Linewidth measurements of MEMS-based tunable lasers for phase-locking applications

We have used two techniques - the beat spectrum method and the frequency noise spectrum method - to measure linewidths of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based tunable external cavity lasers (ECLs) in the C-band (1527-1567 nm). The two techniques yield similar results, but the latter is able to measure narrow linewidths more accurately in the presence of frequency jitter. The MEMS-based ECL linewidths are found to be inversely proportional to output powers over a wide range of powers. At output powers of 12 dBm, the beat linewidth is no more than 30 kHz, corresponding to per-laser linewidths of about 15 kHz. We show that these lasers are suitable for coherent detection of quadrature phase-shift keying.     

Onion cells after high pressure and thermal processing: comparison of membrane integrity changes using different analytical methods and impact on tissue texture

Two different analytical methods were evaluated for their capacity to provide quantitative information on onion cell membrane permeability and integrity after high pressure and thermal processing and to study the impact of these processing treatments on cell compartmentalization and texture quality. To determine changes in cell membrane permeability and/or integrity the methodologies utilized were: (1) measurement of a biochemical product, pyruvate, formed as a result of membrane permeabilization followed by enzymatic activity and (2) leakage of electrolytes into solution. These results were compared to previously determined methods that quantified cell viability and 1H-NMR T(2) of onions. These methods allowed for the monitoring of changes in the plasma and tonoplast membranes after high pressure or thermal processing. High pressure treatments consisted of 5 min holding times at 50, 100, 200, 300, or 600 MPa. Thermal treatments consisted of 30 min water bath exposure to 40, 50, 60, 70, or 90 °C. There was strong agreement between the methods in the determination of the ranges of high pressure and temperature that induce changes in the integrity of the plasma and tonoplast membranes. Membrane rupture could clearly be identified at 300 MPa and above in high pressure treatments and at 60 °C and above in the thermal treatments. Membrane destabilization effects could already be visualized following the 200 MPa and 50 °C treatments. The texture of onions was influenced by the state of the membranes and was abruptly modified once membrane integrity was lost. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, we used chemical, biochemical, and histological techniques to obtain information on cell membrane permeability and onion tissue integrity after high pressure and thermal processing. Because there was strong agreement between the various methods used, it is possible to implement something relatively simple, such as ion leakage, into routine quality assurance measurements to determine the severity of preservation methods and the shelf life of processed vegetables.     

Changes in pectin methylesterification and accumulation of methanol during production of diced tomatoes

The degree of methylesterification (DM) of the pectins in tomatoes affects the firmness of diced products and the consistency of juices. We examined the changes in DM that occur during commercial production of diced tomatoes packed in tomato juice. Ripe processing tomatoes contained low amounts of free methanol (<20 μg g fresh weight⁻¹) and had a high degree of pectin methylesterification (60%). During production of diced tomatoes, the level of free methanol increased while the degree of pectin methylesterification decreased. Diced tomatoes canned in tomato juice contained about 200 μg methanol g fresh weight⁻¹, and had a DM of about 35% in the dice and less than 25% in the juice. Similar results were obtained for aseptically processed bulk packed tomatoes. Low-temperature blanching of canned diced tomatoes caused additional pectin de-esterification in the diced tomatoes and improved firmness. Heating of the diced tomatoes prior to mixing with topping juice, first to temperatures that maximally activate PME then to temperatures that inactivate PME and other enzymes, is proposed as a way to both improve dice firmness and preserve the consistency of the topping juice.