High environmental compatibility photopolymers compared to PVA/AA based materials at zero spatial frequency limit

In holographic applications the direct parameters determination of photopolymers as optical recording media is a very difficult task due to the presence of two different phenomena: polymer formation and monomer diffusion. We propose a direct method based on zero spatial frequency recording, to eliminate the diffusion influence, and on interferometric techniques, both in transmission and in reflection, to obtain quantitative values of: shrinkage, polymerization rate, polymer refractive index and relation between polymerization and recording intensity. Recent investigations confirm the toxic potential of acrylamide. Starting from polyvinylalcohol/acrylamide photopolymer we have proposed different compositions of new competitive photopolymers with high environmental compatibility. We have studied the ways to optimize the optical behavior and the environmental compatibility. Parameters comparison with the polyvinylalcohol/acrylamide photopolymers shows significant differences.     

Model of low spatial frequency diffractive elements recorded in photopolymers during and after recording

Photopolymer are appealing materials for diffractive elements recording. Two of their properties when they are illuminated are useful for this goal: the relief surface changes and the refractive index modifications. In this paper we use a 2-dimensional model, based on direct parameter measurements, for predicting the refractive index distributions during and after illumination. We have analyzed different recording spatial frequencies for photopolymers based on PVA/Acrylamide. This model was successfully applied to different photopolymer compositions with different values of monomer diffusion and polymerization rates.     

Ion-exchanged diffractive elements in glass for substrate-mode optics

We recently demonstrated the use of continuous-phase ion-exchanged diffractive elements in glass for free-space optics. We extend our design methods to substrate-mode optics, which permits compact packing of miniature-sized free-space optical systems. We designed one-dimensional gratings for equal-intensity 1 ? 3 and 1 ? 5 beam splitting, assuming both planar and conical incidence angles. An experimental demonstration of a 1 ? 3 beam splitter with a uniformity error of 3.4% is presented.     

Design and performance of diffractive optics for custom laser resonators

Diffractive optical elements are used as end mirrors and internal phase plates in an optical resonator. A single diffractive end mirror is used to produce an arbitrary real-mode profile, and two diffractive mirrors are used to produce complex profiles. Diffractive mirror feature size and phase quantization are shown to affect the shape of the fundamental mode, the fundamental-mode loss, and the discrimination against higher-order modes. Additional transparent phase plates are shown to enhance the modal discrimination of the resonator at the cost of reduced fabrication tolerances of the diffractive optics. A 10-cm-long diffractive resonator design is shown that supports an 8.5-mm-wide fundamental mode with a theoretical second-order mode discrimination of 25% and a negligible loss to the fundamental mode.     

Generating function approach for creation of coherent multimode beams by diffractive optics

Tailored compositions of transverse modes provided by mathematical generating functions are exploited for the synthesis of multimode laser beams in free space. We show that analytical equations which are available for the generating functions provide physical insight into modal phase and power balance in multimode coherent light beams. Multimode coherent beams were created by methods of diffractive optics implementing the generating functions. Experimental and computer simulated results demonstrate a good match.     

Linear size gradient single layers of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal micrometer-sized droplets for diffractive optics

An experimental study of coherent light diffraction by wedge-formed single layers composed of liquid crystal (LC) micro-sized droplets dispersed in a transparent solid polymer matrix is reported. The micrometer-sized polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material contains prolate-ellipsoid-like LC droplets with a linear-gradient size distribution along the wedge slope. The droplet diameter in the films reaches several tens of micrometers, defined by the wedge. Such a droplet organization in a two-dimensional layer provides both spatial and electrical control of the coherent light diffraction by the LC/polymer interface.     

Analytic beam spread function for ocean optics applications

A discrete ordinates code is developed with which to compute the beam spread function (BSF) without invoking the small-angle scattering approximation or performing Monte Carlo calculations. The computed BSF is used to predict the response of a detector versus its distance to the origin of a highly collimated beam, its angle with respect to the beam, and the two local angles that specify the detector orientation. Numerical results have been obtained for water models that simulate a clear ocean, a coastal ocean, and a turbid harbor. Six orders of magnitude or more change in the detector response caused by scattered photons can be predicted for different detector locations while simultaneously obtaining small changes for different detector orientations. This capability is useful for assessment of the sensitivity of the detector response to the interpretation of time-independent underwater imaging systems or visibility models.     

Dedicated spectrometers based on diffractive optics: Design,modelling and evaluation

Abstract

The described design of diffractive optical elements for low cost IR-spectrometers gives a built-in wavelength reference and allows ‘spectral arithmetic’ to be implemented in the optical performance of the DOE. The diffractive element combines the function of the lenses and the grating and eliminates the need for alignment of those components in the standard scanned grating spectrometer design. The element gives out a set of foci, each with one spectral component, which are scanned across a detector, thus relaxing the demands for scan angle control. It can thus be regarded as an alternative solution to a beam splitter and band pass filter instrument. Software tools have been designed to ease the adaptation of the design to different applications. To model the performance of the spectrometers we have implemented a scalar Rayleigh-Sommerfeldt diffraction model. The gold-coated elements are produced by injection moulding using a compact disc (CD) moulding technique and mould inlays mastered by e-beam lithography. The optimized selection of wavelength bands and the classification of the measured signal use a combination of principal component analysis and robust statistical methods. Typical applications will be material characterization of recycled plastics and gas monitoring. Spectrometers for two different applications have been built and tested. Comparisons between the design goals and the measured performance have been made and show good agreements.     

