Strathclyde University. We start by pointing out some limitations of conventional ultrasonic transducers and show how the use of optical-based transducers can overcome them. After explaining how laser generation of ultrasound works, we will describe and compare the advantages and disadvantages of three optical detection techniques. Finally, we describe applications in which optical ultrasound techniques appear to have a promising future.     

Performance analysis of a time-division-multiplexed fiber-optic gas-sensor array by wavelength modulation of a distributed-feedback laser

The results of an investigation of the performance of a time-division-addressed fiber-optic gas-sensor array by means of wavelength modulation of a distributed-feedback (DFB) laser are reported. The system performance is found to be severely limited by the extinction ratio of the optical switch used for pulse amplitude modulation. Formulas that relate the cross-talk level to the extinction ratio of the switch, the modulation parameters of the DFB laser, and the optical path differences among sensing channels are derived. Computer simulation shows that an array of 20 methane gas sensors with a detection sensitivity of 2000 parts in 10(6) (ppm) (10-cm gas cell) for each sensor may be realized with a commercially available single Mach-Zehnder amplitude modulator (-35-dB extinction ratio). An array of 100 sensors with a 100-ppm detection sensitivity for each sensor may be realized if a double Mach-Zehnder amplitude modulator is used.     

Optical topography: practical problems and new applications

We will briefly review the present status of optical topography and then discuss the method of improving practicality, i.e., the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and the spatial resolution in observations of higher-order brain functions. The optimum wavelength pair improved the S/N ratio sixfold for deoxyhemoglobin, and new configurations of light irradiation and detection positions doubled the spatial resolution. We also report on developing application fields of optical topography. This modality will bridge the gap between natural sciences, neuroscience, and pedagogy, and show actual real-time brain activity.     

High frequency ultrasound imaging with optical arrays

Dynamically focused and steered high frequency ultrasound imaging systems require arrays with fine element spacing, wide bandwidths, and large apertures. However, these characteristics are difficult to achieve at frequencies greater than 30 MHz using conventional array construction methods. Optical schemes offer a solution. Focused laser beams incident on a suitable surface can generate and detect acoustic radiation. Precisely controlling the position and size of the beams defines points of transmission and detection, making it possible for pulse-echo image formation by synthetic aperture methods. An optical detection array was built, relying on a conventional piezoelectric transducer as an ultrasound source. The detection system, with near optimal resolution over a wide depth of field, demonstrates the potential for high frequency array implementation using optical techniques. A possible application is in pathology, where 2-D or 3-D fine resolution pulse-echo imaging can be performed in situ without the need for biopsies.     

Folded free-space polarization-controlled multistage interconnection network

We present a folded free-space polarization-controlled optical multistage interconnection network (MIN) based on a dilated bypass-exchange switch (DBS) design that uses compact polarization-selective diffractive optical elements (PDOE's). The folded MIN design has several advantages over that of the traditional transparent MIN, including compactness, spatial filtering of unwanted higher-order diffraction terms leading to an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and ease of alignment. We experimentally characterize a folded 2 x 2 switch, as well as a 4 x 4 and an 8 x 8 folded MIN that we have designed and fabricated. We fabricated an array of off-axis Fresnel lenslet PDOE's with a 30:1 SNR and used it to construct a 2 x 2 DBS with a measured SNR of 60:1. Using this PDOE array in a 4 x 4 MIN resulted in an increased SNR of 120:1, highlighting the filtering effect of the folded design.     

Detection of ultrawide-band ultrasound pulses in optoacoustic tomography

A laser optoacoustic imaging system (LOIS) uses time-resolved detection of laser-induced pressure profiles in tissue in order to reconstruct images of the tissue based on distribution of acoustic sources. Laser illumination with short pulses generates distribution of acoustic sources that accurately replicates the distribution of absorbed optical energy. The complex spatial profile of heterogeneous distribution of acoustic sources can be represented in the frequency domain by a wide spectrum of ultrasound ranging from tens of kilohertz to tens of megahertz. Therefore, LOIS requires a unique acoustic detector operating simultaneously within a wide range of ultrasonic frequencies. Physical principles of an array of ultrawide-band ultrasonic transducers used in LOIS designed for imaging tumors in the depth of tissue are described. The performance characteristics of the transducer array were modeled and compared with experiments performed in gel phantoms resembling optical and acoustic properties of human tissue with small tumors. The amplitude and the spectrum of laser-induced ultrasound pulses were measured in order to determine the transducer sensitivity and the level of thermal noises within the entire ultrasonic band of detection. Spatial resolution of optoacoustic images obtained with an array of piezoelectric transducers and its transient directivity pattern within the field of view are described. The detector design considerations essential for obtaining high-quality optoacoustic images are presented.     

Thermoelastic expansion vs. piezoelectricity for high-frequency, 2-D arrays

Optical generation using the thermoelastic effect has traditionally suffered from low conversion efficiency. We previously demonstrated increased efficiency of nearly 20 dB with an optical absorbing layer consisting of a mixture of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and carbon black spin coated onto a glass microscope slide. In this paper we show that the radiated power from a black PDMS film is comparable to a 20 MHz piezoelectric two-dimensional (2-D) array element. Furthermore, we predict that a thermoelastic array element can produce similar acoustic power levels compared to ideal piezoelectric 2-D array elements at frequencies in the 100 MHz regime. We believe these results show that thermoelastic generation of ultrasound is a promising alternative to piezoelectricity for high-frequency, 2-D arrays.