Polyimide-fullerene nanostructured materials for nonlinear optics and solar energy applications

Based on the model polyimide systems the principal nonlinear optical features, such as laser induced refractive indices changes, nonlinear refraction and third order susceptibility have been established during their doping with fullerenes, shungites, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, quantum dots, etc. The evidence of the correlation between laser induced refractive indices and charge carrier mobility has been obtained. The features of new nanocomposites for their possible optoelectronics, laser techniques and solar energy applications have been considered.     

Synthesis of Polymerizable Cyclodextrin Derivatives for Use in Adhesion-Promoting Monomer Formulations

The synthesis of the cyclodextrin derivatives reported herein was assisted by extensive literature research together with structure-property relationships derived from three-dimensional molecular modeling. These studies led to the hypothesis that many of the 21 hydroxyl groups on beta-cyclodextrin molecules could be derivatized to form a closely related family of analogous chemical compounds containing both polymerizable groups and hydrophilic ionizable ligand (substrate-binding) groups, each attached via hydrolytically-stable ether-linkages. The vinylbenzylether polymerizable groups should readily homopolymerize and also copolymerize with methacrylates. This could be highly useful for dental applications because substantially all contemporary dental resins and composites are based on methacrylate monomers. Due to hydrophilic ligands and residual hydroxyl groups, these cyclodextrin derivatives should penetrate hydrated layers of dentin and enamel to interact with collagen and tooth mineral. Analyses indicated that the diverse reaction products resulting from the method of synthesis reported herein should comprise a family of copolymerizable molecules that collectively contain about 30 different combinations of vinylbenzyl and hexanoate groups on the various molecules, with up to approximately seven of such groups combined on some of the molecules. Although the hypothesis was supported, and adhesive bonding to dentin is expected to be significantly improved by the use of these polymerizable cyclodextrin derivatives, other efforts are planned for improved synthetic methods to ensure that each of the reaction-product molecules will contain at least one copolymerizable moiety. The long-term objective is to enable stronger and more durable attachments of densely cross-linked polymers to hydrated hydrophilic substrates. Capabilities for bonding of hydrolytically stable polymers to dental and perhaps other hydrous biological tissues could provide widespread benefits.     

Preparation,spectroscopic characterization and energy transfer investigation of iron-chromium diffusion co-doped ZnSe for mid-IR laser applications

The spectroscopic characterization and energy transfer mechanism of iron-chromium co-doped ZnSe polycrystalline (Cr,Fe:ZnSe) were reported with dimension of 15 mm × 15 mm × 2 mm obtained by controlled post-growth thermal diffusion method. The infrared absorption is characterized by a strong broad-band centered at 1770 nm which can be attributed to the only spin-allowed transition ⁵T₂ → ⁵E within the 3d⁴ shell of Cr²⁺ ions. Photoluminescence spectrum shows a relatively strong broad emission band centered at 4.1 μm with a width of 0.8 μm (FWHM) under 1770 nm excitation at room temperature and reveals effective Cr²⁺ → Fe²⁺ energy transfer process. Room temperature photoluminescence decay about 8 μs was measured. All the results indicate that Cr,Fe:ZnSe could achieve laser operation at 3.7–4.5 μm via Cr²⁺ → Fe²⁺ energy transfer using a more convenient laser pump source in the near IR region.     

Composite materials for aerospace applications

Fibre-reinforced polymer composite materials are fast gaining ground as preferred materials for construction of aircraft and spacecraft. In particular, their use as primary structural materials in recent years in several technology-demonstrator front-line aerospace projects world-wide has provided confidence leading to their acceptance as prime materials for aerospace vehicles. This paper gives a review of some of these developments with a discussion of the problems with the present generation composites and prospects for further developments. Although several applications in the aerospace sector are mentioned, the emphasis of the review is on applications of composites as structural materials where they have seen a significant growth in usage. The focus of the paper is especially on the developments on the Indian aerospace scene. A brief review of composites usage in aerospace sector is first given. The nature of composite materials behaviour and special problems in designing and working with them are then highlighted. The issues discussed relate to the impact damage and damage tolerance in general, environmental degradation and long-term durability. Current solutions are briefly described and the scope for new developments is outlined. In the end, some directions for future work are given.     

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.     

Environmental responsibility in sustainable business development

China National Bluestar(Group)Co.,Ltd.is a Chinese-foreign joint venture enterprise jointly funded by China National Chemical Corporation(ChemChina)and The Blackstone Group.The business scope of Bluestar includes research,development,manufacturing and marketing of chemical new materials,animal nutrient additives,water treatment technologies and fine chemicals,as well as the provision of a diverse range of technology and engineering services. The Company has experienced rapid development in size and internationalization in recent years and continues to invest in its business portfolio with significant emphasis on environmental responsibility as part of its commitment to Sustainable Development. Consistent with the view of the global chemical industry,as represented by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA),Sustainable Development will only come about if three goals-economic,environmental and society-related-can be reconciled.The products and services offered by Bluestar ultimately touches many aspects of peoples lives on a daily basis ranging from basic needs such as food,clothing and housing to more discretionary areas such as consumer electronics and leisure activities.In addition Bluestar interacts as a solution provider to other industries for cleaning,equipment and engineering services.Through prioritizing environmental responsibility in all aspects of its technology and product development and implementing disciplined practices in operations,the Company is setting ambitious goals for improving its efficiency,reducing risks to health and the environment and making better products which,in turn,help individual and industry customers.Examples of ongoing investment in targeted portfolio expansion,a commitment to broad-based innovation and proactive efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the business at all levels will be shown to demonstrate key measures for ensuring that the economic.environmental and societal goals associated with Sustainable Development will be met.     

Biomimetic smart interface materials for biological applications

Controlling the surface chemical and physical properties of materials and modulating the interfacial behaviors of biological entities, e.g., cells and biomolecules, are central tasks in the study of biomaterials. In this context, smart polymer interface materials have recently attracted much interest in biorelated applications and have broad prospects due to the excellent controllability of their surface properties by external stimuli. Among such materials, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and its copolymer films are especially attractive due to their reversible hydrogen-bonding-mediated reversible phase transition, which mimics natural biological processes. This platform is promising for tuning surface properties or to introduce novel biofunctionalities via copolymerization with various functional units and/or combination with other materials. Important progress in this field in recent years is highlighted.     

Design considerations of stacked multilayers of diffractive optical elements for optical network units in optical subscriber-network applications

The detailed design process and experimental results of stacked multilayer diffractive optical elements are reported for an optical network unit used in optical subscriber-network applications. The optical network unit accepts two incoming light beams of 1.3- and 1.55-mum wavelengths through a single-mode optical fiber. A laser diode is also placed for bidirectional communications. The optical network unit consists of five diffractive optical elements that perform the following functions: collimation of incoming beams, focusing of the outgoing 1.55-mum beam, 3-dB splitting of the 1.3-mum beam, focusing of the 1.3-mum beam onto the photodiode, and collimation of the light emitted from a laser diode. Possible cost reductions as a result of mass production and the ease of alignment of the stacked diffractive optical elements could be ideal for constructing low-cost optical network units.     

Three-dimensional graphene-based macrostructures for sustainable energy applications and climate change mitigation

The importance of three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based macrostructures (GBMs) is increasingly being recognized over the last five years for diverse clean energy-related applications and global climate change mitigation. With exceptionally large specific surface area and highly interconnected pore networks, 3D graphene scaffolds manifest extraordinary nanoscale effects that result in materials with unusual electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties. A global multidisciplinary research effort focusing on the development of innovative 3D GBMs with hierarchical microstructures and novel functionalities has therefore recently emerged. This review provides a comprehensive account of the key design principles in preparing high performance 3D GBMs and discusses their application as advanced electrode materials in a range of energy storage and conversion devices, including lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, and photoelectrochemical water splitting units. In addition, the review provides insights into newer and emerging sustainable energy applications of 3D GBMs, such as adsorbents for high-density hydrogen storage and selective capture of CO₂ from flue gases, as well as catalysts for photoconversion of CO₂ into clean fuels and value-added chemicals. The current state of knowledge is highlighted for each of the applications, followed by a discussion of our own perspectives on each topic. Finally, the future outlook on practical deployment of 3D GBMs is suggested as concluding remarks.     

Nanocrystalline diamond/amorphous carbon composite films for applications in tribology,optics and biomedicine

Nanocrystalline diamond/amorphous carbon (NCD/a-C) composite thin films have been deposited by microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition from methane-rich CH₄/N₂ mixtures. The films have been thoroughly characterized with respect to basic properties such as growth rates, morphology and structure, composition, crystallinity, and bonding environment. They consist of diamond nanocrystals with diameters of 3–5 nm, which are embedded in an amorphous carbon matrix. Further studies are aimed at application relevant properties. I/V and Hall measurements showed that the films are p-type conductive with a resistitivity of 0.14 Ω cm, a carrier concentration of 1.9 × 10¹⁷ cm^− 3, and a carrier mobility of 250 cm²/Vs. Reflection, scattering and ellipsometric measurements revealed a refractive index of 1.95–2.1 in the visible region and an rather high extinction coefficient of about 0.14 at 400 nm. The films possess a hardness of ca. 40 GPa and a Young's modulus of ca. 390 GPa. Nano tribo test and nano scratch tests proved a low friction coefficient, and a strong protective effect and good adhesion on silicon substrates. First biomedical tests showed that the films are not cytotoxic but bioinert. Finally, the deposition of multilayers nano/polycrystalline diamond with improved properties is demonstrated.